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July 15th
On this day in history in ....
1942 - Mil Máscaras is born in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.
1942 - Gene Bowman defeats Earl Wampler for the Iowa Heavyweight Title in Des Moines, Iowa.
1946 - Danny Dusek defeats Joe Savoldi to win the Rocky Mountain Heavyweight Title in Denver, Colorado.
1949 - Tom Mahoney defeats Al Massey in a tournament final for the vacant Georgia Southern Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1951 - WWE Hall of Famer, Gov. Jesse Ventura is born in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1954 - Eddie Gossett (Eddie Graham) defeats Frankie Talaber to win the Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio, ending Talaber's 10th and final reign.
1959 - The Mighty Yankee (Ray Villmer) defeats Papa Pasquale for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Mobile, Alabama.
1960 - After 38 years of operation, Boston's American Wrestling Association closes.
1960 - Tony Borne and Danny McShain defeat El Gladiador and Torbellino Blanco in Houston, Texas. to win the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Title.
1960 - Billy Joyce defeats Dennis Mitchell for the British Heavyweight Title in Bradford, England, to begin his third reign.
1963 - Bobo Brazil becomes the first two-time WWWF United States Heavyweight Champion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by defeating Johnny Barend.
1963 - Dick the Bruiser defeats Curtis Iaukea to win the Hawaii NWA United States Heavyweight Title, ending Iaukea's second reign.
1964 - The Boogeyman was born.
1965 - Giant Baba and Toyonobori defeat The Destroyer and Billy Red Lyons for the JWA All-Asia Tag Team Title in Shizuoka, Japan, beginning their second reign.
1966 - Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy defeat Mark Lewin and Dominic DeNucci to win the International Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title in Sydney, Australia.
1967 - In San Francisco, California, a double-title match takes place between WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino and San Francisco NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Ray Stevens. Stevens defeated Sammartino by countout after hitting him with his Bombs Away. Stevens claimed to be the new WWWF Champion because he won the match, but the WWWF did not recognize him, since the rules stated that a WWWF title cannot change hands on by countout.
1967 - Nebraska Heavyweight Champion Bob Orton, Sr. defeats Doug Gilbert in Omaha, Nebraska to become the first AWA Midwest Heavyweight Champion. The title was unified with the Nebraska title, ending its lineage.
1967 - Dick the Bruiser and The Crusher defeat The Devil's Duo (Chris Markoff and Angelo Poffo) for the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Indianapolis, Indiana, ending and beginning both teams' second reign.
1970 - Pantera Negra and Tony Rocco defeat The Great Kojika and John Tolos to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California, beginning their second reign.
1971 - Dan Miller defeats The Missouri Mauler for the NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Title in Greensboro, North Carolina.
1972 - Don and Ron Wright defeat Tommy Gilbert and Sputnik Monroe to win the NWA Tennessee Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to begin their fifth reign.
1972 - Frank Rodriguez defeats Bobby Pics to win the West Virginia Heavyweight Title.
1975 - Cherry is born in Morristown, New Jersey.
1975 - Al Madril defeats John Toloes for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, beginning his second reign.
1976 - Bob Kelly wins his 18th and final NWA Mississippi Heavyweight Title, defeating Sweet Daddy Banks in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Kelly vacated the title when he retired on September 3.
1977 - Ernie Ladd defeats Dusty Rhodes to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tallahassee, Florida, ending Rhodes' fifth reign.
1977 - Tiger Jeet Singh and Umanosuke Ueda defeat Strong Kobayashi and Seiji Sakaguchi for the NJPW Asia Tag Team Title in Sapporo, Japan. Those two teams were the only to hold that title, and it was abandoned on May 21, 1981.
1977 - Johnny Eagles defeats The Blue Yankee to win the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title in Dothan, Alabama.
1978 - Otto Wanz defeats Don Leo Jonathan in Graz, Austria to become the first two-time Catch Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Champion.
1978 - Armand Hussein defeats Invader I for the WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico, ending Invader I's third reign. At the same show, Kendo Kimura defeats Carlos Colón to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title, ending Colón's second reign.
1980 - Animal Hamaguchi and Mighty Inoue defeat Haruka Eigen and Strong Kobayashi to win the International Pro Wrestling World Tag Team Title in Fuji, Japan, beginning their second reign.
1982 - Rocky Johnson defeats Rip Oliver for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title.
1983 - Heath Miller (aka Heath Slater in WWE) is born.
1983 - A 20-man tournament is held in St. Louis, Missouri for the vacant NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title, left vacant by Harley Race after winning the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair on June 10. The results were:
First round:
- Ric Flair defeated Bob Brown.
- George Wells defeated Dewey Robertson.
- Butch Reed defeated Baron Von Raschke.
- Jesse Ventura defeated ???.
- David Von Erich defeated ???.
- Bob Orton, Jr. defeated Manny Fernandez.
- Dick the Bruiser defeated Bobby Duncum.
- Blackjack Lanza defeated ???.
- Hulk Hogan defeated Kortsia Korchenko.
- Jerry Blackwell defeated Buzz Tyler.
Quarterfinals:
- Ric Flair defeated George Wells.
- Butch Reed defeated Jesse Ventura.
- David Von Erich defeated Bob Orton, Jr.
- Blackjack Lanza defeated Dick the Bruiser.
- Jerry Blackwell and Hulk Hogan were both counted out.
Semifinals:
- Ric Flair defeated Butch Reed.
- David Von Erich defeated Blackjack Lanza.
Finals:
- Ric Flair defeated David Von Erich to win the vacant NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title.
1985 - Terry Taylor defeats Phil Hickerson to win the CWA/AWA International Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning his second reign. At the same event, Jerry Lawler wins his second NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title from Rick Link.
1985 - Iceman Parsons defeats Killer Tim Brooks for the World Class Television Title in Fort Worth, Texas, beginning his third reign.
1985 - Bill Ash defeats Scott Armstrong for the Southeast NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama, ending Armstrong's fourth reign and beginning Ash's fifth.
1986 - Ron Bass defeats Kendall Windham to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida.
1989 - The WWF held an event at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Hercules defeated The Brooklyn Brawler.
- Dino Bravo defeated Sam Houston (subbing for The Blue Blazer).
- Mr. Perfect defeated The Red Rooster.
- Tito Santana fought Rick Martel to a draw.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart).
- WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition (Ax and Smash) defeated The Twin Towers (Akeem and The Big Bossman (with Slick)) to retain the title.
- The Ultimate Warrior defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) by countout. Rude retained the title.
1989 - Ivan Koloff defeats Invader I for the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico, ending his fifth reign.
1990 - Astro de Oro defeats Dr. Wagner, Jr. to win the UWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, beginning his second reign.
1991 - Robert Fuller and Jeff Jarrett win their second USWA Tag Team Title, defeating The Barroom Brawlers (Bonecrusher and Crowbar) in Memphis, Tennessee.
1992 - Sakie Hasegawa defeats Mariko Yoshida to win the AJW Singles Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1994 - Eddie Golden and Alex Shane defeat The Tennessee Equalizer and Chic White for the Southern States Wrestling Tag Team Title in Fall Branch, Tennessee, ending the Equalizer and White's second reign.
1995 - AAA held an event at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. The results:
- Mascarita Sagrada, Octagoncito and Mexican National Mini-Estrella Champion Super Muñequito defeated Espectritos I and II and Jerrito Estrada by disqualification.
- Juventud Guerrera defeated Perro Aguayo, Jr.
- Mexican National Tag Team Champion Latin Lover, Rey Misterio, Jr. and IWC World Middleweight Champion Rey Misterio, Sr. defeated Jerry Estrada, Mexican National Trios Champion Fuerza Guerrera and Mexican National Trios and Welterweight Champion Psicosis, when Lover pinned Estrada.
- Los Villanos (III, IV and V) defeated Los Payasos (Amarillo, Azul and Rojo) in a best-of-three falls match, 2-1.
- Octagon, La Parka, Mascara Sagrada and Super Calo defeated Mexican National Middleweight and Trios Champion Blue Panther, Fuerza Guerrera, Máscara Año 2000 and Pentagon, when Sagrada pinned Panther.
- Cien Caras lost a three-way Hair vs. Hair Steel Cage match to Perro Aguayo and Konnan. By being the last man remaining in the cage, Caras lost his hair.
1995 - ECW held its first of six annual "Heat Wave" events, at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Mikey Whipwreck defeated Mike Norman.
- Don E. Allen and Tony Stetson defeated ECW World Tag Team Champions Stevie Richards and Raven by countout. Richards and Raven retained the title.
- Hack Myers defeated Val Puccio.
- Tommy Dreamer and The Pitbulls (#1 and #2) defeated The Dudleys (D-Von and Snot) and ECW World Tag Team Champion Raven, when Pitbull #2 pinned Snot.
- Dean Malenko and 2 Cold Scorpio defeated ECW World Television Champion Eddie Guerrero and Taz, when Malenko pinned Guerrero and Scorpio pinned Taz.
- ECW World Heavyweight Champion The Sandman defeated Axl Rotten to retain the title.
- Luna Vachon defeated ECW World Tag Team Champion Stevie Richards by submission in a Steel Cage match.
- The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustapha Saed) defeated The Public Enemy (Johnny Grunge and Rocco Rock) in a Steel Cage match, when Saed pinned Grunge.
1996 - WCW won this week of the Monday Night War, as Monday Nitro beat WWF Monday Night RAW, 3.4 to 2.6 in the ratings.
WCW Monday Nitro was live from the Disney-MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The results:
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated Fire and Ice (Scott Norton and Ice Train), when Rick pinned Ice Train.
- Dean Malenko defeated Billy Kidman by submission with the Texas Cloverleaf.
- WCW World Tag Team Champions Harlem Heat (Booker T and Stevie Ray (with Sister Sherri)) defeated Rough 'n' Ready (Mike Enos and Dick Slater (with Col. Robert Parker)), when Booker pinned Slater, to retain the title.
- Madusa pinned Malia Hosaka with a German suplex.
- Meng (with Jimmy Hart) pinned Arn Anderson after The Barbarian interfered.
- Eddie Guerrero defeated Chris Benoit by countout.
- WCW World Television Champion Lex Luger fought Big Bubba Rogers (with Jimmy Hart) to a no-contest to retain the title, after Scott Hall and Kevin Nash interfered.
WWF Monday Night RAW was taped June 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin at the Brown County Expo Center. The results were:
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Ahmed Johnson pinned WWF Tag Team Champion Bart Gunn (with Sunny) with the Pearl River Plunge to retain the title.
- Marc Mero (with Sable) defeated T.L. Hopper after a right jab and left punch.
- WWF Champion Shawn Michaels (with Jose Lothario) defeated WWF Tag Team Champion Billy Gunn (with Sunny) after Sweet Chin Music to retain the title.
1996 - Brickhouse Brown and Reggie B. Fine defeat Flex Kavana (The Rock) and Bart Sawyer for the USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Kavana and Sawyer's second reign.
1996 - Tony Rumble wins his third Century Wrestling Alliance New England Heavyweight Title in Revere, Massachusetts, defeating Big Val.
1998 - Shiro Koshinaka and Genichiro Tenryu defeat Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan in Tokyo, Japan for the IWGP Tag Team Title, ending Chono and Tenzan's third reign.
1999 - Derek Domino and Ryan Wing defeat The Bushwhackers (Butch & Luke), Afa, Jr. & L.A. Smooth, and Don Montoya & Flash Wheeler in a four-way match in Wildwood, New Jersey to become the first Independent Superstars of Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions.
2000 - Funaki defeats Charles Poindexter Anderson to win the Texas Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Title in San Antonio, Texas. Also at that event, Rudy Boy Gonzalez and Bonecrusher defeat The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) for the TWA Tag Team Title, beginning Gonzalez and Bonecrusher's second reign.
2000 - Otis Apollo and Barry Horowitz defeat Bobby Clancy and Larry Destiny to win the vacant Border City Wrestling Can-Am Tag Team Title in Windsor, Ontario.
2000 - Tomoko Watanabe defeats Azumi Hyuga in Tokyo, Japan for her second AJW All Pacific Title.
2000 - The Ballard Brothers (Shane and Shannon) defeat Team Hardkore (Hardkore Kidd and Justin Sane) for the UPW Tag Team Title in Huntington Beach, California. This ended Team Hardkore's second reign and began the Ballards' fourth.
2000 - Jimmy Cicero and Dino Divine defeat Joey Matthews and Christian York to win the Atlantic Terror Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title.
2000 - Paul E. Smooth defeats The Suicide Kid for the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title in Charlestown, Indiana, ending Suicide Kid's third reign.
2000 - Michael Kovac defeats Christian Eckstein in Lingenfeld, Germany to become the first German Wrestling Association Heavyweight Champion.
2001 - Ken Sweeney defeats The Masked Maniac for the United States Extreme Wrestling United States Heavyweight Title, ending the Maniac's second reign.
2002 - WWE held a live "RAW" at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which got a 3.8 rating on TNN. The show featured the shocking moment of Vince McMahon introducing former WCW President Eric Bischoff as the new RAW General Manager. The results:
- Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero and William Regal defeated Bubba Ray Dudley, Spike Dudley and WWF European Champion Jeff Hardy in an elimination match. Guerrero pinned Spike with an inside cradle, Bubba Ray was disqualified after he hit Regal with the European Title belt, Hardy pinned Regal after a Swanton Bomb, Hardy pinned Guerero with a roll-up and Benoit made Hardy submuit with the Crippler Crossface.
- Tommy Dreamer pinned Steven Richards in a Singapore Cane match, after he broke a cane over Richards' head.
- WWE Women's Champion Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus to retain the title.
- Booker T defeated The Big Show by disqualification.
- Johnny Stamboli pinned WWE Hardcore Champion Bradshaw to win the title, after hitting him in the head with a kendo stick backstage. This took place while Bradshaw was defending the title against Christopher Nowinski.
- Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) and WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker defeated Ric Flair and WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam, when Undertaker pinned RVD after the Last Ride. After the match, Lesnar turned on Taker and gave him an F5.
On the live edition of Raw, Eric Bischoff, former President of WCW, makes his WWE debut in the on-camera role of "General Manager" of Raw. After being introduced and embracing Vince McMahon, Bischoff talked about his success with WCW, and the long war between Raw and Nitro. He promised to bring the "E" into WWE. The manner in which he appeared was very close to the scenario that Vince Russo had laid out to Vince McMahon when the two men were discussing Russo's return to the company the previous month. McMahon was intrigued by Russo's idea at the time and all signs pointed to him running with it when he brought Russo in. Then, according to sources close to the situation, when the members of the creative team heard Russo's ideas, they reportedly went to Vince McMahon and talked him out of the program. In the interim, Russo (who had just returned to the company) was taken off the WWE creative team and was given a consultant role. Russo then turned that job down to go work for Jeff Jarrett's TNA. The idea obviously stuck with McMahon however, since they used it for Bischoff.
WWE.com later posted a story on Bischoff's arrival. The story stated that Bischoff was not backstage at Raw during the day and that everyone saw him for the first time as he debuted. He didn't get to the building until 8:45, spending a lot of time in a limo in the parking lot. When asked how the deal with WWE came about Bischoff said, "We've been talking unofficially through third parties for almost a year now. We've come close to doing something a couple of times, but for a variety of reasons it's just never worked out. About a month or two ago, we'd gotten a little bit more serious in our conversations, and I got a chance to talk directly to Vince (McMahon). I think we were able to break a lot of ice, just over the phone. Once we did that, it just seemed like it was much easier to move forward and get a deal done for sure. Really, this just came together within the last week or 10 days." Bischoff's WWE on-camera role would last for well over two years, to the surprise of many, before ending on December 5, 2005 when Vince McMahon threw him into a garbage truck.
Tim Whitehead's Raw report:
The 7/15 edition of RAW IS STARTING ALL OVER YET AGAIN, THIS TIME WITH ERIC BISCHOFF AND, BY THE WAY, THE NWO HAS BEEN DISBANDED aired live from the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, NJ. As a show, it was good. The Bischoff swerve is hard to judge at this point. He didn't seem to get much of a reaction from the live crowd during his promo. Bischoff would have been great a year ago leading a real WCW invasion, but that's water under the bridge. Once the WCW invasion flopped, WWE attempted one re-start after another. There was the WCW-ECW invasion re-start, the Ric Flair as co-owner re-start, the NWO poison re-start, the brand extension re-start, the Vince McMahon regains full control re-start, the Ruthless Aggression re-start, the Vince Russo false re-start, and now the Bischoff re-start, combined with another new "general manager" to be announced on Smackdown for a re-start on that show as well. If they come up with a compelling storyline for Bischoff, combined with strong workrate from the wrestlers and consistent booking, this might work. If they treat Bischoff's arrival as they've treated every other opportunity for the past year or so, it won't.
The show opened with Paul Heyman talking to Undertaker. The scheduled main event was UT & Brock Lesnar vs. Ric Flair & Rob Van Dam. Heyman took credit for putting that match together. He told UT that Lesnar was greatly honored to be teaming with him, and was further honored to be facing UT for the Undisputed World Title at SummerSlam. UT wasn't impressed. He said Lesnar had better hope he (UT) loses the title at Vengeance. because he has a habit of taking any "next big things" who come along and making them disappear. Heyman got nervous and changed the subject by trying to shake UT's hand. But UT warned Heyman to never touch him again. Heyman got out of there.
Vince McMahon strutted down to the ring as the NWO theme played over the sound system. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler wondered why Vince was coming out to NWO music. Vince sarcastically thanked the crowd for a warm New Jersey welcome. He said he played the NWO music because the fans deserved to hear it one last time. He announced that the NWO is dead and buried and, just as prior WWE eras are now history, the NWO is no more. A "what" chant began. I was hoping that crap was truly dead and buried. To his credit, Vince stalled out the "whats" by talking faster and not pausing long enough for the "whats" to sneak in. He listed some of the historic WWE eras of the past. These included the Buddy Rogers era, the Bruno Sammartino era (kind of surprised he mentioned Bruno, not that it wasn't accurate to do so), the Pedro Morales era, the Billy Graham era, the Hulk Hogan era, the Ultimate Warrior era (no comment), the Bret Hart era, and the Steve Austin era. I guess Bob Backlund's five year title reign didn't count as an era. Still, it was interesting to hear Vince list so many names who are normally persona-non-grata. Vince said all those eras were great but eventually they ran their course and it was time to move on. He said times change and WWE changes with the times. An "a**hole" chant started and Vince yelled that he deserves respect. He noted that RAW was launched ten years ago at the Manhattan Center and the 500th RAW episode will soon be airing. He said it's time to shake things up at RAW, Smackdown, and the entire WWE. In other words, another re-start. He thus announced that he's hired two new "general managers", one for RAW and one for Smackdown. These GM's will have full responsibility for their show, and he said they have his unqualified support. They'll be firm, but fair, said Vince. The crowd chanted "a**hole" again. Vince said the new GM's will give the fans what they want, as well as what they truly deserve, as if the two are synonymous. Vince promised to reveal the new RAW GM within an hour. JR & Lawler were very concerned and curious.
The cameras cut to the backstage area, where all the wrestlers were together watching Vince's speech on a monitor. They were as worried as JR & Lawler seemed to be.
Terri interviewed Flair. She asked him who the new RAW GM might be. He said running the company is an impossible and thankless job, as he learned during his tenure as owner. Flair added that he can't think of anyone who's up to the task whose last name isn't McMahon. I can't quite put my finger on the reason, but that scared the hell out of me.
Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerrero & William Regal beat Bubba Ray Dudley & Spike Dudley & Jeff Hardy in an elimination match in 14:02. You read that right...a match this early in the show ran that long. During the ring intros, JR announced that Benoit & Guerrero will face The Dudleys in a tables match at Vengeance. Spike and Guerrero started off with some fast spots, culminating in Guerrero pinning Spike in only 0:55 with a quick inside cradle. Bubba brawled with Benoit. Regal tagged in and Bubba did the Dusty routine on him. Bubba hurled Guerrero over the top for a good bump, and then joined with Jeff to do the poetry in motion on Regal. Benoit suplexed Bubba. Regal got the European title belt but Bubba took it from him and hit him with it. Unfortunately for Bubba, the ref saw it and DQ'ed him at 7:50. Jeff then caught the downed Regal with a swanton and pinned him at 8:03. They went to a commercial break with Jeff getting doubled on by Benoit & Guerrero, and this was still going on when the commercials ended. At 11:36 Guerrero tried one of his quick cradles on Jeff, but somehow Jeff blocked it and dropped on him for the pin. Jeff hit a twisting moonsault on Benoit. Guerrero threatened to come back in. This distracted the ref long enough for Regal to sneak in and use the brass knux on Jeff. The ref returned to action in time for Benoit to use the crossface to put Jeff out for the win. A real good opener! Afterward, Benoit & Guerrero set up a table and were going to put Jeff through it but the Dudleys returned for the save.
Jonathan Coachman was camped outside Vince's office. He said rumors were rampant about who the new GM will be, and mentioned Mick Foley as a possibility, and even suggested Vince's brother in Texas. Heyman walked up and Coach suggested that he might be the new GM, given his experience running ECW. Heyman boasted that no one would be more qualified. He went on into Vince's office, leaving Coach to speculate some more. Suddenly, a female crew member ran into the office. She was all excited, and told Vince that his new GM had arrived. Vince was pleased and told her to bring him in. He dismissed Heyman, who quickly exited. The crew member returned with the supposed new GM, but instead of being Vince's pick, it was estranged son Shane. Vince demanded to know what Shane was doing there. He said he found out who the new GM is, and came there to stop Vince from ruining the company. Shane invoked the names of Vince's father and grandfather, though the latter is a bit of a stretch as a prior WWE owner. Vince reminded Shane that the last time he was around, he was trying to run the WWE out of business. Shane responded that that was all in the family, as if that makes any difference when it comes to destroying the company. Shane said the guy Vince has picked as the new GM is nothing but a parasite and that he'll screw Vince, the family, and the company the first chance he gets. Well, he is a general manager, isn't he? Shane eventually finished venting and stormed out.
RVD and Tommy Dreamer talked backstage. Both were glad that Heyman wasn't going to be the new GM. Dreamer praised RVD for nailing Heyman with the Van Terminator. RVD said he'd had it coming for years. After RVD left, Steven Richards came in and sarcastically began praising Dreamer for standing up to Heyman & Lesnar last week to defend ECW. He said Dreamer was full of crap and challenged him to a Singapore cane match. Richards began talking about whipping out his stick. This caught the attention of Goldust, who had just walked in. He acted excited, not knowing the stick in question was the Singapore cane. Anyway, Dreamer accepted the challenge. Richards nailed Dreamer with a cheap cane shot before leaving.
Dreamer beat Richards in the cane match in 4:15. They brawled on the floor with the canes and Dreamer juiced big. In fact, he juiced way more than would normally be seen in a lower card match. In his ECW days, Dreamer was famous for taking some unbelievable beatings involving canes. Richards kept laying in the shots, so much so that, if you didn't know better, you'd have thought Dreamer was a government mule. Dreamer made the big comeback and scored a two with a DDT. Richards hit the Stevenkick and scored a near fall. Dreamer then won after a hard cane shot to Richards' head.
Coach interviewed Booker T. Booker said the NWO is dead, but he still has a feud going with Big Show. To celebrate the NWO's demise, Booker ordered Coach to do a spinaroonie. Booker said Rock isn't the only guy who can humiliate the announcing crew. Coach got down on the floor and did the worst spinaroonie of all time. As in, so bad that even Vince could have done a better one. Booker asked, "Are you sure you're black?" Funny stuff! Booker then began cutting a promo on Big Show when Eric Bischoff walked up. The crowd popped, as might be expected because it was a shocker. Bischoff, who sort of looked like what the Pillsbury Doughboy would look like if he wore black clothes, shook the surprised Booker's hand, and walked off with a corrupt smile on his face. Booker told an equally stunned Coach, "Tell me I did not just see that!"
Hour two began with Vince emerging out on the ramp top. Both JR & Lawler were disturbed by Bischoff's arrival. Vince said it takes a real SOB to succeed in the wrestling business, and from one SOB to another, introduced Bischoff. Bischoff came out and they hugged. In fact, they hugged twice, both having totally insincere smiles on their faces. Bischoff walked down to the ring as "Back in Black" blared from the sound system. He introduced himself and said he used to run WCW. Not the watered down version that invaded WWE last year, but the real thing. This was a typical Bischoff "insider" speech that mixed fact with fantasy and included a lot of insider references which the hardcore internet crowd would understand but the casual fans (i.e., the vast majority) wouldn't. See, he fits in with the current WWE already. Bischoff called himself the only guy to really take the battle straight to McMahon and described himself as the personification of Ruthless Aggression. He said when he ran WCW he raided Vince's roster like a kid in a candy store, mentioning Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Roddy Piper as examples. Actually, not everyone he mentioned was working for the WWE when he signed them, but in Wrestling War legend, Bischoff "stole" Hogan so it's now part of the lore. Bischoff even mentioned picking off Bobby Heenan & Gene Okerlund, just for the hell of it. I don't think Lex Luger got mentioned, which puts him in the same category as Backlund, though without a successful five year title run. Bischoff said he gave the McMahon family wrestling monopoly a stiff kick in the crotch. Actually, Vince didn't have a monopoly until WCW got crotched, but that's another story. Bischoff bragged that he took advantage of Vince, who had taken his eye off of the ball because of his federal court trial. Certainly that trial resulted in a downturn in WWE business which Bischoff later used to his advantage. Bischoff bragged of Nitro beating RAW 84 weeks in a row in the ratings and talked about some of his "innovations". Among these was Bischoff's practice of giving away match results on RAW ahead of time when RAW was taped every other week. That was a huge deal inside the business at the time since it was a violation of traditional wrestling etiquette, but it was a non-issue to most fans, so the mention drew no heat. Bischoff also mentioned raiding Alundra Blayze (Madusa) when she was WWE Women's Champ and having her throw the title belt in the garbage on Nitro. That didn't draw a single PPV buy or ratings point, but I guess it was fun. He bragged that he created the NWO, which was true and he deserves to brag about it since it popped business huge, though it can also be noted that he got the NWO idea from New Japan and the NWO also helped destroy WCW by hanging around too long. He said he came very close to putting WWE out of business. Well, he certainly did have them on the ropes for a couple of years. Bischoff said that he was thus surprised when Vince called him and offered him the GM position. He said only someone with his track record could turn WWE around, calling it a struggling franchise which he plans to turn into a national media powerhouse. I thought the prevailing claim was that WWE is already an international media powerhouse. Running down your own company sounds like something Vince Russo would come up with. I guess maybe he did, since bringing in Bischoff was an idea he recommended during his few days back in the company. Bischoff concluded by saying he plans to sign the one guy he wanted to sign, but never could, when he ran WCW. That guy is Triple H. Bischoff claimed that if he had signed HHH, WCW would still be in business and Vince would be working for him. So the early angle is that Bischoff will try to raid Smackdown, just as he raided WWE years ago. JR & Lawler were at a loss for words. In the locker room, all the wrestlers watching on the monitor looked concerned.
Bischoff approached Undertaker and Bradshaw, who were talking backstage. He told UT that that he's the guy he always wished he could have signed to WCW. Bischoff's gimmick for the night was to suck up to major stars by talking about how much he wanted to sign them when he ran WCW (first HHH, then UT, and later Rock). He ignored Bradshaw, who finally spoke up and introduced himself. Bischoff condescendingly said hello and went back to praising UT. Too bad Kevin Nash is out injured, because they could have done a great angle where Nash pulled Bischoff off to the side and told him that Bradshaw, Lesnar, Benoit, Guerrero, etc. will never draw a dime in this business. Bischoff told UT to just give him a call if he ever needs anything.
JR & Lawler continued to be amazed that Vince hired Bischoff. Lawler recounted how furious Vince was back when Bischoff revealed match results for taped RAWS on live Nitros. JR reported that Vince had left the arena, apparently fully confident that Bischoff could run the show.
Molly Holly beat Trish Stratus to retain the women's title in 3:00. A standard match with both working hard and scoring some near falls. Molly won at the end by using the ropes to score a pin.
Bischoff encountered Flair, with whom he had legit major heat in WCW. Bischoff suggested that they should put their past problems behind them and start anew. He asked Flair if he was surprised when he learned that he (Bischoff) was the new GM. Flair said surprised isn't the word.
Rey Mysterio Jr.'s promo aired.
Booker T beat Big Show by DQ in 3:23. Regarding the other former NWO members, JR said Shawn Michaels wasn't there, Nash will be out six months with his injury, and X-Pac is on an extended leave of absence. As of this writing, that is all that is known. In other words, we'll all soon find out there's more to it than that. Show laid in some of his clubbing blows. Booker did a lot of chops. They bumped out where Booker swung a chair but hit the post. In the ring, Show blocked another chairshot and lariated Booker, who did the spin bump. Show then threw the ref from the ring and hit Booker with two chairshots, earning himself a DQ. Show chokeslammed Booker through the announcers' desk afterward.
Lesnar was lifting a large steel frame backstage as a warm-up exercise. Heyman began praising him, telling him he'll win the IC belt at Vengeance and the World Title at SummerSlam. Lesnar said, "Did you talk to 'Taker?" Heyman acted like he had played UT for a sucker, and said UT will do their work for them tonight by softening up RVD just in time for Vengeance. Lesnar casually tossed the frame aside and said, "That's what I pay you for, Paul." It's pretty interesting how they're slowly having Lesnar show more confidence.
JR & Lawler did a nice tribute to Jimmy Miranda, WWE's arena merchandise manager, who passed away recently. Miranda was one of the most beloved guys on the WWE crew.
Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski for the Hardcore Title ended with Johnny the Bull (former WCW wrestler) winning the belt via the 24/7 rule at the 2:00 mark. Nowinski got on the mic and said he didn't want the match to be for the Hardcore belt, claiming the fans don't want to see a Harvard grad get beat with garbage cans and road signs. He offered to just lay down and let Bradshaw pin him. I guess that proves Bischoff is there, or that Russo was there, when guys start laying down for pins. But in this case it was a set-up, as Nowinski double-crossed Bradshaw and tried to cradle him for a three count. They brawled out through the crowd and to the backstage area. Bradshaw pounded Nowinski with a garbage can. Bradshaw had just slammed the lid of a huge case on Nowinski's head when Johnny came out of nowhere, broke a 2x4 over Bradshaw's head, and scored the pin.
Big Show visited Bischoff and was happy about his arrival. That's because Show got a better push in WCW than he has in WWE. Show was upset about the demise of the NWO and mentioned various problems, such as Nash's injury and Scott Hall's firing. Show said Booker has been a big pain in the ass for him, and complained that he's now lost twice to Booker, once by count-out and once by DQ. He asked Bischoff if he would arrange for him to fight Booker at Vengeance in a no-count-out, no DQ match. Bischoff noted that it's his first night on the job and Mr. McMahon might not like it if he takes it upon himself to sign a PPV match so quickly. However, he said this in a totally insincere manner, and naturally within a few seconds he changed his mind and announced that the match was officially signed. After Show left, Bischoff started watching a video on a monitor. It was of a HHH match against Austin. The Austin part was to get the internet worked up into thinking that he's coming back.
Johnny the Bull came in to thank Bischoff, who evidently was the guy who cleared Johnny to come to the WWE. Bischoff acted like his door was always open to young talent, and told Johnny he should thank himself for winning the Hardcore belt. Bradshaw charged in and hit Johnny with the lariat from hell, scoring the pin to get his belt back. Before leaving, Bradshaw sarcastically introduced himself to Bischoff again.
Heyman was giving Lesnar his usual pre-match pep talk when UT arrived, ready to head out to the ring for their match. UT and Lesnar had a stare down. Lesnar invited UT to lead them out, but UT said, "After you". So Lesnar went out first, but acted a little leery about turning his back on UT.
UT & Lesnar beat Flair & RVD in 10:01. Footage aired from last week where Lesnar gave RVD the lariat and F5 on the ramp top. Flair laid in the chops on UT. RVD hit UT with a tremendous crossbody. UT chokeslammed Flair but RVD broke up the pin. Lesnar gave Flair the shoulderblocks in the corner and laid in the stomps. He gave Flair two backbreakers. UT sneaked in a bunch of cheap shots on Flair. Lesnar started to pin Flair but lifted him up at the two count. Undertaker hit a great flying lariat on Flair, followed by a superplex, with RVD breaking up the pin once again. Lesnar missed a charge and hit the post. Flair suplexed him and went for a pin but Lesnar made the big kickout. RVD finally tagged in. He did his kicks and scored a near fall on UT after the rolling thunder. Lesnar came in without tagging. RVD nearly pinned him after a split-leg moonsault, but UT stopped the count. Lesnar hit the F5 on Flair. Before he could go for a pin, RVD gave him a kick and a five star frog splash. But before RVD could go for the pin, UT gave him the last ride and scored the three count. A very good main event. Afterward, with Heyman cheering him on, Lesnar turned on UT and blindsided him. He gave UT the F5. Lesnar picked up the title belt and looked at it before placing it on the prone UT and walking off.
Backstage, Bischoff phoned Rock. Rock didn't answer, so Bischoff left a message on his answering machine. He praised Rock as the one guy he wants to sign to RAW, once again acting as if he's raiding Smackdown. He promised to show up at Smackdown to meet with Rock. JR was flabbergasted. At press time there's no word on who the new Smackdown GM will be. Candidates range from Stephanie to Dusty Rhodes.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Hasn't Undertaker become an old-fashioned 'tweener (half face-half heel) champ?
What about the Ivan Koloff era?
Or the Stan Stasiak era?
Or the Iron Sheik era?
Is there such a thing as thoughtless aggression?
I wonder where Jackie Gayda was this week?
So what happened to the NWO, in storyline, I mean?
2002 - It was reported that Turner Broadcasting System Inc. has been added to the list of defendants in the racial discrimination lawsuit filed by 12 former WCW wrestlers. As a result, Turner Broadcasting (and AOL Time Warner) will now be liable for any damages that might be awarded in the case. Cary Ichter, who is representing the wrestlers, has been quoted as saying judgments could reach as high as $2 million for each wrestler. AOL Time Warner and their attorney's have no comment on the matter at this time. The lawsuit was filed in 2000 in the U.S. District court, with three wrestlers (now 12) accusing WCW of denying them opportunities because of their ethnic background (all are African-American or Asian) and also paying them less than white wrestlers. The WWE did not assume any of WCW's liabilities as a result of their purchase, so Ichter had pushed to make Turner Broadcasting liable, since TBS had full control of WCW at the time of the alleged discrimination. In the end, the plaintiffs received a big settlement to end the case.
2002 - WWE ran Binghamton, NY. Robert Howard filed the following live report:
Crowd size: I Would have to say that crowd size was about 2,200 people, as the floor was ¾ full and the seats behind the goals (hockey arena) were almost completely empty. When you charge the top price for those tickets, you’re asking for no one to buy behind the goal tickets. I will also say that the crowd was still pretty loud; people who attend Binghamton wrestling events are very into the shows.
Here’s my only complaint. The WWF came here in January for a house show and then six months later they come back for another house show instead of a TV event. It’s no wonder they didn’t sell out. Binghamton fans are not patient and they expect TV tapings because we have seen many TV Tapings in the past.
Match # 1 Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Tajiri --- This was an excellent match to start off with as many people got real excited to see Rey JR. Tajiri got some pretty good heal heat and nobody has better facials then Tajiri. Tajiri was able to put on the Tarantula and the crowd popped for it. Rey hit an over the top rope somersault to the floor. This was a great match. Winner: Rey Mysterio
Match # 2 Nick Dinsmore vs. Albert --- Albert slowly walked to the ring and he got a lot of heal heat. No one knew Nick, well except for me. Albert over powered Nick the whole match. Winner: Albert via the Baldo Bomb
Match # 3 Bra & Panties Match - Torrie Wilson vs. Dawn Marie --- What can you say; it’s T&A! Winner: Torrie Wilson
Match # 4 Mark Henry & Funaki vs. D-Von & Batista --- I guess due to Randy’s injury; they put Funaki into the match instead. A few “Bubba’s better ” & “We want tables” chants. I guess WWF fans will never “get it”, the Dudleys are done. I did notice that Batista is still very green in the ring and that he still needs a lot of work. He’s still very big and intimidating. Winners: Batista & D-Von
Match # 5 Cruiserweight Championship Jamie Noble w/ Nidia vs. Billy Kidman vs. Chavo Guerrero --- This was setup as an elimination style match up with Chavo being eliminating first. This was a very faced paced match with Nidia distracting the ref a couple of times to help Jamie getting the win. Winner: Jamie Knoble
Match # 6 John Cena vs. Chris Jericho --- John Cena is also very green but I believe he has a lot of potential. He has a very good look and he’s not too big or too small. Fans chanted Y2Gay a few times and he got on the mic and harassed the crowd a bunch. Jericho hit a low bow to then get Cena into the Lion Tamer (Walls of Jericho for the marks, LOL) Winner: Chris Jericho
Intermission
Match # 7 Hugh Morrus, Hurricane & Shannon Moore vs. Billy, Chuck & Rico --- Other than Billy and Chuck being in the match, this was a decent match. Shannon Moore started the match and he was showcasing his talents through out the whole time he was in. Moore should be considered one of the better Cruiserweights in the WWF right now. Wait till you see him on TV with Rey JR; I’m sure it will be a great match. The Hurricane was way over and I don’t thing the WWF realizes how much the little kids love this guy, which is great for Shane Helms. Very fun match with Hurricane hitting the chokeslam. Winner: Billy, Chuck & Ricco via Chuck superkick.
Match # 8 Rikishi vs. Test --- Let me start off by saying that Rikishi is a true professional. When he came out he pointed up to the top levels in the building to the people that don’t get much attention. You could tell that this veteran really appreciated the people that came out. Rikishi busted open pretty seriously in this match, I hope he’s ok; he had blood all through out his hair and completely covering his face. Typical match for these two bug guys. Winner: Rikishi
Match # 9 Hardcore Holly & Big Valbowski vs. Christian & Lance Storm --- Christian got some pretty decent heal heat as he bashed America and Binghamton, go figure. The fans were truly behind Val and Holly all though I though Holly is a heal on TV. All well. Val missed a Money Shot. Winner: Christian and Lance via a pinfall.
Match # 10 Edge vs. Kurt Angle --- Edge got a huge pop, pretty loud actually. Angle came down to the “You Suck” chants and then got on the mic and said that maybe he did Suck but then said that we could Kiss his Red, White and Blue Ass. Kinda funny, ok maybe not. Angle hit a few suplexes and then hit a monster one of the top rope. He also nailed a spear on Edge but only got a two count. Winner: Edge after a spear.
Best face reaction:
1) Edge
2) Rey Mysterio JR
3) Rikishi
4) Hurricane
Best heel reaction:
1) Jericho
2) Angle
3) Lance Storm & Christian
4) Test
Notes: A guy jumped the railing at the end to try to get in the ring but the security guards pounced on him and took him away in handcuffs. He will be spending the night in the local lock up. Some people will never learn. Also Albert almost went after this big fat guy in a Tye Dye shirt, after hearing the guy behind the arena swear like crazy in front of 5 year old children, I kinda wished that Albert would have kicked his ass, the guy was a serious jerk.
2005 - Eugene makes his surprise return at a house show in Lexington, Kentucky, six months after suffering a dislocated patella in San Juan, Puerto Rico at New Year's Revolution. Jonathan Coachman had come to the ring and introduced René Duprée, who said there was no one in the locker room that could stand up to his greatness. Eugene came out, gave a Rock Bottom to Coachman and a Stunner to Duprée. The event also featured Shawn Michaels defeating Ric Flair and WWE Champion John Cena retaining his title over Triple H.
2005 - CMLL held "Leyenda de Azul", an event in honor of the legendary Blue Demon, at Arena Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. The results were:
- Espectrito and Fire defeated Bam Bam and Fantasy.
- Amapola and Dark Angel defeated Lady Apache and CMLL World Women's Champion Marcela.
- Atlantis defeated NWA World Light Heavyweight Champion Dr. Wagner, Jr.
Torneo Leyenda de Azul:
First round:
- Rey Bucanero defeated Heavy Metal.
- Dos Caras, Jr. defeated Tarzan Boy.
- Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeated Canek.
- CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion Último Guerrero defeated Bronco.
- Pierroth, Jr. defeated Blue Demon, Jr.
- Héctor Garza defeated Brazo de Plata.
- Black Warrior defeated Máscara Sagrada.
- Lizmark, Jr. defeated Olímpico.
Quarterfinals:
- Dos Caras, Jr. defeated Rey Bucanero.
- CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion Último Guerrero defeated Rayo de Jalisco, Jr.
- Héctor Garza defeated Pierroth, Jr.
- Lizmark, Jr. defeated Black Warrior.
Semifinals:
- CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion Último Guerrero defeated Dos Caras, Jr.
- Lizmark, Jr. defeated Héctor Garza.
Finals:
- Lizmark, Jr. defeated CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion Último Guerrero to win Torneo Leyenda de Azul.
2005 - "Ballpark Brawl IV: fridaynightSMASH" was held at Dunn Tire Park in Buffalo, New York. The results:
- The Backseat Boyz (Trent Acid and Johnny Kashmere) defeated The Outcast Killaz (Diablo Santiago and Oman Tortuga).
- John McChesney defeated Johnny Devine.
- Matt Striker defeated Johnny Devine.
- Chris Sabin defeated Jay Lethal, Mastiff, Shawn Spears, Roderick Strong and Petey Williams in a six-way match.
- Abyss and Slyck Wagner Brown fought to a no-contest.
- CM Punk defeated Homicide.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Kid Kash.
- Ariel defeated April Hunter.
- Christopher Daniels defeated Natural Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles in a best-of-three falls match to win the title.
2005 - Garry Stevens defeats Ric Converse to win the Carolina Wrestling Federation Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Burlington, North Carolina, ending Converse's second reign.
2005 - J.T. Money defeats Shane Matthews to win the NWA Bluegrass Junior Heavyweight Title in Inez, Kentucky.
2005 - The Vegas Connection (Dan Evans and Vincent D. White) defeat Chris Cannon and GBH for the 3 Count Wrestling Tag Team Title in Billingham, England. At the same event, Kid Richie defeats Chris Whitton in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match to win the 3CW Young Lions Title.
2006 - Brock Lesnar is stripped of the IWGP Heavyweight Title by New Japan Pro Wrestling. Lesnar and New Japan management had a disagreement regarding a defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi, scheduled to take place on July 17, resulting in Lesnar quitting the promotion.
2006 - WWE held the 33rd edition of "Saturday Night's Main Event" live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, which got a 2.6 rating on NBC. The results:
- Batista, Bobby Lashley and World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio defeated King Booker, WWE United States Champion Finlay and Mark Henry (with Queen Sharmell and William Regal), when Batista pinned Booker after the Batista Bomb.
- Carlito and Trish Stratus defeated Melina and WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Nitro, when Carlito pinned Nitro after the Backcracker.
- D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H) defeated World Tag Team Champions The Spirit Squad (Johnny, Kenny, Mikey, Mitch and Nicky) in an elimination match. Michaels pinned Mitch after Sweet Chin Music, Triple H pinned Johnny after a spinebuster, Triple H pinned Mikey after the Pedigree, Triple H pinned Nicky after Sweet Chin Music from Michaels, and Triple H pinned Kenny after Sweet Chin Music and the Pedigree.
- Sabu pinned Stevie Richards in an Extreme Rules match, after the Atomic Arabian Facebuster through a table.
- John Cena defeated WWE Champion Edge (with Lita) by disqualification, when Lita hit the referee while Cena had Edge in the STFU. Edge retained the title.
2006 - ROH held "Death Before Dishonor IV" at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Delirious defeated Seth Delay.
- The Embassy (Jimmy Rave and Sal Rinauro (with Prince Nana)) defeated Colt Cabana and Jay Lethal.
- ROH Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness defeated ROH World Tag Team Champion Roderick Strong by countout to retain the title.
- The Briscoes (Jay and Mark) defeated The Irish Airborne (Dave and Jake Crist).
- A.J. Styles defeated Davey Richards.
- ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson defeated Sonjay Dutt by referee stoppage to retain the title.
- Team ROH (ROH World Champion Bryan Danielson, Homicide, Adam Pearce, Samoa Joe, Ace Steel and B.J. Whitmer (with J.J. Dillon)) defeated Team CZW (Claudio Castagnoli, CZW World Heavyweight Champion Chris Hero, CZW World Tag Team Champion Eddie Kingston, Necro Butcher and Nate Webb) in a Cage of Death match.
2006 - Brent Dail defeats Superstar Romeo to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. This ended Romeo's second reign and began Dail's seventh.
2006 - Bad Boy Bradley and Mr. Big defeat Thunder and Lightning in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico for the IWA World Tag Team Title, ending their seventh reign. At the same event, Magnificent Chris wins a 15-man battle royal to win the vacant IWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.
2006 - Robbie Brookside defeats Jonny Storm and champion Hade Vansen in an elimination match to win the FWA British Heavyweight Title in Morecambe, England.
2006 - Octagón defeats Zumbido for the Mexican National Middleweight Title in Torreon, Mexico, beginning his fourth reign.
2006 - Martin Stone defeats Ashe to win the LDN Title in Romford, England, ending Ashe's second reign and beginning Stone's second.
2006 - N8 Mattson defeats Petey Williams for the Border City Wrestling Can-Am Television Title in Windsor, Ontario.
2006 - Steve Douglas and Emil Sitoci defeat Swi$$ Money Holding (Ares and Marc Roudin) in Marburg, Germany to win the German Stampede Wrestling Tag Team Title.
2006 - Mark Orton defeats Kevin Northcutt for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Beaumont, Texas, ending Northcutt's sixth reign.
2006 - Bulla Punk defeats Brooklyn in a Lumberjack match in Combles, France to win the International Catch Wrestling Alliance World Ladies' Title, beginning her second reign.
2007 - James Fawcett, better known as Devil Bhudakhan, is found dead at his home in Munhall, Pennsylvania at age 32. Apparently his wife had left him a few weeks before this, and a distraught Fawcett committed suicide by hanging.
2007 - TNA held its third-annual "Victory Road" pay-per-view at the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida. The results were:
- In a preshow match, Serotonin (Havok and Martyr) defeated Brute Issei and Akira Raijin, when Martyr pinned Raijin.
- Christopher Daniels defeated Sonjay Dutt, Homicide, Kaz, Jay Lethal, Puma, Senshi, Elix Skipper, Shark Boy, and Petey Williams Ultimate X Gauntlet match. Daniels became #1 contender to the TNA X Division Title.
- The Voodoo Kin Mafia (B.G. and Kip James (with Roxxi Laveaux)) defeated Basham and Damaja (with Christy Hemme and Lance Hoyt), when Kip pinned Damaja after B.G. hit him with a steel chair.
- James Storm pinned Rhino after hitting him with a beer bottle.
- The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley (with Kevin Nash)) defeated Bob Backlund and Jerry Lynn, when Sabin pinned Lynn after an Enzuigiri/Superkick combination.
- Gail Kim and Eric Young defeated Ms. Brooks and Robert Roode, when Kim pinned Brooks after Roode hit her with an elbow drop accidentally.
- Christian Cage pinned Chris Harris with a roll-up after Dustin Rhodes hit Harris in the back with a pair of handcuffs.
- Abyss and Sting defeated A.J. Styles and Tomko, when Abyss pinned Tomko after a Black Hole Slam.
- TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle and TNA X Division Champion Samoa Joe defeated TNA World Tag Team Champions Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon), when Joe pinned Ray after Scott Steiner hit Ray with a steel pipe and Kurt hit an Olympic slam. The rules stated that whoever got a pin won that person's title, so Samoa Joe won the TNA World Tag Team Title.
2007 - Crazy Boy and Joe Lider defeat Cuervo and Ozz in Naucalpan, Mexico to win the AAA World Tag Team Title.
2007 - Bison Smith wins his second IWA World Heavyweight Title in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, ending Chicano's third reign.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on SciFi. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's ongoing coverage of ECW on Sci Fi for the brand's "go home show" prior to this Sunday's Great American Bash PPV.
The show opened with a video review of Tony Atlas' heel turn and alliance with ECW champ Mark Henry last week.
Dumb Question: How come the guy challenging for the ECW title on the PPV isn't even in the ECW opening montage?
Mike Adamle welcomed everyone to the show and plugged the Hardy Boyz vs. Miz and John Morrison tag team bout later in the evening.
Tazz, inside the ring, welcomed ECW champ Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas) to the ring. They are calling Henry "The World's Strongest Champion." I really liked that nickname. Tazz said this Sunday, Henry will be defending his championship against Dreamer. Tazz said that Henry and Atlas wanted to come out and answer the question that was on everyone's mind - "Why?" Atlas said that Henry offered him a chance to carry his bags and make some money. Atlas said he's a Hall of Famer and a legend and wouldn't carry just anyone's bags but would be gracious enough to carry Henry's bags. Atlas said they have a demonstration for everyone to prove how strong Henry was.
A ringside attendant gave Atlas a number of props, including a frying pan. Atlas had Henry bang it against the ringpost to prove it was real. He said that he realizes the fans don't believe it's real so he called for someone to come in from the crowd and they picked someone wearing an orange Bobcats shirt. He had the fan check out the pan to make sure it was real then asked him to try and bend it. The fan couldn't do it and Atlas sent him back to the front row. Henry then took the pan and bent. Atlas said the only person who could do that is Henry.
Tommy Dreamer's music hit. You know he isn't bending it! Dreamer got into the ring and Tazz tried to calm everyone down. Dreamer said he wasn't here to fight, because he was going to save it for Sunday and win the ECW title. Dreamer said what Henry did was impressive, but he's been working out and wants to see if he can give it a shot. Henry shoved a frying pan into Dreamer's chest. Dreamer tried but was unable to do it. He stood there, then cracked Henry in the head with it, then rolled out of the ring. Dreamer walked up the aisle and made his signature pose, then said the ECW title was going to be his.
WWE showed a quick replay of the angle that opened the show.
Teddy Long informed Dreamer he was to leave the building. Dreamer was upset and asked what he did that was so bad.
Mike Knox vs. Shannon Moore
Knox backed Moore into the corner and nearly shoved him out of the ring. Moore went for a go-behind but was again backed up into the corner. Moore fired up with several rights but was cut off. Knox controlled Moore and nailed him with his finisher. Just a squash.
They showed a Raw Rebound.
Chavo Guerrero vs. Evan Bourne
They aired another Bourne promo as he came to the ring, saying tonight he was going to prove he was on the same level as a former ECW champion and he was going to defy the odds, like he defies gravity. Chavo grabbed Bourne in a side headlock but Bourne maneuvered out with a hiptoss and several dropkicks. Bourne went for a quick pin, then applied a wristlock. Bourne missed a running clothesline and was backdropped over the ropes. He landed on the apron and went to the top but was shoved off. Guerrero tossed him back in the ring and took control, locking on a variation of the Camel Clutch. Bourne came back with a standing moonsault press for a two count. Chavo missed a dive but Bourne got his knees up. Bourne hit a shooting star press off the top and scored the pin. Fun little match and nice to see Bourne getting the win.
Colin Delaney was talking to Tiffany. Mark Henry and Tony Atlas told her to get lost. Henry told Delaney he knows he had nothing to do with what happened out there and was OK with him. Henry walked away, then attacked Delaney and put him in a bear hug, squeezing the life out of him, then left him laying.
They showed clips of Batista laying out CM Punk last night, then ran down the lineup for the Bash PPV.
WWE Tag Team champs Miz and John Morrison vs. WWE United States champ Matt Hardy & Jeff Hardy
They started the match while off the air on commercial. When they came back, Miz and Matt were going back and forth with counter wrestling. Hardy ended up in control with a side headlock but Miz backed him into the corner. Miz ate a right hand. Jeff tagged in and double-teamed Miz in their corner. Morrison tagged in but Jeff kicked him and hit the Cruncher legdrop. The Hardys grabbed Morrison and flung him upside down onto his back.
Matt tagged back and worked over Morrison on the mat. Miz interfered to help Morrison gain control. They cut the ring in half and took turns working over Matt. Morrison went for a piledriver but Hardy countered with a sidewinder. Jeff tagged in and took control on Miz. They went to commercial.
When they returned, Morrison was working over Jeff with a rear chinlock. Jeff fought back to his feet and hit a spinning kick to escape. Jeff went for a tag but Miz grabbed him and dragged him back. Miz worked over Jeff and whipped him in the corner. Jeff tried again to make a tag but Miz knocked Hardy off the apron. They tried Jeff to the tree of woe and choked him.
Hardy finally came back with a twisting moonsault off the corner to take Miz out. Cue the hot tag. Hardy cleaned house and got a two count on Morrison, then hit a running clothesline in the corner for another two count. Morrison went to the ropes but Hardy nailed him. He nailed Miz with the Side Effect. Jeff nailed a swanton on Morrison and Matt scored the pin.
Some fun action here. Just a good athletic back and forth match.
2009 - TNA signed Bobby Lashley.
2009 - TNA signed Ayako Hamada.
2010 - After ABC's Downfall was canceled without a planned sixth episode airing of the game show, Chris Jericho, who hosted the series, wrote on his Twitter,"FYI-Downfall wasn't pulled or canceled. Due to a faster paced edited show, we simply ran out of contestants after the fifth show and didn't have enough material for a sixth show. We re gonna film more episodes in the fall. Sorry haters.."
The series never returned.
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the TNA Impact Report here on PWInsider.com!
Tonight's show opens with a video package recapping the events of Victory Road, and then we go to Orlando, where we are (not) live in the Impact Zone! First things first, the new Top 10 Contender's list is announced, and if you want the complete list you can go to TNA's website, but the top three contenders, in descending order, are Abyss, Jeff Hardy, and Ken Anderson. Speaking of the new #1 contender, he opens the show by coming out to the ring with the nail bat and...a giant slab of beef. He tells RVD that "they" have a plan for him, and it involves him and his girl (the nail bat), and it's beyond extreme and beyond anything he's done in this business, EVER. A little later, he's going to share the plan with RVD, but first, he's awaiting some final instructions from "them", but for now, he wants to introduce us to his girl "Janice", who he finds tall and beautiful, sophisticated, sexy, and sharp. But there's also a dark side to Janice that likes pain and suffering and...well, we don't get the rest, because Abyss repeatedly hits the beef with Janice until she breaks, and then he chews a big bite of the beef from the slab, and I'm not making that up. Oh, and did he mention that she's also one hell of a cook? But don't worry, RVD, because before it's all over and done with, he's going to find out what a bitch his girl is. He chews more meat off the slab as we cut to a shot of some fat broad in the audience looking either grossed out or really hungry.
Wait a minute, there's something going on backstage...and it's Sarita and Taylor Wilde brawling in the back. Sarita tells Taylor that she's finally rid of the dead weight as she repeatedly rams her into the wall, but Taylor fights back and now Sarita goes to a wall, then a big crate, but then Sarita comes back and says that everyone has always known that she's better than Taylor. Taylor swings a pipe at Sarita and misses, and Sarita knocks her down and puts her in a nasty armbar...and we go to commercial!
Okay, we're back and Taylor and Sarita have made their way out from the back and into the crowd. Taylor launches Sarita out to ringside, grabs a chair, and pastes Sarita with it. You know, Sarita's right, she's light years better than Taylor. Sarita grabs a water bottle and tosses the contents at Taylor, which somehow blinds her long enough for Sarita to crawl under the ring, sneak around behind Taylor, and suckerpunch her from behind. Okay, I guess the match has officially started since a ref's there, so...
Streetfight: Sarita vs Taylor Wilde
Sarita rams Taylor into the steps and then pulls back the mats at ringside, she picks Taylor up and they just start brawling it out, with Sarita again getting the advantage. She tries to slam Taylor, but Taylor blocks and gives Sarita a facebuster on the floor. Ouch. Taylor with a series of kicks to Sarita and then rams her into the ring apron. Sarita tries to escape into the ring, but Taylor keeps pulling her back to the floor. Sarita finally gets away long enough to try a running dive off the apron, but Taylor grabbed a chair and tossed it right in Sarita's face, then rams Sarita to the ringpost, and then to the guardrail. Taylor with a running dropkick that sends Sarita over the guardrail into the crowd, but Sarita steals somebody's pocketbook and uses it to choke Taylor unconscious, and the ref calls for the bell.
Winner: Sarita
Backstage, Rob Van Dam says Abyss has a hell of a weapon, but RVD isn't intimidated easily, so Abyss had better try his threats somewhere else. He'll also see if Abyss is ready to use that thing tonight.
Backstage, Miss Tessmacher is shouting at someone on her cell phone, saying that when she's in charge, they'll be the first to go. Kevin Nash comes strolling in because he has an appointment with Eric Bischoff, but he's conveniently absent. Hmmmmm. Miss Tessmacher asks if there's something she can help him with, Nash says no and starts to walk away, but then comes back and says there is something she can do for him after all, and tells her that he'll see her at 10pm tonight. She doesn't know him very well just now, but he promises to be her last meeting of the night.
Back to the ring...
I Quit Match: X Division Champion Douglas Williams vs Brian Kendrick
Kendrick goes nuts, furiously attacking Williams and quickly trying for the choke, but Williams reverses a whip into the corner, ties Kendrick's leg in the ropes, gives his leg a stiff kick, then rips his head off with a short clothesline. Williams with a rear chinlock, but Kendrick won't quit. Kendrick escapes and gets Williams in the corner where he attacks him again, but Williams with a takedown and a crossface, but again Kendrick won't quit. Kendrick escapes a slam and goes for a sleeper, but Williams rams him into the corner. Williams misses a charge and Kendrick chokes him in the corner with his boot, but Williams won't quit. Williams escapes and gets a double leg takedown into a slingshot, then turns that into a Boston Crab, but Kendrick makes the ropes. Williams rams Kendrick to the corner and follows in with a running knee, then a vertical suplex/gutwrench suplex/exploder suplex combo, pausing between each suplex to give Kendrick a chance to quit and then suplexing him when he doesn't. Nice touch. Williams takes out his Michael Jackson glove and gets a nice European Uppercut, but Kendrick starts firing back and gets an enziguiri. Now Kendrick with a series of dropkicks, Williams goes for the Chaos Theory but Kendrick escapes and Kendrick gets the Cobra Clutch and Williams quits.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
Kendrick celebrates his win, and...oh, wait a minute, here comes Kevin Nash. Kendrick puts the mouth on Nash, and I have a feeling I know what's next. Yep, Nash lays him out, then casually takes the mic and turns his back to Kendrick to address the crowd. He's tired of Hogan and Bischoff dodging him and not getting any TV time. He'll tell us something: when Kevin Nash dies, he'll never be replaced because there's only one like him: 7 feet tall and built like a god...as Miss Tessmacher is about to find out. He's a living legend, and when he starts taking his frustrations out on all the young boys, everyone will pay attention. He goes to Jackknife Kendrick, but now Jeff Jarrett comes out and tells Nash to relax because they don't need this. Sting's already suspended, and he asks Nash if he wants to be next. Nash asks what this is about, and Jarrett says it's because Nash has a personal issue with Hogan and Bischoff...just like Sting did. Jarrett says to look around and see who Hogan and Bischoff are getting behind, like Jay Lethal. Nash says he doesn't care about Lethal and he's just out here to get Hulk and Bischoff's attention. Jarrett says it's business as usual, just like it's always been: Kevin wants everyone's attention, and he calls Nash a glory hound and an egotistical son of a bitch. Big OOOOOOOH from the crowd for that one. Nash says that there's a lot of people who say he's the greatest worker in the business because he always gets his way and always gets the money, but he looks into Jarrett's eyes and he's not sure they fool him, and he's not sure why Jarrett would be taking up for Hogan and Bischoff, but if he wants trouble with Nash, he's got it. As far as who the best worker is and who gets his way, just keep watching and we'll find out.
Backstage, the Mystery Interviewer asks Nash about Jeff Jarrett, and he says he's one of the smartest guys around, and sometime around 10 tonight we'll get all the answers we need.
Back to the ring...
Global Champion Rob Terry vs Desmond Wolfe vs Samoa Joe
Taz says he doesn't like Wolfe's chances because he has a big target on him. I don't like his chances because HE'S BEEN JOBBING TO EVERY STIFF IN THE COMPANY FOR SEVEN MONTHS. As Terry and Joe take turns beating Wolfe up, Brutus Magnus comes out to join the broadcast booth. Joe with a nice enziguiri that sends Wolfe to the floor, leaving him alone with Terry. They go toe to toe and Terry takes Joe down with a shoulderblock, but Joe reverses to a rolling heel hook. Wolfe comes in and breaks it up, but Joe lays into him with chops. Wolfe yanks Joe down to the mat by the arm and kicks him to the floor, then goes after Terry, tying his leg in the ropes and kicking away at it. Joe tries to get back in the ring but Wolfe kicks him back to the floor, then turns his attention back to Terry's knee. Wolfe with the running European Uppercut in the corner and then he...stops to yell at Chelsea. Joe rushes back in and goes after Wolfe, but Wolfe dumps him back to the floor and then goes after Terry's knee again. Great thinking: play like he's got a bad knee to cover for the fact that he's an immobile slug. Wolfe goes for a spinning toehold, but Terry kicks him off into Joe and knocks him back to the floor. Terry picks Wolfe up and tosses him across the ring, then hits a pair of clotheslines and a spinkick that misses by a mile, but Joe comes off the second rope with a boot to Terry, and then locks in the Kokina Clutch on Wolfe for the tapout win.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Terry climbs back in the ring after the match and goes nose to nose with Joe, as they exchange a look of respect. We go to commercial and...hey, we're almost at the 10 o'clock hour! I wonder what's going to happen?
Ric Flair is backstage, and if you're watching TNA Impact tonight, he's going to make an announcement later on that will have huge implications that will change TNA forever, and he'll do that because he's Ric Flair and he can. Oh good, TNA will change forever! That's only the five zillionth damn time I've heard that THIS YEAR.
Back to the ring for the first match in the...
Best Of Five Series, Match One - Ladder Match: World Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns vs Beer Money
Beer Money jump the Guns before the bell, and incidentally the object at the top of the ladder is a contract to determine the stipulation in match #2. Beer Money go for a double suplex on Shelley, but Sabin catches him coming down and they hit a double dropkick to send Beer Money to the floor, then follow them out with a double dive. Sabin grabs a ladder from ringside as Shelley blocks Beer Money from getting the ring and he starts to climb, but Storm yanks him off the ladder. Storm sets the ladder up in the corner, but gets nailed and the MCMG get a double wishbone and double dropkick on Roode, then whip him into the ladder and follow in with a running forearm/leaping elbow combo, but on the third try Roode moves and Shelley hits the ladder, and Beer Money double team Sabin, picking him up and ramming him spread eagle into the ladder, and that looked REALLY nasty. Storm climbs the ladder but Shelley catches him and pulls him off, but then Roode dropkicks the ladder into Shelley's face. Now Roode climbs the ladder, but Shelley pulls him off, then takes a ladder in the ribs from Storm. Roode puts the ladder on top of Shelley, then Storm brings in a second ladder and Beer Money uses it to repeatedly hammer the first ladder into Shelley. Ye gads. Beer Money go for a double team move but Sabin dropkicks the ladder into both members of Beer Money and then Shelley with a double stomp. Sabin sets up the ladder as a ramp and runs up it, loses his footing, regains it, and gives Storm a really stiff kick to the face that appeared to really rattle Storm. Sabin then turns around and gets killed with a clothesline from Roode, but Shelley nails him from behind and they do anoter double team move I don't have time to try and describe. Shelley goes to climb the ladder but Storm pushes him off onto the top rope, then hits a lungblower that sends Shelley to the floor. Hey, it's after 10. Storm puts Sabin up top and goes for a superplex, but Sabin nails him and hangs in in the Tree of Woe, then Shelley puts a ladder in from of Storm's face and Sabin baseball slides the ladder into Storm's face. Roode nails Sabin from behind, but Shelley (who had just set of a ladder as a platform between the apron and the guardrail) comes in and backdrops Roode onto the ladder, and the MCMG both hit dives onto Roode on the ladder, but then Storm comes running up and rams the ladder into Shelley's face. Sabin and Storm wind up back in the ring and on top of the ladder, but Shelley and Storm bump referee Brian Hebner to the floor. Roode goes off the ladder and over the top rope and Sabin grabs the contract, but the ref is out, so Storm nails Sabin with the beer bottle and grabs the contract just as Earl Hebner comes out and, seeing Storm with the contract, calls for the bell and awards the win to Beer Money.
Winners: Beer Money
That match was just insanely good, everyone NEEDS to see this match.
Backstage, Abyss seems to have repaired Janice and is using her to smash a watermelon, which he then eats off of Janice. What a weird angle, but I bet Gallagher would be proud.
Matt Morgan vs D'Angelo Dinero
Pope dodges around Morgan to start, trying to avoid Morgan's power, and goes to the legs with kicks to try and chop Morgan down, but Morgan gets him by the throat and tosses him into the corner and comes in with the rapid fire elbows. Pope tries a crossbody, Morgan catches him, but Pope slips out the back and dropkicks Morgan onto the second rope. Pope ducks a clothesline and hits a lungblower for a really, surprisingly quick win.
Winner: D'Angelo Dinero
Morgan nails Pope from behind after the match and gives him a fallaway slam, then runs him over with the Carbon Footprint. Pope rolls to the floor, but Morgan follows him out and places his head next to the ringpost, but before he can go for the Carbon Footprint, Mr Anderson comes out with a chair to stop Morgan. Then he suddenly tosses Pope into the ring and heads in after him. Morgan follows Anderson into the ring with a big smile on his face, but suddenly Anderson turns around and goes after Morgan, sending him out to the floor. Morgan yells that Anderson made a big mistake as he heads to the back, and now Anderson picks his chair back up...then drops it and extends the hand to the Pope. Pope just stares back at Anderson like he's nuts and they have a long staredown, but all Pope will give him is a nod of the head. Anderson nods back and he heads to the back as Pope continues to stare at him in confusion.
Backstage, Lacey is trying to calm down Velvet Sky, but Velvet Sky is pissed at Madison Rayne for acting like they don't even exist and then, on top of that, bringing in somebody from outside the group. Lacey thinks they should hear Madison's side of the story, and Velvet says she'll listen to it and then plant her foot up Madison's ass.
We go back to the ring where Madison Rayne is in the ring, and formally protesting the outcome of the Knockouts Title match at Victory Road. The rules said that if Velvet or Lacey interfered, then she could lose the title on a DQ, but since neither of them were involved, she is demanding that within seven days, either the decision is reversed and she has the title returned to her, or she will sue TNA for every penny it's worth. I can just hear the message boards lighting up with lame jokes right as I type this. Velvet Sky and Lacey Von Erich come out, and Velvet is pissed. Velvet asks Madison what makes her think she can bring in someone new, not only without their approval, but without even asking them first. Madison tells Velvet to relax and that she's obviously been taking her dumb blond pills again. Madison did what she had to do and took matters into her own hands. Velvet says it's not just about Madison making a decision without either of them, it's about Madison saying that she didn't need them anymore, and asks Madison to explain herself. Madison says fine, she doesn't need them. Velvet says that how about she kicks Madison's ass all over the ring right now. Lacey gets between them to break them up, and now Angelina Love comes out and asks Velvet if she honestly thinks Angelina believes anything she's saying, because she recognized her big fake boobs in the motorcycle outfit. Velvet says if she thinks that was Velvet on the motorcycle, she was mistaken, because she obviously didn't see the dumpy ass on that person, because clearly (indicating her ass), it wasn't her. Velvet says that if she doesn't believe that, then believe this: that bitch (indicating Madison) is all hers, and tells her to have at it. Velvet walks out, and Madison stands in the ring yelling at Angelina to come down and give Madison her belt back. Angelina enters the ring and asks if she wants her belt back, then tells her to come get it. Madison nails Angelina with a forearm, but Angelina drops the belt and goes after Madison. Suddenly the Bike Girl comes out on the bike and goes after Angelina ramming her to the corner and then choking her out with her boot. Madison brings a chair into the ring and picks Angelina up and DDTs her on the chair as Lacey stands helplessly on the rampway looking heartbroken over this whole unfortunate series of events. Madison and Bike Girl get on the bike and ride away.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy says that he really enjoyed watching Jay Lethal beat Ric Flair, but now he's up against Jeff Hardy and we'll see if Lethal can beat the Charismatic Enigma.
Jay Lethal vs Jeff Hardy
Hardy with a shoulderblock to start, they do a fast paced sequence and Hardy gets a rollup for 2. Hardy whips Lethal into the corner but gets backdropped to the apron and dropkicked to the floor. Lethal gets a big dive through the ropes onto Hardy, and...wait a minute, here comes Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Raven and Stevie Richards. Crowd chants ECW as Lethal rolls Hardy back in the ring and covers for 2. Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate but Lethal counters with a hiptoss and the cartwheel dropkick for 2. Lethal tries a whip into the corner, Hardy reverses, Lethal leapfrogs, Hardy back kicks him, and hits the Whisper In The Wind. Hardy and Lethal exchange blows, but Hardy takes the advantage with a short clothesline, inverted atomic drop, and dropkick to the face for 2. Hardy goes for the springboard dropkick in the corner, but Lethal gets the feet up and catches Hardy coming down, then hits Hardy with a springboard dropkick for 2. Hardy with the Twist Of Fate out of nowhere, then goes up top and hits the Swanton for 3.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
Meanwhile, Abyss is backstage, and he's...WALKING!
We go to commercial, and when we come back, Ric Flair is in the ring and says that Jay Lethal is first in his sights, but right now he wants to introduce the first two members of Fortune: AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian. Desmond Wolfe comes out and says he knows Americans don't like giving anyone else credit, but if anyone deserves to be in Fortune, it's him. Flair blows him off, but Wolfe grabs him and repeats that he should be in Fortune. Flair tells Wolfe to keep his hands off of him, but before he can continue, Abyss' music hits and out comes Abyss with Janice. Fortune heads for the hills, so Abyss calls out Rob Van Dam instead. Abyss tels RVD that it's time for him to share the plans that "they" have for him: he's said it for the past few weeks, and he'll say it again, "they" are coming to TNA, and when "they" get here, "they" are taking TNA over, and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Abyss says that "they" have asked him to continue to pave the way for them, and in that process, "they" instructed him to take the TNA World Title off of RVD, and "they" laid out a blueprint, so he has a question for RVD. They're going to take Janice and hang her above the ring, and then the two of them are going to have the most extreme match in the history of professional wrestling. They're going to use whatever weapons RVD wants, but Janice told Abyss that she wants a piece of RVD's ass. So, the only thing left is the when and the where, but how about the two of them get...EXTREME? RVD grabs the mic and says he knows what the title means to himself and everyone else, and he doesn't want Abyss to take this personally, but the title is his, and then he attacks Abyss and lays him out with several spinkicks. RVD goes for a monkey flip but Abyss shoves RVD off and boots him in the face, then chokeslams him. Suddenly, Mick Foley comes out from the back and Abyss looks quite surprised to see him. Even more suddenly, the ECW guys come out of the crowd and attack Abyss. Security comes out to try and stop them, but Stevie and Rhino easily lay them out. Now some of the TNA wrestlers come out to try and stop them, but no dice. The two fat security guys, Desmond Wolfe, Brian Kendrick, Doug Williams, Terry Taylor, D-Lo Brown, they all come out to try and stop it to no avail. Pat Kenney and Al Snow also come out, ostensibly to try and stop the attack, but then they join up with the ECW guys. Now a whole bunch more TNA guys come running out and it turns into this giant schmozz that I can barely keep track of. Brother Devon comes out and joins the ECW side. Jeff Jarrett comes running out and starts yelling at Tommy Dreamer to get the ECW guys under control as Dixie Carter stands at ringside looking concerned. Now finally the cops come out to break it up, and Dixie Carter grabs a mic and tells everyone to stop it. She says that she invited the ECW guys and everyone stops and looks shocked as we fade to black.
That was one HELL of an awesome episode. Big thumbs up to TNA for this one.
2010 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin this week’s show with the Smackdown brand and your announcers are Todd Grisham and Matt Striker.
Before our opening match, we see footage from last week’s match involving Chavo Guerrero when Dolph Ziggler qualified for Money in the Bank.
Match Number One: JTG versus Chavo Guerrero
They lock up and Chavo with a waist lock but JTG with a standing switch. Chavo with a standing switch but JTG with a side head lock take down. JTG with a shoulder tackle and a near fall. JTG returns to the side head lock and then JTG with a boot to the back as he returns to the side head lock. JTG with punches and an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Chavo sends JTG into the turnbuckles and punches him followed by a Latino uppercut. Chavo with an arm bar and chin lock but JTG with forearms. JTG sends Chavo to the apron and then he slides to the floor. Chavo avoids JTG from the apron but then he goes into the ringside barrier. JTG with a shoulder but Chavo with a drop kick that knocks JTG off the apron. Chavo goes to the floor and he hits a running body block on JTG. Chavo with a slingshot senton onto JTG and then he bows to the crowd. Chavo chokes JTG in the ropes and then he snap mares Chavo and returns to the arm bar and chin lock into a key lock. JTG with punches to Chavo followed by a flying back elbow and a back body drop. JTG with a near fall. JTG with a neck breaker for a near fall. Chavo with a knee and he sends JTG into the turnbuckles and punches him. JTG with a short arm clothesline and then he leaps into the turnbuckles but Chavo hot shots him on the turnbuckle. Chavo with a frog splash for the three count.
Winner: Chavo Guerrero
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins versus Matt Cross and Jamin Canseco
Canseco and Hawkins start things off and they lock up with Hawkins applying a side head lock followed by a drop toe hold and then he works on the legs. Hawkins with a boot to the back and then he sends Canseco into the turnbuckles. Canseco with a kick but Hawkins with a slam. Hawkins sends Canseco into Archer’s boot before he tags Archer in. Hawkins trips Canseco and then Archer hits a running boot to the head. Archer with an Irish whip and then he chokes him in the corner. Archer with another Irish whip but he misses the charge and Cross tags in but Archer punches Cross and sends him to the floor. Archer brings Cross back in and he hits an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Archer gets Cross on his shoulders and Cross gets a near fall with a rollup but he runs into a clothesline from Archer. Archer punches Cross and the referee warns Archer. Archer tags in Hawkins. Archer hits the inverted DDT and Hawkins hits the elbow drop from the top turnbuckle for the three count.
Winners: Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer
It is time for a look back at this week’s NXT with the return of the season one rookies.
The Bellas are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
It is time for the Raw half of the show and your announcers are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
We take a look back at last week when the Bellas decided to switch while doing their job as referee of the mixed tag match in Jillian Hall’s match.
Jillian has a message for the Bellas and it is going to be in song. She sings ‘Anything you can do, I can do better’.
Match Number Three: Maryse and Jillian Hall versus The Bellas
Jillian and Nikki lock up and Jillian sends her to the mat and then she mocks Maryse’s pose. Nikki with a kick and arm drag off the turnbuckles. Jillian with a clothesline and she gets a near fall. Jillian pulls Nikki’s hair and then tosses her by the hair. Maryse tags in and she chokes Nikki in the ropes and then hits a running knee. Maryse gets a near fall and the she applies a rear chin lock. Nikki gets Maryse on her back and hits an Electric Chair drop. Brie tags in and hits a few clotheslines and then kicks Maryse. Brie with an Irish whip and monkey flip in the corner followed by a drop kick for a near fall but Jillian breaks things up. The Bellas hit a double bulldog and then Jillian pushes Maryse out of the ring to switch places. The switch fools nobody, not even a referee. Maryse with a clothesline to Brie from behind and then Jillian tags back in and kicks Brie. Jillian with a Samoan drop and then she punches Brie. The referee pulls Jillian off and Nikki pulls Brie out of the ring. Jillian is taken down and Nikki gets the three count with a jackknife cover.
Winners: The Bella Twins
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Edge Money in the Bank winning and cashing in video package from the first time he won.
It is then time for a Raw recap and we see what happened in the main event handicap match. Then we run through the card for Money in the Bank.
Match Number Four: Yoshi Tatsu versus Chris Jericho
They lock up and Yoshi with a clean break but Jericho with a rake of the eyes. Jericho with a snap mare and kick to the back. Jericho with a side head lock on Yoshi followed by a shoulder tackle. Yoshi with chops to Jericho but Jericho avoids a round kick and goes to the floor. Yoshi with a baseball slide to Jericho and they are both on the floor. Yoshi punches Jericho and they return to the ring. Jericho pushes Yoshi off the turnbuckles and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho slaps Yoshi in the head but Yoshi punches and chops back. Jericho with a kick and then he hits a running boot to the head. We see footage from the commercial break when he sent Yoshi into the ringside barrier. Back to the action in the ring, Jericho with a knee drop and then he punches Yoshi before kicking him again. Jericho throws Yoshi to the floor and Jericho relaxes in the corner while the referee checks on Yoshi who appears to have an injured eye. The medical staff and referee check on Yoshi and this allows Jericho to take a seat in the ring and wait for Yoshi to be okay.
Jericho goes to bring Yoshi back in the ring and then he chokes Yoshi in the ropes. Jericho goes for the splash in the ropes but Yoshi sees it coming and he moves out of the way. Yoshi with kicks to Jericho followed by chops. Yoshi with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Jericho as he charges into the corner. Jericho with a reverse chin lock. Jericho with a back elbow and then Jericho tries for a Lionsault but Jericho lands on his feet. Yoshi with chops followed by a spinning heel kick and he gets a near fall. Jericho with a butterfly backbreaker for a near fall. Yoshi with a kick and running knees into the corner followed by a rolling mare and kick to the chest. Yoshi with the Shining Wizard but he can only get a two count. Yoshi runs into a clothesline from Jericho and Jericho gets a near fall. Jericho tells Yoshi to stay down before he throws Yoshi to the floor but Yoshi returns and he connects with a series of kicks and a super kick. Yoshi goes up top and waits for Jericho to get up. Yoshi misses the spin kick and Jericho with the Walls of Jericho on Yoshi and Yoshi tries to get to the ropes but Jericho pulls Yoshi back into the center of the ring and Yoshi taps out.
Winner: Chris Jericho
2011 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Uncasville, Connecticut and your announcers are Booker ‘Why did someone tell me we were taping at Foxwoods’ T, Michael ‘Pot Limit Omaha’ Cole, and Josh ‘Seven Card Stud’ Mathews.
Josh Mathews is in the ring and he welcomes everyone to Smackdown and then Josh welcomes Randy Orton to the ring.
Josh asks Randy about the stipulation that if Orton is disqualified that Christian becomes the new World Champion. Josh asks Randy if he is worried about losing the title in that manner because of his anger management issues. Randy tells Josh that he will not get disqualified. He says that he has proven that there is more than one way to beat Christian. All this is is a cheap attempt to get his title because Christian knows that he can’t beat him.
Christian appears on the TitanTron and he tells Randy that he doesn’t want to beat Orton by disqualification and he doesn’t need to beat him by disqualification. He says that his attorneys forced him to include the stipulation. He wants to go out there and have the best match possible.
Christian says that he has a gift for Orton and it is a photo of Christian standing over Orton holding the World Title after Christian hit him with the title belt. He tells Orton that he should put it in his locker room on Sunday because this is how the match is going to end with Christian standing over Orton as the new Champion.
Orton says that a stupid picture is not going to get him angry. He says that he expects more and he calls Christian pathetic.
Christian calls Orton’s family pathetic. He calls Randy’s dad pathetic because he faked an injury for seven years and never got a title match. He says that Randy’s dad was a sidekick. There is a side of the Hall of Fame for people like Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart. Then there is the wing that is reserved for Drew Carey and Bob Uecker. He is one of the jokes. Christian says that they put Bob Orton in the Hall of Fame to make Orton happy.
Randy tells Christian that he would like to have him come to the ring to repeat what he said to Orton’s face.
Christian says that he will come to the ring to tell Orton to his face after he beats Orton on Sunday. He will tell Randy how pathetic a champion he was.
Orton calls Christian a pathetic excuse for a man and superstar. He says that after Sunday, he will be nothing more than a pathetic, whiny, bitchy flash in the pan whose claim to fame is that his friend helped him become World Champion for a whole five days. Orton says that is pathetic.
Josh mentions the Big Show/Mark Henry match and it is time to look at the match with a video package showing the path of destruction left by these two behemoths.
Match Number One: Ezekiel Jackson versus Ted DiBiase for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up and Jackson with a clean break but Ted with a slap. Jackson with forearms and a knee followed by a biel and a running shoulder tackle. Jackson gets a near fall. Jackson clotheslines Ted over the top rope to the floor. Jackson goes after Ted and he sends Ted’s head into the apron. Ted tries to send Jackson into the ring post but Jackson stops short so Ted runs Jackson back first into the post and then hits a drop kick before returning to the ring and getting a near fall.
Ted with kicks and the referee warns Ted. Jackson with a head butt to the midsection but Ted with a kick. Jackson with an Irish whip but Ted with a drop toe hold as Jackson charges into the corner. Ted with a belly-to-back suplex or a near fall. Ted with a reverse chin lock while Cody watches from his locker room.
Jackson gets back to his feet and Jackson with elbows but Ted with knees. Ted tries for the rebound clothesline but Jackson with a clothesline and body block. Jackson with the running clothesline into the corner followed by a slam. Ted escapes a second slam and Ted tries for Dream Street but Jackson with a snap mare counter. Jackson with two more slams to Ted to work on the back and then he tries for the Torture Rack. Ted escapes and tries for Dream Street again but Jackson backs Ted into the corner. Jackson gets Ted into the Torture Rack and Ted taps out.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson
We go to commercial.
We are back with the same music that they use for Las Vegas shows so we now have generic casino music in WWE.
Ted DiBiase is walking in the back and Cody is standing there. Ted tells Cody that he tried. Cody gives Ted a bag and he tells him to put it on. The bag is for losers like any man who gets in the ring with him or any of the losers in the WWE Universe who put it over their head. Cody tells Ted that he will give him one more chance, but he tells Ted that if he loses one more match, he is going to come to the ring and personally put a paper bag over Ted’s head.
Someone makes the mistake of walking by and Cody puts the back over his head.
We have a Cody Rhodes/Daniel Bryan video package for their feud over the last few months.
Match Number Two: Daniel Bryan versus Cody Rhodes with his Bag Men
They lock up and Cody punches Bryan but Bryan with a chop and European uppercut. Bryan with an Irish whip and then Cody catches Bryan trying for a float over. Bryan avoids the Alabama Slam and he tries to get Cody into the LeBell Lock. Rhodes with a shoulder in the ropes and then Cody misses another shoulder and Bryan with a kick and then he puts Rhodes in the ropes and Bryan hits a running drop kick that sends Rhodes to the floor. Bryan hits a suicide dive and both men are down on the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Rhodes with a gourdbuster followed by a punch to the head. Rhodes with a slam to Bryan and then he puts Bryan in a single leg crab. Bryan kicks Rhodes off and then he punches and chops Cody followed by another European uppercut. Bryan with a rollup for a near fall. Rhodes with a forearm to a charging Bryan. Rhodes with a series of boots to Bryan. Rhodes with knees as he sends Bryan into the ropes and then Rhodes hits a side Russian leg sweep and he gets a near fall.
Rhodes with a kick to the ribs followed by a punch and Rhodes returns to the single leg crab. Bryan gets to the ropes. Bryan with punches to Rhodes but Rhodes responds with a punch of his own. Bryan with more punches and European uppercuts. Bryan with a flying clothesline and both men are down.
Bryan with a jawbreaker followed by a flying leg lariat for a near fall. Bryan punches Rhodes and the referee warns him. Rhodes sends Bryan into the ropes and Rhodes with the kick to the midsection and then he hits the Alabama Slam and gets a near fall. Cody tries for Cross Rhodes but Bryan uses the ropes to escapes. Rhodes sends Bryan into the turnbuckles and Bryan tries to apply the LeBell Lock while in the ropes.
Bryan is sent to the floor but he recovers first and he goes up top for the missile drop kick and he hits it. Bryan crawls over to Rhodes for the cover but Rhodes kicks out at two. Rhodes retreats to the corner and Bryan goes for the running drop kick into the corner and he hits it. Bryan puts Cody on the turnbuckles but Rhodes crotches Bryan and then he hits Beautiful Disaster to get the three count.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Teddy Long is on the phone with someone and he is talking about plans for something. Teddy tells a referee to let Mark Henry and Big Show know that if there is any physicality between them tonight during their confrontation later tonight, he is going to cancel their match on Sunday. Teddy’s plans for later are interrupted by Kane who thanks Teddy for honoring his request for a match against Randy Orton. Kane says that something is wrong with him. Kane says that he is a monster and monsters don’t lose to anybody. Kane says that he is feeling less and less like a monster. He wants to know what is happening. Teddy tells Kane that he is scaring the hell out of him right now.
We go to commercial.
We are back and there is a photo shoot for Jinder Mahal and Great Khali. Mahal yells at the photographer for taking photos of Khali because Khali serves him. Mahal says that his face is the only one that matters.
Christian is in the parking lot and he sees Randy Orton’s motor coach and Christian is impressed. He sees that someone has defaced the motor coach by putting Orton Sux! Teddy Long = Moron Christian Uncrowned World Champion. Christian says that he will find out who did this.
Wade Barrett has joined the men at the announce table to watch the next match since it includes two men in the Money in the Bank match with him on Sunday.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Sheamus attacking Wade Barrett with the chair last week.
Match Number Three: Sheamus versus Sin Cara
Sheamus sends Cara into the corner and then he punches Cara. Cara with a springboard heas scissors. Sheamus misses a splash into the corner followed by kicks from Cara. Cara with a drop kick and kick to Sheamus’ head. Cara with a wrist hold and then Sheamus kicks Cara and puts him on the turnbuckels. Cara kicks Sheamus and he uses the ropes for an arm drag. Sheamus with a running double sledge followed by a uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Sheamus with a front face lock followed by an Irish whip but Cara with a head scissors. Sheamus with a clothesline and he puts Cara in the ropes and he connects with forearms across the chest. Sheamus with repeated forearms across the chest before he goes to the apron and he hits a running knee lift.
Sheamus points to the briefcase before returning to the ring. Sheamus with a cravate to Cara. Cara with punches but Sheamus with a forearm and back elbow. Sheamus punches Cara as he continues to toy with Cara. Sheamus with a snap mare and he returns to the cravate. Cara with punches but they have no effect. Sheamus with a knee and he tries for a power slam but Cara escapes the hold. Sheamus misses a Brogue kick and he gets caught in the ropes and he goes to the floor and appears to have hurt his knee.
Cara with a drop kick to the leg and he gets a near fall. Cara with an enzuigiri and he tries for a springboard cross body but Sheamus catches Cara and he runs Cara into the turnbuckles and then hits a fallaway slam. Sheamus points to the case again and then he goes for the Outsider’s Edge but Cara counters with a rana and gets the three count.
Winner: Sin Cara
After the match, Wade Barrett decides to leave the announce table and Barrett hits Sheamus with a big boot and then he hits Wasteland. Barrett points at the briefcase.
Christian is in the casino and he says that he found someone’s wallet. Christian realizes that he has Randy Orton’s wallet. Christian looks through the wallet and he decides to help Randy earn a little extra money at the tables. He says that Orton will need the extra money after Sunday. Maybe he can use the money for Anger Management classes or for his daughter’s college fund.
Christian sits down at a Roulette table and he puts it all on 1. Of course Christian loses and he tells Orton that it looks like his luck ran out.
We go to commercial.
Teddy Long is in the ring and he says that before the Big Show competes with Mark Henry at Money in the Bank, he has arranged this forum so they can talk about whatever they have on their mind. He says that there will be no physical contact or the match will be cancelled.
Big Show comes out first and then Mark Henry comes out and he says that he is not going any further than the stage because Show knows what happens when he loses his temper. Show says that his temper is all that is keeping him from choke slamming Henry to hell.
Henry tells Show that he is going to bring him into his hell. Henry blames Show for all of this and we go to the footage from last month when Show came to Smackdown to attack Mark Henry, forcing Henry to be stretchered out of the building.
Show says that what he did changed Henry and the WWE. For fifteen years, the WWE Universe has been waiting for the World’s Strongest Man to wake up. Now he has some fire and potential. Show tells Mark not to target him because he can put out that fire.
Henry says that Show thinks big is better. Henry says that stronger is better. Meaner is better. Better is better. Mark tells Show that he has no idea what he is capable of. Show says that Henry has no idea what he is capable of. Show does not want to wait for Sunday and Henry looks like he wants to kick somebody’s ass tonight.
Teddy stops them and warns them that he will fine them if they do something. On Sunday, they will let God sort it out.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Rosa Mendes with Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly in a Non Title Match
Kelly with a victory roll for a near fall. Rosa sends Kelly into the ropes and Rosa gets a near fall. Rosa punches Kelly and then she stretches Kelly with her knee in Kelly’s back. Kelly gets to her feet and Kelly with a butt bump and arm drag. Kelly slams Rosa’s head into the mat and then Kelly spanks Rosa and hits a neck breaker for a near fall. Kelly with an Irish whip and Kelly with the Stinkface to Rosa. Kelly tries for the bulldog and Rosa avoids the hold. Kelly with a kick and the K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
Johnny Curtis is in the locker room and he says that he has a secret for everyone. He says that he will be making his debut sooner than you think. Johnny says that he is going to let the cat out of the bag but there was an elephant in the bag instead. Johnny yells at the production guy who says the cat ran up a tree. Johnny says that the Elephant in the room is next week.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the participants in the Money in the Bank matches and a video package on the match.
Before the next match starts, Heath Slater has something to say to his tag team partner. He says that they were on top of the world in the tag team division. They were three time champions, but Justin has been dropping the ball and Heath says that he is tired of sharing his spotlight with Gabriel. On Sunday, it will be his time to shine because he is the One Man Rock Band.
Match Number Five: Heath Slater versus Justin Gabriel
Gabriel works on the wrist and Slater reverses. Gabriel with a reversal of his own. Slater with a reversal. They continue to work on each other’s arm and Slater with a hammer lock. Gabriel with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Slater tries for a hip toss but Gabriel lands on his feet and he hits a leg sweep. Slater takes Gabriel to the mat and then Slater points to the briefcase. Slater with kicks to Gabriel followed by a reverse chin lock.
Gabriel with elbows and then he flips over Slater’s back and Gabriel with a spin kick and roaring elbow. Gabriel avoids a charge into the ring and Gabriel goes up top for the 450 splash but Slater with a back body drop to send Gabriel to the mat. Slater misses a moonsault and Gabriel goes up top and he hits the 450 Splash for the three count.
Winner: Justin Gabriel
We go to commercial with Kane and Orton walking in the back in split screen.
We are back with “A Message from CM Punk” showing some of the things that he said on Monday night.
Match Number Six: Kane versus Randy Orton in a Non Title Match
Kane misses a punch but Orton with a series of punches until Kane connects with a few uppercuts. Kane with a running clothesline into the corner followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline and side slam.
Christian makes his way to the ring while Kane gets a near fall. Kane goes up top and he hits a clothesline and then he sets for the choke slam. Kane grabs Orton by the throat and Orton escapes the hold and he punches Kane. Kane with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot and Orton wit a clothesline but Kane stays on his feet. Orton with another one and Kane stays on his feet. Kane misses a clothesline and Orton with a power slam and then Kane hits the IEDDT. Orton twists into the RKO push ups and Orton tries for an RKO but Kane pushes Orton away. Orton sees Christian on the ramp and that allows Kane to clothesline Orton over the top rope to the floor and both men go to the floor. Kane returns to the ring and Orton goes after Christian and Orton gets counted out.
Winner: Kane by count out
After the match, Orton has to let off some steam and he chases after Christian and they go into the ring but Kane was still in there and Kane with an uppercut to Orton. Kane and Christian kick Orton and Kane is not happy that Christian is helping out. That delay enables Orton to recover and he gives Kane an RKO. Christian returns to the ring and he hits a spear and then he punches Orton.
Christian gets the title belt and a chair and he brings them both into the ring. Christian gets ready to hit Orton with the chair but Orton blocks it with a kick and Christian leaves. Not to make the chair feel wasted, Orton drills Kane in the back with the chair. In case he missed any vertebrae, he hits Kane six more times in the back before throwing the chair down.
We go to credits with Orton and Christian staring each other down.
2012 - WWE held their Money in the Bank PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing Money in the Bank PPV coverage!
WWE Tag Team champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Camacho & Hunico
Hunico cut a promo as they came to the ring, claiming to be the future of the WWE. Truth played to the crowd when they rang the bell. Truth nailed a Lou Thesz Press and rained down with several punches. Hunico reversed an Irish whip but was shoulderblocked down.
Truth nailed him with a right hand and tagged Kingston into the ring. Kingston nailed a flying clothesline for a two count. Hunico cut him off and send Kingston itno the ropes but was nailed with a rana for a two count.
The Tag champions nailed a double hiptoss. Truth nailed a legdrop and covfered Hunico for a two count. Camacho kicked Truth from outside the ring to cut off his momentum. The challengers tagged in and out, working over Truth.
Truth nailed a butterfly suplex and slammed Truth. Hunico tagged in with a slingshot senton over the ropes. He locked in a side chinlock. Truth fought his way out with a series of elbows. He sent Hunico into the ropes and nailed a leg lariat.
As both men were down, the crowd rallied Truth for the hot tag and he made it to to Kingston. Kingston cleaned house on both men and nailed a leaping clothesline on Hunico. He nailed the Boom Drop on Hunico and set up for the Trounble in Paradise. Hunico avoided it and worked over Kingston, then sent him to the floor.
Camacho lurked over Kingston but didn't attack him. Kingston rolled back into the ring where Camacho nailed a back suplex and a legdrop for a two count. Camacho choked Kingston against the ropes and punted him in the mid-section.
Kingston fired back with several chops but was cut off and sent into nthe challengers' corner. Camacho worked him over and tagged in Hunicol ,who used the ropes to vault over and come down with a kick to Kingston's face in one fluid motion. The crowd chanted for Kofi. Hunico rolled up Kingston, then lifted him into a powerbomb for a near fall.
Hunico drilled Kingston with a chop in the corner, then mauled him with punches. He sent Kingston into the corner but Kingston leapt off and nailed a rana. He made the hot tag to Truth, who cleaned up with a number of clotheslines and a powerslam on Camacho.
Truth DDT'd Camacho for a two count but Hunico broke up the attempt. Hunico was sent into a Trouble in Paradise by Kingston. Truth nailed Camacho with the Ax Kick for the win.
Your winners and still WWE Tag Team champions, Kofi Kingston & R-Truth!
Solid tag match with some good back and forth wrestling. The best Hunico and Camacho have looked on a big show to date.
Josh Mathews interviewed Chris Jericho. He said his strategy was to win. He said that although he invented the Money in the Bank, he's never won one. He said that was going to change tonight and he was going to be known after tonight as Mister Money in the Bank.
Daniel Bryan cut a promo backstage promising that AJ would be fair to him in the WWE title match and he would be the new WWE champion.
PPV
WWE Money in the Bank opened with a video feature on everyone who has cashed in on the MITB opportunities in the past.
Dolph Ziggler vs. WWE Intercontinental champion Christian vs. Tensai vs. WWE United States champion Santino Marella vs. Damien Sandow vs. Tyson Kidd vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Sin Cara - Money in the Bank for WWE World title match contract.
Tenai controlled the fray early, destroying everyone and tossing Santino over the top to the floor. Tensai brought a pair of ladders into the ring Tensai kicked Kidd down in the corner. He nailed a catapult into a ladder bridged in the buckles. He nailed Christian with an Avalanche in the corner.
Kidd and Christian worked over Tensai and used a ladder to run him down. Kidd, Christian and Santino all tried to get to the top of a ladder but Sandow tipped it over.
Sandow began climbing the ladder but Ziggler and Cody returned and prevented it. Ziggler was laid out by Rhodes but Cara hit the ring with a series of kicks and a rana to the outside. Ziggler went to the top but Cara nailed a kick to the head. Cara went for a neckbreaker but they instead toppled down in a frightening moment.
Kidd went after Cara but was slammed on the ladder. Cara went to the top for a moonsault but was shoved over the top to the floor by Christian. Christian went for a splash off the top but Kidd moved and Christian ate the ladder. Rhodes worked over Kidd but was nailed with a leaping kick.
Kidd set up a ladder in the center of the ring but Tensai nailed him from behind and worked him over in the corner. Santino tried to scurry up the ladder but Tensai nailed a powerbomb then tossed him out to the floor. Kidd went up the ladder and Tensai tried to do it again but instead Kidd caught him with a rana over the ropes to the floor.
Sandow tried to ascend the ladder but Cara attacked him. Sandow stomped the hell out of him and went back to the top. Christian followed him and climbed over him. He grabbed the case but couldn't unhook it. Christian was pulled down and went for the Killswitch but was shoved off. He was sent into the ladder and tried to climb it but Sandow nailed him.
Sandow set up a ladder in the corner and tried to run Christian into it but was caught with an inverted DDT. Christian set up for the spear but was caught with a running high knee by Sandow. Christian fought him off and speared Sandow into the ladder.
Christian set up a ladder and climbed to the top for the briefcase. Ziggler and Rhodes grabbed his legs out from under him and sent him flying into the ladder. They made their way to the top and battled back and forth. Tensai returned and nailed Ziggler, then slammed Rhodes backwards off the ladder before depositing him to the outside.
Tensai went to the top but was met by Kidd. He nailed Kidd and was alone with the case. Marella grabbed his leg. Cara went to the top but was headbutt down. Christian and Marella used a ladder to beat down Tensai. Marella sent Christian over the top then got the better of Ziggler when Ziggler attacked. Marella nailed Ziggler with the Cobra. Say what you want about the guy but the crowd loved it
Marella began climbing the ladder but was afraid of the heights. The Cobra wanted to go but Marella didn't. He was close to the case. Sandow and Rhodes went after him but Sandow got the cobra before Rhodes could dropkick Marella off.
Coy threw a ladder in Marella's face in the corner. Rhodes began to climb but Vickie climbed on the ladder to distract him, setting Ziggler up to nail the Zig Zag off the ladder. Ziggler began to climb and made it to the top but Christian nailed him. Kidd used a ladder as a base to use almost a sunset flip style takedown on Ziggler. That got a "holy sh**" chant.
This allowed Sandow to nail Christian and bring him down but Christian slipped under the ladder and nailed him with the ladder. They ended up on the floor after a Cactus clothesline.
Tensai bridged a ladder between the ring and the announcers and powerbombed Cara across it. Ziggler attacked Tensai but was sent over the announcers in a crazy bump. Tensai began laying out bodies outside until Rhodes smacked him into the ladder outside. Rhodes and Kidd were left in the ring and battled atop of the ladder. Rhodes grabbed him for a suplex and dropped him off. Christian speared Rhodes off one ladder to the mat below. This is all crazy trainwreck spots.
Ziggler climbed to the ring as Christian was at the top for the case and shoved him off, Ziggler unhooked the briefcase and won the bout.
Your winner, Dolph Ziggler!
Just a kickass collection of insane spots and guys destroying their bodies in an insane stuntshow. Really entertaining.
As Ziggler left, he said, "It's about damn time!"
Josh Mathews interviewed World champion Sheamus. Sheamus was asked about Ziggler winning but Sheamus said he wanted to focus on tonight. He said Alberto Del Rio was a desperate man given all the things he's pulled recently. He said his father used to tell him that you could judge a man by the car he drives. Sheamus said that he has the only hood ornament he needs with the World title. He promised to take out Del Rio.
They introduced The Miz, who was returning from filming The Marine: Homefront. The crowd chanted "Miz is awesome." He said that he bet everyone was wondering where he was. He said he was filming a movie and was a bonafide movie star. He said that he was treated like a superstar for the first time in a long time. He said that he won MITB in the past and cashed him and that's why he is here today. He announced he was putting himself into the WWE championship Money in the Bank match. He said he was tired over being overlooked. Good promo.
Mick Foley's favorite Raw moment was winning the WWF title. I loved that one too. They noted that WCW gave it away and 600,000 fans immediately tuned into Raw.
World champion Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio
They locked up and Del Rio went to the floor when Sheamus had him on the defensive. He returned to the ring and nailed Sheamus with a right but Sheamus fired back with a number of shots in the corner. Sheamus drilled him into the corner but Del Rio kicked him in the gut and locked on an armbar.
Sheamus fought out of it and drilled Del Rio with a knee across the back of the head. He drilled and beat Del Rio with a series of knees and covered him with a two. Del Rio came back with a dropkick but missed a move and ended up on the apron. Sheamus suplexed Del Rio back into the ring and nailed the battering ram shoulderblock for a two count.
Del Rio ended up on the floor. Sheamus tossed him back in, Ricardo distracted Sheamus, allowing Del Rio to nail him with a kick. Sheamus was sent to the floor and had his arm slammed against the ring steps. Del Rio slapped him on the floor.
Del Rio dropkicked Sheamus and controlled Sheamus as he worked over his bad arm. Del Rio covered him for several near falls and locked on a keylock, trying to force him into a submission. Sheamus fought to his feet but was kicked in the back of the head.
Sheamus kept trying to fight his way up but Alberto brought him back down. Sheamus finally broke Dek free and charged but Del Rio avoided the charge and Sheamus nailed the ringpost with his shoulder. Del Rio continued to control Sheamus, using a headbutt to keep Sheamus down. Del Rio went for a cross armbreaker but Sheamus avoided it.
Del Rio sent Sheamus over the top to the apron. Sheamus tried to come back in with a clothesline over the ropes but was caught with a DDT and drilled down on his bad arm. Del Rio grabbed Sheamus by the face and trash talked him but was grabbed and rammed backward into the buckles. Sheamus nailed a running knee in the face for a two count.
Sheamus worked over Del Rio with shots across the chest and nailed the Uranage into a backbreaker for a two count. Del Rio kicked away at Sheamus. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick and was caught up in the ropes. Del Rio nailed a backstabber for a two count. He ran and kicked Sheamus in the mid-section.
He went for an enziguiri but Sheamus ducked. He nailed White Noise and set up for the Brogue Kick. He nailed Del Rio with it and scored the pin.
Your winner and still World champion, Sheamus!
Really good back and forth physical match with Sheamus being in the rare position of the babyface in peril. Good well laid out match.
Ricardo and Del Rio attacked Sheamus after the bout and laid him out. The crowd immediately chanted "We want Zigger!" Dolph came out with the briefcase and went to cash in. Del Rio got in his face and was nailed with the case.
Ziggler handed over the case but was immediately kicked in the face with a Brogue kick. The announcers made it clear that he didn't cash in as the bell was never sounded to kick off the match. Sheamus went to the back, celebrating with the fans.
Epico & Primo vs. Primetime Players
Washington was mic'd so you could hear what he was saying to his clients early. That was getting real annoying but also probably that's the idea.
Primo and Epico controlled Titus O'Neal early. Darren Young tagged in and backdroped Primo, who ended up doing a handstand in the corner and turned it into a rana. Primo nailed a tope to the outside. Titus was sent over the top to the floor. Epico nailed a tope con hilo to the floor.
Back in the ring, The Players worked over Epico. Titus ran him backfirst into the ringpost outside. Back in the ring, O'Neal powered up and slammed Epico. Young was picked up and dropped on Epico. Washington was actually using a Pick to clean up Young's hair. That was pretty funny.
O'Neal slammed Epico but Primo broke up the pinfall. Rosa danced to distract the Players and that allowed Epico to nail O'Neal with a stomp. Primo and Young tagged in. Primo came off the top with a flying chop. He nailed a twisting senton splash for a two count.
He dropkicked Young into the ropes and dove out of the ring with his weight crashing across Young. He dove off the top but Young pulled his knees up, Young grabbed him but was caught in a forward roll for the pin.
Your winners, Epico and Primo!
Solid match.
After the match, Washington said it didn't matter because they were still the number one contenders. They caught the Tag champions laughing about the loss on camera and confronted them. Washington got doused with a drink and teased he was going to fight but was held back by his team. I don't get how that did anything for the Players.
Matt Striker interviewed AJ. She said she is taking her responsibilities as a referee seriously. She said that just because CM Punk broke her heart in front of the entire world and made her act out in rage and slap him doesn't mean she doesn't know what an amazing human being he is. She said Daniel Bryan was her first love and you always remember that even when they are a two faced person who lies to you to further their career. She said that she doesn't know whether to kiss them or hurt them when she is near them...then composed herself and said the match is next and walked off.
WWE champion CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan with AJ as the referee: No DQ
So, MITB is closing the show. Big Punk chant before his music hit.
Bryan went for a kick but Punk shot in and grabbed his leg. They went into the ropes. Bryan and Punk nailed a series of kicks on each other. Bryan went to the floor. Punk followed and nailed a series of chops on the floor. Bryan reversed a whip into the railing and Punk nailed it. Bryan nailed a series of shots and brought him back into the ring.
Bryan measured Punk with a series of kicks to the chest. He worked over Punk with chops. They battled back with strikes and kicks. Punk came off the ropes with a legdrop but missed. Bryan measured and drilled Punk with a series of kicks, screaming, "Yes" each time. He punted Punk in the stomach. That is like the third match featuring that tonight.
Bryan grabbed Punk by the face, then locked in a side headlock. Bryan was sent into the ropes but shoulderblocked Punk down. Punk nailed a dropkick but Bryan went to the floor. Punk nailed a dive to the outside. He worked over Bryan and brought him back to the ring. As AJ returned to the ring, Punk was shoved into the the ropes and knocked her to the floor.
Punk and the officials checked on her. Bryan came off the apron with an axehandle. He checked on AJ, who was then walked to the back. Another referee took her place as Bryan worked over Punk, including a running knee off the apron to the floor.
Bryan picked up Punk and dropped him across the ring steps outside. Dueling chants. Punk backdropped a charging Bryan over into the timekeeper's area. He set Bryan up on the rail and nailed a flying clothesline. The fans chanted for tables. Punk pulled one out but Bryan attacked Punk and nailed him with a slam on the floor.
Bryan grabbed a Kendo stick and tried to nail Punk with it but he rolled out of the way and into the ring. He dared Bryan to enter the ring. He drilled Punk with a shot. Punk got the stick but was kicked before he could use it. Punk was backdropped to the outside. He went for the flying springboard clothesline but was nailed with the cane in mid-air. Bryan caned the hell out of Punk.
Bryan kicked Punk over and over. He suplexed Punk and went to the top for the flying headbutt. Punk rolled out of the way and there was no water in the pool. Punk recovered and they battled back and forth with strikes. Punk nailed a neckbreaker for a two count.
Punk nailed the running high knee and went for the bulldog but Bryan shoved him off. Bryan missed a knee of his own and was caught with a powerslam for two count. Punk called the GTS. He went for it and Bryan turned it into a rana for a two count. Bryan drilled Punk with a kick to the head. Bryan nailed a cane shot and locked in a bow and arrow. Punk freed his arm and grabbed the cane, whacking the hell out of Bryan with it. Punk covered Bryan for a two count.
Punk went to the top but was drilled with a forearm. Bryan drilled Punk into the ring with a superplex but also knocked himself woozy. With both men down, AJ returned to the ring as the referee. She skipped around the ring as both were out then went under the ring for a steel chair.
Bryan asked her for the chair and Punk stared but she finally dropped the chair in the center and let them fight over it. Bryan got the chair first and worked Punk over with a series of shots across the back. He covered Punk, who kicked up at two. Bryan began telling her that she needed to count to three. Punk rolled him up from behind for a two count.
Bryan nailed Punk and told AJ this was for her and began drilling Punk with kick after kick. He beat the hell out of Punk. AJ was disturbed by it. Bryan charged Punk was caught with a leaping clothesline by Punk. Punk grabbed the chair and laid Bryan out with three shots across the back. He wedged it in the corner and was going to run Bryan into it but AJ stepped in front of the chair in the corner.
Punk finally went to grab the chair but was dropkicked into the chair by Bryan. Bryan went to grab the cane but AJ stepped on the cane. Bryan begged her for it and she laughed at him. Punk caught him with a kick to the head. He slammed Bryan with the chair under him. Punk went to the top for the flying elbow but Bryan moved and Punk nailed the chair.
Bryan locked in the Yes Lock, using the Cane as additional pressure across Punk's face. Punk finally slipped free. He caned Bryan's leg and nailed a Catapult into the corner. Punk nailed Bryan with the GTS. He covered Bryan for a two count.
Punk and AJ went face to face after the pinfall attempt. Punk rolled outside and went for the table from earlier. He slid it into the ring. Punk rolled Bryan onto the table and nailed him with several shots. Punk went to the top for the elbow but Bryan nailed him and worked over Punk with a series of forearms. Bryan went to the top for a rana but Punk slipped out from underneath and crotched Bryan.
Punk nailed a series of elbow strikes to the chest and nailed a belly to back suplex off the top through the table. Punk covered Bryan and scored the pin.
Your winner and still WWE champion, CM Punk!
After the match, Punk was handed the title by AJ. He immediately went to the ropes to play to the crowd as she looked heart-broken over their situation. She looked down at Bryan for a long time as he was out on the mat.
Really good match. Obviously you are going to get some great ring work with these two but the AJ stuff didn't overpower the story at all. This is a good thumbs up show already.
Ryback vs. Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks
Ryback overpowered them easily. He drilled Hawkins with a running kick to the chest. He chased Hawkins around the ring but was nailed by Reks as he returned. Reks drilled him with a running clothesline.
Reks and Hawkins worked over Ryback. They took turned working him over. Reks slammed Hawkins atop Ryback. Reks and Hawkins picked up Ryback for a suplex and dropped him forward.
Ryback mounted a comeback and worked over Hawkins, then drilled Reks for a big backdrop. He nailed a spinebuster on Hawkins, then pulled him up into a powerbomb. Hawkins was sent over the top to the floor, then drilled Reks with his lariat, which they called The Meathook.
Ryback nailed his Torture Rack bomb, which has been nailed Shellshock and pinned Reks.
Your winner, Ryback!
Typical Ryback match although he was in more of a defensive position than he has been put into thus far. They are bringing him around slow and sure. Nothing wrong with that at all.
WWE Divas champ Layla & Tamina Snuka & Kaitlyn vs. Eve Torres & Natalya & Beth Phoenix
Snuka and Natalya started out. Kaitlyn tagged in and drilled Natalya with a sideslam. Phoenix tagged in and slapped her. Kaitlyn tagged her back. Eve tagged in but was nailed with high cross bodyblock for a two count.
Kaitlyn was kicked off as she charged. Eve came off the buckles with a kick for a two count. She locked in a front facelock and tagged in Beth, who choked Kaitlyn against the ropes. Layla made the hot tag with several clotheslines and a bodypress off the ropes for a two count.
Phoenix nailed a press slam but it was turned into a sunset flip. This turned into a series of run-ins and all the women fighting. Tamina superkicked Beth, who turned into a Layla DDT for the pin.
Your winners, WWE Divas champ Layla & Tamina Snuka & Kaitlyn!
What you would expect. They worked hard with very little time.
They have been pushing the TOUT site really hard the second half of the show.
Kane vs. The Miz vs. John Cena vs, Chris Jericho vs. Big Show - Money In the Bank Ladder Match for WWE title shot
They noted that with this match, Kane now held the record for the most MITB matches. It's much easier to take Miz seriously with the new haircut.
Everyone started battling at the bell. Cena clotheslined Show over the top to the floor but was immediately thrown into the stairs. Show threw Jericho into a ladder at the apron. Miz was left alone in the ring and tried to get to the top of the ladder but Cena stopped him. Show returned and laid out Miz and Cena.
Show threw a ladder at Jericho who was out in the floor. Kane confronted Show and they battled back and forth. Kane was caught going for a bodyblock and slammed. Miz leapt into the ring but was nailed with a chop in the air by Show. Show then killed Jericho.
Show went for a chokeslam but Jericho ducked and nailed a codebreaker. Miz nailed Show and Kane nailed him over the top to the floor. Cena began preparing the ringside announcer's table and nailed the Attitude Adjustment through the table on Show.
Everyone buried Show under the ladders. Jericho tried to climb the ladder but was nailed by Miz. Jericho sent Miz into the corner hard. Jericho ascended to the top but Cena grabbed him from behind. Cena slammed him into the ladder and Jericho fell to the mat and rolled out of the ring. Cena continued climbing to the top but Miz pulled him down and drilled him with a DDT.
Miz went to the top but was nailed by Kane with a ladder. Kane began ascending to the briefcase but Miz grabbed his leg. Kane grabbed him for a chokeslam. Jericho went after him as well but was grabbed for a chokeslam. They fought off Kane and nailed a double suplex on the ladder.
Cena returned to the fray and nailed Mix and Jericho with slams on a ladder. He went for the five knuckle shuffle on both at the same time. Kane returned and went for the chokeslam but Cena slipped out and nailed an AA onto Miz and the ladder. Jericho grabbed a smaller ladder and smacked Cena with it.
Jericho climbed up the ladder but Show returned and ripped the ladder apart with his bare hands. He began beating Jericho over the back with one half of the ladder. He drilled Kane with a ladder as he returned to the ring. He chopped Miz so hard, Miz went through the ropes to the floor.H threw a ladder atop of Miz on the floor for good measure.
Show was left with Cena, drilling him with a hard punch to the chest. Show set up a ladder and drilled it into Cena's face. Show began throwing all the ladders out of the ring. He went under the ring and pulled out this massive gold ladder with the idea that it was the only ladder that could handle Show's weight.
Show went to the top but Kane met him. They grabbed each other's throats. Kane got the worst of their exchange and was sent to the mat. Cena tried to fight him off but same result. Jericho nailed Show with a series of chairs and that brought Show down.
This left Jericho and Cena racing to get to the top of the ladder. They tried for the case but it swung out of their reach. Cena went for the AA on the top of the ladder but Jericho slipped behind him and locked in a sleeper. Cena began to climb down but gutted it out and climbed back up, despite the sleeper. Cena began to fade at the top of the ladder.
Miz tried to climb up the other side but Jericho nailed him. He locked the sleeper on again as Cena tried to reach the case. Cena was finally shoved off the ladder and crashed down. Jericho was left alone and grabbed the case but Miz returned. They battled to unhook the case. Miz headbutt Jericho, who swung off the ladder holding onto the case.
Miz teased hitting a DDT off the ladder. They battled back and forth as Show made it to the top of the ladder. Jericho was nailed with the KO punch, as was Miz. Cena made it to the top and used the case to nail Show. Cena pulled the case free and nailed Show again.
Your winner, John Cena!
Less of a spot trainwreck but still an entertaining match with lots of false finishes and a few crazy spots. They told the story of Show as the giant they all had to fight off very well. Miz looked good in his first match back, although I'd have preferred seeing his return saved for something grander.
Overall, an entertaining PPV. A lot of hard work tonight.
2013 - WWE broadcast Raw from Brooklyn, NY. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
With Money in the Bank out of the way, we are on the road to SummerSlam in Los Angeles. Randy Orton and Damien Sandow are one step closer to becoming the WWE and World Champions respectively. What was the meaning of the betrayals on Sunday night and are they a one time things or have friendships been severed? What will Brad Maddox do on his first full night in charge? Let’s hope he gives a State of the Maddox Address.
We are in Brooklyn, New York and your announcers are John ‘JCL’ Layfield, Michael ‘We’re all staying at Johnson’s house’ Cole, and Jerry ‘I just got done writing Brad Maddox’s promo’ Lawler.
We begin with the man who is going to revolutionize Monday nights, Brad Maddox. Brad thanks everyone for their reaction. This is the first time that Raw has been in Brooklyn and this is the start of the Maddox era. Brad says that we will have a rematch tonight. Alberto Del Rio will face Dolph Ziggler.
Brad says that he will be the greatest General Manager of all time . . .
John Cena’s music interrupts and he makes his way to the ring.
John mentions that this is the Maddox era. Brad has made history. This is the only time that the person he is next to is more hated than Brad. John says that the noise you hear is energy. They are excited for the match that Brad made. The jury is still out on Brad. He might be a good General Manager.
Brad says that he is glad that John is out here because he has always admired Cena. He admires his courage, strength, and will to win. He admires the way that John treats those less privileged than him.
Brad says that he will get to choose his opponent for SummerSlam. Brad says that he will have everyone on the stage for Cena to pick.
John says that Brad is even stupider than he is. He could choose Doc Hendrix, Dutch Mantell, or Michael Cole. He could choose one of the Bella Twins.
Randy Orton makes his way to the ring and he has his red briefcase with him.
Randy tells Brad to be careful. He doesn’t want to get too far ahead of him. Randy says that John Cena might not be the champion at SummerSlam. Randy says that he is not cashing it in tonight. He doesn’t want to make the same stupid mistake John did last year. You should take advantage of opportunities and not squander them. He wanted to tell John face-to-face and man-to-man that he will never see it coming.
Fandango’s music plays and he dances to the ring with Summer Rae.
Randy says that Fandango interrupted him.
Fandango says that Randy will not be cashing in that briefcase against John Cena, he will be cashing it in against him. Fandango says that there is only one person the entire WWE Universe wants to see John Cena face and that is . . .
FAN . . . DAN . . . GO.
Orton punches Fandango and then Fandango kicks Orton to the floor. Orton returns to the ring and he takes Fandango down with a Thesz Press and he sends Fandango over the top rope to the floor.
Brad says that if you want physicality, Randy Orton will face Fandango.
Match Number One: Randy Orton versus Fandango (with Summer Rae)
The match is joined in progress and Orton with the Garvin Stomp. Orton with a European uppercut and then he tries for the leaping knee drop but Fandango moves. Fandango with kicks and he chokes Orton. Fandango with a boot to the head and then he tries for a suplex but Orton blocks it and Orton with a suplex of his own.
Orton follows Fandango to the floor and he connects with a forearm and then he sends Fandango into the apron. Fandango with a punch and he returns to the ring but he goes to the floor again and Orton cuts him off and connects with a clothesline. Orton with a back drop driver onto the ringside barrier.
Orton rolls Fandango back into the ring and Orton gets a near fall. Orton with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Fandango chokes Orton in the ropes and then he goes to the floor to punch Orton. Fandango with a knee to the head and Fandango with a cravate. Orton with a punch followed by a back body drop. Orton punches Fandango in the corner.
Orton climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Fandango. Orton with a standing drop kick and he gets a near fall. Orton stomps on the hand. Orton with an Irish whip and he blocks a kick in the corner but Fandango with an enzuigiri that sends Orton to the floor and then Fandango Irish whips Orton into the ring steps.
We go to commercial.
We re back and Fandango slingshots Orton’s throat into the bottom rope and he gets a near fall. Fandango with a cravate. Orton with punches but Fandango with knees and a head butt. Orton tries for the back breaker but Fandango with a belly-to-back suplex and he gets a near fall. Orton blocks Fandango’s punches and Orton punches back. Orton with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner followed by a T-Bone Suplex in the corner. Orton puts Fandango on the top turnbuckle and he sets for a superplex and he hits it. Orton with two clotheslines and he avoids a clothesline from Fandango and he hits the power slam. Fandango goes to the apron and Fandango with an enzuigiri to avoid the expected IEDDT.
Fandango goes up top but Orton crotches him. Orton with a head butt and then he hits the IEDDT. Orton looks around and then he hits the RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
The announcers talk about the match between Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio from last night and we see photos of AJ’s interference.
Dolph Ziggler is walking in the back and AJ tries to talk to him. She says that she knows that he is mad at her. Dolph tells AJ to stop apologizing. AJ is relieved to hear that and she hugs Dolph but Dolph does not hug back.
Dolph says that it is time for him to move on.
Mark Henry walks through the back in a conservatively colored jacket and we go to commercial.
We are back and Mark Henry is already entering the ring.
Mark says that last night at Money in the Bank, John Cena came as advertised. He is one of the greatest WWE Champions of all time. He did not expect John Cena to beat him. Mark says that he gave it all he had. He took John Cena to his limits and he came this close to winning that championship.
Mark says that he did tap out but John would tap everyone in the crowd out too. Mark says that he is not here to make excuses or apologies for what he did. John Cena has the choice to pick who he wants to fight at SummerSlam and Mark wants to be that guy.
He took John to his limits once and he will take him to his limits again.
The Shield make their way to the ring and Mark looks like he is ready for them.
The Shield surrounds the ring. Mark asks if they think this is his first time. Mark is not backing down or running away. Mark takes off his jacket.
Mark goes after Reigns on the apron but Rollins and Ambrose attack him in the ring. Reigns joins in and Henry fights them off. Henry takes care of all three men as they attack him one at a time. Ambrose with a sleeper and Henry kicks Rollins away. He cannot stop a Roman Reigns spear. They continue to triple team Mark now that he is on the crowd.
They get Henry set for the Cerberus Bomb.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Brad is on the phone with his mom. He says that he will pick something up on the way home and then Chris Jericho enters.
Chris says that Brad has a lot of pressure for a guy his age. Chris says so far so good. Brad says that he has a stroke of genius. If Chris wants to be WWE Champion, he should try to impress John Cena. He should face a former WWE Champion like Rob Van Dam.
Chris says that it would be RVD versus Y2J on Raw. Chris says that if Brad makes decisions like that, he has a good future.
Match Number Two: Alberto Del Rio versus Dolph Ziggler in a Non Title Match
Del Rio with a kick to the leg and forearms to the back. Ziggler with a drop kick for a near fall. Ziggler with a neck breaker followed by the rapid fire series of elbow drops and then he spins around for the tenth and connects with a leaping elbow drop and he gets a near fall. Del Rio moves when Ziggler goes for a splash in the corner.
Del Rio with kicks. Del Rio puts Ziggler on the turnbuckles and he goes for an inverted superplex and he hits it and gets a near fall. Del Rio chokes Ziggler and the referee warns him. Del Rio chokes Ziggler in the ropes. Ziggler with a splash into the corner and then he hits a flying clothesline.
Ziggler with a kick but Del Rio with a back body drop and Ziggler goes over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio with a reverse chin lock but Ziggler with punches. Del Rio with punches followed by a belly-to-back suplex. Del Rio waits for Ziggler to get back to their feet and Del Rio sets for a super kick but Ziggler moves. Del Rio sends Ziggler into the air and then he stomps on the head. Del Rio tries for the running enzuigiri in the corner but Ziggler knows what was coming and he hits a DDT to counter and he gets a near fall.
Ziggler punches Del Rio and Del Rio punches back. Del Rio with a punch to the head and Ziggler goes down. Del Rio goes for a splash in the ropes but Ziggler moves. Del Rio is able to hold onto the ropes and he gets on the ropes but Ziggler with a drop kick and Del Rio gets his foot on the rope to stop the count.
Ziggler misses the Fameasser and Del Rio with a German suplex and bridge for a near fall. Del Rio with head butts to Ziggler. Del Rio sets for the cross arm breaker but he takes too long and Ziggler counters with a neck breaker and he gets a near fall.
Ziggler is sent into the turnbuckles and Del Rio with a step up enzuigiri for a near fall. Del Rio puts Ziggler in the tree of woe and he kicks Ziggler. Del Rio goes for a shoulder on Ziggler but Ziggler pulls himself up and Del Rio hits the ring post with his shoulder.
Ziggler goes to the turnbuckles and he hits a Fameasser for a near fall but the bell rings and we see that it was AJ but the referee tells them to continue the match. Del Rio with a super kick while Ziggler yells at AJ and Del Rio gets the three count.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, AJ stares at Dolph and she comes into the ring with that ‘I need one of those jackets that tie in the back’ looks. AJ hits Ziggler and Ziggler tries to walk away from her. From out of nowhere, Big E Langston hits Ziggler with a running body block. Langston gives Ziggler the Big Ending.
AJ kneels down and rubs Ziggler’s head before picking him up and dropping him back to the mat.
We are back with a look back at Brad Maddox’s big announcement about the WWE Title match at SummerSlam.
We are back and R Truth is rapping again.
Before Truth can say anything, we are interrupted by the Wyatt Family on the TitanTron and they are here.
Harper and Rowan attack Truth while Bray rocks back and forth in his rocking chair. They roll Truth to the floor and then they look at Wyatt and Bray has risen.
Bray says that there is no such thing as a hero. Everyone has to become addicted to the illusion of what a hero is. You have been addicted to the illusion of what a hero does for you. Do you think you need someone to pat you on the back? Do you need someone to tuck you in at night and kiss you on the cheek and tell you that everything is alright? Everything is not alright.
The man who made you is a liar. What if he was to tell you that your own flesh and blood turned on you. He would never turn his back on you. Maybe the answers you have been seeking are slapping you in the face. Maybe Bray Wyatt, the Eater of Worlds, has been the answer all along.
R Truth gets on the apron and he has a chair. He says that he wants Bray Wyatt.
Wyatt says that he will give Truth a shot.
Truth comes into the ring and Bray wants to know what he is waiting for. Truth gets distracted by Harper and Rowan and Wyatt with a splash into the corner and then he punches Truth before Harper and Rowan take over.
They pick up Truth for Bray and he kisses Truth on the top of the head before hitting Sister Abigail.
Bray says that he is not the Truth they seek. Follow the Buzzards.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the announcers talk about what they just saw.
It is time to take a look at the new Performance Center in the Orlando area.
Zeb asks if this is the Melting Pot of America. All he hears is Spanish, Chinese, Greek, Italian, and something called Yiddish. Where is the English. He says that they should call it the Port-A-Potty.
A robbery took place last night when two Real Americans were robbed. But Americans have been robbed by having jobs taken by someone sneaking across the border. Zeb tells John to select one of the two Real Americans.
Match Number Three: Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter) versus Jimmy and Jey Uso
Cesaro and Jey lock up and Jey with a waist lock but Cesaro with an elbow. Jey with punches and he runs Cesaro into the corner and Jimmy tags in and he hits a leaping punch in the corner and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Jimmy punches Swagger and then Cesaro with a punch and a dead lift side salto and Swagger is tagged in and he kicks Jimmy and hits a Swagger Bomb.
Swagger punches Jimmy and Cesaro kicks Jimmy before tagging back in. Cesaro leaps on Jimmy’s chest and he gets a near fall. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Jimmy with punches to Cesaro and Swagger.
Jey is able to make the tag and he punches Cesaro and then gets a near fall with a cross body. Jimmy with a super kick to Swagger but Cesaro with a European uppercut to Jimmy. Jey is able to counter the dead lift side salto and he gets the three count with a rollup.
Winners: Jimmy and Jey Uso
We are back and Damien Sandow is out with the Money in the Bank briefcase, but he is BFFless.
Match Number Four: Damien Sandow versus Christian
They lock up and Sandow with a knee. Sandow goes to the floor and Christian follows after him. Sandow misses an elbow and then Christian goes to the turnbuckles but Sandow pushes Christian off the turnbuckles and to the floor. Sandow rolls Christian back in and gets a near fall.
Sandow with knees to the midsection and then he puts Christian on the turnbuckles. Christian punches Sandow off the turnbuckles and hits a tornado DDT for a near fall. Christian with punches and a running forearm. Christian climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Sandow. Christian with a drop toe hold and then he slingshots to the floor and he punches Sandow. Christian goes up top and hits a cross body for a near fall.
Christian with a punch and he goes to the turnbuckles for a back elbow. Christian tries for the Killswitch but Sandow counters into a side Russian leg sweep and Christian recovers to get a jackknife cover before Sandow can hit the Elbow of Disdain.
Winner: Christian
After the match, Sandow reminds everyone that he still has the briefcase.
Cody Rhodes attacks Sandow and he punches Sandow and the referees have to pull Cody off.
We are back and we see footage of Vickie Guerrero trying to get reinstated in her job.
Match Number Five: Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) versus Naomi (with Cameron)
They lock up and Brie with a wrist lock but Naomi kips up. Naomi with forearms and a flying flip clothesline and she gets a near fall. Naomi with a baseball slide to the floor and then she kicks Brie from the apron. Naomi sends Brie to the floor but Brie trips Naomi on the apron.
Brie gets a near fall. Brie with a forearm and a boot to the back. Brie sends Naomi to the mat and then she applies a camel clutch in the ropes. Brie pulls Naomi into the center of the ring and then she works on the neck.
Naomi with shoulders and a sunset flip for a near fall. Brie with a flying clothesline and she calls Naomi a loser. Brie continues to work on the neck. Naomi with punches and Brie tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Naomi lands on her feet and she hits a rana followed by a drop kick or two. Naomi with a leaping butt bump.
Naomi with a cross body form the top for the three count.
Winner: Naomi
Michael Cole talks about what Paul Heyman did at Money in the Bank. We see Paul Heyman leaving the building without answering any questions.
Paul tells them to stay out of his personal life.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Punk gingerly makes his way to the ring.
Punk says that he knows Paul Heyman is in the building. He knows that Brock Lesnar is in the building. He knows that he is not waiting any longer so come out boys.
Paul Heyman makes his way to the stage and he says that what he is looking at right now is an empty ring. In his world, CM Punk does not exist. Paul tells Punk to try this one on for size. He asks Punk if he is lying. In 2005, WWE had no vision for Punk. CM Punk was a figment of Paul Heyman’s imagination. He took Punk in and befriended him. He taught him, trained him, and martyred his entire career for Punk.
Then they reached the Holy Grail together. They were the reigning and defending WWE Champion for 434 days. They were the longest reigning champions in the modern era. They were so close to ending the Undertaker’s friend.
They were the best . . . in the world. He tells Punk that he forgets that without him there is no we. Without Paul Heyman, CM Punk is not the best in the world. Paul says that everyone can boo him and call him a Judas.
Paul says that the truth is a lot harder pill to swallow than a spin on things. The truth is that Punk failed them when he could not beat the Undertaker. Punk found himself when he went home and Punk thinks that he is better than Paul. Paul laughs at that idea. He manipulated and played CM Punk. History will write that Paul Heyman dumped CM Punk.
Punk wanted to keep it personal so Paul made it personal. Punk has no family. He is estranged from his own parents. He has no wife or children. All Punk has is them. All Punk has is the WWE Universe and their admiration and respect. All they have is their affirmation. All Punk wants, craves, and needs in his life is the WWE Championship. Punk took Paul’s best friend so he took Punk’s shot at the title.
Paul says that you will learn that he is a lot worse personally than he is as a business person. He tells his best friend, brother, best friend son. Paul tells Punk that he was made to swear on his children. It was his children who asked him why Punk didn’t listen to him like Brock listens him.
Paul says that he double crossed and betrayed Punk because CM Punk cannot beat BROCK LESNAR.
Punk takes off the hood of his sweatshirt and feels the staples on his head and he asks Paul if he is done. He asks Paul if he wants to talk about the truth. The truth does hurt. Maybe he should have seen it coming, but he trusted Paul. All he has to show for it is the thirteen staples in his head. Paul knows Punk better than anyone. He knows that when Punk wants something, he is the most relentless person.
The truth is that he is going to get Paul. He swears on Paul’s children that he is going to get Paul. He will get everyone who conspired against him. Everyone who profited from it or had knowledge of it. Anyone who enjoyed it. His friends, his clients, and his family. Anyone who steps between them, he will get his hands on them and he will rip them apart and he will hurt them.
The truth is that Paul doesn’t have a future because he is going to burn down everything around Paul until he is the last man standing. He wants to make sure that Paul is there to watch it all. He asks Paul if he is lying.
Paul says that Punk is not lying. If Punk wants to tip his hand, he wants to spell out Punk’s immediate future. Paul mocks Punk’s “It’s Clobbering Time” and Brock Lesnar comes out.
Brock does the Brock Bounce and he walks to the ring with Heyman. Punk does not back down from Lesnar as he bounces on the floor. Heyman hits Punk from behind and then Lesnar gets Punk on his shoulders but Punk escapes and he punches Brock. Brock sends Punk into the ringside barrier. Punk with more punches. Brock with knees. Punk with more punches and Brock with more knees. Lesnar tosses Punk around by his hoodie. Lesnar throws Punk over the announce table but Punk leaps off the announce table and Lesnar catches Punk and he runs Punk into the ring post.
Lesnar stands over Punk and he gets Punk up and hits an F-5 on the announce table. Brock stands on the announce table.
Brock and Paul leave while the medical staff checks on Punk. Punk struggles to get to his feet and he then he falls back to the ground and he holds his neck.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look back at what we just saw and they talk about the path that Punk has to take to get to Heyman. John says that Brock probably doesn’t care about what Punk said.
Michael mentions Total Divas and we have a video package showing that we are going to see into the personal lives of the Divas.
John Cena walks in the back and Great Khali stops him and he says something that probably can be translated into him asking to be Cena’s opponent. Cena responds and Khali is happy.
Brad sees Stephanie on the phone and he wants to hug but Stephanie shakes his hand. She asks how things are going. Stephanie says that she was a bit worried last night but she asks him about tonight. Stephanie says that she was really asking Triple H, who enters the room.
Hunter says that he thinks Brad is doing a good job so far. Hunter asks Brad if he asked Vince before making these decisions. Hunter says that Brad made some gutsy decisions and Brad wonders what they mean. Hunter brings up letting the superstars choose their matches on the second biggest pay per view of the year. Stephanie and Hunter are wary of who Cena will pick and it might not make Vince happy.
Hunter asks Brad if he knows why he got the job. Hunter says that it was because Brad was the one who was standing there at the time.
Match Number Six: Rob Van Dam versus Chris Jericho
They lock up and Van Dam with a waist lock but Jericho with a standing switch. Van Dam with an arm drag but Jericho with a head scissors and Van Dam escapes. Van Dam reminds us who he is. Jericho with a kick and punch followed by chops. Van Dam with forearms and shoulder tackle. Jericho with a drop kick.
Jericho with punches and Van Dam with a spinning heel kick. Van Dam with a back heel kick and Irish whip followed by a monkey flip. Van Dam reminds us who he is again and he hits a standing moonsault for a near fall. Jericho with an Irish whip but Van Dam floats over. Jericho avoids a leg sweep and Jericho with an enzuigiri for a near fall.
Jericho with a belly-to-back suplex and then he kicks Van Dam in the back followed by a drop kick and we go to commercial.
We are back and Van Dam with a body scissors so we can see what you missed during the commercial break when Van Dam hit a leg drop. Jericho sets for the Walls of Jericho but Van Dam is able to avoid it. Jericho with a catapult that sends Van Dam into the turnbuckles and to the mat for a near fall by Jericho.
Jericho with kicks and then he slingshots Van Dam’s throat into the bottom rope. Jericho with a baseball slide that sends Van Dam to the floor. Jericho pulls Van Dam back onto the apron and Van Dam blocks it and he tries to suplex Jericho to the floor but Jericho blocks it. Van Dam lands on his feet and he hits a spinning thrust kick on Jericho. Van Dam returns to the body scissors.
Van Dam tries for a triangle choke but Jericho turns it into a rollup for a near fall. Jericho with a power bomb to escape. Jericho gets a near fall. Van Dam signals for Rolling Thunder but Jericho knows it is coming. Van Dam with a back heel kick from the apron and Van Dam hits a moonsault and both men are down.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho with an arm bar. Jericho with a knee and forearm to the back but Van Dam with an Irish whip and drop kick to the chest against the turnbuckles. Van Dam with shoulder tackles followed by a spinning back kick. Jericho with shoulder tackles and he goes up top and hits an elbow. Jericho with a bulldog and he goes for the Lionsault but he misses. Van Dam with Rolling Thunder and he gets a near fall.
Jericho with an Irish whip and he runs into an elbow from Van Dam. Van Dam misses a jumping back kick but Jericho does not miss the DDT but Van Dam kicks out. Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but Van Dam powers out of it. Van Dam with a kick to Jericho followed by an Irish whip but Van Dam runs into a boot.
Van Dam sends Jericho into the turnbuckles and then Van Dam tries for the split legged moonsault but Jericho moves. Jericho with a Lionsault and he gets a near fall. Van Dam blocks Jericho’s attempt to send him into the turnbuckles and Van Dam kicks Jericho and Rob goes up top but Jericho crotches him.
Jericho tries for a superplex but Van Dam blocks it and he knocks Jericho to the mat. Van Dam with a senton splash for a near fall. Van Dam tries for a rana but Jericho blocks it and he applies the Walls of Jericho but Van Dam gets to the ropes. Jericho with boots to the chest and the referee pulls Jericho away.
Van Dam with a step over heel kick and Van Dam leaps to the turnbuckles for the Five Star Frog Splash and he connects for the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
We go to commercial.
We are back and Paul Heyman will be on MizTV on Smackdown on Friday night.
The wrestlers are on the stage and everyone waiting to see if they will be picked to be John Cena’s opponent at SummerSlam.
John says that it is time for him to announce his opponent for SummerSlam. John says that he cannot do that because he hasn’t made his decision yet. All night, he has listened to Superstar after Superstar after Superstar tell him why they should face him at SummerSlam. John says that he is waiting for the most important voice in the WWE, the WWE Universe.
Their voice is so important because their toughness is honesty and he respects that. He wants a match that the people want to see. He asks them to look at the Superstars on the stage and he mentions some names and he wants their reactions.
The members of 3MB get shot down. Randy Orton gets a mixture of applause and boos. He asks about The Great Khali and he gets more boos than cheers. He asks about Alberto Del Rio and they boo him. He asks about Chris Jericho and they like that idea. Then he asks about Rob Van Dam. Cena asks about Fandango and they are mixed on him. He asks about Sheamus and the people are not swell on the fella.
Cena asks about Ryback and the crowd makes him want to cry again. Cena asks if he is forgetting anyone.
John says that he has made his selection. It is someone who deserves this opportunity. The crowd chants for Daniel Bryan.
Cena says that if he accepts the challenge, he selects Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan bounds to the ring. Bryan gets in the ring and he yeses in John Cena’s face and we go to credits.
2014 - WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Fayetteville, North Carolina and your announcers are Byron ‘Remember when there was a lot of wrestling on this show’ Saxton and Tom ‘At least I can call the wrestling missed on this show on Superstars’ Phillips.
Miz makes his way to the ring, but he is not dressed for his match against Sheamus. Miz says that tonight is a special night because for the first time MizTV is on the WWE Network. Lebron James isn’t the only person with an earth shattering announcement. It is in this letter.
Miz demands quiet, and that works as well as it always does in wrestling. The letter says that he is leaving home. Before he would compete in the main event of Wrestlemania or star in the Marine 3 and Marine 4, he was a boy from Northeast Ohio. It is a special place in his heart. Miz says that he feels like your sun because he is the center of the universe. He wants to inspire when he can. Now that he is more successful than he has ever been, he owes it to more than Northeast Ohio, he owes it to the entire WWE Universe. Miz says that he is leaving Cleveland behind. It is a small market city with small minds, like everyone here.
Miz says that he wants people to know that there are better places to live. Like Hollywood. Everything is earned there, just like when he wins the Intercontinental Title at Battleground. He is not a boy from Northeast Ohio any more, he is from Hollywood. He is the Miz . . . and he is . . . a star.
Sheamus’ music plays and he makes his way to the stage. Miz says that he speaks for everyone here, everyone in Cleveland, Hollywood, and the world. He says that it is time for Miz to take his talents out of this ring and drive into the ocean.
Miz says that he meets people like Sheamus all the time in Hollywood. He did not expect Sheamus to be jealous.
Sheamus asks what is it that he is supposed to be jealous of.
Miz tells Sheamus he should be jealous of the MoneyMaker.
Sheamus says that people ask for their money back because of the MoneyMaker.
Sheamus suggests Miz’ next movie role and he says that it should be Sunday Bloody Sunday because he is going to kick Miz’ moneymaker off his shoulders.
Sheamus suggests we don’t have to wait and he tries for a Brogue Kick but Miz gets out of the ring.
We see the people who are going to be in the Battle Royal to determine the new Intercontinental Champion.
We will also see a preview of the WWE World Title match with a look at what we saw on Raw.
Big E and Kofi Kingston will face Curtis Axel and Ryback later tonight.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Naomi is at the announce table with Byron and Tom. They discuss the issues between Naomi and Cameron.
Match Number One: Emma versus Cameron
They lock up and Cameron backs Emma into the corner. They lock up again and Emma backs Cameron into the corner and Emma with a take down. Emma with a dance move. Emma trips Cameron and then Emma rolls to the opposite side of the ring and she tries for a cross body but Cameron gets her boot up.
Cameron with boots to the midsection followed by a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Cameron with an abdominal stretch. Emma with elbows to escape the hold. Emma with a cross body and clothesline. Cameron with an Irish whip but Emma floats over and tries for the DilEmma but Cameron blocks it and sends Emma to the floor.
Cameron has something to say to Naomi before focusing on her opponent. Cameron sends Emma back into the ring and Emma with an inside cradle for the three count.
Winner: Emma
After the match, Cameron attacks Emma and Naomi has had enough and she makes her way into the ring. Cameron goes to the floor and she will deal with Naomi on the Battleground Kickoff Show.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Curtis Axel and Ryback versus Big E and Kofi Kingston
Axel and Kofi start things off and they lock up. Kofi with a waist lock and Axel with a side head lock. Kofi with a top wrist lock but Axel returns to a side head lock. Axel holds on to the hair to keep the advantage and he takes Kofi to the mat with a side head lock. Kofi with a kick to the chest and he gets a near fall.
Big E tags in and Axel gets away from Big E’s corner. Axel with a waist lock and side head lock but Big E blocks a take down. Axel with an elbow and Big E avoids a take down again. Big E with a shoulder tackle and Axel tags in Ryback. Ryback with a kick and forearm followed by a head butt.
Ryback with shoulders in the corner followed by kicks. The referee warns Ryback and then Ryback with a side head lock. Big E with a flying shoulder tackle and he picks up Ryback for a back breaker and he holds on for a second one. Big E holds on and he hits a third back breaker for a near fall. Kofi tags in and he goes up top and connects with boots to the arm. Big E tags back in and Ryback with forearms.
Big E with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex and Kofi with a drop kick to Axel. Big E assists Kofi onto Ryback and Axel with a plancha. We go to commercial.
We are back and Big E with shoulders to Ryback in the corner. Big E with an Irish whip and Axel tags in. Big E brings Axel in with a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E with an Ultimate Warrior Splash and the straps come down.
Axel rolls to the floor and Big E follows. Ryback misses a clothesline and Big E punches Ryback. Axel with a running forearm off the apron to Big E. Axel sends Big E back into the ring and he kicks Big E. Ryback with knees after tagging in. Ryback with a reverse chin lock.
Big E with punches to Ryback but Ryback with a front face lock. Axel tags in and Big E tries to make the tag but Ryback keeps Kofi from getting in. Axel with forearms to Big E and he gets a near fall. Axel with a reverse chin lock. Axel clips Big E and connects with a running knee to the head and Axel gets a near fall.
Ryback tags in and he kicks Big E and gets a near fall after a splash. Ryback calls for a power bomb but since he called the move, that means that Big E counters with a back body drop and both men are down. Axel and Kofi tag in and Kofi with a springboard clothesline followed by chops and a drop kick. Kofi with a leaping clothesline and then he hits the Boom Drop.
Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but Ryback distracts Kofi and Axel with an Axe to the back of the head. Kofi avoids a Saito suplex and Kofi with a pendulum kick followed by a dross body. Ryback breaks up the cover. Kofi escapes the marching musclebuster and Big E takes care of Ryback and Axel. Kofi with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winners: Big E and Kofi Kingston
We take a look at the reveal that Sting will be a downloaded character if you pre-order WWE 2K15.
We see a photo of a WWE Title Belt being awarded to the winner of the Home Run Derby last night.
We have a Raw Rebound.
Renee Young is with the Miz and she asks him about his match with Sheamus. Miz says that everyone wants what he has. Sheamus is trying to damage WWE’s most valuable asset . . . the MoneyMaker. He is a reality star and a movie star. He says that he is putting his money on the Miz.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Sheamus versus Miz in a Non Title Match
Miz tells the referee to make sure that the face is protected and Sheamus mocks Miz. They lock up and Miz retreats into the ropes and Miz protects his face. Sheamus with a wrist lock and Miz retreats into the ropes again. MIz with a waist lock and side head lock. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and Miz goes to the apron again.
Miz with a hammer lock and Sheamus misses an elbow. Miz goes to the floor to get into Sheamus’ head. Miz with a kick and forearms when he returns tot her ing. Miz with punches and kicks until the referee pulls him out of the corner. Sheamus with a punch.
The referee holds Sheamus back but Sheamus with a short arm clothesline. Sheamus tries to get Miz set up for the ten forearms but Miz gets to the floor. Miz almost gets back into the ring but he goes back to the floor. Miz drops Sheamus on the top rope and Miz with kicks to Sheamus. Miz with an Awesome Clothesline in the corner.
Miz goes up top for a double sledge but Sheamus is able to avoid it and he punches Miz in the midsection. Sheamus puts Miz in the ropes and Sheamus with the forearms across the chest and Miz gets off the apron and goes to the floor. Sheamus hits Miz from behind with a running double sledge.
Sheamus sends Miz back into the ring and Miz with a shoulder. Sheamus with forearms and when Sheamus goes for the slingshot shoulder Miz with a drop kick to the knees and Sheamus falls to the floor. Miz sends Sheamus into the ringside barrier and the referee starts his count.
Sheamus gets back into the ring and Miz kicks Sheamus. Miz with a rear chin lock and a rake of the face. Sheamus punches Miz in the midsection. Miz with a kick and he tries for the DDT but Sheamus stops him. Miz goes for a sunset flip but Sheamus stays on his feet.
Sheamus with the two running double sledges followed by a shoulder in the corner but Miz avoids the knee lift. Sheamus with an elbow but Miz with a kick. Sheamus with a power slam and it is time to set for the Brogue Kick. Miz turtles on the Brogue Kick attempt and Sheamus with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
We go to credits.
2014 - WWE officially moved former WWE champion CM Punk to their Alumni Section of their website this evening. The company made no statement regarding his status. "#ThankYouPunk" began trending on Twitter, leading to Punk to state, "Nope, thank YOU.Thanks for all the help and support through the years. Health and happiness above all.Don't ever take any s--t from anybody."
2014 - PWInsider's Mike Johnson reported the following:
As previously noted here on the site, Vince Russo has publicly declined to comment on PWInsider.com's story that he is still working for TNA as a creative consultant.
Therefore, it was very interesting today that I received an email from Russo, who accidentally cc'd me in, featuring instructions and advice from him to Mike Tenay and Taz on how certain segments of a TNA TV episode about to be voiced over should be handled.
That should put to rest, once and for all, any question that Russo is still involved and working for TNA.
***
This report set into motion a series of events that saw Russo initially claim that he had purposely emailed Johnson false information in an attempt to work him. PWInsider.com had previously confirmed the email featured legitimate information, leading to Russo issuing an apology on his social media and personal website citing that he was told by TNA management he could not acknowledge he was working for them. The apology would soon be pulled publicly. Russo would be released by TNA a short time later.
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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