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May 3rd
On this day in history in .....
1884 - H.M. Dufur defeats James McLaughlin for the American Collar-and-Elbow Title in Chicago, Illinois. This ended McLaughlin's fourth reign and began Dufur's second.
1915 - Stu Hart was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
1946 - Lou Thesz defeats Buddy Rogers to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas. This began Thesz's third reign and ended Rogers' third. This is well over a decade before the two would be involved in the NWA World title match that led to the formation of the WWWF (WWF/WWE) World Title.
1951 - Sonny Myers defeats Dennis Clary for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title in Kansas City, Kansas.
1956 - Joe Scarpello defeats The Mystery Man to win his third Midwest Wrestling Association Junior Heavyweight Title in
1957 - Don McIntyre defeats Kurt Von Brauner to win the Georgia NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia, ending Von Brauner's second reign and beginning McIntyre's 13th.
1961 - The Mysterious Medics defeat Jackie and Joey Fargo for the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Mobile, Alabama, beginning their third reign.
1962 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Greensboro Coliseum, drawing 2,704 fans with the following results:
-Steve Bolus fought Pat O'Brien to a 20-minute time-limit draw.
-Johnny Weaver defeated Angelo Savoldi at the 14-minute mark.
-Tiny Smith defeated Jack Vansky via submission with a bearhug at the 11-minute mark.
-John Smith & Ivan Kameroff defeated Jerry London & Jim LaRock in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0.
-Antonino Rocca & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Kurt & Karl Von Brauner in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1: the Von Brauners were disqualified.
1963 - Dick Steinborn defeats Tarzan Tyler to win the Georgia World Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1963 - Lee Fields and Joe Scarpa (Jay Strongbow) defeat Tiger Tomasso and Pancho Villa for the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Dothan, Alabama, to begin their second reign. Tomasso and Villa had won the title from Fields and Scarpa just two days earlier.
1967 - NWA Big Time Wrestling held a five-team tournament for the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in San Antonio, Texas. The results:
Quarterfinals:
- Paul DeMarco and Luis Hernandez defeated Mike Paidousis and Kinji Shibuya.
- Jim Bernard and Tarzan Tyler defeated Bob Ellis and Yamamoto.
Semifinals:
- Jim Bernard and Tarzan Tyler defeated Buddy Moreno and Bearcat Wright.
Finals:
- Paul DeMarco and Luis Hernandez defeated Jim Bernard and Tarzan Tyler to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title.
1967 - Ripper Collins and Curtis Iaukea defeat Johnny Barend and Hans Mortier to win the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1968 - Ron Etchison wins his second NWA Central States Heavyweight Title from Harley Race in St. Joseph, Missouri.
1969 - Karl and Kurt Von Steiger defeat Tony Borne and Moondog Mayne for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title. This began the Von Steigers' fourth reign and ended Borne and Mayne's fifth.
1974 - Buddy Colt defeats Bill Watts for the Tri-State NWA North American Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida, ending Watts' third reign.
1976 - Big Bad John and Bill Dundee defeat Plowboy (Stan) Frazier and Jerry Lawler to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, to begin their second reign.
1979 - Steve "Monsta" Mack is born in Brooklyn, New York.
1979 - Mr. Sato and John Tolos defeat Akihisa Takachiho (The Great Kabuki) and Ricky Romero) to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Title in Amarillo, Texas.
1980 - The Sheik defeated Mighty Igor in Detroit, Michigan for the Detroit NWA United States Heavyweight Title, beginning his 12th and final reign. The Sheik's Big Time Wrestling closed in October. At that same event, Frankie Laine and George Steele won the Detroit NWA World Tag Team Title from John Bonello and Randy Scott.
1982 - Jimmy Garvin wins his second NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in West Palm Beach, Florida, ending Mr. Wrestling II's second reign.
1983 - Bret Hart defeats Leo Burke for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Title in Regina, Saskatchewan, ending Burke's eighth reign. This began Hart's sixth and final run with Stampede's top title.
1985 - Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams defeat The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) to win the Mid-South Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas, ending the Express' third reign.
1985 - The WWF ran The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ with the following results:
-Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid fought Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart to a draw.
-Tony Atlas defeated Rene Goulet.
-King Kong Bundy defeated Tony Garea.
-The Junkyard Dog defeated Brutus Beefcake.
-Ricky Steamboat & Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper & Bob Orton Jr. via disqualification.
-Don Muraco defeated Bob Bradley.
-WWF Women's Champion Wendi Richter defeated Lelani Kai.
-Tito Santana defeated WWF IC Champion Greg Valentine in a taped fist non-title match.
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina with the following results:
-Nelson Royal defeated Thunderfoot.
-Ivan Koloff defeated Don Kernodle.
-Nikita Koloff defeated the Italian Stallion.
-NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson defeated Nighthawk.
-Robert Gibson fought NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard to a draw.
-NWA Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeated Dusty Rhodes & NWA US Champion Magnum TA.
-Ricky Morton fought NWA World Champion Ric Flair to a draw.
1987 - The World Class Wrestling Association held the fourth-annual Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The event took place just three weeks after the death of Mike Von Erich. The results were:
- Matt Borne and Steve Casey defeated Black Bart and Jack Victory, when Borne pinned Bart.
- Cousin Junior defeated The Grappler.
- Steve Doll defeated Killer Tim Brooks.
- Spike Huber and Red River Jack defeated Abdullah the Butcher and Eli the Eliminator, when Huber pinned Eli.
- Red River Jack defeated Gary Hart by countout.
- Mil Máscaras defeated Al Madril.
- Skip Young defeated Brian Adias in a lumberjack match.
- WCWA World Heavyweight Champion Kevin Von Erich fought Nord the Barbarian to a double-countout to retain the title.
- Steve Simpson and The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) defeated Eric Embry and The Rock 'n' Roll RPMs (Mike Davis and Tommy Lane) in a scaffold match.
- Bruiser Brody defeated Jeep Swenson.
- Candi Divine won a six-woman mudpit match.
1987 - NWA World champion Ric Flair defeated Jimmy Garvin twice in one day, pinning him at a matinee event in Charleston, West Virginia and an evening event in Cincinnati, Ohio promoted by Jim Crockett Promotions.
1990 - John Tatum defeats Bill Dundee for the USWA Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas.
1991 - Eric Embry ends Jeff Jarrett's fifth USWA Heavyweight Title reign in Dallas, Texas.
1991 - WCW ran Charlottesville, VA at University Hall with the following results:
-Sam Houston fought Rip Morgan to a draw.
-Jack Victory defeated Joey Maggs.
-Dustin Rhodes defeated Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker.
-Brian Pillman defeated Mike Graham.
-Tracey Smothers & Steve Armstrong defeated Michael Hayes & Jack Victory (substituting for Jimmy Garvin).
.-WCW World Tag Team Champion Scott Steiner defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification when WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson interfered.
-WCW World Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair & WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson when Scott pinned Anderson.
1991 - The WWF ran The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia with the following results:
-Tugboat pinned Col. Mustafa.
-IRS pinned Jim Brunzell.
-Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty defeated the Orient Express when Jannetty pinned Tanaka.
-The Legion of Doom defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the Nasty Boys via count-out.
-The Big Bossman pinned the Mountie.
-Earthquake defeated Jake Roberts via disqualification.
-Ted Dibiase defeated Roddy Piper via referee's decision when the referee deemed Piper unable to continue.
-Sgt. Slaughter defeated WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan via disqualification.
1992 - WCW held an event at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. The results were:
- Michael Hayes defeated Diamond Dallas Page.
- WCW United States Tag Team Champion Greg Valentine defeated Marcus Alexander Bagwell.
- Nikita Koloff defeated Big Van Vader (with Harley Race) by disqualification when Race interfered.
- Ron Simmons defeated WCW United States Tag Team Champion Terry Taylor.
- Johnny B. Badd defeated Tracy Smothers.
- Tom Zenk defeated Mr. Hughes.
- Dustin Rhodes and WCW World Television Champion Barry Windham defeated Steve Austin and Larry Zbyszko.
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Rick Rude defeated Ricky Steamboat by disqualification to retain the title, after Steamboat hit Rude with a chair.
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated WCW World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson and Bobby Eaton in a steel cage match to win the title, beginning their third reign.
1993 - New Japan Pro Wrestling held "Wrestling Dontaku '93" at the Fukuoka Dome in Fukuoka, Japan with 55,000 fans in attendance. The results were:
- Takayuki Iizuka, Akira Nogami and El Samurai defeated Satoshi Kojima, Osamu Nishimura and Hiroyoshi Yamamoto, when Nogami pinned Yamamoto.
- Michiyoshi Ohara defeated Akitoshi Saito.
- Brutus Beefcake defeated Masa Saito.
- Masashi Aoyagi, The Great Kabuki, Kuniaki Kobayashi, Kengo Kimura and Shiro Koshinaka defeated Tatsutoshi Goto, Ashura Hara, Takashi Ishikawa, Hiro Saito and Super Strong Machine, when Koshinaka pinned Goto.
- Tiger Mask (Koji Kanemoto) defeated IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Jushin Liger.
- Scott Norton fought Sting to a double-disqualification.
- Yoshiaki Fujiwara defeated Hiro Hase by submission.
- IWGP Tag Team Champions The Hellraisers (Hawk Warrior (Road Warrior Hawk) and Power Warrior (Kensuke Sasaki)) defeated Masahiro Chono and Shinya Hashimoto, when Power pinned Chono, to retain the title.
- WWF Champion Hulk Hogan (with Jimmy Hart) defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion The Great Muta. Neither title was at stake. In a pre-match interview, Hogan claimed the WWF title was nothing and the IWGP championship was the real title. When word got back to WWF management, Hogan claimed the interview was mis-translated. Hogan gave the promo in English.
- Tatsumi Fujinami and Antonio Inoki defeated Riki Choshu and Genichiro Tenryu, when Fujinami pinned Choshu.
1993 - Papa Shango defeated Jerry Lawler in Memphis, Tennessee to win the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title, ending Lawler's 14th reign.
1993 - WCW taped Television at The Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, GA, highlighted by the Hollywood Blondes appearing in an episode of "Flair for the Gold." The brash Brian Pillman and Steve Austin disrespected Flair and Arn Anderson to set the stage for Flair wrestling his first WCW match since returning to the company in February. Others appearing at the taping include Bobby Eaton, Barry Windham, Cactus Jack, Van Hammer, Jim Neidhart, The Blackhearts, Davey Boy Smith, The Cole Twins, Johnny B. Badd, Maxx Payne, and a young Mustafa Saeid.
1995 - New Japan held "Wrestling Dontaku '95" at the Fukuoka Dome in Fukuoka, Japan with 48,000 fans in attendance. The results:
- Yuji Nagata defeated Manabu Nakanishi by submission.
- Takayuki Iizuka and El Samurai defeated Norio Honaga and Akira Nogami, when Iizuka pinned Nogami.
- Wild Pegasus (Chris Benoit) defeated 2 Cold Scorpio.
- Sabu defeated IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Koji Kanemoto to win the title.
- Junji Hirata defeated Hiro Saito.
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated Scott Norton and Road Warrior Hawk, when Scott pinned Hawk.
- Terry Funk and Shiro Koshinaka defeated Masahiro Chono and Hiromichi Fuyuki, when Koshinaka pinned Chono.
- Ric Flair defeated IWGP Tag Team Champion Hiroshi Hase by submission.
- Antonio Inoki and Koji Kitao defeated Riki Choshu and Genichiro Tenryu, when Inoki pinned Choshu.
- Kensuke Sasaki defeated Hiroshi Tenzan.
- IWGP Tag Team Champion Keiji Mutoh defeated IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinya Hashimoto to win the title. This began Mutoh's second reign and ended Hashimoto's second reign.
1995 - Psicosis defeats El Hijo del Santo for the Mexican National Welterweight Title in Aguascalientes, Mexico.
1996 - Ray Stevens died from a heart attack while he slept at his home in Fremont, California, at the age of 60. Stevens won titles all over the United States, including five AWA World Tag Team Titles, and three NWA San Francisco World Tag Team Titles, as well as many more over his four-decade career.
1997 - New Japan held "Strong Style Evolution" before 43,000 fans at the Osaka Dome in Osaka, Japan. The results were:
- Koji Kanemoto, Hanzo Nakajima, Shinjiro Otani, Mens Teioh and Dick Togo defeated Gran Hamada, Norio Honoga, El Samurai, The Great Sasuke and Super Delfin in a best-of-three falls match, 2-0. Otani pinned Delfin and Togo pinned Hamada.
- Kazuo Yamazaki defeated Kendo Kashin.
- Shiro Koshinaka defeated Kengo Kimura.
- Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan.
- nWo Sting and WCW Cruiserweight Champion Syxx defeated Takashi Iizuka and Tadao Yasuda, when Syxx pinned Iizuka.
- Vicious and Delicious (Buff Bagwell and Scott Norton) defeated The Giant and Lex Luger, when Norton pinned Luger.
- Masahiro Chono and WCW World Tag Team Champions The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) defeated Keiji Mutoh and The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott), when Hall pinned Rick.
- Antonio Inoki and Tiger King defeated Yoshiaki Fujiwara and J-Crown Champion Jushin Liger, when Inoki made Fujiwara submit.
- Satoshi Kojima and Manabu Nakanishi defeated IWGP Tag Team Champions Riki Choshu and Kensuke Sasaki, when Kojima made Choshu submit, to win the title.
- IWGP Heavyweight Champion Shinya Hashimoto defeated Naoya Ogawa by submission to retain the title.
1997 - Extreme Championship Wrestling returned to Trenton, NJ at The CYO Center, drawing 750 fans with the following results:
-ECW World Tag Team Champions Perry Saturn & John Kronus defeated The FBI, Little Guido & Tracy Smothers.
-Wing Kanemura pinned Kevin Quinn.
-D-Von Dudley won a Royal Rumble to earn a ECW World title match.
-The Gangstas defeated Axl Rotten & Cpl. Punishment.
-Stevie Richards pinned the Sandman.
-Rob Van Dam pinned Balls Mahoney.
-ECW World TV Champion Shane Douglas pinned Pitbull #1.
-ECW World Champion Terry Funk defeated D-Von Dudley via submission with the spinning toehold.
1998 - The opening matchup on a WWF house show in Hamilton, Ontario features future seven-time WWF Tag Team Champions, as well as multi-time future World champions against one other, as Adam Copeland (Edge) defeated Christian Cage. Edge had had a few matches on WWF house shows over the previous months under his real name, and this was Christian's very first WWF match. Edge and Christian made their respective television debuts on June 22 and September 27 of that year.
1998 - In the fourth title change in as many days, Booker T defeats Chris Benoit for the WCW World Television Title at a house show in Savannah, Georgia. This began Booker's fourth reign and ended Benoit's second.
1998 - ECW held its "Wrestlepalooza '98" pay-per-view at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta, Georgia, which got a 0.24 buyrate. The show drew 3,400 fans, and was nicknamed "On Enemy Turf", since the show was being held so close to WCW headquarters at CNN Center in Atlanta. Prior to the show starting, a "Legends" ceremony was held with Dick Slater, Bob Armstrong, The Assassin and Junkyard Dog (his last public appearance before his death). The results:
- The Blue Meanie & Super Nova defeated Tracey Smothers & Little Guido when Nova pinned Guido after a Blue Light Special.
- Justin Credible defeated Mikey Whipwreck with That's Incredible (tombstone piledriver).
- ECW World Tag Team Champions Chris Candido & Lance Storm defeated Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten when Candido pinned Balls after Storm had dropkicked him and Candido shoved Storm out of the way so he could get the pin.
- Shane Douglas and Taz engaged in a brawl during an interview segment.
- Bam Bam Bigelow defeated New Jack after New Jack knocked himself out on a balcony dive.
- Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman defeated D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley with stereo DDTs.
- ECW World Television Champion Rob Van Dam vs. Sabu ended in a thirty minute draw. Manager Bill Alfonso was in the corners of both men for the match.
- ECW World Champion Shane Douglas defeated Al Snow by reversing a sunset flip for the pin. The PPV was one of Snow's final appearances for the company before returning to the WWF.
In a backstage incident before the show, New Jack decked and attacked Junkyard Dog over money was owed to him. Visiting backstage was former NWA, UWF and World Class star Jack Victory, who would soon start with the company and work backstage and in front of the camera until it went out of business in 2001.
1998 - Dave the Rave and Rip Rogers defeat The Lords of the Ring (Rob Conway and Nick Dinsmore) to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Title in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
1999 - The Monday Night War continued, with WWF RAW is WAR winning the night over WCW Monday Nitro, 6.4 to 3.4 in the ratings.
WCW Monday Nitro was live from the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina. The results:
- WCW World Tag Team Champions Billy Kidman and Rey Misterio, Jr. defeated The Armstrong Brothers (Scott and Steve).
- Buff Bagwell defeated Ernest Miller (with Sonny Onoo).
- Bam Bam Bigelow and Hak fought to a no-contest in a hardcore match.
- Konnan defeated Horace Hogan by disqualification.
- Meng defeated David Flair (with Torrie Wilson).
- Curt Hennig defeated WCW World Television Champion Booker T by disqualification. Booker retained the title.
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page defeated Ric Flair to retain the title.
WWF RAW is WAR was taped the previous night, May 2, at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California. The results were:
- Billy Gunn defeated X-Pac.
- Gerald Brisco and Pat Patterson defeated The Mean Street Posse (Pete Gas and Rodney) by countout.
- Test defeated The Big Bossman, Mideon and Viscera in a handicap match.
- Vince McMahon defeated Shane McMahon.
- The Acolytes (Bradshaw and Faarooq) defeated Mankind in a handicap hardcore match.
- Triple H defeated Ken Shamrock. Chyna was the guest referee.
- The Big Show defeated The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) by disqualification.
- Nicole Bass (subbing for WWF Women's Champion Sable) defeated Debra in an evening gown match.
- WWF Champion Steve Austin fought The Rock to a no-contest in a lumberjack match to retain the title.
1999 - Tetsuhiro Kuroda and Masato Tanaka defeat Kodo Fuyuki and Hayabusa in a tournament final for the FMW Bass Knuckles Tag Team Title in Nagoya, Japan.
2000 - Gedo, Jado and Kouji Nakagawa defeat Kodo Fuyuki, Kyoko Inoue and Chocoball Mukai for the WEW Six-Man Tag Team Title in Fukuoka, Japan, to begin their second reign.
2002 - Crash Holly enjoys his short 16th reign as WWF Hardcore Champion, after ending Steven Richards' fifth reign, before losing the title right back to Richards. This took place at a house show in Birmingham, England.
2002 - Ace Steel defeats Vic Capri for the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title in Indianapolis, Indiana, beginning his second reign.
2003 - Hotstuff Hernandez defeats Jorge Estrada to win the NWA North American Heavyweight Title in Cornelia, Georgia.
2003 - 3PW held "A Funkin' Classic" at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
The show opened with a 10 bell salute for Miss Elizabeth.
*Trent Acid pinned Ric Blade with a Yakuza Kick. Blade was cut hardway during the match.
*Da Hit Squad defeated Rockin' Rebel and Jeff Rocker after Monsta Mack hit the Van Terminator on Rocker and Mafia pinned him.
*Kid Kash pinned Homicide.
*In a Hardcore match where both men bled heavily, Balls Mahoney pinned Ian Rotten following a Nutcracker Suite onto a chair. Scissors were used liberally including stabs in the rear end by both men.
*In a Three-Way Dance, Josh Daniels defeated Damian Adams and Chris Chetti when he pinned Chetti.
*Roadkill and The Blue Meanie defeated Joey Matthews and Christian York. Matthews did some tremendous mic work before the bout. Meanie pinned York with a Meaniesault.
*Jasmin St. Claire, with Tod Gordon picked a blonde named "Jersey" as the winner of a bikini contest and left with her, the implication being that she was going to spend the night with Jasmin and her "Sugar Daddy."
*3PW champion Gary Wolfe pinned Kevin Sullivan. At one point, they brawled into the crowd and out the front door into the parking lot.
*Terry Funk pinned Jerry Lawler in 22 minutes. A bloody Funk scored the pin after several reversals. A really great match which saw Lawler piledrive Funk through a table set up in the ring at an angle and another spot where they crashed through a table at ringside. Funk challenged Lawler to an Empty Arena match after the match but Lawler walked out. Funk then dared Lawler to face him in a Falls Count Anywhere Match the next show. Great match.
Notes: The crowd was down from the last show. The promotion estimated 350 in the building but that may be a high estimate....The promotion sold out of their first DVD which was on sale....The Athletic Commission actually called for several of the matches to go to the finish due to blood, which as you can imagine, really upset the workers involved as they felt the fans weren't given all that they could have been given....The promotion announced a 6/21 return without any matches announced.
2003 - Black Jack Tatum defeats Calvin Rose in Greenville, Mississippi to win the NWA Southern Brass Knuckles Title.
2003 - John Saxon defeats Sirus Levay for the NWA Southern Television Title in Yazoo City, Mississippi, ending Levay's second reign and beginning Saxon's second.
2004 - Shocker defeats Vampiro to win the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Puebla, Mexico, beginning his second reign.
2004 - Mike Woods defeats Tommy Capone for the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title in Columbia, Tennessee, beginning his third reign.
2005 - WWE taped the May 5 edition of SmackDown! and the May 7 Velocity at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. SmackDown! got a 3.0 rating on UPN. The results were:
- In a dark match, Charlie Haas defeats Big Vito.
Velocity:
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Paul London defeated Akio.
- The Big Show defeated José and Joél Maximo in a handicap match.
- The Basham Brothers (Danny and Doug) defeated Funaki and Nunzio, when Danny pinned Funaki.
- Mark Jindrak defeated Spike Dudley.
SmackDown!:
- Matt Morgan defeated Rob Eckos.
- Booker T defeated WWE United States Champion Orlando Jordan.
- WWE Tag Team Champions MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro (with Melina)) defeated Shannon Moore and Scotty 2 Hotty, when Mercury pinned Scotty, to retain the title.
- Carlito defeated Hardcore Holly.
- Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero in a street fight.
2005 - Tack defeats The Hussla to win the Heartland Wrestling Association Television Title in Cincinnati, Ohio, beginning Tack's third reign.
2006 - CM Punk defeats Brent Albright in a strap match at OVW's weekly television taping in Louisville, Kentucky to win the OVW Heavyweight Title, ending Albright's second reign.
2006 - Koji Kanemoto defeats Tiger Mask for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title in Fukuoka, Japan, to begin Kanemoto's fifth reign and end Tiger Mask's third.
2006 - Shiori Asahi and Makoto Oishi defeat Mike Lee, Jr. and Mr. X for the WEW Hardcore Tag Team Title in Chiba, Japan.
2007 - Iron Cross and Bobby Houston defeat Jake Manning and Scott Sterling for the NWA All-Star Wrestling Tag Team Title in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
2008 - WWE Diva Ashley Massaro was named in a Rolling Stone article about a high-end escort service in L.A. operated by Michelle Braun, who set up women like Maxim and FHM models, porn stars, and Playboy Playmates with rich clients who would pay up to $25,000 a night. Ashley is mentioned, with a photo, as a WWE star and Playboy cover girl who was amongst a number of Los Angeles based women attached to the escort service. There was no implication that she ever had sex for money, just that she was among the celebrity-type women the service took a fee for in return for setting up meetings with their clientele.
Massaro responded via a blog on her Myspace account, writing, "False False False - Just got buzzed on some BS that is going around. Dont believe it for a second. Getting in touch with my lawyer as we speak. No post song because I'm beyond upset."
When rumors began circulating that the magazine had confused Massaro with another model of the same name, PWInsider.com contacted the piece's author, RS Contributing Editor Michelle Grigoriadis, who commented, "Obviously, I stand by my story. Massaro is named in an FBI search warrant that was executed on Michelle Braun's property in October, 2007. I have no knowledge of another woman by the same name."
No legal action was ever taken by Massaro.
2008 - The Sixth Legends of the Ring convention was held in Carteret, NJ. Mike Johnson filed the following report:
AWA legend Verne Gagne was unable to fly and attend the event. Greg Gagne was telling those who asked that his father was dealing with dementia, and unfortunately, is likely not up to making any future appearances. Obviously, we wish the Gagne family all the best.
The remainder of the event was well organized and run, as is usually the case with this event.
Some Misc. thoughts on the gathering:
Curtis "Mr." Hughes looks like a completely different person as he's slimmed down and muscular. I had met him dozens of time during his ECW tenure and walked right past him initially, not realizing it was him.
Damian Demento was plugging the hell out of an online radio show he's doing, which I'll hopefully get information for shortly.
Duane "Gillberg" Gill seemed to be the most touched of anyone at the convention while Booker T went above and beyond the call of duty to.
Thomas "Mambo" Rivera's Wrestling Reunion cleaned up with appearances by Sharmell and Ivan Putski, who brought along his old WWF Tag Team title belt that he held with Tito Santana.
The longest line for any one performer had to go to Kevin Nash, who was raking in the money big-time. Chris Masters spent a long time talking to Nash after he was done with his scheduled signing.
Ultimo Dragon appeared absolutely thrilled to be part of the event and had the biggest smile of anyone, fan or performer, in attendance, the entire time he was milling about.
I heard nothing but wonderful things about Greg Gagne's dealing with fans today and he was very apologetic about his father not appearing..
Larry Hennig appeared to be walking with a limp, the result of all the years of the abuse he took in the ring during his career.
The trio that seemed to be the most joyous sitting together were Demolition and Mr. Fuji, who obviously were having a ball being together again.
In talking to Barry Darsow, he mentioned that of all the personas he's portrayed, his favorite by far was the Black Top Bully.
Shane Douglas told several fans that he had turned down a WWE announcing offer to be part of the ECW on Sci Fi show.
2010 - The final TNA vs. WWE head to head battle on Monday took place as Spike TV made the call to move the company back to its old timeslot of Thursdays the following week. Raw did a 3.0 rating, with an average of 4,332,000 viewers. The show did hours of 2.87 and 3.18.
The last edition of Impact on Monday did a 0.78 rating, with 1,146,000 viewers.
Stu Carapola filed the following final TNA Impact on Monday report:
Tonight's show opens with a video package recapping last week's show, and then we go to Hogan and Bischoff in a limo talking about how bad Ric Flair is going to flip out when they see who Hogan gives his Hall Of Fame ring to, and they also anticipate a sticky situation when they confront Sting tonight.
We head to the Impact Zone as Mike and Taz welcome us to the show and drop the big announcement that TNA Impact is returning home to Thursday nights because of the feedback of the fans. Well, that's one way of putting it. They discuss tonight's Sting-Hogan Summit, as Sting told Taz earlier that Sting will break his silence tonight.
Ric Flair's music hits, but instead of Ric Flair, out comes Jay Lethal, who appears to have ditched the Randy Savage gimmick in favor of impersonating Flair and even seems to have Flair's ring on. This guy's ability to do impressions is uncanny. He does a dead on impression of Flair as he talks about Hogan wanting to do this at the end of the show but he couldn't wait because he's the 16 time, 16 time, 16 time World Champion, and to be the Man, you've got (he stops to tear his jacket off and do the Flair strut off the ropes and kneedrops the jacket), to be the Man, you've got to beat the Man. I'm telling you, he does a much more convincing Flair than AJ Styles does. The crowd starts chanting "we want Flair" and almost as if on cue, Flair's music hits and The Real Man comes strolling out. Flair looks like he's trying really hard not to crack up as the crowd chants "double vision" at them. Flair asks Lethal if he knows where he is, and Flair tells him he's standing in front of God. Flair says that nobody walks out here and disrespects him, takes off his sunglasses and stomps on them, then asks Lethal if he wants to be Ric Flair...but Lethal willingly takes off the Hall Of Fame ring and hands it back to Flair and says that he meant no disrespect, he just always wanted to be the Nature Boy, even if it was just for two minutes, and tells Flair that he's The Man, and as sure as they're standing here today, he's going to get this footage, frame it, and hang it on his wall because this is the greatest moment of his life. In Elizabeth, NJ there is a beautiful woman who's watching this and knows that her little boy has made it because he's standing in the ring with Ric Flair. Flair thanks Lethal for giving back the ring, but tells Lethal that doesn't dig him out of the hole he's in. Flair smacks Lethal, takes his shirt off, then slaps him again. He says that he's Ric Flair and that makes him God, and to tell his mother that the greatest moment of his life is going to turn into the saddest moment of his life and slaps him again. This time Lethal slaps him back and a brawl breaks out with Lethal getting the better of Flair and putting him in the figure four, but out comes Beer Money, AJ Styles, and Desmond Wolfe to put the boots to Lethal. The four of them are too much for Lethal, and they hold him so Flair can kick him in the nuts. Suddenly, Abyss comes waddling out and tries to make the save, but he gets outnumbered and beat down as well. Finally Team 3D comes out to try and make the save, and they get beat down too. Now the World Champion's music hits, and out comes Rob Van Dam with a chair, and the heels clear out before RVD even makes it into the ring.
We go back to Hogan and Bischoff in the limo, and Hogan gets a text message and then tells the driver to turn around because they have a problem. As the driver busts a U-turn, we head to our first commercial break!
We're back, and Van Dam's crew is still in the ring, having apparently waited patiently for the Hogan/Bischoff segment and commercial break to run their course so they can have their turn to talk. RVD has an idea, instead of beating up on "Macho Dude", why don't the Four Horse's Asses come down to the ring for a fair fight. Flair says if they want more, they've got it, and Flair's team rushes the ring and the brawl breaks back out and spills out of the ring and all around ringside and up the rampway. Flair gets Lethal in the nuts again as Hogan's music hits, and he comes stalking out, singlehandedly beating up all of Team Flair by himself. What a leader. It's down to Hogan and Flair alone in the ring, and Hogan beats him up too and tosses him over the top rope to the floor as we go to another commercial break.
We're back from the commercial break, and this stupid fight is STILL going on. I mean, it's really easy on me to recap, but come on! Finally Hogan grabs a mic and says that since they just beat The Man, they can quote The Man, and says TNA is the best thing going today. Hogan's not mad about this, but the TNA fans want action and that's what we've got here. He singles out Desmond Wolfe and says that since he wants action tonight, it's going to be Desmond Wolfe against RVD for the TNA World Title, and he's also going to put AJ Styles in the ring with Abyss in a Monster's Ball. Also, Beer Money, Team 3D, and the Motor City Machine Guns will have a three way match tonight. We see Sting wandering around in the rafters as Taz reminds us of the Hogan-Sting Summit later on tonight, where Sting will break his silence. And we're back to commercial!
We're back with the Beautiful People in their dressing room, and Lacey's complaining about her back hurting because she wears her championship belt to bed. Both titles are on the line tonight and Madison Rayne says that the titles aren't going anywhere tonight, and Lacey says "See, I knew you weren't supposed to take them off."
We go back to the ring with Brian Kendrick and Doug Williams, and Williams is very upset over being stripped of the X-Division Title. With all the weather and flying conditions, he thinks it's just not right that he was the one who was punished, and to make matters worse, he finally gets back to TNA and is stuck in a tag match with Kendrick. Kazarian's been running around calling himself the champion, but before he can call himself the champion, he'll have to beat Williams at Sacrifice. We go right into our next match...
Douglas Williams & Brian Kendrick vs Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal
Neal and Williams start and Williams outwrestles him. Williams tries a charge in the corner but eats an elbow and Neal gets a crossbody out of the corner for 2. Williams catches Neal with a gutwrench suplex and tags in Kendrick, who viciously goes to work on Neal. Matt Morgan joins the announce team as Williams slams Neal and drops a series of knees off the ropes and gets a 2 count. Morgan is upset because he feels like Hogan's trying to stack the deck against "them" by putting "them" in a match with Neal and Moore at Sacrifice, and demands Hogan tell him who "their" partner will be at Sacrifice against Neal and Moore. Neal makes a hot tag and Moore comes in and cleans house on the heels, hitting an atomic drop and leg lariat on Kendrick for 2. Moore gets a Blockbuster out of the corner and Neal hits the Spear on Kendrick for the win.
Winners: Shannon Moore & Jesse Neal
Williams and Kendrick have words after the match, and as they argue it out, Samoa Joe comes out and destroys both of them, then takes the mic...then changes his mind, throws down the mic, and walks off as we're back at commercial.
We're back and JB is in the back with Team Flair...oops, he's not because Flair kicks him out. Flair is irate over the five of them getting their ass kicked yet again, and goes to them one by one and tells them all to go out there tonight and make it happen or he will find replacements for all of them.
We go to a pretaped promo with Hulk Hogan, who says that the last two years of his life has been a shambles, and now he comes to TNA and is met with problem after problem. He wonders why Sting is doing what he's doing, and tonight he's going to find out what's happening with Sting. He's done, and tonight he's getting in Sting's face. We go to Mike and Taz as they debate what we're going to see out of Sting and Hogan later tonight, and then discuss the matches that are yet to come. Also, we're going to have Jeff Hardy live at the top of the hour...but wait a minute, there's something going on backstage! We go back and see a brawl between Pope and Ken Anderson, and Anderson gets the better of him and repeatedly rams a crate into Pope before stealing his sunglasses and leaving Pope laying.
We're back and Ken Anderson is coming out to the ring dressed as an altar boy. He tells the ladies and gentlemen of the congregation not to judge him for his beautiful attire, because he stands before them at a loss for words. The crowd chants "you suck" at him, and he says "forgive them father, for they know not what they say." Great ad lib. Anderson says that he has had a revelation, and that's that...(crowd chants "we want Pope")...Anderson says that unfortunately Pope will not be able to be here tonight, but he has had the revelation that he will not go to Heaven, but will instead burn in Hell. Jeff Hardy's music hits and he comes bopping down to the ring to confront Anderson. Hardy says that the Congregation and the Creatures of the Night are one and the same, and since his good friend the Pope won't be cleared to wrestle for some time because of Anderson, Hardy says he needs a match at Sacrifice and he wants that match to be against Anderson. Crowd starts a big "Hardy" chant. Anderson is aghast that Hardy would come out here and challenge him and asks Hardy if he thinks Anderson's not going to accept the challenge...and then says any other night is fine, but he's busy that night. Anderson says he's tired of Hardy and all the sinners and is going to leave, then turns around and tries to attack Hardy, but Hardy sees it coming, knocks Anderson out, rips off the altar boy outfit, and asks Anderson if he accepts the challenge for Sacrifice, then moves Anderson's mouth for him and goes "I would love to, Charismatic Enigma! It's always been a dream of mine!" Funny stuff. We're back at commercial!
We're back, and it's time for some Knockouts Title action!
Tna Knockouts/Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: The Beautiful People vs Tara, Sarita & Taylor Wilde
Tara and Lacey start, Tara controls early but Lacey gets a spinkick. Sarita tags in and sunset flips Lacey, but Lacey makes the tag to Velvet Sky. Velvet tries a charge on Sarita in the corner, Sarita gets the boot up, and gets a flapjack for 2. Sarita tags out to Taylor and suplexes Taylor onto Velvet for 2, but Velvet fights her way free and tags out to Madison Rayne. Taylor goes to make the hot tag to Sarita, but Tara tags herself in. Sarita is upset by this and tags herself in, causing Tara to turn around and nail Sarita, then lays out Taylor as well and follows her out to the floor as the Beautiful People drag Sarita back in and hit a double DDT for the win.
Winners: The Beautiful People
Tara is obviously very upset with the way this match played out, and calls Taylor and Sarita a couple of losers.
Still to come tonight: AJ Styles vs Abyss, Desmond Wolfe challenges RVD for the TNA World Title, and a three way tag match, all of which has to get crammed into the next 45 minutes! Actually less than that, because it's time for another commercial break!
We're back, and Christy is interviewing Tara, who says she's tired of this because she doesn't get respect from anyone unless she has the Knockouts Title around her waist. She challenges Madison Rayne to put the Knockouts Title on the line at Sacrifice, and says that she'll put her career on the line in that match as well. I guess we all know how that match will turn out.
Okay, back to the ring!
Motor City Machine Guns vs Beer Money vs Team 3D
Sabin and Roode start the match with a fast paced sequence, then Storm and Shelley tag in for another fast paced sequence that ends with Shelley getting a 2 count on Storm. Trust me, it was too fast to recap. Shelley tags out to Devon, who nails Storm with a clothesline for 2, then beats him down in the corner. Roode gets a boot to the back of Devon from the outside and tags in and starts putting the boots to Devon. Tag back out to Storm and they hit a double suplex and then do the Beer...Money gimmick before covering Devon for 2. Beer Money work Devon over and whip him into the corner, but Storm misses a charge and Devon clotheslines Roode, then makes the hot tag to Brother Ray, who comes in and cleans house on Beer Money. 3D does the Whazzup, a joke which died an obscure death ten years ago, and then Hall and Nash rush the ring and attack Team 3D, drawing the DQ.
No Contest
Eric Young comes out with a kendo stick to chase off Hall & Nash and then, predictably, nails 3d with it instead and does the Too Sweet handshake. The MCMG come in and clear out all three members of the Band, but get nailed by Beer Money, who hit the DWI on Shelley as Young puts the boots to Brother Ray. This show is just falling apart more and more by the segment.
We're back, and it's time for the debut of the O-Zone! Jiz Man comes out in one of his cute little outfits and spreads his legs wide open on the couch for all our viewing pleasure. He says that everyone thinks he has a little freak in him, but his guest tonight really is the freak...TNA Global Champion Rob Terry. Orlando raises his hand at a curtain which raises up to reveal a cardboard cutout of Rob Terry. Orlando says he thought he had the perfect body and some amazing bulges, but look at Rob Terry, his abs are absolutely amazing. What Orlando wants to know and what everyone watching wants to know is what kind of fantasies does a freak have? Who does Rob Terry fantasize about? Orlando figures Terry must fantasize about him, and he's honored. Suddenly, Rob Terry's music hits and he comes out, shoves Jordan down, tears up the cardboard cutout of himself, and tells Orlando not to make him come back. Then he takes his belt and goes to leave, but Orlando attacks him from behind and puts the boots to him, then chokes him out with his kinky chain, then stomps him some more and throws his birdbath onto the prone figure of Rob Terry. I never thought I'd see the day when a birdbath was used as a weapon on a wrestling show, but I guess I should know by now not to take anything for granted in this business. We head back to the ring for our next match...
Monster's Ball: AJ Styles vs Abyss
AJ jumps Abyss on his way to the ring and tosses a trash can at Abyss, but charges Abyss and gets backdropped back into the ring. Abyss wedges a chair in the corner, ducks a chairshot from AJ, and levels him with a big boot. Abyss grabs a crutch (funny how crutches always seem to become a foreign object in these kinds of matches. Are there just a lot of cripples hanging out backstage at wrestling shows or something?) and takes a swing at AJ, but AJ ducks and hits the Pelle kick, then stomps away at Abyss in the corner. AJ comes off the ropes and Abyss just presses AJ about seven feet up in the air and AJ comes down hard. Abyss dodges a leapfrog, rams AJ into the chair in the corner, and hits Shock Treatment for 2. Abyss goes and gets the thumbtacks and pours them in the ring as Flair brings Chelsea down to the ring and tells her to take her clothes off. Chelsea seems really upset by this request and Abyss tries to defend her, but AJ nails him from behind with several chairshots and then a springboard crossbody onto the thumbtacks for the win.
Winner: AJ Styles
AJ beats up Abyss some more after the match as Chelsea takes off her trenchcoat anyway and reveals a really hot outfit underneath, I guess showing Abyss what he'll never have. I give up trying to figure this company out. We're at commercial.
We're back and still have RVD vs Desmond Wolfe and the Hogan-Sting Summit with 15 minutes left. Gee, I wonder which of those will get more time.
TNA World Title Match: Rob Van Dam vs Desmond Wolfe
Wolfe jumps RVD before the bell and viciously works him over at ringside and again back in the ring. Desmond with a charging European Uppercut in the corner and goes for the Tower Of London, but RVD blocks and reverses a whip across the ring, but Desmond catches him in the corner with the kick/forearm combo for 2. RVD starts firing back, but Desmond with a hammerlock takedown for 2. Wolfe rams RVD into the corner and then does the RVD pose, but when he charges off the ropes, RVD goes up top and hits a flying jump kick and Rolling Thunder, then tries the Five Star Notebook Splash, but Desmond crotches him and goes for the Tower Of London, then changes his mind and goes for the Tower Of London on the apron, but RVD fights out again and hits another jumpkick and they're on the rampway. RVD backdrops Wolfe back in and hits the Five Star Notebook Splash for the win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
RVD celebrates after the match but AJ Styles runs out and nails RVD and invokes the rematch clause, saying that he's going to take the title when he gets his shot at Sacrifice.
Backstage, Hogan is checking on Jeff Jarrett, who says that he was jumped by Sting. The Hogan-Sting Summit is next!
WWe're back for what we all knew was the real main event of tonight's show, as it's time for the Hogan-Sting Summit. Hogan comes out first and says that when he came to TNA, he realized what he was in for, but when he talked about change, he had no idea that the guy he was going to count on most to be the leader of TNA was going to change, so it's time to find out what's real and not real, and he calls Sting out to the ring to find out what's real. Sting comes out to the ring and Hogan tells him that he can fool some of the people some of the time, but Hogan's been around too long to be fooled. He knows who Sting is and what he's all about, and asks Sting to let him in on this latest change. Sting grabs a mic and says he can't wait to tell Hogan what makes him tick: it's TNA. It's like Hogan's asking Sting what his agenda is, and it's exactly what it was when he came to TNA five years ago, and that's to give back to the sport of wrestling that he loves so much, especially to TNA because he loves this company. When he thinks about all the years that Hogan was in the WWF, he had this canopy of protection over him the whole time, and in WCW he saw firsthand that he had the same veil of protection over him, but this is TNA and in TNA he doesn't have this protection. Hogan says he understand now, it's not about TNA, it's about Hogan and Sting. Hogan says Sting can't take cheapshots at people and choke Dixie Carter, and Sting still has blood on his hands. He just left Jeff Jarrett laying, and asks if that's what makes Sting tick. Sting gets a good laugh, and says that Hogan is one of the best chess players of all time, and now it's Hogan's move. Sting points the bat at Hogan's throat, and Hogan tells Sting to take his best shot. Suddenly, Jeff Jarrett comes down to the ring and attacks Sting with the bat, but Hogan stops him...and that's the end of the show.
Richard Trionfo filed the following Raw report:
We begin tonight’s show with a look back at last week’s main event between Sheamus, Randy Orton, and Batista that was interrupted by a spear from Edge to make Batista the Number One Contender for John Cena’s title.
We are live and your announcers are Michael ‘We have more people here than a Jaguars game’ Cole and Jerry ‘It is time for Scenes from a Hat’ Lawler.
The new number one contender for John Cena’s title comes to the ring. Batista says last week he became the number one contender again when he should be the WWE Champion again. Batista points out that the fans disagree. Batista wonders if any of ‘you people’ understand what a Last Man Standing match is. Batista says that he will explain really slowly so everyone can understand. He says that a Last Man Standing Match is when you beat your opponent so brutally and so decisively that he is unable to stand before a count of ten. Batista wonders if the fans can count to ten. Batista says that is not what happened.
We go to the footage from Extreme Rules when Batista ‘Taped’ Out.
Batista says that was by far the most embarrassing moment of John Cena’s career. Batista says that he apologizes and takes it back. That was the most embarrassing moment in John Cena’s life. Batista says that was something Hornswoggle would do. Batista says that he did not lose. Tonight we have more games. There is a Beat the Clock Challenge for the stipulation at Over the Limit. Batista points out that his opponent is The Miz.
Sheamus comes out to the ring and he has something to say to the Number One Contender. Sheamus says that if you want to talk about pathetic, he should talk about how he lost the title at Extreme Rules. Sheamus tells the fella in the ring that he won his match at Extreme Rules and did something that Batista couldn’t do. That was to take out Triple H. Sheamus tells Batista that the problem he doesn’t have the title match at Over the Limit is because he took out the son in law. Maybe Cena isn’t man enough to face him. Sheamus says that he deserves to be in the match not Batista. Sheamus makes a challenge to Batista. If he loses, he shuts his guff and walks away. If he wins, he gets the match that he deserves against John Cena at Over the Limit.
Batista thinks about it and he says that Sheamus had his chance and he blew it. Sheamus says that he did not ‘lose’ because he was not pinned. Batista tells the ‘fella’ that he has a match to win. He tells Sheamus to get out of his ring.
Sheamus thinks about it and he tells Batista if he thinks it is over, he is wrong. Sheamus says that he will be WWE Champion again and he tells the fella it will be sooner than Batista thinks.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Miz is not dressed to wrestle. He says that he would like nothing more than to face Batista right now and give him the challenge that he deserves and show that he is the true United States Champion. The trauma to his face from being sucker punched by a walking sasquatch prevents him from wrestling tonight. Miz says that he has a doctor’s note (with envelope). He says that he cannot wrestle tonight. Miz says that he has just the guy to face Batista and it is his NXT rookie, Daniel Bryan.
Miz tells Bryan to put up a fight and last more than thirty seconds. Bryan says that he is going to make Batista tap out.
Match Number One: Batista versus Daniel Bryan (playing the part of The Miz) in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match
Batista with a kick and he tries for the Batista Bomb but Bryan with a sunset flip for a near fall. Bryan with an ankle lock and Batista goes to the floor. Batista returns to the ring and Batista runs Bryan into the turnbuckles and connects with shoulders and kicks Bryan. Batista with an Irish whip and then Bryan floats over and puts Batista in a sleeper. Batista with a snap mare and a boot to the head. Batista gets a near fall. Batista with a hard Irish whip as he takes his time to continue the attack. Batista with another hard Irish whip. Batista with an Irish whip and he runs into a boot. Bryan with a guillotine choke but Batista with an package suplex and both men are down. Batista with a near fall on Bryan. Batista throws Bryan to the floor and Batista goes outside and runs Bryan into the apron. Bryan is returned to the ring and Batista with a clothesline for a near fall. Bryan with punches and forearms that stagger Batista. Bryan with a boot to the head but Batista with a boot to Bryan and Bryan goes down. Batista gets another near fall. Bryan with a back heel kick after Batista looks at the clock. Bryan with another kick and Bryan with a crossface but Batista gets to the ropes. Bryan kicks Batista and the referee has to pull Bryan off. Batista with a kick to the knee followed by a spear. Batista with the Batista Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Batista (5:06)
After the match, Batista with another power bomb to Bryan. Batista returns to the ring one more time and he hits another Batista Bomb.
We are told that John Cena will face Chris Jericho in Cena’s Beat the Clock Challenge Match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that the Military get free tickets to WWE events in the United States.
It is time to take a look back at the impact that Edge made last week on Raw when he speared his former tag team partner to allow Batista to pin Randy Orton.
We see Eve in a photo session and Wayne Brady stops by. Eve thanks Wayne for hosting Raw tonight. Wayne says that he loves Raw and the WWE. He says that Eve is his favorite Diva. Jillian stops by and she says that it is great to meet her. Jillian suggests that she should sing his theme song into the arena. Jillian starts to sing and Wayne gets rid of her. Wayne says that he has to go get ready and leaves.
Eve looks for her title belt and we find out that Maryse stole it and she hits Eve with it.
Edge is walking in the back and he talks about the celebration from the first time he won the title. Edge wants to use parts from TLC matches when he puts people out of commission. Edge is told that they might not have that footage available.
Josh Mathews wants to know if Randy Orton has anything in store for him. Edge says that he is tired of the PG style on Raw and reminds us that he is Rated R so he is not going to be told what is going to happen. He says that he will do what he wants when he wants it. Edge says that he is going to start an era of controversy and we will see what Randy Orton has to say.
We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from last week’s Search for Virgil . . . the Next Generation and R Truth’s rejection of the offer.
Ted has something to say before his match. He says that R Truth, a guy from ‘the streets’ would relish the opportunity never to have to worry about money again. What will Truth do when his career is over? Will he sing? He only has one song and it is terrible. Ted does his best Truth and says ‘What’s Up’. Ted says that he will hire a personal associate and that person’s first job will be to smack some sense into a wannabe rapper.
Match Number Two: Ted DiBiase versus John Morrison
DiBiase with a kick and punches followed by more kicks to Morrison. Morrison with a leg lariat and then he connects with a forearm. Morrison clotheslines DiBiase over the top rope to the floor and then Morrison with a springboard 450 splash onto DiBiase. DiBiase refuses to get back into the ring and he walks away as the referee makes the ten count.
Winner: John Morrison by count out
Morrison says that is not the way that the Monday Night Delight is going to debut on Raw. Morrison wants the match to restart. Morrison says that if he loses, he will be Ted’s ‘Virgil’.
Ted thinks about it and he starts to walk back to the ring and we go to commercial before the restart.
We are back and the match has already restarted. DiBiase with forearms to the chest while he has Morrison in a body scissors. We see footage during the commercial when DiBiase hit a front suplex onto the ring steps. DiBiase with a waist lock followed by a clothesline and he gets a near fall. DiBiase drops Morrison on the top rope as he continues to work on the midsection and gets a near fall. DiBiase with a kick to the midsection and then he gets another near fall. DiBiase with a punch but Morrison avoids another kick and Morrison with a kick to DiBiase and both men are down. Morrison with an Irish whip but DiBiase sees Morrison set for the springboard spin kick and DiBiase pushes Morrison off the ropes and gets a near fall. Morrison counters Dream Street but DiBiase hits a power slam and gets a near fall. Morrison with punches but DiBiase with a clothesline for another near fall. DiBiase sets for Dream Street but Morrison uses the turnbuckles to bridge over and gets the three count.
Winner: John Morrison
After the match, DiBiase attacks Morrison from behind and he punches John and kicks him in the midsection.
R Truth comes to the ring and DiBiase leaves. Truth checks on Morrison.
We have an Earlier Tonight Moment of highlights from the Batista/Bryan Beat the Clock Challenge Match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Chris Jericho being punched in the face by Big Show.
Chris Jericho is wearing a suit as he comes to the ring. Jericho tells Cena that he is not going to pull himself from the match using the same flimsy excuse as The Miz because he was attacked by Big Show as well. Jericho says that he is pulling himself from the match because he has beaten him so many times. Jericho says that he has found an opponent who has been wanting to embarrass Cena in front of the parasitic troglodytes. Wade Barrett comes out and Chris Jericho introduces Barrett to Cena and the other hypocrites. He says that Barrett has taken all of his advice and has gone from an NXT rookie to a bona fide superstar.
Barrett tells Cena that he isn’t going to beat him period.
Match Number Three: John Cena versus Wade Barrett (substituting for Chris Jericho) in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match
They lock up and Cena with a side head lock take down for a near fall. Cena with a front face lock and arm drag into a near fall. Cena with a front face lock and then he goes for the leg and gets a near fall. Cena with a side head lock and then he puts Barrett into a full nelson before a snap mare. Cena gets Barrett up for the Attitude Adustment and Jericho gets on the apron and Cena sends Barrett onto Jericho. Cena pushes Jericho away on the floor but Barrett with a kick to the back and Cena goes into the announce table. Barrett punches and kicks Cena. Jericho wants Cole and Lawler to call Barrett a ‘machine’. Barrett with a hard Irish whip. Barrett gets a near fall. Barrett with a surfboard on Cena and he keeps Cena on the mat. Cena with a kick but Barrett with a boot to prevent the flying shoulder tackle. Barrett with a near fall. Barrett with an Irish whip and back breaker for a near fall. Barrett with a punch and then he puts a knee in Cena’s back. Cena puts Barrett in the STF and Barrett taps out with just under a half minute to go.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, John Cena gets on the mic and he says that he has beaten the clock so he will choose the match against Batista. Cena says that he knows what type of match it will be.
We don’t know what type of match it will be because Sheamus comes to the ring and attacks Cena with a running double sledge followed by the pump kick to the head.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that the Draft last week had more viewers than the NBA Playoffs.
Match Number Four: Maryse versus Nikki Bella with Brie Bella
They lock up and Maryse backs Nikki into the ropes. Nikki with a snap mare and then she sends Maryse’s head into the turnbuckels. Maryse goes to the floor and she is caught between two Bellas and Nikki sends Maryse back to the ring. Nikki goes up top but Maryse takes her down to the mat and Maryse with the DDT for the three count.
Winner: Maryse
After the match, Maryse gets on the mic and she says something in French. She wants to present to the world her brand new photo shoot. She says that it is called Maryse . . . The Sexiest of Sexy. It is a series of photos of Maryse over Eve after the earlier attack.
Maryse poses in the ropes and Eve makes her way to the ring but she is held back by the referee. Maryse leaves the ring while Eve continues to be restrained by the referee. We go to commercial.
We are back and Alicia Fox and Gail Kim are at ringside. Zack Ryder is in the ring and he says that the biggest news to come out of the draft is that he is still on Raw. Zack says that he is single and ready to mingle. That is why he asked Gail and Alicia to sit at ringside with him. Zack says that he is going to beat Primo Colon again and he won’t have to be like the governor of Arizona and ask for Primo’s papers.
Wayne Brady tells Zack that if he wants to be impressive, he has a better opponent for him.
Match Number Five: Zack Ryder versus Mark Henry
Ryder goes for the leg but Henry with a forearm and slam. Henry with another slam to Ryder. Henry with a third slam and then he misses a charge into the corner. Ryder with a drop kick to the knees and then he goes to the turnbuckles for a missile drop kick and gets a near fall. Ryder with a leaping leg lariat for a near fall. Ryder with forearms to the back and Henry runs Ryder into the turnbuckles and then connects with a forearm and body block. Henry gets Ryder up for a power slam but Ryder escapes. Henry with the World’s Strongest Slam for the three count.
Winner: Mark Henry
After the match, Alicia and Gail leave with Mark Henry.
Chris Jericho is in the back talking to Miz about being punched last week. Miz says that he couldn’t talk for three days. Miz says that people pay to listen to him talk. Jericho says that is unacceptable. They talk about Show listening to country music and the stories about being a former champion. Jericho says that he made Show back into the Big Show. Together they carried him for sixteen months. Miz says that there is nothing that they can do about this. Jericho says that he has an idea.
We see footage from last week again of the spear heard round the Draft.
We go to commercial.
Vladimir Kozlov is in the guest host’s office and he says that he is happy that Wayne is not foolish like MacGruber. Wayne says that he will break Vladimir. Santino comes in and says that he is part of the Brady Bunch with Wayne. Santino says that he would like to be part of the Let’s Consummate the Deal so he can team with Vladimir Kozlov. William Regal enters and he says that they have a match to prepare for. Santino wonders why they have a match. Santino tells Regal betrayed him before. Regal says that they have fixed their problems. Santino pulls a ‘Regal Regal Regal’. Wayne asks someone if they are Alice. Goldust wonders who Alice is and he says that he is Goldust . . . witch.
Lawler and Cole review the supplemental draft picks coming to Raw.
The tag team champions are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith winning the Unified Tag Titles.
The Miz and Chris Jericho join Cole and Lawler at the announce table. Jericho and Miz tells Cole to calm down and listen to their commentary.
Miz tells Cole that it was Big Show’s fault that they lost the tag titles last week.
Match Number Six: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd with Natalya versus Vladimir Kozlov and William Regal
Regal with a forearm and arm drag into a wrist lock. Regal with an Irish whip but Kidd with an elbow to Regal and Kozlov. Kozlov pulls Kidd off the turnbuckles to the floor and Kidd holds his arm. Regal with a knee to the arm and then he tags in Kozlov. Kozlov with shoulders into the corner. Kozlov with head butts to the chest followed by a hammer lock fallaway slam. Regal tags in and he kicks Kidd in the injured arm. Regal with a hammer lock and a sunset flip but Kidd rolls through and hits a drop kick. Smith tags in and he takes Regal down and kicks Kozlov off the apron. Regal misses the running knee and Smith puts Regal in the Sharpshooter and Regal taps immediately.
Winners: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd
After the match, Miz tries to attack Smith but Smith avoids it and he punches Miz. Jericho comes into the ring and he hits a Codebreaker on Smith. Miz then hits the Skull Crushing Finale on Smith.
In case you missed it the other dozen times, we see the spear that Edge gave to Randy Orton last week.
We go to commercial.
We are back and next week’s guest host is Flavor Flav.
It is time for the Cutting Edge hosted by Edge. Edge says like it or not, the most controversial superstar in the history of the WWE is back on Raw. Edge says that everyone probably wants an explanation of why he did what he did to Randy Orton last week, but they don’t deserve one. Edge says that he will give them an explanation but he enjoys pulling at their heartstrings.
Edge goes back to his return at the Royal Rumble to be the white light on Smackdown. He was in the right position to beat Jack Swagger, but last week, Ted DiBiase wins a battle royal and then he is drafted to Raw. All of the plans go up in smoke. Edge says that he had to start on a new show and he was a bit angered and frustrated. He says that the spear was an act of defiance and a bit cathartic. He says that he was the most talked about superstar after last week’s Raw. Edge says that maybe he should bring out his guest and he brings out . . .
Before we get to Randy Orton, tonight’s guest host Wayne Brady comes out. He joins Edge in the ring and Edge says that Randy Orton can wait. Edge asks Wayne how he is doing and Wayne says that he is great. Wayne says that he has been a huge wrestling fan and he says that he is here because of people like Edge. Wayne says that he is in front of a lot of people in the building and all over the world. Wayne wants to know what it is like to walk in Edge’s shadow. Edge tells Wayne to have at it. Wayne says that he came here tonight, not to challenge anyone, but to tell any other guest host that they are not him. He tells all of the Mini Mes, the Cheeches or Chongs. He says tells Bob Barker that he is Bob Darker.
Randy Orton comes out and he has a definite purpose as he comes to the ring. Orton stares at Edge once he enters the ring. Orton looks at Brady and Brady is probably making a mistake by staying in the ring. Wayne wants to shake Orton’s hand and Orton with an RKO.
Edge says that Orton thinks he is going to give Edge an RKO, but Edge says that isn’t going to happen. Edge has two reasons why. Edge says that last week was Randy being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He says that Orton would have done the same thing. Edge reminds Orton what happened last time Orton was a guest on the Cutting Edge. They became a tag team, Rated RKO. Edge says that they dominated DX and the entire show. Edge says that he knows that it can happen again, but bigger and better. Edge says that Cena and Batista are going to beat the pulp out of each other at Over the Limit, but they can swoop in and be the two man power trip. Edge asks Orton who can stop them. Edge wants to know if the idea appeals to him or is Orton too big of a superstar to share the spotlight. Edge says that he did not plan to spear Orton, but he was glad that he did it. Edge says that he did everything he was supposed to do. He came back from injury, did a commercial, and came up with a catchphrase for the fans. However, the fans did not fully accept him. Orton is a man who cares about no one but himself, but the people get behind him and support him. They chant RKO but Edge says that he doesn’t get it. Edge says that it isn’t fair. Edge says that it isn’t fair that he isn’t the World Champion. Edge says that it isn’t fair that he was drafted to Raw because of a battle royal. Edge tells Orton that he will listen to him because the spear was the tip of the iceberg and he will spear Orton until Randy is an afterthought. Edge wants to know if it is registering in his head. Edge wants Orton to say something. Orton tries for an RKO and Edge with a boot and then he sets for the spear but Orton gets up and hits an RKO as Edge tries for the spear.
We go to credits without Orton saying anything.
2011 - Former WWE star Shawn Daivari worked a dark match at a Smackdown taping as a babyface. He does not return to the company.
2011 - A Pinellas County, FL circuit judge dismissed Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Wells Fargo insurance. Hogan had claimed that representatives of the company had not implored him to buy more car insurance, which he needed after his son Nick had a car accident on 8/26/2007 that left passenger John Graziano with brain damage and severely disabled for life
Hogan only had his cars insured for $250,000 each. Hogan argued, after the accident and the subsequent large out of pocket payment he had to make to Graziano, that the company hadn't properly informed him that he needed more coverage.
Wells Fargo countered that they had repeatedly asked Linda Hogan, who handled that aspect of the then-couple's affairs, to increase the family's coverage and she declined. Wells Fargo sent letters suggesting increased coverage to the family in 2000, 2002, 2005 and 2007 (the last one coming just days before the accident). Linda rejected them each time.
The judge sided with Wells Fargo saying that Hogan had not proven his claim against the insurance company. In essence, Hogan's mistake was letting Linda handle the matter.
Hogan could have re-filed but instead chose to settle with Wells Fargo for a "nominal" amount.
2011 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Todd ‘Sudden Impact’ Grisham and William ‘Sunshine Impact’ Regal.
Titus O’Neil has joined William and Todd at the announce table.
We see footage from last week’s match between Titus and Darren Young when Chavo would not help him cheat.
Match Number One: Chavo Guerrero versus Darren Young with Guest Referee Hornswoggle
Hornswoggle makes Young take off his boot after he examines the wrestlers before their match.
Hornswoggle stomps on Darren’s foot before he rings the bell. Chavo stomps on his foot too and he sends Darren into the turnbuckles and he kicks Young. Chavo with a single leg take down and he works on the ankle. Chavo kicks Darren and hits a Latino uppercut followed by a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall.
Young punches Chavo and follows it with an English uppercut. Chavo kicks and punches Young and slams him and gets a near fall. Chavo with an arm bar and chin lock. Young with a forearm and back body drop followed by a leg drop and he covers Chavo but Hornswoggle walks away.
Darren with a chin lock and he has his knee in Chavo’s back. Young turns it into a reverse chin lock but Chavo gets to his feet. Young with a forearm but Chavo with a spinning heel kick and then he clotheslines Darren over the top rope to the floor. Chavo with a pescado onto Young and we go to commercial.
We are back and Chavo with a key lock on Young and Chavo with knees to Young. Young with a kick and punches followed by a slam and he drops a knee to the head. Young throws Chavo to the floor and Young goes to the floor after him. Young gets Chavo on his shoulders and he drops Chavo on the apron.
Young sends Chavo back into the ring and Chavo with punches but Young with a clothesline and he gets a near fall on a very slow count. Young chokes Chavo in the ropes and Hornswoggle warns Darren.
Young kicks Chavo in the ribs and then punches him in the head as he goes to the floor. Young has something to say to Titus before he returns to the ring. Young with a forearm across the chest but Chavo with a kick. Young with a hot shot and he gets a near fall. Young with a forearm across the chest and he returns to the reverse chin lock.
Chavo with elbows but Young with a knee. Chavo with a drop kick followed by a tilt-a-whirl head scissors. Chavo goes to the apron and he drops Young on the top rope. Chavo with a slingshot senton for a near fall that was a little faster.
Young knocks down the referee and Young with a Northern Lights suplex and the referee refuses to count. Young yells at Hornswoggle and then Hornswoggle bites Young and Chavo with a rana followed by the Three Amigos. Chavo goes up top for the frog splash and gets the three count.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero
After the match, Regal points out that Darren Young really needs to make a decision about his path in the ring.
Vladimir Kozlov and Conor O’Brian were talking earlier today and Vladimir tells Conor that if he wants to beat Lucky, he needs to come up with special skills. Kozlov teaches Conor a special technique to break a board. (Jim Duggan cries as he watches his 2x4’s cousin suffer an early death). Conor is impressed with Kozlov’s ability to break a board with his head. Conor doesn’t know if he can do it, but Kozlov tells him to do it. Conor breaks the board with his head and Kozlov tells him that one day, Conor will be just like him or he will bring the pain.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE Superstars Slingshot is popular around the world?
Match Nunber Two: Conor O’Brian with Vladimir Kozlov versus Lucky Cannon with Tyson Kidd
Cannon fixes his hair before he locks up. They lock up and Conor with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Conor works on the arm and takes Lucky down with an arm drag into an arm bar. Lucky gets to the ropes but Conor kicks him. Conor with a wrist lock as he continues to work on the arm. Conor stomps on the arm when he puts it on the mat. Tyson distracts the referee and Lucky with a boot to the head and then he kicks Conor and gets a near fall. Lucky with a rear chin lock and he takes Conor to the mat. Lucky kicks Conor and then he puts Conor in a figure four head scissors.
Conor escapes but Lucky with punches to Conor followed by a side head lock. Lucky tries for a side head lock take down but Conor stays on his feet and then Conor with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Conor with a punch to Lucky followed by a flying clothesline and a regular clothesline. Conor with an English uppercut.
Lucky goes to the floor but Conor brings him back in. Tyson grabs Conor’s leg and that allows Lucky to hit a boot to the head and Lucky hits the Lucky Strike for the three count.
Winner: Lucky Cannon
It is time to take a look back to Raw when Kharma interrupted Kelly Kelly’s match with Maryse. We see Kharma giving Maryse an Implant Buster.
Yoshi Tatsu is in the back and Byron Saxton stops by and asks about Maryse. Yoshi says that he doesn’t know. Byron apologizes for attacking Yoshi last week. He also wants to talk to Yoshi because he respects him and enjoys working with him. He wants to be able to work together, but Yoshi cuts him off because he wants to call Maryse. Byron says that Yoshi is so obsessed with Maryse but he doesn’t care about Byron even though this might be his last chance. He tells Yoshi that until he gets things under control, he is going to do this on his own.
Byron leaves and Yoshi tries to call Maryse.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt ‘Impact Teaching’ Striker joins Todd at the announce table because William Regal gets to teach Jacob Novak a lesson.
JTG introduces Jacob Novak and then Jacob addresses the crowd. He yo yos a bit and he says that tonight is a big night. It is a night that William Regal has been waiting for since the start of this season because when you are an announcer, you are nothing. Novak says that he is going to make Regal famous tonight. Novak says that everyone is going to talk about what happens tonight and he will give everyone something to cheer about . . . him.
William Regal says that it is bewildering that Novak only cares about people cheering for him. No matter how old he is or how washed up he may be, he is going to show every pro in the WWE how to take care of a rookie. Regal tells the pathetic little muppet, but JTG cuts off Regal and he says that Jacob has the week off because the muppet is going to show Regal how things are done on Sesame Street.
Regal says that he didn’t understand what JTG just said. He knew that JTG would have done this. He says that he doesn’t like Novak, but he loathes JTG and calls him a waste of space.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: William Regal versus JTG with Jacob Novak
They lock up and Regal backs JTG into the corner and Regal with a punch to the muppet’s midsection. He follows that with an Irish whip and back body drop. JTG goes to the floor and Novak tries to talk to JTG. JTG returns to the ring and Regal with an English uppercut to JTG followed by knees to the head. Regal with a series of forearms in the corner. Regal with an English uppercut. JTG leaves the ring and JTG shows his frustration.
JTG gets back into the ring and Regal offers his hand and Novak tells JTG not to do it. Regal says that he is being sincere but Regal takes JTG to the mat and he stomps on the hand. Regal with knees to JTG in the corner. Regal tells Novak that this should have been him in the ring.
Regal with an Irish whip but Regal runs into a boot from JTG and Regal is down. JTG with punches followed by a near fall. JTG with punches to Regal followed by a biel and he gets a near fall. JTG punches Regal and he wraps Regal’s arm in the rope. Novak chokes Regal in the ropes while JTG is with the referee. JTG goes into the ropes and JTG wants the referee to keep Regal away.
JTG goes to the floor as he tries to get under Regal’s skin. Regal goes to the floor while JTG returns to the ring. Regal with a forearm to Novak before he gets back into the ring. Regal with a forearm and knee to JTG. Regal talks to the referee and he kicks JTG in the chest. Regal with an exploder suplex to JTG and then Regal kicks Novak at ringside. Regal with the running knee to the head but Novak breaks up the cover and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: William Regal by disqualification
Novak with elbows to Regal followed by a leg drop. Novak with kicks to the back and then Novak takes JTG away.
We go to commercial.
We We are back and it is time to relive the Rock’s birthday party.
2012 - Low Ki scored the biggest win of his career at New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestling Dontaku 2012 in Fukuoka, Japan, defeating Prince Devitt with the Ki Krusher ’99 to become the IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion.
Complete results of the show, courtesy www.puroresufan.com, saw:
*YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Tomohiro Ishii beat Strong Man, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga (7:12) when Ishii used a brainbuster on Tonga.
*TAKA Michinoku Kaientai Dojo & Taichi beat Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA (8:16) when Taichi used a Taichi-style Gedo clutch on KUSHIDA.
*Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask beat Rocky Romero & Gedo (7:50) when Tiger used a crucifix hold on Gedo.
*IWGP Tag Team Title: Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) (16:47) when Yano used the Oni Koroshi on Kojima to become the 59th champions.
*Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama beat Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata (13:43) when Suzuki used a Gotch-style piledriver on Makabe.
*Shinsuke Nakamura beat Karl Anderson (12:15) with the Boma Ye.
*Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito beat Masato Tanaka ZERO1 & Yujiro Takahashi (13:59) when Tanahashi used the High Fly Flow on Takahashi.
*IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) beat Hirooki Goto (24:55) with the Rainmaker (2nd defense).
2012 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Tonight’s show starts off with comments from Eric Bischoff about how he has to mix his business and personal life because of Garett Bischoff. We are reminded about the stipulation at Lockdown. We see what happened at Lockdown. We go to footage from the farewell of Eric Bischoff, including the port-a-porty.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Wizarding World of Dixie Carter’ Tenay and Taz.
Ric Flair is in the ring and he tells Hulk Hogan that he always plays with him. Hogan thinks that Flair is his pawn and in the scheme of things, Flair will always be below him. Flair doesn’t buy that. He doesn’t have to buy that because he is Ric . . . G-O-D . . . Flair.
Last week, Garett Bischoff and Hogan ran off one of the biggest names and established commodities out of the business. He is talking about Eric Bischoff. Flair says that he wants to talk to Hogan because he is pissed off. Flair says that you don’t want to piss off a guy who is wearing a thousand dollar shirt, two thousand dollar shoes, a five hundred dollar alligator belt, and two Hall of Fame rings.
You don’t piss off the wrestling God. He calls out Hogan to see what he’s got.
Flair says that Hogan won’t show up, but we see that Flair is not good with telling the truth because Hulk Hogan’s music plays and Hogan makes his way to the ring.
Flair says that this is good versus evil. Flair says that Hogan is good, beyond the shadow of a doubt but Flair says that he is the baddest man on the planet. He is sick of having Hogan running roughshod on him. Flair wonders if he has to take Dixie Carter back to the Hard Rock again.
Hogan tells Flair, brother, what the deal is. Hogan says that he is not here to fight Flair. Flair says that Hogan is here to boss him around. Hogan says that as the general manager here, it is his priority to step the game up at Impact Wrestling. When Flair talks about bad and evil, he said the wrong name. Flair should have said Eric Bischoff. Eric spread a lot of bad around the company, brother.
Hogan tells Flair that he is taking this seriously, dude, and that he even hung his boots up when the offer came along. Hogan says that there is a chance to make Impact Wrestling have one of the longest runs of any wrestling company and they are here to make it that way. Hogan tells Flair that he does work for him. Since he is Flair’s boss, he will ask Flair to be a judge on Gut Check to try to find the brand new talent that will shape the future of this business.
Hogan says that with Ric Flair in the lead position for Gut Check, they can live forever. They can live through the new talent. They can tell the talent what to do.
Flair says that Hogan is setting him up again.
Hogan tells Flair to do this for the fans. Flair asks who is Hogan talking about.
Hogan wants Flair to help find the up and coming wrestlers.
Flair says that Hogan is telling him, but Hogan says that he is asking him. Flair says that Hogan will force him if he says no. Flair agrees to do it.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we get comments from Velvet Sky and Brooke Tessmacher about getting their shot against Gail for the Knockouts Title. Velvet says that one of them will beat Gail for the title.
Match Number One: Brooke Tessmacher and Velvet Sky versus Gail Kim and Madison Rayne
Gail and Madison attack Brooke and Velvet when they turn their back. Gail sends Velvet into the turnbuckles and then knocks Brooke off the apron. Gail with a forearm but Velvet with a clothesline followed by a facebuster. Velvet with an arm drag out of a wheelbarrow position followed by a head scissors.
Madison hits Velvet from the apron and then Gail chokes Velvet while Madison enters the match. Madison with a choke and Gail tags back in. Gail sends Madison into the corner and then Madison sends Gail into Velvet with a cross body.
Gail with a forearm to Brooke that knocks her off the apron. Madison tags back in and Gail works on the knee followed by a leg lariat for Madison and she gets a near fall. Madison drives Velvet’s head into the mat. Madison with a forearm that knocks Brooke off the apron.
Velvet with a kick and chops but Madison with an eye rake. Gail tags in and connects with a forearm and running clothesline for a near fall. Gail with a forearm to Velvet and then she puts Velvet on the turnbuckles. Gail tries for a rana but Velvet holds on to the ropes. Velvet with a bulldog from the turnbuckles and both women are down.
Brooke tags in and connects with clotheslines and a drop kick. Brooke with a rana to Gail but Gail avoids a belly-to-back suplex and hits a clothesline to stop Brooke’s momentum.
Brooke blocks Eat Defeat. Madison tries to interfere but Velvet takes care of Madison. Gail grabs Brooke’s leg but Brooke hits Eat Defeat for the three count.
Winners: Brooke Tessmacher and Velvet Sky
Rob Van Dam walks through the back as we go to commercial.
We are back with a Tenth Anniversary moment from TNA. It is footage of Raven against Jeff Jarrett from April 2003 when a lot of former ECW guys tried to interfere but to no avail.
Rob Van Dam is in the ring and he has a mic. Rob says that everyone has been entertained by his amazing feats for years. He says that he doesn’t have to tell everyone how great of a wrestler he is, but he will. Rob says that he is Mr. Pay Per View and the man who will beat Bobby Roode to become the next TNA Heavyweight Champion. Rob says that he knows that he will beat Roode because he never lost the title in the first place.
Bobby Roode’s music plays and he makes his way up the ramp. Bobby tells Rob that he feels that Rob is a little overconfident. He says that he knows that Rob’s head is in the clouds most of the time and he has been on hiatus for a while so he wants to remind Rob who he is. Bobby says that he is the ‘It Factor’ of professional wrestling. He is the leader of the Selfish Generation. He is also Rob’s World Champion. He says that he is not any World Champion, he is the most dominant World Champion in the history of Impact Wrestling. He got there by beating guys like A.J. Styles, Jeff Hardy, Sting, and James Storm to name a few.
At Sacrifice, Rob Van Dam’s name will be added to that list. As for tonight, Hulk Hogan has issued a little plan for tonight. Rob gets to choose his opponent while he gets to choose Rob’s opponent.
Bobby wants to know who Rob picked.
Rob says that he thought of a guy Bobby knows well. It is a guy Bobby hit over the head with a beer bottle last month. He will face Ken Anderson.
Bobby says that he has someone in mind and is someone who Rob knows well. Bobby asks Rob if he knows the name Jeff Hardy because he is Rob’s opponent.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Devon versus Robbie T with Robbie E for the Impact Wrestling Television Title
Robbie hits Devon from behind before the bell rings and then he sends Devon into the turnbuckles. Rob with a short arm clothesline and then Rob poses. Rob slaps Devon in the head but Devon with punches and chops. Rob with a back elbow.
Rob with a power slam for a near fall. Rob waits for Devon to get to his feet but Devon with a back elbow and punch followed by a shoulder tackle but Rob stays on his feet. Devon with a flying shoulder tackle and then a splash into the corner and a flying shoulder tackle that finally takes Rob down.
Devon goes up top for a diving head butt and Devon gets a near fall. Devon brings Robbie E into the ring but Rob hits Devon from behind. Devon with a spear but Robbie E hits Devon with the clipboard and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Devon by disqualification
After the match Robbie E stands over Devon with the title belt.
Ric Flair tells Al Snow that he considers him to be a friend and that he is doing this for Hogan. Al says that he has a third judge and it is Bruce Pritchard.
We go to commercial.
We are back with footage from Alex Silva from last week and his match against Robbie E.
We go inside the Gut Check office and Bruce says that he is not sure if Alex’s match last week was his best since he has seen a number of his matches. Flair says that you cannot make chicken salad out of chicken s***. Flair says that he is a twig regardless of how handsome he is. Alex will never be the World Champion of anything. Al says that they are looking at potential. Flair says that Alex will not make any money.
Bruce says that he has seen Silva in different environments and he thrived. In this environment, it was not his best effort. Flair says that he knows that the kid was nervous. Flair says that he is not big enough and he is not going to get you a quarter hour. Bruce asks about the X Division since they aren’t the biggest guys. Flair says that the X Division guys in the company are some of the best athletes in the world and Ric says that he didn’t see that out of the kid.
Al says that he saw good things from Silva in the past, but he choked under pressure.
Bruce says that there were some people who said similar things about Flair until he could prove himself. Alex says that he had a tryout before. Al says that 63 percent of the people on Twitter liked him. Flair says that the fans do not run the business and dictate the business. He wants to know what the feedback is.
Al says that two of them need to say yes to give him a contract.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Hulk Hogan asks Ken Anderson who he hates most in Impact Wrestling. Anderson responds with Bobby Roode. Hogan tells Anderson that he has been handed a gift on a silver platter because Rob Van Dam set up a match between Anderson and Roode. Hogan says that Anderson gets to prove that he is the number one guy. Hogan says that he made it easy for Anderson because the match is now No Disqualification.
Match Number Three: Jeff Hardy versus Rob Van Dam in a Pick Your Poison Match
They lock up and Hardy with a side head lock and Hardy holds on when Van Dam tries to send Hardy off the ropes. Van Dam gets to a top wrist lock and he takes Hardy down with a body scissors and Hardy escapes.
They lock up and Van Dam with a waist lock but Hardy with a standing switch. Hardy with a standing switch again but Hardy with an elbow and a mule kick that sends Van Dam to the floor. Hardy with a kick that sends Van Dam into the guardrail. Hardy does a pelvic thrust before hitting a clothesline off the apron.
Hardy gets a near fall when Van Dam is rolled back into the ring. Van Dam with punches and Hardy punches back. Hardy with a leg drop and cover for a near fall. Hardy punches Van Dam in the corner. Van Dam with an Irish whip and monkey flip out of the corner. Van Dam with a running spin kick into the corner but Hardy with an elbow and then Hardy hits Whisper in the Wind for a near fall.
Van Dam with a jawbreaker followed by a jumping back kick and then Van Dam signals for Rolling Thunder but Hardy gets his knees up.
Bobby Roode comes to the ring with his title belt and the referee argues with him. Roode hits Hardy in the back with the belt and the referee did not see it. Van Dam with a super kick for the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
After the match Roode shows his anger over the result.
Joseph Park is on the phone and he sees Bully Ray walk by. Park asks for answers from Bully Ray but Ray refuses. Joseph says that he knows that Bully Ray had something to do with his brother Chris.
Ray tells Joseph never to bow up on him. Ray says that Joseph knows what he does to people like him. He tells Joseph to ask his brother but we can’t find his brother. He says that if he gets too close, people might not find him.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at what happened to Eric Bischoff last week when he got to ride a port-a-potty.
Jeremy Borash says that he did what he did to Eric Bischoff last week was because they never got along during Xplosion. Bischoff took jabs at him on Facebook. It was about every single employee who has had to deal with that prick for the last two and a half years. It was not necessary. Jeremy says that he is going to step and say something about that.
Bully Ray comes into the room and he wants to hear everything Jeremy had to say about Eric Bischoff and how HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE took care of Eric. Ray tells Jeremy to come to the ring with him as he leads him by his mouth.
Ray brings Jeremy into the Impact Zone and he asks Jeremy how tough he is now. Ray tells Jeremy to get on his knees and then he says that Jeremy is so tough with what he did to Eric. Ray tells Borash to get into the ring. Ray asks Borash if he forgot what he did to Bischoff last week. Ray says that he is sick of hearing all of this anti-bullying stuff. He says that we should start a new campaign. He wants a Stop Being a Little B*tch and Stick Up for Yourself campaign. Ray says that Borash is the poster child for everyone people like him pick on.
Ray says that everyone wants to see Jeremy slap the taste out of his mouth for once in his life. Ray says that he walks over Borash because he can.
Austin Aries’ music plays and he comes out to the ring. He says that we know who Ray is. He is the man who picks on lawyers. Ray tells Aries not to step in the ring and Aries steps into the ring. He says that he doesn’t care about lawyers or Jeremy Borash. He only cares about him and Ray. Ray called him out and Ray picked on the one and only thing he could. He called him out on Austin’s size. Aries says that he believes that Ray has taken craps bigger than him and eaten wings bigger than him.
Aries reminds Ray that he was known as Blubber Ray for most of his career. Aries says that Ray was the pasty poster boy for all you can eat buffets and Type 2 Diabetes.
Ray tells Aries that play time is over and if Aries wants to talk crap, he will have to stand up for himself and do something about it. Ray says that at the end of the day, Aries is the champion for insignificant little men. Ray says that he is not all talk, Aries is the one who is all talk. Ray says that he is the one spitting in Austin’s face.
Aries with punches to Ray and then he kicsk him in the corner. Aries chokes Ray with his jacket and then he punches Ray. Aries with knees but security comes out and they hold Aries. That allows Ray to kick Aries in the A Doubles.
We go to locker room where Frankie Kazarian says that Hogan didn’t give them the opportunity to win the tag titles from Magnus and Joe, so they are going to take it at Sacrifice. Daniels says that it is time to show the world what they have on A.J.
Angle says that he doesn’t care about them. Angle says that all he cares about is making A.J. tap at Sacrifice and tonight.
Daniels and Kazarian wonder why Angle is so pissed off because he always wins matches.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Bobby Roode says that he is not afraid to beat Ken Anderson again, but he wants to know why Hulk Hogan added the No Disqualification stipulation. The last authority figure who did this to him was Sting and look where he is now. If Hogan keeps this up, the same thing will happen to him.
At Sacrifice, if Rob Van Dam thinks he is going to win the title, he has another thing coming.
Match Number Four: Kurt Angle, Christopher Daniels, and Frankie Kazarian versus AJ. Styles, Magnus and Samoa Joe
Angle and Styles are left in the ring while the other four men battle to the floor. Angle and Styles with punches but Angle with a kick and European uppercut. Styles with a Phenomenal drop kick. Angle with a punch and Daniels attacks Styles and Angle pushes Daniels down.
Joe tags in and he punches Angle and he adds an elbow. Magnus is tagged in and Joe with a reverse atomic drop followed by a boot from Magnus and a back senton to Angle. Magnus with a near fall. Angle with an Irish whip but he runs into a knee. Angle with a clothesline after Kazarian drops Magnus on the top rope.
Angle spits at his partners and then he puts Magnus in a reverse chin lock. Angle with a kick to Magnus but Magnus with a rebound clothesline and both men are down. Styles and Kazarian tag in and he kicks Kazarian and hits a Death Valley neck breaker. Styles sets for the Styles Clash but Daniels with an enzuigiri. Joe chops Daniels and then Joe sends Daniels over the top rope to the floor.
Joe with a suicide flying forearm to Daniels. Angle trips Styles and applies an ankle lock when A.J. wants to hit a flip dive.
Kazarian tags himself in and Daniels and Angle argue. Joe knocks Daniels into Angle. Magnus allows Styles to escape Fade to Black and Styles gets the three count with a Styles Clash.
Winners: A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, and Magnus
After the match, Angle yells at Daniels and Kazarian for the loss. Angle pushes Daniels and backs him into the corner. Angle yells at Daniels.
Daniels gets on the mic and he says that he was going to let A.J. squirm for weeks, but he is going to end this next week. Daniels says that A.J. has seen the photographs. Either A.J. tells the world his secret or Daniels and Kazarian will tell everyone A.J.’s secret.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Gut Check Judges are in the ring. Al welcomes everyone and he says that we saw Alex Silva come out last week to have an audition match on Impact Wrestling. We will find out if Alex Silva achieves his dream and becomes a permanent member of the Impact Wrestling roster.
Alex makes his way to the ring. Al tells Alex that they have spent a lot of time deliberating.
Ric tells Alex that he likes his attitude, but he tells Alex what he tells a lot of women. He tells him to come back when he grows up as a girl because he is living in a paper doll world.
Bruce says that Alex came down the aisle like he already had a job. He saw what Alex did in Ohio Valley Wrestling and last week might not have been his best performance, but we need young talent.
Al says that he has dealt with him in OVW. He knows that Alex has the passion and desire to be an addition on Impact.
Al says that the decision is up to all of us. He needs two of the three judges to get on the roster.
Flair thinks about it and Silva throws out a wooo. That is not enough to get Flair to give him a yes vote. Al says that his vote is a yes. Bruce is the deciding vote, but Al gives Alex thirty seconds to sell himself.
Alex addresses Bruce, Al, and Ric before looking up to the heavens to tell his dad that this is it. We are here after all of those years. After all of those years. He was thirteen years old and he was poor. He became poorer and poorer with one dream. Flair tells Alex to stop talking to the marks and to start again.
Alex says thirty seconds to sell him to Ric Flair and Al Snow. He stands up for himself every night. He came out of Canada with no money to make his dream. He did everything with his father so he could get this contract.
Flair changes his vote to a yes.
Bruce says that had they not given him that opportunity, he would have said no. It was based on Alex’s performance last week. He says that nerves got to him last week. Alex got a second shot and he says yes.
Match Number Five: Ken Anderson versus Bobby Roode in a Pick Your Poison No Disqualification Match
They start the match on the floor and Anderson sends Roode into the guardrails. Anderson tries to send Roode’s head into the ring steps but Roode with a side Russian leg sweep into the ring apron. Anderson catapults Roode face first into the ring post. Anderson with the running fireman’s carry slam and we go to commercial.
We are back and the action has moved into the ring. Roode pulls the referee into the way and then Anderson pushes the referee out of the way. Roode with a low blow to Anderson. Roode with a boot to the solar plexus and Anderson rolls to the floor. Roode with a rake of the back and then he punches Anderson. Roode rolls Anderson into the ring and he gets a near fall.
Roode punches Anderson in the head and then he kicks Anderson in the shoulder. Roode with a suplex and then he hits a leaping knee drop for a near fall. Anderson with punches and chops but Roode with a back elbow.
Roode goes to the floor and he grabs a chair and brings it into the ring. Roode wedges it into the corner and he punches Anderson as he sets Anderson up for the chair. Anderson sends Roode head first into the steel chair.
Roode and Anderson exchange punches as the fans alternate booing and cheering. Anderson with a clothesline and back elbow followed by a swinging neck breaker. Roode with a kick to the chest. Anderson misses a spin kick but hits an enzuigiri for a near fall. Anderson waits for Roode to get to his feet for the Mic Check but Roode with elbows.
Anderson with an Irish whip but Roode with a knee. Roode goes up top but Anderson stops him. Roode with a spinebuster for a near fall. Roode puts the chair in the center of the ring and he kicks Anderson. Roode sets for the fisherman’s buster on Anderson.
Jeff Hardy comes out and attacks Roode with a mule kick. Anderson with a mic check to Hardy and then Roode hits Anderson a few times with a chair and then hits a fisherman’s suplex for the three count.
Winner: Bobby Roode
After the match, Roode hits Anderson and Hardy with the chair and he alternates shots to the back. Van Dam makes his way to the ring at his own pace and Roode leaves the ring. Van Dam checks on Hardy and Roode returns to the ring and hits Van Dam in the back with the chair and then he hits a DDT onto the chair.
2012 - WWE held a conference call to discuss their earnings for the first quarter of 2012. Vince McMahon and George Barrios, the company CFO, were on the call.
Vince McMahon welcomed everyone and noted that they were up 19% from this time last year, but it wasn't "as rosy" as it appears. He said that their key metrics, live events and TV, were up.
He said live events are his barometer in interest and they've increased profits. He said said that some of this was due to expansion into U.A.E. for the first time, their first event in Russia. They have an upcoming event in China. He also noted that although it's not reflected in this quarter, they broke records for Wrestlemania.
Vince said TV ratings are holding up very well and their social media presence is extraordinary. He said that they are permeating in every form of social media and it shows incredible growth and interest. He said that some feel that they are on the cutting edge of that and he supposed they are, but they are also just cutting the surface of that. He mentioned the Youtube channel.
He said that home entertainment revenue was up, which he called something of a surprise. He noted they have changed their films strategy, discussing their new studio partners and have a great slate of films with a reduced amount of investment. He said from his standpoint, they are going to get more than they expected.
They are making key hires for content development and implementation for the WWE Network. He said negotiations for the Network are still ongoing.
George Barrios ran down the highlights of their earnings. He said that film impairments and network operating costs did adjust some of their earnings -
Live event revenue was up due to WWE AXXESS and the U.A.E. tour. AXXESS was worth $1.4 millioin in ticket events. $1.3 million was made internationally, led by U.A.E events. The average ticket prices increased both international and ticket prices. They noted a Central American tour hurt the live event revenue as it was staged in an area with lower economic earnings.
The PPV revenue was up, partially due to HD revenue. Domestic buys remained unchanged.
TV rights were up due to some global licensing going up. They noted that Superstars was being held off (no mention of NXT)
Toys were down internationally as were videogames overall.
Home entertainment was up 14% due to older titles sold. However, there was a decrease in pricing for discounted titles and there were less titles releases.
Magazine revenue was down 36%
Digital media revenue was up over a million dollars, mostly due to the Youtube channel rights.
Merchandise sales via their WWEShop.com site was unchanged. Sales volume was down 20%.
WWE Studios made $4.8 million due to the performances of their movies. Bending the Rules made "lower than anticipated" home video receipts. The Studios lost $1 million in the current quarter. They had a number of other impairments this quarter for previous releases, including "12 Rounds." The Studios absolutely pulled them down. If you remove the films from the equation, they were up.
They have spent $2.1 million this quarter in development of the network.
Their balance sheet remains strong with no debt and over $130 million in cash and assets.
As they develop the Network, they expect 2012 earnings to be in line with 2011 earning, plus or minus 10%. Their forecast of the year has been unchanged. They expect to spend $10 million to expand their production in terms of the Network.
They believe that by focusing on their content distribution, they can greatly raise their earnings. Their metrics for social media shows 40% increase on Facebook and 47% on Twitter. The WWE brand remains one of the strongest commercial brands worldwide and there is a need for original content worldwide.
They then took questions from callers.
Vince was asked what went right this year vs. the last few years for Wrestlemania. Vince said it was a better execution all the way around. He noted the promotion of the main event a year prior and there was a broader base due to Rock coming back, which allowed them to spotlight on newer talents. He said they had Undertaker vs. HHH for the long-term fans and there was something for everyone. It was must better executed than "years past."
George Barrios was asked about the $10 million costs for Network and programming. Their costs will ramp upward as the year progresses. The pace of staffing and the marketing expenses of the network will increase costs as they move forward.
They were asked about the Network timeline and whether there were any speedbumps holding them up. Vince said that they are continue to develop strategy going forward. They haven't decided which strategies will work best for them and any hold-ups are on WWE's side, not the distributors. Vince said they have traditional and new models they have discussed and they have to determine what would be best.
Vince was asked what sort of opportunities they would have and what would happen with a partner. Vince said that they want to own it 100% and have control over what's going on the network as well as not be restricted. They know how to tier their product better than anyone.
Vince was asked what the timeline is going to be in terms of announcements of distribution partners. Vince said that he believed in about three months, possibly considerably left.
Vince was asked about potential subscribers. Vince said it would depend on what direction and they go in and it's more about the bottom line, not the subscribers. He said that they are looking at overall profitability. He was asked if there was a certain number of subscribers they needed to launch. Barrios jumped in and said they weren't going to talk about specific subscriber numbers.
They were asked about how many hours of the library have been digitized and available for the network. Barris said they have about 100,000 thousand hours, 30,000 digitized, which would be used as the core for the network and other programming. They have invested several million in making new shows from those 30,000 hours.
They were asked if there would be a buy-back of the stock with the cash in hand. Barrios said that they looked into it and decided to focus on dividends for shareholders would be. He said buybacks wouldn't be part of their strategy right now.
They were asked about the film slate going forward and were asked about expenditures for the remainder of the quarters. Barrios said they have put aside $15-$25 million aside for that and are working on how to develop and spend that money as they develop new projects in their slate.
They were asked how the Youtube partnership works. Barrios said that they did around a billion views in 2011 and made advertisement money off of those. However, now Google is going after original content and Google pays them a licensing fee for the content.
They were asked about the distribution of Superstars and NXT. They are being monetized internationally and they hope to place those shows "on traditional networks" very soon.
2012 - The WWE issued the following earnings report, as noted above in the Vince McMahon call recap:
WWE issued the following first quarter earnings report for 2012.
WWE® Reports 2012 First Quarter Results
STAMFORD, Conn.- WWE (NYSE: WWEtoday announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2012. Revenues totaled $123.1 million as compared to $119.9 million in the prior year quarter. Operating income was $16.0 million as compared to $13.2 million in the prior year quarter. Net income was $15.3 million, or $0.20 per share, as compared to $8.6 million, or $0.11 per share, in the prior year quarter. There were several items that impacted comparability on a year-over-year basis, including expenses incurred in conjunction with our potential network, recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits and film impairments. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted Operating income in the current quarter was $18.9 million and Adjusted Net income was $13.1 million, or $0.18 per share. In the prior year quarter, Adjusted Operating income was $16.0 million and Adjusted Net income was $10.3 million, or $0.14 per share.
“In the first quarter, EBITDA grew 19%, reflecting increased profits across all our businesses. Our results were highlighted by the strong performance of our live events as we entered a new market in the Middle East. We are very pleased that our positive first quarter execution continued in April with the successful staging of WrestleMania, which is expected to deliver nearly 1.3 million pay-per-view buys globally,” stated Vince McMahon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Through the first quarter, we made important progress on our key strategic initiatives, developing our foundation for creating and distributing new content, and building on our tremendous brand strength, especially in social media. Looking ahead, we are confident that we will leverage the broad appeal of our content to transform our business and drive long-term earnings growth.”
Comparability of Results
Our current year quarter results included a $0.8 million film impairment charge, related to our film, Bending the Rules, $2.1 million in network related operating expenses and a $4.1 million benefit due to previously unrecognized tax benefits. Prior year quarter results included impairment charges of $2.8 million, related to our film 12 Rounds, and a $0.1 million tax benefit. In order to facilitate an analysis of our financial results on a more comparable basis, where noted, we have adjusted our results to exclude these items from our first quarter of 2012 results. (See Schedules of Adjustments in Supplemental Information).
First Quarter Results by Region and Business Segment
Revenues from North America increased 4%, led by the performance of our Live and Televised Entertainment segment. Revenues from outside North America were essentially unchanged from the prior year quarter. There was no significant impact from changes in foreign exchange rates in the current year quarter.
The following tables reflect net revenues by region and by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011. (Dollars in millions)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
|
Net Revenues by Region |
March 31, |
March 31, |
||||||||
| North America | $ | 93.0 | $ | 89.7 | ||||||
| Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) | 18.0 | 16.9 | ||||||||
| Asia Pacific (APAC) | 8.5 | 8.4 | ||||||||
| Latin America | 3.6 | 4.9 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 123.1 | $ | 119.9 | ||||||
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||
|
Net Revenues by Business Segment |
March 31, |
March 31, |
||||||||
| Live and Televised Entertainment | $ | 75.7 | $ | 70.4 | ||||||
| Consumer Products | 35.5 | 34.8 | ||||||||
| Digital Media | 7.1 | 6.1 | ||||||||
| WWE Studios | 4.8 | 8.6 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 123.1 | $ | 119.9 | ||||||
Live and Televised Entertainment
Revenues from our Live and Televised Entertainment businesses increased 8% to $75.7 million as compared to $70.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily due to the performance of our live events and additional television rights fees, as described below.
The details for the number of buys (in 000s) are as follows:
|
Broadcast Month |
Events (in chronological order) |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
||||
|
2012 |
2011 |
|||||
| January | Royal Rumble® | 443 | 446 | |||
| February | Elimination Chamber™ | 178 | 199 | |||
| Prior events | 64 | 45 | ||||
| Total | 685 | 690 | ||||
Consumer Products
Revenues from our Consumer Products businesses increased 2%, to $35.5 million from $34.8 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased revenue in our Home Video business, partially offset by a decline in our Magazine Publishing business.
Digital Media
Revenues from our Digital Media related businesses were $7.1 million as compared to $6.1 million in the prior year quarter, representing a 16% increase.
WWE Studios
During the quarter, WWE Studios recognized revenue of $4.8 million as compared to $8.6 million in the prior year, reflecting the relative performance and timing of releases from our movie portfolio. In the prior year quarter, we released The Chaperone. In the current quarter, we released Bending the Rules, which has generated lower than anticipated home video receipts in its initial weeks of release. As a result, we revised our long-term ultimate projections for this film and recorded an impairment charge of $0.8 million contributing to an overall WWE Studios loss of $1.0 million in the current year quarter. This result compared to a loss of $3.6 million in the prior year quarter driven by the $2.8 million impairment for our film 12 Rounds.
Profit Contribution (Net revenues less cost of revenues)
Profit contribution increased 17% to $54.7 million reflecting better results across all of our businesses. Reduced losses from our movie business, improved sell-through rates in home video, and incremental rights fees for our online programming content contributed to the expansion in profit and overall profitability. Gross contribution margins increased to 44% from 39% in the prior year quarter. Excluding the impact of film impairments, Adjusted Profit contribution increased 12% to $55.5 million and Adjusted Profit contribution margin increased to 45% from 41% in the prior year quarter.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A expenses were $34.7 million for the current quarter as compared to $29.9 million in the prior year quarter reflecting increased staffing costs, a $1.4 million rise in bad debt expense and to a lesser extent an increase in legal and professional fees. The increase in staffing costs was incurred primarily to support our content and distribution initiatives. Total network-related costs reached approximately $2.1 million in the current year quarter. Excluding these network expenses, adjusted SG&A expenses increased 9% to $32.6 million from the prior year quarter.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense was $4.0 million for the current quarter as compared to $3.6 million in the prior year quarter.
EBITDA
EBITDA increased 19% to $20.0 million from $16.8 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily due to the expansion in profit contribution across our businesses, partially offset by the increase in SG&A expenses as described above. Excluding the impact of network related expenses and film impairments in both the current and prior year quarter, Adjusted EBITDA increased 17% to $22.9 million as compared to $19.6 million in the prior year quarter.
Investment, Interest and Other Income
Investment income of $0.5 million was unchanged from the prior year quarter. Other income and expense was essentially flat to the prior year quarter as benefits from changes in certain state taxes were offset by interest expense related to our revolving credit facility.
Effective tax rate
In the current year quarter, the effective tax rate was 7% as compared to 37% in the prior year quarter. The decrease in tax rate from our anticipated rate of 35% was primarily due to the recognition of a $4.1 million benefit relating to previously unrecognized tax benefits. The prior year rate was also impacted by a $0.1 million unrecognized tax benefit.
Cash Flows
Net cash provided by operating activities was $27.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $28.9 million in the prior year quarter. Improved current year operating performance was offset by an increase in television production spending and other changes in working capital.
Purchases of property and equipment increased $5.6 million from the prior year quarter, primarily due to a $6.4 million investment in assets to support our efforts to create and distribute new content, including through a potential network. Partially offsetting the increase was a $1.6 million purchase of music rights in the prior year quarter.
Additional Information
Additional business metrics are made available to investors on a monthly basis on our corporate website – corporate.wwe.com.
Note: WWE will host a conference call on May 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company's earnings results for the first quarter of 2012. All interested parties can access the conference call by dialing 855-993-1400 (conference ID: WWE). Please reserve a line 15 minutes prior to the start time of the conference call. A presentation that will be referenced during the call can be found at the Company web site at corporate.wwe.com. A replay of the call will be available approximately three hours after the conference call concludes, and can be accessed at corporate.wwe.com.
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to maintaining and renewing key agreements, including television and pay-per-view programming distribution agreements; the need for continually developing creative and entertaining programming; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent McMahon; the conditions of the markets in which we compete and acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; our exposure to bad debt risk; uncertainties relating to regulatory and litigation matters; risks resulting from the highly competitive nature of our markets; uncertainties associated with international markets; the importance of protecting our intellectual property and complying with the intellectual property rights of others; risks associated with producing and travelling to and from our large live events, both domestically and internationally; the risk of accidents or injuries during our physically demanding events; risks relating to our film business; risks relating to increasing content production for distribution on various platforms, including the potential creation of a WWE Network; risks relating to our computer systems and online operations; risks relating to the large number of shares of common stock controlled by members of the McMahon family and the possibility of the sale of their stock by the McMahons or the perception of the possibility of such sales; the relatively small public float of our stock; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and historical and projected cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends, general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant.
|
WWE |
|||||||||||
| Consolidated Income Statements | |||||||||||
| (In thousands, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
|
Three |
Three |
||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 123,068 | $ | 119,907 | |||||||
| Cost of revenues | 68,397 | 73,247 | |||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 34,712 | 29,859 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,918 | 3,635 | |||||||||
| Operating income | 16,041 | 13,166 | |||||||||
| Investment income, net | 499 | 457 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | (502 | ) | (50 | ) | |||||||
| Other income, net | 506 | 60 | |||||||||
| Income before income taxes | 16,544 | 13,633 | |||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 1,213 | 5,030 | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 15,331 | $ | 8,603 | |||||||
| Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.11 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.20 | $ | 0.11 | |||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 74,461 | 75,043 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 74,815 | 75,727 | |||||||||
| WWE | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
|
|
As of |
|
As of |
|
||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 60,469 | $ | 52,491 | ||||||||
| Short-term investments, net | 105,450 | 103,270 | ||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 50,123 | 56,741 | ||||||||||
| Inventory | 1,567 | 1,658 | ||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | 12,547 | 11,122 | ||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 15,095 | 14,461 | ||||||||||
| Total current assets | $ | 245,251 | $ | 239,743 | ||||||||
| PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET | 102,004 | 96,562 | ||||||||||
| FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET | 19,840 | 23,591 | ||||||||||
| TELEVISION PRODUCTION ASSETS | 3,310 | 251 | ||||||||||
| INVESTMENT SECURITIES, NET | 9,983 | 10,156 | ||||||||||
| OTHER ASSETS | 8,340 | 8,321 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 388,728 | $ | 378,624 | ||||||||
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
||||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | $ | 1,314 | $ | 1,262 | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 46,338 | 46,283 | ||||||||||
| Deferred income | 26,709 | 21,709 | ||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 74,361 | 69,254 | ||||||||||
| LONG-TERM DEBT | - | 359 | ||||||||||
| NON-CURRENT INCOME TAX LIABILITIES | 3,677 | 5,634 | ||||||||||
| NON-CURRENT DEFERRED INCOME | 7,823 | 8,234 | ||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: | ||||||||||||
| Class A common stock | 286 | 283 | ||||||||||
| Class B common stock | 459 | 462 | ||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 339,537 | 338,414 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 3,531 | 3,262 | ||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | (40,946 | ) | (47,278 | ) | ||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 302,867 | 295,143 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 388,728 | $ | 378,624 | ||||||||
| WWE | |||||||||||
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
|
Three |
Three |
||||||||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 15,331 | $ | 8,603 | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by | |||||||||||
| operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Amortization and impairments of feature film production assets | 4,559 | 9,212 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,918 | 3,635 | |||||||||
| Amortization of bond premium | 571 | 625 | |||||||||
| Amortization of debt issuance costs | 154 | - | |||||||||
| Stock compensation costs | 740 | 1,054 | |||||||||
| Provision (recovery) of accounts receivable write-offs | 835 | (577 | ) | ||||||||
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 110 | - | |||||||||
|
Benefit from deferred income taxes |
(2,477 | ) |
(1,653 |
) |
|||||||
| Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements | (6 | ) | (32 | ) | |||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 6,424 | 3,750 | |||||||||
| Inventory | 91 | 84 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (3,401 | ) | (571 | ) | |||||||
| Feature film production assets | (600 | ) | (3,118 | ) | |||||||
| Television production assets | (3,059 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (620 | ) | 12,372 | ||||||||
| Deferred income | 4,588 | (4,517 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 27,158 | 28,867 | |||||||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment and other assets | (8,014 | ) | (4,116 | ) | |||||||
| Purchases of short-term investments | (7,821 | ) | (20,893 | ) | |||||||
| Proceeds from maturities of investments | 5,500 | 15,177 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (10,335 | ) | (9,832 | ) | |||||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Repayments of long-term debt | (306 | ) | (284 | ) | |||||||
| Dividends paid | (8,937 | ) | (21,062 | ) | |||||||
| Issuance of stock, net | 392 | 459 | |||||||||
| Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements | 6 | 32 | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (8,845 | ) | (20,855 | ) | |||||||
| NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | 7,978 | (1,820 | ) | ||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD | 52,491 | 69,823 | |||||||||
| CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD | $ | 60,469 | $ | 68,003 | |||||||
| NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS: | |||||||||||
| Non-cash purchase of property and equipment | $ | 1,402 | $ | - | |||||||
| WWE | |||||||||||
| Supplemental Information – EBITDA | |||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
|
Three |
Three |
||||||||||
| Net income reported on U.S. GAAP basis | $ | 15,331 | $ | 8,603 | |||||||
| Provision for income taxes | 1,213 | 5,030 | |||||||||
| Investment, interest and other expense (income), net | (503 | ) | (467 | ) | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 3,918 | 3,635 | |||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 19,959 | $ | 16,801 | |||||||
Non-GAAP Measure:
EBITDA is defined as net income before investment, interest and other expense/income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Company's definition of EBITDA does not adjust its U.S. GAAP basis earnings for the amortization of Feature Film production assets. Although it is not a recognized measure of performance under U.S. GAAP, EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company's performance. The Company uses EBITDA to measure its own performance and to set goals for operating managers. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of WWE's performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
| WWE | |||||||||||
| Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
|
March 31, |
March 31, |
||||||||||
| Profit contribution | $ | 54.7 | $ | 46.7 | |||||||
| Adjustments (Added back): | |||||||||||
| Film impairment charge | 0.8 | 2.8 | |||||||||
| Adjusted Profit contribution | $ | 55.5 | $ | 49.5 | |||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 34.7 | 29.9 | |||||||||
|
Adjustments (Added back): |
|||||||||||
| Network related expenses | (2.1 | ) | - | ||||||||
| Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses | 32.6 | 29.9 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 4.0 | 3.6 | |||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 16.0 | $ | 13.2 | |||||||
| Adjusted Operating income | $ | 18.9 | $ | 16.0 | |||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 20.0 | $ | 16.8 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22.9 | $ | 19.6 | |||||||
Non-GAAP Measure:
Adjusted Profit contribution, Adjusted Selling, general and administrative expenses, Adjusted Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impact the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of WWE's performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
|
WWE |
|||||||||||
| Supplemental Information – Schedule of Adjustments | |||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, | March 31, | ||||||||||
| 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||||
| Operating income | $ | 16.0 | $ | 13.2 | |||||||
| Adjustments (Added back): | |||||||||||
| Film impairment charge | 0.8 | 2.8 | |||||||||
| Network related expenses | 2.1 | - | |||||||||
|
Adjusted Operating income |
$ | 18.9 | $ | 16.0 | |||||||
| Investment, interest and other (expense) income, net | 0.5 | 0.4 | |||||||||
| Adjusted Income before taxes | $ | 19.4 | $ | 16.4 | |||||||
| Provision for taxes | (1.2 | ) | (5.0 | ) | |||||||
|
Adjustments (Added back): |
|||||||||||
| Previously unrecognized tax benefits | (4.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | |||||||
| Change due to operating adjustments | (1.0 | ) | (1.0 | ) | |||||||
| Adjusted Provision for taxes | (6.3 | ) | (6.1 | ) | |||||||
| Adjusted Net income | $ | 13.1 | $ | 10.3 | |||||||
| Adjusted Earnings per share: | |||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.14 | |||||||
| Diluted | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.14 | |||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||
| Basic | 74,461 | 75,043 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 74,815 | 75,727 | |||||||||
Non-GAAP Measure:
Adjusted Operating income, Adjusted Income before taxes, Adjusted Provision for taxes, Adjusted Net income and Adjusted Earnings per share exclude certain material items, which otherwise would impact the comparability of results between periods. These should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or any other indicator of WWE's performance or liquidity, determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
| WWE | |||||||||||
| Supplemental Information- Free Cash Flow | |||||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
|
Three |
Three |
|
|||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 27,158 | $ 28,867 | ||||||||
| Less cash used in: | |||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (8,007 | ) | (2,433 | ) | |||||||
| Purchase of other assets | (7 | ) | (1,683 | ) | |||||||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 19,144 | $ 24,751 | ||||||||
Non-GAAP Measure:
We define Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by operating activities less cash used for the purchase of property, equipment and other assets. Although it is not a recognized measure of liquidity under U.S. GAAP, Free Cash Flow provides useful information regarding the amount of cash our continuing business is generating after expenditures for capital and other assets, and that is available for reinvesting in the business and for payment of dividends.
2013 - TNA broadcast One Night Only: Joker's Wild on PPV. Richard Trionfo filed the following results:
Jeremy Borash and Christy Hemme are in the ring with a giant check and drum of 24 balls with the names of the participants in the tournament.
The winners go into a gauntlet with the winner earning $100,000.
Match Number One: James Storm and Christian York versus Gunner and Crimson
Storm and York win after Storm hits Gunner with Last Call.
After the match, Christy interviewed York and Storm. York reminded Storm it is every man for themselves in the gauntlet. Storm pointed out how much beer he can buy with $100,000.
Match Number Two: Jessie Godderz and Mr. Anderson versus Douglas Williams and Kid Kash
Anderson and Godderz win after some tension between the partners. Anderson gave Godderz a Mic Check and then pinned Kash with an inside cradle.
A lot of comedy in this match.
Match Number Three: Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe versus Chavo Guerrero and Rob Van Dam
Samoa Joe and Christopher Daniels win after Joe gives Van Dam a muscle buster when he stops Van Dam from hitting a Five Star Frog Splash.
Match Number Four: Robbie E and Zema Ion versus Bobby Roode and Joseph Park
Park says that he is honored to team with a former World Champ and he suggests they be called Law and Order.
Roode hates the name and he tells Tons of Fun to sit in the corner and watch. He doesn't need Park's help
Park and Roode win when Park freaks out and takes care of Robbie and Ion. He 'goes back' to Joseph and Roode tags in and covers Ion for the win.
After the match, Park wants a hug but Roode refuses.
[Park had LA Law sounding music and an entrance video]
Match Number Five: Hernandez and Alex Silva versus Devon and D.O.C.
D.O.C. and Devon win after D.O.C. gives Silva a chokeslam.
Match Number Six: Robbie T and Matt Morgan versus Joey Ryan and Al Snow
Morgan and Ryan made sure not to face each other until Al Snow and Robbie T conspired to get Morgan and Ryan in the ring. Ryan with feeble forearms and then Morgan with the Carbon Footprint for the three count.
The 12 men in the gauntlet are:
James Storm
Christian York
Jessie Godderz
Ken Anderson
Christopher Daniels
Samoa Joe
Bobby Roode
Joseph Park
Devon
D.O.C.
Matt Morgan
Robbie T
Match Number Seven: Joker's Wild Gauntlet
The six winning teams were in a gauntlet for $100,000.
Order of entry:
James Storm
Bobby Roode
Devon
D.O.C.
Jessie Godderz
Christian York
Joseph Park
Ken Anderson
Christopher Daniels
Samoa Joe
Robbie T
Matt Morgan
The last four were Roode, Devon, Storm, and Morgan. Storm eliminated Morgan. Mike Knox came out to help Devon and he pulled Roode through the middle ropes. Storm eliminated Devon when interference backfired. Roode tries to eliminate Storm but Storm skinned the cat and he hit a Codebreaker on Roode that sent him to the apron. Storm eliminated Roode with the Last Call superkick.
Storm was presented the big check by Christy Hemme and So Cal Val. Storm then went into the crowd to celebrate with the fans.
2013 - In a 10-Q form that was released, WWE mentioned that they have entered into an agreement to purchase a 2006 Bombardier Global 5000 jet for $27.5 million, subject to several conditions being met. Once they complete the purchase, it will replace their current aircraft, a 1998 Canadair Challenger, which they expect to sell. They also made amendments to their existing $200 million Revolving Credit Facility.
2013 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
On Monday night, John Cena joined the tag team champions to face The Shield. Little did the people who were watching Raw that John Cena would be the victim of the wrath of the Shield. Then Ryback made his way to the ring in his leather jacket. Who’s next to be fed to Ryback? Will it be John Cena?
We are in Detroit, Michigan and your announcers are John ‘Gordie Howe Hat Tricks on Friday Night’ Layfield, Josh ‘Bob Beattie’ Mathews, and Michael ‘Norris Division Hockey’ Cole.
Before our first match, Ryback says that he knew that John Cena was hurt on Monday night. That was why he could not tag with John Cena against The Shield. He is not John Cena’s keeper. John chose to put himself in the match against the Shield and he put himself at risk to further injury.
Afterwards, John was hobbling around like a weak, weak, pathetic animal. In the law of the jungle, the weak gets eaten by the stronger. Ryback rules.
Match Number One: Daniel Bryan versus Ryback
Bryan with a kick to the leg. Bryan avoids a clothesline and connects with a kick to the leg. Bryan continues to avoid Ryback but Ryback finally corners Bryan but Bryan escapes and he kicks Ryback. Ryback with a kick and forearm to the back. Bryan with a kick to the chest and legs.
Ryback backs Bryan into the corner and he continues with shoulders to the midsection. Ryback with chops to Bryan followed by punches. Ryback with a slam and he says that he rules. Bryan with more kicks to the leg but Ryback with punches to the head. Ryback sends Bryan through the ropes to the floor but Bryan gets back in first and he connects with a baseball slide and then he hits a suicide dive onto Ryback.
Bryan returns to the ring and he waits for Ryback to get back into the ring. Bryan with a kick to the leg but Ryback with knees in the corner. Ryback gets Bryan up for a power slam but Bryan escapes and he kicks Ryback. Ryback blocks a kick and he takes Bryan to the mat.
Ryback gets Bryan up for a jackhammer but Bryan with knees to get back to his feet and then he kicks Ryback. Ryback presses Bryan and slams him to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Ryback biels Bryan across the ring by the beard. Ryback with a punch to Bryan on the apron. Ryback with more punches but Bryan with a shoulder and he goes for a sunset flip but Ryback does not go over and he slams Bryan’s head into the mat. Ryback with more shoulders in the corner.
Ryback runs into a boot and Bryan comes off the turnbuckles but Ryback catches him. Ryback with a power slam for a near fall. Bryan with kicks as he avoids punches from Ryback. Bryan gets Ryback to his knees but Ryback with a Thesz Press but Bryan rolls through and applies the Maple Leaf. Ryback struggles to get to the ropes but Ryback is able to kick Bryan away. Bryan with another series of kicks to the leg followed by a flying clothesline and a running drop kick into the corner.
Bryan with kicks to the leg and then he wraps the leg in the ropes. Bryan with a drop kick to the leg. Bryan with another running drop kick. Bryan goes up top for a missile drop kick and he connects. Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with kicks to the ribs but he has a round kick blocked and both men go over the top rope to the floor.
Bryan goes to the apron for the running knee but Ryback catches Bryan and runs him into the ring post. Ryback sends Bryan back into the ring and Ryback picks Bryan up from the mat and hits a power bomb. Bryan kicks Ryback in the head but Ryback picks up Bryan for another power bomb.
Ryback sets for the lariat and he connects. Ryback says that it is over and he gets Bryan up for the marching muscle buster and he connects and gets the three count.
Winner: Ryback
It is time to talk about the World Title situation and the Triple Threat Match that gave us the ladder match at Extreme Rules.
Renee Young is in the interview area with Ricardo Rodriguez. She asks Ricardo about his match against Zeb Colter tonight. Ricardo speaks in Spanish and then he kisses Renee. Alberto stops by and he tells Ricardo to relax and get a hold of himself. They need to get ready.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Zack Ryder versus Fandango (with Summer ‘Not Close to Sue’ Rae)
Fandango with knees but Ryder with a hip toss and drop toe hold. Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder misses a drop kick and Fandango kicks Ryder in the head. Fandango puts Ryder in the ropes and he connects with forearms to the back and then he goes to the floor for a sliding round kick and he gets a near fall. Ryder sends Fandango face first into the mat.
Ryder with knees to Fandango in the corner and Ryder with a missile drop kick and a running forearm into the corner. Ryder hits the Broski Boot and he gets a near fall. Ryder sets for the Rough Ryder but Fandango with a hot shot and then he hits a side Russian leg sweep and then he goes up top for the Fandangobama Jam and the three count.
Winner: Fandango
Kaitlyn is walking in the back with flowers . Natalya and Khali ask Kaitlyn about her secret admirer. Kaitlyn says that it is super cheesy but she is into it. Kaitlyn says that she wants to find out who it is. Natalya says that Khali always has great advice. Khali tells Kaitlyn to take a few deep breaths and then he says that if she wants any other advice to talk to him.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back at John Cena making a number of wishes on Monday through Make A Wish Foundation.
Renee Young is in the interview area with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter. Renee asks Zeb about getting revenge for his loss. Zeb calls Renee ‘Rhonda’ and she says that as a part of the lamestream media that they twist and distort the facts. Zeb says that he had a 102 temperature and vertigo, but he went to work like any Real American.
The people on Twitter were calling his performance inspiring. What hurt him most is that his victory was awarded to an illegal immigrant who snuck across our border. Ricardo is guilty of theft and he could go to the police about this. He will do this himself. He will rectify this situation. There will be no taint on his victory because Real Americans play fair.
We have some guests at the announce table. Dolph Ziggler, AJ Lee, and Big E Langston are joining John, Michael, and Josh.
Match Number Three: Ricardo Rodriguez (with Alberto Del Rio) versus Zeb Colter (with Jack Swagger)
Colter pushes and slaps Ricardo but Ricardo grabs Colter by the mustache and he stomps on the foot and hand. Ricardo rides Zeb like a government mule and then Zeb with a rake of the eyes. Colter punches Ricardo and then he says something to Alberto.
Zeb with another punch to Ricardo. Colter says something to Del Rio but he turns around and punches Colter. Ricardo with a savate kick or two to Colter. Del Rio tells Ricardo to go for the knee into the corner but Swagger interferes and he clotheslines Ricardo. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Ricardo Rodriguez (by disqualification)
After the match, Ricardo and Alberto fight in the ring. Alberto clotheslines Jack over the top rope and then Zeb leaves the ring. Teddy Long’s music plays and since he is the assistant to Booker T, he has the power to take the four men in the ring and make a tag match out of things.
Match Number Four: Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez versus Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger
The match is joined in progress and Colter punches Ricardo while the referee deals with Alberto and Jack. Jack with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner when Ricardo floats over. Alberto and Jack tag in and Del Rio with two clotheslines and a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Del Rio with punches to the kidney but Swagger with an elbow. Del Rio with an arm breaker and he applies the cross arm breaker and Ziggler and Langston attack Del Rio and Swagger.
No Contest
After the match, Ziggler and Langston attack Swagger and Del Rio.
Teddy Long comes out again and he has decided that there are not enough teams in this match so he has made this a Triple Threat Tag Match.
Match Number Five: Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez versus Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger versus Big E Langston and Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler and Del Rio start and Del Rio with punches and a snap mare. Del Rio with a kick to the back and he gets a near fall. Ricardo tags in and he kicks Ziggler in the chest and gets a near fall. Ricardo with a sliding kick to the head and he tags in Del Rio, who kicks Ziggler in the shoulder and gets a near fall.
Ziggler with a kick to the knee and a drop kick. Langston tags in and he punches Del Rio followed by a belly-to-belly suplex. Langston runs Del Rio into the corner and he connects with a shoulder into the corner. Ziggler tags back in and he punches Del Rio. Ziggler with a Stinger Splash for a near fall.
Langston runs Del Rio into the turnbuckles again and hits another running shoulder to the midsection. Ziggler misses the Stinger Splash after tagging in. Del Rio with a super kick but Swagger tries to interfere and Del Rio with a lungblower to Swagger. Del Rio knocks Colter off the apron. Del Rio drops down and Langston goes over the top rope to the floor. Del Rio clotheslines Ziggler over the top rope to the floor.
Del Rio goes after Colter but Ziggler hits Del Rio from behind and hits a DDT. Ricardo breaks up the cover. Ricardo battles with Ricardo but Ricardo runs into Langston and goes down. Swagger with a belly-to-belly slam to Langston. Del Rio with an enzuigiri to Swagger but Ziggler with a rollup for a near fall.
Del Rio applies the cross arm breaker and Ziggler tags out.
Winners: Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez
We go to commercial.
We hear something in the darkness and it sounds like someone is being attacked. Dean Ambrose says that it must break your heart when the champ becomes the chump. Seth says that there are times when the Phenom is not Phenom-enal. Roman says that they will take care of Taker’s brother.
Dean tells Kane that he is so misguided. Justice is not taking vengeance for your family. That is just vengeful pride. Justice is what they do every day. Justice is putting a foaming monster down.
Seth says that you can run all you want but sooner or later, it is going to catch up. They put his brother down and it could have been much worse. Kane will believe by the end of the night.
We see Daniel Bryan laying on the floor and they get in a final shot before the Shield leaves.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the Triple H/Brock Lesnar feud.
The officials finally figure out where the Shield were when they attacked Daniel Bryan. The trainer stops by and they want to check him out in the trainer’s room.
Match Number Six: Randy Orton versus Damien Sandow
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Sandow with a side head lock. Orton with a reversal and shoulder tackle. Orton is sent into the turnbuckles by Sandow and Damien with kicks until the referee warns him. Sandow with punches. Sandow with a knee to the midsection followed by a snap mare and knee drop for a near fall. Sandow with a reverse chin lock.
Orton with punches but Sandow with a more effective punch. Sandow floats out of the corner but Orton with a clothesline out of the corner. Orton with another clothesline and he avoids one from Sandow. Orton with a power slam. Sandow goes to the apron and he sets for the IEDDT but Sandow gets into the ring and he puts Orton on the apron and Sandow drops Orton on the top rope.
Sandow with a running shoulder that knocks Orton off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow with a side head lock but Orton with a belly-to-back suplex. Sandow with a kick to the knee and a DDT for a near fall. Sandow with knees to the chest followed by the side Russian leg sweep. Sandow with the Elbow of Disdain and it connects. Sandow with a second one and he gets a near fall.
Sandow with a reverse chin lock but Orton with head butts and an uppercut. Orton with a drop kick to Sandow followed by a back body drop. Orton with an elbow and then Sandow rolls to the apron. Orton with the IEDDT and he looks around for the opportunity to twist into the mat and he punches the mat and hits the RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Big Show comes out and he has something to say to Randy. He says Orton must be the most amazing one on one competitor, but the problem is that Randy isn’t much of a team player. If Randy didn’t have such a big ego at Wrestlemania and would have let him make the tag, they might have beaten the Shield and Orton wouldn’t have been knocked out.
Sandow attacks Orton from behind and gives Orton Terminus.
Show laughs at what just happened to Orton and he says that was so funny. Show tells Orton that at Extreme Rules, there will be nothing funny about what he does to Randy.
Kane is in the back and Matt Striker asks for an update on Daniel Bryan’s condition. Kane says that he will make the Shield pay for what they did to Daniel. He will make them pay for what they did to his brother. He knows what he is getting into and he knows what will happen to him. They will get him down and they will try to make sure that he stays down. Kane vows to take down as many of them as he can. They are going on a journey to a place called hell.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
It is time for the continuing Mark Henry recreates Tough Enough challenges and this time it is arm wrestling. Who will go Over the Top tonight? Josh Mathews is the host tonight. Mark Henry comes out first because that is what he do. Sheamus comes out second.
The referee explains the rules to the two participants. Mark wants Sheamus to wipe his hands because Mark knows that Sheamus is cheating because that is what he do. Mark backs off and stretches to get inside Sheamus’ head because that is what he do.
The referee starts things and they are even. Mark gets the early advantage but Sheamus fights back and they get back to even. Sheamus has the advantage but Mark goes over the top and he wins because that is what he do.
Sheamus takes the mic and he says that Mark had the stronger right arm, but he doesn’t believe that Mark has the stronger left. Sheamus wants one more try but with the left arm.
Mark says that he won and Sheamus lost so he leaves the ring but Sheamus says that if Mark walks away, it is because he is scared.
Mark wants Sheamus to call him scared again. Sheamus wants Mark to prove him wrong. Mark says that he will prove him wrong because that is what he do.
It is time for our second arm wrestling match and Sheamus is the one who pulls out early. They are ready to go and Sheamus punches Henry and then he hits a Brogue Kick.
We take a look at what The Shield did to the Undertaker.
Match Number Seven: Kane versus Dean Ambrose (with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins)
Before the match starts, Kane enters the ring and The Shield scatters. Kane with a boot to Ambrose and then he knocks Reigns off the apron. Kane punches Rollins and sends him into the ringside barrier. Kane sends Reigns over the announce table and then he clotheslines Rollins into the crowd.
Kane remembers that he is facing Dean Ambrose, who is in the ring. Ambrose looks around while Kane enters the ring and the bell rings to star the match.
Kane with punches to Ambrose in the corner followed by an uppercut. Ambrose with punches and kicks to Ambrose and then he sends Dean to the floor. Kane hot shots Ambrose on the ringside barrier. Kane puts Ambrose over the apron and he punches Ambrose and follows with a boot to the head. Kane with a punch and he returns to the ring.
Kane backs Ambrose into the corner and he punches him. Kane with a short arm clothesline and an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Ambrose goes to the turnbuckles but Kane with an uppercut that sends Ambrose over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ambrose works on Kane’s ankle. Ambrose worked on the knee during the commercial break and that is Ambrose’s focus. Kane tries to kick Ambrose away while Dean works on the injured leg and Ambrose drives the leg into the mat. Kane with an uppercut but it does not have the same effect as earlier in the match.
Ambrose with punches and then he puts Kane’s injured leg in the ropes. Ambrose kicks Kane in the leg and then he climbs the turnbuckles and punches Kane. Ambrose with a running forearm into the corner. Ambrose goes to the floor and he wrings the leg into the ring post. Ambrose does it a second time. Ambrose wraps the legs around the ring post and the referee warns Ambrose.
Ambrose goes up top but Kane is able to grab Ambrose and he gives him a press slam. Kane punches Ambrose and he gives Dean a head butt. Kane with an Irish whip and clotheslines. Kane with a side slam and he gets a near fall.
Kane goes up top despite what Ambrose did to the leg earlier in the match and Kane hits the clothesline. Kane sets for the choke slam but Ambrose with a kick to the leg and he sets for a DDT but Kane counters and gives Ambrose a choke slam.
Kane does not go for the cover and he signals for the tombstone. Kane tries to get Ambrose up but Rollins gets on the apron and Kane with a boot that sends him into the announce table. Ambrose clotheslines Kane over the top rope to the floor but Kane pulls Ambrose out and he sends him into the announce table. Kane sends Reigns into the ring steps.
Kane returns to the ring and Ambrose with a kick to the knee and then he hits a head lock driver for the three count.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
After the match, Kane gets up and he wants more. Kane punches Rollins and then he takes care of Ambrose and Reigns. Ambrose grabs the leg but Kane is able to fight Reigns off momentarily.
Rollins, Ambrose, and Reigns make it a three front attack and they are too much for Kane. They work over Kane with punches and they take him to the mat. Ambrose and Rollins pick up Kane for the Cerberus Bomb, but Kane kicks Reigns away and he takes care of Ambrose and Rollins. Kane sets for a double choke slam but Reigns with a spear to Kane.
Rollins and Ambrose get Kane up for Reigns and they hit the Cerberus Bomb.
We go to credits.
2014- TNA ran Racine, Wisconsin. Dylan Wamboldt filed the following results:
Austin Aries vs. Sanada for X division title Aries gets him down with the elbow and his finisher match had a 15 min time limit. Aries close to 3 but the match was ended. Winner Sanada.
DBD def. Gail Kim with Gail's husband at ringside.
Kenny King def. Manik.
The Wolves vs. The Bromans, with Rockstar Spud. Winner The Wolves. After the match they said Earl Hebner had his 100,000 match. He put on DJ Z glasses and head phones and danced.
Mr. Anderson vs. Bobby Roode. Best 2 out of 3 falls. Roode attacked Anderson before the bell and wins the first pinfall. After 10 sec break Anderson was down on the mat and pins rhode. In fall three Anderson and Roodw had an actual match, which had Anderson winning.
In the main event, Kurt Angle and MVP beat Magnus and EC3.
2018 - New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Wrestling Dontaku. Matthew Macklin filed the following report:
NJPW Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, May 3rd:
Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi defeated Shota Umino & Yuta Tsuji. This was a basic young lion tag. Tsuji took the heat until Umino got the tag and delivered some great dropkicks. He got a small package on Chase, before Chase finished him with the Package Piledriver.
Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger defeated Ren Narita, Tomoyuki Oka & Yuji Nagata. Oka started this by challenging Liger. Liger turned it around with a Shotei and Oka took a beating. Nagata got into the ring and basically told him to "get his a** up". He eventually got the tag to Nagata who turned the match around for his team. Narita was then tagged in and did his best against Taguchi, but Taguchi pinned him after Dodon.
SHO, YOH & Rocky Romero defeated Takahashi Iizuka, Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. This was a big upset. Suzuki-Gun started this by destroying Roppongi 3k all over ringside. Then all of a sudden, SHO rolled up Iizuka and that was it. Roppongi 3k ran off before any more damage was caused.
Jay White, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI defeated Henare, Michael Elgin, Juice Robinson, Togi Makabe & David Finlay. Elgin and Goto started this ahead of their potential NEVER Openweight title match. Ishii & Makabe got tagged in and went at it like two bulls. Finlay was worked over until Juice got the hot tag later in the match. Henare hit White with a huge spear/spinbuster and had another impressive showing. White pinned him after hitting Bladerunner. Henare is really making a great case for getting a spot in the G1 this year.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks & Marty Scurll defeated Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale
Dontaku marked the fifth anniversary of Bullet Club, a faction that has been falling apart over the last few months. Before the bell, these two Bullet Club teams shook hands. Scurll couldn't overcome the size of Fale early on. He was worked over by the larger team. Nick got the hot tag. There are very few wrestlers that are as smooth as Nick. Everything he does flows like water. There was triple team moves from both teams. GOD went for the finish, but were met with superkicks to break it up. Nick hit a huge springboard dive to the floor on Tonga & Fale. Back in the ring Loa was finished off with More Bang For Your Buck. The Bucks and Scurll are the new six man tag team champions. After the match all six men shook hands.
EVIL, SANADA, BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru, El Desperado, Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr & Minoru Suzuki. Naito did not bring his new IWGP Intercontinental Championship to the ring, which pissed off Suzuki even further. Naito was made to pay for his sins as he was tortured for several minutes. He took a beating from all five men, particularly, Sabre & Suzuki, who wore him out with submissions, some at the same time. SANADA tried to put the Paradise Lock on Sabre, which was a big mistake. Things broke down in the last few minutes until EVIL hit the STO on Kanemaru to score the win. Naito & Suzuki continued to brawl after the match. The The Young Bucks, who are now heavyweights, and challenged EVIL & SANADA to a tag title match, and dropped them with superkicks. When EVIL got back to his feet, he accepted the challenge.
Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay defeated KUSHIDA & Hiroshi Tanahashi. This match was the KUSHIDA show in a lot of ways. He really stood out. Ospreay targeted the neck of KUSHIDA, the neck that was injured by Ospreays new Stormbreaker finisher. Tanahashi was tagged in and went back and forth with Okada. We then got an amazing exchange between KUSHIDA and Ospreay as they went back and forth with strikes, ending in a one man Spanish Fly. KUSHIDA went after the arm of Okada and got a lot in on the IWGP champion. He almost pinned him with a springboard Frankensteiner. Ospreay was taken out of the match when KUSHIDA DDT'd him from the second rope. Okada dropped Tanahashi with a dropkick, then pinned KUSHIDA after a Tombstone and Rainmaker. After the match Okada taunted Tanahashi ahead of their title match tomorrow.
One of the greatest rivalries in pro wrestling will be renewed. Okada is in the midst of maybe the greatest title reign of all time, and he could add another classic with his greatest rival to it. If Okada wins, he breaks Tanahashi's record of 11 consecutive title defences.
Cody defeated Kota Ibushi. This was absolutely great. Cody took control of the match when he hit a Gordbuster on the apron and a cross body to the floor. Ibushi got back into it with a flurry of kicks and shortly after, a big lariat. The ref was taken out which led to a table being brought into the ring. Ibushi hit a double foot stomp as Cody lay on the table, but it didn't break. He did it a second time, and this time went through the middle of it, without breaking the frame, which looked very scary. Ibushi hit a Last Ride and a German suplex for near falls. Cody avoided the Kamagoye knee and spilled into the crowd. Ibushi hit a spectacular springboard cross body, over the guardrail. As they got back into the ring, Cody hit Cross Rhodes, but it was only a two. Cody followed up by hitting a Vertabreaker, to score one of his biggest wins in NJPW so far. This was another great performance from Cody. There are very few that have their character work and facial expressions as perfect as he does.
Kenny Omega defeated Hangman Page. This was a very physical main event that was hampered by a dead crowd. No one ever expected Page to win this, so there was no real anticipation. Cody and Page jumped Omega before the bell, but Omega turned it around and wiped out Cody with the terminator dive. Page then dropped Omega with Right of Passage onto a table, and then a DDT on a chair, which cut the top of Omega's head. They brawled on the floor again and Page hit his slingshot lariat over the guardrail. Page went after the cut and wore down Omega, until he was able to battle back into the match and hit a V-Trigger to the back of the head. Page hit a package Tombstone and after a great series of reversals, hit a snap dragon suplex. The turning point of the match came when Omega countered a slingshot lariat into a V-Trigger, which looked like it KO'd Page, because he barely kicked out. Page survived a Jay Driller, but was put away with a One Winged Angel. It's a safe bet that Omega will challenge the winner of tomorrow's IWGP Heavyweight title match.
This show is available now at NJPWWorld.com with English commentary.
Tomorrow's show will also be live with English commentary, featuring:
*Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Yuya Uemura
*Yuji Nagata & Tomoyuki Oka vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
*Rocky Romero, SHO & YOH vs. Takashi Iizuka, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
*Togi Makabe & Henare vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano
*Michael Elgin, Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs. Hirooki Goto, Jay White & YOSHI-HASHI
*Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr, El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
*Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa vs. Cody, Marty Scurll, Hangman Page & The Young Bucks
*IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay vs. KUSHIDA
*IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
2018 - MLW taped TV in Orlando, Florida with the following results:
Major League Wrestling returned to Orlando, Florida at the Gilt Nightclub on 5/3, featuring the following results at a TV taping for their BeIn Sports TV series FUSION:
*Santana Garrett pinned Chelsea Green.
*In an Prize Fight Open Challenge, Simon Gotch defeated an unnamed opponent.
*Colonel Parker’s Stud Stable (The Dirty Blondes & Mike Parrow) defeated Jason Cade & Jimmy Yuta & Rhett Giddins
*MJF pinned MVP after Sami Callihan distracted him.
*Barrington Hughes won a squash.
*Filthy Tom Lawlor choked out Fred Yehi
*The debuting Rich Swann pinned Kotto Brazil.
*Sami Callihan (with Leon Scott and Sawyer Fulton) defeated Joey Janela (with Aria Blake) after MJF attacked Janela following Callihan throwing Janela into MJF who was lounging in his own private area.
*MVP defeated Leon Scott (with Sami Callihan and Sawyer Fulton) by DQ when everyone attacked MVP.
*Rey Fenix (with Salina de la Renta) defeated ACH in what was said to have been awesome.
*Jake Hager (with Colonel Parker) pinned Jeff Cobb.
*MLW Champion Shane Strickland pinned Pentagon Jr. (with Salina de la Renta) after Pentagon accidentally spewed mist in Renta's face when trying to do so to Strickland.
2019 - WWE NXT ran West Palm Beach, Florida. Joseph Smith filed the following live report:
*Eric Bugenhagen defeated Adrian Jaoude
*Mia Yim defeated Reina Gonzalez.
*The Forgotten Sons (Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) defeated Team 3.0 (Jeff Parker & Matt Lee).
*Punishment Martinez defeated Kona Reeves.
*Riddick Moss & Dan Matha (w/Robbie Strauss) defeated Cal Bloom & Denzel DeJournette. (Basically a 2 minute squash after a Robbie E promo insulting Bloom and DeJournette)
This lead to Robbie Strauss cutting a promo about the lack of competition in West Palm and resulted in the appearance of the Street Profits which lead to...
*Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated Riddick Moss & Dan Matha (w/Robbie E).
*KUSHIDA defeated Humberto Carrillo by submission.
*Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke & Marina Shafir defeated Kairi Sane, Io Shirai & Karen Q when Baszler submitted Karen Q in what was unless she appears in Fort Pierce tonight Kairi Sane's NXT Farewell! The Sky Pirates took out Baszler, Duke and Shafir post match and Kairi took a few minutes to pay tribute to the crowd and take a few pics with the children who were ringside.
*WWE NXT North American Championship Match: The Velveteen Dream (c) defeated Matt Riddle. This was outstanding and may have been better than their match at Takeover New York!
2019 - Impact Wrestling ran a TV taping in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. Billy Krotchsen filed the following results:
Impact Wrestling ran a TV taping last night in Philadephia, PA with the following results last night:
*Disco Inferno won a Knockouts Battle Royal when he hit the ring from the commentary area and "tossed out" Tessa Blanchard. Yes, Disco in the ECW Arena. It's time to just close the doors and let the place fall to ruins.
*Rosemary defeated Su Yung in a Demon Chain Match and dragged her backstage.
*Killer Kross defeated Eddie Edwards, tied him to the ring ropes and smashed Kenny the Singapore Cane over his knee.
*X-Division Champion Rich Swann beat Michael Elgin by DQ when Elgin nailed the referee. Good match until the finish. Wille Mack made the save but was attacked by Johnny Impact.
*Sami Callihan defeated Fallah Bah.
*Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Taya defeated Madison Rayne. Good. Rosemary (with a chained Su) returns and makes it clear she wants the title.
*Disco Inferno vs. Ashley Vox ends when Tessa tries to attack Disco and he runs away.
*Dezmond Xavier won a Four Way over Petey Williams, Ace Austin and Rohit Raju.
*Rob Van Dam pinned Tommy Dreamer. They did their greatest hits. The North and Moose attack. Lights out. Lights on. SABU makes the save. He has the Genie with him. Does Sandman appear tomorrow?
Overall, an OK show.
Thanks to www.thehistoryofwwe.com for their assistance with archival results.
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