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June 5th
On this day in wrestling history ....
1941 - Sandor Szabo defeats Bronko Nagurski for the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title in St. Louis, Missouri.
2000 - Eric Bischoff defeats Terry Funk for the WCW Hardcore Title in Atlanta, Georgia. The match started with Ernest Miller attacking Funk, while Bischoff did a karate demonstration. However, the Funker took over and battled Miller and Bischoff back to the locker room. Funk later returned, wheeling Bischoff in a wheelbarrow after DDTing Miller on a rampway. However, Vince Russo sent out the Mamalukes (Big Vito & Johnny The Bull), who beat down Funk and enabled Bischoff to get the win, and the title. This actually happened on an edition of Monday Nitro. I am not making this up.
2001 - Jeff Hardy defeats Jerry Lynn for the WWF Light Heavyweight Title in Grand Folks, North Dakota.
2005 - WWE broadcast Heat. John Keane filed the following results:
1. In a match that should have been the night's Main Event, Lance Storm defeated Maven. Pre-match Maven cut a promo ragging on next Sunday's 'ECW One Night Stand' PPV and challenged anyone in the back who used to work for the promotion to face him. Out came Lance, getting a very nice pop from the Calgary..., Alberta, Canada fans. He looked in tremendous shape and carried Maven to a very good match. Lance got the win with a rollup out of a flying cross body. If I can be serious for a minute (all the time I've got), I'd like to wish Mr. Storm the best of luck with his new wrestling school.
2. William Regal defeated Synn, pinfall after a knee to the head. Quick squash.
3. Tyson Tomko defeated Wavell Starr. TOTAL squash here, match ended by referee stoppage after Wavell was 'knocked out cold' by a big boot.
4. Living Legend Chris Jericho defeated Simon Dean. Submission via Walls of Jericho.
2006 -Terry Taylor was named the head of Talent Relations for TNA.
2006 - WWE announces that they have purchased the video libraries of World Class Championship Wrestling and Stampede Wrestling. These acquisitions, along WWE's own library and the WCW, ECW, AWA, SMW, OVW and other territorial tape libraries they have purchased, creates the largest known wrestling video library, which at last count now contains an estimated 100, 000 hours of content.
2007 - WWE released a Ladder Match compilation on DVD.
2007 - Scott Steiner underwent succesful surgery on his trachea in Puerto Rico following an injury suffered while wrestling there. He was tranported back to the United States by boat as he was unable to fly for several weeks.
2007 - Digital Music Group, a company that specializes in the distribution of independently owned music, film and television products via internet and mobile content, announced during a press release today that they had acquired one hundred hours of professional wrestling footage, which would be released under the banner "Wrestling Titans."
The portion of the press release relating to professional wrestling footage reads, "The Wrestling Titans series features over 100 hours of classic wrestling content including wrestling legends such as Gorgeous George, Freddie Blassie, Captain Lou Albano, Pat Patterson, Andre The Giant, Lex Luger, Junkyard Dog, Nature Boy Ric Flair and many more. The series chronicles the golden years of wrestling and features the top names in the sport from the 1960's to the 1980's."
While many of the names listed have appeared for different wrestling territories, great and small, over the course of their careers, so it's feasible that footage DMG has acquired is something World Wrestling Entertainment hasn't purchased. The mentions of Patterson and Blassie could be a clue some of the footage is from the San Francisco territory. However, the inclusion of Lex Luger is the most interesting name on the list. Luger worked for Championship Wrestling from Florida, Jim Crockett Promotions, WCW, and the WWF over his career, with all of those libraries currently owned by WWE.
To date, none of the footage acquired by Digital Music Group was ever released.
2007 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:
ECW on SciFi for June 5th opened with a recap of Bobby Lashley winning the title from Vince McMahon this past Sunday at One Night Stand.
We then went live to the arena, where Vince McMahon was sitting in a rocking chair that was set up on a stage near the entrance, just staring straight ahead and rocking. He was introduced by the ring announcer, and just sat their rocking.
Hardcore Match: ECW Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Tommy Dreamer, The Sandman & Balls Mahoney.
The ECW Originals came out and immediately got some weapons from under the ring. Sandman caned Lashley at the bell and Balls & Dreamer used street signs on him. Lashley rolled to the floor to regroup. He got back in and he was beaten down again. Lashley went to the floor again. Vince was watching from his rocker. Lashley got in again, and Dreamer nailed him with a trash can. Lashley was beaten down, and Balls and Sandman went for more weapons while Dreamer tried to suplex Lashley to the floor. Lashley reversed the move and suplexed Dreamer into the ring. Lashley slid out of the ring and took down Balls, but Sandman came out and caned him. Dreamer and Sandman gave Lashley a double suplex on the floor. Lashley reversed a whip by Dreamer and sent Dreamer into the ring steps. Balls hit Lashley with right hands and sent Lashley into the ring. Sandman and Balls put Lashley gut first on the top rope, and Sandman hit a top rope legdrop to the back of Lashley. Sandman scored a one count.
Dreamer and Sandman put Lashley in the tree of woe as the fans chanted for tables. Balls held a chair in front of Lashley's face, and Dreamer dropkicked it into his face. Dreamer told Sandman to "get the tables" ala the Dudleys. Dreamer hit Lashley and Balls went for a chairshot. Lashley moved and Dreamer got the chair bent over his head. Balls then blasted Lashley with two chairshots. Balls put the chair under Lashley's head and went for a second rope legdrop. Lashley moved and Balls landed on the chair. Sandman, who had set up a table in a corner, charged Lashley, but Lashley picked him up and rammed him through the table in the corner. Lashley then speared Balls, who was coming at him with a chair. Lashley pinned Balls at the five minute mark.
Winner: Bobby Lashley.
Lashley walked up onto the stage and stood in front of McMahon, holding up the ECW Title belt. McMahon just stared straight ahead. Lashley left, and Vince just continued to sit there and rock.
Kevin Thorn vs. Stevie Richards
Anyone want to take bets on this one? They locked up, and Thorn backed Richards in the corner and kicked him in the gut. Thorn beat him down in the corner, but missed a clotheslines and Stevie hit some forearms. Thorn charged Richards, but Richards sidestepped him and Thorn went through the ropes and to the floor. Stevie jumped at Thorn from the apron, but Thorn caught him and gave him a Hot Shot on the security wall. Thorn tossed Richards in the ring and beat him down, then put him in a rear chinlock. Richards tried to fight back, but Thorn dropped Richards throat first across the top rope for a two count. Thorn went back to the chinlock. Thorn then blatantly choked Richards on the mat, then rammed him into a corner and beat him down. Thorn missed a kick after arguing with the referee, catching his leg on the second rope. Richards kicked the leg, then hit some punches. Richards hit a clothesline and some back elbows, then gave Thorn a drop toe hold, with Thorn falling across the second rope. Richards dropkicked Thorn in the back and got a two count. Richards then charged into a Thorn spinebuster. Thorn set up for Original Sin (stunner with legs stretched on the top rope), but Richards pulled away and landed on the apron, and yanked Thorn neck first across the top rope. Richards went to the top rope, but Thorn kicked his legs and Stevie got crotched on the top rope. Thorn then pulled Stevie out by the head and hit Original Sin for the win at the four minute mark.
Winner: Kevin Thorn.
Extreme Expose danced. They went over and danced on the announcers table. Joey Styles mentioned that they could be split up by the draft.
Randy Orton vs. Rob Van Dam from One Night Stand was reviewed and recapped. They put over that Van Dam was out of action "indefinitely" as a result of Orton giving him another concussion.
Elijah Burke & Marcus Cor Von vs. The Major Brothers.
Cor Von attacked Brian before the bell, hitting some chops in the corner. Brian returned fire and tagged in Brett, who hit an elbowdrop off the top rope as Brian held Cor Von in an armbar. Brian tagged back in and did the same, but Cor Von decked him and tagged in Burke. Burke missed an elbowdrop, and Brian grabbed an armbar. Brett tagged in and they hit a double hiptoss, then Brett grabbed an armdrag. I think the announcers mixed up the Major Brothers, which does not make things easier for me. Cor Von came back with a flapjack on Brett, then tagged in Cor Von. The announcers are back to calling Brett by the right name. Cor Von worked over Brett, and Brian tried to run in, but the referee stopped him. Cor Von decked Brett with a clothesline, then tagged in Burke. Cor Von slammed Brett, then Burke hit an elevated elbowdrop out of the corner for a two count. Burke applied an abdominal stretch variation on Brett on the mat. Brett fought out, but Burke decked him and tagged in Cor Von. Cor Von gave Brett a snap mare and kicked him in the back, then drove in a shoulderblock and applied a waistlock.
Brett fought out of it, but Cor Von hit a knee to the gut and got a two count. Cor Von picked up Brett and rammed him in his corner, then tagged in Burke. Burke applied an abdominal stretch. Fans are chanting "Boring". Brett hiptossed out of the abdominal stretch. Burke gave him a knee to the back, sending Brett right into his own corner. Brian came in and went to work, hitting Cor Von on the apron and giving Burke a flying forearm. Brian gave Burke a spinebuster for a two count. Brian went for a rollup, but Burke made a blind tag to Cor Von. Cor Von gave Brian a boot to the face. Cor Von knocked Brett off the ring apron. Cor Von gave Brian the Pounce, to a pop. Cor Von pinned Brian at the seven minute mark while Burke kicked Brett to keep him from getting into the ring. Burke kept checking his head, I think he may have had one of his braids pulled out during the bout.
Winners: Elijah Burke & Marcus Cor Von.
We came back to commercial and saw Vince McMahon's empty rocking chair, and we had a recap of the match that ended forty minutes ago, with Lashley defeating the ECW Originals.
CM Punk vs. Matt Striker.
CM Punk came to the ring, then it was time for another commercial.
After the break, Striker came out, brandishing a microphone. Striker said that the fans look up to Punk, but after this match, they will be "educated" to look up to him, saying he would be Punk's teacher.
There was a chant for Punk at the start. Striker grabbed a waistlock, but Punk reversed. Striker broke out and hit some shots to the back, but Punk reversed a whip and hit a leg lariat. He snapmared Striker and hit a kick to the back. Punk put a pair of kicks to the body, then whipped Striker across the ring and followed with a clothesline. Punk whipped Striker again, but this time Striker caught him with a back elbow. Striker went for a clothesline, but Punk kicked it away. Striker went to the eyes, then went off the ropes and clotheslined Punk in the back of the head. Punk fought back with kicks, but Striker ducked one and hit a back suplex. Striker then hit a released Northern Lights suplex. Striker went for a single leg crag, but Punk kicked him away. Striker kicked Punk on the mat, then slammed Punk. Striker went for the single leg again, but Punk cradled Striker for a one count. Striker came right back with a clothesline, then picked up Punk and threw him down by his head.
Striker tried for a full Boston Crab, and after some struggling, Punk turned over, but Striker lost his grip. Striker gave Punk a splash to the back, then applied the single leg crab. There was a "CM Punk" chant briefly. Punk hit hammerfists to Striker's back to break the hold. Punk hit some punches and went for a fireman's carry, but Striker hooked the ropes. Striker lifted Punk for a suplex, hung his feet on the top rope, then gave Punk a swinging neckbreaker for a two count. Striker went back to the single leg crab, but Punk made the ropes to force a break. Striker went for the crab again, but Punk twisted him into a cradle for a two count. Punk hit a chop, then a backfist, then a kick to the head. Punk hit a back elbow and a clothesline, then a kick to the gut. Punk hit the old Toshiaki Kawada kicks to the head (okay, maybe a little slower than Kawada), then gave Striker a jumping knee in the corner and followed with a bulldog for a two count. Punk called for the GTS, but Striker hit him with a punch to the face. Striker went for a neckbreaker, but Punk reversed into a fireman's carry and hit the Go To Sleep (drop into a knee to the face) for a three count at the eight minute mark.
Winner: CM Punk.
Punk celebrated, while the announcers put over that the draft on Monday could change the face of ECW. That ended this incredible night of upsets (okay, maybe not). A commercial for the three-hour Raw on Monday, featuring the draft, ended the show.
2008 - WWE announced that D'Lo Brown had been signed to a contract to return to the company. He would make very few televised appearances and was released in January 2009. Brown migrated to TNA where he became one of their top agents and oversees the Gutcheck process.
2009 - World Wrestling Entertainment has released Jon Cutler, who wrestled as "Prime Cut" Jon Cutler in developmental. A Winnipeg native, Cutler had been under contract since 2008.
2009 - It was announced that Shane Douglas would be inducted into the ECW Arena's Hardcore Hall of Fame. Douglas did not appear at the planned induction, which was later called off, although a banner in his honor has been produced.
2009 - WWE developmental talent Kafu (real name Victor Ceron) was released. He was originally trained by All Pro Wrestling in California and was signed in January 2008.
2010 - WWE's Smackdown brand ran St. Louis, Missouri.
Cody Drennen sent this report.I attended the WWE Smackdown House Show in St. Louis, Missouri and thought I would send along a report.
When we got there, there was no one in line, we were the first at the door and this was with 30 minutes until they opened. I was talking to the guy who scans the tickets and he said that he thinks they sold 4,000 tickets which is about right.
The first match of the night was Christian taking on Dolph Ziggler. Dolph came out with a mic and says that he is looking for all of his fans and he called them "Dolphins" This was actually a great match, which Christian wins after hitting Kill Switch. After the match, Hornswoggle enters the ring and Christian tells him to do the Tadpole Splash on Dolph Ziggler which he did. As Christian was leaving, Luke Gallows, The Masked Man, and Serena came out and started attacking Christian. Ref's break it up and they send The SES to the ring.
Gallows says that he is here to issue a open challenge for a two on one handicap match. The challenged was answered by Kane. This match was good as well. It was Tornado Rules, I guess, as Luke and the mask guy never did any tags. Kane wins after he does a Double Chokeslam to both men and pins Gallows.
After that, Tony introduces the guest host of the night, Rosa Mendez. She came out and said that she will choose one person to be the "bell ringer" for the Diva's Match only if they answer the question. The question was, "Who won the Battle Royal on Smackdown". The kid got it right with Rey Mysterio and he got to ring the bell.
The next match had Layla (by herself, no Michelle McCool) defending the WWE Women's Championship against Tiffany. There was some blown spots but it was one of the better Diva Matches I seen and it lasted about 9 minutes, so a lot longer than the TV Matches. Layla wins with her neckbreaker. After the match, Layla keeps kicking Tiffany until Kelly Kelly comes out and saves her. Layla runs to the back as Kelly checks on Tiffany.
The next match was Health Slater vs. Finlay. It was a nice surprise to see Finlay since it seems he doesn't wrestle much these days. The people around me had no idea who Health Slater was and I had to tell him he was on NXT. Anyways, before the match, Slater said that he didn't need our votes anymore (since when did he need our votes since it was the pros who voted?) and that he will say what he wants now and said that the St. Louis Blues are singing the blues because they are not in the playoffs. Slater was a heel here and a pretty good one at that. Finlay wins with The Celtic Cross.
Next up was Kofi Kingston defending the Intercontinental Championship against Drew McIntyre. Before the match, Drew said that he was screwed last night on Smackdown and the he wouldn't be in this crappy town if he didn't have a rematch. He said St. Louis was like a toilet bowl and that we should all bow down because he is in the city. A fan held up a Drew sign with the Scotland Flag on it and Drew said that the fan (which was a kid) had parents that don't know how to raise kids because it was stupid holding up a sign with the Scotland Flag when the kid was not Scottish. Kofi Kingston wins with the SOS after a pretty good match. After the match, Matt Hardy ran out and gave Drew a Twist of Fate. Matt then left through the fans.
Intermission for about 10 minutes. Rosa came back out and threw t-shirts out.
The next match was Chavo Guerrero taking on Justin Gabriel. Chavo was having a good time arguing with a fan and making fun of the fan's weight. Justin Gabriel went for the 450 Splash during the match which was great seeing live but Chavo got the knees up. Chavo won the match (yes, Chavo won a match) with The Frog Splash.
The next match was MVP taking on Cody Rhodes. It was a ok match, and there was a scary spot with Cody. Cody whip MVP in to the corner and he ran at MVP and MVP went to jump over Cody but Cody didn't go under all the way and Cody hit his head on MVP's knee brace. Cody quickly rolled out of the ring holding his head. The ref went to check on him and he finished the match which MVP wins with The 305(Pay Dirt). After the match, the ref helped Cody to the back.
It was time for the main event and the match of the night. Jack Swagger defending the World Heavyweight Championship against The Big Show, CM Punk, and Rey Mysterio in a Fatal Four Way Match. This match was great from start to finish. Jack Swagger came out first and says that he wants to give us a Jack Fact and that he won his first All American Title in the same arena in 2005. The fans was all over Swagger and Swagger says that the show will not continue until we shut up so he was going to do push ups in the ring until we shut up. He does about 3 before Big Show came out. CM Punk took off his shirt and was acting like Val Venis, gyrating around with the shirt which was funny. Once the match starts, CM Punk goes after Rey while Big Show does his chops on Swagger. Big Show even did a stink face to CM Punk which was funny. Big Show then taught Rey how to do the chops on Swagger. The finish came when Rey Mysterio did the 619 to CM Punk follow by a splash but Swagger enters the ring and grabs Rey and toss him out and pins Punk for the win. After the match, Swagger tries to hit Big Show with the belt but Big Show knocks him out with a hard right hand. Rey then goes to the top and does a splash on Swagger. If this match is anything like there match at the PPV, then the match will be great.
It was a pretty good show.
Pops
Rey Mysterio
The Big Show
Christian
Kofi Kingston
Boos
Jack Swagger
Drew McIntyre
Health Slater (for heeling St. Louis)
CM Punk
2010 - Kansas City's Metro Pro Wrestling held their very first live event. El Rudo filed the following live report:
Metro Pro Show results and notes:
The taping was scheduled to begin at 7 PM, but didn't until much closer to 8. Some of this may be out of order, due to how they will edit it. There were issues with sound playing (or not playing) theme music at wrong points all throughout the show too.
DEBUT EPISODE
Episode One started out with Tommy Dreamer coming to the ring and talking about wrestling in Kansas City. He called out Michael Strider (who came out) and told him he was a friend who deserved to be on TV long ago but was on TV now. Dreamer then also called and brought out Trevor Murdoch. The three then put each other over, until they were interrupted by "Superstar" Steve Fender and The Barrio Boys (Domino Rivera and "The King of the Streets" Angel, with Lucy Mendez), who stood on the entrenceway.
Fender told them he was sick of the lovefest going on in the ring and he could care less about what any of them have done. Angel then verbally slammed Dreamer and made some ECW insults (referencing their time there together). Fender and Barrio Boys rushed the ring but were beaten back and powdered quickly. Dreamer and company challenged them to a six man tag match for "next week".
The first match of the night saw Paul Diamond beating Tony Morales. Diamond was the babyface.
At some point during Episode One, after the first match or the second match, Steven J. Girthy came to the ring and played heel, saying he was the "Founder, President, and CEO of Girthy Management Group". He than said that if a wrestler wanted to up their value, they should hire him, then he left. It was pretty much a segment to establish Girthy's character.
The second match saw The New School (Justin Uhrich and Jack Mecidol) defeat American Ground & Air (Nate Bash and Ben Sailor) after the Barrio Boys ran out and interfered, costing Bash and Sailor the match. American Ground & Air were the babyfaces.
The Main Event for Episode One was a NWA Central States Championship match, with Champion "The KC Killer" Mark Sterling (with Brianna) defeating The Viking Warrior (who has wrestled in the area before as Krow and as Kraig Keeseman) with a Sharpshooter. Mark was very much the heel.
They had a brief intermission between Episodes One and Two, around 10 minutes.
EPISODE TWO
At the beginning of Episode Two, Steven J. Girthy came out and introduced the first client of Girthy Management Group, "The Rebel" Jeremy Wyatt. Girthy then called out Sir Bradley Charles and said that he would be a possible new client, but he must first beat Wyatt to be allowed to join. Wyatt defeated Charles afterwards. Charles was very over as a babyface, with the crowd chanting "SBC" during multiple parts of the tapings, even when Charles wasn't involved.
The second match for episode two was Paul Diamond defeating Josh FX. Paul was a babyface again.
Next was an interview segment called "Getting Stoned with Derek Stone". Abraham Washington could take lessons from Stone, who came out to the ring and got over with the crowd as a babyface and played to them, getting them quite into the segment. There was even a funny bit where he "answered a call" from his mom on his cell phone during his promo, saying that yes he was wearing clean underwear and even encouraging the crowd to all yell HI for his mom. Stone then said his first guest would be NWA Central States Champion "The KC Killer" Mark Sterling (with Brianna). Stone put over many of Sterling's accomplishments in the past few years, but said that he and the fans found Sterling to be boring so instead he wanted to talk to Briana. Sterling got mad and said that he's the Central States Champion so Stone should talk to him. Stone then asked the fans to cheer for who they wanted to be interviewed more, Sterling or Brianna (Brianna won). Just as Stone was asking her something, Sterling attacked from behind, but when Stone turned to retaliate, Sterling grabbed Brianna and hid behind her. He then exited the ring using her as a human shield.
Main event for Episode Two was the six man tag match pitting the team of Tommy Dreamer, Michael Strider, and Trevor Murdoch against "Superstar" Steve Fender and the Barrio Boys (Domino Rivera and "The King of the Streets" Angel with Lucy Mendez). In the middle of the match, NWA champion "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce came down in a suit with the belt, stood on the ramp and watched the action, then returned to the back. The heels busted Strider open on the outside, then worked on him for much of the match. Strider finally made a tag to Dreamer who cleaned house until Trevor Murdoch all the sudden hit Dreamer with what looked like a sitdown powerbomb, costing himself and Dreamer and Strider the match (Dreamer was pinned immediately afterwards). Post match, Fender, Murdoch, and the Barrio Boys all kept beating on Dreamer and Strider until American Ground & Air (Nate Bash and Ben Sailor) ran out to even the odds and run the heels off.
Between Episodes 2 and 3, "Superstar" Steve Fender came back out ran down the crowd and Tommy Dreamer. I don't think it was taped, just something to keep peoples' attention during the break.
EPISODE THREE
Episode Three started out with "Number One" Brett Young coming out and claiming to be the Ladies' Man of Metro Pro Wrestling. He then said he was looking for a lady to accompany him to the ring, and anyone interested should apply at www.metrowrestling.com. After Young was done on the mic, a masked wrestler called Rebelucha came out (playing babyface) to face him in a match. Young defeated Rebelucha.
The second match of Episode Three was a non-title match where "The KC Killer" Mark Sterling (with Brianna) took on Derek Stone, going off of the altercation from the "Getting Stoned" interview from "last week". Very good match where Brianna jumped up on the ring apron just as Stone locked Sterling in a Shinnanumake (Million Dollar Dream). As Sterling was fighting to get out of the hold, he backed Stone into the ropes, knocking Brianna down off the apron. Stone didn't let go of the hold, and he and Sterling soon both fell to the canvas with Stone still holding on. Referee raised Sterling's arm and let it drop twice, but before he could do it a third time Stone saw that Brianna was down and released the hold to check on her. Sterling recovered quickly and wrapped a chain around his fist then started punching Stone, causing a DQ. Sterling then beat Stone with the chain and choked him, leaving him laying.
Third match of Episode Three was The Viking Warrior and Tony Morales going to a no contest. "Scrap Iron" Adam Pearce came out and told them both to leave the ring. When they didn't, he attacked both of them and left them laying. Pearce then grabbed a mic and said that he was mad about former NWA World Champions were being celebrated at Historic Memorial Hall (the venue) in Kansas City, Kansas, but no one was showing respect to the CURRENT NWA World Champion. He then issued an open challenge and left.
Main event of Episode Three was Tommy Dreamer defeating "Superstar" Steve Fender. Fender came out first and as he posed at the entranceway, Dreamer came out and attacked him from behind. Dreamer and Fender brawled all along the entrance stage area, with Dreamer hitting Fender with a metal trash can then taking the plastic garbage bag out of the can, emptying it, and choking Fender with it. Once the match made it to the ring, Dreamer was eventually able to hit Fender with the Dreamer Driver for the win.
Nothing much was done between Episodes Three and Four.
EPISODE FOUR
Jeremy Wyatt (with Steven J. Girthy) came out to begin Episode Four. Girthy said that Sir Bradley Charles had shown him some fire during his first match with Wyatt, so he was going to get another shot to face Wyatt and earn a spot in Girthy Management Group. SBC came out and eventually defeated Wyatt, but afterwards Girthy came in and attacked SBC (albeit very weakly). Charles fought back and knocked Girthy down, then left triumphantly. I guess SBC won't be in GMG after all.
The second match of Episode Four saw Tyler Cook (playing face) defeat Tony Morales.
Michael Strider came out in his ring gear but with his forehead bandaged up, taking the mic and saying he took offense to Adam Pearce's words from "last week". He then said that he was there to answer Pearce's open challenge for an NWA World Championship match. Pearce came out in his ring gear and first heeled Strider, the crowd, and Kansas City wrestling before saying Strider can have the match. What followed was a very good and very physical match. Pearce ripped of Strider's bandage and caused him to bleed again.
Strider had Pearce pinned, but before the referee could count the pin (Pearce was covered for far longer than a count of three), "Superstar" Steve Fender and Trevor Murdoch both ran out. Fender jumped on the ring apron to distract the ref, who stopped the three count to get him to leave. Murdoch then snuck in from behind and hit Strider with a sitdown powerbomb. Both Fender and Murdoch then headed back up the ramp, and the ref turned around to see Pearce's arm draped over Strider; ref then counted the pin and announced Pearce as the winner and still NWA Champion.
The main event of Episode Four (and final match overall) saw American Ground & Air (Nate Bash and Ben Sailor) come up short in their effort to gain revenge on the Barrio Boys (Domino Rivera and "The King of the Streets" Angel with Lucy Mendez). Finish saw Sailor hold Domino up for Nate to come off the top turnbuckle to him him with something, only for Lucy Mendez to grab Nate's ankle to keep him from climbing all the way up. Angel then rushed in and knocked Ben out of the ring completely, then grabbed Nate from the top turnbuckle and hold him as if he was going to powerslam him. Domino got up and hit Nate with a neckbreaker at the same time Angel powerslammed him, then Domino covered Nate for the pin. The match was great, but due to it being 3 and 1/2 hours from the beginning of the tapings and the building was hot and stuffy, the crowd wanted to be into it but was exhausted.
After the show, they announced that the next TV taping would be on Friday, July 16th back at Historic Memorial Hall. They then let VIP Ticket Holders stay behind and get pictures taken (I believe with Michael Strider, Trevor Murdoch, and Tommy Dreamer). Good but loooooong show!
2011 - Dragon Gate USA held their second anniversary event in New York City. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
We are live at the Dragon Gate USA Second Anniversary Internet PPV at BB Kings in New York City!Masato Yoshino vs. Ricochet
The Blood Warriors came to the ring. CIMA began cutting a promo in Japanese but no one knew what he was saying. He finally said that he doesn't like NYC and the crowd booed him.
The crowd clapped for both to rally them before the match began. They locked up but they broke when they hit the ropes. Brodie Lee tried to take a swipe at Yoshino. They locked up again and Ricochet nailed Yoshino after the clean break,.
Yoshino came back with a leg lariat. Ricochet cut him off and stomped the hell out of him. Yoshio mounted a comeback and nailed a ton of stomps. Yoshino rolled him over to the mat and tied up Ricochet, trying to force a submission, then rolled his shoulders to the mat for a near fall.
Ricochet was whipped into the corner but went up and over and nailed a leaping kick. He tossed Yoshino to the floor, where the Blood Warriors worked him over as the referee was distracted. Ricochet covered him for a two count, then torqued his shoulders into a curb stomp. Ricochet nailed a nice dropkick and continued working over Yoshino.
Yoshino was tossed to the floor again and assaulted by the Warriors. Ricochet snapmared him and drilled a kick to the back of the neck. He began slapping at Yoshino who fired himself back and drilled him with several chops but was cut off.
Yoshino finally nailed Ricochet with a leaping clothesline, slamming Ricochety to the mat neck-first. He went for a double stomp off the top but missed. Ricochet went for a back suplex but Yoshino reversed it and tossed him with a sideways toss. They went back and forth. Ricochet missed a jawjacker elbow off the ropes.
Yoshino nailed several moves but was caught with an enziguiri and an Ace Crusher off the ropes. He went for a standing moonsault press but Yoshino got his knees up. Yoshino locked on an Octopus on him, trying to force a submission but the ropes forced a break.
Richochet nailed several near falls and ascended to the top. He missed and Yoshino made the babyface comeback. They fought over a suplex. Ricochet finally nailed a big belly to back toss suplex. He nailed A 619 like move in the corner and drilled Yoshino with a leaping attack for another two count.
He went to the top but was attacked by Yoshino from behind. Yoshino followed him to the top and snapped him down to the mat neck-first. The crowd began ralling both competitors as the referee counted them down on the mat. They made their way to their feet and fired back and forth with strikes and chops in the middle of the ring.
Yoshino clotheslined Ricochet, sending him upside down for a two count. He nailed him with a series of strikes but ate an enziguiri. Yoshino drilled him with the fastest flying headscissors in history and cinched in a crazy submission where he crossed his legs around Ricochet's face and choked him out for a submission.
Your winner, Masato Yoshino!
The Blood Warrriors began stomping Yoshino. PAC and YAMATO hit the ring and battled the Warriors off. PAC and YAMATO faced off but Yoshino told them to leave it for later tonight.
Ronin's Johnny Gargano came to the ring with Rich Swann doing the song. He sang that "Chucky T...well, he has an injured groin." Gargano took the mic and said that since Taylor was out injured, they needed a third member of Ronin tonight and was going to look into the crowd for a new partner. He asked if there was a Bill Goldberg or Dave Bautista type in the house. Some lady said it should be so Ronin flirted with her. They said they were going to figure something out and it could even be her but tonight, The Warriors were done at the hands of Ronin. They are having some technical issues so I believe it may have been done just for the live crowd.
AR Fox vs. Pinkie Sanchez
They did some solid mat wrestling early. Sanchez seems to be evolving into the Stevie Richards goof character who takes crazy punishment and bumps. It suits him. Fox shoulderblocked him down and nailed a nice leg lariat.
Fox nailed a leaping forearm in the corner. They battled on the floor with Fox getting the better of it. Back in the ring, Sanchez took over and nailed a nice double arm suplex. He locked in a chinlock.
Sanchez continued the beating, including a clothesline. At one point, his pants ended up down at his knees and he continued working that way. Pretty funny. He missed a leap off the top and Fox pulled the pants up and nailed a DDT.
They continued going back and forth. Fox nailed a crazy dive to the floor but was cut off as he charged in the corner. Sanchez hit a Earthquake drop off the top. Sanchez tied him to the tree of woe. He was nailed with a running Samoan Drop. Fox nailed a swanton for a two count.
Sanchez tried to catch him with a small package for a two count. Fox made a comeback and stomped the hell out of Sanchez, then nailed a nice slam off the ropes for the pin.
Your winner, AR Fox!
Very strong match.
The D.U.F. came out. Sami Callihan said that he's supposed to be the next big thing but what makes him think he's better than the D.U.F. He said he was entertained by Fox's abs and wanted to show him what it's like to be a D.U.F. They attacked him and laid him out. Sanchez brought out a keg and a stantion. The D.U.F. took it from him and nailed Fox with it, then drilled him with the stantion. Callihan said he wanted to know where his face was now. They beat him down. Fox was carried out.
The Fray
The first out was Cedric Alexander. Second out was Larry Dallas, who brought out a wrestler named Ahtu. Dallas said that he would win and if he didn't win, he'd be gone forever. Ahtu nailed a big boot on Alexander and speared him, then nailed a crazy move called Fade to Black, where he nailed a pumphandle slam into a DDT for the pin.
Alexander was eliminated.
Third out was Jon Davis. He shoved Ahtu in the face and they went back and forth with shoulderblocks. They traded slaps back and forth. Davis drilled Ahtu with a spear and pinned him.
Fourth out was Tony Nese.
They exchanged forearms in the corner and Nese nailed a spinkick. Davis drilled him but missed a kick. He caught Nese with a nice powerslam for a two count. They battled back and forth.
Fifth out was Sugar Dunkerton. They all battled back and forth.
Sixth out was Flip Kendrick. Seventh out was Louis Lyndon. There was some nice stuff.
Out next was Caleb Konley. He nailed several nice dropkicks and a great looking back perfectplex style back suplex. Lyndon drilled Konley. They battled on the apron. Kaleb hit a nice flying elbow sending Lyndon to the floor.
Ninth out was Facade. Kendrick hit a flip dive on everyone. Facade hit a flying dropkick off the ropes on Kendrick. Facade and Dunkerton went back and forth. He locked a Rings of Saturn style submission and Dunkerton tapped.
David worked over Lyndon and Facade. Davis picked up both up on his shoulders and death valley drivered both, then pinned Lyndon. Davis and Facade went back and forth. Davis nailed a sitdown powerbomb, pinning him.
Everyone battled in the corner, setting up a tower of doom. Kendrick was nailed with a reverse package piledriver and pinned. Davis caught Konley and powerbombed him into the corner. Nese nailed a back suplex with a bridge and scored the pin.
It came down to Nese and Davis. They went back and forth. The venue's fire alarms went off. They beat the piss out of each other with crazy strikes. Davis used a Torture Rack into a spinning sitdown powerbomb.
Your winner, Jon Davis!
A little long for my tastes but lots of great wrestling and dives here. Davis came off like a beast. Dunkerton was really over. Konley improves every time I see him. Ahtu has STAR written all over him.
Masaaki Mochizuki & Susumu Yokosuka vs. Arik Cannon & Sami Callihan
The Japanese worked over the D.U.F. early. Yokosuka and Cannon went back and forth. Canon was sent to the floor and then placed on the apron. Mochizuki charged with several hard knees then slammed Callihan. He tagged him with hard kicks to the legs.
Yokosuki continued to control Callihan and forced him back. They worked over Callihan. Cannon finally tagged in and worked over Mochizuki and locked in a single leg Boston Crab. The D.U.F controlled Yokosuka and scored several near falls..
Cannon locked on an anklelock on Mochizuki. Callihan tagged in and began driving his knee into the mat, trying to take his wheel out. D.U.F. grabbed his legs and made a wish. Cannon chopped at Yokosuka and used the ropes to tie up his leg. He finally made the hot tag to Yokosuka.
He began tagged Cannon with kicks and locked in a cross armbreaker. Mochizuki cut off Callihan and locked in a figure four leglock. Cannon made it to the ropes. They doubled up on Cannon in the corner and drilled him with a stiff low lariat.
Yokosuka went for a suplex but Cannon dropped down and nailed a kick to the head, then a brainbuster for a two count. Callihan entered the fray and nailed a running forearm smash in the coner. D.U.F. drilled him and both covered but Yokosuka kicked out.
Mochizuki and Yokosuka began nailing a great series of double team maneuvers. Callihan and Mochizuki nailed double clotheslines. Callihan locked on the Stuff Muffler and finally forced Mochizuki to tap.
Your winners, the D.U.F.!
Very good back and forth match. Really enjoyed it. TONS of hard hitting stuff here.
Blood Warriors of CIMA, Austin Aries & Brodie Lee vs. Ronin's Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann & Masato Yoshino
Ronin was attacked in the ring and Warriors triple teamed Swann in the ring. Aries tagged in and nailed a slingshot splash. They continued working on Swann.
Lee tagged in. Swann was kiled with a big bot. He dropkicked Yoshino and nailed Gargao as well. CIMA tagged in and continued working over Swann. Aries taggedc in and continued to work him over. Ronin's team finally took control and took turns working on Aries' arm.
Swann was caught with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Yoshino and Gargano double teamed CIMA. CIMA slammed Swann and tagged into Lee. Lee held him up for a vertical suplex.
Aries caught Swann and drilled him with a suplex. They held Swann's legs from Lee nailed a big splash. Ronin tried to fight off Lee but was nailed with a double chokeslam. Swann went for a dive but was caught with a clothesline by Aries and a Northern Lights suplex for a two count.
CIMA tagged in. He and Yoshino tagged in and went back and forth. Swann nailed a legdrop on CIMA. CIMA tied up Yoshino and pinned him.
Yoshino was eliminated.
Swann caught Aries with a sunset flip. Lee drilled Swann and caught him with a big boot. Aries caught Gargano with a knee strike and suplexed him. Somehow, Swann pinned Lee. I missed how it went down. Lee hurt his knee and he was limping pretty bad.
Aries and Gargano battled on the floor. CIMA tagged in and nailed a superplex on Swann. He covered Swann and scored the pin.
CIMA nailed Gargano and drilled him with a flying kneedrop. Aries and CIMA snapped his legs. They went into a series of crazy dives. Gargano locked a crossface on CIMA and forced him to tap.
It was down to Aries and Gargano.
Aries slapped Gargano, who nailed him back. Gargano lifted him for a full nelson and slammed him. Aries locked in the Oriental Torture Device. f Aries tried to suplex him in. They battled back and forth. Gargano and Aries battled back and forth and finally trapped Aries, locking in a submission and got it.
Your winners, Ronin and Masato Yoshino!
GREAT STUFF HERE. I missed some of it because they were so fast and good. This is worth going out of your way to see. They made Gargano here.
PAC vs. YAMATO
They had some great back and forth wrestling early. PAC caught YAMATO wih a kick and rammed him turnbuckles. PAC controlled him with headscissors on the mat. PAC worked YAMATO over on the mat.
PAC charged YAMATO in the corner but was kicked off. YAMATO locked in a Boston crab and worked his knee over. They fired back and forth with stiff chops. They battled to the floor. Back in the ring, YAMATO locked in a leglock and worked over the ankle.
They battled back and forth with strikes and chops. YAMATO went for a charge but missed anllflew over the top to the floor. PAC caught him with a shoulderblock. They went back and forth and YAMATO locked in a single leg crab.
PAC whipped YAMATO into the corner and nailed an enziguiri in the corner. They battled back and forth and it was awesome. YAMATO went for a back suplex but PAC landed on his feet and nailed a missile dropkick.
He covered YAMATO for a two count. PAC nailed an awesome back suplex with a bridge for a near fall. PAC nailed a kick. YAMATO nailed a sleeper suplex. YAMATO nailed a runnning forearm smash in the corner. YAMATO nailed another back suplex with a bridge for a near fall.
YAMATO locked in a sleeper. He leapt on PAC's shoulders. PAC climbed to the middle turnbuckle and nailed an Electric Chair. PAC went to to the top but was cut off and nailed with a dropkick. YAMATO nailed a brainbuster and covered a brainbuster. PAC kicked up but was nailed with a MIchinoku Driver and pinned.
Your winner and still Open the Freedom Gate champion, YAMATO!
Really good match to close the show. CIMA came out and promised he would be the new Freedom Gate champion.
YAMATO thanked NYC and told PAC that he respects him. Blood Warriors attacked YAMATO but Ronin made the save. Gargano talked about how proud he has been to be part of DGUSA over the last several years and joked that Swann wasn't even 18 when the company was formed. He said that he felt something when he picked up the title but he'll leave that for later. He said tonight was about the fans here in NYC and those watching around the world. He thanked them on behalf of everyone and they plugged their karaoke party to close the night.
Jake from Rocks Off, who promote the event, got into the ring and plugged the karaoke party, saying that he hoped everyone had a great time and they hope to bring DGUSA here more often.
2011 - WWE Raw ran Charlottesville, Virginia. JL filed the following live report:
I just came back from the RAW show in C'ville VA tonight and thought I'd give you a quick report.3. Jack Swagger defeated Percy Watson in a two minute squash.
4. Eve and Beth Phoenix defeated The Bellas in a standard divas match.
5. The Miz and Alex Riley battled to a double countout. Good match. Miz was over like crazy. At least 80 percent of the match was Miz just OWNING Riley...
6. Alberto Del Rio defeated Chris Masters.
7. Rey Mysterio defeated CM Punk. LOONNGG match. Lots of stalling and heel tactics by Punk but he's so good at what he does. He easily got the most cheers of any heel. There were a couple nice sized Punk chants during the match.
8. John Cena defeated R-Truth. R Truth is straight gold on the mic. Standard Cena win.
Overall: Nice show with good wrestling. It went almost 3 hours which was a good surprise. I feel like I got my money's worth.
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