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November 22nd
On this day in history in ....
1922 - Billy Meeske defeats Joe Bailey in a tournament final to win the vacant Australian Heavyweight Title in Melbourne, Australia. The title had been vacant since 1915 when champion Clarence Weber retired.
1950 - Baron Michele Leone defeats Enrique Torres in Los Angeles, California to become recognized World Heavyweight Champion in Los Angeles and the Pacific Northwest, ending Torres' second and first respective reigns.
1954 - Lord James Blears & Joe Pazanadak defeat Gene Kiniski and John Tolos for the NWA International Television Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California.
1955 - Rikidozan defeats King Kong in a tournament final to become the first All Asia Heavyweight Champion in Tokyo, Japan. He would hold the title until his death on December 8, 1963.
1960 - George Eakin wins the Madison Wrestling Club Heavyweight Title from Bob Brown in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, ending Brown's second reign and beginning his third.
1961 - Lord James Blears & Neff Maivia win their second NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title by defeating Shoulders Newman and Ted Travis, ending their second reign, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1962 - The Fabulous Kangaroos(Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) defeat Tony Baillargeon & Maurice Lapoine for the Florida version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Jacksonville, Florida.
1963 - Billy Hines defeats Mickey Sharpe to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Mobile, Alabama.
1968 - The Assassins (Tom Renesto & Jody Hamilton) defeat Ramon & Alberto Torres for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia, ending the Torres' third reign.
1968 - Rocket & Flash Monroe defeat Don Carson & Dick Dunn to win the NWA Gulf Coast Tag Team Title in Dothan, Alabama.
1969 - Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow) defeats Assassin #2 (Tom Renesto) in a tournament final in Atlanta, Georgia to become the first NWA Georgia Television Champion.
1972 - Bob Kelly begins his 10th reign as NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Champion, ending the fifth reign of The Wrestling Pro in Mobile, Alabama.
1972 - Rocket & Flash Monroe defeat Rip Tyler & Eddie Sullivan to win the Gulf Coast version of the NWA United States Tag Team Title in Mobile, Alabama, ending Tyler and Sullivan's third reign.
1974 - Pampero Firpo defeats John Tolos for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California. This began Firpo's third reign and ended Tolos' seventh.
1976 - "Superstar" Billy Graham defeats Dusty Rhodes for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in West Palm Beach, Florida, ending Rhodes' third reign.
1978 - Mando Guerrero defeats Larry Sharpe for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1979 - Tojo Yamamoto, Bobby Eaton & Secret Weapon defeat George Gulas, Ken Lucas & Joey Rossi for the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Title in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
1979 - The Avenger defeats The Turk to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title in Kansas City, Kansas.
1980 - Judy Martin defeats Princess Little Heart for the NWA United States Women's Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1982 - Kevin Sullivan defeats Dusty Rhodes for the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in West Palm Beach, Florida, ending Rhodes' seventh reign.
1984 - Jimmy Golden defeats Austin Idol for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama, beginning his sixth reign.
1984 - Invaders I & III win the vacant WWC Tag Team Title by defeating Super Medico I & Black Gordman in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. The titles had been vacated on October 8 when Super Medico III lost his mask.
1987 - The Midnight Rockers (Marty Janetty & Shawn Michaels) defeat The Rock 'n' Roll RPMs (Mike Davis & Tommy Lane) to win their second AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending The RPMs fifth reign.
1989 - Big Van Vader defeats Canek for the Universal Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, ending Canek's ninth reign.
1989 - Jim Breaks defeats Kid McCoy in Ipswich, England to win the European Lightweight Title, his 15th.
1990 - The WWF held the fourth annual Survivor Series pay-per-view at the Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The event saw the debut of The Undertaker, as well as the infamous debut of the Gobbledygooker, played by Hector Guerrero. The results were:
- The Ulitmate Warriors (The Ultimate Warrior, The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal), and The Texas Tornado) defeated The Perfect Team (Mr. Perfect and Demolition (Ax, Smash, and Crush)). The Ultimate Warrior was the sole survivor.
- The Million Dollar Team (Ted DiBiase, The Undertaker, The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine) (w/Virgil and Brother Love) defeated The Dream Team (Dusty Rhodes, Koko B. Ware and The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart)). Ted DiBiase was the sole survivor. This was the debut of the Undertaker, using the name "Kane The Undertaker". In the weeks leading up to the show, he was teased as being a "mystery partner" of the Million Dollar Team.
- The Visionaries (Rick Martel, The Warlord, Power and Glory (Hercules and Paul Roma)) defeated The Vipers (Jake Roberts, Jimmy Snuka and The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty)). The entire Visionaries team survived.
- The Hulkamaniacs (Hulk Hogan, Jim Duggan, The Big Boss Man and Tugboat) defeated The Natural Disasters (Earthquake, Haku, Dino Bravo and The Barbarian). Hulk Hogan was the sole survivor.
- The Alliance (Nikolai Volkoff, Tito Santana and The Bushwackers (Luke Williams and Butch Miller) defeated The Mercenaries (Sgt. Slaughter, Boris Zhukov and The Orient Express (Sato and Tanaka)). Tito Santana was the sole survivor.
- Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior and Tito Santana defeated Ted DiBiase, Rick Martel, Warlord, Hercules and Paul Roma. This was a match featuring the survivors from the preceding matches. Hogan and Warrior survived.
1991 - Los Infernales (Pirata Morgan, Satanico & MS 1) defeat Los Brazos (El Brazo, Brazo de Plata & Brazo de Oro) in a tournament final to become the first CMLL World Trios Champions in Mexico City, Mexico.
1991 - John Tatum & Rod Price defeat Steve Simpson in a handicap match to win the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.
1992 - Ultimo Dragon defeats El Samurai for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan. On the same card, Scott Norton & Tony Halme (later known as Ludvig Borga in the WWF) defeat The Steiner Brothers to win the the IWGP World Tag Team Title.
1992 - A.J. Freeley defeats Bruno Bekkar for the New Zealand Heavyweight Title, ending Bekkar's third reign.
1992 - Jeff Jarrett won a Battle Royal for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, pinning Jerry Lawler to win the belt for the first time in his career. The belt had been vacated by Randy Savage when WWF broke off their working relationship with the USWA.
1993 - Buddy Landell defeated Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Jarrett's tenth reign with the belt.
1995 - Tex Slazenger defeats Brian Christopher for the vacant USWA Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee. The title had been held up nine days earlier due to outside interference in a match between the two. Christopher had previously been champion, his 19th reign.
1997 - Quinn Magnum defeats T. Rantula for the NWA Pro Wrestling eXpress Heavyweight Title in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. On the same show, Bubba the Bulldog wins the NWA PWX Television Title by forfeit from Vince Kaplack and The Wrong Crowd (Brian Anthony & Paul Atlas) defeat Gator & Colonel Payne for the NWA PWX Tag Team Title.
1997 - Robert Thompson and Chris Cole defeat Vic and Dic Grimes for the All Pro Wrestling Tag Team Title in Hayward, California.
1998 - WCW's fourth, and final, World War 3 Pay-per-view (it would be replaced by Mayhem the following year) was held at The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan. Here are the results:
- Wrath defeated Glacier with the Meltdown.
- Stevie Ray defeated Konnan via DQ when Konnan hit the referee. Following the match, Konnan beat on Stevie Ray until Booker T made the save. Afterwards, Stevie Ray (a member of NWO Black & White) walked away from Booker T, wanting nothing to do with him.
- Ernest Miller & Sonny Onno defeated Perry Saturn & Kaz Hayashi when Onno pinned Saturn after Miller kicked Saturn in the head.
- Billy Kidman defeated Juventud Guerrera to win the WCW Cruiserweight Title when Rey Mysterio blocked Guerrera from doing a top rope rana, and Kidman hit a Shooting Star Press for the win. After the match, Eddie Guerrero and the Latino World Order confronted Mysterio about joining them, and Mysterio threw an LWO shirt at them and ran off.
- Scott Steiner vs. Rick Steiner is a no-contest, as the NWO Black & White beat up Rick, and Bill Goldberg makes the save.
- Scott Hall vs. Kevin Nash is a no-contest. Before the match, Eric Bischoff has the NWO Black & White turn on Hall, beating him up. Kevin Nash ran in and cleared house, but refused to shake hands with Hall, and walked off.
- WCW Television Champion Chris Jericho defeated Bobby Duncum, Jr. with a belt shot to the head after Ralphus hooked Duncum's leg while attempting a suplex, distracting Duncum and the referee.
- Kevin Nash won the three ring, 60-man, World War 3 Battle Royal, as a result he earned a WCW World Title match with Bill Goldberg at Starrcade. The finish of the match saw Lex Luger put Scott Hall in a Torture Rack, and Nash knock both men over the top rope to the floor to win. Here is the order of elimination for the entire battle royal: Norman Smiley, Super Calo, Lodi, Lizmark, Scott Putski, Tokyo Magnum, Lenny Lane, Johnny Swinger, Kenny Kaos, Silver King, El Dandy, Mike Enos, Van Hammer, Psychosis, Chris Kanyon, Kaz Hayashi, The Disciple, Horace Hogan, Juventud Guerrera, Rey Mysterio Jr., Perry Saturn, Ernest Miller, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Alex Wright, Eddie Guerrero, Disco Inferno, Billy Kidman, Stevie Ray, Scott Norton, Steve McMichael, Wrath, Scott Steiner, Booker T, Konnan, The Giant, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Scott Hall, Lex Luger.
- WCW United States Champion Diamond Dallas Page defeated Bret Hart with a Diamond Cutter. Earlier in the match, an NWO referee (not recognized by WCW) had given Bret the win via submission with the sharpshooter in a thinly veiled reference to the Montreal Screwjob when the original referee was knocked out.
1999 - The Monday Night Wars waged on, with WCW Monday Nitro scoring a 3.4 rating on a show from Auburn Hills, Michigan which featured Creative Control (Patrick & Gerald [The Harris Brothers]) defeating The Filthy Animals (Konnan and Billy Kidman) to win the WCW World Tag Team Title. WWF RAW is WAR posted a 5.5 rating with a show from Syracuse, New York, featuring WWF Champion Big Show defeating Kane and Triple H facing The Acolytes in a no holds barred handicap match.
1999 - Villano III defeats Atlantis to win the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title in Tampico, Mexico, ending Atlantis' second reign.
2002 - United States Extreme Wrestling saw title changes galore in Queens, New York. Sabu defeats Bam Bam Bigelow for the Heavyweight Title. Sabu also defeated The Sandman for the USXW United States Heavyweight Title prior to winning the Heavyweight Title. Upon Sabu's Heavyweight Title win, the title was vacated, and The Amazing Red defeats Quiet Storm, Deranged and Grim Reefer for the title. Homicide also defeats Xavier for the USXW Xtreme Heavyweight Title and defeats Amazing Red for the U.S. Title, and Wayne and The Trekkie defeat The Boogie Knights for the USXW Tag Team Title.
2002 - Al Katrazz defeats Primetime Peterson for the World Class Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Title in Lemon Grove, California.
2003 - Raven defeats Justin Credible for the 3PW Heavyweight Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2003 - Steve Madison defeats Scoot Andrews to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in St. Petersburg, Florida.
2003 - Vinnie Viagra & Billy Maverick defeat The Redneck Express (Chris Vega & The Rebel) for the NWA Bluegrass Tag Team Title in Salyersville, Kentucky.
2003 - Parental Advisory (Joey Grunge & Kid USA) defeat The S.A.T. (Jose and Joel Maximo) to win the NWA Midwest Tag Team Title in Topeka, Kansas. Also on the same show, Griz wins a gauntlet match, last eliminating Mark Sterling to win the vacant NWA Kansas Heavyweight Title.
2003 - Brandon Young defeats Shawn Donovan for the Independent Wrestling Federation American Title in West Paterson, New Jersey.
2005 - Pomp & Circumstance (Ace Rockwell & Shaun Tempers) defeat Tank & Iceberg to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, beginning their second reign and ending Tank and Iceberg's second reign.
2007 - 1950s British wrestler Thomas Moore passed away. Moore, wrestled using the ring name Jack Dempsey and was a former British Welterweight champion. He was a well known name during that era.
2005 - The United States Department of Justice released the following:
Former Wrestler Found Guilty on Human Trafficking Charges in Georgia
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A federal jury returned guilty verdicts Wednesday against former professional wrestler Harrison Norris Jr., known in the wrestling world as "Hardbody Harrison," on multiple charges of sex trafficking and slavery related to a scheme to force women into prostitution, announced Rena J. Comisac, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and David E. Nahmias, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.
According to the charging documents and evidence presented at trial, Norris kidnapped some of his victims and lured others to come live with him by promising to train them as professional wrestlers. Once he got the women to his home, however, he instead forced them to work for him as prostitutes. The witnesses at trial described beatings Norris administered and threats he made to bend the women to his will. On one occasion, Norris head-butted a woman and threatened to throw her through a hotel window when she would not engage in sex with two customers.
Witnesses also testified that Norris imposed a strict military structure in his home. The defendant assigned each of his victims to a "squad" overseen by an "enforcer," a woman conspiring with Norris to keep the victims in servitude. Witnesses also testified that Norris referred to himself as "the General"; sometimes made his victims sleep with him in "the General's Quarters"; and pierced the victims' skin with a mark of their "rank" in the operation. Numerous witnesses also testified about parties at which the women were forced to have sex with numerous men and sometimes with other women. One woman testified that Norris forced her to sexually assault another woman during one of these parties. Evidence at trial established that forced acts of prostitution occurred at Hispanic nightclubs, in apartments, at hotels, in the back of Norris' truck, and in North Carolina and Northern Georgia. The victims also testified that they were forced to have sex with Norris.
In addition to forcing the victims to work as prostitutes, the defendant made the women work in and around his two homes in Cartersville, Ga. Witnesses testified that Norris required the victims to haul trees, lay sod, and paint. The evidence at trial further established that Norris set strict rules and fined the women for such infractions as talking too much or failing to exercise. In addition, Norris kept the women financially indebted to him by charging them for cigarettes, medicine, and food. Norris then told the victims that they could not leave until their debts were paid, all while continuing to increase the debt he claimed he was owed.
The jury convicted Norris after two days of deliberation. In rendering its verdict, the jury specifically found that Norris' offenses involved aggravated sexual abuse. Because of this special finding, Norris faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
"This jury has vindicated the rights of the numerous young women this defendant exploited, abused, and forced into prostitution. The Department of Justice will continue to prosecute vigorously matters, such as this one, involving the sexual exploitation of young women," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Rena J. Comisac.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, "The evidence at trial clearly proved that Norris used force and threats of force against the victims forcing them to work as prostitutes against their will. Sex trafficking and other forced labor are forms of modern day slavery and cannot be tolerated."
Human trafficking prosecutions such as this one are a top priority of the Department of Justice. In the last seven fiscal years, the Civil Rights Division, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys' Offices, has increased by nearly seven-fold the number of human trafficking cases filed in court as compared to the previous seven fiscal years. In FY 2007, the Department obtained a record number of convictions in human trafficking prosecutions.
This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers of the Atlanta Police Department, Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Coppedge and Department of Justice Civil Rights Attorney Karima Maloney prosecuted the case.
2008 - Ring of Honor ran in Chicago Ridge, IL, featuring the following results:
riscoes come out to start and cut a promo on Steenerico. Briscoes Vs. Steen & Generico - ROH World Tag Team Titles on NOW!!!!!!!!
ROH WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
1.) Steen and Generico DEF. Briscoe Brothers
Steen and Generico retain after Steen nails the Package Piledriver. Very solid match. Great Double teams by the Briscoes and crowd was super into Generico. They brawled following the match and the Briscoes spilled some Blood. Grizzly out to break up the brawl.
Time of match: 6:05
SHIMMER CHAMPIONSHIP
2.) MsChif retains DEF. Sara Del Ray w/Larry Sweeney in 9:30 to remain Shimmer Champion!
Sickest Boston Crab ever by Sara and MsChif wins with a DDT Variation. Crowd was split between the two in what was said to be a stiff and excellent match!
3.) Delirious DEF. Rhett Titus in 6:33 with a Shadows over Hell. After some brawling and thrusting we got some cock grabs by Delirious. Yes, cock grab. After the match Delirious breaks the Top of the Class Trophy on Titus followed by a Panic Attack with the Trophy.
The return in Jan. will be another PPV Taping!!!!!
FOUR CORNER SURVIVAL
4.) Claudio Castagnoli DEF. Sami Callahan, Silas Young and Alex Payne in 8:54 after a Ricolla Bomb on Sugarfoot. Sugarfoot was big time over. Sami was big time over also getting alot of chants. Claudio tried to use the chair on Sugarfoot but Danielson ran out and took it away from him for the save and a huge "NEXT WORLD CHAMP" Chant. Danielson celebrates with Sugarfoot.
INTERMISSION
Estimate from Cary is now around 1,500!!!!
SIX MAN WAR
5.) Brent Albright, Roderick Strong & ACE STEEL!!! Vs. Chris Hero, Go Shiozaki & Davey Richards w/ Larry Sweeney
SnS wins in 16:06 after Sweeney distracts Sinclair while Hero hits Strong with a chair and puts Davey on top of him to get the win. Ace gets some deserved Welcome Back chants! Ace looks good out there and hasn't lost a step. Davey is explosive with everything he does. Loud Hero Sucks and F*ck You Hero chants! Dempsey is also getting loud chants. SnS in control un til Strong got in there and tore it up! Dunkin Donuts chants to Sinclair.
I QUIT MATCH
6.) Aries Vs. Jacobs
Aries says he has no second....for now. Austin Aries wins in 22:13 after LACEY returns and is about throw in the towel for Aries after Jacobs won't stop biting at Aries' bloody head. Lacey slaps Jimmy. Crowd is chanting DIE JIMMY DIE! These two are giving it everything in this awesome brawl. Microphone shots to Jimmy's head. Single-handed bulldog from the top rope to the outside and through a table by both men!! Tyler then tries to throw in the towel and Lacey stops him. Jimmy then quits after Aries has him in a crossface and is stabbing him with the Spike! Sick spot with a spear by Jimmy to Aries through the middle rope and off the apron and onto a steel chair on t he outside!!! Lots of brawling in the crowd and on the outside and lots of blood here. Tyler helping out Jimmy and gets booed big time from the crowd for it. Sick brawl of a match. After the match Jimmy is pissed at Tyler and he leaves Jimmy in the ring with Aries. Staredown and both end up shaking hands. (JUST KIDDING ABOUT THAT LAST SENTENCE!)
*Sorry about delays but the board is lagging as always on show night.
ROH WORLD TITLE
7.) Nigel McGuinness Vs. Bryan Danielson
Handshake and the bell.....some great chain wrestling to start. just what you expect from these two. Dueling chants. Danielson works Nigel's arm. They steal each others moves for heat and pops. Nigel does a figure four to get a Wooooo from the crowd. More updates as I get them. Back and forth match. Soccer kicks to the back of Nigel after some strikes. Sinclair gets involved and Danielson gets clipped. Danielson on the ropes, falls, Sinclair pushes him back up and he eats a lariat! Nigel to the outside and Danielson then does his Springboard Front flip in the aisle. Claudio then comes out and nails Dragon with a chair. Sinclair starts to count and out comes Sugarfoot who drags Dragon back into the ring for a huge pop! Deafening atmosphere and tons of pinfalls. CATTLE MUTILATION! Epic match as they are both kicking out of everything! Danielson ducks a lariat only to then be hit by a Rebound Lariat for the win!
WINNER AND STILL ROH WORLD CHAMPION: NIGEL MCGUINNESS IN 28:08!
8.) Samoa Joe DEF. Tyler Black in 18:56.
Massive pop for Joe as expected. Joe is in perfect form here as they trade blows and get this one off hot! Tyler goes for his middle rope body press and Joe just walks out of the way. Joe does tope to the outside and then says to the Referee "what are you doing counting!? This is ROH!" Joe hits his Ole kick to break the count. From my report I have this being said it just may be the second version of Joe Vs. Kobashi. ISLAND DRIVER for a 1 count kickout which drove the crowd wild! Tyler goes for his Phoenix Splash and misses and Joe then goes for his top rope Musclebuster but misses. STJOE followed by the Musclebuster and the Choke and you can put this one in the books!
Joe ends the show with a heart felt promo and puts over ROH and the boys in the back. F*ck TNA chants throughout the promo as well.
2009 - CHIKARA held their Season Finale event in Philadelphia, PA. Josh Higham filed the following live report:
I went to Chikara's Season Finale today in Philadelphia. Thought I'd send along results. Sorry if there's any mistakes, I typed this up as I walked from the Arena to Old City.
*Brodie Lee and the Unstable (Vin Gerard, Colin Delaney, and Stigma) def. Dasher Hatfield, Sugar Dunkerton, and The Colony (Green Ant and Carpenter Ant). Brodie pinned one of the Ants.
*Helios def Yujiro Kushida with a better 630 Senton than Jack Evans ever did. Kushida is from Hustle in Japan, very clearly a student of Tajiri.
*Player Uno beat Tim Donst by submission with a variation on an armbar.
*The Order of the Neo Solar Temple defeated Incoherence when Delirious hit Frightmare with a double underhook piledriver.
Intermission.
*FIST (Icarus and Chuck Taylor) def. Mike Quackenbush and Jorge "Skayde" Rivera when Skayde tapped to Taylor's half crab.
*Player Dos def. Lince Dorado with a frog splash. Really scary ending with Lince Dorado got dropped on his head on the wood steps. Player Dos pulled him into the ring and the ref actually yelled at him to just cover him when Dos went to the top.
*Claudio Castagnoli def Eddie Kingston in an awesome match. The loser had to declare their respect of the winner, but Kingston refused saying he knows that Claudio is just as shady and dirty as his former partner, referring to Chris Hero.
*The Colony defeated the Ophidian Portal in a best of three falls match to retain Campeones de Parejas. Amasis pinned Fire after a Razors Edge. Soldier forced Ophidian to tap. Fire pinned Ophidian after an Air Raid Crash off the top.
After the match, two characters dressed in white (one in a veil and a larger one with a horned and bearded mask) jumped the rail. The veiled one took the mic talking about a war that was coming. Quack and Claudio came out to stand up to them. The veiled one said, "no, I want the guy with real power" and pointed at Ultramantis Black doing commentary.
When he got to the ring, all hell broke loose with Claudio hitting Quackenbush, Ultramantis getting laid out by the robotic Vokodor, Carpenter Ant attacking the rest of the Colony, and Sara Del Rey and Daizee Haze running down to throw some shots in.
In the end, this new faction stood in formation. Carpenter Ant unmasked to reveal Pinky Sanchez. Vokodor unmasked to reveal Tim Donst. And the veiled man in white was Ares. The one in the bearded mask pulled out a remote and shut off the electricity in the building. Crazy ending to a show with great action.
2009 - WWE held their 2009 Survivor Series PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
The 2009 WWE Survivor Series PPV opened with footage from classic Survivor shows before segueing into five of the six scheduled matches tonight.
Michael Cole welcomed everyone to the "second longest running tradition" in WWE.
Team Morrison (John Morrison, Evan Bourne, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy, Fit Finlay) vs. Team Miz (The Miz, Jack Swagger, Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Dolph Ziggler)
As Sheamus came to the ring, Michael Cole asked Jerry Lawler how he was feeling after being kicked in the face by Sheamus. Lawler said that he's been kicked in the face before and when he woke up, thought he'd find his teeth knocked out. He promised that Sheamus' day would come and "it might even be tonight."
Evan Bourne and Jack Swagger opened the show. Bourne got a quick two count with a rollup. Swagger responded with a big suplex, then tagged in Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler nailed a rolling snapmare for a two count. Michael Cole said we were looking at the future of the WWE in this bout. Bourne nailed several kicks but Ziggler took him down and nailed a series of elbowdrops. He dropped a forearm and scored a two count.
Swagger tagged back in and cinched in a front chancery. Team Morrison rallied the fans behind Bourne. Bourne worked his way out of the hold but was kicked back. Swagger tagged Ziggler. Bourne drilled Swagger with two knees, but Ziggler, who was now the legal man, took him down and cinched in a one-legged Boston Crab. Bourne kicked him off and came off the ropes with a hurancanrana for as two count.
Matt Hardy tagged in. He and Bourne nailed stereo elbows out of the corner on Ziggler. Hardy hit the Side Effect. Bourne nailed a shooting star press and scored the pin.
Ziggler is eliminated. 5 vs. 3 with Team Morrison having the advantage.
Drew McIntyre attacked Bourne and hit the double arm DDT and pinned him.
Bourne is eliminated. 4 vs. 4.
Finlay immediately attacked McIntyre and had his way with him briefly before Sheamus tagged in. Sheamus caught him with a big boot to the face and pinned him.
Finlay is eliminated. 4 vs. 3 with Team Miz having the advantage.
Hardy tagged in. He caught Sheamus with a series of rights, backing him into a corner. He clotheslined Sheamus in a corner. Hardy went for the Side Effect but Sheamus broke free. Sheamus worked over Hardy with elbows but Hardy kept kicking up. Miz tagged in and began peppering Hardy in the heels' corner. Miz dropped a leg but Hardy kicked out at two. Miz cinched in a rear chinlock.
Hardy fought his way to his feet but Miz caught him with a knee to the back of the neck and covered him for another two count. Swagger tagged in but Hardy kicked him in the face as Swagger charged him. Swagger shook it off and began peppering Hardy with punches and forearms to the back and head. Hardy was locked in a side chinlock. Hardy shoved off Swagger and they collided.
Morrison tagged in and worked over Swagger with a series of leg lariats. Morrison covered him for a two count. Morrison sends Swagger into the corner and nails a springboard enziguiri. Team Miz entered the ring, so Team Morrison ran them out, knocking down the referee in the process.
Swagger went for the DoctorBomb but Morrison escaped. Morrison took him out and nailed Starship Pain for the pin.
Swagger is eliminated. 3 vs 3.
Miz jumps Morrison and gets a near fall. Miz cinches in a rear chinlock, placing his knee in the back. Morrison tagged in Shelton Benjamin during a blind tag. He rolls up Miz for a two count, then hits a back suplex. He comes off the top with a flying bodypress, then hits the Stinger Splash. He nails Miz with a Northern Lights suplex for a two count. Benjamin hit a back suplex with a bridge for a two count.
They showed a replay of the referee being taken out earlier and it turned out Sheamus kicked him in the head. They said the referee had suffered a concussion.
Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Benjamin. 3 vs. 2 with Team Miz having the advantage.
McIntyre tagged in. He and Hardy went back and forth. Hardy nailed a drop toehold into the corner, then a neckbreaker. Hardy went to the second rope and dropped a leg. He covered McIntyre for a two count. Hardy nailed a hangman's neckbreaker. He went back to the ropes but Sheamus got in his face. That allowed McIntyre to escape a moonsault. McIntyre nailed the "Kobashi DDT" (as Striker called it) and pinned Hardy.
Hardy is eliminated. 3 vs. 1 with Team Miz in the lead.
Morrison went right after McIntyre and began beating him with kicks and punches. McIntyre came back whipped him into the corner, then tagged in Sheamus. They began kicking Morrison. Sheamus mounted him and began beating him with fists. Morrison was slammed headfirst into the turnbuckle.
Miz tagged in and began trash talking Morrison. Miz punched Morrison. Morrison kept firing back. Miz rebounded off the ropes but was kicked with a leg lariat. Miz tagged Sheamus in. Sheamus killed him with a running clothesline. He drove Morrison into the heels' corner, then distracted the referee, allowing the others' to choke Morrison. Morrison battled his way out of the corner. He kicked Miz and McIntyre off the apron.
Sheamus kicked Morrison as he was coming off the ropes, then nailed him with the Celtic Cross (Razor's Edge) for the pin.
Your Survivors, Miz, Sheamus and Drew McIntrye!
Backstage, Team Kofi were strategizing. Christian noted he was "different" from everyone else on the team. They teased he meant that he was white, but he really meant that he was from ECW. They were all, like, Oh! Christian thought they thought he meant because he was Canadian. Christian said Canadians could be great rappers and did a rap about how four of them were black and one of them was white. They palled around. It was silly.
They aired a video feature on Batista vs. Rey Mysterio. We'll have to see how they play Mysterio's knee injury into the bout. DC is Batista's hometown, so I'm curious to see how they react to the heel turn as well.
Rey Mysterio vs. Batista
Lots of cheers for Batista.
Batista went to grab Rey but Mysterio ducked and nailed several kicks. Mysterio maneuvered him into the 619 position but Batista left the ring. He pulled Rey to the outside and slammed him back-first into the apron. Mysterio came back with a shoulderblock into the gut. He springboarded off the ropes but Batista ducked and nailed a running clothesline.
Rey came back and attempted the 619 but Batista caught him. Batista went for the powerbomb, but Rey escaped and nailed a rana, sending Batista to the floor. Rey nailed a baseball sliding kick to the the outside. Mysterio dove off the apron and crashed into Batista. Batista recovered and grabbed Rey by the face, then threw him back into the ring.
Rey caught Batista with a 619 into the kidneys, then onto into Batista's back. He finally hit the move into the face. He hit the West Coast Pop, then went to the top rope. Mysterio acknowledged the late Eddie Guerrero and came off with a frog splash but Batista got his knees up.
Batista speared Mysterio. He came up holding his ribs to sell the 619. Batista drilled Rey with a spinebuster. He nailed Rey with the Batista Bomb. He nailed Rey with a second one. Rey is out. Mysterio picked him up and powerbombed him again.
The referee called for the bell. They announced that the referee determined Mysterio can no longer continue.
Your winner, Batista!
After the bout, WWE officials were looking over Rey. Batista brought a chair into the ring and sat down looking at Rey. The fans chanted Batista's name. Batista teased using the chair, then threw it down. He picked up a limp Rey. Rey was begging off, but Batista nailed a spinebuster onto the chair. He walked out.
Mysterio was stretchered out.
Backstage with Team Orton. Orton said that when he formed this team, he expected a lot better than what he has now. He said he expected to be next to the ECW champion, The Straightedge champion and the two men he handpicked to be the next generation of stars. CM Punk said they expected someone to lead by example, but not be embarrassed by Kofi Kingston. They teased it would get heated for a moment, but Orton then said tonight they had a chance to erase all the sins against them by being victorious tonight.
They plugged the Raw Thanksgiving show.
Team Kingston (Kofi Kingston, MVP, Mark Henry, Christian, R-Truth) vs. Team Orton (Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, William Regal, CM Punk)
They ran a video feature on the fun Kingston vs. Orton brawl in Madison Square Garden this past Monday.
Orton and Henry opened the bout. Henry caught Orton with a running charge in the corner. The heels all tried to attack him but Henry laid them out with punches. He caught Orton with a bearhug. The referee argued with the babyfaces, allowing Legacy to attack Henry from behind. Orton snapped Henry with the RKO and pinned him.
Henry is eliminated. 5 vs. 4 with Team Orton in the lead.
MVP faced off with Orton. They locked up. Orton muscled MVP into the heels' corner. DiBiase tagged in and began assaulting him with kicks. The heels all took turns working on MVP. Punk snapmared MVP and cinched on a side chinlock. MVP fought out, but Punk kicked him in the gut. Punk rebounded off the ropes but was kicked up and over.
R-Truth tagged in and flipped Punk into a suplex. He avoided several Punk moves but DiBiase distracted him. Truth nailed DiBiase but Punk caught him with the GTS. Truth is pinned.
Truth is eliminated. 5 vs. 3. Orton in the lead.
Christian caught Punk with a backslide for a two count. He elbowed Punk and got another two count. Punk caught him with a sla and tagged in DiBiase. DiBiase came off the middle rope with a double stomp to the chest, getting a two count. He nailed a scoopslam on Christian but the ECW champ kicked out.
DiBiase tried for Dreamsweep but Christian avoided and attempted the Killswitch. He sent Christian into the corner. Christian came off the ropes with a sunset flip and pinned DiBiase.
DiBiase is gone. 4 vs.3. Orton in the lead.
Regal attacked Christian but Kofi tagged in and dazzled Regal with offense. Kingston missed a flying bodypress off the middle ropes. Cody Rhodes tagged in and nailed several right hands. Regal returned and nailed several knees and a European uppercut. Kingston fought back and they pushed hard that Kingston was ushering in a new age for young stars by standing up for himself.
MVP tagged in and rolled up Regal. 3 vs. 3.
MVP nearly caught Rhodes with a pinfall before bringing him into the babyfaces' corner. Rhodes caught Christian with a clothesline for a two count. He scissored his legs around Christian's waist to wear him down. Cage worked his way out and turned it into an inverted pinfall attempt for two. Rhodes tagged in Orton, who nailed a dropkick to Cage's face. Orton kicked up at two.
Orton stomped Christian in the chest and dragged him back over to the heels' corner. Rhodes tagged in but missed a kneedrop. MVP tagged in with a series of clotheslines. He went up and over to avoid a Rhodes charge and nailed a big knee. He drilled Rhodes' head into another knee , went 'balling and dropped an elbow. Orton distracted MVP, who nailed him. Rhodes caught MVP with the Crossroads for the pin.
MVP is eliminated. 3 vs. 2 with Team Orton in the lead.
Kofi rolled up Rhodes for a quick two count. Christian tagged in and wore down Rhodes' arm Christian and Kofi began making fast tags in and out. Kofi hit a splash for a two count. Rhodes began peppering Christian in the corner with punches. Christian allowed Rhodes to leapfrog over him, then caught him with the Killswitch.
Rhodes is pinned. 2 vs. 2.
Orton and Christian went back and forth. Christian got the better of the exchange in the corner but Orton snapped him into the middle turnbuckle, face-first. Orton dropped a knee across Christian's face, then turned around to punch Kofi. Christian caught Orton with a small package for a two count. Orton went for the RKO but Christian avoided and nailed the Killswitch. He got a two count but Punk broke it up.
Christian charged and Orton moved. Christian hit the corner and was caught with the RKO.
Christian out. 2 vs. 1 - Punk and Orton vs. Kofi.
Kofi and Orton faced off but Orton tagged out before there was any contact. Striker pointed out Kofi and Punk were Tag champions together. They faced off, nose to nose, for a long time. The finally began exchanging punches. Kofi came back with an explosive series, then whipped Punk. Punk put the brakes on and went for the GTS. Kofi escaped and went for the Trouble in Paradise but Punk escaped. Stalemate.
Orton tried to distract Kofi but it didn't matter. Kofi hit the SOS for a two count. Punk nailed him with a knee to the chest. He snapmared Kofi over and drilled him in the back with a knee. Punk scissored Kofi with a triangle Kofi escaped and kicked Punk in the face as Punk charged him in the corner. Punk came back with a scoop slam for a two count. He wore down Kingston on the mat and tied Kofi up in holds. Orton was stalking around outside.
Kingston began to fight back. Kofi escaped and went for a splash but Punk put his knees up. Punk nailed a suplex into a sitdown bomb. Punk nailed the running high knee in the jaw but when he came out of the corner for the bulldog, Kofi nailed him with a back suplex. Kingston went to the top rope as Punk recovered. Punk caught him while he was on the top and attempted a superplex. Kingston fought him off but undaunted, Punk returned and attempted it again. Kingston shoved him off and came off with a big flying bodypress for a two count.
Kingston began mounting a comeback with a clothesline. He was going for the SOS splash but Orton leaped on the apron. Kingston went after him and Orton ducked down. Punk rolled up from behind Kingston but Kingston rolled through and pinned Punk. 1 vs. 1.
Orton hit the ring but was hit with Trouble in Paradise and Kofi pinned him clean in the center. A star is born.
Your winner and sole survivor, Kofi Kingston!
WWE World champion The Undertaker vs. Unified Tag Team champion Big Show vs. Unified Tag Team champion Chris Jericho
All three circled each other at the bell. The Tag champs swarmed over Taker in the corner. Taker came back with elbows to ward each of them off. Jericho waistlocked Taker while Show nailed him with punches. The tag champions continued the beating as Taker sunk down into the lower turnbuckles.
Jericho clotheslined Taker to the floor. Taker landed on his feet and pulled Jericho out. He slammed Jericho into the guard rail. Show followed them and Taker began throwing boxing punches. Taker missed a running kick to Jericho and was crotched on the guard rail. Taker was kicked off by Jericho, who then held him for Show to punch in the chest.
They continued to beat Taker outside, including Jericho assaulting him with the ring mic. They tossed Taker back into the ring. Jericho began stomping on Taker. Show stepped atop Jericho's chest. Jericho went outside and choked him. They worked Taker into another corner and the double-teaming continued. Taker was whipped into another corner and sidestepped a Jericho charge.
Taker and Show exchanged shots. Taker hit the heat seeking missile clothesline on Show. Jericho recovered and Taker charged him in the corner. Taker nailed snake eye's in the corner. Taker and Show battled outside,. Show attempted to ram him shoulder-first into the ringpost but Taker dropped back and shoved Show's face into the post.
Taker returned to the ring and began working over Jericho's shoulder. He went to the top for Old School ropewalking, but Jericho shoved him off. Jericho went for a superplex but Taker fought him off. Jericho covered and nailed it. Jericho covered him but Taker kicked out. Jericho mounted him for a series of punches and went for a Lionsault but Taker moved. Jericho landed on his feet and cinched in the Walls of Jericho.
Taker fought towards the ropes but Jericho brought him back to the center of the ring. Show returned to the ring and from behind, grabbed Jericho by the throat and chokeslammed him. Taker came up selling his leg. Show went for a chokeslam but Taker turned it into a DDT. All three men were out on the mat.
Jericho covered Show but at two, Show kicked out and sent him through the ropes to the floor with the force. Taker and Show played King Kong vs. Godzilla. Show goozled Taker, who returned in kind. Jericho charged with the title belt but Taker ducked and Show got nailed. Taker nailed Jericho and covered him for a two count.
Taker went for the Last Ride but as he lifted Jericho, Jericho grabbed the World title and belted Taker in the face. They both went down. Jericho covered Taker, who kicked out just before the three count. He covered him again, same results. Taker began making his way to his feet. Jericho went for a tombstone but it was reversed.
Before Taker could nail it, Big Show hit the KO punch. He covered Taker but Jericho broke it up. Jericho covered Taker but Show attacked him. Jericho ended up being hit with the KO Punch. Show was waiting for Taker to recover and called for a chokeslam. Before he could lift him, Taker caught him with the Hell's Gate and Show finally tapped.
Your winner and still World champion, The Undertaker!
Josh Mathews interviewed Miz, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre. Miz said that everyone got a little taste of the greatness the three of them have to offer. Miz said he proved last month he was the talent in the team with John Morrison and tonight, he proved he was the better leader. Miz said that while most men his age live with their mothers and bemoan their sad jobs, the three of them are revolutionizing an industry. McIntyre noted he was handpicked by Vince McMahon. Sheamus said that if the competition doesn't come to him, he's going to bring it to them, just like he did to Jerry Lawler. He said it was too easy tonight. The Miz closed by noting he was awesome. Nice to see some new faces getting the shine.
Team Mickie (Mickie James, Melina, Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Gail Kim) vs. Team Michelle (Michelle McCool, Layla, Beth Phoenix, Jillian Hall, Alicia Fox)
Kelly and Layla started out. Layla used a rear takedown to cover her for a two count. Layla caught her in the face with a kick in the corner. Kelly ducked an enziguiri attempt and Kelly caught her with a Rocker Dropper variation for a pin.
Layla out. 5 vs. 4, Team Mickie.
Michelle McCool and Gail Kim hit the ring. Kim went for a frankensteiner but it was turned into a Styles Clash. Kim pinned.
Kim eliminated. 4 vs. 4.
Eve Torres came in but McCool got her with a arm wringer. Jillian Hall tagged in and whipped Torres across the ring by her hair. She went for a sideslam but Torres escaped. She shoved off Hall but was nailed and covered for a two count. Hall went for a handspring elbow but Eve kicked her. Torres nailed a sunset flip off the top for the pin.
Hall out. 4 vs. 3.
Beth Phoenix caught Torres with the Implant Buster.
Torres gone. 3 vs. 3
Phoenix grabbed Kelly. Buster. Pin. 3 vs. 2, McCool.
Mickie James caught Beth with a series of kicks and a crucifix. Phoenix eliminated. 2 vs 2.
Phoenix laid out James with a clothesline after being pinned. Fox began mauling her and snapped her over by her hair. Mickie tried to mount a comeback but was shot down. Fox nailed a Northern Lights suplex into a bridge but James kicked out and locked in a front facelock submission. Fox maneuvered James into the corner to break it up. James ended up on the top rope and kicked Fox off. James hit a Lou Thesz Press off the top for the pin.
Fox is gone. 2 vs. 1, Team James.
McCool cut off James immediately. She dropped a leg and covered her for a two count. McCool cinched in a sleeper while James was down on the mat. She brought James up and drilled her with an uppercut. She continued on James who finally connected with a bodypress. Both women were out as the referee counted them down.
James crawled to make a tag but McCool grabbed her leg. She pulled James down and nailed Melina. James finally kicked off McCool and made the hot tag. Melina speared her and caught McCool with a kick to the gut, ran her knees over McCool's back as she was draped against the ropes and slammed her using McCool's hair as a weapon. McCool went for a clothesline but Melina Matrixed out.
McCool nailed a belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Melina caught her with a sunset flip powerbomb for the pin.
Your winners, Melina and Mickie James!
They aired a promo for the TLC PPV. It was all crazy spots using the expected weapons.
They showed footage of Batista beating Mysterio down earlier, then sent it to an interview "earlier" with Todd Grisham and Batista. Batista asked if Mysterio was embarrassed tonight. Batista said he was embarrassed for Mysterio and walked off.
WWE champion John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
Michaels and HHH both came out to the DX theme.
At the bell, Michaels nailed Hunter with Sweet Chin Music and laid out Hunter, who fell out of the ring. Cena was shocked. Michaels had a slight smirk. The crowd chanted "HBK." Michaels and Cena went back and forth. Michaels caught him with a Thesz Press and a series of punches.
Cena came back with a running bulldog and a suplex. He covered Michaels for a two count. Cena caught Michaels on the top and nailed several kicks to the chest. Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment but Michaels turned it into a DDT. Michaels caught Cena from behind with a chop block. The crowd began chanting that Cena sucked.
Michaels locked in a figure four leglock in the center. Cena finally reversed it, so Michaels broke the hold. Michaels began nailing chops and Cena returned with punches. Cena ducked a clothesline attempt and nailed one of his own. Cena charged Michaels, who ducked down and Cena went sailing through the ropes to the outside.
Michaels hit a plancha over the ropes on Cena. Michaels began clearing off the announcing table. The announcers were teasing that we were seeing the old Michaels, not the fun loving DX Michaels. Cena caught Michaels and went for the Attitude Adjuster through a table. Hunter attacked Cena and broke it up. Michaels nailed Cena. Hunter then grabbed Michaels and hit a spinebuster through the table.
Hunter dragged Cena back into the ring and covered him for a two count. Hunter whips Cena into the turnbuckles. Hunter began drilling a downed Cena with kicks in the corner. Hunter covered Cena for a two count. Hunter nailed a hangman's neckbreaker for a two count. Hunter nailed him with a running clothesline for another near fall.
Hunter and Cena began nailing punches in the center of the ring. Cena ducked a clothesline and rebounded off the ropes with a series of shoulderblocks. Cena did the five knuckle shuffle. He went for the Attitude Adjuster but Michaels broke it up. Michaels shot Cena into the ringpost shoulder-first.
Michaels and Hunter faced off in the center of the ring as enemies for the first time since Backlash 2004. Michaels caught Hunter with a series of chops and inverted atomic drops. Hunter caught him with a running high knee. Hunter drilled him with a knee. Michaels ducked a clothesline and hit a flying forearm off the ropes. All three men were down. Michaels kipped up but was clipped by Hunter.
Hunter kicked Michaels in the gut and went for the Pedigree but Michaels backdropped him over. Michaels went to the top rope for the picture perfect elbowdrop but Cena hit the ring and crotched him. Cena went to the top and went for an Alabama Jam but Hunter moved. Michaels hit the elbow but Hunter grabbed him and threw Michaels out of the ring.
Cena caught Hunter with an STF in the center. As Hunter made his way to the ropes, Michaels grabbed Cena in a Crossface. Cena powered his way to his feet, moving Michaels into an attempted Attitude Adjustment. Michaels elbowed his way out but Cena wasn't too dazed as he caught Michaels in an STF. Michaels teased tapping but finally made his way to the ropes.
Michaels caught Cena with Sweet Chin Music, then nailed one on Hunter, thrusting himself out of the ring from the force. Hunter landed atop of Cena. The referee counted and it was only two. All three tried to recover.
Cena recovered first and nailed the Atttitude Adjustment on HHH. Cena went down from exhaustion as Michaels pulled himself back in the ring. Cena and Michaels both crawled towards the prone HHH. They both covered Triple H, who got his shoulder up at two.
Michaels grabbed Cena to prevent the champ from using the ropes to get back on his feet. Michaels went for Sweet Chin Music but it was kicked. Michaels attempted to piledrive HHH but was backdropped. Cena caught Michaels on his shoulder for an Attitude Adjustment but Michaels escaped. Hunter grabbed Cena for the Pedigree but Michaels caught Hunter with Sweet Chin Music. Michaels turned into an Attitude Adjustment on top of Hunter. Cena covered Hunter for the pin.
Your winner and still WWE champion, John Cena!
2010 - The Miz captured the WWE championship tonight in the main event of Raw, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract after an injured Randy Orton had just defeated Wade Barrett. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Michael ‘Making a vintage Impact’ Cole and Jerry ‘This doesn’t feel like the same building in Orlando, did it get fired along with John Cena’ Lawler.
We see photos from what happened last night in the main event when John Cena got fired because Wade Barrett did not win the WWE Title.
Speaking of the man who lost the main event, Wade Barrett comes out and about ten seconds later the rest of Nexus comes out. Wade and his serious sneer has something to say. He says that last night John Cena looked him in the eye . . . and the crowd is showing Wade no respect so he waits before finishing his sentence. He tells everyone that they don’t have to chant for Cena because he fired him. Wade repeats what he said earlier and John said that he knew exactly what he was doing. John says that it means that he was willing to sacrifice his career to do the right thing. It means that he went into last night’s match without a fighting chance because John Cena decided that Wade would not win. He says that John Cena was biased from the beginning and that is not fair. Wade says that an official has never placed his hands on a competitor but that is what John did last night. John pushed him into a waiting RKO. He says that it was unjust, unfair, and unprofessional.
Wade says that in the name of justice, he wants another opportunity to take on Randy Orton, but with a neutral referee. This way he can be the WWE Champion.
The Official Cast Member of the WWE General Manager rises up and he reads the message. There is no question that there is some validity to the supposition by Wade Barrett. Randy Orton would want to prove his individual superiority. Therefore the WWE Title will be on the line when Randy Orton faces Wade Barrett and it will happen tonight.
Wade likes what the General Messenger wrote for Cole to read. Wade says that he will allow John Cena to appear here tonight in anticipation of such an announcement. Wade says that he enjoyed firing John last night, but as a fellow competitor and a gentleman, he owed it to John Cena to say his final words to the WWE Universe. Wade says that he will enjoy those words as much as becoming WWE Champion.
Michael and Jerry wonder if John Cena will show up to say his farewell in the city that Ric Flair did the same to the WWE Universe?
We go to commercial with the announcement that John Cena will be on Raw.
We are back and next week, King of the Ring will be back too. Who will follow in the footsteps of the last King of the Ring, William Regal?
Jerry cleans off his crown while Cole talks about the vintage King of the Ring. Jerry mentions that six men have won King of the Ring and made it to the Hall of Fame.
Michael Cole gets on the house mic and he introduces the newest member of the Monday Night Raw broadcast team, CM Punk. Punk decides to give Cole a hug just like John Cena did with Cole last night.
Punk says that he is here for the foreseeable future.
R Truth has a surprise for the Orlando crowd as he brings back ‘What’s Up’.
Match Number One: Sheamus versus R Truth with Eve Torres in a King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Sheamus backs Truth into the corner and Truth pushes him but Sheamus with a hip lock take down. Sheamus with a side head lock and he holds on when Truth tries to Irish whip Sheamus. Sheamus with another hip lock take down as he holds on to the side head lock. Sheamus with a forearm but Truth with punches of his own. Truth floats over and then after a short delay, Truth with a split and then Truth with a leg lariat and Sheamus goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus has Truth in an arm bar as he takes his knee off Truth’s head. We see footage from the commercial break when he sent Truth shoulder first into the ring post. Sheamus keeps Truth in the arm bar but Truth with punches. Sheamus with a knee to the midsection and he gets another near fall. Sheamus with a key lock as he continues to work on the arm. Truth punches Sheamus but Sheamus with an arm breaker and he gets another near fall. Sheamus returns to the key lock.
Truth with a jawbreaker as he gets back to his feet. Sheamus misses a charge into the corner. Truth with punches followed by a kick and more punches. Truth with a kick and clotheslines. Truth runs into an elbow from Sheamus but Truth with a hip toss for a near fall. Truth tries for a suplex but Sheamus blocks it. Truth gets out of a power slam attempt and he hits a leg lariat into the corner. Truth goes up top for a missile drop kick and he gets a near fall.
Truth tries for a rollup but Sheamus does not roll through and Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus with the pump kick and Truth is down. Sheamus sets for the High Cross and he gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
Michael Cole points out that last week, a John Cena DVD was released, and now he is fired. Punk mentions that this is the only way that you are going to see him.
We go to a clip from John Cena at Wrestlemania.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that they are using the same ‘How Many Countries are represented’ Wrestlemania factoid.
Michelle McCool and Layla are walking outside and they are talking about how the title was stolen from them. They are told that the entrance is only for Raw superstars. She tells him who they are and they are not on the list. Michelle acknowledges that they are not technically on Raw since they lost, but they are LayCool. Layla tells him to let them in or they are going to cause him so much trouble. Natalya appears and asks if there is a problem. Natalya says that she has never seen them before. Michelle and Layla call her a liar as they are kept out of the building.
Santino is in the back with Vladimir Kozlov and he talks about their loss. They were so close. Vladimir says that they will win the next time. Santino says that he is depressed and he wonders if anything can make him feel better. He hears a ukulele and Tamina serenades him. Tamina kisses Santino and she tells him to call her.
We go to Randy Orton’s locker room and Josh Mathews wants to interview him. He asks Randy if he can beat Wade Barrett again tonight. Randy says that John Cena called the match down the middle last night and it cost him his career. Randy says that it is no secret that they were the best of friends, but he respects Cena. It does not matter who the referee is because Wade Barrett will not leave this building with the WWE Title.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Ezekiel Jackson’s recent victories.
Before our next match, Alex Riley comes out and he says that he has some news. Ten minutes ago, The Miz suffered an anxiety attack so he is authorized to take his place to qualify for The Miz.
Match Number Two: Ezekiel Jackson versus Alex Riley in a King of the Ring Qualifying Match
Riley with a waist lock but Zeke with a standing switch and Riley gets to the ropes. Riley with an elbow and punches. Jackson won’t be Irish whipped and he kicks Riley. Jackson with an Irish whip but he misses a splash. Riley hits a splash into the corner and then he takes Jackson to the mat but only gets a two count. Riley with a reverse chin lock and Jackson powers out of the hold and snap mares Riley. Jackson with a body block or two and then he sets for a running clothesline and hits it. Jackson with a uranage and he gets the three count.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson
John Cena is in the back talking to R Truth and Eve. Gail Kim, Santino, and Yoshi Tatsu stop by to talk to him as we go to commercial.
We are back and the three men at the announce table talk about John Cena being in the building. Lawler thinks it is a trap but Punk points out that Cena is fired.
John Cena is introduced and he comes to the ring.
John says that if you are going to go out, this is how. You don’t do it in a referee shirt or carrying someone’s bags. You go out like this. Cena reminds us that Randy Orton is still the champion so that means that he is fired. Cena says that it was probable but he didn’t think it would happen. John mentions that he was living in his car, cleaning toilets before he got this job. He says that everyone got to know him. He says that you only see what you see on television, but there is a lot that you don’t see. John says that they have no idea how much he respects this company. Not just the company today, but every single person who allowed him to be here today. Guys like Steve Austin, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and the Undertaker. Championships were one thing, but the goal at the end of the day was to be able to look in everyone’s eyes and have them tell him ‘you did good, kid.’
John says that some might think that he got a raw deal, but he got to dance in the ring with Hall of Famers and he got to travel around the world, so he got to live a fantasy. He will not let the last two months of what Nexus did to him ruin the last nine years of his life. Cena says that life moves very fast in the WWE. He says that the WWE was a big part of his life, then it became his life. He wanted to give everything to the fans whenever he stepped in the ropes. He says that his family has been so patient with him and they have let him be him. Cena says that his brother just had a baby girl and he missed it. He says that he will get to celebrate his mom’s birthday. He is going to go to West Newberry and his mom will get the best birthday present because he will be there to spend it with her.
The fans chant for Cena and John says that he looks like an idiot in the ring the way he is acting, but he doesn’t care. He says that he always loved how the fans were honest. He wants to hear half the arena say ‘Let’s Go Cena’ and the other half to . . . He wants every woman and every child to say ‘Let’s Go Cena’ and every guy over eighteen to chant ‘Cena sucks’. Cena stands in the ring and enjoys the crowd’s chants.
Cena tells everyone that it is their passion that brings them back. Cena says that he earned whatever the chant was.
He wants to tell something to Wade Barrett. He says that Wade has a little bit of talent so he wants to help him out. He tells Wade to take a bit of advise from a grizzled ex-employee who wears purple and might have peed in his coffee once or twice. He tells Wade to stop taking shortcuts and the easy way out. The fans will give him everything if he gives it back. Cena tells Wade that karma is a bitch and if you keep taking shortcuts it will come back to haunt you.
Cena says that he is going a bit long and he wants to focus on one person to thank and he thanks the WWE Universe. He thanks them for letting them share his life for the last nine years. He thanks them for standing up for the WWE and watching every night. He thanks them for letting idiots like him to live his dream.
Cena walks to the back but he stops at the top of the ramp and acknowledges the crowd for one last time.
We pan through the crowd to see the reactions of the crowd.
Cena walks in the back and he gets an ovation from everyone as he walks past them. Randy Orton stops by and shakes hands with Cena and hugs him.
We see Wade Barrett mocking Cena as he leaves the building.
We go to commercial.
On his way to the ring, Daniel Bryan is approached by one of the Bellas.
Match Number Three: Ted DiBiase with Maryse versus Daniel Bryan in a King of the Ring Qualifying Match and Rematch from Survivor Series
Ted attacks Bryan as the bell ring and the referee warns him. Ted tosses Bryan in the air and then he kicks him in the head and gets a near fall. DiBiase drops Bryan on the top rope and gets a near fall. DiBiase with a waist lock on Bryan but Bryan with elbows. DiBiase with a knee and then he misses a splash into the corner. Bryan with a running drop kick into the corner but DiBiase with a spinebuster and he gets a near fall but his cover sets up Bryan for the LeBell Lock and DiBiase taps out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, the other Bella comes to the ring and they fight over Daniel Bryan and Daniel lets them have at it while he moves out of the way.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that they have sold a lot of video games.
We see photos of Beth Phoenix’s return to the WWE at the Survivor Series.
Match Number Four: Natalya versus Alicia Fox in a Non Title Match
Natalya with a waist lock and she tries for a rollup but Alicia holds on to the ropes. Natalya with a kip up and monkey flip. Alicia pulls Natalya by the hair and then stands on Natalya’s hair. Alicia stomps on Natalya’s hands and then she pulls off some of Natalya’s hair. Natalya pulls Alicia down by the hair and then slaps Alicia in the face. Natalya with a delayed vertical suplex with squats. Natalya gets a near fall and then she tries to put Alicia in the sharpshooter but Alicia holds on to the ropes. Natalya with a bear hug and Alicia with a sunset flip. Natalya with the sharpshooter and Alicia taps out.
Winner: Natalya
John Morrison is in the back and he is with Melina to talk about his qualifying match. As John walks away, Melina slaps him in the rear end. Is there a reunion in the offing?
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Tyson Kidd attacking David Hart Smith last week.
Match Number Five: John Morrison versus Tyson Kidd in a King of the Ring Qualifying Match
They lock up and Kidd works on the arm but Morrison with a reversal and side head lock. Morrison backs Kidd into the corner and Morrison with a clean break. Kidd with a back heel kick and he sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and kicks Morrison. Kidd drops Morrison across the apron and then kicks him in the chest and gets a near fall. Kidd with a reverse chin lock. Morrison with punches to Kidd but Kidd with a punch of his own. Kidd misses a kick and Morrison with kick of his own. Morrison with punches and he gets a near fall. Kidd goes to the floor but Morrison tries to bring him back in. Kidd kicks Morrison from the apron and then hits a swinging neck breaker and he gets a near fall.
Kidd sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Morrison a few times. Kidd with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Morrison tries for the springboard round kick and he hits it after hesitating. Morrison with the split legged corkscrew moonsault for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
Wade Barrett and Randy Orton walk in split screen as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see the four men who are in the King of the Ring from Raw. Montel Vontavious Porter, Kofi Kignston, Big Show, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger, Cody Rhodes, Alberto Del Rio, and Rey Mysterio will be in action for the Smackdown spots in the King of the Ring.
As Randy Orton comes to the ring, Nexus attacks him and Barrett watches the attack as he directs his men. The other referees come out to stop them. Randy Orton holds his knee as Barrett talks to his men. Husky Harris comes down and he kicks Orton in the injured knee.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is serious as he talks about the attack by Nexus on Randy Orton.
Wade Barrett comes to the ring.
The General Messenger sends Cole an e-mail on his Blackberry because the computer was in hibernation mode. We are told that Nexus is banned from ringside.
Barrett tells the referee if Orton doesn’t come out, he wants the match declared a forfeit.
Match Number Six: Wade Barrett versus Randy Orton for the WWE Title
Barrett tries to kick Orton in his injured leg but Orton with punches. Barrett kicks Orton in the leg. Orton punches back but Barrett with a knee to the leg. Barrett wraps Orton’s leg in the rope and the referee warns him. Barrett slams Orton’s leg into the apron a few times. Barrett kicks Orton in the hamstring and then he slams the leg into the mat. Orton kicks Barrett away but Barrett returns to the leg. Barrett slams Orton’s knee into the mat and then he gets a near fall. Barrett with a step over toe hold but Orton kicks Barrett away.
Orton with a back breaker but both men are down. Barrett runs into a boot but Barrett grabs the leg and slams the leg to the mat. Barrett gets Orton up for Wasteland and hits it. Before the referee can make the three count, Cena pulls the referee out and then he gives Barrett and Attitude Adjustment. Nexus runs into the crowd and after John Cena.
Barrett recovers first but Orton was playing possum and hits an RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
The Miz comes out and gives the referee his briefcase.
Match Number Seven: The Miz versus Randy Orton for the WWE Title
Miz goes for the knee but Orton with punches to Miz. Miz goes for the leg again and Orton with punches. Miz with a kick to the leg and Miz with kicks and elbows to the injured leg. Miz sends Orton’s leg into the ring post. Miz punches Orton and the referee warns Miz while he sends the leg into the ring post again. Miz with another punch but Orton sends Miz into the ringside barrier.
Miz with the set up for the Awesome clothesline but Orton with a clothesline. Orton with a European uppercut followed by an attempted IEDDT, but Miz gets into the ring and hits the injured knee. Orton with a power slam and then it is time for the RKO push ups. Miz avoids the RKO and hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.
Winner: The Miz
We go to credits with Michael Cole excited for the new champion while he is probably jealous of Alex Riley being able to touch Miz right now.
2011 - Former ROH and Pro Wrestling NOAH star Bison Smith passed away. According to a statement made by The World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico, Mark "Bison" Smith passed away following cardiac issues. He had been working semi-regularly for them in recent months and I've heard one report that he was in Puerto Rico at the time of his passing. Smith was only 38.
A Colorado native, Smith was trained by Donovan Morgan and Mike Modest and was a regular for their Pro Wrestling Iron in California. At the time, Iron was working with NOAH, which led to a pretty successful run in Japan where Smith picked up a number of tag titles in the promotion.
An American brawler with size, something that he accentuated with a mohawk, Smith stood out perfectly overseas and was probably the most tenured of the gaijin talent in NOAH.
In the United States, Smith's biggest platform was a short run in Ring of Honor during the time period Adam Pearce was booking. Smith was brought in as a member of The Embassy, feuding with Bryan Danielson.
Smith last wrestled on 11/20 for NOAH in Sapporo, Japan, teaming with Shuhei Taniguchi in a losing effort against Jun Aiyama and Yoshihiro Takayama.
2012 - CM Punk appeared in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade.
2012 - TNA aired a Thanksgiving edition of Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Thanksgiving edition of the Impact Wrestling: Open Fight Night Report!
We look back at the events of last week as Aces & Eights ran wild, Kurt Angle demanded that Wes Brisco get a shot in the Gut Check, and James Storm got suckered into losing his title shot to Bobby Roode.
We then go to the Impact Zone, as Wes Brisco and his insanely chiseled physique are in the ring with Jeremy Borash, who says that if he's ready, it's time for his Gut Check!
Gut Check: Wes Brisco vs Garett Bischoff
Well, this is interesting. Wes goes behind and takes Garett to the mat with a waistlock. Bischoff gets a switch and floats around to a front chancery, but fails to hold him as Wes sits out and gets a fireman's carry. Bischoff tries an elbowdrop, Brisco rolls out of the way, and they have a standoff as Kurt Angle comes out to ringside to observe. They tie up and Garett takes Wes to the corner, breaks clean, and they trade side headlock takedowns before hitting stereo dropkicks at each other, and we're back to a standoff. Wes shoves Garett to the corner, Garett takes him down with a shoulderblock, but then Wes gets a shoulderblock of his own and Garett takes Wes down with a headlock now as Angle cheers both men on from the floor. Garett takes Wes down with another shoulderblock and they finally start trading forearms. Wes kicks Garett in the gut and hits a swinging neckbreaker for 1. Garett regains his feet and nails Wes with a clothesline, then gets him in a sleeperhold. Wes gets out and hits a corkscrew crossbody on Garett for 2, then they trade takedowns and pinfall attempts until Garett gets a flapjack on Wes. Wes suddenly gets a rolling leg cradle out of nowhere and gets the win.
Winner: Wes Brisco
With this win, Wes Brisco becomes the first guy to win his Gut Check match. Garett is a sportsman about it and he hugs Wes and raises his hand. This was really disjointed, and I have to say that I don't expect Garett to be Dean Malenko at this point in his career, but Wes was so built up that I really expected more out of him, and it seemed like he was out of position at several different points in the match. It could have just been nerves, so we'll see where he goes from here.
We go backstage to Al Snow, who is with each of the previous winners of the Gut Check. Snow says that tonight is their opportunity to make or break their careers, and they can challenge anyone they want.
We go to Team Angle's locker room, as Angle says that both men need to slow down the tempo and feel out the fans, but they both did a great job and he's happy for both of them.
Joey Ryan comes out to the ring and says that it's Open Fight Night for all the Gut Check winners, and that he didn't need to win Gut Check to be the biggest star to come out of it. He was born a star, and Hulk Hogan thinks he can control he and Matt Morgan by dividing them, but Hogan can't divide the tag champs, which is what they're going to become. That's why he's going to call out Chavo Guerrero tonight: because Matt is big, he's a "giant", and everyone knows that size matters.
Joey Ryan vs Chavo Guerrero Jr
Joey jumps Chavo on his way into the ring, but Chavo's latin temper comes out and he tosses Ryan into the corner and begins unloading on him. Chavo with a hiptoss and a rolling senton, then tells Ryan to get up as Ryan begs off. Ryan with a kneelift to the midsection, but he misses a charge into the corner and takes another flurry of offense. Ryan catches Chavo with a back elbow and nails him with a sweet dropkick to the jaw. Joey stops to play to the fans and makes a cover for 2, then locks Chavo in a neck vice. Chavo gets out and responds with an equally nice dropkick, then starts the fiery babyface comeback. Chavo with a flying headscissors and then his uncle's slingshot senton from the apron. Chavo with his uncle's Three Amigos, then he goes up top for the frogsplash. Matt Morgan slides into the ring and grabs Chavo by the neck, carries him out into the middle of the ring, and chokeslams him for the DQ.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr by DQ
Hernandez finally runs in to make the save and Morgan skips on out. Nice of him to finally show up.
Austin Aries is backstage and says he can call out anyone he wants, and it's not someone who needs a gut check, it's someone who needs a reality check. He's going to make it a family affair, and the person he calls out will make everyone stand up and notice.
Sam Shaw comes out to the ring to say that it's a privilege to be a Gut Check winner, and since it's Open Fight Night, he wants to call out the first Gut Check winner and tells Alex Silva to get his ass out here.
Sam Shaw vs Alex Silva
Silva looks pissed off at getting called out, and he tackles Shaw as soon as he gets in the ring and drills him over and over with right hands. Silva hits a big backdrop and Shaw is in a bad way early on. Silva measures Shaw and drills him with another right hand before coming off the ropes with a double axhandle. Shaw is getting no offense in as Silva covers for 2, then whips Shaw to the ropes and drills him with a hard back elbow. Shaw rolls out of the way of a legdrop, but Silva goes right back on the offense and whips Shaw hard into the corner and follows him in with a charging clothesline. Silva gets a sleeperhold, Shaw gets to his feet and tries to elbow his way out, but Silva just yanks him down to the mat hard by the hair before singing Oh Canada to the fans. Silva with another hard double axhandle and then he gouges at Shaw's face. Shaw tries to fight out again, so Silva picks him up and slams him hard, then grinds his heel into Shaw's stomach. Silva backdrops Shaw again, but Shaw lands on his feet and spears Silva as he turns around. Now Shaw is on the offensive, and he starts pummeling Silva with right hands and dropkicks. Shaw with the Randy Orton backbreaker and then a neckbreaker, then he comes off the second rope with a legdrop for the win.
Winner: Sam Shaw
Wow, this was WAY better than I thought it would be! These two told a great story, and Silva came off like a major badass, building sympathy so Shaw got a good reaction when he started his comeback. These two have been off TV for months, so this was a great way to reintroduce both of them.
Eric Young and ODB come into Hulk Hogan's office with a turkey suit, asking Hogan to bring back the Turkey Suit Challenge. Hogan says it's Open Fight Night so they can challenge whoever they want, but to be careful of Aces & Eights. EY thanks Hogan as he heads out the door, and Hogan says he wants to be him when he grows up.
After we come back from commercial, Eric Young and ODB bump into Robbie E and Robbie T, and E says that the Turkey Suit Challenge ruined T's life, and to challenge him this year so he can make EY look like the turkey he is. Jesse Godderz and Tara walk by bragging about how he beat EY, so EY says he's going to challenge the both of them.
We take a look back at last week when Aces & Eights destroyed Brutus Magnus with the hammer, then we go to a video package looking at the history of Joseph Park and the torment he's suffered at the hands of Aces & Eights. From there it's off to the clubhouse, as Doc has his first Thanksgiving dinner as a full patched member of the gang. The VP throws another dart to decide tonight's target, and Devon sees who it is and says it's going to be a real Thanksgiving.
We look back at Christian York's time in the Gut Check, and then we go to the ring as York comes out to say that he spent sixteen years trying to get here, and now he feels like the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. Now that he has Lady Luck on his side, he says it's time to double down. He might be crazy, but he's going to call out someone he respects and admires...Jeff Hardy!
World Champion Jeff Hardy vs Christian York
A lot of fans today might not realize that these guys actually go way back to the beginning of their careers in the OMEGA days. Jeff goes right to the arm, York elbows his way out, and it turns into a game where York tries to hit big power strikes, Hardy uses his speed to dodge, and York gets a wristlock. Haryd tries to roll out, but York rolls with him. York gets a pair of nice kicks and a standing dropkick that sends Hardy stumbling backward into the corner. Hardy gets to his feet with a shocked look on his face as we go to commercial.
We're back, and Hardy seems to have turned the tide during the commercial, as he has York trapped in the corner while he fires boots at him. Hardy goes for the Whisper In The Wind, but York moves out of the way and Hardy eats mat. York whips Hardy hard into the corner and takes his head off with a clothesline. York counters a clothesline to an outside fireman's carry and then drills Hardy with a running knee for 2. York gets Hardy in a chinlock, Hardy fights his way out and hits the inverted enziguiri, but York rolls away from the springboard dropkick in the corner and Hardy crashes again. York comes off the top rope with a double stomp, Hardy moves out of the way, but York comes right back with a half nelson suplex. Hardy again is down in the corner, and York hits a rolling senton in the corner and then traps Hardy in a bizarre submission hold even I can't identify. It kind of looks like a double leg nelson with a crossface mixed in, but Hardy manages to escape when he gets to the ropes. York winds up and charges Hardy in the corner, Hardy moves out of the way and tries the Twist of Fate, York shoves Hardy off and hits a Twist of Fate of his own. York makes a cover, but Hardy gets out at 2. York has all the momentum as he waits for Hardy to get back to his feet, he tries the Mood Swing, but Hardy gets out and hits a gourdbuster, then goes to the top rope for the Swanton. York is up and nails Hardy, he goes for a superplex but Hardy counters to a top rope sunset flip into a powerbomb that folds York up like an accordion. Now Hardy has the momentum, and he runs York over with a series of clotheslines and a flying forearm. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate, the shirt comes off, Hardy hits the Swanton, and that's all she wrote.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
As good as York looked in the Gut Check, he looked even better here by nearly beating the World Champion, and having counters for all of his best moves. If they wanted to make the Gut Check winners look like a million bucks tonight, they're 3 for 3 so far. Hardy and York shake hands and hug after the match in a show of sportsmanship, but Bobby Roode comes in while Hardy is waving at the fans and hits a spinebuster on York before spearing Hardy as he turns around. Roode takes the real World Title belt and tells Hardy that the title is coming back where it belongs at Final Resolution, then holds the belt up and says that he's the real World Champion, the revolution, and the belt is coming back home.
We look at Taeler Hendrix's time in the Gut Check, then Brooke Hogan comes up to Taeler as she's warming up backstage and says she is proud of her being the only female winner of the Gut Check. She tells her to go out and kick butt, because this is what she was meant to do.
Taeler Hendrix comes out after the commercial break to ask the Impact Zone how it's going, then says she's been working hard and wants to see how much she measures up to the gold standard, so she's calling out her Gut Check opponent Tara.
Knockouts Champion Tara vs Taeler Hendrix
They tie up and Tara shoves Taeler off, then goes behind and takes her down with a waistlock and slams her face into the mat. Tara is very aggressive as she comes in with a boot to the gut and slams Taeler hard in the middle of the ring. Tara with a hair Beell, then casually walks over and stomps Taeler before choking her on the bottom rope. Tara with a hanging neck submission before simply releasing Taeler and making her fall right on her face. Tara stops to make out with Jesse, but that gives Taeler an opening to dropkick Tara into Jesse and small package her for 2. Taeler with a hiptoss, then she ducks a couple of wild swings and gets a Blue Thunder Driver. Taeler headbutts Tara right in the jaw and fires off some left jabs and a hard right hand, followed by a flying crossbody for 2. Jesse is up on the apron distracting Taeler, Tara tries to dodge in from behind, but Taeler moves and hits a high kick to the face and covers for 2. Tara with a Triple H knee smash and then measures Taeler before knocking her silly with an open hand slap to the face. Tara picks Taeler up for the Widow's Peak and nails it for the win.
Winner: Tara
Taeler still didn't look super polished, but she was obviously working hard and showed a lot of intensity even in defeat.
Eric Young and ODB are backstage, and they're...CARRYING A TURKEY SUIT!
EY and ODB come out to the ring with the turkey suit, and the annual tradition returns!
Turkey Suit Challenge: Eric Young vs Jesse Godderz vs Robbie E
EY goes after the referee as Robbie and Jesse watch him go, but then EY takes them both out with a double clothesline. Jesse jumps EY while he has his back turned and nails him with a dropkick, then argues with Robbie over who gets to beat him. Robbie sends EY to the ropes and nails him with a back elbow, then more arguing with Jesse. Robbie and Jesse hit a double flapjack on EY and then pose for the crowd, but Robbie tries to cover EY for a quick win, Jesse pulls him off and tries a cover himself, then they get into a shoving match with each other. Robbie gets a kneelift to the breadbasket and unloads with right hands, but Jesse returns the favor and yells at him until EY recovers and takes both men out. EY Flair flips to the apron, Rocker slides back in between Robbie's legs, and nails a back elbow for 2. Tara gets into the ring, but is quickly intercepted by ODB, and the two of them fight it out and rolls over the referee while Jesse is completel distracted by the altercation. EY Tullys him out to the floor, Robbie T tries to hold EY so E can nail him, but EY moves and E knocks his bouncer off the apron. EY disposes of Robbie and then gets an O'Connor Roll on Jesse for 3, and we have this year's loser of the Turkey Suit Challenge!
Winner: Eric Young
Jesse refuses to wear the turkey suit, but the referee has a word with him and Jesse reluctantly puts the suit on with a little help from Tara. Eric and ODB celebrate in the ring, but suddenly Aces & Eights come in and surround them. EY tells ODB to run while he goes after the gang, but Devon takes his knee out with the bat and ODB watches helplessly from the floor as Aces & Eights hold EY so Doc can pulls his boot off and smash his ankle with the hammer. The VP holds EY's foot so Doc can nail him a second time, then Devon gets right in his face and asks him how that feels. Aces & Eights heads for the high ground as Al Snow and Pat Kenney run in, and ODB is still watching from the corner where I now realize she had been handcuffed by Aces & Eights. They bring a gurney out to ringside and begin to load EY's carcass up as we go to commercial.
Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian come out to the ring and take their shirts off so the fans can see the goods, then says he challenged AJ Styles to one last match at Final Resolution. The fans (or at least the assbags in attendance) might ask why he would do that, and it's because AJ's been having a tough time and he wouldn't be any kind of friend unless he was there to help. Kazarian then invites AJ out to the ring for a very friendly ass beating, and to consider himself called out.
Frankie Kazarian vs AJ Styles
Kazarian gets AJ right in a side headlock, AJ sends him to the ropes and they go back and forth until they trade a series of rollups, neither man can get a 3 count, but that doesn't stop Kazarian from gloating that he nearly got AJ on that one. Kazarian with a cheap boot to the gut and then yells at AJ that he failed, but AJ takes him out with an explosive dropkick and a flying headscissors. AJ with a snapmare and an indy kick to the back, then a Bret Hart backbreaker. Kazarian suddenly drills AJ with a huge clothesline that puts him down hard on the canvas, then Kazarian slumps AJ over the bottom rope and stands on his back to cut off the airflow to his lungs. Kazarian with a side salto for 2, then suplexes AJ onto the top rope and punts him in the chest to knock him out to the apron. Kazarian does the Gangnam Style dance as we look at a replay of that sequence, then AJ comes back into the ring with a fury, taking Kazarian out with a clothesline and a spinkick to the face. Kazarian pulls the referee in front of him to break AJ's momentum, then rolls out to the apron and slingshots in with a DDT. Kazarian tries a rollup while holding the ropes, but the referee sees him and stops the count. AJ hits the Pelle Kick and covers for the win out of nowhere.
Winner: AJ Styles
Austin Aries is backstage telling the Mystery Cameraman that it's time to stir things up around here because he's figured out the way things work around here. He's going to open Pandora's Box, and it's not going to be pretty...literally.
Austin Aries comes out to the ring and says he hasn't been getting a fair shake for the last few months out here, and feels like the deck has been stacked against the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived and that there's one name responsible for it all: Hogan. Since it's Open Fight Night, he wants Hogan to get his fake tan, bleach blond, big ugly ass out here. Aries then says he should be more specific: he wants Brooke Hogan to get out here. Brooke's crappy music hits and she comes out with a look of shock on her face. Aries says to relax because he knows she's not a wrestler and doesn't want her to wrestle him, but she's a Hogan and daddy's little princess, and he's tired of the name Hogan, because everywhere he's looked for 25 years now, all he sees and hears is Hogan, Hogan, Hogan. (the crowd starts a Hogan chant) Aries says he's sure that Brooke's tired of the Hogan name too, because it makes it real hard to keep her life private. He's sure she dreamed as a child of growing up, meeting the man of her dreams, and marrying him to get rid of the Hogan name. Maybe she imagined being a Trump or a McMahon, but she probably never imagined when she was a kid that she's be Mrs. Bully Ray and that there'd be little Bully Maniacs. He knows Hulk would never let her give the name away, and it's have to be Mrs Bully Hogan, and then he shows footage from a few weeks ago when he bumped into Brooke and Bubba having a discussion backstage that Aries walked in on, then he shows the footage from last week when Jesse and Tara walk in on Bubba in Brooke's office with his hand on her leg. Aries says that if Brooke was that starved for love, she didn't have to settle for the turkey, A Double would give her all the stuffing she could handle. Hulk Hogan's music hits and he comes wobbling out to the ring, but this is only a two hour show so Bully Ray comes sprinting out to chase Aries off as Hogan points at Aries and he'll be a dead man if he keeps it up. Now Hogan, Brooke, and Bubba have a really tense and awkward staring contest as Aries stands at ringside grinning gleefully at the mess he just made.
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