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July 4th
On this day in history in ....
1966 - Don Leo Jonathan & Haystacks Calhoun defeat John Tolos & Tony Borne to win the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title.
1968 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Johnny DeFazio defeated Lou Albano & Tony Altimore in Indiana, PA.
1970 - WWWF ran Harrisburg, PA at Zembo Mosque with the following results:
-Arnold Skaaland pinned Chuck Richards at 15:02.
-Joe Turco fought Johnny Rodz to a 20-minute draw.
-Crusher Verdu defeated John L. Sullivan via submission with a bear hug at 7:03.
-Mario Milano pinned Prof. Toru Tanaka at 18:03.
-The Mongols defeated Victor & Jose Rivera in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1 - the Mongols won at 15:03; fall #2 - Victor & Jose won at 3:02; fall #3 - the Mongols won at 8:03.
1974 - Gary Michael Capetta made his official debut as a ring announcer at a WWWF event in Wildwood, NJ, headlined by WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeating Nikolai Volkoff.
1974 - Ric Flair & Rip Hawk defeat Paul Jones & Bob Bruggers in Greensboro, North Carolina to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title.
1982 - The Atlanta Omni was the site for a rare WWF vs. NWA World title match, which saw WWF champion Bob Backlund go to a double countout against NWA World champion Ric Flair. Other results of the card saw:
-Ivan Putski & Tom Prichard (sub. for Tommy Rich) defeated NWA Tag Team Champions Stan Hansen & Ole Anderson via disqualification at 9:00.
-Kevin Sullivan defeated Mr. Saito at 7:02.
-National Tag Team Champions Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy vs. the Wild Samoans (w/ Sonny King).
-The Masked Superstar pinned Mr. Wrestling II.
-Don Muraco (w/ Roddy Piper) pinned Dusty Rhodes at the 49-second mark.
-Super Destroyer defeated Tom Pritchard at 11:00.
-Leroy Brown defeated Big John Studd in a Texas Death Match.
-Paul Orndorff defeated Jimmy Snuka via disqualification.
1983 - Ric Flair fought NWA World Champion Harley Race to a double disqualification in the main event of a Jim Crockett Promotions event in Greenville, SC at the Memorial Auditorium.
1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Independence Day Star Wars" event in Fort Worth, Texas, with the following results:
- Michael Hayes defeated Iceman King Parsons in a Lights Out match.
- Bruiser Brody vs. Kamala ended in a double disqualification.
- David Von Erich defeated Jimmy Garvin to win the vacant World Class Texas Heavyweight Title.
- The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin & David) defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) in a three falls match when Kevin pinned Hayes to win the deciding fall.
1983 - WWF ran Wildwood, New Jersey, featuring the following results:
-Salvatore Bellomo fought Samula to a draw.
-Bob Bradley defeated Jeff Craney.
-Ivan Putski defeated George Steele via countout.
-Rocky Johnson defeated WWF IC Champion Don Muraco via disqualification.
-SD Jones & Pete Sanchez defeated Victor Rivera & Johnny Rodz.
-Tony Garea defeated Iron Mike Sharpe via countout.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Myrtle Beach, SC with NWA World champion Ric Flair defeating Gary Royal and then Wahoo McFaniel by DQ at the event.
1984 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Independence Day Star Wars" event in Fort Worth, Texas, with the following results:
- Killer Khan defeated Mike Reed.
- Scott Irwin & The Missing Link defeated Jose Lothario & Buck Zumhoffe.
- World Class American Heavyweight Champion Gino Hernandez defeated Jules Strongbow.
- Kelly Kiniski defeated George Weingroff.
- The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) defeated The Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin & Mike) to win the World Class Six-Man Tag Team Title when Hayes pinned Kevin.
- Iceman King Parsons defeated Bill Irwin in a singles match to win the World Class American Tag Team Title. Parsons chose Buck Zumhoffe as his partner.
- Gino Hernandez won a "Pole Battle Royal" in which a check was affixed to the top of a pole in the corner of the ring and the wrestlers had to try and climb the pole to be the first to get it.
- Chris Adams & Stella Mae French defeated Jimmy Garvin & Precious in a Loser Leaves Town steel cage match when Adams pinned Garvin.
1984 - Bob Backlund fought Bob Orton to a draw in the main event of a WWWF event in Clearfield, PA at St. Francis High School. Backlund was a substitute for Andre the Giant. Underneath, SD Jones defeated Rene Goulet and Salvatore Bellomo defeated Joe Abby, who was substituting for Greg Valentine.
1985 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Independence Day Star Wars" event in Fort Worth, Texas, with the following results:
- Steve Casey defeated Jack Victory.
- Brian Adidas vs. Jim Powers ended in a no-contest.
- The Fantastics defeated Rip Oliver & Kelly Kiniski in a three falls match in two straight falls.
- Iceman King Parsons defeated Tim Brooks.
- Kerry Von Erich defeated The One Man Gang in a Chicago Death Match.
- The Great Kabuki defeated Chris Adams.
- Sunshine defeated Jim Cornette. Cornette had to wrestle with one arm tied behind his back and a blindfold on.
- Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez defeated Kerry & Kevin Von Erich when Adams pinned Kerry.
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Omni in Atlanta, GA, drawing 13,000 fans with the following results:
-The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeated Brett Sawyer & the Italian Stallion in their Omni debut.
-Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Kevin Sullivan via disqualification.
-National Tag Team Champions Ole & Arn Anderson defeated Buzz & Brett Sawyer.
-Ron Garvin fought Black Bart to a no contest.
-Krusher Kruschev, NWA Tag Team Champions Ivan & Nikita Koloff defeated Dick Slater, Pez Whatley & Bill Watts.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA.
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Norfolk, VA with the following:
-Ricky Reeves fought Tommy Lane to a draw.
-Denny Brown defeated Mike Davis.
-Kendo Nagasaki defeated Stoney Burke.
-Superstar Billy Graham defeated Pat Tanaka.
-Buddy Landell defeated Ron Bass.
-Jimmy Valiant, Manny Fernandez & Buzz Tyler defeated the Barbarian, Abdullah the Butcher, & Paul Jones.
1985 - WWF ran New Haven, CT at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Big John Studd & Bobby Heenan defeated George Wells & SD Jones,
-George Steele defeated Nikolai Volkoff via disqualification.
-Ricky Steamboat defeated the Iron Sheik.
-Don Muraco defeated Tito Santana.
-Paul Orndorff defeated Bob Orton.
1985 - WWF ran Los Angeles, CA at the Sports Arena, drawing 14,800 fans with the following results:
-Davey Boy Smith defeated Rene Goulet.
-Rick McGraw defated Steve Lombardi.
-Ivan Putski (substituting for Jimmy Snuka) defeated Bob Orton via disqualification.
-Adrian Adonis defeated Jack Armstrong.
-Paul Orndorff fought Roddy Piper to a draw.
-Les Thornton defeated Gama Singh.
-WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine & Jesse Ventura defeated the Junkyard Dog & George Wells.
-The Dynamite Kid defeated Alexis Smirnoff via countout.
-WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan pinned Brutus Beefcake.
1986 - WWF and Stampede Wrestling ran a rare combined card in Calgary, Alberta at the Saddledown, featuring a crowd of 15,000 fans witnessing:
-Keith Hart defeated the Great Gama.
-Stampede International Tag Team Champions Duke Myers & Kerry Brown defeated Owen Hart & Ben Bassarab.
-Stampede North American Champion Honkytonk Wayne defeated Dan Kroffat via disqualification.
-Billy Jack Haynes defeated Rene Goulet.
-Hercules Hernandez defeated Lanny Poffo.
-Pedro Morales defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
-Adrian Adonis defeated Cousin Luke.
-Big John Studd pinned Tito Santana when Santana failed a bodyslam attempt and Studd fell on top for the win.
-Bret Hart defeated Sivi Afi.
-WWF Tag Team Champions The British Bulldogs Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid defeated Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake.
-WWF champion Hulk Hogan defeated King Kong Bundy via disqualification.
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Memphis, TN at the Liberty Bowl, drawing 1,900 fans with the following:
-Black Bart defeated Todd Champion.
-Hector Guerrero defeated Thunderfoot.
-Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin.
-Manny Fernandez defeated Shaska Whatley in a Bunkhouse match.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Baron Von Raschke.
-The Rock N' Roll Express,Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson fought Ole & NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson to a draw.
-NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Ron Garvin via disqualification in a taped fist match.
-The Road Warriors defeated Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev in a double chain match.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Nikita Koloff.
-Dusty Rhodes, Magnum TA, & Baby Doll defeated Jim Cornette, NWA Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey in a steel cage match.
1986 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Independence Day Star Wars" event in Dallas, Texas, with the following results:
- The Grapplers defeated Brad & Bart Batten.
- Buzz Sawyer defeated Brian Adidas to win the World Class Texas Heavyweight Title.
- Abdullah the Butcher defeated The Great Kabuki to win the World Class Brass Knuckles Title.
- Sunshine defeated The Raven.
- Steve Simpson defeated Tim Brooks.
- Bruiser Brody vs. Abdullah The Butcher ended in a double disqualification.
- Chris Adams defeated Rick Rude to win the World Class World Heavyweight Title.
- World Class Six-Man Tag Champions The Von Erichs (Kevin, Mike & Lance) defeated Butch Reed, Buzz Sawyer, & Matt Borne.
1986 - WWF ran Sydney, Australia at the Entertainment Center, featuring:
-Jose Luis Rivera defeated Jim.
-Tony Atlas defeated Terry Gibbs.
-SD Jones & Paul Roma defeated Jimmy Jack & Dory Funk Jr. via disqualification.
-Cpl. Kirchner defeated Nikolai Volkoff.
-Bob Orton defeated George Steele.
1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions holds the main show of their 1987 Great American Bash tour in Atlanta, Georgia at the Omni, featuring the debut of "War Games: The Match Beyond". The match features two rings, side by side, covered by a large steel cage with a roof. The bout saw The Four Horsemen (Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard & Lex Luger) & manager JJ Dillon vs. Dusty Rhodes, Nikita Koloff, The Road Warriors & manager Paul Ellering. The match started with Rhodes vs. Anderson for five minutes, then the teams alternated sending in a wrestler in two minute intervals. Once both teams were completely inside the cage, the match could only end by submission or surrender. Dillon surrendered after being bloodied by the Warriors and Ellering, giving Rhodes' team the victory. Dillon was injured during the match, and was replaced in the other War Games matches on the Bash tour by "The War Machine" (Bubba Rogers under a mask). The match would become a staple of Jim Crockett Promotions/WCW for years to come.
Here are results from the rest of the card:
- Kendall Windham defeated Gladiator #1.
- Sting defeated Thunderfoot #1.
- Lazertron defeated Spike of the Mod Squad.
- Jimmy Valiant defeated Basher of the Mod Squad.
- UWF Western States Champion Barry Windham defeated Rick Steiner.
- Ronnie & Jimmy Garvin defeated Vladimir Petrov & The Barbarian.
- UWF Tag Team Champions Tim Horner & Brad Armstrong defeated Big Bubba Rogers & Angel Of Death.
- Chris Adams defeated Black Bart via DQ.
- The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) defeated Ivan Koloff, Manny Fernandez & Paul Jones.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions The Rock N' Roll Express defeated The Midnight Express via DQ.
- Steve Williams defeated Dick Murdoch in a Texas Death Match.
1987 - WWF held a live card before a CFL football game between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Toronto Argonauts in Regina, Saskatchewan at Taylor Field featuring The Hart Foundation vs. The Killer Bees on top.
1987 - WWE ran Los Angeles, CA at Sports Arena, drawing 8,818 fans with the following results:
-SD Jones defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
-Ken Patera pinned Hercules.
-Tito Santana fought Butch Reed to a time-limit draw.
-WWF champion Hulk Hogan pinned Randy Savage with the legdrop after Elizabeth took a chair away from the challenger.
-Don Muraco & Bob Orton Jr. defeated Jerry Allen & Steve Gatorwolf; after the bout, Orton & Muraco argued.
-The Jumping Bomb Angels defeated WWF Women's Tag Team Champions Judy Martin & Leilani Kai via countout.
1988 - Keith Franke, who performed as Adrian Adonis in the WWF, the AWA and a number of other promotions, passed away in Lewisporte, Newfoundland while riding in a minivan when wrestler William "Mike Kelly" Arko swerved to avoid a moose and crashed into a lake. Wrestlers Victor "Pat Kelly" Arko, and Dave "Wildman" McKigney, McKigney, and Pat Kelly also passed away in the crash while Arko suffered severe leg injuries.
1989 - WCW held a TV Taping in Fayetteville, NC with partial results featuring:
-The Great Muta (with Gary Hart) pinned Ray Lloyd with a backbreaker and the moonsault at 2:25. NWA World TV champion Stuing and Muta faced off after the bout.
-Rick & Scott Steiner (w/ Missy Hyatt) defeated Mike Rotunda & Kevin Sullivan via disqualification at 5:13 when Sullivan hit Rick in the head with a chailr as the two fought outside the ring, with Rick then grabbing the chair away and chasing Sullivan with it.
1990 - Brutus Beefcake suffered serious facial injuries during a parasailing accident in Lutz, FL. His nose was crushed, his jaw was wired shut, and eight steel plates, 40 screws, and more than 100 staples were surgically inserted. B. Brian Blair was with Beefcake when the accident happened and was credited with saving his life by insuring Beefcake was able to breath after the accident. Beefcake made a full recovery but would not return to the ring until 1993.
1990 - John Tatum defeats Bill Dundee in Dallas, Texas to win the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title for a third time, ending Dundee's third reign, and putting an end to a back and forth series of title switches between the two.
1990 - NWA ran Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Tommy Rich defeated Dutch Mantell.
-Tracey Smothers & Steve Armstrong defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title match.
-El Gigante defeated Dr. X.
-The Junkyard Dog defeated NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson via disqualification,
-Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated NWA Tag Team Champions Doom via disqualification.
-Buddy Landell defeated Tom Zenk.
-NWA U.S. Champion Lex Luger & Paul Orndorff defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair & Barry Windham.
1991 - Dr. George T. Zahorian III, who at one time served as Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission physician and was positioned ringside at many pro wrestling events in the state, was found guilty on 12 counts following a trial in Harrisburg. Four counts were for selling steroids without medical purpose to former University of Virginia strength coach William Dunn, four were for selling controlled substances to Dunn, and four were for selling steroids without medical purpose to Roddy Piper, B. Brian Blair, Dan Spivey, and Rick Martel. He was found innocent on two additional steroid distribution charges. WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan was to have testified during the trial but Judge William Caldwell dismissed his subpoena. This was the first physician to be convicted on steroid charges following the passing of the Nov. 1988 steroid law. During the trial, it was revealed Zahorian also sold steroids over the years to Vince McMahon, Lord Alfred Hayes, Freddie Blassie, Superstar Billy Graham, and Hogan.
1992 - WCW ran Baltimore, MD at the Arena, drawing 2,500 fans with the following results:
-Larry Zbyzsko pinned Bobby Eaton.
-WCW Light Heavyweight Champion Scotty Flamingo pinned Jushin Liger.
-Ron Simmons & Ricky Steamboat defeated Cactus Jack & Arn Anderson.
-Dustin Rhodes pinned Greg Valentine.
-WCW World TV Champion Steve Austin pinned Barry Windham.
-WCW World Champion Sting pinned the Super Invader.
-WCW U.S. Champion Rick Rude pinned Nikita Koloff after hitting him with a foreign object.
-WCW World Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Steve Williams & Terry Gordy via disqualification.
1993 - WCW ran Greenville, SC at the Coliseum, drawing 1,300 fans with the following results:
-Marcus Alexander Bagwell pinned Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker with the fisherman's suplex at 8:01; prior to the bout, Tex Slazenger offered Parker $500 if he could beat Bagwell; because Bagwell won, he earned the money.
-2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Tex Slazenger & Shanghai Pierce at 9:48 when Scorpio pinned Pierce with a sunset flip.
-Davey Boy Smith pinned Big Sky with the running powerslam at 11:21.
-Johnny B. Badd defeated Maxx Payne at 7:39.
-Arn Anderson & Paul Roma fought WCW/NWA Unified World Tag Team Champions Steve Austin & Brian Pillman to a 30-minute time-limit draw.
-Sting, Ric Flair, & Dustin Rhodes defeated Sid Vicious, Rick Rude, & Bobby Eaton at 18:55 when Flair pinned Eaton with an elbowsmash.
1993 - In an angle designed to catapult him to the top of the WWF as an All American babyface, Lex Luger arrived via helicopter on the deck of the U.S.S Intrepid in New York City to bodyslam WWF champion Yokozuna. Yokozuna had offered an open challenge for any athlete to try and slam him as a way to mock the United States.
Among those attempting, but failing, before Luger arrived including Randy Savage,
Crush, Scott Steiner, Tatanaka, Bob Backlund, Rick Steiner, former NFL star Russ Francis, Lee Rouson, Peter Taglinati, Scott Burrell, Bill Fralic and more.
The event drew $1,500 fans, granting them admission to the museum and standing room general admission to the event. Before the Bodyslam challenge, WWF filmed a music video for Randy Savage's song "Speaking from the Heart."
1994 - Longtime WWF referee Joey Marella, the adopted son of Gorilla Monsoon, passed away due to an auto accident in New Jersey while traveling from a WWF TV taping.
1994 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Paintsville, KY with the following results:
The Dirty White Boy defeated Kendo the Samurai
The Thrillseekers, Chris Jericho & Lance Storm defeated Well Dunn in a penalty box match
Tracy Smothers defeated Bruiser Bedlam in a dock fight
Bambi & The Rock N' Roll Express defeated Tammy Fytch, Chris Candido, & Brian Lee
1995 - SMW ran Paintsville, KY at the High School featuring the following results:
Boo Bradley (the future Balls Mahoney) defeated D-Lo Brown
Bobby Blaze defeated Killer Kyle
Tracy Smothers & the Dirty White Boy defeated the Headbangers
Brad Armstrong defeated Buddy Landel via disqualification; the match was to determine the new SMW Heavyweight Champion
The Rock N' Roll Express defeated SMW Tag Team Champions Al Snow & Unabom (the future Kane) in a steel cage match
1997 - Michael Modest defeat Donovan Morgan in a tournament final to win the APW Universal Heavyweight Title.
1998 - WWE ran Vancouver, British Columbia at GM Place, drawing 12,746 fans with the following results:
-X-Pac and Road Dogg defeated Kama and D-Lo Brown at 7:44 when X-Pac pinned D-Lo following a double DDT by DX.
-Bradshaw pinned Savio Vega at 2:55 with a roll up.
-Scorpio pinned Marc Mero at 7:33 with a moonsault.
-DOA defeated the LOD 2000 at 1:45.
-WWF European Champion Triple H defeated WWF IC Champion the Rock via disqualification at 11:04 when the Nation interfered; DX made the save.
-Vader defeated Mark Henry via disqualification at 6:38 after a chair shot.
-Jeff Jarrett pinned Steve Blackman with Tennessee Lee's help at 3:59.
-Ken Shamrock defeated Owen Hart in a submission match with the ankle lock at 7:43.
-The Undertaker pinned Kane at 7:54 following the tombstone.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran an outdoor event at Bar A in Belmawr, New Jersey, drawing 500 fans wioth the following results. In one of those funny twists of life, future TNA and WWE star Matt Morgan was a bouncer at the bar.
-Nova & Chris Chetti defeated Tony Devito & Angel at 5:58 when Nova pinned Devito following a top rope splash/legdrop double team.
-Jazz pinned Jason with a low blow from behind and a roll up at 7:20.
-Jerry Lynn pinned Vito Lagrasso at 8:50 with a roll up into a bridge.
-Francine (substituting for Tommy Dreamer) pinned Steve Corino with a DDT; prior to the bout, Corino cut an in-ring promo saying Dreamer injured himself working an extreme style and insulted Dreamer before Dreamer came out with Francine; after the two shared words for several minutes, during which Dreamer cut a promo on the WWF for thinking they are too big to work Belmar, Corino attacked Dreamer with Dreamer fighting back, Francine getting involved, hitting Corino with a DDT, the referee counting 3, and the ring announcer naming her as the winner.
-Yoshihiro Tajiri (with Steve Corino, Jack Victory, & Rhino) defeated Super Crazy and El Mosco in an elimination match at 4:10; Crazy pinned Mosco at 3:12 with a springboard sunset flip into the ring as Mosco had Tajiri covered following a powerbomb; Tajiri pinned Crazy with a brainbuster; after the bout, ECW World Champion Taz came out, scaring Corino and his enterage backstage; Taz then issued an open challenge for a title shot.
-ECW World Champion Taz defeated Little Guido (with Sal E. Graziano) at 2:18 via submission with the Tazmission; after the match, Taz challenged Graziano to get in the ring but Graziano instead left ringside with Guido.
-Sabu pinned Roadkill (wuth Danny Doring) at 7:56 with an Atomic Arabian Facebuster; prior to the bout, Judge Jeff Jones came out and ordered Sabu not to wrestle on the night's card until Sabu knocked him to the floor.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley (with Joel Gertner & Sign Guy Dudley) defeated Balls Mahoney & Spike Dudley in a flaming tables match at 15:00 when the champions hit simultaneous powerbombs on the challengers through two flaming tables set up inside the ring.
2000 - WWF taped TV in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the National Car Rental Center with the following results:
-The Dupps defeated the Mean Street Posse
-Scott Vick pinned Pete Gas
Sunday Night Heat:
-Perry Saturn defeated the Godfather via disqualification after Godfather hit his opponent with a stick moments after Steven Richards came ringside to censor the hos.
-Al Snow defeated Essa Rios via submission.
-Bull Buchanon pinned Crash Holly with the scissors kick.
-Bradshaw defetaed Gangrel & Mideon in a handicap match by pinning Mideon with the Clothesline from Hell.
-Too Cool defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy (w/ Lita) when Grandmaster Sexay pinned Jeff with a roll up as Jeff was distracted by T&A and Trish Stratus attacking Matt and Lita at ringside; after the bout, Too Cool and the Hardyz fought off T&A.
Smackdown!:
-Kurt Angle (w/ Stephanie McMahon) pinned Chris Jericho with the Olympic Slam after Stephanie hit Jericho with a low blow by using Angle's KOTR sceptor.
-The Dudley Boyz defeated D-Lo Brown & Chaz following the 3D on Chaz
-Jackie & Ivory defeated Dean Malenko in a handicap match when Crash Holly held Malenko's foot down during the cover; Malenko attacked Crash after the match.
-Val Venis pinned WWF IC Champion Rikishi to win the title with the Money Shot after Tazz interfered and hit the champion with a TV camera; T&A interfered earlier in the match but were run off by Too Cool.
-WWF Hardcore Champion Steve Blackman pinned the Big Bossman after Al Snow interfered and hit the challenger with a chair.
-The Undertaker & Kane defeated Test & Albert (w/ Trish Stratus) after Kane hit the chokeslam on Albert.
-The Brooklyn Brawler, Taka Michinoku, & Sho Funaki defeated Triple H in a handicap elimination match when Brawler scored the pin after Chris Jericho interfered and hit a bulldog and the Lionsault; Triple H had eliminated Taka and Funaki earlier after the Pedigree; Triple H beat up his opponents after the match.
-WWF Champion the Rock, WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero, & Chyna defeated Chris Benoit & WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian when Chyna pinned Christian with a powerbomb; Benoit locked Chyna in the Crippler Crossface after the match until the Rock made the save.
2003 - WWE Raw ran London, Ontario at LaBatt Centre with the following results:
-Randy Orton defeated Val Venis.
-Maven defeated Rico.
-Tommy Dreamer defeated Rosey.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Sylvian Grenier & Rene Dupree defeated Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley; after the bout, Tommy Dreamer made the save for the challengers.
-WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian pinned Booker T with a roll up and holding onto the ropes for leverage.
-The Hurricane defeated Steven Richards.
-Rob Van Dam pinned Test with the Five Star Frog Splash; after the bout, Kane arrived at ringside and hit a chokeslam on RVD as well as numerous other wrestlers that attempted to intervene.
2004 - WWE Smackdown ran Sudbury, Ontario with the following results:
-Rob Van Dam pinned D-Von Dudley.
-Kenzo Suzuki defeated Billy Gunn.
-Nunzio & Johnny Stamboli defeated Akio & Sakoda.
-Mark Jindrak defeated Billy Kidman.
-Luther Reigns defeated Charlie Haas.
-WWE U.S. Champion John Cena defeated Rene Dupree and Booker T.
-Torrie Wilson defeated Sable and Jackie in a bikini contest; Scotty 2 Hotty hosted the event.
-WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Chavo Guerrero.
-WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield defeated Eddie Guerrero in a Streetfight.
2004 - WWE Raw ran Regina, Saskatchewan with the following results:
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Rob Conway & Sylvian Grenier defeated the Hurricane & Rosey.
-Eugene pinned Garrison (Lance) Cade.
-Maven pinned Val Venis.
-Rhyno & Tajiri defeated Chuck Palumbo & Tyson Tomko.
-Batista pinned William Regal.
-WWE IC Champion Randy Orton defeated Edge.
-Matt Hardy pinned Stevie Richards.
-World champion Chris Benoit defeated Kane.
2005 - WWE broadcast Raw from Sacramento, CA. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We are ready to celebrate the birth of the United States with the traditional holiday offering, professional wrestling. Since TNA got Canada Day, it looks like the WWE gets Independence Day. What will happen when Hulk Hogan enters Carlito's Cabana? Will he be accompanied by his daughter Brooke, brother? What about his son, Nick, brother? Will he talk about his new television show that premieres this Sunday, brother? How many times will Hogan say "Brothe", brother? How will Kenzo Suzuki or Hiroko being traded to Raw affect the product? Did you even remember that they were still on the roster? Will we see a reunion of La Resistance since Rene Dupree will be back on Raw? How will Raw cope with the loss of the people traded to Smackdown? What will Chavo Guerrero Junior do on Raw since Smackdown and Velocity are the home of the Cruiserweights in the WWE?
We begin tonight's show with a reminder that Hulk Hogan will be in Carlito's Cabana. How about some music?
We are live from Sacramento, California.
We begin with Carlito's Cabana and Carlito walks to the ring. Carlito reminds us that it is the Fourth of July, the only night of the year for fireworks. However, there are fireworks every night, especially tonight. How often does a star as big, as huge as Carlito. It is time for his guest to come out, and he has a new reality show on VH1 this Sunday night. He will be promoting his show on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel, and Regis and Kelly. However, the first place he wanted to go was Carlito's Cabana . . . not the Highlight Reel. If you think the Osbornes are dysfunctional, you haven't seen anything yet. We see a clip of Hogan Knows Best where Hulk talks to one of Brooke's potential suitors. We find out that Brooke, at age 16 wants to go out with someone who is 22. It is time to bring out Hulk Hogan. Carlito is impressed by Hogan's appearance, and he has a red apple in his hand. Carlito says that this is huge, and it is an honor because Hogan has done it all. He is the most recognized name in wrestling, maybe even the world. Carlito says that the show is the biggest thing in his career. Hogan starts to talk about his show, but Carlito says the biggest thing is Hogan being on the show. If Hogan wanted to promote his show, why not bring out Brooke. Hogan threatens to throw Carlito, brother, into the top of the building. Carlito says that he is cool, but Brooke is hot. Carlito wants to take Brooke out. Carlito starts to talk about getting to know Brooke, and Hogan punches Carlito. From out of nowhere, Kurt Angle comes out and he says that nobody cares about his daughter. They should care about the fact that Shawn Michaels tapped at Wrestlemania; and Ric Flair tapped last week. Kurt is not happy that people think that Flair is still the man. Angle is not happy that the people are cheering for Hulk Hogan. Is it because he has a reality show? Whoopty freaking do. Angle reminds Hogan that the last time they were in the ring, Angle made Hogan tap, and he can do it again . . . anytime anywhere. Angle says that the person he wants to make tap out more is Brooke. Hogan punches Angle, but Carlito attacks Hogan from behind and gives Hogan a DDT. Carlito and Angle punch Hogan. From out of nowhere, Shawn Michaels comes out and he makes the save for Hogan. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Kurt Angle moving from wives to daughters by suggesting things about Brooke.
Todd Grisham is standing outside the BischOffice. He tells us that Shawn Michaels entered the room and he is not a happy man. Todd will have further details.
It is time for our first match. Out first is Edge (with Lita and briefcase) and Gene Snitsky. We see footage from last week when Kane chased Edge and Lita into the back and then Lita seeing her ex-husband in the locker room. It is time for one of their opponents to come out and it is the Big Show. His tag team partner is Kane. Kane and Edge start things off. Snitsky hits Kane from behind to allow Edge to punch Kane. Kane throws Edge into the corner, but Edge is too quick. Snitsky tags in, but Kane with punches to Snitsky. Edge hits Kane from the apron and Snitsky with a clothesline. Snitsky with an Irish whip, but Kane with an elbow and punches. Show tags in and it is time for some open hand slaps to Snitsky's chest. Show with clotheslines to Snitsky followed by a hard Irish whip. Show with a shoulder to Edge who tries to come in and interfere. Show prepares for the choke slam, but Lita pulls Edge out. Kane chases Lita around the ring and to the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Snitsky with an elbow drop on Show's leg. We see footage during the commercial where Edge clipped Snitsky. We are back to live action and Snitsky continues to work on Show's leg. Show with a boot to Snitsky's head and he gets out of the hold. Snitsky with a kick to Show's knee and then he continues to work on the leg. Edge tags back in and he drops an elbow on Show's leg followed by a knee. Edge with a drop kick to Show's injured leg and then he tags Snitsky back in. Snitsky distracts the ref and Edge slams Show's leg into the apron. Show with punches to Snitsky. Snitsky with a kick to the knee off an Irish whip. Snitsky with more kicks to the leg. Show with a punch to Snitsky. Snitsky with another kick to Show's leg. Show sends Snitsky into the corner and Edge with a tag. Snitsky and Edge with a double shoulder block from the second turnbuckle. Edge and Snitsky try a double suplex, but Show counters and suplexes Edge and Snitsky. All three men are down. Kane makes the tag and he punches Snitsky followed by a big boot. Kane with a running clothesline in the corner followed by a side slam. Kane goes up top for the jumping clothesline. Kane pulls Edge back into the ring. Show with a head butt to Edge. Kane with an Irish whip to Snitsky that sends him into Edge. Show sends Kane into both men. Show with a big boot to Snitsky while Show clotheslines Edge over the top rope to the floor. Kane with a choke slam to Snitsky for the three count.
We return to the BischOffice where Todd Grisham has nothing new to add. Shawn leaves the BischOffice and he knocks the door into Todd's back. Shawn says that he moaned and groaned until he got his way. It will be Kurt Angle and Carlito against Shawn Michaels and Hulk Hogan. We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Lillian's failed proposal to Viscera and the return of the Godfather at Vengeance.
It is time for our next match and out come The Heart Throbs. Romeo gets the mic and tells Lillian that they are here for her. Antonio has something to say as well. Romeo tells Lillian that they will make Viscera scream "no no" in the match and hope that after the show, Lillian will say, "oh oh". Their opponent in this handicap match is Viscera, and Lillian is driven to tears as Viscera comes to the ring. Antonio and Romeo attack Viscera before the bell ring. Viscera slams Romeo followed by Antonio. Viscera throws Romeo into Antonio, but he charges into a double boot. Romeo and Antonio with a double shoulder block to Viscera and he goes down. Romeo holds Viscera while Antonio punches him. Romeo with forearms to Viscera, but he charges into a forearm from Viscera. Viscera with a splash to Romeo. Then Viscera spanks Romeo and then dry humps Romeo. Antonio kicks Viscera off. It is time for Romeo and Antonio to pull Viscera into the ring post in the groin. The ref calls for the bell and disqualifies Romeo and Antonio. After the match, Romeo and Antonio come over to Lillian and she does not look happy.
We go to the back and all of the women in Diva Search II: Saline Away are standing at the makeup area waiting for Chris Jericho to finish with his hair as we go to commercial.
We are back and Maria is in the interview area. She talks about the trade between Raw and Smackdown. She tells us to go to WWE.com for info. She introduces Chavo Guerrero. Maria wants to know if he has done something different. He is no longer Chavo since his achievements never lived up to his abilities. There is only one place to put the blame, and that is on Hispanic people because they stood behind him. "Real America" does not like Hispanics so he does not want to be held back any more. He is no longer Hispanic. He is going to join "Middle class America". He will no longer be known as Chavo Guerrero. It is Kerwin White. Kerwin wants to know what nationality Maria is. He says that she is stupid. Maria sulks as Kerwin leaves.
Hurricane is with Rosey and Stacy and they are here to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July. They have some safety tips for the proper disposal of used sparklers. Rosey's hand catches on fire and Hurricane uses a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. They wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July.
Maria is in the back and she does not look happy. From out of nowhere, John Cena stops by. Maria is not happy that Kerwin called her stupid. John is shocked that Chavo changed his name. John says that Maria has a lot going for her. She looks good, and then he stalls. He tells her to show her strengths and hide her weaknesses. John leaves and Maria giggles. We go to commercial.
We are back and we see a commercial for SummerSlam set at a "Divas Car Wash" SummerSlam is seven weeks away.
It is time for the Highlight Reel as we countdown to the host, Chris Jericho. He welcomes us to the Highlight Reel. Chris says that we won't see any cheesy deck chairs or stupid palm trees because this is the Highlight Reel. Jericho talks about how he watched the Cabana earlier and saw Hulk Hogan on the show. Jericho says that he wanted as big a guest. However, there is no bigger guest than himself, but he has the next best thing. His guest also has successful musical careers as well as being world class athletes. It is time for John Cena to come out. John is glad to be back on the Highlight Reel and thanks Jericho for bringing him back. Chris says that he is excited because John is doing great. He is the WWE champion with a spinning belt; he has a hit album, another video coming out, and a concert in Philadelphia in a few weeks. Jericho says that Cena is hot. However, Chris wants to remind Cena of a few things. Jericho was the first Undisputed champion. He has three albums, five videos, and has done hundreds of concerts. His latest show was in England in front of 50,000 people. We have footage from that concert. Jericho asks Cena what he thinks of that. Cena says that Jericho has a lot of good things going, and he gets ready to leave the ring. He wishes Jericho luck, and Chris wants to know what he meant by that. Jericho says that it has nothing to do with luck. Cena asks Jericho if he wants a batch of hero cookies and congratulates Jericho again. Chris wants to know if that means something to him. Jericho reminds Cena of who he is talking. He has reached legendary status in his fifteen years in the business and tells Cena that he is a much bigger star than Cena. Jericho says that people don't realize that because Cena has the title right now. Jericho says that he can take the title any time he wants. Cena realizes that the title is all Jericho thinks about and that he knows that Jericho is nothing without the WWE title. Cena says that is why Jericho comes out every week and tells people to look at all of his cool stuff. He says that Jericho is the first to tell everyone how great he is. Cena tells Jericho that he wants to be the first to tell Jericho that he is an asshole. Cena tells Jericho that he is trying to put one by everyone, and they are not stupid. Cena says that everyone remembers when Raw was Jericho. Now Jericho is cheap. He has taken everything and covered it in a big bag of cheap sauce. Cena says that he sees Y2Cheap, not Y2J. Jericho slaps Cena, but Cena tackles Jericho. They exchange punches until Cena with a shoulder tackle. Jericho leaves the ring and he attacks a camera man. The referees come out to hold Jericho back. Cena wants Jericho to get back in the ring, but the refs continue to hold Jericho back. Cena gets a foam Cena hand and shows Jericho that he is "number one" We go to the back where the Diva Search II: Saline Away contestants are walking to the ring for their Bikini Boot Camp. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for Beauty and the Beast, Christy and Coach, to come out to introduce the Diva Search II: Saline Away contest. It is a bikini Boot Camp. Coach wants to talk about how Christy had to hit on Kamala, but Christy no sells it. She introduces Sergeant Slaughter. It is time for the eight contestants to come out, and one of them eats the carpet when she falls down. Slaughter likes what they are wearing and feel that it is very patriotic. He wants to know if they are ready to participate in the obstacle course. He wants to know if they want to blow on the Sarge's whistle. Coach stops any whistle blowing. Coach says that there is a reward. The Diva with the best time gets immunity for the week. Coach explains what needs to be done for the contest. Christy suggests that Coach demonstrate the obstacle course. Christy guilts Coach into demonstrating. The second contestant has so much fun that she pops out of her top and was disqualified. Make sure to check out Buck's detailed analysis of the Diva Search II: Saline Away Bikini Boot Camp to get a full appreciation of this segment.
We see footage of Hulk Hogan punching Kurt Angle for suggesting that he would make Brooke tap followed by Carlito and Angle attacking Hogan until Shawn Michaels makes the save. We go to commercial.
We are back and Coach and Christy run through the seven who are subject to the voting.
It is time for Val Venis to come out for his match. He stops to take a look at the women before going to the ring. His opponent is Rene Dupree (with flag and Johnny B. Badd's facial hair). Before the match, Dupree gets on the mic and he says that the French Phenom has arrived on Raw. He is here to prove that he is the greatest specimen to set foot in the squared circle, and that he is simply phenomenal. He calls Val "simply pathetic". Val punches Dupree followed by Irish whips and knees to Dupree. Val with a side Russian leg sweep. Dupree drops Venis on the top rope and then punches and chops Venis. Dupree with a kick to Venis' back. Dupree with a suplex. Dupree with a chop, but Venis responds with a chop of his own. Dupree with an Irish whip, but Venis with a kick and knee to Dupree followed by a back body drop and clothesline. Venis with a full nelson slam for a two count. Dupree with a rollup and the help of the ropes for the three count. We go to commercial.
Todd Grisham is in the interview area and he is with Carlito and Kurt Angle. He asks them how they feel about facing two icons. Carlito says that nobody comes to the Cabana to disrespect the Intercontinental champion and the only Olympic champion. Angle says that it is the Fourth of July and time to celebrate American heroes like him. The grand finale is going to be when he snaps someone's ankle in two tonight. Carlito takes a bite out of his apple and makes Todd flinch. We go to commercial.
We are back and Carlito is already in the ring. It is time for his partner Kurt Angle to come to the ring, and he is greeted by people telling him that he sucks. Out next is one of their opponents, Shawn Michaels. He is joined by his tag team partner Hulk Hogan. Hogan and Carlito start things off. Hogan throws Carlito down and stares at Angle. Angle tags in. Hogan throws Angle down on a collar and elbow tie up. Angle with a go behind, but Hogan with an arm bar. Michaels tags in and he comes off the second turnbuckle with a double sledge. Angle with a knee to Michaels followed by a punch. Michaels with an arm drag and arm bar. Angle with an eye rake followed by a slam. Carlito tags in but he misses an elbow. Michaels with an arm drag and arm bar. Hogan tags back in. Hogan with a punch to Carlito followed by a clothesline. Hogan slams Carlito and then sends Carlito into Michaels' boots. Michaels tags in, but Carlito sends Michaels into their corner. Angle tags in and slams Michaels' head into the turnbuckle. Michaels with chops to Angle. Angle with an Irish whip. Michaels with a clothesline to Angle and Carlito. Angle is clotheslined over the top rope to the floor by Michaels. Hogan throws Carlito over the top rope to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Angle with European uppercuts to Michaels. Angle puts Michaels on the top turnbuckle and sets for an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, but Michaels punches Angle off. Michaels with the flying elbow drop to Angle and he sets up for Sweet Chin Music. Michaels ducks a clothesline from Carlito from the apron and Michaels chops Angle. Carlito with a knee to Michaels on the apron. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex to Michaels. Carlito tags in and he chops Michaels. Carlito draws Hogan into the ring so the ref is distracted, allowing Carlito to punch Michaels. Carlito with a hard Irish whip to Michaels and he works on Michaels' back. Carlito chokes Michaels and then he distracts the ref to allow Angle to hit Michaels in the throat. Angle tags in and he kicks Michaels on the mat. Angle with a belly-to-back suplex to Michaels for a two count. Angle with an Irish whip and he tags Carlito back into the match. Carlito distracts the ref allowing Angle to use the tag rope to choke Michaels. Michaels tries to fight out, but Carlito with a suplex. Angle tags in and he snap mares Michaels and has him in a reverse bear hug. Michaels with elbows to escape the hold. Angle holds on to the ropes when Michaels tries for a drop kick. Angle mocks Hogan and then the straps come down. Angle puts Michaels in the ankle lock, but Michaels powers out. Angle tries for the Angle slam, but Michaels counters with a DDT and both men are down. Carlito tags in and so does Hogan. Hogan punches Carlito followed by the Big Boot of Doom. Angle charges at Hogan, but Hogan with a back body drop that sends Angle to the floor. Hogan with the Leg Drop of Doom for the three count. After the match, Hogan and Michaels pose for the crowd. Shawn Michaels with Sweet Chin Music to Hulk Hogan as the music stops. Shawn stands over Hogan and then leaves the ring as we go to credits.
2006 - WWE's ECW ran their first and only TV Taping in Philadelphia, PA at the Wachovia Center, drawing 1,500 fans with the following results:
-Roadkill pinned Tony Mamaluke with a splash off the top
-CM Punk defeated CW Anderson via submission with the Anaconda Vice
-Sabu pinned Stevie Richards with an Atomic Arabian Facebuster through a table set up inside the ring
-Tommy Dreamer pinned Justin Credible with a DDT
ECW on Sci Fi:
-Test pinned Al Snow at 1:03
-The Big Show pinned ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam to win the title at around the 17:30 mark with a steel chair shot to the head and the chokeslam onto the chair after Paul Heyman came in the ring to count the champion's cover after he hit the Five Star Frog Splash but then stopped at 2; after Show hit the chokeslam, Heyman counted the pinfall and celebrated with the new champion as the fans threw trash into the ring to close the show.
2007 - Chris Benoit's mother questioned whether her son might still be alive if the federal investigation into steroid distribution, where Benoit's name surfaced, had been more aggressive, in comments made to the Toronto Star. When asked if quicker action by the investigators may have prevented the Benoit family tragedy, Margaret Benoit said, "We would certainly hope so. We just don't know. We're dealing with so many things. It's incredible." In response, DEA spokesman Rusty Payne said "it's ridiculous for anyone to think we could have known that anything like that could have happened." Payne noted that most investigations are done to stop traffickers and distributors, not users. "We can arrest and prosecute users, but they are not the target or focus of most investigations"
2007 - Former WWF champion Ultimate Warrior appeared on Fox News' Hannity & Colmes to discuss the Chris Benoit tragedy. Mike Johnson filed the following report:
Warrior was asked by Sean Hannity if steroid use was fairly rampant in wrestling. Warrior said that steroids are rampant in the industry and it's easier to point out which guys aren't on them. He said that there's no "stupid button" on him that makes him not see what is right in front of his eyes.
Warrior was asked about his personal steroid use and experiences with "roid rage." Warrior said that he did use steroids and had been open and candid about his use of them throughout the past. He said he doesn't have to go back and cover up about it. Warrior said there's a difference between "use and abuse." Warrior said that the difference between he and the other "crybaby former talents" is that he isn't broken down and has no whining or complaining to do.
Warrior was asked if any use that isn't medically prescribed is actually abuse. Warrior said that there are sacrifices that any athlete of a professional level will make to succeed at the business that they participate in. He said that "roid rage, to me, is a pie in the sky theory that is sought out by people that have no business discussing the frame of mind of an elite, physical athlete."
Warrior said that they are trying to paint a picture that taking steroids are bad and he doesn't believe it is. Warrior said he's all for personal freedom. "This is your program and you get to talk all the time so give me a chance. I'm all for personal freedom. I'm not on a crusade to abolish steroids in professional wrestling or other professional sports. What I'm tired of, is I'm tired of having my intelligence insulted and I'm tired of the integrity of positive mentoring assaulted all the time." Warrior and Hannity argued over whether he had any right to judge whether any use is abuse.
Hannity tried to segue into the Chris Benoit case and Warrior loudly said, "Back up a second. I'm not going to make excuses for this monster. Don't attack me like I'm trying to make excuses for this guy. There are no excuses."
Hannity asked how widespread steroid use is within WWE.
Note from Mike: Before we go any further, it's important to note that (and this is not just Warrior I am singling out here), many of the name being asked about the drug testing have never been employed by the company under the current Wellness Test's outlines, not even Chris Jericho. It's interesting to see wrestlers who haven't worked for the company in many years like Marc Mero (who I believe left in 1999) and Warrior (who last wrestled for WWF in 1996) commenting on a drug testing problem that they never took any part in. I don't doubt that many of them want to see the industry be healthier but in many cases, they are making broad statements based on what test they did (or didn't) have to experience during their run in the company. I think it's somewhat unfair to WWE to comment like that, although it's not unfair to be skeptical based on their personal experiences.
Warrior's response to the steroid use question was, "The drug test is a ruse. It's an artifice designed for the sensationalized, high-profile tragedies when people come forward and they make reasonable allegations that the talent is using drugs. This is this simple for me. For me to believe that the drug tests on the live bodies are legit, I've got to believe all the autopsies on the dead bodies are lies and it doesn't work for me."
Warrior was asked about all of the wrestlers that have died in recent years. He responded, "Those other guys in the industry, it goes back to the difference between use and abuse. Those guys were rotten on the inside. I would use this illustration - look at guys like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Zane, classic bodybuilding - those guys used steroids and they are still alive. They approached bodybuilding from a holistic perspective and that's been my approach. Wrestlers take steroids so they can look healthy on the outside, but they do everything else that makes them rotten on the inside. The autopsies that reveal they have enlarged hearts and other organs that have been affected by the steroids, that's the reason why, because they don't live healthy lives overall. If you are going to attribute his snapping and breaking like he did, and losing self-control the way he did, I'd attribute it more to the prescription drugs that you can get from any mark doctor that will sit there and go through a whole prescription pad."
Warrior was asked if he knew Benoit and he responded, "Sure." When asked what type of a guy Benoit was, "Yes I knew him...I did not have a [relationship with Benoit]" He trailed off, paused and said, "I think we're always surprised when talent goes this far, or when people go this far and commit these kind of heinous crimes, but I'm a little ashamed that people want to spend all this time discussing "roid rage" or parsing the language, parsing the concepts to find a reason to have greater sympathy, greater heart for the acts that this guy committed. There is no excuse for this guy - whether it was other pharmaceutical drugs, whether it was steroids, whether it was because of the difficulties of raising a child with disabilities, the stress and the strife of his wife over that, there's no excuse for any man- and I use the term man specifically here - to turn his back on his protective responsibilities to his wife and his son."
2007 - WWE Raw ran Tijuana, Mexico before 7,808 fans with the following results:
-Super Crazy defeated Daivari.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch defeated Paul London & Brian Kendrick.
-Mickie James defeated Melina.
-William Regal defeated Val Venis.
-Jeff Hardy defeated Snitsky.
-Carlito pinned Santino Marella.
-WWE Champion John Cena, Bobby Lashley, & Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Randy Orton, Booker T, & Umaga when Cena pinned Booker with the FU. The match marked Mysterio's in-ring return after a 9-month absence due to injuries.
2008 - WWE ran Panama City, Panama at the Figali Convention Center with the following results:
-Lance Cade defeated Paul London.
-Jim Duggan defeated Charlie Haas.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase Jr. defeated Cryme Tyme.
-WWE Women's Champion Mickie James defeated Beth Phoenix; Santino Marella was the guest referee for the match.
-Shawn Michaels defeated Chris Jericho.
-World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defeated Kane.
-John Cena defeated John Bradshaw Layfield.
2009 - WWE ran Sydney, Australia at Acer Arena. Ivan Craddy sent the following live report:
I attended the 7/4 Raw show, in Sydney Australia.
There was an almost full house, with 18, 500 announced as the attendance.
1. Goldust defeated Chavo Guerrero with a suplex into a neckbreaker. Goldust got a good pop (?). Lots of stalling, mixed with some comedy. Two veterans, who know how to get a live crowd going
2. Sheamus defeated Jamie Noble with a backbreaker. Sheamus needs some work in between spots. Went way too long.
3. Santino defeated Brain Kendrick with a roll up. Santino got a good pop. Similar spots to the one described on Superstars.
4. The Miz defeated MVP. with a school boy roll up. Mass heat for The Miz. Great promo from The Miz, ripping into MVP about dating the fat chick from 'The View' and how the crowd can relate to him (MVP). Also, ripping into the crowd about being in Australia on Independence day. Decent match, way better than the first three matches.
5. Kofi Kingston defeated William Regal with trouble in paradise to retain the U.S Title. Some more stalling (story of the night), with the crowd really getting into Regal. (Englishman in Australia, not hard). Good match, with only a few rest spots and some stiff shots. In the middle of the match, there was a cool spot where they did dueling European uppercuts, with the crowd booing went Regal hit one and cheering when Kofi hit one. Finish came when Regal lined up for the running knee, but Kofi hit Trouble in paradise. After the match, Regal jawed with a fan for a few minutes.
Intermission
6. Priceless defeated the Colons with Cody hitting Crossing Rhodes on Carlito. Usual tag team match. Some stalling to start. DiBiase had his right bicep taped, which was worked in the story of the early part of the match.
7. Maryse defeated Kelly Kelly with a DDT to retain the Diva title. Not much to say about this match, expect they are really hot in person.
Attendance was announced.
8. John Cena and Triple H defeated Big Show and Randy Orton with Triple H pinning Big Show after the faces hit their finishes on him. Randy got decent heat, but took some stalling to get to the heat Miz had. John Cena got a really pop, but was nothing compared to Triple H. Usual tag team match. Decent match with the faces hitting all their signature moves. Randy got run off during the match and
only to come back to break up a STF on Big Show.
Overall, it was a decent show. More sports entertainment than wrestling, but that's Raw for you. Lots of stalling.
Biggest Pops:
1. Triple H.
2. John Cena.
3. Santino.
4. Kofi.
Biggest Heat:
1. The Miz.
2. Randy Orton (during the match).
3. William Regal.
4. Priceless
2010 - During a post-fight press conference, Brock Lesnar announced Paul Heyman was working with him on a book project. That book, Lesnar's autobiography "Death Clutch" was released in 2011.
2011 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin this week’s Raw with a look back at what happened in the last half hour of last week’s Raw with CM Punk’s comments after R Truth defeated John Cena in a tables match.
We are live on tape from Las Vegas, Nevada and your announcers are Michael ‘I don’t know if the fireworks tonight will be as good as last week’s’ Cole and Jerry ‘I thought WSOP stood for World Series of Puppies’ Lawler.
We see that there is a number one contender match to determine who replaces CM Punk as John Cena’s opponent at Money in the Bank. R Truth, Rey Mysterio, and Alberto Del Rio will find out who is the man. We will also see Miz face Alex Riley.
John Cena comes out and he has a heavy heart as he makes his way to the ring. He does not have the same spring in his step that he usually has when he comes to the ring. John takes the mic and he says that there is major unrest in the WWE Universe. Apparently CM Punk said some things that did not mesh well with the brass in WWE. Because of Punk’s recent outburst, Punk has been suspended indefinitely. Cena says that means that he is also stripped of his right to compete in his last match in his home town to face Cena for the title at Money in the Bank. Tonight, there is a remedy set by the WWE to give him a replacement number one contender.
As for CM Punk, we are supposed to sweep him under the rug, ignore his outbursts and pretend like he never existed. Cena says that he has never seen eye to eye with CM Punk. As the WWE Champion, he wants to weigh in on the situation and he says that it sucks. Punk and him don’t agree on everything especially loyalty to the brand. What Punk has said that he would with the title is no what Cena would do. Punk has been suspended for speaking his mind. He has been suspended for telling people how he feels.
Cena says that he knows that that this is a PG show and Punk’s outburst was at his expense. Cena says that he did not agree with what Punk said, but he finds nothing wrong with what Punk said. Cena asks the WWE Universe and the people who are supposed to have a voice where does this stop. Where does the WWE stop. There was an incident where Daniel Bryan was fired for being too aggressive. There has been speculation that WWE representatives confiscate signs that fans bring to the shows.
CM Punk has been suspended indefinitely for speaking his mind?
Cena says that fans are chanting ‘First Amendment’ and Cena mentions that it deals with free speech. If they take that away, then what is next? Cena says that he is no fashion icon and he says that he looks like the Kool Aid man in jorts. Cena asks what if I can’t be me. Will he be suspended indefinitely? Will the fans be asked to look a certain way. That is not why he is in this company and that is not why he defends the title.
Cena tells Cole that this problem is bigger than e-mailing back and forth on computer so there won’t be any general manager interruption during his tirade. Cena says that he wants answers from the man who made this decision, Vincent Kennedy McMahon. Cena apologizes to the general manager for going over his or her head. Cena says that he called Vince and he is on his way to Las Vegas on his private jet and he will be in the building.
Cena says that they are not going to talk about this in the back. They will do it in the ring tonight. Cena says that you will hear from the WWE Champion that he wants to face CM Punk at Money in the Bank.
Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see the Money in the Bank briefcase above the ring.
We see the footage from last week’s classic Submission Match between Nikki Bella and Kelly Kelly.
Match Number One: Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres versus The Bellas
Brie and Eve start things off and they lock up. Eve with an arm drag but Brie with a kick. Eve with a clothesline and then she hits a standing moonsault after dancing a little. Brie hits Eve from behind while Eve gets distracted by Nikki. Eve gets sent to the floor and Brie drops Eve’s arm on the middle rope. Brie gets a near fall. Brie wraps Eve’s arm in the ropes.
Nikki tags in and she continues to work on the arm. Eve gets a near fall with a rollup but Nikki rolls through and drops a knee to the injured arm. Nikki with an arm bar on Eve. Eve with a flatline on Nikki.
Kelly tags in and hits the Thesz Press and punches Nikki. She knocks Brie off the apron. Kelly with the screaming head scissors take down and then she sends Nikki into the corner. Kelly with the stinkface to Nikki followed by a bulldog for a near fall.
Eve and Brie get into the ring but Eve takes care of Brie. Kelly hits a Fameasser for the three count.
Winners: Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres
We go to another video package for Andy Leavine. This week they focus on Andy’s ‘Silent Rage’ persona. Ricky Steamboat, Steve Keirn, and Dusty Rhodes talk about getting him to show that ‘Silent Rage’ persona.
R Truth is on the phone and he is talking about they are not giving him a discount so Truth is on the phone with Flo. Scott Stanford asks Truth about being in the Triple Threat Match. Truth says that he shouldn’t be facing nobody. Truth says that he should be awarded another title match because of what happened last week on Raw. He says that it is a conspiracy. He has good news and bad news for the conspiracy people. The good news is that he saved 15 percent on his auto insurance. The bad news is that Truth is going to hurt someone when he becomes the number one contender.
Truth bumps into Alberto Del Rio who happens to be walking by him. Truth says that now he has to deal with senor Jimmy. Truth says that it ain’t fair and it ain’t right.
Del Rio says that it isn’t about fair. It is about destiny and it is his destiny to become the number one contender tonight.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov versus David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty in a Non Title Match
Marella and Otunga start things off and they lock up with Otunga pushing Santino away. Santino with a kick but Otunga with a punch that knocks Santino down. Otunga with a short arm clothesline followed by an Irish whip but Santino floats over and Otunga goes into the corner. Santino tries fro the Cobra and Otunga goes to the floor.
Michael tags in and he connects with a forearm. Santino with a forearm of his own followed by an atomic drop. Kozlov is tagged in and he punches Michael and takes Michael down with a hip lock. Kozlov with a shoulder in the corner and then he tags in Santino who connects with a shoulder in the corner and gets a near fall.
Kozlov tags back in and Kozlov with a head lock take down. Kozlov puts Michael on the turnbuckles and then kicks him in the midsection. Michael gets out of a power slam attempt and he clips Kozlov. Otunga tags in and Michael with an elbow and Otunga with an elbow of his own.
Otunga kicks Kozlov and gets a near fall. Otunga with a front face lock and Michael is tagged back in. They try for a double suplex but Kozlov blocks it and hits a double suplex of his own. Santino tags in and he blocks a punch from Michael. Santino with punches and a forearm. Santino with a split and hip toss to Michael and he does the same to Otunga. Santino with the diving head butt to McGillicutty. Santino with the cobra and he hits Otunga. Michael hits the running neck breaker for the three count.
Winners: David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty
After the match, Zack Ryder’s music plays and he comes out onto the stage and he gives out a Woo woo woo, you know it.
We go to commercial.
We see the graphic with the eight participants in the Money in the Bank match at the pay per view and then we see the briefcase again.
We go to commercial.
The Miz is in the back and Scott Stanford brings up that Miz has never beaten Alex Riley. He asks if there is going to be a different strategy. Miz says that CM Punk has been suspended so there is a golden opportunity to become the number one contender and he was not put into that match because of Alex Riley. Miz says that Riley is a nuisance that has knocked him off course. Miz says that he gave Riley a life and an opportunity. It was an opportunity that Riley abused. Riley’s opportunity in the WWE ends tonight. He brought Riley into Raw and he will take him out. He says that he hopes it was worth it for Riley because it ends tonight.
Evan Bourne is in the locker room with Sergeant Slaughter and Bourne is excited that Slaughter is here on the Fourth of July. Slaughter says that he can’t think of a better night or place to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jack Swagger enters the locker room and he asks Slaughter if he was around when the country gained independence. Swagger says that if anyone should be leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance it is the All American American Jack Swagger, not some guy who sided with Iraq during the Gulf War. Swagger says that it is okay because Slaughter said that he wanted his country back and he slobbers on Slaughter’s face.
Slaughter says that people make mistakes. He says that he has made mistakes and so has Evan. He says that Swagger’s parents made a mistake when they didn’t use birth control and Slaughter slobbers in Swagger’s face. Swagger tells Slaughter that it would be a mistake to face him in the ring tonight. Slaughter accepts the challenge and he calls Swagger a maggot.
We go to footage of the McJet landing earlier tonight at the airport in Las Vegas.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package from Jack Swagger winning the Money in the Bank at Wrestlemania 26.
Match Number Three: Jack Swagger versus Sergeant Slaughter in a Jim Ross Slobberknocker
They lock up and Swagger with punches and shoulders in the corner. Slaughter blocks a punch and connects with chops to the chest. Swagger with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Slaughter tries for the Cobra Clutch but Swagger backs Slaughter into the corner. Swagger with a short arm clothesline to Slaughter and then he hits the double jump Swagger Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After the match, Swagger puts Slaughter in the ankle lock until Evan Bourne makes his way to the ring and he kicks Swagger and Swagger leaves the ring.
Bourne gives Slaughter a mic and Slaughter leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Mark Henry putting Big Show through the cage.
Match Number Four: Alberto Del Rio versus R Truth versus Rey Mysterio in a Number One Contender Match
Del Rio goes after Truth and he punches and kicks him in the corner. Rey goes after Del Rio and then he kicks Truth. Del Rio with kicks to Rey and then he Irish whips rey but misses a splash into the corner. Rey charges at Truth but Del Rio with a drop kick to cut off Rey. Del Rio with an enzuigiri to send Truth to the floor. Del Rio gets a near fall on Rey. Del Rio tries for a splash but Rey goes down and Del Rio goes to the floor. Rey with a kick to Del Rio.
Truth with the Lie Detector to Rey when Rey appeared to be going for a dive to the floor and Truth gets a near fall. Truth punches Rey and then he kicks him. Rey goes to the apron and then all three men are on the floor. Truth punches Rey in the head and then Truth sends Rey shoulder first into the ringside barrier. Truth punches Del Rio and sends him into the ringside barrier as well.
Truth with a kick to Rey’s midsection and then he rolls Rey back into the ring and Truth gets a near fall. Truth with a forearm to Rey followed by a hard Irish whip to the sternum and he gets a near fall. Truth kicks Rey in the corner and then he chokes Rey with his boot. Truth with another punch to Rey.
Truth goes to the apron and he hits Del Rio with a double sledge off the apron. Truth returns to the ring but Rey with kicks to Truth followed by forearms. Truth with a side slam to Rey and he gets a near fall. Del Rio returns to the ring and he kicks Truth and Rey.
Del Rio with an Irish whip to Rey but Rey with a kick and then Rey sends Del Rio to the apron with a head scissors. Truth with an Irish whip and punch to Rey. Truth puts Rey on the turnbuckles but Del Rio stops Truth. Del Rio gets Truth on his shoulders and Rey hits a cross body on Truth and all three men are down as we go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio chokes Rey by the ropes. Rey with a kick but Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick to Rey’s head followed by an Irish whip. Rey with a drop toe hold that sends Del Rio into the turnbuckles. Truth with a shoulder on the apron to Rey and then Truth tries to suplex Rey to the floor. Del Rio kicks Rey in the back and then Truth punches Del Rio. Truth with a sunset flip to Del Rio and Del Rio who was holding Rey with a waist lock hits a German suplex. Truth gets a near fall on Del Rio. Truth with a sit out gourdbuster to Rey for a near fall.
Del Rio with a lungblower to Truth for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick and forearm to Rey followed by a sunset flip but Rey rolls through and kicks Del Rio to get a near fall that is broken up by Truth.
Truth with a kick to the midsection and then he hits the scissors kick on Rey but Del Rio breaks up the cover. Del Rio sends Truth into the corner but he misses a shoulder and goes into the ring post. Rey with a drop kick to the back and then he sends Truth into the ropes and Rey hits the 619. Rey with the dive off the top rope for a near fall but Del Rio applies the cross arm breaker and Rey taps out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at the Wrestlemania 21 Money in the Bank Match that was won by Edge.
It is time for a Fourth of July Celebration and it is for the United States Champion Dolph Ziggler. He is joined by Vickie Guerrero. Vickie throws out an Excuse Me once she gets into the ring. She says that tonight is a very special night. Tonight we are celebrating the birthday of the United States of America. Since Dolph Ziggler is your United States Champion, it is fitting that we celebrate his birthday as well. Vickie wants everyone to join her in singing Happy Birthday to Dolph.
Vickie asks Dolph if he wants to tell everyone what his birthday wish is. Dolph says that he doesn’t have a wish, but he has a few things to say. He says that these people have no idea how good they have it. They are witnessing the greatest Sports Entertainer in WWE history in his prime.
Dolph says that there will be a dozen more John Cenas and a dozen more Randy Ortons, but there will never be another Dolph Ziggler. Dolph says that nobody has any idea what it takes to be a natural. He says to forget Punk, Cena, and the WWE Title. As long as he is the United States Champion, this is the only title that matters and he is the only thing to make Monday Night Raw perfection.
Kofi Kingston makes his way to the ring and he wants to be a part of the party. Kofi wants to know what this is all about. They are having a party and they don’t invite him? Dolph can come out and talk about himself all day long and have a title party celebration. Kofi says that without Vickie in his corner, Dolph cannot beat him.
Dolph tells Kofi that they used to be toe to toe, but Kofi is still at the same level while Dolph is on his way moving up. Dolph tells Kofi to beat it. Kofi pushes Dolph and Vickie was standing behind him and she gets pushed into the cake.
Kofi attacks Dolph and they go to the floor. They return to the ring and Kofi kicks Dolph and Dolph bumps into Vickie and she goes face first into the cake to match her earlier contact with the cake with her rear end.
Vickie leaves the ring and she looks like she is ready to scream very loudly but she maintains her composure.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at last year’s Raw Money in the Bank match that was won by The Miz featuring an appearance by MizGirl
We have a video package for Alex Riley before the match and he talks about when he wanted to be part of the WWE when he was a kid. We see Miz berating Riley until Riley snapped.
Match Number Five: Miz versus Alex Riley
They lock up and Miz backs Riley into the corner and Miz with a clean break. They lock up again and Riley with punches in the corner. Riley and Miz exchange punches. Miz misses a charge into the corner and Riley with a clothesline. Riley kicks Miz and sends him to the floor.
Riley sends Miz into the ringside barrier before returning him to the ring. Miz kicks Riley as he re-enters the ring. Miz with a running boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Miz with knees to the head followed by a cravate. Riley gets out of the hold but he misses a charge into the corner and Miz with a DDT for a near fall.
Miz chokes Riley in the ropes and the referee warns Miz. Miz with a running knee lift for a near fall. Riley punches Miz but Miz with a flapjack for a near fall. Miz stands over Riley and he tells Riley that he made him. Riley punches Miz and sends him into the turnbuckles. Riley with shoulders but he runs into an elbow and then Miz with an inverted DDT for a near fall.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz punches Riley but Riley with a neck breaker and both men are down. Miz gets to his feet first but Riley with a spear and punches. Riley with double sledges followed by a spinebuster for a near fall. Riley with a kick and then he sets for the Impaler DDT but Miz counters with a back body drop. Miz sets for the Awesome Clothesline and he hits it. Miz tries for the Reality Check but Riley is able to counter it with a backslide and he gets the three count.
Winner: Alex Riley
After the match, Miz attacks Riley from behind and then he throws Riley out of the ring. Miz runs Riley back first into the ringside barrier and then he throws Riley over the barrier and into the crowd. Miz runs Riley into the barrier one more time as he continues to work on Riley’s back. Miz sends Riley over the ringside barrier again and Miz stands over Riley. Miz sends Riley into the ring steps and then he stands over Riley and asks him if he wants to play with him and then he says that he made Riley. Miz sends Riley into the announce table and he tells Riley that he is nothing. Miz with a running boot to Riley that sends Riley over the announce table.
We go outside the arena and we see Vince McMahon emerge from the McLimo.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler talk about the comments made by CM Punk. Lawler wonders why would Punk say that when he is leaving in two weeks.
We take another look at what Punk said last week.
The music plays and there is NO CHANCE IN HELL that it isn’t Vince McMahon making his way to the ring.
Vince says that this Punk thing got out of hand. Vince is going to tell us why he was suspended. Vince says that he deserved it. When Punk comes out here and says the things that he did, you would have done the same things. It wasn’t the things he said about him or his family. He is not thin skinned. It isn’t about his ego either. Vince says that he is doing what is best for the company. Vince says that Punk’s contract is almost over so Punk asked Vince for special limousine service, to fly first class, and have private transportation. He said that he wanted to be on all of the things he wasn’t worthy enough to be on. Vince says that he suspended CM Punk because he deserved it. From his standpoint, CM Punk is a punk.
Vince tells everyone that he will see everyone next week in Boston.
John Cena comes out to the ring and he has that spring back in his step that was missing less than two hours ago.
Cena wants to know if that is it. After an unbelievable tirade like that, a suspension, and stripping him of his title match, is all Vince is going to do call him a punk and kick him to the curb?
Vince says that Punk kicked himself to the curb. Cena says that Punk spoke his mind and he points out that Vince is in favor of Freedom of Speech where you can come out and say and do what you want.
Cena asks Vince if he still believes in the First Amendment and Vince says he does and that is why Cena’s mic is still on. Cena thanks the boss for that. Cena says that Vince has always been a fighter. Vince would walk down the ramp each and every week where he does his walk and whoever stood in your way and he would stand in the middle of the ring and say bring it on because I am ready for a fight.
Cena points out that Vince took down Turner, not because he was a coward. It was because he was a fighter. So CM Punk says a few things that got under his skin and then Vince decides to suspend him. What happened to the Vince McMahon who was a fighter. Has Vince McMahon finally gone soft? Have the grapefruits turned into peach pits? If Vince doesn’t want to fight any more, Cena says that he still wants to fight and he wants to fight CM Punk.
Cena tells Vince if he doesn’t feel like fighting, maybe he should hang it up. Cena calls Vince an old man.
Vince looks at Cena and then he tells Cena why he really suspended Punk. Vince says that he didn’t want to take a chance that CM Punk would beat Cena. Vince says that he is used to taking calculated risks. If Punk wins, he is going to walk into another wrestling organization with the title and Vince says that he will be embarrassed. Vince says that nobody wants to see it happen.
Cena says that Vince should be ashamed if he is afraid of being embarrassed. Vince says that he is worried about Cena not beating Punk.
Cena says that he is not going to guarantee a win, but he says that Punk earned the title match and he should get it. God forbid Vince McMahon get embarrassed. Cena says that to him, Money in the Bank is the biggest pay per view of the year because the WWE Universe is thinking ‘will CM Punk pull this off’? How will Cena handle the hostile crowd? Does Cena have what it takes to handle CM Punk in his final match? Is the kid who rode on the side of Cena’s car at Wrestlemania 22 all talk or will he show that he has a set and do something crazy?
Cena says that doesn’t sound crazy, it sounds like the match of the year. Vince is doing this because some kid said something that Vince didn’t like. Cena asks Vince if he would suspend him for saying something that Vince didn’t like. Cena asks if he said something that got under Vince’s skin.
Vince tells Cena not to go there. Vince says that this isn’t to be done in public. He tells Cena not to piss him off. He tells Cena not to be Hogan and all of those guys who came before him. Vince tells Cena to be a man and talk to him one-on-one. Vince says that he gave an explanation for the suspension. Then he tells Cena that he doesn’t think that Cena can beat Punk.
Cena tells Vince to give the people the match because that is what they wanted. Cena says that Vince’s ego got in the way of this.
Vince says that this is embarrassing. Vince says that he doesn’t care what the people want because he doesn’t want to jeopardize his company. He says that before Cena there were many others. It is his company. Vince says that he does what is best for the company.
Cena says that he gets it and he understands that it is Vince’s company. Cena says that if that is how Vince wants to run it, it isn’t what he signed up for. Cena says that he understands that there was Hogan, Austin, Michaels, and many more before him and they are replaceable. Cena says that he busted his ass and he worked his body to the bone for this company because he thought the title meant something. If Vince is so worried about CM Punk taking this and making the title meaningless. Punk earned the right to face him and if Vince is going to kick Punk to the curb, he has already made the title meaningless. Cena gives the title to Vince and he leaves the ring.
Vince tells Cena that he is no different than all the rest. Vince says that they have all walked out on him. Vince tells Cena to wait a minute. Vince takes the title belt and walks to Cena. He tells Cena that he hates that this has come between them, but it has.
He says that CM Punk is reinstated and he gets his title match back. Vince tells Cena that he shouldn’t be smiling. Vince says that if CM Punk walks out of Chicago with the title belt, he will walk down the aisle and tell John Cena ‘You’rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre Firrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrred’.
2011 - After a fan video captured CM Punk using homophobic slur against a fan that was heckling him and it was covered by TMZ, Punk wrote the following on Twitter:
I'm glad TMZ posted that video because everybody needs to be held accountable for their bullsh**, me included. What I said was bullsh**. ..I'm embarrassed. I own up to being a total douche in this situation and I offer a sincere apology to anybody I hurt with careless words."
2013 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!
Austin Aries starts the show by coming down to the ring and reminds us that he's the guy who came up with Option C, and after winning the World Title last week, he's going to do it again this year, and tells Hulk Hogan to come down to the ring to make it official. Hogan comes out and says that he's got to hand it to Aries, because he did it last year and he's done it again this year because he's the X Division Champion. But Aries may have been the guy who created Option C, but Hogan gets to decide where and when, and he's decided that tonight will have a double main event. One of those matches will be Aries defending the X Division Title in a three way match against the REAL Suicide, whom Hogan has renamed Manic, and the man who wasn't pinned in last week's title change, Chris Sabin. Hogan tells both Sabin and Manic that they have the chance to right last week's wrongs, Sabin says he never stopped fighting while recovering from two torn ACLs and Aries cheated his way to the X Division Title, andnothing is going to stop him from becoming a six time X Division Champion tonight.
The Mystery Cameraman knocks on Bad Influence's locker room door, and Kazarian says he doesn't care which version of AJ Styles he gets tonight, they know AJ better than anyone and he's winning tonight.
Speaking of AJ, he's backstage, and he's...WALKING!
Bound For Glory Series: AJ Styles vs Frankie Kazarian
Daniels and Kazarian come out dressed like Sigfried and Roy, while AJ Styles comes out dressed like he's been sleeping on a park bench. AJ quickly drives Kazarian out to the floor and takes him out with a baseball slide. It's all AJ as he hammers Kazarian with hard shots, but Kazarian dodges a flying forearm in the corner and launches AJ across the ring with a monkey flip. AJ quickly responds with a flurry of strikes and a roaring clothesline, Kazarian drills AJ with a shotgun dropkick for 2, Kazarian counters AJ's new leg submission to a rolling leg cradle for 2, but AJ gets the leglock on the second try and forces Kazarian to tap out.
Winner: AJ Styles
That's ten big points for AJ Styles, who now moves up to third place with 12 points. Magnus is still in first with 24, and Samoa Joe is in second place with 19, for the record.
Mickie James is backstage asking a crew member for a ladder. Maybe we'll find out what she's up to...NEXT!
Chavo Guerrero, Jr is backstage giving Hernandez another pep talk, saying that he's going to be a World Champion and to go out there and win tonight.
Mickie James is in the ring with her belt and a ladder, and she says that getting to the top of the Knockouts Division requires clawing and scratching your way to the top, and being that she's a country music star, a spokesperson for nationwide commercials, and by the way, the Knockouts Champion, all she keeps hearing about is the ladder match next week to determine her next challenger. She wants Gail Kim and Taryn Terrell to go out there and break a leg and everything else because it doesn't matter, they'll never be as great as her. Mickie will trash both of them and stand atop the division as the greatest Knockouts Champion of all time, Mickie James.
We look back at last week as Al Snow, Bruce Prichard, and Danny Davis discuss the Gut Check match we say between the Big O and Ryan Howe. They discuss the positives and negatives of each man, then we flash back to now as the judges are backstage with both men and reveal that the Big O is eliminated and Ryan Howe will find out whether he gets a contract later on tonight.
The Main Event Mafia is arriving at the building, and Kurt Angle says that we'll find out who the fourth member is later on tonight.
Bound For Glory Series: Jay Bradley vs Hernandez
When I did my Elite column a couple of weeks ago previewing the BFG Series, these were the two guys I said were the biggest longshots to win the whole thing. Bradley is actually bigger than Hernandez, and this turns into a power match early on as they trade shoulderblocks before Bradley gets the advantage with a rolling knee move for 2. Bradley tries to ground Hernandez with a rear chinlock before tossing him out to the ramp, but Bradley plays right into Hernandez' game plan and sets him right up to hit the running shoulderblock over the ropes. Hernandez hits a charging clothesline in the corner and an over the shoulder backbreaker for 2, but Bradley goes to the eyes, hits a backbreaker of his own, but Chavo distracts Bradley before he can hit the Boomstick and allows Hernandez to drill Bradley with the Pounce for the win.
Winner: Hernandez
That's seven points, but it seemed like a kind of heel move there by Chavo, didn't it?
We go to the Aces & Eights clubhouse where Bully Ray says he's got to hand it to Aries for always finding a way into the title picture, but the winner of tonight's match gets to face him for the title. Doc asks which one Bubba would prefer to face, and Bubba says it would be great if none of them were able to challenge him. The rest of the crew likes that one, and they toast to the impending doom of those three guys.
TNA World Tag Team Champions James Storm & Gunner vs Robbie E & Jessie Godderz
Robbie and Jessie jump the champs before the bell and trap Gunner in their half of the ring. They work Gunner over and choke him on the middle rope, but Gunner quickly tags in Storm, who comes in and cleans house. Gunner comes back in and they hit this sweet double team where they pick Robbie up and launch him into Jessie. Storm drills Robbie with the Last Call, Gunner hits a uranage backbreaker, and they hit a cool double team DDT for the win.
Winners: James Storm & Gunner
Just a quick match to showcase the champs, but they looked awesome and seem to have great chemistry as a team.
The Main Event Mafia are...in a hotel somewhere, it seems, and they're...WALKING!
Jeff Hardy is backstage, and he says that he's got a long history with Abyss, and he knows Joseph Park has a little bit of that dark side inside him too, so his plan is to get his points and get out tonight.
Sting and Kurt Angle come out to the ring, and Angle reminds us that the Main Event Mafia is back, and repeats himself just in case we didn't hear him. They're back for two reasons: to destroy Aces & Eights, and to make sure Bully Ray loses the TNA World Title. Sting says the previous MEM consisted of former World Champions and that doesn't always create the greatest unity, so they went a different direction this time around and they introduce Samoa Joe...who is a former World Champion. Joe says the numbers have been in the favor of Aces & Eights, so he went and got a crew of guys who beat up cowards, and with the MEM behind him, he's going to run through each and every man in the BFG Series until he hearns his shot at Bully Ray and chokes him out to win the World Title. Angle learned to respect Joe after all the matches they had and he is the baddest man Angle ever wrestled, and Joe came up with the idea of the fourth member for the MEM, and Angle thought it was a good idea. Angle says people would pick this guy to be the future of Impact Wrestling, but Angle says he is the now, and the fourth member of the Main Event Mafia is...Magnus! No surprise there, and Magnus comes out and says that when opportunity knocks, you answer it, and looking at the BFG Series leader board says all there is to say about it. Magnus keeps saying Sports Entertainment, which kind of makes me cringe, but he puts over each of his new buddies, then Sting challenges Aces & Eights to a fight and isn't worried about them saying there won't be a winner in tonight's main event, because they guarantee that there will be.
Jeff Hardy comes out to the ring, and he'll face Joseph Park...NEXT!
Bound For Glory Series: Jeff Hardy vs Joseph Park
Park pretends like he's afraid to wrestle before knocking Hardy down with a shoulderblock. Hardy responds with a flurry of offense and goes for the Swanton, but Park moves out of the way and then...stands there staring at Hardy like he doesn't know what to do. He settles for slumping Hardy into the corner and punching him before whipping him hard across the ring. Park is in control, but wastes a ton of time between each move and gives Hardy space to hit a series of running forearms to turn the tide around. Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate, but Park shoves him off to the ropes and catches him coming back with a Samoan Drop. Park looks surprised, but goes to the second rope and hits the splash for a 2 count. He probably would have won if he hadn't hesitated before going for the win, and Hardy is now able to get his elbow up on a charge by Park and hit the Whisper In The Wind. Park realizes his mouth is bleeding and he Abysses up, stares Hardy down, and gives the ref a Black Hole Slam when he tries to check on Park. Hardy goes to check on him and tells Park to stop, and Park snaps out of it as a second referee comes out and rings the bell.
Winner: Jeff Hardy by DQ
So that's only 2 points for Hardy, but now Park loses ten points and has no idea what happened as the referee raises Hardy's hand. I have to say, it's getting really annoying watching Park wrestle. We get it, he's a wussy rookie, but he's been wrestling for "a year" now and it looks really stupid when he still looks shocked every time he hits a move. Seriously, make him wrestle like a wrestler or keep him out of the ring, this is really, REALLY starting to get old.
Time for the Gut Check decision, as Ryan Howe comes out to face the judges. Al Snow says he's watched Howe develop over the years, and he's a great musician, but he has to say no. Howe gets thirty second to convince the other two judges why he deserves the contract, and Howe says that it takes a lot of guys a lot of years to get here, and he proved that he can entertain the fans in a way nobody's ever seen, and if the judges want someone who can entertain the fans, he's their guy. Danny Davis says his mind was made up, but the fans' reaction changed that because the way they booed him out of the ring didn't rattle him, so he's going to say yes and now the decision comes down to Bruce Prichard. Prichard says Howe got a reaction, no doubt about it, and he won't doubt the heart and desire Howe has, but if this were any other competition on any other night, they might get the chance to go on to the next round. But this is Gut Check, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and the answer is no, Howe stays in Vegas. Howe looks disappointed, but shakes the judges' hands before grabbing his guitar to head home.
Aces & Eights is backstage, it's almost main event time and Bubba wants to get a front row seat. Doc pulls Bubba aside to say he heard the Main Event Mafia's challenge and he says he can take them all out tonight, but Ken Anderson comes over and starts rattling on Doc for campaigning before next week's vote. Bubba gets between them and says they should spend as much time trying to take the Mafia out as they do stabbing each other in the back, then tells them to go out to ringside for the main event.
Speaking of the main event, Austin Aries is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
Aces & Eights comes out to watch the main event, then we see a video package previewing next week's Ladder Match, and then it's main event time!
X Division Title Match: Austin Aries vs Chris Sabin vs Manic
Manic and Sabin both mob Aries as soon as the bell rings, and they keep shoving each other out of the way so they can get Aries to themselves. Sabin and Manic eventually turn their attention to each other as Aces & Eights looks unimpressed at ringside. Aries tries to sneak in and grab Sabin, but Sabin dumps him out to the floor and goes back to beating up TJ Manic. Manic gets the Royal Octopus and rolls it into a guillotine, but Aries breaks it up at 2. Sabin nails Aries and goes up top to superplex Manic, but Manic shoves him off, hangs in the ropes, and waits for Sabin to charge so he can dodge and send Sabin out to the floor. Manic hangs Aries on the middle rope and goes for a springboard legdrop, but Aries moves and Manic hits the apron and rolls out to the floor. Aries climbs to the top, Sabin grabs him, and they trade blows in the middle of the ring. Aries snapmares Sabin and hits him in the back of the head with a dropkick from the second rope for 2. Sabin gets backdropped to the ramp and Aries nails him with a double axhandle from the top rope, but he tries the brainbuster and Sabin reverses to a gourdbuster. Aces & Eights suddenly comes over the rail and surround the ring, and Knux grabs Manic's ankle when he tries for a dive. Manic kicks Knux off into the announce table and then tries a dive onto Doc, but Doc catches Manic and powerbombs him on the floor. We're down to Aries and Sabin as Aces & Eights surrounds them, but the Main Event Mafia comes down to ringside to even the odds as we go to commercial.
We return as Manic is being carried out on a stretcher and Aries gives Sabin a Death Valley Driver on the ring apron. Aries rolls inside and lets the referee count, but Sabin just barely makes it back in before the countout, so Aries tries unsuccessfully for a few pin attempts. Aries continues hitting offense and trying for pinfalls, but Sting gets up on the ring apron and distracts Aries for some reason. Aries picks Sabin up and slaps him in the face, and this just fires up Sabin, who goes nuts pummeling Aries with punches and chops, followed by a running dropkick to the face for 2. Aries escapes the Cradle Shock, but Sabin gets the boot up when Aries goes for the IED, Aried dodges a running boot from Sabin, and Sabin's boot gets caught in the ropes. Aries smells blood, hits a dragon screw legwhip through the ropes, a missile dropkick, the IED, and goes for the brainbuster but Sabin small packages Aries for 2. Sabin goes for the Cradle Shock again, but Aries reverses to the brainbuster for 2. Aries is in shock as Sting is still standing on the ring apron, but he has the presence of mind to catch Sabin in the Last Chancery. Sabin makes it to the ropes, so Aries drags Sabin into the corner and goes up top for the 450, but Sabin rolls out of the way and Aries lands on his butt. Sabin pops Aries up into a powerbomb for 2, then he hits the Cradle Shock and now Aries is out at 2. Sabin goes for another Cradle Shock, Aries counters to a cradle for 2, then they knock each other out with simultaneous roaring elbows. They get to their feet and trade punches in the middle of the ring again, Sabin hits a running forearm in the corner, Aries responds by following him into the opposite corner with an IED and puts Sabin on the top rope for a super brainbuster, but Sabin reverses and hits a top rope Cradle Shock for the win.
Winner and NEW X Division Champion: Chris Sabin
This match was a hundred different kinds of awesome after it stopped being a three way, and it just goes to show what these guys can do when they aren't forced to have these meaningless car crash matches. Please, please get rid of the three ways, TNA! Chris Sabin points at Bully Ray and tells him that he just might be looking at the next World Champion, then holds the belt high as Bully tells him there's no chance as we call it a night.
Thanks for reading the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com! I'll be back tomorrow to discuss Impact and more with Dave Scherer on the Stu & Pid Show!2013 - WWE ran Toyko, Japan. Mike Johnson filed the following results:
1. The Great Khali & Yoshi Tatsu defeated Primo & Epico.
2. Wade Barrett defeated Zack Ryder.
3. IC Championship Curtis Axel defeated The Miz to retain the title.
4. Natalya Defeated Aksana.
5. Chris Jericho defeated Antoino Cesaro.
- Intermission -
6. U.S. Championship: Sheamus defeated champion Dean Ambrose by DQ after The Shield (Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) attacked, Then Team Hell No (Kane & Daniel Bryan) made the save.
7.Team Hell No & Sheamus defeated The Shield.
8. Main Event: WWE Championship Tables Match - John Cena defeated RyBack. Cena hit the AA & Put RyBack though the Table to retain his Title.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!
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