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January 1st
On this day in history in ....
1927 - Ira Dern defeats Clarence Eklund for Ohio's World Light Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio, ending Eklund's second reign.
1931 - Joe Banaski defeats Nick Bozinis in Columbus, Ohio to become the first Midwest Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Champion.
1936 - The Great Mephisto defeats Walter Roxey to win the MWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Detroit, Michigan.
1940 - Pete Belcastro defeats Ernie Piluso for the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Title in Eugene, Oregon.
1943 - Billy Thom defeats Martino Angelo for the MWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio. This began Thom's second reign and ended Angelo's second.
1944 - Jimmy Hart is born in Jackson, Mississippi.
1946 - Larry Tillman defeats Marshall Estep to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1949 - Dizzy Davis defeats Antonino Rocca for the Texas Heavyweight Title in Waco, Texas. This began Davis' second reign and ended Rocca's second.
1949 - Johnny Demchuk defeats Tommy Martindale for the MWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio. This began Thom's second reign and ended Angelo's second.
1950 - Jack O'Reilly defeats Buck Weaver to win the Pacific Coast Light Heavyweight Title in Portland, Oregon, beginning his second reign.
1954 - El Santo defeats Sugi Sito for the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, to end Sito's second reign.
1959 - Billy Wicks defeats Lee Fields to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Mobile, Alabama, beginning his third reign.
1961 - Rocket and Sputnik Monroe defeat Duke Keomuka and Mad Dog Vachon to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Fort Worth, Texas.
1962 - Larry Chene defeats Jim Bernard for the Wolverine Wrestling Michigan Heavyweight Title in Saginaw, Michigan.
1963 - Ivan and Karol Kalmikoff defeat Mr. High (Doug Gilbert) and Mr. Low (Dick Steinborn) for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1963 - Art and Stan Neilson win the American Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title for the fourth time by defeating Karl and Kurt Von Brauner.
1968 - Mike Lozansky is born in Calgary, Alberta.
1970 - Kimberly Page is born in Chicago, Illinois.
1970 - Rodney is born in Rutherford, New Jersey.
1970 - Dick Murdoch defeats The Lawman (Don Slatton) for the Amarillo NWA Brass Knuckles Title in Amarillo, Texas, ending Lawman's second reign.
1970 - Stan Pulaski defeats Tarzan Tyler in Omaha, Nebraska for the AWA Midwest Heavyweight Title, to begin his second reign.
1970 - Bulldog Brower defeats Johnny Powers to win the NWF North American Heavyweight Title in Cleveland, Ohio.
1971 - Bob Geigel wins his fifth NWA Central States Heavyweight Title, ending Roger Kirby's second reign in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1975 - Rocket Monroe and Randy Tyler defeat Jackie Fargo and George Gulas to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee. This ended Fargo and Gulas' second reign.
1977 - Robert Roode is born in Peterborough, Ontario.
1978 - Blackjack Mulligan defeats Ricky Steamboat in Greensboro, North Carolina to win his fourth NWA United States Heavyweight Title.
1979 - Jack and Jerry Brisco defeat Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk for the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1980 - Ricky and Robert Gibson win their second AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, by ending The Assassins' second reign.
1982 - Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeats The Dynamite Kid in Tokyo, Japan for the vacant WWF Junior Heavyweight Title. Tatsumi Fujinami had vacated the title in December when he moved up to the heavyweight division.
1982 - The St. Louis Wrestling Club held the "Sam Muchnick Retirement Show" before 19,821 at The Checkerdome in St. Louis, Missouri. The results:
- NWA Central States Tag Team Champion Bob Brown and Jerry Brown fought to a draw.
- NWA World Women's Tag Team Champions Joyce Grable and Wendi Richter defeated Early Dawn and Sandy Partlow to retain the title.
- Pat O'Connor defeated Bob Sweetan.
- Jerry Blackwell defeated Ox Baker and Bruce Reed in a Handicap match.
- Rufus R. Jones and David Von Erich fought Harley Race and Greg Valentine to a double-disqualification.
- Dick the Bruiser defeated NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion Ken Patera to win the title, beginning the Bruiser's third reign and ending Patera's second.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Dusty Rhodes in a Best-of-Three Falls match, 2-1, to retain the title.
1983 - Southwest Championship Wrestling held a one-night 16-man tournament for the SCW Southwest Heavyweight Title. Dick Slater had left the promotion in December, leaving the title vacant. The results were:
First round:
- Tully Blanchard defeated Ken Lucas.
- Jerry Lawler defeated SCW Southwest Tag Team Champion Grappler #1.
- Scott Casey defeated Bobby Jaggers.
- Mike Graham defeated SCW Southwest Tag Team Champion Grappler #2.
- Adrian Adonis defeated Steve O.
- Ricky Morton defeated The Ninja Warrior.
- Tonga John defeated Baron Von Raschke.
- Bob Sweetan defeated Gino Hernandez.
Quarterfinals:
- Tully Blanchard defeated Jerry Lawler.
- Mike Graham defeated Scott Casey.
- Adrian Adonis defeated Ricky Morton.
- Bob Sweetan defeated Tonga John.
Semifinals:
- Tully Blanchard defeated Mike Graham.
- Bob Sweetan defeated Adrian Adonis.
Final:
- Tully Blanchard defeated Bob Sweetan to win the vacant SCW Southwest Heavyweight Title. This began Blanchard's seventh reign.
1983 - The Assassin and Rip Oliver defeat Billy Jack (Haynes) and Stan Stasiak for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title in Portland, Oregon. This began their second reign.
1983 - Norman Frederick Charles wins a tournament for the vacant Southeast NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Title.
1984 - Negro Casas defeats Black Terry to win the UWA World Lightweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1985 - Jay and Mark Youngblood defeat Krusher Khrushchev and Jim Neidhart to win the Florida NWA United States Tag Team Title in Tampa, Florida.
1986 - Dick Slater defeats Butch Reed for the Mid-South North American Heavyweight Title in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ending Reed's second reign. At the same event, Jake Roberts won the Mid-South Television Title, defeating Dick Slater in the finals of a month-long tournament. Roberts had defeated Eddie Gilbert, Buzz Sawyer and one other man to reach the finals. Slater had beaten Al Perez, Steve Williams and Jim Duggan.
1988 - Masahiro Chono defeats Mike George in Des Moines, Iowa to become the last NWA Central States Television Champion. The promotion closed later in the year.
1989 - Juicio defeats El Corallilo to win the Mexican National Featherweight Title in San Lorenzo, Mexico.
1991 - Los Villanos (I, IV and V) defeats Los Brazos (El Brazo, Brazo de Oro and Brazo de Plata) for the UWA World Trios Title in Puebla, Mexico. This began and ended both teams' third reigns.
1993 - El Signo defeats Villano III to win the WWF World Light Heavyweight Title in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, to end his sixth reign.
1994 - Villano V defeats Silver King for the UWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico, beginning his second reign.
1999 - Mr. Showtime defeats Johnny Gunn and Franklin Ray in a three-way match to become the first Warriors of Wrestling Federation (later NWA Mid-South) Junior Heavyweight Champion.
2000 - The Rebellion (Kurt Reigns and Tejas) defeat The Sterling Studs (Trent Atkins and Mike Fox) for the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in North Richland Hills, Texas.
2003 - Naphtali, the reigning NWA Florida Junior Heavyweight Champion, is awarded the title as the first NWA Florida X Division Champion, and the prior title is vacated.
2005 - Místico wins the NWA World Middleweight Title from Averno in Mexico City, Mexico.
2005 - The New York Connection (Glenn Gilberti and Johnny Swinger) defeat John Bogie and Elix Skipper to win the GCW Tag Team Title in Columbus, Georgia.
2005 - Todd Sexton ends Jeremy V's second NWA Wildside Television Title reign in Cornelia, Georgia.
2005 - J.T. Hogg defeats The Juggulator in Parkersburg, West Virginia for the NWA Tri-State Heavyweight Title.
2006 - Hator defeats El Zorro to win the UWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Monterrey, Mexico, ending Zorro's fourth reign.
2007 - MTV aired a preview of its planned Tuesday night block that would debut on 1/30/07, including footage from the original Wrestling Society X pilot.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Dave Scherer filed the following report on the broadcast:
The title says it all, damn that was one hell of a Raw last night. I hope it sets the tone for 2008 going forward.
The Angles:
The Jeff Hardy-Randy Orton interaction to open the show did what they wanted it to do. Orton got to be a heel. Hardy got to get his big pop. They reminded us that Hardy has pinned Orton and did a good job of setting up their title match at the PPV. Good stuff. I am looking forward to the match at the Rumble.
The Ric Flair vignettes were very cool. There is so much history there to play off that it never gets old to see clips from his storied past.
The stip that they added to the Ric Flair-HHH match added intrigue to their bout. Triple H not in the Rumble? What will his critics say!
The footage from Iraq was very, very cool. I say it a lot but no matter how you feel about the war, you have to appreciate the troops and WWE for going over there every year.
Without saying a word, JBL said a ton. Well, WWE did anyway. They put him over in a big way by presenting him as a top, top guy. He got the time to stand in front of the crowd, with tons of pyro, and the whole segment said, "This guy is a star". Whether he is or not didn't matter a bit on this night. His promo that followed didn't live up to what preceded it but to be fair, not much could have. They did a good job of reintroducing him and really starting his feud with Chris Jericho.
The Matches:
I could tell that Ken Kennedy and Shawn Michaels were going to go a while when they started their bout slowly. Boy, as things progressed they really turned it on and had a great match. Really, really good stuff. Go out of your way to see that one if you missed it.
Umaga spiking Hacksaw Duggan was fun and frankly, with all the jobs that he has done lately, was needed to reestablish the big guy as an animal.
You know it's a good edition of Raw when we get a very good Triple Threat Women's match. All three ladies did a good job in this one.
It wasn't really a match but the interplay with William Regal-Horny-Vinnie Mac was interesting. The crowd was into Regal not hitting Horny with the knux so it looks like they can take this somewhere if they book it correctly.
Speaking of matches that were angles, that is exactly what Jeff Hardy vs. Santino was. They got some real heel heat on Orton by having him lay out the recovering Matt. It was an effective angle.
And then, we got the main event. Damn, what a match. Ric Flair and HHH tore down the house and I didn't even mind the finish because it ended with an interesting cliffhanger. I loved that HHH worked the Flair style match, as a compliment to the greatness of The Man himself. This was just a fantastic way to send out 2007. I hope it is the start of things to come from 2008.
What To Make Sure And Watch If You DVR'd The Show:
Watch the whole thing. This was a really, really good show.
Rhetorical And Unanswered Questions:
Hey, did you get from the open that 2007 was the year of Randy Orton?
Why would Jeff have to ask anyone what Randy has "done lately" after he just told the guy how he pinned him recently?
If no one has beaten Randy Orton for the title....how did he lose the belt the first time then?
Did Orton really think that Hardy was going to stand there and take the RKO?
Is anyone else looking forward to Raw roulette next week?
If Jeff won the belt, how big of a mistake would it be to give Matt a title shot right away instead of pushing that angle to the max?
Wow, did anyone else notice how old Triple H's face looked?
And, how will it look in HD?
J. Fischer sent this goof one. ... If Todd Grisham needed a mic to interview Triple H, where were Vince's and Regal's microphones? How did we hear them without them?
Shouldn't someone have gotten William Regal a comb for Christmas?
Did Vince really have "no chance in hell" as his ring tone?
Really?
Why does Vince need tough love on Horny anyway?
How funny was the Royal Rumble commercial?
Did anyone think that Hacksaw had any chance against Umaga?
Isn't there something wild about Ric Flair shaking hands with Dusty Rhodes' thun, er son?
Does Vince hate Ric Flair so much because he's the only guy on the roster close to his age and he's jealous that Flair is still wrestling?
Jeez, how lazy is JBL if he can't walk from the back to the ring?
When you saw all the pyro for JBL, couldn't you just tell that he was tight with Vinnie Mac?
Didn't JBL and Chris Jericho do a great job of making their fracas look real, right down to tiring out at the end?
If JBL paid 500 bucks for that shirt, did he get ripped off or what?
Why did Willie Regal wear dress shoes to the ring for his match?
Could Regal sue Vince for going through his pockets?
And, wouldn't it have been great if Regal would have used the knux on Vince?
What kind of man slaps, instead of punches, another man when he's pissed off?
If Vince didn't want Regal to hit Horny, what would he have done if Regal actually had done it?
Was I the only one waiting for Flair to say, "I am not as good as I once was but I am as good once as I ever was"?
How great was Flair's entrance?
I mean, how really, really great was it?
How cool, and I mean really, really cool, was it when Flair slapped the Figure Four on HHH?
Is anyone else wondering if we just saw William Regal actually turn babyface by clocking someone with brass knux?
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
As 2009 begins, it is time to take a look back at some of the top moments of 2008.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Sponge Bob’ Tenay and Don ‘The Explorer’ West.
Don and Mike are in the Impact Zone to welcome us to the top pay per view matches of 2008.
Match Number One: Jeff Jarrett versus Kurt Angle with Guest Enforcer Mick Foley from Bound for Glory
We hear comments from Jeff Jarrett about how he had to prepare to be in the ring with one of the best. Jeff says that it was everything he hoped it would be. Mick says that he has known Jarrett for twenty years and he talks about how he expected an inner struggle with Jeff. He says that he thinks Kurt may set the bar too high for himself. Kurt says that they were seeing eye to eye when he signed with TNA, but then they started banging heads and they don’t respect each other. They have been able to work through the problems. Kurt mentions a clause in his contract regarding the power Jeff Jarrett has to fire him.
Angle with a double leg take down and Jarrett gets to the ropes. Angle with a single leg take down and he slaps Jarrett in the head. They lock up and Angle with a side head lock and take down. Angle with a shoulder tackle and Angle with a side head lock take down. Jarrett with an arm drag and side head lock take down of his own. Jarrett with a shoulder tackle and side head lock take down. Angle with a belly-to-back suplex but Jarrett holds on to the side head lock.
While the action is going on, Jarrett says that he hand picked Angle to come to TNA because Angle is what Total Nonstop wrestling is about. He is a great performer and when he gets into the ring, he gets it done. He talks about Angle’s persona and aura with his background prior to coming to TNA. He says things got personal between them and Jarrett says that he picked the wrong guy. He talks about the problems with Kurt and his family and he suggests that Kurt has lost his dignity.
Kurt says that he did not care about Jarrett or his family. He tells Jarrett to get over it. The fans were siding with Jeff because of what happened to his family. Angle says that others have last family members. He was there to show that he was TNA.
Angle backs Jarrett into the corner and Angle with knees and punches to Jarrett. Angle with a European uppercut. Jarrett with a drop kick and then he clotheslines Angle over the top rope to the floor. Jarrett with a pescado onto Angle. Jarrett sends Angle into the guardrails and he punches Angle. Jarrett comes off the apron but he misses Angle and goes into the guardrail. Angle kicks Jarrett as they return to the ring.
Mick says that he was hoping to get involved because he did not want his first and possibly only appearance in TNA to be him standing at ringside. Jarrett talks about the respect that they have for each other. He says that it was special to have Mick involved in the match. Angle says that he was very confident that he would win if Mick Foley was not involved. Kurt says that Jarrett is protected all the time and it is political.
Angle with a European uppercut and Jarrett is in the ropes and Angle chokes Jarrett. Jarrett with a reverse atomic drop followed by an enzuigiri. Jarrett with a splash into the ropes and then we see the Jarrett Strut. Angle with a clothesline and both men are down.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kurt comments that he took advantage of Jarrett because Jeff had been out of the ring for two years. He tried to get Jarrett tired and then he was trying to beat him down. He was close to beating him a few times. Jeff says that he was getting his bearings back in the first ten minutes and Kurt knows what he is doing so it took a while to get back into a groove.
Jarrett with a rollup for a two count. Angle with another clothesline and another two count. Angle with a suplex for a two count. Angle with a reverse chin lock as he continues to wear down Jarrett. Jarrett with punches and kicks. Angle with shoulders in the corner but he misses a charge into the corner. Jarrett with a DDT and both men are down.
Angle and Jarrett exchange punches and Angle with a knee, but Jarrett with clotheslines. Jarrett with a Blue Thunder Driver for a two count. Angle with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Angle tries for the Olympic slam but Jarrett counters with a DDT for a two count. Jarrett puts Angle on the top turnbuckle and he tries for a superplex but Angle punches Jarrett and he tries for a belly-to-belly suplex to the floor. Jarrett hits the superplex and both men are down again and Jarrett gets a two count.
Jeff talks about how there was a point when they both ended up on the top rope. He talks about how Kurt wanted to hit a belly-to-belly suplex to the floor. He says that match would have ended and maybe his career. Kurt says that he wanted to hurt Jeff and end his career to get him out of his life. Kurt says that he underestimated Jeff and Jeff showed that he had a lot of balls.
Jarrett with the figure four leg lock and Angle tries to get the ropes and he finally gets to the ropes.
Kurt talks about being in the figure four leg lock and he says that it hurt like a son of a b****. It is probably as painful as his ankle lock. There was a point when he wanted to quit, but he did what he had to do to get out of the hold and he will not let Jarrett put him in the hold again.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Angle with a German suplex but he can only get a two count. Angle holds on and he hits two more German suplexes but Jarrett kicks out at two. The straps come down and Jarrett with an arm drag and he tries for a piledriver. Angle with a sunset flip and then Angle puts Jarrett in the ankle lock.
Jarrett says that the ankle lock is legendary and with his background and determination, he cranks on it. Jarrett was not sure how the match would go at this point.
Jarrett tries to get the ropes but Angle pulls Jarrett into the center of the ring. Jarrett rolls through to get out of the hold. Angle tries for the Olympic slam and hits it for a two count. Angle goes up top for the moonsault but Jarrett moves out of the way and Angle misses. Angle with a clothesline that hits the referee when Jarrett moves out of the way. Jarrett with the Stroke and Foley comes in to make the count and Jarrett can only get a two count.
Mick says that he had to get involved because the referee was down. As the enforcer, he felt that he was the de facto referee. Mick also says that if he did not get involved, he would not be able to look at himself in the mirror.
Angle with a low blow while Foley checks on the referee. Angle rolls out of the ring and he gets a chair. Foley tries to stop him from using the chair and Angle drills Foley in the head with the chair. Angle returns to the ring and he hits Jarrett with the chair.
Angle says that when he went to get the chair, Mick Foley paid the price for getting involved in the match.
Angle gets the ref back to consciousness and Foley pulls the referee out of the ring. Foley yells at Angle and then Foley punches Angle and it is time for Mr. Socko. Jarrett hits Angle with the guitar and Foley makes the three count.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Women’s Match of the Year and it was between Awesome Kong and Gail Kim from the January 10th episode of Impact.
Match Number Two: Gail Kim versus Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed for the TNA Women’s Title
Kong goes after Gail during the ring introductions but misses a clothesline. Gail with chops and forearms to Kong. Kong with an Irish whip but Gail goes to the apron on the charge and Gail with a kick, but Kong with a spinning back fist that knocks Gail off the apron to the floor. Kong slams Gail’s head into the ring steps and they fight up the ramp. Kong chokes Gail on the ramp with her leg but Gail with a kick. Gail tries for a Thesz Press off the ramp but Kong catches her and runs Gail into the edge of the ramp. Gail is Irish whipped into the wall of the bleachers. Gail is against the wall and Kong charges, but Gail moves and Kong goes through the wall. We go to commercial while officials check on Kong.
We are back and the action returns to the ring as Kong appears to be back in control. Gail charges into Kong and Kong with a body block. Kong puts Gail on the top turnbuckle and Gail blocks a spinning back fist with her boot. Gail follows that with a tornado DDT for a two count.
Angelina Love wonders why she is there and why they are showing the match because her and Velvet are not in the match. This match does not matter.
Gail punches Kong and then she goes up top and hits a senton splash for a two count. Gail goes to the apron and she is distracted by the woman who came to ringside with Kong. Gail comes off the top turnbuckle but Kong catches Gail and hits a choke slam but only gets a two count. Kong with an Irish whip but she misses a charge into the corner.
Traci comments that Kong’s name fits her because she is an all around performer. Roxxi talks about how Kong is bigger than most of the women in the ring and then she says a few things that are bleeped while she talks about how much of an impact her moves have. ODB says that you need more than heart to beat Kong.
Gail with a clothesline and punches. Kong with a kick to the midsection and then she hits a butterfly facebuster but Gail is able to kick out. Kong tries for a power bomb but Gail gets out of the hold and Gail with a drop kick but Kong stays on her feet. Gail tries for a rana from the turnbuckles, but Kong catches her and hits three power bombs with the third being a sit out power bomb without releasing to get the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Kurt Angle versus Samoa Joe from Lockdown for the TNA Heavyweight Title
Joe with a kick but Angle moves out of the way. Joe with a kick to the ribs. Angle tries for a jab but Joe blocks it. Joe backs Angle into the ropes and the referee makes them break. Angle with a kick to the leg. Angle wants a test of strength but Angle with a kick to the leg instead. Joe blocks a kick and he kicks Angle in the leg.
Kurt says that the match at Lockdown was one of the most physical matches because of Joe’s background in that style. Angle says that he does not have respect for Joe. Joe says that it was two men who had something to prove. Joe says that Angle learned that he was the big dog on that night. Mick says that it was a wild match and unique. He says that only the best athletes will survive in a six sides of steel match. Mick says that he enjoys watching this type of match because he would not do as well inside the cage. Angle says that a six sides of steel match has so many things that you can do. There are more options and it is one of the most dangerous matches you can be in. Joe says this is the ultimate test and he thrives in that situation because you find out who the better man is.
Joe tries for a knee bar but Angle gets to the ropes. Angle with a double leg take down and he punches Joe in the head but Joe gets to the ropes. Angle with a jab to Joe and then he takes Joe down again. Angle gets on top of Joe and then he punches Joe in the head. Angle goes for the leg again but Joe with a kick to the head and then Joe punches Angle. Angle grabs Joe by the neck and then Angle gets to the ropes. Angle with a knee to the midsection but Joe starts to stomp on Angle’s feet. Joe with a hip toss to Angle but Angle escapes. Joe tries for another hip toss but Angle counters with a Saito suplex.
Joe says that Kurt rededicated himself to put on his best showing and he trained with some of the best, but Joe says that he did too. Joe talks about how he had a good training regimen. Kurt says that he wanted to beat the hell out of Joe and that was how he trained. He wanted to make Joe tap.
Angle then he has Joe in a choke. Joe makes it to the ropes and Angle eventually releases the hold. Angle with a knee to the head and then he punches Joe in the corner. Angle with a front face lock but Joe with punches. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex but Joe gets to the ropes on the cover. Angle with a European uppercut and then Angle punches Joe.
Angle says that Joe is an incredible athlete and he is difficult to get down, keep down, and inflict pain. Angle says that he has to add more intensity to the matches. In addition to trying to beat Joe, he tries to hurt him.
Angle with an arm bar submission but Joe is able to block the hold and Angle gets to the ropes. Angle punches Joe in the head and then connects with a European uppercut. Angle goes for Joe’s knee. We go to commercial.
We are back and Angle with a figure four leg lock. Joe tries to reverse the hold but Joe cannot roll over. Joe is finally able to reverse the hold but Angle is able to grab the ropes. Joe is limping due to the figure four and Angle works on the leg. Angle with an elbow drop to the knee. Angle with a side head lock but Joe with elbows. Angle tries for another suplex, but Joe boxes Angle’s ears and hits a desperation clothesline and both men are down. Joe with snug forearms and a clothesline to Angle. Joe with the running knee into the corner. Joe with an Irish whip but he charges into the corner. Joe tries for the muscle buster after a jumping spin kick, but Angle is able to counter and he puts Joe in the ankle lock. Joe gets out of the hold.
Angle says that he is working on different ways to keep people from getting out of the ankle lock and it is due to Joe because Joe has been able to endure it the most. If Joe is able to roll out of it or kick out of it, Angle says that he cannot hold on.
Angle charges at Joe and Joe hits an STO and Joe can only get a two count. Angle with a rake of the eyes. Joe with a kick and then he hits a power bomb but turns it into a Boston Crab and then the Liontamer. Joe puts Angle in the STF.
Angle talks about how he felt he was in the STF forever. He talks about how Joe put his weight into the move. He knows what Joe can do so it won’t happen again.
Joe then puts Angle in the Crippler Crossface. Angle gets to Joe’s ankle and he puts Joe in the ankle lock. Joe counters into another Crippler Crossface. Angle tries to fight out of the hold and then Angle gets out of the hold and to the ropes. Angle tries for a clothesline, but Joe turns it into another Crippler Crossface. Angle tries to roll through and he lifts Joe up for an Olympic Slam but Joe kicks out at two. Angle applies the ankle lock one more time and they are in the center of the ring.
Joe says that Kurt knows what he is doing and he knows how to cripple and hurt a man. He knows that it was his opportunity at Lockdown and he was not going to fall short.
Joe rolls through but Angle holds on to the ankle lock. Joe is able to pull Angle’s trunks and he puts Angle in the Choke. Angle grabs the referee’s shirt and Angle gets to the ropes thanks to help from the referee. Joe releases the hold. Angle with a kick to the midsection and he tries for the Olympic Slam but Joe gets out of the hold and then he sends Angle into the cage and he hits a super kick. Joe gets Angle up for the muscle buster and hits it. Joe gets the three count.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Joe says that winning the TNA Title meant the world to him. It made him the standard-bearer. He says that he hopes to regain the title soon.
After the match, Marcus Davis gives Joe the TNA Heavyweight Title belt. After highlights from the match, Joe is seen in the ring with the title belt as the referee checks on Kurt Angle.
We are back in the Impact Zone and there are now people in the bleachers while Don and Mike are in the ring. Mike says that 2008 has been a good year for TNA. Mike says that the Lockdown match was one of the greatest of all times. We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Sting versus A.J. Styles at Turning Point for the TNA Heavyweight Title
[Play by Play is from Mike’s Turning Point Live Coverage]
Sting says that this all has to do with respect. He was trying to show the younger guys what respect is. It was what he had for Flair and the Horsemen. It is what Foley had for Funk. A.J. says that the title was at stake, and he does not know where was coming from about respect. A.J. says that he respects Sting and then he corrects himself and says that he respected Sting.
They started slow with some solid back and forth counter-wrestling. Sting began nailing elbows to the face to break a hammerlock.
A.J. says that the match was important for the power struggle in TNA between the Frontline and the Main Event Mafia. It was about the title because if you have the belt, you have the power.
Styles was nailed with a bulldog. Sting rebounded off the ropes but Styles drilled him with a dropkick. Sting went to the floor to slow down the pace. We go to commercial.
When Sting returned to the ring, Styles slammed him and hit a big kneedrop. The Impact Zone was doing the dueling chants for both men. Sting pressed Styles and tossed him over the ropes to the floor. Styles clutched at his ribs. Sting whipped him into the guard rail, then pressed and dropped him over the railing.
A.J. mentions that his ribs were killing him but he will get through it because he wanted to beat Sting. Sting says that it was more than punishing A.J. because he was trying to teach him something. He never said A.J. wasn’t a great wrestler, but he was trying to teach him and he will continue to try to get to Styles.
Back in the ring, Styles cut off Sting with an over the knee backbreaker. Styles tried for a hiptoss, but Sting cinched in an abdominal stretch. Sting began nailing Styles in the ribs. I keep waiting for Sting to reach for the ropes like a heel but he doesn't. Styles finally gets out, but Sting pressed and dropped Styles over the top rope. He began shoulderblocking Styles in the corner. He went back to the abdominal stretch. Styles escaped and he and Sting began slugging it out in the center. Styles finally kicked Sting in the head. The story of the match at this point was whether Styles could overcome all the damage to recover.
A.J. says that the plans for the Frontline in 2009 are to do what they have always done. Work their tails off and be the best that they can be inside and outside the ring. Styles began cleaning house with clotheslines and hit a back suplex on Sting. Sting tried to backdrop Styles over the ropes but AJ landed on his feet and hit the springboard forearm for a two count. Styles hit a snap suplex for a two count. Sting took control and went to the top for a bodypress but Styles ducked. Styles went for the Styles Clash but Sting kicked him in the head. Styles staggered into the corner and was nailed with a pair of Stinger Splashes.
Styles fell to the mat in the corner. Sting set him up again. Styles was out on his feet and was nailed with a third splash. Sting put Styles atop the ropes and went for a superplex. Styles fought it off and hit a sunset flip powerbomb into the ring. Styles was too hurt to cover Sting at first but finally made his way over. He changed his mind and went to the top rope. Styles hit the Spiral Tap off the ropes, then signaled for another one.
Styles went to the top but Booker T and Kurt Angle came to ringside. Styles nailed them both. He went for the Pele Kick on Sting but missed and Sting rolled him up and scored the pin. Styles looked shocked.
Winner: Sting
Sting says that he thought A.J. had him going and he did not see anyone from the Main Event Mafia come out until after the match. Things backfired on the Main Event Mafia because A.J. had his way, but he wanted to seize the moment. A.J. says that the proof is in the pudding about the match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package of the tag team division focusing on LAX and the team of James Storm and Robert Roode.
Match Number Five: James Storm and Robert Roode with Jackie Moore versus Homicide and Hernandez for the TNA Tag Titles
Homicide and Storm start things off and Storm with a shoulder tackle but Homicide with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Homicide with a monkey flip and drop kick to Storm and Storm seeks sanctuary from Roode. Homicide takes advantage of the position that Storm is in and he sends Storm into Roode’s solar plexus on the apron. Homicide with an overhead belly-to-belly throw for a near fall. Storm with a side head lock but Hernandez makes the blind tag and he hits the slingshot shoulder tackle. Hernandez catapults Storm into a forearm that sends Storm back onto his knees. Homicide knocks Roode off the apron before hitting a senton splash and Hernandez gets a two count. Storm runs Hernandez into the corner and Roode tags in and chops Hernandez.
Roode with a kick to Hernandez, but Hernandez with a shoulder block that sends Roode into the corner. Homicide tags in and he hits a back elbow. Roode with an elbow to Homicide after a knee. Homicide with a kick and a suplex as he turns it into a second suplex. Homicide rolls through and then he tags in Hernandez who hits a backbreaker onto his shoulder. Homicide tags back in and he punches and chops Roode. Homicide sends Roode over the top rope by ducking and boosting. Homicide with the tope con hilo onto Roode. Homicide takes one of Storm’s frosty beverages and drinks it as we go to commercial.
We are back and Storm with a double underhook slam for a near fall. Homicide with punches but he cannot make a tag that is seen by the referee despite the tag actually being made thanks to the distraction by Roode. Roode comes in and he kicks Homicide. We see footage from the commercial break when Jackie held Homicide to allow Storm to kick him in the back of the head and a swinging neck breaker from Roode. Then we see a double suplex leading into the recitation of their team name.
Back to live on tape action and Roode with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Storm tags back in and he puts Homicide on the turnbuckles and Storm punches him. Homicide tries for a superplex but Homicide counter with a DDT and both men are down. Roode tags in and each tries for a suplex but they are blocked. Homicide sends Roode into the turnbuckles and then Hernandez is tagged in and he hits a series of chops on Roode and Storm followed by slams and a double drop kick. Hernandez with a series of Stinger Splashes and then he biels Roode with his shirt and then hits a shoulder block on Storm. Hernandez charges into a boot from Roode. Roode tries for a cross body but Hernandez catches him and hits the power bomb for a two count. Hernandez with a short arm clothesline and Homicide is tagged back in and Hernandez hip tosses him onto Roode and Storm. Homicide with punches but Roode sends Homicide to the floor. Hernandez puts Storm on the top turnbuckle and hits a superplex. Roode with a spinebuster to Hernandez but Homicide hits the Ace Cutter on Roode. Homicide misses the frog splash when Roode moves out of the way. Storm gets Homicide up and Roode hits a neck breaker but Homicide kicks out. Hernandez knocks Storm out of the way and he takes Homicide from Roode and he holds on as Roode thinks he is about to hit their finisher. Hernandez sends Homicide at Roode for a DDT. Hernandez with the plancha onto Storm. Homicide hits the frog splash on Roode but Roode kicks out. Jackie has one of the belts as she moves around ringside. Roode has the belt and the referee is in distraction spot one. Roode tries to hit Homicide with the belt but Homicide moves and Homicide is able to hit Roode with the belt. The referee was out of position and could only make a two count. Storm with a super kick to Hernandez on the floor and since they are not the legal men in the match, the referee goes to the floor to separate them. Meanwhile, back in the ring, Homicide has Roode in a rollup, but Roode sends Homicide towards the ropes where Jackie hits Homicide with the steel chair and Roode gets the three count.
Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode
We go to a video package showing some of the events from 2008 in TNA.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin this year’s WWE programming with a look back at the continued battle between Batista and Rey Mysterio to determine the man who would face the Undertaker for the title as well as the match between Rey and Undertaker that was interrupted by Batista’s actions.
We are live on tape from East Rutherford, New Jersey and your announcers are Matt ‘Costas’ Striker and Todd ‘Merry New Year’ Grisham.
Todd lets us know that we will find out Undertaker’s opponent at the Royal Rumble with the Beat the Clock Challenge, which is a staple of the first Smackdown of each year.
CM Punk comes to the ring with Luke Gallows and he is going to address the crowd. He wants to know if anyone in the crowd has made New Year’s Resolutions. He tells some of the fans who are booing his comments that he only asked them to raise their hands, not to boo or cheer something. He wants to know if anyone has broken them already. Punk asks a fan what he resolution might have been and Punk suggests that he already broke it. Punk wonders how many were going to give up drinking for the New Year. He says that resolutions are about bettering yourself and Punk says that he has no reason to make resolutions because he is already better. He says that he can help everyone and save them and points to Luke Gallows. Punk wants everyone to stand up to make a pledge. He tells people at home to touch their television screens so they can feel his power flow through their veins.
Punk’s pledge is “I (state your name) am tired of wasting my life being a loser. I am tired of treating my body like a sewer. I am tired of not having the strength to just say no. In 2010 I will adhere to the straight edge lifestyle. I will not smoke. I will not drink. I will not do drugs.”
Punk comments that the people in the crowd are not good at following directions. He wants to make it clear to them. He does not want to have to beat this into them. He says that he will beat everyone up if that is what it takes to get his message through. Punk suggests that some people are still hung over. Punk says that he will save a lost soul from the audience because he has heart. In each city, his message will grow and spread until everyone realizes that he is not a minor threat and the youth of today will come together as a straight edge society. Punk says it will start tonight when he sets the winning time in the Beat the Clock Challenge. At the Royal Rumble he will become a 4 time Straight Edge Champion when he defeats the Undertaker.
Match Number One: Matt Hardy versus CM Punk with Luke Gallows in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match
They lock up and Hardy with a side head lock into a hammer lock and rollup but Punk kicks out. Punk backs away from Hardy and Hardy with a front face lock and then he tries for an inside cradle and gets a near fall. Punk with a waist lock and Hardy works on the wrist. Hardy wrings the arm but Punk with a kick. Hardy blocks another kick and takes Punk down and stomps on his solar plexus. Hardy with a kick to the ribs. Hardy with shoulders in the corner as he continues to work on the ribs. Hardy with a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall. Punk drops Hardy on the top rope and then he goes for a springboard move but Hardy punches Punk in the midsection. Hardy gets a near fall and then he hits a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Hardy with a forearm to the back and then Punk with an Irish whip but he runs into boots but Punk blocks it and sends Hardy into the ropes and then drops Hardy to the mat. Punk with a cover but Hardy has his hand on the ropes. Punk kicks Hardy in the midsection. Punk with a neck breaker and gets a near fall. Punk with a figure four head scissors and Punk with elbows to the head to continue to wear down Hardy. Punk gets a near fall and then he connects with a forearm and elbows to the head. Punk with a clothesline and then he gets a near fall. Hardy with a kick to the midsection and then eh sends Punk into the turnbuckles and hits a clothesline. Punk avoids Hardy’s bulldog and then Punk with a leg lariat and Punk gets a near fall. Punk with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Punk with a reverse chin lock and Hardy gets to his feet and Hardy with an elbow and punches to the midsection. Hardy with a belly-to-back suplex and Hardy with a kick to Punk and he sends Punk into the turnbuckles and hits a flying clothesline for a near fall. Hardy with the running clothesline into the corner and he hits the bulldog for a near fall. Hardy hits a Side Effect but he can only get a two count. Hardy waves his arms for the Twist of Fate but Punk backs Hardy into the ropes. Punk with a roundhouse kick to the head and then he gets Hardy up for the Go To Sleep and connects and gets the three count in 7:20.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Punk has Gallows attack Hardy and Hardy fights back but Gallows with spinebuster slam.
We see the other three match ups in the Beat the Clock Challenge with Chris Jericho facing Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler facing Kane, and Batista facing R Truth.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Kane versus Dolph Ziggler in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time to beat is 7:20]
Ziggler goes for the leg and Kane stops him but Ziggler with a front face lock into a side head lock. Kane and Ziggler work on the mat with Kane getting a front face lock. Ziggler gets to the ropes and then he hits a drop kick to the knee and clips Kane as he continues to work on the leg. Ziggler with an elbow drop to the knee. Ziggler with a rollup as he continues to work on the knee. Kane with a clothesline for a near fall. Kane looks at the clock and he gets Ziggler up for a delayed vertical suplex for a near fall. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick for a near fall. Ziggler blocks a back body drop with a DDT and both men are down. We see Punk and Luke watching in the back as Ziggler gets a near fall and hits a leap frog neck snap for a near fall. Ziggler with elbows and punches to the head followed by a drop kick. Ziggler with a chin lock but Kane picks up Ziggler and slams him. Kane misses an elbow drop and Ziggler hits a leg lariat for a near fall. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops for a near fall. Ziggler returns to a chin lock as the time continues to run. Kane with a big boot and he gets a near fall. Kane with an Irish whip followed by a running clothesline into the corner and a side slam for a near fall. Kane with a running power slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline but Ziggler stops him and he tries for a superplex but Kane knocks Ziggler off. Kane hits the clothesline and gets a two count as we approach one minute remaining on the clock. Ziggler gets to the apron to avoid a choke slam. Kane is dropped on the top rope and then Ziggler tries to choke out Kane as he climbs on Kane’s back. Ziggler continues to choke out Kane but Kane holds on as time runs out.
No Contest
After the match, Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on Kane and leaves the ring frustrated that he will not get to face the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.
Punk and Gallows are shown in the locker room and they are happy with what they just saw in the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that they are starting off 2010 with the Did You Knows from 2009 about this year’s Wrestlemania 26 demographics.
It is time for the Raw Rebound.
Match Number Three: Great Khali versus The Carolina Panther
The bell rings and Khali takes a few punches and forearms but they have no impact on Khali. Khali with a vertical choke slam and he stands on his opponent for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
After the match, Khali starts to dance and then he leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see the heinous attack by John Morrison on the current Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre.
Match Number Four: John Morrison versus Drew McIntyre for the Intercontinental Title
Morison with a take down into a near fall. Morrison with a forearm and a leg lariat for another near fall. Morrison clotheslines McIntyre over the top rope to the floor. Morrison goes to the floor after McIntyre and then he does some flipping moves over McIntyre and then he goes onto the ringside barrier again but McIntyre pulls Morrison off and Morrison flips around and takes McIntyre down. Morrison returns McIntyre to the ring and gets a near fall. Morrison casually returns to the ring and McIntyre kicks Morrison and Morrison is hanging from the ropes with his leg caught. The referee tries to get Morrison out of the ropes and McIntyre kicks Morrison and works on the leg. Morrison finally gets free of the ropes and then McIntyre keys on the leg and works on the ankle. McIntyre stomps on the ankle and then the head. McIntyre wrenches the leg as he continues to wear down Morrison’s high flying ability. Morrison with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Morrison punches McIntyre followed by a clothesline and a jumping spin kick for a near fall. McIntyre punches Morrison in the leg and Morrison goes down. McIntyre with a double underhook but Morrison escapes and then he hits the springboard roundhouse kick and he gets a near fall. McIntyre with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker and then he exposes the turnbuckle but Morrison with punches to McIntyre. The referee tries to stop Morrison in the corner. Morrison continues the attack on McIntyre but when the referee picks up the turnbuckle pad, Morrison is pushed into the referee by McIntyre and the referee disqualifies Morrison.
Winner: Drew McIntyre by disqualification
After the match, Morrison argues with the referee while McIntyre goes to the back. Morrison hobbles after McIntyre and they fight on the ramp. McIntyre goes to the leg again and the referees come out to try to separate them.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michelle McCool and Layla are at the announce table in their own Mickie James clothing line on display.
Match Number Five: Beth Phoenix versus Mickie James
Beth pushes Mickie and tells her to focus on the match and not Michelle and Layla at ringside. Mickie with forearms but Beth with a back breaker for a near fall. Beth with an Irish whip but Mickie tries to float over and Beth sends her to the apron. Mickie sends Beth into the turnbuckles and then hits a Thesz Press for a near fall. Mickie with forearms and Layla goes to the apron. The referee focuses on the interference that has not taken place. Michelle tries to interfere on another part of the apron. Beth charges at Mickie and Michelle hits a roundhouse kick that connects with Beth instead of Mickie. Mickie with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Mickie James
After the match, Michelle and Layla cannot believe what happened in the ring. Mickie avoids Layla who comes after her in the ring. Mickie takes down Layla but Michelle makes it a two on one situation. Beth pulls Michelle off and throws her to the side. Beth runs Michelle into the turnbuckles and punches her. Mickie takes off Layla’s shirt and then kicks her and hits a clothesline. Beth with a clothesline to Michelle. Layla gets a back kick from Mickie and Layla is thrown to the floor. Beth slams Michelle to the mat and then she kicks Michelle in the ribs.
Beth and Mickie stare each other down in the ring and then Beth kicks Layla off the apron. Beth starts to leave the ring but instead she attacks Mickie from behind and hits the Glam Slam.
Chris Jericho is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE does more events in Europe than the four major sports leagues that do not have more than a game or two overseas.
We are back and Chris Jericho comes to the ring for his Beat the Clock Qualifying Match but he has something to say first. Jericho says that there is a saying in old westerns and it is that this town isn’t big enough for the both of us. He says that Smackdown is not big enough for him. Jericho says that he is bigger than anyone who is watching the show and he is bigger than the WWE. Jericho says that on Monday night, he will regain the Unified Tag Titles by beating DX with his partner the Big Show. That will mean that Jericho will continue to be the face of Smackdown, Raw, ECW, Superstars, live events, pay per views, WWE on Demand, and WWE Classics. He says that he will be the face of the company. Jericho says that his New Year’s Resolution will be to win every title in the company. He says that it will start tonight when he beats Rey Mysterio in record time. Then he will beat the Undertaker at the Royal Rumble to become a six time champion. Jericho says that he is good enough to do it and everyone knows that. He tells the thick headed, lollygagging dullards need to get used to him because in 2010, he will take his rightful place as the omnipotent epicenter of the WWE Universe.
Match Number Six: Chris Jericho versus Rey Mysterio in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time is still 7:20]
Jericho with a kick and then he sends Rey into the turnbuckles. Rey with a forearm and side head lock but Rey with a leap frog and a wheelbarrow move but Jericho with a forearm to the back of the head and then he throws Rey under the bottom ropes and he lands hard on the floor. We see Punk and Gallows watch in the back as Rey returns to the apron and hits a shoulder and springboard cross body for a near fall. Jericho gets a near fall after a clothesline. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex for another near fall. Jericho with a kick to the head and Rey falls into the corner. Jericho with a head butt to Rey for a near fall as we drop under the five minute remaining barrier. Rey with an enzuigiri and Jericho falls into the position but Jericho is able to get up and hits a back body drop on Rey. Jericho with an elbow drop for a near fall. Jericho with a snap mare and a rear chin lock with the arm isolated. Jericho takes a look at the time remaining as Rey returns to his feet. Jericho with a knee to the back followed by an Irish whip but Jericho runs into a drop toe hold into the turnbuckles. Rey with a diving head butt into Jericho’s chest off the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. Rey hits a springboard cross body for a near fall. Jericho wit ha kick and then he hits a sunset flip but Rey rolls through and tries for a kick but Jericho blocks it and tries to put Rey into the Walls of Jericho but Rey is able to power out of the hold. Jericho with a clothesline to get another near fall and there are less than two minutes remaining in this match. Rey floats over Jericho but Jericho hits a torture rack drop for another near fall. Jericho looks at the clock on the TitanTron one more time as he realizes that time is getting short in the match. Rey with a drop kick to Jericho’s knees as he charges and guess where Jericho falls. Jericho is able to grab Rey’s legs on the 619 attempt and he puts Rey in the Walls of Jericho. Rey has about a minute to hang on before time runs out. Rey tries to get to the ropes and then Rey counters into a head scissors and you know the drill. Fall into the ropes and 619 but when Rey tries for the springboard move, Jericho hits a Codebreaker but he takes too long to make the cover and Rey kicks out at two. Jericho argues with the referee and then Rey gets an inside cradle for the three count with one second left on the clock.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
The new time is 7:19 as we go to commercial.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rey Mysterio is at ringside to watch the final Challenge Match between Batista and R Truth since staying in the locker room worked so well for Punk.
Match Number Seven: R Truth versus Batista in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match [current time to beat is 7:19]
The match starts and they lock up with Batista with a knee instead of a break. Batista with a punch and Irish whip followed by a clothesline in the corner. Batista with a shoulder in the corner but Truth with a knee and a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a drop toe hold and leg drop to the back of the head for a near fall. Batista with a rake of the eyes and a clothesline. Batista with a kick to the back and then he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Batista tries for a power slam but Truth escapes and he punches Batista. Truth does his usual split but Batista just stands there and kicks Truth in the head. Batista tries for a Batista Bomb and then he looks at Rey, who stands up, before trying the move but Truth is able to escape the hold. Truth punches Batista and then hits a spinning kick that sends Batista to the floor. Truth with a pescado and both men are down on the floor. They return to the ring and Batista kicks Truth on the apron and then he sends Truth into the ring post and Truth goes down to the floor and he is holding his shoulder. Batista Irish whips Truth into the ring steps. Batista sends Truth shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Truth punches Batista and then he hits a drop kick but he runs into a uranage slam for a near fall by Batista. Batista sets for a spear but Truth stops him and hits a DDT and gets a near fall. Truth with the axe kick but Batista kicks out at two. We have less than 90 seconds in the match. Batista sends Truth into the turnbuckles and Truth with a kick to Batista and then Batista charges into the corner but Truth moves and Batista hits the turnbuckles. Truth goes to the top and he tries for a missile drop kick but Batista swats him away. Batista hits a spear and we have 45 seconds to go and instead of getting the pinfall, he looks at Rey. Batista with a spinebuster and he sees that he has 20 seconds left. Batista gets Truth in the Batista Bomb and hits it but Rey pulls the referee out of the ring with four seconds left and time runs out.
No Contest
After the match, Rey goes to the stage and he gloats while staring back at Batista who is not happy while standing in the ring.
Vickie Guerrero comes out and she excuses herself as she stands next to Rey. She apologizes to Rey because on Smackdown we all follow the rules. She tells Rey that it was obvious that Rey cheated. Since they could not determine the proper winner, she advises Rey to face Batista next week to determine the true number one contender to face Undertaker.
We go to credits.
2011 - The Associated Press picked up a story on former CZW star Nick Gage surrendering to authorities after he robbed a bank in New Jersey. Gage remains in prison for the crime.
2012 - CM Punk was crowned 2011 Chicago Sports Stud of the Year by the Chicago RedEye newspaper.
2013 - CM Punk became the first man since Hulk Hogan in 1987 to hold the WWE championship for one complete calendar year straight without losing it. Punk won the belt at the 2011 Survivor Series and would go on to hold it until the 2013 Royal Rumble PPV.
2013 - TNA's British Bootcamp debuted on Challenge TV in the UK. Daniel F. filed the following TV report:
Originally broadcast January 1st 2013 - 10pm Challenge TV
Show opens with a video package of classic English wrestlers like Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks (Loch Ness in WCW) then moves onto Hogan and Dixie talking about looking for talent from the UK saying the idea was a no brainer and the winner would receive a TNA contract.
We move onto a Fan-Fest where the four contestants are unveiled to the crowd. First from Cambridge is Marty Scurll, Magnus' best friend, we see some footage of him in action and an interview with him, looks like he can talk, looks maybe 6 foot at a push. Next up is a 10 year veteran of European wrestling - Rockstar Spud, from Birmingham a 29 year old, looks like a heel less than 6 foot and doesn't like a badass. Same interview and footage style as before, looks to me like he may be a heel or maybe I just don't like him, Magnus put's him over, then Spud flips the camera off and gives a really arrogant "better than all you at home" promo, I could see crowds in England hating this guy. Finally from Manchester it's the Blossom Twins, Hannah and Holly. We see footage of them at home with their family, and some footage of them in action. They look very, very similar but have different styles going on but dress them the same and they would be hard to pick apart. We see the girls giving an interview saying how much they want to win.
We then move onto Dixie addressing the contestants, via Video, saying the journey starts tomorrow and will finish in the impact Zone. Dixie then says we will find out soon who the British Wrestling Legend who will put them to the test is.
After the Break back to the fanfest and Scurll and Spud cutting promos on each other, Spud makes reference to a dating TV show Scurll had been on trying to get a girlfriend, Scurll calls spud a Wanker for wearing sunglasses indoors. The camera's interview Spud who says there is History between the pair. The contestants then go out in a Limo celebrating, with Spud piling straight into the Booze and Scurll flirting with the girls. Spud is singing now and getting hammered in the Limo, and he and Scurll are arguing. They go out in London and quickly the girls split up on there own after arguing with both the Guys. Were left with Spud and Scurll bitching at each other to each other and seperatly to the cameras. They all set off home in the Limo and the arguing starts again about who has the most Twitter followers, They both look like Dicks here. Spud tells Marty if the girls were not there he would smack him in the face, Scurll calls him on it and Spud punches him in the face, looks legit and nasty. We see promos from them both. We go back and they are out of the limo in London again with Scurll is still trying to push Spud's buttons, he is quite a bit bigger than him, and Spud shouting at him to Fuck off, Spud then storms off on his own and the others go back in the Limo. We see Spud knocking back the booze on his own. 2.30 m and Spud is still drinking.
7.30 am on Boot Camp day 1, girls up bright eyed bushy tailed, Marty in the Gym working out. 8.15 Spud is comatose on his Bed. Next the 4 contestants are outside an abandoned Warehouse to meet their trainer Rollerball Rocco. Mike Tenay and Hogan put Rocco over. Rocco introduces himself and says he wants to see them in the ring in 10 minutes. Spud is late, outside throwing up. Rocco finds him and starts chewing him out. End.
All in all, a promising start. Spud got most if the attention and redeemed himself in my eyes when he smacked Scurll but he may be out before he even gets started we will find out in episode 2.
2014 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are Tom ‘Not Byron Saxton’ Phillips, Alex ‘Not Matt Striker’ Riley, and William ‘Man with the NXT Match of the Year’ Regal.
Byron Saxton is in the ring and he tells us that Tyler Breeze has entered the building.
Lana comes out and she introduces Alexander Rusev.
Match Number One: Alexander Rusev (with Lana) versus Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Rusev with a knee to the midsection followed by a knee and punch in the corner. Rusev with kicks in the corner. Rusev puts Kofi on the ropes and he connects with knees to the back. Rusev with a Samoan drop for a near fall.
Kofi with punches but Rusev with a forearm and kicks. Kofi with forearms and kicks. Rusev with a body block as Kofi comes off the ropes and Rusev gets a near fall. Rusev misses a diving head butt when Kofi rolls out of the way. Kofi with an elbow and kick in the corner. Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick.
Kofi with a leaping clothesline and he sets for the Boom Drop. Kofi hits the Boom Drop and he sets for Trouble in Paradise but Rusev goes into the corner. Kofi with a cross body for a near fall. Kofi with a front face lock and Rusev runs Kofi into the corner.
Kofi with a pendulum kick and Lana goes to the steps and Rusev is able to press slam Kofi. Rusev puts Kofi in the Accolade and Kofi has to tap out.
Winner: Alexander Rusev
Devin Taylor introduces Sylvester Lefort. She asks him about auditions that he is holding for a new client. Sylvester wishes Scott Dawson a quick recovery from the injury he suffered at the hands of Mojo Rawley.
The first person to audition for Sylvester is Bull Dempsey. Sylvester says that Bull is too fat to work for him so he tells him to leave. Sylvester says that he is looking for a bigger than life superstar.
Mason Ryan comes up behind Sylvester and Sylvester asks him if he is here for the audition. Sylvester tells Mason that he can make lots of money with him and Mason stuffs the money in Sylvester’s mouth and he calls Sylvester and idiot before leaving.
We go to commercial.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Natalya versus Emma in a Number One Contender’s Match
They lock up and Natalya with a side head lock take down but Emma with a head scissors and Natalya escapes. Natalya with a side head lock and Emma with a waist lock. Natalya with an arm bar. Natalya works on the wrist. Emma with a reversal but Natalya with a reversal and take down for a near fall.
Emma with an Irish whip and Natalya floats over but Emma with a standing switch and rollup for a near fall. Emma tells Natalya she came close to winning. Natalya runs Emma into the turnbuckles and she kicks Emma. Emma goes to the apron and Emma with a shoulder and she rolls into the ring and gets a near fall with a sunset flip.
Emma sends Natalya into the corner and Emma with the DilEmma. Emma rolls through and then she goes for a splash into the corner but Natalya moves and Emma stops short. Natalya with a discus clothesline for a near fall. Natalya with an abdominal stretch and she pulls the other leg to add more pressure to the ribs.
Natalya traps the legs and then she stretches Emma while forcing her head to the mat for more pressure. Natalya with a kick to Emma and a slam. Natalya misses a leg drop when Emma is able to roll away. Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter but Emma with an inside cradle for a near fall. Emma with the Muta Lock and Natalya taps out.
Winner: Emma
After the match, Natalya raises Emma’s arm and then she starts to dance with Emma.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Renee Young is in the ring for the Sing Off. Out first is Aiden English. He says that he will save his vocal talents for the main stage.
He is followed to the ring by his challenger, Colin Cassady.
Renee explains the rules and the NXT Universe will pick the winner.
Aiden sings first and performs something from an opera. Colin has a little stage fright and then he sings O Aiden Boy.
Renee goes to the crowd’s vote and the winner is Colin Cassady.
Aiden says the people are wrong and he demands another opportunity to prove his superiority. Colin gives him another chance and we have a second round.
Aiden attacks Colin from behind and then he kicks Colin.
Tyler Breeze is looking at himself in his phone as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Tyler Breeze versus Mason Ryan
Breeze with a kick while Lefort distracts Ryan from ringside. Breeze with kicks and punches to Ryan. Ryan with a punch to the midsection. Breeze with a kick to the chest and elbow to the back of the head. Ryan hot shots Breeze and then he clotheslines Lefort on the floor. Ryan returns to the ring and he runs into the Beauty Shot and Breeze gets the three count.
Winner: Tyler Breeze
We go to commercial.
We are back and next week Hunico and Camacho will face The Ascension in a Tornado Match.
Before our main event, we are told by Byron Saxton that Tyler Breeze has left the building.
Match Number Four: Leo Kruger versus Sami Zayn in a Two out of Three Falls Match
Fall Number One
Kruger with a forearm and then he sends Zayn to the floor. Kruger with forearms to the back and he slams Zayn’s head into the apron. They return to the ring and Kruger gets a near fall. Kruger sends Zayn to the floor again and Kruger follows after Zayn and he punches Zayn. Zayn punches back but Kruger remains in control. He sends Zayn’s head into the arpon.
Kruger gets a near fall. Kruger with a European uppercut that sends Zayn to the floor. Kruger goes to the floor and he punches Zayn and chops him. Kruger slams Zayn on the floor. Kruger gets a near fall when they return to the ring. Kruger with a punch and European uppercuts. Kruger is stopped by Zayn and Zayn with an Exploder into the turnbuckles followed by a Yakuza Kick and he gets the three count.
Zayn One Fall . . . Kruger None
Fall Number Two
We are back and the second fall is joined in progress and they are on the turnbuckles. Zayn tries for a superplex but Kruger sends Zayn to the floor and Zayn lands awkwardly and he holds his arm.
Zayn gets back into the ring at nine but Kruger with a DDT and Zayn kicks out at two. Kruger with kicks to the back and then he chokes Zayn in the ropes. Zayn with a punch but Kruger punches back. Kruger with more punches. Kruger with kicks and punches while Zayn is against the ropes. Zayn refuses to be Irish whipped and Kruger with an uppercut and kicks.
Zayn with a kick and clotheslines. Zayn with a leg lariat and then he hits the Blue Thunder Driver for a near fall. Zayn goes to the apron and then Kruger tries to stop him. Zayn goes for a springboard move and Kruger with a forearm. Kruger with a swinging suplex while Zayn is hanging from the top rope but Kruger can only get a two count.
Kruger sets for the GC3 but Zayn gets to the ropes and then to the floor. Zayn with a shoulder and then he goes up top and Kruger with a forearm. Kruger climbs the turnbuckles and Kruger and Zayn exchange forearms. Kruger tries for a superplex but Zayn with punches and he pushes Kruger to the mat.
Zayn misses a cross body when Kruger moves. Kruger applies the GC3 and Zayn fights through the pain to crawl to the ropes. Zayn gets to the ropes and Kruger has to release the hold. Kruger with a kick and punches to Zayn. Kruger with punches to Zayn but Zayn punches back. Kruger with a spinebuster.
Kruger sets for The Slice but Zayn counters with a flatline into a Koji Clutch and Kruger taps out.
Winner: Sami Zayn
We go to credits.
Before our first match, Damien Sandow says that we have reached the most important time of the evening, when he speaks. He tells everyone to be quiet. Unlike the confirmed failures in the crowd, he does not make New Year’s Resolutions. He says what he will do. In 2014, he won’t be wearing a red suit competing for a holiday. He will be in the main event winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
You’re Welcome!
Match Number One: Damien Sandow versus Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Sandow with a side head lock. Kofi with a rollup for a near fall. Kofi with a waist lock but Sandow with a standing switch and waist lock take down. Kofi with a hammer lock. Sandow gets to his feet and he snap mares Kofi but Kofi holds on to the hammer lock. Sandow gets to the ropes and he wants Kofi to release the hold.
Sandow with a kick and head butt. Sandow with an Irish whip and Kofi floats over and Kofi with an arm drag or two into an arm bar. Kofi with a splash onto the arm. Kofi continues with the arm bar. Sandow with an arm drag to try to escape but Kofi holds on to the arm bar.
Kofi with forearms and a drop kick for a near fall. Kofi with a key lock into an arm bar. Sandow with head butts to the ribs and then to the head to get out of the arm bar. Sandow sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and then he Irish whips Kofi but Kofi gets his boots up. Kofi with Shadows over Hell for a near fall.
Kofi with a quarter nelson and chin lock but Sandow backs Kofi into the turnbuckles. Sandow with kicks to Kofi and Sandow with a snap mare and knee drop for a near fall. Sandow with a side head lock. Sandow with a shoulder tackle. Sandow tries for You’re Welcome but Kofi with a snap mare to counter. Kofi tries for Trouble in Paradise but Sandow avoids it and he goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Kofi returns to the arm bar. Sandow with a head butt and he tries for a kick but Kofi blocks it and he connects with a back heel kick and he gets a near fall. Sandow sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Kofi.
Sandow rubs Kofi’s face in the mat and then he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Sandow with a reverse chin lock. Kofi with elbows and he gives Sandow a head butt. Sandow with a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Sandow with punches to Kofi. Sandow with a double sledge to the back and then he chokes Kofi in the ropes and connects with forearms.
Sandow with a knee to the back while Kofi is in the ropes. Sandow gets a near fall. Sandow tries for a suplex and Kofi counters with an inside cradle for a near fall. Sandow with a clothesline for a near fall. Sandow returns to the side head lock. Sandow with a head butt. Kofi escapes a belly-to-back suplex attempt and he hits a flying forearm. Sandow misses a clothesline and Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick. Kofi leaps into the corner and he gives Sandow a monkey flip. Kofi leaps to the corner again and he punches Sandow and rolls to the mat.
Sandow sends Kofi over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow with a reverse chin lock. We see footage from the commercial break when Sandow Irish whipped Kofi into the ring steps. Sandow with a drop toe hold and he rubs Kofi’s face in the mat and he punches Kofi in the back of the head. Sandow with knees followed by a side Russian leg sweep and the Elbow of Disdain.
Sandow gets a near fall. Kofi with punches to Sandow and the referee warns Kofi. Sandow with a hard Irish whip and he gets a near fall. Sandow with a head scissors on Kofi. Kofi rolls over and gets a near fall while Sandow maintains the head scissors. Sandow with a knee to the head and he sends Kofi into the turnbuckles.
Sandow with shoulders and kicks in the corner. Sandow with punches but Kofi punches back. Sandow with a kick to Kofi but Sandow misses a charge at Kofi and Sandow goes to the floor. Kofi with a flip dive onto Sandow and both men are down on the floor.
They both return to the ring and Kofi with a springboard chop to the top of the head for a near fall. Kofi with a leaping clothesline and then Kofi hits the Boom Drop. Kofi sets up for Trouble in Paradise but Sandow ducks it. Kofi sends Sandow into the turnbuckles and Kofi with a flying boot from the turnbuckles for a near fall.
Kofi with kicks to the chest. He tries for a third one but Sandow moves. Sandow with a leg sweep and Sandow with a modified Scorpion Death Lock but Kofi gets to the ropes and Sandow has to release the hold. Sandow with knees to the back. Sandow with an Irish whip but Kofi with a pendulum kick and then Kofi goes up top. Sandow stops Kofi and crotches him.
Sandow sets for a superplex but Kofi with forearms and he knocks Sandow to the mat. Kofi with a cross body for a near fall. Sandow sends Kofi into the ropes and Sandow hits You’re Welcome for the three count.
Winner: Damien Sandow
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look at the Raw Rebound and it is Triple H’s announcement of the return of Brock Lesnar.
This week, we have comments from Paul Heyman, who was interviewed by Michael Cole. Cole asks Paul why would Brock return now. Paul says that there is now one WWE World Champion. Since there can only be one man, he said that was his position. It does not matter if it is John Cena or Randy Orton. Whoever comes out of the Royal Rumble has the WWE World Championship and they will have to contend with Brock Lesnar.
Brock will be on Raw on Monday night so they can ask him now. Brock is looking to do something ‘old school’ on Raw.
We now take a look at Michael Cole interviewing Triple H. Michael asks Hunter about being in the same ring with Brock Lesnar. Hunter says that they have had a hellacious rivalry in the past. Brock has broken his arm, but this should prove that it is not about him. It is about what is best for business. Right now, Brock is great for business.
Match Number Two: Cameron and Naomi versus Alicia Fox and Rosa Mendes
Rosa and Naomi start things off and Naomi with a drop kick and back elbow. Rosa with an Irish whip and Naomi tries to float over but Rosa stops short. Rosas sends Naomi into the turnbuckles and slaps Rosa in the rear end. Naomi slaps Rosa and then Naomi gets to the ropes. Rosa with a side slam and she gets a near fall.
Naomi with a slam and a leaping leg drop for a near fall. Cameron tags in and he kicks Rosa and hits a suplex. Alicia is tagged in. Alicia with a knee to the midsection. Cameron with an arm drag out of a wheelbarrow. Alicia with an Irish whip but Cameron with an elbow and a head scissors. Naomi tags in and Naomi with a slingshot seated splash for a near fall.
Alicia with an Irish whip but Naomi slides to the apron. Naomi with a kick but Alicia with a baseball slide to Naomi. Alicia kicks Naomi again. Alicia sends Naomi back into the ring and she hits a Northern Lights suplex and gets a near fall. Rosa tags back in and she kicks Naomi. Rosa with a snap mare and kick to the back. Rosa with a reverse chin lock.
Rosa turns it into a Japanese stranglehold. Naomi with an elbow but Rosa pulls Naomi back to the mat. Rosa kicks Naomi and gets a near fall. Alicia tags in and she hits Naomi in the rear end. Alicia with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Alicia with an elbow but Naomi with a lateral press to counter a tilt-a-whirl back breaker.
Naomi with a monkey flip but Alicia keeps Naomi from making the tag. Alicia with a boot to knock Cameron to the floor. Naomi with the Rear View for the three count.
Winners: Cameron and Naomi
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for MizTV. Miz welcomes us and he says two years ago, his guest took the WWE by storm and had a great debut. He built an entourage but then he turned on his tag team partner two weeks ago. Miz brings out Brodus Clay.
Clay has a new look and new music.
Brodus interrupts Miz and he tells Miz to be careful with what he says because this will not be a dance off.
Miz asks him about Brodus and Tensai. Brodus says that there is no more him and Tensai. He let him go. He does not need any wannabe dancers around him.
Miz throws out a lot of reallys. Miz says that they did Brodus better than him.
Miz mentions that Xavier Woods borrowed his music and showed Brodus up. Now it is Woods’ fault that Tensai and the Funkettes left him. Did Xavier answer the phone when Brodus called his mama.
Brodus tells Miz not to talk about his mama. Brodus asks if anyone heard him mention that Xavier could use his music. He gave him nothing. The people did not cheer for Xavier. They cheered for Brodus’ music. In six months, no one will remember Woods.
267 days ago at Wrestlemania 29, the moment that should have been his time to shine, but because of three ingrates, his match was cancelled because of Tensai, Cameron, and Naomi. They were nothing and he made them respectable. He should have been able to beat Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, and the Bellas.
Cody became a WWE Tag Team Champion. Damien won Money in the Bank. The women got a reality show. What did he get? He got one of the biggest, strongest, most devastating big man in the history of the business . . . 10 years ago. He got a washed up has been who didn’t even know who he was.
Brodus says that Tensai has had a lot of runs but when he realizes it is over, he will let him drive his car, make his travel reservations or stand in his corner.
Tesnai comes out and he attacks Clay. Clay leaves the ring and we go to credits.
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