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August 17th
On this day in history in ....
1927 - Bert Willard defeats Jack Reynolds for the World Welterweight Title in Columbus, Ohio, ending Reynolds' third reign.
1945 - Georgia Championship Wrestling held an event at the Municipal Auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia. The results:
- Dan O'Connor and Rudy Strongberg fought to a draw.
- Dick Lever and Dick Shikat fought to a draw.
- Al Massey defeated Jack Dillon.
- National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Champion Bill Longson defeated Barto Hill to retain the title.
1951 - Duke Keomuka defeats Ray Gunkel in Houston, Texas for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title.
1953 - Baron Michele Leone defeats Danny McShain in Memphis, Tennessee to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1955 - Yvon Robért defeats Don Leo Jonathan in Montreal, Quebec for the Montreal Athletic Commission World Heavyweight Title, beginning his 15th reign.
1956 - Don and Red McIntyre defeat Eddie Gossett (Eddie Graham) and Art Neilson to win the Georgia NWA World Tag Team Title in Atlanta, Georgia.
1956 - Gene Kelly (Kiniski) defeats Pepper Gomez to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas, ending Gomez's third reign.
1960 - Verne Gagne and Joe Scarpello defeat Killer Kowalski and Tiny Mills for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
1962 - Buddy Landel is born in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1962 - The Alaskan (Jay York) and Tarzan Tyler defeat Jerry and Nick Kozak in Houston, Texas to win the Texas NWA World Tag Team Title.
1968 - Dr. X (Dick Beyer) defeats Verne Gagne for the AWA World Heavyweight Title in Bloomington, Minnesota, ending Gagne's eighth reign.
1968 - The WWWF held an event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The results were:
- Irish Jackie and The Jamaica Kid defeated Little Brutus and Sky Low Low.
- Arnold Skaaland defeated Frank Hickey.
- Argentina Apollo defeated Bull Ramos.
- Earl Maynard and Dick Steinborn fought to a draw.
- Bobo Brazil defeated Virgil the Kentucky Butcher.
- WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino and Victor Rivera defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Prof. Toru Tanaka.
1968 - The Mighty Yankees (Frank Morrell and Eddie Sullivan) defeat Dennis Hall and Ken Lucas in Chattanooga, Tennessee to win their third Mid-America NWA World Tag Team Title.
1971 - Georgia Championship Wrestling held an event at the Coliseum in Macon, Georgia. The results were:
- Salvadore Lothario defeated Krusher Karlson.
- Guillotine Gordon defeated Ken Russell.
- Flash and Rocket Monroe defeated Derrell Cochran and George Scott.
- Bill Dromo defeated NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion Buddy Colt by disqualification.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk, Jr. fought NWA Macon Tag Team Champion Bob Armstrong to a 60-minute time-limit draw to retain the title.
1973 - Dick Dunn defeats Eddie Sullivan in Dothan, Alabama to win his second NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title.
1978 - Steve Rickard defeats Toru Tanaka for the New Zealand NWA British Commonwealth Heavyweight Title in Auckland, New Zealand. This began and ended both men's second reigns.
1979 - Georgia Championship Wrestling held an event at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. The results:
- Tony Atlas won a 16-man battle royal to earn an NWA World Heavyweight Title match in the main event. Other participants were: Bob Armstrong, Jerry Blackwell, Jonathan Boyd, Jerry Brisco, Haystacks Calhoun, NWA Georgia Television Champion Ray Candy, Carl Fergie, Bill Howard, Austin Idol, Killer Karl Kox (with Bobby Heenan), Ernie Ladd, Tommy Rich, Doug Somers, Jerry Stubbs and Mr. Wrestling.
- Ole Anderson and Ivan Koloff defeated Dusty Rhodes and Bill Watts in a Double Bunkhouse match.
- Wahoo McDaniel defeated NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion The Masked Superstar (with Bobby Heenan) in a Blindfold match to win the title. However, after the match, the blindfolds were removed, it was revealed that Tommy Rich had beaten Superstar for McDaniel, and the title was vacated. This ended the Masked Superstar's second reign.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Race defeated Tony Atlas to retain the title.
1982 - Cheerleader Melissa is born in Los Angeles, California.
1985 - The WWF held an event at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The results:
- Johnny V pinned Steve Lombardi after an elbow drop.
- Cousin Junior (with Hillbilly Jim) pinned Moondog Spot after a mule kick.
- Adrian Adonis pinned Tony Garea after a DDT.
- Terry Funk defeated Salvatore Bellomo by submission with a sleeper.
- The Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat defeated Mr. Fuji and Don Muraco, when Steamboat pinned Fuji with a sunset flip.
- The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) defeated Swede Hanson and Lanny Poffo, when Hart pinned Hansen after Neidhart clotheslined him from behind.
- Randy Savage pinned Rick McGraw after a flying elbowdrop.
- WWF Champion Hulk Hogan pinned Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny V) with a roll-up, after Beefcake ran into Johnny V on the ring apron, to retain the title.
1985 - Eric Embry defeats Super Medico I for the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, ending Medico's second reign.
1986 - Nikita Koloff defeats Magnum T.A. in the seventh match of a best-of-seven series in Charlotte, North Carolina to claim the vacant NWA United States Heavyweight Title.
1987 - Nikita Koloff defeats Tully Blanchard to win the NWA World Television Title in Fayetteville, North Carolina, ending Blanchard's second reign.
1987 - George Barnes defeats Bill Dundee for the CWA International Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Dundee's second reign.
1990 - The Thundercats (Leono, Panthro and Tigro) defeat Los Arqueros del Espacio (El Arquero, Danny Boy and Lasser) in Mexico City, Mexico to win the Mexican National Trios Title.
1991 - Billy Jack Haynes defeats Steve Doll in a full-nelson challenge in Portland, Oregon for the vacant NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title, to start his fifth reign.
1991 - Combat Toyoda defeats Megumi Kudo in Tosu, Japan to become the first two-time WWA World Women's Champion.
1992 - Jerry Lawler and Jeff Jarrett defeat The Moondogs (Cujo and Spot) in Memphis, Tennessee to win the USWA Tag Team Title. This began Lawler and Jarrett's fourth reign and ended the Moondogs' second.
1995 - Vance Nevada defeats Todd Bullet in Winnipeg, Manitoba to win the Canadian Junior Heavyweight Title for the second time.
1996 - El Pantera defeats Naohiro Hoshikawa in Noshiro, Japan for the vacant WWA World Middleweight Title. The Great Sasuke had vacated it due to a skull injury.
1997 - ECW held its fourth-annual "Hardcore Heaven" event at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the first edition of the show to be on pay-per-view, and got an 0.21 buyrate. The results:
- ECW World Television Champion Taz defeated Chris Candido (with Rick Rude) by submission with the Tazmission to retain the title.
- Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Spike Dudley after a Bigelowsault.
- Rob Van Dam (with Bill Alfonso) pinned Al Snow in a Monday Night Rules match after the Van Daminator.
- The Dudley Boyz (Buh-Buh Ray and D-Von (with Big Dick Dudley, Sign Guy Dudley, Joel Gertner and Jenna Jameson)) defeated ECW World Tag Team Champions The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustapha Saed) by forfeit to win the title, ending The Gangstas' second reign and beginning the Dudleys' third. Mustapha had left ECW.
- The Dudley Boyz defeated PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D), when Buh-Buh Ray pinned Wolfie D after the 3D, to retain the title.
- Tommy Dreamer (with Beulah McGillicutty) pinned Jerry Lawler after the Dreamer DDT. Jake Roberts, Rick Rude and Tammy Lynn Sytch all interfered during the match.
- Shane Douglas (with Francine) defeated Terry Funk and ECW World Heavyweight Champion Sabu (with Bill Alfonso) and in a Three-Way Dance to win the title. Douglas and Funk both pinned Sabu after The Sandman attacked Sabu with a ladder, and Douglas pinned Funk with a roll-up. This ended Sabu's second reign and began Douglas' third.
Unfortunately for ECW, the production was atrocious with bad camera angles, poor lighting and a terrible sequence showing announce Lance Wright live in a helicoper that is best undiscussed. It made ECW look like a terrible second rate promotion and of all their PPVs, was easily the worst from a production perspective to the point Paul Heyman, while addressing fans in NYC next week, opened up his appearance by asking, "Boy did the lighting on the PPV suck or what?"
1997 - Trailer Park Trash becomes the first OVW Heavyweight Champion.
1997 - Tomoko Miyaguchi defeats Tomoko Kuzuki for the JWP Junior Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1998 - WCW beat the WWF in this week of the Monday Night War, as "Monday Nitro"'s 4.91 rating (hours of 5.01, 5.03 and 4.7) bested "RAW is WAR"'s 4.19 rating (hours of 3.93 and 4.44).
"WWF RAW is WAR" episode number 273 was taped August 11 at the Civic Center in Des Moines, Iowa. The results were:
- Dan Severn defeated Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock in a Triple Threat match, by making Shamrock pass out while in a Dragon sleeper.
- Bart Gunn defeated The Godfather in a Brawl for All Tournament semifinal bout, by knockout in the third round.
- Gangrel pinned Brian Christopher (with Scott Taylor) after an implant DDT.
- The Disciples of Apocalypse (8-Ball and Skull (with Paul Ellering)) defeated Faarooq and Scorpio.
- The Nation (D-Lo Brown, The Godfather, Mark Henry and The Rock) defeated D-Generation X (Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, Triple H and X-Pac (with Chyna)) in a Street Fight.
- Bradshaw defeated Droz in a Brawl for All Tournament semifinal bout, 15 to 5 on points.
- Kaientai (Funaki, Taka Michinoku, Teioh and Togo) defeated Val Venis in a Gauntlet match. Val pinned Teioh with a fisherman's suplex, Val pinned Funaki after a powerslam, Val pinned Togo with the Money Shot, and Taka pinned Val after the Michinoku Driver.
"WCW Monday Nitro"'s 153rd show was live from the Civic Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The results:
- Steve McMichael pinned Sick Boy (with Lodi) after a Tombstone piledriver.
- Disco Inferno and Alex Wright fought High Voltage (Kaos and Rage) to a no-contest, when Meng interfered.
- Raven and Saturn defeated Horace and Kanyon when Saturn pinned Raven after a Spicolli driver.
- Scott Norton (with Vincent) pinned Scott Putski after a powerbomb.
- Curt Hennig (with Rick Rude) pinned Dean Malenko with the Hennigplex.
- WCW World Television Champion Chris Jericho defeated Chavo Guerrero, Jr. and Stevie Ray in a Triangle match, by double knockout, to retain the title. The Giant interfered and chokeslammed Stevie Ray, and Chavo staggered out of the ring.
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Bret Hart defeated Diamond Dallas Page by disqualification, after the referee found brass knuckles in Page's tights, to retain the title.
- WCW World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg defeated The Giant (with The Disciple) by disqualification, after Disciple interfered, to retain the title.
1999 - OVW held an event at the Louisville Gardens in Louisville, Kentucky. The results were:
- The American Eagle and Juan Hurtado defeated Guido and Vito Andretti, when Hurtago pinned Guido.
- Sean Casey defeated OVW Light Heavyweight Champion Johnny Spade to win the title, ending Spade's third reign.
- Bull Buchanan defeated Jebediah.
- Rico Constantino defeated Flash Flanagan by disqualification.
- Nick Dinsmore defeated Chris Candido.
- OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Jason Lee and Rip Rogers defeated The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton) by disqualification to retain the title.
- Rob Conway defeated OVW Heavyweight Champion The Damaja to win the title. This began Conway's second reign.
2001 - Hotstuff Hernandez wins his third NWA Texas Heavyweight Title, by ending Kevin Northcutt's fourth reign in North Richland Hills, Texas. At the same show, John Allen defeats Jimbo Starr for the NWA Southwest Television Title.
2001 - Momoe Nakanishi defeats Kumiko Maekawa to win the AJW Japan Grand Prix tournament.
2002 - The WWF Hardcore Title changes hands three times at a house show in Terre Haute, Indiana. Raven wins the title from Tommy Dreamer, beginning his 27th and final reign. He then lost the title to Shawn Stasiak, beginning his 14th reign. Finally, Stasiak lost the title back to Dreamer, beginning his 12th reign. Ricky Hawes filed the following live report:
This event at the Hulman Center has been hyped for awhile now. Every radio station and local news stations around the Wabash Valley area has advertised this event as WWE's return to the Hulman Center after a 10 year absence. Prior to seeing the line up of the matches I wasn't expecting a lot but throughout the card I found myself marking out for people even when I was the only one cheering. Although this card was hyped the arena was only about half full; I figure there will probably be another 10 year wait after this showing.
Before the doors opened at the event a table was set up inside where Big Show and Spike were signing autographs. The only problem with this was that this started about 20 minutes before the first bell rang. Big Show is a monster in person.
At the beginning the Fink comes out and talks about the long absence and how Terre Haute fans are the best fans the WWE has. Its obvious the man says that everywhere he goes. Personally I dont even think he knew where Terre Haute, Indiana was prior to this event.
Opening Match
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Spike Dudley vs. Sean O'Haire
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This match was a complete squash match before the end. O'Haire completely manhandled Spike before he mounted 1 comeback and connected with the Acid Drop.
Match Rating: ** - Spike got a pretty good pop and O'Haire received a pretty good amount of heel heat.
Hardcore Title
Tommy Dreamer vs. Shawn Stasiak
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This match begin with no weapons around at all. About 5 minutes into the match Dreamer began pulling trashcans, brooms, cookie sheets, and a turkey out from under the ring. Yes i said a turkey. Once back inside the ring Dreamer proceeded to stick his hand in the turkey and pull stuff out and eat it. Close to the end Raven entered and hit his DDT on Dreamer and won the title. Immediately after Stasiak hits a modified slop drop and wins. Immediately after that Dreamer drops the Spicolli Driver on Stasiak and ends the match.
Match Rating: **1/2 - Neither one of the stars seem over but the addition of Raven in the match was a big boost.
Jamal & Rosie vs. D'Lo Brown & Shelton Benjamin
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This match was advertised as a tag but ended up being Jamal vs. Benjamin. It wasnt surprising though to see that D'Lo is completely over. The crowd popped for every head movement the guy made. In the end Jamal scored with his modified Samoan drop and got the vic.
Match Rating: *** - D'Lo severely helped Benjamin get over in this one. The Island Boyz also received a nice amount of heel heat.
Bradshaw vs. Christopher Nowinski
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Bath room break time here. This match was slow and boring. Nowinski looks promising but he doesn't really have the opportunity to shine when he's up against Bradshaw. In the end Bradshaw scored the win with the Clothesline from Hell.
Match Rating: * - BORING!
Booker T vs. Steven Richards
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Richards enters with no reaction what's so ever. Booker T on the other hand recieves what was probably the 2nd best pop of the night. This guy is severely over. T scores the scissors kick to get the win.
Match Rating: *** - Complete squash here but Booker's popularity helped carry this match into a 3 star rating.
- Intermission to set up the cage for what I thought was suppose to be the main event
Cage Match
Undertaker & Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerrero
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Benoit and Guerrero enter together with mixed reactions from the crowd. RVD enters next with what was probably the biggest pop of the night. UT enters next after his music plays for about 4 minutes. The idea of this match seemed good but the cage and ring itself was very small. UT could literally touch the top of this cage if he wanted to. Usual spots from RVD. The ending though helps garner a higher rating. Let me explain. RVD and Benoit are both perched at the top trying to knock each other off. Then Guerrero gets up on top to try to take RVD down; UT then makes his slow way over and grabs Eddie from the top and hits the last ride. RVD and Benoit continue to fight as UT finally makes the cover. Benoit sets up for the flying head butt as UT quickly gets to his feet and catches him in a chokeslam. He begins to chokeslam him as RVD jumps OVER UT and Benoit onto Guerrero with the 5 star.
Match Rating: **** - This was a very good match excluding the fact that UT seemed like he wasn't enthused at all to be there. RVD, Benoit, and Guerrero put on a solid show and helped put some promise back into the card.
- Once again another intermission to take down the small ass cage -
Women's Championship
Special referee: Victoria
Molly Holly vs. Trish Stratus
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Victoria enters with no reaction. Molly and Trish are both over. Molly scores the pinfall after a couple blown spots from Trish.
Match Rating: ** - Pure Eyecandy
Hardy Boyz vs. Raven & Justin Credible
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Raven and Credible enter with no reaction what so over. I swear I was the only one cheering them on throughout the entire match. I actually had people threaten me because I was cheering for them instead of Jeff and his luggage Matt. Once both teams are in the ring Matt gets on the mic and says that him and Jeff have made up and there isnt an end to the Hardys he just had to turn on Jeff to get on Smackdown. He said there isnt any problems between them but Jeff doesn't agree. Half way through the match Matt walks out on Jeff leaving him to get jumped. Raven scores the Evenflow after knocking Credible out of the way. Raven goes for the win but Credible breaks up the count. Credible then gets rolled up by Jeff for the win as Raven watches on in disgust. Raven and Credible tease a fight but then hug.
Match Rating: ** - This match went without even 1 normal Hardyz spot. Raven and Credible receive no reaction what so ever. The only reason I gave this a 2 star rating is because the WWE was actually smart enough to play off television storylines.
Tables Match
Bubba Ray Dudley vs. Big Show
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Bubba and Big Show both enter to face pops. Bubba gets on the mic and announces that this isn't a normal table match its a match that hasn't even been seen before. He states that this match is a "Terre Haute Tables Match". He also completely pronounces the towns name wrong. As the match progressed Big Show started receiving a nice amount of heel heat. At the end there was a table in the ring and Big Show was gonna put bubba to it but Trish entered the ring to distract him. Trish then bags Big Show and Bubba puts Big Show through the table with his old set up for the 3d. Big Show leaves in a hurry as Bubba and Trish play to the crowd.
After the show
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Me and some friends made our way to the back where the people were leaving. When we got there Big Show left with Sean O'Haire. Then Raven makes his way up the car ramp as me and my friends begin a loud ECW chant. Raven looks up at us and starts nodding his head as he makes his way to his rental.
Overall Impressions
----------------------
The card could have been set up better match wise but im really beginning to like how the WWE is showcasing there younger talent. Or maybe they were there just because of where the event was held. Either way I feel it was worth the price of admission ($44.50).
Best Heel Heat: Matt Hardy leaving Jeff.
Best Face Heat: RVD followed by UT and Booker T.
Best Match: The Tag Team Cage Match
Worst Match: Bradshaw vs. Nowinski
2002 - Jimmy Rave defeats Star in Columbia, Tennessee for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.
2002 - Agente Bruno wins his fourth IWA World Hardcore Title, ending Huracán Castillo's seventh reign in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Castillo won the title right back, beginning his eighth reign.
2002 - TNT (Todd Sexton and Tony Stradlin) defeat The Briscoes (Jay and Mark) for the NWA Wildside Tag Team Title in Cornelia, Georgia.
2002 - Martin Nolte wins a 20-man battle royal at "True Colors" in Essen, Germany for the vacant Westside Xtreme Wrestling World Heavyweight Title.
2002 - USA Pro Wrestling held a huge 13-match event at the Community Center in Deer Park, New York. The results were:
- The Masked Maniac defeated Iceberg.
- Larry McKenny and Storman Norman defeated USA Pro Tag Team Champions Low Ki and Xavier to win the title.
- USA Pro Tag Team Champions Larry McKenny & Storman Norman defeated Da Hit Squad (Mafia & Monsta Mack), Divine Storm (Chris Divine & Quiet Storm) and The S.A.T. (Joél and José Maximo) in a four-way match to retain the title.
- Mike Tobin defeated Tim Arson, Danny Demanto, Grim Reefer, Tom Marquez and Tyler Payne in a six-way Elimination match.
- The Wall defeated Chris Chetti.
- Wayne defeated Crazy Ivan.
- The Dead Presidents (Boogalou & Low Ryda) defeated The Anabolic Warrio & Ken Sweeney, Azrieal & Damian Dragon, Joey Braggiol & Ken Scampi, J-Silva & Brock Vendetta and The Rednecks From Hell in a Gauntlet match.
- Chris Candido defeated Steve Corino.
- Dr. Zero defeated Josh Deeley, The New Dynamite Kid, Rockshah the Pimp, Dickie Rodz and The Trekkie in a six-way Elimination match to win the USA Pro Ticket Sellers Title.
- Mike Kruel defeated Norman Smiley.
- Low Ki defeated Crowbar.
- Xavier defeated USA Pro United States Champion The Amazing Red, Brian XL and Kid Kash in a four-way match to become the first USA Pro Xtreme Champion.
- Bam Bam Bigelow defeated USA Pro Heavyweight Champion Balls Mahoney to win the title, ending Mahoney's third reign.
2002 - Kamikaze and Tenacious Z (Zach Gowen) defeated Truth Martini and Anthony Rivera in Sterling Heights, Michigan at "Bar Room Brawl" to win the Independent Wrestling Revolution Tag Team Title.
2002 - The Premiere Players (Dash Bennett and Daron Smythe) defeat Dirk Ciglar and Brandon K in Triadelphia, West Virginia for their third NWA Pro Wrestling eXpress Tag Team Title. Also at that event, Sean Stylez ends Nikita Allanov's day-long NWA/PWX Brass Knuckles Title reign.
2002 - WWE broadcast Confidential. John Keane filed the following TV report:
Recorded at the WWE TV Studios in Stamford, CT.
Your Host: Mean Gene Okerlund.
Gene welcomes us in with a preview for tonight's show-later on we'll be going in-depth with Shawn Michaels and The Rock. First up is our 'Cover Story', focusing on the recent WWE Global Warning tour of Australia.
We see Kurt Angle, Lance Storm and Christian failing miserably in their attempts to throw a boomerang, then visiting the Melbourne Zoo-Kurt was sadly unsuccessful in his attempt to purchase a koala. Jamie Noble and Nidia did a little surfing on Anglesea Beach, and Edge, Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson spent some time shopping and schmoozing at the Queen Victoria Market.
We cut to the actual show, which set an attendance record at the Colonial Stadium (56,734). No in-ring action, just a lot of stars happy to have gotten the chance to go to Australia. Break.
WWE Rewind: Clips of Shawn Michaels last in-ring appearance with the WWF at Wrestlemania 14.
Back, Gene reminds us that at next weeks SummerSlam PPV Shawn will enter a WWE ring for the first time in over 4 years to take on HHH. This leads into a 'Before They Were Superstars' segment on the Heartbreak Kid.
Shawn was the youngest of 4 kids-his mom describes the young Michael Hickenbottom as 'quiet and shy'. As his father was a military man (Air Force Colonel), the family moved around the country a lot, which led to Shawn being branded the 'new kid' at school-fights resulted. His high school pal Kenny Kent remembers Shawn as the Big Man on Campus who was fiercely loyal to his friends and very handy with girls despite his shyness. Since football was the only athletic program available at his school he played the game-enthusiastically, but with little real passion. Shawn's mom feels he only felt really committed to wrestling. Shawn's dad says his son stared watching wrestling on TV at the age of 12-a practice he was unsuccessful in discouraging. Kenny remembers watching the shows with Shawn-we see a clip of the late, great Gordon Solie with Jim Ross, also the Fabulous Freebirds. Kenny and Shawn started practicing wrestling moves in the Hickenbottom family pool, terrifying Shawn's parents. Kenny describes Shawn as 'obsessed' with the biz.
Upon graduating high school, Shawn enrolled in Southwest Texas State University. He and his parents admit this was pretty much a disaster, as Shawn had little interest in any of the subjects taught (one interesting exception-Shawn excelled in a course in psychology). Shawn partied his way through just one semester, then left to pursue a career in wrestling. His dad closes the segment by stating that he felt his son deserved the chance to chase his dream. Break.
Back, Gene presents us a segment focusing on Undisputed Champion The Rock. We see Rocky in training for his upcoming title match with Brock Lesnar, scheduled for Summerslam-People's Champ praises Brock as a worthy adversary, citing their similarities in athleticism and intensity. Rock describes the 3 focal points of his workouts-speed, agility and power. Break.
Next up, we get a segment on Smackdown color commentator Tazz. Gene flashes back to the Red Hook natives illustrious career in ECW, citing his victories over much larger opponents. On to Tazz' announcing career-Gene reminds us some have failed in making the transition from competition to broadcasting (Magic Johnson, Joe Namath, Sandy Koufax), while others (John Madden, Jerry Lawler, Jesse Ventura) only excelled in the broadcast booth after their competitive careers had (pretty much) ended. Gene (sort of) drops the bomb-he announces Tazz, while still in his prime, is 'walking away' from being an active competitor to become a full-time broadcaster.
Cut to Tazz-he states he joined the WWF for the sake of challenge, as he'd already 'done it all' in ECW. We flash back to Tazz' first appearance at the announce table-at the time (no date mentioned), Jerry Lawler did color on both Raw and Smackdown. However, when Lawler was 'injured' by Tazz on the weeks Monday night show, Tazz took over the King's chair for Smackdown. Tazz admits to being scared, as he'd never done color commentary previously. Though Tazz chiefly remembers only cracking bad jokes on that night, his broadcast partner Michael Cole feels he did a pretty good job for a first-timer. Shortly after, Cole and Tazz started getting a taste of broadcasting live, hosting Sunday Night Heat from WWF New York. Tazz feels this is where he really started learning the ins and outs of doing commentary. Tazz also got a shot at doing straight comedy-we see a clip of one of his classic 'Tazz in the Kitchen' skits from Heat.
While Tazz admits he still has a lot to learn as a broadcaster, he states he's having a great time doing so. Tributes air from Cole, Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley and Kurt Angle. Interesting remembrance from Paul Heyman-while he still had ECW running and was informed his former employee was joining the Smackdown announce team, he informed his own guys that their days of being the best announcers in the biz were numbered. Tazz closes up the segment with praise for the veterans and the new talent, and states he hopes to continue to make a positive contribution to WWE. Break.
Gene returns with more on Shawn Michaels. HBK started his formal wrestling training at the age of 19, attending a wrestling school run by Jose Lothario. After a few months of training, Shawn started wrestling in Kansas City, where he met his future tag team partner Marty Jannetty. Shortly after, Jose invited him to join a promotion he was starting up in Shawn's hometown of San Antonio. Shawn accepted, and after a short time he and Jose put together a video promo which they sent to the WWF and the AWA. Since Marty had just gone to AWA, Shawn decided to go with that promotion. The 2 formed a tag team, and soon got a call from the WWF's Pat Patterson, who apparently kept a close watch on the (then) rival promotion. Pat offered the 2 a spot in the WWF, and Shawn and Marty packed their bags for McMahon-land.
Here's where things get interesting. Shawn and Marty spent their first night in the WWF without a match, and were later persuaded to spend the evening sampling the night life with their new co-workers. At a bar, a (nameless) wrestler decided to demonstrate his toughness to the newcomers by biting off a piece of a glass and chewing it up. Shawn countered by smashing a glass on his head. OK.
Next day, Shawn and Marty were approached by Nameless. Shawn states Nameless went into an outrageous story about he and Marty demolished said bar, apparently confirmed by other wrestlers. That same evening, Shawn and Marty were scheduled to team against Nameless and Nameless 2. Concerned for their safety, Marty and Shawn decided to have a talk with Chief Jay Strongbow. Though Chief had earlier voiced his disdain for Marty and Shawn, he agreed to speak with the nameless pair, resulting in the match going off just fine. After the match, Shawn and Marty briefly spoke with Vince McMahon, who issued a friendly warning to tone down any barroom antics. Relieved, Marty and Shawn thought the whole controversy was over.
Well, no. A week later, Marty and Shawn were summoned to WWF HQ for a meeting with Vince. Though the boss professed his belief in Shawn and Marty's innocence of any wrongdoing, he fired them anyway, apparently due to negative feelings toward them in the locker room. Vince told them the door would be open again in a year or 2 and advised them to keep working. They did so, bouncing back and forth between a Tennessee promotion and the AWA. After a year, they begged for another shot in the WWF, got it, and as we all know, Shawn continues working for the company to this day.
(Commentary: As for Marty…THAT would make for an interesting Confidential!)
After a quick clip of some of Shawn's greatest moments as a solo star, he states wrestling wasn't really a destination, it was more a path that led him to his family and spiritual salvation. He finishes up by stating his contentment in simply following the path of God. Break.
Gene sends us back to Australia. Rico, stylist to Billy and Chuck, did some schmoozing with the fans down under, learning some Australian lingo in the process. Time to wrap up-Gene mentions next week we'll be going in-depth with Brock Lesnar. Show ends.
Weird show this week-first half was pretty much a puff piece, stuff with Shawn was interesting-as stuff with Shawn usually is. Tazz piece was cool too-wish I had a tape of his Heat kitchen bits, there were just a few but all were hilarious.
2002 - WWE broadcast Velocity. Matt Zylbert filed the following TV report:
WWE Velocity
Hosted by Mark Lloyd and Michael Cole
Hello all and welcome yet again to writing's excellence of execution. I am the partially-ill Matt Zylbert, and THIS is the 'five-star' 1Wrestling.com Velocity report that gets attention worldwide. Now as you just read in the last sentence, I'm currently sick, but only with temperature above 100, and if you remember back to January or February of 2002, I was doing reports at 103! Of course, this is nothing for a tough-as-nails Velocity report, and the challenge lies within hearing Michael Cole every week. Ugh. Let's just sent it down to ringside, where TONY THE CHIM, will get us started for our opening contest....
Rico vs. Hardcore Holly
You look sooo.... good to me... Heheh, I couldn't resist. Kicking off THIS week's edition of Velocity is actually the only angle that exists on this show. As a result, I really have to question the match placement here. I mean, this would do better off being in the main event, rather than the opener, but as it turned out, it would all mean nothing.
Before we get to the match, we see a clip of some of the stuff that went down last week between these two, as well as my boy Marky Mark. If you don't know what happened, go read last week's 'five-star' report. Now to the match as Rico tries taking his time on the apron, but instead, Holly slingshots him back in, and now starts to nail him with some hard chops. Meanwhile, on commentary, that disgrace of a journalist who's initials are MC begins to make fun of Lloyd. Now wait a minute, Michael Cole does NOT have the right to make fun of ANYONE. I'm surprised Lloyd even takes that. It's in character, but I would never let Michael Cole get away with making fun of me in front of billions.... okay, thousands of viewers each week. Back to the match as Rico retaliates with some chops of his own, but makes the heelish mistake of yelling at the crowd. This allows that jerk Hardcore, who actually started his whole feud with Marky Mark, to take advantage with some punches, followed by his signature kick to the groin area. That, my friends, is gonna do some damage. Holly now hits a clothesline for a near fall, but would fall victim to a spinning kick to the gut soon after, giving Rico control. The Stylist would then continue his offense with a heel kick for a two count of his own, and after some martial arts kicks in the corner, Rico would get yet another two count. Back on commentary, our two hosts talk about Hulk Hogan, and I'm sorry Marky Mark, but you crack me up whenever you say his name. It's like he pronounces it, "Holk Hoagen", but it's so funny. I love you Mark Lloyd, and if it wasn't for you, Velocity would be as unwatchable as RAW or Smackdown. Anyway, Rico continues his current domination with a hip-toss for yet, another two count, and would follow up by heading up top. Unfortunately for him, Holly crotches him, enabling him to execute a superplex just moments later. A pin from Holly gets another near fall, and now we get an exchange of chops. Of course, Holly wins that battle with ease, and nails his adversary with a clothesline. Hardcore would hit his beautiful dropkick at this point, before giving Rico a gasmask. Shades of Pete Gas! Bob keeps up the punishment with a top-rope crossbody for another two count, but would lose the advantage here. Rico blocks a roll-up attempt by hanging on to the ropes, and is able to then connect on a crescent kick. Shades of Jacques Rougeau! The Stylist is now calling for the end with some weird gestures, but instead, misses on his spinning heel kick. Holly ducked it, and that allowed him to perform the Alabama Slam to pick up the win. Not a bad match, but definitely anti-climatic. I mean, these two just fought a clean match with Holly coming out on top three weeks ago, so what was the point of doing it again? I thought Lloyd would somehow get involved, or at least something would happen after the match but nothing did, and I hope this doesn't end everything right here. It's been nice having an exclusive angle on my show, so I'd like to see something useful coming out of it.
Winner: Hardcore Holly
Commercial
Highlights from the Global Warning Tour are shown. Anyone notice how one of the Hogan dress-alikes actually sounded a lot like Lord Alfred Hayes? Heh, I thought he did.
Bull Buchanan vs. Albert
There seems to be no background info heading into this certain one-on-one match-up... oh wait, I just realized. Both of these individuals, including ma' man Albert, were once the Big Bossman's partner. Let's break it down. Bull debuted and became Bossman's partner, in which they shared pretty much no success. Albert's run with the Bossman was pretty useless as well, but he was involved in Bossman's WORLD TITLE feud with the Big Show. FEEL the suspense in this one, boys and girls.
To the match now as both men meet in the center of the ring for a staredown, although the crowd could really care less. I wonder why. Albert would take control at the start, as he is able to perform an atomic drop, which is rare from him, before following up with a gorilla press slam. Bull heads outside for a breather, and I can't believe this, but it looks like he may be playing the heel role here. Huh? Well, we all expect these really dumb mistakes the booking team makes, and unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it. Anyway, as Bull heads back in, both big men exchange punches, before Albert takes control again and rams his opponent into the corner. However, he would miss his screaming corner squash, and Bull seeks to capitalize. After a neckbreaker, Bull connects with some elbows to the back, before resorting to a rear-chinlock. Already?! Come on. Luckily, it doesn't take long for Albert to punch his way out. Unfortunately for the North American Grizzly though, Bull is able to stay in control, as he hits his pretty nice springboard top-rope clothesline. Buchanan now works a choke using the ropes, and as the Bull tries to follow up with a powerbomb by the ropes, it's countered with a back drop. No, wait. Bull hangs on to the ropes and pulls himself back up, but would run right into a bicycle kick back in the ring. Albert gains the offense, hitting a few clotheslines here, before hitting an ugly hip-toss for two. Albert NOW connects on his "I-Like-To-Scream-Very-Loud-When-I-Squash-People-In-The-Corner" ram, and would then knock down Bull with yet another clothesline. A Vader Bomb attempt on the follow-up would not work though, as Bull gets the knees up. Buchanan would then pull himself up top, and despite Albert stopping him in progress, he is able to knock him off. From there, Bull is able to execute his top-rope leg drop for the victory. Ya know, I'm impatiently awaiting for a match between Bull Buchanan and Johnny "The Bull" Stamboli. From that, we could find out who the true "bull" is, and to make it more of a classic, we could always have Tito Santana, dressed in his El Matador gimmick, to be the special guest referee. Arriba!
Winner: Bull Buchanan
Commercial
Lloyd and Cole intros some of the highlights from Smackdown, starting off with the Angle/Mysterio/Henry interviewer. The part with Angle and Mysterio was funny, but the looks on Marky Mark's face were just priceless. Oh, and then Mark Henry had to ruin it. The Angle/Henry match is then shown, and I have to ask WHY WWE would torture its fans by showing us a Mark Henry match. And I don't get WHY they don't just give up on him already. His selling is horrible, his wrestling is horrible, and just everything about him is horrible. NO ONE likes him, as it becomes obvious that the "cheers" for him are clearly inserted in. That's why he's part of the Smackdown brand. If he appeared on RAW, a live show, he would absolutely get no reaction. Oh yeah, and Michael Cole reached a new level of stupidity during this match. "He really is the World's Strongest Man!" said Cole, after Henry had gave Angle a simple gorilla press slam, and refused to sell the damage to the left leg. God, what an idiot. Thankfully though, the tag match later on Smackdown was also shown, as the Guerreros took on Edge and Rey Mysterio. It makes me happy enough to see Chavo (With all of his 'careesma') on Smackdown once in awhile, but to see him in the SAME ring with Kurt Angle, and actually help him, brings a tear to my eye.
Commercial
JVC Blast of the Night: As Funaki makes his debut as an interviewer, "I'm not a Deacon anymore" Batista throws D-Von through a door, pretty much ending their alliance. I guess he got pissed that even after D-Von was put over Triple H a few months ago, he was unable to make anything of it.
Reverend D-Von vs. John Cena
Nice to have D-Von back on Velocity, but John Cena is another story. I mean, the guy goes from pinning Chris Jericho, not once, not twice, but thrice, to being here on Velocity. And I know it wasn't the booking team's idea, but that's one of the many problems with WWE today. The wrestlers have too much control over storylines, when they shouldn't have any at all. If the bookers could have maintained their control over everybody, the whole Stone Cold thing may not have happened at all, and maybe then he wouldn't have turned into a criminal. Ah, the power of a simple idea.
To the match as D-Von pearl-harbors Cena at the start, but is unable to capitalize as he misses a ram. This allows Cena to come back with a hip-toss, clothesline, and a dropkick, all in that order, for a two count. On commentary, Cole makes the stupid "ruthless aggression" remark about Cena, and I swear, he is really gonna piss off someone to the point where they just feel like hunting him down one day. I mean, it's NOT RUTHLESS AGGRESSION YOU IDIOT! Shut up already! Back to the match as D-Von hits a clothesline, and begins a boring offense that consists of punches, a knee, and a choke. Yawn. Cena tries coming back with some punches of his own, but D-Von thwarts his plan with a reverse elbow, and now works another choke hold. However, Cena wouldn't give up from there, as he is able to connect on a crossbody for a near fall, but would fall victim to a clothesline soon after. D-Von now scoop slams his foe, and now heads up top. Unfortunately for him, Cena corrals him, and tosses him off the top. This gives Cena some offense, enabling him to a hit a flying forearm, followed by another hip toss for two. Cena continues his dominance with a boot in the corner, before hitting a belly-to-belly for another near fall. Now Mr. "I don't want Cole to say I have Ruthless Aggression anymore" begins a 10-punch count in the corner, but takes too much time, and that allows D-Von to counter with a neckbreaker from the second rope for a close two count. The Reverend now starts to take his time, and at this point, Cole starts to point out each man's mistakes. Trust me Cole, you make PLENTY of mistakes, so just worry about yourself, jackass. D-Von would now go for a bodyslam, but Cena is able to counter it with a simple roll-up... for the three-count? After the match, D-Von regains some heat back, as he lays out Cena with that reverse inverted DDT maneuver, prior to hitting the diving headbutt from the top. Oh well, that doesn't make up for the match. There was a weak ending, and I didn't find anything good about it either. In my opinion, Cena is a little overrated, seeing as his repertoire of moves (Flying forearm, crossbody, etc) is basically the same as any other jobber his size. Nothing special about that.
Winner: John Cena
Commercial
Lloyd and Cole show us the Rock/Benoit main event from Smackdown this past week. Great match, and if you saw the looks on Brock Lesnar's face when Rock reached the ropes while in the Crippler Crossface, it almost looked like he was crying.
Commercial
Whack of the Night: From Smackdown, Jamie "THE LETTER K SUCKS!" Noble almost beheads Torrie Wilson with a clothesline, allowing his girlfriend Nidia to get the pinfall. And after that gum-chewing incident, I believe Nidia's idol is "Toilet Drinker" Tommy Dreamer.
Tajiri & Jamie Noble w/Nidia vs. Funaki & Billy Kidman w/Torrie Wilson
It's MAIN EVENT time here this week on Velocity, and a tag-team match full of Cruiserweights will definitely fit the bill. By the way, let me point out that the team of Tajiri and Noble actually came down to Tajiri's music, which may be the first time I've seen a team not coming down to the champ's music.... oh wait a minute, I was thinking about Hogan and Savage.
To our main event now as Noble and Funaki kick this puppy off, and on commentary, Cole starts to insult the heels. He calls them idiots, and goes on record to say Nidia is sick. Ya know, if anyone deserves to be picked on by the wrestlers, it's Cole because he actually insults them! Lloyd never insulted Holly, yet Hardcore turned into a complete jerk, and started to pick on Lloyd. Boy, he's lucky I'm not there, because you folks all know how I got Marky Mark's back. Heh, back to the match as Noble gets in a nee... I mean knee to the mid-section after a series of reversals, and he is able to follow up with a shoulder block and a hip toss. Funaki would come back with an enziguiri though, before tagging out to the Kidman. He rushes in, and executes a flying head scissors take-over on his nemesis, just before issuing a nice dropkick. Kidman would follow up with his fireman's carry neckbreaker for a near fall, but as he would bounce off the ropes soon after, Tajiri nails him with a kick to the back. Funaki now tries to get involved, but only ends providing distraction, and this allows for some double team work. Noble would catch Kidman on a huracanrana attempt, and as his head is by the ground, Tajiri drills him with a dropkick to the face. The heel team would take control from here, as Tajiri is now in, although a tag was never made. Funny how if they were faces, the ref would never allow it. Anyway, Tajiri scores with a scoop slam, followed by his screaming knee drop for a near fall. Tajiri now snapmares his foe, leading right into a chinlock, and that's definitely not a good sign. Kidman would punch his way out, but only before receiving a spinning heel kick for another two count. Tag to Noble, and the two heels perform a cool double dropkick. Noble would then go for the cover, only to receive another two count, and now he goes to the chinlock. Oh come on. Kidman works his way out of it again, but as he bounces off the ropes, Nidia holds his foot. Torrie would do the same to Jamie moments later, but the Cruiserweight Champion is able to stay in control with a back suplex. Tag to Tajiri, who misses the moonsault, and now both men are down. Kidman would make the hot tag to Funaki (!!), and he proceeds to clean house. This match has now turned into, and let me insert my new expression, LOW-CARD MAYHEM, with Funaki gaining the upper hand. Chaos takes place as Kidman and Noble now do battle on the outside, while Tajiri tries to cinch on the TUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHRANTULA, but Funaki counters with a face-first slam for a two count. However, Tajiri comes back with a superkick for another close two count, and as Funaki responds with a northern lights suplex, Torrie and Nidia get into a catfight in the ring. As they roll to the outside, Tajiri has Funaki set up for the Kick of Death, but misses, and Funaki is able to put Tajiri in some kind of pinning predicament... for the win!! OH MY GOD, CALL THE PAPERS, FUNAKI HAS JUST PINNED SOMEONE! Funaki and Kidman celebrate like crazy on the outside, and I can't blame them. What a week for Funaki, as he goes from star-interviewer, to gaining his first pinfall ever on Velocity, in a matter of days. Unbelievable.
Winners: Funaki and Billy Kidman
Cole and Lloyd quickly shill for Confidential, and that's that.
With another 'five-star' entering the record books, this is Matt Zylbert wishing you guys and gals a great week, and I'll see ya next week! Peeeeeeeaaaaaace.
2002 - Larry Goodman filed the following live report from the NWA Wildside TV Taping:
T-N-T beat the Briscoe Brothers to regain the NWA Wildside tag titles in the highlight match of the TV taping last night in Cornelia. Briscoes worked twice and looked great both times. The ringwork was exceptionally strong throughout a show that was hurt by a lack of crowd heat from the faithful 110, particularly during the second half. The booking was another story. There were moments that made me wonder if Vince Russo had infiltrated the creative team.
1) Cliff Compton beat Pigeon & "Titanium" John Toland in 5:45. This group came in from the Monster Factory. Compton looks something like a shorter version of Sean O'Haire. Melanie's fashion tip of the night goes out to Pigeon: lose those beyond horrible flowered trunks. Pigeon had a French pronunciation to his name, sounded like Pee-o-john but I could be wrong. Pigeon worked the match as Compton flunky heel assistant against Toland. Compton and Toland both looked good on offense. Would have been better without the green guy added. Toland hit a missile dropkick. The heels took over after Toland took a flying bump into the ringpost. Compton missed on a rocket launcher senton. Good comeback by Toland. He missed on a moonsault where Pigeon moved way too soon. Compton won it with a top rope splash. OK opening match.
2) Kevin Hardner beat Sweet Dreams with an assist from Terry Knightenelli in 5:23. Dreams' dancing intro got some response. There's no accounting for taste, especially in Cornelia. Dreams was having his way, so Hardner took a breather. Hardner hit a couple of suplexes for near falls. Dreams did a dancing elbow drop, but missed on a senton off the top. Dreams rolled out the floor after a double head butt collision. Knightenelli did something to Dreams when the ref wasn't looking and shoved Hardner on top for the pin. Knightenelli said "The Winner" had proven himself, so he was proud to introduce him as the newest member to the FBI, Kevin Hardenetti. Knight as a part of the FBI was funny. Making Harden a member is a mockery.
3) Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark) beat Future Shock (Brandon P & Jay Freeze) to retain the NWA Wildside tag team titles in 11:07. Briscoe Brothers rule. It was put up or shut up time for Future Shock and they put on a helluva show in this match. Of course, it would be next to impossible to have a bad match with Briscoes. First big spot of the match was Mark moonsaulting to his feet and dropping Freeze on his head with an overhead suplex. Briscoes doubled on Freeze. Jay got two with a sitout gourdbuster. Future Shock turned the tide when P nailed Jay with a springboard clothesline. Future Shock switched without tagging. Jay exploded with a dragon screw and dropkick to Freeze's knee. Mark followed with a springboard dropkick to the knee. P countered out of Mark's cutthroat suplex attempt with a clothesline. Fans started a Briscoes chant as Future Shock worked over Mark. They did the Rolling Thunder legdrop/slingshot senton combo. Freeze hit a stiff superkick. Mark came back with a high leg lariat, but the ref didn't see the tag. Jay forced the issue with a springboard splash. Tremendous finishing sequence. Jay laid P out with a killer DVD. Freeze broke up the pin. Future Shock went for the Aftershock, but Jay pulled the ropes down to dump Freeze. Mark hit a huracanrana on P. Freeze saved again and clotheslined Mark over the top. Jay had P beaten after hitting the J Driller. Freeze spoiled it by hitting the Icebreaker on Jay. Mark hit a sick looking version of his cutthroat suplex for the pin.
4) They did a tag team turmoil match. Scottie Wrenn & Tank beat Swingers Inc. (Michael Adrian & Vincent I. Pain) in 1:47. Swingers must be into humiliation. They did a doggie style spot with Adrian taking it up the ying yang from Pain. Tank was kicking Pain in the ass to boot. That wasn't enough I guess, so they did a 69 position. Tank won it with a cool half nelson/chickenwing vice submission that he cooked up backstage.
Rage (Scott Cage & Mike Pittman) were the next victims. Rage did stereo tope con hilos. Pittman slipped out Wrenn's powerbomb, only to run right into a Psycho Scottie slam at 1:34.
Jeremy V & Derrick Driver came out. Wrenn & Tank pretty much destroyed them. They drilled V through the mat with a double spinebuster. Just as this deal was looking like a good way to rebuild Tank & Wrenn, the three-minute time limit expired for a double elimination.
G-Rated (Kid Kool & Kid Xtasy) beat the FBI (Terry Knightenelli & Kevin Hardenetti) in 1:56. G-Rated with a double uranage on Hardner. Kool pinned Hardner with a top rope splash. Xtasy turned on Kool, laying him out with an inverted DDT. Xtasy & Hardenetti tossed Kool up for a midair spear by Knightenelli. Xtasy said it was good to be with family. Xtasy said he wasn't a kid anymore. He was Salvatore Rinauro. "I am the Godfather."
The Outlaws (John Dalton & Henry Hoss) beat Kid Kool in :56 with a slice 'n dice elbow by Hoss.
Total Destruction (Sean Royal & Rusty Riddle) and The Outlaws went to a three minute draw. TD did a back suplex/neckbreaker combo on Hoss, who is a real load. Riddle wanted to know how much Hoss weighed. Outlaws double suplexed Royal. Riddle used chairshots on Hoss and blasted him in the face with a can of Coors Light at ringside. Royal nailed Dalton with a stiff chairshot to the head. All four brawled on the outside as the time limit expired.
Royal grabbed the mic. He said that wasn't the real Total Destruction. He said using the chair was good, but they needed a table, or maybe a cage. Royal promised to give the people what they wanted to see.
5) Tony Mamaluke beat Caprice Coleman to take a 2-1 lead in their best of five series for the World TV Title in 10:13. Long collar and elbow lock up to open the match. They did some chain and exchanged pinning combinations. Crowd was quiet but seemed to be into the match. They locked up again. Mamaluke tried to cheat on the break, but wound up on the receiving end of Coleman's Thrilla in Cornelia punch combo and bumped over the top. Coleman connected on a springboard dropkick. When Mamaluke went to the floor, Coleman followed with a high springboard plancha. Both down for an eight count before Mamaluke making it back to the ring. It appeared that Coleman injured his right knee, which was heavily wrapped. Coleman missed on a slingshot senton. Great psychology by Mamaluke, as he worked on Coleman's neck in all kinds of interesting ways. Mamaluke got two with a high angle back suplex. Coleman came back with the spin scissors kick, but took a big flying bump in the corner. Mamaluke locked on a cobra clutch and Coleman made the ropes…hangman neckbreaker for two … gourdbuster into a submission. Coleman fought back with an over-the-top reverse X factor and his senton/quebrada combo for a two count. Mamaluke grabbed the ropes to block the Thermal Shock. Mamaluke crotched Coleman on the top and brought him off the top with a superplex. Mamaluke locked on a body scissors and choke out combo. Coleman fought it for a long time before unconscious. Mamaluke woke Coleman up and extended his hand. At first, Coleman wanted no part of it, but they wound up shaking. Coleman got his cockiness back and started using his belt as a mirror. "I can't let you go."
6) AJ Styles beat Sonny Siaki in 7:57. Siaki was introduced as the leader of the Flying Elvises and came out in his Elvis garb. Siaki used his strength and a ton of punches against the against the skill and quickness of Styles. Styles with a leapfrog, dropdown, and a dropkick. Siaki took timeout. Siaki went for a German suplex, but Styles landed on his feet and hit a spinkick for a two count. Siaki used a press slam hotshot for a two count. Styles went for the clash but Siaki was able to counter. Siaki used a pumphandle suplex. Stiff chops both ways in this one. Siaki blocked Styles' powerbomb attempt. Siaki sent Styles down on the ropes with a drop toe hold and went to the outside to snap his throat across the ropes. Styles came back with a discus clothesline. Styles missed big on the Spiral Tap when Siaki rolled out of the way. Styles missed on an enzuigiri, but caught Siaki with a reverse version. Siaki scored with a big uppercut when Styles had his head down. Siaki got a sunset flip, but Styles was able to counter with the Clash to get the pin. The Clash didn't look quite as impressive on a big thick dude like Siaki.
7) Onyx beat Mr. Delicious in 3:28. I guess there were no crickets out tonight because otherwise I would have heard them chirping during this match. Mr. D attacked Onyx from behind. He shocked himself by putting Onyx on the canvas with a shoulder tackle. Onyx turned Mr. D's crossbody attempt into a slam. They exchanged armdrags and missed on simultaneous dropkicks. Onyx used a neckbreaker. Delicious ducked a charge and Onyx flew over the top rope. Mr. D did a dive off the top. Back inside, Delicious hit the Iconoclasm. Mr. D hit a top rope headbutt that knocked him a little loopy, but he covered for two. Onyx won it with the Blackout (spinning implant DDT).
Lazarus hit the ring with the sexaliciously chubby Neysa in tow. Lazarus did the Blackout on Onyx. Lazarus punched and chopped. Lazarus came off the top to hit a neckbreaker on Onyx. Neysa got out her makeup bag and painted Onyx's face. Neysa gave Onyx a backhand slap and a couple of kicks. Lazarus got on the mic. He insulted the female fans for not looking like Neysa. You could have heard a pin drop. Lazarus said it was Onyx who looked like a woman. Problem was there was no make up visible on Onyx's face. Onyx recovered enough to do some mic work, calling Neysa a cheap whore. Neysa started back towards the ring, so Lazarus had to grab her. She dropped her makeup bag and ordered Lazarus to pick it up. Then came the funniest moment of the night. Neysa forgot to duck as she went up the entrance ramp and hit her head on the frame.
8) Jeremy Lopez and Slim J went to a 10 minute draw in rematch for the NWA Wildside junior heavyweight title. Lopez retains the title. J got mouthy. Lopez responded by taking him down for a quick two count. They built to a spot with J mounted on Lopez's shoulders that J somehow countered into an armdrag. J kicked Lopez off the apron and a hit crotch grabbing splash to the outside. J hit a corkscrew neckbreaker. Lopez scored with the Sudden Impact. Lopez went for a surfboard styles submission and then into a crossface. Dan Wilson made the five minute call, for a dead giveaway that this was going to the limit. That's the downside of not making the time calls routine. Lopez got J in the Texas cloverleaf and the crowd was suddenly hot for the first time since the intermission. Lopez dragged J back to the center of the ring before J was able to make the ropes on the second try. Great facial expressions by J. A great spot. Lopez did a neckbreaker across the knee out of a backdrop driver for a two count. Lopez did the rolling double underhook DDT into position for a tiger driver, but J countered nicely with a pinning combination. J hit a twisting roundhouse kick off the top for a two count. J countered a DDT with a rolling body scissors pin attempt. Lopez hit the Yakuza kick but J kicked out. Lopez hit the elevated DDT. J was able to get a foot on the ropes. Lopez hit his finisher again, and J somehow got a shoulder up. J got a roll up two count as the bell rang.
9) T-N-T (Todd Sexton & Tony Stradlin) beat Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark) to win the NWA Wildside tag team titles in 11:52. Way too much stuff in this match to cover all the detail. An outstanding match that would be worth catching on TV or tape. Sexton's chest was beet red from the slap and chops as the Briscoes controlled the early going. Jay did a dragon screw on Stradlin. Jay applied a camel clutch, while Mark did a springboard dropkick to Stradlin's face. Sexton did a rocker dropper and T-N-T got heat on Jay. T-N-T did a double team which finished with a beautiful spinning splash by Stradlin. Sexton went for another rocker dropper that Jay countered with a powerbomb. Hot tag to Mark, who caught T-N-T with a pair of exploder suplexes. Stradlin hung upside down and got Mark in a bow and arrow across the top turnbuckle. Jay broke that up with an awesome baseball slide dropkick to Stradlin's exposed face. T-N-T hit Jay with a double superkick. More heat on Jay. Stradlin used a pumphandle backbreaker. Mark made a blind tag and landed a springboard splash for a two count. The pace picked up even more. Jay hit spinning facebuster off the top on Stradlin. Mark did slingshot clothesline. Briscoes were setting Stradlin up for another killer move when Sexton saved by crotching Mark on the top. T-N-T hit the Power Keg on Mark but Jay made the save. Ref bump. Stradlin got Briscoes in a wild looking combination hold, with one of them in a Gory Special and the other in a dragon sleeper.
Lost Boyz (Azrael & Gabriel) hit the with the Holy Roller on Stradlin and the Excommunicator on Sexton. Lost Boyz put Briscoes on top of T-N-T for a double pin but they made the miracle kick out at the last instant. Mark hit the cutthroat suplex on Stradlin and Jay did the J Driller on Sexton. Meanwhile, Big Business Brown made his way to ringside for first time since Hardcore Hell. Brown got on the apron to distract the ref and tossed his briefcase into the ring. Sexton used the briefcase on Mark. 1 ... 2 ... 3. T-N-T are champions once again.
10) David Young & Rick Michaels & Adam Jacobs beat Iceberg & Rainman & John Phoenix (with Jeff G. Bailey) in 15:28. For some unexplained reason Young's Wildside heavyweight belt was on the line in this match. That made it two TV tapings in a row in which a significant storyline development was not explained to the live crowd. I guess the previous match sapped whatever energy the crowd had left because they were dead for this one. Match had some excellent action though. Rainman and Michaels started out trading punches like it was Memphis in the 80's again. Young and Iceberg faced off. Iceberg missed on a charging stinkface and slumped down in the corner. Young connected with a baseball slide to the nuts. The faces took turns dropkicking Iceberg, but they couldn't move him. They landed a triple dropkick that sent Iceberg through the ropes. A series of dives followed. Young did an Asai moonsault. Jacobs did a tope con hilo. Phoenix jumped off the top to a sit down springboard off the top rope for an Arabian press to the floor. Michaels hit Iceberg with a tope off the top. Rainman got so much height and distance on a tope con hilo that he sailed over the target. I think this is where Rainman and Michaels brawled their way out of the building and disappeared. Back inside the ring, Iceberg turned Young's crossbody attempt into a fallaway slam. Young came back with a Shining Enzuigiri. Jacobs and Phoenix in. Jacobs hit a fisherman buster. Iceberg, of all people, superkicked Jacobs to start the heel heat. Phoenix got near falls with an Asai moonsault and a spinkick. Jacobs took an upside down bump in the corner and got crushed by Iceberg's avalanche splash. Iceberg went into Abdullah tribute mode with a flying elbow and a thrust to the throat. Iceberg did a slingshot suplex. Phoenix countered a Gibson roll attempt by Jacobs with a reverse crucifix powerbomb. Very cool. Phoenix got two with a high leg drop off the top. Phoenix dumped Jacobs, so Bailey could use his Gucci loafer on him. Phoenix splashed Jacobs off the apron. Iceberg did a gargantuan legdrop, but Jacobs was able to grab the ropes. Phoenix finally missed on a frogsplash. Double clothesline, both men down, and hot tag to Young. After cleaning up on Phoenix, Young gave the heels a noggin knocker.
Michaels and Rainman reappeared as it turned into a real cluster with all six men going at it. Michaels hit the Double Shot on Phoenix. No pin there. Young hit the spinebuster on Rainman for the win. Things got a little weird here. The setup was for Iceberg to come up behind Young with a chair but he didn't, so Bailey did it instead. Styles chased Bailey out of the ring with a chair. Styles wheeled around with a superkick on Young!? Styles pummeled Young. Bailey said he knew the day would come when Styles would return to the Elite. Styles said, "who said I was part of the Elite?" and stormed out of the ring. Bailey called Iceberg out to the ring to do a number on Young with his carving toy. Young hit a gusher. Blood was instantly pouring down his face. Michaels tried to make the save with a chairshot, but Iceberg didn't sell it. Bailey was in his glory as Michaels helped Young from the ring area. There were already puddles of blood at ringside. Bailey said he loved to see the blood pouring from Young's head like a faucet. Bailey said Young could expect more of the same as long as he had Iceberg's belt. "No one can stop the Iceberg."
NOTES: Young was said to have cut an awesome backstage promo with the blood and the title belt after the show. Young's forehead required stitches because an artery had been opened up. … The SAT will be back for the next TV taping on 9/7. … The 9/21 TV Taping will be the Wildside 3rd Anniversary Show. … A lot of the Wildside talent is booked for 8/24 in Thomaston. … Bobby Fulton ran a show at University of Georgia on 8/15 using mostly Wildside talent along with the Barbarian. … AJ Styles is part of the awesome talent lined up for the Sweet Science Sixteen on 9/6 and 9/7. The single elimination technical wrestling tournament is being put on by Ian Rotten's IWA Mid-South promotion. The field includes Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, American Dragon, CM Punk, Ace Steel, Colt Cabana and Chris Hero. … The UCW television taping that originally scheduled for the Roxy Theater in Atlanta on 9/13 has been moved to the larger (and significantly less expensive) Cobb County Civic Center. … Jimmy Rave was not at last night's taping because he was working the NWA Main Event show in Columbia, Tennessee, where he regained the NWA World junior title from Star. … The Wildside "invasion" of CZW has gotten over so well that it appears the monthly shows at Viking Hall will become a regular stop for a portion of the Wildside roster. … On the 8/10 show, Rainman lost to Nick Mondo in a singles match, while T-N-T and Lost Boyz teamed up to win an 8 man tag with Bailey as their manager. The CZW fans quickly developed an intense dislike for Bailey. They were eating it up when Bailey ate a quadruple superkick in the postmatch. … No card announced yet for Steve Martin's 8/31 show in Gainesville. … Wildside talent is also booked for the 9/6 show in downtown Atlanta at the Dragon Con SciFi/comics convention.
2002 - WWE broadcast Heat. John Keane filed the following TV report:
Heat Report for 8/18/2002
Matches taped on 8/12 in Seattle, Washington.
Your Announcers are Jonathan Coachman and…Crash Holly?
John Keane reporting
Pyros explode, Coach and Crash welcome us in and our regular Heat color commentator D'Lo Brown makes his way to the ring. He's WAY pissed at Raven for verbally slamming him 2 weeks ago and ducking out on a fight with him last week. Raven is called out, and the sole exclusive member of the Heat roster (hey, I remember) emerges atop the ramp. He's not in the mood to get in the ring tonight, announces his stand-in…
1st Match: D'Lo Brown vs. Justin Credible with Raven.
Needless to say, crowd is solidly behind D'Lo. Raven distracts D'Lo, Justin throws a forearm, blocked, D'Lo scores with a pair of punches, whips Justin off ropes, connects with a kick to the face, Justin down and up. D'Lo forearms Justin down, Justin up in corner, D'Lo gets in a kick to the gut, whips Justin to opposite corner. D'Lo charges, Justin gets up a boot to the face, charges, D'Lo brings him up, Justin goes face first to canvas, D'Lo covers for 2. Justin up at ropes, D'Lo tries another whip, reversed, D'Lo off ropes, ducks a clothesline, Justin scores with a Superkick, both men down. D'Lo crawls to ropes, Justin up, connects with kick, chop, follows up by tossing D'Lo face first into top turnbuckle. Justin gets in a pair of chops, forearm to face, whips D'Lo off ropes, back elbow sends D'Lo down for 2. Justin applies a rear chinlock, D'Lo gets to feet, elbows out, Justin fires back with a forearm, attempts whip, reversed, Justin off ropes, D'Lo attempts back body drop, Justin counters with sunset flip, D'Lo rolls through, scores a dropkick to the face of the seated Justin, both men down. Both men up at the 4-count, Justin in with more punches, kneelift, D'Lo ducks a clothesline, scores Sudden Impact (his finisher a couple months ago), both men down. Up, D'Lo scores a pair of knockdown forearms, Justin to ropes, D'Lo whips him off opposite, scores back body drop, Justin down. Up, D'Lo elbows Justin back down, brings him up, Justin scores knee to gut, lays in straight punches, D'Lo to corner, Justin attempts whip, reversed, Justin to mat, slides to opposite corner to be crotched on ring post. Justin up slowly, D'Lo scores a quick slam, Famous Legdrop just gets 2. Justin to corner, D'Lo gets in a shot to the face, tries whip, reversed, D'Lo to corner, Justin charges, D'Lo springboards over, Justin to corner, turns, charges, D'Lo scores the Sky High for the 1-2-3.
Winner: D'Lo Brown.
Post-match, Raven enters the ring and lays out D'Lo with the Raven Effect. Break.
Back we get a replay of Raven's assault. Next we get a video hyping the Shawn Michaels/HHH match scheduled for SummerSlam, focusing on some of Shawn's many great in-ring moments. More video previews the rest of the matches on the card:
1. Ric Flair vs. Chris Jericho.
2. Booker T and Goldust challenge Christian and Lance Storm for the tag titles.
3. Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio.
4. Test vs. The Undertaker.
5. Rob Van Dam challenges Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental Championship.
6. Brock Lesnar challenges The Rock for the Undisputed Championship.
Break.
Boot of the Week: Ric Flair humiliates former Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho, pulling down his pants after a match on last weeks Raw.
Back to work…
2nd Match: William Regal vs. Shelton Benjamin.
Mild pop for Shelton, good heat for William. Lockup, Shelton forces William to corner, ref calls for break, Shelton slowly complies. Another lockup, William locks in an armbar, Shelton drops to mat, counters with an armdrag takedown, both men down and up quickly. William stalls a bit, another lockup, William applies armbar variation, Shelton forces him to ropes, tries for a hiptoss, William counters with an armdrag, both men down as William keeps working the arm. Shelton to feet, looks for a snapmare, William counters by increasing pressure on arm, Shelton gets leverage, headscissor sends William down and breaks hold. Up, the 2 circle, William goes behind, tries for a snapmare of his own, Shelton drops to mat, tosses William to corner. William appears impressed, offers handshake, Shelton accepts-then lays in a side headlock, William elbows out, sends Shelton off ropes, both men's hiptoss attempts are blocked, William wrings the arm, gets in boot to gut, Shelton counters second kick attempt with legwhip takedown, William down and up in corner. Shelton lays in forearms and kicks, whips William to opposite corner, William bounces back in, Shelton scores back body drop, William down for 2. Shelton slaps on a rear chinlock, follows up by slamming Williams head to canvas twice, William up slowly, Shelton forearms him to corner. Shelton attempts whip, William puts on brakes, sends Shelton off ropes, back elbow sends Shelton down. Up, William scores a trio of forearms, Shelton down at ropes, William brings him up, sets him in corner, lays in chops, attempts whip, reversed, William to corner, Shelton charges, William gets up a boot to the face, Shelton staggered, William goes behind, gets a quick roll-up for 2. Up, Shelton scores lightning quick Superkick, William down for 2. Shelton applies a headlock, William to feet, elbows out, Shelton to ropes, William attempts whip, Shelton puts on brakes, scores boot to gut, follows up with leg sweep, William down for 2. Shelton follows up with a slam for 2, backslide for 2, William makes it to feet, connects with a clothesline, Shelton down. William brings him up, tries for another whip, Shelton attempts reversal, William counters with sunset flip, Shelton rolls through, William works a body scissors into a roll-up, gets the 1-2-3.
Winner: William Regal.
Backstage, Terri interviews Raven. In a nutshell, he informs D'Lo it ain't over. He exits smiling and we take a break.
Back, we get footage shot during the recent WWE Global Warning tour of Australia. We move on to Raw recap-show started with Smackdown's Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman making their way to ringside seats-apparently they bought tickets to the rival show. HHH came to the ring to hype his match with Shawn and re-establish his full-time heel credentials. 'IF YA SMELL' hit, and Undisputed Champion The Rock made his way down the ramp. Rocky gets on the mic to address Brock-he suggested they get in the ring TONIGHT. Hunter took exception to the interruption of his speech, he and the Peoples Champ traded barbs, Hunter dared Rocky to get in the ring, challenge accepted. Rock asked Hunter if he's ready to go, Game replied positively, Rocky suggested he 'go' fetch him a baloney sandwich. Hunter attacked, the 2 went at it, Brock jumped the barricade and ascended the apron. Rocky went to deal with him, Hunter took advantage of the distraction and laid The Rock out with a Pedigree.
Right after, Rocky demanded that Raw GM Eric Bischoff set up a match with Hunter for later that evening. The 2 were involved in an 8-man tag match later on, and will go one on one tomorrow night. Break.
Video of Rocky training for his upcoming title match brings us back. Next we get footage of the aforementioned 8-man tag (Rock, 'Taker, Goldust and Booker T vs. Test, Christian, Lance Storm and HHH). Test got the win for his team after hitting 'Taker with the Big Boot-great match, by the way. Break.
WWE Rewind: Matt Hardy turns on his brother Jeff, costing him a victory over Rob Van Dam and a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.
Main Event….
3rd Match: Shawn Stasiak vs. Bradshaw.
Lethargic heat for Shawn, nice pop for Bradshaw. Bradshaw STRAIGHT in with a big boot to the face, Shawn down, Bradshaw drags him up, tosses Shawn over top and out of ring. Bradshaw follows, slams Shawn face first into barricade, lays in forearms, slams Shawn's face into apron. Bradshaw rolls Shawn in, follows, Shawn drops the double axehandle before Bradshaw can get to feet, lays in forearms, Bradshaw slowly up at ropes. Shawn whips Bradshaw off ropes, sets for back body drop, Bradshaw scouts it, puts on brakes, scores chop to back of neck, Shawn down. Up, Shawn gets peppered with forearms, Bradshaw scores with a DDT, Shawn down for 2. Bradshaw up, lays in a chop to the back of the seated Shawn, brings him up, gets in a headbutt, sets for powerbomb, Shawn counters with back body drop, Bradshaw down and up. Shawn clotheslines Bradshaw down, lays in the boots, Bradshaw to feet, Shawn forearms him to ropes, attempts whip…
(Quick break for line of the night: Crash announces Shawn is preparing to deliver his new finisher, the 'Ratings Drop'. Always liked that guy.)
…reversed, Shawn off ropes, ducks a clothesline, off ropes again into the waiting arms of Bradshaw, fall-away slam sends Shawn down. Shawn crawls to corner, Bradshaw lays in boots as he rises, attempts whip, reversed, Bradshaw to corner, Shawn locks in a sleeper as he bounces back in. Bradshaw counters with a belly to back suplex, both men down for a 6 count. Up, Bradshaw blocks a chop, scores a pair of forearms, shoots Shawn off ropes, back elbow sends him down. Bradshaw brings Shawn up, tries for whip, reversed, Bradshaw off ropes, shoulder charge sends Shawn down. Bradshaw goes off ropes, drops the elbow, covers Shawn for 2. Shawn to feet in corner, Bradshaw charges, clotheslines him right back down. Bradshaw breaks to pose, sets Shawn on top turnbuckle, lays in chops, joins him up top, sets for superplex, Shawn counters with punches, shoves Bradshaw to canvas. Bradshaw up slowly, Shawn goes up top, flying clothesline sends Bradshaw down for 2. Bradshaw slowly to feet in corner, Shawn gets in a forearm, whips Bradshaw to opposite corner, charges, Bradshaw sidesteps, Shawn into turnbuckles. Bradshaw off ropes as Shawn staggers, Clothesline from Hell sends Shawn down for the 1-2-3.
Winner: Bradshaw.
Coach and Crash finish up by hyping tomorrow nights Main Event, HHH vs. The Rock in a non-title match. End of show.
SummerSlam hype is in full effect-matches seemed like an afterthought, though Regal/Benjamin was pretty cool. Usually I bitch about excessive recap, but you won't see me complaining when I get another look at that fantastic 8-man tag. Wonder if we'll see a blow-off to Raven/D'Lo on next weeks live show. Oh yeah, Crash did a pretty decent job.
2003 - Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeats Jun Akiyama by submission in Tokyo, Japan to win the NJPW G1 Climax tournament.
2004 - Tack wins his second HWA Television Title from Rory Fox in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the same show, Crazy J and Lotus begin their second HWA Tag Team Title reign by defeating Benjamin Kimera and Shawn Osbourne.
2006 - The UFC held its sixth edition of "Fight Night", live from the Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show got a 1.47 rating on Spike TV. The results:
Preliminary bouts:
- In a welterweight bout, Anthony Torres defeated Pat Healy by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:37 of round one.
- In a welterweight bout, Forrest Petz defeated Sammy Morgan by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-23 and 30-27).
- In a heavyweight bout, Jake O'Brien defeated Christophe Midoux by TKO (strikes) at 0:52 of round two.
- In a welterweight bout, Joe Riggs defeated Jason Von Flue by submission (triangle choke) at 2:01 of round one. This bout was televised later on.
- In a middleweight bout, Martin Kampmann defeated Crafton Wallace by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:59 of round one.
Televised bouts:
- In a welterweight bout, Josh Koscheck defeated Jonathan Goulet by submission (strikes) in 4:02 of round one.
- In a middleweight bout, Dean Lister defeated Yuki Sasaki by unanimous decision (all three judges scored it 30-27).
- In a middleweight bout, Chris Leben defeated Jorge Santiago by knockout at 0:35 of round two.
- In a welterweight bout, Diego Sanchez defeated Karo Parisyan by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 and 30-26).
2007 - El Dandy and Rey Misterio, Sr. defeat The Punisher and Super Parka to win the vacant WWA World Tag Team Title in Tijuana, Mexico.
2007 - OVW held an event at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky, during the Kentucky State Fair. The results were:
- Terminal Velocity (Chet the Jett and Steve Lewington) defeated The Daltons (Jesse and Festus).
- Vladimir Kozlov defeated Chris Cage.
- Katie Lea and Josie defeated Serena Deeb and OVW Women's Champion ODB.
- K.C. James defeated OVW Southern Tag Team Champion T.J. Dalton.
- OVW Television Champion Shawn Spears defeated Colt Cabana to retain the title.
- OVW Heavyweight Champion Mike Kruel defeated Eugene to retain the title.
2007 - FIP held "Heatstroke: Night One" at the National Guard Armory in Crystal River, Florida. The results were:
- Steve Madison defeated Danny Daniels (with SoCal Val).
- Seth Delay defeated Austin Amadeus.
- Trik Davis defeated Scott Commodity.
- FIP Florida Heritage Champion Erick Stevens defeated Davey Richards to retain the title.
- Delirious defeated Necro Butcher (with Dave Prazak) in a No Disqualification match.
- FIP Tag Team Champions The Briscoes (Jay and Mark) (c) defeated The Irish Airborne (Dave and Jake Crist) to retain the title.
- FIP World Heavyweight Champion Roderick Strong defeated Tyler Black to retain the title.
- The YRR (Jason Blade, Kenny King, Chasyn Rance and Sal Rinauro (with Becky Bayless and SoCal Val)) defeated Black Market (Joey Machete and Shawn Murphy) and The Heartbreak Express (Phil and Sean Davis) in a Bunkhouse Brawl.
2007 - CHIKARA held "Here Come The International Invaders: 1st Stage - 'Attack Of The Phantom Sith'" at the Riverside Beneficial Association Building in Reading, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Shane Storm defeated Rahim Ali.
- Tim Donst defeated Alex Payne.
- USApe defeated Moscow the Communist Bovine.
- Shayne Hawke defeated Jigsaw.
- Brodie Lee and The Olsen Twins (Colin and Jimmy) defeated The Colony (Fire Ant, Soldier Ant and Worker Ant).
- Akira Raijin defeated Claudio Castagnoli by disqualification.
- Ricochet defeated Pac.
- Eddie Kingston defeated Brute Issei.
- Lince Dorado, Equinox and Las Chivas Rayadas (I and II) defeated The Kings of Wrestling (Chris Hero, Mitch Ryder, Larry Sweeney and CHIKARA Young Lions Cup Champion Chuck Taylor).
- CHIKARA Campeones de Parejas Team FIST (Gran Akuma and Icarus) defeated Los Ice Creams (El Hijo del Ice Cream and Ice Cream, Jr.) in a Best-of-Three Falls match, 2-1, to retain the title.
2007 - G defeats Nikko Brixton, Hubert, Matt Naylor, Dan Ryder and Danny Stevens in a six-way Chaos match to become the first Power Trip Wrestling Cruiserweight Champion in Luton, England.
2008 - WWE broadcast Summerslam, including a strong angle that featured Chris Jericho striking Shawn Michaels' wife. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
Summerslam opened up with a video package on the Hell In A Cell match, then a quick rundown of some of the top matches as they went live to the Conseco Fieldhouse.
Jeff Hardy vs. MVP.
Jim Ross and Tazz called this one. MVP went right for a kick at the bell, but Jeff dodged it. MVP went to the floor, but Hardy gave chase. MVP ducked into the ring and tried to keep Jeff out, only for Hardy to drag MVP out of the ring by his leg. Hardy rammed MVP into the security wall, then tossed him into the ring. Hardy hit a slam and dropped a slingshot legdrop for a two count. Hardy applied an armbar, but MVP came back with a belly to belly suplex into the corner for two, then applied a double underhook on the mat. MVP switched into a camel clutch, and hit some crossface forearms while maintaining the hold. MVP released the hold and Hardy turned to kick MVP and try a monkey flip, but MVP grabbed his leg and applied a leglace. Hardy made it to the ropes to break the hold, then got on the apron and tried to slingshot into the ring but MVP popped him in the face with a punch.
MVP picked up Hardy and tied him to the Tree Of Woe. MVP then picked up Hardy and slammed his head down to the mat. MVP covered Hardy for a two count. MVP put Hardy in an over-the-shoulder backbreaker, but Hardy slid out and hit a neckbreaker. Hardy then hit a mule kick, knocking MVP into the corner. Hardy went for the elevated kick in the corner, but MVP got his legs up and kicked Hardy across the ring. MVP covered Hardy for a two count. MVP dropkicked Hardy into a corner, then measured for the running kick, but Hardy jumped out with a clothesline. Hardy gave MVP a Russian legsweep, then dropped into a cradle for a two count.
Hardy stomped MVP down in a corner, then went for the elevated kick again, but MVP grabbed him in a slam position. Hardy floated over into a sunset flip for a two count. Hardy hit the Whisper In The Wind, then went to the top rope. Shelton Benjamin ran down to ringside, and Hardy dove off onto Shelton. Hardy they went to the top rope again, and dove for the Swanton on MVP, who moved out of the way. Jeff crashed to the mat, and MVP hit a Shining Kick for the win at the ten minute mark.
Winner: MVP.
MVP walked off triumphant, not even acknowledging Shelton, who was still down on the floor.
Maria was backstage, talking about the intergender match. Santino Marella entered, making some comments about how Maria had "let herself go" since they broke up. Maria made fun of Santino's unibrow, and Santino said he had it because it drove Beth Phoenix wild. Santino said they had to go make history, and walked off. Phoenix and Maria had a staredown, with Phoenix letting Maria know that Santino is her man now.
Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston & Women's Champion Mickie James vs. Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix.
Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler called this one. The winning team gets both championships. Mickie started out with Phoenix, who tossed off Mickie's attempts at locking up, then hit a back elbow as she tried a waistlock. Mickie hit a pair of dropkicks to knock Phoenix down for a two count, but Phoenix hit a back suplex. Santino tagged in, and Mickie gave him a monkey flip and tagged in Kofi. Kingston hit a springboard cross bodyblock and a dropkick, then mounted Santino in the corner for a series of punches. Kofi hit a shoulderblock in the corner and a uppercut to set Santino to the floor. Mickie James then dropkicked Phoenix to the floor as she yelled at Santino. Kofi teased a dive, and a scared Santino jumped into Beth's arms. Santino finally got on the apron, and gave Kofi a neckbreaker over the top rope.
Santino applied a chinlock, but Kofi elbowed out of it. Santino poked him in the eye and tagged Phoenix, who hit a kick to the gut. Santino tagged back in and suplex Kofi for a two count, then applied a chinlock while driving his knee into Kofi's back. Kofi escaped and tagged in Mickie, and Santino tagged in Phoenix. Mickie downed Phoenix with a clothesline, and knocked Santino off the ring apron. Mickie gave Phoenix a rana, then hit a top rope Thesz press, but Santino broke up the cover. Mickie gave Santino a forearm shot. Kofi ran in and charged at Santino, but Santino ducked and pulled down the top rope. Kofi fell over the ropes and to the floor. Mickie gave Santino a DDT, but Phoenix blasted Mickie with a forearm to the back of the head and hit Mickie with a double arm chicken wing into a facebuster for the win at the five minute mark.
Winners and new Intercontinental and Women's Champions: Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix.
Santino was still out from the DDT, then was overjoyed when he came to and realized they won. Santino took the IC belt, and Phoenix took the Women's belt. They left ringside with Santino riding on Phoenix' shoulders. As they posed at the entrance way, Santino was talking to his title belt, saying "I missed you".
A video package on Shawn Michaels' injury storyline was shown.
Shawn Michaels came out to the ring, accompanied by his wife Rebecca (who, for you trivia buffs, was Nitro Girl Whisper). Shawn took the mic and thanked the fans for their support. Shawn talked about his various back problems and his more recent injuries, and said he had been advised by doctors to retire. Shawn said he was taking their advice, and stepping away from the ring. Shawn talked about his career, saying he was known as the "Showstopper" and "Mr. Wrestlemania". He said he was also the man who screwed Bret Hart, formed D-Generation X, innovated the ladder match, retired Ric Flair, and lost his smile. Michaels said now he was going to devote himself to being a full-time father and husband. Shawn's wife was crying. Shawn continued to speak, and Chris Jericho's music hit. Chris Jericho walked out, wearing a suit. Jericho said "No". Jericho then said that he wasn't allowing Shawn Michaels to combine his injuries into one story and retire with dignity. He said he wanted Michaels to admit that he was the reason Michaels was retiring. Jericho said he had "earned the ring" to hear Michaels admit that Jericho had retired him. Jericho said he wanted Michaels' epitaph to read that he was forced to retire by Chris Jericho. Michaels said that he would do it, and he would tell his family that his career was ended by a "vile, worthless human being". Michaels then said he wanted Jericho to tell his family that "Daddy will never, ever be Shawn Michaels". Michaels and Jericho went nose to nose, and Rebecca pleaded with Michaels to go. Jericho went to punch Michaels, but he moved and Jericho knocked out Rebecca with a punch to the face. Michaels checked on his wife, and Jericho slowly left the ring, looking a bit confused. Michaels glared at Jericho as medics came in to check on his wife. She eventually sat up and left the ring on her own power.
Todd Grisham & Matt Striker discussed our "ECW Main Event" (in other words, the only ECW match on the PPV) and they showed clips of Mark Henry slamming Matt Hardy last week.
ECW Champion Mark Henry, with Tony Atlas, vs. Matt Hardy.
They did the "big match" style intros for the bout. Hardy slugged Henry with punches at the bell, but Henry tossed him in a corner. Henry missed an avalanche, and Hardy hit a Twist Of Fate. Matt went for the cover, and Tony Atlas dragged Matt out of the ring. Tony started hitting Matt as the referee called for the bell at less than a minute.
Winner via disqualification: Matt Hardy.
Atlas threw Matt into the ring steps. Jeff Hardy ran out and blasted Atlas, then gave him a Swanton off the ring apron. Mark Henry got out of the ring and attacked Jeff, but Matt joined his brother and the Hardys gave Henry a double vertical suplex on the floor. Henry and Atlas walked off, leaving the Hardys in the ring.
CM Punk was shown stretching in the back. A video package on Punk and JBL then aired.
WWE Champion CM Punk vs. JBL.
Big match intros again, which enables us to look at Lilian Garcia's dress (and Lilian) longer. They locked up at the bell, and JBL backed Punk into the corner. JBL backed off, then hit some punches and grabbed a headlock. Punk shoved him into the ropes and JBL hit a shoulderblock. Punk responded with some kicks, ducked a clothesline and knocked JBL out of the ring. Punk hit JBL with a tope, then threw him back into the ring and hit a flying bodypress for a two count. JBL came back with a shoulderblock and stomped Punk's hand. JBL hit some shots in a corner, then ran into a boot by Punk. Punk went up the ropes, but JBL stopped him and hit a fallaway slam from the second rope. JBL got a two count. JBL hit some punches and forearms, then whipped Punk into the corner. JBL put Punk in a side waistlock, but Punk elbowed out and hit a spin kick.
CM Punk charged into a JBL boot, then JBL stomped him for a two count. JBL hit a vertical suplex for a two count, then a backdrop driver for another two. JBL went back to the waistlock, Punk broke out, and JBL went to an abdominal stretch with a stomach claw. Punk finally broke out and hiptossed JBL. Punk hit a jumping knee in a corner, then gave JBL a bulldog. Punk went for the GTS, but his side hurt too much to lift him. JBL blasted Punk with a clothesline, then dropped a plethora of elbow drops before covering him for a two count. JBL and Punk traded forearms, then Punk slapped JBL, and JBL poked Punk in the eyes. JBL went for a short arm clothesline, but Punk ducked, hit some slaps and kicks and scored a two count. Punk went to the apron and did a springboard right into a JBL powerslam for a two count. JBL called for the Clothesline From Hell, but Punk blasted him with a side kick. Both men were slow to get up.
Punk hit a jumping knee in the corner, then went for a bulldog, but JBL blocked it and sat Punk on the top rope. JBL hit a series of forearms to the back, then gave Punk a back superplex. Punk was bleeding from the back of the head. They showed a replay of Punk's earlier side kick to block the Clothesline From Hell, and how JBL fell down and the back of his head cracked into the back of Punk's head. Both men got up, and JBL went for a clothesline, but Punk ducked and hit the GTS for the pin at the twelve minute mark.
Winner: CM Punk.
Great Khali was shown warming up in the back, with Ranjin Singh shouting encouragement at him. A video package on Triple H and Khali was then shown.
World Champion Triple H vs. The Great Khali.
They went nose to nose at the bell, and Khali shoved HHH. Triple H came back with some punches and went for a Pedigree, but Khali shrugged it off. Triple H hit a shoulderblock, which staggered Khali, then Triple H ran into a two handed chokeslam. Khali called for the Vice Grip. Khali applied the move, squeezing Triple H's head. Triple H kicked at Khali's leg to break the hold, then hit a chopblock to the back of the leg. Khali rolled to the floor. Triple H went out after him, and Khali hit a chop to the head. Khali rammed him into the security wall, then tossed him back into the ring. Khali hit some kicks, then elbows, in the corner. Khali hit a short-arm clothesline, then stood on Triple H's chest for a two count. Fans were chanting "You can't wrestle". Khali applied a nervehold, then slammed Triple H and dropped a leg for a two count. Khali applied the nervehold again.
Triple H fought out of it, then hit a facebuster on the knee and Khali fell back into the ropes, getting tangled. Triple H charged, but Khali booted him in the face. Ranjin Singh got Khali loose. Triple H hit a kick to the gut and went for a Pedigree, but Khali backdropped him over the top rope to the floor. Triple H tripped Khali and pulled his leg out of the ring and rammed it into the ringsteps. With Khali on the floor, Triple H got on the apron, but Khali reached up and chopped his chest, knocking him down into the ring. Khali got on the apron and Triple H went after him, but Khali applied the Vice Grip and stepped over the top rope into the ring. Triple H hulked out of the Vice Grip, breaking it, but Khali managed to reapply it. Triple H tried kicking at his legs again. Khali threw Triple H into a corner, but missed a charge. Triple H struggled to get Khali set for a Pedigree, then hit it for the win at the ten minute mark.
Winner: Triple H.
A video package on John Cena vs. Batista was shown.
John Cena vs. Batista.
Batista and Cena circled each other, then Batista grabbed a headlock. Cena shoved it off, hit a hiptoss and slammed Batista. Cena smiled at Batista as he backed into a corner. Cena grabbed a headlock, then hit a shoulderblock as Batista shoved him into the ropes. Batista kicked Cena in the gut and teased a Batista Bomb, but Cena pushed out of it and Batista hit a clothesline. Batista hit a jackhammer for a two count. Cena reversed a whip into the corner, then hit a fisherman's suplex for a two count. Batista came back with a side slam for a two count. Crowd is pretty even, although Cena is getting more boos. Cena tried to lift Batista for an FU, but Batista broke out and clipped his leg.
Batista hit a shinbuster, then applied a figure four leglock. Cena struggled in the hold, then made the ropes. Cena got to his feet, and as Batista advanced on him, Cena lifted Batista for the FU. Batista grabbed the top rope, so Cena flipped Batista over the top rope and to the floor. Batista got back in, missed a clothesline and Cena hit a pair of shoulderblocks, then a back suplex into a powerbomb. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" gesture and hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle fistdrop. Cena lifted Batista for the FU, but Batista floated over, shoved Cena into the ropes and hit a boot to the face. Batista picked up Cena and rammed him in a corner, then hit some shoulderblocks. Batista whipped him into the opposite corner and hit a clothesline.
Batista whipped Cena into another corner, but ran into an elbow. Cena charged, and Batista caught him with a spinebuster. Batista called for the Batista Bomb, but Cena tripped Batista and hyper extended his knee. Cena then applied the STFU. Batista struggled towards the ropes, but Cena pulled him back into the middle and reapplied the hold. Batista struggled again, and made the bottom rope for the break. Cena then measured Batista for an FU attempt, but Batista floated over it and hooked Cena in a rear naked choke with a body scissors. Cena elbowed Batista's knee to break the hold.
Both men got to their feet and Batista speared Cena for a two count. Batista picked up Cena for a powerslam, but Cena reversed it and lifted Batista into an FU, finally hitting the move. Cena crawled onto Batista for the cover, but Batista kicked out at the last instant. Cena went to the top rope, but Batista punched him and they battled on the ropes. They traded punches, with Cena getting the better of it and knocking Batista to the mat. Cena went for the top rope Rocker Dropper, but Batista stood up, caught Cena in mid-move, and powerbombed him to the mat. Cena kicked out at two. Batista was enraged. Batista hit a running kick to the head, then a Batista Bomb for the pin at the fourteen minute mark.
Winner: Batista.
Batista limped away from the ring, while Cena was down on the mat for a long time, holding his midsection.
WWE had the results of their Mobile Vote of the night, which asked whether Edge and Vickie would get a divorce. 78% said yes, the would.
The Hell In A Cell cage was lowered, and video package on the main event was shown.
The Undertaker vs. Edge in a Hell In A Cell match.
Edge entered first, a maniacal look in his eyes, which turned to concern the first time the bell tolled for Undertaker's entrance. Edge got a more confident look back as Undertaker stepped into the Cell and slammed the door shut. Edge hit a series of punches at the start, but Taker grabbed Edge by the throat and tossed him into a corner. Undertaker missed a punch and Edge hit another flurry. Undertaker shoved him away and hit a boot to the face. Undertaker then went to work with punches and a headbutt in the corner. Undertaker flung Edge over the top rope and to the floor. Undertaker picked up Edge and rammed him back first into the cage wall. Undertaker threw the back of Edge's head into the steel, then hit a series of headbutts. Undertaker rubbed Edge's face into the door of the Cell, then tossed him into the ring steps.
Undertaker put Edge on the ring apron and kicked him in the head. We saw that Vickie, Chavo Guerrero, Bam Neely and the Edgeheads were watching on a monitor in the back. Undertaker dropped a leg on Edge on the apron, then slid a section of the ring steps into the ring. Undertaker propped the steps in a corner. Undertaker whipped Edge into a corner, then scooped him up and dropped Edge with Snake Eyes on the steps. Edge got his hands up to block it, hit a back elbow, and tossed Undertaker into the steps. Edge the dropkicked Undertaker into the steps, then speared him into them. Edge pulled a table out from under the ring, then got back in and hit Taker with the steps. Edge went back out and pulled out another table. Edge got back in the ring and gave Undertaker a clothesline.
Edge stacked the two tables at ringside and got on the apron. Edge went for a suplex off the apron, but Undertaker blocked it. Undertaker went for a chokeslam, but Edge dropped down and yanked Undertaker throat first across the top rope. Edge went under the ring and got a chair, blasting Undertaker with it as he got close to him. Edge went for another table, putting this one in the ring, and blasted Undertaker with a chairshot to the back. Edge set up a table in the ring, then pulled out a ladder, then another ladder. Edge slid one of them into the ring, then got in and blasted Taker with a chairshot. Edge set up the ladder in the corner, then hit Undertaker with another chairshot. Edge put Undertaker on the table in the ring, then climbed the ladder with a chair in hand. Edge said "I understand" and jumped off the ladder with the chair, putting Undertaker through the table. Edge crawled onto Undertaker for a two count.
Edge set up Undertaker for a Conchairto, but Undertaker sat up and grabbed Edge by the throat. Edge broke free, but Undertaker decked him with a punch. Edge rolled to the apron, and Undertaker kicked him off, with Edge bouncing off the cage wall and into the ring apron. On the floor, Undertaker picked up another section of ring steps and hit Edge in the head with them. Undertaker picked up Edge, but Edge floated over it and rammed Undertaker head first into the ringpost. Edge then ran at Undertaker, jumping off a section of ringsteps and shoulderblocked Undertaker into the Cell wall, breaking down a section of it. Undertaker had a gash on his forearm.
Undertaker and Edge battled on the broken section of the Cell, right by the announcer tables. Undertaker rammed Edge into a table, then whipped him into the security wall. Undertaker swung a TV monitor at Edge, but Edge ducked it, picked up a different monitor and swing it into Taker's head. Edge blasted Taker with the monitor again. Undertaker was put on the ECW announce table (in the middle) and Edge got on the Raw table. As Undertaker got up, Edge jumped off the Raw table and speared Undertaker off the ECW table and through the Smackdown table. Both men were slow to get up. They slugged it out at ringside, with Undertaker getting the better of it.
Edge made his way back into the Cell, and into the ring. As Undertaker got in, Edge blasted him with the ladder. Edge rolled out of the ring and grabbed a TV camera. Edge blasted Taker with the camera, then crawled onto him for a two count. Edge measured Undertaker for a spear, but ran into a chokeslam by Undertaker. Edge kicked out at two. Undertaker set up for the Last Ride, but Edge hit him with a low blow. Edge hit an Implant DDT for a two count. Undertaker sat up, and Edge went for the ladder, but Undertaker hit him and set up for the Last Ride. Undertaker then noticed the tables stacked up at ringside and moved towards them. He went for the powerbomb, but Edge floated out and hit a spear for a two count. Edge put Undertaker in the corner and pounded him, but Taker pulled him out and hit the Last Ride for a two count.
Undertaker set up as section of ring steps and stood on them, preparing to Tombstone Edge on them, but Edge floated out and yanked Undertaker down back first on the ring steps. Edge covered Undertaker for a two count. Edge hit Undertaker with some punches, then went for a Old School rope walk, but Taker pulled away and crotched Edge on the top rope. Undertaker grabbed Edge by the throat, stood on the bottom rope and chokeslammed Edge through the two tables that were stacked at ringside. Undertaker threw Edge back into the ring, waited for Edge to rise, and Undertaker hit Edge with a spear. Undertaker picked up the TV camera and blasted Edge with it, breaking the camera. Undertaker then went for the chairs and gave Edge a conchairto on the mat. Undertaker picked up Edge and delivered the tombstone for the three count at the 26-minute mark.
Winner: The Undertaker.
They cut to the back, where La Familia were applauding the result. Undertaker walked off, then stopped and walked back to the ring as Edge was starting to move on the mat. Undertaker set up a ladder, then lifted Edge powerbomb-style and placed him on it. Undertaker then took out a second ladder and set it up next to the first. Undertaker climbed the ladders, and pulled up the slumping Edge. Undertaker said "Now, you're going to hell" and slashed his throat. Undertaker gave Edge a chokeslam off the ladders, and Edge went through the mat. Literally, as in the mat ripped open and Edge went through the ring. Undertaker posed in the ring, and flames shot up through the hole in the mat that Edge had just made. The flames continued to come up, as the show ended.
2009 - WWE broadcast Raw. Ed Shirreffs filed the following TV Report:
WWE Raw is Freddie Prinze, Jr. comes to us live from St. Louis, MO, the hometown of Randy Orton. Summerslam is just six days away. Richard Trionfo is not a fan of Freddie, so he has the night off. Freddie, who of course is a former writer, excitedly comes down to the ring. He looks extremely happy and mentions his Coliseum Home Videos, Action Figures, and in a shout out to Buck Woodward, WWE Ice Cream Bars. Buck would likely disagree with the vomiting. Freddie plays to the fans and says it's about what they want. So he is starting Summerslam tonight. The Divas and United States Championships respectively will be on the line. DX is also reuniting.
Then, the man with a hook hand in a slicker comes out, a reference to I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. He sounds like the Shockmaster and Black Scorpion. Ole? Aww...it's Santino Marella! He has a screenplay for Freddie to read and shows off how evil he is. He also does romantic comedy, in a reference to She's All That, complete with generic rip off of Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer. Santino asks if Freddie nees a partner for 24. He asks where Lillian put the bomb. It's starting to drag, Santino. Prinze tells Santino he has to go backstage and practice for two hours. I can't wait until Santino cooks with Rachael Ray. EVOO!
Freddy gets ready to announce the main event, but Randy Orton comes out to bully another Raw guest host. Orton mentions that tonight he is teaming with his opponent on Sunday, John Cena. He doesn't feel like competing at all tonight. Prinze can empathize with Orton not wanting to team with Cena, but it is his hometown of St. Louis. Prinze has no intention of disappointing them. Orton heels the fans, but Prinze says he will not be bullied. Orton & Cena vs. Jericho and Big Show is on. Orton grabs Prinze and hits an inverted headlock backbreaker. The officials come out to check on Prinze while Orton walks away. Commercial.
According to Cole, Prinze has been taken to a local medical center for observation.
United States Championship Match: Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Carlito w/ Rosa Mendes
Carlito goes for an early cover, but gets nothing. Kofi with a shoulderblock for one. Kofi avoids Carlito a couple of times, but is eventually shoved out of the ring. Commercial.
Back from the break, Carlito has the advantage after some high flying moves. Kofi fights out of a headlock, but runs into a boot from Carlito for two. Kofi again tries to fight back, but Carlito stomps him in the corner. After the pounding, Kofi kicks out at two again. Carlito applies a chinlock. Kofi floats over on a suplex attempt and hits a Side Russian Leg Sweep.
Kofi with his controlled frenzy and unorthodox offensive style for two. Double leg drip for two. Crossbody out of the corner to Carlito for two. Kofi with a European Uppercut for another two count. Carlito reverses a whip into the corner, but Kofi sneaks out of the way and jits a kick to the head. Crossbody off the top, but Carlito rolls through for two. Kofi misses Trouble in Paradise and Carlito hits a neckbreaker for two. Kofi avoids the Backstabber and hits Trouble in Paradise to retain. Solid television match.
Your winner, Kofi Kingston!
Did you know more teens watch Raw last week than the Teen Choice Awards? Did you care? Neither did I.
We see some of DX's Greatest Hits, including the Presidential Address, making fun of the nation, and the infamous rooster joke from 2006. Poll question of the night is if Cena and Orton can beat Jericho and Big Show.
The Calgary Miz comes out and takes the mic. He is a new man after being banned, with a new attitude and new look (indeed, he has new tights). He is now on a quest to become the new United States Champion. Dare to dream, Miz.
The Calgary Miz vs. Evan Bourne
Bourne comes out and just looks like a marked man. Miz tries to keep Bourne grounded by pounding him in the corner. Miz with a scoop slam attempt, but Bourne avoids it and hits a tinier version of the Pounce, then dropkicks Miz in the corner. Miz with a big clothesline for two. Miz with some Dragon Kicks, then a boot to Bourne's head for two. Miz wrenches back on Bourne a couple of times. Bourne gets to his feet, but is put in the corner again. Miz hits Bourne with a move I'm fairly certain he stole from him.
Miz comes off the top, but Bourne hits a spinning heel kick on him, then dives over the top rope onto Miz. Kick to Miz's head, followed by a rana, dropkick and a standing moonsault for two. Miz with a roll up for two. Bourne kicks Miz and knocks him down. Miz crotches him. Bourne gets on Miz's shoulders, but Miz gets him off and hits what he calls "The Skull Crushing Finale" (basically the Stroke).
Your winner, the Miz!
Back from the break, we get a recap of last weeks terrible reintroduction of Shawn Michaels. He's not a cook, he's a chef! The limo arrives in the back and Trips has to pull HBK out of the car. Jillian Hall is really excited to see DX. HHH puts a garbage can on her head. Santino is still practicing for 24, but he gets superkicked.
Degeneration X make their way out to the ring. The reaction for them is pretty big, so naturally they soak it in for a couple of minutes. HHH asks Shawn if it is good to be back. HBK replies that God help him, he loves this stuff. HHH gets ready to do the spiel, but Legacy ambush them before he can begin it. HHH is thrown into the ring steps and Shawn is beat down in the corner. HHH tries to make a comeback, but he is a victim of the numbers game. Legacy beats on DX with Shawn's boot. I am STUNNED that they went over so strongly in this segment. DiBiase grabs the mic and says that is the answer to their question. Yes, they are ready. Color me intrigued for Sunday's match now. HHH and HBK each get stomped in the head one more time for good measure. Very g
Divas Championship Match: Mickie James vs. Gail Kim
Gail and Mickie trade reversals to start. They come out even when both go for dropkicks. Gail avoids a charge in the corner and rolls Mickie up for two. Gail blocks a suplex. They roll around on the mat going for a small package, then clothesline each other. Gail gets one with a crossbody.
Gail puts Mickie in the corner, but Mickie escapes with a rana. Gail hits her own rana, then spears Mickie in the corner. Top rope missile dropkick from Gail for two. Mickie goes for a Maple Leaf, but Gail makes the ropes Divas Championship Match: and gets another roll up. Mickie avoids the cross body attempt out of the corner. Gail blocks Mickie's DDT. Mickie knocks Gail down for three in what I assume was a botched spot. Mickie went for a kick, but missed, then grazed Kim with a forearm and Kim went down. Mickie holds Gail's arm up after the match.
Your winner, Mickie James!
Freddie Prinze, Jr. is back at Raw according to Cole and Lawler. Cena is in the back being interviewed by Josh Mathews. Mathews asks Cena how he feels about teaming with his opponent, and Cena goes off on a rant about Orton being a big baby. Cena points out a zit on his own face. Why? He even steals a bit right out of Wayne's World. Jericho comes in and confronts Cena, saying he's got a couple of problems tonight. Big Show tells Cena he might not make it to Summerslam.
Jack Swagger vs. MVP
I guess Raw is short on time because they don't even get introductions. MVP is taking the fight to Swagger on the floor. Swagger kicks MVP in the chest, then works him over in the corner. Swagger refuses to listen to the ref's calls to stop, so the referee orders the bell to be rung. MVP attacks and sends Swagger running off. What a waste of a match.
Your winner by disqualification, MVP!
In the back, Freddie insists on going out to the ring. Commercial.
ood segment. Commercial.
Falls Count Anywhere: Chavo Guerrero vs. Hornswaggle
Hornswoggle runs under the ring and tricks Chavo. Horny then runs to the back and Chavo chases him. Chavo asks where Hornswaggle went, but can't get a clear answer. WWE now rips off Home Alone and Chavo is hit with a paint can when he opens the door looking for Horny. Mark Henry walks out of the room and says he didn't do it. MACAULAY CULKIN walks out and says hello to Chavo, then walks off. OK, the Home Alone reference is worth it now. I hope they rip off The Good Son with Horny next.
Your winner, Hornswaggle!
WWE confirms what PWInsider has already reported: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will be hosting RAW in Las Vegas, NV next week.
The poll is answered and the WWE Universe thinks Orton and Cena can win.
Chris Jericho & Big Show vs. Randy Orton & John Cena
After the introductions, Prinze comes back out and makes this a lumberjack match. Henry, MVP, Jamie Noble and others come to the ring. After the break, Big Show is in control and has a waistlock applied to Cena. Cena escapes the hold, but his flying shouldertackle does not fly as Show shakes him off. Orton puts his hand out for the tag, then whoops....he pulls it back in at the last second. Show continues to beat up on Cena, slapping him in the chest in the corner. Cena avoids a charge but giving Show a low dropkick to trip him. Cena tags Orton and throws him into the ring.
Orton glares at Cena, then turns into a spear from the Big Show. Orton is thrown to the floor. Henry picks him up over his head and throws Orton back into the ring. Show chokes Orton in the corner. Show hits a Hog Log for two. Jericho tags in and puts Orton's head into the mat. Jericho applies a Sleeper Hold on Orton. Orton gets out with a back suplex.
Jericho pulls Orton to his corner and tags Big Show back in. Show with a Leg Drop for two. Show applies a nerve hold to Orton. Show tosses Orton and tags Jericho back in. Jericho showboats, allowing Orton to hit a slam, but Jericho takes the advantage back and applies a chinlock. Jericho misses a Lionsault. Cena holds his hand out and actually makes the tag, then cleans house. Blue Thunder Driver to Jericho. Big Show blocks the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cena knocks him to the floor and hits the Attitude Adjustment on Jericho for the win.
Your winners, John Cena & Randy Orton!
Immediately after the match is over, Orton hits an RKO on Cena and bails. Show and Jericho beat up on Cena. The lumberjacks try to help, but Show swats them away until Cena cleans house and stands triumphant.
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last week, Lucky Cannon said goodbye to the WWE Universe. Which two men go home tonight?
We are live from Bakersfield, California and your announcers are Michael ‘Extra Cheese’ Cole and Josh ‘Tough Enough was better’ Mathews. Your host is Matt ‘My ears bleed on PPVs too’ Striker.
The rookies come to the ring while the pros for five of the rookies are on the stage.
Matt is with the rookies in the ring to remind us about the double elimination and how there will be three men left for the season finale in two weeks. The rookies are going to be given one minute to talk about anything other than why they shouldn’t be eliminated.
Percy talks about 3D and he says that he would need more than a minute to talk about double D. The three ‘Ds’ are the way he lives his life. Desire, dedication, and determination. Desire means you gotta know what you want. You have to be dedicated to the craft and put your time in. You also need to be able to go get it. Percy says that he has the desire, determination, and dedication to win Season Two of NXT. OH YEAH!!
Alex is next and he talks about Alex Riley. Alex says that he knows that his behavior might not have come correct with the WWE Universe. Maybe he made a mistake because he is ranked fifth. Maybe he shouldn’t have picked on Kaval because he couldn’t defend himself in real life. Maybe he shouldn’t have thrown a rabbit’s foot at Lucky Cannon, but he says that the world needs bartenders. Alex says that he shouldn’t have called Matt a nerd on national television. Alex says that it was funny so he doesn’t regret that. Alex says that if he didn’t do that stuff, he wouldn’t . . . he wouldn’t be out of time.
Michael talks about his competition. Michael wonders if Percy is smiling or scared. Kaval is the man who is not about the size of the fight in the dog, but the size of the blah blah, blah. Michael asks if you have seen a Chihuahua in a dog fight. He says that Husky won’t win because he is winning it. Michael calls Alex Riley the David Otunga of season two. He talks a lot but can’t wrestle for a lick. Michael says that you are looking at the winner of NXT and the most talented person in the competition. You are also looking at a future WWE Champion.
Kaval is next and his topic is NXT. Kaval says that behind every great man is a great woman, but he has two of them. He says that he is going to be the hottest trending topic on Twitter. Kaval says that he is going to go far because he leaves people in awe. He says that Showtime is too kind. He says that Riley whine. He tells Michael that he will be a star in no time. Husky is breaking molds and breaking all labels, but what he breaks best are buffet tables. He says that you can call him a rookie, but he is the only reason for some total nonstop action.
Husky Harris is the final contestant and his topic is cowboy boots. He says that if you grew up in the south like him, if you don’t have a pair of cowboy boots, you aren’t tough. Husky says that he always had a pair of boots. He says that they were Barry Windham’s boots. When he puts them on, he turns into a monster, the army tank with a Ferrari engine. He says that the devil wears cowboy boots and it is a coincidence that he does too.
Matt says that the first elimination takes place right now.
Matt says that some of the pros aren’t here but they have voted.
We go to the random elimination Generator and it is . . . Percy Watson.
Matt lets Percy say goodbye.
Percy says that he wants to thank the WWE Universe for their support and votes. He thanks MVP and says that he learned so much. He says that he can’t be angry or bitter. He says that he will take some time to study and evaluate himself and get better. He is also going to take some time to have some fun.
We go to commercial.
Match Number One: Michael McGillicutty with Kofi Kingston versus Zack Ryder
They lock up and Ryder with a side head lock into a hammer lock followed by a forearm to the head. Michael takes Zack to the mat and then Zack backs into the corner. Michael works on the wrist and puts Ryder in a hammer lock and sends him into the turnbuckles. Michael with an arm bar and a Hennig drop kick and a regular drop kick followed by a clothesline that sends Ryder over the top rope to the floor. Michael misses a baseball slide and Ryder with a kick and then he punches Michael.
They return to the ring and Ryder with a knee drop for a near fall. Ryder gets another near fall. Ryder sends Michael into the turnbuckles and punches him. Ryder with a running boot to the head. Ryder with a near fall. Ryder with a side head lock but Michael with punches. Ryder with a forearm. Ryder with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Ryder with an elbow. Michael sends Ryder into the turnbuckles and then hits a clothesline followed by a back elbow or two. Michael with a splash into the corner followed by punches. The referee pulls Michael out of the corner. Michael with a back body drop and Ryder goes to the apron. Ryder drops Michael on the top rope and then hits the Rough Rider for the three count.
Winner: Zack Ryder
It is time to take a look back at what happened at SummerSlam between Rey Mysterio and Kane with the return of the Undertaker and the aftermath.
Michael says that Kane will explain why he attacked his brother on this week’s Smackdown.
Michelle and Layla do some cheering in the back for Kaval and then they send Kaval on his way. Michelle wants to know if there is anything going on between Layla and Kaval. Layla says that it meant nothing, but he is kind of cute. Layla says that she likes to listen to his voice. Layla walks away.
Husky asks Michelle if she believes in love at first sight or should he walk by again. Michelle walks away and Husky says that when he beats their little boy, she will see things differently.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Kaval with Michelle McCool and Layla versus Husky Harris with Cody Rhodes
Harris with a waist lock take down and forearms. Harris tries for a suplex but Kaval with a knee and a Dragon Sleeper but Harris makes it to the ropes. Kaval with a kick but Harris with an Irish whip and he throws Kaval into the turnbuckles. Harris gets a near fall. Harris with another Irish whip and splash into the corner. He tosses Kaval to the mat and gets a near fall. Harris with a kick and waist lock. Kaval with elbows to Harris followed by a Liger kick. Kaval with chops to Harris. Kaval with a running elbow or two followed by a back kick and kick to the head. Kaval with a springboard spin kick for a near fall. Kaval goes to the apron and misses a springboard double stomp. Harris with a uranage for a near fall.
Harris with a kick when Kaval rolls over to avoid the senton. Kaval with a float over DDT to counter a uranage. Kaval goes up top for the Warrior’s Way and he gets the three count.
Winner: Kaval
We are reminded that Percy Watson is already eliminated. Who joins him on the way out of Bakersfield.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE SummerSlam was the number one search term on Google.
We see footage from what Alex Riley and Miz did during Daniel Bryan’s match last night.
Match Number Three: Alex Riley versus Kofi Kingston with Michael McGillicutty
They lock up and Riley with a clean break but Kofi with kicks. Kofi with an Irish whip but he moves when Kofi charges into the corner. Riley with a DDT for a near fall. Riley with a rear chin lock into an arm bar with chin lock. Kofi with punches but Riley pulls Kofi by the hair. Riley goes to the turnbuckles but he hits Kofi’s boot and then Kofi with punches. The referee pulls Kofi away and then he chops Alex. Kofi hits a standing drop kick and a leaping clothesline. Kofi circles Alex and does the boom drop. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise and he hits it and gets the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
It is time to remember that Percy Watson has already been eliminated. Which one of the four remaining rookies leaves?
We go to commercial.
We are back with the video package showing what happened during SummerSlam week.
It is now time to take a look at what happened last night on Raw with the Raw Rebound.
Michael Cole and Josh Mathews join Matt in the ring. Matt asks Michael who should win and who should be eliminated. Michael says that impact means the ability to effect change. He says that Alex Riley should win season two. The person who made the least impact is the person who has no charisma, had a worse record than the people eliminated. The person who is an internet creation and darling, just like Susan Boyle. He says that Kaval should be eliminated. He should take his unimpactful stare with him when he is eliminated.
Josh says that since the Michael Cole show is over. He says that he is right. With what we saw from Kaval and the others. He says that Kaval should be eliminated and that Alex Riley should win.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to see who will join Percy on the airport shuttle while three men will move on in the competition.
Matt says that whoever remains will be one step closer to being the next breakout star and the man who earns a title match on pay per view.
The random NXT Eliminatron shows us that Husky Harris is the rookie going home.
Cody wonders what is up with the pros. He tells Zack luck in his future endeavors. He calls Layla a pro for wanting to make out with the rookies. Cody says that the fans shouldn’t have a say in thinks. He tells the fans that they have no idea what it is to be a pro. Cody tells Husky that his time is coming. Cody tells Alex to make an impact. He says that Alex is awful. He tells Micahel that he wants to be Mr. Perfect Junior so bad he can taste it but he doesn’t deserve it. Cody attacks Kaval and Husky joins in. Kofi and MVP come to ringside to help out Kaval and Porter and Kofi attack Husky and send him into the ringside barrier.
Kaval goes up top and he hits a double stomp on Harris. The other pros stand with Kaval while Cody heads to the back. Porter and Kingston tell Harris to leave and he obliges.
2012 - Max Bauer and Mercedes KV from the New England wrestling scene were signed to WWE developmental deals.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin this week’s show with a look back at comments from Alberto Del Rio when he said that he was superior to Sheamus. Then we see how Sheamus got revenge by damaging Alberto Del Rio’s car. Then we see Booker T’s announcement last week that Alberto Del Rio was removed from the World Title Match at SummerSlam.
We are live on tape from Austin, Texas and your announcers are Michael ‘I asked Jim Ross to attend tonight, but he said no’ Cole and Josh ‘Chris Simms’ Mathews.
Alberto Del Rio comes to the ring with Ricardo Rodriguez and this time he is walking to the ring instead of worrying about Sheamus stealing another car.
Alberto says that he wants his World Title match back right now. He says that peasant Sheamus stole his car and it cannot be fixed. Somehow Sheamus gets rewarded. What kind of champion is Sheamus if he cries to the General Manager to get their match at SummerSlam cancelled.
What kind of General Manager is Booker T to agree to Sheamus’ demands. He says that he is the number one contender and he is not going to leave the ring until his title match is reinstated.
Booker T makes his way into the arena and he makes his way to the ring. Booker says that of all people he did not expect this from Alberto. He says that Alberto has been a pain in his side.
Alberto says that Sheamus messed with his property and he took care of Sheamus. That is what a real man does.
Booker says that a real man does not hire five goons to beat up one man. Alberto went past the boundaries and he will not allow that on Smackdown.
Alberto wants to know who Booker thinks he is to take away what is his. Alberto says that he earned the right to be the number one contender a long time ago. Alberto says that he talked to his lawyers . . .
Chris Jericho’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
Chris wants Alberto to shut the hell up. He says that nobody cares about his lawyers, his money, his fancy cars, his goofy scarves, his ring announcer, his big ears, his tiny nose, his greasy hair, or his incessant whining. He says that Alberto sounds like a Chihuahua.
Alberto calls Jericho a dog and then Jericho responds in Spanish.
Chris asks everyone if he should give Alberto a Spanish lesson. He tells Alberto that his breath smells like dog poop.
Alberto asks Jericho what he wants.
Chris says that since Alberto is not getting a title match at SummerSlam, after he beats Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam, he can take Alberto’s spot in the match against Sheamus and become the new World Champion.
Alberto wants to know if Jericho is crazy. He saw a peasant steal his car. He is not going to let another steal his title match.
Chris and Alberto argue and Booker decides to jump in. Booker says that everyone knows that his word was laid down. Sheamus is not competing at SummerSlam so we can have a main event tonight. For the first time on Smackdown, Chris Jericho faces Alberto Del Rio.
We go to commercial.
Before our first match, Cody Rhodes says that he tried to do the unthinkable, he tried to unmask Sin Cara and reveal the abomination that is his face. He asks that all children prone to nightmares and anyone with heart problems to look away. Cody says that he has worked with a professional artist to show what Sin Cara looks like unmasked. He says that Cara is ugly as sin.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara versus Miz and Cody Rhodes
Rhodes and Cara start things off and Rhodes with a kick to the midsection. Cara with a handspring back elbow and drop kick that sends Rhodes to the floor. Miz is sent to the floor by Cara and Rey. Rey with a seated splash onto Miz from the apron and Cara with a suicide dive onto Cody. Rhodes is rolled back into the ring and Cara gets a near fall.
Cara with a kick to the head and then Cara with a double jump flip arm drag to Rhodes. Miz distracts Cara and Cody with a clothesline for a near fall. Miz tags in and he sends Cara to the mat and he punches Cara in the head. Miz has something to say to Rey on the apron and then he tags Cody back in. Cody with a kick to the leg and then Cody tries to remove the mask. Cody gets a near fall.
Cody with a gourdbuster and then he punches Cara in the face. Miz tags back in and he kicks Cara in the midsection. Miz with a punch but Cara with kicks to Miz. Miz with a knee to stop Cara but Miz is limping slightly. Miz with a reverse chin lock.
Cody tags back in and he kicks Cara. Rhodes with a snap mare and he tries to remove the mask again. Cara with elbows and then he hits a flying mare to escape. Rey tags in and he hits a tilt-a-whirl head scissors but Rhodes with a sunset flip. Rey rolls through and kicks Cody in the head and gets a near fall. Rey with a kick to Cody and then he hits a bulldog and gets a near fall.
Miz breaks up the cover and Cara with a head scissors to Miz and then he sends Miz to the floor. Cody goes after Cara’s mask but Rey with a 619 and then Rey goes up top for the frog splash and he gets the three count.
Winners: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara
After the match, Miz tries to attack Rey with the belt but Rey moves. Miz falls into the ropes and Rey hits the 619 on Miz. Rey picks up the title belt.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks make their way to the ring and they are dressed in suits, not their usual ring gear. Tyle and Curt remove their jackets and then they start to dance, but then it turns into the WWE version of Chippendales.
Match Number Two: Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks versus Two Local Talents (I will call them Austin One and Austin Two)
Hawkins and One start things off with Reks giving him a snap mare followed by a kick to the back. Reks tags in and Hawkins trips One and Reks with a boot to the midsection. Reks with a leaping elbow drop and biel. Two tags in and Reks throws One out of the ring. Reks with a clothesline to Two and he sends him into the turnbuckles. Hawkins tags in and hits a clothesline. Hawkins slaps Two and pushes him to the mat. Hawkins with a scoop slam and he gyrates over Two.
Reks tags in and they hit a running power slam and neck breaker combination for the three count.
Winners: Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Raw Rebound focusing on the Triple Threat Match for the WWE Title at SummerSlam.
Eve Torres is walking in the back as she prepares for her match against Kaitlyn. William Regal wishes her luck but Eve says that she doesn’t need it. Regal says that there was a time when he was in charge of Raw. He was the most powerful entertainer in the entire WWE. He thought he was unstoppable, but now . . . He wishes Eve luck again and he says that power can be very fleeting.
A woman tells William to take out the trash because that is what he is paid to do. Regal says that work is work.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the latest Barrett Barrage Fight CluBarrage video package.
Teddy Long has joined Michael and Josh at the announce table for the next match where we see who will join Booker’s administration.
Match Number Three: Eve Torres versus Kaitlyn in a Booker’s Assistant Match
They lock up and Eve backs Kaitlyn against the ropes and then after a clean break she pushes Kaitlyn. Eve with a take down into a front face lock. Eve with a Fujiwara arm bar and Eve uses the ropes to keep Kaitlyn from getting to the ropes.
Kaitlyn with a punch and back body drop followed by a flying shoulder tackle. Kaitlyn with a rollup for a near fall. Eve sends Kaitlyn throat first into the ropes. Kaitlyn with an inside cradle for a near fall. Eve with a kick to Kaitlyn.
Eve with a forearm to the back followed by an Irish whip. Eve sends Kaitlyn to the apron but Kaitlyn with a shoulder. Kaitlyn goes up top but Eve pulls her off the turnbuckles. Eve with a front face lock and hits Roll the Dice for the three count.
Winner: Eve Torres
After the match, Eve goes over to Teddy Long at ringside and she blows a kiss to the dejected former General Manager.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Eve joins Booker in his office and Booker congratulates Eve. Eve says that she knows that she is Booker’s assistant but she has a number of ideas. Booker says that he saw the resume but he mentions the history with Teddy Long and he wants to know if she will get along with Teddy. Eve says that the past is the past and she will get along with Teddy.
Eve says that she needs to shower and then she will be at his disposal.
Match Number Four: Daniel Bryan versus Randy Orton
The crowd starts to Yes and it frustrates Bryan. They lock up and Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bryan retreats to the corner. They lock up again and Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bryan retreats to the corner one more time.
Bryan wants a test of strength but it is a trap and Bryan with a kick. Bryan flips out of the corner on an Irish whip but he runs into a drop kick. Bryan goes to the floor and he argues with a fan at ringside. Bryan returns to the ring before the ten count and Orton with a back body drop and then he stomps on Bryan. Orton with a boot to the solar plexus.
Orton misses a knee drop and Bryan focuses on the injury and drop kicks the knee. Bryan puts the leg on the ropes and drops down onto the leg. Orton with kicks to Bryan followed by punches but Bryan with a European uppercut and then he takes Orton down again with a single leg take down. Bryan with an elbow to the leg.
Bryan works on the knee and Orton tries to escape the hold. Bryan kicks Orton in the leg again. Bryan and Orton exchange punches but Orton gets the upper hand until Bryan kicks the injured knee. Bryan with a butterfly suplex and then Bryan chants no before going up top. Orton stops Bryan and he punches Bryan. Orton with a head butt and then he sets for a superplex and hits it and both men are down.
Orton grabs his knee while Bryan holds is midsection. Orton rolls over to get a near fall. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton and Bryan exchange punches. Bryan with a single leg take down and then he drives the knee into the mat. Bryan kicks Orton in the knee and then he puts the leg in the ropes. Bryan with more kicks to the injured leg followed by a running drop kick into the knee.
Bryan charges into the corner but Orton avoids Bryan and Bryan goes shoulder first into the turnbuckles and then Orton gets a near fall with a rollup. Orton with two clotheslines. Bryan misses a clothesline and that means it is power slam time. Orton sends Bryan to the apron for the IEDDT but Bryan is able to escape and he pulls Orton to the floor. Orton Irish whips Bryan into the ringside barrier.
Orton rolls Bryan back into the ring and he struggles getting to his feet so Bryan is able to roll to the other side of the ring. Bryan sends Orton into the ring steps and then he sends Orton back into the ring. Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with Kicks of No to Orton and then he tries for the round kick but Orton ducks down. Orton hits the back breaker but he feels the pain when he hits the mat. Orton gets a near fall.
Orton with an Irish whip but Bryan with a knee to the leg. Orton punches Bryan on the turnbuckles and he sets for the IEDDT on the turnbuckles and he hits it. Orton looks around and he sets for the push ups. Orton tries for the RKO but Bryan counters and tries for the No Lock. Orton stays on his feet but Bryan sends Orton to the mat. Bryan applies the hold and Orton fights through the pain and then Kane’s pyro goes off.
Bryan releases the hold and he looks around for Kane. Bryan leaves the ring and he looks around while the Kane lighting bathes the building. The lights return to normal and there is no Kane. Bryan returns to the ring and he runs into an RKO and Orton gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Kane makes his way onto the stage and he smiles and laughs.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Santino Marella joins Josh and Michael at the announce table.
Antonio Cesaro comes to the ring with Aksana and this week, we learn Loser in five languages
Match Number Five: Antonio Cesaro (with Aksana) versus Zack Ryder
Cesaro with a knee and then he hits a deadlift side salto followed by kicks to the head. Cesaro with head butts to the chest and then he applies a rear chin lock with his knee in Ryder’s back. Ryder with punches and an X Factor. Ryder with clotheslines followed by a running forearm into the corner. Ryder hits the Broski Boot and gets a near fall.
Cesaro with a punch and then he hot shots Ryder and then he hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Cesaro goes to the announce table and he pie faces Santino. Santino applauds what Cesaro did and then Cesaro pushes Santino over the announce table.
Antonio leaves with Aksana.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package featuring the build for the match between Brock Lesnar and Triple H on Sunday at SummerSlam.
We are told by Michael Cole that due to the injuries suffered by Shawn Michaels that he will probably not be at SummerSlam. Medical staff has said that Shawn will not be at SummerSlam.
We take a look at some of the Tweets about the Brock Lesnar/Triple H match from the WWE Universe and wrestlers. Then we see a Tweet from Paul Heyman about the situation.
With Alberto Del Rio already in the ring, we Chris Jericho walking in the back for his match. Dolph Ziggler attacks Chris Jericho in the back with the briefcase. While Vickie laughs maniacally, he runs a piece of equipment into Jericho. Ziggler tells Jericho that he cannot win the big one. Booker tells Ziggler to get out of there as he checks on Jericho. We go to commercial.
We are back and Alberto asks Jericho about those Spanish lessons now. Alberto says that he is the winner by forfeit and Ricardo makes the announcement. Alberto tells Booker that wants him to be granted his match for SummerSlam.
Instead of Booker, it is the man Alberto is scheduled to face and he is holding his midsection.
Match Number Six: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Chris Jericho
Del Rio tells Jericho that he cannot compete but Jericho with punches. Del Rio with a kick to the midsection followed by a boot to the midsection for a near fall. Del Rio with an Irish whip that sends Jericho sternum first into the turnbuckles. Del Rio leaps onto the chest and he gets a near fall. Del Rio slaps Jericho in the head and then he chokes Jericho while mocking him.
Jericho with punches to Del Rio followed by chops. Del Rio with a knee to the midsection and then he hits a drop kick to the head. Del Rio sets for the float over into the cross arm breaker but Jericho escapes and hits an enzuigiri. Jericho with a kick and knee to the midsection. Jericho punches Del Rio but Del Rio sends Jericho to the apron. Del Rio with a kick to the midsection and then he knocks Jericho off the apron and Jericho hits the announce table.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio with a rear chin lock and body scissors. Jericho with elbows to get out of the body scissors. Jericho with punches to Del Rio followed by a forearm. Jericho with a chop but Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Del Rio kicks Jericho in the head. Del Rio with an Irish whip and enzuigiri into the corner. Del Rio gets another near fall.
Del Rio goes to the turnbuckles and he tries for a double stomp but Jericho moves and Del Rio falls to the mat. Jericho with kicks to the leg followed by a shoulder tackle. Del Rio with a back heel kick and slap to the head. Jericho with a forearm of his own and then Jericho with a Lionsault but Jericho is in too much pain to make the cover.
Jericho is able to crawl over and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with head butts and then he sends Jericho into the turnbuckles again. Jericho blocks an arm breaker and turns it into the Walls of Jericho. Del Rio is able to fight his way out of the hold and he kicks Jericho to the ropes but Ziggler has come out and he pulls down the ropes and Jericho goes to the floor.
Ziggler rolls Jericho back into the ring and Del Rio with a round kick for the three count.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Alberto applies the cross arm breaker on Jericho and Chris taps out while Ziggler tells Jericho he can’t beat him or win the big one.
Sheamus’ music plays and he comes to the ring and he takes Del Rio to the mat and he punches Del Rio. Sheamus with more punches. Del Rio rakes the eyes but Sheamus with more punches. Del Rio with a kick to the injured arm. Del Rio sets for the cross arm breaker but they go to the floor. Sheamus chases after Del Rio and Alberto goes into the crowd with Ricardo.
Sheamus thinks about going after Alberto but Sheamus checks on Jericho instead.
Booker T comes out and he wants to know what Sheamus is doing here.
Sheamus tells Booker that he wants him to reinstate his match with Del Rio for SummerSlam.
Booker tells Sheamus that he is talking with his heart. He reminds Sheamus that he is injured.
Sheamus says that they will have to rip his arm off his body and that won’t even stop him from competing in the match. He asks Booker to reinstate the match.
Booker says that if he does that it will be for the World Championship.
Sheamus says that the only person who wants this match more than Del Rio is him. He asks Booker one more time to please reinstate the match.
Booker agrees to do it because that is what Sheamus wants. The match is back on for SummerSlam and it will be for the World Title.
2012 - SHINE 2 was held on iPPV. Richard Trionfo filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com’s live coverage of Shine 2, on iPPV from WWNLive.com. The show comes to you from the Orpheum in Ybor City, Florida.
Your announcer is Lenny Leonard and your host for tonight’s show is Daffney.
Daffney is in the ring and she welcomes everyone to Shine 2, both in the Orpheum and watching on iPPV.
Match Number One: Kimberly vs. Su Yung
They shake hands at the start of the match and they lock up. Kimberly with a waist lock but Su with a standing switch. Kimberly with a side head lock take down but Su with a head scissors. Kimberly escapes. Su with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kimberly misses a few clotheslines and a drop toe hold but Su does not miss with a drop toe hold of her own.
They lock up again and Kimberly with a knee but Su with a wrist lock and hip toss. Su with another wrist lock and a Japanese arm drag. Kimberly with a punch and the referee warns her. Kimberly apologizes and helps Su back to her feet.
They lock up again and Kimberly with knees to the midsection and a hip toss. Kimberly with an Irish whip and side slam for a near fall. Kimberly tries for a slam but Su blocks it but Kimberly is able to connect with a back breaker and she gets a near fall. Su with a triangle on Kimberly but Kimberly with a slam. Kimberly gets a near fall.
Kimberly says that it is over but Su with an inside cradle. They go back and forth and then they roll around the ring while in the inside cradle and the referee has no idea what to do. They get back to their feet and Kimberly with a punch. Kimberly with a double leg take down. Su tries for an enzuigiri but Kimberly ducks to avoid it.
Kimberly with a curb stomp and then she sets for a Texas Cloverleaf but Su with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Su Yung
Match Number Two: Sojo Bolt vs. Taeler Hendrix vs. Heidi Lovelace
Bolt wants to know who her opponents are and she tells Taeler to take the night off. Hendrix tells Bolt to take the night off so she can start. Bolt says that she has this one and they continue to argue. Taeler with a rollup on Bolt for a near fall. They push each other while Heidi continues to watch from the other side of the ring. Heidi tries for a cross body but they catch her. Heidi takes care of both ladies with a side head lock and head scissors take down and it sends them to the floor.
Bolt and Hendrix continue to argue on the floor. Bolt pulls Hendrix to the floor and then Lovelace slingshots Bolt from the apron. Lovelace with an arm drag. Bolt with a rear chin lock and Hendrix with a bridging chin lock and it adds more pressure to Lovelace. Lovelace escapes and Bolt hits a neck breaker but Lovelace gets a near fall on Bolt. She does the same to Hendrix and can only get a two count.
Bolt with an airplane spin to Lovelace and she knocks Hendrix down. Lovelace takes too long with Bolt and Hendrix with a step over leg lariat and gets a near fall on Lovelace and then on Bolt.
Hendrix with a chop to Lovelace that echoes through the building. Hendrix misses a second chop and Lovelace with chops of her own. Hendrix with head butts to Lovelace. Hendrix puts Lovelace on the turnbuckles and she connects with forearms. Hendrix tries for a handspring head scissors but Lovelace holds on and applies a Boston Crab in the turnbuckles.
Bolt with a drop kick to Hendrix and then Bolt sets for a superplex but Hendrix sets for the Tower of Doom and she connects with the power bomb while Bolt hits the superplex and all three women are down. Hendrix is the first one up and she grabs both by the hair but Bolt pushes Hendrix into Lovelace. Bolt misses a clothesline on Hendrix and Lovelace and Hendrix ping pong Bolt. Lovelace and Hendrix take care of Bolt.
Lovelace with an enzuigiri for a near fall on Hendrix but she grabs the ropes. Hendrix with a kick to Lovelace and Bolt throws Hendrix to the floor. Bolt has something to say to Hendrix before focusing on Lovelace. Bolt hits a muscle buster for the three count.
Winner: Sojo Bolt
Match Number Three: Sassie Stephie vs. Mia Yim
Mia offers her hand to Stephie but Stephie kicks the hand away. They lock up and Stephie works on the arm and wrist. Mia with a reversal and she works on the arm. Mia with a hammer lock but Stephie with a reversal into a side head lock. Mia with a reversal into a hammer lock. Stephie grabs the hair and then takes Mia down with a waist lock take down. Mia tries to get to her feet and then she applies an ankle lock.
Stephie kicks Mia away and they both get back to their feet. Stephie with a waist lock but Mia with a side head lock. Stephie with a kick and running shoulder tackle. Mia with a boot to the head. Mia hangs in the ropes and Stephie charges at her. Mia moves out of the way and Stephie goes to the floor. Mia goes for a kick on the apron to Stephie but Stephie blocks it and she pulls Mia face first onto the apron.
They return to the ring and Stephie with kicks to the back. Mia with punches to Stephie but Stephie with a punch of her own. Stephie chokes Mia with her boot and then she chops Mia. Stephie with another chop. Mia with a kick but Stephie with a forearm followed by an Irish whip and charge into the corner. Stephie with a near fall on Mia after a few kicks.
Stephie with another kick to Mia and then she chokes Mia in the ropes. Stephie with a running knee to the back. Stephie goes for the direct method of choking Yim. Stephie with forearms in the corner but Mia with kicks. Stephie with an Irish whip but Mia with a Tarantula in the ropes. Mia with a kick but Stephie blocks it and she takes Mia to the mat and rubs her face in the canvas.
Stephie with a reverse chin lock. Mia gets back to her feet and she elbows Stephie but Stephie pulls Mia to the mat by her hair. Stephie with a front face lock and knees to the face followed by a front DDT into a partial Muta Lock. Stephie with a thumb to the eye and then she rubs Mia’s face along the top rope.
Stephie with a near fall followed by a neck breaker for another near fall. Stephie starts to show some frustration over her inability to finish of Mia. Mia with a punch but Stephie with a slap and kick. Stephie sends Mia into the turnbuckles and follows with an Irish whip but Mia with a missile drop kick from the turnbuckles and both women are down.
They exchange forearms from their knees and then they get to their feet and the forearms continue. Mia with kicks to the chest and she sends Stephie into the ropes. Mia with a running knee to the head and Mia gets a near fall. Mia with a slap and kicks followed by a spinning back fist and a German suplex and bridge for a near fall.
Mia with a front face lock but STephie with a knee. Mia misses a round kick. Stephie with a near fall on Yim with a bridge. Yim with kicks and a running knee to the head. Yim goes up top for a Phoenix Splash for the three count.
Winner: Mia Yim
Match Number Four: Jessicka Havok vs. Reby Sky
They lock up and Havok sends Sky to the mat and Havok laughs at her work so far. Sky with a waist lock into a side head lock. Havok charges at Sky and Sky with a drop toe hold that sends Havok into the ropes. Sky with a splash into the ropes followed by a head scissors.
Havok with kicks to Sky. Havok pushes Sky into the corner and she continues with the kicks to the midsection. Havok with a suplex and she gets a near fall. Havok with another kick to the midsection. Sky with kicks of her own but Havok blocks a kick and she pulls Sky into a split. Havok kicks Sky while she is in the split.
Havok with a near fall. Havok with a back breaker and then she stretches Sky on her knee. Havok with shots to the abdomen. Havok with a full nelson and she picks up Sky and walks her around the ring. Havok with another back breaker followed by a clothesline as she pulls Sky up and Havok gets a near fall.
Sky tries for a head scissors and Havok blocks it but Sky is able to apply an Octopus. Havok runs Sky into the turnbuckles to get out of the hold. Havok chokes Sky with her boot. Havok slaps Sky and then chokes her in the ropes. Havok picks up Sky and runs her into the turnbuckles as she goes around the ring. Sky holds on to the ropes and Havok lets go. Sky with a back elbow and a rollup attempt out of a crucifix but Havok holds on and picks up Sky.
Havok picks up Sky and puts her on the top rope. Sky tries to punch Havok but Havok pushes Sky over and Sky gets caught in the ropes and Havok chokes her and then stretches her in the ropes. Havok releases the hold at four. Havok picks up Sky but Sky hits an inverted DDT as a counter but can only get a two count. Sky with a kick to the midsection followed by an axe kick and leg drop for a near fall.
Havok gets up first and Sky sets for the Twist of Fate but Havok sends Sky into the turnbuckels. Sky with a splash into the corner and then she runs Havok into the corner and follows with a running back heel kick and bulldog for a near fall.
Sky goes to the turnbuckles and Havok hits the ropes to stop Sky. Havok climbs the turnbuckles as well and sets for a superplex but Sky pulls her off. Havok with a running sit out power bomb but Havok can only get a two count. Havok tries to figure out what to do and she kicks Sky in the midsection and then gets her up for the Air Raid Crash and she gets the three count.
Winner: Jessicka Havok
After the match, Havok attacks Sky and then she gets a chair and throws it into the ring and it hits Sky in the arm. Havok hits Sky in the back with the chair. Havok puts the arm in the chair and then she stomps on the chair and applies a cross arm breaker. Havok gets away from the referees and applies the cross arm breaker again.
Match Number Five: Rain vs. Santana
Rain with a kick and she works on the arm and wrist. Santana uses the ropes to reverse and she arm drags Rain and hits a drop kick and gets a near fall. Santana with a forearm but Rain with a Codebreaker for a near fall. Rain with a gutbuster for a near fall. Rain with knees to the midsection and she gets a near fall.
Rain with forearms but Santana with a side Russian leg sweep and float over for a near fall. Rain with a shot to the midsection and a shoulder in the corner. Rain with a drop kick to Santana in the corner and Rain gets a near fall. Rain pulls Santana against the ropes and Rain advises the referee that she can do it as long as the referee does not get to five.
Rain puts Santana on the middle turnbuckle and then drops her knees across the midsection and gets a near fall. Rain with a punch to the midsection and a forearm to the back followed by a body scissors. Santana leans back and gets a near fall on Rain. Rain with a forearm and then both ladies try for a cross body and both are down.
Santana with forearms to Rain followed by clotheslines. Santana with a float over in the corner and she gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Santana with an Irish whip and she hits a handspring back elbow followed by a bulldog for a near fall.
Rain rolls away from a handspring move by Santana. Santana tries for a monkey flip but Rain holds on to the ropes and then she gets the three count with her feet on the ropes.
Winner: Rain
Match Number Six: Portia Perez vs. Leva Bates
This time Leva is dressed like Jack Sparrow (for Shine 1 she was dressed like SpiderWoman)
Perez says that she is here to wrestle Leva, not whoever is in the ring with her. Perez says that she is a world class wrestler. Leva with a rollup after she tosses her sword to Perez. Perez tells the referee to check Leva again and the referee says that there are no weapons.
They lock up and Perez works on the arm. Leva with a reversal and wrist lock but Perez with a leg take down and she applies a side head lock. Leva escapes and applies a hammer lock. Perez with a head scissors and Leva bridges to get a near fall. Leva with another hammer lock into a side head lock. Leva with a shoulder tackle and then she sprays some water from a water gun.
Perez yells at the referee for letting Leva have the weapon. Leva with a drop toe hold and chop. Leva with a chop in another corner. Leva with a third chop. Leva tries for the fourth corner but Perez turns around in the corner. Perez thinks she has outsmarted Leva but Leva pulls out the gun and sprays Perez.
Perez with a kick and double sledge to the back. Perez with an Irish whip but Leva floats over and connects with an elbow. Leva with the punches of ten in the corner but the tenth is another shot from the gun. Leva tries for Sliced Bread but Perez escapes. Perez takes Leva down and punches her.
Perez chokes Bates in the corner and the referee warns her. Perez with a head butt and knee to Bates’ head. Perez gets a near fall. Perez slams Bates’ head into the mat and she gets a near fall. Bates gets a near fall with a rollup. Perez with a clothesline for a near fall.
Perez with a forearm to Bates followed by a back elbow for a near fall. Perez tries for a suplex but Bates blocks it and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Bates with a uranage and both ladies are down.
Bates is up first but she is against the ropes. Bates with chops to Perez after blocking punches. Bates with a series of kicks to the chest. Bates with a kick and then hesitation knees to the chest for a near fall. Perez with a jawbreaker and a drop kick followed by a DDT for a near fall.
Perez with a chop in the corner followed by an Irish whip but Bates gets her knees up and hits a boot to the back from the top turnbuckle but Perez kicks out at two. Bates tries for a Codebreaker but Perez holds on to the ropes. The referee sees Perez trying to use the ropes.
Bates misses an enzuigiri but Perez moves. Bates avoids a super kick from Perez and Bates hits a super kick of her own and gets the three count.
Winner: Leva Bates
After the match, Dafffney interviews Leva and she says that she wanted Portia Perez as soon as Shine 2 was announced. She talks about Shimmer and how she wants a tag title match against the Canadian Ninjas.
Match Number Seven: Made In Sin (Taylor Made & Allysin Kay) vs. MSEERIE (MsChif & Christina Von Eerie)
MsChif and Taylor start things off. MsChif screams at Taylor and she falls back to the mat in fear. She screams again and Taylor retreats to the corner and Allysin enters the match. Kay with a slap to MsChif and then she wants a test of strength but Kay slaps MsChif again. MsChif wants a test of strength this time and MsChif screams in Kay’s face and Allysin goes to the floor.
Taylor returns to the match and she runs into a screaming MsChif and retreats back to the corner again. Allysin tags back in and she decides to tag Taylor back in. Taylor covers her ears to avoid the power of the scream but MsChif with forearms and chops. Von Eerie tags in and she works on the arm and snap mares Taylor followed by a kick. MsChif tags back in and screams into her ear and Taylor tags in Allysin.
Kay with a full nelson and then she puts tape over MsChif’s mouth. MsChif with head butts and Allysin falls to the mat. MsChif removes the tape and screams again before tagging in Von Eerie. Double back fists to Kay and Von Eerie gets a near fall. Von Eerie with kicks and knees and she gets a near fall.
Von Eerie with a front face lock and MsChif tags back in. MsChif with knees to the midsection and then she hits a step over leg lariat. Von Eerie is tagged in and she hits a splash but Taylor breaks it up.
Kay gets Von Eerie on her shoulders but Von Eerie escapes. Kay avoids a monkey flip and then hits a clothesline for a near fall. Von Eerie with forearms but Kay responds with a forearm of her own that sends Von Eerie to the mat. Taylor tags back in and she kicks Von Eerie. Taylor gets a near fall. Taylor with kicks to Von Eerie and then Kay tags back in and she connects with a forearm to the ribs.
Kay chokes Von Eerie in the ropes. Taylor helps Kay while the referee was dealing with MsChif. Kay with a slap to Von Eerie and she tells MsChif she is next. Kay with an Irish whip and Von Eerie floats over and gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Kay kicks Von Eerie and then applies a front face lock. Taylor tags in and kicks Christina while keeping Von Eerie from making the tag.
Taylor with a sleeper on Von Eerie but Christina with elbows. Taylor returns to the sleeper. Von Eerie gets to her feet and she connects with an elbow. Taylor misses a charge into the corner and Von Eerie with a drop toe hold and a rear chin lock. Kay with a boot to the head to help Taylor get out of the hold.
Kay tags back in. Von Eerie almost makes the tag but Kay stops her. Taylor tags in and Von Eerie. MsChif is hit in the knee and is unable to help Von Eerie. Von Eerie with snake eyes to Taylor and then she kicks Taylor. Von Eerie with a head butt to Kay and a Japanese Choke. Kay and Taylor hit a double team move on Von Eerie and get the three count.
Winners: Made in Sin
After the match, Daffney wants to know what happened. Allysin says that this worked out exactly how she wanted to. She has an insurance policy just in case.
Match Number Eight: Mercedes Martinez vs. Jazz
Jazz hits the ring and she goes after Martinez. They exchange punches and then Jazz with a series of jabs and Martinez goes down. Jazz with a drop kick and Martinez goes to the floor. Jazz goes after Martinez and connects with a double sledge to the back. Jazz sends Martinez into the apron. Jazz keeps Martinez from getting back into the ring and Jazz with a punch to Martinez.
They fight into the crowd and Jazz stays in control. Martinez gets back to the ring but Jazz tries to keep her from getting into the ring. Jazz runs Martinez’ back into the apron. Martinez punches Jazz and connects with a series of uppercuts as they fight onto the fans in the front row.
Jazz with a forearm to the back and a chop. Martinez continues to run away from jazz and Jazz with head butts to the upper back. Jazz with a punch and kicks to Martinez. Martinez with a chop and punches. They fight towards the bar and Martinez with a punch and chop. Martinez brings Jazz back towards the ring but Jazz stops her.
They continue to exchange punches. Jazz pulls Martinez into the ring post. Jazz breaks the count and the brawling can continue on the floor. Martinez reverses an Irish whip and she sends Jazz into the ring steps. Martinez with a kick to the midsection followed by punches. Martinez runs Jazz into the apron. Martinez with punches to the midsection.
Martinez sends Jazz into the chairs at ringside. Jazz hits Martinez with a chair and then she hits her in the back and the referee warns Jazz. Jazz with punches to Martinez. Jazz with a chop but Martinez with punches. They go back and forth with chops. Martinez blocks a chop and pokes Jazz in the eyes.
They continue to ignore the wrestling ring and they fight into the crowd. Martinez sends Jazz into the VIP seats. Martinez uses a chair on Jazz and she chokes Jazz with the chair. Martinez with boots to Jazz and then she uses the chair again. Martinez picks up Jazz and she tries for Splash Mountain off the stage but Jazz pushes Martinez off the stage.
The referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
After the match, Jazz returns to the ring and the referee tells her what happened. Martinez gets back into the ring and she waits for Jazz to turn around but Martinez kicks the referee instead. Jazz with the X Factor. Jazz knocks out the other referee with a punch. Jazz punches Martinez in the head and Martinez turns the tables and connects with punches. The women come out of the locker room to break things up and it might not be the smartest thing for them. More wrestlers come out to try to separate them and it does not work that well. Even more wrestlers come out to the ring. Jazz almost breaks free but Martinez does get loose. Half the locker room finally gets Martinez out of the ring and to the back.
2013 - Wrestling Cares Association ran Los Angeles, CA. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of Wrestling Cares Association's latest "Race for the Ring" tournament event in Los Angeles, CA at the Sheraton LAX.
Drake Younger vs. Johnny Gargano
They went back and forth on the mat with some nice reversals and near falls early. They faced off and got a really nice pop.
They went back and forth but couldn't get the other down. Younger went to the top for a double stomp but saw DJ Hyde and was briefly distracted as Hyde was selling merchandise. Gargano nailed him but was sent down to the mat. Younger missed the double stomp and was drilled into the buckles like a lawn dart.
Younger was almost counted out. Gargano kept distracting the referee as a way to run down the clock. Younger returned. They kept going back and forth and the clock ran out.
0-0, so they went to a three minute overtime.
They went to the overtime. Younger was distracted by DJ Hyde, who had walked over to the guard rail and yelled something. Gargano capitalized and scored the pin.
Your winner, Johnny Gargano!
For some reason, my laptop rebooted in the middle of the opener, so obviously that wasn't anywhere near the detail we usually have. My apologies for that.
A really good opener.
After, Younger cut a promo and said he wanted Hyde in any match he wanted. Hyde laughed at him.
Candice LaRae vs. Katarina Leigh
This is the first in WCA's Women's Beat the Champ series and is held under the same rules as the Race for the Ring Tournament. Katarina is the former Winter/Katie Lea Burchill.
They went back and forth trying to get the better of each other, grapping on the mat and doing a test of strength. LaRae used a series of hiptoss takedowns but was whipped into the ropes. She came back with a kick to the face.
Katarina worked her over in the corner. LaRae nailed a rana but was caught with a swinging backbreaker over the knee for a three count.
Katarina 1, LaRae 0
Katarina nailed a Samoan Drop for a two count. LaRae came back with an Octopus but was beaten down by Katarina. LaRae shocked her with a small package for a three count.
They are tied up.
LaRae tried to use a crucifix and scored a two count. Leigh began stomping her back. Leigh went for a Boston Crab and tried to turn LaRae over but was kicked off. They battled into the corner, where they exchanged forearms. LaRae got the better off the exchange and went for a missile dropkick and missed. Leigh locked on a Boston Crab and forced her to submit.
Katarina 2 , LaRae - 1
LaRae nailed a sunset flip for a two count but was caught with a clothesline . LaRae missed a charge and nailed the buckles hard as the clock ran out.
Your winner, Katarina!
Papadon vs. Joey Ryan
They started off hot with each of them going right after the other. Papadon was sent to the apron and kicked Ryan as he went for a dive. Papadon worked him over with a series of elbows to the head and scored a series of near falls.
Papadon nailed several uppercuts and a belly to back suplex. He worked over Ryan's neck. He went to the top for a flying headbutt but Ryan rolled out of the way. :Ryan scored with a series of clotheslines but was kicked as Papadon came off the ropes. He fired back with a kick of his own. Papadon nailed a F5 into a knee to the face but Ryan nailed him with a knee off the ropes.
Ryan was nailed with a Jawjacker elbow off the ropes by Papadon for a two count. Papadon nailed a series of kicks but was rolled up for a two count. Ryan avoided a takeover and nailed a belly to back suplex for a two count.
Ryan speared Papadon and powerbombed him for a two count. Papadon came back with a big belly to belly suplex with a bridge for a two count. Papadon nailed a series of elbows to the face and drilled Ryan with an inverted DDT for a two count.
Papdon used a drop toehold into the ropes on Ryan. Papadon drilled him with a shining wizard and picked up Ryan for a brainbuster for a three count.
Papadon 1, Ryan 0.
Papadon dropkicked him into the buckles. Ryan came back with a superkick. He scored with another but missed with a third. Papadon drilled him with a right. Ryan rolled him up for a two count. They went back and forth. Papadon rode Ryan to the mat and held him there as the time ran out.
Your winner, Papadon!
Papadon was interviewed after the match. He said that Ryan is very talented and it's no surprise he represents the fans here, but for every ounce of talent Ryan has, Papadon was that much better. He said in October, he will be that much better and so on and so on.
Cassidy Riley vs. Antonio Thomas
They did some really nice back and forth grappling. They did a criss cross around the ring, ending with Thomas shoulderblocking Riley down for a two count. Riley nailed a slingshot Falcon Arrow for a three count.
Riley 1, Thomas 0 with 7:18 left.
They locked up and muscled each other around the ring. Thomas gained control and nailed a series of forearm smashes to the back of his neck. He locked Riley in a stretch submission and scored it with 6:09 left.
1-1
Thomas worked over Riley with a series of shots to the back, Riley escaped but his arm was hurting. Thomas cut him off and drilled him with a series of forearms in the corner. He sent Riley into the opposite corner but was kicked off hard.
Riley came off the ropes but was nailed by Thomas and suplexed over for a two count. Thomas nailed a springboard elbow for a two count. He was sent into the corner and stradled the corner. Thomas locked him ina sitdown abdominal stretch.
Riley nailed a desperation Northern Lights suplex for a two count but was hurting after nailing it. Thomas drilled him in the corner with a shoulderblock and placed him on the top. Riley kicked him off and nailed a split legged moonsault for a three count.
2 Riley,1 Thomas
Thomas tried to score a pinfall as they hit two minutes left. Thomas locked him in a one legged Boston Crab and snapped his ankle. Thomas nailed a superplex and they went into a small package but Riley ended up on top and scored the pin.
3 Riley, 1 Thomas
Thomas locked him in a submission but Riley held out as the bell rang.
Your winner, Cassidy Riley.
Really physical match. Some good, hard hitting stuff here.
Riley said he's had two tough opponents but he's found a way to live. He said he's on his way to the promised land and he's going to the end of the Race for the Ring.
Adam Cole vs. Jamin Olivencia
Olivencia was really aggressive at the bell. He and Cole collided in the middle of the ring with neither getting the better of the other. They locked up and battled around the ring trying to get the upper hand. They collided in the center again and began slugging it out.
Olivencia caught Cole in the corner and drilled him with a series of shots and took him down drilling him with an elbow and Cole rebounded off the ropes. Cole fought back to his feet and nailed a neckbreaker for a two count.
Cole nailed a series of forearms. Olivencia battled him back. Cole nailed a big boot but was caught with a leaping DDT for a three count.
Olivencia - 1, Cole 0
Cole went to the outside to recover but Olivencia attacked him but was nailed. Cole brought him back into the ring nailed a belly to back suplex for a three count. So, Olivencia's aggression actually caught him.
1-1
Olivencia nailed a some elbows but was caught with a series of belly to back suplexes and pinned again.
Cole 2, Olivencia 1
Cole let the clock run down as Olivencia tried to recover. Cole rolled him up for a two count. Cole controlled him on the mat and locked on a rear chinlock, trying to maintain control and run down the clock at the same time.
Olivencia fired back with several elbows but was caught with a DVDR for a two count. Cole nailed a series of kicks to the face. Olivencia fired back with hard shots. They fired back and forth with forearms and punches.
Olivencia came back with a dropkick for a two count. Olivencia drilled Cole with a hard shoulderblock in the corner. He went for another but was kicked off. Cole nailed a leg lariat for a two count.
Olivencia locked in a triangle choke submission with 20 seconds left and Cole tapped.
1-1
They go into an overtime.
Olivencia drilled him with a running charge but was kicked off. Cole was caught with a leaping DDT for a two count. Jamin grabbed him in a forward choke but was drilled backward into the corner for a two count. Olivencia came off the top with a twisting splash but Cole pulled his knees up.
Cole nailed a superkick and a belly to back suplex for a two count. He followed up with another and scored the pin.
Your winner, Adam Cole!
Really, really great back and forth bout. Olivencia and Cole just continue to impress.
Olivencia took the mic and said Cole is one of the best stars in the business today and if anyone questions that, they are crazy. Cole said that the Race for the Ring tournament is one of the premier tournament in the business because of all the talent that has been brought from all around the world and he's the premier talent. He said the fans will be with him all the way as they chant "Adam win win."
They did a check presentation to the charity.
Pepper Parks vs. Timothy Thatcher
They went back and forth grappling with neither man getting the advantage early on. Parks backed him in the corner and went for a chop but Thatcher lifted his forearm to block it and Parks hurt his arm.
Thatcher took Parks to the mat and locked on a leglock. Parks made it the ropes. They worked over each other's arms and legs with holds. Parks began defending himself from a position where he was on his back and laying kicks at Thatcher.
Thatcher caught him and they battled back and forth with forearms. Parks nailed a backslide for a two count. Parks rudely powerbombed Thatcher into the buckles and scored a three count.
Parks -1 , Thatcher 0
Parks attacked Thatcher in the corner as he covered up. Thatcher fired back and they exchanged shots with Parks getting the better of the flurry. Thatcher went for a cross armbreaker but Parks grabbed the ropes.
Thatcher tried to set up Parks for a butterfly suplex but Parks blocked it. Thatcher took him down to the mat for a submission but Thatcher locked on a series of knees to the head. They battled back and forth with forearms and headbutts.
Thatcher took down Parks and covered him for several nearfalls as the time limit expired as Parks tried to force an armbar submission.
Your winner, Pepper Parks!
Really good technical wrestling match from the "mental chess" sort of perspective.
Parks took the mic and said that whoever wrestles him in the next round "absolutely sucks." He said that he likes it here in Los Angeles and he's going to make it his second home.
Steve Anthony vs. Drew Gulak
They locked up with Anthony tossing Gulak down. Anthony went for a top wristlock but Gulak rolled out of it and they faced off. They locked up again and Gulak grabbed a top wristlock. Anthont flipped out of it and took down Gilak.
Gulak grabbed a front choke and forced a submission.
Gulak 1, Anthony 0
They went back and forth evading each other. Anthony drilled him with a right hand, then picked him up and brought down Gulak. He nailed a series of right hands and hit a slingshot inverted suplex for a three count.
1-1
Anthony used a Northern Lights suplex and floated over into a running press powerslam. He went to the top but Gulak rolled out of the way. Anthony pulled him out of the corner and nailed a stiff kick to the chest for a two count.
Anthony locked on a sitting version of the abdominal stretch with 4:45 left. Gulak fought out and caught him with a dropkick to the knee. Anthony fired back but was caught int a twisting Indian leglock. He struggled to get to the ropes but Gulak pulled him away and began snapping his legs. Anthony finally tapped.
2-1 Gulak
Gulak controlled Anthony but was caught with a jawbreaker. Anthony nailed a leaping forearm for a two count. Anthony nailed a Torture Race into a slam for a three count with 1:55 left.
2-2
Anthony controlled Gulak and slammed him down, then ascended to the top. Gulak fought him off and nailed a dropkick, which knocked Anthony back down into the ring. Anthony went to grab Gulak who caught him in a triangle choke. Anthony lifted him and powerbombed Gulak down for the pin with less than a minute left.
3-2 Anthony.
Gulak rushed to get Anthony into a pinfall position but time ran out.
Your winner, Steve Anthony!
Anthony said that Gulak is a great technician and he sees why Drew is the CZW champion. He said that as good as he is, Anthony is that much better.
Kyle Matthews vs. B-Boy
They scrambled as the bell rang to get the better off the other. They went into a test of strength. Matthews forced B-Boy down to the mat and nearly scored several two counts.
B-Boy drilled Anthony with a forearm smash and chopped him hard in the corner. They went back and forth. B-Boy caught him with a series of kicks to the head and a shining wizard for the pin.
B-Boy 1, Matthews 0
Matthews came back with a Sharpshooter but B-Boy reversed it and rolled him up for a two count. Matthews rolled him back into it and worked over B-Boy. He chopped away at him in the corner and whipped him into the ropes but B-Boy held on. He slammed Matthews down and scored the pin
B-Boy 2, Matthews 1.
B-Boy came back with a death valley driver into the buckles then hit a leaping clothesline that sent him to the outside.
Anthony made a comeback with a backslide and scored the pin.
2-2
They exchanged punches and chops. Matthews small packaged BpBoy for the pin.
3-2 Matthews.
B-Boy drilled him with several moves but Matthews kept kicking out. The bell ran down.
Your winner, Kyle Matthews!
Shawn Daivari with Alicia Webb vs. Matt Hardy with Reby Sky
Hardy had a lot of fans chanting for him. He controlled Daivari early but was cornered and nailed with a series of kicks and punches. He reversed a whip into the corner but was kicked as he charged.
Daivari mocked Hardy and came off the ropes but was punched in the mid-section. Hardy went for a Twist of Fate but was nailed and tossed into the ringpost, where he hit his shoulder and nearly hit one of the TV monitors.
They battled on the floor, where Daivari controlled Hardy and beat him against the guard rail. Back in the ring, Daivari focused on Hardy's arm, twisting it and dropping a leg across it. He rammed Hardy shoulder-first into the turnbuckles.
Daivari continued to control Hardy on the mat. Hardy fought to his feet but was yanked back down. Daivari slammed Hardy down and went for a Superfly Splash but Hardy rolled out of the way. The crowd rallied Hardy. Hardy and Daivari battled back and forth. Hardy nailed a series of clotheslines and whipped Daivari into the corner, then bulldogged him out.
Hardy came off the ropes with an elbow. He nailed a Sidewinder but Daivari got his foot on the ropes before a three count. Alicia Webb got involved and Reby Sky and she battled on the floor. Daivari lowblowed Hardy. He drabbed Reby into the ring.
Hardy went to nail Daivari but was shoved into Reby, who took a bump and her shoe flew into the crowd. Daivari worked over Hardy who finally hit the Twist of Fate and scored the pin.
Your winner, Matt Hardy!
Adam Pearce vs. Willie Mack
They shook hands before the bell.
Pearce missed a punch and was killed with a leaping leg lariat. Mack killed him with a clothesline for a two count. Mack snapmared him over and then hit a blockbuster takedown for a two count.
Pearce fired back with several chops but was nailed. Mack chopped him down. Mack continued to control him with power and backdropped Pearce over, then hit a standing moonsault for a two count.
Pearce attacked Mack's leg and worked it over. He wrapped it around the ropes. He controlled Mack on the mat and tied up his legs. Mack finally kicked him off and hit a leaping clothesline. He then nailed a Mule Kick but his leg went out and Mack grabbed at his knees.
Pearce locked in a figure four. Mack tapped.
Pearce 1, Mack 0
Pearce went right after Mack's legs as he recovered. He nailed a series of kneedrops across the back of his legs. Mack made a comeback with a shoulderblock, a big leaping elbow and a bodyslam. He dropped a kneedrop and covered Pearce for a two count.
Pearce went for the figure four but Mack rolled him up and scored the pin.
1-1
Pearce, realizing the clock was running down, evaded Mack. He then used a lariat and scored the pin.
Pearce 2, Mack 1
Mack drilled Pearce and covered him but the clock ran out as the referee counted two. Nice timing.
Your winner, Adam Pearce!
Good match to close out the night.
That's all from Wrestling Cares!
2013 - Ring of Honor held Manhattan Mayhem V in NYC. Joe Piervincenti filed the following results:
Show started with Silas Young and Adam Page, did a great job of getting the crowd riled up, fast paced... Silas got the win with a crazy somersault type top rope jump I couldn't even describe...
Steve Corino came out to the announce table after this match, but was immediately booted by the referees and ringside staff, which the fans heeled big time.
Next up was the scramble match with ACH/Tadarius Thomas against Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander. Really unbelievable athleticism you'd expect from these guys, how they don't pass out from exhaustion after this match I'll never understand... Terrific match, nearly worth the price of a VOD purchase alone, crowd was super into it, C&C took the win.
Next was Mike Mondo vs Matt Taven with Truth Martini (whose outfit never fails to make me laugh) and two hot women. Taven won with the typical Truth Martini interference, decent match, nothing extraordinary but good.
Number four was the Young Bucks and Forever Hooligans. Really fun back and forth, very entertaining, tremendous match I'd recommend to anyone. Hooligans took it in what was definitely the best match of the night so far and will be interesting to see if anyone can top that tonight!
After intermission, RD Evans and QT Marshall came out to complain about not being booked for a match, and then chose to sit in the ring until they got one. Prince Nana, announced as the new corporate talent scout, and after berating the two, out came two guys in clown masks revealing themselves to be the returning Homicide and Eddie Kingston, awesome! The place went nuts... They fought for a few minutes before Marshall and Evans gave up.
Next up is three world heavyweight title tournament matches which are of course being filmed for ROH Television. First was Tommaso Ciampa over Mike Bennett. They had Mike play off the BJ Whitmer injury by pretending he was going to piledrive Ciampa on the apron. A little tasteless but guess its alright as long as it wasn't actually going to be done. Second, Kevin Steen beat Roderick Strong in a great match. Third, Michael Elgin beat Karl Anderson in a fantastic match with a lot of tremendous spots.
Finally, the main event of the evening is Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards defending the tag team championship against Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish. Very solid match, and in an upset, Red Dragon won the tag teams championship when Kyle submitted Davey with an armbar!
Overall, a very good show with all matches ranging from solid to fantastic, with a good crowd and nothing disappointing at all. I'd definitely recommend ordering the VOD if they release it!
2014 - WWE presented Summerslam 2014. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing Summerslam PPV coverage!
The panel is Ric Flair, Alex Riley, Renee Young and Booker T. Flair mentioned UFC's Ronda Rousey was in attendance.
They discussed the main event. Riley said that Brock Lesnar is pretty much a part time talent now and wondered what that would mean for the WWE championship if he won.
They aired a promotional video on Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon.
The panel discussed the bout. They had a graphic for Booker's "Shucky Ducky" line.
They introduced the commentary team.
Rob Van Dam vs. Cesaro
Cesaro had control early but RVD nailed a monkey flip. He drilled Cesaro with several rights but was caught with a knee to the mid-section. RVD nailed a rana but Cesaro went to the floor. Van Dam missed a tope when Cesaro walked away but Van Dam landed on his feet and drilled Cesaro with a kick, then hit Rolling Thunder on the floor.
Van Dam worked over Cesaro in the corner but got a thumb in the eye and was stomped down. Cesaro nailed a gutwrench suplex. They went to commercial and when they returned, RVD was in a chinlock. He fought his way out but was drilled with a knee to the back then hit with a big double stomp for a two count.
Van Dam came back with a clothesline and used a leg scissor takedown for a two count. RVD hit the split-legged moonsault for a two count, then nailed a thrust kick that sent Cesaro to the floor. RVD nailed a moonsault off the apron to the floor.
RVD went to the top but was nailed by a leaping uppercut. Cesaro went for a superplex but was shoved off. RVD set up for the Five Star Frogsplash but Cesaro leapt up and drilled him with another uppercut. RVD knocked him down and went for it again but again Cesaro drilled him. Cesaro went for a superplex but was shoved off. Van Dam finally went for the move but was drilled with an uppercut as he came down.
Cesaro covered RVD for a two count. He went for the Neutralizer but RVD backdropped him over only to be kicked hard in the face. They went back and forth with some really good, stiff back and forth action before RVD finally nailed a big kick and hit the frog splash for the pin.
Your winner, Rob Van Dam!
Really good match.
They aired a vignette featuring a contest winner training as a WWE star and had him make a cameo with the panel.
They aired a great John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar video.
WWE SUMMERSLAM 2014
The show opened with Hulk Hogan coming out to welcome everyone to Summerslam. He said he can’t think of a better way to kick the show off without Hollywood Hogan. He said this is where dreams are made and Superstars can etch their name in the WWE history books. He said that if you aren’t here in LA, you are watching the WWE Network. He said that he knows that you paid “$9.99” for the Network. He plugged all the other PPVs that are coming up in the next six months. He gave his trademark “run wild on you.” So, we opened the show with a commercial.
They then had the official opening for the PPV which was very Grindhouse-inspired.
WWE Intercontinental champion The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
Miz said that in a summer filled with talking turtles, talking robots, now Hollywood has a real star. He said that Drax the Destroyer and Hercules wish they had his moneymaker of a face. He said he was going to take Dolph Ziggler and make him a loser like the Lakers.
They showed Maria Menounos at ringside.
Ziggler ran Miz out of the ring when Ziggler went for a punch to the face. Ziggler caught him with a Thesz Press and Miz ran off again but Ziggler nailed him and rolled him up for a two count. Ziggler began working over his back. Miz reversed an whip into the corner and sent him HARD into the buckles.
Miz gained control with a hard kick and a big clothesline in the corner. Miz came off the top with a double axehandle. Ziggler made a comeback with a splash in the corner and a neckbreaker for a two count.
Ziggler went for the Famouser but Miz moved and tossed him over the top. Ziggler skinned the cat but Miz avoided a superkick. He took Ziggler down and went for the figure four but was kicked off and nailed with a superkick for a two count.
Miz tried to walk out but Ziggler nailed him with a dive. Ziggler tossed him back in the ring but was nailed as he returned and locked in the figure four. Ziggler got to the ropes but Miz kicked him from behind in the leg and nailed the Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall. Good match so far.
Miz argued with the referee but was caught with the Zig Zag.
Your winner and new WWE Intercontinental champion, Dolph Ziggler!
Good stuff all the way through.
Tom Phillips interviewed Brie Bella. She said when she was arrested, he had a lot of time to reflect. She said the charges were dropped but when she was in jail, she thought about Stephanie calling Bryan a B+ Player, tormenting her sister Nikki and paying off their physical therapist to lie. She said that she has no choice and she’s going to take out the “she beast” because that’s best for business. Decent promo.
WWE Divas champion AJ Lee vs. Paige
Paige came out skipping to mock Lee. They recapped all the angles with video clips.
Lee went nuts early beating her on the floor and sending Paige into the table. Paige sent her off the apron into the guard rail. Paige began beating her with a series of headbutts. Paige liberally yanked at Lee’s hair and had to toss some she ripped out to the mat. Paige nailed a series of knees while Lee was in the ropes and went to the top. Lee fought off Paige and shoved her off to the floor. Lee nailed a clothesline from the top to the floor.
Lee nailed her with a running knee for a two count. Paige shoved her off and drilled a kick to the face. Paige went for a move but Lee turned it into the Black Widow. Paige was able to counter it into her Rampage DDT and scored the pin.
Your winner and new WWE Divas champion, Paige!
Short but they packed a lot into it. The Widow counter and pin was a nice surprise.
Paige kissed Lee on the cheek and left her in the ring.
They aired the WWE 2K15 videogame promo with Sting. That would mark his first official appearance on WWE TV, by the way.
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing Summerslam PPV coverage!
The panel is Ric Flair, Alex Riley, Renee Young and Booker T. Flair mentioned UFC's Ronda Rousey was in attendance.
They discussed the main event. Riley said that Brock Lesnar is pretty much a part time talent now and wondered what that would mean for the WWE championship if he won.
They aired a promotional video on Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon.
The panel discussed the bout. They had a graphic for Booker's "Shucky Ducky" line.
They introduced the commentary team.
Rob Van Dam vs. Cesaro
Cesaro had control early but RVD nailed a monkey flip. He drilled Cesaro with several rights but was caught with a knee to the mid-section. RVD nailed a rana but Cesaro went to the floor. Van Dam missed a tope when Cesaro walked away but Van Dam landed on his feet and drilled Cesaro with a kick, then hit Rolling Thunder on the floor.
Van Dam worked over Cesaro in the corner but got a thumb in the eye and was stomped down. Cesaro nailed a gutwrench suplex. They went to commercial and when they returned, RVD was in a chinlock. He fought his way out but was drilled with a knee to the back then hit with a big double stomp for a two count.
Van Dam came back with a clothesline and used a leg scissor takedown for a two count. RVD hit the split-legged moonsault for a two count, then nailed a thrust kick that sent Cesaro to the floor. RVD nailed a moonsault off the apron to the floor.
RVD went to the top but was nailed by a leaping uppercut. Cesaro went for a superplex but was shoved off. RVD set up for the Five Star Frogsplash but Cesaro leapt up and drilled him with another uppercut. RVD knocked him down and went for it again but again Cesaro drilled him. Cesaro went for a superplex but was shoved off. Van Dam finally went for the move but was drilled with an uppercut as he came down.
Cesaro covered RVD for a two count. He went for the Neutralizer but RVD backdropped him over only to be kicked hard in the face. They went back and forth with some really good, stiff back and forth action before RVD finally nailed a big kick and hit the frog splash for the pin.
Your winner, Rob Van Dam!
Really good match.
They aired a vignette featuring a contest winner training as a WWE star and had him make a cameo with the panel.
They aired a great John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar video.
WWE SUMMERSLAM 2014
The show opened with Hulk Hogan coming out to welcome everyone to Summerslam. He said he can’t think of a better way to kick the show off without Hollywood Hogan. He said this is where dreams are made and Superstars can etch their name in the WWE history books. He said that if you aren’t here in LA, you are watching the WWE Network. He said that he knows that you paid “$9.99” for the Network. He plugged all the other PPVs that are coming up in the next six months. He gave his trademark “run wild on you.” So, we opened the show with a commercial.
They then had the official opening for the PPV which was very Grindhouse-inspired.
WWE Intercontinental champion The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler
Miz said that in a summer filled with talking turtles, talking robots, now Hollywood has a real star. He said that Drax the Destroyer and Hercules wish they had his moneymaker of a face. He said he was going to take Dolph Ziggler and make him a loser like the Lakers.
They showed Maria Menounos at ringside.
Ziggler ran Miz out of the ring when Ziggler went for a punch to the face. Ziggler caught him with a Thesz Press and Miz ran off again but Ziggler nailed him and rolled him up for a two count. Ziggler began working over his back. Miz reversed an whip into the corner and sent him HARD into the buckles.
Miz gained control with a hard kick and a big clothesline in the corner. Miz came off the top with a double axehandle. Ziggler made a comeback with a splash in the corner and a neckbreaker for a two count.
Ziggler went for the Famouser but Miz moved and tossed him over the top. Ziggler skinned the cat but Miz avoided a superkick. He took Ziggler down and went for the figure four but was kicked off and nailed with a superkick for a two count.
Miz tried to walk out but Ziggler nailed him with a dive. Ziggler tossed him back in the ring but was nailed as he returned and locked in the figure four. Ziggler got to the ropes but Miz kicked him from behind in the leg and nailed the Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall. Good match so far.
Miz argued with the referee but was caught with the Zig Zag.
Your winner and new WWE Intercontinental champion, Dolph Ziggler!
Good stuff all the way through.
Tom Phillips interviewed Brie Bella. She said when she was arrested, he had a lot of time to reflect. She said the charges were dropped but when she was in jail, she thought about Stephanie calling Bryan a B+ Player, tormenting her sister Nikki and paying off their physical therapist to lie. She said that she has no choice and she’s going to take out the “she beast” because that’s best for business. Decent promo.
WWE Divas champion AJ Lee vs. Paige
Paige came out skipping to mock Lee. They recapped all the angles with video clips.
Lee went nuts early beating her on the floor and sending Paige into the table. Paige sent her off the apron into the guard rail. Paige began beating her with a series of headbutts. Paige liberally yanked at Lee’s hair and had to toss some she ripped out to the mat. Paige nailed a series of knees while Lee was in the ropes and went to the top. Lee fought off Paige and shoved her off to the floor. Lee nailed a clothesline from the top to the floor.
Lee nailed her with a running knee for a two count. Paige shoved her off and drilled a kick to the face. Paige went for a move but Lee turned it into the Black Widow. Paige was able to counter it into her Rampage DDT and scored the pin.
Your winner and new WWE Divas champion, Paige!
Short but they packed a lot into it. The Widow counter and pin was a nice surprise.
Paige kissed Lee on the cheek and left her in the ring.
They aired the WWE 2K15 videogame promo with Sting. That would mark his first official appearance on WWE TV, by the way.
Brie Bella vs. Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon flashed the Four Horsemen sign at Ronda Rousey as she walked past her in the first row, although they didn’t show Rousey. They then showed Rousey and had a graphic for her, but didn’t identify her as a UFC fighter.
Stephanie backed Brie into the corner at the bell but broke free. They locked up again and again Stephanie backed her into the ropes and forced her half out of the ring. Brie used a takedown on McMahon, who wasn’t happy. They locked up again and Steph was hit with another armdrag.
Bella went for a waistlock but was drilled with an elbow to the face. McMahon used a series of shoulderblocks in the corner. Brie went for the Yes Lock but Stephanie scrambled out of the ring to the floor. Brie went for a suicide dive but Stephanie nailed her and snapped her down to the floor, then mocked Daniel Bryan’s “Yes!” chant.
When Bella returned to the ring, Stephanie snapped her with a DDT for a two count. Stephanie grabbed Bella by the hair and said, “You’re my bitch” and snapmared her. McMahon locked on a surfboard and shoved her to the mat, then shoved her boot down in Bella’s face before going back to the surfboard.
Stephanie charged her but Bella caught McMahon with a Thesz Press. She then caught McMahon with an elbow as McMahon charged her and drilled her over and over with kicks in the corner. Bella tossed McMahon across the ring and pulled her in as Stephanie tried to escape. Bella nailed a series of kicks in the mid-section. McMahon staggered out of the corner and was kicked down. Bella came off the middle turnbuckle with a dropkick for a two count.
Stephanie tried to get out of the ring again and was pulled down. Bella mounted her and began ground and pound. Triple H ran out and got on the apron. Nikki Bella followed. Stephanie used the distraction to go for the Pedigree but Bella turned it into the Yes Lock.
HHH pulled the referee out and nailed him. He began yelling at Nikki Bella. Brie hit a sliding kick to the outside on HHH. The crowd loved that and chanted, “Yes.” Stephanie tried to climb out of the ring but Nikki stopped her and backed her up. Stephanie was now trapped between them but Nikki turned on her sister and nailed her with a forearm.
Stephanie locked on the Pedigree and nailed Brie with it. The referee returned to the ring and scored the pin.
Your winner, Stephanie McMahon!
Entertaining match for what it was meant to be. They probably didn’t need the turn but we’ll see what the story that plays out is. Nikki stood outside the ring seething so we don’t know if she was forced into this or not.
Roman Reigns vs. Randy Orton
Orton went after Reigns but was cut off and worked over. Reigns snapped him into the corner but was shoved away. Roman nailed a big right hand then kicked him over the top to the floor. Roman followed him and slammed him into the guard rail. Reigns whipped Orton but it was reversed and Reigns was drilled into the ring steps.
Orton tossed Reigns back into the ring and cinched in a side chinlock. Reigns broke free but was grabbed by his hair and snapped backwards to the mat. Orton stomped on Reigns’ hand and foot, holding his foot there after the move. Reigns fired back but was sent into the corner. He kicked Orton away and went to the top but Orton nailed him and worked him over on the turnbuckles.
Orton went for a superplex and nailed it. Randy was fought off and was caught in a sleeper but countered it with a sideslam. They went back to the chinlock. They battled to the floor. Reigns nailed his dropkick on the apron. They sent each other into the guard rails. Orton regained control, sending Reigns into the ringpost and covered Reigns for a two count.
Back on the floor, Reignss was slammed on the announcer’s table and sent into the ring steps. Reigns snapped Orton’s throat across the rope as Orton reached for him in the ring. He sent Orton to the corner and brought him to the top. Orton drilled him but was caught for a Samoan Drop off the top scoring a two count.
Reigns nailed Orton with the Superman Punch and set up for the spear but was caught with the powerslam for a two count. Orton nailed the hanging DDT off the ropes. Orton set up for the RKO but was shoved off. Reigns leapt for the spear but Orton caught him with the RKO. Reigns kicked up at the last minute. Good sequence. Orton was shocked he didn’t get the win.
Orton went for the punt but Reigns got out of the way and speared him for the pin.
Your winner, Roman Reigns!
Another good match. Reigns did well in the biggest singles test of his PPV career to date.
WWE World Heavyweight champion John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar
They began brawling right away. Cena took him down and worked him over, then hit the F5 for a two count. The crowd began screaming the dueling chants as Cena tried to pull himself to his feet.
Lesnar threw him with a monster German suplex. Cena was beaten with strikes and knees. He tried to fight back but to no avail. Brock tossed him with a hard suplex. Cena fought back with a series of punches in the corner but was laid out by Brock. Lesnar continued working over Cena. Cena fought out of a chinlock and was slammed back to the mat.
Brock kept throwing Cena around the right with German suplex after German suplex. Lesnar kept mauling Cena and told the referee to see if Cena had enough. Cena pulled himself up and Lesnar went for another German. Cena nailed a series of elbows and several moved but was caught for an F5. Cena reversed it into the AA but Lesnar kicked up.
Lesnar sat up, mocking the Undertaker and began bouncing in the ring, laughing at Cena as Cena was still down, exhausted in the corner. Cena charge but was caught and mounted by Lesnar, who beat the frigging hell out of Cena. The referee told Brock to back of and asked Cena if he should call it.
Lesnar hit Cena with a series of rolling German suplexes with the last one releasing Cena as if he was thrown out of a car. Cena got up and Lesnar went back for another series of German suplexes. They teased referee Charles Robinson was going to call the match.
Cena used a drop toehold and locked on an STF. Lesnar reversed it and beat Cena with a series of punches, then hit the F5 and scored the pin.
Your winner and new WWE World Heavyweight champion, Brock Lesnar!
Really entertaining beatdown of Cena and an incredible atmosphere.
As they left, Paul Heyman told Brock that he "conquered the WWE Universe."
Overall, an excellent show. Well worth going out of your way to see.
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