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November 7th
On this day in history in ....
1901 - Tom Jenkins defeats Don McLeod to win the American Heavyweight Title.
1968 - Dick Murdoch & Dusty Rhodes defeat Tommy & Terry Martin to win the NWA North American Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.
1984 - Bill Dundee defeats Adrian Street in Shreveport, Louisiana to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Television Title.
1985 - WWF's first full fledged Pay-per-view, The Wrestling Classic, was held at the Rosemont Horizon in Illinois. While Wrestlemania and Wrestlemania 2 had been available in a few markets (in most cases test markets for PPV), the majority of their penetration was via closed-circuit television, which had been used for many years in wrestling. This was the start of WWF (now WWE) changing the way wrestling is presented, with Pay-per-view events eventually becoming an integral part of wrestling. Here are the results of the show, which was built around a one-night tournament.
First Round:
- Adrian Adonis defeated Cpl. Kirschner with a DDT.
- Dynamite Kid defeated Nikolai Volkoff when he dropkicked Volkoff from the top rope as Volkoff finished singing the Russian national anthem and pinned him in less than ten seconds.
- Randy Savage defeated Ivan Putski by cradling him and putting his feet on the ropes for leverage.
- Ricky Steamboat defeated Davey Boy Smith when Smith missed a dropkick and crotched himself on the top rope, and was unable to continue.
- Junkyard Dog defeated The Iron Sheik with a headbutt in under two minutes.
- Moondog Spot defeated Terry Funk via countout in less than 30 seconds. Funk claimed he didn't want to wrestle Spot, and convinced Spot they should just go to the back and both be counted out. Spot agreed, then Funk hit him in the aisle and tried to run back into the ring. Spot stopped him on the floor, and Funk lifted him for a slam, but Spot floated over him, onto the ring apron, and rolled into the ring as the referee reached ten, giving Spot the countout win.
- Tito Santana defeated Magnificent Muraco. Muraco scored a pin, but Santana's foot was on the ropes, which the referee saw as he counted three. Santana then rolled up Muraco for the pin.
- Paul Orndorff defeated Cowboy Bob Orton via DQ when Orton hit Orndorff with his cast.
Quarterfinals:
- Dynamite Kid defeated Adrian Adonis after ramming Adonis into Jimmy Hart, and Hart's megaphone, as Hart was on the apron trying to help Adonis.
- Randy Savage defeated Ricky Steamboat when Savage hit Steamboat with a foreign object as Steamboat went for a back suplex.
- Junkyard Dog defeated Moondog Spot in under a minute. They started fighting before a referee even got to the ring for the match, so JYD counted his own pin on Spot after a headbutt.
- Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff ended in a double countout as the two brawled outside the ring.
Semifinals:
- Randy Savage defeated Dynamite Kid when Dynamite hit a top rope superplex, but Savage swung his legs up from the mat as Dynamite rolled over, getting the pin with a small package.
- Junkyard Dog received a bye to the finals.
Finals:
- Junkyard Dog defeated Randy Savage via countout to win the Wrestling Classic tournament after hitting some headbutts and throwing Savage to the floor.
- In a non-tournament match, WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Roddy Piper via disqualification when Bob Orton interfered. Paul Orndorff made the save.
1997 - Buddy Landell defeats Bull Pain in Lexington, Kentucky to win the IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title.
2005 - Midway Games announced a videogame deal for TNA. The first and only game from the deal, TNA Impact, would be released for all gaming systems.
2005 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
It is time to see what will happen in the aftermath of Taboo Tuesday. What will happen when Joey Styles takes over the announce position? Will he be joined by Coach or will Jonathan's announcing be limited to time with Todd Grisham on Heat? What excuses will Triple H make for losing to a man he called "mediocre? How will the crowd react to John Cena based on the boos he received last week in California? What is next for the new tag team champions? Which Raw superstars will be a part of the Survivor Series match? What will Eric Bischoff say about his match with Teddy Long at the pay per view?
We are live from Fort Wayne, Indiana and your announcers are Joey Styles, Jonathan Coachman and Jerry Lawler.
We begin tonight's show with the Raw roster standing on the apron surrounding three sides of the ring. Coach says that it is nice to have a temporary replacement on Raw. Joey is pleased to be on Raw. Eric Bischoff comes to the ring and he has something to say. Last Friday night, he challenged Teddy Long to a ten man Survivor Series match. Why did Eric do that? He did it because he knows that Raw will dominate. He has already announced two huge matches for Survivor Series. First, Triple H will face Ric Flair in a Last Man Standing match. Next, we will see Kurt Angle versus a man he has pinned and made submit, John Cena. Who will be on the Raw team? Two of those spots will go to two of the most dominant and feared men in the WWE, Kane and the Big Show. Another member of the Raw team will be the team captain, Shawn Michaels. Who will be the final two men? Eric says that he sees a lot of hunger, but who will step up. Eric tells them to give Carlito a mic. Eric wants to know how hungry Carlito is. Carlito says that he is not a talk show host, he is a wrestler. He is the biggest superstar on Raw. Shelton Benjamin takes the mic and asks Carlito if he is high. Shelton reminds Carlito that he lost at Taboo Tuesday. Shelton says that Raw needs the most spectacular athlete in the WWE. Eric says that tonight it will be Carlito versus Shelton Benjamin with the winner getting on the Survivor Series team. Trevor Murdoch gets the mic and he says that Lance and he got screwed at Taboo Tuesday and they should be on Team Raw since they are better than those two freaks. Trevor says that they want their rematch and they want a hardcore match. Eric says that they will get a hardcore match tonight. Gregory Helms says that he should be on the team. Why not have him face the man who held him back for two years, that fat piece of garbage. Rosey gets in the ring, but he is held back. Eric says that Rosey will face Gregory Helms. Mickie James says that everyone should give a huge round of applause for the winner of the Fulfill your Fantasy Battle Royal, Trish Stratus. Eric no-sells Mickie's comments. Eric mentions the main event, Kurt Angle and Chris Master versus Shawn Michaels and John Cena. Eric has one more thing to say. Eric has something to say to Edge and Lita. He wants them to come into the ring. Eric tells Edge that before their match at Taboo Tuesday, Edge said something, but he cannot remember what it was. We see footage of Edge'¢s comments at Taboo Tuesday. Edge says that he does not care about the fans or about Raw. Eric tells Edge that he will give a damn about something. He should care about the Raw superstars around the ring. He will learn a lesson about caring and commitment. He wants to know what they are doing Friday night because they will need to change their plans. They will be going to Smackdown and Edge will compete in a street fight against Batista. Eric tells Edge to leave the ring and not come back until he gets the job done. The crowd serenades Edge and Lita as they go to the back. We go to commercial.
On Unlimited, the wrestlers leave the ring as the first match is ready to begin.
Match Number One: Shelton Benjamin versus Carlito.
They lock up and Shelton with an arm drag that sends Carlito to the apron. Carlito with a knee and punches to Shelton followed by kicks in the corner. Shelton throws Carlito into the corner and punches him. We go back to USA.
We are back and Carlito with a wrist lock on Benjamin. Benjamin uses the ropes to counter with an arm drag. Benjamin back body drops Carlito over the top rope to the floor when Carlito charges at him. Benjamin tries for a plancha, but he lands on the apron when Carlito moves. Benjamin with a leap frog neck breaker from the apron. Back inside the ring, Carlito drop kicks Shelton in the leg as Shelton re-enters the ring. Carlito works on the hamstring. Carlito backs Shelton into the corner and kicks and punches Shelton. Carlito kicks Shelton's leg as it hangs on the rope. Carlito with a grapevine on Shelton and he gets a two count. Benjamin grabs Carlito by the hair and that gets Carlito to release the hold. Carlito kicks Shelton in the hamstring and then chokes Shelton in the ropes. Carlito tries for a splash, but Shelton gets up and he tosses Carlito into the air. Benjamin punches Carlito and then hits a back breaker and clotheslines on Carlito. Benjamin with a back body drop. Carlito kicks Benjamin in the leg, but Shelton counters. Shelton tries for a Samoan drop, but Benjamin's knee is hurt too much to hit the move. Carlito tries for a suplex, but Benjamin lands on his feet and hits a Northern Lights suplex and bridge for a two count. Benjamin goes up top, but Carlito gets up and crotches Benjamin. Carlito punches Benjamin and he goes up for a superplex. Benjamin punches Carlito and Carlito goes down. Carlito moves out of the way on a clothesline from the top and then he hits a DDT, but he only gets a two count. Benjamin punches Carlito and then he hits a Samoan Drop after he ducks a clothesline from Carlito. Benjamin tries for the Dragon Whip, but Carlito moves and he drop kicks Benjamin in the injured leg. Carlito tries for the single leg crab and eventually he gets Carlito over, but Shelton counters. They roll around until Carlito gets the three count with the help of the ropes.
Winner: Carlito
Trish and Mickie are walking in the back. Trish wants to talk to Mickie about Taboo Tuesday. Mickie says that Trish does not have to thank her for sacrificing herself. Mickie suggests that they give they give a double dose of Stratusfaction as we go to commercial.
Carlito is in the interview area with Todd Grisham. He asks Carlito says that it was not cool, for Shelton Benjamin. It was just like his first night on Raw when he won the Intercontinental Title. Rey Mysterio hides behind a mask because he is not cool. Batista is a bully for beating up Coach. Randy Orton hangs out with his dad, and what is so cool about that? Carlito will single handedly beat Smackdown and that is cool.
We are back and we see highlights from the Women's Battle Royal from Taboo Tuesday that was won by Trish Stratus thanks to help from Mickie James.
It is time for our next match, Trish Stratus and Mickie James versus Victoria and Candice Michelle
Mickie and Victoria start things off. Victoria draws Trish into the ring to distract the ref. Victoria with an Irish whip, but she charges into an elbow. Mickie with a rana, but Victoria with a power slam for a two count. Victoria with a kick to Mickie's face. Mickie with a punch to Victoria, but as Mickie goes off the ropes, Candice pulls the rope and Mickie goes outside the ring. Victoria with a clothesline to Mickie on the floor. Victoria rolls Mickie back into the ring and tags Candice. Candice with a choke in the ropes. Mickie kicks Candice off. Victoria makes the tag and connects with an elbow to Mickie's back. Victoria with a front face lock and side head lock. Victoria with a forearm that knocks Trish off the apron. Trish comes in and punches Victoria and Candice. Trish with a Louise Thesz Press on Victoria. Trish and Mickie grab Candice and use her as a battering ram to Victoria. Trish with a whirlybird head scissors. Victoria sends Mickie into the ropes and gets a rollup. Victoria hits Mickie with the wand when the ref was distracted by Trish for the three count.
Winners: Victoria and Candice Michelle
We see footage of last week's main event when Shawn Michaels hit a super kick on John Cena. Then we see John Cena get front suplexed through the Spanish Announce Table by Michaels and Angle. We go to commercial.
On Unlimited, Todd Grisham comes out and he wants the crowd to show everyone their signs. Todd sees a Joey Styles sign and he asks everyone what they think of the announcers, and then he asks the crowd what they think about him.
We are back and Jerry Lawler talks about Coach losing to Batista. We go to highlights from Taboo Tuesday.
We are back and Kane and Big Show stare each other down. Show reminds Kane that they did not ask to be a team, but they are the current tag team champions. They will be facing Cade and Murdoch in a hardcore match. Show wants to know what Kane's strategy is. Kane wants to destroy his opponents and Show is with him on that plan. We go to commercial.
We are on Unlimited and Rosey comes to the ring. Todd wants to know what he thinks about Gregory Helms. For two years, they were a hero tag team that everyone could depend on. Now Gregory Helms has decided to flush that down the toilet and that is fine and dandy. When Gregory Helms steps into the ring, he will take his size 15 foot and shove it where the sun don't shine.
We are back with footage of Kurt Angle's attack on Hurricane three weeks ago followed by the final heel turn for Hurricane as he slapped Rosey and took off his mask.
We are back for our next match, Rosey versus Gregory Helms.
Helms slaps Rosey, but Rosey sends Helms into the corner and he punches Helms. Helms with a back elbow to Rosey, but Rosey responds with a series of clotheslines. Helms goes to the apron and Rosey with a hip toss that brings him back in. Rosey with elbow drops to Helms' back. Rosey with a forearm and clothesline to Helms. Helms goes outside the ring to regroup. Rosey follows after Helms and he punches Helms on the floor. Rosey slams Helms' head into the ringside barrier before rolling Helms back in. Rosey grabs Helms' leg and then hits a clothesline on Helms. Helms begs for mercy and then he pulls Rosey into the turnbuckles. Helms slams Rosey's head into the turnbuckles, but Rosey pulls Helms off. Rosey goes up top for a moonsault, but Helms with a kick to the groin and Rosey goes down. Helms with a Shining Wizard for the three count.
Winner: Gregory Helms
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch are walking in the back and it looks like they have shopped for plunder as they head to the ring for their tag title match and a commercial.
We are on Unlimited and Todd Grisham brings out Ashley and Maria. Todd reminds us of their outfits from last week's Raw, and we can still win those items. Maria says that she is not a biologist, so she does not think wwe.com would accept shirts for auction. Since there is nothing from Todd on the auction site, why not Todd's pants. They take off Todd's pants and then they go to the ring.
We are back for our next match, Kane and Big Show versus Trevor Murdoch and Lance Cade for the World Tag Titles in a hardcore match
Murdoch throws a trash can at Kane, and Kane chases after Murdoch. Show knocks the trash can out of Cade's hands. Kane with a boot to Cade and Show with a clothesline to Murdoch. Show chops Murdoch in the corner while Kane throws some weapons into the ring. Kane gets a kendo stick and Cade goes outside the ring. Cade rakes Kane's eyes. Show slams Murdoch and then puts a trash can lid on Murdoch's head. Cade pulls the ropes down as Show comes off the ropes and Show goes to the floor. Kane goes up top and he tries for the clothesline, but he gets hit by a lid shot from Murdoch. Cade and Murdoch punch Kane in the corner while Show is still out on the floor. Cade hits Kane with the lid and then kicks him in the head. Murdoch hits Kane with the kendo stick. Murdoch with a reverse atomic drop to Kane followed by a swinging neck breaker. Murdoch hits Show on the apron. Kane grabs Cade by the head while Murdoch hits Show with the trash can. Kane grabs both of them by the throat, but they kick Kane. Kane with a clothesline to Cade. Show with a clothesline to Murdoch. Kane with a side slam to Cade. Show with an Irish whip of Murdoch and Kane connects with the kendo stick twice. Show with a running splash in the corner on Cade. Kane throws a trash can into the ring and then Show with a belly-to-back suplex onto the trash can on Cade. Show and Kane focus on Murdoch and Kane hits Murdoch with the trash can and then Show puts it over Murdoch. Kane with a running boot to Murdoch against the ring post. Cade crawls to safety, but Kane and Show grabs him. Kane runs Cade's head into the TitanTron and then Show with a clothesline on the stage. Kane goes over to the announce table and he rearranges it for Cade to be double choke slammed through it. Kane and Show get the three count.
Winners: Kane and Big Show
Kurt Angle is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are on Unlimited and the officials help Lance Cade to the back.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Lance Cade being double choke slammed through the announce table. We see the remnants of the announce table.
Kurt Angle has something to say before the match begins. He says that he hates the You Suk chant. The people look down on Angle and then chant it at Angle. Angle tells everyone to shut up. Angle says that we are going to do it again. He walks to the back and says that he wants the fans to give him the respect that he deserves. If they don't give him that respect, he will do it over and over again. Angle comes out again and the crowd chant "You Suck". Angle asks if they think it is funny and tells them to shut up because he is the greatest wrestler alive today. Angle trains and diets every day for the fans. Angle says that the fans have one more chance or there will be no main event tonight. Angle comes out one more time, but the crowd does not listen to Angle's pleas. Angle calls the crowd a bunch of hypocrites because middle America is supposed to be about family values, but they have their children chant "You suck: at an Olympic champion. Angle then says that the fans might have a right to say what they want, but they have abused that right. Angle tells everyone that he has had three neck surgeries for the fans and he put his life on the line for them. He did not see his daughter's first steps or hear her first words because he was wrestling for them. He lost his family because of the business. This is the thanks that Angle gets. Angle says that this arena is full of self-absorbed, selfish bastards. He does not suck, this crowd sucks. That is why Angle is leaving. He says that the main event can go straight to hell. We go to commercial.
On Unlimited, Maria interviews Rob Conway and asks Rob if he is ready to ride Space Mountain. Rob says that Space Mountain is not a ride for him, and it should be closed. Rob tells Maria that the only ride that she needs to worry about is the Con Way. Rob says that Ric Flair is not like the other legends he faced. Ric Flair is on the top of his game and he beat Triple H. Rob asks Maria if she knows what Ric Flair is not. Maria answers that he is not a three legged giraffe. Rob says that Flair is not Rob Conway. He is a rising star in the WWE, and he will become the new Intercontinental champion and he will shut Space Mountain down forever. Maria says with a sad voice that she likes rides.
We are back and Kurt Angle is getting ready to leave, but Eric is livid that he needs Kurt to be in the main event. Eric says that he can do nothing about the crowd. Kurt says that he wants two things. He wants the fans to stop chanting "You Suck" and he wants a special hand picked referee. Eric says that he can take care of the referee, but he does not know about the crowd. Eric says that he gives him his word.
It is Game Time as Triple H comes out and he sits in the Game Recliner on the ramp as we go to commercial.
We are on Unlimited and Jerry Lawler has a few words with Triple H. Lawler wants to know why Hunter is out here right now. Hunter gives a half hearted woooo to reply to the crowd. There is one reason why he is out here tonight. Everyone knows it. It is for Ric Flair. It is a matter of time before he finishes what he started. Taboo Tuesday only bought Flair another day. Now he has pissed Hunter off. He promises Flair that he will finish what he started.
Rob Conway comes out and walks to the ring for his match with Ric Flair.
We are back for our next match, Rob Conway versus Ric Flair for the Intercontinental Title
Before the match begins, Flair has Lillian announce that Flair was the man who beat Triple H. Conway gives his sunglasses to the ref before they lock up. Flair struts and woooos in the ring. Conway with a side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle. Flair with a hip toss and then he struts and woooos one more time. Flair with a side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle. Flair avoids a leap frog by Conway and then he slaps and chops Conway. Flair struts and then he tells Hunter to come to the ring, but Conway attacks Flair from behind when Flair was distracted. Conway with a neck breaker followed by a swinging neck breaker for a two count. Conway slaps Flair in the corner and woooos in Flair's face. Flair with the testicular claw followed by chops and punches. Flair with a back elbow on an Irish whip followed by a knee drop. Flair goes up top and hits the chop. Flair with a suplex to Conway and he puts Conway into the figure four leg lock. Hunter comes to the ring with a chain in his hand. Conway taps.
Winner: Ric Flair
After the match, Triple H chokes Flair with the chain and then punches him outside the ring. Flair with chops, but Hunter punches the ref by accident. Flair and Hunter fight into the crowd, but they are eventually separated.
We go to the Smackdown Rebound and then to commercial.
We are on Unlimited and Todd Grisham is with Eric Bischoff. Todd wants to make sure that the main event is still on. Eric says that the match is still on and will go on without a hitch. Todd wants to know how Eric will prevent the crowd from chanting "You Suck". Eric says that he will use the censor button, so the crowd can chant whatever they want, but they nobody will hear them. Eric tells Todd to put on some pants.
We are back with an Earlier Tonight moment of when Eric Bischoff sent Edge and Lita home and the crowd and wrestler serenade them.
Eric is on the headphones and he talks about the censoring of the chants. Lita enters the BischOffice. She wants to know if it is the right thing to send one of the biggest Raw superstars in a street fight against Batista. Eric tells Lita that there is nothing that either of them can do about it. Lita wonders if there are a few things that she can do to get him to change his opinion. Eric tells Lita to "put them back before someone puts their eyes out". Eric tells her to leave and calls her a slut.
It is time for our main event, Chris Masters (with Amazing Technicolor Ring Robe and Golden Shower version 4.0) and Kurt Angle versus John Cena and Shawn Michaels with guest referee Khosrow Daivari
Before the match can begin, we go to commercial.
On Unlimited, Daivari checks the wrestlers to see if they have any foreign objects. Michaels and Cena go after Masters and Angle. Cena throws Angle out of the ring while Michaels throws Masters out of the ring. Michaels goes out and chops Masters. Michaels sends Masters into the apron and then chops Masters again before he rolls Masters back into the ring. Cena with an Irish whip and side slam for a slow one count. Michaels tags in and we go back to USA.
Michaels and Masters exchange arm bars, but Michaels with a kip up. Michaels punches Masters and then Daivari tells Michaels not to use closed fist. Masters with a rollup for a quick two count. Angle tags in and he kicks Michaels. Michaels sends Angle's head into the turnbuckle. Angle with an Irish whip, but Angle charges into a Michaels' boot. Cena tags in and they give Angle a double back elbow for a slow one count. Angle with a kick to Cena followed by an elbow to the neck. Masters tags in and he kicks Cena. Cena with a hip toss followed by a suplex for a one count. Cena slams Masters' head into Michaels' boots. Michaels tags in and chops Masters. Michaels with a knee lift to Masters off the ropes followed by an arm bar. Masters with a forearm followed by a slam. Angle tags in and he misses an elbow drop. Michaels with an arm bar and then he works on Angle's shoulder. Michaels with a leg drop on Angle's arm followed by an arm bar. Angle backs Michaels into the corner and Angle punches Michaels. Michaels punches Angle and Daivari stops Michaels. Angle punches Michaels when Shawn turns around. Cena comes into the ring, but Daivari tells Cena to hold on to the tag rope. Angle chokes Michaels with his boot and the ref makes a slow count. Masters tags in and he punches Michaels followed by a back breaker for a quick two count. Masters with an Irish whip followed by a bear hug. Michaels punches Masters in the head to get him to release the hold. Angle tags in and he kicks Michaels in the leg followed by elbow drops to the knee. Michaels kicks Angle off, but Angle with punches to Michaels and then he knocks Cena off the apron. Angle tries for an Angle slam, but Michaels counters with a DDT and both men are down. Cena tags in and he punches Masters off the apron. Cena with clotheslines to Angle followed by a Blue Thunder Driver and the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena punches Masters off the apron. Cena gets Angle up for the F-U, but Masters hits Cena from behind. Angle with a front face lock on Cena and he tags in Masters. Masters with a double sledge to Cena's back and then Masters chokes Cena, but the ref tells Michaels to get back into his corner. Masters with a delayed vertical suplex to Cena for a quick two count. Angle tags in and he kicks Cena in the ribs followed by a back breaker for a two count. Angle with a rear chin lock with his knee in Cena's back, but Cena gets to his feet and hits a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Masters and Michaels tag in and they exchange right hands in the ring. Michaels with a flying forearm followed by a kip up, reverse atomic drop and clothesline to Masters. Michaels with a clothesline that sends Angle over the top rope to the floor. Michaels with a slam to Masters and he goes up top. Angle rolls a chair into the ring for Masters. Michaels gets off the turnbuckle and the ref yells at Michaels. Masters slams the chair into Michaels' ribs, but Michaels kicks Masters when he tries to hit Michaels again. Michaels gets the chair and the ref sees it. The ref calls for the bell.
Winners: Chris Masters and Kurt Angle (by disqualification)
After the match, Michaels with Sweet Chin Music to Masters. Angle clotheslines Michaels over the top rope to the floor. Angle gets out of the ring and Daivari hits Cena in the back with the chair. We go to credits.
2006 - Wrestling Society X signed Aaron Aguilera (Carlito's associate Jesus during a brief WWE run), NWA Wildside star Luke, Puerto Rican star Ricky Banderas, CZW and PWG star B-Boy, internationally traveled female star Sara Del Ray, former XPW and ECW regular Vic Grimes, ROH's Lacey, Disco Machine, Quicksilver, PWG champion Joey Ryan, Youth Suicide, Kaos, Alkatrazz, Scorpio Sky Andrews, Babi Slymm, Masato Yoshino, Genki Horiguchi, British star Steven Lyndon (1PW's Pac), CZW star Ruckus, Vampiro, Sean Waltman, Jack Evans, Matt Sydal, Lizzy Valentine, Teddy Hart, Jimmy Jacobs, Colt Cabana, Tyler Black, Josh Abercrombie and The Human Tornado for the first (and as if turned out, only) season of WSX on MTV.
2006 - The CW Network issued the following press release:
THE CW'S "FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN" CLIMBS TO NEW SEASON HIGHS IN KEY DEMOS
The CW Wins Second Night of Nov. Sweep in Men 18-34 and Teens, Ties for Second with Men 18-49
"SmackDown" Posts Double-Digit Improvement Over Year Ago Performance
November 6, 2006 (Burbank, CA) - On night two of the Nov. Sweep, "Friday Night SmackDown" continues to climb, reaching new season highs in the target demos of adults 18-34 (1.7/6), men 18-34 (2.1/8) and adults 18-49 (1.6/5), according to Live Plus Same Day Nielsen ratings for Nov. 3.
The CW won the second night of the Nov. Sweep among men 18-34 and teens (2.4/10), while ranking second among men 18-49 (2.0/7-tie).
"Friday Night SmackDown" scored double-digit gains over its performance a year ago on UPN (11/4/05), including 21% in adults 18-34, 24% in men 18-34, 33% in adults 18-49, 18% in men 18-49 (2.0/7), 33% in teens and 18% in viewers (4.6mil).
"Friday Night SmackDown" is also a double- and triple-digit improvement over the WB's Friday last year by 31% in adults 18-34, 163% in men 18-34, 33% in adults 18-49, 150% in men 18-49, 140% in teens and 65% in viewers.
2006 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
On Sunday night, one ECW wrestler participated in Cyber Sunday and the Big Show was unable to become the Champion of Champions. Now it is time to look ahead to the Survivor Series as well as December to Dismember. Who else will join Big Show, Rob Van Dam, and Sabu in the Extreme Elimination Chamber? After last week's Halloween episode, what is next in the CM Punk/Mike Knox/Kelly situation? What is next for Paul Heyman to do to Rob Van Dam?
We start off with footage of last week's main event when Rob Van Dam and Bob Holly faced Test and Big Show, along with comments from Holly to Van Dam. We see a man in a gorilla costume hit Van Dam from behind, only to find out that it was Paul Heyman.
We are live on tape from Moline, Illinois and your announcers are Tazz and Joey Styles.
Before our first match starts, Mike Knox sends Kelly to the back.
Match Number One: CM Punk versus Mike Knox (with Kelly) in an Extreme Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Knox has some words for Punk as the bell rings but Punk with a quick rollup for a two count. Knox backs Punk into the corner and he punches Punk after appearing to make a clean break. Punk returns the favor with forearms. Knox with a kick, but Punk wit a jumping leg lariat for a two count. Punk with a snap mare and drop kick to the back of Knox's neck. Punk with forearms in the corner, but Knox pulls Punk down by the hair. Knox kicks and punches Punk. Knox with a forearm to Punk and a kick to the chest. Punk floats over when Knox charges into the corner and then Punk gets Knox tied in the ropes while Punk punches Knox until the referee separates them. Punk with a springboard clothesline and Knox is sent outside the ring. Punk goes out after Knox and Knox gets back to the ring first, but Knox misses an elbow drop. Punk with a rollup for a two count. Punk with a forearm but Knox with a kick. Punk sends Knox head first into the turnbuckles. Punk goes up to the top turnbuckle, but Knox pulls Punk down to the mat. Knox with a knee and a near fall. Knox with a series of Irish whips into the corner and a back breaker. Knox with a bicycle kick for a two count. Knox with a sleeper to Punk. Punk escapes but Knox hits a power bomb but he can only get a two count. Knox charges at Punk in the corner, but Punk moves out of the way. Punk with a series of kicks and punches. Punk hits a running forearm followed by a series of kick and running forearms. Punk with an Irish whip and an STO. Punk with a running knee into the corner, but Knox counters the bulldog with a back breaker. Knox is only able to get a two count. Knox puts Punk on the top turnbuckle but Punk pushes Knox off and Punk hits a cross body for a two count. Punk with a series of back hand slaps followed by a roundhouse kick and uranage. Punk puts Knox in the Anaconda Vice and Knox taps. We go to commercial.
Winner: CM Punk
We are back and Rebecca DiPietro is in the interview area. She says that she is with two of ECW's newest superstars, Elijah Burke and Sylvester Terkay. Burke takes the mic and he says that today is the greatest day in the history of ECW. He introduces his brand of entertainment, Elijah Burke Productions. He has the three-time All-American and MMA fighting machine, Sylvester Terkay; and as an added bonus, you are going to experience your host of hosts, your guiding light, your icing on top of the cage, and the cherry on top of the sundae . . . Elijah Burke.
Paul Heyman comes to the ring with his security detail. Heyman has a mic and his gorilla match. Before tonight's huge announcements, he wants everyone to watch a piece of footage when he made a monkey out of Rob Van Dam.
Paul says that he knows what everyone is thinking. How can Rob Van Dam get revenge on him since Heyman is not a wrestler? He is the savior of wrestling, the creator of ECW, and the messiah that everyone loves to worship. Paul says that he is going to have in one corner Bob Holly and Rob Van Dam. Their opponents will be the Big Show and his own personal gorilla, the man who has put obstacle after obstacle in front of Van Dam . . . Paul Heyman. Tonight, you will either see Paul Heyman get his face kicked in by everyone's heroes, or you will see someone suffer the most humiliating embarrassment of their career.
Heyman moves to December 3rd when the ECW title will be defended in a weapons filled Extreme Elimination Chamber. By tonight, five spots will be filled. Next week, the sixth participant will be named. Anyone from ECW, Raw, or Smackdown who craves success like an insatiable prostitute and wants to be the ECW Champion, they can sign the contract and enter the Extreme Elimination Match. Paul says that he is going to go to the back to do some light cardio and discuss strategy with Big Show as they prepare for the most historic main event. We go to commercial.
We are back and Daivari comes to the ring with the Great Khali and he has something to say in Farsi.
Match Number Two: Little Guido (with Trinity) versus Khosrow Daivari (with The Great Khali)
Daivari goes after Guido before the bell, but Guido blocks the punches. Daivari with a knee and then Daivari tosses Guido into the middle rope. Daivari punches Guido and then he chokes Guido in the ropes. Guido fights back and gets a sunset flip for a two count. Daivari with a clothesline for a two count. Daivari continues the attack by slamming Guido's head into the turnbuckle followed by a chop. Guido tries to fight back but Daivari is too much for Guido. Daivari charges into an elbow and then Guido hits a drop kick for a two count. Guido flips out of a belly-to-back attempt but Daivari hits a DDT with a hammer lock for the three count.
Winner: Khosrow Daivari
After the match, Khali picks up Guido by the throat and he lifts Guido in the air for a vertical choke and then he slams Guido to the mat. We go to commercial.
We are back with highlights of John Cena's media appearances to promote The Marine.
Match Number Three: Test versus Tommy Dreamer in an Extreme Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Test backs Dreamer into the corner and he hits a series of back elbows. Dreamer with a clothesline that sends both men over the top rope to the floor. Test picks Dreamer up and he runs Dreamer's arm into the ring post. The action returns to the ring and Test gets a quick near fall. Test with a snap mare and arm bar. Test works on Dreamer's back with forearms. Test with a rear chin lock and Dreamer gets to his feet, but Test with a forearm and he sets for the pump handle slam, but Dreamer counters with an inverted DDT. Dreamer gets his second wind and he punches Test. Test responds with a back elbow, but Dreamer with a sit out spinebuster for a two count. Dreamer sets for the DDT, but Test goes to the ropes. Dreamer goes after Test, but Test with a low blow followed by a big boot and TKO for the three count. We go to commercial.
Winner: Test
We are back and Joey Styles talks about Heyman's announcement about the final participant in the Extreme Elimination Chamber match as well as Heyman wrestling tonight with the Big Show.
Match Number Four: Rob Van Dam and Bob Holly versus Big Show and Paul Heyman
Van Dam and Show start off the match and Show has some words for Van Dam. Van Dam with a series of punches and kicks, but Show pushes Van Dam down. Van Dam with a spin kick to Show's leg followed by two drop kicks that do not take the champion down. Van Dam grabs Heyman on the apron, but Show hits Van Dam from behind. Show with a head butt followed by chops in the corner. Show kicks and punches Van Dam in the corner and then he stands on Van Dam. Show with an Irish whip but Van Dam with a pair of boots to Show followed by a side kick. Show with a clothesline to Van Dam followed by a choke. Show with another chop to Van Dam and a punch that sends Van Dam out of the ring. While the referee is distracted, Heyman's security detail is about to hit Van Dam, but Holly comes over to make the save. Show distracts the referee again and the security detail is able to take care of Van Dam. Holly comes over to check and Heyman tells the referee to send Holly back to his corner. Show with a slam to Van Dam and elbow drop for a two count. Van Dam punches Show, but Show responds with a clothesline. Show with a short arm clothesline. Show holds Van Dam for Heyman and Heyman slaps Van Dam, but Van Dam is able to kick Heyman off the apron. Show with kicks to Van Dam, but Van Dam with punches and elbows. Show with an STO to prevent Van Dam from making the tag. Show chokes Van Dam in the corner followed by an Irish whip. Show misses a charge into the corner and Van Dam with a running spin kick to Show. Show tries for a big boot to Van Dam, but Van Dam drops down and Show crotches himself on the top rope. Van Dam crawls across the ring to try to make the tag, but Show pulls Van Dam back into the center of the ring. Show tries for a choke slam, but Van Dam counters with a DDT and both men are down. Van Dam makes the tag and instead of going after Show, he attacks Van Dam and kicks him in the corner. Holly with a slam and leg drop. Holly leaves the ring and gets a steel chair. Holly with an Alabama Slam onto the chair. Show with a splash and the referee calls for the bell.
Winners: No contest
After the match, Heyman, Holly, and Show stand around Van Dam. We go to credits.
2007 - Nick Bollea, son of Hulk Hogan, turned himself into Clearwater Police o face charges for reckless driving involving serious bodily injury, stemming from the August 2007 car wreck that left his friend John Graziano severely injured for life.
2008 - WWE released Paul London and Chuck Palumbo.
2008 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Mike Grimaldi filed the following TV report:
-WWE Open
-Casket Match highlights from last week
.Smackdown Open
- The VIP Lounge- MVP is in the ring talking on his cell phone while everyone waits on him to finish his phone call. MVP addresses his losing streak and the critics of him lately including "Hurricane Helms." Okay, guess we have a new name now and apparently someone on the show finally watches it on TV! As MVP briefly mentions Helms, the "HurraPop" comes up with Helms just mouthing MVP's words. MVP then reveals that the "incentive" clause in his contract actually says that he has to win a certain number of matches within an allotted time or else his contracts rolls over to a "standard talent contract." Ahhh...so that's where they're going with the "he spends more money than he makes" idea. He says he's out here to assure us that nothing will stop him from getting the money that is owed to him. If that isn't a cue for someone to interrupt. And here comes The Great Khali (w/ Ranjin Singh)...or as I now call him, Kurrgan 2.0. MVP tells them that they can't just come up in his VIP lounge, but Singh announces it's time for the Khali "Kiss Cam." Singh says Khali thinks MVP is boring and if he wants to be part of something actually entertaining to sit down and watch. MVP storms off his own set. Singh again brings in some fat women for Khali to kiss. After he does, MVP jumps Khali from behind, gives him a few forearms to the back and then bails.
-Back in the GM's office, Vickie marvels at Khali's new found personality while The Big Show sits, moping on the couch. Vickie says, "Maybe I got the wrong giant to take care of my business" which launches Show off the couch. She says she was joking and Show walks out. MVP storms in saying he's not going to put up with "this" anymore and Khali the "Punjabi Wookie" comes into the VIP lounge, "Fat girls ain't allowed in the VIP lounge." Vickie says the Khali segments are one of the highest rated on "her" show while all MVP does is lose. She informs MVP (and us) that he has only until Survivor Series to win a match or else he has to pay back his signing bonus. MVP says he's due for a win so Vickie gives him a match tonight...against Khali.
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1. R-Truth vs. (WWE US Champion) Shelton Benjamin for the WWE US Championship- Shelton starts off with a side headlock and then takes Truth over. They get back to a standing position and Truth nails a back suplex and gets a 1 count. Shelton picks Truth up in a press slam and then drops him ribs first on his knee. He follows up with a back breaker and a stretch over his knee for a submission attempt. Truth gets out, Benjamin reverses a whip to the corner but misses charging in and Truth takes him down with a clothesline. They get back to their feet and Truth takes him down with two more clotheslines and the a leaping heel kick that produces a near fall. Shelton gets Truth up in position for a powerbomb but Truth fights out and then nails the corkscrew forearm for a 2 count. Shelton gets to his feet and then basically leaps to the top rope and back off at Truth in a jump to nowhere spot, Truth kicks him in the gut when he lands and Shelton falls to the mat and the bails to the outside. Truth hits a tope con hilo over the top rope onto Benjamin and throws him back into the ring. Truth comes back in with a missile dropkick off the top rope but is slow to follow up, selling the ribs, finally getting cover and a 2 count. Shelton rolls to the apron and Truth tries to suplex from the outside in but Shelton reverses and drops Truth midsection first over the top rope. Shelton then quickly slides back into the ring and nails "Pay dirt" and gets the 1, 2, 3 to win the match a retain the US title.
-Backstage Jimmy Wang Yang is show stretching when THE Brian Kendrick comes walking up with him with Ezekiel Jackson. Kendrick quotes "Jules Winnfield's" biblical reference and Yang says, "Ezekiel 25:17?" Big Zeke says no, "Sam Jackson; Pulp Fiction." I guess that was just to help people who didn't get where the got Big Zeke's name from. Big Zeke vs. Yang is next.
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2. Ezekiel Jackson (w/ THE Brian Kendrick) vs. Jimmy Wang Yang- Zeke is intro'd being from Harlem, NY. Let's see, a black dude, in all black trunks and boots who is bald and has a beard that is from "Harlem?"...I can't wait till he brings out the Harlem sewer rats! HurraPop tells Zeke that "Michael Phelps called...he wants those tights back...I'm just sayin'." Did Helms watch the Olympics and see that swimmers now wear full body suits? Geez. DETAILS GUYS! Yang attempts the proverbial "stick and move" strategy and lands a few drop kicks to the knee, but Zeke quickly takes Yang down with a big shoulder tackle. Zeke shoves Yang into the corner and then tries a big biel out of the corner that didn't exactly make him look like a superman. Zeke redeems himself with an impressive one armed uranage slam for the win. Kendrick rushes into the ring to celebrate "his" win and then for good measure hits "The Kendrick" on Yang.
-A video recapping Vladimir Kozlov's run through "competition" is shown.
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-Backstage Michelle McCool is being prepped in make up with her awful new bangs (if this were 1989 that would be a good look). Eve Torres comes up and ask Michelle's advice on training. Michelle responds, "You mean, to be a wrestler?" "Why the f are you asking me? Have you seen any of my matches? Here, watch this (Michelle hands Eve "Shimmer Women's Athlete's Volume 20")...okay, I made the second part up. Michelle asks Eve "Do you want it?" Michelle then starts to trash Maria in a catty way saying "she's my friend but is missing something up here (brains)." Michelle says Maria is a Playboy pin up girl and that's what she does best. Maria walks in not knowing what is being talked about. Eve pretends to be friendly with Maria to tease their title match next week.
-RAW Rebound shows Jericho defeating Batista for the World Title on Monday.
-Jeff Hardy is in Vickie's office begging for just one more shot at Triple H for the WWE title at Survivor Series. Vickie says Hardy does have what it takes to be WWE Champion and says that he isn't even that "extreme" anymore. Jeff asks if she wants "extreme" and she says what she wants is for him to get ready for his tag team match, because "that's what you do best." Hardy says tonight he's going to blow her mind.
-Ross informs us that the "tag match" Vickie referred to is Triple H and Hardy vs. Miz and Morrison.
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-Ross and Tazz welcome us back...then something is shown that isn't aired on the International feed....cut straight to Triple H's entrance.
3. (WWE Champion) Triple H & Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz and John Morrison- Morrison's abs are super glittered up this week. Tazz makes the joke that Morrison is "Abby Normal." Yeah Tazz, because the current target WWE fan base gets a reference to a 1983 Steve Martin film. Anyways, Triple H laughs at his ab artwork and Morrison and the Game start the match off. Morrison backs HHH in the corner and shows some aggressiveness whaling away on him with right hands. Morrison whips HHH in the corner but HHH comes firing out with a clothesline. HHH follows up with a suplex on Morrison and tags in Hardy who comes in an kicks his opponent. Hardy quickly goes for the Twist of Fat but Morrison bails out of the ring and convalesces with Miz on the outside. Hardy hits a unique double leg spit dropkick on both men and then hits a Swanton like tope con hilo over the top onto both men.
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Back from break Hardy takes Miz down with a headlock take over to allow them time to replay the high spots before the commercials. Back to live action Hardy gets a near fall on Miz. Triple H asks for a tag but Hardy wants to do it himself. Hardy's strategy backfires and after a distraction from Morrison, Miz spears him off the apron and to the floor. Miz and Morrison take control and hit their "slingshot/forearm/back breaker/elbow" gimmick on Hardy which nets a near fall. Morrison gets aggressive again before applying a cravat on Hardy. Hardy fights out but Miz gets the tag and takes Hardy down with a face buster/Stroke type move and gets a 2 count. Morrison is tagged back in and they hit a double gut buster on Hardy and Morrison covers for another 2 count. Hardy hits a mule kick and a hooking clothesline on Morrison. Hardy has the chance to make the hot tag but tells Triple H, "I don't need you." Morrison does make the tag and Miz comes in and tries his Sydal clothesline but Hardy moves Hardy then knocks Morrison off the apron and hits the tip up dropkick in the corner on Miz. Hardy hits Whisper in the Wind on Miz and gets a near fall. Hardy hits a sit out gordbuster on Miz and goes to the top. Morrison draws Triple H into the ring which distracts the ref and allows Morrison to crotch Hardy on the top rope. Triple H finally has enough and goes after Miz and Morrison. While the ref gets Triple H out of the ring, Hardy grabs a chair and brings it in and hits Miz and Morrison with it causing a DQ. Hardy starts to wildly throw the chair around and Miz and Morrison and chases Morrison up the ramp. Hardy stares back at Triple H and The Game decides to send a message by hitting the Pedigree on Miz before locking eyes again with Hardy. Finally, some interesting build up to Hardy/HHH.
-Backstage Eve asks Kozlov about his match with Undertaker. He says what you'd expect...he'll beat Taker, beat Triple H and become champion.
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-Ross and Tazz narrate Jeff Hardy's "snapping" during the last match. Hardy storms into Vickie's office and asks if that was "extreme" enough for her and she says while it was "extreme" she and Kozlov have a deal, so "close but no cigar" and then says that is the story of Hardy's career.
-Thee Big Show makes his way out to the stage with a mic. He says he has something to say. Really? That's why you have a mic? He says he has a message for the Undertaker and tells Kozlov to "save a little something for me." Show says he's been thinking about The Undertaker a lot recently...awwww. He says he's figured out what Taker gets his power from; fear. He goes all psychoanalytical and says UT has no power over him. He says he's beaten him twice and pounded him into the canvas and he knows Taker is made of flesh and blood. He challenges Taker to a Casket Match at Survivor Series.
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4. MVP vs. The Great Khali (w/ Ranjin Singh)- Tazz calls him the "Gigantic Gangster of Love." Stan Lane has just filed a lawsuit that will be heard right after Larry Zbyszko's one against Jericho for calling himself a "living legend" years back. How's the senior PGA tour career going Uncle Larry? MVP tries the same strategy as Yang did against Ezekiel and has a little more success, but not much. Khali lays him out with the head chop and then hits the Tree Slam for the victory. After the match HurraPop mocks MVP again.
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5. Brie Bella vs. Victoria (w/ Natalya)- Victoria takes Bella over with a headlock to start off (that is a theme in these Smackdown matches if you notice). Brie does a handstand to get out but Victoria locks the headlock back on and takes her over again. They battle for a top wrist lock and Brie takes her over with a headscissors but Victoria comes back with a clothesline. Victoria hits a fireman's carry into a side slam for a near fall. Victoria goes for a standing moonsault but Brie gets the knees up. Brie gets the advantage for a few moments but Victoria catches her and hits a powerslam for a near fall. Victoria argues over the count and Brie locks in an inside cradle and gets the flash pin. After the match Victoria and Natalya corner Brie who tries to escape under the ring but Victoria catches the "other" Bella coming out of the ring while Brie is going under. They finally reveal that there are two Bellas. They sisters smile and then take the advantage of the shock of Victoria and Natalya to throw them in the ring,, hit stereo flying mares and then stereo X-Factors. Backstage Carlito and Primo are watching getting very excited. Primo says, "that's cool" and Carlito gets annoyed.
-John Cena video that reminds us that at one point he wasn't a stale pandering babyface.
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-Vladimir Kozlov and The Undertaker make their entrances.
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6. The Undertaker vs. Vladimir Kozlov- The lock up and battle for an advantage. Kozlov gets a side headlock (that theme again), Taker shoves him off into the ropes and Kozlov takes him down hard with a shoulder tackle. The same situation in reverse then happens. Taker hits a huge boot to the face that knocks Kozlov down and then clotheslines him over the top rope. The battle on the outside, Taker hits his leg drop on the apron. Back in the ring, Kozlov comes back with some shoulder tackles but Taker takes the buckle on a whip and comes out with a clothesline for a near fall. The trade blows and punches. Kozlov hits the Al Snow headbutts and then the straight kick to the chest for a near fall. Kozlov backs him into the corner with more punches. Taker reverse and tries a headbutt but Taker sells as much as Kozlov does. Kozlov fires away again with very limited punches and kicks. Taker hits Snake Eyes but Kozlov no sells and hits a powerslam. Taker goes for the gogoplata, "The Devil's Triangle" (nice name) but either Robinson tells him it's illegal and/or Kozlov gets to the ropes. Jeff Hardy hits the ring with his new best friend, Mr. Steel Chair and like a moron hits Kozlov with it, causing a DQ. He then hits Kozlov a few more times before hitting Undertaker with it. HEY DUMB ASS, if you hit Taker first, then Kozlov is the one who get's DQ'ed and doesn't get the title shot! Taker sits up and Hardy bails. Taker stalks Hardy but when Justin Roberts announces Kozlov the winner, Taker turns back to the ring and goes back to chokeslam Kozlov.
Hardy rushes back into Vickie's office and says he'll do what Kozlov couldn't do, next week, he'll take out the Undertaker if she makes the match "Extreme Rules." Vickie agrees. Taker poses in the ring
2009 - WWE ran a SmackDown!/ECW event in Düsseldorf, Gernany at the ISS Dome with the following results:
Tag Team Match:
Cryme Tyme (Shad & JTG) beat The Hart Dynasty (DH Smith & Tyson Kidd)
Singles Match:
Ezekiel Jackson beat Goldust
#1 Contenders Battle Royal:
Natalya beat Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Layla, Katie Lea Burchill & Rosa Mendes
Singles Match:
Yoshi Tatsu beat William Regal
Singles Match:
Drew McIntyre beat Finlay
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match:
John Morrison (c) beat Dolph Ziggler
ECW Championship Match:
Christian (c) beat Zack Ryder
WWE Womens Championship Match:
Michelle McCool (c) beat Natalya
Triple Threat Match:
Matt Hardy beat Batista & Rey Mysterio
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Casket Match:
The Undertaker beat CM Punk
2009 - Adam "Firestorm" Dykes, who had been wrestling for years on the independent scene in the Pacific Northwest and for Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling before becoming a regular host for the "Ringside Live" online radio show, passed away suddenly, taking his own life.
His death came just a little over a month after a bad car accident where the vehicle he was driving struck a elk.
Colin Vassallo and Ian Hamilton sent the following out this morning via email, remembering Dykes. We wish them as well as Dykes' family and friends, our deepest condolences:
It is with great sadness that I'm sending this e-mail to report that our friend, and co-host of Ringside, Adam "Firestorm" Dykes, passed away last night. I got a phone call this morning from Ian and I'm still in shock trying to find the correct words.
Adam was 32 years old, a professional wrestler from New Zealand but who lived in Victoria, BC. He wrestled for several indy promotions and had a good run at the Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling where
he won the NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship twice and the NWA/ECCW Heavyweight Championship.
Adam joined Ian on Ringside a couple of weeks after the show kicked off and together they taped a year worth of shows and interviewed Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Rob Van Dam, Eric Bischoff, Dave Hebner and others. His last appearance on the show was uploaded yesterday, an interview with Irv Muchnick to discuss the Chris Benoit double-murder suicide story which you can listen at theringsidelive.com. We're still not sure how to proceed with the show at this point.
We're gonna miss Adam and his whacky stories on the show. He is survived by his wife Emile and young son Thomas. Rest in peace.
Ian, who was more closer to Adam, wanted to write a few words of his own so here they are below:
When you follow wrestling as much as we do, you’ll have heard about "the call". Well, this morning, "the call" turned into "the e-mail", or rather, two of them.
Checking on my phone, Bryan Alvarez’s e-mail saying "I absolutely cannot believe this", and Jason Clevett’s "call me" probably should have given the game away. While I was waiting to get the PC running, a check on the phone confirmed my fears.
For those of you who haven’t heard yet, we’ve lost a great friend. Adam Dykes, best known to all of us as Adam Firestorm, died on Friday night, at the age of 32. That’s about as much as we know right now.
For a decade, Adam wrestled mostly in the Pacific North West, as the masked El Antorcha and later as Adam Firestorm, before an elbow injury forced him out of the business. When we started Ringside Live way back in September 2007, we quickly realised that doing the shows solo was a bad idea, and that having a co-host was for the best.
Surprisingly, for someone whom I knew so little at the time, Adam jumped at the chance to do the show, even though it meant battling with Blog Talk Radio and their numerous technical glitches. As time wore on, we became good friends off air, as well as on air. Suddenly, the late night Friday live shows would be something I’d look forward to, if only for the 5-10 minute chat with Adam before we went live Following our switch to a taped show, we actually talked more as we were without the limitations of the Blog Talk lady telling us "three minutes... before show time."
I still remember on New Year’s Eve last year, getting a voicemail on my cell phone from Adam, wishing me a happy new year. I remember wondering how he got my number... then remembering that my Skype was set (at the time, don’t try it now!) to forward messages to my cell phone if they weren’t answered. I was looking forward to doing the same back to him this year... and I wish I still had that message on my phone.
At the end of September, Adam should have died. His words, not mine, after taking the rear of a 600lb elk into his face in an auto accident near Campbell River, BC. Adam lived to tell the tale, and laugh about it - I suppose there’s not much else you can do if you got the equivalent of a Stink Face from an elk...
A little over a month later, and he’s gone. The man who saved my ass during every show we did, especially with guests like Eric Bischoff, Bret Hart, Rob Van Dam and most recently, Irv Muchnick.
Adam, thank you for the privilege of being able to call you my friend. Thank you for being the main reason why everyone listened to our show every week. I wish I’d been able to visit you, but that’s not going to happen now.
I’m going to miss you Adam. Rest in Peace mate. The pain is over.
2010 - TNA presented Turning Point on PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
TNA X-Division champion Jay Lethal vs. Robbie E. (with Cookie)
They locked up at the bell. E was overwhelmed early by Lethal. Lethal controlled E with an armdrag and hiptoss. Lethal backdropped E over the top to the floor. Lethal nailed a sliding kick and a chop across the chest on the floor. Back in the ring, Lethal nailed E with a dropkick for a two count. Lethal nailed a cartwheel into another dropkick. He continued controlling the bout, chopping away at him in the corner.
Lethal went for the Lethal Combination but Robbie grabbed the ropes. He drilled Lethal in the throat and worked him over with a series of punches. He draped Lethal over the apron and slammed his arm over Lethal’s chest and sternum. He dragged Lethal back into the ring but Lethal tried to mount a comeback from his knees with several shots. Robbie came back with a clothesline and covered Lethal for a two count.
Robbie controlled the bout but Lethal came back with a series of clotheslines and a handspring elbow. Lethal went for a sunset flip but Cookie distracted referee Earl Hebner so there was no count. Lethal tossed Robbie to the floor, then hit a tope to the outside.
Lethal beat Robbie with a series of rights on the floor. He tossed Robbie back in the ring but Cookie tried to use her hairspray on Jay. He grabbed her arm and forced it out of her hand. Lethal nailed the Lethal Combination and went to the top rope for his elbow but Cookie grabbed his legs as the referee was removing the hair spray. Robbie E caught Lethal and nailed his neckbreaker for the pin.
Your winner and new TNA X-Division champion, Robbie E!
OK opener. There was nothing wrong with it and there were some nice exchanges but just a solid match.
Mike Tenay and Taz discussed the other matches scheduled for the PPV.
Christy Hemme interviewed Mickie James. James said that Tara turned something that was business into something that was personal. She said that Tara doesn’t have to like her, but she will respect Mickie. Good promo.
Tara vs. Mickie James (with Madison Rayne)
Mickie slapped Tara as soon as she hit the ring. She nailed her a second time., Tara used a double leg takedown and they rolled around exchanging strikes on the mat. Tara gained control but James backdropped her over, then dropkicked her. Tara went to the floor. On the apron, Tara snapped her face over the ropes as she returned to the ring.
James came back with a single leg crab. Tara went to the floor to escape and drilled James as she followed. They locked up on the floor and neither was able to gain the advantage. They rolled back into the ring, still jockeying for position., In the end, Tara finally muscled her across the ring and choked James.
Tara nailed a snap suplex, then floated over into a forward choke. She whipped James into the turnbuckle but Mickie fought back. James pulled Tara over the ropes with a headscissor, then dove off the apron with a hard shot. James tossed her into the ring and nailed a missile dropkick.
Mickie went for her kick but Tara caught her and slammed her down, then booted her in the face. They battled back and forth. Mickie went for a DDT but Tara powered her up to the top rope. Tara and Mickie battled on the top rope and took a nasty spill off the top to the floor while clawing at each other. They continued battling around ringside and up the aisle towards the stage.
James tossed Tara over the guard rail and they fought through the crowd . The referee tried to get between them and they shoved him away. The referee called for the DQ. Tara went right after Mickie and they continued fighting through the crowd and into the aisle towards the ring. They battled their way towards the stage, slamming each other into the stage. Mickie tossed Tara into a bunch of stagehands. Tara grabbed a broom and broke it over Mickie’s back. Mickie grabbed a trash can and drilled Tara with it. They continued brawling until security tried to break it up. The crowd, which was loving this, chanted for them to fight.
Mickie broke free and made her way back to the ring. She challenged Tara to come back. Tara hit the ring and they began exchanging slaps and punches. They started ripping at each other’s clothes and continued fighting. A number of TNA agents hit the ring to break it up but Tara attacked Mickie again. The crowd kept chanting to let the women fight. Mike Tenay tried to sign off the segment but Mickie dove through the officials and attacked Tara.
Real entertaining brawl. The match was fine but once they got into the post-bout brawl, the intensity and the crowd interest really picked up. They were trying hard to treat it like a legitimate shoot in terms of the bad blood and it came off well.
Team 3D video package.
Christy Hemme interviewed Team 3D backstage. She said that she was sad because it was their last match. Bubba said that she just smacked them in the face with reality. He said that 15 years ago they tried to become the greatest tag team of all time and after 23 tag team championships, he can say they did it together. Ray said they were going out there to become the champions, again, together and that they would retire on top. He said they were going out the same way they came in – together.
TNA Tag Team champions The Motor City Machineguns vs. Team 3D
Devon and Alex Shelley shook hands before the bell. Devon backed him up into a corner but broke clean. Devon took over Shelley with a headlock takedown but Shelley reversed it and they returned to their feet. Fans began the dueling chants. Shelley was caught with a reverse elbow while Devon was rebounding off the ropes for a two count.
Chris Sabin tagged in and the Guns went for a double team move but Devon escaped and nailed a double clothesline. Bubba tagged in and 3D went for 3D but Sabin shot out of the ring to escape. Bubba and Sabin went back and forth. Taz told the origins of the original Dudley Boyz gimmick and how they created it as a takeoff of the Hansen Brothers in the film “Slapshot.”
Devon tagged back in and scored a two count but Shelley interfered. Shelley blind tagged in and the Guns hit the Dream Sequence. Shelley went for a top rope stomp but Devon moved. Shelley looked to have hurt his knee, so Bubba, after tagging in, began working on it.
The Guns made a comeback, keeping 3D at bay with double team maneuvers. Sabin hit a tope on Devon. Sabin went for a slingshot pescado but Ray avoided it. Bubba charged him on the floor but Sabin ducked and Ray nailed the ringpost. Bubba was busted open.
Shelley worked over Bubba in the ring, cutting off the ring on him. The Guns tagged in and out, taking turns wearing down Bubba. Bubba came back with a sit down Bubba Bomb and draped his arm over Sabin for a two count. Shelley tagged in and took out Devon before Bubba could make the tag.
Shelley worked over Bubba, who began working him over with chops while mounting a comeback. Shelley went for a kick but Bubba caught it. Shelley nailed an enziguiri but Bubba stayed on his feet. Shelley came off the middle rope with another shot and Bubba went down. Shelley tagged in Sabin and Devon got the hot tag.
Devon worked over Sabin with a shoulderblock and a sideslam for a two count. Devon was caught with a kick as he charged into the corner. Devon came back with a powerslam for a two count for a two count, then a neckbreaker but Shelley broke it up.
The Guns killed Devon with a double team maneuver but Devon grabbed Sabin, held him, then powerbombed him onto Sabin. Devon hit the flying headbutt as Bubba was recovering in the corner. Bubba blindtagged in and double clotheslined the Guns from behind. They set up Shelley for the Wazzup Headbutt and he nailed it.
The fans called for Devon to get the tables and he did. Ray set up a table in the corner. 3D whipped Sabin into the table but he ran up it and backflipped off. Ray charged and missed, crashing through the tables. The Guns drilled Devon with stereo kicks for a two count. They kept working on Devon, who kept kicking out.
Devon escaped a running boot and Sabin accidentally nailed Shelley. Team 3D nailed their finisher but Sabin kicked out. The announcers acted like it was the first time anyone had ever kicked out of the move. 3D was shocked and in disbelief. They went for it again but Sabin turned it into a tornado DDT on Devon. The Guns nailed Bubba with Skull and Bones and scored the pin.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions, The Motor City Machineguns!
After the match, The Guns raised 3D’s arms and they all embraced.
Real good back and forth tag match. So far so good with this show!
Christy Hemme interviewed Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer said that it’s a sad night because EV2.0 is fighting for their jobs, He’s fighting his friend and 3D wrestled their last match. Dreamer told Bischoff congratulations because he has everyone buying into his BS. He told Van Dam that toniught he was going to learn who his friends were and who was lying to him.
Tommy Dreamer vs. Rob Van Dam
They locked up but neither gained the advantage. Dreamer grabbed a leg but Van Dam escaped. Dreamer schoolboyed him for a two count. They went back and forth before standing off. They went nose to nose with words before Van Dam drilled Dreamer with as forearm. They went back and forth exchanging moves but getting no advantage because of how well they know each other until Dreamer caught Van Dam with a knee. Van Dam went to the floor to regain his cool.
Van Dam caught Dreamer with a shoulderblock as he returned to the ring. Dreamer fought back and shoved Van Dam off the apron to the floor. Dreamer came off the apron with a running clothesline to the floor. Dreamer slammed Van Dam’s head into the apron. Van Dam came back with an atomic drop onto the railing, then hit a corkscrew guillotine legdrop off the apron onto Dreamer.
Van Dam brought a chair into the equation, placing if over Dreamer’s face as Dreamer was laid out on the apron. RVD hit a slingshot guillotine legdrop but Dreamer slid out of the way. Van Dam grabbed his leg on the floor. Dreamer tossed him back into the ring. Dreamer placed Van Dam in the tree of woe but Van Dam tried to fight his way out. Dreamer worked over Van Dam and placed a chair over Van Dam’s face but RVD again slipped out. Dreamer finally grabbed Van Dam and nailed him with a neckbreaker off the ropes.
Dreamer pulled a ladder out from under the ring, along with another chair. Van Dam nailed Dreamer and tried to hit a slingshot slide into the ladder on the apron but Dreamer pulled the ladder up and slammed it into Rob’s face. Dreamer pulled Van Dam into the ring and bulldogged him into the ladder. Dreamer covered Van Dam for a two count.
Dreamer draped Van Dam on the ladder and went for an elbow but Van Dam moved and Dreamer ate the ladder. Van Dam went for Rolling Thunder but Dreamer moved and hit a spinebuster. Dreamer came off the top with a frog splash for a two count. Dreamer hurt his wrist and took off his glove to check on it. Van Dam hit a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Dreamer’s obviously got a broken wrist but is still working on it.
Vam Dam slammed Dreamer onto a chair, then hit a Hollywood Press but Dreamer moved out of the way. Dreamer whipped Van Dam into a ladder but Van Dam slammed the ladder into Dreamer’s face. Van Dam went to the top and went for the five star frog splash but Dreamer got out of the way. Dreamer hit his piledriver and Van Dam took the same crazy bump off of it he used to in ECW.
Dreamer covered Van Dam but his arm was under the ropes. Dreamer placed Van Dam on the top rope. He draped the ladder in the corner to stand on it while attempting a superplex but Van Dam nailed him and Dreamer crotched himself, Van Dam barreled into Dreamer with a spinning kick and Dreamer fell backwards with his legs and the ladder entangled in the ropes. Van Dam hit a skateboarding kick with a chair in the corner. He went for the Five Star Frog Splash but Dreamer moved. Van Dam was whipped into the ladder but it was reversed,
Van Dam went for a Fireman’s Carry. Dreamer landed on his feet and went for a DDT but was was shoved backwards into a chair. Van Dam hit a five star frog splash and finally scored the pin.
Your winner, Rob Van Dam!
Dreamer and Van Dam had words afterwords. Dreamer had a nasty bruise on his face. In the end of it, Van Dam told Dreamer, “I’m sorry…you’re my brother” and they embraced.
You can’t even grade this one as Dreamer got hurt pretty early on and still kept working on it, which was insane.
Christy Hemme interviewed Fortune and Ric Flair. Flair said that now we are done watching two members of EV2.0 beating the crap out of each other while no one cares, it’s time for the show to start. He said that he can’t wait to fire someone tonight. Doug Williams said that he’s on board completely. AJ Styles mockingly said he’s having too much fun beating up EV2.0, so they shouldn’t fire anyone, just keep kicking their asses. The others talked about getting rid of the EV2.0 guys once and for all.
Fortune’s Beer Money & Doug Williams & AJ Styles & Kazarian vs. EV2’s Raven & Brian Kendrick & Sabu & Stevie Richards & Rhino – If EV2.0 loses, a member is fired.
Everyone started brawling to kick off the match. Doug Williams took out Brian Kendrick’s knee and snapped it. Kendrick began screaming for a doctor and was carried off by the trainers, so it’s five vs. four right out of the gate. Beer Money worked on Stevie Richards early.
Fortune tagged in and out working over Richards. Williams nailed a snap suplex. Kaz mocked the Steviekick but Richards caught him with a faceplant. Rhino tagged in and cleaned house on Fortune. He nailed James Storm with a belly to belly suplex and set up for the gore but Robert Roode tripped Rhino. Styles hit a springboard elbow on Rhino and covered him but EV2.0 broke it up.
Beer Money began working over Rhino. They controlled him. Rhino made his way back to his feet but was cut off again by James Storm. Rhino powered Storm over the top when he charged him but Storm drilled him in the back of the head. Rhino finally came back with a TKO of sorts.
Rhino made the hot tag to Sabu. He clotheslined Styles and began drilling Fortune members with right hands. Raven tossed Sabu a chair and he used it as a base to springboard off the ropes into a dive on Fortune. AJ went after Sabu but was cut off. Sabu hit a springboard tornado DDT but Doug Williams broke up the pin. Williams nailed an uppercut off the ropes on Sabu but ate a Steviekick. This kicked off a sequence that ended up with Beer Money going for their finisher on Raven but Rhino gored Storm.
Sabu crotched Styles on the top. He went for a Frankensteiner off the top but Styles caught him and turned it into the Styles Clash for the pin.
Your winners, Fortune!
Ric Flair came out and said it was time to pay homage to Fortune. He told the EV2.0 guys to look at each other for the last time. Flair said that he didn’t like the Sheik and he hates Sabu. That pissed off Sabu. Flair said Sabu was gone and in the weeks to come, they were going to get rid of the others. Sabu charged Fortune but was held back by the others.
Tommy Dreamer, with his wrist wrapped and with ice, came out with Rob Van Dam. Van Dam said that everyone here knows that this sucks. Van Dam said that Sabu did great here and this is evidence that sometimes, in TNA, what Van Dam wants, isn’t good enough. Dreamer said that Sabu was someone who deserved to be a millionare for all the abuse he put his body through. Dreamer said that they could all tell their children and grandchildren that they all saw Sabu do what he loves to do live. He put over Sabu at the most homicidal, suicidal and genocidal wrestler ever. Sabu hugged the others goodbye. TNA tried to make the moment a real loss, which, in my mind, it really is. As I wrote a few days ago, it’s a damn shame this is the end of Sabu’s run here as it really has revitalized the career of someone who did a lot for the business and never really got his just due for a lot of reasons, some of which were of his own making.
Christy Hemme was backstage with Pope Dinero and his congregation. Dinero said it’s a mighty fine thing to walk into battle surrounded by his friends and his blood. He said that he called one person and the entire group showed. He called Abyss a pissstain on the carpet of TNA and he was going to remove the stain. He said his father always told him it was always better to be pissed on than pissed off and said, Pope is Pissed.
The promo was ended abruptly by Tara and Mickie James brawling into the scene. The Congregation split them up and calmed Mickie, then headed to the ring. Mickie was left alone, only to be attacked by Madison Rayne from behind., She and Tara mocked James and told her to get out of the company because she didn’t belong here.
Abyss vs. Pope Dinero
They brawled immediately. Pope’s ribs her taped up because he was in the casket when Abyss attacked it with Janice. Uh, OK. Pope dropkicked Abyss to the floor, but Abyss returned to the ring before the Lumberjacks could get to him. Pope nailed a running splash in the corner, then another Stinger Splash. Abyss tossed Pope outside but he was caught by his Congregation and placed down on the floor.
Pope came back with a flying clothesline off the top for a two count. Pope clotheslined Abyss over the top where the Congregation worked over Abyss before forcing him back in the ring. Abyss drilled him with a big boot. Abyss worked him over and ripped off the rib tape. Abyss kicked and stomped Pope. He locked Pope in a bearhug to wear him down into a submission.
Abyss went for the Black Hole Slam but it was turned into a float over DDT. Pope came back with a series of clothesline and strikes. He nailed an inverted atomic drop and a shoulderblock. Pope beat Abyss down with a series of rights and lefts. He nailed the hesitation elbow off the turnbuckles but came up with his ribs hurting.
Abyss caught Pope with the Shock Treatment. Abyss got into it with the Congregation on the floor. Pope dove off the ropes onto Abyss. They put Abyss back in the ring and helped up Pope. Pope came off the top with a crazy looking headbutt that made his neck snap backwards in a way that didn’t look like it could have done Pope any good. Pope continued the assault on Abyss. He celebrated with the Congregation.
Eric Bischoff came out on the apron and began laughing. Pope looked at him confused as Bischoff made the money sign. Pope’s brother, who was identified earlier as such, nailed Pope from behind and the Congregation attacked him once he was down. They tossed him back into the ring, where Abyss nailed the Black Hole Slam for the pin.
Your winner, Abyss!
The Congregation threw their Pope glasses into the ring.
Everyone worked hard but this didn’t seem to work. The turn came off silly. Why are we supposed to care that a bunch of people we never met before turned on Pope?
Christy Hemme tried to get word with Sabu but Stevie Richards instead said he had something to say. Richards said he was tired of sitting on the sidelines and breaking up fights. He challenged AJ Styles to face him Thursday on Impact.
Jeff Jarrett vs. Samoa Joe
Jarrett took the mic before the match and said that at Bound for Glory, the Immortals were revealed. He said they were taking the power back. Fans were crapping on him so Jarrett threatened to go to Bischoff and have the entire show shut down. As he left, out came Samoa Joe.
They locked up and Joe muscled Jarrett into the corner. He went for a shot but Jarrett ducked out of the way. Jarrett grabbed Joe with a waistlock but Joe escaped. Jarrett tried to work over Joe but Joe drilled him with leg lariats and high knees. Joe connected with a series of strikes. Joe nailed an enziguiri in the corner but was caught with a right hand as he rebounded off the ropes for a Facewash. Joe’s eyes were raked but he came back with more kicks and strikes. They exchanged chops until Joe did the Kobashi series of hard chops in the corner.
Jarrett came back with a sliding punch on the outside of the ring. He went for a chair but the referee stopped him. Jarrett came off the ropes but was caught throat-first. Joe killed him with a clothesline for a two count. Joe has quite the spring in his step tonight and is working really, really hard. Great to see.
Joe nailed a big boot and a back senton splash for a two count. Joe grabbed him in a Fireman’s Carry but Jarrett slipped out with a series of elbows. Joe came back with an exploder suplex. He placed Jarrett in the corner for the muscle buster. Jarrett slipped off the ropes and snapped Joe’s neck across the ropes. Jarrett came off the ropes with a variation of the Stroke but Joe kicked out.
Jarrett grabbed a chair but the referee argued with him. That allowed Joe to recover and he nailed a suicide dive elbowsmash on Jarrett, taking out the referee as well. Joe drilled Jarrett and set him up for the muscle buster but security’s Gunner and Murphy hit the ring. Joe killed one with a muscle buster, then grabbed the other. Jarrett nailed Joe with a nightstick in the back of the knee, then drilled him in the throat. Jarrett used a nightstick across the throat as he locked in a sleeper. Fans began chanting for Kurt Angle. Jarrett locked on a rear naked choke to mock Joe as the referee was tossed in. The referee called for the submission after dropping Joe’s arm three times.
Your winner, Jeff Jarrett!
They worked real hard and the match was good. I wasn’t a fan of the finish but it made sense for the crooked Immortals group from a storyline perspective.
Backstage, Eric Bischoff celebrated with the Congregation and put on a pair of Pope's sunglasses. He called Pope a douche-bag and said they all needed to watch the title match and then they could party.
TNA champion Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Morgan
Matt Morgan showed off his power early as Hardy seemed to be in disbelief. Hardy cut him off with a kick to the gut and began beating down Morgan, only for Morgan to fight him off. Morgan grabbed Hardy in the corner but Hardy raked his face and began punching and kicking away at him. Morgan powered Hardy, sending him over the top to the floor.
Hardy stalled the match, walking around on the floor. Morgan demanded he return to the ring, so Hardy spit in his face. Morgan got pissed and chased Hardy out but worked him over with big shots across the chest. Morgan slammed Hardy back-first into the apron. Morgan slammed Hardy but missed a legdrop.
Hardy began working over Morgan’s back and legs. Hardy began working over Morgan’s knee including a unique standing figure four vice using his arms before turning Morgan into a single leg Boston Crab. Morgan fought his way to the ropes. Morgan finally made it to the ropes. Hardy refused to break it until the referee began yelling at him.
Hardy began using his weight to wipe out Morgan’s leg and then kneedropped him. Hardy covered Morgan for a near fall, then cinched in a side chinlock. Morgan finally fought his way to his feet but Hardy went right back after the legs. Morgan persevered and drilled Hardy with some strikes and slammed him with a discus clothesline.
Hardy caught Morgan with a kick to the gut and a jumping DDT for a two count. Hardy legdropped Morgan. He went for a move off the ropes and gave the finger to the fans. He leapt but Morgan caught him with a chokeslam for a two count.
Hardy caught Morgan with the Twist of Fate for a two count. Hardy began beating Morgan with a series of rights. He came off the ropes but was caught with The Carbon Footprint. Morgan covered Hardy but the referee counted two. Hardy lightly kicked and the referee ruled Hardy kicked up even though his shoulders were down. Morgan argued and turned into the Twist of Fate, but kicked up at the last second.
Morgan avoided a charge in the corner and used a series of headbutts in the corner on the champion. Hardy nailed the Whisper in the Wind off the top for a two count. Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate for the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champon, Jeff Hardy!
Everyone from Immortal, minus Hulk Hogan came out to celebrate to end the show. Confetti dropped, to the point you couldn't see the talent in the ring on the hard camera shot. Ric Flair got iced.
The show ended with a Final Resolution PPV promo, which included Sting being mentioned by name.
2011 - TNA announced that they had signed a deal with Ohio Valley Wrestling to become their developmental territory.
2011 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Liverpool, United Kingdom and your announcers are Michael ‘Can I just stay here through Friday since Smackdown is in the same building’ Cole and Jerry ‘Look kids . . . Big Ben . . . Parliament’ Lawler.
Things start off with John Cena and the fans of the United Kingdom sound a lot like the fans of the United States, Canada, and most other countries on Earth.
John appreciated the warm welcome into the arena. He says that he knows why people are upset. There is a lot going on. Tickets went on sale for Wrestlemania and they broke a record for opening sales. The Rock . . . couldn’t make it tonight, but Rock accepted his invitation to be his tag team partner.
At Madison Square Garden, the Rock will team with John Cena at Survivor Series. The WWE Universe is now talking about next week instead of this week because the Rock will be on Raw. Cena says that it will be good to see the Rock, but we should be talking about tonight. Cena says that he thinks tonight is a pretty damn important night. It is the first time that Liverpool has hosted Monday night Raw. He wants to make magic and move mountains.
Cena mentions that Miz and R Truth are in a tag match with him and a future WWE Hall of Famer.
Cena is interrupted by the Miz and R Truth. Miz throws out a really about the ‘future Hall of Famer’. Miz throws out more ‘reallys’ and points out that Cena is not teaming with him or R Truth tonight. All week long, he has heard about how Cena embarrassed them. All last week proved was that they are upping the ante about the amount of anguish they are going to put Cena through.
Miz says that they might have lost last week but they still attacked Cena two weeks ago. Miz says that he did what so many were unable to do and that is pin John Cena to retain the title at Wrestlemania. Miz says that he has been replaying in his mind for the last week what happened. He says that he hopes that John Cena played it over and over again because it will be the last time that Cena embarrasses him and Truth. Miz says that they will leave Cena with a lasting impression that Cena will never forget.
Truth asks Cena if he knows what it is like to have the Little Jimmys laughing at him. He wants them to keep chuckling it up because won’t nobody be laughing after what happens after Survivor Series. He says that Cena won’t be laughing after what happens tonight. Whoever Cena teams with is gonna get got.
Cena goes into ‘Oh Lordy’ mode and he mimics Truth. Cena says that his partner is no ordinary WWE Superstar and his reputation is outgrowing the WWE Universe.
Miz tells Cena to shut up because it doesn’t matter who Cena is teaming with. He says that Cena’s time is up.
Miz and Truth get into the ring with Cena and they close in on the man with the hat and matching shirt.
Cena’s tag team partner’s music plays and he comes to the ring. Cena throws Miz out of the ring after a short brawl and Ryder gives Truth the Rough Ryder. Miz and Truth leave the ring.
Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number One: John Morrison versus Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero
They lock up and Morrison with a hammer lock but Ziggler with a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Morrison with a side head lock take down and Ziggler with a head scissors. Morrison with another side head lock take down and Ziggler with another head scissors. Morrison with another side head lock take down and Ziggler with a kick and forearms.
Morrison with a flap jack for a near fall. Morrison with a side head lock and Ziggler with a jaw breaker. Ziggler works on the arm and gets a near fall. Ziggler tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Morrison lands on his feet and then he hits an enzuigiri that sends Ziggler to the floor. Ziggler with a clothesline as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with elbows to Morrison’s head and then he applies an arm bar and then Ziggler sends Morrison to the mat and kicks him in the midsection. Ziggler with his shin to the back of the neck to force Morrison’s face into the mat. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop for a near fall.
Ziggler with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Ziggler with a neck breaker and kip up. Ziggler kicks Morrison in the head and he taunts John. Ziggler with a punch but Morrison runs Ziggler into the corner and the referee pulls Morrison out of the corner. Ziggler with an uppercut to Morrison for a near fall.
Ziggler tries to lock in the Crippler Crossface but Morrison tries to fight out of it. Ziggler with elbows to the head. Morrison with a rollup for a near fall but Ziggler with a clothesline for a near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Morrison with punches but Ziggler tries for a neck breaker. Morrison avoids it and then he catches Ziggler on a drop kick attempt and Morrison with a slingshot. Morrison with clotheslines to Ziggler.
Morrison with a tornado DDT and he gets a near fall. Morrison pulls Ziggler into the corner for the corkscrew split legged moonsault but Ziggler moves and Morrison lands on his feet. Ziggler with a sunset flip for a near fall. Morrison misses a Shining Wizard and Ziggler gets another near fall.
Ziggler sets for the Zig Zag but Morrison holds on to the ropes. Morrison hits the springboard round kick that glances off Ziggler but Vickie distracts the referee. Ziggler gets a near fall with a rollup and then Morrison with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have a ten man Survivor Series match and the captains are Randy Orton and Wade Barrett.
We have a video package for Mason ‘AlmosTista’ Ryan.
Match Number Two: Mason Ryan versus JTG
They lock up and Ryan sends JTG to the mat. They lock up again and Ryan sends JTG to the mat again. Ryan with a shoulder tackle and an Irish whip but he misses a clothesline. JTG tries for the X Factor out of the corner but Ryan pushes him off. Ryan with a back breaker on the shoulder and then he sends JTG to the mat. Ryan with shoulders in the corner and then he runs JTG into the turnbuckles. Ryan with a clothesline into the corner followed by a biel.
JTG with a kick to the knee and a punch but Ryan with a big boot to JTG. Ryan presses JTG over his head and slams him to the mat. Ryan with a full nelson followed by a full nelson slam for the three count.
Winner: Mason Ryan
It is time for a recap of the Wrestlemania media rush for the on sale on Saturday.
The Bellas talk about things in Liverpool and Zack Ryder walks by and he talks about how excited he is to be teaming with John Cena. He won’t get attacked again. The Bellas tease Ryder that someone is behind him. Ryder gets the Bellas to join him in a woo woo woo and then they leave.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole tells us that the Michael Cole Challenge will not be happening tonight. Cole says that TSA would not allow Jim Ross to travel with barbecue sauce. It will happen in Boston.
We see how CM Punk got his match against Alberto Del Rio at Survivor Series even though the only way he could get the title match earlier in the show did not take place.
Match Number Three: Alberto Del Rio with Ricardo Rodriguez versus Kofi Kingston
Del Rio with a kick and then he tries for the cross arm breaker but Kofi with a kick. Del Rio walks into a drop kick and Del Rio goes to the floor. Kofi misses a suicide dive and Del Rio takes advantage with a kick to the ribs. They return to the ring and Del Rio gets a near fall. Del Rio with punches to the arm as he takes Kofi to the mat.
Del Rio with an arm bar. Kofi with a punch but Del Rio with a head butt. Del Rio runs into a pendulum kick and Kofi with a cross body from the top for a near fall. Kofi with a forearm and then he tries for Trouble in Paradise but Del Rio sends Kofi shoulder first into the ring post. Del Rio with a single arm breaker and then he applies the cross arm breaker and Kofi taps.
El Ganador: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio reapplies the cross arm breaker and the referee wants him to release the hold but CM Punk’s music plays.
Alberto immediately releases the hold and he waits for Punk to come to the ring. Punk stands on the stage as we go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio asks Punk if he has the cajones to meet him face to face like a man. Del Rio says that Punk was supposed to ask him for a title shot at Survivor Series. Instead, Punk waited until Big Show knocked him out and like a coward, Punk forced him to give Punk the opportunity.
Del Rio tells Punk to look at him because the people and this country do not matter. He calls them a joke, pathetic, and ugly just like Punk. Del Rio says that nobody cares about them like nobody cares about him. Del Rio reminds Punk that he is the WWE Champion and Punk knows how dangerous he is. Del Rio tells him that he got a message from David Otunga from John Laurinaitis. Del Rio says that he can ask Punk to cancel the match. Del Rio tells Punk to cancel the match or he will force him.
Punk says that he thought that was how you do things around here. Nobody punches someone in the face when they have a problem. Punk says that he didn’t know that he had to politely get in line to ask for a match. Punk apologizes. Punk wants to remind Del Rio how he became the WWE Champion. Del Rio cashed in the Money in the Bank after Kevin Nash power bombed him. Then Del Rio beat him with a lead pipe at Hell in a Cell. Punk says that maybe he should have asked politely but to be a slimy, greasy, cheap shot artist, it works so that is why he did it.
Del Rio reminds Punk that he is the WWE Champion and he will receive the respect that he deserves.
Punk says that Del Rio is a hell of a competitor but Del Rio is one dimensional on the mic. Punk talks about all of Del Rio’s Destinies. What does Del Rio have to say that is interesting. Punk says that people fast forward through what he says and they don’t miss a damn thing.
Del Rio starts to talk but Punk cuts him off and he tells Del Rio to listen to him. He says that he has heard about Del Rio’s destiny. At Survivor Series, he will not only win the WWE Title, he is going to make the WWE Championship interesting again.
Del Rio says that he doesn’t care what Punk or the people think, but being the WWE Champion, he is the best in the world. He asks Punk if he is going to cancel the match at Survivor Series.
Punk thinks about it for a moment and he shoots back with an emphatic no. Del Rio punches and kicks Punk. Del Rio tries for the cross arm breaker but Punk gets Del Rio into the Anaconda Vise. Rodriguez saves Del Rio and Punk gives Ricardo a Go To Sleep for his troubles.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to relive last week’s Raw.
We go to comments from Jack Swagger from earlier today where he talks about how he lost last week to a Muppet.
Match Number Four: Jack Swagger with Vickie Guerrero versus Santino Marella
Swagger goes for the leg but Santino gets to the ropes. Swagger with a waist lock take down and then he Gator rolls Santino to the ropes. Swagger with a punch and then he kicks Santino. Swagger with a knee in the corner but he misses a clothesline. Santino with punches but Swagger catches Santino on a float over and hits a power slam for a near fall.
Swagger with a Blue Thunder Bomb and then he chokes Santino using the ropes. Swagger traps the arms and then he connects with forearms to the back. Swagger misses a leg drop. Santino with jabs and forearms and he does the split but Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex and then Swagger sends Santino shoulder first into the ring post. Swagger with the ankle lock and Santino taps out.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After the match, Swagger does a lap around the ring.
Kelly Kelly walks through the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jerry Lawler is in the ring and he introduces the cover girl for the new issue of Maxim, Kelly Kelly.
Kelly says that this is so crazy. When she started here five years ago, she was a kid. She says that she has grown up so much in front of the WWE Universe. She says that she has had her ups and down. She has never given up and she has strived to be better.
Beth and Natalya interrupt and mock Kelly and talk about all of the girls who want to be Barbie dolls. Beth and Natalya talk about how much they love Skipper so much.
Kelly says that she wouldn’t interrupt Beth and Natalya if she was on the cover of National Geographic.
Beth says that she is here to set an example for the girls watching that she is a false impression of what a WWE Diva is. It is more than a pretty face and a bucket full of perkiness. Beth says that she is going to show Kelly what it means to be in the ring with them. They tell Kelly that it is Cry Time.
Eve Torres and Alicia Fox make their way to the ring and Beth and Natalya leave.
Alicia asks them why they are leaving because they are going to miss the unveiling.
We see the cover and then we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to hear from the man who makes time stand still, John Laurinaitis. He tells us his titles and he introduces his newest signee. He brings out Kevin Nash. As Nash makes his way to the ring, we see a video package of why Triple H has been off television for the last few weeks.
Nash has made it to the ring and he thanks John for bringing him back. For the last two weeks, people have been asking him why. Kevin says that he doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. The only person he owes an explanation to is at home in Connecticut with a headache.
It was 1995 and he saw him walk into the building with Killer Kowalski and he says that he should have buried him them. Shawn Michaels told Nash that Hunter was funny and he was good in the ring so he should give him a chance. That is how he got into the Kliq.
They became friends. He was honored to be at Hunter’s wedding. Nash says that he got the biggest pop of the night at the Royal Rumble and he asked Hunter to put the band back together again. He didn’t get a response. Nash says that Hunter betrayed him and without Nash, Hunter would be nothing.
Nash says that in his eyes, Triple H is still the measuring stick around here. Nash talks about his Legends contract but he is the best there is. On any given night he can be a World Champion. Nash says that he took Hunter’s sledgehammer and used it against him. He sat there for six hours contemplating what he did and it felt good. Nash says that when he saw Hunter being taken through the back on the board and he figured that he could do it again. Nash says that he took him out. Kevin Nash just showed that is how you play the game.
It is time for a Brodus Clay video package since he will be making his Raw return tonight.
David Otunga is walking in the back with John Laurinaitis. David asks John about Brodus Clay’s debut and John says that Brodus is special and he is not going to waste him in Liverpool.
Punk says that John doesn’t know anything about this audience. Punk says that he likes John’s tie and his plan with Alberto to try to stop the match. Punk asks Mr. Coffee if he has anything to say. David says that the WWE Champion shouldn’t look like someone who works at a gas station.
Punk gives Otunga a gallon of unleaded before Del Rio comes from out of nowhere to send Punk through a table.
Officials come to break things up and in the end, popcorn has been spilled.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Alberto Del Rio’s attack on CM Punk.
Match Number Five: Miz and R Truth versus John Cena and Zack Ryder
Truth and Cena start things off and they lock up. Truth with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Miz tags in and Cena with a single leg take down. Cena with punches in the corner followed by an Irish whip and splash into the corner followed by a clothesline to Miz for a near fall. The fans want Ryder and Cena’s ear perk up.
Truth tags in and then he slaps Truth. Truth says that he wants Ryder to tag in and Miz and Truth discuss strategy on the floor.
Ryder tags in and the crowd goes wild. Truth with a kick and side head lock. Truth with a shoulder tackle and both men go down. Ryder with a flap jack and then he sends Truth over the top rope to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Ryder with an arm drag and hip toss to Miz and then Ryder with a drop kick from the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Cena tags in and they hit a double elbow drop and Cena gets a near fall. Miz with a kick and Cena falls into the Conspiracy Corner.
Truth tags in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and Truth gets a near fall. Truth with a rear chin lock. Truth backs Cena into his corner and he punches and kicks Cena until the referee pulls Truth off Cena. Truth gets a near fall. Truth returns to the rear chin lock.
Truth with a kick and a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall. Miz tags back in and he kicks Cena in the chest and then he punches Cena. Miz with a running knee lift and then he tags Truth back in. Truth with a surfboard and then he kicks Cena before tagging in Miz. Miz tries to send Truth into Cena but Cena moves and Truth goes into the post.
Ryder tags in and he connects with clotheslines and then he kicks Miz. Cena puts on the sunglasses and then they hit stereo running boots into the corner. Miz avoids the Rough Ryder and Truth takes care of Ryder. Miz with punches. Truth tags in and they hit a double gutbuster for a near fall.
Truth with a rear chin lock. Ryder with elbows but he misses a drop kick and Truth gets a near fall. Miz tags in and they hit a double hot shot on Ryder. Miz with a punch to Ryder and then he kicks Ryder. Miz with a front face lock and forearms to the back. Ryder tries to make the tag but Miz pulls Ryder closer to his corner. Ryder with an inside cradle for a near fall and Miz with a clothesline.
Miz sets for the Awesome Clothesline and he hits it. Miz mocks Cena before returning his attention to Ryder. Truth tags in and Truth hits a clothesline followed by Miz with a running boot and Truth gets a near fall. Truth with a reverse chin lock on Ryder. Truth punches Ryder as he keeps him in the reverse chin lock.
Truth and Ryder each with clotheslines and both men are down. Ryder rolls towards his corner and he makes the tag as well as Miz. Cena with the two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb to Miz and then one to Truth. Cena tells Ryder to come in for the double five knuckle shuffle and they connect. Ryder sends Truth to the floor and Cena gets Miz up for the Attitude Adjustment. Miz with a kick to Cena and Truth holds Cena’s leg so he cannot kick out and Miz gets the three count.
Winners: Miz and R Truth
2012 - Davey Richards was announced as the narrator of Highspots.com's Dynamite Kid documentary.
2012 - TNA star Kurt Angle went on a Twitter rant last night (which continued this morning), tearing apart someone he alleged was paid over $30,000 to create an App for his Angle Foods company.
Angle wrote:
"Please Listen. Wafi Wahidi and WabaSocial Scammed Me for $34,700. He Scammed Me. I don't want to hurt Him. I Only Want My $ Back. Wafi Wahidi was supposed to Make a fitness Apps. He Didn't. I Spent $35k to Do It. Wafi failed by Oct24. I'm Suing this scumbag. I'm suing WabaSocial or Weave Social. Wafi Wahidi Changed the Co. Name. He is from Cali and Moved to Denver. He's a crook. I lost Alot Of $ from this Person. My Attorney Has Civil and Criminal Charges Against Him."Thank You to All My friends for Your Support. I Want to Make Sure It Never Happens to anyone Else. His Name is Wafiullah Wahidi. Thanks to All My friends for Your Support. Love You. GOD Bless."
This morning, Angle continued the Twitter attacks, writing:
""Watch Out for Scam Artists Like @WafiWahidi and WabaSocial. He pretended to Make a fitness App and Stole $35,000 from Me. I'm Suing Him! I Even Lent @wafiwahidi $ because He had trouble making a living and He Scammed Me Out Of that $ too. Don't trust lowlifes. By the Way, @wafiwahidi Said that all My twitter friends are Rednecks that Are Useless to Him. I Actually Kept the text. #scamartist"If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
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