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December 22nd
On this day in history in ....
1917 - Wladek Zbyszko defeats Ed "Strangler" Lewis in a tournament final to stake his unrightful claim as the World Heavyweight Champion in New York City, New York. He would lose to the rightful champion, Earl Caddock on February 8, 1918 in Des Moines, Iowa.
1941 - Wild Red Berry defeats Billy Varga to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Hollywood, California, beginning his fourth reign.
1950 - Frank Stojack defeats Leo Wallick in Tacoma, Washington to win the Pacific Northwest Junior Heavyweight Title for the third time.
1954 - Rikidozan becomes the first and only Japanese Heavyweight Champion in Tokyo, Japan, defeating Masahiko Kimura. The title would be abandoned on August 27, 1958 when Rikidozan defeats Lou Thesz for the NWA International Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California.
1956 - Enrique Torres and Ronnie Etchison defeat Ben and Mike Sharpe for the San Francisco version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Fresno, California, ending the Sharpes' 12th reign.
1959 - The Red Raider (Pedro Godoy) defeats Ray Villmer to win the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida, ending Villmer's second reign.
1960 - Bill Monroe defeats Mike Clancy for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
1969 - Mr. Saito defeats Dale Lewis to win the Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida.
1970 - Tarzan Tyler defeats Dusty Rhodes for the Florida Brass Knuckles Title in Tampa, Florida.
1971 - The Australians (Larry O'Day and Ron Miller) defeat The Alaskans (Mike York and Frank Monte) to win the Florida Tag Team Title in Miami, Florida, beginning the Australians' third reign.
1972 - Tarzan Tyler wins a tournament to win the vacant Florida Brass Knuckles Title in Tampa, Florida. The title had been stripped from champion Dusty Rhodes for his violence towards NWA President Sam Muchnick.
1979 - Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk defeat Invaders I and II for the WWC Tag Team Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, beginning and ending both team's second reigns.
1980 - Bill Dundee and Tommy Rich defeat Guy Mitchell and Roger Kirby for the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee.
1984 - Tony St. Clair wins a tournament to become the first Catch Wrestling Association World Middleweight Title in Bremen, Germany.
1990 - Bull Power defeats Otto Wanz to win the Catch Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title in Bremen, Germany, ending Wanz's fourth reign and begin Power's third.
1991 - Ricky Rice defeats The Lightning Kid (Sean Waltman) for the Pro Wrestling America Light Heavyweight Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ending The Kid's second reign.
1996 - Buddy Wayne defeats Bart Sawyer to win the Championship Wrestling USA Television Title in Vancouver, Washington, beginning and ending each man's fourth reign.
1997 - Long before Kevin Nash let Hulk Hogan pin him with the push of a finger, WWF did a similar angle during an edition of Raw (show was taped on December 11th). Commissioner Sgt. Slaughter, at the start of the show, ordered Shawn Michaels to defend the WWF European Title against DX partner Triple H. During the show, tensions seemed to rise between the two, with Michaels calling Helmsley a loser and saying he could never beat him in a match. When the bout took place at the end of the show, Michaels simply laid down in the ring and let Triple H pin him for the title, showing the argument to all be an act.
The rest of the show, which scored a 3.1 rating, saw the following results: The Headbangers defeated The Godwinns via DQ. ... Undertaker defeated Intercontinental Champion Rocky Maivia via DQ. ... Marc Mero defeated Scott Taylor. ... Kurrgan defeated Eight Ball. ... Ken Shamrock defeated D'Lo Brown.
However, Nitro beat out Raw, scoring a 3.5 for a show that featured the following: Randy Savage defeated Lex Luger. ... Buff Bagwell defeated Chris Jericho. ... Harlem Heat defeated Scotty Riggs & Lodi. ... U.S. Champion Curt Hennig defeated Television Champion Disco Inferno. The TV belt was not on the line. ... Rick Steiner defeated Scott Norton via DQ. ... Chris Benoit defeated Van Hammer via DQ. ... Rey Mysterio Jr., Juventud Guerrera & Hector Garza defeated La Parka, Psicosis & Silver King. ... Steve McMichael defeated Meng. ... Fit Finlay defeated Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero via countout.
1997 - Gedo and Jado defeat Ryuji Yamakawa and Yoshihiro Tajiri to win the Big Japan Pro Wrestling Tag Team Title in Isezaki, Japan.
1998 - New Jersey Devil defeats Fumar for the House of Pain Wrestling Federation Cruiserweight Title in Hagerstown, Maryland.
2000 - In Nashville, Tennessee, Mike Rapada defeats Sabu to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title for the second time. Also, Bad Attitude (Rick Michaels and David Young) defeat Air Paris and Rob Williams to gain recognition in Nashville as the NWA World Tag Team Champions. They had recognition elsewhere previously.
2000 - A Christmas Day edition of Raw was taped in Chattanooga, Tennessee, featuring Raven winning the Hardcore Title. Champion Steve Blackman pinned Hardcore Holly on the hood of a car in a three way match with Raven to retain the title, but Raven then hit him with a 2x4 and pinned him for the belt, taking advantage of the "24/7" rule for the belt. This was the first of an eventual 27 Hardcore Title wins for Raven and ended Blackman's fourth reign.
2001 - A.J. Styles defeats Rick Michaels for the NWA Wildside Heavyweight Title in Cornelia, Georgia.
2001 - Sasuke and Sasuke the Great defeat Dick Togo and Gedo to win the Universal Wrestling Association/Universal Wrestling Federation Intercontinental Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2002 - Reina Takase defeats Mika Nishio to win the All Japan Women's Junior Title in Kawasaki, Japan. At the same event, Kayo Noumi defeats noki-A for the All Japan Women's All-Pacific Title.
2002 - Smackdown was taped in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Chris Benoit defeating The Big Show with a diving headbutt to earn a World Title match with Kurt Angle at the Royal Rumble.
2002 - Taro (Kevin Lyon) defeats Super Dragon to win the Revolution Pro Wrestling Junior Heavyweight Title in City of Industry, California.
2005 - Derrick Neikirk defeats Mike (The Miz) Mizanin for the Deep South Heavyweight Title in McDonough, Georgia.
2006 - Ring of Honor ran Hartford, CT. Andrew Sandford filed the following live report:
I just got back from the Ring of Honor show in Hartford and it was a good one.
Samoa Joe came out at the beginning of the show and apologized for not being able to wrestle as he said he "tripped over a booking" but he didn't want to get fired from that other company.
The opening contest was a good one with Jason Blade defeated Pelle Primeau
Next match was Austin Aries defeated Eddie Edwards. At one point, Aries yelled out Brainbuster only for Edwards to make a move on him and yelled out Brainbuster. For the rest of the night, it is all the crowd would be saying was Brainbuster.
Next match had Adam Pearce coming to the ring with Shane Hagadorn facing Delirious. Pearce used brass knuckles when Delirious was coming off of the top rope for a splash it looked like and Pearce hit him in the stomach and rolled him up for the pin. Primeau came out after the match and grabbed the top of the class trophy from him and then after him and Delirious beat him down, he gave it back.
Next match saw BJ Whitmer and Daizee Haze defeated Jimmy Jacobs and Mercedes Martinez. The finish was Jacobs beings on Whitmer's shoulders with Haze doing a splash off of Jacobs on to Martinez for the win. Martinez needed some help to the back but then Brent Albright came out and they started beating on Whitmer with Jacobs grabbing a spike from under his pants and then he spiked Whitmer's forehead and then Colt Cabana came out.
Colt Cabana defeated Albright in a pretty good match with the crowd being all over Albright by chanting "he got fired" and "you suck" at him. He played to the crowd pretty well as did Colt as always.
The Kings of Wrestling came through the crowd and they would face the Briscoes. This was a really good match as you would expect and the finish saw Larry Sweeney hitting Jay Briscoe I believe and Hero rolled him up for the win. Hero was giddy when he saw Sweeney and walked to the back with his arm over his shoulder which may be a preview to a turn tomorrow night to make Claudio a face when he leaves the company.
Intermission was then next.
The four way match was next with Jimmy Rave, Nigel McGuinness, Homicide and the ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson. There were chants of "Next World Champ" at Homicide. Pretty good match with Homicide and Danielson not getting a lot of time with each other until close to the end. Danielson threw Homicide into the ring post and Homicide landed on the table hurting his shoulder. He was over by me and Joe came out and had the refs come out as well. The ref in the ring
was distracted and it looked like Danielson was able to score the pin on Nigel. I didn't pay attention to the end of the match because Homicide was by me and I was watching that part. Julius Smokes put a white towel in front of the fans so they wouldn't see Homicide down and when he got up, a fan touched Homicide on his good shoulder like a "That a boy, you got up" and Smokes flipped out on him saying "You don't touch the man on his shoulder" and I think Joe said something as well. It seemed like it was a work so Homicide wouldn't be around in the ring when Danielson got the pin.
The first match of the double main event was next and it was for the FIP Heavyweight Title between Roderick Strong and Davey Richards. Slow start with someone yelling "I could be home watching Smackdown" and then they did countering arm drags and Davey yelled "That was better than Smackdown". There were some brainbuster chants with Davey responding, "I don't do a Brainbuster." Then Roderick got Davey in the air like he was going to do one and then put him down and shook his head at the crowd. Davey said, "I'll give you a brainbuster" and did a stiff kick to the head on Strong. Davey did something that looked to be a
brainbuster type move and gave the crowd the middle finger. The finish was a countout win for Roderick Strong as he got in right when the ref counted to 20.
The last match was for the ROH World Tag Team Titles with Christopher Daniels and Matt Sydal defending against CIMA and Shingo from Dragon Gate. This was an awesome match and it got the usual "This is Awesome" at the end. The finish saw Daniels do I believe the STO and then the combination of BME and Sydal's Shooting Star Press for the win. Afterwards, CIMA went to go grab the belts and he realized they didn't win. The Dragon Gate guys were met with "Please Come
Back" chants.
I thought this show was better than the one under the tent and I am very fortunate to have been able to see KENTA, Marafuji, CIMA, and Shingo in CT. They announced the next show at the Connecticut Expo Center will be at Friday May 11.
2007 - Scott Hall made his first in-ring appearance since no-showing the TNA Turning Point PPV a month before, working the main event for the Insane Clown Posse's Juggalo Championship Wrestling in Pontiac, Michigan.
Hall teamed with ICP's Violent J and Nosawa to defeat The Thomasellis. Hall had also missed several recent booking for Carlos Colon's WWC in Puerto Rico. Hall was said to be in good spirits backstage at the show and was readily admitting he recently screwed up and was hoping to make good.
2007 - World Wrestling Entertainment signed former TNA wrestler Nuevo Gran Apolo, who was a regular star in the Puerto Rico wrestling scene. He would never make it to the company's main roster.
2008 - NBC canceled American Gladiators, which was hosted by Hulk Hogan.
2008 - Former WWE Women's champion Victoria responded to retirement discussion sparked by a PWInsider.com report that she was said to be considering retirement and may have already given notice during the Survivor Series PPV weekend on her Myspace.com blog, penning:
"I try not to respond to internet rumors, but I have received hundreds of emails through both myspace and through www. black-widow-customs. com asking me if I am going to retire. I never said that I am, although sooner or later we all will. And I don't believe that "unnamed talent" is saying that about me either. On the other hand, I never said that my retirement is not imminent. I do appreciate everyone's support. I try to be open about my life in my blogs. But I would never comment about anything, either to confirm or deny, that may come up in future WWE shows. I'm not the kind of person who wants to know the end of a movie before I see it. And I don't want to ruin anyone's future enjoyment of WWE product."
Victoria would indeed retire from the company, with her last match announced as a retirement bout. She would later return to wrestling as Tara in TNA.
2008 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
With the holiday season in full swing, it is time for the final Raw before Christmas. We will find out which four men will advance in the semi tournament to determine John Cena's opponent at the Royal Rumble. What is next for Shawn Michaels as he continues his job with Bradshaw. Will CM Punk get his shot at the Intercontinental Title? Will the Legacy continue to scout talent? Are we a week away from the Baby New Haas? What footage will we see from the Tribute to the Troops special? Will we find out any of the participants in the thirty man 'Duck and Boost' match? Will any other matches be announced for the Royal Rumble?
We are live from Toronto, Ontario and your announcers are Michael 'Buffalo North' Cole and Jerry 'The Prime Minister' Lawler.
Make sure to listen to the now famous Mike and Mike Post Raw Audio on the site about an hour after Raw ends..
Santino Marella is with Beth Phoenix in the back. He says that for the last twelve months the fans have given him misrespect. They laughed when he hurt his scrotus region. They mocked him when he lost his title. Santino says that he has a secret for the kids about Santa Claus. Beth asks Santino if he wants to do this. Santino tells Beth that he loves her but he tells her to shut up her face. Santino is about to give the secret but he is interrupted by John Cena. John says that Santino does not like Santa because he did not bring Santino what he wanted. Santino says that he would love nothing better than to shut up Cena. Santino tells Cena to pick anyone to join him to face Santino and Beth. We cut to Goldust and he wants to be his partner. Santino says that his partner needs to have ovaries. Santino says when they win, he will tell the secret of Santa Claus.
We see footage from last week when Kane attacked The Miz after Kelly said that she was in love with someone else.
Kane takes the mic from Justin Roberts. He says that he was politely asked by Stephanie McMahon to apologize for the events of last night. Kane tells Kelly that he apologizes to her, but Kane says that Kelly should apologize to him for leading him along and not telling him the truth.
Match Number One: Kane with Kelly Kelly versus Shawn Michaels in a Four Corners of Christmas Road to The Royal Rumble Number One Contender to face John Cena Qualifying Match
Michaels with a chop and punches to Kane followed by more chops. Kane with a big boot to Shawn and then he punches Shawn in the corner followed by a kick and uppercut. Kane with another uppercut to Michaels. Kane with a back elbow for a near fall. Kane with a knee in the corner followed by a forearm. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick to Michaels for a near fall. Kane with a reverse chin lock and Michaels gets to his feet. Michaels chops Kane and hits a reverse atomic drop but Kane responds with a rare uppercut. Kane with an Irish whip and running clothesline for a near fall. Kane with boots to Michaels followed by punches and a boot to the head. Michaels with chops to Kane followed by a flying forearm and kip up. Kane grabs Michaels by the throat and Michaels counters the choke slam with a Crossface. Kane gets to his feet and he hits the side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline and hits it. Kane sets for the choke slam as Shawn gets to his feet. Shawn counters the choke slam again and Michaels with Sweet Chin Music for the three count.
Winner: Shawn Michaels
We go to commercial.
We are back and we go to a video package looking back at what Randy Orton did to Batista last week on Raw.
We go to a pre-recorded message from Kofi Kingston wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Manu with Cody Rhodes
They lock up and Kofi with a wrist lock but Manu with a punch. Manu tries for a slam but Kofi gets out of the hold. Kofi with a drop kick that sends Manu to the floor. Rhodes goes over to talk to Manu and Manu returns to the ring. Manu with a clothesline to Kofi and then he runs Kofi into the turnbuckles. Manu sends Kofi into the ropes and Manu pulls Kofi to the mat for a near fall. Manu with a choke and then he slams Kofi to the mat. Manu with a diving head butt for a near fall. Manu waits for Kofi to get back up and he returns to the choke but Kofi with a jawbreaker. Kofi with a punch and forearm but Manu with a knee and Irish whip. Kofi avoids the charge and hits a kick in the ropes. Kofi with a cross body from the top and then he tries for the side Russian leg sweep but Manu avoids the hold. Kofi with a flying clothesline followed by the leaping leg drop for a two count. Manu catches Kofi on a cross body. Manu is too lax with the Samoan drop and Kofi with a crucifix bomb for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
John Cena is in the back with Kelly Kelly and we appear to have a deal. We go to commercial.
We are back and Sim Snuka is with Randy Orton and he reminds Randy that he is the son of Jimmy Snuka and he can make a difference in the group. Manu and Cody stop by and Orton says that he does not want to hear it from Manu. Orton suggests that they might be able to use a new member. Cody and Manu stare at each other as Orton and Snuka leave.
Michael Cole brings up Shawn Michaels’s financial issues and we go to a DX Christmas promotional video. Shawn still has some hard feelings about the Elimination Chamber. Hunter says that you will need to spend time with your family, especially your in-laws. Shawn tells everyone to find a quiet room to watch the History of the Intercontinental Title DVD. Shawn and Hunter talk about their title runs. Then Shawn mentions the SummerSlam Anthology. Shawn brings up the 2002 SummerSlam when he returned to beat Triple H. Hunter remembers that Shawn still had hair during that match, and the ‘brawl’ is on.
Shawn is in the locker room with CM Punk and Punk is talking about the trip to Iraq. Punk says that he could be in the ring with Shawn for the first time. Triple H stops by and Punk leaves so Shawn and Hunter can talk. Hunter says that Shawn has been avoiding his calls so he felt like he had to come to talk to Shawn. Hunter says that Shawn could have come to him if he had financial problems. Shawn says that he knew Hunter would be there, but he did not want to hurt their friendship and have a dark cloud over their friendship. Shawn says that Hunter does not understand and that he needs to get out of this. Hunter wants to know why it is okay for Shawn to work for Bradshaw. Shawn says that he has to do it his way. He tells Hunter to trust him and that he knows what he is doing. Hunter tells Shawn that he hopes he knows what he is doing. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jillian Hall is in the ring with Layla and Jillian is making noises that resemble singing.
William Regal is at the announce table.
Match Number Three: Melina and Mickie James versus Layla and Jillian Hall
Layla and Melina start things off and they lock up. Layla with a forearm and gutwrench, but Melina counters with an arm drag into an arm bar. Mickie tags in and they double team Layla. Mickie with a drop kick to Layla. Mickie with a kick to Jillian’s back on the apron. Mickie goes up top but Layla distracts the referee long enough to allow Jillian to throw Mickie off the turnbuckles. Mickie is favoring her knee and Layla starts to work on the knee. Jillian with a cartwheel into an elbow drop to the knee. Mickie tries to fight off Jillian but Jillian is able to put Mickie in the corner and she kicks Mickie in the leg. Mickie with a monkey flip and she tags in Melina. Melina with a forearm to Jillian and a flying hair take down for a near fall. Jillian with a forearm to the midsection. Melina with the step over leg lariat but Layla breaks up the cover. Mickie takes care of Layla. Jillian with an X Factor but Mickie makes the save. Mickie and Layla fight outside the ring. Mickie with a punch to the midsection followed by Code Red for the three count.
Winners: Melina and Mickie James
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Cody Rhodes and Manu helping Sim Snuka last week on Raw against Rey Mysterio only to see Mike Knox attack Rey Mysterio.
Match Number Four: Rey Mysterio versus John Bradshaw Layfield in a Four Corners of Christmas Road to The Royal Rumble Number One Contender to face John Cena Qualifying Match
They lock up and Bradshaw backs Rey into the corner and he punches Rey in the head and it staggers Rey. Rey with a kick and forearms but Bradshaw takes Rey to the mat and stomps on his hand. Bradshaw with a forearm to the back and he tries for a power bomb but Rey with a rana that sends Bradshaw into ‘the position’. Bradshaw goes to the floor but Rey hits a pescado and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw is in control of the match. Bradshaw with a punch in the corner followed by an Irish whip but he charges into a boot from Rey. Rey goes to the turnbuckles and he tries for a cross body but Bradshaw catches him and hits a fallaway slam. Bradshaw gets a near fall but Rey kicks out. Bradshaw with an abdominal stretch. Rey with elbows to the knee to get out of the hold and then Rey with a kick. Rey tries for a sunset flip but Bradshaw does not go over. Rey with a rollup for a near fall. Bradshaw with a clothesline for a near fall. Bradshaw with elbow drops to Rey as Rey tries to absorb the abuse after numerous elbows. Rey with a drop kick to the knees followed by one to the head for a near fall. Bradshaw throws Rey out of the ring to the floor and he follows after Rey. Bradshaw runs Rey’s back into the apron and then he returns to the ring as the referee starts his count. Rey tries to crawl back into the ring and he gets in at nine and a half. Bradshaw with a short arm clothesline and then he tries for another and connects.
Bradshaw goes for three and he hits it but Rey kicks out. Bradshaw with a torture rack but Rey punches Bradshaw and then Bradshaw with a sleeper to Rey. Rey with a sleeper of his own after he escapes the hold. Bradshaw backs Rey into the corner to get out of the hold. Rey with a drop toe hold that sends Bradshaw into the turnbuckles. Rey goes to the apron and hits a seated senton and then he hits a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Rey with a bulldog from a wheelbarrow for a near fall. Bradshaw with a big boot that Rey runs into and Bradshaw with a two count. Rey kicks Bradshaw and Bradshaw tries for a fallaway slam over the top rope but Rey counters with a DDT and gets a near fall. Rey with an enzuigiri and Bradshaw leans on the ropes. Rey sends Bradshaw into ‘the position’ with a drop kick. Shawn Michaels comes out to prevent Bradshaw from taking the 619. Shawn slaps Bradshaw and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: John Bradshaw Layfield due to outside interference
We go to a video package about the Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia DVD showing stuff getting blown up.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Batista getting kicked in the head by Randy Orton last week.
Randy Orton comes to the ring and Justin Roberts announces that Batista is unable to appear and Randy Orton wins by forfeit.
Randy gets on the mic and he says that he has had many great moments in his career. Being the youngest World Champion and winning the main event at Wrestlemania, but nothing was as satisfying as kicking Batista in the head. Randy points out that he won his first World Title in this building, but he was ambushed by Batista the next day. Randy says that he has been dreaming about kicking Batista in the skull for four years. Randy says that he has had the same dream every night for four straight years. Then last week, it finally happened. Christmas came early. Randy asks Batista how it feels that he won’t be meeting John Cena at the Royal Rumble and that his career might be cut short. Batista has come full circle to the same place he started, taking a back seat to him. Randy says that Batista did it to himself and he had his time, but his time is over. The next time Batista will see him, Randy will be the World Champion.
We go to commercial.
Kelly is in the back and Dolph Ziggler introduces himself to her. He turns around and it is the Miz and John Morrison. Miz thanks Kelly for the choke slam and tombstone he took last week. He did not know that Kelly was vengeful. Kelly says that she is Cena’s tag partner and nothing more. Miz hopes that Kelly can keep her head in the game because someone got into someone’s room and trashed it, and it was Kelly’s room.
Match Number Five: Chris Jericho versus CM Punk in a Four Corners of Christmas Road to The Royal Rumble Number One Contender to face John Cena Qualifying Match
They lock up and Jericho with a side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Jericho with another side head lock and Punk tries to escape but Jericho locks it in and hits a side head lock take down. Punk with a head scissors and side head lock take down. Punk with a kick to Jericho followed by a forearm and knee to the midsection for a near fall. Punk with a snap mare and drop kick to the head. Jericho with a forearm and punches. Jericho with a clothesline into the corner and a suplex for a near fall. Jericho punches Punk followed by an Irish whip but Punk floats over and then Punk with a cross body. Punk with kicks to Jericho and Jericho goes down after a kick to the head. The referee asks Jericho if he wants to continue and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho with an Irish whip but Punk has Jericho in a modified Anaconda Vice in the ropes. Jericho with a kick to Punk’s head. Jericho with a gutwrench suplex for a near fall. Jericho with a snap mare and a rear chin lock with the arm isolated. Punk with elbows but Jericho with a knee to the midsection. Jericho with a kick to the back of the head. Jericho puts Punk on the top turnbuckle and Jericho tries for a superplex, but Punk pushes him off to the mat. Punk hits a cross body and gets a two count. Punk punches Jericho followed by a clothesline and leg lariat. Jericho backs into the corner and Punk charges into a boot. Punk with a power slam when Jericho charges at him. Punk sets for a suplex but Jericho counters. Jericho with a bulldog and then he tries for the Lionsault but Punk gets up and stops Jericho and tries for the Go To Sleep but Jericho turns it into the Walls of Jericho. Punk tries to get to the rope and avoid tapping out and he tries to escape but Jericho is able to keep the Walls applied. Punk is inches from the ropes but Jericho pulls him back into the center of the ring. Punk rolls over and he kicks Jericho into the ropes. Jericho tries to put Punk back into the Walls but Punk fights it off. Punk with a knee lift and Jericho goes down but Punk can only get a two count.
Punk with knees to Jericho and then he hits the knee in the corner but Jericho sends Punk into the corner on the bulldog attempt. Punk with another kick to the head and Punk falls to the apron. Punk tries for the springboard clothesline but Jericho hits the Codebreaker for the three count.
Winner: Chris Jericho
Kelly is walking out of the building and Todd follows behind and asks about the match with John Cena. Kelly says that she talked to John and he understands. We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler talk about the Kelly Kelly situation and they wonder who is going to be John Cena’s tag team partner. Cole and Lawler talk about the Tribute to the Troops show and we see a video package for the trip to Iraq.
John Cena is walking in the back and he does not have a tag team partner for his match against Beth and Santino.
We go to commercial.
Santino has a mic and he says that he appreciates the cheers from the fans. Santino points to a lady in the crowd and her name is Rosa Mendes and she is the world’s biggest Santino Marella fan. She has her Glamazon sign and she says that she is the second biggest Santino fan and second best is not bad. Just ask Canada who is always second to the United States.
Santino reminds us that he would reveal a secret about Santa Claus when they beat John Cena and his tag team partner. Santino is going to tell them now and it will change their lives forever. The secret is . . .
John Cena’s music. John has a mic and he says that he did some research. Santino’s secret is that Santa Claus is here tonight. Santa is in the front row and he gave John a Christmas wish and it is a tag team partner and it is Trish Stratus.
Match Number Six: Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix versus John Cena and Trish Stratus
Cena and Santino start things off and they lock up and Cena with a side head lock take down. Cena backs Santino into the corner and Santino with a punch when the referee was out of position. Santino avoids Cena and he tags in Beth and that means that Trish enters the match. Beth says that she has been waiting her whole life for this and she pushes Trish. Trish with forearms and Trish does the matrix followed by the Thesz Press. Trish with chops to Beth. Beth with a vertical choke to Trish and she throws Trish into the turnbuckles. Beth with a waist lock and Santino goes up but Trish sends Beth into the ropes and Santino’s scrotal region is hurt. Trish with a handstand rana to Santino. Beth with punches to Trish and Beth gets a near fall. Beth with a back breaker to Trish and then she picks Trish up and hits another. Beth pulls Trish around the ring by her hair and then she punches Trish. Beth with a wheelbarrow but Trish with a bulldog. Cena tags in and Santino comes in too. Cena with the flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and it is followed by the five knuckle shuffle. Cena with the FU set up but Beth pulls Santino off. Trish with the Chick Kick and then Cena with the FU for the three count on Santino.
Winners: John Cena and Trish Stratus
2009 - WWE announced that Mike Tyson would be guest hosting the 1/11/10 Raw in Minneapolis.
2009 - WWE issued the following:
THQ, WWE® and JAKKS Pacific Announce Settlement of Long-Standing Litigation
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI), World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) today announced that they have reached settlement agreements with respect to the WWE® video game and toy licenses and the THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC joint venture.
Under the three-party settlement, all claims are withdrawn and all litigation ended among the parties without any party admitting any wrongdoing.
As part of the resolution of these matters, THQ will pay WWE $13.2 million. In addition, THQ has entered into a new eight-year video game license directly with WWE commencing January 1, 2010, which is three years longer than the renewal term under the previous arrangement between WWE and the THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC joint venture. Information regarding the new license agreement, announced separately today, may be accessed at http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-news&nyo=0.
In addition to its preferred return payment to JAKKS for the period ending December 31, 2009, THQ will pay JAKKS Pacific $20 million over the next four years, with payments of $6 million due June 2010 and June 2011, and payments of $4 million due June 2012 and June 2013, and the THQ/JAKKS Pacific LLC joint venture will terminate effective December 31, 2009.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at corporate.wwe.com.
About THQ Inc.
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2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with a look at the previous ECW Homecoming matches. Tonight, Jack Swagger smiles his way back into ECW and he will face Yoshi Tatsu.
We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Josh ‘Why can’t I go to Universal Studios’ Mathews and Byron ‘Happy Homecoming’ Saxton.
Jack Swagger comes out and he has thomthing to thay. Swagger says that this show is finally worth watching again. Jack says that it is great to come back to where he started to be a part of the ECW Homecoming. He says that things have changed since he left with some new faces. However, some things have stayed the same. Christian is still a chump. Tommy Dreamer is still fat. Swagger shows us a video package. Swagger says that he will become the ECW Champion again.
Zack Ryder comes out with Rosa Mendes for his match and walks past Swagger.
We see Zack talking to Dreamer two weeks ago when he said that he wanted to finish Dreamer’s career.
Match Number One: Zack ‘Morris’ Ryder and Rosa ‘Tori’ Mendes versus Tommy Dreamer
They lock up and Dreamer with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Dreamer blocks a hip toss and hits one of his own followed by an arm drag into an arm bar. Dreamer clotheslines Ryder over the top rope to the floor and Rosa distracts Dreamer on the apron and Ryder pulls Dreamer to the floor from the apron. They return to the ring and Ryder gets a near fall and then he punches Dreamer before he puts Dreamer in a reverse chin lock. Dreamer with a near fall but Ryder hits the leg lariat and gets a near fall of his own. Ryder sends Dreamer into the turnbuckles and he kicks Dreamer in the face. Ryder goes up top and Dreamer punches Ryder and Dreamer hits a superplex. Dreamer punches Ryder and then hits a back body drop and a clothesline followed by a slam. Dreamer gets a near fall. Dreamer with an Irish whip but Dreamer runs into a boot. Dreamer catches Ryder coming off the turnbuckles and he catapults Ryder into the ring post. Dreamer puts Ryder in the Tree of Woe and hits the E-C-fn-W drop kick. Dreamer takes off his shirt and Ryder goes to the apron and drops Dreamer against the ropes and Ryder hits the Zack Attack for the three count.
Winner: Zack Ryder
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that a lot of people watch WWE in the United States.
It is the time of the night that you want to be both blind, deaf, and dumb because Tony Atlas is here to introduce Abraham Washington for the Abraham Washington Show.
Abe thanks everyone for the warm welcome. He says that it is good to be in Orlando and he says that he is not going to make any Tiger Woods jokes. He supports Tiger and says that Tiger used to call him before his wife took his phone. Abe brings out his guests, Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta. Abe did not like Caylen and Trent jumping on his couch. Trent says that they are taking things to the next level and he makes a video game console comparison. Caylen says that they have been best friends since Little League and he says that their moms are their biggest fans. Croft says that they want to come back next year to the ECW Homecoming as the Tag Champions. Tony says that he was a tag champion with Rocky Johnson and then Croft and Barreta yell at Tony. Abe defends Tony and then he tells him to shut up before ending the show.
Tiffany is in her office and Jack Swagger enters and wants to know how she is still in charge. Tiffany says that it has been easier and better with Jack on Raw. Jack says that she brought him back to win the Homecoming and win the ECW Title at Royal Rumble. Hurricane hurri-enters the office. Swagger wants to know what Hurricane’s powers are. He says that he can do anything . . . except fix Swagger’s speech impediment. Hurricane hurri-leaves and so does Swagger.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a recap of John Cena’s comments from the Tribute to the Troops special.
Match Number Two: Vance Archer versus Goldust in an ECW Homecoming Qualifying Match
They lock up and Archer backs Goldust into the turnbuckles but he misses a punch. Goldust doesn’t. Archer with a punch but Goldust with a leaping butt bump. Archer with a hard Irish whip for a near fall. Archer with a slam and a rear chin lock. Archer with a forearm to the kidneys followed by a leg lariat for a near fall. Archer with a forearm and kick to the back. Archer with a rear chin lock. Goldust with punches but Archer with a forearm to the back. Goldust with a clothesline followed by the drop down uppercut and a bulldog for a near fall. Archer runs Goldust into the turnbuckles and then Archer hits the inverted DDT for the three count.
Winner: Vance Archer
We see Christian in the locker room watching on the mobile monitor.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Smackdown Rebound because you cannot escape Matt Striker’s voice.
Josh and Byron remind us that Undertaker will be facing Rey Mysterio for the World Title.
It is time to take a look back at the end between Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov. Byron and Josh wonder when Regal became Jackson’s confidant. Jackson and Kozlov will meet again on Thursday night.
Christian is giving Yoshi Tatsu some advice while Yoshi does some aerobics. Swagger enters and he makes a Karate Kid reference. Christian calls Swagger a dork and Yoshi says something in Japanese. Swagger says that he will beat Yoshi tonight and then he will beat Christian at the Royal Rumble. Yoshi calls Swagger a jackass and we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that Ted DiBiase is the new John Cena in Marine 2: That is not Behind Enemy Lines Colombia with Ted DiBiase superimposed over Ken Kennedy.
We are told that Matt Hardy and Evan Bourne will return to ECW next week to compete in ECW Homecoming Matches.
Match Number Three: Jack Swagger with Mike Epsenhart’s favorite entrance versus Yoshi Tatsu in an ECW Homecoming Qualifying Match
Yoshi jumps around before they lock up and then they lock up and Swagger with a front face lock into a waist lock. Swagger with a waist lock take down. Yoshi gets to his feet and Swagger with another waist lock take down. Swagger with crossfaces to Yoshi followed by a forearm to the back. Yoshi with a kick and a rollup for a near fall. Yoshi with a drop kick and a near fall. Swagger with punches while Yoshi responds with forearms. Swagger runs Yoshi into the turnbuckles and then he hits a few shoulders. Swagger with an Irish whip and a running clothesline into the corner. Swagger with a key lock and an arm drag into an arm bar. Swagger tries for the Doctor Bomb but Yoshi escapes and he tries for a kick but Swagger moves out of the way and backs into the corner. We go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger with a hammer lock on Yoshi. We see footage from the commercial when Swagger hit a wheelbarrow suplex. We return to live on tape action and Swagger with a forearm to the back. Swagger with an Irish whip but he runs into boots from Yoshi. Swagger sends Yoshi into the ropes and drives him to the mat. Swagger gets a near fall. Swagger with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex and then he forgets that he can pin Yoshi and he does push ups instead. Swagger with a series of elbow drops followed by a leaping leg drop for a near fall. Swagger with a key lock. Swagger with a forearm to the kidneys. Yoshi with a kick to the leg but Swagger with a forearm to the head and a kick to the torso. Swagger with an Irish whip but he misses a charge. Yoshi with kicks to Swagger followed by a back kick and drop kicks. Yoshi with a bulldog out of a wheelbarrow and he gets a near fall. Yoshi with the rolling snap mare but he misses the kick. Swagger tries for a rollup but Yoshi drops down and gets a near fall. Swagger misses another charge into the corner and then he sends Yoshi to the apron. Yoshi goes up top but Swagger leaps to the turnbuckles but Yoshi with an elbow. Yoshi with a kick from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Yoshi goes into the ropes and Swagger with a rollup for a near fall. Swagger waits for Yoshi to get up and he hits a clothesline for a near fall. Swagger tries for the Oklahoma Stampede and he hits it but he does not go for the cover. Swagger sets for the double jump Vader splash and he gets a two count. Yoshi with a kick to the head for the three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
We go to credits.
2010 - WWE broadcast Tribute to the Troops on the USA Network. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are on tape from Fort Hood in Texas for the Eighth Annual Tribute to the Troops Show where World Wrestling Entertainment gives back to the United States Armed Forces. After years of doing this show overseas, they present their first show on United States soil. This is the two hour special that aired on USA Network and contains most of the things that aired on Saturday’s NBC special as well as new performances, matches, and comments.
We start off with President Barack Obama in the White House talking about how families across the country will be gathering with friends and family, him and Michelle want to wish the men and women in uniform a safe and happy holiday. They are grateful for their service and honor their sacrifice. Their thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is celebrating the holiday far from home.
Your announcers for tonight’s show are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. Jerry mentions that the crowd is approximately 50,000 people.
Match Number One: Battle Royal featuring John Morrison, Mark Henry, Ezekiel Jackson, Chavo Guerrero, Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Chris Masters, Cody Rhodes, Vladimir Kozlov, Santino Marella, David Otunga, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Michael McGillicutty, and Husky Harris
Nexus appears to have targets on their chests because when the bell rings, the other ten men circle Nexus and pair up on him. The members of Nexus go to the floor to regroup and wait for more people to be eliminated. Masters and Kozlov work over Rhodes while Jackson deals with Chavo. Masters and Morrison try to eliminate Sheamus but Sheamus fights from the turnbuckles back to the canvas. Chavo and Cody alternate on Santino. Masters puts Sheamus in the Master Lock but Sheamus escapes and he clotheslines Masters over the top rope to the floor. Bryan with a sleeper on Sheamus but Sheamus sends Bryan to the apron. Bryan goes up top and Sheamus returns him to the apron. Jackson throws Rhodes over the top rope but he stays on the apron. Chavo helps Cody eliminate Jackson. Bryan tries to eliminate Rhodes but Chavo helps Cody. Sheamus tries to eliminate Chavo but Chavo fights for his life.
Santino has Morrison on the top rope and then to the apron but Morrison fights back and returns to the ring. Rhodes with punches and elbows to Bryan. Santino with the cobra to Chavo, Morrison, Cody, and Bryan. Santino gets an Irish hammer from Sheamus.
Sheamus turns around and sees Mark Henry while everyone else is down. Nexus attack Henry and Sheamus and then they go after some of the other wrestlers. They swarm over Santino and Morrison tries to help. Harris punches Morrison and then the other members of Nexus eliminate Marella. Their next target is the other half of the tag team champions, Vladimir Kozlov and he is eliminated. They go after Chavo Guerrero and put him on top and he goes to the apron but a forearm eliminates Chavo. Cody raises Harris’ arm since they were pro and rookie but McGillicutty and Harris eliminate him.
We are down to nine men with Bryan, Sheamus, Henry, and Morrison on one side of the ring and the members of Nexus on the other side. There is going to be a rumble . . . RIGHT NOW as eight men battle in the ring with Sheamus watching from the corner. Harris and McGillicutty work on Morrison. Gabriel with a spin kick to Bryan and then Slater punches Bryan. Gabriel charges at Bryan and Justin Gabriel makes the second biggest mistake in a battle royal, he charged at someone against the ropes so he gets back body dropped to the floor and is eliminated.
Sheamus with a pump kick to Bryan and Daniel is eliminated. Harris with a clothesline to Sheamus while Morrison goes after McGillicutty and Otunga. Morrison punches Harris but Harris takes over and he punches Morrison and biels him across the ring. Michael kicks Henry while the others wait for Morrison to get up. Morrison eliminates Otunga and then he kicks and punches Harris. Morrison with kicks and punches to McGillicutty but Sheamus kicks Morrison in the back. Sheamus with an Irish whip to Morrison but Morrison with an elbow and a springboard round kick. Harris and McGillicutty throw Morrison over the top rope but Morrison goes to the apron. Morrison fights off Michael and Husky for a bit but McGillicutty eventually eliminates Morrison when Morrison tries a springboard move back into the ring.
Slater tries to Irish whip Henry but Henry throws Slater over the top rope to the floor. Michael and Husky work over Henry but Mark fights back and punches them off. Henry with a clothesline to Harris and then he eliminates McGillicutty. Henry with a head butt to Harris and then he eliminates Harris.
Sheamus clips Henry and then he kicks Henry and connects with an elbow to the head. Sheamus with a knee to the back and then he tries to send Henry into the turnbuckles but Henry stops him and sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles. Henry sets for a splash into the corner but he runs into a boot and Sheamus goes up top but Henry presses Sheamus over his head and he eliminates Sheamus to win the match.
Winner: Mark Henry
We go to commercial with comments from Taylor Swift.
We are back and the Bellas welcome everyone back to the show.
Diddy Dirty Money performs ‘I’ll Be Missing You’
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rima Fakih is the ring announcer for this match.
Match Number Two: Big Show and Kofi Kingston versus Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler
Show and Ziggler start things off and Ziggler punches Show but Show feels nothing and responds with a head butt. Show with a shhh chop across the chest and Ziggler goes down. Show asks the people if he should do another and since they ask for it, he gives it to them and Ziggler isn’t happy. Show with a head butt and then he stands on Ziggler’s chest. Show sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and then he tags in Kofi who hits a slingshot leg drop and gets a near fall.
Kofi with an arm bar but Ziggler with a knee and elbow to the head. Ziggler punches Kofi but Kofi with a monkey flip. Kofi leaps into the corner and he punches Ziggler as the crowd counts. Kofi rolls to his feet and hits a European uppercut. Kofi is sent to the apron and Swagger tries to take advantage of the situation but Kofi kicks Swagger to the mat. Kofi with a shoulder to Ziggler. Kofi tries for a springboard move but Swagger pulls Kofi onto the apron and Kofi goes to the floor. Show tries to explain what happened to the referee but it does not matter.
Ziggler with a near fall on Kofi and then he puts Kofi in a rear chin lock. Kofi with punches and elbows but Ziggler with a kick. He tries for a Fameasser but Kofi counters with a power bomb and both men are down. Swagger and Show tag in and Show with a few clotheslines followed by a big boot. Show with a running butt splash in the corner followed by a shoulder tackle. Ziggler tries to interfere and Show sends Ziggler in the air and Dolph does not like the landing.
Kofi clotheslines Ziggler over the top rope and both men go to the floor while Swagger and Show remain in the ring. Show gives Swagger a choke slam and he gets the three count.
Winners: Big Show and Kofi Kingston
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kobe Bryant wishes all of the troops a Happy Holiday Season.
Trace Adkins is out to perform his song ‘I’ve Got My Game On’.
We go to commercial.
We are back and R Truth comes out with his special dancing elf Eve Torres and he wants to know what’s up.
Match Number Three: R Truth with Eve versus Ted DiBiase with Maryse
Ted misses a punch but Truth connects with a few punches in the corner. Ted with an Irish whip and Truth floats over and does a split followed by a leg lariat. Truth with a punch to DiBiase. Truth with a kick to Ted but Ted with a hot shot to Truth. Ted with knee drops and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Truth gets to his feet and he hits a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down.
Truth blocks a punch and connects with punches and kicks followed by clotheslines. Truth with a hip toss but Maryse gets on the apron to talk to Truth but Eve pulls Maryse off the apron. Ted comes from behind and tries for dream street but Truth with an arm drag and then he kicks Ted in the midsection and hits the scissors kick for the three count.
Winner: R Truth
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Kelly Kelly, Natalya, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella versus Michelle McCool, Layla, Alicia Fox, and Melina in a Diva Santa’s Helpers Match
Alicia and Nikki start things off and Alicia with a forearm and works on the arm. Alicia with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Alicia with an Irish whip and she tags in Melina who kicks Nikki while Michelle and Layla choke her. The referee tries to keep Nikki’s partners on the apron so they can’t help their partner. Melina with an Irish whip and then he sends Nikki face first to the mat. Nikki with a snap mare that sends Melina from the turnbuckles.
Kelly and Michelle tag in and Kelly with a Thesz Press and she slams Michelle’s head into the mat. Kelly with a head scissors take down and then she slams Michelle’s head into the mat. Kelly with K2 but Layla breaks up the cover. Brie with a drop kick to Layla. Alicia with an axe kick to Brie and she throws Brie to the floor. Natalya waits for Alicia to turn around to give her a discus clothesline. Michelle with a kick to the head of Natalya. Kelly slaps Michelle and then kicks her in the back and then hits a Fameasser fro the three count.
Winners: Kelly Kelly, Natalya, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella
We go to commercial with comments from the cast of 30 Rock thanking everyone for their service and to have a Happy Holiday season.
We are back with footage of Sherri Sheppard and Hornswoggle coming to the ring to give out presents to the people in the crowd.
We are back and former President George W. Bush says that he is honored to join the WWE in saluting the men and women of the Armed Forces. He says that he is often asked about what he misses most about being President and he says that he misses being the Commander in Chief of the finest military the world has ever known. It was an honor to serve with men and women who volunteered in the face of danger. It was an honor to salute the men and women who inspire our country with their courage and resolve. It was an honor to visit bases at home and abroad, and be with the men and women who are taking their rightful place among the healers of our history. Over the past decade the WWE has supported the military in many important ways. Their superstars and staff have visited forward operating bases in Iraq and Afghanistan. They have comforted wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. They offer free tickets to military personnel and provide support to the families of the fallen. He thanks the military families for supporting their loved ones and sacrificing so much.
Dirty Diddy Money are back out to perform ‘Coming Home’.
After the song, Sean Combs thanks the troops for what they do.
We go to commercial.
We are back with comments from Lindsay Vonn.
Major General William Grimsley, the commander at Fort Hood is in the ring with Kane for an arm wrestling challenge. The Major General gives Kane a chance to back down if he is scared. They go back and forth until Edge’s music plays and he comes to the ring to confront Kane.
Kane grabs Edge by the throat but Edge gets out of the choke slam attempt and he spears Kane.
Edge and the General celebrate in the ring.
Cedric the Entertainer comes out and he tells everyone to give it up for themselves. Cedric says that he was surprised that it was so cool for this visit because he is used to it being hot in Texas. He says that he dressed up as a Chilean miner for Halloween so he could introduce his wife to his girlfriend. He says that he had to kick out some family members for using too much aluminum foil. Cedric says that he tried to get out of a ticket by using the ‘celebrity card’ but it did not work.
We go to commercial with comments from Jimmy Fallon but he is interrupted by the Miz who slams Jimmy and Miz wishes everyone a Happy Holiday. Miz says that Jimmy is okay, but after he falls back down, he says that Jimmy is not okay.
We are back with Trace Adkins and he performs ‘Whoop a Man’s Ass’.
General George W. Casey Junior, the Army Chief of Staff has pre-recorded comments to thank the WWE for what they have done as well as the sacrifices that the troops have made.
We go to commercial with the hosts of the Today show (but not the hosts of Joel McHale’s favorite part, the fourth hour) to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season.
We are back and Kelly Kelly welcomes us back.
Match Number Five: Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and John Cena versus The Miz, Wade Barrett, and Alberto Del Rio
Cena and Miz start things off and Cena with punches and he sends Miz into the turnbuckles. Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog for a near fall. Miz with a kick and punch to Cena and he tags in Del Rio and Alberto kicks Cena. Cena is sent into the turnbuckles and kicks him again. Barrett tags in and Cena punches him but they each hit clotheslines and both men are down. Orton tags in and he hits a few clotheslines and Orton follows that with a power slam and he looks at the Miz and that allows Barrett to get to the apron.
Orton with an IEDDT and then he twists into the RKO push ups but when he tries for the RKO, Barrett is close enough to the ropes to push Orton away. Orton is sent towards his opponent’s corner and Miz tries to punch Orton, but Randy blocks it and he knocks Miz and Del Rio off the apron and to the floor. Barrett with a big boot to Orton. Barrett with kicks while Miz and Del Rio return to the apron. Miz tags in and he kicks Orton and sends him into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Miz tries for the Awesome Clothesline but Orton gets out of the corner and hits a clothesline of his own. Rey tags in and he hits a seated splash and springboard cross body for a near fall. Rey with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors that sends Miz into the ropes. Rey tries for the 619, but he is tripped by Alex Riley as he comes off the ropes.
Riley pulls Rey to the floor and then Barrett is tagged in. Barrett runs Rey’s back into the apron as we go to commercial.
We are back and Miz sends Rey into the turnbuckles before he tags Wade Barrett back into the match. Barrett with a suplex and he stands over Rey and then he Irish whips Rey and hits a back breaker and gets a near fall. Rey tries to roll to the corner while Wade thinks about the near fall but Wade stops him. Alberto Del Rio is tagged in and he kicks Rey and hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Del Rio with a sunset flip but Rey rolls through and kicks Del Rio in the head and both men are down.
Del Rio recovers first and he kicks Rey in the midsection. Del Rio with a back elbow and he tags in Barrett. Barrett gets over Rey and punches him until the referee pulls him off. Barrett argues with the referee before putting Rey on the top turnbuckle. Barrett with a punch and Rey almost falls to the floor. Barrett tries for a superplex but Rey holds on to the turnbuckle. Rey with head butts and a punch that knocks Barrett off. Rey with a cross body and both men are down. Rey tags in Cena and Del Rio is in too. Cena with a few flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Miz with a kick to Cena. Miz punches Cena but Orton with an Olympic Slam and then he does the RKO push ups. Riley pulls Miz to the floor and to safety.
Barrett comes in and he goes after Orton but Randy sees him coming and hits a back breaker. Cena sends Del Rio into Barrett and both men are sent into the ropes. Rey hits a 619 on both men and as Del Rio comes off the ropes he is given an Attitude Adjustment by Cena while Orton hits the RKO on Barrett and Cena gets the three count on Del Rio.
Winners: John Cena, Randy Orton, and Rey Mysterio
We go to credits.
2012 - Ring of Honor broadcast their series on Sinclair Broadcasting. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Earlier this week, Ring of Honor had their final show of the year with the Final Battle: DOOMSDAY iPPV. It is time to take a look back at some of the top moments from the company in 2012.
Kevin Kelly is in the Inside Ring of Honor control center.
The first match is from the June 9th episode of Ring of Honor television, and it is Edwards/Richards IV.
Match Number One:Die Hard Challenge Match
They lock up and Richards backs Edwards into the corner and Richards with a clean break but he gently taps Eddie on the chest. Davey works on the wrist and arm but Edwards with a reversal. Davey with a reversal and back drop but Edwards with a head scissors and Davey escapes. Edwards with an arm drag followed by one from Richards. Edwards misses a chop and Davey misses a kick. Both men go for boots to the chest and the other blocks it so they hop around the ring for a moment until they agree to release the hold and break.
They lock up again and Davey with a snap mare but Edwards with a hammer lock. Richards backs Edwards into the corner and Richards with an Irish whip. Edwards floats over and then hits a single leg take down. Edwards goes for a leap frog but Richards with a spinning heel kick to the chest.
Richards goes for a baseball slide but Edwards sees him coming and avoids Davey and gets back into the ring. Davey with a running boot to Eddie but Eddie stays on his feet. Edwards goes to the floor again. Davey tries to get Eddie on the floor but Eddie returns to the ring. Davey gets on the apron and Eddie with a running boot that knocks Richards off the apron and into the guardrails.
Eddie with a chop against the guardrails as they move around the ring. They return to the ring and Eddie hits a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Edwards with an Irish whip but Davey with a boot in the corner. Davey goes up top but Eddie with an enzuigiri. Eddie sets for the backpack jawbreaker but Davey is able to turn it into a cross arm breaker and Edwards gets to the ropes.
The fight goes to the apron and Eddie chops Davey and Davey with kicks to Eddie. Davey with an arm wringer and Edwards hits the ring apron and the referee checks on Eddie as we go to commercial.
We are back and Davey sends Eddie into the guardrail and then we see shots of the crowd because who needs to watch the match. Davey with a kick to the chest and leg. Davey kicks Eddie in the arm and returns to the ring. Eddie rolls back into the ring and Davey works on the arm and he hits a belly-to-back suplex with Eddie’s arm in a hammer lock. Davey with a hammer lock using his leg and then he ties up Eddie.
Davey continues to work on the injured arm with the Thames Barrier but Eddie escapes. Davey sends Eddie shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Eddie with chops but Davey with elbows to the injured arm. Davey tries for a suplex but Eddie blocks it by moving his center of gravity. Eddie tries for a suplex but Davey avoids it. Eddie catches Davey as he comes off the ropes with a handspring move and Eddie turns it into a belly-to-back front driver and both men are down.
Eddie runs into a boot from Davey but Eddie with a chop. Davey with a kick and then Davey goes to the floor. Eddie with a suicide dive but he makes contact using his injured arm and then the arm hits the guardrail. Eddie gets back to his feet first and he rolls Davey back into the ring. Eddie goes up top and hits a missile drop kick and gets a near fall.
Eddie tries to get some feeling back in his arm and he chops Davey with his good arm. Davey with kicks to Eddie but he misses a round kick. Eddie with a Dragon suplex for a near fall. Eddie goes back to the apron and the turnbuckles. Davey with a punch to the midsection and then he applies the Kimura on the turnbuckles. Eddie with head butts to knock Davey off. Davey with a kick and then Davey returns to the turnbuckles and he head butts Eddie and hits the superplex but Davey rolls through and hits another suplex throw into a cross arm breaker. Eddie is able to roll through and Eddie with the Achilles Lock. Davey reverses into an ankle lock.
Eddie crawls towards the ropes and then he kicks Davey away. Both men with kicks at the same time and neither man goes down. Davey with crucifix float over into a cross arm breaker. Eddie rolls through but Davey gets a near fall. Eddie with a near fall and then they exchange near falls.
Eddie with a chop but Davey hits the Alarm Clock, but the batteries may have been depleted because Eddie stays on his feet and Eddie with a super kick that does not knock Davey off his feet. Davey with a back round kick. Eddie with a spinning back fist. Davey with a lariat that spins Eddie in mid air.
Davey runs into a boot and Eddie goes up top but Davey stops him again. Davey with a chop but Eddie with a fireman’s carry front driver and a chop to the temple for a near fall. Eddie goes up top and goes for a double stomp but he misses and his knee appears to buckle. Davey with a rollup and then he turns it into an ankle lock on the injured leg. Eddie kicks Davey away but Davey with the running kick to the head.
Davey goes to the apron and he tries to kick Jimmy Jacobs, who made his way to the ring. Jacobs tries to interfere on the apron but Davey kicks him away. Davey goes up top and Eddie has recovered. Eddie blocks a missile drop kick and Eddie with a jackknife cover for the three count.
Winner: Eddie Edwards
After the match, Davey applauds Eddie’s victory and then he raises Eddie’s hand in victory, but Eddie reminds him about his injured arm.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kevin mentions the live show experience during 2012. They were in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Baltimore and many more cities.
Ring of Honor will be in Baltimore, Dearborn, and Milwaukee in January.
During the summer in Milwaukee, Kevin Steen and Jimmy Jacobs faced The Briscoes. We go to highlights from that match.
We see Jay kicking Steen but Jacobs with a spear to Jay. Mark with a mule kick to Jacobs. Steen hits a pop up power bomb on Mark. Mark gets suplexed onto the ramp. Jacobs and Mark fight to the back. Steen hits the F-Cinq on Jay but Jay kicks out. Mark is on the balcony and he hits a splash o Steen through a table.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kevin tells us that we will find out what the match of the year for Ring of Honor in 2012.
A number of wrestling legends were in the ROH ring this year. One of them was Lance Storm, and he faced Mike Bennett at Showdown in the Sun. Bennett defeated Storm and then Bennett hit a Box Office Smash after the match. Storm defeated Bennett at Border Wars.
On August 3rd, we had the rubber match.
Match Number Two: Mike Bennett (with Maria Kanellis and Bob Evans) versus Lance Storm
Lance and Bennett get face to face and the push each other but they are not done talking. Storm with a pie face. They lock up and they go to the corner. Storm with a clean break. They lock up again and Bennett works on the arm. Storm rolls through and reverses. Storm works on the arm and he sends Bennett into the turnbuckles. Storm with a European uppercut.
Bennett with a back elbow to Storm followed by kicks and punches in the corner. Storm with a knee and chop followed by a forearm. Bennett with a boot to Storm followed by a sunset flip but Storm rolls through and he tries for a single leg crab.
Bennett goes to the floor and Storm brings him back in. Bennett wants a time out but Storm with a kick and suplex for a near fall. Bennett with a kick and slam to Storm. Bennett with elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Storm with a jawbreaker and drop kick for a near fall. Storm with an elbow to the head followed by a punch.
Bennett with a forearm in the corner followed by an Irish whip but he goes for a splash into the corner and Storm moves. Storm with a boot to the abdomen followed by what appeared to be an elbow drop but the camera was focused on Maria. Storm with an elbow drop that we see for a near fall.
Bennett runs Storm into the turnbuckles to escape a front face lock. Bennett runs Storm into the turnbuckles again. Bennett tries for a drop kick but Storm holds on to the ropes. Storm with a jackknife cover for a near fall. Storm sends Bennett into the turnbuckles. Bennett sends Storm over the top rope to the apron. Storm with a shoulder and then he brings Bennett to the apron. They exchange punches and then Bennett with a thumb to the eye and he sends Storm into the guardrail and he hits a clothesline off the apron. We go to commercial.
We are back and Bennett with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Bennett with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets a near fall. Bennett with a rear chin lock. Storm with punches but Bennett with a knee and he sends Storm shoulder first into the ring post. Bennett goes to the floor and he wrings the injured shoulder into the ring post. Bennett with a kick to the shoulder and then he drops the arm on the top rope.
Bennett gets a near fall. Bennett continues to work on the arm with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Storm with punches and a head butt. Bennett with a divorce court and he gets a near fall. Bennett stomps on Storm’s forearm. Storm with a punch but Bennett with a knee. Storm with a kick and elbow but Bennett with a punch. Storm with a punch and Bennett with a kick. Bennett tries for a suplex but Storm counters with an inside cradle.
Bennett with a clothesline and he gets a near fall. Bennett with a wrist lock and he knee in the back. Storm with forearms but Bennett with a punch. Storm with a back heel kick and enzuigiri and both men are down. Storm gets a near fall. Storm goes to the apron and Bennett runs Storm’s ribs into the turnbuckles. Bennett does it again. Bennett goes to the apron and he tries to suplex Storm. Storm blocks it and he clotheslines Bennett back into the ring.
Storm tries for a slingshot move back into the ring but Bennett moves and Storm hits the mat. Bennett gets a near fall. Storm and Bennett exchange punches. Bennett with elbows as well. Storm with a back elbow and clothesline followed by a leg lariat for a near fall. Storm with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner.
Storm with a springboard clothesline for a near fall. Bennett with a punch but Storm tries for the Maple Leaf but Bennett drops down and gets a near fall. Bennett avoids an enzuigiri and applies a single leg crab. Storm with a boot to the head and Storm with an uranage for a near fall.
Storm gets Bennett up for a TKO but Bennett gets Storm up. Storm escapes the hold and he rolls through for the Maple Leaf but Bennett gets to the ropes. Storm puts Bennett on the turnbuckles and then he sets for a superplex but Evans holds the foot. Bennett with a neck breaker from the turnbuckles for a near fall.
Maria gets on the apron to distract the referee while Bennett hits a TKO onto a chair that Bennett rolls into the ring and Bennett gets the three count.
Winner: Mike Bennett
After the match, Evans and Bennett pick up Storm and Maria hits Storm with her boot. Sara Del Rey comes into the ring and she kicks Maria and applies a single leg crab. Eddie Edwards comes out to even the odds.
Kevin reminds us that Mike Bennett faced Jerry Lynn at Final Battle in Jerry’s final Ring of Honor match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kevin says that the biggest accomplishment is to be a champion.
Kevin Steen defeated Davey Richards to become the World Champion in 2012. A total of four teams held the Tag Team Titles in 2012 and the belts are currently around the waists of the Briscoes. The other teams that held tag team gold in 2012 were Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team, the All Night Xpress, and the team of Steve Corino and Jimmy Jacobs. The Ring of Honor Television title went from Jay Lethal to Roderick Strong and then to Adam Cole.
We are going to see how Adam Cole became the Ring of Honor Television Champion in our main event. We go to July 28th.
Match Number Three: Match Number Three: Adam Cole versus Roderick Strong (with Truth Martini) for the Ring of Honor Television Title
Strong and Martini sucker Cole into a handshake and Strong drop kicks Cole when Cole shakes Martini’s hand. Strong sends Cole to the floor and into the guardrails. Strong gets Cole on his shoulders and then drops Cole onto the apron. Strong sends Cole into the ring and gets a near fall.
Strong with a forearm to the back followed by shoulders and a chop. Strong with more kicks to Cole. Martini chokes Cole while Strong talks to the referee. Strong with a punch but Cole with forearms. Strong with a chop but Cole blocks a second one and then Cole with a kick. Strong with a hot shot followed by a uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Strong with a forearm across the chest. Cole and Strong exchange punches and then Strong regains control with a chop. Strong sends Cole to the floor and he follows. Cole with an Irish whip into the guardrails but Strong with a super kick and Cole goes down.
Strong gets Cole on his shoulders and then he sends Cole’s ribs into the ring post. Strong returns to the ring and the referee approaches the twenty count but Strong breaks it up. Strong chops Cole against the guardrails followed by a forearm. Strong with a suplex on the floor.
They return to the ring and Strong gets a near fall. Strong with a reverse chin lock and we go to commercial.
We are back and Strong chops Cole while Cole responds with forearms. Strong with a drop kick to the knee. Strong gets Cole on his shoulders but Cole with a crucifix for a near fall. Cole with a back slide for a near fall. Cole cannot get Strong up for a suplex because of the damage to his back and Strong capitalizes immediately with the Strong Hold. Cole fights to the ropes but Strong pulls him into the center of the ring and Strong has turned it into a Cloverleaf but Cole gets to the ropes.
Strong tries for an atomic drop but Cole blocks it. Cole with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Cole with forearms to Strong followed by punches and more forearms. Strong with a kick and chop to Cole but Cole clotheslines Strong over the top and Cole with a suicide dive onto Strong.
Cole goes up top for a cross body and he gets a near fall. Cole runs into boots from Strong and Strong with a chop and Irish whip followed by a running knee. Cole with a drop kick to the knees followed by a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Cole tries for the wrist clutch German but Strong blocks it. Strong puts Cole on the turnbuckles and then Strong with an enzuigiri to the back. Strong with a back breaker onto the top turnbuckle and Strong gets a near fall.
Strong gets Cole up but Cole with a knee to escape the suplex. Strong with a knee to the midsection followed by the gutbuster from a fireman’s carry position but Strong can only get a two count. Strong tries for the Gibson Driver but Cole escapes it. Cole sends Strong to the apron and then Cole hits a slingshot DDT onto the apron. Cole returns to the ring and gets a near fall.
Martini gets on the apron and Cole avoids him. Cole sends Martini into the ring post to stop him. Strong with a forearm and he tries for the suplex throw into a back breaker but Cole lands on his feet and tries for a figure four. Strong with an inside cradle for a near fall. Cole with another super kick followed by a shoulder breaker for a near fall.
Michael Elgin comes into the ringside area while Cole has Strong in the figure four. Elgin looks at the ring while Strong gets to the ropes and Cole releases the hold. Cole with an inside cradle for a near fall. Strong with a discus forearm but Cole with a kick and super kick followed by the wrist clutch German suplex and bridge for the three count.
Winner: Adam Cole
After the match, Strong yells at Martini about what Elgin did not do during the match.
Next week, the 2012 Match of the Year will be revealed and we will see that match as well as other matches from 2012.
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