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July 6th
On this day in history in ....
1946 - Actorl Screenwriter and Director Sylvester Stallone, who helped launch Mr. T and Hulk Hogan as mainstream cultural celebrities in the Rocky film series and directed Terry Funk among others in his professional wrestling film Paradise Alley, is born.
1983 - Ric Flair challenges NWA World champion Harley Race twice in one day. Flair fought Race to a double disqualification in Sumter, SC during a matinee event. That evening, Flair defeated Race by DQ in Greenville, SC.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Charleston, SC at County Hall with the following results:
-Brett Hart defeated Doug Vines.
-Rufus R. Jones defeated Bobby Bass.
-Angelo Mosca Jr. & Johnny Weaver defeated the Outlaw & Gary Hart.
-NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard fought Pez Whatley to a draw.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Richmond, VA at The Coliseum with the following results:, 1984
-Tom Shaft defeated Gary Royal.
-Buzz Sawyer defeated Mark Fleming.
-Nikita Koloff defeated Vinnie Valentino.
-Assassin #1 defeated Keith Larson.
-Mr. Olympia defeated Paul Kelly.
-Adrian Street defeated Paul Jones via disqualification.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Assassin #3.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan Koloff & Don Kernodle defeated Mark Youngblood & the Renegade.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated Kamala.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Ricky Steamboat.
1985 - Tito Santana defeats Greg Valentine for the WWF Intercontinental Title in Baltimore, Maryland in a steel cage match. This marked the first time that a WWF Championship changed hands inside a steel cage, and began Santana's second I-C Title reign.
1985 - The very first Great American Bash event was held in Charlotte, North Carolina at Memorial Stadium, drawing over 25,000 fans. Here are the results:
- Jimmy Valiant defeated Paul Jones in a Dog Collar match.
- Manny Fernandez, Sam Houston & Buzz Tyler defeated Billy Graham, Konga the Barbarian & Abdullah the Butcher when Houston pinned Graham.
- Ron Bass vs. Buddy Landell ended in a draw.
- National Tag Team Champions Ole & Arn Anderson defeated Buzz Sawyer & Dick Slater when Ole pinned Sawyer.
- NWA World Tag Team Champions Krusher Khruschev & Ivan Koloff vs. AWA World Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors ended in a double DQ.
- United States Champion Magnum TA defeated Kamala via DQ.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair defeated Nikita Koloff. David Crockett was the special referee.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Tully Blanchard in a steel cage match to win the NWA Television Title and the services of Blanchard's valet, Baby Doll, for thirty days.
1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Inglewood, CA at the Great Western Forum, featuring:
-Misty Blue defeated Kat Leroux.
-Mike Rotunda fought Dory Funk Jr. to a draw.
-Chris Adams defeated Black Bart via disqualification.
-Barry Windham defeated Big Bubba in a streetfight.
-Jimmy & Ron Garvin defeated Ivan Koloff & Manny Fernandez.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions The Rock N' Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane via disqualification.
-Steve Williams defeated Dick Murdoch.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard in a non-title match.
NWA U.S. Champion Nikita Koloff & the Road Warriors defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair, Lex Luger, & Arn Anderson in a steel cage match.
1990 - WCW ran the Norfolk Scope in Virginia with the following:
-Tommy Rich defeated Dutch Mantell.
-Paul Orndorff defeated Mark Callous (The future Undertaker).
-Robert Gibson & Tommy Rich (substituting for Ricky Morton) defeated NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom via disqualification.
-El Gigante defeated Moondog Rex.
-Buddy Landell defeated Tom Zenk.
-Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong defeated NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane in a non-title match.
-NWA U.S. Champion Lex Luger, the Junkyard Dog, & Paul Orndorff defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair, NWA World TV Champion Arn Anderson, & Barry Windham.
1991 - WWF ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Civic Center, drawing 3,400 fans with the following results:
-Tito Santana defeated Bob Bradley.
-Typhoon pinned Greg Valentine.
-Marty Jannetty & Jim Powers (substituting for Shawn Michaels) defeated Pat Tanaka & Col. Mustafa (substituting for Kato).
-Jimmy Snuka pinned the Barbarian.
-IRS pinned Jim Neidhart.
-The Big Bossman defeated the Mountie in a steel cage match.
1991 - WWF ran Anaheim, CA at the Convention Center, drawing 7,500 fans with the following results:
-Jimmy Snuka defeated Louie Spicolli.
-Shawn Michaels fought WWF Tag Team Champion Brian Knobbs to a double disqualification.
-Ted Dibiase defeated Virgil after Sensational Sherri interfered.
-The Mountie pinned the Big Bossman after using his shock stick as a weapon.
-Bret Hart defeated Paul Roma.
-Bret Hart won a 20-man battle royal by last eliminating Sgt. Slaughter after Hulk Hogan made the save to counter the interference of Gen. Adnan; other participants included WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan, Jim Duggan, and many others.
1991 - WCW ran Norfolk, VA at the Scope, drawing 3,500 fans with the folowing results:
-Johnny B. Badd defeated Bobby Eaton.
-Dustin Rhodes defeated Ricky Morton via disqualification.
-Rick Steiner & Tom Zenk defeated Dick Murdoch & Dick Slater.
-WCW World TV Champion Steve Austin defeated Sam Houston.
-Big Josh defeated Terrance Taylor.
-Tom Zenk defeated the Diamond Studd.
-PN News & Missy Hyatt defeated Terrance Taylor & Paul E. Dangerously.
-Sting, WCW US Champion Lex Luger, the Yellow Dog, & El Gigante defeated Barry Windham, Nikita Koloff, Kevin Sullivan, & the One Man Gang in Wargames; Magnum TA was the guest referee for the bout.
1992 - The Moondogs (Spot & Cujo) defeat Jerry Lawler & Jeff Jarrett for the USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Lawler & Jarrett's second title reign.
1992 - WWF ran Rochester, NY, drawing 2,800:
-Tito Santana pinned the Brooklyn Brawler at 10:20.
-The Mountie pinned Sgt. Slaughter at 3:26 after using his shock stick behind the referee's back.
-Davey Boy Smith pinned Repo Man.
-Kamala pinned Kerry Von Erich with a splash off the middle ropes.
-The Natural Disasters defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Ted DiBiase & IRS via count-out when the champions left ringside.
-Virgil defeated Skinner.
-The Undertaker defeated the Berzerker.
-WWF champion Randy Savage defeated Ric Flair via reverse decision at 19:42 when the referee caught Flair with a foreign object after Flair hit Savage with it and scored the pin.
1993 - WWF ran a TV Taping in Wilkes-Barre, PA at the Wilkes University Marts Center with the following results:
WWF Superstars taping:
-The 1-2-3 Kid pinned Damien Demento at 3:57 with a DDT and legdrop off the top
-Randy Savage defeated WWF IC Champion Shawn Michaels (w/ Diesel) via reverse decision; Michaels originally won the match via count-out after Diesel threw Savage into the post but Mr. Perfect and another referee disputed the call
-Nikolai Volkoff pinned Barry Horowitz with a clothesine to the back of the head; Volkoff played babyface in the match
-The Undertaker pinned Mr. Hughes with a chokeslam
-Bret Hart defeated WWF World Champion Yokozuna (w/ Mr. Fuji) via disqualification when Fuji hit Hart with the Japanese flag; after the bout, Lex Luger made the save
-Jim Duggan pinned Duane Gill at 2:57 with the running clothesline; prior to the bout, Duggan cut an in-ring promo saying he was proud of the USA and Lex Luger
-Ludvig Borga pinned Tony Dimauro with a clothesline off the top at 1:33 (Borga's debut)
-WWF Tag Team Champions Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Ted Dibiase & IRS via count-out at around the 10-minute mark after IRS suplexed Scott back inside the ring as the two were battling on the apron
-The 1-2-3 Kid defeated Barry Horowitz with a legdrop off the top at 2:43
-The Quebecars defeated Tony Webb & Rich Myers when Pierre pinned Myers following the Boston crab / legdrop off the top double team at 2:33 (the Quebecars' debut)
-Men on a Mission defeated the Brooklyn Brawler & Brian Costello
-Adam Bomb defeated Tony Devito
-Mr. Hughes pinned Jason Headings
-The Headshrinkers defeated Dave Thornberg & Bret Tyler
-Mr. Perfect defeated Glen Ruth with the Perfect Plex at 1:55
-Sensational Sherri fought Luna Vachon to a no contest when Bam Bam Bigelow began insulting Sherri on the mic until she slapped him, with Luna then choking Sherri in the corner; moments later, Tatanka made the save and cleared Bigelow from the ring (Sherri's last appearance for nearly 12 years)
-The Smoking Gunns defeated Well Dunn following a piledriver on Steve Doll (Well Dunn's debut)
-Adam Bomb (w/ Johnny Polo) defeated Chaz Ware
-Doink the Clown pinned Joey Maggs with the Whoopie Cushion
-Tito Santana pinned Barry Hardy with the flying forearm (Santana's last TV match)
-Bastion Booger pinned Mike Bell
1995 - WWF ran Columbus, OH before 2,700 fans with the following results:
-Fatu defeated Rad Radford (Louie Spicoli).
-The 1-2-3 Kid defeated the Brooklyn Brawler.
-WWF Women's Champion Alundra Blayze defeated Bertha Faye.
-WWF World Champion Diesel defeated Psycho Sid in a steel cage match.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & Yokozuna defeated Lex Luger & Davey Boy Smith.
-Shawn Michaels defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett via countout.
-The Undertaker defeated Kama in a casket match.
1996 - WWF ran New Haven, CT at the Coliseum before 4,462 fans with the following:
-Duke Drose pinned Leif Cassidy (Al Snow) with the Trash Compactor at 12:42 after Cassidy missed a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle.
-Salvatore Sincere pinned Barry Horowitz at 9:33 when the momentum of a flying crossbody by Horowitz put Sincere on top.
-Jake Roberts pinned Justin Bradshaw with the DDT.
-Skip & Zip defeated Henry & Phinneas Godwinn and WWF Tag Team Champions the Smoking Gunns in a non-title match.
-WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels defeated Vader via disqualification when Goldust interfered and kissed the champion on the lips.
-Goldust defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Ahmed Johnson via reverse decision after the champion hit the Pearl River Plunge on three consecutive occasions.
-Steve Austin pinned Savio Vega in a No DQ match.
-Marc Mero pinned Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
-The Undertaker pinned Mankind with the tombstone.
1997 - WWF held their "Canadian Stampede" Pay-per-view in Calgary, Alberta, Canada at the Saddledome. The show, which many consider to be one of the best WWF PPV events ever, was unique in that hometown favorites the Hart Foundation were wildly popular and cheered by the crowd, while the Harts were actually portrayed as the heels on television at the time. Here are the results:
- In a match that aired on the "Free For All", The Godwinns defeated The Blackjacks (Windham & Bradshaw).
- Mankind vs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley ended in a double countout.
- In their WWF debuts, The Great Sasuke defeated TAKA Michinoku.
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker defeated Vader.
- In a ten-man tag team match that lasted almost a half hour, Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Jim Neidhart, Davey Boy Smith & Brian Pillman defeated Steve Austin, Ken Shamrock, Goldust, & The Legion Of Doom when Owen pinned Austin.
1997 - WAR ran Tokyo, Japan at Sumo Hall, drawing 6,000 fans for the following results:
-Tadahiro Ishii, Shoichi Ichinomiya, & Shikeo Okumura defeated Takashi Okamura, Maasaki Mochizuki, & Yoshikazu Taru at 13:49 when Ishii pinned Taru.
-Ryo Myake pinned Battle Ranger at 7:50,
-Rumi Kazama & Michiko Omukai defeated Eagle Sawai & Sayori Okino at 13:32 when Kazama pinned Okino.
-Takashi Ishikawa & Kishin Kawabata defeated Jun Kikuchi & Osamu Tachihikari at 13:27 when Kikuchi forced Ishikawa to submit.
-Arashi & Shinichi Nakano beat Joel Deaton & Tatsuo Nakano at 15:03 when Arashi pinned Deaton.
-Yoshiaki Fujiwara pinned Abdullah the Butcher at 14:19.
-WAR International Jr. Heavyweight Champion Yuji Yasuraoka pinned Masao Orihara at 17:06.
-Koki Kitihara, Lance Storm, & Nobutaku Araya defeated Tommy Dreamer, Koji Kitao, & Nobukazu Hirai at 16:46 when Kitao pinned Hirai; due to pre-match stipulations, Kitihara, Storm, & Araya won the vacant WAR Six-Man Tag Team Championship.
-Genichiro Tenryu pinned Tarzan Goto at 16:59.
1998 - The largest crowd in WCW history attended Monday Nitro at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The show, headlined by Bill Goldberg defeating Hollywood Hogan for the WCW World Heavyweight Title, drew 41,412 fans. The show did a 4.93 rating for TNT.
By comparison, Raw that night did a 4.0 on USA Network for a show headlined by The Undertaker defeating Mankind & Kane in a handicap match.
Here are the full results for both shows:
Nitro: WCW Television Champion Booker T defeated Dean Malenko. ... Raven defeated Kanyon via DQ. ... Scott Putski defeated Scotty Riggs .... WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho defeated Ultimo Dragon via DQ. ... Chavo Guerrero, Jr. defeated Johnny Swinger. ... Public Enemy defeated Alex Wright & Disco Inferno via DQ. ... United States Champion Bill Goldberg defeated Scott Hall. ... Juventud Guerrera defeated Psicosis. ... The Giant defeated Hacksaw Duggan. ... Diamond Dallas Page defeated Jim Neidhart. ... Lex Luger & Sting defeated Sickboy & Billy Kidman in less than thirty seconds. ... Bill Goldberg defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WCW World Heavyweight Title.
Raw: Savio Vega defeated Brakkus in a Brawl For All match. ...Ken Shamrock defeated Jeff Jarrett via DQ. ...Vader vs. Bradshaw ended in a no-contest. ... The DOA defeated The Headbangers. ... D'Lo Brown defeated Terry Funk. ... Hawk vs. Droz went to a draw in a Brawl For All match ...Val Venis defeated Dustin Runnels via DQ. ... Ken Shamrock defeated Mabel. ...The Undertaker defeated Mankind and Kane.
2002 - WWE Raw ran Frederick, MD at Harry Grove Stadium with the following results, filed by Joe Hamilton:
The crowd looked to be around 3,800, about 4/5 th's full. Show was thumbs in the middle event. All of the matches were under 10 minutes, with Matt Hardy and Raven having best match. Ric Flair, RVD and Matt Hardy had loudest pops. Flair did a brief angle with Chris Harvard that ended up with Flair slapping the figure 4 on him. The crowd went nuts.
Tommy Dreamer/Shelton Benjamin/Sean O'Hare over Steven Richards/Justin Credible/Crash Holly.
William. Regal p. Bubba Ray Dudley.
Linda Miles/Jackie p. Jackie Gayda/Molly Holly.
Bradshaw retained the hardcore over Chris Harvard (Richards, Holly, Harvard got pins until Bradshaw regained the title).
RVD won by DQ over Brock Lesnar (It was 8 minutes, with ref bump that the crowd booed in a bad way).
D-Lo Brown p. Shawn Stasiak.
Matt Hardy p. Raven.
Eddie Guerrero over Spike Dudley.
Booker T over Big Show w/ the bookend in 4 minutes.
2002 - WWE Smackdown ran Mobile, AL at the Civic Center with the following results:
-Sho Funaki defeated Albert.
-D-Von Dudley & Batista defeated Rob Conway & Nick Dinsmore (the future Eugene).
-Billy Kidman pinned Tajiri with a facebuster.
-Lance Storm & Christian defeated Hardcore Holly & Val Venis.
-Test defeated Randy Orton.
-WWE Cruiserweight Champion Jamie Noble defeated the Hurricane and Chavo Guerrero in an elimination match.
-Shannon Moore, Mark Henry, & Farooq defeated Billy Gunn, Chuck Palumbo, & Rico.
-Kurt Angle pinned Rikishi with the Olympic Slam after Rico, Billy Gunn, and Chuck Palumbo interfered.
-Torrie Wilson defeated Dawn Marie in a Bra & Panties match.
-Edge pinned Chris Jericho with the spear.
2002 - NWA Wildside held a TV taping in Georgia. Larry Goodman filed the following results:
NWA Wildside taped two solid hours of television last night. Coming off the mammoth Freedom Fight show just one week ago, this was a show to tell stories and move in some new directions. Among them, back to back heel turns, Dustin and Henry Hoss of all people, and a surprise appearance by the ultimate loose cannon (and loose he was), New Jack. Although they did a strong angle at Freedom Fight to set up the main event for this taping, it did nothing at the gate to overcome the double whammy of the summer season and the usual letdown after a big show. There were only 70 in the house.
1) Malaki beat Sweet Dreams in 4:49. Typical dark match. Malaki is a pretty big dude who looks like he's doing a roid rage gimmick. Dreams got a quick flurry at the start. Malaki took time out. Dreams pursued. Malaki climbed back in and stomped Dreams on the head as he slid under the ropes. Power offense by Malaki for a couple of two counts. Dreams got a sunset flip with Malaki doing the big windmill thing with his arms on the way down. Malaki cut Dreams off with a clothesline. Malaki missed on a twisting splash off the ropes. Dreams hit a blockbuster. Malaki pinned Dreams after a back suplex?!
2) Gabriel beat Tony Stradlin by DQ in one minute flat. NWA VP Bill Behrens would not permit Azrael to be at ringside due to his knee injury. Stradlin yelled at Behrens to get Azrael out of there. Gabriel started firing right hands. Gabriel whipped Stradlin into an upside down bump in the corner. Stradlin went to the outside. Gabriel tossed him back in the ring. Stradlin tried begging for mercy, but that didn't stop Gabriel from laying in the boots. Standing switch by Gabriel. His rolling reverse cradle attempt was blocked by Stradlin, who missed on a twisting dropkick. Gabriel went to the top. Todd Sexton dumped Gabriel into the ring for the DQ. T-N-T gave Gabriel the spike cradle piledriver...and another one. Gabriel was holding his neck. They knocked down ref Speedy Nelson. Azrael tried to save, but Stradlin did a baseball slide right to his injured left knee. Stradlin gave Gabriel a tombstone piledriver. Azrael was finally able to limp into the ring with chair to save his partner. Security had to help Gabriel to the back. Hot segment.
3) Slim J won a five way elimination match over Kid Xtasy, Kid Kool, Jeremy V and Derrick Driver to become the number one contender for the Wildside junior title (7:51). This match turned out to be one of the highlights of the first hour. J and Xtasy went to a chain wrestling stand off. Good stuff. V and Driver tagged in. Driver has improved his look a bit. Driver caught V with an armdrag. J made a blind tag and pounced on V for a quick two count. Kool headscissored J over the top to set up a series of dives. Xtasy and Driver hit planchas. V came up short on a tope con hilo and crashed onto the wood floor. J did a spectacular corkscrew plancha. G-Rated eliminated Driver with a double inverted DDT. Kool used Xtasy as a launching pad for a huracanrana. V eliminated Xtasy with a new finisher, where he puts his victim in a crucifix powerbomb position, then releases as he falls back, sending the victim face down into the canvas. Kool took over on V, eliminating him with an inverted X factor off the ropes. That left J and Kool. J did his climbing-the-ropes roundhouse kick for a two count. Kool did a kip up headscissors. Kool came off the top with a stunner type move that drove J's face into the mat. J was selling like crazy. Two count only for Kool. Kool went to the top again, but J bumped the ropes to crotch Kool on the top buckle. J also pulled off a new finisher. He mounted Kool on his shoulders, pulled him forward into a cradle, and dropped him straight down on his head. J celebrated by grabbing his crotch.
4) Tank vs. Scottie Wrenn went to a double count out in 3:19. Tank set Nelson on the top rope. Wrenn took him down. They went collar and elbow. Neither man budged. Both tried shoulder tackles that didn't seem much damage. Wrenn was able to stagger Tank with a clothesline. They exchanged arm wringers. Tank broke Wrenn down with a spinning armbar. Wrenn went for a kick that got nothing but thin air. They slapped the crap out of each other. Tank went through the ropes when Wrenn stepped aside. Wrenn gave Tank a shot into the security rail. Tank whipped Wrenn into the rail. Wrenn whipped Tank over the rail. They were battling in the seats when Nelson called for the bell. Fans chanted "bullshit." They brawled through the crowd out into the parking lot, where Wrenn whipped Tank into the fence surrounding the boiled peanut stand. The finish of this match is not likely to make for compelling television, as it will fully expose the sparse crowd.
5) Caprice Coleman beat Tony Mamaluke to retain the World TV title in 6:18. This was a fresh pairing that definitely worked. One that left me wanting to see more. Coleman checked ref Andrew Thomas behind the ears. Not sure what he was looking for. Mamaluke gave Coleman his Italian monster facial expression. Coleman said he was scared and started laughing. The fans pissed Mamaluke off by starting the "Where's my pizza?" chant. Mamaluke tried two headlock takeovers with Coleman countering each time with a headscissors. They exchanged hammerlocks. Coleman got a fireman's carry takedown, but Mamaluke reversed him for a two count. Mamaluke gave Coleman the Sicilian salute. Coleman started to mock Mamaluke and then surprised him with a series of Ali style punches. Mamaluke went airborne on the right hand knockout shot. Coleman went for a German suplex. I think Mamaluke was trying to land on his feet but didn't quite make it. Mamaluke hiptossed Coleman into an armlock submission. Mamaluke did a double underhook, to a DDT, to a choke out submission without releasing his grip. Very cool. Coleman came back with a leaping rolling neckbreaker. He went for the senton/Asai moonsault combo, but Mamaluke had his knees up on the moonsault. Mamaluke used a gourdbuster, a snap suplex and a Russian legsweep. Time for another painful looking submission by Mamaluke, in the form of a combination armbar/headscissors. Mamaluke was feeling so good he did a little dance step. Coleman made the comeback with a pair of Northern lights, followed by a Flatliner. Coleman missed with a legdrop of the top. Mamaluke went to the top. Coleman dropkicked the ropes to crotch him. Mamaluke missed on a splash attempt and Coleman hit the Thermal Shock to score the pinfall. Did my eyes deceive me or did Mamaluke give Coleman a small sign of respect after the match?
6) Iceberg (with Jeff G. Bailey) beat David Young in one minute flat. Young went right at Iceberg, pounding him with punches. Iceberg reversed a whip and tried for an Avalanche splash, but nobody was home. Iceberg blocked Young's spinebuster and hit a belly-to-belly suplex. Finish saw Bailey trip Young as he ran the ropes and Iceberg splash him on the back for the three count. Murder One joined Iceberg for a double backdrop on Young, before Rick Michaels cleared the ring with a baseball bat.
7) Future Shock (Jay Freeze & Brandon P) & John Dalton vs. Rage (Mike Pittman & Scott Cage) & Big Henry Hoss went to a no contest in 7:06. Cage and P did some nice work to start the match. Cage had the advantage until P bailed out. Rage did a double flapjack on Freeze. Pittman continued the attack on Freeze. Hoss tagged in briefly for a spinebuster Freeze. Dalton refused to get in against Hoss. Pittman hit a neckbreaker and went for a cover that was broken up by Dalton. Future Shock did a Freeze tombstone/P elbow drop combo to start the heels got heat on Pittman. Dalton hit Pittman with a kick of death and left the rest of the work to Future Shock. Freeze used a facebuster to the knee and turned Pittman inside out with a clothesline. P leveled him with a superkick. Pittman hit his uranage buttbuster to set up the hot tag. Hoss cleaned house on Freeze. Rage had Freeze beaten with their nagasateru neckbreaker finisher, when Hoss turned on them with a double clothesline. Dalton joined Hoss to stomp the stuffings out of Rage and toss them out of the ring. Hoss called for the mic. He said his last partner (the infamous Cooter Calhoun) walked out on him. Hoss accused the fans of not giving a damn about him. Hoss introduced Dalton (at 6-5 and 265) as his new partner. "If you don't like it, you can stick it up your tailpipe. By the way, I never liked you bunch of idiots anyway."
I'm trying to withhold judgment on this new development. The crowd didn't seem to get into it much. Maybe more Rage vs. Future Shock matches isn't such a bad idea after all.
8) "That Guy" Dustin beat "The Winner" Kevin Harden & Jeff G. Bailey in 4:33. Bailey was hilarious with his martial arts poses and those white knee pads. Bailey said to ring the bell for a count out because Dustin was too terrified to show up. Dustin hit the ring with stiff clotheslines, a spinning headscissors and vicious chops. Dustin kicked and punched the bejesus out of Harden. Dustin hit a couple of suplexes and clotheslined Harden over the top. Bailey got on his knees in the corner, begging for mercy. Harden saved in the knick of time with a forearm shot to Dustin's back. Harden took over on Dustin, with a belly to belly and some stiff chops of his own. Harden ate a boot as he charged into the corner. Dustin came off the top to drop Harden with a neckbreaker. Dustin whipped Harden into a tag with Bailey, who wanted no part of Dustin. He yelled for Harden to do something. Dustin suddenly punked out Harden. Dustin allowed Bailey, who was grinning from ear to ear, make the pin.
While Dustin punched and choked Harden, Bailey got on the mic. He said Dustin had truly earned the name Lazarus. He was the man who had beaten down Onyx and Adam Jacobs. Now, he was reborn. Bailey promised Lazarus that the lights and music would be back. He was not a joke any more. Bailey said he had someone to keep Lazarus on the straight and narrow. Out came some girl named Lisa wearing a leopard skin outfit. She looked to be a good 15 pounds too heavy for the role. This girl had enough junk in her trunk for a decent size yard sale. Bailey said, "She's yours to do whatever you want." Lisa slapped and kicked Harden as best she could.
9) Rick Michaels beat Murder One (formerly Homicide) on a DQ in 3:24. Murder One has a different look to go with the new name. Fast-paced action here. Michaels outwrestled One. He landed a pair of dropkicks. They went back and forth blocking hiptosses. One hiptossed Michaels over the top and beat him down with right hands on the outside. Back in the ring, One gave Michaels a flapjack. They started brawling with One getting the best of it. At this point, both guys are busting ass and some idiot starts a "boring" chant. Michaels obviously didn't like it and I couldn't blame him. Michaels had One beaten with the Double Shot when New Jack hit the ring for the DQ.
New Jack pulled out an Exacto knife ... and a sickle. It looked like Michaels was headed for the killing floor again until Tank intervened. Jack sliced and stabbed at Tank's forehead. Tank got some color. Wrenn came to ringside with that psychotic look on his face. He had a chair. Jack wasn't impressed. "You piece of s***, yo ass is next." Wrenn hit the ring, so Jack and One took the cowards way out and powdered to the outside. So far so good. Wrenn headed back towards the ramp. At this point, Jack and One got back in the ring. Jack started baiting Wrenn with some serious name calling. Bill Behrens, chief security guy, Lu Lu and ref Andrew Thomas were all holding Wrenn back on the ramp. Jack threw a chair. Wrenn charged the ring. Jack retreated to the concession stand. He tossed a trash can into the ring. Jack calmly pulled a pickle out a jar at the concession stand and started gnawing on it, which got a natural babyface response from the crowd and was a great way to make Wrenn look stupid. Not exactly what the bookers had in mind here. Jack got back in the ring and spit the pickle residue towards Wrenn. He challenged Wrenn & Tank to a tag match at the next taping. "You got your f***ing job cut out for you." Jack threatened to whip them like runaway slaves. He said Tank's head looked like a bloody tampon. "Bill Behrens, there go the neighborhood." Jack said all the white women were invited back to his hotel. "We gonna do some Oreo stuff."
This was all very heated and highly entertaining but totally counter productive for booking purposes. They will have to do some heavy editing to make it usable for TV, if it airs at all. It seems like a heavy price to pay for the New Jack name, when it involves allowing a guy, who is yesterday's news, to repeatedly come in and go into business for himself.
10) Jimmy Rave beat Jeremy Lopez to retain the NWA World junior title in 11:19. A technically superb match that was hurt by a lack of heat. The opening chain wrestling sequence ended with snap mare and a dropkick to the back of the head by Lopez. Rave had Lopez scrambling for the ropes with a surprise cross armbreaker. Rave worked on the arm. Lopez tried to counter out, but Rave would not release his grip. Lopez bailed out selling the arm. They broke cleanly out of the collar and elbow tie up. Lopez got the advantage. He blocked a hiptoss, so Rave went to the cross armbreaker again, with Lopez getting the ropes break. It was Lopez's turn to work the arm. Lopez knocked Rave through the ropes with a roaring elbow and connected on a baseball side to the outside. He rolled Rave back inside for a two count. Lopez hit a standing dropkick. Rave did the dropkick to the shins as a prelude to the Shining Enzuigiri, but Lopez ducked it and locked on the STF. Rave made the ropes. Lopez went for the inverted tarantula. Rave got two counts with the move of the night, the reverse rolling cradle, and a schoolboy. Rave did a spinning headscissors into a Crippler Crossface. Lopez made the ropes. Lopez hit a brainbuster. Rave kicked out of his lazy back cover. Lopez pulled off Rave's shirt and choked him with it. Lopez blocked Rave's attempt at a German, but Rave hit a Northern lights bomb for a close two count. Rave speared Lopez in the corner. Lopez blocked the Gravity Killer, hit an elevated DDT off the second rope and followed with a Tiger bomb! Rave barely kicked out. Lopez missed with a forearm and Rave hit the Gravity Killer, but Lopez kicked out. They exchanged hard slaps. "Ichiban!" Lopez hit another elevated DDT, but Rave had a foot over the ropes. Lopez laid his title belt in the ring. Just as Lopez was preparing to tattoo Rave's head with a DDT on the belt, Rave cradled him for the three count.
11) Adam Jacobs & A.J. Styles vs. Rainman & John Phoenix (with Jeff G. Bailey) went to a double pin finish in 9:53. Excellent main event as usual. The good news was that after almost a year off, Phoenix passed "the Air Paris test" (Paris returned after taking several months off and looked horrible). He's obviously been working out because the explosiveness in his moves was even better than before. They opened with some stereo spots with the heels gaining control. Phoenix tried for a double springboard Arabian press to the floor but had to jump back to the ring and settle for the standard version. Phoenix came right back with an awesome tope con hilo. Phoenix used the old Suicidal Tendencies foot tag. Rainman got hung up on an Asai moonsault attempt and double teamed. Rainman ended a series of counters with a superkick. Rainman went to the top, but Styles kicked the ropes to crotch him. Rainman fell into the tree of woe position, and Styles caught him with a flying forearm to the face. Jacobs used a drop toehold and mounted Phoenix with punches. Phoenix cut him off with a stiff kick and hit a brainbuster. The one he taught Jason Cross. The heels doubled on Jacobs with back elbows. Rainman got two with the buttbomb. Phoenix hit a frogsplash and made an arrogant cover for a two count. Jacobs got a roll up two count. Jacobs came back firing kicks, until Phoenix took out his leg. Rainman kept the heat on Jacobs, hitting a jumping sidewalk slam for a near fall. Rainman dumped Jacobs, so Bailey could get in some cheap shots, but Styles ran over to clock Bailey. Jacobs took a slam off the top ala Ric Flair. Jacobs did a spinning bump off Rainman's dropkick. Jacobs finally caught Phoenix with a swinging neckbreaker and made the tag. Styles hit the ring throwing clotheslines. Styles used the Cliffhanger (crucifix powerbomb position DDT) on Phoenix, gave Rainman a facebuster, and knocked Phoenix for a loop with a discus lariat.
It broke into a four-way. Rainman planted Styles with the Spinesplitta (Sky High) and they battled on the outside. Jacobs did a superplex on Phoenix that left them flat on the mat, each with one arm on the other guy. Out came Wildside Senior Official, Andrew Thomas, to join ref Speedy Nelson in making simultaneous three counts. Nelson signified that Jacobs was the winner, while Thomas raised the hand of Phoenix. Phoenix punched Nelson. Jacobs KOed Thomas. Jacobs clotheslined Phoenix over the top to clear the ring. Styles and Jacobs grabbed their belts. Jacobs challenged Phoenix to a singles match at the next TV taping. "When I finish with you, I WILL lay some lumber."
NOTES: Briscoe Brothers return to the NCW Arena for the next TV taping on 7/20. ... Announced for the 7/10 TNA PPV in Nashville: A.J. Styles & Jerry Lynn vs. Slash & Devon Storm and Briscoe Brothers vs. Hotshots (Cassidy O'Reilly & Chase Stevens). Rick Michaels meets Adam Jacobs with Jeff G. Bailey in his corner in a dark match. ... 7/20 TNA show has Briscoe Brothers vs. Lost Boyz. That match is scheduled to be dark at this point, but that is subject to change. ... Rave, Mamaluke and Lopez will appear for HCW in South Florida on 7/13. ... Styles, Young, Jacobs, Mamaluke, and Lopez are all booked for the Ring of Honor show on 7/27.
2002 - AAA & CMLL TV aired on Galavision. Victor Martinez filed the following TV report:
EMLL/AAA Galavision block
July 6th, 2002
CMLL came in at 1hr/45mins. AAA was a repeat coming in at 1hr/08mins.
CMLL
Opens with Shocker and Mascara Magica sitting on the apron of the ring in an empty arena. Magica says he knows that he too is good looking and intellegent. Shocker says he wants to form a new Guapos trios team. Who should happen by at that moment but Gigante Silva. they propose to make him the third member of the Guapos team. But Silva says he is not guapo and doesn't see himself being one (Amen). They tell him to think about it.
Dr. Wagner Jr., Emilio Charles Jr, Mascara Ano 2000, and Universo 2000 vs. Shocker, Mascara Magica, & Gigante Silva.
One Fall Match: Rudos gang up on Shocker and Magica as Silva watches. Wagner and Shocker work well together. Shocker and Magica do topes on Wagner and Charles. Silva splashes both Universo and Mascara and pins both together.
Hijo De Lizmark, Negro Casas and Felino vs. Tarzan Boy, Ultimo Guerrero, and Rey Bucanero
Only the 3rd Fall aired: Casas gives Ultimo a reverse DDT. Felino slams Ultimo on the ramp. Lizmark gives Tarzan a superkick and a tope. Rey goes to give Felino a frankensteiner but Felino turns it into a top rope power bomb. And pins him. Casas pins Ultimo with a Majistral. A very exciting match what they showed of it. Afterward, Casas challenges Rey and Ultimo to a tag team title match against him and his brother Felino. Lizmark challenges Tarzan to defend his title against him.
Pierroth is informed by the commissioner de Lucha who is masked by the way, that he is banned from ringside. He says he can't be that surprised in view of his actions of recent weeks. Pierroth is pissed saying how can he let his men go forth alone. He thinks it's a trap.
Veneno, Violencia, and Bulldog vs. Gran Markus Jr., Mr. Mexico, and Poder Boricua No ref match: they'd only get involved to count the fall or accept the submission.
1st Fall: Veneno does a plancha from the apron onto Marcus. Bulldog does a lowdown move on Poder Boricua and pins him. Violencia submits Mr. Mexico to a boston crab.
2nd Fall: Tecnicos make their comeback. Mr. Mexico does aplancha from the top rope to the floor on Violencia. Poder delivers a top rope elbow drop on Bulldog and pins him. And Markus submits Veneno.
3rd Fall: An Okay match. This goes on a while back and forth. Finally Poder pins Violencia the captain after a power slam. That ends it. Marcus accuses the Boricuas of hiding behind Pierroth and challenges them to a hair and mask vs hair and mask match. Veneno accepts.
Highlight Moments: La Flecha submitting Sombra De Plata with a rolling tapatia. Black Warrior delivering a tope to Black Tiger. Takemura delivering a low blow to Negro Casas. Zumbido delivering a somersault tope to Tony Rivera. And Shocker helping Magica with a sunset flip on Rey Bucanero and Ultimo Guerrero.
Mr. Niebla, Atlantis and Black Warrior meet at a resturant. Atlantis says he invited them to discuss the trios titles they have just won. Warrior says we've worked hard for them and we'll hold them for a long time. But laughter comes from the next table, sitting there is Damien 666 and Halloween without make-up. Saying enjoy your titles while you have them, we'll win them soon enough, your dinner is on us.
Atlantis, Mr. Niebla and Black Warrior vs. Juventud Guerrera, Damien 666 and Halloween.
1st Fall: Juvi is now sporting dreadlocks and a tummy tattoo. La Familia De Tijuana controls the first fall. Halloween super kicks Niebla and double legdrops him for a pin. Halloween then does a diamond cutter move on Warrior and submits him with the help of Damien. Juvie does very little this fall.
2nd Fall: The rudos tart this fall in control until the tecnicos make thier comeback. Niebla hits Damien with part of the table. Warrior legdrops Halloween on the ramp. Juvies gets slapped around by Atlantis. Atlantis finally submits Juvie to a torture rack backbreaker. Warrior pins Damien.
3rd Fall: Juvie finally gets more involved in this fall. Niebla does a top rope moonsault on Halloween. Niebla has Juvie in a backbreaker when Damien low blows Atlantis and pins him, he's the captain, that ends it. Very good match. But Juvie didn't seem to have his working shoes on. Damien and Halloween challenge the tecnicos to a trios title match.
Next Week: Gigante Silva, Gran Marcus Jr., Atlantis, Mr. Mexico, Poder Boricua, Dr. Wagner, Bulldog, Violencia, Tarzan Boy, and Veneno.
AAA:
This was a total repeat. Nothing new on it.
They did the repeat of the Reyna De Reynas Tournament.
La Parka, Latin Lover, El Zorro, and Alebrije with Cuije vs. Cibernetico, Abismo Negro, Electroshock and Monsther with Chuky.
And that was it for this week.
2003 - WWE Smackdown ran Ocean City, MD at the Convention Center with the following results:
-The Ultimo Dragon defeated Jamie Noble.
-Doug & Danny Basham defeated Sho Funaki & Spanky.
-Matt Hardy defeated Shannon Moore.
-Albert defeated Orlando Jordon.
-Billy Gunn defeated John Cena.
-The Acolytes defeated Johnny Stamboli & Chuck Palumbo.
-WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin defeated Chris Benoit & Rhyno.
2003 - WWE Raw ran Charlottetown, Canada at the Civic Centre with the following results:
-The Hurricane pinned Steven Richards with the Shining Wizard.
-Tommy Dreamer pinned Rosey in a hardcore match with a DDT onto a steel chair, despite interference from Mark Jindrak.
-Rob Van Dam pinned Test with the Five Star Frog Splash; after the bout, Kane came to the ring and hit a chokeslam on several officials as well as Val Venis, the Hurricane, and RVD.
-WWE Women's Champion Gail Kim defeated Ivory and Victoria by pinning Victoria with a hurricanrana off the top.
-Val Venis fought Randy Orton to a time-limit draw.
-WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian pinned Booker T with a roll up and using the ropes for leverage.
-Maven pinned Rico.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Sylvian Grenier & Rene Dupree defeated Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley; after the bout, Tommy Dreamer made the save.
2004 - Ric Flair's autobiography "To Be The Man" is released.
2004 - WWE held their final card at the Arena in Winnipeg, Manitoba with the following results:
-Carly Colon (the future Carlito) defeated Wavell Star
Velocity:
-Rene Dupree pinned Nunzio with the Michinoku Driver at 5:28
-Sho Funaki pinned Sakoda with a sunset flip at 5:17
-Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly defeated Doug & Danny Basham at around 8:12 when Doug was pinned following the Gunn Holly Bomb
Smackdown:
-Rob Van Dam pinned Mark Jindrak at 5:03 with a split-legged moonsault after knocking Jindrak off the top; Rene Dupree did guest commentary for the bout
-Billy Kidman & Paul London defeated WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz to win the titles at 8:07 when Kidman pinned Bubba Ray with the Shooting Star Press after London hit Bubba Ray with a superkick.
-Charlie Haas (with Jackie Gayda) fought unknown to a no contest when Smackdown! GM Kurt Angle came out before Haas' opponent and announced that Haas was suspended for one week without pay and would face Luther Reigns the following week (this segment did not air on the broadcast).
-WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield fought El Gran Luchador (a masked Paul London) to a no contest at around 7:30 after El Gran slid underneath the ring, a second Luchador came out, obviously a masked Eddie Guerrero, and Bradshaw was knocked out of the ring; after the match, El Gran (Eddie) cut a promo on Bradhsaw defending the title against Eddie the following week in a steel cage match.
-Chavo Guerrero, Jamie Noble, & Akio defeated WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr., Spike Dudley, & Scotty 2 Hotty at 5:13 when Noble pinned Spike with a Tiger Driver.
-WWE U.S. Champion John Cena defeated Booker T via disqualification at 15:17 when Luther Reigns attacked Cena from behind, breaking Cena's cover after the champion hit the FU, after knocking Kurt Angle and Reigns down on the floor; after the bout, Angle stripped Cena of the title in response to Cena putting his hands on the GM.
2007 - WWE Raw ran Mexico City, Mexico at Palacio de los Deportes, drawing 10,490 fans with the following results:
-Bobby Lashley pinned Carlito Caribbean Cool with the spear at 10:13.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch defeated Brian Kendrick & Paul London at 10:54 when Cade pinned Kendrick with a lariat.
-Snitsky pinned Super Crazy with a powerbomb at 7:55.
-Val Venis pinned Daivari at 9:03 with the Money Shot.
-Mickie James & Maria defeated Jillian Hall & Melina when Mickie pinned Melina with the DDT.
-Umaga pinned Santino Marella at 5:26 with the thumb strike to the throat.
-Rey Mysterio & Jeff Hardy defeated Booker T & William Regal at 12:51 when Mysterio pinned Regal with the 619 after Hardy hit the Swanton on Booker.
-World Champion John Cena pinned Randy Orton at 24:35 with the FU.
2008 - WWE Smackdown & ECW ran Pensacola, FL at the Civic Center with the following results:
-Ken Kennedy pinned Shelton Benjamin with the Mic Check.
-WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions John Morrison & Mike Mizanin defeated Jesse & Festus.
-Evan Bourne pinned Mike Knox with the Shooting Star Press.
-WWE U.S. Champion Matt Hardy defeated Umaga and MVP.
-Maria & Cherry defeated Victoria & Natalya.
-The Great Khali defeated R Truth at around the 4-minute mark.
-The Big Show & Finlay defeated ECW Champion Mark Henry & Chavo Guerrero when Show pinned Henry with the chokeslam.
2008 - Mickie Knuckles, who had just debuted as "Moose" on TNA, suffered a broken leg during an IWA Mid-South event in Joliet, Illios. Knuckles would undergo surgery the next day. The surgery and recovery would eventually cost her a planned TNA contract. She would eventually return to the ring under the Kuckles ring name as well as Isabella Smothers, billed as Tracy Smothers' illegitimate daughter.
2009 - Waldo Von Erich passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 75 in Kitchener, Ontario at Grand River Hospital at the age of 75. Von Erich, real name Walter Sieber, was billed as Fritz Von Erich's brother when they teamed but was not actually related to the rest of the Von Erich family. He and Fritz first met while working for Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling. Waldo also worked for the WWWF, where he challenged Bruno Sammartino for the championship. Although Lance Von Erich was later billed as Waldo's son in World Class Championship Wrestling, there was no blood relation there either. Later in the life, he trained a number of talents, including current TNA star Eric Young.
2009 - MyFOX Memphis is reporting that Jerry Lawler is thinking of throwing his crown into the ring to become Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee. As a result of Mayor Willie Herenton retiring from office, a special election is being arranged, and Lawler reportedly started during a radio interview that he wants to be part of the growing list of candidates. According to the MyFox Memphis report, Lawler will make an announcement this week. Lawler ran for Mayor, losing to Herenton, in 1999. Lawler garnered 12% of the votes, finishing behind Herenton and Joe Ford. In the end, Lawler decided not to run a second time.
2009 - Rudy Charles, who had been one of the top referees for TNA and had been with the company from 2002 on, was let go by the company. He would go on to work for WWE as a referee.
2009- WWE broadcast Raw is War, featuring Ted DiBiase Sr. as the Guest Host. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We are live on tape from San Jose, California and your announcers are Jerry ‘It feels like June’ Lawler and Michael ‘Vintage Live Raw’ Cole.
We start off with the introduction of the guest host, Ted DiBiase and he has his Million Dollar Belt. Ted is joined by his son Ted and Ted’s tag team partner, Cody Rhodes. Ted says that we saw two weeks ago that everyone has their price, so when he heard that there would be guest hosts who would run Raw, and his people made the call and he wrote a check to run Raw. Ted gives his vintage laugh. Ted says that he has a forum to present the greatness that stands before him. He says that he has two of the most naturally gifted and talented stars you will ever see. Ted reminds us that he is talking about Cody Rhodes and ‘his son’ Ted DiBiase. Ted says that there will be no title defenses before Night of Champions so he is going to have some fun. Ted announces that at Night of Champions, the tag titles will be defended by Edge and Chris Jericho against Legacy and Ted says that they will win the titles back.
Ted asks Cody how he felt when Mark Henry defeated Randy Orton last week. Cody says that he hated it and Ted says that Mark Henry needs to be taught a lesson. Tonight, Cody Rhodes will face Mark Henry. Ted Junior wants to know what his dad is talking about but he is here to make an impact. Ted apologizes for not telling his son earlier. Ted says that he knows that Ted told off Randy at The Bash, but he made amends. Ted says that he saw something with Ted. He knows that Randy Orton is holding Ted down. He tells his son that Randy knows that Ted is more talented and that Randy Orton is using him. Ted tells his son that he will have a match tonight against Randy Orton. It is a non-title match because it is going to make a statement and open eyes. It will change careers. Ted does not want to face Randy, but his dad tells him that not only will he face Randy, he will beat him. Ted lets out his laugh before leaving the ring.
Edge and Chris Jericho walk to the ring and they have their title belts to confront their opponents at Night of Champions. We have a stare down as we go to commercial.
We see footage from last week’s title rematch and the tension between Primo and Carlito.
Match Number One: Edge and Chris Jericho versus Carlito and Primo
Edge and Carlito start things off and Carlito works on the arm. Edge with a reversal and an arm bar. Carlito with a knee lift and clothesline for a near fall. Carlito punches Edge and then he kicks Edge but he runs into a big boot for a near fall. Edge with a forearm and Jericho tags in. Jericho with a back elbow and then he draws Primo in. Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex and then he kicks Carlito. Edge tags back in but Carlito punches Edge. Edge with a drop toe hold and elbow to the back for a near fall. The referee admonishes Edge and that allows Jericho to work over Carlito.
Edge with a forearm to Carlito and Jericho is back in the match. Jericho with a snap mare and a chin lock with the arm barred. Carlito with the springboard back elbow and both men are down. Edge and Primo tag in and Primo with a back elbow and clothesline. Primo drop kicks Jericho off the apron and then he hits a head scissors on Edge and gets a springboard cross body for a near fall. Primo punches Edge and then he connects with an elbow. Edge drops Primo on the ropes and then he ties Primo in the ropes and punches him. Carlito tries to get Primo out of the ropes but Edge knocks Carlito off the apron. Primo with a rollup for a near fall. Carlito distract the referee and that allows Jericho to hit the Codebreaker followed by a spear from Edge to get the three count.
Winners: Chris Jericho and Edge
After the match, Carlito grabs Primo and sends him into the ring post and then to the floor. Carlito punches his brother on the floor. We have incoming at the announce table as Carlito throws Primo over the announce table. Carlito goes to the back while the referee checks on Primo.
Ted and Cody are in the locker room and Randy slithers in. Randy wants to know what Ted is going to do. Ted says that his dad is stubborn. Randy says that Ted losing to him will not accomplish anything. Ted acts incredulous that Randy thinks that he cannot beat him. Randy tells Ted that if it was his father, he would tell him no. Ted tells Randy that it isn’t his father and his dad was a lot better than Randy’s dad. Ted says that he will beat Randy. We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that a lot more people watched Raw than baseball on ESPN?
It is time to recap the new Raw roster members thanks to the Trump Trade.
We see footage of Mickie James winning last week and staring down Maryse.
Match Number Two: Alicia Fox and Maryse versus Mickie James and Gail Kim
Mickie and Maryse start things off. They lock up and Maryse backs into the ropes and she wants the referee to separate them. They lock up again and Maryse works on the arm. Mickie with a cartwheel as she tries to counter but Maryse pulls Mickie by the hair and then Maryse poses before tagging in Alicia. Mickie with a rollup followed by forearms. Mickie with a neckbreaker to Alicia and then Mickie knocks Maryse off the apron. Mickie with a drop kick for a near fall. Gail tags in and works on the arm. Alicia with an Irish whip but Gail with a clothesline and a rana. Gail with a kick as she goes to the apron. Gail drops Alicia on the ropes. Gail with a cross body for a two count. Alicia sends Gail into the ropes and Alicia chokes her. The referee is distracted by Mickie and Maryse kicks Gail in the head but Alicia can only get a two count. Maryse tags in and she throws Gail to the mat. Maryse with a back breaker to Gail for a near fall. Maryse with an Irish whip but Maryse misses a charge and she appears to have hurt her knee. Maryse knocks Mickie off the apron. Gail with the boot to the head for the three count.
Winners: Gail Kim and Mickie James
We go to Ted’s office and he is getting a manicure. Cody enters and Ted wants to know what he wants to talk about. Cody says that Ted is the original Donald Trump and he should have been in charge all the time. Ted takes some money from Cody but says that it is not enough. Cody says that they should focus on the tag titles instead of Mark Henry. Ted says that Legacy is about family and Ted points out that Cody is Dusty’s son. Cody starts to sing his dad’s music. Ted says that he despises Cody’s father because he is a common man. He calls Dusty a bloated and gyrating fool so it is a travesty that Dusty is in the Hall of Fame and not him. Ted tells Cody to leave now or he will put Cody in polka dots. Cody leaves and then Ted says that he might make Cody wear polka dots any way.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Mark Henry versus Randy Orton from last week.
Match Number Three: Cody Rhodes without any polka dots versus Mark Henry
They lock up and Mark with a body block and forearms. Henry with a kick to the ribs. Henry with an Irish whip but he charges into boots from Cody. Cody tries for a cross body but Mark catches Cody and hits the World Strongest Slam and Cody rolls to the floor. Cody gets counted out as he walks to the back.
Winner: Mark Henry
John Cena is shadow boxing in the back and then he puts his hat on as we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Randy Orton versus Ted DiBiase
Orton with a side head lock take down. DiBiase with a head scissors but Orton escapes the hold. They lock up and Orton backs DiBiase into the ropes and Orton pie faces Ted and asks why. Ted with a punch and arm drag and drop kick as Orton goes to the floor. DiBiase with a baseball slide and we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with a side head lock. While Orton keeps the side head lock applied, we see footage from during the commercial when Orton sent DiBiase into the ring steps. Orton with a kick to DiBiase. Orton does the Garvin Stomp to DiBiase. Orton misses the leaping knee drop and DiBiase with a rollup for a two count. DiBiase with an inside cradle for another two count. Orton with a forearm that knocks DiBiase to the mat. Orton with a kick to DiBiase while Ted hangs on the ropes. Orton sets for the IEDDT and hits it. Orton gets a series of near falls and then Orton punches Ted repeatedly. Orton hits the leaping knee drop that time. Orton with the side head lock. DiBiase with a belly-to-back suplex to escape the hold. DiBiase with an elbow to Orton and then he hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. DiBiase punches Orton but Orton with the back breaker. Orton with the RKO push ups as he waits to pounce but DiBiase with a backslide for a two count. Orton with a kick but DiBiase with a power slam for a near fall. DiBiase sets for Dream Street but Orton with an arm drag and then he hits a vintage RKO out of nowhere for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
Josh Mathews stops Hunter in the back to ask him about his match with John Cena. Hunter says that if you want to see Epic, you only have to see John Cena and Triple H. If you add Randy Orton, all bets are off. He does not care who he has to hurt or get through to get what he wants. That includes John Cena.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Montel Vontavious Porter was at the BET Awards.
It is time for the VIP Lounge with Montel Vontavious Porter and it is Casual Monday in the Lounge. Porter says that he is all about cash money and he talks about the trade spearheaded by his former boss, Donald Trump. Porter brings out his guest, Jack Swagger.
He asks Swagger what it felt like to make his debut as a Raw superstar. He knows that Jack is drooling to get out his answer, but Porter tells Jack that he is not finished with his question. He wants to know how Swagger feels to expose himself as a fraud in his match with Randy Orton getting counted out. Swagger points out that he is a two time All-American. He says that he went to Oklahoma. Swagger says that Porter is a fraud and a con. He points out that Porter has been in prison before. Swagger says that if anyone is MVP of Raw, it is him. Porter asks Swagger if he thinks that he knows him. Porter says that he does not hide his past. Porter says that he got caught up in the game and made some bad decisions. Now he uses his status to tell kids not to go down the same path as him. Porter says that he accepted his sins and paid his debt to society. Porter tells Swagger that he never learned the difference between an excuse and an explanation. Porter says that there is a huge difference between them. Porter tells Swagger that he has never been afraid of a fight. They get face to face and then Swagger backs away. Swagger says that he does not fight people below him and he does not fight criminals. Swagger leaves the ring. Porter says that is obvious that Swagger does not fight at all since he has been on Raw. Porter tells Swagger where he can be found.
The DiBiases are in the office and son tells dad that he was put in an impossible situation. He says that it is all about his dad and trying to steal the spotlight. Son says that it is his time. Ted slaps his dad and leaves.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Big Show versus Kofi Kingston from last week that went to a double count out.
Match Number Five: Kofi Kingston versus Evan Bourne
They lock up and Bourne with a hammer lock into a wrist lock and a side head lock. Bourne stops short of a leap frog and gets a rollup for a near fall. Bourne and Kofi with more near falls. Bourne misses an enzuigiri and Kofi with a single leg crab. Bourne makes it to the ropes. Bourne with a side head lock take down but Kofi with a head scissors. Kofi with a side head lock take down. Bourne with a head scissors and Kofi escapes and gets a near fall. Bourne with a punch and Irish whip but Kofi with a cross body for a near fall. Kofi with a drop kick and then he hits a splash into the corner. Kofi with an Irish whip and Bourne anticipates Kofi with a leap into the corner and blocks it with knees to Kofi. Bourne with the Shooting Star Press for the three count.
Winner: Evan Bourne
After the match, Bourne and Kofi shake hands, but that is stopped when Big Show’s music plays. Show comes to the ring and Kofi stands his ground. Show with a kick and head butt to Kofi. Bourne attacks Show from behind, but he gets swatted away. Bourne with a drop kick to the back and kicks to the leg but Show tosses Bourne aside. Show with a forearm to the back. Show with a spear to Bourne. Show with punches to Kofi. Show with his version of the Camel Clutch to Kingston.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that a lot of homes can get WWE programming?
We see footage of John Cena at a 12 Rounds DVD signing.
Josh Mathews is with Mr. Orange Sash himself. Josh asks Cena about Triple H’s comments. Cena says that Hunter was right that all bets are off. That is because Raw has transformed itself into Wrestlemania. You have two of the greatest for a ticket to the WWE Title. Cena says that Hunter will not walk through him to continue his vendetta against Randy Orton. They will lock horns and there will be one person with a chance to hold that title belt at Night of Champions. Cena says that it has been way to long since he has said ‘The Champ is Here’
Match Number Six: John Cena versus Triple H in the Dave Batista Presents Night of Champions Tournament Challenge
The bell rings and Cena looks for the Wrestlemania sign to point at. They get face to face and then Hunter looks away. Cena looks away. They lock up and Cena with a side head lock take down and Hunter with a head scissors but Cena escapes. They return to the stare down and they have a few words for each other. They back off and lock up one more time. Cena with another side head lock take down and Hunter with another head scissors. Cena escapes again. Hunter with punches but Cena responds. Cena with a flying shoulder tackle but Hunter with a knee when Cena tries for the second one. Cena with an Irish whip and Hunter does the Hunter flip to the floor. Cena goes out after Hunter and he gets Hunter on his shoulders but Hunter gets to his feet and he sends Cena into the ring post. We go to commercial.
We are back and Hunter with a hard Irish whip. Cena with a hip toss and punches. Cena with a fisherman’s suplex for a near fall. Hunter with back breakers to Cena for a near fall. Hunter with a suplex to Cena as he continues to work on the back. Hunter with punches to Cena. Hunter with a knee drop to the head for a near fall. Cena punches back and it is time for the yeah/boo punches. Cena with the flying shoulder tackles and now it is time for the Blue Thunder Bomb. I think you can see what is coming next because it is the five knuckle shuffle. Hunter punches Cena and hits the facebuster and a clothesline. Hunter charges into a boot from Cena but Hunter with a spinebuster and time to pose. Hunter with a kick and he tries for a Pedigree but Cena with a back body drop and both men are down. Hunter with a sleeper to Cena and Cena is able to reverse it and put Hunter in the sleeper. Hunter escapes the hold and both men are down.
Time for some punches to get the crowd to cheer Hunter and boo Cena. Cena with a kick and a leap frog neck breaker. Cena goes to the top turnbuckle for the leg drop but Hunter moves out of the way. Hunter tries for the Pedigree but Cena with a jackknife cover. Cena tries for the Attitude Adjustment but Hunter with a near fall. Cena tries to lock in the STF and he gets it applied but Hunter is by the ropes and gets to them. Cena tries to pull Hunter back into the ring. Hunter with an inside cradle for a near fall. Cena blocks another Pedigree attempt. Cena slingshots Hunter into the ring post and then he gets Hunter up for the Attitude Adjustment and Hunter has the rope. Both man hits a clothesline and they are both down. They both get to their feet at nine. Cena and Hunter exchange punches but DiBiase and Rhodes attack Hunter and Cena.
The referee calls for the bell.
Randy Orton interrupts the announcement by Lillian Garcia and he announces a Double Disqualification and that he won’t face either of them at Night of Champions.
Ted DiBiase comes out and he has something to say. Ted says that neither man lost and since his opinion weighs more than Randy’s. At Night of Champions, Orton will defend the title in a Triple Threat Match against John Cena and Triple H.
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at last week’s show when we saw the return of the physical challenges and the first elimination as well as the first poll.
We are live on tape from Atlanta, Georgia and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Techwood’ Cole and Josh ‘Tough Enough’ Mathews. Your hosts are Ashley ‘not that one’ Valence and Matt ‘Who will be Chopped . . . whoops wrong show with eliminations at 10:00 pm’ Striker.
Matt Striker is in the ring and he welcomes us to NXT. Matt reminds us that there are seven rookies left and then Matt reminds us what is in store for the winner. Matt reminds the WWE Universe that they are important in determining the winner, but so are the pros and they come out. The pros are on the opposite side of the stage this week.
Matt asks Zack Ryder about last week’s poll. Zack says that he doesn’t get it and he asks who voted Titus last. He says that Titus had everything. He had Zack has his pro and the dog bark. Zack says that Titus was robbed.
Matt asks Morrison and John says that it is great that the Universe gets input in the voting. Morrison says that he would have voted off the Miz and Miz mockingly laughs at Morrison for his attempt at humor.
It is time for the rookies to come out to the ring.
Matt says that the rookies know where they stand. Matt asks Husky if he thinks the heat is on him since he is in seventh place. Husky says that Matt should know how dangerous he is and wonders if Matt is seventh. Matt asks Riley about how stunned he was at the rankings. Alex says that he is shocked that he is number four. He thought he was looking for champions. His boss, Vince McMahon gives them the chance to vote on the future and the person in first isn’t tall enough to ride the bumper cars at Six Flags.
Kaval tells Alex that if he thinks it is a fluke, he should listen to the WWE Universe.
Matt tells the rookies that it takes charisma and you need to be able to connect with the WWE Universe. Now it is time for the Talk the Talk Challenge. The winner gets to show their personality next week because they will host their own talk show next week.
Percy Watson is first and his topic is ‘Glasses’. Percy talks about his glasses. He says that you need to have vision to know where you are going in life. You have to know how to get it.
Kaval is next and his topic is ‘chicken’. He says that is something that cannot exist in WWE. He might be the smallest, but he has the biggest heart. He says that he is not chicken.
Eli Cottonwood is next and his topic is ‘mustache’. Eli says that a mustache is a little hair grown over the upper lip. He says that a mustache is for a real man. He says that he has the best mustache of them all.
Michael McGillicutty’s topic is ‘breath’. Michael says that everyone knows about his background. He says that he is the grandson of a legend and the son of a WWE Hall of Famer. By the end of NXT, he will take their breath away.
Husky Harris is next and his topic is ‘doorknob’. Husky says that he used a doorknob to get in here. He says that his father is a former wrestler too. He says that since they voted him seventh, he will not talk to them any more.
Lucky Cannon’s topic is ‘deodorant’. He says that it is to stop smelling and sweating. It has no function without the smell. He needs the WWE and the WWE needs him. Stay with him.
Alex Riley’s topic is ‘pigeon’. Alex says that there are a lot of animals he has come into contact with in his life. Alex says that he is the rooster in this hen house. He is left with six pigeons.
It is time for the fan vote and the winner is Percy Watson.
Cole suggests some names for Percy’s talk show and Josh wonders if he could be somewhere else.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Percy Watson with Montel Vontavious Porter versus Michael McGillicutty with Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Michael with a side head lock but Watson with a jumping side kick and side head lock take down. Michael with a knee and then he hits a drop kick after a leap frog that reminds people of his father. Michael with an elbow in the corner followed by a snap mare for a near fall. Michael with a reverse chin lock but Watson with elbows. Michael with a clothesline to Watson for a near fall. Michael with a back breaker and a near fall. Watson with an elbow and drop kicks. Michael with a sunset flip for the three count.
Winner: Michael McGillicutty
It is time to take a look back at last week’s Keg Carry Challenge.
We go to comments on Titus O’Neil. MVP says that he has an imposing look. Kofi says that he is a brick house and is big. Miz and Layla mention that he barks like a dog. Morrison says that it sounds like a walrus. Morrison then says that his ear point is the best thing you will see from him. Porter calls O’Neil a dump truck. Ryder says that O’Neil needs some work. Miz says that O’Neil is awkward in the ring. Miz comments on Titus’ promos. Cody says that Titus could have a lot of charisma but he should brush his teeth.
We go to Titus’ exit promo from last week.
Match Number Two: The Miz with Alex Riley versus Kaval with Layla and Michelle McCool
Kaval with a kicks to the leg and then they lock up. Kaval with a clean break but Miz with a kick to the head. Miz with a knee to the back followed by elbows to the chest followed by a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Miz chokes Kaval in the ropes. Kaval with punches to Miz but Miz with kicks to stop Kaval’s offense. Miz with punches in the corner and then he chokes Kaval. Miz with the clothesline into the corner and he gets a near fall. Miz with a rear chin lock but Kaval stomps on Miz’s boot. Kaval counters a belly-to-back attempt with a lateral press. Miz throws Kaval out of the ring and Layla and Michelle shield Kaval from Riley as we go to commercial.
We are back and Miz has Kaval in a rear chin lock. We see footage from the commercial break of Miz sending Kaval into the apron. Miz misses a punch and Kaval with a sunset flip into a double stomp and Miz is down holding his chest. Miz with a kick but Kaval with flying elbows and a back kick. Kaval with another kick and then he hits Tidal Crush and gets a near fall. Kaval goes to the turnbuckles but Miz with a punch. Miz tries for a superplex but Kaval blocks it and knocks Miz off. Miz pulls Kaval off the top turnbuckles and he drops Kaval on the top turnbuckle and then hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.
Winner: The Miz
We take a look at Eli Cottonwood. Morrison says that Eli calls attention to himself because of his size. Miz calls Eli scary looking. Michelle and Layla call him tall and scary. Kofi says Eli doesn’t seem ‘all there’ when he talks. Mark Henry says the quietest have the most venom and letting it out will make him better. Morrison says that Eli has some disadvantages. Ryder calls him clumsy. Miz says that he is not intimidated by his size. Henry says that Eli has to realize that he is a big man and he needs to dominate them.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
It is time to get comments about Husky Harris. Cody says that Husky has a lot going for him and a lot against him. Mark Henry says that he is made for the business. He is athletic and he has a bit of a mean streak. MVP says that he has a spark and he is anxious and eager to succeed. Miz says that Husky has an interesting and intriguing look, but he is fat. Cody points out that he is not built like Percy Watson, but he is a Ferrari engine in a tank. Miz says that he has an advantage the way he moves. Kofi says that he is deceivingly athletic and that is a good thing. Michelle says that Husky has the most potential after Kaval. They talk about his heritage but Zack says that he cannot use that to coast through the competition.
Before the match starts, we are told that the Nexus will be on next week’s NXT.
Match Number Three: Husky Harris and Cody Rhodes versus Mark Henry and Lucky Cannon
Lucky and Husky start things off and they lock up with Cannon working on the arm but Husky with a forearm. Cannon with an arm drag and Henry tags in. Cody tags in as well. Rhodes with a dashing forearm but Henry shrugs it off. Henry with a punch and then he press slams Rhodes. Henry stands over Rhodes and he tries for a seated splash but Rhodes moves. Harris tags in and he kicks and punches Henry and gets a near fall. Harris with a front face lock and he tags Rhodes in. Rhodes with punches and he tags Harris back in. Harris with a shoulder in the corner and then he hits a splash in the corner but he is met with a running clothesline from Henry. Rhodes and Cannon tag in and Cannon with elbows to Rhodes. Cannon with a back body drop and he gets a near fall but Harris breaks up the cover. Henry with a body block to Harris. Rhodes with Cross Rhodes to Cannon for the three count.
Winners: Husky Harris and Cody Rhodes
2011 - WWE Raw ran Aucklund, New Zealand. Michael Shale sent the following recap:
The show began with a CM Punk promo where, when he started to ran about Vince McMahon, his mic was cut off. This led to Rey Mysterio coming out. He beat Punk in a great opener.
Kelly Kelly and Beth Phoenix beat The Bellas.
Evan Bourne beat Primo in what was almost a squash.
Jack Swagger beat Zack Ryder.
Dolph Ziggler beat Kofi Kingston to retain the US Title.
Kelly Kelly did the Dance Off segment.
David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty beat Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov to retain the WWE Tag Titles.
The Miz did a promo where he trashed Alex Riley. This led to a great street match between the two, which Riley won.
John Cena beat R-Truth in a good, long match to retain the WWE Title. After the match, CM Punk came out and attacked Cena. More heels followed, then the babyfaces made the save. It was a good brawl at the end of the show and capped off the night very well.
2011 - WWE Smackdown ran Cape Town, South Africa. Jef Ericksen filed the following live report:
I was at the first Cape Town show that ended just over an hour ago and, while it wasn't the strongest, it was entertaining. Here's my rundown of the matches. I'm not going to deep-dive into the play-by-play, as the action was fairly standard, but I guess this was to be expected since a lot of the wrestlers only touched down on South African soil this morning. I was third row ringside, so had a good look on the action.
The show kicked off with the (gorgeous!) announcer welcoming the South African fans and giving the regular do's and dont's for the night. We then got right into it with the first match of the night.
1) Kane & Ezekial Jackson vs. Wade Barrett & Sheamus
Kane and Big Zeke came out to a pretty rapturous reception with Kane cracking a smile and Big Zeke grinning from ear to ear, clearly relishing his babyfacedom. Wade Barrett got some cheap heat by wearing an England rugby jersey (our bitter rivals) and got in the face of some of the supporters, but clearly avoiding any direct face-to-face contact ala CM Punk. Sheamus was out next and looked pretty tired - the pale warrior a lot paler than on the TV. The match itself was a very neat and fast-paced opener with the face team obviously coming out on top to get the crowd into the swing of things. Kane and Jackson picking up the win with Kane pinning Barrett after a big goozle while Jackson had Sheamus in the torture rack.
2) Daniel Bryan vs. Jinder Mahal
Absolutely no reaction for Jinder Mahal at first, although this was because his character hasn't been exposed much on the much-cut international Smackdown broadcast we get that's also 3 or 4 weeks behind the US. He cut a decent promo interchanging between English and his foreign tongue, so got the crowd on his back pretty easily there. A decent enough pop for Bryan. I was expecting more from this being a Bryan Danielson fan, but the action was quite tedious at times with the two not really clicking on the night. The Lebell Lock got a massive reaction, but Mahal powered out and then later picking up the win with the Full Nelson Slam. He really needs a different finisher, because it wasn't very impressive and the crowd was flat for the result.
3) Yoshi Tatsu vs. Mark Henry
This was merely a vehicle to expose Mark Henry's monster character as he no-selled a lot of Tatsu's moves and won with the world's strongest slam. Crowd lost interest during this one, especially after another mediocre heel win. I was hoping the next match would pick things up again - it did.
4) Sin Cara vs. Justin Gabriel
Sin Cara came out with the annoying orange glow and no trampoline. Unfortunately the Cape Town wasn't the sharpest with quite a few of the younger fans confusing him with Rey Mysterio - clearly missed the part of this being a Smackdown live event. The biggest pop of the night BY FAR came for Justin Gabriel from his hometown. It was clear that something was going to happen here, because there was no way Sin Cara would lose to the Cape Town boy and vice versa. The match was pretty back and forth with Sin Cara botching one or two moves. The two did look good together and it would be interesting to see some more. A few minutes into the action the inevitable happened with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase running in. Gabriel got on the mic for another big pop (so weird hearing our accent on an "international superstar") and challenged for a tag team match, which was duly granted.
5) Sin Cara & Justin Gabriel vs. Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
Rhodes and DiBiase were awesome here in their roles; riling up the crowd with ease and getting some fans pretty vocal in their hatred for them. The four worked really well together. After watching them live, I really hope there are big pushes for Rhodes (more) and DiBiase (less) down the road, because they are natural heels with good ring skills. A nice fast-paced match with Justin Gabriel hitting an awesome 450 splash on DiBiase for the win and the HUGE pop. Gabriel did a nice little spot after by getting on the turn-buckle to mouth "thank you" to the fans.
Intermission
6) Natalya vs. Alicia Fox
Both got a nice welcome. I always thought Alicia Fox was pretty, but she's pretty damn hot in the flesh! The match was surprisingly fun, with two Divas being afforded a lot more time than they get on TV. Fox played to the crowd nicely and got some cheap heat, while Natalya was fawned upon, although I'm not too sure how much of this was the crowd's love for her or her Hart connection (her music got a massive reaction). Natalya picked up the win with the sharpshooter and then celebrated in the ring with some kids that were invited into the ring, which was a nice touch.
7) Big Show vs. Alberto Del Rio
Alberto Del Rio came out to the biggest heat of the night and was awesome as he came down to the ring. He cut a great promo and aimed his remarks at certain audience members. I liked his line where he said, "Why are you booing me? Why? What have I done? SHE likes me!!" and pointed at a girl who could compete with the Miz Girl. I also liked how he dropped the microphone just as the announcer was reaching for it, which got a lot of heat. Del Rio continued for a bit but was interrupted by the Big Show who got a great reaction. The match was set and the two had a decent back and forth with Del Rio aiming his offence at Big Show's knee. Mark Henry ran down for the interruption by smashing Show into the ring steps. It wasn't enough to put Show away and he picked up the win with this chokeslam. I was surprised at the result, as I was envisaging some kind of no-result. A nice action-packed little match, albeit a bit short.
8) Randy Orton vs. Christian with Bret "The Hitman" Hart as special enforcer
Bret Hart was announced and came out to an awesome reaction for the WWE Legend, especially from the older supporters. Unfortunately he didn't address the crowd, as I was hoping, but did play to the fans a bit and cracked a smile or two. Christian came out to cheers at first and looked confused as he came out. He cut a decent promo stressing the Championship should be his. It was great how he worked in the fact that some of his luggage was stolen (as reported on PWInsider). The oddest reaction was how he basically called South Africans thieves...and everyone cheered. Odd one that, but moving on. He also said forget Edge (huge pop) and Hart, and know that he's the greatest Canadian world champion of all time. It was time for Orton and he came out to the second biggest cheers of the night. He was smiling pretty broadly and looked like he was enjoying himself. Bret Hart's presence was minute as he sat ringside for most of the match. Orton and Christian put on a very nice match and showed their tremendous chemistry. They looked like they were having a lot of fun and did one bit where both of them were running the ropes on opposite sides, about 7 or 8 times with Christian cartoonishly feigning confusion and Orton smiling. Orton tried the punt, which looked great. Hart finally got involved, as Christian was removing the turn-buckle, and pushed him aside. The match ended shortly afterwards with the RKO out of nowhere. It really is a great looking finisher. Hart got in the ring and lifted Randall's hand. Orton then left and Hart was alone in the ring with Christian skulking outside (you can see where this is going). Christian got in his face with his back turned on Orton, who was still leaving ringside. He slithered back in, Christian turned around to a right from Orton and then Hart knocking him down to the mat for the sharpshooter. A fantastic pop for that and he got a nice send-off from the fans.
All-in-all it was an entertaining 2 hours with enough action packed in to soothe the South African's hunger for the wrestlers, who hadn't seen them in 4 years. I felt that the action was definitely impacted by their fatigue and none of the matches were anything to rave about. I've got a feeling it will be a while before we see them again. I say this because on every tour previously the announcer or main event winner would get on the mic thanking the fans and vowing to return soon, but that didn't happen this time around. I hope I'm wrong.
2012 - Ring of Honor issued the following statement:
ROH-KENNY KING UPDATE
The appearance of ROH wrestler Kenny King on another television wrestling program tonight has raised speculation on his future as well as how this appearance could occur.
The contract Kenny King signed in June 2011 expired 11 days ago. Before that expiration, an agreement was reached between Kenny and ROH management for an extension of that contract, with a provision to allow him to negotiate with any other promotions so that he could evaluate his options and any potential interest in him elsewhere. When that short extension concluded he would then be free to accept an offer elsewhere, or sign another long term contract with ROH. Under this agreement, Kenny was free to negotiate but not to wrestle for another organization without ROH's permission.
When Kenny was presented with the written extension reflecting this verbal and handshake agreement, he informed ROH he was unsure if other promotions would accept the negotiation clause. He was told he could take the document to be examined by his attorney or other interested parties before executing it to be reassured any other offers would not be viewed as contract tampering. He also informed ROH that he would keep us apprised of any developments.
He contacted ROH on Tuesday July 3 to inform us that he had a meeting in Orlando on Thursday, July 5, which was within the scope of the agreement he had made. Then, early morning on July 5, he contacted an ROH official to say he would be wrestling on the Orlando event that night. He was told he did not have permission to appear live on television as it violated the agreement that had been made. His response was that the deal he had shaken hands on and agreed to in principle "seemed fair at the time", but "others" had told him it was not, so he did not intend to honor it.
Ring of Honor is disappointed that Kenny has chosen to make this decision, after the company had agreed to and followed through on everything he had asked for at the time of our negotiation. However, we consider this breach of his verbal agreement unacceptable, and regardless of his future employment status with any other wrestling company, ROH will not be doing business with Kenny King going forward.
A statement from ROH will be forthcoming regarding the future of the ROH World Tag Team Championship. Co-holder Rhett Titus remains on the active ROH roster.
2013 - Ring of Honor aired ROH TV. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Best in the World is over, but the aftermath is not over as we build to Steel Cage Warfare at the end of the month. Until we get there, we have a few title matches to get out of the way. This week, it is the Television Title.
We start off with a look at the aftermath of the main event of Best in the World.
We are in Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino.
Match Number One: Alex Reynolds and John Silver versus Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander
Silver and Alexander start things off and Silver with a slap to the back of the head. Alexander with chops and a snap mare followed by a drop kick to the back of the head. Alexander with a near fall. Coleman tags in and they hit a double suplex and they roll through and they both kick Silver in the head. Coleman with a slam and leg drop for a near fall.
Silver with a jawbreaker and Reynolds tags in and he goes for a pump handle slam but Coleman escapes and he connects with a clothesline and punch. Coleman with a drop kick and he gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Coleman with a short arm clothesline and then he gets kicked in the back by Silver and then Reynolds goes over the top rope and drops Coleman on the top rope and he gets a near fall.
Silver tags in and he stomps on Coleman’s chest and he gets a near fall. Reynolds tags in and Silver with a snap mare and Reynolds with a neck snap and Silver with a drop kick for a near fall. Silver with forearms and then he adds a little flourish and Silver misses an elbow.
Reynolds comes back in and they miss a double team move and Coleman with a double drop kick. Alexander tags in and he hits a flying clothesline to Silver followed by an elbow to Reynolds and another clothesline to Silver. Alexander with an enzuigiri to Reynolds followed by a half nelson front driver on Silver for a near fall.
Reynolds sends Alexander into the turnbuckles while Silver and Reynolds continue to double team Alexander well beyond the five count. We also see Tadarius Thomas and ACH watching from the ramp. Alexander with a clothesline to Reynolds but Silver with a kick to Alexander. Alexander probably gets double teamed while we watch ACH and Thomas watching the match.
Reynolds with a Codebreaker followed by a German suplex from Silver and Silver gets a near fall. Coleman breaks up the cover. Coleman with a kick to Silver and then he throws Reynolds over the top rope. Silver with a kick to the midsection and he goes for a suplex but Coleman runs Silver into the corner and Alexander with a drop kick. Coleman and Alexander hit OverTime for the three count.
Winners: Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander
We get a long distance stare down and we go to commercial.
We are back and Nigel McGuinness is in the ring. Nigel says that Best in the World reminded him why he loves this company. From top to bottom, every wrestler gave their all to make sure that Ring of Honor is synonymous with the name of the pay per view. To him, nothing epitomizes it to him more than the main event.
two guys who came out here and built this company. They overlooked family ties and did not take any short cuts to find out who was the best man. They did the company, their family, the fans, and themselves proud.
When you do that, the question is not how much are you willing to give, it is how much do you have left. Jay reinjured his shoulder and injured his back. Mark suffered a concussion. Mark is not cleared to be a part of Team ROH in Steel Cage Warfare. This leaves him with one question, who does he put in that spot.
Kevin Steen makes his way to the ring and he takes the mic. Steen says that he is not here to complain about what happened at Best in the World. He wants Nigel to put him in Steel Cage Warfare. He tells Nigel to do it.
Nigel tells Kevin that he hears what he is saying and what the people are saying. Kevin was the face of SCUM from day one. He wants to know if Kevin is going to come back to Ring of Honor to restore the honor.
Kevin says that he is looking for payback and he wants to kick their asses. He started it, but he can finish it. He wants to be in this and he tells Nigel to grow a pair and put him in the match.
SCUM comes to ringside and they surround the ring. They go after Steen in the ring. BJ Whitmer, Michael Elgin, and Jay Lethal make their way to the ring and then security comes to the ring and SCUM leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: MsChif versus Veda Scott
MsChif sends Veda to the floor after the handshake. MsChif with a forearm to the back and then she Irish whips Veda into the guardrails. MsChif with another Irish whip into the guardrails. MsChif with knees to the back and she sends Veda back into the ring. MsChif gets a near fall. Veda with elbows and MsChif yells.
Veda with a kick to the knee followed by a drop kick for a near fall. Veda with forearms and she runs MsChif into the corner. Veda with kicks. MsChif misses a clothesline and Veda with a German suplex into the turnbuckles and she hits a cross body against the turnbuckles.
Veda with forearms but MsChif with a German suplex on the floor. The referee makes his count and Veda struggles to get back into the ring but she beats the 20 count. MsChif with a forearm to Veda against the ropes. Veda with elbows and a Saito suplex and bridge for a near fall.
MsChif yells at Veda but Veda yells back. MsChif with a kick to the head and then MsChif hits a sit out vertical choke slam but she can only get a two count. MsChif hits Desecrater and Veda kicks out at two. MsChif sends Veda into the turnbuckles and then she puts Veda in the ropes. MsChif hits Obliteration for the three count.
Winner: MsChif
We go to commercial.
We are back and Silas Young is in the ring and he says that he is embarrassed by the fact that he has to follow some women’s match. Women don’t belong in the ring, they belong at home cooking and cleaning. He says that this is a man’s business. He does not see any real men in the locker room.
He says that Adam Page has that pretty girly hair and it looks like he spends more time getting ready in the morning than his wife. He tells Adam that he will find out what it is like to be in the ring with a real man.
Match Number Three: Silas Young versus Adam Page
They exchange punches and Young with a knee and chop. Page fires back. Young with a side head lock and Page catches Young and catapults him into the turnbuckles. Page with a forearm and he sends him into the turnbuckles. Page with a forearm and Young goes to the floor. Page goes for a baseball slide but he misses. Young sends Page into the guardrails.
Young comes off the apron and Page meets him with a drop kick. Page sends Young into the guardrails a few times. Young with a kick and he misses a shoulder from the ring. They fight on the apron and Young runs Page into the ring post and they fall to the floor. Young with a forearm and Young misses a running boot and he crotches himself on the guardrails.
Page punches Young and Page with a suplex off the guardrails to the floor. Page sends Young back into the ring. Page goes up top and hits a cross body but can only get a two count. Page runs Young into the turnbuckles and he puts Young on the turnbuckles. Page chops Young and they exchange chops on the turnbuckles. Young with a shot to the back of the head. Young avoids a clothesline and he hits a uranage back breaker and gets a near fall.
Young with a punch and Page with a chop. They go back and forth with chops. Young with a boot to the head and Young goes for a full nelson driver but Page rolls through and gets the three count with a victory roll.
Winner: Adam Page
After the match, we have the handshake but Silas Young attacks Adam Page. Officials come to the ring to try to stop Silas.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Eddie Edwards versus Matt Taven (with Truth Martini, Scarlett, and Selezia) for the Ring of Honor TelevisionTitle
They lock up and Taven works on the wrist and Edwards with a reversal. He takes Taven to the mat. Taven with a reversal and Edwards with a reversal of his own. Edwards with the wrist lock. Taven with a knee to the midsection and then he punches Edwards. Edwards with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Edwards chops Taven in the leg and he punches Taven. Taven hangs from the tree of woe on the apron and Edwards with a baseball slide that sends Taven’s head into the ring post.
Edwards chops Taven against the guardrails. Edwards goes to another side of the ring and he chops Taven against the guardrails. Edwards goes to the third side of the ring for another chop.
They return to the ring and Edwards goes for the surfboard and gets Taven up. Edwards with a bridge out of the surfboard for a near fall. Edwards with an Irish whip but Taven sends Edwards to the apron. Taven with a springboard enzuigiri that knocks Edwards off the apron.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Edwards is sent back into the ring and Taven gets a near fall. Taven with a delayed vertical suplex and Taven goes to the apron. Edwards with a drop kick that crotches Taven. Edwards with a superplex set up but Taven sends Edwards face first to the mat. Taven misses a frog splash when Edwards moves out of the way.
Eddie with chops to Taven. Edwards with Kobashi chops but Taven with a kick and he goes over the top rope when Edwards drops down. Truth trips Edwards and Taven goes after Edwards but Edwards moves and Taven goes over the top rope but he skins the cat.
Edwards clotheslines Taven over the top rope to the floor and he hits the flip dive over the ring post and both men are down. Edwards sends Taven back into the ring and he goes up top but misses a double stomp. Edwards with a kick and Shining Wizard for a near fall.
Edwards puts Taven on the turnbuckles and Edwards punches him and he goes for the backpack stunner but Taven gets to his feet and he hits a super kick and enzuigiri followed by a version of Angel’s Wings for a near fall. Taven kicks Edwards to the apron but Edwards gets back into the ring and Edwards goes to the turnbuckles for a Codebreaker but Taven with a round kick.
Taven goes for the head lock driver but Edwards escapes and counters with a modified Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Edwards goes to the turnbuckles and Taven with a boot to the head. Taven goes for a superplex but Edwards fights him off. Edwards with an enzuigiri and he hits a double stomp and he then applies the Achilles Lock when Taven kicks out.
Truth gets on the apron and Edwards releases the hold. Taven is given the title belt but he is unable to use it and Edwards with a Maple Leaf. Edwards almost bumps into Selezia and that delay allows Taven to hit the side head lock driver and he gets the three count.
Winner: Matt Taven
We go to credits.
2013 - OVW held their Saturday Night Special in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian Cannon filed the following live report:
This is the OVW Saturday Night Special Report for Saturday, July 6, 2013. Tonight, Jamin Olivencia defended the OVW Heavyweight Title against Rob Terry, Michael Hayes & Mohamad Ali Vaez defended the OVW Southern Tag Team Titles against Crimson & Jason Wayne, Lei'd Tapa faced off with Epiphany, Dylan Bostic defended the OVW Television Title against Eddie Diamond, plus much more!
Without further ado:
Here we go...
Taeler Hendrix & Nikki St. John vs. [OVW Women's Champion] Trina & Heidi Lovelace.
Taeler & Nikki attack from behind to start the match. They both choke Heidi in the corner with their boots. They double team and hit Heidi while the ref is distracted with Trina. Nikki stomps Heidi and bangs her head against the mat. Taeler tags in and hits Heidi across the back. She locks in a sleeper, but Heidi tries to elbow out. Taeler grabs her by the head and pulls her down to the mat. She goes over and smacks Trina. Trina tries to get in and again Taeler & Nikki double team Heidi while the ref tries to keep Trina in her corner. Nikki hits Heidi and tags Taeler back in. Taeler slaps Heidi, and Heidi gets angry and slaps Taeler back. Taeler locks in a reverse headlock, but Heidi hits a chinbuster. Taeler hits Trina before Heidi can make a tag. Taeler goes to grab Heidi, but Heidi kicks her off and makes the tag to Trina. Trina comes in on fire. As she goes off the ropes, Heidi makes a blind tag. Trina fights with Nikki on the outside as Heidi goes up top and hits a flying body press on Taeler. Instead of going for the pin, she sets up in the corner and spears Taeler. Nikki gets back in and hits Heidi from behind. She charges after Heidi, but Heidi pulls down the top rope and Nikki flies to the outside. Heidi turns around and Taeler grabs her by the neck, but Heidi swats her hand away and grabs Taeler and plants a kiss of death on her. Heidi rolls her up and gets the 3.
WINNERS: TRINA & HEIDI by pinfall.
Elvis Pridemoore vs. Tony Gunn.
Elvis drops Gunn, then misses an elbow drop. Gunn with a fireman's carry. Gunn delivers 2 hip tosses, but Elvis kicks Gunn's wrapped up leg. Gunn chops Elvis and hits a backdrop, but Elvis comes back and kicks Gunn's leg again. Elvis chops Gunn in the corner and dropkicks his bad leg. He backs up and charges, but Gunn moves. Gunn hits a back elbow and faceplants Elvis. Randy Royal runs out and attacks Gunn to cause a disqualification.
WINNER: GUNN by DQ.
Royal grabs a mic and says Gunn took everything from him and the bill collectors are after him, as he continues to kick and stomp Gunn.
Paredyse & Bodyguy (w/4M: "Mister Marvelous" Melvin Maximus) vs. Lambda Lambda Lambda: Stephon J. Baxter III & Albert Einstein Baxter II.
Paredyse & Bodyguy attack from behind to start the match. They go to throw the Baxters into each other, but the Baxters swing around and dropkick them. They go to throw Paredyse & Bodyguy into each other, but Paredyse & Bodyguy shove them off into each other. Bodyguy hits Albert and tags Paredyse. Paredyse rubs Albert's face into the mat and then hits a backdrop. Bodyguy tags back in and hits a backdrop as well. Paredyse tags back in and hits a clubbing blow off the top rope. He clotheslines Albert and tags Bodyguy back in. Bodyguy snapmares Albert as Paredyse yells to finish him. Bodyguy goes for an elbow drop, but misses. Paredyse yells at him to try again. Again, Bodyguy misses. Paredyse tags in and misses a legdrop off the second rope. 4M gets on the apron and grabs Albert. Paredyse charges at him, but Albert wiggles loose and Paredyse knocks 4M off the apron. Bodyguy runs in to hit Albert, but Albert moves, and Bodyguy hits Paredyse. Albert gets the tag to Stephon. Stephon hits Paredyse, gives him an atomic drop, and then hits the big butt off the ropes. Albert runs in and sunset flips Bodyguy as Stephon pins Paredyse for a double 3-count.
WINNERS: BAXTERS by pinfall.
Jay Bradley vs. Aaron Sky.
Aaron fires away on Jay, Jay fires back, but then misses a big boot and gets his leg hung up on the top rope. Aaron hits a dropkick and then a body press for 2. Jay flips him over the top rope, but Aaron lands on the apron. He goes up top, but Jay kicks him with his long leg in the face. He kicks Aaron, delivers a backbreaker, and then hits the Boomstick for 3.
WINNER: BRADLEY by pinfall.
After the match, Jay reminds Jamin Olivencia & Rob Terry that he's #1 contender and will be keeping an eye on their match tonight.
OVW TV TITLE MATCH: Eddie F. Diamond (w/Timmy Danger) vs. "The Justin Bieber of Professional Wrestling & King of Pink" Dylan Bostic (c).
Dylan slaps EFD in the face, and EFD slaps him back. EFD slams Bostic and goes for the Soulja Boy Shuffle. Dylan rolls away to the corner. EFD goes for the flying E-F-D forearm, but misses. Dylan works EFD over and hits a dropkick. He works him over some more, but misses a dropkick. EFD fires away and headbutts Bostic. Danger gets on the apron and yells at EFD to go for the Soulja Boy again. EFD hits an atomic drop on Dylan that sends him flying into Danger, knocking Danger off the apron. As EFD looks out of the ring to check on Danger, Bostic rolls him up from behind for the 3.
WINNER and STILL OVW TV CHAMPION: BOSTIC by pinfall.
6-MAN TORNADO TAG TEAM WAR: The Coalition's Suicide Squad: "Thunderlats" Joe Coleman & Delta Team Bravo: "Rudo" Raul LaMotta & Shiloh Jonze vs. Rudy Switchblade & The Really Really New Rockers: Rockstar Spud & Ryan Howe.
Rudy, Spud, & Howe come out on fire, but the Coalition gets the upperhand and handcuff Howe & Rudy to the ringpost, leaving Spud to fight for himself.
Spud keeps fighting as best he can. Shiloh gets a chair and goes to hit Spud, but accidentally clocks Raul. Coleman and Shiloh try to powerbomb Spud, but he reverses it into a hurricanrana, with Shiloh falling on Coleman.
Spud gets the key from Coleman and tosses it to Rudy & Howe to undo the locks. Rudy & Howe come back on fire. Chair shots are delivered to Coleman & Shiloh. Spud then dives outside on Coleman & Shiloh. Back inside, Howe hits the Chart Topper on Raul, followed by a frog splash from Rudy. Coleman gets back up and pulls the ref out. Meanwhile, Flash Flanagan runs out from the back with a kendo stick. He nails Rudy in the back and Howe in the head. Raul gets the pin.
WINNERS: COALITION by pinfall.
During intermission, one of the super fans of OVW, a young boy we nicknamed "Micro" because he looks like a micro version of Bully Ray, was giving it to Michael Titus. We got a "Micro" chant going for him, causing Terry Boddie to ask Titus "What has two thumbs and is more over than you?" and pointed to Chance "Micro" Karpinski.
Lei'd Tapa vs. Epiphany.
Eddie Diamond comes to the ring and says things have gotten a little out of control, but he still loves him some Epiphany, and then tells Tapa her lips might say no, but her eyes are telling him yes.
Tapa hits and clotheslines Eddie, and Epiphany hits Tapa from behind. She butt bumps Tapa in the corner and checks on Eddie. Tapa hits Epiphany. Epiphany throws Tapa in the corner, hits her and throws her off the ropes. They collide, but neither woman goes down. They both go for hip tosses, but block each other's attempts. Tapa catches Epiphany with a big boot for 2. Tapa chokes Epiphany and slams her head into the mat. Epiphany comes back and powerbombs Tapa! Tapa kicks out at 2. Tapa shoves Epiphany into the ropes and Eddie holds on to her leg. Epiphany turns around and asks what he is doing, calling him "stupid boy", which got a "stupid boy" chant going. Epiphany turns around into Tapa's spinning diamond cutter finisher for 3.
WINNER: TAPA by pinfall.
After the match, Eddie gets in the ring to check on Epiphany and help her up. Epiphany kicks him and powerbombs him! The crowd went crazy and started chanting "one more time", and Epiphany obliged, powerbombing Eddie a second time!
OVW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: "The Welsh Colossus" Rob Terry vs. Jamin Olivencia (c).
Jamin locks Rob up from behind, but Rob slings him off. Jamin tries an armbar, but Rob slings him down again. Rob with a big forearm. Jamin puts Rob in a headlock, but Rob shoves him into the corner. Jamin locks Rob up from behind again, but Rob gets out and locks in an armlock. Jamin kicks at Rob's legs, but Rob flings him down. Rob delivers a giant hip toss across the ring. He hits a jackhammer, but Jamin kicks out. He locks an armlock on Jamin again. Jamin tries to fight out, and Rob just slings him down. Jamin slides under the bottom rope and as Rob goes to grab him, Jamin pulls his head across the top rope. Jamin goes up top for a missile dropkick, but Rob side steps it and Jamin crashes. Pin attempt for 2. Rob locks Jamin's arm up again, and kicks his leg out from underneath him. He hits some shoulder blocks and a big slam. He elbows Jamin in the chest and locks his arm up again. Jamin headbutts Rob in the chest. Rob throws him into the ropes, but Jamin comes off with a high knee. Jamin with a flying forearm and his kamikaze splash in the corner. He goes to the second rope and this time, connects with the missile dropkick. He goes back up top, but Rob rolls out of the way of the jumping reverse splash.
Rob forearms Jamin, hits an inverted atomic drop, and then a clothesline. He splashes Jamin in the corner. Jamin elbows Rob and goes up top, but Rob clubs him in mid-air. Rob hits a powerbomb and Jay Bradley makes his way out. Rob gets distracted and Jay says he's just here to watch. Rob turns into a Standing O for 2. Jamin goes for another Standing O, but Rob backflips him. He rams Jamin into the corner. He goes for another powerbomb, but Jamin reverses it into another Standing O. Rob kicks out at 2 again! Jamin stomps Rob and hits him in the back. He punches Rob and goes off the ropes, but Rob catches him for a powerslam. Jamin kicks out at 2! Jay throws some wrist tape in the ring to distract the ref, and then trips Rob. Jamin yells at Jay, and turns around into another powerbomb from Rob. Again, Jamin kicks out at 2! Rob picks Jamin up for another powerslam, but slings Jamin into referee Chris Sharpe. Rob delivers the powerslam, but Jay has grabbed a chair. He cracks Rob in the back and then throws the chair on top of Jamin. Rob turns around and sees Jamin getting up with the chair. They argue as Jay stands on the apron. Jamin nods to Rob, throws the chair to Jay, and Rob hits the chair into Jay's face, sending him flying off the apron. They go back at it, exchanging blows. Jamin jumps on Rob's back for a sleeper hold, but Rob rams him back into the corner. He charges, but Jamin moves, and Rob hits the corner. Jamin jumps up on the second rope and plants Rob with a Standing O to get the 3 count and the win.
WINNER and STILL OVW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: OLIVENCIA by pinfall.
After the match, Jamin & Rob shake hands.
Before the match, Gilbert Corsey announces the Storey family is in attendance. The wife, son, and daughter of a man killed in the explosion in Iraq, where Michael Hayes was the only survivor. This was the first time the son of the squad leader Storey had ever met Michael, and they traveled all the way from Massachusetts to see the show. The crowd stood up and applauded and a "USA" chant started to lead us into...
OVW SOUTHERN TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Coalition Generals: Crimson & Jason Wayne (w/Ghillie) vs. Mohamad Ali Vaez & Michael Hayes (c).
Ali punches Wayne, goes off the ropes, and hits a hurricanrana. Hayes hits Wayne for good measure and Wayne tags out to Crimson. Ali tags Hayes.
Ali hits a drop toehold on Crimson and Hayes delivers an elbow drop. They hit a double hip toss on Crimson. Wayne tags back in and Hayes fires away. He kicks Wayne and Wayne tags back out to Crimson. Crimson kicks Hayes, punches him, and chokes him in the corner. He shoulders Hayes in the corner, backs up, charges, and runs into a back elbow. Crimson tags to Wayne, and Hayes tags Ali. Ali dropkicks Wayne. Ghillie sneakes in the ring, but Ali sees him and hits him with a jumping neckbreaker. Wayne grabs Ali and throws him shoulder first into the ringpost. Crimson tags in and works over Ali's bad shoulder. Wayne tags in, kicks Ali, and throws him outside. Crimson starts lurking around to Ali, but Hayes comes around and fights with Crimson at ringside. Meanwhile, Wayne grabs a table from underneath the ring and sets it up outside. Wayne rams Ali into the barricade and sets him on the table. He goes up top, but Hayes comes around and pushes Ali off the table. Crimson sneaks around the other side of the ring and hits Hayes from behind. Wayne gets down and grabs Ali and rolls him back in the ring. He works Ali over. Ali tries to leap and tag Hayes, but Wayne catches him and rams him into the corner. Wayne goes for "Bombs Away", but Ali moves and tags Hayes. Hayes hits, headbutts, and backdrops both Crimson & Wayne. Hayes goes to the second rope and hits a flying headbutt on Wayne. Joe Coleman, Shiloh Jonze, & Raul LaMotta run out, but so do Rockstar Spud, Ryan Howe, & Rudy Switchblade. Rudy, Howe, & Spud fight them off to the back. Crimson takes out Hayes' leg and then removes his prosthetic. Wayne stomps Hayes and they go for a spike piledriver. Ali gets up and shoves Wayne off the top rope through the table set up on the outside.
Ali throws Hayes his leg, and Hayes hits Crimson. Ali & Hayes then deliver a spike piledriver to Crimson for the 3.
WINNERS and STILL OVW SOUTHERN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS: HAYES & ALI by pinfall.
After the match, Michael Hayes grabs the Coalition's flag, rips it off the flagpole and drapes it over Crimson & Wayne laying in the ring.
2013 - TNA ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center. Billy Krotchsen filed the following live report:
NA ran the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY tonight. Not a big crowd, despite a lot of radio ads the week of the show. Results:
*Eric Young defeated Jesse Godderz.
*TNA Knockouts champ Mickie James defeated Velvet Sky.
*Christopher Daniels defeated Joseph Park.
*TNA Tag Team champ James Storm (with Gunner) defeated Austin Aries (with Bobby Roode).
*AJ Styles defeated Kazarian.
*Jeff Hardy & Samoa Joe defeated Devon and TNA champ Bully Ray in a NY Street Fight.
2013 - WWE ran Taipei, Taiwan. Crazy Boy filed the following results:
#1 The Great Khali & Yoshi Tatsu def. Epico & Primo (unknown)
#2 Wade Barrett def. Zack Ryder (06:19)
#3 Curtis Axel def. The Miz to retain IC Champ (19:58)
#4 Natalya def. Aksana via submission (06:30)
#5 Chris Jericho def. Antonio Cesaro via submission (15:02)
#6 Sheamus def. Dean Ambrose (DQ) The Shield Interfered the match (09:39)
#7 Sheamus , Daniel Bryan & Kane def. The Shield ; Sheamus pinned Ambrose (22:51)
#8 John Cena def Ryback in Table Match to retain WWE Championship (09:14) ; Cena AA Ryback through a table to get the victory
Most popular:
1. Chris Jericho
2. John Cena
3. Daniel Bryan
Most heated:
1. Dean Ambrose
2. Curtis Axel
3. Antonio Cesaro
2014 - WWE star Santino Marella announced to his hometown in Toronto, Ontario that neck issues would result in him retiring.
2015 - CZW launched their own streaming service, StreamCZW.com
2015 - A fan in the crowd at the Allstate Arena was struck during a Brock Lesnar angle on Raw where Lesnar attacked and destroyed the car Seth Rollins gifted J&J Security last week. During the angle, Lesnar ripped a car door off and tossed it. A piece of the door ended up in the crowd, where it apparently struck a fan. Billy Krotchsen sent word that the head of WWE Security and paramedics attended to the fan, who was then brought backstage before returning to his seat. All signs are the fan was OK.
Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last Monday, Seth Rollins gave the Authority presents while we got to enjoy the ceremony.
We are in Rosemont, Illinois and your announcers are Michael Cole, Byron Saxton, and John Layfield.
Brock Lesnar's music plays and he comes to the stage to bounce before going to the ring with his advocate, Paul Heyman.
Paul reminds us who he is and that he is standing next to his client, The Nightmare of Suplex City . . . BROCK LESNAR. He says that Seth Rollins and his little band of merry men think that his client, Brock Lesnar is still in Tokyo, which goes to show you that you can put a title on anyone and at the end of the day there is some schmuck Justin Bieber wannabe who lucked into the WWE Championship.
Paul tells Seth that you are going to learn the hard way that Brock Lesnar is the Lord . . . by God, hallowed by thy name. He is not a god of love. He is not a god of family. He is not a god of charity. He is not a god of forgiveness. He is the god of violent retribution. That violent retribution will come at the expense of Seth Rollins and any human being that stands with Seth Rollins. This is the sword that shall pierce Seth Rollins’ shield.
Paul wants to show what has happened when his client took the streak from the Undertaker. Brock did not have any respect for the Undertaker, but he did not disrespect Undertaker. He wanted to conquer the streak. When Brock Lesnar took John Cena to Suplex City. John Cena did not have any respect for John Cena, but he did not disrespect him. Brock wanted the title and he took what was rightfully his.
When he showed Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania was a savage beating was, he did not have respect for Roman, but he did not disrespect him.
Paul says that not only does Brock not respect Seth Rollins, he does not like Seth Rollns. You have broken the Eleventh Commandment: Thou shall not intentionally provoke Brock Lesnar. Not only did he do it once when he cashed in at Wrestlemania. Not only did he do it twice when he weaseled out of his rematch. He did it a third time when you all ganged up on the Beast. This is a beast who is salivating for revenge against Seth Rollins.
Paul says that he is here to sell to you that on July 19th in St. Louis, at Battleground, he will get his hands on Seth Rollins and take his championship back. Paul says the title match may take place in St. Louis, but the beatings and the suplexes begin tonight. It will take place in the City Hall of Suplex City, in the Rosemont Horizon.
Paul says that Seth Rollins will be here tonight. Since Seth is going to be here, Brock is not going anywhere. Someone better tell Seth that BROCK LESNAR is here tonight.
Michael Cole mentions that Kane is not here tonight because he is on his vacation.
We see some really poorly Photoshopped photos of Kane.
Now we take a look at the road trip that Jamie and Joey went on since last week.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Miz is at ringside to watch this match since he will be the third man in the match at Battleground.
We see comments from Ryback talking about Big Show and how he can manhandle him if he wants to.
Match Number One: Big Show versus Ryback in a Non Title Match
Miz wants them to tear each other up before they lock up because Miz has a live mic. They lock up and Show sends Ryback to the mat. Ryback with a side head lock but Show sends Ryback into the corner. Ryback with a waist lock but Show sends Ryback into the corner and he punches him. Show with a chop across the chest. Miz wants Show to hit Ryback again and Show does it.
Show swings at Miz and that allows Ryback to fight back with punches. Show sends Ryback into the turnbuckles and he chops Ryback. Show with a knee to the midsection. Show misses a clothesline and Ryback with a Thesz Press and Ryback kicks Show. Show blocks a kick and he chops Ryback.
Show with a running knee to the back. Show puts Ryback in the corner but he misses a splash. Ryback with shoulders and he climbs the turnbuckles to punch Show. Show picks up Ryback and sends him to the mat with an overhead fallaway slam as we go to commercial.
We are back and Show has Ryback in a calf killer while Miz continues to talk. Show releases the hold and goes over towards Miz. Ryback picks up Show but falls under his weight because of the work on Ryback's leg. Show with a running splash into the corner but Ryback with a drop kick to the knees. Ryback and Show exchange punches.
Ryback with a shoulder tackle and Show stays on his feet. Ryback with a flying shoulder tackle and Show goes down. Ryback with the clothesline and he hits a splash for a near fall. Ryback goes up top and misses a frog splash. Show with a choke slam and then Show goes to the turnbuckles. Show with an elbow drop and Miz attacks Show, causing a disqualification.
Winner: Big Show (by disqualification)
After the match, Miz attacks Show and then he goes after Ryback. Show gets up and Miz turns around and sees Show. He turns the other way and Ryback is standing there. Miz begs for mercy. Miz says that this has to take place at Battleground, not here. Ryback kicks Miz and hits Shellshock. Show with a choke slam to Miz and then Ryback with a spear to Show.
We go to commercial.
We are back with more "photos" of Kane's trip to Hawaii.
We see footage of Joey and Jamie outside Wrigley Field. Joey says that their car probably costs more than the Cubs. Jamie says he has some better places to take him.
Match Number Two: Paige versus Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella and Alicia "Bella"Fox)
They lock up and go to the mat. Paige backs Brie into the corner and sends her into the turnbuckles and kicks Brie in the corner. Brie with an elbow. Brie sends Paige to the apron and connects with a forearm and hits a lungblower to send Paige to the floor. Brie rolls Paige into the ring and gets a near fall.
We see Tamina and Naomi watching in the back on the Monitor of Doom.
Brie with an arm bar. Paige with an arm drag but Brie chokes Paige in the ropes. Brie wants to know where your friends are and then Alicia hits Paige from the floor. Brie accidentally kicks Alicia and Paige gets a near fall with a rollup. Paige with a kick and near fall. Paige with knees in the corner followed by short arm clotheslines and a thrust kick.
Paige sets for the PTO but Brie kicks Paige into the ropes. Brie kicks Paige from the turnbuckles but she misses a missile drop kick. Nikki gets on the apron and Paige throws Brie into Nikki. Paige hits Alicia on the apron and Brie with an X Factor for the three count.
Winner: Brie Bella
After the match, Alicia Fox with a Scissors Kick to Paige. Nikki with Shock Treatment to Paige.
We take a look at what happened last week on Raw between Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt.
Match Number Three: Roman Reigns versus Sheamus
They lock up and they go around the ring. They lock up again and Reigns with a side head lock. Reigns with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus with forearms and a side head lock. Reigns with punches and Sheamus with a knee to the midsection. Sheamus with a slam. Sheamus gets a near fall and then he connects with a knee drop. Sheamus goes to the turnbuckles and Roman with an uppercut.
Sheamus with a punch and Reigns blocks a kick and he pulls Sheamus to the mat. Reigns with a slam and he clotheslines Sheamus over the top rope to the floor. Reigns follows Sheamus to the floor and Reigns punches Sheamus and sends him into the ringside barrier. Sheamus with a knee when Reigns comes back into the ring.
Sheamus puts Reigns in the ropes but Reigns with elbows to stop the potential forearms. Reigns punches Sheamus from the apron but Sheamus with punches and forearms. Sheamus knocks Reigns off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus with a reverse chin lock. Sheamus with a punch and Reigns is down again. Reigns with a Samoan Drop to Sheamus and both men are down. Reigns moves and Sheamus goes to the floor. Reigns with two clotheslines followed by a flying clothesline and running clothesline into the corner. Reigns with a kick and he gets Sheamus on his shoulders but Sheamus escapes. Sheamus goes for White Noise but Reigns counters with a sunset flip.
Reigns with a Juggernaut Broad Jump Drop Kick followed by a Samoan drop. Reigns sets for the Superman punch and Sheamus moves and he goes for the uranage back breaker but Reigns with elbows. Sheamus with a back breaker for a near fall. Sheamus sends Roman into the turnbuckles and they exchange punches. Sheamus is sent to the apron and Sheamus with forearms and a knee.
Sheamus goes up top but Reigns with a Superman punch. Reigns . . .
Is interrupted by Bray's screen deal and the lights are out. Bray makes his way to the ring and Roman comes up the ramp and he hits Wyatt with a Superman punch. Reigns pulls off the hat and it is not Bray.
The lights flicker again and Bray appears on the TitanTron. He says Anyone but you Roman . . . anyone.
The lights go back on and Sheamus gets up from the Superman punch and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Sheamus (by countout)
While Sheamus celebrates in the ring, Randy Orton's music plays and he comes to the ring. Sheamus meets Randy on the floor but Randy with punches and kicks. Orton with a European uppercut. Orton keeps Sheamus from going into the crowd but Sheamus sends Orton into the ring post. They get into the ring and Orton with an RKO.
We are back with a look at what happened to Dolph Ziggler as Rusev used a crutch on Ziggler’s throat the same way that Randy Savage used a ring bell on Ricky Steamboat. We are told that Dolph suffered throat damage from that attack.
Seth Rollins comes to the ring with Joey and Jamie and his new axe handle. Joey and Jamie drive into the arena with their new Cadillac.
Seth says Triple H and Stephanie McMahon chose Brock Lesnar to be his opponent at Battlegound because they know what you all need to understand. He is the man. He is the Undisputed Future of WWE. He says he has been proving it over and over again. The most recent time was two weeks ago when he reunited the Authority and they left the beast lying in the center of the ring, like a whimpering dog.
Seth says he conquered the conqueror. He set fire to Suplex City. At Battleground, he is going to burn it to the ground. Brock Lesnar is yesterday's news and that Neanderthal cannot hang with a thinking man's champion.
We have the opening video package air again.
Seth tells the people to chant Suplex City all they want because he is the man. He is the architect. He is the man who destroyed the Shield. He reunited the Authority. In the main event of Wrestlemania, he cashed in his briefcase to beat Brock Lesnar and become the WWE Champion. There is no one else on planet Earth who can beat Brock Lesnar. He is walking into Battleground with this and he is walking out with it.
Earlier tonight. Paul Heyman mentioned the Eleventh Commandment about not provoking the Beast. He tells Brock that he is here and he asks if Brock is the beast that everyone talks about, or are you Paul Heyman's bitch.
Seth says that Brock ain't coming out . . . and then the music plays and Seth, Jamie, and Joey are ready.
Brock comes out and he makes his way towards the ring. Brock backs away and there is something he can take out his aggression on near the entrance. Brock signals to Paul and he brings out a case.
Paul opens the case and there is an axe inside. Brock brings out a second axe and he looks at the car. Brock kicks the door and then he uses the axe and it gets caught in the door. Brock breaks a window or two. Brock works on the body of the car. The rear window is destroyed and Brock decides to improve the aerodynamics of the car by removing the rear door.
Joey comes after Brock and Brock kicks Joey. Jamie hits Brock with the axe handle and Brock with a Kimura to Jamie. Brock sends Joey into the window of the car. Brock with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on the hood of the car.
Brock removes his shirt to make us remember Kane, who is still on vacation. Brock runs into the ring and goes over the top rope. Seth runs into the crowd and Brock follows.
Brock returns to the ring and he holds the title belt.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Darren Young and Titus O’Neil are at the announce table for this match.
The New Day come out and look at the car and compare what Brock did to that and what Brock did to them on Saturday.
Match Number Six: Kalisto and Sin Cara versus Kofi Kingston and Big E (with Xavier Woods)
Cara and Kofi start things off and Kofi with a knee to the back and forearms. Cara flips out of the corner and he tags in Kofi who is sent onto Kofi with a senton and he gets a near fall. Kalisto with a rollup for a near fall. Kofi with a forearm to the back. Big E tags in and he hits a running body block. Big E claps and he misses a clothesline. Kalisto tries for a crucifix but Big E blocks it and Kalisto with a kick and springboard corkscrew cross body. Kalisto with a springboard round kick and then Kofi goes to the apron. Cara kicks Kofi to the floor.
Woods gets on the apron to stop Kalisto and Cara. Kalisto with an assisted drop kick to knock Woods off the apron. Cara and Kalisto with dives onto all three members of the New Day and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kalisto with punches to Kofi but Kofi trips Kalisto and gets a near fall. Big E tags in and he punches Kalisto in the midsection. Big E with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Big E with a back elbow. Big E with an abdominal stretch and he punches Kalisto in the ribs. Kofi tags in and he goes to the turnbuckles and stomps on the back. Kofi with a quarter nelson and chin lock.
Kofi with a knee and slam. Kalisto with a kick to the head and he connects with a forearm. Cara tags in and he hits a springboard head butt and springboard cross body and springboard moonsault for a near fall. Kofi with an Irish whip and Cara goes to the apron and hits an enzuigiri followed by a senton off the turnbuckles. Kofi with a jawbreaker.
Kofi comes off the turnbuckles and Cara with a Northern Lights suplex and Big E breaks up the cover. Big E goes to the floor and Cara sends Kofi over the top rope to the floor. Cara and Kalisto with suicide dives but Big E catches Kalisto and hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex while Cara missed.
They bring Cara back into the ring and they hit the spike Big Ending for the three count.
Winners: Kofi Kingston and Big E
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see the commercial for the WWE 2K16 game.
John Cena comes out and he takes a look at the car and John Layfield remembers what John Cena did to it back in the day.
We take a look at highlights from the NXT Title Match from Beast in the East.
Cena thanks everyone for the serenade to the ring and it sounds like some of you are upset. Is it because Kevin Owens lost the NXT Championship. John says have no fear . . . the champ is here.
You will get a championship match tonight on Raw. He has had a lot of wonderful moments in this building in front of always raucous crowds. He wants to make sure we get another one tonight. You better bring your A Game tonight because this is the Allstate Arena so that means that Chicago is the place to be.
Kevin Owens comes out and every week it is the same thing. The worst part of Raw is when you come out and spew the same garbage over and over again. He says he is so sick of it, but it ends tonight. Your time is officially up because Kevin no longer just wants the United States Title. He needs the United States title so we never have to hear any of this stupid crap again.
Kevin says he was fine with waiting for Battleground, but since he does not have the NXT Title any more, he will take that title right here . . . right now.
Before the referee starts the match, Cesaro comes out and he tells Kevin that nobody wants to see you stand out here and whine about losing the NXT Championship. If you need to do anything is step aside because if anyone needs to challenge for the US Title, it is him, not Kevin.
Last week on Raw, he had Mr. Never Give Up ready to give up and tap out. The only reason he is not the United States Champion is . . . you. You were jealous that he was about to do what Kevin is not able to do. You will not beat John Cena at Battleground for the United States Championship.
Cesaro tells Owens if he does not get out of this ring now, you don’t have a problem with just John Cena, you will have a problem with him.
Match Number Seven: John Cena versus Cesaro for the United States Chapmionship
They lock up and go to a stalemate. They lock up again and Cesaro with a side head lock. Cesaro with a European uppercut and Cena goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cesaro with a side head lock but Cena with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Cena stands over Cesaro for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Cesaro gets up and hits a clothesline. Cesaro with a near fall. Cesaro throws out a "Hey". Cena with a drop kick and he misses a splash into the corner when Cesaro moves. Cesaro chokes Cena in the ropes and the referee warns him.
Cesaro with a delayed vertical suplex and he adds a squat before taking Cena to the mat and he gets a near fall. Cesaro tries for another suplex but Cena counters and he gets Cesaro on his shoulders and sends Cesaro face first into the mat. Cena punches Cesaro but Cesaro punches back. They go back and forth. Cena gets Cesaro on his shoulders but Cesaro counters with a DDT and he gets a near fall. Cena rolls to the floor and Cesaro goes to the apron and he hits a double stomp onto Cena's chest.
Cesaro rolls Cena back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Cesaro works on Cena’s neck and then he applies a cobra clutch.
We go to commercial.
Cena with a shoulder tackle and then he goes for the second flying shoulder tackle but Cesaro catches him and hits a back breaker for a near fall. Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Cesaro gets up and Cena with the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena doesn't go off the ropes and tries for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cesaro moves and he applies the Crossface. Cena gets Cesaro onto his shoulders but Cesaro with a rollup for a near fall.
Cena with a drop toe hold into the STF. Cesaro gets to the ropes. Cena with a back body drop and he grazes the head on the five knuckle shuffle. Cesaro with three rolling dead lift side saltos for a near fall. Cesaro with Irish whips into running European uppercuts and he gets three of them. Cesaro with a double leg take down and Cena counters the Giant Swing into a DDT and he gets a near fall.
Cena goes to the turnbuckles and Cesaro with a drop kick that sends Cena off the turnbuckles and to the floor. Cesaro rolls to the floor and he sets for a running European uppercut and he connects. Cesaro picks up Cena and carries him back into the ring. Cesaro goes up top and hits a cross body but Cena rolls through and picks up Cesaro and sets for the Attitude Adjustment but Cesaro lands on his feet. Cena counters the pop up European uppercut with a rana. Cena with a near fall.
Cena gets Cesaro on his shoulders but Cesaro gets to his feet and he hits a springboard corkscrew European uppercut. Cena goes to the apron and he sets for the Gorilla superplex but Cena blocks it and he gets Cesaro on his shoulders. Cesaro tries for a sunset flip power bomb onto the floor but Cena stays on the apron. Cesaro catches Cena on a cross body and Cesaro with a Fallaway slam into the ringside barrier.
Cesaro goes for the running European uppercut against the ringside barrier but Cena with a back drop into Yeatonville. Cena picks up Cesaro and sends him back into the ring. Cena goes up top but Cesaro with a running European uppercut. Cesaro with a punch to Cena and he goes to the turnbuckles for a superplex. Cena blocks it and Cena with head butts to send Cesaro to the mat. Cena with the Rocker Dropper for a near fall.
Cena gets Cesaro up but Cesaro holds on to the ropes. Cesaro with the pop up European uppercut but he can only get a near fall. Cena picks up Cesaro and hits an Attitude Adjustment but Cesaro kicks out. Cena cannot believe he only got a two count as he tries to get back to his feet.
Cesaro with the Giant Swing on Cena and then he applies the Sharpshooter and he locks it in and he pulls Cena into the center of the ring. Cesaro turns it into a crossface when Cena tries to get closer to the ropes. Cena tries to escape but Cesaro rolls through and holds on to the crossface. Cena gets out of the hold and he applies the STF. Cesaro gets to his feet and he hits a suplex to get out of the hold and he gets a near fall.
Cena with the springboard stunner but he does not hit it right. Cesaro with the Gotch Styles Neutralizer but Cena kicks out. Cena with an elbow and Cena goes to the turnbuckles. Cena is caught by Cesaro and he hits La Mistica and then he applies the crossface. Cena gets to the ropes.
Cesaro kicks Cena in the head and he sets for the Gorilla superplex and he hits it and gets a near fall. Cesaro picks up Cena and goes for a clothesline but Cena ducks and hits a sit out power bomb for a near fall. Both men struggle to get back to their feet and Cena punches Cesaro. Cena picks up Cesaro and climbs the turnbuckles but Cesaro with elbows to the head and he kisses the wrist band and he sets for the Neutralizer on the turnbuckles but Cena blocks it.
Cena with punches to the ribs. Cesaro punches Cena but Cena gets Cesaro on his shoulders and hits a Super Attitude Adjustment for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
After the match, Owens attacks Cena and tries for the Pop Up Powerbomb but Cena escapes it and he hits an Attitude Adjustment on Owens.
2022 - Former ECWWrestling.com Photographer and long-time friend to this website, Jim "Quiggs" Quigley passes away. Dave Scherer penned the following tribute to a wonderful son, friend and father:
The world lost one its truly great people this morning as James Francis “Quigs” Quigley IV passed away after a long, heroic battle with cancer. He was just 48 years old and the world will never be able to fill the void that his loss has created.
I first met Jim in the mid-nineties at a building called Viking Hall. It was the base of a Mummers troop, it featured midnight bingo on Saturday nights….and it was the home of a fledgling wrestling company called ECW. I was part of a group of fans known as The Bleacher Bums. In a lot of ways, we were like the pro wrestling version of an English soccer crowd, singing, chanting and having a party at the shows. Anyone who watched ECW’s weekly TV program could see our antics since we were in the camera shot 90% of the time. Jim started showing up at events and I remember asking the other guys in the group, “Who’s your friend?” The answer was always, “I thought you knew him!” So finally after a few shows, I asked Jim who he knew in the group. He said no one, “You guys are always having a great time and I wanted to be part of that.” And a vital part of the group, and my life, he became.
Thus began a friendship that was a part of my life I can’t properly express in words.
As I got to know Jim, I quickly realized that he was the kind of man you hoped your son would turn out to be. He was the kind of man you hoped your child would meet and marry. He was the kind of man you hoped would be your friend, and in my case become my brother.
Jim had a moral compass that always went in the right direction. Always. He was a man of his word and someone you could always count on, even when you didn’t realize that you needed to. In Jim’s world, everyone else came first. He never, ever said that to anyone either. He just showed us how much we meant to him with his actions.
While he passed way, way too young, Jim lived every moment of his life, and fought cancer with a ferocity and dignity that I only wish I could show if I were in the same position. Dignity and perseverance were two of his defining characteristics. Another was tackling any issue that arose head on and do so with immediacy.
Many of you reading this know Jim from his time as the photographer for ECWWrestling.com. In typical Jim fashion, when we bought a camera to take pictures for the company website, Jim was there. He grabbed it and headed to ringside, giving himself the job of ringside photographer. That was his process, see an issue and then find a solution to it.
For the next few years we went across the country to the Pay-Per-View events and had amazing adventures along the way. We used to say that the PPVs were the least fun that we had on the trips, and those shows were a blast. We were really lucky to be in the right place at the right time to do things most fans of a genre could only dream about doing, and we appreciated and loved every minute of it.
After his run as photographer ended when ECW was purchased by WWE, Jim got to the really important part of his life when he met his wonderful wife Rory and started his amazing family. They were the light of his life. Again, he never talked about being a great husband and father, he just was one. Again, another defining trait of Jim.
Another interest (OK, some may call it an obsession) that Jim and I shared was our love of Bruce Springsteen and attending concerts. I lost count of how many shows we went to together. Suffice it to say, it was a lot. In 2007, Bruce lost Terry Magovern, someone that was as close to him as Jim was to me. On his album "Magic", he put on a bonus track called, "Terry's Song,” which paid tribute to his friend in passing.
Ever since Jim got cancer and began a fight that showed me he was tougher than I will ever be, the song has popped into my head a lot when I thought about my brother. What Bruce wrote about Terry is exactly how I felt about Jim. I think Jim would appreciate the use those lyrics in my remembrance of him.
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone but they could build another if they please
The Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
But sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Rest peacefully my brother. I am happy to know that you are out of pain, even if my heart hurts so badly right now. If there is a heaven, you are already there. Our loss is God's gain.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
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