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December 25th
On this day in history in ....
1902 - Don McLeod defeats Tom Jenkins in Worcester, Massachusetts to win the American Heavyweight Title for a second time. The match was actually stopped and Jenkins forfeited the title to McLeod due to problems with his leg, later diagnosed as blood poisoning.
1925 - Bronko Sandor Lupsity, better known as Canadian wrestler and longtime World Class Championship Wrestling referee Bronko Lubich, is born in Batonja, Hungary.
1940 - Billy McEuin defeats Billy Raeborn in Eugene, Oregon to become the first Pacific Coast Junior Heavyweight Champion.
1952 - John Cretorian and Kurt Von Poppenheim defeat Harold Sakata and Toi Yamamoto for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1965 - In Indianapolis, Indiana, Dick the Bruiser defeats Gene Kiniski for the World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title, beginning his third reign. Also, Moose Cholak and Wilbur Snyder defeat The Assassins (Guy Mitchell and Joe Tomasso) to win the WWA World Tag Team Title.
1967 - Art Nelson and Pat Patterson defeat Red Bastien and Mario Milano for the International Wrestling Alliance (Australia) Tag Team Title in San Francisco, California, ending Bastien and Milano's third reign.
1968 - Toru Tanaka defeats Jim Hady to win the NWA (Hawaii) North American Heavyweight Title in Honolulu, Hawaii. Also, Nick Bockwinkel defeats Johnny Barend for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title.
1968 - Rey Mendoza defeats Angel Blanco in Mexico City, Mexico to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title for the third time.
1968 - Rey Mendoza defeats Angel Blanco for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning his third reign.
1968 - Alberto and Ramon Torres defeat Butcher and Stan Vachon to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Savannah, Georgia. This ended the Vachons' second reign and began the Torres' third.
1968 - Karl and Kurt Von Steiger defeat Johnny War Eagle and Billy White Wolf to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign.
1970 - Jose Lothario & Danny Miller defeat The Infernos to become the new NWA Florida Tag Team Champions in Tampa, Florida. The previous champions, Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch, had been stripped of the belts.
1975 - Carlos Colon & Cowboy Bob Ellis defeat Ali Baba & Bull Gregory in Caguas, Puerto Rico to win the WWC North American Tag Team Title.
1975 - Dutch Savage and Jimmy Snuka win their third NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, ending the fifth reign of The Royal Kangaroos (Jonathan Boyd and Norman Frederick Charles).
1977 - Bob Sweetan defeats Black Angus Campbell for the NWA Central States Television Title in Kansas City, Kansas, beginning his second reign.
1977 - Gypsy Joe and Leroy Rochester (Junkyard Dog) win a tournament final in Nashville, Tennessee for the vacant NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.
1978 - Kevin Von Erich defeats Bruiser Brody in Fort Worth, Texas to win the NWA American Heavyweight Title, ending Brody's third reign.
1978 - Austin Idol ends Jerry Lawler's 14th reign as AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion in Memphis, Tennessee.
1978 - Bill Watts' Mid-South Wrestling held a "Superdome Extravaganza" in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Superdome, headlined by a tournament for the United States Tag Team Title. Here are the results of the show:
- Jim Shields defeated Bill Irwin.
- Karl Von Krupp defeated Bob Markus.
- Jerry Stubbs defeated The Assassin #1 to win the Mid-South Louisiana Title.
- Ron Bass defeated Karl Kox to win the Mid-South Brass Knuckles Title.
- Ernie Ladd defeated Ray Candy via forfeit to win the Mid-South North American Title.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Round One
- Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated Terry Latham & Ricky Fields.
- Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen defeated The Angel & Gama Singh.
- Wahoo McDaniel & Jim Shields defeated The Assassins.
- Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown defeated Randy Tyler & Mike George.
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Rob Bass & Ron Slinker. Andre & Rhodes received a bye into the semifinals.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Quarterfinals
- Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco. Ladd & Hansen received a bye into the finals.
- Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown defeated Wahoo McDaniel & Jim Shields.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Semifinals
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Bobby Jaggers & Jerry Brown.
United States Tag Team Title Tournament: Quarterfinals
- Andre The Giant & Dusty Rhodes defeated Ernie Ladd & Stan Hansen to win the tournament and the U.S. Tag Team Title. Danny Hodge was the special referee.
1979 - Jack and Jerry Brisco defeat Austin Idol and The Masked Superstar to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title.
1979 - Bob Armstrong defeats Sterling Golden (Hulk Hogan) for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1979 - Jim Brunzell wins his second NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Charlotte, North Carolina, by defeating Ray Stevens.
1981 - At World Class Championship Wrestling's "Christmas Star Wars" in Dallas, Texas, Jose Lothario defeats Ernie Ladd in Dallas, Texas to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title for the third time. Also, Tiny Tom defeats Little Tokyo to win the NWA World Midgets' Title, ending Tokyo's second reign.
1982 - Mike Rotundo defeats Bad Leroy Brown in Charlotte, North Carolina to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Television Title.
1982 - World Class Championship Wrestling holds the first "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing a crowd of 18,000 fans (and a Texas record gate at the time) for a show that featured one of the most famous heel turns of all time, a turn that sparked arguably the greatest feud in Texas wrestling history, the Von Erichs vs. The Fabulous Freebirds. Here are the results from the show:
- Brian Adias defeated Frank Dusek.
- Jose Lothario & Al Madril defeated Magic Dragon & Checkmate.
- Lone Eagle defeated Little Tokyo.
- World Class American Champion Kevin Von Erich defeated King Kong Bundy via DQ.
- World Class Texas Champion David Von Erich defeated Bill Irwin.
- Ken Mantel won a Battle Royal.
- Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & David Von Erich (subbing for Buddy Roberts) defeated Tom Steele, Mike & Tommy Sharpe to become the first World Class Six-Man Tag Team Champions. After the match, David gave his share of the title to Roberts, since he was the third member of the Freebirds.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Kerry Von Erich in a No Disqualification Steel Cage match in which Michael Hayes was the referee. Leading up to the match, World Class had run a storyline where, due to past controversial decisions in Flair title matches, there was a dispute as to who the referee would be. It was decided that Hayes, rather than usual officials David Manning or Bronco Lubich, would be "tough but fair" and able to keep control in the match. During the match, Von Erich and Flair got knocked out, and Hayes dragged Kerry on top of Flair and counted to three. However, Von Erich refused to accept the victory, and gave the match to Flair. Hayes screamed at Von Erich, calling him an "idiot" and as Kerry exited the cage, Terry Gordy slammed the door on Von Erich's head, sparking off the Freebird heel turn and the beginning of the legendary feud with the Von Erichs.
1983 - Rip Oliver defeats Billy Jack (Haynes) to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title in Seattle, Washington, beginning his fifth reign and ending Billy Jack's second.
1983 - Magnum T.A. & Mr. Wrestling II defeat Butch Reed & Jim Neidhart to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" card at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 19,000 fans. Here are the results:
- The Missing Link defeated Johnny Mantell.
- Iceman Parsons & Brian Adias defeated The Super Destroyers to win the World Class American Tag Team Title.
- Kerry Von Erich defeated Kamala via DQ.
- Mike Reed defeated The Mongol.
- David Von Erich defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via DQ.
- Jose Lothario defeated Black Gordman.
- Kevin & Mike Von Erich defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts in a No DQ Loser Leaves Town match when Kevin pinned Gordy.
- Jimmy Garvin defeated Chris Adams to win the World Class American Title.
1984 - The Rock N' Roll Express defeats Ted DiBiase & Hercules Hernandez to win the Mid-South Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1984 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 17,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Kelly Kiniski defeated Buck Zumhoffe.
- Rip Oliver defeated Iceman Parsons.
- Jose Lothario defeated El Diablo Grande.
- World Class American Tag Team Champions The Fantastics defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey).
- Kerry Von Erich defeated NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair via DQ.
- Kevin Von Erich defeated Chris Adams in a Lumberjack match.
- Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Chic Donovan defeated Skandar Akbar, The Missing Link & Mr. X in a Loser Leaves Town elimination match. This was done like a battle royal, and Terry Gordy ended up as the sole survivor (and didn't have to leave town).
- Mike Von Erich & Billy Jack Haynes defeated Gino Hernandez & Jake Roberts.
1985 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 8,000 fans. Here are the results:
- John Mantell defeated Tommy Montana.
- Iceman Parsons & Brian Adias defeated The Great Kabuki & The Grappler.
- Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Jose Lothario.
- Lance Von Erich defeated World Class American Champion Rick Rude via DQ.
- Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts defeated Mark Youngblood & Dave Peterson.
- The Missing Link defeated Jack Victory.
- Kerry & Kevin Von Erich defeated World Class American Tag Team Champions Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez via DQ.
- Scott Casey & Sunshine defeated John Tatum & Missy Hyatt.
- IWGP Champion Antonio Inoki defeated Steve Williams.
- Bruiser Brody defeated One Man Gang in a chain match.
- Kerry, Kevin & Lance Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts).
1986 - AWA holds their "Brawl In St. Paul" event at the St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing over 8,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Buck Zumhoffe vs. Buddy Wolfe went to a time limit draw.
- Earthquake Ferris defeated Brian Knobbs.
- Steve O defeated Boris Zuhkov.
- Greg Gagne, Scott Hall & Leon White (Vader) defeated Larry Zbyszko, Mr. Saito & Super Ninja.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Col. DeBeers via countout.
- AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel defeated Curt Hennig via disqualification.
- The Midnight Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Janetty) defeated Buddy Rose & Doug Somers in a steel cage match.
1986 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 7,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Mark Youngblood defeated Tim Brooks.
- Steve Simpson defeated The Grappler.
- Lance Von Erich defeated Master Gee (George Wells).
- Dingo Warrior (Ultimate Warrior) vs. Bob Bradley ended in a double DQ.
- Candie Divine defeated Lock.
- Tony Atlas defeated Matt Borne.
- Scott Casey defeated Black Bart in a Loser Rides A Mule match.
- Kevin & Mike Von Erich defeated World Class Tag Team Champions Brian Adias & Al Madril via DQ.
- Abdullah the Butcher defeated Bruiser Brody in a Loser Leaves Town Steel Cage match.
1986 - The New Breed (Chris Champion and Sean Royal) defeat Vic Steamboat and Kendall Windham in Tampa, Florida to win the vacant NWA Florida Tag Team Title. The title had been inactive for five years prior.
1986 - The Nightmares (Danny Davis and Ken Wayne) defeat Tony Anthony and Jerry Stubbs for the Continental Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Birmingham, Alabama.
1987 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their "Christmas Star Wars" event at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, drawing over 4,000 fans. The show was headlined by three steel cage matches, and one of the more distasteful angles in wrestling history. Here are the results:
- The Missing Link defeated Vince Apollo.
- The Real Thing (Rip Morgan) defeated Jason Sterling.
- Brian Adias vs. Bill Irwin ended in a double countout.
- The Fantastics defeated Jack Victory & John Tatum.
- Kerry Von Erich won a Pole Battle Royal, climbing a pole to grab the $10,000 prize.
- World Class Texas Champion Matt Borne defeated The Iron Sheik.
- Jeff Raitz defeated Tony Falk.
- Eric Embry defeated Shaun Simpson in a Steel Cage match to win the World Class Light Heavyweight Title.
- Kevin Von Erich, Chris Adams & Steve Simpson defeated Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts & Iceman Parsons in a Steel Cage match to win the vacant World Class Six Man Tag Team Title.
- World Class Champion Al Perez defeated Kerry Von Erich in a steel cage match. Prior to the match, Fritz Von Erich was attacked by a group of heels and faked a heart attack in the ring. Legitimate news media fell for the act, and reported on his "heart attack" as being real. For the next several weeks, Fritz' "condition" would get better or worse depending on how well the shows were drawing, as his sons promised to get revenge for what had happened to their father.
1987 - Lord Humongous (Sid Vicious) defeats Danny Davis for the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Title in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1987 - Dave Peterson ends the 18th NWA Central States Heavyweight Title reign of Bob Brown in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1988 - Mike Graham defeats The Terminator to win the vacant NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida. The title had been vacated when champion Mike Rotunda gave the belt to Rick Steiner. This began Graham's second reign.
1988 - Top Gun wins his second NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title, ending the fourth reign of The Grappler in Portland, Oregon.
1991 - Wilbur Snyder passes away in Pompano Beach, Florida at age 62.
1991 - Jushin Liger defeats Brian Pillman to win the WCW Light Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1992 - Mohammad Hussein (Lou Fabbiano) and El Vigilante defeat Ray Gonzalez and Rex King to win the WWC World Tag Team Title in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
1993 - Black Bart and John Hawk (JBL) defeat Steven Dane and Chaz Taylor for the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas. At the same event, Chris Adams wins the GWF North American Heavyweight Title from Iceman King Parsons.
1993 - Chris Adams defeats Iceman King Parsons in Dallas, Texas to win the Global Wrestling Federation North American Heavyweight Title. On the same card, Black Bart & John Hawk (JBL) defeat Steven Dane & Chaz Taylor for the GWF World Tag Team Title.
1999 - Mike Rapada wins the NWA North American Heavyweight Title for the fourth time, defeating Terry Taylor in Nashville, Tennessee. This was also recognized by Music City Wrestling, where the match took place, as they had a recognized North American Heavyweight Title as well, this began Rapada's eighth MCW reign.
1999 - El Cobarde, Sr. defeats El Hijo del Solitario in Toluca, Mexico to win the Mexican National Heavyweight Title, beginnign his second reign.
2003 - Mr. Gannosuke and Tetsuhiro Kuroda defeat Jun Kasai and Tengukeiser for the vacant AJPW All Asia Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2003 - Dan Morrow and Bryan Turner defeat The Devil's Deciples (Damien and Dante) for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title in Columbia, Tennessee. This began and ended each teams' second reign.
2003 - UPN airs the first ever WWE Smackdown "Christmas In Iraq/Tribute To The Troops", which was taped at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq on December 20th for an audience of soldiers overseas. The show included Vince McMahon knocking down Santa Claus for not bringing him a gift, only for "Santa" to reveal himself as Steve Austin. Austin then gave McMahon a stunner. Here are the matches from the show:
- The APA defeated Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin.
- Rikishi defeated Rhyno.
- Eddie Guerrero defeated Chris Benoit.
- Torrie Wilson defeated Dawn Marie and Sable in a "Santa's Little Helper" contest.
- John Cena defeated The Big Show with an FU. After the match, Steven Austin came out and gave stunners to both men.
2004 - John Bogie and Elix Skipper defeat A.J. and Damien Steele to win the Georgia Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title in Columbus, Georgia.
2006 - Lady Apache defeats Hiroka for the CMLL World Women's Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning her third reign.
2006 - Fantasma de la Opera, El Hijo del Diablo and El Veneno defeat Dr. Cerebro, Cerebro Negro and Suicida to win the vacant IWRG Intercontinental Trios Title in Naucalpan, Mexico. The title was vacated earlier in the year when Scorpio, Jr., who held the title with El Veneno and Cerebro Negro, jumped to AAA.
2009 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
After opening your Christmas presents, it is time to sit down in front of the television and watch the Christmas tradition. After that is done, it is time to watch the final episode of Smackdown for 2009.
We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Todd ‘Where do we put the stockings on the announce table’ Grisham and Matt ‘This is the first Christmas Smackdown in Orlando, but I might be wrong’ Striker.
We are in the back and Vickie Guerrero is our special holiday host. She wants to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. She talks about how Christmas is for having friends and families over. Vickie has Teddy Long with her and she talks about how egg nog is a once a year thing. Teddy pours some egg nog and he mentions that he added something to the nog. Vickie shows us how she prepares her potatoes and she has a little fun with butter and Teddy worries about another heart attack. Now it is time to talk about the turkey. We see the finished product and then we see the stuffing. Teddy says that the stuffing looks like dog food. Teddy refuses to get the cranberry sauce for Vickie because he doesn’t get cranberry sauce for anyone. Vickie is shocked to see a pest in the kitchen and it is Hornswoggle who attacks the turkey.
Match Number One: R Truth, Finlay, Matt Hardy, and John Morrison versus CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew McIntyre
Ziggler and Finlay start things off and they lock up and Finlay with a side head lock and shoulder tackle followed by a slap to the face. Finlay with a slam and then he hits a seated splash for a near fall. Finlay teases Ziggler to make a tag and hits a short arm clothesline. Truth is tagged in and he dances before he slaps Ziggler in the face. Truth with a rollup as a counter to a hip toss. Truth works on the arm but Ziggler with kicks and a fireman’s carry for a near fall. Punk tags in and he head butts Truth in the ribs. Truth with a hip toss and he works on the wrist. Hardy tags in and he Punk tries to escapes. Hardy punches Punk in the head and sends him into the turnbuckles and kicks him. Hardy with a running clothesline into the corner and he hits a bulldog for a near fall. Punk with an Irish whip but he turns into an elbow from Hardy. Hardy comes off the turnbuckles and Punk with a punch to the midsection and then kicks Hardy and gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Gallows has Hardy in a bear hug. Gallows punches Hardy and then McIntyre is tagged in and he kicks and punches Hardy and the referee has to pull McIntyre off. McIntyre chokes Hardy in the ropes and then he has to deal with Morrison. McIntyre with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Ziggler tags in and he kicks Hardy in the ribs and then McIntyre with a forearm. Ziggler with a drop kick and a near fall. Ziggler with the leap frog neck snap and then gets a near fall. Ziggler with a body scissors and chin lock. Ziggler works on the ribs and abdomen. Hardy tries to fight out of the hold and he gets to his feet. Ziggler pulls Hardy down by the hair. McIntyre tags in and he kicks Hardy in the back while Ziggler keeps Hardy on the mat. McIntyre punches Hardy and hits a head butt. Hardy gets out of a slam attempt and hits a neck breaker and both men are down. Punk and Morrison tag in and Morrison with punches and kicks followed by a forearm. Morrison with an Irish whip and a clothesline in the corner. Morrison tries for a leg lariat but Punk holds on to the ropes and Morrison does not connect. McIntyre tags back in and Morrison punches McIntyre. Ziggler tags in and Morrison hits a leg lariat and then he hits the Shining Wizard for a near fall that is broken up by McIntyre. Finlay with a rolling fireman’s carry slam to McIntyre. Punk with a Go To Sleep to Finlay (despite not being the legal man in the ring). Truth with leg lariat to Punk. Hardy hits a Side Effect on Ziggler after he misses Truth, who hits his split. Gallows hits a double clothesline on Truth and Hardy but Morrison with the springboard spin kick to Gallows. Morrison hits the springboard corkscrew moonsault on Ziggler for the three count.
Winners: John Morrison, R Truth, Jeff Hardy, and Finlay
After the match, we see a stare down between the two teams.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Chris Jericho comes to the ring and he has something to say. He says that having tonight’s show called a DX Christmas is a travesty and proves that Teddy Long is incompetent as a general manager. Triple H and Shawn Michaels wishing everyone a Merry Christmas is a fallacy and proof of the conspiracy being perpetrated by WWE against him. He says that he is a victim in all of this. He says that to be excommunicated and banished from Raw by malefactors is one thing, but to be disrespected and insulted on Smackdown is worse. He reminds everyone that he is the face of Smackdown and the man on this show. The fact that the Big Show and Chris Jericho are no longer number one contenders is a travesty. He wants to know what the Hart Dynasty has ever done to deserve that position. Jericho says that they were never beaten in their rematch.
Chris is interrupted by the music of the Hart Dynasty and they come to the ring to confront the man who says that they are not worthy of a tag title match. Jericho says that he wants them to calm down and take a breath. He says that he respects where they came from and their family. He reminds them that he trained in Stu Hart’s Dungeon as well. He says that he remembers when they were running around with mucus on their noses and dirt on their faces and that is what he thinks of them now. He calls them a bunch of punks. He wants to know what they have done to prove themselves in a title match.
Smith says that when they come across any hardship or controversy. They do not run or complain. They take the problem head on. Tyson says that Chris says that he is the best, but they are better than the best . . . period. Jericho says that while they were thinking of nifty catchphrases at Stu’s house . . .
Jericho is interrupted by DX’s music and they are on the TitanTron. Hunter says that they were going to wait for the opportune moment and make a proper impact, but everyone in the ring is boring them to death. Hunter has to wake up Shawn. Shawn says that this is what Smackdown looks like. Hunter reminds Shawn that he has been here before. Hunter tells Shawn to talk about their gifts. Shawn says that it is not their unauthorized biography. Their gift is something better. Hunter and Shawn want to give Chris something to remind Chris of his former partner, a Tickle Me Big Show. Hunter mocks Jericho’s scowl and then we hear the sound that the Tickle Me Big Show plays and it is a gas. Shawn has a gift for the Hart kids and Shawn has a special gift. It is a one way trip to the great white north, Canada where they can enjoy a nice train ride to the freezing cold temperatures, Canadian bacon, bears, hockey, and more bears.
Jericho says that this is the sophomore behavior that DX does to pander to the hypocrites and never take anything seriously. He tells them that if they want to prove themselves, they need to make an impact. Jericho says that he is not through with DX and he will win back the tag titles. While Jericho talks, Smith gets ready to attack Jericho and they hit the springboard Hart Attack.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mickie James is in the back and she is confronted by Michelle McCool and Layla. Michelle says that she wants to say that they are sorry and they are ashamed for the way that they have treated her since it is Christmas. Layla almost sounds sincere with her apology. Michelle has a present for Mickie and they are sorry. Mickie looks at the gift and Michelle and Layla tell Mickie that it is a Jenny Craig gift certificate. Then they make fun of Mickie’s weight and leave.
We take a look back at the match between Batista and Undertaker at TLC when Teddy Long ruined Batista’s victory celebration to restart the match and give Taker the belt back after the match was restarted. Then we see footage from last week’s match between Rey Mysterio and Batista to see who would face Undertaker tonight.
Rey is in his locker room getting ready for his match and Josh Mathews interrupts Rey to ask him if he thinks he has any chance of beating Undertaker for the World Title. Rey starts off by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Then he says that he defeated Batista last week and it was an awesome feeling because he has the chance to become champion again. He is the underdog in this match but it is Christmas and it is the time of year when miracles happen. Rey says that Orlando might see a miracle tonight and he will receive the present of a lifetime.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that they are still using the number of photos viewed ‘Did You Know’ graphic?
Match Number Two: Rey Mysterio versus Undertaker for the World Title
Rey moves to avoid Taker as the bell rings and he avoids Taker for a bit but he runs into a clothesline. Taker throws Rey to the floor and then he goes after Rey. Taker puts Rey on the apron and goes for the leg drop but Rey moves out of the way. Rey with a cross body onto Taker but Taker catches Rey and tries to send Rey into the ring post but Rey pushes Taker into the post and then hits a suicide dive onto Taker. We go to commercial.
We are back and Rey kicks Taker in the leg and Taker blocks a kick and connects with an uppercut and a head butt. Rey with a kick and Taker does not like that and Taker charges at Rey but Rey drops down and Taker goes over the top rope to the floor. Rey with a baseball slide to Taker and then he tries for a seated splash onto Taker but Taker catches him and sends Rey into the ringside barrier. Taker returns to the ring and then he goes back to the floor after the count has been stopped. Taker slams Rey’s head into the ring steps. Taker rolls Rey back into the ring and then he hits an elbow drop. Taker works on the arm and kicks Rey in the chest. Taker uses the rope to work on the arm. Taker lifts Rey by the arm and then he drops Rey to the mat and gets a near fall. Rey struggles into the corner and Taker kicks Rey in the arm. Taker with a slam and then he stands over Rey. Taker sets for Last Ride but Rey escapes and he kicks Taker and then hits a springboard shoulder tackle and a springboard leg drop for a near fall. Rey with kicks to Taker but Taker grabs Rey by the throat for a choke slam but Rey escapes the hold with kicks. Rey tries for a springboard cross body but Taker with a kick and then Taker hits a choke slam on Rey.
From out of nowhere, Batista comes into the ring and he attacks Taker and the referee calls for the bell. Taker punches back and then Batista hits a spinebuster and then he sets up for a Batista Bomb but Taker with a back body drop. Rey hits a springboard drop kick to Taker’s back and Taker falls ‘into the position’ and Rey hits a 619. Rey comes off the ropes and Taker grabs Rey by the throat. Batista stops the choke slam with a spear to Taker. Batista charges at Rey and Rey with a kick to the knees and Batista falls into the ropes as only a Rey Mysterio opponent does. Rey hits the 619 and a springboard seated senton and then Rey heads to the back.
No Contest
We are back and it is time for the announcement of the guest host for next week and then it is followed up with a reminder that John Cena and Sheamus will meet for the WWE Title next week.
We have a moments ago moment of Batista’s attack on Undertaker and the residual carnage.
It is time to take a look back at the Tribute to the Troops special and highlights from the show and tour.
Cryme Tyme is in the monitor room and they see Santa Claus and he sounds a lot like Heath Slater. Santa says that he does not know how the real Santa does it. Now he has to hand out gifts to the crowd and he is not going to do it. He says that he got all of the good gifts for himself. Shad wants to give him a helping hand but JTG suggests a helping boot and Shad kicks Santa. They take his jacket and bag of presents.
Cryme Tyme come out but they give out some gifts before their match.
Match Number Three: Cryme Tyme versus Bryce Andrews and Pat Buck
Andrews and JTG start things off and JTG with a side head lock but Andrews with a forearm. JTG with a punch to Andrews and then he slams his head into the turnbuckles. JTG with an Irish whip and back body drop. Andrews with a kick and Buck tags in. JTG with a kick and Buck misses a drop kick and Shad is tagged in and he hits a few clotheslines and then he knocks Andrews off the apron. Shad with a spinebuster slam to Buck and then he hits the Money Money Elbow drop. Shad press slams Andrews to the floor. Shad tags JTG in and they hit the combination swinging neck breaker and Samoan drop for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme
We return to Vickie’s kitchen and Teddy and Vickie argue over Hornswoggle’s appearance and Vickie pulls the ‘Vince card’ and Teddy clams up. Vickie apologizes for the tiff and says that everything is under control. Vickie says that a great dessert can save the night and she talks about making an apple pie. Vickie and Teddy each have pies and they want to throw them in each other’s face but they stop at the last minute. Hornswoggle returns while Vickie talks about the recipe. Teddy interrupts Vickie and she turns around and Hornswoggle hits Vickie in the face with a pie. Teddy gets a good laugh but he is standing in front of the egg nog but Hornswoggle hits Teddy with a pie and we gets a crotch chop from the DX mascot before he takes a drink out of the bowl of egg nog.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michelle McCool has joined Todd and Matt at the announce table for the next match.
Match Number Four: Mickie James and Maria versus Layla and Beth Phoenix
Maria has to hold Mickie back before the match starts because she wants a piece of Layla.
Maria and Layla start off and Maria pushes Layla and hits a hip toss and drop kicks. Maria with an Irish whip and hits a running back splash into the corner. Maria chokes Layla with her boot. Maria blocks a hip toss but Layla with a kick and a spin kick for a two count. Beth tags in and she hits a running shoulder tackle and Irish whip followed by a splash. Beth chokes Maria in the corner and then hits a bonsai drop. Beth chokes Maria in the ropes and Layla tags in and Beth is angry with the tag. Layla with a snap mare and a drop kick to the back. Layla with a chin lock and arm bar combination. Layla with a front face lock and a shoulder tackle. Mickie tags in and hits a Thesz Press and then she slams Layla’s head into the mat. Mickie tosses Layla by the hair and then Mickie kicks Beth off the apron. Layla misses her spin kick but Mickie does not miss with her spin kick and gets the three count.
Winners: Maria and Mickie James
After the match, Mickie goes after Michelle but Michelle throws the furniture at the announce table at Mickie to stay out of the way. Beth pulls Mickie off the announce table and attacks her. Maria tries to make the save but Beth takes care of her. Michelle stands over Mickie but Beth stares at Michelle and Michelle quietly walks away.
It is time for the Marine 2 trailer. Did you know that it is out on DVD on Tuesday?
We go to commercial.
We are back with a shot of the entrance to Disney World (why aren’t they using Universal?)
We are reminded that next week that John Morrison gets his rematch against Drew McIntyre (in case you missed the announcement on Superstars)
We have a Raw Rebound of the Little People’s Court (please make it stop).
Match Number Five: Degeneration X versus David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya for the Unified Tag Titles
Kidd and Michaels start things off and they lock up and Michaels with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kidd with a hip toss but Michaels kicks him off. Michaels with a hip toss but he misses an elbow drop. Kidd with a back kick and he tries for a rana but Michaels blocks it and he catapults Kidd into Hunter who punches Kidd. Hunter tags in and he punches Kidd and hits a delayed vertical suplex and points at Smith since he uses that move. Hunter gets a near fall. Hunter with a hard Irish whip and then he punches Kidd in the corner and follows it with another Irish whip but Kidd blocks the charge with boots to Hunter. Kidd goes to the turnbuckles and is met with a boot from Hunter and he tries for the pedigree but he is too close to the ropes and Smith with a clothesline to Hunter. Smith tags in and he kicks Hunter in the corner as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kidd chokes Hunter from the apron while the referee deals with Michaels trying to get into the ring. Smith with a knee to Hunter and then he hits a delayed vertical suplex to show Hunter who is the king of the delayed vertical suplex in the WWE and Smith gets a two count. Smith with a cross face to Hunter followed by a reverse chin lock. Hunter gets to his feet but Smith runs Hunter into the turnbuckles and he connects with a few shoulders and punches before Kidd chokes Hunter and rakes the eyes while the referee is distracted. Hunter punches Smith but Smith with a drop toe hold and then he tags Kidd in. Kidd runs into a clothesline and both men are down. Michaels tags in and he punches Kidd and then hits the flying forearm and then he chops Kidd. Michaels with a slam and then he goes up top for the elbow drop but Smith tries to interfere and Michaels kicks Smith away. Michaels misses the elbow drop when Natalya pulls Kid out of the way. Kidd with a springboard blockbuster for a near fall. Kidd sends Michaels into the turnbuckles and then Smith tags in and he punches Michaels. Michaels with a chop but Smith sends Michaels into the turnbuckles on an Irish whip and Michaels does the Michaels flip and goes to the floor. Smith goes out after Michaels and runs Michaels’ back into the apron. Michaels makes his way back onto the apron but Natalya slaps Michaels in the face. Smith with a European uppercut to Michaels and then Kidd is tagged in. Smith with a drop toe hold to Michaels followed by a drop kick to the head by Kidd. Kidd can only get a two count on Michaels. Kidd with a reverse chin lock and he locks it in as he works on Michaels’ neck. Michaels with a punch to Kidd’s midsection followed by a chop but Kidd hits a corkscrew drop kick and he gets a near fall that is stopped when the referee sees Michaels’ foot on the ropes.
Smith tags in and they start with a double suplex that turns into a delayed vertical suplex by Smith as Kidd checks his invisible watch. Smith can only get a two count on Michaels. Smith with a forearm to the head and then he puts Michaels in an arm bar and cross face. Michaels gets to his feet and he punches Smith and chops him. Smith with a Saito suplex and he gets a two count. Smith stomps on the solar plexus and the he hits another European uppercut. Kidd tags in and they send Michaels back first into the turnbuckles. Kidd gets a near fall. Kidd with a front face lock den Michaels tries to get to the corner to make the tag. Michaels with a chop but Kidd with a side head lock. Both men bump heads as Kidd comes off the ropes. Kidd rolls to the floor while Michaels remains in the ring. Michaels starts to crawl to make the tag but Kidd sets for a springboard move but Michaels turns around and hits a reverse atomic drop. Both men are down again. Michaels finally makes the tag to Hunter and Smith also tags in. Hunter punches Smith and then he hits the high knee. Hunter with the facebuster followed by a punch to Kidd on the apron. Hunter hits the spinebuster and gets a near fall. Hunter gives Kidd a more emphatic spinebuster. Hunter waits for Smith to get up and he sets for the pedigree but Smith counters and gets Hunter up for the springboard Hart Attack and Kidd hits it. Smith can only get a two count because Michaels breaks up the cover. Kidd clotheslines Michaels over the top rope to the floor but he misses a pescado. Smith tries for the running power slam but Hunter gets out of the hold. Smith with a waist lock and he runs Hunter into his corner but Hunter ducks down and Michaels hits a super kick and Hunter with a kick to the gut and a Pedigree for the three count.
Winners: Degeneration X
After the match, it is time for the mascot to come out and he has Santa hats for his masters and himself. Shawn gets on the mic and he says that after a long, hard day at the office, Hornswoggle has two words for everyone and he says ‘Merry Christmas’.
2010 -
2011 - Ring of Honor broadcast ROH on Sinclair. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in the Ring of Honor Studios and Kevin Kelly welcomes us to a special holiday edition of Ring of Honor television. It is time to take a look back at some of the matches that we have seen on Ring of Honor television.
The first match we are going to see is from October 1st when El Generico defended the Ring of Honor Television Title against Jay Lethal.
Match Number One: Jay Lethal versus El Generico for the ROH Television Championship
They lock up and Generico with a waist lock but Lethal works on the wrist. Generico with a reversal. Lethal with a reversal of his own and Generico with another reversal and arm drag. Generico with a leg sweep and a rana that sends Lethal into the corner. They lock up and Lethal with a waist lock and Generico with a wrist lock.
Lethal with a flip and arm drag and then Lethal with a head scissors to take Generico to the mat. Lethal offers his hand to Generico and Lethal helps Generico up and they shake hands again. They lock up and Generico with a waist lock and Lethal with a standing switch. Generico tries for a switch but Lethal with a snap mare and drop kick to the neck and he gets a near fall.
Lethal with a European uppercut followed by a forearm to the back. Lethal with a hip toss and cartwheel followed by a drop kick for a near fall. Lethal with a back breaker for a near fall. Lethal with a snap mare and he works on the legs and he applies a surfboard and cloverleaf combination but Generico refuses to submit.
Lethal gets a near fall. Generico with a punch but Lethal with a European uppercut. Lethal with a kick to the head and he gets a near fall. Lethal with a front face lock but Generico gets to his feet. Generico with punches but Lethal with a drop kick for a near fall.
Lethal with a forearm to the back but Generico responds with punches. Lethal with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Generico tries for an Arabian Press but Lethal moves. Generico with a series of arm drags and Lethal goes to the floor.
Generico sets for a plancha to the floor and he hits it and both men are down on the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Lethal with a drop kick that staggers Generico. We see highlights from the commercial break when Generico hit a moonsault off the guardrail. Back to action in the ring, Generico gets a near fall after a drop kick. Lethal goes to the apron and he is favoring his knee. Lethal with a shoulder and then he hits a sunset flip from the apron for a near fall.
Generico with a back elbow but Lethal with punches. Generico with a forearm but Lethal with a handspring back elbow and both men are down. Lethal and Generico exchange punches and forearms. Lethal with a chop and elbows. Lethal backs Generico into the corner and Generico sends Lethal to the apron. Lethal with a missile drop kick for a near fall.
Lethal runs into a back elbow and Generico misses a clothesline. Lethal with a neck breaker for a near fall. Lethal tries for a power bomb but Generico drops down. Lethal sets for a piledriver but he could not get Generico up. Generico hits a tornado DDT for a near fall.
Lethal with elbows but he misses a round kick. Generico with a Blue Thunder Driver for a near fall. Generico sets for the Yakuza Kick but Lethal blocks it and Lethal with a rollup for a near fall.
Lethal tries for the Lethal Injection but Generico blocks it. Generico tries for the brainbuster but time runs out.
Time Limit Draw
After the match, Generico and Lethal shake hands while the fans want five more minutes. Generico talks to the referee and so does Lethal.
Jim Cornette comes to the ring and he tells the referee that they don’t have five more minutes but they have about three. He says that if Generico and Lethal want to wrestle until the end of the show, they can do it.
Continuation of Match Number Two: El Generico versus Jay Lethal for the ROH Television Title
Generico and Lethal exchange punches and Generico in control. Lethal with a forearm and then he hits a running clothesline into the corner. Generico with a Yakuza Kick and half nelson suplex for a near fall. Generico sets for the brainbuster and then he points to the corner for the turnbuckle brainbuster. Lethal with a suplex of his own and then he goes up top for the Savage elbow drop but Generico moves out of the way. Generico sets for the top turnbuckle brainbuster but Lethal pushes him off and Lethal is able to hit the elbow drop but he can only get a two count.
Lethal waits for Generico to get up but Generico stops Lethal and sends him into the turnbuckles with an exploder. Lethal with a super kick followed by the Lethal Injection for the three count.
Winner: Jay Lethal
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Inside Ring of Honor segment from October 1st when Eddie Edwards was profiled.
Eddie shows the scar on his elbow from an injury he suffered in September 2009 when he broke his elbow. He says that he was told not to do anything to the elbow and they suggested that he get surgery that night, but he was scheduled for a match the next night with Davey Richards against El Generico and Kevin Steen. Eddie mentions that he could barely move is arm and the fans saw the risks that he was taking. He says that he got a plate and eight screws put in the elbow. Eddie was told that he was going to be out for six months, but he came back nine weeks later. That was when the fans started calling him ‘Diehard’. Eddie says that it meant a lot to him and built his character. It showed him what he could put himself through and get better.
It is now time to see the profile on Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin from October 15th.
It is time for the ROH Focus On Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin.
Charlie says that they are the best at what they do. Shelton says that you put any two men in front of them and they will beat them. Charlie says that they were bred to wrestle. To be able to hold the titles says a lot. Charlie says that wrestling in Ring of Honor is like his training in college. Shelton says that every night is a test of their manhood and their talent. If you put in the time and energy, you will win.
They talk about their amateur background. Shelton mentions that he was a two time champion in South Carolina and Charlie says that he was a state champion in Oklahoma. Shelton mentions that he was a high school All-American. Shelton mentions that he was all-state in track and field while Charlie mentions that he earned a scholarship to Seton Hall. Shelton mentions that he was an All-American at Minnesota. Charlie points out that he was an All-American too. Shelton mentions that he was Brock Lesnar’s assistant wrestling coach and training partner at Minnesota. They also point out that they are the tag team champions.
Charlie and Shelton say that the Ring of Honor fans are the most knowledgeable, discerning, and critical wrestling fans. Shelton says that the vast majority of his career, he was in the WWE. That style is like comparing apples and oranges. Shelton says that this was the first place where wrestling matters. Charlie says that this is the most important title that they have held in their careers.
They talk about the attack by the Briscoes in New York. Charlie says that they are not going anywhere. They were the best ten years ago and they are the best now. The Briscoes have lit a fire under their asses and no one is going to blow it out.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we go to the World Tag Team Title Match from September 24th when Haas and Benjamin faced the Kings of Wrestling.
Match Number Two: Kings of Wrestling (Claudio Castagnoli and Chris Hero [with Sara Del Rey and Shane Hagadorn]) versus Wrestling’s Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) for the Ring of Honor Tag Team Titles
Claudio and Haas start off and they lock up and Haas pushes Claudio. Haas with a waist lock take down and then he turns it into a front face lock and Claudio tries to roll through but Haas holds on. Haas with a hammer lock but Claudio with an elbow and side head lock. Claudio with a shoulder tackle and then he poses. Haas tries for a hip toss and Claudio blocks it. Claudio tries for a hip toss but Haas blocks it. Haas with a fireman’s carry and arm drags into an arm bar.
Haas works on the arm but Claudio with a European uppercut but he misses a clothesline and Haas made the blind tag so Benjamin with a clothesline from the top to take Claudio down. Benjamin with a hip toss to Claudio and he gets a near fall. Benjamin with a front face lock and Hero is able to make the tag. Benjamin slides in from the apron and applies an arm drag and Benjamin with an arm bar. Hero with a knee and he works on the wrist. Benjamin rolls through and he reverses with a hammer lock. Hero grabs a leg to get out of the hold. Benjamin with a small package for a near fall.
Hero pushes Benjamin and Benjamin punches Hero. Hero argues with the referee before returning to Benjamin and Hero with a kick followed by chops. Hero with a wrist lock but Benjamin with a knee and chops. Benjamin with a punch and then he applies a side head lock to Hero. Hero with an Irish whip into the corner and Hero runs into a boot and then Benjamin clotheslines Claudio on the apron.
Benjamin misses a spinning heel kick and Claudio with a knee to the back from the apron. Hero with a cyclone kick to Benjamin. Hero sends Benjamin to the floor and Claudio holds Benjamin for Hero to hit a baseball slide through the ropes and he connects with Benjamin. Claudio tells the referee that he is an angel and didn’t do anything wrong.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Claudio with a side head lock followed by a power slam for a near fall. We see highlights from the commercial break when Benjamin missed a splash on the floor and hit the ring post. Then we see Benjamin trying to make the tag but being stopped by Claudio and then Benjamin received a European uppercut for his troubles.
Claudio with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot in the corner. Hero comes in to try to stop Benjamin from making the tag but Hero misses and goes over the top rope to the floor. Claudio grabs the boot and but Benjamin with a spinning heel kick to take Claudio down. Benjamin dives to make the tag but Hero pulls Haas off the apron. Haas punches Hero and sends Hero back into the ring.
The referee keeps Haas on the apron and Hero hits Benjamin in the back of the neck with a forearm and Claudio gets a near fall. Claudio punches Benjamin in the head and he tags Hero in. Hero with a back senton splash for a near fall. Hero with kicks to the back and head. Claudio tags back in and they make a wish with Benjamin.
Hero tags back in and they make another wish. Hero gets a near fall. Hero with a kick to the head but Benjamin bounces off the ropes and punches Hero. Hero with a chop but Benjamin with a punch. Hero with a boot to the head and Claudio tags back in. They go for a double suplex but Benjamin lands on his feet and he hits a double neck breaker.
Benjamin tries to make the tag and he succeeds. Haas punches Hero and Claudio and then he gives them a clothesline each. Haas with a head scissors to Claudio and then he avoids a roaring elbow and Haas gives Hero a German suplex. Haas with a t-bone suplex to Claudio for a near fall. Claudio with an Irish whip but Haas with an elbow and then Haas with a rana off the turnbuckle and a running boot for a near fall.
Hero tags in and Claudio sends Haas to the mat and Hero with the KTFO but he can only get a two count. Hero shows some frustration and he sets for running splash into the corner followed by an elbow from Haas but Hero responds with a roaring elbow. Claudio tags in and he sets for the Giant Swing and Hero with a drop kick to Haas’ head but Claudio can only get a two count when Benjamin pulls Claudio off Haas.
Hero tags in and they set for KRS-1 but Benjamin with a diving head butt to Claudio and Haas with a rollup for a near fall. Hero misses a roaring elbow on Haas but Benjamin with a super kick to Hero. Haas hot shots Claudio and then Benjamin hits the Leap of Faith and Claudio goes to the floor. They hit the flying Hart Attack for the three count.
Winners: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at a match between the Briscoes and the All Night Xpress from October 29th.
Match Number Three: Briscoe Brothers versus All Night Xpress in a Number One Contender Match for Final Battle
Before the ring introductions are done, both teams start brawling. Mark and Rhett go to the floor while Jay and Kenny stay in the ring. Rhett sends Mark into the guardrails while Kenny hits a round kick to Jay’s head. Titus with a slingshot shoulder tackle to Jay followed by a leg drop from King and a splash by Titus. King punches Jay and tags in Titus. Titus with a boot to the midsection followed by a double sledge to the back. Titus with a chop followed by an Irish whip but Titus runs into a boot. Jay with a flatline and Mark tags in and he kicks Titus.
Mark with a punch and he tries for a suplex but Rhett floats over. King tags in and Titus with an elbow into the corner and then he sends Mark into a spinning heel kick from King and he gets a near fall. King with a snap suplex and then he rolls over and punches Mark before getting a near fall.
Titus tags in and he punches Mark. Titus with a reverse atomic drop to Mark and then he holds Mark for King to hit a clothesline and he gets a near fall. King with punches to the midsection and then Titus is tagged back in. Titus punches Mark and slams him. King tags back in and they give Mark a double suplex. King chokes Mark in the ropes.
Jay makes a blind tag and Mark holds King for a running clothesline from Jay. Jay sends King into the corner and he punches Kenny. Jay chokes Kenny in the corner and we go to commercial.
We are back and Mark tags back in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and then Jay knocks Rhett off the apron. We see highlights from the commercial break when King got a near fall with a sunset flip followed by a kick from Jay. Back to the action in the ring. King with an atomic drop followed by a kick to the back of the head and both men are down.
Jay knocks Rhett off the apron (at least that is what we would assume as we see Kenny crawling across the ring). Mark pulls King into their corner and he tags Jay back in. Jay with a kick and forearm to the back. Jay sends King into the turnbuckles and he kicks Kenny.
Mark tags in and he connects with a kick followed by a snap mare and he applies a double fish hook. Mark with a sleeper but King gets to his feet. King with a back slide for a near fall. Jay tags in and Mark with a knee lift and then he gets King up on his back for a potential power bomb but Jay comes off the ropes and hits a cutter for a near fall but Titus breaks up the cover. Mark sends Rhett to the floor and Jay sets for a Jay Driller but King with a back body drop. King makes the tag to Titus and Titus with clotheslines followed by a kick to the arm and head followed by a discus clothesline to Mark. Titus with a splash into the corner on both Briscoes. Rhett sends Mark over the top rope to the floor.
Titus with a running drop kick into the corner on Jay followed by running knees into Jay’s chest by King. Titus with a drop kick for a near fall. Mark is sent to the floor by King. Jay tries for the Jay Driller on King while Mark holds Rhett’s leg on the turnbuckles. King with a forearm to Jay but Jay with a spinebuster. Jay stops Rhett on the turnbuckles.
Jay tries for a super rana but Titus with snake eyes to Jay. Mark with a running drop kick to Titus that sends him into the corner. Mark puts Titus on the top turnbuckle and then he hits a springboard cutter on Titus. King with a springboard blockbuster to Mark.
Jay with a DDT to King and all four men are down and the referee is doing nothing to pull the men who are not legal in the match out of the ring. Titus with forearms to Mark and he gets Mark up for a double team move that involves a power bomb. Jay takes care of King and then Jay comes off the top turnbuckle and gives Mark a little more momentum for a rana to get the three count.
Winners: The Briscoe Brothers
We go to credits.We are in the NXT Arena at Full Sail University and your hostess for the evening is Renee Young.
Renee says that we will be recapping the last year of NXT. One of the things that they were most proud of in NXT was the opening of the WWE Performance Center.
We take a look back at the Opening Ceremony. Triple H says that today is a new beginning and a milestone for the WWE. Stephanie McMahon says that the WWE continues its rich tradition. Michael Cole talks about how this is the first of its kind. Stephanie says that it is the future of the business.
Hunter says that this building is the future of the WWE and what they do. Stephanie says that they have never had a state of the art facility like this before.
Sheamus says that he is in complete shock and awe at the facility.
Hunter says that the facility will allow the WWE to train people like they have never done before.
Hunter says that today is the first day in the future of the WWE.
Renee says that NXT has become the foundation for WWE with superstars making an impact on Raw and Smackdown.
We take a look at some of the people who came from NXT.
First is the Wyatt Family. Next is The Shield. Another person to come up from NXT is Fandango (and Summer Rae). Xavier Woods is another person who has made it up to the main roster. Damien Sandow also came up from NXT. Antonio Cesaro is another NXT Alumnus. Big E Langston also traveled on the NXT Express to Raw and Smackdown.
Big E Langston is in the locker room and he says the past year has been a whirlwind experience. He went from just a guy to the master of the Five Count to NXT Champion to his Wrestlemania debut to the Intercontinental Champion. He says that he could not have done it without the support of the NXT Universe and the Five Chants. He thanks everyone and he says that this is just the beginning.
Antonio Cesaro has some comments about his match with William Regal. He says that small class of world class technical wrestlers, Regal is the only one he ever truly respected. His ruthlessness and his evil genius was an inspiration for his career. He thanks Regal for reaching out to help him get his job in the WWE.
Just because he did that and because Regal got to know him, Regal knew that this day was going to come. There is room for only one of us. That is the younger, stronger, and far far better man.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Renee turns her attention to the champions of NXT. We take a look at highlights from the Tag Team Tournament finals when Adrian Neville and Oliver Gray defeated Luke Harper and Erick Rowan to become the first NXT Tag Team Champions.
Stephanie McMahon introduced the NXT Women’s Title and in the finals of the tournament, Paige defeated Emma to become the first, and only NXT Women’s Champion. We take a look back at highlights from the match.
Paige says that winning the Women’s Title was mindblowing because she made history as the first champion. She says that was the best moment of her life.
Devin Taylor is in the interview area with Paige. Devin asks Paige about her thoughts during the match. Paige says Emma will be just a dancer to her. Now Emma has her respect. She actually knows some moves in the ring. It was one of the hardest fought matches of her career. She still hates. This title proves that she is the best women’s wrestler in NXT. Paige has a message for all of the Divas, even AJ Lee. Sooner, rather than later, she will be the most dominant Anti-Diva to walk through the WWE. She says that she will make history as a wrestler.
Paige leaves the interview area and Devin’s next interviewee stops by and it is Bo Dallas. He says that Devin wants to hear about all of the hardships he had to endure to become the Number One Contender and then to fight the unbeatable champion Big E Langston. Bo says that he wants to address his BOlievers and he tells them to BOlieve in themselves. He tells them to BOlieve in him. The moment that turned him into the man he is today, an NXT Champion and a champion in life. The moment that gave everyone the reason to BOlieve is this moment . . .
We take a look at the night that Bo Dallas won the NXT Championship. We see highlights of the match and some of the comments leading into the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with Bray Wyatt and he says that this world is defined by the brave men and women who are willing to stand for a cause. Their crusades began at a place called NXT. In their short reign there, there was not a man, woman, or child who did not recognize the name Wyatt. They reigned like kings. It was based on the principle of ‘Down with the Machine’.
They took their efforts to the WWE with that same promise in mind. They have defiled monsters. They have turned heroes into victims. A cause that began in NXT. Down with the Machine.
It is time to take a look at some of the Future Stars of NXT who we may see on Raw and Smackdown in the future.
The first person is Aiden English. The next person is Mojo Rawley. Another person with a bright future is Bayley. Next is Tyler Breeze. Another name we might see on Raw or Smackdown is Alexander Rusev. Sasha Banks is another name to consider. Corey Graves is the next person. One of the names that you cannot forget is Sami Zayn.
Renee says that with the reputation of WWE growing every week, superstars and legends have been asked to be a part of NXT.
We see Damien Sandow, Christian, The Bellas, Fandango, Santino Marella, Paul Heyman, Mark Henry, Dolph Ziggler, John Cena, Big Show, Sheamus, Rob Van Dam, Randy Orton, Chris Jericho, AJ Lee, Ric Flair, and Shawn Michaels.
William Regal says that he is in the late autumn of his thirty year career and he has been pondering over his legacy. What has it all been about. He is a vicious, sadistic, and spiteful fighter. He has been a unique entertainer. He never achieved one thing that he coveted the most. That was to be the World Champion. He says that is his fault because he has a wonderful knack of getting himself into trouble.
The people who know are aware that he is second to none as a technical wrestler. That was until Antonio Cesaro came along. He knows that even on his best day, Antonio is ten times the wrestler that he has ever been. Antonio knows that too and that is what their disagreement is all about.
He has an intense desire to prove it and he commends Antonio for that. The only way that William thinks he will win is by a miracle. He is not worried or scared of his pride. He is relishing the thought because he will fight with every drop of violent venom he has got. If this is the end, he does not know of any better way to end it than to lose to the ultimate competitor.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the announcement of the Match of the Year in NXT. This was the match that Michael Cole says was the best match he has seen in the last five years.
Before we get to the announcement, The Shield have interrupted the broadcast. Dean says that The Shield proved that they were the most dominant force in the WWE. They did it by winning matches and by winning championships. They also proved that they are the most destructive unit and force in sports entertainment. They destroyed every superstar from The Undertaker to the Rock to John Cena. Destroying is what they do well. Before they did that, they built NXT.
Seth says that the Shield’s 2013 paved the way for their next victims. Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn, Bo Dallas, the Ascension and Corey Graves.
Roman says that if you make it up, they own this show and they will not be giving it up any time soon.
We get back to Renee and she talks about Sami Zayn’s first night in the company and how issues developed between him and Antonio Cesaro.
The NXT Match of the Year was the Two out of Three Falls Match between Sami Zayn and Antonio Cesaro.
Devin Taylor is in the interview area with Sami Zayn. She asks Sami what it was like to compete against Antonio Cesaro. He says that Antonio is a beast. He came to NXT with a lot to prove and now he is being talked about as being part of the match of the year. It will bother him that he lost the match. It is not over with Cesaro. His focus is on the NXT Title. He has a current roadblock with Leo Kruger and he will deal with this.
Sami says that he will face Leo Kruger next week in a two out of three falls match.
We go to Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Tensai at the announce table for our main event.
Byron Saxton calls Antonio a bully and he hopes that he gets what he deserves. Tensai says that this match has two people with similar styles.
Match Number One: Antonio Cesaro versus William Regal
They lock up and Cesaro works on the wrist. Regal rolsl through and he tries for a reversal but Cesaro holds on to the wrist lock. Cesaro works on the fingers and Regal kips up and he takes Cesaro down but Cesaro holds on to the wrist lock and he turns it into a hammer lock. Regal kips up again and Regal takes Cesaro to his knee but Cesaro still holds on to Regal’s wrist.
Regal tries for a side head lock but Cesaro does not relinquish the wrist lock and we go to commercial.
We are back and Cearo tries for a head scissors while maintaining the wrist lock but Regal sends Cesaro to the mat. Regal continues to try to get out of the wrist lock but Cesaro does not give up. Regal is finally able to reverse and he gets a near fall. Regal gets another near fall. They go to a test of strength and Cesaro has the advantage but Regal with a bridge to keep his shoulders off the mat. Cesaro gets Regal to the mat for a few near falls.
Regal kips up and Regal with a knee and then he applies a cross arm choke and then he gets Cesaro on his knees in a straightjacket choke. Cesaro gets to his feet and Cesaro with a snap mare to escape the hold.
They go for another test of strength and Regal with a cravate and snap mare. Cesaro bridges up and applies a head lock and then he lifts Regal up for a headlock suplex and a near fall. Cesaro with a punch in the corner but Regal with a punch and forearms. Regal discusses something with the referee while mule kicking Cesaro. Cesaro clips Regal and he pulls Regal to the apron and slams the leg into the apron. We go to commercial with Cesaro wrapping the leg in the ropes.
We are back and Cesaro works on the ankle with an ankle lock and Regal kicks Cesaro away. Cesaro with elbow drops to the injured knee. Regal with a chin lock to try to get Cesaro to release the hold. Cesaro pulls off the knee brace to add more damage. Cesaro drops a knee to the injured knee.
Cesaro with a kick to the hamstring. Cesaro with another elbow drop to the knee. Cesaro with a stretch muffler to Regal and he lifts Regal off the mat. Regal gets to the ropes and Cesaro has to release the hold. Cesaro goes for the leg but Regal with a rollup for a near fall. Regal with a backslide for another near fall. Regal with a forearm and Cesaro is down. Regal still favors his injured knee but he connects with European uppercuts.
Cesaro with a European uppercut of his own. Cesaro wit more European uppercuts and after ten, Regal falls to the mat. Cesaro grabs the leg but Regal tries to kick Cesaro away. Cesaro picks up Regal for the Giant Swing.
Cesaro kneels over Regal and he taunts Regal. Cesaro picks up Regal by the ears and he sets for the Gotch Style Neutralizer but Regal with a back body drop to counter and Regal with a knee drop to the left arm. Cesaro charges into the corner but Regal with a boot to the other arm. Regal trips Ceasro and then he starts to work on the arms.
Regal tries to get feeling back into his knee and leg while Cesaro does the same to his arms. Regal with a European uppercut and an Exploder. Regal sets for the Knee Trembler but his leg gives out. Cesaro with a head butt. He tries for another but Regal sees it coming and he kicks Cesaro in the head. Regal picks Cesaro up by the ear and he tries for a Gibson Driver but Cesaro counters and he picks up Regal and this a back drop and gets a near fall but Regal holds on to the double underhook.
Regal sets for the Regal Stretch but Cesaro is able to get to the ropes before it can be locked in. Cesaro with a drop kick and then he tries to get feeling back into his arms. Cesaro with a double stomp to the head and Regal is not moving. The referee checks on Regal and Cesaro waits for the referee to make the determination before doing anything.
Cesaro picks up Regal for the Gotch Style Neutralizer, but then he decides to let Regal drop to the mat. Regal tries to get up and then Cesaro hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Cesaro looks at Regal. Regal is helped up the ramp by officials and Cesaro stops them. Cesaro offers his hand and Regal shakes it. We go to credits.
2013 - WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Corpus Christi, Texas and your announcers are Josh ‘Merry Christmas’ Mathews and Miz.
Match Number One: Goldust (with Cody Rhodes) versus Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter and Antonio Cesaro)
They circle each other in the ring before locking up. Goldust with a side head lock but Swagger with a shoulder tackle. They circle each other again and they lock up a second time. Swagger with a side head lock and Swagger with a shoulder tackle. Swagger catches Goldust but Goldust lands on his feet. Swagger with an arm drag. Goldust backs into the corner.
They lock up and Goldust with a aide head lock and shoulder tackle. Goldust with a reverse atomic drop and arm drag to Swagger. Goldust barks in Swagger’s face and then he punches Swagger. Swagger with an Irish whip but Goldust with a back elbow out of the corner. Swagger goes to the floor to regroup and discuss strategy with Cesaro.
Swagger returns to the ring and Goldust wants a test of strength but it was a trap and he punches Swagger. Goldust with chops but Swagger with chops. Goldust with chops of his own. Goldust with an Irish whip and Swagger hits the turnbuckles sternum first and Goldust gets a near fall. Goldust with an arm bar and he drops knees on the arm. Goldust with an arm bar but Swagger with a punch.
Swagger punches Goldust but Goldust punches and kicks Swagger. Swagger goes to the floor but Goldust follows and he slams Swagger’s arm onto the announce table. We go to commercial.
We are back and Goldust with an arm bar. Goldust goes for a cross body but Swagger drops down and Goldust falls to the floor. Swagger sends Goldust into the apron and then he makes sure that Cody stays away from him. Goldust is rolled back into the ring and Swagger gets a near fall.
Swagger chokes Goldust in the corner and has him pressed against the turnbuckle. Swagger with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Swagger traps the arms and then he has Goldust in an arm bar. Goldust with a punch but Swagger with a belly-to-belly slam for a near fall. Goldust rolls to the apron. Swagger with forearms across the upper chest and then he rolls into the ring and gets a near fall.
Swagger with a reverse chin lock. Goldust with elbows to get free but Swagger with a back elbow for a near fall. Swagger pushes Goldust into the corner but Goldust with kicks to Swagger. Swagger with knees in the corner and he sends Goldust to the mat.
Swagger with a leaping leg drop for a near fall. Swagger with a key lock and then he slams Goldust’s arm into the mat. Swagger returns to the arm bar to continue to work on the arm. Goldust with a back slide for a near fall. Goldust with punches to Swagger but Swagger hits the Swagger Bomb to the back for a near fall. Goldust rolls up Swagger to get a near fall. Swagger punches Goldust.
Swagger returns to the arm bar and he continues to work on the shoulder. Goludst with punches but Swagger with an Irish whip and Goldust comes out of the corner with an elbow and both men are down. Goldust with clotheslines and a drop down uppercut and spinebuster.
Goldust climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Swagger but Swagger gets out of the corner. Goldust hits Code Red for a near fall. Swaggger with an Irish whip but Goldust with an elbow. Goldust goes to the turnbuckles but Swagger pulls him off the turnbuckles and then he applies the ankle lock. Goldust tries to fight through the pain and he tries to get to the ropes but Cesaro pulls the ropes away and the referee warns Cesaro.
Rhodes takes care of Cesaro on the floor and Goldust kicks Swagger away. Goldust with a kick and then he hits Final Cut for the three count.
Winner: Goldust
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: AJ Lee, Aksana, and Tamina Snuka versus Natalya, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella
AJ and Brie start off and they lock up and AJ with a clean break. Brie with a kick to the midsection and a wrist lock. AJ with a kick to the leg and a wrist lock. Brie gets to the ropes and she does a back flip followed by a fireman’s carry. AJ with a head scissors but Brie escapes.
Brie with a side head lock. Nikki makes the blind tag and Brie trips AJ and Nikki with a kick to the head. AJ tags in Aksana. Aksana say she got it and Nikki kicks Aksana in the rear end and Natalya tags in. Natalya with a rollup and bridge for a near fall. Natalya with a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Aksana has had enough and she tags in Tamina.
Natalya with a side head lock and Tamina pushes her into the corner. Tamina with kicks and the referee warns her. Tamina with an Irish whip but she runs into a hip and Natalya stops AJ from interfering. Tamina with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Tamina throws her vest at Natalya and she tags in AJ. AJ gets a near fall. AJ with a neck breaker and she gets a near fall.
Aksana tags back in and she connects with a forearm to the back and then she kicks Natalya. Aksana with a modified single leg crab but Natalya escapes. Aksana brings Natalya back into their corner and Tamina tags in. Tamina with a kick and suplex to Natalya for a near fall. Tamina with a knee to Natalya and she connects with knees in the corner.
Tamina runs Natalya into the corner and she connects with more knees. She misses a charge into the corner and Nikki tags in and she connects with a flying shoulder and back elbow. Nikki with a head scissors followed by a drop kick. Nikki with a clothesline into the corner. Tamina with an Irish whip but she runs into boots from Nikki. Nikki with a bulldog but AJ breaks up the cover.
Brie with an X Factor to AJ. Aksana with a spinebuster to Brie and Natalya with a discus clothesline to Aksana. Tamina with a boot to Natalya. Nikki with a sunset flip for the three count.
Winners: Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, and Natalya
Kofi Kingston is in the back and he will be wrestling when we come back.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Josh and Miz talk about the 50th Anniversary DVD and we see the footage that aired on Smackdown with comments from Bret Hart and Undertaker.
Match Number Three: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Fandango with a snap mare but Kofi with a hammer lock and Fandango gets to the ropes. Kofi with a waist lock into a side head lock and take down. Fandango with a head scissors but Kofi escapes. They lock up and Fandango with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Fandango does some dancing and that delay allows him to miss a knee drop.
Kofi with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kofi with a splash onto the arm and then he applies a key lock. Fandango with a hammer lock and he slaps Kofi in the head and then he kicks Kofi. Fandango with a punch but Kofi with a drop kick and Fandango goes to the floor.
Kofi teases a dive to the floor but he bounces off the ropes instead. Fandango throws his shirt at Kofi and Kofi catches it and he throws it into the crowd. Fandango tries to attack Kofi but Kofi sees him coming and Fandango goes to the floor. Kofi with a springboard cross body onto Fandango and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi floats over and gives Fandango an arm drag into an arm bar and wrist lock. Kofi gets a near fall. Kofi with an arm bar but Fandango sends him to the mat and then he misses a knee drop. Kofi with an arm drag into a wrist lock and he gets a near fall.
Fandango with a knee and top wrist lock of his own. Kofi uses the ropes to counter and he gives Fandango an arm drag. Kofi with a knee that appears to have glanced Fandango and Fandango falls to the mat. Kofi gets a near fall. Fandango with a back elbow to the head. Fandango Irish whips Kofi on the apron into the ring post. Fandango with a hammer lock and he sends Kofi into the apron and then he slams the arm into the ring steps.
Fandango with elbows to the chest and then he returns to the key lock. Fandango with a wrist lock take down and then he continues to work on the arm and wrist. Fandango with a knee and he drops a knee to the arm and he punches Kofi. Fandango sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and follows with a hard Irish whip to the sternum and he gets a near fall.
Fandango with a hammer lock and arm bar on the other arm. Fandango gets a near fall. Fandango kicks Kofi in the head. Fandango with an Irish whip but Kofi with a missile drop kick and both men are down. Kofi with clotheslines but he misses the leaping clotheslines and Fandango with a kick but Kofi with a rollup for a near fall.
Kofi with an inside cradle for a near fall and he gets another near fall with a rollup. Fandango with a counter and each man alternates near falls. Kofi with SOS for a near fall. Kofi goes into the corner but Fandango sends him to the apron. Fandango tries to Irish whip Kofi into the ring post again but Kofi is able to get to the turnbuckles and he hits a double sledge to the head and then Kofi with the Boom Drop.
Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but Fandango ducks it and Fandango with a round kick to the temple. Fandango can only get a two count. Kofi with a pendulum kick to Fandango and then Kofi goes up top but Fandango stops him. Fandango with chops to Kofi and he tries for a superplex. Kofi pushes Fandango off the turnbuckles. Fandango with a forearm to the head and Fandango tries for the superplex but Kofi blocks it. Kofi with punches and he drops Fandango to the mat.
Summer gets on the apron and Fandango crotches Kofi. Fandango with a Super Falcon Arrow followed by the FandangoBama Jam for the three count.
Winner: Fandango
We go to credits.
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