Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
January 23rd
On this day in history in ....
1942 - Steve Brody defeats Marshall Estep in St. Joseph, Missouri to win that city's version of the World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1948 - Sonny Myers defeats Miguel Guzman in Houston, Texas to win the Texas Heavyweight Title.
1958 - Buddy Rogers defeats Dory Funk, Sr. for the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title in Amarillo, Texas, ending Funk's third reign.
1961 - Maurice and Paul Vachon defeat Jack Curtis and Ray Villmer in Charlotte, North Carolina, to end Curtis and Villmer's second Mid-Atlantic NWA Southern Tag Team Title reign.
1964 - Alex Perez and Tojo Yamamoto defeat Karl and Skull Von Stroheim for the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This ended the Von Stroheims' second reign.
1966 - El Mongol and Gorilla Monsoon defeat Luke Graham and Moondog Lonnie Mayne to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California.
1968 - Eddie Sullivan defeated Bob Kelly to win the NWA Louisiana Heavyweight Title in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
1969 - Moose Cholak and Johnny Powers defeat Doc and Mike Gallagher for the Buffalo NWA United States Tag Team Title in Cleveland, Ohio.
1970 - Umanosuke Ueda defeats Danny Hodge for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ending Hodge's fourth reign.
1974 - A double World Heavyweight title match in Nagasaki, Japan between NWA Champion Jack Brisco and PWF (AJPW) Champion Giant Baba ends in a draw.
1978 - The WWWF held an event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The results were:
- Dusty Rhodes defeated the Golden Terror.
- Carlos Colon defeated Jack Evans.
- Special Delivery Jones vs. Butcher Vachon ended in a 20-minute time-limit draw.
- Steve Keirn defeated Larry Sharpe.
- Spiros Arion defeated Dominic DeNucci by countout.
- Ken Patera defeated Chief Jay Strongbow by countout.
- Bob Backlund, Tony Garea, Peter Maivia and Larry Zbyszko defeated Mr. Fuji, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Stan Stasiak and Prof. Tanaka in an elimination match.
- Tatsumi Fujinami defeated WWWF Junior Heavyweight Champion Jose Estrada to win the title.
- WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Superstar Billy Graham defeated Mil Mascaras to retain the title.
1978 - Black Gordman and Goliath defeat Karl and Kurt Von Steiger in Sacramento, California to win the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Title, ending the Von Steigers' second reign.
1981 - Steve O defeats Bobby Eaton for the NWA National Television Title, beginning his second reign.
1982 - The WWF held an event at Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The results:
- Charlie Fulton defeated Manuel Soto.
- Steve Travis defeated Bulldog Brower.
- Rick Martel defeated The Masked Executioner.
- Jose Estrada and Barry Hart fought to a draw.
- Larry Sharpe defeated Jerry Johnson.
- Jesse Ventura defeated Special Delivery Jones.
- Adrian Adonis defeated Tony Garea.
- Tony Atlas defeated Killer Khan by disqualification.
- WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund defeated Greg Valentine to retain the title.
1983 - Kerry Von Erich ends Harley Race's fourth NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title reign in St. Louis, Missouri.
1983 - Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Jack Brisco in Charlotte, North Carolina for the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title, ending Brisco's fifth reign.
1983 - Gran Apolo and Pierre Martel defeat The Mercenaries to win the WWC World Tag Team Title in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
1984 - The WWF held perhaps the most important event in its history, entitled Super Monday, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 26,292 fans jam-packed the arena, with an additional 4,000 watching downstairs in the Felt Forum. The show featured Hulk Hogan winning the WWF World Title from the Iron Sheik, after which Gorilla Monsoon, on commentary with Pat Patterson, simply proclaimed that "Hulkamania is here." The results were:
- Tony Garea pinned Jose Luis Rivera by reversing a crossbody.
- The Invaders vs. Mr. Fuji and Tiger Chung Lee ended in a 20-minute time-limit draw.
- The Masked Superstar pinned Chief Jay Strongbow after a clothesline.
- Sgt. Slaughter defeated Ivan Putski by countout.
- Paul Orndorff pinned Salvatore Bellomo after a powerslam and piledriver.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco and Tito Santana fought to a double-disqualification, after both men continually ignored the referee's instructions.
- The Haiti Kid and Tiger Jackson defeated Dana Carpenter and Pancho Boy in two straight falls in a two out of three falls match. In the first fall, Jackson pinned Pancho with a sunset flip. Haiti Kid pinned Carpenter to win fall #2.
- Hulk Hogan pinned WWF Champion The Iron Sheik, after a legdrop, to win the title.
- Jimmy Snuka pinned Rene Goulet after a flying bodypress.
- Andre the Giant and WWF Tag Team Champions Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson defeated The Wild Samoans (Afa, Sika and Samula), when Andre pinned Samula after a big boot and sit-down splash.
1984 - Athol Foley and Snake Williams defeat Rick Patterson and Randy Rich to win the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Cloverdale, British Columbia.
1987 - Hacksaw Jim Duggan, who was heading to the WWF, loses a "Loser Leaves UWF" match to the One Man Gang. As a result, Duggan and Terry Taylor were forced to vacate the UWF World Tag Team Title.
1988 - Mike George defeats Dick Slater in a tournament final in Kansas City, Kansas to become the first World Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Champion. The World Wrestling Alliance was created when promoter Bob Geigel left the NWA in 1987. The WWA closed that same year. Only one other person would hold the title, Masahiro Chono.
1989 - The WWF held an event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The results:
- Sam Houston (subbing for Rick Martel) pinned Danny Davis after a bulldog. This match aired on the January 30 edition of Prime Time Wrestling.
- Mr. Perfect defeated Brutus Beefcake by countout, when Perfect hit Beefcake with a double axehandle off the apron while Beefcake was distracted by Ron Bass, who was trying to steal Beefcake's scissors. This match aired on the February 13 edition of Prime Time Wrestling.
- Tim Horner pinned Jose Estrada with a reverse roll-up into a bridge. This match aired on the January 30 edition of Prime Time Wrestling.
- Bret Hart and The Honky Tonk Man were both counted out when both began fighting on the floor.
- Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, making their MSG debuts, defeated The Rockers (Marty Jannetty and Shawn Michaels), when Blanchard pinned Jannetty after Anderson tripped up Jannetty's attempted suplex and held down his leg during the pin.
- Rick Rude pinned Hillbilly Jim after the Rude Awakening. This match aired on the February 13 edition of Prime Time Wrestling.
- Hercules defeated Ted DiBiase by reverse decision. DiBiase originally won by pinning Hercules with his feet on the ropes, but this was reversed when Virgil attacked Hercules after the match.
- Tito Santana pinned Ron Bass with a roll-up after Bass was distracted by Brutus Beefcake. This match aired on the January 30 edition of Prime Time Wrestling.
- The Big Bossman defeated Hulk Hogan by disqualification, after Hogan brought Bossman's nightstick into the ring and shoved referee Dave Hebner after twice hitting the legdrop but not making the cover.
1991 - Galan Mendoza and Rick Valentine defeat Super Medicos I and III in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Title, ending the Medicos' second reign.
1991 - The Liverpool Lads (Robbie Brookside and Doc Dean) defeat The Superflys (Ricky Knight and Jimmy Ocean) to win the British Tag Team Title in Bath, England.
1992 - Robin Hood defeats Solar I for the Universal Wrestling Federation Super Middleweight Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1993 - Colonel DeBeers defeats Bart Sawyer in Portland, Oregon for the Championship Wrestling USA Television Title, ending Sawyer's second reign.
1993 - Task Force One (Steve Prince and Vic Powers) defeats The Liverpool Lads (Robbie Brookside and Doc Dean) to win the British Tag Team Title in Norwich, England.
1993 - The Carolina Heartbreaker defeats The Lightning Kid (Sean Waltman) for the Southeastern Wrestling Alliance Light Heavyweight Title in Sylva, North Carolina.
1994 - The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) defeat Ron and Don Harris for the USWA Tag Team Title in Morristown, Tennessee, ending the Harris' fourth reign.
1995 - The WWF held a live Monday Night RAW at the Manatee Civic Center in Palmetto, Florida. After the live show, the January 30 and February 6 editions of the show were taped. The results were:
- Vince McMahon announced at the start of the show that because of his shoving of Lawrence Taylor the previous night at the Royal Rumble, Bam Bam Bigelow was suspended without pay for 30 days.
- The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The 1-2-3 Kid and Bob Holly, when Billy pinned Holly after the Sidewinder, to win the title.
- Irwin R. Schyster pinned Buck Quartermaine.
- The British Bulldog pinned The Black Phantom after a running powerslam.
1996 - WCW held Clash Of The Champions XXXII live in Las Vegas, Nevada at Caesar's Palace, airing live on TBS. The show featured the return of Miss Elizabeth to wrestling after a three year absence, as she appeared in the corner of Hulk Hogan and ex-husband Randy Savage in the main event. Woman, who was appearing regularly for ECW, also appeared in their corner. The results were:
- In a dark match, Lord Steven Regal defeated Chris Benoit.
- In a dark match, WCW United States Heavyweight Champion One Man Gang defeated Disco Inferno.
- The Public Enemy vs. The Nasty Boys ended in a double disqualification after the Nastys attempted to use a table brought into the ring by Public Enemy.
- Dean Malenko pinned Alex Wright with a double-leg pickup into a roll-over.
- Brian Pillman defeated Eddie Guerrero. During the match, in a memorable moment, Pillman ended up on the floor and grabbed Bobby Heenan by the jacket, startling him, after which Heenan asked him (in not so many words) what he was doing.
- WCW World Tag Team Champions Sting and Lex Luger defeated The Blue Bloods (Lord Steven Regal and Earl Robert Eaton), when Sting made Eaton submit with the Scorpion Deathlock.
- Konnan defeated Psychosis by submission. This was the WCW in-ring debut for both men.
- Ric Flair and The Giant defeated Hulk Hogan and WCW World Heavyweight Champion Randy Savage, when Flair pinned Savage after hitting him with a foreign object given to him by Jimmy Hart.
1998 - Mr. Niebla and Shocker defeat Emilio Charles, Jr. and Dr. Wagner, Jr. for the CMLL World Tag Team Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1998 - Kaoru Ito and Manami Toyota defeat Hikari Fukuoka and Devil Masami to win the JWP Tag Team Title in Kawasaki, Japan.
1999 - Sean Casey and Brian Taylor defeat Chip Fairway and Cody Hawk for the Heartland Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in Hamilton, Ohio.
2000 - The WWF holds the 13th-annual Royal Rumble pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
WWF kicked off 2000 with a great PPV show with the Royal Rumble from a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York. The show opened with two very good matches, but the highlight was the dramatic and often frightening WWF World Title street fight between Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Cactus Jack, one of those rare matches that will always remain emblazoned in people's memory. HHH was slow to get over last year when Vince McMahon decided to give him the big push. Crowds didn't respond all that well to him at first and it appeared that he lacked that intangible "something" even though it was clear he had the skills and the work ethic. A lot of promotions would have given up on him and phased him down under those circumstances but to the WWF's credit they stuck with him and eventually he got over big time and is now legitimately among the top stars in the business, and deservedly so.
The show also had some weak spots. The Miss Rumble 2000 bikini contest was among the most embarrassing things to ever air on PPV, and brought back memories (and not good ones) of Eric Bischoff's Miss nWo pageant a few years ago at the first Souled Out. When Mae Young began wrestling back around the time of World War II, I wonder if she ever dreamed she would end her career this way? The three-way match for the IC Title wasn't all that good, but I'm glad we at least have only one champion now. The tag title match was too short to amount to anything one way or the other.
As for the Rumble itself, it was average and had a totally predictable ending, but not one that disappointed since everyone wanted Rock to win. Crowd heat was intermittent, often cooling but occasionally erupting with huge pops. Commentary was strong from Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler.
TAZZ defeated KURT ANGLE in 3:14. The match was brief but very good and was an excellent way to introduce Tazz into the storyline. I love watching for "I" signs in the crowd. One said, "Irritable Ignorant Idiot". Angle ran down the Knicks and Patrick Ewing. I really like his routine. Tazz emerged as Angle's opponent, who had been billed as "To Be Announced". Angle charged at him and got backdropped high over the ropes for a major bump. Tazz went out after him but Angle suplexed him on the floor. Back in the ring they traded suplexes and Tazz scored a pin after a superplex off the top but the ref voided the count after seeing Angle's boot on the ropes. Angle scored a couple of quick twos but Tazz went crazy with some killer suplexes. The commentators sold the suplexes big. This is one of the big differences between WWF and WCW. In WCW, the announcers would have been discussing Kevin Nash's feud with Sid Vicious while this was going on. Tazz locked on a choke and Angle went limp and was declared out by the ref. JR and Lawler argued over whether the hold was a sleeper or and illegal choke, which will be part of the storyline. Angle sold it big and didn't revive afterward and was given the full EMT routine and stretcher job. Later in the locker room, he was finally revived but still dazed and kept complaining that Tazz used an "illegal choke" so Tazz's win shouldn't be allowed to stand and his undefeated streak should remain intact.
THE HARDY BOYZ beat THE DUDLEYS in a Table Match in 10:17. The rules here were that the first team to put both members of the other team through tables would win. Passing through a table on an offensive move didn't count, which allowed more tables to be broken. The Dudleys put John Rocker over in their pre-match tirade against New York. Buh Buh Ray tried to put Jeff through a table early but Matt lifted the table out of the way and Jeff took a bump on the mat. Matt did a senton onto Buh Buh on the floor. A couple of more table spots were attempted but blocked. Jeff nailed Buh Buh with a brain scrambling chairshot. He then did his run along the rail but was met with a table when he came off. He hit the table but it didn't count as going through it since he was on an offensive move. The Hardys tried to double suplex Buh Buh through a table but D-Von moved it out of the way. They then used a ladder to send Buh Buh out and gave him another sick chairshot before finally putting Buh Buh through a table on the floor as Matt came off the ladder and Jeff came off the top rope and they both put Buh Buh through. The Hardys used a chair on D-Von and tried to put him through some tables but D-Von moved and the Hardys went through the tables instead (since they were on offense this again didn't count). Buh Buh then plastered Matt with a sicko chairshot and put him through a table to even things up. Jeff hit D-Von with a chair and placed him the top table of two stacked below a ledge. He climbed up and was going to dive off and put D-Von through the tables but Buh Buh attacked him on the ledge. Buh Buh ended up falling off the ledge through the tables. The Hardys got another table and laid D-Von out on it and Jeff senton bombed him from the ledge through the table for the win. Really good match, and brutal as hell!
MAE YOUNG won the Miss Rumble 2000 swimsuit competition. Jerry Lawler hosted the segment, with the pageant judges being Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea, Fabulous Moolah, Johnny Valiant (remember him?), Freddie Blassie (who got a pop when he came out), and Andy Richter of the Conan O'Brien show. Ivory acted like she didn't want to be involved, but did remove her gown to reveal her bikini. Luna said she didn't like the contest, either, and refused to remove her robe. Since it was see-through it didn't make a whole lot of difference. Jacqueline, Terri, and B.B. all strutted their stuff. Kat, who naturally got the biggest pop, removed her robe and was wrapped in the good places with bubble wrap. Mae Young then arrived as "The Stripper" aired over the PA. She stripped topless. I swear she did. They put a big censored "X" over the screen but a few glimpses were allowed to come through. And she was declared the unanimous winner, I guess for having the boobs that come closest to reaching her knees. Mark Henry ran out and covered her up. A really embarrassing segment.
CHRIS JERICHO defeated CHYNA and HARDCORE HOLLY in a three-way match to become the undisputed IC Champion in 7:28. There were a few good spots here but overall the match didn't click. They traded slaps to the face. Chyna took a bump over and Jericho scored two on Holly with a flying forearm. Jericho hooked the Walls of Jericho on Holly but Chyna broke it up. Jericho hit a crossbody to the floor on Holly. Chyna did her handspring elbow. They did a few spots where they kept breaking up pin attempts. Chyna kicked a chair into Holly's face and it looked pretty weak. Jericho and Chyna cooperated to do a double splash on Holly but then argued over who would score the pin. Chyna hit a low blow on Jericho and a sloppy Pedigree on Holly for a near fall. Jericho crossbodied Chyna off Holly's shoulders. Chyna superplexed Holly and hit him with a chair. She went for a Boston Crab on Holly but Jericho nailed her from behind and pinned her with a moonsault. There was little heat during the match but there was a pop for Jericho going over.
THE ROCK was interviewed and was confident that he would win the Rumble and sarcastically noted that Crash Holly and Headbanger Mosh were two guys who might give him a little trouble but in the end he'd emerge the victor. Rock was way over as always.
THE NEW AGE OUTLAWS beat THE ACOLYTES to retain the WWF World Tag Titles in 2:35. Pretty much the usual stuff in a brief format. Mr. Ass took a spin bump off a Bradshaw lariat. Faarooq nailed Road Dogg with a spinebuster but Ass broke up the pin. The Acolytes double powerbombed Dogg. X-Pac ran in and spin kicked Bradshaw behind the ref's back. Ass pinned Bradshaw with the Famouser.
HUNTER HEARST HELMSLEY defeated CACTUS JACK in a street fight in 26:49 to retain the WWF World Title. They aired a great promo video to build up this match. Stephanie came out with HHH but left, not wanting to stay at ringside due to the expected brutality. Cactus wore his "Wanted Dead" T-shirt. Cactus started off pounding HHH with fists. He gave HHH a neckbreaker on the floor. HHH hit Cactus with the ring bell and a hard chairshot. JR shrewdly brought up last year's Rumble where Mick Foley took all the sick chairshots while handcuffed. Cactus scored a two after legdropping a chair on HHH's face. They fought through the crowd and ended up in the New York street scene set. Mankind used a garbage can on HHH and suplexed him on a wooden pallet. Apparently a sharp protrusion of some sort on the pallet slashed HHH's lower leg just above the top of his boot and he began bleeding from there from a deep cut. They brawled some more around this set before fighting back to the ring. Cactus rammed HHH into the stairs and kneed him in the face. Cactus pulled a board wrapped in barbed wire from under the ring for a big pop. HHH got it from him and used it on Cactus. Cactus low blowed HHH and scored a near fall with a DDT. Referee Earl Hebner tossed the barbed wire board out and Spanish announcer Hugo Savinovich tried to hide it but Cactus slugged him and got it back. Cactus hit HHH square in the face with the barbed wire and JR sold it like crazy. In fact, he sold the rest of the match like crazy. This was actually kind of scary because it looked for a moment like HHH was juicing from the eye. He was in fact juicing from several cuts on his face. Cactus hit HHH with more shots and raked the wire across his face and HHH was spouting a major gusher, in addition to continuing to juice from the leg wound. They went out to the floor and Cactus tried to piledrive HHH on the announcer's desk but HHH blocked it and backdropped Cactus through the desk. In the ring, Cactus blocked a Pedigree and again walloped HHH with the barbed wire board for a near fall. Cactus lariated HHH over the top but once on the floor HHH sent Cactus crashing onto the stairs twice for sick looking bumps. JR was still going nuts. HHH began working over Cactus' knee, which had hit the stairs hard. He got a set of handcuffs from Howard Finkel (no explanation given as to why Fink had them) and cuffed Cactus' hands behind his back like Rock did last year. Cactus fought back and tripped HHH up. He even bit his ear, but HHH eventually recovered and began laying in some sick chairshots, including one straight to the face that left Cactus bleeding from the mouth. He laid in three or four shots (not nearly as many as last year) before Rock ran out and flattened HHH with a chair (legal since this was no-DQ). A cop unlocked Cactus' handcuffs. Cactus piledrived HHH on the Spanish announcers' table. He then pulled out a bag of thumb tacks and dumped them on the mat as JR really freaked out. Stephanie came out and looked very concerned. HHH got back in the ring and Cactus charged him to knock him onto the tacks but HHH ducked and Cactus was backdropped onto the tacks. HHH hit the Pedigree (not on the tacks) but only got two for a major pop. He then Pedigreed Cactus on the tacks and scored the pin with several tacks stuck in Cactus' face. HHH collapsed to the floor afterward, a bloody mess, and was stretchered out as Steph looked worried. Cactus revived, ran after him, rammed his gurney into the ring to dump out on the floor and used the barbed wire board on him again to further bloody him up. A great match, very intense and memorable.
Throughout the show, Jonathan Coachman had been doing promos from the WWF's new theme restaurant on Times Square between matches. On this final one he interviewed Linda McMahon, who had no comment on her daughter Stephanie's turn. Linda should not be given the mic.
THE ROCK won the 30 man ROYAL RUMBLE at the 51:46 mark to earn the WrestleMania World Title shot. Before the start they aired footage of the classic 1995 Rumble finish where Shawn Michaels went over the top rope but only one foot touched the floor so he was not eliminated and went on to win. There were 90 second intervals between entrants but they were actually slightly longer to fill time. D-Lo Brown (#1) came out first, followed by Grand Master Sexay (#2). They fought to no heat until Headbanger Mosh (#3) arrived. Taka Michinoku & Sho Funaki, who were upset that they didn't get a spot in the Rumble, ran in but were quickly tossed out. Christian came in (#4) followed by Rikishi Phatu (#5). Phatu eliminated Mosh, Christian, and D-Lo. Phatu's longevity and effectiveness was one of the stories of the match. Scotty Too Hotty (#6) came in and the two Too Cool members began dancing with Phatu but he turned on them and eliminated both Sexay and Hotty. Steve Blackman came in (#7) but Phatu dumped him over. Viscera (#8) came in but Phatu eliminated him as well after some big man spots. Big Bossman arrived (#9) but stalled on the floor and didn't get in the ring until Test (#10) arrived. British Bulldog (#11) and Gangrel (#12) arrived. Taka & Funaki arrived again and were just as quickly tossed out with Taka taking a killer bump on his head which they kept replaying for the rest of the show. In next were Edge (#13), Bob Backlund (#14), and Chris Jericho (#15). Backlund arrived to the tune of "Hail to the Chief" since he's running for Congress (I know that's the President's theme, but Congress doesn't have one of its own). Everyone joined forces to eliminate Phatu. Backlund was mercifully dumped over pretty quickly. Crash Holly (#16) came in followed by Chyna (#17). Chyna and Jericho got into it and both got eliminated. Faarooq (#18) arrived but the Posse illegally ran in and caused him to be eliminated. Road Dogg came in (#19) and spent the next several minutes hiding in the corner. Al Snow (#20) arrived. Bulldog was eliminated. Val Venis was in next (#21). Funaki ran in alone (Taka was carted out after his bump) but got tossed again. They really showcase their foreign talent here, don't they? Prince Albert (#22) arrived. Edge was tossed out. Hardcore Holly (#23) was in next. Rock, who had been teased by the announcers at nearly every call, finally went in (#24) to a huge pop. He eliminated Bossman and Crash. Mr. Ass (#25) arrived. Big Show was up next (#26) and got a pop. He ousted Test and Gangrel. Bradshaw (#27) arrived but the Posse showed up again and caused him to get dumped out. Kane came in to a decent pop (#28). By the way, Lawler kept changing his prediction about who would win with each entry and elimination of a key player. Venis was eliminated. Godfather (#29) arrived with some major high class Park Avenue hos. The hos got a big pop. Albert was eliminated. Funaki ran in yet again and was dumped. X-Pac (#30) went in as the cherished final entrant. Hardcore, Godfather, and Snow were all eliminated. Dogg came out of hiding to help Ass but since this was every man for himself, Ass eliminated him. Ass was then dumped over as well. Rock tossed X-Pac out for a good bump but the ref didn't see it and he came back in. Kane went after Show but X-Pac kicked Kane from behind and eliminated him. Show then tossed X-Pac out and this time the ref saw it. This left Rock and Show, as might have been expected. Rock laid out Show and hit the People's Elbow. Show recovered and hit a chokeslam on Rock. Show went to throw Rock over but Rock grabbed the ropes and Show's momentum carried him over and he was eliminated. Rock won to a big pop but Show attacked him afterward as the broadcast ended. A standard Rumble, with the most popular star going over to make everyone happy and end a very strong PPV.
2000 - Derek Stone wins his third World League Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Lexington, Missouri, defeating Luminous Warrior.
2001 - The WWF tapes the January 25 edition of SmackDown! and the January 28 Sunday Night Heat at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama. The results:
Sunday Night Heat:
- Billy Gunn pinned Albert after the One and Only.
- Perry Saturn (with Terri) pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Raven in a non-title match after a Death Valley Driver.
- Al Snow pinned Essa Rios after the Snowplow.
- WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) defeated Tiger Ali Singh and Lo Down (D'Lo Brown and Chaz) in a handicap match, when D-Von pinned Singh after the 3D.
SmackDown!:
- The Undertaker defeated Rikishi by disqualification when Haku interfered, with Kane making the save after.
- Bradshaw and Jeff Hardy defeated Faarooq and Matt Hardy, when Jeff pinned Faarooq after the Swanton after Matt hit Faarooq with the Twist of Fate.
- Big Show defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho by disqualification, when Chris Benoit interfered. After the match, guest commentator The Rock hit the Big Show with the Intercontinental title belt and gave him the Rock Bottom on the floor.
- Tazz defeated K-Kwik by submission with the Tazzmission.
- WWF European Champion Test pinned Christian after a big boot.
- Crash and Hardcore Holly (with Molly Holly) defeated The Right to Censor (Bull Buchanan and The Goodfather (with Steven Richards and WWF Women's Champion Ivory), when Hardcore pinned Buchanan after Ivory accidentally hit him with her Women's title belt.
- WWF Champion Kurt Angle pinned Kane after Haku and Rikishi interferered. The Undertaker attempted to make the save but was also attacked.
2003 - The WWE Tough Enough III finals airs on MTV from The World in New York City, New York, with John Hennigan and Matt Cappotelli announced as the winners. The other finalists were Eric Markovcy and Jonah Adelman.
2004 - L.A. Park and Shocker defeat Rey Bucanero and Último Guerrero for the CMLL World Tag Team Title in Mexico City, Mexico, ending Bucanero and Guerrero's second reign.
2005 - Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX holds "Ground MAX: Night One" at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan, which featured a six-man tournament for the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Title. The results were:
- Rikiya Fudo defeated Shinsuke Z Yamagasa.
- In a tournament semifinal match, Steve Corino defeated NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion Masato Tanaka and Simon Diamond in a three-way match.
- In a tournament semifinal match, NWA United National Heavyweight Champion Takao Omori defeated Kensuke Sasaki and Kohei Sato in a three-way match.
- Yoshihito Sasaki defeated Osamu Namiguchi.
- Shinjiro Otani defeated Ryouji Sai.
- Minoru Fujita, Ikuto Hidaka and Tatsuhito Takaiwa defeated Sonjay Dutt, NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Champion Leonardo Spanky and ZERO1-MAX International Junior Heavyweight Champion Super Crazy.
- In the tournament final, NWA United National Heavyweight Champion Takao Omori defeated Steve Corino to win the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Title.
2005 - Scorpio and Doug Williams defeat Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa for the NOAH GHC Tag Team Title in Kobe, Japan, ending Misawa and Ogawa's second reign.
2006 - WWE holds a live RAW and tapes the weekend's edition of WWE.com Heat at Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlote, North Carolina, the first WWE event held at the venue. The results:
In a dark match, Deuce and Domino (with Cherry) defeated Brad Allen and Chris Hamrick.
Heat:
- Trevor Murdoch pinned Romeo (with Antonio) after a top-rope bulldog. Before the match, The Heart Throbs brought two women from the crowd (Beth Phoenix and Shelly Martinez, their debuts) in the ring to dance with them before being interrupted by Murdoch's entrance.
- Chavo Guerrero pinned Jason Jones after the frog splash.
- Val Venis and Viscera defeated Snitsky and Tyson Tomko, when Viscera pinned Tomko with a splash.
RAW:
- Kane defeated Carlito.
- Ashley and WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus defeated Candice Michelle and Victoria.
- Shawn Michaels pinned Shelton Benjamin.
- In a Royal Rumble Qualifying match, Jonathan Coachman defeated Jerry Lawler, after the Spirit Squad, making their television debut, entered the arena and started a cheer, distracting Lawler, enabling Coachman to get the pin.
- Big Show defeated Lance Cade, Rob Conway and Gregory Helms in a battle royal. If Cade, Conway or Helms would have won the match, they would have earned a Royal Rumble spot.
2007 - WWE held ECW live and taped the January 26 SmackDown! at the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama. The results were:
SmackDown!:
- World Heavyweight Champion Batista pinned WWE Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms with the Batista Bomb.
- WWE United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated The Miz by submission with the Crippler Crossface.
- Deuce 'N Domino (with Cherry) defeated Adam Evans and John Robinson, when Deuce pinned Evans after the Crack 'Em in the Mouth.
- Finlay and King Booker (with Queen Sharmell) fought to a no contest, when both men began fighting on the floor after Booker grabbed Little Bastard as he tried to pull Sharmell under the ring.
- MNM (Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro and Melina) defeated Ashley and WWE Tag Team Champions Paul London and Brian Kendrick, when Mercury pinned Kendrick after the Snapshot.
- Kane defeated Montel Vontavious Porter by disqualification after MVP repeatedly hit Kane with a steel chair.
- A five-way elimination match between King Booker, Finlay, WWE United States Champion Chris Benoit, Montel Vontavious Porter and The Miz ended in a no contest after The Undertaker came out and cleared the ring.
- In a dark match after the show, World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Mr. Kennedy.
ECW:
- Rob Van Dam defeated Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, The Sandman and Kevin Thorn in a battle royal, last eliminating Thorn.
- Marcus Cor Von defeated Wes Adams by submission with an armbar.
- CM Punk pinned Elijah Burke with a roll-over.
- ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley pinned Test with a powerslam.
2009 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
It is time for the latest episode of ‘What Bad Things Can Happen to Jeff Hardy and Who Did It’. While Jeff Hardy has been attacked, involved in a hit and run accident, and burned by pyro, he is still supposed to wrestle Edge at the Royal Rumble. Speaking of the annual ‘Duck and Boost Invitational’, there are still some people who need to be added to the match. One of the people in the match is being tormented by the General Manager, and that man is Triple H. Now that Hunter got Montel Vontavious Porter out of his long losing streak, will Hunter be able to fix the economy or bring peace to the Middle East? What will happen when the tag team champions meet in the ring? Will we get a repeat of their past feud when Matt Hardy and Edge meet in the ring?
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at the last two Fridays that Jeff Hardy has experienced. We see the footage from the police questioning of Jeff Hardy after the hit and run incident. Then we hear Edge’s comments from last week’s show. Then we see Jeff lose a battle against his pyro.
We are live on tape from Omaha, Nebraska and your announcers are Jim ‘Sooner or Later you are a Cornhusker’ Ross and Tazz.
Jim Ross mentions that he talked to Jeff earlier in the week and we will hear more later tonight. Tazz says that he is surprised that someone would tamper with Jeff’s pyro. Jim Ross gives some highlights about what they talked about and he says that Jeff vows to be at the Royal Rumble.
Edge comes to the ring and he has something to say. He says that even though everyone is pointing their fingers at him, Edge says that he had nothing to do with what happened to Jeff Hardy. If it turns out to be something more, he had nothing to do with them. Edge says that he admires Jeff Hardy for agreeing to face him at the Royal Rumble. Edge tells Jeff that he made the biggest mistake of his life and he will pay for it with the WWE Title. Edge says that we pay for our mistakes and when the Royal Rumble happens, he does not want Jeff to have any excuses. Edge says that a true champion never makes excuses. A true champion overcomes all obstacles. It is about making sacrifices. Edge says that he was not behind any of these incidents because he does not need to do those things to beat Jeff Hardy.
Matt Hardy comes to the ring and he attacks Edge. Edge retreats into the crowd and Matt follows after him. We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from last week’s match between Big Show and Montel Vontavious Porter when Triple H hit Big Show with the GameHammer to allow Porter to win and get Hunter into the Royal Rumble match. Tonight, Hunter will face Vladimir Kozlov.
Match Number One: Shelton Benjamin versus The Undertaker
Taker misses a punch and Benjamin gets out of the way but he is not so lucky as Taker peppers him with a series of punches and he adds a few kicks. Taker with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Benjamin punches Taker and throws in some kicks as Taker tries to block Benjamin’s offense. Taker with a big boot for a near fall. Taker starts to work on the arm and shoulder as he puts Benjamin in a hammer lock and then sends the arm into the turnbuckles. Taker goes to the turnbuckles for Old School but Benjamin punches Taker to stop him. Taker tosses Benjamin into the turnbuckles and then punches him. Taker with an Irish whip and then he misses a running boot into the corner and Taker goes over the top rope to the floor. Benjamin with a forearm from the apron and then he punches Taker on the floor before Benjamin returns to the ring. Benjamin returns to the floor and he sends Taker’s back into the apron.
They return to the ring and Benjamin continues his attack on Taker. Taker with a kick to the midsection but Benjamin avoids a punch and he works over Taker and hits a suplex on Taker for a near fall. Benjamin with a series of forearms to the back of the neck and then he puts Taker in a reverse chin lock. Taker gets to his feet and it turns into a side head lock. Taker with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Taker sits up and then it is time for Benjamin and Taker to exchange punches and Taker gains control of the situation. Taker with an Irish whip and this time he hits the splash in the corner. Taker adds a second one for luck. Taker with Snake Eyes followed by a big boot and leg drop from the dark side for a near fall. Taker goes Old School but Benjamin kicks the ropes and Taker is crotched. Benjamin hits a superplex for a two count. Benjamin punches Taker as he waits for Taker to get back to his feet. Taker grabs Benjamin by the throat for a choke slam but Benjamin counters and hits a DDT for a two count. Benjamin sets for Paydirt but Taker blocks it. Taker blocks a kick but Benjamin hits a spinning kick and gets a near fall. Benjamin punches Taker on the mat and Benjamin makes the mistake of getting too close to Taker and Taker applies the Devil’s Gate and Benjamin taps.
Winner: Undertaker
We go to commercial.
We are back and Chavo Guerrero is in the ring. He says that Triple H thinks that he is a gofer and people are calling him a gofer. Chavo says that he is not a gofer. He says that he is a go-getter and he is a Guerrero. He is a Mexican Warrior. His Aunt Vickie comes to him when there is a problem because he will solve it. Chavo says that there is nothing that he won’t do for his Aunt Vickie. Chavo says that the Great Khali is trying to embarrass the Guerrero name.
Match Number Two: Great Khali with Runjin Singh versus Chavo Guerrero
Chavo with kicks to Khali’s leg to try to bring down the big man. Khali grabs Chavo by the arm and throws him to the mat. Khali with a short arm clothesline and then he throws Chavo into the turnbuckles. Khali raises his arms for no reason and that allows Chavo to move when Khali tries for a boot in the corner. Chavo punches Khali but Khali with a big chop and then Khali with the Punjabi Plunge for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
Edge is in Vickie’s office and he says that he needs security to deal with Matt because he is out of control. Vickie says that she has things under control and Edge will be facing Matt in a No Disqualification Match. Edge wonders if Vickie thinks that he had something to do with Jeff’s string of bad luck. Vickie tells Edge to ‘Man Up’. We go to commercial.
Maryse comes to ringside to join Tazz and Ross for the next match. We see footage of Maryse defeating Michelle McCool to become the Divas Champion. We also see the reign of terror by Michelle over the sour grapes that she possesses about losing her title.
Match Number Three: Nikki and Brie Bella versus Michelle McCool and Natalya
Nikki and Michelle start things off and Nikki with a snap mare for a near fall. She follows that with a flying mare. Michelle charges into a boot but Michelle pulls Nikki off the turnbuckles. From out of nowhere, Maria attacks Michelle and the referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
They fight over by the announce table and Maria with punches. Natalya pulls Maria off and then Maria punches Natalya until Michelle sends Maria into the ringside barrier and follows that with a running knee to the head.
We go to commercial.
We go to the interview that Jim Ross had with Jeff Hardy. Jim asks Jeff about what happened with the pyro during the Cutting Edge last week and we see the footage. Jim says that he is surprised that Jeff asked for this interview time because Jeff has not spoken over the last week. Jeff says that a lot has taken place during his life and last Friday was not an accident, it was intentional. Jeff says that he knows who did it. Jim Ross says that the pyro was tampered with. Jeff says that the hit and run accident was no accident. He also says that the attack before the Survivor Series was not an accident. He says that someone is trying to ruin his career. Hardy says that he pities Edge because he has failed. Jeff says that Edge will not stop what is inside of him or stop the people who relate to Jeff. Jeff says that he does without any regrets. Mistakes are not his downfall, they are his sanctuary where he grows. Hardy says that he is right at home and he has been an outcast his entire life. Edge will never stop what drives him. He says that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Jeff says that he is not afraid and wonders if Edge is.
We see a video package for Vladimir Kozlov talking about Sambo.
Match Number Three: Edge versus Matt Hardy in a No Disqualification Match
As Matt hits the ring, Edge goes to the floor and Matt chases after him. Matt grabs Edge’s leg but Edge kicks him. Matt slams Edge into the ringside barrier and the announce table. Matt with forearms to Edge and then he rolls Edge back into the ring. Matt with clotheslines into the corner. Edge misses a clothesline and Matt with a Side Effect and he punches Edge. Edge throws Matt through the ropes and to the floor. Edge misses a baseball slide and Matt runs Edge into the ringside barrier. Matt pulls the protective mats and he tries for a Twist of Fate on the exposed floor but Edge escapes the hold. Matt slams Edge’s head into the apron and then Matt looks under the ring for some weapons. Matt finds a trash can and Edge with a drop toe hold. Edge gets the trash can and he hits Matt in the head with it. Edge hits Matt with the trash can lid and Edge punches Matt and gets a near fall. Edge with a kick to the chest. Edge punches Matt and goes to the floor and he gets a kendo stick. Matt kicks Edge and then he gets the kendo stick and hits Edge with it. Matt charges at Edge and Edge moves so Matt clotheslines the ring post. Edge grabs a chair and he tries to hit Matt but Edge hits the ring post. Matt sends Edge into the ring steps twice. They return to the ring.
Matt tries to enter the ring, but he sees Mark Henry charging at him but Matt with a drop toe hold that sends Hardy into the apron. Edge tries to hit Matt with the chair but Matt moves and Matt hits the Twist of Fate. From out of nowhere, Jack Swagger breaks up the cover and then Swagger hits the Doctor Bomb. Henry comes into the ring and Henry with the standing power slam. Swagger and Henry pick up Hardy for Edge to hit the Spear for the three count.
Winner: Edge with the assist going to Jack Swagger and Mark Henry
It is time for a video package about The Wrestler with comments from Darren Aronofsky and Mickey Rourke.
Match Number Four: John Morrison and The Miz versus Primo and Carlito Colon
Miz and Carlito start things off and Miz with a kick and forearm to the back. Carlito slams Miz’s head into the turnbuckle and then he tags in Primo. Carlito hits a flatliner and then he holds Miz for a drop kick from Primo for a near fall. Primo with a punch but Miz with a knee to the midsection. Morrison is tagged in and he hits an uppercut. Morrison sends Primo to the apron but Primo slams Morrison’s head into the turnbuckle and then hits a head scissors. Carlito tags in and he hits a drop kick on Morrison. Carlito follows that with a back body drop but he misses Morrison and goes into the turnbuckles. Miz tags in and he works over Carlito in the ropes and then he hits a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Carlito punches Miz and Carlito appears to try for the springboard back elbow but instead he flips over Miz and he makes the tag to Primo who hits a springboard missile drop kick and then he punches Morrison off the apron. Primo with clotheslines to Miz followed by punches. Primo with a sunset flip but Miz with a kick and then he runs Primo into the top turnbuckle. We go to commercial.
We are back and Morrison tries for a belly-to-back suplex, but Primo counters with a cross body for a near fall. Morrison punches Primo and then kicks him into the corner. Miz tags in and they double team Primo with kicks. The referee admonishes The Miz. Miz with a suplex and a near fall. Miz with a cravate but Primo with a jawbreaker to get out of the hold. Miz keeps Primo from making the tag and he hits a faceplant for a near fall. Morrison tags in and Miz catapults Primo into a forearm and then Morrison with a slingshot elbow for a near fall. Morrison punches Primo before tagging Miz back in. They hit a double gutbuster followed by a kick from Miz. Miz with punches and Primo tries for fight back. Miz sets for his clothesline in the corner but Primo is able to hit a clothesline of his own and both men go down. Morrison and Carlito tag in and Carlito with a kick and knee lift followed by a clothesline. Carlito hits the springboard back elbow followed by a monkey flip to Morrison that has Morrison landing on his chest. Miz interferes but Primo sends Miz to the floor and hits a suicide dive. Morrison hits the springboard spin kick but Primo breaks up the cover.
Miz throws Primo out of the ring and Carlito does the same to Miz. Morrison with a rollup but Carlito rolls through and can only get a two count. Carlito with a sunset flip but Morrison rolls through for a Shining Wizard. Morrison tries for Moonlight Drive, but Carlito counters and sends Morrison into the corner. Miz makes the tag and Carlito hits the Lungblower but the referee does not make the count because Morrison is not the legal man in the match. Miz with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison and The Miz
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound showing Randy Orton kicking Vince McMahon.
It is time for the Slam of the Week: Big Show versus Montel Vontavious Porter with the GameHammer shot to the back.
Match Number Five: Vladimir Kozlov versus Triple H with GameFountain
Kozlov misses a punch and Hunter connects. They exchange punches until Hunter gets the advantage. Hunter goes for the Pedigree, but Kozlov backs Hunter into the corner and he punches Hunter. Hunter with a kick to Kozlov and then he clotheslines Kozlov to the floor. Hunter comes off the apron but Kozlov catches him and runs Hunter into the apron. Kozlov sends Hunter into the ring post and Hunter grazes it with his shoulder while Kozlov is down on the floor.
Vickie Guerrero comes out for a few Excuse Mes. Vickie says that she forgot to tell Hunter that this is not a one-on-one match. There is someone missing. Someone who knocked him out a few weeks ago. Hunter’s other opponent is The Big Show. We go to commercial.
Match Number Five . . . Part Two: Vladimir Kozlov and Big Show versus Triple H
We are back and Hunter hits Show in the back. Hunter avoids another punch and Hunter with punches of his own. Show with a head butt and Irish whip. Hunter with boots to Show’s head and then Hunter returns to the back of the neck. Show with a spear to Hunter. Show continues to hold his neck and then Show sends Hunter into the corner and Kozlov is tagged in. Kozlov with shoulders but Hunter with a high knee to Kozlov. Hunter with a clothesline in the corner but Kozlov with a power slam for a near fall. Kozlov punches Hunter and then he runs Hunter into the corner and Show is tagged back in. Show with punches to the midsection followed by a head butt. Hunter punches Show but Show with a knee and forearm to the back. Show with punches and a head butt. Show with more punches in the corner and the referee admonishes him. Show with a head butt that staggers Hunter. Show chokes Hunter with the boots and then Show chops Hunter. Show hits a suplex and then he hits a leg drop for a two count. Show with an elbow to the neck and then Kozlov tags in. Kozlov with a punch to the ribs but Hunter punches back. It is time for punches to be exchanged. Kozlov hits a fallaway slam on Hunter for a near fall. Show tags back in and he punches Hunter. Show with another head butt and Hunter goes down. Show goes to the turnbuckles for an elbow drop but Hunter moves. Hunter goes to the turnbuckles but Show catches him by the throat and hits a choke slam for a two count. Kozlov tags in and he tries for a power slam but Hunter escapes the hold and hits a DDT. Hunter punches Kozlov and hits the face buster and then he punches Show. Hunter with a spinebuster to Kozlov. He avoids Show’s attempted splash in the corner. Hunter tries for the Pedigree on Kozlov but Show hits Hunter in the back of the head and Hunter goes down. Kozlov with an uranage for the three count.
Winners: Big Show and Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Vickie Guerrero comes out to applaud Kozlov and Show on their victory. We go to credits.
2010 - Jake Roberts announced on his Myspace account that he would be retiring from wrestling at the end of 2010. Roberts wrote, "There comes a moment and I regret that it has happened, but I simply am unable physically to perform at the level that I find acceptable. I cannot do what I did 30 years ago, and my God, am I glad that I can't. But my love for what I've done in the last 35 years deserves more than I am capable of doing. I cherish every moment that I've had, good or bad, bottom line is I never had a bad moment in the ring. Any moment was something to treasure, and I can only do so by stepping away. Although the cheers and support are still there from you, the fans, I would be a liar to say that it is not only painful physically, mentally, but worst of all, deep in my heart.."
2010 - DGUSA ran Chicago, IL. Matt Carter filed the following live report:
I attended last night's Dragon Gate USA PPV taping in Chicago at the Congress Theater and thought I would send along the results and some quick notes about the show.
I hit some traffic so I missed most of the first Bonus Match, but did catch the winner.
The Bonus Card:
6 Way Elimination Match winner Kyle O'Reily.
I walked in as soon as he made the pin.
AAW Championship Match winner Silas Young over Hallowicked.
This was a really nice match. Hallowicked does a good job of making Silas look good with the win.
Jon Moxley then won a quick squash match.
This match wasn't announced and wasn't very long. I didn't catch the name of the opponent. He was a pale guy with red hair and didn't get in much offense.
The Main Card:
Opens with Brian Kendrick and Jon Moxley calling out Tommy Dreamer. They called him old and washed up (among other things) and waited for him to come out. They ended up leaving the ring looking all happy and proud of themselves.
Special Attraction Match winner TJP over Gran Akuma
This was a decent match that went pretty fast. I've never seen TJP before, but he was quite impressive. He made Gran Akuma tap to a sharp shooter variation for the win
I am wondering if that match or the opening angle will be on the show, because now we start a countdown and the crowd gets pumped
Tag Team Challenge Match winners Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw over CIMA and Super Crazy.
The crowd went completely nuts for Super Crazy. CIMA and Quack were also both fairly over with the crowd. This was a Chikara style tag match in that there were some really fun comedy moments. Super Crazy had a couple hilarious spots, one being that he used two thunder sticks to clean house. It was really a fun tag match and would be a great opener for the PPV.
In between this match the announcer told us that Dragon Gate USA will return to Chicago and the Congress Theater on September 25, 2010. Awesome!
Special Attraction Match winner Brian Kendrick over Jimmy Jacobs
Before the match started, Kendrick talked with Jacobs about them being artists in the ring. Then Kendrick started to insult Jacobs and brought out....LACEY! So Lacey was in Kendrick's corner for the match. This was, by far, the best Kendrick match I've seen him in since WWE. He and Jacobs worked together well and it was a good match. The ending saw Lacey make out with Jacobs and Kendrick attack from behind for the win. After the match, Jon Moxley comes out to celebrate the win with Kendrick and offer Jacobs some more beating and taunting. They ended up having Moxley clothesline Lacey as well. The crowd ate that up. Then out comes the extreme surprise Tommy Dreamer to make the save. Tommy clears the ring of everyone but Moxley and the brawl is on. Tommy fights Moxley outside of the ring through the crowd. A couple of chair shots and they make their way back to the ring and Dreamer ends up finishing Moxley off with a DDT. Tommy gives us his pose to the camera and we get Man In A Box. Quite a few ECW and Thank You Tommy Chants during this segment. Part of me wonders, though, if this will also get cut from the PPV.
FIP World Championship match winner and new champion Davey Richards over Masaki Mochizuki
This match was kind of a let down. With all the great matches I've seen Davey in lately, this one wasn't as good. Now compare this to most matches, and it was great. It seemed like Mochizuki's offense was all kicks and that limited the match. I don't know, something just seemed a bit off. It was good and stiff, just not quite as good as I had hoped. Davey won with a submission hold. It was either a cross arm bar or triangle choke variation as I couldn't really see it from my vantage point on the stage.
Now its intermission time. Tommy was doing autographs with an 8x10 for $10 and a free picture (so said the dude next to me). I rushed out and bought my seat for the Sept 25 return. The ticket features Yoshino this time. Back from intermission with 2 matches to go
Elimination 3 Way Dream Tag Team Match winners Naruki Doi and Masato Yoshino.
The first team eliminated was the Young Bucks. They had some new tights on that were almost a combination of the Generation Me and tie dyed Young Bucks tights. There were just way too many awesome things in the match to even talk about. It was full of awesome moments. I think everyone will love this match!
Open The Freedom Gate Title Match winner and still champion BxB Hulk over Dragon Kid
CIMA comes out with Dragon Kid and it seems that Kid must be in his stable now. He is doing all his gestures and whatnot. BxB Hulk does have dancers with him, but really they should have just skipped them. The two chicks were kinda cute, but they were just awful. I wouldn't be surprised if they edit this out, it was that bad. The dark haired dancer had no clue what she was doing at all. Think Kelly Kelly in Extreme Expose only a few notches worse than that. This was a bit of a surprise match to me. I expected a high flying affair and got something totally different. While there were a couple spots, this was a really really good and well thought out match. I was seriously impressed. The two guys matched up well and really told a great story. Another awesome, awesome match. I loved it. The match celebration was ended when it seemed like everyone and their brother came out to beat on BxB Hulk. Finally CIMA comes out with an actual broom to clean house. It was really fun. He gave us a speech that was a bit difficult to understand, but he was trying really hard and the crowd loved it.
Some quick things I noticed:
Lenny Leonard and Chikarason (I think) did live commentary. They had a set up on the balcony and were calling the PPV live. They weren't camera ready or anything and I assume they can re do some audio in post production as well, but thought it interesting that they at least called the matches live to tape. I never noticed Quack doing any matches, but he was involved in the final run in so that may be why. Lots of the wrestlers watched the show from the balcony. I say the crowd was at least 600 but not more than 900. All of the seats were full from what I could tell, but this venue could hold 10 times as many people. The Congress seems like an old, run down hole but it really is a great venue for DGUSA shows. I saw Dave Prazak at the show. ROH and Shimmer had a table with DVDs at a good price. There was a table with DGUSA stuff and even the Japanese DVDs. Another table seemed like they were from the lucha shows that run at the Congress. They had mostly masks. The line for Tommy Dreamer was really long and he looked like he was having a great time. I would say that the best match was the 3 way tag followed closely by BxB Hulk/Dragon Kid and the opening tag match with Quack and Jigsaw. In my opinion, it was another homerun for DGUSA. I had an excellent time. If anyone is thinking of coming to the Sept 25th show, try to avoid the two sides of the ring. The video and still photographers were still there and blocked a lot of action. I did that last show and really had a much better time being at another vantage point. I say go for the hard camera side, the stage, or just general admission. GA seats for $20 really are a good deal because it is an excellent view back there, you just don't get to see the bonus card. I would say that the best match was the 3 way tag followed closely by BxB Hulk/Dragon Kid and the opening tag match with Quack and Jigsaw. In my opinion, it was another homerun for DGUSA.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Phoenix, Arizona and your announcers are Michael ‘Why are they asking if I want to go on a snipe hunt in the desert’ Cole and Jerry ‘The Grand Canyon isn’t the only big hole in the state’ Lawler.
CM Punk makes his way to the ring, but will this be the last Raw with CM Punk as the WWE Champion.
Punk sits in the ring and he says that this Sunday is the 25th Anniversary of the Royal Rumble and there is a big WWE Championship match with CM Punk in one corner. In the other corner is Dolph Ziggler, the self professed show off. The man who claims that he beat CM Punk three times in the last month because he has. However, those three wins were hand wrapped by John Laurinaitis. It is fitting that John is the referee on Sunday.
Punk says that he will describe Johnny in one word . . . failure. He was a failure as a wrestler, he is a failure as an executive, and as a human being. John sucks at life. Punk says that these are things he has said to John’s face. Punk says that he was shocked that John told the truth last week.
We have the footage.
Punk says that given what we have just witnessed, it is safe to say that John is not going to be an unbiased referee on Sunday so he is as good as screwed. Punk says that he knows better and there is a course of action that could give him the desired results and he will have joy taking it. It will be hard to referee with two broken arms.
Punk tells Johnny that the ball is in his court so John has an invitation to come out here and say what he said last week, but to his face. Punk says that he wants John to take his balls out of his purse and be a man for once to say these things to his face.
Punk looks to the entrance and John Laurinaitis does not come out.
Punk says that he gave John a chance, but now he is going to find Johnny.
A John comes out, but instead of Laurinaitis, it is John Cena.
Punk says that he understands how Cena could be confused because he said he wanted a John who was a company man.
Cena says that he was sorry because he did not want to hear Punk ramble.
Cena says that he is here for business. Cena says that John will come out because he screwed over Zack Ryder last week and he will give John a rematch tonight. John will give Cena a one-on-one contest with Kane, who he will fight on Sunday at the Royal Rumble. John will appear and resign as the interim General Manager of Raw.
Punk tells Cena that sounds all fine and dandy. He wants to know . . .
John Laurinaitis comes out and he wants to clear things up and he introduces himself and tells us his job in WWE. John tells Cena and Punk that in life they have their bad days and they do and say things that they wish they could take back. John says that last week was not one of those days for him. He is not going to be intimidated by either Punk or Cena.
Punk says that he would like to be able to hear John and asks John to come to the ring. Punk tries to convince John to come to the ring. John tells Cena that he made a mistake last week. Zack is here tonight and he is medically cleared to compete. Zack will face Kane tonight in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. John tells Cena that if he gets involved, Zack will never get a United States Title Rematch.
Punk and Cena will be in a tag match tonight and they will be facing these two men.
Dolph tells Punk he shouldn’t be worried about Laurinaitis, he should be worried about him. John doesn’t have to screw Punk. On Sunday, just like the three times in the last five weeks and tonight, he is going to flat out beat him. Swagger tells Cena for what he did to him last week, he is dead meat.
Match Number One: CM Punk and John Cena versus Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger with Vickie Guerrero
Cena and Dolph start things off and they lock up. Cena with a side head lock and take down. Ziggler teases a break and he tries for a punch. Cena with a punch followed by an Irish whip and bulldog for a near fall. Cena looks to Punk to make the tag and he obliges. Punk with a kick and snap mare followed by a kick to the back for a near fall.
Punk tries for a suplex but Ziggler lands on his feet and he punches Punk. Punk gets Ziggler on his shoulders and Ziggler gets away and goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Cena gets a near fall on Ziggler. Cena with a reverse chin lock. Ziggler with a kick and punch to Cena. Ziggler runs the ropes and then he stops and poses because he can. Cena with a suplex to Swagger and then Cena mocks Ziggler and punches him. Swagger with a clothesline to Cena and then he kicks Cena.
Swagger punches Cena and then the referee pulls Swagger out of the corner and Ziggler punches Cena and Swagger gets a near fall. Swagger traps the arms and Cena tries to get to his feet. Swagger turns it into a front face lock. Cena with a back body drop and both men are down.
Ziggler tags in and he drop kicks Cena and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops and then he does some sit ups before getting a near fall. Ziggler an elbow and punch followed by kicks in the corner. Swagger kicks Cena while the referee deals with Ziggler. Swagger tags back in and he hits the Swagger Bomb and gets a near fall.
Swagger with a bear hug but Cena gets to his feet and Cena with an Attitude Adjustment and both men are down. Ziggler tags in and so does Punk and Punk with a springboard clothesline and a swinging neck breaker. Punk with the running knee into the corner followed by a bulldog and then Punk signals that it is time for the Go To Sleep. Ziggler gets out of the hold but Punk with a round kick. Swagger breaks up the cover.
Cena and Swagger go to the floor and Swagger puts Cena in the ankle lock but Cena with the STF on the floor. Punk slams Swagger and he goes up top but Laurinaitis gets on the apron to distract Punk. Ziggler with a rollup and a handful of tights for the three count.
Winners: Jack Swagger and Dolph Ziggler with an assist from John Laurinaitis
After the match, Punk gets on the mic and he tells John that this doesn’t change a damn thing. At some point, Punk says that he will beat the hell out of Laurinaitis. Punk says that John has an infinity for Dolph Ziggler and give him presents. Punk wants John to be something for one night. He wants John to be a WWE Superstar for one night. He tells John if he wants to be famous, he will make him famous. CM Punk versus John Laurinaitis tonight. That is unless John is afraid.
John thinks about it and he accepts after giving a sneaky smile.
Chris Jericho is walking in the back and he has his sparkly jacket with him. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: The six man tag match from last week when Jericho did absolutely nothing.
It is time for the Highlight Reel and your host is the Marcel Marceau Tribute Band featuring Chris Jericho and his sparkly jacket. Jericho takes the mic and he might say something. He wants everyone to be quiet. Jericho is about to say something, but he thinks he is Hornswoggle until Santa gave him his wish. Chris Jericho goes to the back and he gets the t-shirt gun.
Jericho teases shooting shirts into the crowd, but apparently he shoots shirts like he speaks. Jericho then takes the camera and he films the crowd.
We see the Y2J ‘Countdown to the Millennium’ followed by video package.
Jericho says on Sunday at the Royal Rumble, it is going to be the end of the world as you know it.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Dolph Ziggler versus Zack Ryder when Hugh Jackman was in Ryder’s corner.
It is time to talk about the Royal Rumble and it is time for the annual Royal Rumble by the Numbers video package.
Zack Ryder and Eve are in the back and Mick Foley stops by. Mick asks Zack how he is doing. He tells Zack that Kane is an animal but deep down he is a human. Mick tells Zack that he can do this. Eve tells Zack that he doesn’t have to do this. She does not care if he is medically cleared or not.
Zack says that he has to do this. John Cena stops by and he has trouble looking Zack in the eye. He tells Zack that he has his back. Zack tells John to stay out of it bro.
Match Number Two: Zack Ryder versus Kane in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
Ryder with forearms to Kane and then he punches him in the corner but Kane pushes Ryder off and then he kicks Ryder in the taped up ribs. Ryder drops Kane’s arm on the top rope but Kane with a boot that sends Ryder off the apron and into the announce table. Kane with a short arm clothesline to Ryder followed by knees to the ribs. Kane runs Ryder into the ring post twice and then he slams Ryder on the floor.
Kane sends Ryder into the ring steps and then he kicks Ryder in the ribs. Kane with more kicks and Eve Torres has made her way to the ring. Kane runs Ryder into the announce table followed by an uppercut and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ryder is sent into the ringside barrier while Eve is worrying about her ‘guy she is talking to in the back’. Kane with a biel on the floor and then we see Kane connect with an uppercut during the commercial break when Ryder fell from the turnbuckles to the floor. Kane drops Ryder on the ring steps and he gets a near fall when Ryder kicks out.
Kane smothers Ryder and then he lets go to inflict more pain on Ryder. Kane sends Ryder over the ringside barrier and into the crowd. Kane follows Ryder into the crowd and Kane punches Ryder by the pyro area. Kane sends Ryder into some trunks but Ryder hits Kane with a briefcase. Kane responds with an uppercut.
Kane removes the tape that was around Ryder’s ribs and Kane punches him. Kane sends Ryder onto the ramp and then he kicks Ryder in the ribs. Kane sends Ryder into the base of the WWE logo and then we see Eve think about what she should do.
Kane kicks Ryder in the ribs. Kane with another knee and then he gets a near fall. Kane with a head butt to Ryder. Ryder appears to have trouble breathing but he punches Kane but Kane with an uppercut and Ryder is down again. Kane grabs Ryder and choke slams Ryder through the stage.
The referee checks on Ryder and Eve makes her way up the ramp and checks on him. Kane backs Eve down the ramp and John Cena makes his way to the stage. Kane goes through the crowd and Eve joins John on the Zack Ryder takes a nasty fall observation deck. The medical staff checks on Zack while Eve wants to know how he is doing.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Zack Ryder is taken out of the hole and stretchered to the back.
Ryder is put into an ambulance and then Cena tells Zack that he will take care of it. Eve tells Cena that this is all his fault. Eve says that she is going with Zack.
Josh Mathews stops by to ask Cena if he feels awful about this.
Cena has no response. He just snarls at the camera and then at Josh before knocking the mic away. The transformation is complete. Now young Cena can stand side by side with Darth Kane as they take care of the rebel fleet and rule the universe.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is showing more remorse over what happened to Zack Ryder.
Match Number Three: Jinder Mahal versus Sheamus
They lock up and Sheamus backs Mahal into the corner but Mahal with knees. Sheamus with forearms to Mahal’s back followed by a slam and an elbow drop.
Wade Barrett and his Barrage Jacket make their way to the ring and Sheamus with forearms across the chest on the apron. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline and then Sheamus goes up top but Mahal tries to stop him. Mahal with an arm wringer to the mat. Mahal with a running high knee for a near fall.
Mahal with a running knee to the head from the apron. Mahal gets a near fall. Mahal with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Sheamus with a running double sledge followed by a clothesline in the corner and a fireman’s carry slam. Sheamus gets Mahal up for the Celtic Cross but Mahal escapes. Mahal with an elbow but Sheamus with the Brogue Kick for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Barrett takes his Barrage Blazer and he starts to walk up the ramp but Sheamus invites Barrett into the ring.
Barrett gets on the apron but it was a tease because Barrett knew that would be a trap.
Sheamus gets on the mic and he says that he will be the only one left standing in the ring as the winner of the Royal Rumble Match.
We go to the back where Miz is with Josh Mathews. Josh asks Miz about his match against R Truth. Miz says that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Anyone who teamed with Miz and have crossed him have seen their careers disintegrate. When you forget your place and turn on Miz you have the same result. Miz says that he will win the Royal Rumble and will main event Wrestlemania for the second year in a row. He is the most must see superstar of all time.
R Truth enters the interview area and he has some information for Miz. He says that Miz is the number one at being annoying, whining, and the number one nincompoop. He is also the number one WEIO (for what else is on). Miz is the number one jackass of WWE.
Miz and Truth argue and John Laurinaitis and The Sweater King arrive. John says that he is getting ready for his match against Punk and all he can hear is their arguing. John says that the loser of the match is number one at the Royal Rumble. John and his coffee boy leave.
We go to commercial.
We are back and William Regal has brought some class to the announce table. We see William Regal’s dancing performance on Smackdown only to be interrupted by a Brodus Clay cross body.
Match Number Four: Brodus Clay with The Funkettes versus Heath Slater
Brodus shakes and then he connects with a shoulder tackle and Slater yells at Clay. Slater tells Clay to go off the ropes. Slater with a drop kick but Clay stays on his feet. Clay with a head butt followed by a t-bone suplex and a splash into the corner followed by the cross body for the three count.
Winner: Brodus Clay
We are back with the 20th Royal Rumble, which was also called the 20th Anniversary Royal Rumble and we see the Undertaker’s return and his victory at number 30.
We see what Miz did to R Truth a few months ago.
Match Number Five: R Truth versus Miz in a Who Gets Number One on Sunday Match
They lock up and they go around the ring until Miz connects with a knee and punch. Miz with a kick but Truth with a back elbow and punch. Miz goes to the floor and Truth goes after Miz and connects with a clothesline. Miz kicks Truth when he returns to the ring and then Miz with more kicks to Truth.
The referee warns Miz and Truth with a double leg take down and then Miz with a kick and then he drops Truth on the top rope and Miz with a running shoulder that knocks Truth to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Miz gets a near fall. Miz with an abdominal stretch. Truth fights his way out of the hold and hip tosses Miz to escape the hold. Truth with a kick to stop the Awesome Clothesline. Truth with a running clothesline and a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a kick and a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall.
Miz avoids the Scissors Kick and Miz tries for the Reality Check but Truth with a back slide to counter the neck breaker. Miz hits the Reality Check for a near fall. Miz sets for the Skull Crushing Finale but Truth avoids it. Miz blocks the Shut Up and hits a DDT for a near fall.
Miz kicks Truth but Truth with Shut Up and he gets the three count.
Winner: R Truth
We go to the footage from what happened to Zack Ryder earlier tonight, but first we get an update on Ryder and he has a broken back.
John Laurinaitis is in his office getting ready while David Otunga brings a note and a latte for John. David says that he will not like the note and then John reads it and he has the look of ambivalence on his face.
CM Punk is walking to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and we look at the card for the Royal Rumble.
Match Number Six: CM Punk versus John ‘The Genius’ Laurinaitis
John does not come out the first time that he is introduced. The same thing happens the second time and then a third. John finally makes his way to the ring followed by David ‘Theo Huxtable’ Otunga.
John has an announcement to make and it says that he received a fax from the Board of Directors. John lets David do something and he reads the fax. It says that the board has become concerned with John’s decisions, especially his intent to abuse authority as referee at the Royal Rumble. The board has decided that John’s title as interim general manager of Raw will be under review. John will get a job evaluation next week to determine his future on Raw. The evaluation will be conducted by Triple H.
John tries to explain his way out of the match. Punk says that this means that if John intentionally tries to screw him on Sunday, it means that John is out of the job. Now there is nothing to stop him from knocking John’s teeth down his throat.
John says that this is a wake up call and he wants to apologize to the WWE Universe and CM Punk.
Punk wants to know if this is just a misunderstanding. Was leaving Foley out of the Royal Rumble a misunderstanding? John says that Foley is in the Royal Rumble. John says that he was going to call the match down the middle, but he said he would screw Punk because Punk insulted him.
Punk says that John is like the spoiled little girl who gets everything all year long until Christmas when she is afraid of getting a lump of coal. Punk says that he hopes that Triple H learned from his grandfather, make that his father-in-law and he hopes that Triple H will fire him.
John says that he has been with the company for more than a decade and he brought Talent Relations from the dark ages.
John has an adequate substitute in David Otunga.
Otunga pearl harbors Punk and kicks him. Otunga with a forearm and clothesline in the corner. Punk with a double leg take down and he punches Otunga and puts him in the Anaconda Vice and Otunga taps like it is going out of style.
Punk turns his attention to Laurinaitis and Punk sees Otunga coming from behind and Punk with a round kick to the head.
John begs for mercy and he offers his hand to Punk. Punk gets ready for some Clobbering Time and he shakes Laurinaitis’ hand and then he hits the Go to Sleep.
Dolph Ziggler attacks Punk from behind and interrupts Punk’s music.
2013 - TNA released Kid Kash.
2013 - The Hollywood Reporter announced that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was attached to produce and possibly star in a feature film about a young girl defended by her teddy bear against nightmares. To date, the film has yet to be made.
2013 - TNA issued the following:
ROCKSTAR SPUD WINS TNA WRESTLING: BRITISH BOOT CAMP
London (January 23, 2013): Birmingham’s Rockstar Spud is the newest global wrestling sensation after winning hit Challenge TV reality show TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp.
Spud overcame rivals The Blossom Twins and Marty Scurll in the Challenge Late Zone contest, which was judged by TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter and ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan. The foursome were mentored by British wrestling legend Rollerball Rocco.
Spud’s prize is a full-time contract with TNA IMPACT WRESTLING and the chance to step into the ring alongside his boyhood hero Hulk Hogan, Olympic gold medallist Kurt Angle, ‘The Icon’ Sting and many more of the world’s most recognisable wrestlers.
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING is broadcast every Sunday night at 9pm on Challenge TV in the UK and Ireland, as well as more than 120 other countries.
Spud said: “This is a dream come true. For anyone out there who tells you that you can't, I just proved that you CAN!
“I now can't wait to hit the Impact Zone and mix it up with the best professional wrestlers in the world. I promise I'll make everyone at home in the UK proud. But I can't promise I'll keep my mouth shut while doing it.”
TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter said: “This was a very difficult decision to make. All four Boot Camp contestants have great talent and potential and grew as both wrestlers and people throughout the series.
“They all wanted to win so badly and it took us a very long time to decide. In the end, Rockstar Spud's character and charisma tipped the balance. But all four are more than ready to be stars. It just goes to show what amazing talent there is to be discovered in the UK.”
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp’s Executive Producer Jeremy Borash added: “In the series, Rockstar Spud evolved before our very eyes and is a textbook example of not judging a book by it's cover. In the beginning of the series, most did not give him a chance. Yet, by the end he had won over Rollerball Rocco, Hulk Hogan, Dixie Carter and our viewers.”
Rockstar Spud, Marty Scurll and The Blossom Twins are all currently appearing on the TNA Road To Lockdown Tour of the UK and Ireland.
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp has been a ratings hit for Challenge TV and attracted media coverage from the BBC, ITV, Sky One, Sky News, The Sun, Daily Star, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Guardian, Metro, TalkSPORT Radio and Cosmopolitan. Rockstar Spud is also a blogger for The Huffington Post.
2013 - WWE broadcast Main Event on the Ion Network. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
It is time for the show that often has the best match of the week in the WWE. What will happen when the leader of the United States of Antonio squares off with the man who wants to be fed more? Will Miz get involved? Will the Shield get involved?
We are in Sacramento, California and your announcers are Michael ‘Why couldn’t I be on the Wake Up Call with Jason Barsky’ Cole and The Miz.
Miz and Michael talk about the Royal Rumble on Sunday. We finally get the Royal Rumble ‘By the Numbers’ video package.
Matt Striker is in the interview area with Ryback. Matt asks how he is preparing for his Royal Rumble match. Ryback says that he is someone who thrives on more and the Royal Rumble match is his for the taking. Matt suggests for the devouring and Ryback does not appreciate the interjection by Striker.
Ryback says that tonight he prepares for the Royal Rumble by getting another shot at Antonio Cesaro. By the time he is done Swiss Miss is going to look like Swiss Cheese. Ryback looks at Striker and tells him that was a joke and Striker laughs, hoping to stay alive to complete the interview.
Ryback looks at Matt and he says that he can be funny too before leaving.
We are told that Miz will face Antonio Cesaro on the pre-show for the United States Title.
Antonio Cesaro says that it looks like the greatest United States Champion is wrestling on Main Event again while others are just doing commentary. His opponent represents everything that is wrong with America. This is a beautiful country but his opponent acts like a caveman and yells ‘Feed Me More’.
The fans hear a catchphrase and repeat it despite Cesaro’s attempts to silence them. Just like Ryback, everyone thinks they are entitled to something. He tells everyone that they are not entitled to anything. If you want something, you have to ask somebody who has something. He says that you have to ask politely.
Ryback shows no class by interrupting Cesaro’s lesson.
Match Number One: Antonio Cesaro versus Ryback
They lock up and Ryback pushes Cesaro away and pounds his chest. Cesaro with a hammer lock and side head lock. Cesaro with a boot to the head that staggers Ryback. Ryback blocks a second kick and sends Cesaro to the mat. Ryback with a side head lock and Ryback with a biel by the neck.
Ryback returns to the side head lock. Cesaro backs Ryback into the corner and he punches Ryback. Ryback with a punch and boot followed by a chop and kick. Ryback with a splash into the corner but Cesaro with a clothesline to Ryback. Cesaro gets a near fall. Ryback sends Cesaro into the corner and connects with shoulders followed by a hard Irish whip.
Ryback with a kick to the shoulder followed by a forearm to the back and then he sends Cesaro face first into the mat. Ryback with forearms to the back and chops. Ryback with another hard Irish whip. Ryback with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Cesaro with a European uppercut off the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cesaro with a chin lock on Ryback using Ryback’s arm for extra pressure. Ryback with a Thesz Press and he slams Cesaro’s head to the mat. Ryback presses Cesaro over his head and drops him behind him. Ryback clotheslines Cesaro over the top rope to the floor.
Cesaro does not want to get back in the ring but Miz rolls Cesaro back in. Ryback with a back body drop but Ryback misses a splash. Cesaro leaps onto Ryback’s chest and gets a near fall. Cesaro with a running knee to the head and he gets a near fall. Cesaro runs into a knee from Ryback and Ryback knocks Cesaro to the mat and then he hits a spinebuster.
Ryback sets for the lariat and he connects. Cesaro rolls to the floor and the referee starts his count. Cesaro crawls up the ramp and he is not coming back.
Winner: Ryback (by count out)
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at Raw when Rock addressed CM Punk and was attacked by The Shield.
We take a look back at how Alberto Del Rio became the World Champion. Then we see what Big Show did to Zack Ryder on Raw.
Big Show is in the interview area with Matt Striker and he asks Show how he can justify his actions from Monday. Show tells Matt to hold up the mic. He does not have to justify his actions to anyone. When he walks through the locker room, it reeks of inferiority and weakness. There is only one Superstar on Smackdown who deserves to be World Champion and it is him. No one will deny him and no one can stop him. He tells Striker to look at his fist and he says that no one will stop him from regaining his title.
While the Usos are in the ring waiting for their match, Damien Sandow has something to say.
Damien demands silence. He says that his mustachioed best friend and him cannot listen to this mono-syllabic bantering any longer.
Cody says that nobody knows what an ‘us’ is and ‘o’ is just a letter in the alphabet. He says that it would be like him telling everyone to come out and chant ‘R’. They are proof of the sad state of the tag team division. They will win the tag titles on Sunday and they will restore glory . . . Damien tells everyone to remain silent while his best friend is talking. Cody finishes and he says that they will restore glory to a once magnificent division.
Damien says that after they take their rightful place atop the tag team division, they will launch a crusade to purge the WWE of unwashed tag teams with limited potential . . . like the Usos.
Match Number Two: Jimmy and Jey Uso versus Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes
Before the bell rings, Jey mocks Cody’s mustache using his hair to make a fake mustache.
Cody and Jimmy start things off and Cody with a kick and side head lock. Jimmy with an uppercut followed by a chop and snap mare. Jimmy with an arm bar. Cody backs Jimmy into the corner but Jimmy plays with the mustache. Cody avoids a Savate kick and goes to the floor to regroup.
Cody returns to the ring and Jimmy mocks the mustache as well. Damien is tagged in. Damien with a side head lock and Jimmy with a hammer lock. Damien with an elbow but Jimmy with a clothesline. Jey tags in and they hit a double back elbow and double elbow drop and Jey gets a near fall. Sandow sends Jey into the turnbuckles and then he slams Jey’s head into the turnbuckles. Jey with a little dancing and then he chops Sandow. Sandow slides to the floor on an Irish whip and he discusses strategy with Cody.
Sandow returns to the ring and he tags Cody back in. Jey with a hair mustache but Cody with punches. Jey backs Cody into the corner and Cody with punches but Jey with punches of his own. Jey with an Irish whip and Cody with knees and he goes to the floor to pull Jey into the ring post but Cody takes too long and he is pulled into the ring post.
Jey with a belly-to-back suplex attempt but Cody lands on his feet and then he kicks Jey and hits a drop down uppercut. Jimmy tags in and Jimmy and Jey hit a double team flapjack and hot shot. Damien checks on Cody as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jimmy with a back elbow to Sandow for a near fall. Jimmy with an arm bar. Sandow pulls Jimmy down by the hair and then he tries to send Jey into the turnbuckles but Jey stops Sandow and Jimmy with a head butt for a near fall. Sandow with a jawbreaker and Cody tags in but Jimmy with a hip toss and leg drop for a near fall.
Cody with a jawbreaker and Sandow tags in and Jimmy kicks Sandow. Jey tags in and he hits an elbow drop after Jimmy hits a back breaker. Jey with a near fall on Sandow. Jey with a kick and Irish whip but he misses a splash into the corner. Sandow with kicks to Jey and then Cody kicks Jey in the back and Rhodes tags back in. Cody with a boot to the solar plexus.
Cody with a knee and gourdbuster for a near fall. Sandow tags back in and he drops knees to the ribs. Sandow with a body scissors as the focus turns to the ribs. Jey with elbows to get out of the hold and he tries to tag in Jimmy but Sandow pulls him into his corner and Cody tags in and kicks Jey.
Cody with a punch but Jey with shots to Sandow on the apron. Cody with a drop toe hold to stop Jey and Cody with a boot to Jey. Cody with a punch and he tags in Sandow who kicks Jey. Sandow with a side Russian leg sweep and it is time for the Elbow of Disdain and Damien gets a near fall.
Sandow returns to the body scissors but Jey escapes. Sandow grabs the leg and tags Cody back in the match. Cody with boots to Jey and he applies an abdominal stretch. Jey with a hip toss to get out of the hold. Jey sends Cody to the floor when Cody charges at him. Damien picks Cody up and makes the tag but Jimmy tags in.
Jimmy with a flying corkscrew forearm followed by clotheslines to Sandow. Jimmy with a kick and a Samoan drop to Sandow. Cody gets sent to the apron and Jimmy with a rollup for a near fall. Jimmy with a savate kick to Sandow and he tags in Jey. Cody pulls Jimmy out of the ring and Sandow hits the ropes to crotch Jey and Sandow gets the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow
We are told that starting next week, we will see six men compete for a chance to face Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Title.
2013 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Now that Big E Langston has successfully defended the NXT Title, what is next for the WWE brand that has been sending a number of wrestlers to the Raw and Smackdown rosters.
Shawn Michaels is in the ring and he has an announcement to make.
Shawn says that Dusty Rhodes asked him to make an announcement. He asks for the person at ringside to give him the belt. Shawn says that there will be NXT Tag Team Champions. There is a tournament that will take place. The winners of the tournament will be the stars of tomorrow. It will be a springboard to bigger and better things. He says that it is a tournament that you need to watch.
Shawn says that he was once in a tag team and winning those titles is a springboard to a terrific career if you can make it happen. Shawn says that he has two words for everyone.
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are William ‘What Number will I be in the Royal Rumble’ Regal and Tony ‘My Turn with William’ Luftman.
Match Number One: Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (with Bray Wyatt) versus Yoshi Tatsu and Percy Watson in an NXT Tag Team Tournament Match
Percy and Rowan start things off and they lock up but Rowan with forearms to the back. Rowan with a shoulder tackle. Watson with a leg lariat and forearms followed by an arm bar. Yoshi tags in and he goes up top and hits a chop to the arm. Yoshi works on the wrist but Rowan with a forearm. Yoshi with kicks to Rowan followed by chops.
Rowan with a chop but Yoshi with kicks from the corner. He leaps over Rowan but Rowan catches Yoshi on a cross body and then Rowan with a back breaker and then he puts Yoshi on the turnbuckles and Harper is tagged in.
Harper with a chop and then he puts Yoshi in the corner and connects with a forearm. Rowan tags in and he kicks Yoshi and connects with a forearm. Harper tags back in and Harper with a shoulder to the midsection. Harper with a reverse chin lock on Yoshi.
Yoshi with a jaw breaker but Harper sends Yoshi into his corner and he tags in Rowan. Rowan with a slam and he gets a near fall. Rowan works on the neck as he continues to keep Yoshi from making the tag. Rowan with a head butt and Harper tags back in. Harper punches Yoshi and he sends Yoshi to the apron.
Harper tries to suplex Yoshi back into the ring but Yoshi lands on his feet and he is able to tag in Watson. Percy with a drop kick or two. Watson knocks Rowan off the apron and then he hits a clothesline on Harper. Watson with a spinebuster but Rowan breaks up the cover. Yoshi clotheslines Rowan over the top rope and both men go to the floor. Harper with a lariat for the three count.
Winners: Erick Rowan and Luke Harper
Dusty Rhodes is in the back and he is with Alex Riley and Derrick Bateman. Dusty talks about the tag tournament and next week they will be facing Leo Kruger and Kassius Ohno. Derrick and Dusty like the idea.
Corey Graves talks about how he never got a rematch after the Shield got involved and now he isn’t in the tag team tournament. Corey claims that he is being screwed by NXT officials.
Alex tells Corey if he is feeling froggy, then jump. Alex calls Corey ‘Circus Boy’ and Derrick starts with the circus music.
Dusty asks Corey if he liked the circus music. Dusty says that if Corey wants an opportunity to prove himself. Seth Rollins and Big E Langston asked for their chances. Dusty says that nobody wanted to be Corey’s tag team partner in the tournament, not even Jake Carter. Dusty suggests that Corey face Jake Carter tonight.
Corey tells Dusty to find Jake and tell him that his path to the NXT Title goes through Jake.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Alicia Fox versus Sasha Banks
They lock up and Alicia with a knee to the midsection and she sends Sasha into the turnbuckles. Sasha with a kick to Alicia followed by a head scissors take down and drop kick for a near fall. Alicia rolls to the apron and Alicia with a kick to Sasha followed by a drop kick.
Alicia gets a near fall. Alicia with an Irish whip and she hits a Northern Lights suplex for a near fall. Alicia with a reverse chin lock and then when they get to their feet, Alicia with a leg sweep for a near fall. Alicia with a rear chin lock into a reverse chin lock. Sasha with a monkey flip to get out of the hold.
Sasha with clotheslines and a chop. Sasha uses the ropes for momentum on an arm drag. Fox counters a wheelbarrow move into a face plant. Alicia tries for a slam but Sasha counters with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Sasha Banks
After the match, Alicia cannot believe that she lost the match.
We go to a video package for Paige. She says that she has been trained to be a champion since she was thirteen years old. She is not here to be a Diva, she is here to be a fighter. There are so many things that the NXT Universe wants to know about her but the less they know about her, the better.
Rene Young is in the interview area with Aksana. Rene asks Aksana about her match with Paige next week. Aksana says that Paige has tried to be like her by stealing her look, but making it more trashier. She is a little angry because she does not know why Paige was the rage in 2012. 2013 will be Aksana’s year. We will see that she is in and Paige is out.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Conor O’Brian video package. He says that he is the true ascension and he will rise.
Match Number Three: Jake Carter versus Corey Graves
They lock up and Corey with a side head lock but Jake with a reversal. Corey tries to escape but Jake holds on to the side head lock. Jake holds on to the side head lock when Corey tries for an Irish whip. Corey backs Jake into the corner and Corey punches Jake in the corner. Jake with punches and shoulder tackle.
Corey with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of a side head lock. Corey with a kick to the shoulder followed by forearms to the upper chest. Corey gets a near fall. Corey with a quarter nelson and chin lock and he takes Jake to the mat after punching Jake in the face.
Jake with a punch but Corey with a forearm. Jake with a reverse atomic drop and clothesline for a near fall. Jake with an Irish whip but Corey sends Jake into the corner. Corey dives at the previously injured knee and Corey applies the 13th Step and Carter taps out despite Jake’s attempts to get to the ropes.
Winner: Corey Graves
After the match, Corey gets on the mic and he says that he got screwed out of a rematch for the NXT Title. Then he is not allowed in the Tag Title Tournament. Maybe it is because he is an outcast. He is used to it. He says that he hopes that management is watching and listening right now. As the savior of misbehavior, if he cannot be in the tournament, he is declaring Anarchy on NXT.
The next time he sees Alex Riley, Alex will do the same thing that everyone else does . . . stay down.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Oliver Grey and Adrian Neville versus Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre in an NXT Tag Title Tournament Match
Neville and McIntyre start things off and they lock up and Drew takes Neville to the mat with a back drop and Drew plays some air guitar. They lock up again and Drew with a waist lock take down on Neville followed by a hammer lock. Neville with a flying mare and Drew talks to Slater.
Drew with a wrist lock out of a Greco Roman knuckle lock into a rear chin lock. Drew with a side head lock but Neville with a head scissors to Drew. Drew talks to heath and he kicks Neville and sends him to the mat. Drew with boots to Neville and Slater tags in and kicks Neville.
Slater with a punch to Neville in the head and then he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Neville lands on his feet and he tags in Grey. Grey with a wrist lock. Slater with a slam but Grey holds on to the wrist lock. Grey with a leg sweep and he continues to work on the wrist. Grey with a knee drop to the elbow. Slater with a forearm but Grey with a drop kick and Slater goes to the floor to talk to Drew.
Grey tries for a baseball slide but he goes between Slater and McIntyre. Drew tries to punch Grey but Oliver moves and Drew accidentally punches Slater. Neville with a flip dive onto Drew and everyone is down on the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Drew is in control now and he hits a suplex on Oliver and gets a near fall. Slater helps Drew double team Oliver while the referee is with Neville. Drew with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Slater tags in and he hits a jumping savate kick but can only get a near fall. Slater swings at Neville before returning to Oliver. Slater with a reverse chin lock. Oliver with an elbow and belly-to-back suplex and both men are down.
Drew tags in and Drew stops Neville from tagging in for a moment but Oliver eventually tags in Neville and Adrian with a shoulder and he flips over Drew before hitting a series of clotheslines. Neville floats over and then he flips around but Drew sends Neville to the apron. Neville with a round kick to the head and then he goes up top. Slater tries to interfere but it fails. Neville with a corkscrew shooting star press fro the three count.
Winners: Oliver Grey and Adrian Neville
We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Axl Keegan versus Big E Langston in a Non Title Match
Langston starts yelling ‘five’ and Keegan with a kick and punch but Langston does not budge. Keegan with another punch but Langston with a punch to the midsection and a running body block to take Keegan down. The straps are down and he gets Keegan up for the Big Ending and he gets the tree count.
Winner: Big E Langston
After the match, Langston decides that he needs a five count so he gets Keegan up for another Big Ending but the lights go down and Conor O’Brian appears on the DustyTron. He says that it only takes a three count to take the most prized possession of Big E Langston. In two weeks, he hopes that Langston will be present for the awakening. Then he will show Langston what he thinks of the five count.
Langston gives Keegan the Big Ending and he gets a five count from Langston. Langston is not done and he decides to send a message to Conor O’Brian and he gives Keegan a third Big Ending and a second five count.
2013 - Ohio Valley Wrestling taped TV in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian Cannon filed the following live report:
Pre-Show Dark Matches:
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
