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December 27th
On this day in history in ....
1967 - Johnny Valentine defeats Joe Scarpa (who would go onto fame as Chief Jay Strongbow) to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title for the second time in Tampa, Florida.
1968 - Dale Lewis defeats The Professional (Doug Gilbert) in Atlanta, Georgia for the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title.
1986 - Hacksaw Duggan & Terry Taylor defeat Bill Irwin & Leroy Brown to win the UWF World Tag Team Title in Ft. Worth, Texas.
1987 - Greg Gagne defeats Adrian Adonis in a tournament final to become the first AWA International Television Champion in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the same card, Madusa Miceli defeats Candi Devine to win the AWA World Women's Title, which had been vacant since July 1987 when champion Sherri Martel jumped to the WWF.
1987 - One of the most memorable debuts in the history of wrestling takes place at New Japan's "Inoki Toukon Live III" event at Sumo Hall in Tokyo. Riki Choshu & Masa Saito defeated Tatsumi Fujinami & Kengo Kimura in one of the feature matches of the evening. Following the bout, Antonio Inoki defeated Choshu in an anti-climactic main event, winning via disqualification in six minutes. Big Van Vader then entered Sumo Hall and obliterated Inoki, knocking him out and pinning the Japanese legend with a powerslam in a match that didn't even last three minutes. The crowd rioted, resulting in New Japan being banned from running events at Sumo Hall for over a year. Vader immediately skyrocketed to the top of New Japan, as it had been years since Inoki had lost a match via clean pinfall.
The man behind the Vader mask, Leon White, had previously wrestled as "Baby Bull" Leon White in the AWA, and as Bull Power in Germany. He was actually scheduled to debut for All Japan Pro Wrestling, but New Japan worked out a deal with their promotional rival to sign him away for the Big Van Vader gimmick. Interesting to note, the first two choices New Japan had for the Vader gimmick were Sid Vicious and The Ultimate Warrior. Vader's debut in Sumo Hall is one of the most memorable, and controversial, events in New Japan history.
Earlier in the show, Hiroshi Hase makes his debut, defeating Kuniaki Kobayashi for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.
1989 - WWF airs "No Holds Barred: The Match/The Movie" on Pay-per-view. The broadcast featured an airing of the film No Holds Barred, starring Hulk Hogan, followed by a steel cage match (taped on December 12th in Nashville, Tennessee) where Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake defeated Randy Savage & Zeus. The PPV also featured interviews with wrestlers to hype the Royal Rumble PPV the following month.
1991 - Bill Irwin & Black Bart defeat John Tatum & Rod Price to win the Global Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.
1993 - Starrcade '93 takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina at Independence Arena. Here are the results:
- In a dark match, Terry Taylor defeated The Equalizer.
- Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma defeated Marcus Bagwell & 2 Cold Scorpio when Orndorff pinned Scorpio.
- The Shockmaster defeated King Kong.
- WCW Television Champion Steven Regal vs. Ricky Steamboat ended in a fifteen minute draw.
- Cactus Jack & Maxx Payne defeated Tex Slashinger & Shanghai Pierce when Cactus pinned Slashinger.
- WCW International World Champion Rick Rude defeated The Boss (Big Bossman).
- Steve Austin defeated Dustin Rhodes in two straight falls to win the WCW United States Title. Rhodes was disqualified in the first fall, and Austin pinned Rhodes in the second fall.
- Sting & Road Warrior Hawk defeated WCW World Tag Team Champion The Nasty Boys via disqualification.
- Ric Flair defeated Vader to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title, ending Vader's third (and final) WCW World Title reign.
1994 - Starrcade '94 was held in Nashville, Tennessee at the Municipal Auditorium. Here are the results:
- Vader defeated Hacksaw Duggan to win the WCW United States Title when Harley Race hit Duggan with his own 2x4.
- Alex Wright defeated Jean Paul Levesque (Triple H) with a rollup.
- WCW Television Champion Johnny B. Badd defeated Arn Anderson with a rollup as Anderson argued with the referee.
- The Nasty Boys defeated Harlem Heat via DQ when Sherri Martel interfered.
- Mr. T defeated Kevin Sullivan after Dave Sullivan, dressed as Santa Claus, interfered.
- Sting defeated Avalanche via DQ when Kevin Sullivan interfered. Hulk Hogan made the save.
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan defeated The Butcher (Brutus Beefcake) with a legdrop. After the match, the Faces Of Fear attacked Hogan, but Randy Savage made the save.
1995 - Starrcade '95 was held in Nashville, Tennessee at the Municipal Auditorium. Here are the results:
- In a match that aired on TBS before the PPV, Diamond Dallas Page defeated Dave Sullivan.
- In a match that aired on TBS before the PPV, Marcus Bagwell & Scotty Riggs defeated Bobby Eaton & Steven Regal.
- In the "World Cup Of Wrestling" between WCW and New Japan Pro Wrestling:
* Jushin Liger defeated Chris Benoit after Kevin Sullivan distracted Benoit.
* Koji Kanemoto defeated Alex Wright after dropping him face first on the top turnbuckle.
* Lex Luger defeated Masahiro Chono with the backbreaker.
* Johnny B. Badd defeated Masa Saito via DQ when Saito threw Badd over the top rope.
* Shinjiro Ohtani defeated Eddie Guerrero after a series of pinfall reversals.
* Randy Savage defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan with a top rope elbowsmash.
* Sting defeated Kensuke Sasaki with a Scorpion Deathlock to win the World Cup Of Wrestling for WCW, 4-3.
- Ric Flair defeated Lex Luger and Sting via countout in a three way match to earn a shot at the WCW World Title.
- Ric Flair defeated Randy Savage to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title after Arn Anderson knocked out Savage with brass knuckles.
- After the PPV broadcast had ended, One Man Gang wrestled Kensuke Sasaki. In the version that later aired on WCW television, OMG pinned Sasaki, winning the U.S. Heavyweight Title. However, at the arena, the pin wasn't counted, and the match continued with Sasaki pinning OMG.
1998 - Starrcade '98 is held in Washington, DC at the MCI Center, and saw the end of Bill Goldberg's huge storyline winning streak of 170+ matches. Here are the results:
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman defeated Rey Mysterio and Juventud Guerrera in a three way match.
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman defeated Eddie Guerrero.
- Norman Smiley defeated Prince Iaukea.
- Perry Saturn defeated Ernest Miller.
- Brian Adams & Scott Norton defeated Fit Finlay & Jerry Flynn when Norton pinned Flynn.
- WCW Television Champion Konnan defeated Chris Jericho via submission.
- Eric Bischoff defeated Ric Flair.
- Diamond Dallas Page defeated The Giant.
- Kevin Nash defeated Bill Goldberg to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title when Scott Hall shocked Goldberg with a tazer and Nash powerbombed him for the win. The loss would end Goldberg's streak, as noted above, and would be considered a major nail into the coffin of WCW in hindsight.
2007 - WWE ran the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ. Tremont Nichols filed the following live report:
WWE Smackdown/ECW Results from the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, NJ
*ECW champion CM Punk defeated Chavo Guerrero. This Match was good but the crowd totally wasn't into it. After Punk's entrance the crowd was dead. Even a few boring chants. Finish came when Punk reversed a Gory Special into a GTS.
*Kane defeated Big Daddy V. A pretty basic match with some ugly looking uppercuts by Kane. The finish came when V went for a slam, but Kane kicked and chokeslammed him...if you want to call it that, he barely got him off the mat.
*Mark Henry & Jamie Noble defeated Chuck Palumbo & Jimmy Wang Yang. The finish came when Yang had Noble in a hold. Chuck then went for big boot but Noble ducked, so Yang got hit. Noble used a schoolboy on Chuck for the three count. Chuck then refused to shake Yang's hand and left to a few boos. No heat for this match.
Diva Best Body Contest. Victoria & Layla & Michelle McCool & Kelly Kelly. Victoria came out with a shirt and her basic attire. Everyone else came out with a robe. Kelly Kelly got a huge pop which surprised me. Layla and Victoria being the heels made fools of themlves...falling off the ropes and dancing around the ring like it was the 80's. Kelly Kelly won. After the contest, the heels attacked but were fought off by Kelly Kelly.
WWE Tag Team champions The Miz & John Morrison defeated Jesse & Festus. No real heat on this match either, but really loud "Festus" chants. The finish came when the referee was distracted with Jesse, so Morrison used the schoolboy with some help from the ropes. Pretty good match though.
Elijah Burke defeated Tommy Dreamer. Before the match, Burke cut a promo talking about how he destroyed every ECW Original and did Sabu, RVD, and Sandman's poses. Didn't really see the match it was a Bathroom Break. Every pretty much left there seats.
MVP's Open Challenge For US Title - MVP cut a great, great heel promo talking about how much of a dump Jersey was. The crowd went nuts. MVP challenged anyone in the back and Carlito came out. MVP said, ":Let's got to Miami." Carlito said no and on went the fight. The finish came when the Backstabber got reversed and MVP did a schoolboy..
The Great Khali vs. The Undertaker - Undertaker got a VERY loud pop but not the loudest (more later) and this was an OK match. It just shows that Taker can carry anyone to a good match. The finish came when Taker chokeslamed Khali. He posed in the ring for a while.
WWE World champion Edge vs. Batista - Last Man Standing - Great match. Match Of The Night! The used mics, steps, the Major Brothers, and fans. The match started with Edge doing some more great heel work by getting in and out of the ring. That lead to Batista jumping into the front row and telling Edge to get into the ring. There were a lot of close counts but it became predictable towards the end. The finish came when Majors came out and double teamed Batista. Batista then hit a double spear on them. Edge speared Batista. Ref got to a nine count. Batista was halfway up but the Majors pulled Batista back down as the ref turned around. He called for the bell. Edge still the champion.
Overall, a great show! Batista by far got the loudest pop. There were a lot of WOOOOO! chants before the show. Crowd was about 70% kids. There were a few sitting by me who where very disappointed that Rey Rey didnt show up.
Loudest Pop
1. Batista
2. Undertaker
3.CM Punk/Kelly Kelly
Most Heat
1. Edge (Tore a Fans Sign)
2. MVP (Ripped On Jersey)
3. Elijah Burke(Saying He Killed ECW Originals)
2008 - TMZ.com reported that Joanie "Chyna" Laurer was rushed to the hospital at 5 a.m. She had been celebrating her birthday with friends when they found her passed out at her home in Southern California with cuts on her arms. She was taken to the hospital for a psych evaluation but her blood alcohol level was too high to test her. TMZ spoke with her at the hospital yesterday and she said, "All I really want right now is a hamburger."
2008 - Batista underwent successful surgery to repair a partially torn hamstring.
2008 - Ring of Honor ran Final Battle in New York City. Stu Carapola filed the following live report:
ROH returned to New York City on Saturday night, December 27th for Final Battle 2008, the seventh edition of the show. Really fun show with some interesting things going on.
-The show opened with Kenny Omega scoring a clean win over Claudio Castagnoli. Kenny's a charismatic kid who really seems to connect well with the crowd, I sense he's got a good future in ROH. On the other hand, I get the feeling like Claudio's probably on his way down the hill in ROH given how little he's been featured since the change to the new booking regime, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was gone from ROH by this time next year.
-Jerry Lynn won a Four Corner Survival Match that also included Chris Hero, Necro Butcher, and Rhett Titus when he pinned Hero after a Cradle Piledriver. Lynn's been getting great crowd reactions everywhere he's been since returning to ROH and tonight was no different. After the match, Lynn and Necro shook hands and showed one another respect, but as Necro went to head to the back, Jimmy Jacobs hopped the rail with a microphone and dared Necro to come in the ring and fight him. Of course this led to a 2-on-1 beatdown on Necro when Delirious ran out and hit Necro from behind, but Kevin Steen & El Generico ran out to make the save, leading to...
-Kevin Steen & El Generico defeated Jimmy Jacobs & Delirious to retain the ROH World Tag Team Title. Age Of The Fall spent much of the match working over Steen's knee, which had been injured the previous night when Davey Richards nailed him with a pipe, and then the injury was aggravated here. Daizee Haze, who was in Steen & Generico's corner, climbed in the ring to stop Delirious from using the steel spike, and when Jacobs tried to go after her, Delirious stopped him. This gave Steen & Generico enough of a break to recover and give Delirious the Package Piledriver/Brainbuster combo to retain. After the match, Jacobs began berating Delirious before walking out on him.
-Brent Albright, Roderick Strong, and Erick Stevens defeated the American Wolves & Go Shiozaki in a really wild New York City Street Fight. There was far too much going on in this match at all times for me to recap it all here, but it was a really wild, stiff brawl that ended when Go Shiozaki took several big moves from the babyface team before tapping out to Albright's Crowbar. After the babyfaces left, the American Wolves started yelling at Shiozaki, who they seemed to blame for the loss, and then left without him. The fans started chanting for Go and he waved at them in appreciation, but then remembered he's a heel and flipped them off before leaving.
-Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated Kensuke Sasaki & Katsuhiko Nakajima in what I have to consider a mild upset just because of Sasaki being one of their opponents. Sasaki no sold most of what the Briscoes did which was a little frustrating to watch, but he's a really big, thick guy so it's believable that it would take a hard shot to really rattle him. Nakajima was also very impressive, hitting a lot of the really nice, stiff kicks that he's sort of renowned for. The Briscoes came back and went for the Doomsday Device but Mark slipped off the rope and crashed, though they went for it again and hit it properly the second time.
I'm pretty sure Mark's mistake was intentional, because after the match the American Wolves came out and attacked the Briscoes, handcuffing Jay to the ropes and working over Mark's knee with a chair, and if this was all planned, I think it was a really cool way to play off of Mark's real-life penchant for getting himself hurt to to his somewhat reckless style and work it into an angle. Steen & Generico run out to make the save, and are soon joined by Albright, Strong, and Stevens. The whole lot of them run off the American Wolves, and then Albright got on the microphone and starting telling ROH owner Cary Silkin, who was sitting at ringside, that Sweet & Sour Inc is constantly interfering in matches and is ruining everything that Cary has worked to build for almost seven years, and the only way it's going to stop is if they get Sweet & Sour Inc in a steel cage. I don't exatly follow that logic, but Cary Silkin seemed to because he immediately told Albright he's got it.
-After intermission, Austin Aries defeated Tyler Black in a great match that easily got the most crowd heat out of anything going on that night. Tyler was about to go for the Phoenix Splash on Aries, but Jacobs came out to "encourage" Tyler, but ended up distracting him and allowing Aries to come back and hit the 450 splash for the win to become the #1 contender to the ROH World Title. After the match was over, Jacobs began berating Tyler and shoved him, but Tyler shoved him back and Jacobs went down on his butt. After a couple of tense minutes, they seemed to make up but Jacobs kicked him in the groin and put him in the End Time. Aries comes into the ring with a chair seemingly to run Jacobs off, but then he started smiling and turned around and smashed Black in the head with the chair. Aries invites Jacobs back into the ring and the two of them start working him over.
At this point, there was a very stupid incident where Aries was on his way to the back and a fan physically attacked Aries in some way. I couldn't quite see what happened from where I was sitting, but I did see Aries go after the guy, and let me tell you, you don't want to get on Austin Aries' bad side. Referee Paul Turner went out and got physically involved to neutralize the situation, and then it took him and about four other people to physically drag the guy over the rail and into the back. I'm not sure what happened with the guy when he got to the back, but I wouldn't have wanted to be in his shoes. When Turner came back out to the ring to referee the next match, he easily got the biggest pop of the night and one of the biggest pops I've ever seen at an ROH show, the fans started cheering for him and chanting "NEXT WORLD CHAMP!" Paul had the biggest smile on his face, which I found funny because he usually tries not to let much emotion out when he's working, but he did take a couple of bows and wave to the crowd. Let this be a lesson to all would-be funny guys: you do NOT want to overstep your bounds when attending a live wrestling show.
-After all that, we went to our ROH World Title Match, which saw Nigel McGuinness successfully defend the title against Naomichi Marufuji. This was a really good match, I really enjoy watching Marufuji wrestle because he's so innovative. With most guys, even if they have some cool moves, you end up seeing enough ofthem that you've pretty much seen all they've got, but even though I've seen Marufuji wrestle a bunch of times now, he's always pulling out new stuff I haven't seen and it's all really clever stuff. Nigel, in the meantime, has really grown into his role as the ROH World Champion and despite his rough start, I'd put him right up there as every bit as capable a champion as Joe and Danielson. Nigel put Marufuji away with the Rebound Lariat, and after the match Jerry Lynn came down to congratulate Nigel on his win, but Nigel grabbed the mic out of his hand and started running him down again. This time, Lynn got really mad and challenged Nigel to fight him, but Nigel not only backed off, but actually ran out through the crowd to get away from Lynn.
-The main event saw Bryan Danielson defeat Takeshi Morishima in a Fight Without Honor. This was a really brutal, bloody match that saw Morishima take a chain out from under the ring and use it to brutalize Danielson, both by wrapping the chain around his fist to punch Danielson as well as use it to choke him. Danielson didn't give up and fought back, using the chain to choke Morishima while stomping on his head, then wrapping it around his arm and giving him the MMA elbows with the chain, before finally putting him away with the Cattle Mutilation to finally, finally finally get that win over Morishima. After the match, Danielson is joined in the ring by several of the ROH babyfaces and Danielson tells the fans that this show had the biggest crowd in ROH history, and thanks the fans for supporting them for almost seven years, and tells them it will be worth it to the wrestlers as long as the fans keep coming.
This was a really good show and like the show in Philadelphia the night before, it was very well paced and didn't leave me feeling burned out by the end. The show, including intermission, was over in under four hours, which I think is a vast improvement over the sometimes five hour plus marathon shows we would get a lot in New York.
2009 - Tommy Fierro's ISPW ran Freehold, NJ. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Tommy Fierro's International Superstars of Professional Wrestling returned to the "ISPW Arena" (Baseball batting cage venue 3-2 Count) in Freehold, New Jersey on Saturday 12/26 for Season's Beatings, a solid old school independent wrestling show. The show was something of a throwback to the type of indy cards I'd see about 10-15 years ago promoted by the likes of Tommy Dee and the late Dennis Coralluzzo (who was Fierro's mentor). Unlike a lot of shows today that try to pattern themselves after that ECW style of having 5-9 main event style matches being worked up and down the card, this was more of a "less is more" type of show with the WWE Raw blueprint overlaid over it with promo segments and company storylines evolving over the course of the show. That certainly was not a bad thing, as the majority of the 200 fans in attendance were young kids with their families.
The show opened with Tammy "Sunny" Sytch being announced the special ISPW General Manager for the night. She came out and ran down the card while playing up to the audience. She ran down the Money in the Bank main event competitors, listing all of them as former WCW/WWE/ECW competitors except for Danny Inferno (former WWE developmental star Danny Giomundo). Inferno came out and jawed back and forth with her, insulted that she didn't praise him in the manner that she had the others. He ripped on her for being a star who was now just appearing here. Sunny responded that she was on Wrestlemania this year and Raw a year ago, but what had he ever accomplished in his entire career. She then warned him she was the GM for the night and if he didn't leave by the count of three, she'd disqualify him from the Money in the Bank match tonight. He protested but at the two count, Inferno leaped out of the ring. He went to get back in the ring and she began counting again, so he stalked to the back, staring at her.
Former WWE star Vito (with Noel) pinned Nicky Benz (longtime Philadelphia area independent star and former CZW champion Nick Berk) in a Loser Wears a Dress match with an Implant DDT. Benz is a Vegas lounge singer gimmick, a la Tony Clifton, complete with bad toupee, drawn on mustache and powder blue tuxedo. Vito got a lot of offense in early. They were building to a spot where Vito would rip the toupee off but it flew off when Benz was whipped into a turnbuckle. That was funny. Benz made a slight comeback but in the end was caught with the DDT. After the pin, Vito helped him up and put him over on the mic, saying that was hard fought match and Benz was a great competitor. Benz thanked him and said he appreciated not having to wear the dress. Vito then said that when you make a bet with him, you don't squelch. He told Benz to put it on, saying real men wear dresses. Benz finally put it on and Vito laughed, saying he can't pull it off. Noel then put a blonde wig on him.
Former ECW star Danny Doring came out to "Under the Boardwalk", which might be the greatest ring entrance music ever. In the weeks leading up to the show, Doring had torn apart the MTV reality series Jersey Shore on his podcast, which led to Tommy Fierro getting the grand idea of booking someone from the show. I was told the week of the show one of the male cast members was booked but the night of the show, was nowhere to be seen. I have no idea whether anyone was actually ever booked or not. Doring tore down the show again and said he had issued an open challenge to anyone from the Jersey Shore to come down and now was their time. Out came...someone nowhere near associated with the show. He claimed to be Sooki's boyfriend Big Pooki. He cut a short promo on Danny and slapped him lightly. Doring looked incredulous, then offered to make peace. They started doing some silly dance the cast of the show does, then Doring beat the crap out of him. He laid him out and told Pooki to send a message to the show that they suck and he is the real Jersey Shore and was going to win the Money in the Bank match tonight. Pooki was actually a student of Little Guido.
"The Escort" Eric Andretti pinned Ricky Reyes with his feet on the ropes. Reyes is the former ROH Tag Team champion who has also worked New Jersey. Andretti was a loud mouth local heel. Reyes controlled the match early. Andretti stole the bout and told Reyes, "Welcome to ISPW." Reyes got a nice round of applause as he was leaving.
Out came Little Guido with Baby Hughie. Hughie was a heavy guy with a half shirt and a diaper. Think Eugene. Hughie was scheduled to face ISPW General Manager Nicolas Nice, who was announced as "having taken his vacation." Out of nowhere, Guido attacked Hughie, who he had been mentoring for the last year, and slapped him around. He said he had been waiting a year to do this and trashed Hughie, saying we're all going to see the real Guido win the Money in the Bank later. The idea here is that Guido was in cahoots with Nicolas Nice the entire time to set up Hughie.
ISPW champion Judas Young pinned ISPW Tri-State champion Rob Eckos. Eckos came out in a dazzling ensemble of pink and white polka dots, plus a jacket featuring flashing lights and headset mic. He was singing Queen and Journey songs during the bout to get heat. Young is a long-time NJ area worker who was trained by the late Ted Petty and does a punk rock gimmick. They had a solid back and forth bout.
Matt Logan fought Bryan Logan to a no contest when Little Guido laid out both with stiff chair shots. From an athletic, technical standpoint, this was the best thing on the show. It was billed as a Dream match and was a babyface bout between the two legitimate brothers. I kept waiting for a heel turn here from one, but it was not to be. Guido attacked both and destroyed them, saying he was sick about hearing what a great tag team they were. He then said people seemed to have forgotten that he was one half of one of the best tag teams of this decade, the FBI. He said that he was challenging the Logans to face himself and Tony Mamaluke (in his first wrestling bout I can remember in a LONG time) when ISPW returned on 3/27.
Tommy Fierro came out and inducted ISPW ring announcer Ean Levy into the promotion's Hall of Fane, He'll be inducting the late Dennis Coraluzzo on 3/27.
Danny Inferno won a six way Money in the Bank Ladder Match to earn an ISPW championship bout. The other competitors were Chase Del Monte (doing an 80s rocker deal), Little Guido, former WCW star Crowbar, Danny Doring and Ace Darling. This went about 20-25 minutes with everyone working hard and doing all sorts of fun spots with the ladder. Crowbar did a dive through the ropes onto Inferno, who was sitting in a chair. A piece of guard rail was bridged from the ring to the railing at one point, while a ladder served as another bridge. There were a lot of bumps off the ladder but done in a safe manner. At the end, Crowbar was alone in the ring and going for the briefcase (which in hilarious indy wrestling fashion, had a dollar sign painted on it via glue and glitter) when a mysterious masked woman came to ringside to taunt him. They had been running a storyline about a woman from his past haunting him, which sort of hinted at Daffney appearing. While he was yelling at her from a corner of the ring, Inferno scampered up to get the case and win the shot. Inferno laid out Crowbar and the woman unveiled herself to be Tammy Sytch. She bragged that they had been in cahoots all night. They worked over Crowbar for a long time before Judas Young hit the ring with a chair. There were some sore workers after the bout, but no injuries.
Notes: A fun show for what it was. The work was all about trying to get the crowd to react, not doing 10,000 spots except for the main event where it was all ladder-based stuff. It seemed like the workers and the crowd were all having a good time. I wasn't a fan of advertising the Jersey Shore appearance or a Loser Leaves Town bout with Nice vs. Hughie and then not delivering either, but it didn't seem like the crowd noticied or cared. I also thought some of the WWE references were going way over the audience's head since the majority were so young....The crowd was down from the last few ISPW shows here due to the weather as there was a terrible downpour all afternoon and evening. The road leading to the venue was actually flooded over before the show began and was shut down by local authorities by the time the show had ended....Vito, Sunny and Guido signed autographs during intermission...The venue, which purchases the show, were selling ISPW T-shirts, DVDs and signed photos in their store area...It wouldn't be an old school indy show without a 50/50 raffle....Overall, an entertaining show for the audience it was targeting. There were a lot of really happy kids after the show getting photos and autographs from the local workers, some of whom were getting mobbed as they left the venue...Announced for the 3/27 return is ISPW champion Judas Young vs. Crowbar vs. Danny Inferno with Inferno cashing in his title shot, The Logans vs. The FBI of Little Gudo and Tony Mamaluke, Rick Fuller vs. Bill DeMott (announced as "former WCW star Hugh Morrus") and a "Memphis Legends match" featuring Dutch Mantel. No idea who the other "Legend" is. The company is titling the show "ISPW Mania" as it's the day before Wrestlemania and will also feature a Fanfest in the afternoon prior to the show...For more on ISPW, visit www.ISPWLive.com.
2009 - WWE ran Buffalo, NY with a Raw brand event. Mike Rickard filed the following live report:
World Wrestling Entertainment returned to the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, NY for a live RAW event on Sunday December 27. While the attendance wasn't as high as the last two Monday Night RAW's held here, it looked like there were around 9,000 or so fans in attendance. The show was a lot of fun with some really good matches including a six man tag between Kofi Kingston, Degeneration X (Shawn Michaels and Hunter Hearst Helmsley) and Legacy (Randy Orton, Ted DiBiase, and Cody Rhodes) as well as a WWE title defense by new champion Sheamus against former champion John Cena.
1. Evan Bourne vs. Chavo Guerrero: Evan Bourne pinned Chavo Guerrero after hitting the Shooting Star Press. Excellent opener. Lots of near falls and some great high flying action. It was good to see Chavo doing more than just playing fall guy for Hornswaggle.
WINNER: Evan Bourne (by pinfall).
2. Goldust vs. Paul Burchill: Although this match was an obvious change of pace from the opener, both men put on a good brawl. Match was long enough that it wasn't a squash but short enough so it wasn't boring. Goldust hit his new finisher the Golden Age to get the 1-2-3.
WINNER: Goldust (by pinfall).
3. "The All-American American" Jack Swagger vs. Primo: Good match despite the clash of styles. A surprising number of fans were behind Swagger and there were some audible "Swagger" chants throughout the match. Primo gave it his all but Swagger hit the gut wrench power bomb to secure the pinfall win.
WINNER: Jack Swagger (by pinfall).
4. Triple Threat Match United States Championship: The Miz (Champion) vs. Chris Masters vs. MVP: Miz talked trash on the microphone before the match. Match began with a comedy spot with Masters flexing his pecs and Miz failing miserably in trying to duplicate the feat. Match turned serious with all three men fighting for the upper hand. In the end, Miz capitalized on MVP and Masters fighting each other by hitting his finisher on MVP after Masters ran into the corner with no one home.
WINNER: Miz (by pinfall).
After the match, MVP and Masters teased a possible fight but they ended up shaking hands.
5. Six Man Tag Match: Legacy (Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, & Randy Orton) vs. Degeneration X (Shawn Michaels and Hunter Hearst Helmsley) & Kofi Kingston: Nice, long tag match with some comedy spots including Shawn Michaels pantsing DiBiase. This led to Randy Orton bailing out of the ring to hide his head in shame. While he was doing so, HHH snuck up behind him and pantsed him as well. The fans went crazy and it looked like Legacy was going to head back to the dressing room. When the match resumed, Legacy worked over Kofi for most of the match until he made the hot tag. Ted DiBiase found himself in the ring alone against DX and Kofi and got hit with all of their finishers. Michaels sealed the deal by covering DiBiase for the pin.
WINNER: DX & Kofi Kingston (Michaels pins DiBiase).
Justin Roberts announced a short intermission but the sound system worked so poorly that some people apparently thought the show was over and left the arena.
6. Big Show vs. Mark Henry-this was the night's comedy match. Fairly even match with Big Show getting the upper hand by giving Mark Henry a big right hand to the face.
WINNER: Big Show (by pinfall).
7. Six Divas Santa's Little Helper Match: Maryse, Alicia Fox, & Rosa Mendes(?) vs. The Bella Twins (Brie & Nikki Bella) & Melina. Special Guest Referee: Santino Marella: Truth be told, I was so busy taking pictures of the Divas that I wasn't paying much attention to the actual match. Lots of comedy spots between the Divas and Santino.
WINNERS: Melina & the Bella Twins.
8. WWE Championship Match: Sheamus (Champion) vs. John Cena: Excellent match with Sheamus dominating much of the match with his power moves. After several hope spots, Cena finally came back and looked to be on his way to regaining the belt. However Sheamus knocked the referee down. Cena slapped on the STF and Sheamus tapped. Of course, Sheamus was already disqualified so Cena won the match by not the title.
WINNER: John Cena (by disqualification).
After the match, Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment on Sheamus and posed for the fans.
All in all, a really fun show. Lots of families there with lots of kids (which is always a good sign for the industry's future). No pyro or flashy entrances for the show but the crowd didn't seem to care. The only drawback to the show was that the sound system was awful. I don't understand why the WWE skimps on their sound for house shows (the last house show had sound problems as well). Still, a really fun show and definitely worth the money.
2009 - WWE Smackdown ran Raleigh, NC. Iain Watt filed the following results:
Matt Hardy defeated Dolph Ziggler - Matt got a huge pop being from NC and all, and there was a lot of heat on Dolph too. Pretty good matchup from these 2.
Hart Dynasty defeated Slam Master J/Jimmy Wang Yang.
Mickie James/Savannah/Maria defeated Michelle McCool/Beth Phoenix/Layla
Hurricane defeated Zack Ryder in a few seconds
R-Truth defeated Mike Knox
Christian defeated Ezekiel Jackson - Kozlov ran in at the end to save Christian from a revenge attack.
Drew McIntyre defeated John Morrison. Interesting thing happened here in this match. I believe Morrison's tooth was knocked out, and someone was given it from a member of production from around the ring.
Rey Mysterio/Kane defeated CM Punk/Chris Jericho - before the match, CM Punk and Jericho cut fantastic, hilarious promos, plus a member of the 'universe' was getting in Punks face, I thought they were about to start a fight...it looked genuine to me, anyway.
Undertaker defeated Batista in a rather boring and slow match.
2010 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Albany, New York and your announcers are Michael ‘The Lump of Coal in your WWE Announcing Stocking’ Cole and Jerry ‘Where has the Year Gone’ Lawler.
We start things off with John Cena who makes his way to the ring. John says that the excitement from last week has carried over tonight. Cena asks if people notice that when people come down the ramp they always talk about last week. Cena says that he is going to do the exact same thing because he is not happy with what happened last week. Cena says that they were fresh off TLC and they had the impromptu roast of Vickie. It was a party and every party has a pooper. After his match with Dolph Ziggler, something happened.
We go to footage from last week when CM Punk hit John Cena with a steel chair.
Cena says that the party was officially pooped on. Cena says that he brought this upon himself. For those who don’t know, during his relentless pursuit of Nexus, he accidentally spilled CM Punk’s diet soda. Cena says that he feels bad for setting Punk back almost $1.25. He knows why Punk came onto Smackdown last week to do this.
We see CM Punk hitting John Cena again with a steel chair.
Cena says all calorie free frustration aside, do you know how many calories it took to lift up Vickie Guerrero. Cena says that he can not bring back the soda, but CM Punk can come out to air out his grievances.
Punk says that Cena gets excitable every week and throws his hat to someone. Punk says that he is impressed. Punk says that he knows the truth. Cena is heartless, thoughtless, and dishonest. Punk says that Cena would love for this to be about a spilled diet soda, but it is about so much more.
Punk says that Cena was fired from the WWE. He was gone and gave a tear induced speech about getting to spend time with his mom and brother, but he came back later that night. Then Cena came back next week, and the following week. Punk says that Cena’s word is absolutely worthless and the people could not see through Cena’s façade.
Punk reminds Cena that he had Wade Barrett beaten at TLC and he took him to the side of the stage and dropped fifteen steel chairs on Barrett. Why does Cena think that is acceptable behavior.
Cena says that is balderdash that it was fifteen steel chairs. Cena points out that it was twenty-three chairs. Cena reminds Punk of what Nexus did to him.
Punk calls Cena a hypocrite. Punk says that Cena ended the career of his good friend Dave Batista. Punk says that he had him beaten in the Last Man Standing Match and he gives Batista an Attitude Adjustment on a car.
Punk then moves on to Vickie Guerrero and he suggests that Vickie should quit for what Cena did to Vickie. He talks about the mental abuse to Vickie.
Cena says Batista broke his neck; Batista showed up the next night and quit on his own; and Cena says that he doesn’t just single out Vickie over the last eight year.
Cena says that Cole has a fetish over Justin Bieber and has ‘The Miz’ manscaped below his belly button. Cena says that he is a love child of The Hulk and Grimace.
Punk stops Cena and says that it will all stop. The first two attacks were warning shots and someone is finally standing up to his barbaric ways. The phony Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect won’t work this time.
Cena tells Punk that he is out there and talking a really big game about what Cena is. The brilliant thing about WWE is that we don’t have to sit through the People’s Court or shake hands with Judge Joe Brown. There is a great place to settle the issues. It is the WWE wrestling ring. Cena asks Punk if he is going to sit up there and talk about it or they can settle it in the ring.
Punk says that we can do it tonight, but he thanks Cena for being so predictable. Punk says that this is the CM Punk show and it will happen on his terms. Punk will be the one in the ring calling Cena out. Punk says that if the last two weeks were shocking, he has a real eye opener tonight. Punk says that the real surprise happens tonight and it is a surprise Cena will never forget.
Punk says that this is all about fun. He wishes Cena and his fans a very Happy New Year.
We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from last week’s mixed tag match involving Ted DiBiase, Maryse, Santino Marella, and Tamina.
Match Number One: Ted DiBiase with Maryse versus Santino Marella with Tamina
Santino with his usual pre match kicks that make no contact and Ted with a punch and then he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Santino gets away. Ted with a clothesline for a near fall. Ted with a reverse chin lock. Ted with knees to Santino but he misses a drop kick and Santino gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Santino Marella
After the match, Santino has a belated Christmas present and it is a Cobra. Ted and Maryse attack Santino and Tamina because they did not get gifts from Santino. Tamina with a clothesline to Maryse and Santino with a jawbreaker. They hit dueling diving head butts and then the cobras are uncoiled and Maryse and Ted go down.
Miz says that he is going to give Jerry Lawler a lesson. Miz asks Alex what kind of lesson he is going to teach John Morrison. Miz tells Alex he needs to beat Morrison so bad that he cannot stand or will never want to face him again. Miz says that he is going to pick apart the Hall of Famer bit by bit. Miz says that he will do the same thing if there is anything left with Morrison.
John Morrison says that he knows that Miz wants to do it big. Morrison says that if he wins, he gets to pick the stipulation and when he gets his title match.
Riley wants to know what happens when he wins.
Morrison says that if Riley beats him, he should be fired. Morrison says that he will forfeit his number one contender contract.
Miz agrees and Morrison says that it will be awesome.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE does a lot with Make-a-Wish.
Match Number Two: John Morrison versus Alex Riley with The Miz in a Stipulation or No Title Match Match
They lock up and Morrison with a hammer lock but Riley with an elbow and punches to Morrison. Morrison with punches when Riley says something to Miz. Morrison with a back breaker and a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Miz distracts Morrison and Riley hits him from behind. Riley with kicks to Morrison and an Irish whip followed by a clothesline for a near fall.
Riley with a slam and he gets a near fall. Riley with a reverse chin lock on Morrison. Morrison with punches to Riley but Riley with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Riley chokes Morrison again and Irish whips Morrison and hits a clothesline for a near fall. Riley with a chin lock. Morrison with a hip lock take down on Riley and then he punches Riley. Morrison with a clothesline and a leg lariat. Morrison with kicks but Riley with an Irish whip. Morrison with a kick to Riley and then Miz trips Morrison as he goes for a springboard round kick. Miz has been sent to the back by the referee and Cole cannot believe what the referee did.
Riley with a rollup for a near fall. Morrison with a drop kick to Riley followed by a shining wizard for the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
After the match, John Morrison says that he will have his title match next week and it will be Falls Count Anywhere.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is still angry at what happened during the Morrison/Riley match as we see highlights of the match.
Miz wants to know what Riley was thinking because he is going to have to face Morrison in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Miz tells Riley to focus on his job for later tonight against Jerry Lawler.
Punk is talking to a cameraman and he tells him that he wants to make sure that they get his big announcement.
Daniel Bryan is with The Bellas. They say they had a good Christmas but they didn’t get their Daniel Bryan t-shirts and they were alone under the mistletoe.
Tyson Kidd enters with Jackson Andrews. He tells Bryan that he will be the next United States Champion thanks to his bodyguard. Tyson tells Bryan to watch his match with the World’s Strongest Man and think about what he will do to Bryan.
Randy Orton is staring in his locker room and Josh Mathews wants to get an interview. He points out how Randy Orton beat Sheamus to win the title and then he beat Sheamus at Hell in a Cell. Josh clams up when . Orton says that he has nothing against John Morrison but he wants Miz to win because when he wins the title again, he wants to do it by beating Sheamus. Josh tells Randy that it is King Sheamus. Orton says that King Sheamus’ reign comes to an abrupt and painful end. Randy stares into the commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is joined by Josh ‘I ask the important questions because nobody else wants to’ Mathews.
Match Number Three: Mark Henry versus Tyson Kidd with Jackson Andrews
Kidd with forearms to the back and Henry feels nothing but Kidd feels the head butt and punches. Henry with a hard Irish whip followed by a slam. Henry stands over Kidd for a twisting leg drop but Kidd moves. Kidd with a drop kick to the head followed by kicks to Henry and a knee drop. Kidd with a front face lock but Henry gets to his feet and he tosses Kidd away. Henry with a clothesline to Kidd but he charges into Kidd’s boots. Kidd comes off the turnbuckles and Henry catches him and hits the World’s Strongest Slam and he gets the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry
After the match, Henry and Andrews stare at each other and Henry wants Andrews to come into the ring. They get face to face and Henry starts to back up but Andrews with a kick. Andrews misses a short arm clothesline and Henry hits the World’s Strongest Slam on Andrews.
We go to last week’s Raw when Miz got pinned by Jerry Lawler after Orton hit an RKO on Miz.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz says that everyone is intimidated by him. Randy Orton is intimidated by him. John Morrison shakes in his boots in front of him. Miz says that Jerry Lawler has to change his Depends whenever Miz is there. Miz says that he is the must see WWE Champion. Miz says that everyone thinks that he is the best brawler and best fighter, but nobody compares to him in the WWE. Miz says that the Verne Gagnes, Lou Theszs, and Harley Races don’t hold a candle to his ability and his talent. Miz tells everyone to stop with the whats because they sound like ducks.
Miz says that he is a scientific master of the art of wrestling. He is a technical wizard of wrestling. Miz wants to know if everyone is going to continue this so whenever there is a what, he responds with a REALLY. He wants everyone to call a friend, e-mail someone, and tweet everyone because he is going to destroy Jerry Lawler. It is in honor of all of the what people.
Match Number Four: The Miz with Alex Riley versus Jerry Lawler in a Non Title Match
The fans chant for Jerry before they lock up. They lock up and Miz with a double leg take down and then he walks on Lawler’s back. They lock up again and Miz with a side head lock. Miz with a shoulder tackle and he has something to say to Lawler as he gets up. They lock up again and Miz backs Lawler into the corner and he turns around and Lawler with a side head lock after Miz misses a punch. Lawler with a few shoulder tackles and then he hits a third shoulder tackle. Miz goes into the ropes Miz with a kick and punch and then he slaps Lawler in the back of the head as the referee warns him.
Miz with a kick to the midsection. Lawler tries to punch Miz but Miz avoids him and Miz with a punch and then he chokes Lawler. Miz with a reverse chin lock but Lawler gets to his feet. Miz sends Lawler back to the mat and then he hits a running boot to the chest. Miz chokes Lawler in the ropes and then Riley hits Lawler when the referee was distracted by Miz. Miz with a boot to the chest. Lawler with punches but Miz with kicks as he continues to wear down Lawler. Miz rakes the eyes and the referee warns him.
Miz punches Lawler and sends him into the turnbuckles. Miz waits for Lawler to get up to hit the Awesome Clothesline but John Morrison’s music plays and he comes out. Miz turns his attention to Morrison who is walking to the ring. Miz hits a clothesline but he misses a second one. Miz misses a splash into the ropes and Miz crotches himself in the ropes. Lawler with a series of punches and then he hits a few drop kicks for a near fall. Lawler tries for a slam but Miz escapes and he sends Lawler into the turnbuckles. Miz misses the Awesome Clothesline and then Miz drops Lawler on the top rope.
Miz gets dropped onto the ring steps and Alex Riley tries to interfere. While the referee was dealing with Riley, Morrison hit a Shining Wizard on Miz. The referee makes the ten count and Miz doesn’t return to the ring.
Winner: Jerry Lawler by count out
After the match, Morrison tells Miz that you are only as good as your last match.
We go to the locker room where Sheamus has his crown and robe and Punk comes by to praise King Sheamus. Sheamus says that it is a shame that the others are not as respectful as Punk. Punk asks Sheamus how many times has John Cena insulted him or made him look bad. Punk wants Sheamus to watch him calling Cena out because he is doing it for everyone who has been the victim of Cena’s verbal attacks. He also wishes Sheamus luck against Randy Orton.
Sheamus thanks the fella and then he says that he doesn’t need any luck.
We go to commercial, fella.
We are back and we take a look back at the Miz versus Jerry Lawler match as Cole tries to see how he feels about his match with Cole’s mancrush.
Natalya has joined the announce team for the next match.
We see the footage from last week when Melina earned the number one contender spot for the Divas Title only to slap Natalya when Natalya came to the ring.
Match Number Five: Melina and Alicia Fox versus Eve Torres and Gail Kim
Alicia and Eve start things off and Alicia with punches and forearms and a knee. Eve avoids a clothesline and then connects with a kick. Eve misses a moonsault when she lands on Alicia’s knees. Melina tags in and she connects with a forearm and then slams Eve’s head into the mat. Melina with an Irish whip and then connects with knees into the corner. Eve with an enzuigiri to Melina and both ladies are down.
Gail tags in and connects with clotheslines to Melina followed by a drop kick. Gail with a cross body into the corner and then she goes up top and hits a missile drop kick but Alicia breaks up the cover. Eve with a Thesz Press to Alicia and then go to the floor. Melina with a clothesline followed by the Screeching Step Over Leg Lariat for the three count.
Winners: Melina and Alicia Fox
After the match, Natalya goes into the ring to talk to Melina. Melina wants to shake Natalya’s hand. . . but it’s a trap that Natalya knew was coming so Natalya is the one who connects with the punch.
CM Punk is now with the members of the medical staff. He tells them to be alert and ready and to have the EMTs ready. He says that it won’t be his responsibility, it will be the responsibility of the medical staff and the WWE Universe.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the next match is joined in progress.
Match Number Six: Daniel Bryan with the Bellas versus Zack Ryder
Zack Ryder has Daniel Bryan in a side head lock but Bryan with a hip toss and arm drag. Bryan runs into boots from Ryder. Ryder chokes Bryan with his boot and then he hits a running face wash and gets a near fall. Ryder with a neck breaker for a near fall. Ryder tries for another neck breaker but Bryan with the LaBell Lock and Ryder taps out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, the Bellas celebrate in the ring but that is ruined by the dingy dingy noise and Michael Cole’s boisterous announcement of an e-mail from the General Messenger.
The GM hopes that everyone has enjoyed their holidays. The upcoming year will be the greatest year in WWE history.
While the GM wishes everyone a Happy New Year, Miz comes out and attacks Jerry Lawler and sends him into the ringside barrier. Miz sends Lawler into the announce table and then into the ring steps. Miz gives Lawler a Skull Crushing Finale on the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Jerry Lawler getting sneak attacked by The Miz while Michael Cole put everyone in a trance with his message from the General Manager.
Josh Mathews has returned to the announce table and Josh says that he can see through Cole’s comments because he has no sympathy for what Miz did.
Match Number Seven: Sheamus versus Randy Orton
They lock up and they try to get an advantage and Sheamus backs Orton into the corner. Sheamus punches Orton but Orton returns fire with punches of his own. Sheamus punches and kicks Orton. Orton sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles and connects with a series of European uppercuts. Sheamus sends Orton into the turnbuckles and he connects with an elbow to the neck. Orton with a Thesz Press and he punches Sheamus. Orton with a boot to the midsection. Orton misses a knee drop and Sheamus with a running shoulder tackle. Sheamus with a knee to the chest followed by an elbow to the head. Sheamus with an arm bar on Orton. Orton with punches to Sheamus and then he hits a short arm clothesline and gets a near fall.
Orton with a boot to the head followed by a leaping knee drop for a near fall. Sheamus chokes Orton with his boot and then he uses his knee. Sheamus with shoulders in the corner followed by knees and then he rakes at the face. Orton with a kick but Sheamus with an Irish whip. Orton comes out of the corner with a clothesline and then he kicks Sheamus to set up for the IEDDT but Sheamus gets into the ring. Sheamus sends Orton to the apron and then Orton drops down as Sheamus goes over the top rope to the floor.
Orton with a European uppercut to Sheamus and then Sheamus sends Orton into the ring post. Sheamus with a flying shoulder tackle from the apron for a near fall.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus has Orton in an arm bar and he works on the neck as well. Orton with a head butt to Sheamus to get out of the hold. Sheamus with a kick and he hits a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus punches Orton while the referee warns Sheamus. Orton punches Sheamus but Sheamus with a punch to the midsection and connects with a series of forearms across the chest and gets a near fall. Orton punches Sheamus but Sheamus with a knee and Irish whip but Sheamus misses a charge into the corner when Orton moves and Sheamus hits the post.
Orton sends Sheamus into the ring post and then he tries for a superplex and hits it and both men are down. Orton gets a two count. Sheamus with a punch but Orton with a kick. They exchange punches as the crowd shows who they support. Orton with a European uppercut and then he hits a series of clotheslines and then hits a power slam. Orton runs into a boot from Sheamus but Orton with the Olympic Slam but Orton can only get a two count. Orton with a kick but Sheamus hits the uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Sheamus sets for the Pump kick but Orton moves. Sheamus escapes an RKO attempt. Sheamus with a double sledge to Orton and both men are down. Sheamus stands over Orton and sets for the High Cross. Orton is able to fight out of the hold and Orton with a back breaker and it is time for Orton to twist into the RKO push ups. Sheamus goes to the apron. Sheamus tries for another slingshot shoulder tackle but Orton turns it into an RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
John Cena is walking in the back as he gets ready to be called out.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are reminded that Raw will ring in 2011 with John Morrison getting his title match against The Miz in a Falls Count Anywhere Match.
John Cena’s music plays and he comes out even though he has not officially been called out by CM Punk. John says that CM Sucks said this was going to be his show and that he had a surprise. He said that he would call Cena out. Cena says that he came out early. He tells Punk if he wants some to get some.
CM Punk’s music plays and he does not come out through the usual entrance. Cena looks around for Punk.
Cena says that they must be playing games. Cena says that he is changing the game and if Punk doesn’t want to come out, he will find Punk.
Before Cena can leave the ring, Nexus is back (except for Wade Barrett) and they make their way to the ring.
David Otunga enters and he has something to say because he has the mic. He tells John this isn’t what you think. He reminds John that he was assaulted two weeks ago. He saw every member of Nexus get taken out and it was exactly what Cena said he would do. Otunga says that he made a decision. Nexus is under new management now and in case you didn’t hear it the first time, he tells us again.
Otunga wants to put everything that has happened behind them and start anew. Otunga offers Cena a truce and he offers his hand.
Cena takes the mic and he says that he knew why they did what they did. If he thought that Otunga was genuine, he would have shaken his hand. Cena says that he got to each of them because he watched them and studied them. He calls him a slimy backstabbing worm of a man. Cena says that he doesn’t trust Otunga. There will be no moving forward. Otunga can move backward or he can throw hands and they will see what happens.
Otunga thinks about it and he walks out of the ring.
IT’S A TRAP and they turn around halfway up the ramp and they attack John Cena. Slater hits Sweetness on Cena. Michael with a running snap neckbreaker. Harris with a back senton splash. They move Cena into position for Gabriel to hit the 450 Splash. They yell at Cena and then pose for everyone.
Nexus walks up the ramp and CM Punk’s music plays again and he walks past them to the ring. Punk picks up John Cena and gives Cena Go To Sleep and Cena is out. Punk grabs a chair and he wants to hit Cena with it but he thinks about it for a second and then he sits at Cena’s feet and thinks about his next move. Punk picks up the Nexus arm band and puts it on.
CM Punk throws up a fist salute for his followers in Nexus.
2011 - WWE ran Madison Square Garden. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
WWE's Raw brand returned to Madison Square Garden for the company's annual post-Christmas house show, drawing an estimated 14,000 for the first house show in the remodeled MSG. Full results:
*The show opened with Miz coming out to cut a promo, basically telling the fans that he was going to close out the year as the new WWE champion. He ripped on the fans for cheering loser teams like the Knicks and promised them that the Knicks spent too much money on talent that will get injured and let them down, while Miz will laugh all through 2012 as the champ. R-Truth's music hit and Miz looked for him up the aisle but Truth hit the ring from the crowd in street clothes and they had a brief, spirited brawl with Truth getting the better of the exchange. Miz powdered out of the ring and Truth took the mic and demanded Miz's return. The crowd started giving him the "What" treatment so he yelled at them not to do it and started giving it back. He claimed he wasn't going to leave so John Laurinaitis came out and demand Truth leave the ring.
*John Laurinaitis announced they would officially open the show with a Battle Royal where the winner would get a title shot at United States champion Zack Ryder. He wished the crowd a Happy New Year in a very condenscending manner. In the bout were Dolph Ziggler, Kofi Kingston, Evan Bourne, Santino Marella, JTG, Michael McGuillicuty, Mason Ryan, Primo, Epico, Jack Swagger, Curt Hawkins, Tyler Reks. Marella got some funny comedy spots in. It came down to Kingston and Ryan while Zigger, who spent most of the match avoiding competition was hiding on the floor. Kingston was able to dropkick Ryan out and celebrated, thinking he won, only to be tossed out by Zigger. Typical Battle Royal.
*WWE Divas champion Beth Phoenix pinned Eve Torres with one of the Bellas as the special referee and the other as the guest timekeeper. The Bellas were looking damn good. This was advertised as Kelly Kelly as the referee and as a Santa's Little Helper's match, but apparently the Christmas theme was left at home. The story here was that referee Bella was being a heel and preventing Eve from having a fair shot. Torres nailed a moonsault and the Bella counted two, then started selling that her shoulder was hurting. Torres confronted her but was attacked by Beth and nailed with a Glamslam for the pin. After the match, the Bellas doubleteamed Eve, setting the stage for Kelly Kelly to hit the ring to her theme music while wearing a cutoff Knicks jersey to make the save. Not much here.
*Alex Riley pinned Leo Kruger with a TKO. Kruger is a WWE developmental talent who's been with the company since early 2010. He has a nice look and is from South Africa. He did some mic work putting over that he was better than the no good New Yorkers. Kruger received some boos but it wasn't anything really sustained. They did a pretty basic match. Kruger didn't impress here.
*Mick Foley was announced as the guest host for the evening. He came out and acted like it was the first time he'd been in a WWE ring since 2008 and told a story about his youngest son booing him at the Royal Rumble that year. Didn't he get Rock Bottomed on Raw a few weeks ago?? Anyway, Jack Swagger came out and they had words. Swagger said he was tired of Foley wasting time talking about the past and tried to challenge Foley to a match. Mick said that he left his wrestling tights and his intestinal fortitude at home. He said that he instead brought someone who had theirs with them and introduced WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler.
*Jerry Lawler pinned Jack Swagger with the fistdrop. Match was OK. Lawler got a nice reaction from the Garden. Foley took the mic and said it would be an honor to watch Lawler from ringside and said in 1983, he shaved his goatee into the shape of a crown because Lawler did it. It was a pretty basic match with Swagger working over the "King" and even backdropping him (carefully) over the top to the apron outside. Lawler finally made the comeback and nailed a series of right hands, a dropkick and the fistdrop. Swagger ended up eating Mr. Socko after the match as well.
*Santino Marella pinned Michael McGuillicuty with the Cobra. Your basic Santino match. As Santino was playing to the crowd on the way out, Ziggler sprinted down the aisle and clotheslined him. Great heel move to get a big response.
*WWE United States champion Zack Ryder pinned Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler's body language before and during the match was awesome as he looked like someone who was dying to kick ass as opposed to hitting his staged poses during an entrance. Vickie Guerrero came out and did her introduction and got more heat than most of the heels on the show. At this point, they easily had the best match on the card with some solid back and forth. Ziggler scored the pin but Ryder got his foot on the bottom rope. Referee Charles Robinson restarted the match as Ziggler was pissed bigtime. He charged Ryder in the corner but Zack pulled up both his knees and struck Ziggler in the face. A stunned Ziggler staggered away into the center of the ring where he was nailed with the Rough Ryder and pinned. Ryder led the crowd in his "Woo Woo Woo" in the ring and then again in the aisle before he returned to the back.
*WWE Tag Team champions Air Boom defeated Primo and Epico in a good back and forth tag match. Rosa Mendes managed the challengers and showed more charisma here than she's shown her entire career. The crowd popped for her latin dancing during the challengers' entrance. This was a hell of a tag match. In the end, Kofi nailed an enziguiri on Primo but Epico dove in to break up the count. Bourne drilled him with a running knee and sent him to the floor. Kofi nailed Primo with the Trouble in Paradise and Bourne scored with the Shooting Star Press to get the pin. Fun stuff and I really liked seeing a tag match where the teams actually each dressed alike!
*John Cena defeated Kane by DQ in a short match. This was the first match of their current feud. Some goof tossed a t-shirt at Cena as he made his way to the ring and got tossed out of the place for his dumb antics. The back and forth chants for Cena and Cena's entrance were the biggest reaction on the card up until this point. They did all the stuff you would expect and some brawling in the ring. Kane finally grabbed a chair and drilled Cena in the ribs with it for the DQ. He chokeslammed Cena and walked out. As he was leaving, they announced the DQ and Kane didn't like that, so he returned to continue the carnage only Cena caught him with the AA and celebrated. Crowd was into this more than anything else previously on the card. A lot of fans around me thought it was a different Kane.
*WWE champion CM Punk pinned The Miz with the GTS in a great steel cage match. Punk got a huge reaction coming out (I bet the guard who denied him entry into the place was marveling at that one) and looked thrilled to be there, even strutting across the top rope after he entered the ring. From an in ring standpoint, this was far and away the smoothest and best worked match on the card. There was a "Y2J" chant at Punk early on. At one point, Miz nearly escaped through the door but Punk scrambled past him and got a foot on the floor. Alas, he needed two. They did a lot of really good sequences and near falls. Punk nailed the Savage elbow off the top. He tried to go for the GTS, but Miz fought Punk off. Punk sent Miz into the cage head first and nailed the GTS for the pin. That was the only real instance of the cage being used. Talk about less is more. Good stuff here! Punk celebrated with the crowd for a long time before heading off to the back.
Notes: Justin Roberts handled the ring announcing. There is no valid reason for Howard Finkel not to be ring announcing every Garden card. I don't care what anyone says, that's his house....Lots of empty seats in the 300 and 400 sections of the Garden, but unlike most years, this year's post-Christmas card came on a Tuesday night. The post-Christmas cards have been a tradition in the Garden for as long as I can remember....For good wrestling action, the cage match, The U.S. title and the Tag match were the best things on the card. Way too much filler and a shocking lack of strong performers on the undercard...They were selling signed and matted photos of Punk and Cena for $20...The majority of the merchandise was devoted to Cena, Punk and Zack Ryder....They were selling Rock shirts and had large cardboard standees promoting Rock vs. Cena for Wrestlemania in the lobby of the Garden....Zack Ryder's father and "The Big" O from Ryder's online show were both in attendance...rap legend DMC from Run DMC was at the show with his family....David Otunga was advertised but did not appear as he was pulled for TV....WWE announced a Sunday 3/18 return to the Garden with a combined house show featuring both brands. Tickets will go on sale 1/7 with a pre-sale using code Wrestlemania on Wednesday 1/4.
2012 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling with an Open Fight Night theme. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of Impact Wrestling!
We look back at the last several weeks as Aces & Eights targeted Kurt Angle and got involved in last week's World Title match between Jeff Hardy and Austin Aries, which ended because of interference from Bobby Roode.
Bully Ray starts the show off by saying it's no secret that he and Hulk Hogan don't get along, but he wants to know what it'll take to earn Hogan's trust. He has nothing but respect for Hogan, but he wants to call him out here, not to fight, but to talk. Hogan's music hits, but Brooke comes out to the ring instead and tells Bubba that her father isn't here. She tells "Mark" that he knows, Bubba asks how he knows and she says she's not sure, but she says this isn't where to settle it. She says they need to talk to Hulk privately so she can show her dad that Bubba's the man she knows he is. "Mark" steps out of the ring and walks off, Brooke comes after him to try and talk, but the annoying TNA cameramen won't get out of their faces so they just walk off.
It's Open Fight Night, and that means that any challenge has to be answered no matter what! Austin Aries comes out to the ring (apparently just missing Bubba and Brooke in the back on his way out) and says he's going to make this short and sweet. Everyone saw that he had Hardy beat and that he should be the TNA World Champion right now, but the man he's about to call out screwed him, and that's Bobby Roode. Aries says he can't be mad at him because he did the same thing to him and now they're even. But tonight, they're going to settle things in the ring like men and see who deserves to be the World Champion and who deserves to face Jeff Hardy for the title. They're not going to do it right now because the only place Austin Aries and Bobby Roode should be wrestling is in the main event, and since this is the last main event of 2012, let's take the two greatest wrestlers in the universe to determine who will take out Jeff Hardy once and for all. Great promo!
Samoa Joe comes out and says he came here to pick a fight, so since Aces & Eights likes to send someone out to hit people in the head with a hammer, he's going to see how hard he hits face to face and calls out the big masked man from Aces & Eights so he can choke him out and take his mask off.
Samoa Joe vs ??????
Joe jumps the big man as soon as he gets in the ring, pummeling him with punches and kicks and nailing him with a leaping enziguiri. Joe goes for the mask, but the big man sticks his thumb in Joe's eyes and runs him over with a clothesline. The big guy puts Joe over the middle rope and gives him the Boss Man Straddle for 2, then goes to a rear chinlock. Joe escapes and dodges a charge, then sits the big man on the top rope and goes for the Muscle Buster. The big guy blocks, but Joe hits a Manhattan drop, a running big boot, and a back senton. Joe gets the rear naked choke right in the middle of the ring and the big man goes out.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Joe motions that he's going to take the hood off, but the rest of the gang runs in and Joe hits the bricks. Aces & Eights makes angry faces at Joe as he backs his way up the ramp.
Robbie E and Robbie T are backstage and they get into a confrontation with Jesse Godderz. Robbie E says that since tonight is Open Fight Night, they should have a Bro Off. Okay.
Kenny King is backstage telling Christian York that he's impressed with the way he came in and took it to everyone because it's so much like the way he came in. He knows Rob Van Dam is going to call someone tough out tonight, so he tells Christian to watch and take notes. King walks off and York shakes his head and wonders where they find these guys.
Robbie E and Robbie T come out to the ring where E tells us that it's Open Bro Night, and he's calling out the fake Robbie E, Jesse Godderz. He tells Jesse to get out here so he can show him what it's like to be a real bro. Jesse comes out and tells E that he can refer to him as Mr Pectacular, but E reminds him that this is a Bro Off, and there's three rules in a Bro Off: 1)it's every Bro for himself, B)everything he does has to end in a bro. Since E is the Bro veteran, bro, he's going to go first, bro, so he tells the DJ to hit his music, bro.
Bro Off: Robbie E vs Jesse Godderz
Robbie E's music hits and he dances. E tells Jesse to top that, Bro. Jesse's music hits and he does his Chris Masters posing routine while Tara drools and fondles him. Jesse tells E that this is how you Bro Off...dude. E says it wasn't as bad as he thought it'd be, but there's two problems: it's bros not hos (meaning Tara), and number three is that Jesse is automatically disqualified because he ended with dude instead of bro, Bro. So the winner of the 2012 Bro Off is...wait a minute, Robbie T grabs the microphone and says there's one more bro to go. T flexes to Jesse's music, but then some new music hits and he does back rolls, one armed pushups, and pumps his fist at the crowd. Jesse and Robbie E's jaws are on the ground as he takes the microphone out of E's hand and goes "BRO!" T walks up the ramp as Jesse, Tara, and E stare at him in shock.
Winner: Robbie T
Rob Van Dam is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
Rob Van Dam comes out to the ring and says that his efforts have obviously elevated the X Division, and this next X Division competitor is having everyone rave about his moves and his athleticism, so come on out to the ring...Christian York! We see backstage as King looks shocked that RVD didn't pick him, and York does an in your face at King and comes out to the ring for...
X Division Title Match: Rob Van Dam vs Christian York
They go back and forth right off the bat with a fast paced exchange, RVD goes for the stepover leg lariat but York counters to a half nelson suplex. York hits a flying headscissors that sends RVD out to the floor, then quickly rolls him back inside and comes off the top rope with a missile dropkick. York hits a rolling neckbreaker on RVD for a close 2, RVD whips York to the corner and goes for the rolling monkey flip, but York drills him in the face with a knee to block the move and goes up top and hits a double stomp to the back of RVD for another close 2. RVD dodges a charging cannonball in the corner and counters a flying headscissors to a side suplex. York kicks out of a split legged moonsault at 2, but RVD follows up with a springboard thrust kick and then Rolling Thunder. RVD goes to the top rope and hits the five star notebook splash for the win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
We go to the Aces & Eights clubhouse where Devon again says that the guy he has in mind tonight is a prima donna, but can be a big help to the group if they decide to bring him in. Doc comes in with a couple of girls and Devon asks him if he thinks they'll do for tonight.
We then check in on Joseph Park's progress at OVW where Park says he came from a long line of fighters like his brother Chris and his great grandfather Jebediah, who fought George Hackenschmidt in a bare knuckle fight and almost won. Danny Davis says he doesn't want to crush anyone's dream, but he sucked except when he got that nosebleed and went nuts last week. If he can channel that, he's on to something because it got his attention.
Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian are at the merch stand seeing that they still have no merch there even though they have Kurt Angle shorts. The annoying cameraman asks them what their plan for tonight is, and they made their usual evasive answer before dumping AJ Styles' t-shirts in the trash.
We look back at last week when Hulk Hogan told us to vote for TNA's Wrestler of the Year, then Bobby Roode says that he knew Aries would call him out because he's so predictible. He's going to beat Aries and then go on to Genesis to beat Hardy for the title like he should have at Final Resolution.
By the way, Sting is coming back on 1-3-13 and he wants Doc!
Christopher Daniels comes out to the ring and says that he knows they told the fans that he and AJ Styles were doing it one last time at Final Resolution, but they really meant one last time until the next time. He gives the fans what they want, so he's calling out AJ Styles! Frankie Kazarian comes out dressed like AJ Styles and does a dead on impersonation of him where he says he'd love to fight Daniels one more time, but he knows he can't beat him. Daniels beat him with his own Styles Clash, and he's just some dumb hick from Georgia and Daniels is from Cali-frickin'-fornia. This has been the worst frickin' year of his life, so he's going to go find Claire Lynch, but Daniels interrupts him and says that nobody wants to see that. He apologizes to the fans for not giving them Styles vs Daniels one second last time, but they can feel free to worship them now. Chavo Guerrero Jr and Hernandez come out and say they can make fun of people having a bad 2012, but Chavo and Hernandez had a pretty good 2012 since they beat them for the TNA World Tag Team Title. They're going to finish 2012 with their foot up Daniels and Kazarian's rears. They enter the ring, the bell rings, and we're off!
TNA World Tag Team Title Champions Chavo Guerrero Jr & Hernandez vs Bad Influence
The champions tear right through Daniels and Kazarian, with Hernandez hitting a splash on Kazarian for 2. Daniels tags in and he gets ping ponged between the champions before Hernenadez pops him up into an overhead release suplex. Daniels is in the wrong part of town as Chavo stomps him down and Hernandez chokes him from the floor. Hernandez comes in and hits a splash in the corner on Daniels and then backdrops him almost to the moon. Daniels begs for mercy as we go to commercial.
We're back and Chavo is dumping AJ...er, I mean Kazarian to the floor as Hernandez has Daniels up in a really long delayed vertical suplex. Hernandez tackles Kazarian off the apron and then clotheslines Daniels out to the floor. He quickly rolls Daniels in and goes for a slingshot shoulderblock, but Kazarian pulls Daniels out of the way and Hernandez crashes and burns. Now Hernandez is in trouble and Bad Influence tag in and out while working the big man over. Daniels and Kazarian hit a series of double teams and repeatedly go after Chavo to draw him into the ring and prevent Hernandez from making a tag. Hernandez finally shoves Daniels across the ring and hits a Pounce to create some space and make a tag to Chavo, who comes in and cleans house on Kazarian. Chavo with a flying headscissors and a big monkey flip, followed by a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for 2. Chavo with his uncle's Three Amigos on Kazarian, but Daniels and Kazarian hit a Hart Attack on Chavo for 2. Hernandez comes in and dumps both of them to the floor and the champions take them out with stereo dives, then Chavo rolls Kazarian inside and hits a slingshot rolling senton for 2. Kazarian goes for AJ's springboard forearm, but Chavo dodges and hits a top rope frogsplash for the win.
Winners: Chavo Guerrero Jr & Hernandez
Jeff Hardy is backstage telling the cameraman that he has all the respect in the world for Aries and Roode in the ring, but no respect at all for them outside the ring. Revenge is coming real soon, but he'll enjoy watching the two of them beat the hell out of each other tonight.
We go to the Aces & Eights clubhouse where Ken Anderson is apparently the guy Devon recommended for the job. Anderson remembers what happened last time they had a run in, but Devon assured him he'd be safe there. Devon says it'll be physical and then (indicating the girls) more physical, Anderson says he's not sure this is his scene, but he'd like some time to...think about it. He strolls off with the girls as Aces & Eights looks real pleased with how the conversation went.
Gail Kim comes out and says she knows exactly who she's calling out. 2012 was her year and she was the longest reigning Knockouts Champion until someone came along and scored a fluke victory. She's ready to end that chapter and erase those memories before she regains her gold in 2013, and she's calling out Miss Tessmacher.
Gail Kim vs Miss Tessmacher
Gail goes right after Brooke's arm, but Tessmacher gets a quick jackknife rollup for 2, then dodges a charge in the corner and unloads with forearms and stomps in the corner. Brooke gives Gail a stinkface, then knocks her to the floor when Gail tries to roll to the apron to escape. Brooke rolls her right back in but gets caught with a DDT, then Gail hits a back suplex for 2. Brooke blocks a top rope Frankensteiner and she gets Gail in a hanging Dragon Sleeper on the top rope, then releases Gail and wipes her out with a top rope clothesline for 2. Gail catches Brooke with a boot to the face and whips her to the corner for the charging crossbody. Now Gail rubs her ass in Brooke's face and goes for another back suplex, but Brooke converts it to a bulldog. Brooke nails Gail with a series of running clotheslines and forearms, then nearly turns Gail inside out with a Frankensteiner. She mounts Gail in the corner and goes "OH YEAH GAIL UH UH UH" while humping her face. What a sense of humor that Brooke has. Brooke hits an inverted bulldog and then goes to the top, but takes so long that I just know whatever she's going to try won't work. Indeed, Gail rolls out of the way of Brooke's top rope elbowdrop and hits Sole Food for the win.
Winner: Gail Kim
Austin Aries is backstage, and he's...WALKING! Bobby Roode is also backstage, and he's...ALSO WALKING!
In case you forgot, Sting is coming back next week and he wants Doc! Also, Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle will take on Devon and the big masked guy Joe fought earlier tonight, and the winner of the TNA Wrestler of the Year ballot will be announced!
Oh, and...it's main event time!
Bobby Roode vs Austin Aries
Roode takes Aries to the corner and tries a right hand, but Aries ducks out of the way. Aries says it's cool, then they tie back up and do some mat wrestling. They end at a stalemate and Roode tries for a handshake, Aries takes it and they both kick each other in the gut. Roode hits the ropes and Aries tries a leapfrog but appears to hurt his knee. Roode says he's not buying this crap, and he kicks Aries in the knee and tries a spinning toehold. Aries kicks Roode off to the floor, dances around to show that the knee is fine, and he gets ready to try a dive to the floor, but Roode pops back in the ring and they go nose to nose. We go to commercial, but not before we go INSIDE JEFF HARDY'S HEAD!!! He's at ringside surrounded by animals (as he says) as he watches two men who don't deserve to challenge for the World Title.
We're back, and Roode and Aries are trading back rakes until Roode gets a vertical suplex. Aries dodges a kneedrop and then dropkicks Roode's knee out from under him. Roode dodges an elbowdrop, and this match is so even that I just know they're going to do some kind of draw and make it a three way at the PPV. Roode goes for a superplex, but Aries blocks and they box each other's ears repeatedly on the top rope, then thumb each other in the eyes before going back to boxing their ears. Aries finally gets three ear boxes in a row to knock Roode off the top, but Roode dodges a missile dropkick and tries a spear. Aries sees him coming and hooks him into the Last Chancery, but Roode goes to the eyes to escape and gets Aries in a Crippler Crossface. Aries goes to Roode's eyes to get out and they trade punches and chops, Roode begs for mercy and tries a rollup with his feet on the ropes. The referee sees and stops the count, and Roode takes too long arguing with the referee and allows Aries to roll Roode up with a handful of tights. The referee sees again and stops the count, and Roode hits a spinebuster for 2. Roode tries to use a chair on Aries, but the referee takes it away and opens Roode up to a roaring forearm from Aries that gets 2. Now Aries gets the chair and the referee takes it away, so the referee finally has enough and loses his mind yelling at both men that he's sick of this crap. Aries and Roode look at each other and then hit stereo kicks to the referee before dumping him out to the floor. They share a brief look of satisfaction before racing each other to the chair. Jeff Hardy's music hits, and he comes in through the crowd and lays out both men. Hardy's music is playing, so I guess we'll call this...
NO CONTEST
Boy, can I call these things a mile away or what?
Thank you for following PWInsider.com's live coverage of Open Fight Night, I'll be back tomorrow to talk about Impact and more with Dave Scherer on the Stu & Pid Show!
2012 - WWE ran Madison Square Garden. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
WWE held their annual holiday week house show at Madison Square Garden, a tradition that goes back decades, on 12/27. The show drew a strong crowd of 14-16,000, but was not a sellout. That is not a real surprise given the local market has had Raws in two nearby New Jersey locations, Wrestlemania tickets on sale and a PPV in Brooklyn in the last few months, plus a house show at Nassau Coliseum tomorrow.
Before the show, they pushed fans to Tweet and text photos and messages for the company to place on their video screens. The entrance way was decorated for the holiday with twinkling lights, blow up characters, etc.
*The New Age Outlaws defeated Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow. The Outlaws received a respectable reaction but not a huge homecoming response. It seemed like the younger fans weren't aware of who they were. They got a much bigger reaction for the catch phrases. Billy Gunn noted it was a PG era, which got boos, but still had the fans yell "Suck it." The match itself was solid, but nothing out of the ordinary. Gunn scored the win with the Famouser. Road Dogg made a remark about Rhodes' "porno mustache" on the mic after the bout.
*Brodus Clay defeated David Otunga. Clay had the Funkadactyles with him and did the entire big production number, sans pyro. Otunga did the old Narcissist posing routine before the show, complete with what sounded like the old Lex Luger theme song. Short match and not very good. Clay got the win with a big splash.
*Jack Swagger emerged on the stage and cut a promo on Clay as he walked to the ring, saying he was going to show the world why he was the All American American and rip Clay apart. Two minutes later, he was pinned as well and Clay did the dance-off with a bunch of kids. The dancing got over big. The match did not.
*They announced Tensai vs. Santino Marella with the loser having to sing a song the audience would vote on. That may have been the oddest stipulation match in the history of wrestling, including the wacky Scorpion and Alligator matches in the 1990s in Japan.
*WWE Divas champ Eve Torres defeated Kaitlyn. Good match. Kaitlyn was really over with the younger female fans at the show as you could hear a LOT of girls chanting for her. Kaitlyn looked pretty good here and this was better than the norm for Divas bouts. They did one spot where Kaitlyn caught Eve attempting a kick and slammed her leg down to the mat, forcing her to land with her legs split. Kaitlyn then punched her down.
*Santino Marella defeated Tensai with the Cobra and pinned him to win the song bout. Vickie Guerrero came out to announce Tensai would have to sing "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer." At this point, Tensai was probably wondering if he could book a flight for the Tokyo Dome. He at first claimed he was Jewish and didn't know the song, then "warmed up" singing a wrestling version of Adam Sander's Hanukkah Song. He then sang the most awful version of Rudolph ever uttered. This didn't appear to get over with anyone but some kids.
*The Shield, in their MSG debut, defeated WWE Tag Team champions Daniel Bryan & Kane and The Miz in the best thing on the show up until this point. Shield came through the crowd and they brawled all over. One of the best things in the company right now is the Shield and I think a good part of that has to do with the fact that since they are so new, they haven't settled into a "routine" like most WWE talents where they have a few signature spots and trademark mannerisms, so everything feels more like an actual battle and less like a show. Early on, they went for a superbomb off the ropes on Bryan but he turned it into a rana on Reigns. The Shield ended up on the floor and Bryan nailed a tope into the aisle. In the end, Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale on Roman Reigns but was attacked by Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. They nailed the powerbomb and scored the pin. Great stuff.
*The Usos defeated The Prime Time Players with stereo big splashes off the top. Solid.
*WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro, in his MSG debut, defeated Zack Ryder with the Neutralizer. Ryder was nowhere as over as his glory days a year ago but got a nice reaction. They had a good match with some nice near falls and the crowd was really buying into the idea that Ryder could win. Real good.
*Ryback pinned Paul Heyman in a NYC Street Fight. Heyman came out and cut a Paul E. Dangerously WCW era promo, basically saying he had been coming to MSG since he was 14 years old shooting photos (the truth) and ran down all the tough names that had been here from Ali vs. Frazier to Bruno, Superstar, Hogan, Rock and Steve Austin (HUGE pop for Austin, one of the biggest on the show) but he was tougher than all of them. He said he would hop the rail and show everyone if he could and all of NYC could "kiss my ass" which is pretty strong language for 2012 WWE. Ryback came out and Heyman went to the floor immediately. The Shield ran out and attacked Ryback. They worked him over and brought a table into the ring in the corner. Miz, Kane and Bryan hit the ring and saved Ryback from being put through it. They all brawled to the back. Heyman entered the ring like a tough guy at this point but Ryback recovered, grabbed him and nailed the Shellshock for the pin. He left, then returned and put Heyman through the table, charging at it while holding Heyman in his arms. Heyman was noticeably protecting his neck while taking the bump. Nice reaction for Ryback and the "Feed me more" chants were very loud.
*John Cena pinned Dolph Ziggler in an entertaining steel cage match. Ziggler was bleeding from around the eye from hitting the steel a little hard. They announced it as escape from over the top or through the door but Cena went for a pin. The referee didn't count and Cena had words with him and those at ringside, then it was suddenly pinfalls being counted as well. At one point, Big E. Langston (MSG debut) tried to pull Ziggler out the cage door, which led to a tug of war with Ziggler in the middle. Langston finally let go, which led to Cena falling back and bumping the ref. AJ hit the ring and slapped Cena, so he kissed her. They went back and forth until Cena hit the AA for the win to send the crowd home happy. Good stuff.
Overall, a good show.
Notes: This was the first show they've had in MSG since the Garden renovated the upper levels of the facility....One of the new things added to the venue are displays celebrating the history of the venue. They had a display for the first Wrestlemania, which I will post photos of tomorrow....They announced during the show that the box office would be open for an hour after the show selling WWE Hall of Fame tickets and there were huge lines after the show....John Laurinaitis and Michael Hayes ran the show....The talk of the backstage was a female fan who tried to jump on the roof of Ryback's car to get inside it and meet him before the show....JTG was backstage but not used....Paul Heyman's family was in attendance....Singer Phil Collins was backstage....No announced return date for MSG....They aired the holiday music video several times on the screen....They were selling CM Punk merchandise although he wasn't there....The "Heyman Guy" t-shirt was seen all over the Garden....Betty Skaaland and rap legend DMC were in attendance, as were The Big O and Zack Ryder's dad....Joey Styles was there shooting photos and tweeting all night from the show....Several talents from NYWC were at the show visiting...WWE was pushing for fans to Tout from the event...Justin Roberts handled the ring announcing. No Howard Finkel - blasphemy!
2013 - Scott Epstein, 64, a regular fixture in the New York City wrestling scene dating back decades, passed away in the early morning of 12/27 following a car accident.
New York Newsday reported that Epstein's car struck a tree around 1:20 AM near his home in East Rockaway, NY. The cause of the crash is not known.
Epstein was extremely close with WWE Hall of Famer Superstar Graham as they had a friendship that dated back to Graham's WWWF run and Epstein often handled publicity for him. With his bald head and mustache, the two could have passed for relatives.
Epstein was heavily involved in the bodybuilding world as a promoter of events (at one point, he was Vice President of the World Body Building Guild), as well as a writer about that genre. A meeting with Superstar Graham at a Mr. Olympia contest brought both friendship and a chance for Epstein to cross into the pro wrestling world.
During the 1970s, Epstein would write for a number of pro wrestling magazines, including Main Event and Ring Wrestling. Epstein used his publicity contacts to help a number of wrestlers get TV appearance bookings at the time, including Ken Patera, who he helped get booked on ABC Sports' Strongest Man in the World competition.
Epstein would use his connections in the wrestling and bodybuilding world to bring Graham, Ivan Putski, Bruno Sammartino, Tony Atlas and others in for Bodybuilding Guild events where they would be honored as part of the Guild's Hall of Fame.
As WWF expanded nationally, Epstein strayed from the business and pursued other exploits, including his full-time job working as a teacher and assistant principal in the NYC education system. A chance visit to an independent show led to Epstein running into Scott Putski, Ivan's son, and Epstein getting involved in pro wrestling world again.
From that point on, Epstein juggled a million hats around the NYC wrestling world - from vendor to photographer to publicity to "man around town". He was at every major convention with a guest, he was often involved with bringing talent to the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, NY and would help facilitate talents getting into contact with promoters.
At one point, he was also working on books about the careers of Brutus Beefcake and Ivan Putski, although whether any major work was completed on them, I don't know at this time.
Epstein was also heavily involved in a number of charities in the NYC area.
I knew Scott for many, many years and he was never anything but kind to me personally. He had one of those personalities where he had a opinion on everything and always had a good story from the past as he had been around and witnessed a ton over the decades.
On behalf of everyone here at PWInsider.com, I'd like to issue our deepest condolences to Scott's friends and family.
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Bang On Casino
