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September 9th
On this day in history in ....
1967 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeats Gorilla Monsoon in a Texas Death match at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
1980 - The Samoans defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in a tournament final for the WWWF World Tag Team Title in Allentown, Pennsylvania, starting their second title run. The titles had been vacated when Pedro Morales & Bob Backlund defeated The Samoans, but Backlund was unable to defend the tag belts due to being WWWF World Heavyweight Champion.
1986 - Dusty Rhodes defeats Arn Anderson for the NWA Television Title in Columbia, South Carolina, starting his third reign with the belt.
1991 - Ric Flair wrestles his first match for the WWF following his departure from WCW the previous July. He defeats Jim Powers at a WWF Television taping in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
1993 - Shane Douglas won the ECW Heavyweight Title via forfeit from Tito Santana. In truth, this was a "phantom" title change, as the supposed show in Roanoke, Virginia where Douglas vs. Santana was to have taken place never really existed.
2000 - Rhino defeats Kid Kash in Mississauga, Ontario to become the last ECW Television Champion, as he would hold the title until the company officially shuts down in April 2001.
2002 - On an edition of Raw from Ames, Iowa, Rob Van Dam defeats The Big Show, Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho in an elimination match to earn a title match with World Champion Triple H at Unforgiven. Show was disqualified with the referee caught him with a chair (which Show actually grabbed away from Jericho). Jericho pinned Hardy with a Lionsault after shoving Hardy off the top rope. Van Dam pinned Jericho with the five star frog splash after ramming him into an exposed turnbuckle (that Jericho had pulled the cover off of).
2003 - At a Smackdown taping in Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. Champion Eddie Guerrero defeated John Cena in a Parking Lot Brawl with a frog splash off the roof of a van onto Cena, who was laid out on the hood of a car. Also on the show, Stephanie McMahon was forced to wrestle Brock Lesnar by her father, Vince McMahon. The match, which wasn't much of a bout, quickly ended in a no-contest when Kurt Angle attacked Lesnar and Stephanie hit low blows on both Lesnar and her father.
2008 - Kurt Angle was found not guilty of driving under the influence and careless driving today in an Allegheny County, PA courtroom. Judge David Cashman made the ruling in a non-jury trial on charges filed Sept. 28. Angle had been arrested for DUI after a witness filed a complaint. Angle's lawyer challenged the use of the witness since police couldn't corroborate her claims.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Mike Odd filed the following TV report:
The show begins with a video package of the ECW Championship scramble match at Unforgiven.
ECW comes to us from Milwaukee, WI; our announcers are Todd Grisham and Matt Striker. They introduce our new ECW World Champion, Matt Hardy. He thanks the fans and says winning the title is a dream come true. He says that by winning the title he's unlocked his destiny. He's not happy just being the ECW champion, he wants to be the greatest champion ever. He is interrupted by Mark Henry and Tony Atlas. Mark Henry says that Matt Hardy has his title and he wants a rematch. Tony Atlas tells Matt Hardy that if he ever lays his hands on him again there will be problems between them. Henry then attacks Hardy but Hardy fights him off and hits The Twist of Fate on Tony Atlas. Our main event tonight will be Finlay and Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry and Mike Knox. We go to commercial.
Match # 1
Evan Bourne vs. John Morrison
As Evan Bourne comes to the ring they show clips from the tag match on Raw last night. John Morrison comes to the ring with The Miz. The match starts with a lock up. Morrison with a hammerlock into a snapmare. Evan Bourne with a headlock. Morrison rams him into the corner. Morrison with an Irish Whip. Bourne jumps over the top rope and attempts a Sunset Flip. Morrison blocks the Sunset Flip and Bourne hits a spinning heel kick for a 2 count. Evan Bourne with kicks. Morrison brushes him off and begins stomping. Morrison with a headlock. Morrison comes off the ropes then gets hit by a dropkick. Morrison falls outside the ring. Bourne hits a hurancanrana on the floor. We go to commercial.
We're back and Evan Bourne is punching John Morrison in the corner. He rushes Morrison in the corner, Morrison moves, he catches himself on the 2nd rope and The Miz knocks him off. Morrison with a chinlock, Evan Bourne fights out. Morrison throws him into the ropes and Bourne attempts a cross body block which Morrison avoids and dropkicks Bourne to the outside. Morrison joins him outside and drops Bourne on the barricade. Morrison puts Bourne back in the ring then kicks him in the head before getting back into the ring himself. Morrison gets a 2 count.
Morrison with a headlock, Evan Bourne fights out. Evan Bourne with kicks. Evan Bourne attempts a hurricanrana. Morrison catches him and throws him onto the ropes for a 2 count. Morrison with yet another headlock. Evan Bourne attempts to fight out but Morrison hits a backbreaker followed by a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Morrison gets a 2 count. Morrison with an armlock and throws Evan Bourne out of the ring. Morrison with kicks to Bourne's ribs and throws Bourne back into the ring for a 2 count. Morrison with another armlock. Evan Bourne tries to fight out but Morrison hits him with a quick backbreaker for a 2 count.
He gets Evan Bourne in another chinlock, Bourne fights out again. Punches and kicks by Bourne. Morrison hits a punch and knocks Bourne to the ground. Morrison attempts a couple clotheslines but each time is met with kicks. Evan Bourne with a running hurricanrana. Bourne with an elbow in the corner and a back kick for 2. Bourne with another hurricanrana into a pin for 2. Bourne with a kick followed by the standing moonsault which Morrison blocks with his feet. Morrison hits a kick for a 2 count, drags Bourne into the corner and attempts Starship Pain.
Bourne goes to the top, Miz gets on the apron, Bourne jumps off at The Miz. Morrison hits a big kick, drags Bourne back into the ring and gets the 3 count.
Winner - Morrison
They recap the Finlay/Mike Knox situation over the past few weeks. We go to commercial.
Match # 2
"The All American American" Jack Swagger vs. Josh Daniels
Jack Swagger starts the match with a thrown on the much smaller Josh Daniels. They lock up. Swagger with a headlock; Daniels gets to the ropes. Daniels punches Swagger. Swagger responds with a gut wrench suplex and mounts him for punches. Swagger hits a sidewalk slams and gets a 2 count. Swagger rams Daniels into the corner. Swagger hits a slam that Striker calls a Blue Thunder Bomb (a back suplex that turns into a sit out powerbomb) for the pin.
Winner - Jack Swagger
Finlay, Hornswaggle, and Matt Hardy are shown backstage walking. Ricky Ortiz stops them and gives them a rally towel which Hornswaggle happily plays with. We go to commercial.
Match # 3
Mark Henry and Mike Knox vs. Matt Hardy and Finlay
Match starts with Hardy and Henry. Henry powers Hardy into the corner. Hardy fights out, hits a few punches, and tries in vain to knock Henry over. Hardy stays on the offense until Henry hits him with a clothesline. Henry puts Hardy into the corner, hits him a few times, then throws him into the other corner and gets a 2 count. Matt Hardy with a few punches then drops Mark Henry onto the top rope. Matt Hardy with punches, Mark Henry continues to push him away. Matt Hardy goes for a cross body block off the 2nd rope; Mark Henry catches him and throws him to the mat. Mark Henry hits a big elbow drop and stands on Matt Hardy's chest. Mark Henry puts Matt Hardy into the corner and runs into him. Henry goes for another big elbow but Matt Hardy moves. We go to commercial.
We're back and Mike Knox has Matt Hardy in a headlock. Hardy fights out, tags Finlay, and Finlay comes in with multiple clotheslines for a 2 count. Finlay rams Knox into the corner and then hits a rollover fireman slam. Knox hits Finlay with an elbow, goes for a sunset flip which Finlay blocks and clotheslines Mike Knox over the top rope. Finlay follows him out, hits Knox's head on the ring a couple of times, and throws him back in. Knox kicks Finlay as he's coming back into the ring and pulls Finlay over to Mark Henry before tagging him in. Henry with stomps to Finlay. Henry with a chinlock. Henry tags in Mike Knox and they double shoulder block Finlay. Knox stays on top of Finlay and hits a knee to the back of Finlay's skull for a 2 count. Mike Knox with a headlock just keeping Finlay out of his corner. Finlay fights back but still stops short of tagging in Matt Hardy. Mike Knox gets him in a headlock before giving him a short arm clothesline. Knox goes for a knee drop, Finlay moves and tags in Matt Hardy. Hardy with punches to Knox followed by clotheslines. Matt Hardy hits a bulldog off the 2nd rope for a 2 count. Matt Hardy hits the side effect. Matt Hardy hits a moonsault for a 2 count which Mark Henry breaks up. Hornswoggle runs in the ring. While the ref's distracted, Finlay hits Henry with the shillelagh. Matt Hardy with a Twist of Fate for the 3 count.
Winners - Matt Hardy and Finlay
Post match Hardy, Finlay, and Hornswaggle are celebrating in the ring while Henry, Knox and Atlas walk backwards up the ramp as we go to credits.
2009 - "The Wrestler" actor Mickey Rourke was voted International Man Of The Year at the GQ Awards yesterday in London.
2010 - WWE broadcast an episode of WWE Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with the Raw brand and your announcers are Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole.
Match Number One: R Truth versus William Regal
Before the match starts, Regal demands the mic and he asks Sunshine if he thinks he is clever. Regal says that anyone can rap. He says that it is incredibly easy. Truth lays out a challenge. Regal asks for a beat and he says “I’m William Regal, God Save the Queen. An English brawler and the ladies’ dream. A real tormentor with a trifle of dash. He spent three bloody hours learning this and I forgot this.” He returns to the rap and continues with “A real tormentor with a trifle of dash. A man of fine manners who likes to bash. You besmirch my name, you’ll pay the price. I’ll mark you up because I’m the king of vice. You’ve got more grenades than the Jersey Shore, but I’m the situation to set the score.”
Truth does the Truth shimmy before they lock up. Regal with a forearm out of the corner but Truth with punches and kicks before he puts Regal in a side head lock and Truth with a take down but Regal with a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a head scissors and side head lock take down but Truth almost gets rolled up. Truth with a shoulder tackle and a near fall. Truth with a punch followed by a monkey flip. Truth with a punch and he sends Regal into the turnbuckles. Truth goes to the turnbuckles for punches. Truth with a clothesline for a near fall. Regal with forearms to Truth followed by an Irish whip but Truth with a float over and split followed by a drop kick that sends Regal to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Regal with a full nelson on Truth. We see Regal working on Truth’s back during the commercial break. Truth tries to get out of the hold and he eventually escapes and tries for a sunset flip but Regal does not go over and he puts Truth in a front face lock before returning to the full nelson. Regal with forearms across the face for a near fall. Regal with a nerve hold and Truth with elbows to escape but Regal with an uppercut. Regal and Truth exchange punches and Truth with clotheslines and a hip toss. Truth misses the axe kick but Truth is able to reverse an inside cradle to get the three count.
Winner: R Truth
It is time to take a look back at the season premiere of NXT.
Goldust is walking in the back with Aksana and Gail Kim. We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Gail Kim and Goldust with Aksana versus Jillian and Primo with AJ
The men start off and they lock up with Goldust working on the arm but Primo with a knee and punch. Goldust with a leaping butt bump and then he slingshots Primo into the ropes and onto his knees. Gail tags in and she connects with a forearm and kick followed by a clothesline into the corner. Jillian with a punch but Gail with a splash onto Jillian. Primo moves Jillian out of the way and Gail with a missile drop kick to Primo. Goldust pulls Primo out and Gail with a clothesline for a near fall. Primo pulls the ropes and Gail goes to the floor. Jillian sends Gail back into the ring and gets a near fall. Jillian stands on Gail’s hair and then kicks Gail in the back. Gail wit ha float over but Jillian with an Alabama Slam and she gets a near fall. Jillian with a knee to the back of the head. Jillian with a forearm and then she tries for a power bomb but Gail punches Jillian and hits a rana that sends Jillian into the ropes.
The men tag back in and Goldust with clotheslines followed by the drop down uppercut and then he hits a reverse atomic drop. Goldust with a bulldog for a near fall. Goldust punches Primo in the corner but Primo with an Irish whip but Goldust with a power slam. The cover is broken up by Jillian and Jillian slaps Goldust. Gail with Eat Defeat to Jillian and Goldust with the Final Cut to Primo for the three count.
Winner: Goldust and Gail Kim
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Smackdown half of the show and your announcers are Matt Striker and Todd Grisham.
Match Number Three: Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer versus Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft
Croft and Archer start things off and they lock up and Archer sends Croft into the corner. Croft fights out of the corner but Archer with a big boot and then he punches Caylen. Hawkins tags in and they send Croft into the turnbuckles and hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Hawkins with a kick to the head and then he chokes Croft in the ropes. Archer with a kick to the head and Hawkins with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Archer tags in and he hits a leg drop to the back of the head. Archer with a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall. Archer with a rear chin lock but Croft with a punch. Archer with an overhead suplex for a near fall. Archer with a slam and then he puts Croft in a reverse chin lock. Croft escapes a suplex attempt and he tags in Trent. Trent with a back elbow to Hawkins on the apron and then he punches Archer. Trent with a slide into the corner and then he hits a knee and a Yakuza kick for a near fall.
Hawkins breaks up the cover but Croft sends Hawkins to the floor. Archer with a shoulder tackle to Croft but Trent comes off the top and Archer catches him. Croft pushes Archer into the ropes and that allows Trent to hit a tornado DDT for the three count.
Winners: Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look at Legendary.
We go through the card for Night of Champions.
We see footage from last week’s handicap match between Big Show and the Straight Edge Society followed by CM Punk’s GTS to Luke Gallows.
Luke says that he is better than everyone. He says that he is better because he is straight edge. Tonight is a big night for the Straight Edge Society because he reaffirms his position as CM Punk’s straight edge enforcer. He is going to cut the fat. He is going to singlehandedly dismantle the world’s biggest athlete.
Match Number Four: Luke Gallows with Joseph Mercury versus Big Show
Gallows circles around Show and then Show blocks a kick and connects with a few chops. Show punches Luke in the ribs and then kicks him in the ribs. Show with a snap mare and then he stands on Luke’s chest. Luke goes to the floor and Show with a baseball slide. Show with a shhhh chop against the ringside barrier. Show with another chop and then Luke with a kick and punches as Show returns to the ring. Show with punches that lift Luke off his feet. Show with a biel and it is time for the right hand and Luke goes down land Show with the three count.
Winner: Big Show
After the match, Show says that the only fat trimming in the WWE Universe is going to be him getting rid of the SES. He wishes them luck before leaving the ring.
2011 - Frank Talent, a well known member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission going back decades who was a regular fixture at professional wrestling events, passed away at the age of 74 from brain cancer.
Mike Johnson penned the following....Talent was quite a character and I mean that in the nicest sense of the word. The best way to describe him is that he was like that goofy but caring grandfatherly figure that everyone meets at some point in their life.
Since at least the 1980s, but likely longer, Talent attended the majority of professional wrestling events promoted in Philadelphia acting as a Commission Representative. He would be seen sitting ringside and would often get into the act, giving static to heels as Talent "got" what the business was supposed to be.
A few times during the 80s, Talent even ended up ring announcing WWF matches at the Spectrum. He was pretty awful at it and one had to wonder if he did it just because he knew he could get away with it, but that was Talent. I can distinctly remember him once introducing Roddy Piper and hugging him in the Spectrum while Piper had this look on his face wondering who the hell this was.
During the post-ECW independent explosion in the early part of this decade, Talent became a more well known personality in front of the fans, often making announcements pointing out celebrities who were attending the shows and issuing "official edicts" when shows were delayed, etc.
Talent was one of those eccentric characters you took for granted as always being around. He was seemingly everywhere at every show and if he wasn't, you took a mental note that it seemed strange he wasn't lurking at ringside.
I noted earlier that Talent "got" what the business was supposed to be and that was an important asset for shows he was covering. Often, Talent would give pre-show instructions to the different locker rooms at events, reminding them of what was expected by the State, but for the most part, as long as the performers weren't being too reckless, he would let things go. The lone exception would be that he wouldn't allow any spitting out of the ring towards the audience. But beyond that, within reason, he would allow things to go and allow the promotions to do their thing.
One thing that always amused me was that Talent seemingly had an endless list of friends that he would visit whenever there were shows. Whenever I was set up doing coverage for live shows on one of the stages or balconies of the ECW Arena, which have been converted into "VIP" areas in recent years, Talent would show up visiting different families he personally knew that were in those areas, bringing talent for visits and autographs. If Talent asked for a favor, the wrestlers were quick to do it, since he commanded respect in his position and was pretty much well liked by the workers.
2012 - Dave Marquez announced at a Championship Wrestling from Hollywood TV Taping in Glendale, CA that the promotion had left the National Wrestling Alliance. The company had been the NWA member with the largest clearance and awareness in terms of TV exposure as they air in Los Angeles, CA. Marquez had been a true blue NWA supporter for many, many years so obviously this is fallout from Bruce Tharpe and his contingent gaining ownership and control over the NWA initial and name. Going forward, the promotion was known simply as Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.
2012 - TNA broadcast No Surrender 2012. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing TNA No Surrender 2012 PPV coverage!
Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy
My cable box decided at 7:58 to reboot itself so I missed the first 8 minutes of the PPV. If anything major went down, I'll catch it and add on the replay. My apologies.
TNA Bound for Glory Series Semi-Final bout. Obviously, we are joining this in progress. When my box actually decided to work (gee, thanks Time-Warner), Hardy had just wiped out Joe outside the ring and brought him back into the ring. They exchanged shots in the corner. Joe peppered him with several rights and nailed an inverted atomic drop followed by a big boot and a back senton splash for a two count. Joe covered him for a two count and locked on a rear chinlock, then a nerve hold.
Joe drilled Hardy with a knee to the back and went back to the rear chinlock. There was a small back and forth chant for each competitor. Hardy was sent into the ropes and caught with a snapping powerslam for a two count. Joe and Hardy exchanged forearms and punches. Joe sent Hardy through the ropes to the outside and nailed the tope suicida elbowsmash to the outside. Joe sold that his elbow was bothering him. He rolled Hardy into the ring and covered him for a two count.
Hardy fought back and nailed it twisting kick to the chest. He went for the cruncher but Joe kicked him off into the ropes. Hardy rebounded into a leaping clothesline that knocked Joe down. Both men were down and out but struggled to return to their feet. Hardy nailed another clothesline but Joe pulled him down and went for the back senton splash. Hardy moved out of the way and nailed the cruncher for a two count.
Hardy went for the Twist of the Fate but was shoved off into the corner. He kicked Joe and nailed a twisting moonsault press for another two count. Hardy charged Joe in the corner but was nailed with the Uranage. Joe called for the Muscle Buster but his arm was hurting bad. He placed Hardy atop the ropes and went for it but Hardy slipped out and nailed the Twist of Fate. Hardy went to the top for the swanton but Joe cut him off and crotched him on the top rope. Joe went for the muscle buster but Hardy turned it into a forward roll for a two count.
Hardy rolled through with a headlock while locking Joe in an armbar for a submission. Joe turned it into a pinfall combination but Hardy shocked him by turning that into a crucifix style pinfall.
Your winner, Jeff Hardy!
Joe looked like he had seen a ghost when he lost but acknowledged it and showed respect to Hardy.
From what I saw, it was a solid opening match.
Jeremy Borash interviewed James Storm backstage. Storm said he chose Bully Ray for a reason. Last year, it came down to them and he didn't get the job done so tonight, he rights the wrong. He said that he's led the entire BFG series and when he's done with Ray, he moves on to Hardy. Hardy is one of the only guys to beat him in the Series but he's lived and learned and gotten better. He said that no matter who he faces, sorry about their damn luck.
Bully Ray vs. James Storm
Ray stalled early and then asked Storm if he forgot about last year. Storm spit in his face. That made Ray leave the ring and walk around ringside, where he tormented the fans and slammed a steel chair down. Ray returned and locked up with Storm. He pushed Storm back into the corner and slapped him. Storm fired back and Ray went down hurting in the corner. The crowd chanted that he got "bitch slapped." This led to more Ray stalling as he was pissed about being hit. Ray was slapped again and Storm unloaded with a series of rights. Ray retreated back to the floor.
When he returned to the ring, Ray worked over Storm, who made a comeback and whipped him back into the buckles, then stomped on his fingers after he hit the mat. Ray raked his eyes to change the flow of the bout and used a series of hard shots with strikes and smashes into the turnbuckles. Storm nailed a big running clothesline for a two count.
They battled to the floor and back into the ring. Storm went for the Last Call superkick but Ray moved and Stifixm got caught in the ropes. Ray nailed him and began beating Storm down Ray cinched in a bearhug in the center of the ring. Storm boxed Ray's ears to escape but was caught with a big boot for a two count. Ray nailed a suplex for another two count. Storm came back with a kick from the ropes and came off the top with a high cross bodyblock for a two count.
Storm went for a crucifix for a two count. Storm kicked Ray in the back of the head and charged him but nailed Earl Hebner. Ray nailed the Bully Bomb but there was no referee to count the pinfall. Another referee hit the ring for a two count and then started checking on Heber. Ray went to the ropes for the back senton splash but Storm rolled out of the ring. Storm went for a flying forearm but Ray ducked and the second referee was wiped out. Ray pulled up Hebner but Storm nailed him with the Backstabber and superkicked Ray into Hebner. Earl acted like he was shot although the two hardly collided.
Storm covered Ray but there was no one to make the save. Bobby Roode hit the ring and drilled an unsuspecting Storm with a beer bottle. Storm went down and Roode draped Ray's arm over him. A woozy Hebner counted the pinfall.
Your winner, Bully Ray!
Match was OK and from a wrestling standpoint, it wasn't anything memorable. They had some entertaining sequences but three referee bumps in one bout is beyond excessive in my opinion. Looks like Roode vs. Storm at Bound for Glory.
Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy will be the finals.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Miss Tessmacher. She said that Tara is truly her mentor and best friend. She taught her everything and they were Knockouts Tag champions together. She said that she wouldn't be champion right now if it wasn't for Tara. She called her out because she needed to see that she could beat Tara and lost. Brooke Hogan made the match and Tessmacher needs to know that the student can beat the teacher and that she deserves to be the champion. Her best promo to date.
TNA Knockouts champion Miss Tessmacher vs. Tara
Taryn Terrel is the referee.
They locked up and Tara got the better of the early struggle. Tessmacher began working over her arm but Tara used a cartwheel to escape and reverse. She bridged Tessmacher back with her strength. Tessmacher used the ropes to flip out of it but was snapped over with an armdrag. They locked up again and Tessmascher used a headlock takedown and a shoulderblock. Tara swept her leg out from under her and they faced off.
Tara locked in a side headlock and held on when Tessmacheer tried to shove her off into the ropes with the idea that she's the stronger of the two. Tessmacher shoulderblocked her down. They went back and forth with reversals until Tessmacher ended up on the floor. She returned to the ring and Tara rolled her up for a two count. That upset Tessmacher as they were having a clean match. Tessmacher got angry and nailed several armdrags and locked on an armbar. Tara got to the ropes and Tessmacher didn't want to break. Terrell forced her to do it. Tara got mad and nailed Tessmacher. Tessmacher came back with a series of rights as the temper got the better of them.
They battle back and forth. Tessmacher nailed a series of clotheslines. Tara reversed a whip and sent Tessmacher into the corner where she came back out with a back elbow for a two count. Tara came back to nail a superplex for a two count. Tara was mad she couldn't get the win. Tara went for the Widow's Peak but Tessmacher turned it into a forward roll for the pin. Tara wasn't happy.
Your winner and still TNA champion Miss Tessmacher!
Solid match and way better than any Divas match on WWE TV of late as they worked really hard. Tessmacher is really improving. Backstage, Bobby Roode was being taken out by the cops for assaulting James Storm. Wait, since when can you be arrested for interference in a wrestling bout? Storm attacked Roode and ended up handcuffed and carted out as well. Hulk Hogan was in the middle of this and the segment was better than this recap probably reads.
TNA champion Austin Aries came to the ring in street clothes for his fight against Armbreaker. He said that he knows everyone is used to him coming out looking stylish and wearing the TNA title, but tonight isn't about that bullshit. It's about pain and payback, not pinfalls and referee. He said that Aces and Eights wanted to declare war on him and that's fine because he's the God of War. He demanded they send out their big goon. Aries said, "He may kick my ass but he's going to have to."
Aries waited in the ring and demanded on the mic they show but there was no one initially. He came from a side door and entered the ringside area. Aries kicked at him as he entered the ring several times. Aries sat on the ropes waiting for him to return and when Armbreaker got onto the apron, Aries dropkicked his legs out from under him, nailed a dive to the outside and slammed him into the ring steps. Aries tossed him back into the ring and controlled him. He tried to unmask Armbreaker but was nailed with a low blow and tossed to the outside.
Aries pulled himself back up but was kicked back to the floor. Armbreaker slammed him into the ringpost and began kicking him on the floor. The crowd chanted for Aries. Armbreaker slammed Aries into the ring steps and rolled him back into the ring. Armbreaker nailed a short arm clothesline, wiping out Aries. He picked up Aries for a powerbomb but Aries pulled powder out of a bag in his jeans and poured it into Armbreaker's eyes. Aries nailed him and sent him to the floor, then nailed a dive from the top. Aries worked him over on the ramp and then tossed him into the ring.
Armbreaker cut him off and kicked Aries back to the floor. He grabbed a steel chair and brought it into the ring. I guess the cops are going to arrest him too? Aries ducked a chairshot and nailed him with a roll of coins. Aries nailed a brainbuster and went for the mask but the rest of Aces and Eights hit the ring and overwhemed Aries, The TNA locker room hit the ring, setting off a huge brawl. Jeff Hardy was taken out on the floor and of all people, Bully Ray made the save for him. The TNA roster, babyfaces and heels, ran them off. Hulk Hogan came out with a baseball bat. He was telling everyone to lock down the building when Ray told him Hardy was hurt. Hardy was sitting on the floor holding his shoulder. He was walked out by medical officials. Hogan demanded every exit and entrance be locked down and that the police be called. The crowd chanted for Hogan. Ray and Aries showed each other respect.
They showed a replay of Hardy's shoulder being launched into the ringpost by one of the Aces & Eights members. Mike Tenay and Taz wondered what this would mean for his Bound for Glory Series later on.
The fight was OK but the brawl and the angle with Hardy were good. The entire locker room helping each other against the outsiders makes Aces & Eights come off like a real threat.
So far, it's entertaining as a TV show but as a show I paid $35 for, thus far, it feels just there but these were the undercard matches. We'll see how it progresses going forward. I'm guessing the Hardy thing will be a tease he can't wait and "ignores" the doctors to compete anyway.
TNA X-Division champion Zema Ion vs. Sonjay Dutt
They went back and forth with Ion showboating early. Dutt came back with a springboard off the ropes into an armdrag and clotheslined Ion over the top to the floor. Ion returned to the apron and dropped Dutt's throat over the top. Dutt came back with a double springboard into an armdrag sending Ion to the floor. He nailed a sliding kick and then a head scissors off the apron to the floor. Good stuff early on.
Dutt came off the ropes but was drilled with a gutbuster over the knees. Ion began stomping away on Dutt. Ion worked over Dutt and nailed a suplex for a two count. They showed a shot of police arriving outside. Ion continued to work over Dutt and send him into the buckles. Dutt used an awesome rana variation out of the corner to turn the tide his way but Ion shoulderblocked him. Dutt, undeterred, still nailed a series of clotheslines. Ion was caught with a big boot in the corner. Dutt nailed a standing rana off the top and hard kick to the head, followed by a standing moonsault for a two count.
Dutt caught Ion with a back elbow. They battled on the top and Ion dropped Ion off the top to the floor. Dutt nailed a standing moonsault to the floor on Ion. For flashy moves, this is easily the best thing on the show Dutt nailed a springboard splash another into the ring for a two count. Dutt went for another big move but was powerbombed down. Ion went right after Dutt's bad shoulder with a submission, ripping off Dutt's brace. Dutt was able to use his feet to touch the ropes.
Dutt came back to nail a standing Sliced Bread #2. He went to the top for a moonsault into a double stomp but Ion rolled out of the way. They went back and forth with a great series of near falls. Dutt used some awesome technical stuff for a submission attempt. Ion caught Dutt out of nowhere with him finisher and scored the pin.
Your winner and still X-Division champion, Zema Ion!
Real fun match. They packed in a ton of hot moves and springboard dives and it was really good athletic stuff. Dutt has really delivered since returning to the company and Ion continues to excel in his role.
Outside, Hulk Hogan was telling the police - and they had about 7 police cars - to lock down everyone and everything and not let anyone in and out. Hogan demanded that anyone who tries to defy them be beaten, cuffed and dragged out.
Jeremy Borash was looking over Hardy as Hardy was being checked out. He said that no one had an updated yet. Magnus showed up and what we saw was Hardy being so stupid he let himself get involved in the Aces & Eights situation when he's got an important match in the most important tournament in the business. He said Hardy had a lack of common sense for letting himself get involved. He said Hardy let them get in his head just like RVD did with Magnus and tonight, Magnus will make a statement.
Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus
They went back and forth early. Van Dam kicked Magnus so hard that Magnus was sent to the floor. RVD hit a sliding kick to the outside and whipped Magnus into the ringpost. He draped Magnus over the guard rail but Magnus moved out of the way of the corkscrew legdrop. RVD slammed into the guard rail. That looked brutal.
Magnus worked over RVD and rolled him back into the ring for a two count. Magnus cut off RVD and covered him for another two count. Magnus continued working over Van Dam until being caught with a spinkick. RVD nailed a clothesline and a basement dropkick. Vam Dam swept his leg out and drilled him with another low dropkick, then nailed Rolling Thunder for a two count.
Van Dam nailed Magnus with a series of kicks in the corner but was caught and slammed down. Magnus went to the top but was caught and slammed back into the ring by RVD. Van Dam went for his somersault monkey flip but Magnus saw it coming and clotheslined him hard. Magnus went for a Texas Cloverleaf but was kicked off. Van Dam nailed a spinkick and nail the Five Star Frog Splash for the pin.
Your winner, Rob Van Dam!
Good match. I was surprised by the clean finish here as it seemed to be Magnus' match to win based on how he's been presented of late. His work in the ring and on the mic really have come along and TNA has something with him. Good, hard hitting athletic bout.
The Tag champs cut a great promo saying the police should be looking into all the crimes committed against them, including Kazarian not being in the Bound for Glory Series and Claire Lynch slandering them. Good stuff.
TNA Tag Team champions Chris Daniels & Kazarian vs. AJ Styles & Kurt Angle
Angle had his bad hamstring wrapped and still started with Daniels. Daniels backed him into the corner and nailed a series of rights but Angle fired back with several of his own and a back elbow. Angle nailed a series of stomps on Daniels and whipped him hard into the corner. He nailed a suplex and covered Daniels for a two count.
Angle continued working over Daniels and tagged out to Styles. Styles nailed him with a series of chops and worked over Daniels in the corner. Daniels fought back and locked on a side headlock. Kazarian tagged in but was caught with a spinning neckbreaker. He and Angle nailed a high double backdrop on Kazarian. Daniels tried to get involved so Angle slugged him.
The challengers tagged in and out working over Kazarian util he nailed Styles with a monkey flip. He rained down punches on Styles. The champs worked over Styles, tagging in and out while drilling Styles with hard shots. Styles was dumped to the floor by Daniels. Kazarian nailed him with a double sledge to the head. Daniels covered Styles after he was tossed back in but Styles kicked out at the last second.
The champions continued tagging in and out. Styles tried to fight them off and make the hot tag to Angle but was cut off. Daniels cinched in a side chinlock and wore Styles down on the mat. The crowd rallied Styles and fought back but Kazarian made a blind tag and that allowed them to cut off Styles again. Styles slipped away and tagged in Angle, who cleaned house on everyone.
Angle nailed a German release suplex on Kazarian for a two count. Kazarian accidentally clotheslined his own partner. Angle began tossing Kazarian for a series of back suplexes. Daniels tried to save his partner but ate a belly to belly suplex for his troubles. Kazarian nailed a leaping DDT on Angle for a two count. The champions nailed a series of elbowdrops on Angle from the ropes for a two count.
Kazarian locked on a neck crank. Angle fired back with a series of elbows. Kazarian went for a moonsault but Angle jumped onto the buckles and nailed an Angleslam off the top. Daniels and Styles were tagged in. Styles nailed a big kick and a backbreaker across the knee for a two count. Styles nailed a big flying forearm smash in the corner. Styles nailed the moonsault into the inverted DDT on Daniels. Kazarian charged and nailed a nasty dropkick on Styles.
The champions worked over Styles, who nailed a double clothesline. Angle tagged himself in and nailed a top rope splash on Daniels for a two count. He nailed a series of Angleslams on the champions but Daniels put his foot on the ropes at the last second. He locked an anklelock on Daniels but Kazarian drilled him with a kick to the back of the neck. Styles nailed a springboard clothesline on Kazarian, then drilled Daniels off the apron. Kazarian monkeyflipped Styles into Daniels who was caught with a rana. He drilled Kaz with the Pele Kick but Daniels broke it up at the last minute. Kazarian hit a springboard 450 splash for another near fall.
Styles went to the top but Daniels cut him off. Styles dumped him to the floor. Kazarian nailed a leaping kick to stun Styles on the top. Kazarian went for the Flux Capacitor and nailed it but Styles kicked out at the last second. The crowd chanted "TNA". Angle drilled Kazarian with a back suplex and clothslined Daniels over the top to the floor. Angle grabbed at his leg on the outside.
Styles went for the Styles Clash but Daniels threw the Appletini he was drinking on the way to the ring into Styles' eyes. Kazarian rolled him up and scored the pin.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions Daniels and Kazarian!
Good back and forth match. Even injured, Angle works beyond extremely hard. Everyone here had their working boots on.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Bully Ray. Ray said that the Aces & Eights stuff has to stop and a very small part of him feels bad for Hardy. He said that either way, he was going to beat Hardy tonight. He said that people may or may not like him, but they have to respect what he's accomplished in the last 18 months. He said that he's recreated himself and was one half of the most decorated tag team of all time. He said he's going to go on to Bound for Glory and is bound for greatness. More of a babyface promo than you usually see out of him, which could be a red herring to throw fans off the track.
They showed police getting into position.
Bound for Glory Series Final: Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy
Hardy's music played but he didn't come out. Some in the crowd chanted for him. The music began again. Hulk Hogan came out instead. Hogan said they have a problem. He told Bully to forget about what was on the blackboard and was was scheduled. He said there was no Jeff Hardy. Bully said that the tournament means the world to him and he wants to win the tournament. He said the Aces and Eights thing has to stop. He said that he and Jeff both want to win the tournament but if Jeff doesn't come out, what are they supposed to do.
Hogan said he's the GM here and the ball is in both of their courts. He said that if Bully really feels that way, he'll give Hogan the courtesy of giving them four more days to let Hardy recover and wrestle on Impact. Ray was going to respond but Hogan demanded the mic back. Hogan said this is going to be Ray's legacy and it was up to him to decide if he was going to go down a good man or a bad man.
Hardy's music started again and Hardy, obviously hurting and holding his arm against his side, came down to fight. Ray actually showed Hardy respect for coming out. Hardy threw a kick at Ray and even that hurt him.
Hardy tried to lock up Ray in the corner with one arm but Ray escaped. Ray went for a test of strength and Hardy punched him in the face. Ray nailed his bad arm and began working it over. Ray stomped on his shoulder so Hardy rolled to the floor. Ray yelled at the referee to count him out. Hardy returned so Ray continued the onslaught. Hardy went back to the floor and Ray demanded the referee count him out.
Hardy finally returned and charged at Ray but was wiped out immediately. Ray beat him down and splashed Hardy's arm. Ray covered him several times for near falls. Ray locked on an armbar. He ripped at Hardy's bandages and slapped him hard across the chest. Ray missed a splash. Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate and went to the top for a swanton for a two count. Hardy nailed a twisting moonsault for a two count. Ray cut him off with a clothesline for a two count.
Hardy cut him off with a Twist of Fate and went to the top for another swanton but Ray rolled out of the ring. Bully hit the Bubba Cutter for a two count. Hardy hit a pair of Twist of Fates. Hardy went to the top but Ray cut him off and they battled back and forth. Hardy knocked Ray off and nailed the swanton and scored the pinfall.
Your winner, Jeff Hardy!
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