10/6 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: THE LIVING LEGEND BRUNO SAMMARTINO IS BORN, HOUSE OF HARDCORE DEBUTS, ADAMS & HERNANDEZ GET THEIR HEADS SHAVED, DICK THE BRUISER VS. SHEIK HEADLINES OLYMPIA STADIUM AND MUCH MORE

By Mike Johnson on 2014-10-06 08:00:00

October 6th

On this day in history in ....

1935 - Two time former WWWF champion and WWE Hall of Famer "The Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino is born in Italy. His life story is available in the autobiography "Bruno".

1962 - Johnny Doyle & Jim Barnett promoted an event at the Olympia Stadium in Detroit, Michigan with the following results:

-Dick The Bruiser defeated The Sheik by DQ.
-Lord Layton pinned Tough Tony Borne.
-Karl Gotch defeated Don Jardine.
-Thunder Stern defeated Rocky Cortez.
-Wilbur Snyder defeated Joe Blanchard.
-Bearcat Wright defeated Stan Neilson.
-Freddie Blassie defeated Emil Dupre.
-George Scott fought Art Neilsen to a draw.
-Mark Lewin defeated Robert Paris.
-Ilio Dipaolo defeated Sandy Scott.
-Dale Lewis defeated Dan Miller.

1962 - A live event in Eugene, Oregon saw the following results:

-Herb Freeman defeated Kurt Von Poppenheim.
-Ted Evans defeated Pepper Gomez.
-Bill Savage vs. Dean Higuchi ended without a winner as a time limit draw at 0 falls each in a Best of Three Falls bout.
-Fritz von Goering defeated Nick Kozak by referee stoppage after each won one fall each.

1962 - A live event in Akron, Ohio featured the following results:

-Jose Betancourt defeated Joe Mills.
-Paul Christy defeated Frank Zela.
-Chris Tolos and John Tolos defeated Bobo Brazil and Slim Marlin.

1962 -A live event in Patterson, NJ featured the following:

-Tommy O'Toole defeated Gregory Jarque.
-Tony Martinelli defeated Joe Quinones.
-Magnificent Maurice vs. Miguel Perez went to a 20 minute draw,
-Shohei Baba vs. Vittorio Apollo went to a no contest in 16 minutes.
-3 on 2 Handicap Match: Buddy Rogers, Johnny Barend and Bobby Davis defeated Chuck Conley and Rip Collins

1962 - A live event in San Bernardino CA saw the following results:

-Sir Alan Garfield vs. Ty Colt ended without a winner as a time limit draw.
-Jess Ortega defeated Vic Christy.
-Ricki Starr defeated Great Togo.
-The Destroyer and The Preacher defeated Dick Hutton and Dick Garza.

1962 - A live event in Victoria, British Columbia saw the following events:

-Bill Wright defeated Sonny Redwing.
-Eric Froelich defeated Pepe Gonzales.
-George Gordienko fought Sandor Kovacs to a time limit draw.
-Paul DeGaulles vs. Roy McClarty fought to a time limit draw.
-Hercules Cortez defeated Hard Boiled Haggerty.

1964 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Dr. Jerry Graham in Bridgeport, CT.

1966 - During a TV taping in Newcastle, Australia, WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino wrestled twice across the course of the taping, defeating Dan Miller and Brute Bernard.

1971 - Marie Vagnone & Jane Sherill defeat Jumbo Miyamoto & Aiko Kyo to win back the WWWA World Tag Team Title in Niigata, Japan, only one day after losing the belts.

1971 - A Mid-Atlantic Wrestling event in Asheville, NC at The City Auditorium saw the following results:

-Death Match: Argentina Apollo beat Brute Bernard in 17:00.
-Pampero Firpo & Jim Grabmire beat Les Thatcher & Koa Tiki.
-Rock Hunter beat Joe Furr.
-Vicki Williams beat Donna Christian.

1971 - An AWA event in Rockford, IL at The Boylan High School saw the following results:

-Nick Bockwinkel beat The Crusher.
-Billy Robinson beat Ray Stevens via DQ.
-Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson beat Don Muraco & Bull Bullinski.
-Jack Bence beat Dennis Stamp.

1971 - A live event in San Antonio, TX at The Municipal Auditorium saw the following results:

-Thunderbolt Patterson beat Toru Tanaka.
-Wahoo McDaniel & Jose Lothario beat Johnny Valentine & Buddy Wolff.
-The Spoiler beat George Gaiser.
-Bobby Shane beat Bob Burns.
-Nick Kozak beat Sabu Singh.

1971 - A live events in Columbus, GA promoted by Fred Ward at The Municipal Auditorium saw the following results:

-Bill Dromo defeated Columus champion The Assassin #2.
-Bob Armstrong & George Scott & Klondike Bill defeated Buddy Colt & The Monroe Brothers, Rocket & Flash.
-Joe Turco fought Kubla Khan to a draw.
-Cisco Grimaldo defeated Alex Medina.

1971 - A live event promoted by Mike Bell in Los Angeles, CA at The Olympic Auditorium saw the following results:

-Mil Mascaras & La Pantera Negra defeated Black Gordman & Bengali.
-Ann Casey defeated the Black Orchid.
-Freddie Blassie & Man Mountain Mike defeated Bull Ramos & the Oregon Lumberjack.
-John Tolos defeated Mando Lopez.
-The Destroyer defeated Jose Teran.
-Salvador Lothario defeated the Great Goliath.

1971 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Miami Beach, FL at The Auditorium with the following results:

-Florida champion Jack Brisco fought Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods) to a 60 minute draw.
-Johnny Walker (Mr. Wrestling II) & Ron Fuller defeated Dick Murdoch & Bobby Duncum.
-Bull Marcus & Ronnie Garvin defeated the Australians (Ron Miller & Larry O'Day).
-Louie Tillet & Ken Lusk defeated the Corsica Bros. (Joe & Jean).
-June Peterson & Sherri Lee defeated Bonnie Watson & Sarah Corsica.
-Skandor Akbar defeated Juan Garcia.
-George Strickland defeated Greg Peterson.

1972 - A live event in Atlanta, GA at The Municipal Auditorium saw the following results:

-Ox Baker beat Nick Bockwinkel.
-Brass Knuckles Rules: Skandor Akbar beat The Assassin #1.
-Bill Bowman & Joe Turner fought Bob Armstrong & Argentina Apollo.
-Tommy Seigler beat Oki Shikina.
-Johnny Reb beat Billy The Kid.
-Koa Tiki drew Pedro Godoy.
-Bob Armstrong beat Rock Hunter by DQ.

1972 - A live event in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Convention Center with the following results before 8,000 fans:

-Dick the Bruiser defeated Blackjack Mulligan in a Georgia Chain Gang match.
-Billy Red Cloud & Bobby Bold Eagle defeated Blackjack Lanza & Baron Von Raschke.
-Andre the Giant defeated Ben Jarrells & Red Dupree in a handicap match.
-Higo Hamaguchi defeated Prince Pullins.
-Ricky "Killer" Cortez defeated Ben Jarrells.
-Wilbur Snyder & Sailor Art Thomas fought The Beast & The Wolfman to a draw.
-Moose Cholak defeated Ken Dillinger.

1975 - Dusty Rhodes defeats Bob Roop to begin his second reign as NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion in Tampa.

1975 - A WWWF event in Landover, MD at the Capital Centre was headlined by WWWF Tag Team Champions The Blackjacks defeating WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Bobo Brazil.

1975 - A live event in Mid-South Coliseum drawing 5,307 saw the following results:

-The Mongolian Stomper NC Mike Graham.
-Ron & Robert Fuller beat Cowboy Parker & Ken Dillinger.
-Al Greene beat Pepper Gomez..
-Southern Champ Bob Armstrong beat Harley Race.
-Southern Tag Champs The Interns beat Eddie Marlin & Bill Dundee.

1978 -Southeastern Championship Wrestling ran Knoxville, TN with the following results:

-Boris Malenko beat Ronnie Garvin by DQ.
-Jimmy Golden & Rip Smith beat Dennis Condrey & Phil Hickerson.
-Kevin Sullivan & Toru Tanaka beat The Destroyer & Ken Dillinger.
-Charlie Cook beat Ted Allen.
-Terry Gibbs beat Tony Pierce.

1982 - Kevin Sullivan defeats Barry Windham in a tournament final for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa. The belt had been vacated on August 23, 1982 following a controversial match between champion B. Brian Blair and Bruiser Brody where Brody was declared the winner, but the decision was then reversed.

1984 - A WWF event at The Boston Garden in MA was headlined by WWF champion Hulk Hogan beating Roddy Piper by countout.

1985 - World Class Championship Wrestling held it's second "Cotton Bowl Extravaganza" at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 25,000 fans. Here are the results of the show:
- Killer Tim Brooks defeated Steve Casey.
- Kelly Kiniski defeated Tommy Montana.
- The Fantastics defeated John Tatum & Dave Peterson.
- The Great Kabuki defeated Mark Lewin by disqualification.
- Texas Heavyweight Champion Brian Adidas defeated Jack Victory.
- Iceman King Parsons defeated The One Man Gang in the third round of a Taped Fist match via knockout.
- In a No DQ, "Hair vs. Hair" match, Kerry & Kevin Von Erich defeated Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez.

1985 - A WWF event in Boston, MA at the Boston Garden saw the following results:

-King Tonga defeated Mr. X.
-Cpl. Kirchner defeated Rene Goulet.
-David Sammartino pinned Tiger Chung Lee with a sunset flip.
-Barry Windham & SD Jones defeated Iron Mike Sharpe & Barry O.
-Paul Orndorff pinned the Missing Link with a high knee after the Link was distracted by Jimmy Hart's megaphone.
-Terry Funk defeated The Junkyard Dog.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake defeated the British Bulldogs.
-Randy Savage defeated Scott McGhee.
-WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan pinned King Kong Bundy with a powerslam at 6:21.

1985 - An AWA event in Janesville, Wisconsin saw the following results:

-Jerry O beat Rick Gantner.
-Baron Von Raschke beat Kevin Kelly.
-Scott Irwin beat Buck Zumhofe.
-Rob Rechsteiner beat Boris Zukhov via disqualification.
-Jerry Blackwell & Little Mr. T beat Jimmy Garvin & Buddy Roberts.
-Jerry Blackwell won a 13 Man Battle Royal.

1985 - WWF ran Phoenix, AZ at The Veterans Memorial Coliseum with the following results:

-The Spoiler defeated Rick McGraw.
-Pedro Morales defeated Mr. X.
-Adrian Adonis defeated SD Jones.
-The Hart Foundation defeated The British Bulldogs.
-Roddy Piper defeated Paul Orndorff.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Tito Santana defeated Randy Savage via DQ in a Lumberjack match.

1985 - WWF ran Miami, FL featuring the following results:

-B. Brian Blair defeated the Missing Link.
-Cpl. Kirchner defeated Barry O.
-Cousin Junior defeated Rusty Brooks.
-Scott McGee fought Iron Mike Sharpe to a draw.
-Jim Brunzell defeated Moondog Spot.
-Barry Windham & Hillbilly Jim defeated Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake.

1988 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Raleigh, NC at The Dorton Arena with the following results:

-The Italian Stallion defeated Rip Morgan.
-Bobby Fulton pinned Luke Williams.
-NWA World TV Champion Mike Rotunda pinned Ron Simmons.
-The Road Warriors defeated Al Perez & Larry Zbyzsko.
-NWA World Tag Team champions The Minight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeated Kevin Sullivan & Rick Steiner when Sullivan was pinned.
-Nikita Koloff fought Russian Assassin #1 to a double disqualification.
-Lex Luger & Sting defeated NWA World champion Ric Flair & NWA United States champion Barry Windham in a Lumberjack match when Sting pinned Flair.

1989 - WWF ran Miami, FL with the following results:

-Haku defeated Jim Neidhart.
-Greg Valentine defeated Ron Garvin.
-Dino Bravo defeated the Red Rooster.
-The Rockers defeated the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers.
-The Genius defeated Koko B. Ware.
-Jim Duggan defeated Akeem.
-WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage.

1989 - WWF ran Salt Lake City, UT, featuring the following results:

-Tugboat defeated the Brooklyn Brawler.
-Hercules defeated Jerry Monti.
-Bad News Brown defeated Bret Hart.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated the Big Bossman.
-Mr. Perfect defeated Brutus Beefcake.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated The Brainbusters, Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard by DQ.
-Jake Roberts defeated Ted DiBiase by DQ.

1990 - Tony Anthony & Doug Gilbert defeat Jeff Jarrett & Jeff Gaylord for the USWA World Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Jarrett & Gaylord's second title reign. However, on the same show, Jeff Jarrett defeats Dick Slater to win the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title.

1990 - WWF ran Boston, MA at Boston Gardens with a matinee event that saw:

-Paul Diamond defeated Bob Bradley.
-The British Bulldog pinned Haku.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated the Warlord via countout.
-Ted DiBiase pinned Dusty Rhodes after hitting him with the Million Dollar championship belt.
-Tugboat defeated Earthquake via DQ when Dino Bravo interfered.
-WWF Tag Team Champions the Hart Foundation defeated Greg Valentine & the Honky Tonk Man by DQ.

1990 - WWF ran Omaha, Nebraska at The Civic Auditorium featuring the following results:

-Koko B. Ware pinned the Genius.
The Brooklyn Brawler defeated Barry O.
-The Barbarian defeated Jim Brunzell.
-The Orient Express defeated the Bushwhackers.
-Sgt. Slaughter defeated Nikolai Volkoff via submission with the Camel Clutch.
-Mr. Perfect defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Texas Tornado via countout.
-WWF champion The Ultimate Warrior & the Legion of Doom defeated Demolition Ax & Smash, & Crush.

1991 - WWF ran Auburn Hills, Michigan at The Palace of Auburn Hills featuring the following results:

-Jimmy Snuka pinned the Brooklyn Brawler.
-The Bezerker defeated Greg Valentine.
-The Beverly Brothers defeated the Bushwhackers.
-IRS pinned Jim Neidhart.
-Sid Justice defeated Jake Roberts via disqualification.
-Ricky Steamboat pinned Skinner.
-Ted DiBiase defeated Million $ champion Virgil via countout.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Bret Hart defeated the Warlord.

1995 - WWF ran Madison Square Garden in NYC with the following results:

-Hakushi pinned Bodydonna Skip.
-Barry Horowitz pinned Sir Mo after Skip's interference backfired.
Savio Vega defeated Kama.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Shawn Michaels defeated The British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith via disqualification.
-The 1-2-3 Kid defeated Mr. Bob Backlund.
-The Undertaker defeated King Mabel.
-WWF Tag Team Champions the Smoking Gunns defeated Jacob & Eli Blu.
-Bret Hart (with George Steele) defeated Isaac Yankem (with Jerry Lawler) with the Sharpshooter.

1995 - WWF ran Vienna, Austria with the following results:

-Man Mountain Rock defeated Rad Radford (Louie Spicoli).
-Waylon Mercy defeated Bob Holly.
-Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Sycho Sid.
-Jean Pierre Laffiette defeated Aldo Montoya.
-Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Henry Godwinn.
-Owen Hart defeated Fatu.
-Razor Ramon defeated Dean Douglas via disqualification.
.WWF World Champion Diesel defeated Yokozuna.

1997 - The Monday Night Wars continued, with WCW Monday Nitro getting a 3.9 victory over WWF Monday Night Raw's 3.0. Nitro featured Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero defeating Ultimo Dragon and United States Champion Curt Hennig defeating Chris Benoit, while Raw saw Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeat World Champion Bret Hart via countout and Intercontinental Champion Owen Hart defeat Hawk. However, while Nitro had the larger audience, Raw definitely left a more lasting impression due to two very different, yet very controversial, segments.

One day after Brian Pillman was found dead in a hotel room, Vince McMahon conducted a live interview with Melanie Pillman, Brian's widow, via satellite from her home on Raw. An obviously devastated Melanie made comments about other wrestlers seeing her husband's death as a "wake up call", as it was believed at the time (before autopsy reports were completed) that prescription drug abuse was possibly the cause of his death. McMahon at one point asked Melanie how she was going to provide for her children, and when she was unable to answer, it made an already uncomfortable segment seem downright cruel. WWF was universally blasted for the segment, in particular the way it was hyped for the duration of the show and saved for one of the final segments. However, both WWE and Melanie have defended the segments in interviews since then.

The other segment saw Jim Cornette, appearing out of character, blasting WCW and Eric Bischoff in an interview. This unprecedented "shoot" on the competition was born out of an appearance Cornette had made on WWF.com's audio show in which he blasted WCW. The decision was made to have Cornette state his opinions again for a larger audience, on Raw. Here is a full transcript of Cornette's promo, which became the talk of wrestling for some time afterwards, and resulted in Cornette later making a second, similar appearance during an edition of Raw:

"This is Jim Cornette, and the views that I'm about to express are not necessarily those of anybody else but me. But they ought to be. And as a matter of fact, they probably are.

You know, a lot of things in the wrestling world make me cranky these days. Especially the way some talent is treated and some talent is looked at, by not only the promoters, but some wrestling fans as well.

For example, a man like Arn Anderson, who just had to retire from this sport, after giving it his entire life, because of some injury he suffered. A guy like "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who in my opinion, is one of the greatest talents in the history of this business. Guys like Mankind, Cactus Jack, Dude Love, whatever you want to call him. Great talents in the WWF or WCW.

But who gets a lot of the attention, from the wrestling fans especially? Guys like the NWO, the New World Order. You know, all the fans think these guys are so cool and so 'sweet', and so funny. Well, as far as I'm concerned, the NWO is like a bunch of guys meeting out in the backyard in a clubhouse in a tree. They're guys who, all they have to do, they've got the easiest job in the world, all they have to do is go out there and be themselves. Childish, obnoxious, adolescent guys with a case of severe arrested emotional development, and a fixation on trying to act macho.

You've got a guy like Kevin Nash, 40 years old, trying to act like a teenager. Far as I'm concerned, the biggest "no talent" in the business. He's got six moves, no mobility, and enough timing to cover up for some of it. But what he does is he goes around and manipulates. Kevin Nash had a multi-million dollar promotional company, the WWF, push him to the moon to make him a star, and what does he do? He leaves, after he gives his word he's staying, so by the way, he's a liar too, he leaves and he goes to WCW for a big contract. Why? More on that later.

You've got a guy like Scott Hall, who's a good wrestler, but good is about it. He's the best of the bunch. But he had the same million dollar promotional company make him a star, after being in the business 10 years without putting three asses in a seat. And what does he do? He goes to WCW for a big contract. Why? More on that later.

And then you've got a guy, Syxx, 1-2-3 Kid, his name's Sean Waltman. Whatever you want to call him. As far as I'm concerned, the only reason he's employed is because the other guys think he's funny when he gets drunk and throws up on himself. He has the distinction, in case you haven't noticed, of being the only guy since this wrestling war got started, that was released from a valid contract for one company to go to the other side, which shows you how valuable he is.

You know why they're all employed? Why they're all in the spot they are today? Because of Eric Bischoff. The boss of WCW, not the NWO. Look at the credits on the PPV, if you can get one for free. The idiot's name is on it. He's the boss of WCW. He works for Ted Turner, and he throws a billionaire's money around, just like water, so he can have guys that he likes to hang out with.

Because, even more than being a mark, yeah, for his own face and his own voice, Eric Bischoff is a guy who's a big fan of hanging around studly guys with long hair and beards, that smoke cigars, and ride Harley's, so that some of that can rub off on his little pansy-ass frame. So he takes that billionaire's money, and he throws that around like water to buy guys that he can hang around, to prove that his "johnson" is bigger than everybody else's.

And that's the sole reason the NWO guys are employed.

I think, me personally, that it's about time that the wrestling fans and the promoters, all of them in this business, start recognizing guys like "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, like Arn Anderson, like Cactus Jack. Guys who bust their ass, who work hard, and have ability and talent to get where they are. Instead of a bunch of guys that get to their spot by hanging around with the boss and sucking-up.

I'm Jim Cornette, and that's my opinion."

Note: It should be pointed out that in several interviews since then, Cornette has stated that he apologizes for the comments he made about Waltman. However, he has made no apologies or retractions for anything else he said in the interview.

2001 - WWF ran Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Arena featuring the following results:

-WWF Light Heavyweight & WCW Cruiserweight champion X-Pac pinned Scotty 2 Hotty by using the ropes for leverage.
-Lita pinned Ivory with the Twist of Fate.
-Brock Lesnar pinned Kanyon with a fisherman DDT.
-Chris Jericho defeated Lance Storm via submission with the Walls of Jericho.
-The Acolytes defeated Chuck Palumbo & Mike Awesome following Bradshaw's Clothesline from Hell.-
Perry Saturn pinned Steven Richards with a spinning fisherman's suplex.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Christian pinned Edge after hitting him with the title belt.
-Jeff Hardy pinned WWF Tag Team champion Bubba Ray Dudley with the Swanton after both Matt Hardy and Lita interfered.
-WWF champion Kurt Angle pinned Steve Austin when he executed his own version of the Stunner.

2001 - WWF ran Bethlehem, PA at The Stabler Arena with the following results:

-Crash Holly defeated Billy Kidman.
-Tommy Dreamer defeated Russ McCollough.
-Molly Holly defeated Jackie.
-Tajiri defeated Justin Credible.
-The Big Show & Spike Dudley defeated the Hurricane & Hugh Morrus. Mick Foley was the guest ring announcer.
-Billy Gunn defeated Albert.
-WWF Hardcore Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Raven.
-The Undertaker & Kane defeated WCW Tag Team champions Booker T & Test via disqualification.

2006 - TNA signed Kevin Nash to a new deal.

2006 - Canadian star TJ Wilson reported to WWE developmental Deep South Wrestling for a one week tryout. He was signed and later made it to the main roster as Tyson Kidd.

2006 - Former WWE and WCW star Chris Kanyon appeared on Howard Stern's radio show. The following notes were sent into PWInsider.com by readers:

*Chris is making sense and is an amazing guest. He actually comes across extremely intelligent. They are attempting to call VKM on the air to discuss Kanyon's claims of being fired because he was gay but Vince was not in the office.

*Kanyon knows everything about the show so he fit in. He hit Stern with trivia. He bet Artie on the Yankees, Mets in playoffs. He brought gifts. He played a game with Richard & Sal and offered to play gay dial-a-date. He said he thinks Vince might be gay. Howard thought he was a great guest.

2006 - Wrestling Society X began booking talent for their first (and as it turned out, last) set of TV Tapings in Los Angeles. The series would run for one season on MTV.

2006 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Phil Lowe filed the following TV report:

The show starts with some very cool pre-recorded comments from King Booker and Lashley to hype their matches tonight and on Sunday at No Mercy. They had the feel of the old pre-recorded comments that WWE used on Saturday Night's Main Event, and were a very cool way to the start the show.

No opening credits, and after a brief rundown from JBL and Michael Cole at ringside, we're straight into things as Rey Mysterio's music hits for a first match - Rey Mysterio & Matt Hardy vs Chavo Guerrero & Gregory Helms. The match gets underway with Mysterio and Helms in the ring, with the former World Champion getting in an early head scissors before tagging in Hardy, who hits a reverse elbow and an elbow drop. Mysterio gets tagged back in and dominates both Helms and Chavo before Hardy is again tagged back in and continues the babyfaces' domination until all four enter the ring and a springboard attempt by Mysterio is blocked by a forearm by Chavo.

In the ring, Helms gets the upper hand on Hardy with a series of forearms and right hands. He tags in Chavo, who continues to take it to the lesser-pushed Hardy Boy as "Chavo Sucks" chants start. Helms gets tagged back but Hardy makes his comeback with a clothesline then hits a Side Effect on Chavo before making the hot tag to Rey, who clears house. A really good pace to the match, and the crowd are totally into it as well. Mysterio and Hardy team up to set up both Chavo and Helms for the 619, which Mysterio connects with. JBL calls the double 619 spot a "1228". I may have misheard, but I'm sure he said 1228. If so, I'm sure 619x2 is 1238. And you give financial advice? Ok. Anyway, Hardy then hits the Side Effect on Helms before Mysterio comes off the top rope and connects with Helms to get the pin.

Really good opening match. Hardy and Mysterio celebrate as we head off to commercials.

We return with Elijah Burke heading to ringside, accompanied by Sylvester Terkay. Burke grabs the mic and tells of how he has over 100 wins in boxing, and is the only man crazy enough to spur with Terkay. Tatanka's music hits, and we get our first Hogan-esque dubbed pop of the night. The match gets underway with Tatanka hitting a series of chops of Burke and following it up with a big right hand as JBL and Cole discuss Tatanka's losing streak. Burke reverses an Irish Whip and follows it up with a sweet looking dropkick to the face. Burke's boxing background is put into use with a series of left and right hands with Tatanka cornered, before he follows it up with an elbow drop of sorts from the top rope.

The momentum swings back in Tatanka's favour as JBL tells of how when Bret Hart, Sid Vicious and The Ultimate Warrior were in town, Tatanka knew what he was doing in the ring. Terkay distracts Tatanka, allowing Burke to capitalise. With the referee's back turned, Terkay hits Tatanka with a right hand, and the assist is enough for Burke to pick up the pinfall win.

Cole hypes up this evening's "Pick Your Poison" matches, with King Booker facing Finlay, and Lashley taking on his buddy Batista.

After a plug for Sunday's PPV (live coverage here at WrestleMag from 8pm ET/1am UK time), we cut backstage to see King Booker talking to William Regal and Finlay. Booker tells Finlay to "lie down for your King" when the opening bell sounds in their match. Finlay asks Regal if he'd lay down if he was in the same situation. Regal unconvincingly says he would, and makes his excuses to leave. Finlay then tells the King that he didn't make the match, and that he won't lay down for him. He reminds Booker that his name is Finlay, and he loves to fight. That match is next.

We return from commercial in time for Sharmell and King Booker making their way to the ring. JBL and Cole really go to town in trying to put over this match and the possibility of a split in the King's Court as we get underway with Finlay and King Booker locking up with Booker screaming at him to lay down. Finlay rolls to the outside and stares out Sharmell, allowing Booker to nail him with a baseball slide. Booker rolls him back into the ring and hits a series of knife edge chops before Finlay counters a backdrop and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Finlay follows it up with some uppercuts and follows it up with several boots to Booker in the corner before rolling him up for another near fall.

Booker gets back into the match, hitting Finlay with a spinebuster that sees Finlay landing flat with his head bouncing hard off the mat. Booker gets a two count and the pace slows down momentarily before Book levels him with a right hand. Booker then goes for an ax kick but Finlay ducks it, but as he comes off the ropes, Sharmell trips him up and Booker hits him with the kick. The Little Bastard appears from under the ring and chases off Sharmell with a mouse in his hand. This distracts Booker, allowing Finlay to nail him from behind with the shillelagh and pick up the win. Another really fun match, and the crowd were really into the finish.

We cut backstage to see Lashley and Batista (with stubble and looking like Rob Conway) preparing for their match, which gets underway after a quick promo for the UK tour (likely a commercial break when this goes out later tonight on The CW Network).

Lashley comes out to a decent pop, and the place goes nuts for the arrival of Conw Batista. They stare down in the middle of the ring and shake hands, and for a match that has been made out of nothing really, this has a big match feel to it. Why it's wasted as a throw away match a week before a "B" PPV rather than saved for something in say six months time on PPV is beyond me. They lock up with neither guy getting an upper hand, then go old school with a test of strength before Lashley goes for a takedown. The crowd are pretty split on who to get behind as Lashley takes Batista down with a shoulder tackle. Batista fights back with right hands and a tackle of his own. He goes for a Batista Bomb but Lashley escapes, and they both stare down again. A very cool, old school, big man vs big man start to the match.

Lashley reverses an Irish Whip and hits Batista with two shoulder tackles in the corner, but Batista gets straight back into it with a kick to the head. Lashley returns the favour and goes for a running powerslam but Batista escapes and hits a clothesline that sends both men down. With both men down, Finlay and King Booker hit the ring and attack their respective opponents for No Mercy on Sunday. They get split up by referees and officials (Ricky Steamboat and the recently hired Mike Rotunda making cameo appearances) as Teddy Long enters the Arena, and announces the change for Sunday's PPV main event, with King Booker defending against Lashley, Batista and Finlay in a fatal-fourway.

We return from commercials with all four wrestlers involved in Sunday's main event arguing backstage with Teddy Long. Batista tells Long he's made a good decision, Long agrees, and makes Booker/Finlay vs Batista/Lashley for later tonight.

For the record, we're one hour into the show. Three good matches, no "comedy" attempts or meaningless, time consuming sketches. The opening hour of the show has been hands down the best WWE TV in weeks. As I type that, Jimmy Wang Yang makes his way to the ring. As he does his best cowboy impression the ring, we get pre-recorded comments from Yang. Sylvan is Yang's opponent tonight in a rematch from last week's match. Yang starts up a USA chant and we get underway. It's a pretty basic match which is overshadowed by JBL going off on his weekly "I hate everything" rant. Yet again I've loved JBL on commentary tonight. The relatively short match ends after Sylvan gets the pinfall win after using the ropes for the second week in a row.

Highlights from this week's No Mercy press conference are shown, before Tony Chimmel introduces Smackdown's newest signing, MVP. MVP of course debuts this Sunday at No Mercy. He takes the stage near the Smackdown! set and cuts a promo saying that he's the best athlete on the planet and that at No Mercy this Sunday he will make history. A very bland promo.

We've yet more pre-recorded comments up next as Ken Kennedy talks up Sunday's match with The Undertaker. He tells 'Taker that "his well has ran dry", and his pyro tricks and scare tactics mean nothing. He says that the decade-and-a-half of destruction will end at No Mercy, and that Mr Kennedy is the future.

We return from commercials to hear Michelle McCool, Idol Stevens and KC James hyping up their Tag Team Title match with Paul London and Brian Kendrick at this Sunday's PPV before Michelle makes her way to the ring to take on Ashley Massaro. A horrible promo, for the record. Ashley is joined at ringside by London and Kendrick. Thankfully, the match is kept short, although not short enough as it was truly awful to watch. McCool gets the win after a sloppy reverse of a sloppy cross body from the top rope to pick up the win.

Michael Cole hypes up tonight's main event of Batista/Lashley vs King Booker/Finlay, which is up next.

After another commercial break, it's main event time, and after all four make their separate ways to the ring, we get straight into it with Finlay taking it straight to Batista. They briefly take it outside before Batista gets the upper hand and tags in Lashley, who shoulder charges Finlay in the corner. They break it up, and Finlay manages to take in King Booker. Booker quickly takes the advantage over Lashley, and they too go to the outside where Finlay uses the ring steps to his advantage. They head back into the ring and Finlay slows the pace, wearing down Lashley with a rear headlock. Booker is tagged back in, and continues to dominate Lashley with a dropkick to the head, getting a two count for his troubles.

The crowd starts to chant for Batista as Finlay is tagged back in and goes back to the rest holds. Lashley makes the tag, but the referee didn't see it, allowing Finlay and Booker to double team Lashley as Batista protests to referee Nick Patrick. Booker then slips up as Lashley ducks a clothesline and hits a spear to take him down, allowing him to make the tag into Batista. Batsista clears house, but William Regal hits the ring, causing for Patrick to call for the DQ. Batista gives Booker and Regal spinebusters, then takes out Lashley with one as well. The Little Bastard gives Batista a low blow, but he takes him out before giving Finlay a spinebuster as well. Batista shakes the ropes and poses on the turnbuckles as the show comes to a close.

Compare this to RAW, and based on this week's TV, Smackdown! was by far the superior show. Take away the Divas match, and Yang vs Sylvan, and overall you've got what I thought was the best edition of Smackdown! in many weeks.

2007 - Ring of Honor taped their Undeniable PPV in Edison, NJ. Mike Johnson filed the following report:

*Alex "Sugarfoot Payne & "Nearly Erect" Ernie Osiris (Hey, that's what the ring announcer said) defeated Rhett Titus & Mitch Franklin. Someone was ribbing the guys in the ring as it was announced as having "TV Time remaining" and after one minute, they announced that 20 minutes had gone by in the time limit.

Ring of Honor Undeniable PPV Spoilers from Edison, NJ:

*The PPV opened with Claudio Castagnoli in the ring for his match with Chris Hero. Larry Sweeney comes out and says he doesn't like the terms of the match so he's having Hero sit out. Dave Prazak said they would have to get Claudio another opponent. Claudio left.

*The Age of the Fall came to the ring. Jimmy Jacobs cuts a promo saying that ROH won't let them get to the Briscoes until they beat some teams so he issues an open challenge. The Vulture Squad hit the ring.

*The Age of the Falls's Tyler Black & Jimmy Jacobs defeated The Vulture Squad's Jack Evans & Ruckus when Jacobs forced Evans to submit. Fun opener with some really good high spotsand fast offense once it got going. Hero and company were in the ring upset when Bryan Danielson's music hit. He said they represent all that's wrong about sports by holding ROH up and challenges Chris Hero to prove he's the great athlete he prolaims himself to be.

*In a very good match, Bryan Danielson defeated Chris Hero when Danielson began nailing Hero repeatedly with a curb stomp. When Hero wouldn't respond to the referee Todd Sinclaire, Sinclaire called for the bell.

*Adam Pearce comes to the ring and says he needs to speak to Kevin Steen, who comes to the ring. Pearce says he represents the Hangmen 3. He says that Steen associates himself with El Generico who cost him a tag title shot. He offers Steen a spot with the Hangmen and presents him an "offering" to show he's serious. BJ Whitmer, Shane Hagadorn and Brent Albright drag out Generico. They hold him and Pearce tries to goad Steen into destroying his partner. Steen considers but then attacked the Hangmen. They get the advantage but Delirious makes the save. This starts a six man tag....

*The Hangmen 3 defeated Kevin Steen & El Generico & Delirious when Brent Albright pinned Delirous after an exploder suplex. Another good match with a great, fast pace, some dives and a good story being told.

*Austin Aries pinned Roderick Strong in an excellent back and forth, hard hitting match. Aries gave Strong a brainbuster off the apron through a table. He then nailed a 450 splash for the pin. At this point, the best match on the PPV, although everything was been solid to good.

*in an excellent match, Nigel McGuinnness captured the ROH championship, pinning Takeshi Morishima after a lariat. Unbelieveable match. ROH's roster hit the ring for a big celebration.. Bryan Danielson got in Nigel's face and there was a brief pullapart. Once that settled down, Morishima awarded Nigel the belt. They slightly teased an Aries-Nigel deal when Aries congratulated him.

In matches not taped for the Undeniable PPV:

*Claudio Castagnoli defeating Jigsaw with a European Uppercut in a very good match.

*The No Remorse Corp of Rocky Romero & Davey Richards defeated The Resilience's Matt Cross & Erick Stevens when Romero pinned Cross sending him out of ROH for 60 days. They did an angle after the match where No Remorse attacked and destroyed Erick Stevens' arm.

*Necro Butcher defeats Jay Briscoe in an Anything Goes Match. Butcher worked this past weekend with a huge infection in his elbow. The elbow was swollen to an insanely disgusting degree after the ROH event in Boston, MA and he had it drained prior to the Edison, NJ show before going out and tearing the building apart, literally, as they brawled through the crowd, had the audience tossing chairs into the ring and just had a fun, kickass bout that harkened back to the old Abdullah the Butcher vs. Bruiser Brody rip the building apart brawls of yesteryear. Necro won after a sideslam on a chair, which was also the finish of their match in Boston. The Age of the Fall brought out the kidnapped Mark Briscoe wrapped in barbed wire, to give the idea that they had been torturing him.

2008 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

Last night at No Mercy, we saw Chris Jericho retain the World Heavyweight Title in a ladder match against Shawn Michaels. Tonight, Chris Jericho gets to celebrate his victory by being in charge of the Raw brand since Mike Adamle is in a meeting with Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Now that the power couple of the company still has their titles after No Mercy, what is next for Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix? Who will challenge Santinoâ€™s attempt to add another week to the Honk-A-Meter? Who is the next woman to challenge Beth for her title? What about the power trio of Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, and Manu? Will they get a chance to talk a lot tonight like they did on Sunday? Who will Randy Orton confront and will Mike Adamleâ€™s â€˜No Touch Ortonâ€™ Initiative be in effect when Adamle is not there? Who will challenge it? What is next for Rey Mysterio after he got waffled by a chair shot from Kane? Will Kane still want Reyâ€™s mask or will he move on? What will Bradshaw ramble on about tonight? Did he have to clean up any â€˜stainsâ€™ in the JBLimo? How will Batista prepare for his title match? Will we find out any of the voting options for Cyber Sunday?

We are live from Seattle, Washington and your announcers are Michael â€˜I have my NBA season tickets, what happened to the teamâ€™ Cole and Jerry â€˜Who wants to see a Grizzlies gameâ€™ Lawler.

The show begins with the General Manager du jour and current World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho. Jericho shows the marks of last nightâ€™s ladder match as he walks to the ring. He says that it was announced that Mike Adamle had a high profile meeting with Shane and Stephanie McMahon so he will not be at Raw. Jericho says that he was asked to take his place since he is the champion. Jericho says that he has full decision making power and he will run this show to the best of his abilities. Jericho talks about his ladder match. The man who revolutionized the ladder match lost last night. Jericho says that Shawn Michaels was able to permanently disfigure him. Jericho says that he will have to live with that for the rest of his life. He will always think about Michaels when he smiles or looks in a mirror. Every time he thinks about Shawn Michaels, he will smile because he was able to beat Shawn Michaels. Jericho says that he brutalized Michaels and embarrassed him in a match that Shawn could not lose. Chris says that he knows that Shawn is here tonight, but he will not get any revenge because he is done with him. Jericho announces that Shawn Michaels will face Lance Cade in an Anything Goes, No Disqualification Match tonight. Jericho says that he has nothing left to prove to Shawn Michaels or the hypocrites in the crowd or the people watching at home. Everyone is forced to acknowledge that he is the one true World Champion and the most dominant performer in the business today.

Batistaâ€™s music plays and he comes to the ring and he is going to say something because he has a mic. Batista congratulates Jericho and he wants Jericho to pick a number. Batista says that he needs Jericho to pick the number of days until they have their World Title match. Batista suggests they do it in 7 days, 14 days, or to-day. Jericho says that he expected this posturing but Batista might get what he expects. Jericho says that he might have had one of the most brutal matches last night, he would still find a way to beat Batista. Jericho says that he is an animal because he will fight and scratch and bite to come out on top to survive. Jericho says that when it is all said and done, he will make sure that the name Batista is synonymous with failure. Jericho tells Batista to get out of his face and his ring right now. Batista chuckles and he tells Jericho that he will defend the World Title against him. Batista hits a spinebuster on Jericho and he says that if you mess with the bull, you get the horn. We go to commercial.

We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Batista attacking the acting general manager Chris Jericho. We see footage during the commercial where Chris Jericho says that he cannot strip Batista of his number one contendership, but he can make him defend it. Batista will face Bradshaw one more time. There will be a guest referee and he will look a lot like the general manager for a day.

William Regal and his two pieces of furniture, a throne and Layla are with him.

Match Number One: Jamie Noble and Mickie James versus Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix

Before the match starts, Santino gets on the mic and he says that he has been criticized for being too ethnic and not American enough. Santino says that he has made an effort to be more American just for the people. Santino says that he has a new favorite NBA Team and it is the Oklahoma City Thunder. Finally a team like Oklahoma in Arkansas has a team. Santino says that this thunder is going to rain down on Mickie Noble.

Beth and Mickie start thing off and Beth with a waist lock but Mickie with an elbow. Beth with forearms and then Mickie lands on her feet on a belly-to-back attempt. Mickie with a Thesz Press and punches. Santino tags in and Noble comes in. Noble with punches to Santino and he kicks him in the corner. Noble with a head butt and an running elbow. Noble with a Northern Lights suplex into a cross arm breaker but Beth gets in the ring. Mickie stops Beth. Noble with a sunset flip for a near fall. Santino with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Noble gets distracted by Beth and Santino with a rollup for the three count.
Winners: Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix

Santino and Beth celebrate at ringside and Noble goes after Santino. Santino goes into the crowd and then Noble with a back body drop to Regal. Regal and Noble fight and the referee tries to break things up. Mickie tries to keep Noble from going after Regal who is still fighting on the floor.

Shawn Michaels is with Todd Grisham in the locker room. Todd with a monologue about what Shawn has going for him tonight against Lance Cade. Shawn wonders if he should go and beg Chris Jericho that he does not want to compete because he is sore and in pain? Shawn asks Todd if he has a better question. He wants Todd to ask Chris if he is going to defend the title tonight. He doesnâ€™t think Chris will. Instead, Lance Cade is being sent in to do the dirty work and finish him off. Shawn says that he is going to show Chris Jericho and Lance Cade that he still has plenty of gas in the tank.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Ted DiBiase with Manu and Cody Rhodes

Before the match starts, CM Punk comes out to almost even the odds.

DiBiase with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kofi with a leaping back elbow and a standing drop kick. Kofi with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. DiBiase pulls Kofi into the center of the ring and Kofi lands on his chest. Ted with a double stomp from the second turnbuckle followed by a kick for a near fall. DiBiase with a body scissors. Kofi with elbows to get out of the hold. DiBiase tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Kofi lands on his feet. Kofi with punches and chops followed by a drop kick and flying forearm. DiBiase back into the corner and he misses a charge. DiBiase charges into a boot from Kingston and Kingston with a cross body. Kofi knocks Manu off the apron and Kofi follows that with a side Russian leg sweep. Rhodes interrupts the leg drop and Kofi goes after Rhodes. Punk deals with Rhodes but DiBiase is able to hit a side Russian leg sweep out of a Million Dollar Dream for the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase

We go to commercial.

We are back and did you know that Raw was the most watched entertainment program on cable?

Chris Jericho is in his office and he says that he does not like someone off camera, but they both can agree that Batista as number one contender does not benefit them. We see that Chris is talking to Randy Orton. Randy asks Chris what he wants. Chris says that he is going to put Orton to work tonight.

Michael Cole mentions that John Cena recently underwent neck surgery. Time for a John Cena video package. Batista says that it was like facing a mirror image of himself when they met in the ring. Batista says that he did not know what he would expect from Cena and he was so much stronger than he expected. Batista talks about the single mistake that Cena did and they talk about the power bomb that injured Cena. Batista says that there is no quit in John Cena. We hear Mike Adamleâ€™s announcement of Cenaâ€™s injury. Batista says that it is the nature of the business to have injuries. We see x-rays of the neck injury. The doctor says that Cena should be back without any problems.

Mark Henry and Kane are walking in the back with Tony Atlas and Dolph Ziggler stops them and he decides he shouldnâ€™t introduce himself to Kane or Henry. He introduces himself to Tony Atlas and Atlas walks past. We go to commercial.

We are back with the No Mercy recap video package. Did you know that there is a replay . . . and that Smackdown is on MyNetworkTV?

We see footage from two weeks ago when Kane tossed Rey around the ring.

Match Number Three: Rey Mysterio and Matt Hardy versus Mark Henry with Tony Atlas and Kane
Rey goes after Kane as the bell rings, but Kane with a knee. Rey with an enzuigiri and then Hardy is tagged in. Matt and Rey kick and punch Kane in the corner. Hardy with a side head lock but Kane with a punch to the head. Kane with an uppercut and then he tags in Mark Henry. Henry with a punch to Hardy followed by an Irish whip. Henry misses a charge into the corner. Rey is tagged in and Hardy with a charge. Rey tries for a rana off Hardyâ€™s back but Henry holds Rey. Hardy with a clip and then they hit a double drop kick on Kane as we go to commercial.

We are back and Kane with a reverse chin lock. We see Matt and Rey work on Henryâ€™s leg. Kane with a shoulder tackle to Hardy and Henry is tagged back in. Henry with an attempted power slam but Hardy gets out of the hold and he clips Henry and Henry goes to a knee. Hardy with punches but Henry with a body block, but he misses a splash. Rey tags in and he hits a drop kick. Rey with a springboard seated senton followed by a kick for a near fall and he tosses Rey off on the cover. Kane with a forearm to the back and then Henry tosses Rey to the floor under the bottom rope.

Henry brings Rey back into the ring and he tags Kane in. Kane with a head butt and then he sends Rey into the turnbuckles followed by kicks. Henry tags back in and he head butts Rey. Henry puts Rey near the ropes and then Mark stands on Reyâ€™s chest. Henry gets a near fall. Kane tags back in and he hits an elbow drop on Rey. Rey with a kick but Kane with a punch. Rey with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors that sends Rey into the turnbuckles. Hardy is tagged in and he comes off the turnbuckles and punches Kane followed by a swinging neck breaker. Hardy with a drop kick that knocks Henry off the apron. Hardy with a boot to Kane and then he hits a bulldog from the turnbuckles. Henry gingerly charges at Hardy but Hardy drops down. Hardy with a drop toe hold that conveniently sends Kane into the ropes. Rey hits a 619. Henry catches Rey on the floor and he throws Rey at the ropes to knock Hardy off the turnbuckles. Kane with a choke slam for the three count.
Winners: Kane and Mark Henry

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

It is time for the WWE 24/7 Classics Moment. We go to footage from Wrestlemania 14 when Pete Rose made his appearance in Boston and he got tombstoned by a Big Red Machine that did not win the 1975 World Series.

We see footage from two weeks ago when Lance Cade pinned Shawn Michaels.

Match Number Four: Shawn Michaels versus Lance Cade in a No Disqualification Match
Michaels and Cade exchange punches. Cade throws Michaels out of the ring and then Cade gets a table. Cade hot shots Michaels on the announce table and then he punches Michaels on the floor. Cade sets up the table on the floor. Cade punches Michaels and then he sends Michaels through the table with a spinebuster. Cade picks up Michaels and then he rolls him back into the ring. Cade gets a chair and brings it into the ring. Michaels attacks Cade and punches him before Cade can use the chair. Michaels hits Cade with the chair and then he hits Cade a few dozen more times in the torso. The referee tries to beg Michaels to stop and then Michaels gets the three count.
Winner: Shawn Michaels

After the match, the referee checks on Cade who is face down on the mat. Michaels goes after Cade with more chair shots to the body. Shawn tosses the chair out of the ring and he walks to the back in a semi-catatonic condition. We go to commercial.

We are back and did you know that Smackdown was the most watched show on MyNetwork TV (now name three other shows).

Jerry Lawler is in the ring and he says that Santino Marella claims to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Santino will get to prove it at Cyber Sunday and choose Santinoâ€™s opponent. Will it be Roddy Piper, Goldust, or the Honky Tonk Man?

The Great Khali and Runjin Singh come out and Khali raises his arms in the air. Singh takes the mic and he gives it to Khali and he calls out Johnny Knoxville and then says a lot of other things. Singh translates and says that the interview did not go well. To the video tape. We see Johnny ask how â€˜greatâ€™ Khali really is. Khali challenges Johnny Knoxville to appear on Raw. Khali will show that he has a sense of fun. It is time for the Kiss Cam. It stops on Lillian and Khali saunters over and he kisses Lillian. Lillian is intrigued as we go to commercial.

We are back and John Morrison and the Miz are at the announce table.

Jillian Hall is in the ring and she is going to sing a song from Kurt Cobain.

Match Number Five: Jillian Hall versus Kelly Kelly

Before the match starts, Cryme Tyme comes to the announce table and it is time for an episode of Yo Mamma WWE Style.

Jillian sends Kelly to the mat but Kelly with a rana for a near fall. Kelly with an arm drag with help of the ropes. Kelly with forearms but Jillian sends Kelly to the apron. Jillian with a shoulder tackle that knocks Kelly to the floor. Jillian runs Kelly into the apron and then they return to the ring. Jillian pulls Kellyâ€™s hair and then she steps on Kellyâ€™s face. Jillian tosses Kelly by the hair. Jillian chokes Kelly and then she hits a back breaker. Jillian runs Kelly into the turnbuckles and punches her. Jillian sends Kelly into the turnbuckles and connects with an Irish whip and running shoulder into the corner. Kelly with forearms but Jillian with a forearm to the head. Jillian punches Kelly. Jillian slams Kellyâ€™s head into the mat. Kelly gets out of a belly-to-back attempt and gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Kelly Kelly

Batista is standing in the back as we go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to look at John Cena . . . After the Surgery. Everyone talks about how you need to respect John and Shawn Michaels calls him a freak of nature. Triple H says that John Cena came to the arena that night to see everyone.

We go to an Earlier Tonight Moment of Batista giving Chris Jericho a spinebuster.

Match Number Six: Batista versus John Bradshaw Layfield with JBLimo with Guest Referee Chris Jericho and Guest Timekeeper William Regal and Guest Commentator Randy Orton in a Number One Contenderâ€™s Match
They lock up and Batista backs Bradshaw into the corner and he gives a clean break. Bradshaw with a knee and punch. Bradshaw with an Irish whip but Batista with a clothesline and Jericho makes the count eventually. Batista punches Bradshaw and then punches him in the knee. Batista focuses on the knee and hits an atomic drop on the knee. Batista with a figure four leg lock and Bradshaw gets near the ropes and Jericho makes Batista break the hold. Bradshaw with a kick and swinging neck breaker for a quick two count. Bradshaw with a forearm and punches. Bradshaw with a clothesline for a two count. Bradshaw tries for a suplex, but Batista blocks it and hits one of his own. Jericho sees Batista covering Bradshaw and Jericho leaves the ring. Bradshaw punches Batista and they go to the floor. Jericho tells Bradshaw to get back into the ring and that allows Regal to attack Batista while Jericho is not looking at what happened. They both return to the ring and Jericho with a fast count but Batista kicks out. Bradshaw with a full nelson. Batista gets out of the hold with a jaw breaker. Bradshaw with a sleeper but Batista with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Jericho tries to help Bradshaw get up. Batista with a clothesline and running clothesline into the corner followed by shoulders. Jericho trips Batista as he charges into the corner. Batista with a power slam and then Regal drops Batista on the top rope. Batista with a spear to Jericho and Bradshaw.

Mike Adamle shows up and he calls for another referee and Batista gets a two count. Batista avoids the Clothesline from Wall Street and Batista with a spinebuster and Batista Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Batista

After the match, Mike Adamle says that it is fitting that Chris Jericho is the guest referee tonight because he was thinking about that idea for Cyber Sunday. Chris Jericho will face Batista and the fans will choose the guest referee. Will it be Randy Orton, Shawn Michaels, or Steve Austin. Chris Jericho looks Condemned as we go to credits . . . where you can watch The Condemned.

2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on SyFy. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We start off tonightâ€™s show with a look back at ECWâ€™s contribution to the Hell in a Cell . . . wait, there was no ECW match? Instead we get a video package of William Regalâ€™s attempt to usurp power from Tiffany after her accident.

We are live on tape from Trenton, New Jersey and your announcers are Josh â€˜Bazingaâ€™ Mathews and Matt â€˜Would you like a chocolateâ€™ Striker.

Interim General Manager William Regal comes out and he is joined by his interim buddies in red, Vladimir Kozlov and Ezekiel Jackson. Regal welcomes everyone to ECW. He gives his best wishes to Tiffany as she continues to recover. Regal knows that the decision to make him interim general manager but he has the experience to do what is right for the WWE Universe. Regal talks about how he was prohibited from making any changes to the ECW title, (but since it wasnâ€™t on the pay per view who cares [not that Regal didnâ€™t say that]). Regal announces himself the number one contender.

Zack Ryder comes out and he says that he is not going to have this happen again. He had his match taken away and then Regal cost them the eight man tag match. Ryder calls Regal â€˜broâ€™ and Regal calls Ryder â€˜Sunshineâ€™. They argue until Christianâ€™s music plays and he comes out.

Christian talks about how this is compelling television to see them argue about who should be the number one contender. Christian has some proof to show why they should not be the number one contender. Christian brings out a janitor, Laughing Tony Atlas, and Yoshi Tatsu. Christian talks about Angelo the janitor and how he changed all of the urinal cakes in the bathroom by section 105 so he has done more than Regal or Ryder and deserves a title match. Christian reminds us that despite being with Abraham Washington, he is still a WWE Hall of Famer. Christian has Tony laugh for the fans. Christian moves on to bachelor number three. Yoshi won a few matches and even pinned Regal and Ryder. Regal complains about Ryderâ€™s inexperience and then Christian tells Bill to calm down. Regal tells Christian to stop calling him Bill and in an instant poll, Christian is still going to call him Bill. Christian says that Yoshi is the most deserving of a title match. Yoshi and Christian thank each other a few too many times. Christian tells Bill it is not up to either of them. Christian says that he found the General Manager.

Tiffany comes out in a sling and she thanks Regal for filling in last week and she says that he did an admirable job. Tiffany says that nothing is going to stop her from presenting the youngest and hottest talents in the WWE. Tiffany has not chosen a number one contender and all of them will be in action tonight. Zack Ryder will get his rematch against Christian. Regal will get to face Yoshi Tatsu again. Zeke and Vlad will be in a tag match.

We go to commercial.

Match Number One: Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov versus Tommy Dreamer and Goldust

Dreamer and Kozlov start things off and Kozlov takes Dreamer to the mat with a front face lock. Kozlov with shoulders in the corner but Dreamer with a knee to stop Kozlov. Dreamer with an elbow and kick before tagging in Goldust. Goldust sends Kozlovâ€™s shoulder into the ring post and then Dreamer and Goldust with a double side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Kozlov with a knee and slam before tagging in Jackson but Dreamer avoids an elbow and Dreamer works on the arm with a series of kicks. Goldust tags in and he hits a knee lift and a punch. Jackson charges at Goldust but Goldust side steps him and Jackson goes to the floor. Dreamer with a senton onto Jackson. Goldust sends Jackson into the ring post and then they return to the ring. Jackson hits Goldust from behind after Kozlov distracts Goldust. Kozlov runs Goldust into the apron and then Jackson gets a near fall. Kozlov tags in and connects with head butts followed by a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Kozlov with punches to Goldust and then he applies a bear hug. Jackson tags in and he punches Goldust as he keeps Goldust in his corner to prevent Dreamer from getting into the match. Jackson gets a near fall and then he has Goldust in a double underhook. Goldust with punches but Jackson with a clothesline for a near fall. Goldust is able to hit the drop down uppercut and then he tags in Dreamer who hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles followed by a neck breaker. Dreamer takes Kozlov off the apron and then Dreamer with a cross body and punches to Jackson. Jackson with a knee but Dreamer with another neck breaker for a near fall. Goldust with a bulldog to Kozlov. Dreamer kicks Kozlov off the apron but Jackson hits the uranage for the three count.
Winners: Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov

Tiffany and Regal are in the office and he comments on his charges. Regal is amazed at Tiffanyâ€™s recuperative powers. Tiffany talks about Bragging Rights and the Iron Man match. She says that depending on the results of the match, John Cena might be on ECW. Regal suggests that Tiffany has come back too soon. Tiffany tells Regal that his match is next and he should focus on it.

We go to commercial.

We are back with the Raw Rebound . . . with more DX than ever.

Match Number Two: Yoshi Tatsu versus William Regal

Regalâ€™s boot is untied and he asks the referee to keep Yoshi back. Yoshi goes after Regal and Regal cowers in the corner and ties his boot again. Yoshi with forearms and a Eurasian uppercut. Yoshi with a wrist lock into an arm bar. Regal gets to the ropes and Yoshi releases the hold. Regal does some more work on his boot and Yoshi gets frustrated. They lock up and Yoshi works on the arm and he tries for a suplex but Regal blocks it. Regal with a side head lock and both men go down on a shoulder tackle. Regal with a European uppercut and he works on the arm. Regal with a side Russian leg sweep. Yoshi with a drop kick and Regal goes to the floor. Yoshi with a baseball slide and then he rolls Regal back in. We go to commercial.

We are back and Yoshi with a kick to Regalâ€™s back. Yoshi with a cross body and Regal catches him and then drops Yoshi through the ropes to the floor. Regal sends Yoshi into the announce table and then back into the ring. Regal with a chin lock. Yoshi punches Regal to get out of the hold and then he kicks Regal, but Regal responds with forearms and knees. Regal returns to the chin lock and then goes for a front face lock. Regal with a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Regal with another reverse chin lock. Regal with a forearm but Yoshi with a kick. Regal with a knee and forearms. Yoshi with a dragon screw to Regal followed by kicks to the ribs. Yoshi with a back heel kick and a roaring elbow for a near fall. Yoshi goes up top but he misses a spin heel kick. Regal charges and Yoshi with a roundhouse kick for the three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu

After the match, Kozlov and Jackson come to ringside. Regal argues that his foot was under the rope. Regal and his men in red corner the referee.

We go to footage from last week when Sheamus attacked Shelton Benjamin before Sheltonâ€™s match with Paul Burchill. Sheamus and Shelton will meet on Superstars.

Regal continues to argue with the referee and stays at ringside as Zack Ryder makes his way to the ring for his match.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Zack Ryder versus Christian

Regal, Jackson, and Kozlov watch the match from ringside.

They lock up and Christian with a waist lock but Ryder makes it to the ropes. Christian with an arm wringer but Ryder reverses. Ryder kicks Christian in the leg to get him to the mat. Christian with a clothesline and a near fall. Ryder holds on to the ropes when Christian tries a drop kick. Ryder with a jackknife cover but Christian with a sunset flip. Christian with an elbow and then he leap frogs Ryder before going to the other corner for a corkscrew back elbow for a near fall. Christian with a springboard sunset flip but Ryder kicks out and he slingshots Christianâ€™s throat into the bottom rope. Christian goes to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back Ryder with a reverse chin lock on Christian. Ryder with a single leg trip as he holds on to the chin lock. Christian punches Ryder and Ryder punches back. Ryder with a head butt and then he hits a leaping leg lariat for a near fall. Ryder gets another near fall on Christian. Christian with an elbow but Ryder responds with one of his own and gets another near fall. Ryder slaps Christian in the head and then he puts the champion in a front face lock before hitting a neck breaker and gets another near fall. Ryder returns to the chin lock. Ryder with a knee and Christian lands on his feet after a belly-to-back suplex attempt and he hits a breakdown on Ryder for a near fall. Christian with punches but Ryder with a kick. Christian with a spinning heel kick. Christian with a forearm and then Ryder lies in the ropes and Christian does not do the 619 but he stands on Ryderâ€™s back and then Christian slingshots to the floor and punches Ryder. Christian with the pendulum kick and then he hits the tornado DDT and gets a near fall. Ryder with a forearm to the back of the head and then he hits a power bomb for a near fall. Christian goes to the apron and Ryder tries to pull him up. Christian back body drops Ryder to the floor. Christian goes up top and hits a cross body onto Ryder. Kozlov with a running head butt and then Jackson joins in the fun.
No Contest

After the match, Jackson returns Christian into the ring and Regal with a running knee to the head. Ryder wants to know what is going on and then Jackson and Kozlov attack Ryder. Kozlov with the spinebuster and then they celebrate in the ring.
2010 - Stamford, CT contractor James Pasciolla, who had been charged with felony larceny for allegedly padding almost $23,000 to a job for World Wrestling Entertainment, was cleared of the charges. Pasciolla owns The Granite Group and was doing a roofing job for WWE that he billed at $39,800. It was alleged that the job usually cost around $17,000 and that he had forged estimates to get to the higher number. He produced documents yesterday that cleared him of any wrongdoing, and thus avoided a potential 10-year prison sentence.

2011 - Bruce Prichard replaced Vince Russo as the head creative force in TNA.

2011 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:

Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!

We start with a recap of Hulk Hogan making the announcement that he will retire on tonight's show, then we head to Knoxville as Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff arrive at Impact, then we go to the arena Beer Money comes to the ring in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. James Storm says it's about damn time Hulk Hogan steps aside, and he knows they're going on right before Hogan comes out, but Hogan will have a tough time following them because they're going to tear it up tonight. Bobby Roode welcomes Storm home to Tennessee, and talks about how Kurt Angle tried to destroy Fortune by forcing them all to wrestle him. Fortune is a family, but Roode needed the matches to get himself mentally ready because he knew that if he could beat Kazarian and Styles at their best, he knew he could beat Angle. He wants James Storm to give him his best as well because he's been his tag team partner, his best friend, and his brother (crowd chants Next World Champ at him). Storm says he knew that when he shook Roode's hand to form Beer Money, he was shaking the hand of the future World Champion, but he knows Roode thought the same thing. Storm has something to prove to himself and he might just beat Roode tonight, and he's going to drink his beer, look Roode right in the eye, and tell him he's sorry about Roode's damn luck.

Sting is backstage in a red jacket and a Hulkamania t-shirt, and he's...WALKING LIKE HE'S GOT SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIM!

In light of Hulk Hogan's impending fake retirement, we're going to look back throughout the evening at some of Hogan's top moments in Impact Wrestling. This ought to be entertaining. We go back to January 4th, 2010 when Hogan arrived in TNA for the first time.

To the ring for our first match...

Gunner vs Frankie Kazarian

This is based off of last week when Kazarian got into it with the Jarretts and Gunner came out to kick the crap out of him. They trade wristlocks until Kazarian dropkicks Gunner and clotheslines him to the floor. Kazarian goes to the apron but Gunner pulls his ankle and sends him crashing to the floor. Gunner starts working over the arm of Kazarian, slamming it into the ringpost and then yanking it like a water pump. Gunner with a hammerlock slam, but Kazarian comes out of nowhere with a springboard leg lariat and then a springboard legdrop for 2. Gunner rams Kazarian's shoulder into the ringpost and then goes to a really nasty, high-angle armbar until Kazarian taps.

Winner: Gunner

Holy crap, a clean finish? Based on psychology? What company am I watching again? Oh wait, Gunner attacks Kazarian after the match so the referee reverses the decision.

Winner by DQ: Frankie Kazarian

Yep, this is Impact Wrestling! Gunner goes to the back and yells at fat wrestling fans on his way up the ramp.

Ken Anderson comes out to the ring, makes a lame joke about his hat, and is about to do something he's not known for doing: he'd like to apologize to the people who matter the most to him, the people he turned his back on in a moment of weakness, his assholes. He's not good at playing the political game in this business and he's seen others swing from the boss' nuts and get ahead, while he's done things his own way and he's had to fight for everything he's got. He joined Immortal in a moment of weakness (crowd boos him) and he's not sure what he was thinking, but he has no regrets and he learned a lot from the experience. For instance, Bully Ray is a giant douchebag...oh, here comes Bully Ray now. Holy crap, he looks like he's dropped a lot of weight. Anderson says that for months now, Bubba's attacked him from behind and hit him with his giant chain and a kendo stick. He's always seemed to get the upper hand on Anderson, and Bubba proudly tells Anderson he's laid him out and demoralized him in front of his jackoffs. Anderson corrects him that they're assholes and not jackoffs, but Bubba refuses to give Anderson another match. Anderson says Bound For Glory is in Philadephia where Bubba cut his teeth doing the hardcore style, and he challenges Bubba to a Philadelphia falls count anywhere match, and dares Bubba and his ego to back down from that one. For some reason, Anderson's music hits before Bubba can answer, so Bubba just looks angry and walks off. Boy, was that an abrupt end to the promo, or what?

Bobby Roode and James Storm are working out backstage, and then the Mystery Cameraman catches up with Eric Bischoff to get his thoughts on Hogan's retirement. Bischoff says it's been tough and they've got all their affairs in order, and tonight's going to be the end of an era. From there, we go to Brian Kendrick as he cuts a Brian Kendrick promo and says Austin Aries is a bad person and inspires people like Kid Kash to come in and disrespect the X Division. Kash walks in and says he couldn't help but overhear Kendrick talking and says that if he's got something to say, to say it to his face. Kendrick starts to, but Kash lays him out and pounds the bejeezus out of him.

Mickie James & Velvet Sky vs Winter & Madison Rayne

Madison cracked me up with the over the top smile and wave while she was walking out with Winter and Angelina. Hey, remember when almost everyone in this match was in the Beautiful People? Yeah, me neither. Mickie and Winter start and Winter quickly tags out to Madison, who goes back and forth with Mickie until Velvet comes in and lays Madison out with a dropkick. Winter tags in and Velvet lays her out with a series of clotheslines before tagging in Mickie for a top rope Thesz press. Mickie with a flying headscissors and a hanging neckbreaker for 2, but Angelina Love hooks Mickie's ankle from the outside and Winter nails her and hits an elbowdrop for 2. Winter and Madison double team Mickie for a moment or two until Mickie makes the hot tag and goes to work on Winter. Velvet hits a sitout Pedigree on Winter for 2, and Angelina tries to hook Velvet's leg, but accidentally catches Winter. Angelina gets up on the apron and Velvet knocks her off, then Madison rolls Velvet up from behind and gets the win.

Winners: Winter & Madison Rayne

Jeff Hardy is backstage, and he's...WALKING!

Time for another Hulk Hogan moment, as he teamed with Abyss, proud owner of Ric Flair's Hall of Fame ring. We then go to Kurt Angle complaining to Eric Bischoff about Jeff Hardy, who he told to never come back to TNA again. Eric says not to worry about it because he'll take care of Hardy.

We go out to the arena as Bischoff makes his way to the ring and tells the fans to sit down, shut up, and take notes. He promised Angle he would take care of a little administrative detail, so he calls Jeff Hardy out to his ring. Jeff comes out so Eric could tell him that he's worked with great starts like Verne Gagne, Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel, Hulk Hogan, and Kurt Angle who paved the way and gave them all an opportunity to feed their families and take care of friends in need so they could live an amazing lifestyle. Bischoff took advantage of his opportunities, while Hardy made dropping the ball an artform. Hardy is an amazing athlete and one of the most charismatic guys he's ever met, but he's also a colossal screwup. He's spent weeks walking around asking for second chances, but Bischoff is done giving him chances because Hardy showed up all pilled up at Victory Road and let everyone down, so Hardy is officially done in TNA. Hardy says he's glad Bischoff got all this off his chest in front of these people, and maybe some agree with him but some probably don't, so he's got one thing to say. Bischoff tells him to say goodbye if he wants to, so Hardy kicks him in the gut and gives him the Twist of Fate, yells "screw you" at him, then escapes through the crowd as Immortal runs out to make the save.

We go backstage to Jeff Hardy, who's mad because he tried to apologize to everybody, but what Bischoff did was just wrong and he's not going to take it anymore. We go to another Hulk Hogan moment, as he won the lawsuit to retain ownership of the company on March 3rd, 2011 as Dixie Carter stood there crying.

Samoa Joe vs Crimson

Crimson jumps Joe as soon as the bell rings and beats him down in the corner. Joe fires back with rapid fire right hands, but Crimson wipes him out with a short clothesline. Crimson gets a three quarter nelson and rams kneestrikes into Joe's skull and covers for 1. Joe rams Crimson into the corner and hits a leaping enziguiri, but Crimson ducks a clothesline and hits a T-bone suplex. Joe rolls out to the floor and Crimson goes out after him, ramming Joe's back into the ring apron. Joe catches Crimson's foot on a kick attempt and rams it into the guardrail, then wedges Crimson's foot in the barricade and shoves him on his back, torquing the leg in the barricade. They head back inside where Joe sweeps Crimson's legs out from under him. Crimson tries the Sky High, but Joe slips out and clips Crimson's legs from behind and hits a senton. Joe locks Crimson in a heel hook and Crimson tries to make the ropes, but Joe drags him back out to the middle of the ring. His shoulders are flat on the mat in this hold, but nobody notices and he rolls Joe into a small package for 3.

Winner: Crimson

Oooh, Joe does NOT look happy. So instead of staying with him, we go to the back as Bubba Ray says that Anderson's got huge balls for challenging him to this match in Philadelphia. Anderson thinks he's got Bubba where he wants him, but screw him and screw Philadelphia because he's from New York City.

James Storm is backstage and again says he's happy for Bobby Roode getting a shot at the title at Bound For Glory, but it's also time for him to prove that he's one of the greatest wrestlers in the world. We then go to a video package of Bobby Roode talking about how he's been wrestling for 13 years and he's been here since the beginning with guys like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. We see Roode going to the building where he saw his first wrestling show, and then we get comments from Roode's parents as they talk about his determination and work ethic. He respects Kurt Angle as a wrestler, but is going to take Angle's vendetta against the younger wrestlers and turn it against him when he wins the title at Bound For Glory. Another great video package.

It's main event time!

James Storm vs Bobby Roode

The bell rings, they shake hands, and we're off. Storm goes right to work on Roode's arm, blocks a hiptoss attempt by Roode, and then they manage to dodge the next half dozen moves each other tries because they know each other so well. Storm hits a nice duck under into a rear waistlock, Roode hits a switch and then a series of armdrags on Storm. Roode goes for the Crippler Crossface, but Storm makes it to the ropes. They start exchanging words as we head into a commercial break.

We're back, and Storm is ramming shoulderblocks into Roode's ribs in the corner. Roode responds with some hard chops and then hits the Mr Perfect necksnap. Storm and Roode shove each other and then trade right hands in the middle of the ring until Storm clocks Roode, who goes down like a ton of bricks. Roode responds with a boot to the face and a Blockbuster for 2, but Storm drapes Roode on the second rope and hits a DDT for 2. Roode backdrops Storm to the apron, Storm hits a leaping enziguiri from the outside, then comes back in and walks right into a spinebuster for 2. Roode goes up top, Storm shakes the rope and causes Roode to crotch himself, then hits a superplex. Storm crawls over and makes a cover, but only gets 2. He sets up for the superkick, Roode ducks and goes for the Perfectplex, Storm blocks and goes for another superkick, and Roode catches Storm in the Crippler crossface. Storm makes it to the ropes to force the break, then hits a Codebreaker followed by a lungblower, but only gets 2. Crowd chants "this is awesome" as Storm picks Roode up and they run head to head and wipe out the referee all in one motion. Storm rolls out to the floor as Kurt Angle runs down to ringside and rams Storm into the ring steps before rolling him back into the ring. Angle heads to the back and Roode starts to come to and crawls over to make a cover. The referee comes to and makes the count, but Storm gets his shoulder up at 2. Roode hauls Storm to his feet and Storm shoves Roode off and goes for the superkick, but collapses before he gets the move off and Roode hits the Perfectplex for the win.

Winner: Bobby Roode

Excellent match and I liked that Angle's interference didn't lead directly to the finish.

Hulk Hogan is backstage, and he's...PREPARING TO FAKE RETIRE!

Hulk Hogan wobbles his way down to the ring for his fake retirement, pauses for a Hogan chant, and says that he realized that today was the final day he would be in the wrestling business and it was a tough thing to swallow. But he came to Knoxville where he was welcomed with open arms, and the fans showed him so much love it felt like his first night back in TNA. It was weird telling his family he was going to be home all the time after being on the road for so many years. It's going to be tough finding something to do with all his new free time, and this is definitely the end of the line for him and he profusely thanks the fans for all their support over the years. He holds up his Hulkamania weightlifting belt and says that there have been generations and generations...(he pauses for a "thank you Hogan" chant)...and this could go on for another 30 years, but it's time to put Hulkamania to rest. He lays the belt in the middle of the ring, and says it's time to let the celebration begin.

Sting's music hits, and he comes out in his bright red and yellow Hulkamania garb. Hogan tells Sting he's not welcome here, and Sting says he's sorry to bring a little bit of rain to this, but he wants to know if anyone buys this stuff about retirement. Hogan says that nothing lasts forever in this business and Sting needs to know when it's time to leave him alone because he's said his goodbyes and he's retired. Sting says it's possible he's just jaded because of the business, or it could be that he knows Hogan better than anyone in the business. It's amazing about all the cameras that are all over every building and every street, and he's got some compelling footage of Hogan. Hogan says it's time for Sting to leave, and Sting says he will after we watch this footage. We see a GTV recording where he and Bischoff are laughing and having a really over the top conversation about fooling the fans into believing he's really retiring and tricking them into selling their trailers to buy Hulk Hogan merchandise.

Hogan says that Sting's broken every rule and he's ruined everything and he's had enough. He still refuses to wrestle Sting, but he'll damn sure fight Sting at Bound For Glory and if Sting wins, he'll hand the company back to Dixie Carter. Hogan immediately claps his hand over his mouth since he apparently didn't mean to say that, and Sting says he got what he wanted and heads to the back as this week's show comes to a close.

2012 - Former WWE World champion Dave Bautista won his debut MMA fight tonight Providence, Rhode Island, knocking out Vince Lucero in the first round. Bautista looked nervous before the fight and admitted afterward that he was. Bautista was booed after the fight.

2012 - Jim Cornette made his final appearance for Ring of Honor in a backstage angle where he was physically assaulted by Jay Lethal in Rahway, NJ.

2012 - Ring of Honor ran Rahway, NJ at the Rec Center. Mr Hal filed the following results:

*Michael Elgin defeated Mike Bennett with a spinning sitdown powerbomb. Very Solid.

*Bravados defeated 3.0. They offered a handshake after but kicked them in the gut and laid them out.

*Bobby Fish defeated QT Marshall. Fish hit a high spinning heel kick to the back of Marshall's head for the finish.

*ROH Tag Team champions Jimmy Jacobs and Steve Corino won a Three-Way Dance over Rhett Titus & BJ Whitmer and Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin. Haas and Benjamin were eliminated first. Haas nailed Titus with a chair in the back of the head and Corino nailed him with a backdrop driver for the win.

*Roderick Strong defeated Kyle O'Reilly.

*Davey Richards defeated Mike Mondo via submission. Great match and amazing submission counter exchanges at the end. Post match, Richards cut an anti-Sinclair Broadcasting promo, saying ROH is about honor and wrestling and not about Sinclair pumping money into it. He then put over Mondo on the mic and welcomed him to ROH.

*Briscoes defeated Adam Cole and Eddie Edwards with the Doomsday Device. Another solid match.

*ROH champ Kevin Steen vs. Jay Lethal went to a wild no contest. Lethal's mother threw a soda on Steen when they were brawling outside. Steen spit in her face, sending Lethal into a wild rage, throwing around officials and referees trying to get to Steen. That was the end.

2012 - Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the debut of House of Hardcore in Poughkeepsie, NY at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center.

Our ring announcer is Stephen DeAngelis.

I'd estimate the crowd at 1,850-1,950. There are some scattered seats around the top of the venue but the floor is completely full and the bleachers are 85% too.

Crowbar vs. Shawn Daivari

They locked up and Crowbar backed Daivari into the corner. There was a clean break. Daivari grabbed an arm and began working over Crowbar, who reversed it. They had some nice back and forth wrestling.

They battled to the floor, where Crowbar dropped Daivari on the rail.   He tossed Daivari back into the ring and locked in a submission.   They battled into the corner and on the top, where Daivaru superplexed Crowbar in.

Daivari made a comeback with a series of punches, clotheslines and a backdrop.   Crowbar whipped him into the corner but Daivari caught him with an elbow and nailed a tornado DDT. He went to the top and nailed a big splash for the pin.

Your winner, Daivari!

Good solid opener.

The FBI with Sal E. Graziano vs. Danny Doring & Roadkill (with another Amish person)

Smith James, a Taz student, came out dressed like Roadkill. He wasn't given a name. This is Roadkill's first match since he left WWE in 2008. The belief was he was just coming back to work this one bout.

Doring and Guido started. Guido took him down to the mat but was kicked off. They shoulderblocked each other but no one went down. Doring rebounded off the ropes but was leg sweeped by Guido for a two count. They went back and forth with reversals and then went to dropkick each other. They faced off and the crowd applauded.

The FBI hit a double hiptoss on Doring but he nailed Mamaluke and tagged in RK. RK hit a sideslam for a two count. Roadkill flapjacked him. Doring drilled him into the mat. He went to the floor. Doring hit a dive.

Guido began arguing with the referee (wrestler Scotty Charisma) and shoved. The ref shoved Guido down and hiptossed and covered Guido. RK tried to make the count. The crowd popped and chanted for the ref.

RK and Guido locked up and Guido was lifted and tossed hard. He tried to tag into Mamaluke who didn't want any part of RK. He finally tagged in and stalled but was eyepoked. RK sent him into the ropes but Mamaluke caught him with a flying head scissors and locked on an armbar.

Doring tagged in but was tripped by Graziano. They allowed the FBI to take over and double team Doring in the corner. Guido nailed a nice dropkick to Doring for a two count. They worked over Doring until he whipped Mamaluke into the corner. Doring was kicked off and locked in a guillotine choke. Doring reversed it and suplexed him over.

RK finally got the hot tag and cleaned house. He nailed a splash off the ropes on Mamaluke for a two count. Guido broke it up. Doring superkicked Mamaluke off the apron into the rail. RK and Doring hit their old finisher for the pin.

Your winners, Danny Doring & Roadkill!

What you would expect from these guys.   Roadkill took the mic and asked the FBI to return to the ring.   He said that he wanted to tell all of them something. He told a kid to be quiet because if he knows his wrestling history, Roadkill doesn't talk a lot. He said he has a lot of respect for them and the matches they had in ECW. We had the first ECW chant from the crowd. RK said that ECW is the past but HOH is the future and people will be chanting it soon. He said that he wanted to thank all of them. He thanked everyone for their support and asked them to keep supporting HOH.

Doring took the mic and said that you can say ECW or HOH but if there wasn't a FBI, there wouldn't have been a Doring or Roadkill. It was a nice, classy moment.

Jazz vs. Winter

Winter acted like she was enamored by Jazz who shoved her away. They did some nice mat wrestling back and forth. Jazz locked her in a sharpshooter but Winter made it to the ropes.

Winter took control and kicked Jazz in the corner. Jazz reversed it and chopped her in the corner. Winter cut her off with an over the knee backbreaker for a two count. She tied up Jazz on the mat.    She worked over Jazz for some time.   Jazz fought her way but was caught with a kick for a two count.

Winter went to the top rope but missed a splash. Jazz made a comeback with a back kick but was cut off. Winter went for a slam but Jazz slid out and nailed a Michinoku Driver for the pin.

Your winner, Jazz!

OK match.

Alex Reynolds vs. Tony Nese with Mikey Whipwreck as the special referee.

They did some nice back and forth wrestling early on. Reynolds shoulderblocked Nese down but Nese came back with a spinkick. Nese wanted to come off the top but Reynolds rolled out of the ring.

Back in the ring, Reynolds cut off Nese and worked him over, yelling at Whipwreck as he did. Nese went into this awesome series of offensive maneuvers and hit a great tope to the floor. The place erupted and went nuts. They chanted, "This is awesome" and "HOH."

Nese tossed Reynolds in and went for a double springboard moonsault but Reynolds pulled his knees up. He tossed Nese rudely to the floor and worked him over, then brought him back in for a two count. Reynolds hit a hangman's neckbreaker for another two count.

Reynolds went for a roll up off the ropes but Nese held on. Nese still caught him with a kick for a two count.    They continued back and forth with some great wrestling. Nese hit an awesome back suplex with a bridge for a two count.

Nese began drilling Reynolds with a series of kicks to the chest. Nese powerbombed Reynolds into the corner and hit a big boot for another two count. The crowd chanted, "This is awesome" and they were right.

Nese missed a 450 splash. Reynolds drilled him with a forearm and nailed a lungblower to the chest for another two count.   Nese was worked over but nailed a reverse rana and then drilled him with a flying knee to the face. Nese went to the top but Reynolds crotched him.

Reynolds had words with Whipwreck who finally nailed him with the Whippersnapper. Nese hit the 450 splash and scored the pin.

Your winner, Tony Nese!

Excellent match and since the majority of the audience didn't know who these guys were, it really was a "star is born" moment.

Scott Steiner came to the ring for a promo. He said that he wanted to know where his freaks were at. He said that he wanted to thank everyone for following him on Twitter. He said he's been telling the truth about what p***ies Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are, so now he's in a lawsuit.

Out came Luke Gallows with Eddie Kingston. Gallows and Steiner began brawling and they rang the bll.

Steiner clotheslined him over the top to the floor and had words with Kingston. Steiner hiptossed Gallows over the top and back into the ring. He worked him over with chops in the corner and clotheslined him down for a two count. Steiner did push-ups to mock him.

They battled to the floor and around ringside. Gallows was whipped into the guard rail. Steiner nailed him over the head with a hard plastic chair (not a bendable one) and grabbed a cane from a fan at ringside and nailed Gallows with it. He then nailed him with the ring bell and rang it on his head.

They continued brawling around ringside until Steiner tossed him back into the ring.   Steiner's leg was grabbed by Kingston, allowing Gallows to worked over Steiner with punches and choked him against the ropes.   Gallows nailed a guillotine legdrop off the apron on Steiner, who's neck was exposed.

Galllows worked over Sreiner on the floor. He returned the receipt, nailing Steiner with the chair. Rick Steiner came out and checked on Scott. He chased Kingston around the ring.

Back inside the ring, Gallows continued to work over Scott and nailed a sideslam for a two count. He dropped an elbow but Scott rolled out of the way. Steiner mounted a comeback with a series of rights and clotheslines. He smashed Gallows into the buckles. Gallows reversed a whip but was kicked off and nailed with a belly to belly suplex.

Gallows drilled Steiner with an elbow as he charged and came off the ropes. Steiner caught him and nailed an overhead belly to belly suplex. Gallows caught him with a DDT for a two count.

Steiner went for a suplex off the ropes but Kingston nailed him. Gallows came off the top with a big elbow for a two count. Rick chased Kingston into the ring and the Steiner hit stereo Steinerlines. Scott pinned Gallows and celebrated with his brother.

Your winner, Scott Steiner!

Entertaining brawl. Funny to see Scott rip on Hogan and Bischoff while he's being sued. He really has no fear. Really entertaining with everyone doing their job well. Kingston was a hell of a corner man.

MasterLock Challenge

Chris Mordetsky took the mic and ripped out on Poughkeepsie. He knocked a bunch of fans and picked someone, an African-American fan named "Adam" for the Challenge. Mordestsky made a lot of comments about the "Hood."

The crowd began chanting "Bullsh**" over the guy picked. Masters put it on and wouldn't let go. Hale Collins, who is a local star from the area, came to the ring and said he wanted to take the challenge. Collins got a nice reaction.

Masters locked him in the hold and Collins fought hard to get out. The crowd got really behind their local hero. Collins almost broke it so Masters blasted him from behind and stomped the hell out of him.

They started wrestling and went back and forth. Masters nailed a side slam for a two count. Masters picked him up a delayed vertical suplex. Master blasted Collins in the back and worked him over with a backbreaker.

Collins mounted a comeback with a series of kicks and an enziguiri and a Famouser for a two count. Masters drilled him into the turnbuckles back-first. Collins fired back and went to the top but a masked man came out and shoved him off the top. Masters hit a spinebuster for the pin.

Your winner, Chris Mordestsky!

Good match, although they probably went a little long and lost the crowd towards the end. Collins was really over as the local guy and they had some good exchanged. The masked man was likely Vik Delicious who is "banned" from wrestling in Poughkeepsie after losing a stipulation match for NEW, which ran here last year.

Rhino vs. Sami Callihan

They brawled all over ringside and then back into the ring.   Rhino whipped Callihan hard into the buckles and then flapjacked him high into the ring for a two count.    Rhino missed a charge in the corner and was drilled with a hard kick to the back of the head.

Callihan nailed him with a running Facewash in the corner. Callihan nailed a series of headbutt. Rhino tossed him over the top onto the ramp. He charged down the ramp and nailed Callihan with a hard chairshot. He set the chair and charged to jump off but was kicked in the air.

Callihan charged the ramp and hit a flip over the ropes into the ring on Rhino for a two count. They battled back and forth with hard chops and shots until Rhino murdered him with a spinebuster. Fans chanted for a gore.

Rhino and Sami continued to battle back and forth. Rhino nailed a TKO for a two count. Callihan nailed a big boot for a two count.   Rhino nailed a big belly to belly suplex and set up for the Gore. He went for it but Callihan caught him in a guillotine choke. Rhino refused to tap and fought his way to his feet. He suplexed Callihan into the turnbuckles.

Rhino gored Callihan but he kicked up at the last second. The crowd was surprised by that.   They battled back and forth. Rhino nailed him a piledriver for another two count. He pulled him Callihan up to the ropes and nailed the Rhinodriver off the middle turnbuckle for the pin.

Your winner, Rhino!

Big Daddy V vs. Ham and Egger

Big Daddy, managed by Nicky Benz (Nick Berk doing an agent of the stars gimmick), came out and destroyed a guy who looked like Jake Milliman. V won so Berk called for another opponent.

Another young guy came in and nailed a series of dropkicks but V grabbed him and chokeslammed him into a sit down powerbomb for the pin.

Benz called for another and out came Little Spike Dudley, who got a monster pop. He kicked V low and nailed the Acid Drop and celebrated. V rolled out of the ring and wanted nothing to do with Spike. He left.

Benz was pissed and went after Spike, who ripped off his toupee and nailed him with the Acid Drop and celebrated.

They took a brief intermission because they were ahead of schedule.

When they returned, Adam "Edge" Copeland came to the ring. He said the last time he did a show at this level was 1997 and the reason he is here tonight was Tommy Dreamer. He said Dreamer busted his ass to have this show. He said that he wanted the fans to give themselves a hand for showing up. He said that fans should give themselves a hand for cheering and booing and having fun because that's what wrestling is all about.

He said it was fun for him to see the young guys like Sami Callihan getting drilled by Rhino's piledriver. He said that made him think of Paul Orndorff piledriving Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant getting his hair shaved. He said that he loves moments like those and this next match could be a moment like that. He said the teams remind him of Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boyz. He said London & Kendrick and the Bucks are going to do things now in their prime, that he could never do.

Paul London & Brian Kendrick vs. The Young Bucks

Matt Jackson and Kendrick started out on the mat with some nice reversals.   Finally Jackson slapped him and Kendrick responded with some forearms. Kendrick leapfrogged Jackson and used a forward roll for the pin.

Kendrick worked over his arm and tagged in London. London nailed a double stomp off the ropes and worked over Jackson's arm. London nailed an awesome overhead belly to belly throw on Nick Jackson. Kendrick and London nailed a double kick on Nick as he came off the top and ran him into Matt Jackson in the corner. Nick ended up hitting a rana on his own brother.

The Bucks cut off Kendrick and Matt Jackson stomped the hell out of him.   They went for a double hiptoss but Kendrick slipped out and tagged London. London backdropped Nick over the top to the floor and worked over Matt. Nick dragged London out of the ring. When he returned to the apron, Nick grabbed a head scissors, allowing Matt to nail a dropkick to the face.

The Bucks double teamed London in their corner. They nailed a double hiptoss into a double dropkick. Matt covered London for a two count. Nick locked London in a rear chinlock. London tried to fight out but was cut off by Matt. Matt suplexed London over and covered him for a two count.

They went into a series of insane spots including an awesome double plancha. They went back and forth with a bunch of near falls until Kendrick nailed Sliced Bread #2 followed by a London Shooting Star Press on Matt for the pin.

Your winners, Brian Kendrick & Paul London!

Awesome awesome awesome match. Just great stuff. The place chanted "HOH" afterwards.

FWE champ Tommy Dreamer vs. Mike Knox vs. Carlito

Dreamer and Knox went back and forth until Dreamer clotheslined him over the top. Carlito and Dreamer faced off. Carlito hit a springboard moonsault over Dreamer and dropkicked him. Knox charged Carlito and Carlito nailed a drop toehold.

Carlito ate apple and spit it on Knox.   Dreamer picked it up and ate some of it. Knox clotheslined them both. They battled to the floor, where Dreamer got dropped over the railing. Dreamer came back and rang the ring bell over Carlito's nether-regions

Dreamer tossed a chair into the ring and tried to nail Carlito into it. He blocked it and drop toe-holded Dreamer into the chair. Knox returned to the ring and nailed a big boot on Knox.

Carlito went under the ring and pulled a ladder into the ring. He placed it into a corner and rammed Dreamer into it. He then dropkicked Knox into the ladder, which snapped in half. Carlito charged and Knox backdropped Carlito into the ladder, then speared Dreamer.

Dreamer nailed an awesome DDT on Knox, who landed standing upside down before going over. Dreamer set up a table on the outside. He tried to suplex Carlito over the ropes through the table but Carlito escaped and nailed Dreamer with a series of rights. Dreamer nearly went off the apron but caught Carlito with a DVDR off the apron through the table.

Dreamer grabbed a cane from under the ring but was kicked by Knox. Dreamer set the ladder on the apron and tried to use it as a base to superplex Knox. He got crotched through the ladder. Carlito nailed the Backstabber while Dreamer was still hooked in the ladder. Knox went off the top with a flying legdrop but missed. Carlito covered Dreamer and won the belt.

Your winner and new FWE champion, Carlito!

Really good match. It was actually the hardest I've ever seen Carlito or Knox ever work and for Carlito, that includes a few Wrestlemanias.

Dreamer presented Carlito with the belt. The crowd chanted "Thank you Tommy" and "HOH."

Carlito and Knox shook hands. Knox laid him out and attacked Carlito. Raven charged out and DDT'd Dreamer. He began beating the hell out of him when "Enter Sandman" hit and out came the Sandman from the top of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. After an extended entrance, Sandman rolled into the ring. He ducked and Knox clotheslined Raven. Sandman caned them both and they ran from the ring.

Dreamer took the mic. There was a Thank you Sandman chant. Then a Thank you Tommy. Then a "Thank you both."

Dreamer said that he wanted to thank everyone here from the bottom of his heart. He thought it was going to be a disaster. He said his Mom had a stroke and he thought she was going to die but she's here selling merchandise. He said Edge blew off neck surgery to be here. Beulah and his kids were in the back and he said there will be a HOH 2. He said he loved the boys in the back and picked the roster and wished everyone a safe ride home.

Fun ending to the show. Really strong first effort on all fronts. I don't think Tommy Dreamer and friends could have asked for a stronger first effort.

2012 - OVW held a Super Saturday Special live event in Louisville, KY. Trent Van Drisse filed the following live report:

Here's the Ohio Valley Wrestling Saturday Night Special report for October 6th 2012. This show was supposed to feature Crimson defending the OVW Heavyweight title against Rob Terry, but then both guys became unavailable, so they did a weak booking dealio at the TV Taping this past Wednesday where both Crimson and Terry were "suspended" for tonight, and will now face each other for the OVW title at the TV taping this coming Wednesday, October 10th.

So that left tonight without a main event, so they instead went with Chris Silvio vs Cliff Compton in a cage match. It seems that OVW believes just saying "cage match" is a selling point, not sure I agree with that, but it appears to be their mindset. Silvio and Compton have been feuding for awhile here though, and it has gotten nasty, and tonights show ended with a surprising "Snuka" off the top of the cage.

Gilbert Corsey and the debuting Michael Titus(sp?) were the announcer for the upcoming DVD release of this show. Titus was in the "Bolin position" at the desk, and had his hair done up in an evil pompadour, so pretty sure he was doing the heel color bit here. Ron Hed and Terry Boddie were the ring announcers. The attendance was around 150.

1. Alex Silva beat Randy Royal to retain the OVW TV title

Royal avoided one "Silva Surfer" finisher attempt by Silva and turned it into a half crab, but Silva then hit a "Silva Surfer" from very short range to win and again retain the TV title.

2. Sam Shaw won a battle royal

Yah a battle royal!! Barf....Sam Shaw was an easy pick for a favorite in this one given the cast, and he did win it, eliminating Dylan Bostic in the end. Shaw and Bostic were just terrible working together at the finish, didn't click at all. My first time seeing Shaw. Good look, but wasn't impressive wrestling wise here, but couldn't tell much in a battle royal, and he clearly has the tools. Shaw has been appearing in post TV taping dark matches for a good month, but has yet to appear on OVW TV, and I have no idea why, but there must be a reason. This victory earned Shaw a shot at the OVW TV title at the October 14th house show at Expo 5 in Louisville.

Black wrestler Stephon Smith was eliminated from the battle royal early, and then just laid on the floor like a dead fish. In fact, Elvis Pridemore landed on Smith when he was eliminated. After the battle royal Smith got in the ring and celebrated like he won it for some goofy reason, only to be taken out with a clothesline by the suit wearing masked Assassin.

3. Jason Wayne beat Espy

Wayne is a military guy who doesn't like the old "Don't ask don't tell" policy. Espy(Brandon Espinosa) is Gay, so poof we have a match here made this past Wednesday. Wayne worked this one dressed military style, and came to the ring wearing vests with bullets in them ala Rambo or something. Back and forth, but Wayne got the win by holding Espy's pink trunks.

4. The Wildcards(Shiloh Jonze & Raul Lamotta) vs Doug Williams & "Smooth" Johnny Spade never really got going

This was another match made this past Wednesday, but this was was made pretty much out of the blue. Very shortly after this got started Doug Williams suddenly turned heel on Johnny Spade, and the Wildcards joined in the attack too, of course. The Wildcards are both stooges and thugs for Crimson, and I guess Doug Williams is now as well. Williams and Crimson have had some backstage conversations in recent weeks, with Williams acting cold towards him, and even seeming like he wanted a title shot against Crimson. Not anymore I guess. Crimson beat Spade to win the OVW title, and the now heel Shiloh Jonze used to be a championship tag team partner with Spade, so lots of history there.

Sam Shaw made the save for Spade here, but Spade didn't want his help. He had already had all the "help"(?) he could stand for one night, and is getting to where he doesn't trust anyone.

5. Josette Bynum beat OVW Women's champion Heidi Lovelace in a non title match

Bynum is currently the assistant to Trailer Park Trash, who is the OVW Director of operations, but they can't stand each other. TPT granted Bynum this match this past Wednesday, but made it non title, and said if Bynum wins she will get a title shot. Bynum is a former 7 time OVW Women's champion, but hasn't wrestled here all year, and hasn't been wrestling much anywhere else, but did appear once for Shine not too long ago. Also on the most recent OVW TV Bynum wanted some mystery person to come help her "Take out the Trash" tonight, but nobody appeared, nor was it mentioned. Not exactly the most focused booking has been going on in OVW lately in general folks. Another back and forth match, but Bynum got the clean win with the Byers Bridge after a series of near falls with roll ups by both ladies. So Bynum will now receive a title shot at Heidi Lovelace.

6. The Best Team Ever(Jessie Godderz & Rudy Switchblade) beat The Mobile Homers(Ted McNaler & Adam Revolver) w/Brittany DeVore to retain the OVW Southern tag team titles

Jessie Godderz very nearly landed right on top of his head early on a double hip toss spot, and still did land on his head/neck to a degree. Godderz and Switchblade have not been getting along at all lately, though they've been champions for awhile now. But as I stated in my most recent OVW TV report, they have had a knack for holding on to the titles when the gold is on the line, and that's exactly what happened here. The Mobile Homer's looked like they had it won, going for their double team spear finisher a few times, but Godderz managed to somehow pin Revolver with his feet on the ropes, aided by assist from Switchblade. The Best Team Ever are tattered and torn, but once again weathered the storm somehow, someway. Meanwhile The Mobile Homers again came up short when it really mattered.

7. Chris Silvio w/Mo Green beat Cliff Compton in a cage match

Like I said, these two have been feuding for awhile here. When it started they were both faces, but Compton turned heel somewhere along the way, a heel that runs instead of fights when he can, hence the cage tonight. Compton still has supporters here in the crowd though. They did they story where Compton gave Silvio a concussion a few weeks ago on the ring steps, and someone, probably Compton, left Silvio laying injured backstage this past Wednesday, to the point they went off the air not knowing if he'd compete tonight or not, which I found to be a weird way to promote a cage match, but appear he did, which was predictable. The finish here was not though. Compton used different theme music tonight. Compton whipped Silvio with his belt, then took control of the bout with Suplexes. Compton took off a top turnbuckle pad. Silvio came back with a half crab, but then feel to the mat woozy from straining, the only nod to his storyline concussion issues during the match. OVW loves to do concussion angles for some reason.

Silvio then launched into a furious comeback, including sending Compton into the exposed turnbuckle, and whipping Compton with his own belt. Referee Chris Sharpe was then accidentally bumped by Silvio with a flying Diamond Cutter intended for Compton. Silvio then hit one on Compton, but the ref was down, in fact both guys hit big moves on the other with Sharpe taking a nap, which he does far too often here for my tastes. They over do the ref bumps with him, cause he's good at them. Compton climbed up to the top of the cage, and Silvio followed, and they fought up there, but Compton eventually knocked Silvio down to the mat. Compton then amazingly stood on top of the cage, and this is a real high cage they use, and did the Jimmy Snuka leap off it, but crashed and burned ankle first when Silvio got out of the way, shocking the crowd. Compton didn't come close to hitting Silvio here, but this was a Hell of a scary leap by him, sure didn't expect that. Guess they wanted to pull out something big here, and they did. Compton looked surprisingly graceful up there too. He's sometimes good in the ring, but sometimes clunky, but he's definitely not afraid of heights, and looked comfortable up there, and leaping off, which shocked the shit out of me. A "Holy shit" moment no doubt. Kudos to him for doing that, risky as it was. Don't think he got hurt though. Silvio then covered the fallen Compton and Chris Sharpe made the all too familiar groggy three count to end the show on a wild note.

2013 - WWE presented the very first Battlegrounds PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:

Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the first-ever WWE Battleground PPV from Buffalo, NY.

The pre-game show opened with a panel of Josh Mathews, Tensai, Miz and Titus O'Neil discussing the main events. They sort of teased a Damien Sandow cash-in for tonight while discussing the pre-show match.

They did a deal asking fans to vote on the biggest Power Couple in WWE history.

They promoted the CM Punk vs. Ryback match with clips from Raw.

Paul Heyman cut a promo backstage saying that Punk had gathered 14,000 bullies in Buffalo to try and bully Ryback but Ryback would show them otherwise.

They announced the World title bout will kick off the PPV.

Damien Sandow vs. Dolph Ziggler

Sandow cut a promo saying that he would be watching the World title match closely later on and if it goes the way he expects it to, this may not be the last time we see him tonight, and for that, "You're welcome."

They locked up and Ziggler tried to work over Sandow's arm but was taken down to the mat and ground away by a side headlock. Ziggler came back with a dropkick as Sandow rebounded off the ropes.

Ziggler backdropped Sandow and hit his series of elbows. JBL called them the "Heartstopper" and Lawler responded, "Don't remind me." They went to commercial and when they returned, Ziggler went for a backslide but Sandow kicked out and nailed the Elbow of Disdain.

Ziggler sidestepped Sandow and tossed him to the outside. Sandow went to the top but was nailed as he came back into the ring. Sandow charged Ziggler but was sent into the buckles. Ziggler nailed the Stinger Splash and peppered him with fists in the corner.

Ziggler drilled Sandow with a neckbreaker and rebounded off the ropes for the Famouser. Sandow avoided it and drilled Ziggler for a two count. Sandow caught Ziggler with a rolling neckbreaker for a another two count. Ziggler came back with another Famouser for another two count.

They went back and forth until Ziggler, after going after a knee that Sandow hurt, nailed the Zig Zag for the pin.

Your winner, Dolph Ziggler!

OK match but nothing that really spotlighted either or made you want to order the show. It was OK and nothing more. Ziggler's momentum seems as far gone as Zack Ryder's.

El Torito showed up in the social media lounge to hit on Renee Young.

Edge and Lita won the Power Couple poll.

They aired clips to promote the Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan WWE title bout.

The panel all picked up Daniel Bryan to win the WWE title tonight.

They went off the air showing RVD and Alberto walking in the halls backstage like they were going to commercial before the next Raw segment.

Hardcore Rules: World champion Alberto Del Rio vs. Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo)

They went right into the crazy spots as RVD DDT'd Del Rio on a chair for a two count. Del Rio tossed RVD into the buckles and nailed a Backstabber for a two count. Del Rio drilled him across the back with the chair. The announcers discussed that they were both former Money in the Bank cash-in winners as a way to tease Damien Sandow could cash in tonight.

Van Dam fought back but was beaten down with a series of kicks to the back and face. He wedged a chair in the corner but was caught by RVD with a spinkick. Rob nailed a guillotine legdrop on ADR, who was draped over the apron.

RVD pulled a ladder out from under the ring, which garnered an "ECW" chant. Del Rio tried to stop him from bringing it into the ring but was fought off and nailed with a Ryder Kick off the ropes. RVD placed the ladder in the corner and sent ADR into it. Del Rio took a nasty spill over the top to the floor.

Van Dam brought Alberto into the ring for a two count. He whipped ADR into the ladder again, then nailed a spinkick. RVD went for his somersault into a monkey flip but ADR moved and Rob landed on the ladder. ADR nailed an enziguiri into RVD, who fell with the ladder landing atop of him.

With Van Dam down, ADR worked him over and mocked his thumb-posing routine. He brought a trash can into the ring and beat Van Dam with it over and over again. Del Rio came off the ropes with the can but RVD dropkicked it into him in mid-air.

They battled back and forth in the ring with ADR getting the better of the exchange. RVD ducked a clothesline and nailed one of his own. He placed a ladder on the mat in one of the corners. RVD slammed ADR on the ladder and went to the ropes for the split-legged moonsault. RVD nailed it and covered Del Rio for another two count.

Van Dam nailed several strikes and placed ADR on a ladder. He went for Rolling Thunder but ADR moved and RVD crashed and burned. ADR locked on the rolling armbar. Ricardo hit the ring and nailed Del Rio with the bucket he carries since there was no DQ. ADR went after him but RVD rolled him up for a two count. ADR tossed RVD out of the ring and began yelling at Ricardo, who was in the ring. Ricardo began acting upset like he was going to do whatever ADR wanted, then kicked him low and nailed ADR with the bucket.

ADR went to the floor. Ricardo followed but was nailed and kicked Ricardo. He flung him backwards into the barrier and kicked him hard in the face. ADR went to bring the ladder back into the ring but RVD nailed a sliding kick into it. ADR went down to the floor with the ladder atop him. Van Dam nailed the frog splash off the apron, hurting himself as he crushed the ladder into ADR.

Van Dam finally brought ADR into the ring and teased the Van Terminator. He went for it but Del Rio got out of the way at the last second. Van Dam cracked his head hard on the mat. Del Rio set up a chair but was caught with a jawbreaker. RVD went after him but was hit with a drop toehold into the chair. ADR kicked him in the head, then stomped RVD with the chair around his arm. He locked in the cross armbreaker and finally RVD tapped

Your winner and still World champion Alberto Del Rio!

A good opener, especially if you like plunder and crazy spots. There were some really, really stiff shots during this one. A lot of hard work in this one.

The Real Americans vs. Santino Marella & Great Khali (with Hornswoggle)

Swagger controlled Santino early. They locked up and Swagger continued maintaining control. Santino escaped a hold and they did a comedy bit where he couldn't do a kip up. Santino pulled out the Cobra. Swagger retreated to the outside, where Hornswoggle had one as well.

Cesaro tagged in and wiped out Marella. He and Swagger tagged in and out, working over Santino. Marella finally makes the hot tag to Khali who nailed clotheslines on the Americans. Khali chops and elbows Cesaro in the corner.

Khali nailed the big chop on Santino but Swagger broke up the pin. Santino held Swagger for Khali to chop. Swagger went to the floor and Santino nailed a pescado to the floor.

Cesaro avoided a Khali charge inthe corner and took out his knee. He nailed the Cesaro swing, which was a hell of a sight, and covered Khali for the pin.

Your winners, The Real Americans!

It was all about building to the swing spot, which was pretty cool.

WWE Intercontinental champion Curtis Axel with Paul Heyman vs. R-Truth

Truth gained control early and scored several two counts. You could hear fans catcalling "Paulrus" at Heyman. Truth clotheslined Axel over the top to the floor. He followed Axel out and tossed him back in the ring, but was kicked hard into the guard rail as he tried to return to the ring. Axel drove him hard into the barriers back-first.

Back in the ring, Axel tried to score several pinfalls and ripped at Truth's face. Axel locked in a side headlocked and worked over. Truth came back with a nice looking leg lariat for a two count and followed up with a few clotheslines.

Truth missed the scissors kick but came back with a twisting sunset flip for a two count. Truth nailed the scissors kick and covered Axel for a two count. Truth nailed a gourdbuster for another two count. Axel came back with a hot shot into the buckles and nailed a neckbreaker for the pin.

Your winner and still Intercontinental champion, Curtis Axel!

Good, solid match. Axel looked good and Truth looked and worked the hardest he's worked in years. Enjoyable undercard match,

WWE Divas champ AJ Lee with Tamina vs. Brie Bella with Nikki Bella

They were pushing that Brie and Daniel Bryan could be the new power couple if they both won titles tonight.

Brie went right after AJ who escaped from the ring and hid behind Tamina. She cut off Brie as she returned to the ring but was caught and ran into the corners several times.

Bella came off the ropes with a dropkick that forced Lee over in a flopping motion for a two count. Lee kicked Bella's legs out from under her while she was outside on the apron, then slammed her into the ringpost. She fell to the floor.

Tamina is now modeled after the Shawn Michaels bodyguard-era Diesel.

Bella was tossed back into the ring and covered for a two count. Lee began focusing on Bella's left arm, working it over. She nailed a divorce court on the shoulder but only scored a two count and used a variation on the Muta Lock to torque the arm. Lee choked Bella against the ropes

Bella was tossed shoulder-first into the center turnbuckle. Lee missed a charge into the corner. Bella tried to mount a comeback but Lee attacked her shoulder and beat her to the mat. Lee drove her hard into the ropes and skipped around the mat.

Lee charged Bella but was nailed with a dropkick. Bella rolled her up for a two count and nailed a pair of dropkicks. Bella sent her into the corner and brought Lee down with an over the knee backbreaker for a two count. Bella was trying hard to play to the crowd.

She had Lee on the ropes but Tamina attacked Nikki. She threw Nikki down. Brie saw this and went to help but Lee nailed her and rolled up Brie, hooking the tights for the win.

Your winner and still Divas champion, AJ Lee!

OK match. Lee was working really hard here to spotlight Bella, who tries hard but is limited in what she can do. As good as it could have been and they tried to tell a nice story with Lee working over Bella's arm.

Renee Young interviewed The Rhodes Family. Dusty said that family is at stake. He said the people struggling understand what they are doing tonight and no matter what, they are leaving Buffalo with their heads hung why. Goldust said they will expose The Shield for what they are, they puppets of HHH. Cody said he'd be lucky if he had half the charisma of his father or half the natural ability of Goldust but they were fighting for their lives and for their family and there was nothing he won't do for his family. Cody actually cut a hell of a promo.

WWE Tag Team champions The Shield with Dean Ambroe vs. Cody Rhodes & Goldust with Dusty Rhodes

They didn't get a big reaction live but if you were a long-time fan, it was cool to see the three Rhodes family members coming out together. Of course, just as I typed that, you could hear a "Dusty" chant.

Cody and Seth Rollins started. Rollins was backdropped over and the Rhodes worked him over in the corner. The Rhodes' tried to double team him bit Reigns grabbed Rollins' leg as he was tossed into the ropes and pulled him out so the Shield could regroup.

All six faced off on the floor. Dusty took off his belt. Once they returned, The Shield cut off Cody and worked him over. Cody reversed an Irish whip and nailed Rollins. Rollins cut off an invading Rhodes and drove him into the buckles. Reigns tagged in and shoulderblocked him down hard for a two count.

The Shield tagged in and out, working over Rhodes. Rhodes fired back but on both but was cut off with a kick to the gut but by Rollins. They tried Cody upside down on the corner. He fought his way out and nailed a big moonsault on Rollins.

Goldust made the hot tag and nailed all his signature spots on Reigns. He beat Reigns in the corner with punches. The crowd was into Goldust. Reigns reversed a whip but missed a splash. Goldust came off the ropes with a reverse flying bodypress for a two count. Reigns ducked a bodypress and Goldust crashed to the outside. Rollins trashed him on the floor.

Goldust was almost counted out but returned to the ring before the ten count. Rollins covered him but Goldust kicked out. The Shield worked over Goldust in the corner. Reigns locked in a sidechinlock and scissored Goldust on the mat. The crowd rallied Goldust, who fought back but was cut off with a flying clothesline. Goldust kicked up at the last second.

The Shield continued working down Goldust. Rollins missed a dropkick. Goldust went for an elbowdrop but Rollins rolled out of the way. Reigns tagged in but was fought off. Rollins returned but was caught with a powerslam.

Cody made the hot tag and got a big pop as he nailed a missile dropkick. Cody kicked Rollins low and spun him around for an Alabama Slam for a two count. Rhodes nailed a muscle buster on Rollins but Reigns broke up the pin. Goldust attacked but was laid out. Rhodes nailed the Disaster Kick and clotheslines him over the top to the floor.

Dean Ambrose distracted Rhodes, allowing Rollins to attack him from behind. Dusty confronted Ambrose on the floor and did some clubbering. Reigns went after Dusty but Goldust attacked him. Cody fought back against Rollins and nailed his finisher and scored the clean pin. The place went nuts for this.

Your winner, The Rhodes Family!

All three, including a crying Dusty, celebrated in the ring.

Really good match with some awesome storytelling in the ring. Fun stuff!

After the match, a number of the babyfaces as well as Arn Anderson and Mike Rotunda met the Rhodes family and celebrated with them, making this seem like a really big deal.

Backstage, Brad Maddox was getting yelled at on the phone by Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. He hung up and told Vickie Guerrero that the McMahons had to leave and left him in charge. He said the show was spiraling out of control and if they didn't do something, they would all be in trouble. Guerrero, remembering when Brad mocked her when she was fired as Raw GM, said that they left him in charge and it's all on him. She left cackling as Maddox looked beside himself.

Bray Wyatt vs. Kofi Kingston

Kingston fought off Wyatt early with a kick to the mouth but was cut off and crotched when he was poised on the top rope. Wyatt charged him with a big clubbing shot while Kingston was folded over and hanging forward into the ring.

Wyatt drilled several headbutts. He beat Kingston down with several rights, showing some nice intensity. Bray locked on a side chinlock but Kingston fired back. Wyatt fought him off and slammed Kingston down for a two count.

Kingston fought back and went to springboard in but was caught in the air and powerslammed down for another two count. They battled back and forth. Kingston came back with a crucifix like takedown. The referee began counting each man down. Kingston fired away with a series of chops. Kingston nailed a leaping clothesline and went for the Boom Drop. He nailed it.

Kingston set up or Trouble in Paradise but Wyatt ducked it. Kingston rebounded off the ropes but was tackled down hard. Wyatt went into the zone and began crab walking backwards towards Kingston. Kingston freaked out and backed out the ring but there was nowhere to go. Wyatt went after him but Kingston evaded him and Wyatt went to the floor. Kingston nailed a big dive on all three.

Kingston went for a sunset flip but was pulled up. They went back and forth until Bray nailed Sister Abagail and scored the pin.

Your winner, Bray Wyatt!

Solid match and a match that Wyatt really needed to regain some of the momentum he's lost of late. Another good showing from Kingston as well.

Bray commanded Luke Harper and Erick Rowan to destroy Kingston after. He took the mic and said there is no right or wrong. "All that is left are the mannequins that are trying to force-feed you what their idea of purity are. I promise you there will be none of them left. One by one they will fall. Follow the buzzards."

They noted during the match that HHH and Stephanie left for an emergency meeting. What, they couldn't Skype?

CM Punk vs. Ryback with Paul Heyman

Ryback muscled Punk into the corner but the referee split them up. They locked up again and Ryback shoved him down hard and dared him to fight. The crowd began chanting for Punk. They locked up again and Ryback nailed him with a shoulderblock in the corner. He whipped Punk to the opposite corner but Punk slid down and nailed a kick to the leg when Ryback charged.

Ryback went to the floor for words of wisdom from Paul Heyman. He returned but Punk nailed a series of shots. Ryback went back to the floor to regroup but this time, Punk nailed a dive. Punk climbed up on the guard rail and jumped off but Ryback caught him. Ryback went to run Punk into the ringpost but was shoved into it instead.

Ryback returned to the ring, where Punk nailed a flying bodypress for a two count. Punk nailed a kick to the head but was grabbed and whipped hard into the buckles. Ryback slammed Punk off the buckles. The crowd chanted, "You can't wrestle" at Ryback.

Ryback sent Punk hard into the ringpost ribs-first and continued to work over Punk. The crowd began catcalling for Goldberg. Ryback worked over Punk with a belly to belly overhead suplex and a legdrop for a two count.

Ryback worked over Punk, scoring several two counts. Ryback locked on a side chinlock, then a rear naked choke, trying to make Punk tap. Heyman was yelling for Punk not to tap so Ryback can keep beating him. Punk was able to escaped and nailed a series of elbow smashes to the face. Ryback charged Punk in the corner but was kicked away. He tried again but missed and hit the corner.

Punk mounted a comeback with kicks and forearm smashes. Punk nailed a leaping leg lariat and a swinging neckbreaker. He called for the GTS. Paul Heyman took the mic and proclaimed he was the best in the world to distract Punk and allow Ryback to attack him from behind.

Ryback powerbombed Punk and scored a two count. Heyman told Ryback to do it again, but during this powerbomb attempt, Punk slipped out and nailed a roundhouse kick. Punk nailed his running knee in the corner and clothesline, then went to the top rope. He nailed the flying elbowsmash for another two count.

Punk nailed a series of knee smashes in the corner. He went for another but was grabbed for a powerbomb. Punk turned it into a rana and went for the GTS. Ryback nailed several elbows to the face, then grabbed Punk in an over the shoulder powerslam for a two count. He began beating the hell out of Punk, who was against the ropes. The referee admonished him, allowing Paul Heyman to grab a Singapore Cane. He was going to nail Punk but the referee turned around. Heyman tried to explain to the ref what happened, allowing Punk to nail Ryback with a low blow. Punk covered Ryback and scored the pin.

Your winner, CM Punk!

Good match. They told a nice story in the ring with Punk's finesse vs. Ryback's power. God, physical story with the twist being that Punk outsmarted them by cheating.

Good match. They told a nice story in the ring with Punk's finesse vs. Ryback's power. Good, physical story with the twist being that Punk outsmarted them by cheating.

The signal died. UH OH!

We returned to a shot of ring announcer Justin Roberts standing in the ring. We went to the announcers, who explained they lost power in Buffalo. They promised we'd see the main event in its entirety. They then did the ring entrances and announcements.

WWE championship: Randy Orton vs. Daniel Bryan

They went back and forth with some nice wrestling early. Orton worked him over with a side headlock. Bryan came back working over his arm and nailing some kicks. Orton cut him off with a hard shot to the head. Orton nailed a series of knees to the face.

Orton began working over Bryan's arm but Bryan reversed and nailed a series of kicks to the chest. He scored with a Dragon Screw Legwhip and began working over Orton's knee and ankle. He tied up Orton's leg and began nailing forearms. Bryan followed up with chops and kicks in the corner.

Bryan set Orton on the top and followed but Orton shoved him off. Bryan was crotched on the top rope. Orton clotheslined him off the ropes and followed up with another short arm clothesline. Orton beat Bryan in the corner with punches.

Orton nailed a running clothesline in the corner. He went for another but Bryan kicked him off and nailed a clothesline for a two count. Orton nailed a big knee as Bryan charged him. He picked up Bryan and dropped him across the top rope.

Orton whipped Bryan into the corner but Bryan went up and over. Orton tossed him over the top but Bryan skinned the cat and nailed a rana over the top to the floor. Bryan pulled himself in and nailed a dive to the outside. He drilled Orton with a series of kicks to the chest and whipped him into the guard rail, then charged with a big dropkick on the floor.

Bryan tossed Orton in and went to the top rope for a big missile dropkick attempt. Orton caught him and slammed Bryan down with a powerbomb or a two count, then locked in a Boston Crab. Bryan tried to make it to the ropes but was dragged back to the center of the ring. The crowd chanted for Bryan, who turned himself around and went for a small package for a two count.

Bryan went for the Yes Lock but Orton grabbed the ropes before it could be cinched in and rolled outside. Bryan went for a sliding kick to the outside, but Randy avoided it and sent him into the steps. Orton grabbed Bryan's arm and yanked him into the ringpost shoulder-first, then hit a belly to back suplex on the guard rail.

Orton dragged Bryan back into the ring and began beating him with right hands. Orton placed him on the top but was fought off. Bryan went to come off the ropes but Orton cut him off and nailed a superplex into the ring. Orton was dazed but covered Bryan for a two count.

Orton and Bryan battled back and forth with forearms, strikes and chops. Bryan got the better of the exchange but was kicked in the gut. He turned Orton's offense into a backslide and a kick to the head for a two count. Orton rolled to the outside. Bryan went to suplex him into the ring but Orton reversed and Bryan took a suplex to the floor.

Orton began setting up the Spanish announcing table for plunder. He went for a powerbomb onto it but Bryan escaped, nailed a series of kicks and whipped Orton into the ringsteps. Bryan broke the referee's count and went to the top with a flying attack to the floor.

Orton was tossed back into the ring and Bryan went to the top for the flying headbutt. He connected and covered Orton for a close two count. Bryan exploded with charging dropkick after charging dropkick un the corner, wiping Orton out.

Bryan began measuring and kicking Orton in the chest. Out of nowhere, Orton grabbed him with an exploder suplex. Orton nailed the hanging DDT off the ropes. He mocked Bryan and set up for the RKO. He went for it and missed. Bryan missed a kick. Orton rolled him up. Bryan kicked out and locked on the Yes Lock.

The Big Show's music hit.

Show came out and pulled the referee out of the ring. Bryan questioned him and Show nailed a KO punch, then stood there outside angry with himself.

Brad Maddox sent another referee, who was the "fired" Scott Armstrong, out to the ring. He counted two, but Show pulled him out and KO'd Armstrong as well.

Maddox looked shocked and Orton was in the ring angry and disgusted.

Show got into the ring and stood over Orton. Orton began yelling at him about how much trouble Show is in and shoved him. Show KO'd Orton. The place went nuts for that.

They played Show's music.

Maddox stood on the stage completely worried about what the hell just went down.

Show celebrated and yes, they went off the air with no winner.

So, there is no new champion.

What a letdown to what was a pretty solid show until this. NO excuse to ever ask viewers to pay $54.99 and not give them a true ending to the show.

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