Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
June 17th
On this day in history in ....
1934 - Mario Nuez defeats Tony Canales in Mexico City, Mexico to become the first holder of the Mexico National Welterweight Title.
1957 - Cyclone Anaya defeats Tor Yamata for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama.
1964 - Pat Patterson and Tony Borne defeat Nick Bockwinkel and Buddy Mareno (Omar Atlas) for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title in Salem, Oregon.
1965 - Bob Orton, Sr. wins a tournament for the vacant NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Title in Jacksonville, Florida. The title had been stripped from Tarzan Tyler in April.
1966 - The Viking (Bob Morse) defeats Ron Reed in St. Joseph, Missouri to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title, ending Reed's second reign.
1966 - WWWF ran a TV Taping in Philadelphia, PA at the Arena, featuring the following results:
Curtis Iaukea defeated Tomas Marin
Arnold Skaaland defeated Pete Sanchez
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Angelo Savoldi
Bill Miller fought Johnny Valentine to a draw
1967 - WWWF ran Baltimore, MD at the Civic Center, featuring:
Smasher Sloan defeated George McArthur
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Ox Baker
WWWF U.S. Tag Team Champions Lou Albano & Tony Altimore defeated Miguel Perez & Arman Hussian
U.S. Champion Bobo Brazil defeated Bull Ortega
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Spiros Arion defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Prof. Toru Tanaka
1970 - Dick Garza defeats Ricky Cortez for the Wolverine Wrestling Michigan Heavyweight Title in Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning his second reign.
1970 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Dominic DeNucci defeated George Steele & Prof. X in Munhall, PA.
1971 -WWWF ran Washington, DC with the following results:
Donna Christianello defeated Sharon Joy
Sandy Parker defeated the White Venus
Bill White defeated Juan CarusO
Luke Graham defeated Akim Manuka
Mike Pappas defeated Bull Pometti
The Black Demon defeated Miguel Feliciano
Chief Jay Strongbow fought Tarzan Tyler to a draw
1972 - Dutch Savage and Moondog Mayne defeat The Royal Kangaroos (Jonathan Boyd and Norman Frederick Charles) to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, ending the Kangaroos' fourth reign.
1972 - WWWF ran Springfield, MA with the following results:
The Cisco Kid defeated Depaula
Joe Nova defeated Juan Caruso
Arnold Skaaland defeated Jimmy Valiant via disqualification
WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna
Lee Wong defeated Nikita Mulkovitch
The Blue Demon defeated Tony Contilles
1977 - Butcher Brannigan and Killer Karl Krupp defeat Larry O'Day and Ron Miller for the NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team Title in Sydney, Australia, ending their fourth reign.
1977 - a live event in St. Louis, MO at The Kiel Auditorium saw the following results:
Randy Tyler defeated Wolf Wiskoski at 11:12
Bob Sweetan defeated Ron Starr at 15:13
Pat O'Conner defeated Bobby Jaggers at 9:57
Bulldog Brown & Ivan Koloff fought Rufus R. Jones & Billy Robinson to a 30-minute time-limit draw
WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bob Slaughter at 11:23
AWA World Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell defeated Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum (w/ Bobby Heenan)
NWA World Champion Harley Race defeated Missouri Champion Jack Brisco
1982 - Don Kernodle and Jim Nelson defeat Porkchop Cash and Iceman Parsons in Roanoke, Virginia, to win their second NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title.
1978 - WWWF ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Civic Center with the following results:
Johnny Rivera defeated Ted Adams
Mark Tendler defeated Jose Estrada via disqualification
Jim Ray defeated Jose Estrada
Mil Mascaras defeated Stan Stasiak
Dusty Rhodes fought Spiros Arion to a double count-out
The Yukon Lumberjacks defeated Peter Maivia & Johnny Rivera
1978 - WWWF ran Baltimore, MD at the Civic Center, featuring the following results:
Nikolai Volkoff fought Larry Zbyszko to a draw
Johnny Rodz defeated Steve King
Tony Garea defeated Frank Williams
Gorilla Monsoon defeated Butcher Vachon
WWWF Tag Team Champions Dino Bravo & Dominic DeNucci fought Superstar Billy & Luke Graham to a double disqualification
Haystacks Calhoun defeated Strong Kobayashi
George Steele defeated WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund via disqualification
1980 - WWF taped Championship Wrestling episodes in Allentown, PA at Ag Hall, featuring the following results:
Johnny Rodz & Sylvano Sousa defeated Charlie Brown & Steve King
Ed Boulder (Brutus Beefcake) fought Jose Estrada to a draw
Rick McGraw defeated Sylvano Sousa
Dominic DeNucci & Rene Goulet defeated Marc Pole & Moose Monroe
The Hangman (w/ Freddie Blassie) defeated Angelo Gomez via submission at 2:47 with the Hangman Hold; after the bout, Vince McMahon interviewed Blassie & Hangman at ringside (Hangman's debut)
Larry Zbyszko defeated Tony Colon
Pat Patterson defeated Lyndsey Lyle via submission at 7:02 with the stump puller
NWA World Champion Harley Race pinned Jose Estrada at 5:42 with a tombstone
Larry Zbyszko pinned Angelo Gomez at 6:54 with a suplex; prior to the bout, Zbyszko demanded to be introduced as the "new living legend"
The Hangman (w/ Freddie Blassie) defeated Frank Williams via submission at 3:24 with the Hangman Hold
Ivan Putski pinned Moose Monroe at 2:56 swith the Polish Hammer
Pedro Morales defeated Sylvano Sousa
Larry Sharpe defeated Manny Siaca
NWA World Champion Harley Race defeated Tony Colon
Pat Patterson defeated Fred Marzino
Dominic DeNucci & Rene Goulet defeated Johnny Rodz & Jose Estrada
Hulk Hogan defeated Charlie Brown
Dark match after the taping: Hulk Hogan defeated Ivan Putski via count-out at 11:25
1982 - WWF ran three events in one day, with the following results:
Waterbury, CT at Kennedy High School:
Laurent Soucie defeated Steve King
Swede Hanson defeated Pete Sanchez
Rick McGraw & Steve Travis defeated Johnny Rodz & Jose Estrada
Tony Garea defeated the Black Demon
WWF IC Champion Pedro Morales fought Bob Orton Jr. to a double count-out
Oil City, PA at the High School Gym:
The Hangman pinned the Beast with a sunset flip and cradle at 18:00
Blackjack Mulligan pinned Bill Dixon at 16:30 with a boot to the face as Dixon charged the corner
Jimmy Snuka pinned SD Jones at 27:05 when the momentum of a reverse flying bodypress put Snuka on top
Ivan Putski defeated Greg Valentine via count-out at 11:30 after hitting the Polish Hammer and sending Valentine to the floor; Valentine was able to return to the ring before the bell rang but opted not to
Johnstown, PA at the Cambria County War Memorial:
Billy Berger defeated Pedro Torres
The Red Demon defeated Miguel Feliciano
Baron Mikel Scicluna fought Johnny DeFazio to a draw
WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Adrian Adonis
Chief Jay & Jules Strongbow defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito via disqualification
1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling holds one of many "Wrestling Star Wars" events at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas before 21,000 fans. The results:
- Genichiro Tenryu defeated Johnny Mantell.
- Vicki Carranza defeated Lola Gonzales to win the Mexican Women's Title.
- Al Madril, Jose Lothario and Sal Lothario defeated Bill Irwin, Fishman and The Mongol (Gene Lewis).
- Iceman Parsons defeated Buddy Roberts in a Hair vs. Hair match.
- David Von Erich defeated Jimmy Garvin to win the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title. As a result, Von Erich got Garvin and Sunshine as his valets for a day. This led to a memorable TV vignette where David forced Garvin and Sunshine to work on his farm, including washing his dog.
- Jumbo Tsuruta and Ted DiBiase fought to a draw. Tsuruta retained the NWA United National Title, he vacated it following the match in order to challenge for Bruiser Brody's NWA International Heavyweight Title.
- Giant Baba defeated King Kong Bundy to retain the PWF Heavyweight Title.
- Kimala defeated Armand Hussein, Tola Yatsu and Mike Bond in a Handicap Loser Leaves Town match.
- Harley Race defeated Kerry Von Erich by disqualification. Race retained the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
- Kerry Von Erich and Bruiser Brody defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy) to win the WCCW American Tag Team Title.
1983 - The Dynamite Girls (Jumbo Hori and Yukari Ohmori) defeat Devil Masami and Talantula for the WWWA World Tag Team Title.
1983 - WWF ran New York City, NY at Madison Square Garden, featuring the following results:
Iron Mike Sharpe pinned SD Jones at 10:39
Swede Hanson defeated Butcher Vachon at 8:33
Salvatore Bellomo defeated Mr. Fuji via disqualification at 11:30
Ivan Koloff (substituing for Iron Mike Sharpe) pinned Tony Garea at 11:41
George Steele defeated Chief Jay Strongbow at 7:13 when the match was stopped due to blood
Ivan Putski & Jimmy Snuka,& Rocky Johnson defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco & the Wild Samoans in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match
Andre the Giant defeated Big John Studd at 8:21 following a bodyslam
Sgt. Slaughter defeated WWF World Champion Bob Backlund via countout at 19:46
The scheduled contest between Ray Stevens and Eddie Gilbert was cancelled.
1984 - Jake Roberts defeats Ron Garvin to win the NWA World Television Title in Atlanta, Georgia, however the title was immediately held up upon the discovery that Roberts used a foreign object.
1984 - WWF ran Lancaster, PA with the following results:
George Steele defeated Jose Luis Rivera
Greg Valentine defeated Chief Jay Strongbow
Terry Daniels fought SD Jones to a draw
Sgt. Slaughter defeated Bob Orton Jr.
Bob Backlund defeated the Iron Sheik via count-out
1984 - WWF ran Minneapolis, MN at the Met Center, featuring the following results:
B. Brian Blair pinned Jerry Valiant with an abdominal stretch into an inside cradle
Mad Dog Vachon pinned Bobby Colt at 3:26 with the piledriver; after the bout, Vachon threw Colt to the floor and attacked him with a chair
Big John Studd won a $50,000 18-man battle royal by last eliminating WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana at 9:17; other participants included Andre the Giant, Rene Goulet, Mr. Fuji, WWF Tag Team Champions Dick Murdoch & Adrian Adonis, B. Brian Blair, Tiger Chung Lee, Jerry Valiant, Chris Curtis, Mil Mascaras, Alexis Smirnoff, Rocky Johnson, Paul Orndorff, Tony Garea, Jesse Ventura, and Ivan Putski; order of elimination: Curtis by Adonis (1:14); Tiger by Andre (1:25); Murdoch by Putski (1:48); Mascaras & Valiant eliminated each other (1:55); Putski by Smirnoff (2:39); Smirnoff by Johnson (2:51); Andre, Fuji, & Goulet were eliminated by Studd (3:23); Orndorff by Santana & Blair (4:38); Garea by Adonis & Ventura (4:51); Adonis by Johnson (7:02); Blair by Studd (7:20); Johnson by Ventura (8:45); Ventura by Santana (9:09).
Mil Mascaras pinned Tiger Chung Lee at 5:30 with a crossbody off the top
Paul Orndorff defeated Tony Garea
Ivan Putski defeated Alexis Smirnoff via count-out at 3:27 after knocking Smirnoff to the floor with the Polish Hammer
WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana & Rocky Johnson defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch
Jesse Ventura defeated Chris Curtis via submission with the backbreaker at 4:18
WWF champion Hulk Hogan pinned David Schultz with a clothesline
1985 - Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo, the U.S. Express, defeat The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Poughkeepsie, New York. This marked Windham & Rotundo's second and final WWF Tag Title reign. They had lost the belts to Sheik & Volkoff at the first Wrestlemania. The finish of the match saw Rotundo grab Sheik in a small package. Volkoff ran in and turned them over so Sheik was on top, but as the referee got Volkoff out of the ring, Windham ran in and turned them back over, so Rotundo was on top, and got the pinfall.
The remainder of the taping saw the following results:
WWF Jr. Heavyweight Champion Les Thornton pinned Gino Carabello at 2:43 with a backbreaker
The Junkyard Dog & Tito Santana defeated Rick Hunter & AJ Petrucci at 3:49 when JYD pinned Petruzzi with the powerslam
Terry Funk, in his WWF debut, defeated Aldo Marino via submission to the spinning toe hold at 3:07; before the bout, ring attendant Mel Phillips put Funk's hat on his head since his arms were full of Funk's ring gear; Funk then attacked Phillips, with Phillips having to be helped backstage
In their debut as The Killer Bees tag team, B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell defeated Steve Lombardi & Dave Barbie at 3:52 when Barbie submitted to Brunzell's sleeper
Don Muraco (w/ Mr. Fuji) pinned Rick McGraw with the tombstone at 2:42
Ricky Steamboat pinned the Axe at 3:08 with the flying bodypress
Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) defeated Rene Goulet & Terry Gibbs at 4:36 when Rotundo pinned Gibbs with an airplane spin
The British Bulldogs, Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid defeated Barry O & Dave Barbie when Dynamite pinned Barbie with a diving headbutt after being thrown by Smith at 4:27
King Kong Bundy (w/ Jimmy Hart) pinned Sal Gee at 2:34 with an elbow drop following the Avalanche
Uncle Elmer (w/ Hillbilly Jim) pinned AJ Petruzzi with a legdrop at 1:46 (Elmer's in-ring debut)
WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine (w/ Jimmy Hart) & Brutus Beefcake (w/ Johnny V) defeated Paul Roma & Jose Luis Rivera at 2:51 when Beefcake pinned Rivera following the running kneelift
Randy Savage, in his WWF debut, pinned Aldo Marino following two flying elbowsmashes at 2:45; Bobby Heenan, Mr. Fuji, Freddie Blassie, Jimmy Hart, & Johnny V were at ringside for the match trying to scout Savage and congratulated him after the bout; moments later, Savage again attacked his opponent, impressing the managers even more
Ricky Steamboat defeated Don Muraco (w/ Mr. Fuji) via count-out at 4:58 after giving the atomic drop to Muraco on the floor, knocking him into Fuji
Paul Orndorff pinned Mr. X at 2:33 with the piledriver; during the bout, Bobby Heenan watched the match from the aisle; after the match, Orndorff slammed X on the floor
Pedro Morales & Lanny Poffo, in his WWF debut, defeated JA Rizzo & Barry O at 3:34 when Rizzo submitted to Morales' Boston Crab
The Missing Link (w/ Bobby Heenan) pinned Jim Young at 1:51 with a diving headbutt from the middle turnbuckle
George Steele (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) defeated Jerry Adams at 2:57 via submission with the flying hammerlock
Terry Funk defeated Mario Mancini via submission with the spinning toe hold at 3:38
Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Nikolai Volkoff & the Iron Sheik (w/ Freddie Blassie) to win the titles at 3:13 when Rotundo pinned Sheik after both Volkoff and Windham reversed the pin position behind the referee's back (Tag Team Champions)
1985 - The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) defeat Ron Sexton and Billy Travis in a tournament final in Memphis, Tennessee to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title for the 11th time.
1986 - WWF ran Buffalo, NY at the Memorial Auditorium with the following results:
Tony Parisi pinned Paul Christy with the cannonball
Tony Atlas defeated Johnny K-9
WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage defeated George Steele via disqualification
David Sammartino pinned Steve Lombardi with a backslide
Jimmy Jack Funk pinned Cousin Luke after hitting him with Jimmy Hart's megaphone
Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Brotish Bulldogs via countout
The Junkyard Dog defeated Dory "Hoss" Funk Jr.
1986 - WWF ran Tacoma, WA at the Tacoma Dome, featuring the following results:
The New U.S. Express, Mike Rotundo & Danny Spivey defeated the Moondogs
Don Muraco fought Paul Orndorff to a double disqualification
Pedro Morales defeated Tiger Chung Lee
Hercules Hernandez defeated SD Jones
Jake Roberts fought Ricky Steamboat to a double disqualification
King Kong Bundy defeated George Wells
WWF champion Hulk Hogan defeated Big John Studd
1987 - Villano III defeats Perro Aguayo for the vacant WWF World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning his third reign. The title had been held up after a match between the two on May 3.
1987 - WWF ran Wichita Falls, Texas with the following results:
Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Jerry Allen
Tom Magee pinned Terry Gibbs
The Dingo Warrior (soon to be Ultimate Warrior) pinned Steve Lombardi
Sam Houston pinned Tiger Chung Lee
WWF Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah pinned Debbie Combs
The One Man Gang pinned Ted Dibiase
Tito Santana pinned Killer Khan
The Junkyard Dog pinned Nikolai Volkoff
1988 - Chris Benoit defeats Johnny Smith in Calgary, Alberta, to win his second Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Title, ending Smith's second reign.
1988 - WWF ran Indianapolis, Indiana at the Market Square Arena featuring:
Jacques & Raymond Rougeau defeated The Killer Bees
WWF Women's Champion Sensational Sherri pinned Rockin Robin
Bad News Brown pinned Bret Hart
Tito Santana & Don Muraco (substituting for Rick Martel) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition via disqualification when Mr. Fuji interfered
Andre the Giant defeated Jim Duggan via count-out after hitting him with his own 2x4 outside the ring
Danny Davis pinned Lanny Poffo
WWF World Champion Randy Savage pinned Ted Dibiase
1989 - TNT (Savio Vega) defeats Abudda Dein to win the vacant WWC Television Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The title had been vacated on May 22 when Steve Strong injured then-champion Carlos Colon.
1989 - WWF ran Oakland, CA with the following results:
The Genius pinned Jim Powers
Jimmy Snuka pinned the Honkytonk Man
Tom Magee pinned Tim Horner
WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated the Big Bossman & Akeem via disqualification
The Barbarian pinned Jim Neidhart
Rick Martel pinned Tito Santana
Bad News Brown pinned the Blue Blazer (Owen Hart)
WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan pinned Randy Savage
1994 - Mickey Doyle defeats Scott D'Amore for the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Heavyweight Title in Wallaceburg, Ontario, ending and beginning both men's second reigns.
1994 - NWA Eastern Championship Wrestling ran Montogeryville, PA at the Farmers Market, featuring the following results:
Mr. Hughes defeated Chad Austin
JT Smith defeated Hack Meyers
ECW Tag Team Champions the Public Enemy fought The Bad Breed, Ian & Axl Rotten to a no contest
911 defeated Tommy Cairo
ECW TV Champion Mikey Whipwreck defeated the Pitbull via disqualification
The Tazmaniac pinned the Rockin Rebel
Tommy Dreamer defeated the Sandman
Sabu defeated 2 Cold Scorpio; the top rope broke during the match before an attempted superplex
1994 - Smoky Mountaim Wrestling ran Knoxville, TN at the Coliseum, featuring the following results:
The Thrillseekers, Chris Jericho & Lance Storm defeated Steven Dunn & Killer Kyle
Bruiser Bedlam defeated Tracy Smothers in a coal miner's glove match
SMW Tag Team Champions Brian Lee & Chris Candido fought The Rock N' Roll Express to a no contest in a piledriver match
SMW Heavyweight Champion Jake Roberts defeated the Dirty White Boy via disqualification when the challenger hit the referee with Roberts' snake bag after fighting off an interfering Kendo the Samurai
1995 - ECW holds "Barbed Wire, Hoodies and Chokeslams" before 1,150 at the ECW Arena in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Broad Street Billy defeated The New Jersey Devil (Doug Gentry).
- Mikey Whipwreck pinned Val Puccio.
- Vampire Warrior pinned Hack Myers.
- Tommy Dreamer defeated Vampire Warrior.
- 911 pinned Jim Steele.
- Beulah McGillicutty pinned Luna Vachon.
- 2 Cold Scorpio and Taz defeated The Pitbulls and Raven in a Handicap match.
- ECW World Tag Team Champions The Public Enemy (Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge) were scheduled to face Axl & Ian Rotten, the reunited Bad Breed. Bill Alfonso would not allow the Bad Breed to team (they had lost a match to the Pitbulls where the losing team had to split up forever). So, Axl and Ian instead brawled out of the building. The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustafa Saed), making their ECW debut, attacked the Public Enemy and were arrested.
- The Sandman defeated Cactus Jack by knockout in a Barbed Wire match to retain the ECW World Heavyweight Title. This was the second of only five barbed wire matches in ECW history. Cactus had the match won when Sandman couldn't respond to a ten count, but referee Bill Alfonso (doing a heel referee gimmick at the time, claiming he was sent by the State Athletic commission) stated that a barbed wire match couldn't end on a ten count. Sandman then grabbed Jack from behind and choked him out with barbed wire to get the win. When the Arena realized Cactus didn't win the belt, they went ballistic. 911 and Paul Heyman, who had been trying to grab Alfonso to chokeslam him, chased him around ringside. The audience surged, shoving the railing against the ring apron in an attempt to trap Alfonso, who just barely jumped into the ring and ran to the back. That night, fans with baseball bats were waiting outside for Alfonso, who ended up having to be smuggled out of the back of the building in the trunk of a car.
1995 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Morristown, TN at East High School, featuring the following results:
Boo Bradley defeated Killer Kyle
Tracy Smothers & the Dirty White Boy defeated the Headbangers
Steve Armstrong defeated SMW Heavyweight Champion Buddy Landel via disqualification
Steve Armstrong defeated Jim Cornette via disqualification
The Rock N' Roll Express defeated SMW Tag Team Champions Al Snow & Unabom (the future Kane)
1996 - The Monday Night War continued on, with WCW Monday Nitro winning the night with a 3.4 rating, beating WWF Monday Night RAW's 2.3.
1996 - Flex Kavana (who would debut exactly five months later as Rocky Maivia at WWF Survivor Series) and Bart Sawyer defeat Brickhouse Brown and Reggie B. Fine in a tournament final for the USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee.
1996 - Jushin Liger defeats Dick Togo for the Michinoku Pro Wrestling British Commonwealth Junior Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan. Shinjiro Otani defeated Kazushi Sakuraba for the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Title as well.
1997 - Kyoko Inoue defeats Kaoru Itoh for the vacant WWWA World Singles Title in Sapporo, Japan. Inoue had vacated the title on May 11 after a match between the two in Nagoya, Japan ended in a draw after 60 minutes.
1999 - Sherri Martel defeats Miss Manners (Adrian Lynch) in Fargo, North Dakota to win the (revived) AWA World Women's Title for the fourth time.
1999 - The Public Enemy (Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge) defeat The Brotherhood (Knuckles Nelson and Rick Fuller) for the NWA World Tag Team Title in Bolton, Massachusetts.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Villa Park, IL at the Odeum, featuring the following results:
Chris Chetti & Nova defeated Danny Doring & Roadkill at 11:18 when Chetti pinned Roadkill following the splash off the top / legdrop off the top double team
Little Guido (w/ Sal E. Graziano) defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri via submission with a Boston Crab at 8:00 after a jumping DDT
Jerry Lynn pinned Justin Credible (w/ Jason & Jazz) at 7:48 with a roll up into a bridge after twice reversing That's Incredible; pre-match stipulations stated the winner would face ECW TV Champion Rob Van Dam later in the show; prior to the bout, Lance Storm & Dawn Marie appeared, with Storm telling Lynn it was in his best interest to lay down for Credible and join forces with Credible and himself so that he too would have some stroke once ECW took over the industry; Lynn responded by saying Credible & Storm had their chance to shine and he was going to get there by himself; moments later, Tommy Dreamer & Francine appeared, with Dreamer encouraging Lynn not to affiliate himself with Credible & Storm, leading to officials having to break up a potential fight before Storm and Dawn left ringside; after the bout, Storm returned to the ring and double teamed Lynn, finishing with a spike cradle piledriver and then cutting a promo saying he would take Lynn's spot against RVD later in the card
Christopher Daniels pinned El Mosco at 1:20 with a modified Roll of the Dice; after the match, Daniels continued to attack his opponent before unmasking him; moments later, he cut an in-ring promo until he was interrupted by Super Crazy
Christopher Daniels pinned Super Crazy in an impromptu match at 11:00 with a Russian leg sweep followed by a leg roll up
Skull Von Krush fought Angel (w/ Jack Victory) to a no contest at around the 3-minute mark when ECW World Champion Taz appeared, laid out both men, and cut an in-ring promo until he was interrupted by Steve Corino, Victory, & Rhino
ECW World Champion Taz defeated Rhino (w/ Steve Corino & Jack Victory) in an impromptu match via submission with the Tazmission at 3:02; after the match, Taz threw Rhino through a table set up in the corner
ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley (w/ Joel Gertner & Sign Guy Dudley) defeated Spike Dudley & Balls Mahoney in a falls count anywhere match at 12:35 when both champions pinned Mahoney following a spike powerbomb through a flaming table set up in the ring.
ECWWorld TV Champion Rob Van Dam (w/ Bill Alfonso) pinned Lance Storm (w/ Dawn Marie) (sub. for Jerry Lynn) at 17:38 with the Five Star Frog Splash after Lynn interfered; late in the bout, Justin Credible attacked RVD, with Sabu then appearing and eventually putting Credible through a table with a somersault splash off the top to the floor; after the match, Sabu posed with the title belt until RVD took it away, with Alfonso then holding Sabu back
2000 - Bad Attitude (Rick Michaels and David Young) defeat The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) in Cornelia, Georgia to win the NWA Wildside Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign.
2000 - Club WWF (Andy Anderson and Steve Bradley) defeat Nueva Generacion (Ricky Banderas and Apolo) for the IWA World Tag Team Title, just one day after Nueva Generacion won the titles, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, ending and beginning both's second reigns.
2000 - Powerhouse Hughes and Dale Price defeat Eric Love and Luscious Lucas in Monessen, Pennsylvania to win the Championship Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title.
2000 - ECW held an ECW on TNN TV taping in Danbury, CT at the O'Neill Center with the following results:
Scotty Anton beat Pitbull #1 via submission.
Mike Bell & HC Loc beat The Baldies, Devito & Angel.
Chilly Willy pinned The FBI's Tony Mamaluke.
Steve Corino pinned Yoshihiro Tajiri.
Simon Diamond pinned Danny Doring.
Johnny Swinger pinned Roadkill.
The Dangerous Alliance, CW Anderson & Bill Wiles beat Chris Chetti & Nova when Anderson pinned Nova.
Kid Kash pinned Chris Hamrick.
Rob Van Dam beat ECW World TV Champ Rhino via DQ
2001 - Samu defeats Dylan Dean for the World Xtreme Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Allentown, Pennsylvania, beginning his third reign. At the same event, The Mad Russian ends the third reign of Lucifer Grimm as WXW Hardcore Champion.
2002 - Britain's highest court, the House of Lords, ruled that the World Wildlife Fund, not WWE, owns the rights to the "WWF" initials. The ruling came down today upholding the 2001 ruling from a British High Court that prevented the company now known as WWE from using the "WWF" initials after the Fund claimed sole ownership to them.
WWF changed their name to WWE in May 2002 after losing the earlier ruling. In that earlier decision, the High Court decided that WWE breached a January 1994 agreement that they had come to with the Fund as to how "WWF" would be used.
Ironically enough, it was the internet that caused the name change to WWE as the Fund asserted that WWF.com would create confusion among web surfers.
2002 - WWE Smackdown ran Fresno, CA. Louie filed the following live report:
Unlike the April 7th show, this show wasn't sold out, although the place was 80% full. At times, the crowd was loud enough that it sounded like the place seemed like it was packed.
I went to souvenir stand and wanted to buy a shirt for myself. After seeing all the shirts going for $28, which costs more than the ticket that I bought for the event, I didn't bother buying one. One interesting note here, they had the Austin "WHAT?" shirts and foam exclamations on sale for full price.
After the intermission, there was an arm-wrestling contest between 2 DJs of a local hip-hop station. Thank goodness it only lasted 3 minutes. It sucked so much, it got little reaction for the crowd, and was the worst part of the show.
In most all of the matches, there was at least one rest hold. Now, I have nothing against seeing rest holds, but when I see them in almost all of the matches, it ticks me off.
On the program, it says "World Wrestling Entertainment" on top, yet on the bottom of the program, in the fine print, it says "The wrestling exhibition is a proprietary exhibition with all rights owned by World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc." Oops, they still need to "get the 'F' out"
Here are the matches and results of the Fresno show. I'll be brief and only mention the interesting things that happened in each match.
The Hurricane (without his mask) defeated Tajiri and Jamie Noble (with Nidia) in a triple-threat match for the Cruiserweight championship.
Tajiri received cheers from the crowd when he came out, even though he's supposed to be heel. He was a fan favorite throughout the match, and was actually booed when he lost in the match.
In a 6-man tag team match, the team of Christian, Test, and Lance Storm defeated the team of Randy Orton, Hugh Morrus, and Sho Funaki.
Before the match started, Christian immediately got on the mike and said he was pissed that "these raisin-fed jackasses" were chanting "Canada Sucks", since everyone in Christian's team came from Canada. There was huge heat from the crowd to Christian throughout the match because of the comment. (And just for random trivia, raisins are mostly produced in the town of Selma, 20 miles south of Fresno, though everyone still thinks that Fresno produces raisins.)
Faarooq defeated Reverend D-Von (with Deacon Batista)
I guess you can call it a normal match, with both guys pulling off all of their signature moves.
Albert defeated Rob Conway
No one, including me, knew who Rob Conway was. Very dull match, with Albert overpowering Conway throughout the match.
Rey Misterio Jr. (with mask) defeated Chavo Guerrero
I was shocked to hear so many people in the audience around me not know who Rey Misterio was. I guess most fans of WWF/WWE have never watched WCW. I was also surprised that he came out with his mask, since he was in WCW without his mask for awhile. This was the best match of the night, with a ton of high-risk moves from both guys. I hope that these two go against each other on television soon, it was that good.
The team of Billy & Chuck (with Rico) defeated the team of Rikishi & Billy Kidman for the Tag Team Championship
WOW is an understatement when I heard the deafening crowd boo and cheer each team. The crowd was all over this match. Everyone wanted to see Rikishi rub his big butt on all of the members, but only lucky Rico was the recipient of the Stinkface after the match. Before Rikishi attempted to do it, Kidman stopped him, then did a Stinkface of his own on Rico.
Torrie Wilson defeated Stacy Keibler in a Bra & Panties Match with special guest referee, Ivory
Ivory, in her sexy referee top, grabbed the mike before the match and reminded everyone that she was "the law of the land". Then she went on her spiel once again about how women shouldn't degrade themselves like this and tried to give a double disqualification to what she called "the dumb blondes". The blondes gave her a double clothesline, tossing her out of the ring. A normal ref came in to start the match. Even though Torrie lost her shirt first, she stripped Stacy out of her clothes for the win. The crowd loved this match too.
Chris Jericho defeated The Big Valbowski
As usual, Jericho got on the mike and berated everyone for feeling that he was a has-been, and once again reminds us that he's a living legend and was the very first Undisputed Champion. Great match between the two men, going back and forth before Jericho wins with a very low application of the Walls of Jericho.
Triple H defeated Kurt Angle
I thought the tag team match has the biggest pop from the crowd until this match started. The whole place was shouting at Angle, letting him know that he sucked. Then the crowd exploded when Triple H's music hit. It was literally deafening; I had a hard time hearing after that explosion of sound from the crowd. It was another back and forth match, with each man landing their signature moves throughout the match. In the end, Triple H pulls down Angle's tights before finally removing his "miracle-gro hair" and hitting the Pedigree for the win. After the match, Triple H posed down for the electric crowd for a good 5 before ending a very good night of wrestling.
As I said before, the 80% full arena sounded like a 150% full arena. Howard Finkel told the crowd something along the lines of "In the world, there are good crowds, there are great crowds, but you all in Fresno are the mejor, fantastic, one of the best crowds that he have had and we thank you all for it." He could be saying this in all of the shows, but he is right on. The people of Fresno love wrestling, no matter if it's good times or bad times in the wrestling business. They did not give a return date, but I hope they come back very very soon, and hopefully, it will be a TV taping this time. We deserve one!
2002 - WWE broadcast Raw. Tim Whitehead filed the following live report:
The 6/17 episode of RAW IS REGROUPING aired live from Oakland. Like last week, they did a good job of making the best of a bad situation. The most controversial parts of the show were, of course, the repeated references to Stone Cold Steve Austin. Much attention was given to how Austin walked out on the promotion last week, and also after Wrestlemania, but no mention was made at all about the very disturbing incident involving Debra at the Austin home in San Antonio. It all came off early like an angle, and since most casual fans, who are the majority, probably didn't even know about the domestic abuse issue, they almost certainly thought it was all an angle to set up an Austin arrival later. The goal was to allow Rock to do the burial, if we can call it that, on Austin at the end of the show. Since the fans love Rock, and were elated with his arrival since it was unexpected, they accepted his message about professionalism and love for the business.
As a one-shot deal, this was an acceptable way to write Austin out of the promotion. Some might argue that they teased an Austin arrival in a way to draw ratings toward the end, but that's just they way Vince McMahon does business and always will. They should just drop the issue now that it's over. Let's hope they don't resurrect this issue as often as they do with the Montreal screwjob. Let's also hope that Stone Cold gets some much needed counseling because it's pretty obvious that he's got some major problems. Debra's decision not to press charges will only be a positive if Austin gets his act together and stops this unacceptable behavior.
By the way, the RAW opening video which features all the top stars no longer includes any footage of Austin.
They opened with highlights of the angle last week where Shawn Michaels gave Booker T the sweet chin music and he was booted out of the NWO.
Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler announced that they would have the real story of Austin's departure later in the show.
Rob Van Dam defeated X-Pac in 5:58 in a King of the Ring quarterfinal match. The crowd was ultra-hot for this match. There were big "X-Pac sucks" and "RVD" chants. X-Pac dominated early on the mat. RVD hit a kick, lariated X-Pac out to the floor, and hit a moonsault off the apron. RVD did his legdrop on X-Pac on the security rail. X-Pac hit a powerbomb. RVD bumped out, where X-Pac did a somersault plancha. X-Pac got crotched going for the bronco. RVD hit the rolling thunder. RVD went to the top but X-Pac kicked him and he bumped to the floor. The ref went out to check on him, allowing Booker T to sneak in and lay X-Pac out from behind. RVD recovered and won with the five star frog splash. Good opener!
Highlights aired of Vince and JR talking about Austin from Saturday's Confidential show. Essentially, they said Austin walked out on the company and the idea was conveyed that he's finished.
Backstage, X-Pac was outraged that Booker cost him his spot in the KOTR tournament. He kept screaming for a match against him. Shawn Michaels, who was wearing a white cowboy hat, kept trying to calm him down. So did Big Show. Neither seemed to take X-Pac's loss all that seriously. Kevin Nash then spoke up and told X-Pac he has a plan to get even with Booker.
Vince strutted down to the ring for a promo that much of the live crowd didn't understand. No doubt most of them didn't know about the police incident involving Austin & Debra in San Antonio, and probably most still thought the Austin walk-out was some elaborate angle. Vince said that for the past week the big question has been whether or not Stone Cold is really gone from the WWE. He said the answer is yes, he is gone. As for whether he'll ever be back, Vince said he sincerely hopes that someday he'll return but in reality doesn't know if he ever will. A "what" chant started, and it was pretty clear Vince didn't like it. He said Austin has a lot of explaining and apologizing to do, and noted that last week's walk-out wasn't the first time Austin had done that, noting that he also no-showed the RAW after Wrestlemania. In that incident, Austin claimed to be burned out, and Vince said he accepted that as an explanation, and after two weeks Austin returned and all was forgiven. Vince acted a little bit choked up at this point. He continued, saying Austin owes an apology to every WWE superstar, to the company, and to the fans. By now the fans were catching on that this was extraordinary, but still weren't sure how to react. A modest "Austin" chant started. A few people applauded Vince. Vince said that last week they all tried to call Austin, and finally JR got through to him and encouraged him to come to the arena, sit down, and discuss his problems with them like a man. But he didn't, and Vince said Austin must be held accountable for his actions, which he called uncharacteristic of the Austin we all knew. He said WWE will move on, and will develop new stars and new concepts, because that's what they must do. He added a new twist to the KOTR tournament, saying the winner will earn an Undisputed World Title shot at SummerSlam. Vince concluded by saying Austin is gone but will never be forgotten, and that he's sure that in his heart Austin wishes the best to the company, the wrestlers, and the fans. On behalf of everyone, Vince said "thank you for the memories". He took a swig from a can of Budweiser, and then placed the can on the mat in the middle of the ring before walking off. The camera focused on the can and faded out into a commercial break.
Jeff Hardy defeated Raven in 3:48. Footage aired beforehand of the "extreme" Jeff choking Raven on Heat. But this match didn't have much heat. Undertaker came out and watched from the ramp top, teasing a run-in though he didn't do one. They started off slapping each other. Jeff did his old run across the security barrier into a lariat. Jeff took a hard bump out and Raven dominated, getting some near falls. Jeff came back with kicks and won with the swanton.
Goldust visited Booker. This week, Goldust was dressed in Medieval British attire and was speaking in a British accent, calling himself the Duke of Gold, though he also had a fake beard that made him look like Fu Manchu. He warned Booker that in his upcoming KOTR match against Brock Lesnar, the NWO might interfere. However, Goldust noted that that could work to Booker's advantage because an NWO run-in might get Lesnar DQ'ed. That encouraged Booker to start calling himself a king, and he decreed that Lesnar will get his ass kicked by the five time WCW World Champion, sucka!
Jonathan Coachman walked into Molly Holly's locker room and found her working out on a thigh master, to her embarrassment. He asked her about Trish Stratus' allegation that she has a "fat ass" and has "extra junk in her trunk". She cut a promo on Trish, pledging to beat her for the women's title at the PPV. Coach said that if she wins the belt, maybe she'll no longer be.....drum roll, please....the BUTT of so many jokes. Molly slapped the hell out of him.
In the NWO locker room, X-Pac was still mad that no one seemed all that concerned that he was eliminated from the KOTR tournament. Paul Heyman walked in, backed up by the silent Lesnar. He was worried that the NWO would indeed run-in during the Lesnar vs. Booker match, causing his man to get DQ'ed just as Goldust predicted. He politely but firmly asked that they stay out of that match. X-Pac said that sounded like a threat. Heyman said he asked politely, but now was telling them outright that they had better not interfere in that match. The Heartbreak Kid got in Heyman's face, but Lesnar pushed Heyman aside and got in HBK's face. HBK backed away and Nash got in Lesnar's face, creating a visual of a considerably taller Nash. Heyman did his usual deal of leading Lesnar away, as Lesnar continued to stare Nash down.
Christopher Nowinski defeated Spike Dudley in 3:19. JR put over that Nowinski had a 4.0 GPA at Harvard and was All-American on the football team. That's actually a great gimmick. He came out wearing preppie clothes. Spike attacked him as he was removing his shirt. Nowinski dominated, including a killer looking lariat. Spike did the double foot stomp. You really haven't seen that move until you see one of the Japanese girls do that off a steel cage top. Spike hit a spear, but Nowinski came back with a full nelson bomb for the pin. Afterward, William Regal, who had accompanied Nowinski, went in and they doubled on Spike. Bradshaw made the save by nailing Regal. Nowinski fled at full speed up the ramp.
Several members of the Raiders were shown in the crowd.
Hour two began with Ric Flair coming out. JR wondered what will be next for Flair now that he's no longer co-owner. Flair got on the mic and said that a lot of people think he lost everything last week. His top star walked out, and then he lost his 50% of the company by losing the match to Vince. He said he went home and looked in the mirror, and decided that instead of losing everything, he really found himself. He said he wishes he was still an owner, but admitted that running the company turned him into an a**hole and said that life will go on for him without his 50% ownership. He said he won't be like Austin and quit and go home. He brought up Hulk Hogan's recent comeback, which led all the way to him winning the WWE Undisputed Title. He said there's no way he'll allow a loss to Vince be his final match. He admitted he's lost about half a step, but claimed to still be two steps ahead of most of the guys in the locker room, and thus announced that he's signed a RAW contract to be a wrestler. He insisted he's still got one good run left in him. My own personal belief is that Flair should stop wrestling on a regular basis, but I guess they feel they need him now more than ever and he will put guys over. Flair said he's been known as the dirtiest player in the game, and Lesnar, who caused him to lose last week, will soon learn about that. At this point, Austin's music began playing. That was scary. I guess the idea was to keep the tease alive that he might do a run-in later. But the Austin music then switched to Eddie Guerrero's music. Guerrero came out and said we just heard Austin's theme for the last time. He was mad about Austin leaving, since he had a match scheduled against Austin at the PPV. He acted like that was a match opportunity of a lifetime that meant a lot to him and his entire family. He said it took a lot of audacity for Flair to come out and talk about finding himself and making a comeback. Guerrero kept doing mock "whoooos" and throwing in his Latino catch phrases. He blamed Flair for Austin's walk-out, saying it happened on his watch. He was furious that Flair cost him his chance to kick Austin's ass and held him personally responsible for costing him the match opportunity of a lifetime. He called Flair a worthless piece of crap. Chris Benoit then came out. He teased siding with Flair, saying Guerrero shouldn't talk like that to a 30 year veteran who held the world title 16 times. He held up four fingers and asked Guerrero if he knows what that stands for. He said Flair has dedicated his life to the wrestling business. Guerrero replied that his entire family has dedicated their lives to the business and called Flair a loser. Flair finally spoke up, saying he'll take Austin's spot at the PPV against Guerrero, and sarcastically said "comprende?" to Guerrero. This caused Guerrero to go off on a tirade in Spanish, which included the word "madre" so I assume he said something bad about Flair's mother. Benoit then turned on Flair. He said he sat at home for a year recovering from a broken neck at the hands of Austin, but now, thanks to Flair, Austin is gone and he can't get the revenge he wanted so badly. He got in Flair's face and Flair punched him. Guerrero attacked Flair from behind and they doubled on him. Guerrero put Flair in the figure four and kept it on him for a long time as Benoit taunted him and took shots at him. They finally left Flair laying. JR said he was disappointed with Benoit & Guerrero's conduct.
Vince was on the phone with Tony Garea when Nowinski walked in to introduce himself. He suggested that he's the first wrestler ever in the WWE to have graduated from Harvard. Vince agreed that was probably true. Nowinski then said that a man like Vince must surely have gone to Harvard or some other school of similar status, but Vince somewhat sheepishly said he attended East Carolina State. Hey, it ain't East Tennessee State, but I guess it'll do. Nowinski then began citing all his academic and athletic honors, but Vince returned to his phone conversation. Garea was at the airport, on lookout for Austin. He told Vince that "the man" had arrived there and was on his way to the arena. Vince immediately assumed it must be Austin and ended the conversation without getting anymore info.
Vince called Sgt. Slaughter and a bunch of security guys to his office. He told them he doesn't want any confrontation, but if Austin shows up, to allow him into the building so they can talk things over. He acted like he expected Austin to apologize. He sent Sarge to get another camera crew so that whatever happened with Austin would be documented. That was hilarious since the whole thing was being filmed already by a camera crew, not to mention that at WWE TV tapings there seem to be camera crews even in closets.
Trish Stratus & D-Lo Brown beat Molly Holly & Crash Holly in 2:47. After seeing a close-up shot of Trish's implants, Lawler said he'd like to get a "bust in the mouth" from her. Given the nature of the allegations against Austin, they were careful in this match not to do any spots where a guy took a shot at a girl. Molly did a spot where she took a big bump on her ass to play up that angle. D-Lo had Crash down for a pin but Molly broke it up. Trish tackled Molly. D-Lo then hit a powerbomb on Crash and scored the three count. Afterward, Molly attacked Trish and bumped her off the apron onto the announcer's desk.
Lita appeared at WWE The World. She had on a neck brace. She said she was concerned about Matt Hardy having a match against Undertaker and wondered if it was worth the risk he was taking.
The camera crew filmed the camera crew setting up their cameras for Austin's arrival. Jackie from Tough Enough 2 walked in. She said she wants to be a RAW girl. Vince noted that they're airing a Divas' lingerie showdown special next week and said if she shows up on RAW in lingerie he'll consider signing her to a RAW contract. Jackie said she'll show how RAW she can get. Vince is a dirty old man. He's also a smart old man.
Undertaker beat Matt Hardy in a non-title match in 2:11. Footage aired before the match of some of the UT vs. Triple H stuff from Smackdown. Matt attacked but UT nailed him with a lariat. He legdropped Matt on the apron. Matt blocked the Last Ride and hit a DDT. UT hit the chokeslam but Jeff arrived and pulled the ref out to stop the pin. There was no DQ for Jeff's interference. Nothing like an inconsistent policy on these things to keep fans buying tickets! Jeff went to the top but Raven ran out and shoved Jeff off to the floor. UT then hit the Last Ride on Matt for the three count. Raven handcuffed Jeff to the ropes. UT stomped the hell out of the defenseless Jeff as Raven held Matt in a submission hold and forced him to watch. Jeff got beaten into oblivion. That was pretty much inevitable, and probably necessary since UT is the champ and has to be strong going into the PPV. UT held up the belt before leaving.
Terri interviewed UT backstage. He said what happened to Jeff shows what awaits anyone who tries to make a name at his expense. As for HHH, he said he can destroy all the monitors and equipment he wants, noting that they don't fight back, but he (UT) certainly does fight back.
Vince tried to call Garea again. He kept having cell phone problems but did hear that "the man" is on his way.
Heyman went to see Earl Hebner. He said he doesn't want any interference in the Lesnar vs. Booker match and if any occurs, it's without his authorization, so he requested that Hebner not DQ Lesnar for run-ins that aren't his fault. Hebner told Heyman not to tell him how to do his job, and walked off. Heyman was frustrated. Booker then walked up and told Heyman that the next big thing is about to get his ass handed to him. He got a pop for calling Heyman a "sucka".
Lesnar beat Booker in 3:22 in the KOTR quarterfinals. All four NWO guys came out. HBK did color commentary and was obnoxious as hell. He called Booker a showboat and a dancer and said there's no place for that kind of guy in the NWO. That was designed to get "irony heat". Lesnar suplexed Booker and then lariated him over. Heyman was already worried about the NWO presence when Goldust came out. Heyman went ballistic when he saw Goldust. Booker made a comeback and scored a two count with a powerslam. Goldust distracted Lesnar, allowing Booker to hit a series of kicks. He got a big pop for the spinaroonie. X-Pac got up on the apron, followed by Big Show. Booker bumped both of them off. This allowed Lesnar to recover and he hit the F5, which was finally called that by JR, for the pin. By the way, numerous readers alerted me last week that F5 is the magnitude scale for tornadoes, not hurricanes, so thanks for the correction. After Lesnar & Heyman left, the NWO attacked Goldust & Booker. Show chokeslammed both. HBK was the dictionary definition of obnoxious (which was the idea) dancing around in his cowboy hat taunting everyone. Booker & Goldust were left laying.
Sarge told Vince that Garea had pulled into the parking lot. Since "the man" was reportedly right behind Garea, Vince headed out to the ring. He told Sarge to send Austin out there when he arrives. So the extra camera crew wasn't needed after all.
Vince came out to the ring. He got a can of beer, planning to offer it to Austin on arrival. He got on the mic and told Austin to come out and say whatever he wants. Instead, Garea came out and told Vince "the man" he had been talking about wasn't Austin. Vince demanded to know who the hell he is. He didn't have to wait long to find out, as the Rock's music played immediately. Rock came out to a huge ovation and a massive "Rocky" chant. Rock did his "finally the Rock has come back to Oakland" promo. He asked Vince if he really thought it was Austin who was going to show up, and cut him off with an "it doesn't matter what you think" when Vince started to respond. Rock put himself over. He got a little mixed up on the "jabronie beatin', pie eatin'" part (actually he got it backwards) but it didn't matter because the crowd was hanging on his every word. Rock said he was there to address the people and gave Vince 15 seconds to get the hell out of the ring. He started counting and it was hilarious watching Vince get out of there. Rock threw the beer can at him as he was leaving up the ramp. Rock did an excellent promo to sort of softly write Austin out. He said he wasn't scheduled to return until next month but after what happened last week (Austin's walk-out) he returned ahead of schedule. He said that five years ago he came to the WWE to become the best there is. He put over all the talent and fire he sees in the guys backstage. He said they're back there because they want to be in the WWE, and they bust their asses in the ring every night because it's what they love to do. Rock added that anyone who doesn't want to be with the company should do like the slogan says and get the F out. He promised to be at the KOTR PPV this weekend, and said he has WWE in his blood. He vowed that 50 years from now an 80 year old Rock will put his dentures in and hobble down to the ring using a walker, and will then shout "Just bring it!" He put over his father, Rocky Johnson, and late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. He said Austin can take his ball and go home if he wants, but for himself, the WWE is home. He ended with his "smell what the Rock is cookin'" catch phrase. It was just what the promotion needed, and if business holds up you can damn well credit Rock for it because the promo was a subtle but firm way to handle the situation. Lawler delivered the final word on Austin, saying who needs him as long as they have the Rock. It's going to be an interesting summer.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Was there some symbolism when Rock threw the beer can from the ring?
Does Vince think, "it's good to be king", when he does angles with the likes of Jackie, Stacy, and Dawn Marie?
Now that Jackie is on RAW, doesn't she or the other Jackie need a new name?
Wasn't it weird seeing UT and Raven working together?
What happened to the Regal and Molly relationship?
Doesn't the angle blaming Flair for Austin's departure contradict the real story as presented on Confidential?
2004 - Shinya Hashimoto and Yoshiaki Fujiwara defeat Takao Omori and Shiro Koshinaka in Miyagi, Japan to win the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Title.2007 - TNA held their Slammiversary event in Nashville, Tennessee. Here is Mike Johnson's original report from the show:
Pre-Game Show Notes: They aired the Road to Slammiversary PPV, right down to advertising the Steiners vs. Team 3D. There's something really really sleazy about continuing to advertise that match, especially when it could cost nothing to run a crawl across the bottom of the screen. Of course, when compared to what WWE is pulling this week, TNA are saints in comparison, but that shouldn't prevent the company from doing the right thing. You can't win back street credibility with hardcore fans (who make up the bulk of your paying customers) when you screw them. It's understandable there was an injury; it's inconceivable to act like that injury doesn't exist until after you have the customers' money....Leticia Cline needs work on her on-air personality. Lord knows she's pleasing to look at, but she doesn't come across as someone who knows or is passionate about the product, especially when compared to Christy Hemme, who was perfect in the same role...James Storm's promo building the match with Frank Wycheck were really damn good. Storm has to be considered one of the most improved wrestlers of the year if this keeps up....It sure as hell looks like Jeff Jarrett's silhouette in the King of the Mountain preview.
Slammiversary PPV
TNA opened with their original NWA:TNA opening from the era of the Wednesday night PPVs followed by a music video meshing footage of Nashville with historic moments from that era. They aired a video of Jeff Jarrett clobbering a Tiger Woods lookalike with a guitar.
Mike Tenay welcomed us to the PPV as the band LoCash Cowboys. performed the TNA Slammiversary theme music live. The Nashville Municipal Auditorium looks damn full on TV.
LAX vs. Rhino & Senshi (with Hector Guerrero)
No Chris Harris, so I'm wondering if he's the mystery guy in the King of the Mountain. Senshi and Homicide against each other live on PPV sounds great to me. Rhino starts off with Homicide. The crowd chants Rhino's name so Homicide goes off them. Homicide ducks under a clothesline attempt but is caught with a press and slam. Homicide charges Rhino in the corner. Rhino caught him and went for a powerbomb but lost his grip and Homicide fell over the ropes to the floor, feetfirst. That could have been a disaster but thankfully he was OK. Senshi tagged in, but Homicide drilled him into the corner and tagged in Hernandez.
Senshi drilled Hernandez with a kick to the leg several times. He tries to shoulderblock Hernandez but is shoved off. Senshi attempts a second but fails. Hernandez clips Rhino in the corner, but is drilled by several trademark Senshi kicks to the head. Rhino clotheslines Hernandez, setting up a near fall. Senshi goes to work with a series of strikes but is caught and beeled across the entire distance of the ring. Hernandez does it again, then tags in Homicide.
Homicide drills Senshi with a back elbow as he rebounds off the ropes for a two count. Homicide catapults Senshi into Hernandez' waiting arms, where he's hit with a belly-to-belly suplex. Senshi kicks up at two. Hernandez locks in a bearhug but Senshi bites him to break it. Hernandez nails the Cracker Jack. He goes for a powerbomb but Senshi drilled him with a series of rights,. Hernandez falls backwards with Senshi on top. Senshi drills a double stomp then tags Rhino. Homicide and go back and forth. Rhino then nails Hernandez with a belly-to-belly. He hits a spinebuster on Homicide but Hernandez breaks it up. Hernandez and Senshi go at it. Senshi ducks under Hernandez and holds the ropes, so Hernandez goes to the floor. Senshi hits a great springboard flying forearm to the floor.
Konnan handed Homicide the slapjack but Hector Guerrero grabbed it and clotheslined Homicide's throat over the top rope. Rhino KILLED Homicide with a gore and scored the pin.
Your winners, Senshi and Rhino!
This was a really fun opener. The work was good all the way through and the crowd, which is super hot, made it even better. I've written it before but the TNA PPVs from Orlando and outside venues are like night and day from an atmosphere standpoint.
Mike Tenay and Don West noted that "as everyone knows, Scott Steiner suffered a freaky injury" in Puerto Rico and won't be appearing tonight. They said they will be following the story as the PPV goes on. They previewed the rest of the card.
They aired a King of the Mountain match preview package.
Jeremy Borash was outside Jim Cornette's office saying he was trying to get an update on the King of the Mountain and TNA Tag title situations. Eric Young showed up. Tracy Brooks showed up and tried to romance Young in order to get him to give up the match. Young started losing his mind over the idea. His delivery is awesome. Gail Kim showed up and told Young to focus on the biggest match of his life. She kissed him and told Brooks that was a kiss from a real woman, then sent Young on his way. Kim warned Brooks she was watching her and left. Brooks called her a bitch.
The announcers previewed the X-Division championship bout. Kevin Nash joined the announcers. Guru Sonjay Dutt, doing a Benny Hinn-like gimmick, came to ringside, dropping flower pedals in his wake. What he was doing at ringside was never explained. I'm not sure what to make of the gimmick yet, but at least TNA didn't make him Honkytonk Dutt or something. Nash said he felt like Jim Jones with several of his children out here. Don West quipped, "Hope there's a better ending." That was funny.
TNA X-Division champion Chris Sabin vs. Jay Lethal.
The crowd was chanting "Black Machismo" at the bell. Lethal opened up with a hiptoss and several punches. Sabin tried to scamper out of the ring but Lethal grabbed his leg. Sabin peppered Lethal with punches to the back but was caught with an elbow. Lethal nailed headscissors off the ropes, sending Sabin to the floor. Lethal charged with a suicide dive to the floor. Lethal went to the top and hit a double axehandle to Sabin's head for a near fall. Lethal really does a good job of meshing the Macho Man spots to his own signature moves. Sabin drilled a headbutt and knee to the face. Sabin 's improvement is evident too of late as he plays to the crowd at all the right times instead of going from move to move. Sabin rides Lethal in the ropes, choking him against the middle rope. He steps on Lethal's throat, mocking the Randy Savage twirling finger. The crowd starts chanting, "Let's go Lethal."
Sabin thumbs Lethal in the eye, then slaps him several times. He follows that up with several punches in the corner, toying with him. He chokes Lethal with his boot. The crowd tries to rally Lethal. Sabin hits a leaping elbow in the corner. Lethal comes back with a flying forearm of the ropes. Lethal suplexes Sabin for a two count.
Sabin comes back with a running boot in the corner to kill Lethal's momentum. Sabin goes for a top rope hurrancanrana but Lethal holds on. Lethal flips Sabin into a faceplant combination but Sabin gets his shoulder up at two. Lethal goes for the top but is caught with a mule kick to the chest, then an enziguiri to the head. Lethal kicks up at the last second.
Sabin goes for the Cradleshock but Lethal escaped. He attempted a full nelson suplex but Sabin backed him into the corner. Lethal kicked out of a pin attempt. Sabin went for Cradleshock but was superkicked. Lethal nailed the Lethal combination and the top rope elbow. Lethal scores the pin.
Your winner and new X-Division champion Jay Lethal!
Don West tells Kevin Nash, "Happy Father's day." Lethal and Nash hug. Lethal celebrates with the belt. Another good match.
They aired a video feature on the Slammiversary press conference that led to the James Storm-Frank Wycheck angle.
Leticia Cline interviewed James Storm and Jackie Moore. Storm said Wycheck better kiss his wife and kids goodbye. Jackie Moore asked Cline how much she paid for her implants, then told her to ask for a refund because they were a little lopsided. Not as funny as you might think reading this.
Ron Killings & James Storm vs. Frank Wycheck & Jerry Lynn (with Kyle Vanden Bosch)
They gave no explanation as to why Killings was a heel or teaming with Storm beyond the idea they were both TNA original roster members and offended by the attention Wycheck received at the press conference for the PPV. No mention of those TERRIBLE Killings "movie" vignettes so let's hope those have gone the way of the Dupp Cup. Wycheck and Lynn came out wearing Tennessee Titan jerseys accompanied by the Titan's Kyle Vanden Bosch.
Jerry Lynn and Ron Killings, making his return from knee surgery much earlier than expected, start off. Killings looked good early, showing no ring rust, right down to doing a handspring out of the corner and a split before nailing a kick to the face. Lynn hits a back elbow off the ropes, then a deep armdrag on Killings. James Storm tagged in, so Lynn tagged in Wycheck.
The crowd into Wycheck. Storm shoulderblocked Wycheck down to the mat. Storm put on a football helmet. Killings tossed him a football, which he fumbled to mock Wycheck. Crowd booed that. I thought that was a funny idea to get the crowd behind Wycheck. Storm headlocked Wycheck. Wycheck shoved him off into the ropes but was shoulderblocked down again. Lynn tried to give Wycheck advice.
Wycheck hits several shoulderblocks, then dropkicked Storm. Killings tried to kick Wycheck, who ducked. Killings crotched himself, then bumped to the floor. Wycheck press and tossed Lynn to the heels on the floor. Wycheck hit an atomic drop on Storm, then tossed him over the top. Storm tried to skin the cat but Lynn dropkicked him to the floor. Wycheck went after Storm on the floor but was clotheslined. The announcers played it off like Wycheck hit the back of his head on the concrete, playing off his concussions. They tossed him into the railing. Storm set up Wycheck, then kicked him in the face.
Killings handed Storm a chair but the referee took it away. This allowed Wycheck a chance to tag Lynn, who nailed some offense before being tossed to the floor. Killings took out Lynn on the floor then tossed him back in. Storm hit the Whirlybird on Lynn, then sipped from a bottle of beer. Storm spit the beer on Kyle Vanden Bosch, who tried to get in the ring but was held back. Killings tagged in and he and Lynn nailed each other mid-ring with high cross bodyblock attempts.
Storm and Wycheck tagged in. Wycheck slammed each and dropkicked Killings. He drilled their heads together. Storm ducked a clothesline and Killings took it. Storm superkicked Wycheck for the pin but Vanden Bosch pulled him out of the ring to break the cover and began beating on him. Jackie Moore jumped on Bosch's back but he flipped her over.
Inside the ring, Killings continued to work over Wycheck. Storm brandished the beer bottle. Killings held Wycheck but Lynn stopped Storm. It looked like Lynn was a step or two behind where he needed to be. The idea was that Storm ended up hitting Killings but I'm not sure if that was the case. Wycheck then hit Lynn's finisher, the cradle piledriver for the pin.
Your winners, Jerry Lynn and Frank Wycheck!
I thought this was another fun match. They booked the hell out of this to try and make it entertaining and put Wycheck in a position where he looked good but didn't embarrass the business either. It was obviously something that meant more to the live crowd then most of the audience at home, but it didn't feel forced once they were in the ring.
They aired a Bob Backlund vs. Alex Shelley video feature.
Bob Backlund vs. Alex Shelley
I expect this will be something silly but if they wanted, I bet these two could have a decent match. When I interviewed Samoa Joe a few months back, he noted that he'd love to wrestle Backlund or learn from Backlund's amateur background.
They pushed on the commentary that Backlund lost his mind after losing "the World title" to Kevin Nash in Madison Square Garden. Backlund and Shelley shook hands to open the bout. Backlund took down Shelley with several single leg takedowns. Shelley went to the floor to catch his breath, then returns to the ring. He chopped and punched Backlund, then hit a hiptoss. He cinched in a shortarm scissors. Backlund tried to escape but was caught again.
Backlund escaped and hit a butterfly suplex. He nailed an atomic drop, sending Shelley into the corner. Chris Sabin came to ringside and grabbed Backlund's leg. Backlund pulled him into the ring and hit a drop toehold on Shelley into Sabin's crotch.
Backlund did the Backlund bridge for the pin.
Backlund offered Shelley a handshake as Sabin snuck up from behind. Sabin went for a crossface chickenwing but Backlund reversed it. Backlund then locked it in on Shelley. Kevin Nash came to the ring to break it up. He and Backlund faced off. Jerry Lynn came to the ring, presumably to calm Backlund but Nash kicked him in the face. Sabin and Shelley began working over Backlund as Nash watched on. They tossed Backlund to the floor, then took worked over Lynn. Jay Lethal hit the ring for the save, nailing elbows. The elbows weren't over with the crowd. Nash walked off instead of facing off with Lethal, but stared at him from ringside. Sabin and Shelley beat on Backlund on the floor, sending him over the railing into the crowd. They played Lethal's music. They did too much going on at once here for me.
The lights went on out and Christopher Daniels began cutting a promo from somewhere in the audience. He said that he went to Sting, who told him to be true to himself and find something that satisfies his drive. He said that he used Sting's life and his relationship with "Our father" (God, who apparently left WWE for TNA). He said that he realized he's always been an angel sent from the heavens to do his bidding. He says the God he follows says take an eye for an eye and a life for a life. Daniels says that his God has no tolerance for those who wronged him. This should be a big career making promo but feels too scripted. Daniels says that his God has given him the talent to become the World champion. He says that his God has asked him to beat Sting in the ring and his will will be done. They started playing Daniels' music before he was finished. I got the idea behind this, but I think a pre-taped feature may have worked better to get this over.
They aired a Christy Hemme vs. VKM feud package.
Damaja & Basham (with Hemme) vs. Voodoo Kim Mafia
My Lord, Hemme looks great. Anyway, they brawl as soon as VKM hits the ring. Damaja and Basham are down, so Kip James charges Hemme into the ring. This lets Damaja and Basham jump VKM and they ring the bell. Basham nails a legdrop on BG James. The announcers were blaming the entire feud on Hemme. Damaja was taking several shots to the face so he raked BG's face and tagged in Basham. They tagged in and out working over BG.
Basham missed a diving headbutt. Kip James and Damaja tagged in. Kip nailed a tilt-o-whirl slam. Basham and Damaja went for a double suplex on Kip but BG speared one of them. The other was rolled up into a small package by Kip and pinned. Wow, talk about a nothing match.
Kip tossed Damaja over the ropes. VKM stalked Hemme, who headed up the ramp, She tried to run off but Lance Hoyt came from backstage to grab her. They carried her back to the ring. Kip James teased a chokeslam but Lance Hoyt hit a running boot on him. Basham and Damaja attacked BG James. Lance Hoyt slapped BG then hit a running boot to the face. Hoyt was screaming at VKM that it was his time and their time was over. Hemme and Hoyt began playing tongue hockey.
Backstage, Leticia Cline was in Jim Cornette's office with Rick Steiner. Cornette told him he was sorry about Scott Steiner's injury but they were going to have to forfeit the match because as tough as Rick was, he couldn't face Team 3D alone without a partner. Steiner said he had one and whispered a name into Cornette's ear. Cornette beamed like Steiner told him it was Jackie Fargo, Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey all at once. He asked Steiner if "he was here?" Steiner said he was. Cornette told him that he has himself a title match. Steiner ran off barking. Please, please, please don't let this be Lex Luger or Buff Bagwell. Please! Cline asked who it was and Cornette said that if Steiner wanted her to know, he would have told her.
Back in the building, LAX jumped Hector Guerrero at the Spanish Announce table. Konnnan was in Guerrero's face screaming. That's three angles in like 25 minutes!
We go to a video feature on the Eric Young vs. Robert Roode feud.
Eric Young vs. Robert Roode
Roode was browbreating Young as soon as he got into the ring. Young fought back but was taken down and nailed with a series of boots. Young tosses Roode to the floor. Young went to the top and Brooks tried to get him to stop. Young acted like he was listening, then when she turned her back, he hit a bodypress over her to the floor on Roode. Roode and Young battled on the floor. Young was dropped throat-first on the rail. Roode chokes Young against the ropes. Brooks slaps Young in the face. I'm waiting for Gail Kim to get involved. Roode scored a two count. Roode scored another near fall and began choking Young on the mat. He nails a snapmare and then snaps Young's neck forward as he leaps over him. Roode screamed at the crowd and began chopping away at Young. He charged Young in the corner but was nailed with an elbow.
Roode cut his offense off and hit a neckbreaker for a two count. He cinched in a rear chinlock. Young got to his feet and fell backwards with the electric chair. Young went on the offense, finally hitting an elbow and a clothesline for a near fall. Roode whipped Young into the corner and he did the Flair Flop. Young went to the floor, where he teased Brooks by dancing her in a circle, the pulling her pants down. She was hardly wearing the underwear you'd expect to get a pop from the crowd.
Young went to the top. Roode tried to stop him but was shoved off. Young hit a top rope elbow for a two count. Roode nailed a jawbreaker and a clothesline. Roode went to the middle rope for his signature kneedrop but Young caught him with a boot to the face. Brooks got into ring, so Young picked her up in a Fireman's carry and ran her head into Roode's crotch while Roode was on the corner. Young pulled Roode atop of her and hit a death valley driver on both. Young only got a two count. Young began having words with the referee. Roode rolled out of the ring and grabbed a chair. Young went to grab him, but Roode blasted him with the chair and pinned him.
Your winner, Robert Roode!
The ring announcer said that Young's TNA contract was now null and void and he's going to be fired. Roode took the mic the and told Young he was fired. Jim Cornette came to ringside. He tells Roode that he's going to open his ears and shut his mouth. Cornette told Roode he was warned he was going to keep an eye on the match because he wanted it settled fair and square. Cornette said that what he just saw wasn't fair and square and announced the match was to be re-started.
They rang the bell and Roode went right after him with punches. The crowd got behind Young, chanting his name. Gail Kim attacks Brooks from behind as Brooks was going to hand Roode a chair. They battled up the entranceway. Roode stalked over Young, who rolled him up for the pin. Young wins his freedom.
Your winner, Eric Young!
Backstage, Jeremy Borash was with TNA Tag Team champions 3D. Brother Ray said that tonight was a historic night for TNA was supposed to be a historic night for tag team wrestling. He said they and the Steiners were going to get it on but that's not going to happen. He says that's not going to happen because Scott Steiner isn't here. He says that some people claim Steiner has a throat problem, but the truth is Steiner talked a lot of crap and punked out on the fans, the business, and his brother Rick. He said that it hurts him to say that but a month ago they had nothing but respect for The Steiners. He said a month ago, the Steiners crapped on Team 3D's legacy. Ray said that Rick's been out of the business for years, so what kind of partner could he find. He said he hopes Scott gets well soon so they can finally kick his teeth in. Trademark good promo from Team 3D.
TNA Tag Team champions Team 3D vs. Rick Steiner & mystery partner
Team 3D came to the ring first. Rick Steiner came out first alone and in the big moment of truth, the mystery partner was Road Warrior Animal. Well, I didn't see that coming. To say this was (to me personally) a letdown would be a pretty damn accurate, but the live crowd popped due to the nostalgia factor. A big part of this match was going to be the aura of two top teams from different eras facing off, so they've lost part of that here, but not if the crowd treats this as special.
Devon and Rick Steiner started off. Devon nails a flying back elbow while coming off the ropes. He slams Steiner, then drops an elbow. Ray tags in. Steiner tags in Animal. The crowd popped for them facing off. Animal shoulderblocked Ray down. Ray returns the favor. He nails Animal with a piledriver but Animal no sells it. They go back and forth. Steiner and Devon tagged back in.
Ray and Devon worked over Steiner. The crowd chanted "3D sucks." It's probably time for a 3D heel turn anyway. Ray nails a neckbreaker on Steiner for a two count. He and Devon continued to work over Steiner, which is the smart thing to do, as they can leave Animal for the hot tag and ensuing offense. Steiner powerslams Devon and backdrops Ray. Animal nails a double clothesline.
Steiner and Animal nail stereo clotheslines. Animal calls for the Doomsday Device but Team 3D cuts him off. Steiner nails a double Steinerline off the top rope on 3D. Ray and Devon nail the Dudley Death Drop for the pin on Steiner.
Match was OK for what it was. I feared the worst seeing Animal and Steiner but it wasn't terrible and you could see everyone was trying to work to the best of their abilities.
They go right to a video package on Christopher Daniels vs. Sting. They must be rushing to catch up on time because the matches have gotten pretty short and they are going right from segment to segment without a chance to take the finishes in.
Christopher Daniels vs. Sting
The storyline here has been eh at best so far, but this should be a match designed to make Daniels a top-tier player in TNA as well as kicking this feud into something special. We'll have to see how it goes. Sting does the entrance from the ceiling from his WCW glory days. The building loved Sting. Useless trivia note: Sting defeated The Iron Sheik to retain the NWA TV title in this very arena in May 1989 at Wrestlewar: Music City Showdown.
Daniels and Sting faced off. With the crowd reaction and the flashing lights from Sting's entrance, this looked like a big deal. I can't state enough how much better TNA's PPVs appear in the bigger venues. Daniels began jawing with Sting. They rebounded off the ropes with neither selling a shoulderblock. Sting took him down with a second attempt. Daniels failed with a hiptoss attempt but Sting didn't. Sting dropkicked Daniels down and went right for the Scorpion Deathlock. Daniels scampered to the floor.
Sting clotheslined Daniels from the apron to the floor. They battled on the apron outside the ring. Sting was shoved off, nailing the railing on the floor chestfirst. Daniels whipped him into the railing. There was a "Fallen Angel" chant. Daniels went right to work on Sting's chest and ribs, so that's the story of the match.
Daniels hit a running knee to the chest of Sting in the corner. Sting began battling back with his trademark punches, but Daniels went right back to the ribs and chest. Daniels hit a corkscrew elbow on Sting, then stood over him. Daniels continued to stomp and kick Sting's chest. Sting began to fire back with offense out of the corner. Daniels and Sting each tried for hiptosses. Daniels poked Sting in the eye and locked on the abdominal stretch. Daniels and referee Earl Hebner had words.
Daniels threw Sting into the corner. Daniels hit a running splash in the corner but Sting miraculously no sold it. Sting began the superhuman comeback. He nailed an inverted atomic drop and several clotheslines. Sting nails a faceplant for a two count. Sting went for the Stinger Splash but Daniels caught Sting and hit the STO.
Daniels went for Angel's wings but Sting backdropped him. Sting went for the Stinger splash but Daniels put his knee in the chest. Daniels went for Last Rites, but Sting turned it into the Scorpion Deathlock and pinned him.
Your winner, Sting!
Match was OK but I didn't get a feeling this was anything beyond an appearance and showcase for Sting in a competitive match. It didn't bring Daniels to the next level, which is what it should have been designed to do in my opinion. It certainly didn't feel like a historic first-time meeting when it was over. They really need a post-match promo from Daniels to give us an idea of where his character's head is at, as well as preventing it from looking like a one and done program.
TNA (again!) went right to a video feature on Abyss vs. Tomko, preventing us from seeing Sting or Daniels' post-match reactions.
Backstage, Leticia Cline was with Christian Cage, AJ Styles and Tomko. Cage promised he was going to walk out as the new World champion. Styles reminded him that he's in the King of the Mountain match too so Cage tried to act like Styles was going to sacrifice himself for Cage's victory. Tomko was told to take Abyss out. He said he was on it, acting like he could care less for Cage.
Tomko vs. Abyss - No DQ, There Must Be A Winner
They faced off at the start and began laying big shots back and forth into each other, no selling it to get over that they are monsters. Tomko began working over Abyss against the ropes. Abyss was kicked in the face. Abyss came back with a clothesline over the top, sending Tomko to the floor. Tomko pulled Abyss out of the ring by his leg. Abyss drilled his head into the ringside barrier. Tomko was slammed into the ringsteps. Abyss whipped Tomko towards the rail but it was reversed and Abyss ate the steel. Tomko nailed a running boot to the face.
Tomko slammed Abyss' head into the ringsteps, although even Don West noted that Abyss' hands blocked most of the shot. Tomko worked over Abyss on the floor. They returned to the ring. Tomko went for a running boot but was caught by the throat. Tomko escaped the chokeslam but was kicked in the face. Abyss did his running charge into the corner. He went for a second but was elbowed as he ran in.
Abyss chokeslammed Tomko for a two count. Abyss went under the ring looking for something. Hillbilly Jim's magic horseshoe was under the ring. Abyss grabbed a bag and Mike Tenay wondered if it was thumbtacks or broken glass. It was the tacks. He began spreading them out across the ring. He teased a chokeslam on the tacks on Tomko. Given all the tattoo work on his back, that would have shocked the hell out of me if it happened.
Tomko escaped and hit a sit down slam into the tacks on Abyss. Abyss kicked out. He nailed a Black Hole Slam but Tomko kicked out. Abyss was bleeding from the arm as he went under the ring for another bag. It was a bag of marbles. No, it was broken glass. The crowd reacted to the glass. Abyss grinded the glass with his feet. Tomko clotheslined him down.
Tomko grabbed a piece of jagged glass and began digging into Abyss' head. Hello to Abdullah to Atlanta! Tomko stomped Abyss' face into the glass pile. He was bleeding heavily from the face now. Tomko wiped a bloody piece of glass across his own chest. He went under the ring and found a barbed wire bat.
Abyss was in the entranceway when Tomko caught up with him and drilled him several times with the bat. Tomko had this great evil devilish look on his face. Abyss disappeared and began climbing the scaffolding for the entranceway. Tomko climbed a ladder and met him. He went to hit Abyss with the bat, but missed,. Tomko was pulled from the scaffolding, taking a bump from the top to some crash padding below. Abyss then dove off the scaffolding atop of Tomko. The building chanted TNA. They showed several replays. As they emerged, you could see they landed in a pile of cardboard boxes covered by a sheet.
Tomko began crawling down the entrance ramp towards the ring as Abyss struggled to get back to his feet. Abyss was either really shaken up or did one hell of a job selling the spot off the scaffold. Tomko began kicking Abyss as he returned to the ring. Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam into the glass on Tomko. That shocked the hell out of me. Abyss scored the pin.
This was a good brawl. You got the feeling they were trying to do everything they could to make it memorable.
They went right backstage with Jeremy Borash backstage with Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Angle said tonight they need to agree to disagree, do the best they can, bloody each other and do what they have to do. Joe shook his hand and pulled Angle close. He quietly told Angle, "Tonight, I'm going to bring it." Angle did his "It's real" spiel to end the match.
Inside the ring, Mike Tenay asked the fans to watch the big screen for a big interview. He said that if you talk about pro wrestling in Nashville, you have to talk about Jeff Jarrett. They went to a video feature on Jarrett talking about the five years TNA is celebrating. Jarrett began crying while talking about his late wife Jill and her part in helping TNA establish itself and grow. He talked about her battle with breast cancer, how she beat it, then how it returned. He said that for two and a half years, there wasn't a day she lived without pain. Jarrett's comments were edited to feature photos of the couple over the years. Jarrett said she left the hospital on 5/1 and on 5/23, she ended her race to live. Jarrett said that he doesn't know when or where he'll wrestle again but being inside the ring is the worst place for him right now. He thanked the fans for their support for himself and on behalf of his wife. It was easily the most powerful thing the company has ever produced. It was a fitting tribute for someone who was a big part of the early days backstage. As long as TNA doesn't exploit their class here to turn this into some sort of storyline down the line, I commend the hell out of them for doing this. The crowd chanted Jill's name and "Thank you Jeff." Say what you will about Jarrett, but this was a special moment.
Jim Cornette came to the ring and said that there were only two choices for the fifth spot tonight, saying both men were with TNA from day one and are from Nashville. He said that the first choice was Jeff Jarrett, who insisted that Cornette instead give the chance to the second man. He announced Chris Harris would be the second competitor. I am sure fans were hoping for a big surprise, but when you think about match quality, Harris is a great choice. The crowd liked the idea since he's a hometown boy.
King of the Mountain Match to Crown TNA Champion: AJ Styles vs. Chris Harris vs. Christian Cage vs. Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe
All the entrances looked like major deals. They did in-ring introductions for everyone. The rules are to win, you have to climb a ladder to hang the belt above the ring. To qualify that you can do so, you have to score a pinfall or submission. The competitor losing a fall has to enter a penalty box for a time period. Yeah, it sounded confusing. I'm not a big fan of the match stips but they've got easily the most loaded collection of talent ever for one of these bouts, so we'll see how it goes.
Everyone brawled at the bell. As I noted a few weeks ago in my PWInsider.com Elite hotline, Angle is down a ton of weight as he's legitimately preparing for a potential MMA debut. He hasn't looked this lean since his early WWF run. Joe and Angle squared off. Cage and AJ went after Harris. Fans texting in picked Samoa Joe as the winner. You think TNA will listen to the audience?
Cage whipped Styles towards Harris in the corner, hitting a splash. Cage hit one of his own. Joe and Angle brawled on the floor. Styles laid down for Cage to pin him, winning moron of the year award. Angle broke up the pin. Styles hit a big dropkick on Harris. Styles asked Cage to lay down for him but Cage blew him off. Styles sunset flipped him for a two count. Joe tossed Angle into the penalty box. Styles kicked Harris in the head. He went for a springboard move but Joe pulled him by the legs, slamming his face into the apron. Joe tossed AJ into the railing.
Joe nailed an atomic drop, several kicks and big knee on Cage. Harris tossed Joe out of the ring to Angle on the floor. Harris went for the Catatonic but Cage escaped and went for the Unprettier. Harris hit a full nelson slam but Styles attacked him. Styles went for a tornado DDT but was caught. Harris swung Styles into Cage, then hit the Catatonic for the pin.
Harris qualified to hang the belt. Styles went into the penalty box for two minutes.
Cage and Harris brawled on the floor. Joe tossed a ladder out of the ring onto them. It became the Joe vs. Angle show. Joe hit a running knee in the corner. Joe went for the Facewash but Angle caught him and nailed a German suplex. Angle hit a second, then a third before Cage attacked both. Angle went for the Anklelock. Cage tried to escape but Joe locked on the Kokina Clutch. Angle cinched on an armlock at the same time on Joe. Styles was released from the cage as Harris returned to the ring and all five battled.
Cage bridged a ladder between the ring and the apron. Cage tried to suplex Harris out of the ring to the ladder. Harris battled him off. Cage ended up crotching himself on the ladder. Styles hit an inverted DDT on Harris but Joe broke up the pin attempt. Styles hit a Pele Kick on Joe. AJ called for the Styles Clash on Angle, who grabbed an Anklelock. That was a sweet counter. AJ kicked off Angle, sending him to the floor. Harris backdropped Styles, who landed on the ladder where Cage was laying in pain.
Harris, the only competitor qualified, pulled a ladder into the ring. Harris gets the TNA title from Jim Cornette and heads up the ladder. Kurt Angle grabs Harris and nails the Olympic Slam off the ladder for the pin.
Angle is now qualified while Harris goes to the penalty box.
Angle and Joe battled center ring. Joe nailed a snap powerslam. Joe grabs Cage and nails an uranage. Joe hits the muscle buster on AJ. Joe goes for a muscle buster again, nails a second and covers Styles. Angle breaks up the pinfall. Angle went to clothesline Joe but nailed the referee. Joe locked the choke in on Angle, who taps but there's no referee. Well, hell, Jim Cornette is at ringside, why can't he make a determination?
Cage nails Joe with a ladder, then drags the referee over, covering Angle for the pin, stealing it.
Christian Cage is now qualified while Angle goes to the penalty box.
Cage sets up the ladder and climbs the ladder. Joe follows him up and they battle. Joe hits an Ace Crusher off the ladder into the ring. Harris is released from the penalty box. Harris struggles to set up the ladder. He gets the belt and heads up, kicking Cage along the way. Harris makes his way to the top. Joe meets him at the top. Harris strikes him with the belt and Joe bumps down. He does the same to Cage. AJ Styles hit a springboard dropkick to the ladder, taking it and Harris down. Harris clotheslined himself chest-first across the top rope.
Styles went to the top rope then climbed to the top of the penalty cage. Joe followed and they battled atop of it. AJ teased a suplex off but Joe locked in the choke. Styles kicked him low. Joe pulled Styles off the box, sending him into a forward flip through the announcer's table at ringside.
Chris Harris knocked Joe off the box. He and Cage battled atop of the box. Harris suplexed Cage into the ring, then dove off the box with a flying clothesline. The crowd was loving every second of this chanting TNA and "This is Awesome." It is a damn entertaining main event.
Cage, Harris, and Angle are in the ring. Harris plays Ladder airplane spin, taking Cage and Angle out. Harris calls for the belt and ascends the ladder. Cage sends the ladder over, sending Harris into the corner. Cage drills the ladder into Harris.
Ever the opportunist. Cage sets up the ladder as everyone is out on the mat or the floor. Cage is on top of the ladder when Angle follows him from behind. He cinches the ankle lock on Cage as he's atop of the ladder. Cage kicks Angle in the head to break it. Angle and Cage battle atop the ladder. Cage went to hang the belt but Harris speared him off the ladder. Angle was left with the belt in his hand and hung it to win the match.
Your winner and new TNA champion Kurt Angle!
A really damn entertaining main event. The only thing I would have added was a sequence at the end with Joe and Angle to set off another series of matches between the two. After the match, Joe was pissed and faced off with Angle. They had a big staredown. Joe offered his hand. Angle teased shaking it, then his the Olympic Slam. OK, so TNA had an angle to set off those matches instead.
2009 - Dragon Gate USA announced they would be airing regular, taped PPV events with the following announcement:
INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING PHENOMENON DRAGON GATE USA INKS NORTH AMERICAN TELEVISION DEALS WITH iN DEMAND, TVN, BELL AND VIEWER’S CHOICE
PPV/VOD Distribution Deals Bring DGUSA into 60 Million Households
New York, June 17, 2009 - Dragon Gate USA (DGUSA), in association with G-Funk Sports & Entertainment, has concluded programming and distribution deals for PPV and VOD wrestling programs with iN DEMAND Networks and TVN in the United States, and Bell and Viewer’s Choice in Canada making the critically-acclaimed DGUSA brand available for the first time ever to approximately 60 million North American households. Similar deals with additional pay-per-view providers are pending.
The agreement calls for a card from North America’s newest, most cutting-edge wrestling company approximately every 60 days from shows filmed in the United States, and will premier in September. A total of six cards are planned throughout ‘09/’10. DGUSA President Satoshi Oji and Vice President Gabe Sapolsky made the announcement today with G-Funk’s President Ken Gelman.
The debut event, entitled “Enter The Dragon,” will be taped July 25 in Philadelphia from The Arena (former New Alhambra Arena/ECW Arena), and will feature a spectacular array of talent from Japan, the U.S. and more.
Long revered by a loyal underground fan base, Dragon Gate has been one of the hottest wrestling promotions in Japan over the past few years. The company started out as a local promotion in 2004 and has quickly risen up the ranks, regularly packing houses in excess of 10,000 fans and producing more than 250 shows a year nationwide in Japan. Dragon Gate has been a staple on Gaora TV and produced pay-per-view events in its home country.
“Wrestling fans around the world know the Dragon Gate stars, “ Oji stated. “The next logical step was to launch Dragon Gate USA and showcase these athletes in North America. We are excited to partner with G-Funk Sports & Entertainment and look forward to bringing the next evolution of wrestling to pay-per-view throughout the United States and Canada.”
DGUSA’s Sapolsky has enjoyed a celebrated 15-year†behind the scenes career in wrestling. Sapolsky started in the business with the original ECW, working directly for ECW executive producer Paul Heyman. Sapolsky studied his craft carefully under Heyman for seven years. A year after ECW ended its run, Sapolsky started cult-sensation Ring Of Honor and served as the creative head and producer of the critically acclaimed company for almost seven years. Sapolsky's service earned him four consecutive "Booker Of The Year" awards.
“I’m truly excited to be involved with such a progressive wrestling organization,“ said Sapolsky. “The North American wrestling scene has grown stale in recent years and many fans have jumped ship completely for MMA. Dragon Gate USA will swing the pendulum back and sound a resounding wake-up call for fans that crave athleticism, action and excitement. This powerful product will bring a cutting-edge wrestling style never before seen on these shores and present wrestling fans with an authentic reason to tune in and order DGUSA on pay-per-view.”
G-Funk Sports and Entertainment represented DGUSA in its negotiations with the PPV companies and the company will also handle all affiliate relations for the wrestling programs moving forward. DGUSA PPV affiliates will have access to a newly created affiliate website, www.dgusa.tv/affiliates which will contain easy-to-implement marketing materials and all event information. Each show will also be supported by a range of targeted national consumer advertising and promotion.
According to Mr. Gelman, “Dragon Gate USA will offer wrestling fans throughout North America a reason to celebrate. These distinctive programs will present a showcase for the most talented and athletic wrestlers on the planet and provide a popular new option for cable operators and satellite providers as they expand their transactional offerings.”
About Dragon Gate USA
Dragon Gate USA recently launched on April 15th of this year and received an immediate following. The combination of Sapolsky and†a talent roster focused on Japan's renowned Dragon Gate athletes saw the company's website (www.DGUSA.tv) gain 20,000 unique visitors in just its first week and DGUSA's debut event, scheduled for July 25th in Philadelphia, is already a near-sellout. Dragon Gate USA is based on a motto of "Evolve, Progress and Appreciation."
Dragon Gate USA is the North American brand of Dragon Gate in Japan. Dragon Gate is now Japan's hottest promotion with regular PPVs, 250-300 live events per year and attendances that top 10,000 fans.
About G-Funk Sports & Entertainment
G-Funk Sports & Entertainment (www.g-funksports.com) is a full-service agency dedicated to brand activation, strategic integration and driving maximum return on investment for its clients, headed up by Award-winning NHL and WWE marketing and television veteran Ken Gelman. G-Funk's strengths center on three primary areas, Marketing Services (consumer promotion, affiliate activation and events), Partnership Alliances and Content Management (including distribution drives and launch strategies). Client partners include the National Football League, Ring Of Honor and Strikeforce.
2010 - TNA aired an episode of Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV Report:
Welcome to this week's TNA Impact Report here on PWInsider.com!
We open up with a video recap of this past weekend's Slammiversary PPV, and then went to a segment with Eric Bischoff discussing the TNA Championship Committee's decision to strip the Band of the TNA World Tag Team Title in light of Scott Hall's personal issues, and a tournament will begin tonight to determine who will face the Motor City Machine Guns for the title at Victory Road.
And with that in mind, let's go to the ring for our opening match...
Tag Team Title Tournament First Round: Kevin Nash & Eric Young vs Ink, Inc
Nash and Young jump Ink Inc as they enter the ring, and a short brawl boils down to Young working over Jesse Neal. Young with a slam and a second rope elbowdrop for 2. Nash tags in and starts working Neal over in the corner and chokes him with his boot, and then Young gets a cheapshot from the outside. Young tags in and gets a clothesline for 2, and Neal tries a comeback but eats a double axhandle and Young gets 2. Young with another slam and then he goes up top and hits a flying elbowdrop for 2. Young charges Neal in the corner but runs into an elbow and then Neal takes Young out with a clothesline and makes the hot tag, and Moore comes in and cleans house on Young, hitting a leg lariat for 2. Moore whips Young into the corner and he does the Flair Flip, and Moore nails Nash off the apron then goes up top and hits a top rope Frankenstein for 2. Nash comes in and nails Moore, But Neal spears him and then Ink Inc hit a double team Samoan Drop for the win.
Winners: Ink Inc
We go to Taz and Mike, who again recap the events of Slammiversary, and then discuss how the Championship Committee couldn't agree on the placement of the top three contenders in the Top Ten Rankings, so tonight we're going to have a three way match between Mr Anderson, Jeff Hardy, and Abyss to decide the #1 Contender.
Ric Flair's music hits, and we go to the entranceway where Flair is joined by his entire team. He's about to make an announcement that will change the course of history in professional wrestling, and that announcement...is next!
We're back, and Chelsea is backstage pleading with Abyss, saying that she doesn't want to be with Desmond, she wants to be with him. Abyss says she knows the deal: it was 30 days and then she goes back to Desmond, and she's not going to want to be around him tonight.
We head back to the ring with Flair and company, who says that he is going to reform the Four Horsemen, only they're going to call the new group Fortune, and Fortune will change the destiny of TNA forever. He says the Horsemen were the best stable of all time because they were the best at whatever they did, whether it was wrestling or making love to the ladies. He compares each member of his group to a member of the Horsemen, including calling Desmond the Lex Luger of the group, then gets on AJ's case about losing to Jay Lethal. This brings Lethal out in his Ric Flair gimmick, and he says that the Horsemen were the greatest group of men to ever grace God's green earth, and it looks like the Horsemen were here, took a dump in the ring, and left. Lethal says he's run the road with the Horsemen, and the guys in the ring are no Horsemen. Flair gets so mad at Lethal's impression of him that he takes his coat off and throws his shoe at Lethal. Lethal responds by taking his own coat off and elbowdropping it. Flair and Lethal do their Ric Flair impersonations back and forth, right down to WOOOOing back and forth at each other. Flair seriously looks like he's going to have a heart attack. Finally Desmond tells Lethal to shut up, because he's not out here being a cheap imitation of the greatest wrestler to ever live, he's making a reputation for himself, and he challenges Lethal to a match tonight, and Lethal responds by telling Desmond that Chelsea called him the 60 minute man. Flair tells Desmond that if he wins tonight, he's the first member of Fortune, but if he loses, he's history.
We go backstage to Lacey Von Erich getting a massage in preparation of her match with Angelina Love later tonight.
Backstage, Mr Anderson is arriving at the building and some unseen person off camera asks him if we're going to see the real Mr Anderson tonight, and he says that depends on who we think the real Mr Anderson is.
Let's go back to the ring for our next match...
Hernandez vs Samoa Joe
Why give this away on free TV again? Hernandez takes Joe to the corner but breaks clean. Now Joe takes Hernandez to the corner and nails him on the break, then pounds him down in the corner. Joe with a running forearm and enziguiri in the corner, Hernandez fights back but Joe with a back elbow and then takes Hernandez back to the corner as the crowd starts a "Joe is gonna kill you" chant. Joe sends Hernandez to the corner, but Hernandez with a flying shoulderblock over the ropes and a big clothesline, Joe with a few shots but Hernandez with another running shoulderblock sends Joe to the floor, and while the ref is checking on him, Matt Morgan comes running in and low blows Hernandez from behind then bails to the floor. Joe comes back in and hits a T-bone suplex for the win.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Joe sees the replay on the screen as he heads to the back and realizes what happens, and goes back to the ring to go after Morgan. Morgan is surrounded so he bails out of the ring and hightails it to the back.
Backstage, Desmond Wolfe says that he's going to do what AJ couldn't and beat Jay Lethal tonight. AJ says he needs to get his life together because he treated Chelsea bad and she doesn't want to be with him anymore, and he better beat Lethal because Flair said if he doesn't, he's out.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy says he doesn't know whether he can trust Mr Anderson or not. Anderson pops his head in to say hello and Hardy calls him an asshole.
We go back to the ring with Douglas Williams, who is still the X-Division Champion, who says that Slammiversary was a time for celebration, but a time for mourning as well, as the X-Division as we knew it is dead because he killed it with one spectacular flying maneuver. From now on, the X-Division will become famous for the ground and pound style Williams is known for. He's going to give everyone a lesson in that style right here tonight, and that leads us right into out next match...
X-Division Champion Douglas Williams vs Max Buck
Williams chain wrestles Buck to start, but Buck sends Williams to the floor with a flying headscissors. Williams back in and gets a Samoan Drop, then we HIT THE CHINLOCK! Buck tries to fight his way out but instead finds himself in an abdominal stretch. Williams whips him into the corner, hits a running knee, then a snap suplex, gutwrench suplex, and belly to belly suplex for 2. Nice combo. Williams comes off the second rope, but Max dodges and hits a somersault Diamond Cutter for 2. Williams with a headbutt to the midsection and a tornado DDT for the win.
Winner: Douglas Williams
Williams tortures Buck after the match with a cravate, but Brian Kendrick comes running out to make the save and chokes Williams out with a rear naked choke and Williams taps out like crazy.
We now go to a video package detailing the history of the Sting-Jeff Jarrett feud, and later tonight, Jarrett's going to call Sting out!
We got back to the ring with Angelina Love, who says she's been sitting out with an injury for the last six weeks, and since injuries can end it at any time, she's not going to waste any more time. Tonight it's Lacey Von Erich, next week it's Velvet Sky, and then at Victory Road, she's going to take the Knockouts Title back from Madison Rayne.
Angelina Love vs Lacey Von Erich
Oh god, Lacey's going to wrestle a singles match. Angelina nails Lacey coming into the ring and rams her back and forth to the turnbuckles, rams a series of knees to the ribs, then sweeps her legs. Angelina with a series of kicks in the corner, but Lacey with a moonsault out of the corner and she blows a drop toehold, but Angelina goes down anyway. Angelina's pissed that she went down on her face and goes after Lacey, but Lacey with a hair yank and Angelina goes down. Lacey goes up for the ten punches in the corner, but Angelina powerbombs her out of the corner and then goes to the floor, grabs So Cal Val's chair, and DDT's Lacey on it to draw the DQ.
Winner: Lacey Von Erich by DQ
Backstage, Lethal is with Hulk Hogan saying how happy he is to be surrounded by so many famous names in TNA, and Hogan tells him that they weren't attracted to Lethal for the impressions, they liked his energy and raw talent, and they gave him a shot and he's come through. Lethal says he never dreamed of being in the same dressing room with guys like Hogan and Flair, but Hogan says that now that he's up there, he's got a target on his back so he'd better keep it up.
Christy is backstage with Jeff Hardy, who says that it's a three way dance tonight with the winner becoming the #1 contender, and Christy asks if he can trust Anderson, but Anderson comes strolling in to interrupt and make mention of the people trying to stir the pot. He asks how many times he got in fights with his brother as kids and then worked it all in the end, and Hardy said he did. Tonight they're going to have to do what they have to do as men, but no hard feelings. They do the fist pound and Hardy says it's all good.
Back to the ring for our next tournament match...
Tag Team Title Tournament First Round: Team 3D vs Beer Money
Roode and Devon start and Devon gets a hiptoss, but misses a legdrop and Roode with the Mr Perfect necksnap. Devon comes back with a flying clothesline for 2, then tags in Brother Ray and they hit a double team legdrop/side suplex for 2. Ray with a slam but misses an elbowdrop and Storm tags in. Beer Money with a double backdrop on Ray and then Storm gouges the face. Ink Inc joins Mike and Taz on commentary as 3D comes back and hits a double diving headbutt on Storm. Now Beer Money with a double team Russian Legsweep/kneedrop on Devon for 2. Beer Money with a double suplex, but Ray comes in and lays them both out. 3D with a Doomsday Device for 2 then they go for 3D, but Ray leaves the ring in the middle of the move to go after Ink Inc, leaving Devon alone in the ring where Storm spits beer in Devon's eyes so Roode can roll him up for the win.
Winners: Beer Money
Backstage, Desmond Wolfe tells Chelsea he's a ticking time bomb, but tonight she's got a chance to redeem herself.
After commercial, we go back to the ring for our next match...
Desmond Wolfe vs Jay Lethal
Wolfe jumps Lethal before the bell and knocks him off the top rope to the floor. Desmond goes out and yells at Chelsea, then rolls Lethal back in the ring as Tommy Dreamer comes out into the crowd. Wolfe with an arm snap and then stops to yell at Chelsea some more, allowing Lethal the opportunity to get some shots in. Wolfe lays him out again and yells at Chelsea some more and she goes to leave, but she trips and falls down and Desmond goes out to stand over her and run her down some more. Again this opens up an opportunity for Lethal to nail him and toss him back in the ring. Lethal with a leg lariat and a handspring elbow, then a pop up neckbreaker gets the win for Lethal.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Lethal goes out into the crowd to celebrate with the fans as Tommy Dreamer applauds. Wolfe attacks Lethal from behind as he comes back to ringside and tosses him back in the ring, continuing to beat Lethal down. Ric Flair comes out to the ring and Wolfe holds Lethal as Flair beats him up and lowblows him. Hulk Hogan's music hits and out comes Hogan, and Flair and Wolfe bail out to the floor as Hogan gets in the ring. Hogan shakes his finger at Flair and raises Lethal's hand, then takes the mic and says that TNA is on fire right now because of guys like Jay Lethal. Who would have ever dreamed that a little Hulkamaniac would grow up in Elizabeth, New Jersey and then grow up to become a big time wrestler himself. Hogan has an announcement and calls Ric Flair back out, he tells him that he's been a thorn in Lethal's side for a long time now, and the little boy grew up to be a great big man, and now he's going to make a man's dream come true, because at Victory Road, it's going to be Ric Flair vs Jay Lethal.
Sting is backstage, and he's...WALKING! Up next, the Sting-Jarrett showdown!
First though, the new Top Ten Rankings are released, and they went by too quickly for me to transcribe them, but the top three will, of course, be decided in tonight's main event.
Jeff Jarrett is in the ring and he calls out Sting, who comes out to the ring. Jeff asks "Steve" to take his sunglasses off because he wants him to hear what Jarrett says tonight, and also look in his eyes and see that he can hear and feel what he's saying. Jarrett's not going to ask him why again, he called him out to remind him of one thing: that it was Jarrett who called Sting when he first started TNA. He wanted Sting's leadership and professionalism and his iconic status, and he didn't want Sting to work for him, he wanted Sting to work with him. For the last 8 years, they've given as much as they could for TNA, and even though they haven't always been on the same side of the fence, they've always treated each other with dignity, respect and honor, but that all ended at Sacrifice. Sting was hellbent on ending Jarrett's career and destroying his livelihood, but he wants to tell Steve Borden that he made one mistake: he left Jeff Jarrett standing. He asks Sting if he thinks this is funny, but next week it won't be a laughing matter when their rematch goes down. Jarrett knows what this is all about and Sting does too, and Sting is 100% wrong about both of them, because both of them (Hogan and Bischoff) have given their all for TNA since they got here, and next week Jarrett's not just going to be fighting for himself and his family, but he'll be fighting for Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan, and most importantly he's going to be fighting for the TNA fans. And with that, Jarrett walks off as Sting suddenly looks less confident than he did before.
It's main event time...
#1 Contender's Match: Mr Anderson vs Jeff Hardy vs Abyss
Anderson and Hardy double team Abyss to start, they whip him into the corner and Anderson drops down to do the Hardy Boyz springboard leg lariat in the corner and then hit a double back elbow, Abyss tries to chokeslam them both but they fight out and get a double suplex on Abyss and Hardy covers for 2 but Anderson breaks, then Anderson tries a cover but Hardy breaks it up and they go face to face. Abyss uses the opportunity to spear both men as we see another shot of Tommy Dreamer in the crowd. Abyss charges Anderson in one corner then tries on Hardy but Hardy gets an elbow up and then hits the Whisper In The Wind. Abyss rolls to the floor so Hardy gets him with a baseball slide, and Anderson stands behind Hardy like he's going to jump him, but instead baseball slides Abyss and then holds him for a Hardy dive. Anderson pounds on Abyss on the floor and the bell rings...and all three men have been counted out!
Triple Count Out
Anderson protests with the referee, but Abyss loses control and attacks both Anderson and Hardy, then chases the referee away from ringside. Abyss tosss both Hardy and Anderson into the ring, then lays out Hardy and hits the Shock Treatment on Anderson. Abyss ges under the ring and gets a kendo stick and lays Hardy out with it, then pulls out a bag and pours broken glass in the ring. He nails Anderson with the kendo stick over and over, then gives Anderson the Black Hole Slam in the glass. Abyss goes to leave, but thinks better of it and goes back after Hardy, ramming him with knees, tearing his shirt off, and then chokeslamming Hardy off the stage. Finally Hulk Hogan comes out and asks what this is all about, and Abyss points at him and goes "YOU!" as we go off the air.
2010 - TNA ran Dayton, Ohio at the Nutter Center with the following results:
Jay Lethal defeated Homicide.
TNA Knockout Tag Team champions Madison Rayne & Velvet Sky defeated Taylor Wilde & Sarita.
Rob Terry defeated Orlando Jordan to retain the TNA Global Title.
Kurt Angle & Mr. Anderson defeated Eric Young & Matt Morgan.
Douglas Williams defeated Shannon Moore to retain the TNA X-Division Title.
Jeff Hardy defeated A.J. Styles.
The article noted that at one point, McMahon was considered one of the "successors" to Vince McMahon, but the problem was that Vince, "wasn't going anywhere", according to Shane.
"It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make," McMahon said of his decision to leave WWE. "I didn't want to wake up when I was 70 and say, 'I should have done that.'"
McMahon noted that telling his father that he wanted to leave was "brutal" and that tension still remains to this day between the two over his exit.
2011 - TNA released Nigel McGuinness aka Desmond Wolfe, who had not wrestled for them in some time due a medical issue.
2011 - TNA ran Toronto, Ontatio. Amyn Bhimani filed the following live report:
The pre-show Meet and Greet was sold out. Don West came outside to let everyone know that we'd be escorted into the building in about 15 minutes but first he wanted to sell us stuff. Brown Bag Special: $25 for new Impact Wrestling Shirt + 4 DVDs - not a bad deal. There's also an Elite Pass to go backstage at intermission to "party like a rock star."
True to his word, we were escorted in shortly after and Don went through the sales pitch again.
Meet and Greet is everybody gathered around the railing and the wrestlers come out and go around with their own Sharpies signing.
Stars that came out:
Eric Young
Orlando Jordan
British Invasion
Winter (no makeup and still gorgeous)
Matt Morgan
Abyss - DW advises us not to look him in the eye.
Kaz
AJ Styles
Alex Shelley
Pope - he would only sign if you said please and thank you but stayed longer than anybody and really played to the fans. He even cut a promo into a guys video camera. That guy almost got kicked out because Don West was pretty adamant that there should be no video.
All the wrestlers were really cool about signing for everybody and taking pictures.
At 6:30 they opened the door for the rest of the general public and Beer Money came out to sign at a table. They would only sign TNA merchandise.
At 7:00 Don West hit the ring to sell more stuff - he's like a wind up toy. You wind him up and he just starts selling stuff.
7:20 - they play Enter Sandman.
7:25 - lights go down and they play 1elcome to the Jungle. TNA chants and Whoos ring out.
The ring looks really small compared to the WWE ring. I estimate 1000 fans max.
JB comes out promptly at 7:30 to warm up the crowd and does a great job.
.Match #1 - Pope vs. AJ Styles
:Great back and forth match. AJ was way over and won with the Styles clash in about 14 minutes. Many of the people around me felt that Pope's tights were far too short leaving little to the imagination.
JB out to introduce Earl Hebner and the expected chants ensue. Hebner loves it but does a good job playing to the crowd at one point threatening to leave the ring to beat up a fan. He then reveals a "Damn right I did" referee shirt and mocks Bret.
Match 2: Mickie and Tara vs. Angelina and Winter.. Angelina looks like she needs a facelift and a cheeseburger. Mickey is looking for a tag rope but there isn't one. Nobody complaining about Mickey's short shorts. Tara is a great ring general and leads the ladies to a decent match which her and Mickey win in about 9 minutes. Mickey and Tara look like they're having a blast. After the match they kissed on the lips and played to the crowd - smiling and laughing the whole time. Did I mention that Winter is gorgeous?
JB comes out to read a text message from Jeff Jarrett asking the fans not to riot like our countrymen in Vancouver.
Match 3 - X Division Championship. Kaz vs. Abyss. Abyss does not belong in the X Division. He was gassed in 5 minutes even with a couple of rest hold breaks. Kaz hit some nice moves but ultimately lost to the blackhole slam in about 7 minutes. Mediocre match and the worst of the night so far.
JB is out looking for loud people - there are many as the crowd's been hot all night.
JB pushes a cute kid aside to give a backstage pass to a louder fat guy. He did it nicely though.
Match 4 - British Invasion vs. Storm and Shelley w/ Robert Roode. Doug Williams live - my lucky day!
Wait! Magnus has something to say! He accuses Roode of feigning injury because, notwithstanding he's in his hometown he's just a Canadian coward.
Roode has a rebuttal! He says that he is not 100% and the US doctors have not cleared him to wrestle. But in Canada we have free healthcare and 45 minutes one of those cheap bastard Canadian doctors told him he was cleared to kick some British ass and good old Alex Shelley has volunteered to step aside. So off comes the sling and here we go.
Roode is really protecting the shoulder and can barely move his arm. Decent match which Beer Money wins in about 10 minutes. I want see Williams in one on one match with Kurt Angle.
Intermission! They wind up Don West and off he goes with the sales pitch! Mickey is signing TNA merchandise if you have it. She's really cute and seems to be enjoying herself.
Hebner is signing too and Don West says he needs the money for 6 alimony payments and 27 illegitimate kids. Sounds like Bret wasn't the only one getting screwed!
Match 5: Jeff Jarrett vs.
Before announcing the opponent - JJ reiterates that he's like us to avoid rioting and talks about how the Nashville Predators are better than the Maple Leafs. JJ wipes his ass with a Canucks cap he takes from some poor sap at ringside.
Match 5: Jeff Jarrett vs. Eric Young
Eric Young steals JJ's ring robe and puts it on then does his best warrior impression (without getting gassed). Then he does laps around thge ring until JJ gets bored and takes a nap in the ring.
EY is waaaaay over with his fellow Canadians. Some great comedy bits at the beginning of the match. EY is one hell of an entertainer and JJ played off him like the pro he is.
EY hulks up and pulls off his regular trunks to reveal Team Canada trunks. Ref bump! JJ grabs a chair but Orlando comes in for the save but distracts the ref allowing JJ to hit the Stroke for the win in 10 minutes. Fun comedy match. A little MILF action from Karen Jarrett would have been a good addition.
Match 6 - Scott Steiner vs.
Oh wait - Steiner wants to figure out where his freaks are at. The lady behind me wets her pants. Steiner with some good heel mic work but his physique is disturbing.
Match 6 - Scott Steiner vs Matt Morgan
Morgan's body looks like it belongs on him. Steiner looks like a character in the new WWE video game.
Pose off - Morgan wins based on crowd reaction.
Fans in my section debating whose older - Steiner or Hebner. Lady behind me has dried off and decides Steiner is too lumpy for her to join the freak club.
Keener in my section has used Google to confirm Hebner is older than Steiner (who is 48 btw).
Pretty slow and boring big man match with a lot of sloppy spots. Steiner wins. I forgot to time this one but it felt like an hour although it was probably 10 minutes. Made bearable by my funny section mates.
JB wants to know if we're ready - you're asking now 2 1/2 hours in? Oh - he meant for the Main Event which is next.
Match 7 - non-title. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle
Anderson looks for the drop down mic but this is a cheap building so none falls. So he grabs the house mic to overuse the work a-hole. Does his usual intro while sporting a shiner on his left eye.
Here comes Angle! Never seen him live either and can't wait.
Decent match - pretty standard stuff but well executed. Angle wins with the Angle Slam in 10 minutes. Angle may have hurt his left arm but also could have been selling.
After the show was over - for $20 you and your whole crew could get a picture with Angle in the TNA ring. Pretty cool but I didn't stay.
Jeff Jarrett and Earl Hebner also signed at the end of the night.
All in all a nice night of wrestling. If their TV shows were this good I'd watch them!
2012 - WWE held their No Way Out PPV. Richard Trionfo filed the following PPV coverage:
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s coverage of World Wrestling Entertainment’s No Way Out Pay Per View from East Rutherford, New Jersey.
We begin the coverage on YouTube with the pre-show.
Your announcers are Matt Striker and Scott Stanford. They run through the card for the show before we get to the Pre-Show Match between Brodus Clay and David Otunga.
Rosa Mendes, Primo, and Epico are in the back and Abraham wants a translation. Primo says that they were waiting for their opportunity but the thirty days have passed so they lost their title match. Abe reminds them that Rosa is their manager, he is their promoter. Abe says that they will have their chance tonight.
Epico mentions that they are in a four way match to determine the new number one contender.
Abe promises Epico and Primo that they will have their greatest spotlight.
Epico and Primo, The Usos, Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel, and Titus O’Neil and Darren Young will meet in the Fatal Four Way Number One Contender’s Match.
We see footage from what happened on Raw on Monday night when David Otunga attacked Brodus Clay after Brodus’ match against Heath Slater.
YouTube Pre Show Match: Brodus Clay versus David Otunga
Otunga goes for the injured knee but Brodus sends Otunga into the corner and he connects with forearms and punches in the corner. Clay with an Irish whip into the corner and then he punches Otunga in the midsection. Brodus with another punch to the midsection and then he works on Otunga’s back with head butts to the middle of the back.
Clay with a suplex to Otunga and then he punches Otunga in the corner. The referee warns Brodus when he knees Otunga in the corner. Otunga dives for the injured knee and he takes Brodus down. Otunga with kicks to the hamstring and then he drives Brodus’ leg into the mat.
Brodus kicks Otunga away and he punches David. Otunga with a kick to the leg and he gets a near fall. Otunga works on the ankle but Brodus kicks David away one more time. Otunga with another clip to the back of the leg. Otunga puts Brodus’ leg in the ropes and Brodus tries to protect his leg. Otunga with a neck breaker while the leg remains in the rope.
Otunga with more kicks to the leg and he sends the leg into the mat before applying a front face lock. Otunga with a knee and forearm to the back but Clay with an emphatic kick out. Otunga returns to the front face lock.
Brodus gets to his feet and he pushes Otunga away. Clay with a shoulder tackle and a head butt to the chest and Otunga goes down. Clay with the Sheeplex and Otunga rolls to the floor while Clay has trouble getting back to his feet.
Otunga thinks about whether he should get back into the ring and Otunga gets counted out.
Winner: Brodus Clay by Count Out
After the match, Cameron and Naomi join Brodus in the ring to dance.
We have a WWE 1000 Memorable Moment. Triple H talks about his return from his quad injury.
We see a video package for the WWE Title Match between CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and Kane.
Josh Mathews is in the interview area with John Cena. Josh asks John if this is the last time that we see John Cena in WWE. John says that he knows what is on the line tonight. John says that he posted a quote that says if he leaves tomorrow, would you remember him. Everyone is waiting for No Way Out because they know what is at stake. The stage for Wrestlemania 29 is the back drop for tonight. One man usually puts everything on the line. After tonight, we know that someone will get fired. Tonight’s extravaganza will shake the foundation of the WWE. Will it be him or John Laurinaitis. After tonight, the face of the WWE will change and there is no way out of that.
We see the video package from Raw when Vince was supposed to tell John Laurinaitis of his fate in WWE only to be stopped by Big Show. We see the ensuing fracas.
This completes the coverage of the Pre-Show.
Welcome to coverage of the No Way Out Pay Per View from the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Your announcers are Booker T, Michael Cole, and Jerry Lawler.
Match Number One: World Title Match: Sheamus versus Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero)
Ziggler brings Vickie onto the apron and he says that tonight’s his night. Vickie kisses Dolph on the cheek and then Dolph turns around and almost gets Bryaned with a Brogue Kick but Ziggler avoids it and goes to the floor.
Ziggler yells at the referee and then he goes after Sheamus but he has second thoughts and goes to the floor. Ziggler with a waist lock but Sheamus with a standing switch. Ziggler with a switch of his own but Sheamus with an elbow and side head lock take down.
Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and side head lock take down. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle but Ziggler with a drop kick and front face lock. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle. Ziggler tries for a sleeper but Sheamus backs Ziggler onto the turnbuckles. Ziggler slaps Sheamus but Sheamus pushes Ziggler off the turnbuckles to the floor. Sheamus sends Ziggler into the apron.
Sheamus with the slingshot shoulder tackle for a near fall. Sheamus with an arm bar but Ziggler with a kick and punch. Ziggler with more punches and kicks. Sheamus with an Irish whip and Ziggler floats over. Ziggler with a punch from the apron and he goes up top but Sheamus catches him.
Ziggler escapes the power slam but does not avoid an elbow and clothesline from Sheamus. Ziggler goes to the apron and he wants to connect with the forearms across the chest but Ziggler fights him off. They fight on the apron on opposite sides of the turnbuckle and Ziggler pulls Sheamus’ arm into the ring post and Sheamus hits the steps before hitting the floor.
Ziggler with a leaping DDT and gets a near fall. Ziggler chokes Sheamus in the ropes. Ziggler kicks Sheamus in the corner and then he chokes him with his boot. Sheamus punches Ziggler and connects with a knee. Ziggler with a knee of his own and he gets a near fall. Ziggler works on the arm and turns it into a reverse chin lock and does a head stand.
Sheamus with punches to Ziggler and he gets Sheamus on his shoulders but Ziggler with knees to the head and he counters with a DDT and gets a near fall. Ziggler with kicks but Sheamus with punches. Ziggler with a drop kick for a near fall. Ziggler returns to the reverse chin lock.
Sheamus gets to his feet and he punches Ziggler and tries for a neck breaker but Ziggler sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles and he tries for a rollup with his hands on the ropes but the referee stops the count. Sheamus with a rollup for a near fall. Ziggler with a neck breaker for a near fall.
Ziggler returns to the reverse chin lock but Sheamus gets back to his feet. Ziggler with a kick but he runs into a double sledge from Sheamus. Sheamus with a shoulder into the corner but Ziggler avoids the running knee lift. Ziggler with a sleeper but Sheamus sends Ziggler to the apron.
Ziggler goes up top for a cross body but Sheamus catches him and tries for the uranage back breaker. Ziggler blocks it and tries for the sleeper again. Sheamus tries for the fireman’s carry slam and Ziggler escapes. Ziggler with a Fameasser for a near fall.
Ziggler with kicks to the chest but Sheamus with a kick to Ziggler and he tries to lift himself up to the turnbuckles and he does it. Sheamus takes too long on top and Ziggler leaps to the top and hits an X Factor but only gets a two count.
Ziggler is holding his knee after the near fall. Ziggler sets for the Zig Zag but Sheamus avoids it and Sheamus hits the uranage back breaker. Ziggler is on the apron and Sheamus with the forearms across the chest. Sheamus misses a short arm clothesline and then Ziggler applies a sleeper but Sheamus counters with White Noise.
Sheamus looks into the crowd and then he turns around to set up for the Brogue Kick. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick and gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
Really good opening match. If you like wrestling matches where the wrestlers counter most of their opponent’s signature moves, this is the match for you. The crowd was strongly behind Ziggler (just like Jason predicted on the Smackdown Post Game Show). I thought this match was going to deliver and it definitely did. Ziggler gained almost as much in losing as he would have if he had become the new World Champion.
Vince McMahon is walking in the back and John Laurinaitis stops Vince and he apologizes for what happened on Monday. He says that Vince shouldn’t go out there since has a concussion. John says that he is looking out for Vince’s health. He wants to make sure that their business relationship gets closer after Show wins tonight. Vince enters his office and he signals for Johnny to stay outside.
Josh Mathews stops by and he wants to know about the pressure situation that Johnny is in. Johnny says that he steers this ship to success. He is not an ex-wannabe wrestler who wants to be an announcer who cannot even announce. Johnny says that he has a show to run tonight, tomorrow, and into the future.
Match Number Two: Tuxedo Match: Santino Marella versus Ricardo Rodriguez
Santino is wearing a powder blue tuxedo while Ricardo is in his traditional black tuxedo.
Santino offers his hand and then he plays with Ricardo’s tie. Santino shows off his tuxedo for the crowd and they like it. Ricardo does the same and the fans do not approve. Ricardo pushes Santino and Santino pushes back. Ricardo rips Santino’s pocket and Santino says that it is his only tuxedo. Santino responds in kind and then he rips Ricardo’s sleeve.
Ricardo rips the back of Santino’s jacket and then Santino punches Ricardo. Santino with an atomic drop and he rips the jacket. He hits a reverse atomic drop and he pulls off the jacket. It is time for the bullfight segment of the match as Santino plays the role of toreador. Ricardo goes to the floor.
Santino with a drop toe hold and the left shoe is history. Santino with another drop toe hold and the right shoe is gone. Santino sends Ricardo into the turnbuckles. Ricardo misses a charge into the corner and Ricardo’s shirt is gone. Ricardo with a jawbreaker but Santino with a split and hip toss. Santino pulls the Cobra out of his pocket.
Ricardo pulls the cobra off Santino’s arm. Ricardo removes the lower portion of Santino’s clothing with the left shoe going first followed by the pants. Santino has a cobra on his foot. Santino kips up and kicks Ricardo with the cobra on his foot and the pants come off to reveal underwear with Alberto’s face on it.
Winner: Santino Marella
Coming off a solid opener, this did not continue the quality of in ring work. As a comedy match, this was okay but it killed the crowd.
CM Punk is in the back with an I Dig Crazy Chicks shirt. Matt Striker asks Punk about the deal with him and AJ. Punk says that there is no relationship. He says that AJ is crazy and he digs crazy chicks. This match is not about AJ and how crazy she is. The match is about the title. Punk says that he is more prepared than he ever has. He is facing a technician in the ring and a monster.
Punk turns around and sees AJ. AJ says that she wants to wish Punk luck and she kisses him on the cheek. Punk thanks AJ and says that luck is for losers.
Matt holds the mic for AJ and she gives him a look and Matt knows to leave.
Match Number Three: Intercontinental Title Match: Christian versus Cody Rhodes
They lock up and Cody with a side head lock. Cody with a shoulder tackle. Cody with a kick and punch followed by more kicks to Christian. Christian with shoulder tackles and Cody backs into the corner. Cody pushes Christian and Christian punches Cody. Cody goes to the apron and Cody with a shoulder. Cody tries to suplex Christian to the floor but Christian with a punch and then he slides between Cody’s legs and pulls him off the apron.
Christian with a baseball slide and then Cody avoids Christian on the apron and Cody trips Christian. Cody drops Christian’s arm on the top rope and gets a near fall. Cody with knees to the arm and elbow and then he stomps on the elbow and gets a near fall. Cody with a key lock but Christian with punches.
Christian with an Irish whip but Cody avoids Christian when Christian charges into the corner. Christian trips Cody and appears to prepare to pull Cody into the ring post but Christian takes too long and Cody pulls Christian into the ring post.
Cody with a knee to the midsection and Cody with a gourdbuster for a near fall. Cody puts Christian’s arm in the ropes and then he punches and kicks the champion. Cody with a snap mare and then he works on the arm with a submission.
Cody punches Christian and then he puts Christian on the turnbuckles. Cody sets for a superplex but Christian knocks Cody to the mat. Cody avoids a tornado DDT by pushing Christian off the turnbuckles and he lands on the apron and the floor. Christian sends Cody into the ring steps.
Christian comes off the ring steps for a tornado DDT on the floor. They return to the ring before the referee’s count gets to ten. Christian with a punch followed by a running forearm. Christian with a missile drop kick off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. Cody misses a short arm clothesline.
Christian with a drop toe hold but Cody gets out of the ropes when Christian tries for the slingshot uppercut. Christian drops Cody on the top rope and Christian goes up for a cross body but Cody rolls through and gets a near fall. Christian goes to the turnbuckles again but Cody pulls Christian off the turnbuckles. Cody goes to the turnbuckles and plays to the crowd, giving Christian time to recover.
Christian with a super rana but Cody kicks out at two. Cody with punches and an arm wringer. Cody gets a near fall. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Cody stops him and then hits the kick to the midsection and hits the Alabama Slam but Christian kicks out at two.
Cody tries for the Killswitch but Christian counters with an inverted DDT. Christian waits for Cody to get to his feet for the spear and Cody runs to the floor. Christian follows after Cody. Christian with a back heel kick and tries for a sunset flip but Cody drops down for a near fall.
Christian with a Killswitch but Cody kicks out at two. Christian goes up top for the frog splash but Cody climbs the turnbuckles. Cody is knocked off the turnbuckles and Christian tries for the frog splash but he lands on Cody’s knees. Cody misses the Beautiful Disaster. Christian misses the Killswitch. Cody misses the Beautiful Disaster again. Christian hits the spear for the three count.
Winner: Christian
I was expecting good things from this match and the final minute of the match pushed it past my expectations. Just like with the openers, if you are a fan of wrestlers who counter their opponents, you should enjoy this match. There were a number of times when I thought Cody was going to win. I wouldn’t mind seeing another match between them if they don’t try to move Cody up to the World Title.
Match Number Four: Number One Contender Tag Match: The Usos versus Epico and Primo versus Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel versus Titus O’Neil and Darren Young
Jey and Titus start things off. Titus with a kick and slam and then he tags Darren in and Titus tries for a gourdbuster onto Jey but Darren misses. Jey with chops and Jimmy tags in. Jimmy with a chop to Darren for a near fall. Jimmy sends Darren into the corner and Jey tags back in and hits a running forearm into the corner. Jey with an uppercut and Epico tags in but Jey with a back elbow for a near fall. Jimmy tags back in and they hit a double back elbow and double elbow drop.
Jimmy with a Bubba Bomb and Gabriel tags in. Gabriel misses a few kicks and then Jimmy with the worm and Justin with a cartwheel. They have a standoff. Gabriel with a side head lock take down but Jimmy with a side head lock. Jey tags in and they hit an alley oop Samoan drop. Jimmy knocks Epico and Primo off the apron but Titus tags himself in and gets a near fall on Gabriel.
Titus with a pump handle slam and he tags Darren back in. The hit the gourdbuster on Gabriel this time and Darren gets a near fall. Darren drops Justin on the top rope and gets a near fall. Darren with a reverse chin lock. Justin with elbows but Darren with a knee. Justin escapes a belly-to-back suplex and he hits a back heel kick. Epico tags in and he kicks Gabriel in the corner. Primo tags in and he kicks Justin. Epico with a drop kick and he applies a reverse chin lock. Epico with a belly-to-back suplex and then he holds on and hits two more. Epico gets a near fall.
Epico punches Gabriel and he kicks him before tagging Primo back in. Primo with a kick and leg sweep followed by a leg drop for a near fall. Primo with a snap mare and kick to the back. Primo with a slam and then he tries for a springboard senton but Gabriel moves.
Kidd tags in and he hits a springboard drop kick and then he kicks the leg. Kidd with a series of kicks followed by a drop kick to the head for a near fall. Kidd with a slingshot leg drop onto the apron and then he goes up top for a blockbuster but Epico breaks up the cover. Epico takes care of the Usos. Gabriel with a cross body to Epico. Kidd tries for a springboard elbow drop but he lands on the knees.
Primo with a lungblower to Kidd but Ttius breaks up the cover. The Usos with a double super kick to Titus and then they hit a double dive to the floor. Young tags in and Kidd with a kick to Primo and Young.
Kidd with a super rana of Primo onto everyone on the floor. Young rolls into the ring and Washington throws Primo into the ring since he is the legal man. Young with a gutbuster from a fireman’s carry position for the three count.
Winners: DarrenYoung and Titus O’Neil
After the match, Abraham Washington celebrates with Young and O’Neil. Epico wants to know what is going on. Epico claims that Washington screwed them. Washington tries to explain his case but Epico punches Washington. O’Neil and Young attack Epico and Primo from behind.
I thought this was a good match that showcased the secondary tag teams in the company who have been given time on Superstars and NXT. It made sense to have Washington screw over Epico and Primo since they lost their rematch. I was worried that they weren’t going to use Tyson Kidd in the match, but in the time he was in there, he proved a lot of what I have been saying on audios about NXT and Superstars. Titus and Darren have improved a lot during their time on NXT.
We have a commercial for Money in the Bank featuring Alberto Del Rio.
It is time to recap what happened between Triple H and Brock Lesnar in case you forgot.
Triple H makes his way to the ring to address the Lesnar lawsuit.
Hunter says that he has spent over half of his life in this ring standing between these ropes. He says that he did it because for the most part, it was the only thing he wanted to do. It was also because he didn’t want to get a real job. Now, here he is with a real job. For all of the right reasons, a corporate jobs. In that corporate job for the last five weeks since Paul Heyman brought two lawsuits against the WWE.
He has had to deal with legal mumbo jumbo, depositions, and lawsuits. He is not a corporate guy. He is a fighter. Hunter says that he has an idea but it only matters if it is a good idea to one guy.
Paul Heyman said Brock Lesnar wants to fight. Lesnar says that he is not a superstar or an entertainer. He probably isn’t lawyer. Hunter says that he is a fighter and an ass kicker.
The last time he saw Brock Lesnar in a ring, Lesnar jumped him from behind and broke his arm. Hunter says that the arm is feeling a lot better. By his estimations, it should be 100% in a few weeks. Then he will be in fighting shape.
Hunter says that they put this crap behind them and get rid of the lawyer, lawsuits, and junk. It is about him and Brock Lesnar and doing what they do. They are fighters. Hunter says that he wants to fight Lesnar. He wants to fight Brock bad.
Hunter suggests that they meet at SummerSlam. It is not about anything else. He suggests that they do this. He wants to fight Brock.
Hunter says that Brock can be happy as a quitter. Hunter says that he will be waiting.
Daniel Bryan is getting ready in the back and AJ is watching him. He wants to know what she wants.
AJ says that they have been through a lot.
Daniel says that this is not the time.
AJ says that she knows that he has a match to get ready for but she wants to tell Daniel that even after everything that they have been through, there is a part of her that is not over Daniel yet. She says that she wants to tell Daniel that and wish him good luck. She kisses Daniel on the cheek and leaves.
Match Number Five: Divas Title Match: Layla versus Beth Phoenix
Layla with a waist lock but Beth with a standing switch. Layla with a standing switch but Beth gets to the ropes. Beth with a kick to the midsection followed by a chop. Beth tells Layla that she can’t lace her boots. Beth tells everyone that they know she will win. Layla with a kick to the midsection followed by a forearm.
Beth with an Irish whip and Layla floats over and hits a drop kick. Layla steals Beth’s head band and mocks her. Beth is pissed and she chases Layla on the floor. Layla pulls Beth down by the hair and then Layla dances some more. Beth turtles when Layla tries to kick her.
Layla with a drop kick when Beth opens up her guard. Layla with kicks and she chokes Beth in the corner. Beth sends Layla to the apron but Layla with a kick to the midsection. Beth knocks Layla off the apron and Layla hits her head on the apron. Beth sends Layla into the ringside barrier before they return to the ring. Beth with a near fall. Beth works on Layla’s back and arms and stretches her.
Layla gets back to her feet but Beth sends Layla to the mat and chokes her in the ropes. Beth misses a boot to the back and Layla with a rollup for a near fall. Beth with a back breaker and then she stretches Layla over her knee.
Layla with knees to the head to get out of the hold. Beth gets Layla set for the Glam Slam but Layla gets to the ropes and she falls back and gets a near fall. Layla with a rollup for another near fall. Layla with a series of kicks and then she hits a triple jump cross body for a near fall.
Beth with a power slam for a near fall and Beth shows some frustration. Beth gets Layla on her shoulders and presses Layla over her head but Layla with a DDT to counter and Layla gets a near fall. Beth runs Layla into the turnbuckles and connects with shoulders. Layla with the Lay Out for the three count.
Winner: Layla
The pacing of this match felt off by a half-step and took something away. There were a few good spots during the match, but it felt like the match should have been a minute or two shorter.
AJ is walking in the back in a dark hallway but she sees the red lights emanating from Kane’s aura. AJ says that she cannot really explain . . . but she wants to wish him good luck and she kisses him on the cheek. Kane doesn’t let her go and he kisses AJ.
Match Number Six: Hunico (with Camacho) versus Sin Cara
Hunico avoids a handspring move from Sin Cara and Hunico with a drop kick. Hunico with a hammer lock but Cara with an elbow and flying mare that sends Hunico to the floor. Cara tries for a suicide dive but Hunico with a boot to the head and then Hunico sends Cara back into the ring. Hunico with a slingshot senton for a near fall.
Hunico sends Cara into the turnbuckles followed by a chop. Hunico sends Cara into the turnbuckles again and he chops Cara one more time. Hunico goes to the apron and hits a hesitation kick into the corner. Hunico with a take down and gets a near fall.
Hunico with a reverse chin lock. Hunico with a shot to the back when Cara tries for an elbow. Hunico with a Gory Special but Cara escapes with an arm drag. Hunico with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Hunico returns to the reverse chin lock. Cara with elbows but Hunico with a rollup into a power bomb for a near fall.
Hunico with a kick to the head for a near fall. Hunico with a few more near falls. Cara tries for a rana but Hunico counters with a sit out power bomb for a near fall. Hunico sends Cara into the ropes as he continues to wear down Cara. Cara with boots and then he moves when Hunico goes into the corner. Cara with a kick and springboard rana followed by drop kicks.
Cara with kicks to the leg followed by a back heel kick. Hunico misses a clothesline and then Cara with La Mistica for the three count.
Winner: Sin Cara
I liked this match and the showcase for Hunico who is having good matches on the secondary shows. A lot of counters by Hunico to Cara’s usual offense. Hunico hit a lot of nice offensive moves. I was a bit surprised that Camacho did not interfere in the match. Cara has looked good since his return from injury.
Match Number Seven: WWE Title Match: CM Punk versus Daniel Bryan versus Kane
Kane punches Punk but Bryan goes after Kane and Kane pushes Bryan away. Bryan kicks Kane in the leg and avoids a big boot. Kane grabs Punk and Bryan for choke slams but they kick Kane in the legs. Bryan with a kick to the chest while yelling Yes. Punk kicks Kane in the back while yelling NO. They hit a double drop kick and each try to pin Kane.
Bryan with punches while Punk with forearms. Punk with the advantage and then Punk sends Bryan over the top rope to the floor. Kane with a clothesline to stop the suicide dive. Kane gets a near fall and then he kicks Punk. Bryan with a knee to the back and Kane goes to the floor.
Bryan kicks Punk and then Bryan with a suicide dive onto Kane. Punk goes up top and hits a cross body on both men. Punk gets a near fall on Bryan and then he hits a back breaker for another near fall. Punk with a rear chin lock as he tries to cut off Bryan’s breathing.
Punk goes to the floor and Kane sends Punk into the ringside barrier. Bryan with a kick to Kane and then he goes to the apron for the running knee but Kane with an uppercut. Kane picks up Punk and runs him into the ring post a few times and then he puts Punk against the ring post and he stretches Punk in a modified bow and arrow followed by a boot to the head.
Kane with a baseball slide that sends Punk’s ribs into the ring post. Kane gets a near fall and then he kicks Punk in the head. Kane with a hard Irish whip. Kane punches Punk in the corner and then chokes him with the boot. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick for a near fall. Kane with a body scissors on Punk.
Punk with elbows to escape but Kane with a punch and Irish whip. Kane runs into a boot and Bryan comes from out of nowhere with the running drop kick into the corner. Bryan runs into a side slam from Kane and Kane gets a two count on Bryan.
Kane with an Irish whip and Bryan flips out of the corner and hits a clothesline but Kane stays on his feet. Bryan with a drop toe hold that sends Kane into the turnbuckles and then he kicks the turnbuckle and it hits Kane in the face. Kane goes to the floor. Bryan with a knee to the midsection of Punk.
Bryan with a knee drop to the throat. Bryan with a butterfly suplex and then Bryan goes up top for the diving head butt but Punk recovers and hits a forearm to the head. Punk with more forearms and then he sets for a superplex but Kane pulls Punk off the turnbuckles and then he connects with a few uppercuts to Bryan. Punk pulls Kane off the turnbuckles. Kane does the same to Punk as they vie to be the person to superplex Bryan.
Kane with uppercuts to Punk but Punk with a forearm and Bryan is able to hit a double drop kick and he covers Kane and gets a near fall. Bryan with kicks to Kane and Punk as he alternates his victims and then he kicks Kane in the head with a round kick. Punk ducks the round kick from Bryan and gets a near fall with a rollup.
Punk with a leg lariat but he misses the swinging neck breaker. Punk with a running knee to Bryan and then Kane. Kane sends Punk to Bryan and Punk with a clothesline. Kane with the swinging neck breaker to Kane. Punk with a power slam to Bryan for a near fall. Punk sets up Bryan for the elbow drop from the turnbuckles but Bryan recovers and he stops Punk. Bryan sets for the superplex but Kane gets under Bryan. Punk with a springboard clothesline to Bryan on Kane’s shoulders and then Punk clotheslines Kane out of the ring to remove anything preventing him from pinning Bryan but Bryan kicks out.
Punk with a slam and then he goes up top for the elbow drop and he hits it. Punk can only get a two count. Punk signals that it is time for someone to go to sleep and he gets Bryan on his shoulders but Kane with a big boot to Punk and Kane gets a near fall on Punk. Kane runs Punk into the turnbuckles and he punches Punk.
Kane with an Irish whip and a running clothesline into the corner. Punk avoids Kane in the corner but Punk is sent to the apron. Punk with a round kick and then he goes up top and misses the elbow drop when Kane moves.
Bryan goes up top for the diving head butt and he hits it but Punk kicks out at two. Kane charges at Bryan but Kane goes to the apron. Bryan with a running forearm that knocks Kane off the apron. Bryan sees Punk on the mat and Punk with an inside cradle for a near fall. Bryan with a round kick and then he applies the Yes Lock on Punk. Bryan pulls back on the hold.
Punk with a rollup for a near fall. Bryan tries for the Yes Lock. Punk with the Go To Sleep on Bryan but Kane pulls Bryan out of the ring. Kane drops Punk on the top rope and then he goes up top for the flying clothesline and he hits it.
Kane signals for the choke slam and Punk counters with a DDT and gets a near fall. Punk goes up top for the elbow drop and he hits it but Kane kicks out at two. Punk signals that it is time for someone to go to sleep. Punk gets Kane up but not onto his shoulders. Kane with a big boot to Punk and then he hits a choke slam but Punk is able to get his shoulder up.
Kane yells at the referee and shows his frustration. Kane signals that it is tombstone time but Kane is able to escape and he sends Kane against the ropes but AJ is on the apron and Kane knocks her off. Punk gets Kane on his shoulders and hits the Go To Sleep for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, the medical staff checks on AJ who is down on the floor. Kane scares the medical staff away as he stands over her. Kane carries AJ to the back and she appears to be fine as she looks back at Punk in the ring.
I really liked this match. I was surprised at how little AJ did during the match since she was involved in the three backstage segments. All three men deserve a lot of credit for this match. Many people thought that Kane was a third wheel that would affect the match, but he did what he used to do in the Money in the Bank matches to allow the big spots to take place. Another match with a lot of good counters. The kick sequence by Bryan to Kane and Punk was a lot of fun. I still want to see Punk/Bryan a few more times because I think they can do more.
Match Number Eight: Dan Delaney and Rob Grymes versus Ryback
Ryback with a back body drop to Delany and a shoulder to Grymes. Ryback presses Delaney over his head and power slams him. Ryback with a slam to Grymes. Ryback goes to the turnbuckles and drops onto Grymes. Ryback with the double marching muscle buster for the three count.
Winner: Ryback
At least Ryback used some new moves but they need to change things up with Ryback or the crowd could be ready for something else.
The cage is lowered and that means the main event is next.
John Laurinaitis and Vince McMahon come to ringside before the match to watch the action inside the steel cage.
Match Number Nine: Steel Cage Match: John Cena versus Big Show (If Big Show loses, John Laurinaitis is fired)
Show misses a clothesline but he tries to choke slam Cena but Cena gets free of the hold. Cena tries for a flying shoulder tackle but he bounces off Show. Show sends Cena into the cage as he tries to methodically wear down Cena. Show sends Cena into another side of the cage.
Show walks across Cena’s chest. Cena goes to the apron and Show sets for the punch but Cena moves out of the way and Show punches the cage. Cena climbs the cage but Show pulls Cena to the mat. Show with a head butt. Show punches Cena in the chest. Show with a Shhhh chop to Cena’s chest. Show chokes Cena in the corner.
Cena with a drop kick and he goes for the door but Show grabs Cena and he gives Cena a head butt. Show drops Cena face first onto the mat. Show with a clothesline to Cena and Show focuses on the crowd instead of winning the match. Show sends Cena into the cage again. Show walks across Cena’s chest one more time.
Show punches Cena and he tells John to quit because nobody cares. Show with a running butt splash into the corner. Cena crawls towards the door but Show stands on Cena’s head to stop him and the door is closed. Show with an Irish whip and then he charges into the corner but Cena gets his boots up.
Cena with a bulldog from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Cena gets to the top of the cage but Show grabs Cena. Show gets to the top rope and he hits Cena in the back with a forearm. Cena crotches Show on the top rope. Cena bounces off Show and goes down again.
Cena climbs the cage instead of going through the door and Show gets Cena up for a power bomb and he sends Cena into the cage before suplexing Cena and he gets a near fall. Show goes to the turnbuckles for a Vader Bomb and he hits it but Cena kicks out.
Show goes to the turnbuckles and he has Cena by the throat. He picks up Cena and but Cena with an elbow. Cena is sent into the cage and falls down. Show walks across the ropes and tries for an elbow drop but Cena moves out of the way. Show crawls for the door this time and Cena recovers and he tries to use the cage for extra leverage to keep Show in the cage.
Show has his hands on the floor but Cena pulls him back in. Show has his hands on the steps as Cena tries to pull Show back into the cage. Cena pulls Show back into the cage and Cena leaps over Show. Show pulls Cena back in and tries for a choke slam. Cena sends Show into the cage and Cena with a flying shoulder tackle.
Cena gets a near fall. John Laurinaitis tries to close the cage door but Vince stops Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis hits Vince from behind and the cage door hits Cena. Show with a choke slam for a near fall.
Show sets for the punch but the referee is standing behind Cena and he gets knocked out. Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment and then Show with the punch and Cena is out cold. Show yells at the fans before going to the door. Brodus Clay opens the door but he has a chair for Show.
Show starts to climb the cage to distract Brodus. Show tries to figure out his plan of escape. Brodus waves up the ramp and Santino Marella and Alex Riley come out and Show knocks them off the cage. Zack Ryder comes out and Show punches him through the cage. Kofi Kingston comes out and he climbs the cage but Show grabs Kofi by the throat. Kofi kicks Show to the mat and Show is down.
Cena pulls himself across the ring using the ropes and he is to the door. Show grabs Cena’s leg but Cena gets Show up and hits the Attitude Adjustment. Both men are down again. Cena covers Show but Cena realizes the referee is out. Show crawls to the door and Cena climbs the cage.
Clay stands guard while Johnny waits for Cena with the crutch. Clay goes to Johnny and Show goes through the door but Cena hits the floor first.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Brodus holds Laurinaitis and Cena sees him. Cena tells Brodus it is okay and he can go to the back. Laurinaitis swings with the crutch but misses. Cena gets Laurinaitis on his shoulders and Vince tells Laurinaitis that his is fired. Cena gives Laurinaitis his severance package with an Attitude Adjustment through the table.
Cena celebrates his victory with Brodus Clay while Michael Cole says that John Laurinaitis never did a good job in charge.
Cena/Show should not have been the main event so as a main event match, it fell short of what you would expect. If this match was in the first half of the show or at worst, end of hour two, it would have probably been appreciated more. When you saw Show taking his time working over Cena, you had a feeling it was going to be a long match. Brodus getting some revenge and costing Show the match was okay, but bringing out the rest of the ‘I got by rear end kicked by Big Show and all I got was ignored in storyline’ club was overkill.
Overall Thoughts on No Way Out
I enjoyed the pay per view. I thought there were two very good matches (World Title Match and WWE Title Match), a pretty good match (Intercontinental Title Match), and a good match that wasn’t on the original card (Number One Contender Match). There were two matches that I felt would have been better if they were cut by a few minutes (Steel Cage and Divas Title Matches). If you were expecting comedy in the Tuxedo match and not much more, I thought it served its purpose. The Ryback stuff might be on its last legs if they don’t change things up soon. The Triple H segment could have been saved for Raw. Hunico versus Sin Cara was good and they did a few things different than their television match a few weeks ago.
While I thought it was a good pay per view, I don’t know if it was worth $44.95 or $54.95 for a replay. It is worth getting the DVD when it comes out.
2013 - WWE broadcasts Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night, the man whose father was associated with perfection was able to win his first title in the WWE. Meanwhile, the man whose entrance music mentions ‘Perfection’ was unable to retain the World Title, possibly due to the concussion he recently suffered. The Shield still has their titles and John Cena was able to vanquish Ryback by sending him through the roof of an ambulance during Three Stages of Hell. Will we encounter the Fourth Stage of Hell if the rumors circulating about Mark Henry are true? What will Mark tell everyone tonight?
We are in Grand Rapids, Michigan and your announcers are Jerry ‘Isn’t there someone from Michigan returning to WWE soon’ Lawler, Michael ‘With the siren on the ambulance, I thought someone from Michigan was returning’ Cole, and John ‘We make references to Michigan on Monday nights’ Layfield.
Ricardo Rodriguez is on the stage to introduce the new World Champion and he is doing it in Spanish. The reaction to Del Rio is mixed after what he did last night.
Alberto takes the mic and he asks everyone how their weekend was. He says that he heard people talking about man of steel, but why do it when you have a man of gold.
Some people say the way he won was controversial, but what about the night after Wrestlemania when Dolph Ziggler attacked him when he was injured with his leg practically broken. He was in terrible pain but he gave Ziggler a fight. On that night, the people cheered for Ziggler.
They cheered for a coward who attacked an injured man. Alberto says that he should be surprised or offended but he is not. He says that he gets it. He hears the reactions each night. He gave the people everything. Then he fought an ignorant pig like Jack Swagger who offended the Mexican people. All heard was ‘USA” They don’t cheer for him but they cheer for a pig and a coward. That is what America is all about . . . pigs and cowards.
Alberto says that he fought for everyone for the last five months and he got nothing. Last night, he fought for Alberto Del Rio and he won the title. Alberto says that he is going to be the better man in this situation and he will show us why he is the best. He will give everyone a second chance to show him the respect he deserves.
CM Punk’s music interrupts and he makes his way to the ring with Paul Heyman.
Punk says that it feels like it has been a while. The last time they were in the ring together, he beat Alberto at Survivor Series when he beat Alberto to hold the title for 434 days. Punk says that it looks like Alberto remembers. He is not out here because of the problems he has with the people. He is out here because Alberto says that he was the best.
There is only one “Best in the World” and Alberto is looking at him. Punk says that he is challenging Alberto.
Paul says that his client don’t fight for free and Punk asks Paul what he is doing.
Paul says that they didn’t talk about it earlier.
Punk says that he knows that Dolph is owed a rematch. While Alberto was stealing the title from Dolph, he was stealing the show with Chris Jericho. Last night, Punk proved that he was the best in the world. He wants to do it tonight and against Del Rio.
Alberto tells Punk that he doesn’t want to do this. Punk says that he does want to do this. He wants a match tonight.
Alberto reminds Punk that he is the World Champion and he reminds Punk that he said that he doesn’t want him.
Punk asks Ricardo if he has his tights on.
Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox come out to excuse themselves. She tells Alberto that unfortunately, he does not make this decision, she does. She says that she cannot think of a better way to add to the momentum from Payback than to have a main event of Alberto Del Rio versus CM Punk.
Wade Barrett sulks and walks in the back. We go to commercial.
Paul and Punk are in the back and Paul apologizes for jumping the gun. Punk reminds Paul of what he told him last night. Paul almost cost him the match last night. He does not need Paul’s help to win matches. He is not Brock Lesnar or Curtis Axel. He is not Paul’s client. He does not want Paul in his corner any more. He will always be a Paul Heyman guy.
Match Number One: Wade Barrett versus Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman) for the Intercontinental Title
Vickie says that the match with Curtis Axel will have to wait. Wade will have to face Vickie’s big surprise.
Match Number One (Take Two): Wade Barrett versus Christian
Barrett with a kick and punches. Christian tries for a cross body but Barrett catches him. Christian sends Barrett over the top rope to the floor. Christian goes up top and hits a cross body onto Barrett and both men are down. Barrett drops Christian on the top rope and Barrett with forearms and a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Barrett with a reverse chin lock and a knee. Barrett backs Christian into the corner and he puts Christian on the turnbuckles.
Christian punches Barrett and hits a missile drop kick. Christian punches Barrett and then he hits a running forearm. Barrett sends Christian into the corner and Barrett runs into an elbow. Christian with a tornado DDT and he gets a near fall. Barrett with a kick and he gets a near fall. Barrett misses a charge into the corner and then Christian drops Barrett’s neck on the top rope. Christian goes for the Killswitch and he connects for the three count.
Winner: Christian
If you have the APP, you can vote on the stipulation for the Randy Orton versus Daniel Bryan match.
We have a Wyatt Family video.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow versus Sheamus in a We Couldn’t Find John Cena for the Handicap Match, but this guy will do Match
Sheamus kicks Cody but Cody and Damien double team Sheamus. Sheamus punches Damien and Cody with an elbow. Sheamus snap mares Cody from the turnbuckles and then he hits Sandow. Sandow grabs the leg and Cody hits Beautiful Disaster. Cody with boots to Sheamus while Sandow holds him. They hit a double suplex on Sheamus and Sandow gets a near fall.
Sandow with an elbow drop. Sandow with a snap mare and Rhodes with a Shining Wizard. Sandow with an Elbow of Disdain and Rhodes can only get a near fall. Sandow holds Sheamus and Cody slaps Sheamus. Sheamus gets back to his feet and Cody charges at him and he back drops Cody to the floor.
Sheamus with two running double sledges and then he runs Sandow into the corner and he hits a knee lift followed by a Finlay slam. Sheamus with the forearms on the apron to Cody and then he hits a power slam on Sandow. Sheamus catches Cody off the turnbuckles and Sheamus hits White Noise and then he looks around for the Brogue Kick spot and Sandow with a rollup from out of nowhere for the three count.
Winners: Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes
After the match, Sandow celebrates on the ramp and Sheamus does what any fan favorite would do, he gives Cody Rhodes a Brogue Kick.
Is Mark Henry going to retire? If so, who inducts him into the Hall of Pain?
We go to commercial with the RVD is coming to Money in the Bank video package.
We are back and Vickie and Brad are in the office with Triple H. Vickie says that the main event decision was genius on her part.
Hunter says that was phenomenal thinking. If CM Punk hadn’t wandered to the ring, what would the main event have been?
Vickie reminds Hunter that she brought back Christian.
Hunter points out that Christian has been cleared for a month and a half. He brings up RVD.
Brad and Vickie take responsibility for it.
Hunter says that he doesn’t remember hearing them on the phone during negotiations. He tells Vickie that they need to make an example of the Shield if they interfere during the show. Hunter likes putting 3MB on the show tonight.
Daniel Bryan is in the locker room and Kane stops by. Kane wants to talk to Daniel but Daniel says that he is a little busy. He doesn’t want Kane to say ‘I Told you so’. He says that by losing last night, Kane thinks that he is the weak link.
Kane points out that Daniel wasn’t the only one who lost on Sunday. Maybe the team should continue to exist.
Daniel says that the only way he can prove himself is to be by himself. He will be Team DB.
Kane says that Daniel is acting like a ‘DB’.
Daniel says that he needs to win the WWE Championship.
Kane says that he needs to win the WWE Championship too. He wants to know if this is it.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: The Shield losing their first six man tag match by pinfall or submission.
Randy Orton told Josh Mathews on the WWE App (REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD IT) that it was Daniel Bryan’s fault they lost at Payback and Daniel Bryan is the weak link.
Match Number Three: Randy Orton versus Daniel Bryan in a No Disqualification Match
They lock up and Bryan works on the arm and wrist. Orton with a reversal into a hammer lock. Bryan with an escape and he goes for the leg. Bryan with a kick to the hamstring and then he sets for the surfboard but he decides to drive Orton’s knees to the mat. Bryan with kicks to the back of the leg but Orton with a head butt and kicks of his own.
Orton with a slingshot suplex and Thesz Press but Bryan escapes and he applies a single leg crab. Orton gets to the ropes but Bryan does not have to release the hold. Orton kicks Bryan away. Bryan with kicks in the corner. Orton with a rake of the eyes and then Orton sends Bryan to the floor and Orton with a clothesline.
The referee starts his count because this is not a No Count Out Match. They return to the ring and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with a reverse chin lock. Orton with a head butt followed by punches on the turnbuckles. Orton with an Irish whip but Bryan flips over and he hits the flying clothesline. Bryan with the running drop kick into the corner followed by the hesitation drop kick for a near fall.
Orton with a kick but when he charges at Bryan, Daniel drops down and Orton goes over the top rope to the floor. Bryan goes for the suicide dive and Orton moves and Bryan hits the ringside barrier. Orton goes under the ring and he finds a kendo stick. Orton hits Bryan with the kendo stick.
They return to the ring and Orton gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton has Bryan on the turnbuckles and he connects with a head butt before setting for the superplex. Bryan with punches and he sends Orton to the mat with a head butt. Bryan with a missile drop kick and both men are down. Both men struggle to get back to their feet and Bryan with kicks to the chest. Bryan misses a round kick and Orton hits an Exploder suplex.
Orton tries for the IEDDT but Bryan escapes and he tries for the No Lock but Orton escapes and he catapults Bryan over the top rope but Bryan holds on to the ropes and he skins the cat but Orton kicks Bryan in the chest and Bryan goes to the floor.
The official holds Orton back as Bryan is checked by the official.
Bryan goes after Orton and they fight to the floor. Orton with a belly-to-back suplex onto the ringside barrier. The referee has to stop the match on the order of the medical official.
Winner: Randy Orton (by referee stoppage)
After the match, Orton helps Bryan up and shows him some respect.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at how we got CM Punk versus Alberto Del Rio (without the obvious fact that Vickie Guerrero pulled a Teddy and saw an even number of people in the ring so she made a match)
AJ Lee comes out and she says that this is what it feels like to have it all. Her Ziggy is not here because he is not medically cleared but he will be back to share the spotlight with the greatest Divas Champion. She says that she has always been the champion, now she has the proof. Did she play mind games with her? Yes. Did she crush Kaitlyn’s spirits? Yes. She knows exactly how to get what she wants. There is not a woman in the audience, locker room, or the entire world who is as strong, brilliant, or as courageous as her. If there is anyone who thinks she can compare to her, she dares them to come out right now.
Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring.
AJ says hello to the boss lady and she wants to know if Stephanie is going to congratulate her.
Stephanie says that AJ is a true underdog. She has everyone buzzing. She has a tremendous story. She congratulates AJ for winning. She says that she does not understand why AJ is perpetuating the stereotype that women are trying to tear each other down. What AJ did to Kaitlyn was degrading. It is time to start acting like a champion.
AJ says that she should be acting more like Stephanie and instead of dating Superstars, she should marry them. AJ brings up Stephanie’s daddy issues. What she did to Kaitlyn was original. It was months in the making. It was her masterpiece.
Stephanie reminds AJ that the crazy eyes won’t work because the McMahons know crazy. She tells AJ to start acting like a champion.
AJ says that she is Stephanie . . . only younger. She doesn’t have the fancy pants.
Stephanie tells AJ that she is the Divas champion, but she can take it all away from her. She can take away AJ’s job.
Kailtyn comes out to the stage with her support group. Kaitlyn congratulates AJ for winning.
Stephanie tells Kaitlyn never to interrupt her again, but she will give her a bye this week.
Kailtyn says that AJ got inside her head and manipulated her and humiliated her. She was played like a puppet. AJ broke her. Kaitlyn says that it is now her turn.
Kaitlyn attacks AJ, but Langston pulls AJ out of the ring. Langston grabs AJ when she tries to get back into the ring.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Kane versus Dean Ambrose for the United States Title in a Did you Remember this match from last night Match
Kane grabs Ambrose by the throat and Kane sends him into the turnbuckles and he punches him. Kane with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Kane with a boot to Ambrose. Ambrose with a kick and chop but Kane with a power slam for a near fall. Kane with an uppercut followed by an Irish whip and clothesline. Kane with another Irish whip and clothesline followed by a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline and he connects.
Roman Reigns attacks Kane and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Kane (by disqualification)
After the match, Kane grabs Rollins by the throat and Reigns with a spear. The Shield hit the Cerberus Bomb on Kane.
Mark Henry is in the back and Darren Young, Titus O’Neil, and Tamina Snuka are sad. We go to commercial.
We are back and The Shield are walking victorious in the back. They are stopped by Vickie Guerrero. She reminds them that she is there boss.
Dean wonders what the severe ramifications are. Will they be spanked or put in time out. Dean tells Vickie to start thinking about what she is going to do before she does it.
Vince McMahon appears and he is in Mark Henry’s back up suit and he says that the Shield reminds him of him back in the day. He talks about Ruthless Aggression.
Vince says that he never liked that Halloween mask wearing freak anyhow.
It is time for the next Wyatt Family video.
We are back and Zeb Colter makes his way to the ring. He tells everyone to open their eyes. This is a country under siege. Our country is spying on us and lying to us. Every day, foreigners flood into this country, sneaking into this country like rats on the street. We are at war and that leads to some strange alliances.
To prove that they are not prejudicial, they are going to work with a man who has honor, integrity, and respect. That man speaks five languages.
Match Number Five: Antonio Cesaro versus William Regal
They lock up and Cesaro with a wrist lock. Regal with an arm wringer. Cesaro with punches and kicks in the corner. Cesaro with a European uppercut. Cesaro with the dead lift side salto on Regal. Regal with a bridge but Cesaro with a stomp to the midsection. Cesaro with a forearm.
Regal with European uppercuts and forearms. Cesaro counters a butterfly suplex into a back driver. Regal with a reverse chin lock and then he spins Regal around before applying the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Cesaro unveils a ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag and he puts it over Regal.
John Cena walks through the hallway of interesting lighting after surviving the Three Stages of Hell. We go to commercial.
We are back and The Champ is in the arena.
John reacts to the mixed reaction from the fans . . . as is tradition. Cena says that he loves this. Everyone under one roof because we share a common interest, we love the WWE. Everyone has their favorite superstars. Cena points at everyone when he mentions his favorite superstar. He admires their honesty.
There is a group of people that just don’t like him. He says that there is a group who knows that every time he walks into the ring, he goes to war for them. He wants to speak to that group. He had a horrible 2012 and he had to come out and beg for the people to hang in there. After disappointment after disappointment, he had to ask them to hang in there. Moments like the Royal Rumble and challengers like The Rock, CM Punk, and Ryback, he can say ‘The Champ is Here’.
Skeptics and critics will always be there. Those who hung in there for him, he says ‘thank you’. Tonight is the night he tells everyone that he feels as good as he ever felt and he can handle any challenge placed in front of him.
Everyone’s eyes are focused on Money in the Bank for his next challenger. He says that there will be no opportune time to cash in against him. If he looks down and out, he will always be ready. He says that he will not have the title forever, but the next man to hold it will have earned it.
Mark Henry’s music plays and he comes to the ring in his Hall of Pain official uniform. He carries his wrestling boots out with him and he puts them on the stage before walking to the ring.
Mark tells John he can put his guard down. Mark shakes John’s hand and then John leaves the ring.
Mark asks John to stay in the ring because he has something to tell him, the boys, and the girls in the back, and all of y’all.
Mark says that he respects everyone who loves this business. He respects everyone who works for this company because he knows how difficult it is. He says that he was a seasoned veteran in 2002 when John Cena came in. John is doing an awesome job.
If everyone forgets him, they will at least remember this coat. At the rate that John is going, he will be the greatest WWE Champion of all time. Mark says that if he had any regrets about his career . . . he has been ECW, World Champion, and World’s Strongest Man. He has been successful, but not as successful as John.
The reason that Mark is out here is that he is going to retire from the active roster. John gives Mark the WWE Title belt and Mark holds it over his head.
John applauds Mark
A small town Silsby boy done proud. He gives the title belt back to John because it is something you have to earn. He had a chance to travel the world many times over. He tells the people not to cry for him because he is doing enough crying for everyone. He says that he is a proud man. He is on the road close to 200 nights. He tells his wife that she will be seeing more of him than she wants to. He tells his son and daughter that he is coming home.
John comes into the ring and he raises Mark’s hand and then they hug and . . .
Mark gives Cena the World’s Strongest Slam and he takes off the Hall of Pain curator uniform.
He asks Cena if it is that easy. He says that he has a lot left in the tank. Mark puts the belt on Cena and he leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Mark Henry’s retirement from being secondary to John Cena.
Mark walks through the back and Renee wants to get Mark’s comments. Mark says that he had everyone fooled because they are a bunch of puppets. The WWE Title is the only thing that he hasn’t held and he is challenging John Cena for it. The reason he has two boots is because he is going to leave one of them in his rear end.
Match Number Six: Heath Slater (with Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre) versus Chris Jericho
They lock up and Jericho with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Jericho with chops and a forearm. Slater with a leaping leg lariat for a near fall. Slater punches Jericho and the referee warns him. Jericho with a shoulder tackle or two. Jericho is sent over the top rope but he lands on the apron and he goes up top for a double sledge.
Jericho with a bulldog and then Jinder distracts the referee to allow McIntyre to punch Jericho when he goes for the Lionsault. Slater gets a near fall and then he kicks and slams Jericho. Slater goes to the turnbuckles and he misses a leg drop. Jericho with a bulldog and Lionsault followed by the Codebreaker and the three count.
Winner: Chris Jericho
After the match, Mahal tries to attack Jericho but it fails. Jericho gives McIntyre a Codebreaker.
Paul is talking to Curtis Axel and Matt Striker wants to get some comments from Paul about what Punk said.
Paul says that he is the best friend of the Best in the World and best friends know when to give people space. What about the Intercontinental Champion, the man born to be more than perfect? We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz is at the announce table for the next match.
Match Number Seven: Curtis Axel versus Sin Cara
The lights go down so the challenger has the home lighting advantage. Curtis with punches to Cara in the corner and the referee warns him. Curtis with a back breaker and he gets a near fall. Cara with a drop kick and he sends Axel to the floor. Curtis with a clothesline and kicks. Axel with a snap Saito suplex for a near fall. Curtis with a forearm to the back of the head.
Cara escapes a slam attempt and he gets a near fall. Cara wit kicks but Axel with a knee. Axel with an Irish whip but he runs into boots and Cara with an enzuigiri but Axel with a knee to Cara followed by a DDT for the three count.
Winner: Curtis Axel
After the match, Miz mockingly applauds Axel’s victory and their eyes meet.
We are back and we are told that Dean Ambrose will face Daniel Bryan if the injuries suffered tonight are healed.
Vince is with Vickie and Brad. He says that they are between a rock and a hard place but he tells them to listen to him. Vince asks them what they are going to do. Vickie says that they are going to have John Cena against Mark Henry.
Stephanie enters and she says that things are out of control. Hunter enters and he reminds Vickie that he told her to make an example of the Shield. Hunter says that he wants it done and he tells her to listen to him.
Vince tells Vickie that she is fine and that she needs to listen to Vince. Stephanie tells Vickie not to listen to either of them. She tells Vickie she knows who to listen to.
CM Punk is walking in the back and Paul Heyman stops him and he tells Punk that everyone is trying to stir this up but he will not let it happen. He thanks Punk for letting him be a part of this. Paul says that he loves Punk and he hugs him.
Match Number Seven: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus CM Punk
Punk with punches and knees to Del Rio and Alberto regroups on the floor with Ricardo. Del Rio returns to the ring and Punk with kicks to the legs and Del Rio goes to the floor to avoid the kicks. Punk goes after Del Rio on the floor and he chops Del Rio and sends him back into the ring. Del Rio with a kick to the head when Punk re-enters.
Del Rio with another kick to the head. Del Rio with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Punk with punches to Del Rio and more kicks. Punk with knees to Del Rio but Del Rio with a kick and punches in the corner. Del Rio with a step up round kick to the ribs and arm. Del Rio wraps the other arm in the ropes.
Punk with a kick and forearms and then he gets Del Rio on his shoulders but Punk does not use his left arm and Del Rio is able to escapes. Punk with a suicide dive onto Del Rio but Punk still holds his left arm.
Punk sends Del Rio’s arm into the ringside barrier. Punk sends Del Rio back into the ring and Ricardo’s distraction allows Del Rio to drop the left arm on the ropes and Del Rio with a kick to the left arm and Punk falls to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio with an arm bar but Punk with an arm drag to escape. Del Rio charges into a boot from Punk but Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. Del Rio with head butts to Punk followed by a round kick to the head. Del Rio with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Del Rio goes to the apron and turnbuckles but Punk with a punch to the midsection as he comes off. Punk with a back heel kick and leg lariat.
Punk with knees but he misses a round kick and Del Rio with a single arm DDT to the injured arm. Del Rio puts Punk in the ropes and he goes for the diez forearms to the back and then he hits the lungblower and Del Rio with a near fall.
Punk avoids a super kick and he gets a near fall with a roll up. Del Rio hits yet another super kick and he gets a near fall. Del Rio gestures for the cross arm breaker and he tries to float over but Punk sends Del Rio into the turnbuckles and then he connects with a knee and then Punk with the Go To Sleep but Del Rio falls to the floor.
Del Rio has had enough and he allows the referee to get to ten.
Winner: CM Punk (by count out)
After the match, Del Rio is attacked from behind by Dolph Ziggler and officials try to stop him.
Meanwhile, Punk shakes it all off and he is declared the winner.
Brock Lesnar’s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage and then to the ring.
Brock and Punk circle each other in the ring. Brock takes the mic and he looks at Punk. Lesnar picks up Punk and hits the F-5.
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
