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September 16th
On this day in history in ....
1963 - Bruno Sammartino & Bobo Brazil battle Gorilla Monsoon & Hans Mortier to a draw in the main event of a show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Each team scored one fall before the time limit expired during the third fall.
1972 - Harley Race defeats Pak Song in a tournament final to become the first ever NWA Missouri Champion. Race would go on to hold the title a total of seven times, and would be the reigning champion when the territory closes in 1985.
1978 - WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeats Superstar Billy Graham in a Stretcher Match at the Philadelphia Spectrum in Pennsylvania when Backlund hit Graham with a chair and the stretcher itself, enabling Graham to be wheeled off on the stretcher.
1986 - At a WWF television taping in Baltimore, Maryland, Roddy Piper hosts his "Piper's Pit" segment at the same time that Adrian Adonis hosts an edition of "The Flower Shop". Piper's guest, Don Muraco, joins Adonis and Cowboy Bob Orton in attacking Piper and beating him down and destroying the Pit set. Later in the show (shown on a different TV episode), Piper returned with a baseball bat and destroyed the Flower Shop set. A new Piper's Pit set would be constructed, and the Flower Shop would never return.
1990 - Brian Pillman lost to Danny Spivey in the final phase of his attempt to "Run The Gauntlet". The Gauntlet was a concept (briefly) employed by WCW where a wrestler would attempt to win three consecutive matches on WCW Saturday Night. Pillman won the first two, defeating Tim Horner and Buddy Landell, then lost to Spivey.
1994 - SMW Tag Team Champions The Rock N' Roll Express defeat The Gangstas in Knoxville, Tennessee. However, New Jack & Mustafa would later threaten to sue SMW, saying tape of the match proves that they should have won the belts. As a result, Smoky Mountain Wrestling awarded the titles to the Gangstas, ending the ninth title reign for Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson.
1995 - ECW held their "Gangsta's Paradise" event at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here are the results:
- Bull Pain defeated Tony Stetson with a DDT.
- Dudley Dudley & Dances With Dudley defeated Chad Austin & Don E. Allen.
- Hack Myers defeated JT Smith via countout when Smith fell off the top rope to the floor and was counted out.
- Jason & The Eliminators defeated Rick & Scott Steiner & Taz when 2 Cold Scorpio knocked out Taz and put Jason on top for the pin.
- The Pitbulls defeated Raven & Steven Richards in a two out of three falls Dog Collar match to win the ECW World Tag Team Championship. This match also saw, after months of teasing, 911 chokeslam referee Bill Alfonso. Raven won the first fall for his team by piledriving Pitbull #2 through a table for the pin. The Pitbull's took the second fall, and interference began in the form of the Dudley's. Pitbull #2 was stretchered out, and Tommy Dreamer took his place, pinning Raven, but referee Bill Alfonso refused to allow the pin, since Dreamer was not a scheduled participant. 911 got involved, and in the end, the Pitbulls, with the help of Dreamer and 911, hit a double superbomb on Raven and Richards, and ECW Commissioner Tod Gordon counted the pin.
- In their ECW debuts, Rey Misterio Jr. (now Rey Mysterio) defeated Psicosis with a springboard rana.
- Mikey Whipwreck & Public Enemy defeated The Sandman, 2 Cold Scorpio & New Jack in a steel cage match when Whipwreck pinned Sandman after a splash off the top. During the match, Rocco Rock and Scorpio fell off the top of the cage through three tables stacked in the ring.
1996 - The Monday Night Wars raged on, with Nitro doing a 3.7 to Raw's 2.1. Nitro was headlined by Ric Flair & Arn Anderson defeated Chris Jericho & Marcus Bagwell, Lex Luger defeated Chris Benoit & Steve McMichael via disqualification in a handicap match, and Rey Mysterio defeated Juventud Guerrero. Raw countered with Marc Mero defeating Owen Hart, Faarooq defeating Sid Vicious via disqualification, and The Sultan defeating Jake Roberts.
1998 - Olympico defeats Karloff Lagarde Jr. to win the CMLL World Welterweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
2002 - Low Ki defeats Spanky in Tokyo, Japan on a Zero-One event to win the NWA International Light Heavyweight Title. Low Ki's first championship in Japan, he would hold it for almost a full year.
2002 - During an edition of Raw from Denver, Colorado, Rico scores a shocking upset by pinning Ric Flair with a spin kick. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
The 9/16 edition of RAW IS LUKEWARM LESBIAN ACTION aired live from Denver. It was sort of a mixed bag kind of show. On the plus side, they actually had commentary tonight, as Jerry Lawler didn't lose it like he did last week. They did a solid job hyping the Unforgiven PPV match-ups from the RAW side. Some of the wrestling was good. On the negative side, they're still too focused on the shock value stuff. They seem to have decided that since they went to war last year with a kooky right-wing group (PTC), they'll go to war this year with kooky left-wing groups (GLAAD & NOW), at least for a couple of weeks. It won't deliver ratings, but it's the over-the-top stuff Vince McMahon likes. Some parts of the show were entertaining, others were boring.
They opened with highlights of the gay wedding on Smackdown. While having a gay wedding was a stupid idea, at least this one ended up entertaining with the Eric Bischoff engineered attack by Rosie & Jamal and, thankfully, no actual "marriage" by Billy & Chuck.
Bischoff was shown sitting in the ring, grinning like the Cheshire jackass. The arena was darkened and he had a spotlight on him. He boasted about his assault on Smackdown, and introduced the man who made it all possible, namely Rico. As a reward, he gave Rico a match against Ric Flair. Rico reacted as if he'd just won a beauty pageant. Bischoff said Flair isn't the only one who can style & profile. He also asserted that Rico shares his philosophy that "controversy creates cash". Well, we'll see. Not all controversies create cash, otherwise WCW would still be booming. Bischoff further announced that both Triple H and Rob Van Dam would be defending their respective belts during the show against opponents of his choosing. He admitted that this might force a change in the Unforgiven line-up, but said that's fine because, unlike Smackdown, RAW doesn't feature boring, predictable programming.
HHH came out to the ring. It had to be somebody's idea of an inside joke to send him out to do this promo after what Bischoff said about boring, predictable programming. Then again, maybe the joke was on us. HHH immediately launched into a boring, predictable speech about how everyone keeps telling him that RVD is going to kick his ass and win the RAW World Title at Unforgiven. He denied being scared of RVD, insisting that RVD isn't championship material. I assume by that he meant not world championship material, given that RVD was, at the time, holding the IC Title. ECW belts, as always, don't count. HHH declared that RVD just got lucky when he pinned him in that tag match two weeks ago. He called himself the greatest world champion of all time, praising himself for having the body, talent, ability, and brains. He went off on the crowd for chanting "RVD", calling himself the Game and saying he really is That Damn Good. This brought RVD out. He was pretty funny doing the total laid back gimmick. He kept calling HHH "dude". He said HHH is all stressed out and needs to get rid of all those angry vibes. RVD said the fans chant his name because he does all the cool moves and is, in fact, amazing. HHH responded by saying his anger is a gift which led him to the position of being the world champion who sells out arenas and headlines PPV's. RVD agreed that HHH deserves praise for his accomplishments, but then acted as if HHH's biggest claim to fame is his ability to spit water. He mocked HHH's entrance routine where he flexes and growls and pours the water on himself before spitting it in the air. He sarcastically told HHH that takes real talent. HHH said the reason the fans love RVD is because he's like them, an underachiever who never will amount to anything in the wrestling business. RVD accused HHH of being jealous. HHH tried to kick RVD in the gut to set up a pedigree but RVD blocked it and laid HHH out with a spin kick to end the segment. RVD was funny, but the segment just kept going and going.
The cameras cut to outside the arena where a feminist-type group called IOW was picketing against WWE. IOW stood for International Organization for Women, which was a take-off on NOW. It was obvious these were phony feminists because A) their picket signs were fake looking and B) a few of them were feminine.
Rico defeated Ric Flair in 3:58. Flair outmaneuvered Rico early. Rico kicked Flair, who did his face-first bump. The crowd didn't quite know what to make of this. Flair hiit some chops and did a perfect vertical suplex. Rico tried to bring in a chair but Flair blocked it. As Flair was disposing of the chair, Rico caught him with a kick and scored the pin. Flair was clearly in the ropes when pinned, but no one made any mention of it either at the time or afterward. Rico acted amazed that he won.
Terri interviewed Booker T, who was scheduled to fight Test. Booker said he's hated tests his entire life, including blood tests, pregnancy tests (don't ask), and French tests. He tried to speak some French phrases, some of which came out Spanish. At least he didn't claim to have once stayed up all night studying for a urine test, which he still flunked. He said this test won't be taken with a number two pencil, but rather with a number five, as in five time World Champion, sucka!
The IOW chicks tried to get in the arena, but security wouldn't let them in. So they went back to picketing.
Booker beat Test in 5:53. Jim Ross mentioned that Bradshaw is injured and will be out for a while. Mostly a brawl, some of which was good, though some spots didn't quite take. The crowd was into it with the "USA" chants. Booker hit a flying lariat, some kicks, and then hit the spinaroonie. Test evaded one scissor kick but Booker scored with a second one. Booker got a near fall with a missile kick. Test hit the pump handle slam and scored two. Test went for a powerbomb but Booker escaped with a huracanrana. Booker won with a sunset flip style roll-up. Test acted ultra-shocked that he lost.
Terri asked a dejected looking Flair about his loss to Rico. Before he could answer, who else but HHH walked up and announced that Flair was humiliated by his loss. He said Flair's lost his instincts, skills, guts, etc. and just got beat by a guy who shouldn't even be good enough to carry his jock strap. He told Flair to just retire and get out because he's pathetic. Flair told HHH that it's pathetic to be walking around with a world title belt that wasn't earned in the ring. He indicated that HHH doesn't know what he (Flair) is truly capable of. But HHH sneered that he does know. Man, I really hated to see Flair in this position.
Jonathan Coachman interviewed the lead feminist. She said her group was upset about the treatment of women by Eric Bischoff on RAW. She demanded to talk to him. I guess feminist groups are now back to worrying about the treatment of women in the workplace again after a mysterious eight year hiatus on that issue circa 1992-2000.
Lance Storm & Christian defeated The Dudleys in 8:30 to retain the WWE World Tag Titles. The Dudleys started off strong but Spike ended up in the wrong corner as usual. Storm set up a table, which upset Bubba. Spike made a tag to Bubba but the ref didn't see it and disallowed it. So they got heat on Spike some more. Bubba finally hot tagged and cleaned house. Spike went for the wazzup but slipped coming off the top and appeared to hurt himself. Bubba still told him to get the tables, even though he looked legit a little shook up. Storm blocked Spike on the floor and then broke up an attempted Bubba pin on Christian. Spike got hurled from the ring through the table, which looked like it just about killed him. Storm swung at Bubba with one of the title belts. Bubba ducked, but was then surprised by Christian with a roll-up for the pin. EMT's ran in to help Spike.
Bischoff selected Chris Jericho to face RVD for the IC belt. Jericho promised to win the title. A security guy came in and told Bischoff the feminist group wanted to have a meeting with him. He said to bring them in, since he had a few minutes (emphasis on minutes) to spare.
Spike was being stretchered out and was moaning like crazy to sell his injuries. Bubba was very concerned. HHH walked by and laughed at Spike's pain, which Bubba didn't appreciate.
Hour two began with Jericho beating RVD to capture the IC Title in 8:44. RVD hit a kick during a criss-cross spot. RVD catapulted Jericho into the turnbuckles. Jericho blocked it and came off the second rope, but RVD caught him with a dropkick. RVD went to the top but got crotched. Jericho superplexed him, with RVD selling it big, as if it injured his back. Jericho began working on the back. RVD fought back with kicks, one of which looked pretty hard to the face. RVD hit the rolling thunder. RVD went up again, but this time HHH arrived at ringside, so RVD dived off onto him on the floor, which was a rough-looking bump. RVD nailed Jericho with a thrust kick off the top and the split-leg moonsault, scoring a near fall. Jericho collided with HHH on the apron. RVD went after HHH but Jericho caught him in the walls and won via submission. Afterward, HHH pedigreed RVD. Pretty good match, but this show had major HHH overload.
The IOW gals were told that Bischoff would meet them in the ring so that they could have a public forum. One of the IOW members had pretty big boobs. Hmmmmm!
Jericho poured champagne all over himself to celebrate his win. He called himself the king of the world. He asked Bischoff for a match against Flair at Unforgiven, feeling that in his current dejected state, Flair would be easily destroyed. Bischoff agreed, and set up the match.
A Jeff Hardy "Desire" video aired. These videos are always good.
Kane beat William Regal by DQ in 2:55. Before the match, Regal told the other UnAmericans that Kane represents all that is wrong about America, hiding behind a mask. The match itself was a weak brawl, followed by a bunch of run-ins. Test came in first, causing the DQ. Storm & Christian then arrived. Kane was getting the four-on-one treatment when Bubba, Booker, and Goldust made the save. As the UnAmericans retreated, Booker grabbed the mic and challenged them to a four vs. four match at Unforgiven, which they accepted.
Bischoff cancelled a scheduled three-way women's match so that he could meet with the IOW members in the ring. He made a few sarcastic remarks about how smart and powerful women are. Out came the IOW, to a few boos but mostly no response. The lead feminist lectured Bischoff for booking bra & panty matches, catfights in mud pits, and pillow fights, but she was especially upset about the two lesbians being exploited last week. Bischoff wasn't surprised they were so upset about the lesbians. He said they all were a bunch of lesbians and laughingly told them to go ahead and get it on with one another in the ring. He told them they could have their fifteen minutes of fame, but then shortened it to, of course, three minutes. At this point, the big boobed feminist kicked Bischoff in the balls. She turned out to be Stephanie in disguise. Billy & Chuck ran in, no longer gay, and attacked Bischoff. Bischoff got lariated off Chuck's shoulders by Billy. Rosie & Jamal hit the ring but were beaten up by Billy & Chuck. Steph thus got her revenge.
After a break, Bischoff was still in the ring, being held up by Rosie & Jamal. He was cupping his crotch area in pain, as if he were a government mule that had been wounded in his private parts. He called Stephanie a bitch and proposed an intercontinental (he meant to say inter-promotional) match for Unforgiven with Rosie & Jamal vs. Billy & Chuck. Bischoff said if B & C win, he'll kiss Stephanie's ass in the ring. But if R & J win, Steph must engage in hot lesbian action in the ring. The crowd was chanting "what" here. Will that monster never die? Bischoff said he'll watch Smackdown to see if Stephanie has the balls to accept his challenge. I assume the balls part was metaphorically speaking, otherwise the lesbian action Bischoff proposed wouldn't be lesbian action.
HHH came out for his RAW World Title defense. No one knew yet who his challenger would be. RVD hit the ring and attacked HHH. He hit HHH with the title belt, juicing him. It took all the refs and road agents to pull RVD off of HHH. They carried an uncooperative RVD to the back.
HHH beat Jeff Hardy to retain the RAW belt in 5:41. So Jeff was the guy Bischoff picked as the challenger. He charged in and had HHH, who was still dazed from the RVD assault, reeling. HHH made a comeback and pounded Jeff on the floor. Jeff rebounded and hit a huracanrana, a moonsault, a twist of fate, and a swanton. He scored a few twos off these, with the latter one being broken by HHH getting his boot on the ropes. HHH rallied yet again and won with the sleeper. Afterward, RVD returned and laid HHH out with a kick and a frog splash. The show ended with RVD holding the title belt over the downed HHH again.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Why would Bischoff give Jeff Hardy a title shot after what Jeff said to him last week?
So what, exactly, was the deal between Rico and Billy & Chuck? Did he think they were really gay?
Isn't it a little silly for Lawler, of all people, to constantly rag on Flair's age?
Was Spike selling or was he really in that much pain?
Just to make sure all bases are covered, don't they need to squash a World Wildlife Fund environmentalist type next week?
2002 - WWE's Smackdown brand ran a live event in Salt Lake City, Utah. Raul CBK filed the following report:
Results of the JVC Tower of Power tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah
Howard Finkel welcomed us to the show and told everyone the rules (i.e. no laser pens, no camcorders, etc.). Begin the show.
Hurricane d. Funaki. Funaki got mild pops coming out, and before the match even brought out local sports mascot Grizzbee. Then, when Hurricane came out, they had a pose-off. Hurricane won the pose-off, and the match with a chokeslam.
Randy Orton & John Cena d. Chavo Guerrero & Tajiri. Mild pops for Orton and Cena, mild heat for Tajiri, massive heat for Chavo. Orton pinned Chavo after doing that weird spinning move.
Big Valbowski d. Albert. Albert came out to mild heat, Val to mild pops. Albert received "shave your back" chants from the crowd before the match, to which Val acknowledged. Can't remember what move Valbowski used to win. Major chants of "shave your back" and "chia pet" throughout the match.
Jamie Noble d. Kidman to retain the cruiserweight title. Mild pops for Kidman, mixed reaction from Noble, mainly due to Nidia at ringside. Nidia and Torrie Wilson got in a catfight during the match, in which Noble won using a double-underarm powerbomb.
Brock Lesnar d. Undertaker to retain the WWE Title. Huge, HUGE pops for Undertaker, and huge heat for Lesnar. Lesnar wins using a steel chair after a ref bump. Interesting note is that he did not attempt to use the F5 in this match at all.
Intermission
Mark Henry, Hardcore Holly, and Batista d. D-Von, Horace, and Bull Buchanan. Huge heat for D-Von, but other than that mixed reactions. Can't remember what move he was using, but Henry pinned D-Von.
Matt Hardy d. Shannon Moore. Mixed reaction for Matt, mild pops for Shannon. Matt won using the Twist of Fate. Interesting note: during the match someone in our area yelled "Mmm bop" at Shannon, to which the entire section laughed.
Edge and Rey Mysterio d. Eddy Guerrero and Chris Benoit. Match of the night hands down! HUGE heat for Benoit and Guerrero, even bigger pops for Edge and Rey Rey. They both pinned their opponents at the same time after an Edge spear to Benoit and Rey Rey's 619/West Coast Pop routine.
Kurt Angle d. Rikishi in a Kiss My Ass match. HUGE "You Suck" chants directed at Angle, big pops for Rikishi. Angle wins using leverage on the ropes. Angle demanded Rikishi kiss his ass, but in retaliation, Rikishi gave Angle a Stink Face. Post match, Rikishi also gave the referee a stink face since there was some controversy about who really won the match.
Drive home safely everyone.
I will say this, and Fink even confirmed it: if last night was any indication, the WWE is loved here in Utah, and will definitely return soon!
2002 - Former Tough Enough competitor Josh Matthews made his WWE broadcast debut, appearing on TSN in Canada as host of the "WWE Live Events Center" where they plug WWE Canadian events during Raw broadcasts. Jonathan Coachman or Kevin Kelly usually hosted the segments.
2003 - During a Smackdown taping in Raleigh, North Carolina, Eddie & Chavo Guerrero defeat Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas for the WWE Tag Team Championship. This would end Haas & Benjamin's second (and final) tag title reign, and was the start of Eddie & Chavo's second run with the belts. In the main event of the show, Brock Lesnar would defeat Kurt Angle in a 60-minute Ironman match to win the WWE World Title, 5 falls to 4. Angle, who scored two falls in the last ten minutes of the match, had Brock Lesnar in an ankle lock when time ran out, but was unable to get Lesnar to tap before the bell rang (which would have forced the match into overtime).
2006 - Ring of Honor debuted in The Manhattan Center in New York City. Mike Johnson filed the following results:
Davey Richards defeated Jack Evans via submission in a hot opener. The story was Evans using his quickness and fast aerial moves to try and outclass Richards. Richards nailed Evans with a powerbomb and locked on a submission for the win.
The entire ROH roster came to ringside for a special ceremony honoring Bruno Sammartino. Fans chanted Sammartino and gave him a standing ovation. Bruno joked most of the fans here weren't even born when he retired. Sammartino said he was 71 years old and said he wrestled for 23 years around the world, noting 20 tours of Japan. He said he loved wrestling but when a new promotion took over the sport, he didn't like the way the sport turned and expressed his feelings to dear ears. He said that recently he watched some of the ROH DVDs and he said he was impressed by some of the talent in the company. The crowd chanted ROH. He said that he believes that the dedication of these young wrestlers and the talent assembled he sees the type of matches he used to have in his day. He said ROH is going to grow and he wishes them the best because he'd love to see what he considers wrestling to come back to the forefront. He said there are a lot more to enjoy tonight and thanked the fans for appreciating legitimately good talent. As everyone left, Samoa Joe and NOAH's Takeshi Morishima bumped each other and ended up in a pull apart brawl inside the ring. That looks to be a match here for ROH's December return, but I'm just guessing.
Adam Pearce pinned Delirious with a piledriver after Shane Hagadorn tripped Delirious while he was on the top rope. Crowd was into Delirious' wackiness. Pearce announced Hagadorn was now his official man servant. They hugged.
Jimmy Jacobs defeated Christopher Daniels and Colt Cabana in a Three-Way. The story was Jacob's manager Lacey wanted him to work with Cabana, who she's sleeping with. After a bunch of spots that saw Jacobs get the worst of it, he ended up pinning Colt. Lacey was furious. The idea is Jacobs is the sap who's in love with Lacey and will do anything for her even though she obviously doesn't care about his feelings and is only out for herself.ÂÂÂÂ
ROH Commissioner Jim Cornette and the Briscoes came to the ring. He said that he's had issues with Homicide but he thought everything was settled when he explained his point of view. Cornette said that he wasn't going to let someone who was in the business for 15 minutes disrespect him. Cornette said he loves ROH, the wrestlers and the fans except Homicide and anyone who stands with him against Cornette. Cornette said he came out with the Briscoes in case Homicide tries to attack him like a coward. He said he had an announcement and wanted to know who was on his side. Most of the crowd sided with Homicide. Cornette thanked the fans who sided with him. He then went off on NYC as a place to live and the fans, saying New York was a microcosm of everything that was wrong with the world.
Cornette said that he promised Homicide a shot at the ROH title. He said that since everyone loves Homicide, he'll get a ROH title shot here when ROH returns in December...if he wins tonight. Cornette said that if he doesn't win, Homicide will have to wait for next year to get a title shot. He pointed out Homicide promised that if he didn't win a ROH title by the end of the year, he'd leave ROH and we'll see him slink out the back door, so he better win tonight. Cornette then told the Briscoes they better take care of Homicide tonight.
Homicide and Samoa Joe defeated The Brisoces in an awesome match when Homicide pinned Jay Briscoe with a CopKilla. Jim Cornette came out and said he'll get his title shot in December, but he promises it'll be a long time to get there, implying he'll try to have Homicide taken out before that show.
The Kings of Wrestling, Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Austin Aries and Roderick Strong to win the ROH Tag Team championships.
Pro Wrestling NOAH Global Honored Crown champion Naomichi Marufuji pinned Nigel McGuinness in an off the charts match, the first GHC title bout held in the United States.
ROH champion Bryan Danielson forced KENTA to tap out to Cattle Mutilation in a great match.
2007 - WWE held their Unforgiven event. Here is the original report on the show:
The show opened with a video package focusing mainly on the return of the Undertaker.
Joey Styles and Tazz welcomed us to the PPV, and they went right to the ECW match of the night, without even going to the other announce teams.
ECW Champion CM Punk vs. Elijah Burke.
After Punk entered the ring, they did a video package on CM Punk's ECW Title win over John Morrison. When they came back from the package, Burke was already in the ring.
There was a chant for Punk at the bell. They locked up and the referee broke them up on the ropes. Punk shoved Burke, and grabbed a front facelock. They exchanged holds on the mat, with Punk bridging out of a waistlock and hitting a drop toe hold and applying a chinlock. Punk switched into a jujigatame armbar, but Burke grabbed the ropes. Burke backed Punk into the corner, then hit an elbow to the side of the head. Burke hit some more elbows, but Punk leapfrogged Burke and hit a kick to the gut. Punk followed up with a side Russian legsweep, then hit a forearm to the chest. Punk hit a chop to the chest and a few kicks, including a hard kick to the back after a snap mare. Punk hit a backbreaker for a two count. Punk hit a right hand in the corner, then they botched up an Irish Whip spot. Burke caught a Punk kick and threw Punk to the mat after hanging him on the middle rope. Burke stomped Punk for a two count.
Burke hit some kicks and put Punk in a surfboard. Punk broke out of it with a mule kick. Punk hit a jumping knee in the corner, then a bulldog. Punk followed with a springboard clothesline for a two count. Burke went to the floor, and when Punk came out after him, Burke yanked him off the apron to the floor. Burke rammed Punk back first into the ring apron. Burke showboated a bit, then rolled Punk into the ring. Burke got a two count and hit a forearm to the back for another pair of two counts. Burke went for a Boston Crab, and Punk tried to block it, but Burke rolled it over. Punk struggled and made the ropes for the break. Burke gave Punk a pair of German suplexes, but on the third attempt Punk elbowed out of it. Punk went for a clothesline, but Burke blocked it and hit an STO for a two count. Burke grapevined Punk's legs into a reverse Cloverleaf variation. Punk tripped out of it, but Burke hit a series of forearms to Punk's back and said "Why don't you quit?"
Burke kicked Punk, but Punk came back with an enzugiri. Burke returned fire with a kick to the gut and an uppercut to Punk for a two count. Burke raked Punk's eyes with his boot. Burke slapped a downed Punk on the mat twice, and when he reached down to slap him again, Punk cradled him into a Victory Roll and got the pin at the 12 minute mark.
Winner: CM Punk.
JBL and Michael Cole then got to welcome us to the show, and reviewed the Matt Hardy-MVP feud.
WWE Tag Team Champions MVP & Matt Hardy vs. Deuce & Domino.
MVP and Hardy had separate entrances, and came out before the challengers. Hardy and MVP argued over who would start. MVP ended up starting with Domino. They locked up, and MVP took Domino to the mat with a wristlock. MVP hit an armdrag and bragged to Hardy. MVP slammed Domino and then tagged in Hardy off the chest. Deuce tagged in as well. Hardy and Deuce locked up and Hardy hit an armdrag, then slammed Deuce. Hardy hit a swinging neckbreaker, and noted to MVP that he hit three moves. Hardy pulled Deuce into the corner and tagged MVP. Deuce punched to an advantage on MVP, but MVP reversed a whip to the corner then hit a clothesline in the corner and a bulldog. MVP for on the second rope and mocked Hardy's gesture. The two argued and Domino tagged in. Matt tagged in as well, and slammed Domino. Hardy then did his gesture on the second rope and hit an elbow to the back of the head. Hardy then did MVP's "Ballin'" bit and dropped an elbow. MVP tried to come in, and while the referee stopped him, Deuce ran in and knocked down Hardy.
Deuce tagged in and worked over Hardy with a cobra clutch. Deuce missed a charge in the corner and Hardy rolled him up for two, then Deuce hit a kick to the gut and tagged in Domino. Domino slammed Hardy and hit a legdrop for two. Domino yanked Hardy throat first across the top rope and Deuce tagged in and applied an armbar. Hardy punched and kicked out of it, then Cherry tried to trip Hardy. Deuce charged Hardy and MVP yelled to Hardy to look out for him. Hardy ducked the charge and hit the Side Effect. Domino tagged in before Hardy could crawl to his corner, knocked MVP off the apron, then gave Hardy a double knee lift and applied a cobra. MVP stood on the floor annoyed. Hardy broke out of the cobra, but Domino pulled him into his corner. MVP walked up the aisle. Deuce and Domino hit the Rockerplex on Hardy, but Hardy kicked out. MVP changed his mind and went back to the ring and got on the apron.
Matt broke out of a Deuce headlock, and bulldogged Deuce while clotheslining Domino on the apron. Matt ducked a Deuce clothesline and tagged MVP on the chest. Deuce punched Hardy out of the ring, then went after MVP on the apron. MVP returned fire and started to clean house, backdropping Deuce and giving Domino a facebuster on the knee. MVP then did the Ballin' kneedrop on Deuce, but Matt tagged himself in off of MVP's back as he bounced off the ropes. Matt rammed MVP into Domino on the apron, then hit the Twist of Fate on Deuce for the pin at the ten minute mark.
Winners: MVP & Matt Hardy.
Hardy celebrated with all the title belts, then dropped the U.S. belt on MVP, who was sitting on the mat and fuming. Hardy then left with both tag belts.
They showed a "WWE Mobile Exclusive" interview with Rey Mysterio. Mysterio said he is not hundred percent, but that he would be in the match at Unforgiven. The whole point of the segment was Rey putting over Khali's Vice Grip. Rey said the key to the match was not breaking the hold, but staying out of it. Rey said the "experts" said he couldn't win the World Title at Wrestlemania, but he shocked the world, and he hoped to do the same at Unforgiven.
Triple H vs. Carlito.
Lilian Garcia explained that this was a No DQ match, but only for Carlito. Carlito was allowed to use any weapon or break any rule and not be disqualified. Triple H entered first, which allowed Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross to welcome us to the show. Highlights of Triple H defeating King Booker at Summerslam was shown. Carlito then made his entrance. He wasn't carrying weapons.
Triple H hit some right hands at the bell and hit a back elbow, knocking Carlito to the floor. Carlito went to look under the ring for a weapon, but Triple H grabbed him and yanked him back into the ring. Triple H hit a shoulderblock in the corner and a backdrop. Carlito rolled out of the ring again. Carlito went under the ring and grabbed a trash can. As he got into the ring, Triple H flipped him in. Triple H went for the can, but the referee took it and put it in the corner. Triple H clotheslined Carlito to the floor. Triple He went to the outside and Carlito hit some punches. Carlito grabbed a chair, but Triple H ducked and Carlito hit the ringpost. Triple H rammed Carlito back first into the security wall and the ring apron, then threw him into the ring. Triple H hit two elbows to the back, then a side backbreaker.
Triple H applied an abdominal stretch and grabbed the top rope for more leverage while the referee wasn't looking. While the ref discussed the ropes with Triple H, he would pull Carlito's hair with his other hand. The ref finally caught him grabbing the hair and made him break the hold. Carlito went to the floor and grabbed a monitor, but Triple H cut him off and flung him over the ECW announce table. Triple H told the referee "I'm trying to get him in the ring". Triple H went after Carlito, but Carlito hit him in the head with the ring bell, then hit a body shot with it. Carlito then choked Triple H with a cable. Carlito then went for his apple, and took a few bites. He went to spit it at Triple H, but Triple H hit him in the gut and Carlito spat apple everywhere. Carlito grabbed the trash can that the ref had left in the ring and blasted Triple H in the head with it. Carlito hit Triple H repeatedly with the can, but only got a two count.
Carlito went under the ring and got another trash can. Carlito gave Triple H a back suplex into the side of the trash can, crushing it, and got a two count. Carlito then went for a third trash can and wedged it in a corner between the ropes. Carlito went for a whip, but ending up getting clotheslined by Triple H. Carlito ducked another clothesline, but was hit with a jumping knee. Carlito reversed a whip and went for a backdrop, but Triple H gave him a facebuster on the knee for a two count. Triple H hit some punches in the corner, but Carlito came back with powder to the face. Carlito went to the floor and grabbed a chair. As he went for the chairshot, Triple H scooped him up and hit a spinebuster. Triple H picked up the chair, but the referee took it away. As the ref was putting it back at ringside, Carlito went after Triple H with a trash can. Triple H hit Carlito with a low blow (unseen by the referee) and hit the Pedigree for the win at the eleven minute mark.
Winner: Triple H.
Backstage, Maria interviewed Batista, who seemed more interested in flirting with Maria than his title match. He eventually focused on the match, noting that it is "every man for himself" tonight. Batista said the time for talking is over, and he was going to leave Unforgiven as a three-time World Heavyweight Champion. No reference to being laid out by Khali on Smackdown.
A video package on the Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle feud was shown.
Women's Champion Candice Michelle vs. Beth Phoenix.
Jim Ross noted that Beth Phoenix was the strongest female competitor in WWE since Bull Nakano. They locked up at the bell, and Phoenix shoved Candice to the mat. Candice jumped onto her for a headlock, but Phoenix tossed her to the mat. Candice tried a waistlock, but Phoenix powered out and started working on Candice's arm, doing the old Davey Boy Smith wristlock lift. Candice slid to the apron to avoid Phoenix and hit a kick, then hit a top rope armdrag. Candice went for a headscissors, but Phoenix turned it into a backbreaker. Phoenix hit a kick to the back, then rammed her into the corner. Phoenix whipped Candice into a corner, then rammed her face first into the mat. Phoenix drove her elbow into Candice's back. Candice got a two count, then applied a double arm chicken wing, ala 1989 Ricky Steamboat. Phoenix threw Candice to the mat for a two count, then applied a chinlock. Phoenix applied a surfboard.
Phoenix threw Candice in the corner and hit a forearm to the back, then two to the chest. Candice applied a bodyscissors in the corner, then a headscissors and kicked Phoenix in the head. Phoenix stopped her rally with an elbow, then sent Candice to the mat by snapping her off the ropes. Phoenix put Candice in an over-the-shoulder backbreaker, circa 1980's Big John Studd. Yes, I have been watching a lot of old wrestling lately. Candice struggled, then managed to elbow out of the hold. Candice hit some forearms and a weak dropkick, then delivered a clothesline. Candice leapfrogged Phoenix in a corner and yanked her to the mat by the hair. Candice charged Phoenix, who scooped her up and rammed her hard into a corner. Beth Phenix then did a full extension Gorilla Press and dropped Candice to the mat. Phoenix scored a two count. Phoenix then went for another slam, but Candice floated over and grabbed a crucifix for a three count at the eight minute mark.
Winner: Candice Michelle.
Candice went right to the floor, while Phoenix just boiled with anger in the ring. They showed strands of Candice's hair on the mat.
The Great Khali and Singh were backstage for an interview. Khali jabbered, then Singh translated that Mysterio and Batista's comments made him laugh. They put over the Vice Grip, then Singh put a Rey Mysterio mask on a cantaloupe. Khali then squashed it. Singh then gave Khali a watermelon to represent Batista's head, and Khali squashed that. Singh chanted for Khali as the segment ended.
A video package on the World Title match was shown.
World Champion The Great Khali vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Batista.
Batista entered first, then Rey Mysterio, neither looking hurt, then Khali. Batista and Rey went at Khali and he shoved them both away, with Rey rolling to the floor. Khali went to work on Batista, kicking him down in a corner. Khali hit what I think were supposed to be elbows in the corner. Khali then missed a shot and Batista hit shoulderblocks in the corner. Batista then whipped Mysterio shoulder first into Khali. Mysterio and Batista double teamed Khali in the corner, then Mysterio cradled Batista for a two count. Batista looked stunned. Mysterio hit a headscissors for a two count. Mysterio hit Batista with some shoulderblocks from the apron, then hit a springboard senton on Batista. Khali then kicked Rey in the head, and Mysterio went to the floor.
Khali went for the Vice Grip on Batista, but Batista blocked it. Khali hit a chop to the head. Batista was bleeding from his ear, I think from the headscissors. Khali put Batista in a Vice Grip. Rey ran in with a chair and hit Khali in the back with it (no DQ in a Triple Threat match). Khali released Batista, who rolled to the floor. Khali decked Rey with one punch. Khali went to the floor and threw Batista over the ECW announce table. Khali got into the ring, and Rey tried to avoid him, but was thrown into a corner and kicked over and over.
Khali choked Rey in the corner, then hit a short arm clothesline. Khali decided to pose for a while. Khali then applied a nervehold, because why would he go for his Vice Grip? Sorry for the sarcasm. Rey broke out with punches to the body, but Khali decked him with a boot to the face. Khali then applied the Vice Grip. Batista ran in to break it up, hitting shots to the back. Batista hit a shoulderblock and Khali got tied up in the ropes. Batista hit a series of rights on Khali. Batista went for a Batista Bomb on Mysterio, but Mysterio turned it into a rana and put Batista in 619 position. Mysterio gave Batista the 619, then gave Khali the 619. Khali was in a seated position on the mat. Mysterio gave Khali the springboard senton. Batista then powerbombed Mysterio onto Khali. Batista then shoved Rey to the floor, and gave Khali a spinebuster for the pin at the eight minute mark. Crowd popped huge for the finishing sequence.
Winner and new World Heavyweight Champion: Batista.
As Batista celebrated in the ring, Mysterio gave him props from the aisle before exiting.
A video package on Vince McMahon finding out Hornswoggle is his illegitimate son was shown. They plugged that "Mr. McMahon and Hornswoggle McMahon" would be on Raw tomorrow.
Backstage, Triple H approached Batista. Triple H gave him a bottle of water, then congratulated him and they shook hands and embraced. Triple H then said "You and I both know, it is one thing to win it, it is another thing to keep it" before walking off.
World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch vs. Paul London & Brian Kendrick.
Kendrick started out with Cade. They locked up and went to the corner, and Cade broke clean. Kendrick grabbed a hammerlock, but Cade reversed. Kendrick rolled through it and went to the ropes, leapfrogging Cade, but being caught with a hiptoss. Cade grabbed a side headlock, and Kendrick struggled until he broke free. Kendrick hit a dropkick, then nailed Murdoch with one when he ran in, which allowed Cade to hit Murdoch with a shoulderblock. Murdoch tagged in and went for a suplex, but Kendrick turned it into a small package for a two count, then hit an armdrag. London tagged in and hit an elbow to Murdoch's outstretched arm. Kendrick tagged in and did the same. London then tagged in and stomped the arm off the top rope. Murdoch backdropped London to the apron, but London hit a slingshot dropkick. Kendrick came in with a sunset flip on Murdoch for two, but Murdoch kicked out and hit a lariat. Cade tagged in and hit some hard shots to the back of Kendrick. Kendrick flipped over a back suplex attempt and hit a headscissors. Murdoch ran in and London dropkicked him. Kendrick and London clotheslined Cade to the floor, then sent Murdoch outside as well. London and Kendrick hit stereo topes on their opponents.
In the ring, Kendrick missed Cade with a top rope bodypress. Murdoch hit a running forearm, knocking Kendrick to the floor. Kendrick was almost counted out, but made it back in. Murdoch hit a forearm, and Cade tagged in for a clothesline. Murdoch tagged in and Cade picked him up and dropped him into a legdrop on Kendrick. Murdoch went for a backdrop, but Kendrick kicked it away. Cade tagged in and knocked London off the apron. Cade set up Kendrick for a superplex, but Kendrick knocked him down off the ropes. Cade recovered and powerslammed Kendrick off the ropes, but London broke up the cover. Murdoch tagged in and hit Kendrick with an elbowdrop for a two count. Murdoch put Kendrick in a chinlock, but Kendrick broke out and hit a side kick. Cade tagged in and ran into a Kendrick boot. Cade came back with an elbow, then tagged Murdoch. Murdoch jumped off the top rope into Kendrick's boot. Cade tagged in, but Kendrick made the hot tag to London. London gave Cade two dropkicks, a reverse atomic drop and a standing rana. Murdoch ran in, but London knocked him out of the ring with a forearm. London came off the top rope with a double stomp to the back of a slumped over Cade for a two count. London ran into a Cade boot, then Cade missed a second rope elbow and London hit a standing Shooting Star for a two count. Kendrick tagged in and hit a top rope bodypress on Cade for a two count. Cade managed a blind tag to Murdoch as Kendrick was going for a whip. Cade scooped up Kendrick and Murdoch hit the running boot to the head for a two count.
Murdoch missed a charge in the corner. London ran in and hit Cade, and the referee went to get London out. Kendrick was going for Sliced Bread #2 on Murdoch, but Cade grabbed him and hit a spinebuster. London ran in and Cade sent him over the top rope and to the floor, while Murdoch covered Kendrick for the pin at the twelve minute mark.
Winners: Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch.
WWE then begged us to buy the DVD of The Condemned on Tuesday, so that they can get some money back on that disaster of a film. Jim Ross said he saw it three times, and he is going to buy the DVD. JR really is a good friend to Steve Austin.
The events leading to John Cena vs. Randy Orton were recapped.
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Randy Orton.
John Cena's father was at ringside, staring at Randy Orton. Orton was about to approach him at ringside when John Cena's music hit. Cena walked right out and stood between his father sitting at ringside and Orton in the ring. JR noted it was Cena's 364th day as champion. There was a "Randy" chant from part of the crowd.
Cena stared at Orton at the bell, got angry and charged Orton and the two exchanged punches, with Cena getting the better of it. Cena pounded Orton on the mat with right hands. Cena hit a lariat, then rammed Orton face first into a turnbuckle. Orton rolled to the floor, but Cena went outside and hit a clothesline, then stood on Orton's throat. Back in the ring, Cena went for an STFU, but Orton rolled away from it. Cena decked Orton with a punch, and Orton rolled to the floor. Cena threw Orton back in the ring, and as Cena got in, Orton hit an uppercut. Orton pulled Cena into the ring, his feet hanging off the second rope, and hit a DDT for a two count. Orton pounded Cena with punches to the head, but Cena tackled Orton and hit some punches. Cena missed a charge in the corner and Orton applied a sleeper. Cena tried to get out, but Orton switched to a side headlock to take Cena to the mat, then went to a chinlock. There were "Let's Go Orton" and "Let's Go Cena" chants.
Cena struggled up in the chinlock, broke free and hot some body and head shots to Orton. Cena hit a clothesline, then a splash in the corner. Cena pounded Orton with punches, and shoved the referee out of the way twice. Cena kept throwing punches, and the referee called for the bell at the seven minute mark.
Winner via DQ: Randy Orton.
Orton, from the apron, pulled Cena throat first across the top rope. Orton then grabbed Cena's dad and pulled him over the barricade to the floor. Orton was measuring for a kick, but Cena tackled Orton on the floor and put him in the STFU. Cena then yelled to his dad, and Papa Cena kicked Orton in the head while he was in the STFU. Papa Cena then walked out, followed by security, while Cena stood over the unconscious Orton.
Backstage, Jonathan Coachman read Papa Cena the riot act, saying he came here tonight to distract Randy Orton. Coach said Cena intentionally got disqualified to save his title. Coachman said next time Orton and Cena meet, there will be no DQs, countouts, pinfalls or submissions. Coachman said Cena will face Orton in a Last Man Standing match. John Cena entered and roughed up Coachman, saying you mess with his family, you mess with him. Cena shoved down Coachman, hugged his dad, and the Cena's left.
Back in the arena, JBL said we would be seeing Cena vs. Orton in a Last Man Standing match at No Mercy. Coach didn't say that, but JBL did.
A video package on The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry feud was shown.
The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry.
Mark Henry entered first, then there was a pause before Undertaker's long entrance (which I think was longer than both big title matches tonight). Undertaker and Henry had a staredown, then Taker hit a barrage of punches. Henry came back by picking up Taker and ramming him into the corner for a few shots. Taker came back with punches, then knocked Henry down with a headbutt. Undertaker started to work on Henry's arm, and went for the Old School rope walk, but Henry stopped him and went for a superplex. Taker knocked Henry off the ropes, but Henry nailed him with a punch and went for it again. Henry hit a headbutt, then delivered the superplex.
Henry hit some punches in a corner, but Taker reversed positions and hit a series of body shots. Henry came back with a clothesline. Taker reversed a whip and went for a backdrop, but Henry kicked Taker in the chest. Undertaker stared at Henry, then clotheslined (more like shoved) Henry over the top rope and to the floor. Undertaker pounded Henry at ringside, and took the top off of the ECW announce table. Henry caught Taker with a shot on the floor and rammed him back first into the ring apron twice, then tossed him into the ring.
Mark Henry hit a clothesline for a two count, then hit a big splash for another two. Henry hit another splash for another two count. Mark Henry missed a third splash. Undertaker and Mark Henry exchanged punches, with Undertaker getting the better of it. Mark Henry came back with a STO variation, then argued with the referee for some reason. Henry choked Undertaker briefly, then awkwardly slammed Taker and hit a splash. Mark Henry smiled, and Undertaker sat up and grabbed Henry by the throat. Undertaker hit a series of punches to Henry, then a pair of running splashes in the corner. Undertaker hit the Old School rope walk forearm on Henry. Chokeslam on Mark Henry, then Undertaker folded Henry's arms across his chest, but Henry kicked out at two. Undertaker set up for the Last Ride, but Henry punched out of it. Undertaker hit Henry with a big boot, but then ran into a Mark Henry bear hug. Taker grabbed Henry by the throat, and Henry rammed Taker into the corner. Henry hit a few punches, then stood on the second rope to hit more punches, but before he could land one, Taker walked out of the corner with the powerbomb for the pin at the twelve minute mark.
Winner: The Undertaker.
The announcers speculated as to what the Undertaker would "want next" now that he has taken care of Mark Henry. Undertaker then gestured that he wants the title, and they ended the PPV with Michael Cole saying he wants was was "wrongfully taken" from him to end the show.
2008 - WWE executives had a massive heart attack when word came out that the rating for the 9/15/08 edition of Raw was down in a major way to a 2.6 rating. It turned out to be an issue with the Nielsen rating system and the correct number was more in line with the regular viewing pattern.
2008 - WWE announced plans for the Smackdown debut on MyNetworkTV with a bout featuring the World, WWE and ECW champion meeting in a Three-Way match.
2009 - The following statement was posted on the Facebook page for Cornette's Collectibles:
"Thanks everyone for your kind words but, we are REALLY OK about all of this. Gives us more time to make QUALITY products for Cornette's Collectibles and devote our time to wrestling we actually enjoy being apart of."
Within two weeks, Cornette would return to Ring of Honor, setting the stage for the promotion to be sold to Sinclair Broadcasting.
2009 - WWE announced the following:
"WWE®’s Linda McMahon Resigns to Run for U.S. Senate
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. today announced that Linda McMahon has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer after announcing her candidacy for the United States Senate, representing the state of Connecticut. Vince McMahon assumes the duties of Chief Executive Officer in addition to his current position as WWE® Chairman. McMahon will be supported by the seasoned executive management team already in place and led by Chief Operating Officer and board member, Donna Goldsmith."
2009 - The Great Khali underwent knee surgery.
2010 - Aloisia (Lindsay Hayward) announced in an interview on the Diva-Dirt.com website that she has been released from her WWE developmental deal and is free and clear from the company at the end of the month. The company pulled her from the current NXT season after concerns were raised internally following a background check turned up photos and other concerns. Once she started doing interviews outside of company auspices with different outlets, it was probably a forgone conclusion.
2010 - WWE broadcast WWE Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with the Raw brand and your announcers are Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
Before our first match, we go back two weeks ago when Tamina leied Santino and puckered up to Santino’s cobra.
Match Number One: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov versus The Usos with Tamina
Santino and Jey start things off and Santino swings at air and then Jey with a leg sweep. Santino gets up and tells Jey not to do his move. Kozlov tags in while Santino sulks on the apron. They lock up and Kozlov with a hip toss and Jimmy tags in. Jimmy with a waist lock but Kozlov with a hip toss. Jimmy has something to say to Santino and that allows Jey to attack Kozlov while the referee dealt with Santino. They kick Kozlov and Jey is tagged back in and he punches Kozlov. Jimmy comes back in and then Jey sends Jimmy into Kozlov in the corner. Jimmy with kicks and then he puts Vladimir in a reverse chin lock. Kozlov escapes and hits a power slam for a near fall. Santino tags back in and he works on Jimmy’s arm. Santino with an Irish whip but he misses a charge. Jimmy with a savate kick and Jey is tagged back in and he punches and kicks Santino. Santino with an ankle lock but Jimmy tags in and he connects with a forearm and he gets a near fall on Santino. Jimmy with a chin lock as we go to commercial.
We are back and Jey gets a near fall on Santino. Jey with a suplex for a near fall. Jey with a reverse chin lock on Santino but Santino gets to his feet and Santino hits a Saito suplex and both men are down. Kozlov makes the tag and so does Jimmy. Kozlov with a head butt and then he sends Jimmy into the turnbuckles before connecting with a kick. Kozlov with a power slam but Jey breaks up the cover. Santino charges but he goes over the top rope. Kozlov kicks Jey out of the ring. Kozlov with the spinebuster for the three count.
Winners: Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov
After the match, Tamina comes into the ring and she wants him to show her the cobra. Santino gets hands on and there is even a musical accompaniment. Santino kisses Tamina’s cobra and then wants to take a bite out of her snake.
It is time to go to the NXT recap and Michael Cole is not disgusted as we go to the ‘highlights’.
Great Khali is walking in the back with Runjin Singh as we go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Great Khali versus Primo with AJ
Primo moves around Khali before they lock up. Khali blocks a few kicks and then he throws Primo to the mat. Primo is sent into the turnbuckles and Khali with kicks and then he connects with an elbow in the corner. Khali with a chop in the corner and Primo goes down. Primo holds on to the ropes and he goes to the floor. Primo starts to walk to the back but AJ convinces Primo to get back into the ring. Primo breaks the count and then he goes around the ring and hits Khali from behind. Khali grabs Primo but Primo kicks Khali to escape. Primo with a forearm into the corner. Khali with an elbow to a charging Primo and Primo goes down. Khali with a clothesline and then he hits the chop to the top of the head. Khali waits for Primo to get up and Khali with the choke slam for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know that WWE gives free tickets to members of the military?
We have a video package of Randy Orton giving everyone RKOs.
It is time for the Smackdown half of the show and your announcers are Matt Striker and Todd Grisham.
We go to the Undertaker/Kane video package.
We run through the card for Night of Champions.
Before our main event, Luke gets on the mic and he says that he is here to prove that he is his own man. Luke Gallows can and will stand on his own two feet and he will come out victorious. He says that he is going to make an example of ‘Your Party Hero’ MVP.
Porter asks Gallows if he was just called a party hero. Porter says that he is flattered because that means that he gets the party started. Porter raps for the fans and Gallows interrupts and says that this isn’t a rap concert. Porter tells Gallows that he needs to lighten up and have a good time. Porter says that Luke needs a makeover. He says that Luke needs a nickname. He thinks of one for Luke and comes up with ‘Big LG’. Porter says it isn’t the best, but it is better than what the guys call him in the back. He says ‘Big LG’ is better than ‘Big Dummy’. Porter says that one way or another, Luke will be straight up Ballin.
Match Number Three: Montel Vontavious Porter versus Luke Gallows
They lock up and Porter with a side head lock and Gallows escapes. Luke with a kick and side head lock. Gallows with a shoulder tackle and then Porter tries for a hip toss. Luke misses a clothesline and Porter with a drop toe hold and a running knee to the back of the head for a near fall. Porter with an Irish whip and then he hits a Chono kick that sends Gallows over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Porter with a cravate and Luke with punches. Porter gets sent to the apron and Gallows with a kick that knocks Porter to the floor. Gallows pushes Porter into the corner of the ringside barrier and then he returns Porter to the ring. Gallows with a few elbow drops and he gets a near fall. Gallows punches Porter in the head and then he mocks Porter’s ‘ballin’ gesture. Gallows with a suplex as he continues to work on Porter’s back. Gallows gets a near fall and then he puts Porter in an arm bar. Porter with punches to Gallows but Luke with a big boot and Porter crumples to the mat. Gallows with a splash and he gets a near fall. Gallows with an uppercut followed by an Irish whip into the corner. Gallows with a splash into the corner and then he gets another near fall. Gallows with a Japanese choke on Porter. Porter gets to his feet and he stomps on Gallows’ foot. Gallows with an Irish whip but Porter tries to float over and Gallows catches Porter and hits a power slam for a near fall. Gallows goes for the Ballin’ elbow of his own and he lands on Porter’s knees. Porter with punches to Gallows and an overhead belly-to-belly throw followed by clotheslines and a back elbow. Porter with an Exploder suplex and then he kicks Gallows and hits the Playmaker for the three count.
Winner: Montel Vontavious Porter
After the match, Porter offers his hand to Gallows and helps him up. Luke tries to punch Porter and he hits the Play of the Day. Then it is time for the Ballin’ Elbow.
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact on SpikeTV. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
We open this week's event with a video package recapping the Kurt Angle-Jeff Hardy match at No Surrender, during which Angle said he never even knew there was a 20 minute time limit. Neither did we, Kurt. Neither did we.
We start with Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy already in the ring, and they are soon joined by Eric Bischoff and the lady who almost makes Eric Bischoff segments bearable: ladies and gentlemen, Miss Tessmacher. He starts by congratulating Ken Anderson for making it to the finals of the tournament at Bound For Glory, and as for who his opponent will be, that is what Bischoff will address right now. After 24 years in the wrestling business, Bischoff has never seen a match as intense and hard fought as what these two did at No Surrender. He agrees with the crowd that it was awesome, and it's an honor to be in the ring with these guys, and asks the crowd to give it up for them one more time. The crowd obliges. Bischoff says that the problem they face now is that since there wasn't a winner between these two, we still need a TNA World Champion, so the main event of Bound For Glory will be Ken Anderson, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Hardy in a Three Way Dance. Wait, we're not done yet: Dixie Carter comes out from the back and said she just wants to take a moment to recognize that Kurt and Jeff gave it everything they have and they never let up (crowd starts a Thank You Both chant), and she says it was one of her favorite matches in TNA history, but she knows they weren't happy with the finish. Dixie says that a few weeks ago, Eric overruled her where Ric Flair was concerned, and now she's going to return the favor and overrule him. Tonight: Kurt Angle faces Jeff Hardy with no time limit, and the winner will face Ken Anderson at Bound For Glory.
We go backstage to the Pope, who is going to find Eric Bischoff because this is BS. He walks over to Kevin Nash and Sting and shares a handshake. Uh oh, what's that about?
Last week, a TNA camera crew caught up with Tommy Dreamer at a gas station in Yonkers and asked him what's next for EV2.0, and Tommy gets in his car and says it's time to go home, and that's all he has to say. He drives away.
Time for our opening match...
Kevin Nash vs Samoa Joe
Nash opens with a kneelift to the gut and pounds away at Joe, then works him over in the corner with elbows and kneelifts and Joe is flat on the mat early. Nash whips Joe to the ropes and Joe ducks a clothesline and nails him with a running boot, then drops him again with a clothesline. Joe whips Nash to the corner and follows in with a running forearm and an enziguiri, and Nash rolls to the floor. He pulls Joe out by the ankle and rams him into the ring apron, then continues beating him up around ringside. Joe fires back at Nash, but Sting attacks Joe from behind, Jeff Jarrett (who is in Joe's corner) runs over to make the save, and it turns into a big brawl at ringside and both men get counted out. I bet Dave Scherer loves this show already.
Double Countout
Security comes out and tries unsuccessfully to break the fight up as all four men continue brawling around ringside.
We go backstage to Madison Rayne and Tara with Lacey Von Erich, who is wearing nothing but a towel. Lacey says she hasn't made her decision yet, so Madison tells her not to hurt herself by thinking and get ready.
We go to Sting and Nash backstage, who say they're having fun and plan to continue having fun on 10-10-10.
Back to the ring for our next match...
X-Division Title Match: Doug Williams vs Jay Lethal
Hey, Jay Lethal still works here! Lethal earned this title shot by beating Williams on Xplosion, which nobody watches. Williams is mad and goes right after Lethal and they go toe to toe. Williams comes out on top, slams Lethal, and gets a kneedrop for 2. He whips Lethal to the corner, catches his boot on a charge, but Lethal hits the pendulum kick. Williams no sells and gets a salto for 2, then he HITS THE CHINLOCK! He quickly releases it and opts to kick him in the head instead, Lethal tries to fire back but Williams cracks him hard in the face and covers for 2, then whips Lethal hard into the corner and covers again for another 2, then goes to an abdominal stretch. Lethal gets out, but runs off the ropes into a back elbow from Williams, who follows that up with a snap suplex for 2. Williams dropkicks Lethal's knees out from under him and gets a bow and arrow, and he sets up for Chaos Theory but Lethal fights out. Williams gets backdropped to the apron, but nails Lethal and goes up top, but eats a dropkick coming off the top and both men are down. Lethal goes for a handspring elbow but Williams catches him and tries the Chaos Theory, Lethal blocks and hits the Lethal Combination and covers but only gets 2. Lethal goes for the Macho Man elbow, but takes too long and Williams moves, Williams goes for a second rope tornado DDT but Lethal shoves him off and hits the Lethal Injection for the win and the X-Division Title.
Winner and NEW X-Division Champion: Jay Lethal
Lethal goes out and celebrates in the crowd.
We go backstage to Abyss, who is dragging a body through the backstage area. Okay then.
Also backstage, Kurt Angle says that Jeff Hardy went the distance and proved himself to Angle. Hardy's great, but he's not a champion. Angle is a champion, and he's going to beat Hardy and then go on to Bound For Glory and become TNA World Champion.
Time for our next match...
Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: Taylor Wilde & Hamada vs Madison Rayne & Lacey Von Erich
Oh god, Lacey's starting. Taylor wrestles circles around her, then gets a hammerlock. Lacey manages to reverse to a headlock, but Taylor reverses to a headlock of her own. Lacey rams Taylor into her own corner, but eats boot on a charge and Hamada tags in and comes in with a top rope sunset flip for 2. Lacey tags out to Madison, who knees Hamada in the gut and pounds her down, then screams at Lacey and tags her back in so she can hit her stupid backflip elbow. She tries it a second time but Hamada moved out of the way, then slams Lacey and hits the top rope moonsault and Lacey seems to have forgotten to put her shoulder down so the ref can count, so he counts 2 anyway. Taylor tags in and hits a top rope crossbody for 2, and Madison yanks Taylor down by the hair from the outside and tags herself in. Madison with a three quarter nelson and rams knees into Taylor's face, then hits a running clothesline. Madison tags Lacey in and they hit the worst double suplex in history for 2, and Lacey HITS THE CHINLOCK! Taylor escapes with a chinbreaker and tags in Hamada, who kills Lacey with several running kicks and a headbutt, then tags in Taylor, who nails Madison off the apron, then the champs hit a double team rolling neckbreaker thingy for the win.
Winners: Taylor Wilde & Hamada
Madison comes in as the champs leave and she does not look happy. She starts screaming at Lacey and shoves her, so Lacey shoves Madison on her butt. Tara comes in and nails Lacey with the motorcycle helmet from behind. Suddenly the Beautiful People music hits and Angelina Love and Velvet Sky come trotting out to make the save, and Tara and Madison bail.
Still to come: Jeff Hardy vs Kurt Angle, but up next, Tommy Dreamer has a message for Fortune!
Backstage, Jeff Hardy said he was happy with the three way idea, but now he's got to beat Kurt Angle to advance to Bound For Glory, and if the boss says to work, he's going to go work.
We go back out to the Impact Zone, as Tommy Dreamer makes his way out to the ring and we see clips of the Dreamer-AJ Styles match from No Surrender. Tommy, uncharacteristically, is wearing a suit and tie. He says that EV2.0 is not here tonight, and asks Fortune for no tricks, but to just come out to the ring. Fortune, minus Douglas Williams, comes out and flashes the Fortune hand signal at him. Dreamer thanks them for coming out and says he's sick of seeing his friends get hurt, and wants to call a truce because when he first came here, he tried to make a difference, and this place is so damn special and Dreamer has a history with all of them and saw his company go away, and says that Fortune is the future of this company. If, one day, they can look at him in his shoes, this is his last chance and he's happy to contribute. This is the house that AJ built, but he's just looking for a place to call home. He tells Storm that never has someone gone from as much success as he had with America's Most Wanted and then exceeded that as part of Beer Money, and the only other guy who's done that is Stan Lane. He tells Kazarian that he got him his first job with WWE, but he left because he wasn't happy anymore, and what was bad for WWE worked out great for TNA, and he rembers the kid that came to the Boston shows when he was only in the business for six months, and if it weren't for this business he'd never have met his wife just like Tommy did. Tommy goes to Matt Morgan and says he remembers him when he was just a bouncer at a nightclub, and when he came to WWE, people said he could be the next Undertaker or Kane, but he came to TNA and proved that next time there's some big goofy kid there, he's going to be the next Matt Morgan. Tommy tells Bobby Roode that his tryout with WWE was against him, and when he offered Roode a WWE contract, he turned it down to stay with TNA because he believed in this place and he could help be a cornerstone with building this place. Tommy knows that Roode's favorite wrestlers growing up were Rick Rude and Curt Hennig, and both would look at Bobby Roode and say he's got it. He tells Flair that if he ever thought he'd be standing in a ring with Ric Flair, the one thing he'd ever say to him is thank you. He's seen Flair wrestle Steamboat and do one hour broadways, and he knows he doesn't get hardcore wrestling, but he wants to thank Flair because hardcore wrestling is all about hard work and giving it your all no matter what, and that makes Flair a hardcore wrestler. Flair calls himself the Dirtiest Player In The Game, but Dreamer says he IS the business, and the day Flair decides to never walk the aisle again, it will be the saddest day of all. And finally, to AJ Styles, he did something at the PPV that nobody else has ever done, and he didn't do it because Dreamer had a bad knee, he didn't do it by cheating, he made Dreamer quit because he was better than him. He helped Dreamer elevate his game and he is the best wrestler in the game today. The one thing he wants to do and was not able to do, and the reason he wanted to call Fortune out here for, was because he wanted to shake AJ's hand because AJ was better. AJ takes the mic from Dreamer and says that he can appreciate what Dreamer said about all of them because it takes a big man and that is commendable, and if there's one thing that can be said about Tommy Dreamer, he is all heart because he took a wrestling company in South Philadelphia and turned it into a revolution like no other. He never asked for respect, but he always seemed to get it, and with that being said, he has AJ's respect and he will shake his hand. AJ puts down the TV Title belt and tells Fortune to stay back, and shakes Tommy's hand. AJ says there's one last thing: in his 20 years of wrestling, how many other wrestlers ever made Dreamer say I Quit, then answers his own question: just one, AJ Styles. He doesn't need Dreamer's endorsement and he doesn't need his praise, and then he suckerpunches Dreamer and the entire group engages in an old school, Four Horsemen-style beatdown. Suddenly, Brian Kendrick comes running out and throws himself over Dreamer to save him from a further beating, but Fortune just kicks the crap out of him, too. AJ tosses Kendrick out to the floor and continues the beating on Dreamer, but Kendrick drags himself back in...and gets laid out again. Storm holds Dreamer up for AJ, who just clocks him with a stiff right hand and Dreamer goes down like a ton of bricks. Finally, security comes out to stop the beating and drag Dreamer and Kendrick to safety. AJ says if Dreamer wanted a truce, now he's got it. Fortune leaves, but Brian Kendrick grabs the mic and asks if anyone in Fortune is man enough to fight him now. They thrive on intimidation, but...whatever, he rambles about stuff. The point is that he's not afraid of Fortune, and he wants to know which of them if brave enough to fight him now. We'll find out if anyone will answer his challenge...after this!
Okay, we're back and looks like we have our match, already in progress...
Brian Kendrick vs Matt Morgan
Morgan rips Kendrick's head off with a clothesline, then follows that with a big boot and then mounts Kendrick and rains down punches. Morgan with a nasty kick to the ribs and then hits the rapid fire elbows in the corner. Morgan with a charging splash in the corner and a fallaway slam and goes for the cover, but pulls Kendrick up at 2. Morgan just flings Kendrick across the ring, but wastes time playing to the crowd, and Kendrick hits a running boot and covers Morgan for the win.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
Morgan grabs a mic and says that didn't count because he wasn't ready, and he wants the match stricken from his record and wants Kendrick back out here now. Kendrick doesn't come
Backstage, the Pope walks into Eric Bischoff's office and only finds Miss Tessmacher. She says Bischoff is in a very important meeting right now, so Pope invites Miss Tessmacher to his dressing room instead. She says she thinks she can squeeze him in, then bends over so we can see her boobs. This girl is great.
Backstage, Abyss has one victim chained to the ceiling and another one strapped to a platform. He tears the second guy's shirt off, and he says that Janice would never cheat on him, and you can't have Janice without love. He then pulls out a hot branding iron (which he has named Bob) that says 10-10-10 on it and uses it to brand the guy strapped to the platform.
Speaking of people Abyss has messed up, we've got Rob Van Dam on the phone. Mike asks him how the recovery is going, and RVD says that Abyss has set him back a bit and he's had to train hard to get back to where he was, and nobody knows how to take care of RVD better than RVD does. Taz asks RVD if he was upset about being stripped of the TNA World Title, and RVD says he wasn't happy about it, but he understood that TNA did what they have to do, and when he comes back he'll have to do what he'll have to do because, in his mind, he's still the champion. Tenay asks RVD if he knows when he'll be returning to TNA, and RVD says he feels good and he'll be back in the Impact Zone next week.
Generation Me come out to the ring looking very pleased with themselves. Nick asks if we saw what happened to RVD, and says that if a champion gets injured and can't defend his title within 30 days, the title gets relinquished. Matt says that after what they did to Alex Shelley at No Surrender, they don't think he's going to be around for quite some time. People have to realize that they are Generation Me, and they represent the Me Generation: it's all about us (meaning them). It took the Motor City Machine Guns about five years to finally just barely win the TNA World Tag Team Title, but Generation Me is not here to pay any dues, they know what they want and they always get what they want, and what they want is for Chris Sabin to come down to the ring and hand them THEIR TNA World Tag Team Title. Chris Sabin comes out by himself and gets in the ring and attacks Generation Me. As you might imagine...yep, there it is, the numbers are too much and Generation Me overwhelms Sabin and...we see Nick Jackson wearing a thong? Whatever, I won't judge. They put Sabin on the top rope and hit a double DDT, then Matt stands over Sabin while holding up the belt.
Up next: Jeff Hardy faces Kurt Angle to decide who will face Ken Anderson at Bound For Glory!
By the way, the Shore is coming on 10/7!
We have another video package hyping the Angle-Hardy match we're about to see, and then, it's main event time!
TNA World Title Tournament - Semifinals: Jeff Hardy vs Kurt Angle
They circle each other and tie up, Angle gets a duck under and takes Hardy to the corner and breaks clean. Hardy with a wristlock and changes it up into an armbar, but Angle armdrags out and gets an armbar of his own and Hardy makes the ropes for the break. Angle with a headlock, Hardy fires him into the ropes and Angle takes him down with a shoulderblock and then a side headlock takeover. Hardy gets to his feet and takes Angle to the corner, but instead of breaking clean he kicks Angle in the gut, beats him down, then runs him shoulder first into the ringpost and follows it up with a baseball slide to drive Angle into the post again. Hardy goes after Angle on the floor and rolls him back in and starts putting the boots to Angle. Hardy with a gourdbuster for 2, then he HITS THE CHINLOCK! Hardy fires forearms down at Angle's rib that he dislocated at No Surrender, but Angle elbows his way out of the chinlock, and Hardy tries a charge at Angle but Angle moves and Hardy sails through the ropes to the floor and the ref starts counting. Hardy makes it back to his feet and Angle with a slingshot dive over the top onto Hardy. Ken Anderson comes out from the back and sits down with Mike and Taz at ringside as we go to commercial.
We come back just as Hardy and Angle hit a double clothesline and both men are down. The referee starts their count as Dixie Carter sits and watches at ringside. Angle recovers first and nails Hardy with a couple of clotheslines and a backdrop. Anderson is with Mike and Taz in the booth and Taz asks him who he'd rather face, to which Anderson says both of them and neither of them. Angle with an overhead belly to belly suplex on Hardy and then goes for the Angle Slam, but Hardy escapes and hits the Twist Of Fate for 2. Hardy slowly goes to the top and tries a dive, but Angle runs underneath Hardy and hits a moonsault, coming down on his head but covering Hardy for 2 anyway. He pulls the straps down as he begins bleeding hardway as he hooks the Ankle Lock on Hardy. Hardy tries to mule kick his way out, but Angle holds on, but Hardy successfully kicks Angle off the second time and hits another spinning kick, then goes up top and hits the Swanton for a very close 2. Hardy goes up top for the Whisper In The Wind, but Angle moves and Hardy wipes out the referee. Hardy checks on the ref, so Angle comes from behind and hits the Angle Slam as a second referee slides in and counts another close 2. Angle with a second Angle Slam, and Hardy kicks out at 2 again. Angle picks Hardy up and brings him to the corner and starts unloading with hard right hands and...the show is off the air. The match rolls over into Reaction.
Okay, guess we're going into overtime. Angle with a bodyscissors on Hardy, but Hardy regains his feet and fights his way out. He comes off the ropes and runs right into a knee to the midsection from Angle. Angle HITS THE CHINLOCK, but Hardy fights out again and starts hitting running forearms on Angle, followed by a springboard dropkick for 2. Hardy clotheslines Angle to the floor and goes out after him, ramming Angle repeatedly into the ring apron and then rolls him back into the ring. Hardy tries a wild swing, but Angle ducks under and hits the Rolling Germans, hitting five before finally covering and getting...that's right, a 2 count. Angle goes up top and tries a flying headbutt, but Hardy moves and goes for the Twist Of Fate but Angle slips out, rolls Hardy to the mat, and catches him in the Ankle Lock again as the second ref revives. Angle changes it up to a heel hook and cranks back on it so far that not only are Hardy's shoulders down from the pain, but Angle's as well. Each ref counts one man's shoulders down to the mat, and it looks like we have another inconclusive finish. Dixie Carter is standing at ringside looking perplexed, and Eric Bischoff comes out to sort this out as we go to commercial.
We're back and Dixie and Bischoff are talking it over at ringside, and then Bischoff gets in the ring with a mic and says that he's never seen two competitors who have given it all like they did, and both of them deserve a shot at the World Title, so right now he's going to book the same three way we started with at the beginning of this show. Angle and Hardy share a moment and a hug, and then head to the back. Okay, as far as I'm concerned, we're done. Call it...
Double Pin
That's it, we're off the air. Thanks for reading, and see you all back here next week!
2011 - Dwayne Johnson announced he would be returning to the ring at the 2011 WWE Survivor Series to team with John Cena.
2011 - Claudio Castagnoli officially signed a WWE developmental deal reported to Florida Championship Wrestling as Antonio Cesaro aka the current WWE United States champion.
2011 - The following press release was issued tonight:
Former NWA President Announces Formation of New Wrestling Company
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Former National Wrestling Alliance President Howard T. Brody, former NWA World Tag Team Champion Larry Brannon (a.k.a. Vito DeNucci) and longtime pro wrestling supporter and Fortune 500 business executive Paul Jones, today announced the formation of a new wrestling company – Ring Warriors, LLC.
Based in South Florida, the plan for the new organization is to run shows across the Sunshine State and throughout parts of the Caribbean under the “Ring Warriors” banner. Their inaugural event is scheduled to take place mid-November with an announcement outlining the details forthcoming.
Jones, who has held positions as a corporate executive in the financial and loss prevention sectors for some of the largest retail and Web based companies in the world during the past 25 years, will serve as Ring Warriors Chief Executive Officer and will oversee all aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations including corporate and legal issues, financial resources, licensing and merchandising.
Brody, who served as NWA president from October 1996 to October 2001, will hold the position of Ring Warriors Chief Operations Officer (Business) and will oversee all aspects of the company’s live events, promotions, sponsorships, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications and all electronic mediums including the Web.
Brannon, a three-time NWA world tag team champion who has owned and/or managed several companies in a variety of customer-facing industries, will serve as Ring Warriors Chief Operations Officer (Talent) and will be responsible for finding and booking talent, matchmaking, creating and writing storylines and executing the creative direction of the company in a strategic manner.
While the short term plan is to run one to two high-profile Ring Warriors events each month, the company would like to expand that to 6 or 8 events each month, with the ultimate goal of producing a weekly television program sometime during the next 12 to 18 months.
It should be noted that the “Ring Warriors” name is not a new one. In the early 1990s Brody was a business partner with the late wrestling great Hiro Matsuda and together they created an Americanized version of New Japan Pro Wrestling for television called “Ring Warriors.” In a relatively short period of time, the Ring Warriors brand became the most successful pro wrestling television brand across the European continent and throughout parts of Asia and Africa, drawing more viewers than either World Championship Wrestling or the World Wrestling Federation. While the goal of Ring Warriors was to eventually create a U.S.-based promotion with the same philosophy and style as what was presented on TV, Matsuda passed away before that goal was realized. Brody, Brannon and Jones intend for this incarnation of Ring Warriors to realize that goal.
To learn more about Ring Warriors, visit them online at http://www.ringwarriors.net.
2011 - WWE broadcasts Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and your announcers are Michael ‘Dunkin Donuts is better than Tim Horton’s’ Cole, Josh ‘Why couldn’t I have done the main event of NXT this week’ Mathews, and Booker ‘On the Edge of Night of Champions’ T.
We begin with the man who retired five months ago, Edge, and he makes his way to the ring and he has his pyro. We are reminded that Edge will be hosting The Cutting Edge with his guests Randy Orton and Mark Henry.
Edge says that he misses that. Even if this never happens again and it is a one time occurrence, it feels good to stand in a WWE ring again. Edge says that he will do it one better because it feels good to be back in his home town of Toronto. Since he was forced to retire, he has done some cool things like be on a television show. It doesn’t mean that he doesn’t miss doing this. He misses getting in here and having a twenty minute wrestling match. He misses the friendships from the locker room. He misses that his theme music and pyro doesn’t go off when he walks into a room now.
Edge says that this is going to get a little cheesy, but he misses the fans. He says that he will be hosting The Cutting Edge later on and his guests will be the World’s Strongest Man Mark Henry and the World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton. Edge says that he knows both guys really well so he won’t pull any punches and he will ask the tough questions. However, that is later tonight.
Before Edge can continue, he is interrupted by Cody Rhodes’ music. Cody says that he will give credit where credit is due. He thought that Edge would have pontificated on his appearance on Haven that will air after Smackdown ends tonight. He says that would be appropriate for the Ultimate Opportunist. Cody says that it sounds like Edge is sucking up to these people.
Cody says that he thought Edge was above that, but maybe not. Maybe Edge is just like all of these blank and hopeless faces that are in need of paper bags.
Edge says that maybe Cody should quit bitching and moaning about injuries and finally start accepting the blame. He tells Cody to look in the mirror.
Cody says that it sounds like Edge is a little bitter. Cody says that the last time he saw Edge, he was triumphant at Wrestlemania as the World Heavyweight Champion while Cody says that he wallowed in tragedy at his blemished exterior. Cody says that he went on to become the Intercontinental Champion. He went on to dispose of the weak minded Ted DiBiase. Then on Monday night, he went on to beat Randy Orton on Raw. Cody asks Edge who is the triumphant one now?
Cody says that makes Edge the tragedy. Cody takes a bag from Bag Man Number One while the crowd chants ‘spear’. Cody hands Edge a bag and he says that he knows that Edge will not place it over his head. He tells Edge to go home and place it on his mantle in his office as a reminder of what Smackdown has become. It is the home of the new face of Smackdown . . . the Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes.
Edge looks at the bag and then he thanks Cody for the offer and how he appreciates. If Cody is the new face of Smackdown, he says that he thinks the show deserves it more than him.
Cody says that what Edge just said doesn’t make sense.
Edge responds by saying that he cannot believe that the American Dream Dusty Rhodes sired someone like Cody. He says that since he thinks Cody is going to keep talking, he is going to leave the ring because if he doesn’t, he is going to fall asleep.
Edge leaves and Cody demands that Edge’s music be cut off and that Edge come back. Cody says that Edge is not better than him and no one in the crowd is better than him. Cody says that he is going to enhance everyone’s lives by handing out paper bags. Someone with a paper bag over his head attacks Cody and the person takes off the bag and the Booker Storm Alert goes off because it is Ted DiBiase. Ted attacks Cody and they go into the ring. Ted hits Dream Street on Cody and then he demands that one of the Bag Men give him a bag. They refuse and Ted punches one of them and he takes a bag and he wants to put it on Cody’s head but Cody is able to get out of the ring and head up the ramp with his title belt.
Daniel Bryan and Sin Cara are walking in the back in split screen since they are wrestling next.
We are back and we see the changes to Sin Cara that we have missed due to the mood lighting during Cara’s matches.
Match Number One: Sin Cara versus Daniel Bryan
Bryan shows a lot of aggression at the start of the match and he hits a drop kick into the corner and then Bryan punches Cara. Bryan with kicks followed by a European uppercut and then he chokes Bryan. Bryan with an Irish whip and Cara goes to the apron. Bryan with a forearm that knocks Cara off the apron. Cara comes back into the ring and he hits Bryan with a drop kick to the knees.
Cara with kicks to Bryan and he works on the wrist and then he hits an atomic drop to the knee and then he kicks Bryan in the leg. Cara with another kick to the left leg and then he sends Bryan over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Cara with an Indian Death Lock but Bryan with punches and forearms to Cara to get out of the hold. Cara returns to the injured leg and then he connects with a drop kick to the head. Cara chatges into the corner and Bryan sends him to the apron. Cara sends Bryan into the turnbuckles and then he hits the springboard head butt to get a near fall.
Bryan kicks Cara into the ropes and Cara tries for a quebrada but Bryan gets his feet up. Bryan with punches to Cara but Cara with a kick to the leg to stop him. Bryan with a slap and kicks to Cara and Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with kicks to Cara in the corner and then he puts Cara on the top turnbuckle but Cara crotches Bryan and puts him in the tree of woe. Cara with kicks to Bryan and the referee warns Cara but he does not stop the attack before the referee gets to five and he disqualifies Sin Cara.
Winner: Daniel Bryan by disqualification
After the match, Cara does not realize what has happened so he hits a baseball slide to Bryan in the corner.
The pyro goes off and Sin Cara’s music plays and Sin Cara is on the stage . . . while Sin Cara is in the ring.
Sin Cara makes his way into the ring as only Sin Cara does and he stands face to face with Sin Cara. They circle each other and then they play off the crowd and one of the Caras gets a better reaction than the other. The Sin Cara who wrestled has already done enough tonight so he leaves the ring and goes up the ramp.
The announcers try to figure out who the real Sin Cara is.
We go to footage from two weeks ago when Mark Henry attacked Randy Orton after Orton’s steel cage match with Christian.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Teddy Long is in his office with his assistant Zack Ryder. Zack brings up the fact that it is unlikely that Orton and Henry will be able to be in the ring together without doing anything physical. Zack reminds Teddy that Mark laid him out last week and he didn’t do anything.
Teddy says that he has invoked the ‘No Contact Rule’ so if there is any physicality during The Cutting Edge tonight, the match is off on Sunday. Teddy tells Zack ‘woo woo woo . . . don’t blow it’ as Ryder leaves.
The sultry music plays and Teddy’s blood pressure rises when Aksana enters the room. Aksana tells Teddy that she what Teddy is doing. Teddy tells Aksana that he just wants Zack to take responsibility. Aksana says that in her country she has the responsibility of helping people out who work hard by giving them a massage. She asks Teddy if he would like a massage and Teddy says that he will take a quick one. Aksana starts to give Teddy a massage and then she has Teddy bend over and they appear to be in a potentially compromising position when Trish Stratus enters. Aksana says that it was just a massage and she leaves.
Teddy stammers for a few seconds and he tells Trish that it isn’t what she thinks. Teddy says that it is a little awkward now and Trish decides to leave.
Match Number Two: AJ Lee with Kaitlyn versus Beth Phoenix with Natalya
They lock up and Beth backs AJ into the corenr and she makes AJ flinch. AJ avoids Beth and AJ with a kick to the knee. AJ tries for a wheelbarrow move but Beth turns it into a belly-to-back suplex. Beth presses AJ over her head and then drops her to the mat and kicks AJ in the ribs. AJ with a shot to the midsection and a kick but Beth with a kick of her own and AJ goes down. Natalya tells Beth to finish her and Beth hits the Glam Slam for the three count.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
After the match, Kaitlyn checks on AJ and pulls her out of the ring while Beth takes the mic. She tells Kelly that the clock will strike midnight on Sunday. All of the Cinderellas and her will have a very unhappy ending to their little fairy tale.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see a video package for Sheamus.
Edge and Trish are standing in the back and they are talking about yoga. Christian stops by and he points out that is nice to see Trish around when she has something to sell. He says that he is glad that him and Edge are back together again. Edge mentions some of the missed phone calls after SummerSlam. Christian says that maybe Edge cost him the World Championship, but Edge was speaking his mind. Christian wants a hug and he gets it. He says that since Edge is hosting The Cutting Edge, maybe Edge could do him a favor and ask Teddy Long for one more match for Christian for the World Title. Christian reminds Edge that he was in his corner and helped him walk out of Wrestlemania as the champion. Christian walks away.
Zack Ryder stops by and he wants Edge to tells Mark and Randy that there is ‘No Contact’ during The Cutting Edge. Zack runs away letting out a woo woo woo and Trish wonders if that was the Internet Champion.
We see footage from last week when Sheamus was attacked by Christian during his match with Wade Barrett only to see Sheamus fight off both men.
Before the match starts, Sheamus offers Barrett and Christian some pleasantries. He tells Christian that he cannot think of anything nice to say because every time he looks at his face, he sees a horse’s arse. He says that Barrett is about as thick as a bag of cow manure, but only half as useful.
He says that he chose Justin Gabriel to be his tag team partner because he couldn’t find the Axe and he couldn’t find the Smasher. Since he couldn’t find Demolition, he found the 450 Splasher.
Match Number Three: Wade Barrett and Christian versus Sheamus and Justin Gabriel
Barrett and Gabriel start things off and Gabriel tries for a drop toe hold but Barrett stays on his feet. Barrett with a punch but he misses an elbow drop and Gabriel with a successful drop toe hold. Gabriel with an arm bar and Barrett tries for a hip toss but Gabriel lands on his feet and he takes Barrett down with a leg sweep and he gets a near fall.
Gabriel works on the wrist but Barrett with punches. Barrett sends Gabriel to the apron and Gabriel fights off Barrett and he keeps Christian at bay. Gabriel leaps over Barrett but Barrett with the Blackpool Slam for a near fall. Christian tags in and he kicks Gabriel and he punches him.
Christian with more punches to Gabriel and the referee warns him. Christian chokes Gabriel with his boot and he tries for a suplex but Gabriel blocks it and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Christian with a clothesline and he gets a near fall.
Barrett tags in and he kicks Gabriel and he tries for another suplex and Gabriel with another inside cradle for a near fall. Barrett with a clothesline for a near fall. Barrett with a rear chin lock and then he turns it into a reverse chin lock. Gabriel gets to his feet and Gabriel with a punch and kicks. Barrett avoids a spin kick and he tosses Gabriel high into the air and gets a near fall.
Christian tags back in and he punches Gabriel. Gabriel with kicks to Christian but Christian with a kick and punch that stops Gabriel. Christian with a hard Irish whip and then Christian draws Sheamus into the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett kicks Gabriel and then Barrett with an Irish whip and back breaker for a near fall. Barrett punches Gabriel and the referee warns him. Barrett with a kick to the head and Christian is tagged back in. Christian with a kick to the midsection followed by an Irish whip but Christian misses a charge into the corner. Gabriel with an STO and both men are down.
Sheamus and Barrett are tagged back in and Sheamus with a running double sledge to Barrett. Sheamus runs into boots from Barrett in the corner but Sheamus with a power slam. Sheamus follows that with a running knee lift. Sheamus goes up top but Christian distracts Sheamus long enough to stop his progress. Sheamus head butts Barrett off the turnbuckles and Sheamus hits the flying shoulder tackle on Barrett. Christian tries to interfere and Sheamus has things under control and tries for the Celtic Cross but Christian gets away. Sheamus clotheslines Christian over the top rope to the floor.
Barrett gets Sheamus up for Wasteland but Sheamus gets out of the hold and he hits a Brogue Kick. Sheamus tags in Gabriel and he hits the 450 Splash for the three count.
Winners: Sheamus and Justin Gabriel
After the match, Christian tries to sneak up on Sheamus but Sheamus senses Christian trying to do something. Christian has second thoughts on an attack. Sheamus wants Christian to come into the ring but Christian goes up the ramp and to the back.
We take a look back at what Mark Henry did last week to Randy Orton.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see highlights from last week when Great Khali had enough of Jinder Mahal.
Match Number Four: Great Khali versus Heath Slater
Slater tries to figure out his strategy and he kicks Khali in the leg and then he punches Khali. Khali with a chop to the top of the head. Jinder Mahal makes his way to the ring with a mic and he yells at Khali in Hindi. Khali chops Slater in the chest and then the head.
Khali gets distracted by Mahal and Slater attacks Khali from behind but Khali grabs Slater for the choke slam. Mahal comes into the ring and he attacks Khali from behind and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Great Khali by disqualification
After the match, Slater and Mahal attack Khali. Slater punches Khali but Khali with an elbow to Mahal and a boot for Slater. Khali with a chop to Mahal and then Slater saves Mahal from a choke slam. Khali chops Slater in the head while Mahal goes to the floor. Khali gives Slater a choke slam.
We go to commercial.
Before our next match, R Truth has his new rap song and it is titled ‘You Suck’ and he is joined by Miz.
Match Number Five: Evan Bourne with Kofi Kingston versus R Truth with Miz
Truth with a kick and forearms but Bourne with an Irish whip and he runs into a boot from Truth. Truth with a boot to Bourne on the apron. They return to the ring and Truth with a near fall. Truth with a reverse chin lock but Bourne makes it to his feet. Truth with a forearm to stop Bourne. Truth tries for a suplex but Bourne with a knee to the head and Bourne with a knee for a near fall. Truth with a split but Bourne with a kick. Bourne with a head scissors take down that drives Truth’s head into the mat.
Bourne goes up top for the Shooting Star Press but Truth moves out of the way. Bourne lands on his feet but Truth with a kick to the back of the leg followed by Shut Up for the three count.
Winner: R Truth
It is time to continue the Mark Henry on the rampage videos and we see what Mark Henry did on Raw after Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton.
We go to commercial with Edge walking in the back.
Edge is in the ring and he says that earlier tonight, Cody Rhodes said that Edge was pandering for being happy to be back in a WWE ring and in front of the fans. What the Phantom of the Opera doesn’t realize is how much Toronto means to him. He was in the crowd at Wrestlemania 6 when the Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan. This is the city where he won his first championship in the WWE. He knows how championships should be revered. He is excited to have his guests on The Cutting Edge. He brings out the challenger first, Mark Henry. Out next is the current World Champion, Randy Orton.
Edge reminds both men about the ‘No Contact’ rule during this segment. Edge says that he wasn’t going to pull any punches so he asks Randy if he thinks it is a good deal that there is no physical contact tonight because of what Mark has done lately. Edge points out that Henry has done things to Randy that no one else has done. He asks Randy if he thinks he can beat Mark on Sunday.
Randy agrees that a lot of people have been demolished by Mark Henry. The only times that Mark decides to get physical are after he is done with a match. He says that Mark hasn’t proven anything to him. Maybe Mark knows the reason why he has never won the big one because his best isn’t good enough. Orton says that he doesn’t think he can beat Mark Henry, he knows that he can.
Edge tells Mark that what Randy is saying is the truth. Edge says that Mark’s career has been kind of disappointing. Edge says that he started in the WWE in 1998 and Mark was already a veteran. Edge mentions that Mark has never won the WWE Championship or World Championship. He says that Mark should be one of the most decorated wrestlers because of his size. Some might say it is because of fluke losses or injuries, but Edge suggests that it might be that Mark doesn’t have the ability to get to that next level.
Mark tells Edge that the only reason he is going to let Edge walk out of the ring on his own power is because Edge is right. He has seen men smaller than him become champion. He has seen people weaker than him become champion. He has seen Randy Orton become champion over and over again. People tell Mark to go out there and smile and show that personality. Mark tells Randy that he is done smiling. He is done showing personality. He is here to destroy and take what Orton has. Fifteen years he has come out here to show what he can do and it hasn’t worked. It has taken him fifteen years to get here. On Sunday, he will become the World Champion.
Randy tells Mark that their match on Sunday will be symbolic of Mark’s career. He may look impressive and he might come close, but in the end he will be the fifteen year, four hundred pound, World’s Strongest Failure.
Mark drops his mic and Orton does as well. Edge tells Mark and Randy that this is where he has to remind them about the ‘No Contact’ rule while moving the stools out of the way. Edge leaves the ring and he says that the Cutting Edge is officially over.
Orton and Henry with punches while Teddy Long calls for wrestlers to break things up. They separate Mark and Randy but Mark pushes everyone off of him. The wrestlers hold Henry back and Orton leaps on the pile. Orton gets in some shots before the wrestlers hold Orton back.
Henry struggles to get back to his feet. Orton tries for an RKO but Henry was playing possum and he gives Orton the World’s Strongest Slam. The other wrestlers try to stop Henry and they get punched for their troubles. Henry throws JTG to the floor. Henry with a punch to Johnny Curtis. Henry with a splash onto Orton. Henry throws Johnny Curtis to the floor and then he does the same to Zack Ryder. Henry with another splash to Orton.
Teddy tells Mark that is enough and Mark yells at Teddy that he doesn’t tell him what to do. Henry throws Trent Barreta over the top rope to the floor. Henry knocks Derrick Bateman and Jey Uso down. Henry picks up Orton and hits another World’s Strongest Slam. Mark makes his way over to the World Title Belt and he picks it up.
Henry stands over Orton and he holds the belt over his head as we go to credits.
2012 - CHIKARA held the King of Trios 2013 Night Three in Easton, PA. Joshua Higham filed the following live report:
King of Trios Night 3
September 16, 2012
Easton, PA
King of Trios Seminfinals: Team Ring of Honor def. the Sendai Girls and advances to the finals after a More Bang for your Buck.
King of Trios Semifinals: The Spectral Envoy def. FIST after a Cosmic Doom from Ultramantis Black on Gargano.
Ophidian defeats Saturyne with the Ophidian Death Grip.
Ten Team Tag Gauntlet:
Green Ant and Fire Ant def. Jakob Hammermeier and Tim Donst when Green Ant caught Jakob after a superplex.
Devastation Corporation with Sidney Bakabella def. The Colony with Death Blow.
Devastation Corporation def. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel with Death Blow.
Devastation Corporation def. Knight Eye for the Pirate Guy, after Lance Steel’s crossbody block was caught.
Devastation Corporation def. Johnny Miyagi and Ralph Macchio Jr. with a Death Blow.
Demolition def. Devastation Corporation with a variation of the Hart Attack.
Powers of Pain def. Demolition after a big boot from Barbarian on Smash.
123 Kid and Marty Jannetty def. Powers of Pain after a spinning heel kick/schoolboy combination on Warlord.
123 Kid and Marty Jannetty def. Los Ice Creams with a suplex/crossbody combination.
123 Kid and Marty Jannetty now have two points toward Campeonatos de Parejas contention.
Intermission
Ebessan, Takoyakido, and 3.0 def. Colt Cabana, Darkness Crabtree, Swamp Monster, and Yohnel Sanders (accompanied by Chuck Taylor, Orange Cassidy, and Drew Gulak) when Takoyakido pinned Darkness Crabtree. Pure silliness but a ton of fun.
Tsubasa Kuragaki and Commando Bolshoi def Kaori Yoneyama and Manami Toyota when Kuragaki pinned Yoneyama after a razors edge/dominator variation.
Tadasuke def. Jigsaw by knockout after a piledriver and two right hands.
King of Trios Finals: Spectral Envoy def. Team Ring of Honor when Hallowicked made Bennett tap out to the Chikara Special to win the 2012 King of Trios. This is the first honor Ultramantis Black has won in his Chikara career. The Batiri, Ophidian, and Delirious tried to interfere but Crossbones helped keep them at bay.
2012 - WWE held their 2012 Night of Champions PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of WWE Night of Champions from Boston, MA!
Matt Striker and Scott Stanford are the pre-show hosts.
Backstage, Booker T was interviewed. He said he takes the prestige of the World title seriously but he also takes the safety of the wrestlers important, so right now, the Brogue Kick is banned.
Battle Royal: Brodus Clay, Epico, Primo, Tensai, Zack Ryder, The Primetime Players, Jinder Mahal, JTG, Tyson Kidd, Drew McIntyre, Ted DiBiase, Heath Slater, Santino Marella
The winner gets the U.S. title shot. Heath Slater started dancing and everyone tossed him over. Tensai backdropped DiBiase over to the floor. Clay tossed over Epico and Mahal. He then tossed JTG over the top onto them.
Tyson Kidd had a flurry of moved before being caught and powerbombed over the top into the eliminated talents on the floor. Tensai and Clay, the biggest men in the match, began slugging it out in the center after double shoulderblocking Marella down.
Clay was tossed over by Tensai. Santino faked a Cobra to knock JTG off the apron. Ryder tossed out McIntyre. Marella pulled out the Cobra and drilled Tensai and Darren Young with it. He tried to pin them, because, well, he's an idiot. Young triedto dead lift Young out but Titus O'Neal dumped him.
The Players worked over Tensai who was still down on the floor. They turned their attention to Ryder who ducked down and pulled the ropes on O'Neal, sending him to the floor. He battled Young and Tensai dumped them both.
Ryder held on and pulled himself back in. He went for the Rough Ryder but Tensai caught him and attempted the powerbomb. Ryder turned it into a rana over the ropes and eliminated Tensai to win.
Your winner, Zack Ryder!
Josh Matthews interviewed Zack Ryder, who dropped his catchphrase and promised to win.
Short but entertaining battle royal.
Josh Matthews tried to get an interview with WWE champion CM Punk but he wouldn't come out. Paul Heyman walked into the room and blew off Matthews.
PPV
The PPV opened with Michael Cole alone. He said they had fantastic news about Jerry Lawler, explaining the medical emergency on Lawler and that his life was saved. Cole announced Lawler will be going home to Memphis this week.
They introduced JBL as replacing Lawler on commentary.
WWE Intercontinental champion The Miz vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara vs. Cody Rhodes
Miz cut a promo on the way to the ring, saying that tonight is supposed to be all about him but Booker booked him into a Four Way. He complained he's the only champion who has to defend against three men. He said it filing an official complaint and will not stop until his voice is heard. Rey's music cut him off.
All four battled in the ring to start the match. Cara and Rey hit some flashy moves to clear their adversaries and faced off. Before they could wrestle, Miz pulled Rey out of the ring and Rhodes nailed Cara from behind. Miz and Cody took turns working over Cara before double teaming him. Cara made his own comeback and used some Lucha armdrags.
Mysterio returned and took out Rhodes, facing off again with Cara. Cara and Rey drilled each other with kicks. Cara caught him with a rana. Rey came back with a rana out of a Toture Rack position but Rhodes attacked him to break up the pinfall.
Rhodes and Cara partnered off with Rhodes nailing a gourd buster. Miz worked over Rey. Miz caught Rhodes going for the pin and went after him. Rhodes dropped down and punched Miz. Rhodes missed the Disaster Kick. Miz nailed a backbreaker and went for a neckbreaker but was sent into the ropes. Rhodes charged but was backdropped off the ropes. Rey rolled up Miz. Cara rolled up Rey.
Miz was caught in a kick sandwich between Rey and Cara before they turned their attention to each other. Rey went to the top but Cara jumped up and nailed a kick, stunning him. He went for a superplex but Rhodes pulled him off and nailed the Disaster Kick for a two count. There was a "Let's go Cody" chant.
Rhodes went for a superplex but Miz slipped under for a powerbomb, doing a Tower of Doom spot. Miz and Rey battled back and forth. Miz caught him with a DDT for a two count.
They all battled to the outside. Rey used a rana to send Rhodes into the rail then hit a Thesz Press off the apron onto Rhodes on the floor. Rey nailed an Arabian Press on Miz for a two count, but Rhodes returned to break up the pin. Mysterio went for a wheelbarrow takedown but Rhodes slammed him down face-first.
Miz tossed Cara into the post shoulderfirst. He went for the Skull Crushing Finale but Rey slipped out and nailed Cody and Miz with a 619. Rhodes moved and Miz ate it. Rey nailed a splash off the top but Cody broke it up and covered him. Cara broke it up and went back and forth with Rhodes. Rhodes tried to rip off his mask but Rey made the save.
Rey was tossed to the outside but Cara drilled Cody with a kick. Cara pulled out a mask to place on Rhodes' face. Miz attacked him and went for the powerbomb in the corner. Cara put the mask on him instead and turned it into a rana. Rhodes nailed the Cross Rhodes on Cara but Miz grabbed him, blindly and nailed the Skull Crushing Finale for the pin.
Your winner and still Intercontinental champion, The Miz.
JBL said Miz won the belt blindfolded. He also referred to Sin Cara and Rey as former AAA champions. We may be in for a long night.
Backstage, the Primetime Players were complaining about not being on the PPV. There was a commotion and it was Kaitlyn having been laid out by someone from behind, Nancy Kerrigan style. She whined this was her chance to compete but it was really her chance to do some really bad acting. Eve and a trainer told her they needed to get her ankle treated and walked her off.
Real good opener.
Backstage, the Primetime Players were complaining about not being on the PPV. There was a commotion and it was Kaitlyn having been laid out by someone from behind, Nancy Kerrigan style. She whined this was her chance to compete but it was really her chance to do some really bad acting. Eve and a trainer told her they needed to get her ankle treated and walked her off.
WWE Tag Team champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. Daniel Bryan & Kane
JBL noted people were "mocking this champion" in regard to Daniel Bryan.
Kane and Bryan argued over who would start. Kane and Truth kicked it off. The storyline is that Kane and Bryan were trying to out-do the other to show how it was done. Bryan tagged Truth with a bunch of kicks but was caught in an armdrag. Kingston tagged in and bodypressed Bryan for a two count.
Kingston nailed Bryan with a kick. The announcers name checked the Bashams as former champions. Kane tagged in and manhandled Truth in the corner. Bryan tagged back in and came off the ropes with an elbow. He nailed Truth with a series of kicks to the chest, culminating with a dropkick.
Kane tagged in and got into it with Bryan after they collided. Kane was bleeding from the nose. Bryan calmed him down and asked Kane to hug it out. They hugged it out. Bryan went after Truth but was kicked off and Kingston made the save.
Kofi hit some hot offense including some nice dropkicks. Kingston nailed the Boom Drop. Kane and Bryan ended up on the outside and argued, allowing Kingston to nail a dive.
Back in the ring, Bryan locked in the No Lock but Truth broke it up. Kane grabbed Truth and slammed him into the apron. Bryan hit a running dropkick in the corner on Kingston. Kane tagged himself in against Bryan's wishes and went to the ropes. Kingston went for a rana off the top but Bryan held onto his leg.
An angry Bryan nailed him own partner, then shoved him off the ropes. Kane crashed down on Kingston and pinned him.
Your winners and new WWE Tag Team champions, Kane and Daniel Bryan!
Decent match. The gimmick where Bryan and Kane are partners who don't like each other is getting over based on the reactions on Raw and tonight. It's an entertaining undercard deal.
After the match, they faced off and showed the other their title belts, taking credit for the win. They argued over which of them was the Tag Team champions. Kane threw fire and it went off late. Whoops!
Backstage, Teddy Long and Booker T were watching the monitors and said business just picked up. Eve updated them and said that Kaitlyn was too hurt to compete. Booker said he would make it right for her and give her a shot down the line. Long noted that they needed to have a title shot Eve said no one else had earned a shot. Booker told her that she had and gave it to her. Eve was very thankful and humble about the situation. Long, having history with Eve, realized something was probably amiss but didn't speak his mind, looking concerned instead.
They pushed that they were partnering with the Susan G. Komen foundation to raise money for the battle against Breast Cancer. For more, visit www.komen.org/wwe. The middle ring rope will be pink all this month in honor of breast cancer awareness month.
WWE United States champion Antonio Cesaro vs. Zack Ryder
Zack Ryder hit a flapjack early but Cesaro came back with a Stun Gun. Cesaro locked in a rear chinlock. Cesaro launched Ryder into the ropes and nailed a clothesline for a two count.
Cesaro hit several suplex combinations for near falls. Cesaro drilled him with a big European uppercut after sending Ryder into the air. He locked in a hanging neckbreaker. Ryder slipped out and nailed a Facebuster, then drilled Cesaro with a back elbow.
Cesaro tried to kick off a charge but Ryder saw it coming and rolled him up for a two. Ryder scored another two count after a missile dropkick. Cesaro fired back with a shot to the mid-section but Ryder caught him with a hangman's neckbreaker for another two count
Cesaro ran Ryder into the buckles and ascended to the top. Ryder cut him off and nailed a rana. He called for the Broski Boot but Aksana pulled Cesaro away from the corner. Ryder chased him back into the ring but was nailed with an uppercut and hit with the cradle piledriver for the pin.
Your winner and still champion, Antonio Cesaro!
Good match.
Backstage, Alberto Del Rio and David Otunga were talking strategy when Ricardo showed up without his neck brace. He said his neck was feeling better and they reamed him out for not wearing the brace. Basically the idea was that Ricardo was being bullied into pretending he was hurt worse than he was.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Randy Orton.
They locked up and Ziggler backed Orton into the corner. They muscled each other around the ring trying to gain an advantage. Ziggler shoulderblocked Orton and then ran the ropes but stopped when he saw Orton was preparing to nail him.
They locked up again and Orton grabbed a side headlock. Ziggler shot him into the ropes but was shoulderblocked down. Orton was leapfrogged by Ziggler but still caught him with a right hand. Orton began using the Garvin Stomp and nailed a series of uppercuts.
Ziggler dropped Orton throat-first into the ropes and nailed a dropkick for a two count, then used his boot to choke out Orton in the corner. Orton kicked Orton and nailed a neckbreaker for a two count.
Ziggler beat down Orton with a series of punches and elbows across the back. Orton fired back and caught Ziggler with a backbreaker. Orton nailed a series of clotheslines and a snap powerslam. Ziggler rolled to the outside, where Orton went for the hanging DDT. Ziggler escaped and nailed a dropkick to the knee. Ziggler went for the Famouser but Orton just caught him and slammed him down for a two count.
Orton placed Ziggler on the top rope and nailed him with a series of rights. He set up for a superplex but Ziggler fired back with shots to the mid-section and shoved Orton into the ring. Ziggler nailed a missile dropkick as dueling chants for Ziggler and Orton started in the crowd.
They battled back and forth with a series of shots. Ziggler jumped over the ropes to the outside, snapping Orton throat first on the ropes for a two count. Ziggler began stomping at Orton's bad shoulder and dropped a series of elbows across his chest. Ziggler covered Orton, who kicked out at the last second.
Ziggler locked in a chinlock, using a bridge for more leverage. Orton finally fired back (their facial expressions here were great) and finally nailed an back suplex to break the hold. Ziggler drilled Orton with a back elbow as he advanced and leapt into a clothesline for a two count.
Orton mounted a comeback and nailed a dropkick. Ziggler nailed a big DDT for a two count. Ziggler went to the top but Orton shoved his legs out from under him, crotching him. Orton drilled Ziggler with a series of right hands. Orton went for a superplex and nailed it. He covered Ziggler for a two count.
They battled back and forth, punching it out in the ring. Orton nailed a headbutt and a series of uppercuts. Ziggler came back with a series of elbows. Ziggler ducked a clothesline and was nailed. Ziggler caught Orton out of nowhere with the Famouser but Orton kicked out at the last second.
Orton tried to set up Ziggler for the hanging DDT but Ziggler dropped to the floor. They battled on the floor and Ziggler was sent into the guard rail. Orton set up Ziggler for the hanging DDT off the guard rail, cursing at a cameraman to get out of the way (they silenced the audio).
Orton brought Ziggler back into the ring and covered him but Ziggler put his foot over the bottom rope. Ziggler was out as Orton set up for the RKO. Ziggler avoided it and rolled up Orton for a two count. Ziggler went for the sleeper. Orton shot Ziggler up and caught him with the RKO as he came down for the pin.
Your winner, Randy Orton!
Really good back and forth match. Best thing on the show so far. WWE Diva champion Layla vs. Eve Torres
Layla rolled up Eve quick for a two count. They faced off and locked up again. Eve grabbed a headlock and used that for a takedown. Layla turned it into a head scissors. Eve escaped but was armdragged down.
Eve grabbed a top wristlock and they began exchanging holds back and forth. Layla grabbed another headlock and was shot into the ropes. She shoulderblocked down Eve then used a rolling pinfall combination for a two count.
Eve sent her into the ropes but still ate a dropkick. Eve acted like she hurt her nose and Layla showed concern. Eve said she was OK and offered her hand. Layla took it and Eve kicked her in the gut and threw the champion to the floor. Larry Zbyszko was smirking somewhere.
Eve worked over Layla on the floor, ramming her into the apron. She rolled Layla back into the ring and began nailing her in the ribs. Eve chokes Layla against the ropes and sunk in a choke.
Layla scissored Eve's injured ribs with her legs, squeezing. Layla did a pretty good job selling the injury. Eve used a figure four headscissor, then rolled Layla so she was facing the mat, then smashed her into the mat. Eve was caught using the ropes for leverage and forced to break.
Layla reversed a neckbreaker attempt and nailed a DDT. Layla dropkicked Eve in the face and nailed a kick before sending her spinning to the mat hairfirst. Layla went for the double springboard kick but Eve ducked out of the way.
Eve nailed the neckbreaker and scored the pin.
Your winner and new Divas champion, Eve Torres!
As good of a Divas match as there has been on TV in a long time.
They pushed the new shirt to help the Susan G. Komen foundation. Kudos to WWE for doing it.
Backstage, Daniel Bryan and Kane came across their doctor and were both declaring they were the Tag Team champions. AJ screamed at them to shut up and said she spent great expenses to help them deal with their anger management and they win the belts but still can't be happy to each other. Bryan congratulated Kane. Kane walked off. Bryan was protesting that Kane walked off when Kane returned and doused Bryan and AJ with Gatorade. He said he was going to Disneyland. That was kind of funny.
World champion Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio
Booker T came out as they rang the bell. He said he had concluded his investigation and went over all the evidence. He went through countless hours of video footage. He said that the Brogue Kick was a devastating, dangerous move but when someone signs up to be a WWE star, there are risks involved. He announced the Kick was legal.
Del Rio argued to David Otunga, who ended up eating a Brogue Kick and was taken out.
Del Rio and Sheamus battled with Sheamus getting the better of the exchange. Del Rio nailed some headbutts but Sheamus came back with a neckbreaker. Del Rio nailed Sheamus with a series of kicks. He charged Sheamus, who moved and Del Rio took a crazy back first bump through the ropes to the floor. Sheamus came off the apron with a shoulderblock.
They battled back to the ring and into the corner. Del Rio jumped off the ropes, snapping Sheamus' arm in the ringpost and then smashed him into the announcer's table. Del Rio covered Sheamus for a two count, then locked on an armbar to wear down the champion.
Sheamus tried to fire back but was kicked in the chest and then nailed with a knee to the back of the neck. Del Rio launched him shoulder-first into the ringpost and yanked at the arm, continuing to soften up the arm. Del Rio came off the ropes but was nailed by Sheamus.
Sheamus fought off Del Rio's attempts to go after the arm and nailed several hard shots for two counts. Del Rio charged Sheamus but was backdropped over the top to the apron. They battled on the apron and Del Rio was sent into the corner post. Sheamus beat him across the chest with hard shots.
Sheamus went for White Noise but Del Rio slipped through and nailed a Back Stabber for a two count. The crowd began chanting for Ziggler. Sheamus countered a rolling armbreaker attempt with White Noise and signaled for the Brogue Kick. Del Rio ducked the attempt and nailed a leaping enziguiri in the corner for a two count.
Del Rio drilled Sheamus with a kick. Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick. Del Rio went for the Rolling Armbar but Sheamus slipped out and went for the Texas Coverleaf. Sheamus charged Del Rio who ducked and Sheamus' bad arm was caught in the ropes. Alberto kept working it over.
Sheamus tried to go for White Noise but he was hurt and Del Rio snapped his arm and locked on the rolling cross armbreaker in the middle of the ring. Sheamus powered out and slammed Del Rio down. He went for the Brogue Kick but Del Rio ducked and locked on the armbreaker. Sheamus teased tapping but made it to the ropes with his legs.
Del Rio began getting frustrated and screamed to himself. He missed a enziguiri in the corner. Sheamus nailed the Brogue Kick and got the pin.
Your winner and still World champion, Sheamus!
Solid match. They told a really good story with the arm being worked on and Sheamus having to come back from that and overcome the damage.
WWE champion CM Punk vs. John Cena
Paul Heyman introduced Punk. They locked up and jockeyed for position. Punk was wearing New York Yankee style tights to piss off Boston. They had some nice back and forth wrestling early.
Punk was grandstanding early. Cena tried to get under him for an Electric Chair but Punk turned it into a DDT. Punk locked in a side chinlock and worked over Cena on the mat.
Punk used a drop toehold and locked on a Great Muta style chinlock. Cena made it to the ropes and went to the floor. Punk nailed a dive through the ropes to the outside. They battled on the floor. Punk was tossed into the first row right next to Cena's father and suplexed back over the rail to the ringside area.
Back in the ring, Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment but Punk cut him off and cinched in a Camel Clutch style real chinlock. Cena stepped up but Punk jumped off with a series of elbows to the back of the neck. Punk began jabbing away at Cena.
Cena made a comeback with a series of hard shots and a clothesline. He went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Punk kicked him off. Punk scored several two counts and went to the top for a bodypress but Cena rolled through and went for the AA. Punk grabbed the ropes so Cena dumped him over the top to the floor.
Cena looked at Punk as if to say "What the hell" and hit a dive through the ropes to the floor. Heyman looked shocked. Cena nailed a big slam and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Punk countered and turned it into the Anaconda Vise.
Punk worked over Cena in the hold. Cena finally powered out. Cena made a comeback with a series of punches. Punk fired back and they did a back and forth series of strikes. Punk nailed a kick to the head and nailed the running knee lift in the corner. Punk nailed the flying elbow for a two count.
Punk went for the GTS but Cena grabbed his leg as he went down and turned it into an STF. Punk battled to get to the ropes and finally did. Punk nailed the GTS out of nowhere but Cena kicked out. They showed this awesome shot of a maniacal looking Heyman at ringside.
Punk nailed a roundhouse kick to the head, then drilled him with a kick to the gut and a running clothesline. Punk slapped him across the face and went for the GTS. Cena slipped out and went for the AA and couldn't get it but nailed a sideslam, the Five Knuckle Shuffle and an AA. Punk kicked out at the very last second
Punk rolled out of the ring but Cena returned to the ring and tossed him back in. Cena went to the top for a flying legdrop but Punk moved out of the way. Punk nailed a Roundhouse kick but Cena kicked out at the last second.
Punk began paint-brushing Cena with slaps and kicked him in the head for another two count. Punk went to the top for a moonsault but Cena rolled out of the way. Cena went for the AA but Punk slipped out and nailed the GTS for another near fall. Great stuff.
Punk pulled out The Rock Bottom for a two count. He had this great look on his face, wondering what the hell he had to do. Cena caught him with the AA but Punk kicked out at the last second. Cena put Punk on the top rope as the crowd chanted "This is awesome." Punk fought him off with a series of back elbows but Cena returned and nailed a back suplex off the ropes for the pin - but it looked like both men's shoulders were down.
They announced Cena as the new WWE champion and he ran over to some servicemen in the crowd and celebrated with them.
Cena went to the ropes to celebrate and the referee took the belt away. He brought the belt to Punk.
The ring announcer announced that both men had their shoulders pinned to the mat, so the match was a draw and Punk was still the champion.
Cena began protesting, claiming that they can't let it end on a draw. Punk clobbered him with the belt. He stood over the KO'd Cena, held the belt up and yelled "Respect!"
Punk and Heyman walked out as Cena was checked out by trainers in the ring.
GREAT main event and the finish adds more controversy to the rivalry.
Overall, a very good show. I wouldn't say this was a classic PPV by any means but it was filled with solid to very good wrestling all the way through.
2013 - WWE officially released three developmental talents from WWE NXT:
Jake Carter (Jesse White), the son of former WCW and IWGP champion Big Van Vader. He was signed to a developmental deal in 2011 and last appeared on NXT in January, losing to Corey Graves.
Luther Ward, an Irish talent signed just last month who had worked overseas under the ring name OMEN.
Malik Omari, a British worker originally born in Gambia, West Africa. He was signed in early 2013.
2013 - Former WWF performer Mike Droese, who wrestled for the company as Duke "The Dumpster" Droese in the 1990s, was indicted on charges of selling morphine to undercover authorities earlier. Droese had been arrested this past several days earlier. Droese, retired from pro wrestling, was working as a Special Education teacher in Centertown, TN.
2013 - Just one day after winning his second WWE championship, Daniel Bryan was stripped of the title, which was "held up" by Triple H. All of this took place during a Raw broadcast. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last night, Daniel Bryan achieved a dream that he was able to achieve the previous month, but unlike SummerSlam, the pay per view ended with Daniel Bryan holding the WWE Championship. What will happen tonight? Will the decision be reversed over what some might consider a fast count? What will happen when Dusty Rhodes confronts Stephanie McMahon to discuss his son’s firing a few weeks ago. Last night, we saw CM Punk get some revenge on Paul Heyman, but we may have found out the identity of the newest ‘Heyman Guy’.
We are in Cleveland, Ohio and your announcers are Jerry ‘Wild Card’ Lawler, John ‘3MB will never make it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ Layfield and Michael ‘Tower City’ Cole.
The new WWE Champion makes his way to the ring. The crowd starts a ‘Daniel Bryan’ chant before he speaks.
Daniel tells the people of Cleveland that they are awesome. He says that he has a lot of things to say, but what says it best is ‘YES’.
The Yes Express stops when Triple H’s music plays. Hunter makes his way to the ring.
Hunter says that before Daniel goes too far down the road of congratulating himself, he would like to address the 800 pound gorilla, the fast count. That is what social media is talking about. It is what the talent is talking about. Hunter says that victory is tainted so he wants to bring out Scott Armstrong.
Hunter thanks Scott for coming out here and he wants to get to the bottom of things. Before we take a look at the footage from the end of the WWE Title Match, Hunter shows us Scott’s normal cadence in matches.
Now we take a look at the end of the match.
Hunter wants to look at the footage one more time.
Hunter says that for those who cannot discern the difference, he wants to show the counts side by side.
Hunter points out that Scott got to three before he normally gets to two.
Scott says that it was a fast count and he does not know.
Scott says that he made a mistake.
Hunter points out that Scott is a senior official in the WWE. That kind of fast count does not just happen.
Scott says that he made a mistake.
Hunter says that he has known Scott for fifteen years and he has never seen Scott make a mistake like that. If he ever did anything, he would fess up to it. Hunter says that he is not telling Hunter everything. He wants Scott to tell the truth.
Scott looks at Daniel and Hunter says that Scott told Daniel ‘they got us’. Hunter sends Scott to the back.
Hunter says that Daniel has embarrassed himself and the WWE by entering into a conspiracy to ensure that he would win the title with a fast count. Hunter says that the WWE Title is being held up in abeyance.
Hunter says that he will not return the title to Randy Orton, but Daniel Bryan is no longer the WWE Champion. Hunter says that he will investigate this further and there may be a rematch in the future. As of now, there is no WWE Champion. Hunter wants Daniel to give him back the WWE Championship belt.
Hunter says that he would have thought that Shawn would have taught him better. Hunter tells Daniel that he is not the WWE Champion any more and he wants Daniel to hand him the belt or he will take it from him.
Randy Orton’s music plays and he comes to the ring. Hunter tells Randy and Daniel to calm down because there will not be a fight here.
Hunter tells Daniel to be reasonable. Daniel is no longer the WWE Champion. The title is held up and there is no champion. Hunter promises Daniel that if Daniel does not hand him the title belt, he will take it from Daniel.
Daniel thinks about it as he looks at the championship belt. Daniel then looks at Hunter and he tells him no. Hunter grabs the belt and Orton gives Bryan an RKO.
Hunter leaves with the belt and Orton stands over Bryan.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Triple H and Stephanie are in the back and Hunter cannot believe that it was Daniel who was behind this.
Randy Orton wants to know why he doesn’t have his title back.
Stephanie tells Randy not to talk to the COO like that. He did not deserve to win. Where is the sadistic Randy Orton who handcuffed Hunter while giving her a DDT. Maybe we need a new face of the WWE.
Match Number One: Dean Ambrose versus Dolph Ziggler
They lock up and Ambrose backs Ziggler into the corner but they go around the ring while in the collar and elbow tie up. Ambrose with a slap on the break but Ziggler with punches. Ziggler with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Ziggler with a cross body and punches to Ambrose. Ziggler with a clothesline and both men go over the top rope.
Ziggler sends Ambrose back into the ring and Ziggler with a sleeper and he climbs on Ambrose’s back to add more pressure. Ambrose starts to lose consciousness but he gets back to his feet. Ambrose with a sleeper to Ziggler but Ziggler with a jaw breaker to escape the hold.
Ziggler with punches and kicks in the corner and the referee pulls Ziggler out of the corner. Ambrose with an Irish whip and Ziggler goes over the turnbuckles to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ambrose with a short arm clothesline and a near fall. Ambrose works on the legs and then he applies a Dragon Sleeper. Ziggler escapes and he kicks Ambrose. Ziggler with punches but Ambrose sends Ziggler through the ropes. Ziggler stays on the apron but Ambrose sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles. Ambrose with the slow back rake followed by a butterfly superplex.
Ambrose gets a near fall. Ambrose with a snap elbow drop for a near fall. Ambrose with a cobra clutch but Ziggler with head butts. Ambrose with a knee as Ziggler comes off the ropes. Ambrose puts Ziggler in the ropes and he connects with jabs. Ziggler with an elbow followed by a DDT.
Ziggler with a drop kick and then he hits the Stinger Splash and he stays on the turnbuckles for punches. Ziggler with a flying clothesline. Ziggler with the series of elbow drops, finishing with the hesitation leaping elbow drop. Ziggler gets a near fall. Ambrose with a spinebuster for a near fall. Ambrose punches Ziggler and the referee warns him.
Ziggler with a back slide for a near fall. Ziggler tries for a splash into the corner but Ambrose moves. Ziggler stays on the turnbuckles but Ambrose pulls Ziggler to the mat. Ambrose sets for the Dean Driver but Ziggler escapes and hits the Zig Zag for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, they make sure to announce that Dean Ambrose is still the US Champion.
We go to the back where Big Show is with Brad Maddox. Brad says that Triple H and Ms. McMahon will be there in a moment and we go to commercial.
We are back and Brad wants to make sure that he has Hunter’s orders right. He wants Daniel Bryan to face Roman Reigns tonight. Brad applauds Hunter’s decision to hold up the title. Brad tells Ms. McMahon that Dusty Rhodes is here.
Stephanie reminds Show that he was suspended without pay on Friday. She hopes it hurt him. Stephanie tells Show that he is going to stay in the office tonight, unless she needs him and then she will call him.
We see footage from the Handicap Match at Night of Champions.
Match Number Two: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus R Truth
Truth blocks a kick and he connects with a punch. Truth with a split and hip toss before another what’s up and a leaping split. Truth with a kick and leg drop. Truth get a near fall. Truth sends Fandango over the top rope to the floor and Summer checks on Fandango.
Truth sends Fandango back into the ring and Fandango kicks and punches Truth. Fandango with punches followed by a hard Irish whip. Fandango with another hard Irish whip. Fandango with a reverse chin lock. Truth with punches but Fandango with a forearm. Truth with a leg lariat. Truth with clotheslines followed by a kick and a suplex into a stunner for a near fall.
Truth misses a scissors kick and Fandango with a kick and Irish whip. Truth sends Fandango to the apron but Fandango with an enzuigiri. Fandango goes up top for the FandangoBama Jam and he connects for the three count.
Winner: Fandango
Dusty Rhodes is in the back and Booker T, The Prime Time Players, Ricardo Rodriguez, Natalya, and Hornswoggle. We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look at the evolution of the Rhodes family’s recent issues with WWE management.
Dusty Rhodes makes his way to the ring. Dusty says that he is not here as the American Dream tonight. He is here as Virgil Runnels. He wants the McMahons to hear what he has to say. They have never gone down that bad road, but he has. He has raised two great young men but there were times when you cannot pay your bills. You wonder where the next dollar is going to come from. You reach down because of the love of your children. The love of your sons and you find a way to do it.
He says that this is not about him. It is about Cody’s job. In one night, you watch a suffering young man lose his job. Not for the fight of the game. He never turned down a shot at Randy Orton. It was on a whim . . . if you will. For what was good for business.
Dusty reminds everyone of what Hunter said to Cody and firing someone must be what is best for business. Goldust comes in and steps up to the plate and he takes a swing.
To have two sons that you love with all your heart, that is what is best for business. The greatest gift to anyone is your family. It is what you do day in and day out to exist. Before Cody was 22 years old, he was a 2 time Intercontinental Champion.
Dusty says that he is not here to beg for Cody’s job. He wants Cody to have an opportunity to earn his job back. He heard about a business opportunity. Dusty tells Stephanie to drag out her long legs and make that proposal.
Stephanie says that was beautiful. From one parent to another, that was remarkable. Stephanie say that her Husband’s decision to fire Cody weighs on them. She says that she hopes it did not cast a shadow on the celebration. Stephanie has something for Cody and her bride. Dusty looks at the gift and he throws it to the side.
Dusty tells Stephanie to cut through the BS.
Stephanie says that she can relate to the son of a plumber because she is the daughter of a genius. Since business is all about succeeding, they would like to offer Cody his job back . . .
or they can give the job to his older son. The one who fought so valiantly for Cody. She tells Dusty that there is only one job open and Dusty can make the decision.
Dusty says that he will not make that choice.
Stephanie says that she can give the job to his glorious baby boy who does everything right or he can give it to the son he neglected all those years. She knows that Dusty blames himself for all of Dustin’s transgressions and he can make it right and be a hero to his sons.
Dusty has a question for Stephanie. When she goes to breakfast with her daughters, does she line them up at the table and choose which one is her favorite. Dusty . . .
Stephanie cuts off Dusty and she says that he is making it all about him instead of about Cody and Dustin. She hopes that they can forgive him.
Dusty tells Stephanie that she can go to hell.
The Shield’s music plays and they make their way to the ring.
They surround the ring and Stephanie says that it doesn’t seem fair. Maybe there is someone in the back who can even things up. She wants Big Show to make his way to the ring.
Stephanie tells Dusty that since he couldn’t make a decision about which son would get a job. He can choose whether to be dismembered by The Shield or knocked out by the Big Show.
Dusty won’t choose so Stephanie tells Show to knock out Dusty.
Since Show won’t do it, Stephanie tells The Shield to attack. Show tells them not to do it and Reigns brings chairs into the ring for the members of The Shield.
Show thinks about it and then he hugs Dusty and then he says that he cannot do it, but he has no choice. He tells Dusty he is sorry and he punches Dusty and then places him on the mat.
The medical staff checks on Dusty and we go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at Big Show making his decision as it related to Dusty Rhodes.
We see them putting Dusty into an ambulance.
AJ Lee and Natalya are at the announce table for the next match.
Match Number Three: Cameron, Naomi, and Brie Bella (with JoJo, Eva Marie, and Nikki Bella) versus Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Layla El
Naomi and Layla start things off and Layla with a knee and she sends Naomi to the mat. Naomi with a leaping butt bump for a near fall. Cameron tags in and she hits a flip senton on Layla. Alicia distracts Cameron and Layla with a kick and snap mare. Layla sends Cameron into the turnbuckles and she tags Aksana. Aksana chokes Cameron and then Alicia tags in.
Alicia with a hard Irish whip and Layla tags back in and chokes Cameron. Alicia tags back in and she punches Cameron and then she gives Cameron a snap mare. Alicia with a reverse chin lock. Alicia with a slam to Cameron but Alicia misses a flip leg drop.
Brie and Aksana tag in and Brie sends Aksana into Alicia and then Brie with a kick and then she hits an X Factor while everyone else fights in the ring and Brie gets a three count.
Winners: Brie Bella, Cameron, and Naomi
After the match, Natalya has something to say to AJ but AJ holds up her title belt.
Miz is in the back talking to Brad Maddox and Brad walks away as we go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole reminds us of the decision that Dusty Rhodes had to make because he would not choose between his sons.
Match Number Four: Damien Sandow versus Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
They lock up and Sandow backs Van Dam into the corner and he kicks him. Sandow with a head butt. Van Dam with an Irish whip and Sandow moves when Van Dam rolls into the turnbuckles. Sandow gets a near fall. Sandow with shoulders in the corner. Van Dam punches and kicks Sandow. Sandow with a knee to the midsection followed by a side Russian leg sweep and the Elbow of Disdain for a near fall.
Sandow with a reverse chin lock. Sandow with an Irish whip and Van Dam gets his boot up. Van Dam with a rana followed by a cross body for a near fall. Van Dam with clotheslines followed by a thrust kick. Van Dam with rolling thunder onto Sandow’s knees. Sandow with a rollup for a near fall.
Van Dam with a step over heel kick and then he elbows Sandow and hits a springboard thrust kick. Van Dam goes up top and he hits the Five Star Frog Splash for the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
Damien Sandow makes sure to let everyone know that he still has the briefcase and will be the next World Champion.
Michael Cole announces that Miz will face Randy Orton.
We are back and Michael Cole recaps what we have seen so far on Raw.
Triple H is in his office and Scott Armstrong enters. Hunter says that he needs to talk to Scott and he is in a tough jam. This thing has gotten out of control. He cannot have it. Hunter has to hold up the WWE Title in a state of abeyance. There is no WWE Champion. WWE officials have to be above reproach. He says that Scott has been a loyal employee for 20 years and he will give Scott a generous severance package. He says that he has to let Scott go. He will take care of him.
Match Number Five: Randy Orton versus Miz
Orton attacks Miz before he can get to the ring and then he sends Miz into the ring steps. Orton punches Miz on the floor and the referee warns him while Miz’ family is in shock.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton is in the ring and officials are keeping Miz away from the ring, but the referee asks Miz if he wants to start.
The match starts and Miz with a double leg take down and punches as he favors his injured arm. Orton with a head butt and a running clothesline into the corner. Miz with an elbow but Orton with punches. Orton sends Miz to the apron for the IEDDT but Miz gets into the ring and he sends Orton to the apron. Miz drops Orton on the ropes and Orton falls to the floor.
Miz runs Orton into the apron and ringside barrier. Orton sends Miz into the ring post and the referee gets to ten.
Double Count Out
After the match, Orton sends Miz over the announce table. Randy kicks Miz and then he punches Miz in front of the Roberts cubicle. Orton continues the attack in front of Miz’ parents. Miz punches back and then he clotheslines Orton over the ringside barrier. Orton punches Miz in front of mom and dad. Orton puts Miz on the top of the ringside barrier and he hits the IEDDT.
Orton drags Miz into the ring and then he takes a chair and he methodically walks past Miz’ parents before re-entering the ring. Orton puts the chair around Miz’ neck and he wants to Garvin Stomp the chair but he decides to go for a knee drop and he connects.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Footage of Punk making Curtis Axel tapping at Night of Champions . . . and Ryback showing that he is a Heyman guy.
Ryback’s music plays and he comes out with Paul Heyman, who is being pushed in a wheelchair by Curtis Axel.
Paul introduces himself and he says that he is the Best in the World. Paul tells everyone to boo him if they want because he understands that envy is one of the seven deadly sins. We know how many heathens there are in Cleveland. It must be so difficult for you to compare your insignificant accomplishments compared to what he has achieved.
Paul says that there is not one of them who can make this statement: I pinned CM Punk. Paul says that he can that over and over and over and over again and every time he says it, it will be the truth.
The record books will always give testimony that for the first time Paul Heyman and CM Punk came face to face in the middle of the ring, the winner of the match was Paul Heyman. Even more significantly, the loser was your hero, CM Punk.
In all candor, he would love to take credit for being the mastermind of the plan. There was no master plan. CM Punk delivered a beating that is so heinous that he is confined in this wheelchair. CM Punk gave him the most vicious beating in WWE history. It is a miracle that he is not some vegetable rotting away in a nursing home right now.
How did he pull this off? How did he survive? Paul says that he is here tonight because one man took the initiative to change history. One man stood up when all other Paul Heyman guys sat down. After all of these years, finally he would get the beating that he so richly deserved.
Paul says that he is here tonight and will continue to torment CM Punk and everyone because of the actions of this big, beautiful man right here.
From the bottom of his heart, he owes his life to Ryback.
Ryback says that he cannot stand a bully. Punk was bullying Paul Heyman last night. Do you think Paul Heyman deserved to be beaten up like that? Paul is a human being. Ryback says that he does not like Punk. He says that Punk is a bully. Ryback says that he is here to stop him.
Ryback tells Paul that he never has to worry around because Punk will never put his hands on him.
Paul appreciates Ryback so much, he kisses him on the cheek.
We have a Los Matadores video package.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the WWE Kiss Cam with Paul Heyman and Ryback.
Match Number Six: Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter) versus Brodus Clay and Tensai versus Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso in an Elimination Number One Contender Match
Swagger and Clay start things off and Swagger with forearms. Clay with a Sheeplex and a splash into the corner. Swagger rolls to the floor. Swagger tags in Jimmy and then Clay sends Jimmy to the mat. Jimmy with a chop to Clay followed by a savate kick and a flying clothesline into the corner. Clay catches Jimmy on a cross body and Clay with a slam or two.
Clay with a back breaker to Jimmy. Cesaro makes the tag and he connects with a knee to Jimmy. Jimmy with a flying back elbow and chop. Jey tags in and he hits a clothesline on Cesaro for a near fall. Jey with punches and Jimmy tags in. Jimmy with a punch to Cesaro. Cesaro with a kick and European uppercut. Cesaro with a suplex and Tensai tags in. Tensai with a delayed butterfly suplex for a near fall.
Cesaro with a European uppercut and Tensai with a punch. Tensai sends Ceasro to the floor but Jimmy tags in and he misses a move from the top. Tensai with a clothesline to Jey and then he knocks Swagger off the apron. Tensai with a Baldo Bomb to Jey, but Cesaro with a rollup to pin Tensai.
Tensai and Brodus Clay eliminated
Cesaro with a drop kick that knocks Jey to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger has Jey’s arms trapped. We see footage of Antonio Cesaro with a Giant Swing during the commercial break. Swagger with forearms to the back and Swagger with shoulders in the corner.
Cesaro with a clothesline on the apron. Swagger with a Swagger Bomb and Cesaro with a leap frog double stomp. Cesaro with a slam and elbow drop. Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Jey with punches and elbows to try to get out of the corner but Cesaro stops him. Jey tries for a sunset flip but Cesaro stays on his feet.
Jey kicks Cesaro away and Jimmy and Swagger tag in. Jimmy with a clothesline off the top followed by another clothesline and then he takes care of Cesaro before hitting a savate kick and running butt splash for a near fall. Cesaro and Swagger go to the floor.
Jimmy and Jey with stereo planchas. Jimmy misses a super kick and Swagger grabs the ankle for the ankle lock. Jimmy tries to gets to the ropes or escape the hold but Swagger holds on. Jimmy kicks Swagger away and Jimmy with a super kick and then he goes up top for the Superfly Splash but Jey pulls Cesaro off the apron. Swagger climbs the turnbuckles and hits a belly-to-belly superplex but Jey makes the tag.
Jey with a Superfly Splash for the three count.
Winners: Jimmy and Jey Uso
Michael Cole advises us that Miz’ neck was not broken, but he has a damaged thorax. Jerry says that Dusty is okay but they are keeping him in the hospital overnight for observation.
We go to an event that WWE partnered with about reading.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Bray Wyatt says that patience is a virtue, but to him it is a lost art. People want more and more, but they don’t realize that beyond their precious city walls, there is another world . . . full of animals. In his world, when one of his animals is sick or hurt, they don’t let him fumble around in agony. We put him down.
Bray asks if you want to see something really scary. He tells Abigail not to worry about a thing. They will put him down.
We see footage of what happened to Dusty Rhodes and Michael Cole mentions that Cody Rhodes tweeted his thoughts.
Daniel Bryan walks through the back and everyone gives him a round of applause. He sees Brie and she hugs him. We go to commercial.
We are back and before the next match, Randy Orton’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
Match Number Seven: Daniel Bryan versus Roman Reigns (with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose)
They lock up and Reigns misses a punch in the corner and Bryan with kicks and punches. Bryan sends Reigns into the turnbuckles and he continues with the kicks. Bryan with a punch and kick to the legs. Bryan with a dragon screw leg whip followed by a knee drop to the leg. Bryan drives the leg into the mat and then he drops a knee on the leg.
Reigns kicks Bryan away but Bryan with a kick to the leg and a head butt. Reigns with punches and a head butt in the corner. Reigns tries to send Bryan into the turnbuckles but Bryan blocks it and he kicks Reigns. Bryan with another dragon screw leg whip. Bryan with a spinning toe hold.
Bryan ties up the legs and he connects with forearms and then he gets a near fall. Bryan with a kick to the leg but Reigns with an Irish whip to the sternum and Reigns with a clothesline to the back of the head. Reigns kicks Bryan. Reigns gets a near fall and then he applies a reverse chin lock.
Reigns with a shoulder tackle but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Bryan with kicks to the back but Reigns with a knee lift. Bryan clips Reigns and then he applies a spinning toe hold. Reigns with a clothesline into the corner followed by a head butt. Reigns punches Bryan and he clotheslines him again. Reigns with a suplex and he gets a near fall.
Reigns with another suplex and near fall. Reigns with a reverse chin lock. Reigns with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner. Bryan kicks the ropes and the rebound forces Reigns out of the corner. Bryan with a missile drop kick and then Reigns goes to the floor. Bryan with a suicide dive but Reigns catches Bryan and runs him into the apron and then Reigns throws Bryan into the ringside barrier.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Reigns has Bryan in a full nelson but Bryan drops down and gets a near fall with a rollup. Reigns punches Bryan and connects with shoulders in the corner. Reigns puts Bryan on top and he connects with a palm thrust. Reigns sets for a superplex but Bryan holds on to the ropes.
Bryan punches Reigns and then head butts Reigns off the turnbuckles. Bryan misses the diving head butt. Reigns gets a near fall. Bryan with a kick and then he tries for a cross body but Reigns catches him and hits a spinning side slam for a near fall. Reigns with a reverse chin lock.
Reigns with an Irish whip but Bryan flips over Reigns and Bryan hits a flying clothesline. Bryan with Kicks of Yes and then he misses the round kick. Reigns with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Reigns with punches and then he sets for a power bomb but Bryan counters with a sunset flip into a rollup for a near fall.
Bryan with a round kick for a near fall. Rollins pulls Reigns to the apron to check on him and Bryan with a baseball slide to Rollins that sends him into the announce table. Bryan rolls Reigns back into the ring. Bryan with a drop kick to Reigns in the corner and then he drop kicks Ambrose off the apron. Bryan tries for a second drop kick but Reigns has recovered and he connects with a clothesline.
Bryan applies the Yes Lock and Orton breaks it up and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (by disqualification)
After the match, Bryan applies the Yes Lock on Orton but Ambrose breaks it up. Ambrose, Reigns, Orton, and Rollins take their turns attacking Bryan.
Randy Orton grabs a chair and then he stomps on Bryan’s head. Orton puts the chair around Bryan’s head and then he backs up for the running knee drop.
The rest of the locker room makes their way to the ring to stop the Shield and Orton.
Reigns with a spear to Kofi Kingston. Ziggler with a Fameasser to Ambrose followed by a super kick from Van Dam. The Usos take care of Reigns with a double super kick. Bryan with the flying knee to Rollins.
We go to credits with Bryan on the Prime Time Players’ shoulders.
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