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May 18th
On this day in history in ...
1943 - WWE Hall of Famer "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka is born.
1963 - WWWF ran Philadelphia, PA with the top matches featuring the following results:
-Vittorio Apollo defeated Tommy O'Toole.
-Johnny Barend defeated Pete Sanchez.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Miguel Torres.
1964 - Gorilla Monsoon defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino via disqualification in Pittsburgh, PA.
1968 - WWWF ran Philadelphia, PA at the Arena with the following results:
-Sammy Rubin defeated Mike Padoulious.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Arnold Skaaland.
-Hans Mortier defeated Earl Maynard.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Crybaby Cannon.
-Bull Ramos & Col. Homer O'Dell defeated Eduard Carpentier & Louis Cerdan.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera fought Gorilla Monsoon & Virgil the Kentucky Butcher to a time-limit draw.
1968 - A live event in Spartanburg, SC at the Memorial Auditorium saw the following results:
Southern Tag Team Champions George Becker & Johnny Weaver beat Rip Hawk & Swede Hanson
The Infernos beat Bobby Red Cloud & Chief Little Eagle
Paul DeMarco beat Frank Hickey
Johnny Heidman beat Alex Medina
1969 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Prof. Toru Tanaka fought Dominic DeNucci to a draw.
-The Mongols defeated Victor Rivera & Al Nelson via disqualification.
-Mario Milano pinned Karl Kovacs.
-Manuka Akim defeated Angelo Savoldi.
-Sandy Parker & Vicki Williams defeated Kathy O'Day & Rita Boucher.
-U.S. Champion Bobo Brazil fought Crusher Verdu to a double count-out .
1973 - WWWF ran Albany, NY at the Washington Avenue Armory, featuring:
-Ricky Sexton defeated Tito Torres.
-Miguel Feliciano defeated Bull Pometti.
-Joe Turco defeated Luis Torres.
-Manuel Soto defeated Mike Conrad.
-WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Mike McCord at the 13-minute mark.
1973 - Former WWF and ECW star The Blue Meanie is born.
1974 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Nikolai Volkoff via countout in the main event of a card in Philadelphia, PA.
1979 - WWF ran Uniondale in Long Island, NY at the Nassau Coliseum featuring:
-SD Jones fought Johnny Rivera to a draw.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Mark Tendler.
-Johnny Rodz defeated Tony Altimore.
-Hussein Arab defeated Dominic DeNucci.
-Bruno Sammartino defeated Johnny Valiant.
-Cowboy Lang & Tiny Thumb defeated Little Tokyo & Butch Cassidy.
-Ivan Putski defeated Bulldog Brower via count-out.
1979 - NWA World champion Harley Race fought Ron Fuller to a double DQ in Knoxville, TN on a Southeastern Championship Wrestling event. Other results from the card saw:
Alexis Smirnoff beat Ronnie Garvin to win Southeastern Title
Mongolian Stomper beat Ken Lucas
Crusher Blackwell & Dean Ho beat Bob Roop & Bob Orton Jr by DQ
Thunderbolt Patterson beat Prof. Boris Malenko
Kevin Sullivan beat Mike Graham to win United States Junior Title
Mr. Fuji beat Terry Gibbs
1981 - A live event in Greenville, SC saw the following results:
Gene & Ole Anderson beat The Masked Superstar & Mr. Wrestling II
Sweet Ebony Diamond (a masked Rocky Johnson) beat Greg Valentine
Jimmy Valiant beat Dewey Robertson (the future Missing Link)
Ken Timbs beat Mike Fever
Ron Ritchie beat Gene Lewis
1981 - A Mid-South Wrestling event in Chalmette, LA saw the following results:
Jake Roberts beat Kelly Kiniski
Tony Charles & Carol Summers beat Carl Fergie & Leilani Kai
The Samoans beat Jim Garvin & Don Diamond
Dick Murdoch beat Super Destroyer
Paul Orndorff beat Leroy Brown
1982 - NWA World champioin Ric Flair defeated Teddy Gordy in Mobile, Alabama. Other results from the card saw:
Ron Fuller & Robert Fuller beat New Zealand Sheepherders in a Southern street fight match
Jos LeDuc beat Jacque Rougeau
Ted Oates fought to a draw against Scott McGhee
Tony Charles beat Juan Reynosa via pinfall
Roy Lee Welch beat Eric Embry
1982 - A live event in Oshawa, Ottawa saw the following results:
Keith Larson beat Tito Senza
Kelly Kiniski beat Tim Horner
Tony Parisi beat Tarzan Tyler
Angelo Mosca beat John Studd by countout
Pvt. Nelson & Pvt. Kernodle beat Johnny Weaver & Billy Red Lyons
1982 - A Mid-Atlantic Wrestling event in Raleigh, NC saw the following results:
Don Muraco beat Sgt. Slaughter
Wahoo McDaniel beat Roddy Piper
King Parsons & Porkchop Cash beat Carl Fergie & David Patterson
Ron Ritchie beat Gary Moore
1982 - A Mid-Atlantic Wrestling event in Columbia, SC saw the following results:
Jack Brisco & Jimmy Valiant beat The Ninja & Ivan Koloff
Killer Kahn beat Paul Jones
Mike Rotundo beat Jim Dalton
Mike Davis beat Tony Russo
Abe Jacobs beat Steve Sybert
1984 - NWA World champion Kerry Von Erich defeated Superstar Billy Graham in Lake City, FL, headlining a Championship Wrestling from Florida card.
1984 - Gino Hernandez is claimed to have defeated Jimmy Garvin for the World Class Championship Wrestling America's Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The title change was actually a phantom change with no match ever having taken place.
1984 - World Class Championship Wrestling ran Dallas, Texas with the following results:
Killer Khan beat Tony Torres
Jules Strongbow beat John King
Gino Hernandez beat Johnny Mantell
Kevin Von Erich beat Michael Hayes by DQ
Jimmy Garvin beat Tony Torres
Jules Strongbow beat Missing Link by DQ
Chris Adams & Iceman Parsons beat Terry Gordy & Killer Khan by DQ
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotioins ran Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum with the following results:
-Ricky Reeves defeated Doug Vines.
-Pat Tanaka fought Denny Brown to a draw.
-Black Bart defeated Sam Houston.
-Ron Bass defeated Stoney Burke.
-NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA defeated Buddy Landell.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Superstar Billy Graham.
-NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Dusty Rhodes.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan & Nikita Koloff defeated Dick Slater & Buzz Tyler.
1987 - Ron & Jimmy Garvin defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title match, headlining a Jim Crockett Promotions card in Fayetteville, NC.
1987 - WWF ran at Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Sam Houston defeated Terry Gibbs.
- Paul Roma & Jim Powers defeated Bob Orton & Don Muraco.
- Lanny Poffo defeated Dave Barbie.
- WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Harley Race. After the match, Race attacked Hogan with the title belt and bloodied him, leading to Hogan challenging Race to a No Holds Barred match at the next MSG show.
- Debbie Combs defeated WWF Women's Champion The Fabulous Moolah via countout.
- Demolition defeated The Killer Bees.
- Ron Bass defeated Jose Luis Rivera.
- Ken Patera defeated Honky Tonk Man via DQ.
1991 - WCW ran Daytona Beach, FL with the following results:
-WCW TV Champion Arn Anderson pinned Powerhouse Parker.
-The Junkyard Dog defeated El Cubano.
-Dustin Rhodes pinned Black Bart.
-Big Josh fought Dan Spivey to a double countout when both men began brawling on the floor.
-WCW U.S. Champion Lex Luger fought Nikita Koloff to a double disqualification.
-Ron Simmons pinned Butch Reed.
-Bobby Eaton pinned Terrance Taylor.
-El Gigante defeated the One Man Gang via disqualification.
-Sting & Brian Pillman defeated WCW World Champion Ric Flair & Barry Windham in a steel cage match.
1996 - Extreme Championship Wrestling debuted in Allentown, PA at Ag Hall, drawing 1,200 fans. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Extreme Championship Wrestling debuted in front of a hot crowd of over 1,000 paid, with reports of up to 1,400 in the building, on 5/18/96 in Allentown, PA at the Ag Hall in Allentown. This show was taped for television, and came off as more on an angle-driven show than a workrate-driven show. However, there must have been enough Arena regulars there, as Poor Joel Gertner was inundated with a “Shave Your Neck” chant.
In the opener, Rob Van Dam pinned El Puerto Ricano in a decent match. Van Dam seemed really comfortable in his new role as a heel. Fans were chanting “Sabu” at Van Dam at times throughout the match. They started off with some decent matwork, and Van Dam began using some martial arts kicks to take down Puerto. They do several pinfall attempts and reversals. Van Dam set Puerto up with his neck exposed on the ring apron, and jumped over the top rope, coming down with a guillotine legdrop on Puerto’s throat. Van Dam got a chair, but Puerto took it and hit a few chairshots. Van Dam then spinkicked the chair, and it hit Puerto in the face. Van Dam set Puerto up in the corner, and somersaulted into a monkey flip. Puerto takes over, and ascends to the top rope, but as he leapt, Robby dropkicked him in the mush. Ouch. Van Dam somersaults into a splash, and finishes him up with the split-legged moonsault.
Next up was Devon Storm and Damian Kane against those bastions of incredible workrate, the Bad Crew. Crew is announced as hailing from BadStreet, USA. Do they pay Hayes and Gordy rent? Fans chant “You all suck” at the bell, which was cruel considering Devon’s improved greatly. Kane had Lady Alexandra at ringside, and fans were chanting “Lady Lard Ass” at her. The match was pretty bad, but to be honest, no one gave them a chance either. All four brawled at ringside, and Storm then hit a senton on one of Bad Crew. Fans start chanting “We want Sandman” as Storm is suplexed out of the ring. Bad Crew then hit some horrible clotheslines. Storm hit a moonsault press on one of the Crew. Kane wasn’t paying attention, and was knocked off the apron by his own partner when he rebounded off the ropes. Will someone please explain how Kane can run a school in Reading when he’s so lost in the ring? I mean, you might as well go to Ultimate Warrior’s school. He’ll teach you how to suck and still make money. Devon pins one of Bad Crew as the fans start chanting, “Get the F**k Out.” Has the fact that people did not want to see any of these guys come across at all?
Next up was Axl Rotten against Brian Lee. Lee jumps him and they brawl in the corner, and Axl hits a stiff clothesline. Axl missed a second but kicked him in the gut. Axl got a chair, and they brawled with it. Out of nowhere, Lee gets the pin in about two minutes. Fans were not happy with the short match. Given that it was taped for TV, chances are they needed some short matches to make it easier to format, but it really blows that they put together good matches and then fail to let them work to their potential. This is one of the things that make the “Big Two’s” house shows so hard to attend half the time.
Unfortunately, the next match followed suit, as the Bruise Brothers returned from their suspension against the Pitbulls in a Falls-Count-Anywhere match. Pit 1 came out with his arm in a sling, as he was “injured” in an attack by the Eliminators a few weeks back. Francine looked beyond description. The two teams brawled in the ring, and Pit 2 tossed one of the Bruises into the corner, and then hit that insane spinkick he does, sending himself over the top. They pull the brace and sling off of Pit 1 and trash him until Pit 2 makes the save with a chair. They then double-team Pit 2 and put a chair to his head, and hit the big boot, getting the pin.
Fans were chanting “Bullsh**” because it was a two minute match. They trashed the Pitbulls until Tommy Dreamer made the save. Some fans chanted “Smoking Gunns” at the Bruises, but thankfully they didn’t have to duck a flying chair, as Arena fans did a few months back. An enraged Pit 2 then destroyed a wooden chair over the top of the ringpost, showering the front row with its debris. Fans chant “ECW.”
Joel Gertner announced that ECW World Champ Raven vs. Chris Jericho is next up. Stevie Richards comes out, dressed like one of the American Males (You know, those pretty boys in WCW) and says it’s going to be a non-title match. ECW Commissioner Tod Gordon comes out and says the fans paid to see a World title match, and he turns his back on Richards. Richards grabs a chair, and goes to swing, but Tod turns around, and Richards says he was getting Tod a chair. Tod sits, Stevie gets a second chair, and they face each other negotiating.
The sound system was the sh**s, but the gist of it was Stevie tried to pay off Tod, saying, “Vince and Eric would take this.” Tod said they would sneer at it, so Richards adds more to the booty. Tod takes the payoff, then clocks Stevie with a chair to a huge pop, adding that it was still a World title match.
Raven comes out with the Fabulous...er....Dudes With..uh American Males, Stevie Alexander Bagwell and Meanie Riggs, MeanieBabe Miss Patricia, and Brian Lee. Jericho comes out alone to an anemic reaction, with some fans chanting “LionHeart.” Stevie gets the mic, and he and Meanie sing the American Males theme song lyrics. Just the fact that Stevie has the words memorized makes me feel sorry for him. The bells rings, and the two do some matwork. Jericho backdrops Raven, then dives over the top rope onto Stevie. Raven takes over and throws Jericho out of the ring, where Lee abuses him. Raven suplexes him back in. Some fans are chanting “ChickenHeart” at Jericho. Jericho comes back to hit a Lionsault, but misses a second as Stevie pulled the middle rope as he jumped on it, and Jericho fell out of the ring. Miss Patricia is a babe, but stands there totally stiff at ringside, which is about what all the guys behind her were as well.
The match isn’t much at this point. Jericho & Raven brawled outside. Raven goes for a powerbomb, but Jericho powers out and sidekicks the champ. Jericho hits a rana off the top rope on Raven. The ref gets knocked down, and a second ref comes in, but he’s knocked down as well. Jericho misses a moonsault press, and Raven hits a belly-to-back suplex with both shoulders down, but both guys get their shoulders up. The two refs argue, then decide to restart the match. From this point on, the match got pretty good. They trade a lot of fast 2 counts. Raven gets a belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Raven gets a chair, but Jericho hits it, so he hits himself with it. Raven DDT’s Jericho on the chair for the pin. Richards gets in the ring, and says he’s going to double dropkick Jericho. Jericho holds the ropes, so they miss, then double clotheslines them over. Fans chant “ECW” after Jericho gets the mike and says, “F*** you” to Raven.
Next match has the Full-Blooded Italians, (JT Smith & Little Guido) and Stevie Richards against Hack Myers, D-Von Dudley, and Buh Buh Ray Dudley. Dudleys get a huge pop. Go figure. My guess is that the Arena got tired of seeing the same shtick, but in new markets where it’s never been seen, it’s still fresh. Richards says he can’t wrestle because of his facial injuries (He did bump his butt of in the previous match, however) and says he’s got a sub for them from “The Land of the Titans,” Slice & Dice Ramirez. In reality, it’s Big Titan from WAR coming out to Hispanic music, with a vest, greasy hair, and a toothpick behind his ear. It seems vaguely familiar somehow. Fans chant “JT’s got a boyfriend” and Guido says they are cousins, so the fans chant “Kissing Cousins.” JT is great interacting with the crowd. Ramirez takes the mic and says, “Yo..I got no problem with you Dudleys, chico, but Hack Myers..I’m going to cut you up.” The place laughs.
The six man is hard for the crowd to get into for some reason, so they spend most of their time insulting Smith. The three babyfaces hit simultaneous belly-to-belly suplexes. Ramon, er Ramirez, hits a dive on one of the Dudleys. JT & Guido beat on Buh Buh on the floor, but he comes back with a chair. Buh Buh splashes JT in the ring for a two count. Ramirez hits a Frankensteiner which looked good, then followed it with a fall away slam on Buh Buh. D-Von goes to attack Ramirez with a chair, but Buh Buh tries to stop him, and D-Von hits him with a chair, followed by Guido getting the pin on Hack after a stuff piledriver. Buh Buh & D-Von argue, and the Dudleys hold them apart. It’s basically the same thing that happened at the last ECW Arena show. Buh Buh then dances and takes a cop’s hat and then teases hitting the flatfoot with a chair before smiling and patting him on the head. The D-Von angle looks to be the start of a decent feud.
Taz then finally got his hands on the man that broke his neck last July, Too Cold Scorpio. Bill Alfonso insults Allentown women, saying he went to three different Allentown massage parlors and all the women they brought him had a bubble butt like Scorpio. Scorpio came out and as the bell rang, Shane Douglas ran out and clocked him with the TV title in the back of the head. Scorp stumbles into a TazPlex, and is choked out in the Tazmission in 17 SECONDS. WHAT! Real disappointing given what it could have been on paper, but it was about doing a TV angle. Taz smacks the prone Scorp, saying he’s been waiting 10 months to choke Scorp out as payback for his neck. Taz trashes Sabu, and fans chant “F**k you, Taz.”
Next up was the best match of the night, Sabu and Mikey Whipwreck in their third ever meeting. As a fan of great wrestling, let me tell you, with total honesty, YOU WANT A COPY OF THIS MATCH! Trust me! OK, that out of the way, the match starts out with some good matwork, and Sabu and Mikey trade some highspots. Sabu sets Mikey up for a guillotine legdrop off the top, with Mikey’s head resting on a open chair. The chair was destroyed, and so was Mikey. It made me cringe. Fans were mostly into Sabu, but Mikey had his normal following as well. Sabu hits a Mexican armdrag, but Mikey comes back with a Tigerdriver. Mike armdrags Sabu off the top rope to the Floor. Sabu tosses Mikey into the crowd, and springboards off the top roe into a bodypress on Mikey. AWESOME!
Sabu tries to set Mikey up on a table, but Mikey recovers and does an elbow drop off the middle rope on Sabu through the table, which was bridged between the ring and the railing. Mikey tosses him into the same section of the crowd, and springboards into a senton. Mikey Rules! Mikey hits a FrankenMikey in the ring for a 2 and a half count. Sabu tosses a chair at Mikey’s head while he’s climbing the top rope, then dropkicks him off, sending Mikey to the outside of the apron.
Sabu sets up a second table, but it broke when he bridged it, and Mikey was tossed, rudely, on top of it. Sabu was furious. Sabu sets up a third table, and puts Mikey on top of it and gets a chair. He springboards off the chair, OVER the top rope, and catches Mikey, now standing on the table and DDT’S him through the table! I stood there totally speechless in amazement at the move. Sabu then rolled Mikey back in the ring for the pin. Excellent match!
Sabu shakes Mikey’s hand afterwards, and Mikey is helped to the back. Whipwreck deserves a much more prominent role than he currently has. I am dumbfounded as to why some fans find reasons not to like him.
Joey Styles comes out to do the TV show opener. Joey mentions he saw WWF TV today, particularly the Warrior University ad, and says he’ll put $1,000 down that the Warrior wouldn’t last one day at the House of Hardcore. Joey opens the show to huge pop, and brings out the ECW World champion Raven, with his nest. The champ says that Beulah said she was pregnant because she wanted to get away from Raven.
Raven says that he knew Kimona and Beulah were having an affair, and that is why he brought Kimona to ECW. He says that he wanted to still be close to Beulah. He says there were nights he was with Kimona where he could still taste Beulah on her. I won’t even touch that line. He tells of how he detests all women now but tells Richards to find him the lowliest, sleaziest woman he can to be his new valet. I hate to be the voice of reason when it comes to this, as I love beautiful women as much as anyone, but they currently have 6 women in the storylines, and they are adding another? Unless they are building to a Battle Royal or something, this is a bad idea as the total will begin to dilute to effectiveness of each individual lady.
Next up is the Three Way Dance for the ECW TV championship. Sandman and Missy Hyatt come out first, and Sandy is on crutches as he hurt himself at the last Arena show pretty bad. He was unable to work and really should not have been in the building, but he’s a gamer. He will be on the shelf for a while. Next out is the new ECW TV champ, the “Franchise” Shane Douglas, and last out is Tommy Dreamer with his ladies. Kimona lapdances Tommy in the corner, and then Beulah lapdances Kimona and Tommy at once. That’s hardcore.
Raven’s goons jump Tommy before the bell and post him, and the place groaned. Sandman, with the cane, faces off with Shane, who is holding a chair. Tommy tried to get back in the ring, but Shane knocks him back to the floor. Sandman takes a shot at Shane, who hops out of the ring. Sandman canes Shane stiffly in the face to a crowd pop. Tommy returns to the ring. Tommy tried to roll up both guys, but the match never started. Tommy takes out Shane, but Sandman canes Dreamer. Shane takes out Sandman’s knee, and locks him in the Texas Cloverleaf. Missy Hyatt jumps on Douglas’ back, but he doesn’t let go.
Scorpio hits the ring, and superkicks Douglas, Dreamer, and then Sandman by accident. Scorp says he’s throwing in the towel for Sandman and is going to take the third slot for him. Sandman is carried out screaming against his will. Scorp hits a cartwheel into a kick on Douglas. Scorp has gotten even better the last few months. Scorp goes for the pin, but Dreamer breaks it up. Scorp hits a back wheel kick on Dreamer. Shane hits a tombstone on Scorp, but Dreamer breaks it up. Dreamer powerslams Douglas, but misses a nuclear splash.
Shane hits a chicken wing suplex on Tommy, and locks a sleeper on Scorp, while Scorp locks one on Douglas at the same time. All three charge the rope, and Tommy & Shane both go over the top. Scorp topes over on them. Shane whips Tommy into the railing, but he comes back and clotheslines both guys. Shane picks up Scorp for an atomic drop outside, but instead rams him groin first into the ringpost. Tommy hits a running DDT on Shane in the ring. The back and forth stuff continues until the Bruise Brothers hit the ring, and destroy Tommy on the floor. Shane rolls up the beaten Dreamer, who is then destroyed on the floor by the Bruises. Scorp & Shane go back and forth, until the ref gets knocked down, and Scorp sets Shane up for a move off the top rope.
Taz hits the ring and belly-to-back suplexes Scorp off the top onto his head. Shane hits a belly-to-belly suplex for the pin. Shane went after Beulah and Kimona afterwards, and rudely trashed a ring crew guy who tried to intervene. Tommy ends up doing a stretcher job.
Finally, the main event, announced as an “Allentown Exclusive.” In their first meeting ever, the ECW World Tag team champions, The Eliminators take on The Gangstas. New Jack hits the ring with a garbage can, and tosses it. It hits Saturn right in the mush painfully. Ouch. I like the gimmick of playing The Gangstas’ music while they brawl, as long as the crowd isn’t unruly, which it wasn’t tonight. New Jack chokes out Saturn with a plastic bag. Jack and Saturn brawl to the back of the building with the handheld camera following their every move in the crowd.
Fans chant “Moose” at Mustafa after he hits a VaderBomb on Kronus. Jack and Saturn worked really stiff. Saturn dives off the top rope top Jack on floor. Kronus leapfrogs over Mustafa and hits a back kick. Mustafa kicks out after a splash. An “ECW” chant breaks out as soon as the theme music ends. Mustafa is tossed in the crowd, and Saturn hits an Awesome Asai moonsault. New Jack jumps Saturn as he returns to the ringside area. Kronus kicks Mustafa back into the crowd as he tried to jump over the rail. The four continue to brawl around the ring, and Saturn slams a plastic carton of water on Jack. The Eliminators accidentally hit each other twice trying to hit Mustafa, and New Jack dives off with the diving chair, but Saturn kicks the chair into his face in mid-air.
Jack begins to bleed (the only blood of the night). They continue to brawl until they hit Total Elimination on Jack for the pin. The crowd seemed shocked. The Eliminators mock their beaten opponents by creating an “X” with their arms and leave.
Allentown Notes: Super Nova was there but did not work. This guy deserves a regular spot ... I heard complaints about security, but did not see any problems myself. I was told morons were being ejected but were able to return via other doors. When I walked in, a guard stopped me and asked me if I had weapons in my bag. I said no, as I didn’t and he said, “OK. Go ahead.” If that line of thought was used here and Allentown turned out to be a NY-like riotous crowd, it could have been asking for a series of incidents ... The merchandise tables were mobbed before and after the show. They almost completely sold out of stuff. The building seemed to be mostly teenagers and adults with some kids mixed in. Everyone seemed familiar with the character and storylines. The show suffered from overbooking and constant run-ins live, but will seem better on television once it's fleshed out with promos, etc. ... When I arrived at 6 PM there were already 600 fans waiting outside ... In my opinion, ECW should make this building their TV taping site, and use the Arena as a House Show venue. It would allow for an all around better show at the Arena, and creates a third city where they can draw large crowds after NYC and Philadelphia.
1996 - WCW ran Lake Charles, LA, drawing 4,000 fans with the following:
-The Booty Man defeated Kevin Sullivan.
-Dick Slater defeated Lord Steven Regal via countout.
-Randy Savage defeated Arn Anderson.
-Sting defeated Ric Flair.
-WCW World TV Champion Lex Luger defeated Eddie Guerrero.
-Public Enemy defeated the Nasty Boys in a streetfight.
-WCW World Champion the Giant defeated Jim Duggan
.
1997 - WCW ran Slamboree '97 at the Independence Arena in Charlotte, NC. Tim Whitehead filed the following PPV report for the Wrestling Lariat Newsletter:
Diamonds are forever, and so is Ric Flair. Well, maybe nothing is really forever, but Flair’s status as the most over wrestler in the history of the Carolinas and surrounding territory may not be challenged for a very long time. That was never more apparent than at WCW’s Slamboree, as the sold-out Charlotte Independence Arena once again paid homage to the Nature Boy, a ritual that has been often repeated over the past two decades or more, and if Flair’s performance at this show was any indication, we may still be seeing Charlotte light up for his presence a decade or more from now. The better-than-expected main event featuring Flair in the WCW vs. NWO match was the capstone of a generally “thumbs up” show, though by the time Flair’s match began the show was in a down period following the two worst matches on the show. With the exception of the good main event, the show unfolded in a manner similar to other recent WCW PPV’s, with strong lower card bouts leading into generally lower quality matches higher on the roster. The Steiners vs. Konnan & Hugh Morrus match, which was third from the top, was pretty bad and the Steve McMichael vs. Reggie White grudge bout semi-final was every bit as awful as feared going in. There was only a single DQ on the entire nine match show, which definitely is a positive trend (assuming it lasts long enough to become a trend). The other noteworthy item was the prominence of submissions on this show. Several matches ended in submission, and don’t think that’s a coincidence since Ken Shamrock is starting to get over in Titan.
STEVEN REGAL beat ULTIMO DRAGON with the Regal Stretch in 16:03 to capture the TV Title. Regal is no longer using the “Lord” moniker. WCW continues to bill Ultimo as “Ultimate” Dragon. They started off by trading mat wrestling holds. There was little crowd reaction even though what they were doing was good, mainly because fans now expect a flurry of action at the beginning of a match and thus grow restless if there’s a slow start. At around the 5:00 mark the action picked up with Dragon laying in his trademark kicks. They traded submission holds, with Dragon going for a cross armbreaker on several occasions and Regal of course going for his stretch. Regal took a bump to the floor where Sonny Onno laid in some martial arts kicks. Dragon acted upset by Onno’s interference, signalling the turn later in the match. Dragon hit a handspring elbow and a hurancanrana off the top for a two count but missed a moonsault. Regal went for a power bomb but Dragon converted it into a frankensteiner. Dragon hit a quebrada, though just barely as toward the end of the match they were starting to be off a little bit. Regal again ended up on the floor where Dragon hit his trademark Asai moonsault. Onno again kicked Regal, prompting Dragon to push him out of the way. Onno reacted by kicking Dragon, setting him up for a kick from Regal as well. Regal then hit a front suplex followed by his finisher for the submission win and title change. Onno took credit for Regal’s win afterward. A good opener, with the crowd gradually getting into it, and a huge pop at the end for Regal’s win.
MADUSA beat LUNA VACHON in 5:07 with a German Suplex. The commentators discussed the controversy surrounding who owns the Women’s Title. For the record, Akira Hokuto has never lost the belt to Madusa, but they’re claiming Madusa beat her in Japan and that Hokuto & Sonny Onno stole the belt so WCW officials are looking into the matter, which is totally bogus. Anyway, this was an OK match, short enough to not expose either wrestler. Luna opened up fast but Madusa hit a spin kick to a nice pop. Madusa continued on offense with chops and a good clothesline. After trading some hair pulling spots, Luna missed a splash and Madusa hit the suplex for the pin.
Up next, they did a strong angle with RANDY SAVAGE & MISS ELIZABETH coming out for an interview. Savage took the mic from Gene Okerlund (he should get a public service award of some kind for that one) and began running down DALLAS PAGE. Page ran in with a crutch he took from Savage in an earlier TV angle and Savage fled the ring. Page then accused Savage of kissing Hogan’s ass, which led Savage to run back in the ring where Page destroyed him with ECW-style shots from the crutch. Page also bent and broke the crutch on NWO members Marcus Bagwell, Vincent, and even Eric Bischoff when they came to Savage’s aid. Finally, Scott Norton took Page down and he got pounded by the NWO members until GIANT made the save. Page was over like crazy.
REY MYSTERIO JR. beat YUJI YASURAOKA in 14:58 with a springboard hurancanrana. This was yet another good match though it got only a lukewarm fan reaction since no one had the slightest idea who Yasuraoka was (he’s a regular with the WAR promotion in Japan). Yasuraoka started strong with kicks and stomps, getting a two count after a lariat kick. Mysterio frankensteinered Yasuraoka over the top and went for a follow-up move but the ref was in the way, which was a planned spot as Mysterio then did an awesome somersault plancha over the top onto Yasuraoka for the biggest pop of the match. Back in the ring, Mysterio went for another springboard move but Yasuraoka brought him down with a kick. Yasuraoka hooked on a wakigatamae (arm bar submission hold) but there was no crowd response and a “boring” chant started. Yasuraoka then locked on a cross armbreaker. This was followed by several good moves from Yasuraoka (who is something of an unheralded worker since he wrestles for one of Japan’s less publicized groups), including a dive to the floor which the camera missed. Yasuraoka got a two count with a lariat. Mysterio came back, getting two with a split-leg moonsault. They traded twos with Mysterio hitting a rana and Yasuraoka then reversing it. Yasuraoka got two with a double arm DDT. Mysterio got a two with a fisherman suplex before hitting Yasuraoka with a dropkick and the finisher for the pin.
GLACIER defeated MORTIS by DQ in 1:50. Basically, they brawled for about 90 seconds before Mortis signaled for Wrath (the name they finally devised for Bryan “Adam Bomb” Clark) to come in. Wrath used James Vandenberg’s staff on Glacier for the quick DQ. Mortis, Wrath, and Vandenberg then worked Glacier over, including a neat looking spot where Mortis straddled Glacier’s neck and forced his face into the ring stairs. Ernest Miller (a martial arts specialist from the Power Plant) then made the save. Miller looked great doing his limited moves and the heels sold like crazy to put him over. Brief, but entertaining.
DEAN MALENKO defeated JEFF JARRETT with the Texas Cloverleaf submission in 15:01 to retain the U.S. Title. There was a huge “Jarrett sucks” chant at several points throughout this match. They started off with traditional spots and mat wrestling, which cooled the crowd since this style just isn’t over nowadays even when well done. Malenko spent a good deal of time working over Jarrett’s left leg. Jarrett came back with an abdominal stretch, with Debra McMichael helping him out a little. Malenko regrouped with kicks, punches, and a suplex for a two count. Jarrett hit a neckbreaker and went for the figure four but Malenko kicked his sore left knee. Jarrett still managed to score two with an inside cradle. Jarrett worked Malenko over on the floor. Back to the ring, Jarrett hit a crossbody but Malenko rolled through on it for two. Jarrett hooked on the figure four but Malenko made the ropes. Both wrestlers collided in a weak looking spot and Jarrett fell from the ring. Steve McMichael then arrived and tossed Jarrett back in and led Debra away. Malenko then hooked on his cloverleaf finisher for the submission. On balance a decent match, but it ran too long.
MENG beat CHRIS BENOIT in 14:53 with a nerve hold submission in a Death Match. Pinfalls didn’t count here. Woman’s screams at ringside here were really irritating. Benoit has reached the point where he’s so good he can carry just about anyone to at least a decent match and can work all styles from mat wrestling to aerial attacks to brawling. Meng kicked the daylights out of Benoit early. Both wrestlers traded suplexes. After brawling on the floor, they returned to the ring where Benoit hit his hard chops and Meng responded with clubbing elbows. Jacqueline briefly came out and had a staredown with Woman. Meng used a headbutt and a piledriver on Benoit. Benoit retaliated with a wakigatamae and a cross face submission hold. Meng literally clubbed Benoit down with stiff blows, leading to an eight count. The crowd heat by this time had fallen due to the lack of pin attempts and prevalence of submission moves, but Benoit drew a pop with a tope. Benoit then suplexed Meng off the second rope and went for a splash off the top but Meng caught him in a nerve hold. Woman went nuts at ringside but Benoit waved her off when she threatened to interfere, preferring to win or lose by his own abilities (or so the storyline went). The ref ruled that Benoit was out and awarded the upset win to Meng. A somewhat unusual match but Benoit carried it to an acceptable level.
RICK & SCOTT STEINER defeated KONNAN & HUGH MORRUS in 9:33. The Steiners dominated early with suplexes and clotheslines to no heat. The heels then double teamed Scott, and the match began to really deteriorate. Rick finally hot tagged in and cleaned house but it all came off really bad with loads of missed spots. All four began brawling in the ring. Morrus missed a moonsault, enabling Scott to frankensteiner him. Rick then pinned Morrus. Konnan was angry with Morrus for losing and attacked him and walked out as Jimmy Hart tried in vain to patch things up. The teams just didn’t work well together, leading to a very bad match.
STEVE McMICHAEL pinned REGGIE WHITE following a shot from the briefcase in 15:15. This match had good heat early due to the status of McMichael and especially White as football legends, but it ran so long and came off so badly that the heat was gone after the first five minutes or so. White wore a Green Bay Packers jersey with a WCW logo. They traded shoulderblocks early, which was really the only move either could do. McMichael “drew” a scrimmage line on the mat and dared White to cross it. White ended up knocking Mongo to the floor, where he did the old Ric Flair “walkout” routine and headed for the locker room, only to be hauled back by Gilbert Brown of the Packers, who was at ringside for White. White went for a dropkick which got a lot of altitude for his size but also barely grazed Mongo. White then barely hit McMichael with a clothesline, which Mongo sold by crashing to the floor. In the funny line of the night Tony Schiavone said it shows how powerful White is that he could knock McMichael from the ring even though he hardly touched him. McMichael weakly clipped White from behind. They continued trading weak and/or missed spots. Mongo rammed White’s arm into the turnbuckle, but he sold it as if his head hit it. McMichael went for a figure floor but a weak kick from White again sent him to the floor. Mongo returned to the ring but got clotheslined back out again. Finally (in fact, almost mercifully) White hit a splash but Debra distracted the ref. Mongo got his briefcase but Brown took it from him in a clumsy-looking spot. Jarrett then ran out and tossed another briefcase to McMichael which he used to flatten White for the pin. A really, really bad match.
RIC FLAIR & RODDY PIPER & KEVIN GREENE defeated KEVIN NASH & SCOTT HALL & SYXX in 17:19. This match had incredible heat and was far better than it looked to be on paper. It was great that Syxx was included here as he certainly added to the match. Flair was naturally over to the highest degree, as was Piper. Greene was over and actually looks to have potential. Compared to McMichael or White, he’s Kenta Kobashi. Syxx hit a terrific spin kick on Flair, followed by a series of Flair’s patented chops. Flair looked great considering that he’s coming off an injury, and was awesome in taunting the NWO. Nash’s shocked facial expressions were hilarious as he watched the “old man” Flair clean everyone’s clock. Greene tagged in but Hall spit on him and tagged out to Nash. Greene drew a huge pop by shoulderblocking Nash to the mat, sending him from the ring with a bodyslam. Greene then double clotheslined Hall & Syxx. Piper came in and did his routine of going berserk with his fists. He hit a neckbreaker on Hall but Syxx subdued him by kicking his bad (that is, artificial) hip. Hall continued to pound on the hip, saying, “Now we’re going to school” to taunt Flair. Piper managed to tag in Flair, who cleaned house again until being caught by Hall coming off the top. Flair got hurled over the top and appeared to scrape his elbow on the side of the ring as he was bleeding hardway from it shortly afterward. Nash kicked Flair on the floor, and rolled him back in where Syxx did the “hump” on him in the corner. Piper kept trying for the save, limping badly to sell the hip. Piper tagged in and went after Syxx but referee Randy Anderson didn’t see the tag and ordered Piper out. Piper slugged the ref, knocking him out, which under normal circumstances would have led to a DQ (WCW just can’t keep its rules straight even in a hot match). Suspended former NWO referee Nick Patrick then ran in as the unofficial substitute. Flair and Hall were going at it as the others fought on the floor. Flair locked on the figure four to an incredible pop, while Greene powerslammed Syxx and Piper hooked a sleeper on Nash. Patrick ended up counting down all three NWO members simultaneously to give the WCW team the big win. A great main event!
NOTES:
Referee Nick Patrick was reinstated the next evening on Nitro for his “honorable” actions in this match.
For those with an interest in history, Jeff Jarrett is playing Pompey to Steve McMichael’s Julius Caesar, as that relationship is obviously one-sided.
Commentary was terrible, especially Bobby Heenan making fun of the wrestlers’ names and moves.
Schiavone mentioned that Flair regained the World Title from a huge wrestler (i.e. Vader) in December 1993 in Charlotte, and that the huge wrestler had not been seen since, which, to put it bluntly, was a categorical lie.
The dark match saw Public Enemy beat Harlem Heat in a match reported to us as poor.
1998 - WCW ran Providence, RI at the Civic Center with a Monday Nitro broadcast, featuring:
-Perry Saturn defeated Psychosis
-Juventud Guerrera defeated Damien
-WCW U.S. Champion Bill Goldberg defeated Glacier
-Chris Jericho defeated Ciclope
-Lex Luger defeated Brian Adams
-The Ultimo Dragon defeated Eddie Guerrero.
2000 - WCW ran Jackson, MS, drawing 2,133 fans with the following results:
-Three Count's Shane Helms & Shannon Moore defeated The Jung Dragon's Yang & Kaz Hayashi.
-Jim Duggan defeated Fit Finlay.
-Mona defeated Juventud Guerrera, Lash Laroux, David Flair, and WCW Cruiserweight Champion Crowbar in an elimination match by last defeating Guerrera.
-Booker T defeated Shawn Stasiak.
-Ron & Don Harris defeated Stevie Ray & Big T and Big Vito & Johnny the Bull.
-WCW U.S. Champion Scott Steiner defeated Capt. Rection.
-Lex Luger defeated Shane Douglas & Chuck Palumbo in a handicap match.
2002 - Davey Boy Smith passed away due to a heart attack while on vacation in British Columbia, Smith, a former WWF Tag Team, European and Hardcore champion, was only 39 and at one point, was one of the biggest singles babyfaces in the world for WWF during the time period in the early 1990s when the company began touring the UK regularly.
2002 - Erich Kulas, whose one match stint in ECW as Mass Transit led to one of the most infamous moments in recent wrestling history, passed away at his home in Cranston, RI, on 5/14 due to complications stemming from a recent gastro-bypass surgery. He was only 22 years old. In 1996, Kulas, when he was 17, worked a tag match for ECW in Revere, MA, subbing for Axl Rotten and teaming with D-Von Dudley vs. the Gangstas. New Jack destroyed Kulas, billed as “Mass Transit”, during the match, including cutting him open with an Xacto knife. Anyone who saw the tape of the match will not soon forget the sight of Kulas pouring blood out of his forehead. Charges of criminal assault were brought against Jack. He was found not guilty. Kulas later sued Jack and ECW (among others), claiming permanent disfigurement and emotional distress. That suit was also dismissed. The aftermath of the incident saw ECW's initial PPV canceled for a short time. Kulas had not disclosed his age to ECW when he entered the ring.
2002 - WWF aired the final episode of their Saturday evening "Excess" series on the USA Network, making room for WWF Confidential. John Keane filed the following TV report:
Recorded at the WWE TV Studios in Stamford, CT.
1st Hour: Smackdown recap, hosted by Michael Cole and Mark Loyd.
Show opens with footage hyping one of the Main Events taking place at Sunday nights Judgment Day PPV-Chris Jericho vs. HHH in Hell in a Cell.
Cole and Loyd waste no time delving into the history of the Hell in a Cell match, pointing out its legacy as a career shortener with references to Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels. Also on the card at the PPV: The Undertaker challenges Hulk Hogan for the Undisputed Championship. We get video recap of the Hulkster's appearance on last weeks show-the Montreal crowd was awesome in their show of respect for the champ. Hogan finally got a chance to talk, and simply thanked the crowd for their response tonight and 2 months past, on the Raw the night after Wrestlemania (when he formally severed his ties with the n.W.o.). Hulk briefly played to the crowd, and was about to talk about his upcoming match with 'Taker, when Smackdown boss Vince McMahon made his entrance. Vince ragged on Hogan, mentioning how much he'd enjoyed watching 'Taker drag him around the arena behind his motorcycle on Raw. He continued the verbal assault, claiming that Hulkamania has cancer, and will finally be destroyed by 'Taker at Judgment Day. Vince continued to rant, then slapped Hogan. The champ then laid into Vince, laying him out and dropping the leg as the crowd went nuts.
Cole mentions he's never heard a crowd response like the one Hogan received. Break.
Back, we recap the stormy Tajiri/Torrie Wilson relationship. Tajiri has recently been putting his kimono-clad 'girlfriend' in harms way in his efforts to retain his Cruiserweight championship. 2 weeks ago when Tajiri faced The Hurricane, Torrie finally had enough and ditched the kimono atop the announce table. Last week, Tajiri (sans Torrie) faced Billy Kidman and Hurricane in a triple-threat match for the Cruiserweight strap. End of the match saw Hurricane hitting his Chokeslam on Tajiri to get the 1-2-3. The Hurricane is our new Cruiserweight Champion.
Cole and Loyd remind us someone's been leaving cryptic notes for the Hurricane in the backstage area. Whoever's been leaving them claims to know his 'secret identity'. We take a break.
(Commentary: Most folks seem to think the note's author will turn out to be Rey Mysterio Jr. Myself, I'm hoping for Nova.)
When we return, Cole gets in a shot at the poor condition of Loyd's hair. This leads to a discussion of Rico, 'stylist' for Tag champs Billy and Chuck. 2 weeks ago, Rico got involved in his clients tag match and ended up taking a Stinkface from Rikishi. This led to them going one-on-one on last weeks show. Despite interference from B&C, Rikishi picked up the win. Our hosts remind us that at Judgment Day, Billy and Chuck will put their titles on the line against Rikishi and a partner of Vince's choice. Break.
Back, Cole makes the big announcement-this is the final episode of Excess. Next week, the first hour of this time slot will be taken up by 'Velocity', which will feature members of the Smackdown roster in first-run matches (this show will replace Jakked/Metal). The second hour will be occupied by 'Confidential' which, Cole informs us, will go behind the scenes and focus on individual wrestlers-next weeks debut will feature Shawn Michaels. Back to the recap-also on the Judgment Day card is Kurt Angle vs. Edge in a 'hair vs. hair' match, the loser adopting the Stone Cold/Justin Credible/Albert hairstyle. We get video of the events leading up to the announcement of the stipulation. Cole mentions that a barber chair will be set up at ringside to allow the haircut to be administered directly after the match-no mention of the barber…
(Commentary: You don't think…Brother Bruti? Oh hell, why not?)
Back, we get our Tough Enough 2 recap. Male contestant Hawk, citing unspecified problems, voluntarily left the show. Female contestant Jackie appeared to suffer an injury in the ring-no mention on her future from our hosts. As usual, Tough Enough talk leads in to a discussion of first season winner Maven-he successfully asked the now-available Torrie out on a date last week. AND speaking of Torrie, she further asserted her independence by taking on her bitter rival Stacy Keibler in a 'swimsuit contest' last week. Well, that was the intention anyway, her crazed former 'boyfriend' Tajiri covered her up and dragged her from the ring before she could remove her robe. Stacy declared herself winner without even granting a look at the goods, when new Women's Champion Trish Stratus entered the scene (remember, Trish, as champ, can appear on both Raw and Smackdown). She hit the ring and removed her robe to reveal, not a swimsuit, but a very nice set-of lingerie. Crowd voted Trish the winner, Stacy tried to attack, Trish nonchalantly kicked her from the ring.
Our hosts remind us that after the contest, the livid Stacy went crying to Vince and demanded a shot at Trish and her Women's title at Judgment Day. Vince agreed, adding in the Reverend D-Von Dudley to 'watch Stacy's back (Bubba Ray Dudley is expected to be accompanying Trish, probably more on that in the next hour). Break.
After a clip of Shawn Michaels interview that will air in full next week on 'Confidential', we get a video recap hyping tomorrow nights Hell in a Cell.
(Shawn was in the first HIAC, defeating the Undertaker with help from Kane, making his debut.) End of first hour.
2nd Hour: Raw recap, hosted by Jonathan Coachman and Raven.
We open up with footage from Raw 2 weeks past. Ric Flair, after turning his back on Stone Cold Steve Austin in favor of the nWo, announced that the Rattlesnake would be facing himself and The Big Show in a handicap match at the upcoming Judgment Day PPV.
Coach and 22-time Hardcore Champion Raven welcome us in to the final hour of Excess. We see video of Flair explaining his reasons for turning on Austin. . He reminded us that all his attempts to befriend Austin were met with physical assaults. He describes Stone Cold as trash, just like the crowd and the Maple Leafs (show was from Toronto last week). He talked briefly about the handicap match at Judgment Day, then dropped the bomb-later in the evening, he would face the Hulkster in a 'no-DQ' match for the Undisputed Championship.
Coach feels the boss has no place in the ring-Raven disagrees, feels Flair was making a statement to assert his dominance over Raw. We go to the match. Flair, after getting tossed around for a bit, went for a chair-inexplicably the ref confiscated it (no-DQ match, right?). Hogan eventually put Ric in his own signature move, the Figure-4…Ric makes the ropes. Hulk eventually dropped the leg and made the cover-broken up by an X-Pac run-in. Hogan quickly disposed of him, next The Big Show made an appearance-followed by Bradshaw, who tossed him outside and then gave chase. Flair then put the boots to Hogan until a smiling Stone Cold made his entrance. He gave Ric a Stunner, Hogan dropped the leg once again, made the cover, 1-2-3. Hulk Hogan is still our Undisputed Champion.
Hype for the handicap match precedes a break.
We come back to footage from Raw 2 weeks past. During an impromptu Hardcore title match, Bubba Ray Dudley, after taking a fire extinguisher shot to the face which apparently blinded him, mistakenly put Trish Stratus through a table. Afterward, Bubba Ray realized his mistake, and carried Trish from the ring.
Coach and Raven show us highlights of one of last weeks matches-Bubba Ray and Trish taking on Women's Champ Jazz and Hardcore Champ Steven Richards. Both titles were on the line in this Hardcore rules mess. In a nutshell, Trish scored the Stratusfaction on Jazz to get the 1-2-3. Steven abandoned his partner to make an escape, retaining his HC title. Post-match, Trish told Bubba Ray to get the table. He obliged, and took Jazz for the ride.
Raven mentions Jazz joins the long list of women, which includes Coach's former girlfriend Mae Young, to go through tables. After a pause, Coach informs us that Jazz re-aggravated an injury during the match, and will be out 4 to 6 months. Break.
(Commentary: In reality, Jazz was scheduled to go on the shelf due to injury before the match, and Bubba Ray took most of the impact himself in the table spot.)
WWE Rewind: Brock Lesnar clubberin' (thanks Dusty) of the Hardyz over the last month or so.
Back to Coach and Raven for more on the Hardyz/Lesnar saga. Last week it was Brock Lesnar vs. Matt and Jeff Hardy in a handicap match. Brock was accompanied to the ring by his 'agent' Paul Heyman. Brock tossed the boys around for most of the match, but the Hardyz seemed about to pull off the miracle upset after scoring on consecutive dives off opposite turnbuckles. Jeff made the cover, but Paul pulled the ref from the ring before he could count 3. Surprisingly, ref called for the DQ, Hardyz get the win. Brock went on his standard rampage afterwards, the Hardyz eventually make their escape and headed up the entry ramp. Heyman, livid at his client having a loss on his record, got on the mic and challenged the Hardyz to face Brock at Judgment Day-no sweat. Then Paul announced Brock would have a tag partner for that match-himself! Brock seemed pretty shocked, as did the Hardyz, who nonetheless still agreed.
Coach feels purchasing the PPV may be worth the money just to see Paul get his butt kicked. Raven doesn't think Brock will let any harm come to his 'agent'. Break.
We come back to video detailing the events leading up to tomorrow nights 'Taker/Hogan matchup, including the aforementioned bike drag. Raven thinks the Dead Man has the edge in the contest-Coach keeps mum. Break.
Coach and Raven return to discuss the aftermath of Flair's loss to Hogan. The enraged Nature Boy booked Austin in a 'lumberjack match', in which he'd square off with a 'mystery' n.W.o. member. We go to video of Goldust-he's ecstatic about being asked to be a lumberjack. We pan to his reluctant 'pal' Booker T, who's dressed in traditional lumberjack gear, complete with fake beard. Funny the first time… Raven feels we've seen the last of the Booker/Goldust alliance. Oh well. On to the match. The lumberjacks ended up consisting of every heel on the Raw roster, including our co-host Raven and Flair himself. As Austin struggled to enter the ring through the gauntlet, Ric announced his opponent…the newest member of the nWo….. the surprised-looking Booker T. In a nutshell, Austin got his butt kicked by everybody, then eventually rolled up Booker to get the 1-2-3. As he left up the ramp, Flair's pal Arn Anderson attacked from behind and forced Austin back to the ring. Raw ended with Stone Cold getting his butt kicked some more.
Coach mentions that Austin suffered internal injuries in the beatdown. Raven hopes tomorrow night will put an end to 'WHAT' and the career of the Rattlesnake. Break.
Our hosts return and go over next weeks lineup changes. We get an update on Lita-she underwent surgery for injuries sustained on the season finale (and apparently last show ever) of the TV show 'Dark Angel' Surgery went well, but she'll be out of action at least 6 months. We see footage of her filming a TNN commercial (an older one, it seems, the one in the boardroom.) Lots of talk about Lita's underwear.
Let's call it a show. Tomorrow night, Raven and Coach will host Heat live from the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, TN, the site of Judgment Day. Here's the card for the PPV as it stands:
1. Rikishi and a mystery partner (to be chosen by Mr. McMahon) challenging Billy and Chuck, with Rico, for the Tag Championships. Raven's pick-Billy and Chuck retain.
2. Stacy Keibler challenging Trish Stratus for the Women's title. The Reverend D-Von will be in Stacy's corner, and Bubba Ray is expected to accompany Trish. Raven-interesting to see how Dudz will interact.
3. Rob Van Dam challenging Eddy Guerrero for the Intercontinental title. Raven-Eddy retains.
4. Matt and Jeff Hardy vs. Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman. Raven-Brock destroys both, allows Paul to cover for the 1-2-3.
5. Edge vs. Kurt Angle in a 'hair vs. hair' match. Raven-As long as Brutus Beefcake doesn't make an appearance, should be great. (BOO!)
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Ric Flair and The Big Show in a handicap match. Raven-Flair and Show in a walk.
7. HHH vs. Chris Jericho in Hell in a Cell. Raven-should be incredible. (Me-get extra EMTs…)
8. The Undertaker challenging Hulk Hogan for the Undisputed Championship. Raven-'Taker.
Coach and Raven quietly send Excess to that sad place occupied by Superstars and Livewire.
2003 - WWE Judgment Day was held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Charlotte Coliseum. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to our coverage of Judgment Day. Here is a brief Heat recap.
- Jonathan Coachman & Al Snow hosted the show.
- The events leading to the bikini showdown were recapped. Sable arrived at the building, and Josh Matthews approached her for an innuendo filled interview.
- They plugged Freddie Blassie's book, and showed the incident from Monday where Steve Austin reinstated the Dudley's and they laid out Three Minute Warning after they tried to bully Blassie around.
- They re-aired the video from a few months ago looking at the history of the Intercontinental Title. Of course, the video was made when they retired the title. Tonight, the title comes back.
- Eric Bischoff was backstage, and approached Sean Morley. Bischoff asked him what he was doing here. Morley said he wanted to wrestle in the Intercontinental Title battle royal. Bischoff said "Chief Morley" was never Intercontinental Champion. Morley said that he was right, and walked away. I don't think I am spoiling anything when I mention that Val Venis (Morley's old persona) was Intercontinental Champion.
- Terri interviewed Teddy Long and Jazz about how "the man" was keeping them down by putting Jazz in the ring with three challengers tonight.
- The events leading to Triple H vs. Kevin Nash were shown.
- They showed Kevin Nash and Shawn Michaels arriving at the building.
- Mr. America's visit to an Armed Forces hospital was recapped.
- Tazz and Michael Cole reviewed the Mr. America-Roddy Piper incident from last week on Smackdown.
- Josh Matthews interviewed Team Angle about their ladder match tonight. Team Angle took credit for injuring Chavo Guerrero, saying Eddie Guerrero would now have to forfeit the match, or wrestle it as a handicap match.
- Hurricane defeated Steven Richards (without Victoria) with the Shining Wizard in the only match of the show.
- The Stretcher Match was discussed. A yellow line was placed at the end of the aisle, with the rule being that the loser must be stretchered down the aisle and over the line before a winner can be declared. The events leading to the match were then recapped. They even tossed in a few frames of Andre The Giant vs. Killer Kahn, which was the last time WWF/E had a stretcher match.
- Brock Lesnar was shown arriving. We saw that Big Show was standing in the shadows, watching him walk in, as Heat ended.
Judgment Day is next!
Judgment Day began with a video package focusing on the Show-Lesnar, HHH-Nash, Piper-America matches, with spooky clips interspersed.
The set for this PPV is just one huge set of scaffolding and fake brick walls, with video screens and pyro behind it.
All three sets of announcers (Raw, Smackdown, Spanish) welcomed us to the show.
Steve Austin came to the ring. He welcomed to the fans to the show, then said he was going to watch the whole show from his skybox while he drinks beer. Austin grabbed two beers, gave one to Tazz, and toasted him at ringside before heading through the crowd to his skybox.
The first match was the unannounced (at least by WWE) six-man tag match with John Cena & The FBI (Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo) with Nunzio vs. Rhyno, Spanky & Chris Benoit. Spanky vaulted off of Rhyno and Benoit onto their opponents on the floor to start the match. It settled into Cena and Spanky in the ring, with Spanky hitting an enzugiri, but the FBI ran in and H-Bombed Spanky. The FBI worked over Spanky in their corner. Palumbo applied a bearhug and got a two count on Spanky. Palumbo went back to the bearhug, and clotheslined Spanky as he punched out of it. Spanky headscissored Palumbo into Cena, and tagged in Benoit. Benoit and Rhyno cleaned house, and Benoit hit Cena and Palumbo with German suplexes. Benoit hit the top rope headbutt on Palumbo. Nunzio ran in, and Rhyno gored him. Spanky got a blind tag from Benoit and dropkicked Cena in the back of the head. Benoit, not realizing he was tagged out, put Cena in a Crippler Crossface. Meanwhile, the FBI hit the Kiss of Death (legdrop/backbreaker) on Spanky as he went for Sliced Bread #2, which Nunzio stopped. Spanky was then pinned, even though Benoit was making Cena tap at the same time. FBI & Cena were the winners in just under four minutes.
Eric Bischoff joined Steve Austin in his skybox. Austin gave Bischoff a beer, and when Austin toasted him, he splashed most of the beer onto Bischoff.
Members of the Carolina Panthers are at the show.
The history leading to Scott Steiner & Test vs. La Resistance was recapped. Their match was next.
La Resistance got some heat on the microphone, saying the U.S. government promotes hatred, and that Americans are barbarians. Test was already glaring at Steiner as they came to the ring with Stacy Keibler. Rene started out with Test, trading slaps, and Test pounded him in the corner. Steiner tagged in after Test backdropped Rene, then chopped and pounded Rene. Test and Steiner kept knocking Sylvan off the ring apron as he tried to get involved. Steiner hit an elbow on Rene, then did some pushups. Sylvan kneed Steiner from the apron, and Steiner slugged him for it. This allowed Rene to dump Steiner to the floor, and Sylvan worked him over on the outside. In the ring, Sylvan tagged in, and La Resistance hit a double suplex on Steiner. Sylvan put Steiner in a rear chinlock, and booted him when Steiner tried to battle back. Sylvan hit a second rope clothesline for a two count. Rene tagged back in, and came off the top rope, but Steiner caught him and hit a released Northern Lights suplex. Steiner tagged Test, as Sylvan tagged in. Test cleaned house, hitting shots on both men. Test hit a full nelson slam on Sylvan, but Rene broke it up. The match broke down, until Steiner suplexed Rene, and kicked Sylvan from the ring. Test hit a pumphandle slam on Rene, but the referee was distracted by Steiner leaving the ring. Rene dropkicked Test into Stacy on the apron, and Steiner caught Stacy and put her down on the security wall, while Test glared at him. The match broke down again, with Steiner then cleaning house, until Test accidentally gave Steiner the big boot. La Resistance tossed Test into the ringpost, then hit Steiner with a double spinebuster, and Sylvan got the pin at just under the six minute mark.
After the match, Test dragged Stacy to the back, even though she wanted to check on Steiner.
Backstage, ace reporter Gregory Helms asked Mr. America if he was Hulk Hogan. America said he heard that Helms was actually a superhero. Both agreed that their respective "sources" was wrong, and wished each other luck.
Josh Matthews interviewed Eddie Guerrero about whether he would wrestle a handicap match, or forfeit the match to Team Angle. Guerrero said he had a third option, to pick a substitute partner. Eddie said it was tough, but he found someone "loco" enough to take Chavo's place. He then introduced Yoshihiro Tajiri as his partner, and Tajiri delivered the "We lie, we treat, we steal" catch phrase.
A Kurt Angle promo aired, hyping his impending return. As Team Angle came to the ring, the events from last week on Smackdown, when Eddie got the better of Team Angle alone, was shown.
Team Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero & Yoshihiro Tajiri, in a ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, was next. Eddie and Shelton started brawling on the floor, while Tajiri went at it with Haas in the ring. Benjamin whipped Guerrero into the ladder on the floor, allowing Team Angle to work on Tajiri. Eddie made it back to the ring, and Team Angle then focused on him, hitting a press slam into a gutbuster. Team Angle pulled out a second ladder from under the ring. Tajiri hit a mistimed tope, catching himself on the ropes, but still landing on Haas. Guerrero hit a pescado on Benjamin, but Shelton rammed him into the security wall. Team Angle went to climb the ladder, and Tajiri hit a handspring into the ladder, knocking them down. Tajiri dropkicked the ladder into Benjamin, sending him from the ring. The ladder was placed on Haas groin in the corner, and Eddie & Tajiri dropkicked it into his crotch. Another ladder was brought into the ring. Haas was laid out on one ladder, and Tajiri placed another one on top of him. Eddie then hit a slingshot somersault backsplash onto the ladder sandwich. Tajiri set up a ladder and climbed up, but Benjamin got in and pulled him down. Benjamin climbed the ladder, but Eddie dropkicked him off. Eddie put a ladder in the corner, but Benjamin blocked a whip and powerslammed Eddie into the ladder. Eddie was dumped to the floor, and Benjamin slammed Tajiri in the ring. Haas was back up and he rammed Tajiri into a ladder against the ropes. Haas then held up the end of the ladder, with Tajiri lying across it like a bridge. Shelton climbed another ladder, then jumped onto Tajiri straddle style. Haas then climbed a ladder, but Eddie shoved it, and Haas fell to the floor. Eddie wedged a ladder in the corner, but Benjamin reversed a whip and sent Eddie into it back first. Tajiri kicked the ladder so it swung into Benjamin's face. Tajiri hit kicks on Haas and Benjamin. Tajiri hit Team Angle in the gut with a ladder, then hit them in the face with it. Benjamin fell to the floor, and Tajiri hit a baseball slide, sending one ladder into him. Tajiri put Haas in the Tarantula, but Benjamin hit Tajiri with the ladder from the floor to break it up. Team Angle worked over Guerrero in the ring. Guerrero monkeyflipped Shelton into Haas, who was holding a ladder. Eddie dumped both members of Team Angle to the floor, then set up a ladder. Eddie climbed up, but had to keep fighting off Team Angle. He gave Benjamin a frog splash from the ladder. Haas started to climb the ladder, while Eddie climbed the other side. They slugged it out on the ladder, then Eddie hit a sunset flip style powerbomb off the ladder on Haas. The fans were chanting "Eddie" as he went to climb up again. Shelton went up the ladder after Guerrero, and grabbed Eddie's legs to stop him. Tajiri climbed the other side of the ladder and spit the green mist in between Eddie's legs into Shelton's face. Benjamin fell to the mat, and Guerrero and Tajiri grabbed the belts for the win in fourteen and a half minutes. Eddie Guerrero & Yoshihiro Tajiri are the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
In the skybox, Austin and Bischoff commented on how good the previous matchwas , and how they wanted to get Guerrero on Raw. Austin had Bischoff drink a beer and eat a hamburger. Austin opened the window to the Skybox, and complained about the way Bischoff drank his beer (he sipped it). Austin chugged his beer, and tried to get Bischoff to do the same.
Terri interviewed Chris Jericho about the Intercontinental Title battle royal. Jericho said his chances of winning the match were excellent. Roddy Piper interrupted, saying Jericho ripped off "Piper's Pit". Jericho blasted Piper for ripping the leg off the "fan" last week. Piper said it was an accident, like Jericho's conception. Both men then boasted that they were going to be victorious tonight. Piper started to say they had something in common, but stopped himself, and both men walked off.
Some commercials for various WWE products and shows aired.
The history video on the Intercontinental Championship was shown. The battle royal for the Intercontinental Title was next. Pat Patterson, the first Intercontinental Champion, was on hand to present the title belt to the winner of the match. Jim Ross mentioned that Honky Tonk Man was the longest reigning champion, and that Jeff Jarrett had held it the most, with six title reigns.
Val Venis (Sean Morley in his old gimmick) came out, saying he was back, and cut a promo in his old "porn star" character. The other participants are Chris Jericho, Goldust, Lance Storm, Rob Van Dam, Christian, Test (without Stacy), Kane and Booker T.
Van Dam and Kane went at it at the bell. Kane booted RVD down, then everyone attacked Kane. Kane fought them all off. Kane then tossed Lance Storm over the top rope to the floor.
Lance Storm is eliminated.
Rob Van Dam kicked Kane's leg out, but Kane knocked him down. Kane was then attacked by everyone else, and dumped tot he floor.
Kane is eliminated.
Kane then ran back in the ring booting everyone and chokeslamming Test, Val Venis and RVD. Kane then left.
Booker T tossed out Test.
Test is eliminated.
Goldust tossed out Val Venis.
Val Venis is eliminated.
Christian tossed Rob Van Dam from the ring. RVD landed on the apron, but Jericho hit a springboard dropkick to knock him to the floor.
Rob Van Dam is eliminated.
Jericho and Christian then worked as a team, but Goldust hit them with a double bulldog. Goldust and Booker then worked as a team, and Goldust hit Shattered Dreams on Christian and Jericho. Booker hit a sidekick on Jericho. Goldust called for a spinarooni, and Booker did one. Goldust then grabbed Booker and tried to toss him out, but Booker reversed it and tossed Goldust.
Goldust is eliminated.
Booker and Goldust smiled at each other, and touched hands.
Jericho and Christian then double teamed Booker T. Christian held Booker so Jericho could punch him. Jericho hit a clothesline, then Christian said they should toss him. Booker fought back, and hung onto the ropes. Booker started to rally with punches, but Christian and Jericho took back over on him. Christian whipped Jericho towards Booker, but Booker ducked and clotheslined both men. Jericho was tossed over the top, but Jericho skinned the cat back in. Jericho had a bloody nose. Jericho hit a clothesline on Booker. Christian hit a reverse DDT on Booker. Jericho went for a Lionsault on Booker, but Christian shoved Jericho over the top as he went for the springboard.
Chris Jericho is eliminated.
Jericho was so angry, he ripped apart a section of the security wall.
Christian punched Booker, but Booker rallied back with forearms and hit a spinkick. Booker hit a flapjack, but missed a spinning heel kick, and Christian yanked Booker to the mat by his hair. Christian went for a lowdropkick, but Booker moved and Christian dropkicked the referee at ringside, knocking him out. Booker tossed Christian from the ring, and Christian landed on the ring apron. Christian grabbed Booker and tried to ram him into the corner. Booker blocked it and rammed Christian into the corner instead, then kicked Christian off the apron to the floor. Booker T's music played, and Pat Patterson went to give the belt to Booker. Christian stopped him, and slugged Patterson. Christian then went back into the ring, hit Booker with the belt, and tossed Booker from the ring in front of the "now conscious" referee to be declared the official victor at the eleven minute mark
Backstage, Torrie Wilson and Sable tried to psyche each other out over their bikini contest. They went over the "tale of the tape" for the contest (Sable: 36-24-36 vs. Torrie: 36-25-36), and the history leading to this epic encounter was shown. Tazz and Michael Cole joked that Jerry Lawler had offered Tazz a lot of money to be the host of the contest, but Tazz said he was going to do it.
The bikini contest was next. Torrie Wilson danced behind a white screen with Lilian Garcia, who was singing, and Wilson then put on her robe as the screen was dropped and she went to the ring. Unfortunately, Garcia who was dancing, was not wearing a bikini. Sable entered to her usual entrance music. Tazz went over the rules, which were basically that both women had 15 seconds to do their thing, then the fans would decide the winner. Sable went first, revealing her G-String bikini. Jerry Lawler was shown marking out over Sable. Tazz made a joke about having his hand in his pocket during her dance. Torrie was next, wearing a black bikini (not a thong) with the Playboy logo on the front. (For the purposes of the report, I should point out that Sable was showing more skin, and had much better dance moves). The judging was next, and Sable actually got more cheers, while Torrie received some boos. Torrie then said she was not done, and stripped off the black bikini to reveal a silver G-String bikini that was much smaller. Tazz then declared Torrie the winner, without going back to the crowd. Torrie said she wanted to make sure there was no hard feelings with Sable, and approached her and kissed her on the lips. Torrie left the ring, as Sable stared at her.
In the skybox, Eric Bischoff was getting sick from all the beer and food Steve Austin was giving him. Austin then started giving Bischoff pickles to eat. Bischoff complained about how spicy they were, and said he needed something to drink, so Austin handed him the pickle jar, and Bischoff drank the juice. Austin then forced some beer down Bischoff's throat.
Backstage, Sean O'Haire and Roddy Piper were preparing to head to the ring. Vince McMahon entered and psyched up Piper for his match with Mr. America.
They recapped the incident from Thursday where Piper ripped the prosthetic leg off of a "fan" who tried to help Mr. America.
Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Mr. America was next. Piper was accompanied by Sean O'Haire. Mr. America came out with a steel chair. America took the mic and said the chair was for a friend of his, and introduced Zach Gowen (the fan from last week, aka Tenacious Z, using his real name). Gowen walked down with a cane and sat at ringside. O'Haire and Piper attacked America before the bell, and the referee ordered O'Haire out of the ring. Piper kicked America, and O'Haire reached in and choked America when he had the chance. America came back, ramming Piper into the turnbuckles and punching him in the corner. America lifted the mask up so he could bite Piper. O'Haire tripped America and pulled him to the floor. America came back, and choked O'Haire with his weightlifting belt. Piper came off the ring apron and hit America. Back in the ring, Piper whipped America with the belt. America hulked up and returned fire with belt shots. O'Haire interfered again, pulling America throat first across the top rope. Piper applied a sleeperhold, wearing down America until he powered up, but Piper slugged him back down. America hulked up as Piper hit him, then America hit a series of rights, and knocked O'Haire off the apron. America hit a boot to the face on Piper, as Mr. McMahon came out. This distracted America, and Piper hit a low blow. McMahon handed O'Haire a steel pipe at ringside. McMahon distracted the referee, and O'Haire went to hit him with the pipe, but missed and hit Piper. America knocked O'Haire from the ring, and hit a legdrop on Piper. McMahon went to run in, but Gowen grabbed McMahon to stop him from interfering as America got the pin on Piper at the five and a half minute mark. Hogan got Gowen in the ring to protect him, as McMahon acted like he wasn't bothered by Gowen stopping him, but was obviously steaming. America then posed for the crowd, with Gowen watching from the corner.
Backstage, Stephanie McMahon approached Triple H, and told him to "be careful".
A video package on the events leading to Triple H vs. Kevin Nash was shown.
Shawn Michaels, who will be in Nash's corner, made his own entrance, including his music. Nash then made his entrance. Ric Flair then made an entrance, to a huge ovation, as Jim Ross noted that this show was in Flair's hometown. Triple H then made his entrance, and Nash charged him in the aisle as he came down. Flair and Michaels immediately got involved, and brawled to the back, with security and referees trying to keep Flair and Michaels apart. Jim Ross put over that referee Earl Hebner was ordering Flair and Michaels to be kept in the back. Nash and Triple H brawled to ringside, with Nash tossing him into the ringsteps. They got into the ring, as the bell rang to start the match. Nash hit a backdrop, and Triple H went to the floor. Nash and Triple H fought outside, with Nash ramming Triple H into the ringpost. Nash hit a big boot and a slam, then dropped an elbow. Nash dropped a second elbow, then a third. Triple H poked Nash in the eyes. He argued with the referee, and shoved him. Nash hit Triple H with a clothesline, but Triple H came back with a neckbreaker. Nash reversed a whip and clotheslined Triple H in the corner. Nash pounded Triple H with fists, and shoved referee Earl Hebner when he tried to break it up. Hebner pulled Nash off of Triple H by the hair. Triple H went to the floor, and Nash gave chase. When they got back in the ring, Nash ducked a clothesline and Hebner got wiped out. Triple H kicked away a Nash backdrop, which had no effect. Triple H then kicked Nash in the nads. Triple H pulled off one of the turnbuckle covers to expose the steal. Nash stopped Triple H from ramming him into it, and hit a sidewalk slam. Nash hit a series of elbows in the corner, then a boot to the face. Nash went for Snake Eyes on the exposed corner, but the referee got in the way. Nash shoved him away, but Triple H floated over the slam, and rammed Nash into the exposed steel. Triple H hit a pedigree, but Hebner was low on the count and Nash kicked out. Triple H went for another pedigree, but Nash backdropped him over the top rope to the floor. Triple H reached under the ring and grabbed a sledgehammer. Hebner stopped Triple H from using it on Nash, so Triple H hit Hebner with it. Triple H was disqualified at just under the eight minute mark.
Nash then hit Snake Eyes on Triple H on the exposed corner, then delivered a jackknife powerbomb. Nash went for the sledgehammer, as referees started pulling Triple H to the back. Nash dropped the hammer and gave chase, attacking Triple H in the aisle. Ric Flair ran back out, but Nash shoved Flair away after taking a few chops. Nash took Triple H onto the Raw announcers platform. Shawn Michaels went to calm Nash, but Nash shoved him away. Nash then powerbombed Triple H through the Raw announce table. Nash stood over Triple H and did the old Diesel salute, then walked off to the back.
Triple H was helped to the back by officials, as they replayed Nash's powerbomb through the announcers table.
A commercial for Fred Blassie's book was shown. I am halfway through it, and I highly recommend it.
In the skybox, Bischoff was obviously sick, and we saw that it was jalapeno peppers that Austin had said were pickles before. Bischoff puked onto the skybox hostess and out the window of the skybox. Austin dumped a beer on him. They actually replayed the puking. Twice.
The women's four way match was next, with Trish Stratus, Jacqueline, and Victoria (with Steven Richards) challenging Jazz, with Teddy Long, for the Women's Title. First pinfall wins the match. All four women were in the ring at once. Richards tripped Trish early in the match. Trish and Jacqueline cleared out Victoria and Jazz, then went at it with each other. Trish and Jackie traded armbars and headlocks, until Victoria dragged Trish from the ring. Jazz got in and went at it with Jazz. Victoria whipped Trish into the ringpost. Jackie got a two count on Jazz, but Victoria broke up the pin. Victoria slammed Jackie. Jazz hit her double chickenwing on Victoria and Jackie. Trish got in and hit Jazx with a series of forearms. Trish hit a clothesline for a two count. Jazz caught a kick and applied an STF on Trish. Jackie got Victoria in a half crab. Trish made the ropes, so Jazz released her hold and kicked Jackie from the ring. Jazz put an STF on Victoria, but Trish dropkicked her. Victoria rolled from the ring. Jazz hit a jawbreaker on Trish. Jazz and Trish traded blows. Trish matrixed under a shot, and hit a sidekick for a two count. Jackie and Victoria brawled back into the ring. Trish headscissored Jazz off the top rope. Trish hit the same move to Victoria, who had blocked a Jazz superplex. Trish went for a Stratusfaction on Victoria, who tossed Trish over the top rope to the floor. Jackie hit a Northern Lights suplex with a bridge on Victoria, but Jazz splashed Jackie. Jazz then hit a DDT on Jackie for the pin at just under the five minute mark. Jazz retains the title. After the match, we saw that Trish was bleeding from the lip.
A video package on the events leading to Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar in a stretcher match, including Big Show's attacks on Rey Mysterio, was shown.
Three stretchers were placed at ringside for the match, with the rules simply being that whoever gets wheeled on a stretcher past the yellow line at the end of the aisle is the winner, and the WWE Champion. Big Show, still carrying his backboard stretcher, came out first, then Brock Lesnar made his entrance.
Big Show went after Brock before the bell, but Brock ducked his attacked, and Lesnar blasted Show with the backboard several times, knocking him out of the ring. Lesnar kept up the attack on the floor, but Show battled back, knocking Lesnar down several times. Show propped his board in the corner, and picked up Brock, but Brock floated over and rammed Show into it. Brock then took one of the stretchers at ringside and rolled it into Show. Show fought back, and pressed Brock over his head before dropping Brock chest first onto the stretcher. Show hit Brock with the backboard. Show tossed Brock back into the ring. Show was slow getting in, and Brock got him in the corner for some shoulderblocks. Show blocked a whip and hit a chokeslam. Show put Lesnar on a backboard, then hit a legdrop. Show pulled a stretcher to ringside and placed Brock on it. Show started to drag the stretcher up the aisle, but Brock kicked Show away. Show clotheslined Brock off the stretcher. Big Show took the backboard and hit Brock with it. Big Show and Brock brawled back near the ring, then back down the aisle. Brock hit Show several times with the backboard. Lesnar then choked Show with camera cables. Brock hit Show with the backboard, then set up a stretcher, lowering it to the ground. Lesnar choked Show onto the stretcher, and pulled Show towards the yellow line. However, the cables were still around Show's neck, so when Brock pulled, Show came off the stretcher. They fought near the scaffolding that made up the set, and Brock used it to lift himself for a double kick. Brock then hit a charging shoulderblock. Brock slammed Big Show onto the stretcher, and Show fell off. Brock and Show got on opposite sides of the stretcher, and Show used it to ram Lesnar back into the ring apron. Show rammed Lesnar back first into the ringpost. Show began looking under the ring, and found another backboard. Show hit Lesnar with it across the back twice. Show tossed Brock into the ring, but Show was slow in getting on the apron. Brock hit Show twice, knocking him off the apron onto the stretcher, then he fell off to the floor. Brock walked off to the back, as Big Show got back in to the ring. Rey Mysterio's music then hit, and Mysterio showed up in the ring. Show was getting up near the ropes, and Rey hit a 619 to Big Show's gut. Show then clotheslined Rey. Big Show called for a chokeslam on Rey, when Brock Lesnar drove a forklift to ringside. Mysterio jumped on Show's back and started choking him. Show tossed him off. Brock dove off the top of the forklift into the ring, hitting Show with a cross bodyblock. Brock hit a series of shoulderblocks in the corner, then gave Show a vertical suplex. Brock hit Show with an F5, then placed a stretcher on the palate of the forklift. Brock rolled Big Show onto the stretcher on the forklift, then lifted it, so Show was about 14 feet in the air. Brock then backed up the forklift down the aisle, and got the win by crossing the yellow line at a little over the fifteen minute mark. Brock then lifted the forklift as high as it would go, so Show was about twenty feet in the air. Brock stood on top of the cab of the forklift with his belt to end the show.
2004 - During a Smackdown taping in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chavo Guerrero Classic defeated his son, WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr., and Spike Dudley in a a three-way match to win the Cruiserweight title when Classic accidentally fell on top of Chavo Jr. for the pin after colliding with Spike.
2004 - The Charleston Post Courier featured a long profile of Jesse Ventura, looking at the future aspirations of the former wrestling star turned Governor of Minnesota. The article features rare comments from Ventura, who has more or less ignored all press requests for interviews since leaving his position as Governor.
In discussing the idea of running for President in the 2008 elections, Ventura commented, "I'll make a decision about it at some point, but am I serious about it right now? Not particularly. I like to do things to remind people that we need more than two choices. It's like I said one time on the Larry King show when I was on with (former) Sen. Alan Simpson, who was expounding the two-party system and how great it was. It's so great it gives us one more choice than communist Russia. What could Simpson say? He sat there and couldn't deny it. Why do we get only two choices? We need three or four choices."
WWE owner Vince McMahon discussed backing his former wrestling announcer partner in the article as well, noting that, "Jesse has been talking about being president of the United States for many years. He is convinced he will be president."
In the end, Ventura never ran for President and made it clear that when he later approached WWE about endorsing a run, they never responded to him. Ventura would instead go on to author several books and host a Conspiracy Theory based "reality" show on TruTV.
2005 - PWInsider.com reported the following: "According to several sources, former WCW World champion Diamond Dallas Page is gone from TNA. Page finished at the Hard Justice PPV this past Sunday. TNA management may not be seeing Page's departure as a loss as they were unhappy that he didn't want to put over Monty Brown without outside interference from Phi-Delta Slam. It is believed that Page's status was a byproduct of the change in political power with Dusty Rhodes (who Page has always credited for helping make him a star and was close to) stepping down as booker. There really wasn't much left for Page to do in the company at this point either beyond putting over others."
2005 - TNA officially suspended Jeff Hardy. TNA announced at the very last minute of their pre-game show for Hard Justice several days earlier that Sean Waltman would be replacing Jeff Hardy on the PPV. They waited until the last second to announce it, hoping Hardy would make it from North Carolina to Florida. Hardy did arrive after the PPV and was at the hotel where the wrestlers stay but arrived so late TNA needed to substitute Sean Waltman into a match he had been advertised for against Raven. Hard Justice wasn't been the first time that Hardy was late (or an outright no-show) at TNA events, although he had been on his best behavior in recent months.
2006 - Hardcore Homecoming: November Reign was released nationally on DVD. However, the main event of the show, featuring Team 3D vs. Sabu & Terry Funk was not included due to 3D's TNA contracts, which prevented their matches from being sold nationally by any company other than TNA.
2007 - World Wrestling Entertainment released developmental talent Angel Williams (who would go on to stardom as TNA Knockout Angelina Love), ECW Diva Ariel (Shelly Martinez), long tenured undercard star Scotty Too Hotty and former Spirit Squad member "Mitch" (real name Nick Mitchell) from their contracts. In the case of Ariel, she was released after a backstage argument with WWE star Batista over his relationship with WWE Diva Melina. Martinez would later term it as "standing up for someone" and politically, ended up iced over the situation.
2007 - PWInsider.com reported the following: "Former WWE Cruiserweight champion Gregory Helms is suffering from a neck injury, said to be caused not by a single incident but instead the result of the years of pounding he's taken while working in the business. It's believed Helms is going to require neck fusion surgery, like other WWE performers before him, including Steve Austin and Chris Benoit, which means Helms will likely be out of action for well over a year. Helms has been with WWE since they acquired WCW in 2001, most notably portraying the undercard superhero babyface Hurricane before discarding the gimmick and moving to Smackdown."
2008 - UFC announced they would debut in Minnesota, featuring Brock Lesnar's first ever MMA fight in his Home State on 8/9/08.
2008 - WWE ran their Judgment Day PPV in Omaha, Nebraska. Buck Woodward filed the following report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of WWE Judgment Day.
John Cena vs. JBL.
This might be a first, as I can't remember a Wrestlemania main event (well, co-main event) being rematched a few years later as the opening match on a PPV. Cena got a positive reaction coming out. They had a staredown at the bell, then locked up with Cena backing JBL into the corner for a break. Cena grabbed a waistlock, then put JBL in a side headlock. JBL backed Cena in a corner and we had another clean break. JBL hit a knee to the gut on the next lockup, then hit a forearm and applied a side headlock. Cena shoved off JBL and went for a backdrop, but JBL pounded Cena with a forearm. Cena hit a drop toe hold and went for the STFU, but JBL made the ropes. JBL crawled to the apron, then grabbed Cena's arm and yanked it down across the top rope. JBL went to work on the arm, throwing Cena shoulder first into the ringpost and then wrapping his arm around it.
JBL worked over the arm with punches and kicks, then hit a swinging neckbreaker. JBL applied an overhead wristlock, but Cena got to his feet in the hold. JBL kicked Cena in the gut and rolled him to the mat. JBL applied a jujigatame armbreaker, and Cena rolled to his feet in it and then lifted JBL up off the mat to break the hold. Cena sold the arm like crazy, and JBL rammed Cena into a corner. JBL stomped Cena. There was light JBL chant, which was quickly drowned out by a Cena chant. JBL and Cena traded punches, with Cena getting the better of it until JBL hit the arm of Cena. Cena came back with a clothesline with his good arm, then hit a shoulderblock and hurt his bad arm. Cena hit the Throwback, then went to the top rope, but missed the Rocker Dropper, as JBL moved and Cena crashed to the mat.
JBL stomped Cena on the apron, then went to suplex Cena into the ring. Cena teased reversing it, then JBL lifted Cena and dropped him gut first across the top rope. JBL shoulderblocked Cena off the apron and Cena fell into the security wall on the floor. JBL rammed Cena back first into the ring apron. JBL rolled Cena into the ring for a two count. JBL hit a kick to the head, then another, and followed with an elbowdrop for a two count. JBL applied a bearhug, then punched Cena to the mat and applied a bodyscissors, adding a full nelson to the move. Cena managed to get to his feet in the move, breaking the bodyscissors, but JBL kept the full nelson locked in. JBL then powered out of it, and lifted JBL for an FU, but he was too weak to get him up. JBL kicked Cena in the shoulder, then applied a bodyscissors with a chinlock. Cena managed to turn around in the hold, lift JBL up off the mat, and hit a spinebuster to break out.
Both men were slow to get up, then they slugged it out. Cena got the better of it, but missed a splash in the corner. JBL hit a boot to the face, then dropped four elbowdrops to Cena's back. JBL hit a short arm clothesline, then stood over the downed Cena and stared at him. JBL slapped his head, then stomped his fingers. JBL went for another short arm clothesline, but Cena ducked it and hit the FU out of nowhere for the pin at the fifteen minute mark.
Winner: John Cena.
JBL was upset with himself over the loss, shaking his head as he walked to the back. John Cena got up, selling the ribs, before leaving.
William Regal was shown watching from a skybox.
Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler introduced the other announce teams, with Michael Cole & Mick Foley and Tazz & Mike Adamle talking about the rest of tonight's car.
They showed "The Dirt Sheet" where Miz & John Morrison mocked Kane & CM Punk.
WWE Tag Team Champions John Morrison & The Miz vs. Kane & CM Punk.
Tazz and Mike Adamle get to call their one match for the night. Each wrestler had their own entrance for the match. Punk and Miz started off, with Punk hitting a shoulderblock and a back kick. Punk delivered a suplex for a one count, then applied a double underhook. Kane tagged in, and he and Punk stomped Miz down in a corner. Kane hit a kick to the gut, then put Miz in a Hangman. Kane dropped Miz to the mat, then whipped him across the ring, only to be met with a shoulderblock to the midsection. Miz shoved Kane into his corner and tagged in Morrison. Morrison ran into a Kane bodyslam, then Kane dropkicked Morrison as he sat up on the mat. Kane tagged Punk, and they hit a backbreaker/slingshot kneedrop combo. Punk applied a Tarantula variation, then pulled Morrison into a sunset flip for two before applying a reverse Stretch Plum variation. Morrison kneed out of it, and tagged in Miz for a double gutbuster.
Miz put Punk in a chinlock, then switched to a front facelock. Punk hit a kick to the head to escape Miz, then tagged in Kane, who gave Miz a side slam. Kane went to the top rope and hit a clothesline. Kane went for a slam, but Miz floated over it and made a blind tag to Kane, hit clipped Kane's leg and hit a neckbreaker. Miz hit some punches on the mat and in a corner, then tagged in Miz who hit a jumping clothesline in the corner. Miz tagged back in and kicked Kane in the chest. Miz tagged back in and stomped Kane down. Miz applied a chinlock, then hit a knee to the chest. Kane came back with a kick to the chest as Miz charged him and Kane tagged in Punk as Miz tagged in Morrison. Punk hit a flying forearm, a leg lariat and a roundhouse kick. Punk knocked Miz off the apron and powerslammed Morrison for a two count. Punk gave Morrison a jumping knee in the corner, then clotheslined Miz off the apron while bulldogging Morrison for two. Punk gave Miz a pescado, then gave Morrison a springboard clothesline for a two count. Punk went for the GTS, but Miz ran in, so Punk let go and tossed Miz to the floor. Punk lifted Morrison for the GTS again, but Miz hooked Punk's leg from the floor and Punk let go of Morrison. Kane ran to Miz on the floor and chokeslammed him on the outside. Punk was watching that unfold, then turned around and was hit by Morrison with the Moonlight Drive neckbreaker for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winners: John Morrison & The Miz.
The events leading to Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho were shown.
Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels.
Chris Jericho wore the Intercontinental Title belt to the ring, but the match was not introduced as a title bout. Both men got positive reactions from the crowd. Jericho kept going for Michaels' leg at the start, but Michaels kicked him away. Michaels grabbed a side headlock and took Jericho to the mat. Jericho got to his feet and lifted Michaels, but HBK went into a sunset flip for a two count. They went into a series of reversals and bridges for two counts, including Jericho attempting a back suplex but Michaels turning it into a bodypress only for Jericho to reverse it into his own cover. Michaels grabbed an Indian deathlock variation (JR called it a "Native American deathlock") but Jericho made the ropes. Jericho kicked Michaels leg, and Michaels slapped him in the face. Jericho threw some punches and knocked Michaels into a corner. The referee backed up Jericho, and Michaels grinned at him. Jericho looked angry. Michaels put Jericho in a hammerolock, but Jericho elbowed him in the mouth, then hit a series of punches and kicks. Jericho ran into a Michaels elbow, then put Jericho in an armbar, dropping over the top rope to yank the arm down.
Michaels continued the assault on the arm, but Jericho reversed a whip and sent Michaels upside down in a corner. Jericho stomped Michaels, then set up for a back superplex. Michaels elbowed Jericho to the mat, but Jericho crotched Michaels on the top rope. Jericho went for a superplex, but Michaels blocked it and dropped Jericho face first to the mat. Michaels went for a top rope elbowdrop, but Jericho got his knees up, and Michaels came down on them and hurt his ribs. Jericho kicked Michaels in the gut, then dropped on him with a senton. Jericho hit a back suplex, then kicked Michaels in the side. Jericho applied an abdominal stretch, then punched Michaels in the side while maintaining the hold. Michaels started to break free, but Jericho grabbed him in a gutbuster for a two count. Jericho whipped Michaels hard into a corner several times, but when he went for a bulldog, Michaels shoved Jericho off and Jericho went into the ropes, with his legs going between the ropes and his chest going hard against the top rope like a clothesline.
Michaels hit a flying forearm, then did the kip up. Michaels grabbed his ribs, and Jericho swept Michaels' legs and put him in the Walls Of Jericho. Michaels reached the ropes to break the hold. Jericho stomped Michaels on the apron. Jericho went for his springboard dropkick, but Michaels moved, so Jericho landed on his feet on the apron. Michaels, also on the apron, superkicked Jericho, who fell to the floor. Michaels picked up Jericho and rolled him into the ring, but Jericho kicked out at two. Michaels went to the top rope, and this time hit the flying elbow, but then grabbed his ribs in pain. Michaels then set up for the superkick, stomping in the corner. Jericho started to get up, then slumped to the mat, not facing Michaels. Jericho got up again, but then went down again. Michaels seemed to be getting antsy to hit the move. Jericho finally got up and turned around, and Michaels went for the superkick, but Jericho sidestepped it and hit the Codebreaker. Jericho crawled onto Michaels slowly, but only got a two count.
Jericho picked Michaels up off the mat, but Shawn Michaels took Jericho down into a crossface. Jericho struggled in the hold, and looked to be on the verge of tapping, but then made the ropes for the break. Michaels went for it again, but Jericho rolled out of it, hit two knees to the gut, then hung Michaels gut first over the top rope. Jericho set up for the Lionsault, but Michaels got his knees up. Jericho landed on his feet though, and grabbed Michaels' legs for the Walls Of Jericho. He tried to turn Michaels, but Michaels was blocking it, so Jericho tried to turn it the other way, and Michaels rolled Jericho up into a cradle for the pin at the sixteen minute mark.
Winner: Shawn Michaels.
Jericho offered a handshake to Michaels after the bout. Michaels hesitated, and they shook hands, although both seemed wary of each other. Jericho applauded Michaels as he left the ring.
William Regal was shown watching as Jericho left the ring.
Todd Grisham interviewed Mickie James, who said she was confident about her title defense tonight. Todd then asked her about her date with John Cena last week. Mickie said it was nice, then JBL interrupted and told Mickie to go away. JBL asked Todd to ask him a question about John Cena. Todd pointed out that John Cena beat JBL, so he asked him what he planned to do in order to get revenge. JBL said Todd obviously never was in a fight. JBL said he beat Cena up for 20 minutes, and that's why John Cena was in the trainer's room right now, and he wasn't. JBL then ripped into Todd for asking such a stupid question.
Women's Champion Mickie James vs. Beth Phoenix vs. Melina.
As Phoenix came to the ring, they recapped how she beat the crap out of Melina backstage last week. Melina did her usual entrance, but was glaring at Beth Phoenix the whole time. At the bell, Beth held open the ropes and told Melina she didn't belong in "her ring". Melina responded by kicking Phoenix out of the ring. Mickie rolled up Melina for a two count. Mickie bounced off the ropes, but Phoenix held them open and mickie fell to the floor. Phoenix nailed her with a lariat. In the ring, Melina hit Phoenix with right hands, and Phoenix lifted her up, but Melina kept punching her down. Phoenix kicked Melina and went to lift her up, but Mickie hooked her from behind for a sunset flip for two. They went into sequences where one wrestler would get an advantage over another, but the third would come in and break up a cover or hold. Mickie hit Phoenix with a top rope Thesz press, then a dropkick for a two count. Melina grabbed her and stretched Mickie over the top rope in a corner, but Phoenix went over and lifted Melina and Mickie James into an over the shoulder backbreaker. She had both women, over the same shoulder, and was walking in the ring with them, it was incredible. They finally crumbled to the mat, then Phoenix picked up Mickie in a choke. Melina came up behind Phoenix and hit a neckbreaker. Phoenix rolled to the floor, and Mickie James hit Melina with a DDT for the pin at the five minute mark.
Winner: Mickie James.
Backstage, Shawn Michaels was taking his gear off when Batista walked in. Batista said he promised to hurt Michaels the next time he saw him (because he lied about his injury), but he wasn't going to hurt him now. Batista said Shawn would have to wait, and that Batista would dictate the time and the place it happens. Shawn looked worried as Batista walked away.
They showed the results of a fan poll, with fans picking Undertaker to beat Edge, 85% to 15%.
The events leading to Undertaker vs. Edge were shown.
The Undertaker vs. Edge for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship.
Edge came out along, then Undertaker made his entrance. The World Title belt was in a glass case. Taker stalked Edge around the ring at first, throwing out jabs at him. Taker shoved Edge to the mat, and Edge rolled to the floor. He got back in threw some punches at him. Taker grabbed him by the throat and tossed him in the corner, then hit a slew of punches and choked Edge down on the mat. Undertaker kicked Edge on the apron, then wrapped his arm around the middle rope and kicked at it. Taker took him to the floor and threw Edge shoulder first into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Taker hit a short arm shoulderblock, then a second. Undertaker rammed Edge shoulder first into the top turnbuckle, then kicked at the shoulder. Undertaker went for Old School, but Edge crotched him on the top rope. Edge stomped the Undertaker, kicking him to the floor. Edge went out after him, but Taker yanked Edge off the apron by his tights, sending him into the security wall.
Outside the ring, Undertaker headbutted Edge and went to whip him into the ringsteps, but Edge reversed it and Taker went knees first into the steps. Edge gave Undertaker a baseball slide kick, then threw him back into the ring. Edge headbutted Undertaker, but Taker returned fire with his own headbutts. Undertaker went for a running kick, but Edge moved and Undertaker got caught up in the ropes and fell to the mat hard. Edge got a two count, then stomped Undertaker in the head. Edge landed some punches, but Undertaker returned fire. Undertaker missed a clothesline, and Edge kicked out his leg from behind. Edge pulled Taker to the apron and wrapped his leg around the ringpost. Edge hit some punches and tried another headbutt. Undertaker returned fire again, but Edge kicked Taker in the arm. Edge moved in and Taker teased the illegal gogoplata, before letting go at the referee's command. Edge hit Taker and went for his own Old School ropewalk, but Taker crotched Edge on the top rope.
Undertaker and Edge traded punches, but Edge missed a clothesline and Undertaker hit Edge with the flying clothesline. Undertaker hit a splash in the corner, then a clothesline in the opposite corner. Undertaker threw Edge in a corner, then hit a boot to the face for a two count. Undertaker hit the Old School forearm off the top rope, then went to lift Edge for a tombstone, but Edge floated over and dropped Undertaker to the mat with the reverse facebuster. The Edgeheads came out to distract the referee while Edge pulled the pad off a turnbuckle. The Edgeheads left. Undertaker lifted Edge for a powerbomb, but Edge flipped out of it and hit an Impaler DDT for a two count. Edge went for a spear, but Undertaker sidestepped it and Edge went into the ringpost. Undertaker lifted Edge for a powerbomb, but threw him back first into the corner instead. Undertaker covered, but Edge got his foot on the bottom rope for two.
Undertaker lifted Edge, and then noticed the exposed turnbuckle. The hesitation allowed Edge to slip out and ram Undertaker back first into the exposed turnbuckle. Edge hit some punches, but Taker shoved him back. Edge charged, and Taker moved, but Edge put on the brakes to keep from hitting the exposed corner. Undertaker lifted Edge and dropped him with Snake Eyes on the exposed turnbuckle. Both men were slow to get up. Undertaker went for a running boot, but Edge hit a spear, not a solid one, but good enough for a two count. They exchanged exhausted punches, with Edge getting the better of it. Undertaker grabbed Edge by the throat, but Edge punched out. Edge bounced off the ropes, but Taker grabbed him by the throat and hit the chokeslam. Taker crawled onto Edge and covered him, but Edge got his shoulder up at two.
Undertaker kicked Edge in the head and Edge fell to the floor. Undertaker went outside and clotheslined Edge, sending both men over the security wall and into the crowd. They punched each other as they crawled back to the ring. Undertaker punched Edge, who fell backwards into the wall and Undertaker crawled into the ring at the seventeen minute mark to win the match via countout.
Winner via countout: The Undertaker.
Vickie Guerrero was wheeled out by the Edgeheads, saying "Excuse me" and the crowd, which wasn't that loud tonight, got VERY loud with boos and catcalls. We're talking more heat than I've heard a heel get on a WWE show in a while. Vickie kept stopping as the crowd was just overwhelming. Vickie said a championship can only be won by pinfall or submission, not via disqualification or countout. Vickie said that the World Title "remains vacant". Vickie said that Undertaker is not the new World Champion. Taker threw down the belt, as the announcers debated her theory. Undertaker grabbed Edge, who was at ringside, and yanked him into the ring. Undertaker gave Edge a tombstone piledriver. Vickie called Undertaker a "son of a bitch", with the word "bitch" being bleeped. Yep, it was bleeped on PPV. The Edgeheads pulled Edge from the ring as Undertaker glared at Vickie, who walked away, leaving her wheelchair behind. The crowd was chanting "Vickie sucks" and was louder than at any point tonight.
Randy Orton cut a promo backstage, talking about his title reign, and the fact that Triple H got lucky when he won the title on his "third attempt". Orton pointed out that this was not a three or four-way match tonight, and he would take back the belt. Orton said HHH never taught him anything in Evolution because he knew this day would come.
MVP came to the ring, with the announcers wondering what he was doing. MVP wondered why he was left off the Judgment Day card, calling it "pure stupidity" and "bad business". The fans were giving him the "What" treatment. MVP said if there was any "top tier talent" that wanted to get him out of the ring, they could try. MVP said there had to be someone backstage that "thinks" they are on his level. Matt Hardy's music hit. Hardy came out, wearing street clothes. MVP told Hardy to come to the ring, and to "bring my title" with him. Matt said he had already proven he was better than MVP, and said there was someone else that wanted to prove it. Jeff Hardy's music then hit.
Jeff Hardy vs. MVP.
Matt Hardy returned to the back. Cole & Foley called the match. MVP went to work on Hardy with forearms and a rollup for two. The fans were chanting for Hardy. Jeff hit a flying forearm and tried to slide under MVP's legs. MVP caught him and held a leg, but Hardy kicked him with the free leg. MVP rolled to the floor, then regrouped and returned. MVP tripped Hardy and hit some punches, then grabbed a waistlock, rolling Hardy over for a two count. MVP applied a front facelock, but Hardy reversed into a hammerlock. MVP backed Hardy into a corner, then hit a back elbow. MVP charged Hardy, who pulled down the top rope and MVP fell to the floor. Hardy went to kick MVP between the ropes, but MVP grabbed his legs and yanked him hard to the floor. MVP rolled Hard back into the ring for a two count.
MVP hit a kneedrop to the arm of Hardy for two, then applied an armbar. Jeff tried to punch out of it, but MVP yanked Jeff down to the mat by his hair. MVP kicked Hardy in the gut, then pounded on the arm and reapplied the armbar. MVP hit a knee to the arm, then a trapped arm bodyslam for a two count. MVP applied an overhead armbar. Jeff punched out of it, then went for a elevated leapfrog off the ropes in the corner, but his arm gave on him and he crashed to the mat. MVP hit a cross armbreaker drop for a two count, then stomped the arm and hit a kneedrop on it. MVP applied a reverse Fujiwara armbar, then kicked Jeff in the shoulder. MVP lifted Jeff in a fireman's carry, then dropped him to the mat. MVP hit a running kick, and Jeff fell through the ropes and to the floor.
MVP threw Jeff shoulder first into the security wall, then rolled him into the ring for a two count. MVP hit Jeff's arm with forearms, then went back to the armbar. Jeff fought up, hitting punches, but MVP gave Jeff a bulldog into his knee. MVP went for the Playmaker, but Jeff blocked it and hit a clothesline. Jeff hit some punches, then a running forearm with the good arm. Jeff hit a clothesline, then an elevated kick in the corner. Jeff went to the top rope, but MVP rolled out of the way of the Swanton Bomb. Jeff crashed to the mat, and MVP hit some forearms. MVP measured for the big kick, but Jeff gave MVP a drop toe hold into the middle turnbuckle. Jeff then hit the Whisper In The Wind (which didn't hit well) to get the three count at the ten minute mark.
Winner: Jeff Hardy.
William Regal was shown watching as Jeff exited.
They showed an interview with Sylvester Stallone about Rambo, which is sponsoring the PPV tonight and is coming out on DVD soon. Stallone told a story about how the original director for the film didn't have the same vision for the film that he did, so the original director was let go, and Stallone ended up directing it. Stallone said he wasn't prepared to do that, so he directed it with the idea that Rambo was directing it.
The events leading to Triple H vs. Randy Orton were shown.
WWE Champion Triple H vs. Randy Orton in a steel cage.
The only way to win is pinfall, submission or escaping the cage and having both feet touch the floor. Orton, with his new theme music, walked really slowly to the ring, staring at the cage. Triple H then did his entrance, including doing the spit fountain on the top of the cage. Jim Ross pointed out that Triple H was the man to end all three of Randy Orton's World/WWE Title reigns. They did the "big match" introductions here, as they did for all the championship matches tonight.
Randy Orton dove for the still open door at the bell, but Triple H grabbed him by the legs and hit some punches. Orton grabbed the door and slammed it shut on Triple H's head to knock him back. They exchanged punches, with Triple H starting to get the better of it when Orton hit a knee to the gut. Triple H ducked a shot and hit a jumping knee in the ring. Triple H went to ram Orton into the cage, but Orton blocked it. Orton went to ram Triple H into the cage, but HHH blocked it. Triple H finally rammed Orton into the cage. Orton tried to climb the cage, but Triple H pulled him back into the ring. Orton hit a punch, then went for a backdrop, but Triple H hit a neckbreaker to block it. Triple H hit some punches on the mat, then delivered a kneedrop for a two count.
Orton grabbed HHH by the trunks and yanked him into the cage wall. Orton then used a catapult to send HHH face first into the cage. Orton flung Triple H over the top rope and into the cage. Triple H was between the ropes and the cage, and Orton rammed the back of Triple H's head into the steel fence three times. Triple H kicked Orton between the ropes, but Orton kicked Triple H in the chest as he tried to get back into the ring. Orton pulled Triple H into the ring so he was hanging by his feet off the middle rope, and hit a DDT for a two count. Orton then choked Triple H and hit a series of right hands. Orton slugged Triple H to the mat for a two count, then applied a rear chinlock. Triple H punched out of the move, but Orton hit a snap powerslam for a two count.
Orton stared at Triple H on the mat for a while. Like, a long while. Like, he-could-have-walked-out-several-times-already-while. Orton did a long, and slow, Garvin stomp, then hit a kneedrop for two. Orton then stomped him, much faster now, and pulled down his kneepad. Orton missed the kneedrop this time, as HHH rolled away. Orton went for a slam, but Triple H floated over it and hit a chopblock to the back of his leg. Triple H hit another chopblock and then applied a figure four leglock. Orton couldn't make the ropes, as Triple H moved the hold into the middle of the ring. Orton struggled in the hold, while Jerry Lawler pointed out that Triple H shouldn't have to break the hold if Orton gets to the ropes. Orton got to the ropes, and Triple H broke the hold as the referee requested. Ross and Lawler wondered why. Orton went for an RKO, but Triple H blocked it and went for a Pedigree, but Orton backdropped him. Orton crawled for the door, but Triple H grabbed him. Orton kicked him away. Orton went to go out the door again, but Triple H dragged him back in. Orton dragged a chair back in with him.
Orton kicked Triple H into a corner, then went for a chairshot, but Triple H blocked it. Triple H hit a facebuster to the knee for a two count, then picked up the chair. Orton hit Triple H with a low blow. Orton hit Triple H across the back with the chair, then gave Triple H a DDT on the chair. Orton covered Triple H, but HHH kicked out at two. Orton set up the chair in the ring, and set up for an RKO on it. Orton took a long time setting it up. Orton grabbed Triple H, but Triple H threw off the move and sent Orton into the cage. Triple H then gave Orton a drop toe hold into the chair and draped an arm over him for the two count.
Both men were slow to get up, and Orton started to climb the cage. Triple H grabbed him by the trunks to stop him, then they battled on the top rope, with Triple H ramming Orton into the top of the cage. Orton fell to the mat. Triple H went to climb over the top, but Orton grabbed a foot and pulled him back down to the top rope. Orton punched Triple H to the mat, then went to go over the top of the cage. Triple H stopped him, and pulled Orton back over. Triple H rammed Orton into the top of the cage several times, then set up for a top rope Pedigree, but Orton escaped and pulled Triple H by the hair off the top rope so he would crash to the mat. Orton went to climb over the top and was all the way on the other side when Triple H grabbed him. Orton's legs were dangling as Triple H held Orton by the head and pulled him back over. Orton hit a back elbow and Triple H went down to the mat. Orton went to go over again, but Triple H grabbed his foot and finally pulled Orton down, crotching him on the top rope.
Both men were slow to get up. Orton charged Triple H, who gave Orton a spinebuster. Triple H went for a Pedigree on the chair, but Orton grabbed a double leg takedown and Triple H went down back first on the chair. The fans chanted for Triple H as Orton measured for the kick to the head. Orton went for the kick, but Triple H dodged it and blasted Orton with a chairshot to the head. Triple H then gave Orton the Pedigree for the pin at the twenty one minute mark.
Winner: Triple H.
Triple H stood atop the cage with the title belt to end the show.
2008 - TNA ran Wallingford, CT with a house show. Clem Natale filed the following live report:
I just got back from the TNA house show in Wallingford, CT. It was a very enjoyable show. The crowd definitely was not a sell out, but it was very enthusiastic nonetheless. Overall, I would say TNA should be happy with how the show turned out.
The show opened with Alex Shelley vs. Consequences Creed in a good, competitive match. The crowd was into both guys. Shelley won with a Celtic Cross type maneuver. They shook hands after the match.
Next up brought out Johnny Devine who got on the mic and complained how he wasn't chosen by Jim Cornette for the King of the Mountain match. This brought out Matt Morgan who quickly squashed Devine, ending it with his variation of the F5.
Eric Young vs. Rellik as up next. Young played to the crowd a lot doing a bunch of comedy and eventually won the match after he turned into Super Eric.
Out next was Team 3D who got on the mic and proceeded to rip into the crowd. Bubba Ray was especially funny, ripping into a bunch of kids in the front row and threatening to beat them up. He asked if one of the kid's was the Blue Meanie's son which I found funny. LAX came out and told the kids all they had to do was call Bubba "Fat Boy" to get him mad. Bubba responded that he wasn't fat, he was just big boned and had a thyroid condition. Lots of "Fat Boy" chants after this to get Bubba mad. About halfway through the match Bubba ran backstage in a way that everyone was expecting him to come back out. He never ended up coming back out and D-Von fell victim to LAX's Doomsday Device type maneuver. After the match, LAX took one of the kids into the ring and celebrated with him.
Next up was intermission followed by Kurt Angle coming out thanking the crowd for coming out, saying he wishes he could wrestle, and that TNA will be beating WWE within 2 years...
Awesome Kong vs. ODB for the Knockout Championship was next. ODB was accompanied by 2 local DJ's. Crowd was very into ODB but she was pinned after trying to slam Kong only to fail and get hit with a sick looking Awesome Bomb.
Out next were James Storm and Jackie, with Storm getting on the mic and channeling Ricky Bobby from "Talladega Nights" by saying a comical prayer to "6 pound 8 ounce Baby Jesus" before the match. Their opponents were Rhino and Traci Brooks who ended up winning with stereo Gores on Storm & Jackie, respectively. Storm was hilarious being a cowardly heel throughout the match and interacting with the crowd.
Finally, Samoa Joe made Tomko tap out with the Kokina Clutch in a good, competitive match for the TNA title.
After the show they had most of the babyfaces come out to sign autographs as well as the chance to have your picture taken with Kurt Angle in the ring. Overall, this was a really good show and the chance to go in the ring and meet a lot of wrestlers is a unique experience. They were also offering people backstage passes for being loud and supportive. Also, Matt Morgan was walking around in the arena afterwards and he was very nice to everyone. This was my first non-WWE show ever and it definitely is a different and fun experience. You get to do and see a lot that you usually would not be able to.
2009 - In a story that garnered WWE tons of publicity, The Pepsi Center in Denver found themselves double booked with The Denver Nuggets vs.Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals and a Raw broadcast. WWE was offered The Denver Coliseum to move the 5/25 Raw taping there. Since it's a smaller building, there was not be enough room for the amount of fans who have already purchased advanced tickets.
Ticketmaster issued the following statement on the issue:
The Denver Nuggets are scheduled to play on Monday May 25th @ 7:00pm. The Pepsi Center is working closely with the WWE and hopes to have information regarding the WWE event at the Pepsi Center soon. Both the Pepsi Center and TM will post information as soon as it is available. NO REFUNDS are available at this time.
WWE issued this statement in regard to the issue:
WWE VS. NBA
May 18, 2009
STAMFORD, Conn., May 18, 2009 – World Wrestling Entertainment®’s live, internationally televised broadcast, WWE Monday Night RAW®, (USA Network, 9:00 PM ET) to take place at the Pepsi Center in Denver next Monday, May 25th is in jeopardy of being cancelled by the Denver Nuggets. The WWE and Denver Nuggets are currently at an impasse in resolving a scheduling debacle by the team and the Pepsi Center.
A sell-out crowd is expected to attend the WWE show at the same time the Denver Nuggets are slated to square off against the Los Angeles Lakers for Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. WWE has held the May 25th date with the Pepsi Center since August 15, 2008.
“Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game,” said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Vince McMcMahon was interviewed on ESPNEWS about the problem. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
Jonathan Coachman conducted the interview with his former boss. Coach mentions that Vince is never one to step down from a fight. Coachman mentions that next week’s Raw at the Pepsi Center was booked in August, but the contract was not signed until April.
Vince says that Stan Kroenke should be arrested for impersonating a good businessman for booking a WWE television show when their team would not have been in the playoffs. Vince suggests that the fans of the Nuggets had more faith in the team than their management. Vince says that it is not good business to not support your own team. It is also not good business to throw the WWE out on its ear when there were no tentative dates or provisions in the contract that they signed.
Coach mentions a statement from the Nuggets that they were trying to deal with the conflict. Coachman asks Vince what they are trying to do to work things out and Vince suggests a steel cage match against Kroenke. He says that it will settle everything.
Coach asks if Vince will be in Denver on Monday. Vince says that the WWE trucks are on the way to Denver and it looks like there are going to be two events in the Pepsi Center.
Vince says that the person at fault is Stan Kroenke. Vince says that it is unfair for the way that he treated the Nuggets fans and the WWE. He says that it is not fair to book the WWE event at the same time as the NBA playoffs.
Vince holds up a Lakers shirt and says that he wants to personally give it to Mr. Kroenke.
Coachman asks Vince if they will go to the NBA to resolve this problem. Vince says that NBA put it back in the Nuggets’ court because the Nuggets never presented it to the NBA as a booked date for scheduling purposes.
Vince McMahon came off well while it seemed at times that Vince was cutting a promo with the number of times that he mentioned Stan Kroenke’s name. It looks like it could be a very eventful Memorial Day in Denver.
2009 - In the midst of all the controversy surrounding the Raw taping for 5/25, WWE broadcast a live Raw from Louisville, Kentucky. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We are live from Louisville, Kentucky and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Scoopy McScooperstein’ Cole and Jerry ‘When will the Miz pull out the Calipari references’ Lawler.
We start off with Randy Orton coming to the ring to address the fans. Orton finally makes his way to the ring as we see photos of last night’s match between Randy Orton and Batista featuring the return of ROH Ambassador Ric Flair. Randy points out that he is still the WWE Champion. Orton says that he was not just looking to retain his title, he was looking to take Batista out for good. When he was about to accomplish that, he was stopped by Ric Flair. Randy says that Flair was never fond of him during the Evolution days as a threat to outshine Triple H and outshine him which Orton says he has done. That is why Orton kicked Flair in the skull in 2007. Orton says that if he had not done it, Flair would have been able to beat Shawn Michaels at the 24th Anniversary of Wrestlemania and still be wrestling today. Orton says that he has kicked every other member of Evolution in the skull and they have not been the same. They have sought retribution but they have never gotten it. Orton tells Flair that he is only delaying the inevitable. Orton dares Flair to get in his business . . .
We hear the Woooo and the Ambassador comes to the ring. Flair signals that he is looking at Orton. Flair says that Orton might be the champion, but he did not beat Batista. Flair says that the way he saw it, he was close to losing the title so he slapped the referee to get intentionally disqualified. Flair tells Orton to look at him. Flair wants to know what makes Orton a big man now after hanging on the ring post. When it comes to Evolution, he was supposed to be the next big deal and the heir apparent. Flair tells Orton that Batista blew by him and Flair gives us the vrooming noises. Flair says that Orton might have his own group and he might talk trash but until he beats the man, he hasn’t accomplished anything.
Orton says that he is the man because he has the belt. Orton says that he can beat Batista. Flair interrupts with a woooo. Flair asks Orton if he said that he can beat Batista. Flair says that he saw Vickie Guerrero an hour ago and she was not happy about the disqualification. Flair says that he gave Vickie an idea and she liked it. Flair says that there is a pay per view in three weeks and Orton will have to defend the title against Batista again. This time, there will be no disqualifications, count outs or interference. The match will be in a steel cage.
Orton tells Flair that since he was so nice to come out and deliver the message, he wants to give Flair a message for Batista. Orton attacks Flair and he kicks him. Rhodes and DiBiase come to the ring at the Orton pace. Batista is not in Evolution so he can run to the ring and he attacks Rhodes and DiBiase on the way to the ring. We have another three on two situation. John Cena comes out to help Flair and Batista.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Orton’s punch to Flair and the eventual brawl involving Legacy, Batista, and John Cena.
Josh Mathews stops John Cena in the back and he wants to know why Cena was out there to help Batista and Flair. Cena says that he has been beaten down before and some say that he might have lost a step. Cena says that some of the believers have questioned his resolve. Cena points out that he beat the Big Show last night and the critics were silenced. Cena says that he usually does not look for trouble. He wishes both men well at Extreme Rules because it will be a matter of time before he wins the title.
Vickie Guerrero stops by and she says that tonight John Cena will be teaming with Batista to face Randy Orton and The Legacy. Cena shows feigned anger and a fondness for Ghostbusters and then he tells Vickie that he loves that.
Maryse joins Cole and Lawler at the announce table and Cole pulls a Vintage Adamle by mispronouncing Maryse’s name.
Match Number One: Divas Battle Royal featuring Kelly Kelly, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Beth Phoenix, Rosa Mendes, Jillian Hall, and Mickie James for a Title Match
Beth with a power slam to Kelly but Mickie goes after Beth. Rosa gets snap mared by Mickie and then Mickie eliminates Rosa. Beth clotheslines Bella one over the top rope to eliminate her and then Beth attacks the other one. Jillian with an Irish whip to Mickie and Beth hits the handspring back elbow. Beth kicks the other Bella out and she is eliminated. Mickie with a head scissors that sends Jillian to the floor. Mickie with a Thesz Press. Beth puts Mickie in the Tree of Woe but Kelly grabs Beth from behind and connects with a forearm. Beth tries to eliminate Kelly but Kelly is able to eliminate Kelly. The referee is busy dealing with Beth and Maryse sprays Mickie with some sort of spray and Kelly eliminated Mickie to win.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: The non-Miz portion of the Miz and Santino Marella exchange at Judgment Day.
Match Number Two: Santino Marella versus Chavo Guerrero
Chavo with a forearm and then he connects with a Latino uppercut. Chavo with an atomic drop and Santino goes down and winces in pain. Santino walks off the charley horse and Chavo attacks Santino and hits another Latino uppercut. Chavo chokes Santino in the ropes. Chavo with a snap mare and then he stretches Santino and Santino screams like his sister. Chavo pulls Santino back to the mat and then he slaps Santino. Santino Cenas up and he punches Chavo. Santino with an elbow to Chavo followed by a clothesline and a back body drop. Santino charges into a boot and he goes down. Chavo goes up top but Santino rolls into the corner and Chavo returns to the mat. Chavo misses a charge into the corner and Santino with a jackknife cover for the three count.
Winner: Santino Marella
After the match, Chavo gets on the mic and he asks if that is funny. Chavo tells Santino to get his sister ready for a match against Vickie Guerrero for the Ms. Wrestlemania crown.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE.com had more visitors than Disney.com (Mike is not happy).
Time for a Ken Kennedy video package because he is coming back soon.
Maryse is talking in French in the back and Miz says that he has no idea what she is saying, but it is hot. Maryse does the fingernail gesture of indifference. Miz says that Maryse might be a Diva, but Miz is 4-0 against John Cena. Miz tells everyone that they will not want to miss what he has in store for John Cena tonight.
Josh Mathews is with Matt Hardy in the interview area. Josh asks Matt if he cost his brother a shot at the World Title while he has a United States Title match against MVP. Josh suggests that it is a reward for what Matt did. Matt says that Jeff broke his hand four weeks ago. Matt says that he feels the pain and it reminds him of all of the horrific things that Jeff did to him. Matt says that he will not let Jeff get all of the attention. Matt says that Vickie is a good person because she wiped his loss to Kofi Kingston off the record book. Matt says that he got the title match because he earned it.
Vickie wants to know what Chavo was thinking when he put her in a match. Chavo says that Santino’s games are over. Randy Orton storms in and he says that he is the WWE Champion and she needs to consult with him to put him in a match. Vickie says that she wanted a match that ensures that there is a winner. Randy tells Vickie that she better do everything to stay on his good side.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Carlito and Primo versus The Brian Kendrick and Goldust
Goldust and Carlito start things off and Goldust with a side head lock and shoulder tackles. Carlito with an arm drag but Goldust with an arm drag of his own. Kendrick wants to tag in and he does so. Kendrick with a kick to the midsection and a reverse chin lock as he talks to his tag team partner. Kendrick with an inverted face lock and then he runs Carlito into the corner. Kendrick wants Goldust to cheat while he was with the referee and he yells at Goldust when he doesn’t listen. Carlito with a drop kick and Primo tags in and Primo with a punch. Primo with a flying back elbow and then he hits a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall. Kendrick with a jawbreaker and then he tries for the Kendrick but Primo avoids it. Primo with a slingshot cross body for the three count.
Winners: Primo and Carlito
After the match, Kendrick blames Goldust for the loss. Kendrick slaps Goldust and Goldust enters the ring to confront Kendrick. Hornswoggle comes up from behind and he grabs Kendrick’s leg. Hornswoggle, with help from Goldust, kicks Kendrick out of the ring.
We see John Cena’s shirt, but it is the Miz wearing the Cena gear. Miz walks in the back as if he is the man who feels no pain. We go to commercial.
It is time for Vintage John Cena, but it is the Miz to parody John Cena. Miz says the big news coming off Judgment Day is that the Miz is 4-0 against John Cena. For some reason, John Cena will not come out to fight him and that is why he came out dressed like John. Miz says that he has decided to do a remake of Cena’s Word Life song. Miz’s song is called ‘Nerd Life’. Miz wants Cena to come out but he does not oblige.
Miz announces that it is now Miz 5 Cena 0.
Jerry Lawler gets a mic and he comes to the ring. Jerry tells Miz that he has a newsflash. Lawler says that the commercials are getting better ratings than that rap. Lawler says that because someone does not come out when challenged, you do not beat them. Lawler says that he is going to call out Batista but Batista does not come out. Lawler says that he is not 1-0 against Batista. Lawler decides to call out Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and Steve Austin. Lawler says that all of Miz’s talking is coming out of his rear end. Lawler tells Miz to go to Vickie Guerrero to get a match with Cena. Miz is about to go to the back but Big Show comes out.
Show tells Miz that make believe time is over. John Cena may think that he is done with Show, but Show says that he is not done with John Cena. Show says that he has a match against John Cena at Extreme Rules and it is a submission match. Show tells Miz that he will have to wait. Miz says that he can wait to beat John Cena after Cena is done beating Show. Miz pushes Lawler into the way to escape. Show hits Lawler from behind and he puts Lawler in a choke.
We go to commercial with a solemn voice.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Last week’s tag match involving MVP and Matt Hardy.
Jim Ross is with Michael Cole to replace Jerry Lawler after Big Show’s attack.
We see photos of Matt Hardy possibly contribute to Jeff’s loss to Edge last night at Judgment Day.
Match Number Four: Matt Hardy versus Montel Vontavious Porter for the United States Title
They lock up and Porter with a rollup for a near fall. Hardy with an inside cradle for a near fall. Porter with punches followed by knees to the midsection. Hardy goes to the apron but Porter with a forearm and then he suplexes Hardy back into the ring. Hardy with a kick but Porter with a back slide. Hardy with a Side Effect for a near fall. Hardy tries to expose the turnbuckle and the referee stops him. Hardy with a clip to the leg and he uses the cast. Hardy gets a near fall. Hardy kicks Porter in the injured knee and then he uses the ropes. Hardy sends Porter’s leg into the ring post and then he gets a near fall. Hardy kicks the ropes and it reverberates to Porter’s leg. Hardy with punches to Porter’s midsection. Porter kicks Hardy away and then he hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles. Porter with punches followed by a side slam for a near fall.
Porter with a face buster and then it time for the Ballin’ Elbow for a near fall. Hardy throws Porter to the floor and then Hardy with a kick to the knee. Hardy tries to punch Porter with the cast but Porter moves and Hardy hits the ring post and then Porter slams the cast into the ring steps. Porter with a series of punches and then he stomps on Hardy’s cast. Porter with the running boot into the corner and then Porter hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
We are back with a recap of the events that led to the main event tonight.
Ric Flair is in the locker room and Batista stops by. Batista wants to know why Flair is so happy. Flair says that he is going to call Orton out for next week. Batista reminds Flair who he is and Flair says that he did not want to retire. Flair says that he could beat up 90% of the guys on the show and he wants to beat up Orton next week. Flair tells Batista that if he does not believe in him then he will not be out there with him.
We go to the office and Chavo is on the ground and he is trying to teach Vickie how to hit a frog splash. Vickie says the match is off. Santina says that she is disappointed because the only way that Vickie could win is if pigs could fly. Vickie says the match is back on. Chavo tells Vickie to trust him. We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Santina Marella versus Vickie Guerrero for the Ms. Wrestlemania Crown
Santina wants a time out and she gets on the mic. She says that she has something to say to Vickie. She says that she can see that Vickie is jealous. Vickie slaps Santina. Santina kisses Vickie and she makes a few more pig jokes. Chavo gets on the mic and he says that it is a no disqualification match.
Chavo attacks Santina from behind and Santina goes down after a Latino uppercut. Chavo punches Santina but Santina punches back. Chavo with punches to Santina until the tables are turned. Chavo gets back body dropped over the top rope to the floor by Santina.
William Regal comes to the ring from out of nowhere and he attacks Santina and hits an Exploder suplex followed by a knee to the head. Vickie gets the three count.
Winner: Vickie Guerrero
Legacy walk very very very deliberately in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ric Flair will be calling out Randy Orton next week on Raw, we just don’t know where it will happen.
Match Number Six: Legacy versus Batista and John Cena in a Handicap Match
Cody and Cena start things off and they lock up and Cena with a side head lock. Cena with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Orton tags in and he punches Cena. Cena with a kick and he tags in Batista but Orton leaves the ring and DiBiase is tagged in. Batista with a clothesline and he tries for a power slam. Rhodes misses an attack and Batista with a double shoulder tackle. Batista and Cena take care of Rhodes and DiBiase. Orton tries to slither his way to a sneak attack, but Batista and Cena see him and Orton goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton sends Batista into the apron and the return to the ring and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with the Garvin Stomp to Batista and then he hits a knee drop for a near fall. DiBiase is tagged back in and Batista punches DiBiase but DiBiase with a drop toe hold and a near fall. DIBiase with a series of elbow drops to Batista for a near fall. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock. Batista gets back to his feet and he snap mares DiBiase. DiBiase with a boot to Batista and Cody is tagged in and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with forearms to the back and DiBiase tags in and they connect with punches to the midsection. DiBiase punches Batista and then it is back to the reverse chin lock. Batista and DiBiase collide in the ring and they both go down. Cena and Rhodes tag in and Cena with flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb. Time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then it is time to set for the Attitude Adjustment but Orton makes the blind tag despite Cena hitting Attitude Adjustment on Rhodes. Orton punches Cena and then hits a knee drop to the back of the head. DiBiase attacks Cena while Orton was with the referee. Orton stomps on Cena’s chest and then he tags in DiBiase. DiBiase misses a knee from the turnbuckles but DiBiase with a clothesline. DiBiase with a series of vintage fist drops for a near fall.
Rhodes tags in and punches Cena and follows that with a snap mare and a chin lock and arm bar. Cena with a kick and an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Rhodes with a moonsault for a near fall. Orton tags in and he punches Cena and the referee gets in the way. DiBiase attacks Cena while the referee was out o f position. Orton with a drop kick to Cena. Orton with the patented reverse chin lock. Batista is able to make the tag and he punches Orton and then he hits a power slam for a near fall.
Big Show and John Cena fight on the ramp while Batista hits a spinebuster on Orton. Batista takes care of Rhodes and DiBiase. Rhodes goes up top and he falls from the turnbuckles because he was attacked by Flair. Batista with a spear to Orton for the three count.
Winners: Batista and John Cena
After the match, Batista and Flair celebrate in the ring.
We go to credits and will be back next week. Find out where.
2010 - Beth Phoenix and WWE developmental talent Brett DiBiase both underwent successful knee surgeries Birmingham, Alabama.
2010 - WWE released the Best of PPV matches 2010-2011 on DVD, the first in a planned series of annual releases.
2010 - WWE NXT was broadcast from Ottawa, Ontario. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We begin tonight’s show with a look back at the bloodletting of three rookies. Who goes home tonight?
We are live on tape from Kanata, Ontario, Canada and your announcers are Josh ‘Can I announce a match at the pay per view’ Mathews and Michael ‘Why are they calling me Charles Logan tonight’ Cole. Your host is Matt ‘My Favorite Cricket’ Striker.
Matt Striker is on the stage and he brings out six of the pros instead of the rookies. Striker reminds us that one rookie was eliminated because of the Pro’s Poll and another one goes home through the same procedure. Matt wants to know what the pros are looking for from the rookies. Miz says that he is looking for someone to gain a larger audience than WWE already has. He wants to know that the person will want you to watch when you flip through the dial. Regal says that he is looking for adaptability for each situation. He says that he can be funny one moment and then in someone’s face the next. He says that you need in ring skills as well as a personality. CM Punk says that he would love to explain what he looks for but he says that he does not need to speak here because he has lost his appetite and his will to be in front of the people. Christian says that he is looking for someone who will capture the imagination of the WWE Universe.
Someone who will take this competition for himself. He says that he is looking for someone to show ‘it’. He says that he saw ‘it’ from some. Regal wants to know when Christian will show him ‘it’.
Matt Hardy says that he is looking for someone who has the potential to be the complete package. They need to be able to wrestle, to talk, and have ‘it’. They need to be able to survive in the locker room. Chris Jericho is the last one and he says that he is looking for somebody to make him want to pay money to see them. Jericho says that with one exception there is not one rookie who he would want to part with his money to see in the ring.
We see highlights from two weeks ago when Barrett and Young fought at ringside at the end of the show.
Match Number One: Darren Young versus Wade Barrett with Chris Jericho
Barrett has something to say but Young pushes his hand away. Barrett pushes Young and Young with a take down and punches. Barrett goes to the floor but Young goes to the apron and Barrett trips him. Young is run into the apron by Barrett before they return to the ring. Barrett with a big boot for a near fall. Barrett with a surfboard and then Barrett pulls Young down by the hair but misses an elbow drop. Young with punches to Barrett and a flying shoulder tackle and reverse atomic drop. Young with another punch and slam for a near fall. Barrett with a jawbreaker but Young with a forearm and Barrett goes down. Young with a full nelson but Barrett escapes the hold and then he puts Young on the turnbuckles and Young with a punch and tries for a tornado DDT but Young is sent to the apron. Barrett is dropped on the top rope. Young goes up top again and Barrett crotches Young and kicks him before hitting the fireman’s carry slam for the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
After the match, Cole and Mathews talk about Wade Barrett and then Cole mentions David Otunga.
It is time for the pros to talk about David Otunga. Regal says that he has a lot going for him. Truth says that he has the it factor. Jericho says that Otunga stands out from the other rookies. Miz says that Otunga is the next breakout star. Miz says that he is a star. Truth says that he disagrees with the rankings and thinks that he should be number one. Miz says that Otunga is a star already and can bring a new fanbase. Christian says that he has not seen the in ring talent match Otunga’s personality. Punk says that he is the worst rookie and he does not see ‘superstar’ when he sees him. Hardy says that Otunga got here on a free pass. Christian wonders if he is engaged to Kelly Clarkson. Hardy says that he wants to slap the sunglasses off. Punk mentions that Otunga wears sunglasses indoors and then he sighs. Truth says that you can be your own worst enemy. Regal says that Otunga can learn. Truth says that not everyone gets to learn like Otunga does and he needs to apply it in the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan are in the ring with Matt Striker. Matt reminds us that their eliminations were controversial and we go to the video tape.
Matt asks them for their feelings about the eliminations. Michael goes first and he says that he was told that it would be judged by a pro’s poll. However, he was eliminated by WWE Management. He wants to know who WWE Management is. It is a bunch of easily intimidated pencil pushers. They did not have the guts to eliminate him face to face. Striker mentions Tarver’s actions and comments. Tarver says that if there were eight limos that were the same color except one, which one would you notice. Tarver says that he was told to make it, you have to be different. Tarver says that he was revolutionary and he showed it during the competition.
Matt interrupts Tarver and then turns his attention to Daniel Bryan. Did Bryan say that he should be eliminated. Daniels say that it was true but the truth is that he was eliminated by management and not the pros. When he came to WWE, he learned about the politics and how Vince likes the big guys and the guys they made themselves. Daniel says that he is a self made man who was not created by the WWE machine. He thinks they want a guy who will make the most money. They need to find the best people for this job and he is the best person for this job. Matt wants to know if Bryan eliminated himself with his comments. Bryan says that Matt should know better and he says that he does not have to tell anyone that he is better than everyone. He tells Chris Jericho and William Regal that he showed them in the ring. He tells the Miz that he is better than him.
The Miz calls Bryan an indy star while Miz say that he was the first person to win the United States and Tag Titles at the same time. Bryan tells Miz to come to the ring and prove it if he thinks he is so good. Bryan tells Striker that he is not tired of being interrupted by Matt Striker. Bryan says that there is one person who says that he doesn’t have any personality or the ‘it factor’. He says that Cole is a parrot who is told what to say by Vince McMahon. Bryan says that Cole is a poor man’s JR and then he slaps and hits Cole. Striker and referees try to keep Bryan from him. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Daniel Bryan confronting Michael Cole.
Michael Cole says that if Bryan wants a job, he can’t take criticism from the announcers. Cole says that Bryan should be arrested and he might press charges.
Match Number Two: Justin Gabriel with Matt Hardy versus Heath Slater with Christian
They lock up and Slater with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Slater with a reverse atomic drop and kick but Gabriel with an arm drag while Cole goes to the back.
Gabriel tries for a pescado but Slater kicks him in the chest. Slater with a near fall followed by an arm bar. Gabriel with knees to the head to get out of the hold. Slater punches Gabriel but Gabriel with a spin kick and clothesline. Slater with a face plant for a near fall. Slater charges into a boot but Slater with a spinebuster for a near fall. Gabriel with kicks and a jumping spin kick. Gabriel is sent to the apron and Gabriel with a kick and Slater goes down. Gabriel with a 450 splash for the three count.
Winner: Justin Gabriel
After the match Christian shakes Slater’s hand as well as Hardy’s. Slater and Gabriel shake hands too.
Skip Sheffield is in the back and he reminds us that he was voted off NXT. He was seen as a threat because of his size, physique, and intensity. It was like Survivor when they took out the biggest and baddest threat and they did it first.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have the Batista/John Cena video package for Over the Limit.
Michael Cole is back at the announce table and it is time to ignore that he got his receipt from DanielBryan. Cole and Josh run through the card for Over the Limit.
It is time to see what the pros have to say about Darren Young. Punk wonders what rankings really are. Christian says that he had Young ranked last. Truth comments on Young’s pro. Punk says that he is not Young’s friend. He is here to teach and guide. Jericho says that he does not like the haircut or the headband. Miz says that he likes something about him, but he hasn’t seen it yet. Truth says that he can see Young be a star but he needs to get out of his shell and let it shine.
We see highlights from Darren Young’s loss to Wade Barrett.
Matt Striker is with the pros and he asks them to figure out the next rookie to be eliminated.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the rookies are at ringside with Matt Striker.
Matt reminds us that we will be one rookie lighter after tonight. It is time for the Pro’s Poll and Wade Barrett is still in first place. David Otunga stays at second. Heath Slater moves up to number three despite losing his match to Justin Gabriel.
We are either eliminating Justin Gabriel or Darren Young and Darren Young gets to go home to South Beach.
Matt asks Young for his thoughts and he asks Darren to tell the pros what he thinks of the decision. Darren says that he did not think this would happen, but he wants to thank the fans in the arena and at home. Darren says that the difference between him and the other rookies is that he has respect for the pros. He says that he is not going to holler and cry. He wants to thank everyone and says that NXT is over for him. Young says that this is not the last time that you will see Darren Young and then he goes to the back.
Matt tells us that the competition will intensify next week. After looking back at what happened to Michael Cole, we are told that another rookie will be eliminated next week.
2011 - PWInsider.com broke the following change to WWE contracts:
"WWE is now requiring all of of their signed talents to personally purchase and maintain medical insurance for themselves. WWE will not be picking up the costs of the insurance I am told but are requiring the talents to have the insurance for their own benefit.
I heard rumblings of this a few months back, but confirmed Monday that the company went through with the decision to require talents to maintain their own insurance.
For those wondering, the amendment was presented to talents prior to the announcement that UFC was going to provide all of their fighters with medical insurance, so this is not a reaction to that. The decision was in the works well before the UFC announcement.
Now, as to why the company doesn't cover talents themselves with medical insurance, it should be pointed out that as independent contractors, the talents would be able to write off the cost of the medical insurance as a business expense.
It should also be pointed out that WWE does cover the costs of any surgeries and physical rehabilitation needed based off injuries suffered while performing, as well as any costs for substance abuse treatment needed by talents, past or present, who have worked for the company."
2011 - Juggalo Championship Wrestling presented the "Ponydown Showdown" on Internet PPV. Matt Carter filed the following PPV report:
Show starts out with the usual countdown at 7:06 (Chicago time). This week's show is sporting a new bigger player, not full screen more like half screen. The feed also has a lot more buffering issues.
Introduced are DJ Clay, Kevin Gill, and Shaggy 2 Dope. Kevin Gill on the mic welcomes us to The Pony Down Throw Down
Things Gordon Solie never said "We are live as f**k"
KG runs down the card for the night.
Up Chuck the Clown and The Ring Girl get the action started
Match #1 Superstar Bill Martel vs. Corporal Robinson
Story coming in from last week, Corp wants to work his way from the top to the bottom of the roster to get his JCW championship back.
Corp comes in the ring a house of fire and is all over Martel. Corp now takes Martel outside the ring for some hard chops. Woo! Martel manages to shove Corp into the ring post and forces Corp back in the ring. Martel slows the match down. The crowd chants Family and I still have no idea what that means. Robinson gets a reversal off the ropes into a sit out power bomb, big super kick, and then hits boot camp for the pin. Squash for Corp!
Your winner Corporal Robinson!
After the match, Corp celebrates with the crowd and grabs a mic. He tells the boys in the back to watch out as he works his way back into the title picture.
Match #2 Jimmy Jacobs vs. Sonjay Dutt
Jacobs does his Emo character (like WSX) at JCW and this is Dutt's JCW debut. I am not sure, but I think they are actually calling him Sonjay Butt. Jacobs starts the match on the mic saying he wants to share his feelings in poetry form. He gets a "shut the f#@k up" chant and tries to read his poem. Sonjay tries to take the mic but Jimmy gets the upper hand. Sonjay gets a reversal and hits a nice springboard elbow. Jacobs back in control with a rake of the eyes. Dutt is looking good with some high flying offense, was he always bald?
Things Gordon Solie never said "Beautiful Standing F**kin Moonsault"
They go back and forth but Jacobs gets the upper hand with an Emo Cutter and hits a top rope senton for the pin.
Your Winner Jimmy Jacobs!
Video package shown about the back story of Officer Colt and Weedman
Match #3 Officer Colt Cabana and Deputy Weedman vs. Zach Gowen and U Gene
I bet this will be a 60 minute classic. Gene starts off with Colt and Gene works up the crowd. Colt gets annoyed and tags in Weedman. Gene hits a drop toe hold and rides Weedman like a pony. Weedman reverses and does the same thing and Gene congratulates him. Another Family Chant rings out. Colt comes in and berates UGene so he tags in Gowen. Colt just shoves him down and makes fun of Gowen. Zach starts to get in some offense and Colt runs out of the ring and tags Weedman. Weedman tries to make it a fair fight by wrestling on one leg. Weedman tries to keep the match clean but Colt keeps taking out Gowen. Finally UGene comes in and takes over with some Kamala chops and does his Hogan leg drop for a 2 count. He hits a special people's elbow but Weedman tries to break up the pin and hits Colt on accident. Now Weedman is holding Gowen and Colt has his knight stick but U Gene takes it away and tries to hit Colt. He actually hit Gowen and Colt covers Gowen for the win.
Your winners Officer Colt Cabana and Deputy Weedman!
Video package is shown about the next iPPV “Send In The Clowns” featuring ICP performing
Match #4 3 Way Dance - Sexy Slim Goody vs. Breyer Wellington with Truth Martini vs. Kawabata
Truth Martini (in a backless vest thing) joins the guys on commentary
Goody starts the match showing off his man boobs. Goody and Wellington work together beating down Kawabata. Kawabata hits a double ddt and takes over. Kawabata works over Goody while Wellington stays on the outside. Wellington then comes in to break up a pin attempt and starts working over Kawabata. Wellington misses a moonsault and rolls outside while Kawabata works over Goody again. Goody got a reversal and hit a double knee stomp (somehow) for a pin attempt and Wellington comes in to break it up. Goody shows the man boobs again and Wellington turns it into a top rope back suplex. Kawabata hits the red mist and Kurt Kobain for a pin on Goody. For some reason the match ends, so its not a real 3 way dance but whatever.
Your Winner Kawabata!
KG takes the mic to annouce to the crowd that on the next iPPV ICP will perform.
Out comes Necro Butcher and Mad Man Pondo to the ring. They remind everyone that they won a title shot and can use it whenever they want. They join the guys on commentary.
Ring announcer in the suit comes out, must be a championship match. I think they are calling him Legs Diamond.
Match #5 for JCW Tag Team Championship: Isabella Smothers and Bull Pain vs The Ring Rydas
Isabella takes the mic, tells the crowd to shut up and says her focus is only "bully poo". He doesn't like the knickname. Isabella says she has bad news. She got a letter in the mail today from her daddy Tracy Smothers. Bull Pain wonders what that has to do with him. Tracy says he is coming up for parole so he might be out of jail. Bull Pain says they haven't done anything so Isabella recounts the times they've done stuff. She even takes a used condom out of her pants. Ew.
Bull Pain insists that he start the match and Isabella finally agrees. Pain starts out with Ryda Blue and takes charge with shots in the corner. Isabella hits a blind tag and then a drop kick to the face of Blue in the corner. Pain tags back for a pin but Red breaks it up. Pain throws Blue into Red and he comes in and gets a beating. Isabella comes in with a back senton and Pain tags back in. Ring Rydas use some double team and work over Pain. Isabella comes in but gets taken down by Blue for a near fall. Isabella then runs to a knee in the corner. Blue turns his head and gets a low blow. Red tags in and hits a high cross body from the top rope for a near fall. Rydas hit some double team kicks on Isabella. Double team spike tombstone on Isabella and Blue gets the pin.
Your winners and still JCW Tag Team Champions The Ring Rydas!
After the match, Pain isn't happy about the loss and yells at Isabella. On commentary, Pondo slips and calls Isabella "Mickie".
Things Gordon Solie never said "You get the best f**kin wrestling for less than a pack of smokes with JCW"
Now is the musical guest so time for a break. Drive By started at 8:40 and finished right at 9
After 5 minutes of stalling by the announcers, Rhino comes out and grabs a mic. His mic doesn't work so he tries again and now it works so he calls out Rob Conway. Conway comes out and says what he does isn't personal, its all about money. Rhino says he expected that. He takes out a stack of cash and says he wants to hire Conway to take HIM out. Conway accepts and here we go
Match #6 Rhino vs. Rob Conway
Rhino dominates early until Conway escapes to the outside. He comes back in for a test of strength and breaks it to take over control. Finally after a few minutes of ground work, Rhino gets control for a moment but Conway gets it right back after a double axe handle off the second rope. Rhino manages a AA Spinebuster but only gets a 2 count. Both struggle to get up, Conway throws Rhino to the outside. Rhino hit a clothesline on the outside and digs for a table under the ring. Rhino sets up the table in the corner. Conway manages to escape a gore into a sleeper. Rhino then reverses it and puts Conway through the table for the pin.
Your winner Rhino!
They show a 2 Tuff Tony video package
Main Event for JCW Championship
2 Tuff Tony vs Butler Geeves with Breyer Wellington and Truth Martini
Things Gordon Solie never said "He's just a scardy "b**ch"
Geeves starts out trying to avoid Tony but finally Tony starts in on some offense. When Tony tries to run the ropes Martini grabs his leg. Doesn't matter as Tony continues to pound on Geeves. Tony hit a dropkick for a pin but Wellington interferes. Tony sets Geeves on the top rope for the Tumble Weed but Truth distracts the ref so no count. Tony hits spring board moonsault from the middle rope but again the pin is broke up. Tony continues to beat on Geeves. Every pin, though, is broke up from the outside. A big Tony Driver on Geeves but the ref is pulled out of the ring. Now Tony loads up his fist and takes a big drink but out comes Officer Colt and Deputy Weedman. Colt says he needs to arrest Tony for public intox. Weedman reads Tony his rights while Colt cuffs him and says Tony has "The right to be raped in jail". Tony is then drug out out of the ring. The ref then counts out Tony.
Your winner and still JCW Champion Butler Geeves!
Out comes Corporal Robinson and says there is no way its going down like that. He calls out Violent J. J says that he hates what happened but can't do anything about Tony getting arrested. He can give Corp a chance right now to win Tony another championship match at Send In The Clowns. He has to earn the shot for Tony by beating Geeves and Wellington and Martini in a 3 on 1 and has to do it in under 2 minutes. Corp says ring the bell.
Match #8 Corporal Robinson vs Breyer Wellington and Butler Geeves and Truth Martini
Right away numbers game is too much for Corp. After a minute, Corp finally starts to get in some offense. With 20 seconds left Corp clears the ring, hits boot camp on Wellington and gets the 3 count with 3 seconds to spare!
Your winner Corporal Robinson!
Then the connection died. I tried to reload but it never came back.
Not a bad match on the show, but nothing beyond good. It seemed like this show was about advancing the story lines. Not a bad show, but not as good as the previous ones. A lot of that probably comes from the endless buffering and tech issues this show had that made it hard to watch and enjoy. If the full screen was the cause, I’d rather have the small one back. But for $5, it was a bargain.
2012 - Gunner announced he had signed a three year TNA deal. He has been used sparingly since.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin with footage from the end of last week’s Raw when the stipulation for Sunday’s match between John Cena and John Laurinaitis was determined by the Board of Directors.
We are live on tape from Hershey, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Booker ‘Krakle ’ T, Josh ‘Special Dark with Almonds ’ Mathews, and Michael ‘Bitter Chocolate’ Cole.
John Laurinaitis makes his way to the ring and he is still in shock after the announcement from Monday night because he doesn’t have the usual bounce in his stop.
John says that he disagrees with the decision by the Board of Directors. He says that he feels that he is being put in harm’s way. He asked for the match with John Cena, but the board has restricted the way that he can compete with Cena. It is like leading a lamb to slaughter and that is not fair. He says that he is approaching forty years old and he is not as flexible as he used to be. He can bench press 250 pounds and run a mile in less than 6 minutes. However, that does not qualify him to face John Cena.
Laurinaitis says that he asked the Board of Directors to reconsider and they said no. Laurinaitis decides to take his campaign to the fans and he wants them to say a prayer for John Laurinaitis.
CM Punk’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
Punk wonders if Johnny gets it. Punk says that everyone has been praying. Their prayers have been answered because the only way that John wins on Sunday is by pinfall or submission. Anyone interferes, they are terminated so the match is one on one. When John Cena beats him, Laurinaitis gets terminated.
Punk says that he wants to be the first to wish Laurinaitis the best in his future endeavors. They will party next week on Raw and Smackdown. It will be bigger than Mardi Gras. Punk wants to know how miserable Laurinaitis has made people and the way that he has abused his power.
On Monday night, Johnny had a seven foot giant on his knees groveling and begging for his job because he enjoys entertaining the people. Laurinaitis did it with a smile on his face.
John insults the intelligence of the WWE Universe, and he is out of touch. John also insults Teddy Long who made this show good.
Punk wants to know how it feels to be on the other end of the stick for once.
John says that he isn’t there yet because he is still in charge.
Tonight, CM Punk will face Kane.
Punk accepts that and he says that he is not concerned that he is going to face Kane, but he will not go to the Board of Directors to get out of the match. Punk says that he respects Kane, unlike Johnny. Punk says that he will be WWE Champion next week while Johnny will be on the unemployment line.
Laurinaitis asks the people if they like it when someone makes fun of his boss. Johnny says that he has been tough and fair. He has been generous and benevolent but the people don’t get it that he is working hard for them. The more he does for the people, the more they crap on him. Johnny isn’t going to blame John Cena or CM Punk, he is going to blame the WWE Universe.
If this is his last night on Smackdown, he tells everyone that they can go to hell.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston and R Truth versus Titus O’Neil and Darren Young
Young and Truth start things off and they lock up. Young with a knee instead of a break in the corner. The referee warns Young and that allows Truth to get out of the corner and he punches Young. Truth with a boot to Young and Kofi tags in and hits a springboard cross body for a near fall. Young with an Irish whip but Kofi with a pendulum kick and then he takes care of Titus on the apron.
Young with a punch and then he hits a belly-to-back suplex onto the apron. Young sends Kofi back into the ring. Young with an elbow drop for a near fall. Titus tags in and he punches Kofi in the back and then he slams Kofi as they continue to work on the back. Young with an Irihs whip into the corner followed by a splash.
Titus runs into Kofi’s boots and Titus goes down. Truth and Young tag in and Truth with punches and then he does a pelvic thrust before a punch. Truth with the Truth Detector followed by a kick and DDT for a near fall. Titus breaks up the cover and Kofi and Truth hit a double drop kick. Kofi with a pescado onto Titus and then Truth hits the Little Jimmy for the three count.
Winners: R Truth and Kofi Kingston
We go to the B A Star event in New York from a few weeks ago.
Zack Ryder is in the back filming his latest video feature but we pan to Damien Sandow. Sandow does not seem impressed and we go to commercial.
We are back and Damien Sandow makes his way onto the stage as he is introduced for his match against Yoshi Tatsu.
Damien introduces himself and he says that he is here to help all of you. As the intellectual savior to the masses, it is his duty, nee, his passion to set everyone free from the chains of ignorance. One fortnight ago, he stood on the precipice of ushering in a new era of enlightenment that the ignorant masses so desperately yearned for. However, to his dismay, upon his arrival at ringside, he saw that he was pitted against an unworthy opponent. An opponent he rejected to prevent the people from seeing such an abhorrent contest.
Sadly, he finds himself in that same vexing scenario this evening. This alleged superstar is an unworthy opponent. Damien says that he cannot and will not demean himself to face such and ignoramus. Damien says that he is doing this for the benefit and well being of everyone. Damien says ‘You’re Welcome’ and leaves the ring.
Yoshi Tatsu calls Sandow a chicken and then he makes chicken noises.
Yoshi turns his back and Sandow runs to the ring and attacks Yoshi. He sends Yoshi into the turnbuckles. Sandow with knees and a Japanese neck breaker.
Sandow tries to find his inner peace after what he did to Yoshi.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back at what happened two weeks ago when the four men who are in the World Title Match at Over the Limit were in a tag match that saw Sheamus give Orton a Brogue Kick and then Jericho pinned Sheamus. Then Orton gave Sheamus an RKO. Last week, Sheamus and Orton used Del Rio as a punching bag. Then on Monday night, Sheamus got Randy Orton disqualified for attacking Chris Jericho during Orton’s match with Jericho.
Sheamus and Randy Orton are in the locker room with Matt Striker. Matt asks them about their match tonight. Sheamus says that he is looking forward to the match on Sunday so he can show what kind of champion he is. Sheamus says that he has a reputation for being a hot head but he can harness it in the ring, unlike someone else.
Orton says that he used to be so overconfident that he came off like an idiot. Orton says that he can win the title without beating the current champion. Orton says that he couldn’t think of anyone else in that match he wants to beat more.
Sheamus says that he is happy that one of his opponents had the guts to say it to his face and he could Brogue Kick him in the face, but he is a nice guy and he won’t do it.
Orton says that he is not a nice guy and he reminds Sheamus where nice guys finish.
Match Number Two: Zack Ryder versus Daniel Bryan
They lock up and Bryan backs Ryder into the corner but Ryder puts Bryan in the corner. Bryan with a forearm and European uppercut. Bryan with a knee drop to the back of the head for a near fall. Ryder with a kick and punches but Bryan with a European uppercut and Ryder is on the mat again.
Ryder sends Bryan into the mat but Bryan with a running knee and then he hits the running drop kick into the corner for a near fall. Bryan with a hammer lock and then he manipulates Ryder’s fingers and wrist. Bryan with a hammer lock but Ryder with an elbow. Ryder with a back elbow to a charging Bryan followed by boots. Ryder with a missile drop kick.
Ryder misses the Broski boot and Bryan kicks the ropes and then he kicks Ryder in the head and then he applies the Yes Lock and Ryder taps out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, Bryan starts the fans chanting yes.
We see Kane’s face as the camera pans back and we go to commercial.
We are back and Daniel Bryan has joined the announcers for the next match.
Match Number Three: CM Punk versus Kane
Punk with a side head lock and arm bar. Kane with a shoulder tackle. Punk with a kick to the leg but Kane backs Punk into the corner. Kane pie faces Punk but Punk with forearms and chops. Punk clotheslines Kane over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk with forearms to Kane and then he returns to the legs with kicks. Punk with a DDT and he gets a near fall. Punk with knees to the hamstring and then he applies a figure four leg lock. Kane punches Punk to get out of the hold.
Kane kicks Punk through the ropes to the floor. Punk drops Kane on the top rope and Punk tries for the springboard clothesline but Kane with an uppercut. Kane kicks Punk and presses him against the ring post and then Kane with a baseball slide and Punk’s ribs are sent into the post.
Kane with shoulders in the corner followed by a punch. Kane gets a near fall. Kane with a bear hug but Punk with elbows to get out of the hold. Kane with a back breaker and Kane gets another near fall. Kane with a body scissors and head butts to the back of Punk’s head. Punk with elbows and he gets free.
Punk with a knee to the head followed by kicks to the leg. Kane tries for a choke slam but Punk escapes and he hits a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Kane sends Punk into the corner and misses a splash. Punk with a running knee but Kane pushes Punk away on the bulldog. Punk goes to the turnbuckles for a bulldog and he gets a near fall.
Punk hits the springboard clothesline and gets a near fall. Punk gets Kane up for the Go To Sleep but it is only a moment because of Punk’s ribs. Kane with a boot to the head for a near fall. Kane puts Punk on the top turnbuckle and tries for a superplex.
Punk with chops to send Kane to the mat and then Punk with the elbow drop and he hits it but he can only get a two count. Punk tries for the Anaconda Vice but Kane avoids it. Kane with a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes to the apron and then up top for the clothesline and he hits it. Kane signals for the choke slam but Punk with a kick to the head and Kane is forced to the floor.
Punk with a suicide dive onto Kane but it is in front of the announce table. Daniel Bryan gets a chair and the referee warns Bryan. Bryan hits Kane with the chair and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Kane by disqualification
After the match, Bryan runs up the ramp and Kane recovers to see Punk with the chair. Kane with an uppercut to Punk because he thought Punk hit him with the chair. Kane hits Punk in the midsection with the chair and Daniel Bryan is enjoying what Kane is doing.
Kane sends Punk over the announce table and then into the ringside barrier. Kane sends Punk into the ring while Bryan watches from the safety of the ramp. Kane with a choke slam to Punk. Kane hits a second choke slam and Daniel Bryan is now applauding what Kane did.
We go to commercial.
We are back with Goldman Box comments from Santino Marella talking about how much he loves the United States Title.
Match Number Four: Santino Marella versus Cody Rhodes
They lock up and Cody with a side head lock and hammer lock. Santino with a reversal but Cody with a drop toe hold and then he slap Santino in the head. Rhodes with a kick to the midsection and back. Rhodes with knees as Santino comes off the ropes. Rhodes with punches and kicks to the head. Santino with an Irish whip but Cody with an elbow. Rhodes misses a moonsault.
Santino pulls out his sock puppet and he calls for the cobra but Rhodes with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with punches but Santino with a split to avoid a clothesline and Santino hits the Cobra for the three count.
Winner: Santino Marella
We take a look back at John Laurinaitis’ comments from the start of the show.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to relive the moment from Monday night when Big Show was fired. The segment might still be going on live.
Match Number Five: Randy Orton versus Sheamus
They lock up and they go around the ring as they try to jockey for position and the leverage advantage. The referee separates them and they have a clean break. They lock up again and Sheamus with a side head lock. Orton with forearms to the ribs but Sheamus with a shoulder tackle.
Orton with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Orton with an arm bar as he works on the formerly injured shoulder. Sheamus backs Orton into the corner and the referee has to separate them. Sheamus pushes Orton but Orton pushes back. Sheamus and Orton exchange punches and kicks. Orton with a short arm clothesline. Orton with the Garvin Stomp but he misses the leaping knee drop.
Sheamus punches Orton but Orton returns fire. Sheamus with more punches and Orton does the same. Sheamus with an Irish whip but you never Irish whip Orton into the corner because Randy will clothesline you. Orton sends Sheamus to the floor but Sheamus pulls Orton to the floor. Orton blocks a punch and he punches Sheamus. Sheamus reverses an Irish whip and Orton goes into the ring steps.
Sheamus sees Orton’s head against the ring post and he tries for the Brogue Kick but Orton moves and Sheamus kicks the ring post instead. Orton pulls Sheamus’ injured shoulder into the ring post as the battle continues on the floor. Orton sends Sheamus’ arm into the ring steps a few times.
Orton punches Sheamus and then he stomps on the arm on the step. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton wraps Sheamus’ arm in the ropes to continue to work on the shoulder. Orton punches Sheamus and then he drops an elbow on the arm. Sheamus punches Orton but Orton with a kick and single arm DDT for a near fall. Orton with a rear chin lock while trapping the arm to add more pressure.
Sheamus with punches but Orton is able to return to the arm to stop Sheamus’ offense. Orton with a knee drop to the injured arm and Sheamus backs into the corner and the referee tries to keep Orton out of the corner. Sheamus punches Orton and Orton with an Irish whip and Sheamus hits the turnbuckles with his injured shoulder. Orton gets a near fall. Orton with a hammer lock in the ropes and the referee warns Orton. Orton wit a knee to the shoulder and he continues to use the ropes to work on the arm. Sheamus sends Orton to the floor.
Orton tries to return to the ring and Sheamus with a running knee lift and then it is time for forearms across the chest to Orton on the apron. Sheamus with a running forearm and Orton goes off the apron and into the ringside barrier. We go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus with knee drops to the head. Sheamus gets a near fall on Orton. Sheamus with a chin lock and arm bar but Orton with forearms. Sheamus with a knee to the midsection and then he gets a near fall. Sheamus with the fireman’s carry slam and then he sets for the Celtic Cross but he cannot hold up Orton because of his shoulder.
Orton with a back breaker and two clotheslines. Sheamus misses a clothesline and that means it is power slam time. Orton runs into an elbow but Orton with a belly-to-belly suplex and he sets for the IEDDT but Sheamus drops Orton’s head on the top rope.
Sheamus with a the slingshot shoulder tackle followed by running double sledges and a running shoulder into the corner. Sheamus with a running knee lift and a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus sets for the uranage back breaker but Orton with elbows. Orton with a kick but Sheamus is able to hit the uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Sheamus goes to the apron and then up top but Orton crotches Sheamus and Orton punches Sheamus and he sets for the superplex and Orton hits it. Orton slowly makes the cover and the delay allows Sheamus to kick out. Orton holds his head after the impact of the superplex.
Orton punches Sheamus but Sheamus punches back. They pepper each other with punches but Sheamus backs Orton into the corner and connects with an elbow. Sheamus misses a Brogue Kick when Orton moves out of the way. Sheamus crotches himself in the ropes. Orton hits the IEDDT and Randy looks around before twisting to the mat to pound the mat for the RKO. Sheamus pushes Orton away on an RKO attempt. Sheamus misses a Brogue Kick. Orton tries for the RKO again but Sheamus avoids it and then he gets a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
After the match, Sheamus celebrates in the ring while Orton is a bit disappointed with the loss. Orton tells Sheamus that he got him this time. Orton and Sheamus get face to face in the center of the ring and Orton offers his hand.
Sheamus has something to say to Orton and Orton says that Sunday will be a different story. They shake hands but you know that you don’t shake the hand of the Viper and Orton with an RKO to Sheamus.
Orton grabs the title belt but he does not pick it up.
We go to credits.
2013 - Ring of Honor broadcast ROH TV. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are two weeks removed from Border Wars and we are on the way to Best in the World, next month in Baltimore. Until then, we have some television to set up for the next iPPV. We are reminded of the stipulation regarding Steve Corino and SCUM from Border Wars. We have footage of the match from Border Wars that gave us SCUM for a Number One Contender and Steve Corino as the voice of ROH.
We are in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino.
Steve makes his way to the ring with Jimmy Jacobs. He says that the end is near and the Era of SCUM has begun. If you watched Border Wars, you know two things. There is a new color commentator until this show gets cancelled and his name is Steve Corino. More importantly, one of his men will get a shot at the ROH World Championship. He will tell everyone that his man will become the next ROH World Champion and the last ROH World Champion.
Jay Lethal makes his way to the ring and he says that what happened to his leg at Border Wars was an unfortunate mistake but so was allowing Kevin Steen to replace him in the match because we do not know where his loyalties lie. Jay says that he is loyal to Ring of Honor and he says that he wants to take care of Jimmy Jacobs.
Jacobs pulls Lethal to the apron and he slams the leg to the apron. Jacobs pulls Lethal to the floor and Jay with a chop.
Match Number One: Jimmy Jacobs versus Jay Lethal
The bell rings and Lethal with punches and chops followed by a punch. Lethal climbs on the chair that Lethal is sitting on and he punches Jacobs. Lethal limps around the ringside area. Jacobs with a kick and he sends Jay into the guardrails. Lethal with a punch to Jacobs and then Lethal Irish whips Jacobs into the guardrails.
Lethal chops Jacobs and he sends Jacobs into the ring. Jacobs kicks the ropes when Lethal returns to the ring. Jacobs with chops to Lethal but Lethal chops back. Jacobs with chops and Lethal chops Jacobs. Jacobs goes for the leg but Lethal with a chop.
Jacobs tries for a tornado DDT but Lethal sends Jacobs to the mat and Lethal with a drop kick to the head for a near fall. Jacobs grabs the leg but Lethal with a forearm to the back. Lethal with a back elbow and he gets a near fall. Jacobs rolls away from Lethal and then he moves around the ring to force Lethal to use his injured leg. Jacobs with a drop kick to the knee.
Jacobs kicks Lethal in the leg and then they exchange punches. Jacobs with a shoulder tackle to the knee. Jacobs continues to work on the knee but Lethal with punches to the head. Lethal with a jackknife cover for a near fall. Lethal with a DDT and then he goes for a handspring move but Jacobs stops Jay and he ties the leg in the ropes and he punches Lethal.
Lethal is removed from the ropes and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jacobs with an Indian Death Lock on Lethal as he continues to work on the knee. Lethal with a chop but Jacobs chops back and Jacobs gets a near fall. Lethal fights through the pain and he escapes and he punches Jacobs in the head. Lethal with a chop. Lethal misses an enzuigiri and Jacobs hyper-extends the knee and he gets a near fall. Lethal rolls to the apron but Jacobs pulls him into the center of the ring.
Jacobs goes to the turnbuckles but Lethal gets his leg up. Jacobs tries for a figure four leg lock but Lethal counters with an inside cradle. Lethal with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Jacobs with a kick to the leg but Lethal with punches. They exchange punches and kicks and Lethal adds chops. Jacobs with knees. Lethal with clotheslines followed by a chop. Lethal with a back body drop but Lethal reinjures his leg.
Lethal tries for a super kick but his leg gives out. Lethal is able to recover and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Lethal with a rollup for a near fall followed by the Lethal Combination. Lethal sets for the Lethal Injection but his leg gives out after the handspring. Jacobs with an Ace Crusher followed by the Contra Code for the three count.
Winner: Jimmy Jacobs
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for an announcement from Nigel McGuinness and he is in the ring. At Border Wars, Jay Briscoe successfully defended the World Title against Adam Cole. Jay proved he is no paper champion and Adam proved that he is champion material. Adam is entitled to a rematch but there are a few people ahead of him on the list.
Nigel says that Michael Elgin is the first person on the list. While Elgin has earned the title shot, he will be ready at any time. First, he wants to redeem his loss against Karl Anderson. Then he wants to rid Ring of Honor of SCUM. Nigel says that he approves that decision.
There are a few people who were out of the picture when Kevin Steen was the champion, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards. On June 22nd at Best in the World . . .
Jay Briscoe interrupts and Nigel gives him the mic.
Jay says that Nigel has some tough opponents lined up for him because he likes whooping people’s asses. Just like against Adam Cole at Border Wars, Michael Elgin is also on the list. There isn’t a man in this company who can beat him. He will beat their ass.
Mark Briscoe comes to the ring and he has something to say.
Mark says that he done heard enough. All Jay talks about is how he can whoop everybody’s ass. Mark reminds Jay that they were brought up to be humble. Mark says that all Jay talks about is beating people’s asses no matter what they are doing. Mark says that he has heard enough.
Mark says that his first match in the company was him beating Jay’s ass.
Jay says that Mark thinks he can whoop his ass. Baltimore is just down the road from Sandy Fork. They can bring their family to Baltimore. Jay wants the match at Best in the World. Jay Briscoe versus Mark Briscoe.
Nigel thinks about it and he says that nobody fights like family and they have given him something to think about.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Cliff Compton and Rhett Titus versus Cedric Alexander and Caprice Coleman
Coleman and Alexander hit the ring and all four men start brawling so the match begins, but without any honor. Titus and Compton with kicks and punches. Titus with a chop to Coleman. Compton and Titus go over the top rope to the floor when Coleman and Alexander drop down. Coleman goes to the floor and he punches Compton but Titus punches Coleman. Coleman uses the ring post to kicks Titus.
Alexander with a flip dive onto Titus and Compton. Titus is rolled back into the ring and Coleman and Alexander with a double team. Alexander with a drop toe hold and Coleman with a leg drop. Coleman with a suplex and Alexander tags in. Coleman with a leaping leg lariat Hart Attack but Compton breaks up the cover.
Alexander with an enzuigiri to Compton. Alexander with punches and forearms to Titus. Alexander with a back body drop to Titus. Alexander with a near fall. Coleman tags in and they hit a double back elbow and Coleman gets a near fall. Coleman with a punch and Alexander tags back in. Titus with a kick to Alexander. Compton sends Coleman shoulder first into the ring post while Alexander hits an enzuigiri on Titus. Compton with a Michinoku Driver even though he is not the legal man in the match.
Officials go to check on Coleman. Titus with a chop to Alexander. Titus drops Alexander on the rope and Compton is tagged in and he connects with an elbow to the back. Compton with a leaping kick to Alexander and he gets a near fall. Compton with a butterfly suplex while Coleman is taken to the back. Titus and Compton bring Coleman back to the ring and they send Coleman shoulder first into the ring post.
Alexander with a forearm to Compton but Compton stops him and he tags in Titus who connects with a kick to the ribs. Alexander with forearms but Titus with a knee and he sends Alexander to the apron. Alexander with a forearm to Titus and an elbow to Compton on the apron. Alexander tries to suplex Titus to the floor but Compton pushes Titus back into the ring and Titus with a suplex that brings Alexander back into the ring.
Compton tags in and he goes up top and connects with a forearm to the ribs. Compton floats over but Alexander with a sit out full nelson face driver. Alexander looks to his corner and Coleman is being taken to the back. Coleman refuses to go to the back and he returns to ringside despite the shoulder injury.
Titus tags in and he keeps Alexander from making the tag. Alexander misses an enzuigiri but does not miss the mule kick. Coleman tags in and he connects with clotheslines and elbows. Coleman with a punch and Titus goes down. Coleman kicks Titus in the corner but Compton interferes. Coleman with kicks to Compton. Coleman with a near fall.
Titus works on the shoulder but he misses a drop kick. Coleman catapults Titus to the ropes and Alexander with a forearm followed by an elbow drop and Coleman gets a near fall that is broken up by Compton. Alexander sends Compton to the floor and they fight outside the ring. Compton sends Alexander into the guardrails. Coleman with a splash into the corner but Compton drops Coleman’s arm on the ropes and Titus with a brainbuster for the three count.
Winners: Rhett Titus and Cliff Compton
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Adam Cole versus Kevin Steen
They shake hands and Steen looks at Corino at ringside but Cole cannot take advantage of the situation. They lock up and Steen with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Steen has something to say to Corino. They lock up again and Cole with a forearm but Steen with a forearm. They go back and forth with forearms. Cole with a side head lock and a shoulder tackle that has no effect.
Steen with a chop and he sends Cole into the corner and he chops Cole. Steen with a forearm but Cole with a kick. Steen with a chop and forearm. Cole sends Steen to the floor and Cole tries for a pescado but Steen sees him coming and moves out of the way. Steen sends Cole into the guardrails. Cole punches Steen but Steen with a knee and he hits a power bomb onto the apron.
Steen points to the other side of the ringside area and they are getting some up close action and Steen with another power bomb onto the apron. Steen has another side of the ringside area to play with and he hits a third power bomb on the apron. Steen does not give the fourth side the honor so they return to the ring.
Steen looks at Corino and Steen says something to Steve and then he goes after Corino but Cole with a drop kick to the knee while Steen is in the ropes. Cole with a knee to the hamstring and he works on the leg as we go to commercial.
We are back and Cole continues to work on the leg and knee. Cole goes for the figure four leg lock but Steen kicks Cole to the floor. Steen hobbles around the ring and Cole with a leaping enzuigiri to the head from the floor and Cole gets a near fall. Cole with forearms to Steen followed by a chop. Steen chops back.
Cole with a forearm and Steen with a forearm of his own. Steen with another forearm and they alternate shots. Cole with a kick to the knee but Steen with a knee. Steen hits the pop up power bomb but Steen cannot take advantage due to the damage done to his leg. Steen with a clothesline that flips Cole but Steen can only get a two count. Steen sets for the cannonball but he does not have the speed to hit the move and Cole with a kick followed by the Florida Key and a super kick for a near fall.
Steen holds on to the ropes when Cole tries for an Irish whip. Cole with forearms to Steen and a kick to the leg. Steen with a knee and he hits a shoulder breaker but Steen may have hurt himself as much since he did it on the injured leg. Steen gets a near fall. Steen sets for the package piledriver but Cole blocks it and he tries for the figure four leg lock and Steen with punches. Cole remembers he is in Canada and he applies the Sharpshooter while Corino demands for the referee to call the bell.
Steen makes it to the ropes and the hold is released. Cole has a super kick blocked and Steen with a super kick and he tries for F-Cinq and Cole gets a near fall.
Compton comes to ringside and he tries to interfere but Steen sends Compton off the apron.
Steen with a Sharpshooter of his own but Compton distracts the referee long enough to allow Jacobs to interfere with a chain. Cole with a super kick to the back of the head followed by the Florida Key for the three count.
Winner: Adam Cole (with an assist from Compton and Jacobs)
We go to credits.
2013 - WWE ran Evansville, Indiana. Mark Spain filed the following results:
WWE SuperShow results from Evansville IN.
Fandango def. The Miz.
The Usos def. The Prime Time Players
Alberto del Rio def. Jack Swagger in a no DQ match. AJ came out to distract so Big E could hit his finisher on ADR, but it backfired.
Dean Ambrose def. R-Truth.
Team Hell No def. The Shield (Rollins & Reigns) by DQ.
Kofi Kingston def. Antonio Cesaro.
Kaitlyn def Tamina Snuka w/ Vickie Guerrero. Kaitlyn was accompanied by the highest bidder from the Superstars for Sandy auction.
John Cena, Sheamus & Randy Orton def. Ryback, Mark Henry & Big Show when Cena pinned Big Show.
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