Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
February 18th
On this day in history in ....
1961 - Shortly after wrestling Bruno Sammartino at Sunnyside Gardens in New York, Chick Garibaldi suffers chest pains and dies of a heart attack at the arena.
1978 - WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham defeats Bruno Sammartino in a steel cage match in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when Sammartino gave Graham a kick that sent him through the ropes and out the open door.
1980 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Austin Idol defeated Jose Estrada.
- Tommy Rich defeated Johnny Rodz.
- Hulk Hogan defeated Tito Santana via countout.
- Samoan Sika defeated Ivan Putski via countout.
- Bobby Duncum defeated Dominic DeNucci.
- WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Ken Patera via countout. Pat Patterson was the referee.
- Samoan Afa defeated Rene Goulet.
- Cowboy Lang & Lone Eagle defeated Little Tokyo & Dirty Morgan.
- Tony Atlas defeated Hussein Arab (The Iron Sheik).
1983 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Jose Estrada defeated Curt Hennig.
- Johnny Rodz defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea.
- Big John Studd defeated Jules Strongbow.
- Ray Stevens defeated Chief Jay Strongbow.
- Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco defeated WWF World Champion Bob Backlund via DQ when Backlund shoved the referee down after Muraco reached the ropes and the referee forced Backlund to release the Crossface Chicken Wing.
- Rocky Johnson defeated Superstar Graham via countout.
- Andre The Giant & Jimmy Snuka defeated The Wild Samoans when Snuka pinned Sika after a Superfly Splash from off of Andre's shoulders.
- Eddie Gilbert defeated Charlie Fulton.
- Salvatore Bellomo defeated Swede Hanson.
- Pedro Morales defeated Buddy Rose.
1984 - Brad Armstrong defeated Ted DiBiase in Atlanta, Georgia to win the Georgia National Title. Armstrong was wrestling under a mask as "Mr. R". DiBiase thought it was Tommy Rich under the mask (as Rich had been wrestling as Mr. R in previous weeks). DiBiase pulled off the mask, but then was distracted by Rich, who was waving to DiBiase from the interview platform. A confused DiBiase was quickly rolled up and pinned by Armstrong.
1985 - One of the most famous matches in WWF history, "The War To Settle The Score" between WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan and Rowdy Roddy Piper took place in Madison Square Garden. The match, which saw pop star Cyndi Lauper in Hogan's corner, was aired live on MTV. The referee was knocked out during the match and Paul Orndorff joined Piper in beating down Hogan. Lauper got on the ring apron, and Piper and Orndorff were advancing on her when actor Mr. T, sitting in the crowd, came to Lauper's aid. Hogan & T went at it with Piper & Orndorff until police officers separated them. This is the match that would set up the main event of the first Wrestlemania.
Here are the results from the rest of the show:
- Rick McGraw vs. Moondog Spot ended in a draw.
- Johnny Rodz defeated Jose Luis Rivera.
- Hillbilly Jim defeated Rene Goulet. After the match, Goulet mouthed off at Mr. T, who was at ringside. T threatened to go after him and Goulet ran to the back.
- Lelani Kai defeated Wendi Richter to win the WWF Women's Title.
- David Sammartino defeated Moondog Rex.
- Nikolai Volkoff defeated Swede Hanson.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Cowboy Bob Orton. During this match, Orton suffered the arm injury that would result in him wearing his famous cast.
- Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Atlas.
- WWF World Tag Team Champions Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo defeated The Spoiler & The Assassin in less than one minute.
- Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo.
1986 - At a television taping in Poughkeepsie, New York, Roddy Piper and Cowboy Bob Orton shave the hair of midget wrestler The Haiti Kid into a mohawk and taped his mouth shut after Kid admitted to being a friend of Mr. T and saying he hoped Mr. T would beat Piper at Wrestlemania 2.
1989 - Mildred Burke, a pioneer in women's wrestling who helped trained countless female grapplers, dies at the age of 73.
1992 - At a television taping in West Palm Beach, Florida, WWF Intercontinental Champion Roddy Piper and number-one contender Bret Hart were interviewed by Mean Gene Okerlund. Piper noted his history with the Hart family, saying he didn't want to fight Bret Hart at Wrestlemania. Hart said whether Piper wrestled him or not, he was getting the Intercontinental Title back. Piper said that if Hart insisted, then the fight was on. They shook hands, and Bret turned to leave. Piper raised the title belt above his head and stood behind Hart. When the crowd reacted, Hart turned around, and Piper said "I would have had you". This would become a storyline point in their Wrestlemania classic, as Piper would have the opportunity to cheat and win the match, but would opt not to.
1993 - Kerry Von Erich (Adkisson) committed suicide with a handgun on his father's ranch in Texas. Von Erich was 33, and had violated probation by being indicted on a cocaine possession charge and was facing the likelihood of being sent to prison. Von Erich was the fifth of six Von Erich brothers to die at a young age, and was one of only two to reach the age of thirty, the other being Kevin, the lone survivor of the brothers. Kerry had lost his foot in a motorcycle accident years earlier, but came back and wrestled with a prosthetic foot, which many did not know about until after his death.
1995 - "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert died of a heart attack at the age of 33 in his apartment in Puerto Rico. Gilbert, best known for stints in the UWF, Memphis and NWA, was in Puerto Rico as booker and wrestler for WWC after burning bridges with ECW, SMW and USWA. Gilbert's last match, the night before his death, was against a wrestling bear, a old gimmick from his childhood that Gilbert, who was the son of wrestler and referee Tommy Gilbert, brought back in Puerto Rico.
1996 - Johnny B. Badd (Marc Mero) defeated Lex Luger in Norfolk, Virginia to win back the WCW World Television Title, which he lost to Luger the night before in Baltimore, Maryland. This marked the beginning of Badd's third run with the belt.
1996 - WWF held their sixth "In Your House" Pay-per-view at the Louisville Gardens in Kentucky. The original "In Your House" events were short, two hour PPV events at a reduced price. Results from the show were:
- Jake Roberts defeated Tatanka with a DDT. This match aired on the "Free-For-All" pre-show.
- Razor Ramon defeated The 1-2-3 Kid in a "Crybaby" match, where the loser had to wear a diaper after kicking baby powder into Kid's face before he could use it and then hitting two Razor's Edge powerbombs.
- Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Duke Droese after hitting him with a trash can lid.
- Yokozuna defeated Davey Boy Smith via disqualification after Jim Cornette hit him with his tennis racquet.
- Shawn Michaels defeated Owen Hart with a superkick.
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart defeated Diesel in a steel cage match when Hart escaped the cage as Undertaker came up through the canvas and pulled Diesel into the hole.
The following matches were held after the PPV went off the air:
- Ahmed Johnson defeated Isaac Yankem.
- The Godwinns defeated the Bodydonnas.
- The Undertaker defeated Intercontinental Champion Goldust via countout.
2001 - At a WWF house show in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Steve Blackman defeats Raven to win the Hardcore Title, only to lose it right back to Raven thanks to the 24/7 rule when a masked woman ambushed Blackman from behind with a foreign object.
2006 - At a WWE house show in Long Island, New York, Tazz attempted to make a special announcement, but Matt Striker repeatedly interrupted him until Tazz choked him out with the Tazzmission. Later that night, Paul Heyman came out to make the announcement, which was that there would be a second "ECW One Night Stand" event in New York.
2007 - WWE broadcast their No Way Out PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to our coverage of WWE No Way Out! We will be updating this page throughout the evening, so check back often for updates.
No Way Out opened with a video package centering on the main event tag team match and the fact that the partners tonight are opponents at Wrestlemania. Michael Cole (who sounds like he has a cold) and JBL welcomed us to the show. JBL protested the introduction of the Spanish announcers, saying Smackdown shouldn't be bilingual.
Chris Benoit, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy vs. MNM (Joey Mercury & Johnny Nitro, with Melina) & MVP
After seeing Melina's entrance, JBL commented that he needs to learn Spanish. Johnny Nitro slapped a "You suck" sign out of the hands of a fan. Matt started out with Mercury, as they locked up and went to the ropes. Mercury hit some punches, but Matt returned fire. Mercury rammed Hardy face first into the turnbuckles and hit a bionic elbow. Mercury ran into a boot by Matt, and Matt followed it with a second rope elbow. Jeff tagged in, hitting a shoulderblock and a slingshot dropkick. Matt tagged back in and worked on Mercury's arm. Mercury yanked him down by the hair and tagged in Nitro. Matt hiptossed him, but Nitro got Matt into his corner and tagged MVP. MVP threw some punches and slammed Matt, then missed an elbowdrop. Matt tagged in Benoit, who chopped MVP and delivered some knees to the gut. MVP went to the eyes, then hit some forearms to the back and a snap mare, then a kick to the back for a two count.
Benoit came right back with chops, and went to tag out, but MNM went to the floor, as no one wanted to face Benoit. MVP reluctantly went back towards Benoit, who chopped him and hit a snap suplex for a two count. Jeff tagged in and stomped MVP in the corner. MVP raked Jeff in the eyes and tagged Nitro. Nitro took Hardy down with punches, as the fans chanted for Hardy. Jeff crawled to the corner, and hit Nitro with a back kick. Jeff hit a slingblade clothesline and a legdrop to the groin. Nitro got to his feet and slapped Jeff. Nitro exited the ring and Jeff gave chase, which was a ploy for Mercury to blindside Jeff on the floor and toss him into the security wall. Jeff was tossed back in and Nitro put him in a chinlock.
Jeff battled out, but Mercury hit him with a knee from the apron as he tried to bounce off the ropes. Mercury tagged in and hit an elbowdrop for a two count, then applied a rear chinlock. MVP tagged in and kicked Hardy down in the corner. MNM worked him over as MVP argued with the referee. MVP suplexed Jeff for a two count. Nitro tagged back in and whipped Jeff chest first into a corner. Nitro set up Jeff for a back superplex, but Jeff elbowed him away and hit the Whisper In The Wind. Jeff tagged Matt, who hit Nitro with a back elbow. Mercury ran in and got clotheslines. Matt hit a bulldog/clothesline combo on MNM, then gave Nitro a Side Effect for a two count. Mercury hit Benoit on the apron and Benoit ran in and kicked Mercury out of the ring. As the referee was getting Benoit out, MVP gave Matt a back suplex. Nitro then tagged in MVP, who put Matt in a cravate, then hit a salto suplex. MVP hit his "three point" elbow, but Benoit came in and broke up the cover.
Mercury tagged in and stuck his thumb in Matt's eye. Mercury hit Matt with a short arm clothesline for a two count. Nitro tagged in and gave Matt a neckbreaker for a two count, then put him in a front facelock. Nitro gave Hardy an uppercut, but Matt decked him with a clothesline. Mercury tagged in and knocked Jeff off the ring apron. Matt backdropped Mercury and tagged in Benoit. Benoit cleaned house on all three opponents, suplexing Mercury on top of MVP. Benoit went to German suplex Mercury, but Mercury grabbed Nitro. So Benoit suplexed both members of MNM. The Hardys ran in, and Nitro and MVP were tossed out of the ring. Mercury was given Air Hardy, a Twist Of Fate, a Swanton Bomb, and a top rope headbutt from Benoit, but MVP ran in and broke up the cover.
The match broke down, with MNM and the Hardys on the floor. MVP grabbed the U.S. Title belt and went to hit Benoit with it, but Benoit ducked and put MVP in the Crippler Crossface. MVP was about to tap, but Nitro got in to break it up. The Hardys ended up on the floor with MVP, and MNM went for the Snapshot on Benoit. Matt ran in to break it up, and Benoit floated over Mercury into Crossface position. Mercury resisted, but Benoit pounded on Mercury and got the Crossface on for the tapout win at the fourteen minute mark.
Winners: Chris Benoit, Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy
Backstage, Kristal interviewed Vickie Guerrero. Vickie said her "opportunity on Smackdown" was close to happening, and she would reveal more this Friday night. She thanked Kristal for all of her help and hugged her.
In another backstage area, the Little Bastard was telling Fit Finlay how scared he was of the Little Boogeyman. Finlay gave him a hug to calm him, but really was lifting him up to toss him into a dumpster. Finlay walked off. Of course, Boogeyman was in the dumpster.
Cruiserweight Open
Daivari and Scotty 2 Hotty were the first two "random" participants. Daivari kicked Scotty in the gut and whipped him hard into the corner for a one count. Daivari slammed Scotty and dropped an elbow for two. Daivari hit some punches, but Scotty fought back. Scotty hit the bulldog and went for the Worm. Scotty hit it and got the pin at the two minute mark.
Gregory Helms was out next. Helms hit Scotty with left and rights, then choked him against the bottom rope. Helms catapulted Scotty into the middle rope for a two count. Helms applied a double underhook and drove his knee into Scotty's head. Scotty rammed Helms into a corner, then hit some punches. Scotty hit a back suplex. He went for the Worm, but Helms tripped him into the ropes, then hit a facebuster on his knee for the pin at the two minute mark.
Funaki was out next. Funaki hit a right hand and went to the top rope. He went for a flying bodypress, but Helms rolled through it and held the trunks for the pin in about ten seconds.
Shannon Moore was out next. He pulled Helms to the floor and gave him a headscissors after handspringing off the apron on the outside. Moore tossed Helms into the ring for a two count. Helms reversed a whip and hit a backbreaker for two. Moore tripped Helms and rolled him up for a two count. Helms ran into a Moore boot, and Moore hit a second rope neckbreaker for a two count. Moore went to the top rope, but Helms caught him and hit a double arm suplex. Helms hit Moore with the facebuster to the knee for the pin at the three minute mark.
Jimmy Yang was out next. Yang hit Helms with a back elbow and a standing moonsault for a two count. Yang pounded Helms in the corner with punches, then poked him in the eye and swept hit leg out. Yang cradled Helms for a two count, then hit a Russian legsweep and applied a variation of the abdominal stretch on the mat into a cradle for two. Yang rammed Helms into the corner and went for a moonsault off the top. Helms moved and Yang landed on his feet, but Helms hit him with a clothesline. Helms charged Yang, but Yang caught him with a rana for a three count at the two minute mark. We'll have a new champion tonight.
Jamie Noble was out next. Helms grabbed Yang and gave him the Eye Of The Hurricane before leaving. Noble covered Yang for a two count. Noble hit a neckbreaker for two. Noble slammed Yang and hit a legdrop, then applied a cobra clutch. Yang broke out, but missed a charge in the corner and hit the ringpost. Noble rolled up Yang for a two count. Noble applied a sleeper, but Yang got out with a chinbuster. Noble missed a kick and got crotched on the middle rope. Yang hit a reverse atomic drop, two clotheslines and a spinkick. Noble came back with a jumping knee for a two count. Noble set up Yang for a superplex, hitting chops after sitting him on the top rope. Yang blocked the move and shoved Noble to the mat, then hit a springboard moonsault to pin Noble at the three minute mark.
For some reason they were going to give Yang the belt, even though Chavo Guerrero hadn't come out yet. Chavo's music hit, and Guerrero came out. Michael Cole said he was a "surprise entry". Maybe Cole was the guy that pulled Chavo's picture from the Cruiserweight Open picture on WWE.com this afternoon, since Chavo was listed for the match all day yesterday and much of today.
Chavo snapmared Yang and kicked him in the back. Chavo stomped Yang in the corner and gave him a facewash kick. Yang ducked a right hand and hit a spinkick. Yang backdropped Chavo over the top rope and to the floor. Yang hit a top rope dive on Chavo on the floor. Yang hit a top rope dropkick, but Chavo came back with the Three Amigos suplexes. Cole said doing the move was disrespectful. Chavo went to the top rope, but Yang met him up there and hit a rana for a two count. Yang went for the corkscrew splash, but Chavo moved out of the way and Yang crashed. Chavo hit a frog splash and got the pin at the three minute mark.
Winner and new Cruiserweight Champion: Chavo Guerrero.
Kristal interviewed John Cena, who made jokes about how he and Shawn Michaels haven't been getting along, despite being tag champions. Cena said his concern tonight is the "Deadman" and the "Animal" he is facing. Cena talked about all the speculation regarding whether someone would turn on their partner or not. Cena said tonight he would fight as hard with Shawn Michaels as he would against him at Wrestlemania.
Fit Finlay & Little Bastard vs. Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman.
Bastard ran under the ring as soon as he came out. Finlay started off with Boogey, kicking him in the gut and applying an armbar. Boogey reversed it and took Finlay down with a fireman's carry. Boogey dragged Finlay to the floor and rammed him into the security wall. In the ring, Boogeyman kicked Finlay in the face and rammed him into the turnbuckle. Boogey slammed Finlay. Little Boogey came in and gave Finlay a pair of sitdown splashes. Boogey gave Little Boogey worms. Little Bastard showed up from under the ring, taking off his hat (he put it on Finlay's head) and jacket. As he got ready to go at it with Little Boogey, Finlay kicked Little Boogey in the head. Bastard returned to under the ring. Finlay went to pin Little Boogey, but Little Boogey put him in a small package for a two count. Finlay clothesline Little Boogey, from his knees. Finlay hit a sit down splash and a elbow, then put Little Boogey in a Short Arm Scissors (the announcers called it a Little Armbar). Little Boogey was tapping but I guess it didn't count. Little Boogey was tossed to the floor, and Little Bastard dragged him under the ring. Finlay went to lift the apron, and Boogeyman, who had crawled over from the other side of the ring, popped out. We're back to Boogeyman vs. Finlay. Boogey hit a catapult and a splash in the corner. Little Boogey showed up from under the ring, and Boogey threw Little Boogey on top of Finlay. Little Bastard broke up the cover. Boogey scared off Little Bastard into the crowd with a handful of worms. In the ring, Finlay nailed Little Boogey with the shillelagh for the pin at the six minute mark.
Winners: Fit Finlay & Little Bastard
Backstage, Kristal interviewed Shawn Michaels. Michaels said he didn't trust John Cena, but that he gave his word that he would make sure nothing happened to Cena between now and Wrestlemania.
Kane vs. King Booker, with Queen Sharmell.
As King Booker came to the ring, they showed the events leading to this match. Kane hit an uppercut at the start and worked Booker over with elbows and punches in a corner. Booker fought back with chops and punches, but Kane threw Booker into a corner by the throat and pounded him down to the mat. Kane hit an elbow to the throat on the outside with Booker stretched across the apron. Kane hit a clothesline in the ring and applied a head vice. Booker poked Kane in the eyes and hit a back elbow, but ran into a backbreaker by Kane. Kane drove a knee into Booker's back and Booker rolled to the apron. Booker yanked Kane throat first across the top rope, but Kane came right back with a boot to the face.
Kane clotheslined Booker over the top rope and to the floor. Kane pounded Booker on the floor, but Booker got a mule kick to the gut and rammed Kane into the ring steps twice. Booker rolled Kane back into the ring, and hit a missile dropkick. Booker scored a two count, and stomped Kane on the mat. Booker applied an overhead wristlock on the mat. Kane fought up and armdragged out of it, then hit a clothesline and a series of punches. Kane hit a boot to the face, then went to the top rope. Kane jumped off, but Booker dropkicked him as he came down. Booker hit a back kick for a two count. They traded punches, actually, Booker never landed any, as Kane blocked them and hit his shots. Booker came back with a flying forearm. Booker complained about the slow count by the referee, then pounded Kane on the mat with punches.
Booker chopped Kane in the corner, then hit some punches. Booker went for a vertical suplex, but Kane reversed it and delivered his own suplex. They were both slow to get up, and Booker nailed Kane with a side kick for a two count. Kane and Booker traded shots, with Kane getting the better of it. Booker ducked a clothesline, but Kane grabbed him by the throat. Booker kicked Kane in the gut, then kicked him again, and went for the ax kick. Kane dodged it and flipped Booker with a clothesline. Both men were down, and Kane sat up as Booker was getting to his feet. Kane hit some punches, then rammed Booker into the turnbuckles. Kane pounded Booker in a corner with punches. Kane whipped Booker across the ring and hit a clothesline. Kane hit a second, then dropped Booker with a side slam.
Kane went to the top rope and hit a clothesline. Kane called for the chokeslam. Sharmell got on the apron. Kane and the referee were distracted by her, and Booker nailed Kane with a side kick. Booker went for the ax kick, but Kane dodged it, grabbed Booker by the throat and hit the chokeslam for the win at the twelve minute mark.
Winner: Kane
Backstage, Kristal interviewed Batista. Batista said that Smackdown was going to "beat up on Raw" tonight. They showed the footage of Undertaker chokeslamming Batista on Raw two weeks ago. Kristal asked Batista if he was intimidated by the Undertaker. He's not.
WWE Tag Team Champions Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Deuce & Domino, with Cherry.
No Ashley with the tag champs. London started out with Domino, and they exchanged shoves. They locked up, and Domino shoved London on the break in the corner. London piefaced Domino, and they exchanged slaps. London leapfrogged Domino and hit a back elbow. Kendrick tagged in for a double armdrag. Kendrick leapfrogged Domino and armdragged him, then tagged in London, who hit a top rope double stomp on his outstretched arm. Deuce ran in, and was tossed from the ring. Domino was given a double dropkick and went to the floor to regroup. Back in the ring, Deuce gave London a backbreaker and a clothesline and put him in a surfboard. Domino had a bloody mouth. Deuce whipped London into the corner, then whipped him into a double knee by Domino.
Domino slapped London and then slammed him. Domino put London in a surfboard. London broke out, but Domino gave him a double underhook suplex for a two count. Deuce tagged in and slammed London into the turnbuckles. Deuce & Domino gave London a double backdrop. Deuce knocked Kendrick off the apron when London was near his corner. London flipped out of a slam attempt, kicked away Deuce and avoided Deuce and Domino to finally make the tag to Kendrick. Kendrick dropkicked Domino from the ring and put Deuce in a backslide for a two count. Deuce cut off Kendrick's momentum with a clothesline. Deuce ran into a boot by Kendrick. Kendrick climbed the ropes, but was cut off by Domino. Deuce and Domino went for the Doomsday Device. London went to break it up, but Domino knocked him away. Domino went for the clothesline, but Kendrick ducked it and rolled Deuce into a Victory Roll for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winners: WWE Tag Team Champions Brian Kendrick & Paul London
They showed a background package on Bobby Lashley, including footage of him wrestling in high school.
Kristal interviewed Ken Kennedy and asked his thoughts on Bobby Lashley. Kennedy said Lashley was like everyone in Los Angeles, "phony wannabes". The crowd booed, and Kennedy asked how many of them came to L.A. to be "rich and famous" but got squat. Kennedy noted that he had a dream and they had a dream, and he is standing there, and the fans are sitting there paying to see him. Lashley interrupted him, saying "I have one word for you... halitosis". Kennedy went to hit Lashley, but Lashley blocked it and decked Kennedy, then walked off.
Michael Cole's voice is so bad that JBL is doing the majority of the talking now, and the last two matches have had a lot of silence to them.
ECW Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Ken Kennedy.
Kennedy jumped Lashley in the aisle as he was making his entrance. They brawled near the entrance set, with Lashley getting the better of it. Lashley dragged Kennedy to the ring and tossed him in to start the match. Lashley pounded Kennedy across the back, whipped him across the ring and tossed him with a Beel throw. Kennedy rolled to the apron, and Lashley stomped him. Kennedy crawled to the floor, and Lashley went after him. Kennedy fought back on the floor, but Lashley stayed on offense.
Back in the ring, Kennedy poked Lashley in the eyes and went for a whip, but Lashley reversed it and backdropped Kennedy. Lashley hit a forearm and a bodyslam. Lashley went for a charge, and Kennedy side stepped it, but Lashley put on the breaks and hit a clothesline. Lashley hit a delayed vertical suplex for a two count. Kennedy came back with some knees to the body and kicks to the back. Lashley reversed a whip, and Kennedy kicked away a backdrop attempt, but Lashley scored with a clothesline. Lashley put Kennedy in a Torture Rack, but Kennedy raked his eyes and dropkicked his legs out from under him. Kennedy hit a running kick to the face for a two count. Kennedy applied an inverted figure four leglock. Lashley struggled in the hold, then rolled out of it.
Kennedy dropped a pair of elbows to the leg, then applied a leglace. Kennedy pounded on the leg, but Lashley headbutted and elbowed out of it. Kennedy punched Lashley in the head and then dropped his weight on Lashley's leg. Kennedy scored a two count, then elbowed Lashley's leg. Kennedy drove Lashley's knee into the mat. Kennedy applied a single leg crab, but Lashley made the ropes. Lashley went for a slam, but his leg couldn't support the weight, and Kennedy scored a two count. Kennedy wrapped Lashley's leg in the ropes and dropkicked it. Kennedy got another two count, then kicked Lashley in the gut. Kennedy threw Lashley into the corner and worked him over with right hands. Kennedy choked Lashley in the corner. Lashley shoved Kennedy away and started throwing right hands. Lashley went for a suplex, but Kennedy kicked him in the leg and hit a DDT. Kennedy scored a two count.
Kennedy put Lashley in the single leg crab again. Lashley tripped out of it, but Kennedy grabbed him and hit the forward roll Samoan Drop. Kennedy went to the top rope and went for the Kenton Bomb, but Lashley got his knees up. Lashley hit a belly to belly suplex. Both men were slow to get up. Lashley and Kennedy traded punches, which some in the crowd were mocking by going "Ohh" and "Ahh". Kennedy hit a spinebuster for a two count. Lashley put Kennedy in a Torture Rack and dropped down to his knees, then covered Kennedy for a two count. Lashley went for a backdrop, but Kennedy hit a neckbreaker for a two count. Kennedy accidentally/on purpose elbowed the referee. Lashley scooped up Kennedy for a slam, but Kennedy floated over and knocked out Lashley's leg. The referee was back up. Kennedy went for a chair and blasted Lashley in the back with it. The referee was busy wiping his eyes. Kennedy went for another chairshot, but Lashley kicked Kennedy and grabbed the chair. Lashley swung the chair, but Kennedy ducked it. Kennedy tried to escape the ring, but Lashley hit him in the back with the chair, getting disqualified at the sixteen minute mark. Lashley then proceeded to beat Kennedy down with the chair until officials made him leave.
Winner via disqualification: Ken Kennedy.
They hyped that Rey Mysterio would appear on Smackdown this week, but noted that he isn't ready to return to action yet.
The trailer for The Condemned was shown. Michael Cole, who barely has a voice left, interviewed Vinnie Jones, who is one of the stars of the film. Jones said he is the star of the film, not Steve Austin. Jones said that he kicked Austin's ass in the film and in real life.
The Miz, in street clothes, came out. He's the host for the ....
Diva Talent Invitational
The first contestant(s) was Extreme Expose. They danced in the ring.
The second contestant was Jillian Hall. Jillian got on the mic and said that this was her "big break". Jillian said the only reason she didn't win a Grammy last week is because she wasn't signed to a record deal yet. Jillian said she wrote her own song for tonight, and she was going to sing it. She warmed up with a pitch pipe, and had the sound man adjust the treble and bass for her. She started to warble a song, but Miz interrupted, saying she was the "female William Hung". Jillian freaked over the interruption, then said Extreme Expose didn't have enough talent to be her background dancers. Jillian said none of the other Divas had talent, making fun of Candice, Maria and Ariel, saying they were all "talentless bitches". Candice, Maria and Ariel came to the ring, and they all beat up Jillian. For some reason, Extreme Expose started brawling with them as well, and we had a big catfight in the ring. Referees, to a chorus of boos, broke it up.
Ashley's music hit, and she came out, stood at the entrance, and they unfurled the giant version of her Playboy cover. Ashley stood in the aisle and took off her top. She had Playboy Bunny pasties on her breasts. She then turned and left as The Miz declared her the winner of the competition.
Winner: Ashley.
Kristal, who was involved in all the hype for this competition on Smackdown, never came out.
The events leading to the main event were shown.
Batista & The Undertaker vs. John Cena & Shawn Michaels.
Shawn Michaels came out first, then John Cena, then Batista, then the Undertaker. Taker's entrance included giant flame fountains on the scaffolding that made up the set for the PPV, and looked really cool.
Batista started off with Cena. They locked up, and Batista threw Cena into the ropes and hit a shoulderblock. Batista hit some shoulderblocks in a corner, then whipped Cena across the ring and ran into a Cena boot. Cena hit some right hands, but Batista blocked a whip and hit a forward roll Samoan Drop. Batista gave Cena a jackhammer for a two count. Batista backed Cena in a corner, but missed a charge and ran into the ringpost. Cena worked over Batista with punches and tagged Michaels, who came in to a pop. Michaels chopped Batista, and Batista whipped Michaels into the corner and kicked him in the gut. Michaels kicked away a backdrop attempt but Batista nailed him with a clothesline. Undertaker tagged in to a pop and grabbed Michaels in an armbar. Taker hit a pair of short arm shoulderblocks and a legdrop to the arm. Undertaker did the Old School rope walk and dropped a forearm.
Taker hit Michaels with headbutts, but Michaels fought back with punches. Taker shoved Michaels away, but Michaels came right back with more punches. Taker hit a boot to the face for a two count. Undertaker tagged Batista, who worked on Michaels' arm. Michaels fought back with chops, but Batista slammed him. Batista missed an elbowdrop and Michaels tagged Cena. Fans booed as Cena and Batista went at it. Batista hit a back elbow and tagged in Undertaker. Undertaker hit a running knee in the corner for a two count. Undertaker went for the Old School rope walk, but Cena stopped him and hit some right hands. Cena went for a superplex, but Taker blocked it and headbutted Cena to the mat. Cena got right back on the ropes, punched Taker and got the superplex after all.
Taker sat up on the mat. Cena hit some punches, but Undertaker decked him with a clothesline. Taker missed an elbowdrop, and Michaels tagged in. Shawn hit a flying forearm and kipped up. Undertaker grabbed Shawn by the throat, but Michaels kicked himself free. Undertaker pressed Michaels over his head, and then dropped him over the top rope to the floor. Batista grabbed Shawn on the floor and dropped him face first on the ringsteps. Undertaker went to the outside and punched Michaels, then rolled him back into the ring for a cover, which Cena broke up. Batista tagged in and worked over Michaels with punches, then hit a running kick to the face for a two count. Batista put Shawn in his corner and hit elbows and punches, then tagged in Undertaker.
Michaels fought back, but was overwhelmed being in the Batista-Taker corner. Undertaker missed a running kick in the corner and got caught in the ropes. Michaels threw some punches and chops, but Undertaker caught him with a side slam for a two count. Undertaker tagged in Batista, who hit Michaels with a trio of short arm clotheslines for a two count, then applied a reverse chinlock. Michaels fought out of it and hit some chops, then bounced off the ropes and gabbed Batista, planting him with a DDT. Michaels made the tag to Cena, who was greeted with a mixed reaction.
Cena hit Batista with the Throwback, then hit a top rope Rocker Dropper, which got a pop. Taker came in to break up the pin. Cena hit Taker with a shoulderblock, which got booed. Cena clotheslined Undertaker out of the ring and hit Batista with a back suplex. The crowd booed the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cena landed the fistdrop. Cena went for an FU, but Undertaker came in and gave Cena a boot to the face. Michaels kicked Taker to the floor, then tried to jump on him from the apron, but Taker caught him and rammed Michaels into the ringpost. Cena went for a bodypress, but Batista powerslammed him. Batista went for the powerbomb on Cena as Undertaker tossed Michaels back into the ring. Michaels clipped Batista's knee to stop the powerbomb.
It settled back into a tag match, with Cena tagging Michaels. Michaels worked over Batista, with Cena taking a shot at Batista from the apron. Michaels hit a clothesline and a stomp, then tagged in Cena, who hit an elbowdrop for two. Cena ran into a boot by Batista, but hit a clothesline. Taker reached into the ring to break up the cover. Cena tagged in Michaels, who chopped Batista and hit an enzugiri for a two count. Michaels put Batista in a front facelock.
JBL is pretty much calling the match solo now, although he isn't doing play-by-play. He is basically doing color commentary without any play by play and carrying the whole match. He keeps calling the match like he is talking with Cole, but Cole hasn't been saying anything.
Michaels tagged in Cena, who put Batista in a sleeper. Batista had some blood coming from near his left eye. Batista backdropped Cena, but was crawling to the wrong corner. Cena did the same, and both men got punched for their efforts. Cena tripped Batista with a drop toe hold and put him in an STF. Taker came in to break it up. Cena slammed Batista and tagged Michaels, who gave Batista a top rope elbowdrop. Michaels did a crotch chop in Taker's direction, then went for Sweet Chin Music. Batista ducked it and hit a spinning sidewalk slam. Michaels tagged Cena and Batista tagged Undertaker. Undertaker cleaned house, giving Michaels Snake Eyes and a bit boot. Taker gave Cena a flying shoulderblock. Taker went back and forth, splashing Cena and Michaels in the corner. Undertaker grabbed both men by the throats. Undertaker tossed Michaels to Batista, who gave him a spinebuster. Undertaker gave Cena a chokeslam. Taker and Batista were standing tall over their Raw opponents, then Batista turned and gave Undertaker a spinebuster.
Batista went to the floor and just watched as Michaels gave Undertaker a superkick, sending him into Cena's FU for the pin at the 22-minute mark.
Winners: John Cena and Shawn Michaels.
Michaels and Cena left quickly, raising each other's arms as they left. Batista picked up his belt, got in the ring and stood over the Undertaker. Batista left, but as he got to the entrance, Undertaker sat up. Undertaker staggered up, glaring at Batista, who stood at the entrance holding up his belt and screaming. That ended the show.
2008 - WWE announced Ric Flair would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame for the first time. Flair would be inducted again in 2012 as a member of the Four Horsemen, the first person in history to enter the Hall more than once.
2008 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night at No Way Out we found out who will be wrestling in the two main events at Wrestlemania in less than six weeks. Both Randy Orton and Edge retained their titles and they will face Triple H and the Undertaker respectively after their Elimination Chamber victories. We also saw a familiar face return as the Big Show appeared to attack Rey Mysterio and put all of the champions on notice. Will Floyd Mayweather confront Show again after he broke Show's nose when Mayweather defended Rey. Tonight we will find out if Maria will agree to pose for Playboy (for storyline purposes only). Will Santino stay with her if Maria goes to the Bunny side? Who will be the first to qualify for the annual Money in the Bank match? What is next for the men who lost in the Elimination Chamber? How will John Cena react to his disqualification loss from last night and will he try to get into the main event even though he gave up that shot last night? Will Hornswoggle be able to defeat his father in a steel cage match or has Vince finally found a way to out smart his son and Finlay? Will William Regal remember what a brush or comb is this week?
We are live from Anaheim, California and your announcers are Jim 'Disney is my favorite theme park' Ross and Jerry 'Why is there such a long line for Space Mountain' Lawler.
We start off with Triple H coming to the ring to address the people of Anaheim after his victory in the Elimination Chamber and he gives us a Number One Contender GameFountain. Hunter says that he is pretty happy now, but twelve months ago, he was not so happy. Last year he was in a wheelchair watching from the back as 80,000 people went crazy at Wrestlemania. After last night in the Elimination Chamber after beating five men, the Game is back. He is back in the main event at Wrestlemania. He says that he will become a twelve time WWE champion. Hunter says that at Wrestlemania . . . HEY
Hunter is interrupted by the WWE Champion Randy Orton who comes to the ring to bond with his fellow former Evolutioneer. Randy says that they have come full circle. Last night it was John Cena. Before him, it was Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho, Shawn Michaels, and before all of them it was Triple H who he beat for the WWE Title. Orton says that Hunter continues to be jealous of him. Four years ago, when he won the World Title, Triple H was jealous of him; and now he is still jealous. Orton likes that Hunter is already proclaiming his victory at Wrestlemania. That makes Hunter like the rest and Orton says that he has beaten the rest.
Trumpets play as John Cena comes to the ring. Cena tells Orton to wait one second and one cotton picking minute. Cena presents everyone the WWE Champion Randy Orton, a very unique individual. He is the first champion to be a liar and a loser. With all of the corruption in sports today, it is fitting that disgrace comes to the WWE Title. Cena suggests that Orton should have an asterisk because he is the only champion to lose his way into Wrestlemania. Cena says that he has an idea. Why not have a rematch tonight with Captain No Nuts defending his title against John Cena to see who faces Triple H at Wrestlemania.
Orton suggests that John Cena should not be out here ruining what he has with Hunter at Wrestlemania. Hunter says that he does not give a crap because he knows that he has the title match at Wrestlemania and he is going to beat whoever it is.
William Regal comes out and he is looking very Prince Valiantly tonight. Regal points out that Triple Heytch won the Elimination Chamber Match so he will be going to Wrestlemania. Regal points out that Orton got disqualified by punching a referee and Regal says that left a bad mark in his eyes. Regal says that Cena will face Randy Orton tonight in a non-title match but if Cena wins, he will get into the main event at Wrestlemania.
Triple Heytch does not like that idea because he earned his way into Wrestlemania. Regal points out that there will be a special guest referee in the main event and it will be Triple Heytch. We go to commercial.
We are back with the announcement that Floyd Mayweather will be on the show tonight as we see him punching Big Show.
Match Number One: Jeff Hardy versus Gene Snitsky in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Snitsky sends Hardy to the mat as they lock up at the start of the match. Snitsky with a kick to the midsection and then he slams Hardy into the turnbuckles and then he kicks and chokes Hardy in the corner. Hardy with a drop kick to Snitsky’s knee followed by the delayed baseball slide in the corner. Hardy goes to the apron and up top but he takes too long and Snitsky gets up and crotches Hardy. Snitsky with a boot to the head and Hardy goes to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Snitsky has Hardy in a bear hug but Hardy gets out of the hold with a series of elbows. Snitsky with a shoulder tackle and he gets a near fall. Snitsky with an elbow drop for another near fall. Hardy tries to get to his feet but he falls against the ropes and Snitsky chokes him in the ropes and connects with a forearm to the chest. Snitsky runs Hardy into the turnbuckles and then he tosses Jeff to the mat followed by a series of elbow drops, but Snitsky can only get a two count. Snitsky with yet another elbow drop and then he puts Hardy in a rear chin lock as he leans back. Snitsky turns it into a front face lock. Snitsky with a slam but he misses a leg drop. Hardy with a running forearm but he cannot get Snitsky off his feet. Hardy with a cross body and he gets a near fall. Hardy hits Whisper in the Wind and the gust takes down Snitsky for a near fall. Hardy tries for a Twist of Fate but he pushes Hardy off and connects with a big boot for a near fall. Snitsky sets for the pump handle slam but Hardy gets out of the hold and then he hits a Twist of Fate followed by a Swanton for the three count.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
Jerry Lawler talks about the voting on WWE Mobile and the question is whether Maria should pose for Playboy.
We go to commercial with footage of Floyd Mayweather punching Big Show in front of his entourage in matching sweatshirts. We then see Floyd with Rey in the back.
Mike Adamle brings out Shawn Michaels for a Hall of Fame announcement. Shawn says that he is sore, tired, and beat up; but Wrestlemania is around the corner. Shawn says that you cannot have Wrestlemania without the Hall of Fame. Shawn introduces the first nominee. He is the reason why Shawn is in the business and he is the greatest of all time. Shawn says that he is his friend. The first nominee is Ric Flair.
After the video package, Shawn says that no man deserves it as much as Flair. Shawn wants everyone to congratulate Flair and then he wants everyone to Woooo. We go to commercial.
We are back and we will see the Top 10 Slammy Moments of All-Time on wwe.com. It debuts on Saturday.
We hear some comments from earlier today by Paul and Katie. Paul talks about the looks that the guys have been giving her, but Katie says that it is a testament to some good family genes.
Match Number Two: Paul Burchill with Katie Lea Burchill versus Super Crazy
Burchill misses a forearm into the corner but Crazy with a chop and punches. Crazy tries for a float over but Burchill catches him and kicks Crazy in the chest. Burchill with a European uppercut and slam for a near fall. Burchill with a snap mare and an arm bar. Burchill with a kick but Crazy with punches and forearms. Burchill with a head butt to the midsection. Burchill with a clothesline to Crazy and then he stomps Crazy’s head into the match and he gets a three count.
Winner: Paul Burchill
We see the steel cage above the ring.
Big Show and Shane McMahon are in the back and they are talking for a few seconds before they start walking into a commercial.
We are back and we are told that it will be Chavo Guerrero versus CM Punk in their best of Infinity series.
Triple H is in the locker room on the phone and Randy Orton is standing in front of Hunter. Hunter says that he will call whoever is on the phone later. Orton says that their match at Wrestlemania. Orton says that we don’t want to see what happened two years ago when Hunter tapped out to Cena. Hunter wonders if Orton is trying to swerve him and use mind games. Hunter reminds Orton that he taught him the mind games. Hunter says that he will call it the way that he sees it. Hunter says that if it favors anyone, it will favor him.
We see footage from last night when Big Show got on his knees to get face to face with Floyd Mayweather. Then we see Mayweather punch Show and break his nose. Then we see Mayweather escape with his entourage of matching sweatshirts.
Big Show comes to the ring and he is not happy. Show gets a mic and he says that he was asked to come out tonight to apologize for his actions at No Way Out. Show says that he knows what he was doing. He might have been a bit overzealous. Show says that he thinks Mayweather went too far, but that is not the issue tonight. Show says that he knows that Mayweather is in the building and he would like Floyd to come to the ring.
Mayweather comes out but he is not wearing the same sweatshirt as his entourage. Mayweather grabs a mic and he wants to know what is up with everyone in Anaheim. Mayweather says that he loves publicity and he has been a fan of the WWE for many years. He says that he is sorry that things ended up the way they did last night, but he points out that he is the best fighter in the world. He says that when Floyd Mayweather is called out, he has to retaliate.
Show tells Mayweather that he was not calling Mayweather out. He was trying to have a moment. Show says that it does not matter. It is in the past. Show says that he is sorry and he offers his hand to Mayweather and Mayweather shakes it.
Mayweather walks to the back but Show has something else to say to Floyd. Show says that he did what he was supposed to do, but now he wants to get something off his chest. Show says the only way that he could hurt him was on his knees. Even on his knees, he is still bigger than Floyd. Show says that if he wanted to, he could take out Floyd in two minutes. He let Floyd leave the ring, just like he let Mayweather leave his ring tonight. Show asks Floyd if he wants to find out the truth and face him one-on-one. The greatest fighter versus the biggest athlete. Show tells Mayweather if he wants publicity to face the Big Show. Floyd comes to the ring and he is joined by the sweatshirt squad.
Floyd accepts the challenge and Show laughs at Mayweather. Floyd makes Show flinch and then he leaves the ring. We go to commercial.
We are back and Lawler and Ross talk about the Mayweather/Show match. Jim Ross reminds us that Jeff Hardy got into the Money in the Bank Match. It is time for a Money in the Bank video package.
Match Number Three: Ken Kennedy versus Val Venis in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
Kennedy with a knee to the midsection and then he puts Venis in a hammer lock and sends Val’s shoulder into the turnbuckles. He does it to another turnbuckle. Kennedy with an arm bar and then he drops a knee onto the arm. Kennedy blocks a clothesline and then he hits a Divorce Court for a near fall. Kennedy works on Venis’s arm as Jim Ross mentions Venis’s recent elbow surgery. Venis with a punch to Kennedy but he tries for an arm drag but Kennedy holds on as he rolls through. Venis with a neck breaker and then he tries for a half nelson slam. Kennedy with a kick to the midsection and then he hits the Mic Check for the three count.
Winner: Ken Kennedy
It is time for the official Cage Lowering Music of the WWE as it is almost time for the steel cage match. We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Last week’s Battle of the McMahons.
Match Number Four: Vince McMahon versus Hornswoggle with Fit Finlay in a Steel Cage Match
Before the match begins, Finlay tells Vince that this is wrong but he leaves the cage.
Bradshaw slams the cage door into Finlay’s back and then he attacks Finlay and handcuffs him to the ropes. Bradshaw with kicks to Finlay. Finlay gets to his feet and he punches Bradshaw.
Vince takes off his belt as Hornswoggle begs for mercy. Vince whips Hornswoggle with his belt. Finlay tries to help Hornswoggle and he gets whipped with the belt for his troubles. Vince whips Hornswoggle a few more times. Vince leaves the cage and Bradshaw remains in the cage and he grabs Hornswoggle by the throat. Finlay tells Bradshaw and Vince to stop this. Bradshaw sends Hornswoggle into the cage. Finlay wants Bradshaw to take it out on him instead of Hornswoggle. Bradshaw with a boot to the head of Hornswoggle and then he drops an elbow on Hornswoggle. Bradshaw turns his attention to Finlay and connects with a boot. Bradshaw picks up Hornswoggle and then he hits a fallaway slam into the cage. Vince tells Bradshaw that was enough and it is time to leave the cage.
Vince calls for help as he tells his son that he is okay. Finlay tells Bradshaw and McMahon that they will pay for this. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of what we just saw moments ago. We then see footage from during the commercial when Finlay carried Hornswoggle to the back.
Jim Ross talks about the situation with Finlay and Hornswoggle and Lawler says that what Bradshaw did was unacceptable.
Maria comes out with Santino Marella. We see the voting and it was 94 percent to 6 percent in favor of Maria posing. Santino says that he has great news. He says what everyone wants, they will get. Santino says that Maria will pose in Playboy. Santino has a contract that looks suspiciously like a WWE contract with a Playboy logo where the WWE logo goes. Santino says that Maria will also face Beth Phoenix tonight.
Match Number Five: Maria with Santino Marella versus WWE Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix
Santino says that the fine print says that she can pose in Playboy only if she beats Beth Phoenix. Santino is in shock that this provision would be in the contract.
Beth sends Maria into the turnbuckles and then she kicks Maria in the midsection. Beth with a snap mare followed by kicks. Beth chokes Maria in the ropes and then gets a near fall. Beth with a backbreaker but Maria with forearms. Beth with a power slam to Maria but she can only get a two count. Maria with punches to Beth but Candice Michelle comes out and that distracts Beth enough to allow Maria to get a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Maria
Santino is ‘so happy’ that Maria won and will pose in Playboy.
We see Triple H put on his special sleeveless referee shirt as we go to commercial.
I wonder if they will hype Floyd Mayweather's appearance on No Way Out?
Match Number Six: John Cena versus Randy Orton in an If he wins, he makes it a Triple Threat Match but if he loses it might still be a Triple Threat Match because we have more than a month until Wrestlemania Match with Guest Referee Triple H
They lock up and Cena backs Orton into the corner but Cena with an Irish whip. Orton floats over and Orton with a European uppercut and punches. Orton punches Cena and the referee lets them go without a warning. Orton with a forearm to the back. Cena with a punch but Orton with a drop kick and then Orton poses as if he was Rhino or Khali. Cena gets up on the apron and Orton with a running shoulder that knocks Cena into the announce table and Triple H starts his count as we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with punches and kicks in the corner. Cena with a boot when Orton charges into the corner. Cena with a slam and then he hits an elbow drop for a near fall. Orton goes outside the ring to recuperate. Cena goes out after Orton and he slams Orton’s head into the announce table. Orton kicks Cena in the chest as he returns to the ring and then he hits a hangman’s DDT but he can only get a two count. Orton with a forearm to the back but Cena with punches to Orton. Orton with a power slam for a two count. Orton with boots to the arm and ankle. Orton slaps Cena in the head and then he drops a knee to the head. Orton with a reverse chin lock on Cena but Cena gets to his feet and he escapes with a belly-to-back suplex. Cena misses a charge into the corner as Orton moves. Orton with a rollup for a two count. Orton with a European uppercut followed by a forearm. Orton tries for a suplex but Cena collapses in the corner. Orton sends Cena into the turnbuckles around the ring and then he punches Cena. Orton with a kick to the midsection but Cena with punches to Orton. Cena with punches and flying shoulder tackles. Cena with a Blue Thunder Bomb and then it is time for the moves of doom to conclude with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena sets for the FU but Orton is close enough to the ropes to hold on. Cena’s arm is dropped across the top rope as Orton goes to the floor. Orton charges at Cena across the ring but Cena drops down and Orton goes over the top rope to the floor. Orton and Cena fight outside the ring and Orton with an Irish whip into the ring steps. Orton rolls Can back into the ring and he does his RKO push ups but Cena blocks the RKO attempt and Cena with a drop toe hold into the STFU. Orton reaches for the ropes and he finally gets to the ropes. Cena eventually releases the hold before the referee disqualifies him. Hunter has something to say to Cena and Cena gets nose to nose with Hunter. Orton charges and Cena with an FU for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Triple H Pedigrees John Cena and then he asks for the title belt. Hunter stands over Cena and Orton with the title belt in his hand and then he waits for Orton to get to his feet before he gives Orton a Pedigree of his own for President’s Day. Hunter removes his referee’s shirt and poses with the belt as we go to credits.
2010 - The NBC affiliate in Philadelphia featuredan aticle online about the end of ECW, noting the original ECW was born in Philly. The article also notes the difference between the original ECW, which ended in 2001, and the WWE version. Click here to check it out.
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with the Bischlimo arriving and he is on the phone. He is talking to someone about telling another person about how much better it is here than in that cesspool they are used to.
Do you remember what happened on Sunday night? If not, here is a video recap. D’Angelo Dinero has the title match at Lockdown. Samoa Joe could not overcome Ric Flair, A.J. Styles, or Eric Bischoff to win the TNA Title.
We also go to the biggest press conference that was held at Universal Studio soundstages because Impact is going to move to Monday starting on March 8th.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Taz and Mike ‘Happy Birthday Molly Ringworm and Ed Shirreffs’ Tenay.
D’Angelo Dinero comes to the ring and it rains money. He asks if they are having a party tonight in Orlando. He says that it isn’t because he arrived, but it is because he is pimpin’. He reminds us that he defied the odds at Against All Odds and is the number one contender for the TNA World Title. He says the only thing standing between him and his biggest bling is Arthur ‘I Have No Class’ Jackson and Dick Flair. Dinero corrects himself but he says that Ric is a dick so it is okay. He says that they may be stylin’ and profilin’, they will never be the charismatic pimptacular, hand clapping, foot tapping, pimp slapping Pope that he is. At Lockdown, he will walk into the cage as the challenger but at the end of the night, he will be the new TNA Champion.
Flair’s music plays and he comes out with A.J. Styles. They are accompanied by a bevy of females. Flair wants to know if Dinero can read and write because he wants Dinero to read the label in his jacket. Flair shows his Armani jacket and then he tells some people in the crowd to shut their mouth. Flair tells Dinero his name and that is what it will be. When Dinero was praying to God at night when he was six years old, he wanted to be just like Flair. Flair says that he was bling before there was bling. Flair tells everyone that he is exhausted because he has been with A.J. and his legion since Sunday and it has been an exhausting ordeal. He calls Styles the greatest wrestling machine that he has ever seen. He says that A.J. is custom made and the TNA World Champion. That makes A.J. the greatest athlete alive today.
Dinero tells Flair to listen to him. He says that Flair’s name might be Ric, but he is still a dick. No matter what piece of crap you inherit and how you dress it up, it is still a piece of crap.
Flair tells Dinero that they have a failure to communicate. He says that Dinero is a thief and then talks about Styles’ choice of clothing.
A.J. says that Dinero is funny and he says that while he is the champ, Dinero is a nothing going nowhere.
Dinero says that he is everywhere and then he punches Styles. Flair grabs Dinero but Dinero punches Flair. Styles and Flair attack Dinero as the situation gets to be a two on one beat down. Styles kicks Dinero and then Flair with a low blow. Styles punches Dinero while Flair holds him. Styles punches Dinero and then Flair brings a chair into the ring and he puts it on Dinero’s leg and Flair stomps on the chair. Styles puts Dinero in the figure four leg lock while Flair holds Dinero.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have a Moments Ago Moment of the attack by Ric Flair and A.J. Styles on D’Angelo Dinero.
Taz and Tenay talk about what is going to happen on March 8th.
Match Number One: Daffney versus Tara in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Daffney backs Tara into the ropes and she misses a punch but Tara does not miss with a few punches. Tara with a kick and a uranage side slam for a near fall. Tara works on the wrist but Daffney with an uppercut and punch. Tara with a back body drop and she takes too much time throwing her shirt into the crowd so Daffney recovers and hits a back kick and sends Tara to the mat. Daffney with snap mares by the hair followed by a kick to the chest. Daffney kicks Tara and then sends the champion to the floor. Daffney laughs and follows Tara to the floor and sends Tara into the guardrails. Tara punches Dafney but Daffney hits Tara with a toolbox and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Tara by disqualification
After the match, Daffney pulls Tara and then sends her into the guardrails. Daffney screams at the referee and he doesn’t know what to do. Daffney puts a guardrail on top of Tara and then she hits the guardrail with a chair. Stevie Richards comes out and takes the chair from Daffney and they go to the back.
Mick knocks on the door to the Bischoffice and he enters. Bischoff says that he wants to talk about Against All Odds and Mick apologizes. Eric says that Mick did his best on Sunday. Eric says that he wants to do something for Mick and he is going to try to give Mick an up to date wardrobe. They are going to give Mick a makeover and it is on Bischoff. Eric wishes Mick ‘Happy Shopping’ and then when Mick leaves, Eric is on the phone and he wants Abyss in his office right now.
We go to commercial.
Kevin Nash is walking in the back and he is only 30 minutes late.
Eric Bischoff tells Samoa Joe to show that Samoan pride since he couldn’t beat A.J. Styles on Sunday. Eric dares Joe to impress him against Orlando Jordan.
Match Number Two: Orlando Jordan versus Samoa Joe
Joe with punches to Jordan followed by kicks. Joe with an Irish whip and a running elbow and an enzuigiri. Jordan runs into a Yakuza kick and gets a near fall. Joe with a chop to Jordan but Jordan with a spinebuster followed by a kick and elbow to Joe. Jordan chokes Joe in the ropes and then he hits a swinging neck breaker and hits an elbow drop or two. Jordan with a leaping knee drop to Jordan for a near fall. Jordan with a rear chin lock but Joe gets to his feet and he connects with elbows and clotheslines. Joe with a back body drop and then he hits a running knee into the corner. Joe sets for the muscle buster after a series of punches but Jordan with a rolling lungblower for the three count.
Winner: Orlando Jordan
Abyss is walking in the back and he sees Jeremy Borash and wants to know if he knows what Bischoff wants him for.
We go to commercial.
We see Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin in the back wondering who the former champion is going to be and Alex thinks that it might be Petey Williams. We go back to commercial.
We have a video package for Lockdown because who cares about Destination X.
We are back and Abyss is in the Bischoffice and Eric tells Abyss that he warned him and told him what he would do on Sunday. He is going to do it. If the bat wasn’t going to be used, he told Abyss what he was going to do. He warned Abyss against any shenanigans or gamesmanship. Abyss says that he didn’t want to hurt Mick. He reminds Eric that he used thumbtacks. Eric says that he didn’t tell Abyss to use the tacks. He told him to use the bat. Eric says that it is going to be his mask. Eric says that Abyss’ mentor is on a shopping spree and Hogan isn’t here so he is in charge. He is going to take Abyss’ mask. Abyss says that the mask is who he is. Eric says that we are going to reveal what Abyss looks like to the world. Eric says that security is at every door to keep Abyss from leaving. Abyss runs out of the office.
Eric Young is with Christy Hemme and Christy asks Eric about Kevin. Eric says that Kevin wants to talk to Waltman and Hall in the ring tonight. He calls Waltman and Hall a couple of slugs.
We go to footage from the press conference and we hear Hogan say that if he laced up the boots he would want to go head to head (is there a bit of foreshadowing going on?)
We go to commercial.
We are back and Eric walks into Jeff Jarrett’s dressing room and Jeff wants to know what Eric is going to do with the bat. Eric tells Jeff he is the one who is going to use the bat. Eric says that he was disappointed when the bat wasn’t used at Against All Odds. Eric tells Jeff that he is going to use it in his match against Abyss tonight. Eric tells Jeff not to disappoint him.
Match Number Three: Doug Williams, Brian Kendrick, Alex Shelley, and Chris Sabin versus Amazing Red, Max Buck, Jeremy Buck, and Kaz
Williams attacks Kaz as the bell rings. Kaz with a break down and then he brings Kendrick into the ring and hits a drop kick. Kaz with a back body drop and then he tags in Jeremy and then Max and Jeremy with a double team kick. Shelley with a rollup on Max and then the Guns with double team moves on Max for a near fall. Sabin sends Max into the turnbuckles and then Sabin tries for a belly to back suplex but Max escapes and he tags in Red. Red with a sunset flip but Sabin rolls through but misses a kick. Red with a tornado DDT for a near fall. Red knocks Shelley off the apron but Sabin with a knee. Williams tags in and he connects with head butts and European uppercuts. Williams with a snap suplex and then he goes up top but Red with a spinning kick and Williams falls to the mat. Kaz tags in and he hits a spin kick followed by a drop kick. Kazarian with a swinging neck breaker. Max with a baseball slide to Kendrick on the floor and then Jeremy with a plancha onto Kendrick. Sabin with a running kick to Kazarian. Red with a missile drop kick to Shelley and Sabin. Red goes up top for a flip dive onto Sabin and Shelley. Kazarian knocks Kendrick off the apron and then Kazarian hits a slingshot DDT on Williams for the three count.
Winners: Generation Me, Amazing Red, and Kazarian
Abyss is running through the back and he is stopped by a referee who tells Abyss that he has a match.
We go to commercial.
We are back to see Jeff Jarrett stare at the barbed wire baseball bat and we go back to commercial.
Match Number Four: Abyss versus Jeff Jarrett in a Jeff Jarrett needs to use the Barbed Wire Baseball Bat because Eric told him he had to use it Match
They lock up and Abyss with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up and Jarrett with a side head lock and kick to Abyss but Abyss with a clothesline. They lock up again and Abyss misses a punch in the corner. Jarrett tries for a float over but Abyss stops short. Abyss gets Jarrett up for Shock Treatment but Jarrett escapes the hold and he hits an enzuigiri that sends Abyss into the ropes and Jarrett with a splash into the ropes and then he does the Jarrett Strut. Jarrett with a drop kick and then he punches Abyss in the corner. Abyss with a reverse atomic drop but Jarrett with a kick and punch. Jarrett with a clothesline and then he clotheslines Abyss over the top rope to the floor. Jarrett sends Abyss into the guardrails. Jarrett takes a chair and tries to slam Abyss’ head into it but Abyss blocks it and he sends Jarrett into the chair. Abyss brings a chair into the ring and he wedges it into the turnbuckles. Jarrett gets back to his feet as Abyss returns to the floor. Abyss sends Jarrett back into the ring. Abyss punches Jarrett and then Jarrett with a kick and then he tries to send Abyss into the chair but Abyss stops short. Abyss and Jarrett each hit clotheslines and they go down.
Eric Bischoff comes out to watch the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Abyss with a side slam and Eric slowly makes his way closer to the ring. Abyss starts to clap before his charge across the ring but he runs into boot. Jarrett comes off the turnbuckles and Abyss hits a choke slam and gets a near fall. Abyss misses an elbow drop when Jarrett moves. Jarrett punches Abyss and then he hits the Stroke. Jarrett sends Abyss into the chair that was still in the turnbuckles. Jarrett gets the barbed wire baseball bat and he refuses to use it despite numerous close ups of Bischoff. Jarrett throws the bat to the floor. Eric has a mic and he tells Jarrett that he couldn’t trust him to get the job done. Jarrett tries for a sunset flip and we see Homicide, Rhino, Raven, Tomko, and Desmond Wolfe come to the ring and they attack Jarrett. The referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
They all hold Abyss for Bischoff as Eric comes into the ring. Eric tells Abyss that he told him what he would do and Abyss wouldn’t believe him. Eric starts to take off the mask, but Hogan’s music plays and he comes out.
Eric changes his demeanor as it relates to Abyss while Hogan makes his way into the ring. Hogan takes the mic and he tells Eric that he has this one. Hogan tells Abyss to get his ass back to his office. Hogan leaves the ring while Bischoff is standing in the ring wondering what just happened.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a moments ago recap of the end of the Abyss/Jarrett and the arrival of Hulk Hogan.
We see Abyss being escorted to Hogan’s office by security.
Match Number Five: Brutus Magnus and Rob Terry versus James Storm and Robert Roode
Magnus and Storm start things off and they lock up with Magnus putting Storm in a side head lock and Magnus with a shoulder tackle. Storm with a punch to Magnus but Magnus with an Irish whip. Terry pulls Storm down and then they double team Storm. Terry is tagged in and he hits a power slam but Magnus wants to be tagged in. Magnus with a near fall and then he tags Terry back in. Terry with an Irish whip and a running splash into the corner. Magnus makes the blind tag and he has something to say to Terry. Storm with a kick and face buster and Roode is tagged in and hits a flying forearm and spinebuster. Terry misses a clothesline and Storm and Roode hit a double suplex and in case you forgot Storm and Roode’s tag team name, they remind us. Storm and Roode clothesline Terry over the top rope and then Roode sends Storm onto Terry. Storm with an enzuigiri to Magnus and then they hit DWI for the three count.
Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode
After the match, Terry returns to the ring and he checks on Magnus before getting the mic. Magnus takes the mic and he blames Rob for the loss. He tells Rob that the belt has cut off the circulation to his head. He says that Rob is a disgrace to the British Invasion. Brutus tells Rob not to turn his back to him and he tells Rob that he is his superior. Magnus hits Terry and then says the belt belongs to him. Terry hits Magnus with a clothesline and then holds the belt over Magnus before he leaves.
Kevin Nash is in the dressing room and he still has his leather jacket on as he paces and we go to commercial.
Abyss is pacing in Hogan’s office as he waits for Hogan to enter. Hogan tells Abyss that he is done with this crap. He tells Abyss to sit down and then he tells Eric to get out of the office. Hogan tells Abyss that he is sick and tired of seeing Abyss shake and chase his own tail. He tells Abyss that it is over now. He points out that Superman has a cape, Popeye has his spinach, so he wants to know if Abyss is a monster. Hogan tells Abyss that he isn’t a monster as big as he is. Hogan tells Abyss that he will never shake or back up again brother. Hogan shows Abyss his Hall of Fame ring brother. He says that is his life and everything. He says that this is the only thing that never left him and the only thing that loved him. Hogan says that he sold out every building for 30 years and he can barely get out of bed for that ring. Hogan tells Abyss to put his hand out and Hogan gives the ring to Abyss. Hogan tells Abyss that ring will give him all of the power in the universe and it will protect, guide, and love him. He says that the ring will make Abyss a god in wrestling. He says that it will make Abyss ten times better, stronger, and bigger than Hulk Hogan. He says that Abyss will be greater than Hogan ever was.
Abyss puts the ring on and he says that the ring stands for the monster Abyss and he screams.
We go to footage from Sunday’s pay per view when Ken Anderson used the dog tags on Kurt Angle’s forehead.
Match Number Six: Daniels versus Kurt Angle
Daniels attacks Angle and punches and kicks him as the referee pulls Daniels away. Daniels with more kicks and punches as he goes for the bandaged forehead. Angle with punches but Daniels with a palm thrust for a near fall. Angle tries for a German suplex but Daniels with an elbow. Angle with the ankle lock and Daniels tries to get to the ropes but Angle with the leg lace and Daniels taps out.
Winner: Kurt Angle
After the match, Kurt Angle gets on the mic and he has something to say to Ken Anderson. He says that he is man enough to admit when he has been beaten. He says that the way Anderson beat him is a different story, but Anderson beat him. Angle says that he is pissed off at what Anderson did with the tag. Angle explains the tag and the purpose. Angle says that he has had a difficult year and a half. He went through a hard divorce, he shamed his kids by being arrested. He says that he was falsely accused, but he was still arrested. Angle says that he sat in the jail cell and he didn’t know what was going on. He says that he prayed so he could know why it happened.
Angle says that he was at Fort Hood in Texas and he met some people who changed his life. He met soldiers and the family members of soldiers who died in battle. Angle says that a soldier came up to him and he told Angle that he believed in him. Angle says that the soldier gave the tag to him to remind Kurt who he is. Angle reads the inscription on the tag. Angle tells Anderson that when he cut him on Sunday, he did not make Kurt bleed, he made the soldiers and their families bleed. He says that he made people who believe in this country bleed. Angle says that when Anderson could have walked away, he put the tag on Angle’s chest and spit on it. Angle tells Anderson that he spit on the soldiers and the United States of America. Angle tells Ken that he is going to make him suffer and bleed until every last drop is out of his body. Angle says that there is no coming back. He tells Anderson that he will see him in hell.
Ken Anderson comes out and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ken is showing some feigned emotion over Kurt’s comments. Anderson says that he is amazed at Kurt’s abilities both in the ring and to suck up to everyone. Anderson mocks Angle’s alleged sensitivity. Anderson says that the hunk of metal around his neck is just a utensil to carve him up and that is what he did. He made Kurt bleed. Anderson says that he likes to make people bleed. Anderson says that if Kurt has a problem with that, he can come up the ramp and get him some.
Angle comes up the ramp to Anderson and Angle punches Anderson as they fight on the stage. Anderson punches Angle and the mic hits Kurt in the rear end. Anderson hits Angle in the head with the mic and then he gets in Angle’s face and he welcomes Kurt to Total Nonstop Anderson.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Samoa Joe is leaving the Impact Zone and Jeremy Borash is trying to get a comment from Joe. A van arrives and four masked men take Joe into the back of the van and the van drives away.
Kevin Nash and Eric Young come to the ring for your MAIN EVENT talking segment. Nash says that he doesn’t remember where or when but it was 17 or 18 years ago that he picked Scott Hall and Sean Waltman to be his friend. He says that he bought a black suit ten years ago because he knew that he would be putting one of them in the dirt real soon. He doesn’t know which is worse, the broken bones or the broken heart. For three weeks, Scott Hall and Sean Watlman found their way into the building and he has tried to keep them employed, but he has done it for the last time. He tells Sean and Scott to find their way into the ring to him. He says this business chews people up and spits them out. He says that he is still standing. Nash says that he will be waiting and says that he will be in the middle of the ring.
Hall and Waltman make their way into the crowd. Young goes out after Waltman and he punches Waltman but Hall kicks Young. Young continues to punch Waltman while Hall and Nash square off in the ring. Hall throws the toothpick at Nash and Nash punches Hall. Security comes into the ring and then Hall and Nash fight through security.
Hulk Hogan walks into the Impact Zone and we go to credits.
2011 - Smackdown held its 600th Episode. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
Tonight is the 600th episode of Smackdown and we have a twelve man tag team as the main event featuring the participants in the Elimination Chamber matches.
We are live on tape from San Diego, California and your announcers are Michael ‘If Jerry Lawler wins on Sunday, I will get a Coca-Cola tattoo’ Cole, Josh ‘Tough Enough Alumnus’ Mathews, and Booker ‘Happy 600th episode Smackdown’ T.
Tonight, the new World Champion Dolph Ziggler will have his coronation.
We start off our special episode of Smackdown with our main event.
As the wrestlers come to the ring for this match, Edge has the World Title belt, and Cole has to make sure that he yells over the introduction of Edge that he isn’t the champion any more.
Match Number One: Edge, Randy Orton, John Morrison, R Truth, Rey Mysterio, and John Cena versus CM Punk, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Dolph Ziggler, Wade Barrett, and Kane in a Super Duper This is Our 600th Episode of Smackdown Main Event of Epic Proportions that has to Open the Show
Sheamus and Edge start things off and McIntyre wants to face Edge for what he did to get Kelly Kelly fired and Sheamus obliges. They lock up and Drew with punches and kicks in the corner until the referee pulls him out of the way. Edge puts Drew in the corner and he punches him. Edge with a boot to the head and Drew goes down. Truth tags in and he punches Drew followed by a kick and he sends Drew into the corner. Drew with a kick and he tags in Dolph. Truth with a hip toss Ziggler and Orton is tagged in.
Orton kicks Ziggler in the ribs and then connects with a European uppercut and kicks. Ziggler with an Irish whip but Orton with a clothesline out of the corner. Orton hits the leaping knee drop for a near fall. Orton tags Cena in and he punches Ziggler and sends him into the turnbuckles. Cena with an Irish whip but Ziggler with an elbow and punches to Cena. Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog and then he tags in Morrison.
Ziggler kicks Morrison in the leg and punches him followed by kicks to the chest. Morrison with an Irish whip and he trips Ziggler as he goes to the apron. Morrison slingshots himself back into the ring and he wants to hit the corkscrew split legged moonsault but Ziggler recovers and he hits a reverse Exploder suplex for a near fall. Sheamus tags in and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus with a suplex to Morrison for a near fall. Punk tags in and he kicks Morisson and snap mares him followed by a kick ot the back. Punk mocks Morrison and drops a knee to the head and gets a near fall as he continues to work on the eyes. Punk with a figure four head scissors on Morrison. Punk has the leg but Morrison is able to tag in Rey. Rey hits a seated splash from the turnbuckles and then hits a springboard cross body for a near fall. Punk with a sunset flip on Rey, but you don’t give Rey a sunset flip without Rey rolling through and Rey does that and he kicks Punk in the head and gets a near fall.
Punk with a knee and he gets Rey up for the Go To Sleep but Rey escapes the hold and sends Punk into the ropes with a head scissors. Punk sets for the 619but Punk grabs Rey and hits a back breaker and gets a near fall. Punk tags Kane into the match and Kane kicks Rey in the chest and sends him into the turnbuckles. Kane with knees and kicks to Rey in the corner. Kane with an Irish whip and puts Rey in a bear hug. Rey punches Kane to try to get out of the hold and he hits double sledges to the shoulder. Rey with a kick to Kane but Kane pushes Rey into his corner and Rey is able to fight out of trouble with kicks to Kane and punches to some of the people on the apron. Rey tries to make the tag but Kane grabs Rey by the throat. Rey escapes the choke slam but Kane throws Rey under the bottom rope and Rey lands on Punk’s knee on the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett sends Rey into the corner and he hits a back breaker for a near fall. Sheamus tags in and Rey tries to get to his corner but Sheamus is able to grab Rey. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline to Mysterio and he stands over his opponent. Sheamus with an arm bar and chin lock. Rey with punches and kicks as he gets out of the hold. Rey tries to make the tag again and he cannot reach the outstretched hands of his five partners. Rey with a kick but Sheamus hits the uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Barrett tags back in and he kicks Mysterio in the chest and follows that with a knee drop and gets a near fall. Barrett with a head butt and he gets a near fall. Barrett with a kick in the corner followed by an Irish whip . Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Barrett goes into the turnbuckles. Rey with a moonsault from the top onto Barrett and both men are down. Rey struggles to get to his corner and he makes the tag to Edge. Ziggler tags in as well and Edge with a forearm and clothesline followed by a flapjack and Impaler DDT.
Edge has the look in his eyes as he pulls his hair and sets for the Spear. Sheamus stops Edge’s spear attempt with a pump kick. Morrison with the springboard round kick to Sheamus. Kane with a choke slam to Morrison. Cena gets Kane up for the Attitude Adjustment. Punk gives Cena Go To Sleep. Orton with an RKO to Punk. McIntyre with the Future Shock DDT on Orton. Truth hits the Lie Detector on McIntyre. Barrett with the Boss Man Slam to Truth. Rey with a head scissors from the top that sends Barrett into the ropes. Ziggler tries to stop Rey but Rey sends Ziggler into the ropes and he hits a double 619 (or the 12218 as it was once called). Ziggler staggers out of the corner and Edge spears Ziggler to complete the Finisherpalooza and he gets the three count.
Winners: Edge, Rey Mysterio, John Cena, John Morrison, R Truth, and Randy Orton
After the match, Edge and Rey celebrate in the ring and then Edge stands alone in the ring as he awaits the inevitable.
It does not take long for Vickie Guerrero to come out to the stage. She orders Edge to hand over the championship belt because he is no longer the World Champion. She shows Edge why he is no longer the champion. We go to the footage from last week when Edge speared Dolph in front of Vickie.
Vickie reminds Edge that the spear was illegal and he knew it. Vickie says that she did not know what that football player was doing because he was not a licensed official. Vickie tells Edge that he is no longer the champion, but her boyfriend Dolph Ziggler is. She says that we will see his coronation later tonight. Vickie tells Edge that he can watch the coronation from his hotel room. Vickie says that she knows that Edge attacked Teddy Long and she points out that he has always had a history of built up hatred and uncontrollable rage. That led to the assault on Teddy Long. Vickie says that she might not see eye to eye with Teddy Long, but they respect each other. Because of that respect, with great reluctance she tells Edge . . .
HE’S FIRED.
Vickie turns around and goes to the back while we see Edge for the last time inside a WWE ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that Smackdown has been watched more than 3 billion times in the US?
We have a Moments Ago Moment of Vickie Guerrero’s decision to fire Edge.
Michael Cole defends Vickie’s courageous decision to fire Edge.
Josh points out the absurdity of Cole’s argument but Cole responds with the ‘so you’re an attorney now’ defense. Booker tells Michael Cole, Esquire that Vickie was a woman scorned.
It is time to take a look back at what happened to Cody Rhodes last month when Cody got hit in the face with Rey’s knee brace, causing Cody’s nose to be broken. Cole calls for Vickie Guerrero to fire Rey Mysterio for what he did to Cody.
Josh tells us that Todd Grisham had a chance to talk to Cody Rhodes earlier in the week and we go to that interview.
Todd says that Cody is ready to address his broken nose and successful facial reconstruction surgery. Cody has a plastic mask on and he asks Todd if he gets some sort of sick joy introducing him like that. The world cannot see the pain he has endured or the mental anguish. The operation was a success, but what about his opportunities for success because they have been destroyed. While Rey and other Superstars are on the road to Wrestlemania, his journey has been stalled before it got started. It was all because of some mask. Cody says that he should not badmouth Rey because he is ten times the professional that Rey is. Cody says that he has been cleared to travel so next week he will have a special message for the Smackdown audience.
We go to commercial.
We are back with highlights from the first episode of Smackdown, including footage of the WWE Title match between Triple H and The Rock with guest referee Shawn Michaels when Michaels hit Sweet Chin Music on Rock to save the title for Triple H.
Michelle McCool joins Booker, Cole, and Mathews at the announce table for the next match. Michelle is asked about her foot and she says that she hurt it a few weeks ago because of Layla. She mentions that Layla must be more hardheaded than she thought because she hurt it when she kicked Layla in the head.
Match Number Two: Eve Torres and Beth Phoenix versus Maryse and Layla with Michelle McCool
Maryse and Beth start things off and Maryse slaps Beth. Maryse realizes what she did and she tries to get out of the ring but Beth grabs her before she can make her escape. Beth picks up Maryse by the leg and sends her into the turnbuckles. While this happens, Michelle wonders why Eve is the champion because she points out that she had Natalya covered at the same time. Beth punches Maryse followed by an Irish whip and hits a splash into the corner. Beth with a clothesline and she gets a near fall.
Layla tags in and she kicks Beth in the hip and she has Beth by the wrist but Beth gets free and she sends Layla to the mat. Beth picks up Layla by the arm and sends her back to the mat. Eve tags in and hits a few drop kicks. Eve with an Irish whip and she charges into a boot from Layla, but Eve blocks the kicks and she spins Layla around and hits a suplex and floats over to get a near fall.
Eve with a forearm and a sunset flip but Layla rolls through and hits a clothesline on Eve. Layla misses a round kick but Eve hits a series of kicks and a clothesline. This forces Michelle to get up from the announce table and she goes to the ring and yells at Eve. Beth punches Michelle in her injured leg. Maryse and Layla double team Eve with kicks and Layla gets the three count.
Winners: Layla and Maryse
We go to commercial.
We are back and Josh tells us that Rock is the one who gave us the name Smackdown. Booker says that he thought it should have been called ‘The Book Show’ because of his contributions on the show at the time. In case you missed the whole thing on Monday or the edited versions on Tuesday, or Thursday night, or the whole version on the internet, we have the announcement that the Rock is going to host Wrestlemania 27.
We are reminded that Edge has been fired and Dolph Ziggler will be presented the title.
We go to commercial.
We are back with highlights from the Smackdown that aired on September 13, 2001 (the first major event after the events that took place in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania on September 11th).
Match Number Three: Kofi Kingston versus The Miz with Alex Riley and from a distance Michael ‘It isn’t Marking Out if I don’t say it’ Cole
They lock up and Miz with a waist lock but Kofi with a standing switch. Miz with a wrist lock into a side head lock. Miz with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kofi works on the arm and puts Miz in a hammer lock. Miz with an elbow but Kofi with a series of cross bodies for near falls. Kofi with an arm bar on Miz and he returns to the hammer lock. Miz backs Kofi into the corner and Miz with punches while the referee separates them. The referee warns Miz. Kofi with punches and kicks followed by an Irish whip. Kofi leaps into the corner but Miz moves out of the way. Miz kicks Kofi in the back of the leg and Kofi lands on the mat.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz kicks Kofi and then he suplexes the Intercontinental Champion and gets a near fall. Miz stretches Kofi but Kofi gets to his feet Miz sends Kofi back to his knees and Miz puts his knee in Kofi’s back. Kofi counters with a back slide and gets a near fall. Kofi with kicks to Miz but Miz kicks back and he punches Kofi. Kofi with kicks and punches. Kofi tries for the SOS but Miz gets away from Kofi and tries to send Kofi into the corner but Kofi slides into the corner and then he connects with a forearm to Miz.
Kofi with a rana that sends Miz into the turnbuckles. Kofi follows that with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Miz runs Kofi into the corner and then he charges into the corner but Kofi moves and hits the pendulum kick. Kofi with a high cross body from the top turnbuckle and he gets a near fall. Miz with the Reality Check for a near fall. Kofi kicks Miz in the head and then into the leg. Miz tries to throw Kofi out of the ring, but Kofi holds on to the ropes and then he hits the Superman punch.
Kofi with the Boom Drop on Miz and he sets for Trouble in Paradise. Alberto Del Rio makes his way to the ring and Kofi does not realize that Del Rio is about fifty feet away while Miz is only a few feet away and in the ring. The distraction allows Miz to get a near fall with a rollup but Kofi rolls through and gets a near fall of his own. Kofi punches Miz. Del Rio snaps Kofi a few times with his scarf while Riley distracts the referee. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.
Winner: The Miz with an assist from Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio enters the ring and he stands over Kofi Kingston and smiles as only Alberto Del Rio can. Del Rio then laughs before he does the Del Rio pose. Alberto leaves the ring.
Josh reminds us that this is the 600th episode. It is time for the top ten ‘Longest Running Weekly Episodic Television Shows’ from the home office in Ottumwa, Iowa. Number 10 is My Three Sons with 369 episodes. Number 9 is Bonanza with 430 episodes. Number 8 is Ozzie and Harriet with 435 episodes. Number 7 is Death Valley Days with 452 episodes. Number 6 is Law and Order with 456 episodes. Number 4 is Lassie with 588 episodes. Number 3 is Smackdown with 600 episodes. Number 2 is Gunsmoke with 633 episodes. Number 1 is Raw with 925 episodes.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that Smackdown has aired more episodes than Seinfeld, Scrubs, and Friends combined? (In case you care, they had 597 combined episodes [180 for Seinfeld, 181 for Scrubs, and 236 for Friends]).
We go to highlights from Eddie Guerrero’s celebration after he won the WWE Title in February 2004.
We see footage of The Corre taking care of Kozlov and Marella last week and then what they did to Big Show.
Match Number Four: Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater versus Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov with Tamina for the WWE Tag Titles
Kozlov and Gabriel start things off and Kozlov with a take down. Gabriel tries for a cross body but Kozlov catches him and hits a fallaway slam and Gabriel rolls to the floor.
Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson come to the ring to check on Gabriel and Jackson helps him up while Barrett goes to the other side of the ring. Barrett gets on the apron and Kozlov goes after Barrett but Wade goes to the floor. Gabriel with a kick to the back of the knee and Slater tags in. Slater kicks Kozlov and works on the hamstring. Slater punches and kicks Kozlov. Slater charges into the corner and Kozlov with a head butt to the midsection. Kozlov tags in Santino and he blocks a kick.
Marella with punches and forearms. He splits to avoid a clothesline from Gabriel and then he hits a hip toss and a diving head butt for a near fall. Kozlov sends Slater to the floor. Marella kips up and hits the Cobra but Barrett and Jackson attack Marella and the referee calls for the bell.
Winners: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov
Barrrett and Jackson attack Marella and Big Show comes to the ring. S hwo with head butts to Gabriel and Barrett. Show brings Slater into the ring. Show with head butts to Barrett and Slater. Show sends Barrett over the top rope to the floor and then he does the same to Slater. Jackson checks on Slater and Barrett.
Show wants a piece of Jackson and Zeke gets on the apron and then he gets one foot into the ring but the rest of Corre suggest that he wait for another day and Jackson leaves the ring.
We see another classic moment from Smackdown when Booker T battled Steve Austin in a supermarket.
We are back and it is time for the World Champion Coronation ceremony and Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler are joined in the ring by the World Title belt that is sitting atop a table.
Vickie tells us that it is time for the World Championship coronation of Dolph Ziggler. Vickie says that as general manager it is her privilege to introduce the new World Champion Dolph Ziggler. Vickie gives Dolph the title belt and Dolph says this is his forever.
Teddy Long’s music plays and the formerly incapacitated General Manager returns to the show as he makes his way to the ring.
Teddy asks Vickie what is the matter because they look like they have seen a ghost. Teddy says that both of them should be surprised to see him, especially Vickie because of the investigation into his attack. Teddy asks Vickie if her investigation put her in front of a mirror.
Vickie asks Teddy what he means by that comment. She says that is absurd. Teddy says that he is not finished. Teddy says that Vickie had the most to gain from his attack. Teddy says that Vickie is the one who people says was the first person on the scene after the attack. Teddy tells Vickie to shut up. He says that Vickie has been after his job for a long time. Teddy says that Vickie doesn’t have to worry about his job or her job because . . .
Vickie blurts out that it was Dolph who attacked him. She says that it was all Dolph’s idea.
Teddy says that he is glad that this is all coming out now. Teddy says that we can forget about the World Title coronation. Teddy says that they can clear the ring and since he is in charge, we are going to have a World Title Match right now.
Teddy tells Vickie that she had the power to fire people, but Teddy tells Vickie that he has the power to rehire people. Teddy says that Dolph will have to face Edge.
Match Number Five: Edge versus Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler charges at Edge but Edge moves out of the way. Edge with a clothesline or two followed by a half nelson driver and Edge tries for the spear but Ziggler leap frogs Edge and Edge hits the turnbuckle and goes to the floor. Ziggler goes to the floor and he kicks Edge. Ziggler chokes Edge before they return to the ring. Ziggler gets a near fall but Edge is under the ropes. Ziggler chokes Edge in the ropes and connects with an elbow to the chest. Ziggler with a near fall.
Ziggler with a reverse chin lock on Edge but Edge gets to his feet. He punches Ziggler but Ziggler tries to lock in the sleeper but Edge keeps Ziggler from getting the top arm on. Ziggler with the Fameasser. Ziggler waits for the Zig Zag but Edge holds on to the ropes. Edge with a spear and he gets the three count.
Winner: Edge
After the match, while Edge celebrates his latest title victory in the ring, he shows the title belt to Vickie.
Teddy Long comes back out and he tells the Playas that he has one more thing to say. He fires Dolph Ziggler.
Vickie yelling at Dolph and Dolph has a vacant look on his face.
Edge gives a mocking ‘Excuse Me’ and then he says that this has been one big party since it is the 600th episode of Smackdown. Edge says that he was here for the first episode of Smackdown and on the 600th episode he is the World Champion. Edge reminds us that Dolph Ziggler is fired. A couple of hours ago, he was fired so he knows the feeling. He says that it isn’t a good feeling. Edge suggests that it is time for a song and since he doesn’t have the best singing voice, he wants everyone to join him as they sing Dolph into the sunset.
As the confetti falls, it is time for the traditional ‘Na Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye’ song.
2012 - The New York Wrestling Connection presented the 2013 Psycho Circus in Deer Park, Long Island. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of The New York Wrestling Connection's Psycho Circus X in Deer Park, Long Island!
Pre-Show Notes: They ran a 30 minute "countdown" video on a videoscreen above the ring entrance....They are sold out to capacity with every seat full and lots of people standing in every corner of the NYWC Sportatorium, which is a venue they've converted into a wrestling school and arena.
Jokers Wild Battle Royal to determine fourth competitor in NYWC Masters of the Mat.
There are a ton of competitors and ring announcer Larry Legend went through the names a lot faster even I can type, so bear with me. As you can imagine, it was all chaos with everyone battling all across the ring. John Silva was easily the biggest name in the match in terms of crowd reaction.
Order of elimination: Scotty Rio, Drew Davidson, Danny E., Jay Red, Gary Reno, Scotty Curse, Dan Barry, JT Tyson, Victor Cruz, DJ Phat Pat, Spider.
It came down to Silva, Braden Knight, Mike Donovan and Rob Vega They used a double superkick to eliminate Knight, then turned their attention to Silva, working him over with stomps and punches in the corner. Silve came back, using drop toeholds to send them into each other in the corner. He tried to toss Mike Donovan out but Donovan tried to skin the cat. Silva saw it and kicked him while he was upside down, sending him to the floor.
Silva backdropped Vega over the top to the apron and was pulled over the top to the apron himself. They battled back and forth with strikes. Silva stunned him, returned to the ring and dropkicked him off the apron into the arms of his manager.
Your winner, advancing to the Masters of the Mat bout, John Silva!
Fun Battle Royal, especially when it came down to the closing sequence, which had a few wrinkles I've never seen before. Nice to see Silva, who is a hell of a hand, moving into the Masters.
Out came a local newscaster from channel 12, Shawn Burgan who wanted to show off that he could wrestle. The crowd was all over him. Out came NYWC Starlet champion Nikki Syx with Crusher Doogan and Victor Cruz. Doogan mocked that she was sitting in the back while they were wasting time with his guy who only knows a few moves. He offered that the newscaster and Marti Belle team against Cruz and Syx.
Shawn Burgan & Marti Belle vs. Victor Cruz & Nikki Syx
Well, thius is NYWC's Wrestlemania, so why not have a celebrity match, or uh, something.
Belle and Syx started out and went back and forth. Syd cut off Belle in the corner and came off the ropes down on her arm. Burgan had News 12 on his singlet and they were filming this for a local news segment. Syx whipped Belle into the corner and nailed her with a running clothesline. She followed up with a boot to the face for a two count.
Syx tied Belle to the tree of woe. Syx argued with the referee, allowing Cruz and Doogan to choke Belle while his back was turned. Syx continued to unload with forearms and drilled Belle with a backbreaker for a two count. Syx used several chops and a clothesline to take Belle down again.
Syx continued working over Belle, who kept kicking up. She choked Belle against the ropes. Doogan slapped Belle while the referee wasn't looking. Syx charged at Belle, who was draped on the ropes for a splash but Belle moved and Syx tumbled, sort of, over the ropes to the floor.
Belle climbed towards Burgan to make the hot tag to the newscaster just as Crus tagged in. Burgan nailed a pair of clotheslines, a weak looking side headlock and a bodyslam. He legdropped Cruz just as Belle speared Syx to keep her from interfering and grabbed her in a front chancery to keep her from breaking the pin,
Your winners, Marti Belle & Shawn Burgan!
It's a good thing they had the women working the majority of the bout, because Burgan was about as bad as you'd expect, but this was being filmed for a segment that will get NYWC some nice local publicity, so it was what it was.
After the match, Burgan cut what he thought was a promo saying he knew he was going to take care of the opposition in no time flat and said that was "bone breaking news." Okaaaay.
Royal came out in street clothes and said that he's unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury and can't compete tonight, so instead he introduces his replacement, the "hip hop nerd" Francis Kipland Stevens. I'm surprised they didn't have Royal in a sling or something to sell the injury.
DJ Phat Pat vs. Danny E vs. Francis Kipland Stevens.
E. is a heel and gave the crowd a lot of static. Pat is a heavy set DJ. Stevens is dressed right out of "Revenge of the Nerds" only he comes out to hip hop. E was announced from the Jersey Shore to get heat and was then billed as "wrestling's best Sicilian Shooter." I'm sure that's news to Little Guido.
E cheapshooted Francis at the bell, sending him to the floor. Pat went to check on him, allowing E to attack him and work him over until Pat clotheslined him out of the ring. Pat teased a dive, which would have been a hell of a sight but was clotheslined by E, sending Pat to the outside. E teased a dive but Francis tripped him and attacked him.
E easily overpowered the smaller Francis, who came back with a DDT. Pat returned to break up the pin and smashed them both with his rather large, well, anus. It got a "That was awesome" chant. Francis sent Pat out of the ring and then whipped E towards the ropes, where he launched into a tope suicida to the outside. Francis then went to the top and hit a flying bodypress to the outside on them both.
Back in the ring, Danny cut off Francis with clothesline and slammed him. The crowd started getting on him about Jersey, so he took that out on Francis. He covered Francis for a series of pinfalls but couldn't get the job done. E saw Pat trying to return to ring, so he charged but Pat pulled the ring skirt away and trapped him in between, working him over. Francis went for a move on the floor but Pat caught him and slammed him into the apron face-first.
Inside the ring, Francis was worked over and placed on the top but he used Pat as a springboard to bodypress E. E came back to control the match. Pat nailed a double Samoan Drop on his opponents for a two count. Pat went to the top but missed a flying legdrop. Francis nailed him with an Acid Drop but was nailed by E, who then covered Pat for a two count.
E attacked Francis and nailed him with a press into a gutbuster for the pin.
Your winner, Danny E!
Really entertaining match where each competitor had their moment to shine. E is a real workhorse in the ring and someone to keep an eye on. Pat has really improved his persona and work since the last time I've seen him. Francis is sort of like the Spike Dudley mascot scrapper chatacter but more of a comedy guy here.
E went after Kenny Royal after the match and they had a quick scuffle in the ring. I thought Royal was injured?
Papadon vs. Tony Nese vs. Bandido Jr. vs. John Silver in the 2012 Masters of the Mat bout.
This is a 30 Man Iron Man Match with a points system for wins during the time period. Pinfall is worth one point. Submissions are worth two point. If they are counted out, they lose one point. A DQ means the wrestler DQ'd loses two points. This is a Richard Trionfo dream match!
Bandido is wearing a Lucha mask, which he does here, although he doesn't in other promotions. He took it off when they introduced him Nese is signed with TNA and never used for some reason. Silva is a smaller guy who comes out to the Gojira theme, which pops me. Papadon is one of the best kept secrets on the Northeast scene as he's got the look and the work but since he's been around for so long, he's sort of taken for granted in some ways. He's a two time winner of this match.
Bandido went right to the floor when they rang the bell, happy to let everyone else fight. He stalled and then returned to the ring. When he returned, Papadon aske him if he was ready. All four circled each other. They battled and it came down to Silver and Bandido in the ring while the others were dispatched. They had a hell of a back and forth.
Papadon returned and was caught with a series of takedowns by Nese. He avoided a charge and rolled over Nese in the corner, rolling him up. He backdropped Nese onto the apron. Nese rolled him up from behind for a two count. Bandido then rolled him up. Everyone exchanged near falls and faced off. The crowd loved it A hell of a first three minutes.
Papadon unloaded with a series of kicks to Bandido. Silver was run off by Nese. Papadon and Nese did stereo suicide dives on opposite sides of the ring. Nese then nailed Papadpon and sent him to the floor. He went for another dive but Don caught him with a kick in the ropes. Back in the ring, Papadon backdropped and clotheslined Nese. Nese was nailed with a beautiful back elbow off the ropes.
Papadon snapmared Nese and rolled him with, coming up with a kick to the face for a two count. He nailed a back suplex and dropkicked Silver back out of the ring. Papadon unloaded with a series of elbows. Nese fired back with several right hands and a spinkick. He charged Papadon but was backdropped to the apron. He landed on his feet, drilled Don with a kick, then nailed a springboard moonsault into the ring for another near fall.
Nese continued working over Papadon. He ducked a clothesline and nailed a spinning sitdown bomb for a two count. Silver and Bandido returned to the fray. Papadon was tossed to the floor, where Bandido nailed a tope con hilo. Silver attacked Bandido as he returned to the ring but Bandido came back with a series of stomps. Silver tried to kick him away but Bandido grabbed his legs and pulled him off the ropes into a slam.
Bandido kicked Siler in the face. Silver went for a spinning headscissors but was slammed down face first. Papdon was kicked away as he tried to return to the ring. Bandido hit a sprinting forearm smash in the corner on Silver for a two count. Silver came back with a series of offensive maneuvers, then sent Papadon back to the floor. He dropped a big axehandle on Bandido. Silver set up and sprinted with a big knee to Bandido's head for a two count. Silver hit a series of wheelbarrow suplexes, including a final one with a bridge for a two count.
Papadon returned to catch Silva with a big boot to the face and a DDT on Nese. He began working over Bandido in rhe corner with a series of strikes and forearms. Nese cut him off on a charge, but was then caught by Silver with a bulldog takedown as well. Silver slammed Bandido and Papadon next to each other and splashed them both for a two count.
Nese came alive and destroyed his opponents with running knees, covering Papadon for a two count. He dispatched them all to the floor and nailed a leaping backwards dive over the top, wiping them all out, He tossed Bandido into the ring. Bandido tried to come back with a tornado DDT but was tossed off. Silver kicked Nese, then did a dive on Papadon and came off the top with a missile dropkick.
Papadon nailed a rolling kneedrop opff the ropes and began picking apart off of his opponents once right after the other, He went for a diving headbutt but was caught with an Ace Crusher by Silver on the way down for a two count with 12 minutes left. They went into a sequence of superkick attempts, ending with all four kicking the other at the same time. That was absolutely awesome.
All four recovered and batled it out in thr ring. Silver and Nese nailed enziguiris on their opponents leaving them leaning against each other exhausted, They shoved them out of the way and went into this insane series of strikes going back and forth. Siiver hit a running kick and almost got a three count. Nese was caught with a running leg lariat by Papadon but Nese broke up the pin. Papadone clotheslined Silver, then nailed a TKO into a knee strike and a brainbuster on Bandido but Silver broke it up. The crowd began chanting, "This is awesome."
Silver came back with a running kick to the back of Papadon's face and locked in a straightjacket style crossface with Papdon's arms crossed. Nese broke it up before he could tap out. Nese caught a Silver kick and sent him to the mat. He nailed a rolling back suplex for another two count. Bandido nailed a Kryptonite Krunch for another two count.
Papadon and Bandido went into the sickest back and forth series of strikes and kicks, resulting im Bandido finally dropping down. Papadon and Nese nailed their opponents with stereo piledrivers for stereo two counts Nese and Papadon collided in mid-air with bodypresses. Bandido and Silver tried to pick the bones but couldn';t score a three count. Silver drilled Bandido with a kick, laying him out.
He placed Bandido on the top rope but Bandido tried to fight him off. He nailed a series of headbutts. Papadon nailed Silver and Bandido and went for a superplex but was dispatched by Bandido and Silver, who went back to fighting each other. Papadon joined in and Nese came in from underneath with a big Tower of Doom spot. This match is incredible.
The referee began counting them down and out. Bandido rolled to the outside. Papadon and Nese began costing each other pinfalls on Silver. It came down to Papadon and Nese battling it out in the center. Papadon missed a charge in the corner. Nese began drilling him with kicks. Silver rolled him up, They all started hitting big moves with no falls scored as the time limit expired.
NYWC head Shane came out and ruled they would continue with sudden death overtime.
All four men were down and out in their respective corner when the bell rang. They started attacking each other again. Nese and Papadon exchanged strikes until the others came off with missile dropkicks. Silver began stomping on Papadon. Bandido laid him out and went to the ropes but Nese on the apron kicked him off. Nese was laid out on the top. Papadon piledrove Silver. Silver nailed a Dragon suplex with a bridge on Bandido but Nese came off the top with a 450 splash on Silver and scored the pin.
Your winner, Tony Nese!
AWESOME 36 minute match. Had this match taken place on PPV or at a major ROH or DGUSA show, everyone would be losing their minds over it right now. Just an incredible phsyical story from four guys who really left it all out there, had some really original spots and worked their asses off. It was one of those matches that makes you say, "This is why I love pro wrestling."
After the match, Papadon and Nese faced off. Nese tried to offer his hand but Papadon didn't want to take it. He stared down at Nese and finally took his hand and shook it. Nese limped around the ring with a victory lap.
The Big O (of Zack Ryder's online series) vs. Manny Martinez (with Spider) in O's in-ring debut.
O is one of the recurring characters on Ryder's online show and he was accompanied by Ryder's friend Ciappetta. O had a ton of friends in the crowd all wearing Big O shirts and had special music made for his theme. Since it was Long Island, he was super O.
O charged Martinez, who went to the floor immediately. Martinez returned to the ring, but O charged and he fled again to the floor. The crowd was all over Martinez chanting, "Man Up" and "Yoiu're a p***y." Martinez finally nailed O from behind but he was quickly overpowered. Spider grabbed Martinez to protect him so O nailed him with a stiff slap, sending him into the guard rail.
O was kicked from behind by Spider but came back to nail a one handed chokeslam. He picked up Martinez for a British Bulldog style powerslam for the win.
Your winner, The Big O!
O is super green but does all the power spots exactly like a star should and showed a lot of charisma. Since he's standing at six feet tall, I can see WWE looking to sign him up. Zack Ryder is going to be really happy for his pal tonight.
2012 Psycho Circus Match: The Order of the Black (Mikey Whipwreck & Rex Lawless & Apollyon & Stockade) vs. Team NYWC (Alex Reynolds & Michael Mansfield & King Mega & Tony Burma)
One side of the ropes have barbed wire circling it. There is a trash can full of weapons in the ring. There is a shopping cart food of weapons including a barbed wire chair on the floor. There are tables piled up outside the ring on one side and ladders on the others.
All of the promotion's titles, except for the Starlet title are on the line. The Tag belts are hanging above the ring The Fusion title can only be won via KO. The only way to win the NWYC championship is to put your opponent through a table.
They will have Wargames type entrances and no one will be eliminated until everyone has entered.
The first man out, with Crusher Doogan (who was carrying a sack of tacks) is NYWC Fusion champion Stockade. Second out was Tony Burma. He said he was bringing Brian Vicko to be in their corner but when the music played he was nowhere to be seen. Doogan said Vicko was nowhere to be seen but Vicko's music hit again and he came in the front door and was crowd surfed into the ringside area. That was pretty cool. Burma and Vicko hugged.
The bell rang and they began battling. Stockade wiped him out with a massive clothesline. Burma came back with a clothesline and went right for the weapoins, nailing him with a trash can amd a broomhandle. He poired all the weapons out in the ring but Nikki Syx and Victor Cruz hit the scene. They worked over Burma but he ducked and Syx nailed Stockade with the trash can, Burma nailed Syx with a Whirlybird. Cruz went to use a keyboard but Vicko grabbed it and beat the hll out of it, shattering it.
Stockade cut off Burma and nailed a DDT. He grabbed a mallet and beat Burma with it. He placed the broken keyboard on his chest and dropped a big elbow. Burma was busted open and choked with a piece of a broomstick. Stockdale nailed him with a shovel and went to use a chain but Burma cut him off and nailed him with a trash can. He set up the chain around his arm and dropped an elbow.
Burma continued working him over as the time for the next man hit. It was Alex Reynolds. He was immediately attacked and laid out by Apolloyn and powerbombed through a table, laid out. This allowed the heels to have a two in one advantage working Burma over with weapons. The barbed wire came into play. They were checking over Reynolds but couldn't remove him since he was part of the match. Burma started to make his own comeback with a broomstick handle.
Burma was overpowered on the outside and beaten with a cowbwell as it came time for Mega to hit the ring and make the save. He used a trash can on both of his opponents, then clothesline Stockade with a chain. He and Burma covered Stockade under a lader and trash can and beat it with a chain. Burma placed a table atop the top turnbuckle as Rex Lawless hit the scene.
Burma cut off Lawless and suplexed him into a ladder that was leaning against the ropes. Lawless went to the top but was cut off by Mega ansd Burma and superplexed into the ring. Mansfield hit the ring but was cut off and nailed with a big legdrop. Lawless bridged a ladder between the ring and the railing. Mansfield was whipped into the barbed wire and then splashed into it.
Zack Ryder's music hit but out came Mikey Whipwreck. Reynolds finally recovered and eliminations can now occur. Mikey and Reynoldsbrawled on the utsode side. Mansfield was sent onto the bridged ladder and then splashed. Appolyn missed another splash. Burma grabbed a stop sign and nailed him with it. It was chaos everywhere.
Whipwreck wrapped himself in the barbed wire to use it as a weapon but Reynolds attacked him. The barbed wire chair came into play on the outside, smashed over Mansfield's back. Mega was worked over with a plunger on the outide. Reynolds slammed a trash can over Lawless' back; Everyone battled with weapons and it was pure carnage.
Reynolds was placed against a ladder but moved before he could be rammed tbrough it, The battle spilled into the crowd. Mega began beating people with chairs. A bunch were tossed into the ring and set up to put someone through. Mansfield was nailed with a Death Valley Driver through them by Stockade. Reynolds immediately attacked Stoclade with a series of shots.
The battle continued to rage all around the ring. Apolloyn was sent into a ladder in the corner by Reynolds, who avoided his charge. Everyone returned to the ring, where the battle continued with The Order of the Black in control, Mega cut off Stockade and slammed him on a group of cinder blocks. Whipwreck blinded him with baby powder. The battle spilled out to the flooe near the entranceway.
In the ring, Mansfield slammed Whipwreck and scaled a ladder in the middl of the ring. Whipwreck nailed him and tipped the ladder, sending him over the top onto everyone else. Whipwreck began climbing to the top and grabed the Tag belts so the Order of the Black remain the Tag champs. Therefore, Burma and Mega have been eliminated from the match.
They worked over Alex Reynolds who rolled out of the way of a top rope splash from Apollyon. Reynolds set up a table across the top rope and tossed Stockade to the outside. He set up another table in the ring and began working over Apoloyn with kicks, placing him on the table. Reynolds went to the top but hos target moved before he could nail the move. Mansfield pulled the table away as Reynolds was hit with a belly to belly overhead superplex off the ropes, saving him from elimination.
They battled back and forth until Reynolds was chokeslammed off the top through a table, eliminating him, so Apollyn retained the NYWC title. That meant it came down to Mansfield vs. Stockade and the only way to win was knockout. They went back and forth. Mansfield wrapped barbed wire around his fist but missed the punch and was caught with a DDT. He was almost counted out but made it to his feet.
Stockade poured tacks in the center of the ring. He set up for a tornado DDT but Mansfield battled him off. They struggled from the advantage but finally Mansfield was shoved off the ropes through the tacks. Mansfield avoided an avalanche and nailed a knockout punch with the barbed wire for the win...but No...Stockade gets up at the nine count.
They battled to the floor, where Mansfield rammed Stockade hard into the railing a number of imes. Stoackade fought back and speared Mansfield through the wall of the arena into the locker room, which looked awesome.
Winner and still NYWC Fusion champion Stockade!
Winners of the match, The Order of the Black!
This was absoliutely off the charts awesome, just an insane ECW/FMW display of action and violence. What a hell of a match.
GREAT show. As I have written before, NYWC is the most overlooked promotion on the East Coast and that sure as hell should change if they keep putting on shows of this calibre.
For more on details on the NYWC Psycho Circus, visit www.NYWCWrestling.com.
2013 - WWE officially announced Wrestlemania 30 in New Orleans. Dave Scherer filed the following report from the press conference:
The announcement video opened with Rock doing a promo talking about how special winning at the PPV last night was. He put over CM Punk as a great champion.
Alberto Del Rio talked about how he beat The Giant and how he has no issues with Jack Swagger. You know that is going to changed.
Kaitlyn talked about defending her Divas Title and how she was drained. She is going to celebrate with some peanut butter or maybe go to Chilis.
Miz talked about giving Antonio Cesaro a few shots to the groin.
They had Zeb and Swagger on next. They will be delivering a Presidents' Day State Of The Union speech.
Dolph Ziggler complained about not being on The Elimination Chamber. They asked Big E about killing Kofi. He said he had his fun. That is all we need to know.
Alberto Del Rio joined Matt Striker and Josh Mathews, who were playing hosts. Alberto talked about how he is going into WrestleMania as the World Champion. Striker asked ADR if he was worried about Ziggler cashing in. ADR is not.
Finally, the press conference started.
It started with a video about WWE of course. There was no sound at first, then they fixed it. We got to hear all of the great things about WWE. John Cena said they are TV PG because all of the people between 15 and 35 determine what's cool. Yes, he said that in the video.
After the video, the live part started as Brodus Clay came out and danced with the Funkadactyls. They had on their blue outfits. WWE sure is different with how they present themselves. They got modest applause as it seemed most people there were like what the hell is this.
John Saboor, new SVP of Special Events, basically shamed the audience into applauding for Brodus.
Saboor introduce New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu. He thanked WWE and its stars, and a bunch of other people. He talked about all of the great things his city has done, typical political promotion. He announced that New Orleans will host WrestleMania 30 on Sunday April 6 at The Mercedes Benz Superdome. Mitch talked about the money that Mania will bring into his city (and Mike Johnson, yes he mentioned Mike by name. OK, he didn't).
Landrieu introduced Vince McMahon, who he really gushed about. They shook hands as Vince's music talked about crooked politicians. I found that funny.
Vince talked about how great the WWE product is and how WrestleMania personifies it. New Orleans is the perfect city. He put over that WWE is fun and he was happy to be coming there.
Next up was New Orleans Saints honcho Rita Benson Leblanc. She was shocked that she got entrance music. She is very happy that they are bringing WrestleMania to the city. She said that when the music played backstage, she and Vince were dancing. Vince is a fun guy. She talked about how great New Orleans is (and I agree with her, I love the city).
R-Truth came out and did a live version of What's Up. Some of the people at the press conference were looking around like what the hell are we attending? It was pretty funny.
Saboor brought out the GM of the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena, Alan Freeman. He thanked WWE and is happy they are coming. He thanked them for bring "over 13,000 fans to the building". I guess there were a lot of comps since WWE said it was over 15,000. He talked about how important the event is and they have been bidding on Mania since 2009. There are a lot of partners in the city that helped in the process. He explained the process of getting Mania. They got it 15 months ago and the caveat was that they couldn't say anything until now. It was hard. They expect at least 70,000 people. He thanked Vince. He said they will put on a great event.
Saboor said that they will be doing a lot of positive social things during the week and brought out Stephanie McMahon-Levesque. She was funny in stating that her "All Grown Up" music is updated. She talked about social media and how 9.5 million people checked out Drew Brees' tweet about Mania coming to New Orleans last Friday. She talked about how important it is for WWE to give back to the community. They will be doing that during Mania week. She talked about the many things WWE will do in the community that week. They will bring smiles to peoples' faces and it will be a big party.
Next out was Steven Perry. He is the President of The New Orleans Visitors Bureau. He put over his city, of course.
The Rock was next. They pushed GI Joe before he came out. He talked about his history in the city. He wrestled there. He filmed GI Joe there. He played for the national championship in college there (they lost, he still isn't over it). He talked about how fun Mania is and he is happy and proud to bring it to the city. He sang a little "When the Saints go marchin' in". He got that crowd to sing along. Of course he did!
The final guest of the show was John Cena. He thanked everyone for being there. He put over how New Orleans over adversity. WWE runs parallel with New Orleans because they do the same. He put over the city and the people there clapped. He promised to leave them with a great story.
Rock came out, and he and Cena shook hands in a photo op. Yep, the main event for Mania 29 is locked in now for sure.
After that many superstars came out on stage, out of character.
2013 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night at the Elimination Chamber, did the Rock retain the WWE Title to set up the Once in a Lifetime . . . for the Second Time match against John Cena at Wrestlemania? Was Alberto Del Rio able to retain against the pissed off Big Show? Did Dolph Ziggler cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase or did he tease us one more time? Did the ‘super team’ of John Cena, Ryback, and Sheamus finally send a message to The Shield? Who won the Elimination Chamber to face the World Champion at Wrestlemania 29? These questions and more will be answered on the next episode of Soap . . . I mean Monday Night Raw.
We are in Lafayette, Louisiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Why aren’t we telling people the city we are in this week’ Cole and Jerry ‘Doesn’t JBL remind you of Burt Campbell’ Lawler.
The first step on the Road to Wrestlemania tonight is made by John Cena who looks pretty happy considering he is in the main event of Wrestlemania even though he fell short against the Shield.
John says that they are in the right place because the Road to Wrestlemania is heating. They announced last year that Wrestlemania would be in the shadow of New York at MetLife Stadium. The sign above the ring means something now because Wrestlemania is taking shape. We know the two title matches. Jack Swagger will face Alberto Del Rio for the World Title. On April 7th, John Cena reminds us that he will try to become the WWE Champion when he faces The Rock.
John is interrupted by CM Punk, who is accompanied by Paul Heyman and they make their way to the ring.
Punk gets in Cena’s face and he tells John that he is fighting the Rock in the main event of Wrestlemania and he wonders if John is positive. That is the easy way out and he expects nothing less from John.
Punk is going to clear the air. Rock beat him last night, fair and square if you ignore the fact that he had Rock pinned for an eighteen count and Rock did strike a referee and the title should be back with him.
Rock beat Cena fair and square at Wrestlemania last year, but John Cena has never beaten him.
Cena says that he is not talking about wins and losses. He won the Royal Rumble so he will face the WWE Champion. For once, it is not about CM Punk so he will have to sit it out.
CM Punk says that it is about him. For 434 days, he was the WWE Champion and he was the best in the world. He faced the best and he beat all of them. John Cena earned his spot in the main event in a circus style match at Royal Rumble. He throws a few ham and eggers over the top rope and he gets the match by the luck of the draw.
Punk says that Rock vs. Cena is a bit of déjà vu and he say the original and Rock beat Cena. Cena can’t beat him.
Cena wants to know what Punk wants him to do.
Punk tells Cena to walk away because he has something that does not belong to him. He tells Cena to walk out of the WWE and get out of his life.
Cena tells Punk no. He gives Punk credit for his honesty. If you sift through the bs and excuses, you probably have a half decent person. Cena says that he is not going to give away a golden ticket to the main event of Wrestlemania. Cena says that Punk has some merit to his points. He has not beaten Punk and he hasn’t beaten the Rock. Cena says that he has some critics. Cena says that Punk wants to be in the main event of Wrestlemania and Cena wants to shut up those critics.
Cena says that he will let Punk earn a chance into the main event. If Cena beats Punk, he shuts his mouth, crawls back into the hole he came from and goes away. If Punk wins, then Cena does not deserve to be in the Main Event of Wrestlemania and Punk can have his spot. He will do it right now. Cena says that Punk talks business and Cena handles business.
Punk discusses something with Paul Heyman and he says that Cena made the stupidest decision of his life. Punk accepts the challenge but he won’t do it tonight. He will do it on his terms. After being screwed last night, he shouldn’t even have to be in this position, so they will do it next week.
Punk and Heyman leave the ring.
Cena says that it is official. Next week, John Cena versus CM Punk with the winner facing Rock at Wrestlemania. Cena vows to beat CM Punk next week.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt Striker is with Sheamus. Matt asks Sheamus about a weakness with The Shield. Sheamus says that he let everyone down and he sees Ryback pacing. Sheamus tells Ryback that they need to adapt and overcome. Is Ryback a machine or a mindless Neanderthal. Ryback grabs Sheamus and Chris Jericho tells them to stop it. Jericho says that they need to be mad at the Shield. Jericho says that they need to do what it takes to save this company. Jericho says that he loves WWE. He will not wrestle anywhere else.
Jericho says that Vickie brought him back to Raw because she knows what he brings to the Table. Jericho says that everyone knows the box office appeal of The Shield versus Ryback, Sheamus, and Y2J and that match will take place in Cajun Country.
Sheamus and Ryback say that Jericho has a deal if he can get it done.
Ryback wants to be fed Shield.
Match Number One: Sin Cara versus Mark Henry
Cara avoids Henry and kicks him in the leg but Henry with a head butt and an Irish whip. Henry throws Cara down to the mat and then he stands on Cara’s back. Henry with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Cara with an enzuigiri from the apron but Cara goes for a head scissors from the apron but Henry catches him and hits a running power slam. Henry picks up Cara for the World’s Strongest Slam and the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry
After the match, Henry continues his attack on Cara and the referee leaves the ring. Henry picks up Cara for another World’s Strongest Slam but Great Khali’s music plays and Cara is in limbo as Khali makes his way to the ring. Henry tosses Cara to the side.
Henry leaves the ring when Khali enters. Henry says that if he wanted to dance, he would get in there.
Michael Cole talks about the United States Title Match and we see footage of the low blow. Miz will face Antonio Cesaro in a No Disqualification Match tonight. We will also get that six man tag match that Chris Jericho requested.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Antonio Cesaro versus Miz in a No Disqualification Match
Miz with a double leg take down and he punches Cesaro. Miz clothesline Cesaro over the top rope to the floor. Miz with a double sledge off the apron. Cesaro sends Miz into the ringside barrier. Miz is sent shoulder first into the ring post. Cesaro is sent back into the ring and Cesaro gets a few chairs and a kendo stick. Cesaro hits Miz with the kendo stick to the shoulder and gets a near fall.
Cesaro puts a chair in the turnbuckles and then he kicks Miz and Miz is able to avoid being sent into the chair. Miz with a sunset flip for a near fall. Cesaro hits Miz with the kendo stick and gets a near fall. Cesaro uses the chair for an arm bar on Miz and he kicks Miz in the injured shoulder.
Cesaro gets another near fall. Cesaro tries to drop Miz on the chair but Miz gets away. Miz with a neck breaker but Miz is sent into the chair in the corner. Miz is put in the ropes and Cesaro with two European uppercuts. Cesaro runs into a boot from Miz and then he avoids a knee in the corner. Cesaro is dropped throat first onto the chair and Miz applies the figure four leg lock and Cesaro taps out.
Winner: Miz
Michael Cole reminds us that Jack Swagger is the Number One Contender for the World Title. Jerry talks about how Zeb Coulter has changed Swagger.
We see the first Zeb Militia video where he talks about Immigration and how this was a land of opportunity but now it is a Desert of Despair. A number of criminal delinquents have crossed the border. These people have drained this country of its resources and productivity. If you are looking for a handout, they will give you one. It is a one way ticket to wherever you come from.
We are back and Daniel Bryan is walking in the back. Daniel says that instead of hugging last night, Kane uppercut him in the jaw. Daniel says that he does not trust Kane any more. He is going to wrestle Jack Swagger and he doesn’t want Kane out there.
Kane says that he will ask for a match and he doesn’t want Daniel Bryan to come out for the match and he says that he better night act like a snake.
Randy asks if someone is talking about him.
Kane says that he doesn’t like snakes and if they get too close, he stomps on them with his boot.
Randy says that at one point Kane would have him shaking in his boot but since Kane turned in his choke slams for hugs, he is more like Barney.
Daniel likes that.
Vickie Guerrero is on the phone and she says that she has some surprises planned.
Paul Heyman stops by and Vickie congratulates Paul for those stipulations. Rock was able to retain his title. Paul says that he has nothing to say to Vickie. Vickie says that she has dramatic news for Paul that will affect his career. Paul wants to know. She is going to tell us in the ring. Paul says that he loves overdramatic women and he says that he does not like surprises.
Match Number Three: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Dolph Ziggler (with Big E Langston and AJ Lee)
Ziggler with a kick and drop kick followed by punches. Del Rio with a back heel kick but Ziggler with a kick. Del Rio sends Ziggler to the apron and Del Rio with a step up enzuigiri and Ziggler falls awkwardly to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler is back in control and he chokes Del Rio in the ropes. Ziggler with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Ziggler chokes Del Rio in the ropes and then he talks to the referee while Langston punches Del Rio. Ziggler gets a near fall and then he applies a reverse chin lock. We see Zeb Coulter and Jack Swagger watching in the back on the monitor.
Del Rio with punches but Ziggler with a knee to the midsection. Ziggler with a Fameasser for a near fall. Ziggler goes up top but Del Rio hits the ropes and Ziggler is crotched. Del Rio with a round kick to the back and then he goes for a reverse superplex and both men are down. Ziggler punches Del Rio but Del Rio punches back. They go back and forth until they go with kicks. Ziggler misses a clothesline while Del Rio hits two. Ziggler misses another clothesline and Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Del Rio with a super kick and he gets a near fall.
Del Rio signals for the cross arm breaker but he takes too long and Ziggler with a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Del Rio with an Irish whip but Ziggler gets his feet up. Del Rio puts Ziggler in the ropes and connects with a series of forearms to the lower back and he follows with a lungblower for a near fall because Ziggler gets his hand on the rope.
Del Rio signals for the cross arm breaker and Langston gets on the apron. Del Rio with a drop kick to Langston to knock him off the apron. Ziggler tries for a DDT but Del Rio gets free and he applies the cross arm breaker and Ziggler taps out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Langston with a running body block on Del Rio and then he gets Del Rio up for the Big Ending and he hits it.
Ziggler grabs the briefcase and he gives it to the referee steals the contract and goes to the back. Langston forces Ricardo to drop the case. AJ gets the case and gives it to Dolph but Alberto with an enzuigiri.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Wade Barrett is in the ring. He says that he is a top WWE superstar. In addition to that, he is going to become a huge movie star. He started in the movie Dead Man Down and it will open in theatres on March 8th. The Barrett Barrage is on its way to Hollywood.
Barrett is interrupted by Sheamus. He says that before he opens his mouth again, he says that Wade is not the star of Dead Man Down, Collin Farrell is. Sheamus tells Barrett if he has any objections, to respond. Sheamus says that we are out of time.
Wade wants to know what this is all about since they have ruined his big moment.
Match Number Four: Rosa Mendes, Epico and Primo versus Brodus Clay, Tensai, and Naomi (with Cameron)
The women start things off and they lock up. Rosa with a knee and slaps to Naomi. Naomi with a leaping butt block. Rosa with an Irish whip but Naomi goes to the apron and she hits a springboard cross body for a near fall. Naomi with a head scissors to Epico and Primo tags in.
Tensai punches Primo and hits a clothesline and follows with an elbow drop for a near fall. Naomi slides through Tensai’s legs for a baseball slide on Epico and Rosa. Clay tags in and they hit a double splash for the three count.
Winners: Tensai, Brodus Clay, and Naomi
Michael Cole mentions the press conference and we see footage of the announcement that Wrestlemania XXX will be in New Orleans on April 6, 2014.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Zeb and Jack are in the ring. Jack tells his fellow Americans last night is what happens when you live with dignity, respect, and patriotism. Last night, not only did he conquer the Elimination Chamber, he put the weight of our nation on his shoulders. Tonight is not about him, it is about something much bigger. Tonight is about our country. Tonight is about the state of the union and there is only one man brave enough, wise, and honest enough to give it. That man is a greater American . . . Zeb Coulter.
Zeb says that he wants to thank our Founding Fathers for creating a great democratic instrument like the Bill of Rights. It gives him the ability to exercise his first amendment rights.
Blame falls upon the people who live in this country illegally. Those people don’t have any qualms about taking our medical care, jobs, education, and our freedom. It is high time that we do something about this. There is a big problem in this country. Real Americans need to stand up and say no more. That is what Jack Swagger is prepared to do.
Last night, Jack Swagger won the right to challenge for the title at Wrestlemania. That match is more than a World Title Match. It is a battle for the heart and soul of this country. You have a Real American and patriot by the name of Jack Swagger. On the other side, you have the World Champion named Alberto Del Rio. This man came into this country to reap the benefits of this country.
Jack Swagger will capture the World Title and he will reclaim America. That is a country that Zeb says that he can be proud of again.
Match Number Five: Daniel Bryan versus Jack Swagger (with Zeb Coulter)
The match is joined in progress and Swagger with a waist lock. Bryan with kicks to Swagger’s leg. Bryan with a sunset flip for a near fall. Bryan sets for a surfboard but Swagger is able to avoid the hold. Bryan with a drop toe hold and Swagger goes into the turnbuckles. Bryan kicks the ropes and it goes into Swagger’s face. Bryan gets a near fall.
Bryan works on the shoulder to get ready for the No Lock. Bryan with a kick to the chest but Swagger clotheslines Bryan over the top rope to the floor. Bryan with a drop kick on the floor and then he goes to the apron and misses the knee. Swagger runs Bryan into the ringside barrier and he gets a near fall.
Swagger with a boot to the chest and he works on the injured ribs. Swagger with knees to the chest followed by a biel. Swagger with a running knee into the corner. Swagger traps the arms to add more pressure to the ribs. Bryan with elbows to Swagger but Swagger with a knee to the midsection. Swagger with a double jump Swagger Bomb for a near fall.
Swagger runs into an elbow from Bryan and then he kicks Swagger. Bryan with punches to Swagger. Swagger with a knee and Bryan flips over Swagger and then he hits the flying clothesline. Swagger charges at Bryan and Swagger goes over the top rope to the floor. Bryan with a suicide dive onto Swagger.
Bryan goes up top for a missile drop kick and he connects and Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with kicks of No to the chest. Bryan misses the round kick and Swagger picks up Bryan and sends him to the mat with a slam. Bryan tries for the No Lock and he applies it but Swagger gets to the ropes and Bryan has to release the hold.
Bryan misses the running drop kick into the corner and he holds his ankle. Swagger puts Bryan’s foot in the rope and then he drops down onto the ankle. Swagger clips the leg and Bryan goes down hard. Swagger with the ankle lock on Bryan and Daniel taps out.
Winner: Jack Swagger
Paul Heyman is walking in the back and we go to commercial.
We are back and Vickie Guerrero is excuse meing in the ring with Paul Heyman. She introduces herself and she says that she does not want to waste any more time (even though it was mentioned almost an hour ago) about Paul’s future. Vickie says that she is going to be naming a new assistant for herself. Her assistant is Brad Maddox.
Brad says that it is a reward for his loyalty and his services to this company for exposing the relationship between Paul Heyman and The Shield. Vince McMahon is so happy with him that Vince gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.
Vickie reminds him that he is the Assistant to the Managing Supervisor.
Paul wants to know if this is the big surprise because he does not care about what either of them have to say.
Vince McMahon appears on the TitanTron and he says that it is time for Paul’s surprise. Vince is ‘Live via Satellite’.
Paul says that he looks fantastic.
Vince says that when Paul’s mouth is open, he is lying. Vince reminds Paul about the condition for the stipulation at the WWE Title Match at the Elimination Chamber.
Vince corrects Paul and he says that everyone knows that he doesn’t have a heart. If he did, it would be black and cold.
We go to the video tape of Paul saying he would do anything. Vince says that ‘anything’ was put in writing.
Vince tells Paul that anything means anything. He could fire Paul right now. That might be a good idea. Vince says firing is too good for him. Since he is two weeks removed from hip surgery due to Brock Lesnar and him. Vince tells Paul to shut up when Paul tries to say that it wasn’t him.
Next week, Vince will walk to the ring on his crutches and Paul and him are going to have a fight.
Paul looks almost as pale as Sheamus after Vince’s announcement.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Sheamus, Ryback, and Chris Jericho versus Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins
Ryback starts things off and he goes after Rollins and sends him into the corner. Ryback with shoulders and Jericho makes sure that he does not get disqualified. Rollins is able to get to his corner and tag in Ambrose. Jericho with forearms to Ambrose followed by a back elbow. Jericho with a suplex followed by a chop and forearms. Jericho with kicks but Ambrose with an Irish whip. He runs into a boot and Jericho with a missile drop kick for a near fall.
Ambrose with a waist lock but Jericho with an elbow. Ambrose with a knee to the midsection but Jericho with a cross body for a near fall. Sheamus tags in and Ambrose makes the tag to Reigns. Reigns yells at Sheamus and Sheamus with a kick and forearms. They exchange punches and Reigns backs Sheamus into the corner.
Reigns with a kick to the chest but Sheamus with two running double sledges followed by a shoulder into the corner. Sheamus with a knee lift and White Noise to Reigns. Sheamus looks around for the Orton point and he pounds his chest to set up the Brogue Kick. Rollins pulls Reigns out of the ring and Sheamus gives Ambrose a Brogue Kick and Ambrose falls off the apron and into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.
We are back and Reigns with a reverse chin lock on Sheamus. Sheamus with punches to Reigns followed by knees and he tags in Ambrose. Ambrose with a drop kick to Sheamus followed by a drop kick from Rollins for a near fall. Rollins gets another near fall. Rollins with a front face lock. Rollins with a kick and he tags in Reigns. Sheamus with kicks to Reigns followed by a clothesline.
Both men are down and Ryback tags in and he goes after everyone. Ryback with a back body drop to Rollins followed by a spinebuster. Ryback sets for the lariat and he hits it. Ryback says that it is over and he gets Rollins up for the marching muscle buster and Reigns with another spear while the referee is distracted by Ambrose.
Rollins gets a near fall. Ambrose tags in and he kicks Ryback and stomps on his abdomen. Ambrose with punches. Ryback with a few shots to Ambrose but Ambrose stays in control. Ambrose runs his forearm across Ryback’s face. Ambrose punches Ryback and Reigns tags in. Reigns chokes Ryback in the ropes and then Ambrose chokes him while the referee was not watching.
Rollins tags in and he kicks Ryback. Rollins with kicks to the head and he keeps Ryback on the mat but Ryback kicks out easily. Ambrose tags in and he punches Ryback. Ambrose with a front face lock into a neck breaker and Ambrose gets a near fall.
Reigns tags back in and he punches Ryback. Reigns misses a splash into the corner when Ryback moves. Reigns gets caught in the ropes for a moment and Ambrose and Jericho tag in. Jericho with a few shoulder tackles followed by a springboard drop kick to Rollins on the apron followed by a bulldog to Ambrose. Jericho with a Lionsault to Ambrose but Ambrose kicks out.
Ambrose counters a Walls of Jericho set up into an inside cradle. Reigns sends Ryback into the ring post while Jericho puts Ambrose in the Walls of Jericho. Sheamus takes Reigns down and the referee takes care of the big men. That allows Rollins to hit a knee to the head on Jericho from the turnbuckles and Ambrose gets the three count.
Winners: Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi Kingston is in the ring but his opponent has something to say.
Damien tells the uninformed halfwits that today is President’s Day. It is a day that he holds near and dear to his heart. It is common knowledge that several members of the Sandow family have served as advisors to Presidents. His family came up with the idea for the New Deal. Tonight, he proposes a New Deal. He tells all of the nitwits to remain silent. It will allow him to save everyone from the doldrums of their own ignorance.
Sandow attacks Kingston before the bell. Sandow with a front face lock and kicks to Kofi. Sandow sends Kofi shoulder first into the ring post. Sandow with knees to the chest and R Truth’s music plays.
Truth with a double leg take down and he sends Sandow into the ringside barrier. Truth with a leg lariat and then he does a split before kicking Sandow. Truth with a scissors kick and then he clotheslines Sandow over the top rope to the floor.
Truth checks on Kofi.
Josh Mathews is with some of Rock’s co-stars in G.I. Joe: Retaliation.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Kane versus Randy Orton
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock and Kane with a shoulder tackle. Kane favors one arm after the shoulder tackle. Orton with a kick and punches to the injured arm. Orton works on the arm. Kane with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Orton. Orton sits on the turnbuckles and he punches Kane. Kane with an uppercut that sends Orton from the turnbuckles to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane with a reverse chin lock. Orton with punches to Kane and a kick to the chest. Orton avoids a clothesline but he cannot avoid a boot and Kane gets a near fall. Kane chokes Orton with his knee and he sends Orton into the turnbuckles. Orton with punches and Kane with a DDT and he gets a near fall. Kane with a reverse chin lock. Kane punches Orton and then he Irish whips Orton and connects with an Irish whip. Kane misses the second one. Orton with a clothesline in the corner and punches from the turnbuckles. Orton with a drop kick.
Orton with the Garvin Stomp. Kane with a clothesline to Orton and he gets a near fall. Kane with a drop kick to Orton for a near fall. Kane returns to the reverse chin lock. Orton with punches and then Kane misses a clothesline and Orton with a power slam.
Kane with a side slam to Orton for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline but Orton moves. Orton sends Kane to the apron for the IEDDT but Kane gets into the ring and he crotches Orton on the top rope.
Daniel Bryan comes to the ring, against the wishes of his tag team partner and Orton hits an RKO and gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
We go to commercial.
We are back and the University of Louisiana Lafayette band is going to perform before the Rock makes his way to the ring.
FINALLY, the Rock makes his way to the ring after doing the Brahma Bounce on the stage.
There is a table in the ring with something covered up.
Rock takes the mic and he says that CM Punk did everything last night to try to win and he showed that he was a piece of human garbage by spitting in his face. Rock says that Punk failed for the second time in a row to beat him and Rock pinned him twice. That allowed the Rock to wake up in New Orleans and then he drove to this arena and walk down that aisle.
Rock is proudly holding his WWE Title belt. He tells us FINALLY the Rock has come back to La fay ette.
Forty-eight days until Wrestlemania and he will be going to Wrestlemania as the WWE Champion, but he will not be going there with this belt. He has been around this business for a long time and he has deep respect for the WWE Championship. When the current belt was unveiled eight years ago, it worked. There were some people who thought this title was cool. There were also some people who believed in Bigfoot.
The WWE Title should never look like a toy. It should never . . . ever . . . ever spin. Rock gives the title belt to someone to take it to the back.
The WWE Title, whether you are a WWE Superstar, a member of the WWE Universe, or watching for the first time, it should inspire you. From Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, to Steve Austin.
Rock unveils the new title belt.
Rock says that he assumes that the people of Lafayette love the title. He says that he wanted something timeless and prestigious as well as badass.
Rock wants to know who he is going to face at Wrestlemania. Will it be CM Punk . . . or John Cena?
There is one man the Rock wants to face at Wrestlemania. The man who brings out the very best in The Rock. For professional and personal reasons, that man is . . .
John Cena’s music plays before we can find out who Rock was talking about.
CM Punk hits John Cena with the old WWE Title belt. Punk drops the title belt and he says that he wants ‘that one’ as he points to the ring.
Rock bounces in the ring but Punk does not make his way to the ring. Punk walks to the back and we go to credits.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
