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June 9th
On this day in history in ....
1932 - Ed "Strangler" Lewis defeats Dick Shikat for the New York State Athletic Commission version of the World Heavyweight Title. National Wrestling Association World Champion Jim Londos was supposed to face the winner of this match, but he refused, so New York recognized Lewis as the new World Champion, while the NWA continued to recognize Londos.
1938 - The Masked Marvel (Ted Cox) defeats Vic Christy in Toronto, Ontario to win the Montreal World Heavyweight Title, ending Christy's second reign.
1958 - Dan Severn is born in Coldwater, Michigan.
1959 - The Zebra Kid defeats The Golden Giant in Dallas, Texas for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title.
1960 - Nick Roberts and Art Nelson defeat Dory Funk, Sr. and Bob Geigel to win the Amarillo version of the NWA North American Heavyweight Title in Amarillo, Texas, ending their third reign.
1964 - Tojo Yamamoto and Alex Perez defeat Jackie and Don Fargo for the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee, ending the Fargos' second reign and beginning their own fourth.
1967 - Kim Il (Kintaro Ohki) defeats Mark Lewin in Seoul, South Korea to win the Los Angeles-based World Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Title.
1967 - Sonny Myers wins his 13th NWA Central States Heavyweight Title, defeating The Viking in St. Joseph, Missouri, ending his second reign.
1969 - Dutch Savage and Bob Brown defeat Dean Higuchi and Earl Maynard in Vancouver, British Columbia for the Vancouver version of the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title.
1969 - Johnny Walker and The Sundown Kid defeat Tojo Yamamoto and Johnny Long to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee, ending their second reign.
1973 - Mr. Wrestling II and Bob Orton, Jr. defeat the Super Infernos (Doug Gilbert and Don Smith) to win the NWA Georgia Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1978 - Angelo Mosca wins a tournament final for the vacant NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1979 - The WWF runs at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The results were:
- Jose Estrada defeated Steve King.
- Johnny Rodz and Baron Mikel Scicluna fought to a draw.
- Tito Santana defeated Mr. X.
- Nikolai Volkoff defeated Mike Hall.
- Bulldog Brower defeated Special Delivery Jones.
- Hossein Arab (The Iron Sheik) defeated Frank Williams.
- Bulldog Brower defeated Frank Williams.
- Jimmy, Johnny and Jerry Valiant defeated WWF North American Champion Ted DiBiase, Dominic DeNucci and Haystacks Calhoun.
- WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund and Greg Valentine fought to a double disqualification in a two out of three falls match.
1986 - Kendall Windham is given back the Florida State Heavyweight Title he had lost to the White Ninja (Keiji Mutoh, Great Muta) on May 21st. Video replays shows that the Ninja had used "illegal karate moves" to win the match.
1989 - In Dallas, Texas, Jeff Jarrett and Mil Mascaras defeat Super Zodiac II and Cactus Jack to win the World Class Tag Team Title.
1989 - Bob and Kerry Brown defeat Chris Benoit and Biff Wellington for the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta.
1991 - The Herb Abrams version of the Universal Wrestling Federation held their first and only Pay-per-view event, "UWF Beach Brawl" at the Manatee Civic Center in Palmetto, Florida.
The show drew less than 600 fans live, and did a 0.1 buyrate (it wasn't available in many markets either). The company actually managed to survive for three more years running off and on, and even had a show and specials on SportsChannel (who helped produce this PPV).
Here are results from the PPV, which lasted less than two hours, and was hosted by former WWF announcer Craig DeGeorge and Bruno Sammartino:
- Boris Zukhov defeated Paul Samson. This match was not shown on the PPV.
- The Blackhearts, with Luna Vachon, defeated Fire Cat & Jim Cooper.
- Terry Gordy vs. Johnny Ace (subbing for Don Muraco) went to a double countout in a Street Fight match.
- The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell, called Mask Confusion, since WWF owned the Killer Bees name) defeated The Power Twins.
- Rockin' Robin defeated Candi Divine to become the first UWF Women's Champion.
- Paul Orndorff defeated Col. DeBeers in a strap match with a piledriver, but DeBeers laid out Orndorff with a tazer following the match.
- Bob Backlunded defeated Ivan Koloff with the Backlund Bridge in under three minutes.
- Stevie Ray & Sonny Beach defeated Cactus Jack & Cowboy Bob Orton when Orton accidentally hit Cactus with brass knuckles tossed to him by manager John Tolos, who was suspended above the ring in a cage.
- Steve Williams defeated Bam Bam Bigelow to become the first UWF Television Champion with a powerslam.
1994 - The WWF holds its first-ever Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Baltimore, Maryland's Omni Inner Harbor International Hotel. The Hall Of Fame had been created the previous year, with Andre The Giant as the inaugural inductee. The event was not initially released, although highlights and clips have been shown on WWE TV and the WWE Network. Inductees and inductors were:
- Freddie Blassie by Shane McMahon.
- Bobo Brazil by Ernie Ladd.
- James Dudley by Vince McMahon.
- Gorilla Monsoon by Jim Ross.
- Arnold Skaaland by Bob Backlund.
- Buddy Rogers by WWF World Champion Bret Hart.
- Chief Jay Strongbow by Tatanka.
1995 - Taynara "Tay" Conti is born.
1995 - Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue win their second AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title, defeating Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi in Tokyo, Japan, ending their second reign.
1997 - The Monday Night War continued on, with WWF RAW is WAR and WCW Monday Nitro taking place a mere 100 miles apart. Fresh off the King of the Ring pay-per-view, RAW in Hartford, Connecticut posted a 2.2 rating with a show featuring a main event of Mankind defeating Brian Pillman by disqualification. Nitro took the night with a 3.4 rating, for their show in Boston, Massachusetts, featuring Jeff Jarrett winning the WCW United States Heavyweight Title from Dean Malenko.
1997 - Jeff Jarrett defeats Dean Malenko for the WCW U.S. Heavyweight Title in Boston, Massachusetts.
1998 - Destruction wins a battle royal in Parksville, British Columbia to become the first NWA (ECCW) Vancouver Island Heavyweight Champion.
1999 - Johnny Ace and Bart Gunn defeat Kenta Kobashi and Jun Akiyama in Sendai, Japan for the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title.
2000 - Toshiaki Kawada and Akira Taue defeat Takao Omori and Yoshihiro Takayama in Tokyo, Japan, to win the vacant AJPW Unified World Tag Team Title, beginning their sixth reign. The title was vacated two months earlier when Vader, who held the title with Steve Williams, was injured.
2000 - Trent Acid defeats Justice Pain for the CZW Junior Heavyweight Title in Paulsboro, New Jersey, ending Pain's second reign.
2000 - Dick Raines and Frank Einstein defeat Greg Pawluk and Johnny Devine for the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta.
2001 - Ricky Santana and Rico Suave defeat Thunder and Lightning to win the WWC World Tag Team Title in Cayey, Puerto Rico, ending Thunder and Lightning's third reign.
2001 - CM Punk defeats Mark Wolf to win the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title in Charlestown, Indiana, beginning his third reign.
2001 - The Ghetto Mafia (2-Dope & Sydeswype) defeat champions Romeo Valentino & Ronnie Zukko and Earl the Pearl & Rich Myers in a three-way match for the MCW Tag Team Title in Middle River, Maryland, beginning their third reign.
2001 - Rick Fuller wins a 20-man battle royal for the vacant NWA New England Brass Knuckles Title in Milford, Massachusetts.
2001 - Dave Misterio defeats Slayer to win the NWA Jersey Junior Heavyweight Title in Wildwood, New Jersey.
2002 - Jerry Jarrett posted the following comments in regard to fan questions and criticism of the upcoming NWA:TNA promotion debut:
I have really enjoyed reading this message board. I feel that there are a couple of issues that I might clear up.
Vince McMahon: I am one of the few people who have stayed with Vince and Linda in their home.I was good friends with Vince's father, so the relationship spans more than 30 years. Vince continued to pay me for a year after I left the WWF and he was under no obligation to pay anything. I have assisted Vince and Linda (whenever they called me) after I left WWF. I'm relating some of our history to make the point that there is absolutely no hard feelings between us. Our wrestling venture is not viewed as a threat to WWE any more than any boxing, shoot fight, or concert on ppv. The WWE views all entertainment as competition for the entertainment dollar. Vince, in my opinion, is in a league of his own as far as promotion. There are many more positives for the WWE than negatives should we be successful. I have always been in the position of assisting talent become stars. WWE has been the benefactor of my success with talent and will be in the future. Wrestlers need to move to different formats the same as movie stars need to have different movies to star in. There will be wrestlers who do not want to work 150 to 200 dates per year on the road. There will be wrestlers who will jump at the chance to go to WWE after being with NWA-TNA.
WCW/ECW: I see posts from former WCW fans who miss the promotion. I see posts from former ECW fans who wish they were still in business. The fact that only WWE is in business seems to escape some people's thinking process. I think we would be nuts to try and become WCW or ECW. Hell, they could not have been so great or they would still be in business. It would not make any sense to try to be another WWE either. The main reason is that we don't have the money to attempt to be another WWE. Our concept is very different based simply on the fact that we believe we can produce a weekly wrestling show and present it on the ppv format. We hope to have production qualities near those of WWE. We hope to take what was good about WCW and ECW and add things that both companies omitted.
Purist: We only wish that we could be the purist that some fans want us to be. However, the realities of business call for compromise. The public is resistant to buying tickets or ppv unless they know some of the wrestlers. We feel that some of the new talent will be given a jumpstart by getting the "rub" from established stars. My youngest son is a wrestling purist. He has a wrestling state championship to his credit. However, if all the fans that watched his entire wrestling career were put in a building, it would not fill a 20,000 seat arena. My point is that when you attempt to generate mass appeal, you don't have the luxury of being a purist. Our goal is to combine great in-ring wrestling with 2002 entertainment. I really hope that you will reserve judgement until you have seen our product.
Cutting Edge Characters: My wife Deborah and I have a range of friends. Many of our friends just happen to be gay. Most of our friends are straight. We don't sit the gays on one end of our dinning table when we entertain. We are aware that there are still many homophobic people around. We make every attempt to distance ourselves from them, the same as we distance ourselves from people who are racist. My favorite broadcast show happens to be "Will and Grace". My favorite sport happens to be amature wrestling. My favorite poets are Lord Byron, Robert Burns, and John Milton. I will write based on my humor, my wit, my experiences, and my instinct as to what might appeal to the masses. And I will stand in the arena at the end of the day either looking very good or looking very bad.
Jerry Jarrett
2002 - WWE Raw ran Columbus, Georgia. Michael Langan III filed the following report:
House show tonight: D-Lo/Stasiak d. Credible/Goldust (D-Lo p. Credible, Sky High), Dreamer p. Richards (DVD), The Prototype p. Crash Holly (umm... some pretty neat finish), Trish/Spike d. Regal/Molly (Trish p. Molly with a roll-up after Special Guest Ref Jackie shoved Molly, both Women's & Euro belts on the line), RVD p. Eddy (Frog Splash), Bradshaw p. Wight (Clothesline after Dreamer/Raven/Richards all involved and killed by Wight), Bull Buchanan p. Waterman (Legdrop from Top), Matt Hardy p. Raven (Twist of Fate), Lesnar p. Buh Buh (Fireman's Carry into Brainbuster DDT), Austin p. Flair (Stunner, Steel Cage). Arn out after the match, gets stunned. Both stunned after show. Arn/Flair mic work.
Pedestrian show. Fun anyway. There was a chinlock not 1:00 into the Dreamer/Richards match.
Crowd had NOOOOO clue how to react to the guys they hadn't seen (or haven't seen in a while) like Prototype/Waterman/Buchanan. Big mistake putting Bull and Waterman together as folks FLOCKED away. Crowd was into the Crash match, oddly.
Good, solid work. Biggest problem was a big hunk of the roster all has pretty much the same music, the same move set, and nothing special or SPECIFIC enough about them to be identifiable.
Ah well.
Opener, RVD/Guerrero, Prototype/Crash, and Raven/Hardy were best. Flair/Austin had too much stalling and tons of "What" v/ "Whooo" which was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO painful. Ugh.
Fun, at least.
Cheap seats set you back $20. Lucky if the place was 1/3 full. Worse crowd than a Thunder that was the LAST WCW show in the venue in July 2000.
2002 - WWE Smackdown ran August, GA. Todd Oblak filed the following live report:
WWE Smackdown! Roster
June 9, 2002
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center
This is a fan analysis, and not a move-by-move article. I am trying to show what it is like being at one of these events, and how the "boys" work the show. In other words, who is over and who knows how to get over using the most basic forms of crowd incitement.
I walked into the Civic Center at around 6:45 pm. They had most of the merchandise for sale, both RAW and Smackdown! Rosters' gear (mostly Smackdown!, though, at this event. Once inside, the ring was setup with just the plain ring aprons (WWE logo on two sides and WWE logo and the word Entertainment on the other two). They made a modified tunnel entrance for the wrestlers to enter and exit that was divided into three partitioned curtains with the middle one having a roof to make the tunnel. There was also another curtain on the other side where you could see into the backstage area, and where a lot of wrestlers sat to watch the matches themselves, which I will get into later. The production stage (sound and lights) was in between the two curtains, in a barricaded-off area. There was no pyro used for the show.
The show began promptly at 7 PM with Tony Chimmel entering to "The Beautiful People" by Marilyn Manson. He went over the rules of a WWE Event and the national anthem was played. They then went straight into the matches.
1. Christian v. Randy Orton
Christian came out to moderate heat (of course he was also the first wrestler out as well) and Randy Orton came out to a decent face pop. He was accompanied by two local Hooters girls. Christian cuts a pretty good heel promo (straight from Cheap Heat 101) to get everyone riled up. At one point, he was jaw-jacking with a fan in the middle deck stands and climbing the ropes, trying to show that he wanted to go after the fan. He was bouncing and teetering, when he finally fell over the ropes, to which the crowd popped huge for. Orton then caught him as he was coming back over for a close two-count. The matchup was filled with many close pin attempts. At one point, Orton went outside while Christian was down and slid under the ring. He then crawled out from the other side and Christian didn't see him, to which Orton was waiting on the other side's turnbuckle for a cross body block, for another quick two count, which really got everyone going. I don't know why they don't do the "under the ring" thing much anymore. It used to be used in matches often as a way of psyching your opponent out, and also made for good in-ring storytelling. Anyway, the end came when Orton reversed the Impaler into a hopping reverse rollup for the pin. Good opening match in my opinion.
2. Rob Conway & Shannon Moore v. Chavo Guerrero & Tajiri
Conway and Moore entered together. Moore looked good. For a guy his size, I think he has a lot of potential and should be vying for the Cruiserweight title soon. Chavo came out next. Not much heat for his entrance. In a very strange situation, Tajiri drew a huge face pop to his entrance. He never really tried to play the heel throughout the match, either. At one point, a very small ECW chant broke out, to which Tajiri covered his ears and did the "No, No" thing with his index finger that everyone's mother has done to them at one point or another in their lives. The match was very fast paced and the end came when Conway came off the top rope toward Tajiri but received a strong gut kick that brought him to his knees. This allowed Tajiri to hit his famous "Death Kick To The Side Of The Head", which the crowd also popped huge for. There was no tarantula or anything really crazy in this match. Moore did a nice suicide dive onto Chavo on the outside, but that was about it. In a "You Fucked Up" moment, after the match Tajiri tried to climb the turnbuckle but slipped off the middle rope and completely busted his ass. The place blew up and he was so embarrassed that he quickly exited the ring and cut straight to the back with his head down. You almost had to feel sorry for the guy.
3. Lance Storm v. Kidman
This match was dubbed as a Canada v. USA match, for some unknown reason. I have never thought of Billy Kidman as an American Patriot, but I guess since Storm always talks about Canada, they decided to throw that out. Storm cuts a typical Storm promo about how the further away from Canada he gets, the intelligence level drops as well. Pretty funny stuff when he says he can't believe Americans can even spell USA. Kidman comes out in some new ring attire. I know in the old WCW he wore jean shorts and a wife beater. Then he wore short tights (ala Big Poppa Pump) for awhile in WWE and now he's been wearing black speedo-type tights. Tonight he wore silver and blue speedo-type with blue pads. He also looked bigger. I'm not saying he's juicing, I'm just saying he's a lot thicker up top than he used to be. Anyway, it was a fast paced match between the two. At one point, Kidman went up for the shooting star press, but Storm jumped up and knocked him balls first on the top rope. He then did a very interesting move in my point of view. He pulled Kidman out in a DDT position, away from the corner, but with Kidman's feet still hanging on the top rope. He then dropped straight down for a DDT, but Kidman's feet remained up top, making it look like he was in a headstand position. Got a good gasp from the crowd. The end came when Storm went to powerbomb Kidman, but it was reversed into his version of the X-Factor for the three and a win for Kidman. A pretty good match in my POV.
4. Test v. Sean O'Haire
Test's theme music sounded pretty good live. You don't get to hear it really well on TV, but it's actually pretty cool. O'Haire has grown his hair out since the last time he was on television. It's about mid-length, shorter than shoulder-length, and natural brown instead of dark black. Nothing really amazing about this match. Neither man played to the crowd much and the end came when Test hit his reverse neckbreaker thing.
5. D-Von with Deacon Bautista v. Faarooq
D-Von's music sounds good for it's purpose. It's not a catchy tune or anything, but it works for his gimmick. The Deacon (Leviathan) is a really big guy. He still hasn't worked an on air match to my knowledge, which is strange. I'm waiting to see a face turn on D-Von by him. From what I understand, he became one of the most over faces at the end of his OVW career. He has a look that would make he and Sean O'Haire a formidable tag team, in my POV. Anyway, D-Von cuts a heel "fornication" promo that pissed many people off. He said that everyone that has sexual relations with themselves (which he said was everyone in the crowd) was a fornicator. This brought out Faarooq, which by the way they added "Damn!" to the beginning of his APA music. He asked D-Von what the hell he was talking about and said he knew D-Von as well as himself had relations with themselves. He then said this was going to be a sinful match. Crowd popped huge for that. At one point, the Deacon interfered and hit a very cool looking move that looked like a back drop turned mid-air into a Rock Bottom. Good back and forth match that saw the end come with a spinebuster.
6. Jamie Knoble with Nidia v. Hurricane
Jamie and Nidia came out to a mixed reaction (probably because Nidia is from Tough Enough but is now a heel). She has a really great body. I didn't notice that much in TE1 about the size of her chest, but if they weren't that big then, she has had surgery since. They were pretty huge. Another interesting note was that she was wearing Daisy Duke cut off jean shorts and a wife beater with work boots, in a trailer park trash look. Interesting because of Knoble's former gimmick of Redneck Messiah. Hurricane came out to a HUGE pop. This guy can work the crowd. Everyone was really into him. The match was very interesting move-for-move. Hurricane used his old finisher, the Nightmare on Helms Street at one point for a close two count. He also used the Buff Blockbuster, which I thought was funny. The end, which was great, came when Nidia jumped on the apron. Hurricane ran over to her and got slapped. Knoble ran at him, but Hurricane moved and Nidia took a pretty good bump on the floor. Knoble turned around into the waiting Hurri-chokeslam for the win. Classic finish, but it really had everyone going crazy. This is going to be an interesting feud. The only problem is that it can't be a straight PPV match now that they have given it away with a clean win for Hurricane at this house show.
Chimmel plugs the merchandise and sends us on a 15 minute intermission.
During the intermission, I noticed that Teddy Long (former referee turned manager and now back refereeing) was talking to a few fans at ringside. He stood talking to the same three fans for about ten of the fifteen minutes. However, I don't think these were personal friends of his because of the way he acted with them. I just wanted to point out that I thought it was cool that he sat talking to them for such a long time. There was a little boy with the two men and after he was through talking with them all, he was sure to shake the little boy's hand before walking away.
At the end of intermission, Chimmel entered again to "The Beautiful People" and Long and another referee were behind him. Funny point where they were trying to decide which referee would get the match and Chimmel looked at Long and gave him the Rock's "Just Bring It" hand signal. Crowd popped. Long also made sure to shake the same little boy's hand as he walked past him and said hello. In my book, he's a class act.
7. Billy & Chuck with Rico v. Tazz & Rikishi
I'm going to start by saying that by far, this was the best match of the night. I'm going to go into extreme detail on why I think so, so if you don't want to read a lot of writing, skip ahead. This match was extremely entertaining on all levels for everyone involved and I thought all six men involved (including the referee) worked their asses off to make this thing such an eye opener. Whoever wrote this match (*cough* Heyman *cough*) is a genius.
Billy & Chuck & Rico entered first. Billy was doing some hilarious bits on his entrance that I can't even describe. The guy really was getting people going. He was doing some funny dancing type stuff and just flat out acting goofy. A lot of people say that his matches suck (similar to Lex Luger) but people really respond to him and his mannerisms (like Lex). Rico's look kills me. The sideburns and the shiny suit crack me up. I haven't seen a single's match of his yet, but I hear he works pretty well. Next, Tazz entered to a moderate pop. Rikishi then got a humongous pop. Teaser at the beginning of the match was that we could see Tajiri looking on from one side of the partitioned curtain of the tunnel when Rikishi walked out. Everyone thought he was going to attack Rikishi. Then in another odd moment, Dean Malenko (now a road agent) walked out behind Rikishi, which drew another pop. However, everyone thought they were together. Malenko was walking down to talk to one of the security guys. Another odd bit: Rikishi brought a broom out with him and danced down the aisle. Unless I missed something, I don't have any idea why he would have a broom. He never used it for anything but a prop on his entrance. Strange. Anyway, on with the match. This was a total comedy match. It started with Billy & Chuck running from Rikishi & Tazz. Billy put up his dukes like he and Rikishi were going to fight. Then Chuck slides in the ring and gets behind Billy and starts rubbing his shoulders to "psych" him up, I guess. Tazz grabs the mic and says "Hey Chuck, that's not the first time you've been behind Billy, is it?" and makes motions like he's doing it doggy-style. The place blew up.
The Ambiguous Duo then dropped out and said they were leaving. Long began the ten count, but Tazz interrupted. He began by telling them to think of this like their wedding night. Rico began yelling something when Tazz said, in mid-sentence, "Shut Up Rico" and went right back into his sentence where he left off, which drew another pop. He said Chuck could walk down here and Rico could escort Billy and give the bride away. He then said "Just get in this ring, you bunch of faggots!" That brought them back and it started. Funny points of the match were all homosexual related. On at least two separate occasions, Chuck got behind Rikishi and tried a backdrop. However, he could lift him, so it looked like he was getting him doggy-style. Billy and Rico put their heads in their hands and shook their heads and Tazz's facial expressions were priceless. Rikishi had a "What The Fuck?" look on his face and Chuck didn't know what everyone was looking at (Ambiguous Reference). Hot tags back and forth afterward. The end came when Rikishi and Billy were fighting on the outside, with Long outside as well. Tazz locks on the Tazzmission on Chuck. Rico enters with the tag strap and clocks Tazz. Tazz falls back and Chuck falls with him to land on top for the three.
Afterward, the crowd pleasing continued. Billy & Chuck left Rico alone with Rikishi and Tazz who beat him down and was then setup for the stinkface. This is where Tazz left and Rikishi continued to celebrate, but didn't dance yet. He then went to leave and the crowd started to boo as he took one step out of the ring. He then ducked back under the ropes to go back in and the crowd popped huge. He stopped again and acted like he was going to leave and they booed again. Couldn't tell if some of it was piped in or not, but the place was rocking. He went back and forth a few more times and finally decided to stay. He then tried to get the different sides up to see which side he would dance for. He ended up choosing the side opposite of me, so all I got to see was a huge thong, but it was still the most entertaining part of the night. They had to play his theme three times for the amount of time he was in the ring after the match. This angle between these men would play out great on TV. Rikishi, Tazz and maybe Kidman would play well against the Ambiguous Threesome. It could also help to move Kidman up and out of the Cruiserweight Division and maybe get him some good heat.
8. Chris Jericho v. The Big Valbowski
Jericho came out first to a huge mixed reaction. I say that because it was very loud, but you couldn't tell whether it was a pop or not. Valbowski drew a good pop. Jericho talked trash about Augusta and said some guy down front called him an asshole. He asked if we thought he was an asshole, which drew heat. Val said we didn't think he was an asshole, we knew he was an asshole. Jericho was pissed. He then took off his shirt and acted like he was going to throw it into the crowd. He ran to each side of the ring trying to see who was the loudest to get his shirt. When he finally picked a side he went to throw it and dropped it on the ground and did the old Big Poppa Pump "throw up his forearm and slap it acting like he was flipping the bird", which drew huge heat. Val then quickly picked up the shirt and threw it to a kid, which pissed off Jericho and started the match. Huge bump by Brian Hebner, which might've legit hurt him. Either that or he was selling really, really well. Jericho came off the ropes and missed Val with the flying forearm but nailed Hebner. Hebner jumped back and did a half spin in mid-air. He landed with his left shoulder and face right on the middle / bottom ring rope. He was holding it for the rest of the match. After the ref bump, Val caught Jericho in a both a fisherman suplex that he had three on, as well as his spinning backdrop into a powerbomb move for another three that wasn't counted. Jericho was able to get back and lock on the Walls and Hebner caught Val tapping out. Hebner then rolled out and was talking to Chimmel for a minute and really holding his arm, as Jericho celebrated. I'm not sure if he really hurt it or not, but we didn't see him the rest of the night.
9. Swimsuit Competition - Stacy Keibler, Victoria, Torrie Wilson, Ivory
Ivory was the star of this show. The ladies came out in the order listed above. Ivory cut a promo that was typical of her old RTC days. She said she wouldn't participate. She said everyone here was a pervert for wanting to see this. She even told a lady at ringside that brought her daughter, that she was raising a pervert. Then she started ridiculing the cameraman at ringside, who legit looked like he wasn't part of the angle. I don't know if he knew he was going to be a part of the show, because he acted like he didn't want to be. Ivory did a great job of making him look stupid. She told him that his long lens on his camera was compensating for something small in his pants. She then said Mr. McMahon would not like this competition, to which Keibler grabbed the mic and told her to shut up. She said she knew McMahon's likes and dislikes and he would want this thing to start. The women then ripped Ivory's robe off (she looked so hot). She was wearing a little lime green bikini. She got flustered and ran off. Chimmel said it looked like we now only had three contestants. At this point, a fight broke out in the first row right behind the ladies and they all turned to watch. The competition literally stopped for a few seconds as they all watched the fight and security trying to break it up. Chimmel then tried to get back to business and said Stacy was next. Hot as hell in black. Victoria wore silver and Torrie wore pink. All four were unbelievable. No thongs though (sorry Faarooq, but DAMN!) Anyway, Chimmel announced Torrie as the winner and that started a catfight. Ended up being Victoria and Stacy against Torrie, but Stacy then threw Victoria out and her and Torrie went at it. Funny part came when they were tied up and knocked over Chimmel and landed on him and rolled over him from toe to head, to which he got a big smile. Stacy got up and went over and slapped him, until Torrie grabbed her and dumped her outside. All three women then left separately.
10. Main Event - Hardcore Holly v. Kurt Angle
No matter who you put in the main event with Angle, it's going to be entertaining. Not to discredit Holly, who did a damn good job, I'm just saying Angle has his own style of working a crowd and he did a great job. Holly came out to a moderately big pop. Angle had a huge initial pop, which turned into heat and of course the "You Suck"s. Angle was wearing the terrible wig and headgear combo. He also had some new tights that were red and black with just an "A" (in a similar design to Double J's old attire) on either side. Angle cut a great heel promo saying he doesn't suck. It was anti-Augusta as well. It drew a lot of "What"s. Holly grabbed the mic and said he was right. He didn't suck. He was a great athlete, etc. However, he saw him in the back and the last time he saw something that bald, it had a condom on it. Instead pop and the match was on. This was a great match. Could prove to be an interesting angle (no pun). A few kids in front of me started the whole crowd chanting "Take Off The Wig." The funny part was, the wig started coming off halfway through the match, but Angle didn't notice. The end came when Holly went for a sunset flip but ended up pantsing Angle (no thong, just bare ass) and then pulled off the wig and headgear. He then got him with the Alabama Slam for the win. Afterward Angle put the wig back on and cut another promo. He started berating the ref, which drew a lot of "What"s again. He told us to shut up which drew more heat. He then said we had seen his bald head and bare ass. In a good move, to give the show a feeling of more meaning, he referred back to Ivory calling us all perverts earlier in the show. He then asked what looked better, his head or his ass? He asked the ref to be the judge. He then asked him his name and when he went to speak he told him shut up. He just wanted him to answer or he was going to beat his ass. The ref said his head looked like his ass and Angle beat him up. As he was beating him, the ref got a quick low blow in and ran off. Angle was selling the nut shot really big. He grabbed the mic again and in a very high, squeaky voice said "I'm Ok. I'm Fine. My balls hurt a little, but I will be OK." He then said "I want to assure everyone that I will be on Smackdown on Thursday, even though my ball are the size of grapefruits. Wait a second, they were already the size of grapefruits. Well, even if they are the size of watermelons now, I'll still be on Smackdown!" Funny as hell. He then said "Thanks for coming. Bye." And ran off holding himself to a bunch of "You Suck"s.
Overall a great show. The place was on fire for most of the night and it was only about a quarter full. It holds around 8,000 and I'd say there were around 2,000 there.
Interesting notes:
I'd say there was a three way tie for the biggest pop between Rikishi, Hurricane, and Holly when they won. Angle easily came away with the biggest heat, but Ivory wasn't far behind and Christian did a helluva job drawing heat too.
The second curtain, where you could see backstage was filled with wrestlers the whole time. At first, I could see Jericho and somebody talking and watching for the first three matches. I think it was Angle. Later we saw Tajiri, Chavo, and Christian watching together. Some other notables at the curtain were Rico and Rob Conway (which I guess stems back to their developmental days). For the last three or four matches, Deacon stood and watched by himself. Some odd things I could see from the curtain, which meant many others could see too, were that Holly and Angle were talking backstage, as well as Faarooq and D-Von walking together backstage. Odd because they had fought or were fighting each other tonight. I also saw Rikishi, Tazz, Holly, and someone else all talking. For most of the night, Randy Orton sat at the Production Table with a little kid just watching the show. Malenko and Dave Hebner were also visible here throughout the night. It was kinda neat to see these guys out of their element or in their element in the case of Malenko and Hebner. This is my analysis of the events of the live house show.
2003 - Major League Wrestling Underground TV aired on the Sunshine Network. Bill Piven filed the following TV report:
Major League Wrestling "Underground TV" for 6/9
::::MLW Underground TV music opening::::
Joey Styles welcomes us to Tabu for this week’s edition of Underground TV. Styles informs us that we will see La Parka-Sabu 2 and as much of La Parka-Sabu from King of Kings (their first match) as the censors will allow them. Styles discusses the on going feud with Terry Funk and the Extreme Horsemen and also says that Los Maximos are tired of waiting and have comments for the culprits who recently attack them.
Los Maximos sitting in the locker room explain how they were “punked out” a few weeks back and how they are sick and tired of waiting for the culprits to reveal themselves. Jose Maximo says that if the attackers have any cajones and brass” they’ll show their faces in a few minutes out in the ring. Joel closes saying that whoever attacked them tried to kill their dreams but Los Maximos are still standing. Good promo.
The Samoan Island Tribe defeated Los Maximos. Los Maximos go to the ring and goof around a little with Joel interrupting the more serious Jose several times. In the end, Jose explains how “two chumps” jumped them from behind and challenged the attackers to reveal themselves. Mana & Samu come out to Snoop Dogg and Los Maximos nearly decapitate them with crazy planchas. Crowd chanted “SAT” and “Maximos” on and off through the match. Samoans used typical power moves including powerbombing Jose on to Joel’s back and hitting a top rope bossman slam style spinebuster. Jose hit a solid missle dropkick. Match told a good story with Los Maximos simply not being able to prepare for the much bigger tag team of the Samoans, which made sense. A nice hope spot at the end with Joel before he ultimately took a top rope samoan drop for the pinfall.
During a commercial they announce La Parka vs. Sabu 3 for Hybrid Hell on June 20th in Fort Lauderdale.
Back from commercial and Styles reminds us that still to come will be Parka-Sabu 2 and as much of part 1 as the censors will allow on the air (boo!). Styles concludes that La Parka is standing by in the locker room with comments about tonight’s main event.
La Parka cuts a promo in Spanish before he is attacked by Sabu and an unknown guy who encourages Sabu to hit Parka with a spike. They leave Parka laying.
Back to Styles who is looking at his monitor in disbelief. Styles gives us a heads up that the man with Sabu who attacked Parka was Bill Alfonso’s brother, Fidel “Cuban Assassin” Alfonso. He is here tonight to get revenge for his brother who is out. Parka is going to be ok and will compete later tonight. Styles then runs down last week’s main event for the Global Tag-Team Crown Championship. MLW shows highlights of the opening of the match where PJ Friedman was attacked with a steel chair several times. Styles says that Friedman has a cracked orbital bone, a separated shoulder and a leg injury. There is talk that he may never wrestle again. On a brighter note, the Extreme Horsemen will be awarded the new Global Tag-Team Crown titles at Hybrid Hell next Friday in an award ceremony. Styles then says that the new champions are standing by…
On the “Horsemen Cam,” the Extreme Horsemen explain how after years of being held down, it all came to an end last week when they won the GTC titles. Simon Diamond said something that was bleeped. CW said that no legend or blue chipper can stop them now. They promise to hold the tag team titles for all of 2003 and end by taunting Steve Williams asking how PJ Friedman is feeling.
A commercial for MLW’s next event airs. MLW returns to the War Memorial Auditorium next Friday night June 20th with tickets at $10 and $15. It will be an Underground TV taping.
Back from commercial where Styles goes over the CM Punk vs. Raven feud. Raven has had a rough time since debuting in MLW with Vampiro walking out on his former best friend Raven and now the young hypocritical CM Punk beginning to play mind games and challenging Raven to a rematch for Hybrid Hell. Punk has some words for Raven backstage.
A very confident and dark looking CM Punk in a room painted all gold says that he is straight edge and because he is drug free and alcohol free that means he is better than everyone in MLW and at home. He says because he is so good that maybe that is why Joey Styles and others aren’t happy to see him show up. Punk says that he makes up his own rules and that his destiny is to be champion. Punk claims he calls it like it is, which is why everyone is so nervous. He says to Raven that straight edge means he is better than him and that this is only the beginning.
We then go to another locker room where Samu and Mana are sitting talking about how it was just a matter of time before the Samoans sent MLW a receipt and Los Maximos suffered the consequences. Samu is about to continue speaking but is cut off when Los Maximos run in and literally jump on the much bigger Samoans with Joel actually landing crotch first in Samu’s face. The two teams brawl a bit before the Samoans low blow the Maximos. Samu says that if the Maximos want some, now they’ll get some and if they don’t watch it, they’re going to get teabagged. I can’t believe that made the air, but it did and it was pretty damn funny.
Styles with a smirk says that it’s nice to see Jose and Joel Maximo getting a little revenge and that the youngsters won’t give up easily. Styles then runs down the top ten for the week:
1-Mike Awesome
2-Terry Funk
3-Steve Corino
4-Sabu
5-Raven
6-La Parka
7-Masato Tanaka
8-Paul London
9-Christopher Daniels
10-Jerry Lynn
(As a great Tool song plays) Styles says that Satoshi Kojima must be focused on Mike Awesome as he has been destroying opponent after opponent. But Kojima also has been quite the wrestler as of late, defending the MLW world title in Japan and in the U.S., helping to make it a true world championship in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Styles says that Kojima is the first outside world champion to defend a world title in an All Japan ring in over a decade. Kojima is a history making world champion. Styles says that Kojima will not forget what Awesome did at King of Kings when he Awesome Bombed him through a table in the corner (MLW shows footage simultaneously of the incident which looked insane). Styles says that Kojima is no doubt watching the footage over and over as he is obsessed with getting revenge on Mike Awesome. Styles says that while Kojima may be focused, Kojima cannot forget the nasty beating his fellow Japanese wrestler Masato Tanaka took at the hands of Awesome who Awesome Bombed him from inside the ring to the outside THROUGH A TABLE(!). Styles then says that we could see the end of Kojima’s title reign when he faces a one man wrecking machine when he wrestles Mike Awesome. This was vintage Joey Styles. One helluva a hype piece that really put an emphasis on the world title and tied in the Kojima-Awesome storyline.
After the commercial, Styles recaps last week’s big victory by Paul London in his MLW debut over Jerry Lynn (MLW shows footage of London hitting an amazing shooting star press). Styles says that London’s win was a career maker and that it no doubt disrupted the new alliance between Jerry Lynn and Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels. Styles reminds us that Lynn and Daniels vowed to prove London’s win was a fluke and challenged London to a rematch at Hybrid Hell, however London upped the ante and made it a “young lions challenge.” Styles then reminds fans that Kenzo Suzuki of World Japan will be making his debut at Hybrid Hell. Styles puts over that history will be made with the participation of three Japanese wrestling companies participating with an American wrestling company all on the same one show! Styles moves on and discusses how it is time for La Parka vs. Sabu I, courtesy of King of Kings. He warns us that MLW may be forced to go to commercial break if the censors feel th e footage is too graphic at any point and cautions the fans. Styles says that if that occurs, stay tuned in and they’ll be right back.
Sabu vs. La Parka I: A great match that was clipped so they could sell it I’m assuming in its entirety for home video. The match was real crisp from what I saw. A series of moves that led to a beautiful leaping tornado DDT by Sabu on to Parka. The two had some great brawling into the crowd which was kicked off with Parka manhandling Sabu by throwing him head first into the laps of the fans in the first row. The two continued to fight in the crowd which the fans seemed to eat up. At one point in the match Sabu was stunned on the ring apron and Parka went for some sort of running tope to Sabu on the apron, but Sabu held the top rope down and Parka flew over it and broke the table at ringside and continued sliding from his momentum straight into the guardrails where it looked like he hurt his lower leg or ankle in a real sick spot. Later, Sabu did a running top rope plancha with the chair from inside the ring to the crowd onto Parka which had the fans on their feet again. About ten or thirteen minutes in, Parka was a bloody mess with 25% of the front of his mask ripped apart. His blood was all over his arms and his face and POURING. Sick stuff. They eventually got back in the ring which saw Sabu upside down in the tree of woe with a chair on his face. Parka of course took the opportunity to hit a running dropkick to Sabu’s face/chair. Once freed, Sabub and La Parka did a lot of crisp chain wrestling that escalated to chops which then led to a tremendous series of kicks that were some of the stiffest I’ve ever seen. They’d hit one and both would sell from that spot and the one before it. This went on for some time and the crowd which started out as pro Sabu now was now split. The two later continued their brawling ways with Parka’s mask pretty much torn up. This was proceeded by Sabu putting La Parka on the table and hitting a jumping legdrop with a chair from in the ring to outside onto Parka. The MLW chant broke out again. La Parka was bleeding like nuts at this point and it was probably the most blood I’ve seen in a match on non PPV TV since I can remember. Now a solid La Parka chant broke out now. Sabu then pulled out a spike and pointed to the sky in typical Sabu fashion. Sabu got over Parka’s head and was in the motion of stabbing Parka when the show abruptly cut (Sunshine Network censored it?). It was a real unnatural cut so I think it may have been legitimate.
Back from commercial. Joey Styles apologizes for going to commercial but the censors would not allow MLW to air the footage of the remainder of Parka-Sabu I. Styles then sends us back down to the ring for the main event, featuring La Parka vs. Sabu 2.
La Parka pinned Sabu. Parka comes out wearing a crazy mask that had to cost serious money. Styles says Parka must be a big fan of Lord of the Rings or Missy Hyatt for wearing that mask (!!!). Special laser lighting through out the tabu arena for Sabu’s entrance. Strong start in the ring with some mat wrestling. The two reversed armbars on the mat and Sabu looked great once again. Of course the two took it to ringside where Sabu threw a chair eight or so feet at Parka’s head and it made a big thud. The two exchanged chair shots and brawled a bit more before Sabu threw Parka into the fans over the railing and then did his patented over the top rope body attack which saw Sabu leap into 3 or so rows deep at the arena. MLW chant broke out followed by a Sabu chant. Parka and Sabu brawled a bit more with them spilling back ringside. Parka at one point scooped Sabu and threw him into bodies of several fans, which the fans ate up. Parka then hit wrapped a chair around Sabu’s head with a nasty chair shot. Later, Parka hit a triple jump moonsault for near 3 count. A minute or so later, Sabu had Parka on the table, courtesy of Fidel Alfonso and Sabu went to the top (looking out at the fans) while Parka came to it and landed a stiff chairshot on Fidel that left him laying on the table instead of Parka. Meanwhile, Sabu, who had been playing to the crowd with his back to the ring while perched on the top rope hit a moonsault on to the table (that had poor Fidel on it), taking them both down. This led to Sabu selling an injury and opening himself up for a Parka top rope twisting star press for the pin which evens the series up 1-1. Another great match by the two. They will face off in the rubber match in the series at Hybrid Hell on 6/20.
Notes: I’m assuming the censoring incident during the end of the Parka-Sabu I match was a work. If it was legitimate, I’m not sure why MLW would risk being censored and allowing the footage to get that graphic. But it was so sort of out of the blue when Sabu took the spike and was about to nail Parka so I sort of wonder at the same time if it was possibly legitimate… MLW managed to get over all of its key storylines and push tickets for Hybrid Hell on 6/20 in Ft. Lauderdale in 60 minutes more effectively than Raw has been able to do nearly all year in 120 minutes. After watching a mediocre Raw with a pretty good main event and then seeing a balanced, entertaining and at points graphically edgy MLW TV show, WWE’s problems pushing storylines and building young talent becomes even more apparent. But that’s for another column!... Lighting needs to be fixed. MLW has said that they will be remedying that problem for 6/20, so TV should in theory be better from that point of view soo n thereafter… MLW continues to use good top 20 music from the rock and rap charts. This show had Deftones, the White Stripes, Tool, Wu-Tang Clan, and 50 Cent. There may have been more, but that’s what stood out for me. Hip Music is important and MLW is taking advantage of this… The audio for the ring entrances has improved. It could be better though… Nothing dragged during the show and each storyline seemed to progress… The show had some comical moments, which is something that is often forgotten in wrestling on TV outside of WWE. The Samoan tea bagging and Joey Styles Missy Hyatt comments had me tearing… Los Maximos are beginning to show a lot of charisma during their promos and work… Simon Diamond’s promo may have stolen the show for best promo. He sounded like the Masked Superstar in the way he spoke down to the fans, yet had the confidence of a young Franchise Shane Douglas. I am looking forward to seeing how Diamond progresses with his work and promos in MLW… MLW has ti ckets available for their 6/20 show at $10 and $15 via Ticketmaster or at: www.MLW.com.
Results: Samoan Island Tribe b Los Maximos, Sabu and La Parka: no finish, La Parka b Sabu (with Fidel Sierra).
2004 - TNA holds their 98th weekly pay-per-view event in Nashville, Tennessee. The show featured NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett facing all three members of the 3Live Kru in three separate challenge matches. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV Report:
This week's NWA:TNA PPV opened with Kid Kash telling a story about how he was visiting his "chicky" at the cable office and found out that people are stealing TNA broadcasts. He said that when you do that you are taking money from he and Dallas. He said Dallas has 12 kids to feed and if they find out who is taking money from them, they are gonnna come find them.
They aired a highlight video of last week's PPV event.
Raven was shown sitting inside an empty arena “nearby the TNA Asylum" as Mike Tenay explained that he has issued an invitation for Sabu to step into Raven's House of Pain. Raven banged on the ring with a weapon.
Inside the Asylum, a red carpet was rolled down the aisle as an announcer asked everyone to rise to their feet for the first public appearance of the new NWA champion Jeff Jarrett. What was the first episode of Impact! then? Jarrett made his way to the six-sided ring dressed in a tuxedo. He was also announced as the current King of the Mountain. A band serenaded him. Jarrett said it was just seven days ago that he was crowned king of the mountain and became a three-time NWA champion. Jarrett said that there is only one man who should crown him the new champion and strap the belt around his waist. He called out Vince Russo, saying Russo would do it for AJ Styles, Raven, or Chris Harris. Russo came to the ring as Don West said that Russo certainly wasn't going to humiliate himself like this. Russo strapped the belt around Jarrett's waist. Jarrett put a crown on. Great, now he's the world champion and Jerry Lawler to boot! It's good to be Jeff. Jarett took a bow before the audience.
Russo said that he had one question for Jarrett and that was "why?" He said that two years ago when TNA started, Jarrett called Russo. He said that Jarrett claimed it was going to be innovate and change the business and that together they could put the company on the map. Russo said that he came and they started on PPV, then syndication, and last week, TNA did what everyone said they couldn't do, “and got on network television." Russo said that everyone did it together as a team.
Jarrett cut him off and said that after everything he's been through, when you look at the TNA logo, you see his blood, sweat, and tears. Jarrett said that he's the one who has had to get in the ring every Wednesday night to wrestle, bleed, climb ladders, and get thrown off pedestals. He said that it was all him. Russo said that he always gave Jarrett his credit, but that there's no way Jarrett said that there's no way he can say AJ Styles, America's Most Wanted, and 3 Live Kru had nothing to do with TNA's success. Russo said that if he can change, so can Jeff and they need him to do that. Jarrett said that for the last two years, everyone laughed at Jeff Jarrett for the last two years, but who's laughing now. Jarrett said that he did it himself and now he's the king of the castle. He said that instead of Vince Russo preaching, he should be bowing.
3 Live Kru hit the ring and attacked Jarrett, running him off. Ron Killings said that he spoke to Vince Russo and Jarrett would be competing in a "Triple Jeopardy match". Mike Tenay and Don West wondered what that was.
Backstage, Scott Hudson was interviewing Elix Skipper. He said that Skipper and Christopher Daniels won the Internet poll for their title match against America's Most Wanted but Daniels was injured last week in Japan. Skipper thanked the fans for their support and said that when he returned in 4-6 weeks, they would go for the belts. Trinity and the NYCs showed up and insulted Skipper. Trinity asked why Daniels couldn't get a doctor's note from a gynecologist. Johnny Swinger said he's won the belts before and he will again. Glen Gilberti said that they do what they want, when they want. Trinity said that when Daniels comes back, they'll bust up his other shoulder. They walked off. Hudson apologized to Skipper, who said that when Daniels returns, they will know what time it is. He said he's going to watch their match against America's Most Wanted himself tonight.
They played a video feature on America's Most Wanted winning the NWA Tag Team championships from Kid Kash and Dallas at the first Impact! taping. Chris Harris said that everyone wanted to know when AMW would team again, and he said it was when they could make an impact, which they did by winning the belt.
Mike Tenay ran down the facts and figures of the NWA Tag Team championship bout featuring America's Most Wanted defending against the NYCs.
NWA Tag Team champions America's Most Wanted vs. The NYCs
The NYCs made their way to the ring for their Tag title bout. AMW came to the ring. The match started with all four men brawling inside the ring. Don West apologized to the hundreds of fans who were "turned away" at the first Impact! taping. James Storm gave the NYCs a noggin' knocker into each other outside the ring. Harris dove over the ropes on the NYCs. Swinger came back to toss Harris into the turnbuckle. Mike Tenay noted the difference between the 4 and 6 sided rings and said the new ring has "eight more points of impact" Gilberti went right after Harris' shoulder, slamming it into the ringpost outside the ring. The NYCs continued to beat down Harris' left shoulder. Gilberti went for the pin, but James Storm broke it up. Mike Tenay noted that rope breaks are more difficult in the six-sided ring as its farther across the ring. They used the word Impact a lot, so that's obviously the buzzword for the company. Gilberti whipped Harris into the ropes but Harris came off with flying forearm. He tagged in Storm who cleaned house on Gilberti and Swinger. He hit a neckbreaker on Gilberti. Gilberti hit a side Russian legsweep. Swinger held Storm for Trinity to dive on off the top rope, but Desire hit the ring and shoved her off. Storm, escaped. Harris hit a spear on Swinger and scored the pin.
Your winners and still NWA Tag Team champions, America's Most Wanted.
Trinity and Desire began brawling in the crowd and brawled towards the back of the area. Glen Gilberti elbowed Desire in her bad back. Trinity locked on a camel clutch on her back. The NYCs put Desire on a table. Trinity climbed to the balcony to dive off, but Irish Pat Kenney and Sonny Siaki hit the scene with belts and ran off the NYCs. Siaki consoled Desire.
Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed Kid Kash and Dallas. Kash said that he's been discriminated against from day one in TNA. He said he doesn't know why and he doesn't care, but from this moment on, everyone is going to find out how easy it is to get some gold in TNA. Hudson asked Kash what he meant and he responded, “Watch and learn."
The cameras returned to the Empty Arena where Raven stared into the cameras as Mike Tenay said that Raven would get his answer no matter what. They went to Sabu's locker room where he looked concerned and stared at a picture of the Original Sheik.
Michael Shane vs. Chris Sabin
Michael Shane made his way to the ring with Tracy Brooks. His opponent is Chris Sabin. They started the match feeling each other out, working over each other. Mike Tenay asked for word to be sent to the back for the newest member of the TNA broadcast team Shane Douglas to find out what is going on between Sabu and Raven. Sabin hit an armdrag and a hiptoss, then locked on a side headlock. They went back and forth with Shane ending up outside the ring. Sabin hit a springboard into a dive out of the ring on Shane. In the corner, a smaller screen popped up as Shane Douglas said he knew where to find Raven and he would do so. Inside the ring, Shane hit a dropkick on Sabin, who was hung over the ropes trying to skin the cat and pull himself back in the ring. Shane went for a cover but only got a two count. Sabin was locked in a sidechinlock, but he fought his way back to his feet. Sabin was thrown down on his head as he came off the ropes. Sabin hit an enziguiri on Shane for a two count. Sabin went for a suplex, but Shane floated over. Traci tried to interfere, but Sabin grabbed her and kissed her. Shane went to grab Sabin, but he tossed Shane into Traci, who was knocked off the ropes. Shane hit a superkick for the pin.
Your winner, Michael Shane.
Shane Douglas found Raven laying inside the ring of the empty arena, resting his head on a trash can. He asked Raven what was going out with him and Sabu. He said that he was happy to see that Shane Douglas finally admitted that Raven retired him years ago. He said that didn't Douglas think that it was odd that through all the years, he and Sabu never had a singles match. Shane agreed. Raven said that in ECW, he used to ask Paul Heyman for a match with Sabu and Sabu refused. He said that in ECW, WCW, and WWE, it was all the same. He said that he brought Sabu to TNA for a singles match and Sabu won't wrestle him because Sabu is terrified of Raven. He said that he has been laying in the empty arena for 45 minutes and nothing. He dared Sabu to enter Raven's House of Fun.
In Sabu's locker room, he continued to stare at the picture of the Original Sheik. Sonjay Dutt told Sabu that after his match, he would deliver the message to Raven. Mike Tenay wondered why Dutt would be in Sabu's locker room.
Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed David Young explaining to him that if he didn't win the Gut Check, he would lose his position in TNA. Young claimed his losing streak of 53 matches couldn't be that bad. D-Ray 3000 showed up and asked where the ring was. Young laughed that D-Ray was going to take his job and said that he couldn't find the ring. D-Ray said that he likes it in TNA and he's not going anywhere. He went the wrong way and Hudson quipped, "The ring may now have 6 sides, but it's still the same way." That was funny.
Gutcheck Match: Sonjay Dutt vs. Shark Boy vs. David Young vs. D-Ray 3000
The match started with Dutt wrestling Shark Boy. Mike Tenay and Don West wondered why Dutt was in Sabu's locker room. D-Ray and Young were tagged in and D-Ray almost scored a quick pin. D-Ray hit a back elbow off the ropes but couldn't get the three count. Young tags out quick to Shark Boy. Shark Boy gets in and tossed D-Ray out of the ring, and went for a pin on Dutt, getting a two count. Shark came off the ropes with a dropkick on D-Ray. They noted that Young wasn't trying to get in the ring so he couldn't be pinned. Dutt hit a hurrancarana off the top. Young hit a spinebuster on SharkBoy, but D-Ray broke it up. He hit D-Ray with the spinebuster but D-Ray kicked out. Young went for a spinebuster on Dutt. Dutt escaped and hit a sunset flip on Young and scored the pin. Dutt went out the back of the Arena. Your winner, Sonjay Dutt!
Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed 3 Live Kru. Konnan said when Jarrett came to the ring they should have played “God Save the Queen." He said that there's "going to be a barrio strap match" tonight with he and Jarrett and there's only one strap, and Konnan has it. BG Jammes said that if Jarrett gets past Konnan, it's going to be a Trailer Park Trash match where anything goes. Killings said that if Jarrett gets past the others, he's going to face Killings in a ghetto justice match. So, Jarrett has to win three gimmick matches tonight to retain the NWA championship. I'm getting that headache again.
Team Canada'ss Bobby Rude & Eric Young & Petey Williams vs. Heavy Metal & Hector Garza & Jerry Lynn
Team Canada made their way to the ring first as Mike Tenay bemoaned the “loudmouth" Scott D'Amore. Lynn hit the ring and attacked the Canadians, then chased D'Amore into the crowd. Lynn and D'Amore disappeared. Heavy Metal hiptossed Williams over the top, both men sailing to the floor. Tenay noted that outside, Sonjay Dutt is approaching Raven. Garza went for a running dive on Eric Young but missed. Scott D'Amore made his way back to the ring, acting like he had taken out Lynn. Lynn showed up and grabbed him from behind and tossed him in the ring, but was cut off by Bobby Rude. Team Canada began beating down Lynn. Team Canada continued to cut the ring off on Lynn and made quick tags to each other. Lynn finally hit a drop toehold on Williams. He tagged in Team Mexico, who cleaned house on Team Canada. Young was backdropped over the top to the floor. Garza hit a moonsault to the floor on Young. Rude missed a Canada bomb attempt. Metal went for a bridging suplex, but it was broken up. Lynn hit a catapult on Williams, sending him over the top. D'Amore hit Heavy Metal with a hockey Stick. Bobby Rude went for a sitdown powerbomb but nearly dropped Metal on his head. He recovered and hit the move for the pin. They buried Metal under a Canadian flag. Garza attacked Team Canada but was laid out. Jerry Lynn hit everyone with the Team NWA flagpole and then slammed it over D'Amore's back. Lynn went for a cradle piledriver but was taken out by Team Canada. They beat down Lynn. D'Amore began tearing the NWA flag. Elix Skipper and Chris Sabin hit the ring for the dsave while D'Amore escaped again. Your winners, Team Canada.
We went to footage from "moments ago" at the empty Arena. Raven was telling the cameras that Sabu wouldn't show up. Dutt arrived and said he had a message from Sabu. He said the message was Sabu wasn't coming and Raven knows about the promise. Raven said he had a message for Sabu and slapped Dutt. Dutt fought back and tossed Raven into the ring. He hit Raven with a trash can, but Raven recovered and began beating down Dutt. Raven said that this was on Sabu's hands. He handcuffed Dutt to the ropes and told him to tell Sabu that “Promises were made to be broken." He walked off.
They went to "live footage" as Sabu showed up to check on Dutt. Tenay said he was shocked to see a human side of Sabu.
Scott Hudson interviewed NWA champion Jeff Jarrett. He ran down the matches that Jarrett had to wrestle. They noted that the first person to get 10 lashes on the other guy wins the Barrio Strap match. How does Hudson know this? Jarrett said that last week the deck was stacked against him as it is this week, but he is going to teach 3 Live Kru why he is the "King of the Mountain."Â
NWA champion Jeff Jarrett vs. 3 Live Kru
NWA champion Jeff Jarrett made his way to the ring. Jeremy Borash noted that this match is scheduled for three falls. Konnan hit the ring with the strap in his hand. The Barrio Strap Match began. They took the strap back and forth, with Konnan getting 8 straps to Jarrett's 3 hits. They battled outside the ring, with Jarrett getting the strap and lashing Konnan several times. Jarrett is up to 7 hits. He tosses powder in Konnan's face. Jarrett hit him three more times, winning the bout with 10 hits. Konnan began choking Konnan out with the leather strap around the throat.
The artist formerly known as Gorgeous George was shown watching the match and they noted “Minsa is here."
BG James came to the ring and the Trailer Park Trash match began. Mike Tenay said anything you can bring from the trailer park, you can use in this match. James hit Jarrett with a trash can lid several times. He hit Jarett with a mailbox and a car battery. Jarrett came back, hitting BG with a milk crate. They brawled towards the ring, tossing weapons into the ring. Jammes tossed Jarrett into the ring. Jarett hit Jammes with the trash can lid several times. Jarrett missed a clotheline and Jammes opened up with a series of punches. Jammes got the trash can and hit Jarrett. They brawled onto the announcer's table with Jarrett being knocked off. Jarrett dropped Jammes throat first on the rail and scored the pin. Security stopped Jarrett from attacked Jammes after the bell.
Ron Killings came to the ring for the Ghetto Justice match carrying a guitar as Jarrett protested. Killings scooped up Jarrett and hit an over the shoulder powerslam. Killings hit a clothesline and then a leg lariat for a two count. Killings climbed the ropes but Jarrett rebounded off the ropes, causing Killings to crotch himself. Jarrett got the trash can and hit Killings with it. They showed Minsa watching the bout. Killings ducked a back elbow but Jarrett locked in a sleeper. Killings fight back and hits a sit out powerbomb on Jarrett. Jarrett gained control of the bout and grabbed the guitar. The referee stopped Jarrett from using it, so Jarrett clobbered him with it. Killings rolled up Jarett from behind and scored the three count with a second referee counting the pin.
Your winner, Ron Killings!
They went to a video message from Goldilocks who rambled on and on in her annoying way, telling Vince Russo that she wanted Erik Watts' contract. She suggested Erik Watts vs. Abyss. She said that if Watts wins, he gets “her money" but if Watts loses, she gets the contract. She asked if Watts had to ask his wife for permission. She said that this “thing started over love but it will end over money."
They went back to the Asylum where the fans were mocking Jarrett by counting 1-2-3 as Jarrett was in the ring upset. Mike Tenay and Don West announced several matches for next week's PPV and plugged Impact! Jeff Jarrett grabbed the mic and said that he would see 3 Live Kru at Impact.
They aired a video feature pushing the return of D-Lo Brown.
Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed “Mr. TNA" AJ Styles. Hudson said that Frankie Kazarian can't be taken lightly. Styles said that he doesn't. He said that he earned his spot and Kazarian earned his. He said all that he needs is Kazarian to make a three second mistake and he will be the three-time X-Division champion.
They showed highlights of Styles' win and his return to the X-Division at Impact!
Mike Tenay ran down the Tale of the Tape.
NWA X-Division champion Frankie Kazarian vs. AJ Styles
After the ring announcements, Kazarian and Styles engaged in a staredown in the center of the ring. Kazarian and Styles exchanged holds. The crowd was on Kazarian bigtime. Styles began working on Kazarian's arm. Mike Tenay noted that it was Styles' choice to return to the X-Division. Kazarian got tossed out of the ring and returned to the ring very slowly. Kazarian backflipped out of a hammerlock and scored a near fall with a single leg sweep. Kazarian kicked out. Both men kipped up and faced off. The fans chanted TNA. Kazarian ducked out of the ring again as Styles worked up momentum in the bout. Styles went for the Styles Clash but instead slammed him down backfirst. Kazarian took over the momentum, but instead of going for the pin, he beat Styles with punches and argued with the crowd. Kazarian hit a spinning neckbreaker on Styles. Kazarian came off the top rope with a springboard legdrop. Kazarian dropkicked Styles into the turnbuckles and came off with a second one. Kazarian forced his knee into Styles neck and back and cranked Styles backwards. Outside of the ring, Styles was slammed into the barricade. He tossed Styles back in. Styles tried to fight back but was taken out. Kazarian was going to come off the top but Styles cut him off. Kazarian was left laying over the ropes. Kazarian tried to regain his footing as Styles made his way up. They battled atop the top turnbuckle. Both men were knocked down to the apron but climbed back up. Styles suplexed Kazarian off the apron to the Arena floor. Both men battled to get to their feet. Styles finally unleashed a series of punches but was only able to score a two count. Styles hit the bicycle kick on Kazarian. Styles went for the Styles Clash but Kazarian rolled him through for a two count. Kazarian laid Styles out with a leg lariat for another near fall. Kazarian and Styles battled in the corner. Styles went for the Styles Clash but Kazarian escaped and slammed Styles into the turnbuckles. He hit the Wave of the Future but Styles kicked up. Mike Tenay was shocked Styles got out of the move. Kazarian went for a Styles Clash but Styles escaped and hit a discus clothesline. Styles went to the top rope but Kazarian hit a kick and cut him off. Kazarian went for the one-person Spanish Fly but was shoved off. Styles went for the Spiral Tap. He hit Kazarian glancingly. With both men down, the referee counted to three. There was some question over who won, but the referee announced that Styles was the new champion. This was an awesome match. If it took place anywhere else, the message boards would be going nuts.
Your winner and new X-Division champion, AJ Styles.
As Styles got to his feet, Dallas attacked him. Styles retreated from the ring, but as he backed up the aisle,. Kid Kash jumped him. Kash and Dallas beat down Styles in the ring as Mike Tenay said that this was Kash's way of getting back in the championship scene. Kash hit a top rope splash. Kash threw the belt down on Styles. Kash and Dallas stood over Styles as the PPV ended.
2005 - Black Dragon defeats El Veneno for the IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico, beginning his second reign.
2005 - In an interview with the London Sun, Rob Van Dam commented on a number of topics regarding the upcoming ECW Reunion PPV, One Night Stand. Van Dam discussed a number of aspects of the build for the 6/12 ECW One Night Stand PPV. In regard to the show, Van Dam (who originally came up with the idea of the ECW reunion show) said that he believes the PPV will end up as one of the top three successful PPVs of the year, but he knows that there is a faction trying to undermine the PPV.
"It will always be a problem because there are certain voices higher-up that like to flatten out anything that could jeopardize their stronghold, rather than seeing the overall benefit to the industry of something like this. So, for sure, there is going to be some turbulence and some swimming up stream. But this show has a strong possibility of finishing as the third biggest PPV of the year. And if that happens there's one guy in the office who is really good at making decisions and has the best interests of this business in his heart."
Van Dam said that one person is Vince McMahon, who he'd like to speak to one on one, stating, "I want to talk to not all the minions around him, who have their own agendas for their own reasons."
Van Dam was also quick to speak out against the creative decision to include Raw and Smackdown performers who never worked for Extreme Championship Wrestling to the show, going as far as to state they don't deserve to be on the show.
"Those guys are definitely not going to be drawing the ratings for this PPV. They are definitely not selling any seats. Nobody's coming to see them and they have no business being there. The original plan was to have only ECW alumni on this show. There is no place for somebody pretending they're hardcore when they were never there, whether they've got a sledgehammer in their hand or not! The WWE writers are taking part in the show, but us true hardcore ECW guys will vote out anything ridiculous they try to add to it."
Van Dam remains outspoken that the show will still be true to the aura and style of Extreme Championship Wrestling, promising, "The fans can feel secure in the fact that this is totally going to be ECW for the ECW crowd. Regardless of what you read on the Internet, this show is all about Paul Heyman and it has to be. Even if the WWE only give Paul one tenth of the say so, then we're all going to carry out his plans anyway - because we agree with him. That's what sets us apart from the rest of the locker room!"
While he can't compete due to his knee injury, Van Dam promised that he would make an appearance at the show before the fans.
"I'm planning on definitely getting on the microphone and coming forward to take credit for not only this ECW PPV, but also for my time in ECW, what I achieved and how we changed the entire wrestling industry. It's going to be really personal and intimate between me and the crowd. So I will probably pull a Tommy Dreamer and ball my eyes out in the middle of the ring, in front of everybody. Also, given the opportunity, I'm going to try and throw a Van Daminator at Rhyno."
Van Dam also states that although the show could end up with he, Tommy Dreamer, and Paul Heyman doing commentary, the person he wants announcing the show is Joey Styles. Van Dam also says that if there is a second ECW show, he'll be pushing for himself against Jerry Lynn as the main event, promising that fans haven't seen the last encounter between the two.
2006 - Hiroka (Raven Hiroka) defeats Marcela to win the CMLL World Women's Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
2006 - TNA ran Hardcore War at the ECW Arena, featuring the following results:
- Shark Boy defeated Simon Diamond with the Dead Sea Drop.
- Jay Lethal defeated Sonjay Dutt with a released Dragon Suplex.
- Abyss defeated Brother Runt (Spike Dudley) after a Black Hole Slam into thumbtacks.
- Traci defeated Gail Kim with a rollup. Christy Hemme was the special referee. All three women lost their tops during the match, including Hemme, who voluntarily stripped to her bra after the bout.
- Rhino defeated Jeff Jarrett with a Gore after ducking a guitar shot. On the mic, Rhino said he was offered a contract to go back to WWE, but that he had decided to stick with TNA.
- Petey Williams defeated Jerry Lynn with the Canadian Destroyer.
- X Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels in a three-way match when he choked out Styles.
- America's Most Wanted came out and attacked Daniels & Styles, then challenged any team to take them on. The lights went out, and when they came back on, The James Gang were in the ring. They ridiculed the fans, until Team 3D appeared on screens in the arena and cut a promo. Team 3D then entered through the crowd, and a four-on-two match took place, consisting mostly of wild brawling through the crowd. When they returned to the ring, Brother Ray called for the fans to throw chairs into the ring (ala the famous Terry Funk moment). Hundreds of chairs were flung into the ring. When things settled down, BG James got on the mic and said the fans had just cost themselves "a hell of a finish" and walked off. The match ended with no actual decision being announced, although Brother Ray announced Team 3D as the winners.
- Team 3D stayed on the mic for a while, thanking the fans and then brought out AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels and proclaimed them the "future" of wrestling. Brother Runt came back out, and pulled out a WWE contract, saying WWE had offered him the chance to wrestle for ECW for "one night only". He then tore up the contract, saying that he was sticking with TNA!
2007 - WWE ran Lisbon, Portugal. Royce Gracie filed the following live report:
The Portuguese crowd was hot all night and more than made up for the lack of star power due to the recent injuries.
Before the show got to a start there was a guy with a Hulk Hogan shirt (and moustache to match) and one in an RKO shirt taking pictures all around the ring holding a huge "CENA SUCKS" sign. This was better than anything official WWE might have done to get the crowd rallied up, since everyone in attendance pretty much booed or cheered them. The guys were also working the crowd between photos, which was fun to see. Some people even got up from their seats to have their picture taken with them. That Hogan guy was pretty cool, and by cool I mean totally sweet. And the applause they received hinted the kind of reaction John Cena would be receiving later on.
The show kicked off with ECW announcer Justin Roberts welcoming the crowd and introducing the first match featuring Eugene (with super-hero costume) against Kenny Dykstra. As could be expected from the first match of the night, everyone was into it and gave Eugene good pops. There were some good spots and a very funny moment when Eugene left the ring and Kenny kept running against the ropes until he realized he was there all by himself. Kenny was dominating the match, but in the end Eugene hulked up, did the Hogan routine with the hand to his hear and dropped an Atomic Legdrop on Kenny, followed by a Stone Cold Stunner for the win. This ending really got him some massive pops. If you can't have the Hulkster and the Texas Rattlesnake, then at least you can have someone doing their finishers, right?
Next match was Chris Masters against Chuck Palumbo. Since I guess most people didn't even know who Palumbo was, Masters got most of the pops. The match was nothing to write home about, but the crowd really got to their feet when Masters tried to apply the Masterlock. Still, Palumbo managed to evade it and got the win via the Full Throttle.
The announcer then got back in the ring and said we would be having a match for the Women's Championship between Mickie James and Melina. Both girls were WAY over with the crowd, and this had to be considered the first really great match of the night. There was some really good back and forth action between Mickie and Melina, but even though most people wanted Mickie to win, it was Melina who came up on top via roll-up. On their way back from the ring, there were so many flashes from the cameras that you could almost swear it was daytime. Oh, and did I already mention both girls looked incredibly hot?
The fourth match featured Johnny Nitro vs. Val Venis. The crowd had shouted their hearts out in the previous match, but still there were some interesting pops for Nitro. Like in the Palumbo match, Venis was somewhat hurt for not being on TV more often. The match was rather short and in the end Nitro got the win with the Snapshot.
The last match before intermission was for the Intercontinental Championship, and it squared off Santino Marella against Carlito. Carlito was playing the heel, telling the crowd to shut up and whatnot, but it made no real difference since everyone was popping for him. Santino got some very considerable boos for fighting against Carlito, but despite that and the fact he was dominated for most of the match, he got the win with his feet against the ropes after he evaded the Back Stabber.
Then there was a 15-minute intermission, which most people used to check out the WWE shop. No Hogan and RKO guys this time.
After the intermission Justin Roberts said that WWE would be coming back to Portugal soon, which of course got him a very strong pop. Candice Michelle then came to the ring wearing a t-shirt, which I guess got most people confused, since they are not used to seeing her wearing so much clothing. She got on the mike, worked the crowd up a little and then threw some t-shirts around. This somehow made Victoria angry, since she went to confront Candice and told her in some very good Portuguese to "shut up" and "kiss my a**". Kudos to her for the effort. Candice then gave her the Spinning Heel Kick, took off her shirt and did the GoDaddy dance. In a word: "Wow". In eight words: "Oh my God, she is so freaking hot!!!"
Next there was a handicap match between Cryme Tyme and The Great Khali. Cryme Tyme got some good pops, as could be expected, but I was in no way prepared for the reaction Khali got. The man got some HUGE applause, people were chanting his name all the way to the ring and cheering for him like there was no tomorrow. I never thought I would be writing this, but I guess PORTUGAL IS KHALI COUNTRY! This really was the surprise of the night, never in a million years would I have dreamt that Khali was so over with the Portuguese crowd. The match itself was rather short, with Khali absolutely decimating Cryme Tyme and returning to the back under thunderous applause. Khali looked kind of moved, I guess he never had a crowd cheering for him like he did tonight.
The following match was a non-title tag team match squaring off Lance Cade and Trevor Murdock against Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy. Flair got the pop of the night, hands down. If I had a dollar for every "woooo" I heard, I think I could buy Microsoft from Bill Gates. Jeff Hardy was also a fan favourite, but Ric Flair's support was just insane. The match was very good, and because it was not for the tag team titles you could guess Flair and Hardy were going to take it. In the end they did, after a Swanton Bomb by Jeff Hardy on Trevor Murdoch. Still, I think most people in the audience will remember the match not for the match itself, but because it was the first time they got to see Ric Flair live. I can't stress this enough, the crowd's support for Flair was just tremendous.
Then it was time for the main event, with Randy Orton against John Cena. Orton got a really big pop, even though he was supposed to be the heel. There were lots of people with Orton signs and t-shirts. Then it was time for John Cena, and he got his usual reception. Teenage girls and pre-teen boys were cheering wildly for him, while the older male crowd started with the "CENA SUCK" chants, along with others I cannot reproduce here. The match went on for more than 20 minutes and both wrestlers even fought for a while within the crowd. Randy Orton carried the match and had most of the offense, with only 3 headlocks this time! All through the match people were shouting RKO and all kinds of abuse against Cena. Of course that he also had some support, but I guess adult men just have stronger voices than little girls and boys, and therefore manage to be heard much clearer. Still, for all his offence, which included a neat RKO, Randy Orton could not resist the 5 moves of doom. Cena just seemed to decide he had had enough, started no-selling Randy's blows and then proceeded to give him the fisherman suplex, the shoulder blocks, the spin-out powerbomb well, by now everyone knows the sequence, we've been seeing it non-stop for the past eight months. He got the win with the F-U and the crowd let him know what they thought about that.
All in all, a pretty good show that benefited from an excellent crowd. I bet there will be a lot of sore throats tomorrow.
2008 - Ring of Honor ran Philadelphia, PA. Joshua Higham filed the following live report:
ROH's return to Philadelphia. Here are my notes and thoughts from the fourth row.
The first Do or Die attraction was the Four Way Fray for the Top of the Class Trophy. Mitch Franklin, "Sugarfoot" Alex Payne, "The Sexiest Man Alive" Rhett Titus and Trophyholder Pelle Primeau. The crowd clearly didn't realize it was elimination. There was an audible hush when Mitch Franklin made Sugarfoot tap with a hold similar to an Anaconda Vise. Mitch Franklin eventually got the victory roll on Rhett Titus, who was playing the gimmick very well, including personal mirror and feathered and sequined robe. Pelle Primeau got the final pinfall on Franklin after a stunner and then proceeded to accidentally break his trophy. Good match. It's just weird to see wrestlers that small. We thought Pelle was out for good when he smacked his head on the edge of the ring apron.
The next Do or Die match was from the Virginia natives, Damien Wayne and Rex Sterling. Nothing too spectacular. It held our attention and there's any major screwups or anything. Wayne won with a flying elbow.
The tag team Do or Die was next. For some reason, Hallowicked was replaced by Unreal Michael Elgin. So it was Michael Elgin and Gran Akuma vs. the former Special K teammates Azrieal and Deranged. Elgin and Akuma were totally mismatched as partners. Deranged stood out, getting the pin on Elgin after an elevated Ace Crusher. It looked like Akuma got banged up as well. Deranged and Azrieal got a Welcome Home chant as they left the ringside area.
Lacey and Daizee were bumped to main show. And we're at an intermission.
Forty minutes later.
Bobby Cruise and the rest of the staff come out to start the main show. We are told that Brian Danielson was injured last night and would not compete in his scheduled match. But Cruise says, there is a suitable replacement and that we would not be disappointed.
Hallowicked comes out for a match with Matt Sydal. Good mat work, good flying. Sydal wins with the Shooting Star Press.
Lacey and Daizee are next. Lacey claims she wants a clean wrestling match, saying she's learned the value and power of love and no longer hates Daizee. She wants a fair fight in the middle of the ring. Tensions rise, tempers flare, and the fight goes to the floor. But we get a 10 minute time limit draw as Jimmy Jacobs pulls Lacey out of the ring with seconds to go. Jimmy at ringside was golden, at one point lighting a cigarette and smoking until either a ref or photographer told him to stop, presumably because it's a huge fine for smoking inside in Philadelphia.
The tag team attraction starts. Kevin Steen and El Generico vs. Mike Quackenbush and Jigsaw. WOW. A fantastic fun match. Quackenbush is a hero in Philly. Kevin Steen is already Top 3 heels in Ring of Honor. The team chemistry between Generico (the fun loving, fan friendly "let's have a good match" kinda guy) and Steen (the arrogant "I'm the greatest in the world and I will beat you any possible way I can" kinda guy) was so much fun to watch. Steen pins Jigsaw after the amazing package piledriver into the brainbustaaaaaaaa combo. Steen and Generico will be big in ROH. Quackenbush should have an open invitation for returns.
Davey Richards made Matt Cross tap out. This one didn't click for me. But we had No Remorse Corps and the Delirious Resilience brawl, which led to Rocky Romero and Delirious. During the match, they brawled through the crowd. But Delirious won with a rollup. NRC returned to beat down Delirious, until the Resilience made the save. Erick Stevens announced it would be the No Remorse Corps versus the Delirious Resilience in a Philly Street Fight in August.
The Briscoes defeated the Kings of Wrestling 2 falls to none. Jay pinned Hero after a Jaydriller and then pinned Claudio Castagnoli after a Springboard Doomsday Device. Tank Toland made Bobby Dempsey exercise the entire match, even after he tore his metallic sweat suit. Larry Sweeney kept his distance from Castagnoli, and Hero completely shrugged him off at the end of the match. No Steen and Generico which surprised me.
Intermission.
We start with a Four Corner Survival. BJ Whitmer was showing a mean streak, threatening the official throughout the match. The crowd was actually behind Jimmy Rave where I was sitting. Erick Stevens got a pop for the Choo Choo. But Brent Albright pinned BJ after the half nelson suplex to earn a title shot in August.
Bobby Cruise announces that the following contest was being taped for the second pay per view. An excellent surprise. Nigel comes out to a huge reaction. Who would be Sweeney's paid-off assassin?
Well, Bobby Cruise is a dirty liar, because the crowd went nuts when we heard the first five notes of The Final Countdown. Bryan Danielson was not injured. Nigel and Dragon then had a potential Match of the Year. They had some awesome matwork and then some brawling on the floor. Dragon was busted open pretty bad after exchanging headbutts. Dragon won with the Cattle Mutilation after the elbow strikes. A show of respect after the match. So I guess Dragon took Sweeney's payoff or we were supposed to completely forget about that story.
Morishima retained the title against Roderick Strong. It was a surprisingly competitive match with Roderick hitting some of his power moves. Morishima hit the Backdrop Driver which looked pretty painful. After he got the three, he walked out eating the title like usual.
A good show. A lot of fun, a hot crowd. Dragon/Nigel and Steenerico/Quacksaw easily get top honors. Check out the DVD when it's finally released.
2008 - WWE announced that Jimmy Wang Yang was suspended for 30 days under their Wellness Policy, his first infraction.
2008 - A gust of wind caused scaffolding that several crewmen breaking down the TNA Slammiversary PPV set in Southaven, MS were standing on to collapse. One crew was killed while another was badly injured, leading to at least one lawsuit to be filed and settled.
TNA issued the following press release:
A TRAGIC ACCIDENT FOLLOWING TNA’S SLAMMIVERSARY
A tragic accident following TNA’s “Slammiversary” Pay-Per-View event at the Desoto County Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi, resulted in the death of an employee of a TNA independent production contractor.
The accident occurred following the conclusion of the event as technical crews worked to disassemble the TNA set.
Currently, TNA is working in cooperation with local authorities to investigate the details surrounding the accident.
TNA is deeply saddened by this tragedy. We ask our fans across the world to join us as our thoughts and prayers are with the family in their time of loss.
2008 - Sports Publishing announced they would be releasing Tito Santana's autobiography with the following press release:
LEGENDARY WWF WRESTLER RELEASES DEBUT TITLE
Tito Santana's Tales from the Ring Hits Shelves Everywhere
LEDGEWOOD, NJ - Former World Wrestling Federation (WWF) superstar, Tito Santana, has just released his debut title: Tito Santana's Tales from the Ring.
Santana had a stellar WWF which extended more than a decade. Alongside Rick Martel as Strike Force, he won the Intercontinental and World tag-team belts. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
'One of the all time greatest beloved heroes that I ever had the privilege and honor to wrestle was Tito Santana,' said Sgt. Slaughter former WWF wrestler and author of one of two forewords in Santana's book. The other foreword author is 'Mr. Wonderful,' Paul Orndorff, another former WWF wrestler.
Tito Santana's Tales from the Ring humorously reflects on Santana's years in the WWF. The book entertains even the toughest crowds with tales of flying bodies, twisted limbs, fist fights, shouting matches, drugs, deceit, and desperation. Santana takes you behind the scenes to meet such stars as the Hulkster, André the Giant, and the Macho Man.
Santana now teaches Spanish at Eisenhower Middle School in Roxbury and co-owns Santana's Styling Salon in Succasunna with his wife Leah. The hardcover Tito Santana's Tales from the Ring will be available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, other retailers, and online at Amazon.com and SportsPublishingLLC.com for only $19.95.
2008 - The McMahon Millions giveaway kicked off on a broadcast of Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight marks the start of the McMahon Million Dollar Giveaway where if you get the phone call during the show and know the 'phrase that pays' you are going to get some of Vince's money. Also tonight, Shawn Michaels will appear on the Highlight Reel to discuss what happened at One Night Stand. What new developments will emerge between John Cena and Triple H. Who will challenge for the other titles? Will we get any more clues about Ted DiBiase Jr.'s tag team partner? Will we hear anyone talk about the draft which will take place in two weeks.
We are live from Oakland, California and your announcers are Jim 'BBQ Granola' Ross and Jerry 'Just Win Puppies' Lawler.
Vince McMahon welcomes everyone to McMahon’s Million Dollar Mania and he brings out the Million Dollars and it is loaded into the case the same way that it was last week. Vince says that you need to stand by the phone and if you give the correct password, you will win. Vince says that the password for tonight is “WWE Universe”. If you get the password right, you win. After the first match, he will give away $200,000.
Match Number One: Ken Kennedy versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea
They lock up and Burchill charges at Kennedy but Kennedy sends Burchill to the floor. Kennedy with a drop toe hold followed by a side head lock, but Burchill with a belly-to-back suplex. Burchill sends Kennedy into the corner followed by a clothesline for a two count. Burchill with a reverse chin lock. Burchill with a short arm clothesline to Kennedy followed by another short arm clothesline. Kennedy avoids a clothesline but he hits an enzuigiri followed by a running boot to the head for a two count. Burchill with a kick to Kennedy’s chest but Kennedy with the Mic Check for the three count.
Winner: Ken Kennedy
After the match, Katie Lea slaps Kennedy and then Kennedy does not see Burchill hit the neck breaker. Burchill and Lea leave the ring while Kennedy is down in the ring.
Vince makes the first call for $200,000 and Vince has some difficulty getting through. Vince has just given away $200,000 because Daniel gives the right password. We go to commercial.
We are back and some Oakland Raiders are in the crowd.
Match Number Two: Mickie James versus Beth Phoenix with invisible title belt
Mickie with a waist lock but Beth with an elbow. Mickie with forearms but Beth pushes Mickie down. Mickie with a back kick but Beth counters a DDT with a side slam and gets a two count. Beth with boots to Mickie’s back. Beth with a slingshot suplex for a two count. Mickie with elbows followed by a forearm but Beth responds with a back breaker to Mickie. Mickie with knees to the head and head scissors. Beth with a forearm and Mickie responds in kind. Mickie with a running forearm to Beth and drop kick to Beth for a two count. Beth throws Mickie out of the ring, but Mickie gets up to the turnbuckle and hits a Thesz Press for the three count.
Winner: Mickie James
After the match, Beth attacks Mickie, but Melina comes out and she goes after Beth with forearms and kicks. Beth puts Melina on the turnbuckles but Melina with a face plant from the top turnbuckle on Beth.
It is time for Vince to give away some more money. This time it will be for $75,000 and we have another winner.
Vince says that he has a surprise guest as we go to commercial.
We are back with WWE Rewind: John Cena versus Jeff Hardy from last week and the stare down at the end of the show.
Triple H and John Cena are still staring each other down. Cena says that the fans will see the two best fight it out for the richest prize in wrestling. Triple H says that it comes down to being the best and he says that Cena is looking at the best. Cena points out the one match that they had. Hunter points out that it was two years ago and that was then and this is now. Cena asks Hunter if he will be the champion in three weeks. Hunter wonders if Cena will make it in three weeks because he has Bradshaw. Cena points out that Hunter has to face Jeff Hardy tonight.
Vince McMahon has Charlie Haas at the money center. It is time for the next call. Vince tells Charlie that he is bringing him some bad luck. Vince gets a busy number so it is time for a new number. The representative from E*Prize comes out with a new number. Vince dials the next number. The next winner is for $50,000. Vince says that if Charlie kisses a Diva, Donna will get $100,000.
Maria comes out and Charlie kisses her to give Donna another $50,000. Charlie gets a chance to kiss another for $25,000 for Donna. This time it is Mae Young. Mae kisses Charlie. Donna earns another DAMN $25,000.
Bradshaw is in the interview area and he says that nobody deserves any money from Vince McMahon, but John Cena deserves everything that he is going to give to him. We go to commercial.
We are back with some fun facts about the WWE broadcasts and Triple H joins Lawler and Ross to see the Bradshaw/Cena match.
Match Number Three: Bradshaw with JBLimo versus John Cena
Cena notices Hunter at ringside and that allows Bradshaw to attack Cena from behind. The referee tries to hold Bradshaw off, but it does not work. Bradshaw with a back elbow followed by a forearm to the back. Bradshaw with punches to Cena, but Cena with an Irish whip and bulldog for a two count. Bradshaw with another forearm to the back followed by a boot to the head and an elbow drop for a two count. Bradshaw with a swinging neck breaker for a two count. Bradshaw misses a short arm clothesline and Cena tries for an FU. Bradshaw gets out of the ring and then he stares down Triple H. We go to commercial.
We are back and John Cena is down at ringside as Bradshaw picks him up and slams Cena’s head on the announce table. Bradshaw with a boot to the head followed by an elbow drop on the floor. They return to the ring and Bradshaw gets a two count. Bradshaw with a cravate on Cena but Cena punches his way out of the hold. Bradshaw with a sleeper but Cena gets out of the hold and he punches Bradshaw. Bradshaw with a boot to Cena and Cena goes down. Bradshaw sets for the Clothesline from Wall Street but Cena with shoulder tackles and a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena gets ready for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and hits it. Cena gets ready for the FU but Bradshaw with a rake of the eyes and Bradshaw hits the Clothesline from Wall Street but Cena gets his foot on the rope to stop the count. Bradshaw goes outside the ring and he backs up to the announce table and he decides to rearrange the table. Bradshaw returns to the ring and he tries to pick up Cena but Cena with an inside cradle for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Triple H stands on the announce table and he holds up his title belt. Cena climbs on the announce table and we have another stare down. They look for a Wrestlemania sign to point at, but there is none in the building. Hunter leaves the table first and then he trips Cena as John falls on the table. Hunter walks to the back and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler talk about John Cena versus Triple H at Night of Champions and Jerry Lawler also talks about the preview of the new Incredible Hulk Movie after Raw.
It is time for Vince McMahon to give away some more money and he has Lillian Garcia stand up. Vince says that Lillian was bragging about her measurements so it is time to give away $98,000. We have another winner.
Time for the Highlight Reel and Chris Jericho comes to the ring. Jericho says that it might seem like his guest has been on the Highlight Reel a lot. His guest was a hero of his growing up. He is a mentor as well as a good friend. Chris brings out Shawn Michaels.
Chris thanks Shawn for coming on the Highlight Reel again and it appears that Shawn is still feeling the effects of the Stretcher Match. Chris says that even though Shawn lost the match, the fans still love him. Shawn says that he appreciates the kind words, but he wonders if there is a question for him. Chris talks about how Shawn feigned a knee injury and lied to Chris and Batista for a month. Shawn reminds Chris that he said he would do whatever it would take to win. The only person that he lied to was Chris Jericho. Chris points out that when Shawn super kicked him in the face, the fans cheered him more. Chris also points out that fans booed him when he pointed out the truth. Chris says that when he does the right thing, he gets booed. It seems like the fans would rather boo an honest man and chant HBK, which the fans do in perfect sheep formation. Chris asks Shawn how one of the most popular wrestlers of all time can be a lying, cheating, pathetic little worm of a human being. Jericho attacks Shawn and they battle on the floor with each getting in a series of punches. Jericho with a low blow to Michaels and Jericho pushes him to the mat. Jericho tells Michaels that the worst is yet to come. Jericho sends Michaels into the Jeritron 6000. Jericho leaves the ring while Shawn is still down on the official carpet of the Highlight Reel.
Jericho walks to the back while Michaels is being checked out in the ring. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Chris Jericho attacking Shawn Michaels on the Highlight Reel.
Match Number Four: Umaga and Gene Snitsky versus Cody Rhodes and Bob Holly in a Non-Title match
Rhodes and Snitsky start things off and Snitsky misses a charge into the corner. Holly is tagged in and Holly goes to the turnbuckles but Rhodes wants a double suplex. Umaga with a thrust to Holly’s throat while the referee was out of position. Snitsky with a near fall and then he tags in Umaga. Umaga with a punch to the ribs. Holly with a kick to Umaga but Umaga takes Holly down for a near fall. Snitsky tags in and he stomps on Holly. Snitsky with a slam followed by an elbow drops. Snitsky misses a leg drop and Holly with a drop kick to Snitsky’s knee and Rhodes wants to tag in. Umaga tags in and so does Rhodes. Rhodes knocks Snitsky off the apron. Rhodes tries for clotheslines to Umaga but Umaga stays on his feet. Rhodes with a drop kick and Umaga stays up. Umaga goes to his knees after a second one. Umaga catches Rhodes with a face first uranage followed by the Samoan Spike for the three count.
Winners: Umaga and Gene Snitsky
After the match, Holly checks on Rhodes and picks him up.
Ted DiBiase Junior comes out and he says that it looks like ever since he announced his first match against Cody and Bob at Night of Champions they have not been on the same page. Ted says that they better get on the same page fast because their time as champions will be over in two weeks.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video for the WWE’s work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Vince says that it is time for WWE Idol before they give away some more money. Trevor Murdoch and Jillian Hall are in the ring. Trevor sings first but Jillian stops him. She says that she is embarrassed for him. Jillian does something resembling singing, at least it might in some parallel universe. Vince comments on Jillian’s singing and it is time for more money to be given away. We have our two dollar winner.
It is time for our next winner and they will get $200,000. We have another winner. Apparently Josh got really excited in a way that could not be uttered on basic cable. We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the aftermath of the Santino/Cousin Sal match from Smackdown with highlights.
Match Number Five: Carlito and Santino Marella versus Cryme Tyme
JTG and Santino start thing off and Santino with a rollup for a near fall. JTG with a rollup of his own. JTG with a snap mare and leg sweep. Santino charges into a drop toe hold and Shad is tagged in. Shad is sent into Santino and then he slams Santino. Cryme Tyme with a wheelbarrow slam onto Santino. Santino avoids JTG as he comes off the turnbuckles and Santino sends JTG into the corner. Carlito tags in and he kicks JTG. Santino tags back in and he connects with a forearm to the back. Santino with a rear chin lock followed by a camel clutch. Santino continues to work on the back. Santino and JTG with punches at the same time and both men go down. Santino grabs JTG’s leg to prevent the tag, but Shad is finally tagged in. Shad with clotheslines to Santino followed by a power slam for a near fall that is broken up by Carlito. Carlito sends JTG to the apron and then Carlito charges at JTG but Carlito goes to the floor. Shad with a series of kicks followed by an STO for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme
After the match, Vince wants Cryme Tyme to help give away some money. Vince says that after the main event, he will be giving away $250,000. Now, Cryme Tyme is going to give away $51,998. Vince says that if the caller does not know the password, the money goes to Cryme Tyme.
We go to commercial and Jeff Hardy is walking in the back.
We are back and John Cena approaches the announce table to join Lawler and Ross for Triple H’s match.
Before the match starts, we see the stare down on the announce table from earlier tonight.
Match Number Six: Jeff Hardy versus Triple H with GameFountain in a Non-Title Match
Hunter with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Hunter stares at Cena and he turns around into a kick and punches from Hardy. Hardy with a flying clothesline followed by kicks and punches. Hunter charges into an elbow from Hardy followed by a flying clothesline for a near fall. Hardy punches Hunter but Hunter with a boot. Hardy with a mule kick and Hardy hits a hesitation baseball slide in the corner and gets a near fall. Hardy sets for the Twist of Fate but Hunter sends Hardy into the ropes and Hunter hits a spinebuster and both men are down. Hunter punches Hardy in the head followed by a high knee for a two count. Hunter with a knee drop to Hardy’s head. Hunter with an abdominal stretch and Hunter uses the ropes for more leverage but the referee sees it. Hunter slams Hardy’s head into the turnbuckles followed by a hard Irish whip. Hunter with another hard Irish whip as he works on Hardy’s back and gets a two count. Hardy with boots to Hunter’s face as he charges into the corner. Hardy with a series of clotheslines and punches to Hunter. Hunter with a facebuster for a near fall. Hunter punches Hardy in the head as Hardy tries to fight back. Hunter mocks Cena but Hardy punches Hunter. Hardy misses Whisper in the Wind when Hunter moves out of the way, but he might have grazed Hunter’s face. Hunter clotheslines Hardy over the top rope to the floor. Hunter slams Hardy’s head into the ringside barrier. Hardy Irish whips Hunter into the ringside barrier. Hunter hip tosses a charging Jeff Hardy at John Cena. Cena pulls Hunter to the floor as he tries to get back into the ring and the referee counts Hunter out.
Winner: Jeff Hardy by count out
After the match, Cena and Hunter stare each other down one more time. Hardy hits a plancha onto Hunter and Cena.
Time to give away the rest of the money, but first we go to commercial.
We are back with another WWE television tidbit.
We see the outside of the arena and it is now time for the final give away of the night. This time it will be $250,000. Before Vince calls, he announces that he will be giving away another million dollars next week. Vince completes the million dollar give away. We go to credits as the IRS goes to the winner’s houses (except the $2 winner).
2009 - WWE released their Randy Savage DVD "Macho Madness", hosted by Matt Striker and Maria.
2009 - WWE COO Donna Goldsmith spoke at the Noble Financial Emerging Growth Equity Conference, stating that MMA isn't much of a threat to WWE because MMA doesn't have real stars or storylines. "Somebody gets knocked out and they're hurt and that may be the last you ever see from them again" while WWE can repackage it's superstars.
2009 - The Amazing Red signed a new deal with TNA.
2009 - Tommy Dreamer signed a new three year deal with WWE. As it would turn out, he would later request and receive his release in December 2009.
2009 -WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi, drawing a 1.2 rating. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at the possible end of Tommy Dreamer’s ECW career and his chance to win the title at Extreme Rules. Dreamer was able to overcome the odds and win the Triple Threat Match to become a two time ECW Champion.
We are live on tape from Biloxi, Mississippi and your announcers are Matt ‘Chong Li’ Striker and Josh ‘Frank Dux’ Mathews.
Tiffany is in the ring and she is joined by a table and two chairs. She says that history was made at Extreme Rules because the man who won the ECW Title at the pay per view also earned a new contract. Tommy Dreamer comes out with the ECW Title belt. Tiffany reminds Tommy about the challenge he made to himself five months ago to win the ECW Title. Tiffany congratulates him for accomplishing his goal. Dreamer says that it looked like this day would never come. He did not even think that this would happen. Dreamer starts to get emotional and he says that it was because of the fans that he won the title. He thanks everyone from the bottom of his heart. He thanks everyone for making this the greatest highlight of his career. Tommy prepares to sign his contract, but . . .
Christian comes out and he has a present for the cry baby. Christian says that since Tommy is thanking people, Christian wants to thank Jack Swagger for getting involved in things so they had a Triple Threat match where he did not even get pinned to lose his title. Christian calls Swagger a dork. Christian says that he will get his rematch and win back his ECW Title. Christian says that he is glad that Dreamer is still here and he shakes Tommy’s hand. Tommy almost gets to sign his contract, but . . .
Jack Swagger comes out and he wonders why Christian is shaking Dreamer’s hand. Swagger says that no one is happy that Tommy Dreamer is still here. Swagger says that everyone came to see him and not images of Fatty Dreamer’s rear end. Swagger says that Dreamer had no right to be in the match because his contract ended the day before the pay per view.
Tiffany tries to explain things to Swagger but Swagger cuts off Blondie. He says that the most it will cost Tiffany is her job. Swagger says that he talked to his agent and lawyer and they will represent Christian as well when they go to the Board of Directors to strip Dreamer of his title. Swagger says that Tommy can man up and forfeit his title.
Christian says that he thinks Swagger has a point. Maybe Dreamer should do the right thing, just like he is going to do. Christian punches Swagger and then Dreamer joins in as they clothesline him over the top rope to the floor. Dreamer signs the contract and he is back in ECW. While Dreamer celebrates Christian powerbombs Dreamer through the table and he puts the contract on top of Dreamer.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Tiffany is being told that some guy in green caused a lot of damage to the catering area. Tiffany wants to know why Christian did that to Dreamer and Christian says that it was a receipt. Tiffany informs Christian that Dreamer cannot wrestle so Christian will have to team with Jack Swagger.
We see footage of Tony Atlas’ problems controlling himself during Mark Henry matches.
Match Number One: Tony Atlas with Mark Henry versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Atlas sends Bourne to the mat. They lock up again and he slams Bourne. Atlas pushes Bourne into the ropes and hits a shoulder tackle. Bourne with kicks to Atlas. Bourne lands on his feet on a hip toss and then Bourne hits a couple of drop kicks for a near fall. Atlas with a punch and leaping head butt that sends Bourne to the floor. Atlas tries to distract the referee to allow Henry to interfere but Henry stays away. Atlas with a forearm to bring Bourne back into the ring. Atlas with a power slam for a near fall. Atlas with a reverse chin lock but Bourne escapes and he kicks Atlas and hits a standing moonsault for a near fall. Atlas with a double sledge to the back and then he hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Bourne with a leaping flatline and then he goes up top for the Shooting Star Press for the three count.
Winner: Evan Bourne
After the match, Mark Henry makes his presence known as he attacks Bourne from behind before hitting the standing power slam.
Josh and Matt talk about the change in the main event which the people in the truck were able to change the graphic for. We go to commercial
We are back and did you know that men like SciFi on Tuesdays more than ESPN.
Match Number Two: Vladimir Kozlov versus Luke Hawx and Chris Lewie
Kozlov starts off with Lewie and he tosses him across the ring. Hawx tags in and he kicks Kozlov but Kozlov with a leg trip and a kick that sends him out of the ring. Kozlov sends Hawx into the ring post. Kozlov with the head butts to the upper chest followed by an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Lewie tags in and he leaps into a head butt. Kozlov with the spinebuster slam for the three count.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
Jack and Christian are in the locker room and Jack says that he can tell that Christian does not want to be his partner. Jack tells Christian to hold up his end of the bargain. Christian leaves and we go to commercial.
We are back with a Raw Rebound. Did you know that Triple H came back?
Natalya says that Tyson and David will be facing two former ECW champions. She says that they will show what the difference is between former champions and future champions.
Match Number Three: Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith with Natalya versus Jack Swagger and Christian
Swagger starts off but Christian makes the blind tag to frustrate his partner. Smith with an arm drag take down into an arm bar. Christian with an arm bar but Smith with a knee and side head lock. Smith with a shoulder tackle and punch to the head. Kidd tags in and he kicks Christian and sends Christian into the turnbuckles. Kidd with an elbow and he tries a double sledge but Christian with a flap jack for a near fall. Swagger tags in and he gets a rollup for a near fall. Swagger with a waist lock take down. Kidd is able to escape and then Swagger pushes Christian off the apron and it is called a tag. Kidd tries a baseball slide but Christian moves and he punches Kidd. Christian goes up top and he hits a missile drop kick. Swagger pushes Christian into a drop kick from Kidd. Smith tags in as we go to commercial.
We are back and Smith with a reverse chin lock on Christian while Swagger watches from the apron. Christian gets out of the hold but Smith with a knee and a delayed vertical suplex and Smith gets a near fall. Smith with a front face lock and then he tags in Kidd. Kidd sends Christian into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Christian. Kidd with an Irish whip and Christian tries for the pendulum kick but Kidd blocks it and kicks Christian in the back of the head to get a near fall. Kidd with a reverse chin lock and Christian with punches and a slam. Christian tries for a diving head butt but Kidd moves. Kidd with a snap suplex to Christian and then Kidd goes up top for a moonsault but Christian moves out of the way. Both men are down and Christian tries to tag in Swagger but Christian refuses before punching Swagger. Smith tags in and Christian with a running forearm. Smith with a kick and he sets for the running powers slam but we get a series of reversals. Christian slaps Kidd on the apron and then Christian with a pendulum kick to Smith followed by a tornado DDT for a two count. Christian goes up top but he misses another diving head butt. Kidd tags in and he springboards back into the ring. Kidd sends Christian into the turnbuckles and Christian with a sunset flip for a near fall. Christian with an inverted DDT for a near fall. Natalya gets on the apron and Christian is able to escape a belly-to-back suplex. Swagger crops Christian on the top rope and Smith and Kidd hit the Hart Attack Version 2.0 for the three count.
Winners: David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd
After the match, Swagger, Kidd, and Smith attack Christian. Tommy Dreamer comes to the ring with a Singapore Cane. He hits Swagger as Smith and Kidd also leave the ring.
We go to credits.
2011 - WWE ran Turin, Italy. Erik Gazerli filed the following live report:
WWE in Turin, Italy report:
The place was unfortunately more than half empty. The Palaolimpico can keep even 18.500 people for concerts, tonight for WWE they're lucky if there were 4000 people inside the building.
Results:
*Daniel Bryan beat Sheamus via rollup in a very good match in 14:30. A couple of new moves by both guys during the match with Bryan performing a diving headbutt from the top rope and Sheamus pulling out a Texas Cloverleaf that, if he was backstage, definitely popped Dean Malenko :)
*Jinder Mahal (with Great Khali) beat Trent Barreta in 8:05 via Full Nelson Slam. Way too much offense for Barreta in my opinion. At the end of the match, Khali put Barreta in the Vise Grip.
*Natalya beat Alicia Fox in 6:30 via Sharpshooter.
*Mark Henry beat Chavo Guerrero (who was a babyface tonight, for no reason) in 8:00 via World's Strongest Slam.
After the match Cody Rhodes came out, took out Guerrero with the Cross Rhodes, put a paperbag on him and had one of his "employees" for the night hand out paperbags to the audience, which led to...
*Sin Cara beat Cody Rhodes in 8:45 via Springboard Crossbody.
*After intermission The Big Show beat Alberto Del Rio in 12:00 via KO Punch in a "Special Raw Challenge match".
*WWE Intercontinental Championship: Ezekiel Jackson beat Wade Barrett by DQ due to chairshots in 11:30. Jackson had the last laugh though taking out Barrett with a Uranage Slam.
*World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton beat Christian (full fledged heel now) in 16:30. Same ending as Over The Limit more or less: Christian goes for the Spear, Orton leapfrogs him, Christian goes from the 2nd rope and gets caught with an RKO for the pin.
A good show all in all, they shuffled the announced card (thankfully as they had announced Khali vs Mark Henry for tonight) and it was a very good 2 and half hours of wrestling. No dates have been announced for a return to Italy so far.
2011 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!
We start off with a recap of last week's angle that saw Mick Foley get fired by the Network, and then we're off to the Impact Zone for our opening promo with...you guessed it, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. I can't believe I've had to go a whole seven days since I've heard them blather on for 20 minutes. Hogan welcomes all the Hulkamaniacs to Impact Wrestling, brothers, and he says nothing's changed but the names. Amen...BROTHER. The Network has decided they don't need a stooge looking over their shoulders, and it's smooth sailing from this point forward. Bischoff says that he was on the phone recently with the Network and they didn't like Foley, but they were impressed with how it's now Impact Wrestling and that wrestling matters, and also that the X Division is important to them, and they promise to continue presenting it the right way. Bischoff calls Ken Anderson and Sting out to the ring, and Hogan says that now that they've rebranded Impact Wrestling, he wants to make one thing perfectly clear to both of them: they're not going to go through what they went through with the Network. He assured the Network that he would run the company in the most professional way possible, and he promised the Network a winner and a loser at Slammiversary with no run-ins, BS, or anything else and he meant it. He says that if either of them have anything to say, to speak now or forever hold their peace. /p>
Anderson raises his hand and tells Sting that for the last three weeks, he's come out here mocking and imitating him, and it's because everything that he stands for is a joke. He says he's a fighting champion and is for the people, but at least Anderson's an asshole enough to admit that he's only in it for himself. He's going to get his hand raised as Slammiversary and he's going to become the TNA World Champion...Champion. Sting says he's going to do a whole lot about that, and if Anderson wants to fulfill his destiny, he's got to beat Sting first. Only problem is that he can't and won't lose, because the title is the only thing standing between Hogan and Bischoff making a mockery of the company, and it gives him a chance to make a difference around here. He's going to win there, and one of two things will happen before he goes down: either Hogan and Bischoff keep doing what they've been doing and he stays in their face, or the real Hulk Hogan that the wrestlers and fans idolized comes back out. Everyone bought all kinds of Hulk Hogan merchandise, but he slapped them all in the face, and maybe he should slap Hogan back and return the favor. The true infection, the kind that history says breathes a slow and miserable death, and he means YOU, Eric Bischoff, he wants Hogan to take the scalpel out and cut the cancer away before it's too late, and not to say that he doesn't have a choice because he does.
The Knockouts are backstage, and they're...WALKING!!!
Time for our opening match...
Angelina Love & Winter vs Knockouts Champion Mickie James & Tara
Winter and Tara start, Winter controls with an armbar but Tara reverses out and tags Mickie in, and Mickie hits a top rope double axhandle and catches a short armscissors and gets a 2 count. Tara back in and she and Mickie hit a double back elbow, and Winter tags Angelina in. AngelinaTaker points at Mickie, but Tara decks her and hits a spinning side suplex, then tags Mickie in and they do a double team wheelbarrow splash for 2. Angelina barely sells and tags in Winter, but Mickie gets a modified armdrag into a 2 count and goes for her headscissors out of the corner, but Angelina grabs her coming off the ropes and Winter powerbombs Mickie for 2. Mickie tries to fight her way out of the corner, Winter yanks her down by the hair, but Mickei wipes both Winter and Angelina out with a neckbreaker/dropkick combo and makes the hot tag to...wait, no she doesn't. Madison Rayne comes out and yanks Tara off the apron and rams her into the ring steps, and Angelina gets a neckbreaker over the knees and pins Mickie.
Winners: Winter & Angelina Love
Angelina now has a win over the champion going into her title shot this weekend, and puts Mickie out with her rear naked choke.
Beer Money is backstage with Alex Shelley, and Bobby Roode talks about how happy he is to have Shelley filling in for him and how weird it'll feel for him to be sitting on the sides watching, and they do a WHOA BUNDY! Old school, I love it!
Mexican America is backstage talking about how they get held down by the man, but Sarita and Rosita have gold around their waists and it's just a matter of time before they get gold, too.
Mike Tenay and Taz send us to a “cell phone video” of Samoa Joe and Crimson getting into a fight in a bar. I say bar fight, but it's really just Joe kicking the crap out of Crimson. It's kind of hard to follow because I've seen homemade internet porn with better video quality, but Joe clearly came out on the upper hand.
Jeff Jarrett is backstage and the Mystery Cameraman wants to know how Karen's doing, but Jeff blows him off and walks away.
We're back in the Impact Zone and getting ready for our next match with the British Invasion at the broadcast booth to do commentary on the next match with Mike and Taz.
Mexican America vs James Storm & Alex Shelley
Anarquia takes Shelley to the corner and beats him down as Taz mentions that the British Invasion haven't beaten anyone recently and asks why they deserve a title shot. Storm tags in and lays Anarquia out and gets a legdrop for 2, then Shelley gets the rolling Muta Lock and Storm comes off the ropes with an eye poke. Storm with a lungblower sends Hernandez to the floor, but Shelley goes up top and Hernandez recovers and yanks Shelley down on the turnbuckle via crotch. Hernandez tags in and hits a slingshot shoudlerblock on Shelley for 2,, then Anarquia tags in and whips Hernandez into Shelley, then hits a double underhook suplex for 2. Shelley tries to fight his way free, but Hernandez tackles him across the ring and tries a top rope headbutt, but Shelley moves and tags out to Storm, who comes in and destroys Anarquia. Storm with a DDT to Anarquia for 2, Hernandez comes in but Shelley dropkicks him and Storm clotheslines him over the top to the floor. Shelley hits a dive to the floor on Hernandez and Storm dropkicks Anarquia and covers, but the girls are distracting the referee, so Storm spits his beer in their faces. Shelley goes for a superkick at Anarquia, but he ducks and Shelley accidentally nails Storm, and Anarquia covers for the win.
Winners: Mexican America
They was a bit of a surprise finish. But we barely have time to let that finish sink in when we go backstage to Gunner coming into Ken Anderson office. Anderson says that Gunner can rise or fall by riding on his coattails, but the point is that they want to hurt Sting bad, and Gunner says that he likes to hurt people. Anderson's glad to hear that because he can be Gunner's best friend or the biggest asshole in his life.
Kurt Angle is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
Mexican America is backstage asking Hulk Hogan for a title shot, and asks if they're not getting one before they're Mexican. Hogan tells them they'd better watch what they're saying to him, and not to come in here and tell him how to run his company. He says he'll play a game of Hulkster Says with their two lovely ladies, and Mexican America make some threats I don't quite get because I don't speak Spanish.
We go to a video package hyping what will be the final Angle-Jarrett match at Slammiversary, and then we go backstage where Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett are...you guessed it, WALKING!
We're back, and Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle meet up in the ring for one final confrontation before Slammiversary, and Jeff has something to tell Angle: Karen is gone, and he doesn't care if nobody believes it, but Karen Jarrett will not be at Slammiversary. He's had to deal with that for seven days, and he's not going to lie to Kurt, she's been the support he's needed to get an advantage over Kurt for the last six months. First, he panicked because he's had to wonder what Kurt Angle will do when he gets Jeff Jarrett in the middle of the ring at Slammiversary. But when that panic went away, Jeff kept thinking in his mind back to the first day they met and shook hands because Jeff Jarrett brought Kurt Angle, the founder of TNA, brought Angle into the company because he knew Angle's former employer made a huge mistake in letting him go. Jarrett says he knows in his heart of hearts that Kurt Angle is the best in-ring performer this business has ever produced, and that alone is why he decided to step aside and let Angle be the centerpiece of TNA. The thanks he got was that he got a self serving son of a bitch who wasn't happy enough having the whole company built around him, and his whole focus was erasing Jeff Jarrett from the history of the company, and he may call it sour grapes but it's the truth. When he realized that's what was going on, Jeff decided he wanted to take everything that meant everything away from Kurt: his wife, his kids, his integrity, and now he's taking away the essence of Kurt Angle: being a professional wrestler, and he decided that he was going to become a better wrestler than Kurt Angle, and he's beaten Angle every single time they've wrestled, and now the only thing he has left is the gold medal and Jarrett won't sleep until he owns it. On the nine year anniversary of the company he founded, when he gets his hand raised, Angle will know once and for all that he's the better man.
Angle takes the mic and asks Jarrett if he's done, because he wants to thank Jeff for doing the one thing nobody else has ever been able to do, and that's take Karen out of his life for good. All he ever wanted was Jeff and himself in the ring, one on one, but Jeff had to get Karen involved, and her injury is on his hands. Angle will let his wrestling do the talking at Slammiversary, and then he'll see how real this really is. Angle drops the microphone and heads to the back as Jarrett stares determinedly at him. Great promo!
ODB is backstage saying that Velvet isn't special, she's just the first bitch to get in her way, and tonight she'll find out what wrestling is (grabs boobs), BAAAAM!
Brian Kendrick and Frankie Kazarian are walking around backstage with Janice and talk about finding Abyss to ask him a few questions.
Bully Ray comes out to the ring and says that this weekend will be a Last Man Standing, with the emphasis on Last Man, not Last Boy, and now he's going to do what a real man will do and challenges any man in the back to come out and face him...except for that piece of crap Devon. Some familiar music hits...
Bully Ray vs Rob Van Dam
Ray grabs RVD while he's playing to the fans before the match and powerbombs him out of the corner for 2, then fires in crossfaces at RVD. Ray goes to the eyes and rams RVD to the corner, then unloads with hard chops. RVD gets his stepover back kick and goes for the monkey flip, but Bubba just shoves him off and then hits a running clothesline into the corner and yells to the fans that this might as well be AJ Styles. Bully Ray gets repeated elbowdrops as AJ Styles watches the match from the crowd. Ray notices RVD in the crowd and starts mouthing off to him, but AJ just stares back at him stone faced Bubba goes for a piledriver, but gets backdropped, and RVD hits a psringboard thrust kick and the Five Star for the win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
Velvet Sky is backstage talking about how her fake eyelashes and fake tits aren't as bad as ODB and BAM!, and that she should meet this skinny bitch out in the ring.
Kazarian and Kendrick are still walking around backstage and they run into Abyss, and instead of attacking them, Abyss reads passages out of some lame book and says he doesn't need Janice anymore because the X Division Title is his and it is now the Xtreme Title. He challenges them to a three way at Slammiversary and says goodbye to Janice. Kazarian and Kendrick act all paranoid and stoned even though Kazarian calls Abyss an idiot for booking himself into a three way for the title.
Mike Tenay and Taz run down the card for this weekend's Slammiversary PPV, then we're off to the ring for our next match...
ODB vs Velvet Sky Velvet jumps ODB in the entranceway, ramming her into the side of the ramp over and over, but ODB reverses a whip and sends Velvet crashing into the ring steps. ODB smashes Velvet into the ring apron and rolls her back into the ring and covers for 2. ODB repeatedly drills Velvet in the head with right hands, Velvet tries fighting back but ODB just plows her into the corner and then stomps the hell out of her. ODB briefly backs off, then goes back to destroying Velvet with right hands and then gets in the face of the referee when he tries to get between them. Velvet suddenly comes out of nowhere with a clothesline and repeatedly shoulderblocks ODB in the corner and stomps her down as well. Velvet rams ODB into the opposite corner and beats her down again, then tries a leap off the stairs onto ODB, but ODB catches Velvet and rams her into the ringpost. They head back into the ring and ODB hits a fallaway slam, then drags Velvet up by the throat and chews her out as she squeezes the choke, but Velvet hits a DDT out of nowhere and covers for 3.
Winner: Velvet Sky
Eric Young is backstage telling Sting that if he pins him, he will be the unified Galactic Champion. Sting says this is serious and Anderson and Gunner want to hurt him, and asks Young if he can put the comedy aside for one night and be a competitor.
The main event is up next!
We see a short video package looking at the history of the Brother Devon-Pope feud on Xplosion, then it's main event time!
Ken Anderson & Gunner vs TNA World Champion Sting & TV Champion Eric Young
Anderson and Sting start us off, but Anderson tags out to Gunner before making contact. Gunner backs Sting to the corner and unloads with right hands, but Sting whips him into the corner and hits a clothesline to the back of the head and a pair of Stinger Splashes, but Anderson nails Sting from the outside with a clothesline. Now Anderson tags in, and Anderson lays in right hands of his own to Sting and rams shoulderblocks into his midsection. Gunner tags in and beats Sting down in the corner and then mocks the Sting howl before trapping Sting in an abdominal stretch. Anderson tags in and puts the boots to Sting, but Sting kills him with a clothesline out of nowhere and makes the hot tag to Eric Young, who comes in and cleans house. Young with a slam and top rope elbow on Gunner, then fakes Anderson out with a faux right hand and nails a dropkick. Gunner rams Young into Sting and hits an F5 on Sting, and Gunner pins Sting!
Winners: Ken Anderson & Gunner
Wow, did not see that coming. Young still is insane and parades around ringside with his title belts and comes into the ring and raises Sting's hand, and Sting just angrily shoves him away.
SSting is backstage walking out into the parking lot really angry, and Eric Young comes out to try and talk to him, but Sting is really pissed at him and storms away.
Meanwhile, AJ Styles says that he got in Ray's head tonight, but Ray comes out and says he doesn't backaway from nobody and nobdy ever backs him down. AJ and Ray yell at each other while security separates them, then we go to Ken Anderson as he gloats about how he barely broke a sweat because someone as lowly as Gunner beat Sting. Sting goes after Anderson and chases him into his trailer, and Anderson tries to get the jump on him coming through the door, but Sting lays him out and paints red all over Anderson's face before choking him out.
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