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2/23 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: RING OF HONOR IS BORN

February 23rd 

On this day in history in ....

1987 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results: 
- Paul Roma defeated Salvatore Bellomo.
- Demolition defeated The Islanders.
- Koko B. Ware defeated Sika.
- Tito Santana vs. Butch Reed ended in a double DQ.
- WWF World Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation defeated The Killer Bees. 
- Outback Jack defeated Barry O.
- Jake Roberts defeated King Kong Bundy via countout. 
- Honky Tonk Man defeated Pedro Morales.
- Roddy Piper, Junkyard Dog & Ricky Steamboat defeated Randy Savage, Adrian Adonis & Harley Race in an elimination match.  Adonis & Dog fought to a double countout.  Race pinned Steamboat when Savage turned them over as Steamboat had Race pinned with a small package.  Piper pinned Race after Savage accidentally hit him.  Piper pinned Savage with a small package after Savage missed a top rope elbow.  This was Piper's final MSG match before his Wrestlemania III retirement.

1990 - WWF broadcast their third (and last) prime time Main Event special on NBC from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, earning a 12.8 rating. The broadcast featured two matches, and ended up having a major monkeywrench thrown into the works when Mike Tyson, scheduled to referee the Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage match, lost the World Heavyweight Title to Buster Douglas in Tokyo.  Tyson pulled out of the appearance, and WWF managed to sign Douglas to take his spot. 
- WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage with a legdrop.  After the match, Savage shoved Douglas, who knocked out Savage with two punches. 
- Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior defeated Dino Bravo with a press slam and splash.  After the match, Earthquake attacked Warrior, but Hulk Hogan came out to even the odds. 

1992 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results: 
- The Berzerker defeated Jim Brunzell.
- The Nasty Boys defeated The Bushwackers.
- The Warlord defeated Chris Walker.
- Sid Justice defeated Hercules with a powerbomb in less than 30 seconds. 
- Intercontinental Champion Roddy Piper defeated Repo Man.
- Undertaker defeated Davey Boy Smith. 
- Rick Martel defeated Big Bossman.
- Sid Justice won a battle royal by eliminating Hulk Hogan.  Justice was actually eliminated by Hogan, but the referee was knocked out.  Justice knocked out Hogan from behind with Harvey Whippleman's bag, and rolled him to the floor.  When the referee woke up, he saw Hogan on the floor and ended the match. 

2002 - Ring of Honor held their very first event in Philadelphia, PA at the Murphy Rec Center.  Here is Mike Johnson's original live report from the event:

2003 - WWE held No Way Out in Montreal, Quebec with the following results: 
- Rey Mysterio defeated Jamie Noble with a West Coast Pop.  This match aired on Sunday Night Heat.
- Chris Jericho defeated Jeff Hardy with the Walls Of Jericho after reversing a top rope rana into a powerbomb. 
- World Tag Team Champions William Regal & Lance Storm defeated Rob Van Dam & Kane when Regal pinned Van Dam after Kane, who had his mask turned around on him, accidentally chokeslammed Van Dam.
- Matt Hardy defeated Billy Kidman to win the Cruiserweight Title with a Twist of Fate off the ropes. 
- The Undertaker defeated The Big Show with a triangle choke.
- Brock Lesnar & Chris Benoit defeated Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas when Benoit forced Haas to submit to the Crippler Crossface. 
- World Champion Triple H defeated Scott Steiner after hitting him with the title belt and giving him the Pedigree.
- Steve Austin defeated Eric Bischoff after three Stunners. 
- The Rock pinned Hulk Hogan with a Rock Bottom after a chair shot and help from referee Sylvan Grenier and Vince McMahon.

2004 - During an edition of Raw from Omaha, Nebraska, Victoria defeated champion Molly Holly, Jazz and Lita in an elimination match to win the WWE Women's Title.  Lita pinned Jazz with a DDT.  Victoria pinned Molly with a rollup as Molly was going to pin Lita.  Victoria pinned Lita with the Widow's Peak.  Also on the show, Vince McMahon vs. Eric Bischoff ended in a no-contest after only a few minutes as Brock Lesnar attack special referee Steve Austin. 

2007 - TNA released A-1 and Norman Smiley.

2007 - Ring of Honor ran Dayton, Ohio.  Jer Evans filed the following live report:

2008 - ROH announced they were moving to the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC.  Here is Mike Johnson's original article on that announcement.

Ring of Honor announced this evening during their Sixth Anniversary show that the company would debut in the Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday 5/10 in New York City.

When asked for comment backstage, ROH's Gabe Sapolsky said, "I consider this the biggest venture in company history. I remember walking into Budokan Hall in Japan while it was empty and just getting this feeling of something enormous. You get that same feeling walking into the Hammerstein. I've seen some great shows there and now ROH will get to add to the wrestling history of that building."

The Hammerstein Ballroom, part of the same building complex in the Manhattan Center where ROH has been running events in the Grand Ballroom (the original home of Monday Night Raw) is best known for hosting the final two original Extreme Championship Wrestling PPVs before that company went out of business in 2001.  World Wrestling Entertainment booked the the emotional ECW One Night Stand 2005 PPV and several events under WWE's revived ECW brand into the venue before dropping plans to run the 2007 One Night Stand there as they moved the ECW brand into its current direction.

"Obviously, this is going to be a huge undertaking for us," said ROH owner Cary Silkin, "but it's the right time to try and take this step.  The Hammerstein has a lot of great wrestling legacy and we hope to add an entirely new chapter to that.  We wouldn't be able to even try such a move without the support of our fans, so it's all thanks to them."

The Hammerstein will be one of the biggest venues ROH has ever run, seating 2,500 fans for professional wrestling.

2008 - ROH held their sixth anniversary event at the Manhattan Center in New York City.  Mike Johnson filed the following live report:

Ring of Honor returned to New York City at the Manhattan Center for their Sixth Anniversary event last night.  Quick results from the show saw:

*Zach Gowen pinned Pelle Primeau with a moonsault.

*Delirious vs. The Human Tornado ended up in a no contest after a quick match when the Age of the Fall attacked both.  Crowd was really into Tornado's deal.  Lacey was attacked and brawled to the back with Daizee Haze.  The crowd chanted for a tag match and got their wish.  The Age of The Fall's Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black defeated Delirious and Jacobs when Tornado taps out to Black's finisher, The End Time.

*ROH champ Nigel McGuinness came out to cut a promo where the basic jist was he was a heel to the crowd because he was putting his health first because if he gets hurt again, ROH won't have anyone to headline.  Crowd crapped all over him.  Nigel says he doesn't want to be a brain-dead vegetable and acts as if he's pulling out of the title match tonight.  Bryan Danielson comes out and puts over the legacy of the title and says there's no way McGuinness is backing out.  Danielson goes as far to promise he won't go after McGuinness head tonight and Nigel agrees.

*Brent Albright defeated El Generico after a referee's stoppage following knee strikes to the head.

*The Larry Sweeney Show featuring the returning Allison Danger as the guest.  Sweeney said she was the first female in ROH, then goes on to act like she got everything from banging the wrestlers and being a whore.  Danger cut a promo saying she helped start the women's division in ROH and didn't need to be disrespected.  When she tried to walk out, Sweeney laid her out from behind.  He pulled her to the center of the ring, rolled her over and spread her legs.  He tried to tell Bobby Dempsey to take her because it was his best chance at ever getting any.  Dempsey didn't want to, so Sweeney knocked him forward atop of Danger as if he was mounting her.  Sweeney then announced he was going to be mounting a Hostile Takeover of ROH.  I hated the segment for all the obvious reasons, but Sweeney is a hell of a talker.

*Kevin Steen forced Joey Matthews to tap out to a Sharpshooter.

*Austin Aries pinned Go Shiozaki with a brainbusters and a 450 splash off the top.  The Age of the Fall all tried to recruit Aries after the match, which led to Tammy Sytch offering to manage Aries with lots of double entendres said.  Aries said he was going to take his time deciding.  The after-match stuff seemed anticlimactic after such a decent match.

*SHIMMER champion Sara del Rey defeated Daizee Haze. 

*ROH Tag Team champs Davey Richards & Rocky Romero defeated Ruckus & Jigsaw.  Although ROH teased Jigsaw would unmask if he lost, he refused.  Kevin Steen & El Generico challenged the champs from the stage to face them.  They teased a brawl but the champs powdered out of the ring before there was any contact.  Solid match.

*In what I thought was the best match of the night by far, FIP champ Roderick Strong won a brutal three-way No DQ match after pinning Necro Butcher.  Erick Stevens, wearing a big bandage on the side of his head, also had a good showing here.  Lots of great stiff work here.

*Bryan Danielson defeated ROH champ Nigel McGuinness by DQ when McGuinness struck the referee early, so he turned heel.  Of course, it was a false finish as every babyface in the company came out and refused to let Nigel leave unless he defended the title "with honor."  ROH President Cary Silkin ordered the bout restarted.  This was a good match, but in my opinion, not at the level of the Driven PPV last year.  However, it was more about making Nigel a top level heel than anything else and in that aspect, it worked.  McGuinness was busted open on the side or back of his head, although I'm not sure where.  Nigel started using headbutts on Danielson and launches elbows at the eye that Danielson injured against Takeshi Morishima.  Nigel wins when Danielson blacks out while in the London Dungeon.  Danielson was carried out.  Nigel is a full blown heel now.

Quick Notes: They announced a 5/10 return downstairs at the Hammerstein Ballroom.  They must have something big planned (or I hope they do) because it's a huge undertaking for them....Tonight's show wasn't called a sellout on the house much and there seemed to be less fans in the GA areas.  They easily outdrew the TNA show in Manhattan, but TNA in Westbury wins the war for the most fans at one show....WWE star CM Punk was backstage visiting as he was in the area for some promotional appearances....One thing I noticed was that while just about every act in the company was over, this was hardly the "die hard wrestling audience" that wanted five star matches.  There were more chants with curses at any ROH show I can ever recall ever, mostly towards Nigel McGuiness, and a HUGE pop for the simulated molestation of Allison Danger.  Talk about what a difference six years make and I don't know that's a good change, either....The promotion has released a really kickass looking Necro Butcher shirt.

2009 - World Wrestling Entertainment announced that Manu (Afa Anoa'i, Jr.), son of Afa the Wild Samoan, has been released from the company.   Manu was signed to a developmental deal in late 2006. He was brought up to the Raw brand last year to second Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes as part of a second generation unit.   There had been some unhappiness about his work and look in comparison to other members of Legacy, which led to his removal from group.   Manu hadn't been seen in several weeks after being broken off from the Legacy storyline with the last tease sort of being that he and Sim Snuka would have some sort of partnership.

2009 - WWE broadcast Raw.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

Last week we saw the fourth wall knocked down with a large sledgehammer as Triple H appeared at the end of Raw to come to the aid of his wife and Raw General Manager Stephanie McMahon who suffered the most devastating RKO ever. He was also there to help out his brother-in-law Shane McMahon who got his head kicked through the uprights by Orton. Edge told everyone that they were wrong and then John Cena told Edge that he wanted a title match. Last week, Bradshaw and Shawn Michaels challenged the Undertaker at Wrestlemania to try to end his undefeated streak. They will meet tonight to see who faces Undertaker unless it has already been given to Vladimir Kozlov. Will we find out any more matches for Wrestlemania? Will any more inductees for the Hall of Fame be announced? Which legend will Chris Jericho make fun of and/or insult? Will Legacy be able to keep Triple H away from Randy Orton?

We start off with a look back at last week’s Shane McMahon versus Randy Orton street fight with people in the building. We then see the rest of Legacy show up despite Orton’s comments to the contrary. Then we see Shane get kicked from forty-three yards out. Stephanie McMahon comes out and she gets RKOed. This brings out Triple H who apparently is married to Stephanie McMahon.

We are live from Nashville, Tennessee and your announcers are Jerry ‘Bye Bye Babu’ Lawler and Michael ‘Hell in a Grand Canyon for Wrestlemania 26’ Cole.

Vickie Guerrero is in the ring and she excuses herself a few times. Vickie says that due to the unfortunate incident involving the McMahons, the WWE board of directors have officially named her as the interim General Manager for Monday Night Raw. Vickie thanks the fans for her support and she wishes the McMahons nothing but the best. Vickie says that she will carry out the commitment to Raw in the same way she does for Smackdown.

John Cena comes out and he says that this is not right. Cena comments on the decision of the Board of Directors and he suggests that they bring Mike Adamle back because he was funny when he screwed up. Cena then comments on Michael Cole’s commentary. Cena says that he would have a hundred people before Vickie but he is not going to fight City Hall and congratulates her on the position. Cena says that she does not want Vickie to lie to them because she does not care about the McMahons or the fans. He says that Vickie only cares about her husband. Cena reminds Vickie that he has a rematch clause and he says that he is going to cash it in tonight.

Edge comes out with the Big Show and he wants to know who Cena thinks he is. Edge says that Cena can’t come out and threaten his wife. He asks Cena if he thinks he is Randy Orton. Edge says that it is time that Cena feels intimidated. Cena tells Edge to be a man for one time in his life. Cena says the match is going to happen and Cena says that Edge has no reason not to defend the title tonight. Edge says that he has a reason and that is that he does not answer to Cena. Edge says that he feels bad for Cena because he wants to be this generation’s Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, or Steve Austin. He says that Cena wants to be the guy who every loser fan wants to be. Edge says that it is impossible because he is not going to let it happen. Edge says that it is because Cena exists in the same era as him. Edge says that he is tougher, more talented, and smarter than anyone who has held this title before. Edge tells Cena that while he exists, Cena cannot be the guy that everyone wants him to be. Edge says that it is a shame because people are losing jobs, getting divorced, and failing tests at amazing rates. Cena is the beacon that they reach for. Edge suggests that Cena hold this off because when they meet and when Edge beats Cena, all of the people will be left with absolutely nothing.

Cena tells Edge that it was a fine speech, but Edge is talking tough because he is standing in the ring with a barbaric, disgusting four hundred pound beast . . . and the Big Show too. Edge tells Cena that he cannot disrespect his wife. Cena says that Edge is a champion and Cena is a former champion, but he is one match from being a future champion. Since Vickie Guerrero is the general manager, he should step up and do the right thing.

Show tells Cena to show some respect for his general manager. Cena says that Show does not fit in the equation. Cena says that he figured it out. Show was hired to ‘take care’ of Vickie. Cena suggests that Edge has some shortcomings in the bedroom.

Vickie tells Cena to excuse her. Vickie says that Edge is her family and Big Show is her friend. Cena is neither. He is her subordinate. She tells Cena that he will have a match against her friend or her family. Cena says that he will be slaying a giant or walking out of here as the new World Heavyweight Champion.

A car pulls into the arena and The Legacy arrives. They rush into the building so Hunter does not get them. Cody is left to park the car.

We go to commercial.

We see the official Money in the Bank briefcase above the ring.

Match Number One: CM Punk versus Miz versus John Morrison in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
They look at the briefcase and the match begins. Punk points first, followed by Miz, and Morrison brings up the rear. Miz and Morrison corner Punk but Punk with kicks to Miz and a punch to Morrison. Punk with an inside cradle to Miz. Miz and Morrison with a double gutbuster to Punk. Morrison holds Punk for Miz to kick him but Punk fights back for a moment until Miz connects with punches. Morrison punches Punk and then Miz with an Irish whip but Punk moves when Miz charges but he does not see the forearm from Morrison. Punk gets choked in the corner by Miz and Morrison. Miz charges into a boot and Punk with a clothesline to Morrison. Punk tries for the Go To Sleep on Miz but Miz grabs the rope and then Punk kicks Miz off the apron. Morrison with a clothesline that sends him and Punk over the top rope to the floor. We go to commercial.

We are back and Morrison with a side head lock and he has the arm isolated. We see footage from during the commercial when Punk hit a cross body onto Miz and then Morrison hit a shooting star press off the apron that accidentally hit Miz instead of Punk. Punk with a leg lariat and hip toss to Morrison followed by a back kick and a kick to the chest. Punk with knees to Morrison and an Irish whip followed by a running knee into the corner. Miz stops the bulldog with a clothesline into the corner and Morrison is out of the ring. Miz kicks Punk in the head followed by a snap suplex and a near fall. Miz with a reverse chin lock. Punk with forearms to get out of the hold and then he kicks Morrison. Punk with a back body drop and then he hits a head scissors head lock take down on Miz and Morrison. Punk with a knee to Miz in the corner and a bulldog to Miz and a clothesline to Morrison. Punk with a power slam on Morrison for a near fall. Miz punches Punk in the head.

Miz has Punk on his shoulders and Morrison with a springboard spin kick. Morrison kicks Miz to break up the cover. Miz and Morrison square off and Miz and Morrison exchange punches. Morrison is sent to the apron and Miz with a knee and then he tries to suplex Morrison into the ring. Punk catches Morrison on his shoulders and he gets Miz out of the ring and hits Go To Sleep on Morrison for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk

We go to commercial while Punk points to the Wrestlemania sign.

We are back and Did you know that people still watch Raw after fifteen years.

It is time to take a look back at Triple H’s sit down interview with Jim Ross.

Triple H has joined Jim Ross and he is asked about his thoughts. Hunter tells Jim Ross that Randy Orton has walked a fine line for a long time. Last week on Raw, Randy put his hands . . . Hunter says that a lot of people might not like his father in law, a sixty-three year old man. Randy hid behind doctors and lawyers. He did the same thing to his brother in law Shane, and then he put his hands on his wife. Hunter tells Orton that he crossed the line and it is one he cannot come back from. He says that Stephanie is the mother of his children. Hunter gets up and leaves the interview.

Todd Grisham is outside the Legacy locker room and Cody and Ted walk out. Cody says that they see how it is being presented and it is not right. Cody says that Shane made the challenge last week. Stephanie is the one who confronted Randy. Ted says that he will not be a prisoner on his own show and Randy will address everyone tonight. Ted says that if Hunter shows up, they will be ready.

Beth, Santino, and Rosa are walking in the back and they are not sure about their partner. They see Dolph Ziggler and Santino introduces Beth and Rosa to Dolph. Dolph introduces himself and then he comments on Dolph’s abs. We go to commercial.

We are back with WWE Rewind: Melina defeating Beth Phoenix to retain the title.

We see the garage and Todd Grisham is getting ready to interview someone if they show up.

Match Number Two: Melina and Cryme Tyme versus Santino Marella, Beth Phoenix, and Dolph Ziggler with Rosa Mendez
Beth and Melina start things off and Melina with an arm bar and she works on the ribs. Beth with a hip toss. Melina punches Beth and then kicks her in the leg. Beth with an Irish whip and running back elbow. Melina with a kick and then knees to the midsection. Dolph tags in and JTG enters. They lock up and Dolph with a take down. They lock up again and JTG with a waist lock and hip toss. JTG with an X Factor in the corner for a near fall. Dolph sends JTG into the turnbuckles and then he slams JTG to the mat. Dolph with a kick and then Dolph with a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Dolph with a reverse chin lock. JTG with an uppercut to Ziggler and then Shad is tagged in and he clotheslines Ziggler. Shad tosses Dolph into the air and face first into the mat. Shad tries for the Money elbow but Dolph gets up and Santino is tagged in. Santino charges at Shad after getting psyched up and Shad with an STO for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme and Melina

Shawn Michaels is walking in the back as we go to commercial.

We are back and John Cena is in his locker room. Time for a look at 12 Rounds, otherwise known as The Marine is Cop waiting to be a Crossing Guard.

Match Number Three: John Bradshaw Layfield with JBLimo versus Shawn Michaels without his big JBL Industries Severance Check in a Who Will Try to Stop the Streak Qualifying Match
They lock up and Bradshaw backs Shawn into the corner and he connects with a knee and punch. Shawn with a take down and punches. Shawn with another double leg take down and punches. Bradshaw with a shoulder and a near fall and a forearm to the back. Bradshaw with a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Bradshaw misses an elbow drop and Shawn with a chop. Shawn works on the arm but Bradshaw with a punch to the jaw that knocks Shawn to the mat. Bradshaw with a boot to the head. Bradshaw with punches in the corner and the referee has to pulls Bradshaw out of the corner. Shawn with a kick to Bradshaw followed by chops. Bradshaw with a hard Irish whip.

Bradshaw with knees in the corner followed by an Irish whip but he charges into a boot and Bradshaw goes down to his knees. Bradshaw with a punch that knocks Shawn out of the ring. Shawn sends Bradshaw into the ring post and both men are down. They return to the ring and we go to commercial.

We are back and Bradshaw with a forearm to the back followed by a knee to the midsection. Bradshaw puts Shawn on the top turnbuckle and he punches Shawn before trying to go up for a superplex. Shawn pushes Bradshaw off but Bradshaw kicks Shawn off the turnbuckles to the floor. Bradshaw with a short arm clothesline for a two count. Bradshaw continues to work on Shawn’s back and he puts Shawn in an abdominal stretch and he pulls Shawn’s leg off the ground. Shawn with a chop and then he hits the flying forearm. Shawn with a kip up and then he hits the reverse atomic drop followed by a chop and another reverse atomic drop. Shawn with a slam and then it is time to go to the apron for the elbow drop and he hits it. Shawn gets ready for Sweet Chin Music. Bradshaw avoids Sweet Chin Music. Shawn does the Michaels flip in the corner and then Bradshaw tries to throw Shawn over the top rope but Shawn skins the cat. Bradshaw with a big boot but Shawn gets back up and hits Sweet Chin Music for the three count.
Winner: Shawn Michaels

After the match, Vladimir Kozlov comes to the ring and Cole says that Kozlov will meet Shawn next week for a shot at the Undertaker. They stare down and then Shawn punches Kozlov but Kozlov with a choke slam to Michaels.

The Legacy are in the locker room and they are talking strategy. We go to commercial.

We are back with a look back at Wrestlemania 24. Did you know that Ric Flair was going to retire if he lost to Shawn Michaels?

Jamie Noble is in the ring and he says that he lasted only fifteen seconds against Kane, but if he lasts longer tonight, he will go to Wrestlemania.

Match Number Four: Jamie Noble versus Mike Knox
Noble kicks Knox but Knox pushes Noble away. Noble with kicks to Knox but Knox with a bicycle kick and the corkscrew DDT for the three count.
Winner: Mike Knox

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler talk about the Hall of Fame and the newest inductee is about to be announced: Ricky Steamboat. Ricky will be inducted by Ric Flair.

We go to commercial.

Michael Cole has made his way to the stage to bring out Ricky Steamboat. Cole congratulates Steamboat. Ricky says that it is the greatest honor that happened to him. He talks about being at Wrestlemania III where he won the Intercontinental Title. He says that it is the highlight of his career. Ricky thanks everyone. He says that without them, he could not have achieved this honor.

Chris Jericho comes out to talk to Steamboat. Jericho tells Steamboat that he wants to thank him. He thanks that Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Mickey Rourke lost and he is a loser and a washed up has-been just like his movie character. He says that Mickey reminds him a lot of the losers in the business like Flair, Piper, and Steamboat. Chris calls Steamboat a loser. Chris says that he is a man of truth. While Steamboat was having his classic matches in the NWA which the WWE never acknowledged, he was known as Ricky Steamboat. Then he came to the WWE where he sold his soul to become ‘The Dragon’ to sell headbands. Then Ricky came to the ring with a komodo dragon spitting fire. Then Steamboat retired and he was down on his luck with a dysfunctional family. Steamboat would have returned to the ring like Flair and Piper, but he went through the back door. Now the loyal dog gets his bone. He tells Steamboat to enjoy his time with the hypocrites because he is the biggest one of them all.

Steamboat asks Jericho if he understands the meaning of hypocrite. He remembers signing an autograph 20 years ago for Chris. He also remembers how Chris said that he admired him and he was his hero. Steamboat reminds Chris that he wrote that in his autobiography. When Chris came to the WWE 10 years ago, he turned on the fans. In less than a year, he embraced the fans and called them Jerichoholics. Then Jericho would turn on them and then embrace them. Steamboat says that is a hypocrite. Steamboat says that from his first day in the ring until he retired, he did not change. He gave the fans the respect that they deserved every time he came through the curtain. Steamboat says that him, Flair, Piper, and the other legends know who they are. Coming back to work for the WWE to help the young talent and teach them and pass the torch. That is not selling out. He did it because he loves the business. Steamboat says that he does not care what Jericho thinks of him because he is not a hypocrite or a sell out. He is something that Jericho will never be and that is a Hall of Famer. Jericho hits Steamboat with the mic and then he sends Steamboat into the wall of the stage.

We have an Earlier Tonight Moment when Vickie tells Cena that he might be facing Vickie’s friend or family.

We go to commercial.

We come back a bit too soon and see the arena get ready for the next segment.

We are back for real and did you know that men like watching Raw.

It is time to see Todd Grisham in the parking garage and Triple H is not in Nashville yet.

Vickie Guerrero comes out and she excuses herself a few times and says hello to John Cena. Cena will not get his rematch tonight. Cena says that he did not see that coming. Cena says that he tried to be patient and he knows that Vickie is testing him. Cena says that he is going to follow Vickie wherever she goes. He will be at Smackdown and if Vickie comes back to Raw, he will see her again. They will see each other a lot until she gets her rematch. Vickie tells Cena to concentrate because she will face a member of her family or her friend. Cue the Chavo music.

Match Number Five: John Cena versus Chavo Guerrero
Chavo with punches but Cena with a clothesline and then he hits the Blue Thunder Bomb. Time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then it is Attitude Adjustment time for the STF and Chavo taps.
Winner: John Cena

We see Ted and Cody leave the Legacy Locker Room. The coast is clear and it is time for Randy Orton to emerge and walk to the ring. Randy shows the IEDHammer.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we find out that Vladimir Kozlov will face Shawn Michaels for the chance to face Undertaker at Wrestlemania.

Randy Orton comes to the ring with the rest of Legacy, Cody Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Son of GameHammer. Orton says that he has been waiting for Triple H all night so he might as well wait for Triple H in the ring. That is if Triple H shows up tonight. Orton tells everyone that if they think that Triple H will come out to avenge his wife, then he is just like a McMahon. He is arrogant, out of touch, and just plain stupid. Orton says that Hunter thinks that Stephanie is the victim because he is the victim. Orton says that he wanted to continue with his career, but the McMahons would not get out of his way. Orton says that Vince insulted his family a few weeks ago and then he lost control and kicked Vince in the head. Orton reminds us that he has IED. Orton talks about the match against Shane McMahon at No Way Out. Then Shane challenged him last week, but he kicked Shane in the head and put him in the hospital next to his dad. Shane pushed him until he pushed back. Then there is Stephanie. The last time she got in his face, she slapped him. If Triple H’s wife thinks she can do what she wants because of her last night. She got in his face again and instinct took over. Orton says the people in the crowd judge him. They have no idea what he goes through. They have no idea what it is like to be at the top of their profession. They despise him because they can only dream about what he does. He talks about being scrutinized by the media and he says that they do not know the pressure he is under. The McMahons know this.

Orton tells Stephanie that she should have known better. He says that he can only hope that Triple H’s children were watching last week so they can learn from their mother’s mistakes.

Triple H has arrived at the building and he has the GameHammer with him.

Hunter enters the arena and he has Gamey in his hand and he is ready for Orton. Hunter walks to the ring.

Orton tells Hunter to wait because he knows that Hunter would bring out his friend. Orton says that someone will be hurt. Orton points out that it is three on one and they put down the sledgehammers and resolve this like men. Orton drops the sledgehammer and Hunter does too. Hunter takes off his jacket and The Legacy surrounds Hunter. Orton gets in Hunter’s face and then Hunter pulls another GameHammer from behind his shirt. Hunter chases Orton and DiBiase to the back and they try to leave but the door is locked. Hunter has them cornered by they get into a locker room. Orton and DiBiase cannot get out and they barricade the door. Hunter makes it into the room and they are cornered again. Hunter hits DiBiase in the back of the neck and he has Orton trapped but Hunter misses. Orton and DiBiase escape and Hunter follows after them. Orton grabs a pipe but they finally get out of the arena and Cody is ready with the LegacyMobile. Hunter breaks a window and they drive away. We go to credits.

2010 - The ABC affiliate in Raleigh-Durham, NC reported that Ric Flair was recovering in the hospital following the alleged assault perpetrated on him by his wife on Sunday night.  The alleged assault led to her being arrested.  The report said that no weapons were used in the attack that occurred in their Charlotte, NC home (which according to a local real estate agency has been up for sale for over a year now).  The report stated that Flair suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the time that police arrived on Sunday.

2010 - WWE NXT debuted on the SyFy Channel.  The episode also doubled as the official WWE debut for Daniel Bryan, David Otunga, Wade Barrett, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Darren Young and Michael Tarver.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We are live on tape from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and your announcers are Josh ‘Am I the rookie or mentor’ Mathews and Michael ‘Vintage Mentoring’ Cole.

We see the rookies in the back in their ring gear. The Miz walks by and he looks at the rookies and then he turns his attention to his mentee Daniel Bryan. Miz tells him that he is the Unified Tag Team and United States Champion and he mentions that Daniel is an internet star who dominated the minor leagues. Many say that Daniel is ready for the WWE. Miz tells Daniel that you need to expect anything. He tells Daniel to introduce himself to everyone in the crowd and show personality and charisma. He wants Daniel to give everyone a reason to watch him every week. Miz tells Daniel that he can go out to his music but Daniel doesn’t want to. Miz says that Bryan’s personality is as dry as the Mohave Desert compared to him and if Bryan doesn’t show personality, he will slap some into him.

We have a third member of the announce team and it is Matt Striker, who is the host. Matt says that he jumped at the opportunity for the ability to be involved with the show so we can see into the development of the wrestlers.

We go to the ring where Daniel Bryan has made his way to the ring. Daniel thanks everyone for the reception since his ‘pro’ is the Miz. Daniel gets a good laugh at that. He tells all of his fans that he has two words ‘I’m Sorry’. He says that he wishes his pro was William Regal. Daniel introduces himself and he says that he has been wrestling all over the world for the last ten years and now he has his chance in the WWE. He says that NXT is the next evolution in the WWE and he . . .

is interrupted by the Miz. Miz says that this is going to be a lot of fun and his work is cut out for him. He does not like what Daniel said and questions his charisma. Bryan tells Miz to be careful or he will submit him right now. Miz says that Bryan might be a submission machine but where is the charisma. Daniel says that he will go on a reality show, get a fauxhawk and act like an idiot, but that has already been done. Miz wants Daniel to give him a catchphrase. Miz says that everyone knows who he is when he says ‘I’m awesome’. He says that you have two options in the ring, you tap or you snap. The fans appear to like that catchphrase. Miz asks if the crowd thinks that Daniel showed personality and charisma. He asks if Daniel deserves to be in the same ring as him and the Miz says that he doesn’t and that Daniel failed. Miz slaps Bryan and leaves the ring.

Bryan tells Miz that there will be a time that he slaps him back. We go to commercial.

We are back and Matt Striker talked to Daniel Bryan moments ago. Matt asks how he felt about being slapped. Daniel says that he doesn’t feel embarrassed. He just figures that he will get to slap Miz. Matt says that WWE is about respect and Daniel says that he has been in the business longer than Miz. Matt tells Daniel that he will have to listen to the Miz to be a star.

Carlito comes out with Michael Tarver and he says that with his mentoring, Michael Tarver will be the next WWE star. We have a video package where he says that he is known as Mr. 1.9 since he can knock anyone out in 1.9 seconds. He talks about how his father trained with Mike Tyson. He says that it doesn’t matter how big you are, when you knock the head off, the body will fall. He says that this is the way he can prove what he can do. He says that he has a lot of ability for the world to see. He tells the other rookies to bring their A Game. He says that this is his destiny.

We see a video package for Heath Slater. He calls himself the rock star without the instruments. He says that he showboats a lot. He says that he has wanted to be a WWE superstar since he popped out of his mother’s womb. He says that it is important to be a WWE Superstar because that is all he wanted to be. He says that you have to feel the moment. He says that there were some who said that he couldn’t make it, but he is motivated to prove them wrong. He says that he is the one to watch and he is about to blow your mind.

Match Number One: Carlito and Michael Tarver versus Christian and Heath Slater

Carlito and Slater start things off and Slater with a rollup for a near fall. Carlito punches Slater and sends him into the turnbuckles. Tarver tags in and he punches Slater in the ribs. Tarver with an Irish whip but Slater with a cross body off the turnbuckles followed by a clothesline and arm drag into an arm bar. Tarver with a drop toe hold into the ropes and then the referee pulls Tarver away which allows Carlito to kick Slater. Tarver gets a near fall. Carlito tags in and he punches Slater and hits a neck breaker and gets a near fall. Carlito with a rear chin lock. Carlito slams him down to the mat and then tags Tarver back in and he has Slater in a rear chin lock with his knee in the back. Slater with a power slam but he cannot make the cover. Christian and Carlito tag in and Christian with punches followed by a running forearm and missile drop kick from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Carlito counters. Christian blocks a springboard back elbow and tries for another Killswitch. Christian with a sunset flip for a near fall. Carlito with a punch and he tags Tarver back in. Carlito with an Irish whip and Tarver sends Carlito into an elbow. Christian with a kick and then Slater pulls Carlito to the floor. Christian with a back elbow from the turnbuckles and then Christian hits the Killswitch on Tarver for the three count.
Winners: Christian and Heath Slater

After the match, Christian tells Slater to acknowledge the crowd after the match.

We see Darren Young in the back with the Straight Edge Society. We also see R Truth with David Otunga as we go to commercial.

We are back and Wrestlemania is one day closer.

The Straight Edge Society comes out and they are joined by CM Punk’s rookie Darren Young. Punk does not look happy with his rookie and Punk keeps Serena away from Darren.

We go to comments from CM Punk. He says that he doesn’t know why he is on the show. He doesn’t know who Darren Young is. He mentors Luke Gallows and Serena. He says that if Darren Young wants to be mentored, he needs to adopt the Straight Edge.

We go to comments from David Otunga. He says that he is going to win. He says that he is a touch above since he is from Hollywood. He mentions that he is the fiancée of Jennifer Hudson and he has been to Hollywood parties and has been to the White House. David says that he has no flaws. He compares himself to The Rock, Triple H, and John Cena. He also mentions that he went to Harvard Law School. He says that he doesn’t care what the people think about him. He says that he is not going to fail. He says that he will be the next WWE Superstar.

Match Number Two: David Otunga versus Darren Young

They lock up and Young with forearms and a back elbow for a near fall. Young misses a short arm clothesline but Otunga with a forearm and a spinebuster for the three count.
Winner: David Otunga

After the match, CM Punk and the rest of the Straight Edge Society leave the ring without Darren Young.

We have an Earlier Tonight Moment of Daniel Bryan and The Miz from earlier in the show.

We are back with the Raw Rebound.

Cole says that he is Josh’s mentor and Josh points out that Cole is still being mentored.

Match Number Three: Chris Jericho with Wade Barrett versus Daniel Bryan with The Miz

We are back and we are told that Justin Gabriel will be doing more than standing in the back next week when his mentor Matt Hardy shows up.

Chris Jericho says that he doesn’t want Savannah to introduce him. He wants Wade to introduce him.

Wade says that he is Europe’s number one bare knuckle fighter and he says that it is an honor to be paired with Chris Jericho. He says that he doesn’t care where anyone has been because Chris Jericho has been there first. Chris tells Wade that he just wants to introduce him. Wade does the introduction.

Byran offers his hand to Jericho and Jericho slaps it away. Jericho has something to say to Bryan and Bryan listens to him. Jericho pushes Bryan away and then he pie faces him but Bryan with a slap and drop kick. Bryan with a running forearm into the corner followed by a kick. Jericho with a thumb to the eye and a drop kick followed by punches and a belly-to-back suplex. Jericho punches Bryan followed by a snap mare and chin lock. Bryan punches Jericho and gets a near fall with a rollup. Jericho with an enzuigiri and gets a near fall. Jericho slaps Bryan in the head and then he connects with a forearm.

During the match, Matt Striker asks Wade Barrett what he is learning. He says that Jericho is quality and that he is learning how to be the best in the world.

Back to the match, Jericho misses a charge into the corner and hits the ring post. Bryan with a kick and a dragon screw leg whip and a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Bryan with a knee and then flips over Jericho and hits a flying clothesline for a near fall. Bryan with a forearm and a running forearm that sends Jericho to the floor. Bryan waits for Jericho to get up and Bryan hits a suicide dive but Bryan is sent into the announce table. Bryan tries for a springboard move but Jericho catches him and tries for the Walls of Jericho but Bryan counters with an ankle lock but Jericho makes it to the ropes. Jericho hits a Codebreaker out of nowhere and both men are down.

We see the other six rookies in the back watching on the NXT Monitor.

Jericho puts Bryan in the Walls of Jericho and Bryan taps.
Winner: Chris Jericho

After the match, The Miz comes into the ring and he punches and kicks Bryan. Miz slams Bryan’s head into the mat and he tells Bryan that you don’t disrespect him because he is a champion. He reminds Bryan that he is the rookie.

Matt Striker is in the back with the other six rookies and he says that they will make history

2011 - WWE ran Quito, Ecuador.  Efrain Quillen filed the following live report:

It was a very lively crowd welcoming Raw superstars to Santiago, Chile, in what I think was the best house show I ever attended here in Santiago (after attending back in 2008 and 2009). Movistar Arena was about 80% full, with some empty spots close to ringside.

The card ran down like this:

- R-Truth defeated Primo in an OK match.

- Mark Henry defeated Tyson Kidd with the World's Strongest Slam.

- The Nexus (Michael McGillicutty & David Otunga) defeated Santino & Kozlov, after Santino got distracted with Mason Ryan on the apron and McGillicutty rolled him up.

- Eve Torres was about to defend her Divas title against Alicia Fox, when we were graced with the Raw Anonymous GM chiming in, to grace us with a dance-off contest before the match. Eve won after hitting a Spinning Neckbraker.

- The Miz cut a promo in Spanish about him being awesome (he was quite decent actually)

- The Miz retained his WWE Title against Randy Orton with the Skull Crushing Finale, after Alex Riley hit Randy with his briefcase (what does he carry in there anyways?). After the match, Miz and Riley tried to hit Orton with a chair, only for Orton to hit both of them with an RKO. Crowd went crazy.

- Daniel Bryan (w/ Gail Kim) retained his US title against Ted DiBiase (w/ Maryse), using the LaBell Lock. Back and forth, fast paced, really good match, the crowd was really into it.

- John Morrison beat Sheamus in a Street Fight, with a running knee to the head after Sheamus landed awkwardly on a chair. Huge pop for Morrison throughout the match, and specially when he insulted Sheamus in proper chilean.

- John Cena beat CM Punk with a SUPER Attitude Adjustment from the third rope. Incredible match that saw both superstars kick out of each others' finishers. Crowd was VERY excited throughout the whole match, with the usual "Let's go Cena/Cena sucks" antics.

Biggest pops:

John Cena
John Morrison
Randy Orton

Biggest boos:

Sheamus (after being insulted by Morrison)
CM Punk
Raw GM

We take a look at the wrestlers in the opening match.

Jack Swagger returned to action recently after walking away from the WWE to retrain and return to the top. His opponent is one half of the Usos and the son of Rikishi. Jey has an unpredictable nature.

Your announcers are Josh Mathews and The Miz.

Match Number One: Jey Uso (with Jimmy Uso) versus Jack Swagger

Jack and Jey circle each other and Swagger with a double leg take down into a waist lock but Swagger with a waist lock take down when Jey gets back to his feet. Uso gets back to his feet but Swagger with a top wrist lock when Jey tries to reverse the hold. Swagger with a knee to the midsection followed by a biel.

Swagger with a running shoulder tackle. Jey with an arm drag and forearm to the throat. Jey with a diving head butt and he gets a near fall. Jey slides to the floor on an Irish whip. Swagger goes to the floor and Jey returns to the ring. Swagger goes after Jimmy but misses. Jey with a suicide dive and we go to commercial.

We are back and Jey with chops to Swagger. Jey with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Swagger and Jack gets a near fall. Swagger with a forearm across the chest and then he hits the Swagger Bomb and gets a near fall.

Swagger traps the arms and has Jey on his chest to further impede his breathing. Jey punches Swagger and then he gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Swagger with a running shoulder and Jey rolls to the apron. Swagger with an Irish whip that sends Jey sternum first into the turnbuckles. Swagger waits for Jey to get up and but he runs into an uppercut.

Jey with a float over into a DDT and both men are down. Jey avoids a clothesline and hits a few running forearms followed by a savate kick and a palm thrust to the throat. Jey with a Samoan drop. Jey with the running butt splash into the corner and he gets a near fall. Jey goes up top but Swagger recovers while takes his time to climb the turnbuckles.

Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Swagger chokes Jey in the ropes and then he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Jey lands on his feet. Swagger dives at the knee and applies the ankle lock and Jey taps out.

Winner: Jack Swagger

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at some highlights from our opening match.

We take a look Kaitlyn who will be in our main event. She is the person in the Saturday Morning Spotlight.

Match Number Two: Kaitlyn versus Natalya in a Non Title Match

They lock up and Kaitlyn with a waist lock and rollup for a near fall. Natalya applauds Kaitlyn’s effort and then takes Kaitlyn to the mat with a double leg take down into a front face lock. Kaitlyn with a hammer lock but Natalya with a fireman’s carry into an arm bar. Kaitlyn with a head scissors but Natalya escapes and does a handspring followed by a flourish as we go to commercial.

We are back and Kaitlyn with a double leg take down into a jackknife cover but Natalya counters with a backslide for a near fall. Kaitlyn with a drop kick for a near fall. Natalya floats over on an Irish whip but Kaitlyn sends Natalya into the turnbuckles and hits a sunset flip for a near fall. Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter but Kaitlyn is able to get to the ropes.

Natalya offers her hand to Kaitlyn and she is hesitant to shake it. It was a trap and after an Irish whip, Natalya with a rollup into an abdominal stretch. Kaitlyn with a hip toss to escape followed by a drop toe hold and a slam. Kaitlyn with a flying shoulder tackle for a near fall. Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter again but Kaitlyn counters with an inside cradle for a near fall. Natalya misses the discus clothesline and Kaitlyn with a spear for the three count.

Winner: Kaitlyn

We see footage from the end of last week’s show when Kevin Steen stood between Rhino and Jay Lethal. What will Kevin Steen say when he comes to the ring?

Kevin Steen makes his way to the ring and he only has the Ring of Honor World Title belt with him. Kevin says that people say that he has changed. Something that has changed over the last few years is Ring of Honor. It has gone through a few changes over the last few years. When he won the title, he was not proud of the victory and he was not happy to be Ring of Honor Champion. He hoped that it would have killed the company. He did not want to kill it because he hated it. He loves this company. He wanted to put this company out of its misery because of what Jim Cornette did to it.

Ring of Honor was about young wrestlers busting their asses to prove that they belong. With Jim Cornette gone, this company has become about pro wrestling. You can call him sick or an asshole, but you cannot say that he does not love pro wrestling. He has bled and cried for it and he is not going to stop soon.

Since Jim Cornette’s departure, he has realized that he is proud to be the Ring of Honor Champion. That is why he is giving Jay Lethal a title shot. It is because he earned it. He does not deserve it because he has beaten a lot of wrestlers or because of his talent. He deserves it because he got rid of Jim Cornette.

Jay may be great, but since he won the title, he has beaten Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Roderick Strong, Rhino, Michael Elgin, and El Generico to name a few.

He says that he has put himself through hell and now more than ever, he will do everything and anything to keep the title. What makes Jay Lethal think that he can beat him? Jay Lethal cannot beat him.

We go to comments from the participants in the finals of the Top Prospect Tournament.

First, we hear from Tadarius Thomas. He has gone through a lot of emotions since signing with the company. He feels that he belongs in the same building as the top guys.

Matt Taven says that he had his first Ring of Honor match in 2009 and now he is where he belongs.

Tadarius has been on the independent scenes for the last four years and Ring of Honor has the best athletes.

Matt says that he was jealous of Tadarius but now Tadarius is standing between his goal.

Tadarius says that he does not know much about Matt but he has watched his matches and he knows what Matt does in the ring. He says that Matt has not seen what he does in the ring. He is very unorthodox with his style.

Matt says that this is his breakout moment.

Tadarius says that he has won some matches and lost a few, but this is the match to give him his jump start.

Matt says that Tadarius is a stepping stone to where he wants to be. He wants that television title shot and Tadarius won’t stand in his way.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Kevin and Caleb are shocked that Truth Martini is not with them at the announce table to provide the commentary that only Truth can for the finals of the Top Prospect Tournament.

Match Number One: Matt Taven versus Tadarius Thomas in the Top Prospect Tournament Finals and a TV Title Match at the 11th Anniversary iPPV

Thomas with a waist lock but Taven with a side head lock. Thomas with a hammer lock into a side head lock. Thomas lands on his feet on a belly-to-back suplex attempt from Taven. Thomas with a waist lock and Taven with a standing switch. Thomas holds on to the ropes on an O’Connor Roll attempt and Taven with a drop kick but he misses a running kick to the head.

Thomas with a kick to the midsection and head for a near fall. Thomas misses a round kick and he Irish whips Taven into the turnbuckles but Taven hits a cross body but the momentum allows Thomas to get a near fall. Thomas with a side head lock. Taven with a spinning heel kick for a near fall.

Taven with a side head lock. Taven punches Thomas and connects with a forearm.

Truth Martini makes his way to ringside to watch the action and we watch Martini while stuff goes on in the ring.

Thomas with an arm drag and then we watch Martini again. Thomas with a drop kick and Taven is in the ropes. Taven with a back heel kick and the referee checks on Thomas. Taven focuses on the midsection and Taven with a shoulder in the corner. Taven with an Irish whip and a back breaker. Taven with a gutbuster and he gets a near fall.

Taven with a knee and delayed vertical suplex and Taven with a kip up. Taven with a springboard corkscrew leg drop for a near fall. Taven waits for Thomas to get up and Taven with a splash into the corner followed by an Irish whip. Thomas with a sunset flip for a near fall.

Thomas with a La Magistral for a near fall. Thomas with a discus forearm to Taven followed by an Irish whip. Taven with an enzuigiri out of the corner and he gets a near fall. Martini grabs Taven’s foot and Taven wants to know what is going on. Thomas with a clothesline to take advantage of the situation. Thomas with a splash into the corner followed by a round kick for a near fall.

Taven with an Irish whip but Thomas with a punch. Taven with a punch of his own. Thomas with a wraparound clothesline for a near fall. Taven misses a round kick and Thomas with a Tiger suplex for a near fall. Thomas tries for a suplex but Taven blocks it. Thomas almost bumps into the referee but he stops short. Taven tries for a round kick and he misses Thomas but hits the referee and he goes down.

Taven checks on the referee and Martini throws his boot to Thomas but Thomas throws it back. The boot is in the ring and Taven picks it up and he tries to hit Thomas with it but Thomas moves. Thomas goes for a rollup but Martini hits Thomas with the Book of Truth and Taven gets the three count.

Winner: Matt Taven

After the match, Truth celebrates with Matt Taven. Truth says something to Taven and they shake hands. We have a deal of honor.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at the 11th Anniversary Show card with comments from one of the participants in some of the matches.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jay Lethal is in the ring and he has something to say. Jay has something to say to Kevin Steen. Kevin was out earlier and it is great that Kevin has a change of heart and now he loves Ring of Honor. He also thinks that Kevin is full of s***. He has Kevin all figured out. Steen is a master of mind games.

Kevin enjoys getting into the heads of his opponents and he has his matches won before they bell rings. Davey Richards is one of the best and the mind games that Kevin played on Davey was brilliant. It will not happen to him. Jay says that he has Kevin’s number and he has it mapped out. He has removed all of his distractions. When they talk about the great Ring of Honor Champions, after March 2nd, they will talk of Samoa Joe, CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, and they will say that there was ‘one of us’.

Jay says that he thinks he can win because Steen thinks that he cannot.

We go to comments that Veda Scott got from Roderick Strong, Kyle O’Reilly, and Bobby Fish. Strong points out that he is two and oh against Elgin. There will be nothing different tonight. We will see once again that Elgin is breakable and Roderick Strong is unbeatable. Fish points out that they beat the American Wolves to get their tag title shot. They will put another whooping on them again. Kyle says the Wolves have been running their mouths and he wonders if they will bark or will they bite.

Jay and Mark Briscoe join Kevin Kelly at the announce table for the main event.

Match Number Two: Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Roderick Strong versus Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, and Michael Elgin

The referee wants to get a six man handshake but that isn’t going to happen. Strong goes after Elgin and the referee calls for the bell. All six men battle around ringside. Kyle and Davey square off while Elgin and Strong are on the other side of the ring. Fish and Kyle battle. A second referee joins the action and we go to commercial with Bobby Fish getting Irish whipped.

We are back and Elgin with a splash on all three men and then Strong falls out of the way. Elgin with a splash on O’Reilly and Fish. Elgin with a power slam after Edwards and Richards Irish whip Fish to Elgin. Richards gets a near fall and Eddie tags in. Davey and Eddie with a double back elbow for a near fall.

Elgin tags in and he connects with a forearm and then he hits a delayed vertical suplex while Edwards and Richards keep Strong and O’Reilly out of the way. Elgin has Fish in the air for about a minute before getting a near fall.

Richards tags in and Kyle with a knee to the back form the apron and Kyle holds the leg so Fish can kick Richards and then he punches Davey. Kyle tags in and he snap mares Richards and hits a knee drop to the head for a near fall. Strong tags in and he kicks Davey in the chest and connects with a forearm to the back and a chop. Richards with a forearm and then Strong and Richards go back and forth until Strong hits a drop kick and gets a near fall.

Fish tags in and hits a slingshot senton and gets a near fall. Fish with a kick to the chest and he gets a near fall. Richards with a forearm but Fish stops Davey’s attempts to make the tag. Kyle tags in and they go back and forth with forearms until Kyle connects with a kick, knee and leg sweep. Strong tags in and he mocks Elgin.

Strong with a delayed vertical suplex to mock Elgin some more but he cannot keep Richards up and Strong with a counter into an inside cradle for a near fall. Strong with a drop kick to get a near fall. Strong with a stomp to Strong and then he tags Fish back in and he kicks Richards. Fish with a snap mare and he connects with an elbow drop for a near fall.

Richards with shoulders but he is in the wrong corner. Strong and Kyle assist Fish and Strong tags in. Strong with forearms but Richards with slaps and a back heel kick. Strong is able to run Richards into the turnbuckles. Kyle tags in and he snap mares Richards and puts him in a seated abdominal stretch and then gets him into a vertical position and locks up the legs. Kyle with a rollup for a near fall. Kyle with a dragon screw leg whip and Fish tags in and gets a near fall. We go to commercial.

We are back and Fish and O’Reilly knock Edwards and Elgin off the apron. Richards with a kick to Fish and then he sends O’Reilly into Fish. Richards with a drop kick to Kyle’s back and the momentum turns it into a DDT by Fish on Kyle. Davey tags in Eddie and Edwards goes up opfor a double missile drop kick. Edwards chops Fish repeatedly in the corner. Fish with an Irish wip but he runs into a boot from Edwards. Fish with a forearm and Edwards with a boot to knock O’Reilly off the apron.

Edwards with a kick to the knee and then a kick to the chest for a near fall. Fish with a Falcon Arrow to Edwards and both men are down. Strong tags in and he runs intoa boot from Edwards. Edwards goes for a Codebreaker off the apron and Strong catches him and tries for the Strong Hold but Edwards escapes. Edwards tries for the Achilles Lock but Strong is able to escape as well.

Strong and Edwards chop back and forth. Edwards lifts Strong into the air for an Alarm Clock. Fish and O’Reilly go after Edwards and Richards. Fish and O’Reilly charge at Edwards and Richards but Davey and Eddie drop down and Bobby and Kyle go over the top rope to the floor. They hit running kicks that send O’Reilly and Fish off the apron. Richards and Edwards with stereo suicide dives.

Elgin had made the tag before the last sequence and he sends Strong into the turnbuckles and he punches Strong. The referee pulls Elgin out of the corner but Elgin with more shots. Elgin gets Strong on his shoulders and Elgin runs Strong’s head into the top turnbuckle before hitting an STO. Elgin with a splash into the corner and then he hits another splash into the other corner. Elgin with a spinning uranage for a near fall.

Elgin sets up for a power bomb but O’Reilly climbs on Elgin’s back for a sleeper but Elgin backs Kyle into the turnbuckles. Fish charges at Elgin but Elgin with a boot to Bobby. Kyle returns to the sleeper on Elgin. Elgin picks up Fish and hits a German suplex while O’Reilly still has the sleeper applied.

Edwards goes up top for a double stomp to Strong’s back and then Richards with a double stomp to Strong. Elgin gets Strong up for a suplex but turns it into a side slam but he can only get a near fall because Fish and O’Reilly break up the cover. Fish and O’Reilly send Richards and Edwards to the floor but Elgin with boots to O’Reilly. Kyle with a bicycle kick to Elgin but Elgin responds with a spinning back fist. Strong with a knee to Elgin followed by the gutbuster from a fireman’s carry position. Kyle and Bobby hit Total Elimination and Strong gets a near fall.

Fish and Edwards exchange forearms while O’Reilly and Richards do the same. Then they exchange kicks. Fish and Richards exchange kicks to the head in the center of the ring. Fish misses the enzuigiri and Richards applies an ankle lock until Strong gets Richards on his shoulders and then hits a back breaker. Strong with a running forearm to Elgin but Elgin tries for Chaos Theory. Strong with leaping knees followed by the Sick Kick but he can only get a two count.

Strong with a leaping knee and forearms followed by a back elbow. Strong with another knee followed by End of Heartbreak for the three count.

Winners: Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish, and Kyle O’Reilly

Fandango beat Ted DiBiase.

Jack Swagger is indeed on the road.  He beat Sin Cara.

The Great Khali teamed with Brodus Clay to beat Epico and Primo.

Randy Orton beat Cody Rhodes.

The Undertaker and Sheamus beat Wade Barrett and Damien Sandow.  Undertaker pinned Sandow after a Tombstone.

Alberto Del Rio beat The Big Show to retain The World Title.

2013 - The New York Wrestling Connection' held their 2013 Psycho Circus at the NYWC Sportatorium in Deer Park, NY.  Mike Johnson filed the following live report:

Joker's Wild Battle Royal: Bradon Knight, Victor Cruz, Jesse Vain, Jayred,  CJ Antonino, Danny P, Justin & Dustin Corino, Dan Barry,  Lance Anoai, Matthew Justice, King Mega, Dr. Porter, Dirty Moore, Jethro & JT Dirty

John Silver came out wearing an alien mask and began dancing.  Everyone in the battle royal did the Harlem Shuffle, then began battling.  Silver then walked out.

Everyone battled and it was your typical battle royal with the crowd really into it.  Lance was tossed over the top but grabbed a pole in the building, like a steel girder and climbed it to save himself.  He landed on the apron and was superkicked off.  Nice spot.

As the competitors began to disappear, Mega and Porter were the two largest men left.  Mega nailed him with a sideslam.   He then chokeslammed Porter.  Knight was backdropped over the top to the floor.  Porter was tossed over by Mega.

Marti Belle distracted Mega to allow Justice to shove him over the top.  Jesse Vain then tossed him over the top.  Justice hit the rails hard on the way down.

Your winner, Jesse Vain!

Vain now gets to challenge for any NYWC title anytime he wishes.

Fun battle royal.

Smith James & Bill Carr vs. DJ Phat Pat & Francis Kipland Stevens vs. Reckless & Wasted to become number one contenders for NYWC Tag Team titles

Kipland controlled one of the Wasted  and shoulderblocked him down.  Kipland plays a scrawny, fiesty nerd.  He was slammed down for a one count.    Kipland came back to trip him for a two count and then used an inside cradle for another near fall.

Phat Pat tagged in and controlled the other member of Wasted, including a back splash against the ropes.   It turned into a six way brawl with each team nailing a double dropkick on James and Carr.

Pat nailed a dive through the ropes on James and Carr as Kipland dove off the top to the floor on Wasted.  When they returned to the ring, Smith and Carr took control, working over Reckless.  The crowd began chanting, "Let's get wasted."

Pat tagged in and squashed James in the corner.  He then caught him with a Black Hole Slam for a two count.   Pat ate an RKO.   Kipland nailed an Acid Drop but was pulled out of the ring by Carr and tossed into the crowd.  Carr and James obliterated Wasted and pinned him.

Your winners, Smith James & Bill Carr!

Flawless Blake Morris came out, returning to the company.  He cut a promo saying he was back after two years.  The crowd didn't know who he was and gave him the "what" treatment. 

Braden Knight came out and said Morris was his first opponent.  Morris said he was disgusted because Knight is walking around here drinking beer while his kid is in the front row.  Knight said he's here training twice a day and where the hell is Morris, but out working the streets.  It pulled into a big pull apart brawl.

Marti Belle vs. Nikki Adams vs. NYWC Starlet champion Rick Cataldo

Cataldo was sent groin first into the ringpost early.  Belle and Adams faced off and went back and forth.    Belle went for a rana but was caught and powerbombed into the buckles.  Cataldo nailed her with a big boot in the corner and a then a rear end to the face.

Adams worked over Cataldo with kicks to the back and a dropkick.  She and Belle teamed up with a Boston Crab on him.  They argued over which of them had him beat.  All three began killing each other with stiff shots.  Belle nailed Cataldo and nailed a neckbreaker on Adams.

Adams went to the top but was nailed and punched in the crotch.  Cataldo then superkicked Belle and pinned her with his foot on the ropes, placing them on Adams who was still hung upside down.

Cataldo really goes all the way with the Gorgeous George gimmick.  Belle has some real poise as a personality. Adams is young but worked hard.

Your winner and still NYWC Starlet champ, Rick Cataldo!

NYWC Tag Team champions Alex Reynolds & John Silver vs. Chuck Taylor & Jigsaw

Silver worked over Jigsaw with submissions and a curb stomp.   He brought him into the champs' corner, where Reynolds tagged in and cleaned house with a double dropkick.

Taylor tagged in and pushed Reynolds into the corner.  Reynolds caught him with a deep armdrag and armbar.  He controlled Taylor and scored several near falls. 

Jigsaw tagged in and charged Silver.  He was placed on the ropes but Taylor nailed Silver with a kick.   Silver came back and drilled Taylor into the buckles over and over, nailed into Jigsaw's nether-regions.   The champs snapmared Taylor over and locked him in a double stump puller.  They then locked in a double chinlock on the challengers after forcing them to lock each other's legs in a weird spot.

Reynolds worked over Taylor with a series of chops and tied him up in the ropes.   Jigsaw cut him off and began stomping the hell out of him.  Taylor left and sat in the front row as Jigsaw worked over Reynolds.    Taylor tagged in and stomped away on him.  He sent Reynolds into the ropes and nailed a big dropkick for a two count.

Jigsaw punched Reynolds with a series of punches in the corner but was caught with an inverted atomic drop.   Jigsaw came back with a dropkick while rebounding off the ropes.   He antagonized Silver so the referee would be distracted, allowing the challengers to work over Reynolds for a two count.

Jigsaw went for a piledriver but was backdropped over.  Silver tagged in and cleaned house with clotheslines and a double sliced bread #2.  He nailed a big tope con hilo to the outside on Taylor, landing on his feet in the first row.   Silver went for a springboard move but was cut off.

Taylor drilled Reynolds with a series of moves for a two count.  They went into an awesome series of near falls.  Silver took an insane back suplex off the top.  Taylor hit him with a spinning powerbomb but Reynolds broke it up.  Good stuff.  Taylor went to the top but was crotched.  Silver hit a reverse rana on Jigsaw.  Reynolds drilled him and scored the pin.

Your winners and still NYWC Tag Team champions, Alex Reynolds & John Silver!

Really good match!

Smith James and Bill Carr hit the ring and took their guaranteed tag team title shot right now.  They tossed Reynolds hard over the top to the floor and double teamed Silver.

They beat the hell out of Silver.  Reynolds returned to the apron but was clotheslined to the floor again by Carr.   They kept working over Silver, who kicked out.  Silver finally came back with a German suplex with a bridge for a two count.  He nailed Carr with a diving forearm in the corner but James nailed him with a Michinoku Driver and pinned him.

Your winners and new NYWC Tag Team champions Smith James & Bill Carr!

Trent Baretta vs. NYWC Fusion champion Tony Nese

This is Baretta's return to the company where he trained and he and Nese were partners here, so there is a backstory as well.

They had some really good back and forth wrestling sequences.   They went into a test of strength.   Baretta was forced down and tried to bridge up but was nailed by Nese.  Nese drilled him in the gut with his knees.  Baretta nailed a rana and a deep armdrag. 

Nese avoided several moves and they went back and forth counter wrestling and reversing each other until Nese locked him in a submission with a leglock.  Baretta came back with a series of chops and a back elbow for a two count.  Baretta looked really crisp.

Nese was cut off on the top and knocked to the apron.  Nese drilled him with an elbow, sending him into the guard rail.  Nese hit a dive to the floor.   They battled on the floor with Nese beating him down with chops against the guard rail.  Nese tossed him back in the ring for a two count and cinched in a rear chinlock.

Nese controlled him on the mat.  Baretta fired back but Nese took out his legs and nailed a double springboard moonsault.  Nese used a body scissors to wear him down.  Baretta fought back but was chopped down.  Nese went for a suplex but Baretta escaped.  They battled to the ropes and Baretta suplexed Nese over the top and they both went over to the floor.  That was nuts.

They recovered and battled back and forth when they returned to the ring.  Baretta nailed a leg lariat and a leaping elbow.  He nailed a big missile dropkick. Nese avoided an Irish Whip, slipped under and nailed a sit down powerbomb for a two count.

Nese went for a springboard move and was dropkicked out of the air.   Nese ducked a kick and went on the offense with some amazing kicks and strikes.  Nese went for a 450 splash but Baretta pulled his knees up.  Baretta nailed him with a lariat for a two count.

Nese drilled him with a powerbomb in the corner and a running Facewash.   Nese placed him on the top rope and went for a superplex.  Baretta battled him off and they went into an awesome series of near falls.  This match is terrific and better than anything Baretta had the chance to show on WWE TV.

Nese came back with a series of knees and kicks in the corner but Baretta fired back with kicks of his own.  They went back and forth with insane strikes until Baretta nailed a clothesline that sent Nese flipping head over feet to the mat.  Baretta nailed a back piledriver for a two count.  The crowd went back and forth with chants for each man.

Nese suplexed Baretta into the buckles.  Nese drilled him with a knee to the face.   Nese hit a 450 splash off the top for the win.

Your winner and still NYWC Fusion champion, Tony Nese!

Absolutely great match.  Go out of your way to see this.  WWE's loss is the indy's gain.  Baretta came in with something to prove and boy, did he.  Nese, as always, was just great.

.

They embraced after the match.

Papadon vs. Mike Mondo vs. Jerry Lynn

They introduced the NYWC Commissioner Forge as the special referee.

The fans tossed streamers for Lynn and chanted "Thank you Jerry."  They then chanted for ECW.  All three faced off.  They went into a series of reversals and back and forths.  Lynn grabbed a side headlock takedown on Papadon and nailed a head scissor takeover on Mondo at the same time.  They went back and forth until all three went for a dropkick at the same time, then faced off.

Lynn nailed a series of hiptosses on each, running them out of the ring.  Forge then hit him with a hiptoss.  All three said he was nuts and argued who was going to get back in the ring first with him.  Lynn was slammed into the apron and Papadon and Mondo battled.  Papadon drilled Mondo with a kick to the face but was nailed by Lynn.  Lynn hit a dive to the floor.  Mondo then hit a moonsault over the top to the floor.  

Mondo and Papadon battled back and forth.  Lynn returned and went back and forth with Papadon.  Papadon nailed a sideslam but Mondo drilled him.  Papadon went for a diving headbutt but missed.

Lynn nailed a clothesline on Mondo but ate one from Papadon.  Mondo then drilled Papadon with a running boot.  The referee counted everyone down but they regained their footing around seven.  Mondo suplexed Lynn over for a two count.   Papadon caught him charging into the corner with an elbow and nailed a leg lariat for a two count.

Papadon drilled Mondo in the chest with a series of kicks.   Mondo caught him with a double knee strike to the chests.   He grabbed Lynn and nailed a series of knee strikes to the face.  Lynn fought back and nailed a TKO for a two count.    Mondo caught Lynn with a jawbreaker.  He went to the top but Papadon crotched him. 

Lynn and Mondo battled on the top.  Papadon returned and it turned into a big Tower of Doom spot.     Lynn nailed a Kryptonite Krunch on Mondo for a two count.  Papadon nailed a series of moves and drilled Mondo.  Mondo nailed a top rope rana.  Lynn nailed Mondo with the cradle piledriver but Papadon broke it up.

Papadon nailed Lynn with a brainbuster and scored the pin.

After the bout, Papadon paid tribute to him, saying Lynn can claim all he wants that he's broken down and done but when the amount of people who keep saying he still has it say it, he's still the man and praised him for his work in the ring and how he carries himself in the ring.

They played a video tribute to Lynn.

The entire roster came to the ring to pay tribute to him. Lynn cut a really nice promo saying that it's all smoke and mirrors and he's done. He said the only thing that sucks about retiring is that after 25 years every show is a family reunion and praised everyone in NYWC. He said it's like watching his kids grow up on the road and thanked everyone. Lynn was obviously very moved. It was an awesome scene.

Psycho Circus - Team Apollyon (Apollyon & Dickie Rodz & Rex Lawless & Ryan Rush) vs. Team Big O (Big O & Mikey Whipwreck & Stockade & Alvin Alvarez

If O's team wins, he becomes the NYWC champion.  If Apollyon's team wins, he retains.

The first out were Rex Lawless and Stockade.  They brawled on the floor, where Lawless was slammed in the aisle and around the ring before they entered the ring.  Stockade nailed a legdrop on the apron.  Stockade stuck acupuncture sticks in Lawlesss' head.  Victor Cruz tried to attack Stockade with a Singapore Cane but was laid out.  Lawless attacked Stockade ad worked him over.  He missed a big boot in the corner and caught himself in the corner.  

Stockade worked him over.  Stockade charged him in the corner with a squash.  He placed a chair on Lawless' chest and hit a cannonball in the corner.  He went back to the needles in the head.

Ryan Rush entered the fray for Team Apollyon using a chair and a series of kicks on Stockade.  Rush nailed a series of kicks.  Lawless and Rush beat him down.  They beat him with the cane.

Entering the ring to even up the odds was Alvin Alvarez.  He legdropped Lawless after placing a chair on him.  Stockade and Rush battled on the floor with a cane.  Stockade and Alvarez regained the control and used bowling balls, bowling them into Lawless' groin as he was trapped in the corner.

Dickie Rodz came out to make it three on two, working over the heroes.  He choked Stockade on the floor.  Lawless slammed Alvarez on a chair.   They all worked over Alvarez.   Stockade was ripped across the barbed wire strands on one side of the ring.

Mikey Whipwreck came out and tossed several trash cans and a tub of ice into the ring.  It turned into plunder city.  Stockade placed a trash can over Lawless' head and beat it with a stick.  Whipwreck spewed green mist into Rodz' face.  Lots of violence.

Out came NYWC champion Apollyon.  He shattered a keyboard over Stockade's face.  His team took control and worked over Team Big O as the audience chanted for O.  Alvarez was sat in the corner and they beat him down with a chair and cane shots..

Finally, the Big O hit the ring, at which point there could be a fall.   He hit the ring with a heavy bar bell and used it as a weapon.  O cleaned house.  Lawless pulled a ladder into the mix.  Apollyon strangled O with his boot.  They worked him over four on one.  O was sent to the floor as Whipwreck returned to the fray.  He nailed a Whuppersnapper on Ryan Rush and scored the pin.

Rush has been eliminated.

Rodz beat down O on the floor, stomping him.    Stockade and Whipwreck battled with Lawless and Rush.  Stockade was sent into the barbed wire.   On the floor, O made a comeback using a chair and drilled Apollyon with a street sign.

Stockade missed  a splash and landed on a ladder bridged in the corner.  Alvarez was pinned by Apollyon with a Blac Hole Slam.   Everyone continued to battle around the ring  Stockade nailed a DVDR on Apollyon.

Mikey tried to backdrop Rodz over the top through a table but he landed on his feet.  They battled atop the table and they crashed through it.  They were both ruled eliminated.

Stockade drilled Apollyon with several chairs to the head.   He then nailed a belly to belly suplex on a ladder.  Stockade followed up with a big lariat for a two count.   Lawless worked over O on the floor.

A piece of steel cage, several chairs, a ladder and more were tossed into the ring.  They placed the cage over several chairs.  Stockade fought off Lawless but was crotched on the top and slammed through the cage, pinned.

O was left against Lawless and Apollyon.  They beat the hell out of him.    O was placed on a table but fought them off.  O suplexed Lawless on a ladder and pinned him.

It was down to O and Apollyon.  The crowd chanted for O.  Apollyon worked him over and set up a ladder.   Apollyon climbed up but O slipped underneath and powerbombed him off the ladder for a two count.   O chokeslammed him through  a table and scored the pin.

Your winner and new NYWC champion, Big O!

Really insane, chaotic main event with a good back and forth story and TONS of plunder.  O was king of the kingdom tonight and now he's got a crown as well.

O tried to give a speech but was attacked by Apollyon's crew. Tony Nese made the save with a chair. O celebrated and Nese drilled him in the head with the chair. Nese took the mic and said, "You people did this. This is each and every one of your's fault." The crowd chanted "a**hole." Nese said that was exactly his point.

Nese said that he built NYWC and is the reason it's on the map. He said that he's been here for seven years busting his ass. Trent Baretta disappears for five years and gets a louder pop than Nese when he returns. He said that this piece of sh** is here for a year and the only reason anyone cares about him is the other piece of sh** Zack Ryder put him on Youtube. He said screw Baretta, O and F*** all the fans. Nese walked out. Some fans were throwing things at the ring during all this. Nice heel turn.

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