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January 26th
On this day in history in ....
1979 - Seiji Sakaguchi defeats Johnny Powers in Okayama, Japan to win the NWF North American Heavyweight Title, ending Powers sixth, and final, reign with the belt.
1980 - Mr. Fuji defeated Invader I in Bayamon, Puerto Rico to win the WWC North American Heavyweight Title, ending Invader's second reign.
1985 - WWF ran three separate house shows in one night, which wasn't unusual for this period in the business. What was unusual was that WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan didn't headline, or even appear, on any of the show. One event in Vancouver, British Columbia was headlined by Andre The Giant & Blackjack Mulligan vs. Big John Studd & Ken Patera, a second event in Cincinnati, Ohio was headlined by Junkyard Dog & Ivan Putski defeating Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff, and a third event in Canton, Ohio was headlined by Tito Santana defeating Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine by countout.
1987 - At a WWF television taping in Tampa, Florida at the Sundome, The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) defeat The British Bulldogs (Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith) to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Manager Jimmy Hart knocked out Dynamite (who was injured and couldn't wrestle) with his megaphone before the match, and heel referee Danny Davis paid no attention to the Hart Foundation illegally double teaming Smith before counting the pin following a Hart Attack. This ended the Bulldogs' only WWF World Tag Team Title run, and was Bret Hart's first WWF championship of any kind.
During the same taping, three editions of Piper's Pit were taped. In the first, Andre The Giant turned heel, revealing Bobby Heenan to be his new manager, and challenged Hulk Hogan to a title match, tearing off Hogan's shirt and crucifix. In the second edition, Hogan accepted Andre's challenge, setting up the main event to Wrestlemania III. In the third edition, Roddy Piper revealed that he would retire following his match with Adrian Adonis at Wrestlemania III.
Also, in a lesser remembered moment, Outback Jack, WWF's "Crocodile Dundee"-like character made his WWF television debut, defeating Steve Lombardi with the Boomerang clothesline.
1996 - Konnan defeated Pierroth Jr. in Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico to become the first International Wrestling All Stars World Heavyweight Champion. He would also be the last champion, as the title was later abandoned.
1996 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden with the following results:
- Tatanka & Isaac Yankem defeated Bob Holly & Fatu.
- Duke Drose defeated 1-2-3 Kid.
- Owen Hart defeated Hakushi.
- Ahmed Johnson defeated Jeff Jarrett.
- Steve Austin, in his Madison Square Garden debut, defeated Henry Godwinn.
- The Undertaker defeated Yokozuna.
- WWF World Tag Team Champions The Smoking Gunns defeated The Bodydonnas.
- Savio Vega defeated Intercontinental Champion Goldust via countout when Goldust walked out after Savio scored a near fall with a spin kick. Savio had dominated the match to that point.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
- WWF World Champion Bret Hart defeated Diesel in a steel cage match after the Undertaker interfered, costing Diesel the match as revenge on Diesel costing Undertaker his Royal Rumble match with Hart.
1999 - Prior to an edition of Raw in Tucson, Arizona, WWF filmed an Empty Arena match in which Mankind pinned The Rock with a wooden palette on a forklift to win the WWF World Heavyweight Title. The match was aired on January 31st as a "Halftime Heat" special, set up to air during halftime of the Superbowl.
2001 - Chad Collyer defeats Race Steele for the Heartland Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title in Rising Sun, Indiana.
2003 - Jushin Liger & Koji Kanemoto defeat Pro Wrestling Noah's Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru to win back New Japan's IWGP World Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title in Kobe, Japan.
2004 - During an edition of Raw from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chris Benoit switched brands from Smackdown, using the fact that he won the Royal Rumble and had earned a Wrestlemania main event title bout to challenge for the World Title on the Raw brand.
2008 - Ring of Honor ran Chicago Ridge, IL. Michael Lee-Thompson filed the following live report:
1. Bryan Danielson and Austin Aries defeated Jay Briscoe and Erick Stevens
to advance to Ultimate Endurance.
This was a fun match. At one point, Danielson and Aries weren't doing too well:
Danielson: Can we work as a team here?
Aries: Well, what do you want to do?
Danielson: Double hiptoss!
The crowd ate this up and started chanting "teamwork, teamwork" and then did so every subsequent time Danielson and Aries worked together. The finish came when Danielson did his MMA elbows and Aries did his repeated knees to the head on Jay Briscoe simultaneously and then Danielson rolled him up in a small package for the win. Good tag action here. Aries refuses to shake hands after, going with his current persona.
2. Shane Hagadorn defeated Pelle Primeau.
This was pretty short. Hagadorn knocked Pelle in the face with some brass knucks behind the referee's back for the pin. He then cut a promo about how the Hangmen Three were going to win their other matches tonight. The crowd chanted "What" and "Boring" during it.
Sweet N' Sour Inc. came out and Larry Sweeney talked about his outrage at the fact that ROH officials weren't recognizing the Intergender World Tag Team Titles. He said that he arranged to bring in the top intergender tag team in the world, from Thailand, but they didn't make the flight, so he found the next best thing, which was "Sugartits" (as he put it) Alex Payne and Tyler Durden.
3. Chris Hero and Sara Del Rey defeated Alex Payne and Tyler Durden to
retain the Intergender World Tag Team Titles.
The students got in a bit of offense, but the finish came when Sara Del Rey hit an axe kick-like maneuver on Payne for the 3 count.
Afterwards, Sweeney raved about how the Intergender World Tag Team Titles were more prestigious than the ROH World Tag Team Titles and the ROH World Title. Daizee Haze came out and said the only champion worth anything in the ring was Sara Del Rey, the SHIMMER Champion. She called Sweeney a joke, which led to Hero clocking her. Jigsaw came out for the save, leading to an intergender tag match. Sweeney said that Jigsaw and Haze weren't ranked in the World Intergender Tag Team rankings, so this wouldn't be for the titles.
4. Chris Hero and Sara Del Rey defeated Jigsaw and Daizee Haze.
There were some interesting spots in this one, and more male vs. female fighting than I expected. Hero got the pin on Jigsaw after a sitout cravate driver.
5. Claudio Castagnoli and El Generico wrestled to a 20 minute time-limit
draw in a rematch from the Race To The Top Tournament finals.
If you've seen the RTTT finals, you know that there's no way they could possibly top that match. This match was much slower and more scientific, which to some people in my section meant "boring". Claudio worked the leg for most of the match. There were some cool spots at the end, such as Generico flipping over a Ricola Bomb attempt into a powerbomb of his own and reversing a top rope Ricola Bomb attempt into a huracanrana. After the time limit expired, the fans and Claudio and Generico wanted 5 more minutes, but
Todd Sinclair said they couldn't due to time constraints. The crowd was not happy.
6. Mark Briscoe defeated Joey Matthews.
Jimmy Jacobs cut a promo inviting Austin Aries to join the Age of the Fall. The beginning of this match was very slow, as Joey went to the outside several times and just stood there. This one was ok. Matthews didn't do a whole lot of wrestling, but rather did clotheslines and punches and things of that nature. Mark got the pin after the Shooting Star Press.
- Intermission: Bobby Cruise announced the return as being April 19th, and DDT's Kota Ibushi would be at the show. Not many people seemed to know who he was, as I was one of the only in my section who applauded this news.
7. Delirious defeated Adam Pearce in a dog collar match.
This was OK. Not a whole lot of heat for it. Despite the red, Delirious didn't seem much different. There was some brawling in the crowd. Hagadorn brought a table in the ring but Delirious spit green mist in his face then splashed Pearce through the table for the three. Pearce teased hitting Hagadorn after the match, but hugged him instead.
8. Ultimate Endurance: Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black vs. Brent Albright and
BJ Whitmer vs. Davey Richards and Rocky Romero vs. Austin Aries and Bryan
Danielson.
During the Hangmen 3 entrance, someone threw Cheetos in the ring (not sure why). The crowd thought it was hilarious. BJ ate a couple and threw them back into the crowd.
Fall 1: Scramble
As you might expect, this was all over the place. Aries didn't seem too keen on helping Danielson when he was in trouble. The end of the fall came when Davey Richards rolled Tyler Black up off the ropes for the pin, and the tag champs were eliminated first. This quite surprised the crowd.
Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black are eliminated.
Fall 2: I Quit
Some good wrestling in this fall, which was mostly Whitmer and Albright working over Danielson's leg and Aries not really trying to help. Danielson eventually got Whitmer in a triangle choke for the win.
Brent Albright and BJ Whitmer are eliminated.
Fall 3: For the Tag Titles
There was a lot of really good action here. Everyone got in their signature submission at some point. The finish came when Davey reversed a brainbuster attempt and rolled up Aries for the win and the tag titles. Davey shook Danielson's hand then kicked him in the leg. Aries left without shaking Danielson's hand.
9. Nigel McGuinness defeated Roderick Strong to retain the ROH World Title.
A good match. The crowd was about 50/50 in this one. This was a hard-hitting match that saw Strong get many chops in. It wasn't as heat-filled as it could have been, and some people around me wondered why Strong was even getting a shot. Nigel ended up getting the pin after a jawbreaker lariat.
All in all, an average show. There was nothing outstanding, but most of the matches were solid. I was really surprised AotF lost the tag titles at all, and especially in the first fall of Ultimate Endurance. I was assuming that the final two would be AotF and Aries/Danielson and something would happen angle-wise there. Davey and Rocky deserve it, though. I'm excited to see Ibushi next time, and I hope Go Shiozaki is there as well.
2009 - ROH and HDNet announced the following:
Ring of Honor and HDNet announced the following today:
HDNET FIGHTS ANNOUNCES LONG TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH “RING OF HONOR” WRESTLING
New partnership brings unique brand of professional wrestling to HDNet.
DALLAS (January 26, 2009) HDNet Fights today announced a long term partnership with “Ring of Honor Wrestling.”
Coming soon, HDNet will debut a new weekly television series, which will bring “Ring of Honor Wrestling” to a national television audience for the very first time. “Ring of Honor Wrestling” and its stars are prominently featured in the recent, critically acclaimed movie “The Wrestler” starring Mickey Rourke.
“’Ring of Honor’ is an exciting addition to our programming lineup at HDNet,” said Mark Cuban, chairman and co-founder of HDNet. “ROH has developed a cult following thanks to its special brand of professional wrestling and we are pleased to present it for the first time to a mass television audience.”
“’Ring of Honor’ is proud and excited to enter a partnership with HDNet,” said Cary Silkin, president of Ring of Honor. “Our in-ring action is the perfect compliment to HDNet's respected programming and growing statur e in the broadcast industry. It's a match most definitely made for a Main Event."
Founded in 2002, “Ring of Honor” has become one of the most successful and recognized promotions in the world thanks to its focus on authentic professional wrestling. Over the last seven years it has produced some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Samoa Joe and CM Punk, while featuring the best in-ring competition in the world.
The stars of “Ring of Honor” include ROH World Champion Nigel McGuiness, the 3-time reigning Wrestling Observer Newsletter Most Outstanding Wrestler Bryan Danielson, Necro Butcher, Austin Aries, Tyler Black, Jerry Lynn, and Mark and Jay Briscoe.
Air dates and times will be announced at a later date.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers with the best in original comedy, drama, news, sports and music programming.
HDNet is your exclusive, high definition home for popular, critically acclaimed original programming, including television’s only HD news feature programs “HDNet World Report,” the Emmy Award winning “Dan Rather Reports,” featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather and “ NASA on HDNet” (presenting live shuttle launches through 2010). HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring Major League Soccer, the NASCAR Camping World Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup re-broadcasts, and premiere Mixed Martial Arts from “HDNet Fights;” behind-the-scenes sports news with “Inside MMA;” groundbreaking music programming with the HDNet Concert Series featuring leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more; and entertaining and irreverent lifestyle programming including “Deadline!,” “Art Mann Presents,” and “Get Out!” HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning programs such as the Emmy Award winning “Arrested Development,” “The Black Donnellys,” “Dead Like Me,” “Smallville” and the hit series “Torchwood.”
HDNet Movies features a wide selection of major studio theatrical releases – all uncut, unedited, and appearing in their original aspect ratio so that HDNet Movies viewers get the best possible home theater experience.
Only HDNet Movies’ exclusive Sneak Previews bring feature films to viewers before they premiere in theaters! Some of the HDNet Movies Sneak Previews have included the Academy Award nominated “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” Toronto Film Festival nominee “Th e War Within,” and “Bubble,” the first of six movies by acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and produced exclusively for HDNet Films. Other featured films include “Cashback,” written and produced by Sean Ellis, “Broken English,” from Zoe Cassavetes, starring Gena Rowlands, Parker Posey, Drea de Matteo and Griffin Dunne, the critically acclaimed “Redacted” directed by Brian De Palma, “Flawless,” starring Michael Caine and Demi Moore, “Quid Pro Quo,” starring Nick Stahl and Vera Farmiga, “Finding Amanda,” starring Matthew Broderick and Brittany Snow, “Red,” starring Brian Cox and most recently “Humboldt County,” starring Fairuza Balk, Peter Bogdanovich and Frances Conroy and “Special,” starring Michael Rapaport. Upcoming Sneak Previews include “Great Buck Howard,” starring Colin Hanks, John Malkovich and Tom Hanks, and “Harlem Aria,” starring Damon Wayans.
Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Bright House Networks, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliate companies. For more information visit www.hd.net.
About Ring of Honor
Ring of Honor Wrestling (www.rohwrestling.com) was created as a response to wrestling fans that appreciated the athleticism and entertainment that the sport can bring. Founded in 2002, Ring of Honor's hard hitting, action packed style has been its hallmark with wrestling fans throughout the world. In its 7 year history, ROH has promoted over 200 live events between 15 states in addition to international events held in Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom. Since 2007, Ring of Honor Wrestling has been available on PPV though Direct TV, iN DEMAND, DISH Network and TVN cable systems in the U.S. as well as Viewer’s Choice and Bell ExpressVu in Canada.
The series would run for two years, ending in 2011.
2009 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night was the Royal Rumble and we saw a man conflicted get involved with the brand’s title match. What will Matt Hardy. . . whoops, wrong show with catatonic person who interfered in a title match. What will Shawn Michaels do now that he has cost his boss the World Title and his chance to headline Wrestlemania in his home state? What is next for the man who kicked Vince McMahon in the head last week? Will he still have a job after his heinous attack on the man in charge of the company? Who won the Royal Rumble match and the right to exclusively point to the Wrestlemania 25 sign until another match is announced for the pay per view? Who will participate in the Elimination Chamber Match? How will the McMahon family punish Randy Orton since he has the title match at Wrestlemania? Will the spot be on the line at No Way Out? After seeing Mike Knox and Rey Mysterio battle for much of the Rumble match, what is the next step in their feud? Will William Regal get another shot at the Intercontinental Title that he lost to CM Punk after battering Punk during the Rumble match? Will Beth Phoenix get revenge on Melina for losing the Women’s Title? Will Beth use Melina’s foot to attack Melina again? Will Rosa Mendez get involved this time? Who is next for John Cena? Will those who have been shunned from The Legacy try to get back at three of the final four men from the Royal Rumble match? Will anyone else be announced for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame this week?
Make sure to check out the other coverage of Raw on the site. This week’s Mike and Mike Post Raw Audio is sponsored by Jimmy James Industries who make ShamMeow (for spills caused by your cats [credit for this goes to Greg Gutfeld on Friday’s Red Eye]). Check out Buck’s written thoughts about Raw and Dave’s audio on Tuesday.
Tonight’s show starts off with a look back at last night’s Royal Rumble video package that featured the incident between Randy Orton and the McMahon family. In case you missed it on Monday when it happened live, on Tuesday when it was shown again, on Friday when shown even more, and on Sunday when it got more screen time than The Brian Kendrick.
We are live from Cleveland, Ohio and your announcers are Michael ‘Mistake by the Mic’ Cole and Jerry ‘How far are we from Cheeques’ Lawler.
Randy Orton comes to the ring with the right to point at the Wrestlemania 25 sign. He is joined by the rest of the Legacy, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. Randy has his phalanx of attorneys. Randy has the mic and he pulls a Dolph Ziggler and introduces himself to the crowd. He introduces his lawyers and therapist. Randy also introduces the other two members of Legacy. Randy says that he is out here is to discuss what happened last week on Raw. Randy says that he is a third generation superstar and the WWE is in his blood. It is a part of him. Unfortunately, something else is a part of him. That thing is something that he has been living with for a long time. Randy says that it is ‘I.E.D’ Intermittent Explosive Disorder. It affects sixteen million people and is a mental condition and when provoked, it leads to outbursts of physical violence. When he was slapped by Stephanie and had his job threatened by Vince McMahon, he was sufficiently provoked. Randy mentions his face on Monday night and he says that he is not responsible for his actions. His therapist can confirm that the WWE was aware of the condition and did nothing about it. If Stephanie chooses to fire him, he will sue Stephanie and World Wrestling Entertainment.
That is the first lawsuit. Randy says that there is a second one. Last night he won the 2009 Royal Rumble. He proved that he is more superior than everyone in this company. That is why he will sue for breach of contract if he does not get what he is legally entitled to and that is to be in the main event at Wrestlemania. He tells Stephanie if she fires him, she will face two separate lawsuits and they will lose Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes because they will walk when he is fired. With the three of them gone, when it comes to superstars on Raw, there will virtually be none left.
Randy says that he has one more piece of business to attend to. Randy has a written statement handed to him. He apologizes for the trauma that befell Mr. McMahon last week. He apologizes for the trauma that his family is suffering. Randy says that as the father of a newborn, he can feel the same things that the McMahons are feeling. He hopes that they can put things behind them. Randy says that he is a man of honor and he offers his sincerest apologies to Mr. McMahon, his family, and to everyone else.
We see Stephanie in the office and she does not look happy. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage from last week when Cryme Tyme earned their shot at Miz and Morrison for the tag titles.
Match Number One: John Morrison and The Miz versus Cryme Tyme for the World Tag Titles
Miz and JTG start things off and Miz with a knee to the head and punches in the corner. JTG with an Irish whip and a modified X Factor for a near fall. JTG with an Irish whip and he is sent to the apron. Morrison tries to interfere but JTG stops Morrison. Miz takes care of JTG and gets a near fall. Morrison tags in and he kicks JTG. Morrison with a boot to the midsection and then he punches Morrison for a near fall. Morrison with a cravate but JTG with punches. Morrison tries for a suplex, but JTG escapes the hold and Shad is tagged in and he clotheslines Morrison and knocks Miz off the apron. Shad with a biel to Morrison and then he charges into a boot. Shad with a power slam for a near fall.
Morrison with a punch to the ribs and then he tries for Moonlight Drive but Shad with an STO for a near fall. JTG tries to get rid of Miz and then Shad with a kick to Miz. Morrison with a kick to the back of the leg and then Morrison with Moonlight Drive for the three count.
Winners: John Morrison and The Miz
Jerry Lawler says that Vince McMahon lives by the idea of the show must go on. At No Way Out, the Elimination Chamber returns. Time for a video package.
Jerry Lawler says that the World Title and WWE Title will be defended in the Elimination Chamber.
John Bradshaw Layfield comes out and he has a mic. He apologizes for interrupting Jerry Lawler, but he wanted to announce a qualifying match. On his behalf, his employee will wrestle. Bradshaw wants to be entered into the Elimination Chamber Match. Shawn Michaels will face the man he beat two weeks ago, Shawn Michaels.
We go to commercial.
We are back and tonight is the World Premiere of the 12 Rounds Trailer starring John Cena.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Kane in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Kofi with kicks to Kane and then he tries for a cross body but Kane catches him and slams Kofi. Kane with a drop kick to Kofi and then he punches Kofi in the corner. Kane with an Irish whip and running clothesline. Kane gets a near fall. Kane with a forearm to Kofi followed by another Irish whip but Kofi moves out of the way. Kofi cannot avoid a boot from Kane. Kane goes up top and it is time for the clothesline and he hits it. Kane sets for the choke slam as Kofi gets up and Kofi hits a spinning heel kick that staggers Kane. Kofi with another spinning heel kick but Kane grabs Kofi by the throat. Kofi with a sunset flip for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
We see Randy Orton go IED on Vince McMahon. We go to commercial.
We are back and Chris Jericho comes to the ring and he is dressed like Randy Orton’s therapist. Chris has something to say and he mentions that it seems like the entire WWE roster has been raving about The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. Time for a clip from the movie.
Chris Jericho says that one of the people who gave it a glowing review was WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair. Even though Flair is retired, he has to stay in the spotlight that he craves. Now Mickey Rourke and Flair became friends. Jericho thinks that Flair gave Rourke some bad advice. We go to comments from Mickey at the SAG Awards when Mickey challenged Chris Jericho.
Chris says that he is going to say it very slowly. He says that Mickey Rourke is out of line. It is one thing to play a wrestler, it is another thing to be one. Jericho says that he has been offended. Jericho says that it is the last thing that Rourke or Flair would want to do and that is offend Chris Jericho.
We see Bradshaw in the locker room and he wants to talk to Shawn. Shawn says that he tried everything. Shawn says that he superkicked Bradshaw to lower Cena’s guard. Shawn says that he did everything humanly possible to help Bradshaw win. Bradshaw says that Shawn also assumed that someone was watching his money. Bradshaw tells Shawn that he has to be the Showstopper again against John Cena. Bradshaw tells Shawn that he has one more last chance and he needs to beat Cena.
We go to commercial.
It is time for a Wrestlemania video package and the mainstream impact of the likes of Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan.
Match Number Three: Shawn Michaels playing the part of John Bradshaw Layfield with John Bradshaw Layfield versus John Cena in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match for John Bradshaw Layfield
Shawn and John meet in the center of the ring and Cena with a punch and Michaels responds. They exchange punches until Michaels starts to chop Cena. Cena with an Irihs whip but Michaels blocks the bulldog attempt. Michaels with a slap but Cena responds with a punch. Cena gets Michaels up for ‘That patented move’ but Michaels goes to the floor. We go to commercial while Shawn waits on the apron.
We are back and Cena gets a near fall. Michaels with a figure four leg lock but Cena reverses it immediately. Cena with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Cena with a reverse chin lock on Michaels while Bradshaw watches. Michaels with punches to Cena but Cena with a back body drop and Michaels is down. Cena with a hard Irish whip as he tries to work on Michaels’s back. Cena with a punch to Michaels but Michaels with a kick and chop followed by a punch. Michaels with a flying forearm and it is kip up time followed by a reverse atomic drop and punch. Michaels with a slam and then he makes his way to the apron. Cena gets up and Michaels with a shoulder and forearm. Cena with a drop toe hold but Michaels pushes him off. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles and it is time for the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena gets ready to finish off the moves of doom with the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Michaels is playing possum and he puts Cena in the Crippler Crossface. Cena is able to fight off Michaels and he gets Michaels on his back for the ‘That Patented Move’ but Michaels with elbows to Cena. Cena with a drop toe hold and then it is time for the STF. Shawn tries to reach for the ropes and the referee tells Bradshaw not to touch the ropes to help Shawn. Michaels makes his way to the ropes and the referee tells Cena to release the hold. Cena waits for Shawn to get up and it is time for the FU but Michaels counters with a sunset flip for a near fall. Michaels with a chop and then he sends Cena into the turnbuckles and follows it with a chop. Michaels with the Michaels flip into the corner but he comes out of the corner with a clothesline and both men are down.
Bradshaw tells Shawn something and Shawn gets up to his feet. Shawn with a slam but Michaels is still clutching his back. Michaels goes to the apron but Bradshaw tells him to super kick him. Shawn says that he is going to do it his way. Shawn goes up top and Bradshaw gets on the apron and Cena pushes Bradshaw into Michaels. Cena hits the FU for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Bradshaw enters the ring and he stands over a defeated Shawn Michaels.
Did you know that Randy Orton kicked Vince McMahon last week? We have the footage to prove it. Jerry and Michael talk about Randy Orton’s actions from earlier tonight when he read an apology.
Todd Grisham is with Stephanie McMahon and he asks what action will she take. Stephanie says that there will be action tonight and it will be public and to Randy Orton’s face. We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Photos of Melina defeating photos of Beth Phoenix to win the Women’s Title at the Royal Rumble.
Match Number Four: Melina and Kelly Kelly versus Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall with Santino Marella
Santino joins Jerry and Michael at the announce table.
Beth and Melina start things off and Beth sends Melina into the turnbuckles and punches her. Melina with a Thesz Press and punches. Beth with an Irish whip but she misses a charge into the corner. Melina with an arm bar to Jillian and then Kelly tags in with a sunset flip. Jillian works on the arm but Kelly with a springboard arm drag. Jillian sends Kelly to the apron and then Beth distracts Kelly long enough to allow Jillian to knock her off the apron. Jillian returns Kelly to the ring and then Beth tags in. Beth slams Kelly’s face into the mat but she misses an elbow drop. Kelly tries to make the tag but Jillian distracts the referee. From out of nowhere, Rosa Mendez pulls Melina off the apron. Beth with the Implant Driver for the three count.
Winners: Beth Phoenix and Jillian Hall
We see footage from Wrestlemania 21 with the movie parody commercials. It was also the debut of the Money in the Bank Match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Mike Knox destroying Rey Mysterio last week.
Match Number Five: Rey Mysterio versus William Regal with Layla in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
Regal goes for the arm but Rey with kicks and a side head lock. Rey with a knee to Regal and then Rey hits the springboard seated senton. Rey tries for a tilt-a-whirl head scissors but Regal slams Rey to the mat. Regal with knees to Rey’s head followed by a forearm for a near fall. Real with an arm bar and chin lock combination. Rey with punches to Regal followed by back kick. Rey tries for a wheelbarrow move but Regal counters with a wheelbarrow suplex of his own. Regal with a series of near falls followed by a knee drop for a near fall. Regal with a forearm and knees to Rey. Regal with an Irish whip and forearm to Rey for a near fall.
Regal with punches to the head and he gets another near fall. Rey with a kick to the leg and Regal with forearms. Regal with a knee and then he tries for a butterfly suplex, but Rey counters with an arm drag and kick to the head. Regal with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Rey with a monkey flip that sends Regal into the ropes. Rey with a forearm to the back that sends Regal into that Patented Position in the ropes and Rey hits the 619 followed by the springboard splash for the three count.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
After the match, Rey celebrates in the ring and we go to commercial.
Santino is in the back with Rosa and Rosa asks if she did okay. Rosa says that what happened last night was a disgrace. She says that she had to take a stand for women everywhere. Beth shows up and Santino tries to make things right with his girl. Beth says that they can keep her.
It is time for the World Television Premiere of that Patented Preview Clip for John Cena’s new movie 12 Rounds.
We go to commercial.
We see footage from last week when Punk won the Intercontinental Title from William Regal.
Match Number Six: CM Punk versus Chris Jericho in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match
They lock up and Punk with a side head lock into gutwrench for a near fall. Punk with knees and then he sends Jericho into the turnbuckles. Punk with a knee but Jericho pulls Punk off the turnbuckles and Punk holds his back. Jericho with boots to the back and a kick to the ribs. Jericho with a snap mare into a reverse chin lock with the arm isolated. Punk gets back to his feet and he hits a leg lariat and clothesline followed by a back elbow and knee in the corner. Punk hits the bulldog and then Punk goes to the apron and hits the springboard clothesline for a near fall. Punk puts Jericho on the top turnbuckle and Punk with a forearm and kick. Punk with a superrana for a near fall. Punk waits for Jericho to get up and he puts Jericho on his shoulders for the Go To Sleep but Jericho with a sunset flip. Punk and Jericho exchange near falls. Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but Punk powers out of the hold. Punk with a cover but Jericho bridges out of it and he tries for backslide but Punk blocks it. Jericho with a Codebreaker for the three count.
Winner: Chris Jericho
For those of you with short term memory loss, it is time to see the incident between Randy Orton and Vince McMahon for the first time. For the rest of us, it has aired as many times as one of the Bravo Reality shows.
Stephanie is walking in the back while Orton stands around waiting for his chance to walk. We go to commercial.
We are back and Stephanie McMahon is introduced by Lillian Garcia. She comes to the ring. She says that she is out here to address the actions of Randy Orton from last week. Stephanie says that Orton is not off the hook because he won last night. He is not off the hook because of his alleged lawsuits or some half hearted apology. Stephanie wants Randy to come to the ring.
Randy comes to the ring with his entire Entourage. Orton has a mic and he asks Stephanie to ask herself if she wants to go through with this. Orton says that if he is fired, Stephanie will open herself to a firestorm because he will be gone along with Cody and Ted. Randy’s attorney takes the mic and he says that IED is very real and the fact that the company has ignored this problem, that is an example of negligence. He says that Randy will not get down on his knees and apologize. He says that if they fire him, there will be consequences.
Stephanie wants to know if this is a threat and Randy says that it is a threat. Randy says that he will sue the WWE and he will file and injunction to stop Wrestlemania. He says that is not a threat, it is a promise.
The rest of the locker room comes out and they are on the ramp and Orton wants to know what they are looking at. Orton says that he does not care if they have a Wrestlemania. Orton says that if he is fired, he will take each and every one of them down with him. Orton says that may be what they need to do. Orton demands to be fired so he can sue the company and cancel Wrestlemania. Orton wants to hear the words that Stephanie’s father was going to say before he kicked him in the skull.
Stephanie says that firing Orton would be too easy. Stephanie says that she has bigger plans.
Shane McMahon comes out as the WWE wrestlers play the Red Sea and they part for him. Shane takes off his jacket and he comes to the ring. Shane stands in the ring with Orton, DiBiase, and Rhodes. Orton backs off and then Shane spears Orton while DiBiase and Rhodes hold Shane. Shane fights off and he goes after Orton again. Shane starts to fight Rhodes and DiBiase and Ted goes to the floor. Shane takes Orton down one more time and Cody pulls Shane off Orton. Orton is staggered and then he gets back to his feet. Shane with more punches to Orton and Orton goes down again. Shane punches and kicks Rhodes. Ted helps Orton to the back while Rhodes gets out of the ring as well. Shane follows Legacy up the ramp and he attacks Orton again. Shane wants to know where Orton went as we go to credits.
2010 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Cincinnati, Ohio and your announcers are Byron ‘Venus Fly Trap’ Saxton and Josh ‘Andy Travis’ Mathews.
William Regal is in the ring and he says that it is his honor and the fan’s privilege to introduce the next ECW Champion, Ezekiel Jackson.
We see footage from last week when Jackson attacked Christian during Christian’s match against William Regal. We then see the post match attack by Regal and Jackson.
Jackson tells Christian that he only has five days left. They left last week with Christian laying sprawled at his feet. That image will repeat itself on Sunday. As Christian drifts in and out of consciousness, he will hear ‘Your winner and new ECW Champion . . . Ezekiel Jackson.’ He tells Christian that the end has come and it has awakened against him.
Christian’s music plays and he comes out and he is looking for something in the crowd. Christian tells Zeke that if he likes biblical quotes, so does he because his name is Christian. He says that Zeke quoted something from the Book of Ezekiel. Christian says ‘I will strike down on those with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is Captain Charisma. When I lay my vengeance upon thee.’
Zeke tells Christian that he hasn’t faced anyone like him. Christian says that he is a two time ECW champion and he has defended his title against All American Americans, ECW originals, and pale British guys. He knows that Zeke is one of the biggest freaks of nature but Christian says that he is going to look forward to facing him next week. Christian points out that Zeke failed to mention that it was a two-on-one beat down. Christian says that he has equaled the score and out comes Christian’s tag team opponent and it is Kane.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Christian and Kane versus Ezekiel Jackson and William Regal
Christian and Regal start things off and Regal works on the arm but Christian reverses. Regal with a hammer lock but Christian with an elbow and side head lock. Christian with a snap mare and monkey flip after a shoulder tackle results in a deadlock. Jackson tags in and Christian tags Kane into the match. They come off the ropes and try for shoulder tackles but neither man goes down. Kane with a side head lock and Kane with a shoulder tackle but Jackson stays on his feet and he taunts Kane for his inability to take him down. Kane with punches and an uppercut. Kane with a clothesline that takes Jackson to the mat and Kane gets a near fall. Christian tags in and he goes up top with a forearm and he works on the arm before punching Jackson. Christian with more punches as he avoids Jackson. Jackson with a slam but he misses an elbow drop. Kane tags back in and he punches Jackson and continues to work on the arm. Jackson backs Kane into the corner and he kicks Kane in the leg. Regal tags in and he works on Kane’s leg.
Regal tries to hyperextend the leg and drops an elbow on the knee as he continues to work on the leg. Kane kicks Regal away. Jackson tags in and he kicks Kane and connects with a forearm to the back. Jackson with a shoulder in the corner and then he Irish whips Kane and hits a splash into the corner for a near fall. Jackson with a front face lock. And Kane with forearms but Jackson holds on to the front face lock. Jackson with an Irish whip but Kane moves out of the way when Jackson charges. Christian tags in and he connects with forearms but Jackson stays up. Jackson charges into a boot from Christian and then Christian with a missile drop kick for a near fall. Christian sets for the Killswitch but Jackson with a knee. Christian with the inverted DDT and then he knocks Regal off the apron. Christian sends Jackson to the floor and then he hits the double jump cross body onto Regal and Jackson as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane with a short arm clothesline followed by a drop kick to Jackson for a near fall. Christian tags in and he hits a double sledge off the turnbuckles. Jackson sends Christian over the top rope and Regal gets close to Christian but the referee warns Regal and Christian attacks Regal. Christian turns around and he is knocked down by a Jackson body block. They return to the ring and Regal with a knee drop to Christian after he tags in. Regal gets a near fall and then he works on Christian’s arms and neck. Christian with punches to Regal and Christian with a rare move from the turnbuckles for a sunset flip. Regal with a forearm and he tags Jackson in and Zeke with a slam. Jackson with a back breaker to Christian and he gets a near fall. Jackson stands on Christian’s throat and then Christian returns to his feet and he punches Jackson but he doesn’t feel the punches and he sends Christian into the turnbuckles and he tags Regal back into the match. Jackson chokes Christian while Regal and Kane take the referee’s attention. Regal with a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Jackson tags in and he kicks Christian and chokes him. Jackson with a forearm across the chest and then he punches Christian. Jackson with a front face lock and modified choke. Kane tries to get involved but the referee stops him and that allows Regal and Jackson to double team Christian. Jackson gets another near fall.
Regal tags in and he connects with a forearm on Christian. Regal with European uppercuts. Regal with knees to the head and then he sends Christian onto the turnbuckles. Christian punches Regal off the turnbuckles and Christian with a vintage back elbow from the turnbuckles and both men are down. Kane tags in and he punches Regal and throws in an uppercut. Kane with an Irish whip and back body drop followed by a clothesline into the corner and then he hits a vintage side slam. Kane uses this opportunity to go up top and he hits the flying clothesline. Kane sets for the clothesline and Jackson attacks Kane from behind. Kane launches Christian onto Jackson. Kane and Jackson fight on the floor while Regal hits an Exploder suplex. Regal misses the running knee. Christian hits the Killswitch but Jackson makes a blind tag and Jackson hits the uranage for the three count.
Winners: William Regal and Ezekiel Jackson
After the match, Jackson poses over Christian and has his foot on Christian’s head.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to talk about the Royal Rumble and the ECW Title match. It is time to look at the rest of the card.
It is time for the Royal Rumble by the Numbers video package.
Shelton Benjamin is in the back and he has something to say about the Royal Rumble. He says that it doesn’t matter if you are the first one, the last one, in the longest, or eliminate the most because all that matters is winning the match to get into the main event at Wrestlemania. Vance Archer attacks Shelton while he discusses the Royal Rumble.
We see footage from last week when Zack Ryder unveiled his new nickname.
Match Number Two: Trent Barreta, Caylen Croft, and Zack Ryder with Rosa Mendes versus Goldust, Yoshi Tatsu, and The Hurricane
Croft and Goldust start things off and they lock up. Goldust with a clean break. Goldust with a side head lock. Goldust catapults Croft into the turnbuckles and then hits a flying clothesline. Goldust takes care of Barreta and Ryder on the apron and then he hits a reverse atomic drop on Croft followed by a knee to the head for a near fall. Goldust with a snap mare and leg drop before he applies an arm bar. Croft backs Goldust into the turnbuckles. Croft with an Irish whip but he misses the charge into the corner. Goldust with an arm drag into an arm bar. Hurricane tags in and he hits a drop kick and gets a near fall. Croft with a knee and he tags in Ryder but Hurricane with an arm drag. Ryder with a forearm to Hurricane. Hurricane with a pose and then Ryder charges at him and Ryder goes over the top rope to the floor. Croft and Barreta try to get involved but they go to the floor as well. We go to commercial.
We are back and Yoshi with an arm drag to Croft into an arm bar. Goldust tags back in and he punches Croft. Goldust with a leg drop to the arm and then he sends Croft into the turnbuckles after a hammer lock. Barreta tags in and Goldust with an arm drag. Hurricane tags in and he punches Barreta. Barreta with an Irish whip and then he hits a rana from the turnbuckles and he sets for the Shining Wizard but Barreta goes to the apron and Hurricane with a drop kick that sends Barreta to the floor and then hits a pescado. Ryder distracts Hurricane on the apron and that allows Barreta to clip Hurricane. Ryder tags in and he attacks Hurricane on the floor. Ryder with a leaping leg lariat and then he punches Hurricane. Croft tags in and he kicks Hurricane in the head and gets a near fall. Croft with an elbow to Hurricane and then he puts Hurricane in a full nelson. Hurricane with a rollup for a near fall but Croft responds with a clothesline for a near fall. Croft slams Hurricane and Barreta tags in and he slingshots in and then gives Hurricane a light tap with his boot. Hurricane with punches to Barreta but Barreta with a standing drop kick for a near fall. Barreta with a rear chin lock to Hurricane. Barreta takes Hurricane back to the mat and tags Ryder back in. Ryder chokes Hurricane in the ropes and then he puts Hurricane in a reverse chin lock. Ryder with a knee to Hurricane and Hurricane with a sunset flip for a near fall. Ryder tags Croft in and Caylen with a knee drop and a near fall. Croft punches Hurricane in the head. Barreta tags in and he kicks Hurricane. Croft tags back in and he kicks Hurricane and he gets a near fall. Croft knocks Goldust off the apron but Hurricane with a back body drop and a Shining Wizard and both men are down. Hurricane tags in Yoshi while Barreta tags in. Yoshi with a drop kick and a jumping spin kick and back body drop. Yoshi with a series of kicks to Barreta. Barreta sends Yoshi to the apron. Yoshi goes up top and hits a spin kick for a near fall. Goldust sends Ryder to the floor. Goldust with a drop down uppercut to Croft and then Yoshi with a round kick for the three count.
Winners: Goldust, Yoshi Tatsu, and Hurricane
2011 - Bruce Hart's autobiography "Straight from the Hart" is released.
2011 - Ring of Honor issued the following announcement that The Briscoes had signed new deals with the company:
Bristol, PA- January 25, 2010) ROH officials are happy to announce that the 6-time ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe have signed a new contract which is an extension to the contracts finalized in the fall of 2010 (http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/jay-mark-briscoe-re-sign-with-roh/)!
Heading into Los Angeles where Mark Briscoe will challenge for the ROH World TV Title against “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels and Jay Briscoe will take on Colt Cabana for the first time in singles competition, the two veterans look forward to cementing their legacies as ROH legends.
“This is our home.” stated Jay Briscoe, “Ring of Honor is the place that made me and Mark the men we are today. If it wasn’t for ROH, we wouldn’t be half the wrestlers we are and we wouldn’t be six time champions. All we can say is thank you to ROH, thank you to the fans, and maybe 2011 will bring these two Delaware boys title number seven!”
2011 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from the internet and your announcers are Josh ‘Can Les Thatcher be my pro’ Mathews and Todd ‘Can Jim Ross be my pro’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Can Wink Martindale be my pro’ Striker.
The rookies are in the ring with Matt Striker. Matt reminds everyone what the winner of this season of NXT means. There will be two challenges tonight for immunity points. The second challenge will be a Fatal Four Way Match where the rookie can change his pro if he wins.
Our first challenge will start in a moment after Derrick Bateman is dealt with because of a rules violation. We see footage of Ninja Bateman telling Daniel Bryan that he is going to pull off the biggest theft in NXT history. We see him give Daniel Bryan the answers for the challenge. Daniel wonders if this is cheating and Bateman says that it is NXT so are there really any rules. Bateman sneaks out ninja style.
Matt tells Derrick that he will be penalized. Daniel says that Bateman doesn’t wear face paint, it must have been the Ultimate Warrior.
It is time for ‘Out Think the Fink’ with ‘difficult’ trivia questions. Everyone except Derrick gets thirty seconds while Derrick only gets twenty seconds. The winner gets two points.
If it is Out Think the Fink, we need The Fink and he comes to the ring.
Striker talks about how much WWE stuff Fink knows. If you can outscore The Fink, you get two extra points.
The Fink goes first and he gives the cheap pop. Fink only gets two correct answers.
The first rookie to challenge the Fink is Johnny Curtis. Curtis only gets one question right.
Derrick Bateman is next and he only gets one question right.
Daniel Bryan tells Striker that he is too slow with the questions.
Byron Saxton goes next and he only gets one point as well.
Brodus Clay goes last and he gets one point as well.
Nobody gets any immunity points in this contest.
Todd and Josh talk about the Fatal Four Way with the rookies and their ability to change their pro. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see the fact that Daniel Bryan is now with Gail Kim instead of the Bellas.
Match Number One: Ted DiBiase with Brodus Clay and Maryse versus Daniel Bryan with Derrick Bateman
They lock up and Bryan with a waist lock but DiBiase with a reversal. Bryan with a hammer lock and then he gets a near fall before returning to the hammer lock. DiBiase with an elbow and arm drag into an arm bar. Bryan with a wrist lock. Ted with a punch to Bryan and a side head lock while Josh gets an autograph from Maryse. Ted with a shoulder tackle but Bryan with a drop toe hold and arm bar. Bryan works on the wrist and returns to the hammer lock. Bryan with a bow and arrow on Ted and then he gets a near fall.
Bryan and Ted with a Greco Roman Knuckle lock but Ted with a kick and he puts Bryan on the mat but Bryan kicks out and bridges. Ted tries to use his weight but Bryan continues to bridge. Bryan gets his feet up and monkey flips Ted. Bryan with a hammer lock and he tries for the LeBell Lock but Ted gets to the apron and then goes to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ted kicks and punches Bryan in the corner. Bryan returns the favor with kicks and Brodus and Maryse cannot watch. Bryan with an Irish whip but he misses the drop kick into the corner but Bryan lands on his side instead of his head this time. Ted punches Bryan and kicks him. Ted with a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Ted with a chin lock. Bryan with forearms while Dolph tells the fans not to cheer for Bryan. Ted with a neck breaker and drop kick to the back of the head and he gets a near fall. Ted with another neck breaker and another near fall.
R Truth tries to get the crowd behind Bryan while Dolph is not too supportive.
Bryan is sent to the floor and Bateman protects Bryan from Brodus. Ted with a double sledge from the apron and then he sends Bryan into the ringside barrier. Ted sends Bryan into the apron and then into the announce table. Ted returns to the ring and the referee starts his count on Bryan.
Daniel gets back into the ring and Ted with kicks to Bryan in the corner. Bryan with a punch and European uppercuts. Ted stops Bryan and he drops another knee to the head and gets a near fall. Ted with a snap mare and a boot to the head and gets a near fall. Ted with a reverse chin lock on Bryan. Bryan with elbows and more European uppercuts. Ted with an Irish whip but Bryan flips over and hits a running forearm to the head and both men are down. Ted with a kick to Bryan but Bryan with a kick to the chest and then Bryan goes up top and hits a missile drop kick for a near fall.
Bryan with kicks to the chest but Ted ducks down and gets a near fall. Ted with an inside cradle for a near fall. Ted sets for Dream Street but Bryan counters. Ted with a sit out spinebuster for a near fall. Ted with a kick to the midsection and punches. The referee warns Ted and Bryan with an elbow and a kick to the head. Ted tries for a spinebuster but Bryan with a Dragon Sleeper into the LeBell Lock and Ted gets to the ropes. Bryan with a kick across the chest and then he hits a drop kick to Ted in the ropes and Ted goes to the floor.
Bryan tries for a suicide dive but Ted with a forearm to Bryan. Ted with Dream Street and he gets the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase
After the match, Maryse is in shock that Ted won the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Royal Rumble by the Numbers video package.
Todd and Josh wonder who will win the Royal Rumble.
Ted and Maryse are in the back and Maryse is happy that Ted did won a match. Ted tells Brodus that the other rookies will want to choose him if they win because he just beat Daniel Bryan. Ted says that Brodus might have flaws, but Brodus is his best chance to win the Tag Titles. Brodus vows to win for his boss. Brodus walks away and Maryse talks in French. Ted reminds Maryse that he doesn’t understand French.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Rookie Fatal Four Way Elimination Match: Brodus Clay versus Derrick Bateman versus Johnny Curtis versus Byron Saxton
All four men start off in the ring and they all go after Clay, but then they go after Bateman. Saxton with shoulders to Bateman while Curtis with a European uppercut. They send Bateman to Clay and Clay with an overhead suplex. Clay eliminates Derrick Bateman.
Saxton and Curtis exchange looks and go after Clay. Clay grabs both men by the throat but they kick Clay and hit a double suplex on Clay. Clay rolls to the floor and Curtis with a rollup on Saxton for a near fall. Saxton with a clothesline to Curtis and then he kicks Clay on the floor. Curtis charges at Saxton and Byron sends Curtis over the top rope onto Clay. We go to commercial while Saxton is praised by his pro.
We are back and Clay with a body block on Saxton. Curtis is on the floor while Clay hits a suplex on Saxton. Dolph tells his rookie to get out of there. Clay gets a near fall. Curtis with a stunner on the top rope to Clay. Saxton with a facebuster on Clay and then he crotches Curtis before getting a near fall on Clay. Curtis with head butts to Saxton on the turnbuckles and Saxton goes to the mat. Curtis hits a double leg drop and he pins Byron Saxton.
Curtis covers Clay and gets another near fall. Curtis with European uppercuts to Clay. Clay works over Curtis and hits a running butt splash while Ziggler tells Saxton to do squats in the back until he gets back there.
Clay with a nerve hold on Curtis while we get some more commentary from the pros. Clay with a knee and then he connects with shots to the collarbone. Clay chokes Curtis in the corner. Curtis punches Clay and sends him into the turnbuckles. Curtis with shoulders in the corner. Clay with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Clay catches Curtis and hits an STO while he has Curtis in the Tongan Death Grip.
Winner: Brodus Clay
After the match, Ted DiBiase and Maryse come to ringside to celebrate with Brodus. Matt joins Brodus in the ring and he wants to know if Brodus is going to change pros. Brodus says that his pro has the money, the power, class, and will probably destroy everyone in the Royal Rumble. What he isn’t is Ted DiBiase. He says that Ted cannot control his girl and he is the brokest rich person he knows. His new pro is Alberto Del Rio.
Brodus wants Ted to listen to him closely. Brodus with the Tongan Death Grip and STO to DiBiase. Brodus walks up to Maryse and then leaves the ring.
2012 -TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!
We open with a video package looking back at last week when Sting made a #1 contender's match between James Storm and Jeff Hardy to determine Robert Roode's next challenger, only for Bully Ray to attack both men and again leave us without a challenger. And in a perfectly logical follow up to that attack, we begin tonight's episode backstage where Jeff Hardy is beating the CRAP out of Bully Ray and choking him with a broomstick. He rams him into every ladder and wall he can find, past a couple of barbed wire boartds that just happen to be laying around in the background, and then they obliviously keep fighting as Bobby Roode pulls up in a giant white pickup truck, gets out and slams the door behind him, and attacks Hardy from behind. Hardy goes down, and Bubba continues working him over with a pipe before throwing a big wooden pallet down on top of him. Bubba tells Roode to open the back of the truck, and they dump him into the back and get ready to make off with Hardy, no doubt to bury him in the desert, but James Storm runs in to make the save and goes after both men. He busts Bubba open hardway it seems, but Roode jumps him from behind and they manage to beat him down as well. They get ready to put Storm in the truck with Hardy, but Sting comes out with his baseball bat and nails both of them until they run off.
From there, we go right to the ring for our opening match...
#1 Contender's Match: Velvet Sky vs Mickie James vs Tara
They all shake hands and then Tara boots Velvet in the midsection, Mickie goes for a clothesline but Tara falls into a back bridge and Mickie wipes Velvet out with a clothesline. Velvet recovers and dumps Mickie to the floor, then goes to cover Tara but Tara picks her up and rams her to the corner and goes for the Widow's Peak. Mickie breaks that up with a boot to the midsection and gets an O'Connor roll for 2. Mickie and Tara go at it in the corner and Tara just slams Mickie face first into the mat by the hair. Tara charges Mickie in the corner and runs into Mickie's elbow as we go to commercial.
We come back as Velvet hits a monkey flip on Tara and goes for the Pedigree, but Mickie stops her with a hanging neckbreaker. Tara slams Mickie and does the ass shaking standing moonsault, Mickie rolls out of the way and Velvet starts beating them both up. Velvet with a flying headscissors on Mickie but Tara takes her out with a clothesline. Mickie with a flapjack on Tara as I think I see Ron Jeremy sitting in the audience behind her, then she goes up top and takes Velvet out with the flying hooch to the mouth. Tara dumps Velvet to the floor, Mickie spinkicks Tara in the jaw and covers, but Tara gets her hand on the bottom rope at 2. Mickie goes for the DDT, Velvet takes her out with a clothesline, Tara gives Velvet a spinning side suplex onto Mickie and covers Mickie for the win.
Winner: Tara
Well, that was a bit of a surprise. Gotta admit, I expected Mickie to win here but Tara and Gail have had good matches in recent weeks so all good by me. Gail Kim is backstage watching on a monitor and congratulates her, saying the best woman won, but she's going to show why she's the best Knockout in history is. She and Tara know each other inside and out (???) but she'll prove she's the best at Against All Odds.
Sting is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
We take a look back at the brawl that opened the show, and then Sting comes out to the ring with a still selling Hardy and Storm. I like to see that. He tells Bully Ray and Robert Roode to get down to the ring right now, leading to a brawl between the two sides until Sting uses a...shall we say, show of authority (with his bat) and separates everyone. They start fighting again, so Sting drops his microphone and goes after Bubba and Roode with the bat again. Sting says it's obvious you can't tame wild animals, then agrees with the crowd to let them fight, so Hardy and Storm will take on Roode and Bubba tonight in a tag match. The fight starts again and Storm suggests to Sting that they make it a tables match. Sting asks the crowd what they think, and Ron Jeremy says it sounds great, so we have a tables match tonight.
Alex Shelley is backstage saying he's gone longer without being in the ring than he has since he was 18, and tonight he's got Zema Ion who is good, but he's not X Division Title material, and when he gets Aries he's going to win the title because Aries isn't in his class.
Eric Young is backstage getting ready for his match and runs into a guy he thinks is Sammy Davis Jr, but then Winter and Angelina Love come out and pretend to seduce him so Angelina can try and kick him in the cajones, but he's wearing a cup for, as Eric says, his yeast infection. They run off as ODB shows up and tells him they're wrestling Winter and Angelina later and he better hit those hussies.
Alex Shelley vs Zema Ion
They tie up and Ion takes Shelley to the ropes, Shelley gets a side headlock and really cranks on it, Ion shoots him to the ropes but Shelley gets a series of chain wrestling moves ending in a stack for 2. Shelley opens up on Ion with chops, then a snapmare and the indy kick to the back. Ion begs for mercy as Shelley goes after him in the corner, but cheapshots Shelley when he backs off and hits a twisting crossbody off the second rope for 2. Ion goes for a headscissors, but Shelley just dumps him on his face and sends him to the outside. Ion dodges a baseball slide, but Shelley dodges an elbowdrop as he comes back into the ring. Ion hits a hotshot and a neckbreaker for 2 and then pokes Shelley in the eye, but doesn't get disqualified for some reason. Hmmm, I thought they changed the rule. This allows Shelley to recover and run over Ion with some clotheslines and a Flatliner into the second turnbuckle, then Shelley comes off the ropes with a double stomp, Ion moves and hits a DDT out of nowhere. Ion goes to the top for the 450, Shelley dodges (and Ion would have fallen way short anyway), and Shelley hits Sliced Bread #2 for 3.
Winner: Alex Shelley
AJ Styles is backstage wondering what kind of effect the business has had on everyone because all his buddies in Fortune have kind of turned their backs on him, so he knew it was only a matter of time with Frankie. He can be Daniels' puppet, but they're going to get to the bottom of this TONIGHT.
Tara is also backstage, and she's thrilled to be the #1 contender and will have the belt around her size 28 waist soon. She knows Gail's repertoire and all her dirty tricks, but she'll be ready for them.
Eric Bischoff shows up at Garett Bischoff's MMA gym and wants to know where his trainer is. We'll find out who it is...NEXT!
We come back to Eric Bischoff at Garett's gym, and Eric is clearly stunned to see who it is, but tells the cameraman to stop filming and get out of here and we don't get a chance to find out who it is.
Angelina Love & Winter vs Eric Young & ODB
EY and Angelina start, and of course EY goes to tie up with the referee instead of one of his opponents. Then he does it again. Then he cartwheels and claps to the crowd. Then he ties up with the referee again and Winter finally nails him from behind. He slowly turns around and takes his pants off, so Winter bails out of the ring. Angelina comes in so ODB tags herself in and runs over Angelina with a clothesline and smashes her with an avalanche in the corner. She hits the Bronco Buster, knocks Winter off the apron, then goes toe to toe with Angelina while EY ties up with the referee AGAIN. Winter hooks ODB's foot from the outside and Angelina yanks her down by the hair and covers for 2. Winter with a side backbreaker for 2, then hangs ODB in the Tree of Woe and chokes her with her boot. Winter distracts the referee while Angelina chokes her from the outside and then Winter comes over and kicks her in the vajayjay and covers for 2. ODB goes to make the hot tag, stops to take a hit of the ol' bird, and goes toe to toe with Angelina instead. ODB with a series of shoulderblocks and a fallaway slam, then EY gets Winter up in a fireman's carry while ODB gets Angelina up in what I suppose is a firewoman's carry, they do stereo airplane spins and ODB hits a Samoan drop for the win.
Winner: Eric Young & ODB
ODB gives Young a big smooch as they celebrate in the ring, and then we go backstage to Bully Ray who asks Roode when his partner grew a set of balls. Roode says he didn't see that coming, and Bubba says he didn't keep him in check like he did with Devon. Bubba says he's the World Champion, Roode says yeah, and Bubba says "not for long." Roode asks what that meant and Bubba says never mind because they need to go do this, but neither wants to turn their back on the other and leave first. Dissension!
We see a video package recapping the history between Matt Morgan & Crimson and Samoa Joe & Brutus Magnus, including last week when Crimson beat Magnus but the champs got laid out by Joe and Magnus.
Samoa Joe vs Matt Morgan
Joe tries to take Morgan's legs out with kicks, then takes Morgan to the corner and fires off some right jabs. Morgan throttles Joe and backs him across the ring and lays in some hard right hands and a chop, followed by a Boss Man Drop on the top rope. Morgan with a legdrop on the ring apron and a headbutt, never a good idea against a Samoan. Joe gets to the top rope and gets the Kokina clutch, but Morgan just backs into the corner to get Joe to break the hold. Morgan with some hard elbows and a running clothesline for 2. Morgan charges Joe in the corner and eats his elbow, does it again and catches the boot, and Joe comes off the second rope with a boot to the face. Joe with a running elbow and leaping enziguiri in the corner for 2, then they go toe to toe in the corner and Morgan comes out on top of that exchange and starts rolling again with more clotheslines. Morgan with a running clothesline in the corner, across the ring for another one, and a side suplex for 2. Morgan signals that he's going to finish, but takes too long and Joe gets an inverted atomic drop and senton for 2. Joe gets a spinning toehold, but Morgan kicks him off into the corner and hits a discus clothesline for the win.
Winner: Matt Morgan
Magnus goes after Crimson on the floor and Morgan goes to save, but Joe comes after him from behind and takes out his legs, setting Magnus up to connect with a top rope elbowdrop, then they head up the ramp and taunt Morgan and Crimson from the entryway.
AJ Styles is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
James Storm and Jeff Hardy are backstage saying how funny it is that they went from kicking each other's butts to watching each other's backs, but that's because it's business and they don't take it personally. Tonight they started the show with a bang and end it with a BOOM!
AJ Styles comes out to the ring and says he wants to know why Kazarian turned on him and why he's letting Daniels order him around like a dog, but Daniels' music hits and he comes out with Kazarian, who can't even make eye contact with Styles. Kazarian starts to talk, but Daniels snaps his fingers and Kazarian hands him the microphone. Daniels says it's familiar to see him standing in the ring complaining because for ten years, whenever he faces some adversity, he comes out and gets a microphone to complain so everyone can hear, and if the Golden Boy doesn't get his way, he throws a tantrum, he throws microphones, fists, chairs, or whatever at other athletes. They're not playing this game because Kazarian doesn't owe AJ and answers or a damn thing. AJ says that's fine because there's other ways of getting answers, he climbs out of the ring and goes after them but Daniels says do it just like a thug from Gainesville, Georgia. AJ says he's got a better way: he'll turn his back and let Kazarian get in the ring and take his head off and he wants Kazarian to make his decision right now. Kazarian turns to leave, but Daniels stops him and tells him to go get him right now. Kazarian marches to the ring...but stops. Daniels asks him what he's doing and tells him to just take his head off, then goes after AJ himself. AJ quickly takes him out with a leaping enziguiri, then tells Kazarian that he doesn't care what's going on between he and Daniels, but he needs to make it right, make his decision, and get in the ring with him right now. Kazarian looks down at Daniels, then gets up on the apron and hesitates before getting in the ring. AJ sticks his hand out, but Daniels tells him to stop and says he knows exactly why he can't shake AJ's hand and to get out of the ring right now. Kazarian hangs his head and follows Daniels out of the ring, and Daniels says he's had it up to here and AJ has put his hands on him for the last time, so he's going to go to Sting to propose a match to settle this once and for all: he wants AJ Styles to take on Frankie Kazarian, and tells Kazarian to go to Sting and ask for the match right now.
It's main event time!
Jeff Hardy & James Storm vs Robert Roode & Bully Ray
Bubba's still got the blood on his head from earlier, really nice touch. The match immediately spills out to the floor and they fight around ringside and occasionally ram each other into the ominous tables at ringside. Bully Ray tries to suplex Hardy through a table, but Hardy hooks his foot on the ropes and sinks back down before ramming Bubba into the steps and coming off the apron with a double axhandle. Storm goes for a suplex on the ramp, Roode blocks and reverses to one of his own as Hardy unsuccessfully tries to suplex Bubba into the table and gets slammed as a result. Bubba tells Roode to put Storm's head on the table and goes to whip it with the chain, but Storm fights his way out and Hardy comes out of nowhere to come to the rescue as we go to commercial.
After the commercial (where I saw some lunatic fighting an alligator while doing a cell phone commercial), we're back and Storm is spewing beer in Bubba's face and ramming him into the guardrail. Hardy catapults Roode into the ringpost and then slides a table into the ring. Storm rolls the champion into the ring and they set the table up and try to suplex Roode through it, but Bubba pulls the table out of the way and wipes both men out with a double clothesline. Bubba drills both men square in the face with right hands, then tries to backdrop Hardy through the table, but now Storm moves the table and saves Hardy, then clotheslines Bubba out to the floor. Storm goes out after him, but Roode puts the boots to Storm from the apron before going back after Hardy. Roode sets a table up in the corner and Hardy starts to fight back, but Bubba nails him and tries to charge Hardy with a big boot. Hardy moves and Bubba's foot goes through the table, and Storm dumps him to the outside again, but turns around right into a spinebuster from Roode. Bubba drags Hardy over to the corner and pulls him into the ringpost by the hair as Roode takes Storm outside and slams his face into the ring steps. Roode brings Storm back in and tries to superplex him onto the table, but Hardy comes in from behind and hits the Twist of Fate, then sets Roode up on the table so Storm can come off the top rope with a flying elbowdrop that sends Roode through the table and brings this match to an end.
Winners: James Storm & Jeff Hardy
Bully Ray comes in after the match and just DESTROYS both men with a chair while Taz explains how embarrassed he must be at losing a tables match. Bubba pulls a table out from under the ring and sets it up on the inside, he grabs Hardy and tells Roode to hit Storm. Roode kicks Storm in the face, then they set Hardy up and deliver a Super Bomb through the table, leaving him a flattened mess as EMTs come in to check on him and Bubba and Roode again stand tall to close the show.
Another great episode of Impact, I love that the focus is not on long promos, but between four guys who want to kick each other's butts. Wrestling really has mattered on this show the last couple of months and I'm really enjoying it!
2013 - WWE broadcast Saturday Morning Slam. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week, Kofi Kingston will be in the main event, but first we will see The Miz getting ready for his United States Title Match.
We take a look back at last week’s show when the Miz was confronted by Titus O’Neil and Darren Young.
We take a look at the participants in the match. Miz has turned things around and has gone from behind ‘awful’ to being ‘awesome’. Titus and Darren have been taking care of the competition.
Your announcers are Josh Mathews and Daniel Bryan.
Match Number One: Darren Young (with Titus O’Neil) versus The Miz
Before locking up, Titus takes some time from blowing his whistle to work on Darren’s hair. Miz relaxes on the turnbuckles before eventually locking up. Young backs Miz into the corner and he misses a chop and Miz messes with Darren’s hair. Miz with an arm drag into an arm bar and wrist lock. Miz with a hammer lock into a side head lock.
Young with forearms and a shoulder tackle. Miz with a flapjack to Young and then he hits the Awesome Clothesline. Miz goes up top and misses the double sledge but he hits an arm drag. Young with a knee to the midsection and then he charges at Miz and Miz drops down and Darren goes over the top rope to the floor. Titus calls for a time out and we go to commercial.
We are back and Miz with another arm drag into an arm bar. Miz with a sunset flip but then they alternate covers and get near falls. Young with a knee to the midsection and a seated splash to the midsection twice for a near fall.
Young with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Young with an abdominal stretch on Miz but Miz escapes. Young with a knee and he tries for a suplex but Miz blocks it and he hits a suplex of his own and both men are down.
Miz with a clothesline but Young with a knee. Young misses a charge into the corner and then Miz hits a knee lift and hits a neck breaker but the referee is distracted by Titus O’Neil on the apron. Miz with a drop kick to Titus that sends him off the apron. Darren tries to get Miz on his shoulders but Miz escapes and hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.
Winner: The Miz
After the match, we find out from The Dazzler that the match was ‘Half Dazzling’.
We go to commercial.
We are back with highlights of the match between Miz and Darren Young.
Now it is time to look at Kofi Kingston in the Saturday Morning Spotlight.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Epico (with Primo)
Epico with a top wrist lock but Kofi uses the ropes to counter and escape. Kofi with a cross body from the middle turnbuckle for a near fall. Kofi with an arm bar but Epico with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kofi tries for the leaping back elbow but Epico anticipates it. Epico tries for a monkey flip but Kofi lands on his feet and he gives Epico a monkey flip and gets a near fall.
Epico with a leg sweep and cover. Kofi returns the favor and gets a near fall with a jackknife cover but Epico bridges out. Epico has a drop kick blocked by Kofi and he catapults Epico over the top rope onto Primo and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi teases a dive to the floor but he bounces off the ropes. Epico and Primo argue for a moment before Epico returns to the ring and Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Epico sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Kofi and gets a near fall.
Epico returns to the shoulder and applies a key lock. Kofi gets back to his feet and he escapes with an arm drag and a back body drop. Kofi with chops to Epico followed by a drop kick. Kofi with a leaping clothesline and then he circles Epico before the Boom Drop. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but Primo gets on the apron and distracts Kofi. Kofi with an airplane spin and Primo tries to interfere but Primo gets hit on one of the rotations.
Kofi with the SOS for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
Unfortunately, this match did not rate on the Dazzler scale.
Natalya is in the interview area with Zack Ryder. She asks Zack about his match against Dolph Ziggler next week. Zack says that he likes his chances even though Dolph is Mr. Money in the Bank and the Show Off. Zack reminds us that he beat Dolph Ziggler to become the United States Champion last year. Zack says that 2013 will be the Year of the Broski.
Dolph interrupts and he says that the headband might be too tight and he is cutting off circulation to the brain. Dolph says that Zack had a few fluke wins. He is on the biggest roll of his career. He has the biggest and baddest man standing behind him. He says that he has the greatest Diva of all time on his other side.
Zack says that is crazy and AJ reacts to the ‘c’ word.
We go to credits.
2013 - ROH broadcast ROH TV. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last week, the Tag Titles were defended by the Briscoes against the other challengers at Final Battle. We also saw the latest developments in the road to Jay Lethal getting a World Title Match against Kevin Steen even though he cannot get one due to his actions reacting to his mom’s assault and battery of the champion. Who will advance in the Top Prospect Tournament? What will happen when Adam Cole defends the television title against BJ Whitmer?
We are in Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Caleb Seltzer.
Nigel McGuinness is in the ring with security in and around the ring.
Nigel brings out Jay Lethal first. Nigel then brings out the World Champion Kevin Steen. Kevin is accompanied by Steve Corino, Jimmy Jacobs, and Rhino.
Nigel tells Jay that he wanted this chance to talk so he should talk.
Jay says that he is surprised that Kevin had the balls to come out here, but wherever Kevin goes, his scumbags are sure to follow. Jay says that this is not about them or the security guards or Kevin. It is about them. He wants Kevin to accept his challenge for the Ring of Honor Title.
Steve Corino wants to know how Jay Lethal could do this. He thought Jay’s beautiful mother would have taught him better. Steve tells Jay that he does not understand that it was his mother was spit upon because Jay’s father threw water on Kevin Steen.
Steve wants to know if Jay is angry at him.
Jay tells Kevin that he is not a real Ring of Honor champion. He is not like the other great champions. He is a vile human being who spits in the face of 58 year old women. He is a disgusting human being who only cares about himself. Jay says that Kevin is here to kill Ring of Honor because of what it did to him in the past. Will he kill it by defeating everyone who believes in the idea that ‘Honor Lives’? The biggest believer is standing in his face challenging him, but Steen is telling everyone that he is too scared.
Jay tells Kevin that not only is he too scared, but they need each other. Jay says that Kevin needs to help him fulfill his dream of becoming the Ring of Honor Champion. Jay says that Kevin needs to beat him to stick it to Ring of Honor. He would do it by defeating one of the most honorable people in the back.
The sad part is that he knows that he can beat Kevin for the World Title. He is fueled by more than winning the title. He is fueled by his family and his hatred of Kevin Steen. He sees it as clear as day. Kevin knows that until he can beat Jay, he ain’t s***.
Jay tells Kevin that he challenges him for the World Title.
Kevin thinks about a response but he decides to go to the apron.
Steen accepts the challenge and leaves.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kevin and Caleb talk about the challenge that Jay Lethal made and Kevin Steen’s acceptance of the challenge.
Truth Martini is with Kevin and Caleb.
Match Number One: Silas Young versus Adam Page in a Top Prospect Tournament First Round Match
They lock up and Young backs Page into the corner and he connects with a knee and chop but Page with a chop. Young with a side head lock and Page with a side head lock of his own. Page with a few shoulder tackles and he blocks a hip toss and connects with a hip toss of his own. Page with a few chops to Young but Young with a kick. Page with an Irish whip and punch to the midsection.
Page with a running knee lift and Young goes to the apron. Young drops Page’s throat across the top rope and Young runs into a boot. Page with a clothesline from the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. Page misses a boot from the apron and Young sends Page’s head into the turnbuckles.
Young with a DDT while Page is hanging from the second rope and Young gets a near fall. Young with a snap mare and he wants silence for a back heel kick after kicking over Page’s head intentionally. Young with a waist lock. Young with a matrix followed by a back breaker and clothesline for a near fall.
Page slaps Young and punches him. Page with another punch and chops to Young. Young with a boot to the chest and he gets Page on his shoulders. Page escapes and hits a power slam for a near fall. Young sends Page over the top rope but he lands on the apron. Page misses a shoulder from the apron and Young with a forearm to the back. Page with a back body drop that sends Young over the top rope to the floor.
Page with a running shooting star press off the apron onto Young. Page sends Young back into the ring and he goes up top. Page with a cross body but Young is able to get his shoulder up. Young gets pulled up and lands on his feet and Young with a Bubba Bomb and then he applies the Stopwatch and gets Page to tap out.
Winner: Silas Young (Advances to face the winner of the ACH versus Matt Taven match)
We go to commercial.
We are back and Charlie Haas is at ringside and he has a beverage with him.
Charlie gets a mic and he listens to the adoration of his fans. He says that he is not happy to be back in Baltimore because this city sucks. He says that he knows why Ray Lewis is retiring. Maybe it is because he is a big pussy.
Charlie says that he is a little pissed off about a few things. Charlie says that he is being told that he is going to be censored by ROH offices, but he says that he lives in the United States and he has the freedom of speech. He tells ROH to ‘censor that’.
Charlie says that nobody knew about BJ Whitmer until he sent Haas through a table with a Haasplex from the top rope through a table. Now BJ gets a TV Title match. That is a load of crap.
He wants to talk about Nigel McGuinness. He thinks that because he has the pen and he will set up a tag team gauntlet knowing that Shelton Benjamin won’t be there. He says that is a load of crap.
A member of the ring crew tries to get some of the toilet paper out of the ring and Haas tells him not to get in his ring and then he wants him in the ring. Charlie asks him what his name is. Charlie says that his name should be hungry because he wants to eat a cheeseburger every time he sees him. He calls him Cheeseburger. He wants to know if he is a wrestler and why should he be in the ring with him.
He says that he is a wrestler. Charlie asks him if he is a member of the ROH Dojo. Charlie says that he will give him his chance. Tonight, Charlie Haas faces Cheeseburger one-on-one.
Haas shakes his hand and then he hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Haas pulls him into the center of the ring and applies the Haas of Pain and he taps out.
Haas poses and has his boot on Brendell’s head.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Rhett Titus versus Matt Hardy
They lock up and Hardy sends Titus into the corner and he pats the taped ribs of Titus before giving a clean break. Titus works on the wrist but Hardy with a reversal. Titus with a reversal of his own. Hardy gets to the ropes and Titus with a break but Hardy punches Titus in the ribs.
Titus with a hurdle leap frog and punches to Hardy. Matt with a knee to the midsection and a side head lock. Titus with a leaping back elbow and a cross body for a near fall. Hardy rolls to the floor. Titus with a pescado but Hardy gets back into the ring and Titus hits the floor. Matt goes to the floor and he punches Titus in the ribs and he sends Titus back into the ring. Hardy with shoulders in the corner followed by a punch.
Hardy with a side slam for a near fall. Hardy with a kick to the midsection. Titus with punches to Hardy. Hardy with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner but Titus counters a bulldog with an O’Connor Roll for a near fall. Hardy with a bulldog for a near fall. Hardy goes to the turnbuckles for the screaming elbow but Titus with a drop kick to counter and both men are down.
Titus with a running drop kick into the corner and he connects. Titus with a sit out spinebuster for a near fall. Titus with a front face lock. Titus block a kick and kicks Hardy. Hardy with a side effect for a near fall. Hardy signals for the Twist of Fate and Titus counters with a back slide and he gets a near fall. Titus with a chop and Hardy rolls to the floor.
Titus with a baseball slide but Hardy avoids it. Titus pulls Hardy from the apron. Hardy with punches to the ribs and then he runs Titus into the ring post. Hardy with a standing power slam on the floor and he returns to the ring to break the count. Hardy brings Titus back into the ring and he hits the Twist of Fate for the three count.
Winner: Matt Hardy
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Adam Cole versus BJ Whitmer for the Ring of Honor Television Title
They lock up and Whitmer works on the wrist. Cole rolls through and reverses. Whitmer with a back body drop to reverse the wrist lock. Whitmer with a knee drop to the shoulder into an arm bar. Something is going on in the ring as we watch Matt Hardy walking to the announce table to join Kevin and Caleb for commentary.
Cole with an arm drag and drop kick for a near fall. Cole with an arm bar. Cole continues to work on the arm and shoulder. Cole with a leaping neck breaker. Cole charges at Whitmer but BJ drops down and Cole goes to the floor. Whitmer sets for a suicide dive but Cole with an enzuigiri.
Cole goes up top but misses a splash and we go to commercial with both men down on the mat.
We are back and Whitmer with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Whitmer kicks Cole in the head and then he punches Cole. Cole and Whitmer exchange forearms until Cole gets the advantage. Cole with an enzuigiri and he hits a Yakuza Kick to the head and gets a near fall.
Whitmer with a running knee into the corner followed by a suplex following into Northern Lights suplex and bridge for a near fall. Whitmer with two perfectplexes for a near fall. Cole with an Irish whip but Cole is sent to the apron. Cole goes up top and hits a cross body for a near fall.
Cole runs into an Exploder suplex from Whitmer but BJ can only get a two count. Whitmer puts Cole on the top turnbuckle and he punches and chops Cole. Whitmer sets for a superplex and he hits it but both men are down. Whitmer holds his head after the impact on the superplex and he cannot take advantage of the situation.
The referee keeps Cole from Whitmer but Whitmer slaps Cole. Cole with a superplex followed by a German suplex and shoulder breaker for a near fall. Cole signals that it is over and he hits the Florida Key for the three count.
Winner: Adam Cole
We go to credits with the image of Matt Hardy and Adam Cole staring each other down from a distance.
2013 - TNA taped Impact Wrestling in London, England. Ian Hamilton filed the following live report from the taping:
TNA Impact tapings at Wembley Arena in London, England.
Impact spoilers from London. Crowd est. 6,000.
Jeremy Borash came out 15 minutes early to warm up the crowd.
A steel cage is already up, so we'll be starting with a cage match. The match is for Xplosion, not Impact.
Xscape the cage match : Zema Ion vs. Kenny King. Basic match, King won after crotching Ion on the top rope before climbing out. Decent, but not good that this was our shows cage match!
Impact for February 14
Hogan announces number one contenders tournament for Lockdown. Announces Storm v RVD, Daniels v Magnus, Angle v Joe and Roode vs. Aries. Hogan will pick his contender from those matches. Sting named team captain for TNA vs. Aces and Eights at Lockdown.
Daniels vs. Magnus - not as big a pop as you'd expect at first, but that quickly changed. Kaz was out as manager and got ejected. Magnus and his new music won with the Michinoku Driver and a top rope elbow for the pin.
Roode vs. Aries - they tried to the finger poke of doom on each other but neither budged. It then turned into something of a comedy match. They both did the Eddie Guerrero chair spot, before Chavo and Hernandez came out for a distraction to cause a double count out.
Earl Hebner out for the next match. Some boos but no fans attacking him.
Joe vs. Angle - good TVmatch, although not on the level of their prior matches, but ended in double DQ when Brisco and Bischoff ran in. Joe and Angle ran them off. Do Aces and Eights really need jobber members?
Blossom Twins & Party Marty (Scurll) vs Gail Kim, Tara and Jessie. Match was way longer than it needed to be, with a mild response to the British Boot Camp trio at best. Gail Kim pinned one of the Blossoms seconds after Marty scarily overshot a dive to Jesse on the floor, getting nothing but the guard rail. Post match Gail talked down to Tara and set up a title match for impact next week... Out came Brooke who was booed, who arranged Gail vs. Tara vs. Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky for the title instead.
Marty got up after the Brooke promo and got a good reaction.
Rob Van Dam vs. James Storm - the Cowboy picked up the win with a super kick after Van Dam missed a Van Terminator.
Hulk comes out to name number one contender. Aces and Eights come out to corner Hogan, but Bully Ray (no music) then Sting come out for the save to end the show.
Impact spoilers for February 21
Robbie E vs. Spud. Spud had a phantom face turn and took a lot of punishment. Spud did get the win when Robbie T stopped E from grabbing the list, allowing Spud to roll E up for the pin. E berated T after the match, slapping him, which led to T taking his shirt off as E ran away in fear. Face turn?
Daniels, Kaz, Roode and Aries vs. Hernandez, Chavo, Joseph Park (huge pop) and James Storm. Fun match, story was the heels couldn't get along, Roode and Aries walked out, leaving Kaz to eat everyone's finishers, including a second rope splash from Park for a baby face win.
X division title - RVD vs. Kenny King. King attacked Van Dam at the bell. Typical RVD match, with him retaining with the five star frog splash.
Hogan promo... Names the number one contender for Lockdown. Bully Ray?! Ray accepts and sets up main event - Aces and Eights vs. Ray, Sting and Hulk Hogan!
Garett Bischoff vs. Samoa Joe. Think I can see someone getting killed here... Glorified squash until Wes Brisco ran out for DQ. Jobbers and Eights briefly beat up Joe but Angle ran out for the save. For Lockdown they announced Brisco vs. Angle in a cage.
Gail Kim vs. Tara vs. Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky for the Knockouts title. Tara came out to Brooke's music in another in a list of production botches. Jesse was thrown out at the start of the match. This was announced on the prior show as an elimination match but there was a load of broken up pins in front of a dead crowd. After 3 hours, people were beyond burned out by this point.
Gail pinned Tara after Velvet hit her sit out pedigree so we'll get a new champion. It was an elimination so the match continued. Very little reaction - why break up pins if it's elimination rules?? Tessmacher eliminated after her attempt to roll up Velvet from another sit out pedigree failed, leaving us with Gail vs. Velvet - Velvet Sky wins the title with another sit out pedigree.
Devon, Ken Anderson and DOC vs. Bully Ray, Sting and Hulk Hogan. Hogan's music played, no Hulk. Twice. Match started without Hulk. Crowd seemed deflated by the swerve as the heels enjoyed their advantage. After Bully took a lot of punishment, Sting took the hot tag and cleaned house. Bully was about to do the Wazaap head but on mystery Aces and Eights man but Knox and other Aces and Eights guys came out with a kidnapped Brooke and injured Hulk. Bully ran off to save her as Aces and Eights stole pin on Sting. Post match beat down on Sting as Bully and Brooke and Hulk watched on from the ramp. The locker room emptied out as war erupted to end the show with TNA on top.
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