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May 22nd
On this day in history in ....
1927 - Don Curtis is born.
1962 - The great Brian Pillman is born.
1965 - WWWF ran Baltimore, MD for a TV Taping featuring the following results:
-Clyde Steeves defeated Tomas Marin.
-Chief Big Heart defeated Frank Martinez.
-Bob Boyer defeated Tony Sepulvalda.
1966 - Scott Putski is born.
1968 - WWWF ran Allentown, PA at High School Palestra featuring:
-Arnold Skaaland pinned Angelo Savoldi.
-Hans Mortier pinned Louis Cerdan.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna via countout.
-Gorilla Monsoon defeated George Cannon via countout.
-Virgil the Kentucky Butcher defeated Earl Maynard via count-out after Mynard's feet became entangled in the ring ropes.
-Eduard Carpentier & Victor Rivera defeated Bull Ramos & Homer O’Dell in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0.
1969 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the National Arena with the folllowing results:
-George Steele defeated Arnold Skaaland.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Angelo Savoldi.
-Killer Kowalski defeated Lou Albano.
-Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Carlos Colon.
-John L. Sullivan defeated Duke Savage.
-The Fabulous Moolah & Toni Rose defeated Lillian Larimore & Marjorie Malone.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Dominic DeNucci defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna & Luke Graham.
1970 - WWWF ran Paterson, NJ with the following results:
-Manuka Akim defeated Frank Hickey.
-Sky Low Low & Little Brutus defeated Sonny Boy Hayes & Joey Russell.
-Gorilla Monsoon defeated Mike Conrad & Johnny Rodz in a handicap match.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera defeated Karl Kovacs & Prof. Toru Tanaka.
1972 - WWWF ran New York City's Madison Square Garden featuring:
-Tony Cantellis defeated the Blue Demon via disqualification.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Manuel Soto.
-King Curtis defeated Smasher Sloan.
-Eddie Graham defeated Jimmy Valiant.
-Ernie Ladd defeated Rene Goulet.
-Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Lou Albano.
-Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated WWWF Tag Team Champions Baron Mikel Scicluna & King Curtis to win the titles in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0 .
-WWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned Pampero Firpo at 15:21.
1973 -WWWF ran Hagerstown, MD with the following results:
-Mike McCord defeated Bull Pometti.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Lee Wong.
-Juan Caruso & Lonnie Mayne fought Ben Ortiz & Tony Garea to a no contest.
-Freddie Blassie defeated Chief Jay Strongbow via disqualification.
1974 - Former TNA Knockout Traci Brooks is born.
1976 - WWWF ran Johnstown, PA featuring:
-Johnny DeFazio fought Baron Mikel Scicluna to a draw.
-Vivan St. John & Sue Green defeated Kitty Adams & Paula Kaye in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1.
-Gorilla Monsoon defeated Jerry Blackwell at the 45-second mark.
-Ivan Putski defeated. Ernie Ladd.
1978 - WWWF ran Madison Square Garden, featuring:-
-The Yukon Lumberjacks defeated Larry Zbyszko & Haystacks Calhoun in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match.
-SD Jones pinned Strong Kobayashi.
-Luke Graham pinned Tank Patton.
-WWWF Tag Team Champions Dino Bravo & Dominic DeNucci defeated Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0.
-Mil Mascaras pinned Stan Stasiak.
-Spiros Arion pinned Peter Maivia.
-Superstar Billy Graham fought Gorilla Monsoon to a double count-out.
-WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund pinned Ken Patera.
1979 - WWF ran Portland, ME at the Civic Center, featuring:
-Tony Altimore defeated Mr. X.
-Dominic DeNucci defeated Johnny Rodz.
-Steve Travis fought Jimmy Valiant.
-WWF North American Champion Ted Dibiase defeated Johnny Valiant.
-WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Jerry Valiant.
1980 - WWF ran Worcester, MA featuring:
-Moose Monroe defeated Frank Marzino.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Johnny Rodz.
-Rick McGraw fought Jose Estrada to a draw.
-Tor Kamata defeated Mike Masters.
-Bobby Duncum defeated Dominic Denucci.
-Larry Zbyszko defeated Pat Patterson.
1981 - "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson aka former WWE World champion Daniel Bryan is born.
1982 - WWF broadcast a Philadelphia, PA card from the Spectrum on the PRISM Network with the following results:
-Larry Sharpe pinned Charlie Fulton with a piledriver at 6:53.
-Baron Mikel Scicluna pinned Pete Sanchez (sub. for Tony Garea) at 7:31 after hitting Sanchez in the throat with a foreign object.
-Swede Hanson defeated Laurent Soucie via submission at 5:49 with a backbreaker across Hanson's knee.
-Mr. Saito pinned Johnny Rodz at 6:45 after Saito ducked and Rodz hit his head on the turnbuckle.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated WWF Intercotinental Champion Pedro Morales via disqualification at 15:21 after Morales knocked down the referee. The match was Snuka's Spectrum debut.
-Blackjack Mulligan pinned Steve Travis at 6:46 after hitting a back elbow as Travis came off the top.
-Bob Orton Jr. defeated WWF World Champion Bob Backlund via count-out at 16:12 when, as both men fought outside the ring, Orton wrapped a foreign object around Backlund's neck to hold him back and then got back in the ring himself to win.
-Tony Atlas defeated Jesse Ventura in a steel cage match by climbing over the top at 10:37.
-Rick McGraw defeated Mr. Fuji via disqualification at 4:09.
Ivan Putski pinned Adrian Adonis at 7:24 by sitting on Adonis as Adonis attempted a sunset flip.
1983 - A card in San Diego, CA saw the following results:
-The Great Goliath defeated Steve Pardee.
-Alexis Smirnoff defeated Guy Lambert.
-Billy Anderson defeated the Mighty Zulu.
-Pat Patterson defeated Black Gordman.
-Rocky Johnson defeated Ray Stevens.
-Mil Mascaras fought Buddy Rose to a double disqualification.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated WWF Inercontinental champion Don Muraco via countout.
1984 - NWA World Champion Kerry Von Erich fought Jumbo Tsuruta to a double countout at 30:47 in the main event of an All Japan Pro Wrestling card in Tokyo, Japan after Tsuruta dropped the champion with a back suplex on the floor as Von Erich had the claw applied, with Tsuruta rolling back into the ring just as the bell rang. On the same card, Harley Race defeated Ric Flair.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Raleigh, NC at the Dorton Arena featuring:
-Sam Houston defeated Gary Royal.
-Vinnie Valentino defeated Doug Vines.
-Brian Adidas defeated Jesse Barr.
-Rufus R. Jones defeated Adrian Street.
-Dick Slater & the Outlaw defeated Johnny Weaver & Angelo Mosca Jr.
-Wahoo McDaniel defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard.
1984 - WWF ran Butler, PA:
-Terry Daniels defeated Jose Luis Rivera.
-Rocky Johnson defeated Samula.
-The Iron Sheik defeated SD Jones.
-Bob Backlund defeated Mr. Fuji.
-Sgt. Slaughter defeated Greg Valentine via countout.
1984 - WWF ran Waterbury, CT featuring the following results:
-Jose Gonzalez defeated Ron Shaw.
-Jose Gonzalez defeated Israel Matia..
-Salvatore Bellomo defeated Rene Goulet.
-Ivan Putski fought Paul Orndorff to a double count-out.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated David Schultz.
1985 - The Nightmare defeats Terry Taylor in Shreveport, Louisiana for the Mid-South North American Title.
1985 - WWF ran San Diego, CA with the following results:
-Ricky Steamboat defeated Barry O.
-Mr. Wrestling II defeated Moondog Spot.
-Salvatore Bellomo defeated Mr. X.
-Ivan Putski & Tito Santana defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake.
-Matt Borne defeated George Wells.
-Jimmy Snuka defeated Don Muraco via disqualification.
-WWF Women's Champion Wendi Richter defeated the Fabulous Moolah.
-The Junkyard Dog defeated Ken Patera.
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Raleigh, NC at the Dorton Arena, featuring:
-Buzz Tyler defeated Ron Bass.
-National Tag Team Champion Arn Anderson defeated Pez Whatley.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated the Barbarian.
-Manny Fernandez defeated National Tag Team Champion Ole Anderson via disqualification.
-Dick Slater & Buzz Sawyer defeated Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev.
-NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard via disqualification.
1986 - WWF ran Buffalo, NY at the Memorial Auditorium with the following results:
-B. Brian Blair defeated Paul Christy.
-Scott McGhee defeated Rene Goulet.
-Hercules defeated Lanny Poffo.
-Dan Spivey defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
-Big John Studd defeated Tony Atlas.
-Cpl. Kirchner defeated Nikolai Volkoff.
-WWF Tag Team Champions British Bulldogs, Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid defeated The Hart Foundation, Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart.
-WWF Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage defeated Tito Santana.
1986 - WWF ran Sacramento, CA at the Arco Arena featuring:
-Pedro Morales defeated Moondog Spot.
-The Iron Sheik defeated George Steele via disqualification.
-Paul Orndorff defeated Bob Orton Jr.
-Ricky Steamboat defeated Jake Roberts.
-The Junkyard Dog, King Tonga, & the Haiti Kid defeated Jimmy Hart, Terry & Dory Funk Jr.
1986 - The Rock N' Roll Express defeated NWA World Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey in a non-title match in Taylorsville, NC.
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran San Antonio, TX with the following results:
-Ron Garvin defeated the Barbarian
-Manny Fernandez defeated Baron Von Raschke
-Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin via disqualification
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Pez Whatley in a taped fist match
-NWA World Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeated The Rock N' Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson
-The Road Warriors defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff in a double Russian chain match
-NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA vs. NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard
-Dusty Rhodes defeated. NWA World Champion Ric Flair by DQ.
1987 - WWF drew 2,500 fans to Denver, CO at the McNichols Arena, featuring:
-Randy Morse defeated Steve Lombardi via disqualification.
-Jerry Allen pinned Tiger Chung Lee.
-Killer Khan defeated SD Jones.
-Rick Martel & Tom Zenk defeated Kamala & Sika.
-Randy Savage pinned Tito Santana.
-WWF Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation defeated The British Bulldogs in a steel cage match when, after both Neidhart and Smith had escaped the cage, Neidhart slammed the cage door into Dynamite's head, allowing Bret to escape.
1987 - WWF ran Providence, RI at the Civic Center, drawing 7,200 fans:
-Lanny Poffo defeated Pete Doherty.
-Sam Houston pinned Frenchy Martin.
-Hercules pinned Billy Jack Haynes.
-Greg Valentine & Dino Bravo defeated Jacques & Raymond Rougeau.
-Iron Mike Sharpe pinned Tony Garea.
-WWF Women's Tag Team Champions The Glamour Girls, Leilani Kai & Judy Martin defeated Velvet McIntyre & Candice Pardue.
-Ron Bass pinned Outback Jack.
-WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan & Jim Duggan defeated the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff.
1987 - NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Florida Heavyweight Champion Mike Rotundo in the main event of a Championship Wrestling from Florida event in Jacksvonville, FL. Undercard matches included The Freebirds defeating Sting & Rick Steiner and Dusty Rhodes defeated Big Bubba via disqualification.
1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Richmond, VA at the Coliseum. featuring:
-Todd Champion & Denny Brown defeated Thunderfoot #1 & Thunderfoot #2.
-Tim Horner defeated Mark Fleming.
-Vladimir Petrov defeated Baron Von Raschke.
-Lazertron defeated Chris Champion.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Sean Royal via disqualification.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Rick Rude & Manny Fernandez defeated Brad & Bob Armstrong.
-NWA U.S. Champion Nikita Koloff defeated Ivan Koloff in a Russian chain match.
The Rock N' Roll Express. Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated Jim Cornette & NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a handicap match.
1988 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran the Omni in Atlanta, GA, drawing 7,300 featuring:
-Rick Steiner pinned Kendall Windham.
-NWA Western States Heritage Champion Larry Zbyzsko fought Brad Armstrong to a 10-minute time-limit draw.
-The Powers of Pain & Ivan Koloff defeated Tim Horner, the Italian Stallion, & Bugsy McGraw when Warlord pinned Stallion.
-Ron & Jimmy Garvin defeated Kevin Sullivan & NWA World TV Champion Mike Rotundo in an elimination match; Rotundo and Ron were counted-out; Jimmy pinned Sullivan after Precious tripped Sullivan.
-Nikita Koloff defeated Al Perez via disqualification at 17:01 when Perez threw Koloff over the top rope.
-The Road Warriors defeated the Sheepherders at 8:05 after Rip Morgan accidentally hit Butch Miller with the flagpole.
-NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Fantastics, Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton defeated The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane at 16:10; stipulations for the bout stated the winners would get to whip the losers; after the contest, the champions whipped Eaton & Lane and Jim Cornette before they were jumped from behind by the challengers, who then whipped Rogers & Fulton.
-Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, & Sting (w/ Magnum TA) fought NWA U.S. Champion Barry Windham, NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard to a double count-out at 17:42 when Windham and Luger fought their way backstage.
-Steve Williams defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification at the 20-minute mark when JJ Dillon interfered
1988 - WWF ran Denver, CO at the Auditorium, drawing 8,500 fans:
-Barry Horowitz pinned Scott Casey.
-Jim Neidhart pinned Hillbilly Jim.
-George Steele defeated Mr. Fuji via count-out when Fuji left ringside after Steele threw a table into the ring.
-The Ultimate Warrior pinned Hercules.
-WWF Women's Champion Sensational Sherri pinned Rockin Robin.
-The One Man Gang pinned Bam Bam Bigelow.
-Strike Force, Rick Martel & Tito Santana defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition via disqualification.
-WWF World Champion Randy Savage pinned Ted DiBiase at 18:41.
1988 - WWF ran Toronto, Ontario at Maple Leaf Gardens featuring:
-Jerry Allen pinned Steve Lombardi at 9:18 with a reverse crossbody off the middle turnbuckle.
-Bret Hart fought Bad News Brown to a draw.
-Jacques & Raymond Rougeau defeated The Young Stallions, Jim Powers & Paul Roma.
-Don Muraco defeated Greg Valentine via disqualification at 14:38 after Valentine hit an elbow drop on referee John Bonello when Muraco moved out of the way, who had been laying on top of the referee.
The British Bulldogs defeated Haku & High Chief Afi (sub. for Tama) when Smith pinned Afi with a clothesline.
-Bobby Heenan pinned Koko B. Ware at 6:05 after hitting him with a foreign object; after the bout, the British Bulldogs came out to protest the decision, with Heenan then running backstage.
-Jake Roberts & Jim Duggan defeated Andre the Giant & Rick Rude when Jake pinned Rude after Duggan hit Rude with his 2x4 behind the referee's back as Rude prepared to drop Jake with the Rude Awakening.
1989 - Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes to win the NWA United States championship in Bluefield, WV at the Brushfork Armory.
1989 - WWF ran Allentown, PA with the following results:
-Jeff Bronsky defeated Barry Horowitz.
-Dino Bravo defeated Hercules.
-WWF Women's Champion Rockin Robin defeated Judy Martin.
-Big John Studd defeated Andre the Giant via disqualification.
-King Jim Duggan pinned Haku.
-Tom Magee pinned Tim Horner.
-The Bushwhackers defeated Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard.
1989 - WWF ran Grand Rapids, MI at the Stadium Arena, drawing 3,500 fans featuring:
-The Genius defeated Jim Powers.
-The Honkytonk Man defeated Hillbilly Jim.
-The Red Rooster pinned the Brooklyn Brawler.
-Randy Savage pinned Brutus Beefcake.
-The Barbarian pinned Jim Neidhart.
-Rick Martel pinned Tito Santana.
-Bad News Brown pinned the Blue Blazer.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated the Big Bossman & Akeem via disqualification.
1990 - The NWA drew only 350 fans to a card in Ozark, Alabama at the Civic Center, featuring:
-Tom Zenk pinned Cactus Jack.
-Fatu pinned an unknown.
-Mark Callous (the future Undertaker) defeated Johnny Ace (the future WWE Executive VP of Talent Relations).
-Doug Furnas defeated the Samoan Savage.
-The Road Warriors defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title match.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom defeated Rick & Scott Steiner via disqualification.
1991- Randy Savage & Jim Neidhart defeated George & Shunji Takano at 7:02 when Savage pinned Shunji on a WWF/SWS card in Kusaka, Japan.
1992 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling crowned their first champion in Brian Lee, who won a tournament at the first ever Volunteer Slam, held in Knoxville, TN at the Civic Coliseum. Complete results of the show saw:
Joey Maggs & Hector Guerrero defeated Rip Rogers & Barry Horowitz at the 11-minute mark when Guerrero pinned Horowitz
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarter-Finals: The Dirty White Boy (with Ron Wright) pinned Dixie Dynamite (Brian James aka the future Road Dogg) at the 7-minute mark with the Bucksnort Blaster
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarter-Finals: Brian Lee pinned Buddy Landell at the 7-minute mark with an inside cradle as Landell attempted the figure-4
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarter-Finals: Paul Orndorff pinned Tim Horner at the 18-minute mark after Horner's leg became trapped between the bottom two ropes
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Quarter-Finals: Robert Gibson pinned Jimmy Golden at the 18-minute mark with a bulldog
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Brian Lee pinned the Dirty White Boy (with Ron Wright) at the 11-minute mark after DWB missed a headbutt off the middle turnbuckle; Lee bled profusely from the head during the match; after the bout, DWB assaulted Lee with a steel chair
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Semi-Finals: Paul Orndorff pinned Robert Gibson at the 11-minute mark by grabbing the tights for leverage after clipping Gibson in his injured left knee
SMW Tag Team Champions The Heavenly Bodies, Stan Lane & Tom Prichard defeated Davey & Johnny Rich at the 13-minute mark when Lane pinned Johnny after Prichard used a loaded boot to hit an enzugiri behind the referee's back
SMW Heavyweight Championship Tournament Finals: Brian Lee defeated Paul Orndorff via disqualification at the 10-minute mark to win the title when SMW Commissioner Bob Armstrong, who replaced the knocked out referee, caught Orndorff using a foreign object.
1993 - WWF ran Philadelphia, PA at the Spectrum before 8,415 fans with the following results for a matinee event:
-Owen Hart defeated Terry Taylor.
-The Headshrinkers defeated Rick & Scott Steiner when Fatu pinned Rick.
-Doink the Clown pinned Crush.
-Randy Savage defeated Giant Gonzalez via disqualification.
-Virgil defeated Blake Beverly.
-Tatanka defeated Razor Ramon.
-WWF champion Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Ted Dibiase & IRS via disqualification; Sgt. Slaughter was the guest referee.
The company then went to East Rutherford, NJ at the Meadowlands, presenting the same card (minus Slaughter as the referee) before 11,000 fans.
1994- WCW Slamboree takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Civic Center. In many ways, it was the end of an era in WCW, as Hulk Hogan would soon enter the company, causing radical changes to the booking philosophy of WCW. Here are the results:
- In a match not aired on Pay-per-view, Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma defeated Brian & Brad Armstrong.
- WCW United States Champion Steve Austin defeated Johnny B. Badd with a belly to back suplex.
- In a legends match, Terry Funk and Tully Blanchard battled to a double DQ in a wild brawl.
- Larry Zbyszko defeated WCW Television Champion Steven Regal in a non-title match by reversing a double underhook suplex into a bridge for the pin.
- Dustin Rhodes defeated Bunkhouse Buck in a Bullrope match after hitting Buck with the cowbell. Post-match, Terry Funk attacked Rhodes.
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated mystery opponent Barry Windham when Flair, after flipping over the ropes in a corner off an Irish whip, runs along the apron, climbs to the top rope and successfully executes a flying bodypress off the top rope for the pin. One of the rare occasions when Flair actually didn't get caught going to the top rope.
- The Assassin, Ole Anderson, Harley Race, Ernie Ladd, The Crusher and Dick The Bruiser (posthumously) were inducted into the WCW Hall Of Fame.
- Cactus Jack & Kevin Sullivan defeated The Nasty Boys in a "Broadstreet Bully" match to win the WCW World Tag Team Title. Philadelphia Flyers great Dave Shultz was the referee.
- Sting defeated Vader to win the vacant WCW International World Title after Vader missed a splash. Earlier in the show, it was announced that Rick Rude's title win in Japan over Sting was being overturned due to Rude using the belt as a weapon in the bout. However, Sting refused to have the belt handed back to him, so the title was held up for the winner of this match. In truth, Rude had suffered a back injury that would end his active career and he would never wrestle again.
During the PPV broadcast, The Assassin, Ole Anderson, Harley Race, Ernie Ladd, The Crusher & Dick The Bruiser were inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame.
1994 - SMW ran Marietta, GA at the Cobb County Civic Center featuring the following results:
Scott & Steve Armstrong defeated New Georgia Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Champions The Gangstas New Jack & Mustafa via disqualification
The Thrillseekers, Chris Jericho & Lance Storm defeated Well Dunn
Tracy Smothers pinned Dory Funk Jr.
SMW Tag Team Champions Brian Lee & Chris Candido defeated The Rock N' Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson
SMW champion Jake Roberts & Bruiser Bedlam fought Randy Savage & the Dirty White Boy to a no contest
1995 - Jeff Jarrett defeats Razor Ramon to win back the WWF Intercontinental Title in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, only three days after losing it to Ramon in Montreal. This marks Jarrett's third reign with the I-C Title. Both of these title changes took place on non-televised events.
1998 - WWF ran Ottawa, Ontario at the Corel Center, drawing 6,604 fans, featuring:
-WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Taka Michinoku pinned Brian Christopher.
-The Headbangers defeated the Quebecers.
-Kurrgan pinned D-Lo Brown.
-Bradshaw pinned Marc Mero.
-Vader & Farooq defeated Kama & Mark Henry.
-Jeff Jarrett defeated Steve Blackman.
-The Undertaker defeated Kane via disqualification.
-WWF European Champion Triple H defeated Owen Hart.
-WWF Tag Team Champions the Road Dogg & Billy Gunn defeated DOA's Skull & 8-Ball.
-WWF Champion Steve Austin defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion the Rock.
1998 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Cleveland, Ohio at the Masonic Temple, featuring:
Axl Rotten & Balls Mahoney defeated Little Guido & Tracey Smothers
Al Snow defeated Danny Doring
FTW Champion Taz defeated Chris Chetti
Ulf Hermann defeated John Kronus
Sabu defeated Mikey Whipwreck via submission with the Camel Clutch.
The Dudley Boyz, Big Dick & Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley defeated Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman & Spike Dudley
ECW World TV Champion Rob Van Dam pinned Jerry Lynn with the Van Daminator
1999 - WCW ran Johnson City, TN at Freedom Hall featuring:
-Erik Watts defeated Kenny Kaos.
-Evan Karagias defeated Bobby Eaton.
-Bobby Duncum Jr. defeated Scotty Riggs.
-Prince Iaukea defeated Ernest Miller.
-Scott Norton defeated Hak in a hardcore match.
-WCW World TV Champion Rick Steiner defeated Diamond Dallas Page.
-Billy Kidman defeated Chris Benoit.
1999- WWF sold out in Chicago, IL at the Rosemont Horizon, featuring the following results:
-Darren Drozdov pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Al Snow in a non-title match after Hardcore Holly interfered and stole Head.
-Owen Hart & Jeff Jarrett defeated Edge & Christian when Owen pinned Christian in what would prove to be Owen Hart's last match before his death.
-Steve Blackman pinned Hardcore Holly in a hardcore match after Al Snow interfered and reclaimed Head.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Kane & X-Pac defeated the Acolytes after Kane chokeslammed Farooq.
-Val Venis & Tori defeated D-Lo Brown & Ivory when Tori pinned Ivory.
-Ken Shamrock & Mankind defeated Viscera & Mideon when Shamrock applied the ankle lock on Mideon.
-WWF Intercontinental champion the Godfather defeated Goldust after the Blue Meanie's interference backfired; Owen Hart attacked the champion after the match
-Road Dogg defeated Billy Gunn via countout.
-WWF World Champion Steve Austin, the Rock, & the Big Show defeated Triple H, the Undertaker, & the Big Bossman in a streetfight after Austin hit the Stunner on the Bossman.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Detroit, MI at the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum, with the following results:
Skull Von Krush & Rhino Richards defeated Danny Doring & Roadkill
Sabu fought Justin Credible to a no contest
Rod Price fought Sid Vicious to a draw
ECW World TV Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Spike Dudley
Lance Storm (with Tammy Lynn Bytch aka Dawn Marie) defeated Chris Chetti
ECW World Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz, Buh Buh Ray & D-Von Dudley (w/ Joel Gertner & Sign Guy Dudley) defeated Balls Mahoney & Axl Rotten in a falls count anywhere match when Mahoney was pinned
Little Guido (with Sal E. Graziano) defeated Super Nova
Super Crazy defeated TAKA Michinoku
Tom Marquez fought Steve Corino to a draw
ECW World Champion Taz defeated Chris Candido
2000 - WCW ran Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena, drawing 6,530 fans with the following results for a WCW Monday Nitro taping:
-Ernest Miller defeated Booker T in a weapons match.
-Daffney pinned WCW Cruiserweight Champion Crowbar to win the title.
-Billy Kidman pinned Horace; Torrie Wilson was the guest referee for the bout.
-Mike Awesome defeated the Wall in a tables vs. ambulance match.
-WCW U.S. Champion Scott Steiner fought Rick Steiner to a no contest in a non-title asylum match.
-Chuck Palumbo defeated Diamond Dallas Page.
-Vampiro defeated Hulk Hogan.
-Jeff Jarrett defeated Kevin Nash in a falls count anywhere match; Vince Russo was the guest referee for the bout; due to pre-match stipulations, Jarrett won the vacant WCW World Title.
2000 - WWF ran Indianapolis, IN at theConseco Fieldhouse featuring:
Dark Matches:
-The Dupps defeated Bull Pain & Todd Gordon.
-Rico Constantino pinned Robbie D.
Jakked:
-Gangrel pinned Joey Abs (with the Mean Street Posse) at 4:04 with the Impaler.
-Davey Boy Smith pinned Mideon at 5:02 with the running powerslam.
-Headbanger Mosh pinned Stevie Richards with the TKO at 4:14.
-Al Snow & Steve Blackman defeated Taka Michinoku & Sho Funaki at 6:16 following the Stage Dive.
Raw is War:
-Test & Albert (with Trish Stratus) defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy at 3:56 after Test hit the flying elbow behind the referee's back.
-WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero (with Chyna) pinned D-Lo Brown at 2:26 with a Frankensteiner after the Godfather interfered; the Godfather attacked D-Lo after the match.
-Kurt Angle, WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian defeated Too Cool & Rikishi at 2:50 when Angle pinned Scotty 2 Hotty with a half-nelson pin combo after Edge hit Scotty with one of the tag belts.
-WWF IC Champion Chris Benoit defeated Val Venis via disqualification at 6:43 when Hardcore Holly interfered and hit Benoit with a chair before doing the same to Venis; Chris Jericho attacked Holly after the match.
-The Dudley Boyz defeated the Big Bossman & Bull Buchanon at 5:07 following the 3D on Bossman.
-Bradshaw pinned Crash Holly at 2:01 with the Clothesline from Hell in a hardcore match.
-Perry Saturn & Dean Malenko defeated Essa Rios (with Lita) & the Godfather at 1:33 after Saturn hit a brainbuster on Rios following Lita knocking Rios off the top rope.
-The Rock defeated Shane McMahon.
2001 - WWF World Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit successfully defended their championship in TLC 3, the third WWF Tables, Ladders & Chairs match, which was held at a Smackdown taping in Anaheim, California. Jericho & Benoit defeated the three teams who had competed in the first two TLC matches: The Dudleys, The Hardys and Edge & Christian. At the 4 minute mark, Benoit was knocked out after jumping off the top and crashing through a table set up on the floor as he attempted a diving headbutt on Matt, who was laid across the table before eventually moving out of the way. Tazz left the commentary position and called for help, with Benoit then being put on a stretcher and being taken backstage before returning minutes later. It would turn out Benoit suffered neck injuries in the match, necessitating he undergo neck fusion surgery.
Other results from the taping in Anaheim, CA at the Arrowhead Pond featured:
Dark Matches:
-Sylvester Terkey defeated Steve Bradley.
-Nova & Frankie Kazarian defeated Christopher Daniels & Mikey Henderson.
-WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn defeated Essa Rios.
Sunday Night Heat:
-WWF Hardcore Champion the Big Show defeated Billy Gunn in a non-title match.
-Crash Holly (with Hardcore Holly) defeated Taka Michinoku (with Sho Funaki).
-The Acolytes defeated Albert & Justin Credible.
Smackdown:
-X-Pac defeated Eddie Guerrero.
-Kurt Angle defeated Spike Dudley.
-Dean Malenko (with Terri & Perry Saturn) defeated Raven after Saturn interfered; after the bout, Saturn accidentally superkicked a steel chair into Malenko's face before Raven then hit a DDT on Saturn onto the same chair; as a result of the injury sustained the night before on Raw as well as the DDT onto the chair, Saturn's became mentally unstable.
-Trish Stratus, Steve Blackman, & Grandmaster Sexay defeated Ivory, the Goodfather, & Bull Buchanan.
-WWF Intercontinental Champion Kane defeated Rhyno.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy, the Dudley Boyz, and Edge & Christian in TLC 3 at around the 21-minute mark when Benoit grabbed the belts after Edge leapt off the top of a ladder, spearing Jericho who was at the top of another ladder.
2002 - Major League Wrestling issued a press release announcing that Joey Styles would be handling commentary on their events.
2002 - NWA: TNA announced that Mike Tenay had signed with the company to become their lead announcer. Tenay has remained in that role ever since.
2002 - Ohio Valley Wrestling ran TV Taping in Louisville, Kentucky, headlined by Rey Mysterio vs. Nova (Mike Bucci). John Cena, as the Prototype, worked the undercard. Aaron Wilson filed the following live report:
An excellent night of Ohio Valley Wrestling as it was the last show before the big Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom show on 5/31 involving Mick Foley.
Kanyon vs. The Prototype w/ Kenny Bolin
The night opened off with a very familiar "Who better than Kanyon" over the speakers as Chris Kanyon made his way back to the squared circle in the same city that he left, and is once again 100% in the ring. The two opened off working on each other's arms, with Kanyon getting the early headlock takedown. Kanyon then pulled off a very nice leg rollup pin, but only gained a two count. Kanyon continued his offensive attack with a big swinging neck breaker and basically dominated the offense the entire match. Prototype almost saw the light of offense as he went for a top rope diving head butt but only met the canvas face first, as Kanyon avoided his attack. Kanyon then went to the top rope and attempted to pull off a high risk maneuver of his own, but Prototype knocked the ropes and sent Kanyon straight down, as he racked himself on the top rope. Prototype then pulled off a successful superplex, but only gained a two count. Kenny "the King" Bolin then got on the ring apron and distracted the ref and Kanyon, who drilled Bolin right in his face, but this distraction was enough of one as Kanyon was met with Prototype's protoplex and the pinfall.
Winner via pinfall: Prototype
Shelton Benjamin & Redd Dogg w/ Nidia vs. Jason Lee & Johnny Spade
DARK MATCH
The dark match started off with Shelton and Spade going at it with some quick technical work ending with Shelton getting the advantage along with a great ovation after a huge armdrag to Spade. The offense continued on Spade as Redd Dogg was tagged in and the two delivered a huge double team hiptoss to Johnny. Jason Lee was eventually brought into the match as he worked Shelton into the corner. Shelton went to the top rope, as Spade attempted to hit Shelton down but to no avail as Shelton successfully walked the ropes by himself and delivered a big clothesline to Jason Lee. As much as the team of Lee and Spade tried they continually failed as Redd Dogg pulled off a "snow plow" with Shelton following with a splash to pick up the win.
Winners via pinfall: Shelton & Redd Dogg
Next Jim Cornette was joined in the ring with the one and only Jim Ross. Jim Ross was there because the WWE heard word of Nova and how great he has made an impact already in OVW and the WWE offices. Nova was introduced and Ross delivered the personal message to Nova that he's got the WWE's attention as well as the fact that Rey Mysterio Jr. was signed to the WWE not too long ago and he will be taking on Nova in a respect match tonight in the main event. Cornette goes on to plug the title defense squaring the champion Nova against Prototype on 5/31 with Mick Foley as the guest referee at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Almost immediately Prototype and Kenny Bolin came storming to the ring. Prototype said that Nova was lucky he wasn't locked up since he stole his belt last week and that he would get what he deserved at the Six Flags show on 5/31. Prototype ended his ranting by saying that his main event match with Rey Jr. would suck, Nova immediately responded with, "I'd rather suck than blow," sending Prototype into a furious tantrum in which he had to be dragged to the back.
Rob Conway vs. Flash
GRUDGE MATCH
The two opened off this match, which has been an ongoing fued over the past few weeks with an all out brawl all over the ring. No basic clinic wrestling here, just punches and kicks as the two released their aggression. Flash eventually whipped Conway off the ropes, which was reversed, but Flash countered with a backflip over Conway landing oddly on his foot. Flash, then stumbled around a bit on his bad foot, but Conway knew Flash's intentions and didn't let down. Flash then proved his playing of possum and went to kick Conway, but Conway stopped it and attacked Flash again. Flash almost came back, but Rob moved out of the way of his Whiplash attempt sending Flash crashing down to the canvas. Eventually Trailer Park Trash came down to the ring, and so did Nick Dinsmore, and for some reason unbeknownst to me the ref decided to make it a tag match. Dinsmore and Trash got in the ring and went at it with each other and the teams really started to get aggressive at this point. The match although ended as TPT got out a pair of knucks and tried to use them on Dinsmore but Dinsmore stopped him and took the knucks for himself. The ref then turned around to see Dinsmore with the knucks and disqualified Dinsmore and Conway.
Winners via DQ: Flash and Trailer Park Trash
Cornette was joined in the ring with Damaja, Doug Basham and Queen Victoria. The Revolution was being reminded that they lost their tag titles recently at the WWE house show as Cornette basically went off on Basham and the others. Damaja then got on the mic and claimed that they demanded a rematch and one very soon. Danny Davis, apparently upset by these demands ran into the ring and got on the mic and went off on the Revolution as well. In the end, Davis told all three that they were FIRED immediately from OVW as the team of refs escorted them out of the facility. Very interesting development and hopefully for the better of this trio.
Johnny Jeter vs. Sean O'Haire
DARK MATCH
This was your typical squash match with the up and coming Jeter getting every thing but the kitchen sink tossed at him by O'Haire. He was literally destroyed, but did manage to put up somewhat of a fight. O'Haire pulled off a very nice second rope snap mare to the sitting Jeter. He thing picked him up and delivered his Death Valley Driver finish and picked up the pinfall.
Winner via pinfall: Sean O'Haire
Jim Cornette was joined in the ring with Damien, Seven and Synn for another in ring interview segment. Cornette opened off by stating that Leviathan, known in WWE as Deacon Bautista, will be allowed to return to OVW for one more show, which will be on 5/31 and will apparently be taking on Seven. Seven then cut a promo talking about himself as the new member of the Disciples of Synn and also ran down the "seven deadly sins". Crowd really hated the new Disciples of Synn the entire time.
Nova vs. Rey Mysterio Jr.
TV MAIN EVENT
NON-TITLE MATCH
This was one of the best technical/reversal respect matches I've ever had the privelege to witness in person and one of the best matches I've seen in OVW in quite a while. The two started off trading headlock takedowns and continued the reversals to a great ovation as the two ended up on their feet. The two locked up in a test of strength, which ended with Rey Jr. on the shoulders of Nova, who then went down with a rollup gaining a near three count from referee Robert Brisko. The non stop action continued as Nova stopped a suplex attempt by dropping Mysterio down hard on the top rope. He then reversed another move into an STF applying the hold for a good amount of time. At this point the crowd started to respectfully get behind Rey Jr. as he got out of the hold. The two continued trading another excellent series of reversals as well as many pinfall attempts to only pull out a two count. Rey Jr. was whipped off the ropes and went in for a flying cross body to Nova, but he ducked out of the way, but Referee Rober Brisko received the blow, sending him down to the mat, taking him out. Kenny Bolin, Prototype and Sean O'Haire immediately stormed the ring attacking Nova as Rey Jr. slowly made it to his feet. Rey Mysterio Jr. then went at it to take out Bolin Services helping Nova back up to his feet. Rey helped fight back delivering his leg swing through the ropes into a kick to the face of O'Haire and continued by whipping Nova into the corner forcing him to slide his legs right into the crotch of Prototype. Considering the following the match didn't have a winner as it was out of respect, but was one great way to conclude an excellent night of Ohio Valley Wrestling.
No Winner via interference
2003 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:
Smackdown for May 22nd began with a recap of the Piper-America match from Judgment Day, which saw America defeat Piper when Zach Gowen prevented Mr. McMahon from interfering. A limo then arrived, with an angry Vince McMahon emerging from it. McMahon glared at everyone that tried to say hello to him. He walked right past Team Angle (who had a match coming up) took a microphone from the Gorilla position, then walked out to the stage. McMahon said he was not happy with all the "mistakes" on Smackdown, and the first mistake was Stephanie McMahon signing Mr. America. He then commented on how all of the attempts to unmask Mr. America failed, and that he was embarrassed when a "handicapped kid" assaulted him. Vince said he was taking over the show tonight, although he stressed that Stephanie was still General Manager. Vince then guaranteed that by the end of the show, he would be smiling.
A new Smackdown opening (which has the Rock in it for some reason) aired.
WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie Guerrero & Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Team Angle (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) by disqualification in 15:29 (including a commercial break). Great long match between the two teams. Towards the end, Tajiri put Benjamin in the Tarantula, but Haas broke it up, hitting Tajiri from the floor. Eddie then slugged Haas from behind on the outside. In the ring, Tajiri caught a Benjamin superkick, but Benjamin turned it into a spinning heel kick to down Tajiri. Benjamin covered, but Guerrero ran in and hit the referee in the back with a chair. Haas was entering the ring at this point, and Guerrero tossed the chair to him. Haas caught it, and the referee looked up to see Haas had the chair. The referee then disqualified Team Angle, as the crowd went along with Eddie's ruse.
Michael Cole & Tazz reviewed the recent events involving Zach Gowen, Mr. America and Roddy Piper. Gowen will be interviewed by Stephanie McMahon tonight.
Stephanie approached Vince in the back, and asked if he was okay, since he was obsessed with Mr. America. Vince said he was obsessed with "mistakes" but that he was in control. He then promised that by the end of the night, he would be "out of control".
We found out that later tonight Brock Lesnar will wrestling a member of the FBI, but we didn't know which member yet.
Vince McMahon came out to the ring. He said he was disappointed in Judgment Day, since Roddy Piper didn't beat Mr. America, allowing Vince to take off his mask. McMahon then brought out Roddy Piper to publicly apologize to him. Piper came to the ring with Sean O'Haire. Piper, after much struggling, said "I apologize" to McMahon. Vince then slapped Piper. Piper started to advance on Vince, but McMahon said the look in his Piper's eyes is the fire he wanted Piper to have against Hogan. McMahon then said all he got was a "sniveling apology" and went to slap Piper again, but Piper caught his hand. Piper said he could not argue with what Vince said, but warned him that if he touched him again he would "rip his throat out". Vince and Piper began boasting and got ready to go at it, but O'Haire broke it up. O'Haire then took the blame for Judgment Day, saying he was the one that dropped the ball. He said they all wanted revenge, so he proposed that he face Mr. America tonight. Piper supported the idea, and put over O'Haire huge. Vince liked the idea, but added that if O'Haire loses, Piper would be fired. Piper glared at Vince as McMahon left the ring, put still seemed confident in O'Haire.
Kurt Angle returns to Smackdown in two weeks.
John Cena defeated Brian "Spanky" Kendrick in 3:20. Cena did a pre-show rap, saying Spanky was a "copycat" of him. Spanky charged the ring, and Cena, before the bell rang. Spanky got in some offense, including a near fall off an enzugiri. Cena came back with a shoulderblock though, and finished off Spanky with the FU (Death Valley Driver).
Still photos of Brock Lesnar vs. Big Show from Judgment Day were shown.
Backstage, Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo were looking at WWE Magazine, while Nunzio was warming up. Nunzio commented that Brock was weakened from the stretcher match, and that they had a chance to beat him tonight. Each member then talked about why they could beat Brock (although Johnny The Bull thought they were talking about Rock), with Nunzio reminding us that Brock doesn't know which member he is facing tonight.
Rey Mysterio came out to join the announcers for the next match.
Chris Benoit defeated Matt Hardy, with Crash Holly & Shannon Moore, by submission in 8:05. The Cruiserweight Title was not on the line. Towards the end, Benoit hit the top rope headbutt, and Shannon Moore got on the apron. Mysterio yanked Moore face first into the apron, then hit Crash with a 619 around the ringpost. In the ring, Matt kicked Benoit in the gut, then went for the Twist Of Fate, but Benoit reversed it into the Crippler Crossface and got Matt to tap out.
After the match, Mysterio was laughing at Hardy. Hardy said if Mysterio wanted a shot at the Cruiserweight title, he could have one anytime he wanted if he could beat Shannon and Crash in a handicap match right now. Mysterio accepted and got in the ring as they went to commercial.
Rey Mysterio defeated Crash Holly & Shannon Moore in a handicap match in 4:25. The match started during the break. Mysterio did okay for the opening moments, but then Crash and Shannon took over, using double team moves. Rey rallied, kicking Moore from the ring, and working over Crash. He hit him with a springboard bodypress off the second rope, but started limping. Rey was holding his groin, and dropkicked Crash in the corner. Shannon came back in to attack Rey, but Mysterio hit him with a 619 and a rana for a three count at the 4:05 mark. Crash grabbed Rey for a powerbomb, but Rey turned it into a rana to pin him and win the match. Matt Hardy glared at Rey from ringside. Rey was helped from the ring, holding his groin. Matt attacked his MF'rs, giving Crash the Side Effect and Shannon the Twist Of Fate.
We saw Zach Gowen and Stephanie McMahon getting ready for their interview backstage.
After the break, we had the interview. Stephanie apologized to Zach for what happened with Piper last week. Zach told the true story of how he lost his leg (bone cancer) at eight years of age in 1991. Zach talked about how his mother worked full-time and took care of him, since his father took off when he was four. Zach also has an eleven year old brother. They talked about how the Make-A-Wish-Foundation wanted to grant him a wish because it was feared he wouldn't make it when he was eight, and he said that his wish was to meet Hulk Hogan, but that he passed on the wish, because he knew he was going to live. Zach then said his next goal was to become a professional wrestler, and that he was in training to do it. Stephanie ended the interview by saying "anything can happen in WWE". We then saw that Vince McMahon had been watching the interview on the monitor.
We saw that Mr. America was having a photo session backstage. Vince McMahon confronted him, and said that Mr. America should agree to a stipulation for his match tonight that if he loses, he will take a lie detector test. Mr. America refused, but Vince said that if America didn't agree, Zach Gowen will never get a chance to wrestle with WWE. America agreed, then called Vince a "son of a bitch". McMahon screamed at America that next week he would be proven to be a fraud.
Brock Lesnar defeated Johnny Stamboli in 4:24 by disqualification. The FBI huddled at ringside, then entered the ring together. Brock attacked all of them, and they responded by beating him down, until the referee forced Nunzio and Palumbo out. The FBI interfered throughout the match, and when Brock went for the F5, Palumbo ran in and attacked Brock to cause the DQ. The FBI then beat down Brock, until the Undertaker ran in and cleaned house on the FBI. The FBI actually fought back a little, but were run off by Taker and Brock.
Sable came to the ring, and boasted about being on the cover of Raw magazine. She then went to ringside and sat on the announcers table in front of Tazz. She complained about how Tazz declared Torrie the winner of the bikini contest at Judgment Day without asking the crowd. Tazz seemed mildly annoyed. Sable touched herself in front of Tazz while commenting how hot she was. Sable poured water down her chest, then dumped the bottle on him while making an innuendo about how Tazz was "premature" at certain things. Tazz got mad, but didn't choke her out. Sable danced on the table and walked off, while Michael Cole got Tazz a towel.
Backstage, Vince McMahon and Roddy Piper were giving O'Haire advice. Piper wanted him to go for the mask, while Vince wanted him to get the win first to force the lie detector test. Piper promised McMahon that he would have a happy night tonight. Vince said he would, one way or the other.
Sean O'Haire, with Roddy Piper, defeated Mr. America, with Zach Gowen in 7:06. Towards the end of the match, America hulked up and hit a big boot to the face. Piper got on the apron, and America knocked him off. America dropped the leg, but Piper pulled him off from ringside to break up the pin. Vince McMahon then came to ringside with a group of police officers. McMahon said someone broke the law, and had Gowen arrested for trespassing (he didn't have a backstage pass) and personal assault (for tripping him at Judgment Day). McMahon grabbed Gowen's cane away, saying it was a weapon, and had the cops cuff him. Mr. America protested, and in doing so, was counted out of the ring. McMahon even pointed out that America was being counted out, but he was more concerned with Zach, and by the time he went back to the ring, the count was at ten. After the match, Piper laid out America with a chairshot, and McMahon said "Goodbye, Mr. America". He has to take a lie detector test next week.
2004- WWE Raw ran Philadelphia, PA at the Wachovia Center with the following results:
-The Hurricane & Rosey defeated Sylvian Grenier & Rob Conway following the neckbreaker / Samoan Drop double team.
-Rhyno pinned Garrison Cade with the Gore after Cade became distracted by Eugene at ringside.
-Shelton Benjamin pinned Batista.
-Test pinned Matt Hardy with the pump-handle slam; after the bout, Kane came to the ring and attacked Hardy.
-World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit defeated Kane via submission with the Crippler Crossface.
-Chris Jericho defeated Tyson Tomko (subbing for Christian) in a steel cage match by escaping over the top after knocking Tomko off the cage to the mat.
-WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton pinned Edge with the RKO after Batista interfered; after the bout, Chris Benoit made the save.
-WWE Women's Champion Victoria pinned Molly Holly with the Widow's Peak after taking Molly's wig off.
-Shawn Michaels pinned Triple H with the superkick, despite interference from Randy Orton and Batista.
2004 - Ring of Honor held Generation Next outside the Philadelphia National Guard Armory. The show was scheduled for indoors but the venue was locked down when the Army mobilized the base. ROH was able to negotiate setting up a huge tent behind the venue and holding their show on the grounds, with the credit given to ROH VP Syd Eick. The show was the final event that the late Doug Gentry, who helped create the promotion, would attend as shortly afterward Cary Silkin broke away from the original ownership (by then in Gentry's name) following the Rob Feinstein NBC Channel 10 incident. It would be the last time Gentry would attend an ROH event.
Mike Johnson filed the following live report from the show:
Ring of Honor returned to Philadelphia, PA on Saturday May 22nd for "Generation Next" where the promotion was faced with so many obstacles you would have thought a higher power had scripted it that way in order to start a new independent wrestling craze of running under a tent in a throwback to the carnival days of professional wrestling.
Some background: With less than a week's notice, ROH learned they had lost their scheduled venue for 5/22 when The Pennsylvania National Guard Armory was mobilized. That basically means the military was going to use it, so outside events aren't allowed in. It was the latest in black clouds hovering over the 5/22 event as WWE was in town running a Raw brand house show, the Philadelphia Phillies had a home game, and The Philadelphia Flyers ended up playing a sudden death NHL playoff game in Tampa Bay.
Feeling that if they had to cancel the date, it would have caused more damage to the company when they couldn't afford it, ROH got permission to hold the show in the backyard of the Armory, and with only several days' notice, rented out a huge tent to cover the ring, lighting, equipment, as several rows of fans. I am told the situation cost a great deal for the promotion, but they felt they needed to go through with the show.
Although plans were sealed on Tuesday or Wednesday to hold the show outdoors, the promotion denied there were problems with the building when approached by PWInsider.com on Wednesday, as one source said that whatever building issues there were with the Armory, they were "resolved." Resolved ended up being the tent idea, although before that decision was made, they did make overtures to book the ECW Arena as well, which didn't end up working out. Many of the wrestlers were unaware of any changes until they arrived that afternoon at the Armory.
I am under the belief the promotion denied the building issues in order to protect the attendance (which was already hurting from the other factors) from being affected by the predictions of bad weather all week. My personal feeling is they should have announced something anyway, if for no other reason than to give the fans who had purchased tickets a chance to prepare for being outdoors for several hours, although other than mosquitos and the like, it wasn't a harsh situation to deal if you didn't have allergies. The weather, which ended up being nice and cool, allowed fans to enjoy the show without the usual heat issues involved with sitting in a small packed building. However, if the weather had been rainy and wet, ROH would have had several hundred unhappy fans sitting outdoors without notice (and with every right to ask for a refund in my opinion) and that would have been an irresponsible maneuver. Thankfully for them, the weather was the one place where ROH hasn't had bad luck as of late.
Although there were plenty of snickering jokes about having a show under a tent by those live before the show began, in truth, the setting and the weather created a much more relaxed and fun atmosphere than some of the regular ROH venues. There was none of the stuffiness that sometimes pervades live ROH events among their fan base and none of the sweltering heat.
Although the show appeared to draw in the 350 range (ROH sources listed the crowd as just under 500), the promotion was happy enough with the way the show came off live that there was talk of doing additional outdoor events down the line.
The actual live show saw ROH shrug off several advertised matches and plans for a "Generation Next" series of bouts, instead using the moniker as the title for a brash heel faction headed by Alex Shelley, which played out in a very un-ROHesque manner through the show. The changes from the now-cookie cutter ROH format also made for a different feeling show (See Notes).
*The opening bout was scheduled as a Scramble Match between Special K, The Christopher Street Connection and Dunn & Marcos. With CSC and Dunn & Marcos already in the ring, Alex Shelley, Jack Evans, Roderick Strong, and Austin Aries hit the ring and announced that they weren't going to compete in the "Next Generation" series and let the fans decide who was the best, but instead were going to make names for themselves. They laid out the CSC. Dunn & Marcos took the ring mic and began beating down Shelley and crew as "We're Not Gonna Take It" played (which has been their gimmick in recent months), but they soon were taken out as well. This led to Special K coming out and challenging the foursome, dubbed Generation Next.
*Roderick Strong & Austin Aries & Jack Evans defeated Special K's Izzy & Dixie & Angeldust in a six man tag which saw Strong hit a power bomb into a backbreaker, Aries hit a top rope 450 splash, and Evans hit a 720 splash in a 1-2-3 spot, and pinning all three members of Special K at the same time.
*Alex Shelley began ripping on Special K, claiming none of the raver kids were real professional wrestlers. K's Hydro jumped in the ring (and got a huge reaction for it) and challenged Shelley. They had a good back and forth competitive bout with Shelley forcing Hydro to submit to a crossface.
*Masada & Trent Acid & Danny Daniels defeated The Carnage Crew's HC Loc & Tony Devito & Justin Credible. The storyline here was The Carnage Crew challenged Trent Acid and "whoever had pooped in their bags." Acid came out with Daniels while Masada attacked his former partners. This was a fun back and forth bout, ending with Masada pinning Credible. Loc has really been working on his physique, to the point he is starting to seriously look like Taz during Taz's ECW run.
*John Walters was scheduled to face Jimmy Rave but the bout never took place after Generation Next hit the ring and announced they weren't going to work their way up the ladder, but instead were going to take out all the rungs above them. They attacked and laid out both workers. At that point, Next were my new favorite workers in the world as I wasn't looking forward to this match at all.
*Nigel McGuinness defeated Jimmy Jacobs via submission with a crossarm breaker variation in a really fun match. If every "Pure Wrestling" bout in the promotion was like this one, I'd be a happy person. McGuiness did some interesting offense, including striking while standing on his head atop the ringpads in the corner. Jacobs looked really good as well. This was the type of bout where both ended up looking good.
*ROH Tag Team champions Colt Cabana and CM Punk defeated Danny Maff and BJ Whitmer when Punk hit the Pepsi Plunge on Whitmer off the top rope. This was a really fun bout, which included a brawl over the guard rails and into the crowd, decimating a section of general admission seats. The actual brawl was really stiff and brutal with the workers taking bumps and swinging chairs Memphis style, but nearly caused a scene with fans who were being told to back up by security so that a spotlight could be used to showcase the workers (it was already dark by this point). Unfortunately, The problem with putting that theory into reality was that there wasn't anywhere for those fans to go since they were already trapped between the brawling workers, other fans rushing towards the brawl, and the stake lines that were holding the tent up. Although no one ended up hurt, the fans were rightfully upset as the prime concern seemed to be getting the spotlight on the workers, which should never be the case in that situation. Although nothing happened, in the future ROH's security, which does a good job, would be well advised to use the old ECW mentality of having staffers surround the workers while in the crowd in order to prevent sight issues and for the security of all involved. This was my pick for my favorite bout of the night.
*After intermission, The Briscoes defeated the Outcast Killaz (with Prince Nana and Josh Daniels - why wasn't he wrestling??). The bout was a little more competitive than one would expect and wasn't bad at all. The Killaz continue to slowly move up the ladder. Generation Next came down to the ring (there were catcalls about enough Alex Shelley from some fans at this point, but for the story they were telling, this was needed) and told The Briscoes that they had taken "Two spots" tonight and were going to take two more. The Briscoes refused to back down and challenged them to a fight. Shelley reminded them that it was 4 on 2, but John Walters and Jimmy Rave hit the ring to even the odds.
*In a 41 minute bout, Next Generation of Alex Shelley & Roderick Strong & Austin Aries & Jack Evans defeated The Briscoes, John Walters, and Jimmy Rave. This was a long back and forth bout where Briscoes, Walters, Shelley, and Strong really stood out. Rave was Rave while Evans was used by hitting crazy high spots. I don't recall Aries standing out here as much as he did at the ECWA Super 8, but he's a good worker. Shelley forced Walters to submit to the crossface for the victory. This was a good bout but went on too long as they seemed to be repeating spots at times. I think if it was edited down a bit, it'd come off even better on video but it was good. It did more for John Walters or Jimmy Rave than anything ROH had previously booked and by the end of the segment, the Generation Next faction were made into players in the company. The live crowd loved this match far, far, far, far more than I did as they gave it an extended standing ovation and chanted, "Match of the year" but I don't think this was near that level at all.
*Gary Michael Cappetta was the host for a "verbal confrontation" between Ricky Steamboat and CM Punk. Punk's ROH entrance, between his mannerisms, swagger, theme music and lighting, is the best thing going on the independent scene. He just oozes star power based on that alone. Even though he's supposed to be a heel, the crowd is into him as a character, similar to how the Sandman was over in ECW before his full fledged turn. Steamboat got a huge standing ovation coming out. The confrontation was supposed to be a debate, with Punk saying that every man wants to be remembered for being great, even after they are dead and running down the list of Steamboat's accomplishments, then insulting him. Steamboat ran down the cities that he had problems with Punk and said he was there to fight, not talk and challenged Punk. Punk backed down and offered to settle things and shake Steamboat's hand. They shook but Punk attacked him. Steamboat and Punk fired back and forth with chops, with Steamboat getting the better end of it. He went to the top for a flying bodypress, but Colt Cabana hit the ring and crotched Steamboat. They beat down Steamboat and Punk grabbed the ring bell. You knew what was coming next as Punk came off the top with the bell "to Steamboat's throat" a la the famous WWF Randy Savage angle in 1986 that set up the Wrestlemania 3 bout. Dan Maff and BJ Whitmer made the save with a bunch of officials. Steamboat was finally helped from the ring clutching his throat. If ROH plays it right, a Steamboat comeback bout could be a big thing when it happens.
*ROH champion Samoa Joe defeated Homicide with a brainbuster. The fans tossed streamers into the ring for Joe's ring announcement. Seconds later, they started brawling in the streamers and taking bumped, which looked cool. They went right to the floor Joe to his Ole Ole running kick to the head. Homicide pulled out a fork and began jabbing Joe in the head with Joe bleeding. They did a lot of near falls until Joe finally captured the pin with a brainbuster. The air came out of the crowd as they expected a title change and were shocked to see the finish at that point. Julius Smokes grabbed the mic as the crowd applauded for Homicide and began screaming about the "White Devils" and challenging the crowd. The crowd didn't buy it and continued cheering Homicide. He finally got on the mic and said he didn't care about any of the fans and ended the show trashing the ringside area violently and throwing chairs at the camera men before arguing with fans on the way out. The crowd still cheered Homicide. It's going to be hard to turn anyone heel in front of that fan base since the crowd wants to be smart and show everyone how much they "respect" the wrestlers.
Notes: Overall, this was a better show than Ring of Honor has presented in some time because it broke out from the stuffier side of the ROH universe to a show that wouldn't have been too far fetched to have been seen at the likes of Jim Kettner's ECWA. It was easier for the live audience to actually relate to what was going on because instead of needing to know the back story from video tapes, promos that aren't released yet or website storylines, everything involving Generation Next played out before their eyes so as it progressed, they were along for the ride as opposed to being the background for a video taping.
There were no blowaway match of the year bouts but there was a series of building segments on the undercard that led to a payoff, some good wrestling, a fun brawl in the crowd, and what would be deemed a decent, fun independent card on any level as they progressed some storylines and got over Generation Next as something different and attempted to move several other characters (Hydro, Walters, Rave) up a notch as well. In hindsight, the show that ended up taking place was far stronger than the announced card, although the promotion couldn't have announced that without tipping its hat.
The tent and the outdoor setting helped give the show a different feel as well. Although I can see the point of those who don't see it as "professional", it's really not all too different from any other bingo hall, supermarket, or housing project basement (all three I have sat in for shows, what was I thinking on the latter two?) that other companies run in, especially when their only other cause of action was to cancel the show outright. I do think the promotion should have announced the situation beforehand for the reasons I noted above, however and I would hope when faced with a similar situation, that they will own up to it.
While ROH publicly prides itself as being innovative and all the other hyped up buzz words, it is at its core an independent wrestling promotion. Without any of the snobbish pretense that often undermines the atmosphere of an ROH event, this was a decent independent show that had its fun moments and there's nothing wrong with that. ROH claimed to be "At Our Best" with their big Rexplex show on 3/13, but this was a far more enjoyable evening overall than many of their recent outings.
2005 - WWE held their Judgment Day Pay-per-view in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Target Center. Here is the original PWInsider.com coverage of the show:
Judgment Day opened with a video package focusing on Mysterio vs. Guerrero and JBL vs. John Cena.
WWE Tag Team Champions MNM (Joey Mercury & Johnny Nitro, with Melina) vs. Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas. Melina took the mic during MNM's intro, putting over her team and saying that the fan's were about to have a "brush with greatness". This is MNM's PPV debut. Nitro started off with Haas, with Haas rolling out of a side headlock. Nitro pulled Haas by the hair to grab a overhead wristlock, but Haas flipped out of it and armdragged Nitro into the ropes. Nitro went to the floor, but Haas brought him back in and went to work on the arm with an elevated arm wringer into an armdrag. Holly and Mercury tagged in, with Holly grabbing a headlock and hitting a shoulderblock. They traded reversals on some moves, until Holly nailed Mercury with a dropkick. Holly stretched Mercury on the ropes and kicked him in the cut, then gave Nitro a shot. Holly leapfrogged Mercury and chopped him repeatedly in the corner. Holly gave Nitro a chop as well. Mercury went for a headscissors, but Holly blocked it and set for an Alabama slam, but Nitro ran in and superkicked Holly. Nitro tagged in and hit a knee in the corner for a two count, then worked over Holly with punches and a choke.
Mercury and Nitro worked over Holly in their corner, with Mercury hitting a neckbreaker for two. Holly battled back with a chop, but Mercury hit a boot to the face and a clothesline for two. Nitro tagged in and stood on Holly's throat, then applied a modified camel clutch. Holly broke out and hit a full nelson slam, and both men were down. There was a "Holly" chant. Haas and Mercury tagged in, and Haas hit Mercury with a clothesline, a backdrop and a dropkick. Haas speared Nitro, then clotheslined Mercury to the floor. Haas backdropped Nitro from the ring, then hit a plancha on both members of MNM. Melina hooked Haas' leg on the floor, but it backfired as Haas rammed Mercury into her and rolled him up for a two count. Haas hit an Exploder on Mercury, but the referee was distracted by the other wrestlers. Nitro and Holly went at it, with Nitro dodging a charge and Holly going into the ringpost. This left Haas in a two-on-one situation. Nitro pulled Haas throat first across the top rope, and MNM hit the Snapshot (elevated DDT) for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winners: MNM.
The events leading to Carlito vs. Big Show was shown.
Carlito, with Matt Morgan, vs. Big Show. Carlito came out first, and said that Randy Moss had told him that the people in Minnesota "weren't cool" and didn't appreciate talent. Carlito said that people in Minnesota made fun of Matt Morgan for being "different" even though Morgan was bigger and stronger than all of them. Carlito ducked out of the ring as Big Show made his entrance. Carlito stalled at the start, ducking in and out of the ring. Show finally grabbed Carlito, threw him into a corner and hit a chop and a headbutt. Morgan distracted Show, and Carlito tried to ambush him, and Show swatted him down. After a pair of chops, Show hiptossed Carlito across the ring and stood on his head. Show hit a big chop in the corner, then slammed Carlito. Show went to rebound off the ropes, but Morgan pulled down the top rope and Show fell to the floor. Carlito distracted the referee while Morgan worked over Show, then rolled him into the ring. Carlito covered, but Show flung him off.
Carlito went on the attack, but Show kept shoving him away. Show hit a headbutt and a clothesline, then whipped Carlito back and forth into the turnbuckles before hitting an avalanche. Show accidentally whipped Carlito into the referee, knocking him from the ring. Morgan got on the apron, but Show knocked him down. Show went for a chokeslam, but Carlito kicked him low. Show recovered and went for the chokeslam again, but Morgan ran in and attacked him. Morgan gave Big Show an F5 (by they way, they are in Minnesota, hometown of Brock Lesnar, which wasn't mentioned by the announcers, but I thought I would throw that in). Carlito covered, and the referee came back in for the three count at the four minute mark. Carlito seemed amazed at what Morgan had done.
Winner: Carlito.
A commercial for the ECW One Night Stand Pay-per-view was shown. Tazz and Michael Cole said they were looking forward to it, with Tazz implying that he would be there.
The events leading to Booker T vs. Kurt Angle were shown.
Sharmell was backstage telling Booker T he needed to take down Angle tonight. A delivery came for Sharmell, which was lingerie and a pair of handcuffs with "GutterSlut" written on a piece of paper attached to them. Booker stormed off, saying he wasn't going to wait for the match.
Cruiserweight Champion Paul London vs. Chavo Guerrero. They each threw some kicks at the start, with London going for a single leg takedown, but Chavo landing a series of kicks and forearms. Chavo hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, then kicked at London's back. Chavo rammed London into the turnbuckles and hit some bodyshots, then applied a seated abdominal stretch variation, applying a top wristlock while hooking the other arm with his leg. London battled back, and grabbed a standing rana for two. London elbowed a charging Chavo, then hit a mule kick to the back off the ropes. London hit a dropsault, then went to the top rope. London went for the 450 splash, but Chavo got his knees up and London came down hard on them.
Chavo kicked at London's ribs, and London tried to battle back, but Chavo planted him with a back suplex for two. Chavo went back to kicking the ribs, then choked him against the middle ropes. Chavo hung London across the top rope, then dropkicked him for two. Chavo applied an abdominal stretch, which he tried to turn into a slam, but London shifted his weight and landed on top. Chavo kicked out, and hit some shots to London's back. Chavo went for a back suplex, but London floated out and hit a belly to belly suplex. They traded blows, and Chavo went for a backdrop, but London landed on his feet and hit a spinkick for two. London hit a running forearm and an enzugiri for a two count, as Chavo grabbed the ropes. London hit a forearm, and went for a Victory Roll, but Chavo dropped down into a cradle and grabbed the ropes, but only got a two count.
London hit a pair of forearms, but missed a moonsault attempt and landed on his feet. Chavo grabbed him and went for a Gori Bomb, but London kicked off the ropes to escape it and hit a spin kick. London went to the top rope, but Chavo rolled out of the ring. London dove off the top rope into a somersault senton on the floor. Chavo actually made it back to the ring first, and knocked London back to the floor when he tried for a springboard. Chavo hit a tope, then tossed London back in. Chavo went to the top rope, but London stopped him. They battled on the ropes, and Chavo went for a top rope powerbomb, but London backdropped him into the ring. London then hit the 450 splash for the pin at the eleven minute mark.
Winner: Paul London.
Booker was backstage, in search of Kurt Angle. He found Funaki, who didn't know where Angle was. Booker then found Billy Kidman, Shannon Moore, Charlie Haas, and Hardcore Holly, but no one knew where Angle was. Booker said if anyone say Angle, to tell him that Booker was looking for him.
Meanwhile, Angle showed up in Booker's dressing room, and pinned Sharmell down on a couch. Angle promised to have his way with her later, as his entrance music started playing.
Kurt Angle vs. Booker T. Angle smiled at Booker as he walked to the ring. Booker had the handcuffs in his hand, and went right at Angle as he entered the ring. Booker pounded Angle, then hit a back kick and choked him against the ropes. Angle grabbed a front facelock, but Booker shoulderblocked Angle against the ropes repeatedly. Angle had some blood coming from his mouth. Booker hit some chops, then Angle rammed Booker into the corner with shoulderblocks and hit an uppercut. Angle kicked Booker on the mat, then hit an uppercut in the corner and applied a chinlock. Angle hit a shoulderblock, but Booker came back with a hiptoss and stomped Angle down in a corner. Booker yanked Angle throat first across the top rope, then snapmared him and dropkicked him in the face. Angle begged off, then went for a single leg takedown to grab an ankle lock, but Booker kicked him off. The two awkwardly collided, then Booker hit a side kick. Booker hung Angle over the ropes, then gave him an ax kick on the apron, sending Angle to the floor.
Booker chopped Angle on the floor, then rolled in to break up the referee's count. As Booker came back out, Angle grabbed him and rammed him into the ringpost. Angle tossed Booker back in and hit a trio of kneelifts. Angle dropped an elbow, then hit an uppercut and stomped Booker. Angle hit a vertical suplex for two, then applied a rear chinlock. Booker fought out of it and hit some chops and punches. Booker missed a sidekick and got crotched on the top rope. Angle hit a back suplex for a two count. Angle worked over Booker with punches and uppercuts in a corner, then smiled at Booker as he stomped him. Angle hit a backbreaker for a two count, then applied a reverse bear hug. Booker powered out of it, and hit some back elbows. Angle missed a right hand and Booker hit a spinkick. Both men were slow to get up. Booker hit some punches and kicks, then a clothesline and a vertical suplex for two.
Booker hit a superkick, then went for the ax kick, but Angle moved and went for an Angle Slam. Booker floated out and hit the Bookend for two. Booker did the spinarooni, went for the ax kick again, but Angle hit a clothesline. Booker reversed a whip, but missed a clothesline and Angle grabbed a German suplex. Angle hit a second one, but Booker then elbowed free. Booker ran into a belly to belly suplex, and Angle scored a two count. Angle went for an Angle Slam, but Booker rolled it into a reverse small package for the pin at the fifteen minute mark.
Winner: Booker T.
Sharmell ran down to ringside, while in the ring, Angle hit an Angle Slam on Booker. Angle tossed Booker to the floor. Sharmell went to check on Booker, and Angle grabbed her and tossed her into the ring. Angle chased off the referee, then tried to handcuff Sharmell to the top rope. Booker got back in and attacked Angle, then handcuffed Angle to the top rope. Booker started pounding the cuffed Angle, then held him so Sharmell could slap him repeatedly. She kicked him in the nads for good measure, leaving Angle screaming in pain. Sharmell and Booker embraced and walked off.
The referees eventually unlocked Angle from the handcuffs.
Boxing great Roberto Duran was shown in the crowd.
Tazz and Michael Cole discussed the I Quit match between John Cena and JBL.
U.S. Champion Orlando Jordan vs. Heidenreich. Heidenreich went in search of a "new friend" before the match. He settled on a young girl named Alex. Heidenreich then read a poem about searching for friends and fighting for the U.S. Title, including a cheap pop by mentioning Minneapolis. Heidenreich also implied that Orlando Jordan now looks like Buckwheat of Little Rascals fame. Jordan hit a baseball slide kick to start the match, then stomped him down in a corner. Jordan pounded and stomped Heidenreich. Jordan went to the second rope, stopped to trash talk Alex, and Heidenreich went after him, but Jordan kicked him to the mat. They brawled in and out of the ring, then Jordan hit a back suplex in the ring for two. Jordan applied a head vice, and a chant of "Buckwheat Sucks" rang out.
Jordan, who was bleeding from the mouth, beat down Heidenreich, who started stomping around the ring like Frankenstein. Heidenreich hit a series of punches and a pair of clotheslines. Heidenreich backdropped Orlando, then hit a boot to the face for a two count. Orlando kicked away a backdrop attempt and hit a swinging neckbreaker. Orlando stopped to brag, and Heidenreich cradled him from behind for a two count. Jordan tripped Heidenreich into the middle rope and then hit a DDT for the clean pin at the five minute mark.
Winner: Orlando Jordan.
Post-match, Alex did the Heidenreich stomp around the ring and helped him to his feet. Heidenreich and the girl then hugged.
Josh Mathews interviewed JBL, who was still holding onto the old WWE Championship belt. JBL said when a man quits, he is no longer a man. JBL said he would make Cena bleed, and told him to pursue his other careers. JBL got in a shot that Cena should run for governor, since the people of Minnesota would "vote for anyone". JBL promised to kick Cena's face off and make him quit.
The events leading to Guerrero vs. Mysterio were shown.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio. Eddie walked to the ring slowly, stone faced. Rey Mysterio walked to the ring, his ribs taped. Eddie exited the ring as soon as Rey entered it, and he stared at Mysterio from the floor. There were some chants for Guerrero. They two went face to face in the ring, talking to each other. Guerrero slapped Rey, and Rey returned the slap. They traded punches and the match was on. Rey hit a series in a corner, but Eddie hit a knee to the cut and hit some blows. Eddie hit some knee lifts, but Rey came back with a kick to the gut and pounded Eddie on the mat. Guerrero rolled to the floor, but Rey went after him. Guerrero hit a knee to the gut and threw Rey into the ring steps. Eddie rammed Rey into the steps again and shoved him shoulder first into the ring post. Guerrero picked up Rey and gave him a spinebuster into the announcers table. Eddie put Rey on the apron and hit an elbow, then gave Rey another spinebuster on the announcers table. Eddie stood on the table, but the referee got in his way.
Guerrero threw Rey back into the ring, then went after him. An "Eddie Sucks" chant rang out as Eddie stomped Rey in the corner. Eddie punched Rey, then kicked him in the head. As Rey started to get up, Eddie dropkicked him. Eddie yelled at the downed Rey, then hit a back suplex for a two count. Eddie applied an abdominal stretch, but Rey escaped with an armdrag. Guerrero planted Mysterio with an inverted powerbomb as Rey tried for a rana. Rey elbowed Guerrero as Eddie pulled the bandages off of Rey. Guerrero kicked at Rey, then applied a single leg Boston Crab. Rey turned and kicked out of it, then hit an enzugiri. Both men were down, with Rey getting up at the nine count.
Rey leapfrogged Guerrero and gave him a huge monkey flip. Guerrero backdropped Rey to the apron, and Rey hit a shoulderblock and a springboard headbutt for a two count. They traded punches, with Rey getting the better of it, until Guerrero dropkicked his knee out. Guerrero applied a Boston Crab, driving his knee into Rey's back. Rey struggled in the hold, and Guerrero turned it into an STF. Rey made the ropes, and Eddie broke the hold on the four count. Eddie threw Mysterio to the floor, then went outside and took apart the ring steps. Eddie pounded Rey repeatedly in the back of the head, then kicked him in the body. Eddie took Rey onto the bottom section of ringsteps, and set up for a brainbuster. Rey blocked it and rammed Eddie back first into the ring post three times. Rey gave Eddie a 619 around the ringpost, kicking Eddie in the back of the head. Rey rolled Eddie back into the ring, and the two traded punches again. Rey hit a boot to the face, then a pair of clotheslines. Rey hit a springboard cross bodyblock after ducking a clothesline, then hit a spinkick. Rey hit a springboard senton for a two count.
Rey worked over Eddie in a corner with punches, but missed a charge and went shoulder first into the ring post. Eddie put Rey on the top rope and hit a top rope superplex. Eddie crawled onto Mysterio for a two count, then covered twice more for two counts. Eddie flipped off the referee for not counting three. Eddie measured Rey then kicked him in the gut and hit two vertical suplexes. Rey floated over the third, then used a bodyscissors to put Eddie in 619 position. However, Rey was too weak to do the move. Chavo Guerrero came down and distracted the referee. Eddie went for a chair, but Rey hit a dropkick to the legs and knocked him down. Rey tripped Eddie into 619 position, then dropkicked Chavo off the apron. The referee ordered Chavo to the back. Rey hit Eddie with the 619, then got set for the West Coast Pop. As Rey came off the springboard, Eddie picked up the chair and blasted Rey with it. The referee caught it, and called for the bell at the nineteen minute mark.
Winner via disqualification: Rey Mysterio.
Eddie started to exit the ring, then went back in and hit Mysterio with the chair across the back, over and over again. Officials and referees hit the ring, and Eddie walked to the back. Rey was helped to the back by officials.
The events leading to John Cena vs. JBL were recapped.
I Quit Match: WWE Champion John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL made his usual limo entrance, but had no members of his cabinet with him. Cena made his entrance on a tractor trailer truck, with a DJ playing his theme music on top of the flatbed. Cena walked across JBL's limo, kicking the longhorns off the hood. JBL demanded that the referee hold up the old WWE Title belt, as well as the spinner belt, before ringing the bell. Michael Cole noted the last time the WWE Title was defended in an "I Quit" match, it was six years ago with Mankind and The Rock.
They locked up, and Cena grabbed a side headlock. JBL pushed it off, and Cena hit a shoulderblock, then grabbed the headlock again. JBL reversed into a headlock of his own, and they ran the ropes, with Cena grabbing an armbar. JBL went to the ropes, and when there was no break, he rolled to the floor to break it. Cena suplexed JBL back into the ring, then choked him. JBL came back with a DDT, then punched Cena on the mat. Cena reversed a whip and backdropped JBL, then clotheslined him to the floor. Cena came off the apron with a forearm to the back, then rammed JBL into the ring apron and twice into the steps. JBL reversed a whip and sent Cena over the security wall and into the crowd. They brawled into the crowd, with JBL hitting a neckbreaker on the floor.
They made their way back to ringside, and JBL cleared off the Spanish Announcers table. JBL grabbed the mic and told Cena to quit, but Cena punched him. JBL drove Cena into the ringsteps, then took the belt off of a camera man and whipped Cena with it. JBL choked Cena with the belt around a ringpost. Cena pulled on the belt, sending JBL shoulder first into the ring post. JBL took Cena onto the announcers table, and set him up for a piledriver. JBL told the referee to ask Cena to quit. Cena said "Kiss my ass" then backdropped JBL through the Spanish Announcers table. Cena picked up a monitor and hit JBL in the head with it, then tossed him across the other announce table. JBL picked up a chair and hit Cena in the head with it. Cena started to bleed a gusher.
JBL hit Cena with a section of ring steps, then kicked Cena on the floor. JBL hit Cena in the head with the microphone. Back in the ring, JBL kicked the bloody Cena over and over, while the crowd chanted for the champion. JBL hit a short arm clothesline, then hit a second and third. JBL crabbed Cena's chair and started choking him with it. JBL hit Cena with a low blow. JBL got on the mic and told Cena to quit, then hit him with the mic. JBL called Cena a "punk ass bitch" and Cena fired back, hitting some punches. Cena hit a headbutt and a pair of clotheslines, then a hiptoss and a back suplex into a powerbomb. Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle Fistdrop, then hit an FU. JBL rolled out of the ring, gave Cena the finger, and headed up the aisle.
Cena went after JBL and they fought in the aisle, with Cena giving JBL a back suplex on the hood of the car. JBL gave Cena a thumb to the eyes and hit a neckbreaker on the hood of the limo. They fought near some equipment cases, and Cena pulled a cord out of a monitor and choked Cena with it. They asked Cena if he would quit, and Cena said "Hell no". Cena pulled the cord off of his throat, and threw JBL head first through the screen of a large TV monitor. JBL was now busted open as well. Cena threw JBL threw a window on the limo. JBL and Cena battled to the roof of the limo, and Cena coming out on top with a vertical suplex on the roof. JBL tried to crawl into the limo, but Cena grabbed him and threw him into the open door of the limo twice. Cena then kicked the door off the hinges and threw it on the hood of the limo. They battled onto the tractor trailer, and Cena rammed JBL into a CO2 canister. JBL came back with a DDT on the flatbed. JBL told Cena to quit again, and pounded him across the back. JBL knocked over the turntables on the flatbed, and picked up a wire to choke Cena with.
JBL climbed onto a large speaker to hang Cena with the cord, but Cena hit JBL with the microphone, and JBL fell off the speaker and through the table that was set up on the flatbed. JBL stumbled around on the floor, while Cena pulled an exhaust stack off the truck. JBL fell down on the floor, and Cena was getting ready to charge JBL with the large metal pipe. Suddenly, JBL said "I Quit". He repeated himself, and the match was over at the twenty three minute mark.
Winner: John Cena.
Cena thought about it, then charged JBL anyway, hitting him across the chest with the exhaust stack, sending JBL backwards through part of the Judgment Day set which was made out of glass. Cena went to the ring and celebrated, holding up both championship belts, as the show ended (earlier than normal, at 10:37pm).
2005 - WWE Raw ran Colorado Springs, CO at the World Arena for a matinee event, featuring:
-Viscera pinned Rob Conway with a splash.
-Matt Cappotelli pinned Tyson Tomko with a roll up.
-The Heart Throbs defeated Val Venis (sustituting. for the Hurricane) & WWE Raw Tag Team Champion Rosey when Rosey was pinned after one opponent fell on top of him while the other grabbed his leg to prevent a suplex into the ring.
-Chris Masters defeated Steven Richards via submission with the full nelson.
-Edge pinned Chris Benoit after hitting him with the time keeper's bell.
-WWE IC Champion Shelton Benjamin defeated Muhammad Hassan via disqualification when Daivari prevented the pinfall after the champion hit the Exploder suplex.
-Christy Hemme pinned Victoria with a roll up; Jonathan Coachman was the guest referee for the bout; Victoria played the heel for the match.
-Chris Jericho defeated Christian via submission with the Walls of Jericho; Tyson Tomko was in Christian's corner early in the bout but was eventually ejected from ringside by referee Earl Hebner.
-World Heavyweight Champion Batista pinned Triple H in a streetfight with the sit-down powerbomb after avoiding the Pedigree.
2007 - WWE taped TV in Des Moines, IA at the Wells Fargo Arena with the following results:
Dark Matches:
-Chuck Palumbo pinned Daivari with the TKO.
-Dan Rodman (Rodimer) defeated Sho Funaki.
ECW:
-Snitsky pinned Tommy Dreamer with the boot to the face at 3:51; after the bout, Snitsky brought a steel chair into the ring but Rob Van Dam made the save with a top rope Van Daminator.
-Kevin Thorn pinned Wyatt Laura with Original Sin at 1:47 (Thorn's first appearance without Ariel).
-Matt Striker pinned Brett Major (w/ Brian Major) with a rolling neckbreaker at 3:46.
-CM Punk & Rob Van Dam defeated Elijah Burke & Marcus Cor Von via disqualification after constant illegal interference from Cor Von, the illegal man, at 13:22; after the bout, Cor Von hit the Pounce on both Punk and RVD.
Smackdown:
- Paul London & Brian Kendrick defeated William Regal & Dave Taylor via disqualification at 5:30 when WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champion Domino, who appeared in the aisle before the match with WWE Smackdown! Tag Team Champion Deuce and Cherry, shoved London off the top rope; after the bout, Taylor knocked Domino off the ring apron for costing his team the win, with all three teams then brawling around ringside until the fight was broken up by referees.
WWE Raw Tag Team Champion Matt Hardy pinned Miz at 8:36 with a Twist of Fate; Miz took the bump as though it was a swinging neckbreaker and landed on the back of his head instead of his face.
-Jimmy Wang Yang pinned WWE Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a non-title match at 7:46 by rolling through as Guerrero attempted a sunset flip / powerbomb off the top.
-Batista defeated Mark Henry, Finlay, and Kane at 10:36 by pinning Finlay with the sit-down powerbomb after hitting the spear on all three opponents; due to pre-match stipulations, Batista earned a steel cage title shot against Edge at One Night Stand; after the bout, Batista locked eyes with Edge, who did guest commentary for the bout, and motioned he would take back the championship .
2008 - WWE Raw ran Queretaro, Mexico at the Santa Maria Bullring, drawing 8,500 fans with the following results:
-Super Crazy defeated Paul Burchill.
-Trevor Murdoch defeated Charlie Haas.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes defeated Paul London & Brian Kendrick.
-Jeff Hardy defeated Carlito.
-Shawn Michaels pinned WWE Intercontinental champion Chris Jericho in a non-title match at 18:27.
-John Cena defeated John Bradshaw Layfield at 6:50.
-WWE World Champion Triple H pinned Umaga with the Pedigree at 17:35.
2008 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We move closer to Slammiversary and the King of the Mountain Match. Jim Cornette announced four of the men who will try to get into the match with TNA Champion Samoa Joe. Joe will announce his four names. Will Kevin Nash be one of the four? What is next in Eric Young’s never ending search until June 8th to find Elvis? Last week, Kurt Angle asked Karen to come back home. What will Karen say this week? Will it be different than the last few times she has told Kurt that they are done? Who will qualify for the main event at Slammiversary. What other matches will be announced for the pay per view?
We start off with Team 3D talking to someone and Jeremy Borash is eavesdropping. Ray says that he has their back; but they freak out when they discover Jeremy.
We take a look back at what happened last week with Kurt’s desires to get his wife Karen back while we see everything else happen during last week’s show. There is going to be a wedding because when you think marriage, you think professional wrestling.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘No Time for Wrestling Dr. Jones’ Tenay and Don ‘We named the ring announcer Indiana’ West.
We see footage of Team 3D attacking Hector Guerrero last week.
Match Number One: Brother Ray versus Homicide
Ray misses a punch but Homicide does not miss with the punches. Ray pushes Homicide down but Homicide is back up and he goes after Ray. Homicide with more punches while Ray continues to push off Homicide. Ray with a rake of the eyes. Homicide with punches and a choke. Homicide with punches in the corner and then he charges into an elbow. Ray sets for a power slam but Homicide gets out of the hold, and then he charges into a big boot. Ray punches Homicide in the head and then he connects with shoulders in the corner. Ray with an elbow to Homicide’s head. Ray with a slam to Homicide and then he goes to the turnbuckles. Ray dedicates the senton splash to Hector, but Ray misses when Homicide moves. Homicide with punches followed by a running clothesline but Ray stays up. Homicide tries two more and he staggers Ray. Homicide with a missile drop kick from the second turnbuckle and then he goes up top for the rana from the top followed by an Ace Cutter, but Brother Devon hits Homicide with the kendo stick and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Homicide by disqualification
After the match, Devon attacks Homicide and then he brings in a table. Hernandez comes out and he goes after Devon and Ray. Hernandez tries to power bomb Devon through the table, but Booker T comes out and he hits a super kick on Hernandez. Booker goes after Hernandez and then Team 3D work over Homicide. Devon hits Homicide in the head with the title belt while Ray holds Homicide. Ray hits Hernandez with the kendo stick while Booker holds him. Devon hits Hernandez with the title belt. Ray power bombs Homicide through the table.
TO THE BACK because Karen Angle is here. Jeremy asks Karen how she is doing because Kurt and Karen are back together. Karen tells Jeremy to expect the unexpected. Jeremy walks through a door and Kong and Raisha Saeed give Jeremy something to read.
Jeremy mentions $25,000 and then we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to go to a video package for Angelina Love and Velvet Sky.
ODB is with Lauren and she asks about Angelina and Velvet. ODB says that she hates pretty wenches, bleach blonde hair, big fake boobies, and Crisco injections in their lips. ODB says that she is all natural and she lets Lauren get a grip.
Match Number Two: Angelina Love with Velvet Sky versus ODB
ODB takes a drink and she spits it in Angelina’s face. ODB goes after Velvet on the apron and she turns around into a bicycle kick from Angelina. Velvet attacks ODB while Angelina distracts the referee by touching him. Angelina slams ODB’s head into the mat and then she gets a near fall. Angelina with a reverse chin lock. ODB gets to her feet and then she backs Angelina into the turnbuckles. Angelina finally lets go of the hold. ODB with a clothesline to Angelina followed by a few more. ODB with a fallaway slam to Angelina and it is time to kip up. ODB with a side slam for a two count. Angelina with a forearm but Velvet hits ODB with the flask and Angelina gets the three count.
Winner: Angelina Love
After the match, Angelina get the clippers and they get ready to shave ODB’s head, but Roxxi Laveaux comes out and she goes after Velvet. Angelina hits Roxxi from behind. Roxxi with a kick to Velvet and a spinebuster to Angelina. Roxxi grabs the clippers and the referee stops Roxxi, allowing Angelina to escape the ring. Roxxi kicks the referee and hits the Voodoo Drop.
Kevin Nash and Samoa Joe walk in the back and we go to commercial.
We are back and Don and Mike talk about the King of the Mountain Qualifying Matches. What will Karen Angle say? What is the deal with Awesome Kong and her challenge?
Before we get to the Samoa Joe Selection Show, it is time to take a look back at the King of the Mountain Match. They go through the rules for the match. We are reminded that the champion has never retained in the King of the Mountain Match.
Samoa Joe comes to the ring and it is time for the King of the Mountain Selection Show as we find out the participants in the Samoa and Joe brackets. We already know who is in from the Jim and Cornette brackets.
Joe says that he is going to give us his four names for the King of the Mountain Qualifying Tournament. Joe says that it was an arduous process, but he wanted the biggest and the baddest. Joe talks about someone he has battled in this company and throughout the world. That man is A.J. Styles. The next two picks were easy, two of the baddest in the biz and two people who were champions. Those two men are Rhino and Christian Cage. The final man to make it into the tournament is someone who has dominated wherever he has been. He has been a World Champion wherever he has been. He is one of the best wrestlers in the world. Kevin Nash thinks it is him, but Joe announces that it is Booker T. Joe tells Booker if he can make it through this tournament, he will find Joe in the middle of the ring waiting for him.
Nash takes the mic and asks Joe how he can watch his back without being in the match. Joe says that they don’t pay to see someone get his back. They pay to see him be the champion. Nash asks Joe how long he has been a world champion, and he points out that it has been one month (at least in TNA). Nash says that there is a problem when you don’t do what you are told. The machine breaks down, and then they break down. Nash tells Joe that he is not going to allow that.
TO THE BACK where Jeremy Borash is with Kurt Angle and Frank Trigg. Jeremy is happy that the family is back together. They walk into the men’s room and then Kurt asks Frank if he wants to get a drink. Frank suggests that Kurt spend the night with Karen, but Kurt says that Karen has a lot to do. While Kurt and Frank go number one, we hear from Kurt and Frank. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see the happy couple who is with Lauren and Sonjay Dutt. Lance Hoyt is in the background. Val says that she is so happy. Val mentions that the Rock and Rave Infection has asked to audition to be their wedding band. Val and Jay don’t like the fact that Christy is lip syncing. Sonjay announces that Ace Young will be the band at the wedding and he will be on Impact next week.
It is time for more from Abyss. He says that as a going away gift, they have allowed the cameras to come back. He asks if you can see through his eyes to see what he is thinking. He talks about blood, torture, and tattered flesh. He wants to be left alone. His name is Chris Park and he will not rest until it sleeps. He will always be Abyss. He is an addict. He is addicted to pain. They say that he is better now, but he will never get better. It is time to go home and time for Abyss to go home.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to hear from Robert Roode and he is with Lauren. Lauren points out that Roode should not be concerned about the politics because he is in a match for the King of the Mountain. Roode says that it might be time for him to put on a happy face. Roode says that it has taken Cornette this long to find out the potential. He has been in the company for four years. Now he gets a chance at the title because there is nothing they can do to keep him down any longer. Roode tells Booker that he finally understands what he is preaching. He wishes Booker luck and says ‘You’re Welcome’. Roode tells Matt that this business is controlled by your brain, not the size of your biceps. Roode wonders why Morgan is in the same ring as him. Roode vows to be in the King of the Mountain Match.
Match Number Three: Robert Roode versus Matt Morgan in a King of the Mountain Qualifying Match
Roode gets in Morgan’s chest and has some words for him. Morgan wants a test of strength, but Roode refuses. Roode with a kick to the leg and a side head lock. Roode with a waist lock but Morgan backs Roode into the corner. Roode with a punch to Morgan. Morgan with an Irish whip and back body drop followed by a big boot to Roode. Roode misses a running boot into the corner and Roode clips Morgan. Roode works on the leg and uses the ropes for additional leverage. Roode with boots to the knee followed by punches. Morgan pushes Roode to the mat. Morgan grabs Roode by the throat but Roode with a rake of the eyes. Roode tries for a figure four leg lock but Morgan sends Roode into the mat. Roode with punches and Matt Morgans Up. Matt with a head butt and a clothesline. Morgan adds a side slam to his attack. Morgan sends Roode into the turnbuckles and chokes him in the corner. The referee tries to get Matt to release the hold and then Morgan picks up the referee and drops him. Roode with a cover and uses the ropes for the three count.
Winner: Robert Roode
Kurt Angle is wearing a suit and he walks into commercial.
We are back and it is time to continue Eric Young’s quest for Elvis. Eric is on Beale Street and he is still looking for Elvis. Eric befriends someone in Memphis, and that guy tells Eric that Elvis has been dead for years.
Don West talks about Kurt Angle and his apology. Time for a video package about the Angle that has no sides.
Kurt enters the Impact Zone through the AngleVator. Kurt says that it is his honor and privilege to welcome out the most beautiful woman in the world. His wife, until death do them part. That woman is Karen Angle (and she has her own entrance music and video package). Kurt tells Karen that she looks stunning. He thanks Karen for coming to the Impact Zone tonight. The past few months have been tough on her and now Karen knows her role as a wife. Now their priorities are together and as long as the TNA Title is first, they can live happily ever after. Karen wants to know if that is the reason why Kurt wanted her here tonight. Karen asks Kurt if he knows the effect that this has on her. Kurt tells Karen that this is real life and he is who he is. Karen says that is why it will never work. Karen had one shred of hope that this would work, but it cannot happen. Karen says that she wants a divorce. Kurt tells Karen that he can change and he can be the man that he wants. Karen asks Kurt how many times he has said that and she says that Kurt is incapable of changing. Kurt wants to know if Karen is seeing someone, and if it is A.J. Karen says that her and A.J. are just friends. A.J. understands her. Kurt gets down on his knees and he begs her for a second chance. Kurt tells Karen to do it for the kids. Karen bends down and drops her mic before leaving the ring. Kurt wants Karen to come back and he says that he can change.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is with Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed. Jeremy says that Kong cannot wrestle fans. Think of the lawsuits. Saeed says that Kong has no one else to beat. Saeed says that she has the releases signed. Borash says that he will not be a part of this. Saeed tells Borash that if he does not do it, he will be the one broken.
It is time for a Lord LittleSteiner/Frankie Kazarian video package for their match at Slammiversary.
Lauren is with A.J. Styles outside the building and Lauren asks A.J. about what has been going on with Kurt, Booker, and Tomko. A.J. says that he is just friends with Karen. A.J. says that Super Eric was just there. Tomko arrives and he tells A.J. that it has been a couple times too many. A.J. wonders where Tomko has been. Tomko says that he has been stewing because A.J. lost their tag titles. A.J. says that he is sick of Tomko and Kurt. He is going to do what he wants when he wants it. Tomko tells A.J. that he can be his own man by himself. We go to commercial.
We are back with more of Sting’s This is Interview. Mike Tenay talks about Jeff Jarrett’s personal issues and how he has not been on television. Sting says that he has seen Jeff a few times for a few minutes. He says that Jeff is missed. For what he went through, nobody should have to go through that. He talks about what Jeff lost with his wife and having to care for his three children. Mike asks about Sting’s early days in Tennessee. He says that Jeff was a young kid when they first met. Sting says that Jeff probably hadn’t seen anyone like him and Hellwig.
Jeremy Borash is in the ring with a referee, the ladder, and the penalty box as he talks about the King of the Mountain Match. Jeremy talks about the rules of the match.
Instead of our next King of the Mountain Qualifying Match, Awesome Kong comes to the ring with Raisha Saeed. Saeed has a briefcase. Jeremy says that he wants nothing to do with this. Saeed tells Jeremy that he better make the $25,000 Challenge. Jeremy says that someone is going to get hurt. Saeed gives Jeremy two options. Make the challenge or get destroyed.
Jeremy asks if there are any female volunteers, eighteen years or older who wants to accept the challenge. We have a challenger and her name is Melissa. We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Awesome Kong versus Melissa in an Kong’s $25,000 Giant Jackpot Wad Match
Kong grabs Melissa by the hair and hits her in the head. Kong pulls her back in from the apron and kicks her. Kong with a running body block and then it is time for the Sit Out Power Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
Melissa is down in the ring, but TO THE BACK where Ray tells Lauren that tonight was payback because they were screwed out of the title by that old peon Hector Guerrero. They did what Team 3D does best. They lay people out, leave them in their own blood and put them through tables. Ray tells A.J. Styles that he would be a little worried because he has to deal with Booker T. Team 3D parts like the Red Sea. Booker T says that he has been here for six months and this is how he gets respected. Booker reminds us that he won the WCW Title many times. Booker rhetorically asks why he is with Team 3D. It is because he does not want to be with peons. Tonight, A.J. Styles will be a stepping stone on his way to the King of the Mountain Match. Booker complains about the locker room. Booker complains about a flannel shirt, and Ray says that is his shirt and Booker apologizes. Booker says that he will not take this since he is the most decorated champion of all time. We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Booker T versus A.J. Styles in a King of the Mountain Qualifying Match
They lock up and Booker backs A.J. into the corner and then he gives a clean break. Booker with forearms and knees. Booker with chops, knees, and forearm. Booker misses a kick but Styles with a chop of his own followed by punches. Styles with an Irish whip and he hits a flying clothesline into the corner. Styles with shoulders to Booker in the corner. Styles with another Irish whip but he misses a splash into the corner. Booker with a kick to Styles followed by a slam. Booker punches Styles followed by a rear chin lock. Styles with punches to the midsection and head. Booker with a spinning heel kick and Booker unveils the royal pinkie. Booker with an arm bar. A.J. with punches but Booker with knees to Styles. Styles with a Phenomenal drop kick and then Booker goes to the floor. Booker goes to the apron and he hits a springboard forearm for a two count.
Tomko comes to ringside to watch the match. Styles tries for a Styles Clash, but Booker sends Styles to the apron. Styles tries for another springboard move but Tomko trips A.J. Booker with a Bookend for the three count.
Winner: Booker T
After the match, Tomko gets in the ring and Styles pushes A.J. Referees get in the way and they are about to fight so we go to commercial.
WE are back and Tomko pushes Styles down but A.J. comes back. Team 3D comes to the ring and they attack A.J. A.J. fights off Team 3D after giving Tomko a drop toe hold. Booker returns to the ring and Styles punches A.J. Team 3D, Tomko, and Booker get the advantage. Tomko has a chain and he punches A.J. in the head with it. Tomko pushes the referee down and Booker tells him to stay down. Tomko punches A.J. some more and then Team 3D join in. Booker hits a super kick on Styles and A.J. goes down. Ray with a splash to A.J. followed by a punch. They continue the assault as Booker keep the referees out of the ring. A.J. is bleeding like a stuck pig (or recently retired WWE wrestler). Karen Angle comes to the ring and she gets on top of A.J. to protect him. Ray picks Karen up and she slaps Karen. Ray yells at Karen to leave the ring. Ray with an elbow drop to A.J.’s groin. Tomko with more punches as nobody comes out to help A.J.
Kurt Angle comes to the ring behind Karen. Kurt has a chair and everyone else leaves the ring. Ray tells Kurt to look at Karen. Kurt pulls Karen away and then Kurt hits A.J. with the chair. Team 3D holds Karen as Kurt makes Karen look at A.J.’s face and he tells Karen that this is her fault.
Impact Thoughts
The Matches (You mean there were matches?)
The Homicide/Brother Ray match was a good way to start things off. It looks like it will be LAX versus Team 3D for the title at Slammiversary and the Hector Guerrero aspect of the feud is a good new twist. I did not like that the match ended with a disqualification, but it will probably lead to some sort of stipulation at the pay per view. While Ray is much bigger than Homicide, it is good when he bumps for some of the stuff Homicide does. The post-match brawl was also good.
I did not like the Angelina Love/ODB match. I think Roxxi has passed ODB as the number two face in the company and the Love/Sky gimmick is becoming the female equivalent of the nWo, but the days of the sixteen factions. I guess we are going to have a tag match at the pay per view.
The Roode/Morgan match was okay, but why would they push Morgan so much and then have him lose as often as CM Punk does in his ‘push’? It seems like every Matt Morgan match is going to be him losing by some screwy manner. At least the referee didn’t disqualify Matt for grabbing him.
I don’t know if you could consider what Kong did to ‘Melissa’ a match, but it was a good way to build Kong as a monster again. That Sit Out Power Bomb looked devastating.
I did not like the main event. You have one of the top guys in the history of this company and a guy who is trying to convince us that he is one of the best in his promos and they have a five minute match with Tomko’s interference leading to the finish? I had high hopes when the match started around 10:45, but then they have the quick finish and it leads to the situation with Tomko and A.J. and the rest of the guys.
The Rest (and there was a lot of it this week)
Since Hector Guerrero was not on Impact this week because of the beating he took at the hands of Team 3D and Booker T, does that mean that A.J. won’t be on Impact next week because five people beat him up?
How long has it been since the last disqualification on Impact?
Why does Lauren feel that she needs to give a soliloquy before every question she asks?
The Samoa Joe promo was okay. At least they cannot say that he was trying to take the easy road in his first King of the Mountain Match. After cutting a good promo, he was neutralized again by Kevin Nash’s promo. I really wanted Joe to interrupt Nash and tell him that he was a World Champion for almost two years and was considered a man who led a company to success as champion instead of being champion when promotions were not doing well relative to other champions.
While I have a regular list of subjects I do not talk about in my report, but it is necessary to discuss one of those items on the list. Please stop all of this ‘Will Kurt and Karen get back together or will they get divorced or will one of them get deported or maybe aliens will come to the Impact Zone and abduct one of them or both of them or maybe they will just go away’ stuff. After the apparent divorce angle, will they try an annulment? Was there any doubt that Kurt and Karen would not be on the same page? Why not cut one of the many Angle segments and put in another match?
I hope Eric Young brings Elvis as his date for the wedding.
If Val and Lethal actually ‘get married’ it will be a disappointment because you expect to see something cause the wedding to be called off. Maybe someone will dress up like Elvis and take Val and get secretly married? Will Sonjay finally profess his love for Val? Who will be maid of honor?
Please bring Abyss back to the Impact Zone to wrestle again because I don’t want to see the same AbyssKind promo again.
Did Jeremy Borash really follow Frank Trigg and Kurt Angle into the bathroom to interview them?
Was anyone shocked that they hyped a match for the pay per view without having either man on the show? The video package was good and makes you want to care about the match.
Since Booker was angry that Jim Cornette did not include him in the first four, why was he so grumpy after Joe included Booker in Joe’s four?
When Tomko told A.J. that he was proud that Styles was going to be his own man, did any one else’s ‘How long before A.J. gets his ass kicked by Tomko’ timers started? At least Tomko was his own man until he rejoined Team Angle.
Shouldn’t an interview about someone’s career that has spanned more than twenty years cover more than three or four years in the first two parts of a three part segment. At least we will hear Sting talk about Ric Flair next week. With the mention of Jeff Jarrett, will he come back soon or will this be like the ‘we are making Jay Lethal into Randy Savage but are not going to use Savage’ thought process.
Did Melissa forget her name when Borash asked her?
After Melissa gets destroyed in the ring by Kong, why did they immediately go to a TO THE BACK deal. Let us soak in the destruction, but we don’t have a number one contender for the TNA Women’s Title.
So Booker is given what he wants and he is still angry about how he has been treated. Booker complains about the locker room because that is why he has not received a title match? The best part of the segment was the unintentional comedy moment of Booker complaining about Ray’s flannel shirt only to have Ray say that it was his shirt, and then Booker apologizes.
I guess we should expect screwy editing, but after A.J.’s match with Booker when Tomko came into the ring, the referees are trying to separate Styles and Tomko. Since referees are not known for their separation abilities, it would have been expected that Styles and Tomko would be fighting in seconds, but they went to commercial. They came back three minutes later and they had not started brawling?
The final segment was too predictable with everyone beating up A.J. and it was about five to six minutes too long. Did they really need to beat up A.J. for eight minutes to get the point across? So LAX is feuding with Team 3D so they came out to save A.J. . . . wait, they didn’t come out. Christian and Rhino are feuding with Booker so it was good to see them make the save . . . wait, they weren’t even on the show and were only mentioned in Joe’s promo announcing the final four into the qualifying matches. At least the other faces came out to help A.J. I forgot that the powerful Karen Angle came out to help A.J. Then she gets sent to the back by a demanding Brother Ray. She comes out with Kurt Angle, the man she told she wanted a divorce from about an hour earlier to help the man who Kurt thinks is having an affair with his wife despite the fact that Karen and A.J. deny it. Should we have expected anything other than Angle ‘braining’ A.J. with the chair?
American Idol losers appearing on next week’s show? Could they not get someone from Dancing with the Stars or Big Brother?
2009 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with a look back at last Sunday’s Judgment Day pay per view with footage from Matt Hardy’s devious attack of his brother Jeff during the World Title match.
We are live on tape from Cincinnati, Ohio and your announcers are Todd ‘I thought turkeys could fly’ Grisham and Jim ‘WKRP and NewsRadio are very similar’ Ross.
Edge comes to the ring to address his fans. Edge says that if there was ever any doubt as to who the face of Smackdown is, it is time to end the debate now. Edge says that he does not want to hear any other superstars coming out to claim to be the face of Smackdown. Judgment Day has come and gone and Edge says that he is still the face of the brand. Chris Jericho lost to Rey Mysterio. CM Punk lost to Umaga. Edge reminds everyone that he embarrassed and defeated Jeff Hardy. That means that he is still everyone’s World Heavyweight Champion. He tells everyone that he is the premiere superstar in the WWE today. The fans might object and think that it is Jeff Hardy, but Edge says that Jeff Hardy is not even in his league. Edge says that he is a winner. Jeff Hardy is like all of his fans who pour their hearts into him and chant his name. Edge says that Hardy is a loser.
Speaking of people who are not winners, Teddy Long comes to the ring as only Teddy can. Teddy tells Edge that what he witnessed at Judgment Day was an atrocity. He says that he believes that the referee’s decision is final. Teddy points out that Matt Hardy illegally interfered in the title match. Therefore, at Extreme Rules, Jeff Hardy gets a rematch.
Edge reminds Teddy that he beat Jeff Hardy. He says that Teddy and the fans can make excuses for Jeff and he is sick of it. Edge says that he has more will, heart, and determination than Jeff and he is willing to pull out all of the stops. Edge says that he went back into his vault of moves and used the Top Rope Edgecution to win the match. Edge says that Jeff is not championship material, he is a failure.
The failure Jeff Hardy comes out and he has something to say. Jeff says that Edge is right. He is a loser, a screw up, a letdown, and wreckless at time. Jeff says that he is also a competitor. At Extreme Rules, since every match is Extreme, why not make things crazy. Jeff suggests a match tonight to allow the winner to determine the stipulation of their match at Extreme Rules.
Edge tells Jeff that he cannot make matches and tries to get on Teddy’s good side to win this argument. Jeff also pleads his case to Teddy. Jeff tells Teddy that he said last week that the show belongs to the WWE Universe so Jeff throws out a Mick Foley cheap pop to get the Cincinnati fans to support his position. Jeff goes into the crowd to ask if they want to see Jeff wrestle Edge tonight.
Teddy says that when the WWE Universe talks like that he feels foolish not listening to them. Teddy gives Jeff his match and the winner of the match will choose how Extreme the match at Extreme Rules will be. Teddy wants some holla-ing in Cincinnnati.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, and Ricky Ortiz versus John Morrison and Cryme Tyme
Morrison and Benjamin start things off, but Benjamin would rather let Ortiz start things off. They lock up and Ortiz with a knee and forearm. Ortiz with a head butt and then he struts around the ring before Irish whipping Morrison. Ortiz misses a charge and Morrison with an arm drag and then he tags in Shad. Shad works on the shoulder and he puts Ortiz in an arm bar. Ortiz with a forearm but Shad responds with a back elbow. Shad with a back body drop to Ortiz followed by a slam and JTG is tagged in. Cryme Tyme with a wheelbarrow slam and then Morrison makes the blind tag and he hits the pommel horse leg drop for a near fall. Morrison with a front face lock and then he tags in JTG for a sunset flip and he gets a near fall. Ortiz with a kick and a head butt. Haas tags in and he punches JTG and works on the eyes. Haas throws JTG out of the ring, but JTG returns and he punches Haas and hits a drop kick. Morrison and Cryme Tyme clear the ring and we go to commercial.
We are back and Benjamin with kicks to JTG. Benjamin with a hammerlock shoulder breaker to JTG. We see footage from the commercial break when Benjamin distracted JTG and allowed Haas to attack him from behind. Haas is tagged back in and he kicks JTG. Haas with an arm bar as he continues to work on JTG’s arm. JTG with punches but Haas pulls JTG back to the mat. Ortiz is tagged back in and Ortiz with a kick and knee drop to the back. Ortiz with a hammerlock slam for a near fall. JTG with more punches, but Ortiz with a kick and Benjamin is tagged back in.
Benjamin kicks JTG and puts him in another corner and he punches JTG. Benjamin and JTG exchange punches and JTG is able to get the advantage but Benjamin is able to keep JTG from making the tag. JTG kicks Benjamin off but Benjamin tags Haas. Morrison comes in and he punches Haas and hits a drop kick. Morrison with a leg lariat and then he hits a Shining Wizard for a near fall. All six men are in the ring as Benjamin and Ortiz work over Shad. Shad with a clothesline to Ortiz and JTG with a cross body that sends him and Benjamin over the top rope to the floor. Shad and Ortiz fight on the floor. Haas hits a German suplex but Morrison lands on his feet. Haas charges at Morrison and Morrison with a hot shot followed by the Split Legged Corkscrew moonsault for the three count.
Winners: John Morrison and Cryme Tyme
Josh Mathews is in the interview area with Melina. Josh asks Melina about the number one contenders match between Michelle McCool and Gail Kim. Melina says that she is a competitor and she came to Smackdown to beat the best. She will be able to show that she is the most dominant Diva. She proved it on Raw and will do the same on Smackdown. Alicia Fox enters the interview area and she tells Melina that Michelle has a message for Melina. That message is the belt will soon be hers. Melina tells Alicia to give a message to Michelle. That message is not to send a girl to do a woman’s job. Melina punctuates her comments with a slap for Alicia. We go to commercial.
We are back and Did you Know that a lot of people have watched Smackdown over the years?
It is time to relive the situation between the Denver Nuggets and WWE. Are you ready for the insanity on Monday in Los Angeles?
Match Number Two: Michelle McCool with Alicia Fox versus Gail Kim in a Number One Contenders Match
They lock up and Michelle with a slap on the break and Gail pushes back. Michelle with a knee and a European uppercut. Gail with a kick and she tries for a crucifix but Michelle counters. Gail with an arm drag and Michelle goes to the floor. Gail follows after her and Michelle with a knee and then she sends Gail foot first into the ring post and Gail holds her knee. Michelle rolls Gail back into the ring and gets a near fall. Michelle works on the knee with elbow drops. Gail with kicks to the back to try to stop Michelle from working on the knee. Michelle with a kick to the knee and then she wraps the knee in the ropes. Gail with an elbow and the Flying Dragon. Michelle goes down to one knee and then Gail with a rollup out of the hold but Michelle gets her foot on the ropes. Michelle with a leg sweep to the bad knee. Michelle pulls Gail to the floor and Gail lands hard. Michelle pulls Gail back to the apron but Gail drops Michelle on the top rope. Gail with forearms but Michelle with a kick to the injured knee. Gail with an enzuigiri followed by a Japanese neckbreaker for a near fall. Gail goes to the turnbuckles and Alicia tries to stop her but Gail sends Alicia into the ring post. Gail goes up top and Michelle with a kick that knocks Gail down and Michelle hits the McCool Clash for the three count.
Winner: Michelle McCool
We go to the locker room where Rey Mysterio is getting ready for his interview with Jim Ross. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jim Ross interviews Rey Mysterio in a locker room in an undisclosed location for security purposes. Jim asks Rey about his win over Chris Jericho at Judgment Day. Rey says that Chris Jericho is an extremely talented competitor in the ring and talented at running his mouth. Rey says that he was glad that he was able to hit the 619 when Chris Jericho said that Rey would not be able to hit it on him. Rey gets everyone to chant 619. Rey says that he will continue to represent the WWE Universe. Rey said that he would take on all challengers and he is moving on from Chris Jericho because there are a number of young superstars who want to be Intercontinental Champion and he will give them the chance. Rey says that he wants to uphold the honor of the title. He mentions Pedro Morales, Tito Santana, and Eddie Guerrero as people who have held the title before. Rey wants to honor those Hispanic champions as one of the greatest of all time. Jim Ross asks why Rey wrestles in a mask. Rey says that you don’t want to see him without the mask and then Rey gets serious and says that it is a Mexican tradition to wear masks. He says that it is a way to pay homage to their heritage. Rey says that it took time to earn the distinction to wear a mask. Rey says that he wears the mask with pride and honor and he says that he would never take off his mask in the ring because it is the greatest dishonor to have your mask removed. Rey says that without his mask, he is no Rey Mysterio.
We see footage from the match between Chris Jericho and CM Punk from this week’s Superstars when Punk defeated Chris Jericho.
Match Number Three: Chris Jericho versus CM Punk
Punk with kicks and a snap mare followed by a kick to the back. Punk with a slam and stomp to the chest for a near fall. Punk with forearms in the corner and the referee pulls him away. Jericho uses that opportunity to connect with forearms. Jericho with a back elbow and Punk goes to the apron. Jericho tries for the springboard drop kick but Punk moves out of the way and Jericho goes to the floor. Punk goes to the floor and he runs Jericho into the ring apron. They return to the ring and Punk gets a near fall. Jericho with a punch but Punk with forearms. Jericho with a kick but Punk gets Jericho up for Go To Sleep but Jericho with elbows followed by a running forearm to the back of the head. Jericho with more punches to Punk. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall and then Jericho with a reverse chin lock and the arm isolated. Punk gets to his feet and he hits an arm drag followed by a drop kick to the knee. Punk with kicks to the chest followed by a knee to the chest and Punk gets a near fall. Punk with an Irish whip but Punk is sent to the apron. Punk tries for the springboard clothesline, but Jericho kicks the ropes and Punk lands awkwardly as we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk misses a drop kick when Jericho holds on to the ropes and Jericho gets a near fall. Jericho with a back senton splash for a near fall. Jericho sends Punk into the turnbuckles and then Jericho with forearms as he berates Punk. Jericho with an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner. Jericho puts Punk on the top turnbuckle and tries for a superplex but Punk fights Jericho off the turnbuckles with a head butt. Punk with a cross body but Jericho rolls through and gets a near fall. Jericho misses an enzuigiri and Punk gets a near fall with a La Magistral. Punk with a back kick and another kick to the chest. Punk with a leg lariat and Jericho with a drop kick as Punk charges for the running knee into the corner. Jericho gets a near fall and then he continues the assault with kicks to the head. Jericho tries for the bulldog off the Irish whip but Punk sends Jericho into the turnbuckles. Punk with a running knee to the back and then he signals for the Go To Sleep. Punk gets Jericho up but Jericho gets back to the mat. Punk gets Jericho on his shoulders again but Jericho with a rollup into the Walls of Jericho but Punk with an inside cradle for a two count. Jericho puts Punk in the Walls of Jericho and Punk tries to get to the ropes and he succeeds. Punk hits Go to Sleep but Jericho rolls to the floor.
From out of nowhere, Umaga comes to the ring and he hits Punk in the back with a leather strap and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: CM Punk by disqualification
After the match, Umaga continues his attack on CM Punk with a super kick. Umaga runs Punk into the turnbuckles and he puts Pun k in the Tree of Woe and he ties Punk into the corner with the strap. Umaga with knees to the back of the head and then Umaga hits the Samoan Spike.
Umaga takes the microphone from Justin Roberts and he has something to say. He asks Punk if he thinks he is hurt now, but he tells Punk to wait for Extreme Rules because he challenges Punk to a Samoan Strap Match. Umaga whips Punk with the strap.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Smack of the Night: Khali and Dolph Ziggler from two weeks ago and Khali’s attempt for revenge last week.
Match Number Four: Dolph Ziggler versus R Truth
Ziggler with a side head lock and shoulder tackle and he asks Truth what’s up. Truth with a hip toss. Ziggler with a hot shot and a kick to the head. Ziggler with punches to the back of the head followed by a t-bone take down. Ziggler with a rear chin lock on Truth and he turns it into a reverse chin lock. Truth with elbows but Ziggler with a kick. Ziggler with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner and Truth with a punch and back elbow. Truth with a drop kick but Ziggler with a kick to the chest. Truth sends Ziggler into the canvas and then Truth with a running bicycle kick for a near fall. Truth goes to the turnbuckles and Ziggler pulls him off and Ziggler hits the leaping side Russian leg sweep for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, Ziggler goes to the back but he does not realize that Great Khali is about to come out. Khali forces Ziggler back to the ring. Khali is joined by Runjin Singh. Truth hits a flying forearm on Ziggler but Khali cannot grab Ziggler before Ziggler leaves the ring and exits the building through the crowd.
We are back and did you know that WWE.com has more visitors than Disney.com?
It is time to take a look at the issues between Eve and Layla.
Edge is with Teddy Long. Edge tells Teddy that after he beats Jeff Hardy tonight, it will lead to the extermination of Jeff Hardy at the pay per view. Edge turns around and he sees Chris Jericho. Edge tells Jericho to address him as Champ because he is the face of Smackdown.
Teddy wants to know what Jericho is in his office to complain about this time. Jericho says that Rey Mysterio is a coward who hides behind his mask. Jericho says that Mysterio is running away from him and he wants a rematch. Teddy says that the match has been made already because Rey asked for a No Holds Barred Match at Extreme Rules. Jericho is happy with this announcement.
Match Number Five: Jeff Hardy versus Edge in a Non-Title Winner Gets to Name the Extreme Rules Type of Match for their Title Match at Extreme Rules . . .It’s Not Just a Pay Per View . . . It is an Extravaganza Match
They lock up and Edge punches Hardy instead of a clean break but Hardy with a rollup for a near fall. They lock up again and Edge with a side head lock and Hardy with another rollup for a near fall. Edge with a kick to the midsection and then he tries for a slam but Hardy escapes and he gets another near fall with another rollup. Edge leaves the ring and he shows his frustration at what Hardy has done. Edge trips Hardy from the floor and then he returns to the ring but misses an elbow drop. Hardy with a side head lock take down. Edge tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Hardy counters with a side head lock take down as he keeps the hold locked in. Edge with knees to the back of the leg to get out of the hold and he punches Hardy. Hardy with a hard Irish whip and then he hits a clothesline to the back that sends Edge back into the turnbuckles. Hardy slams Edge’s head into the turnbuckles repeatedly and then Hardy hits the hesitation drop kick in the corner. Edge see Hardy having trouble returning to his feet and Edge with a running boot to the head and Hardy goes down. We go to commercial.
We are back and Edge with a knee to the back of Hardy’s head and then he continues with more knees to the head as he continues to wear down Hardy and keep him from getting his equilibrium back. Edge with an elbow to the back of the head and then he hits a running boot to the head. Edge gets a near fall but Hardy will not give up. Edge sends Hardy into the turnbuckle followed by an Irish whip but Hardy with an elbow and kick. Hardy with Whisper in the Wind and both men are down. Hardy gets a two count on Edge. Hardy with a flying forearm followed by another one for another near fall. Hardy with a gourdbuster driver and then he takes the shirt off and goes up top but Edge moves out of the way. Hardy with a reverse atomic drop followed by a leg drop attempt that Edge blocked. Edge gets a two count. Edge gets to his feet first and he picks up Hardy and tries for a neck breaker and he hits it but Hardy kicks out. Edge punches Hardy and then he goes to the turnbuckles but Hardy with a drop kick counter as Edge comes off the turnbuckles. Hardy with a baseball slide that sends Edge to the floor. Hardy with a pescado onto Edge and both men are down. Hardy with a slam as they return to the ring and Jeff goes to the turnbuckles for the screaming leg drop for a two count. Hardy sets for the Twist of Fate and he is sent into the turnbuckles. Edge tries for a spear but Hardy counters with a sunset flip for a two count. Hardy tries for the Twist of Fate again but Edge counters again this time with a backslide and he gets a two count. Edge tries for the Edgecution but Hardy counters with the Twist of Fate. Hardy goes to the top turnbuckle for the Swanton but Edge gets up and he punches Hardy. Edge tries for the Super Edgecution but Hardy punches Edge off the turnbuckles to the canvas and Hardy with the Swanton for the three count.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
After the match, Todd Grisham goes into the ring to interview Jeff and he asks Jeff what the stipulation will be for Extreme Rules. Jeff tells everyone that there will be a ladder involved in the match. Todd announces that it will be a Ladder Match at Extreme Rules.
2009 - WWE Raw ran Boise, ID at the Qwest Arena featuring:
-Goldust pinned Chavo Guerrero after Hornswoggle interfered.
-Miz pinned Santino Marella.
-Sheamus pinned The Brian Kendrick.
-WWE Unified Tag Team Champions Carlito & Primo Colon defeated Ted Dibiase & Cody Rhodes when Primo pinned Rhodes with a roll up.
-WWE Divas Champion Maryse & Beth Phoenix defeated Brie & Nikki Bella after Phoenix hit the Glam Slam.
-WWE US Champion MVP defeated Kofi Kingston and William Regal.
-John Cena & Batista defeated WWE World Champion Randy Orton & the Big Show when Cena pinned Show with the FU.
2009 - TNA releases Shane Sewell, who returned to Puerto Rico as his former persona, Glamour Boy Shane.
2009 - TNA aired TNA Epics. Garrett Kidney filed the following TV Report:
Mick Foley welcomed us to TNA Epics and quickly introduced the opening match (this weeks theme is the greatest X-Division title matches): AJ Styles vs. Jerry Lynn vs. Psicosis vs. Low-Ki in the first ever TNA X-Division title match from TNA's second ever show.
This match is contested under double elimination rules ie. you must be pinned twice to be eliminated. Styles and Psicosis started things off as Lynn and Ki sat on the outside. After some chain and a missed top rope legdrop by Psicosis, Styles beat Psicosis with the Styles Clash. Low Ki was in next and Styles eventually finished him off with a German Suplex into a sit out facebuster. Lynn came in and quickly beat a worn down Styles with a Cradle Piledriver. Psicosis came back in and we went to an ad break.
Coming back, Psicosis had been beaten and eliminated during the break before Lynn eliminated Low-Ki with the Cradle Piledriver. Styles and Lynn were the final two and the match really picked up from here. Lynn hit a huge sitout powerbomb for a near fall. Styles took a fall against Lynn with the Styles Clash and the next fall won the title. It went to a break here but came straight back, it was most likely edited to fit both matches in the one hour. Lynn had some really close near falls off a powerbomb facebuster and a Brainbuster before Styles won with a Spiral Tap. This was a really great match that picked up in a big way when it came to down to Styles and Lynn (who have fantastic chemistry together).
After the break Mick Foley talked about the great X-Division wrestlers - Styles, Daniels Joe and Shark Boy. He said he was joking about Shark Boy then apologized to Sharky before introducing the Epics main event from Unbreakable 2005 for the X-Division championship - AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Champion Christopher Daniels.
When the words epic and TNA are said this match immediately comes to mind. It is without a doubt the best match that TNA have ever had in their near seven year history. I'm only going to go through the major moves of this match because if I went through it move for move you'd be reading for a long time. JB made the official introductions and the match started with both Styles and Joe kicking Daniels before going at it with each other. Daniels hit a bulldog/enziguiri combo on Styles and Joe before going to a break and coming straight back again. Joe hit a Belly to Belly on Styles into the corner. Daniels nailed Joe with his Slingshot Moonsault to the outside before AJ hit both of them with a Springboard Shooting Star Press. Daniels monkey flipped Styles out of the corner and Styles went over into an insane hurancanrana on Joe. Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch on Daniels but Styles broke it up with a Spiral Tap.
Straight back after the break saw Joe hit a Corkscrew Suicide Dive on Styles and Daniels. Styles and Daniels battled on the top when Joe dumped them both over head with back body drops. Joe hit the Muscle Buster on Styles, Daniels tried to hit Joe with the X title but Joe hit with a powerslam, Joe picked up the title but Daniels enziguiried the title into Joe's face. Daniels hit the BME on AJ and hit the Last Rites on Joe but couldn't get a pin on either. Styles got Joe in a Torture Rack and swung him into a powerbomb for a near fall. Styles hit the Styles Clash on Daniels but Joe broke up the pin. Finish came when Daniels went for the Angels Wings but Styles back tossed him but held on for the pin.
Closing Thoughts: This is an absolutely unbelievable match that just cannot be missed. Even though the first match is a really great match it is eclipsed massively by the three way. Remember that there is much more in that three way than above, too much to describe. Another fantastic show that really shows off how good TNA can be.
Next week's Epics follows a Slammiversary theme and features AJ Styles and Christopher vs. AMW, Road Warrior Animal and Rick Steiner vs. Team 3D and Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles.
2010 - The feature film "MacGruber" which featured Chris Jericho in a supporting role and a number of other WWE talents appearing as well, did not fare well at the box office, making only $9,322,895 during its theatrical run.
2010 -TNA house show in Amarillo, Texas featured a reunion of longtime partners/foes TNA champion Mick Foley and Terry Funk as Foley, working as the ringside Enforcer for the main event of Samoa Joe vs. Scott Steiner brought out Funk as a second Enforcer. At one point, Steiner got in Funk's face, but was shoved down. Funk and Foley each got involved in the finish to give Joe the win.
2010 - Jushin "Thunder" Liger came to the United States, facing Homicide in the main event of Jersey All Pro Wrestling's "Notorious Thunder" in Rahway, NJ. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Rhett Titus vs. DJ Hyde
It's ROH vs. CZW! They locked up with Hyde getting the early advantage. Hyde missed a slap after Rhett taunted him. Rhett grabbed a sideheadlock but was shot into the ropes. Rhett tried to take him down with shoulder tackles but was unsuccessful. He finally kicked Hyde in the gut and started working over his arm. Hyde reversed it but Titus escaped and used a La Magistral for a two count. Hyde missed a clothesline and was caught with a running knee lift and a neckbreaker for a one count.
Hyde went to the floor and Titus went for a diving kick out of the ring but got caught up in the ropes. They battled on the outside and Titus was dumped over the guard rail into the crowd. Hyde brought him back in and chopped away at him on the floor. Back in the ring, Titus tried to fire back but was cut off with a running clothesline in the corner. Hyde went for a slam but Titus slipped out and nailed a dropkick. He went to the top rope and came off with a flying kneedrop but not before nearly slipping.
Hyde came back with a running lariat and scored the pin.
Your winner, DJ Hyde!
OK opener.
JAPW Light Heavyweight champion Bandido Jr. vs. Devon Moore.
Moore slid out of the ring and attacked Bandido as he made his way around the ringside area. He wailed away on him with chops until they returned to the ring. Bandido came back with some deep armdrags. Moore retreated to the floor and was hit with a suicide dive. Bandido got a two count off of the dive, then followed up with several more. Bandido charged Moore in the corner but was caught with a thumb to the eye. Moore choked him against the ropes, then slid out of the ring with a big right hand. He nailed a fistdrop off the ropes for a near fall.
Bandido was cinched in a rear chinlock but made a comeback, until Moore killed him with a running clothesline in the corner and a huge double knee off the ropes for a near fall. Moore nailed a Yakuza Kick and a backdrop driver for a two count. Bandido, who was busted open, came back with a series of suplexes and a sitdownbomb for a two count. Moore grabbed the referee to distract that he kicked Bandido low.
Moore went to the top rope and went for a shooting star press, but missed. Bandido came back with a Kryptonite Krunch for the pin.
Your winner and still champion, Bandido Jr.!
Fun, high flying stuff.
JAPW Women's champion Sara del Rey vs. Annie Social
They trash talked a the start. Social caught del Rey with a Lucha takedown but was soon overpowered. Rey took her to the mat and rubbed her face in the canvas. Rey drilled a knee into Social's face and then hit a sideslam for a two count. Rey worked her over with chops against the ropes, then pulled her into a sitdown pinfall situation for a two count. Rey went for a suplex but Social blocked it and packaged her for a two count.
Social locked on a triangle choke but Rey powered her up and cinched in a double arm suplex.
Good stuff.
JAPW promoter Frank Iadevia announced that in September, TNA will be promoting a house show here at the venue with TNA champion Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, The Beautiful People and Team 3D announced. Some fans chanted "We want Hogan." The official date will be announced shortly. TNA official Pat Kenney is in attendance tonight.
The Garden State Gods, Mike Quest & Corvis Fear vs. Sami Callihan & Chris Dickinson
The Gods were waiting at the curtain for Dickinson and Callihan and they all brawled in the aisle and at ringside to start. Callihan ended in the ring with both and fought them off, until they overwhelmed him. The storyline was that Callihan was hurt but still tried to gut it out. A number of officials came out and brought him to the back. The Gods tried to attack him in the aisle but Dickinson blocked. They swarmed him and began beating him in the ring, so it turned into a handicap situation. Dickinson came back but was nailed with a moonsault to the floor. The Gods continued to work over Dickinson, getting several near falls.
Dickinson came back with a slam and began cleaning house. He nailed a series of suplexes. The Gods nailed a neckbreaker-frog splash combination off the ropes. Dickinson fought back with chops. He tricked the Gods into taking each other out, then came off the ropes on Fear. He nailed a Pump Handle Slam for a two count. The Gods nailed a double slam for a two count. In the aisle, Callihan stumbled out from backstage and eventually made his way to the ring, begging to be tagged in.
Dickinson obliged and Callihan worked over Fear until Quest superkicked him in the back. Dicksinson finally hit a German suplex and he and Callihan both scored the pin.
Your winners, Callihan & Dickinson!
They all brawled to the back.
Eddie Kingston vs. Steve Corino.
Kingston and Corino both insulted The "Green Lantern Fan" at ringside. Kingston took the mic and said tonight, everyone is going crazy in the ring because Jushin Liger is here. He asked Corino if he was ready to tear down the house. Corino took the mic and said he's been waiting a long time to wrestle Kingston. He said Kingston is the only reason he's even here tonight. He said that what's important tonight is showing who the best old school wrestler is and why Corino thinks he and Kingston would be a great team..and then slugged Kingston.
Corino worked over Kingston, who began nailing a series of rights and a running splash in the corner. Kingston rode Corino to the mat and cinched in a rear chinlock. Corino began to elbow his way out but Kingston kicked him in the gut as Corino rebounded off the ropes. Corino was dumped through the ropes to the floor. Kingston teased tossing him into the crowd but instead tossed him into the ring. Corino made a comeback and rubbed Kingston's eyes against the ropes.
They exchanged a series of strikes in the center of the ring. Kingston went down to one knee but fought back. He headbutt Corino and covered him for a two count. Corino nailed several running lariats but Kingston drilled him with a rear for the pin.
Your winner, Eddie Kingston!
Corino toiok the mic and asked Kingston who taught him to punch like that. Corino said he wishes they went longer and wishes there were better looking people in the crowd. They ripped the crowd, then raised each others' arms. Corino teased hitting Kingston, then smiled. Kingston ripped on Green Lantern Fan again on the way out.
JAPW Tag Team champions The Heavy Hitters came out for their Open Challenge. Mack took the mic and boasted that they were in the house. He said they made the open challenge hoping some redneck brothers would make their way tonight, but apparently they didn't hear the challenge. He dared anyone to come out and out came The Southside Playaz Club, with their manager Jonny D and an entourage of strippers...er, lovely ladies. They did a grand entrance, complete with champagne showers foThr the ladies. Jonny said that they may have the tag titles, but he has something the champs want and told the girls to show the champions a good time. The girls started grinding on the champs until the Playaz attacked them...
JAPW Tag Team champs The Heavy Hitters vs. The Southside Playaz Club
They worked over the champs. Mo Sexton was clotheslined by Mack. Havoc tagged in and shoulderblocked Sexton down. The champs controlled Sexton. Mack missed a clothesline and was hit with a kick to the back and then a running clothesline by Joe Hardway. Mack went to the floor., Hardway dove off the apron onto him. The Playaz worked over Mack, focusing on his back. Mack fought his way over to make the tag but the Playaz nailed Havoc. Mack finally nailed a double clothesline and made the hot tag.
Havoc unloaded on both Playaz. He drilled Hardway with a running splash and hit a Samoan Drop on Hardway. The champs nailed a 3D on Sexton. Havoc drilled Hardway with a 747, One Man Gang style. One of the girls distracted havoc, setting Sexton up for a superkick. The Playaz worked over Mack on the ropes. He knocked one to the floor and the other to the ring. The Heavy Hitters nailed Hardway with the Midnight Express Double Goozle for the pin.
Mo Sexy grabbed a chair from ringside and attacked both of the Hitters with it, laying them out with shots to the back. The Playaz hit a double superkick on Mack. Havoc finally made the save with a chair but the Playaz ran off.
Good, stiff match. The Playaz entrance is certainly one of a kind. I enjoyed Mack's mic work as well.
Kevin Steen vs. Ego Fantastico vs. El Generico vs. Nick Gage
They announced the winner will receive a JAPW title shot of his choosing anytime in the next year. So, it's Money in the Bank. Steen came out with a collection of balloons. Why? I don't know. Why ask why?
It started out with Ego vs. Steen. He worked over Steen's arm early, until Steen reversed it. Steen shoulderblocked him. Fantastico did a backwards flip to avoid a charge and dropkicked Steen. Steen went to the floor. Fantastico tried to jump off but was caught and powerslammed onto the edge of the ring. He worked over Ego on the floor. Real entertaining so far. Back in the ring, he kept stomping away on Ego, who made a comeback. Fantastico was caught with a sideslam. Steen smothered him in the corner with his boot while he was screaming at fans.
Fantastico came back with a twisting DDT for a two count. Ego missed a twisting moonsault press off the ropes. Steen went for the Package Piledriver, but Ego caught him with a backslide for the three count.
Steen has been eliminated.
and El Generico came out and as he made his way around the ring, Ego hit a forward diving flip out of the ring onto him. He tossed Generico back in the ring. Generico made a comeback with a backbreaker and worked over Ego. Generico nailed a tiltowhirl backbreaker for a near fall. Fantastico made a comeback but was cut off and nearly pinned after a legdrop. They battled back and forth in the center with forearms and punches. The crowd was solidly behind Generico. They began trading kicks with Ego finally hitting an enziguiri for a near fall.
Both men were spent, so the crowd began rallying them. Ego went to the ropes but Generico cut him off and tried for the brainbuster. He fought off Generico but was caught with an exploder suplex. Generico finally hit the brainbuster for the pin.
Ego Fantastico has been eliminated.
Nick Gage made his way to the ring. He tossed Generico into the crowd and they brawled in the crowd. They battled up into the bleachers before returning. They took out a whole section of crowd. Back in the ring, Generico hit a flying bodypress. He went for the running Yakuza but was caught and nailed with a slam. Gage went to the ropes but Generico stopped him. Gage fought him off, then hit a diving headbutt for a two count.
Generico whipped Gage into the corner and hit the running boot in the corner for a two count. Gage came back with a piledriver in the center of the ring, then followed up with two more. He went for a fourth but Generico backdropped him over. Generico went for the brainbuster but Gage turned it into a suplex for a two count. Gage nailed the Chokenstein (chokeslam into an over the knee backbreaker) for the pin.
Your winner, who now has a title shot "in the bank" for any belt he wishes, Nick Gage!
Ultimate Jeopardy: JAPW champ Dan Maff & JAPW New Jersey State champion Charlie Haas putting their titles on the line vs. Necro Butcher & Brodie Lee, putting their JAPW careers on the line.
Necro and Brodie attacked Haas with chairs as he entered the ring. He fought them off with the title belt but was overwhelmed. Maff hit the ring to even things up. They fought off the Wrecking Crew, who went to the floor. Haas whipped Maff into the ropes and Maff dove out of the ring to the floor. Everyone began brawling around the building. Lee and Haas destroyed a vendor table. Maff and Necro chopped away at each other in the bleachers. Maff went for a piledriver but was backdropped in the bleachers. Necro slammed Maff onto a chair but Maff kicked him low. Maff ran a chair into Necro. They battled atop a rolling case to hang chairs on, then ran Necro into a vendor table. Necro bumped through it. Maff then threw another table atop of him. That's two plastic tables wrecked. Everyone continued brawling in the crowd in chaotic, senseless fashion. I loved it.
They finally settled down into the ring after a good 8-10 minutes of madness. Necro locked on a Camel Clutch on Maff. Haas took out Brodie and then focused on Necro's knee. Maff did his cannonball into the corner on Necro. Necro kicked Maff low, then drilled Haas with a chair. Necro drilled Haas into a chair, then Brodie kicked him. Haas drilled Lee with an inverted atomic drop, then Maff connected with a running clothesline,. Maff teased a dive on Necro but was drilled with a chair.
Haas tied up Necro in an upside down Texas Cloverleaf. Brodie went to hit him with a chair but Maff fought him off, then hit Haas with the chair. He stood over Haas staring. Lee covered Haas and pinned him for the Jersey State title.
Your winners, The Hillbilly Wrecking Crew. New NJ State champion Brodie Lee!
FUN FUN FUN Brawl!
Maff continued to beat Haas down after the match.
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Homicide
Lots of streamers for Liger, who easily got the biggest chant and reaction of the evening. They locked up and Liger took Homicide down to the mat with a leglock, then turned it over into a modified surfboard. Dueling chants for both. They went into a test of strength which Homicide got the better of. When Liger came back, Homicide went to the floor. Liger held the ropes open for him to return. Liger used a headlock takeover on Homicide, who fought his way back over to his feet. Liger and Homicide went back and forth with shoulderblocks, but neither got the advantage. Liger faked out Homicide, who went to the floor. Liger hit a sliding kick on him to the floor. He faked out a dive, then did a flip off the apron to the floor.
Liuger challenged Homicide to return to the ring. Homicide got the better of him and tossed Liger to the floor, the hit the tope con hilo over the top to the floor. Homicide mocked Liger's poses in the ring, then returned to the floor, where he tossed Liger into the railing, only to have it reversed. Homicide slid a chair into the ring but Liger took it and tossed it outside. Liger caught Homicide as he returned to the ring, then rode him to the mat for a bow and arrow, then grabbed a Dragon Sleeper while Homicide was trapped. Liger released the move and began working over Homicide's lower back.
Liger tied up Homicide on the mat with an abdominal stretch. He began beating Homicide in the corner with chops but Homicide thumbed him in the eye. Homicide did the Three Amigos suplexes. He thought about going to the ropes, then changed his mind, covering Liger for a two count. He cinched in a chinlock. Liger reversed the move and took Homicide to the mat. Liger whipped Homicide into the corner. He went for the running palm thrust but Homicide blocked it and nailed an exploder suplex.
Homicide rebounded off the ropes with a back elbow for a two count. He grabbed Liger for a suplex but was caught and turned into an armbreaker. Homicide made it to the ropes. Liger began working on Homicide's arm and shoulder. Homicide fought back and cinched in an STF. Liger made it to the ropes but Homicide caught him with a cutter for a two count. Liger kicked out and made a "no no" motion with his hands. Homicide went for the Gringo Killer but Liger turned it into a running powerbomb and scored a two count.
Liger nailed a brainbuster for a two count. Liger went to the top for a splash but Homicide got his knees up. Homicide went to the top but Ligergot his knees up. Liger went to the top but Homicide caught him with the Ace Cutter off the top and scored the pin, clean.
Your winner, Homicide!
Real good match, one I'd love to see TNA bring back to the States for a larger audience. Homicide called for a mic and called everyone to the come to the ring. He asked that all the cameras be turned off. He said he had a cracked rib but he was never going to miss what was going to be the greatest match of his career. He said he didn't care if went two minutes or a thousand. Homicide told Liger that all the workers who bust their ass and all the fans who spend their money, it was him who caused all of it. He said, "In the words of the late, great eddie Guerrero, Viva la Liger....God bless you!" Homicide thanked Liger. Liger took the mic and thanked everyone in English. He and Homicide hugged. The workers put Liger on their shoulders and everyone cheered. A nice, classy moment. Homicide demanded they play Liger's music to end the night.
2010 - WWE Raw ran Cincinatti, Ohio. Terri Bey filed the following live report:
Evan Bourne beat Chavo with the Air Bourne to start off things. Good match. Before the match, Chavo was making fun of a fan in the front. Good work from both guys to start the show. Crowd doing Evan chants.
Mark Henry comes out with sling and apologizes for not being able to wrestle but said if he is booked, he is at the show no matter what. The Miz comes out whining about losing the US belt and the Tag Belts. Miz and Henry have a verbal exchange and Henry body drops the Miz with his one good arm
Bellas come out and do a contest asking the stipulation to the Cena/Batista match. A young kid in the front gets it correct: I Quit
MVP beat Cody Rhodes. Ok match. There were some good moves by both guys.
Wade Barrett and David Otunga beat Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel in a NXT rookies tag match. I thought the match was so so. Nothing special
Eve retained the Diva Championship over Maryse. I just thought this match was sloppy. Just did not like this at all.
The Hart Dynasty retained the Unified Tag Belts over SES which consisted of Luke Gallows and the masked guy. Awesome match. Prior to the match, Gallows cut a promo saying C M Punk would not be there because no one in Cincinnati was worth saving. SES got a lot of heat. At one point in the match Serena and Natalya got into it. Finish was the Hart Attack. I really enjoyed the match
Intermission
Bellas come out and throw shirts in the air. The ring announcer announces a return date of 9/13 for a Raw taping in Cincinnati.
Drew McIntyre retained the Intercontinental Title over Kofi Kingston. Decent match. Prior to the match, Drew cut a promo talking about how he was backed by Vince McMahon and he does not understand why people hate him. Fans were really behind Kofi. I have to say though, Drew is just terrible. He is just not great in the ring. End came when Drew pinned Kofi and held onto the rope where the ref could not see.
Kane beat Jack Swagger via DQ in a bout for the World Heavyweight Championship. Prior to the match, Swagger cuts a promo with his "Jack Swagger Facts" and then starts doing push ups till Kane arrives. Lots of stalling by Swagger. Once the match got going, it was pretty good. End came where Swagger was going to hit Kane with the belt and the ref tried to get him to stop and Swagger refused and did make some sort of attempt and he got DQ'd. Kane chokeslams Swagger post match and puts the belt over the fallen Swagger.
Main Event: Randy Orton and John Cena beat Batista and Sheamus When Cena made his entrance, the place came unglued. Huge face pop. Main Event was awesome. I really enjoyed it. Batista refuses to fight Cena at the beginning. He stretches his legs and does all sorts of stalling. Cena eventually starts playing the babyface in peril and Randy Orton is on the apron just wanting to get in. Cena finally tags in Orton. The place goes bonkers. Orton eventually tags in Cena and the end came where Orton gets in and gives Sheamus the RKO and Batista knocks Orton down and then Cena gives Batista the Attitude Adjuster for the pin and the win. Post match Cena and Orton pose. Cena poses with the belt and Orton does his atlas pose. After Orton left, Cena went around the ring and shook hands and signed autographs.
The card for the show had changed a million times, but I thought it was overall a good show.
2010 - ROH taped ROH on HDNet in Philadelphia, PA. Joshua Higham filed the following report:
Preshow:
Shiima Xion def John Kermon before I arrived.
Rayna von Tosh and Taelor def Roxie Cotton and Latasha. RVT pinned Roxie.
All Night Express def The Bravados. Aries is still rocking the pipe.
Main Show:
*Fallen Angel def Bobby Shields with BME. Daniels then cut basically the same promo he did last night.
*El Generico def Tyler Black by DQ when Steen attacked. Tyler went after Steen but Davey Richards attacked Tyler from behind.
*Sara Del Rey squashed Jamilia Craft. Postmatch, Del Rey said there's never been competition for her.
*Nana cut a promo saying he can forgive and forget when it comes to making money and introduced the new Crown Jewel, Necro Butcher. Necro squashed Bobby Beverly in a Butcher's Rules match.
*Eddie Edwards def Andy Ridge in a 10 Minute Hunt. The guy behind me timed it at 3:02.
*Kyle Durden interviewed Papa Briscoe, who said his sons winning the titles will be part of his Father's Day gift. The Briscoes def Bob Evans and Sid Green.
*Kings of Wrestling came out to address Papa Briscoe with Chris Hero telling him he has made two mistakes, one being Mark and the other being Jay. Mr. Briscoe jumped the barricade and hit Hero. Hero then knocked out Mr. Briscoe with an elbow.
*Roderick Strong got an interview where he introduced Truth Martini as his new Life Intervention Expert. Roddy said that Truth told him that all the wrongs in Roddy's life were because of everybody else.
*Up in Smoke def The Set.
*Rasche Brown def Erick Stevens by DQ when Necro attacked. Dark City Fight Club made the save and ran off the Embassy.
*House of Truth (Josh Raymond and Christian Able) def Ricky Reyes and Aiden Chambers.
*Shane Hagadorn said he arranged for "three of the best teams in the world" to challenge the Kings of Wrestling. The first team--two unidentified black guys--were defeated with the giant swing/dropkick combo. The second team--Adam Cole and Nick Westgate--were defeated after KRSOne. The third team--a duo of ninjas--unmasked to be the Briscoes. The Ninja Briscoes won with their Doomsday Device.
*American Wolves versus Dark City Fight Club ended when the Embassy hit the ring with chairs. The Wolves hightailed, and Rasche made the save. Huge brawl with the Jobber Security Company failing to get order.
*Steve Corino and Kevin Steen def Colt Cabana and El Generico in an absolutely insane no rules match. The Arena was louder than I've heard in a while. Brawl thru the crowd, tons of plunder. Lots of hardcore fun.
*Roderick Strong def Fallen Angel after Truth Martini hit him with the Book of Truth.
Notes: The crowd crapped on Truth Martini's promo after a while. It did go a bit too long. I guess they're going with the guru/spiritual advisor angle. The Colt/Generico/Steen/Corino match will be must see when it airs. Again, no indication of the order that this stuff will air. I really like the Rasche/DCFC trio. A few too many non-finishes, but the storylines are moving nicely, so I'll take bad with good.
2011 - WWE broadcast their Over the Limit PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
The PPV opened with a graphic in honor of the late Randy Savage.
They then went into the opening video package for tonight’s PPV.
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s live coverage of WWE Over the Limit 2011.
The PPV opened with a graphic in honor of the late Randy Savage.
They then went into the opening video package for tonight’s PPV. In keeping with theme of the PPV, there are several cars on the stage. We’ll see if they play into the show this year like they did with the John Cena vs. Batista match last year.
R Truth vs. Rey Mysterio
Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole are doing commentary.
Truth came out and told the crowd they shouldn’t be booing him, but booing themselves. He said he felt like being a good sport tonight and said when he arrived at the Arena, he didn’t have a parking spot. He said that meant he had to park with everyone else and he deserves to be treated like the fans. He said that it was a conspiracy. Truth said he danced and pranced for all the “little Jimmys” and it didn’t get him anywhere. He said that everyone is trying to make him crack up because he’s not playing their games anymore. Truth said that Rey Mysterio likes to play games by wearing his toy mask. Truth said that Rey tried to slide into his spot so Truth is going to take his spot and will take any spot that he wants – and that’s the truth. Promo was fine but I didn’t feel like there was this huge heel reaction to him tonight.
Truth was caught early with a Rey kick and sent to the outside. Rey dove off the apron into a rana on the floor. Mysterio tossed Truth in the ring but was caught on the ropes, where he was worked over in the corner. Mysterio caught him with a drop toehold in the corner but was nailed with a knee and charged into the ringpost, falling to the floor.
Truth brought Rey back into the ring and continued working him over. Truth caught Rey with a kick to the gut and covered Mysterio for a two count. Truth locked in a rear chinlock while Rey was outside the ring, using the ropes for additional leverage. He continued the assault, tying Rey around the ringpost and yanking at his extremities.
Back in the ring, Truth draped him across the top turnbuckle but Mysterio began fighting him off. Rey bulldogged Truth into the ring but Truth kicked up at the last second. Mysterio and Truth battled back and forth. Mysterio nailed several knee strikes but was shoved off into the ropes. He rebounded with a kick to the heat for a two count.
Rey was sent into the corner but fought Truth off.
Rey nailed the sitdown splash off the top but Truth came back with the spinning elbow off the top for a near fall. Truth went for the Axe Kick but missed. Rey rolled him up but Truth powered out. He went for a Uranage but Rey sent him into the ropes.
Rey went for the 619 but Truth got to the floor. Rey kicked him through the ropes Truth crotched him with the ring apron, the clotheslined Rey. The crowd started chanting that Truth sucked. Truth drilled Rey with his finisher, which is a forward swinging DDT and scored the pin.
Your winner, R Truth.
Truth grabbed a water bottle and took a celebratory drink, then smashed the bottle into Rey’s face.
The matcb was solid. This was about getting over Truth as a heel and in that regard, it succeeded as the crowd went from being somewhat apathetic to hating Truth.
Todd Grisham interviewed The Miz. Miz said that everyone has overlooked something about John Cena tonight and he’s going to exploit it. Miz said everyone has overlooked that Cena has never faced Miz in an I Quit match. Miz said that people don’t think he has a shot at making Cena say I Quit but those are the people that thought he would be fired three days after making it to WWE, that he would fail at cashing in the Money in the Bank and that he was going to be a fluke champion. Miz said that tonight Cena’s going to say “I Quit” while he’s going to say, “I’m the Miz…” Alex Riley cut in and said, “and I’m the new WWE champion.”
They showed the fish market in Seattle. Michael Cole said he was there today to rip apart some fish and smear it on his feet for his Kiss My Foot Match. Cole is teasing he has a surprise for Jerry Lawler later.
WWE Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett vs. Ezekiel Jackson
Barrett caught Jackson with a kick to the stomach and tried to grab a front facelock but Jackson powered out and sent him flying. Barrett went to the floor but was pulled back in Jackson worked over Barrett, who caught him with a rake to the face and worked him over.
Jackson quickly overcame Barrett and tossed him to the floor. Jackson chased him into the ring. Barrett went for a kick to the face but Jackson caught it and shoved him down. Jackson worked over Barrett with a series of knees in the corner. He whipped Barrett hard into the buckles and Barrett bumped to the mat. Jackson covered Barrett for a two count, then sent him running into the corner again.
Jackson nailed a series of kicks in the corner. Barrett started selling that his neck was hurt and when the referee backed Jackson up, Barrett clotheslined him. He sent Jackson into the ringpost shoulder-first. Barrett covered Jackson for a two count. Barrett went to the middle corner and came off with a flying elbowdrop for a two count.
Barrett locked in a side chinlock. The crowd started to rally Jackson, who fought his way out but was nailed with a kick. Barrett went for Wasteland but Jackson slipped out. Barrett caught him with a rear kick to the gut, then slammed Jackson for a two count.
Jackson came back with a right hand hand that sent Barrett to the floor. Jackson caught Barrett on the apron and sent him into the turnbuckles. Jackson flipped him into the ring and never several shoulderblocks, then a running clothesline in the corner. Jackson slammed Barrett several times. The crowd liked that, so Jackson kept going with the slams.
Jackson locked in the Human Torture Rack but Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater hit the ring. DQ.
Your winner, Ezekiel Jackson!
Jackson fought them off but was eventually overwhelmed by the three on one odds. Barrett drilled him with a kick to the face, exacerbated by the others slamming Jackson down. The Corre stood tall over the beaten Jackson.
Match was about what you would think it was. Not pretty but they were trying to showcase Jackson’s strength and did a good job of that. The crowd was really getting into Jackson’s offense at the end.
CM Punk and Mason Ryan were walking into their locker room, finding the other members of Nexus laid out. They said it was Kane and Big Show. Punk calmed Mason Ryan saying that it proved they were under the champions’ skins. Ryan wanted to go find them and kill them but Punk told him no. Ryan said Punk didn’t care that they were beat up. Punk said he does but he also cares about winning the Tag Team titles, and told Ryan let’s go do that. They left. Punk returned and told Otunga and McGuillicuty to walk their injuries off. That was funny.
Sin Cara vs. Chavo Guerrero
Sin Cara hit his trampoline entrance, which is good because Vince McMahon hated it when Cara would barely make it over the ropes and talked about scrapping it.
They locked up and Guerrero grabbed a side headlock. This has to be Chavo’s first PPV singles match in years. He scissored Cara’s head with his legs. Cara escaped but was caught in a hammerlock.
Cara slipped out and nailed several hiptosses, then monkey flipped Guerrero into the ropes. Guerrero shoulderblocked Cara on the apron but Cara sent him to the floor. Cara hit a twisting dive to the outside. Cara bounced off the ropes onto Guerrero’s shoulders and nailed a head scissors on the floor.
Back in the ring, Guerrero nailed Cara but was kicked off. Cara nailed a top rope standing moonsault for a two count. Cara drilled him with a knee in the corner but missed a leaping splash Guerrero nailed several knees and stomped away at Cara in the corner.
Guerrero drilled Cara with an uppercut in the corner of the ring, but Cara came back with a huge dropkick. Guerrero kicked Cara off as he charged him in the corner. Guerrero peppered him with punches and began working his leg, trying to take away Cara’s offensive maneuvers.
Cara elevated Guerrero to the apron with a backdrop then nailed him with a kick to the head. Guerrero went to the floor. Cara did a great dive over the ringpost to the floor on Chavo but the camera angle took away from the awesome visual of the height Cara gets with that spot.
Cara drilled Guerrero with a knee, then came off the top with a top rope headscissors. Cara nailed a flurry of strikes, including a handspring rebound elbow off the ropes. Guerrero backdropped Cara onto the apron but Cara landed on his feet and kicked him. He nailed a high cross bodyblock for a two count.
Guerrero nailed Cara and locked him in the Gori Guerrero Especial. The announcers didn’t call the move. REALLY GUYS? Cara slipped out and something went to hell there. They went to the finish and well, the whole thing fell apart.
Your winner, Sin Cara!
Some nice spots from Cara but for something designed to spotlight him, I didn’t get the impression it worked out so well.
Todd Grisham interviewed World champion Randy Orton and his challenger tonight, Christian. Grisham asked whether the title loss ate away at Christian Christian said he isn’t mad at anyone because Orton didn’t do anything he wouldn’t have done tonight and he’d probably be freaking out if he didn’t know he was going to get his belt back. Orton told him he was a great competitor and he’d make a great story, but when he loses. Christian said that he’s not going to lose. Orton said that he better because when he fights a feel good story, it doesn’t end well.
Todd Grisham interviewed World champion Randy Orton and his challenger tonight, Christian. Grisham asked whether the title loss ate away at Christian Christian said he isn’t mad at anyone because Orton didn’t do anything he wouldn’t have done tonight and he’d probably be freaking out if he didn’t know he was going to get his belt back. Orton told him he was a great competitor and he’d make a great story, but when he loses. Christian said that he’s not going to lose. Orton said that he better because when he fights a feel good story, it doesn’t end well.
Alberto Del Rio came out for a promo. He said he wanted to talk about destiny and then complained about Canadians illegally entered the United States in the Northwest. That was pretty funny. He said that he’s not angry and really doesn’t care because it’s their destiny to end up in a coffee house in Seattle complaining about the weather and their miserable lives. He claimed that he’s not upset that he’s not in the WWE title match because he knows he could make Miz and Cena both quit to the cross armbreaker. He said if he was in the main event, they’d be crying “No Mas, Alberto” and it’s just a matter of time before he takes his rightful place as the WWE champion. Del Rio said that destiny cannot be stopped because it’s his destiny….
Out came the WWE Tag Team champions, Kane and Big Show. Kane said he was upset the Rapture didn’t come yesterday and if Del Rio didn’t leave, he was going to get what Otunga and McGuillicuty got. Show said that was a punch in the face. Del Rio left. Cole said they were picking on him. Is it smart to use that terminology just a few segments after you push the anti-bullying campaign?
WWE Tag Team champions, Kane and Big Show vs. CM Punk and Mason Ryan
Ryan and Kane started out. Fans are chanting “Batista”. Ryan showed off some power early. Punk tagged in and Show nailed him with several chops in the corner. Punk tried to cover up so he got chopped in the back.
Show went Punk into the corner but Punk dropkicked his leg. Ryan and Punk tagged in and out working over Show. Punk covered him but Show kicked out hard and Punk sold the chest when he landed hard on the mat. Show bearhugged Punk while Kane nailed a running boot to the head.
Kane nailed a running clothesline in the corner and a sideslam for a two count. Kane nailed his top rope clothesline and teased a chokeslam. Ryan distracted the referee by trying to get into the ring, allowing Punk to kick Kane, who was watching Ryan. Kane was dumped to the floor, where Ryan rammed him backward into the ring barrier.
Ryan controlled Kane when they returned to the ring, peppering him with bodyshots as Punk held him in the corner. Punk went for a bulldog out of the corner but was sent into the champs’ corner. He saved himself before Show could nailed a punch. Ryan nailed Kane with a running powerslam.
Ryan clinched Kane in a bearhug in the center of the ring. Kane fought off Punk and made the hot tag to Show. Show cleaned house on Ryan and went for a double chokeslam. They kicked him off. Show nailed them both. Kane and Show double chokeslammed Ryan and scored the pin. Punk was crying on the floor.
Your winners, WWE Tag Team champions Kane and Big Show!
Nothing much here.
Lots of Randy Savage signs in the crowd. Punk was pulling out some Savage mannerisms during the bout, including a top rope elbow, which missed.
They aired a completely goofy PPV for the Capitol Punishment show with real Barack Obama footage responding to questions about WWE.
WWE Divas champion Brie Bella vs. Kelly Kelly
Brie attacked Kelly imnmediately. Kelly kicked her as she ran into the corner and choked her, using the ropes for leverage. Kelly came off the top with a flying bodypress for a two count.
Kelly was backdropped onto the apron and knocked off to the floor. Bella stomped Kelly’s hand, then nailed her as she tried to pull herself back into the ring. Bella covered Kelly for a two count.
Bella worked over Kelly’s arm. Kelly made a comeback and slammed her head into the mat over and over. Bella tried to escape the ring but was stomped. The Bella switched, allowing Nikki to nail the Faceplant and score the pin.
Your winner, Brie Bella!
The announcers mentioned that Kharma had been stalking Kelly but didn’t show her face tonight.
At the halfway point, a very "eh" PPV. Nothing of any real note, especially at a $45 price tag.
World champion Randy Orton vs. Christian
They did some nice back and forth wrestling early. Slighr Christian chant. Christian scored a two count coming off the ropes. They went back and forth with a nice pace. Christian backdropped him to the floor and hit a dropkick through the ropes to the floor. You can see WWE is using more close up shots for spots out of the ring. It’s going to get some taking used to. They are also doing a lot more replays than they had been doing of late.
Christian locked in a chinlock. Orton fought his way out but Christian cut that off, snapmared him and went back into the rear chinlock. Orton escaped and nailed a standing dropkick. Christian drilled him with a right hand and went to the top rope. Orton cut him off and nailed a superplex with both men standing on the top rope. Orton covered Christian, who kicked up at the last second.
Orton took over with a series of rights but was caught with a spinebuster for a two count. This is far and away the best thing on the show. VERY FAR AND AWAY. They exchanged shots in the center of the ring. Christian nailed a leaping forearm followed by an inverted DDT for a two count.
Christian went for a missile dropkick but Orton caught him and went for a forward rollup. Christian turned it into a sunset flip pinfall attempt. Nice sequence. Christian ended up on the outside. Orton went for the hanging DDT but Christian escaped and nailed him. Christian nailed a flying headbutt off the top for a two count.
Orton drilled Christian with his backbreaker, then used the Garvin stomps. He nailed a big kneedrop for another two count. Christian and Orton went for their finishers. Orton then used a reverse Boston Crab for a submission, which came off great. Christian finally made it to the ropes. This is a great match.
Big “Let’s go Christian” chant. The announcers tried to say it was a split crowd but I heard nothing for Orton. Orton whipped him into the corner but was kicked off. Christian went for a top rope sunset flip but Orton kicked up at the last second. Christian drilled him with a right but was sent into the corner. Christian tried to fight out of it but Orton snapped him with the hanging DDT.
Christian kicked up from the move. Orton went for the RKO but was shoved off. He started calling for a spear. He went for it but was snapped into a powerslam for another two count. Orton teased the punt kick but stopped, having second thoughts. He finally decided to go through with it but was speared for another two count.
They went back and forth reversing finishers until finally, Orton drilled Christian with the RKO.
This was awesome. They wrestled like two guys fighting for something they were desperate to have. They had a ton of great sequences and near falls, pushing each other out of their comfort zone with lots of moves they usually wouldn’t pull out. Far and away, the best and most memorable thing on this PPV.
Kiss My Foot Match: Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler
Cole came out wearing his street clothes, limping, trying to get out of the match. Cole read a statement that he was medically prohibited from competing and asked for the compassion and understanding from Lawler and the fans. Cole’s athlete foot was “infected” so if Lawler had it in his mouth, Lawler would contract “Hoof and mouth disease.” Cole showed his doctor’s note to the referee. The ref smiled and ripped it up.
Lawler attacked Cole and beat him with a series of right hands. Cole tried to escape so of course, Lawler started ripping his suit off of him. Lawler punched and dropkicked Cole to the floor. Big chant for Lawler.
Cole tried to beg off, then pulled Lawler into the ring steps. He shoved Lawler into the ringside barrier. He took off his sneaker to reveal his nasty looking foot. He shoved it into Lawler’s face. Lawler grabbed his leg, punched him in the gut and whipped him into the Cole Mine, which he crashed through. It collapsed.
Lawler pulled Cole back into the ring and nailed the fistdrop for the pin.
Your winner, Jerry Lawler!
Lawler started preparing to take his boot off, but had a better idea. Lawler called out Eve Torres. She stood over Cole, then hit a standing moonsault off the top on him. Lawler took his boot off, then stopped and called out someone else. It was Jim Ross. Cole had somewhat recovered and begged off. Ross pulled out a bottle of his BBQ sauce. He poured it all over Cole’s face and down his throat. Lawler took off his sock but Cole retreated from the ring and started making his way back up the aisle. He said there was no way he was going to do it.
Cole took the mic and said that it may look like he lost, but he really didn’t. He said that he’s not a loser but Lawler and Ross are. He said that no matter what was done to him, he never did and never will kiss Lawler’s foot.
Bret Hart’s music hit and out came the WWE Hall of Famer. Bret forced Cole back to ringside and tossed him into the ring. Hart put the Sharpshooter on Cole. As he was trapped, Lawler stuck his foot in Cole’s mouth.
Exactly what it should have been. Entertaining segment. It was getting a little long in the tooth with everyone coming out to get their revenge on Cole but Hart popping up as a surprise (He was in California for an indy show yesterday) was a great way to bookend it. The slow motion shots of Michael Cole’s face were hilarious.
Jim Ross joined Josh Mathews and Booker T on commentary.
Cole sat at ringside crying his eyes out.
Bret Hart is trending worldwide on Twitter.
WWE champ John Cena vs. The Miz – I Quit Match
Miz had the inflatable letters for “AWESOME” and stormed through them for his entrance. After the introductions, Miz started cutting a promo saying he can do anything he wants because there are no rules, which means Alex Riley can do it as well. Miz told Cena to save himself the pain and say he quits now. Cena refused.
Cena clotheslined them both. Cena backdropped Riley and bulldogged Miz. Cena went right for the STF but Riley broke up the move. Riley and Miz worked over Cena. Cena backdropped Riley out of the ring.
Cena slammed Miz and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He nailed it and went for the AA on Miz. Miz slipped out and nailed his combination of set up moves for the Skull Crushing Finale. Cena slipped out and nailed the AA, only to be struck in the head with the briefcase by Riley. Riley beat Cena with the case. They were putting this over as a brilliant move by Miz but really, it was just hurting the flow and drama.
Miz and Riley both powerbombed Cena off the top rope. Cena was asked if he wanted to quit and refused. They tossed Cena to the floor, then drove him into the barrier. They removed the covering from the barrier, then sent Cena into the exposed steel. Cena refused to quit.
They started to set up the announcing table to use it against Cena, including smashing him with the monitors. Cena exploded with a flurry on Riley but was sent back into the exposed barrier by Miz, then DDT’d on the stairs. Cena wouldn’t give up. Riley grabbed the steel steps. Miz told Cena to quit. He told them to go to hell so Riley smashed them down on Cena.
Cena still refused to quit. Riley held Cena’s arms and exposed him. Miz grabbed a Singapore Cane. Miz offered Cena the chance to quit but Cena instead told him he hits like a girl. Miz started caning him across the chest and stomach. You could see the raised welts. Miz started caning the hell out of him. It was pretty damn brutal.
Cena made his way to his feet where Miz drilled him again with the cane. They said he was nailed in the temple. They continued to beat Cena up the aisle towards the stage. They slammed Cena backwards onto the steel ramp.
On the stage, Miz suplexed Cena. They continued to trash Cena but he refused to quit. They draped Cena over the crane camera. Miz grabbed a belt from a production employee and started telling Cena what he was going to do with it. The long verbiage was forced. Cena told Miz he didn’t have any nuts. Miz whipped him. Cena just steeled himself and tried to take the shots. He refused to quit. Miz started whipping the hell out of him.
Cena still refused to quit so Miz sent Riley to fetch a chair. Miz started forcing Cena back towards the ring. Cena fought back against Miz and Riley but was nailed with a chairshot across the back.
Back in the ring, Cena nailed Miz before he could use the chair again. Riley charged Cena, who sidestepped him and sent him crashed into the referee in what was a great looking ref bump. Miz nailed Cena and took him back out.
Miz opened a chair and set it on the ropes. He went for the Skull Crushing Finale on the chair, which slipped as they did the move and it looked brutal. Cena refused. Miz said that maybe he needed to ask someone else. Miz went to a fan in the front row and asked him if he wanted to see Cena in any more pain. The fan said no. Miz told him to tell Cena to quit. The fan said never. Miz kept trashing Cena, telling the fan it was his fault.
Miz started trashing the kid, telling him to tell Cena to quit if he ever wanted to see him on Monday Night Raw. The kid told Miz to quit first. I am assuming he is a plant, but either way, he was great. Miz worked over Cena and trapped him in the exposed barrier. Miz told Cena he’s been trapped and beaten, and he’s not going to stop until Cena says that he quit. Cena told Miz that the kids are smarter than Miz.
Miz drilled him with the chair. They stole the Rock-Foley finish and had a tape played of someone saying “I Quit.” It didn’t even really sound like Cena. The announcers came off like idiots, acting like he really had quit.
The referee realized that Riley’s phone had played a clip over the mic and refused to stop the match. Miz argued. The referee played the clip into the mic and said the match would restart right now.
Riley went to nail Cena with the WWE title belt but the champ ducked and Miz ate the belt. Cena hit the AA through a table on Riley, taking him out of the equation. Cena smiled and took his belt off as he waited for Miz to recover. Cena started whipping the hell out of a retreating Miz. Miz tried to go backstage but Cena dragged him back, whipping him and locked on the STF. Miz quit immediately.
Your winner and still WWE champion John Cena!
Some of the stuff here was really brutal but the addition of Riley and Miz giving us a long, drawn out explanation of everything he was about to do like he was a villain in a James Bond movie hurt the drama. Still, Cena took a hell of a beating and he’s going to be aching tomorrow. Cena whipping the hell out of Miz at the end was great. The false finish was just terrible.
2011 - One day after it was announced that Sinclair Broadcasting had purchased Ring of Honor from Cary Silkin, the following press release was issued:
Sinclair Acquires "Ring of Honor" Wrestling Franchise
BALTIMORE == Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI), the "Company" or "Sinclair," announced today that it has acquired the "Ring of Honor" wrestling (ROH) franchise. Ring of Honor is the third largest wrestling promotion in the country.
"We are very excited about this acquisition," commented Steve Marks, COO of Sinclair's Television Group. "Television and professional wrestling have a long history of successful partnerships and driving viewership. Unfortunately, the broadcast networks have not protected that relationship, allowing professional wrestling to migrate to cable network distribution. We believe that the powerful promotional platform that our TV stations provide, coupled with our 22% coverage of the U.S. TV households, will allow ROH to achieve name brand recognition and grow its share of the wrestling market. When you consider the make-up of our station mix and the number of CW, MYTV and FOX affiliates we operate, this is a perfect fit for our viewer demographics."
Mr. Marks continued, "We believe that ROH will provide us with multiple revenue opportunities. In addition to the advertising component, there are product sponsorships, Internet pay-per-view, live wrestling tour events, and sales of DVDs and other merchandise. Longer-term, we can envision syndicating ROH wrestling to broadcasters in markets where Sinclair does not have a presence and even internationally. We believe there are opportunities to broadcast ROH wrestling on our secondary tier channels or in a mobile environment. The acquisition also means less syndicated product that we will be required to purchase, and since we own the franchise, we control how many times, which dayparts and on which affiliates we want to air the matches without having the limitation on the number of runs or license fee costs."
"We have been waiting and working for this opportunity for quite some time," commented Cary Silkin, owner of ROH. "Of our 9 years in business, there has been no better roster of wrestlers than this one to expose the ROH product to the masses. With Sinclair's resources and many avenues of distribution, we believe many new fans will be as captivated as those who have followed Ring of Honor over the years."
This September, Ring of Honor will debut on Sinclair's network of broadcast television stations, and with it, will become the only wrestling promotion in the United States with a major, multi-market presence on broadcast TV. "But if you don't live in a market with a Sinclair station, fear not," says Mr. Silkin. "Through our website, we will be able to make the TV show available to anyone in the world with internet access."
ROH will be headed by Joe Koff, Chief Operating Officer of Ring of Honor. Mr. Koff, who has been with Sinclair since 2003 and most recently served as Director of Sales, has a long established career in television broadcasting sales and management, as well as managing wrestling content. Mr. Koff was responsible for personally creating, producing, marketing, syndicating, and selling barter inventory in what was to become "The Battle of the Belts I, II, III." "Battle of the Belts," which ran three consecutive seasons from 1985-1987, was considered breakthrough programming in its time. Mr. Koff syndicated the first ever, live, prime-time wrestling event and negotiated the international rights for the initial programming.
While the Ring of Honor acquisition includes primarily intellectual property and equipment, several existing ROH employees will be hired including longtime pro wrestling personality and matchmaker, Jim Cornette, who will serve as VP of Creative. Veteran promoter, Gary Juster, will join as VP of Operations, and Cary Silkin will remain in an advisory role.
Ring of Honor features such stars as ROH World Champion, Eddie Edwards; World Tag Team Champions, Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin; and top contenders Davey Richards and the Kings of Wrestling. In addition, to Ring of Honor's "best-in-ring" wrestling talent, ROH fans can expect to see other familiar faces such as longtime wrestling broadcaster Kevin Kelly, already the voice of ROH internet pay-per-views, who will assume the TV play-by-play chair this fall, ring announcer Bobby Cruise and senior referee Todd Sinclair.
A major press conference, open to the wrestling press and mainstream media alike, is being planned for in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday, June 24th. This event will feature a number of the ROH staff and wrestlers. The press event will kick off a weekend which includes ROH's next internet pay-per-view event, "Best in the World 2011," live from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Sunday, June 26th at 4PM EDT. In addition to all the top stars on the ROH roster, this event will feature the return of some favorite stars from Ring of Honor's past, and can be ordered through Gofightlive.tv.
About Ring of Honor:
Ring of Honor wrestling, synonymous with best-in-ring action in the sport, organized in 2001 and was most recently syndicated on the cable network, HDNET. ROH is known for its athleticism and professional wrestling style while providing fans an entertaining, hard hitting performance.
Ring of Honor produces weekly, original 1-hour television wrestling match programs and stages more than two dozen live events in various cities per year. The major live events are also broadcast worldwide via internet pay-per-views. DVDs, T-Shirts and other ROH merchandise are available for sale at each tour venue and through their Internet site, www.rohwrestling.com. Ring of Honor also has a wrestling school to teach existing and new wrestlers of any level.
About Sinclair:
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies, owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 58 television stations in 35 markets. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 22% of U.S. television households and is affiliated with all major networks. Sinclair owns equity interests in various non-broadcast related companies. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information and can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.
2012 - WWE released the Best of WCW Clash of Champions on DVD and Blu-Ray.
2012 - WWE, on their website, responded to a column written in The Darien Times where the writer called WWE a product 'barely above pornography'. You can see the original piece and WWE's response in their Stand Up for WWE section at this link.
2013 - Jim Ross met with NFL Players Association officials in Washington, D.C. in the first step in trying to building a working relationship between the two organizations that could lead to the NFL sending players who were cut towards WWE so they could potentially join WWE developmental. The idea would be that players who are cut and don't make it in the NFL could be advised of WWE as a possible alternative career choice.
2013 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are William ‘Sunshine on your Wednesdays’ Regal and Tony ‘I get to talk to William Regal tonight’ Dawson.
Match Number One: Curt Hawkins versus Sami Zayn
They lock up and Hawkins backs Zayn into the corner and he pushes him in the chest, showing no respect to his opponent. They lock up again and Hawkins tries for a punch but Zayn moves and Zayn wants to punch Hawkins but Curt goes into the ropes. Hawkins with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Zayn with arm drags and a spinning arm drag.
Zayn with chops in the corner and he punches Hawkins in the corner. Hawkins pushes Zayn away and he connects with a boot and spinning heel kick for a near fall. Hawkins kicks Zayn as he continues to show Sami no respect. Hawkins with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Zayn with an arm drag to escape. Hawkins misses a forearm into the corner and Zayn with clotheslines. Zayn with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall.
Zayn with a drop kick to counter Hawkins attempt to toss him in the air. Zayn gets a near fall. Hawkins avoids a slam and Hawkins with an emphatic slam for a near fall. Hawkins slaps Zayn in the back of the head and he taunts him. Zayn with a chop but Hawkins tries for a power bomb. Zayn escapes and he uses the turnbuckles and hits a tornado DDT for the three count.
Winner: Sami Zayn
We go to commercial with a Corey Graves vignette.
Match Number Two: Antonio Cesaro versus Yoshi Tatsu
They lock up and Cesaro backs Yoshi into the corner and he connects with a knee. Cesaro with an Irish whip but he misses a running European uppercut into the corner. Yoshi with a cross body followed by a drop kick. Yoshi with a series of kicks but Cesaro sends Yoshi into the air and hits Swiss Death followed by the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Antonio has something to say. He wants to know if this is the best competition he can get. He puts the W into the WWE. There is nobody on Raw, Smackdown, Main Event, Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, or even in NXT who can hold a candle to what he can do in the ring.
Cesaro speaks in one of his five languages, but he is interrupted by Sami Zayn. He says that he might have just gotten here, but there is no competition?
Sami tells Antonio that the people do not agree with him. He says that Antonio has been looking too far for competition. If Antonio wants competition, he says something in Arabic, so he decides to speak in French.
Sami says that if it is competition that Antonio is looking for, competition is what he is going to get . . . home boy.
Zayn comes into the ring and we have an impromptu match.
Match Number Three: Sami Zayn versus Antonio Cesaro
They lock up and Cesaro with a fireman’s carry. Zayn with a waist lock and Cesaro with a wrist lock. Zayn rolls through and Cesaro pulls him down by the tights to maintain the wrist lock. Cesaro gets a near fall but Zayn with a bridge. Zayn escapes and he hits an Arabian press arm drag and Cesaro goes to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Zayn with a wrist lock but Cesaro with a hot shot and then he stomps on Zayn’s chest and then he poses to show his superiority. Cesaro with an Irish whip followed by a hard Irish whip and Cesaro gets a near fall. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock but Cesaro with a knee. Zayn tries for a sunset flip but Cesaro stays on his feet and he hits a double stomp for a near fall.
Cesaro with a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock and he uses Zayn’s arm for extra pressure. Zayn avoids a clothesline and hits a heel kick to the chin. Cesaro runs into an elbow and Zayn with an O’Connor Roll for a near fall. Zayn goes to the apron and he connects with a shoulder.
Zayn goes up top for a cross body but Cesaro catches him and hits a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Cesaro with a running European uppercut into the corner and Zayn kicks out at two. Cesaro with punches in the corner and Zayn is down.
Zayn tries for an inside cradle but Cesaro picks up him for a vertical suplex but Zayn counters with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Sami Zayn
After the match, Cesaro attacks Zayn from behind and he punches Zayn. Cesaro picks up Zayn and he hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer.
Renee Young is in the back and she is with . . . Emma interrupts the interview. Audrey Marie stops by and Emma calls her Amy, but Audrey corrects her. She calls her Alicia and Audrey corrects her again.
Emma asks Audrey if she is a little stressed out and then she dances. Audrey says that nobody likes her stupid dance. Emma says that must be the new hipster word for totally cool. Audrey tells Emma to get out or she will take her out.
Emma asks Audrey if they can go somewhere to eat.
Emma dances away and she hits Audrey in the head.
We go to commercial with a Bray Wyatt vignette.
We are back and Enzo Amore makes his way to the ring. He says that he is a certified G and a bonafide stud. When he looks up and down this NXT roster, he sees nothing but a bunch of fake tough guys. You are real until a real situation shows up.
Match Number Four: Enzo Amore versus Mason Ryan
Enzo tries to figure out what to do with his opponent and Mason with a biel across the ring. Enzo with a kick and Ryan with a clothesline into the corner followed by a short arm clothesline. Ryan gets Enzo up and hits Snake Eyes followed by a lariat. Ryan says that it is over. Ryan with a torture rack into a neck breaker for the three count.
Winner: Mason Ryan
We go to commercial.
We are back and next week we will get a Historic Announcement from Stephanie McMahon next week. We will also get to see a Number One Contender Battle Royal.
Match Number Five: Corey Graves versus Bray Wyatt (with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan)
Bray says something to Graves before they lock up. They lock up and Wyatt backs Graves into the corner and he tosses Graves across the ring and then he bends over to stare at Graves to try to intimidate him but Graves does not look scared.
They lock up again and Graves backs Wyatt into the corner and he wants to punch Wyatt but Wyatt falls into the corner. Graves with a drop toe hold into a front face lock. Wyatt tries to escape but Graves holds on. Wyatt gets to his feet and he hits a suplex but Graves holds on to the front face lock.
Wyatt picks up Graves and tosses him away and Graves with a drop kick and Wyatt’s mask falls off. Wyatt goes to the floor to put the mask back over his broken nose. Wyatt returns to the ring after the mask is put back on. Wyatt with a kick to the midsection followed by a forearm and kicks. Wyatt with an Irish whip but Graves gets his knee up and then he applies a choke using the ropes.
Wyatt with a cross body and we go to commercial.
We are back and Wyatt with a forearm off the apron to the back. Wyatt with a punch and head butt to Graves. Wyatt sends Graves back into the ring and he connects with elbow drops and then he applies a chin lock while working on the ribs by twisting Graves. Graves with punches but Wyatt with a knee to stop Graves.
Wyatt charges at Graves but Graves drops down and Wyatt goes over the top rope to the floor. Graves tries for a baseball slide but Wyatt moves and Wyatt sends Graves into the ring steps. Wyatt kicks Graves in the chest and sends him back into the ring.
Wyatt gets a near fall. Wyatt returns to the chin lock and he punches Graves. Wyatt sends Graves into the turnbuckles and Wyatt with a splash across the ring. Wyatt sets for Sister Abigail but Graves with a rollup for a near fall. Graves with a cross body but it appears that he landed on Wyatt’s mask.
Graves punches Wyatt in the face now that the mask is off. Graves with a leaping knee to the nose. Graves with a running clothesline into the corner. Wyatt with an Irish whip but Graves with a shoulder to the knee and Graves tries for 13th Step but Rowan and Harper try to distract and interfere in the match.
Graves fights them off and then he goes after the knee again. Graves locks in the 13th Step but Rowan comes into the ring and the referee stops him from interfering. Unfortunate for Graves that there is only one referee because Harper is able to hit an elbow drop to get Graves to release the hold.
Wyatt gets back to his feet and he hits Sister Abigail for the three count.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
After the match, Graves is attacked by Harper and Rowan while Wyatt watches his family attack. Kassius Ohno comes into the ring and he connects with a series of forearms. Ohno goes after Wyatt in the corner but Rowan grabs Ohno from behind and Harper hits a discus clothesline on Ohno.
Wyatt wants Rowan and Harper to pick up Ohno. Wyatt slaps Ohno and then he hits Sister Abigail on Ohno.
We go to credits.
2013 - WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Omaha, Nebraska and your announcers are Michael ‘Warren Buffett’ Cole and Miz.
Match Number One: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Big E Langston (with AJ Lee)
They lock up and Langston pushes Del Rio away. They lock up and Langston is sent into the corner and Del Rio with punches to Langston. Del Rio with a step up enzuigiri followed by a suplex attempt but Langston blocks it and hits a suplex of his own. Langston with a hard Irish whip.
Langston chokes Del Rio in the ropes. Langston with another hard Irish whip to Del Rio and Del Rio is down in the corner. Del Rio kicks Langston but he drops down when Langston charges at him and Big E goes over the top rope to the floor. Del Rio with a suicide dive onto Langston and then he kicks Langston on the floor.
Langston is sent back into the ring but AJ distracts Del Rio long enough to allow Langston to recover and he knocks Del Rio off the apron with a shoulder tackle and knee. We go to commercial.
We are back and Langston with a rear chin lock. We see footage of Del Rio being sent into the apron as Langston continued to work over Del Rio. Del Rio goes to the turnbuckles and Langston catches Del Rio and he gives him three back breakers without releasing and Langston gets a near fall. Langston chokes Del Rio again.
Del Rio punches Langston and the referee pulls him out of the corner. Langston with a body block and he gets a near fall. Langston with a forearm to the back and a rear chin lock. Del Rio gets back to his feet and he punches Langston but Langston with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down.
Langston returns to the rear chin lock. Del Rio with a jawbreaker and it staggers Langston. Del Rio tries for a sunset flip but Langston pulls him up and hits a clothesline and Del Rio is down again. Del Rio with punches and head butts, but Langston runs Del Rio into the corner and he connects with a series of shoulders. Langston runs into a boot from Del Rio and Del Rio with a tornado DDT and both men are down.
Del Rio tries for a few clotheslines but Langston does not move. Del Rio with another clothesline and Langston goes down. Del Rio avoids a clothesline from Langston and he hits a lungblower. Langston recovers and connects with a body block and he gets a near fall. Langston charges into the corner but Del Rio moves and Langston goes shoulder first into the ring post.
Langston is put in the ropes and Del Rio with forearms to the kidneys but Langston with an elbow to avoid the lungblower. Del Rio with a super kick and he gets a near fall. Del Rio gestures for the cross arm breaker and Langston counters with a belly-to-belly suplex but Langston can only get a near fall.
The straps come down for Langston but Del Rio applies the cross arm breaker but he does not get it fully locked in and Langston is able to roll over and he picks up Del Rio for a power bomb and he gets a near fall. Langston tries for the Big Ending but Del Rio with an enzuigiri and rollup for the three count.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at what Ryback did at the start of Raw two nights ago and then what he did to Zack Ryder.
Michael Cole gives us a medical update for John Cena and John will be back on Monday night in Calgary.
Match Number Two: Jimmy and Jey Uso versus Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre (with Heath Slater)
Jimmy and Jinder start things off and Jinder with an arm drag and he celebrates. They lock up and Jimmy with a side head lock take down and shoulder tackle. Jinder with a kick and he sends Jimmy into the turnbuckles and he connects with an uppercut and chop. Jey tags in and Jimmy with a punch before he sends Jinder towards Jey who connects with a flying clothesline.
Jey with a slam followed by a boot to the head. Jey with a punch but Jinder runs him into the corner and Drew tags in and he punches and kicks Jey. Drew with a forearm to the back and he sends Jey into the turnbuckles. Drew with knees into the corner followed by an Irish whip but Jey with a European uppercut and chops.
Jey sends Drew into the corner and Jimmy tags in and they hit a double back elbow and double elbow drop for a near fall. Jimmy with a chop but Drew with an Irish whip. Jimmy floats over in the corner but Drew sees it coming and he kicks Jimmy in the chest. Jinder tags back in and they hit a double side Russian leg sweep and Jinder gets a near fall. Jinder with a kick to the head and punches to the back.
Slater with a punch while the referee was distracted by Jinder and Jinder gets a near fall. Jinder sends Jimmy to the mat and he tags Drew back in and Drew kicks Jimmy. Jimmy with a punch and chop but Drew with a double thrust to the throat and he kicks Jimmy. Jinder tags back in and he kicks Jimmy and connects with a forearm and a knee drop.
Jinder gets a near fall and then he goes for a rear chin lock. Jimmy with elbows and punches followed by chops. Jimmy with a dragon whip to Jinder and Jey tags in. Jey with forearms and a savate kick to the midsection followed by an uppercut. Jey goes up top but Drew tries to stop him. Jey kicks Drew off the apron but it was enough to allow Drew to crotch Jey and he falls to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Drew with an arm bar on Jey and we see footage during the commercial (on the APP?) when Jey was hot shot onto the apron by Jinder. Drew maintains the arm bar. Jey with a punch but Jey with a kick. Drew with a running boot to the head and Drew can only get a two count. Jinder with a punch to the midsection followed by a kick by Drew.
Jinder with knee drops using the ropes for extra leverage. Jinder with a neck breaker for a near fall. Jey with elbows but Jinder with a knee and he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Jey lands on his feet. Jinder pulls Jey down by the hair and he gets a near fall. Jinder with a reverse chin lock but Jey with punches to try to escape.
Jinder goes for a sleeper but Jey with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Jimmy and Drew tag in and Jimmy with a flying forearm and savate kick followed by a Samoan drop and Jimmy sets for the running butt splash into the corner and he connects. Jimmy gets a near fall and the ambulance pulls into the arena again.
Ryback emerges and he makes his way to the ring. Slater hides behind the ringside barrier while nothing goes on in the match.
Ryback surveys the situation and he sees Heath Slater. Slater tries to punch Ryback but Ryback sends him face first into the mats surrounding the ring. Ryback drags Slater up the ramp and Mahal comes out to check on his bandmate but Jinder stops. Ryback picks up Slater and throws him into the ambulance and they drive away.
Jimmy with a savate kick to Drew and then one that knocks Jinder off the apron. Jey tags in and he hits the superfly splash for the three count.
Winners: Jimmy and Jey Uso
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound and a look at the debut of Curtis Axel and what happened to Triple H when they had their match.
We go to credits.
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