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May 28th
On this day in history in ....
1921 - Walter Miller wins the World Middleweight Title for the second time, defeating Ted Thye in Los Angeles, California.
1937 - Walter Achiu defeats Sailor Watkins in a tournament final to become the first National Wrestling Association World Junior Light Heavyweight Champion in El Paso, Texas.
1949 - Tarzan Lopez defeats Mike Kelly to win the NWA World Middleweight Title, beginning his third reign.
1963 - WWWF ran Bridgeport, CT at the Arena with a Television taping, featuring:
The Fabulous Kangaroos defeated Tim Woods & Arnold Skaaland
Skull Murphy & Brute Bernard defeated Pedro Morales & Miguel Perez
Pedro Morales defeated Joe Quinones
Ted Lewin defeated Gordo Chihuahua in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1
Pat Barrett defeated Frank Martinez
Joe Esposito defeated Tommy O'Toole
The Shadow defeated Pete Sanchez
1964 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the Capital Arena, featuring the following results:
Miguel Perez defeated Matt Gilmore
Jerry & Luke Graham defeated the Scufflin Hillbillies via disqualification
Freddie Blassie defeated Lou Albano
Jerry Miller defeated Jose Quintero
Bill Watts defeated Boris Malenko
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Don McClarty defeated Killer Kowalski & Gorilla Monsoon
1965 - Buddy Fuller defeats Mario Galento to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1965 - Alberto and Enrique Torres defeat Curtis Iaukea & Mr. Fujiwara for the NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1965 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Argentina Apollo fought Waldo Von Erich & Gorilla Monsoon to a draw in the main event of a live event in Asbury Park, NJ at the Convention Hall.
1966 - Crusher & Dick the Bruiser defeated Larry Hennig & Harley Race for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota, starting their third reign as champions.
1966 - Michiaki Yoshimura & Hiro Matsuda defeat Killer Karl Kox & Joe Carrolo to win the JWA All Asia Tag Team Title in Sapporo, Japan.
1966 - WWWF ran a TV Taping in Pittsburgh, PA featuring:
Curtis Iaukea defeated Harry Dunn
Bulldog Brower defeated Glen Rucker
Johnny Valentine defeated Dick Dunn
Ronnie Etchison defeated Bob Nandor
1970 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the National Arena featuring:
Crusher Verdu defeated Chuck Richards
Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Ramos Milano
John L Sullivan defeated Joe Turco
Lee Wong defeated Karl Kovacs
Victor & Jose Rivera defeated Mike Conrad & Angelo Savoldi in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match
Little Brutus & Sky Low Low defeated Joey Russell & Sonny Boy Hayes in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match
The Mongols fought Mario Milano & Gorilla Monsoon to a draw
1974 - Red Bastien defeats The Great Mephisto for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, beginning his second reign.
1976 - WWWF ran Albany, NY featuring the following results:
Johnny Rivera defeated Bull Pometti
Jose Gonzalez defeated Tony Altimore
Rocky Tomayo defeated Pat Barrett
Ivan Putski defeated Crusher Blackwell
Skandar Akbar defeated Billy White Wolf
1977 - Tony St. Clair defeats Gwynn Davies for the British Heavyweight Title in Manchester, England, ending Davies' third reign.
1977 - Jackie Fargo defeats The Executioner to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee, beginning his second reign.
1977 - Bruno Sammartino fought WWWF World Champion Superstar Billy Graham to a double disqualification in the main event of a card in Baltimore, Maryland.
1978 - Bruiser Brody defeats Dale Valentine in Houston, Texas to win the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title.
1978 - Dutch Mantel defeats Don Garfield (Don Fargo) to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee, beginning his second reign.
1978 - New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Uwajima, Japan with the following results:
Shoji Kai pinned Jo Bake SanMakoto Arakawa pinned Kuniaki Kobayashi
Kengo Kimura pinned Ray Steel
Bugsy McGraw pinned Yoshiaki Fujiwara
Williem Ruska defeated Kotetsu Yamamoto via submission with arm lock
Riki Choshu defeated Umanosuke Ueda via disqualification
WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund pinned Osamu Kido in a non-title match at 2:32
Seiji Sakaguchi pinned Baron Scicluna
Nikolai Volkoff defeated Chief Jay Strongbow via submission with bear hug
Antonio Inoki & Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Andre The Giant & Tony Garea in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1: Fujinami and Andre were both counted-out, awarding both teams a fall; fall #2: Fujinami pinned Garea
1978 - WWWF ran Fairmont, WV at the Marion County Armory with the following results:
Johnny DeFazio fought Johnny Rodz to a draw
Spiros Arion defeated Larry Zbyszko via countout at 19:14
WWWF Tag Team Champions Dominic DeNucci & Dino Bravo defeated Butcher Vachon & Tank Patton in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match
Luke Graham defeated Haystacks Calhoun via countout at 22:01
1979 - King Curtis defeats Jim Garvin for the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in West Palm Beach, Florida.
1980 - Rocky Brewer & George Gulas defeat Tojo Yamamoto and Gypsy Joe to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee.
1981 - WWF ran Freehold, NJ at the High School Gym, featuring:
Chris Canyon pinned Jack Carson
Manuel Soto pinned the Black Demon
SD Jones fought Davey O'Hannon to a draw
The Carolina Kid & Farmer Jerome defeated Sky Low Low & Kid Chocolate in a midget tag.
Rick Martel, Tony Garea, & Dominic DeNucci defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the Moondogs & Capt. Lou Albano in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1; fall #1: Garea pinned Rex; fall #2: Rex pinned Garea; fall #3: DeNucci pinned Spot
1982 - WWF ran Groton, CT at the Grasso Tech High School with the following results:
Frankie Williams fought Steve King to a draw; this was originally scheduled as a tag match with Williams and King against Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito, who didn't appear and so they wrestled each other instead
Johnny Rodz defeated Pete Sanchez
Tony Atlas defeated Bob Orton Jr. via disqualification
WWF Intercontinental Champion Pedro Morales defeated Tony Altimore (substituting for Jesse Ventura)
WWF World Champion Bob Backlund pinned Greg Valentine
1982 -WWF ran Avon, CT with the following results:
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Pete Doherty
The Black Demon defeated Fred Marzino
Swede Hanson defeated Laurent Soucie
Blackjack Mulligan defeated Tony Garea
Jimmy Snuka defeated Rick McGraw
Ivan Putski defeated Adrian Adonis
1983 - The WWF runs at Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The results of the card, which was broadcast on the USA Network, featured:
Mac Rivera defeated Barry Hart at 11:13
Princess Victoria & Susan Starr defeated Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah & Leilani Kai at 14:53
Ivan Koloff pinned Salvatore Bellomo with a knee drop off the top to the back at 12:33
Jimmy Snuka pinned WWF Tag Team Champion Sika with a Superfly headbutt at 6:05
Iron Mike Sharpe pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna with a loaded forearm blow to the back of the head at 9:57
WWF Intercontinental Champion Don Muraco fought Rocky Johnson to a double disqualification at 17:43 after Muraco pulled guest referee Swede Hanson into a dropkick from the challenger, then knocking Hanson to the floor himself; moments later, Hanson reentered the ring, shoved Johnson out of the way, and attacked Muraco; Hanson then raised Muraco's hand before then doing the same to Johnson
Samula pinned Bob Bradley with a flying headbutt at 9:18
Sgt. Slaughter pinned Chief Jay Strongbow with a clothesline and elbow drop at 11:45; Slaughter used "Halls of Montazuma" as his entrance music for the bout WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated WWF Tag Team Champion Afa via submission with the Crossface Chicken Wing at 14:53
1983 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Charlotte, NC before 4,114 fans with the following results:
Gene Anderson & Rene Goulet defeated Mike Davis & Keith Larsen
Vinnie Valentino defeated Masa Fuchi
Bob Orton defeated Bill White
Wahoo McDaniel defeated the Magic Dragon
NWA TV Champion the Great Kabuki defeated Jimmy Valiant via count-out
NWA World Tag Team Champions Ricky Steamobat & Jay Youngblood defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco
NWA U.S. Champion Greg Valentine defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Fayetteville, NC with the following results:
Jesse Barr defeated Keith Larson
Angelo Mosca Jr. defeated the Outlaw
Jimmy Valiant defeated Adrian Street
Ron Garvin defeated Jake Roberts
NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan Koloff & Don Kernodle defeated Mark Youngblood & Rufus R. Jones
Wahoo McDaniel defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard
1984 - WWF ran Wayne, NJ at William Peterson College featuring the following results:
Tiger Chung Lee defeated Akira Maeda
Mr. Fuji defeated Jose Luis Rivera
Rene Goulet defeated Steve Lombardi
Rocky Johnson, Pat Patterson, & SD Jones defeated Afa, Sika, & Samula
WWF Intercontinental champion Tito Santana defeated Greg Valentine via disqualification
WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan defeated the Iron Shiek via countout
1984 - WWF ran Verdun, Quebec with the following results:
George Steele defeated Tom Stanton
Jesse Ventura defeated Willie Tremblay
Jacques Rougeau Jr. defeated Dan Ferris
Pat Patterson defeated Salvatore Bellomo
Tony Garea & Salvatore Bellomo defeated Tiger Chung Lee & Mr. Fuji
Bob Backlund fought Paul Orndorff to a double disqualification
WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan pinned David Schultz
1985 - Dino Bravo defeats King Tonga (Haku/Meng) for the vacant International Wrestling International Heavyweight Title in Montreal, Quebec, beginning his sixth reign.
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Altoona, PA at the Jaffa Mosque featuring the following results:
Jimmy Jackson defeated Yukon Eric
Scott Irwin defeated Mike Donatelli
Ricky Reeves defeated Tommy Lane
Mike Davis defeated Stoney Burke
Buzz Tyler defeated the Barbarian via disqualification
Jimmy Valiant defeated Superstar Billy Graham
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Lansing, Michigan featuring:
The Italian Stallion defeated John Tatum
Pez Whatley fought Bob Roop to a draw
Buzz Sawyer defeated Krusher Kruschev
Ron Garvin defeated Black Bart via disqualification
National Tag Team Champions Ole & Arn Anderson defeated Thunderbolt Patterson & Manny Fernandez
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Raleigh, NC at the Dorton Arena featuring:
Don Kernodle defeated Teijo Khan
NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson defeated the Italian Stallion
Ron Garvin defeated NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard in a non-title taped fist match
Jimmy Valiant & Manny Fernandez defeated the Barbarian & Shaska Whatley
The Rock N' Roll Express defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin in a combination death match
NWA World Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeated Dusty Rhodes & NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA via disqualification
1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Silver City, NC, headlined by NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeating the Italian Stallion & Todd Champion in the main event.
1988 - Jin Crockett Promotions ran Charleston, WV with the following results:
Ron Simmons defeated Tiger Conway Jr.
NWA World Tag Team Champion Arn Anderson defeated the Italian Stallion
Ivan Koloff defeated Kendall Windham
NWA Western States Heritage Champion Larry Zbyzsko defeated Ron Garvin via countout
NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Fantastics, Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton defeated The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane via reverse decision
Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World Tag Team Champion Tully Blanchard in a bullrope match
Lex Luger fought NWA U.S. Champion Barry Windham to a no contest
Steve Williams defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification
1988 - WWF ran Providence, Rhode Island at the Civic Center drawing 5,400 featuring the following results:
Jerry Allen pinned Iron Mike Sharpe
Jacques & Raymond Rougeau defeated The Killer Bees B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell (substituting for Jim Powers & Paul Roma)
Greg Valentine defeated George Steele via disqualification
Bobby Heenan & Haku & High Chief Afi defeated Koko B. Ware & The British Bulldogs in a steel cage match when, as Smith and Haku were the final two men in the ring, Heenan slammed the cage door into Smith's face allowing Haku to escape
Jim Neidhart pinned Don Muraco
Dino Bravo pinned Ken Patera
Brutus Beefcake fought the One Man Gang to a double count-out
WWF World Champion Randy Savage pinned Ted Dibiase
1988 - WWF ran Minneapolis, MN at the Met Center, drawling 1,850 fans with the following results:
Lanny Poffo pinned Barry Horowitz
Brady Boone pinned Steve Lombardi
The Ultimate Warrior pinned Hercules
Bad News Brown pinned Bret Hart by using the ropes for leverage
WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated Rick Martel & Tito Santana when Santana was pinned after being hit with one of the title belts
WWF Intercontinental Champion the Honkytonk Man defeated Bam Bam Bigelow via disqualification
Jake Roberts fought Rick Rude to a double count-out
Andre the Giant pinned Jim Duggan by using the ropes for leverage
1989 - NWA ran Chicago, IL at the UIC Pavilion, featuring the following results:
Ranger Ross defeated the Tokyo Bullet
The Dynamic Dudes, Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace defeated Jack Victory & the Raider
Mike Rotunda defeated Scott Steiner
NWA World TV Champion Sting defeated the Great Muta via disqualification
The Road Warriors fought the Samoan Swat Team to a no contest
Ricky Steamboat defeated Butch Reed
1989 - WWF ran Kingston, Ontario featuring:
Hercules pinned Dino Bravo
Tim Horner pinned Barry Horowitz
The Genius pinned Jim Powers
The Honkytonk Man pinned Hillbilly Jim
Bret Hart fought Mr. Perfect to a time-limit draw
Big John Studd & King Jim Duggan defeated Andre the Giant & Haku
1989 - WWF ran Edmonton, Alberta at the Northlands Coliseum, drawing 14,000 fans, featuring:
Bad News Brown pinned the Blue Blazer
The Barbarian pinned Jim Neidhart
Roddy Piper (substituing for Jake Roberts) pinned Ted Dibiase at the 12-minute mark. This was Piper's first match back since retiring in 1987, brought in as an unannounced surprise.
Randy Savage defeated WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan via countout
The Red Rooster pinned the Brooklyn Brawler
Rick Martel pinned Tito Santana
WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated the Big Bossman & Akeem via disqualification
1990 - NWA ran Norfolk, VA at the Scope, featuring:
Doug Furnas defeated Zan Panzer
Tommy Rich fought Dutch Mantel to a 20-minute time-limit draw
Johnny Ace pinned Joe Cruz with a neckbreaker
Norman pinned Cactus Jack with a splash
NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom defeated the Road Warriors when Ron Simmons pinned Road Warrior Animal
The Junkyard Dog (substituting for NWA US Champion Lex Luger) pinned NWA World Champion Ric Flair in a non-title match at 15:39 with a headbutt; Arn Anderson tried to break the cover but couldn't get in the ring in time
1990 - NWA ran Richmond, VA at the Coliseum featuring the following results:
Doug Furnas defeated Cactus Jack
Norman defeated Zan Panzer
Mark Callous defeated Tom Zenk
Tommy Rich defeated Dutch Mantell
NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom defeated The Southern Boys, Tracey Smothers & Steve Armstrong
NWA World Champion Ric Flair, NWA World TV Champion Arn Anderson, & Barry Windham defeated the Road Warriors & the Junkyard Dog
1992 - WCW ran Raleigh, NC at the Dorton Arena before 1,800 fans, featuring the following results:
Van Hammer pinned JT Southern with a clothesline
WCW Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Pillman defeated Scotty Flamingo
WCW World Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Bobby Eaton & Larry Zbyzsko
Dustin Rhodes fought Greg Valentine to a time-limit draw After the bout, the two were pulled apart by referees
Barry Windham defeated Cactus Jack
Tom Zenk pinned Terry Taylor with a small package
WCW World Champion Sting & Nikita Koloff defeated WCW World TV Champion Steve Austin & Arn Anderson in a steel cage match
WCW U.S. Champion Rick Rude pinned Ricky Steamboat in a steel cage match with the Rude Awakening after the challenger missed a charge, when Madusa unhooked Rude from hanging upside down in the cage, and Steamboat hit the cage
1992 - WWF ran Denver, Colorado at the Coliseum, drawing 3,100, featuring:
High Energy, Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware defeated the Nasty Boys via countout
Crush defeated Kato
Jim Duggan defeated Repo Man via disqualification
The Ultimate Warrior pinned Papa Shango
Rick Martel pinned Tito Santana with his feet on the ropes for leverage
The Legion of Doom defeated the Beverly Brothers
WWF Intercontinental champion Bret Hart pinned Shawn Michaels
1993 - Eddie Golden defeats Alex Shane in Sullivan Gardens, Tennessee to win the Southern States Wrestling Junior Heavyweight Title for the second time.
1993 - WCW ran Augusta, GA at the Civic Center featuring a WCW Power Hour TV taping with the following results:
The Blackhearts defeated John Douglas & Joey Maggs at 2:09 when Douglas was pinned following a powerbomb off the middle turnbuckle / elbow drop double team
2 Cold Scorpio & Marcus Alexander Bagwell defeated Pat Rose & Tom Burton at around the 4-minute mark when Scorpio pinned Rose with the 450 splash.
Jim Neidhart defeated Mike Thor via submission with the cobra clutch at 1:07
Rick Rude pinned Mark Mercedes with the Rude Awakening at 1:59
WCW World TV Champion Paul Orndorff pinned Dave Hart with the piledriver at 1:29
The Junkyard Dog defeated Dick Slater via disqualification when Slater threw referee Nick Patrick to the floor at around the 5-minute mark; the match was joined in progress; after the contest, Slater threw JYD head-first into the ringpost but JYD shook it off and fought off Slater inside the ring
Computer Contenders Challenge: WCW World Champion Big Van Vader (w/ Harley Race) defeated Ricky Steamboat via count-out at 11:54 after Steamboat struck the ringside barrier while attacking Vader on the floor, with Vader then hitting a splash on the floor before returning to the ring
1994 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Virgie, KY at the Athletic Center before 300 fans with the following results:
Tracy Smothers defeated the Hornet
Chris Jericho defeated Steven Dunn
The Dirty White Boy defeated Kendo the Samurai
SMW Tag Team Champions Brian Lee & Chris Candido defeated The Rock N' Roll Express via disqualification
Chris Jericho won a battle royal
1994 - WCW ran Charlotte, NC at the Independence Arena before 2,000 fans featuring the following results:
Terry Taylor defeated Brad Anderson
Arn Anderson defeated the Patriot at the 15-minute mark
WCW TV Champion Larry Zbyzsko pinned Lord Steven Regal after Regal accidentally hit Sir William.
WCW International World Champion Sting, Dustin Rhodes, & Johnny B. Badd defeated WCW U.S. Champion Steve Austin, Bobby Eaton, & Bunkhouse Buck when Sting pinned Eaton with a Stinger Splash
Arn Anderson pinned Paul Orndorff after Harley Race interfered and placed a steel chair in the corner, with Anderson reversing Orndorff into the weapon
WCW World Champion Ric Flair fought Ricky Steamboat to a 60 minute time-limit draw
1994 - WWF ran Zurich, Switzerland at Hallenstadion featuring:
Sparky Plugg defeated the 1-2-3 Kid
Adam Bomb & Kwang defeated the Bushwhackers
IRS defeated Tatanka
Yokozuna defeated Mabel
WWF Tag Team Champions the Headshrinkers defeated the Quebecers
WWF Champion Bret Hart defeated Owen Hart
1995 - WWF ran Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Arena, drawing 2,500 featuring the following results:
Techno Team 2000 defeated Tom Prichard & Mantaur (substituting for Jimmy Del Ray)
Jean Pierre Lafitte defeated Virgil
Hakushi defeated Doink the Clown
Jacob & Eli Blu defeated the New Headshrinkers
Man Mountain Rock defeated Tatanka
WWF Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett defeated Razor Ramon in a ladder match after the Roadie interfered and shoved the challenger off the ladder
Bret Hart (substituting for WWF World Champion Diesel) pinned Psycho Sid
1995 - WWF ran Kallang, Singapore at the Indoor Stadium, featuring:
Kwang defeated Doink the Clown
The Smoking Gunns defeated Men on a Mission
Shawn Michaels pinned IRS
Kama defeated Aldo Montoya
WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & Yokozuna defeated Lex Luger & Davey Boy Smith via disqualification
Adam Bomb defeated King Kong Bundy
The Undertaker defeated Bam Bam Bigelow
1996 - WWF airs three live matches from their planned television taping in North Charleston, South Carolina on pay-per-view as a "make up" to fans that had ordered the "Beware Of Dog" pay-per-view event the previous Sunday, which had been hampered due to weather problems. The matches, along with a replay of the two matches (Mero-HHH, Michaels-Smith) that did air on the PPV, were broadcast in what was a planned replay slot for the original event.
Here are the results of those matches:
- Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin in a Carribean Strap Match after touching all four corners. As a result, Austin's manager, Ted DiBiase, was forced to leave the WWF (he was heading to WCW). Vega led the crowd in singing "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" as DiBiase left.
- Vader defeated Yokozuna with a Vader Bomb.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust defeated The Undertaker in a casket match when Mankind emerged from the casket and used the Mandible Claw to subdue the Undertaker and put him in it.
The remainder of the card was a WWE Superstars taping, featuring the following matches:
The Overlords defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy
Barry Horowitz defeated Owen Hart via disqualification
Ahmed Johnson defeated Owen Hart
The Undertaker defeated Mankind
WWF Champion Shawn Michaels defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust
Jake Roberts pinned George South with the DDT
The New Rockers, Marty Jannetty & Leif Cassidy defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy when Jeff was pinned following a powerbomb / top rope bulldog double team
Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned Marty Garner with the Pedigree
Yokozuna pinned Tony Johnson with the Bonzai Drop
King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Justin Bradshaw pinned Henry Godwinn with the lariat
Henry & Phinneas Godwinn (with Hillbilly Jim) defeated the Ringlords after Henry hit the Slop Drop
Steve Austin pinned Jason Ahrndt with the Stone Cold Stunner, the first time Austin performed the move on TV.
Mankind defeated Bruno Detista via submission with the Mandible Claw
Jerry Lawler pinned Marty Garner with a flying fistdrop and the piledriver at 1:47
King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Savio Vega pinned Marty Jannetty with a spinning heel kick
Barry Horowitz defeated Owen Hart (with Jim Cornette) via reverse decision when referee Harvey Wippleman disqualified Hart for not releasing the Sharpshooter after he had won the match
Vader pinned Tony Johnson with the Vader Bomb
Marc Mero defeated Jason Ahrndt
WWF Tag Team Champions the Smoking Gunns defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy following the Sidewinder
King of the Ring Quarter-Finals: Jake Roberts pinned Justin Bradshaw with the DDT
1997 - The Truth Commission defeated Steven Dunn & Paul Diamond for the USWA Tag Team Title in West Helena, Arkansas, starting their third and final runs with the belts.
1997 - Mohammed Hussein defeats Rey Gonzalez in Gurabo, Puerto Rico to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title, ending Gonzalez's third reign.
1998 - The Midnight Rider (a masked Ian Rotten) defeats Tower of Doom, who was defending for Ox Harley, to win his second IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title in Louisville, Kentucky.
1998 - WCW ran Knoxville, TN featuring the following results:
Ernest Miller defeated Yuji Nagata
The Barbarian defeated Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker
Davey Boy Smith & Jim Neidhart defeated High Voltage
Konnan defeated Hugh Morrus
Chris Benoit defeated Booker T
Lex Luger defeated Sting
Diamond Dallas Page defeated Raven
1999 - a WWF event in Hamilton, Ontario was canceled due the passing of Owen Hart.
1999 - Toxic Insanity (Juggernaut & Biohazard) defeat Moondog Manson & Prophet for the vacant NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in New Westminster, British Columbia.
1999 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Worcester, MA at the Palladium, featuring:
El Mosco defeated Lance Diamond
Skull Von Krush defeated Danny Doring
Lance Storm defeated Spike Dudley
Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Little Guido
ECW World Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz defeated Nova & Chris Chetti
Tommy Dreamer & Jerry Lynn & Francine defeated Steve Corino & Tony Devito & Bill Wiles
Sabu defeated Justin Credible
ECW World TV Champion Rob Van Dam defeated Balls Mahoney
1999 - WCW ran Tupelo, MS at the Coliseum featuring:
Kaz Hayashi defeated Blitzkrieg
Juventud Guerrera defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr.
Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Brian Knobbs in a hardcore match
Brian Adams & Stevie Ray defeated Fit Finlay & Dave Taylor
Konnan defeated Bobby Duncum Jr.
Sting defeated Ric Flair
2000 - El Hijo del Santo wins the World Wrestling Association World Welterweight Title for the seventh time in Monterrey, Mexico, defeating Blue Panther.
2000 - WWF ran Edmonton, Alberta at the Northlands Coliseum, drawing 14,500 fans with the following results:
The Godfather defeated Al Snow
WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Dean Malenko defeated Crash Holly via submission with the Texas Cloverleaf following a double underhook powerbomb at 7:10
Test & Albert defeated Too Cool
Bradshaw defeated Bull Buchanon via disqualification
Kane defeated the Big Bossman
The Rock & the Dudley Boyz defeated WWF champion Triple H, X-Pac, & the Road Dogg at 11:43 when Rock pinned Triple H with a spinebuster and the People’s Elbow; after the match, Triple H confronted referee Earl Hebner over the decision, with Hebner eventually shoving Triple H to the mat and stomping him until he left the ring, then punching both X-Pac and Road Dogg off the ring apron
WWF European Champion Eddie Guerrero pinned Perry Saturn at around the 8-minute mark with a hurricanrana off the top after Chyna interfered and hit a low blow on Saturn as he attempted a superplex
WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian defeated Matt & Jeff Hardy at 6:49 when Edge pinned Matt after Christian interfered behind the referee’s back and used one of the title belts as a weapon after Edge sustained the Twist of Fate / Swanton combo
Rikishi pinned Kurt Angle at 1:15 with the Rikishi Driver after Too Cool fought off an interfering Edge & Christian
WWF Intercontinental champion Chris Benoit pinned Chris Jericho at 10:26 with the diving headbutt after reversing a tombstone attempt into one of his own; prior to the bout, Jericho cut a heel promo on Edmonton, saying Calgary was his favorite city in Alberta
2001 - The WWF fired Brian Lawler, aka Grandmaster Sexay, following his arrest for possession of illegal drugs. He was arrested early in the morning in Calgary, Alberta, Canada after landing for Raw that night, where he was scheduled to team with Steve Blackman and Trish Stratus against Dean Malenko, Perry Saturn and Terri. The WWF had apparently made it very clear to their employees not to bring any "illegal contraband" into Canada, and his arrest at an international checkpoint was an embarrassment to the company. Sexay had been getting storyline and TV time, and had in fact appeared as the guest co-host on Heat the night before.
2001 - There was quite a bit of controversy over the Hart family (most notably Bruce, Stu and Diana) appearing in the front row at an edition of Raw in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Martha Hart, widow of Owen Hart, said it would be "disgusting" if any of them showed up before the event, given her legal entanglements with the company. Bret Hart was obviously against it, although neither he or Martha talked to their family, instead deciding to send their messages back and forth in the Canadian newspapers.
Results of the show featured:
Edge pinned Rick Vain at 5:06 with the Impaler
Test pinned Billy Yates at 3:36 with a boot to the face
Taka Michinoku & Sho Funaki defeated Rob McManus & Greg Pawluk at 4:51 when Taka pinned Pawluk with the Michinoku Driver
Billy Gunn pinned Wildman Austin at 3:06 with the One and Only
The live Raw broadcast featured:
Matt & Jeff Hardy defeated X-Pac & Justin Credible
WWF Tag Team Champion Chris Benoit defeated Rhyno via submission with the Crippler Crossface
Steve Blackman & Trish Stratus defeated Perry Saturn & Terri
WWF Tag Team Champion Chris Jericho pinned WWF Hardcore Champion the Big Show to win the title with the Lionsault after hitting a missle dropkick as Show held the steel ring steps in the air, with the steps flying back and hitting the champion in the face; as Jericho celebrated the victory on the stage, Rhyno came from behind and hit the Gore, pinning Jericho for the Hardcore championship
Eddie Guerrero defeated Albert
The Dudley Boyz (with Spike Dudley) defeated Hardcore & Crash Holly (with Molly Holly) in a tables match when Hardcore sustained a 3D through a table set up in the ring; after the bout, Molly went to check on Hardcore but was grabbed by the Dudley Boyz; Spike attempted to have them let her go, even going as far as to lay down on the table they prepared to put her through; instead, Bubba Ray powerbombed Molly off the top and through the table Spike was laid across
WWF champion Steve Austin defeated WWF Tag Team Champion Chris Benoit when Vince McMahon had the bell rung as Benoit was trapped in the Sharpshooter, an obvious reference to the Montreal Incident in Bret Hart's hometown.
2002 - The NWA's Bill Behrens announces that Dan Severn is being stripped of the NWA World Heavyweight Title with the following press release:
The NWA Board of Directors announced today that by unanimous vote, it has stripped the NWA World Heavyweight Title from current champion Dan“The Beast” Severn. Mr. Severn had been offered an opportunity to appear on the first NWA-TNA Pay Per View scheduled for June 19th 2002. Unfortunately Mr. Severn could not accept the booking due to a previous “shoot-fight” commitment. Dan Severn is a two time NWA World Heavyweight Champion having recently defeated Shinya Hashimoto in Japan.
"We regret that Dan Severn could not change his schedule to appear on the first NWA-TNA Pay Per View," said NWA President Jim Miller. "Dan Severn represented the NWA well during his two reigns as champion and proved with his difficult decision that he is truly a man of his word who could not honorably cancel a previous booking even if it meant losing the NWA World Heavyweight title. We look forward to having a new NWA World Heavyweight Champion crowned in Huntsville on 6/19/02."
NWA TNA: Total Nonstop Action will premiere at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville , AL on June 19, 2002 . The first ever PPV broadcast from Huntsville will air live nationwide on cable and satellite providers at 8pm EST / 7pm CST .
Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations and at the Von Braun Center Box Office. Tickets are available for $35, $25 and $18.
NWA TNA: Total Nonstop Action will broadcast every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on national cable and satellite providers with an encore presentation scheduled for the following Sunday at Noon ET (time approximate). The suggested pay-per-view retail price for each event is just $9.95.
2002 - WWE made changes to their creative process. Paul Heyman alone will head the Smackdown team while Brian Gerwertz will be the point man on the Raw tea, (with both men reporting to Vince and Stephanie McMahon). Heyman and Gerwertz will be the respective point men for their shows with Vince McMahon. Other writers will still contribute to the product, but the two will now act as something like managers for their respective shows. Heyman was said to be very vocal with the talent backstage at Smackdown.
2002 - WWE ran Calgary, Alberta at the Saddledome featuring the debut of Dawn Marieduring a backstage vignette and more with the following TV Taping results:
Velocity:
Mark Henry defeated the Godfather
Albert defeated Hugh Morrus
D-Von Dudley defeated Val Venis
Smackdown:
WWE Tag Team Champions Rikishi & Rico defeated Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo at 2:16 when Rikishi kicked Rico in the face, who then fell on Palumbo for the win; after the match, Gunn & Palumbo argued with Rico over the loss
Christian pinned Maven at 2:08 with the Unprettier after Tajiri interfered and kicked Maven in the head, knocking him off the top rope
Chris Jericho pinned Farooq at 3:59 with a modified neckbreaker after Farooq hit an unprotected turnbuckle
WWE World champion the Undertaker pinned Randy Orton with the chokeslam at 5:20; after the match, Triple H made the save and challenged the champion to a title match
Tajiri & Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Billy Kidman & WWE Cruiserweight Champion the Hurricane at 4:10 when Tajiri pinned the Hurricane with the kick to the head after the champion became distracted by a message on the big screen that said the mystery person who had been leaving notes for the Hurricane in previous weeks would reveal themself the following week. It would be Nidia.
Test pinned Triple H with the boot to the face at 5:47 after Triple H knocked the Undertaker off the ring apron; earlier in the match, Lance Storm also interfered on behalf of Test; after the contest, Taker pounded away at Triple H, hit the chokeslam, and repeatedly smacked him with a steel chair until numerous referees and officials intervened
Edge pinned Kurt Angle in a steel cage match at around the 17-minute mark with a spear off the top rope after knocking Angle off the top to the mat; Angle was the first to escape the cage, at 9:45, but Hulk Hogan came ringside and threw Angle back in the cage before the referee - who was unconcious - could stop the match; Hogan remained ringside until the finish of the match
2003 - NWA: TNA held their weekly PPV in Nashville, TN at the Asylum.
In dark matches before the PPV broadcast, Erik Watts pinned Preston Quinn...Traci Brooks pinned VJ Love....Shark Boy pinned Vinnie Valentino...David Young & Mike Sanders defeated BJ Whitmer & Matt Stryker when Young pinned Stryker
Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
NWA: Total Nonstop Action for May 28th began with a video package on the recent history of Raven in TNA, including being attacked by Jeff Jarrett last week.
We saw Glen Gilberti approach Alexis Laree and Julio Dinero outside. Gilberti told them that they were not welcome in SEX anymore, and that tonight he was going to take care of Raven. He sent them off to deliver the message to Raven.
AJ Styles & D'Lo Brown defeated CM Punk & Jason Cross in 4:30. Punk and Cross attacked before the bell, and Cross hit a twisting plancha on Brown. Really good fast paced match. I really wish it had gone longer. In the end, Brown hit the Lo Down frog splash on Punk while Styles hit a 450 springboard splash on Cross for simultaneous pins.
After the bout, Brown took the mic and said that they proved how good they were as a team, but that they were both interested in becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. Brown accused the company of screwing them over, since they were in a "preliminary match with two jobbers" tonight. Brown accused Jeff Jarrett of using his stroke to hold them down. Brown said that in their locker room, Jarrett was "the Game". Some fans chanted "Triple J". Styles agreed, saying he would go through anyone, even Brown, to become the World champion. Styles said their days as a tag team had to end, so they could both pursue their dream of winning the World Title. They shook hands and ended it on good terms.
Mike Tenay and Don West discussed how Jeff Jarrett was in hot water with officials over his attack of Raven last week. They went over the brackets for the Asylum Alliance tournament. They announced that James Storm was not at the show for "personal reasons" so Chris Harris would have to wrestle alone, or be given a new partner.
A video package on Jeff Jarrett's trip to New Zealand and Australia was shown. They showed some clips of Jarrett's match with Sting. The piece put over that the NWA World Title is defended around the world and that TNA is available in Australia.
Jeff Jarrett came to the ring for an interview. Jarrett acknowledged the boos from some in the crowd, and the fact that Raven has supporters. Jarrett said that "Life sucks, and then you die". Jarrett said Raven was in a corner "shooting his crap up" and called him out to the ring. Raven entered through the crowd. Raven told Jarrett he was a "whining, egotistical, backstabbing p****". Raven said that the only thing keeping him from his destiny was someone with "political connections" and compared Jarrett's position with that of Stephanie and Shane McMahon. Raven challenged Jarrett to join him in the "Clockwork Orange House Of Fun". Jarrett told Raven that on his best day, he could not defeat Jarrett on his worst. Jarrett said he sacrificed his life for the business, while Raven spent his life with alcohol, drugs and "living on the edge". Jarrett said he would be fine with facing Raven one more time. Jarrett said from now on, he will protect Raven, so that he would remain in one piece for their eventual match, and will have no excuses when they do meet.
Someone in a suit approached ringside and handed Jarrett an envelope. Jarrett looked at it, then went to the announcers table. Jarrett said something about being suspended.
In the SEX locker room, Glen Gilberti told the rest of SEX that he had stroke, because "he just got Raven suspended". I think he meant Jarrett. Gilberti then chastised XXX and Siaki for losing last week. Gilberti said Siaki he had to go it alone tonight to prove he was worthy of SEX. Gilberti sent the Harris Brothers to bring Chris Harris to him.
Konnan & BG James defeated The Sandman & Sonny Siaki in 2:33 to advance in the "Asylum Alliance" tournament. Sandman did his usual beer drinking entrance in the crowd. Siaki came out alone, per Gilberti's orders. BG James made his return to the company, saying he knew about tag team gold and "brotherly love", and introduced Konnan as his partner. Konnan and James acted like they were being frisked when the referee checked them before the match. Sandman never tagged in, and Siaki had to go it alone against James and Konnan. Sandman eventually spit beer in his face and caned him. Sandman walked away, and James hit Siaki with a pumphandle slam for the win.
The aired an interview with New Jack from earlier today. Jack threw a water container off the balcony through a table, saying that would be Slash tonight in their "Hard 10" match. Shark Boy showed up, wanting to play Chutes and Ladders. Jack said he didn't want to tag with Shark Boy, but when he saw the game, he said they could work something out.
The Hard 10 tournament, where wrestlers get one point for using a weapon and five points for putting someone through a table, was reviewed. To win, you need 10 points, and need to win by two. Mike Sanders, who has already advanced in the tournament, joined the announcers for the match.
New Jack defeated Slash in 6:53 to advance in the Hard 10 tournament. Back and forth battle with the points staying close. They tied at 13 points when they battled on the top rope. Jack got off the ropes onto the apron, then slammed Slash off the top rope through a table at ringside, winning the match 18-13.
A sit-down interview with Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper aired. Daniels pointed out that they are the best tag team in the world. Skipper pointed out that he tours Japan every month, and how he defeated Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman to become the first Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion. Daniels talked about his international experience. Daniels cut a great promo about how "tradition opens doors to rooms with no windows" and that by doing things their way, they became the World Tag Team Champions.
Ron and Don Harris were in the parking lot drinking beer. Ron Killings walked by, and when Ron and Don Harris went after him, they were ambushed by Konnan. Konnan and Killings laid out the Harris Brothers, apparently using a sock that had two frozen soft drink bottles in it as a weapon.
Goldylocks interviewed the SAT. They discussed Red laying out Raven last week, and the Maximos talked about how proud they were of him. The SAT left. Erik Watts walked in, whispered something in Goldylock's ear, and she walked off with him.
Christopher Daniels & Elix Skipper defeated The SAT (Jose & Joel Maximo) in 6:13 to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship. Skipper and Daniels attacked before the bell. Towards the end, Daniels hit Joel with Angel's Wings. Jose hit Daniels with a rana, but only got a two count. Daniels made a blind tag to Skipper, then blocked a tornado DDT and sat Jose on the top rope. Skipper did a rope walk and gave Jose a rana off the top for the pin.
After the match, Raven hit the ring and DDT'd both members of the SAT. The announcers put over how this was a message to Amazing Red.
In the SEX locker room, Gilberti wondered why the Harris brothers hadn't brought back Chris Harris yet. Tracy walked in, saying she needed to talk to David Young, since they have a match next week in the Asylum Alliance tournament. Desire got in her face, and they started slapping each other. The brawled all over the dressing room, with the guys egging them on. Tracy and Desire fought through the door and into the crowd, and eventually to the ring. Desire hit a faceplant and a uranage in the ring, but missed a charge and Tracy hit a spear. Tracy hit a sloppy Thesz press off the top on Desire. David Young ran in and gave Tracy a spinebuster, then helped Desire to the back. Officials came out to help Tracy from the ring, implying that she was injured from the spinebuster.
Backstage, Erik Watts was making out with Goldylocks. They were in the janitor's closet. Apparently they had "relations" last week. Goldylocks said she didn't trust Watts because he was a wrestler. Watts sweet talked her, kissed her, and walked off. The crowd could be heard chanting "Slut".
The history leading to the "Mystery Luchadore" vs. Kid Kash was shown.
Backstage, some lady (they never named her, but it was indy valet Simply Luscious) in a skimpy nurse's outfit/lingerie came up to Kash for his "prematch exam". Some innuendo about a "pulled groin" and "oral exam" was exchanged. Kash stopped her from "examining him" saying he knew Tracy sent her. Kash was about to hit her, but the nurse hit him with a low blow and kicked the crap out of him.
Kid Kash defeated The Mystery Luchadore/Trinity in 2:20. Kash limped to the ring, the result of the previous attack. The Luchadore took the mic and told him to get in the ring, then unmasked to reveal Trinity. Trinity hit a sloppy pescado on him. She barely hit a rana on the floor, then took it into the ring, where she got two counts with a small package and a sunset flip. Kash applied the claw, but Trinity broke free with a low blow. Trinity hit some sort of DDT off the ropes, then hit a powerbomb for a two count. Trinity went to the top for a moonsault. Kash caught her, sort of, then lifted her back up and hit a tombstone piledriver for the pin. Kash took the mic after the match and said he was going to "kill" Trinity, before leaving the ring.
Backstage, Bill Behrens told Jeff Jarrett that the suspension was legit, and that he should leave the building. Jarrett refused.
In the SEX locker room, Glen Gilberti told Chris Harris that they would help him, since James Storm could not wrestle tonight. Gilberti offered Chris Sabin as a substitute. Harris agreed, but told Gilberti he would not stand for Gilberti "screwing with him". Gilberti insisted the offer was sincere.
Chris Harris & Chris Sabin defeated Jerry Lynn & Justin Credible in 8:54 to advance in the "Asylum Alliance" tournament. Both teams worked well together, with no noticeable problems. Harris and Sabin even had some double team moves, despite being "put together" right before the match. Mike Tenay put over the rivalry between Credible and Lynn in ECW over the World Title. Towards the end, Lynn made a hot tag to Credible, and they cleared house, knocking Harris from the ring. Lynn went for a cradle piledriver on Sabin, but Credible reminded him that he was the legal man. Lynn then went to keep Harris on the floor while Credible went for a tombstone on Sabin, but Sabin pulled Credible to the mat in a cradle for the win. After the match, Lynn and Credible brawled, with security and referees trying to keep them apart. Lynn took the mic afterwards and said "Just like in ECW, I'm gonna kick your ass."
Erik Watts (apparently taking over for Goldylocks) interviewed Raven. Raven made a joke (without laughing) that he was going to rip out Watts eyes and use his sockets as a latrine, but since he made him laugh, he wouldn't. Watts dropped his joking demeanor and professed respect for Raven, and said he was looking forward to watching him "kick ass" tonight.
Mike Tenay & Don West went over the matches for next week's show, including the semifinals of the "Asylum Alliance" tournament.
Glen Gilberti defeated Raven in 16:02. They brawled around the building early in the match. Raven used a cobra clutch in the ring to weaken Gilberti. Gilberti kept finding ways to break the hold, but Raven would go back to it. Gilberti went for Raven's drop toe hold into a chair, but Raven blocked it and threw the chair at Gilberti twice. Raven then hit the drop toe hold into the chair. At the seven minute mark, the Harris brothers ran in. Alexis and Julio ran in to fight them off. Alexis was chokslammed, but Julio actually put up some offense and brawled into the crowd with the Harris Brothers. In the ring, Gilberti went after Raven's leg. Raven battled back with a lariat, kneelift and bulldog. Sonny Siaki came to ringside at the twelve minute mark. Raven hit a DDT on Gilberti, but Siaki pulled the referee from the ring so he couldn't make the count. This distracted Raven, and Gilberti hit a low blow. Gilberti then hit a stunner, but Raven kicked out at two. Gilberti accidentally clotheslined the referee when Raven ducked. Raven hit a superkick on Gilberti, but there was no referee to count. Sandman ran out and started caning Raven. Jeff Jarrett ran in from the crowd and tackled Sandman. Jarrett fought Sandman up the ramp and out of the arena. Raven hit Gilberti with a DDT. A clean-shaven Vince Russo ran in and hit Raven with a baseball bat. Gilberti covered Raven, and the referee counted three, even though Russo left the baseball bat on top of Raven. The camera followed Russo leaving the building as the show ended.
Following the listings of upcoming events, a graphic saying "Thanks Morty" was shown. I am guessing that Mortimer Plumtree is done with the company.
Next Week:
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett vs. Glen Gilberti.
- Asylum Alliance tournament semifinal: Chris Harris & Chris Sabin (or James Storm) vs. Konnan & B.G. James.
- Asylum Alliance tournament semifinal: Don Harris & Ron Killings vs. David Young & Tracy.
Tournament Update:
New Jack has advanced in the "Hard 10" tournament.
Mike Sanders has advanced in the "Hard 10" tournament.
2004 - WWE's Raw brand ran Manchester, England at the MEN Arena featuring the following results:
Matt Hardy defeated Batista via reverse decision; Batista originally won the match via pinfall with a spinebuster but the referee overruled the decision when Batista returned to the ring to inflict more pain
The Hurricane & Rosey defeated Sylvian Grenier & Rob Conway with the swinging neckbreaker/Samoan drop double team after Eugene came ringside
Garrison (Lance) Cade pinned Rhyno
WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton pinned Shelton Benjamin by using the ropes for leverage
Shawn Michaels pinned Triple H with the superkick, even though Triple H lifted his shoulder at the 2-count
Chris Jericho pinned Tyson Tomko with an enzuiguri in a No DQ match
Ric Flair defeated Edge via submission with the figure-4
WWE Women's Champion Victoria defeated Lita and Molly Holly by pinning Molly with the Widow's Peak
WWE World champion Chris Benoit defeated Kane via submission with the Crippler Crossface after avoiding the chokeslam
2005 - El Diamante defeats Eddie Colon to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, ending Colon's second reign.
2005 - The Faroh of Phunk defeats Mike Carter for the NWA Southern Television Title in Magee, Mississippi.
2005 - WWE Raw ran Vancouver, British Columbia at PNE Agrodome, drawing 5,000 fans to a matinee event, featuring the following results:
Viscera pinned Tyson Tomko
Chris Masters defeated Tajiri via submission with the full nelson
WWE Raw Tag Team Champions the Hurricane & Rosey defeated Simon Dean & Maven and the Heart Throbs when Rosey pinned Dean
Christy Hemme pinned Victoria; Jonathan Coachman was the guest referee but another official made the pin after he was knocked to the floor
Chris Benoit pinned Gene Snitsky with the diving headbutt in an ECW Hardcore match
WWE Intercontinental champion Shelton Benjamin pinned Christian with a roll up; after the bout, Christian hit the Unprettier on the champion after Benjamin cut an anti-Canada promo on the crowd
Edge pinned Kane after hitting him in the head with the briefcase
Chris Jericho (with Roddy Piper) defeated Muhammad Hassan via submission with the Walls of Jericho after Piper fought off Daivari
WWE World Champion Batista defeated Triple H & Ric Flair in a handicap match by pinning Flair with the sit-down powerbomb
2005 - WWE Smackdown ran Winnipeg, Manitoba at MTS Centre, drawing 4,000 featuring the following results:
WWE Crusierweight Champion Paul London won a cruiserweight title battle royal
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions MNM, Johnny Nitro & Joey Mercury defeated Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
John Heidenreich defeated Rene Dupree
Scotty 2 Hotty defeated Akio
WWE U.S. Champion Orlando Jordan defeated Rey Mysterio.
Torrie Wilson defeated Michelle McCool
The Big Show defeated Carlito & Matt Morgan in a handicap match
WWE World Champion John Cena defeated Kurt Angle in a steel cage match.
2006 - WWE's Raw brand ran Yakima, WA at the Yakima Valley Sundome featuring:
WWE Intercontinental champion Shelton Benjamin defeated Rob Van Dam & Carlito
The Highlanders defeated Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Harry Smith defeated Rob Conway
Beth Phoenix & Torrie Wilson defeated Victoria & WWE Women's Champion Mickie James
Umaga defeated Eugene. After the bout, Viscera made the save for Eugene.
WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Mikey & Nicky of The Spirit Squad defeated Goldust & Gene Snitsky
WWE World Champion John Cena defeated Edge in a steel cage match; Ricky Steamboat was the guest referee for the bout
2006 - WWE's Smackdow brand ran Kamloops, British Columbia at Interior Savings Center with the following:
Sylvan fought Psychosis to a no contest when the Great Khali interfered and attacked both men
Matt Hardy & Gunner Scott defeated Aaron Stevens (The future Damien Sandow) & KC James
Kristal defeated Jillian Hall in a bikini contest; Ken Kennedy was the MC for the contest. Afterward, Kennedy shoved Kristal, leading to Chavo Guerrero coming out to make the save
Chavo Guerrero pinned Ken Kennedy with a frog splash
WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions Paul London & Brian Kendrick defeated Kid Kash & Jamie Noble
WWE U.S. Champion Bobby Lashley pinned Finlay with a spear after no selling a chair shot
WWE World Champion Rey Mysterio pinned Mark Henry with the frog splash after Chavo Guerrero interfered and dropkicked a steel chair into Henry's face
2007 - Bret Hart, a stroke survivor, was announced as become an official spokesperson for the March of Dimes in the Battle against Strokes.
2007 - Christian Cage signs a new one year deal with TNA.
2007 - WWE broadcast a Memorial Day edition of Monday Night Raw. Ed Shirreffs filed the following TV report:
RAW IS MEMORIAL DAY comes to us this week from Toronto (fitting, eh?) and follows an edition that saw Bobby Lashley run the gauntlet and Vince McMahon glom all the heat in the building for himself.
RAW opens with a tribute to the sacrifices made by our troops.
The Diva Bikini Beach Blast Battle Royal starts the action. In order, Candice, Mickie, Maria, Jillian, Extreme Expose (Kelly Kelly, Brooke, & Layla), Michelle, Kristal, & Melina. There are squirt guns, water balloons, wet noodles (not that!), and towels all over. This rivals the famous Gotch-Hackenschmidt encounters. Kristal is eliminated first. Maria dumps Brooke. Maria is then eliminated. Layla gets dumped through the middle rope in a nasty looking bump. Kelly Kelly no sells a noodle shot, but is then eliminated. Mickie fights off a double team, but is knocked off the apron by Jillian. Candice tries to dump Melina, but Jillian knocks Candice out. Melina and Jillian stretch Michelle in the middle of the ring on the mat. Michelle fights back with a double clothesline. Belly to Belly to Melina by Michelle. Jillian gets eliminated next. Melina ties up Michelle in the ropes and then hits a kidney shot. Michelle dropkicks Melina, but Melina botches the bump and has to slide under the bottom rope to get eliminated.
Your winner, Michelle McCool!
Shane McMahon comes out to the ramp for a major announcement. Shane says today is also the start of summer. And the excitement is in the air for WWE. He 'breaks' the news that in two weeks, all of the WWE superstars will participate in the first ever tri-branded WWE draft. No exempt superstars, not even champions or leprechauns. Shane says change is inevitable...except for Vince. He is the one thing that never changes, and Vince will walk out the ECW Champion after defeating Lashley in a Street Fight. Tonight, Shane plans to make an example of Lashley in the handicapped match of Cena/Lashley vs. Khali/Umaga/McMahon. Shane threatens Cena for good measure, and says he will beat Lashley so bad, he'll make him his honey and Bobby will find out why they call him the money.
We get a replay of Cade and Murdoch saving the Hardys from an assault.
The Hardys & Cade and Murdoch vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team & Johnny Nitro and Kenny Dykstra
Dykstra goes Hollywood with a fox or something around his neck. Cade and Nitro start us off. Nitro with a waistlock into a headlock. Shoulderblock by Cade. Murdoch tags in and they toss Nitro into the corner. Murdoch with a reverse elbow for two. Matt comes in, but is shoved into the wrong corner and Shelton tags in. Shelton punches Hardy. Matt tosses him into his corner and Jeff tags in. They hit some tandem offense for two. Dropkick to the back of Benjamin by Jeff. Wristlock and he tags Matt back in. Double axe handle to Shelton from the middle rope. Matt with a scoop slam and he goes back to the middle rope and elbows Shelton in the back for two. Shelton makes the corner and tags Haas in. Haas rams Matt in the corner. Matt reverses an irish whip and hits a back body drop out of the corner. Cade tags in and slams Haas in the corner. Murdoch comes in and they do it again. Haas with an eye poke and Shelton tags in. Drop toe hold by Murdoch and he hits some forearms to Shelton's chest. Matt and Jeff come in to hit Poetry in Motion. Matt clotheslines Shelton out of the ring. Jeff mule kicks Haas from the ring. Murdoch climbs to the top rope and hits TWGTT with a top rope splash to the floor. Commercial.
Jeff is tagged in and hits some reverse elbows back from the break. Jeff connects with Whisper in the Wind on Haas. He goes to attack Haas again, but Shelton kicks him in the head. Haas covers for two. Shelton tags in and stomps Jeff. Jeff tags in Kenny and Kenny punches Jeff from the top rope. Clothesline for two. Kenny and Nitro team up for a backbreaker/elbow drop combo. Shelton tags back in but Jeff fights back. Dragon Whip by Shelton gets two. Shelton with a rear naked choke on the mat. Haas tags in and kicks Jeff in the face. Haas with some stomps and a belly to belly out of the corner for two. Haas with a chinlock. Jeff punches out, but Haas uses the hair to toss him down. Kenny tags in and hits Jeff in the back for two. Kenny with a boot to the face for two. Kenny applies a chinlock with some pressure added on the back. Jeff counters with a neckbreaker to knock both men down. Jeff tags Matt in and he hits some clotheslines and a bulldog out of the corner on Kenny for two. Jeff with a reverse DDT to Kenny and a DDT at the same time to Nitro for two. The World's Greatest Tag Team try to interfere, but Cade & Murdoch take them out of the ring. Matt hits the Twist of Fate on Kenny and Jeff tags in with a Swanton Bomb for the win.
Your winners, The Hardys, Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch!
Post match, Shelton gets on the mic and tells the winners not to go anywhere. He congratulates the winners but says they didn't beat TWGTT. He challenges the Hardys for the belts at One Night Stand. Matt accepts, but says it will be a ladder match. Matt and Shelton with mic time in the same segment?
Todd Grisham is in the back with WWE Champion John Cena. Grisham reminds Cena that after the champ said he wasn't afraid of Khali, he was laid out immediately. Cena says all he has to fall back on is his word, and he never goes back on his word and reiterates that he is not scared of the Punjabi Frankenstein. There may be some doubt, however, due to the screwy finish of their Judgment Day match. So at ONS, everyone is wondering if he can FU Khali and pin him for the very first time. Cena takes a lot of pride in shutting his critics up, and he promises to stop Khali this Sunday.
Maria interviews IC Champ Santino Marella in the back. She wants his opinion on the draft and his feelings about moving. Santino says as long as he is in the WWE and Intercontinental Champion, he will be happy. Maria giggles and Santino wants to know what's up. She says she loves his accent and wonders if it is Italian. He says it is New Jersey before saying he is kidding. Marella walks off and Orton comes up on the other side. Orton says taking Michaels out was the second greatest moment of his career. He acknowledges that he took advantage of a man's injury, and is now on a roll. Orton says he respected HBK, but has none for Rob Van Dam, his opponent tonight.
Rob Van Dam vs. Randy Orton
Orton and RVD feel each other out and stall to begin the match. Orton with a waistlock. RVD reverses. Orton reverses and goes into a side headlock. RVD reverses into a hammerlock. Orton elbows out. RVD with an arm drag. Orton kicks RVD in the gut and hits some forearms to the back. RVD kicks Orton in the face and rolls up Orton for a couple two counts. Orton bails. Orton back in with a knee to the gut. RVD reverses an irish whip and hits a monkey whip out of the corner. Orton comes back with another knee to the gut. European Uppercut by Orton and forearms to the back in the corner. Orton takes RVD to another corner and connects with some right hands. RVD comes back with a headlock, but Orton throws him off. Spin Kick by RVD. Leg drop but Orton bails before RVD can complete the Rolling Thunder. Orton dropkicks RVD off the top rope and into the guardrail on the floor. Commercial.
Back from the break, Orton has RVD in his favorite move...a headlock on the mat. RVD elbows out, but is yanked down by the hair. Randy begins the Garvin/Orton Stomp. Knee drop to the sternum gets two. Orton goes back to the headlock. RVD blocks a charge in the corner and hits a springboard sidekick. Orton and RVD exchange punches. RVD dodges a dropkick and hits Rolling Thunder. Clotheslines by RVD and a kick/clothesline combo gets two. Split-legged Moonsault gets another near fall. Eye poke by Orton. RVD with a windmill kick. He goes up top for the 5 Star, but Orton rolls onto the apron. RVD leaps into the ring and connects with a side kick to knock Orton off the apron. Orton meets RVD before he can get back in the ring and hits a DDT with the assistance of the ropes for two. RVD's eyes are glassy and he doesn't respond to the ref. Van Dam struggles to get back up, and when he does, Orton punches him in the head. Orton then kicks RVD in the head, much like he did to Shawn Michaels. The ref calls for the bell.
Your winner, Randy Orton!
After the match, Orton picks up Van Dam and plants him with a sick RKO.
During the commercial, RVD shows the effects of a WWE Concussion.
Ric Flair & Torrie Wilson vs. Carlito & Victoria
This match is under intergender rules, so the men can fight the women. Flair chops Carlito in the corner then hits some punches. Flair chops Carlito to the mat. Victoria makes the blind tag and she slaps Flair. Flair forearms Carlito. Victoria slaps Flair again and invites the Nature Boy to hit her. He opts for a Figure 4. Carlito tries to interfere and Victoria reverses. Carlito tags back in and works the leg with some kicks and elbow drops to the leg. Carlito stomps the leg. He applies a Single Leg Crab but Flair makes the ropes. Victoria tags in and kicks Flair. Victoria accidentally hits Carlito off the apron and Torrie tags in. Torrie with clotheslines to Victoria. Hair pull and Torrie pounds Victoria's head on the mat. Carlito cheap shots Flair's leg on the floor. X Factor by Torrie, but Carlito comes in and breaks the pin up. He tags in and kisses Torrie. She slaps him and turns around, giving Carlito an opening to hit the Backstabber for the win.
Your winners, Carlito & Victoria!
Umaga and Khali shout gibberish at each other in the back. Shane McMahon is able to calm them down and calls them the worst prom couple ever. He tells Khali to take out Cena and Umaga to take out Lashley. He reminds both that Shane gets the pin.
Kiss Cam welcomes us back from the break. A newly married couple is in the crowd, complete with the veil. Chris Masters interrupts. Masters noticed how charmed Maria was by Santino earlier. He then challenges Marella to break the Masterlock. Marella opts to come out and punch Masters instead. Masters catches him and hits a shoulderbreaker before putting him in the Masterlock. Marella struggles and fights back up, but can not break the hold.
Shane McMahon, Umaga, & The Great Khali vs. John Cena & Bobby Lashley
Umaga and Khali argue over who starts. Umaga wins and rams Cena into the corner after they trade punches. Umaga with some punches in the corner, but he misses a charge. Cena with a bulldog, but Umaga knocks him back down. Cena hits the Throwback, but only gets one. Umaga with a thrust to the throat and he punches Cena in the corner. The is a dueling Cena Sucks/Let's Go Cena chant going on. Khali tags in and punches Cena to the mat. Shane tags in and kicks Cena in the corner. Shane with some axe handles on the mat. Umaga tags back in and tosses Cena into the corner before punching him. Cena punches back, but Umaga counters with a Samoan Drop thanks to a kick by Shane. Umaga covers for two. Khali tags in and gives Cena a leg drop. Shane tags in and applies the body scissors. Cena stand up and drives Shane into the corner. Blue Thunder Driver by Cena and both men are down. Umaga and Lashley tag in. Lashley splashes Umaga in the corner. DDT by Lashley. Umaga kicks him on the spear attempt. Lashley dodges a spear attempt. Khali makes the blind tag. Cena runs Umaga out of the ring and with Lashley, hits stereo shoulder tackles to tie Khali up in the ropes. Umaga gives Cena a Samoan Spike on the floor. Lashley brings Shane in the ring, but Khali breaks free and hits a double barreled chokeslam. Shane tags in and connects with the Leap of Faith Elbow Drop from the top rope for the win.
Your winners, Shane McMahon, The Great Khali, & Umaga!
Vince McMahon makes his first appearance on the show when he comes out to congratulate the winning team as RAW ends.
2008 - Former WCW commentator Mark Madden was "permanently removed" from his ESPN radio afternoon drive time slot due to remarks he made about Senator Edward Kennedy (D., MA). On his 5/21 broadcast, Madden said the following about Kennedy, who had been diagnosed with a serious form of brain cancer: "I'm very disappointed to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts is near death because of a brain tumor. I always hoped Senator Kennedy would live long enough to be assassinated. I wonder if he got a card from the Kopechnes."
The first line refers to Kennedy's brothers, President John and Robert Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated. The last line refers Mary Jo Kopechne, who drowned in 1969 following a car accident in which Kennedy was the driver. Obviously, Madden was going as low brow as he possibly could with his remarks.
The decision to fire Madden was made by ESPN, which owns the radio station. Madden had the highest rated show in his time period but was fired anyway. He had been told by management numerous times to tone down his vitriol and this was the final straw for him. It now appears if Madden wants to stay in sports broadcasting he will have to leave the Pittsburgh market. The other sports station in town is owned by ClearChannel and they are said to have no interest in Madden and his act.
2009 - Midway Games, who produced the one and only TNA video game, announced that all of their assets, including the TNA license, would be going up for sale. The entire company, minus the license, was later sold.
2009 - It became public that the merger that helped hurt (some say kill) the wrestling business is about to be undone. Back in 2000, America Online merged with Time Warner, who owned WCW. At the time, AOL was a high flying corporation that didn't like having money-losing companies under its umbrella. As soon as the merger was announced, people with a clue in WCW knew that the promotion was in trouble (while others had no idea that the end was near). A good friend of mine worked in the Turner accounting office at the time and told me at the time that WCW was doomed since it was losing money hand over fist and the AOL execs had no tolerance for dogs. That put the company on the chopping block. It was almost sold to Fusient Media Ventures, with Eric Bischoff as a front man, but before the sale went through, Time Warner executive Jamie Kellner decided that he did not want wrestling on TNT or TBS and Fusient pulled out of the deal when they couldn't find another network to pick up WCW programming. That led to WCW's assets being sold for about $5M to WWE and effectively ended competition in the wrestling business. Now AOL, which made its fortune selling dial up internet access, is a company without a product to sell since their industry has changed so greatly. It will be spun off away from Time Warner as its own independent company. Had the merger never happened, the wrestling business just may be very different today.
2009 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Los Angeles, California and your announcers are Todd ‘Alex English’ Grisham and Jim ‘Doug Moe’ Ross for the Smackdown match, Michael ‘Michael Adams’ Cole and Jerry ‘Kiki Vandeweghe’ Lawler for the Raw match, and Josh ‘Dan Issel’ Mathews and Matt ‘Todd Lichti’ Striker.
Match Number One: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin versus Carlito and Primo in a Non Title Match
Primo and Benjamin start things off and they lock up and Benjamin with a waist lock into a side head lock. Benjamin follows that with a fireman’s carry into an arm bar. Primo kips up but Benjamin with a forearm and then he Irish whips Primo but runs into boots and then Primo with a springboard cross body for a near fall. Benjamin runs Primo into the corner and Haas is tagged in and he punches Primo. Primo with an elbow and he sends Haas into the turnbuckles before punching Haas in the corner. Primo with a kick to Haas and then Carlito is tagged in. They hit a double kick followed by a double drop kick to the head for a near fall. Haas sends Carlito into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Carlito. Haas with a forearm and then he tags in Benjamin.
Benjamin with a kick followed by a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Benjamin with an elbow to the head and then he returns to the reverse chin lock. Carlito with elbows but Benjamin with a power slam for a near fall. Benjamin with a front face lock and forearm to the back. Benjamin tries for a German suplex but Carlito blocks it and gets a rollup for a near fall. Carlito with a back body drop and then Primo is tagged in and he punches Benjamin followed by a back elbow and a drop kick to the knees. Primo with a rana for a near fall. Primo with a punch and kick to Benjamin. Benjamin is sent to the apron and Haas’ distraction allows Benjamin to drop Primo’s arm on the top rope as we go to commercial.
We are back and Haas with an arm bar to Primo and then Benjamin is tagged in and he slingshots into the ring and stomps on the arm. Benjamin with forearms and kicks to Primo. Benjamin sends Primo shoulder first into the ring post. Haas tags back in and he kicks the arm from the floor. Haas continues to work on the arm and then he applies an arm bar submission. Haas with a knee to the shoulder. Primo with a kick and desperation punches but Haas stops Primo from making the tag and he hits a spinebuster for a near fall that is broken up by Carlito. Benjamin tags in and he kicks Primo in the shoulder. Primo tries for head butts to stop Benjamin but Benjamin with a punch to the head and he returns to the arm with an arm bar. Benjamin tosses Primo in the air and he lands hard on the mat.
Cryme Tyme come out and they have a few yo-yos for the fans to take away from the match. Primo with a rollup for a two count thanks to the distraction. Benjamin with forearms to Primo but Primo with a belly-to-back suplex. Carlito and Haas tag in and Carlito with a missile drop kick and a knee lift and clothesline. Carlito with a springboard back elbow for a two count. Benjamin tells Cryme Tyme to leave and Carlito knocks Benjamin off the apron. Carlito with a springboard moonsault into a backstabber for the three count.
Winners: Primo and Carlito
We have a video package from the band that makes the song that is the theme for Superstars.
Jack Swagger is looking at himself in the mirror before he walks into commercial.
We are back and Mike is not happy about the WWE Did You Know Stat.
Match Number Two: Finlay versus Jack Swagger
Swagger runs Finlay into the corner and he connects with a series of knees before Finlay responds with a punch. Swagger with forearms to the back followed by an Irish whip. Swagger sends Finlay to the floor from the turnbuckles and Finlay favors his shoulder as Swagger does push ups in the ring. Swagger with kicks to Finlay as he returns to the ring. Swagger with a double jump splash for a near fall. Swagger with a waist lock. Swagger with a forearm to the back and then Swagger tries for an abdominal stretch but Finlay stays out of the hold. Swagger hits Finlay in the back but Finlay sends Swagger over the top rope to the floor. Swagger runs Finlay’s back into the ring post. They return to the ring and Swagger gets a two count. Swagger tries for another splash but Finlay gets his knees up. Finlay with a near fall on Swagger. Swagger runs Finlay into the turnbuckles and hits the Oklahoma Stampede for a near fall. Swagger grabs the shillelagh and the referee stops him. Finlay with an inside cradle but the referee was not in position and he could only get a two count. Finlay runs Swagger into the turnbuckles and then Swagger hits the Doctor Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Jack Swagger
If you missed the first twenty minutes of Raw, you are able to get a recap of what helped Raw get its first hour ratings.
We are back with a look at Randy Orton and his reign of IED Terror.
Match Number Three: John Cena versus Ted DiBiase
They lock up and Cena with a side head lock take down and they go into the corner. DiBiase with a side head lock and take down to Cena. DiBiase with a shoulder tackle but Cena with a hip toss and slam. Cena with an elbow drop for a near fall. DiBiase with a kick and punch to Cena followed by kicks in the corner. DiBiase chokes Cena in the corner. DiBiase punches Cena in the head. Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog for a near fall. Cena misses a charge into the corner and then DiBiase punches Cena. DiBiase continues to punch Cena and Cena goes down and DiBiase gets a near fall. DiBiase punches Cena but Cena blocks the punch and he responds with punches of his own. DiBiase with a cross body but Cena rolls through and then he gets DiBiase on his shoulders but DiBiase gets out of the hold and goes to the floor to regroup. Cena chases after him but DiBiase drops Cena on the top rope. DiBiase with an Irish whip into the ring steps and we go to commercial.
We are back and DiBiase with a rear chin lock but Cena tries to escape and gets an inside cradle. DiBiase with a clothesline to Cena and Cena goes down again. DiBiase with a series of fist drops that some might say are vintage. DiBiase with a drop kick for a near fall. DiBiase with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena with an Attitude Adjustment set up but DiBiase with a rollup and a power slam for a near fall. Cena with a back body drop and then Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment but DiBiase grabs the ropes. Cena kicks DiBiase in the solar plexus but DiBiase with a clothesline from the turnbuckles. DiBiase with a gut buster on the shoulder and DiBiase is only able to get a two count. DiBiase tries for a superplex but Cena knocks DiBiase off. Cena with the vintage leg drop and then he applies the STF and DiBiase taps out.
Winner: John Cena
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at Sacrifice when Dr. Stevie got to wear some thumbtacks; Kong gained some revenge on Angelina Love; Samoa Joe beat Kevin Nash; a towel is thrown; Robert Roode and James Storm are going to get a big check; and Sting is in charge of the Main Event Mafia, but Mick Foley holds on to the title.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Gorilla Monsoon’ Tenay and Don ‘Lord Alfred Hayes’ West.
Match Number One: Amazing Red versus Suicide for the X Division Title
They lock up and Suicide with an uppercut and a slam but Red holds on and gets a series of near falls. Suicide with a clothesline that flips Red. Red with an arm drag. Suicide with a fireman’s carry slam and Suicide slides to the floor and Red is kicked off the apron by Suicide. Suicide drops Red on the guardrail. In the split screen we see the Main Event Mafia arrive earlier in the day and Kurt Angle is not happy since Sting is in charge.
Back to the live on tape action and Suicide with a take down and a punch. Suicide with a swinging side leg sweep. Suicide with a punch to the head and an Irish whip. Red with a kick and then he avoids a charge by Suicide, but Suicide with a running drop kick. Suicide with a forearm to the back and a slam. Suicide with a leaping leg drop. Red with a satellite DDT. Red with punches to Suicide followed by an enzuigiri that staggers Suicide. Red with a drop kick to the back in the corner followed by a kick for a two count. Red signals for Code Red but Suicide blocks it and hits a slam for a near fall. Red with a rollup for a two count. Suicide with a kick and then it is time for the Suicide Solution for the three count.
Winner: Suicide
The Main Event Mafia is walking in the hallway and while the women are still arguing, Kurt Angle looks depressed. We go to commercial.
We are back and the Main Event Mafia Version 2.0 comes to the ring. Sting says that there has been some speculation about the changes he will bring to the Main Event Mafia. Everyone’s job is secure but there is a need for major changes. Since this group was started, a few of them have lost their focus. They forgot why they made the pact to put the group first and egos second. It was a pact that would bring honor, dignity, and respect back no matter what the cost. It was a pact that they would finish until they got to their goal. Sting says that he lived up to that part of the deal. He wonders if everyone else has lived up to the deal. Sting wants to know if they have let obstacles get in their way. Sting says that it is obvious by looking around the ring. Sting tells Kevin and Booker that they have allowed jealousy between Sharmell and Jenna to get in the way of what they are doing. As a result, starting tonight, the women are banned from the Mafia. Sting says that he is just getting started because it does not just start with the women. Kurt has signed his own private security team without consulting with anyone else in the group. Security has been fired and Kurt throws a fit. Sting says that if anyone in the family has a problem with anything that he said, he wants them to step forward or forever hold their peace.
While he is not in the Main Event Mafia, Samoa Joe comes out. Joe says that while he might be trying to restore a shred of honor, one man cannot repair it. It takes a Nation. Joe says that he is putting them all on notice that he will be taking them all out one by one and he has been ordered to do so. That is until it is left with Kurt Angle. Joe says that he has been ordered to kill Kurt Angle.
Jeremy Borash is in the back with Mick Foley and it is time to find out the first two King of the Mountain Qualifiers. Jeremy wants to know where Jeff Jarrett’s photo is. Mick says that he has something for auction and it is a sign with Jeff Jarrett listed as the founder. Mick says that he has been talking to the TNA shareholders and things did not go well. He says that things will be resolved tonight. Jeff Jarrett will face Eric Young while A.J. Styles will face Daniels. Jeremy asks what happened at the headquarters and Mick tells Jeremy to have a nice day. We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is with the British Invasion. He is trying to get around Rob Terry so he can be seen. Brutus does not being accused of stealing the briefcases. They are going to give everyone the chance to get the briefcases back. Doug Williams says that they are willing to put things up in a ladder match to get the briefcase for the X Division Title. Jeremy asks about Brutus being seen with Kiyoshi and Sheik Abdul Bashir.
Lauren is with Jenna and she suggests that things are getting worse. Jenna wants to know why Sharmell is angry with her because Booker was going to have his arm broken. Sharmell enters and we have a catfight. Booker pulls his wife off Jenna and we go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is going to be with Sojournor Bolt later for an interview, but Stevie Richards walks up behind Lauren and Lauren tells him to leave. He wanted to come to her office this week. Stevie says the joke will be on Lauren’s boyfriend because he is going to give Abyss a live therapy session. Lauren says that it won’t happen if she has anything to do with it. Stevie talks about how he owns Abyss and he will always own him.
Match Number Two: Doug Williams with Brutus Magnus and Rob Terry versus Cody Deaner with ODB in a Ladder Match
The hat is turned around and he is ready for action. Doug almost hurts himself from laughing too hard. The jacket comes off and he throws it at Williams and Deaner climbs the ladder but Williams stops him. Deaner grabs Williams’ leg. Williams with a European uppercut and then he sends Deaner into the ladder and then he hits a knee drop. Williams with a cravate to Deaner followed by a European uppercut. Williams runs Deaner into the turnbuckles and then he connects with a forearm. Williams fixes the ladder and he climbs deliberately and Deaner with a forearm to the back from the turnbuckles and both men are down. Williams is not happy and he kicks and punches Deaner. Williams with a head butt to Deaner. Williams slams Deaner onto the ladder but he misses a knee drop and lands on the ladder. Deaner grabs the ladder and he wants to set it up but Williams with a cross body onto the ladder. Williams gets back body dropped onto the ladder. Rob and Brutus grab the ladder and Williams is back body dropped onto the ladder. ODB brings the ladder into the ring and he sets it up and starts to climb. Williams is brought back in and Williams pushes the ladder over and Deaner bounces off the ropes and lands hard. Williams gets the case to win the match.
Winner: Doug Williams
Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi come to the ring and they shake hands with the British.
Jeremy Borash is in the locker room with Jeff Jarrett. Jeff says that Foley is still the champion. Jeremy asks Jeff about the match with Eric Young. Jeremy brings up the friendship between Jeff and Eric over the years. Jeremy asks if Eric Young has a point. Jeff says that Jeremy knows what he has had to deal with because a maniac is running the asylum. Jeff says that he is going to focus on Eric Young. It is time for Eric to grow up and win, lose, or draw they will be friends after the match. Jeremy asks about the meeting in Nashville and Jarrett does not tell him anything. We go to commercial.
We are back and Dr. Stevie is in the ring and he has a straitjacket. He brings out his patient and his friend, Abyss. Stevie tells Abyss that this environment is a bit outside their usual therapy session because they want to bring it to a public forum. Stevie talks about their addiction and that addiction is for pain, violence, and blood. It does not matter if it is someone else’s or their own. Abyss is reminded that he choke slammed Stevie into a pile of thumbtacks. Stevie says that Abyss should not do that to his therapist. The difference between them is that Stevie is a civilized human being while Abyss is unfit for society. Stevie tells Chris that they have to start the whole therapy process all over again. Stevie gives Abyss the straitjacket and he tells Chris that he does not want to do it but Abyss has to put it back on. Stevie says that he is not doing it for him and he yells at Abyss to put it on. Stevie tells Abyss that what he is about to do will hurt him more than it hurts Abyss. It is time for the therapy to begin. Stevie gets a kendo stick, but Don West points out that it isn’t a baseball bat. Lauren comes to the ring and she gets between Stevie and Abyss. Abyss tells Stevie not to threaten Lauren.
From out of the crowd, Raven comes into the ring. Raven takes the kendo stick and he hits Abyss with it. Stevie tells Chris that he is sorry because they are out of time.
Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Madison Rayne walk to the ring with Kip James a few steps behind as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy wants to know why Raven is back. He says that maybe he did it for the attention or the glory. Raven says that maybe he missed TNA or TNA missed him. Maybe he did it because he wanted to.
Match Number Three: Angelina Love with Madison Rayne, Velvet Sky, and Kip James versus Sojournor Bolt for the TNA Women’s Title
Bolt with a jackknife cover for a near fall followed by a rollup for a near fall. Love with a drop toe hold into the turnbuckles. Love chokes Bolt in the corner. Love with a kick to Bolt followed by a knee lift and a bicycle kick for a two count. Love with a forearm. Bolt with a Samoan drop and both women are down. Bolt with forearms to Love followed by a flapjack. Madison gets on the apron in referee distraction point #1 and Angelina is given the spray and it goes into Bolt’s eyes and then Angelina hits the leaping flatline for the three count.
Winner: Angelina Love
After the match, Angelina gets on the mic and she says that it is another outstanding performance by the Women’s Champion. Now it is time for some unfinished business. Angelina has something to tell Kip. She wants to know why Kip is still hanging around them. She reminds Kip that he was fired a month ago. Angelina reminds Kip that he couldn’t take care of Kong when she called him. Angelina calls Kip an embarrassment to TNA and himself. She wants security to get him out of the way. Kip takes off his t-shirt and leaves the ring.
Angelina wonders how long she has to beat the same knockouts and she demands some more competition. Victoria comes to the ring and she slaps Velvet and then she takes care of Madison with a side slam. She wants Angelina and she punches her. They exchange punches and it is time for the Widow’s Peak. Madison and Velvet scrape Angelina off the mat.
Victoria gets on the mic and she tells Angelina that the challenge has been accepted.
Jeremy is in the back with Eric Young to talk about Eric’s match against Jeff Jarrett. Jeremy tries to make Eric think about what Jeff is going through. Eric talks about how they come to him when they need something done, but then they ignore him. Tonight, Jeff and everyone else will take notice of Eric Young. Eric vows that this will be a night that you won’t forget.
Mick Foley is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and The Motor City Machine Guns, Jay Lethal, and Consequences Creed are in the back with Jeremy Borash. Lethal says that one word brought them together. Suicide. They want to know who Suicide is. Lethal says that it is not Daniels, so they want to find out who it is. Creed says that they are teaming with the Machine Guns to find out who is behind Suicide. Sabin and Shelley appear to be so excited to listen to Lethal and they leave without saying a word.
Mick Foley makes his way to the ring. He says that it has been a tough week for him. It seems that the honeymoon between him and TNA management is over. Mick says that he wants to talk about next week’s King of the Mountain Qualifying matches. The main event will be Samoa Joe against Kevin Nash. It will be a Lethal Lockdown Match. For seven years, TNA has put World Title matches on a monthly or weekly basis that are second to none. On Sunday, he overcame overwhelming odds and fought through indescribable pain to hold on to the TNA Heavyweight Title. Mick says that TNA rewards him by putting him in a match that is named after Jeff Jarrett. Mick says that the odds are stacked in somebody’s favor. Foley says that he is only human and for the good of the company, he needs to stay champion as long as possible. Mick says that the only way to ensure that he stays the champion as long as possible, and he means years, is not to defend the title very often. To show that he is willing to compromise. He will put up the belt against staggering odds because after he puts it on the line at Slammiversary, he will put the title on the line once per year.
Jeremy Borash is in the back with A.J. Styles and Daniels. A.J. says that they knew it would happen and they are professionals. They came to TNA to fight the best and that will happen tonight. Daniels says that everyone does not get a second chance, but he has been given it and he will prove that he is one of the best. Samoa Joe enters the area and A.J. says that they have work to do. Joe says that he is not good at this but he says that he is sorry. Joe says that he snapped after what the Mafia did. Joe says that they want to get things the way that they were when they started together in TNA. A.J. says that they will talk after the match. We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Eric Young versus Jeff Jarrett in a King of the Mountain Qualifying Match
Jarrett offers his hand but Young refuses. Jarrett with a side head lock but Young reverses. Young with a shoulder tackle but Jarrett with a drop kick. Jarrett with a side head lock and Young with a drop kick of his own. Young with a discus clothesline for a near fall. Young with a reverse atomic drop followed by a flying forearm for a near fall. Young tries for a sunset flip off the turnbuckles but Jarrett with a near fall. Jarrett with a crucifix for a near fall. Young with the Flair flip and then he slides in but Jarrett sets for the figure four but Young with an inside cradle for a near fall. Young punches Jarrett but Jarrett punches back. Young with a sit out power bomb for a near fall. Young with a knee to the head and then he slams Jarrett and Young goes up top for a moonsault but Jarrett moves. Jarrett with the Stroke but Young gets his foot on the rope. Young with a wheelbarrow set up but Jarrett with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Jeff Jarrett
After the match, Eric Young sulks in the ring and then he offers his hand to Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett shakes Eric’s hand and Eric starts to leave the ring but Jarrett wants Eric to return to the ring. Jarrett shakes Eric’s hand but Young attacks Jarrett from behind and clips him in the bad hamstring. Young slams Jarrett’s knee into the mat and then he does it again. Eric goes to the top turnbuckle and he hits an elbow to the hamstring. Young leaves the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at what just happened between Jeff Jarrett and Eric Young when Eric Young decided to take out his revenge on the Founder of TNA.
Jeremy Borash is trying to find out why Eric Young did what he did to Jeff Jarrett. Eric asks Jeremy to find out from Jeff Jarrett if he is going to forget about him now.
Team 3D are in the ring and they have the trophies, big check, and So Cal Val. Ray brings out James Storm and Robert Roode. Ray congratulates Storm and Roode on their victory on Sunday night. He says that they should be proud of their performance and so are the fans of TNA. Ray says that they should be most proud of what they are proud of. They work in a company that shows off the greatest tag team division in pro wrestling today. Ray and Devon have the trophies for Storm and Roode and they have the check for One Hundred Thousand Dollars. Ray says the most important thing they won and earned was a title match.
Roode tells Ray and Devon that they want to thank Team 3D for the opportunity to prove to them and the entire world that they are the greatest tag team today. Roode says that if you don’t believe it, after Slammiversary you will believe it. Devon shakes their hand and then Ray brings some beer to the ring and it is time for a Rayweiser. Storm drinks out of the trophy.
Don and Mike talk about next week when Jesse Neal will make his debut and Kevin Nash will face Samoa Joe under Lethal Lockdown Rules.
Match Number Five: A.J. Styles versus Daniels in a King of the Mountain Qualifier Match
They shake hands and lock up with Styles applying a side head lock and holding on. Daniels with an arm drag into an arm bar. Daniels with a hammer lock and a side head lock. Daniels with a drop kick to Styles. Styles with a drop kick after flipping over Daniels. Daniels goes to the apron and Styles tries to suplex him back in. Daniels tries for a suplex to the floor. Styles with a springboard moonsault to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Styles with a kick and a neck breaker for a near fall. Styles with a reverse chin lock. Daniels with elbows and punches. Styles goes to the apron and he tries for a shoulder but Daniels with a kick and a swinging neckbreaker and Styles goes to the floor. Daniels with an Arabian moonsault onto Styles and they return to the ring. Daniels goes up top but misses a cross body. Styles goes to the apron and he hits the Phenomenal forearm. Styles with clotheslines and a spin kick. Daniels with an Irish whip but Styles with the springboard moonsault but Daniels blocks the inverted DDT with a snap mare. Daniels with a Blue Thunder Driver for a near fall. Daniels with an uranage and then it is time for a BME but Styles moves out of the way and Styles with a Pele Kick. Styles tries for the Styles Clash but Daniels blocks it. Daniels tries for the Angel’s Wing but Styles counters with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: A.J. Styles
After the match, Styles and Daniels shake hands and hug. Daniels raises Styles’ hand and then A.J. leaves the ring. Shane Douglas comes through the crowd and he attacks Daniels with a chain. A.J. returns to the ring as we go to credits.
2010 - During an interview with the UK Sun, Ric Flair stated that his son Reid had signed with TNA. Reid never debuted for the company.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a reminder that the Undertaker is coming back tonight.
We are live on tape from Cleveland, Ohio and your announcers are Matt ‘Mistake near the Lake’ Striker and Todd ‘Winking Lizard’ Grisham.
Teddy Long comes to the ring and he has something to say to the WWE Universe, but he dances a little before he talks. Teddy talks about the brand new pay per view in less than four weeks, Fatal Four Way. Teddy says that Jack Swagger will defend his title in a Fatal Four Way Match. Based on his victory over Jack Swagger on Sunday, by disqualification, the Big Show automatically qualifies. The other two participants will be determined in qualifying matches. CM Punk will face Kane. Before we hear what the next match is, Teddy reminds us that CM Punk and him share hair styles. In the other match, Rey Mysterio will face the Undertaker.
Before Teddy can talk about the unique nature of the pay per view, Drew McIntyre’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring. We see footage from what Matt Hardy did to Drew McIntyre after Drew’s loss to Kofi Kingston at Over the Limit.
Drew tells Teddy that he should still be the Intercontinental champion. Drew says that his match with Kofi at Over the Limit should have been stopped because his arm was lacerated and he was in extreme pain. Teddy allowed the match to continue. Drew says that if Teddy cannot do his job right, he will have to do it for Teddy.
Teddy tells Drew that he knows that Drew is upset about the loss on Sunday and he did not have the right to trash his office on Sunday and interrupt him tonight. Teddy wants to know who Drew thinks he is and Drew reminds Teddy that he is the ‘Chosen One’. Teddy realizes that is who Drew is. Teddy tells Drew that when Matt Hardy gets his hands on Drew . . .
Before we figure out what Teddy is going to say, Drew pulls a letter out of his wrestling gear (which has no pockets) and gives it to Teddy to read out loud.
Teddy reads the letter and it says that due to the reckless actions by Matt Hardy on Sunday night, Matt is suspended without pay until further notice. The letter is signed by Vince McMahon.
Drew tells Teddy that this is a warning that if he turns a blind eye to Drew’s fortunes, the next letter that he gets from Drew will be informing Teddy of his termination as General Manager.
Teddy walks out of the ring and Matt Hardy’s music plays and he comes out. Teddy tries to stop Matt but Matt says that he respects him and has to do it. Security comes out to stop Matt and Teddy tells Matt that if he does not leave, he will be forced to fire Matt.
Drew gets on the mic and tells Matt that he is the reason why Matt is suspended.
We go to commercial.
We are back and as Jack Swagger comes to the ring, he reminds us that he is still the World Champion. In case we missed it the first time, he tells us a few more times.
Match Number One: Drew McIntyre and Jack Swagger versus Big Show and Kofi Kingston
Swagger and Kofi start things off and they lock up with Swagger putting Kofi in a front face lock and takes Kofi to the mat and rolls through with a waist lock. Swagger tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Kofi gets out of the hold and Kofi with a kick. Swagger with a kick of his own and he tags in McIntyre but Kofi with more kicks and a side head lock. Drew takes Kofi down to the mat and he kicks Kofi. Kofi counters a hip toss with a monkey flip and he gets a near fall. Kofi with forearms but Drew with a forearm of his own. Kofi and Drew exchange forearms and kicks. Kofi with a flying forearm and Drew backs into the corner and the referee holds Kofi back while Swagger argues with McIntyre. This discussion allows Kofi to tag Big Show in and Drew does not realize that Show is in the ring until he is leaping in the air for a splash into the corner. Swagger saw it coming and he retreats to the floor before Show can make contact with Drew. Show looks at Swagger on the floor and then Show with a head butt to Drew. Swagger hits Show from behind but Show with a shot to the back and Swagger’s taped ribs are further injured. Kofi with a clothesline that sends Drew over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Show brings Drew back into the ring and Show continues to stare down Swagger. Show with a chop to Drew and then Show tells Swagger something before he punches Drew in the ribs. Show sends Drew into the turnbuckles and then he chokes Drew in the ropes. Show with a slam and then Kofi tags in and hits a slingshot splash for a near fall. Kofi with a key lock and take down as he holds on to the key lock. Drew backs Kofi into the corner and he kicks Kofi in the ribs. Drew with an Irish whip but Kofi floats over and hits a Japanese arm drag. Drew with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Kofi leaps into the corner and then he goes to the apron to knock Swagger off the apron. Kofi with a forearm and then he tries for a springboard move but Swagger pulls Kofi to the floor. Drew picks up a motionless Kingston and slams his head into the ring steps. Kofi is rolled back into the ring and Drew gets a near fall. Drew with a chop to Kofi and then he points at Show. Swagger tags in and he puts Kofi in a reverse chin lock. Kofi with forearms to get out of the hold but Swagger with a leaping belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Swagger grabs the leg and McIntyre tags in and he kicks Kofi in the hand. Drew sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and hits a few clotheslines while Kofi is in the corner and then he hits a short arm clothesline.
Show reaches to make the tag but he cannot reach Kofi. Kofi kicks Drew’s leg but Drew with an arm bar and cross face and Drew focuses on the arm bar but Kofi escapes but Drew with a forearm and he tags Swagger back in. Swagger with a kick while Drew holds Kofi down. Swagger with more kicks and Kofi with punches but Swagger with forearms. Swagger with a bear hug but he keeps Kofi from making the tag. Kofi tries for a sunset flip but Swagger stays up and then sends Kofi into the turnbuckles. Kofi with a kick and then Kofi with a springboard cross body and both men are down. Drew tags in and he pulls Kofi into his own corner, but Kofi rolls away from Drew and makes the tag to Big Show. Show with clotheslines to Drew followed by an Irish whip and running butt splash. Show with a running shoulder tackle and Show signals for the choke slam but Swagger tries to interfere. Swagger is sent over the top rope and he falls into the announce table for his efforts. Drew with a kick to Show’s knee and he tries for the double underhook DDT but Show sends him down. Show signals for the punch and he connects for the three count.
Winners: Big Show and Kofi Kingston
After the match, Show stares at Swagger and we go to commercial.
We are back and Did you Know that WWE has been working with Make A Wish for more than 25 years?
We go to the Straight Edge Locker Room and we see Luke and Serena telling Punk that it looks good. Punk says that he looks foolish. Serena says that everything will work out okay. She tells him that he still looks beautiful and perfect. Punk knows that they like the way he looks, but Punk says that everyone else will mock him. Punk says that he knows that he is better than them so he does not care if they mock him. Punk says that they couldn’t humiliate him if they tried. Punk says that he has courage and he is courageous. Punk will walk out there in the center of the ring, he will tear off his towel to show the true face of CM Punk.
Vickie Guerrero is in the General Manager’s office with Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins and she throws a curveball with an escucha me for the Spanish speaking members of the WWE Universe. She tells them that they have fifteen days. Curt says that they will have plenty of time and they will make an impact tonight.
Dolph enters the office and wants to know if everything is alright. Vickie thanks Dolph for standing up for her on the Peep Show. She tells Dolph that he is proof that there is still chivalry in the WWE. Dolph says that it was nothing, but Vickie says that it meant a lot to her. She reminds him that she is the official consultant of Smackdown and then she tells Dolph that considering her position and that she owes him a favor puts him in a very very enviable situation. Vickie gets all come hither and Dolph says that he couldn’t stand seeing those two clowns making fun of her in the ring. Vickie says that as a token of her gratitude, Dolph will team with Chavo to face Christian and Hornswoggle. Vickie tells Dolph that there is more where that came from.
Before he comes to the ring, Punk has second thoughts about revealing his new hairdo as he keeps his towel over his head. Punk reveals his new hairdo and it looks a lot like a mask.
We see photos of the shaving from Sunday night.
Match Number Two: CM Punk with Luke Gallows and Serena versus Kane in a Fatal Four Way Qualifying Match
Punk with forearms but Kane pushes Punk down. Punk with more punches and forearms followed by knees. Kane with an uppercut followed by a punch and he works on Punk’s arm. Kane with a hammer lock and he sends Punk into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and gets a near fall. Kane works on the arm but Punk backs Kane into the corner and kicks Kane in the legs. Kane with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Punk continues with the kicks to the leg and then he hits the running knee into the corner but Kane avoids the bulldog. Punk slides between the legs and Kane grabs Punk’s mask but Punk is able to get to the floor before Kane can remove the mask. We go to commercial.
We are back and Punk is back in control of the match as he kicks Kane on the mat. Kane with a punch and back elbow. Kane with an Irish whip and back elbow. Kane with a slam and then he goes up top but Punk kicks Kane’s leg and Kane is crotched. Punk kicks Kane to the floor from the turnbuckles. Punk continues the attack on the knee as they battle on the floor. They return to the ring but Kane is clearly favoring his leg. Punk wraps the leg around the ring post. Punk with more kicks to the knee but Kane kicks back but Punk returns to the injured knee. Kane holds on to the ropes but Punk pulls Kane into the middle of the ring for a cover and he gets a near fall. Punk continues to work on the leg and knee but Kane counters and he punches Punk. Punk with a double sledge to the back and then Punk returns to the leg. Punk with a kick to the knee when Kane returns to his feet. Kane with a suplex for a near fall. Punk with a drop kick and then he gets a near fall. Punk with a modified Indian Death Lock but Kane with punches and forearms to get out of the hold. Punk with another kick to the leg but Kane sends Punk into the air and down to the mat for a near fall.
Kane with an Irish whip and gingerly running clothesline into the corner. Kane with another clothesline attempt but Punk with a kick and he goes to the turnbuckles but he is met with an uppercut and Kane gets a near fall. Kane with an Irish whip and side slam for a near fall. Kane hobbles to the apron and then he goes up top and hits the clothesline and Kane holds his leg. Kane sets for the choke slam but Punk with kicks to the leg. Kane throws Punk over the top rope and Punk lands hard on the apron. Punk goes up top and hits a cross body but the momentum sends Kane over and he gets a near fall. Kane tries for a choke slam but Punk escapes. Punk goes for the Go To Sleep but Kane avoids the hold and he grabs Punk’s mask but Punk gets to the ropes and Serena distracts the referee to allow Luke to punch Kane and Kane releases his hold on Punk’s mask. Punk with a kick to the head and then he hits Go To Sleep and both men are down. Punk rolls over the gets the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Christian and Hornswoggle versus Dolph Ziggler and Chavo Guerrero
Christian and Chavo start things off and they lock up with Chavo with a waist lock but Christian with a standing switch. Chavo with a take down and he puts Christian in a side head lock. Christian with a drop kick and then Christian goes after Ziggler but Ziggler is able to escape to the floor. Chavo takes advantage of Christian’s lapse in focus on the match and he attacks Christian from behind and sets for the Three Amigos but Christian blocks the third one and hits an inverted DDT and then Hornswoggle is tagged in and he hits a seated splash and then he kicks Chavo in the legs. Chavo with a big boot to Hornswoggle. Chavo stands on Hornswoggle’s throat and then Dolph talks some trash to Hornswoggle on the apron. Chavo slams Hornswoggle and tags in Ziggler. Ziggler puts Hornswoggle in the turnbuckles and he slaps Hornswoggle but misses a splash into the corner. Christian and Chavo tag in and they exchange punches with Christian getting the advantage. Christian with a running forearm and then he punches Chavo. Christian runs into an elbow but Christian responds with a flapjack to Chavo. Christian goes to the turnbuckles and hits a back elbow.
Christian sets for the Killswitch but Chavo with a double sledge and then he sends Christian into the turnbuckles and punches Christian. The referee pulls Chavo out of the corner and then Chavo misses a charge into the corner and hits a pendulum kick. Christian goes to the turnbuckles and hits a missile drop kick on Chavo and gets a near fall with Ziggler breaking up the cover. Hornswoggle comes in and kicks Ziggler but Ziggler throws Hornswoggle to the floor by his beard. Christian clotheslines Ziggler over the top rope to the floor. Chavo with a suplex and then he goes up top for the frog splash. Chavo sees Christian moving out of the way so he rolls through on the frog splash. Christian with the Killswitch for the three count.
Winners: Christian and Hornswoggle
After the match, Ziggler puts Christian in the sleeper and he adds a body scissors until Christian is knocked out.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are told that Drew McIntyre will get his rematch against Kofi Kingston next week on Smackdown.
Josh Mathews is in the interview area with Michelle McCool and Layla, the self professed co-Women’s Champions. They tells Josh to leave. Michelle says that everyone is talking about them and Layla says that everyone needs a lesson in history. Michelle says that was a teacher so she can help. She says that the Women’s Title is the oldest title in WWE history. It might have taken fifty years, but the title is now flawless. Layla says that it is because the titles now say ‘Lay’ ‘Cool’. Michelle says that they need to thank the Cougar, Vickie Guerrero for this. Michelle says that people are complaining that they have two titles. It is because it was a handicap match and it was the two of them. Michelle says that Beth is at home crying about her knee. Michelle and Layla start to dance around. Michelle says that jealousy is such an ugly disease. They tell Beth to get well soon.
Montel Vontavious Porter pays tribute to Lebron James by throwing powder into the air before the match.
Match Number Four: Luke Gallows with Serena versus Montel Vontavious Porter
Porter with punches to Gallows at the start of the match as he avoids Gallows’ punches. Porter works the body and the head as Gallows throws a few punches in as well. Porter with a belly-to-belly suplex. Gallows and Porter continue with the punches as they change positions on the mat. Porter with a waist lock but Gallows gets to the ropes. Porter with more punches and then he hits a flying forearm for a near fall. Porter with more punches to Gallows and the referee warns Porter. Porter with a boot to the head but Gallows sends Porter to the apron and then Gallows knocks Porter to the floor with a punch. Gallows goes to the floor and sends Porter back first into the apron. Gallows does it a second time and returns Porter to the ring. Gallows with a suplex as he continues to work on the back and gets a near fall.
Gallows with punches to Porter and then he hits a few elbow drops and gets a near fall. Gallows with a waist lock but Porter with elbows. Gallows responds with a knee. Porter with a kick and then he gets a boot up for a charge by Gallows. Porter with a shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles followed by back elbows. Porter with a facebuster and then it is time for the Ballin’ Elbow. Gallows rolls to the floor and Porter hits a forearm as he comes off the apron. Porter rolls Gallows back into the ring and Serena distracts the referee and Porter long enough for the masked man to emerge and hit a DDT on the apron that allows Gallows to get the three count with the spinebuster slam.
Winner: Luke Gallows
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that the photos from the Undertaker/Shawn Michaels match from Wrestlemania have been viewed over 20 million times on the website.
It is time to take a look back at what happened on Raw when Batista quit.
Match Number Five: Rey Mysterio versus Undertaker in a Fatal Four Way Qualifying Match
The bell rings and Taker charges at Rey but Rey moves out of the way. Rey avoids Taker but Taker gets a hold of Rey and sends him into the corner and hits a back elbow. Taker with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Rey. Rey clips the knee but Taker responds with a clothesline to Rey when Rey tries to get too fancy. Taker drops Rey on the top rope and then Rey goes to the apron. Taker misses a big boot when Rey ducks and Rey hits a missile drop kick that sends Taker to the floor. Taker comes back in and Rey goes to the floor. Taker goes to the floor and Rey returns to the ring as he continues to frustrate the man from Death Valley. Rey with a baseball slide and an Asai moonsault onto Taker. Rey returns to the ring and we go to commercial.
We are back and Rey kicks Taker in the leg as he avoids punches from Taker. Taker gets Rey up but Rey gets back to his feet and he kicks Taker but Taker shows Rey that was a mistake as he grabs Rey by the throat for a choke slam. Rey fights out of the hold and then Taker kicks Rey and sets for the Last Ride but Rey gets to his feet. Rey with a drop toe hold and Taker falls into the ropes. Rey sets for the 619 but Taker gets up and hits a big boot. Taker throws Rey to the floor and Taker follows after him. Taker picks up Rey and runs him into the ring post. Taker sends Rey shoulder first into the ring post as he continues to wear down Rey. Taker with kicks to Rey. Taker with a hammer lock and he sends Rey into the ringside barrier. Taker returns to the ring to stop the ref’s count.
Taker puts Rey on the apron and slams the arm into the apron. Taker with a key lock and he gets a near fall. Taker lifts Rey in the air by the injured arm and then drops Rey to the mat to get a near fall. Rey with forearms but Taker with a knee. Taker lifts Rey up but Rey gets on Taker’s shoulders and hits a rana. Rey with a springboard seated splash and a drop kick for a near fall. Rey goes to the apron again for another springboard seated splash and gets another near fall. Taker with a punch to Rey. Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Taker falls into the ropes and Rey hits the 619. Rey with the springboard dive but Taker grabs Rey by the throat. Rey escapes the choke slam but Taker hits Snake Eyes but misses the big boot. Rey with a back heel kick and he tries for an Asai Moonsault but Taker catches Rey and hits the Tombstone piledriver for the three count.
Winner: Undertaker
2010 - WWE's Raw brand ran New Orleans, LA at the Arena, featuring an in-ring promo by Edge in which he said he wasn't going to compete since he injured his scheduled opponent Randy Orton. Mark Henry appeared and attacked Edge, setting up a match for later in the show.
Results from the show:
Evan Bourne pinned Zack Ryder with Air Bourne
Maryse defeated Gail Kim
Dos Caras Jr. (the future Alberto Del Rio) defeated Santino Marella; prior to the bout, Tiffany had a fan be the guest timekeeper for the match
Wade Barrett defeated Goldust
WWE U.S. Champion R-Truth defeated Drew McIntyre
WWE Unified Tag Team Champions David Hart Smith & Tyson Kidd defeated William Regal & Vladimir Kozlov following the Hart Attack
Edge pinned Mark Henry with the spear after hitting him with a chair behind the referee's back
WWE World Champion John Cena pinned Chris Jericho with the FU after Jericho attempted to hit the champion with the title belt
2011 -WWE's Raw brand ran Sioux City, Iowa. Mike Portner filed the following live report:
Jimmy Hart was the guest host for the show. They did an angle like the one they did on Friday at Winnipeg to start the show. It led to Chris Masters beating Jack Swagger with the Masterlock.
Percy Watson beat Zack Ryder.
Mason Ryan squashed Primo.
Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly beat The Bellas.
Kofi Kingston beat Dolph Ziggler to keep the US Title. Ziggler had the match won but they did a finish were a second ref told the first one that Kofi's foot was on the ropes.
David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty beat Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov to retain the Tag Titles.
Rey Mysterio beat Alberto Del Rio.
John Cena beat The Miz and R-Truth in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWE Title
2011 - WWE's brand ran Madison, WI at the Alliant Energy Center with Ted DiBiase Sr. as the guest host. Results of the show saw:
Daniel Bryan won a battle royal by last eliminating Mark Henry after Henry eliminated Ezekiel Jackson to earn an Intercontinental title shot later that night.
Natalya Neidhart & AJ defeated Alicia Fox & Rosa Mendes when Fox submitted to Natalya's Sharpshooter
Yoshi Tatsu pinned Cody Rhodes with the kick to the head after Rhodes became distracted by Daniel Bryan at ringside
Jinder Mahal (with Great Khali) pinned Trent Baretta after Khali interfered and hit a chop on Baretta behind the referee's back
Daniel Bryan defeated WWE Intercontinental champion Wade Barrett via disqualification when Cody Rhodes interfered; after the bout, Rhodes, Heath Slater, and Justin Gabriel ganged up on Bryan until Ezekiel Jackson made the save
World champion Randy Orton defeated Sheamus and Christian by pinning Sheamus with the RKO.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
In the annual tradition of the WWE, this week’s episode of Raw is dedicated to the people who gave their lives to defend the United States.
We start off with the John Laurinaitis/John Cena/Big Show video package over what happened at Over the Limit and then on Raw.
We are live from New Orleans, Louisiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Are there any flags tonight’ Cole and Jerry ‘Happy Memorial Day’ Lawler.
Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwell, Big Show makes his way to the ring and he is dressed to talk.
Show has a smile on his face and he tells everyone that this is him doing his job. Show says that it was easy to make the people smile. He says that it was a calculated business decision because he made a living doing it. He was a business man who happened to be a giant.
All of that is over now. Show appreciates the ‘whats’ and he says that is why he loves them so much. Show says that he doesn’t have to smile now because he has an iron clad contract.
The crowd chants for John Cena and Show reminds us that he has an iron clad contract with a big bonus so he is set for life. Show says that he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants to whoever he wants and he doesn’t have to worry about having to put smiles on the people’s faces.
Show says that he is seven foot tall and four hundred forty one pounds. He is not an entertainer, he is a giant. There is no one in his league. There is no NFL player, NBA player, or phony UFC fighter, or anyone in the WWE who is in his league.
That is why not one WWE superstar came to his defense when he was at the most humiliating moment in his life, when he was begging for his job.
We see footage of what happened after Show was fired two weeks ago, and we see Brodus Clay and the Funkettes dancing with some members of the WWE Universe.
Show’s tears were not even dry in the ring and Brodus Clay was dancing. Two friends of his, Kofi Kingston and R Truth were yukking it up after he got fired. It was easy for everyone to move on.
Show calls the fans shallow and phony. After all that, there is one guy who disappointed him more than the fans. That person is John Cena.
Show says that he thought Cena was going to fight for him when Cena was in the ring with Laurinaitis. He thought Cena was going to threaten a mutiny in the locker room if Laurinaitis didn’t hire him back right away.
Instead we see what really happened and we see Cena calling Laurinaitis a loser many times.
Show says that Cena made jokes. Show says that he must be one big joke to everyone. Cena hurt him when he didn’t care. Last week, he hurt Cena and knocked him out twice in twenty four hours.
Show says that what he is going to do to John Cena at No Way Out is not going to be pretty. Cena will be standing across the ring from an unstoppable giant. Cena may think that his greatest loss happened at Wrestlemania to the Rock. Cena may think that he was beaten the worst by Brock Lesnar. Cena may think that he was embarrassed the most by losing to John Laurinaitis. Cena will suffer from all three at No Way Out and Show says that puts a smile on his face.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Santino Marella versus Ricardo Rodriguez from Smackdown.
Match Number One: Santino Marella versus Alberto Del Rio with Ricardo Rodriguez in a Non Title Match
Del Rio with kicks and punches to Santino when the bell rings and the referee warns him. Del Rio sends Santino into the corner but he misses a charge into the corner and Santino with a hip toss and diving head butt. Santino reaches for his sock puppet but Del Rio with a kick and then he floats over and applies the cross arm breaker and Santino taps immediately.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio takes Santino’s puppet while Ricardo rubs in the fact that Del Rio won.
Eve Torres is in the back and Alex Riley tells her that she is doing a great job. Big Show stops by and asks Alex if he knows Show. Eve tells Show that Johnny is letting him choose his opponent tonight.
Alex Riley tells Show that he doesn’t think that what Johnny did was right. Show tells Riley to calm down because he is not going to be his opponent tonight. Show has a message for Alex to give the WWE Locker Room and he sends Riley into the wall and walks away.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston and R Truth versus Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger with Vickie Guerrero for the WWE Tag Titles
Kofi and Swagger start off and Kofi with kicks to Swagger followed by a drop kick and Truth is tagged in. Truth and Kofi with a double hip toss and then Truth with a split followed by a spinning leaping leg drop for a near fall. Truth does a pelvic thrust and Swagger misses Truth and Swagger goes to the floor. Ziggler comes in and Kofi takes care of him. Kofi and Truth with a double drop kick and then they send Ziggler to the floor. Truth and Kofi with a double baseball slide and we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger with Kofi’s arms trapped. We see footage from the break when Swagger knocked Kofi off the apron. Back to live action and Swagger and Kofi exchange punches in the corner and Kofi tries to get away but Swagger forces Kofi into the corner again and he connects with shoulders. Ziggler takes the opportunity to interfere when the referee was not looking.
Swagger with a slam and then he tags in Ziggler who hits a leaping elbow drop and gets a near fall. Ziggler with an arm bar. Ziggler hits the turnbuckles and both men are down. Kofi and Swagger tag in and Truth with a leg lariat and a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a kick and DDT for a near fall. Truth alley oops Kofi into Ziggler.
Swagger with a rollup for a near fall. Truth sends Swagger into the turnbuckles and Truth hits the Little Jimmy for the three count.
Winners: R Truth and Kofi Kingston
After the match, Ziggler yells at Swagger for losing the match and Ziggler says that he is better than this. Vickie begs for Dolph to come back but Ziggler walks up the ramp and to the back.
Santino is being helped in the back and Big Show stops Santino and the medical staff. Show says that he gets to pick his opponent and he picks Santino. He says that Santino wasn’t too choked up when he got fired.
Brodus Clay stops Show and tells him to say it to his face. Brodus tells Show to pick him so he can have something else to cry about.
Show tells Brodus to forget about dancing because he won’t be walking.
The Funkettes walk to Brodus’ side and we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for John Laurinaitis to make his way to the ring. He comes to his ring in the People Power Mover with Eve Torres and The Official Travel Mug of the WWE David Otunga.
John introduces himself and he says that he has several announcements. Big Show will face Brodus Clay tonight. To ensure no interference in the main event at No Way Out, the match between Big Show and John Cena will be in a steel cage. Since his victory over John Cena at Over the Limit, he is the most popular WWE Superstar in history.
John says that he has proof and he mentions the WWE ’13 video game and he says that there is a groundswell of support for someone to be on the cover of the game. Eve and David reveal a cover for WWE ’13. He says that this game will be bigger than Pac Man.
CM Punk’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring. Punk assaults the People Power Mover before coming into the ring.
Punk looks at the mock up of the cover and he has a smile on his face. Punk says that Pac Man is a timely reference. Neither Pac Man nor John have any testicles. Punk says that there wasn’t a groundswell to put him on the cover. He says that John isn’t that popular at all. Being on the cover of WWE ’13 is prestigious.
Punk says that the actual person featured on the cover of WWE ’13 is a whole hell of a lot better looking than John.
We see the real cover and it is CM Punk whose face we see.
Punk says that his is a lot bigger than John’s. Punk says that Eve is looking at the cover. A wrestling video game with an actual wrestler featured on the cover, what a concept. Punk tells John to take the Hoeski and Carlton out of the ring with him.
Punk talks about the type of match that John is going to put him in tonight, but he has to beat Daniel Bryan so he tells John to get out of his ring. Punk says that he doesn’t think that John wants any more ammunition for the Board to aim at him.
John wishes Punk luck and then he leaves the ring with Otis and Miss Tessmacher. Punk takes the Laurinaitis cover and tries to kick a hole in it as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see what Daniel Bryan did to Kane on Smackdown.
Match Number Three: CM Punk versus Daniel Bryan
They lock up and Bryan with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Punk with a hip toss and arm drag into an arm bar and then he tries to contort Bryan’s body to add extra pressure. Bryan gets to his feet but Punk with a wrist lock. Bryan with a reversal and take down into a wrist lock. Bryan stomps on Punk’s elbow when he puts it on the mat and then he goes to a hammer lock on Punk.
Punk with elbows to get out of the hold. Bryan tries for a leap frog but Punk catches him and hits a reverse atomic drop. Punk with knee drops to the midsection and he gets a near fall. Punk with a body scissors as he continues to work on Bryan’s ribs. Punk turns it into a bow and arrow but Bryan escapes and gets a near fall with a lateral press. Punk gets a near fall but Bryan with a near fall after a jackknife cover. Punk bridge and tries for a back slide. Punk with a back breaker and he gets a near fall.
Punk drops Bryan on the top rope but Bryan drops Punk’s arm on the top rope and then Bryan with a knee from the top rope to the head. Bryan with a baseball slide and Punk goes to the floor. Bryan with another baseball slide but Punk moves. Punk with a kick and a springboard cross body and both men are down.
AJ Lee makes her way to ringside and we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk is kicking Daniel Bryan in the corner while AJ watches at ringside. We see footage from the commercial break when Bryan hit a running knee off the apron. Punk tries for a suplex but Bryan lands on his feet. Bryan flips out of the corner but he runs into a boot from Punk. Punk tries for a cross body from the turnbuckles but Bryan moves out of the way. Bryan with a running drop kick to Punk.
Bryan works on the arm and bends it in ways that the arm is not supposed to. Punk with kicks but Bryan returns to the arm and Punk goes down. Bryan sets for the running drop kick into the corner and he hits it. Bryan gets a near fall. Punk tries to keep his injured arm away from Bryan for the Yes Lock. Punk kicks Bryan but Bryan is able to get to the arm and Bryan hits a Northern Lights suplex and bridge for a near fall.
Bryan with an arm bar but Punk with forearms. Bryan returns to working on the shoulder to stop Punk. Punk with a knee to the midsection. Punk with kicks and punches to Bryan. Punk hits the leg lariat and clothesline followed by a swinging neck breaker for a near fall.
Punk hits the running knee into the corner but he cannot hit the bulldog. Punk with a rollup when Bryan misses a round kick and he gets a near fall. Bryan with European uppercuts but Punk with an Irish whip.
Bryan sends Punk to the apron and Punk with a shoulder followed by the springboard clothesline for a near fall. Punk goes up top for the elbow drop but Bryan recovers and he crotches Punk on the top rope. Bryan with a superplex and he gets a near fall. Bryan exposes the turnbuckle and AJ tells the referee. Bryan yells at AJ and Punk with a round kick and he gets a near fall.
Punk wants to know why AJ is out here. Punk pulls down the knee pad and Bryan sends Punk into the exposed turnbuckle and Bryan gets the three count.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, Kane attacks Bryan with a steel chair. Kane grabs Bryan by the throat and he choke slams Bryan on the steel chair.
AJ gives Punk a chair and Punk hits Kane with the chair. Punk looks at AJ and he wonders what to think of her actions.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cole and Lawler mention that Chris Jericho is not here tonight because of an incident in Brazil.
Cody joins Michael and Jerry at the announce table.
Match Number Four: Christian versus Miz
They lock up and Miz with a side head lock. Christian with an elbow and back heel kick followed by a sunset flip from the turnbuckles but Miz rolls through and connects with a kick to the head for a near fall. Miz sends Christian into the corner and he punches Christian. Miz hits the Awesome clothesline and then he goes up top with a double sledge to the head for a near fall.
Miz with a reverse chin lock. Christian with punches but Miz with the Reality Check for a near fall. Miz with a knee to the back and then he applies a rear chin lock. Christian gets back to his feet but Miz runs him into the corner. Miz puts Christian on the top turnbuckle but Christian with punches and a missile drop kick for a near fall. Christian slingshots to the floor and he punches Miz. Christian with an inverted DDT to Miz.
Christian tries for the spear but Miz with a boot to the head but Miz can only get a two count. Miz punches Christian but Christian with boots to Miz and then he hits a back elbow from the turnbuckles. Christian sets for the Killswitch but Cody approaches the ring and then Miz gets a near fall. Christian misses a move from the turnbuckles.
Miz avoids the Killswitch but Miz misses the Awesome Clothesline and Christian hits the Killswitch followed by a frog splash for the three count.
Winner: Christian
John Laurinaitis says that he needs to talk to David and Eve so Eve tells Teddy Long to get him some coffee. John tells David Otunga that he is disappointed because David tapped out to the STF. John yells at Eve for not getting Sheamus to apologize. David tells John that he wants to face Sheamus tonight.
John wants to know if he can count on David and Eve because he won’t be around here forever.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz is still in the ring. He says that he wants that match stricken from the record books because it was not a title match. Miz says that he is the sole reason why John Laurinaitis is still in the WWE. Miz wants to know where his contract and title match are. Miz says that he is not going to leave the ring until . . .
Randy Orton’s music plays and he comes to the ring.
Miz tells Orton that he will end . . . it doesn’t matter because Orton RKOs Miz.
Dolph is in the back with Vickie and he tells her to get him out of the tag team. Vickie says that she will look into that.
Sheamus walks in the back, but before we go to commercial, we get comments from John Cena about Memorial Day.
Match Number Five: David Otunga with his Chris Masters pose and Wade Barrett jacket removal versus Sheamus
Otunga with a kick and punches but Sheamus sends Otunga into the turnbuckles and then he unloads with kicks. Otunga has a hip toss blocked and Sheamus with a short arm clothesline. Otunga drops Sheamus on the top rope and then he sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles and hits a clothesline for a near fall.
Otunga with forearms to the chest followed by a diving shoulder tackle for a near fall. Otunga with knees in the corner followed by clotheslines. Otunga poses and then he Irish whips Sheamus but Sheamus with clotheslines and then he sends Otunga to the apron for the forearms across the chest.
Sheamus hits the Air Raid Crash and then he turns around and hits the Brogue kick for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
Brodus and the Funkettes dance in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look at the Dark Ages of WWE when Big Show knocked out the future of the WWE twice in two days.
Match Number Six: Brodus Clay with Funkettes versus Big Show in a Big Show picks his opponent, even though Show picked Santino Match
Before Show goes to the ring, he has something to say. Show says that he is a big fan of Brodus’. Show says that he thought he was a sell out when he put on a diaper and faced Akebono at Wrestlemania. Show says that he did embarrassing things during his career for business. Brodus is doing this nightly. Show says that Brodus can keep embarrassing himself and when the people get tired of seeing him dance, he can get some clown makeup and be the next Doink. The difference between Brodus and Doink is that Doink had talent.
Show with a spear to Brodus on the floor and then he kicks Brodus. Show chops Brodus on the floor while Cameron and Naomi hug each other in fear that their meal ticket is going to be leaving for a while.
Show sends Brodus into the ring post. Show decides to rearrange the announce table but Kofi Kingston and R Truth come to the ring to help Brodus but that backfires. Show breaks the table and he picks up a panel from the table. Show stands over Brodus and hits Clay in the back with the table. Show hits Brodus a second time and it was so forceful, it made all of the sound go away in the building. Show goes for a third shot and it connects.
Show grabs Truth and connects with a knee and then he sends Truth off the ropes. Kofi tries for Trouble in Paradise, but it is trouble for Kofi because Show sends Kofi into the ring announcer pit.
The fans chant for Cena but John knows better than to deal with Show. Show sends Truth into the steps. Show punches Clay in the head and Brodus is out.
The camera pans to the carnage at ringside and then we see what Show did tonight.
We go to credits.
2013 - The infamous Col. Buck Robley, who wrestled for a number of territories before shifting into managing and later working as a booker for Mid-South, passed away. He had been sick for some time.
2013 - Former AWA star Eugene "Buck" Zumhofe was arrestd and charged with 12 different counts of criminal sexual conduct. He would eventually be convicted and sentenced to decades in prison.
2014 - Triple H took part in a media conference call to discuss the NXT Takeover special on the WWE Network. Dave Scherer filed the following report:
Triple H did a conference call with selected members of the wrestling media today to talk about tomorrow's NXT Takeover special, which airs on the WWE Network.
WWE's Adam Hopkins opened the call by welcoming the media and turned the call over to Triple H.
He noted that he once again he saved us from the background music that plays before calls (it is brutal). He is excited where they are with NXT and presenting Takeover tomorrow on The WWE Network. He said he is excited for the young guys to show the world what they can do and hopefully show the media that the future of WWE is in good shape.
HHH then turned it over to the reporters for questions. I am recapping so Mike will ask the questions, and he got on first.
Mike asked with the success of Arrival, will be see more of the live specials. Will they be a regular thing on the Network. H said that he doesn't know if they will be monthly, but never say never with WWE. He said he is happy where they are and Arrival was a great success. He noted that Vince McMahon even noted that they have launched a brand in NXT. With that said, he doesn't want to lose track of what NXT is, and that is getting talent ready. He said that quarterly is probably how it will work out. H talked about how they aren't just training wrestlers there, but also people who put the shows on, cameramen, announcers, etc. People learn what live TV is like by doing these specials. You live or die on your own. It is a new challenge for them and when they get to Raw, it will help prepare them for doing live TV. He does believe that there is room for an opportunity for a whole new brand in NXT. He could see people looking at the NXT talent and have people wonder what will happen when they make the big roster.
Mike asked H a question I had, if HHH happy with the transition of the NXT talents that have come up to the main roster? Is it hard to transition them from NXT to the WWE? H said that yes, it's a difficult transition. Just because something works in Orlando, doesn't mean it will translate before a big WWE crowd. He said you can't forget that there is a transition from NXT to WWE as well. He mentioned Cesaro and how a year or so, he was working at NXT while he was on the main roster. H said when he saw Cesaro work in NXT, he would tell him to do the same thing when he is on Raw and Smackdown and Cesaro knew he was working differently on the big roster. There are many factors that go into a talent transitioning. Overall, he is very happy with NXT and how they are taking over, and that is why he used the name Takeover. He said they won't all be home runs, but it's ridiculous to think that. He is very happy with NXT and the workers.
Brian Fritz asked if they have thought about doing their NXT tapings more often. H said that they have tossed it around. The more you shoot, the more the costs go up, same with going live. He said he would love to do it live every week, but there are other factors. It's all on the table. He also mentioned what a great partner Full Sail is and they have to be conscious of their schedules as well. They are always thinking about what they can do.
Fritz asked about the next step, after Full Sail and the Performance Center. H said that the next step is finding the right talents to bring in to train and become wrestlers. He is really focused on working with the Creative department to go world wide to find new talents. They have had camps in Europe, Brazil and the Middle East recently. They want to recruit and be on a global level.
The next caller asked if guys who had worked outside of the US have had adjustment problems. H said the difference isn't that much about the big crowds as much as the mental outlook of now working for WWE. When you come there, you step into a whole different world, where the company does thing do things their way. It's the big time and it's intimidating. He said even back in the Monday Night War, there was that adjustment when a guy would come over from WCW. It's a curve. He said he looks at Bray Wyatt and he is just becoming comfortable, even though he has been knocking it out of the park since he came to WWE. It takes a while for anyone. The caller then paraphrased H incorrectly, and H reiterated that WWE is different from Japan or Mexico. He said that there are a lot of pieces to the puzzle and the more you have, the more successful you will be. He talked about the workers learning how to give the fans what they want.
The caller was hard to hear because he was breaking up (cheap phone I guess). I think he asked why there are more WWE talents on the show. H said that when he can use a WWE star that isn't in a big storyline up there, and he can bring them down to NXT, he will because the main roster folks can help the young talent. He talked about using Tyson Kidd, because he believes in him and he's talented. He has been hurt and not used, but he is on Total Divas and he wants to give him a chance on NXT. Maybe it could reinvigorate his career. NXT is about making stars and that is his goal. He noted Cesaro is there now and would work all the time if he could, but since he has a bigger spot on the roster now H can't use him as much down in NXT. But Cesaro has been great working with the young guys and when they get up to the big roster they will have a comfort level with him. He said that the workers are like a family and they are happy for each other when they get called up. He said that it's a great place and he loves it, even thought it can be a strain time wise. He said it invigorates him whenever he comes there.
The caller then asked a question about the crowd in NXT and how it translates to the big roster. H said that he has to serve two masters, the Orlando crowd and the main roster. They are very aware that some things work in NXT and why, and also what they think will work on the big roster. Sometimes, they don't know if something will work or not, but they try it. You have to have a variety for the show. All of them won't work but it's guts and feel. What they do in NXT is for the Orlando crowd. That can change when it goes up to the big roster. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Jason Powell was up next. He asked if WWE has made any decision about doing NXT events WrestleMania week. He said they are always thinking about Mania, even at the Raw after it. He said that as things become bigger with The Network, he said it opens up the opportunity to do things that week. He said it will give fans the chance to see the younger talent before they were stars on the biggest stage of the year. He said that right now they are looking at what will that week long series of events are. He said that NXT will be a part of Mania week.
Jason asked about keeping the buzz for NXT on The Network and using it as a selling point to customers since after Arrival the push seemed to come off the brand. H said that some people, including Vince, were surprised by the buzz that NXT got. Vince said I was expecting a show, but you launched a brand. It took some people by surprise and they are trying to catch up now. It's an evolving process. He said that the Network just started and its gearing up. He said that NXT will be a big part of it. It's one of the most watched shows on the Network and will be a big part of it. He added that there has been promotion on Raw and Smackdown for Takeover and as The Network grows and expands you will see NXT become a bigger part of it.
Jason asked if Tough Enough will be filmed at the Center. It's being proposed that it's shot there according to H. He doesn't know 100% that it will be shot there. They are working on how to do it the best way that they can and the Center has been a big part of the discussion.
Dave Meltzer asked for a medical update on Christian or Rey Mysterio. He said he can't talk about either due to HIPPA laws but they are recovering and trying to get them under control.
H was asked about forms of training that they use. H said he had never been exposed to different kinds of training methods. He didn't play football so he did bodybuilding types of workouts. He said that he never used to warm up, etc. Then things changed in training methods and athletes noticed the changes, such as creating functional strength. He said that different training methods are a big part of the Center. He said that being functionally strong is the point. Dave asked about what kind of training methods they were doing. H said it was a combo of everything and reiterated functional movement strength is what is important. H talked a lot about training methods, which was interesting to me but if you don't work out probably wouldn't be. He talked about, in essence, working all muscles to creative a stronger overall body. He said that is why we are seeing more agile and durable guys in the ring because of it. He said that guys take care of themselves a lot better than they used to.
Meltzer mentioned that Daniel Bryan said he thinks it would be good for young talent to go to other places, like Japan, to learn other styles. He mentioned WWE having trainers with differing backgrounds working with the talents. H said that working in other places is a great learning opportunity. H talked about a guy they just let go where he told him that working somewhere else and learn some things, he could come back and employ what he learns elsewhere. H said that he learns a lot about the business every single day. The more well rounded you are the better. With that said, you can't get so ingrained in a style where you can't adapt to something else. H said that if you play for one pro team with one style of offense, if you go to another with a different style, you have to adapt. You can bring what you know and talk about it, but you have to adapt to the WWE way.
Meltzer asked about KENTA and Prince Devitt and H went WHO? Meltzer tried to explain who they were and H said he was kidding, he knows who they are. And H said no comment.
The last caller asked about the progression of Charlotte. H said that Charlotte is progressing well and is great. He said she is a natural at the technical aspect but she had to work on not playing a wrestler, but developing into one. It's a great opportunity for her. The Flair-Hart rivalry will continue when she takes on Natty with Ric and Bret there. He adds that when he books some things, he does it from a fan standpoint since he is one.
He was asked about entrances and how they differ from NXT to WWE. All of those things are important. The presentation is part of the character and his/her development. It is all part of the process.
He was asked about former NFL player Shawne Merriman. He said that they are talking. He said Shawne has had two dreams, to be an NFL star and a WWE star. H said he is a great guy and very smart and they would love to have him. We will see where it goes.
HHH added that we media folks can come down and tour the Center. I have to make it down there.
Final Thoughts: H joked a few times about dominating the call, but that is what made it interesting. He was great in answer honestly where and when he could. He does a great job on these calls and his passion for NXT and the young talent really comes out.
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