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6/25 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: THE BENOIT TRAGEDY IS DISCOVERED

June 25th

On this day in history in ....

1934 - Jim Londos defeats Jim Browning in New York City to unify the New York recognized World Heavyweight Title with the NWA (National Wrestling Association) World Heavyweight Wrestling Title. 

1976 - Antonio Inoki and Muhammad Ali fought to a 15 round draw in Tokyo, Japan.  The rules of the match stated that Inoki could not use any suplexes, throws or submission moves.  Due to a misunderstanding about the finish of the bout, the entire match ended up consisting of Inoki lying on his back (so Ali could not knock him out) and kicking at Ali's legs, while Ali would back away from the kicks as neither man trusted the other.  The fight, which was seen in the U.S. on closed circuit television, has been criticized as being one of the most boring matches of all time.  However, to this day, a large part of Inoki's legend in Japan is based on the fact that he "went the distance" with Ali.

1995 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Spectrum.  Here are the results: 
- In a match shown on the Free-For-All, Savio Vega defeated Irwin R. Schyster to earn a spot in the King Of The Ring tournament (Razor Ramon, due to injury, had to vacate his spot).
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated Yokozuna via countout.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, The Roadie defeated Bob Holly.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Shawn Michaels vs. Kama went to a draw.
- In a quarterfinal King Of The Ring match, Mabel defeated The Undertaker.
- In a semifinal King Of The Ring match, Savio Vega defeated The Roadie
- Bret Hart defeated Jerry Lawler via submission in a Kiss My Foot match.
- Mabel defeated Savio Vega to win the King Of The Ring Tournament.
- Diesel & Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Tatanka & Sid Vicious. 

2000 - The King of the Ring Pay-per-view was held in Boston, Massachusetts at the Fleet Center.  Here is Buck Woodward's original report on the event. 

The show opened up live on PPV with Rikishi taking on Chris Benoit in quarterfinal one of the KOTR tourney. They went at it as soon as Benoit hit the ring.  Rikishi was on top early, but Benoit hit a big German suplex. JR said that the tourney matches were decided earlier today in random drawing and that they had 15 minute time limits.  He said only winners advanced.  I don't know if that means the brackets are out the window or not. Benoit was in control after the suplex.  He locked on the crossface three minutes in.  Rikishi didn't give up and Benoit nailed Rikishi with a chair, repeatedly, to be DQ'd.  Rikishi wins. Benoit tore Rikishi up after the match, laying him out and hitting the headbutt from the top. 

The showed the angle with Linda McMahon from Heat.  In the back, the Faction begged Vince to not do something stupid.  Vince said he wouldn't, and that he was Joe Cool.  Vince left and HHH, Steph and Shane said he wasn't cool and thought he would do something dumb.

Backstage, Chris Benoit played bad ass and didn't really care that he got himself DQ'd.

Then it was time for Eddie Guerrero, with a new short hair cut and Chyna, vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Val was working over Eddie for a second, but Eddie came back.  JR mentioned that Bret Hart won the first KOTR in Dayton, OH in 1993. Eddie hit a superplex two minutes in.  He then worked over Val.  Val came back and dumped Eddie face-first and then placed him back-first over his knee.  Eddie came back with a rana and a back suplex.  Eddie missed a senton from the top and Val hit a spinebuster.  Val went for the Money Shot but Eddie got his knees up.  Val came back and got a two with a side Russian legsweep.  Val got a two when his feet were on the ropes.  Val went to the top but Eddie crotched him.  Eddie hit a rana from the top.  Trish got on the apron but Chyna pulled her off.  Val grabbed Chyna but before he could duke her, she nailed him with a shot.  Eddie rolled up Val but got only a two.  Val then hit a Fisherman's suplex in eight minutes to get the win.  Good match.

Pat Patterson was shown in the back making fun of the evening gowns that were there for him to wear.  He said he had to look better than Brisco.  The wardrobe lady told him that she wasn't a miracle worker.

In the back, Rikishi was asked if he would be able to go forward against Val Venis.  He said he would.

Then it was time for Crash Holly vs. Bull Buchanan. Crash went after Bull, but Bull threw him around.  Bull laid out Crash with clotheslines and backbreakers. Ross said that there were 17,651 fans there.  He also said that the semifinal matches of the tourney would be 30 minutes.  And, the King's coronation would be on Raw tomorrow.  Lawler talked about, for the second time, how he pasted Bret Hart during the coronation in 1993. Bull beat up Crash for the first few minutes.  Crash got an "oops" two count in there.  Bull then went for the scissors kick in four minutes, missed, and Crash pinned him.

In the back, Vince confronted Linda.  She was incredulous to him.  Vince brought up all of the horrible things that Linda has done to him.  Vince then asked why she was here.  She asked if he would be a man, or do another 12 on 3 like he did on Smackdown last week.  Vince got pissy and said that he, Shane and HHH could do it on their own tonight.  He said because of the stip she brought in (title on the line) he didn't have to use all of the other people because the faces would screw themselves because they want the title.

Then it was time for the fourth match of the tourney, winner meets Crash: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho. Kurt came out and crapped on all of the Boston sports franchises.  He said unlike them, he would bring home the big one.  And then, he mocked the Boston accent. CJ came out next, to a great pop.  He cut a promo and got a great pop.  CJ shot on Angle, culminating by calling him a "royal pain in the ass". Angle did a beat down on CJ early and the fans chanted "Y2J".   They went back and forth early.  CJ hit a Lionsault for a two.  CJ did a dropkick while Angle was on the apron and they fought on the floor and into the crowd.  Angle got the better of CJ, with Chris taking the first "steps bump" of the night/.  Angle had red marks on his chest from CJ chops.   CJ came back with a double arm throw for a two.  KA came back with a catapult and a suplex.  Angle nailed him with a nasty clothesline for a two five minutes in. CJ came back briefly with chops, but missed a run in the corner.  Angle went to the second rope and CJ dropkicked him in the gut.  CJ then hit a rana from the top.  CJ hit a big reverse elbow and a spinning heel kick for a two.  CJ was going for a bulldog when Angle hit him with a clothesline and got a two. Angle went for a suplex but CJ turned it into the Walls of Jericho.  Steph Mac ran to ringside so CJ let the move go.  Angle nailed CJ from behind and CJ went into the ref.  Steph went to nail CJ with the title belt but CJ ducked and she hit Angle.  CJ then kissed Steph, and Angle came in from behind and hit the Olympic Slam for the pin in about 10 minutes.  It's true.

In the back, Shane told his dad that the lost his cool and now they can't have interference.  Vince says they were fine.  Shane said he is worried about what HHH thinks.

They went to WWF NY where Mick Foley, with his crew cut, talked to JR.  Ivory was tending bar.  Foley put over being at WWF NY.  Foley said that Kurt Angle was his "personal favorite".  It put over the restaurant well.

Next up was the four team elimination match for the WWF Tag belts, with Edge and Christian vs. T and A (with Trish) vs. The Hardy Boyz (with Lita) vs. Too Cool, the champs.  The last team in the bout are the champs. Edge and Christian did their usual promo, talking about the Boston sports teams.  Then, they did Bill Buckner's 1986 error against the Mets.  Ouch! I won't go move by move, since there are four teams.  There are two guys in at a time.  You can tag the other guys. While Test and Matt were working, Trish tried to interfere and Lita took her out with a clothesline.  T and A tried to take out Lita but it failed.   Matt pinned Test after a Swanton Bomb by Jeff for the first elimination. Then it was Jeff Hardy vs. Scotty 2 Hotty.  Then it was Matt vs. Christian. Jeff got a two on Christian when Lita nailed him with a flying headscissors.  The fans popped for her.  Matt got a two with a Twist of Fate but Edge pulled him out.  Christian then hit Matt with the Impaler to pin Matt after they blocked the Twist of Fate. Too Cool vs. Edge and Christian is left. Too Cool worked over Edge early.  Christian came in and was worked over as well.  They did spots where Edge and Christian took each other out and the champs got two counts. Edge and Christian came back and put BC down.  They were about to do the work when Scotty came back and took them out.  He wormed Edge.  Christian tried to nail the champs with the belt, but it didn't work.  BC hit the Hip Hop Drop on Edge.  While the ref was putting Scotty out, Christian nailed BC in the head and Edge made the cover.  

Michael Cole interviewed Crash in the back and acted like Crash was lucky to get this far, which ticked Crash off.

Now, it's time for Rikishi vs. Val Venis, with Trish. Rikishi had a nasty bruise on his arm when he came out. The big guy dominated early, beating Val up around ringside.  Rik wasn't selling his earlier beating at all. Back in the ring, Val was on top.  Val went for the Money Shot three minutes in but Rik caught him and he hit the belly-to-belly for the pin.  After the match, Trish jumped in Rik's back.  He dumped her but before he could so anymore damage, Venis attacked him with a low blow and beat up Rik's "injured shoulder" with the ring steps. Val then chaired Rik's arm with a chair. Battered and bruised, Rikishi is in the final of the KOTR.

Coach interviewed Brisco.  Brisco said we would see he is all man, then his gown was delivered.

Now it's time for the other semi, Kurt Angle vs. Elroy. Crash was on the offense early, but Angle came back with a suplex and then went to town. Crash then came back and it went back and forth until Kurt hit a suplex for the pin in four minutes.

They showed clips from last night at MSG.  Donald Trump was there and cut promos with the King.

In the back, UT and Kane did promos. They are here to win the belt. 

Time for Patterson vs. Brisco in a Hardcore Evening gown match. Brisco came out first.  In addition to the gown, he was wearing make up, a wig and heels.  I don't know what to say.   Patterson came out with a wig and makeup, and sunglasses.  Pat had a bra on too.  Brisco did too I guess. Patterson got the mic, and kissed Finkel.  Pat said that Brisco looked like an old drag queen.  Pat said when Brisco was defending his title, Pat was always at his side and he was his friend.  Pat said that if he wants the belt, he will lay down and let Brisco pin him.  Brisco said OK.  They hugged and Pat kneed him and pulled his skirt up.  Pat shoved a banana in Brisco's mouth (no, not that banana!).  Patterson rammed a pad in Brisco's face and was about to do a stinky face (with women's undies on).  Brisco blocked it.  Fans chanted boring.  That was being kind.  They were booing too. A few minutes in, Crash ran in and stripped both men to bra and panties.  He nailed Pat with a trashcan and won the Hardcore Title.

The Duds did an interview in the back where they said they would take out Tori.  Buh Buh has her name written on a table. Time for the handicap dumpsters/table match with X Pac, Road Dog and Tori taking on the Dudley Boyz.  To win, The Duds have to put all three members of DX through a table while DX has to lock both Duds in a dumpster. Duds were over coming out. The Duds worked Dogg over early.  Dogg tagged out and they got some heat on X Pac.  Pac came back with a big kick.  Tori came in and laid kicks into D.  Dogg then came in.  Buh Bug came in and cleaned house.  Buh Buh told X Pac to suck it, and got a pop.  D hit a head butt to both DX men's genitals.  And then he did it Tori too.  Dogg and Pac tried to leave Tori to fight, so the Duds went and got them in the aisle.  DX then whipped the Duds into the dumpster.  The fans chanted, "We want tables". They threw the Duds in the Dumpster and shut the lid, but the ref was tending to Tori.  The Duds snuck out of the dumpster and crawled under the ring to the other side while DX got the ref.  They weren't there when the ref checked, and the Duds pasted them with chairshots to the head.   The Duds set up Double Tables on the floor after throwing the ring steps in the ring.  Buh Buh stood on the steps in the ring and threw Dogg through double tables! Pac came in and took out both Duds.  Pac set a table up and laid D-Von on it.  He went to the top.  Buh Buh crotched him.  D then suplexed him through it.  Buh Buh eyed up Tori.  She tried to run and finally jumped in the dumpster.  You can probably see where this one is going.  They opened the dumpster and DX hit them in the head with chairs.  They fell in and they got the pin.  The fans hated the finish, and I agree with them. After the match, they came out of the dumpster with Tori.  Pac came in and got 3D, as did Dogg.  Finally, Buh Buh did the Bubba bomb through the table.  Buh Buh did the look afterwards.  

Kurt Angle and Rikishi did interviews before the KOTR final.  Rik has his arm taped. Rik went after Angle early and went for the stink, but angle stopped him and took over.  Angle took him to the floor and whipped Rik into the steps.  he took him back in and worked over the big guy.  Rik sold the right arm. Rik came back with a clothesline and the Samoan drop.  He followed with a running neckbreaker for a one count.  Then he gave Kurt a stinky face.  Kurt then did an Olympic slam out of nowhere for a two. Kurt did a sunset flip but Rik sat on him for a two.  Fans were chanting for Angle. Rik went to the top but Kurt crotched him.  Kurt went for a belly to belly from the second rope and hit it for the pin in five minutes.

The Faction did an interview in the back.  They are ready. 

They showed the USA Today Weekend cover with the Rock and Mike Piazza.

The main event was next, with The Faction (Vince, Shane & HHH) vs. Kane, Undertaker & The Rock, with the WWE Title going to the winner of the fall. The heels came out first.  Then, the faces did their own entrances.  Kane and the UT got good reactions.  The Rock?  You know this one already.  The crowd was live but the WWF didn't mic them well.  The story of the babyfaces would be they all wanted to win the title. In the back, Kurt Angle was drinking milk. Shane started with Kane.  Shane was begging off a lot but doing moves as well. Rock tagged himself in.  HHH faced off with Rock but wanted to leave.  Rock demanded that he stay.  Shane nailed Rock from behind. Rock whipped Shane over the top to the floor.  Shane came back in and UT chokeslammed Shane.  Rock broke the count at two.  HHH came in. UT worked over HHH.  UT did a DDT (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH but Kane broke the count. Rock came in and cleaned house briefly, but then was mugged on the floor by the faction until UT and Kane made the save. Rock cleared the announce table but HHH attacked him before he could do anything there. Those two went back in the ring. Rock should have tagged out but didn't because he knew he might not get tagged back in, and thus couldn't win the title.  So, the heels worked Rock over for the next few minutes.  Eventually, everyone got into it and Rock went for the People's Elbow on HHH but Kane ran in and chokeslammed Rock.  HHH played up to Kane for doing it, not realizing that he was doing it to win the title.  Then, Kane did a tombstone (which some people said they aren't allowed to do anymore) on HHH.  UT broke it up.  UT then did a chokeslam from the top turnbuckle through the air into JR's announce table in an awesome spot.  Vince then went to do the People's Elbow on Rock but Rock got up and hit the Rock Bottom on Vince to win the match and the WWF title. There wasn't the pop I thought we would see for Rock's win.  He got more of one after they announced he won the belt.

2001 - The "WCW Invasion" storyline went into full swing during Raw at Madison Square Garden.  Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show. 

The 6/25 edition of RAW is WCW aired live from Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the expected beginning of the WCW invasion in full. The focus was on skits rather than wrestling. I thought the show was entertaining and took some steps in the right direction but I still don't see this WCW angle being handled quite right. It's gonna be even tougher now with Chris Benoit on the sidelines, joining Rock and HHH.

Vince McMahon came out right at the start. He mentioned the rumor that, had either Chris Benoit or Chris Jericho won the WWF Title at King of the Ring, they would have defected to WCW right there on RAW. He said that thankfully that will not happen since Steve Austin beat both Benoit & Jericho, even after the blatant cowardly interference of Booker T. He wondered aloud what the "T" stands for, suggesting maybe "terrible", "trash", or "troglodyte". He said it could also mean "temporarily employed", noting that that term could apply to every WCW wrestler since he plans to run that company out of business. He called Madison Square Garden "hallowed ground" and said the WWF helped build that arena into what it is today and that no WCW wrestler has any business coming there. To show how important the WWF is to the Garden, Vince aired a video from a decade or so ago where his late father Vince McMahon Sr. was inducted into the MSG Hall of Fame, with comments from Freddie Blassie and the late Gorilla Monsoon, along with footage of Andre the Giant. Vince promised the fans to bring them more memorable moments tonight.

Rhyno beat Test to regain the Hardcore Title in 4:31. Footage aired of Rhyno losing the belt a couple of weeks ago to Test due to Stacie Kiebler's distraction. Paul Heyman predicted that the WCW invasion has now been stopped. So much for his psychic abilities. They started with garbage can shots and then fought through the crowd to the back. Test came off a platform and put Rhyno through a table. Looked like it hurt. Test put Rhyno in a cart and rammed him into a wall. He hit Rhyno with a ladder. But Rhyno suddenly squashed Test against a wall with the gore and got the pin. However....

.....Mike Awesome defeated Rhyno to capture the Hardcore Title. No sooner did Rhyno win than Awesome arrived and broke a board over his head. He then slammed Rhyno on the ladder (that looked really sicko) and pinned him under the 24/7 rule. Jim Ross & Heyman freaked out over a WCW guy taking a WWF belt.

X-Pac beat Jeff Hardy to capture the Light Heavyweight Title in 3:10. Pretty good match, except for one spot where Jeff took a bump off the top from a dropkick that barely grazed him. Jeff dropkicked X-Pac out of the air. X-Pac went for the bronco but got booted in the crotch. Jeff missed a swanton when X-Pac rolled clear, with X-Pac then winning by using the ropes for leverage behind the ref's back.

Austin & Debra arrived, and found Vince seething in anger over Mike Awesome. "He raped me and left with a WWF Title", said Vince. Didn't Austin once "violate" Vince in a hospital? Anyway, Austin wasn't very sympathetic, noting that Vince had been nowhere to be seen at King of the Ring, and that he had still retained the WWF Title over both Benoit & Jericho even with Booker T interfering. Vince acted apologetic and assured Austin that he cares about him. They ended up making up and hugging. Debra just looked disgusted. Austin's hand was bandaged from the injury he received at the PPV, and at the beginning of the show JR had acknowledged that Austin had been hospitalized briefly after that match (from hitting his head taking the desk bump during the Booker T run-in).

The first of several Madison Square Garden golden moment segments aired, this one showing footage of Bruno Sammartino in action. Heyman cited the dates of Bruno's WWF Title reigns.

Video aired from the PPV of Booker T's run-in against Austin.

Big Show encountered Trish Stratus backstage. He showed her his new T-shirt which said "Big Show" and had an arrow pointing down to his crotch area. Guess he watches Beevis & Butthead a lot. Trish didn't seem impressed. Show then said he would win the European Title from Matt Hardy and celebrate by visiting England, Sweden, China, and other European countries. That explains why the arrow on the shirt didn't point up to his head. He offered to take Trish with him and said she'd look cute dressed like a snow bunny. Trish liked the idea of visiting Europe but said they would need separate rooms, of course. Show said they could work something out. Show called himself a genius after she left. Bet no one else has ever called him a genius.

Vince and Austin were hanging out together like the good buddies they are when Kurt Angle walked in. Vince praised Angle for kicking Shane's ass in the PPV street fight. Angle enjoyed the praise but also noted that he suffered some injuries, citing a concussion and a broken tailbone. Austin laughed at him, saying his (Angle's) three matches at the PPV combined weren't as tough as his one match against Benoit & Jericho. He kept implying that Angle's a wimp, but Vince invited Angle to stay, to Austin's dismay. Angle took a seat slowly, acting like it hurt to sit down.

Another MSG golden moment featured video of Superstar Billy Graham. So this was the second such segment in a row to feature a guy who isn't fond of Vince.

Tazz beat Steven Richards in 0:13. Richards called New York a cesspool. New York native Tazz went in and put him out in seconds with the Tazzmission. The RTC angle appears on the verge of being thankfully censored.

Angle was enjoying the carrots, celery, and other healthy food items available in Vince's suite. Austin pulled Vince over to the side and wanted him to kick Angle out so they could hang out alone together like best buddies. But Vince said the King of the Ring ceremony was about to start and he wanted to keep an eye on Angle, fearing he might interrupt the ceremony in a jealous rage over losing the tournament final. Angle then told Austin the two of them are a lot alike since both are former OTR champs and both have held the WWF Title. He said they're so alike they could be related. Austin just looked disgusted. This was hilarious.

Yoshihiro Tajiri carried the King of the Ring trophy to the ring under William Regal's command. He acted like the trophy weighed a ton. Regal said America lacks a lot of things, such as civility and politeness, and also lacks royalty, but he then introduced King Edge. Edge came out accompanied by Christian. Regal told Edge that, even though his win was tainted by Shane's interference, his reign as king will "reck" of awesomeness. Edge then posed, and was joined by Christian and Tajiri. Tajiri was hilarious. Christian then said he was honored to be there with Edge, but reminded everyone that he got cheated out of victory in his semi-final bout due to interference. He said he won two earlier round matches over Big Show and Kane, whose combined weight is over 1000 pounds. That was really a great line! Edge seemed a little perturbed by Christian's remarks but tried to be cheerful and said the era of awesomeness is now upon us. Billy Gunn then came out. He said that he won the KOTR tourney in 1999 (which is so totally like about as memorable as Barry Horowitz's win in Global wrestling circa 1991). Gunn then said he missed the 2000 tourney due to injury and then wasn't even invited to join the 2001 tourney. Someone in the crowd shouted "good!". Gunn also complained about the indignity of being sent to WWF New York with all the moron fans there, and called Edge a no-talent punk. JR called Gunn "Bitter Billy". Edge said Gunn must be imitating a vacuum cleaner since he sucks and blows at the same time and hoped that if he turns out like Gunn two years from now that someone will just shoot him in the head. Edge said it's not his fault Gunn has accomplished nothing for two years and called him "Billy Bitchcakes". He vowed not to "Billy Gunn" the KOTR Title. Gunn threatened to kick Edge's ass, which is about as good of a comeback you could expect from him on the mic as he was like so totally outclassed by Edge. Edge agreed to fight, so Commissioner Regal booked the match for later in the show.

The next MSG moment was the legendary Sgt. Slaughter vs. Pat Patterson bootcamp match from about 20 years ago.

Hour two began with the Dudleys beating Undertaker & Kane to retain the WWF World Tag Titles in 4:49. The match itself wasn't much. JR kept dwelling on Dallas Page and how he had psychologically harmed Sara, who was at ringside. He kept mentioning the "private collection" of more intimate secret videos Page has of Sara. The match ended with Albert doing a run-in and plastering Kane with the Baldo Bomb, allowing D-Von to get the pin. Kane chased Albert afterward. This left UT & Sara conveniently alone, and as they left up the ramp, Page came out of nowhere and flattened UT with two chairshots. Sara tried to fight Page but he held her down and ripped out a chunk of her hair. It looked really fake because there's no way that much hair could be ripped out without taking half the scalp with it. Page fled with Sara's golden locks before UT revived. JR said Page is a "sick bastard" and is also as good as dead.

Regal told Tajiri that Benoit is injured (JR acknowledged this, noting he'll be out for several months with neck surgery for nerve problems). But since Jericho is still healthy, Regal thought he needs to be punished for teasing that he might jump to WCW. He asked Tajiri for advice on what type of match or opponent would punish Jericho the most. Tajiri recommended himself. Regal agreed to the match, and Tajiri did all the funny facials he does when celebrating.

Big Show beat Matt Hardy by DQ in a European Title match in 3:12. Show was wearing his new T-shirt, which also said "Big All Over" on the back. Show tossed Matt around, with Matt getting in a few shots on Show's arm. Trish kissed Matt in an effort to distract him. This angered Lita, who ripped Trish's top off. Show was about to chokeslam Matt when Lita kicked him in the testicles for the DQ. Maybe the arrow on the shirt was to show her where to kick in case she forgot. Anyway, Matt remained champion so Show's arrow won't be pointing to a title belt.

Perry Saturn & Terri were supposed to be the guests this week at WWF New York, but Shane appeared there instead. There was a big "Shane-O-Mac" chant. Shane claimed that Vince is using all his media clout to keep WCW from getting on TV. As if! Shane said WCW needs TV, so therefore he has no choice but to invade and take over WWF's TV. He said he'll drive Vince out of business just as Vince did to his own father. Shane then brought out Booker T as the man who will lead the invasion. Booker said it was too damn easy to take Austin down last night. That line would have been more effective if Austin hadn't gone on to win. He challenged Austin to fight.

Both Austin & Vince were furious over Shane & Booker. Austin said he doesn't deserve to be attacked and challenged like that. Vince said they're in his restaurant, and told Austin to go down there and kick their asses since it's only a couple of blocks away. Austin began sort of making excuses, but Debra encouraged him and he agreed to go, but wanted Vince to go with him. Vince recommended that Austin take Angle with him. Angle got one of those "who, me?" looks on his face. Austin said if Angle has so much in common with him, he should agree to go. Austin left with Angle reluctantly following.

Hardcore Holly & Al Snow were discussing the success of Tough Enough (which has gotten rave reviews). They encountered the Acolytes, who were rallying the lower card guys to defend the WWF. They said WCW wouldn't give any of them a chance or even return their calls over the years, but now that the promotion has folded and needs a way to re-start, the wrestlers there are trying to take over the WWF. They said Dallas Page and the other invaders can go to hell and encouraged everyone to stand up for the WWF. Among those there were Goodfather, Bull Buchanan, Dean Malenko, Raven, Steve Blackman, Crash Holly, Taka Michinoku, Sho Funaki, Haku, and Essa Rios.

Jimmy Snuka's cage dive onto Don Muraco, which ultimately made a star out of Mick Foley, was the next MSG moment.

Edge beat Billy Gunn in 6:17. No heat except for a mysterious "Hulk Hogan" chant. Since Hogan may try to start up his own company to oppose Vince, there was no way in hell he was gonna be on one of the MSG moments. Christian accidentally nailed Edge at one point, but he later redeemed himself by giving Gunn a backbreaker. Edge then won with the DDT, which JR accidentally called the DDP. Christian carried Edge's trophy as the two left, holding onto it as if it were his.

Vince received a phone call from Austin, who was stuck in traffic. Vince told Austin to sit tight, and also said, "I know Angle's a dork, but he's a dangerous dork, and he's our dork for tonight."

The final MSG moment was the Andre vs. John Studd bodyslam challenge from the first WrestleMania.

Chris Jericho beat Yoshihiro Tajiri in 5:10. A real good match while it lasted. Jericho said that since Steve Assclown is still WWF champion, he'll take his anger out on Tajunior. Lots of chops. Tajiri hit those hard kicks of his that make you cringe. Tajiri hooked the octopus and got an "ECW" chant in response. Jericho slugged Regal. Regal responded by pulling the ref out when Jericho went for a pin. He put Jericho in a full nelson and Tajiri went to spray the mist (for the first time since arriving in the WWF) but Jericho ducked and Regal took the spray. Jericho nailed the shocked Tajiri and lionsaulted him for the pin. Tajiri kept begging the blind Regal for forgiveness afterward.

Vince got another call from Austin, who had made it to WWF New York. Vince said he'd go to the ring and when he gives the signal, they are to attack. Vince told Debra, "This is gonna be good!" as he left for the ring.

Vince arrived in the ring and said the hallowed ground of MSG had been tainted by WCW invaders, but that all's well that ends well, and the WCW guys are about to pay. This was the signal for Austin & Angle to leave their car and go inside the restaurant. The fickle fans who had cheered Shane & Booker earlier, now cheered Austin & Angle. One of the employees told Austin that Shane & Booker were gone. Austin grabbed a mic and said Booker was a coward for not being there and imitated how Booker says "ask" (i.e., "akst") and said the next time he sees Booker in person he'll kick his "sucka ass". Back at the Garden, Vince said it wasn't surprising that Shane & Booker fled, and that it proves that WWF is the dominant brand name in sports entertainment. To Vince's chagrin, Shane arrived at ringside. Booker then came through the crowd and entered the ring. Vince slugged him. Booker just shook it off and nailed Vince with his kicks, including the scissor kick, leaving Vince laying. Booker & Shane escaped as the rallied lower card guys all came out for the belated save.

2006 - WWE broadcast their Vengeance PPV, headlined by Sabu vs. John Cena in an Extreme Lumberjack match.  Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:

Vengeance

Vengeance opened with a video highlighting John Cena vs. Sabu, Edge vs. Rob Van Dam and DX vs. Spirit Squad.

They went live to the arena, where there are a lot of signs in the crowd (I mean, more than normal) mostly for DX, Ric Flair and ECW. The announcers welcomed us to the show.

Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle.

Orton tried to stall at the start, going to the ropes as Angle tried to grab a limb. Angle grabbed a double leg takedown, and rode Orton on the mat. Angle applied a hammerlock, then twisted Orton into a pinning position for a two count. Angle grabbed a foot and went for the ankle lock, but Orton got to the ropes and went to the ring apron. Angle gave Orton a forearm, then went for a German suplex off the apron, but Orton held onto the top rope. Angle put all his weight into it, but Orton wouldn't release the rope.

Orton elbowed Angle to the floor, then went after him, but Angle gave him a German suplex on the floor. There was an "ECW" chant from part of the crowd. Angle got back in the ring and grabbed Orton as he got on the apron. Angle suplexed Orton back in, then paintbrushed Orton across the back of the head. Orton poked Angle in the eyes as he got up, then hit a standing dropkick. Orton threw Angle to the floor, then rammed him headfirst into the apron. Orton threw Angle back first into the security wall. Orton tossed Angle back into the ring for a two count.

Orton mounted Angle and hit some right hands, then delivered a kneedrop for a two count. Orton applied a chinlock, but Angle lifted Orton into a fireman's carry and hit a Samoan Drop. Angle delivered a forearm uppercut, but Orton reversed a whip and hit an elbow for a two count. There was a "Let's Go Angle" chant. Orton applied the rear chinlock again, keeping Angle down on the mat. Orton used the bottom rope for leverage, pushing off with his feet. Angle got to his feet and elbowed out, but Orton hit a knee to the gut, then a kneedrop for another two count. Orton then returned to the chinlock.

Angle armdragged out of the chinlock, but Orton immediately hit a clothesline. Orton slowly went to the top rope, but Angle jumped up onto the second rope and hit a belly to belly superplex. Angle then hit two overhead belly to belly suplexes and prepared for an Angle Slam, but Orton floated over and hit a side neckbreaker for a two count. Orton measured Angle for an RKO, but Angle shoved him into the turnbuckles. Orton began to pull the pad off the top turnbuckles. Angle grabbed Orton and hit seven consecutive German suplexes, kept his hands locked, and slowly got Orton up to hit number eight. Orton rolled to the floor. There was an "Angle" chant. Angle went out after Orton, then rolled him into the ring and covered him for a two count.

Angle went for a anklelock, but Orton kicked him away. Orton removed the turnbuckle pad he was working on earlier. Angle grabbed Orton and hit an Angle Slam, then applied an ankle lock. Orton struggled, but made the ropes. Angle pulled him off the ropes, and Orton managed to turn his body and send Angle head first into the exposed turnbuckle. Orton then hit the RKO for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.

Winner: Randy Orton.

Orton was favoring his ankle after the match, selling the ankle lock and limping away from the ring.

Vince McMahon was on the phone in his office, when someone knocked on the door. Vince said "come in" and a kid in a wheelchair came in. The kid was wearing a DX T-shirt, and Vince assumed he was a setup for another DX prank. The kid tried to explain who he was, but Vince told him to shut up. Vince shoved the wheelchair out a door, and the kid screamed. You could hear a crash. Jonathan Coachman then entered from another door, holding a "male enhancement tool". Coach said DX had been hanging around, and left that by the door. Coach then told Vince that a family friend would be coming by later, a kid in a wheelchair who was Vince's biggest fan. Coach asked if Vince could take some time to talk to the kid. Vince said "sure" and didn't let on to Coach that he had just wheeled the kid out the other door.

Umaga, with Armando, vs. Eugene.

Armando came out with Umaga first, and said he heard Eugene had gotten backup. Armando joked that Eugene was going to be bringing "imaginary friends" like Superman and Wonder Woman, to try and help him. Eugene then made his entrance, alone. Eugene waved and danced out. The fans were chanting "Hoo!" before the music even hit for Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who then made his entrance and hugged Eugene. Eugene gestured that he had another surprise, and out came Doink The Clown. There was one more piece of backup, and out came Kamala The Ugandan Giant.

Duggan started a USA chant as the bell rang. Doesn't he know Kamala is from Uganda? Umaga hit Eugene with a clothesline, then stomped him in the mat. Umaga hit a chop to the throat. Eugene kicked away a backdrop and fired off some right hands, but Umaga chopped him down and kicked him in the chest. Umaga hit the charging thigh drive (yeah, I made up a name for it) in the corner, then hit the Samoan Spike for the win at the two minute mark.

Winner: Umaga.

Duggan ran in, and Umaga took him down with a Spike. Doink came in, and Umaga shoved him down, then gave him the Spike. Kamala got in, and slapped his belly. The crowd popped for this potential showdown. Armando stopped Umaga and got him out of the ring, saying Kamala was "crazy". Umaga wanted to go back in, but Armando got him to leave, while Kamala stomped in the ring and stared down Umaga.

Todd Grisham interviewed Mick Foley. Foley read the less than flattering things Ric Flair wrote about him, directly from Ric Flair's book. Foley said "this glorified stuntman" would outwrestle Ric Flair tonight. Foley gave a "Wooo!" before walking off.

Mick Foley vs. Ric Flair - Two Out Of Three Falls

No surprise, Flair got a huge pop in Charlotte. Flair's family was at ringside. There was a "Foley sucks" chant. They locked up, and Foley grabbed a side headlock, then went into a hammerlock. Flair reversed, and Foley went to the ropes for a break. They exchanged arm wringers, with Flair getting the better of it. Foley went to the ropes again for a break. Flair tripped Foley to the mat and applied an armbar. Foley went to the ropes, again. Foley decked Flair with a right hand, then hit some punches in a corner. Foley mocked Flair's strut, then hit a running knee in the corner. Foley hit a double arm DDT, then signaled for Mr. Socko. Foley pulled out a Mr. Socko that was dressed to look like Ric Flair, complete with ring robe. As Foley approached Flair, Flair applied a testicular claw. Flair then hit some chops and decked Foley with a punch. Flair went to the top rope and hit Foley with a forearm. Flair acted like his knee gave out as he hit the move. Foley chopblocked the knee, then went to work on it, wrapping it around the ropes and dropping an elbow on it. Foley went for a figure four, but Flair reversed it into a small package for the pin at the five minute mark.

First Fall: Ric Flair.

Foley ran right into a second Flair small package for a two count. Foley shoved Flair to the floor, then went after him on the outside. Flair reversed a whip and sent Foley into the ringsteps. Flair hit some punches and tossed Foley back into the ring. Flair punched Foley right back out of the ring. Foley went over the security wall and into the crowd, but Flair followed him. Foley raked Flair's eyes, then backdropped him over the security wall and back to ringside. Foley threw Flair into the ring. There was a "Foley Sucks" chant as Foley pulled out a trash can from under the ring. Flair grabbed a double leg takedown as Foley came at him with the trash can. Flair applied the figure four leglock. Foley grabbed the trash can and hit Flair in the head with it while they were in the hold. Foley was disqualified at the eight minute mark.

Second fall via disqualification and winner of the match: Ric Flair.

Foley went under the ring and pulled out a barbed wire baseball bat. Foley hit Flair with it, busting him open, then grinded it across Flair's head. Flair was cursing in pain (which was bleeped). Foley dropped the barbed wire bat on the now bloody Flair, then hit him with it again. Agents and referees came out, and Foley left. Flair was a bloody mess.

Maria interviewed Carlito. Maria explained the "cool paradox" of people who want to be cool, but aren't, and that people who are cool, don't want to be. Or something like that. Carlito said nothing would be cooler than winning the Intercontinental Title. A bikini clad Torrie came in and asked Maria to spread baby oil on her for a photo shoot. Torrie asked Carlito to "hold her puppies". Of course, she meant her dogs. Maria and Torrie began rubbing oil on each other (complete with cheesy porno music). Carlito's music hit, and Carlito, annoyed, had to leave to head to the ring. For those curious, the camera turned away whenever it looked like Torrie or Maria were going to touch a body part that would have raised the PPV to TV-MA.

Intercontinental Champion Shelton Benjamin vs. Carlito vs. Johnny Nitro, with Melina.

Carlito ambushed Nitro at the bell, shoving him to the floor. Benjamin rolled up Carlito for a two count twice, then Carlito rolled up Benjamin with a flying cradle for a two count. Carlito rolled up Benjamin again for a two count, then applied a side headlock. Nitro ran in, but Carlito backdropped him, while maintaining the headlock. Nitro rolled to the floor. Nitro springboarded back in as Benjamin got out of the headlock and took over on Benjamin after Benjamin kicked Carlito out of the ring (with a kick intended for Nitro). Nitro went for a backdrop, but Shelton kicked it away. Carlito clotheslined Shelton out of the ring, then catapulted Nitro to the floor. Carlito went for a pescado, but Melina pulled Nitro out of the way. Carlito landed on the apron and kicked Benjamin, but Nitro sweeped Carlito's leg, and he crashed to the apron. Nitro threw Carlito into the ringpost, but Benjamin slammed Nitro on the floor. Benjamin was distracted by Melina, and Nitro hit some elbows on the floor. Carlito got on the apron, then the top rope, and then hit a springboard senton onto both opponents on the floor as the punched it out.

Carlito tossed Nitro into the ring and covered him for a two count. Nitro reversed a whip into a tilt-a-whirl Russian legsweep. Nitro used a baseball slide to keep Benjamin on the floor, then covered Carlito twice for two count. Carlito dodged a clothesline with a springboard flip over the head of Nitro, then hit a rana. Carlito ran the ropes to get at Nitro again, but Benjamin slid in and gave him a flapjack for a two count. Benjamin whipped Carlito into a corner, then gave Nitro an Exploder, throwing him over the top rope and to the floor. Shelton gave Carlito a vertical suplex for a two count. Shelton hit a Samoan Drop on Carlito, but Nitro broke up the cover and pounded Shelton with right hands. Nitro charged Shelton, who lifted Nitro into a powerbomb position, but dropped him face first on the top turnbuckle instead. Shelton covered Nitro, but Melina put his foot on the ropes. Nitro rolled to the floor.

Carlito jumped onto Shelton with a victory roll for a two count. Nitro came in, and Carlito whipped him towards Shelton. Nitro monkey flipped Benjamin into a Carlito dropkick. Carlito covered Shelton, but Nitro broke it up. Nitro put Carlito on the top rope and was getting set for a superplex, but Shelton crotched Nitro on the ropes. Nitro got tied to the tree of woe. Carlito was still on the top rope. Shelton jumped to the top rope, and set up for a superplex on Carlito. Nitro sat up from the Tree of Woe, and grabbed Shelton in a waistlock. Nitro German suplexed Benjamin at the same time Shelton superplexed Carlito. The fans chanted "Holy S***". Nitro went for covers but didn't get a pin. Carlito started to rally, punching both opponents. Carlito grabbed a small package on Shelton, but Nitro broke it up. Nitro and Shelton went for a double clothesline on Carlito, but Carlito ducked it and hit a springboard elbow on both men. Carlito went for covers, but got no pin. Carlito dodged a charging Nitro, and pulled down the top rope so Nitro would fall to the floor.

Shelton kicked Carlito in the back of the head for a two count. Carlito came back with a vertical suplex attempt, but let Shelton land on his feet so he could turn it around into a backcracker. Carlito went for the cover, put Nitro pulled Carlito from the ring, then slid in and covered Benjamin for the three count at the thirteen minute mark.

Winner and new Intercontinental Champion: Johnny Nitro.

Backstage, The Spirit Squad were getting themselves psyched up. Vince McMahon came in and gave them a motivational speech. The Spirit Squad left, and Vince went to use the restroom. Vince picked up the penis pump box, checked his watch, and took in into the restroom with him. We heard an explosion, and Vince walked out, covered in green paint, holding the exploded box.

The events leading to Edge vs. Rob Van Dam were shown.

WWE & ECW Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Edge, with Lita.

Edge did some pre-match mic work, ripping on the fans and promising to win the title. RVD came out with both the ECW and WWE belts. Jim Ross talked about all the World Title changes that have taken place in Charlotte. Interesting to note, the referee only held the WWE belt in the air before ringing the bell. Jim Ross noted the match was for the WWE Title, so it would appear the ECW belt isn't on the line.

Edge took RVD down with a waistlock, then mocked RVD's gesture. Edge hit some punches, and RVD went for a monkeyflip. Edge landed on his feet, ducked two RVD kicks, but Van Dam took him down with a leg cradle. Edge rolled to the apron and regrouped. RVD hit some shots in a corner, but Edge leapfrogged him. RVD flipped over Edge, then Edge went for a bodypress, missed, and RVD hit a standing moonsault. RVD hit a back heel kick, and went for Rolling Thunder, but Edge rolled to the floor. RVD hit a baseball slide kick as Edge regrouped on the floor. RVD hit a moonsault on a standing Edge from off the security wall. There was an "RVD" chant. Van Dam rolled Edge in, then Lita grabbed Van Dam's leg and Van Dam kicked Lita away. Edge gave RVD a sunset flip off the ring apron, powerbombing Van Dam on the floor.

Edge tossed Van Dam into the ring and covered him for a two count. Edge hit some shots in the corner, then whipped RVD hard across the ring. Edge choked RVD against the middle ropes. Van Dam fired back with some punches, then Edge raked his eyes and gave him a forearm, sending him to the mat. Edge applied a surfboard, but RVD kicked Edge in the head to escape. RVD backdropped Edge to the ring apron, then gave him a cross bodyblock, ending Edge crashing to the floor with RVD on top of him. RVD put Edge on the security wall, and went for the corkscrew legdrop off the apron, but Edge moved and RVD landed on the wall. Edge rolled Van Dam into the ring for a two count. Edge tossed RVD to the floor. Van Dam was favoring his leg from crashing on the wall from the missed legdrop. Edge powerbombed Van Dam, throwing him back first into the security wall.

Edge tossed RVD back into the ring for a two count. Edge stomped RVD's back, then hit a backbreaker, pushing down on RVD's chin and stretching him across his leg. RVD kneed Edge in the head twice to escape. They traded forearms, then Edge decked Van Dam with a boot to the face. Edge rammed RVD into the top turnbuckle, then whipped him across the ring. Edge ran into a boot, and RVD went for a tornado DDT, but Edge blocked it. Van Dam kicked Edge in the gut, then in the head. Van Dam hit a springboard kick off the middle rope on Edge. Van Dam hit a pair of clotheslines, then backdropped Edge. Van Dam hit a German suplex with a bridge for a two count. Van Dam hit a spin kick. Van Dam went for Rolling Thunder, but Edge jumped up and grabbed RVD in a powerslam for a two count.

Edge whipped Van Dam across the ring, but ran into an elbow. Van Dam hit a top rope thrust kick. Van Dam went to the top rope, but Edge rolled away. Van Dam went into a somersault off the middle rope and gave Edge Rolling Thunder across his back. Van Dam hit a split leg moonsault for a two count. Van Dam went for a spin kick, but Edge ducked and RVD kicked the referee. Edge had Lita get him the WWE Title belt. Van Dam jumped up and kicked the WWE Title belt into Edge's face. RVD went to the top rope, but Lita crotched him. Edge was bleeding from his eyebrow. Edge pulled RVD off the ropes and spiked him with a DDT. Edge covered RVD, and the referee slowly crawled over and counted two.

Edge set up for a spear, and Lita held a steel chair in the ring behind RVD, with the idea that Edge would spear RVD into it. Edge charged, and RVD ducked. Edge speared the chair, knocking Lita off the apron. RVD hit the five star frog splash for the pin at the 18-minute mark.

Winner: Rob Van Dam.

Backstage, the ECW wrestlers were chanting "RVD-ECW". Paul Heyman entered and said "one down, one to go". Heyman reminded the wrestlers that they are lumberjacks for John Cena vs. Sabu tonight. Heyman said Vince McMahon ordered that there would be an equal number of Raw and ECW wrestlers at ringside as lumberjacks tonight. Heyman finished his pep talk, and the wrestlers went back to chanting.

Kane vs. Imposter Kane.

Imposter Kane used Kane's old theme music. They had a stare down in the ring, and Kane started throwing punches before the bell. Imposter went down, but then sat up. Kane punched Imposter over the top rope, and Imposter landed on his feet. Imposter dragged Kane out of the ring and hit some right hands. Imposter sent Kane back into the ring, and choked him in a corner.

Kane and Imposter slugged it out, and Kane hit a shoulderblock. Kane went after the mask, but the Imposter made it to the ropes and held onto his mask. Imposter took Kane down and punched him in the shoulder repeatedly. Imposter stood on Kane's throat. Imposter gave Kane a vertical suplex, then dropped a chop to the throat. There were loud "Boring" chants. Kane booted the Imposter in the face, but the Imposter came back with a powerslam for a two count. Imposter hit some punches on the mat, then ripped at Kane's face before applying a chinlock.

Kane broke free by ramming the Imposter in the corner. Kane ran into an elbow, then Imposter grabbed a choke. Kane got out by sticking his finger in the Imposter's eye. Kane hit a DDT, then hit a powerslam. Kane punched Imposter in the corner, then hit an uppercut. Kane hit some charging clotheslines in the corner, then waited in the ring for a while until the Imposter walked into Kane's sidewalk slam. Kane went for a chokeslam, but Imposter broke free and hit a boot to the face. Imposter went to the top rope, but Kane stopped him. Kane backdropped Imposter from the second rope. Kane called for the chokeslam, but Imposter broke out of it. Kane hit a boot to the face. Kane went to the top rope, but as he jumped off, Imposter caught him by the throat. Imposter hit a chokeslam for the clean win at the seven minute mark.

Winner: Imposter Kane.

The events leading to John Cena vs. Sabu were shown.

John Cena vs. Sabu - Extreme Lumberjack Match.

Stevie Richards, Balls Mahoney, Roadkill, Al Snow, Sandman, Little Guido, Justin Credible, and Tommy Dreamer were the ECW lumberjacks, and they came out first, then Sabu came to the ring. The Raw lumberjacks were out next, and included Val Venis, Matt Striker, Charlie Haas, Rob Conway, Viscera, Gene Snitsky, Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. John Cena then made his entrance, to a mixed reaction.

The lumberjacks argued at ringside as Cena came down. Sabu went right at Cena as he looked away, and began stomping him. Cena went out of the ring, but got back in quickly and hit some right hands, then gave Sabu a Fisherman's buster. Cena threw Sabu out, and the Raw guys tossed him back in. Cena hit a right hand and delivered an elbow. Sabu came back and tossed Cena out. The ECW guys pounded him, then tossed him back in. Sabu tossed him out, and Sandman caned him in the head. The ECW guys tossed Cena back in. Sabu hit a Triple Jump Moonsault for two, then applied a camel clutch. Cena broke out, and Sabu hit Cena low. Sabu hit a Triple Jump elbowsmash for another two count.

Sabu hit an Arabian facebuster off the second rope for another two count. Sabu went for Air Sabu, but Cena moved and Sabu crashed into the corner. There was a "Cena" chant. Cena hit a kick to the face and a powerslam. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and a brawl broke out at ringside. Justin Credible came in and Cena tossed him to the floor, on top of some of the brawlers. Cena went to the floor and threw Stevie Richards into the crowd. Sabu went to ringside and threw a chair at Cena. Al Snow held Cena and Sabu collared him with the chair. The ECW guys put Cena on a table on the floor, but Viscera broke it up, and as Sabu prepared to dive out, Cena hit Sabu with Sandman's cane. Cena blasted Sabu with a chair in the ring. Cena lifted Sabu for an FU. Cena walked to the ropes, then dumped Sabu over the ropes and Sabu crashed through the edge of the table. It looked nasty. Viscera and Snitsky tossed Sabu back into the ring. Cena applied the STFU, and the Raw guys kept the ECW ones from entering the ring. Sabu tapped out at the seven minute mark.

Winner: John Cena.

The Raw guys entered the ring, and the ECW guys backed down the aisle. Cena then left the ring, with the Raw guys applauding him.

A Summerslam commercial was shown, which included appearances by Goldust and Boogeyman.

Backstage, RVD confronted John Cena. Van Dam gave Cena credit for having the "testicular fortitude" to walk into the ECW locker room last week. Van Dam offered to wrestle John Cena tomorrow on Raw for the WWE Title. Cena said the title was his life, and accepted the challenge. They shook hands, and Cena stared at the belt on RVD's shoulder.

The events leading to DX vs. Spirit Squad were shown.

DX vs. Spirit Squad.

DX came out first, and Triple H did old DX introduction with "Let's Get Ready To Suck It". Shawn Michaels did the "We've got two words for you..." bit. The Spirit Squad then entered. I don't believe the World Tag Team Championship is on the line in this five-on-two match. DX did "rock, paper scissors" to determine who would start. Michaels won.

Michaels started out with Mitch, while the rest of the Squad cheered him on. Michaels traded holds with Mitch and applied a headlock. Michaels tripped Mitch and walked across his back, then chopped him. Mitch came back with a knee to the gut and stomped and punched Michaels down in a corner. Mitch then danced in celebration, and Michaels lit him up with chops. Michaels got back into the Squad corner, but Michaels fought them all off with elbows and punches. Michaels took Mitch to his corner, and he and Triple H pounded him down. The Squad ran in, but DX cleaned house. Johnny was bleeding from the nose on the floor. The Squad regrouped on the floor.

Johnny, bloody nose and all, tagged in. Johnny pulled out a headband with martial arts insignia on it. Johnny did some karate poses, so Michaels, acting scared, tagged in Triple H. Johnny did some kicks to the air, while Triple H watched. Johnny went for the crane, and Triple H punched him to the mat. Triple H hit some more punches, then delivered a suplex. Triple H did a crotch chop, then hit a kneedrop. Johnny came back with a thumb to the eye, then hit some right hands in the corner. Triple H reversed a whip, and Johnny hit the corner hard. Triple H distracted the referee while Michaels pulled Johnny crotch first into the ringpost, then rammed his legs into the post. Johnny got up on wobbly legs, and Triple H pulled Johnny's pants down. Johnny managed to kick a charging Triple H and tagged Mikey.

Mikey charged Triple H, who flung him to the floor. Michaels crotched Mikey on the security wall, then he and Triple H double teamed him while the Squad argued with the referee. Back in the ring, Mikey looked for a time out, and Triple H stomped him. Kenny took a shot at Triple H from the apron, and the Squad pulled Triple H to the floor and threw him into the ringsteps. Triple H was now stomped down in the Squad corner. Kenny tagged in, and elbowed Triple H, but got caught with a neckbreaker. Mikey and Michaels tagged in. Michaels hit a flying forearm, kipped up, then hit reverse atomic drops on Mikey and Mitch. Michaels cleaned house, and hit the top rope elbow on Mikey.

Michaels warmed up for the Superkick, but the Squad ran in. DX were clearing the ring, when Johnny hit Michaels with a spinkick. Mikey tagged in Nckey, who covered Michaels for a two count. Michaels kicked away a Nicky backdrop and tagged in Johnny, who Michaels decked. Michaels was dragged to the floor by the Squad, and Kenny decked him with a chair. Michaels was rolled back in, and NMitch hit a trampoline bulldog on Michaels. Johnny covered him for a two count. Triple H threw the trampoline across ringside, but didn't hit anyone. The Spirit Squad kept Michaels in their half of the ring, tagging in and out and working over HBK. Michaels was given a flapjack and Kenny covered Michaels for a two count, then applied a chinlock.

Michaels punched free, and he and Kenny clotheslined each other. Nicky clotheslined Michaels from the apron. Mickey tagged in and worked over Michaels, then tagged in Mikey and threw him at Michaels, but Michaels moved and Mikey went flying from the ring. Michaels hit a double DDT on Johnny and Mitch. Triple H got the hot tag and began cleaning house, hitting clotheslines, jumping knees and spinebusters. Kenny was given a facebuster on the knee and set up for a Pedigree, but Mickey broke it up. The fight went to the floor, and Mikey went for a somersault dive off the trampoline, but Micheals moved and Mikey took out most of the Spirit Squad. Kenny was in the ring with Triple H, and backed up into Michaels. Michaels spooked Kenny back into Triple H, who set up for the Pedigree. Triple H hit it, while Michaels superkicked Mitch. They got the double pin at the 18-minute mark.

Winners: DX.

Michaels and Triple H gave the rest of the Spirit Squad pedigrees and superkicks. DX cleared the ring of everyone but Mitch, and Michaels rubbed Mitch's face into Triple H's bare rear end. Jim Ross speculated that DX was starting a new club.

DX celebrated, and Vince McMahon walked out onto the stage, grinning. Vince said (not on a mic, but audible), "Congratulations, I'll see you tomorrow night."

DX posed in the ring to end the show.

2007 - The bodies of WWE star Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy (known for her run as "Woman" in professional wrestling) and their son Daniel, are discovered in the Benoit home in Atlanta, Georgia.  WWE releases the following statement that afternoon:

"WWE is sad to report that Chris Benoit and his family have been found dead in their home. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Tonight's Raw will be a tribute to Chris and his family."

While an investigation took place, WWE made the decision to drop the "Mr. McMahon Presumed Dead" angle, which was going to be the focus of a three-hour Raw.  The live event was cancelled, and replaced with a tribute to Benoit including many of Benoit's best matches.

As Raw was broadcasting, the company issued the following press release:

WWE(R) Superstar Chris Benoit Found Dead

STAMFORD, CT, June 25 /CNW/ - World Wrestling Entertainment was informed today by authorities in Fayetteville County, Ga., that WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and his son were found dead in their home. Authorities are investigating, but no other details are available at this time.

Instead of its announced programming for tonight on USA Network, WWE will air a three-hour tribute to Chris Benoit.

Chris was beloved among his fellow Superstars, and was a favorite among WWE fans for his unbelievable athleticism and wrestling ability. He always took great pride in his performance, and always showed respect for the business he loved, for his peers and towards his fans. This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss.

WWE extends its sincere condolences and prayers to the Benoit family and loved ones in this time of tragedy.

Carl DeMarco, President of WWE Canada, added, "I am deeply saddened over the loss of Chris Benoit. My heartfelt thoughts and sympathy go out to his parents and family. My relationship with Chris has extended many years and I consider him a great friend. Chris was always first-class - warm, friendly, caring and professional... one of the best in our business."

Later that night, while the Raw tribute was still airing, Lt. Tommy Pope of the Fayette County Sheriff's Department in Georgia told ABC News that their deaths are being investigated as a "possible murder, suicide."

The ABC website, quoting Pope, noted, "the instruments of death were located on the scene." Pope did not specify what those may have been, but said there was no signs of shootings or stabbings. Pope stated the department is "not actively searching for any suspects outside of the house."

Shortly after that announcement, WWE posted the following on their website:

MURDER-SUICIDE

It has been ruled that the deaths of Chris Benoit, his wife Nancy and their son Daniel earlier today were the result of a double murder-suicide from within the home. WWE.com will have more as soon as it becomes available.

It was later revealed by authorities that the deaths were the result of a double murder-suicide, with Chris Benoit strangling his wife and son to death over the course of the weekend, before taking his own life by hanging himself.  Benoit is believed to have murdered his wife on 6/22, his son on 6/23 and finally took his own life on 6/24 after sending erratic text messages to several friends in WWE.

WWE would pull Chris Benoit tributes, photos and mentions form their website, and Vince McMahon would issue a public apology the next day for the Raw tribute, noting that "the facts of this "horrific tragedy are now apparent" and stating that Benoit would never be mentioned on WWE programming again.  To date, Benoit has never been mentioned by WWE and his matches are only included on DVD Anthologies and releases of complete PPV events.  His name is never, ever used to promote anything.

In the wake of the tragedy, the family of Nancy Benoit founded the Nancy and Daniel Benoit Foundation.  For more details, visit nancyanddanielbenoitfoundation.org.

***

Prior to the revelation that police were investigating a murder-suicide, WWE broadcast a three hour Benoit tribute show.   Richard Trionfo filed the following report on what would turn out to be the final time one of the best all time in-ring workers would have his matches broadcast:

2008 - Former WWF champion The Ultimate Warrior returned to wrestling for NWE, defeating Orlando Jordan in Spain in what, to date, was his final professional wrestling match.  LT filed the following live report from the NWE event in Barcelona, Spain:

2009 - WWE's Randy Savage DVD "Macho Madness" debuted at number one on the Billboard Recreational Sports DVD listing.

2009 - TNA broadcast Impact.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last Sunday’s Slammiversary when Kurt Angle got the TNA Heavyweight Title with an assist from Samoa Joe. In the immortal words of Joe Schmo, ‘what is going on?’ Daffney landed in thumbtacks as well.

We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Not in the Main Event Mafia’ Tenay and Don ‘Not with the Women’s Champ and her minions’ West.

Match Number One: Brutus Magnus versus Brother Ray in a New York City Street Fight

Brother Ray attacks Magnus from behind as he comes to the ring. Ray sends Magnus into the apron and then he chops him before they finally make it to the ring. Ray with a running clothesline into the corner and then he throws Magnus over the top rope to the floor. Ray goes out after Magnus and he chops him against the rail followed by a punch. Ray sends Magnus into the crowd and then Ray follows. Magnus with a rake of the eyes followed by a kick and a European uppercut. Magnus goes to the steps and he hits a double sledge to Ray’s head. Ray sends Magnus into the wall and then he chops Magnus. Ray sends Magnus back into the ringside area and he punches Magnus followed by another chop. They are back in the ring, but Ray brings a table into the equation. Magnus tries to rest while Rob Terry comes into the ring and he hits a spinebuster. Kiyoshi, Doug Williams, and Sheik Abdul Bashir come in and join in the attack. Devon comes in and clotheslines Kiyoshi followed by a chair shot to Terry. They hit a 3D on Kiyoshi and the referee has thrown the match out.

Lauren is in the back with Kurt Angle and she wants to know how long he has been talking to Joe. Joe arrives and Lauren wants to know if Sting is aware. We go to commercial after Joe and Angle hug.

We are back and it is time for the Main Event Mafia to come to the ring. They are led by Kurt Angle with his magical beard and hair as well as the TNA Title belt. He is joined by Scott Steiner, Booker T, Sharmell, Jenna, and Kevin Nash. We see footage from what happened during the main event.

Kurt introduces himself to the fans as the new TNA champion. Kurt says that before the celebration continues, he wants to bring out the newest member of the Main Event Mafia, Samoa Joe. Angle and Joe hug again. Joe then hugs his mentor Kevin Nash, the man he bloodied in a cage, Booker T. Kurt says that it all started with him when Joe came back after his attack by the Main Event Mafia. Kurt says that the Mafia saw what Joe was doing and he had to be signed. Kurt says that Joe’s price was too high and that is where Jenna came into the equation. Kurt says that they made horse’s asses out of everyone, especially A.J. Styles. Angle says that he had Joe take out Nash, Steiner, and Booker. Everyone took a bullet for the family because that is what families do. Kurt says that he told the world what was going to happen. Angle says that he told everyone that he would win the title at Slammiversary and they would all celebrate. That included Samoa Joe. Joe said that same thing.

Angle says that he forgot to tell Sting and he apologizes for not telling him, but what Sting didn’t know didn’t hurt him.

Mick Foley comes out and he is joined by his security on the ramp. Mick comes to the ring and walks into the Lion’s Den. Mick says that Angle must be the man with the plan and he does not owe him an explanation. He says that Angle might owe Sting an explanation and Joe might owe A.J. an explanation. Mick says that the only thing that Angle owes him is a rematch at Victory Road. Foley says that he is cashing in the rematch clause in a one-on-one match for the title.

Angle tells Mick that he saw Foley after the pay per view and he comments on Mick crying after the match. He wants Mick to cry for him. He calls Mick a disgrace and he tells Mick that he does not have any power. Angle says that Mick can sign all of the contracts he wants, but Angle has the power. Angle says that he has the power to choose his opponent for Victory Road. Mick says that he wants the title back and he wants that shot as soon as possible. Mick says that he is still the TNA champion. Angle asks Foley if he thinks he can beat him and Foley says that he can beat Angle.

Angle says that this is his night of celebration and Foley is not going to get him riled up. Kurt tells Foley that when he wants something from the Main Event Mafia, he has to give something back. Angle makes a proposal to go to Mick’s office to work out a little agreement. Angle leaves the ring.

Lauren stops A.J. Styles as he enters the building and Styles tells her to be quiet. He asks Kip James where Joe is and he thinks that Joe is with the Mafia. Styles walks away as we go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for a video package about Mick Foley and Jeff Jarrett and their problems.

It is time to run through the show as we wait for Jeff Jarrett to call in.

It is time to go to the JJ Phone and Jarrett says that there has been a lot of pressure and he needs to rise above the problems. They will solve their problems next week.

We find out that Sarita debuts in three weeks.

Match Number Two: Abyss versus Kevin Nash

The match is joined in progress and Nash with a knee in the corner. Nash misses a punch but Abyss does not miss. Nash with a clothesline. Nash with a series of elbows in the corner. Nash with an Irish whip and a running clothesline in the corner. Abyss with an Irish whip followed by a splash in the corner. Abyss sets for the charge across the ring but Nash with an elbow and then he clotheslines Abyss over the top rope to the floor. Abyss pulls Nash out of the ring and they exchange punches. Nash goes for a chair and he tries to hit Abyss but he hits the ring post. Abyss with punches to Nash and then he sends Nash into the guardrails and ring steps. Abyss tosses the chair into the ring and he wedges it into the turnbuckles. Nash with a knee and then he hits a big boot. Nash takes the chair out of the turnbuckles and Dr. Stevie comes into the ring and he hits Abyss with a taser and Abyss is smoking. Nash drops the chair because the referee did not hear any of the noises from the taser. Nash gets the three count.
Winner: Kevin Nash

After the match, Lauren comes to the ring to check on Abyss.

James Storm and Robert Roode are in the back and they are on their way to the ring. We go to commercial.

We are back and Storm and Roode are in the ring. Storm says that it is great to be the champs again. Roode says that they are the greatest tag team in TNA and the greatest tag team in the world. Roode says that they have to give credit where credit is due. When it comes to legends, Ray and Devon are legends. Roode says that on Sunday, Ray took his eye off the ball and made a mistake. They capitalized on the mistake and became three time tag team champions. They are here to grant Team 3D their rematch. They can have it anytime, anywhere, any place.

They are interrupted by Booker T and Scott Steiner. Booker has a strange smile on his face. Booker says that he has a history lesson for them. He asks if they heard of the Steiner Brothers or Harlem Heat. They are the greatest tag teams of all time. Steiner tells them that if they cannot recognize, Kurt Angle is calling all of the shots and making all the rules. That means Mafia rules. Steiner says that the deal is sealed and etched in stone and there is nothing they can do about it. Booker says that Mick made the deal. Mick will get a title match against Kurt Angle. Nash will have a Legends Title match. Booker says that him and Steiner will get a shot at the tag titles.

Storm says that they are two of the greatest tag team wrestlers in history, but in TNA with the title belts, they are just another Neal and Bob. He tells them to get in line.

Booker must have some hearing problems because he did not think he heard what Storm just said. Booker says that they made the deal. They are in singles matches tonight against each other.

Team 3D come out and he wants to know what Booker and Steiner were saying. Ray says that they are frustrated because Storm and Roode already gave them the rematch at Victory Road. They plan on taking that rematch.

Steiner says that Team 3D are a bunch of fatasses but there is nothing that they can do about the title match. Ray says that they are going to Mick and make an offer he can’t refuse.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a thumbtack match video package.

Match Number Three: Daffney versus Taylor Wilde in a Match of 10,000 Thumbtacks

Daffney attacks Taylor before the bell rings and she punches Taylor. Daffney chops Taylor and then hits a snap mare and a neck breaker. Daffney goes for the thumbtacks, but Taylor pulls her off. Taylor tries to do the same but Daffney pulls her off. Daffney with punches and kicks to Taylor. Daffney gets the back of tacks. Daffney comes off the turnbuckles and Taylor with a kick to the midsection. Taylor gets the bag and she tries to open it. Daffney with a rake of the eyes. Daffney hits Taylor with the bag of tacks and then Daffney pours them on the mat. Daffney grabs Taylor and she tries for the Crudenza but Taylor tries to hit a German suplex with a counter. Taylor with forearms and then she tosses Daffney onto the tacks to win.
Winner: Taylor Wilde

We go to the back where Lauren is with Velvet and Madison. Velvet says that nobody comes in from another promotion to take over their turf. Madison has a tarantula on her shoulder and Velvet and Madison scream. We go to commercial.

We are back and we go to the back to Mick Foley’s office. Team 3D want to know why Booker and Steiner have the title match at Victory Road. Mick says that they know each other and Mick says that Team 3D doesn’t care about Foley’s title loss. Mick says that he does not care about Team 3D losing their titles. Foley says that Team 3D say they are the best. Why not have a match next week to see who gets the title match at Victory Road. Ray has a barbed wire bat and he says that they like him and respect him. Ray says that it isn’t working for them. He tells them to do the right thing. Mick begs Ray to take the match next week. Devon says that they will take the match but tells Mick not to play mind games with him.

Jeremy asks Mick how Kurt will feel about this and Mick says that he does not care.

Match Number Four: Scott Steiner versus Robert Roode

They lock up and Steiner with a rake of the eyes. Steiner sends Roode into the turnbuckles and then he chops Roode followed by a forearm. Steiner with a chop but Roode with chops of his own. Roode floats over Steiner and he chops Steiner and follows it with a snap mare and leap frog neck breaker. Roode with a suplex to Steiner and Roode goes a one man group name announcement. Steiner throws Roode out of the ring and Steiner follows after him. Steiner sends Roode into the guardrails and ring steps. Steiner with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Steiner chokes Roode in the ropes and kicks him followed by a chop. Steiner with a clothesline and the flex elbow drop followed by push ups. Steiner chokes Roode in the ropes. Steiner with a rake of the eyes and forearms and chops. Steiner with a bear hug but Roode escapes and he punches Steiner. Roode with clotheslines and a flying forearm. Roode with a chop but Steiner with an Irish whip but Steiner charges into an elbow. Roode with a blockbuster for a two count. Roode tries for the fisherman suplex but Steiner with the flatline but he can only get a two count. Steiner says that it is over and he sets for the Steiner Recliner but Roode avoids it and he sends Steiner into the turnbuckles. Steiner tries for a belly-to-belly suplex but Roode blocks it. Steiner gets the three count with a back slide.
Winner: Scott Steiner

Jeremy Borash is with Kurt Angle and Jeremy asks Kurt about what happened earlier tonight. Jeremy reminds Kurt about the deal for the tag title match and then Jeremy points out that Foley tweaked it. Kurt asks Jeremy if he means the qualifying match. Angle says that he will take care of that next week. He says that you don’t cross the boss. Jeremy asks Angle if he really didn’t tell Sting. Angle says that he is the Godfather. Jeremy says that Sting is the Godfather. Kurt tells Jeremy that he is the Godfather. Jeremy informs Godfather I that Godfather II is on his way. We go to commercial.

We are back and Jeremy Borash is with Mick Foley to talk about the phone call from Jeff Jarrett. Mick wants to know what Jeff meant by burying the hatchet. Mick says that he thought he was going to be on the same page as Jarrett at Slammiversary. He is willing to work things out if Jeff apologizes next week. Jeremy tells Mick that Kurt is not happy with the tweaking of the agreement. Mick says that they will deal with it at Victory Road.

We go to an Eric Young video package.

Lauren is with Eric Young and she says that his friends wonder what is going on. Eric says that those people are not his friends. He says that he is one of the originals. When everything is over, he is there to be the court jester. He says that he is done with that. Eric says that he does not care about them.

Rhino comes out and he says that Eric is talking about him. He says that because Eric did not have his back, he has a problem with him. Eric suggests settling this next week. Rhino says that they don’t have to settle it next week. Young with a head butt and he leaves. Jesse Neal comes out and he says the wrong thing since Rhino tosses Jesse against the wall and he almost takes Lauren out as well. We go to commercial.

We are back and Lauren is with Booker T about his match against James Storm. Booker says that he is fourteen time tag team champion. Booker says that he is going to beat him down. Sharmell says that she got it done. Sharmell says that now that the check has cleared, he wants Jenna in the ring. Sharmell says that she has a match with Jenna at Victory Road.

Match Number Five: Booker T with Sharmell versus James Storm with Boozer Cruiser

They lock up and Booker with a knee and forearm followed by chops and punches. Booker misses the back heel kick and Storm with chops and punches. Storm with punches but Booker with an eye poke. Booker tries to throw Storm out of the ring but Storm skins the cat and he punches Booker. Booker hot shots Storm on the top rope and then Storm goes to the floor. Booker with knees to Storm followed by a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Booker with a kick and he misses the scissors kick. Storm with forearms and a face buster and neck breaker. Storm gets a near fall. Booker and Storm with punches but Storm with a suplex and then it is time for the one man group name salute. Storm punches Booker and then he gets Booker in the corner and he punches him. Sharmell gives Booker the beer bottle and he hits Storm with it and he also takes out the referee.
Winner: James Storm by disqualification

Sting is just outside the Impact Zone. He walks into commercial.

We are back and A.J. Styles is now in the ring and he has something to say. A.J. says that after what happened on Sunday, he wants Mister Nation of Violence to come to the ring.

Joe comes out and he gets face to face with A.J. A.J. asks Joe if he did it for the money. A.J. says that they had a plan. One of them was going to win the title. The crowd says that Joe ‘sold out’. A.J. says that Joe did not want to win and he did not want A.J. to win either. A.J. tells Joe that he screwed him, the company, and the fans. A.J. says that Joe screwed himself when he gave Kurt Angle the title. A.J. says that he should take off Joe’s head right now. A.J. says that he will not do it. A.J. says that he wants to know who got into his head and told him that it would be a good idea.

Joe tells A.J. that he can ask him at Victory Road. Joe walks away and A.J. says that he is not done. Joe says that he is done. A.J. punches Joe and Joe fights back. Matt Morgan comes to the ring and he attacks A.J. Joe joins in the attack and then Morgan with choke push ups. Daniels comes to the ring and he goes after Morgan and Joe. Daniels with a forearm. The members of the Main Event Mafia make their way to the ring at their own individual speeds. They attack Daniels and Styles.

Sting comes out and he has his music to accompany him. The Main Event Mafia already leave the ring for Sting. We go to commercial before Sting comments on the situation.

We are back and Sting says that he expected this from Kurt Angle, but not everyone else in the group. Sting tells everyone to look at themselves. It was because of punks like Joe that they started the Mafia. Sting asks Kurt what else he did without telling him. Angle says that he had nothing to do with Matt Morgan. Sting tells Kurt that Kurt is beyond pathetic and does not believe that Kurt didn’t have a little to do with it. Matt says that he didn’t have a little to do with it. Kurt had a lot to do with it. Sting asks Kevin where he stands with all of this. He expected more from Kevin, but did not expect this much from Booker. He tells Booker to zip it. Sting says that he is not surprised about Steiner because he follows everyone. Sting says that Booker only cares about himself. Sting says that the same goes for Sharmell. Sting says that he expected more from Nash. He asks Kevin if he remembers the Wolfpack. Nash says that when Kurt didn’t want Sting in the Mafia, he said that Sting was alright. Nash was with Sting when he talked about respect and dignity. When they wanted to cut Sting off at the knees, he told them not to do it. Nash says that when Kurt said that maybe Morgan should take him out, he said it was a good idea. Sting wants to know why. Nash tells Sting to look around because the plan wasn’t working while Angle’s plan was working. The honor and dignity thing is bull****. Nash says that he believes in ‘In God We Trust’ and it is about money. They bought Joe because they could not beat him. He says that you can make friends or you can make money but you cannot make both. Nash says that he would love to be at Sting’s side, but he won’t fight them. Nash says that this is a fairy tale we tell your kids at night. Sting asks Kevin if it is about Kevin’s son Tristan. Sting asks Kevin if Tristan was to learn from Kevin’s example and Sting tells Kevin that he does not believe Kevin. Kevin is not being the Kevin that he knows. That Kevin is not Oz, Big D, or Big Sexy. That Kevin is Kevin Nash. Sting tells Kevin that he proved him wrong. Sting gives Kevin his bat so Kevin can finish him off. Sting tells Kevin to let the fairy tale continue. Kevin holds the bat but Sting has a second bat. Sting hits Nash with the bat and then Sting hits everyone else with the bat. Joe has the Kevin bat and Joe hits Sting twice with the bat. Morgan holds Sting while everyone attacks Sting.

2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We start off tonight’s show with General Manager Teddy Long and Consultant to Smackdown Vickie Guerrero in Teddy’s office. Teddy mentions that it has been a whirlwind week in the WWE. Three new champions were crowned at the Fatal Four Way pay per view, including Rey Mysterio. In four weeks, Rey will be defending his title at the brand new Money in the Bank pay per view. Vickie says that over the next two weeks, they will be evaluating all of the Smackdown superstars to decide which eight men will be in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Teddy says that they will all try to climb the ladder to get the briefcase above the ring. The briefcase will have a contract that allows the winner to have a title match against the Smackdown champion at any point in the next year. Vickie mentions the vicious attack that Vince McMahon suffered and he was rendered incapacitated.

Drew McIntyre comes in and interrupts Tedddddddddddddddddy. He wants to know why Teddy is so happy and he wants him to wipe the smile off his face. Drew says that he humiliated Teddy last week and humbled him. Drew says that he will tell Vince about Teddy’s officiating at the pay per view as well as his lack of concern for the chairman.

Teddy says that he met with the Board of Directors that based on the absence of Vince McMahon, he can run the show however he feels appropriate. Teddy says that he is reinstating Matt Hardy. Drew says that Teddy can’t do it. Teddy says that he can do it and Matt will be facing Drew tonight. Teddy tells Drew to take his Scottish accent and the sour look on his face and get out of his office. Vickie tells Drew to leave and Drew finally exits.

We are live on tape from Manchester, New Hampshire and your announcers are Matt ‘What did I ever do to deserve getting my butt kicked the last two weeks’ Striker and Todd ‘How much time do you have’ Grisham.

Before our opening match, Jack Swagger has something to say on his way to the ring. Jack tells everyone to know that he is filing a formal protest against the WWE. He says that he is protesting that he has to fight a 500 pound giant right now. He is also protesting that he had to defend his title in a Fatal Four Way match. It is a match that is so lawless and so unpredictable that it is impossible for a natural athlete like himself to come out victorious. There were no rules in place to protect him or the World Title. When Kane came out and cost him the World Title, he was cheated out of the World Title. Jack says that he is invoking his rematch clause at Money in the Bank and he says that he is confident that he will come out victorious because his daddy taught him that cheaters never win and winners never cheat. Until then, he is going to make everyone suffer. Suffer the way that he suffered on Sunday. Suffer the way that his daddy suffered on Father’s Day.

Match Number One: Big Show versus Jack Swagger

Show with a kick and punches to Swagger followed by a chop in the corner. Show with more punches as Swagger goes down and then Show sits on Swagger while he is in the ropes. Show with another punch to the midsection followed by a head butt and Swagger rolls to the floor. Show pulls Swagger back onto the apron but Swagger drops Show on the top rope. Swagger goes up top but Show crotches Swagger and then he hits a superplex and both men are down and Swagger rolls to the floor as we go to commercial.

We are back and Show works on the arm and he uses his elbow as well as his entire body weight on the arm. Show pulls Swagger up by the arm and then he wraps the arm in the ropes. Show picks Swagger up by the arm and drops him to the mat followed by a leg drop to the arm. Show walks all over Swagger and then picks him back up. Swagger with punches that have no effect. Show with a punch and forearm and then he stands on Swagger’s wrist. Swagger with a kick and punches followed by a front face lock but Show picks up Swagger and tosses him away. Show with an Irish whip and then he hits a splash into the corner. Show misses a clothesline and Swagger with a flying shoulder to the knee for a near fall. Swagger kicks Show in the leg and then he tries to hyper-extend the leg. Swagger with a step over toe hold on Show but Show kicks Swagger away. Show gets back to his feet but he is clearly limping. Swagger with a kick to the leg and a flying shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Swagger with a leaping leg drop to Show and then he hits the double jump Vader Bomb. Swagger tries for a second one but Show gets his arm up and he has Swagger by the throat. Swagger counters the choke slam and he rolls through into an ankle lock and Show fights to get out of the hole. Show crawls to the ropes and he gets to the ropes but Swagger refuses to release the hold and then he grapevines the leg. The referee calls for the bell since Swagger does not release the hold before the five count.

Winner: Big Show by disqualification

After the match, Big Show tries to get back to his feet but he cannot put any weight on his left leg as a result of the ankle lock and work that Swagger did on the leg. Show collapses under his own weight one more time.

We see Swagger smiling on the stage as he looks at what he did to Big Show.

We go to commercial.

We are back with the WWE Rewind: Christian and MVP versus Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer from last week.

Match Number Two: Montel Vontavious Porter, Christian, and Kofi Kingston versus Vance Archer, Curt Hawkins, and Dolph Ziggler

Hawkins and Porter start things off and Hawkins has a punch blocked but Porter with punches of his own. Porter with a head and arm overhead suplex for a near fall. Christian tags in and he punches Hawkins followed by a drop kick for a near fall. Porter tags in and he punches Hawkins. Hawkins sends Porter into the corenr and then he tags in Ziggler. Ziggler sends Hawkins into the corner but Porter with a boot to Hawkins. Porter then knocks Archer off the apron and then he back body drops Ziggler to the floor. Kingston and Christian also join in and Porter with a pescado onto Archer while Kofi hits a suicide dive onto Ziggler and Christian with a baseball slide to Hawkins as we go to commercial.

We are back and Porter with an Irish whip and flying forearm into the corner for a near fall. Kofi tags in and gets a rollup for a near fall. Kofi with an arm bar on Ziggler but Ziggler reverses and he puts Kofi in a side head lock. Kofi with a leaping back elbow for a near fall. Ziggler with a knee and then he works on the arm but Kofi with an arm drag and drop kick. Kofi with a side Russian leg sweep and then he runs a few laps around Ziggler but instead of doing the boom drop Kofi goes after Hawkins who tries to interfere. Ziggler hits Kofi from behind and then Ziggler with a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Archer tags in and punches Kofi followed by a swinging neck breaker. Archer with a rear chin lock. Kofi with punches but Archer with a running back elbow and he gets a near fall. Hawkins tags back in and he kicks Kofi followed by a gutbuster from Archer as Hawkins gets a near fall. Hawkins with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Hawkins with a rear chin lock and he tries to isolate the arm.

Kofi with a jawbreaker and Ziggler tags in and hits Kofi with a double sledge to the back. Ziggler hits a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Ziggler with an elbow followed by a slam. Kofi with a head scissors and then he tries to make the tag but Ziggler stops him. Kofi with a sunset flip and then he tags in Christian. Christian punches Ziggler a few times followed by a flapjack. Ziggler goes to the ropes and Christian stands on Ziggler’s back. Christian slingshots to the floor and Hawkins knows what is coming next but Christian sees him coming and Christian punches Hawkins. This allows Ziggler to avoid the punch. Ziggler with a kick to Christian and then Ziggler with a drop kick to Porter that knocks him off the apron. Christian with the inverted DDT but he can only get a near fall. Christian knocks Archer off the apron.

Christian with a back kick and then Christian with a sunset flip off the turnbuckles but Ziggler rolls through. Ziggler with a leaping leg lariat and he gets a near fall. Christian with a punch to Ziggler and then Christian goes up top but Ziggler follows but Christian knocks him off. Christian with a missile drop kick and then all six men get into the ring. Porter with a facebuster to Archer while Hawkins goes after Kofi. Porter with a cross body to Archer that sends both men over the top rope to the floor. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise on Hawkins and they all go to the floor. Ziggler sends Christian into the turnbuckles and then he tries for the Zig Zag but Christian holds on to the ropes. Christian hits the Killswitch for the three count.

Winners: Christian, Kofi Kingston, and Montel Vontavious Porter

We go to commercial.

We are back and we are told that Rey Mysterio will address the fans next week.

It is time to take a look back at Monday Night Raw and what happened after the main event.

Kane is in the back with his empty casket. He says that tonight they will get vengeance. Tonight they will bring hell down on the guilty culprit. They will get their revenge. Tonight he will eviscerate CM Punk. Tonight, he will break Punk’s body in two. He will decapitate the head of the Straight Edge Society. Kane closes the casket.

Matt Hardy is walking in the back and he shakes hands with everyone in back, including JTG.

We are back and Did You Know that 100 million video clips have already been watched on WWE’s page on YouTube.

Match Number Three: Drew McIntyre versus Matt Hardy

Matt and Drew have some words as the bell rings and then Drew misses a punch but Matt does not miss. Matt with a discus punch and Drew goes to the floor. Drew tries to pull Hardy to the floor but Hardy kicks Drew into the announce table and then into the apron. They return to the ring and Hardy with a tackle that sends both men to the floor. Hardy sends Drew over the ring steps and then Hardy with a forearm to the back. Drew runs Hardy into the ring post and then Drew goes to the floor. Drew puts Hardy on the top step and then he hits a belly-to-back suplex on the floor. Drew wants the referee to start his count but Matt gets back into the ring and the match continues. Drew with kicks to the head and then Drew with punches to Hardy. Drew with European uppercuts to Hardy and then he gets a near fall. McIntyre with an arm bar and cross face to Hardy. Hardy with punches but Drew with a kick and Irish whip but Hardy with a boot to a charging McIntyre. Hardy goes to the turnbuckles but Drew with a forearm and then he climbs the turnbuckles and hits a few head butts. Drew with a hip toss from the turnbuckles that he turns into a sit out driver and Drew can only get a two count.

Drew tries to figure out how to finish off Hardy and he punches Matt in the corner and the referee warns him. Hardy with a kick and punches. Drew with a running back elbow for a near fall. Drew with an arm bar and cross face. Hardy with kicks to the head but McIntyre with a double leg take down and he punches Hardy. Drew puts Hardy on the turnbuckles and connects with forearms to the back. McIntyre hits a super belly-to-back suplex but he rolls Hardy towards the ropes and Hardy grabs the ropes at two. Hardy rolls to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and McIntyre returns to the arm bar. Hardy gets to his feet and he punches Drew but Drew runs Hardy into the turnbuckles. McIntyre with short arm clotheslines in the corner followed by another short arm clothesline. McIntyre with a leaping boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Hardy punches Drew and then connects with a back elbow and a modified neck breaker for a near fall. Hardy with a Side Effect for a near fall. Hardy with a running clothesline into the corner but Drew is able to escape the bulldog attempt and Drew hits a big boot for a near fall. Drew with a neck breaker that connects with Drew’s knee and Matt can only get a two count. Drew tries for the double underhook DDT but Matt with a back body drop that sends Drew over the top rope to the floor. Hardy with an elbow from the turnbuckles. Drew sends Hardy into the ring steps and then Drew tries to stomp on Matt’s head on the ring steps but Hardy trips Drew and Drew hits the steps but Matt can only get a two count. Hardy goes to the turnbuckles but he takes too long and Drew pulls Matt off and gets a near fall of his own. Drew argues with the referee before he returns his attention to Hardy. Hardy with a kick and Twist of Fate for the three count.

Winner: Matt Hardy

After the match, Teddy Long appears on the TitanTron and he wants Drew to pay attention. Teddy tells Drew that he is sorry that he lost his match. Teddy has some bad news for Drew. Teddy says that it looks like somebody’s Visa has expired. That means that someone is in this country illegally. Teddy tells security to send Drew back to Scotland.

Matt waves goodbye to Drew as two men come to the ring to escort Drew out of the country.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Cody Rhodes comes to the ring with Husky Harris. Cody says that everyone is trying to look at his naturally sculpted facial features. He says that you can uncover your eyes to look at WWE’s most attractive superstar. Cody mentions the Diva Poll where they picked the most handsome superstar and Cody was the winner. Cody mentions that John Cena is a movie star, but he isn’t the most handsome guy in the WWE. Cody wants Husky Harris to show everyone his physique. Cody says that unfortunately Husky represents the average male. He mentions his horrible tattoos and dirty hair. Cody thanks Husky for his time. Cody says that he cannot help that he was born this good looking. He says that it is not genetics because look at his father and brother. Cody says that sometimes a blessing can be a curse. Cody asks a fan at ringside if he knows how hard it is to maintain his baby smooth skin. Cody says that he can hear the fans getting fatter. Cody goes to Todd Grisham and he asks Todd how many hours he spends in the gym while he reads comics and goes on the internet. Cody then turns his attention to Tony Chimmel. Cody says that he says that he hasn’t had a carb since Bill Clinton has been President. Cody says that Tony hasn’t had a donut since the first match. Cody returns to the ring and he thanks the WWE Divas for their exquisite taste. Cody lays across the top turnbuckle and says that it is not fair to have so much God given ability, to be so handsome, suave, debonair and handsome. He tells Vickie and Teddy to consider the man with the money face for Money in the Bank. Cody tells everyone to call him ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes. Cody repeats his new nickname a few dozen times.

We go to Vickie Guerrero in the back and she is admiring her photo of her and Dolph. Dolph enters and says that they need to talk. Dolph says that the relationship was supposed to be a two way street but he says that all he does is give and give. Dolph says that he wants gold. Vickie says that she gave him a gold chain. Dolph says that he wants an Intercontinental Title match or he doesn’t know about their future.

We go to commercial.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Rosa Mendes is jumping rope in the ring.

Match Number Four: Rosa Mendes versus Kelly Kelly with Tiffany

Before the match starts, Michelle McCool and Layla come to the ring, but first they do their synchronized entrance routine before giving their title belts to their rookie Kaval.

Rosa continues to jump rope and Kelly wants to know what is going on. Kelly with a kick and K2 for the three count.

Winner: Kelly Kelly

After the match, Kelly jumps some rope and then she throws the jump rope at Michelle and Layla. They get on the apron but Tiffany joins Kelly in the ring and we have a stand off.

We take a look back at the opening match between Big Show and Jack Swagger when Swagger puts Show in a prolonged ankle lock but refused to release the hold.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a video package for Alberto del Rio. He says that a lot of people talk about his attributes. Among them are honesty. He says that many lose it as they get older. He talks about how people lie as they get older. He says that a liar is a despicable person. He says that some lie more than the others. He says that everyone is a liar. He says that there is only one person who does not lie and refuses to lie. He says that he is the one honest man.

Next week, Rey Mysterio will be on Smackdown to address the WWE Universe.

Before our main event starts, CM Punk gets on the mic and he says that he only has one thing to say. He says that this is the face of an innocent man.

Match Number Five: CM Punk versus Kane in a No Disqualification Match

Punk punches Kane as he enters the ring but Kane sends Punk over the top rope to the floor. Kane sends Punk into the ringside barrier and Kane punches him. Kane biels Punk into the ringside barrier a few times and he follows that with an uppercut. Kane runs Punk into the ring apron and then he hot shots Punk on the ringside barrier. Luke Gallows tries to interfere but it fails. Kane punches Gallows and sends him into the ringside steps. Kane Irish whips Gallows into the ringside barrier. Kane with a clothesline to Punk and then he stops an attack from the other masked member of the group. Punk and Gallows attack Kane from behind and then Gallows with a series of punches Kane. New masked man with a boot to the stomach. Punk sends Kane into the ringside barrier as the three on one attack continues. Kane is Irish whipped into the ringside barrier by Gallows and the other masked man. Gallows with a clothesline to Kane. Gallows and the masked man send Punk at Kane but Kane with a back body drop. Kane sends Gallows into the ring post and then the other masked man gets sent into the ring post. Kane grabs Punk and slams his hand into the announce table and ring steps. Kane punches Punk and then he sends the arm into the ring post. Kane sends Punk into the ring steps twice. Kane rearranges the announce table and he choke slams the masked man on the ground. Kane grabs Punk but Gallows hits Kane from behind. Kane sends Gallows into the apron and then he choke slams Luke through the announce table.

Punk runs through the crowd and Kane follows. They make their way into the concourse and Kane continues his pursuit. Kane sends Punk into the merchandise table and then Kane slams Punk through one of the tables. Kane then sends Punk into the concessions table. Punk is able to get out of the building after an uppercut and Punk runs across the street to escape from Kane as we go to credits.

2011 - WWE announced that Chavo Guerrero had been released from the company.  Guerrero had requested the release, writing via Twitter, ""Yes, it's true. My release is the big news I was talking about. But let's get something straight. I asked for my release. I was just tired of not being used correctly. Just cuz u can make other ppl look good, doesn't mean they should just have u lose to them. The same thing happened to Eddie. After being champ, they still had him working mid card status. Being a Guerrero, we've been taught since diapers to get the most out of ppl & matches. It's our gift, but also our curse. WWE has always used us to make other ppl look good. It all comes down to being happy. I was not happy in WWE anymore. I had a smile on my face last night though when I got my release though! :) now it's time for me to start being a Guerrero again, and start kicking ass again, be able to tell stories in the ring like u know we can. :) win or lose I will never go back to the place WWE put me in. I will never go back to being under utilized and watching ppl who suck get bigger "pushes" than me! Thank u to all of u who stuck by me & kept reminding me, I was better than that! :) stay tuned.. Big things coming!! Now I will really be able to entertain u! :) like me or hate me, 1 thing I have always tried to do is entertain u and give u fans your $ worth. Even if my hands were tied most of the time. I love u all and can't wait for the future!! So happy. :)"

2011 - CZW held their tenth annual Tournament of Death in Townsend, DE.  Mike Johnson filed the following live report:

Combat Zone Wrestling held their tenth annual Tournament of Death on Saturday 6/25/11 in Townsend, Delaware, holding the event once again in the Markland Acres Farm owned by the family of CZW owner DJ Hyde.

As it the norm for these shows, there was a lot of violence and insane spectacle. The show drew in the area of 550-650 fans with some traveling from as far as San Diego, Chicago, Toronto, South Carolina and New York City.

The show opened with a moment of silence for JT Roberts, a Northeast-based independent wrestler who had made appearances for CZW in the past. Roberts passed away last week in an auto accident

ROUND ONE

*Masada pinned Dysfunction in a Fans Bring the Weapons Match. Dysfunction threw a chair wrapped in barbed wire at Masada as Masada posed for the crowd before the bell and then ripped up Masada's forehead with a round pizza cutter. Masada fought back, including blasting Dysfunction over the head with a large snare drum. Masada nailed him with a guitar, then suplexed him onto the remnants of it. Not to be stopped, he then grabbed the shattered neck of the guitar and dug it into the forehead of Dysfunction. Dysfuction came back with a sideslam on a barbed wire chair. They battled to the outside, where Masada was nailed with a chair and a stop sign. Back in the ring, Dysfuntion nailed a rolling Samoan Drop off the ropes onto the barbed wire chair. Masada lowblowed him and pulled out acupuncture needles, digging them into Dysfunction's hands. Dysfunction fought back and stuck them in Masada's head. They went back and forth untl Masada nailed a Death Valley Driver off the the ring apron through a table for the pin.

*Matt Tremont scored the biggest win of his career, defeating Necro Butcher in a "Get Hit" match featuring a variety of weapons. They battled back and forth with Necro ending up on the outside. He tossed a few chairs from ringside into the ring. Tremont challenged him to sit down and exchange punches. Necro drilled him with some insanely stiff shots. Tremont clotheslined Necro over the top to the floor. They batttled outside and Tremont was slammed onto a row of ringside chairs. They brawled in the crowd, including grabbing a huge cooler that a fan brought to the show. Necro slammed Tremont with it, sending beers and sodas flying. Tremont took control and drilled Necro with a boot to the back of the neck, smashing a light tube into Necro. Necro grabbed a beer bottle from a fan and smashed it over Tremont's head twice, the second time shattering it. Tremont went after Necro's bare foot, beating it with a thumbtack bat. He attempted to spike Necro's testicles with a huge steak fork but Necro smashed light tubes across his back. Necro drilled Tremont across the head with a thumbtack bat and the tacks embedded across Tremont's skull. Tremont kicked up out of a pinfall attempt. Necro beat Tremont across the ring and bulldogged him for a two. Tremont powerbombed Necro on an open chair for a two count. Tremont beat him with water jugs attached to sticks. Tremont came off the top with a diving headbutt through light tubes for the pin. Strong, stiff brawl that saw Tremont get some rub from beating Necro. You had a "star was born" feeling here.

*Big Japan Wrestling's Jaki Numazawa pinned Danny Havoc in a "Festival of Light Tubes" match. Havoc came out with a light tube taped to his arm and foreammed Numazawa Havoc slammed him through light tubes then hit an elbow off the second rope throught the tubes. Havoc went for a moonsault but Numazawa nailed him in chest with light tubes as Havoc was upside down mid-moonsault. That shot shredded Havoc's mid-section. It looked brutal. Numazawa missed a chairshot. Havoc nailed him with an Ace Cutter on the chair. Havoc went to the ropes but Numazawa used light tubes like a pole and flipped Havoc off of the turnbuckles and into the ring. He charged Havoc with huge collection of light tubes and nailed a reverse piledriver for a two count. Havoc nailed a light tube shot and an enziguiri. Havoc hit the stroke onto light tubes for a two count. Numazawa nailed a death valley driver through light tubes for a two count. Havoc battled back and nailed a DVDR of his own. They battled on top. An unknown worker (seriously, no idea who that was) came out and nailed Havok with light tube on the outside and chokeslammed him from the apron through tubes on the ground. Numazawa powerbombed Havoc through a light tube structure. Havoc kicked out, which the crowd popped for. Numazawa nailed him over the head with light tubes and piledrove him onto the remnants for a three count. Crazy match.

*In a Thumbtack Kick Pads Match, Big Japan Wrestling's Masashi Takeda defeated 2010 TOD winner Scotty Vortekz. Vortekz was wearing kickpads embedded with thumbtacks as weapons, hence the stipulation title. Vortekz was nailed and tossed to the outside. Back in the ring, Takeda was sent headfirst through a barbed wire board. Vortekz nailed a leaping knee across the face, leaving thumbtacks in Takeda's face. Vortekz kicked liight tubes into Takeda's chest. Vortekz drilled a thumbtack kick across Takeda's back for a two count. Vortekz was caught with an exploder through the barbed wire board. That was crazy. Vortekx was trapped behind the remnants of a broken barbed wire board. Takeda charged into it, nearly impaling himself as the barbed wire side was facing him. That was nuts. They went back and forth. Vortekz came off the top with a thumbtacks Ivan Koloff style "Bombs Away" knee drop for a two count. Vortekz was nailed with a German suplex through a barbed wire board. There was a miscue so Takeda tossed him to the mat. Vortex was finally pinned.

Semi-Finals:

*Masada defeated Matt Tremont in a Tenzans, Whips and Anything Else We Can F***ing Find In the Back Match. Tremont lost some of the momentum he got in the first match here, partially because the crowd was so behind Masada and partially because Tremont looked hesitant at times. They battled back and forth with punches and forearms and chops. They shoulderblocked each other but tp no effect. Tremont nailed a low dropkick in the corner. Tremont stomped away at Masada. Masada slammed a shopping cart onto Tremont then used a Tenzan on Tremont's head and arm. Tremont came back to lay Masada across the cart and nailed him with a stop sign. He went to nail Masada with a bat that had light bulbs glued to it, but was cut off and drilled in the head with it by Masada. Masada positioned Tremont's arm inside the shopping cart and kicked the metal grate that would fold up when you stacked the carts into Tremont's arm. Tremont collapsed in the corner. Masada drilled the cart into his chest, the Tremont's face. Masada's ankle seemed to be bothering him at this point. Tremont came back to powerbomb Masada on the Tenzans and and then ripped at his face with a cheese grater. Masada beat three Tenzans into Tremont's head and they stuck. That was insane! Masada hit two running boots and then beat the Tenzans deeper into Tremont's head with a chair. He suplexed Tremont for a two count. He then did ten punches in a corner on the Tenzans. Masada then pulled them out with his teeth. SICK. Tremont caught him from underneath with a sitdown powerbib for a two count. He placed Masada on the cart and went for a splash but Masada moved and Tremont belly flopped onto it, which looked painful as hell. Masada used a chair to choke out Tremont in a crossface like move. When Tremont didn't answer, the referee called it. A hell of a war.

*In a Barbed Wire Boards, Light Tubes and Thumbtacks match, Masashi Takeda defeated Jaki Numazawa in a battle of Big Japan stars. They each screamed they were going to do this Big Japan Style. Numazawa headbutts a light tube into Takeda then dug it into his head. Numazawa drilled him with a DDT for a two count. Takeda nailed Numazawa with a chair, then grabbed a magical bag of thumbtacks. He spread them and backdropped Numazawa on them. with. Takeda charged him with with a light tube shattering it in the corner. Numazawa came back to nail a running DVDR through a barbed wire board. He placed Takeda on a table and went to the top but was caught with a back suplex through a table. Nuts They went back and forth with more craziness. Numazawa was building a series of hot offensive maneuvers when he was KILLED with a stiff forearm smash and a German suplex for the pin.

*Sami Callihan pinned Greg Excellent to earn a future match against DJ Hyde. More of an angle than anything else. This was billed as a three-way match but DJ Hyde did a heel bit where he claimed to be a huge international star, coming out wearing a Ribera's Steakhouse jacket and claimed they would have to wrestle each other. Callihan and Excellent turned it into a comedy routine making shoot comments to rip on Hyde. It was cute at times but not what the crowd wanted to see and it went way too long. Excellent and Callihan were both dressed as Hyde to mock him. It ended up with a pissed off Hyde announcing Necro Butcher vs. Callihan at the 7/9 ECW Arena return. Callihan ended up smashing a watermelon in Hyde's face. This wasn't what the crowd came to see and while they laughed at some of the lines and obviously love Callihan, this came off as the weakest segment on the show.

*CZW Tag Team champions Joker & Black Jeez defeated CZW champion Devon Moore & mystery partner Little Mondo. Mondo is a student at the CZW school who was well known as a fan dressing up as Nick Mondo nine years ago when he was a top CZW star. A fan used the "n" word on Jeez before the match and it almost became an ugly scene. This was an all over brawl. Moore was bleeding heavily. Mondo crawled atop one of the ring trucks and did a dive. Lots of brawling in the crowd. Jeez is a hell of a heel.

*Masada pinned Masashi Takeda to capture the 2011 CZW Tournament of Death in a barbed wire ropes, light tubes, panes of glass and whatever was left match. They actually did, shock of shocks, some MAT WRESTLING early on. Masada was nailed with an exploder. Takeda began working him over with light tube shots to the head. They went to the outside where they continued with the light tube chicanery. Back in the ring, Takeda was slammed on light tubes for a two count. Takeda placed a light tube over Takeda's back and elbowed it into oblivion. Takeda was whipped into the barbed wire and light tube ropes. They battled on outside with Takeda being whipped into the railing. Masada drilled Takeda in the head with light tubes. Takeda, enraged, nailed himself with two others. Masada drilled him with uppercut. Takeda started working on Masada's bad ankle. He nailed a release German suplex and then another with a bridge for a two count. Takeda drilled Masada with a shining wizard for two. Takeda nailed a nasty belly to belly suplex on Masada through a pane of glass in the corner. Takeda does the light tube charge in corner for a two count. They battled back and forth. Masada powerbombed Takeda through a glass plane in the corner. They battled over a flaming pane of glass that was bridged over several cinderblocks. Finally, Takeda was suplexed through the fire and glass. He kicked up. The glass that remained on the blocks were still burning, so Takeda was powerbombed atop of them. INSANE. Equally insane was Masada pressing his foot down on Takeda, holding him down on the flames before pinning him.

Overall, an insane afternoon of crazed pro wrestling. It's not for everyone but its a hell of an entertaining sight to see and atmosphere to take in.

We begin with Daniel Bryan’s comments about AJ would be the problem for CM Punk and Kane going into No Way Out. We see footage of AJ’s questionable behavior. What was with AJ’s look back at CM Punk at No Way Out? What about AJ’s Kane costume from last week.

AJ is in the back and she has something to say. She tells Daniel that even if he doesn’t want to show it, he still has feelings for her. They have to drift apart. She tells Kane that she loses all of her inhibitions when she sees him and she wants to get wild. We know that he is not a man, but a monster. She tells CM Punk that she thinks of them as soulmates, but she doesn’t think that he thinks what she thinks he is thinking. She tells Punk that it is best if they all go their separate ways.

The camera moves and we see that AJ is talking to a mirror.

We are live from Fort Wayne, Indiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Who can I suck up to this week who won’t be back next week’ Cole and Jerry ‘Do you think they remember there is a pay per view coming up’ Lawler.

Since John Laurinaitis cannot ban Brodus Clay any more, we will see Brodus face Big Show tonight.

John Cena has a huge announcement for later tonight.

Vickie Guerrero comes out and she throws out a flurry of Excuse Mes. She reminds everyone that the Board of Directors has named her interim General Manager of Raw and Smackdown this week. Based on her track record, in no time, she will become the permanent General Manager of Raw and Smackdown in four weeks on the 1000th episode of Raw.

Vickie says that she will bring us a great show.

Match Number One: Daniel Bryan versus Kane versus CM Punk in a Three Way Dance

Punk goes after Kane and then Bryan does the same but Kane sends them to the mat. Kane with a slam to Bryan followed by an uppercut to Punk and a back elbow. Bryan clips Kane but Kane stays on his feet. Bryan with yes kicks to the leg and Punk with kicks of his own.

Bryan with a rollup on Punk while Kane rolls to the floor. They lock up again and Punk with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Punk catches Bryan on a leap frog attempt and hits a reverse atomic drop. Punk tries for a surfboard while AJ watches from the back, but Punk decides to give Bryan a curb stomp. Punk tries for a suicide dive but Kane with an uppercut.

Bryan with a baseball slide but Kane catches Bryan off the apron and sends him into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.

We are back and Kane punches Punk and then he Irish whips Punk into Bryan and then Kane splashes both of them in the corner. Kane goes up top but Bryan with a forearm to stop him. Punk stops the superplex attempt and he gets Bryan on his shoulders and Kane misses a clothesline when Bryan gets a victory roll for a near fall.

Kane grabs both men by the throat but Bryan and Punk stop Kane and hit a double suplex and all three men are down. Bryan and Punk exchange forearms with Bryan getting the advantage. Punk with a back heel kick and leg lariat. Punk with a clothesline and then Punk sends Bryan into forearms from Kane. Punk avoids Kane and Kane goes over the top rope to the floor. Punk back body drops Bryan onto Kane.

Punk with a suicide dive onto Kane and Bryan on the floor. Punk sends Bryan back into the ring and then Punk waits for the springboard clothesline but Bryan catches him and tries for the Yes Lock. Punk catapults Bryan into Kane on the apron and then Punk with a round kick to Bryan but Bryan gets his foot on the rope to stop the count.

Punk says that it is time for someone to go to sleep and he goes for Bryan but Kane with a boot to Punk’s head and Kane gets a near fall on Punk. Kane with an Irish whip to Punk followed by a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top and hits the clothesline. Kane sets for the choke slam but it is time for AJ to skip to the ring while her music plays.

Kane grabs Punk but Punk avoids the choke slam and Punk gets Kane on his shoulders for the Go To Sleep and he hits it and gets the three count on Kane.

Kane Eliminated

Bryan kicks Punk in the head and gets the three count.

Winner: Daniel Bryan

Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez are in Vickie’s office and Ricardo has some flowers from Alberto. Alberto says that Vickie knows that he is the rightful number one contender.

Dolph enters and he tells Alberto that was the way that it was before he got injured, now he has to wait in line. Dolph asks for one more chance.

Vickie says that there will be a number one contender match and the winner will be the person who grabs the contract and they will face Sheamus on Friday.

Ricardo returns with the flowers in a vase and Dolph takes them and throws them against the wall.

We go to commercial.

We are back with the WWE Rewind: Big Show destroying the Funk last month on Raw.

Match Number Two: Big Show versus Brodus Clay with the Funkettes

They lock up and Show punches Clay. Show tries for the shhhh chop but Clay blocks it. Clay with a head butt but Show with a kick to the leg. Show with an elbow to the leg and then he steps on the leg. Show sends the leg into the ring post. Show kicks Clay in the head and he goes for the Vader Bomb and hits it. Show sets for the punch but Clay is able to head butt Show. Clay gets Show up but his knee gives out and Show gets the three count.

Winner: Big Show

Lawler and Cole wonder what the ‘huge announcement’ will be this week. We see footage of John Cena’s 300th Wish through the Make A Wish Foundation.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a WWE Raw 1000 Memorable Moment. Bob Barker talks about his appearance as the guest host on Raw and his fun with Chris Jericho.

We see footage from the commercial break when Brodus Clay was being helped to the back and Big Show nails Big Show in the face with a punch.

Michael Cole reminds us of Triple H’s comments from No Way Out and in case you forgot, we see them again. We then see Paul Heyman’s rebuttal to the SummerSlam challenge on Raw and Triple H’s unwarranted attack on Paul Heyman.

Next week, Brock Lesnar will respond to Triple H’s challenge for SummerSlam.

AJ is in the back and she says that maybe she has been acting crazy lately and she is glad that Kane is here to talk.

Kane says that he is not one with his feelings, but AJ has made him feel things he never thought possible. Kane says that is not a good thing. He says that he is not boyfriend material.

AJ says that their relationship is unconventional.

Kane says that he is a monster and he wears a mask. His only source of pleasure is eviscerating people. Kane says that he finds AJ mentally unstable. Kane tells AJ that it would be best if they stay away from each other.

Kane walks away and AJ looks like someone kicked her in the gut. AJ starts to cry . . . or is she laughing.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Jack Swagger versus Santino Marella in a United States Title Match

Swagger tells Santino to wait and then he punches Santino. Swagger punches Santino in the corner. Swagger with more punches until the referee pulls Swagger out of the corner. Santino sends Swagger into the corner and he chops Swagger. Swagger catches Santino on a float over and he goes for the Cobra, but without his sock puppet. Swagger kicks Santino and hits a belly-to-belly take down.

Swagger with an elbow drop and then he stretches Santino. Santino punches Swagger and hits a Saito suplex. Swagger with a punch and Santino kips up and punches Swagger. Santino with a split and hip toss followed by a diving head butt.

Santino pulls out his sock puppet and puts on the Cobra but Swagger grabs Santino. Santino with a DDT to counter and then Santino sets for the Cobra and connects for the three count.

Winner: Santino Marella

John Cena is walking in the back and we see Cena looking at some People Power shirts. He picks it up and Zack Ryder takes it and throws it away.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for John Cena to make an Earth shattering announcement.

John says that he sent a tweet out earlier that he had an historical announcement. For the past month, the WWE has been turned upside down. John says that a short time ago in a WWE Universe far away, John Laurinaitis convinced Big Show to join the dark side. Cena gives a lot of wrestlers Star Wars related names.

John’s announcement is interrupted by the return of the man with the shiniest and sparkliest jacket in sports entertainment history, Chris Jericho.

Chris wants to know what Cena is talking about. He tells John to make his historic announcement and get the hell out of his ring because tonight is his night.

John says that he might have gotten carried away. He tells Jericho about how Big Show is on a tear and that Big Show is in the Money in the Bank match. Cena says that he is going to stop Big Show and he is going to be in the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Cena reminds Jericho that no one has lost when cashing in the briefcase. Cena wants to be on the other side this time because he has been beaten more than once for the title.

Jericho asks Cena if he is nine after saying that he would win the whole fudging thing.

Jericho says that Cena is taking things for granted claiming he can win in his first Money in the Bank match.

Jericho mentions that he invented the match and has been in three of them.

Cena points out that Jericho has never won the match.

Jericho says that this is not what you do for fun. He says that Money in the Bank is a serious match. No one has been in more ladder matches than him. It is no ordinary match. It is a career ender. He tells Cena to stop worrying about stopping Big Show and he should worry about stopping him. Jericho says that he is entering himself in Money in the Bank.

Vickie Guerrero comes out and she throws out some more excuse mes. Vickie says that Money in the Week is in three weeks. There will be two Money in the Bank matches. One for the World Title Match and one for the WWE Title Match. No one can put themselves in the match.

Vickie reminds Chris that she is in charge tonight.

Chris apologizes and asks if she is going to suspend him. Vickie says that the Board has an idea. Only former WWE Champions can be in the WWE Money in the Bank Match.

Kane, Big Show, Chris Jericho, John Cena are announced for the WWE Title Money in the Bank Match.

Cena tells Vickie that she is doing a good job as GM. He says that she will do fine as long as she listens to the Board of Directors.

Vickie reminds John that this is her show tonight and she will make the main event. For the first time ever, John Cena will face Chris Jericho (even though it has been two years).

Who will be the Legend who is returning on the Road to 1000 Raws (to destroy Heath Slater).

We are back and it is time for the Legend segment for the 1000th Episode of Raw. That means that Heath Slater has to come to the ring to get ready for his beat down.

We see footage from last week when Roddy Piper and Cyndi Lauper attacked Slater.

Heath reminds us that he is the One Man Band. He doesn’t care what Vader, Cyndi Lauper, Wendi Richter, or Roddy Piper think of him because he is one of the biggest stars on Raw. He says that he rules the world.

Match Number Four: Heath Slater versus Sycho Sid

They lock up and Slater pushes Sid in the corner and he has something to say to Sid. Sid slaps Slater to the mat and then he kicks Slater in the chest and then puts him on the turnbuckles and slaps Slater. Heath falls to the mat and Sid with a spinebuster but misses a punch. Slater with kicks to the leg and forearms to the back of the head. Sid with a clothesline followed by the leg drop. Sid calls for the power bomb and for the first time, someone calls out a hold and hits it and gets the three count.

Winner: Sycho Sid

We go to commercial.

We are back and Cole mentions that we are four weeks away from the 1000th Episode of Raw. Jerry Lawler says that we will have a Celebrity Social Media Ambassador but Jerry won’t tell us who it will be, even though it is online.

Match Number Five: Dolph Ziggler versus Alberto Del Rio in a Contract on a Pole Match to face Sheamus on Friday

They lock up and Ziggler pushes Del Rio away and goes for the turnbuckles where the pole is located. Del Rio kicks Ziggler and climbs the turnbuckles but is stopped. Ziggler with uppercut but Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio climbs the turnbuckles again and Ziggler grabs the leg and pulls Del Rio back to the mat.

Ziggler with a side Russian leg sweep and Ziggler climbs the turnbuckles but Del Rio pulls Ziggler off. Ziggler punches Del Rio and Ziggler avoids a tilt-a-whirl back breaker and hits a drop kick and both men are down. Ziggler tries for a sleeper but Del Rio holds on to the ropes. Del Rio catapults Ziggler but Ziggler lands on the apron and goes for the turnbuckle but Del Rio stops him.

Del Rio has his hand on the contract but Ziggler climbs over Del Rio. Del Rio with a Samoan drop from the second turnbuckle and both men are down. Ziggler grabs the contract but he does not have possession. They fight over the contract and it moves around the ring. They punch each other to see who gains solo control of the contract.

Ricardo grabs the contract but Ziggler kicks it out of Ricardo’s hands and goes to the floor. Dolph and Alberto look for the contract and they try to get out of the ring for the contract.

Del Rio pulls Ziggler back into the ring and they go through the ropes on the other side of the ring. Sheamus’ music plays and he comes out with the mic. He tells them that they can stop fighting. Sheamus says that we will have a Triple Threat match for the World Title. Sheamus says that the match will not be about showing off or destiny. It will be about him kicking both of their arses on Friday night.

We find out that the WWE Universe think that AJ should be with CM Punk.

We see footage from the Three Way Dance earlier in the night.

CM Punk will face Daniel Bryan for the WWE Title at Money in the Bank.

CM Punk is on the phone in the back and AJ stops by. She says that things didn’t go how he wanted earlier and she wants to make it up to him. When she competes in the battle royal tonight, she is going to dedicate the match to them.

Punk says that they can have a serious conversation about the two of them. AJ says that she is open to taking things to the next level.

We go to commercial.

We are back with another WWE 1000 Memorable Moment. Mick Foley talks about This Is Your Life with the Rock.

Before the next match, Vickie tells everyone that People Power is dead, but Vickie Power lives. She shows her bathing suit.

Match Number Six: Divas Battle Royal featuring AJ Lee, Layla, Beth Phoenix, Maxine, Natalya, Tamina, Kaitlyn, Aksana, Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, and Vickie Guerrero

All of the women go after Vickie at the start. Maxine is eliminated by Alicia Fox while Aksana was eliminated on the other side. Alicia Fox leaves the ring on her own. Kaitlyn is eliminated and so was Rosa Mendes. Tamina is eliminated while AJ lays down in the corner.

Beth eliminates Natalya when she tried to eliminate Layla. Layla drop kicks Beth to the floor. AJ attacks Layla and sends her to the apron. Layla kicks Beth on the floor and AJ eliminates Layla. Vickie sends AJ to the apron but she does not go to the floor.

Vickie yells at AJ and bumps her. AJ with a Thesz Press and they fight around the ring. AJ kicks Vickie to the floor to win the match.

Winner: AJ Lee

After the match, AJ does the Yes gesture.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Seven: Chris Jericho versus John Cena

They lock up and Cena backs Jericho into the corner and takes Jericho down with a side head lock take down. Jericho pie faces Cena and Cena gets Jericho on his shoulders but Jericho gets to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Jericho with a reverse chin lock but Cena powers out of the hold and he punches Jericho. Cena with an Irish whip but Jericho with a boot and drop kick for a near fall. Jericho chokes Cena in the ropes until the referee warns him. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex and then he kicks Cena in the back and the head. Jericho with a baseball slide that sends Cena to the floor.

Jericho with a forearm to the head and he tries for a suplex but Cena blocks it and hits a suplex of his own. Jericho with a side head lock but Cena with a punch. Jericho with a kick and rear chin lock into a reverse chin lock.

Cena with a kick and punches but Jericho with a back elbow and he tries for the Lionsault but lands on his feet. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb and the Five Knuckle Shuffle set up but Jericho with a double leg take down and he tries for the Walls of Jericho. Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Jericho escapes. Cena with a Blue Thunder Bomb and Five Knuckle Shuffle.

Big Show’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring. Cena gets Jericho on his shoulders but Jericho is able to put Cena in the Walls of Jericho. Show with a leg drop to Cena and the referee calls for the bell.

Winner: John Cena by disqualification

After the match, Jericho has something to say to Show but leaves the ring. Show with a choke slam to Cena. Show applies the Colossal Clutch on Cena and Cena’s face turns purple. Where are the people who banded together against Big Show at No Way Out?

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