Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
July 28th
On this day in history in ....
1977 - Seji Sakaguchi & Strong Kobayashi defeat Tiger Jeet Singh & Umanosuke Ueda for the NWF North American Tag Team Title in Fukuoka, Japan. This begins the second run with the belts for Sakaguchi & Kobayashi.
1980 - Killer Karl Krupp & El Mongol defeat Ken Lucas & Ricky Morton to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee.
1983 - Satanico defeats Ringo Mendoza for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1985 - The Cobra defeats Hiro Saito for the WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title in Osaka, Japan. This match starts The Cobra's second reign with the title, and he would ultimately vacate it when WWF and New Japan break off relations.
1986 - The Great American Bash tour pulled into the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Here are the results from the show:
- Steve Regal defeated Sam Houston.
- Black Bart & Konga The Barbarian defeated Denny Brown & The Italian Stallion.
- Manny Fernandez defeated Baron Von Raschke in a Loaded Glove On A Pole match.
- Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin in an Indian Strap match.
- Tully Blanchard pinned Ronnie Garvin in the fourth round of a Taped Fist match.
- The Rock N' Roll Express vs. Ole & Arn Anderson went to a 20-minute draw.
- Paul Jones defeated Jimmy Valiant in a Hair vs. Hair match, and Valiant had his head shaved bald.
- The Road Warriors & Baby Doll defeated The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) & Jim Cornette in a steel cage match.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Ric Flair to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title in a steel cage match. This would begin The American Dream's third, and final, NWA World Heavyweight Title reign.
1987 - Wendi Richter defeats Monster Ripper (Bertha Faye) for the WWC Women's Title in Trinidad. This would begin Richter's second run with the title.
1990 - The 27th edition of WWF's "Saturday Night's Main Event" aired on NBC, earning a 7.2 rating. The show featured the following matches, which were taped on July 16th in Omaha, Nebraska:
- WWF World Heavyweight Champion The Ultimate Warrior defeated Rick Rude via DQ.
- WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated The Rockers when Ax pinned Shawn Michaels.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig defeated Tito Santana.
- Texas Tornado Kerry Von Erich defeated Buddy Rose.
1992 - Destructores (Volcano & Tony Arce) defeat Misterioso & Volador for the Mexican National Tag Team Title for the third time in Monterrey, Mexico.
1994 - Silver King defeats Black Magic (Norman Smiley) for the CMLL World Heavyweight Title in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
1995 - Eddie Guerrero defeats Dean Malenko in Middletown, New York to win back the ECW World Television Title he had lost a week earlier in Florida. This show also saw the ECW debut of the Steiner Brothers, who defeated Vampire Warrior & Dudley Dudley. Additional results of the outdoor show, which was held in the rain following a tornado watch at the Orange County Fairgrounds, saw:
Jim Powers defeated Primo Carnera III (the future Big Guido)
Hack Myers pinned Val Puccio
2 Cold Scorpio defeated Mikey Whipwreck via TKO
ECW World Tag Team Champions Raven & Stevie Richards defeated the Pitbulls when Richards pinned Pitbull #1
Marty Jannetty fought Jim Neidhart to a double disqualification
Cactus Jack defeated ECW World Champion the Sandman via disqualification
The Public Enemy fought The Gangstas to a double countout
1995 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Princeton, WV with the following results:
Boo Bradley defeated Killer Kyle
SMW Tag Team Champion the Dirty White Boy defeated Unabom
Robert Gibson & Boo Bradley defeated the Headbangers
Brad Armstrong defeated Buddy Landel
1997 - Alex Wright defeats Chris Jericho for the WCW Cruiserweight Title in Charleston, West Virginia.
2000 - Masao Inoue & Yoshinobu Kanemaru of Pro Wrestling Noah defeat Jado & Gedo for the WEW (FMW) Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2000 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Dallas, Texas at the Bronco Bowl with the following results:
Chilly Willy defeated Redd Dogg (the future Rodney Mack)
Nova & Chris Chetti defeated E.Z. Money & Julio Dinero
Mikey Whipwreck & Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated The FBI, Little Guido & Tony Mamaluke
Danny Doring, Roadkill & Tommy Dreamer defeated Simon Diamond, Johnny Swinger & C.W. Anderson
ECW World champion Justin Credible defeated Kid Kash
The Baldies, Tony DeVito & Angel defeated Christian York & Joey Matthews
ECW World TV champion Rhino defeated Jerry Lynn
Rob Van Dam defeated Steve Corino
2002 - Dave Scherer broke the following: NWA TNA has terminated their contract with Jay Hassman after finding out that he was also working for Team Services, the company that markets WWE PPV events.
I have heard from a few sources that NWATNA officials found that Hassman had misled them about buyrates and about clearances on Dish and Cablevision, among other things. Sources have told me that NWATNA is in possession of emails from Hassman stating that he had confirmed the show would be airing on Dish and on Cablevision, and is also in possession of emails from Hassman that include inflated "extrapolated" projections related to buyrates on the first two programs.
I have heard from sources in both in TNA and WWE that Hassman withheld the fact that he was working for Team Services from Jeff and Jerry Jarrett and they found out about his connection with the WWE on July 10, when they met with an InDemand official in Nashville who explained that to them.
A lawsuit is expected to be filed by NWA TNA within the next few days.
2002 - WWE ran Columbia, SC. Patrick Sweeny:
Shelton Benjamin defeated one of the Island Boys.
Chris Nowinski defeated Goldust.
Trish Stratus and Linda Miles beat Molly Holly and Jackie Gayda.
David Flair beat Crash Holly.
Matt Hardy defeated Raven in a typical match from them.
Booker T beat Steven Richards.
Bradshaw beat Shawn Stasiak. Raven and Justin Credible ran in and they did the multiple hardcore champions finish and Bradshaw ended up with the belt after giving Stasiak the Clothesline from Hell.
RVD beat William Regal with the 5 star.
Undertaker and Ric Flair beat Brock Lesnar and the Big Show.
RVD and Ric Flair got the loudest pops of the night by far. And, the crowd popped huge for the spinarooni.
By far it was a decent show by all of the Raw guys.
2002 - WWE's Smackdown brand ran Little Rock, Arkansas. Troy Littledeer filed the following live report:
Sunday, July 28th 2002, the JVC TOWER OF POWER presented the WWE SMACKDOWN TOUR OF DEFIANCE at the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Sorry for any inaccuracies in the report, or if the report seems a rushed. I'm typing this report at 2:34 AM, cause it take about 3 hours, roughly, to get to Little Rock from where I live in Stilwell, Oklahoma. And then about another 3 hours to get home.
The card for the show had been updated at least twice this week on WWE.com. Most of the athletes scheduled to appear were still there. But there was the understandable exception of Chris Kanyon.
On that note I'd like to say "WHO BETTA THAN KANYON?!?"
Get well soon Chris Kanyon...
1st match
Mark Henry & The Hurricane vs. Batista & D-Von
This being the first match, it really got the crowd fired up. I think that the Hurricane must really be a super hero if he's able to withstand the clotheslines he took from Batista. The Hurricane went for a choke slam on Batista, who in return gave the Hurricane another clothesline. The Hurricane and Henry were the definite crowd favorites.
Winners: Mark Henry & The Hurricane
I don't know if there was anything wrong or if it was a work, but immediately following the match, Mark Henry looked a bit woozy. I didn't really know what was done to him, but there seemed to be concern on the faces of all those at the ring at the time. I hope it's turns out to be nothing to report on.
2nd Match Three-Way Elimination Cruiserweight Championship
Jamie Noble w/ Nidia vs. Chavo Guerrero vs. Billy Kidman
This was a really good match with the excitement you'd expect from a cruiserweight match. The match started off almost like a handicap match, pitting Kidman against both Noble and Guerrero. Then eventually everyone was against everyone. Nidia did a great job helping out Noble through out the match. In the end, Noble got the pin over Kidman while using the ropes for leverage.
Winner and still Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble
3rd Match
Faarooq, Mike Awesome & Bull Buchanan vs. Billy, Chuck & Rico
This was a pretty good match, not the best, not the worst. It got off to a funny start with Chuck trapping Tony Chimmel in the corner of the ring and doing, well, let's not say what he was doing...
Winners: Faarooq, Awesome & Buchanan
4th Match
Rey Mysterio & Shannon Moore vs. Tajiri & Funaki
This match had some high flying spots that were quite a site to see in person. The crowd was definitely with Mysterio and Moore. Personally, I'm glad to see Mysterio back.
Winners: Rey Mysterio & Shannon Moore
5th match for the Tag Team Championship:
Christian & Lance Storm vs. Hardcore Holly & Jerry "The King" Lawler
Scheduled and advertised to be Holly's partner was the Big Valbowski; but RAW announcer Jerry "the King" Lawler was a welcomed substitute and he received quit an ovation.
The Anti-Americans got a lot of heat by trashing America and more specifically, ARKANSAS (Hey, I'm from Oklahoma so it
didn't bother me that much...apologies to everyone in Arkansas). Lawler & Holly got a bit retribution for the Arkansans in the ring. Once Christian and Storm got the courage up to step into it, that is. But The King & Holly lost the match due to Test interfering.
Winners and still Tag Team Champs: Lance Storm & Christian
Intermission: Chimmel announced that they were giving away a JVC TOWER of POWER, and when he read the winning ticket, I'm not sure if there was even anybody sitting in it. Yeah, it was that empty.
6th Match:
John Cena vs. Albert
The crowd wasn't as into this match as the others. Mainly because most weren't back from intermission yet. Those who were back were cheering for Albert, because I don't think they knew much about Cena. But by the end of the match most were rooting for the rookie sensation John Cena though. Cena was the female favorite from the moment he entered the arena; as there were tons of screams. Albert dominated most of the match. In the end Cena got the pin with a really quick roll up on Albert.
Winner: John Cena
7th Match
Edge vs. Chris Jericho
This was probably the best of the night. Jericho is excellent at getting Heat and Edge is just a total fan favorite. The Actual match was excellent. A notable spot was Jericho got tangled in the Ropes and Edge Speared him while he was trying to get free. But after a ref bump, Jericho came out of the ring to get a steel chair but missed when he took a shot at Edge. Edge then countered with a spear to get the pin
Winner: Edge
8th Match Bra & Panties:
Torrie Wilson vs. Dawn Marie
Well, well, well, what can you say? I mean, you can try to discuss the athleticism of the women involved, but I don't think that's what they wanted you to discuss after the match was over...you know? But both girls worked as hard as they could and deserve credit for that. There was a pretty funny spot where the girls rolled over the ref and he held on as they rolled around, enjoying every minute of it. But when they got up, his pants were unbuttoned. Torrie then pulled his pants down. But I really just don't know what to say...without making my wife mad!
Winner: Torrie Wilson...and the fans on hand at the Alltel Arena.
MAIN EVENT:
"Hollywood" Hulk Hogan vs. Kurt Angle
Hogan pretty much squashed Angle through out the first part of the match. Angle mounted a little come back until the Hulkster started Hulking up. Hogan got Angle with the Big Foot and then with the Leg Drop. But as Hogan went for the pin, Chris Jericho ran out and pulled the ref out of the ring to stop the count. Hogan took on Jericho and Angle for a bit before whipping Angle into Jericho, causing Jericho to fall to the floor. Then Hogan got a roll up on Angle.
Winner: "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan
Hogan then was double teamed by both Angle and Jericho until Edge came out to make the save. Both Edge and Hogan ran Angle and Jericho back to the locker room. Edge then joined Hogan in the traditional "Hulking Up" pose down for the crowd.
The crowd at the Alltel Arena was hot for the whole show, although the arena was probably barely a quarter full.
The Superstars were really pleasing when it came to the fans too. Most took the time to slap the hands or pose for pictures with Kids as they went down the isle back to the locker room. Jerry Lawler was one that was really accommodating. He took his time going back to the locker room, as he was almost everywhere shaking everyone's hands or slapping them.
Dean Malenko and Nidia were standing along the isle way during the Bra and Panties match. Dean watched the match almost candidly with one of the refs; as Nidia taped the match with a camcorder.
Although the Arena was no where near being Sold out. You couldn't be able to tell once Jimi Hendrix's "Voo Doo Child" started, because when Hogan entered the arena they crowd went nuts! The crowd was wild, alive & completely behind Hogan the whole match and during his "Hulking Up" before and after the match. They especially liked when Edge Hulked up with him. Hulkamania was definitely runnin' wild in Little Rock, that's for sure!
I was expecting, or hoping maybe, to see the "NEXT BIG THING" Brock Lesnar, considering he had changed brands. According to WWE.com; Lesnar is scheduled for the Smackdown show in Asheville, North Carolina on Monday night.
In all the show was really one of the best I've been to. And I've been to at least 30 or more live wrestling events. It was nice to see the Superstars take the time to acknowledge the fans, even if it was just for a bit. My wife; Kelli and I had with us my 6 year old cousin; AJ. AJ got the chance to see Edge, one of his favorites. But then after the match, Edge came over and slapped his hand too. So the excitement on his face was enough for me.
It's kind of disappointing to think that there was such a low turn out. But still, I'm a loyal WWE fan (or mark, you pick), and I still have a belief that business will pick up sooner or later.
This report was written by Troy Littledeer exclusively for 1wrestling.com. It cannot appear on any other website besides that of the author or 1wrestling.com without permission from either the author or 1wrestling.com. If this report is used at any other website, please credit the Troy Littledeer & www.SlobberKnocker.cjb.net and www.1Wrestling.com.
Barton Wayne Harrison sent this report
There was very poor attendance, almost 3/4 of Alltel Arena was empty
Mark Henry and The Hurricane defeated Batista and D-Von in the opening bout when the Hurricane pinned D-Von
Faarooq, Mike Awesome & Bull Buchanan defeated Billy, Chuck & Rico when Faarooq pinned Rico
Torrie Wilson defeated Dawn Marie in a Bra and Panties match (the ref got his pants taken off as well, hmmmm..)
Rey Mysterio & Shannon Moore defeated Tajiri & Funaki when Mysterio pinned Funaki
Jamie Noble w/ Nidia defeated Chavo Guerrero and Billy Kidman in a Triple Threat Match for the Cruiserweight Championship when Noble pinned Chavo
Christian and Lance storm defeated Hardcore Holly and Jerry Lawler in a tag team championship match after Test interfered with the big boot to Holly allowing Christian to get the pin
John Cena pinned Albert after about 15 minutes of squash time by Albert
Edge pinned Chris Jericho after Jericho hit himself with a chair
Hulk Hogan defeated Kurt Angle with a roll up after Jericho interfered. Edge came out and posed with Hogan for about 15 minutes afterward
Overall, a very entertaining show, but like I said, attendance was way down since the last time the WWE came to Little Rock.
The biggest pops of the night were Hogan and Edge and the biggest heat goes to D-Von and Christian.
2002 - WWE broadcast Heat. John Keane filed the following TV report:
Matches taped on 7/22 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Your Announcers are Jonathan Coachman and D’Lo Brown.
Show opens with footage from last Sundays Vengeance PPV. Shawn Michaels persuaded HHH to jump ship from Smackdown to Raw.
Pyros explode, Coach and D’Lo welcome us in-D’Lo seems in surprisingly good spirits despite his humiliation on last weeks Raw. We get to work…
1st Match: Matt Hardy vs. Steven Richards.
Usual big pop for Matt, good heat for Steven. Lockup, Matt forced to corner, ref calls for break, Matt blocks a cheap shot, scores punch to face. The 2 separate, circle, another lockup, Matt wrings the arm, whips Steven to corner. Steven springboards, Matt puts on brakes, gets in a shot to face as Steven turns to face him. Steven in corner, charges, Matt scores an armdrag takedown, whips Steven off ropes, misses with a clothesline, Steven off ropes again, Matt gets in a hiptoss, Steven down, crawls to ropes. Matt approaches, Steven tosses him through ropes and out of ring. Matt recovers quickly, ascends apron, blocks a forearm, scores a punch, then slams Steven’s head into a top turnbuckle for a 10-count. Matt goes up top, hits the moonsault, covers Steven for 2. Steven gets in a thumb to eye as Matt tries to bring him up, Steven at ropes, Matt charges, gets back body dropped over top to the floor outside (looked nasty). Steven joins him outside, quickly rolls Matt in, drops a pair of elbows, drags Matt up by hair, lays in forearm shots to back of neck. Steven sends Matt off ropes, gets in a knee to the small of the back, slams Matt to canvas, covers for 2. Steven sets Matt in corner, continues forearms to back of neck, Matt turns, the 2 exchange punches, Steven scores with a kneelift and a snapmare, applies a REALLY odd Figure-4 variation from behind (neither Coach or D’Lo knew the name, sorry), Matt forearms his way out. Steven slaps on a headlock on his seated opponent, Matt gets to feet, elbows out, scores belly-to-back suplex/elbow drop combination, Steven down for 2. Up, Steven sets for suplex, takes too long, Matt counters with a snap suplex, both men down. Up, Steven getting frustrated, whips Matt off ropes, gets clotheslined to canvas. Both men down and up quickly, Matt lays in series of forearms to face, whips Steven off ropes, scores back body drop, Steven up slowly, Matt scores with a neckbreaker, covers for 2. Up, Matt sets for Side Effect, Steven elbows out, goes for the superkick, Matt grabs the boot, scores the Side Effect, Steven down for 2. Matt brings Steven up, slams him to canvas, ascends 2nd turnbuckle, Steven up, scores shoulder to gut, tosses Matt to canvas. Steven to 2nd turnbuckle, goes to drop the leg, Matt gets a boot up, Steven takes it in face. Matt up, sets for Twist of Fate, Steven elbows him to corner, charges, Matt springboards, tries for sunset flip, Steven graps the ropes to counter, holds on as Matt is pinned to canvas, ref DOES NOT see it, counts the 1-2-3.
Winner: Steven Richards.
Backstage, Terri interviews Raven. Referencing his banishment from Raw a few weeks ago, Terri asks why he hasn’t tried to take advantage of the recent decision by Vince McMahon to allow wrestlers to change their roster affiliation to possibly sign with Smackdown and get back on weeknight TV. Raven points out that his recent lack of airtime has decreased his marketability. Besides, he feels it really doesn’t matter which roster he works, he’ll always end up getting held back due to perceptions of him being a ‘freak’. His new mission statement-make Heat a personal playground. He makes his exit and we take a break.
Extreme Blast of the Night: New Raw GM Eric Bischoff grudgingly allowed D’Lo and Shawn Stasiak a ‘3-minute match’ last week on Raw last week, warning both that if he was not entertained there’d be hell to pay. Match went on, Eric declared his dissatisfaction and had 2 huge guys come in from the crowd to lay a clubberin’ on D’Lo and Shawn.
D’Lo apparently has no clue as to the identity of the assailants.
(Commentary: They’re the Island Boys, recently of HWA.)
Back to work…
2nd Match: Raven vs. Crash Holly.
Mixed, generally negative response for Raven, small pop for Crash. Lockup, Crash forced to corner, ref calls for break, Raven does so clean. They circle, another lockup, Crash again to corner, ref calls for break, Raven quickly decides ‘no more Mr. Nice Guy’, gets in a knee to gut, series of forearms to face, Crash to canvas. Raven backs off under warning from ref, Crash up, Raven whips him off ropes, brings him up, Crash counters with hurricanrana, follows up with a clothesline that sends Raven over top and out of ring. Crash follows, rolls him in, Raven up in corner, Crash charges, Raven drops to mat, Crash rams his left knee into turnbuckle, looks to be hurt. Raven seizes the opportunity, scores a shoulder to back of bad knee, Crash crawls to ropes, Raven drops him to canvas with kick injured leg. Raven continues to work on the knee, drops a series of elbows, applies a leg lock, Crash kicks his way out. Crash to corner, Raven sets his bad leg on ropes, lays in kicks, forearm, attempts whip, Crash’s knee gives out, he falls to mat. Raven goes to bring him up, Crash gets in a small package out of nowhere, covers Raven for 2. Up, Raven scores a quick clothesline, Crash down for 2. Raven goes back to work on leg, applies spinning toe hold, Crash kicks him to corner, scores a rollup as Raven bounces back in, just gets 2. Raven getting frustrated, scores with a kneelift as Crash gets to feet, sends him down for another 2. Raven back to work on leg, scores a pair of kicks, backs off, taunts Crash into getting to feet, lays in more boots to leg as he does so. Raven goes off ropes, tries another kick, Crash catches the boot, whips Raven around, scores neckbreaker. Both men down and up, Raven charges, Crash connects with a back elbow, Raven again charges, Crash scores with a drop toe hold, sending Raven face first into ropes. Up, Crash gets in some forearms, Raven counters with a kneelift, tosses Crash into corner. Crash holds him off with elbows, Raven charges straight into a boot to face, goes down. Crash ascends top turnbuckle as Raven rises, flies, scores missile dropkick, Raven down for 2. Up, Crash elbows Raven to mat, goes for another rollup, just gets 2. Both men up, Raven scores boot to gut, sets for Raven effect, Crash counters with a clothesline, AGAIN just gets 2. Both up slowly, Crash tries his version of the Dudley Dog/Acid Drop, Raven tosses him over shoulder, Crash lands on feet in obvious pain, Raven scores boot to gut, Raven Effect, Crash down for the 1-2-3.
Winner: Raven.
Pretty good match, let’s take a break.
Back, we recap last weeks Raw. Show opened with Eric appointing Shawn Michaels as HHH’s manager. Shawn declared he had no problem managing his pal, but had a BIG problem being summarily assigned the role by Bischoff. After trading words with his new GM, Shawn made to split, and was only stopped when Hunter informed him they could make the situation into a positive. Later, the 2 teased a reformation of the legendary DX faction in the ring-quickly ended when The Game hit his best friend with a Pedigree. HHH then wordlessly left the arena.
Coach and D’Lo express their hope to get some clarification on the Michaels/HHH situation tomorrow night. Break.
Burn of the night: Last week on Raw, a ladder match was held to unify the Intercontinental and European titles. Rob Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the IC title and send the Euro belt to retirement.
Back to the ring…
3rd Match: Goldust vs. Justin Credible.
BIG pop for the Bizarre One, loads of hate for the former ECW champ. Stalling to start, lockup, Goldust goes behind, grabs Justin’s boot, drops him to canvas. Up, the 2 circle, again lockup, Goldust slaps on a side headlock, Justin to ropes, shoots Goldust off opposite, Justin goes down to a shoulder. Goldust off ropes, over Justin, off again, Justin up, Goldust blocks a hiptoss, scores a pair of armdrag takedowns, Justin down and up quickly. Goldust sent to knees with hard shot to face, Justin pauses to bask in crowds hatred, Goldust to feet, clotheslines Justin down. Up, Goldust scores another armdrag, holds on, applies a wristlock, drops the knee on Justin's arm. Justin to feet as Goldust maintains hold, gets in a knee to gut, breaks hold, tries for whip, reversed, Justin off ropes, scores what Coach referred to as a ‘running sidewinding DDT’, Goldust down. Justin tosses him into turnbuckles, lays in boots, uppercut sends Goldust to knees. Justin taunts Goldust, scores boot to face, Goldust down. Justin applies an apparently illegal facial hold (out of camera view), ref calls for break. Goldust still on knees, Justin slaps on a rear chinlock, Goldust slowly to feet, elbows out, goes off ropes, ducks a clothesline, off again, Justin ducks a clothesline, scores superkick, Goldust down for 2. Goldust to knees, Justin lays in punches to face, Goldust counters with shots to gut, gets to feet, scores chops to face, tosses Justin toward corner, he ends up sliding on the mat to be crotched on the ringpost. Both men up at 5-count from ref (my man Nick Patrick by the way), Goldust connects with a chop, the 2 exchange punches, Justin goes off ropes, Goldust clotheslines him down. Up, Goldust whips Justin off ropes, scores inverted Atomic Drop, follows up with a forearm, Justin down and up at ropes. Goldust attempts another whip, reversed, Goldust off ropes, Justin sets for back body drop, Goldust drops to canvas, scores punch to face. Goldust to feet, scores headlock takeover, Justin down. Up, Goldust sets for Curtain Call, Justin punches his way out, Goldust ducks a clothesline, scores the Director’s Cut (AKA, um, powerslam…), Justin down for the 1-2-3.
Winner: Goldust.
Post-match, man in gold seems genuinely appreciative of the crowds cheers. Break.
Back for more recap. The aforementioned loosening up of the roster restrictions appears to have brought about a re-birth of talent raiding, as last week’s Raw ended with Brock Lesnar and his ‘agent’ Paul Heyman leaving the venue with Stephanie McMahon to join the Smackdown roster. Later that week on SD, Brock ran in on Kurt Angle’s match with Mark Henry and hit the big man with the F-5, costing Kurt a loss by disqualification. Later on Brock and an enraged Kurt squared off verbally, and still later Kurt was seen venting to ‘Eric’ on his celphone. End of show saw Bischoff driving off in a limo as Steph looked on, apparently with the newest star jumping to Raw. Turned out not to be Kurt, as he approached and informed the happily surprised Steph the ‘Eric’ he’d been talking to was his brother. Steph and he were left to wonder who was actually with Bischoff. Break.
Extremely Disgusting Moment of the Night: During a commercial hyping the MTV music awards, talentless idiot Jimmy Fallon grabs Natalie Portman’s butt. Sorry, I don’t usually go off topic, but this was just too much.
Straight back in for our Main Event…
4th Match; For the Hardcore Title: Johnny Stamboli vs. champ Bradshaw.
Pre-match, we see Johnny using the 24/7 rule to defeat Bradshaw for the HC title on Raw 2 weeks past, only to lose it back to him later in the show.
Big pop for Bradshaw, mild heat for Johnny. Lockup, Bradshaw forces Johnny to corner, attempts clean break for no good reason (HC rules, right?), Johnny gets in kick to gut, tosses Bradshaw face first into top turnbuckle. Bradshaw immediately fires off chops, slaps on a side headlock, Johnny breaks free, shoots Bradshaw off ropes, Johnny goes down to a shoulder charge. Bradshaw brings him up, applies top wristlock, Johnny rakes the eyes, breaks hold. Bradshaw doubled over, Johnny scores pair of kneelifts, goes off ropes, forearm to back sends Bradshaw down for 1. Up, Johnny gets in another forearm to back, snap suplex sends Bradshaw down again, this time for 2. Johnny scores punch to face, Bradshaw to corner, Johnny whips him to opposite, charges, Bradshaw sidesteps, Johnny into turnbuckles, Bradshaw goes off ropes, Clothesline from Hell sends Johnny to the outside. Bradshaw exits, tosses Johnny into ring steps. Johnny staggered, Bradshaw grabs top level of steps (funny, I thought they were one piece units), applies it forcefully to the side of Johnny’s head as I wonder who the hell this guy pissed off.
Johnny crawls outside as Hardcore (AKA plunder-filled) section of match begins. Bradshaw goes beneath the ring, grabs an oar, whacks Johnny with it as he tries to re-enter ring. Bradshaw gets bored with the oar, tosses it aside, lays Johnny out with a big boot to face. Bradshaw rolls Johnny in, then goes for more junk. To wit:
1. A personal flotation device, which he dons.
2. A kayak, that he pushes through the ropes, then uses as a see-saw under Johnny’s jaw, sending him down.
3. A garbage can containing another personal flotation device, thrown into the ring.
4. An old tire, thrown into the ring.
5. Empty garbage can and lid, thrown into the ring
6. Another old tire, rolled up the entry ramp.
OK, Bradshaw finally re-enters to level Johnny with the trash can lid. Quoth the Coach, “This is just getting ridiculous”. Amen. Whatever, Bradshaw sets the kayak between ropes in a corner, Johnny mounts a comeback, sends Bradshaw down with a trio of trash can shots, covers for 2. Johnny briefly applies choke, gets in a 3-count of mounted punches, tries another cover, just gets 2. Both up, Johnny gets in a trash can lid shot, follows up with a DDT on the lid, Bradshaw again down for 2. Johnny goes up top in kayak corner, Bradshaw pummels him with lid shots, stands on kayak, superplexes Johnny to canvas. Johnny slowly to feet, Bradshaw fetches his cowbell, brings it down on Johnny’s head to send him to canvas. Cowbell loses appeal, Bradshaw exchanges it for length of rope, binds Johnny’s ankles, brings him to feet, gets empty un-dented trash can, puts it on Johnny. Clothesline from Hell sends the aluminum-covered Johnny down, Bradshaw covers, gets the 1-2-3.
Winner and still Hardcore Champion: Bradshaw.
During the match, Coach and D’Lo eliminated some names from the list of those who could be jumping to Raw. Can’t be Edge, Rey Misterio, Chris Jericho, Test, Christian or Lance Storm, as they were all involved in an in-ring melee as Bischoff made his exit (no mention of John Cena, who was there also).
Coach and D’Lo hype tomorrow nights Raw to end the show.
Decent show this week, first 3 matches were fine, main event was…interesting, recap seemed a bit excessive. Positive response for Goldust was pretty wild-bet he’s got a nice Christmas gift planned for Booker T.
2004 - TNA broadcast their weekly Wednesday night PPV from Nashville, TN. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
This week's NWA:TNA PPV opened up with one of the cameramen who worked for the promotion asking fans not to pirate the cable feed.
They aired a video package on recent events in TNA.
Mike Tenay welcome everyone to the PPV and ran down the lineup for tonight.
Team Canada's Bobby Rude & Petey Williams vs. America's Most Wanted
The match quickly broke down into a brawl with AMW cleaning house. Mike Tenay noted that they told him earlier today they were going to start showing a mean streak after the events of last week. Rude tossed James Storm over the top. As he tried to skin the cat and get back into the ring, Scott D'Amore slapped him with a strap. I thought that was Pat Kenney's deal? Team Canada doubleteamed Storm, getting several near falls. Williams came off the top with a sunset flip but Storm rolled through and dropkicked him. He tagged in Chris Harris, who cleaned house on both men. Harris held up Williams for a long time with a suplex. He went to spear Rude, but Rude got out of the way and Harris fell to the floor. D'Amore whipped him with the belt. Harris' shoulder had hit the steel when he went through the railing, so they began working over it. Rude hit a one-armed DDT, focusing the impact on Harris' shoulder. Team Canada continued to focus on the shoulder. They antagonized Storm so the referee was forced to admonish him as they worked over Harris. Williams went for the Canadian Destroyer flip piledriver but Harris was able to block it and slam him down. He tagged in Storm whi hit a tilt o whirl headscissors on Rude and powerslammed him. He worked over Rude and went for the pin, but Williams broke it. Storm hit an exiguiri on Williams. AMW hit the old Hart Attack finisher but Scott D'Amore distracted the referee. Rude was going for a powerbomb but Storm hit a superkick. Harris rolled through for a pin.
Scott D'Amore tried to whip them with the belt but AMW got the belt and worked him over. The rest of Team Canada hit the ring and brawled with AMW. They held down AMW as D'Amore lashed them. Christopher Daniels and Primetime made the save.
Your winners, America's Most Wanted!
Scott Hudson interviewed NWA champion Jeff Jarrett. Hudson asked him who was going to win the match between Jeff Hardy and Monty Brown later for a title shot. Jarrett said he didn't care who was going to win. Hudson questioned him, saying that if Jarrett put Hardy on the same level as Sting and Hulk Hogan last week, it stands to reason that Jarrett wants Brown to win. Jarrett said that Vince Russo and Dusty Rhodes are having personal issues and they better get their house in order before they worry about sending people after Jarrett.
Alex Shelley & Abyss vs. D-Ray 3000 & Shark Boy
The stipulation here is that if D-Ray and Shark Boy don't win, Goldilocks gets their contracts. I can think of nothing worse than having to listen to Goldi speak. D-Ray started off with Abyss but was unable to get any offense in. Abyss shot him into the air, where he came down crashing chestfirst in the center of the ring. D-Ray went for a sunset flip, but Abyss was too strong. Shark Boy came off the top with a bodypress but was caught by Abyss. He tossed Shark Boy back and he crashed onto his partner. Shark Boy hit a stunner-like move on Abyss. Abyss cut off Shark Boy and was going to go for a chokeslam but Goldilocks demanded he tagged in Shelley. He walked over to the ring, where Shelley tagged himself in. Abyss sat down on the ring apron in disgust. Shelley began strangling Shark Boy. Shelley charged in the corner with two knees on Shark Boy then hit a great tornado DDT out of the corner. Shark Boy came back with a sit down neckbreaker in a backslide position and tagged in D-Ray. Shelley tried to go for a tag as well but Abyss didn't care, but finally tagged in when Goldilocks admonished him. D-Ray tricked Abyss into charging into Shelley in the corner. D-Ray and Shark both tried to pin Abyss but he kicked out. Abyss tried to chokeslam both, but they stomped his feet. Abyss hit the black hole slam on D-Ray for the pin. Goldilocks now owns the contracts of Shark Boy and D-Ray 3000. She fawned over Shelley as they walked out.
Your winners, Alex Shelley and Abyss!
As Goldilocks left, she was attacked by Desire and they rolled down the ramp in a catfight. Sonny Siaki came out and everyone faced off as Mike Tenay wondered why that happened.
Scott Hudson interviewed David Young. Young said he didn't care that Glen Gilberti was getting to the building now. Young said he didn't care about Gilberti after last week. Young said that if he couldn't beat referee Mike Posey, he would get another job and never return to TNA. Gilberti showed up and said that they were all on the Gut Check List and needed to work together. Young didn't want to hear it but they all left together.
David Young vs. Mike Posey
Posey slapped Young and ran from the ring. Young began chasing him around the ring. Posey ran under the ring. Young tried to outsmart him and see if he was under another section, but Posey snuck up from behind and began whacking him with a broom. Gilberti (after missing the first time) pulled the broom away from Posey. Young began working over Posey with punches. Young powerslammed Posey but couldn't get the pin because Posey put his leg in the ropes. Posey tried to come off the top but Young ducked. Posey rolled out of the ring but was shoved back in by Gilberti. Young took down Posey and went for a moonsault but Posey evaded him. Posey pulled off his shirt and began flailing away with punches. He's absolutely Mikey Whipwreck in 1994. Posey got the broom and began hitting Young with it. The shots looked bad. Gilberti got the broom. Young charged Posey, who sidestepped him. Young almost ran into Gilberti but stopped short. Posey dropkicked him into Gilberti and rolled him up for the pin. Young is now 0-88. Posey jumped into the crowd to celebrate.
Your winner, Mike Posey!
Gilberti began blaming Young. Young finally snapped and beat down Gilberti. Johnny Swinger hit the ring and blindsided him. The NYC beat down Young with the broom. They shoved the Gutcheck list into Young's mouth.
Looks like Gilberti vs. Young soon!
Backstage, Scott Hudson interviewed Goldilocks, who was with Alex Shelley. She said Georgie Watts, Erik's wife put Desire up to the attack earlier. Goldilocks said that she was rich and she would put up her money to get Desire for putting her hands on her. Desire burst in and went after her. Sonny Siaki stopped her and said that their kids need the money. He accepted Goldilocks challenge. Goldilocks said that he would face Abyss next week and walked off.
They aired a video feature on the Sabu vs. Raven feud.
In the ring, Mike Tenay discussed the history between Sabu and Raven. He noted that Sabu accepted the challenge for a match next week on TNA's PPV. Tenay said that Sabu vowed this will be the only meeting against Raven and once he defeats Raven, the feud is over.
Tenay then introduced Raven. Raven came out through the crowd dressed like The Sheik with Sabu's name written on his body. He brought a trash can with him. Raven told Tenay to get out of the ring for antagonizing him. Raven said that he has been a God in the sport for 16 years and he has waiting that long to pummel Sabu into oblivion.
Raven said that the entire time, Sabu cited an oath to a stale, rotting corpse to mask his cowardice. Raven said that now that he has waited so long, Sabu wants the match on his terms? Raven said that he wasn't going to wait.
He said he was going to make sure Sabu faces him tonight. He said the head dress and robe was The Sheik's. He took them off and threw them into the can. He poured gas on them. Raven said that he knew Sabu didn't care about The Sheik so he had something else. He pulled a bodybag out from the ring. Inside was a bound and gagged Sonjay Dutt. He threw Dutt inside the trash can and poured the gas over him as well.
Raven said that Sabu had 10 seconds to get to the ring or else. At the count of 5, the lights went out and when they returned, Sabu was in the ring making the crucifix sign. They brawled. Sabu hit a springboard off a chair onto Raven on the floor. Security pulled them apart.
Scott Hudson interviewed NWA Tag Team champions The Naturals who boasted about how many times they defeated America's Most Wanted. They said that since AMW beat Triple X, that made The Naturals the best team in TNA.
Pat Kenney showed up with Trinity and cut a good promo, saying that Vito tried to send Trinity to do his dirty work but she failed. He said that he was challenging Vito to a Luck of the Irish Weapons match next week on PPV. I know Kenny worked for ECW, but I don't know they keep putting him in these matches.
Mike Tenay previewed the NWA Tag Team championship match
NWA Tag Team champions The Naturals vs. Christopher Daniels & Primetime
Primetime started off with Chase Stevens. They chopped each other and went back and forth with mat wrestling. Daniels tagged in. Triple X hit a doubleteam takeover on Stevens and Chris Daniels followed up with a kneedrop. The Naturals soon took over on Primetime. They choked him out with the tag rope. Andy Douglas dropped him into a backbreaker. Douglas hit a high knee as Primetime came off the ropes. Primetime was choked out over the ropes. Stevens hit a snap suplex for a two count. They continued to work him over. Primetime finally took Douglas down but was too fatigued to make a tag at first. Daniels tagged in and hit a running clothesline on Douglas. He slammed Stevens and hit the Best Moonsault Ever. Douglas broke up the pin. Primetime climbed the ropes and came off with a bodyblock as Daniels held Stevens up in a suplex position. Douglas pulled the referee so he couldn't make the count. Primetime hit a springboard into a dive on Stevens on the floor. Daniels went for Angel's Wings but Scott D'Amore distracted him. Naturals hit Natural Disaster for the pin. Team Canada swarmed the ring and beat down Triple X. America's Most Wanted to make the save.
James Storm said that Scott D'Amore's days were numbers and they were going to get their titles back. He said that AMW was the best. Primetime said that every week, they claim to be the best tag team in TNA, but Triple X beat them 4-1. He said even The Naturals have them 2-1. Primetime said that if they were so bad, prove it, but Daniels tried to calm him down.
Your winners, The Naturals!
Backstage Monty Brown was interviewed by Scott Hudson. Hudson brought up Jeff Jarrett's comments from earlier and Brown said that Jarrett wanted Hardy to win so he could keep his distance running from Brown. He said that Jeff Hardy should have stayed in North Carolina with his motorbike. Brown went off on everyone, saying that he was the future champion. Ron Killings showed up and said he was tired of Brown bringing up his name. Brown said he was tired of Killings showing up during his interviewed. They brawled as security pulled them apart. Is every interview going to have someone interject themselves tonight?
They aired a video packed on Jeff Hardy vs. Monty Brown.
Jeff Hardy vs. Monty Brown
Hardy got a lot of screaming girls reacting to his entrance. Hardy was dressed in his traditional look, with his face painted. We'll have to see how Monty Brown does in the biggest match of his career. The crowd chanted for Hardy. They locked up but Brown shoved him off. Hardy got shoved off again, this time hitting the turnbuckles. Hardy went for a go behind but Brown reversed it. Hardy blocked a back suplex. Hardy pulled Brown to the mat and he rolled out of the ring. Hardy pulled off his shirt. They got in each other's face. Hardy hit his trademark double legdrop low. Hardy hit a DDT on Brown. Brown hit a double underhook butterfly suplex. Hardy tried to go blow for blow with Brown but was overpowered. Brown forearmed Hardy and hit a back suplex. Brown cinched in an armbar, wrapping his leg over the other arm to neutralize Hardy and prevent him from escaping. Hardy struggled to make it to the ropes. Brown turned it into an STF. Brown set him for a powerbomb but Hardy turned it into a hurrancanrana. Hardy hit a bodypress off the ropes for a two count. Hardy ducked a clothesline but was caught trying a bodypress. He went for an Alphabomb and Hardy went for another hurrancanrana but both crashed to the mat. Brown began nailing Hardy with kicks and motioned for the Pounce. Hardy stopped it and hit the Twist of Fate, although Mike Tenay didn't note that. Hardy went to the top for the swanton but Jeff Jarrett shoved him off. Monty Brown got in Jarrett's face and shoved him away. Brown went for the Pounce but missed. Hardy rolled him up and ended up scoring the pin, so he's the new number one contender. Jarrett got in his face and they brawled. Hardy got Jarrett's guitar, but as he swung it, Brown hit the Pounce. Jarrett pulled Brown off Hardy to attack him. 3 Live Kru hit the ring and saved Hardy.
Your winner, Jeff Hardy!
Dusty Rhodes made his way to the ring. He called Jeff Hardy the next NWA champion. Vince Russo came to the ring and had words with Rhodes. Rhodes began screaming at him while Russo tried to calm him. Tenay and Don West wondered what the situation was.
Scott Hudson interviewed Kazarian and Michael Shane, who now have matching sequined outfits. Hudson said that the best case scenario is that one of them is going down. Shane said that Kazarian stands with him and that the X-Division was theirs, not AJ Styles' and they will prove that tonight.
Don West earned his paycheck with the hard sell on the TNA DVDs, PPVs, and more.
Scott Hudson tried to interview Vince Russo. Dusty stormed in and said he went to North Carolina and he gave Jeff Hardy his word. Russo tried to calm him. Dusty didn't want to hear it and said that he doesn't know what goes on in New York City but in Texas, his word means everything. It was a great promo. He shoved the camera away and followed Russo off as they bickered.
They aired a video piece on the Ultimate X match.
Mike Tenay, before previewing the match, apologized on behalf of TNA and Dusty Rhodes for Rhodes' language.
NWA:TNA X-Division champion AJ Styles vs. Kazarian vs. Michael Shane - Ultimate X Match
Michael Shane is working with a fractured tailbone. OK, verdict's in - he's the man. They immediately went to work on Styles' knee. Shane was the first to go to the wires and try to make his way across. Kazarian hit a gutwretch suplex on Styles. Shane came off the ropes with a forearm on Styles, but he ducked and Kazarian got nailed. Kazarian and Shane had words. Tracy Brooks tried to calm them down. Styles came off the ropes and grabbed Kazarian with an inverted DDT. He hit Shane with a kick and grabbed him in a DDT, then dropped both at once. Styles whipped Kazarian into the ropes, sending him over the ropes to the floor. Styles hit a running flip dive on Kazarian to the floor. It was awesome. Styles began climbed up to the wires. Shane caught up to him but was rammed into the steel girders and sent into the ring. Styles began making his way across the cables but was taken down. Shane tried to come off the railing with a hurrancanrana, but Styles caught him with an attempted Styles Clash. When he couldn't lock it in, he slammed Shane into the guard rail and then the steel steps. Styles went to the wires but was knocked off. Kazarian nearly got the belt but Styles pulled him down. On their knees, Styles and Kazarian exchanged punches. Styles went for a dropkick but Kazarian held onto the ropes. They showed Michael Shane busted open on the floor. Styles went to the wires and began making his way across. Kazarian grabbed his legs and powerbombed him into the ring. Kazarian made his way across but Styles caught up to him and began nailing him with kicks. He maneuvers Kazarian into a Styles Clash like move off the wires into the ring. That was awesome. Shane made his way to the belt, but was pulled off and hit with a Styles Clash by AJ. AJ made his way across but Tracy jumped on him and pulled him down. Styles hit the Pele Kick on her. AJ almost made it to the belt but Kid Kash came out and hit him with a crutch in the knee. Kash and Dallas watched from the stage. Kazarian and Shane made their way across the wires and pulled the belt down at once. They announced Kazarian and Shane were both the winners and co-champions. LAME!!!! Nothing kills a great match like a horrible booking decision and this ranks right up there with Chyna and Chris Jericho as Co-Intercontinental champions. Actually this is worse, because TNA should know how bad the idea was the first time.
Your winners, Shane and Kazarian.
2006 - After being pulled from WWE action due to concerns about elevated enzymes in his liver during a WWE Wellness Policy test, Bobby Lashley is cleared to return to the ring. The test, which also caused problems for other WWE talents, is later thrown out as having been contaminated by the labratory that handled the testing.
2007 - TNA signed suspended Tennessee Titan cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones to a deal that would see the NFL star perform as a professional wrestler. The NFL would step in to prevent Jones from being truly physically involved, although he would have a run as TNA Tag Team champion and would get to pin Sting during his run. Jones was suspended for the entire 2007 NFL season without pay for off-the-field personal conduct problems, including a Las Vegas strip club shooting incident that left former independent pro wrestler Tommy Urbanski paralyzed.
2007 - One of the toughest men to ever walk Planet Earth, Karl Gotch passed away in Florida. Gotch was looked at as one of the toughest men in the world when he was active, and was revered in Japan. He was a big proponent of the "shoot style" and is credited for popularizing the German suplex, to the point that many state he invented the move (although Gotch himself denied creating it).
2007 - WWE Smackdown and ECW ran a live event in Singapore. Go Boon Wan filed the following live report:
I attended the Smackdown/ECW house show last night at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Here are the results of the show.
Ric Flair beat Chris Masters. The crowd was very respectful of Flair and cheered when he put on the Figure Four for the victory.
Deuce and Domino beat The Majors. Cherry was with the champions. They got good heel heat.
Michelle McCool beat Victoria. The crowd seemed surprised by this result.
Elijah Burke beat Stevie Richards by using the ropes. The crowd booed this result.
John Morrison beat Tommy Dreamer to keep the ECW Title. CM Punk was not at the show which made the fans angry.
Kane beat Finlay with the big chokeslam. The crowd loved Kane!
Rey Mysterio beat Chavo Guerrero with the 619. The crowd went crazy for Rey. He seemed to love being in front of the crowd again.
Batista beat Great Khali but it was a DQ so Khali is the champ. What happened was Finlay ran in and beat up Batista. Kane came down and saved him. This led to a tag team match that Batista and Kane won after they pinned Finlay.
It was a very fun show for the fans in Singapore.
2007 - WWE developmental Ohio Valley Wrestling ran Elizabethtown, KY. Trevor Goodman filed the following live report:
Elizabethtown, Kentucky has been a monthly stop for OVW since the beginning of the promotion. I have been going to these events for several years, and have truly enjoyed seeing the progression and development of these men and women working hard to achieve their dreams. Elizabethtown is probably the best place besides the Six Flags shows, to really see what the young talents can really do when given some time to work.
The only two major stars that OVW produced that was brought up to the main roster before the Elizabethtown tours began were Randy Orton and Brock Lesnar. It's really been amazing to have seen matches of current stars on Raw, Smackdown, ECW and TNA before they made it to the "show". There are some that you knew would be big, some that really improved and grew on you, and some that it broke your heart that they didn't achieve their dream.
To many WWE fans a guy like Mike Mondo was in a ridiculous gimmick and became a jobber to the stars. To an OVW fan, he was a guy that achieved his dream of making it to the show, that most figured never would. I now find myself watching the shows more to check on the OWV guys and gals, as much as seeing what storylines and matches they throw at us.
In the past six years I've seen matches in Elizabethtown featuring talents such as John Cena, Batista, Ken Kennady, C.M. Punk, Brent Albright, Deuce and Domino, Bobby Lashley, Johnny Nitro, Elijah Burke, Kenny Dykstra, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Melina, Carlito, Paul London, Armando Alejandro Estrada, Doug Basham, The Damaja, Tomko, Kevin Thorn, Shelton Benjamin, Cody Rhodes, and many others. Tickets are five dollars a seat, not a bad deal for seeing someone that could be headlining a pay per view someday or a major player on the big shows. It's a lot like minor league baseball, sometimes you really feel like you are seeing something special. I feel like I've witnessed people living out and sometimes succeeding at their dreams.
Last night we had Kenny Bolin making his first appearance in several years to sit ringside. He was shilling some DVD's and merchandise. Timmy Baltimore was our ring announcer. Al Snow and Robert Gibson were sitting in the balcony with the other wrestlers watching and analyzing the performances. The card started at 7:30 and ended after 11 matches at 10:50. Eleven matches for five bucks, is a pretty good deal.
Here are the match results along with a few notes.
1. "The Professional" Mike Mondo defeated "The Jaguar" Dre Blitz after a forearm smash. Mondo was in a coaching role with young Blitz last night. Blitz is a member of the Derby City Wrestling feeder system for OVW. I think this was his opportunity to work with a higher tier talent/aka do the job. It's hard to say what kind of promise Blitz has. Mondo carried him through a very basic match, with a little bit of matwork. However, there have been a few amateur showcase stars that have made it to the main roster including Domino (Cliff Compton), JTG and Armando Alejandro Estrada, so I guess anything is possible.
2. Armando Alejandro Estrada defeated The Prodigy after a DDT. Estrada has come a long way in his ring work. He now can put on a respectable match tying in his comedic talents on the mic and interacting with the fans during throughout. I have to believe with his comedic abilities that he would be a natural for a talk show segment. ECW could use a few new elements including a little humor. There is no one on there to currently make you chuckle, unless you put the Miz in that category, for his unintentional humor. The Prodigy, I believe, is Tomasso under a mask. He has been working in a mangerial role lately for Ox and Hammer. This match put a lot of smiles on people faces and Estrada came off like a star in his personna.
3. Ox and Hammer defeated Jesse and Festus after a double team shoulderblock. I'm sure you are so envious that you didn't get to see this one live. LOL Much to my surprise, I was impressed with Jesse and Festus. That may be the first time that's ever been said. I've been very curious as to what in the world they were going to do with these guys upon their arrival. This is their second appearance in Elizabethtown. The first time they appeared in a gauntlet match and didn't show any direction toward their characters. This time, we got a possible preview of their Smackdown gimmick. The best way to describe it is a comedy gimmick that's possibly hoping to appeal to children in a Bushwhackers, George Steele kind of way. Festus' gimmick is that of a large child. He wanders off from ringside, pouts when he doesn't get to hurt the other guys, and tries to evade Jesse by hopping into the crowd. Jesse comes off as the sympathizing older brother that's trying to nicely keep his big buddy in line. Yes, it sounds stupid, I know. However, Festus has a Jim Carey thing going where his facial expressions and body mannerisms make his actions funny. It's one of those things that's so odd, you can't help but chuckle a little. The kids at ringside really enjoyed Festus. He even played up the chanting of his name quite well. His gimmick isn't groundbreaking, but the way he plays it is a little different. Will it put butts in seats? Probably not. I think they may be hoping for an Eric Young type of thing to happen. When Festus is in the ring, he has this Hulkesque look on his face and tries to fight in a Little Rascals sped up style of attacking. Gordy actually is a good worker. Festus has good charisma, but falls into the typical big man category. I like the progression of the Ox and Hammer team. They are both good on the mic and really know how to keep the fans interested with their antics. The Ox is a really good trash talker with the fans. He may be the best in the company. If he wanted, he could channel Bubba Ray Dudley and really rile up the fans.
4. Jacob Duncan w/ Beth Phoenix defeated a young worker who's name wasn't announced, by DQ after being blasted with a chair by Antoni Pulaski. Duncan challenged Pulaski to try to win his body slam challenge. Pulaski stated that Duncan had to beat his hand picked opponent, in order to get a shot at Pulaski at Six Flags on Friday. Duncan is another guy that has shown so much improvement. He may be getting closer to a shot at ECW. I believe he could work a decent big man match with the right match up. I like Pulaski. His modern day version of King Kong Bundy has a place in the WWE.
5. Goose Mahoney dressed as Ric Flair and billed as the Nature Goose and ODB defeated Katie Lea and Mini B by pinfall. Mahoney does do a good job in his wrestler parodies. He even did a flip over the turnbuckle and ran to the top rope, stepped down to the second rope and was slammed by Mini B. That move doesn't work for Goose either. The crowd enjoyed the comedy routine.
6. Beth Phoenix won a five woman scramble over Nattie Neidhart, Serena, Shenaynay and another lady who's name I didn't catch. The beginning of the match featured some back and forth mat work by Nattie and Beth. A match with them would be fun to see. I was impressed with Nattie's interaction with the crowd and her ability in the ring.
7. Johnny Jeter pinned Jay Bradley. I really like Bradley and think he has some potential. He has a nice heel personna. Jeter came out with a local manager, and Bradley blamed his loss on him. He told Jeter that he won because he brought his babysitter. The match result prompted a challenge for next month in which the loser has to wear a bonnet and diaper. I think Jeter has some great skills. He peaked with the Matt Cappotelli storyline. I wish that he hadn't been so damaged after the Spirit Squad. I think Jeter, Dystra and Nemeth all had some real potential. Dykstra has the goods if they ever let him use it. Nemeth is possibly one of the best mat workers that I've seen in OVW that didn't come from Ring of Honor. Jeter reminds me of a young Chris Jericho.
8. The Next Generation Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Harry Smith w/ Nattie Neidhart) defeated The James Boys w/ Mini Bolen in a non-title match after a double team move that can only be described as a Teddy Hart blockbuster off the top rope as Harry Smith is powerbombing his man. The place came unglued for Teddy's performance. He really busted his ass last night. He pulled out an Asai moonsault, an amazing body press, a shooting star press and that tag team move that I mentioned above. The Harts were treated like stars and really looked like something special. The James Boys, who I also think has something special, did their part and made them look great. These two teams should be on the main roster by the end of the year, or something is really wrong. I know the Foundation won't be rushed, but the potential is there. Of course Teddy has the experience. I believe that they just need to gel before being moved up. It may happen very soon. I would love to see Jim Cornette managing The James Boys. They need a great fast talker to go with their gimmick. Although K.C,, can definately channel Tommy Rich when he wants to. You would have enjoyed this match. I believe they said that the Foundation will challenge the James Boys at Six Flags on Friday.
9. Shawn Spears defeated Steve Lewington after a low blow in a television title match. Spears really has the cowardly, dastardly heel gimmick down. I don't know if his size gets him a shot, but he really is getting to that point where he has jumped to the top of the roster. Spears throws one of the hardest chops you'll ever see. He always takes his opponents best in return to. The fans wanted to see Cody Rhodes make a run in. I don't think the general public is ready to let go of that feud, even though it looks like Cody will only be appearing on the tv show. Cody had a lot of really good matches during his time here.
10. Team America ( Mike Kruel, The Akbars and The Belgium Brawler) defeated Idol Stevens, Colt Cabana, Chet the Jet and Atlas DaBone. This match definitely had the crowd going as the faces belittled the B team members of Team America. Kruel tried to remain on the outside until later in the match. Roucka was in a sling, but still accompanied her team to the ring. No word on what happened to her. The faces were about to win, when Kruel as troubleshooter got on the mic and ejected referee Ray Ramsey and inserted Ramon Loco. The match ended when Kruel hit Colt Cabana with brass knuckles. This was a surprising outcome. Typically the eight man matches feature the top faces and they usually win. When Kruel was teamed with the Derby City regulars most figured they'd lose. I credit them with the surprise finish.
11. Vladimir Kozlov pinned Paul Burchill to become the new OVW Heavyweight Champion after using Mike Kruel's brass knuckles. I'm not sure if they have a Sunday show somewhere and plan to switch the belt back or not. Cody Rhodes won the title here at the beginning of the year and lost it the next day. I also am not sure if Burchill and Kozlov were scheduled to fight at Six Flags and was bumped due to the rain. Whatever the case, Kozlov was announced as the new champion and left with the belt. I keep hoping that the Ripper will appear in the WWE very soon. I believe you agree on that. If they keep his character the way it is, he could be a player down the road. Kozlov looked better than I've ever seen him. He is getting better, but has a long way to go to being watchable.
2008 - Pro Wrestling Unplugged ran the ECW Arena. Nate Stein filed the following report:
The intense action, the wall-to-wall packed crowd, and the announcement of PWU joining Philadelphia-area TV at the New Alhambra Arena made Pro Wrestling Unplugged’s “Iron & Steel” a night to remember.
* ZACH McGUIRE pinned JC RYDER
One-half of the New Jersey Independent All Stars, JC Ryder, was met with the crowd’s regular disgust for the state of New Jersey. But the fan-favorite deaf wrestler Zach McGuire was met with roaring approval. In a great start to the night, this fast paced back and forth match-up stayed hot from start to finish. In the end, the technical ability of McGuire caught Ryder in a clutch pin.
* TEAM P.I.T (“The Complete” Pete Hunter/Aramis w/ “The REAL Pitbull” Gary Wolf) defeated BLOODLINE (Gangrel/Billy Blade)
Despite the crowd solidly behind “The REAL Pitbull” Gary Wolf’s hand-picked protégés Pete Hunter & Aramis, Team P.I.T. had very powerful obstacles to overcome in Gangrel and Billy Blade. After a display of power and experience from Bloodline keeping the power of Hunter & agility of Aramis down, it was Gary Wolf’s teaching that shone through. Billy Blade attempting a cross body was caught by Hunter, who hit The Completion for the finish.
* Z-BARR rolls up DEVON MOORE for the pin
Only encouraged by the PWU fans’ hatred of him, Z-Barr was ready for battle. But Devon Moore was driven his own interest in starting a path back to the PWU World Title. Moore displayed intense offense, keeping Z-Barr down almost the entire match. But Moore’s own momentum allowed Z-Barr to keep him down for the pin.
* For a PWU World Heavyweight Title shot in September, JOEY MATTHEWS one ups TRENT ACID (escorted by “Discount” Dewey Donovan)
Matthews started out saying Acid was jealous of his success and was going to beat respect into Acid. Acid came out stating despite any money Matthews has made, he’s just a Backseat Boyz ripoff! If you want to talk about fire, these two exploded with intensity. Tremendous power and agility from both men, it was shady tactics from Matthews, who hit a lowblow behind the ref’s back to set up for a double arm DDT for the pinfall to earn a title shot in September.
* PWU World Heavyweight champion TOO COLD SCORPIO retained his title against SID VICIOUS
The sold out crowd was hot for both competitors. Sid started by using his power to control Scorpio. Never backing down, Scorpio fought back with all he had. Scorpio’s agility kept him just out of danger, until Sid connected with a chokeslam. Before Sid could capitalize, Helter Skelter distracted Sid, allowing Scorpio to roll up Vicious. None too happy, Sid beat the crap out of Skelter, only to be stopped by Scorpio…who then helped Sid slam Helter through a table on the outside.
* PWU Owner TOD GORDON announced that on August 18, PWU will return to the New Alhambra Arena where the crowd will legitimately pick who wrestles who.
* AMY LEE then confronted the next round of PWU Commissioner Idol contestants to see how they would handle her in the locker room…and none of the contestants has kind words to say to AMY LEE.
* The sold out crowd was on their feet as THE BOSOM BUDDIES (Teddy Fine/Drew Blood) took out THE BEST AROUND (TJ Cannon/Bruce Maxwell), only to be attacked from behind by Cannon & Maxwell
Drew Blood started off against The Best Around. Quick tags and double teaming kept Blood under T.B.A.’s control. After a head bouncing DDT to Maxwell, Blood was able to tag a fresh Teddy Fine, who has been wanting revenge after months of T.B.A.’s attacks. As T.B.A. went for their Lungblower Double Stomp, Drew took out Maxwell, allowing Teddy to roll up Cannon for the pin. But The Bosom Buddies didn’t enjoy the victory as T.B.A. attacked both men after the match.
* “The Southern Stomper” LUKE HAWX defeated EDDIE KINGSTON and JOHN McCHESNEY in a Three-Way Dance
Set as a singles match between Hawx and Kingston, Luke stated he’s going to kick Kingston’s ass like The Saints kicked The Eagles ass twice last season. But John McChesney headed to the ring saying he didn’t come to Philly to be a “Riddler” and made it a three way dance. All three tried to take each other out, finally leading Kingston hit a backdrop driver on McChesney, leaving Kingston open for a Flatliner from Hawx. For a finishing touch, Hawx grabbed Kingston’s tights for the pin.
* McCHESNEY and HAWX beat down KINGSTON after the match. “New Batman” JOHNNY KASHMERE, “Boy Wonder” JIMMY KLEIDSDALE, and TRENT ACID make the save…and announce PWU is going on Philadelphia television
After clearing the ring of Hawx and McChesney, “The New Batman” said he’s got respect for Kingston and has a huge announcement. Pro Wrestling Unplugged is going to be broadcasted into over 300,000 homes this fall in the Philadelphia area on television!
* LUCKY pinned DETOX after using a cheap shot to knock him off the top rope
Detox started with his playful games, disguised as a Security Guard checking the ropes, surprising Lucky out of the ring. If you want to talk about action, Lucky and Detox went hold for hold until Lucky used some dirty New Jersey tactics. But Detox hit a double knee then a springboard to the outside. Lucky again tried to cheat, but Detox hit a double underhook powerbomb and despite tweeking his knee, climbed to the top, where Lucky backed into the ropes, causing Detox to fall & giving Lucky a pinfall victory.
* In a STEEL CAGE where the winner had to escape the cage, MESSIAH defeated ADAM FLASH. But FLASH was the one left standing.
After four months of mind games, Flash had nowhere to run to & took repeated shots to the head and even powerbombs against the steel cage wall from Messiah. Flash regained control, eventually facewashing Messiah with a chair to bust him open and hit a legdrop from the top of the cage. When Flash tried to escape from the cage, Messiah climbed up after. As they battled on top of the cage, Flash repeatedly bashed Messiah in the cage, sending him flying through a table on the outside to give Messiah the inadvertent victory.
* The PWU Tag Titles changed hands inside a STEEL CAGE as The SAT beat ALL MONEY IS LEGAL
For almost a year, The SAT & All Money Is Legal have been in battle over the PWU Tag Titles. Now locked inside a steel cage, these men punished each other. The SAT took early control by damaging double team action. But All Money Is Legal fought back with amazing agility. In a flurry of flying headscissors, hurricanranas, and enziguris, K-Pusha hit a flying facebuster from the top off the cage on Joel. But as K-Murda made his way to the opposite platform, he was caught by both members of The SAT with a Spanish Fly from the top of the cage! But The SAT weren’t satisfied with that as they beat down All Money Is Legal after the match, as well.
2008 - Triple H and Stephanie McMahon celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Murphy Claire Levesque, weighing in 8 lbs., 12 ounces.
2008 - Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. was introduced to the WWE roster as having officially joined World Wrestling Entertainment's Creative team.
2008 - Mike Adamle is named the General Manager of Raw during a USA Network broadcast. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
Raw has been considered to be a disorganized mess by the McMahon family since Vince was injured by the falling set during the final McMahon McMillions McGiveaway. During that time, we have seen many people try to claim that they were in charge of things. Will someone take charge who is supposed to run the show or will the inmates continue to run the asylum? It has been an entertaining few weeks on Raw so will a figurehead cause the fun to end? What is next for Chris Jericho since Shawn Michaels is not around? Will Jim Duggan get another shot at Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for calling him old? Will Bradshaw have a new limo, and if so, how long before Cryme Tyme gets their hands on it? Will we see more from Kofi Kingston and Paul Burchill as they battle over the Intercontinental Title? What about Katie Lea and her quest for the Women’s Title currently held by Mickie James? Is Kane going to finally show us what is in his bag or will we have to continue to try to guess? I am going to say that it is the map from Goonies. Will we see the continuation of the Love Connection between Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix after Beth beat the crap out of Santino for the last two weeks? We might find out in two and two.
We start off with a look back at last week’s Raw when Batista blamed Kane for his loss to CM Punk. We see Batista declare himself the sheriff and gives himself a title match. We see highlights from the match between Punk and Batista only to see Bradshaw attack both men. We see Cena ‘accidentally’ punch Batista and then see them get separated. Who is in charge?
We are live from Washington, D.C. and your announcers are Michael ‘Welcome to the House of Ovechkin’ Cole and Jerry ‘Where is Bill Clinton to give Santino advice’ Lawler.
John Cena comes to the ring to address the crowd. Cena says that he can tell by the mixed reaction that there are some who already know what he is going to tell them. He says that he is not perfect. He says that he made a mistake, and the way that he was raised, you admit the mistake and accept the consequences. Cena reminds us that he punched Dave Batista in the mouth. Cena says that he knows that has some consequences. Cena says that he cannot believe that he is doing this. He reminds us that he is standing in the ring like a man to tell Batista to come out if he wants to settle things right now.
Batista does not come out at first, but eventually his music plays and he comes out in a Wes Unseld Bullets jersey. Batista has a mic and he tells John that nobody knows more than him that things happen in the heat of the moment. Batista knows that Cena did not mean to hit him so they are cool. Batista says that he likes and respects Cena. Batista says that when he beats CM Punk at SummerSlam he wants to give Cena the first title defense.
Cena reminds Batista that he had his two shots at the title. Cena points out that there are a lot of guys who deserve a title shot, but maybe it should not be Batista. Batista says that he cannot argue with Cena’s logic. Batista says that he is not the champion now because people interfere in his matches. Batista says that CM Punk cannot beat him, and neither can Cena. Cena wonders if it is good to be home for Batista. Cena reminds everyone that Batista is from Washington D.C. and he figured that is why Batista would sneak something like that in with him. Since there is no law and order on Raw with no McMahons or general manager. Cena says that Batista/Cena should headline Wrestlemania so why not have Wrestlemania tonight. Cena wants to find out who the better man is. Batista says that he has never faced Cena one-on-one so since he has an arena full of friends and family who want to see him get his ass whooped. . .
Shane McMahon’s music plays and Shane comes out to the Shane-O Shuffle. Shane says that him and his sister have appointed a new general manager on Raw and that person will be introduced later. Shane says that a number of matches have been announced for tonight. CM Punk will face one of the hottest free agents. The general manager already has plans for tonight for Cena. Cena will face Bradshaw and Kane. Cena will have a tag team partner and that man is Batista. Shane shuffles as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: D’Lo Brown’s return and his victory over Santino Marella, but Santino might be a loser in the ring, but not in love.
We see Santino and Beth in the back and Santino and Beth both say that this relationship is strictly professional.
Match Number One: Kelly Kelly and D’Lo Brown versus Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
The men start off and D’Lo with an atomic drop but Santino with a sunset flip but D’Lo rolls through and hits a clothesline for a near fall. D’Lo with a punch to Santino. Santino tries to get D’Lo up but he is unable to do it. Beth tags in and she is able to pick up Santino. Beth wants a piece of Santino but Kelly tags in. Kelly with forearms and kicks to Beth, but Beth with a back breaker to Kelly. Santino wants to tag in and he sets for an elbow but Kelly moves. Santino knocks D’Lo off the apron and Santino gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix
After the match, Santino celebrates like he beat Hulk Hogan and then he hugs Beth and things get awkward. Santino shakes Beth’s hand and then they have a nervous moment together in the ring. Santino puckers up but when Beth turns around he stops. Santino gets ready to leave the ring but Beth pulls him back and he screams like a girl. Beth lays a big kiss on Santino and she leaves the ring.
We are back and Jeff Foxworthy talks about Autism and he mentions Saturday Night’s Main Event and the link to Generation Rescue.
We see a photo of Vince McMahon as Bradshaw tells Shane that he was and is a great man. He asks Shane how Vince is. Bradshaw says that Shane can help him to get a title match. He says that Batista does not need a third chance and Cena getting a shot is a joke. Bradshaw reminds Shane that he beat Cena at the Great American Bash. Bradshaw says that he needs to be the one to beat Punk for the title. Shane tells Bradshaw to take it up with the new general manager. Bradshaw talks about his tag team partner and Shane’s phone rings with his own entrance music for a ring tone. Shane is apparently on the phone with the new general manager and he talks about the changes. Shane excuses himself.
We see footage from last week when Jerry Lawler slapped Cody Rhodes.
Match Number Two: Jim Duggan and Jerry Lawler versus Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase for the World Tag Team Titles
Lillian says that the match has been changed and instead of Jim Duggan, Jerry Lawler’s tag team partner will be Michael Cole. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cole is trying to figure out what to do and we have no announcers.
Match Number Two . . . Take Two: Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole versus Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes for the World Tag Team Titles
Lawler and DiBiase start things off and they lock up. DiBiase with a clean break. They lock up again and DiBiase with another clean break, but Lawler with a slap. DiBiase with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. DiBiase with a clothesline and a forearm followed by a punch. Rhodes is tagged in and Lawler slaps Rhodes. Rhodes backs Lawler in the corner and he punches Lawler on the break. Lawler with punches in the corner as the referee holds him back. Rhodes with a knee to the midsection followed by a bulldog for a two count. Rhodes with a key lock and then he punches Lawler. Cody goes to the turnbuckles and then he misses an elbow. Lawler with jabs and then he punches DiBiase when he tries to interfere. Lawler sets for a piledriver but DiBiase hits Lawler from behind. Rhodes with a back body drop and a punch. Cole accidentally tags in and Rhodes hits Lawler from behind and tosses him out of the ring. Cole punches Rhodes but Rhodes with a punch to the midsection and a clothesline for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase
After the match, Lawler and the referee check on Cole.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike Adamle is at the announce table and he says that he was told to be in Washington D.C. Now he knows why. Jerry Lawler returns to the announce table.
Jamie Noble is in the ring with Layla and he tells the new general manager that he is the rising star. He compares himself to Barack Obama and John McCain. He says that he has his part-time girlfriend to show that he is the next Intercontinental Champion. Noble says that he challenged Kofi (or Coffee) Kingston and he wants him to come out.
Match Number Three: Jamie Noble with Part-Time Girlfriend Layla versus Kofi Kingston
They lock up and Noble backs Kingston into the corner and he kicks and punches Kingston followed by a slam. Noble with a punch to Kingston followed by an Irish whip. Kingston with forearms and a high drop kick. Kingston with a flying forearm and then he hits the double leg drop. Kingston with kicks to Noble and then he hits a cross body but Noble rolls through and gets a two count. Noble gets Kingston up on his shoulders but Kingston with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
CM Punk is walking in the back and we wonder which ‘hottest free agent’ Punk will face as we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw has joined Adamle and Lawler at the announce table and Bradshaw tells Adamle to shut his yap.
Match Number Four: CM Punk versus William Regal
Regal with a side head lock but Punk with a top wrist lock and Regal with a bridge and then he takes Punk down with a rear chin lock. Punk with a hammer lock and Regal with a hammer lock take down into a near fall. Regal with a reverse chin lock into a side head lock. Punk with a jaw breaker followed by a jumping leg lariat. Punk with an arm bar followed by knees to the head and body. Regal with a kick and he sends Punk into the corner and connects with elbows. Regal with a kick to the head and Punk’s head goes into the post. Regal with a full nelson but Regal sends Punk into the ropes. Regal with a punch to Punk and then Regal gets a near fall. Regal with an arm bar and cravate combination and Regal turns it into a full nelson again. Punk with an inside cradle for a near fall. Regal works on Punk’s facial injury and he connects with crossfaces. Regal with another arm bar. Punk and Regal with forearms but Punk with a kick and slaps. Regal block one kick, but Punk hits a roundhouse kick for a two count. Regal with a half nelson overhead suplex and then Regal tries to put Punk in the Regal stretch, but Punk gets to his feet and he hits the Go To Sleep for the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Bradshaw leaves the announce table and he enters the ring. Before they can do anything, Kane comes out and he brought his lunch again. Kane with an uppercut to Bradshaw but Punk with a kick to Kane. Bradshaw with a boot to Punk. Bradshaw and Kane with a standoff in the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back with the Highlight Reel and Chris Jericho is dressed as if he was the TNA Heavyweight Champion. He is accompanied by Lance Cade. We see the broken Jeritron in the background. Chris says that last week he told the truth, but he was vilified and ostracized. He says that he was able to grow up, unlike everyone else. Jericho says that he has matured and moved on. He has taken his career to another level and he was forced to do it because of the fans. He says that he was known as an entertainer and a showman. He played that part because that is what the fans wanted. Jericho says that he did it for the fans instead of for himself. Despite being the first Undisputed Champion, he figured that he would host his own show instead of returning to the path of a title. Jericho says that he reached for fool’s gold, and now he will never settle for second best. Tonight is the last Highlight Reel. Jericho says that he has a special farewell to an icon. A farewell to one of the greatest careers. The man whose career Jericho ended. Chris says that it is not the end of HBK. It is the end of Y2J. We see some of Jericho’s greatest moments. Jericho wonders if everyone misses that wild and crazy guy. Jericho doesn’t and he is embarrassed by that performer. Jericho says that he has moved on and matured. He learned that from Shawn Michaels. He could have been a puppet on a string, but the fans would not respect him the way that they respect Shawn Michaels. Jericho says that is not fair. Jericho says that he had to take matters into his own hands and he sent Michaels through the Jeritron; and then he injured Michaels. Jericho says that when he destroyed Shawn Michaels, he did it to all of the fans.
Lance takes the mic and he says that the fans do not appreciate him, but he does. Lance says that his career was floundering and he was paired with a singing cowboy. Lance says that Shawn Michaels did not see that. Jericho saved him.
Jericho says that he appreciates Lance and he also appreciates that Shawn Michaels is watching Raw in the dark as he deals with his detached retina. Chris wants Shawn to listen to him. He tells Shawn to stay home and move on with his life. He tells Shawn to enjoy his family and life away from the wrestling ring because he deserves it. Jericho says that he has heard everyone try to jockey for a title match against CM Punk. Since he got rid of someone like Shawn Michaels, he is the man who deserves the title match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with another video package about Jenny McCarthy’s appearance on Saturday Night’s Main Event to push Generation Rescue.
Jim Ross has come to ringside and he joins Jerry Lawler and Mike Adamle at the announce table and says that he was called and told to be in Washington tonight.
Match Number Five: Mickie James versus Jillian Hall
They lock up and Jillian with a knee followed by an Irish whip but she charges into an elbow. Mickie tries for a head scissors take down but Jillian tosses Mickie to the mat. Jillian slams Mickie’s head into the mat. Jillian with an Irish whip and hits the handspring back elbow followed by a blockbuster for a near fall. Jillian with a Dragon Sleeper but Mickie with a knee to get out of the hold. Jillian with a kick and then she breaks glass with her voice. Mickie with a rollup for a two count. Mickie and Jillian with forearms but Jillian with a knee. Mickie with a Thesz Press and punches. Mickie with a flying clothesline and forearm. Mickie misses a kick but Jillian misses an X Factor and Mickie hits the Implant DDT for the three count.
Winner: Mickie James
After the match, Mickie celebrates with her dad, but from out of nowhere, Katie Lea attacks Mickie and sends her into the ring post. Katie with a neck breaker and then she leaves. Katie gets on the mic and she says that what just happened was for the new general manager. Katie says that she is going to be the new Women’s Champion while her brother Paul will be the new Intercontinental Champion.
We have the Smackdown Rebound (I am serious, there was a Smackdown Rebound).
Todd Grisham is in the back with Shane McMahon and he says that it is great to see Shane around. Todd wants to know who the new general manager will be. Shane says that the new general manager is here and Todd will find out when everyone else does. We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to talk about the card for SummerSlam.
Jerry wonders when some Raw match will be announced for SummerSlam. Jim Ross mentions Saturday Night’s Main Event and the tie in with Generation Rescue.
Cryme Tyme ask John Cena if they want him at ringside. They talk about how Cena cannot trust Batista and Batista shows up. Cena asks for a moment alone with Big Dave. Cryme Tyme leave the area. Cena says that he does not know who the new general manager is. Cena suggests that they let things happen in the ring. Batista suggests that he does not trust Cena. Batista tells Cena to stay out of his way and Cena tells Batista to do the same thing. They ask each other to go first, and Cena heads to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Shawn Michaels will be on Raw next week.
Match Number Six: Bradshaw with JBLimo and Kane versus John Cena and Batista
Cena and Bradshaw start things off and Bradshaw with a kick and forearms to the back. Bradshaw with a forearm but Cena with a kick and blockbuster for a near fall. Batista makes the blind tag and he kicks and punches Bradshaw followed by shoulders in the corner. Bradshaw with a forearm to the back but Batista with a power slam for a two count and Kane breaks up the cover. Cena punches Kane and clotheslines him over the top rope to the floor. Bradshaw leaves the ring and Cena and Batista are face to face in the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw with a swinging neck breaker on Cena and then he hits another one. Kane tags in and he kicks Cena followed by a snap mare and drop kick by Kane for a near fall. Kane with an uppercut and elbows in the corner followed by a shoulder. Kane with a slam for a near fall. Kane with a reverse chin lock. Cena tries to make it to his corner but Kane brings Cena back into his corner and Bradshaw tags in. Bradshaw with knees and a forearm. Bradshaw with a punch to the head. Kane tags back in and he punches Cena. Cena and Kane exchange punches. Kane with an Irish whip but he charges into an elbow. Kane with the side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the jumping clothesline but Cena moves out of the way. Cena with a kick and DDT and both men are down. Bradshaw and Batista tag in and Batista with punches followed by an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner. Batista with more of the same. Batista with a spinebuster and then he connects with a clothesline to Kane. Bradshaw with a punch. Kane pulls down the ropes and Batista goes to the floor. Bradshaw goes after Batista on the floor and he connects with a forearm before they return to the ring. Bradshaw with a near fall. Kane tags in and he connects with an elbow drop to the back. Kane with a kick to Batista’s ribs. Kane with a shoulder in the corner and then he kicks Batista in the ribs one more time. Kane with a body scissors to Batista but Batista with punches to Kane and he gets out of the hold. Bradshaw makes the tag and he kicks Batista and he knocks Cena off the apron. Bradshaw with punches in the corner while the referee deals with Cena. Batista with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Bradshaw sets for the Clothesline from Wall Street but Batista with a spear. Batista sets for the Batista Bomb but Kane comes in and Kane is taken care of. Bradshaw with a boot to Batista. Bradshaw accidentally punches Kane. Kane with a choke slam set up on his tag team partner. Batista with a spear on Kane and Cena makes the blind tag and hits the FU for the three count.
Winners: Batista and John Cena
After the match, Cena and Batista remain in the ring.
Shane McMahon comes out and he teases the Shane-O Shuffle. Shane wonders if this is how things started tonight. Shane brings out the new general manager for Raw and it is Mike Adamle.
Mike is in the ring and he says that as general manager, he announces that at SummerSlam, John Cena will face Batista. Adamle wishes them luck and leaves the ring. They face off as we go to credits.
2009 - ECW Original Francine and her husband Joe welcomed their first daughter, Molly Rose.
2009 - Following a vicious back and forth legal mess, Hulk and Linda Hogan settled their divorce in Clearwater, FL. Linda was quoted as saying, "The war is over. I still love him. He's the father of my children." After saying that the proceeding got embarrassing, she added that, "It just got out of control." The opposing lawyers even hugged after the hearing. While the two would make nice at first, it eventually turned into another back and forth, including shots at the other in books later written by each party.
2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV Report:
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at Christian’s victory over Tommy Dreamer at Night of Champions to end the dream of the current icon of ECW in the home of the former company.
We are live on tape from Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Josh ‘Steamed Crabs and Little Italy’ Mathews and Matt ‘If it was called ‘The Block’ why was it more than a block?’ Striker.
We get some comments from Tyler Reks in the Scotty Goldman Memorial “Hey I’m in a Box” Box about how Paul Burchill will find out that he is more than a sufer from So Cal.
We also see footage from last week’s match between Tyler Reks and Paul Burchill and the post match attack by Burchill.
Match Number One: Tyler Reks versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea
They lock up and Reks works on the arm and punches Burchill and works on the shoulder with an arm drag and arm bar. Burchill with an Irish whip and he charges into a boot. Katie distract the referee and Burchill pulls Reks off the turnbuckles and then hits a knee from the turnbuckles and then hits a back senton for a near fall. Burchill with a body scissors and then Burchill with a near fall. Burchill with shoulders to the midsection but Reks with a punch. Burchill with a knee to the midsection as he continues to work on that part of Reks’ body. Burchill with a running knee into the corner followed by a Saito suplex for a near fall. Burchill with an abdominal stretch. Reks escapes but Burchill with a knee. Reks with a rollup for a near fall. Reks with a punch and back elbow and drop kick to Burchill followed by a clothesline that sends Burchill over the top rope to the floor. Reks with a pescado and then when they return to the ring Reks with a cross body from the top for a near fall. Reks with an Irish whip but Burchill sends Reks to the apron and Burchill with forearms. Burchill tries to send Reks into the ring post but Reks avoids it and Reks drops Burchill across the top rope and then Reks with a springboard missile drop kick for the three count.
Winner: Tyler Reks
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Vladimir Kozlov versus Bill Baine
Kozlov with a kick to the chest and then head butts to the chest. Kozlov with an overhead belly-to-back suplex. Kozlov tosses Blaine onto the turnbuckles. Baine with a punch but Kozlov does not show any effect. Kozlov with a punch and then he puts Baine back on the turnbuckles and he kicks Baine followed by a fallaway slam. Kozlov with the spinebuster slam for the three count.
Winner: Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Ezekiel Jackson comes out and he enters the ring and he stares down Kozlov. Jackson picks up Baine and hits an uranage on the unlucky Baine. Jackson leaves the ring.
Tiffany is in the office with Tommy Dreamer and Tommy says that being champion has been the greatest time in his life. Tommy leaves and Shelton enters. Shelton says that he wants to be on the Abraham Washington Show and Tiffany says that Abraham did not think that Shelton was entertaining enough. Gregory Helms enters as well and Shelton asks if Helms ever knocks. Benjamin wants to know what it takes to get on Abraham’s show? Does he have to dress up like a superhero? He tells Tiffany that he will show her entertaining. We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Sheamus versus Goldust
They lock up and Sheamus with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Goldust with a side head lock and Sheamus with forearms to the ribs followed by another shoulder tackle. Sheamus tries for a slam but Goldust is able to hit the slam and Sheamus backs into the corner. They lock up and Sheamus sends Goldust into the turnbuckles and then Goldust with an uppercut. Sheamus with punches to Goldust. Sheamus with a series of elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Sheamus works on the neck but Goldust with elbows and Sheamus pulls Goldust back to the mat. Sheamus with a knee drop for a near fall. Sheamus with an arm bar. Goldust with punches to Sheamus but Sheamus with a kick and Irish whip. Sheamus misses a charge into the corner and Goldust with punches in the corner. Goldust with a boot to the head and a near fall. Goldust with a kick but Sheamus with a kick of his own. Goldust with the drop down uppercut followed by a power slam for a near fall. Sheamus with a kick that sends Goldust back to the mat. Sheamus with the uranage back breaker for the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
We see Christian walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We see a statue of Babe Ruth so that means we need to have a Raw Rebound.
Christian comes to the ring and he has something to say before his match later tonight. Christian says that you always remember your first time, but standing in front of his peeps as a two time champion, the second time feels a bit sweeter. Christian says that losing the ECW title was a good thing for him because it showed him how much the title means to him. Christian mentions the man who held the title before him, Tommy Dreamer. Christian says that he had some fun dealing with Tommy’s size and how emotional he gets . . .
Speaking of Tommy Dreamer, he comes to the ring and he has something to say. Tommy says that he is out here for a couple of reasons. First, he wants to tell Christian that it was a hell of a match on Sunday and he congratulates Christian for being the new champion. They shake hands. Dreamer says that he talked to Tiffany and he gets his rematch next week. Dreamer tells Christian that the rematch will be in an Extreme Rules match.
Zack Ryder interrupts the conversation and he says that he will beat Christian this week. We get a few wooo wooos. We also go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Zack Ryder versus Christian
The match is joined in progress and Christian slaps Ryder. Christian works on the arm but Ryder with a knee and then it is his turn to work on the arm and he gets a near fall. Christian kips up and he hits an arm wringer on Ryder and Ryder wants to take a breather. Ryder with a knee and side head lock but Ryder with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Christian with a series of arm drags and arm bars. Christian with a rollup for a near fall. Christian with a hammer lock and Ryder with an elbow. Christian with a drop kick for a near fall. Christian drops Ryder against the top rope and then Christian goes up top. Ryder runs away but Christian with a running clothesline in the corner. Christian with a kick to Ryder. Ryder with a hard Irish whip and then he kicks Christian and connects with knee drops for a near fall. Ryder with a near fall but Christian with a punch. Ryder goes to the turnbuckles but Christian is able to stop Ryder and hits a flapjack. Christian with a sunset flip from the turnbuckles and Ryder goes to the floor. Christian runs into a shoulder from Ryder and then Ryder sends Christian to the floor. Ryder misses a boot to the head and then Christian pulls Ryder to the apron. Christian with a drop kick followed by the double jump cross body that just grazes Ryder. Both men are down on the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Christian is sent to the floor and he lands hard. Christian gets back on the count of nine and Ryder chokes him. Ryder with a seated abdominal stretch. Christian escapes but Ryder with a knee to the midsection for a near fall. Ryder with a waist lock and he adds a body scissors. Ryder runs Christian into the corner but he runs into a knee from Christian. Christian goes up top and Ryder punches him. Ryder tries for a superplex and he hits it. Ryder gets a near fall. Ryder with a bear hug and then he puts Christian back on the turnbuckles. Ryder tries for another superplex but Christian knocks him off and Christian gets a near fall after a cross body from the top. Christian with punches and a running forearm followed by an inverted DDT. Christian with a missile drop kick and then he goes up top again for another one and he gets a near fall. Christian tries for a tornado DDT but Ryder avoids the hold. Ryder sends Christian into the ropes from an electric chair and then Ryder gets a two count after a leaping leg lariat. Ryder runs into an elbow and then Christian hits the Tornado DDT but he can only get a two count. Christian charges into the corner but Christian runs into the post. Ryder tries for the Zack Attack but Christian escapes the hold. Christian with the pendulum kick and then he hits the Killswitch for the three count.
Winner: Christian
2010 - Shawn Michaels launches an official website, citing that he was tired of fake accounts online claiming to be him.
2011 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘I Can’t Wait for Halloween Horror Nights’ Tenay and Taz.
Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring and he is on a mission.
Angle wants Hulk Hogan to come out so they can end this once and for all. Hulk Hogan obliges Angle and he joins Hogan in the ring.
Angle says that Hogan has been blowing up his phone, but Angle figured that Hogan would have received the message since Angle did not answer. Angle says that there is nothing appealing about Immortal because it is full of asskissers and is led by the two biggest scumbags in wrestling.
Angle says that he is going to beat Sting for the World Title and because he has never beaten Sting without outside interference. Angle says that he will win at Hardcore Justice and he will prove that he is the best in the world. Angle asks Hogan if he knows what it is like to be the best in the world.
Hogan wants to know if Angle is calling him out because he wants to know if Hogan knows how it feels to be the best in the world. Hogan tells Kurt Angle that he knows what it is like to be the best. He knows what it is like when there was no Sting, Matt Morgan, RVD, or Kurt Angle. He knew what it was like when there was an Andre the Giant. He took the companies on his back and he made it into an international phenomenon.
He knows what it is like to have sixteen year old punks wanting to being like him. In 1984, when Angle was pooping in his diapers, he was packing them in so he knows what it is like to be the best. Now that he can see that they have this cleared up, he says that he was calling Angle because he thought that Angle had a vision of a higher level that he can work at. One that means Angle making more money. Hogan points out that Angle’s kids can’t eat his gold medals. Hogan says that he was going to offer Angle more money and Hogan points out that Angle is disrespecting him.
Angle says that the reason he is not kicking Hogan’s ass is because he respects Hogan. Angle says that he is not Ken Anderson. He cannot be bought. When he signed five years ago with Dixie Carter, he vowed to be the best in the ring. Angle says that he paid to see Hogan back in the day because he was the best and he was one of a kind. Now the name Hulk Hogan means something different because Hogan can’t go any more.
Hogan tells Angle to stop because Hogan says that he is never going to step in this ring to wrestle again. After thirty years of being the greatest wrestler and eight back surgeries and hip and knee replacements. Hogan tells Angle that if he says something about his wife or family, he might have to take care of Angle. Maybe Angle is training for the Olympics because he didn’t pin his opponent in 1996. If Angle wants to fight him for his pride, we are getting close to seeing that.
Angle says that Sting was right and Angle says that he lit a fire under Hogan’s ass. Angle says that he wants to go back to the Olympics because the fire still burns. He tells Hogan to prove it if he can still go again.
Hogan wants Angle to tell him straight so he asks Kurt Angle one more time.
Angle says that if Hogan wants to offer him a lot of money to take care of Sting, why doesn’t Hogan do it himself. Why not prove that he can do it one more time. Angle tells Hogan not to call him again.
Eric Bischoff enters the building and he is on the phone. He is given an envelope by the Network and we go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage from last week’s match between Rob Van Dam and Scott Steiner.
Match Number One: Gunner (28 Points) versus Rob Van Dam (21 Points) in a Bound for Glory Series Match
Gunner runs Van Dam into the corner and he punches and chokes Van Dam in the corner. Gunner with shoulders in the corner. Van Dam with forearms and a body scissors rollup for a near fall. Van Dam with a side head lock and kick to Gunner. Gunner blocks a round kick and he runs Van Dam into the corner and gets a near fall. Gunner with a running back elbow for a near fall.
Van Dam with a jawbreaker and then Van Dam goes to the corner for a cross body and a near fall. Gunner with a clothesline for a near fall. Gunner with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot and Van Dam goes up top for a thrust kick. Van Dam chokes Gunner with his boot and the referee warns him. Van Dam misses a slingshot leg drop on the apron when Gunner moves. Gunner waits for Van Dam to enter and he connects with a shoulder. Van Dam tries to slingshot in but Gunner drops Van Dam on the top rope and gets a near fall after rolling Van Dam back into the ring.
Van Dam with a kick in the corner followed by a springboard thrust kick and a rolling senton splash. Gunner rolls to the floor and he pulls Van Dam to the floor and then he slams Van Dam on the floor. Gunner rolls Van Dam back into the ring and Gunner goes up top but he takes too long. Van Dam with a forearm and then Van Dam climbs the turnbuckles but Gunner sends him to the mat. Van Dam with a front face lock but Gunner with forearms and Gunner with a slingshot suplex for a near fall.
Gunner tries for a power bomb but Van Dam goes down to block Gunner. Gunner with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Van Dam goes up top but Gunner with a choke slam for a near fall. Van Dam with an Irish whip and a running spin kick but Gunner with a running knee for a near fall. Gunner gets Van Dam up for the F-5 but Van Dam with a corkscrew drop kick and Van Dam goes up top and hits the Five Star Frog Splash for the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam (28 Points)
Van Dam and Gunner are now tied for second and is now three points behind Crimson, who is in first place.
Sting is in a red suit as we go to commercial.
We are back and Eric Bischoff is reading the letter from the Network to the members of Immortal. The letter says that because of the success of Destination X, they want to build and brand the X Division and sign new X Division talent. Bischoff yells at Abyss for not destroying the division at Destination X.
Hogan enters and he says that Angle is a dead man and he is on their agenda. He doesn’t care about the wrestling or the show. He wants Angle’s throat cut and eliminated. Bull Ray volunteers Anderson to do it. Anderson and Ray argue and Ray says that if Anderson is afraid, Karen can take care of Kurt. Anderson says that he is not afraid of anyone. Hogan and Anderson shake hands.
Eric says that there is more in the letter, but Sting enters and he has a cage covered with a black sheet. Sting says hello to everyone and he hugs Karen. Sting asks Anderson if he is still pissed off. Hogan tells Sting that he is in dangerous territory. Sting says that everyone is wondering why he is here and he mentions that his reds do not match.
Sting says that he has always had a great relationship with the Network and it has intensified. Sting says that he has been named the new Network Executive. Sting says that they put him in charge despite the protests of Immortal. Sting says that he heard about a match between Ken Anderson and Kurt Angle. The match is in a cage and Ray loves it because Angle cannot run from him. Sting tells them to calm down because he is not finished. Sting says that Fortune will be around the ring to stop Immortal from doing anything.
Hogan wants Bischoff to call the Network.
Brian Kendrick and Alex Shelley are in the ring. Brian wants Austin Aries to bring himself to the ring because of his ego. Alex translates Kendrick’s rambling and he says that Brian was saying that Austin Aries is a jackass. Alex suggests that Austin come out to the ring.
Aries makes his way to the ring and he grabs a mic.
Shelley says that he is going to make it short and simple. Jerry Lynn, Low Ki, A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Alex Shelley, and Brian Kendrick worked to build the X Division and over that time they built respect for each other. Shelley says that Aries earned a contract but he doesn’t want to work with them. Aries is using chains, raking backs, and gouging eyes. He wants Aries to play by the rules or he can go and then Shelley calls him a douchebag.
Aries appreciates the way that Kendrick dressed up for tonight. Aries says that they might enjoy playing with themselves, but it really isn’t fun. He played by their rules when he beat two guys to get to Destination X. Then he beat three guys to get his contract by playing by the rules and using their code of ethics. Now they will play by his rules and that means to win at all costs.
Aries says that he has a career of five star matches, but he wants a five star bank account. He does not have to take short cuts because he is not only the best in the ring, he might be the greatest man of all time. He says that he will be the X Division Champion.
Kendrick reminds Aries that he is the X Division champion. He says that he will not lose the title to Aries.
Shelley tells Aries to take his five star matches and shove them up his ass. Shelley points out that Aries cost him his shot at the title. Shelley says that he asked the network and that because of their desire to push the X Division, Shelley gets his rematch against Kendrick and Aries in a Three Way Dance.
Abyss comes out and he wonders if Kendrick forgot him. He says that Kendrick is not going to make it to Hardcore Justice. Abyss says that as much as the Network thinks that they control things, Hogan and Bischoff still call the shots here. Hogan and Bischoff have given him his rematch for the X Division title and it is tonight. He says that he will do what he should have done at Destination X. He is going to kill the X Division once and for all.
Sting appears on the SpikeTron and he apologizes for raining on his parade. Sting says that he has more stroke than Hogan and Bischoff combined. Sting says that Abyss gets his rematch but there will be a few tweaks. He will see if monsters are afraid of heights and he says that Abyss will face Kendrick in an Ultimate X Match.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt Morgan mentions that he tore his right pectoral and he says that he had to pull out of the tournament. After nine years of working without an injury, he has to suffer one during the Bound for Glory Series. You don’t have to play politics at this time or have the right friends Morgan says that his whole world ended when he heard about it from the doctor. The World Title is not just some title, it is his livelihood. It is why he is here. It is his oxygen tank. He doesn’t want a World Title, he needs it.
Taz and Tenay talk about how much of a shock it is to hear Morgan’s news.
It is time to look at how Kurt Angle earned his title match against Sting at Hardcore Justice.
It is time to take a look at the latest results in the Bound for Glory Series and we see the standings. Samoa Joe and D’Angelo Dinero are still without a point.
Bully Ray is busy playing Angry Birds while he is being asked about Crimson. Ray says that he will impose his will on Crimson and he will get his 7 points. He will beat Crimson when he wants to. On Saturday night in Houston, he will be facing A.J. Styles. He reminds A.J. about what he did to him in the Last Man Standing Match.
Crimson is walking as we go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Crimson (31 Points) versus Bull Ray (21 Points) in a Bound for Glory Series Match
Ray attacks Crimson as he enters the ring and he connects with forearms to the back followed by a kick. Ray sends Crimson into the turnbuckles and then he head butts Crimson in the chest and then chops him in the chest. Ray with punches to Crimson and he gets a near fall. Ray chokes Crimson with his shirt and then he yells at the referee and fans. Crimson punches Ray but Ray with a punch of his own.
Ray sends Crimson into the turnbuckles and then he kicks Crimson in the back of the leg and Ray works on the right knee that has a brace on it. Ray slams the knee into the mat one more time. Ray sends the injured knee into the ropes and then he connects with elbows to Crimson. Ray takes the knee pad off Crimson and then he chokes Crimson before the referee warns him. Ray with a chop to Crimson followed by a forearm to the back. Ray waits for Crimson to turn around but he tries for a Bubba Bomb but Crimson blocks it and hits Red Sky for a three count.
Winner: Crimson (38 Points)
We go to commercial.
We are back and Eric Bischoff is trying to get on the phone with the Network but he has been unsuccessful. Bischoff talks about how it is insane to have Sting as the representative. He tells his assistant to get the Network on the phone or she will be unemployed.
Madison Rayne is walking in the back and she says that she is going to sit at ringside to deal with Tara. Sting stops Madison and he says that he has something worse than Poison and she better not get near the ring. Madison runs away.
We see highlights of Tara and Miss Tessmacher’s Knockout Title win last week.
Match Number Three: Winter with Angelina Love versus Tara with Miss Tessmacher
The referee sends Angelina and Tessmacher to the back.
Tara attacks Winter from behind and then she slams Winter’s head into the mat. Tara sends her head into the turnbuckles and then gets a rollup and bridge for a near fall. Tara with a side head lock and Winter sends Tara into the turnbuckles. Winter with shoulders but Tara with a tarantula in the ropes. Winter drops Tara’s throat on the top rope and then Tara sends Winter into the turnbuckles. Tara misses a slingshot leg drop from the apron and then she drops Tara’s neck against the middle rope and she gets a near fall.
Winter with kicks and then she follows with a knee to the back. Tara with an elbow but Winter with a forearm. Winter tries for a slam but Tara blocks it. Winter slides into the corner and hits a clothesline but she can only get a two count. Winter with a back breaker for a near fall. Winter with kicks to Tara but Tara with a shot to the midsection. Tara with more punches followed by clotheslines and a back elbow. Tara with a slam and then she hits the standing moonsault. Tara sets for Widow’s Peak but Winter sends Tara into the corner and she hits a big boot and Winter tries for a swinging uranage. Winter kicks Tara low and hits a spinning uranage back breaker for the three count.
Winner: Winter
We see highlights from Brian Kendrick’s victory over Abyss thanks to the entire X Division to become the X Division Champion.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Abyss versus Brian Kendrick in an Ultimate X Match for the X Division Title
Kendrick with kicks to Abyss’ legs followed by a drop kick that barely staggers Abyss. Kendrick with a leg lariat and then he goes to the opposite corner. Abyss with an Irish whip and he misses a charge into the corner. Abyss stops Kendrick from climbing the tower and he pulls him to the mat. Kendrick with a drop kick but Abyss stays on his feet. Abyss with a back elbow to Kendrick. Abyss jumps to get the belt, but he cannot get to it. Abyss climbs the turnbuckles but he is either afraid or he decides to work over Kendrick some more. Abyss charges into a boot from Abyss. Kendrick tries for a tornado DDT but Abyss pushes him away. Abyss with a big boot to Kendrick and Kendrick is down. Abyss goes to the floor and he tries to shake the apparatus. Kendrick with a suicide dive to Abyss and Abyss finally goes down.
Kendrick with an enzuigiri and they return to the ring. Kendrick with a tornado DDT to Abyss and Abyss is down. Kendrick goes across the cable and he is about to get to the belt but Abyss pulls Kendrick down and hits a clothesline. Abyss punches Kendrick in the head and then he kicks Kendrick. Abyss sets for a running splash into the corner but Kendrick moves and Kendrick hits Sliced Bread #2 on Abyss. Kendrick climbs the tower and gets to the cable. Kendrick gets to the belt but Abyss pulls Kendrick down. Abyss with a splash into the corner and then he chops Kendrick.
Abyss with another splash into the corner and he signals for a choke slam. Abyss choke slams Kendrick in the center of the ring and Kendrick grabs the belt and brings it down to the mat to win the match.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
Velvet Sky is walking in the back with Traci Brooks and Velvet wants to know why Traci wants ODB and Jackie back but Traci tells Velvet to trust her.
We are back and Eric Young is on his continuing quest to find a television star to wrestle for the TV Title. Eric is talking with David Hasselhoff’s agent and Eric is trying to increase his brand name. Eric gets into his wrestling gear and the agent tells Eric to put his clothes back on. Eric is told to find an acting coach.
Velvet Sky and Traci are in the ring and Traci tells ODB and Jackie how she know that they like to crash the party through the back door, but they are invited to come to the ring.
ODB and Jackie make their way to the ring.
Traci says that she didn’t want to be caught in the middle but after seeing what they did to Velvet, she couldn’t stand back. Traci reminds them that she was the original Knockout and if it wasn’t for her, none of them would have their jobs. Traci says that she did not complain when she was told that her time was up. Traci says that she knows how this business works. She tells ODB and Jackie to be thankful that Velvet did not press criminal charges against them.
ODB says that she would be happy to end this after putting her foot up Velvet’s Barbie doll ass. ODB says that they lost their jobs when Velvet started rubbing all over the ropes and management went goo goo ga ga over her and brought in Velvet clones. She says that it has turned into a Hawaiian Tropicana Hooter’s Invitational. That means that there is no room for the asskicking women like her or Jackie.
Velvet says that she wasn’t Velvet Sky when she was growing up. She was the runt who was being beaten up through high school. There were days when she didn’t want to go on the school bus but she didn’t tell anyone. She didn’t want them to worry about her. As she got older, she was no longer going to be a victim. She wasn’t going to be pushed around and get bullied.
She says that is why the day she came to the company was the happiest day of her life. It was the greatest gift she ever could have received. She says that she earned it. Every broken bone or pulled muscle, she earned it. She says that she doesn’t owe anyone an apology for anything. She understands how they feel because this is one of the toughest businesses to survive in. She says that Jackie knows what she means. She suggests that if they want a job in TNA, ask for a job or showcase what they can do in the ring and earn their jobs.
Velvet says that they can fight week after week and she will be the last one standing. She tells them to do whatever they want to do, but Velvet says that she is done being everyone’s punching bag.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Fortune is in the back and they talk about how they are going to make sure that Immortal does not get involved. Frankie suggests that if they happen to injure one of them before the match, it wouldn’t be so bad.
Daniels asks AJ if he thought about what he brought up but he is interrupted by Sting and he asks them if they are ready to keep the bad guys out of the cage. AJ asks Sting what was in the cage. Sting says that it is for Eric Bischoff and he is going to give it to him right now.
Match Number Five: Ken Anderson versus Kurt Angle in a Steel Cage Match
Before the match, the members of Fortune make their way to the ring to prevent interference from Immortal.
We are back and we go to Eric’s office and he wants to be put through right now. Bischoff says that he is doing great. He says that he would only feel better if he wasn’t treated like garbage by the Network they are working with. Eric asks them if they know who they are dealing with and what they are doing to them. He says that Sting is their problem. Eric wants to know what they mean that they haven’t talked to Sting for weeks. Eric is at a loss for words as Sting enters the office with the present.
Sting apologizes to Eric and he says that it has been bottled up inside him for the entire show. He says that the truth sets free so he wants to fess up. Sting says that he’s not the Network exec. He says that he concocted it in his head and he says that he is so sorry. Sting says that what boggles his mind is what happens when you wear a nice suit people listen to you and you get your way. You get stroke and it feels good for you. Sting opens the cage and he releases a bird and he says that they just want to peck at your eyes. He says that they can smell garbage from a mile away. Sting says that he is going to watch the cage match.
We are back and Angle punches Anderson and connects with a shoulder in the corner. Angle with punches followed by an Irish whip but Angle misses a charge into the corner and Angle goes into the turnbuckles. Anderson kicks Angle in the head followed by an Irish whip. Anderson with another Irish whip and a clothesline. Anderson with a reverse chin lock. Angle with a punch but Anderson with a swinging neck breaker for a near fall.
Anderson with forearms to the back of the neck. Anderson stomps on Angle’s hand and then he chokes him. Anderson with a forearm to Angle followed by a suplex for a near fall. Anderson returns to the reverse chin lock but Angle with elbows and Anderson returns to the chin lock. Angle with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down.
Anderson and Angle exchange punches with Angle gaining control and he hits a running forearm and back elbow. Angle with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Angle with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Angle waits for the Angle slam but Anderson escapes and he hits the rolling fireman’s carry slam for a near fall. Anderson tries for the Mic Check but Angle avoids it. Angle with the Three Rivers German suplex combination for a near fall. Angle goes for the ankle and he tries to roll Anderson over for the ankle lock and he applies it. Angle pulls Anderson into the center of the ring but Anderson rolls Angle up for a near fall.
Anderson sends Angle into the cage and then Anderson hits the Mic Check for a near fall. Anderson asks for the door to be opened and Angle grabs Anderson and has him in the ankle lock as the door is closed. Anderson kicks Angle away and then Anderson with a clothesline. Anderson climbs the cage but Angle stops Anderson and hits a super belly-to-belly suplex and Angle gets a near fall on Anderson.
The members of Immortal make their way to the ring and we have a brawl. Hernandez and Anarquia join in the action on behalf of Immortal.
Meanwhile, Ray waits against the cage as he avoids the Immortal/Fortune brawl. Ray grabs Angle through the camera hole and then Anderson attacks Angle from behind and he kicks Angle. Anderson tells Ray to get him a steel chair. Ray gets the chair and he wants to know what Anderson called him. Ray holds on to the chair and that allows Angle to recover and he hits the Angle Slam for the three count.
Winner: Kurt Angle
After the match, the lights go out and Sting is in the ring in his Devil and Mr. Borden suit. Sting and Angle have a face off and then Sting raises Kurt Angle’s hand. Sting reminds Angle that it is only ten more days until their match at Hardcore Justice.
2011 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off this week’s show with the Smackdown brand and your announcers are Matt Striker and Jack Korpela.
Heath Slater has something to say as he makes his way to the ring. He says that he remembers this dump. He says that this is where him and the Nexus destroyed the WWE Legends. He beat Ricky Steamboat to a pulp in the middle of the ring so Nexus could do what they want with him. Heath says that just like Johnny Cash would say, he is a solitary man and that is why he is a One Man Southern Rock Band.
Match Number One: Trent Barreta versus Heath Slater
They lock up and Trent with a waist lock but Heath with a standing switch. Tretn rolls Slater through and puts Slater in a head scissors. Trent with a key lock but Heath with an elbow and shoulder tackle. Trent with a monkey flip that sends Heath into the ropes and then Trent with a clothesline that sends Heath over the top rope to the floor. Trent with a plancha onto Slater. Trent rolls Slater back into the ring and he gets a near fall.
Trent with a European uppercut and punch to Slater. Slater with an Irish whip and Trent tries to float over but Heath sees it coming and he kicks Trent in the midsection. Heath continues to work on the midsection with a gutbuster and he gets a near fall. Slater kicks Trent in the midsection until the referee warns him. Slater punches Trent in the head and he puts Trent in a reverse chin lock.
Trent punches Slater but Slater with an elbow to the neck. Trent with a kick to the chest but Slater with a hot shot and Trent goes down in a lot of pain as Slater gets a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Slater punches Barreta until the referee warns Heath. Slater misses a forearm into the corner and Trent with a rollup for a near fall. Trent with chops to Slater followed by a forearm. Trent with another forearm and then he hits a running back elbow into the corner. Trent goes for a springboard missile drop kick and he connects and gets a near fall. Trent with an enzuigiri to the shoulder followed by a flying kick for a near fall.
Trent tries for the tornado DDT but Slater counters and hits a spinebuster for a near fall. Slater shows some frustration and he waits for Trent to get to his feet. Heath runs into a couple of boots from Trent and Trent gets a near fall. Trent goes up top for a moonsault but Slater is able to recover and he stops Trent. Slater with punches to Trent and then he tries for a belly-to-back suplex from the turnbuckles but Trent knocks Heath off. Trent tries to get a second wind and he misses a corkscrew moonsault when Slater moves out of the way. Slater hits the inverted DDT for the three count.
Winner: Heath Slater
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Raw portion of the show and your announcers are Josh Mathews and Scott Stanford.
Match Number Two: Santino Marella and Chris Masters versus David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty in a Non Title Match
Santino and Otunga start things off and Santino teases a few kicks and forearms and then he slaps Otunga in the face before uncoiling the cobra. Santino with an atomic drop and he sends Otunga into the turnbuckles. Masters tags in and he chops Otunga. Masters with an arm bar but Otunga with a forearm and then he tags in Michael. McGillicutty with a punch to Masters. Masters with a Samoan drop for a near fall.
Santino tags in and he works on the arm and takes Michael down with a fireman’s carry. Michael with a forearm followed by an Irish whip but Michael misses a charge into the corner when Santino floats over. Santino with punches to Michael but Michael with a knee.
Otunga tags in and Santino with a split followed by a hip toss and diving head butt. Michael distracts Santino when he sets for the cobra and Otunga sends Santino tot eh floor. Michael with a clothesline to Santino on the floor. Otunga with a double sledge from the apron and he sends Santino head first into the announce table as we go to commercial.
We are back and Otunga with a side head lock but Santino escapes. Otunga with a neck breaker for a near fall. Otunga sends Santino into McGillicutty’s boot and Michael is tagged in. Michael with a knee lift to Santino and he gets a near fall that is broken up by Masters. Michael with a rear chin lock on Santino but Santino gets to his feet and Michael with a forearm to the back of the neck. Santino with a forearm to Michael but Otunga makes the tag and he attacks Santino from behind. Michael punches Santino while Otunga distracts the referee.
Otunga with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Michael tags back in and they send Santino into the turnbuckles and then they connect with forearms. Michael kicks Santino in the head. Michael takes too long and Santino is able to get a chance to make the tag and he succeeds. Masters with chops to Michael followed by a flying shoulder tackle and clotheslines. Masters with a sit out spinebuster but Otunga breaks up the cover. Santino hits Otunga from behind with the Cobra (including a new ‘Cobra glove’ that could be a relative of Mr. Socko). Michael kicks Santino to the floor and Masters puts Michael in the Master Lock but Michael sends Masters into the turnbuckles and McGillicutty with a running snap neck breaker for the three count.
Winners: David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty
It is time to take a look back at Raw and the WWE Title situation.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Alex Riley versus Jack Swagger
They lock up and Swagger with a punch and he sends Riley to the mat and Swagger does a victory lap. They lock up again and Swagger with a waist lock take down. Riley gets to his ffet and Riley tries to escapes but Swagger with another waist lock take down and he slaps Riley in the head.
Riley with a punch and he has a kick blocked and Swagger with a knee followed by punches in the corner. Swagger is warned by the referee and then Riley sends Swagger into the corner. Riley with a clothesline to Swagger and then he climbs the turnbuckles and punches Swagger but Swagger stops him but Riley counters with a front face lock into the mat. Riley punches Swagger but he is sent to the apron.
Swagger with a forearm that sends Riley to the floor and then he poses on the apron before going to the floor. Swagger sends Riley into the ringside barrier and we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger with a shoulder tackle to Riley and he waits for Riley to get up again and he hits Riley with another shoulder tackle. Swagger with punches to Riley followed by a key lock. Riley with punches but Swagger pushes Riley off. Riley with a kick but Swagger with a flying clothesline for a near fall. Swagger with an Irish whip and Riley goes down after hitting the turnbuckles. Swagger stomps on Riley’s chest.
Swagger with another boot to Riley’s chest as he also works on the ankle. Swagger gets a near fall on Riley. Swagger with another boot to the chest while he stands on Riley’s abdomen. Swagger with an elbow to the leg followed by shoulders in the corner. Swagger with a kick to Riley but Riley with an Irish whip and STO to Swagger and both men are down.
Riley punches Swagger but Swagger punches back. Swagger with a kick and punch but Riley with a spear and then he punches Swagger. Riley with running back elbows followed by a spinebuster to Swagger. Riley signals for the Grenade elbow drop and he gets a near fall. Riley gets Swagger on his shoulders but Swagger escapes and he sends Riley into the turnbuckles and hits Riley from behind with a forearm to the back of the neck.
Swagger tries to cover Riley but Riley is under the ropes so he cannot make a count. Swagger hits the double jump Swagger Bomb and then he sets for the ankle lock and he applies it but Riley rolls through and sends Swagger into the turnbuckles. Riley goes to the floor and hits a sliding kick to the head. Riley with the leaping DDT for the three count.
Winner: Alex Riley
2011 - TNA ran Austin, Texas with the following results:
Shannon Moore defeated Devon and Hernandez in a 3-way match when he pinned Devon after hitting the Mooregasm.
TNA Knockout Champion Mickie James & Velvet Sky defeated Sarita & Rosita when James pinned Rosita after hitting a Chick Kick.
D'Angelo Dinero pinned Samoa Joe with a rollup in a Bound For Glory Series match to earn 7 points.
James Storm & Bobby Roode defeated Bully Ray & Gunner in a Bound For Glory Series match to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles.
Crimson defeated Jeff Jarrett.
A.J. Styles pinned Mr. Anderson with the Styles Clash.
2012 - FWE ran "Ten" in Long Island, NY. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's ongoing coverage of Family Wrestling Entertainment's X at Carle Place High School in Carle Place, Long Island, NY.
FWE Women's champion Winter made her way to the ring. Michael Schiavello of HDNet is also here doing commentary with her.
NWA champion Colt Cabana vs. Ricky Reyes
We had some Cabana patented silliness early. Reyes was all business and wanted to go. Cabana and Reyes locked up and Cabana began working over his arm. Reyes reversed and begn working over Cabana's arm and nailed his shoulder with several shots.
Reyes and Cabana went back and forth until Reyes cut him off with a stiff clothesline. Reyes worked him over with a series of kicks to the back. Reyes locked in a rear chinlock but Cabana fought back. Reyes cut him off and covered him for a two count.
Reyes locked the rear chinlock in again but Cabana fired back with a series of elbows. Reyes cut him off with a Judo throw and cinched in another chinlock. They battled back and forth and crisscrossed the ring, butting heads. Reyes went to the outside.
When he returned, Cabana nailed a series of elbows working over Reyes. Cabana used a forward roll for a two count. Cabana used a Mongolian Chop. Reyes nailed an enziguiri in the corner.
Reyes drilled Cabana with a kick to the chest. Cabana ducked a clothesline and used a backslide for a two count. He nailed the Flying A**hole in the corner and went to the top rope. Reyes cut him off with a kick to the head. Reyes went to top but was pulled onto Cabana's shoulders. Cabana dropped down, drilling Reyes into the top buckle and scored the pin.
Your winner,Colt Cabana!
Good back and forth match to open the show.
Jesse Godderz vs. Julio Dinero
Godderz was razzing all the kids at ringside. He's got a good swagger as a heel. Dinero came out to funk music and got the crowd to get behind him easily. They both played to the crowd early.
Dinero took the mic and made fun of Godderz being from Iowa and for losing on CBS' Big Brother. Lots of arguing, which leads to playing to the crowd on the corner. Obviously, the crowd was behind Dinero more since he was the babyface.
Godderz muscled over Dinero, locking him up in a hammerlock. When Dinero reversed it, Godderz ran for the ropes and screamed for the referee to make him break it. Godderz used a drop toehold and floated over into a front facelock. When Dinero reversed it, same deal.
Dinero worked over Godderz with hiptosses. Godderz went to the floor and tried to walk out but Dinero pulled him over to a fan and had the young boy hold his arm while Dinero drilled him. Dinero tossed him back in the ring and came off the top with a Ryder Kick.
Godderz whipped Dinero into the corner but was kicked off. Dinero went for a dropkick but was clotheslined over the top to the floor. Godderz brought him back to the ring, then pressed and dropped Dinero. He drilled Dinero with a clothesline as he was in the sitting position and scored a two count.
Godderz choked Dinero while doing pushups, which was a cool heel move. Dinero used a foot trip but was caught and powerslammed for another two count. Godderz locked in a rear chinlock. He drilled Dinero across the back.
Godderz slammed Dinero again. He played to the crowd before dropping a leg but missed. Dinero ducked a clothesline and nailed a flying forearm. Dinero drilled him with several rights and an inverted atomic drop into a Russian leg sweep. He peppered Godderz with punches.
Dinero used a front legsweep for another two count. Godderz drilled him with a back elbow but was nailed as he charged Dinero. Dinero charged him in the corner but was nailed in the mid-section. Godderz covered Dinero and put his legs on the buckles for leverage while scoring the pin.
Your winner, Jesse Godderz!
Decent match with a lot of playing to the crowd, which is what a show at this level should be.
AJ Pann introduced Johnny Knockout. Pann told him he was brought out to apologize. Knockout said that he was legally obligated to be here tonight. He said that for those who don't know why he's not in his wrestling gear. In February, he was supposed to be in a Tri-Borough championship match but was asked to step away from the company because he got too crazy in the back. He sat at home for a few months and he said to himself that something needed to be done and changes needed to me made. So he started showing up to ruin FWE's events so he can get back the title that was rightfully his. He said that led to him getting arrested although that's not the way you should go about your business. He said that he beat up the lowlife and got in trouble for it, so he's making some public apologies.
He said that he appreciates FWE promoter Jordan Schneider for giving him a chance to apologize and apologized to him, the security guards, the staff and everyone else who freaked out. He wanted to apologize to the fans even though he knows they have his back. He said he never wanted to put them in harm's way.
He said there was one more person he has to apologize to because he's a man and that's what men do, handle their responsibilities. He asked Damien Darling to come out.
Darling came to the ring and he said he knows that it sucks to lose, whatever. He said that if he has to shake Knockout's hand to let him apologize and get back to work, he's a gracious man and will do that. They went to shake hands and Knockout drilled him with the mic. They brawled but were pulled apart by security. They brawled again and to the back.
Wes Draven vs. Matt Taven.
Taven took control early with a series of rights and drilled Taven with a knee to the mid-section. Draven caught him with a wraparound into a head scissors, sending Taven to the floor. He then hit a spinning dive to the floor.
Draven hit a 619 like move to Taven on the outside and nailed a standing moonsault off the apron. Taven caught him and tried to run Draven into the ringposty but Draven shoved him into it.
Taven was rolled back into the ring but cut off Draven with a kick to the head as he returned to the ring. Taven nailed a standing vertical suplex, holding Draven up for awhile before drilling him down for a two count. Taven cinched in a rear chinlock, trying to force a submission.
Taven began using a series of backbreaker on Draven, getting several two counts. He choked at Draven and continued to work him over. Draven nailed a kick and used a moonsault but was caught. He turned it into an inverted DDT for a two count.
Draven nailed a right hand. He caught Taven with a kick to the mid-section. He rebounded off the ropes but was caught with a leaping kick to the back of the head. Draven nailed a superkick and went to the top, nailing a 450 splash for a two count.
Taven distracted the referee, allowing Taven's manager Kasee Ray to nail a superkick on Draven. Taven came off with a good looking frog splash from the top for the pin.
Your winner, Matt Taven!
Draven is coming along nicely as a highspot artist but needs some work putting it together. Taven's great. You can see why he's been offered a WWE developmental deal. Good all around athlete.
Jorge Santi vs Joey Ace
They went back and forth until Santi nailed a shoulderblock. Ace cut him off and began choking Santi on the mat. He locked in a rear chinlock, Santi tried to fire up with a series of elbows to the mid-section.
Santi backdropped Ace over and kicked him down. He nailed a doublestomp and nailed a leg lariat. Santi went for a superkick. but was caught. Ace went for a powerbomb but Santi turned it into a rana, sending him running into the buckles.
Ace cut him off with a clothesline and scored the pin after his valet Diamond D interfered.
Your winner, Joey Ace!
Harry Smith vs Mike Bennett
The crowd got on Bennett with Yankees chants, since he's from Boston. He took the mic and said that he's never, ever heard that before. Bennett said that Smith was bigger than he expected, but he's still better. He said that for all Smith accomplished, Bennett is better. As famous as his family is, he is still better. Bennett said that he's so confident he will win that if he doesn't he will refund everyone's money, say NYC is better than Boston and shake Smith's hand.
Bennett spent some time stalling. He and Smith went back and forth. Bennett began working over his leg and foot. At one point, he draped it over the guard rail and kicked it. He locked in a leglock and began screaming at the crowd "who sucks now" to get heat.
Smith drilled Bennett with a shoulderblock into the turnbuckles but Bennett dropkicked him in the legs, forcing him back to the mat. Bennett locked in an anklelock. Smith broke it but Bennett nailed him with a series of elbows across the ankle. He continued working over Smith's leg. Smith nailed several strikes to the back.
Bennett lifted up Smith into the air and drilled his knee down. Smith made a comeback and nailed a running boot to the face. He caught Bennett with a powerslam for a two count but Bennett kicked up at the last second. Smith locked on a Sharpshooter. Bennett slipped out and went for an anklelock. Smith kicked him off and rolled him up for the pin.
Your winner, Harry Smith!
Bennett shook Smith's hand, then lowblowed him and walked off.
FWE Tri Borough Champion Damien Darling vs. Azriel
They had some nice back and forth wrestling early. Azrieal leapfrogged and hiptossed Darling. Darling cut him off in the corner with a back elbow and chopped away at him, then drilled him into the turnbuckles.
He whipped Azrieal across the ring but it was reversed and he was smashed into the buckles. Azrieal came off the ropes with a bodypress for a two count. Azrieal nailed a slingshot senton splash for a two count.
Darling came back with a series of chops in the corner. Darling whipped Azrieal into the opposite corner and nailed a splash into it for a two count. He began choking Azrieal on the mat. He nailed a standing vertical suplex.
Azrieal slipped through his legd and pulled Darling's tights down, leading to a sequence where Darling took a bunch of bumps while his cheeks were exposed. Azrieal came off the top with a splash for a two count.
Darling's valet distracted Azrieal, allowing Darling to nail the X-Factor for a two count. Azrieal made a comeback but Darling walked out and said he was done. As he walked out, Johnny Knockout came from the back and tossed him back in the ring. Security walked Knockout out and the referee was distracted from seeing Azrieal small package the champ. Darling nailed Azrieal and rolled him up for the pin.
Your winner and still FWE Tri-Borough champion, Damien Darling!
Darling took the mic and said that Knockout tried to stick his nose in Darling's business but it didn't matter because he's still the champion. He said he's better than everyone else in the locker room and makes more than anyone else in the locker room. He challenged Knockout to a non-sanctioned Street Fight for their return to Brooklyn on 10/5. Knockout agreed.
Adrenaline Express (EJ Risk & VSK) vs The Midnight Sensations (Rockwell & Shields)
They battled to the outside early. The Sensations tossed Express back in but were nailed with sliding dropkicks and dives. The Express worked over Rockwell, draping him over the ropes as VSK came off with a stomp to the back.
The Express nailed a series of high flying moves in the corner. The Sensations cut off Risk and drilled him with a series of shots across the back for a two count.
They worked over Risk and scored a series of two counts. VSK nailed a leaping leg kick and crawled over for a hot tag. They cleaned house with some hot offense. They tossed the Sensation out of the ring and scored the pin.
FWE Women's Champion Winter vs. Maria Kanellis
Maria rolled up Winter for a quick two count. Kanellis drilled her with a clothesline and mussed up Winter's head. She beat her with a series of punches.
Winter cut her off and choked Kanellis against the bottom rope. Winter used a series of pinfall attempts then locked in a rear chinlock. Maria made a comeback and nailed a clothesline, then a head scissors. Maria sent her into the corner and teased the Bronco Buster but Winter rolled out of the ring.
Maria kicked at Winter but the ropes nailed the referee, who was half out of the ring, low. He went down. Maria was nailed with a neckbreaker from behind. Bennett ran another referee out to the ring to score a two count. The referee didn't count fast enough so Bennett nailed him. Another ref hit the ring and Bennett nailed him too.
Maria nailed a bulldog and scored the pin.
Your winner and new FWE Women's champion Maria Kanellis!
FWE champion Jay Lethal vs. Brian Kendrick vs. Carlito Colon vs. Tommy Dreamer - Elimination Match.
Everyone shook hands before the match, which got a big round of applause. Lethal locked up with Dreamer as Kendrick and Carlito locked up. Everyone broke clean. They locked up again, splitting opponents and ended up in opposite corners.
Lethal ducked a Carlito clothesline and nailed a dive to the outside on Dreamer. Carlito and Kendrick, in the ring, battled back and forth as the others battled on the outside. Kendrick lifted Carlito for a standing vertical suplex but Carlito landed on his feet and nailed a lowblow.
Lethal and Dreamer battled back to the ring. Lethal went for a flying axehandle but Dreamer nailed him in the mid-section. Lethal came back with a handstand into a dropkick and then nailed a superkick, sending Dreamer to the outside.
Lethal went for a dive to the outside on all three but they scattered on the floor. All four met in the center of the ring and the challengers began working over Lethal. Kendrick held Lethal as Dreamer measured him for a punch. Carlito tried to do the same but Lethal ducked and Kendrick was nailed.
Carlito and Dreamer doubled on Kendrick. Lethal ducked a clothesline and nailed a handspring elbow on both. Kendrick nailed Sliced Bread #2 pinning Lethal.
Lethal has been eliminated so there will be a new FWE champion.
Kendrick worked over Dreamer with chops in the corner. Dreamer did the Flair Flop. Carlito suplexed Kendrick into Dreamer and covered him for a two count. Dreamer whipped Kendrick into the ropes and locked on a sleeper. Carlito locked on a sleeper behind Dreamer.
Kendrick was kicked off from both Carlito and Dreamer during charges int the corner. Dreamer went for the Spicoli Driver but was kicked into the corner. Kendrick nailed the Sliced Bread #2 off Dreamer's back for the pin on Carlito.
Carlito has been eliminated.
Kendrick scored a near fall on Dreamer. The fans chanted for Dreamer. Dreamer and Kendrick battled to the floor where Dreamer took a fan's drink and sprayed it like Muta. He called to see what side of the crowd wanted them to brawl over. When they got to the railing, Kemdrick cut him off with an atomic drop onto the railing.
They battled back to the ring, where Dreamer cut off Kendrick on the top and nailed a superplex for a close two count. He set up a chair but was nailed with a drop toehold into the chair. Kendrick scored a two count. Kendrick, with the chair, went to the top and dove off but Dreamer kicked the chair into his face.
Dreamer went for the Spicoli Driver but Kendrick slipped out. Dreamer and Kendrick went into a series of near falls. Dreamer finally nailed the Driver and scored the pin.
Your winner and new FWE champion,. Tommy Dreamer!
Dreamer invited a girl to hold the belt for him and suddenly a stream of children hit the ring, so it ended up being a takeoff of the famous scene with Bob Backlund and all the kids from Ag Hall in the opening of WWF Championship Wrestling TV many many decades ago.
Real good match to end the show.
Overall, an OK show. There were a few times the booking made me scratch my head (mostly, some of the backwards ways things worked, like a heel helping a babyface win and a heel challenging a babyface to a Street Fight and threatening to quit if he didn't get the match) but it was the usual FWE show with lots of names making their career working hard, a lot of names and an enjoyable few hours of pro wrestling.
The promotion returns on 10/5 in Brooklyn, NY with The Beautiful People coming in and more to be announced.
2012 - CHIKARA ran Portland, Maine. Bobby Imperato filed the following results:
CHIKARA results, in front of about 200 fans:
*Green Ant defeated Assailant with a leg submission. Decent opener that built slow but really hit its climax at the finish.
CHIKARA has such an awesome atmosphere. It's a nice change of pace although it's very carny...but so's wrestling.
*Anthony Stone pinned Kobald to earn a spot in the Young Lions Cup. Also involved wereJiving Jimmy and Cameron Matthews. The match was a ton of fun. Kobald eliminated Jimmy. Jimmy was about 400 pounds but had a ton of personality. He even did an dive off the apron. Stone eliminated Matthews with a codebreaker. Matthews was young and a hell of an athlete. He's green but his upside is huge. Some nice aerial and he sold everything. Stone is another athletic guy.
*Ophidian made Frightmare submit. Delirious made a surprise appearance halfway through the match in Ophidian's corner. It was a back and foirth match and very competitive,. Nice first match back for Frightmare. All these CHIKARA guys know how to sell.
*The Handsome Stranger (the "banned" Archibald Peck, who lost a Loser leaves CHIKARA match at the last iPPV and has since starred in a series of "Where In The World is...." videos) defeated Icarus with a legdrop off the top rope. Handsome Stranger was Buff Bagwell's first gimmick in Global Wrestling when he first broke in. I wish Ring of Honor would use Peck this well. So funny and so much charisma. He's not bad in the ring either. Icarus is doing his best playing the straight man here. The crowd chanted Cowboy whenever Stranger was in trouble.
*3.0 and Akuma defeated Deviant & Soldier Ant & Combat Ant. The story here is that the CHIKARA computer created random trips Soldier is feuding with Combat and Devi Ant. He refused to help his partners, leaving them alone at the end.
*The Batiri defeated Tim Donst and Jacob Hammermeier after a miscommunication. Delirious is back at ringside. He goes straight to the corner of the Batiri. Donst wants nothing to do with the match. Every time he gets tagged in, he rolled out of the ring. Very one sided match early with Batiri destroying Jacob. Donst finally gets in the ring and cleans house. Donst nailed a huge dive to the outside. Delirious entered the ring after the match and kisses both members of the Batiri on the head and leaves ringside. Jacob goes to hug Donst after the match but gets pushed away.
*Sugar Dunkerton pinned The Shard with a quick rollup. Dunkerton got a big response. He controlled most of the match and at one point used mini basketballs from an arcade game in the corner of the venue on Shard.
*Mike Quackenbush, Jigsaw, Hallowicked and Ultramantis Black defeated The Heart Throbs and The Young Bucks. This was the first time the Throbs have done the gimmick together in forever. Huge ovation for Quack. The match had everything - comedy, technical wrestling, Lucha Libre and WWE style wrestling.
*Grand champion of CHIKARA Eddie Kingston pinned Sara del Rey. Rey with vicious MMA kicks to Kingston. He spits in her face. He drills her with some stiff headbutts. Really cool bout so far. Del Rey nailed a superplex off the top. Kingston drilled her with a diamond cutter that was awesome.
Excellent show.
2012 - DGUSA ran Untouchable on iPPV. Richard Trionfo filed the following:
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s live coverage of Dragon Gate USA’s Untouchable 2012 show from the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor, Michigan.
Before the iPPV starts, they showed a number of video packages including one for the returning Yamato and his desire to return to the top of DGUSA. They also showed video packages for their DVD releases. They showed the video package from the end of Evolve 14 when Christina Von Eerie confronted El Generico and sent a message from Mad Blankey as well as Generico’s response to Von Eerie.
The iPPV starts off with Chuck Taylor and Jake Manning coming to the ring. Your announcer is Lenny Leonard.
Before our opening match, Chuck Taylor gets on the mic and he says that he hates to start things off on a sour note. He says that the Swamp Monster is not here and they will be looking for him later tonight. He says that Jake is going to show everyone the proper way to make a campfire. Jake tells everyone to use dirt to put out a campfire. Chuck says that they will be doing this for three hours.
Rich Swann comes to the ring and he goes after Chuck Taylor before their grudge match later tonight.
Match Number One: Special Challenge Match Jon Davis vs. Jake Manning
Manning attacks Davis when he enters the ring and the referee calls for the bell. Manning with a slam but Manning appears to have hurt his back. Davis with a slam and Manning goes to the floor and he wants a time out.
Manning returns to the ring and he kicks Davis in the midsection and Manning with a suplex but Davis pops up while Manning has his back turned. Davis with a kick and he hits a delayed vertical suplex after the crowd counts to forty. Manning with a jawbreaker and back breaker into a flatline and Manning gets a near fall.
Manning punches Davis from a mount position. Manning with a double sledge to the back followed by a forearm but Davis responds. They alternate forearms until Manning rakes the eyes and then he sends Davis into the turnbuckles. Davis with an Irish whip but Manning sends Davis into the turnbuckles and then he continues to work on the neck with an elbow to the back of the neck. Manning with shoulders in the corner. Manning with a chop and a forearm to the back.
Davis chops Manning back. Manning and Davis exchange chops as the wooos fly from the crowd. Manning with a boot to the midsection but Davis with a back elbow and a spinebuster. Davis with a running knee to the head and he gets a near fall. Davis gets Manning up on his shoulders but Manning escapes. Davis with elbows to the head followed by a punch and a running boot to the head.
The referee checks on Manning to see if he is conscious. Davis with Three Seconds Around the World for the three count.
Winner: Jon Davis
Rich Swann and Chuck Taylor fight to the ring and the match starts.
Match Number Two: Grudge Match: Rich Swann vs. Chuck Taylor
Swann with a drop kick that sends Taylor to the floor followed by a flip dive onto Taylor. Taylor sends Swann into the chairs and Swann is holding his knee. Taylor grabs a ladder and drops it on Swann’s leg. Taylor sets up the ladder between two chairs but Swann hits Taylor in the back with a chair.
Swann slams Taylor’s head into the apron and then he sends Taylor into some chairs at ringside. Taylor rakes the eyes and brings Swann back to ringside. Taylor with a forearm to the back. Taylor slams Swann’s head into a ringside table. Taylor with a forearm but he charges at Swann and Swann with a hip toss onto the ladder.
Swann with European uppercuts to Taylor but Taylor with a drop toe hold onto a chair. Taylor hits Swann in the leg with a chair and then he drops Swann’s injured knee on the apron. Swann with kicks using his good leg followed by punches. Taylor Irish whips Swann into the ring post and hits a DDT on the floor and both men are down.
Taylor recovers first and he sends Swann back into the ring. Taylor slaps Swann in the head and he insults Swann. Swann with a super kick but Taylor with a uranage for a near fall. Taylor with a spinning sit out power bomb for a near fall. Taylor says that he is going to hit the power bomb again but Swann collapses to the mat. Taylor slaps Swann and Swann counters the power bomb attempt with a DDT.
Swann with a handspring Ace Crusher followed by a spinning enzuigiri for a near fall. Swann charges into a knee from Taylor but Swann with an enzuigiri to Taylor on the turnbuckles. Taylor blocks a super rana and applies a single leg crab on Swann. Swann crawls to the ropes and he gets there, forcing Taylor to release the hold but Taylor refuses and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Rich Swann by disqualification
After the match, Open the Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano comes to he ring and he goes after Taylor to get him to release the hold on Swann. Gargano checks on Swann.
Christina Von Eerie comes out and she brings up the Chuck Taylor stuff. She says that the title belt belongs to Tozawa. Von Eerie spits in Gargano’s face and Gargano thinks of retaliating but he decides to hold back.
Gargano helps Swann to the back.
Match Number Three: Tag Team Action: Super Smash Brothers (Player Uno and Player Dos) vs. The Scene (Caleb Konley and Scott Reed [with Larry Dallas])
Reed and Uno start things off and they lock up with Uno applying a side head lock and they go back and forth with shoulder tackles and then Uno eventually takes Reed down. Uno with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Reed with the finger to Uno and he tags in Konley. Dos also tags in and Dos with a waist lock. Conley with a hammer lock but Dos with a side head lock and waist lock.
Konley with a single leg sweep and then he hits a rana and gets a near fall. Uno tags in and they hit a double back elbow and then Dos with a standing moonsault while Uno hits an elbow drop and Uno gets a near fall. Dos tags in and Uno slams Konley.
Dos with a chop and Konley goes to the floor. Dos with a flip dive onto Konley. Dos with a cravate and he sends Konley back into the ring. Reed goes after Dos on the apron and Dos stops him but Reed stops Dos when he goes for a springboard move and Konley with kicks before Reed is tagged in.
Reed with a punch and a suplex followed by a chop and a near fall. Reed with a forearm to the back and Konley tags in and they make a wish on Dos and Konley gets a near fall. Konley with a reverse chin lock. Konley pulls Dos to the mat by the hair and then Reed is tagged back in and Reed with boots to the lower abdomen and Reed gets a near fall.
Konley tags back in and they send Dos to the mat. Dos with a double drop kick followed by a double rana to Reed and Konley. Dos makes the tag and Uno with a double clothesline and then he clotheslines Konley followed by an elbow and clothesline to Reed. Uno with a running knee into the corner followed by an elbow. Dallas grabs Uno’s leg and Konley tags in and hits a roaring elbow but Uno is under the ropes.
Konley with forearms to the back of the neck and Reed is tagged back in. Reed with a forearm to the back followed by a snap mare and forearm to the lower back. Reed with a reverse chin lock and he rakes at the eyes. Uno with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Reed prevents Uno from making the tag and then he punches Uno. Uno with boots to Reed but Reed goes for a flying clothesline but Uno holds on and hits a flatline.
Dos tags in and hits a cross body followed by a springboard drop kick to Konley onto the apron. Reed catches Dos on a quebrada attempt but Dos with a DDT. Dos kips up and hits a half nelson suplex on Konley. Dos goes up top but misses the double stomp when Reed moves. Reed with a kick and then Uno kicks Reed on the apron. Uno picks up Reed and Dos with a knee but Uno can only get a near fall.
Uno sends Reed into Dos’ boot and then Dos is tagged in. Uno with a chop. Dos misses a splash into the corner and Reed with a chop and then hits Eye of the Storm but can only get a near fall. Reed with a boot to the head and Konley is tagged in. Dos with elbows but Konley with a spinebuster and a catapult into a power slam from Reed.
Uno breaks up the cover and then he is sent to the floor. Reed with an Irish whip but Dos sends Konley to the apron. Reed with a splash into the corner. Uno punches Reed but Reed with a super kick. Dos with a double bicycle kick to Reed and Konley.
Uno tags in and he calls for the Fatality but Dallas gets on the apron and that allows Reed to knock Dos off the turnbuckles. Konley with a DDT and Reed with a wheelbarrow suplex for a near fall when Dos breaks it up.
Dos with a kick and super kick to Konley. Konley with forearms but Dos with forearms of his own. Konley with a forearm to the back of the head followed by a forearm to Uno. Dos with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex on Konley and then they hit the Fatality for the three count.
Winners: Super Smash Brothers
Ricochet says that he is out here tonight to wrestle under protest. He says that he is undefeated in the Open Gate matches. Tomorrow he is wrestling in a match to determine the Open the United Gate Championship. If he wins, he will be a three time champion even though he never lost. He says that he will beat Yamato tonight and then him and Rich Swann will win the titles tomorrow night.
Match Number Four: Special Attraction Match: YAMATO vs. Ricochet
They shake hands and Ricochet with a wrist lock. Ricochet with a hammer lock but Yamato with a reversal. Ricochet kicks the arm and Yamato has something to say to the referee. They lock up again and Ricochet works on the arm. Yamato with a wrist lock and he works on the ar. Ricochet with a kip up and wrist lock into a side head lock. Ricochet tries for a shoulder tackle but Yamato stays on his feet. Yamato wants Ricochet to try again and Ricochet stays on his feet. Ricochet appears to try for a third time but Ricochet with a back heel kick.
Ricochet with a rana and drop kick that sends Yamato to the floor. Yamato goes under the ring and Ricochet does a back flip in the ring instead of going to the floor. Ricochet looks for Yamato under the ring and Yamato with a drop kick to the back of the leg and then he kicks Ricochet in the head.
Yamato with a single leg crab but Ricochet gets to the ropes. Yamato with a knee to the leg and then he kicks Ricochet in the leg. Yamato chokes Ricochet and then kicks him in the corner before standing on the injured leg. Yamato with a drop kick to the leg. Yamato with a kick and chop in the corner.
Yamato wants to chop Ricochet again and he connects. Ricochet falls to the apron but gets back to the ring. Yamato with a double sledge to the back and then Ricochet and Yamato exchange chops. Yamato with an elbow in the corner and he tries for an Irish whip but Ricochet holds on to the ropes. Ricochet’s leg gives out on an Irish whip.
Yamato runs into a boot from Ricochet and then Ricochet moves on a charge into the corner. Ricochet with an enzuigiri and a springboard clothesline to Yamato. Ricochet shows the effects of Yamato’s offense on the leg. Ricochet with forearms and Yamato wants more. Ricochet with an enzuigiri followed by a leaping neck breaker and a standing shooting star press for a near fall.
Ricochet tries for a backslide driver but Yamato blocks it and Yamato with a dragon screw leg whip. Yamato counters an enzuigiri with an ankle lock and Ricochet tries to get to the ropes as he fights through the pain and Ricochet gets to the ropes.
Yamato kicks Ricochet and then he connects with a forearm. Ricochet with a forearm and Yamato fires back. They exchange forearms and then Ricochet with a series of kicks to the chest. Yamato with an elbow and then Ricochet with one. Yamato with a kick and Ricochet hits an Ace Crusher followed by a corkscrew press for a near fall.
Ricochet pulls Yamato into the corner and he goes up top but Yamato recovers and stops Ricochet. Yamato with forearms and he signals for a brainbuster from the turnbuckles. Ricochet with a head butt to knock Yamato to the mat. Ricochet with a kick to the head and Ricochet with a Phoenix Splash but Yamato kicks out at two.
Ricochet with a waist lock and Yamato tries for an enzuigiri but Ricochet moves. Yamato and Ricochet alternate near falls. Yamato with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Yamato
After the match, Jon Davis comes to the ring and he says that he wants to be the first to congratulate Yamato on a hard fought victory. Jon tells Yamato that tomorrow will be the hardest that he has to fight in his life. Tomorrow is not about respect, it is about survival. Yamato kicks Davis and puts Davis in the choke sleeper. Referees come to the ring to try to get Yamato to release the hold. Yamato finally releases the hold but Davis is still down on the mat while Yamato goes to the back.
Davis is helped to the back by the officials.
It is time for Intermission.
We are back from Intermission.
Match Number Five: Tag Team Match: Arik Cannon and Pinkie Sanchez of DUF vs. N8 Mattson and Derek Ryze
Sanchez and Mattson start things off and they lock up with Sanchez applying a waist lock but Mattson with a standing switch. Sanchez with an arm bar. Mattson with a reversal and Sanchez with a reversal of his own. Mattson with an arm drag. Sanchez wants a Greco Roman knuckle lock and Mattson reluctantly agrees but Sanchez with a kick and side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle.
Mattson with a few hip tosses and a drop kick and Sanchez retreats to the corner. Mattson pulls Sanchez into the center of the ring and Ryze tags in and they hit a double hip toss and Ryze gets a near fall. Ryze with a drop kick and front face lock. Mattson tags in and connects with a punch from the turnbuckles.
Sanchez with a running splash into the corner and Cannon tags in. Sanchez with a chop and then Cannon throws Sanchez out of the way. Mattson with a kick but Cannon with a double leg take down and then he applies a modified cloverleaf. Sanchez brings a drink for Cannon and he spits some beer in Ryze’s face and then he hits Ryze in the head with the beer can.
Cannon with a snap mare and drop kick to the back of the head. Cannon with a chop but Mattson with a kick. Cannon with a shoulder and elbow followed by a snap mare and punch to the face. Sanchez tags in and hits a knee drop. Sanchez with a knee to the nether regions when the referee was dealing with Ryze. Sanchez with a flying back elbow and then he tags Cannon back in. Cannon with a punch to the ribs followed by a slam. Cannon calls for a moonsault but he misses when Mattson moves out of the way.
Mattson with a near fall but Cannon tags in Sanchez and Pinkie with shoulders and chops. Mattson with a chop of his own but Sanchez with a rake of the eyes. Mattson with a running forearm into the corner but Sanchez with a kick. Mattson with a Rocket Blaster and both men are down.
Rise tags in and he hits a spinning heel kick on Cannon. Cannon catches Rise and hits a choke slam for a near fall. Cannon with forearms but Ryze with a forearm. Cannon with a lariat and he gets a near fall. Cannon with a front face lock and Ryze lands on his feet on a suplex attempt. Ryze with an enzuigiri but Cannon with a punch and he lifts Ryze up for a wheelbarrow and Sanchez with a double stomp and then Cannon hits Total Anarchy for the three count.
Winners: Pinkie Sanchez and Arik Cannon
After the match, Cannon gets on the mic and he mentions the suspension of Sami Callihan. The fans are not happy with Dragon Gate USA and Evolve’s decision. Arik says that the upside is that they would like to introduce Masada.
Masada makes his way to the ring. Arik introduces Masada as the newest member of the DUF.
Masada says that he is not joining them. He says that he doesn’t want to be part of any groups and it has held him down. He tells them to shove the offer.
Arik tells Pinkie to stand up to Masada or they will have to kick his ass.
Pinkie says that Masada will not disrespect the DUF. He tells Masada that he is going to whoop his ass.
Match Number Six: Pinkie Sanchez versus Masada
Sanchez does the Sexy Party after avoiding Masada. Sanchez avoids Masada again and then he punches Masada but Masada swats a Sanchez drop kick away. Masada with a series of chops and an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Masada with a back body drop to Sanchez. Masada sends Sanchez to the floor and then Sanchez grabs a chair.
Masada goes to the floor and Sanchez with a baseball slide to Masada followed by a suicide dive. Sanchez goes for another suicide dive but Masada hits Sanchez with a chair. Masada sends Sanchez into the chairs at ringside and then into the crowd. Masada with forearms to Sanchez and they get back to the ring.
Sanchez kicks the rope and then hits a dragon screw leg whip. Sanchez hits a second dragon screw leg whip. Masada with a kick to the head and then he slams Sanchez emphatically and hits a series of elbow drops but he misses a third one. Masada with an elbow to the back and then he kicks Sanchez in the head. Masada with a forearm to the back.
Sanchez escapes a suplex attempt and he hits a drop kick and kick to the head. Sanchez runs into an elbow and chops. Masada with a power slam. Sanchez with shoulders from the apron and then he tries for a springboard move but Masada catches him and hits a power bomb and then hits a second power bomb. Masada forces Sanchez to tap out.
Winner: Masada
Match Number Seven: Dream Tag Team Match: CIMA and AR Fox vs. El Generico and Samuray Del Sol
All four men shake hands before the match starts. CIMA and Generico start things off. CIMA with a drop toe hold into a rear chin lock. Generico with a wrist lock and arm bar. CIMA with a single leg take down and elbow to the leg and he works on the leg to try to ground Generico. CIMA with a side head lock into a wrist lock.
CIMA with a clean break in the corner. They lock up and Generico with a waist lock. CIMA with a wrist lock and Generico with an arm drag. Generico with a waist lock and side head lock take down. Generico and CIMA with head scissors and escapes.
Fox and Del Sol tag in and Del Sol with a waist lock and take down. Del Sol with a modified Indian Death Lock but Fox gets to the ropes. Del Sol and Generico discuss some strategy before Del Sol and Fox lock up. Del Sol with a wrist lock. Fox with a kip up and head scissors take down. Del Sol blocks a hip toss and Fox with a hammer lock. Del Sol with elbows to the head but Fox holds on. Del Sol uses the ropes for an arm drag.
Each man with a series of flips as they avoid the other. Each man tries for a drop kick and then they kip up to a stalemate. Generico tags in and they lock up. Generico with a wrist lock into a hammer lock. Fox with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Generico with a series of arm drags to Fox and he gets a near fall.
Generico with a chop to Fox followed by a front face lock but CIMA is able to tag in and he kicks Generico when Fox gets to the apron. CIMA with kicks in the corner followed by a snap mare and kick to the upper chest. CIMA with an arm bar and he stretches the other arm. Generico with a rollup for a near fall. Generico with a kick to CIMA and Del Sol tags in and he kicks CIMA. Del Sol with a snap mare and kick to CIMA. Del Sol with a slingshot somersault splash for a near fall.
Del Sol with a side head lock but CIMA with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Fox tags in and he connects with a leg drop for a near fall. Del Sol with a jawbreaker followed by an enzuigiri. Generico tags back in and he punches Fox. Fox with a punch but Generico with punches and kicks to Fox.
Generico sends Fox into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Fox gets to the ropes and Generico breaks the hold. Del Sol tags in and hits a slingshot boot to the chest. Del Sol with an Irish whip and he hits a running knee into the corner and gets a near fall. Del Sol with a cross arm breaker but Fox is able to escape and he gets to the ropes.
Del Sol chokes Fox in the ropes and Generico wants to tag back in. Generico goes up top and hits a double sledge to the back. Fox with elbows to Generico but Generico with punches. Generico with a boot to the head to stop Fox. Del Sol tags in and he hits an elbow from the turnbuckles to the back.
Fox with an Ace Crusher. Del Sol goes to the apron and he kicks Fox. CIMA stops Del Sol from hitting a springboard move. Generico hits CIMA. Fox sends Generico to the floor and Fox hits a springboard inward moonsault onto Generico and Del Sol.
CIMA gets a near fall on Del Sol and then he kicks Del Sol in the chest. CIMA with a snap suplex and he gets a near fall. CIMA with an arm bar submission into a rollup for a near fall. Fox tags back in and they kick Del Sol.
Generico has gone to the back and Fox hits a spinning suplex and gets a near fall. Fox with a rear chin lock on Del Sol and Generico has returned to ringside with his arm taped up. Fox leaps onto Del Sol’s back. CIMA tags in and they connect with a series of elbows followed by a double suplex for a near fall but Generico breaks up the cover.
CIMA drops Generico’s injured shoulder on the top rope. CIMA with a modified cloverleaf but Del Sol makes it to the ropes. Fox tags back in and CIMA with a drop kick while Fox holds Del Sol. Fox with a slingshot splash for a near fall. Fox with a slam and a split legged corkscrew moonsault and elbow drop for a near fall. CIMA tags back in and Fox kicks Del Sol while CIMA knocks Generico off the apron.
CIMA and Fox with a double flapjack using the ropes followed by a double drop kick for a near fall. CIMA with a kick to the chest and then into the corner. Fox tags in and hits a forearm to the head. Fox with a modified abdominal stretch but Del Sol is able to escape and he hits a few elbows. Del Sol with an Asai DDT and both men are down.
Generico tags in and he hits clotheslines on CIMA and Fox. Generico with a tornado DDT on CIMA. Fox with a kick and forearms. Del Sol with a super kick to Fox and Del Sol with a Fosbury Flop plancha onto Fox. Generico with a Blue Thunder Driver for a near fall on CIMA. Generico Irish whips CIMA into a boot from Del Sol. Generico with a slam and Del Sol hits a 450 but CIMA kicks out.
Del Sol and Generico discuss what to do to finish off CIMA. CIMA sends Del Sol to the floor. CIMA with a chop to Generico and he hits Powerplasm followed by a Swanton by Fox onto Generico for a near fall.
Fox with an Irish whip and a splash into the corner but Generico tries for the Yakuza kick. Fox blocks it and then hits a springboard Ace Crusher but Generico kicks out at two. Fox with punches to Generico and then they exchange forearms while CIMA sends Del Sol into the apron on the floor.
Fox with a kick but Generico with a boot to the head. Fox with a matrix followed by an enzuigiri. Fox is stopped by Generico and Generico hits an Exploder into the turnbuckles. Generico with the Yakuza Kick followed by Dragon suplex. Del Sol with a reverse rana to Fox and CIMA breaks up the cover in time.
CIMA and Del Sol go to the floor again. Generico points to the turnbuckles for a top rope brainbuster. Generico puts Fox on the turnbuckles but Fox fights Generico off for a moment. Generico is dropped on the ropes and CIMZ with a lungblower followed by a 450 splash but Fox but Del Sol breaks up the cover.
Del Sol kicks CIMA and then he goes after Fox. Del Sol with kicks to Fox and then Del Sol with an Irish whip but Fox moves. CIMA with double knees to Del Sol. Fox with a hesitation baseball slide. CIMA with knees again and Fox with a running senton into the corner. Fox with Lo Mein Pain followed by Meteora from CIMA for the three count.
Winners: CIMA and AR Fox
After the match, CIMA wants to help Del Sol up, but Generico pushes CIMA away. They shake hands after the match and Generico and Del Sol raise CIMA and Fox’s hands.
CIMA gets on the mic and he thanks everyone. CIMA tells Fox that he is excellent and he starts an AR Fox chant. He says that it is time to bring AR Fox to the next level like his former partner Ricochet. He asks Fox if he is ready to win the Open the United Gate Titles. Fox says that he is ready to win the titles tomorrow.
CIMA says that his English isn’t that good so he gives the mic to Fox. Tomorrow night, they will leave Chicago with the Open the United Gate Titles after beating Ricochet and Rich Swann.
Match Number Eight: Open The Freedom Gate Title Match: Johnny Gargano vs. Akira Tozawa (with Christina Von Eerie)
They lock up and Gargano goes for the wrist. Tozawa rolls through and takes Gargano to the mat and he works on the leg. Gargano with an STF into a front face lock and he gets a near fall with a lateral press. Gargano with a single leg take down and then he returns to the wrist and applies a key lock. Tozawa makes it to the ropes with some help from Von Eerie.
Tozawa and Gargano with a Greco Roman knuckle lock but Tozawa with a kick and side head lock. Tozawa with a shoulder tackle but Gargano with an arm drag. Tozawa with an arm drag and senton but Gargano tries for Gargano escape but Tozawa moves. Gargano tries for a super kick but Tozawa gets out of the way.
They lock up and Tozawa backs Gargano into the corner but Tozawa misses a chop. Gargano with punches. Gargano with a kick and clothesline that sends Tozawa over the top rope to the floor. Tozawa trips Gargano and pulls him to the floor. Tozawa with a suicide dive. Gargano sends Tozawa to the floor and Gargano with a suicide dive. Tozawa with an elbow and suicide dive. Gargano with an elbow but Tozawa with a boot to Gargano. Gargano with a spear from the apron but he cannot capitalize on the advantage at this time.
Gargano with a slam to Tozawa followed by a baseball slide to the head and Gargano with a near fall. Gargano with a kick to the back and then he turns his attention to the shoulder. Gargano with a Fujiwara arm bar but Tozawa gets to the ropes.
Gargano with an elbow to the arm and then he wraps the arm in the ropes. Tozawa with an Irish whip but he runs into Gargano’s boots twice. Gargano goes for a cross body but Tozawa counters with a gutbuster and both men are down.
Tozawa kicks Gargano while trying to get some feeling back into his arm. Tozawa chokes Gargano and then he kicks Gargano in the head. Tozawa with another kick to Gargano. Tozwa with a slam and a back senton splash. Von Eerie throws the chair in the ring and Tozawa puts it on Gargano’s chest for a back senton while Von Eerie distracts the referee. Tozawa with a near fall.
Tozawa with kicks to Gargano and he chokes Johnny in the corner. Tozawa with another kick to the head followed by a punch. Tozawa with chops to Gargano in the corner and then he goes with the rapid fire chops. Tozawa calls for one more but he stops short and then punches Gargano in the face. Tozawa covers Gargano but Johnny was under the ropes so the referee does not make the count.
Tozawa with an Irish whip but Gargano gets his foot up and hits an enzuigiri. Tozawa charges at Gargano but Johnny ducks and Tozawa goes to the floor. Gargano goes to the apron and then hits a slingshot DDT when he returns to the ring. Both men are down and Johnny is unable to take advantage of the situation.
Gargano with the Kobashi chops to Tozawa in the corner but Tozawa with an Irish whip. Gargano with a knee to the head followed by a clothesline and running kick to the chest. Tozawa with a boot to a charging Gargano. Tozawa blocks a suplex and so does Gargano. They go back and forth and Gargano suplexes Tozawa into the turnbuckles and Gargano is only able to get a two count.
Gargano with a double sledge to the injured arm. Gargano with boots to Tozawa and Tozawa with an Irish whip and kick to the head in the corner. Tozawa with a Saito suplex for a near fall. Tozawa throws Gargano to the apron and Tozawa follows. Tozawa with a waist lock on the apron but Gargano with elbows. Gargano gets Tozawa on his shoulders but Tozawa gets to the ring. Gargano tries for the spear from the apron but Tozawa with knees to the head.
Tozawa puts Gargano on the top turnbuckle for a superplex but Gargano with a head butt. Tozawa with a bicycle kick to the head and Tozawa with a superplex and both men are down. Tozawa is only able to get a near fall because of the time it took to make the cover and the pain he is still feeling in his arm.
Tozawa with a forearm and Gargano returns fire. They go back and forth with forearms but Tozawa with a bicycle kick. Gargano with a super kick and discus lariat. Tozawa with a boot to the chest and Gargano fires back with a kick. Tozawa rolls through on a sunset flip and hits a Shining Wizard. Both men are down again.
They exchange forearms but this time from their knees. They get to their feet and Tozawa stops Gargano from going between the legs. Tozawa with a running forearm into the corner but Gargano with a drop kick into the corner. Gargano hits a belly-to-back superplex and then Gargano hits the lawn dart followed by a superkick but Tozawa kicks out at two.
Gargano applies the Gargano Escape but Tozawa gets his foot on the rope and the referee calls for a break of the hold. Tozawa rolls to the other side of the ring. Gargano goes to the apron and he connects with forearms. Gargano with a super kick but Tozawa with a boot to the head and a deadlift German suplex on the apron.
Tozawa picks up Gargano to bring him back into the ring. Tozawa picks up Gargano for another German suplex. Gargano holds on to the ropes and Tozawa with a kick to the head. Gargano with a victory roll for a near fall. Tozawa with a deadlift German suplex and bridge but Gargano kicks out. Gargano with the Gargano Escape and Tozawa gets to the ropes again.
Von Eerie gets on the apron but the referee sends her back to the floor. Gargano with kicks to the injured arm. Tozawa with a back heel kick but he misses a second kick. Tozawa with another German suplex and Tozawa hits a straightjacket deadlift German suplex but Gargano is able to kick out. Tozawa tries for another straightjacket deadlift German suplex but Gargano counters with Hurts Donut but only gets a two count.
Gargano hits Hurts Donut again and applies the Gargano Escape but this time he is in the center of the ring and Tozawa taps out.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
After the match, Gargano gets the mic and he sits in the center of the ring. Johnny thanks everyone in the crowd. Johnny tells the fans that they saw some of the best wrestling on the planet. Johnny says that he was the age of one of the fans in the front row when he went to his first wrestling show. He says that it was an independent wrestling show. That is what he fell in love with. Every kid talks about main eventing Wrestlemania. That is still is his dream. Johnny says that he wanted to be an independent professional wrestler.
Johnny says that it really upsets him when guys say that they are just doing indies to get to that next level. Johnny says that is cheating the fans out of their money. He comes out night in and night out to give the fans their money’s worth. Johnny says that people have been talking about his future.
Johnny says that he was offered a new deal by the Dragon Gate office. Johnny says that it pains him to see the current state of independent pro wrestling. He says that independent pro wrestling is slowly dying because people feel that they can make money in Florida. He says that he is not faulting those people. Johnny says that he is not going to jump off a sinking ship. He says that he is going to get the wheel and steer independent professional wrestling where it needs to go.
Johnny says that this is a good bye of sorts. When he won the title, he was just a kid who was happy to be here with a dream. He is now a man with a mission to make this title and Dragon Gate USA the premiere place in wrestling.
Johnny promises that he will not leave until his job and mission is done.
Johnny says that he was offered a new deal and he says that he took it.
Johnny says that independent wrestling and Dragon Gate USA is in his blood.
He says the fans saw a hell of a show tonight. As long as he is here, the fans will get their money’s worth.
Chuck Taylor and Jake Manning attack Johnny Gargano. Manning sends Gargano into the turnbuckles. The Swamp Monster comes from under the ring and Gargano attacks him. The Swamp Monster hits the Awful Waffle and Chuck takes off the Swamp Monster suit.
CIMA makes the save for Johnny Gargano.
CIMA takes the Open the Freedom Gate Title belt and he gives the belt to Gargano.
CIMA takes the mic and he thanks the people of Detroit and he asks everyone if they enjoyed the show. He wants to know if the fans want to see DGUSA again. He thanks everyone for coming and he says that he will see them the next time.
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!
Bang On Casino
