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October 8th
On this day in history in ....
1978 - Evelyn Stevens defeats The Fabulous Moolah for the NWA Women's World Heavyweight Title, ending Moolah's fourth reign, in Dallas, Texas. She would drop the title back to Moolah two days later.
1986 - Barry Windham defeats Outlaw Ron Bass for the vacant Florida State Heavyweight Title to begin his sixth reign with the belt in Tampa. The belt had been held up following a September 24th match in which Bass used chloroform to beat Windham.
1989 - Mima Shimoda defeats Asayo Obata for the vacant All Japan Junior Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1990 - Jerry Lawler won a 21-man tournament to begin his seventh (of an eventual 27) USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title reign in Memphis, Tennessee. The title was vacated when The Snowman no-shows a title defense on August 27, 1990 and left the company. Here are the results of the tournament:
First Round:
- Mark Callous (The Undertaker) defeated Bill Dundee.
- Dick Slater defeated Danny Davis.
- Jeff Gaylord defeated Doug Gilbert.
- Terry Funk defeated Brickhouse Brown.
- Steve Keirn defeated Tony Anthony.
- Dick Murdoch defeated The Samurai.
- Austin Idol defeated Gary Young.
- John Tatum defeated King Cobra.
- Eddie Gilbert defeated Jimmy Valiant.
- Jeff Jarrett defeated Sheik Hussein.
- Jerry Lawler was given a bye into the next round.
Second Round:
- Jerry Lawler defeated Mark Callous.
- Dick Slater defeated Jeff Gaylord.
- Terry Funk defeated Steve Keirn.
- Austin Idol defeated John Tatum.
- Eddie Gilbert defeated Jeff Jarrett.
- Dick Murdoch was given a bye into the Quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals:
- Jerry Lawler defeated Dick Slater.
- Terry Funk defeated Dick Murdoch.
- Austin Idol defeated Eddie Gilbert.
Semifinals:
- Jerry Lawler defeated Terry Funk.
- Austin Idol was given a by into the Finals.
Finals:
- Jerry Lawler defeated Austin Idol.
1991 - The York Foundation (Terrance Taylor, Richard Morton, & Thomas Rich), managed by Alexandra York (Terri Runnels) defeats Dustin Rhodes, Tom Zenk, & Big Josh (Matt Borne) for the WCW World Six-Man Tag Team Title in Montgomery, Alabama. The belts would be forgotten, permanently, by WCW a month later.
1999 - ECW on TNN airs, including a controversial segments where Tammy Lynn Sytch (Sunny) was interview by an off-camera Paul Heyman. During the interview, Sytch talked about women in the business using drugs in order to stay in shape, and discussed the death of Louie Spicolli due to soma use. Sytch also talked about having a drinking problem before proclaiming that she was "back" at the end. ECW received a great deal of criticism at the time for the segment.
2001 - Raw aired from Indianapolis, Indiana and saw a WWF World Title change as well as a WCW World Tag Team Title change. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
The 10/8 RAW aired live from Indianapolis. Jim Ross promoted it as the biggest RAW in WWF history while Paul Heyman said the Kurt Angle re-match against Steve Austin for the WWF Title was the most anticipated match ever. Well, those were exaggerations, but it was still an excellent show and a complete turn around from last week's boring RAW.
Footage aired of Rob Van Dam's non-title win over Kurt Angle on Smackdown, which earned Austin his title shot.
Big Show & Spike Dudley & Tajiri beat The Dudleys & Tazz in 1:35. Stacy Keibler came out with the Dudleys, wearing a camouflage pattern outfit and taped Dudley glasses. She still looked awesome! Stacy will fight Torrie Wilson at No Mercy in a lingerie match, which is what DDP would call a good thing. The Dudleys clotheslined Show over to the floor. Tajiri kicked Tazz and got a quick pin. Afterward, Bubba Ray threw Spike out for a hard bump. Stacy laid Torrie out from behind and Bubba got that "I wanna put a chick through a table" look on his face. Tazz held Tajiri in a choke position and forced him to watch as Bubba put Torrie through a table. William Regal and some EMT's rushed to the ring to Torrie's aid. Backstage, Torrie was fitted with a neck brace and stretchered out. Tajiri was all upset.
Stephanie came out. JR acted surprised to see her after she suffered such "serious injuries" two weeks ago. Steph said it was no big deal that Torrie got put through a table, and that it was nothing compared to how Chris Jericho brutalized her. She showed footage from the Jericho vs. Rob Van Dam match where she took all the bumps. She claimed to have suffered two herniated discs, a bruised sternum, and a concussion. She added that she was just an innocent bystander, while Torrie deserved what happened to her. However, she said she now feels great and is looking forward to seeing Austin regain the belt in the main event. This brought Jericho out, to a big pop. Heyman noted that the fans cheering Jericho are the same ones who cheered Bobby Knight. Jericho started the sexual innuendo routine but was quickly interrupted by Shane McMahon. Shane said Jericho has been insulting Stephanie for years, and even quoted his famous "filthy, dirty, disgusting, bottom-feeding, trash bag ho" line. He admitted that Jericho is funny, which Steph didn't appreciate. However, Shane then asserted that Jericho is largely a comic act and said if he had put as much effort into winning titles as he did into insulting Stephanie, he might be a champion and a top tier wrestler. He said Jericho's a joke, just like the Colts and Pacers. Jericho responded by challenging Shane & Steph to a handicap match. But Steph refused, saying that Jericho just wants to get his hands on her body. After arguing some more they finally settled on Rock & Jericho vs. Shane & RVD. Jericho called Shane & Steph "ass clowns" as he departed.
Booker T & Test encountered RVD backstage. Booker was still steaming over RVD winning the vote on Smackdown to get the match against Angle. He told RVD that if he had gotten that match, he would have beaten Angle even faster than RVD. He called himself a five time WCW Champion. RVD said, "I can't believe you lost the WCW Title five times!" Booker did his "tell me you did not say that" catch phrase. Test finally calmed Booker down by reminding him they have a WCW Tag Title defense coming up and they need to stay focused.
A new Dallas Page promo aired. This one was actually good. It featured a chick named Jennifer who claimed she was once so fat her husband wouldn't touch her, but that she learned about DDP's "positive stretching" and by following his regimen, she's now in great shape and her husband wants to touch her all the time. She then bent over with her ass right in the camera lens. DDP arrived and said he'd like to touch Jennifer, too, and encouraged everyone to learn "positive stretching" and to learn to like themselves.
The Hardys beat Booker T & Test in 3:40 to capture the WCW Tag Titles. A good but short match. Lita gave Booker a huracanrana. Matt then gave Booker the twist of fate but Test made the save. Test threw Lita over the security barrier and Matt went after him. This distracted the ref, allowing Undertaker to go in and give Booker the Last Ride. That was actually cool! Jeff hit a swanton and pinned Booker for the title change.
Backstage, Booker was furious and told Test he's been disrespected ever since he arrived. He said he's going to earn respect and the only way to do that is to take out the most respected guy around.
Hurricane & Mighty Molly confronted Lita, accusing her team of winning the WCW Tag Titles due to cheating and heinous tactics with the Undertaker run-in. Molly said winners never cheat and cheaters never win, and challenged Lita to a match. Lita accepted.
Edge beat Rhyno by DQ in a U.S. Title match in 2:29. Christian came out to do color commentary. He gave a little kid his sunglasses, but then took them back, saying the kid's ugly. Christian claimed he taught Edge everything he knows about ladder matches and that it was always he (Christian) who climbed the ladder to retrieve the belts when they won tag title ladder matches. JR said Christian has selective memory. By the way, Christian faces Edge at the PPV in a ladder match. Anyway, Christian ended up getting on the apron, and was accidentally gored by Rhyno. Rhyno went for a powerbomb on Edge but lost him. Edge hit a DDT but Christian broke up the pin attempt for a weak DQ ending. Edge speared Christian afterward.
Hour two began with Shane McMahon & Rob Van Dam beating Rock & Chris Jericho in 7:36. Good match with good heat! RVD did his trademark kicks and hit the rolling thunder move. Rock put RVD in the sharpshooter but Shane made the save. Jericho put the walls on RVD on the floor. Shane saved again, and also bulldogged Jericho into the steps. Jericho juiced a major gusher. Rock chased Shane but got caught with a kick. Rock rolled clear when RVD did the frog splash. Rock gave RVD a Rock Bottom but Shane made yet another save. Jericho came back in, partially blinded by all the blood, and swung a chair at Shane but accidentally nailed Rock hard. RVD pinned the downed Rock.
Backstage, all the Alliance guys congratulated RVD for pinning Rock and began chanting "RVD". This was right outside Steve Austin's locker room. He was nowhere to be seen but the implication was that he heard it all.
Footage aired of Chris Benoit's appearance on HEAT where he predicted Angle will beat Austin in the re-match.
Lance Storm & Ivory appeared at WWF New York. Storm said Benoit doesn't speak for all Canadians, and predicted an Austin win. Ivory ran down the fans for supporting Angle.
EMT's were attending to Jericho's ugly cut when Rock came in and demanded to know what happened. Jericho said he had been trying to hit Shane but missed. Rock was angry but seemed to accept the explanation and started to leave. Jericho said something under his breath, wondering what the hell Rock's problem was. This brought Rock back. He said everyone makes mistakes but a real man owns up to it. They got in each other's face and ended up in a pull-apart brawl, which upset JR very much. Heyman, of course, was delighted.
Michael Cole was outside Austin's door, reporting that Austin would finally speak after the next match.
X-Pac beat Scotty 2 Hotty in 3:31 to retain the WWF Light Heavyweight Title. An okay match, but less heat than other matches. Scotty nearly scored a pin with the worm but X-Pac got his leg over the rope. X-Pac then won with the X-Factor.
Debra told Cole that Austin had changed his mind and wouldn't be speaking after all. She then made Cole give her directions to Commissioner Regal's office.
Mighty Molly beat Lita in 2:41. Oddly enough, a clean match and a clean pin, as Molly scored an upset with a roll-up and bridge. Afterward, Hurricane declared the Hurricycle to be the Mollymobile (for one night only) and they drove off into the night.
Debra praised Regal's office decor and put over the queen. She then mentioned Regal's ban on Alliance members at ringside for her husband's match and said that surely the ban doesn't apply to wives. Regal said it most certainly does apply to wives and that Debra should bake some cookies to occupy herself. She left in anger.
Angle did a promo where he said he proved at Unforgiven that he can beat Austin and that Austin can't beat him. He added that Austin can whine all he wants about his hand being under the ropes but the fact remains that Austin tapped out to his ankle lock.
Steve Austin beat Kurt Angle in 17:19 to regain the WWF World Title. Austin came out and we got our first glimpse of him since his title loss. Debra also came out, but Regal had her ejected and took up a seat at ringside. Austin got in Regal's face but Angle then arrived and the brawl began. The crowd was a little slow getting into it but by the end they were very hot. Mostly brawling at first, much of it on the floor. Angle got posted. Austin took a bump over the announcers' desk. Angle lifted the floor mat but they ended up back in the ring so no concrete piledrivers occurred. Austin began working on Angle's knee. Twice Austin got a chair but each time Regal took it from him. Angle did a big comeback and started throwing the suplexes. Austin shoved Angle into referee Earl Hebner, who took a big bump. Austin got the title belt and was about to use it when Regal went in the ring and took it from him. However, it was a set up, as Regal then clobbered Angle with the belt. JR freaked out over Regal's turn. Regal rolled Hebner back in but Angle kicked out at two to a huge pop. Austin then hit a stunner and scored the pin. Really good main event! The show left the air with Austin as champ again and JR fuming about Regal's treachery.
2001 - Vince Russo, who announced he was no longer going to be involved with the World Wrestling All-Stars tour of Australia, claimed he was going to retire from wrestling and that once his Time-Warner contract from his WCW days expired on October 10, 2001, he would not longer be involved in the business. As we all know by now, that wasn't the case.
2002 - Sam Kent, a prominent figure in Georgia indy wrestling in the early 90s, passed away over the weekend in Griffin, GA. Kent promoted and booked the North Georgia Wrestling Alliance, which had TV in Atlanta on Channels 69 and 14 in the city, as well as co-hosted a later version of "Pro Wrestling This Week", the show created by Joe Pedicino which (before Kent came on board) was syndicated across the country. Kent co-hosted the shows with Pedicino's wife Boni Blackstone, Hillbilly Festus, and even a lookalike wooden puppet named Junior at one point. Kent's North Georgia promotion ran from 1992 through 1997, taping for the TV in Alpharetta at the Auction Barn and in Rome at Dillard's Music Park. Among those who worked for North Georgia before moving on to fame elsewhere: New Jack, Bull Buchanan (working as Sunset Sam McGraw), Disco Inferno (both as The Slave and Glen Gilbernetti), Mustafa Saed (Sheik Mustafa Ali), Scotty Riggs/Anton (Scott Studd), Buff Bagwell (Fabian), Van Hammer, Glacier (Sugar Ray Lloyd), Raven (Scotty Anthony), Road Dogg (Brian Armstrong), and David Young. Scott Hudson and Steve Prazak (as Steven DeTruth) handled the TV commentary. In recent years Kent had worked as a salesman at a Ford dealership in southern Atlanta.
2002 - WWE issued the following statement:
WWE prevails in court case
A U.S. Federal District Court jury in the Nicole Bass sexual harassment lawsuit unanimously exonerated WWE and defendant Steve Lombardi of any wrongdoing. The sexual harassment lawsuit brought by Ms. Bass had no factual foundation and the jury, in its decision, saw that clearly. This was nothing but an attempt to smear WWE's good name in an attempt to make an easy dollar. WWE views today's verdict as vindication of our corporate name and reputation.
2002 - The New York Daily News reported the following:
| Jury tosses hulking female's harassment claim vs. WWE |
|
The hulking failed grappler didn't blink or shed a tear after a Brooklyn jury drop-kicked her sexual harassment lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment out of federal court yesterday. Bass kept her chin up, hugged her lawyer and told reporters outside the courtroom she still felt like a winner. "I'm a little person, I'm not a big corporation," said the 6-foot-2, 230-pound former Miss Olympia contestant. "I stood up for my rights and the rights of women. I'm really glad I did what I did." Bass, whose physique has gained her notice, said her dream of working for WWE turned into a nightmare. She claimed she was subjected to "sexual indignities" and was sexually assaulted by former wrestler Steve Lombardi on an airplane. WWE officials countered she was a klutz who couldn't cut it in the world of fake violence. The jury of six men and two women rejected her claims after deliberating less than five hours. Lombardi's wife cried when the verdict was announced and applauded the jurors as they were dismissed. "It was like a fabrication," said juror Jim Singletary, 63, of Queens, of Bass' suit. "She just wanted money," added juror Cliff Hasey, 44, of Long Island, who conceded he is a wrestling fan and got Lombardi's autograph on his juror pass yesterday. Another juror, Pete Sutich, 39, said there probably were instances of male WWE employees entering the women's locker room, as Bass claimed. But ultimately the jurors concluded the intrusions did not rise to the level of offensive behavior. "It was never proven whether they were announced or unannounced," Sutich said. "On many occasions they were invited in." The colorful trial had called into question whether the hijinks of WWE story lines had melted over to backstage. WWE lawyer Jerry McDevitt summoned a parade of wrestlers, managers and senior executives to counter Bass' portrayal of their workplace and depict her as a disgruntled employee who wasn't up to the rigors of the job. WWE czar Vince McMahon testified Bass had "two left feet." McDevitt blasted Bass' assertion that she was a defender of women's rights. "Nicole's just trying to put lipstick on a corpse," McDevitt said. "This was a money-grabbing publicity stunt from day one." Lombardi was asked if his reputation was tarnished by Bass' accusation that he groped her. "Look who made the allegations," said the former wrestler known as the Brooklyn Brawler. "If it was a respectable person, I could be tarnished. I never felt tarnished for one second." As for what's next for Bass, she said she was headed home to wash off her makeup and resume training. |
2002 - Then-WWE Ring Announcer Lilian Garcia releases her debut single "Shout" on October 8, 2002 on Universal Records, further fueling speculation that WWE's "Smackdown Records" label was going to be shut down.
2002 - Ring of Honor High Impact TV aired in Philadelphia on channel 48. Phil X. filed the following TV report:
Ring of Honor High Impact TV Episode #6
10/8/02 on WGTW Channel 48 out of Philadelphia/Burlington
Segment #1- The show opens with the end of Low Ki vs. Xavier for the ROH Title on 9/21/02. Christopher Daniels walks to ringside to observe. Xavier goes for the 450 but Low Ki moves and takes control. Daniels keeps making comments on how the moves look painful, etc etc. Low Ki signals for his finisher but hesitates when he notices Daniels at ringside. Daniels backs up as Xavier attacks Low Ki from behind. Xavier takes control outside the ring as Daniels cheers him on. Daniels mocks Low Ki and the Code of Honor as Low Ki rolls around in pain, coughing up blood. Low Ki eventually makes it back to the ring after much struggling to get there. Xavier then hits the 450 for the pinfall to win the ROH Heavyweight Title. Simply Luscious and Donovan Morgan then come to the ring to celebrate with Daniels and Xavier. Daniels trash talks Low Ki. Daniels and Morgan then cover Low Ki with an ROH Banner as Xavier poses over him. Xavier, Daniels, Luscious, and Morgan each climb a turnbuckle and pose. Daniels tells the camera that he has said all along that the Code Of Honor is a joke and the Prophecy rules Ring of Honor. Xavier said that everyone saw tonight why they call him The All Around Best! No commentary on this segment. Was pretty good.
The usual show opening is next with Rob Feinstein awaiting after it is done. Rob runs down tonight's show.
Segment #2- The Texas Wrestling Academy students are shown arriving with Rudy Boy Gonzalez in a 2002 Plymouth Voyager. Don Juan said "Hey! I thought you said it was a 26 hour drive! It only took 25!!!" They all seem cranky and upset with each other as they unpack and head in to the show.
Segment #3- Michael Shane & Bio Hazard vs. Paul London & Don Juan with Rudy Boy Gonzalez at ringside. The person scoring the pinfall gets a ROH contract. Something doesn't sound right with Steve Corino's commentary for some reason. Donnie B. brings up Chris Marval's gruesome injury from the first ROH show. Bio Hazard works over Paul London and drops him on his head. Corino says that Gonzalez takes 22% of his students pay. Donnie B. says that Corino is flat out lying. London regroups and tags in Don Juan. Don Juan gets a 2 count out of a crucifix into a sunset flip. Shane tags in and gives Don Juan a suplex from the top rope. Bio Hazard tags and works on Don Juan's neck. Bio Hazard poses and Shane tags his back and goes for a quick pin but only gets a 2 count. Don Juan blocks a Roll Through Moonsault attempt by Bio Hazard. Shane and London both tag in. London hits a good looking standing dropkick (on Shane) moonsault (on Bio Hazard) for a 2 count. Shane superkicks London as London was bouncing off the ropes going for a move. After a commercial break, Paul London was about to go for a submission move on Bio Hazard but Michael Shane clotheslined London, causing the submission move to be executed more tightly, thus hurting Bio Hazard more than intended (if any of that made sense; it looked good). Don Juan executes a Dragon Screw on Bio Hazard. Michael Shane drops an elbow off the top but hits his own partner Bio Hazard. Don Juan and Paul London both go for the pin. I missed the next move, but it led to a double pin with Paul London pinning Bio Hazard while Michael Shane pinned Don Juan. The referee gave the pinfall to Michael Shane, thus granting him an ROH contract. Corino continued to pepper Rudy Boy Gonzalez with insults. Michael Shane cuts a promo on the mic saying Spanky is not as good as he is. He says there is only one Showstopper and the fans are looking at him. Paul London comes back to the ring and says HE is the Showstopper. Shane slaps London. London whips Shane into the ropes and goes for a Shooting Star Press but Shane moves. Shane then clotheslines London and lays him out. Shane then goes for an elbow drop 3/4 of the way across the ring but London moves. Rudy Boy Gonzalez, Don Juan, and Bio Hazard run in to break them up. Corino said that Gonzalez only ran in because he thought there was food in the ring. Gonzalez grabs the mic and orders his guys to the back. The camera follows them to the back. Shane tells London that all the moves in the world couldn't beat him and that London should try to wrestle. Gonzalez tells them that they will have a singles match on the Boston show. Shane says it's about time Rudy put him in a singles match! Michael Shane has a good heel personality and this segment was pretty good as they aired a lot of it and didn't cut it up a lot.
Segment #4- (From Honor Invades Boston 8/24/01)- Quiet Storm vs. The Amazing Red. A fast paced opening sequence that you would expect from these two since they train and spend so much time with each other. Corino puts over how Red has been learning and putting together some wrestling with his high spots and lucha style. Red does a tope to the outside on to Quiet Storm. Corino says when you roll outside of the ring you can get a break 90% of the time, but not when you wrestle Red. Red kicks Storm in the chest 3 times and tosses him back into the ring. Red gives Storm a Spinwheel Jump Thrust Kick in the corner. Storm rises to his feet and isn't so Quiet anymore as he lets out a big scream. Storm goes for a Roaring Elbow but Red meets him with a Mafia Kick. Storm begins to work on Red's neck. Quiet Storm does what Donnie B. calls a "Jumping Sunset Flip Powerbomb" for a 2 count. Storm goes to the top rope and tries for a Diving Head Butt but Red hits him with a Diamond Cutter. Red goes to the top and hits an Infra-Red from the top and then the Red Star Press for the pinfall. I am not a big Red fan as it is more gymnastics with him than wrestling usually, but this was an okay match, mainly when Storm was on offense. While Storm and Red are shaking hands, Special K (Izzy, Brian XL, Elax, and Dixie) hit the ring and attack them both. XL hits a Front Driver on Red and Special K bails with Red and Storm laid out in the ring.
Segment #5- (From Honor Invades Boston 8/24/01)- The S.A.T. (Jose & Joel Maximo) & Chris Divine vs. Special K (Izzy, Dixie, & Brian XL) in a Tag Team Scramble Rules Match. Action inside and outside the ring. Divine drops Dixie on his head in the ring. XL and Jose Maximo lock up in the ring and do a series of moves that leads to XL being clotheslined over the top. Izzy hits a dive to the outside on to everyone. Donnie B. constantly makes a point to say Special K "has to be on something". Dixie does a dive to the outside as well. Brian XL is next as he does a Flying Tiger Star Press to the outside. Corino says none of the boys like Brian XL but he is talented. Elax, who is at ringside, goes to the top turnbuckle and dives into the pile taking out everyone. XL works over Joel Maximo in the ring. Dixie hits a snap suplex on Joel for a 2 count. Dixie hits Joel with a reverse twisting roaring elbow for a 2 count. They keep pushing that Special K "must be on something". The S.A.T. do some sort of combo submission maneuver that Corino and Donnie didn't even have a name for .. well, Donnie did but ... oh nevermind ..... Dixie hits a tornado DDT on Joel for a 2 count. Chris Divine hits a Tiger Suplex on Dixie but Dixie rolls to the outside. Jose hits a variation of a Powerbomb on Izzy. XL gets a 2 count on Jose. The S.A.T. put Izzy and Dixie on the top rope and Joel hits a double power bomb. Elax comes in and goes to the top rope but Chris Divine stops and hits a double underhook full nelson face slam from the top. XL is on the top rope and the S.A.T. set up and hit the Spanish Fly. Corino calls the S.A.T. the innovators of tag team wrestling for the new millennium ... uh, they are good, but i don't think so Steve! The Spanish Fly gets the victory for SAT and Divine.
Segment #6- C.M. Punk is shown in an empty arena. He says "so this is Ring of Honor?" and leaves.
Segment #7- Christopher Daniels (with Xavier and Simply Luscious) talks about how Ring of Honor tries to screw him. He says that Ring of Honor tries to be all fancy and gives them a trophy instead of tag belts. He says the trophy says that the Prophecy are the tag champs and that any 2 of them can defend the titles. Daniels says the Prophecy is now in control and since they hold the tag and heavyweight titles, they make the rules! Daniels yells "hey, what are you doing here?" to someone off camera as the segment ends.
NOTES: A good show as the matches they showed were allowed to build on TV rather than being clipped heavily....Next week on ROH High Impact TV will be Paul London vs. Michael Shane and highlights of the Glory By Honor 10/5/02 show.... Ring of Honor returns to the Murphy Recreation Center in Philadelphia on Saturday, November 9th, at 5pm (the graphic still says 7:30 PM!). ROH Tag Team Champions Christopher Daniels & Donovan Morgan vs. Low Ki & Doug Williams; Alexis Laree (did I mention she is HOT!!!) vs. Allison Danger; C.M. Punk, American Dragon, A.J. Styles, The Amazing Red, and Paul London in a #1 Contender's Gauntlet Match; ROH Heavyweight Champion Xavier defends his title; plus Steve Corino, S.A.T., Jay Briscoe, and more!
2002 - WWE ran Tucson, Arizona. Mark Johns sent the following results:
- Funaki defeated Matt Hardy.
- Crash Holly & Bill DeMott (introduced as that) defeated Bull Buchanan & Shelton Benjamin.
- John Cena defeated Albert.
- Shannon Moore & Billy Kidman defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri & Chavo Guerrero.
- Brock Lesnar defeated Edge.
- Jamie Noble defeated Rey Mysterio.
- Chris Benoit defeated Big Valbowski.
- Billy & Chuck defeated D-Von Dudley & Faarooq.
- Rikishi defeated Kurt Angle. After the match, D-Von, Faarooq and Noble ran out, followed by Billy, Chuck and Rey Mysterio for a big brawl. The faces gave all the heels a stinkface.
2006 - WWE presented their No Mercy PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:
Welcome to our coverage of WWE No Mercy. We will be updating this page throughout the evening with results from the show, so check back often!
No Mercy opened with a video package on King Booker, leading into hype for the Fatal Four Way match for the World Title tonight.
Michael Cole and JBL welcomed us to the PPV and we went into the opening contest.
Gregory Helms vs. Matt Hardy.
Helms' Cruiserweight Title is not on the line. They put over that Hardy and Helms were North Carolina natives as they made their entrances, and that this was a battle in front of their families, friends and hometown fans. They went face to face at the bell, then backed up before locking up. Helms took Hardy down with a fireman's carry, and they exchanged wristlocks. Helms went for a headlock, but Hardy shoved it off and hit a shoulderblock. Matt grabbed Helms in a waistlock, and Helms went for a wrist, but Hardy shoved it off. Helms was frustrated. Helms grabbed an armdrag as Hardy went for a test of strength, then kicked Hardy and started stomping him down in a corner. Hardy came back with a vertical suplex and took him down with a back elbow before dropping one on him. Hardy clotheslined Helms to the floor, then hit him with a pescado.
Hardy threw Helms back in the ring, then stomped him in a corner. Hardy pulled Helms out of the corner into a powerbomb for a two count. Hardy then went for punches in a corner, but Helms grabbed him and dropped him face first on the top turnbuckle. Helms hit a neckbreaker across the knee for a two count. Hardy elbowed a charging Helms and climbed the ropes. Helms stopped him, and gave Hardy a side Russian legsweep off the second rope. Helms covered Hardy for a two count. Helms grabbed Hardy in a double underhook and drove his knee into Hardy's head. Helms stepped on Hardy's throat, then picked him up by the hair. Hardy rallied with punches, but Helms gave Hardy a kneebuster to the head for a two count.
Helms choked Hardy against the middle rope, then armdragged him and applied a trapped arm choke. Helms picked up Hardy in a fireman's carry, but Hardy floated out and hit a reverse DDT. Hardy and Helms traded punches, and Hardy got the better of it. Hardy hit some clotheslines and a bulldog for a two count. Hardy slammed Helms and hit the second rope legdrop for a two count. Hardy measured Helms for the Twist Of Fate, but Helms reversed it into an inverted DDT for a two count. Helms hit a second one for another two count. Helms went for a third, and hit it, but didn't cover. Helms went to the top rope, slowly, and jumped off, but Hardy hit him in the gut as he came off. Hardy gave Helms the Side Effect for a two count. Hardy hit a second Side Effect for another two. Matt delivered a third Side Effect, went to the top rope, and jumped for a moonsault. Helms got his knees up on it. Helms then went for a Shining Wizard, but Matt ducked it and rolled up Helms for a two count. Hardy went for a Twist Of Fate, but Helms backdropped Hardy and hit the Shining Wizard for a two count.
Helms put Matt on the top rope and set up for a superplex, but Hardy hit him and headbutted him to the mat. Matt stood on the top rope, but Helms grabbed him by the arm and yanked him down, crotch first on the top rope. Helms then climbed to the top and hit a variation of the Shining Wizard as Matt was still crotched on the top. Helms covered Matt for a two count, as Hardy got a two count. Helms picked up Hardy and they went to a series of reversals, with Matt grabbing the Twist Of Fate for the win at the 17 minute mark.
Winner: Matt Hardy.
Backstage, King Booker told Sir William Regal that he had to go and convince Finlay to put aside his love of fighting, and be his ally tonight in the Fatal Four Way.
WWE Tag Team Champions Brian Kendrick & Paul London, with Ashley, vs. KC James & Idol Stevens, with Michelle McCool.
Stevens started out with London, pounding him down in a corner. London fought back, leapfrogging him and hitting a rana. Kendrick ran in for a double hiptoss and double kicks, then tagged London back in. London hit a top rope stomp to Stevens' outstretched arm. London tossed Kendrick at Stevens with a rocket launcher for a two count. Stevens hit a kick to the gut on Kendrick and tagged in James. JBL just compared the tag champs to Steve & Shaun Simpson. I wonder how many fans remember them. London tagged in, but James gave a blind tag to Stevens, who came off the top rope to a London dropkick. The champs sent the challengers to the floor, then hit stereo dives to the outside. Back in the ring, Kendrick suplexed Stevens, and London went to the top rope, but James knocked him off and to the floor. Stevens pulled London back into the ring for a two count, then applied a chinlock.
London broke out with some punches and grabbed a sunset flip. He couldn't get Stevens down, but did avoid a legdrop attempt. Stevens managed to pull London to his corner, stretched him on the ropes, and tagged James for a second rope kneedrop to the back. James put London in a chinlock. London battled up, but James hit a side backbreaker for a two count. Stevens tagged in and snapmared London, then drove a knee into his back. Stevens applied a double underhook and stretched London with it on the mat. London battled out, slid under Stevens, but wasn't able to make the tag. James tagged back in, but missed a charge in the corner. Stevens pulled Kendrick off the ring apron to keep London from making the tag. Stevens and James went for a double backdrop, but London kicked it away, avoided Stevens and made the hot tag to Kendrick.
Kendrick cleaned house with forearms and dropkicks, then went for Sliced Bread #2 on James, but Stevens shook the ropes to stop Kendrick from completing it. London nailed Stevens with a tope. James gave Kendrick a superplex, but London broke it up. London and Stevens started fighting on the outside. Stevens ran in, and Kendrick kicked Stevens while at the same time DDTing James. Kendrick covered James, but Michelle put his foot on the ropes. Stevens ran in and hit a high sidewalk slam on Kendrick. James covered Kendrick for a two count. Michelle tried to trip Kendrick, and Ashley attacked Michelle. Ashley pounded Michelle on the floor. In the ring, Stevens & James tried a double suplex, but London pulled Kendrick down.
London tossed Kendrick into the air and he dropkicked both opponents. Stevens fell to the floor, and Kendrick gave James Sliced Bread #2. London jumped off of Kendrick's back into a Shooting Star Press (which the announcers kept calling a Northern Lights for some reason) onto Stevens. Kendrick then covered Stevens for the pin at the ten minute mark.
Winners: Paul London & Brian Kendrick.
They showed a trailer for The Marine.
William Regal was in the back, looking for Finlay. Instead, he found Vito jumping rope in a dress. Regal said he was "sweating like Vince McMahon in a church". Regal told Vito he was going to show him how to jump rope properly. Regal sang "London Bridge" while skipping rope. Grossed out by Vito's thong (as he used his dress to wipe the sweat off his head), Regal turned to leave, and clumsily walked into a tray of condiments, falling down and dumping ketchup and mustard all over himself.
Smackdown General Manager Theodore R. Long came to the ring, where a giant box with a bow was present. Long said it was someone's birthday. Long then revealed that it was The Miz' 26th birthday. Mike Mizanin then came to the ring, in street clothes. There was also a birthday cake and balloons in the ring. Long said Miz had been hitting on one of his Divas. Long said she hadn't been receptive to his advances, but he was going to bring her out for Miz' birthday. Long brought out Layla, who was wearing lingerie and a coat. Miz was drooling over her. Layla asked for a chair, and sat Miz in it. Layla then asked for music, and started to give Miz a lapdance. Miz said it was his best birthday ever. Layla then pulled out a blindfold and put it on Miz. The was then lifted, and Big Dick Johnson, the fat male stripper (and in actuality, WWE writer) was there in a G-String. He gave the blindfolded Miz a lapdance, and Miz was enjoying it, until the truth was revealed to him. A disgusted Miz ran off, while Johnson and Layla danced in the ring together.
MVP vs. ?
MVP had a pyro entrance, and an ugly blue longsleeve bodysuit as his wrestling gear. JBL said he stole the outfit from a Power Ranger, and that he looked like a Bud Light can. MVP got on the mic and started bragging, claiming he was going to dominate tonight. He said he was the "Most Valuable Player" on Smackdown.
His opponent for tonight: Marty Garner (known to indy fans as Cham Pain). MVP slapped him to the mat before the bell rang. MVP took Garner to the mat and rode him a bit, then got up and posed. MVP invited Garner to just leave the ring. MVP snapmared Garner for a two count, getting up on his own. The fans chanted "boring". MVP traded wristlocks with Garner, and Garner fired off some punches, but MVP returned fire. Garner leapfrogged a charging MVP, but MVP nailed him with a clothesline. Annoyed, MVP rammed Garner head first into the mat, then stomped him. MVP hit a leg driver to the mat (ala Elix Skipper's Play Of The Day) for the pin at the three minute mark.
Winner: MVP.
Backstage, William Regal was coming out of the shower, as was Vito. Vito looked at Regal's manhood, and made a "short" comment. Regal noticed Vito's, and he is apparently well endowed, and ran out of the dressing room, dropping his towel, so we all got to see his bare rear end. Regal ran into Theodore R. Long, who put him in match tonight.
They aired a video hyping the Kennedy-Undertaker match.
Ken Kennedy vs. The Undertaker.
Kennedy's United States Title was not announced as being on the line. Kennedy ripped on the crowd for booing him as he did his own ring introduction. Undertaker then did his usual entrance. They stared each other down from across the ring before the bell rang. Taker charged at the bell, but Kennedy avoided a kick. Kennedy fired off some punches and hit a back elbow, but ran into a Taker boot to the face. Undertaker hit a short arm shoulderblock, then rammed Kennedy's shoulder into the corner. Undertaker teased going for the Old School rope walk, but Kennedy broke free and rolled to the floor. Undertaker went after him, and rammed his arm into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Undertaker lifted Kennedy by the arm and dropped him to the mat.
Kennedy rolled to the floor again, but Undertaker followed him and rammed Kennedy shoulder first into the ringpost. Undertaker tossed Kennedy back into the ring, and Kennedy grabbed the ropes and pulled himself to the floor, but not before Taker hit his bad arm again. On the floor, Kennedy hit some elbows and punches, but Taker kicked him in the bad arm and tossed him back into the ring. Undertaker went for the Old School rope walk, but Kennedy stepped onto the bottom rope and armdragged Taker off the top and into the ring. Kennedy hit some punches and choked Taker with his foot by the ropes. Taker kicked Kennedy's bad arm to go back on offense. Taker grabbed his arm and went for the rope walk again, this time finishing it and hitting the top rope forearm. Undertaker hit a facedriver for a two count.
Kennedy slumped in a corner and loosened a top turnbuckle, removing the pad. Taker grabbed Kennedy and hit a clothesline for a two count. Taker rammed Kennedy head first into a corner (not the exposed one) and hit a punch to the head. Taker choked Kennedy in a corner. Taker missed a running kick, and went over the top rope and to the apron. Kennedy then charged into Taker, knocking him off the apron and into the security barrier on the floor. Kennedy went to the outside and stomped Taker, then rammed him chest first into the security barrier. Kennedy jumped off the apron, but Taker caught him and rammed him back first into the ringpost. Taker tossed Kennedy back into the ring for a two count. Kennedy grabbed Taker by the trunks and pulled him through the ropes and to the floor. Kennedy yelled for the referee to count Taker out.
Undertaker got back in, and Kennedy hit him with a kneelift as he got back in. Kennedy covered Taker, but he got his foot on the bottom rope. Kennedy stomped Taker, then hit some forearms and choked him against the middle rope. Kennedy straddled Taker against the ropes, then covered him for a two count. Kennedy choked Undertaker with his boot in a corner. Kennedy hit some shoulderblocks and kicks in a corner, then hit a running kick to the face. Kennedy dragged Taker into the center of the ring and got a two count. Kennedy dropped a pair of elbows, then hit a double axhandle to the chest and got a two count. Kennedy then blatantly choked Undertaker in the ring. Taker started battling back with punches from his knees. Kennedy tried to return fire, but Taker hit more punches, then got to his feet and clotheslined Kennedy to the floor. Taker went out after him, and put Kennedy on the ring apron. Taker elbowed Kennedy, then set up for the legdrop on the ring apron, which he hit.
As Taker got back into the ring, Kennedy got a sudden burst of energy, kicking Taker's leg and hitting a piledriver. Kennedy covered Taker, but he kicked out at two and sat up. Kennedy jumped on Taker again, but only got a two count. Kennedy applied a trapped arm choke, then switched to a chinlock as Undertaker made his way to his feet. Taker got out of it with a back suplex. The two men traded punches, with Taker getting the better of it. Kennedy kicked Taker in the leg and went for a whip, but Taker reversed it and hit a flying clothesline. Taker then hit two clotheslines in a corner, and followed it with Snake Eyes. Undertaker hit a boot to the face, then a legdrop for a two count.
Taker called for the chokeslam, but Kennedy grabbed the referee to avoid it, then started kicked Taker's leg and grabbed a neckbreaker for a two count. Kennedy missed two attempts at high kicks, then Taker grabbed him by the throat and hit a chokeslam. Taker set up for the Last Ride, but Kennedy managed to float over it. Kennedy almost hit the referee as he did, then Taker charged and Kennedy moved and Taker almost hit the referee. Kennedy then charged Taker and rammed him bulldog style into the top turnbuckle, which was the turnbuckle that was exposed earlier. Kennedy hit a clothesline and the Kenton Bomb, but Taker kicked out and sat up. Kennedy went to the floor and grabbed the U.S. Title belt. Kennedy got back in, and the referee tried to stop him from using it. Taker ended up grabbing it, and despite the referee's protests, hit Kennedy with it. The referee disqualified Taker at the 21-minute mark.
Winner via disqualification: Ken Kennedy.
Undertaker choked the referee, then gave Kennedy some elbowdrops and a tombstone piledriver. Taker started to leave, then went back and gave referee Charles Robinson a tombstone as well.
A video package on the Rey Mysterio-Chavo Guerrero feud was shown.
Falls Count Anywhere: Rey Mysterio vs. Chavo Guerrero, with Vickie Guerrero.
Chavo went on the offensive first, hitting forearms and kicks, then taking Rey down with a back elbow. Chavo hit a forearm, but Rey slid under his legs and hit a dropkick. Rey missed a second dropkick, and Chavo tried to roll up Rey, but Rey got on top and hit some punches. Chavo backdropped Rey to the apron, but Rey hit a shoulderblock between the ropes. They two battled up onto the second rope. There was an "Eddie" chant. Chavo teased that he was going to powerbomb Rey off the ropes and to the floor. They continued to battle, and both of them fell off the ropes and to the floor after punching each other.
On the outside, Rey dropkicked Chavo, but Chavo came back with forearms to the back, then whipped Rey into the barricade. Chavo was saying "This is not your uncle, this is not your family", pointing at Rey's armband as he hit him. They fought back to the entranceway. Chavo went for a powerbomb, but Rey grabbed the scaffolding of the lighting rig to avoid it. Rey kicked Chavo while hanging off of it, then gave Chavo a rana for a two count on the stage. They brawled by the entrance, and Rey kicked at Chavo's leg, then threw him into a barricade. Chavo battled back, and grabbed the Gory Special, then dropped Rey throat first across a guardrail.
Rey reversed a whip and sent Chavo into the guardrail. Rey used the guardrail to hit Chavo in the stomach, then hung Chavo gut first across it. Rey jumped off the hockey boards and gave Chavo a legdrop across the back of his head. Rey then hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors on the floor. Rey worked over Chavo with chots to the backas they fought amongst the fans. Rey went for a bodyscissors, but Chavo swung Rey head first into the hockey boards, then covered him on the floor. Chavo picked up Rey by the legs and swung him into a row of chairs. They went into the crowd and up the stands, with Chavo on offense. Rey came back with a kick, and kicked Chavo down the stairs and back to the floor. Rey gave Chavo a seated senton off the hockey boards, then kicked Chavo in the head.
Rey kept on Chavo, but Guerrero busted out with a clothesline, then started pounding Rey's back. Chavo rammed Rey's arm into the hocked boards, then hit an uppercut that sent him into the chairs. Chavo kept working on Rey's arm, then whipped him into the side of the bleachers. Rey came back with a kick, then used a staircase railing to hit a variation of the 619. Rey rammed Chavo into a steel barricade. Rey climbed up the steps and stood on the railing, then jumped off to the floor with a flying bodypress. Rey then got the pin (actually, he had to cover Guerrero twice, as his shoulder was off the ground because of them landing near a wall) and got the pin at the 14-minute mark.
Winner: Rey Mysterio.
Rey kicked Chavo some more after the pin, then started to walk away. He turned around and went back to dish out more, but Vickie Guerrero was covering Chavo. Rey walked away, and Vickie screamed as Chavo slowly started to get up.
Footage of The Marine premiere was shown.
William Regal vs. Chris Benoit.
Yes, Chris Benoit vs. William Regal is on this PPV. Regal came out first, then Benoit's music hit, and the crowd came alive.
They locked up at the bell, and there was a "Benoit" chant. They broke on the ropes, then they locked up again and Regal went after an arm. Benoit broke his wristlock and went for a chop, but Regal blocked it. They locked up again, and Regal grabbed a side mare. Benoit broke out of the headlock with an arm twist. Regal went for a leg, but Benoit managed to keep his feet and grabbed a keylock on Regal. Regal reversed it into a front facelock, and then they went into a top wristlock. Regal floated down into a trip, and put Benoit on the mat with a test of strength. They went back and forth with it, with Regal doing a full bridge before going to the mat and kicked Benoit in the face. Regal kipped up, gave Benoit a monkey flip, but they maintained the knucklelock and Benoit grabbed a bodyscissors.
Regal worked his way out of the bodyscissors, stepping on Benoit's face to get out of it. Benoit hit a pair of chops, and soon they were trading chops and forearms. Benoit grabbed German suplex, but Regal blocked a second and trapped Benoit's arm. Benoit delivered a series of headbutts with his arms trapped, busting Regal open. Benoit hit a diving headbutt for a two count. Regal went to the apron, caught Benoit with a shot, and teased suplexing Benoit to the floor. Benoit broke it with some knees to the gut. Benoit went to the apron and teased a German suplex to the floor. Regal blocked it and DDT'd Benoit into the apron, knocking him to the floor. Regal was bleeding pretty bad. Regal put Benoit back in the ring for a two count.
Regal hit a series of knees, then knocked Benoit to the mat and hit a knee drop. Regal drove his knee into Benoit's head, but Benoit came back with a pair of chops. Benoit grabbed Regal's leg and went for a Sharpshooter, but Regal kicked it away. Regal hit a running knee to Benoit's head, and went for a series of covers, but Benoit kept kicking out. Regal applied an abdominal stretch with an inverted headlock. Benoit escaped, backing Regal into a corner and hitting a knee to the gut and two chops to Regal's bloody forehead. Regal hit a kick to the gut and a pair of exploder suplexes. Regal hit a kneedrop to the gut for a two count. Regal worked for the Regal Stretch, but Benoit grabbed Regal's arm as he went for it and positioned for a Fujiwara armbar, but Regal made the ropes.
Regal kicked Benoit in the head for a two count, then went for a surfboard. Regal pulled Benoit into the hold, then pulled Benoit's head back into a chinlock. Benoit hit right hands to the side of Regal's head to break the hold. Regal kicked Benoit in the head, then went for a full nelson. Benoit reversed, but Regal countered with an armdrag, then went for it again, but Benoit reversed and hit a Dragon suplex. Benoit went for the Crippler Crossface, and Regal grabbed Benoit's hand to try and stop it. Benoit forced his hands together to complete the hold, and Regal tapped out at the eleven minute mark.
Winner: Chris Benoit.
Backstage, Booker T approached a bloody Regal and asked if he had completed his task. Regal described all the things he had gone through tonight, and Booker surmised that Regal didn't get it done. Fit Finlay approached Booker and said he had come here tonight to win the fight, and to win the world title. Finlay walked off. Booker told Regal, who was still staggering from his match, that he was to blame for this, and that he was useless. Booker slapped Regal. Regal stood there for a moment, then decked Booker with a right hand. Regal walked off as Sharmell tended to Booker on the floor.
A video package on the main event was shown.
Backstage, Lashley was taping up his wrists. Batista walked into the room. Lashley said it was every man for himself tonight. Batista told Lashley that the name of the PPV was "No Mercy". Batista smiled and walked off.
Fatal Four Way: World Champion King Booker T, with Sharmell, vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Batista vs. Fit Finlay.
Fit Finlay came out first, then Bobby Lashley, then Batista, then King Booker. Finlay rolled to the floor at the bell, while Lashley and Batista started pounding Booker, giving him a double shoulderblock. Lashley and Batista gave Booker knees in a corner. Finlay ran in, hit Lashley from behind, and threw him out of the ring. Finlay clotheslined Batista. Booker shoved Finlay. Lashley ran in, and Booker threw Lashley back out. Finlay and Booker smiled at each other and stomped Batista in a corner. Booker and Finlay double teamed Batista. Lashley ran in and threw Finlay out of the ring. Lashley went aftre Booker, punching him in a corner. Booker fought back against Lashley, but got caught in a spinebuster for a two count.
Lashley whipped Booker across the ring, put Finlay pulled Booker to the floor. Lashley went for a baseball slide, but they both side stepped it, then rammed Lashley back first into the ring apron. Finlay and Booker got back into the ring and went back to working over Batista. The pounded him with forearms and chops in a corner. Batista dodged a Booker clothesline, but Finlay then caught him with one. Finlay then turned on Booker, giving him a clothesline. Finlay elbowdropped Booker, then Batista. Finlay took Batista to the floor and rammed him into the ring steps. Finlay got back into the ring and started trading shots with Booker, snapmaring him and giving him elbows to the chest. Lashley tried to get back into the ring, but Finlay kicked him back to the floor.
Finlay gave Booker a sit-down splash, but Batista got in to break it up. Finlay put Batista in a Fujiwara armbar, then drove his knee into Batista's arm. Batista fought up, lifting Finlay into a Samoan Drop, but Finlay didn't release his grip on Batista's arm. Lashley ran in and kicked Finlay in the face. Finlay grabbed Lashley's leg and put him in a single leg crab. Booker broke it up with a superkick on Finlay. Booker covered Finlay, but Batista broke it up. Batista stomped Booker, then hit some shoulderblocks. Batista went for a clothesline, but Booker ducked it and hit a jumping side kick.
Booker and Batista traded punches, and Batista ducked a clothesline and hit a side slam. Batista went for a cover, but Booker kicked out. Lashley clotheslined Booker to the floor, then backdropped Batista to the outside. Finlay ran in with a chair, but Lashley kicked it away and hit some punches on him, then a back elbow. Lashley hit a clothesline, then pressed Finlay over his head and dropped him into a gutbuster. The Little Bastard ran in and hit Lashley with a low blow, then ran back out of the ring. Finlay hit Lashley with the shillelagh, but Booker broke up the cover. Booker and Finlay then took turns covering Lashley while the other would break up the pin. Booker and Finlay traded punches, then Batista came in and punched both men. Batista clotheslined Finlay, then Booker.
Batista went for a vertical suplex on Booker, then turned it into a jackhammer. Batista got up and gave Finlay a clothesline. Booker and Finlay rolled to the floor. Batista charged Lashley and hit a spear for a two count, then covered him again and again for two counts. Batista hit some shoulderblocks in the corner, then hit a clothesline in the corner. Batista went for a powerslam, but Lashley floated over it and gave Batista a spinebuster. Blood was pouring out of the top of Batista's head, I'm not sure from what. Possibly hitting his head on the turnbuckle while doing the shoulderblocks in the corner. Lashley shoulderblocked Batista, then clotheslined him to the floor. Finlay ran in, and Lashley tossed him out.
Booker ran in and hit Lashley with the Bookend for a two count. Booker went for a suplex, but Lashley turned it into a small package for a two count. Booker chopped Lashley, but missed a clothesline, only to come back with a flying forearm for a two count. Booker set up for the ax kick, but Finlay ran in and clotheslined Booker for a two count. Finlay charged Lashley, but Lashley moved and Finlay went shoulder first into the ringpost. Batista got into the ring and gave Lashley, then Booker, then Finlay, spinebusters. Batista gave Finlay the Batista Bomb, but then Lashley speared Batista. Lashley seemed to be knocked silly by the spear as well. Booker crawled onto Finlay and got the pin at the 17-minute mark.
Winner: King Booker T.
King Booker and Sharmell stood in the aisle triumphant, while Batista stood up and stared at him from the ring, as the show came to a close.
2006 - WWE Raw ran Greenville, SC. Graham Cawthon filed the following live report:
WWE Raw House Show
October 8, 2006 (5 pm matinee)
Greenville, SC
Bi-Lo Center
by Graham Cawthon
www.TheHistoryofWWE.com
1) WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Kenny & Nicky defeated Cryme Tyme via disqualification at 9:25 when one of the challengers clotheslined Nicky as he had the other Cryme Tyme member covered with a roll over; the remaining Spirit Squad members were ejected around the 3-minute mark after interfering. Lame reason for a DQ but it's not the first time the WWE has gone with that finish. Cryme Tyme was very over and cleared the ring of the 5 Spirit Squaders with steel chairs before the match. The two teams worked well together and I could see this being a big (as big as tag team wrestling gets on Raw) TV program.
2) Gene Snitsky pinned Charlie Haas with a boot to the face at 7:13. Surprised by the finish. Haas played the cowardly heel for much of the match.
3) Oleg Prudius pinned Eugene with the drop torture rack at 3:33. Prudius did the whole Nikolai Volkoff circa 1985 shtick as he sang the Russian National Anthem before Eugene's entrance. Prudius is a thick guy and has a good build but his in-ring work could use improvement.
4) Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch defeated Robbie & Rory McAllister at 8:58 when Cade pinned Robbie with the clothesline / clip to the leg combo after the Highlanders failed a Rocket Launcher attempt. Good match. Cade & Murdoch, Raw's best team in my opinion, really worked well with the crowd and teased fighting a ringside fan before the match.
5) Chris Masters defeated Jim Duggan in the Masterlock Challenge. After the contest, Duggan sent Masters to the floor with the running clothesline after Masters grabbed the mic and taunted him.
Maria & Candice Michelle came out for a "Kiss Cam" segment. Maria said the footage would be posted on WWE.com.
6) WWE IC Champion Jeff Hardy defeated Shelton Benjamin and Johnny Nitro (w/ Melina) at 10:40 by pinning Nitro with the Swanton. Some nice spots but not as good as the Vengeance 3-way.
7) Kane pinned Umaga (w/ Armando Allejandro Estrada) at 4:27 with the chokeslam after Umaga accidentally hit an interfering Armando over the head with a steel chair, with Kane then kicking the chair into Umaga's face. Umaga's first pinfall loss, even on the house show circuit. The crowd chanted "You got beat" as a dazed Umaga dragged his unconscious manager backstage after the match.
8) Shawn Michaels & Triple H defeated Randy Orton & Edge at 16:25 when Triple H pinned Orton after avoiding the RKO and Orton sustaining the superkick and Pedigree. DX was insanely over but the match itself was mostly stalling. I don't think any action worth mentioning happened until close to the 10-minute mark. Both Orton and Edge teased walking out at different points in the match. After the win, Michaels & Triple H went around the ring a few times slapping hands.
Fun show but it went by very quickly. I guess everyone wanted to be done in time to catch the pay-per-view. Match of the night would probably go to the IC 3-way with Cade & Murdoch vs. the Highlanders not far behind.
2007 - WWE released developmental talents Keith Walker and Buck Quartermaine.
2007 - An incident between ECW champion CM Punk and WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas took place at an Ohio Valley Wrestling TV taping, resulting in some heat being put on OVW management, according to several sources.
WWE had sent Atlas down to both OVW and Florida Championship Wrestling to mentor the developmental talents and give them advice on avoiding some of the pitfalls that hurt his own career. Atlas, according to several wrestlers I spoke to, instead spent most of his time telling performers what a huge star he should have been and correcting them on things they were doing wrong.
One of the things Atlas commented on was how CM Punk wore his wrist tape, teasing Punk that it "looking like he had broken arms" according to one witness. Punk, who sports a very dry, straight forward personality, listened to the comments and then went about his business. Punk was working the taping as WWE had television tapings in the area last week, so he stayed on to work a dark match for OVW.
During the traditional post-taping meeting, where Al Snow and other WWE veterans critique what the developmental talents do right and wrong during the show, Atlas began talking about the attitude of the OVW roster and whenever he would say something derogatory or negative, he made it a point to stare at Punk. I was told that at first Punk ignored it, but by the fourth or fifth occurrence, he finally asked Atlas why he kept looking at him.
Atlas then started to tear into Punk for having a "bad attitude. He told Punk that with his bad attitude, he would never make it to television. As you could guess, that remark plunged Atlas' credibility with the developmental crew into the toilet since it was the first time he was there and basically admitted (without realizing it) that he was giving advice while not even knowing anything about the current product. Punk responding by asking Atlas if he knew even Punk's name or had ever watched the ECW TV show and Atlas told him no. The argument went back and forth for close to 20 minutes before simmering down.
When word got back about the incident to WWE's John Laurinaitis, he was said to have been furious that not only the incident happened, but that OVW management stood by and allowed it to unfold before them, instead of defusing it. I was told that OVW owner Danny Davis wasn't even present as he was working on editing the OVW TV show that the company had just finished filming, but Al Snow and Robert Gibson were present for the entire situation. A few people wondered if Gibson may have somewhat incited Atlas as he was parroting things that Gibson had been saying to talent in recent weeks.
After the meeting, OVW star Atlas DaBone took it upon himself to go up to Atlas and apologize on behalf of Punk. While it's possible he was just trying to defuse the situation, the other developmental talents reacted negatively to that move, feeling that no one should have been speaking for Punk, particularly someone with less than a year in the business.
Among the wrestlers, Punk was seen as something of a hero because morale in OVW has been "terrible" (to quote one prominent OVW performer) in recent weeks. As I discussed last week on my Elite Audio Hotline, many of the OVW performers there have started to feel that the main goal of late isn't to help them improve but to mentally beat them down for everything they do "wrong", even when it's someone who's been in the business for some time prior to signing with WWE.
2007 - The Charlotte Observer reported that former World champion Ric Flair has filed a lawsuit against Columbia, South Carolina's Stivers Automotive, alleging that its Freedom Suzuki dealership has used his name, likeness and slogans in advertising to promote their company without his permission or endorsement.
"By using [Flair's] name in an unauthorized fashion and not paying for it, it lessens the value of his persona that he has cultivated both in the ring and out of the ring over 34 years," Flair's lawyer-agent, Eric Bland told the Observer.
The advertisements, which featured a character named "Captain Freedom" mentioned Flair's name and his trademark "Woooooo!" and "To be the man, you gotta beat the man" comments in the course of an advertisement for the dealership before mentioning that Flair would be competing at a scheduled WWE event. Bland told the Observer that the dealership sought WWE's permission for the ads, never received it, and proceeded to run them anyway.
Flair was seeking punitive damages of more than $75,000.
2007 - The Associated Press issued the following article:
Gov't: Benoit Given 'Excessive' Steroids
ATLANTA (AP) The amount of testosterone prescribed to pro wrestler Chris Benoit far exceeded the normal amount for a hormone disorder he was purportedly being treated for, federal prosecutors said in new court papers.
The papers were filed in a criminal case against Dr. Phil Astin, Benoit's personal physician, who is charged with overprescribing medication to two other patients.
More charges against Austin are expected.
Authorities said Benoit, 40, strangled his wife with a cord, used a choke hold to strangle his 7-year-old son, placed Bibles next to the bodies and hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment the weekend of June 22 in their suburban Atlanta home.
Steroid use has lingered as a theory behind the killings, since anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home and tests conducted by authorities showed Benoit had roughly 10 times the normal level of testosterone in his system when he died.
Some experts believe that use of testosterone can contribute to paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
Benoit's father believes years of head trauma his son suffered while in the ring contributed to the killings.
The government says that even if Benoit had a hormone disorder as a lawyer for the doctor has claimed, the amounts of testosterone he was given "well exceeded normal dosages."
Prosecutors noted Benoit's testosterone prescriptions in court papers Friday in response to an Astin defense motion to suppress items seized during several searches of Astin's office, his mother's home and a storage container he used. There was no immediate ruling on the motion.
Prosecutors said that over a 12-month period ending a month before the murder-suicide, Astin wrote seven prescriptions to Benoit, each dispensing a 10-month supply of testosterone cypionate. The total dosage, if broken down by month, is "in excess by 50 percent of Food and Drug Administration dosage guidelines," prosecutors said.
Defense attorney Manny Arora who has since left Astin's case argued that the government failed to seek the opinion of a hormone disorder specialist before filing search warrant affidavits asserting that the steroids Astin prescribed Benoit were excessive.
2008 - Shari Tyree, the ex-wife of former WWF champion Ultimate Warrior was shopping around the book rights to a memoir about her marriage to Warrior, titled, "Behind the Paint; My Life with Wrestling's Ultimate Warrior."
The pitch for the book, which was never published, read:
For the very first time, the wife of a professional wrestling star speaks out. Shari Tyree was married for ten years to Jim Hellwig, known as the Ultimate Warrior, and saw him through his meteoric rise, and bizarre fall from the pinnacle of WWE.
Warrior packed the aisles, and was a merchandising boom to pro wrestling. Fans, known as 'Little Warriors' screamed and cheered, and then were left baffled by his abrupt disappearance at the height of his success. Only Shari Tyree knows the stunning truth behind the Warrior's face paint. Hellwig was a man possessed by demons, abusing steroids to achieve his massive, muscular frame, and then pain medications and anti-anxiety drugs to quell his fears, who had led a secretive double life that filled his marriage with turmoil and doubts about his fidelity, and even his sexuality. The avowed anti-homosexual avenger and anti-drug advocate battled with his own duality, and became the engine of his own destruction.
Behind the Paint chronicles Helwig's early career as a bodybuilder, and his stunning rise in pro wrestling, the excesses of success beyond imagination, his battles with Vince McMahon and the private life no fan could have guessed at.
Hellwig continues to be a media personality, even outside the wrestling ring, making frequent personal appearances to espouse his anti-gay, anti-drug ideals.
The book is being co-written by Steve Anderson, who worked with Bobby Heenan on his autobiographies.
2008 - WWE issued the following announcement:
WWE(R) Tags Jared Bartie As New General Counsel
STAMFORD, Conn., Oct 08, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- World Wrestling Entertainment(R), Inc. announced today that Jared Bartie has been named its new Executive Vice President and General Counsel, effective November 17, 2008.
In his new role, Bartie will be a key member of WWE's management team and will be primarily responsible for the Legal and Business Affairs for the Company. "Jared already has a proven track record with WWE, and we are confident that with his leadership our organization will be able to meet the global challenges ahead" said WWE COO, Michael Sileck.
2009 - TNA broadcast Global Impact II. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We start off with a look back at the first Global Impact show.
We see the pre-event photo opportunity before the press conference. Kurt Angle says that it is an honor to wrestle at the Tokyo Dome. He says that on behalf of the Main Event Mafia, they want to make Choshu and Chono honorary members.
Kevin Nash talks about the match and how he is looking forward to the match.
Alex Shelley talks about how they need to win the titles for Detroit because of the losing tradition of Detroit and how they need winners.
Ray talks about how disrespectful their opponents are because they won last year and while they are the number one tag team in New Japan, Team 3D are the best tag team in the world. We get some pushing between the teams.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kevin Nash and Kurt Angle arrive at the Tokyo Dome. Angle says that this event is so important to the Main Event Mafia because they want to show their dominance around the world. When they win tonight, they will prove that they are the best in the world.
Chris Sabin says that winning the titles at the Tokyo Dome would be the best way to show that they are one of the best tag teams. Shelley says it would be a good way to start off the year as the champions.
Match Number One: The Motor City Machineguns versus Yujiro and Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Junior Tag Titles
Sabin and Yujiro start off and they lock up and Yujiro works on the wrist. Sabin reverses and both teams go to a stalemate. They lock up again and Yujiro with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Sabin with a drop kick and he sends Yujiro into the turnbuckles. Shelley tags in and they hit a series of double team maneuvers for a near fall. Shelley with knees to the midsection and a side head lock. Shelley and Sabin collide and Naito tags in and No Limit with a series of double team moves onto Shelley. Shelley sends Naito into Yujiro. Sabin with a missile drop kick to Yujiro. Sabin with a drop kick off Shelley’s back and Naito goes to the floor. Sabin with a suicide dive onto Naito as we go to commercial.
We are back and Shelley with a drop toe hold and Sabin with an elbow drop. Sabin drop kicks Yujiro off the apron and then they hit a bulldog on Naito for a near fall. Shelley with a knee to Naito’s head followed by head butts. Sabin tags in and he hits a double sledge to the back. Sabin with a fist drop to the head. Sabin with a Koji Clutch on Naito and Shelley takes care of Yujiro. Sabin kicks Naito in the back and then chokes him with his boot. Shelley tags in and Naito sends Sabin to the floor and then he hits a drop kick. Yujiro with a power slam to Sabin followed by a power slam to Shelley for a near fall. Yujiro with a slam followed by a leg drop and a clothesline for a near fall. Shelley with a rollup for a near fall on Yujiro. Shelley with kicks to Yujiro but Yujiro with a Saito suplex. Shelley with a back slide for a near fall. Shelley with a Saito suplex of his own. Yujiro with a clothesline and both men are down. Naito and Sabin with forearms and then Naito with a power slam to Sabin. Yujiro drop kicks Shelley to the floor. Yujiro with an elbow and then Naito with a drop kick off the back to Sabin. Naito with a missile drop kick and a German suplex and bridge for a two count. Shelley makes the save for Sabin and then he hits a neck breaker on Naito. Sabin hits a tornado DDT on Yujiro. Naito with a flying forearm to Sabin and both men are down. Naito with a slam and then he goes up top for a moonsault but Shelley crotches him and Shelley puts him in the Tree of Woe. Yujiro with a waist lock but Sabin with a back elbow in the corner. Sabin with a drop kick to Naito while in the tree of woe. Naito with a kick to Shelley and then Shelley accidentally clotheslines Sabin. Yujiro with a suplex to Shelley. No Limit with a double team slam to Sabin but Shelley makes the save. Naito slams Sabin and then he goes up top for the Phoenix Splash but Sabin moves. Yujrio misses a charge into the corner. Sabin with a cutter to Yujiro. Sabin and Shelley with a double super kick for a two count. Sabin and Shelley put Naito on top and they hit Super Sliced Bread #2 and sit out power bomb combination for the three count.
Winners: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley
We go to comments from Alex Shelley after the match. He says that they are going to take the titles back to TNA and they will continue to hold them because they are the best junior tag team. He challenges Yujiro and Naito to come to TNA to try to win them back.
We go to commercial.
We are back with more comments from Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash. Nash says that he was walking around the empty building and there was an energy in the building. Kurt says that they have a chip on their shoulder and the cockiness to win. When you are in front of 30,000 fans and they are cheering your name, it is all about that. Kurt says that a victory is crucial for the Main Event Mafia. They are going to do it all over the world.
Match Number Two: Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Masahiro Chono, Riki Choshu versus Giant Bernard, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii and Karl Anderson
Nash and Bernard start things off and Bernard with a forearm. Nash with a forearm of his own. Bernard with another forearm and a rake of the eyes. Bernard tries for a shoulder tackle and Nash stays on his feet. Nash with a knee and punch followed by knees in the corner. Nash chokes Bernard in the corner with his boot. Bernard with a punch and Irish whip as he hits a splash into the corner. Iizuka tags in and he hits a double sledge followed by a kick. Nash with a knee and then he hits a side slam. Chono with a kick to the head. Chono goes up top and he hits a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Ishii with a knee to the back of Chono and Iizuka with kicks in the corner and he chokes Chono. Ishii tags in and Choshu tags in and he kicks Ishii. Choshu with a snap mare and a reverse chin lock. Anderson tags in and he punches Choshu and sends Choshu into the turnbuckles. Choshu grabs the leg and trips him to the mat. Chono tags in and they make a wish on Anderson. Chono with a reverse atomic drop and a head butt for a near fall. Angle tags in and they hit a double shoulder tackle. Angle with a front face lock into a suplex for a near fall. Anderson gets to the ropes. Anderson with a kick but Angle kicks back and he lays in a series of kicks on Anderson in the corner. Choshu tags in and he kicks Anderson but Anderson runs Choshu into the corner and Bernard tags in and he connects with shoulders and a head butt. Bernard with a slam followed by a Vader Splash for a near fall. Iizuka tags in and he punches and kicks Choshu. Anderson tags in and then they go after the men on the apron. Bernard with a splash into the corner and then Ishii and Iizuka go into the corner and attack Choshu. Choshu with a kick and lariat to Anderson but he can only get a two count. Nash clotheslines Bernard over the top rope to the floor and they . Angle with clotheslines to Anderson. Angle with German suplexes to Iizuka and Ishii. Angle puts Anderson into the ankle lock and Anderson taps.
Winners: Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Masahiro Chono, and Riki Choshu
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ray says that other than Madison Square Garden, the Tokyo Dome is one of the greatest places to perform. Ray says that they have never lost in Japan and it would be a great accomplishment to win the IWGP Tag Titles. Ray says that if he was a betting man he would bet on Team 3D.
Match Number Three: Team 3D versus Togi Makabe and Toru Yano for the IWGP Tag Titles
Devon and Yano start things off and they lock up. Devon with a clean break. They lock up again and Yano pushes Devon and rubs Devon’s head for luck. Yano with a waist lock and Devon with a standing switch. Devon rubs Yano’s head in the corner on a break. Yano with a kick and rake of the eyes. Devon with a flying shoulder tackle for a near fall. Yano with a rake of the eyes and Yano tries for a suplex but Devon blocks it. Makabe joins in and they hit a double suplex for a near fall. Devon with a corkscrew back elbow for a near fall and Ray is tagged in. They hit a double shoulder tackle and then Ray with a side head lock and a shoulder tackle. Ray and Makabe get face to face. Makabe with a forearm but Ray with chops. Makabe with a kick but Ray with a German suplex but Makabe pops up and hits a clothesline on Ray and gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Ray with a double clothesline. Ray and Devon with a double choke slam on Yano for a near fall. Team 3D hit a neck breaker and belly-to-back suplex combination on Makabe for a near fall. Makabe with a spear on Devon and Yano covers Ray for a near fall. We see footage from the commercial when Devon got spike piledriven onto the chair. Ray slams Makabe and it is time for the Wassup head butt. Ray tells Devon to get the tables. Devon gets a table and brings it into the ring. Yano and Makabe stop Team 3D. Yano and Makabe with a double flapjack through a table on Ray. Makabe can only get a two count on Ray. The other table is set up for Devon but Devon with a forearm to Yano. Makabe with a clothesline to Devon for a near fall. Makabe puts Devon on the table and Makabe goes up top but Ray pulls Devon off the table. Ray stops Makabe and Ray with a power bomb through the table and a splash for a near fall. Yano trips Ray and Makabe with a power slam on Devon for a near fall. Yano brings in the chain and Makabe accidentally hits Yano with it. Devon with a rollup for a near fall. Makabe with a roaring elbow with the chain but he can only get a two count. Makabe misses the clothesline with the chain and 3D hit the 3D on Makabe for the three count.
Winners: Team 3D
We see Team 3D celebrate their victory in the ring.
2009 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with a Raw match with Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole doing the announcing honors.
We see footage from Cody Rhodes being stretchered out of the ringside area after the match at Hell in a Cell. Ted is showing the battle scars from Sunday. Ted says that he wants to dedicate this match to his friend Cody Rhodes who was brutally, savagely, and illegally attacked by DX on Sunday. Ted says that he wants everyone to join him in a moment of silence as they send their thoughts to Cody. The crowd is not very silent, but Ted thanks them any way.
Match Number One: Ted DiBiase versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Ted with punches and kicks in the corner and the referee has to pull Ted off Evan. Ted returns to the kicks and chokes. Ted with a back elbow and then he punches Bourne in the head. Evan tries for a crucifix drop but Ted counters with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Bourne with kicks to the leg followed by a jumping kick that sends Ted to the floor. Bourne goes up top and hits a cross body to the floor. They return to the ring but Ted goes back to the floor. Bourne tries for the rana from the apron but Ted holds on and he sends Bourne hard into the ringside barrier. We go to commercial.
We are back and Ted borrows a move from his mentor with a side head lock. Bourne with a jumping back kick but Ted with a kick of his own and he punches and kicks Bourne in the corner. Ted tries for a biel but Bourne blocks it. DiBiase with a take down and then he kicks Bourne in the head. DiBiase chokes Bourne in the ropes. DiBiase misses a punch and Bourne with kicks to DiBiase. DiBiase with a hard Irish whip and Ted with punches to Bourne. DiBiase with a series of elbow drops and then he follows it with a standing drop kick. Bourne gets out of a suplex attempt and he kicks DiBiase but Ted with a savage clothesline and then Ted can only get a two count as Bourne gets his shoulder up. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock. DiBiase with an elbow but Bourne with a spin kick from the turnbuckles and both men are down. Bourne with more kicks and then he hits the head scissors take down and Bourne follows that with a drop kick to the knees and a clothesline. Bourne pulls Ted to the corner but DiBiase grabs the leg. Bourne with a knee to DiBiase. Bourne misses a kick but DiBiase does not miss Dream Street and gets the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase
It is time for Ask A Diva.
Shelton Benjamin is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see the problems between Sheamus and Shelton Benjamin.
Match Number Two: Sheamus versus Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin’s shoulder is taped as they match starts. Sheamus with a kick and he goes to the injured shoulder. Benjamin with punches and a running back elbow into the corner. Sheamus goes to the floor and Benjamin punches Sheamus. Sheamus pulls Benjamin’s injured shoulder into the post. They return to the ring and Sheamus sends Shelton’s shoulder into the ring post again. Sheamus does it again and gets a near fall. Sheamus with a boot to the arm as he continues to work on the injured body part. Sheamus with an elbow to the shoulder and then he has Benjamin in an arm bar with the focus on the shoulder. Benjamin punches back but Sheamus with a Divorce Court for a near fall. Sheamus pulls off the bandage and he drops a knee on the shoulder. Sheamus wraps the arm in the ropes. Sheamus drops the arm on the top rope but Shelton will not give up. Sheamus with a near fall and then he connects with a series of punches. Sheamus with a cross arm breaker but Benjamin is able to get to the ropes. Sheamus with a kicks to the injured shoulder as he continues the pressure. The referee admonishes Sheamus and then he disqualifies Sheamus.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin by disqualification
After the match, Sheamus with a bicycle kick to Benjamin.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Josh Mathews is in the locker room with the Hart Dynasty. Josh asks them about their match tonight. Natalya says that they are nothing like Cryme Tyme because they are not bound by the street. Natalya says that they are tied together by the Hart. Smith throws out a few yo yos. Smith says that you can escape the streets by bettering yourself. You have to be the best to leave the dungeon. Tyson says that greatness is not measured by gold chains where they come from. Tyson says that Cryme Tyme will be excellently executed. Natalya says that the Hart Foundation was the best, but they are better than the best. We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Cryme Tyme with Eve Torres versus David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya
Kidd and JTG start things off and Kidd with a side head lock take down but JTG with a head scissors and Kidd escapes and screams a lot. They lock up and JTG with a side head lock and JTG with a hip toss and arm drag into an arm bar. Shad tags in and Kidd retreats to his corner to tag in Smith. Smith with punches to Shad but Shad punches back. Shad with an Irish whip and she tries for a flying back elbow into the corner but Smith gets his knees up and then he drives Shad into the mat. Smith kicks Shad and then he tags in Kidd. They send Shad into the turnbuckles but Shad with a clothesline to Smith. Kidd with a drop kick to the knees. Shad sends Kidd over the top rope to the floor. Shad with a flying double clothesline off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and JTG punches Kidd in the corner and then hits a version of an X Factor. Smith tags in and he kicks JTG. Smith is sent into the turnbuckles by JTG but Smith tries for a power slam but JTG holds on to the ropes. Kidd with a drop kick that sends JTG into the ring post while Smith distracts the referee. Smith runs JTG’s back into the apron. Smith with a kick to JTG and then he runs JTG into the ring post and JTG goes to the floor and he is in a lot of pain. Smith goes out and he kicks JTG. Smith with a knee to the back and he has JTG in a rear chin lock. JTG punches Smith but Smith with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Smith with an elbow to the back of the neck. Smith tries for a piledriver but JTG with a back body drop to counter. JTG tries to make the tag but Smith catches him. JTG with the wraparound clothesline and both men are down. Kidd and Shad tag in and Shad with clotheslines and a POUNCE. Shad knocks Smith down on the apron. Shad with a front driver from an atomic drop set up and he gets a near fall. Kidd with a kick to Shad and he tries for a crucifix drop but Smith kicks Shad for the near fall. Smith tags in and JTG trips Kidd on Hart Attack set up. Natalya distracts te referee but Smith cannot finish off Shad. Eve grabs Smith’s leg and Shad hits the STO for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off a look back at the problems between Abyss and Mick Foley after their apparent mixture of the past and present with the masked and flannel gimmicks.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Harry Potter Land is coming’ Tenay and Taz.
Abyss is in the ring and he has some barbed wire and he wraps it around the ropes. Abyss is a bit winded and he drops some glass on the mat. He says that he is making himself feel at home in the Impact Zone. Abyss says that he brought a few little friends from home. Those friends are thumbtacks. Abyss says that he wants to feel comfortable. Mick has wrestled all over this planet and entertained fans in every state and bled on every continent on this planet. Abyss tells Mick that he has never bled like Abyss is going to make him bleed at Bound for Glory. Abyss tells Mick that he is here to challenge Foley to a match at Bound for Glory. He says that it will not be any match, it will be the hardcore wrestling signature match, Monster’s Ball. He says that Mick will not have a very nice day at Bound For Glory because he is going to beat Mick’s ass.
Mick’s music plays and he comes out and he has a barbed wire baseball bat and a mic. Mick wants to make sure that he heard Abyss’ challenge. Abyss interrupts Mick and brings up Mick’s comments about being a cheap facsimile and knockoff. Abyss asks Mick if it was a cheap carbon copy and knockoff when he main evented the first Lockdown against A.J. Styles. Was he a cheap knockoff in 2005 when he competed with Sabu in the first barbed wire massacre match? Was he a cheap knockoff in 2007 when he defeated Sting to be the TNA champion. He says that it was Abyss and while he was spilling his blood, he wonders what Foley was doing. Abyss says that Foley was writing children’s books and playing with sock puppets. Abyss says that there is a big difference between the two of the them, Abyss says that he is hardcore while Mick used to be. Abyss tells Mick that he is the cheap knockoff. He tells Mick that Mick is only half the man he used to be.
Mick says that he never said that Abyss was not hardcore. Mick says that he is banning the fifty thousand dollar bounty on Abyss. Mick says that Abyss will be in TNA for a long time. Mick says that at Bound for Glory we will find out if Mick is half the man he used to be. He tells Abyss to bring his “A” game to Monster’s Ball.
Mick says that he is going to tweak Monster’s Ball a bit. Mick says that Abyss might be too reliant on a few inanimate objects, so Abyss cannot use thumbtacks. There is going to be a special guest referee. Abyss says that the guest referee is going to be Dr. Stevie.
Speak of the doctor, he comes out with Daffney and he gets on the mic. He tells Chris that he has done it once again. He has managed to alienate everyone once again. Even Mick Foley, his idol, has been alienated. Stevie says that nobody cares about Abyss, not even his mother. Stevie says that Abyss is an annoyance. Lauren comes to the ring to be by Abyss’ side. Stevie tells Abyss to hide behind the skirt of a twenty dollar a night street walker. Abyss returns to the ring and he wants to make sure that he heard what Stevie said. Abyss chokes Stevie but Daffney with a low blow to Abyss. Mick uses the barbed wire bat on Abyss’ head but Matt Morgan comes out and he gets rid of Stevie.
Jeremy Borash is with the World Elite and he asks Eric if the honeymoon is over. Eric says that the war is over and the World Elite have won. Eric says that he reached out to Kurt and his men. He has been there to help them up every time, but they did not show the same. Eric says that last week was the final straw. Eric says that they are the most dominant force after what they did to Hernandez and Kurt Angle. Jeremy brings up the rumor of a match between Eric Young and Hernandez. Eric says that it is a rumor. He says that Hernandez is dead to him. Eric says that they will never be in the ring one-on-one. Eric says that Hernandez is not on his level. Eric says the rumors will be laid to rest. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is now with the Main Event Mafia. Jeremy tells Kurt what Eric said about their victory. Kurt wants to make sure that he heard Jeremy right and then Kurt tells Jeremy to say it again. Kurt says that nobody declares victory over them. Kurt has a thirty thousand dollar hit on Eric Young.
Before our first match, we see the World Elite attack on Hernandez and Kurt Angle last week.
Match Number One: Kevin Nash versus Hernandez for the Legends Title
Hernandez pushes Nash and then they lock up and Nash with a vintage knee and elbow followed by punches and more knees in the corner. Nash with more punches but Hernandez with forearms. Nash with a knee and a big boot followed by a clothesline that sends Hernandez over the top rope to the floor. Hernandez sends Nash into the ring post. Hernandez sends Nash into the guardrails. They return to the ring and then he connects with shoulders in the corner. Hernandez with an Irish whip but Nash sends Hernandez to the apron but Hernandez with the slingshot shoulder.
Eric Young comes to the ring and he clips Hernandez and the referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
Young with a piledriver to Hernandez. Young gives Nash his belt and he tells Nash that he owes him.
Matt Morgan is walking in the back and Abyss stops him. Abyss thanks Matt for what he did tonight but he wants to make one thing clear. He did not want this match any more than Matt did. Abyss wants to know if he can trust Matt for one night. Matt tells Abyss that they can be a team tonight. Matt says that they won’t be best friends after tonight. Matt says that he will take care of Angle while Abyss will take care of Foley. Morgan tells Abyss to focus and Abyss says that he is focused. Abyss tells Matt he better have his back tonight. Matt tells Abyss that he doesn’t even have to ask.
We go to commercial.
Kevin Nash is walking in the back and he wants to know what was going on in the ring. Nash asks Young if he should be around him. Young mentions that $30,000 hit on his head. Nash asks Young what stops him from snapping his neck and collecting the money. Young doubles the offer and wants to return the favor. Young says that he has a singles match at Bound for Glory but he wants to make it a three way for the Legends Title. Young suggests they work together and beat Hernandez while Nash keeps the title. Nash and Young shake hands.
Lauren is in the back and Hernandez is being checked on. Hernandez tells Young that it will not happen again.
We see footage from last week when Joe attacked Bobby Lashley and choked him out.
Match Number Two: Samoa Joe versus Amazing Red for the X Division Title
Red avoids Joe and then Red with a drop kick and kicks to the leg. Joe sends Red to the mat and then he kicks Red in the back. Joe with a snap mare followed by a chop, kick, and knee drop.
Bobby Lashley comes to the ring and Joe is distracted by Lashley. Red goes up top and hits a missile drop kick and then Red with an enzuigiri. Red with a drop kick into the corner, but Joe with the uranage as Red charges into the corner. Joe with punches and kicks to Red. Joe has the referee threaten to send Lashley to the back but the referee does nothing about it and Joe wants Lashley to stay.
Joe lets Lashley in the ring and they exchange punches with Lashley getting the advantage. Joe with a knee and then Lashley with a full nelson slam. Red goes up top and hits a corkscrew moonsault followed by a standing shooting star press for the three count.
Winner: Amazing Red
We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is waiting for Red but Joe comes into the interview area and he takes the mic and he tells Lashley that he is in his sights and this is a war that Bobby will not survive. He says that his days are numbered and he will leave a little piece of Lashley left for him to execute at Bound for Glory.
Match Number Three: Daniels and Suicide versus Homicide and D’Angelo Dinero
All four men battle with Daniels working with Homicide on the floor while Suicide with a clothesline to Dinero. Homicide with a clothesline to Suicide and then Dinero with a suplex to Suicide before tagging Homicide in. Homicide with an elbow drop and a short arm clothesline. Dinero tags in and he kicks Suicide and punches him. Homicide tags back in and he punches Suicide and hits a snap mare and chokes Suicide. Dinero tags in and Homicide slams Suicide and Dinero with a fist drop from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Dinero with a snap mare and then he hits a Ric Flair knee drop. Suicide goes to the apron and avoids Dinero and Homicide. Suicide with a double clothesline and Daniels is tagged in and he hits a forearm and spinning heel kick and clothesline to DInero. Dinero with an elbow but Daniels with a palm thrust followed by a Death Valley Driver for a near fall that is broken up by Homicide. Homicide goes to the Spanish Announce table in the middle of the match and he attacks Willie Urbina. Suicide makes the save. Homicide throws a chair outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Daniels with a uranage and he tries for the BME but Homicide stops him. Dinero with the double knees to the back and he gets the three count.
Winners: Homicide and D’Angelo Dinero
Kurt Angle wants to know why Eric Young is still walking. Nash says that Young offered him more money. Kurt says that it is about loyalty, not money. Nash says that he was offered double. Kurt says that they are going to talk later. He tells Nash not to take any more side deals. Nash says that Angle should have offered him triple after Angle leaves.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike Tenay is in the ring with the participants in the double ladder match at Bound for Glory. Mike reminds everyone of the rules. The one who pulls down the TNA Tag Title belt will become the new champions. The person who gets the IWGP tag title belt will be the new champions. The contracts are now signed. Mike wants comments. Booker takes the mic and he makes some comments. Storm hits hit catchphrase and we have a brawl. The fight is all over the ring with Team 3D squaring off with the British Invasion while Storm and Roode fight with Booker and Steiner. Roode sets up a table in the ring and Booker falls onto the table and Sharmell thinks about getting in the ring. She finally gets in and she tries to be a human shield. Roode climbs the ladder but Big Rob pushes Roode off the ladder. Devon punches Rob but Steiner attacks Devon. Steiner and Booker with a double spinebuster through the table. Steiner and Booker battle with the British Invasion but Rob takes advantage and hits a side slam on Steiner.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, Alyssa Flash, and Traci Brooks versus Sarita, Taylor Wilde, Christy Hemme, and Hamada in an Elimination Tag Match
Brooks and Hamada start off and Hamada with a take down but she misses a cross body. Traci with a rollup after a sunset flip. Hamada with a back heel kick but Traci gets her shoulder up. Christy tags in and she hits a leg drop and then she chokes Traci with her leg. Traci with a jawbreaker for the three count. Christy is eliminated.
Taylor Wilde comes in and she hits a drop kick for a near fall. Alyssa grabs Taylor’s foot and Traci with a clothesline. Flash with a curb stomp for a near fall. Wilde with a cross arm lungblower and then Hamada is tagged in and hits a missile drop kick. Hamada and Flash with forearms and then Hamada with a running boot that sends her to the floor. Hamada and Alyssa fight on the floor and the referee counts them out.
Sarita and Velvet are in the ring and Sarita with a Japanese arm drag. Sarita with a drop toe hold and Wilde with a drop kick for a near fall. Wilde with a Northern Lights suplex for a near fall. Wilde with forearms to Velvet but Velvet with a kick followed by a DDT for the three count to eliminate Taylor.
Sarita misses a drop kick and Traci is tagged in and she kicks Sarita. Traci sets for the jawbreaker but Sarita with a belly-to-belly for the three count.
Velvet and Madison attack Sarita and Velvet with a curb stomp for a near fall. Madison tags in and Sarita sends Velvet into Madison and she gets an inside cradle on Velvet to pin her.
Madison tries for a suplex but Sarita counters with another inside cradle for a near fall. Sarita with a rollup for a two count. Madison with a knee followed by a boot to the head. Alyssa comes out and she demands to be back in the match. This distraction draws the referee out of the ring. Sarita hits a double underhook sit out power bomb and Lacey Von Erich interferes and hits a choke slam and hides under the ring. The referee makes the three count on Sarita.
Winners: Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, Alyssa Flash, and Traci Brooks
Mick and Kurt are in the office and Kurt says that he is at the end of his rope and he has business to deal with Matt Morgan. He tells Mick that he does not want any games tonight. Mick asks if it looked like he was playing games two weeks ago when he left Abyss swimming in his own blood. Mick says that he knows that Matt and Abyss have worked together while this is their first time together. Kurt says that he likes Mick’s attitude.
Sting is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Matt Morgan is doing push ups while Abyss sits in the corner. Abyss chants Mick’s name and they leave the locker room.
We go to the Impact Zone where Sting makes his way to the ring. Sting tells A.J. that after they finished that sit down interview with Mike Tenay, he sat in the ring and thought about a lot of the things that A.J. said. He thought about the comment about passing the torch versus not wanting to be in there. Sting says that he told A.J. that there are times when it is not worth lacing up the boots when you didn’t believe in yourself. Sting says that it doesn’t matter if you are twenty or fifty. It does not matter if it is your first or thousandth match. For twenty-three years, he brought his best into the ring. Sometimes, his best wasn’t good enough, but he brought his best. Sting says that he was taken aback by the challenge for the title match. He thought about taking A.J. up on the challenge because it is in his veins and his blood. He still has the will to win. He will lace his boots up one more time in California at Bound for Glory and he is going to bring his best. Sting says that if he does not live up to his expectations at Bound for Glory, it will be showtime for the last time.
Kurt Angle comes out and he asks Sting if he was going to talk about retiring. Angle wants Sting to say that he will retire. Angle tells Sting that he should have retired before No Surrender when A.J. and Sting pulled off that scam. Matt Morgan screwed him and Sting handed A.J. the title. In return, A.J. does a favor and gives Sting the title match at Bound for Glory. Angle suggests that the show should be changed from Impact to The View so Sting and A.J. can kiss each other’s ass. Angle says that he wants his rematch and his title shot. Angle says that A.J. has never questioned his integrity but A.J. gives Sting the title shot at Bound for Glory. Angle says that he is not going to go away. Angle says that to be the best, you have to beat him in the ring. Everyone knows that fact. He tells Sting to do everyone a favor and retire before the pay per view so a real champion can step up to the main event instead of some washed up has been.
Sting asks Kurt if he wants him to retire. Sting tells Kurt to try to retire him. Sting tells Kurt to put the old man out of his misery. Sting pushes Kurt and Kurt is about to do it, but security comes to the ring. Angle attacks Sting from behind and Angle puts Sting in the ankle lock. A.J. Styles comes to the ring and he can do what three members of TNA security cannot do and Angle leaves the ring.
Angle says that he wants his title match and he has an opening next week and he wants A.J. to prove that he is the best on Impact. A.J. gives Angle his title match next week.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren asks A.J. about accepting a match against Kurt Angle for next week. A.J. says that it might not have been wise, but it was necessary. A.J. says that some say that Sting handed him the title on a silver platter so he has a lot to prove. Next week on Impact, it ends and there will be no doubts.
We run through the card for Bound for Glory.
Samoa Joe is still angry as he continues to destroy things in the back. We go to commercial.
We are back and the Motor City Machine Guns are on the stage and Chris Sabin says that they have listened to everyone and they have new music. Alex shows their new music video. While the video plays, Samoa Joe attacks Sabin and Shelley and takes their mic.
Joe wants Bobby and he tells him that if Bobby wanted to start a war, the war is waiting for him in the ring. Lashley’s music plays and he comes out. They fight on the ramp and they exchange punches. Joe gets a chair and he hits Lashley in the ribs but misses another chair shot. They fight to the Spanish Announce Table and Joe throws chairs at Lashley. Joe with a kick and then he puts Lashley on the announce table. Joe climbs to the next level of the scaffold and then Joe hits an elbow drop through the Spanish Announce Table.
We go to commercial.
We are back briefly and see people attending to Bobby Lashley. We go back to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of many angles of the elbow drop by Samoa Joe onto Bobby Lashley.
We see the medical staff checking on Bobby’s neck.
We see footage from last week when Kong attacked ODB and Tara after Tara and ODB had some words.
Match Number Four: Tara versus ODB for the TNA Women’s Title
Tara knocks away ODB’s flask and ODB does not appreciate that. ODB with punches but Tara punches back. ODB catches Tara on a float over attempt but Tara gets out of the slam attempt. Tara with a rollup but ODB rolls through. Tara with another near fall. ODB tries for a suplex but she cannot keep Tara up. Tara tries for a suplex but she has the same result. Tara tries for a cross body but ODB with a fallaway slam and kip up and she gets a near fall.
ODB comes to the ring and she has a sledgehammer. ODB pulls a distracted Tara down by the hair. Kong grabs So Cal Val and Tara has ODB in an arm bar. Kong tells Val to put the tarantula on the floor. Tara releases the hold and grabs the sledgehammer and kicks Kong. ODB with a kick and TKO for the three count.
Winner: ODB
Kurt Angle and Mick Foley start their walk to the ring for their main event. We go to commercial.
We are back and the referee sends Dr. Stevie to the back and Daffney has to leave as well.
Match Number Six: Mick Foley and Kurt Angle versus Matt Morgan and Abyss
Abyss and Foley start things off but Foley wants to tag Angle in before they lock up. Angle with a kick and punches. Angle with a kick but Abyss with clotheslines. Abyss with a running splash into the corner and he sets for a choke slam but Angle rolls through and puts Abyss in the ankle lock. Foley gets the barbed wire bat as Abyss gets out of the hold. Foley hits Abyss in the back with the belt and then Angle goes for the knee. Foley tags in and he punches Abyss in the head. Foley with a boot to the head and then he chokes Abyss in the ropes and hits a splash on the back. Abyss with punches but Foley with a drop toe hold and Angle tags in. Angle punches Abyss and tries for the Olympic slam but Abyss escapes the hold and hits Shock Treatment on Angle. Morgan and Foley tag in and Morgan with clotheslines and a splash to Angle followed by a side slam. Foley attacks Morgan from behind while Morgan poses. Morgan with a discus clothesline for a two count. Abyss clotheslines Angle over the top rope. Foley kicks Morgan. Abyss gets the barbed wire baseball bat and Foley turns into a big boot from Morgan for the three count.
Winners: Matt Morgan and Abyss
We go to credits.
2010 - CM Punk was shifted over to the Raw brand.
2010 - In an interview with MMAWeekly.com, Paul Heyman discussed his plans had he come into TNA:
"It came real close with TNA. To me, it was more of a deal with Spike TV and then a stock and ownership deal involving TNA. I had a five-year plan. I was going to spend 18 months building the roster, the next 18 months exploiting that built roster, that's three years in, go public in three, stay for two more running it and get out at 50 [years old]. That was my plan. I had an exit plan. I had a five-year plan and I clued everyone into it. I told TNA what my plan was and I told Spike TV what my plan was and how we would capitilaze on it and how we would make this thing move and an acknowledgement that wrestling is a diminishing market and it's not perceived as cool and here's how you, if not change course, at least present it differently so that at least you have a chance in today's marketplace to at least compete.
"When that didn't happen, that was it. I didn't have any other interest in doing it. It was close. I would have done it for that particular deal and that's it. That time passed. Now I'm looking at taking my abilities elsewhere and the logical step for me is this entry point right now both into MMA and into also just the branding world."
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Topeka, Kansas and your announcers are Matt ‘I’m Glad I was wrong about your announcing’ Striker and Todd ‘Steady as he goes’ Grisham.
Matt and Todd talk about how Paul Bearer gave the Undertaker’s urn to Kane, turning his back on the Undertaker. Kane will have something to say to the Undertaker tonight.
We have a special guest at the announce table as Michael ‘What did I do to deserve this’ Cole is the third man at the table.
Teddy Long comes out and he says that it is his distinct pleasure to introduce the newest superstar on Smackdown. It is a man he personally traded for, Edge.
Edge comes to the ring while Michael Cole explains why Edge was traded to Smackdown. Cole tells us that he is here because last night Miz said that he was a visionary.
Jack says that he is glad that Edge was traded back to his show. He wants to ruin Edge’s return to Friday night the same way that Edge ruined his return to Oklahoma. Swagger says that Edge ruined his return by spearing his personal mascot, the Swagger Soaring Eagle. Swagger wants to know why because he is friendly and the children love him. Swagger says that the Eagle is an endangered species and then he says that it is hard to get insurance for
Edge says that he wants Swagger to come to the ring so he can make him look stupid in three seconds. Edge then tells Swagger that he has no problem flipping the bird.
Swagger has to hold the Eagle back.
Match Number One: Edge versus Jack Swagger with the Swagger Soaring Eagle
They lock up and Swagger backs Edge into the corner and he goes for the ankle but Edge is in the ropes. Swagger goes for the leg again and he takes him down with a heel trip. Edge gets in the ropes and Swagger releases the hold. Swagger with a waist lock and take down and then he rides Edge and slaps him in the head and does push ups on Edge’s back. Edge goes to the floor and Swagger brings the Eagle onto the apron. Edge returns to the ring and Edge tries for a spear but he hits the Eagle instead of Jack and then the Eagle is knocked out.
We are back and Edge with a spinning heel kick. Edge with an Irish whip and Edge is sent to the apron and Swagger drops Edge’s arm on the top rope and Edge goes to the floor. Swagger pulls Edge’s shoulder into the ring post. Edge gets back into the ring and Swagger gets a near fall. Swagger with a key lock and then he hits a single arm DDT and gets a near fall. Swagger wraps Edge’s arm in the ropes as he continues to wear him down. Swagger works on the shoulder but Edge with punches. Swagger misses a cloteshline and Edge with a forearm and then he sends Swagger into the ropes with a drop toe hold and he hits a cross body to the back and gets a near fall.
Swagger catches Edge and hits a back breaker. Swagger goes for the double jump Swagger bomb but Edge moves out of the way. Edge with an elbow but Swagger pulls Edge off the turnbuckles and Edge counters with a tornado DDT. Edge gets a near fall. Edge goes to the turnbuckles and Swagger grabs Edge and hits a belly-to-belly suplex and gets a near fall. Edge goes to the floor and then he drops Swagger on the top rope. Edge sets for the spear as he pulls at his hair. Swagger blocks it but Edge tries for a sunset flip. Swagger goes for the ankle but Edge kicks him away. Swagger tries for the Doctor Bomb but Edge counters with an Edge-o-Matic and he gets a near fall.
Swagger goes for the ankle lock but Edge rolls through and gets a near fall. Swagger with a kick and then Edge sends Swagger into the turnbuckles. Edge with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Edge
After the match, Edge gets on the mic and he tells Swagger that he definitely flipped the bird tonight.
We take a look back at the history between Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio in the WWE.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Dashing Cody Rhodes Grooming Tip. This week he talks about disgusting and yellow teeth. The proper care of your teeth is a must for any distinguished gentleman. Don’t use a regular toothbrush because it is for regular people. He says that you should use an electric toothbrush because it is easy to use and gentle on the gums. He tells you to remember to get to all of your teeth. Make sure not to swallow the toothpaste and spit it out gently. Rinse your mouth out with some bottled water. You are now one step closer to becoming dashing.
Match Number Two: Layla with Michelle McCool versus Kelly Kelly with Natalya
They lock up and Layla with a side head lock take down and hip toss. Layla pushes Kelly and Kelly pushes back. Layla with a kick to the midsection and Kelly with a waist lock. Layla kicks Kelly to the floor and Michelle kicks Kelly in the back when Layla distracts the referee. Layla clips the leg and gets a near fall. Layla works on the leg and Kelly tries to escape the hold. Kelly slams Layla’s head into the mat. Kelly with clotheslines to Layla followed by kicks and a Thesz Press and gets a near fall. Kelly sends Layla into the turnbuckles and then she goes for the handspring back elbow but Layla with a kick followed by the Lay Out for the three count.
Winner: Layla
After the match, Layla goes back into the ring and Natalya tries to put Layla in the Sharpshooter but Layla escapes to fight another day.
We go to commercial.
Big Show comes to the ring and he does it in record time. Show says that you never saw a fat man run that fast. Show says that October is a huge month for him. October 22nd, Knucklehead comes out. Bragging Rights is on October 24th and Show tells us that he is the team captain for Team Smackdown. Show says that he had to find a way to unify the locker room and get a symbol to rally around. He needed to find something that Team Smackdown can believe in. He brings out Team Smackdown’s mascot. It is Hornswoggle and he looks like a Viking now. Show says that Smurfette did not grow a beard, it is Hornswoggle. Show says that he is going to find the best superstars to find a team to beat Raw at Bragging Rights.
The Dudebusters come out and they have their Smackdown shirts on. Show asks them if they can help him. They say that they are the guys for Team Smackdown. Show tells them that he doesn’t know who they are. Show wants to know who they really are. Show appreciates their enthusiasm, but he needs some time to make a decision. Trent says that they can go to Teddy Long and get traded to Raw so they can be on Miz’s team.
Trent and Caylen remove their Smackdown shirts and have Raw shirts on. Show says that he needs some time and he asks Hornswoggle for advice. Show says that is a good idea and then he gives Croft and Barreta a double choke slam. Then Hornswoggle turns into a bull as Show uses the Raw shirt as a cape.
We see more footage of Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio from the night that Alberto finished off Rey’s shoulder.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre versus Kaval and Kofi Kingston
Cody and Kofi start off and Cody with a kick and elbow. Drew is tagged in and he punches Kofi and connects with a knee to the midsection followed by punches. Drew with an Irish whip but he misses a boot in the corner. Kofi with punches and the referee pulls him away. Kofi misses a splash in the corner and Cody pulls Kofi down. Drew with an arm bar on Kofi but Kofi with an arm drag. Kofi tries to tag Kaval in but Drew grabs Kofi. Kofi with a sunset flip but Drew is able to tag in Cody and Cody kicks Kofi in the back of the head.
Cody with punches to Kofi but Kofi punches back. Cody with a kick and then he tries for the Alabama Slam but Kaval tags in and he connects with chops to the shoulder. Kaval with a handspring splash followed by kicks and then he connects with a forearm to Drew. Kaval with a series of kicks and then he applies the Dragon Sleeper but Drew with a kick to Kaval to get him to release the hold. Kofi sends Drew over the top rope to the floor but Cody sends Kofi over the top rope as well. Cody with a hot shot and then he hits Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes
We go to commercial.
We are back and Paul Bearer is in the center of the ring with the urn. He wants to introduce a man who should be respected. A man who should be feared and revered. He brings out the man who single handedly destroyed the myth of the Undertaker. The man who left him in a pathetic writhing mess on the canvas. He brings out the Devil’s Favorite Son . . . and his son . . .Kane.
Kane says that years ago when he was devising his plan, he never thought it would be so easy. He never thought his brother’s pride would make him so weak. Taker might have sent Paul Bearer to the dark side, but Kane says that he brought Paul back because he is more powerful that Taker could imagine. Kane says that liked seeing Paul turn his back on Taker as much as beating him. Kane says that everyone was deceived. Everyone thought that with the return of Paul Bearer, the Undertaker was once again whole. The only thing left was the Undertaker’s inevitable triumph. Kane says that was the most delicious part. With the fall of their idol, the Undertaker, everyone’s dreams came crashing down as well. Everyone realized that the Undertaker . . . the Phenom.
The man that everyone revered above everyone is just like you. Kane says that Taker is weak, pathetic, and helpless. He is at the mercy of his superiors. Just like the Undertaker, everyone answers to someone. Whether it is your parents, your spouse, or your boss, everyone answers to someone. Now the dead man answers to the Devil’s Favorite Demon. The legend of the Undertaker allowed everyone to escape reality. Kane says that he destroyed that legend and now the people only have their miserable empty lives. Kane tells his brother that he has been betrayed by those closest to him. Taker’s legacy has been shattered. He has failed all of his creatures of the night. Kane says that it must feel like he is in his own corner of hell. Kane says that they are just warming up. Kane unleashes the pyro from the ring posts.
It is time for another Alberto Del Rio/Rey Mysterio memory. We see footage from the fiesta.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that Smackdown became part of the dictionary in 2007?
We see footage from NXT when Vickie wrestled Kaitlyn on NXT on the world wide web.
Match Number Four: Montel Vontavious Porter versus Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up and Porter takes Ziggler to the mat. Porter with a clean break in the corner. Porter avoids a punch and he connects with one. Porter with a drop toe hold and then he connects with a knee to the back of the head and gets a near fall. Porter with a waist lock and hits a belly-to-back suplex and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a European uppercut followed by a kick. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop and he gets a near fall. Ziggler chokes Porter in the ropes and then while Ziggler has the referee check on his eye, he wants Vickie to slap Porter but Vickie stands there. Ziggler goes to the floor and he wants to know what is going on. Vickie looks like she would rather be anyplace else, and she walks to the back. The referee continues to make his count and Porter with a drop kick to the back and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a reverse chin lock and he turns it into an arm bar. We see Ziggler with a kick to the knee and head during the commercial break. Ziggler with a series of elbows to the head and Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler with a neck breaker and he gets another near fall. Ziggler with a fireman’s carry and he gets another near fall. Ziggler with a rear chin lock. Porter with punches but Ziggler avoids a punch and he puts Porter in the sleeper. Porter gets out of the hold and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Porter with another rollup. Ziggler with a Fameasser and both men are down but Ziggler with a single arm carry and he cannot finish off Porter. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop and he gets one more near fall.
Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Porter and Ziggler with punches and Porter hits an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Ziggler throws a punch but Porter blocks it and he punches Ziggler. Porter with a few clotheslines and then he drives Ziggler face first into the mat and he gets a near fall. Porter with an exploder suplex and he gets a two count. Porter with a forearm but Ziggler with a jawbreaker. Ziggler gets to his feet first and he kicks Porter. Ziggler avoids the big boot but he does not escape it a second time. Porter gets one more near fall.
Kaitlyn comes to the ring while Ziggler escapes a suplex and puts Porter in the sleeper. Porter runs Ziggler into the turnbuckles and then hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Porter gestures for the Ballin’ Elbow but Kaitlyn grabs Porter’s leg and Ziggler takes advantage and hits the Zig Zag for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, Kaitlyn celebrates in the ring with Ziggler and when Dolph sees Vickie on the stage and he pushes Katilyn away because she is icky. Dolph tells Vickie that Kaitlyn is nothing and that he loves Vickie.
We go to a video package showing the work that the WWE has done with the US Military. It talks about the Tribute to the Troops show that the WWE has done for 8 years.
We go to last week when Rey Mysterio assumed the form of a Chihuahua.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Raw Rebound showing us the moment that had Cole and Lawler shaking their heads wondering what was going to happen to the WWE.
Cole, Grisham, and Striker talk about what happened on Monday and he says that people don’t know how to react.
We go backstage where Josh Mathews is with Alberto Del Rio, but we already know that it is him. Josh asks Alberto if he is concerned. Alberto says that he is not concerned about the little Chihuahua because his bark is bigger than his bite. Rey is a former champion and a Mexican icon. He is a God in Mexico, but he is not the essence of excellence. Alberto speaks in Spanish and then he says that a lot of people don’t understand what he is saying but all they need to know is that he is going to leave Rey like a pile of dog trash and he only has to figure out how to wipe him off his shoe.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the personal ring announcer for Alberto Del Rio, Ricardo Rodriguez is in the ring. Alberto drives into the arena.
Match Number Five: Alberto Del Rio versus Rey Mysterio
They lock up and Alberto backs Rey into the corner and Alberto with a kick and punches instead of the clean break. Rey with forearms of his own and Rey with a kick. Alberto with a kick of his own and then he goes through the ropes and to the floor. Rey goes to eh apron and he misses the splash. Rey sends Del Rio into the ring steps and then Rey with a drop kick that sends Del Rio’s arm into the ring post. Rey with kicks to Del Rio and then he stands on the hand on the ring steps. Rey goes up top and hits a cross body onto Alberto and we go to commercial.
We are back and the action returned to the ring and Rey is in control. Rey sends Alberto into the ropes but Del Rio is able to get to the floor. Rey with a drop kick to Del Rio and then Rey with kicks on the floor. Rey points at Rodriguez and then he kicks Del Rio in the head against the announce table. They return to the ring and Rey with a kick to the knee. Rey with a back heel kick and then he hits a running drop kick to a seated Del Rio. Rey with a kick and then he hits an Arabian Press for a near fall. Rey goes to the apron and then he goes up top but Del Rio with a rising enzuigiri and Rey is sent to the floor.
Del Rio sends Rey into the ringside barrier and then he breaks the referee’s count. Del Rio returns Rey into the ring and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with a key lock as he starts to work on the arm. Rey with kicks to keep Del Rio from working on the arm. Alberto tries for a slam but Rey escapes. Alberto with an enzuigiri to the shoulder and Alberto with knees to the elbow. Alberto with a hard Irish whip and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with an arm bar. Rey with kicks to Alberto followed by forearms. Alberto with an Irish whip but he runs into Rey’s boots. Rey struggles to the top turnbuckles and Alberto is able to get back to his feet and he stops Rey.
Alberto sets for a superplex but Rey holds on to the turnbuckle. Rey with punches to the back and Rey with a sunset flip power bomb for a two count. Rey with a stiff kick to the head but Alberto is able to kick out. Rey goes back to the apron and he hits the springboard seated senton but Del Rio with a power slam to Rey and Alberto gets a near fall. Alberto with a leaping belly-to-back suplex and he gets another near fall. Alberto pushes Rey into the corner and Rey avoids a drop kick in the corner. Rey with a rana from the top turnbuckle and he sends Alberto into the ropes. Rodriguez distracts Rey long enough to allow Alberto to recover. Rey with a head scissors that sends Del Rio into Rodriguez and it knocks Rodriguez off the apron. Rey hits the 619 and then he hits a frog splash for the three count.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
2011 -
2001 - NWA on Fire ran "Ring of Horror" in Mexico, Maine at the Mexico Rec Center featuring the following results:
IWE Tag Team Champion The Lawless Alliance (Johnny Miyagi & Scotty Wild) defeated Frankie Flash & Kactus
Gino Martino defeated Tommy Mack
The Minute Men (Devin Blaze & Tommy Trainwreck) defeated The Party Boys (Jimmy Capone & Nick Fahrenheit)
Robbie Ellis defeated Mark Moment
NWA On Fire Champiom Julian Starr defeated Brian Fury
The East Coast Cowboy defeated Mark Shurman by DQ
Jason Doloff defeated The Giant Pharaoh by DQ
Steve Off defeated Scotty Slade
John Riggs defeated The Rochester Roadblock Roadblock
BWO Champion Sebastian Cruz defeated Darius Carter
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Sacramento, California and your announcers are Michael ‘Hey Barsky, wanna join us’ Cole, Jim ‘Don’t touch the hat’ Ross, and John ‘For my next feat, I will climb a mountain of pennies for a gallon of gas’ Layfield.
John Cena makes his way to the ring and the announcers talk about John’s recent surgery.
He says he missed everyone and he asks if they missed him. John says that he missed the cheers and the boos. One week off felt like a year and it feels good to be back in the ring tonight. He says that when he can spend a week outside the ring to see what is going on in the WWE. The Tag Champs have an anger management issue. Antonio Cesaro dumps his hot girlfriend and it took until last week to see that he has large nipples.
The girls are out of control. Eve hates Layla and Layla hates Eve. Kaitlyn got Kerriganed and AJ looks like she lost her mind. He asks her out and suggests going to In and Out.
Cena says that Vince McMahon is here tonight. Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to be tweeting tonight.
Cena says that he still does not have a voice with all of his speaking. As loud as this place is, they don’t have a voice either. Who stole the voice of the WWE? CM Punk did.
Once the voice of the voiceless, now he is the voice of the selfish.
Every day that he holds that championship, he garners respect. The choice for Hell in a Cell is not the fans or John Cena’s. It is CM Punk’s.
If Punk is the champion for 300 days, 1000 days, or 2000 days, what does it matter if the world does not want to watch.
People remember Money in the Bank and Night of Champions. He says that them at Hell in a Cell will be one of those moments.
There is a vocal and loud audience tonight, and he doesn’t know if the champion can be swayed, he wants them to see how they feel. He will fight for the championship no matter what his health situation is because that is what he loves to do.
People do not dislike him because he is a Paul Heyman guy. They do not like him because there are times that he is not a man. He says that Punk is a punk and he wants Punk to face Cena at Hell in a Cell.
Ryback’s music plays as John Cena leaves the ring.
They pass on the ramp and share a moment before Ryback goes to the ring for his match.
We see footage from last week when Punk was confronted by Ryback in the ring.
Match Number One: Ryback versus Epico and Primo (with Rosa Mendes)
Epico and Primo get on each side of Ryback. Ryback with an elbow to Primo and then he blocks a kick on Epico and sends him to the mat. Ryback slams Primo and then he slams Primo’s head to the mat. Epico hits Ryback from behind and Ryback sends him into the turnbuckles. Epico with a missile drop kick and that allows Epico and Primo to take Ryback down.
Epico gets back body dropped onto Ryback and they get near falls. They continue to work over Ryback but Primo gets on Ryback’s back and he applies a sleeper while Epico punches him. Epico slaps Ryback and that was a mistake. Ryback sends Epico to the mat and then he hits a backpack stunner on Primo. Ryback with clotheslines.
Ryback picks up Epico and then Primo and he sets up for the marching muscle buster and he hits it and gets the three count.
Winner: Ryback
We go to commercial.
We are back and we were supposed to get Brodus Clay versus R Truth, but before the match, Truth takes the mic and he apologizes to Brodus. They can fight any time. Little Jimmy is going through some changes. He says that he is going through puberty. Tonight, Little Jimmy wants to dance. He asks the girls if they want to dance and they are good with it.
Vince McMahon appears on the TitanTron and he wants them to stop the music and get out of the ring and dance up the ramp because it is time for the State of the WWE Address.
We are back and it is time for Vince McMahon to make his way to the ring for the State of the WWE Address.
Vince says that we saw two grown men with a few lovely ladies and they are dancing with an imaginary child. There is room for that in WWE. There is room for a leprechaun, goat faced, vegans, monsters, masked luchadores. We have everything in the WWE.
The most important thing we have in the WWE is action. You want to see the world’s greatest athletes compete. You want to see the best facing the best.
CM Punk’s music plays and he comes to the ring and he is accompanied by Paul Heyman on the 323rd day of the CM Punk title reign.
Vince tells Punk that is an ugly t-shirt and CM Punk comes out and disrespects him during the State of the WWE Address.
Punk says that he will tell Vince all about disrespect. Disrespect is sitting in the back and listening to Vince talking about what people want to see. Vince talks about the best without mentioning him by name. It is a shot at him for not stepping into the ring with John Cena.
It was the general manager who Vince put in charge who gave Punk the option to face John Cena. Punk faced Cena in his home town and he beat him.
The people still disrespect him by booing him.
Punk mentions the ironic people who chant his name and he does not care about them.
The people in the back don’t respect him and the people in the building do not respect him. Punk wants to know if Vince respects him.
Vince respects the fact that Punk has been the champion for 323 days. He does not respect that Punk is a Paul Heyman guy. Vince says that he is not a CM Punk guy.
Punk says that he knows that and he is glad that Vince found his grapefruits to say that to him. Punk says that Vince should be a CM Punk guy. Punk says that he is the best in the world and he is the WWE Champion. He is no longer a spoke on the wheel, he is the wheel. Punk is not only the greatest thing to happen to this company, he is the best thing they have and Vince continues to disrespect him.
Paul says something to Punk and Punk says that he will not calm down. He tells Vince that he should be kissing his feet.
Punk wants to know where CM Punk Appreciation Night is. They don’t care about Jim Ross or Jerry Lawler.
Maybe if he does not get the respect he deserves, he can hop the rail and quit. He will blow Vince a kiss, but he won’t come back this time. How will that affect the state of the WWE?
Vince wants to make sure that he understands Punk and that he is saying that he is indispensible. He says that he is the reason why Vince has the jet and the money to fill the jet. If not him, who is the person who makes this company a billion dollar company?
Vince says that it is not Punk, him, or any one person. It is the WWE Universe. He says that he listens to them in the building and on the street. They are telling him that somebody needs to shut Punk’s mouth.
How can Punk call himself the best when he is nowhere the caliber of Andre the Giant, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Bret Hart, or Steve Austin.
Punk says that he is nothing like Steve Austin. He made it to the top by never backing down. Austin made it to the top by taking shortcuts and walking away from a fight. Steve Austin’s greatest accomplishment was beating up a clueless, inept millionaire. Punk says that it was a good thing he did it then because that millionaire is more clueless and more inept and now he is a senior citizen.
Punk asks Vince if he is mad and if that gets under his skin. Punk says that is how he feels. It is a slap in his face with the way that the people treat him. Punk says that Vince has been slapping him in the face for years.
Punk slaps Vince and Vince goes down. And he tells Vince that is a slap in his face too.
Vince says that he should fire Punk. He tells Punk that he will fire him if he does not fight him in the ring tonight.
Punk blows a kiss to Vince and Paul says that this has gone over the line but Punk feels that this is awesome.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the Slap to the Face of Vince McMahon.
Match Number Two: Darren Young and Titus O’Neil versus Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio in a Tag Title Number One Contender Tournament Match
Cara and Young start things off and Darren with a kick and hammer lock but Cara with a snap mare to escape. Cara with a kick and he uses the ropes for an arm drag. Cara with a head scissors but Young with a knee. Cara with a back elbow and Rey makes the blind tag. Young goes to the floor and Rey with a seated senton off the apron. Titus goes after Rey but misses. Cara with a suicide dive onto Titus and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sin Cara with punches to Titus but Titus with a knee and back breaker. We see footage from the commercial while Titus gets a near fall. Titus sent Cara into the ringside barrier with a biel. We go back to live action and Young tags in and he applies a bear hug. Young with knees and he sends Cara into the turnbuckles and chops him.
Young punches Cara and Cara with forearms followed by a kick and tornado DDT and both men are down. Rey tags in and hits a seated splash on Young followed by a head scissors to Young after sending Titus off the apron. Rey with a kick to Young for a near fall. Titus takes care of Rey but Cara with an enzuigiri and a springboard drop kick to Titus.
Young gets Cara on his shoulders for the gutbuster from the shoulders but Rey is the legal man in the match. Rey with a kick to Young. Young gets Rey on his shoulders but Rey escapes and Young is kicked and he goes into the ropes. Rey with a 619 and dive for the three count.
Winners: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara
Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara will face the winner of the Rhodes Scholars versus Santino Marella and Zack Ryder match.
CM Punk is in his locker room with Paul Heyman. Paul tells Punk that this is not a no win situation, it is a must lose situation. Punk says that he will not lose. He will annihilate him.
Paul says that we will have an obsessive lunatic trying to figure out how to make their lives miserable if Punk wins.
Punk says that Paul has nothing to worry about.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a recap of the first hour of Raw.
Match Number Three: Wade Barrett versus Sheamus in a Non Title Match
They lock up and go around the ring. Big Show’s music plays and Sheamus gets distracted.
Barrett kicks Sheamus while Show makes his way to the announce table. Barrett misses a short arm clothesline and Sheamus with a side head lock take down. Sheamus holds on to the side head lock when Barrett tries for an Irish whip. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus with a side head lock. Barrett backs Sheamus into the corner and he kicks Sheamus and sends him to the apron. Sheamus with a slingshot shoulder to Barrett followed by a side head lock take down.
Barrett backs Sheamus into the corner and Barrett with a series of elbows but Sheamus with an elbow of his own. Sheamus misses a short arm clothesline and Barrett with a kick. Sheamus blocks a suplex and he hits a suplex of his own. Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus with a side head lock and Barrett with a punch and kick. Sheamus gets Barrett up on his shoulders but Barrett with elbows.
Sheamus with a knee lift that knocks Barrett to the floor. Sheamus misses a boot on the apron and Barrett with a leg sweep that knocks Sheamus to the apron and Barrett pulls Sheamus to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett stretches Sheamus but Sheamus with punches and a knee lift. Barrett misses a clothesline and Sheamus clotheslines Barrett over the top rope to the floor. We see some of the shots between Barrett and Sheamus during the commercial.
Sheamus with a European uppercut on the floor. Barrett goes over the ring steps and he kicks the steps into Sheamus’ knees and Barrett with a kick to Sheamus. Barrett gets a near fall. Barrett with a camel clutch to Sheamus and then he punches Sheamus and chokes him in the ropes.
Barrett has Sheamus in the ropes and connects with knees to the midsection. Barrett with a boot to the head and Sheamus somehow stays on the apron. Barrett gets a near fall on Sheamus. Barrett kicks Sheamus but misses an elbow from the turnbuckles. Sheamus with a clothesline and then he hits the two running double sledges. Sheamus with the running shoulder into the corner followed by the running knee lift.
Sheamus tries for a running power slam but Barrett escapes and he kicks Sheamus and tries for a pump handle slam but Sheamus escapes. Sheamus sends Barrett to the apron and Sheamus with forearms across the chest.
Tensai comes into the ring and he goes after Sheamus.
The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Sheamus (by disqualification)
Tensai and Barrett attack Sheamus while Big Show watches. Barrett holds Sheamus but Sheamus with a Brogue Kick to Tensai. Sheamus has a Brogue Kick blocked by Big Show and Show pushes Sheamus over the top rope to the floor.
Show leaves the ring.
Sheamus gets back into the ring and he looks a little disoriented.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Larry King will be hosting Larry King Now with his guest, the Miz.
AJ is in her office and CM Punk enters. She asks Punk if he has a match to get ready for. Punk says that since she is the general manager, what does she think about him breaking Vince McMahon’s arms and legs. He will just be doing his job. Maybe the Board of Directors will look for someone to blame.
AJ says that Punk is too scared to fight John Cena, but is the Best in the World afraid to fight Vince McMahon too?
Punk says that he was trying to help AJ save her job. He says that whatever happens tonight falls on her pretty little head.
We go to footage from John Cena’s appearance on Kelly and Mike earlier today.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Antonio Cesaro destroying Brodus Clay last week.
We go to comments from Antonio Cesaro where he says that he wants to get used to American Fine Dining and he says that nobody asks about Corn Dogs and Chili Cheese Fries.
Match Number Four: Antonio Cesaro versus Tyson Kidd in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Cesaro with a hammer lock but Kidd goes through the ropes to tie up Cesaro’s arm. They lock up and Cesaro with a forearm and kick to the back followed by an elbow drop. Cesaro works on the wrist. Kidd uses the ropes for an arm drag and then he gets a near fall with a victory roll.
Cesaro with a boot to a charging Kidd. Cesaro with kicks in the corner. Cesaro goes to the apron and he stomps on Kidd’s chest. Cesaro with a deadlift side salto and then he applies a cravate. Kidd with elbows but Kidd with a kick and he goes to the apron. Cesaro drops Kidd across the top rope and Kidd goes to the floor.
Cesaro goes to the floor and he sets for a clothesline but Kidd moves and then he hits a running kick from the apron and Kidd with a baseball slide. Kidd sends Cesaro into the ring and hits a reverse sunset flip and then he kicks Cesaro in the knee and hits a slingshot leg drop. Kidd misses a slingshot elbow drop when Cesaro moves.
Cesaro hits Swiss Death and then he hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
Match Number Five: Daniel Bryan and Kane versus Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) and Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) in a Non Title Match
Before the match starts, Daniel Bryan interrupts the pyro from the ring posts and we get dueling ‘I am the Tag Team Champions’.
Bryan and Ziggler start things off and they lock up. Ziggler with an arm drag and he celebrates the move. They lock up again and Ziggler with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Ziggler does a version of the Sexy Party but Bryan with a knee to the midsection and he works on the wrist and teases making the tag. Ziggler with a punch and Del Rio tags in. Bryan with a drop toe hold and Kane makes the tag.
Kane with a kick and punches to Del Rio. Kane kicks the ropes and continues to work on the wrist. Kane teases making a tag but Del Rio with a kick. Del Rio with a kick and Ziggler tags in and he runs into an uppercut. Kane with an uppercut and snap mare followed by a drop kick. Ziggler with a kick and punches. Kane sends Ziggler over the top rope to the floor and Bryan tags in when Kane goes to the apron.
Bryan with the running knee off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a side head lock and Ziggler misses a Fameasser. Bryan tags in and hits a clothesline and then he hits the running drop kick into the corner. Bryan puts Ziggler on the top turnbuckle for a rana but Ziggler rolls through and gets a near fall with a sunset flip.
Del Rio hits Bryan from behind when the referee was distracted by Kane. Ziggler with a drop kick. Del Rio tags in and kicks Bryan and gets a near fall. Del Rio with a reverse chin lock. Bryan with elbows and a sunset flip for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick to the head and Bryan goes down.
Ziggler tags in and he hits a neck breaker after getting a little Rude. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Del Rio tags back in and he punches Bryan and hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Del Rio with a front face lock and kicks in the corner. Bryan with Kicks of No in the corner followed by an Irish whip and Del Rio moves when Bryan goes for the running drop kick. Del Rio kicks Bryan in the shoulder and makes the tag.
Ziggler with a near fall and then he applies a reverse chin lock. Bryan with a jawbreaker and Ziggler misses a splash into the corner and both men are down. Kane wants Bryan to make the tag. Ziggler grabs the ankle but Bryan crawls to his corner. Ziggler pulls Bryan back towards his corner and he tags in Del Rio.
Alberto with kicks to the shoulder to warm up for the cross arm breaker. Del Rio with a side slam for a near fall. Del Rio with a reverse chin lock. Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker and Kane breaks up the cover. Ziggler tags back in and Del Rio traps the leg while Ziggler kicks Bryan. Ziggler and Bryan exchange punches. Del Rio tags back in and he kicks Bryan in the head and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with a rear chin lock.
Del Rio misses a charge into the corner and he hits the post with his shoulder. Bryan crawls to make the tag and he does. Kane with clotheslines followed by an Irish whip and clotheslines into the corner. Kane tries for a slam but Ziggler is tagged in. Kane sets for a double choke slam but Ziggler and Del Rio kick Kane and Ziggler with a Fameasser for a near fall.
Ziggler tries for a sleeper but Kane is in the ropes and he gets Ziggler off his back. Kane with a side slam and he goes up top but Bryan makes the blind tag and he goes up top for a missile drop kick and he gets a near fall.
Del Rio misses a splash into the ropes and he goes to the floor. Ziggler with a rollup but he can only get a near fall. Bryan with a round kick and he falls into the corner. Kane makes the tag and he sets for the choke slam and he connects and gets the three count.
Winners: Kane and Daniel Bryan
After the match, Kane and Daniel continue their debate about who am the tag team champions.
In case you are just joining Raw in the third hour, we take a look back at the moment that set up the main event for tonight.
Vince McMahon is in the back with Jim Ross. Jim says that Vince called him an American Icon and a friend last week. Jim tells Vince ‘friend to friend’ that he has nothing to gain with this match against CM Punk. Jim reminds Vince of what happened to Jerry Lawler after facing CM Punk.
Vince says that he would like to have Jim Ross call his match tonight so he can hear ‘McMahon . . . McMahon . . . McMahon’ just like he would with Stone Cold.
Jim says that he would be honored and Vince tells him to do it now. Jim tells Vince that he thinks he is making a mistake.
Vince tells Jim that it doesn’t matter what he thinks.
We go to commercial.
We are back and they talk about JBL’s quest to climb the highest mountains on each continent.
It is time for Larry King Now and Larry is at his familiar table with his wife. The introduction of his guest is interrupted by the Miz’s music.
Miz says that there is no need to introduce him because he is the most must see superstar on Monday night. He says that it is an honor for Larry to introduce him. Miz says that he might come onto Larry’s show.
Miz says that today is his birthday. Miz says that it is time for Larry and his lovely wife to lead the audience in singing Happy Birthday to Me.
Larry says that nobody cares about Miz. He says that he can do things on this show that he cannot on his own show. He replaces a boring guest with a new guest.
Larry brings out Kofi Kingston.
Kofi says that he has been doing interviews all day to put the good word out. The good word is that Raw is live in Sacramento.
Miz throws out a few reallys about Kofi’s Sacramento cheap pop. He wonders who is more irrelevant. He says that if he wasn’t there, the stage would be filled with amateurs. Miz says that he has had more titles than Larry has had wives or Kofi has had main event.
Miz tells Larry to get his show off the stage before he deals with another divorce, Larry’s head will be divorced from his body.
Larry’s wife throws some water in Miz’ face.
Kofi goes after Miz before Miz can go after Larry’s wife. Kofi sends Miz off the stage and then Kofi hits a leaping Superman punch from the stage.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Damien Sandow talks about how they are smarter than their opponents because their IQs approach infinity. He calls Santino and Zack mental midgets.
Match Number Six: Santino Marella and Zack Ryder versus Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes in a Tag Title Tournament Semifinal Match
Ryder and Rhodes start things off and Rhodes put Ryder in the corner and he punches Zack. Ryder escapes a suplex and gets a near fall with a rollup. Ryder with a clothesline and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with a kick to Ryder and he tags in Sandow who clotheslines Ryder from the apron. He kicks Ryder and gets a near fall.
Sandow with a reverse chin lock but Ryder with punches and then he chokes him. Rhodes kicks Ryder and gets a near fall. Rhodes with a side head lock and punch to Ryder before tagging Sandow back in. Sandow with a punch followed by a drop down uppercut from Rhodes. Sandow with the Elbow of Disdain before he tags Rhodes back in.
Rhodes with a front face lock. Ryder with a flap jack and he tags in Santino. Santino has a jab blocked and then he hits the split and hip toss followed by the diving head butt. Sandow distracts Santino when he goes for the Cobra and Rhodes with Beautiful Disaster for the three count.
Winners: Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes
After the match, Damien does the cartwheel of celebration.
After the match, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre come to the ring and they surround Santino and attack him. They knock Drew off the apron and continue the attack on Santino.
Paul Heyman goes into Vince McMahon’s office to apologize and say that he did not know that Punk was going to do what he did. Paul says that he is the youngest guy who knows Vince’s father. He wants to broker the peace between him and CM Punk.
Vince asks Paul if he knows the difference between lying and telling the truth. He tells Paul that he has been poisoning Punk’s mind for years.
Paul says that he is here for Vince, not CM Punk. He says that he is the voice of reason and he does not want CM Punk to do to him what Brock Lesnar did to Triple H.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Layla El is at the announce table for the next match.
Match Number Seven: Eve Torres versus Kaitlyn for the Divas Title
They lock up and Kaitlyn with a biel and flying shoulder tackle. Kaitlyn with forearms followed by a suplex and she gets a near fall. Eve with a forearm and kick to the leg. Kaitlyn with a back body drop for a near fall. Kaitlyn gets Eve on her shoulders for a torture rack variation.
Eve with a rake of the eyes and a kick to the leg. Eve with a forearm to the head. Kaitlyn with a back breaker but she does it on the knee with her injured ankle and Kaitlyn favors her ankle. Eve with a kick to the ankle and then Eve puts the foot on the rope and kicks it.
Eve slams the ankle into the mat and then she stands on the ankle and stomps on it. Eve with an ankle lock and she falls back to add more pressure. Eve with an heel hook and kick to the head and Kaitlyn taps out.
Winner: Eve Torres
After the match, Layla thinks that Eve took too long to release the hold so she goes into the ring and Eve releases the hold. Eve checks on Kaitlyn and Layla does not believe her. Layla pushes Eve.
Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez are walking in the back and they are interrupted by Josh Mathews. Josh wants to ask Alberto about Randy Orton’s tweet. Alberto says that he is busy and he is working. Why should he care about a tweet. Alberto is told that the tweet is from Randy Orton. Alberto is told that Randy will be at Smackdown on Friday. Alberto and Ricardo walk away.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Larry and Shawn walk in the back and Daniel Bryan stops them. He asks if Larry remembers when David Letterman called him an owl. Daniel asks Larry how he dealt with it because people say he looks like a goat. Daniel asks Larry’s wife if she would be interested in someone so handsome. She tells Daniel that she does not go out with trolls who sleep under bridges.
Larry tells him to accept it and go with it.
Kane shows up behind Daniel and he says that they are talking about how he carried Daniel’s goat face ever since he became the Tag Team Champions.
They argue while Larry and his wife leave.
Daniel tells Kane that he scared off Larry King. Kane says that he thought it was Skeletor.
Paul Heyman tells Punk that Vince doesn’t care that he is the best in the world. Vince only cares about putting them in hell for the rest of their lives. Unless, Punk delivers to Vince McMahon such a beating that he ends up so battered that he cannot make a decision for the rest of his miserable life.
Punk says that he will victimize Vince McMahon and Paul should sit back and enjoy it.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Eight: CM Punk (with Paul Heyman) versus Vince McMahon
Punk attacks Vince from behind as Vince makes his way to the ring. Punk with knees to Vince’s head. Punk with crossfaces and elbows to the upper chest. Punk rolls Vince into the ring.
Vince gets to his feet and he takes Punk down and he punches Punk. Punk rolls Vince over and he punches Vince. Vince mounts Punk and he punches him. Punk with a round kick to the head and Vince goes down. Punk walks over Vince’s body and he ‘kicks sand’ on Vince.
Punk with a front face lock and he sends Vince to the floor. Punk follows to the floor and he slams Vince’s head into the announce table. Punk puts on the headset and he screams out ‘What a Maneuver’ before slamming Vince’s head into the announce table again.
Punk picks up Vince but Vince with an elbow to escape and he sends Punk into the ring post.
Vince sends Punk over the announce table. Vince takes the mic and he says that he is going to teach Punk something about respect.
Vince attacks Punk with the mic. Punk gets up and Vince sends the chair into Punk’s solar plexus. Vince sends Punk back into the ring. Vince looks under the ring and he finds a kendo stick. Vince swings at Punk but Punk rolls out of the ring and to the floor.
Vince gets ready for the pitch and Punk thinks about what to do next. Punk tells Paul to get the title and bring it to him. Vince leaves the ring and he takes the belt from Paul and Vince punches Heyman. Vince goes back into the ring with the kendo stick and the title belt.
Punk teases going back into the ring but he does not want to get hit with the kendo stick.
Punk gets his own kendo stick. Vince hits Punk in the leg and then Vince and Punk hit each other with their kendo stick. Punk loses his stick and Vince stands over Punk but Punk with a low blow to the grapefruits. Punk gets both kendo sticks and he hits Vince with them.
Punk gets Vince on his shoulders for the Go To Sleep but Ryback’s music plays and he comes to the ring.
Punk leaves the ring when Ryback gets to the ring. Punk has his back to the ramp and that allows John Cena to send Punk into the ring and Ryback with a clothesline to Punk.
Ryback gets Punk up for the marching muscle buster but Punk escapes and goes to the floor. Punk leaves through the crowd.
Vince tells Punk that he hopes he has learned something about respect tonight. Is Punk going to face John Cena or Ryback at Hell in a Cell. Punk has a week to make his decision or Vince will make it for him.
2012 - PWInsider.com reported the following before Raw went on the air:
In what I am told was a "scary scene" backstage at Raw about an hour ago, Vince McMahon pretty much told the WWE Creative team that he wanted to see things change and that no one's job was safe if they didn't.
Perhaps to illustrate his point, Bryan Gewirtz, who has been the top writer for the company for a long time and especially oversaw the Raw side of things (Dave Kapoor wrote the show but everything went through Gewirtz, then Stephanie and Vince McMahon), has been dropped from the creative team.
Gewirtz' official position was Senior Vice President of Creative Writing. Technically, he is still with the company as of this writing. Gewirtz being sent home was described as shocking to me and something that no one saw coming. One person told me they believed that he "fell on the sword" to show everyone else they can be replaced.
McMahon's declaration to the creative team comes just a week after the lowest rated Raw (non holiday, non taped) in 15 years last week. Since expanding to three hours, the flagship WWE series' ratings have slipped considerably, especially in the third hour.
As we noted in the Elite section of PWInsider.com last Monday, McMahon was visibly angry prior to Raw going on the air last week, although his mood lightened as the evening went on. The belief is that the pressure of getting ratings back up to where he and NBC Universal want them has been stressing.
Gewirtz has been working for WWE for over a decade.
2012 - WWE Hall of Famer Tammy Sytch was arrested again in Branford, CT and charged with violating a protective order, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief after police were called to the home of her boyfriend during a domestic dispute at his home.
The arrest was the fourth arrest for Sytch in the last month after being arrested three times over three days several weeks before.
TMZ.com noted that their sources cited that Sytch was intoxicated when she was arrested. Sytch had gone through WWE sponsored rehab several times in the past. During her most recent arraignment, Sytch's sister claimed she was heading to a rehab in New Jersey.
Sytch was with her boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, at the Family Wrestling Entertainment iPPV just the previous Friday in Brooklyn, NY.
2013 -
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