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January 18th
On this day in history in ....
1944 - Herb Welch defeats The Yellow Scorpion in Nashville, Tennessee for the Tennessee World Junior Heavyweight Title.World Wrestling Entertainment filed a lawsuit on 1/11 in Georgia against Air, Sea and Ground, Inc., Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc. and the IAHL Corporation (formerly Three Sixty, Inc) alleging that after coming to terms with the company to be the presenting sponsor of Wrestlemania 23, they became delinquent in payments of agreed upon fees while continuing to portray themselves as having a relationship with WWE via their website.
The lawsuit alleges that WWE was to be paid a fee of $1,000,000 as part of a sponsorship that saw 360 OTC identified as the Wrestlemania 23 presenting sponsor and billed as the “Official Pain Reliefâ€Â for the event. The filing listed a gross payment of $1,176,470.59 currently due the company.
WWE, citing that it "fully performed its obligations under the Sponsorship Agreement", alleged that the defendants, "willfully, intentionally and repeatedly refused to make the fee payments to WWE as required under the Sponsorship Agreement despite WWE’s requests for such payment and many assurances from ASGI that payment would be made."
The lawsuit alleged that while the defendants acknowledged they owed payment, they "continued to refuse" to make payments. The defendants then refused to remove WWE-related material from their website after being directed to do so by WWE in September 2007.
WWE petitioned the court, noting, "Unless injunctive relief is granted enjoining Defendants from using the WWE Intellectual Property, WWE will suffer injury to their business, good will and reputation, which injury is substantial and irreparable and cannot be adequately compensated by money damages."
WWE is asking for an injunction preventing the defendants from continuing to use WWE intellectual properties, compensatory damages to be determined via trial, a percentage of any profits the defendants have made from the WWE sponsorship, plus court costs.
2009 - WWE Raw and ECW ran Madison, Wisconsin. Joel Croyle filed the following live report:We are live from Knoxville, Tennessee and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Lane Kiffin’ Cole and Jerry ‘Rocky Top’ Lawler.
We begin the action in the arena with the man in charge, Vince McMahon. We see footage from two weeks ago when Bret Hart changed one half the face of wrestling and when Vince kicked Bret.
Vince talks about decisions and that some are good and some are bad. Vince says that he decided to bring Raw to this god forsaken community and he hopes he does not regret it. Vince says that he decided to allow Bret Hart to return. He also decided to kick Bret in the guts as hard as he could. Last week, he decided to make sure that Bret wouldn’t appear any more in the WWE. He tells the fans that he did it for the fans. He says that they should remember Bret Hart for the way that he was. He was the Hitman and the Excellence of Execution. Now Bret is an apologetic, broken down, war horse who needs to be put down. Vince says that it is his job and decision to put them down. Vince compares it to chewing gum. There are times when you spit out gum because it has lost its flavor. Vince says that Bret lost his flavor so he spit him out. Vince says that if he let Bret stay, it would have been like a disease. It will get to the point where you have to chop a body part off. He says that the fans can boo and be judgmental all they want, but they are all hypocritical. They want bigger, faster, and stronger. Vince says that the fans made the decision not him.
The Undertaker’s music plays as he interrupts the boss. Taker finally makes his way into the ring and he walks past Vince.
Vince hesitates before addressing Taker. He says that he wasn’t finished with what he was going to say. Vince points out that this is his time and his show.
Taker says that it is his time now. Taker says that he came out here to address Shawn Michaels but since Vince is in the ring, he wanted to tell Vince something that Vince’s ego wouldn’t admit. Taker says that there aren’t many of them left, but he was there twelve years ago in Montreal. He says that he was there and he saw the fear in Vince’s eyes then and he sees the fear in Vince’s eyes now. Taker tells Vince that he screwed Bret Hart. He did it twice. Now Vince is terrified of the consequences as Vince should be. What Vince did was the act of a coward.
Vince says that he disagrees with Taker but he acknowledges that it is Taker’s time and Vince leaves the ring and walks to the back.
Taker says that stubbornness, anger, and denial are not just descriptions of Vince, but they are in the soul of Shawn Michaels. Last year, Shawn said that he would break the streak. Shawn proved that he is Mr. Wrestlemania, but the streak is still intact. For more than a month, Shawn has been trying to get his attention by challenging him to a rematch. Taker says that he is ready to give Shawn his answer and it is an answer he wanted to give personally.
Shawn Michaels comes to the ring. They stare at each other and then Shawn says that he is in the ring for the Dead Man and he is anxiously awaiting Taker’s answer. Shawn says that he is all ears.
Taker tells Shawn that he did come closer than all of the others, but he still failed. Taker says that a rematch will only result in more bitter disappointment for Shawn. Taker tells Shawn that he has nothing to prove so his answer is no.
Shawn says that Taker has the audacity to look him in the eye.
Taker says that if Shawn thinks that he can beat him, he will give Shawn the opportunity tonight.
Shawn tells Taker no because he wants to beat Taker, but he wants to do it on the grandest stage of them all (nobody points to the imaginary Wrestlemania sign). Shawn says that he realizes what he has to do. Shawn says that he will enter the Royal Rumble and when he wins, he will challenge Taker for the World Title.
Taker says that he will be the champion at Wrestlemania, so the win at the Royal Rumble will be Shawn’s only chance at salvation. Shawn says that after he wins the Royal Rumble, he will see Taker at Wrestlemania. Shawn tells Taker that his streak, his title, and his soul will be his. Taker leaves the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: The Triple Threat Match from last week when Randy Orton defeated Kofi Kingston and John Cena with help from Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.
Match Number One: Sheamus versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Randy Orton comes out to watch. Sheamus runs Bourne into the turnbuckles and punches him. Sheamus sees Orton and that can’t be good news for Bourne. Sheamus with a clothesline and then he rakes the eyes. Sheamus goes to the apron and Bourne hits Sheamus from behind and hits a jumping side kick and then hits the double knees from the top turnbuckle for a two count. Sheamus with a uranage back breaker on Bourne and then he hits the bicycle kick. Sheamus pulls Bourne into the corner and then he hits the Celtic Cross for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
Orton walks into the ring as Evan Bourne disappears into the Tennessee night. Orton gets in Sheamus’ face and not a nary a word is spoken. Sheamus gets his title belt and he holds it up for Orton to see. Sheamus then leaves the ring.
Shawn is walking in the back and Hunter asks him what is going on. Hunter says that he saw what happened in the ring and Don Johnson arrives. He says that he is a big fan of theirs and they reciprocate. Don asks if Shawn or Hunter have seen Jon Heder. Shawn says that he doesn’t know who Jon is but he will tells Don that he is looking for him.
Hunter tells Don not to worry about Jon and he calls Jon an idiot. He tells Don that he should host the show by himself. They shake hands. Don thinks he saw Jon but it ends up being Carlito with a ‘Vote for Pedro’ shirt. We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look back at the All American (to the nth Power) Challenge that was met by Santino Marella and won by Santino.
Jack gets on the mic and he says that last week was a fluke. He says that he is an All American American American Amercian American. He says that he will throw anyone out of the ring at the Royal Rumble. He makes another All American American American American American American American Challenge for Santino Marella.
Santino comes out in his best Miami Vice clothing and he says that there is nothing more that he would like to do than throw him over the top ropes again. Santino says that he is the president of the IDJFC (Italian Don Johnson Fan Club) and since Don is here tonight, he is pretty busy. Santino says that he has a more than suitable substitute.
Match Number Two: Jack Swagger versus Mark Henry in an All American American American American American American Challenge
Swagger circles Henry as he tries to figure out a way to get an advantage. Swagger hits Henry in the back with a forearm and then Henry presses Swagger over his head and sends Swagger to the floor.
Winner: Mark Henry
A limo arrives at the building and it is Jon Heder with the official arm candy twins. He tells the person in the limo to wait for him and Don to get to the ring to come out. He then gets the name of the city wrong before being corrected by the Bellas.
We go to commercial.
We are back and with a Royal Rumble did you know.
It is finally time for the two guest hosts to come to the ring and they are accompanied by the official arm candy of the WWE guest host series. Don welcomes everyone and says that they are happy to be hosting Raw. Jon mentions that everyone is here to see movie stars. Don mentions that Degeneration X will be in the main event. Jon is not that happy about Degeneration X. He says that DX are okay but he wants something new. They are both from Southern California and they have a new football coach who is awesome. He mentions Lane Kiffin (who was the Tennessee coach until last week). Jon wants to bring out a close friend, The Miz.
Miz and Heder hug and then he shakes hands with Don. Miz thanks Jon and Don and he is happy that there are actual celebrities on Raw as guest hosts. Miz thanks Jon for entering him into the Royal Rumble match. Miz says that it is his duty to let Jon know that Triple H thought that Don should be a guest host by himself. They talk about the box office for Jon’s movies. Miz says that he has respect for Don Johnson and he says that Don Johnson was what Miz is today, the hottest thing on television. Everyone wanted to be Sonny Crockett, but then there was the guy nobody really remembered. Don says that everyone remembers Tubbs. On Raw, there is another name for Tubbs and that is MVP. He is a guy who thinks that he can compete on Miz’s level. Miz says that MVP needs to realize . . .
MVP’s music plays and he comes out and he is dressed for a fight. Porter says that he is from Miami and he feels a kinship with Don. He apologizes to Don for being mixed up in the nonsense. MVP apologizes to the WWE Universe for Napoleon Dynamite and Pedro. MVP says that he is in the Royal Rumble and he will do anything to eliminate the Miz. Porter suggests that they do it right now. He says that he will throw Miz and Don out of the ring.
Miz comes out and before they can do anything, Big Show’s music plays and he comes out. MVP attacks Miz but Show with one punch to Porter.
Show enters the ring and he high fives Heder. Jon says that since he has the same agent as Big Show, he wanted him as an insurance policy. Heder suggests that Show and Miz face DX tonight.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a message about the Haiti relief efforts.
We see the footage one more time from last week’s Triple Threat Match and Jerry Lawler lets out a slip and calls Randy Orton ‘Randy Savage’.
Match Number Three: John Cena and Kofi Kingston versus Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes
Cena and Rhodes start off and they lock up and Cena with a hip toss but Rhodes tags in DiBiase as the Marines square off. Cena with a waist lock and punch before he sends DiBiase into the turnbuckles and hits a bulldog for a near fall. Cena punches DiBiase but DiBiase with a kick to Cena and Rhodes tags in. Rhodes kicks Cena and then DiBiase chokes Cena while the referee deals with Kofi and Rhodes. Rhodes gets a near fall. DiBiase tags back in and he punches Cena. Cena punches DiBiase and follows that with an Irish whip but DiBiase moves when Cena charges and DiBiase with a clothesline for a near fall. DiBiase with fist drops to Cena but he misses a third and Cena tags in Kofi who hits a clothesline and chop followed by a drop kick and leaping clothesline. He also knocks Rhodes off the apron. Kofi with the Boom Boom Drop with a twist. Kofi misses Trouble in Paradise but he punches DiBiase in the corner. Rhodes tries to distract Kofi and that allows DiBiase to hit a clothesline and then Rhodes is tagged back in as we go to commercial with Rhodes kicking Kofi.
We are back and DiBiase continues to work over Kofi. Rhodes tags back in and Rhodes hits a drop kick for a near fall. Rhodes kicks Kofi while Cena tries to give Kofi moral support to make the tag. DiBiase chokes Kofi while Rhodes distracts the referee. Rhodes with a slam and then Rhodes misses the Ric Flair knee drop. DiBiase tags in and he waits for Kofi to try for the tag but Kofi moves out of the way. Rhodes stops Kofi from making the tag by knocking Cena off the apron. Rhodes and DiBiase with some double team moves while the referee deals with Cena. DiBiase tags back in and they double team Kofi. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock. Kofi with a jawbreaker and DiBiase keeps Kofi from making the tag. Kofi with a belly-to-back suplex and he is able to make the tag to Cena. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena gets Rhodes up but Rhodes with elbows to get out of the hold and Rhodes with a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Cena charges into an elbow but Cena sends Rhodes into the turnbuckles and hits the Attitude Adjustment but DiBiase makes the save. Kofi tags in and he hits a cross body on Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: John Cena and Kofi Kingston
After the match, Ted helps Cody up but Cody pushes Ted away and Cody stares at Ted before leaving the ring alone.
Jon is in the back with Miz and Show and they are talking about tonight. They are interrupted by Hornswoggle who has a step ladder. Triple H is behind Jon. Hunter tells Jon that Hornswoggle doesn’t like Jon. Hornswoggle challenges Heder to a match tonight. Miz says that Jon doesn’t want to wrestle Hornswoggle tonight. Hunter suggests that it be a six man tag with Heder and Hornswoggle added to the match. Hornswoggle grunts and does crotch chops before leaving. Miz and Show tell Heder that everything will be fine.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Eve defeating Katie Lea Burchill last week to meet Maryse in the Divas Tournament.
Match Number Four: Maryse and Alicia Fox versus Gail Kim and Eve
Gail and Maryse start off and Gail with a rollup for a near fall. Gail with an Irish whip and cross body into the corner. Gail with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Alicia pulls Gail by the hair but Gail hits Alicia and Maryse sends Gail to the floor. Alicia attacks Gail on the floor and rolls Gail back into the ring. Maryse with a forearm and then she hits a back breaker for a near fall. Alicia tags in and Gail with an elbow but Alicia with the tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Alicia misses the ax kick and Eve tags in and she hits a forearm and kick while Maryse poses. Eve with an Irish whip but Eve hits a few drop kicks followed by a clothesline. Eve with a flip senton for a near fall. Alicia runs into an elbow and Eve hits a rolling cross arm breaker from the turnbuckles and Alicia taps out.
Winners: Eve and Gail Kim
We see footage for next week’s episode of Chuck featuring guest star Steve Austin.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Don is with Kelly checking her nails while Jon is hyperventilating. Jon suggests that Don take his place and Don says that there is no way he would do that. Jon says that they are friends but Don says that they aren’t in any scenes in the movie. Miz and Show tell Jon there is nothing to worry about. Show says that he is working better with Miz than his former partner. Don tells Jon that they are actors and have others to do what they are doing. Miz talks about some mistakes in Don’s life. They give Jon his ring robe and it is emblazoned with ‘The Flame’.
It is time to talk about the Royal Rumble and run through the card.
Vince is with Triple H and he is talking about Montreal. He says that he is not a coward and he says that he might call Taker out next week. Hunter says that Vince can’t let things go. Vince could have let things go, but he had to get in the last shot and he has backed himself into a corner. Hunter tells Vince that if he brings Bret back, he will make Bret a bigger star. If he doesn’t call out Bret, Vince will be a bigger coward. Vince walks away.
Shawn asks Hunter if they are ready and Hunter is going to tell Shawn something and Hornswoggle has his ladder and grunts. Hunter says that he will talk to Shawn later. Hunter gives Hornswoggle a piggy back ride.
Randy Orton is walking as we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that if you ignore the presale, the Hall of Fame sold out in 35 minutes.
Match Number Five: Randy Orton versus Chris Masters with Eve
Before they lock up, Sheamus’ music plays and he comes out to watch the match.
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock but Masters with a shoulder tackle. Orton with a kick to Masters followed by European uppercuts. Masters tries for the Master Lock but Orton with an elbow. Orton with punches to Masters. Masters with an Irish whip but Orton with an elbow. Masters with a power slam for a near fall. Orton with a back breaker and then he slithers into RKO push up position. Orton tries for the RKO but Masters puts Orton in the Master Lock. Orton tries to fight out of the hold but Orton falls into the ropes. Masters waits for Orton to get back to his feet and Orton hits the RKO from out of nowhere for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Sheamus comes into the ring and he hits Orton with the bicycle kick and then he poses over Orton.
We go to commercial.
We are back and our guest hosts next week are James Roday and Dule Hill from Psych.
Match Number Six: Big Show, The Miz, and Jon Heder versus Degeneration X and Hornswoggle with Don Johnson
The match is joined in progress and Michaels with a flying forearm and kip up followed by a reverse atomic drop to Miz. Miz with a series of neck breakers for a near fall. Miz punches Michaels and then he kicks Michaels. Show tags in and he punches Michaels in the ribs. Show with a head butt followed by a side slam for a near fall. Show tags Miz back into the match. Miz stomps on Michaels and chokes him. Miz sets for the running clothesline but Michaels does not get up so he kicks Michaels. Michaels with chops to Miz but Miz with an Irish whip. Michaels and Miz each with clotheslines and both men are down. Hornswoggle tags in and he hits a drop kick but he is taken down by a clothesline from the knees. Heder wants to tag in and he does. He takes off his robe and he plays up the crowd and they don’t care. Heder with a kick to Hornswoggle’s chest. Heder misses a charge into the corner and Hornswoggle bites Heder. Triple H tags in and Heder tries to escape but Johnson forces him back in. Hunter with a punch but Show grabs Hunter by the throat. Shawn with Sweet Chin Music to Show and Show falls on Heder. Michaels with Sweet Chin Music to knock Miz off the apron. Hornswoggle with a frog splash onto Show and Heder and then Hornswoggle gets the three count.
Winners: Degeneration X and Hornswoggle
After the match, Hunter tells Shawn that he has been trying to tell him something and they need to talk. Hunter tells Shawn that he needs to figure out another way to face Taker at Wrestlemania.
John Cena interrupts and comes to the ring. Cena tells them that it is a night of major announcements and he has a major announcement to make before Hunter’s major announcement. Cena says that it has been two years since he was in a Royal Rumble match and he will be in this year’s match. Cena reminds everyone that the last time he was in the Royal Rumble, he won it. He will win again this year.
Hunter is interrupted by Big Show who comes into the ring and grabs a mic and announces that he is in the Royal Rumble match as well. Show attacks Hunter and Michaels but Cena punches Show and hits a flying shoulder tackle that sends Show out of the ring. Hunter and Michaels throw Cena over the top rope. Hunter throws Shawn over the top rope and then says that none of them will win the Royal Rumble because he will win it.
Earlier today he wrote, " Going to bed had a long talk with Eric b. I don't want to take over jbs backstage interviews. I may have to walk away. Cause I don't agree..... With letting him go. Now if I would happen to take those interviews over. All ready I'm the bad guy. That's not cool. Already some bulls*** about..... Going down and I'm in the middle of it. I have to take a long hard look at weather I want to really do this or not. Bubba"
He also made reference to the uproar he has started when he wrote F Haiti on his Twitter page by saying, " As a matter fact there is a face book group page that has now started trying to get Dixie Carter to fire me. Bubba".
Later that day, he wrote, ""I am going to say this one time and one time only. First of all a real man sometimes has to take a step back and maybe look at something. They said or did so that being said I would like to apologize for my comments regarding Haiti in the world of live radio that I operate. Sometimes u say things that u can't take back. So I'm man enough now to say I'm sorry for those I offended. Bubba."
STATEMENT FROM LAWYER REPRESENTING MIKE ADAMLE, CHICAGO SPORTSCASTER
CHICAGO (17 January 2011) – Lawyer Dean Dickie from the law firm of Miller Canfield (Chicago office) issued the following statement today on behalf of his client, local sportscaster, Mike Adamle:
“Mr. Adamle vigorously disputes that he was under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal substance when detained by the Evanston police.
Mr. Adamle fully cooperated with the police officers, demonstrated his sobriety, passed the breathalyzer test, and intends to defend the charges.
Mr. Adamle has retained Miller Canfield to represent him and to investigate the entire circumstances surrounding the recent incident, including the propriety of having been ticketed for not having changed the address on his driver's license while living temporarily outside the marital home during the resolution of his divorce proceeding.
Mr. Adamle believes himself to be innocent of any wrongdoing and reiterates that at no time was he impaired by alcohol or otherwise such that he was unable to operate an automobile in a safe, lawful manner.”
While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Adamle will not be offering interviews or further comment. Questions can be directed to Dean Dickie at Miller Canfield.We are live on tape from Las Vegas, Nevada and your announcers for the one hundredth episode of NXT are Josh ‘Why can’t I double down at the Craps table’ Mathews and Michael ‘Speaking of Craps’ Cole.
We have a wedding invitation for Johnny and Maxine.
Lillian Garcia is your ring announcer for tonight’s milestone episode and she introduces Michael Cole as tonight’s special commentator.
Michael takes his time getting to the announce table and Cole seems so excited to be here and Michael is in season three form.
Match Number One: Titus O’Neil versus Darren Young in a No Disqualification Match
Young avoids O’Neil and then he connects with a forearm to the back and Young goes to the floor when Titus stares him down. Titus with a boot to Young and he punches Darren. Titus gets a near fall. Titus with a European uppercut followed by a back breaker for a near fall. Young with a knee and forearm to the back. Titus with a kick and then he sends Young over the top rope to the floor and Titus barks.
Titus goes after Darren on the floor and Young hot shots Titus on the apron. Titus with a power slam to Young while they continue to battle on the floor. Titus sends Young into the ringside barrier and Titus barks again. Titus sends Young back into the ring and Young goes to the apron.
Darren with a kick and then he hits a neck breaker on the apron.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Titus punches Young but Young is in control of things. They exchange punches. We see Young sending Titus into the ringside barrier during the commercial break. Young with a clothesline and he gets a near fall. Young with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets another near fall. Young with forearms across the chest and then he applies a cravate.
Titus punches Young but Young with a knee and he sends Titus shoulder first inot the turnbuckles. Young with the alley oop gutbuster but Young can only get a two count. Young kicks Titus and he gets him on his shoulders again but Titus escapes and he hits Clash of the Titus for the three count.
Winner: Titus O’Neil
After the match, Titus gets a mic and he is excited about his victory. He says that now that he has put an end to this Darren Young drama, he wants to thank everyone. He says that he wants to thank each and every one of his dogs in the house. Titus thanks them for absolutely nothing.
Titus says that for forty-six weeks, he has competed in the silly challenges and earned redemption points. They put him with a leprechaun for a pro. Then the leprechaun waddles his little fat ass to Smackdown. Titus says that this is okay because he is the star of the show. He says that he is the star of every show that the WWE has to offer.
Titus says that he doesn’t have to worry about the dead weight of the crowd. He tells everyone to get their popcorn ready because Titus is going to make it a win.
Johnny Curtis is in the dressing room putting on his tuxedo t-shirt for the big night.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Percy Watson versus Heath Slater in an NXT Alumni Match
Slater with a waist lock and side head lock. Watson with a leg lariat and then he stomps on the abdomen and follows it with a leg drop. Watson with a back drop and he gets a near fall. Slater kicks Percy followed by elbows to the upper chest. Slater sends Watson to the mat and then he plays some air guitar.
Slater with a kick to the midsection and Watson goes to the apron. Slater slingshots Watson into the bottom rope. Slater with a snap mare followed by a reverse chin lock. Watson with a punch and forearms but Slater with a leaping neck breaker for a near fall. Slater argues with the referee and that allows Watson to recover.
Watson avoids a splash into the corner and Watson with jabs and a flying clothesline. Percy with a drop kick and then he hits a splash into the corner. Watson with a flying shoulder tackle and then it is time for the Showtime Splash but he can only get a two count.
Slater with a kick but Watson with an F-5 for the three count.
Winner: Percy Watson
We go to the back where Maxine is walking with her dress and the Usos bump into her. Maxine yells at them. Then Jey sneezes on it and Maxine yells at him. We go to commercial.
We are back and Maxine is yelling at someone and Johnny tells Maxine to calm down. Maxine says that she is not worried about Derrick. She is worried about everything else.
Maxine leaves and Kaitlyn walks by and Johnny asks her if she wants to get weird for a few minutes.
Match Number Three: Yoshi Tatsu and Trent Barreta versus Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins
Trent and Hawkins start things off and they lock up. Trent with a waist lock but Hawkins with an elbow and he sends Trent into the turnbuckles. Tyler is tagged ina den they Yoshi with a chop to Tyler and Trent takes care of Hawkins and sends him to the floor. Yoshi gets a near fall on Tyler and then he chops and kicks Tyler.
Reks with a rake of the eyes and he hits Yoshi from behind.
Reks with an inverted face lock and he takes Yoshi down with an elbow. Hawkins tags in and he kicks Yoshi and slaps him in the head. Hawkins with a knee to the back followed by a rear chin lock. Yoshi with elbows but Yoshi with a kick.
Hawkins with a scoop slam for a near fall. Reks tags in and he kicks Yoshi in the chest. Reks with a kick to the ribs followed by a front face lock. Reks with a forearm to the back and then he hits a power slam and gets a near fall.
Hawkins tags back in and he connects with a forearm to the back. Reks with a knee to the back after he tags back in. Reks with a rear chin lock. Reks with a knee to the midsection. Yoshi escapes a power slam attempt and hits a spinning heel kick and both men are down.
Reks keeps Yoshi from making the tag for a moment. Trent tags in and he hits a running back elbow on the apron. Trent with a forearm into the corner on Tyler and then he sets for the running knee and he connects and gets a near fall. Reks sends Trent to the apron and then Trent with a kick to the chest.
Trent goes up top for a corkscrew moonsault and he gets a near fall. The referee sends Yoshi to the apron and Curt hits Trent with the cane and then Tyler hits a dominator on Trent for the three count.
Winners: Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Raw Rebound.
It is Wedding Time on NXT as Maxine and Johnny Curtis become husband and wife.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the person who will be marrying Johnny and Maxine is Matt Striker dressed up like Elvis.
The groom makes his way to the ring accompanied by his best man and he has his entrance music.
It is now time for the bride to make her way to the ring.
Maxine wants to know who is with Johnny. Johnny says that it is Chad. Maxine just wants to get through with the ceremony.
Matt starts to sing during the ceremony. Johnny says I Do and so does Maxine.
Matt wants to know if anyone objects to the union and the fans don’t want this to happen.
Before Matt can say the magic words, Derrick Bateman comes out and he wants to stop the ceremony. Derrick says that he did not send the e-mail. It was Johnny Curtis. Johnny says that Derrick is depressing himself. Derrick wants to know if it is embarrassing to show the proof.
We go to footage from December 27th when Johnny took Derrick’s iPad to send the e-mail.
Derrick says that he loves Maxine and he says that he would never sabotage her career.
Maxine wants to know if Johnny did this. Johnny says that he is on his way to the top and he wants to take Maxine with him and make her feel good.
Maxine says that the only thing that would make her feel good is to . . . she slaps Johnny.
Johnny and Derrick fight in the ring and Maxine grabs Johnny and fish hooks him. Derrick with a kick to the head and a snap mare driver.
Derrick tells Maxine that he always wanted her on top.
Maxine tells Derrick to wait and she slaps Derrick and kisses him.
We go to credits.FOZZY SIGNS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS
Century Media Records are proud to announce the signing of internationally-renowned metal band Fozzy. The brainchild of Chris Jericho and Rich Ward, Fozzy was formed a decade ago out of a passion for hard rock and heavy metal and has transformed into one of North America’s most electrifying bands.
“We are so excited and honored to be part of the Century Media family,” says Chris Jericho, an entertainment icon who has achieved legendary status as one of the WWE’s most acclaimed superstars, penned two New York Times best-selling autobiographies, and was a finalist on ABC’s hit television show Dancing with the Stars in 2011. “Fozzy finally has a record company with the firepower and worldwide influence we need and deserve to rise to the next level – Century Media is the perfect home for Fozzy, and we are stoked to release the masterpiece album of our career and conquer the world… and elsewhere!”
Chris Jericho will discuss Fozzy’s signing to Century Media Records tomorrow morning at 9am PST (Thursday, January 19, 2011) on the legendary Los Angeles radio station 95.5 KLOS, where he’ll appear live on the Mark and Brian morning show. To listen live on the internet from around the world, click here.
Fozzy – lead singer Chris Jericho, guitarist Rich Ward, drummer Frank Fontsere, bassist Paul DiLeo and guitarist Billy Grey – will release their Century Media debut worldwide in summer 2012. The album will be the follow-up to their acclaimed 2010 release Chasing The Grail, which saw them tour 15 countries around the world and perform in cities from Los Angeles to Lichtenvoorde, including an appearance alongside metal’s Big 4 – Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax – on the Knebworth Sonisphere, and a string of dates on the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival headlined by Avenged Sevenfold.
“There are very few musicians I respect more than Rich Ward, and I couldn’t be prouder of bringing him home to Century Media Records, the label that introduced me to Stuck Mojo in 1995,” says Century Media Records product manager Paul Gargano. “Chris is one of the most captivating entertainers and electrifying frontmen I know, and Fozzy have emerged as one of the best-kept secrets in hard rock and metal over the years – now it’s time to let the secret out…”
“Shortly after my 12th Birthday, while air-guitaring to Iron Maiden, I decided that when I grew up, I wanted to ‘pay my bills’ by playing guitar,” says Ward. “In 1995, Century Media Records allowed this seemingly unreachable goal to become a reality with my band Stuck Mojo. When that relationship came to an end in 2001, I continued making and releasing music with several different bands, through several different record companies. There was only one common thread in all my experiences with these other organizations – I wished they were more like Century Media. The truth is, like any ‘first’ relationship, it's tough to get a real perspective of how good it really is until you've had other relationships to compare it to. After having lots of opportunities to gain some perspective, I am honored to return to Century Media Records as they become the home for Fozzy's music. I'm so grateful to be able to play music for a living, and it is a privilege to continue my career with the label that gave me my start.”
For more on Fozzy, visit Facebook.com/FozzyRock.
Last week, Alberto Del Rio shocked the world (who did not read WWE.com or PWInsider.com) by winning the World Title from Big Show. What will happen as we continue on the Road to the Royal Rumble, also known as the Road to Having the Ability to Point to the Wrestlemania Sign First? What kind of fiesta will we see for Alberto? Will anyone be a party pooper?
We are in San Antonio, Texas and your announcers are Josh ‘Is Manu Ginobili related to Manu from the Heavy Breathing Clip on The Soup’ Mathews and John ‘Did you know that I am from Texas? If not I will tell you fifty times tonight’ Layfield.
We have a mariachi band in the ring as well as a dancer and many red, white, and green balloons. Ricardo Rodriguez is in the center of the ring and he brings out the man who took the World Title belt off Big Show, and the guest of honor for the Fiesta Del Rio.
Alberto and Ricardo hug when Alberto gets into the ring. Alberto welcomes everyone to Fiesta Del Rio. He says that it is time for San Antonio to party. Alberto says that they have not always seen eye to eye over the years, but he says that they will have to agree that they need to celebrate because the fat jackass of Smackdown is no longer the World Champion.
Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee, and Big E Langston come out and they are going to poop on the party. Dolph wants to know if someone said fiesta. AJ says that her and Ziggy love to party and they assume that their invitations were lost.
Alberto says that this is his party.
Dolph says that it is funny that he thinks these people are his friends and that he holds the World Title. He is the man with a target and Dolph has the contract. Whenever he sees fit to cash in the contract, Alberto will be saying adios to the championship.
Alberto asks Dolph if he thinks he can cash in the contract and Dolph says si.
Dolph apologizes for being rude and he introduces Big E Langston to Alberto and his little friend Ricardo. Langston says que paso little man.
Alberto tells Ziggler and his party to leave.
Dolph says that they will leave, but maybe Big E will drop Alberto where he stands and Dolph cashes in and leaves with the World Title.
Alberto tells Dolph to try it.
Ziggler starts to take off his sweatshirt but Big Show’s music starts to play.
Show makes his way to the ring and he is fixated on Del Rio and the title belt.
Dolph tells Del Rio that he doesn’t know how good he is at math, but he is outnumbered.
Sheamus’ music plays and he comes out to the ring and he asks Ziggles how he is doing and he wants to fix the numbers situation that Dolph was talking about. Sheamus says that everyone knows that he cannot resist a Fiesta Del Rio . . . especially when he has so many friends in the ring.
Sheamus says that he is not out here to gate crash. He knows that they haven’t always gotten along in the past. Sheamus reminds Alberto that the last time they were here, he tried to steal Alberto’s car. He came out here to congratulate Alberto for his epic victory over the giant last week. He has no doubt that Alberto deserves to be the World Champion.
Sheamus says that it would be an honor for him to be the first to shake his hand. Sheamus offers his hand and Del Rio accepts the offer.
Show continues to stare at Sheamus and Del Rio.
Sheamus says that he will be a bouncer to make sure that the muppets do not get involved tonight.
Del Rio says that he doesn’t want anyone fighting.
Sheamus wants to know if Del Rio is serious, and then Del Rio says maybe a little fighting.
Now that things have gotten to Defcon 2, it is time for Booker T to come out and general managerize in a way that John Layfield will definitely approve.
Booker tells everyone to wait a minute as he makes his way to the ring. He says that it is not going down like this. Booker says that tonight is a party. This is a fiesta. He wants to be serious for one moment. If Big Show ever puts his hands on him again, he will ruin his day . . . sucka.
With that being said, there will be a fight tonight. Big Show will team with Dolph Ziggler to face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio. That will be the main event tonight. It will be a tag team main event extravaganza.
Booker tells Show, Ziggler, AJ, and Langston to leave the ring because they were not invited to the party.
Booker asks everyone if they are ready to party. It is time for some music and dancing. Alberto tells Booker to do a Spinaroonie and Booker obliges the request of the champion.
Ricardo gets a sombrero and Alberto tells Sheamus to feel a little Mexican today. Sheamus says nobody wants to see him dance, but the crowd is not agreeing with Sheamus. Sheamus says that he has a reputation to keep. Alberto says that everyone wants to see Sheamus dance and Sheamus says that it is a fiesta so the hell with it.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see Antonio Cesaro’s confrontation with Ric Flair and Miz from Raw.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus Antonio Cesaro in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Cesaro backs Kofi into the corner and punches him. Cesaro with a hip toss but Kofi with a cartwheel and then he connects with forearms. Cesaro with a kick to Kofi’s midsection followed by a side head lock. Cesaro with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with leap frogs. Cesaro anticipates the leaping back elbow and Cesaro holds on to the ropes and Cesaro sends Kofi into the turnbuckles.
We see the Miz in the back watching on the monitor and Cesaro with a dead lift side salto for a near fall. Cesaro leaps onto Kingston’s chest and gets a near fall. Cesaro with a chin lock using Kofi’s arm. Cesaro sends Kofi into the turnbuckles but Kofi with an elbow. He avoids a forearm and connects with a series of Steamboat chops and hits a clothesline followed by a drop kick.
Kofi with a sunset flip and then he goes over Cesaro’s back and Kofi tries for an O’Connor Roll out of the corner but Cesaro counters and gets a near fall. Kofi with an SOS for a near fall. Kofi with a kick to the midsection. Cesaro with an Irish whip and Kofi sets for a double jump cross body but Cesaro catches Kingston. Kingston tries to counter into a rana but Cesaro holds on and hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Cesaro waves his flag.
Miz leaves the monitor and Primo, who is accompanied by Epico and Rosa Mendes, calls Miz “Ric Flair’s new side kick”. Rosa throws out a really and then Epico and Primo do the same.
Miz appreciates the tribute and he says that it is the first time that those three speak in over two years and that is all they say.
Rosa says that Miz has a lot in common with Flair and it was a short conversation. Primo says that Flair was a great wrestler and Miz has catchphrases.
Miz calls Primo ‘Epico’ and Epico corrects him. Miz tells them that he wants to wrestle one of them and their ‘whatever’ can choose who faces him.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of Big E Langston’s attack on Hornswoggle last week.
Match Number Two: Great Khali (with Natalya) versus Tensai
They lock up and Khali backs Tensai into the corner and Khali with a chop to the chest. Khali with another chop in a different corner. Tensai with a thrust to the throat followed by a clothesline into the corner. Tensai with head butts and punches. Tensai with knees to the head and the referee pulls Tensai out of the corner.
Khali with a boot to the head followed by the chop to the top of the head for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
We are in the locker room and Daniel Bryan is asking Kane why Doctor Shelby thought it was a good idea to bring Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow into their therapy session. Kane wants to know what is the deal with the thing on Cody’s face. Bryan says that people don’t realize when their facial hair gets ridiculous.
Kane agrees with Bryan and Bryan wants to know if Kane is talking about him. Bryan tells Kane to say it and Kane says no while Bryan says yes.
Randy Orton enters the room and he wants to know if they are going to act like second graders tonight or do they want to inflict pain on Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, and Wade Barrett.
Kane says both and leaves. Bryan tells Orton that they are not acting like second graders, they are working out anger issues. Bryan points out that Orton has some anger issues. They used to be like Orton but thanks to Dr. Shelby, they are in a better place. They are also champions and he asks Orton if he wants to be a champion.
Orton says that when he wins the Royal Rumble, but Bryan cuts him off and says that tonight is not about the Royal Rumble. It is about winning their match and then . . . GROUP HUG.
Orton says that he is not much of a hugger. Bryan tells him not yet he is not.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Cody Rhodes, Damien Sandow, and Wade Barrett versus Randy Orton, Kane, and Daniel Bryan
Orton and Rhodes start things off and Orton with punches when Cody tries to sneak up on Orton. Orton with a punch and he tags in Kane. Kane kicks Cody and then he snap mares Rhodes and hits a drop kick for a near fall. Bryan tags in and he goes up top and hits a double sledge to the arm.
Bryan drives Cody’s arm into his shoulder and Bryan with Kicks of No to Cody. Cody misses a round kick and Cody tags in Sandow. Sandow avoids the No Lock and he goes to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow with elbow drops to Kane. Cody tags in and he punches Kane. Sandow tags in and he kicks Kane. We see footage from the commercial when Kane misses the clothesline from the top rope and Barrett was tagged in, unbeknownst to Kane and Barrett with a boot to Kane.
Back to the action in the ring and Sandow with a side Russian leg sweep and the Elbow of Disdain for a near fall. Barrett tags in and he kicks Kane. Barrett with punches to the ribs and the referee warns Barrett. Kane with punches to get out of the corner but Barrett with the Blackpool Slam for a near fall. Cody tags in and he tries for Beautiful Disaster but Kane with an uppercut.
Sandow tags in and he knocks Bryan off the apron but Kane with a back body drop and Orton tags in. Orton with two clotheslines and he avoids a clothesline by Sandow. Orton with a power slam to Sandow and then one to Rhodes. Sandow avoids the IEDDT and goes to the floor. Orton with a forearm to Barrett to knock him off the apron.
Bryan with a running knee off the apron onto Barrett. Orton tries for the RKO on Rhodes but Cody with Cross Rhodes and Sandow gets a near fall but Kane breaks things up. Kane sends Rhodes over the top rope to the floor. Sandow sends Kane over the top rope to the floor and then Orton hits the RKO on Sandow for the three count.
Winners: Daniel Bryan, Kane, and Randy Orton
After the match, Bryan wants Orton to join the GROUP HUG and Orton is not interested. He turns around and Kane holds out his arms for the hug. Kane hugs Orton and Bryan joins in from behind.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Rock Concert . . . but we are not getting a tour, it is just a replay of his performance from Houston.
Josh asks John if we will have a new WWE Champion at the Royal Rumble. John wants people to show CM Punk some respect because even though Rock has earned a lot of money in his movies, CM Punk has been champion more than 400 days. He thinks Punk will retain.
Match Number Four: Miz versus Primo (with Rosa Mendes and Epico)
They lock up and Primo with a side head lock. Primo with a shoulder tackle and then Primo does the Flair Strut. Miz with a back elbow to Primo and then Miz does the Flair hair adjustment. Miz with a back body drop and then he kicks Primo in the midsection and then hits a running knee lift. Primo with a knee to the midsection.
Primo with a splash to the back and he goes through the ropes and to the floor. Primo gets a near fall. Primo punches Miz and then he rakes the eyes with his boots. Primo with punches and elbows to Miz. Primo with a drop kick to Miz for a near fall. Primo with a reverse chin lock and body scissors.
Miz with elbows to escape and then he punches Primo. Primo with a forearm to the throat followed by a clothesline and Primo gets a near fall. Primo with kicks and then he hits a leg drop. Primo gets a near fall. Miz with elbows but Primo with a forearm. Primo with a kick and suplex for a near fall.
Primo with a reverse chin lock. Miz with elbows but Primo with punches. Miz with a kick and then they go back and forth with kicks. Miz with punches in the corner. Miz is pulled out of the corner and then he runs into an elbow from Primo. Miz with a flapjack to Primo. Primo tries for a sunset flip but Miz rolls through and kicks Primo in the head.
Miz with the Awesome Clothesline and then he goes up top and hits the double sledge. Miz signals for the Skull Crushing Finale but Epico gets on the apron to distract Miz. Primo dives for the back of the knee and Epico tells Primo to do the figure four. Miz kicks Primo into Epico and Epico falls to the floor. Miz with the figure four leg lock and Primo taps out.
Winner: Miz
Kaitlyn is in the back with Alicia Fox and Layla and Alicia tells Kaitlyn the belt looks good on her. Layla says that she did not realize how heavy the belt was. Kaitlyn says that she has to go to the ring for her match and she asks Layla to give her back her belt. Eventually Layla gives Kaitlyn the belt back.
Booker T and Teddy Long show up and that means that Layla and Alicia have to leave the camera shot. Booker congratulates Kaitlyn for winning. Teddy says that she is happy that Kaitlyn made Eve quit.
Kaitlyn walks in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Kaitlyn versus Aksana in a Non Title Match
Aksana offers her hand and Aksana pushes Kaitlyn away. They lock up and Aksana with a clean break after Kaitlyn pushes her. They lock up again and Kaitlyn with a waist lock and take down into a front face lock. Kaitlyn with a suplex and she gets a near fall.
Aksana kicks Kaitlyn away and Kaitlyn goes to the apron. Aksana sends Kaitlyn to the floor when Kaitlyn tries to climb the turnbuckles. Aksana brings Kaitlyn back into the ring and she gets a near fall. Aksana with elbows to the head followed by a cravate. Kaitlyn gets back to her feet but Aksana sends Kaitlyn back to the mat and Aksana gets a near fall. Aksana with an arm bar.
Kaitlyn with forearms but Aksana pulls Kaitlyn to the mat and they tussle on the mat. Aksana with a clothesline. Aksana with knees in the corner until the referee warns her. The referee pulls Aksana out of the corner but Kaitlyn with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Kaitlyn
We take a look at the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame, Mick Foley, with a video package.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the Shield interrupting Foley’s celebration until Ryback makes his way to the ring to help Foley. Randy Orton and Sheamus helped Ryback.
The Shield provided WWE with a video. Dean tells the WWE Universe, Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Ryback that they are The Shield. On January 14th, the Shield crashed Mick Foley’s party for a reason. They did it for all of the broken dreams and broken bodies that Foley left in the wake of his Hall of Fame career.
Seth says that they spoiled the celebration in the name of justice.
Dean says that Mick might be in denial for the rest of his life and deny the responsibility for the example that he set for everyone who sacrificed their bodies in the name of being ‘hardcore’.
Reigns says that he holds Foley accountable.
Seth says that Ryback is accountable. He wants what he had taken from him, but Ryback will never get it back.
Dean tells Randy Orton that there are 206 bones in the human body and they have broken one of his.
Seth says that Sheamus fights for fun, but Reigns says that they fight for justice.
They say that everyone will Believe in the Shield.
Randy Orton is in the locker room watching the video and Sheamus joins Orton and he says that it is funny that the Shield acts tough when no one can find them. Orton says that he does not find The Shield funny.
Orton mentions that it wasn’t funny when they injured his shoulder and it wasn’t funny on Wednesday night.
Sheamus apologizes for not being there on Wednesday night, but Orton cuts him off and he tells Sheamus that he does not need Sheamus’ help.
Sheamus says that Orton was doing a great job fighting off the Shield from his back.
Orton says that Sheamus has an answer for everything. He tells Sheamus that he needs the win at the Royal Rumble. Sheamus will have no answer for him at the Royal Rumble.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Big Show and Dolph Ziggler (with Big E Langston and AJ Lee) versus Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
Del Rio and Ziggler start things off. They lock up and Ziggler works on the arm but Del Rio with a reversal and arm bar. Ziggler with a kick to the knee followed by more kicks and punches in the corner. Ziggler misses a charge into the corner but Del Rio with a slam and he goes to the turnbuckles for a moonsault from the turnbuckles but Ziggler moves. Del Rio rolls through and he tosses Ziggler into the air and Ziggler lands on the mat.
Del Rio with a kick to the ribs and he gets a near fall. Sheamus tags in and he kicks Ziggler and sends him into the turnbuckles. Sheamus with kicks to Ziggler in the corner. Ziggler with a kick but Sheamus with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus with a delayed vertical suplex to Ziggler and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Sheamus gets Ziggler up for White Noise but Ziggler escapes and he tags in Show. Show with punches and head butts to Sheamus. Show chokes Sheamus in the ropes and then he connects with a head butt that sends Sheamus to the floor.
Langston tries to send Sheamus into the ring post but Sheamus avoids it and he wants to take a shot at Langston but the referee goes to the floor and he sends Langston to the back. AJ hits the apron with the briefcase and then she gets in the ring and argues with the referee. The referee sends AJ to the back as well.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a side head lock. Del Rio gets to his feet but Ziggler with a kick. Del Rio with a German suplex and bridge for a near fall and both men are down. Sheamus tags in and he hits two running double sledges followed by sending Ziggler into the corner and Sheamus with a clothesline in the corner followed by a short arm clothesline. Sheamus goes up top but Show pushes Sheamus off the turnbuckles to the floor.
Sheamus returns to the ring and Ziggler with kicks to Sheamus. Show tags in and he drops an elbow on Sheamus while Ziggler keeps Sheamus from moving. Show with an elbow to the leg. Show slams Sheamus. Show works on Sheamus’ back and then he stands on Sheamus’ back. Show with an elbow drop to the leg and Sheamus tries to punch Show to get him to release the hold.
Sheamus with forearms across the chest and he gets away from Show. Show with an elbow drop to the back and he keeps Sheamus from making the tag. Show looks at Del Rio and then he gives Sheamus a head butt. Show with knees to stop Sheamus’ punches. Show with a chop across the chest but Sheamus with a punch.
Sheamus with punches but Show with a side slam for a near fall. Show goes to the turnbuckles for the Vader Bomb but Sheamus kicks out. Show goes to the turnbuckles again for the elbow drop but Sheamus moves out of the way.
Sheamus crawls to make the tag and he succeeds while Ziggler tags in. Del Rio with clotheslines and a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Del Rio with a super kick to Ziggler but Ziggler kicks out. Del Rio signals that it is time for the cross arm breaker but Show makes the tag. Del Rio with the float over into the cross arm breaker and Del Rio does not know that Show made the tag. Show with an elbow drop to force Del Rio to release the hold on Ziggler.
Sheamus with White Noise to Show and Show rolls to the apron. Del Rio with an enzuigiri that sends Show to the floor. Del Rio gets the Mexican bucket from Ricardo and he throws the contents at Show. This time it is not confetti, it is water and Show has had enough and he gets himself counted out.
Winners: Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio (by disqualification)
We go to credits with red, white, and green balloons falling from the rafters.
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