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June 8th
On this day in history in ....
1958 - Former NWA Champion and UFC great Dan Seven is born.
1965 - Chris Chavis aka Tatanka is born.
1985 - Black Bart defeats Ronnie Garvin for the NWA National Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1988 - The second "Clash of the Champions" event was held at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida and was broadcast live on TBS. Subtitled "Miami Mayhem", the show did a 4.8 rating. Ric Flair jointed Tony Schivone on commentary for the broadcast, and every match on the show went over ten minutes. Here are the results of the show:
- United States Champion Barry Windham defeated Brad Armstrong.
- United States Tag Team Champions The Fantastics defeated The Sheepherders.
- Jimmy & Ronnie Garvin defeated Mike Rotundo & Rick Steiner.
- Nikita Koloff defeated Al Perez via disqualification.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Sting & Dusty Rhodes ended in a double disqualification.
1994 - Liv Morgan is born.
1997 - WWF held their 1997 King of the Ring Pay-per-view at the Providence Civic Center in Rhodes Island. Here are the results:
- In a match shown on the "Free For All", The Headbangers defeated Billy Gunn & Jesse James.
- In a King Of The Ring semifinal, Triple H defeated Ahmed Johnson.
- In a King Of The Ring semifinal, Mankind defeated Jerry Lawler.
- Goldust defeated Crush.
- Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart & Davey Boy Smith defeated Sid Vicious & The Legion Of Doom.
- Triple H defeated Mankind to win the King Of The Ring Tournament.
- Shawn Michaels vs. Steve Austin ended in a double disqualification.
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker defeated Faarooq.
1999 - Ivory defeats Debra for the WWF Women's Title in Worcester, Massachusetts. This marks Ivory's first WWF title run.
2002 - During a stockholders meeting, Vince McMahon was asked his thoughts on the yet to debut NWA:TNA, commenting, "I don't have any views on it because I haven't seen it yet. Again I think it's unusual, a very unusual approach, a very novel approach. But I don't know how you promote. When they have no promotional vehicle, then, then I don't know how they promote. I have no idea whether or not they are selling tickets in Huntsville, I think it is, whether or not, and if they're not selling tickets in Huntsville... ugh. If they are, fine, but I don't know how you promote without having some sort of platform. If you are just simply promoting to that narrow cast of Pay Per View audience, that's difficult to do. So, and again, it's a two hour show, and people are expected to pay 9.95 for it. You can watch, hopefully I dare say, comparing the production value and caliber of talent and everything of their show to one of ours. Hopefully, and I don't know this, I'm anxious to see this like everyone else. But it's difficult to ask the consumer to pay 9.95 for a two hour show when they can see one on Monday night and Thursday night. I don't know, unless they are so unique in their format or have something you can't see on a Monday or a Thursday, which it may be, again it's all supposition because none of us have seen it. They haven't had their first show it, but it's a very novel approach, let me say that"
2002 - The Shane Twins defeat the New Heavenly Bodies for the NWA World Tag Team Title in Peru. The belts would be vacated a few weeks later, as NWA:TNA purchased the rights to the championship.
2002 - USA Pro Wrestling held the first annual Big Dick Dudley Memorial Brawl in Long Island, NY. Mike Johnson filed the following results:
USA Pro Wrestling presented the Big Dick Dudley Memorial Brawl at the Firehouse in Franklin Square, New York last night.
The show opened with everyone working the event surrounding the ring for a 10 bell salute to Big Dick Dudley. Pyscho Sam Dudley made a speech about Big Dick and announced that he would never again use the name in the ring, as doing it would be the same as having the Four Horsemen without Ric Flair around. He brought up Dudley's family and asked that everyone remember and try to help them.
*The Filthy Freakin' Creep (aka Psycho Sam Dudley, wearing his Dudley outfit for the last time) won the Big Dick Dudley Memorial Royal Rumble.
*The Masked Maniac won a six man elimination match.
*Larry McKinney and Stormin' Norman won a Four Way Dance over the SATs, Joey Matthews & Christian York, and Chris Hamrick & Julio Dinero to become the top contenders to the USA Pro Wrestling Tag Team championships. *USA Pro Wrestling champion Balls Mahoney refused to bow to Kevin Sullivan and was attacked by Sullivan, The Baptised (Ken Sweeney and the Filthy Freakin' Creep), Luna Vachon, The Wall, and Gangrel. Da Hit Squad made the save.
*The Wall pinned Norman Smiley, who was dressed as a NYC Fire Fighter.
*Low Ki and Xavier defeated USA Pro Wrestling Tag Team champions Da Hit Squad and the Natural Born Sinners in a Three-Way Dance to become the new Tag Team champions. Larry McKinney and Stormin' Norman tried to attack Ki and Xavier, but were run off.
*Chris Chetti defeated Kevin Sullivan by DQ. Sullivan beat Chetti with a table, a chair, and the ringbell, then ordered his minions to beat him down.
*New York State champion Wayne the Convenience Store Guy, the Trekkie, and The Mime defeated Iceberg, Tim Arson, and Damian Dragon.
*Kid Kash won a Gauntlet Match to earn a USA Pro US championship match. The Gauntlet began with Striker pinning Simon Diamond....Ghost Shadow pinned Striker....Quiet Storm pinned Divine....Quiet Storm pinned Ghost Shadow...Quiet Storm pinned the Grim Reefer....Quiet Storm pinned Brian XL....Scoot Andrews pinned Quiet Storm....Kid Kash pinned Scoot Andrews
*USA Pro Wrestling United States champion Red pinned Kid Kash. The Knight Life (The Boogie Knights, Striker, Kruel) attacked Red. The Maximos made the save. Kevin Sullivan's crew hit the ring and destroyed the Knight Life with both of the Boogie Knights being taken out in an ambulance that was backed into the building.
*Gangrel with Luna Vachon pinned Crowbar with Serena with an Implant DDT.
*USA Pro Wrestling champion Balls Mahoney pinned Steve Corino with a chairshot. Both men bled heavily. Kevin Sullivan's band attacked Mahoney. Da Hit Squad made the save with Sullivan leaving Frankie Starz behind to be killed by a Balls chairshot.
Notes: Dawn Marie, Joel Gertner, Alison Danger, and Simply Luscious were in attendance at the event....The promotion returns on 8/17 to Deer Park, New York with Bam Bam Bigelow, Gangrel, Luna Vachon, Kevin Sullivan, and Balls Mahoney.
2002- WWE Smackdown ran Albany, GA. David Creamer filed the following live report:
The WWE house show was in Albany, GA last night. I would have to give it an overall thumbs up.
The card went as follows.
Randy Orton beat Christian.
Tajiri & Chavo Guerrero beat Rob Conway & Shannon Moore.
Test beat Sean O'Haire.
Faarooq beat D-Von, with Deacon Bautista.
The Hurricane beat Jamie Noble, with Nidia.
Billy Kidman beat Lance Storm.
Billy & Chuck, with Rico, beat Rikishi & Tazz
Chris Jericho beat Big Valbowski.
Swimsuit Competition: Torrie Wilson vs. Stacy Keibler vs. Ivory vs. Victoria. Wilson got the win.
Hardcore Holly beat Kurt Angle.
Over all the show seemed to follow the reports of other house shows running about the same card and mostly the same angles. I would say that the crowd was in the 2000+ range and was very hot (wrestling starved town), and it showed in the guys work rate. Hard to believe but Chuck and Billy where way over as heels and Tazz even went so far as to call them "fags" in his promo. Once again all and all it was a great night of wrestling even though no Hogan, HHH, or Edge.
Pops
1. Jericho
2. Rikishi
3. Tazz
4. Hurricane
5. Kidman
Heat
1. Angle
2. Chuck and Billy
3. Jericho
4. Christian
5. D-Von
2002 - WWE Raw ran Knoxville, TN. K-Town Daddy filed the following live report:
Steven Richards vs. Tommy Dreamer
Winner: Tommy Dreamer, this match was quick but Dreamer got over real well with crowd and pulled out some old ECW moves.
Crash vs. The Prototype
Winner: The Prototype.
Goldust & Justin Credible vs. D'Lo Brown & Shawn Stasiak
Winners: D'Lo Brown & Shawn Stasiak.
Trish Stratus & Spike Dudley vs. Molly & William Regal, "Double Title match"
Special Guest Ref: Jackie
Winners: Trish & Spike.
Big Show vs. Bradshaw for WWE Hardcore Title
Winner: Bradshaw. Raven, Tommy Dreamer, and Steven Richards all tried to get the Hardcore Title because of the 24/7 rule but Bradshaw comes out on top with the title.
Rob Van Dam vs. Eddie Guerrero for WWE Intercontinental Title
Winner: RVD, this match was one of the best on the night.
Intermission
Ron "H20" Waterman vs. Bull Buchanan
Winner: Bull, very dull match.
Matt Hardy vs. Raven
Winner: Matt Hardy. with no feud whatsoever in this match they did a pretty good job also is one of the best matches on the night.
Brock Lesnar vs. Buh Buh Ray Dudley
Winner: Brock Lesnar. Another terrific match from these two guys.
Main Event (Cage Match)
Ric Flair vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
Winner: Stone Cold, Best match tonight hands down. Great performance by Flair and Austin....Arn Anderson interrupted the match near the end and got a Stunner then Ric Flair got one.
Comments: One of the best shows that I think have ever been to Knoxville, I had second row seats and the performance these guys put on was amazing. I just hope that they can come back soon.
2002 - WWE broadcast Velocity. Matt Zylbert filed the following TV report:
Hello all and welcome back to, what I like to call, writing's excellence of execution. I am your esteemed host, Matt Zylbert, and THIS is the 'five-star' Velocity report that is always the hot topic of conversation. Now let's get underway by sending it down to TONY THE CHIM for our opening contest.....
Test vs Randy Orton
I'm starting to appreciate Test a lot more lately. Not only does he have cool music, but he's a former Jakked/Metal wrestler that actually PINNED Triple H in the center of the ring two weeks ago! I mean, that is just amazing. And people called Jakked/Metal a worthless show with insignificant wrestlers. I ask, "Where have you been?"
To the match now as Test pearl harbors Randy Orton before the bell, and starts stomping away in the corner. Surprisingly, Michael Cole brings up Test's immunity, which shocks me. I thought he didn't know anything about the lower card of wrestlers that frequently don't appear on Smackdown (See Hugh Morrus), and he brang up something that NO announcer has brought up in months. Hmm.... MC must want me to think that he earned his spot on Velocity. Back to the match as Test sends Orton over the top rope, and scares away referee Brian Hebner because he's immune and all. Or to Michael Cole, he's a "bully." As Test is occupied by Hebner, Orton pulls a Maven by sneaking back in and dropkicking Test from behind over the top. The action would soon head back in, where Orton scores with punches, but falls victim to a ram in the corner from Test soon after. Test follows up with a bodyslam, but would end up missing an elbow just moments later. Orton capitalizes with a DDT, and after hitting a flying shoulder block on the follow up, the newcomer hits a beautiful top-rope crossbody for a close two count from Hebner. Test would come back though at this point as he gets in a knee to the mid-section, enabling him to perform his signature pump-handle slam, but only for a near fall. He now sets up for the Big Boot, but when he goes for it, Orton ducks and hits his modified swinging leg neckbreaker for another near fall. Orton discusses the count with the referee now, allowing Test to recover and hit his modified reverse neckbreaker to pick up the three count. And Test's winning streak continues.....
Winner: Test
Michael and Al show us the Linda/Ivory segment from Smackdown, in which Linda and Jackie went to Mr. McMahon's office to welcome themselves. Ivory took offense too it, and that sets up tonight's match between the student and the trainer. You know, it felt really good inside to actually hear Vince McMahon himself mention the show Velocity. I mean, NEVER did he ever mention Jakked/Metal on television, nor was it ever recapped on any show besides HeAT a few times, but to hear him actually say Velocity is just an honor, and it means that the show at least has some importance too it and people actually know about it.
Commercial
Burn of the Night: On RAW this past Monday night, Shawn Michaels makes a surprising return, aligning with Kevin Nash in the black and white. Ya know, even if Michaels returned on the first hourt of RAW, rather than a second, I still don't think it would've been enough to beat Sponge Bob Square Pants in the ratings. Sorry Dave, heheh.
The Godfather vs Hugh Morrus
Forget Rico and the Slickster, we may have our best style right here with the Godfather. It's hard to explain, but he's wearing a bandana which somehow has part of it sticking up like a dreadlock or something. Very interesting, but as I ALWAYS say, there's no better place to debut something than on Jakked/Metal, or in this case, Velocity.
At the start, Godfather pearl harbors Hugh Morrus before the bell (Second straight match), and it was well-deserved. Hugh was standing on the bottom rope, saluting over to the announce table. Now that may be some weird inside joke, as a result of Michael Cole not knowing what Hugh Morrus' finisher and finisher name was last week. I guess that's what warthogs do when they want attention. Anyway, Hugh is able to gain some offense as he ducks a clothesline, and follows with a clothesline of his own, sending Godfather over the top rope. "360!" says the late, great Gorilla Monsoon from heaven. The action quickly heads back in where Godfather misses an elbow, and Hugh capitalizes with another clothesline. He then tries to follow up with the ten-punch count in the corner, but Godfather tosses him away at around four, and follows up with a kick to the face. Al calls it the "organized crime kick" for whatever reason. Godfather now works a choke in the corner, before resorting to another clothesline to gain a two count on the pin after. Hugh would come back though, catching Godfather off guard with a pwoerslam for a near fall, but Godfather responds with a boot in the corner. He then tries for a pin in the corner putting his feet on the ropes, but referee Teddy Long spots it and breaks it. Godfather then heads outside to grab the ring bell, only to have it taken away. Now as Teddy Long returns it, Godfather grabs his pimp cane and whacks Hugh in the kisser with it. EXCELLENT strategy, and surprisingly, Cole notes that Godfather has done the same thing in the past. Yeah, he used it on Jakked/Metal, which surprises me even more because Cole doesn't pay attention to the lower-card wrestlers. Anyway, Long turns and sees the pin, and registers the three count, giving the Godfather a crime of a victory. Who would ever think that the smartest heel in WWE is nothing more than a low mid-carder who fights on Velocity?
Winner: The Godfather
Commercial
Rewind: Two weeks ago on Smackdown, Edge beats Angle in a great Cage Match after a spear from the top rope. I hope we can see some Cage Matches on Velocity anytime soon.
Cole and Snow recap Edge's beating, courtesy of Chris Jericho. And what is it with these guys yelling, "I'm king of the world!" Jericho did it here, D-Von did it last week on Velocity, and Bossman always does it on HeAT. Now can anyone actually say something that those three guys have in common? And by the way, is it just me, or does anyone else think that the time-keeper can sell better than half the roster? I mean, the way he gets thrown out of his chair is probably better than how some of the other guys can take it. And ironically, I find out his name is Mark Yeaton after watching Confidential.
Commercial
Chavo Guerrero vs. Funaki
Yeah, baby! It's the Velocity debut of Chavo Guerrero, as well as Funaki, and some Cruiserweight action is just what the doctor ordered. By the way, the "Jr." part of Chavo's name has been cut off for some reason. Tony Chimmel (aka TONY THE CHIM) didn't announce the "Jr.", and it wasn't acknowledged. I guess they cut it off because either one, it might make him look bad, or two, it might automatically get him into a feud with Chris Jericho, even though they have nothing to do with each other.
To the match now as we get a nice series of basics and reversals, before Funaki starts his offense with a drop toehold and a hip toss. Funaki would follow up with a dropkick, but Chavo goes between the ropes to get a break from the referee, and as Funaki turns his back, Chavo takes advantage. After some punches, Chavo posts Funaki, and then works a choke using the ropes. However, Chavo would miss a ram on the follow up, and Funaki capitalizes with a bulldog. That offense doesn't last long as Chavo immediately takes control back with a face-first slam, and then locks on a modified abdominal stretch. Meanwhile, on commentary, Al wonders what goes on at the Guerrero house during holidays. I bet they just chill at the dinner table, while listening to Chavo's awesome music. Well... I would. Back to the match as Funaki elbows his way out, and follows with a flying head scissors that sends Chavo through the middle rope. Funaki follows by launching himself over the top and on to Chavo, before the action goes back in, where Funaki continues with the advantage. He hits a loud enziguiri for two, but would lose control soon after as Chavo yanks Funaki into the corner. Guerrero follows with a modified backbreaker for a near fall, and then goes for the Brainbuster, but Funaki counters. He performs a half-nelson roll-up for a close two count, and as Funaki tries to continue his offense, Chavo counters and hits the Brainbuster to pick up the win. And to reader Patrick Mackenzie, yes, I did enjoy this match, heh.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero Jr.
In a rare Velocity backstage segment, Jackie and Linda are shown hugging each other, and Jackie says it would be an honor to be in Linda's corner tonight for her match with Ivory. Linda then says it would also be an honor to have her in her corner, and so, there we go.
Commercial
MC and Snow recap the Battle Royale from Smackdown, but unfortunately, only show the end of it. For a lot of people, we didn't get to see the Battle Royale because President Bush gave a speech, and I'm left wondering why he always chooses 8 PM EST on Thursday nights to give his speeches. I mean, couldn't he just wait 20 minutes? As a result, I missed seeing my dream become a reality, which was watching former Jakked/Metal wrestlers like Chavo Guerrero and Hugh Morrus actually being in the SAME RING as guys like Hulk Hogan and Triple H. Damn, I still can't believe it. Now I can only imagine the Immortal Hulk Hogan sending Chavo off the ropes, big boot, and then the leg drop!! It has ratings written all over it.... if everyone was like me. MC and Snow also show the HHH/Hogan match concluding the show, which Triple won to become the #1 contender. I don't think anyone actually cares anymore though.
Commercial
Ivory vs. Linda Miles
Meaningless fact of the day: Two of the three Velocity main events have all been Women's matches. Meaningful fact of the day: Everyone that has made their debut on Jakked/Metal/Velocity LOST, and went immediately downhill from there. Well, only one person has made their wrestling debut on the Saturday night show, that being Tommy Dreamer. Let's look: He lost his debut match to Scotty 2 Hotty of all people back in the summer, and his career sky-rocketed downhill from there. I mean, let's look at him now. He's drinking from toilets or whatever and has turned into almost as big a joke as "Planet" Stasiak.
At the start, Linda and Jackie slap hands with the fans, before sharing a hug with Al. Michael asks, "Why can't I get a hug?" BECAUSE NO ONE LIKES YOU! Geesh, I didn't think he was THAT ignorant. To the match as Linda reverses a headlock takedown into a head scissors, and follows with a hip toss. Ivory returns the favor soon after though, as she drop toeholds Linda into the ropes, and she now is in control of her former student. Ivory performs a chop, and as Linda tries to take control back with a dropkick, Ivory hangs on to the ropes to avoid it. The former Women's Champ proceeds with a leg drop, and then a dropkick of her own for a near fall, and then puts Linda back on the mat with a stiff neckbreaker for another two count. Linda would come back at this point, drilling Ivory with a boot in the corner, before knocking her down with a clothesline. The Tough Enough 2 Champ follows with a big, delayed suplex for another near fall, and manages to stay in control with a backdrop. She now heads up top, where Ivory corrals her, but Linda is able to shove her off. As referee Mike Chioda tends to Ivory, Jackie goes on the apron and shoves Linda off! A shocking twist on Velocity! OH MY GOD! Ivory capitalizes by hitting her version of the X-Factor to pick up the win, and Al is going balistic on commentary. We got a nice little story here, and if people ask when did it start, you can just tell 'em it all happened on good ol' Velocity.
Winner: Ivory
Michael quickly shills for Confidential, as Al hugs Linda in the ring, and that's all she wrote tonight.
2003 - The New York State Athletic Commission began requiring all wrestling promoters who promote more than six times in a calendar year to institute a yearly drug testing program. The rule actually went into effect on paper last year, but the Commission is starting to ensure it's enforcement. Basically, any performers who work for these promotions would be required, once a year, to pass a urine test.
The drug testing expenses would fall on the promoter's end. Those who are from out of New York State would need to come to New York for the test, as the promotions must use their own in-house doctor. Performers who fail would theoretically be unable to work for that promoter, but could conceivably work for a promotion in the state which doesn't have a drug testing program in place.
2004 - WWE and John Bradshaw Layfield found themselves with a public relations nightmare as a result of JBL doing a "Nazi Salute" in an attempt to get heat from the crowd during a WWE event on June 5th in Munich, Germany. While there was some outrage from fans over the gesture (which is actually an arrestable offense in Germany), problems really began when it was picked up by the media, with pictures of the incident appearing online. WWE used the following statement:
"WWE and John Layfield deeply regret Mr. Layfield's actions in the ring at our event in Munich, and apologize if it has offended or upset our fans. Mr. Layfield has been reprimanded for his actions."
Strangely, the WWE apology was pulled from the website after only appearing for a day. However, the incident would not be quickly forgotten by others, as CNBC, which was using JBL as a financial analyst, released the following on June 8th:
"CNBC has terminated its relationship with John "Bradshaw" Layfield following his conduct this past weekend in a wrestling match. We find his behavior to be offensive, inappropriate and not befitting anyone associated with our network."
2007 - Ring of Honor ran Boston, MA. Matt filed the following results:
*Crowd looks to be in the 400 range.
*Brent Albright defeated BJ Whitmer via DQ when Whitmer loses it, headbutting the referee and throwing a bunch of chairs around.
*Daizee Haze challenges Lacey to a match. Jimmy Jacobs comes out and cuts a promo, distracting Haze long enough for Lacey to attack her. They have a match tomorrow in Philadelphia.
*American Dragon defeated Jimmy Rave after the referee stopped the match following repeated elbows to the head.
*Kevin Steen defeated ROH Tag Team champion Mark Briscoe in a really good match that saw Steen win with a double underhook piledriver. Steen grabs a chair but is run off by Jay Briscoe. Briscoe grabs a mic and challenges Steen and Delirious to a Boston Street Fight.
*ROH has announced an August 10th return to the venue with Death Before Dishonor 5.
*Four Way Survival match: Nigel McGuinness vs. Chris Hero vs. Claudio Castignoli vs. Miike Quackenbush. Claudio gets the fall on Quackenbush and will receive a title shot at Death Before Dishonor 5.
*Eddie Edwards defeated Pele Primea with Edwards with a cradleshock type move in a good but short match.
*Matt Sydal defeated El Generico with a rana.
*Delirious & Matt Cross & Eric Stevens defeated Roderick Strong & Rocky Romero & Davey Richards when Delirious gets the pin on Strong in a really good match.
*ROH champion Takeshi Morishima wins over Jay Brsicoe with a backdrop driver. There's a post match brawl between the Briscoes and Steen & El Generico to set up their tag team street fight on August 10th.
2007 - Hermie Sadler's UWF held Hardcore War II in Philadelphia, PA at the ECW Arena with the following results:
The UWF Hardcore War II event is ongoing in Philadelphia, PA at the New Alhambra. Quick results saw:
*Chris Bosh & Scott Lost defeated Team Macktion
*TNA X-Division champion Chris Sabin pinned Joey Ryan.
*Daffney & Damien Wayne defeated April Hunter & JD Michaels.
*Sabu pinned Danny Doring. No tables during the match.
*Sonjay Dutt pinned Ruckus.
*Dustin Rhodes defeated Steve Corino in a Bullrope Match. Rhodes cut a promo on Philadelphia Phillies' Mitch Williams, who later did a spot where he laid out Rhodes, which was rejected by the crowd.
*Senshi pinned Joey Matthews.
*TNA Tag Team champions Team 3D defeated Christopher Daniels & AJ Styles after 3D on Daniels. Rick Steiner got involved laying out the referee at one point. After the match. Brother Ray brought out Sabu and put him over, leading the crowd in a "free at last" chant.
2008 - TNA held their Slammiversary PPV in Southaven, MS. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of the 2008 TNA Slammiversary PPV from Southaven, MS, right outside of Memphis. TNA played up the Memphis angle with shots of the city and an Elvis impersonator interspersed with TNA footage, pushing the top matches and the wedding later tonight.
TNA set off a ton of pyro to open the show as Mike Tenay and Don West welcomed everyone to the event.
TNA X-Division champion Petey Williams (with Scott Steiner & Rocka Khan) vs. Kaz
Williams is wearing protective gear over his face while Kaz's arm is taped up. They locked up with Williams grabbing a go-behind and wrenching Kaz's arm. Kaz reversed and took control. The dueling chants started almost immediately. Kaz ducked a clothesline and hit a high cross bodyblock for a two count. They go into a series of reversals with two counts. Williams avoided the Wace of the Future but Kaz escaped a Canadian Destroyer attempt. Williams backed out of the ring and was checked out by Scott Steiner.
Kaz took control on Williams with several kicks including a spinkick. It's obvious that Kaz is trying to protect Williams' injuries. They end up outside the ring. Khan distracted Kaz, allowing Williams to come off the apron with a tornado DDT on the floor. He tossed Kaz back into the ring and continued the assault with kicks. Williams whips Kaz into the turnbuckles and Kaz runs into the buckles.
Williams hit a jawbreaker and a spinkick. He charges Kaz in the corner but Kaz turns it into a sunset flip attempt for a two count. Kaz is knocked to the floor. Williams dove over the ropes onto Kaz's shoulders, snapping him into a hurancanrana on the floor. He tosses Kaz back into the ring, then drills him over his knees with a backbreaker for another two count.
Williams suplex Kaz, then ties up Kaz with a submission attempt. Kaz begins to mount a comeback. He and Williams go back and forth until Kaz nailed a kick. They get to their feet and Kaz begins laying in forearms and punches. He nails Williams with a running back elbow, then hits a Kryptonite Krunch for a two count.
Williams missed a charge in the corner and Kaz drilled him with a slingshot into a DDT. Williams rolls out of the ring onto the apron to regain his bearings. Kaz catches him diving back into the ring for another two count. Williams uses a drop toe hold to snap Kaz's neck across the center ropes. Williams snatches him up with a side Russian leg sweep.
Kaz missed a spinkick but was hit with a knee strike to the face. Williams nails Kaz with a flapjack but Kaz kicked up at two. Williams went to the top rope but Kaz dropkicked him.
Kaz called for the Flux Capacitor. He went for it and Williams fought him off with a series of elbows. Williams teased a Canadian Destroyer but Kaz escaped. He went for the Capacitor again but Williams was knocked to the floor. Williams returned to the ring. Kaz went for a backslide, but Williams turned it into a Destroyer attempt. Kaz reversed and hot another Kryptonite Krunch for a two count.
Rocka Khan got into the ring in front of the referee but was kicked by Kaz. As the referee dealt with her, Scott Steiner tossed Williams a pipe and he struck Kaz with it. Williams rolled Kaz over but Kaz, now busted open, got his shoulder up at the last second. Kaz is bleeding a ton.
Williams went for another Destroyer but was rolled up for a two count. Williams turned it into a Sharpshooter but Kaz forced his way up. It was the Wrestlemania 13 Austin-Bret spot, right down to a closeup of Kaz's bloody face fighting through the pain. Kaz fought off Williams. He went to climb to the top but Scott Steiner tried to attack him. He fought Steiner off.
Williams finally caught Kaz with the Destroyer and pinned him to retain the title.
Your winner and still X-Division champion, Petey Williams!
All three continued to beat Kaz after the bell and threw the referee out of the ring. Steiner told Kaz that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Steiner said he wanted to know where his title rematch was and wanted to know why he wasn't wrestling tonight. He said TNA was scared to have him as champion. He told Kaz that he was going to make sure Kaz didn't get to have his TNA title shot on Thursday and continued beating him.
Abyss' music played and he came out, complete with pyro, dressed in white mental ward garb with "Parks" on the back and a new grey mask. I thought his last name was Mitchell because Rev. Jim was his father? Abyss hit the ring and challenged Steiner. Steiner shoved Williams into Abyss, who nailed him with the Black Hole Slam. Steiner attacked him but got the Black Hole Slam as well. Rocka Khan made it a trifecta.
The opener was solid but I don't think it was anything over the top great. Still, it was good. It really felt like they were being careful due to Williams' injury, which is understandable. The Abyss return didn't really explain his new direction or give us any clues in what TNA has planned for him, beyond a new costume and mask.
Mike Tenay and Don West began running down the crowd. Mickie Knuckle's TNA ring name is "Moose." I know they want to own the name, but sheesh, that is awful.
Eric Young showed up and said he found Elvis and the "King is on his way." West said he's been dead for 30 years. Young said he looks great and thanked West for believing in him. They showed an empty chair in the front row with a sign that read, "Reserved for Elvis."
They went to a video feature on Kevin Nash, saying his lust for money overpowers his sense of loyalty. The jokes just write themselves.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Nash backstage about his role as the enforcer in the main event. Nash said that the business is about money, not about who the best wrestler is. Nash said he guesses he and Joe are friends, but he sees Joe more as an investment. He said that if Joe loses, Nash loses but if Joe wins, Nash cashes out.
They aired a video feature on the Knockouts.
We saw the first of what will apparently be a series of historic scenes from Memphis, this time Graceland. Well, I'd rather see this than the usual backstage soap opera. Hopefully they show some cool wrestling sites, like the Mid-South Coliseum.
The Beautiful People & Moose vs. Gail Kim & Roxxi & ODB
The babyfaces tripled on Moose early. The story was that Angelina Love and Venvet Sky abandoned her early. They tried to walk out but Kim and ODB jumped them in the aisle.
It settled down into Moose vs. Roxxi. Moose used a flapjack after Angelina distracted her. Angelina tagged in and worked over Roxxi. Moose tagged in and kneed her in the gut. She nailed a TKO on Roxxi for a two count. Sky tagged in and locked on an Octopus, biting Roxxi's hand as she was trapped in the submission.
RoxxI fought her way out and finally tagged Kim in. Kim unloaded with a series of elbows and forearms on Sky. She clotheslined Love off the apron, then nailed Moose as well. Kim came off the top with a flying bodypress for a two count on Sky. Kim rebounded off the ropes, but was tripped by Love, who then attacked Kim's "bad knee" which they claimed earlier had a strained MCL.
Sky began working over the knee, while Kim tried to fight back and even rolled her up at one point. Love tagged in and they worked over Kim. They continued to kick at her knee, pulling down her kneepad to insure it was exposed. Love draped the leg over the bottom rope, then dropped all her weight across it. She then wrapped Kim's leg around the ropes to stretch it. Kim tried to fight her way to a tag, but Love cut her off.
She locked on a single leg Boston Crab. Kim grabbed for the ropes, but Moose and Velvet pulled the rope away from her. Love dragged Kim into the center of the ring. Love tagged in Moose. She grabbed Kim's leg and pulled it up, slamming her knee into the mat. Moose locked on an Oriental Torture Device. ODB broke the move, saving Kim.
Moose wrapped Kim's bad knee around her head, torquing it. Kim got to the ropes but Moose wouldn't let go. Kim finally kicked her off and tagged ODB. ODB hit the ring and cleaned house on Moose and the Beautiful People. Moose charged her in the corner but was caught with an elbow. ODB came off the ropes with a Thesz Press for a two count.
All six brawled in the ring. Kim and Love brawl to the floor. Roxxi and Sky went out of the ring as well. ODB hit an Oklahoma Stampede on Moose for the clean pinfall.
Your winners, Gail Kim & ODB & Roxxi!
A fun six man tag. I don't think this was at the level of some of the blowaway matches the Knockouts have had of late but there was nothing wrong with it.
They aired a video feature on Rhino.
Lauren interviewed Rhino about the King of the Mountain match. Rhino said the last year was the most difficult year of his life, professionally and personally. He said that he realized he had issues that effected him at home and on the road. He said making peace with Christian helped him progress as a person, because sometimes you have to let go and move on. Rhino said winning tonight will give him the confidence he needs. He promised that his second chance started tonight.
They aired a video feature on LAX vs. Team 3D.
TNA Tag Team champs LAX (with Salinas & Hector Guerrero) vs. Team 3D.
Hernandez and Devon opened the bout. Hernandez nailed a shoulderblock while rebounding off the ropes. LAX worked over Devon in the corner and Homicide covered him for a two count. Devon raked Homicide's face and tagged in Brother Ray.
Ray powered Homicide into the corner and called him a "small, small, small, small little man." Homicide ducked under a punch and nailed a hiptoss. Ray came back with a snapmare takeover. The fans chanted for tables.
Ray slammed Homicide, who escaped and nailed an armdrag. He raked Homicide's eyes but Homicide came back. He went for a monkey flip but Homicide couldn't get him over. Ray slapped Homicide, who returned the favor with a dropkick off the ropes. Hernandez tagged in with a flying shoulderblock.
Team 3D ended up on the floor, where Hernandez hit a dive on Devon followed by a Homicide tope con hilo on Ray. Homicide tossed Ray back into the ring for a two count. Homicide went to the top rope but Devon shoved him off the floor. Salinas and Guerrero checked on Homicide, but Ray kicked them away, then whipped Homicide into the guard rail.
Homicide was tossed back into the ring, where Devon choked Homicide against the ropes. Devon hit a back elbow as Homicide rebounded off the ropes. Devon peppered Homicide with right hands in the corner. Ray cranked on Homicide's neck, but Homicide fought his way back. Homicide came off the ropes but was caught with a sideslam.
Devon tagged in and slammed Homicidie. He went for the top rope headbutt but Homicide escaped. Hernandez made the hot tag in, but the referee was distracted by Ray and didn't see it. Ray whipped Homicide into the corner and 3D continued the assault. Devon placed Homicide on top for a superplex but Homicide bit him on the ear, then hit a jawbreaker off the ropes.
Hernandez finally got the hot tag in and cleaned house on 3D. He backdropped them both, then clotheslined Ray. Hernandez held Devon up for a high vertical suplex, then splashed Ray in the corner. Homicide hit a high cross body off the ropes on Ray but Devon made the save at the two count.
Homicide is tossed out of the ring and 3D worked over Hernandez. 3D goes for the Wazzup headbutt, but Homicide tossed Devon off the corner. Hernandez held Ray for Salinas to do the wazzup but Johnny Devine hit the ring with a Singapore Cane. Guerrero pulled Devine out of the ring and caned him. Salinas hit the headbutt but didn't get the pop you'd think for that spot.
3D took control again as Devon worked over Homicide in the corner. Hernandez went under Devon and had him on his shoulders. Homicide came off the top with the gringo cutter. LAX took out Ray and went for the pin but Devon pulled the referee out of the ring. Homicide went after Devon but was slammed into the guard rail.
3D worked over Hernandez and called for the 3D but Homicide came out of nowhere and rolled up Ray for the clean pinfall.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions, LAX!
Another solid match. This was put together more like an old school babyface vs. heel tag match as opposed to an all out brawl and was fine for what it was designed to be.
They aired a Robert Roode video.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Robert Roode. Roode said one of the hardest things for him is to prove that he isn't a rookie but a worthy main eventer. Roode said that he looks around and sees the stars in the locker room that haven't just done the talking but have proven themselves. Roode said that tonight he was going to prove to everyone that he's the very best. TNA is doing a good job building the main event tonight.
Awesome Kong's Open Challenge
TNA Knockout champion Awesome Kong came to the ring with Raisha Saied. Jeremy Borash was in the ring announcing, saying that anyone over the age of 18 who could defeat Kong could try and win the $25,000.
They picked Serena Deeb and Josie Robinson. Kong and Saied picked Serena D, who wrestles as Serena Deeb and has worked in OVW, ROH and SHIMMER. Robinson is from Minnesota and has worked for Harley Race's WLW.
TNA Knockout champ Awesome Kong vs. Serena Deeb
Serena was destroyed quickly by Kong, including a powerbomb into the guard rail. Kong choked her on the floor with her boot, then slammed her head into the ring post. Kong shoved down Josie, who was still in the front row.
Kong rolled Serena back into the ring, then kicked her in the back. Kong nailed the Implant Buster and pinned Serena.
Your winner, Awesome Kong!
Kong got back in Josie's face at ringside. Borash asked her if she wanted to fight "the girl from Memphis" and Kong nodded. Josie signed the waiver, then punched Kong in the face.
Awesome Kong vs. Josie Robinson
Josie attacked Kong, but was quickly tossed into the rail. She went to hit Josie, but Josie ducked and Kong hit the ring post. Josie punched Kong, then challenged her to get into the ring. Kong quickly took control with the spinning backfist. She beat down Robinson, then hit the Awesomebomb for the pin.
Your winner, Awesome Kong!
If you've seen the other Fan challenges, this was more of the same. Serena did a good job selling for Kong and making her look like a monster. Josie showed a little bit of fire to make fans think that the local girl might get one over, but in the end it was Kong looking strong.
Eric Young came out and said that it was the moment everyone was waiting for. He said that no one believed he could find him, but Young did it. He introduced "the Real King of Rock N' Roll...Elvis Presley." An Elvis lookalike came out in the white jumpsuit. Elvis said that thanks to Young, the King is back in Memphis. Awesome Kong and Raisha were still in the ring and didn't look thrilled at their spotlight being taken away. Elvis made his way to the ring. He asked Kong how she liked visiting Graceland. Kong kicked him in the gut and nailed him with the Awesomebomb.
They aired a Christian Cage video.
Lauren noted that Cage was a two-time TNA champion, so what was left for him to prove going into the King of the Mountain.. Cage said that he took a step back to get his life in order and realized that he still loved being the best and the measuring stick of the industry. Cage said that there may be others qualified to be World champion, but all his Peeps will tell you that he's the most qualified. Cage said that there is no one in TNA that has a better won/loss record or that has been in more main events than him. He said that his motivation is to have his name in the history books as the very best. He said he would become TNA champion for the third time.
We saw a video feature on Jay Lethal and So Cal Val's wedding.
TNA showed clips of the famous Beale Street.
The Wedding
The groomsmen were introduced first. Ace Young wore jeans. Seriously. Some friend! Kamala came out wearing a tuxedo and his African facepaint. I love it! Jake Roberts got a nice pop when he was announced. Koko B. Ware was accompanied by Frankie the Bird. Frankie didn't want to go on his perch. When they announced George Steele, he came out, green tongue and all, from the side of the stage.
They announced the Best Man, Sonjay Dutt, who was dressed like he was in a final audition for a Bollywood musical. The maid of honor was a pretty brunette named Sarah. No other women in the bridal party.
Jay Lethal came out in a gold and white Black Machismo tuxedo and sequined tie with pyro. He was greeted by all the groomsmen. So Cal Val came out in a flowing white dress.
They went right into the "Does anyone have any objections" and there wasn't even a hint of Sonjay speaking up. Lethal said "I do" although the mic didn't pick it up. As Val was about to say "I do," Dutt grabbed the mic and said this has gone on long enough. Lethal said that he understood Dutt was worried about him, but he wants to do this and never wanted anything more on in his life.
Dutt said he wasn't speaking to Jay but to Val. He got on his knees and told Val that he's loved her as long as he knows her and begs her to reconsider. Val looked shocked. Dutt was really good on the mic. Lethal got mad and grabbed Dutt by the throat. Dutt begged off, then attacked Lethal from behind with a piece of the wedding decoration set up in the ring.
Dutt beat down Lethal. Ace Young jumped on him but was laid out. Dutt nailed Koko B. Ware but the other Groomsmen overpowered him. Jake pulled a snake out from under the ring. Val ran to the back crying with the Maid of Honor. Dutt escaped. Lethal was furious as he was held back by the others. Steele ate a turnbuckle. For some reason, Koko destroyed the wedding set.
I thought the turn was great but once Dutt started getting laid out by the legends, it turned into silliness that came off like a third-rate parody of a WWE wedding. The crowd didn't seem to care about any of this, either. I felt bad for Lethal, etc. for being put in this situation.
They aired a video on Booker T.
Jeremy Borash interviewed Booker T. He said that recently, Booker has seemed bitter. Booker scoffed and said TNA begged him to sign with them and put them on the map. Booker said that he was promised more money than any man could count. He said that the ratings and PPV buyrates are up and when it came time to "pay the piper" Booker got a locker room that smelled like Elephant urine. Booker said that it doesn't matter because he was going to take the TNA title tonight and get all the power that goes with it. He said that the power could change everything including the equilibrium of TNA. Booker said that he was told what to do in WWE, but that will not happen in TNA. Booker said he would reach for the brass ring and when it was all done, everyone will bow down and praise Booker T, the World champion. Booker's delivery was really good here, similar to the King Booker character without the silly accent and comedy aspects.
They aired a video feature on Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles.
Kurt Angle (with Tomko) vs. AJ Styles.
Earl Hebner made it a point to tell Tomko not to get involved before the bell. Angle and Styles tied up and Angle forced Styles into the corner. Angle was grabbing his neck when they broke clean. Angle rode Styles to the mat and controlled him. Styles grabbed the ropes and it was another clean break, although Angle slapped him in the back of the head as he broke the hold.
The crowd chanted, "Let's go AJ." Angle caught Styles with a side headlock takedown. Styles caught him with a series of deep arm drags. Angle retreated to the floor, where he and Tomko had words. When he returned to the ring, Angle took control, beating down Styles with a series of kicks. Styles avoided an Angle charge and Kurt ran shoulder first into the ringpost. Styles hit a springboard forearm.
Styles rebounded off the ropes but was caught with an elbow. Styles fell through the ropes to the floor. Tomko approached Styles, but Earl Henber jumped out of the ring and threw Tomko out of the ringside area. As Tomko argued, Angle threw Styles into the railing, although the cameras missed it.
Angle argued with the referee, giving Styles the chance to hit a running flip dive out of the ring. Angle grabbed his neck immediately as he went down, although based on the replays, it appeared he was just selling.
Back in the ring, Styles drilled Angle with an over the knee backbreaker, then slammed him. Angle fought back and grabbed Styles in a rear chinlock, riding him on the mat to wear him down. Styles nose was busted open. Styles began to fire back with elbows but Angle nailed an overhead belly-to-belly suplex to cut off that attempt to change the momentum of the match. Angle got a series of two counts.
AJ fought his way to his feet but was kneed in the gut as he came off the ropes charging. Angle nailed a backbreaker for a two count. Angle began working over Styles with uppercuts and punches in the corner. Styles was hit so hard, he nearly fell over the ropes with his leg caught in the ropes. Angle and Styles exchanged punches on the top rope. Angle went for a superplex, but Styles countered with a gourdbuster off the top rope. They called it a faceplant.
Styles and Angle exchanged back and forth strikes until Styles is able to take him down with a spinkick. Styles kicks off an Angle charge and hits a pumphandle slam into an over the knee backbreaker for a two count. Styles hits a suplex on Angle for another two count.
Angle cut off Styles and began hitting a series of German suplexes. Styles reverses one and turns it into a release German suplex with Angle taking a full backwards flip bump, landing on his stomach. Styles called for Angle to get back on his feet, but Angle catches Styles as he attempts a discus punch, then hits a reverse German suplex of his own for a two count.
Styles came out of nowhere with an enziguiri on Angle. AJ charges Kurt, who nails him with a belly to belly suplex into the corner for another near fall. Angle went for an Angle Slam but Styles turned it into a DDT for a two count. AJ began nailing Angle with elbows to the head.
Styles went for a sunset flip pinfall but Angle rolled through and went for the anklelock. Styles rolled through and kicked Angle into the corner. Styles nailed an inverted DDT for a two count. AJ went to the top but was caught with an Angle Slam off the top for a two count.
Angle pulled down the straps and locked on the anklelock. AJ rolled up Angle into a forward roll for a two count, then drilled him with the Pele Kick. Angle grabbed the ropes at the last second to break the pinfall.
Styles went for the Styles Clash but Angle grabbed his leg and turned it into the anklelock in the center of the ring. Styles crawled to the ropes but was pulled back into the center of the ring. Styles pushed off Angle, who bumped Earl Hebner. AJ scissored Angle's neck and tossed him out of the ring.
Karen Angle made her way to ringside with a chair. She teased handing him the chair but when Angle grabbed it, she wouldn't let go. Styles grabbed Angle into a sunset flip takedown, then hit the Styles Clash and pinned Angle clean in the middle of the ring.
Your winner, AJ Styles!
Karen raised AJ's arm after the match. Kurt drilled AJ in the back with the chair. Karen slapped Kurt, who went after her and she ran from the ring. Angle continued to beat Styles. Security started to hit the ring, but Tomko hit ring a second later and took them all out. Tomko held everyone at bay as Angle continued to work over Styles. They showed Karen leaving crying.
A really damn good match. Angle was wrestling a smart match where he didn't take any insane punishment to his bad neck, going for a more mat-based style. Since he's one of the best in the world, it worked because he's so damn good at it. Styles getting the pin was the move that needed to be made to get him to the next level and Angle and Tomko laying him out only builds his babyface sympathy as well. Loved this bout.
TNA champion Samoa Joe was interviewed by Lauren. Joe said the sport of pro wrestling suffers from an affliction and Joe wants to be the cure. He said that the sport doesn't reward the warrior that defeats the better man, but instead the opportunist. Joe said the politician is the one who reaps the rewards. Joe said that tonight they are going to change all that. Joe said the TNA fans want someone who is going to walk out and beat the man put in front of him and that's what Joe is going to do. Joe said that the history books might not say he's the fastest or strongest, but it will say that no one wanted the TNA belt more or fought harder to keep it Joe said he was going to lead a new band of warriors into the future. He closed saying, "I am Samoa Joe, I am the TNA World champion, and by God, I am pro wrestling." All the promos building the main event have been great tonight.
King of the Mountain: TNA champ Samoa Joe vs. Christian Cage vs. Rhino vs. Robert Roode vs. Booker T with Kevin Nash as ringside enforcer
OK, here are the rules. To win, you have to hang the TNA title over the ring after climbing a ladder. To be able to climb the ladder, you have to pin one of your opponents. When someone is pinned, they are sent to a penalty box. Got all that?
They did small video features and entrances for each competitor, followed by the Jeremy Borash in-ring introductions.
It was chaos from the bell. Booker and Joe traded chops on the floor. Rhino tossed Cage into a ladder on the floor. Rhino and Cage worked over Roode in the ring. Joe and Booker battled up the aisle.
Cage went to the top but was shoved off by Booker. Rhino and Booker battled in the ring. Booker cut him off with a kick. Booker nailed a kick on Rhino, but missed a clothesline. Rhino clotheslined Booker over the top to the floor.
Joe entered the ring and went back and forth with Rhino. Joe hit a running leg lariat, then a back splash senton for a two count. Roode broke up the pinfall. Joe whipped him into the corner, but Roode kicked him as Joe charged. Roode jumped off the ropes but Joe walked away and there was no water in the pool.
Cage returned to the ring. Roode tried to hit the Payoff but Cage nailed him with a DDT. Cage and Joe exchanged chops. Joe nailed an enziguiri in the corner on Cage. Cage avoided Joe's attempts to set up a muscle buster but was caught with a snap powerslam for a two count. Joe tied Cage to the tree of woe and nailed a running kick to the face of the upside down Cage. Cage went to the floor.
Joe set up for a dive but Booker grabbed his leg and pulled him out. Booker slammed Joe into the penalty box, then beat the crap out of Joe on the floor with punches and kicks, before slamming him into the announcer's table.
Booker returned to the ring, where he caught Rhino with the Bookend and pinned him.
Booker T is now eligible to hang the belt. Rhino goes to the penalty box.
Booker laid out everyone else, then took the belt from Nash after going nose to nose with him. Joe grabbed the ladder to prevent Booker from setting it up. Booker and Joe battled over the ladder outside the ring by the apron. Cage dropkicked the ladder into them. As Cage returned, Roode attacked him with chops in the corner.
Rhino returned to the ring. He and Cage shook hands, then went at it. Rhino nailed a belly to belly and set up for the gore, but Joe cut him off. Joe caught Cage with a uranage in the corner and began stomping him. Joe hit a running dive over the top onto Booker, Rhino and Roode. Cage climbed to the top of the penalty box and dove off onto everyone on the floor.
Cage grabbed a table from under the ring and began setting it up on the floor. He grabbed the ladder to use on Roode but Roode nailed it with a chair and pinned Cage.
Booker T and Robert Roode are now eligible. Cage goes to the penalty box.
Rhino rolled up Roode, so he has to go to the penalty box. Roode ignored the orders, so Nash pulled him out of the ring, fought with Roode and tossed him in. Roode and Cage battled inside the box.
Booker T, Rhino and Robert Roode are now eligible.
Rhino climbed the ladder but it was tipped over by Booker. Joe tried to lock on a choke on Booker. Booker escaped and went for the Ax Kick. Joe avoided it and locked on the choke again. Cage was released from the box, then hit a frog splash onto Booker and Joe. Cage pinned Booker.
Booker T, Cage, Rhino and Robert Roode are now eligible.
Cage set up the ladder and climbed up but Roode pulled him down. Roode gets the belt and heads up the ladder. Joe pulled Roode down with a suplex. Cage climbs up. Joe follows and Joe grabs him with an Ace Crusher off the ladder. Rhino gored Joe.
Booker T was released. He grabbed the TNA belt and laid out everyone with it, including Kevin Nash. Booker climbed up but Nash got into the ring and powerbombed Booker off the ladder. So much for an impartial official! Joe grabbed Cage for a musclebuster but escaped. Rhino gored Cage out of the ring through a table. Roode hit the Northern Lariat on Joe. Roode took out Rhino.
Roode grabbed for the belt at the same time Joe does. They have a tug of war. Roode swings at Joe with the belt while on the ladder. Joe ducks and kicks Roode. He hits a muscle buster off the ladder, pins Roode to qualify and puts the belt above the ring.
Your winner and still TNA champion Samoa Joe!
Nash and Joe shook hands to close the show. The announcers said that Joe made history, being the first man to enter King of the Mountain and retain his title.
Considering the convoluted stipulations of the bout, this was about as good as you could hope for. Everyone worked really hard and there was some good stuff, but this didn't feel like a main event bout that blew me away, especially when the King of the Mountain bout on Impact was actually a stronger match. There were spots that were good and the work ethic was there, but it was just decent, not a blowaway finish to the show.
Overall, a thumbs in the middle PPV. Nothing truly bad except for Sonjay Dutt turning heel and immediately being killed by older "legends" as opposed to garnering some heat. The matches were all OK and that's probably the best way to describe this PPV. An OK effort. There's some good wrestling here and they did a really good job building to the main event.
2009 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight with a look back at last night’s WWE Title match between Randy Orton and Batista where Batista got revenge for what Orton did to Ric Flair on Raw.
We are live from Lafayette, Louisiana and your announcers are Jerry ‘Will ECW get a better rating than the NHL Finals tomorrow’ Lawler and Michael ‘Vintage Hog Pen’ Cole.
After seeing the highlights from last night, it is time for the new WWE Champion to come to the ring. Batista addresses the crowd and he is in a good mood tonight. He says that he beat the hell out of Randy Orton last night to become a five time champion. Batista says that there is a sixteen time World Champion watching and he tells Ric Flair that he loves him and that he did it for Flair. He also did it for himself and the fans. He did it for everyone who is sick and tired of Randy Orton. As much as he is enjoying this moment, he says that it is only the beginning. He says that Randy Orton has hurt a lot of people and he is going to hurt Randy for that. He is going to take his pride . . .
He is not going to take Orton’s chance to confront Batista. Randy makes it about half way down the ramp and Batista figures that a sneak attack is coming. He gets to the apron and Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes appear in the ring but they are unable to take down Batista. Batista tries for a Batista Bomb on Orton but Rhodes hits Batista in the arm with a steel chair. It is three-on-one as they work on the arm. Orton with a front face lock while DiBiase kicks Batista. Orton stomps on the arm while Rhodes has him in an arm bar. Orton gets the chair and the remnants of the non-existent IED is back. Orton puts Batista’s arm in the chair and then Orton stomps on the chair.
Batista says that they will never get rid of him. Batista holds his arm while Orton slowly takes the WWE Title belt. Orton leaves with Rhodes, DiBiase, and Batista’s title belt while the medical staff checks on Batista’s arm.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Batista is being taken through the backstage area and he says that he cannot feel his arm. Batista is placed on the stretcher and strapped in as he goes into the ambulance. Batista wonders where his title belt is as the ambulance drives away.
We have a Moments Ago Moment of the attack on Batista.
Cole and Lawler say that we will get updates later.
William Regal comes out and he says that in this trying times, the last thing they need is a Jamaican as a US Champion. William Regal says that as the United States Champion, he can be their savior.
Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus William Regal in a Non Title Match
Kingston with a drop kick. Kofi goes up top and Regal with a punch as Kofi comes off. Regal tries for a head butt but Kofi with a sunset flip attempt but Regal drops down and then he hits a flip senton on Kingston for a two count. Regal with forearms to Kingston. Kofi with a kick and forearms but Regal with a knee. Kingston with chops to Regal’s chest followed by a drop kick. Kofi with the Boom Boom Boom leg drop for a near fall. Regal lowers the knee pad and he misses a knee. Kofi misses Trouble in Paradise and Regal with a forearm. Kofi does not miss the second time and he gets the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
We go to the Legacy Locker Room and Rhodes says that there is no way that Batista can come back after that attack. Josh Mathews enters and he wants to talk to Randy. Orton says that Batista is down and he will exercise his rematch clause tonight. Batista better come back or he will have to forfeit the title. Orton says that by the end of the night, he will be WWE Champion.
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that WWE helps members of the military.
Before our next match starts, Mickie James comes to the ring to join Cole and Lawler.
Match Number Two: Kelly Kelly versus Maryse for the Divas Title
Maryse with a knee and she sends Kelly to the mat. Maryse poses after that one move. They lock up and continue the collar and elbow tie up as they roll around the mat. Kelly with a series of forearms and a kick. Kelly lands on her feet when Maryse tries to send her to the mat. Maryse and Kelly each hit clotheslines. Maryse with a back breaker for a near fall. Kelly with a sunset flip for a near fall followed by a cross body and a rana for near falls. Kelly kicks Maryse and then she goes to the turnbuckles but Maryse pulls Kelly off the turnbuckles and hits a DDT for the three count.
Winner: Maryse
After the match, Maryse taunts Kelly and then she slaps Kelly. Mickie gets into the ring and she comes to Kelly’s defense. Maryse leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole talk about the Hogpen Match from last night. We go to footage.
Josh Mathews is outside Vickie Guerrero’s office and Vickie is there too. Josh asks Vickie about Randy Orton invoking his rematch clause. Vickie says that Orton deserves a rematch, and he will get it tonight. Randy will face Batista for the WWE Title. Vickie says that the referee will win the bell and the match will start. If Batista cannot make a ten count, Orton will win the title. Vickie says that she has an announcement that will change Raw forever.
Maryse is in catering and Miz stops by and says that Mickie James is not here. Maryse starts to talk in French and Miz likes it. (According to Elite Member Franck Larivey, she said “Women like me don’t need men like you”) Maryse tells Miz to be quiet. She says that Miz is a good talker, but she has not see him beat John Cena. Until he does something, they have nothing. Miz tells Maryse to watch the match.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Goldust and Hornswoggle versus The Brian Kendrick and Jamie Noble on Superstars.
Match Number Three: Santino Marella, Festus, and Goldustwith Hornswoggle versus The Brian Kendrick, Jamie Noble, and Chavo Guerrero
The bell rings and Festus goes after Kendrick and Noble. Festus with a splash into the corner on Kendrick and then he slaps his butt before hitting a seated Thesz Press. Santino tags in and he hits a leg sweep on Kendrick. Kendrick with a forearm and Goldust tags in. Goldust with a clothesline and then he punches Kendrick. Noble tries to interfere but it backfires. Chavo tags in and he punches Goldust. Chavo talks to the referee and Kendrick and Noble attack Goldust. Chavo tags in Noble who hits a knee to the back followed by a leg drop. Noble with a forearm to the back followed by a crossface wrist lock. Noble knocks Festus off the apron but Santino punches him. Goldust with a reverse atomic drop and back body drop. Santino tags in and he punches Noble and hits an STO. Festus forces Chavo and Kendrick out of the ring. Noble works over Santino but Kendrick puts Hornswoggle in the ring. Hornswoggle stomps on Noble’s feet and then he hits a suicide dive on Kendrick. Santino iwht a rollup for the three count.
Winners: Goldust, Santino Marella, and Festus
We see John Cena walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and the Miz has something to say before his match. He says that this is the night that everyone has been waiting for because he goes one-on-one with John Cena. Miz says that some have said that he is all talk and has not backed up what he has said. Miz says that it is not his fault because Cena did not respond to his challenges. Miz says that the Cena apologists are pathetic and bogus. Tonight, Cena has no excuses. There are no injuries or 7000 watt lights to prevent him from going 7-0.
Match Number Four: The Miz versus John Cena
Before the match starts, Big Show comes out to watch the match. He walks at an Orton-esque pace and gets on the apron.
Miz goes after Cena but Cena with a boot. Cena has Show up for the Attitude Adjustment but Show gets out of the hold. Show with a choke slam and Cena is down. Show waits for the chin lock of doom as he pulls back on Cena. Miz hits Show with a steel chair to get Show to release the hold. Miz yells at Cena and then he wakes Cena up with a chair to the back. Show recovers and Miz leaves the ring with the chair.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cole and Lawler talk about what we just saw involving John Cena. Then Cole and Lawler talk about Batista being attacked by Legacy.
Montel Vontavious Porter comes to the ring for his match and says that he does not know what is going on with the WWE Title and he deserves a title shot. He will get rid of any doubt with his victory over Matt Hardy tonight.
Match Number Five: Montel Vontavious Porter versus Matt Hardy
They lock up and Porter with a series of knees followed by a drop toe hold. Porter punches Hardy and then he kicks Hardy. Hardy pulls Porter off the turnbuckles and gets a near fall. Hardy with a kick to the midsection and then he chokes Porter in the ropes. Hardy with a splash into the ropes and then he gets a near fall on Porter. Hardy with a front face lock. Hardy with a forearm to the back as he works on Porter’s back. Porter with an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Porter with punches and a facebuster. It is time for the Ballin’ Elbow and he gets a two count. Porter with an Irish whip but he misses the boot into the corner. Hardy with an inverted DDT for a two count. Porter with a hot shot and then he works on the broken wrist and hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
Vickie is walking in the back and she is approaching Orton speed as we go to commercial.
We are back and Cole and Lawler talk about next week and wonder who will be the champion during the three hour Raw next week. Lawler talks about how there were four title changes and they focus on the World Title Ladder Match and Punk cashing in his Money in the Bank shot.
It is time for Vickie Guerrero to come to the ring to make her major announcement. Vickie wants everyone to excuse her. Vickie says that she knows that a lot of them are upset because she granted Randy Orton a rematch for tonight. Vickie says that she is going to be a little bit honest because the last thing on her mind is making anyone in the arena happy. Vickie starts to cry as she talks about the Hog Pen Match and she was never as humiliated in her life. Vickie says that she expected compassion and sympathy. All she saw was people laughing at her. She wants to know where everyone’s decency and respect is. Vickie says that she has had it. Vickie asks if they think it is okay that Batista can wrestle in his condition and that Orton can take advantage of that situation. Vickie says that the match is on and she is tired of everyone laughing at her and making fun of her. Vickie says that she has come to a decision and she is resigning as the General Manager of Raw. Vickie says that she quits.
Edge comes out and he has something to say to his wife. Edge tells Vickie that last night he said some things in the heat of the moment that were disrespectful. Edge says that he wanted to make things right and apologize. Vickie says that she is so happy to hear that. Edge then says that a funny thing happened because Vickie quit so there is no need to continue this marriage. Edge says that he only married Vickie for her power. Edge says that he wants to be champion at any cost and Vickie no longer has that power since she quit. Edge says that Vickie is worthless to him. Vickie says that Edge does not mean that. Edge says that people thought that Vickie was Edge’s mother. Edge asks Vickie if anyone would think that he was in love with a she-beast. Edge says that if anyone deserves sympathy it should be him. Edge says that he had to rush to the bathroom to dry heave when he kissed her. Edge says that they never consummated the marriage. Edge says that it is fitting that she is leaving because he wants a divorce.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Yankees and Indians cannot get a crowd as big as Raw.
We have an Earlier Tonight Moment from the alleged match between John Cena and The Miz.
Josh Mathews is with John Cena in the interview area. Cena says that he has been worse but he does not remember when. A man’s character is not measured when you are on top of the world, but when your back is against the wall. Cena says that he thought his issues with Big Show were done at Extreme Rules, but he was wrong. Cena talks about The Miz and how it appears that he is ready to reach for the brass ring. Cena says that he knows what Miz is doing and that he is trying to pick a fight with the biggest man in the bar. Cena says that it seems like Miz has someone there to do his dirty work. They will come face to face in the future and we will see how awesome Miz really is.
Match Number Six: Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes versus The Colons in a Non Title Match but if Priceless wins, they get a title match Match
We join the match in progress and Rhodes and Primo are in the ring and Rhodes with a head lock and kick. Primo with an enzuigiri that staggers Rhodes. Carlito tags in and he hits a springboard move on Rhodes. Carlito with a Million Dollar Knee Lift and clothesline. Carlito with a drop kick for a near fall. Rhodes with a head butt and punches but Carlito with a kick. DiBiase hits Carlito and Rhodes hits a DDT for a near fall. DiBiase tags in and kicks Carlito while Cody holds him down. DiBiase with fist drops to Carlito. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock on Carlito. DiBiase blocks a hip toss and then he kicks Carlito. DiBiase knocks Primo off the apron. Rhodes tags in and he kicks Carlito. Rhodes and DiBiase double team Carlito while Primo distracts the referee. Rhodes with a slam and a Ric Flair knee drop for a near fall. Rhodes with a kick to the head and DiBiase tags back in and DiBiase with a side Russian leg sweep for a near fall that is broken up by Primo. DiBiase stops Carlito from making the tag and then he hits a series of elbow drops. Carlito punches DiBiase but DiBiase punches back and Carlito is down again as Rhodes tags in and they double team Carlito. DiBiase with a kick to the back and then he punches Carlito as the referee admonishes him. Rhodes tags back in and he punches Carlito in the back and then he puts Carlito in a modified Camel Clutch. Carlito escapes the hold and DiBiase and Primo tag in. Primo with a flying back elbow followed by a clothesline and drop kick. Primo with a cross body but DiBiase gets a rollup after Rhodes interferes. Primo with a back elbow but the referee does not see Rhodes drop Primo on the top rope as DiBiase hits Dream Street for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
Randy Orton is walking again as we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton is still walking to the ring. He joins DiBiase and Rhodes in the ring. Orton says that he wants to congratulate Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes for being the new number one contenders for the Tag Titles. Randy says that he hopes that Batista does not use what happened to him earlier to keep him from showing up for their match. For those of you who were doing something else between 9:00 and 9:15, we have some highlights of the attack on Batista.
Randy reminds everyone what Vickie Guerrero said before she went totally Whack-a-doodle about getting the title if Batista cannot answer a ten count.
Match Number Seven: Randy Orton versus Batista for the WWE Title
Batista’s music plays but he does not come into the arena. The referee starts his count. We see the ambulance at the building as the referee gets to nine. The referee stops his count as we see the ambulance.
We see Triple H emerge from the ambulance with the GameHammer. Before Hunter enters the seating area, we get the GameMusic. Randy sends Cody after Hunter. Cody gets a sledge hammer shot for his troubles. Ted DiBiase is down as well so Hunter has already taken care of the number one contenders for the tag titles. Hunter drops Gamey and the shirt is off as he enters the ring.
Orton punches Hunter but Hunter punches back. Hunter follows Orton around ringside and then he punches him again. Hunter punches Orton into the ring bell pit and Orton punches Hunter. Orton has a chair but Hunter stops him. Hunter rearranges the announce table and slams Orton’s head into it. Hunter takes a monitor but Orton stops Hunter with a kick. Orton goes into the crowd and Hunter follows after him. Hunter with more punches to Orton. They return to the ringside area and Orton runs away but he gets the chair and returns to the ring. Hunter gets on the apron. Hunter with a spinebuster. Hunter hits Orton in the head with the chair. Hunter hits Orton in the back with the chair repeatedly. We see Cody and Ted still unconscious on the ramp while Hunter hits Orton in the neck with the chair. The fans want a Pedigree and Hunter obliges and does it on a steel chair.
Hunter does his pose as we go to credits.
2010 - WWE NXT season two kicks off. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at the night that the NXT rookies got their revenge on John Cena, Matt Striker, CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Jerry Lawler, the Announce Table, and many more things and people.
We are live on tape from Tampa, Florida and your announcers are Michael ‘I’m Still Running’ Cole and Josh ‘Good Thing I wasn’t ringside last night’ Mathews. Your host is Matt ‘It Hurts when I talk’ Striker.
Matt is in the ring and he is holding his ribs while talking about the rookies from season one and the impact they made. Matt wonders if season two rookies will do the same thing.
The Miz comes out and he introduces the next WWE breakout star, Alex Riley. They are all buddy buddy as they walk to the ring. Out next is John Morrison to bring out his rookie, who he says is the tallest. He introduces Eli Cottonwood. Cody Rhodes comes out and he introduces his rookie, Husky Harris. The next pros are Layla and Michelle McCool and they bring out Kaval. Kaval carries their belts to the ring and he looks like he would rather be somewhere else. Mark Henry is out next to bring out the man who might not be the world’s strongest rookie, but he is Lucky Cannon. Kofi Kingston comes out to introduce Michael McGillicutty. Montel Vontavious Porter comes out and he introduces his rookie Percy Watson. Porter tells Percy to turn it down to a six from twelve. Zack Ryder comes out and he brings out his rookie Titus O’Neil.
Matt wants the rookies to allow the camera to see them. Matt mentions that the rookies in season one were evaluated by the pros. This season, only half of the evaluation will be based on the pros. The rest will be based on the WWE Universe.
Matt says that Season Two will be very different than Season One. It will only be twelve weeks long. In three weeks, the first poll will be revealed. After six weeks, we will have the first elimination. Who will be the next Wade Barrett and get a pay per view title match.
The rookies start pushing each other and the pros have to hold them back. We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael and Josh talk about what happened when Season One of NXT got real and attacked John Cena and a lot of other people before destroying the ring. Cole says that he was able to get away.
Match Number One: Eli Cottonwood and John Morrison versus Titus O’Neil and Zack Ryder
Morrison and Ryder start things off and Ryder pushes Morrison. They lock up again and Morrison with a forearm. Cottonwood tags in and Ryder backs up and tags in O’Neil. Cottonwood with a kick and side head lock. Cottonwood with a shoulder tackle but O’Neil stays on his feet. Ryder distracts Cottonwood and O’Neil with a shoulder and near fall. O’Neil barks at Cottonwood and Cottonwood with a kick. Cottonwood with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Morrison tags in and hits a slingshot kick and O’Neil goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ryder with a side head lock on Morrison. Morrison with punches and a clothesline. Morrison with a leg lariat and he gets a near fall. Ryder with a kick and he tags in O’Neil. Morrison with an enzuigiri to the shoulder and Ryder breaks up the cover but Cottonwood with a boot to Ryder. Morrison with the split legged corkscrew moonsault for the three count.
Winners: John Morrison and Eli Cottonwood
After the match, Matt wants to know what he thought of Eli Cottonwood. John asks the crowd what they thought. He says that some were happy with him but some weren’t happy. He says that everyone had an opinion and it was good.
Matt asks the Miz what he thought. He says that they had an opportunity to impress and entertain the audience. He wants to know if they thought they impressed anyone tonight. Miz says that he wasn’t entertained and they failed.
Michael Cole shows some love for the Miz and says that he should be in a coaches Hall of Fame.
It is time for a video package for Alex Riley. He says that he is from Georgetown, Virginia. He says that he wishes he had a ‘Rocky’ story but he doesn’t. His father was a New York Jet and his mother was a former Miss Virginia. He says that they should call the show Alex Riley and the Seven Dorks. He says that he went to Boston College to play football. He says that he was born to be a WWE Champion. He says that he is a rare breed. They should write in the sky that Alex Riley has arrived and he is running the show.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Husky Harris and Cody Rhodes versus Montel Vontavious Porter and Percy Watson
Watson and Rhodes start things off and Watson dances while wearing his glasses. They lock up and Rhodes with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Rhodes flexes and they lock up again. Rhodes with a hammer lock and side head lock. Rhodes backs Watson into the corner and Rhodes with a kick and punch. Rhodes with an Irish whip but Watson floats over and hits a clothesline. Rhodes with a jawbreaker and then he kicks Watson in the head. Harris tags in and he kicks Watson. Harris with a forearm and then he hits a splash in the corner from a three point stance. Harris with a gutwrench suplex and then he is told to tag Rhodes back in. The referee sends Rhodes back since he did not hold the ropes. Rhodes with a suplex to Watson and he gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Rhodes with a rolling knee drop to Waston. Rhodes with a boot to the abdomen. Harris tags in and he kicks and punches Watson. Harris with a slam and a back senton for a near fall. Porter makes the tag and he punches Harris. Porter with a clothesline followed by a double thrust and facebuster. Porter with a slam and then he hits the Ballin elbow. Rhodes comes off the top but Porter with a boot after being warned by Watson. Watson tags in and hits a floatover DDT for the three count.
Winners: Percy Watson and Montel Vontavious Porter
After the match Matt Striker is in the ring. Matt asks Cody about Husky Harris. Cody tells Husky that he looks awfully familiar. He looks someone in his family, and like everyone in the crowd. He doesn’t want to talk about Husky Harris. He asks Porter if he can mold his rookie into a superstar but he will do it to his rookie.
Porter says that Showtime wanted to show what he could do and he was able to get out of some trouble. He says that he thinks that Watson is ready.
We go to a video package for Michael McGillicutty. He says that he is part of wrestling royalty. He talks about his grandfather Larry Hennig and his father Curt Hennig. He says that he has royal blood in his veins and he is ready to make an impact. He says that his opportunity to shine is now. He will be the next breakout star in the WWE. He says that NXT is the stepping stone to the next level. He says that his in ring style is ruthless. He talks about how Ruthless Aggression is back. It is up to him to continue the Hennig family legend.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the rookies and pros are in the ring and they are possibly going to play Red Rover in the ring. It is time to take a look back at the carnage left by the first NXT class.
We are back in the arena after viewing the footage.
Matt asks Kaval about what he just saw. Kaval says that it was simply unbelievable that the first season of NXT would do that but that is how you make a statement in the WWE. Matt asks Lucky about what he just saw. He says that what they did was cowardly. An eight on one attack on John Cena then attacking the referees. But Kaval was right that is how you make an impact. Husky says that he doesn’t care about what he saw because he is here to win NXT. Alex Riley fakes a few sneezes and then Matt pushes Riley away after saying that he is allergic to Matt. Percy says that if you want to fight a man you do it one on one. Eli says that John Cena deserved every bit of it. Titus O’Neil says that he thinks that Season One should try to do that to them. He says that if you are going to fight, make it a fight, but if you want to win, make it a win. He tells Zack that if he pushes him again, John Cena won’t be the only one who will have to answer. Michael McGillicutty comments on what Titus and Alex did. Michael says that season one rookies made an impact. Matt cuts off Michael and then Matt says that there is a concern in the locker room for what everyone does. Matt says that on behalf of the pros and the people in the locker room as well as the people who got slaughtered last night, Matt welcomes them to the WWE.
The pros decide to keep the new rookies in line by attacking them to send a message.
2012 - Dixie Carter announced the following: "On a plane headed to Dallas for the big PPV this weekend. Very excited @Christian4Peeps is joinin us for the night. He's one of my favorites". Christian came to the PPV to announce Sting as the first member of the TNA Hall of Fame, which TNA received in exchange for Ric Flair appearing at the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the Four Horsemen.
2012 - TNA issued the following:
TNA’S IMPACT WRESTLING LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO ON DEMAND PAY-PER-VIEW CONTENT STARTING IN JUNE!
CHECK YOUR CABLE AND SATELLITE “VIDEO ON DEMAND” LISTINGS FOR AVAILABILITY
NASHVILLE, TN- (June 8, 2012) -- TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announced new video on demand Pay-Per-View content starting in June. “TNA Greatest Moments” is a three-hour program taking a look back at the events that shaped TNA featuring Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Sting, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, RVD and many more of your favorite Stars. Check your cable or satellite “Video On Demand” listings for “TNA Greatest Moments”.
In July, TNA will be launching a new series of one-hour shows available all month long titled “TNA Unfinished Business.” This new series will feature a look at some of the most heated rivalries and feuds in TNA’s recent history.
The July debut title will be “TNA Unfinished Business: Storm vs. Roode.” This is considered by many to be the biggest rivalry in professional wrestling today. Two former tag team partners were at war for over 6 months. "TNA Unfinished Business" will take a look back at this heated feud, which culminated on April 15 at the annual “Lockdown” Pay-Per-View event. Relive the history of these TNA originals and experience all the conflict and controversy.
Check local cable and satellite listings. For more information visit: www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com
TNA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held sports entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in events, products, numerous TV properties, merchandise and music, as well as, the management and promotion of professional wrestlers. The roster features such greats as Hulk Hogan, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Sting, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Rob Van Dam, Velvet Sky, Brooke Hogan, the lovely and lethal Knockouts and many more through its highly successful TNA IMPACT WRESTLING weekly broadcasts on SPIKE TV. In addition, TNA produces monthly PPV events and over 100 live shows a year. The product is the world’s most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is broadcast in over 120 countries. For more information, please visit www.impactwrestling.com.
2012 - WWE issued the following:
WWE Studios Acquires Spec Script Interrogation
STAMFORD, Conn., June 8, 2012– WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) announced today it has secured the rights to Interrogation, a suspense thriller by Adam Rodin. With a bomb set to go off in Las Vegas on one of the busiest betting days of the year, the story focuses on a brilliant interrogator called in to question the prime suspect. As time runs out, we soon learn there's an even bigger plan in place for both of them.
"Interrogation is a white-knuckle ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns,” said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. “We are excited to begin work on Adam’s engaging screenplay.”
Adam Rodin was repped by Caren Bohrman at the Bohrman Agency. Bradley Buchanan, VP of Business and Legal Affairs and Richard Lowell, Senior Director of Development, negotiated on behalf of WWE Studios.
About WWE Studios
WWE Studios continues to strategically diversify its slate of films, which includes theatrical releases and direct-to-home premieres, under the guidance of President Michael Luisi. Upcoming films for WWE Studios include: Dead Man Down, which was co-financed with IM Global and will be distributed by FilmDistrict, starring Colin Farrell and Noomi Rapace and directed by Niels Arden Oplev; No One Lives, which was co-produced with Pathé Films, starring Luke Evans and WWE Superstar Brodus Clay™; and cult hit The Day, which was purchased at the Toronto Film Festival and will be distributed by Anchor Bay Films, starring Dominic Monaghan, Shawn Ashmore, and Ashley Bell. In addition, WWE Studios has multipicture production deals set up with Lionsgate Films and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 600 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.
Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Columbia, South Carolina and your announcers are Booker ‘Spurier’ T, Josh ‘Ear Plugs’ Mathews, and Michael ‘Slow and Low’ Cole.
Booker asks Cole about what happened to him at the end of Raw against John Cena and Cole is not happy.
Alberto Del Rio makes his way to the ring but he is not introduced by the usual voice of Destiny.
Alberto tells everyone that just because he can, he wants to see what he did to Sheamus on Raw. We see the footage of Del Rio attacking Sheamus after Sheamus’ match.
Alberto has a smile on his face and he tells Sheamus that is a lesson for him. Sheamus said never trust a hooligan and he tells Sheamus not to mess with him because if Sheamus thought that was bad, at No Way Out, he is going to break his arm and then . . .
Sheamus’ music plays and he looks a lot shorter and trollish. It is Ricardus and Alberto has a laugh about it.
Alberto asks ‘Sheamus’ what he wants. Alberto wants to be honest with everyone and he tells the people that it is not Sheamus. Alberto says that anyone can be Sheamus. All you have to do is pound your chest like a caveman. Anyone can spike their hair. Anyone can act like a common hooligan. There is only one Alberto Del Rio. He asks ‘Sheamus’ what is he going to do. Is he going to hit Del Rio with a Brogue kick. He asks Sheamus to show everyone what makes him so dangerous. ‘Sheamus’ falls on his rear end when he tries for a Brogue kick.
Sheamus’ music plays again and this time Alberto found a Sheamus lookalike who could be the real thing. Sheamus attacks Del Rio and Ricardo and he takes care of Ricardo first. Ricardo climbs on top of Sheamus but Sheamus sends Ricardo to the floor again. Del Rio with a kick to the midsection and arm but Sheamus takes care of Del Rio.
Sheamus follows them up the ramp, fella and Del Rio is sent into the giant ‘W’. Sheamus looks at the edge of the stage but Ricardo grabs the legs and he Van Gundys Sheamus to protect Alberto. Alberto attacks Sheamus until referees come out to separate them.
Teddy Long comes out and he does not have his dress on, but he has his name tag. Teddy is going to act on John’s behalf tonight. They will not come out and turn this show into chaos. Teddy says that per John, in the spirit of fairness, excitement, and people power, Kane will face Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio will face this man . . .
The Great Khali comes to the ring.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Great Khali versus Alberto Del Rio with Ricardo ‘Strawberry Shortcake’ Rodriguez
Del Rio with a kick to the leg and punches but Khali with a chop to the head and sends Del Rio into the turnbuckles. Khali with kicks and a chop. Khali sends Del Rio into the turnbuckles and then he chops Del Rio again.
Khali with an Irish whip and he misses a boot in the corner. Del Rio kicks the leg and then he works on the knee. Del Rio with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with another kick to Khali and he gets another near fall. Del Rio tries to hyper extend the knee and then he kicks Khali in the shoulder. Khali with a chop to Del Rio as Del Rio comes off the turnbuckles.
Khali with clotheslines and a chop to the top of the head. Khali signals for the choke slam but Ricardo gets on the apron and he distracts Khali. Del Rio with an arm breaker and then he punches Khali and he applies the cross arm breaker and Khali taps out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
In case you missed any of the times that Big Show tried to explain his actions, we get to see it again.
Teddy Long is on the phone and the Funkettes enter the office and interrupt his phone call. Brodus follows behind and Teddy tells Brodus he has some good news and bad news. Teddy says that he is not allowed on Raw to protect him from Big Show. Brodus is now on the Smackdown roster.
Brodus says that when he sees his opponents, he sees the Big Show and he is going to eat them up.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Brodus Clay with the Funkettes versus Derrick Bateman
They lock up and Brodus backs Derrick into the corner and Brodus with punches and a knee. Clay sends Bateman to the floor and Brodus follows after him. Clay with a running head butt to Bateman and then he sends Bateman over the ringside barrier into the ring bell pit.
Clay with a splash to Bateman followed by the Sheeeeplex and splash for the three count.
Winner: Brodus Clay
We go to commercial.
We are back with a WWE 1000 Memorable Moment. We go to Booker T’s favorite moment when he main evented Raw with Marcus Bagwell in 2001.
Match Number Three: Sin Cara sin trampoline versus Drew McIntyre
Drew with a kick and forearm to the back. Cara avoids a slam and Cara with a kick. Cara with a double jump arm drag and then he bounces off the ropes and hits an arm drag to Drew. Drew sends Cara to the apron but Cara with a running knee.
Cara charges at Drew on the apron and Drew sends Cara into the air and Drew with a kick to the midsection. They return to the ring and Drew gets a near fall. Drew with a seated abdominal stretch. Cara with kicks but Drew with a knee and forearm to the back. Drew gets Cara on his shoulders but Cara counters with a rana and he sends McIntyre into the turnbuckles. Cara with a head scissors and then he hits a handspring back elbow for a near fall.
Drew with a boot to the head when the referee tells something to Cara and Drew gets a near fall. Drew sends Cara into the turnbuckles but Cara with boots to Drew. Cara goes up to the second turnbuckle and he tries for La Mistica but Drew blocks it. Cara is able to hit a tornado DDT for the three count.
Winner: Sin Cara
Match Number Four: Tony Andriodes and Kevin Mahoney versus Ryback
One of them charge at Ryback and he sends him into the turnbuckles. Ryback catches the other and sends him into his tag team partner. Ryback puts them in the corner and hits a running shoulder. Ryback winds up for the lariat and he sends one of them into North Carolina. Ryback with a power bomb and it is time to finish off his opponents for a flawless victory. It is time for the double muscle buster and gets the three count.
Winner: Ryback
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Smack of the Night and it is Christian’s victory over Cody Rhodes at Over the Limit.
The set of the Peep Show is being constructed but Cody Rhodes’ music plays. Cody makes his way to the ring and he enters the ring and destroys the set.
Cody takes the mic and he says that from the looks of it we were going to have a Peep Show where Christian would be asking him leading and self flattering questions. He does not answer to Christian. Christian should be answering to him. Christian stole the title that Cody brought prestige back to. Christian is the one dealing with a midlife crisis.
Christian’s music plays and he makes his way out and he tells Cody that he is the one who beat Cody for the Intercontinental Championship. If Cody wanted to be the host, he tells him to go ahead and ask.
Cody says that all he is interested in asking is who Christian is trying to fool. Before Over the Limit, Christian did not care about the fans. He only cared about himself. He wants to know why Christian went soft and sacrificed the only self respect that he had.
Christian says that he had a moment of clarity. He reminds everyone of his injury. On the night before Wrestlemania, when he inducted Edge into the Hall of Fame, it hit him that all of this and coming out in front of the WWE Universe and his peeps is a privilege that can go away in an instant. If that happened, would he want to be known as the annoying, sniveling, whining guy who begged for one more match or would he want to be someone who came back to win championships and a Hall of Fame career like his best friend.
Cody says that is a load of garbage. Cody says that his father is a Hall of Famer and he is a future Hall of Famer. Christian is a guy who took advantage of a situation and got lucky at Over the Limit. At No Way Out, his title is coming home.
Christian says that he would prefer that Cody shut his mouth. Christian says that he will finish the Peep Show by wiping the ring with him.
Dolph Ziggler makes his way out and he thanks Cody for starting off the Peep Show early, but he is here to wrap it up. He is going to do what he does best and that is show off and beat Christian.
Match Number Five: Dolph Ziggler versus Christian
They lock up and Ziggler with a waist lock take down and he gets a near fall. Ziggler with a kick and side head lock. Christian with a flap jack and then he sends Ziggler out of the ring but Ziggler lands on the apron. Ziggler with a shoulder and he sends Christian to the floor. Christian pulls Ziggler off the apron.
Christian with a hesitation baseball slide to Ziggler and then he goes to the floor but lands on his feet when Ziggler moves. Ziggler with a knee to the midsection and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Christian with punches but Ziggler with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Ziggler with a knee drop and he gets another near fall. Ziggler chokes Christian in the ropes and applies a snap mare and then puts Christian in an arm bar.
Christian with punches but Ziggler with a kick and punch. Ziggler with an elbow to the back of the neck. Christian tries for a drop kick but Ziggler blocks it and he catapults Christian into the turnbuckles and then hits a running shoulder into the corner. Ziggler goes into the corner but Christian moves and hits a pendulum kick.
Ziggler with a kick to the midsection and Ziggler tries for a Fameasser but Christian counters with a power bomb and gets a near fall. Christian punches Ziggler but Ziggler with kicks. Christian with a drop toe hold and then he slingshots to the floor and connects with a punch to Ziggler. Christian with a kick and he tries for a sunset flip. Ziggler rolls through and gets a near fall after a Fameasser.
Ziggler pie faces Christian but Christian with an inverted DDT. Christian sets for a spear but Ziggler with a drop kick to a charging Christian for a near fall. Ziggler leaps on Christian’s back for a sleeper but Christian with a snap mare. Ziggler sends Christian into the turnbuckles and Ziggler tries for a Zig Zag but Christian avoids it. Christian goes to the turnbuckles and Ziggler climbs onto the turnbuckles but Christian pushes him off and Christian hits the frog splash for the three count.
Winner: Christian
After the match, Cody gets up from his seat at the announce table and Cody applauds Christian’s performance while Booker reads Cody the riot act for his reaction.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Josh and Booker laugh at the footage of Michael Cole from Monday night.
Cole gets up and he wants everyone’s attention. He says that he has heard the laughter and chuckles, but Monday night was one of the most traumatic nights of his life. Cole says that everyone will be mature enough to move on and let bygones be bygones.
Jim Ross’ music plays and JRSwoggle makes his way to the ring with barbecue sauce in hand.
Before JRSwoggle can leave the ring, Damien Sandow’s music plays and he makes his way to the stage.
Damien begs everyone’s indulgence. He says that he is here to help all of us. For far too long, miscreants such as Hornswoggle have been raised to cult status and that has led the lambs of the WWE Universe to slaughter. He says that he cannot and will not let this ridiculous content to assimilate itself into our society. This diminutive ignoramus will be taught a lesson this evening.
Sandow tells Hornswoggle ‘You’re Welcome’
Tyson Kidd tries to help Hornswoggle and Kidd with a springboard drop kick and Sandow goes to the floor.
Sandow refuses Kidd’s challenge and walks away.
Sandow charges into the ring and he attacks Kidd from behind and then Sandow with knees to the head followed by a cross arm neck breaker and then he covers Kidd and smiles.
Sandow’s music plays and he does his traditional victory cartwheel.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Kane versus CM Punk from Raw and AJ’s attempts to find someone who will love her.
Kane is in the back and he realizes that it is time to start walking.
Matt Striker asks Kane about his match with Sheamus and the chance to defeat the World and WWE Champion in the same week. Kane says that he does not have any feelings. He tells Matt to ask CM Punk how it feels to be choke slammed to hell. Matt can ask Sheamus after their match tonight. Kane says that he only cares about winning the Triple Threat Match at No Way Out.
Matt asks Kane about his shared moment with AJ and Kane looks at Matt and Matt knows to leave.
Kane walks down the hall and we see AJ emerge from behind some cases and AJ is in love . . . or something else.
Match Number Six: Jimmy Uso versus Antonio Cesaro with Aksana
Cesaro with a forearm and head butt to Jimmy followed by an Irish whip but Jimmy slides into the corner and he connects with a punch and diving head butt for a near fall. Jimmy with a splash into the corner and he tries for a slam but Cesaro gets out of the hold. Cesaro with an elevated European uppercut followed by the Gotch Style Neutralizer.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Antonio and Aksana want Teddy to join them in the ring after the match. Antonio wants Teddy to raise his arm in victory while Antonio and Aksana kiss. Teddy storms out of the ring.
It is time for another WWE 1000 Favorite Moment. This one is from Sheamus and the Breakthrough Battle Royal in November 2009.
Match Number Seven: Sheamus versus Kane
They lock up and Sheamus backs Kane into the corner and gives a clean break. Sheamus with a side head lock but Kane with a shoulder tackle and Sheamus backs up into the corner for a moment. Sheamus works on the arm but Kane with punches to Sheamus. Sheamus with punches of his own.
Kane grabs Sheamus by the throat and sends him into the corner. Sheamus with punches but Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner followed by an uppercut. Kane chokes Sheamus with his boot. Kane wraps the injured arm in the ropes. Kane with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow from Sheamus. Sheamus with kicks to Kane but Kane sends Sheamus over the top rope to the apron. Sheamus with a shoulder but Kane with a boot that knocks Sheamus off the apron.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kane gets a near fall. Kane works on the head and neck. We see footage from the commercial break when Sheamus was sent into the ringside barrier by Kane. Sheamus gets back to his feet and he gets out of the hold. Kane with a side slam for a near fall. Kane punches Sheamus in the head. Sheamus with shoulders but Kane with a punch and Irish whip.
Sheamus gets his boots up and then he pulls himself up to the turnbuckles despite a bad arm and he hits a shoulder tackle but he connects with the injured arm. Sheamus with punches to Kane and the referee warns him. Sheamus with a running shoulder into the corner followed by a running knee lift and a running double sledge to the head for a near fall.
Sheamus with a kick and a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus gets Kane on his shoulders but Kane escapes. Kane with a drop kick to the head and he gets a near fall. Kane with a head butt, but Sheamus with a uranage back breaker for a near fall. Sheamus with knees to the head and Kane goes to the apron.
Sheamus with the forearms across the chest to Kane. Sheamus tries to suplex Kane back into the ring but Kane blocks it and he drops Sheamus on the top rope. Kane goes up top for the flying clothesline but he takes too long and Sheamus stops him and punches Kane. Sheamus sets for a superplex but Kane holds on to the top rope. Kane knocks Sheamus off the turnbuckles. Kane misses the clothesline and Sheamus gets Kane up for White Noise and hits it.
Sheamus looks around and he thinks about what to do next. Sheamus turns and signals for the Brogue Kick. Kane blocks the Brogue Kick and gets Sheamus up for a choke slam but Sheamus escapes and both men hit clotheslines and both men are down.
From out of nowhere, Ricardo Rodriguez and Alberto Del Rio run to the ring and Alberto stops short. Ricardo goes after Sheamus and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Sheamus by disqualification
After the match, Kane with a clothesline and before he can get Sheamus up for the choke slam, AJ Lee makes her way to ringside. Kane takes too much time and Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Kane. Sheamus sees Ricardo Rodriguez in the ring and it is Brogue Kick time.
2013 - Bobby Lashley returned to MMA. David Tees filed the following coverage:
Main Event - TFC Heavyweight Division Fight: Bobby Lashley (7-2-0) vs. Kevin Asplund (13-4-0)
Referee: Chuck Wolfe
Round One
The round begins with Asplund charging at Lashley while throwing strikes, Lashley scores a takedown on Asplund and he gets side control. Lashley transitions to the full mount on Asplund, Asplund uses the cage walk to get the fight standing again. Lashley scores another takedown on Asplund and he gets side control, Lashley begins to attack Asplund with ground and pound. Lashley starts mixing in some elbow strikes on Asplund as he remains in side control, Lashley moves to full mount on Asplund. Lashley transitions to back control on Asplund as the round ends.
Round Two
The round begins with Lashley charging at Asplund while throwing some strikes, Lashley then scores a takedown on Asplund and he gets side control. Lashley resumes his ground and pound attempt on Asplund, Lashley then locks in the key lock on Asplund and a tap out follows.
Fight Result: Bobby Lashley def. Kevin Asplund by submission via key lock (1:23, R2)
2013 - FSW and La Guerra Productions ran the ELMCOR Center in Queens. NY. Mike Johnson filed the following report:
We are live at Amaro Productions/Fighting Spirit Wrestling's La Guerra at ELMCOR in Queens, NY.
Pre-Show:
*Cloud won a Battle Royal. This looked to be a FSW student bout.
*There was a tag match featuring The Hood vs. Snot. They went back and forth for a few with a decent match until Extreme Tiger, Damian 666 and Bestia 666 hit the ring and destroyed everyone. They declared it a no contest.
They held a ten bell salute in honor of the passing of Hector Garza.
A manager named Top Shelf came out and said he handles a lot of high end restaurants but now wants competition. He ripped on Queens the fans. Out came Whiplash. The manager ripped him and introduced his own charge, Bobby Phobia. They disrespected Whiplast by splashing a drunk on him and he went after the manager. This led to a bunch of villains hitting the ring and working his ankle over with a chair.
USA vs. Puerto Rico: Joe Ettel vs. Syler Andrews
Andrews controlled him early with a side headlock. Ettel used his legs to grab the ropes and break the move. Andrews grabbed another headlock but Ettel broke it. They nailed shoulderblocks but neither man budged. Ettel slapped Andrews and choked him with his boot.
Ettel slammed Andrews down for a two count. Andrews made a comeback but missed a charge in the corner. Ettel went for a top rope rana but Andrews held on. He came off the top with a missile dropick for a two count.
Andrews came off the ropes with a springboard into an Ace Cutter. Ettel missed a splash in the corner. Andrews nailed a tombstone piledriver. Bestia 666, Joker and Damien 666 came out and attacked Andrews as Will Maximo came out and distracted the referee. Ettel covered Andrews.
Your winner, Joe Ettell!
Andrews showed some fire and the crowd got into yelling for him. It was OK. We are only on the third match and Damien's crew has run in twice. Overkill, anyone?
Crowd is very small - the 150 range. Given all the international talents brought in, that has to be seen as a major disappointment They advertised a meet and greet and none of the "name" talents were signing except Chris Masters.
USA vs. Puerto Rico: FSW Premiere champion Talon vs. Mr. 450 (with Ivelisse Velez)
Talon took the mic and said he's been champion for 440 days, was the first champion and will be the last. He turned to 450 and said that unlike him, he is not a monkey and an acrobat, he is a wrestler. All he cares about is getting the win. He said he was going to beat down 450 in front of his fellow dishwashers and gardeners and send him back to the dump of an Island he came from. Talon was good on the mic.
450 has worked for IWA Puerto Rico and WWC in the past. He controlled the match early. Talon retreated to the floor. 450 hit a nice tope suicida on him to the outside. Talon was tossed back into the ring and nailed with a flying bodypress for a two count.
450 was crotched on the top. Talon nailed him with a running big boot, sending 450 to the floor. Talon worked hm over on the floor and brought him back into the ring. He nailed a short arm clothesline. 450 fired back with several chops but was cut off with a high knee to the mid-section. Talon grabbed a cravate and worked over 450 on the mat.
450 fought his way back to his feet and nailed him with several kicks and chops. He was taken back down. Talon drilled him with several kicks to the head but 450 fought back. Talon nailed a sitdown Falcon's Arrow for a two count. Talon went to the ropes and missed a legdrop.
450 came back with several kicks and a bulldog out of the corner. He nailed a nice elbow off the ropes. He went for a Fireman's Carty but Talon raked his eyes. 450 nailed a shoulderblock into the ring and hit him with a legdrop for a two count.
The ref was bumped. Talon went to cover 450 but saw Ivelisse going to the top. She came off with a flying headscissors. 450 drilled Talon to the mat and scored with a 450 splash. The referee was out so Ivelisse revived him. Talon kicked out at the last second.
450 hit a springboard moonsault onto Talon but was nailed as he came down. Talon covered him for the pin.
Your winner and still FSW Premier champion, Talon!
Good match. Talon showed some real poise as a heel and 450 got the crowd behind his babyface offense and aerial moves. Velez looked hot and had a nice spot off the top as well.
They announced a 7/19 return here for a tag team tournament with Da Hot Squad, The Batiri, The SAT, and The Young Bucks announced.
USA vs. Mexico: Brian Cage vs. Extreme Tiger vs. Jaysin
Cage is the former WWE developmental talent. He's huge and muscular. Extreme Tiger is the AAA star. Jaysin is local. This was originally a singles bout and changed to a Three-Way the day of the show.
Cage refused to start and told the others to fight it out. Tger nailed Jaysin with a series of chops and leapfrogged him, then was killed with a forward running splash, Super Porky style. Tiger slid through his legs and dropkicked him down, but was caught by Cage with a running clothesline.
Tiger was tossed to the floor and Cage worked over Jaysin in the corner. He nailed him with kicks and shoulderblocks, then whipped him into the corner and nailed him with a back elbow. He drilled Jaysin's knee into the mat.
Tiger tried to come off the ropes with a springboard move but was drilled to the mat by Cage and covered for a two count. Jaysin returned to the ring. He was nailed by Tiger when Cage threw him into Jaysin, sending him to the floor. Cage worked over Tiger, slammed him down and went to the outside for a move. Jaysin pulled him down and they battled on the floor. Tiger hit a twisting dive over the top to the floor, taking out both.
Tiger pulled Cage into the ring and nailed a legdrop on Cage. Jaysin grabbed him for a piledriver and then nailed Cage with a kick to the head. Jaysin missed a charge in the corner but was kicked off and caught with a DDT by Tiger. Cage caught him with a reverse sitdown suplex for a two count.
Cage placed Tiger on the top for a superplex. Tiger fought him off and kicked him down. Tiger hit a standing 720 off the ropes for the pin. That was awesome.
Your winner, Extreme Tiger!
Really fun debut for Tiger in NYC. Cage was a great base for him and a hell of a heel. Jaysin was decent as well. Not a blowaway match by any means but it was designed to be competitive and set up for the big Tiger spots, which is what you'd want to see, anyway.
SV Shields vs. Slyck Wagner Brown vs. Noriega vs. Logan Black vs. Ricky Cruz
Shields also works as Sam Shields for FWE. He and Black started and went back and forth with some nice near falls Black caught him with a running knee lift and an elbow drop. Noriega tagged in and drilled Black with a series of chops.
Brown tagged in and worked over Noriega but was caught with a hip toss. Brown tossed him with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Cruz tagged in. He and Brown went back and forth. Brown kept nailing him with chips. Cruz turned him around and worked him over. He whipped Brown into the opposite corner and nailed a spinkick.
Black tagged in but was worked over by Cruz in the corner. This set up a big multi-man Tower of Doom attempt. Logan fought it off and hit a bodypress on several of them.
Noriega nailed a forearm, sending Brown from the top to the floor. Shields came off the top with a flying clothesline but missed. Cruz drilled a DDT and scored the pin.
Your winner, Ricky Cruz
USA vs. Puerto Rico: Danny Demanto vs. Bandido Jr.
Demanto did mic work complaining about the Puerto Ricans booing the Americans, since that's who they need to go to get their green cards. The crowd chanted "Do some sit-ups" at him.
They went back and forth. Demanto was sent to the floor where Bandido hit an awesome dive. Bandido hit a bodypress into the ring for a two count. Demanto cut him off with a clothesline.
Demanto teased a big move while rebounding off the ropes and instead dropped down into a headlock. Bandido battled up and went for a bodyslam but fell under Demanto's weight. Demanto locked on a Camel Clutch.
Bandido fired back and nailed a dropkick. He hit a flying forearm in the corner and kicked Demanto out of it. He went to the top for a big missile dropkick for a two count. Bandido went for a rana off the ropes but Demanto slipped under and sent him slammed down into the turnbuckles face first.
Demanto slammed Bandido. He missed a move and was caught with a reverse rana. Bandido worked him over with a series of kicks and finally nailed him with a death valley driver for a two count.
Your winner, Bandido Jr!
Good back and forth match. They told a nice power vs. finesse story and built to the finish well.
Trios Match: Chicky Starr & Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztik vs. Whiplash & Joker & Damien 666
Joker is the same that worked CZW for years. Ortiz & Draztik are FSW regulars, as is Whiplash. Chicky is the legend from PR. Damien 666 is the Luchador that worked for years in Mexico as well as ECW and a few shots for ECW and XPW over the years.
Starr and Whiplash faced off early. Drastik and Joker went back and forth with a really nice sequence before facing off. Ortiz and Whiplash tagged in. They went back and forth. Ortiz worked over Whiplash's arm. Ortiz caught him with a tiltowhirl backbreaker.
Ortiz and Draztik double teamed Whiplash. Damien tagged in as did Starr. Damien offered his hand for a shake but Joker attacked Starr from behind. They whipped Damien into the corner. Joker whipped Damien in for a clothesline. He ripped at Starr's face and punched him, then worked over Starr's arm.
They whipped Starr into the ropes but he held on before the rebound. Draztik came off the top with a springboard missile dropkick for a two count. Damien cut him off and covered him for the pin but Ortiz hit the ring. Joker and Damien worked over Ortiz. They drilled him down with a double shoulderblock.
Draztik charged Damien in the corner but was backdropped. He landed on his feet on the apron and nailed a bodypress into the ring for a two count. He and Damien battled back and forth. Damien speared him as he rebounded off the ropes. Joker tagged in and covered Draztik for a two count. Joker chopped Draztik against the ropes. Draztik fought back but was shut down with a hard chop. Joker covered him for a two count.
Draztik came back from the beating with a sunset flip attempt for a two count. Joker suplexed him for a two count. Joker was backdropped over the top to the apron and kicked off by Draztik. His partners went to the floor to check on him. Dratzik dropped down after faking a dive, pulling down the ropes for Ortiz to hit a tope suicida to the floor on everyone.
They all battled in the aisle. They had a nice chaotic brawl. It spilled into the crowd. Ortiz and Joker battled in the ring. Damien was sent into the bleachers. They used chairs and a cooler on each other. Ortiz nailed a superplex on Joker but Whiplash nailed him and scored the pin.
Your winners, Damien 666, Joker & Whiplash.
They all went to work over Ortiz but Starr grabbed his trademark baseball bat and Savio Vega hit the ring to help chase them off. Damien and Starr went back and forth on the mic but it was in Spanish and I failed it in HS, so sorry!
Fun six man tag. It was more of an American tag early on with some big Lucha spots towards the end and then a fun brawl.
Chris Masters vs. Nuevo Gran Apollo.
Apollo is the same who wrestles regularly in PR and worked for a short run with TNA.
They faced off doing power vs. power. Neither man could make the other budge early on and they faced off. They nailed shoulderblocks and Masters sold he was surprised by Apollo's force.
Masters shoved him and Apollo shoved back. Masters was shoulderblocked out of the ring and took a pretty brutal looking bump to the outside. He walked around outside and Apollo followed him. They battled back and forth with chops.
They returned to the ring, where Masters took control with a big suplex and drilled Apollo across the back with a kneedrop. Masters began focusing on his back and cinched in a rear chinlock. Apollo made a comeback but missed a charge in the corner, hitting his shoulder on the ringpost. Masters drilled him into it again.
They battled back and forth. Apollo took control and nailed several big clotheslines. He covered Masters for a two count. Masters drilled him with a kick and nailed him with a spinebuster for a two count. He worked over Apollo's back and went for the Masterlock. Apollo battled him off by ramming him backwards into the buckles.
Masters was almost slammed but slipped behind and went for the move again. Apollo slipped out and nailed him with the Uranage for the pin.
Your winner, Nuevo Gran Apollo!
Better than you would expect on paper. They played to the idea that they were each surprised by how hard and powerful the other was. They had a decent match.
Mexico vs. Puerto Rico: Bestia 666 vs. Hiram Tua
Tua works in PR. Bestia is the son of Damien 666 and has worked in the States for Urban Wrestling and Extreme Rising.
They went back and forth early with Bestia trying to work over Tua's knee. Bestia drilled him with chops. Tua came back working over his arm and sent Bestia into the ropes. Bestia avoided a charge and drilled him with a superkick for a two count.
Bestia caught Tua with a low blow as the referee was distracted, then nailed him with a low headbutt. Tua made a comeback and hit a running sitdown powerbomb. Bestia kicked up and nailed a driver for a two count.
Bestia went to the top but Tua cut him off with a leaping punch. He wenr for a superplex but Bestia battled him off and sent him flying down into the ring. Bestia went for a 450 splash but Tua rolled out of the ring. Bestia came down hard on one of his knees. Tua used a rolling pin combination for the win.
Your winner, Hiram Tua!
Bestia immediately attacked him and nailed a piledriver. He attacked Tua and beat him with a chair. Homicide hit the ring and Bestia backed off. Joey Phobia came out and demanded Homicide leave the ring. He said he would call the cops on him but instead he has a fight for Homicide tonight. He told Homicide he had better walk out before he has to use a straw to eat for six weeks. Homicide asked him if he knew who he was and said he would break him. A wrestler attacked Homicide and tried to Pedigree him on the chair but Homicide backdropped him and laid him out. Homicide walked out to his theme music.
Blue Demon Jr. & Los Maximos vs. Savio Vega & Los Fantasticos (Sensational Carlitos & Fenomino BJ)
Carlos and BJ are regulars in PR. Maximos are Joel Maximo from ROH, etc. and his younger brother Will, who replaced Jose in the group when Jose retired.
Fantasticos worked over the Maximos early. BJ sent Demon to the outside but Demon slid back in the ring as he followed and nailed a sliding kick to the outside. He tagged out to Joel. Savio tagged in. The crowd was really into this early, chanting "Boriqua" and "Viva Savio." It was the most lively they had been all night.
Savio and Joel faced off. Joel sent him into the ropes but was shoulderblocked down. Demon was tagged in and faced off with Vega. Vega backed him into the corner but was nailed with an upward thrust strike. Vega nailed him with several kicks to cut him off and tagged out to BJ.
As this was going on, Damien 666 came out and nailed Savio with a chair. DQ. That was lame ass finish. They didn't even get going with the match, so you can't even argue they gave the audience some really good wrestling before hand. It was still building as a match.
The crowd seemed confused since at first they never rang the bell to signal the end of the match.
The Maximos, who were aligned with Damien earlier in the night, began arguing with Demon. They shoved him as he was unhappy with the interference. He walked out and cut a promo and ripped on the Maximos, then went to the back.
Savio, BJ and Carlito entered the ring and faced off. Damien 666, Joker and Bestia 666 came out. Damien began cutting a promo about how Mexico was superior over Puerto Rico. This brought out Hiram Tua to join Savio's side.
This turned into .....
Maximos & Damien 666 & Bestia 666 & Joker vs. Savio Vega & Los Fantasticos & Hiram Tua
The crowd chanted for Chicky Starr but it was not to be. At least they are giving everyone another match for the main because if they had closed with the last match, what a travesty that would have been.
Will and BJ started and went back and forth. BJ controlled Maximo and tagged in Savio. Maximo brought Savio into his corner, where everyone worked him over.
Joker tagged in and beat Savio down in his team's corner. They continued beating on Vega as his team tried to help and was prevented by the referee. Bestia tagged in and continued working Savio. Savio almost made the tag several times but was cut off and beaten down to build to the eventual big pop.
He finally made the tag to Tua, who cleaned house with a series of clothes and a big backdrop on Joel Maximo. He was pulled to the floor and thrown into the guard rail. Team Damien worked him over. Damien pulled a Gatoraid cooler into the ring and nailed Tua with it, in full of the referee. That was odd.
Maximo kept working over Tua. He drilled Tua with a brainbuster for a two count. Carlos finally tagged in and nailed a flying bodypress on several opponents and cleaned house with some clotheslines. Damien tried to nail him off the top but was caught and slammed off, Flair style.
Joker worked over Carlos but was caught and nailed with a dropkick. Damien attacked Carlos but BJ hit the ring. He nailed Damien. The Maximo nailed BJ. Everyone battled into the ring and brawled.
Blue Demon Jr. hit the ring to even the sides. He nailed a tiltowhirl backbreaker on Bestia. He backdropped Joker but was nailed from behind by Damien 666. The Maximos and La Familia tried to pull off Demon's mask. Savio's team made the save.
Carlos hit a dive off the apron on the Maximos. Chicky Starr came to the ring. Demon hit a sitdown powerbomb on Will Maximo and scored the pin.
Your winners, Blue Demon Jr. & Savio Vega & Los Fantasticos & Hiram Tua!
All the babyfaces celebrated at the end and led the crowd in chanting, "Puerto Rico" and "Mexico."
That's all from La Guerra! Thank you for logging in with us tonight on PWInsider.com!
2016 - Lucha Underground TV aired on the El Rey Network. Bill Bodkin filed the following TV report:
Lucha Underground -- The Contenders
The episode starts off with a recap from previous episodes which will play into this week's episode including:
Interstitial #1: Black Lotus reveals to Dario Cueto that El Dragon Azteca Jr. knows where Mantanza is being held, and wants to kill him -- but Lotus stopped him. She questions why she did this, and then threatens Dario that if he lied about El Dragon Azteca (the original) murdering her parents, she will bring the entire Black Lotus Triad down upon him. Dario says he just signed Ultima Lucha 2, and at the event Black Lotus will fight El Dragon Azteca Jr. and if she wins she can take his mask back to the Triad.
Thoughts: This could be an interesting match, as this may Lotus' first LU match. She has mainly been in the crowd observing things, or involved in this scenes. If you're wondering why she looks familiar, she used to be known as Savannah, a backstage interviewer for WWE's ECW brand.
The House Band: Voodoo Glow Skulls.
The Intro: Striker and Vampire break down the evening which will include a six-on-six match, the winning team will then face each other next week. All of this is being done to determine the next challenger for Mantanza. Also, Drago and Aerostar will take on Jack Evans and PJ Black in a nun chuck match.
Match #1: Marty "The Moth" Martinez vs. Kill Shot
Backstory: Martinez stole Kill Shot's dog tags, and the highly trained special op is looking to recover them.
The Match: Things started off hot as Martinez keeps called for Kill Shot to come out (in a very Warriors-esque manner). Kill Shot entered the ring unnoticed. He placed to fingers to the back of Marty's head like a gun, which caused Martinez to panic (Martinez is excellent at facial reactions). KS tackled The Moth and they head to the outside. Things broke down quick as as Martinez repeatedly smashed Kill Shot's face into the fence/guard rail, and then power bombed KS into said guard rail. Martinez, in an excellent heel move, dragged Shot around the outside by his mask. He then started his creepy antics around Striker and Vamp, which allowed Kill Shot to regain his composure. He violently tossed Marty into the hardest announce table in the history of pro wrestling (remember it broke Pentagon's back!). The referee had no choice, but to call for the bell as both men ignored his count and his warnings.
Winner: Double count-out
Post-Match: Kill Shot leveled Martinez with a huge kick. He retrieved his tags, that is until Marty folded him in half with a release German. However, Kill Shot is completely unfazed and goes after Martinez, but "The Moth" is able to escape...with the tags.
Thoughts: They set up a really intense angle here that will likely blow off at Ultima Lucha 2. Martinez is probably one of the more underrated performers in LU, as his heel work is so strong. Kill Shot is a fan favorite and a great performer, but he's just been in matches, never an angle. When these two finally tangle, it'll be fun to watch.
Interstitial #2: Mr. Cisco is in an interrogation room with The Chief, Joey Ryan, and Cortez Castro (Ricky Reyes). The chief runs down Cisco's rap sheet after he and needless to say Cisco has committed a lot of crimes. She asks Cisco to wear a wire since he has Dario's trust. Initially Cisco says no, but after taking a pause, he wonders what they want exactly they want to bring Dario down for. The chief lists "the obvious" -- drug trafficking, money smuggling, the murders. She then goes on to say that Dario Cueto is the linchpin...to the end of days.
Thoughts: This type of storyline only makes sense in the world of Lucha Underground, and frankly it's one of the shows biggest positives. They're able to weave these Robert Rodriguez-esque plots into the series, shoot it like it's a movie, and yet it (usually) never bleeds over into the ring. I'm highly intrigued about the "end of days" plot, and who the mysterious character Cueto and Lorenzo Lamas' character fears/works for.
Match #2: Jack "The Dragon Slayer" Evans & "The Darewolf" PJ Black vs. Drago & Aerostar in a Nunchucks Match:
Backstory: This is one of the few times that the interstitials bleed into wrestling, and it's definitely not a bad thing. Nunchucks will be placed throughout The Temple.
The Match: Aerostar and Drago worked over Evans with two great double team moves -- an Alabama slam into a Sunset Flip, and a double suplex into a Flapjack. Drago goes for a Satellite DDT on PJ Black, but Black countered it into a deadlift suplex. He picks Drago up onto his shoulder and Evans came off the top with a double stomp to the head -- a great finisher if I ever saw on.
Evans and Black race for nunchucks (even doing their Wyld Stallyns guitar riff), but Aerostar leaps out of the crowd and takes them down. The two teams battle until they all see some nunchucks at the top of the stairs. They scratched and kicked and fought on the stairs, but Evans/Black get nunchucks first. They took turns nailing Aerostar and Drago in the midsection. Evans at one point yelled "cowabunga!" God bless him.
Drago took the fight to the bleachers and ends up hurdling Black and lands on one of the platforms in the bleachers. He grabbed nunchucks and schooled both Evans and Black with shots to the head. He then wiped them out with a running somersault centan.
Aerostar, meanwhile, found nunchucks on the other side of the temple in the walkway above Dario's office. Out of nowhere, Evans hopped to guard rails, and wipes Aeorstar out. They battle for the weapon, and Aerostar got it. Evans tried to climb off Dario's office, but ended up dangling for his life. To avoid being hit, he dove onto Black. Aerostar got a head of steam and does a running dive off Dario's office. The entire Temple erupted big time.
Drago went to town on Jack back in the ring and pummeled him with nunchucks. He spit green mist into his eyes, and then hit the craziest finisher I've ever seen. He comes off the top rope, hits a Mexican arm drag, holds on, spins into a Crossface, then adjust his body, placing Jack into a Stretch Muffler/Brock Lock submission but slides Jack into a pinfall. They call it the Dragon's Lair, I call it unbelievable.
Winners: Aerostar and Dragon
Thoughts: Wow. Just wow. You have to see this match to truly appreciate the insanity of it all. Al four men put on their best performances of Season 2 by far. Evans and Black are so much fun to watch. Aerostar really became a star in this match.
Six on Six Match: Prince Puma, The Mack, Texano, Sexy Star, Son of Havoc, and Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Johnny Mundo, Ivelisse, Chavo Guerrero, Taya, King Cuerno, and Fenix.
Pre-Match Angle: Pentagon Jr. rolls out in his wheelchair, and cuts a promo thanking Chavo Guerrero for helping and supporting him in his time of need. Chavo says no problem, and turns him back to Pentagon. Pentagon stands up, and levels Chavo with a super kick, and then breaks his arm! Dario Cueto and Black Lotus come out, and says since Chavo "caught a bad break" and places Pentagon Jr. in the match.
The Match: There was so much going on here, it's nearly hard to recap. The essence of the match was everyone involved got their little moments to shine at two distinct parts of the match -- everyone got to lock up with each other and stalemate each other, and then most of the wrestlers were able to do a signature dive to the outside.
Rey Mysterio, who looked a big banged up coming into the match, went for a dive but was stopped by Johnny Mundo. Eventually Prince Puma makes his way to into the ring, but Mysterio is whipped into him by Mundo (maybe furthering a feud between Puma & Mysterio). Mundo KO's Mysterio with a flying kick to the mush, and then does a one man Spanish Fly off the top rope, scoring the victory for his team.
Winners: Johnny Mundo, Ivelisse, Chavo Guerrero, Taya, King Cuerno, and Fenix
Post-Match: As a result of the win, these six luchadors will compete to see determine the #1 contender.
Interstitial #3: We are in King Cuerno's trophy room, where a dead Mil Muertes is being held in a glass coffin. The lights dim, and Catrina appears. She pulls out the mysterious rock, and resurrects Mil Muretes as we cut to black. A great way to end the show!
Final Thoughts: From top to bottom this was one of the best episodes of Lucha Underground since Aztec Warfare II. Some may criticize Kill Shot/Martinez because it was just an angle, but it was really intense and well done. The nunchuck match was absolutely must-see wrestling and is one of the most insane, and entertaining matches this show has produced this season. The six-on-six wasn't a barnburner in terms of wrestling, but the return of Pentagon Jr. was awesome, and the result set up an intriguing mini-tournament for the #1 contender. Also, the potential of a Mysterio/Puma feud is so exciting.
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