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February 12th
On this day in history in ....
1912 - Walter Evans defeats Tom Rolowitz to win the World Welterweight Title.
1932 - Pinky Gardner defeats Joe Banaski to win the Midwest Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio, ending Banaski's second reign.
1942 - Nanjo Singh defeats Earl McCready for the Toronto British Empire Heavyweight Title in Toronto, Ontario.
1942 - Billy Thom defeats Jules Larance in Columbus, Ohio to win the MWA World Junior Heavyweight Title, ending Larance's third reign.
1957 - Bill and Ed Miller defeat Guy and Joe Brunetti to win the NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title in Hamilton, Ontario, ending the Brunetti's third reign.
1960 - George "One Man Gang" Gray is born in Spartanburg, South Carolina
1960 - Adnan Kaissey and Hogan Wharton defeat Joe Christie and Man Mountain Managoff for the Texas NWA World Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas.
1962 - Jackie Fargo and Lester Welch defeat Dante and Mephisto to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee. This ended Dante and Mephisto's sixth reign and began Fargo and Welch's third.
1965 - Chin Lee defeats Dick Dunn to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Mobile, Alabama, beginning his second reign and ending Dunn's second.
1966 - Dominic DeNucci defeats Killer Kowalski in Sydney, Australia for the International Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title, ending Kowalski's third reign and beginning DeNucci's third.
1966 - Joe McCarthy defeats Lorenzo Parente for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title, ending Parente's second reign.
1974 - Duke Miller wins his second NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Mobile, Alabama, ending The Mysterious Medic's third reign.
1976 - Mike George defeats Ed Wiskoski for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title in Kansas City, Kansas, beginning his second reign.
1977 - Toru Tanaka defeats Chavo Guerrero to win the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in San Bernardino, California, ending Guerrero's eighth reign.
1977 - Moose Cholak and Paul Christy defeat The Bounty Hunters (David and Johnny Novak) for the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Indianapolis, Indiana.
1978 - Ted DiBiase defeats Dick Slater to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title in St. Louis, Missouri.
1979 - Bill Cody and Salvatore Martino defeat Igor Volkoff and UFO for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.
1979 - Frankie Laine and Dutch Mantel defeat Chief Thunder Cloud and José Rivera in Bayamón, Puerto Rico for the vacant WWC North American Tag Team Title. The title was vacated on February 4 when Pierre and Rick Martel lost a loser-leaves-town match to Invaders I and II.
1979 - Toru Tanaka wins Ron Fuller's AWA Southern Heavyweight Title by forfeit in Memphis, Tennessee.
1982 - Sweet Brown Sugar defeats Bobby Lane for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California. At the same event, The Scorpions defeat Carlos Mata and The Kiss to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Title.
1983 - Scorpio and Mr. Tempest defeat Gran Apolo and Pierre Martel for the WWC World Tag Team Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
1983 - Tony Arce and Rocco Valente defeat Misterioso and Volador to win the Mexican National Tag Team Title in Mexico City, Mexico, ending their second reign.
1984 - In front of over 20,000 fans in Naucalpan, Mexico, UWA World Heavyweight Champion Canek defeats André the Giant in a two-out-of-three falls match, scoring a rare pinfall win over André in the deciding fall to retain his title.
1985 - Jimmy Hart makes his World Wrestling Federation debut at a television taping in Poughkeepsie, New York, managing Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine and Jim Neidhart.
1985 - Jerry Lawler defeats Eddie Gilbert for the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning Lawler's 32nd reign.
1985 - Jesse Barr wins his second NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida, ending Brian Blair's second reign.
1988 - Ivan Koloff and The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) defeat Paul Ellering (subbing for Road Warrior Animal), Road Warrior Hawk and Dusty Rhodes for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1989 - Moon Akiko and Eagle Sawai defeat Mitsuyo Mura and Maiko Tsurugi for the vacant JWP Pacific Coast Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1990 - Brian Pillman and Z-Man (Tom Zenk) defeat The Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes) in a tournament final to win the vacant WCW United States Tag Team Title in Gainesville, Georgia.
1990 - Steve Doll and Rex King win their second USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, defeating Robert Fuller and Brian Lee, ending their second reign.
1995 - El Texano defeats Takashi Okano to win the vacant Universal Wrestling Association World Middleweight Title in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Ultimo Dragon had vacated the title after he won the NWA World Middleweight Title on November 8.
1997 - Battlanger and Masaaki Mochizuki defeat Lance Storm and Yuji Yasuraoka for the WAR International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title in Toyohashi, Japan, ending Storm and Yasuraoka's second reign.
1999 - An interesting turn of events took place at ECW's show at the Elks Lodge in Queens, New York (aka the Madhouse of Extreme). Originally, the Public Enemy, who had just recently returned to the company from WCW, were going to continue their new feud with the Dudley Boyz at the show. However, the Public Enemy bolted from the company and went to the WWF. In need of a surprise, ECW brought back Mustafa Saed and reformed the Gangstas with New Jack. However, the reunion didn't last long, as Mustafa turned on New Jack and joined with the Dudleys, revealing himself to be the "financial benefactor" of the Dudleys, and was soon called "Mr. Mustafa".
1999 - Trooper Gilmore defeats Curtis Slamdawg in Mansfield, Massachusetts for the NWA New England Heavyweight Title.
1999 - Steve Sharp defeats Greg Valentine in Springfield, Missouri to become the first World League Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
2000 - Creative Control (Gerald and Patrick (Ron and Don Harris)) defeat The Mamalukes (Big Vito and Johnny the Bull) at a house show in Oberhausen, Germany to win the WCW World Tag Team Title, ending the Mamalukes' second reign and beginning their third.
2000 - Leilani Kai defeats Strawberry Fields in a tournament final to become the first NWA Mid-Atlantic Women's Champion in Denver, North Carolina.
2000 - Derrick King wins his third Power Pro Wrestling Young Guns Title in Memphis, Tennessee, defeating Chris Michaels and Allen Steel in a three-way match.
2002 - Dukes Dalton defeats John Walters to unify his Chaotic Wrestling Light Heavyweight Title with Walters' Television Title in Lowell, Massachusetts..
2003 - Kid Kash defeats Sonny Siaki to win the TNA X Division Title in Nashville, Tennessee.
2004 - Villano IV defeats Tinieblas, Jr. for the IWRG Intercontinental Heavyweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico.
2005 - Ricky Banderas wins the IWA World Heavyweight Title for the fifth time in Caguas, Puerto Rico, ending Glamour Boy Shane's seventh reign.
2005 - IWA Mid-South held "Givin' Em The Business" at the Lincoln Center in Highland, Indiana. The results:
- Nate Webb defeated Ken Westbrooks.
- Milanito Collection AT defeated Larry Sweeney.
- Jimmy Jacobs defeated Midwest Pro Wrestling Universal Champion Joey Envy and Josh Abercrombie in a three-way match to win the title.
- Claudio Castagnoli defeated Chris Hero by disqualification in round three of a European Rules match.
- Eric Priest & Silas Young defeated Icarus & Shane Storm, Pomp and Circumstance (Ace Rockwell & Shaun Tempers) and Dysfunction & T.J. Dalton in a four-way match to become #1 contenders to the IWA Mid-South Tag Team Title.
- Daizee Haze defeated NWA Midwest/IWA Mid-South Women's Champion Ariel, Cheerleader Melissa, Mickie Knuckles, MsChif and Sara Del Ray in a six-way elimination match, last eliminating MsChif, to win the title.
- IWA Mid-South Tag Team Champions Brad Bradley and Trik Davis defeated The Fannin Family (Chandler McClure and Steve Stone) to retain the title.
- IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Champion Delirious defeated Arik Cannon to retain the title.
- IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion Danny Daniels defeated Masada.
- B-Boy, Ian Rotten, NWA Midwest X Division Champion Matt Sydal and Brandon Thomaselli defeated The Iron Saints (Sal and Vito Thomaselli), Todd Sexton and Tank.
2005 - GENTARO defeated Onryo for the UWA World Middleweight Title in Chiba, Japan.
2005 - Ru Starr defeats Mike Bennett in a tournament final in Framingham, Massachusetts to become the first New England Championship Wrestling Television Champion.
2005 - A.J. and Damien Steele defeat Glenn Gilberti and Johnny Swinger to win the Georgia Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title in Columbus, Georgia.
2005 - Will Owens and Cecil Pleazing defeat champions Rastas Polk & Theodore Tutwiler III and Adam Armor & Adam Roberts for the Ultimate NWA Tag Team Title in Hanceville, Alabama. At the same show, Chris Lee defeats Mike Jackson to become the first Ultimate NWA Junior Heavyweight Title.
2006 - TNA held the second-annual Against All Odds pay-per-view at the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida. The results were:
Pre-show matches:
- Ron Killings pinned A-1 after an axe kick.
- Lance Hoyt, Cassidy Riley and Shark Boy defeated Shannon Moore and The Diamonds in the Rough (Elix Skipper and David Young (with Simon Diamond)), when Hoyt pinned Skipper after a Texas Towerbomb.
Pay-per-view matches:
- The Naturals (Andy Douglas and Chase Stevens) defeated Austin Aries and Roderick Strong, when Douglas pinned Aries after the Natural Disaster.
- Jay Lethal defeated Matt Bentley (with Traci), Alex Shelley and Petey Williams in a four-way match, when he pinned Williams with a bridge after Bentley hit Williams with a back body drop.
- The James Gang (B.G. James and Kip James) defeated The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Machete (with Konnan)), after B.G. pinned Machete after a pumphandle drop. After the match, LAX attacked The James Gang until Bob Armstrong made the save.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm (with Gail Kim)) defeated Sonjay Dutt and Chris Sabin, when Storm pinned Dutt after the Death Sentence, to retain the title.
- Rhino defeated Abyss (with James Mitchell) in a Falls Count Anywhere match, after giving Abyss a Gore off the stage through four tables.
- TNA X Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels in a three-way match, by pinning Styles after the Muscle Buster, to retain the title.
- Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) defeated Team Canada (Bobby Roode and Eric Young (with Scott D'Amore)), when Brother Ray pinned Young after the 3D. After the match, America's Most Wanted and Team Canada attacked Team 3D until Ron Killings made the save.
- Christian Cage pinned NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett after the Unprettier, to win the title. Earl Hebner made his TNA debut officiating this match. Earlier in the evening, Larry Zbyszko had warned that anybody interfering in the main event would be fired. Gail Kim hit Cage with Jarrett's guitar during the match, but she was never fired. This ended Jarrett's fifth reign as champion.
2006 - Daron Smythe defeats Crusher Hansen for the NWA Pro Wrestling eXpress Heavyweight Title in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, ending Hansen's third reign. At the same show, Sam Slej defeats Devil Bhudakahn to win the NWA PWX Brass Knuckles Title.
2006 - Iron Cross and The Rasslin' Evangelist defeat Eddie Browning and Michael Jameson (subbing for Colt Steele) for the NWA All-Star Wrestling Tag Team Title in Castlewood, Virginia, ending Browning and Steele's second reign.
2007 - Matt Sydal defeats Masato Yoshino in Kobe, Japan for the Dragon Gate Open the Brave Gate Title.
2007 - Osaka Pro Wrestling held "Osaka Hurricane 2007" at Gran Cube Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The results were:
- Daisuke Harada defeated Robert Tanaka.
- Condor and Kazushi defeated Atsushi Kotoge and La Uchida.
- Super Dolphin defeated Asian Cougar.
- Gunsou Suuchi won a 10-man battle royal, last eliminating Kuishinbo Kamen and Miracle Man, to win the vacant OPW World's Best Attraction Title. Other participants were: Don Arakawa, Dingo, Ebessan, Takaku Fuke, Ice Penguin, Peckey and YUKA.
- Hideyoshi & Masamune defeated OPW Tag Team Champions GAINA & Zeus and Flush Moon & Tsubasa in a three-way elimination match to win the title, beginning their second reign.
- The Great Sasuke and Super Delfin defeated Gran Hamada and Ultimo Dragon.
- Tigers Mask defeated OPW Champion Billy Ken Kid to win the title, ending his second reign.
2008 - The Fayette County Sheriff's Office released the following official statement this morning in regard to the Benoit family tragedy:
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is officially concluding the investigation into the deaths of the Benoit family at 130 Green Meadow Lane in Fayetteville, Georgia which began on Monday, June 25th, 2007.
After careful examination of all evidence collected by investigators, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office concludes that between Friday, June 22, 2007 and Sunday 24, 2007, Christopher Benoit took the lives of his wife, Nancy, and their son, Daniel before ending his own life.
During the investigation, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office found no evidence that indicates the presence of any other individual or individuals who contributed to the deaths of the three members of the Benoit family.
Members of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office devoted an extensive amount of time and effort to ensure a thorough investigation.
We would like to extend our appreciation for the cooperation and patience provided from all involved throughout the investigation.
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office would like to express continued sympathy to those family members and friends who have been impacted by the tragedy.
2009 - Wayne Scott received a two year suspended sentence for attempting to pose as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to dupe an ill teenager into believing the former WWF champion was going to fly him to Miami, among other offenses. He also imitating WWE star John Cena in an attempt to acquire free tickets from The Everton Football Club. Some of you may remember stories of a man trying to imitate Heath Ledger's grieving father to several celebrities via phone after the actor's passing - well Scott was investigated for that as well. Scott will also serve an electronically-tagged curfew at his home between 8pm and 7am, and have to complete 200 hours of community service, plus pay£388 in court costs.
2009 - VonErichs.com, the official website of the Von Erich family posted the following statement:
"We are honored to announce that the Von Erich Family will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 4th. The induction will be held in Houston, TX. For those of you that have been asking about Kevin's sons, we are planning on including Ross and Marshall in the ceremony."
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last Sunday was the Against All Odds pay per view. Now it is time to start the Road to Destination X which will take place in a little more than a month. Even though Sting was able to retain the TNA Heavyweight Title, has it unified the Main Event Mafia or has it torn it apart? We saw all of the champions retain their titles, but who will be the next challengers for those belts? Is the Frontline going to be strengthened by the returns of Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles? What is next for James Storm and Robert Roode since they took care of Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed? What about Abyss and Matt Morgan?
We start off with a look back at Against All Odds.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Don ‘Happy Birthday Darren Aronofsky’ West and Mike ‘Happy 200th Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln’ Tenay.
We see footage of Mick Foley presenting the TNA Heavyweight Title to Sting after the match, after Earl Hebner already gave him the title belt.
Match Number One: Kurt Angle and Sting versus Team 3D
Angle and Ray start things off and they lock up briefly. They lock up again and Angle with a waist lock and forearms to the back. Angle with a European uppercut followed by punches. Ray with a double leg take down and punches. It is Angle’s turn for punches and a reverse chin lock. Ray tries for a floatover but Ray does not charge into the corner and Ray puts Angle in the Tree of Woe and Ray with forearms. Devon tags in and he kicks Angle in the Tree of Woe. Devon with an Irish whip and running clothesline. Devon with punches but Angle with a rake of the eyes and Sting wants to tag in but Angle refuses Sting’s request. Devon punches Angle and he hits a spinning back elbow for a near fall. Ray tags in and he slams Angle for the Wassup headbutt and Devon hits the lower groin.
Sting tags in and then he goes to the floor after Angle and wants to know what is going on. Angle pushes Sting and Sting wants some answers but pushes Angle too. Sting and Angle push each other and Booker T comes out to be peacemaker. We go to commercial.
We are back and the match has continued with Sting punching and chopping Ray. Ray with punches to Ray but Sting with a punch of his own. Angle refuses the tag from Sting and Steiner tries to talk to Angle. Sting with a side head lock take down. Sting with a rake of the eyes and Angle refuses to tag one more time. Ray with a spear and both men are down. Devon tags in and Angle refuses one more time. Devon with a shoulder tackle and then Devon with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Devon with a knee lift for a near fall. Sting misses a clothesline into the corner and Devon with a flying clothesline for a near fall. Devon misses a diving head butt and Sting crawls to his corner but it is a lost cause. Sting tags in Angle anyway and slingshots him in. Sting and Angle push each other and Devon gets the three count with a rollup.
Winners: Team 3D
After the match, Angle and Sting brawl in the ring while the other three members of the Main Event Mafia try to separate them.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kurt Angle tells Sting that for the last four days he has kept his mouth shut. Angle says that he has shown his true integrity by not saying anything, but he cannot contain himself any more. He calls Sting a fake and a phony and a disgrace to the family. Angle says that Sting spits in the face of what the Main Event Mafia stands for. Angle says that he was supposed to win, not Sting. Angle says that he was going to be a 13 time champion but Sting was jealous. Angle says that when the Main Event Mafia was created in Las Vegas, it was family first. Angle says that as the leader of the Main Event Mafia, he has every right to kick Sting’s ass to the curb. In the end, they need each other. Angle says that he is going to do something to help the Main Event Mafia. Angle says that he will walk into the arena with his wrestling gear and a referee. Angle tells Sting to come to the ring so Sting can lay down and the referee can make the three count so Kurt will have his hand raised as champion. Angle says that he will see Sting later.
Jeff ‘I am the Founder of TNA’ Jarrett comes out and he has a mic and guitar. Jarrett tells Angle that as the founder of TNA, does Kurt think that he is going to let that happen. Jarrett tells Kurt that Sting is the TNA Heavyweight Champion because Sting won the match and Angle did not. Angle suggests that Jarrett came back from the dead and he wonders if he literally has to kill him. Angle tells Jarrett that he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Angle says that it is about the Main Event Mafia and not Jarrett. Jarrett says that since he is the founder, it is about him. Jarrett tells Angle that they will not be wrestling again right now, and he will get his closure. Jeff tells Kurt to listen to the Founder of TNA. Sting is the champion.
Sting tells Jeff that he has this under control. Sting tells Angle that he will take him up on his offer.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Don and Mike talk about the Self Destruction of the Main Event Mafia.
Jeremy Borash is with Booker T and Sharmell. Jeremy asks Booker about the problems between Sting and Angle and whether this is the beginning of the end of the Main Event Mafia. Booker says that Sting did what had to be done. Jeremy wants to know if Booker thinks that Sting is going to lay down and give the title to Angle. Booker says that is the deal. Jeremy then asks Booker about what A.J. Styles did at the pay per view. Booker says that A.J. Styles stole his title and the FBI is involved. Booker says that A.J. is going to go to jail.
We hear screaming in Booker’s dressing room and we see that A.J. Styles is in there and he is attacking Booker. A.J. tells Booker that he is legend. We go to commercial.
We are back and we get comments from Steiner during the break and he says that they are going to be fine. Steiner talks about Samoa Joe’s new look and he calls Joe a fat out of shape wannabe Samoan. He calls Joe a half-breed.
Match Number Two: Scott Steiner with Big Poppa Pipe versus Petey Williams in a Chain Mail on a Pole Match
Williams punches Steiner and chops him but Steiner with a back elbow. Steiner throws Williams out of the ring and Steiner points to the pole. Williams with a slingshot facebuster and he goes up top but Steiner pulls him down and chops him. Williams floats over and then he goes across the ring and uses the turnbuckles to kick Steiner. Steiner with a kick to Williams and then Steiner throws Williams out of the ring again. Steiner goes to the pole but Williams trips Steiner and he pulls Steiner lower groin first into the post. Williams with chops but Steiner tries for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Williams with a rake of the eyes. Steiner sends Williams into the turnbuckles and then he hits a Flatline with Williams resting on the top turnbuckle. Steiner kicks Williams and then he hits the clothesline and it is time for the flex elbow and the referee points out that there is no pinfall in the match. Steiner puts Williams on the top turnbuckle and then he hits the Frankensteiner. Williams with a running power bomb and then Williams tries for the Canadian Destroyer but Steiner with a wheelbarrow slam. Steiner grabs the pipe and he is going to use it but Williams kicks Steiner and he tries for the Canadian Destroyer one more time but Steiner with a back body drop. Steiner hits the referee and then the referee gives Williams the pipe and Petey hits Steiner. Williams almost has his hand around the chain mail, but Steiner stops him and hits a super belly-to-back suplex. Steiner grabs the chain mail to win the match.
Winner: Scott Steiner
Samoa Joe’s music plays and Joe is on the JarrettTron. Joe says that Steiner does not know where or when but the Nation of Violence is coming and when it comes, Joe is going to kill him.
Jeremy Borash is with Mick Foley and Jeremy asks Mick for his opinion about what is going on with Sting and Kurt Angle. Mick says that he knows Sting and Sting is not going to lay down for Angle. Foley says that there was no controversy on Sunday. Jeremy asks Mick about the new segment on the show and Mick says that he is going to have a Hardcore 101 segment. We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: TNA Women’s Gauntlet
The first two participants are Angelina Love and Taylor Wilde. Angelina attacks Taylor as she enters the ring and then tries to eliminate her. Taylor and Angelina with forearms and punches. Taylor with a leg lariat and elbow drops. Taylor with forearms.
Velvet Sky is the third woman in the match and she goes after Taylor. Velvet kicks Taylor and Angelina punches Taylor. Taylor misses a cross body and Angelina and Velvet try to throw Taylor out of the ring.
The fourth woman in is Sojourner Bolt. Bolt goes after all three women and takes down Love and Sky. Bolt with forearms to Wilde. Sky throws Taylor into the turnbuckles. Angelina is trying to eliminate Bolt.
The fifth woman in the match is Roxxi. Roxxi with a boot to Angelina and Bolt. Roxxi with clotheslines to Sky and Love followed by a drop kick to Bolt. Roxxi sends Velvet to the apron and Kip catches Velvet. Angelina with a neck breaker to Roxxi.
The sixth woman in the match is Madison Rayne. Rayne chops Roxxi and then she goes after Bolt and the rest of the women in the match. Rayne tries to eliminate Wilde while Angelina makes the save for Velvet. Wilde and Roxxi are the targets for the moment.
Seventh in the match is Raisha Saeed. Saeed with a double sledge to Love and then she takes down Roxxi and Velvet. Saeed slams Taylor and then she punches Rayne. Kip makes the save for Angelina this time when Roxxi tries to duck and boost her.
Eighth in the match is Rhaka Khan and she catches Taylor and runs her into the turnbuckles. Rhaka with a kick to Roxxi followed by a boot to Madison. All eight women battle as we wait for ODB to enter the match.
ODB with a spear to Khan followed by a clothesline to Bolt and Saeed. Angelina and Velvet are the next to feel the wrath of ODB. Rhaka Khan is eliminated first. ODB clotheslines Saeed over the top rope to the floor. Kip with a third save and the second one on Angelina. Taylor slams Angelina to the apron and then both women are eliminated.
We are down to five women and Velvet is sent to the apron and then Roxxi with a shoulder that sends Velvet to the floor. Bolt eliminates Roxxi and then Bolt drop kicks ODB to the floor.
We are down to a standard match between Rayne and Bolt and Rayne with a rollup for a near fall. Bolt with a knee and then she sends Rayne to the apron. Bolt thinks she has won but Rayne with a cross body from the top turnbuckle for a near fall. Bolt with a kick and she hits a Gory Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Sojourner Bolt
After the match, Saeed and Khan are on the ramp.
Kurt Angle is in the locker room and he sees a picture of Sting. Angle stares at the picture and then he breaks it. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Rough Cut about the Ultimate X Match.
We see footage from last week when Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin watched James Storm and Robert Roode attack Jay Lethal and Consequences.
Match Number Four: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley versus Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed
Sabin and Lethal start things off and Lethal works on the arm but Sabin with a reversal and arm drag. Lethal with an arm drag and jabs to Sabin but Sabin with a knee. Lethal with a hip toss and cartwheel into a drop kick and near fall. Shelley tags in and Lethal with a drop toe hold and Creed is tagged in. Creed and Lethal double team Shelley and Creed with a bulldog. Creed with punches to Shelley and a kick to the head. Creed charges into a boot. Sabin tags in and when he comes in Creed hits a drop kick. Shelley and Sabin with a double team maneuver and then Sabin with a snap mare. Shelley tags back in and he chops Creed before tagging Sabin back in. Shelley slaps Creed but Creed with a kick to Shelley and then Creed sends Sabin into Shelley’s crotch. Lethal tags in and he hits a slingshot head scissors followed by clotheslines. Lethal is sent to the apron but he hits a missile drop kick on Sabin. Lethal with an enzuigiri for a near fall on Sabin.
Sabin counters the handspring elbow with a drop kick and then Creed is drop kicked off the apron. After a double team move by the Guns, Creed breaks up the cover. Creed hits a DDT on Shelley. Lethal hits the Lethal Combination on Sabin. Shelley with a kick and he tries for Sliced Bread #2 but Lethal counters with a face first driver for the three count.
Winners: Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed
After the match all four men are in the ring and Shelley and Sabin offer their hands to Creed and Lethal. They shake hands and then Sabin and Shelley with low kicks and then they flip them off.
Jeremy Borash is in the back and he has news on the 900 Hotline . . . I mean the text service.
Jeremy talks about Angle’s challenge for Sting. Jeremy goes up to Sting’s office but he sees Jarrett come down from the rafters. Jarrett says that we will have to wait and see what Sting is going to do. We go to commercial.
We are back with ODB’s Angle. It is time for the mailbag and she is having a contest for a Night with ODB with the winner to be announced at Destination X. ODB’s guest is Brutus Magnus. ODB asks Brutus about his open challenge.
Lauren is with Kevin Nash. Nash runs through a lot of mafia movie titles and he talks about the way those mafias work. Nash says that Kurt is the boss and he says that Kurt thinks that Sting crossed him. Nash says that Sting deserves what is coming to him.
We go to commercial.
We go to one of Abyss’s therapy sessions. Abyss tells Dr. Stevie that he went off the deep end. Abyss talks about how it becomes a blur when he gets involved in the ring with all of the violence.
We see footage from Abyss’s match with Matt Morgan from Against All Odds. We also see footage from the tag title match at the pay per view.
Match Number Five: Abyss and Rhino versus James Storm and Robert Roode with Boozer Cruiser and Jackie Moore
Storm attacks Abyss before the bell rings. Abyss with a double clothesline and Rhino tags in and he punches Roode. Rhino with a shoulder tackle and then he blocks a hip toss and Rhino hits a short arm clothesline. Roode tries for a suplex but Rhino blocks it and he punches Roode in the corner. Rhino with an elbow to Roode and then Storm pushes Rhino off the turnbuckles to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Roode kicks Rhino in the corner. Storm misses a splash in the corner and Roode goes down too. Rhino crawls to make the tag to Abyss and he succeeds. Abyss with punches to Roode and Storm and then he hits splashes on Roode and Storm followed by a running butt splash on Roode and Shock Treatment to Storm and Roode makes the save. Rhino and Roode fight to the floor and the referee is taken to the floor as well. Storm spits beer in Abyss’s face and then Storm with a bulldog. Storm sets up with the beer bottle but Abyss grabs Storm and choke slams him. Abyss grabs the beer bottle, but Matt Morgan comes to the ring and he hits Abyss with the chair. The referee finally returns to the ring after a brief sabbatical to make the three count for Storm.
Winners: Robert Roode and James Storm
After the match, Morgan talks to Storm and Roode and he wants them to help him keep Rhino at bay while Morgan gets ready to hit Abyss with the chair again. Morgan hits Abyss again and he goes down.
Kurt Angle and Sting are walking in split screen mode. We go to commercial.
We are back with Hardcore History 101. Mick talks about his first No Ropes Barbed Wire match against Terry Funk in Japan. Mick talks about the danger of working a barbed wire match and the strategy to work a barbed wire match. Mick talks about working the match in front of 150 men. Mick talks about how he got on the bus after the show and saw Terry Funk, and they hugged.
Match Number Six: Kurt Angle versus Sting
Angle tells Sting that he is not enjoying this any more than he is, but it is something that he has to do since he is the godfather of the Main Event Mafia. Angle tells Sting that he broke the code and there is a price to pay. He tells Sting to lay down for him.
Sting asks Kurt if this is really what he wants. Angle says that Sting gave him no other choice. Sting says that he will lay down for the good of the family. Sting asks Kurt where his integrity is. Sting reminds Kurt that he won a gold medal and Kurt was one of the best. Sting asks Kurt if he would have asked for a do-over if he lost in the Olympic Trials. Sting tells Angle that he won the belt, not Kurt. Sting says that you have honor when you can look at your opponent in the eye and say that your opponent is the better man. Sting tells Kurt that since Kurt cannot say it, that he will lay down for Kurt.
Sting gets down to one knee and then he tells Angle that Kurt’s loss at Against All Odds was insiginificant. It is nothing compared to losing his wife, family, honor, and respect. They do not mean it when they say they care. The Main Event Mafia knows what type of person Angle is. It is because it is always Kurt about Kurt. Sting tells Kurt that he will lay down for him.
Sting lays down on the mat and Kurt Angle tells the referee to assume the position. Sting tells Kurt to go ahead and Kurt steal his thirteenth title. Sting tells Kurt that the fans are wrong because he does not suck.
Angle tells Sting to get to his feet and he tells Sting that nobody plays Kurt Angle. Angle and Sting battle in the ring and then the Main Event Mafia come to break them up. Angle says that if Sting wants a war, he has it. Angle says that it is now personal. Next week, the arena will be cleared except for them. Angle says that he will win Sting’s career.
2010 - Linda McMahon appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe in support of her first bid to become United States Senator in CT. Ryan Mulloy filed the following report:
O’Donnell really went after her for the destructive nature of the business, the lifestyles that many wrestlers choose, steroids, drugs, etc. O’Donnell seemed to make a joke out of wrestling then went out of his way to call it “fake.”
McMahon didn’t seem to back down and spoke pretty firmly about the Wellness Policy, ring safety and the amount of fans that watch WWE programming, then threatened to bodyslam O’Donnell so that he could see just how real it is. As ridiculous as that sounds on paper, it was pretty light-hearted, unlike the reaction you’d expect from a worker like Taz or something defending wrestling.
It’s weird seeing McMahon on TV in a serious role not speaking like a robot. The rest of the interview was about the race and her political talking points and explaining why her business experience is good for the state.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and your announcers are Todd ‘ What happened to Bobby Hebert’ Grisham and Matt ‘Why are people complaining about my Colts Jersey’ Striker.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio versus CM Punk with Luke Gallows and Serena
Punk has something to say to Rey and then he pie faces Rey before locking up. Punk does it a second time but Rey slaps Punk and then Rey with forearms to Punk. Punk with an Irish whip but Rey with a drop kick and victory roll for a near fall. Rey kicks Punk in the leg and then he drops the knee into the mat and then puts Punk in a leg lace, but Punk makes it to the ropes and Rey releases the hold. They lock up with a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock and Punk trips Rey and gets a near fall. Rey with a sunset flip and he gets a near fall. Rey returns to the leg and he kicks Punk some more. Rey with forearms in the corner but Punk with an enzuigiri for a near fall. Punk with a figure four head scissors. Rey punches the leg to get out of the hold. Punk with a snap mare and kick to the back for a near fall. Rey with a forearm but Punk with a knee and then he throws Rey under the bottom rope but Punk tries for a baseball slide and Rey slides under Punk as Rey returns to the ring. Luke and Serena come over to Punk and we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk with a shoulder tackle and leg lariat for a near fall while Punk continues to favor the leg. Rey with a kick but Punk sends him to the apron. Rey with a body scissors and he sends Punk over the top rope to the floor. Rey hits a seated splash from the apron. Punk with a belly-to-back suplex onto the ringside barrier. Punk rolls Rey into the ring and then Punk with a slingshot senton and then he gets a near fall. Rey is lying against the ring post and Punk with a baseball slide and Rey’s abdomen goes into the post. Rey gets up and relaxes against the ringside barrier. Punk with a clothesline to the back of the head and then he hits a short arm clothesline before rolling Rey back into the ring. Punk gets a near fall and then Punk puts Rey in a bow and arrow but Rey with a lateral press. Punk tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Rey counters with a lateral press for a near fall. Punk hits a back breaker for a near fall. Punk with a forearm to the back and gets a near fall. Punk works on Rey’s back as he stretches him and he continues to taunt Rey. Rey with kicks to the head to get out of the hold. Punk charges into the corner and Rey with a drop toe hold. Rey goes to the apron and Rey goes up top but Punk crotches him and Rey is in the tree of woe. Punk tries to take advantage of the situation and he tries for a baseball slide but Punk forgets that Rey is not really that tall and Rey pulls himself up a bit as Punk crotches himself in the ring post. Rey pulls himself up and goes up top and hits a seated splash and a springboard cross body for a near fall. Punk with a head butt to Rey’s midsection and he tries for a rollup but Rey rolls through and kicks Punk in the head and gets a near fall. Rey with a knee to Punk’s head but Punk with an Irish whip and he runs into a boot from Rey. Punk with a power slam for a near fall. Punk with the running knee into the corner and then he tries for the bulldog but Rey gets out of the hold. Rey with a drop kick to the knees and Punk falls ‘there’. Serena gets on the apron to stop Rey’s run into the 619. The referee yells at Serena and Luke gets on the apron on the other side but Rey drops Luke on the top rope. Punk charges and Rey with a drop toe hold and Punk falls you know where as Rey tries for the 619 but Punk sees it coming and he avoids the move. Punk gets Rey up for the Go To Sleep but Punk counters and hits a rana for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Luke Gallows attacks Rey and kicks him. Luke with a back breaker to Rey. Punk tells Luke what to do and he hits a splash into the corner that sends Rey to the mat. Luke picks up Rey and hits a short arm clothesline. Serena kicks Rey in the midsection and then Punk has something to say to Rey. Luke puts Rey on Punk’s shoulders and then Punk hits the Go To Sleep.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Rey’s victory over CM Punk and the post match beat down by the Straight Edge Society.
Drew McIntyre comes to the ring to some snazzy new entrance music and he has something to say. Drew says that when he was informed that he would be competing in a match tonight, he stopped them and said that it doesn’t matter who his opponent is because he is the undefeated Intercontinental Champion. Drew says that he is unstoppable. His opponent, Kane, comes to the ring and as Kane enters the ring, Drew says that on second thought he doesn’t have anything to prove tonight and especially not to Kane. Drew says that he dropped Kane last week. Drew tells Kane that he can have a match next week, but not tonight. Despite Drew’s comments, the referee calls for the bell and the match starts.
Match Number Two: Drew McIntyre versus Kane
Kane with a kick to an unsuspecting McIntyre and Drew goes to the floor. Kane follows after him and he punches Drew. Drew is returned to the ring and Kane with punches to Drew but Drew with a forearm and punch. Kane with a clothesline and he goes up top but Drew rolls out of the ring to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Drew with an arm bar as we see footage from the commercial break when Kane was sent to the ringside barrier from the apron to allow Drew to gain the advantage. Kane punches McIntyre but Drew with kicks to the leg and head. Drew with a clothesline and a near fall. Drew with an elbow to the top of the head. Kane with an Irish whip but Drew comes out of the corner and Kane hits a clothesline. Kane with punches to Drew followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline. He tries again but Kane runs into an elbow from McIntyre. Kane hits the side slam for a near fall. Kane goes to the turnbuckles and he goes up top and hits the clothesline. Kane sets for the choke slam but Drew with kicks to the leg and then Drew tries for the double underhook DDT. Kane gets out of that and tries for another choke slam. Kane and Drew both go over the top rope to the floor and the referee starts his count. Kane and Drew exchange punches and Kane pulls Drew off the apron and then sends Drew into the ringside barrier. The referee makes the ten count.
Double Count Out
After the match, Kane sends McIntyre into the ring and Drew hits a running boot and then he punches Kane. McIntyre takes his title belt and he returns to the ring but Kane grabs Drew by the throat and hits a choke slam. Kane picks up the title belt and then puts it across Drew’s chest. Who wants some pyro from the turnbuckles?
We go to the back where Mickie James is getting something to eat. That is a good thing because the only other two people in the area are Michelle McCool and Layla who comment on the shock that Mickie is eating. Mickie says that it is over between them. Layla and Michelle say that Mickie doesn’t belong here and then Michelle says that it isn’t over until she gets her title belt back. Michelle has some cottage cheese in her hands but Mickie knocks it away and we see that it hit Vickie Guerrero. Mickie apologizes but it doesn’t matter because Vickie yells. Michelle and Layla suck up to Vickie as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Mickie James versus Layla with her dance partner Michelle McCool
They lock up and Layla with a knee but Mickie with forearms and a snap mare. Mickie with a drop kick and Layla backs into the corner.
Vickie Guerrero comes out, still wearing the cottage cheese and she throws out her usual excuse mes. Vickie says that this is going to be an Epsenhart Special with Michelle McCool on Layla’s team.
Michelle takes off her boots and enters the ring and Mickie with forearms and knees. Michelle with a kick and Layla hits her too. Mickie kicks Michelle and slams her head into the mat. Mickie with a Thesz Press on Layla and punches. Mickie with a jack knife cover but Layla breaks it up. Mickie with a forearm to Layla and then she trips Mickie. Michelle with a back breaker for a two count. Michelle with a running knee to the head in the corner and then Mickie sends Layla to the apron. Layla grabs Mickie by the hair as she tries for the head scissors but Mickie kicks Michelle away and then kicks Layla off the apron. Michelle with a kick to Mickie’s head and then she hits the McCool Clash for the three count.
Winners: Michelle McCool and Layla
Batista is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back with a recap of Part II of Bret vs. Vince and Batista’s involvement. We then see Batista’s instant classic non match with CM Punk.
It is time to get Batista’s explanation for why he attacked John Cena after Raw and Josh Mathews is the man to do it since he is standing in the ring waiting for Batista to come out.
The spotlight stays on Batista during the interview and Josh asks Batista what provoked his actions against John Cena, why he walked out of the match with CM Punk last week for a shot at the Elimination Chamber, and his refusal to confront John Cena on Raw. Batista thinks about his answer and then he takes the mic and looks at Josh Mathews and that look forces Josh to leave the ring in fear.
Batista continues to ponder his thoughts while the crowd chants for Cena. Batista then gets in some cardio by walking around the ring and then he sits on the top turnbuckle before returning to the mat. Batista then leaves the ring and walks around the ring. Batista stops in front of a fan with a John Cena t-shirt and the fan does the ‘you can’t see me’ gesture to Batista. Batista sees that and then he walks into the ring again. Batista then drops the microphone before he can say anything. Batista leaves the ring and walks to the back, but he stops and due to the fans chanting ‘you suck’ Batista rhetorically asks if they want an explanation.
Batista returns to the ring and picks up the mic again. However, he drops it one more time and kicks it out of the ring. Batista puts on his sunglasses because the spotlight is too bright and he walks to the back.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Still Know that there are a lot of photos seen on WWE.com?
Teddy Long comes out and he has something to say on the stage. Teddy tells everyone that Batista refused to compete in his Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Tonight, Batista refused to give an explanation for his recent actions. Teddy says that since Batista doesn’t like talking, he will compete against the winner of the 2010 Royal Rumble, Edge.
Matt Hardy comes to the ring with his dancing Indian friends, Great Khali and Runjin Singh and Matt has something to say. Matt wishes everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day in advance. He says that his partner is the Punjabi Playboy, but Matt says that he will have the best Valentine’s Day ever. Matt brings out his special valentine and it is Maria, who comes to the ring.
Match Number Four: Matt Hardy and Great Khali with Dancing Runjin Singh versus David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya
Smith and Khali start off but Smith tags Kidd in and Kidd is bieled into the ring by Khali. Hardy tags in and he punches Kidd. Hardy with a running clothesline into the corner but Smith distracts Hardy before he can hit the bulldog. Hardy with a forearm to Smith but Kidd with a drop kick to the back of Hardy’s head. Smith tags in and he kicks Hardy and then hits a delayed vertical suplex and gets a near fall. Smith sends Hardy into the turnbuckles and kicks him before tagging Kidd back in. Kidd with a drop kick to the back of the head and gets a near fall. Kidd with a reverse chin lock on Hardy as he continues to work on the neck. Hardy with punches but Kidd with a back heel kick. Hardy with a Side Effect and then he tries for the Twist of Fate but Kidd counters and sends Hardy into the ropes and Natalya trips Hardy while the referee is distracted by Smith. Maria with a Thesz Press to Maria. Kidd tries for a rollup while Hardy is watching the catfight on the floor. Hardy counters and gets the three count with a rollup of his own.
Winners: Great Khali and Matt Hardy
After the match, Smith and Kidd have to hold Natalya back so she doesn’t get into the ring to go after Maria.
We go to the Ted DiBiase Hall of Fame video package.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
It is time to run through the Elimination Chamber card.
We have an earlier tonight moment of Rey Mysterio’s victory over CM Punk and the post match beat down.
Match Number Five: R Truth versus John Morrison
They shake hands and then they lock up with Morrison getting a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Morrison rolls over Truth’s back and he lands awkwardly on his ankle and goes down to the mat. The referee checks on Morrison and then he keeps Truth away and then the referee calls for the bell due to Morrison’s injury. Truth helps Morrison take off his boot and the medical staff checks on Morrison.
No Contest
We go to commercial.
We are back and Tony Chimel introduces the 2010 Royal Rumble winner, Edge.
Edge says that he is out here to talk about the benefits of winning the Royal Rumble and it is something that a lot of people don’t realize. The winner of the Royal Rumble does not have to compete in one of the most brutal and career shortening matches, the Elimination Chamber. That is a match that mixes luck, skill, and the ability to endure pain. Edge says that he will choose whoever survives that match, whether it be the WWE Champion or the World Champion. Edge says that he could face his Rated RKO buddy Randy Orton. He could also face the man he wrestled at last year’s Wrestlemania John Cena. He could also face Rey Mysterio or the love child of Brutus Beefcake and Charles Manson, CM Punk. He could face one of twelve different superstars in his match at Wrestlemania. There is one guy who stands out from the pack. There are a few people who have main evented and won at Wrestlemania. There is only one guy who is undefeated at Wrestlemania and is 17-0 at Wrestlemania. That man is the Undertaker. Edge says that it is out of his hands but there is one match that will take place. Next week, he will face Batista. Edge tells Big Dave that there isn’t a man he would like to . . .
Hold that thought because Chris Jericho’s music plays and he comes to the ring. Jericho tells Edge that he finds it a little ironic and doesn’t know if it is stupidity or arrogance that Edge never mentions him as a potential opponent at Wrestlemania. Jericho points out that he is a bad luck charm for Edge. Jericho reminds Edge that he was there when Edge injured his Achilles Tendon. He was also there when Edge made his return. Jericho says that he doesn’t know what it is like to make a triumphant return from injury because he doesn’t get injured. He just wins titles and continues to be the best in the world at what he does. Jericho tells Edge that he should save himself some grief and have a fighting chance at Wrestlemania by choosing the winner of the Raw Elimination Chamber match because Jericho says that he is going to be the winner of the Elimination Chamber match. Jericho says that if Edge continues to provoke and antagonize him, bad things are going to happen to Edge. Jericho tells Edge that he should watch what Jericho does to the ‘dead man’ when he beats the man who Edge lost to two years ago at Wrestlemania.
Match Number Six: Chris Jericho versus the Undertaker in a No Disqualification Match
Jericho goes to the floor to avoid Taker as the bell rings but Taker follows after him. Jericho tries for an elbow when Taker tries to come back into the ring. Taker with punches to Jericho and then he kicks Jericho in the head. Taker with the leg drop on the apron and Jericho falls to the floor. Taker runs Jericho into the ringside barrier and then Taker looks at Edge who is still at the announce table. They return to the ring and Taker with kicks to Jericho. Taker works on the arm as he gets ready for Old School. Taker with a leg drop to the arm and gets a near fall. Taker goes to the turnbuckles for Old School but Jericho crotches Taker. Jericho with a forearm to Taker as they fight on the turnbuckles. Jericho tries for a superplex and he hits it. Jericho gets a near fall. Jericho with a kick to the head and then he chokes Taker. Jericho with a chin lock on Taker but Taker with a series of punches to the head to get out of the hold. Jericho punches Taker but Taker punches back. We get more punches between the two men as Taker gains control of the situation. Taker with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Taker with an Irish whip followed by Snake Eyes and a running big boot and leg drop for a near fall. Taker has the arm up for the choke slam but Jericho leaves the ring. Jericho goes to the announce table and Jericho has something to say to Edge and that allows Taker to hit Jericho from behind. Taker looks at Edge and then Taker tries to throw Jericho over the announce table into Edge, but Edge moves and Jericho hits the chair and goes into the ringside barrier.
Edge gets in Taker’s face and Taker walks past Edge as he remembers that he is wrestling a match. Taker rolls Jericho back into the ring and then Taker with a big boot to Edge.
Jericho with a DDT when Taker returns to the ring and gets a near fall. Jericho with punches and then he removes the turnbuckle pad. Jericho avoids a choke slam and gets a rollup but Taker kicks out and Jericho hits the exposed turnbuckle and Taker sets for the Last Ride and hits it. Edge comes into the ring and hits a spear on Taker. Edge leaves the ring and heads to the back.
Taker sits up and he looks at the Titantron before trying to finish off Jericho. Jericho with a Codebreaker for the three count.
Winner: Chris Jericho
2011 - WWE ran Victoria, British Columbia. Chris G. filed the following live report:
Just returned from a live event in Victoria. First of all, to the best of my knowledge there was no fan altercation with a wrestler. Maybe because there was no Jericho or perhaps because it was pouring rain, everything seemed to run smoothly. Maybe we can now remove the crowd stink off of Victoria? Overall it was a enjoyable show. Everyone seemed to work hard, and there was very little stalling during the matches. I would estimate the attendance between 3000-4000. There were a lot of empty seats. Definitely a kid friendly show, as evidenced by security reminding fans not to curse. Onto the matches.
1. Daniel Bryan (with/ Gail Kim) successfully defended his US Championship against Tyson Kidd. Very nice back and forth match. Ended with Kidd tapping out.
2. Primo pinned Alex Riley. Decent, nothing to write home about.
3. Eve & Natalya beat Melina & Alicia Fox. This match had some length. Surprising since the Diva's matches on television get very little time. Eve spent most of the time on the apron as Natalya worked the majority of the match.
4. DH Smith beat Ted DiDiase. Funny thing was Maryse walks out near the end of the match and flirts with Justin Roberts for about a minute then walks off. Talk about a sweet pay day for minimal work
5. Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov (with Tamina) retained the Tag belts against The Nexus (Michael McGillicutty and Mason Ryan - David Otunga ringside) Santino/Kozlov got a huge pop. Probably the second largest of the night.
6. CM Punk beat Mark Henry. Punk came out to a mixed reaction. Quickly changed to heat when he got on the mike and ran down the crowd.
7. John Morrison beat Sheamus in a Street Fight. Probably the best match on the show.
8. Randy Orton defeated The Miz (with Alex Riley) by DQ after Nexus interferes. The story of the match was Alex Riley kept getting involved to prevent Orton from winning. Nexus eventually came out and prevented Orton from winning the WWE Championship. The beat down by Nexus on Orton didn't last long, as Orton found his Cena powers and gave RKOs to the group. Orton sent the crowd home happy.
Biggest Pops:
Orton
Santino/Kozlov
Morrison
Biggest Heat:
Punk
Miz
Sheamus
2012 - Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the TNA Against All Odds PPV from Orlando, FL.
TNA Against All Odds opened with Jeff Hardy entering the Impact Zone. He was asked how his health was and whether tonight was the night for him. Hardy stopped, smirked and entered the venue.
TNA aired a video feature on the TNA title bout to open the PPV.
Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash welcomed everyone to the PPV. They discussed the four way match that will headline the show.
They announced that Taz was missing the show due to a “loss in his family.” Obviously, everyone here at PWInsider.com wishes Taz and his family nothing but the best and we are deeply sorry for their loss.
Jesse Sorensen vs. Zema Ion
SoCal Val is handling the ring announcing. No Christy Hemme as she’ll be doing backstage interviews.
Sorensen and Ion went at it outside the ring to start the bout. Sorensen caught Ion with a back suplex and a bridging pin attempt early, then clotheslined Ion over the top the floor. Ion, who was obsessed with spraying his hair with hair spray, shoulderblocked Sorensen through the ropes, then missed a slingshot back into the ring. Sorensen caught Ion with a series of offensive maneuvers and several near falls, but Ion went to the floor to break up the momentum.
Ion got into it with a child that Sorensen had given a football too and grabbed it away. Sorensen nailed a sliding kick to the outside, but missed a pescado to the floor. Back in the ring, Ion drilled him with a missile dropkick, sending Sorensen back to the floor. Ion used the apron as a base and leapt off the corner to nail a moonsault to the floor.
Sorensen was knocked out and didn’t return to the ring. He was counted out.
Your winner by countout, Zema Ion!
Several officials and security checked on Sorensen. Ion left the ring and told the cameras that’s why he is the best high flyer in the business. Ion was very good at covering and acting like this was the plan, even though Sorensen was obviously hurt. That's the mark of a good pro.
Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash talked a lot about the finish of the match. It looked like Sorensen had been KO’d legit.
It was going fine before the injury but they never really got out of the gate.
Christy Hemme interviewed TNA champion Bobby Roode. He said that its fitting that it’s titled Against All Odds because he has to defend against three top contenders in TNA, but you can flip that coin. He said that he’s been the most dominant champion in TNA history. He said that you can call it greed or something else, but he gets the job done. He said that Jeff Hardy has had multiple chances at the belt but has failed. He’s beaten James Storm every single time. Roode said that he has no idea what Bully Ray’s problem is, because they were a team on Impact but Ray has some selfishness of his own. Roode said that he is the leader of the selfish generation and when his arm is raised in victory tonight, Sting will know finally that Roode is the “it” factor in pro wrestling.
TNA TV champion Robbie E. (with Robbie E.) vs. ?
E said that he and Robbie T created something special for tonight and that’s the Robbie E. Invitational. He said they can try to take his title but they aren’t on the guest list.
Out came Shannon Moore. E. acted like he was going to lock up but then decided he was going to walk out. Moore chased him down and attacked him on the ramp, then whipped him into the guard rail.
Moore tossed E. into the ring but was quickly cut off. E. worked him over in the corner but was nailed with a hiptoss and a spinkick for a near fall. Moore chopped E. in the corner and drilled him with a knee in the gut. Moore went for a head scissors out of the corner but was caught and sent over the ropes to the apron. E used a running knee to send Moore crashing off the apron into the railing.
E. retrieved Moore and began pie-facing him into the ring. E cut him off with a running elbow and covered him for a two count. E locked in a side chinlock, trying to wear Moore down. Moore fired out with elbows and several right hands. Moore was caught with a running back elbow. E drilled Moore with an elbow off the middle turnbuckle.
Moore tried to fire back with rights but was kicked down by E. Moore was locked back into a side chinlock but Moore escaped and nailed him with an enziguiri. Moore sent E. to the floor and drilled an Asai Moonsault.
Moore rolled him back into the ring and covered him several times for near falls. Moore missed a moonsault and was drilled with a running clothesline for a two count. E. went to the top but played to the crowd, allowing Moore to dropkick him and cut him off. Moore ascended to the top and snapped E. with a top rope rana for a near fall.
Moore went for a neckbreaker but E tried to reverse. Moore rolled up E. who kicked up. Moore was sent into the ropes, where Robbie T. drilled him with a knockout punch. E. covered the stunned Moore and scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA TV champion, Robbie E!
Solid back and forth match. The crowd was into Moore's near falls and being the challenger but the audio micing is so bad (at least in HD, which is how I am watching the show), you can hardly hear them.
TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim (with Madison Rayne) vs. Tara
Kim and Rayne were having words at ringside, allowing Tara to go right after Kim in the corner, using her hair to snapmare Kim across the ring and then locking her in a Hangman’s neck breaker. Tara drilled her with a kick and went for a suplex but Kim turned it into a neckbreaker for a two count. Tara fired back but Kim used the ropes to snap her throat across the ropes.
Kim kicked her in the face and peppered her with right hands. Kim ran Tara into the corner turnbuckles. Kim nailed a leaping clothesline into the corner. Kim came off the top with a missile dropkick. Rayne told Kim, “Screw you” and walked off. Kim blew her off and went right back to work on Tara, trying to force a submission by going after her bad knee.
Tara forced her off but was trapped in an Octopus. Tara collapsed towards the ropes to break the hold. Kim kicked away at Tara, then positions her on the top rope. Kim nailed a top rope rana and walked around the ring, mocking Rayne’s wave to the crowd. This delay allowed Tara to nail her with a powerslam out of nowhere. Kim recovered first but Tara fired back. Tara nailed a sideslam for a two count,
Kim and Tara battled on the top. Kim was backdropped from the top to the floor. Tara then nailed a top rope moonsault, but began grabbing at her bad knee. She was in pain but dragged herself onto Kim for a two count. Tara went for the Widow’s Peak but Kim slipped out and drilled Tara’s knee, then snapped her with the Eat Defeat for the pin.
Your winner and still TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim!
OK match.Morgan and Joe opened the bout, locking up. Joe grabbed a side headlock. Morgan sent him into the ropes. Joe nailed a shoulderblock but neither budged. Joe shoved Morgan and kicked him in the gut. Joe drilled Morgan with several right hands and locked in an armbar. Magnus tagged in but Morgan reversed it and tagged in Crimson.
Crimson powered Magnus down to the mat but Magnus did a tip up and used the momentum to reverse it. He and Crimson went back and forth working over each other’s arms. Crimson slugged him with a right hand and clothesline. Magnus was caught with a cravate into a snapmare, followed by a running knee drop for a two count.
Morgan and Crimson doubleteamed Magnus. Crimson was caught with a knee from the outside by Joe, who then snapped him over the ropes by the throat. Magnus came off the ropes with a clothesline and tagged Joe in. Joe drilled Crimson with several strikes but Crimson fought back. Joe cut him off and now it was the challengers’ turn to nail a series of double team moves.
The challengers tagged in and out working over Crimson. Crimson tried to fight his way out but was caught with a Joe powerslam. Joe tagged him with a series of rights in the corner. Crimson came off the top with a flying clothesline after kicking off Joe. Morgan rallied the crowd behind Crimson, who finally made the hot tag.
Morgan drilled Magnus with several clotheslines and a knee lift. Joe hit the ring but was caught as well as Morgan nailed a double clothesline. Morgan drilled Magnus with a sideslam for a two count but Joe nailed him with a dropkick to make the save. Crimson returned to the fray, battling with Joe. Joe raked his eyes but was nailed with a double team shoulderblock. Joe and Magnus cut off Crimson and they went for their double team moves but Magnus reversed a whip and sent Joe into Magnus.
Crimson returned and went for the spear but Joe sidestepped him and Crimson drilled his own partner. Joe clotheslined Crimson over the top to the floor. Joe nailed an enziguiri on Morgan and sent him into Magnus flying elbow for the pin.
Your winners and new TNA Tag Team champions, Magnus & Samoa Joe!
Decent match. I think that for the names involved here, they worked pretty hard and had a good showing.
Christy Hemme interviewed Bully Ray. Ray hilariously ripped on Hemme and told her to get away. Ray said that he’s got Storm and Hardy’s numbers and said that he’s in Roode’s head like no one has ever been. He said that he’s not the dark horse. He said he’s in the best shape he’s ever been in and is ready to piss off the wrestling world like never before. He declared he was going to be the champion. Usual great promo from Ray.
TNA X-Division champion Austin Aries vs. Alex Shelley
They locked up with Aries evading Shelley and playing to the crowd. The crowd is doing the dueling chants but the audio is so low it doesn’t come across well on TV. Having been to the Zone about a dozen times, I can tell you that the crowd is so much louder than they ever come across on live TV.
Aries drilled Shelley with some moves and played to the crowd, but Shelley came back with several moves. He went for the Sliced Bread #2 but Aries dropped down, asking for a time out and sat on the apron. Shelley kicked him and slingshot him back into the ring. Shelley nailed a thrust kick, sending Aries to the floor.
Shelley set up for a dive but Aries went under the ring and attacked him from behind, sending him to the floor. Aries hit a heat seeking missile dive to the floor on Aries. Aries pulled Shelley through the ropes and drilled him with a neckbreaker. Aries attacked him with a knee to the back and covered Shelley for a two count.
Aries chopped Shelley in the corner, then smashed him into the turnbuckles. Aries snapmared him and stomped Shelley’s face, then dropped an elbow for a two count. Shelley fired back with several chops, whipping him into the corner and nailing a clothesline that sent Aries upside down.
Shelley set up for a superkick to the chest and connected. Aries was slammed into the center turnbuckle after avoiding Sliced Bread #2. Aries rolled outside and went under the ring again. He tried to sneak up on Shelley but was backdropped over the top to the floor. Shelley nailed him with a suicide dive to the floor. Back in the ring, Shelley worked over Aries for several two counts.
Aries cut him off and nailed his pendulum elbow. He went for the brainbuster but Shelley kicked him off. Shelley nailed Aries who rebounded off the ropes and connected hard with him. Both men were down in opposite corners. Aries charged but was kicked off hard by Shelley. The challenger went for Sliced Bread #2 but was cut off by Aries. Aries went to the apron. Shelley followed and went for Sliced Bread #2 but was sent into the ringpost.
Aries drilled Shelley with a death valley driver on the apron and rolled him into the ring. Shelley kicked up at the last second. He caught Aries with Sliced Bread #2 but Aries grabbed the bottom rope at the last second. Aries drilled him with a series of moves but Shelley still kicked up, shocking Shelley. He went for another brainbuster but was small packaged for a two count. Shelley drilled him with a series of kicks for another two count.
Shelley went for Sliced Bread #2 but Aries turned it into a slam, nailed a brainbuster and locked on the Last Chancery, forcing Shelley to tap.
Your winner and still TNA X-Division champion, Austin Aries!
Really hard fought back and forth, entertaining bout.Kazarian (with Chris Daniels) vs. AJ Styles
Daniels was with Kazarian, who was less than happy with that situation. They did some nice back and forth wrestling early on. Kazarian worked on Styles’ arm, but Styles reversed it. The crowd chanted, “Daniels sucks.”
Styles went for a leapfrog but Kazarian wasn’t in position so Styles threw him hard outside of the ring to cover. When he returned to the ring, Styles threw a hard kick and nailed a dropkick. Styles controlled Kazarian and sent him into the buckles. Styles snapmared Kaz over and kicked him hard in the back.
Kazarian cut off Styles but was sent to the floor. Styles nailed a flying forearm off the apron to the floor. Styles brought Kazarian back into the ring and locked on an Indian Death Lock. Kazarian was able to reach the ropes to force the break. Styles nailed him with a chop in the corner and whipped Kazarian into the opposite corner. Styles was cut off and nailed with a monkey flip that sent him flying high across the ring.
Kazarian scooped and slammed Styles, then nailed a springboard legdrop for a two count. Styles tried to nail a clothesline but Kazarian cut him off and drilled him down. Kazarian drilled him with a leaping kick for a two count. Kazarian whipped Styles hard into the corner. He whipped Styles into the opposite corner and leapt to meet him and snap him backwards with a Russian Legsweep for a near fall. Kazarian locked on a front facelock and held him down.
Styles fired back with several forearms but was drilled with a dropkick as he rebounded off the ropes. Kazarian used a surfboard style maneuver, pulling Styles’ arms back behind him as he pushed his knee into the lower back. Styles and Kazarian battled back and forth with punches. Kazarian missed a clothesline but Styles did not and then followed up with an enziguiri.
Styles used a modified facebuster for a two count. He went for a Styles Clash attempt but Kazarian fought out of it. They battled on the apron. Kazarian drove Styles’ face into the apron, leaping over the ropes into something like a cutter. Styles returned to the ring, where he was placed on the top rope. Styles fought him off but Kazarian drilled him with a strike, dazing him. Kazarian drilled him with several forearms and set up for a move but Styles used a headbutt to battle him off.
Styles leapt into an inverted DDT on Kazarian for a two count. Styles went for a suplex but Kazarian slips out and drills him with a STO. Both men were down and exhausted on the mat. They recovered and battled over a suplex. Kazarian covered Styles but Styled bridged out and they went for a backslide. Kazarian escaped but Styles nailed him with a Pele Kick.
Styles went to the ropes for a springboard on Kazarian and instead hit an Asai Moonsault to the floor on Daniels. He went for another springboard but was caught and nailed with the Fade to Black.
Your winner, Kazarian!
They worked really, really hard here but it was just under what you’d expect from these two. Still, it was a good match.
Christy Hemme interviewed Gunner and Eric Bischoff. Bischoff is really looking his age in HD. He said that he was first pissed off that Hulk Hogan was going to be his son’s trainer but now he’s flattered that Hogan feels the need to put himself into Bischoff’s business. Bischoff was tremendous here claiming to feel responsible for what Gunner was going to do to his son and that he feared his son would never ever be able to do anything physical again. He told them that there was a way out and that was for Hogan to toss in the towel. He was acting sad in that fake, insincere way that makes you want to punch someone. Gunner then said that Hogan had better throw in the towel because of what he had planned to do.
It’s insane this match is this high up on the card. If Bischoff and Hogan weren’t involved, no way it would be. Even with them involved, for this to go on after AJ Styles blows my mind, but it’s all about building to Hogan wrestling at Lockdown, which was the plan all the way back at Bound for Glory.
Gunner with Eric Bischoff vs. Garett Bischoff with Hulk Hogan
If there was ever proof that the place needs a better audio set up, it was the lack of a pop for Hulk Hogan.
Gunner shoved Bischoff a number of times only to get caught with a series of armdrags and run off into the corner. Gunner used a waistlock takedown and slapped him across the back. Garett nailed some punches. Gunner nailed him with several punches but Garett caught him with an armdrag out of the corner and locked in an armbar. Bischoff is really, really green.
Gunner raked his eyes to get out of the move but Garett fought him off with shots to the face and mid-section. Gunner drilled him to cut him off but Garett refused to back down, nailing a series of shots. He rebounded off the ropes but Bischoff grabbed his leg. Gunner went for a slap but Garett avoided him and used a backslide for a two count.
Garett locked in a front facelock. He avoided a Gunner charge in the corner and rolled him up. Garett used an inverted atomic drop but Gunner cut him off, then nailed a reverse clothesline. Gunner drilled him with an elbow across the back of the neck for a two count. Garett fired back with punches to the chest and mid-section but Gunner choked him against the ropes. He stomped the hell out of Garett, screaming at Hogan while doing it.
Gunner locked on a neck vice on Garett. He controlled Garett for some time until Garett finally nailed some more mid-section punches and nailed a flapjack. Garett tried to fire back but his neck was hurting and that hampered him. Gunner cut him off and nailed a neckbreaker. Gunner choked Garett on the ropes in front of Eric, who slapped his son. Hogan walked behind Bischoff and punched him out.
Gunner drilled Garett with another neckbreaker. Hogan told the referee to check his neck. Garett kept taking punishment to the neck. Gunner went for another neckbreaker and Hogan threatened to throw in the towel. Gunner nailed it but Garett demanded Hogan not throw it in. Gunner nailed another neckbreaker and scored the pin.
Your winner, Gunner!
Bischoff was laughing his head off as he and Gunner left. Hogan was checking on Garrett.
Match was well below much of the rest of the card as Bischoff shouldn’t be in that prominent a position. Garett is obviously trying to the best of his ability but nothing that he does looks credible and it was completely unbelievable for Gunner to not completely squash him. But, it’s all about pushing the next Hogan and Bischoff angle. I’ll say this though - Of all the mistakes I’d never have expected Eric Bischoff to make, it was the one Bill Watts made in WCW pushing his own son.
Christy Hemme interviewed Sting, who is the special guest enforcer. He said that he wants to make sure that everyone is on their best behavior. He’s wearing the Joker facepaint. He said that he’s going to make sure that Bobby Roode doesn’t find a loophole to walk out with the title. He said they were going to have a clearcut winner tonight and promised that its showtime.TNA champ Bobby Roode vs. James Storm vs. Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy
Bully Ray called Christy Hemme, who was doing the ring introductions a skank and introduced himself. The main event intros were missing something without Jeremy Borash. Sting is outside the ring enforcing.
Roode tried to get Ray to work with him but received a disgusted stare in return. The crowd was chanting for Hardy immediately. Roode told Ray they needed to eliminate the others and work together. Ray shook his head like he agreed and then walked from the ring, allowing Storm and Hardy to doubleteam the champion.
Storm and Hardy took turns working over Roode. Roode acted like he was trying to tag out but there was no one there. Storm and Hardy choked Roode in the corner with their boots. Hardy whipped Storm into the corner to clothesline Roode. Storm then gave his body to Hardy as a base to leap off of. They continued working together until Storm rolled up Hardy out of nowhere. Hardy returned the favor, then they double slammed Roode off the top.
Ray slipped in from behind and laid out Hardy and Storm from behind. Roode thought that meant they were going to work together but Ray caught him with a Uranage and covered him but Storm broke it up. Storm nailed a series of clotheslines and hit the backstabber on Roode for a two count. Hardy was dispatched to the floor.
It ended up with Storm and Roode double teaming Ray and then realizing they were doing their old spots. They teased the Beer Money yell but Roode nailed Storm. They went at it as Hardy returned. He nailed a twisting moonsault on Roode. Hardy nailed Storm but was caught with a running boot by Ray.
Ray drilled Hardy with a headbutt and a series of elbows. He backdropped Hardy and nailed a splash for a two count. Ray chopped Hardy hard in the chest and placed him on the top rope, working him over. The fans chanted for Ladders. That wasn’t going to happen. Ray nailed a superplex and covered Hardy for a two count.
Ray told Roode to work with him and said they were going to nail a spike piledriver. Roode went to the ropes but was nailed by Storm. Hardy fought off Ray. Hardy and Storm went for a double superplex on Roode. Ray slipped under and did a powerbomb on the babyfaces, so it was a Tower of Doom. Ray scrambled to try and pin each of his opponents.
Ray went for the sit down Bubba Bomb but Hardy turned it into the Twist of Fate. He went to go for the cover but Roode attacked him. Roode nailed a faceplant. He charged for a move but Ray clotheslined him. Hardy went for another Twist but was sent into the referee. Billy nailed the Bubba Bomb but there was no referee. Sting was helping the referee, so Ray screamed at him. Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate but again, no referee to count Ray out.
Roode speared Hardy but was caught with a face first lungblower. Storm set up for the Last Call Superkick and nailed it but Ray pulled the referee out before he could make the count. Sting got involved but Storm was sent out of the ring, crashing into the referee on the floor. Ray was nailed with a spinebuster by Roode but Hardy nailed the Twist and went for the swanton. Hardy leapt but Roode rolled out of the ring.
Roode grabbed the TNA title belt but Sting hit the ring and took it away. They argued. He shoved Sting and spit in his face. Sting tried to nail him but Roode ducked and Sting hit Hardy with the belt. Roode laughed at him. Roode covered him and demanded Sting count. Roode and Sting were both tremendous here as Roode was screaming and demanding Sting count while Sting was yelling at Hardy to wake up and kick out, having no choice but to count.
Your winner, Bobby Roode!
After the match., Roode demanded that Sting raise his hand and a pissed off Sting did so, then turned to Hardy’s well being. They looked to be teasing Sting vs. Roode for down the line.
Match was decent. Once they found their groove, it was fine with some decent sequences but my issue with it was that you've got three challengers and in the end, the issue was with Sting, which will only feel like going back to the well once again. But the work was fine.
Overall, very middle of the road PPV with nothing that really stood out as amazing. It was your typical TNA show. You got exactly what you were expecting here.
2013 - Kurt Angle appeared on ESPN Sportscenter in a segment discussing the IOC decision to drop wrestling as a guaranteed competition starting with the 2020 Olympic Games. Angle noted that he was in "shock" over the decision and didn't believe it was something IOC would actually do. He noted that wrestling at the High School and college level remains extreme popular and that now that there are MMA companies like UFC and Bellator for athletes to transition into, it's strong for wrestlers as they see a long-term future for themselves. He noted that removing the Olympics as an incentive for wrestlers hurts sports and that wrestling on both an amateur and professional level need to fight back for the sport to protect it for future generations. In the end, the IOC did not drop wrestling, partially because of a huge campaign to protect and save the sport.
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