Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
October 1st
On this day in history in ....
1953 - Lenny Montana defeats Dave Sims in Kansas City, Missouri for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title.
1957 - Tor Yamata defeats Cyclone Anaya for the NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Title in Nashville, Tennessee. The belt had been vacated a month earlier by Mario Galento for not defending the title within 30 days
1960 - An AWA live event in St. Paul, MN at the Armory drew 3,502 fans and featured the following results:
-Gene Kiniski beat Tiny Mills.
-Hard Boiled Haggerty beat Joe Scarpello.
-Roy McClarty beat Len Montana by DQ.
-Pepper Martin drew Jim Hady.
1964 - The AWA ran Moline, IL at the Wharton Fieldhouse with the following results:
-AWA World champion Verne Gagne beat Mitsu Arakawa.
-Moose Cholak beat Jack Lanza.
-Reggie Parks beat Harley Race.
-Larry Hennig beat Larry Chene.
1966 - The AWA ran St. Paul, MN at The Armory with the following results before 1,863 fans:
-Killer Kowalski fought Reggie Parks to a double countout in 23:00.
-The Alaskan & Big K beat Eddie Sharkey & Jack Pesek in a Best of Three Falls bout.
-Billy Red Cloud beat George Gadaski.
-Jim Raschke beat Juan Zendajas.
1972 - The AWA ran Green Bay, Wisconsin at Brown County Veteran's Memorial Arena featuring the following results:
-Larry Hennig & Dusty Rhodes beat Bull Bullinski & Andre the Giant.
-Ray Stevens beat Dr X (Dick Beyer aka The Destroyer) by DQ.
-George Scott beat Dick Murdoch by DQ.
-Lani Kealoha (the future Jimmy Snuka) beat Hans Hermann.
1972 - A live event promoted by Frank Tunney in Toronto, Ontario at Maple Leaf Gardens saw the following results:
-The Sheik, accompanied by Abdullah Farouk, defeated the Magnificent Zulu by DQ.
-Lord Athol Layton & Dewy Robertson (The future Missing Link) defeated Hans Schmidt & Bulldog Lee Henning.
-Kurt Von Hess & Karl von Schotz (John Anson) fought Lou Klein & Ivan Kalmikoff to a draw.
-Pampero Firpo defeated Tarzan Zorra.
-Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Mike Loren.
-The Love Bros. (Reginald & Hartford) defeated Tex McKenzie & Nick DeCarlo.
-Johnny Valentine defeated the Mighty Ursus.
-The Beast (Gino Angelo/Johnny Yachetti) defeated Nikita Kalmikoff.
-Dandy Dan Miller fought Man Mountain Cannon to a draw.
-The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Don Kent) fought Haystack Calhoun & Ben Justice to a draw.
-The Mighty Igor & Tony Marino defeated Killer Tim Brooks & Big Brutus.
1975 - The AWA ran Pekin, IL, headlined by Nick Bockwinkel beating Pampero Firpo by DQ.
1976 - Rick Gibson (brother of Robert Gibson of Rock N' Roll Express fame) defeats Bulldog Bob Brown in St. Joseph, Missouri for the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title, ending Brown's eighth reign with the belt.
1976 - The AWA ran Denver, Colorado at The Auditorium Arena, featuring the following results:
-Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat AWA Tag Team Champions Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum by DQ at 22:22 when Duncum jumped from the top rope.
-AWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Francis.
-Peter Maivia beat Baron Von Raschke.
-Pierre Poisson beat Billy Red Cloud by submission in 17:30.
1977 - The AWA ran Denver, Colorado at the Auditorium Arena, featuring the following results:
-AWA World Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell beat Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum.
-The Super Destroyer beat Bob Backlund.
-Early Dawn beat Kay Noble.
-Chris Markoff & Roger Kirby beat Ray Stevens & Reggie Parks.
1977 - The AWA ran Rockford, IL at the Boylan High School, featuring:
-Billy Robinson beat AWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel by DQ.
-Angelo Mosca beat Larry Hennig.
-Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant beat Wilbur Snyder & Sailor Art Thomas.
-Buddy Wolff fought Jan Nelson.
1981 - The AWA ran Oakland, CA featuring the following results:
-Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat AWA World Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell.
-Pat Patterson & Hulk Hogan beat Jerry Blackwell & Nick Bockwinkel.
-Tito Santana beat Sheik Adnan Al-Kaisse.
-Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Heenan by DQ.
-Baron Von Raschke beat Guy Lambert.
1981 - Jarrett Promotions ran Irvington, Kentucky with the following results:
-Steve Keirn defeated Stan Lane.
-Dutch Mantell defeated Rick McGraw.
-Bill Dundee & Ricky and Robert Gibson defeated Chick Donovan & Dream Machine & Jimmy Hart.
-Jerry Lawler defeated Sweet Brown Sugar.
1985 - In the biggest angle of his short career, Rick McGraw appeared on Piper's Pit during a WWF television taping in Poughkeepsie, New York, questioning why Roddy Piper never wrestled on television. This set up a match between the two at the next television taping later in October, with Roddy Piper pinning McGraw after a vicious series of neckbreakers, and McGraw was taken out on a stretcher. McGraw then died on November 1st, the same weekend that the Piper match aired in most television markets.
1989 - The AWA holds a tournament for their World Tag Team Championship in Rochester, Minnesota. The belts had been vacated when Ken Patera (who held the belts with Brad Rheingans) was injured by the Destruction Crew.
The tournament saw Greg Gagne & Paul Diamond defeat Mike George & Johnnie Stewart and The Destruction Crew (Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom) defeat Sgt. Slaughter & Baron Von Raschke in the first round. The finals saw The Destruction Crew defeat Greg Gagne & Paul Diamond for the belts.
In non-tournament matches, The Unknown Stranger beat Mike Enos, The Tokyo Bullets fought The Texas Hangmen to a no contest, The Trooper (Del Wilkes aka The Patriot) beat Kokina (the future Yokozuna) & Johnnie Stewart in a Three-Way bout and Wendi Richter beat Candi Divine by DQ.
1990 - WWF ran Emmitsburg, MD at The Knott Arena featuring the following results:
-Koko B. Ware defeated Boris Zhukov.
-Ron Garvin defeated Iron Mike Sharpe.
-Jim Neidhart defeated Greg Valentine..
-Hacksaw Jim Duggan defeated Rick Rude via DQ.
-Battle Cat pinned the Genius, Lanny Poffo.
-Jake Roberts defeated Akeem (substituting for Bad News Brown) in a Harlem Street Fight.
-Earthquake pinned the Big Bossman
1992 - Kerry (Adkisson) Von Erich is sentenced on six felony counts of prescription forgery. He receives a 10 year suspended sentence, 10 years of supervised probation, and a $6,000 fine. Four months later, he would violate the probation and get indicted on a cocaine possession charge. Facing certain jail time, Adkisson later committed suicide.
1993 - Eastern Championship Wrestling held "NWA Bloodfest: Part 1" at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It would be the first show featuring Paul Heyman as the booker, kicking off a legendary run. Here are the results:
- Ian & Axl Rotten defeated Chad Austin and Todd Shaw.
- Rockin' Rebel defeated Don E. Allen.
- Public Enemy defeated Silver Jet (Tommy Dreamer under a mask, making his debut for the company) and Gino Caruso.
- Malia Hosaka defeated Molly McShane.
- Badd Company (Paul Diamond & Pat Tanaka) defeated Ian & Axl Rotten.
- The Sandman defeated The Metal Maniac.
- Abdullah the Butcher, JT Smith & Terry Funk defeated Jimmy Snuka, Kevin Sullivan & Don Muraco.
- In their respective ECW debuts, Sabu defeated The Tazmaniac (aka Taz)
- Tony Stetson & Johnny Hot Body defeated Badd Company to retain the ECW Tag Team Title. Stetson & Hot Body had been awarded the belts earlier in the evening due to former champions Eddie Gilbert & Dark Patriot (Doug Gilbert) leaving the company.
- Rockin' Rebel defeated Richard Michaels.
- Kevin Sullivan vs. Abdullah the Butcher ended in a double DQ.
- Terry Funk defeated Jimmy Snuka in a steel cage match to win the ECW Television Title.
1993 - CMLL holds their 60th anniversary show at Arena Mexico in Mexico City, drawing 18,000 fans for a show headlined by Negro Casas defeating La Fiera in a Hair vs. Hair match, and Atlantis defeating Mano Negra in a Mask vs. Mask match.
1995 - Jim Neidhart defeats Corporal Punishment in Maryland for the MEWF Heavyweight Title. On the same card, Chad Austin defeats Raven for the MEWF Mid-Atlantic Title.
1998 - Scott Hall was arrested outside of the Diamond Mine, a strip club in Orange County, Florida, for "keying" a limousine outside the club. Hall was arrested on 3rd Degree Felony charges, as the damage to the limo was estimated at over two thousand dollars. Hall was released on $500 bond.
2000 - ECW holds their final Anarchy Rulz Pay-per-view at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing over 4,500 fans for a show headlined by Jerry Lynn winning the ECW World Heavyweight Title from Justin Credible in front of his hometown fans.
There was a dark match prior to the PPV, with Nova defeating Bilvis Wesley.
Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
ECW's Anarchy Rulz (10/1 from the Roy Wilkens Center in St. Paul) was in many ways what we've come to expect from an ECW show. Namely, production values that are below those of the big two, but everyone working their butts off to give the fans a hot show. This one did indeed deliver, and it also gave the live fans what they wanted to see as Minnesota's Jerry Lynn captured the ECW World Title. Commentary was solid. The crowd heat had its ups and downs, occasionally fading, including during the main event.
Joey Styles & Joel Gertner opened the show. Gertner did his usual lewd promo, though it was far less lewd than on recent PPVs. In fact, there was less use of the "F" word and other shock language than on any recent ECW PPV.
DANNY DORING & ROADKILL defeated CHRISTIAN YORK & JOEY MATTHEWS in 7:14. Matthews hit a spinning headscissors on Doring. York blocked a slingshot attempt and hit a legdrop. Both Matthews & York bailed out after being planted by Roadkill. They sidestepped a plancha from Doring and he bumped hard on the floor. Matthews & York hit topes and had Doring down in the ring after the Future Shock, but Roadkill made the save. Doring got in the wrong corner and was nearly pinned a few times until hot tagging to Roadkill. Doring came back in and pinned York after the double legdrop move. All four wrestlers shook hands afterward. It was a good opener. Doring & Roadkill are a very good team and Matthews & York were impressive in their PPV debut. Simon Diamond & Swinger went in and used a chair on Matthews & York, knocked Roadkill from the ring, and laid Doring out with the Problem Solver.
Cyrus came out and said "I've got pop" (a play on the highly ridiculed new TNN slogan). He called Joel Gertner a fat bitch and said that he wouldn't fight Gertner until Gertner beat E.Z. Money (who had Chris Hamrick & Julio Dinero with him). Commissioner Spike Dudley arrived and ruled that Kid Kash would fight Money, and if Kash won, Cyrus would have to fight Gertner.
KID KASH defeated E.Z. MONEY in 9:40. A real good match with Kash looking fantastic. They opened with chops. Kash sent Money out and then slugged Hamrick & Dinero. Money slammed Kash and got a two count, but then missed a dive and sailed out onto Hamrick & Dinero. Kash hit a high double springboard somersault plancha. He scored two after a springboard lariat. Money scored two with the Money Clip. Kash hit a double springboard huracanrana and a Tornado DDT for a near fall. Money got two after the Electric Dream. Kash hit a somersault into a DDT, followed by the Money Maker but the ref was distracted. Dinero laid Kash out and Hamrick plastered him with the Confederate Crush but Money still only got two. Money went for a powerbomb off the top but Kash reversed it in mid-air into a huracanrana, which looked amazing, and scored the pin. Hamrick & Dinero attacked Kash afterward and Spike went in to help Kash. Money & his two allies were doing a three-on-two on Kash & Spike but Sandman went in (and he actually went straight in for once, rather than his seven minute entrance through the crowd drinking beer) and caned all three heels before pouring beer on Electra's boobs. Sandman dragged Cyrus in for his match against Gertner.
JOEL GERTNER defeated CYRUS in 2:33. Gertner removed his shirt and had war paint on his chest like Kamala. He also kept slapping his belly like Kamala. Cyrus stomped and chopped Gertner until Sandman blew beer in his face and he was blinded long enough for Gertner to roll him up for the pin. Not good, but short and entertaining.
DA BALDIES defeated BALLS MAHONEY & CHILLY WILLY in 7:38. This was the usual brawl around the ring and through the crowd. DeVito began juicing early. He did a moonsault off a stage onto Balls. By ECW standards, the stage was low and in fact there were no insane dives from balconies on this show. They brawled into the ring where Balls hit DeVito with a sick chairshot. Angel then used the staple gun on Balls' eye and he juiced a gusher. That's kind of silly to sell the idea that he fired a staple gun into the eye, since by definition that would permanently blind someone, and Balls ain't gonna be permanently blinded. Da Baldies then plastered Balls & Chilly with three hard chairshots apiece and scored a double pin.
Lou E. Dangerously attacked Gertner and laid him out. Cyrus took his place and did color commentary for the rest of the show.
STEVE CORINO beat C.W. ANDERSON in 12:45 in a match to determine the #1 contender to the World Title. Dawn Marie was at ringside, looking hot. They traded some fast spots and chops. Anderson hit a great superkick. Corino hit Anderson with a chair and he then fell and hit another chair. Anderson juiced. They brawled out to the floor where Corino took a killer chairshot and also juiced. Corino sold a shoulder injury and Anderson began working on that shoulder. Anderson scored several twos, including one after blocking the Old School Explosion. Corino started a comeback. Diamond & Swinger attacked Jack Victory and they brawled to the back. But Corino still hit the Old School Explosion and got the pin to win a good match.
THE FBI defeated YOSHIHIRO TAJIRI & MIKEY WHIPWRECK to retain the ECW World Tag Titles in 8:37. Mikey set a demonology book on fire during the pre-match promo. They started out brawling and the FBI accidentally lariated one another. Tajiri was kicking the hell out of both FBI members. He hooked the Tarantula hold on Guido. Mikey guillotine legdropped Tony Mamaluke. Mamaluke got hung upside down and Sinister Minister threw fire on his crotch. I've never seen that one before. Guido juiced, but came back and scored two on Mikey with the Sicilian Slice. Tajiri hit a great handspring elbow. They began trading two counts as all four were brawling. Tajiri blew the mist in Guido's eyes and Mikey hit the Whippersnapper but Big Sal stopped the count. Sal squashed Minister. Tajiri hit an Asai moonsault on Sal, but both Italians double slammed Mikey and got the three count. Not as good as their match on TNN a few weeks ago, but real good nonetheless.
RHINO beat ROB VAN DAM in 12:46 to retain the TV Title. They immediately went to the floor and into the crowd. Van Dam hit the Van Daminator on Rhino while he straddled a rail. Van Dam hit a somersault plancha. Van Dam laid in the kicks and had Rhino reeling. Rhino lariated Van Dam as he came out of a flip. Rhino gored Van Dam. Van Dam went for another Van Daminator but Rhino dodged it and used the chair on Van Dam. Van Dam hit a moonsault and frog splash but only scored two. The commentators sold it big that Rhino kicked out after the frog splash but the live crowd didn't react. Rhino gored Van Dam again and piledrived him off the apron through a table. Bill Alfonso hit Rhino with a chair but he no sold it. Van Dam recovered and went for the Van Terminator but Rhino moved and Alfonso took the blow after Justin Credible interfered and delayed Van Dam's dive. The ref went out to try and force Credible to leave. Meanwhile, Rhino gored Van Dam through a table and piledrived him on a chair, getting a fast three count from heel ref Danny Daniels, who ran in. Alfonso stayed down for a long time to sell the Van Terminator, but was okay backstage other than a swollen hand. The match was good, as it's best to keep Van Dam's matches under 15:00
JERRY LYNN defeated JUSTIN CREDIBLE in 19:34 to capture the ECW World Title. There was a huge pop for Lynn. Lynn foiled Credible on some mat moves, and Credible left the ring briefly. They traded a long series of chops. Each blocked the other's signature piledriver. Lynn bulldogged Credible for a quick two. Credible took a big bump over but sidestepped when Lynn went for a plancha and Lynn hit the rail. It looked like it legit hurt his elbow. Back in the ring, Credible scored some twos after spots where he dropped Lynn on chairs. They brawled to the back around the entranceway set. Again returning to the ring, they began trading twos but the heat died after the crowd went off on a tangent wanting Francine to show her boobs. Credible got on the mic and tried to get the crowd back into it by running down the Twin Cities. Lynn scored a near pin with the Minnesota Jam. Lynn was about to put Credible through a table but Francine interfered and Lynn went crashing through. Lynn scored two with a cradle piledriver, which started the heat rising again. Credible then got two with That's Incredible, evening the piledriver score. Credible accidentally laid out referee H.C. Loc with a superkick. Danny Daniels went in again as heel ref, refusing to count a Lynn pin attempt. Lynn was about to piledrive Daniels but Francine caned him. Daniels then began fast counting on Credible's pin attempts, but Lynn still kicked out at two. Lynn went for another cradle piledriver on Credible but Daniels caned him. Credible then hit That's Incredible again and went for the pin. There looked to be a timing problem here as Daniels had to hold up on his count waiting for New Jack to arrive, which he did. New Jack destroyed Daniels until Credible caned him. Lynn went after Credible and they reversed piledriver attempts before Lynn finally hit the cradle piledriver as Loc revived to count the pin. Overall a good match. The crowd popped big for the Lynn victory.
2002 - During a Smackdown taping in Lafayette, Louisiana, Matt Hardy pins the Undertaker in a Falls Count Anywhere match when Brock Lesnar interfered and gave Undertaker an F5 backstage on the cement floor. Reg Williams filed the following results:
John Cena beat Albert.
Tajiri beat Shannon Moore.
Billy Kidman beat Doug Basham
Smackdown begins.
Tag Team Title Tournament - Eddie & Chavo Guerrero beat Rikishi & Mark Henry.
Matt Hardy beat Undertaker in a Fall Count Anywhere match when Brock Lesnar attacked Undertaker backstage.
Jamie Noble beat Crash Holly to keep the Cruiserweight Title.
Edge beat Kurt Angle. Chris Benoit came out and distracted Angle. Afterwards. Stephanie tells Benoit and Angle they will be in the Tag Team Tournament together next week.
Tag Team Title Tournament - Faarooq & Reverend D-Von beat Billy & Chuck
Torrie Wilson beat Dawn Marie in a bikini contest. Dawn attacked Torrie afterwards.
Stephanie decided that Undertaker will face Brock Lesnar at No Mercy in a Hell In A Cell match.
Rey Mysterio beat Chris Benoit after Kurt Angle interfered. After the match, Angle and Benoit kept fighting until Brock came out and laid them both out with the F5.
2002 - Reuters featured an article containing the first-ever public comments from Andre (The Giant) Roussimoff's daughter concerning her father's legacy being recognized by World Wrestling Entertainment at Wrestlemania. Robin Christensen, 23, who according to the article stands almost six feet tall and bears a resemblance to her legendary father, was quoted as saying "It seems like they don't honor him. It's almost like he's forgotten," while she attended the WWE's press conference to announce the Wrestlemania location last week in Seattle. Robin noted she would like to see some kind of tribute to Andre at the event, marking the ten year anniversary of his passing. When asked about a tribute for Andre at the show, Vince McMahon responded by saying "We honor Andre's memory almost every day. Hardly a day goes past where we don't think and/or talk about Andre, but nothing specific (was planned) for WrestleMania 19." It should be mentioned that Christensen was at the press conference as a fan, and put over the current WWE stars as being "unbelievable" but pointed out that her dad could have taken out The Big Show. The article also looked at how artist Shepard Fairey's depictions of Andre (the "Obey" poster) have popped up all over the country, and has resulted in legal action being taken against him by his daughter. She was looking for royalties from any profits from the portraits. There is legal precedent for this, as the Three Stooges' heirs won a legal battle last January from a portrait artist who used the likeness of the famed comedy trio.
2003 - Former WWF and WCW champion Randy Savage appeared on FOX 5's Good Day New York in New York City this morning to promote his upcoming rap CD. Savage spoke about the CD and the song "Be A Man" which is a shot at Hulk Hogan. Savage discussed the $10,000 challenge from several years back which Hogan never responded to. Savage also performed the song on the show and plugged a signing in NYC at FYE in Manhattan slated for several days later.
2003 - World Wrestling Entertainment settled it's lawsuit against Lewmar Inc., the maker of the harness which failed to correctly hold Owen Hart on the night of his death, causing his fall in the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, for the tune of $9 million, according to the The Stamford Advocate. The settlement featured a gag order so none of the participants can comment on the settlement. WWE had settled with Owen Hart's widow Martha Hart for $18 million in a wrongful death suit. With legal fees, the total settlement came close to $13 million. The article noted that Linda McMahon was present every day of the proceedings.
2004 - PWInsider.com Elite Member Chris Catanese sent word that WWE 24/7 launched on cable provider, Blue Ridge Cable, in Pennsylvania for $6.95 a month. It was the first quiet rollout for the VOD service, which launched with the following material available:
Buried Treasures
AWA Best of the 70's - A trip back to the wild days of the American Wrestling Association during the 1970s. Features on Jesse Ventura, the Heenan Family.
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event - A night of Holloween Fun and exciting action. Junkyard Dog vs -Terry Funk. Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant battle Big John Studd
ECW
-The History of ECW 1 - Hosted by Tazz, The History of ECW takes you through the evolution of Extreme Championship Wrestling
-The History of ECW 2 - Hosted by Tazz, The History of ECW takes you through the evolution of Extreme Championship Wrestling
Monday Night War
-The Monday Night War 9/11/95 - The Monday Night War begins as WWE's Monday Night Raw Battles WCW's Monday Nitro for the first time. Nitro features WCW Champion Hulk Hogan vs Lex Luger. Raw features Shawn Michaels vs Sycho Sid for the WWE Intercontinental Title.
- The Monday Night War 9/18/95 - Nitro features Ric Flair vs Brian Pillman. Raw features Tag Champs Owen Hart and Yokozuna vs Men on a Mission.
Old School
-WWE Old School Madison Square Garden - 1976 Bruno Sammartino defends WWWF title vs Ernie Ladd
-WWE Old School Madison Square Garden - 1983 Bob Backlund defends against Magnificent on Muraco
-WWE Old School Madison Square Garden - 1989 Hulk Hogan defends WWE Championship vs Macho Man Randy Savage
-WWE Old School Madison Square Garden - 1989 Continuation Hulk Hogan vs Macho Man Randy Savage
Primetime
-WWE Primetime Wrestling - Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan host a weekly look at the best in WWE action. Featured wrestlers include Nikolai Volkoff, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, The Iron Sheik and King Tonga
-WWE Primetime Wrestling - Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan celebrate Halloween with a look at the best in WWE Action. Junkyard Dog battles King Kong Bundy.
-WWE Tuesday Night Titans - The debut of TNT. Vince McMahon hosts talk show with Lord Alfred Hayes. Guests include Tito Santana and Captain Lou Albano.
Specials
-Paul Bearer's WWE Hits From the Crypt - Paul Bearer presents an eerie look at some of his favorite matches. Razor Ramone vs Shawn Michaels. Lex Luger vs Jeff Jarrett. Bret Hart vs Kwang.
-Undertaker: He Buries Them Alive - A look at some of the Dead Man's greatest matches. Opponents include Yokozuna, Kwang, Jim Neidhart and Jerry Lawler.
-Wrestlemania's Greatest Hits - Highlights from WWE's showcase event, Wrestlemania. Hulk Hogan vs King Kong Bundy in a steel cage match. Macho Man Randy Savage vs Ted DiBiase.
-Wrestlemania's Greatest Hits - A look back at the greatest matches from WWE's showcase event, Wrestlemania. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs Rowdy Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
-WWE Best of Confidential - Fans get a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Sports Entertainment. Including Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels controversy.
The Big Ones
-WWE In Your House I - The 1st in the WWE In Your House Pay Per View series. WWE Champion Diesel defends title vs Sycho Sid.
WWE Hall of Fame
-Andre the Giant and the Bruiser - Andre the Giant, Billy Whitewolf and Chief Jay Strongbow vs Bruiser Brody, Exceutioner's 1 and 2, in a 3 out of 5 falls 6 man tag team match from Madison Square Garden
-Andre the Giant headlines AWA - Andre the Giant battles the greats of the AWA in an over the top rope battle royal.
-Andre the Giant vs Big John Studd - Andre battles Big John Studd in a Body Slam match.
- Andre the Giant vs Gorilla Monsoon - Andre the Giant in a rare boxing match against Gorilla Monsoon. Fight takes place in a rain storm in Puerto Rico.
WWE Hall of Fame: Andre the Giant - Gene Okerlund hosts a look back at the career of the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Classic interviews and matches.
WWE Tuesday Night Titans - Vince McMahon hosts a talk show with Lord Alfred Hayes. Guests include Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff, Bob Orton Jr.
-WWE Wrestling Challenge - Show highlights include Andre the Giant/Hulk Hogan confrontation on Piper's Pit, Hart Foundation vs British Bulldogs for the WWE Tag Team Titles.
The service would continue on until February 2014, when WWE launched their streaming service, the WWE Network.
2004 - Sting and The Ultimate Warrior were announced as the headliners for the first-ever Ringsidefest event in New York City.
2005 - Ring of Honor drew an estimated 750-800 to the New Yorker Hotel with Pro Wrestling NOAH's Kenta Kobashi facing ROH pillar Samoa Joe in what turned out to be one of the most hard hitting and electric matches the company has ever produced ever. Mike Johnson filed the following report:
Both men received standing ovations and streamers. Jay Lethal accompanied Joe to the ring. The crowd was easily split back and forth, although they were more cheering on a great performance then wanting to see one performer win over the other.
The bout started off with Joe slapping Kobashi early and warning him they were in his house. As the match went on, both men had burst blood vessels all over their chest from back and forth chops. At one point, Kobashi hit Joe with a rapid succession of over 50-60 chops. It was absolutely insane to watch live, as sweat and skin just flew off of Joe's chest like an airplane propeller was hitting it.
Joe came back to hit the muscle buster for a near fall. Kobashi hit several near falls with big suplexes and finally hit an insanely stiff lariat for the clean pinfall. The crowd loved every second of this and was on its feet for all the exchanges and near falls. Most of the locker room was watching from the balcony of the building and was loving it as much, if not more, then the fans in attendance.
It was one of those rare bouts where it didn't matter who went over, because both got over and in the process, Joe became a stronger name for going toe-to-toe with Kobashi. After the bout, Kobashi helped a spent Joe to his feet and shook his hand, then raised it. He thanked Joe, then left the ring.
2005 - TNA broadcasts their first ever episode of Impact on SpikeTV, following a short run on the FOX Sports Network and a hiatus where the series was broadcast via the TNA website. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Total Nonstop Action wrestling starts a new era as it debuts on SpikeTV after a year on Fox Sports Net and a few months on the internet.
We begin with a video package that focuses on the overall product, but mentions the three champions: A.J. Styles, The Naturals, and Jeff Jarrett.
We are live on tape from Soundstage 21 at Universal Studios Florida
Match Number One: A.J. Styles versus Roderick Strong in a non-title match.
Roderick goes after A.J. as the bell rings, but Styles with arm drags and forearms. Styles slams Strong's head into the turnbuckle. Roderick with a belly-to-back suplex that flips Styles, but A.J. lands on his feet. Styles runs Strong into the turnbuckles. Strong ducks a spin kick and connects with a forearm to Styles' back. Strong with forearms and a chop. Styles with a Phenomenal drop kick that sends Strong outside the ring. Styles with a Phenomenal plancha onto Strong. Styles rolls Strong back into the ring and tries for a cover. Styles with an STF with a bridge.
From out of nowhere, Christopher Daniels comes to ringside to watch. Styles is distracted and Strong with a running kick to Styles and a back breaker. Strong with a camel clutch, but Styles makes it to the ring. Styles with an enzuigiri followed by a Pele kick. Strong sends Styles to the apron, but Styles with a springboard moonsault into an inverted DDT. Styles with the Styles Clash for the three count. After the match, Styles and Daniels stare each other down from a distance.
Winner: A.J. Styles
Don and Mike talk about how it is time for America to see the action they have only heard about. We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package of Monty Brown featuring comments from Mike Tenay, football highlights, and Larry Zbyszko.
Shane Douglas is in the interview area with Monty Brown. Monty says that SpikeTV has just become Serengeti Television. The Alpha Male will not be stopped and won't be denied. Someone is about the feel the POUNCE . . . period. Shane is alerted that there is a commotion in the back and we see Raven attacking people with a trash can before he is taken away by security at Larry Zbyszko's direction.
Match Number Two: Monty Brown versus Lex Lovett
Monty with a knee and punch to Lovett. Monty with a head and leg overhead suplex and then Monty slams Lovett's head into the turnbuckle. Lovett flips over a charge by Brown and connects with a few punches. Monty with a back breaker followed by a fallaway slam. Monty with the POUNCE for the three count. We go to commercial.
Winner: Monty Brown
We are back with a Bound for Glory video package and an X Division video package.
Match Number Three: Petey Williams versus Chris Sabin versus Alex Shelley
Petey and Alex discuss strategy as they go after Sabin, but Alex does not go. Williams gets chopped and a forearm. Sabin charges at Shelley, but Shelley with a take down and then he rolls up Sabin. Williams with a drop kick to Shelley that gets Alex off Sabin. Williams gets on Sabin's back and sings "Oh Canada!" before hitting a baseball slide on Sabin to get him out of the ball. Shelley Irish whips Williams into Sabin, who connects with a back kick. Shelley tries for a tornado DDT, but he only kicks Sabin in the head. Sabin with a sunset flip on Shelley and then Williams comes behind Sabin and rolls up Sabin. Shelley with a rollup on Williams. Sabin slams Shelley's head into the turnbuckle. Sabin with an Irish whip and then he trips Petey as he comes off the ropes and Sabin goes to the apron. Sabin with a springboard boot to Williams' back. Williams goes outside the ring. Sabin goes outside the ring too. Shelley goes to the apron, but Sabin goes inside the ring and tries a baseball slide on Shelley, but Shelley moves out of the way. Sabin sends Williams into the guardrail before Sabin tries for a springboard move that is stopped by a chop from Shelley. Shelley with a suicide dive through the second rope onto Williams. Sabin with an Asai Moonsault onto Shelley and Williams. We go to commercial.
We are back and Williams hits a Tornado DDT on Sabin and he gets a two count. Shelley with a belly-to-back suplex and then he applies a figure four head scissors. Shelley slams Sabin's head into the mat. Shelley and Williams with a double suplex to Sabin and then Shelley and Williams bump heads. Shelley tries to cover Sabin, but Williams pulls him off. Williams tries to cover Sabin, but Shelley pulls him off. Sabin rolls through and hits a drop kick on Shelley and Williams. Shelley charges at Sabin, but Sabin leap frogs Shelley and Shelley with a shoulder tackle into the corner. Sabin with a drop toe hold to Shelley that sends Shelley into Petey's lower extremities. Sabin gets Shelley up for the Cradle Shock, but Shelley escapes and hits an enzuigiri followed by a brain buster. Shelley tries for the ShellShock, but Sabin blocks it. Williams with a side Russian leg sweep on Shelley. Williams tries for the Canadian Destroyer on Shelley, but Sabin catches Williams and hits the running sit out power bomb. Shelley with a leap frog neck breaker on Sabin. Shelley with the ShellShock on Williams. Sabin blocks a Shining Wizard and then Sabin with an enzuigiri into a Cradle Shock for the three count. After the match, Williams gives Sabin the Canadian Destroyer.
Winner: Chris Sabin
We go to the back where Shane Douglas is talking to Larry Zbyszko. Larry says that there will be a big surprise. Tito Ortiz stops by and says that he is here to discuss some business. Larry tells Shane, "surprise!"
We are back with a 3 Live Kru video package with comments from Don West, Mike Tenay, and Larry Zbyszko. Mike tells us that we will see 3 Live Kru face Team Canada next week.
Match Number Four: Rhino versus Jeff Hardy
Rhino attacks Hardy before the bell and slams his head into the turnbuckle followed by punches and kicks. Rhino punches Hardy, but Hardy with forearms. Rhino punches and chops Hardy. Hardy ducks a clothesline and hits a flying forearm. Hardy punches and kicks Rhino in the corner. Hardy with an Irish whip, but he charges into an elbow from Rhino. Hardy with a mule kick followed by a standing baseball slide in the corner. Rhino with a spinebuster to Hardy for a two count. Rhino kicks Hardy in the ropes. Hardy tries to fight back, but Rhino with a punch and slam. Rhino goes to the second turnbuckle, but he misses a diving headbutt. Rhino and Hardy exchange punches. Hardy with a flying forearm to Hardy followed by a hard Irish whip. Hardy with a leg drop to the groin. Rhino with a belly-to-belly suplex and he sets up for the GORE. Hardy moves out of the way and Hardy with the Twist of Fate and Hardy goes up top for the Swanton, but from out of nowhere, Abyss comes to the ring and he knocks Hardy off the top turnbuckle. Hardy hits the Whisper in the Wind on Abyss, but Rhino hits Hardy from behind. Abyss and Rhino kick Hardy. Mitchell rolls a chair into the ring, but Rhino picks it up. While Rhino and Abyss fight over the chair, the lights go out and Sabu appears in the ring. Sabu with a drop kick to Abyss' head. Sabu hits Rhino and Abyss with chairs. Sabu with a standing Arabian Facebuster to Rhino while Hardy clotheslines Abyss to the floor. Hardy with a plancha onto Abyss, while Sabu with a double jump splash onto Rhino. We go to commercial.
Winner: No Contest
We are back and we have footage of the Border Championship Wrestling show where Jeff Jarrett, with help from America's Most Wanted won the NWA title. AMW and Jeff Jarrett talk about how this is the first step. We see Raven leave. We see Scott D'Amore come in and say that he loves it when a plan comes together.
It is time for the four-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Jarrett, and America's Most Wanted to come to the ring. Jarrett has a mic and he is going to address the crowd. He says that this is the single greatest day of his life. Jeff said that when TNA debuted on SpikeTV, he would be champion. He built TNA from the ground up. He had a dream and all of the power in TNA lies with the NWA Title. Jeff wants to publicly thank two guys who are the cornerstone of TNA. They are men who revolutionized tag team wrestling, AMW. Jeff wants to bring out the fourth piece of the puzzle, the smartest Canadian on the Earth . . . Scott D;Amore. Scott says that it is good to be back. They made a deal and Scott held up his end of the bargain. Scott reminds Jeff's end of the bargain. When Scott needs Jeff, he owes the Coach one. Scott and Jeff hug. Jeff says that for the last four months he has been told what to do, but things have changed.
From out of nowhere, 3 Live Kru come out. Konnan gets on the mic and says Jeff is boring the people half to death. Konnan says that Jarrett did not build TNA, it was the fans and wrestlers like 3 Live Kru. Jeff tells them to shut him up. We have pandemonium in the ring as 3 Live Kru, AMW, Jeff Jarrett, and Team Canada in the ring.
From out of the Chute of Facial Impact, it is Team 3-D and they charge the ring and go after AMW and Jeff Jarrett. BRD with a double clothesline to Jeff and Harris. They give Storm and Harris a 3-D. They try for a 3-D on Jarrett, but he leaves the ring and walks up the Ramp of Facial Impact.
From out of the Chute of Facial Impact, Kevin Nash appears. BRD slams Jarrett and Devon gives Jarrett a Wassup head butt. Nash gives Jarrett a Jackknife powerbomb. Nash gets on the mic and says that it looks like Planet Jarrett is off its axis tonight. Nash says that he has some unfinished business for Bound for Glory. Nash wants a title match at the pay per view. Devon says that it is time to give the fans what they want, he wants a match between America's Most Wanted and Team 3-D. We go to credits.
2005 - OVW held a benefit event for Katrina victims in Louisville, Kentucky. Mike Garilaco filed the following live report:
OVW held a benefit card for Hurricane Katrina victims dubbed "Rasslin' For Relief". This took place at the Davis Arena on 10/1/2005.
Attendance: roughly 80-90 paid at the door.
Opening match saw Brent "The Shooter" Albright pinned CM Punk. CM Punk is still new to most of the Davis Arena regulars, but he's already hated. This was a strong showing by Punk against Albright. Albright worked over Punk's arm to set up for his Crowbar finisher, but then Punk gained the offensive. Finish seemingly came out of nowhere as Albright just lunged onto Punk for the pin. Punk exclaimed, "I hate this place!" while departing.
Chett The Jett pinned Kasey James. Chett the Jett was our face for this match up. Kasey came out in his Cowboy boots, slicked back long blond hair and shades, arms wide open for adulation and acted shocked that he received none. A little cat and mouse in the early going before Chett takes over, slaps Kasey around and pins him.
Chris Cage pinned OVW Southern Tag Title Co-Holder Tank Toland. Tank came out playing the braggart, Chris came out to a huge face pop. This was also a short match, finish came when Tank tried to use the ropes for a pin but referee Ray Ramsey broke it up. Tank got in the face of Ramsey and Ramsey shoved him into Cage's schoolboy for the 1-2-3.
Deuce Shade and the Riggs Brothers defeated Aaron The Idol Stevens, Paul Birchill, and Fury with Shelly when Deuce pinned Fury. Six man tag action saw lots of interference by The Idol's valet, Shelly. The match started with Shelly warming up to Riggs brother in the middle of the ring as a set up for The Idol to attack him from behind. The Riggs brother remained isolated in the heel corner for a bit until finally Burchill wandered too close to Shade and Shade tagged in. After a few more wild tags and a cluster of everyone in the ring and Shelly grabbing legs, Deuce nails Fury with the Deuces Wild for the win.
Special Attraction MNM Open Challenge. MNM hit the ring and said Teddy Long had given them the night off from Smackdown, but they do 2 things, Kick ass and look good. They were in Louisville to just that and challenged anyone in the back to come out. This lead to The Heart Breakers (or as you know them, The Heart Throbs) hitting the ring complete with Banana Boy. As an aside, why WWE doesn't let The Heart Throbs come out like this on RAW is beyond me. They are in dire need of Tag Teams and gimmicks that are over, if you just let this guys ham it up like they do in OVW it would catch on like wild fire. I think they would make excellent faces opposite Cade-Murdoch, that's just my unsolicited opinion though.
The Heartbreakers pinned MNM. Romeo was the one being set up for the hot tag in this one. Antonio was worked over by both Mercury and Nitro for a long time before Romeo came in and cleaned house. The Heartbreakers went for the Erectile Dysfunction but Melina distracted the ref, Nitro came in and laid out the Heartbreakers. They set up for Romeo for the snap shot and Romeo took down Nitro. Romeo then nailed Mercury who had his back to him with Antonio on his shoulders. Mercury was then hit with the Erectile Dysfunction for the win. After the match, The Heartbreakers called MNM back into the ring calling them the toughest team they ever faced. They shook hands and then MNM levled them with clotheslines.
Bobby Lashley and Seven (aka Kevin Fertic aka Mordecai) defeated OVW Heavyweight Champion Johnny Jeter and Da Beast. A very slow match. Lots of posturing by Jeter against Fertig to open. Fertig kept working over Jeter with punches and eventually Da Beast tagged in. He tried to keep Fertig in but eventually he tagged Lashley who cleaned house. Then dissention arose between Jeter and Da Beast. As they argued Lashley and Fertig snuck up behind each of them and set them up for a dual finishers and pinfalls. Fertig placed the OVW Title on Lashley's shoulder but he just shook his head and dropped across a fallen Jeter.
A very fun card for a very good cause. They were filming this for a DVD, however the cameras stopped taping after the MNM vs Heartbreakers match. I also saw Renee Dupree and Eljah Burke outside but they did not appear on the card.
2006 - Michael Hayes replaced Alex Greenfield as the lead Smackdown writer. Greenfield gave the company notice as he had several screenplays about to go into production.
2006 - WWE's ECW brand ran Loveland, CO. Scott Foster filed the following live report:
I don't know whether it was the fact that I was in the 2nd row, or that it was ECW (yes, WWECW, but still ECW) that made the show seem exciting, but the show was really rather good! It was a small crowd (Tommy Dreamer commented on there being 1300 "maniacs", but I would put the # of fans closer to 1000 or 1100.. the ring was set up in one end of the arena, about 1/3 onto the floor.. a curtain was draped across the center of the arena, and the rest of the arena was closed off (you couldn't get down there from the main concourse at all, they were blocked off and watched by arena staff).
What crowd was there seemed to be really into the event.. There were some rather humorous chants, from the obligatory "ECW, ECW" (and shouldn't it be E-C-W , and not E-C-Dub?) to ' We Want Tables' from the crowd.. The people to the right and in front of me ( I was in the 2nd row ringside) spent time before the matches into the first match talking about Kurt Angle and TNA, and how crazy he was to do it instead of getting healthy..
We were given the usual "don't tape this, and don't throw things in the ring' speech from the PA system, and then were informed that this was being recorded for future use (I don't know what they were taping with other than what looked to be a digital video camera near the sound/production table, there were no cameramen around the ring at all)
1st Match was Rodney Mack vs. Steven Richards.
an OK match, Stevie was the recipient of some good chants including "BWO" and "where's your blue shorts?".. Rodney Mack's just not very good in the ring at all, and man it's a good thing he didn't snag any of his jewelry (He had a ring in each ear, one between his nostrils, one in the lip, and one in his eyebrow.. Stevie Richards won the match.
2nd match was Eric Perez vs Al Snow- Al Snow was hilarious and spent about 5 minutes talking to/threatening to hit Eric Perez (who?) with Head. Eric Perez got in a lot more offense than I was expecting him to, and in the end got the pin on Al Snow. Afterwards, Al got on the house mic and had an argument with Head in the middle of the ring. He picked up head, slapped it around, gave it a pile-driver and an elbow, before grabbing it, and apologizing to head as he left the ring..
Next up was Matt Striker, who appeared at first to be trying to be genuinely interested in the fans- he introduced an edition of his 'classroom' in which he said his opponent had been at Wrestlemania, was immortal, and 'knew best'. A few fans stood up, thinking he was serious in that he had a guest... his 'guest' turned out to be himself, and he then ran down the crowd, and explained how he was doing a favor for his friend, Vincent Kennedy McMahon by being the emcee for an extreme vixen bikini contest. He introduced the two contestants, Francine (came out first, black skimpy bikini and red robe- I've never seen her in person before but she wears a bit too much makeup) and Trinity (who is DAMN HOT in person.) She had fishnet stockings on, a black bikini bottom, and what looked to be red caution/danger tape wrapped around her chest, protecting/keeping in the 'twins'. . Trinity was first to do her thing, and then while Francine was doing her part, Rene Dupree interrupted, saying that you couldn't have a best body contest w/o the sexiest wrestler in ECW.
Eventually Dupree attacked Trinity and Striker attacked Francine, bringing out Tommy Dreamer for the save. Dupree and Striker beat up on Dremer, which brought out the Sandman through the crowd. Striker and Dupree started to leave, and Tommy got on the house mic and talked about them debuting a team in Loveland CO, and that Sandman/Dreamer wanted to fight Dupree and Striker "right here, right now". This led to our next match.
3rd match was Tommy Dreamer and Sandman against Matt Stryker and Rene Dupree. Early in the match, during a spot where Tommy Dreamer and Sandman were stopping Stryker and Dupree from retreating through the curtain, Sandman appeared to trip/fall either in the curtain to the back or something immediately around there, because his throw of Striker into the ring was kind of weak, and he spent the rest of the match (prob. 10-15 min) massaging his hamstring/glute area (left leg) and seemingly was in a lot of pain, noticeably limping. After the match, Dreamer even came up to him and asked him if he was ok- Dreamer and Sandman brought 6 fans (2 women and 4 men) into the ring and had an ECW beer bash with them, giving each one a beer before leaving them in the ring and heading out to the crowd to drink w/ the fans in the crowd. it was a rather cool scene, and the fans seemed to really enjoy it.. Sandman limped backstage post beer bash- he may have hurt his hamstring/glute (a pull or a tear would be my guess) though..
The 4th Match was CM Punk vs. Mike Knox, accompanied by Kelly Kelly (Damn, she's hot in person- she can't do much of ANYTHING at ringside, from acting to getting some clapping going by smacking the mat (couldn't do it in rhythm), but with as attractive as she was in person? that's not a problem. she can look beautiful and not do too much else- the people around me (and me as well) had a little conversation about how little she can actually do, and her lack of dance skill was brought up.. Back to the match though- CM Punk is really good in person- there were a lot of CM Punk chants, and even some ROH chants. Mike Knox, while he comes across as kinda bad on TV, was rather good in this match- CM punk's finisher (a submission hold) looked rather weak honestly, from my perspective- but he still submitted Mike Knox. Interestingly enough, Kelly Kelly cheered a bit for CM punk during the match, and they played off of her being caught up/distracted while talking to him during the match, which angered Knox... A good match. CM punk was really over w/ the crowd.
Probably the best moment of the night was during this match- The WWE had two big JOHN CENA: THE MARINE, OPENS OCTOBER 13TH signs flanking either side of the wrestler's entrance. when CM Punk came out, and made his lap of the ring, he stopped and stared at the signs, then made a gesture and gave a look as if to say 'what a joke' and 'ahh, ok..' about ' The Marine' before getting into the ring.
We then had Intermission, which means pretzel and pop (I wasn't paying $5 for a beer in a plastic bottle...), where the ring announcer (Justin Roberts??) shilled for some merchandise.
After intermission, our 5th match was the FBI vs. the Bashams (eh, Paul Heyman's personal security.) PH's security did not want to take their riot helmets off, and for a minute I thought we might have them on during the match. This match drew a few boring chants, and was rather dry. PH's Security won the bout..
The next match was Kevin Thorne (with Ariel) against RVD. Kevin Thorne in person has a really great look to him (though he drew a few Mordecai chants from people around me), and Ariel... Well, let's say that she's really well endowed by her local plastic surgeon, and is more attractive in person as well than on TV. Kelly could take a few lessons from her on acting though- Ariel was great.. RVD was awesome- Several "RVD " chants started at various times, as did chants of "Whole F---ing show'... RVD won w/ the frog splash, and really was able to feed into the crowd well- I was able to slap hands w/ him after the match as he walked around ringside...
The Main event and final match was Test vs. Sabu in an Extreme Rules match- Sabu was, well, Sabu- and incredible... I've seen test before, and I was just as unimpressed with him now as I was then.. There were some "steroids", and "wellness policy" chants at Test during the match.. Sabu his his spots well during the match (including many with chairs- really cool.) and hit what someone referred to a ''triple' something (can you fill in the right name?), where he ran across the ring, jumped up from a chair to the top rope, than spun backwards onto Test. A great match, w/ both going through one table (test was being held at the time by Sabu), and multiple chair shots/spots- (the afore mentioned Sabu to the top rope spot and having his head rammed by test through the top and middle rope onto a chair was awesome!)
All in all, for my first WWECW show, it was awesome- If I had the chance, I'd go tomorrow night to Pueblo, Colorardo- but I'll wait for the next WWE or ECW trip ot the area..
CM Punk, RVD, and Sabu got the biggest pops of the night with Matt Stryker, Renee Dupree and Test getting the most heat..
Can't wait to see them again when they come through Colorado.,. WWE, Listen... Come back quickly!
The wrestlers who were announced on wwe.com as being there but who were not were Marty Jannetty, Hardcore Holly, and The Big Show.
2006 - Hermie Sadler's UWF ran an TNA event in Franklin, VA with the following results:
Quick results for the UWF/TNA Show Saturday Night in Franklin, Virginia:
1) Rhino defeated Sharkboy and Showtime Eric Young in a Three Way Battle
2) Earl Hebner over Amber O'Neal with TNA Knockout Christy Hemme as Special Guest Referee
3) AJ Styles over Alex Shelley
4) LAX with Konnan over Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt
5) Samoa Joe over Abyss with Father James Mitchell
6) Americas Most Wanted and Petey Williams over The James Gang and Hermie Sadler when James Storm hit a Superkick on Sadler.
2006 - WWE Smackdown ran Jonesboro, Arkansas. Brian Thompson filed the following live report:
WWE SmackDown Live!
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006
ASU Convocation Center
Jonesboro, AR
Crowd was probably around 1,250-1,500. That is significantly down from the last time a WWE branded event was in town. Last September, a WWE Raw house show featuring a main event of John Cena vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Title drew around 3,500-4,000 fans.
I think one factor that could've contributed to the attendance could be the fact that I don't think SmackDown is available on cable systems in Jonesboro, unless something has drastically changed. For the longest time, the local system didn't carry a UPN affiliate. Don't know if they picked up a CW this fall or had added UPN prior to its merger with WB. If that is the case, I wonder why they even booked a SmackDown event with no TV penetration in the city? Who knows.
Show opened with Tony Chimel coming to the ring. He did the usual intros and then asked everyone to rise for the national anthem. The anthem started, but was quickly stopped when Sylvan's music started to play. Here was the scary thing about that. Most fans remained standing and looking at the flag with caps off and hands across the heart while Sylvan's music blared. Kind of funny.
Sylvan ripped on America, Jonesboro, etc. and challenged anyone to come meet him. Out comes Teddy Long. They have a verbal exchange and Long tells Sylvan that he is suspended tonight. Sylvan then says he doesn't mind beating up Long, to which Long responds and asks "Jonesboro's finest" to take care of the situation. A handful of Jonesboro Police and Craighead County Officers get Sylvan down and cuff him. Good pop for local law enforcement officers, something I'm sure they'll talk about tomorrow morning over coffee.
First match saw Batista vs. Finlay. Batista had a good time with one fan at ringside who was giving him heel heat. Fun match with Finlay focusing on the left arm of the former World Champion. A few false finishes involving the leprechaun eventually led to Batista hitting the Jackhammer for the win.
Next up was a triple threat match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Out first was Champion Gregory Helms. After Helms entered the ring and mouthed a few fans, one fan jumped the rail and got in the ring only to have his butt handed to him by the Cruiserweight titleholder. Police and Chimel jumped in on the situation and the guy was escorted out. This actually looked a little worked as the guy walked up to the security guy at the ringside rail and slid past him and hopped the rail. The security guy more or less let him. I'm still assuming the deal was a shoot, but I think it could've been headed off a little sooner if it was. As for the title match, Helms defended against Jamie Noble and Jimmy Wang Yang. Helms rolled up Noble and used a handful of tights to retain the strap.
Third match featured Sylvester Turkay with Elijah Burke against Tatanka. Decent match. Burke got a lot of good heat at ringside and the crowd popped well when Tatanka finally got his hands on the manager. While Tatanka was attacking Burke, Turkay set up the spinning heel kick for the win.
A triple threat match for the WWE Tag Team Title was next on the card. Brian Kendrick and Paul London defended against Chavo Guerrero and the Miz & KC James and Idol Stevens. Miz and Chavo were first eliminated as Miz tried to steal Chavo's thunder by tagging himself in only to be rolled up by London. Finish saw a tag team move of London hitting a shooting star press off the back of Kendrick, who was on all fours on the mat, onto Stevens. Kendrick made the cover and got the victory.
In an entertaining bout, Vito defeated William Regal. Priceless is the best word I can use in reference to Regal's facials throughout this one.
Match six on the card was a bout for the U.S. Title as Ken Kennedy faced Matt Hardy. Funny start saw Hardy pull his shirt and do the around the ring gimmick of asking which side could be the loudest to get his shirt. Kennedy tried to do the same, but nobody wanted his shirt. He started to give it to a fan at ringside and then pulled it away from him and left in on the ringside floor. After the match started, Chimel came and gave the shirt to the fan. Back and forth match ended when Kennedy hooked Hardy with a backslide and got the 1-2-3 with his feet on the ropes.
In a "SmackDown Diva Best Body Contest," Ashley beat Jillian Hall and Krystal Marshall. Personally, I'm not a big fan of this. They were nice to look at and I'm sure the groundskeepers at the Convo Center had to wipe a lot of drool off the arena floor, but other that than it was just filler before the main event.
In the Main Event, Bobby Lashley defeated King Booker by disqualification in a match for the World Heavyweight Title. Booker retains the belt. Nothing real special here.
Notes: Show was enjoyable, but like I said Jonesboro may not even get SmackDown right now and, unless it was added at some point during the last year or two, the city has never gotten the show.
Ted DiBiase was one of the agents at the event and watched from near the entrance way.
Two banners promoting the Marine were hung near the entrance.
It should be interesting to see when WWE returns to Jonesboro and with what brand.
The city has a long history of supporting wrestling and I think this was just an off night as far as crowd size is concerned.
2006 - IWA Mid-South ran the second night of their Ted Perry Invitational tournament. Francisco Cartanega filed the following live report:
WA Mid-South Ted Petty Invitational Night Two
This night was something that nobody that was in Midlothian will ever forget. I'll share my views on the whole situation after this report.
El Generico defeated MDogg20. It was a great way to open the show. Generico won with the super brainbuster, but nailed MDogg on the ring bolt, instead of the pad. Sick looking!
Claudio Castagnoli defeated Mike Quackenbush. All I can say is WOW. That had to have been one of the best matches I've seen anywhere this year. Both these guys were spot on and flowed perfectly. Lots of near falls.
Low Ki defeated Davey Richards. Just what you'd expect. It was almost like watching Ki/KENTA from Final Battle 2005. Very hard hitting. Richards went for the shooting star but Ki got the knees up, allowing him to capitalize and hit the double stomp from the top.
Chris Hero defeated Trik Davis. Hard hitting match. Both of them pulled out the Hangman's Clutch on each other. Referee stopped the match after Hero was using like a hanging armbar submission. Interesting to note, about 3/4 of the crowd turned on Trik Davis, cheering for Hero.
Arik Cannon defeated Hallowicked. Solid match. Cannon gets the win with the Glimmering Warlock.
Roderick Strong defeated Delirious. I liked this match. Delirious put up a good fight, but a backbreaker combo sealed his fate.
Iron Saints and American Kickboxer/Tarek the Great went to a no- contest when Tarek turned on AKB about 3 minutes into the match. The Saints then challenged anyone since they claimed total domination of the tag division, which leads to.....
Eddie Kingston, Joker, and Ricochet def. Iron Saints. Out comes Eddie Kingston and Joker. Brandon Thomaselli then joins in the fight, followed by Ricochet. I believe it was a Joker Driver to a double moonsault from Ricochet to get the win for Blackout.
Intermission
We then had the 6 team losers gauntlet. 2 teams would start, and another team would enter every 3 minutes. Once all 6 teams were in it was battle royal rules. Once one member was eliminated the whole team was eliminated. The final 2 teams would then wrestle under tag rules. The first two teams were Arrogance (Chris Bosh/Scott Lost) and Ricky Reyes/B-Boy. Kevin Steen/Colt Cabana were next, who basically screwed with each other the entire match. Jigsaw/Gran Akuma were next, followed by Scorpio Sky/Erick Stevens. Since Brandon Thomaselli and Ricochet were both in the 6 man match they were replaced by the Northstar Express of Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz. It then went to over the top rules. Cabana eliminated Steen, kicking them both out. Sky/ Stevens were 2nd, then Jigsaw/Akuma, and then Arrogance. The Northstar Express ended up getting the win with a Cruz Control on Reyes.
Arik Cannon defeated Claudio Castagnoli to make the finals. Good match, very near falls. Another match where the crowd turned fast, this time on Cannon.
Roderick Strong defeated Chris Hero to make the finals. Hard hitting. One of the best Hero matches I've seen this year for sure. Crowd was about 60/40 Hero during the match. As soon as it was over it was back to heeling it up on Hero.
Low Ki defeated El Generico to make the finals. This was a short match. Generico held his own more than I thought he would, but he was no match for Low Ki.
Now this is where things get crazy, emotional, and just insane.
Josh Abercrombie defeated Tyler Black to retain the IWA Light Heavyweight Championship. The crowd was 95% pro-Abercrombie, and it all pieced together. Tyler Black had the match won, but Jim Fannin comes out and pulls the ref out and argues with him. That leads to a moment that NOBODY thought would EVER happen again in an IWA ring. JIMMY F'ING JACOBS came in and punched out Tyler, getting the win for Josh. Fannin then came in the ring and said that since he saved Josh's mustache, Josh would have to hold up his end of the deal, which was bringing Jacobs. They made it seem like Fannin wanted to manage Jacobs but it was all a setup, as Mitch Page and Bull Pain came in and started beating on Jacobs. At this point is when I seriously moved my chair aside, and walked out of the Midlodome, which I'll get to in a minute.
Chuck Taylor defeated Toby Klein to win the IWA-MS Heavyweight Championship. Mitch and Pain beat on Toby afterwards only for Necro Butcher to make the save.
Low Ki defeated Arik Cannon and Roderick Strong to become the 2006 Ted Petty Invitational Winner.
Post Show Thoughts: Up until Josh/Tyler it was a great show. The whole angle with Jacobs should NOT have happened at TPI. Strong Style or any other IWA show I can understand, but not at a memorial tournament. For those reading this that may not know what the whole deal is since Jacobs threw the IWA title away, basically it seems that if you set foot in an AAW ring (AAW is the promotion that Jimmy threw it at), you're castrated by an IWA crowd. The 3 faces that worked the show that got booed heavily by the IWA crowd: Trik Davis, who works AAW as part of DP Associates; Arik Cannon, who made his AAW debut last weekend in an excellent match against Marek Brave; and the worst of it all, Tyler Black, who is a member of JJ Inc, and also AAW Heavyweight Champion. In my mind, this was Ian and Fannin's way of sending a big "screw you" to AAW and everyone who works there. I know that this is wrestling and a business and all, but when you use a show that you know will be the most watched one, and basically use it to humiliate another promotion, I think that's disrespectful to not only the fans who go out and supported BOTH promotions, the workers who worked both promotions, but I think it was disrespectful to Ted Petty himself. This tournament was just supposed to be about great wrestling. Two nights celebrating the art that he loved. I guess now it all doesn't matter anymore.
2007 - John Cena suffered a torn right pectoral muscle during his main event match against Ken Kennedy. He is tentatively scheduled to undergo a MRI tomorrow to examine the severity of the injury. I don't have to tell anyone reading this what a major blow this would be to the entire company if Cena needs to be out for any extended period of time. The injury appeared to happen during a botched hiptoss on Kennedy that ended awkwardly with Kennedy landing atop Cena. Cena then nailed an armdrag. The two ended up in the corner, which led to a clean break. Cena backed up to the opposite corner and was obviously favoring his arm immediately. Cena gutted through the match and a planned angle where he was hit with an RKO through a table.
2007 - VideoBusiness.com listed the Condemned at the second bestselling DVD for the week ending 9/23/07, second only to the Matthew McConaughey film, "We Are Marshall." The Condemned outsold the latest seasons of Family Guy and Smallville (although those would have been priced higher) as well as Quentin Tarantino's Death Proof, which debuted in the third spot.
2008 - The Hollywood Reporter reported that Norman Lear, creator of "All In the Family" and "The Jeffersons" among other immortal TV projects, will be teaming with HBO to produce "Everybody Hurts", a dramatic series set in the world of 1970s professional wrestling. The series, which will be written by Aaron Blitzstein, who has written for a number of series including FX's The Riches and The Late Show with David Letterman. He also worked as a Vice President of marketing for Turner Broadcasting's World Championship Wrestling.
"Everybody Hurts" will revolve around "a family running a pro-wrestling business in New York and peeks into the lives of the wrestlers and their fans" according to the article. The series never went into production.
2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought against them by former WWE wrestlers Scott Levy, Mike Sanders and Chris Klucarits seeking to reclassify professional wrestlers contracted by the company as employees. The motion, filed yesterday in the United States District Court of Connecticut, was made on the following grounds:
*Their complaint failed to "state a claim upon which relief can be granted."
*Their claims were barred by "applicable statues of limitations."
*Their claims were a "impermissible attempt" to circumvent federal and state tax laws, with WWE claiming "neither [law] grants a private right of action."
*Their claims are "preempted by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act."
*Levy, Sanders and Klucarits failed to "exhaust administrative remedies."
*The trio "lack standing" to assess punitive claims on behalf of other class members (WWE contracted performers).
The court eventually sided with WWE, throwing the case out.
2009 - Bobby Lashley began negotiating with Strikeforce, but to date, has not appeared for the MMA promotion.
2009 - The Greensboro News-Record reported this that the top prize in the Ric Flair Wooo! Lottery Game has already been claimed. Frankie Shirley ended up with $68,001.60 after taxes.
2009 - The first trailer for the Dwayne Johnson family comedy "The Toothfairy" was released.
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Taz and Mike ‘Hockey Season Starts, Canada and I are happy’ Tenay.
Abyss comes to the ring and we take a look back at what Mick Foley did to Abyss last week on Impact. Abyss says the doctors have said that he cannot compete tonight but he says that he needs answers and he wants Mick Foley to give him those answers.
Mick’s music plays and he comes to the ring with his barbed wire baseball bat and security. Mick asks Abyss if he said that he owes Abyss answers. Mick points out how much Abyss has taken from him. Mick wants to know what he owes Chris. Does he owe him the twenty-four years of blood, sweat, and tears? Does he owe him for paving the way for guys like Abyss from having a career? Does he owe Abyss for giving him the flannel shirt to continue the hardcore tradition? Mick says that is not going to happen.
Abyss says that he was trying to save Foley against Nash. He says that he did not know what Kevin was going to do to Foley. Abyss says the picture was an accident. He was going to for the barbed wire bat to save Mick. Mick says that it was an accident when Abyss entered his private office. Mick asks if Abyss was invited into the office. Did Mick invite Chris to take his barbed wire bat to mess up his Legends Title match? Mick says that he did not need Abyss’ help and he did not need to be saved. Mick asks if he needed to be saved when he was tossed of Hell in a Cell, when he was in barbed wire in Japan, or when he had his ear ripped off?
Abyss tells Mick that he is . . . was his hero. He says that he idolized Foley and came up in the business to be like Foley. He got into this business because of Foley. Abyss says that he remembered all of the beatings by his father when his mother turned a blind eye and Mick Foley kept him going. Abyss says that Mick repays him by leaving a huge scar on his forehead. Mick says that his actions were a bit extreme and he says that he was hurt too. Mick says that he was in a hospital last week having pieces of a video tape removed from his hand. Mick has a gift for Abyss and it is the caricature of Foley and Borash. Mick says that it is not the original, it is a copy, a cheap imitation. Mick says that if anyone knows about cheap imitations and rip offs, it would be Chris. Foley mentions the Monster’s Ball but when it comes to comparisons between them, Abyss isn’t even in the same league. Foley says that Abyss is like the copy, a wannabe. Foley hits Abyss with the framed caricature and then he leaves the ring.
Abyss chases after Foley and security tries to stop him but Abyss takes care of security and Foley leaves while Abyss choke slams one of them.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is trying to calm Abyss down. Abyss will not listen to Lauren and she follows after him.
Match Number One: Amazing Red versus Consequences Creed versus Sheik Abdul Bashir versus Kiyoshi versus Jay Lethal in a Ladder Match for an X Division Title Match next week
Red watches the two teams fight each other and Red gets the ladder and brings it into the ring. Lethal with jabs to Kiyoshi followed by an elbow. Lethal with jabs to Red but Red with an arm drag and back elbow and springboard rana. Creed punches Red but Red with a drop kick. Kiyoshi and Bashir punch Red while Lethal and Creed are on the floor. Red with a double drop kick and Red gets the ladder and puts it in the ring. Nobody else is in the ring as Red climbs. Lethal grabs Red’s foot and Creed with a springboard bulldog.
We go to the back where Abyss is threatening backstage workers.
We return to the action in the ring and Bashir with a Jig n Tonic on Creed. Lethal hits the Lethal Combination on Bashir. Lethal climbs the ladder but Red pushes the ladder over and Lethal hits the ropes. Kiyoshi and Bashir punch Red. Red with a kick to Kiysohi followed by a spin kick to Bashir. Red with a tornado DDT to Kiyoshi followed by a springboard DDT to Lethal. Red with a kick to Creed and then he hits a rana. Red has the contract and wins.
Winner: Amazing Red
Abyss is still in the back looking for Foley.
Jeremy Borash stops Amazing Red inside the Impact Zone to talk about his title match. Lethal tells the Red Rooster that he stole the contract.
We continue the slow walk of Abyss as he tries to find Mick Foley and we go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is in the interview area and he is with Dr. Stevie and Daffney to talk about Stevie’s match with Kevin Nash. Jeremy asks Stevie if he talked to Mick Foley. Stevie says that he had nothing to do with Mick finally seeing the type of person Chris really is. Stevie tells Nash he stole his money. He says the deal was to end Abyss’ career. Stevie says that Nash his money, but he ends Nash’s career.
Before the next match we see footage of Stevie using his smoking taser on Nash.
Match Number Two: Dr. Stevie with Daffney versus Kevin Nash
The bell rings and Stevie runs out of the ring and Nash follows after him. Daffney distracts Nash and Stevie hits Nash in the leg and uses the ring steps. Stevie with kicks as they return to the ring. Stevie punches Nash and then he kicks him in the back and hits an elbow drop for a near fall. Stevie punches Nash and then he connects with a head butt. Stevie applies General Anesthesia but Nash gets to his feet and he runs Stevie into the turnbuckles. Stevie has the baton but Nash with a big boot as Stevie charges. The straps are down and Nash with a jackknife power bomb for the three count.
Winner: Kevin Nash
We are in the back and the World Elite are with Jeremy Borash. Eric says that he wants an apology from Kurt Angle.
Christy Hemme and Traci Brooks are walking in the back and they have bunny ears on their head. We go to commercial.
The World Elite and Main Event Mafia are in the Main Event Locker Room. Kurt tells Eric that he has five seconds to speak. Eric says that Kurt owes them an apology. Kurt tells Eric that they shouldn’t have gotten in his face. Eric says that if Kurt does not apologize there is going to be trouble. Booker throws in his two cents and Eric says that they need the Main Event Mafia, but not as bad as the Main Event Mafia needs the World Elite. Eric tells Booker that he should get in his place while the leaders of the groups talk. Eric wants to know if that is Kurt’s answer. Eric says that he will show Kurt how he should have taken care of Matt Morgan.
Match Number Three: Traci Brooks versus Christy Hemme in a Battle of the Playboy Models Match
Traci runs Christy into the ropes and then she kicks Christy in the abdomen. Traci with a chop and kick. Traci chokes Christy in the ropes and then connects with knees to the back and gets a near fall. Traci tosses Christy by the hair but she charges into boots. Christy takes Traci down by the hair and then Christy with a scissors kick for a near fall. Christy goes to the turnbuckles for the leg drop but she misses. Traci can only get a two count. Traci with a chop but Christy avoids a charge by Traci and Christy gets the three count with a sunset flip.
Winner: Christy Hemme
After the match, Traci attacks Christy and hits a jawbreaker.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Abyss finally found Foley but Mick hits Abyss with the barbed wire bat. Abyss chokes Foley and they fight on the equipment. Security comes to the rescue and they all talk at the same time. They cannot stop Foley and Abyss despite their best efforts.
We go to an interview that Mike conducted with A.J. Styles and Sting. Mike asks about their match at Bound for Glory. Mike asks A.J. what he was thinking from the time he won the title until he made his challenge. A.J. says that he could not stop thinking about Sting letting him win and he wants to see if he can beat the best. Mike asks Sting if he passed the torch that night. Sting says that he has been doing this for twenty-three years and he has wrestled the best. He says that he has done it all. A.J. says that he does not want to be disrespectful about the passing the torch, but A.J. says that the torch could mean that Sting just doesn’t want it any more. A.J. asks Sting if he will be ready for Bound for Glory.
We go to commercial.
Tara comes to the ring to watch the next match and she has her little friend with her.
We see footage from last week’s tag title match when Kong attacked Tara and Tara’s confrontation with ODB after the match.
Match Number Four: ODB versus Awesome Kong with Raisha Saeed for the TNA Women’s Title
Kong with a forearm but ODB responds with one of her own. More forearms back and forth and then they each grab the other’s hair. ODB with chops and then she tries for a series of shoulder tackles to take Kong down but Kong does not budge. Kong misses a splash when ODB moves. ODB with a bronco buster to Kong. Kong misses a charge into the corner but ODB misses as well. Kong with a splash and then Kong sticks ODB’s face in her armpit. Kong with a slam and leg drop for a near fall. Kong has ODB in a chin lock.
Meanwhile, Saeed confronts Tara at the announce table. Tara leaves the announce table and Kong grabs Tara by the hair. Tara drops Kong on the top rope and ODB with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: ODB
After the match, Tara gets into the ring and she applauds ODB’s victory. Tara wants ODB to say ‘you’re welcome’ for what she did to Kong but ODB won’t say anything. They push each other and then ODB with a forearm. Tara with punches in response. Both women punch each other but Kong returns to the ring and she hits the Implant Buster on ODB and then Tara feels the wrath.
Kurt Angle is in his locker room getting ready for Hernandez. We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Kurt Angle versus Hernandez
They lock up and Angle with a side head lock and Hernandez with a shoulder tackle. Hernandez with a suplex attempt but Angle escapes and hits European uppercuts. Hernandez with a shoulder tackle and then he tries to biel Angle with his shirt but Angle escapes and goes to the apron. Hernandez suplexes Angle from the apron with a delayed vertical suplex. Hernandez misses a splash into the corner but Angle hits a German suplex and both men are down. Angle punches Hernandez and then he kicks Hernandez in the leg. Hernandez pushes Angle away but Angle returns to the leg and then he clips Hernandez. Angle with punches but Hernandez punches back. Angle with kicks to Hernandez. Angle goes to the turnbuckles and Hernandez catches Angle and Hernandez hits a sit out powerbomb for a two count. Hernandez sets for the Border Toss but Angle gets out of the hold. Hernandez gets him up again and hits a Dominator for a two count. Angle rolls to the floor and Hernandez follows and he chops Angle and sends him into the apron. Hernandez with a chop. The referee makes the ten count and both men are counted out.
Double Count Out
After the match, the World Elite attack Hernandez and Angle and take them into a back room. They kick Hernandez in the yam bag, but Joe makes the save for Angle’s family jewels. We have a pull apart between the World Elite, Main Event Mafia, and TNA Security. We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the brawl.
The Motor City Machine Guns are in the interview area with So Cal Val and they have an announcement. Sabin admits that Foley was right about having the worst music in wrestling. Shelley and Sabin talk about Sabin’s old music. Alex says that they will have a new entrance theme and you will hear it next week.
Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne come out and they have something to say. They must be so distraught that they don’t even grind on the rope. Velvet looks very verklempt before she talks. Velvet says that due to contractual issues, Angelina Love is no longer part of the group. Velvet says that it is time to come clean to the Knockouts and the fans. Velvet says that over the past year, they are not proud of their actions. They were nasty, rude, disrespectful, and inconsiderate. She says that it was due to Angelina. Madison takes the mic and she says that Velvet was right. Angelina turned them into monsters. She made them do things they didn’t want to do. She says that they were afraid to go against Angelina’s orders because of the consequences. Now that Angelina is gone, they want to show their true colors. Madison says that they want to apologize for every heinous act they have committed and start with a clean slate. Madison wants Taylor Wilde and Sarita to come to the ring so they can apologize to them face to face.
Taylor Wilde and Sarita come to the ring. Velvet tells Sarita and Taylor that they want to apologize for their actions and they want Taylor and Sarita to forgive them so they can have the best possible match at Bound for Glory.
They shake hands and then Sarita and Taylor turn their back and Velvet and Madison attack them. Sarita and Taylor have the advantage and someone has come into the ring and she pulls Sarita off and then she clotheslines Taylor. It is Lacey Von Erich and she gives Sarita a claw. Velvet and Madison pull Lacey off and we have a new member of the group.
Val is in the interview area with Matt Morgan and she asks him how he will focus on his match with Eric Young now that the World Elite and Main Event Mafia are blowing up. Matt says that he does not care about the lover’s quarrel and he says that he could care less. Matt says that he only cares about hurting people. Tonight he hurts Eric Young and at Bound for Glory he destroys Kurt Angle. Matt says that they have awakened the sleeping giant and you have pissed him off.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Don West reminds us of the upcoming live events.
Val is with Madison, Velvet, and Lacey. Velvet takes the mic and she introduces everyone to Lacey and Velvet says that Lacey will pick up where Angelina left off. Lacey thanks everyone for the opportunity to take the ugly out of TNA.
We see footage from last week when Kurt Angle sacrificed Eric Young at the feet of Matt Morgan.
Match Number Six: Eric Young versus Matt Morgan
Eric has some words for Matt but Matt pushes Eric away and then has him by the throat but Young with kicks to escape the hold. Morgan sends Young into the turnbuckles and it is time for the elbows in the corner and then he hits the splash. Morgan has Young up and he drops Eric to the mat. Morgan with an Irish whip and Young does the Flair Flip but Young stops Morgan’s attempt at a press slam and Young with a missile drop kick and elbows on the mat. Young goes to the turnbuckles but he hits Morgan’s boot. Morgan tosses Young into the turnbuckles and then Morgan with a roaring clothesline. Morgan chokes Young on the top rope and Morgan with a splash to the back. Someone dressed like Abyss hits Morgan with a chair and it is Kurt Angle. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Matt Morgan by disqualification
The members of the Main Event Mafia attack Eric Young in the ring. The World Elite come to the ring and it is a brawl. TNA security comes out and we go to commercial.
We are back and the brawl continues. We go back to commercial.
We are back and the brawl still continues. Agents have entered the ring to try to separate things.
Jeremy Borash is in the locker room with Team 3D and Bobby Lashley. Ray says that they are together for the first time to face the British Invasion and Rhino. Ray says that he is glad that Bobby has their back. He tells Rhino that they never should have trusted him. He apologizes to Devon and then he says that he will take it all out on Rhino tonight. Ray tells the British Invasion that he cost them their titles and they have a giant ‘x’ on their backs. Lashley engages in some gimmick infringement by ‘testifying’. We go to commercial.
We are back and James Storm and Robert Roode are at the announce table for our main event and James brought gifts.
Match Number Seven: The British Invasion and Rhino with Rob Terry versus Team 3D and Bobby Lashley
Ray and Magnus start off but Ray goes for Rhino on the apron and Magnus attacks Ray from behind. Magnus with a back elbow but he runs into a clothesline and then he gets slammed and feels an elbow drop for a near fall. Devon tags in and they hit a double flapjack. Devon punches Magnus but Magnus with a rake of the eyes and then he tags in Williams. Devon with a leg drop for a near fall. Lashley tags in and he punches Williams. Williams with a knee but Lashley with a back body drop and torture rack into Shock Treatment. Lashley clotheslines Williams over the top rope to the floor. Williams wants to tag in Rhino and he complies. Devon tags in and they lock up. Rhino with a knee and forearm followed by an Irish whip. Rhino charges into a boot and then Rob pulls Devon down and it is yam bag time. Rhino with kicks and then Magnus is tagged in. Magnus with a front face lock and then he tags in Williams and they hit a double Japanese clothesline and Williams gets a near fall. Magnus with a slam and a near fall. Magnus falls victim to a choke slam after trying to taunt Lashley. Lashley and Williams tag in and Lashley takes everyone down with a biel, slam, and hip toss. Lashley with clotheslines to Williams and Magnus and then a shoulder to Rhino. Lashley with a running power slam on Williams but Magnus and Rhino break up the cover. Rhino gets slammed and it is time for a double Wassup. Rob distracts the referee but Devon still hits the hold. It is time to get the tables. Lashley with a double clothesline and then Team 3D hit neck breaker combination and then Lashley with a Dragon sleeper to Williams and Williams taps.
Winners: Team 3D and Bobby Lashley
Lashley is celebrating with the fans while Storm, Roode, and Team 3D drink beer. Samoa Joe attacks Lashley and puts Lashley in the Tazmission and Lashley is out. We go to credits.
2010 - In one of those "am I really seeing this?" moments, there was a long interview conducted by Joey Styles with TNA star and former WWF champion Mick Foley on the WWE website discussing the release of Foley's fourth memoir "Countdown to Lockdown" today. While TNA is not mentioned in any form, Foley discusses the media coverage of the Linda McMahon campaign, including one reporter who interviewed Foley about the campaign only for Foley to learn that the reporter didn't even know who John Cena was, Foley's last run with WWE, Vince McMahon's decision to promote the book (which WWE will not profit from, by the way) and much more.
If there was ever proof that sometimes Vince McMahon does things to be nice, or that he just loves Foley for what Foley gave to WWE, this is it. It's certainly not something WWE needed or had to do, so kudos to them for going out of their way for Foley.
2010 - Word came out that the premininary buyrate for Summerslam 2010 was in the 350,000 range, down from the previous year's buyrate.
2010 - WWE issued the following press release:
World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following press release late yesterday:
WWE Fan Appreciation Day Saturday October 30th in Hartford
STAMFORD, Conn., Sep 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- World Wrestling Entertainment(R) announced today that it will hold a special Fan Appreciation Day event at the XL Center in Hartford, CT on Saturday, October 30at 3:00 p.m. featuring WWE(R)'s biggest Superstars. As a way to thank its loyal fans, tickets will be available for only $20 for floor seats and $10 for all other seating.
The event will be a "WWE Supershow" featuring Superstars from both the Raw(R) and SmackDown(R) brands. Matches will include John Cena(R) vs. Sheamus(TM); Randy Orton(R) vs. Wade Barrett(TM) for the WWE Championship; a "Fatal Four Way" match for the World Heavyweight Championship featuring Undertaker(R), Kane(R), Edge(R) and Big Show(R); and Rey Mysterio(R) vs. Alberto Del Rio(TM). Other WWE Superstars scheduled to appear include MVP(R), Daniel Bryan(TM), The Miz(R), WWE Divas Michelle McCool(R) and Natalya(TM), and many more.
"With its headquarters located in Connecticut since 1983, WWE has a strong history and a large and loyal fan base throughout the state and specifically in the city of Hartford, which hosted WrestleMania(R) XI as well as countless sold-out Raw and SmackDown events," said WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. "We look forward to thanking our fans for their continued support and loyalty on October 30th."
Tickets for WWE's Fan Appreciation Day event go on sale Tuesday, October 5 at 12:00 Noon at the XL Center box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company,, is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Toronto and Mexico City. Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!wwe/quotes/nls/wwe (WWE 13.89, -0.02, -0.14%) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown, debuting on the ScyFy. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from Dallas, Texas and your announcers are Matt ‘Live from the New Generation Sportatorium’ Striker and Todd ‘Can I read from the Commodore 64 GM Lite’ Grisham.
Dolph Ziggler comes to the ring with Vickie Guerrero.
Match Number One: Dolph Ziggler versus Montel Vontavious Porter for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up and Porter takes Ziggler to the mat and they stay locked up until Porter backs Ziggler into the ropes. Ziggler with punches and then he hits a fireman’s carry and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops followed by a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Ziggler tries for the sleeper but Porter sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and he escapes the hold. Porter with a series of German suplexes and then he hits a modified Yakuza kick for a near fall.
Porter with a punch followed by an overhead belly-to-belly throw and Ziggler goes to the floor.
Nexus comes out and they attack Dolph Ziggler. The referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
They send Ziggler into the ringside barrier and then they circle the ring and Porter is ready for them. They enter the ring together and they circle him. Porter punches Tarver and Slater as the Pips attacks Porter. They hold Porter for Otunga to give him the World’s Most Dangerous Spinebuster. They drag Porter towards the corner for the hesitation 450 Splash.
Big Show comes out to the ring and the B Team is ready for him. Show gets to the apron and they go after Show. Show fights them off and Slater climbs on Show’s back to take him to the mat. They work over Show as they take advantage of the situation.
John Cena’s music plays and he runs to the ring and he goes after Slater. The other three join in and they work over Cena. Big Show has a chair and he hits Slater in the back with it. Nexus leaves the ring.
Wade Barrett is on the TitanTron and he says that this is a monumental moment because this is the last time that John Cena will receive a beating at the hands of the Nexus. Wade reminds us of the stipulation for Sunday night. Wade reminds Cena that if Cena loses, he will be under the orders of Wade. If Cena wins, Nexus disbands.
Wade says that he is close friends with the president of this network. Wade will be able to suggest some matches to make this the most exciting premiere.
Teddy Long reads that Big Show will be in a Five on One Handicap Match against the Nexus. John Cena will face the Devil’s Favorite Demon, Kane.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael ‘My ears are bleeding’ Cole joins Matt and Todd at the announce table.
Match Number Two: Michelle McCool, Layla, Maryse, and Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly, Natalya, and the Bellas
Alicia and Kelly start things off and Alicia with a kick but Kelly escapes a slam. Alicia and Kelly with a double clothesline and Maryse tags in and so does Natalya. She hits a few suplexes on Maryse followed by a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Natalya sets for the Sharpshoter but Michelle with a boot to Natalya and she kicks Natalya to the floor. The Bellas send Michelle to the floor. Alicia sends the Bellas to the floor. Layla goes to check on Michelle but an arm reaches from under the ring and Hornswoggle appears. She chases Layla around the ring as she runs over the fallen bodies on the floor. Michelle with a big boot to Hornswoggle but Natalya with a baseball slide to Michelle and Layla. Maryse with a kick and she tries for the DDT but Natalya blocks it and she puts Maryse in the Sharpshooter and Maryse tap out and feel much shame.
Winners: Natalya, Kelly Kelly, and The Bellas
The winning team celebrates with Hornswoggle as we go to commercial.
We are back and the ring is ready for the All American American Homecoming for ‘The King’ Jack Swagger and he is accompanied by an eagle.
Swagger says that they say you can’t come home. He thanks everyone. What would the premiere of Smackdown on Syfy in Oklahoma City be without Oklahoma’s own All American American American American Jack Swagger. Jack says that he has a huge announcement. This will be a great day in the history of Oklahoma. Jack says that he has a problem with every Oklahoman in this building. He has a problem with the State of Oklahoma. He says that he put Oklahoma on the map and he doesn’t even get a Jack Swagger parade. Jack wants his proclamation for Jack Swagger Day. Jack hasn’t even received the key to Oklahoma City and he wonders whatupwiththat. Jack says that is why him and his mascot the Swagger soaring eagle have moved from Oklahoma. He moved to a place where people have class and everything is bigger. Jack says that he has moved to Texas. Jack says that Texas is a state of winners and they will prove it when Texas beats Oklahoma. Jack says that it will be a Texas blow out.
Jack says that despite they did not throw a parade for him or proclaim a Jack Swagger Day, he is still going to give back to Oklahoma. He says that he will be a role model and he says that he is their king. Jack says that there is only one person who can do this. He proclaims himself the official Undisputed King of Oklahoma. Jack gets a crown and he puts it on his head. Jack wants everyone to get on their knees and worship him.
Edge’s music plays and he comes out to the ring. Swagger tells Edge that this is his coronation and they are kind of busy worshiping him.
Edge says that after he was involved with the ridiculousness on Raw, he decided to go on a mission of epic proportions of anything that is stupid. Striker says goodbye to Michael Cole. Swagger says that he has his own mascot and that isn’t stupid, it is cool. Swagger tells Edge not to call the Swagger Soaring Eagle stupid. Edge mocks Swagger’s speech and calls it stupid. Edge calls everything about Swagger tonight, stupid. Edge says that he is going to start his mission right now. Swagger hides behind the eagle and the Eagle makes the mistake of touching Edge.
Edge punches the Eagle and Swagger yells at Edge from outside the ring. The Eagle struggles to get to its feet and Edge pulls his hair and he wants the Eagle to get up and there is a new endangered species as Edge hits the spear.
Nexus are in the locker room and Wade tells them that they were impressive, but if they want to make history, they need to push the envelope. Wade says that if anyone on Smackdown touches them, they will be suspended indefinitely. Wade mentions that they will be the lumberjacks in the Kane/Cena match as we go to commercial.
We are back with a Dashing Cody Rhodes Grooming Tip. He says that there is nothing more embarrassing than the sight of extreme perspiration after a hard day of work. We have all seen the men with wet spots the size of Lake Superior under their arms. Cody says that the smell is just as bad. Cody tells you to take your anti-persperant or deodorant. He shows the proper way to apply to the underarm area. Cody says that is how to get one step closer to Dashing.
We see what happened during the opening match tonight when Nexus attacked Dolph Ziggler and Montel Vontavious Porter. Then the attack on Big Show and John Cena.
Match Number Three: Big Show versus Nexus in a Handicap Match
All five men go after Show and Barrett is the first to attack Show. Show pushes them all away and he throws Gabriel and Slater out of the ring. Slater and Gabriel grab Show’s leg. Barrett with a running boot into the corner and then Tarver with a double sledge and all five attack Show. Barrett with a head scissors on Show and then the others go after an appendage to quarter him. Even though Show’s shoulders were down for about fifteen seconds, the referee stops the match because it looks like Show is out.
Winners: Nexus
After the match, Justin Gabriel goes up top for the hesitation 450 Splash and he hits it. Barrett tells Gabriel to go up top one more time. Gabriel with a second 450 splash and he connects around Show. Nexus celebrate in the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did you know that 2.9 Billion People have watched Smackdown.
We have a Moments Ago Moment of Big Show being helped to the back as he holds his ribs.
It is time for a Kane/Undertaker video package for their match at Hell in a Cell.
Match Number Four: CM Punk versus Undertaker with Paul Bearer
Punk backs into the corner and he avoids Taker and punches him. Punk with knees in the corner but the referee pulls him out. Taker sends Punk into the corner but Punk goes over the top rope to the floor. Taker goes after Punk and he sends Punk into the ringside barrier. Taker with a kick to the back of the head and then he hits the guillotine leg drop on the apron. Punk does not like being in the match as Taker sends him back into the ring. Taker gets a near fall.
Taker works on the arm and shoulder as he sets for Old School and hits it. Taker misses a boot in the corner and Punk works on the knee and chokes him in the corner. Punk with punches and kicks followed by a shoulder in the corner. Punk with the running knee and he hits the bulldog. Taker sits up and Punk freaks out. Taker with a clothesline and then he sends Punk into the turnbuckles and he hits a splash in the corner. Taker with snake eyes followed by a boot to the head and a leg drop for a near fall. Taker signals for the choke slam and he hits it. Taker signals that it is over and he hits the Tombstone Piledriver on Punk and gets the three count.
Winner: Undertaker
After the match, Paul Bearer holds up the urn while Taker poses in the ring and it goes blue.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Smack of the Night: Alberto Del Rio injuring his amigito Rey Mysterio.
Ricardo Rodriguez is introduced so we can get the introduction for Alberto Del Rio, who drives into the arena.
We see footage of Alberto Del Rio injuring Christian last week with the cross arm breaker.
Alberto reminds us who he is, but everyone already knows that. He says that it has been a great debut on Syfy. John Cena, Nexus, and the Undertaker are here. There is someone else. The Mexican icon, one of the greatest luchadores of all time . . . Alberto Del Rio. Alberto says that he is here to introduce everyone to a man he exposed, a powerless, weak person. A few weeks ago, he broke his arm. Tonight, he is here to say I’m Sorry and to give him a big kiss right on the cheek. He brings out Rey Mysterio.
Ricardo brings out a Chihuahua with a mask. Alberto holds ‘Rey’ up and says that he is sorry. Alberto says that he is sorry that he hurt Rey. Alberto says that he is going to give Rey that kiss and he kisses the dog.
Alberto says that he was kidding and Rey will be here tonight.
Rey’s music interrupts Alberto and Rey comes to the ring. Rey goes between Alberto’s legs. Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Alberto goes into the ropes. Rey with a drop kick and Alberto goes into the ropes again. Ricardo grabs Rey and Alberto escapes.
Rey kicks Ricardo and then he punches Alberto in the head. Rey with a drop kick and Ricardo knows what to do as Rey hits a 619.
Rey goes to the apron and he points at Alberto and he wants Alberto to come back to the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of the kick that has ended Chris Jericho’s career at this time. We also see what Sheamus did to Great Khali on Monday night.
Match Number Five: Randy Orton versus Cody Rhodes with Drew McIntyre
Cody runs into a boot from Randy and then Randy gets Cody to flinch. Cody with a punch and then he misses the rolling knee drop. Orton with a European uppercut and Cody rolls to the apron. Randy tries for the IEDDT but Rhodes gets into the ring. Orton with a power slam and Cody goes to the floor. Orton goes to the floor and Drew follows Orton but Orton sees him coming. Cody sends Orton into the ring post and then they return to the ring.
Rhodes hits the rolling knee drop and he gets a near fall. Cody with kicks to Randy in the corner followed by a snap mare and arm bar with chin lock. Randy with a punch and he gets out of the hold. Rhodes misses the springboard round kick and Orton with a back breaker and RKO for the three count as Drew walks around the ring.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match Drew tries for the Future Shock on Orton but Orton with a back body drop and then he hits the RKO after some Viper Push ups.
Sheamus comes to the ring and he hits Orton and he waits for Orton to get up. Sheamus with the pump kick and Orton is down.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package showing the work that WWE has done over the years with Make-A-Wish.
Kane comes to the ring as he interrupts Todd Grisham’s attempt to say something.
Match Number Six: Kane versus John Cena in a LumberNexus Match
Kane with a knee and he kicks Cena in the corner. Kane with a shoulder followed by punch to Cena in the corner. Kane with a snap mare and drop kick for a near fall. Kane with a forearm to the back followed by a punch in the corner. Kane with a hard Irish whip and a kick to the top of the head. Kane gets another near fall. Kane with an arm bar. Kane throws Cena over the top rope and the NexusJacks help Cena back into the ring with their boots and then they hold Cena for Tarver to connect with a few punches. They return Cena back into the ring and Kane with a kick to the head as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane has Cena in a reverse chin lock with a body scissors. Cena gets to his feet and Cena with a punch but Kane with an uppercut. Kane goes up top but Cena moves out of the way. Cena with the two flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena with the Five Knuckle Shuffle to Kane and then he looks at Barrett before getting Kane up for the Attitude Adjustment but Kane escapes. Cena avoids a choke slam and Kane is sent to the floor. Cena knocks Gabriel off the apron into Kane and Kane punches Gabriel. Cena goes after the other members of Nexus.
Cena goes to the ramp while Kane returns to the ring.
The lights go out and Undertaker is in the ring behind Kane and he punches his brother and clotheslines Kane over the top rope to the floor. Taker sends Kane’s head into the ring steps and then over the announce table, but he misses Michael Cole. Taker attacks Kane and he scares the referee away. Taker sends Kane into the crowd and he goes after Kane.
Taker and Kane continue to battle in the crowd. Kane tries to go up the steps to the concourse but Taker stops him. Kane punches Taker and he gains control. Taker punches Kane as they move back to the ringside area. Taker slams Kane’s head into the ring steps and then he sends Kane into the ringside barrier. Taker mounts Kane and punches Kane as the referee tries to stop him.
They return to the ring and Kane with a boot to Taker but Taker sits up and Kane cannot believe what he has seen. Kane grabs Taker by the throat but Paul Bearer is in the ring with the urn and Taker grabs Kane by the throat and he gives Kane a choke slam. Kane leaves the ring and he escapes while he can, but Sunday is Hell in a Cell.
2011 - Terry Funk wrestled Jerry Lawler in what, for now at least, was their final in-ring meeting at Northeast Wrestling's Autumn Ambush II in Poughkeepsie, NY. Mike Johnson filed the following live coverage:
We are live at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY for Northeast Wrestling's Autumn Ambush II!
Autumn Ambush II opened with an announcement that Brian Anthony had captured the NEW championship from Matt Taven and they would have a rematch tonight. Haven was originally scheduled to defend against Tommy Dreamer.
Tommy Dreamer was introduced and came out to the ring. Dreamer said that as a local guy and someone who had dealt with a little bad news in wrestling, he felt it was his job to let everyone know that Kevin Nash wasn't here because the WWE said he couldn't. Dreamer said, "As always, who really cares?" He said that there are a lot of hardcore freaks here in Poughkeepsie and anytime he's on the card, he's going to go hardcore and extreme. He asked everyone to have a good time and they'll blow the roof off the place.
Out came Tough Enough finalist Luke Robinson. Robinson asked Dreamer who he was. He said that he thought Tommy Dreamer was supposed to be here but he only sees a fat, old, pathetic shell of what Dreamer used to be. He said the difference between Robinson and everyone else is that when he looks in the mirror, he loves what he sees but when Dreamer and everyone else looks into the mirror, they are disgusted. Robinson said that he used to look up to Dreamer when he was a kid, but that was a long time ago. He said Dreamer doesn't have the balls to do anything about him coming out.
Dreamer admitted he is old and balding but Robinson has more male pattern baldness at 20 than Dreamer ever did. He said that Robinson was a skinny Randy Orton wannabe and nailed him. Dreamer whipped him into the ropes and hit a Fall Away Slam, then tossed him out to the floor.
Dreamer took a plastic sign from a fan and nailed Robinson with it, then spewed soda in his eyes. Dreamer then nailed him with a cup of soda. Dreamer placed Robinson into a ring as a "Dreamer" chant broke out. He placed the ring bell over Robinson's nether-regions and rang it. That got an ECW chant.
Robinson snapped Dreamer's neck over the ropes, then dropkicked him. He stomped Dreamer low and choked him against the ropes. He started stomping Dreamer in the corner then pulled him out, slamming Dreamer down. He whipped Dreamer into the corner and chopped away at him as the fans rallied Dreamer.
Dreamer chopped back but missed a charge into the corner, nailing his shoulder into the ringpost. Robinson began working over Dreamer's back and cinched in a rear chinlock. The crowd rallied Dreamer, who kicked off a charge in the corner and nailed several clotheslines, then a big right hand.
Dreamer peppered Robinson with punches in the corner, then bit him on the forehead. Dreamer nailed a sitdown spinebuster for a two count. He pulled a chair into the ring. He went to nail Robinson into it but was fought off and nailed with a stepover toehold into the chair. Robinson covered him for a two count.
Robinson went to the center turnbuckles with the chair and leapt off but Dreamer kicked him as he was coming down. Dreamer tied him to the tree of woe and placed the chair over Robinson's face. Dreamer ran and nailed a dropkick into the chair. He then wedged the chair into the opposite buckle and grabbed Robinson for the Spicoli Driver. Robinson escaped but Dreamer tried to throw him into the chair. Robinson stopped himself and jumped away. Dreamer caught him low, then DDT'd him for the pin.
Your winner, Tommy Dreamer!
Good opener. The crowd was super into Dreamer. Robinson looked really good here, both in terms of his poise as a heel and also in terms of his timing in the ring.
A local DJ came out and thanked the crowd for coming tonight. He noted that he was recently assaulted by Vik Dalishus and hoped he was taken care of tonight by Hale Collins. He noted that Bret Hart would be the guest enforcer referee.
This brought out Dalishus. He grabbed the mic from the DJ and said that he used his physical ability to make the DJ look like a nothing and was going to give him a chance to get him back, although he didn't think the DJ was man enough to do it. He placed his face out and the DJ slapped him. Dalishus drilled the DJ and laid him out. He promised that tonight, everyone gets to watch the burial of Hale Collins, courtesy of him. Good angle to get over Dalishus as a heel.
Bull Dredd & Rotten Nick Right vs. Adam Page & Diablo Santiago
Page and Right started out. They went back and forth with some good solid wrestling. Page shoulderblocked him down and Right got him back with one of his own. They had a nice back and forth sequence and faced off. Santiago, who has worked ROH in the past and was over huge as he's the Dean of Students at a local University, and Dredd tagged in. They chopped back and forth. Santiago nailed a dropkick but was caught with a knee to the gut.
Dredd whipped him into the ropes but was kicked off and Santiago nailed him with a bulldog for a two count. Right and Page tagged back in. Right clotheslined Page and then sent him into their corner where Dredd choked him with the ring rope and tagged back in. He caught Page with a clothesline for a two count.
Dredd and Right cut off the ring, tagging in and out while working over Page. Right went to the ropes and dove off, landed on his feet, and covered him for a two count. Right nailed several kicks and an enziguiri for a two count. Page made a comeback but was caught on Dredd's shoulder and then was then dropped down, catching him on his shoulder. Dredd missed a sitdown splash and Page made the hot tag to Santiago.
Santiago cleaned house and tossed Dredd to the floor. Page hit a pescado to the floor. Santiago and Right went back and forth with a series of near falls. Santiago finally scored the pin.
Your winners, Diablo Santiago and Adam Page!
Manscout Jake Manning vs. Vladimir Kozlov
This is Kozlov's first independent bout post-WWE.
Manning played to the crowd and was booed while they cheered Kozlov. They locked up and Kozlov nailed him with a judo toss. Manning went to the floor and stalled. When he returned, Kozlov grabbed his leg but Manning grabbed the ropes to break it. They locked up and Kozlov manhandled him on the mat. Manning grabbed the ropes again.
He sent Manning into the ropes and shoulderblocked him down. He tried to nail an Oklahoma Stampede into the corner but Manning slipped out and dropkicked Kozlov. Manning worked him over but was shoved off. Undaunted, he began choking Kozlov against the ropes. He nailed a neckbreaker for a two count.
He cinched in a side chinlock but Kozlov made a comeback with another judo throw. He nailed several headbutts to the chest and placed Mannning on the ropes. He kicked him in the gut, sending him down but was kicked off during a charge. Manning dropkicked his leg, then went to the top. He came off for a bodypress but was headbutt as he came down and pinned.
Your winner, Vladimir Kozlov!
Alexxis vs. Mickie James
They started off with James working on Alexxis' arm. Alexxis argued with the referee and fans, allowing James to roll her up from behind for a near fall. Alexxis nailed James and worked on her with an armwringer. James caught her with a side headlock. She was sent into the ropes and shoulderblocked Alexxis down for a two count.
Alexxis nailed James and tossed her out to the floor. She caught James with a knee as she returned, sending her to the floor again. Alexxis played to the crowd but was caught with a dropkick from behind, being sent to the floor. She tried to walk out but James caught her in the aisle and brought her back, smacking her into the apron.
She brought her back into the ring, Alexxis cut her off and began choking her into the corner. She locked James in a modified Camel Clutch. She covered James for a two count. She whipped James into the ropes and nailed a dropkick. Alexxis spun James around with a spinning headscissor. She locked the Camel Clutch again then rammed James into the turnbuckles.
Alexxis choked her against the ropes again. James made a comeback with a series of right hands. She nailed several clotheslines and a hangman's neckbreaker for another close near fall. James nailed a kick and went for her finisher but Alexxis cut her off and nailed a spinebuster for a two count.
Alexxis nailed a series of rights but was cut off with a clothesline. James went to the top rope. Alexxis cut her off on the top. They battled back and forth and James nailed her off the ropes. James nailed a top rope Thesz Press for the pin.
Your winner, Mickie James!
Really good back and forth match. James looked happier and more animated coming out than she has in a long time that I've seen. Alexxis is the real deal with a hot look, a good heel demeanor and some solid wrestling. I'd be shocked not to see her on the radar for a larger group soon.
Finlay vs. Caleb Konley
They went back and forth with some NICE mat wrestling. Finlay shoulderblocked Konley down. Konley backed off and argued with fans that were chanting "Belfast Brawler." Finlay took him down and began working on Konley's neck, then drilled him with an uppercut. Finlay continued controlling the bout, tying up Konley's leg with a single leg crab until Konley made it to the ropes.
Finlay grabbed a side headlock but was sent into the ropes and shoulderblocked down. They go back and forth with a test of strength until Finlay took him down to the mat. Konley battled back but began selling his ankle after going up and over to avoid a whip into the corner. The referee backed Konley off and called for assistance. A number of officials came out and helped Finlay to his feet to carry him out. Konley held open the ropes but Finlay kicked him to the floor. HUGE POP for that from the crowd.
Finaly beat the hell out of Konley on the floor, then slammed him down the mat hard. Finlay nailed a hard short-arm clotheslines and then drilled Konley across the chest with a forearm. He nailed Konley with several kicks to the chest. Konley tried to battled back with chops but was caught in the corner and beaten down.
Konley sidestepped a charge in the corner and Finlay hit the ringpost shoulder-first. Konley rolled him up for a two count. Konley nailed a springboard missile dropkick for a two count, then nailed several German suplexes, finally nailed a bridge as well for a two count.
Konley went to the top but was tripped up by Finlay, who scored several near falls. Finlay spiked him with a tombstone piledriver and scored the pin.
Your winner, Finlay!
Another really good back and forth. The spot where Finlay faked an injury really suckered in the whole crowd and they popped huge when it turned out to be a ruse. Finlay is awesome at doing lots of little things that we don't see today from talents while Konley continues his streak of strong efforts and good work.
NEW champion Brian Anthony vs. Matt Taven
Taven slapped Anthony at the bell. They went back and forth and Taven showed up the new champ, then played to the crowd. Anthony nailed a leg lariat. He nailed several armdrags and finally cinched in an armbar.
Taven was worked over and sent to the floor. Anthony nailed a flying bodypress from the top to the floor. They battled back and forth, chopping each other around the ringside area. Back in the ring, Anthony worked over Taven but was crotched on the top rope. Taven hit a rebound clothesline off the ropes, sending the champion to the floor.
Taven beat him down on the floor, throwing Anthony into the guard rail. He tossed the champion back into the ring then picked him up for a long standing suplex. He choked Anthony against the ropes.
Anthony made a comeback but was nailed with a spinning kick. Taven continued working him over in the corner. Anthony tried to mount a comeback but was nailed with a hangman's neckbreaker. They battled back and forth once they got to their feet. Taven went for a springboard press but fell short. Anthony grabbed him and shot him outof the ring to save it.
Anthony caught Taven with a spinebuster for a two count. He slammed Anthony and went for a twisting moonsault press but Taven moved. Taven hit a Lionsault for a two count. He argued with the referee over the count. Taven caught Anthony with a superkick. He placed the champion on the top and nailed several punches. Anthony came off the top, then nailed Taven with a catapult into the corner.
They battled back and forth on the top rope and Anthony nailed Tavern with a powerslam off the ropes and finally scored the pin.
Your winner and still champion, Brian Anthony!
No DQ, No Holds Barred: Terry Funk vs. Jerry Lawler
Funk was announced first and came back up the aisle as Lawler made his way to the ring, yelling at Lawler. The referee finally made Funk return to the ring. Funk took the mic and asked the fans if they were chanting for him or Lawler. The fans went back and forth chanting for both. Funk said that he thought they were chanting for him. He said that they had some tough fights in the past and referenced their empty arena match and their I Quit match in Memphis. He said that he's been thinking about their matches for a long time and the truth is they are lucky to just be there. He said that Lawler has a bad back and he'd like to say a prayer and asked everyone to bow their heads.
Funk thanked the Lord for his wonderful life and thanked him for his father and everything that he's been given in life. He said that Lawler has a bad back and he asked the Lord to look after it. Funk said that he wanted to thank the Lord for everything, then nailed Lawler with the mic. He started screaming that Lawler was a fat pig and began slapping him and nailing him with the mic.
Funk dumped Lawler to the floor and whipped him into the guard rails. He sent Lawler into the ring post. Funk tossed Lawler back into the ring and began choking him with his wrist tape. The referee tried to stop Funk and Funk chased him out of the ring. Funk slammed Lawler and began nailing him with punches in the corner.
Funk threw Lawler back out to the floor and shoved him backward into the rails. He began nailing Lawler with punches to the back and the gut. Funk slammed him backward into the rail again. Funk started throwing chairs at ringside, chasing the ring announcer away. He nailed Lawler with the chair several times on the floor, flinging it at him. Funk slammed him into the ringside table, set it up and whipped Lawler into it. Lawler came back with a chair and nailed Funk with it.
Lawler set up a chair on the apron and ran Funk into it. Funk staggered around with the chair around his neck. Lawler nailed him with another chair. Funk rolled back into the ring screaming about his eye, acting as if he couldn't see out of it. Lawler continued the assault, nailing him with punches. Funk staggered around. Lawler nailed him with a dropkick.
Lawler continued working over Funk with punches to the eye. Funk retaliated with a low blow. He retrieved a chair from the outside and snapped it over Lawler's back several times. He went to do it again but the referee grabbed it out of his hands. So, Funk beat the piss out of referee Sean Hanson. Funk then gave the referee a wedgie and ripped his pants off. Hanson escaped from the ring, screaming.
Funk went back to the chair and went to nail Lawler with it but Lawler ducked and the chair bounced off the top rope and nailed Funk in the head. Lawler came off the ropes with the fist drop and pinned Funk.
Your winner, Jerry Lawler!
After the match, Funk went to grab a chair but dropped it. He offered his hand to Lawler then blew him off. Funk and Lawler both played to the crowd. Funk then mooned Lawler as he left the ring.
Really FUN chaotic brawl. I could have done without the dismantling of the ref's clothes but it was everything you'd want out of an old school brawl. Good stuff from the start to the end.
Vik Dalishus vs. Hale Collins with Bret Hart as the guest enforcer
They noted that Dalishus dedicated the match to the late Mike Bell. Hart got a MONSTER pop.
They locked up and battled back and forth while jockeying for position. Neither got the advantage. Dalishus was sent into the ropes but shoulderblocked Collins down. They went to the mat with Dalishus working him over with a headlock. They went back and forth on the mat.
Collins clotheslined Dalishus over the top to the floor and nailed a pescado. He whipped Dalishus into the rails hard. He worked over Dalishus on the floor and tossed him over the rail into the crowd. They battled in the crowd.
After being tossed back in the ring, Dalishus wanted to shake hands but was kicked in the face by Collins. Collins nailed several splashes and an elbow for a two count. He went for a Famouser but Dalishus caught him with a powerbomb for a two count.
They battled back and forth. Collins was on the floor. Dalishus nailed a springboard bodypress on the outside onto Collins, who crashed into the rail. Collins returned to the ring and Dalishus kicked his leg out from him. Dalishus locked on a spinning toehold and snapped it backwards.
Dalishus kicked the hell out of Collins in the corner and nailed a German suplex with a bridge for a two count. Collins fired back and nailed a leaping Famouser. He nailed a series of hot offense, including a ton of kicks for a two count.
Collins went to the top rope but was cut off by Dalishus. Dalishush grabbed a chair but Bret Hart snatched it away. Dalishus shoved Bret, who shoved him back. Bret blocked a punch and nailed him, then tossed Dalishus into the ring. Collins came off the top with an awesome flying elbow.
Your winner, Hale Collins!
After the match, Bret locked Dalishus in the Sharpshooter while the DJ from earlier worked him over.
Really good back and forth match. They really worked their ass off.
That's it from NEW. A strong, fun show from start to end. A great mix of veterans and locals that work really hard. Absolutely a promotion worthy of more attention and worthy of checking out. They run a really professional show and had a hell of an old school atmosphere with fans loving the faces and hating the heels. Great, great evening.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin this week’s show with a look back at Mick Foley’s comments to CM Punk and his attempt to convince Punk to accept a match against John Cena at Hell in a Cell. Then we see the stare down between Punk and Ryback.
We are live from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and your announcers are Michael ‘Why aren’t there any Sonics in this town’ Cole and Jim ‘How much of this show will be seen on Smackdown’ Ross.
CM Punk makes his way to the ring and he is adorned in a grey hoodie this week and he is with Paul Heyman who holds the belt over his head. This is day 316 of CM Punk’s title reign so it is time for some Punkweisers.
Punk says last week, John Cena attacks him with a pipe while his back is turned. The crowd cheers that and Punk says those are noble actions in this city. However, in Chicago it is an act of cowardice. Punk says that he was looking for a doctor a few minutes later and he sees Mick Foley in the back.
Mick shoots a disrespectful look at him and Mick muttered something and he could not figure out what he said because Foley is a coward, just like Cena. Punk put Foley down, like the dog he is and he showed Foley that he is the WWE Champion.
Punk asks if Foley would have had the gall to say anything derogatory to Cena or to Dwayne? Punk says that these are rhetorical. He asks if Foley would have said anything derogatory to Steve Austin? This is the lack of respect that Mick Foley shows him. Some refer to him as Mrs. Foley’s baby boy, but he wishes that his mother would have shown him some respect.
Punk says that he listened to what Mick Foley said. Mick is a lot of things. He is skuzzy, scatterbrained, and borderline at times, but there were some things that connected. He thought about the decision not to face John Cena at Hell in a Cell. Punk says that he thought about the legacy. Punk says that he is here to announce to everyone, at Hell in a Cell . . . CM Punk/John Cena is still not going to happen.
Paul takes the mic and he says that the WWE Champion, the Best in the World CM Punk and Paul Heyman want to deal with another piece of business.
We see the footage of Paul Heyman’s marriage proposal from last week.
Paul says that everyone saw something that both him and Punk noticed. AJ never said no. Paul says that what AJ did is that she violated an edict of the Board of Directors. Paul says that he is not one to quote scripture but he has a memo from the Board of Directors.
AJ Lee’s actions have been juvenile at times and she is not to put her hands on anyone ever again.
Paul says that it means that AJ Lee must be removed by the Board of Directors as the General Manager of Raw effective immediately. Paul says that he knows why the people are booing. That means that there is a huge power void. Who will lead the flagship show of the WWE? The answer is Paul Heyman. The man with all of the experience as General Manager. . .
Vickie Guerrero interrupts and excuse mes her way down the ramp and she says that if anyone has been the victim of the actions of the General Manager, it is her and Dolph. Dolph almost lost his briefcase and Vickie says that she does not have the full range of motion after AJ’s attack.
We have the video to show what Vickie was talking about.
Paul wonders when this became about Vickie. This is about the Best in the World.
Vickie interrupts and she says that she is THE Vickie Guerrero and her client is Dolph Ziggler. Her client will be the future World Champion.
Paul says that when the future catches up to the here and now, he tells Vickie to let him know. Paul tells Vickie to deal with the proper channels like him and Punk did.
Dolph says that they both agree that AJ is the problem. Dolph suggests co-GMs of Raw.
AJ’s music plays and she comes to he ring while she still is the General Manager.
AJ says that the Board has placed her on probation. She knows that she is not supposed to touch another person, but she did not think that Paul would fit into that group. AJ has an executive coach to help her in her development as General Manager of Raw.
The man who am the Tag Team Champions makes his way to the ring and it is Daniel Bryan. AJ does not appear too happy with the decision. Bryan tells everyone to stop it and he wants to apologize. Daniel says that he is here to apologize because it is obvious that AJ’s mental issues have been compounded by the fact that he dumped her after Wrestlemania. He says that he cannot blame AJ because he says that he is one hell of a catch.
Bryan says that he is handsome and a former World Champion. He says that he has a great beard. Bryan says that now he am the Tag Team Champions.
Bryan is interrupted by the other man who claims to be the Tag Team Champions, Kane. Kane says everyone has forgotten to mention an important fact about AJ Lee. She is a phenomenal kisser. Everything else that Daniel Bryan has said is true, with the exception of one thing.
Kane tells everyone that he am the Tag Team Champions.
Punk says that he is the best in the world and Ziggler holds up his briefcase until AJ tells everyone to stop.
AJ says that this is her show and what she says goes.
CM Punk and Dolph Ziggler will face the WWE Tag Team Champions tonight.
We go to commercial with Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio walking in the back.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara versus Epico and Primo (with Rosa Mendes) in a Tag Team Tournament First Round Match
Epico with a rollup on Sin Cara at the start of the match and Cara with a rollup of his own. Cara with a handspring back elbow for a near fall. Epico with a back elbow for a near fall. Primo tags in and he kicks Cara. Primo with a chop and kicks in the corner.
Cara with a punch and kicks but Primo with a punch of his own. Cara with a head scissors take down and then he kicks Primo and uses the ropes for a flipping arm drag. Rey tags in and Cara helps Rey with a head scissors to Primo that sends him to the floor.
Epico tags in and he misses a senton. Cara with a head scissors that sends Epico to the floor. Rey and Cara tease dives to the floor but they stay in the ring.
Darren Young and Titus O’Neil make their way to the stage to watch the action and scout their potential opponents in the semifinals. We go to commercial.
We are back and Epico with an Irish whip to Rey but Epico misses a charge into the corner. Cara tags in and Cara with a drop kick to Epico. Cara with a slingshot arm drag but he runs into an elbow from Epico. Epico with a drop kick to Cara on a springboard move. Epico punches Cara and follows with chops and kicks.
Primo with knees to the head and then Primo tries for a power bomb but Cara counters with a sunset flip for a near fall. Primo tags in and he punches Cara. Cara with a tornado DDT and both men are down. Primo and Rey tag in and Rey with a head scissors but Rey with a kick and he slides through Primo’s legs and then he trips Primo and kicks him and gets a near fall.
Rey with a springboard seated senton but Epico makes the save. Cara with a springboard drop kick and then Cara with an enzuigiri to Primo. Rey with a 619 to both men. Cara with a cross body onto Epico on the floor while Rey hits a dive onto Primo for the three count.
Winners: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara (advance to face winner of Prime Time Players versus Kofi Kingston and R Truth)
We go to commercial.
We are back and the Funk is already going on in the ring.
We go to the Goldman Box and Cesaro tells us our Five Language Word: Appreciation.
Match Number Two: Brodus Clay (with The Funkettes) versus Antonio Cesaro
They lock up and Clay sends Cesaro into the turnbuckles and punches him. Clay with a Sheeplex and an elbow drop. Cesaro drops Clay on the top rope and then Clay with a head butt to the midsection. Clay tries for another suplex but Cesaro blocks it. Clay with an Irish whip but Clay misses a charge. Cesaro with a springboard European uppercut and then he hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner: Antonio Cesaro
Kaitlyn is in the back and AJ introduces her to her coach, Christopher J. Stevenson. AJ says that it looks like Kaitlyn will be back in the ring soon. AJ wants to talk to Kaitlyn about ‘us’ because they used to be best friends and then there was the whole Daniel Bryan thing. AJ asks Kaitlyn to forgive her. Before Kaitlyn can answer, AJ starts to laugh uncontrollably. She says that she is not sorry and then she skips away.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Zack Ryder versus The Miz in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Miz works on the wrist and he slaps Ryder in the head and applies a side head lock. Miz with a shoulder tackle but Ryder with a flapjack and drop kick that backs Miz into the corner. Ryder runs into a boot from Miz and he kicks him in the back and then the ribs. Miz with a running boot to the head for a near fall.
Miz with a knee to the back and he applies a reverse chin lock. Ryder punches Miz in the midsection but Miz with a knee. Ryder with a face plant to Miz but Miz gets up first and he runs into knees from Ryder. Ryder with a drop kick to Miz from the turnbuckles followed by a running forearm in the corner. Ryder with the Broski Boot and Ryder gets a near fall.
Ryder sets for the Rough Ryder but Miz with a buckle bomb. Miz with the Skull Crushing Finale for the three count.
Winner: The Miz
Booker T is walking through the back because the Great Debate is next.
We go to commercial.
It is time for the start of the second hour and that means . . . the Smackdown portion of the program starts with the Great Smackdown Debate between Sheamus and Big Show that will be moderated by Booker T.
Booker thanks everyone for the tepid reaction. In four weeks, Sheamus will face Big Show for the first time at Hell in a Cell.
Big Show comes to the ring and we see how Big Show earned his title match against Sheamus.
Next to come to the ring is Sheamus.
Booker thanks both men for joining him in the ring to have the debate.
Booker says that it is traditional to start with an opening statement and he lets Big Show go first.
Show tells Booker that he would like to thank him for this opportunity . . . he says that this debate is completely ridiculous. There is no need for a debate. He is going to walk into the cell, hit Sheamus with the WMD, and he will walk out as the World Champion. If Sheamus tries for a Brogue Kick, he will rip off his little leg.
Booker let’s Sheamus give his opening statement. Sheamus introduces himself and he points out that he is the World Champion. He thanks Booker for hosting this debate in lovely Oklahoma City. Sheamus asks Big Show to not rip his leg off because he will need it to kick Show’s teeth in.
The first question: What do you find as the most challenging aspect of your opponent?
Sheamus says that he has never ducked from a fight. He is looking forward most to the fight. He has never faced a bigger, stronger, more impressive superstar than the Big Show. Sure he has big B.O. and his breath smells. He hopes this match lasts longer than 45 seconds.
Show wants to know if Sheamus is taking a quick jab at the 45 seconds. He says that he is a hygienic giant. He says that Sheamus is not taking this serious. He tells Sheamus to stop being a funny guy.
The next question: Which is the more dangerous move: The Brogue Kick or the WMD?
Show says that his WMD has knocked out more superstars and won more titles. Ask John Cena or Randy Orton.
Sheamus says that Show forgot to mention Daniel Bryan. Not only did Show not knock out Daniel Bryan, Bryan beat him in 45 seconds to win the World Title.
Show says that there were extenuating circumstances.
Show destroys his lectern.
It is time for the final question.
Sheamus wants to see a Tout. It is from Rey Mysteri’O’Sullivan. The question is how does it feel to know that your head is going to be knocked off his shoulders.
Booker realizes that it was Sheamus in a mask and he tells Sheamus that this is a serious debate.
Show tells Sheamus to be serious and his patience only goes so far.
Sheamus wants to know how it feels to lose the World Championship to Daniel Bryan in 45 seconds only to see Bryan lose the title to him in 18 seconds. Show says that he is going to win the title, but how does it feel.
Show gets in Sheamus’ face and they drop their mics. Show unbuttons his jacket and takes it off. Sheamus removes his shirt. Show leaves the ring without any physicality.
Ryback is walking in the back and we go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Tensai versus Ryback in the If you missed it on Smackdown, you get it for the first time on Raw Match
They lock up and Ryback with a side head lock and Tensai with a shoulder tackle but Ryback pops back up. Ryback and Tensai exchange forearms and then Tensai with a knee. Ryback with an Irish whip but Tensai with a forearm but Ryback does not move. Tensai with a thrust to the throat but Ryback with a power slam. Tensai with a head butt but Ryback responds with a lariat.
Ryback tries for the muscle buster but he cannot get Tensai up. Ryback tries again and fails. Ryback with a clothesline for the three count.
Winner: Ryback
Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes talk about how awesome their team name is because they came up with it. Damien criticizes the way that the champion was dressed in the debate. Damien says Sheamus walks around like a corn soaked Neanderthal.
We go to commercial.
We go to the Goldman Box for Eve to talk about the match between Beth and Natalya on Smackdown as well as Kaitlyn’s desire to come back from injury. She talks about Layla and says that she is honored to be the champion.
We see footage of Eve suspending Beth and then Booker unsuspending Beth. Then we see Eve throw Teddy Long under the bus.
Match Number Five: Eve Torres versus Beth Phoenix in a Non Title Match
Beth yells at Eve and Eve begs for mercy and she offers her hand. Beth shakes her hand and then she pulls Eve towards her and takes her down to the mat. Beth runs Eve into the turnbuckles and kicks her. Beth misses a running shoulder into the corner and Beth hits the ring post and goes to the floor.
Eve with a kick to the shoulder on the floor followed by forearms to the back. Eve runs Beth into the apron. Eve sends Beth into the ringside barrier. Beth returns to the ring and she hits a reverse atomic drop followed by a running double sledge.
Eve retreats to the ropes but she kicks Beth in the midsection and hits the swinging neck breaker for the three count.
Winner: Eve Torres
AJ walks through the back with Mr. Stevenson and she introduces him to Wade Barrett. Wade says that he is glad that someone is here to show her how to do her job. Barrett says that he is not scheduled to wrestle tonight. He says that AJ is letting her emotions run things. He tells AJ to stop letting her personal relationships get in the way of doing her job.
Barrett walks away and AJ tells Stevenson that he looks intimidated.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael and Jim talk about JBL’s quest to climb the top mountains in the world and we see photos of him on top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Match Number Six: Santino Marella versus Heath Slater (with Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal) in a Saturday Morning Slam Rematch
We get dueling air guitar solos before locking up. Santino with a shoulder tackle and Slater stays on his feet. Slater with a shoulder tackle and Santino stays on his feet. Slater with an elbow and then he kicks Santino. Slater with a near fall and then he applies a reverse chin lock.
Santino with a snap mare but Slater with a leg lariat for a near fall. Slater with a punch and he chokes Santino in the ropes. Slater slams Santino and he goes to the turnbuckles but he makes contact with Santino’s boot. Santino tries for a kip up but he misses. Slater misses a splash into the corner. Santino with jabs followed by a split and then he connects with a hip toss and diving head butt.
Santino connects with the Cobra and McIntyre and Mahal attack Santino and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Santino Marella (by disqualification)
After the match, they attack Santino and then McIntyre with the Future Shock DDT.
Slater takes the mic and he asks Santino how he likes it while McIntyre and Mahal put the cobra in Santino’s mouth.
Drew says that he is still the Chosen One. Mahal calls himself the Maharajah. Slater reminds us that he is the One Man Band.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Sheamus versus Damien Sandow (with Cody Rhodes) in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Sandow demands a clean break. They lock up again and Sandow backs Sheamus into the corner and Sandow demands that the referee keep Sheamus from using a closed fist. Sandow with an arm bar and wrist lock. Sandow returns to the arm bar. Sheamus with a reversal and he continues to work on the arm until Sandow gets to the ropes.
Sandow with a kick and hammer lock into a side head lock. Sandow with a side head lock take down. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle and he blocks a hip toss with a knee and then he misses a clothesline and Sandow goes to the floor and walks up the ramp.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow goes back to the floor but Sheamus follows after Sandow. Rhodes gets up to distract Sheamus and Sandow with a clothesline from the crowd back into the ringside area. Sandow rolls Sheamus back into the ring and gets a near fall. Sandow with a series of knee drops and then he pulls down the knee pad and connects with another knee drop for a near fall.
Sandow with a quarter nelson and chin lock on Sheamus. Sheamus with a head butt but Sandow with a knee to the midsection and a clothesline to Sheamus for a near fall. Sandow with crossfaces to the upper chest followed by a reverse chin lock. Sandow with knees to the midsection followed by a side Russian leg sweep and he rolls through to hit the Elbow of Disdain and he gets a near fall.
Sandow chokes Sheamus in the ropes and he applies a front face lock. Sandow with punches to Sheamus with his head across the apron and Sandow with an elbow to the throat and he gets a near fall. Sandow returns to the reverse chin lock. Sandow with a drop toe hold that sends Sheamus into the ropes and Sandow with a running back elbow to Sheamus and he gets a near fall.
Sandow with a head scissors on Sheamus. Sheamus escapes and he connects with punches followed by a boot. Sheamus goes to the turnbuckles and Sandow with a punch and then he chokes Sheamus. Sandow with a forearm to the back but Sheamus with a punch. Sandow with a kick to the head for a near fall. Sandow with a front face lock into a cravate. Sandow turns it into a modified cobra clutch. Sheamus gets sent over the top rope to the floor by Sandow.
Sandow goes to the floor after Sheamus and he brings him back in and Sandow gets a series of one counts. Sandow returns to the reverse chin lock. Sheamus with a belly-to-back suplex to get out of the hold. Sheamus with two running double sledges followed by a shoulder into the corner and then he hits the running knee lift and the fireman’s carry slam. Sheamus tries for the power slam but Sandow escapes and hits a leaping swinging neck breaker for a near fall.
Sandow kicks Sheamus and chokes him in the ropes. Sheamus runs into a boot from Sheamus in the corner and Sheamus pulls himself up into the turnbuckles and Sheamus with the flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus gets Sandow up and tries for White Noise but Sandow escapes. Sandow avoids the Brogue Kick and he crawls to the apron.
Sheamus with the crossfaces on the apron as Cody watches from ringside. Sandow falls to the floor and Sheamus follows. Cody avoids interfering at this time but he tries again and Sheamus sends Cody into the announce table.
Sheamus sets for the Brogue Kick and he hits it on Cody and Sandow and he gets the three count.
Winner: Sheamus
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is in the ring to bring out one of the most respected announcers in wrestling. A man who was the voice of the business for 30 years. He brings out Jim Ross.
Cole congratulates Jim on JR Appreciation Night in his home town of Oklahoma City to call Raw on his night. He asks him how he feels.
Jim is interrupted by CM Punk and Paul Heyman and Punk has unzipped his hoodie halfway.
Punk tells Cole that he can leave while Heyman holds the title belt over his head. Punk wants to feel the spirit of the people of Oklahoma City. Punk tells him that he does not want shoes to fill because he will fill them. He asks if he is a bad guy.
Punk says we are here for Jim Ross Appreciation Night. He wants everyone to yell out JR’s name. Punk tells Jim that he is the best announcer that they have and he respects the hell out of Jim. The people respect Jim and they are here to shower him with respect. Punk says that they do not know the first thing about respect.
Punk says that he is the Best in the World. Punk says that he deserves respect but the people twist and turn what he says. The people turned their back on him. Punk wants to show everyone how to treat someone who deserves respect.
That is why Jim is going to help him teach everyone respect by telling everyone that Punk is the Best in the World
Jim says that he is glad that Punk is not going to embarrass him tonight because Punk has done a good job making himself look like a jackass over the last few weeks.
Punk says that he wishes he could say that he was not disappointed in Jim. He comes out here when everyone else treats him like crap and then he says that they have something in common, but Jim does not respond in kind?
Punk says that if he is here to embarrass Jim tonight because that is where we are tonight. What if he treats Jim with the same disrespect that Jim showed him. Who will help Jim tonight? Is it Stone Cold? Lawler and Austin cannot help him. 3:16 used to mean that Jim’s buddy Stone Cold would get his hand on you. Now, 316 is the number of days that CM Punk has held the WWE Championship.
316 now belongs to him, the Best in the World, just like Jim Ross belongs to him. When did Jim get so tough with his John Wayne hat and his phony Stone Cold goatee. Punk tells Jim that he has to say that Punk is the best in the world. He doesn’t care how Jim says it, but he will say it.
Jim says that he will not say it. Jim says that he has called some of the best matches in the WWE with the best in the world. He has called Wrestlemania Main Events with Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. He has called matches involving Triple H and the Undertaker. Steve Austin and those men have one thing in common. They weren’t asked to be called the best in the world. If they asked he would have called them the Best in the World because they earned it.
Jim says that with no disrespect, the bottom line is that Punk accept John Cena’s challenge for Hell in a Cell. If he can beat John Cena, he will be the first person to look CM Punk in the eye and tell him that he is the best in the world. Until then, they have nothing to talk about.
Punk unzips his hoodie and then he removes Jim Ross’ hat and he stomps on it.
Punk says that he doesn’t run away from fights. He has beaten John Cena enough times. The Thunder couldn’t beat the Heat and they don’t get another shot. They have to get back to the end of the line and they have to work their way back to the Best in the World.
What we have here is a squared circle. Inside this squared circle, men fight. They don’t run away. He has never run away and he never will. If Jim Ross is smart, he will walk away. If Jim does not put his hands up and defend himself, he will knock Jim into next week and he will never commentate a match again. He tells Jim to fight him or leave.
Jim turns around but Punk grabs him by the arm and he wants to know where Jim thinks he is going. Punk asks Jim if he thinks he is going to allow Jim to go back to the announce table to spin his rhetoric. He says that Jim does not get to do what he loves any more. He is going to walk the other way with his eyes down and his mouth shut. He wants everyone to see Jim do that walk of shame and slowly walk away. He tells Jim to do it now or he will put Jim in the dirt.
Punk calls Jim a joke and an embarrassment. He tells Jim to remember that he did that.
Ryback’s music plays while Jim Ross heads up the ramp.
Jim Ross returns to the ring with Ryback and Punk and Ryback stare each other down.
Ryback snarls and Punk does not move. Punk starts to back up and he leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole mentions that we are two months away from Tribute to the Troops.
We see footage from after Smackdown when Alberto Del Rio attacked Randy Orton after Big Show knocked out Randy Orton at the end of Smackdown.
Ricardo joins the announcers for this match.
Match Number Eight: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Kofi Kingston (with R Truth)
Del Rio with a kick and suplex and he gets a near fall. Kofi with a leaping back elbow. Kofi clotheslines Alberto over the top rope to the floor. Kofi with a cross body off the turnbuckles onto Del Rio on the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Del Rio with an abdominal stretch. Del Rio applies extra pressure to the midsection but Kofi with a hip toss to escape the hold. Del Rio has a kick blocked and Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick. Kofi with a Superman punch and then he does a lap before setting for the Boom Drop and he hits it. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but Del Rio ducks.
Del Rio misses a charge into the corner and Kofi with a pendulum kicks. Kofi misses a cross body and Del Rio kicks Kofi in the ribs and then he applies the cross arm breaker and Kofi tries to get to the ropes but he is unable to reach them and he has to tap out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
AJ is with her coach and he tells her to learn how to admit when you are wrong and not to make decisions based on personal issues. AJ suggests that we have something special tonight. A special guest referee. Maybe that person will be Mr. Stevenson.
She says that a coach isn’t worth a damn if he wasn’t a player. She tells him to get out of her arena.
Match Number Nine: Daniel Bryan and Kane versus CM Punk (with Paul Heyman) and Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie GuerreroNon Title Match with Guest Referee AJ Lee
Kane and Bryan argue until Kane decides to start against Ziggler. They lock up and Ziggler with a side head lock but Kane with a shoulder tackle. Kane with an uppercut to Ziggler followed by a punch and elbow. Kane with a slam followed by an elbow drop for a near fall. Bryan wants to tag but Kane refuses. Kane with an Irish whip but he misses a splash into the corner. Ziggler tries for a sleeper but Kane pushes him off. Kane knocks Ziggler to the mat and Kane with a clothesline that sends Ziggler over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a sleeper on Kane. Kane escapes the hold by running Ziggler into the turnbuckles. Ziggler with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Kane with an uppercut and punches in the corner. Bryan tags in and Kane Irish whips Bryan into the corner and he connects with a drop kick for a near fall.
Bryan tags Kane back in and Bryan with a snap mare and Kane with a drop kick to Ziggler for a near fall. Kane chokes Ziggler in the ropes but Ziggler with a kick to the knee followed by a DDT and both men are down.
Punk tags in and he hits a running knee into the corner and then he goes for a second one and connects. Punk tries for a bulldog but Kane sends Punk into the turnbuckles and hits a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the flying clothesline and he connects.
Bryan tags in and he goes up top but Punk with a leg lariat and then he kicks Bryan. Punk chokes Bryan in the corner. Bryan flips over Punk in the corner and he hits a flying clothesline. Bryan with Kicks of NO to the chest but he misses a round kick. Punk sends Bryan into the corner and he knocks Ziggler off the apron.
Punk with a round kick to the head but Punk could not cover Bryan fast enough so Bryan is able to kick out. Ziggler tags in and he kicks Bryan in the chest. Ziggler with a drop kick that sends Bryan to the floor. Ziggler goes to the floor and he sends Bryan into the ringside barrier. Kane goes to check on his partner. Ziggler sends Bryan into the ringside barrier again and AJ warns Ziggler.
ZIggler rolls Bryan back into the ring and Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Bryan with a jawbreaker and Ziggler tags in Punk. Punk with a knee to Bryan and then he goes up top for an elbow drop but Bryan crotches Punk. Bryan goes for a butterfly superplex and Bryan tries for the No Lock but Punk struggles to keep Bryan from locking in the hold. Heyman helps put Punk’s foot on the ropes.
AJ tells Heyman to get on the apron and she sends Paul to the back.
Vickie gets on the apron and yells at AJ. AJ figures that Paul needs an escort and she sends Vickie to the back.
Ziggler takes his briefcase with him and Punk is all alone in the ring. Bryan with a running drop kick and Kane is tagged in. Kane grabs Punk by the throat and hits a choke slam for the three count.
Winners: Kane and Daniel Bryan
After the match, Bryan demands his tag title belt because he am the Tag Team Champion. Kane says that he am the Tag Team Champion.
2013 - Jesse Ventura's book "They Killed Our President: 63 Reasons to Believe There Was a Conspiracy to Assassinate JFK" was officially released.
2014 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!
The show opens with a video putting over Bobby Lashley and Bobby Roode, and then we go to Roode, who hasn't been seen since losing to Lashley two weeks ago. It's been a long fourteen days, but he's going to address his future tonight.
Austin Aries comes out and cuts right to the chase, because he knew exactly who he planned to call out tonight, but he thought he'd make this interactive and ask the fans if they'd like to see him challenge Gail Kim for the Knockouts Title, if they want him to face the Wolves 2-on-1, if he should challenge Samoa Joe for the X-Division Title...but before he can get to the guy he should challenge since he's not an idiot, Samoa Joe comes out and asks if somebody called his name. He knows Aries wasn't done, but he should challenge the best champion in the company, and that's him. Aries says that's fine because he's heard the fans, and the X-Division represents all that's right in the business and it's not about how you look or how old you are, it's about being the best in the ring and there's nobody better than the two of them. Joe says to ring the bell, and we go right into the title match now!
X Division Title Match: Samoa Joe vs Austin Aries
Feeling out process to start as Mike tells us about how both men are five time X Division Champions and how Joe won the title when Aries vacated it to challenge Lashley. Things pick up and Joe counters the headscissors dropkick by bearhugging Aries and short piledriving him. Aries tries firing off some shots, but Joe just bowls him over with a shoulderblock and drills him with a series of jabs. Joe takes Aries to the corner and goes for the Muscle Buster, Aries fights him off and goes for a missile dropkick, but Joe simply walks out of the way and Aries hits nothing. Aries dodges a kneedrop and Aries starts working the knee over with kicks and a running shoulderblock while Joe's leg was tied in the ropes. Aries catches Joe in a trailer hitch, then takes Joe down and hits a big pumping elbowdrop for 2 as we go to commercial.
We're back, and Joe counters a charge by Aries with a big knee that knocks the challenger silly. Now with Aries on the defensive, Joe hammers several knees into his skull and snaps him over with a powerslam for 2. Aries counters the Kokina Clutch to a jawbreaker, rolls Joe up for 2, and gets Joe in the Last Chancery. Joe breaks out of the hold, so Aries tries a brainbuster, Joe blocks and just starts hammering Aries with forearms. Aries counters with a roaring elbow, Joe blocks the brainbuster again, boots Aries out to the floor, Aries dodges a dive by Joe, and he quickly zips inside and takes Joe out with a dive of his own. Aries rolls Joe inside and nails him with a missile dropkick, hits the IED, and plants Joe with the brainbuster. Aries makes a cover and Joe is out at 2. Aries goes right back to the Last Chancery again, but Joe hooks Aries as he goes over and traps him in the Kokina Clutch and grapevines his body with his legs. Aries tries rolling out, but Joe rolls with him and keeps the hold, and Aries taps out.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Great match and an awesome finish. We get about four seconds to let that sink in before we go to the back where Spud tells Ethan Carter III that he's sorry sorry and he loves him. Okay, he didn't exactly say that, but pretty close to it. Anyway, Carter tells him his failure has earned him nothing and to follow him to the ring.
We look back at the ladder match from two weeks ago as the Wolves got their first win in the tag title series, then we go to the tail end of a conversation with the Wolves telling Angle about their idea for a match stipulation, which Angle happily approves because he sees Match of the Year written all over it.
We go to the ring as Ethan Carter III asks Spud if he's his best friend, and EC3 cuts Spud off by saying that Ethan is his employer, and Spud is his employee, and asks what world that makes them friends in. His friends have trust funds and that Spud just doesn't fit in by reading comics and watching wrestling in his dingy studio apartment. He regretfully informs Spud that the fans are not with him (the fans start chanting for Spud to contradict him), and then he starts mocking Spud's haircut, says his suits make him sick and look like he got them at the optical illusion store. EC3 starts tearing up Spud's suit, and Spud asks why he's doing this, and EC3 says he holds everyone accountable for what happened to his Aunt Dee, and Spud was the last line of defense and failed them all. EC3 asks Spud if he's going to cry, then slaps him across the face. Spud looks all angry and EC3 laughs in his face until Eric Young's music hits and he comes out and asks if he's looking for someone to blame for what happened to Dixie Carter, to blame him because anyone would be happy to take credit for that masterpiece. EC3 says to get lost because this doesn't concern him, but Eric says he's here to talk to Spud, because he's been where Spud is and was pushed around and told that he isn't good enough, but Spud needs to listen to the fans: not EC3, not Eric, the fans. We all know EC3 is going to keep on until Spud stands up and hits him, so he asks if Spud will keep taking this, or is he going to stand up for himself and hit EC3? Before we get an answer, EC3 attacks Young and a referee comes out to jump start their match.
Eric Young vs Ethan Carter III
Young wrestles circles around EC3 and dropkicks him for a quick 1 count, then headscissors him out to the floor and takes him out with a slingshot dive. They go back in and EY catches EC3 with a Thesz Press, but EC3 Tullys him into the corner, mounts him, and hammers him with right hands before popping him over with a vertical suplex for 2. Young lands on the middle rope in frot of Spud, who winds back to take a cheap shot, but he hesitates and EC3 nails Young instead. Young fights out of a chinlock and starts mounting a comeback against EC3. He hits the top rope elbowdrop, but Spud puts EC3's foot on the bottom rope to break the pinfall. EC3 stops to yell at Spud and Young dropkicks him in the back, but the referee is distracted getting Spud off the apron and misses EC3 countering a piledriver attempt with an uppercut to the ding ding. EC3 hits a running kneestrike and the 1% for the win.
Winner: Ethan Carter III
EC3 makes a shamed Spud raise his hand and holds the ropes open for him as he leaves the ring.
We look back at two weeks ago when Kenny King attacked Sgt. Chris Melendez after their match, then we go backstage to Ken Anderson telling Melendez that he did a good job even though this is how guys like King operate. Melendez says it's nothing new because he dealt with people like this overseas, but he thanks Anderson for helping him out. Anderson says no problem and thanks for everything he did for the country.
We see a video package hyping the Knockouts Title match, which starts...right now as Havok attacks Gail Kim on her way to the ring! Gail fights back on the floor, but Havok just overpowers her and rams her into the ring apron. Gail tries fighting back again, but Havok shrugs it off and rams her into the ringpost and steps. Gail kicks Havok off her and into the steps, then starts hammering her with kicks. Havok again shrugs it off, elevates Gail, and drops her on the guardrail. Havok tries it again, but Gail fights out and boots her in the skull, then comes off the ring apron with a Thesz Press, but Havok easily picks Gail up, hammerlocks her, and rams her shoulder into the ringpost, keeps the hammerlock, and delivers a spinebuster on the floor. The referees manage to back Havok off as the trainer checks Gail out and we go to commercial. Guess we'll find out the status of the title match after we come back.
We're back and Tenay says the trainers are checking on Gail and we'll have an answer later on tonight, so in the meantime, we see a video package looking at the Tag Team Title Series so far, then we go to the ring as the Wolves come out to name the stipulation for the last match in the series. Davey says they've felt like the underdogs throughout the whole series, but with the Wolves Nation behind them, the Wolves now have full control. Davey and Eddie are very excited to announce that the final match in the series will be...wait a minute, Team 3D interrupt before Davey can spill the beans. Bubba says the Wolves just don't get it, and it wasn't enough that both Team 3D and the Hardys came out and told everyone how great they thought the Wolves are, because now they need to come out and spout off over how they want to build a legacy and how good they are, but they're not. They may be the World Tag Team Champions, but they'll never be Team 3D and they'll never conquer the world of tag team wrestling like he and Devon have for the last TWENTY YEARS. The Wolves are good, but Team 3D is great and they're not making the last match in the series, they are. They tell the Wolves to go sit outside, but now the Hardys interrupt and say that Team 3D will never change, and that they better enjoy this last run with the Hardys because they're going to end it. They say the Wolves are a very good team, but Team 3D are extraordinary and the Hardys are gods when it comes to tag team wrestling. He wants them to appreciate the run they've had, but it's time to step aside and let the legends settle it. People will talk about the Hardys and Team 3D in twenty years, but nobody will talk about the Wolves. Davey tells Matt to shut up because they had their twenty years and now the Wolves will get their twenty years because they've beaten the Hardys, they've beaten Team 3D, and their time is now. Bubba says they have guts, but their time is now, and they attack the Wolves. The Hardys jump in and go at it with Team 3D, and 3D goes out to the floor to get table while the Hardys go for a ladder and the Wolves are in the ring brandishing chairs. Kurt Angle comes out and tells everyone to calm down, and tells the Wolves to decide the final match in the series right now, and as the fans chant TLC, Eddie says they want Full Metal Mayhem!
Ken Anderson and Chris Melendez bump into MVP and Kenny King backstage and say they were looking for them, and Anderson says he wants to fight King, but MVP steps in and says that he's Anderson's man, and it looks like they'll face off later tonight.
Kurt Angle checks in on Gail Kim in the trainer's room. The trainer says she separated her shoulder and shouldn't wrestle tonight, but Gail says no and ORDERS Kurt to make sure the match happens tonight.
Manik vs Shark Boy
They start quickly when Manik jumps Shark Boy, but Sharky returns fire with some Stone Cold offense. I like Manik's new look, but having the hood connected to his wrestling gear looks like it could be hazardous if it gets caught on something. Manik takes Sharky down and dropkicks him in the back of the head, then does the boot spin on his forehead. Manik hits a running kneestrike to the head for 2, then hits the One Amigo and rolls that into a back suplex for 2. Manik picks Sharky up for what looks like a Tiger Suplex, except he drops Sharky forward into what I can only describe as a double knee groinbreaker. Manik comes off the top with a frogsplash for the finish.
Winner: Manik
It was fine as a way of establishing the new, darker Manik character, and always fun to see Stone Cold Shark Boy.
Team 3D is backstage and don't know whether to give the Wolves credit for their balls or bash them in the heads for what they did. They don't know what team in their right mind would challenge Team 3D and the Hardys to a Full Metal Mayhem match, but the Wolves need to know that they're dealing with tag team gods, not because they said so, but because the fans said so. They're both going into every hall of fame the business has, the Wolves' days are over, and they'll be inducted as 25 time World Tag Team Champions.
MVP vs Ken Anderson
MVP shoots in on Anderson and takes him down to the mat, Anderson slips out with a go behind and MVP quickly scoots over to the ropes. Anderson takes MVP to the ropes and turns it into a brawl like a good babyface, hitting him with illegal right hands and a running elbowstrike. MVP punishes Anderson for his unscrupulous conduct by Tullying him to the floor, but Anderson's heel buddy Sgt. Chris Melendez interjects himself by standing in front of MVP when he tries to help Anderson back into the ring. Anderson somehow staggers into the ringpost when MVP walks away like the nice guy he is, and put him in a perfectly legal chinlock when they get back in the ring. Anderson throws more punches, but MVP goes back to wrestling and takes Anderson to the mat and puts him back in the chinlock that I bet Anderson will get out of by hitting MVP. Turns out I'm wrong because MVP lets him go like the good sport he is, but stumbles and accidentally lands knee-first on Anderson's ribs. Anderson throws more punches, and MVP finally has enough after trying the whole match to wrestle Anderson, and is forced to defend himself against his belligerent, violent opponent with punches of his own. MVP goes to the second rope, Anderson punches MVP in the ding ding, and gives him a Finlay roll off the ropes for 2. Anderson, with malice in his eyes, waits for MVP to regain his feet, but abruptly turns to take a cheap shot at King, who is just minding his business on the ring apron. Melendez again interjects himself by sneak attacking King, but MVP rolls Anderson up and pins him.
Winner: MVP
I am thrilled to see that Anderson failed despite his blatantly illegal conduct during this match, and that MVP prevailed by refusing to drop to Anderson's level and wrestled like the virtuous competitor he is.
We're back as Bobby Roode is in the ring saying that winning the TNA World Title is a big task, but holding onto it is an even bigger task, and being the longest reigning champion is a big deal to him. But the saying goes that you're only as good as your last match, and he lost his last match when he challenged Bobby Lashley for the TNA World Title. Roode asks Lashley to come join him in the ring for a couple of minutes, and the World Champion comes out with MVP and Kenny King in tow to powwow with Roode, who says the TNA World Title means everything to him. He can stand there and look Lashley in the eye and say that he is the most dominant champion this company has ever had, but he's watched their match over and over for the last two weeks and the moment that stands out the most was when Lashley hit him with the spear that he beat every previous opponent with. But when Roode kicked out after that spear, Lashley had a look in his eye that he never had before: he looked startled, and the fact is that Roode had Lashley where he needed him until he hurt his knee. Lashley capitalized on that and won, but they tore the roof off this place and Lashley knows that Roode could have beaten him, and all he wants is one more chance. Roode gets the fans to chant for one more match, and Lashley goes to shake Roode's hand, but MVP jumps in and grabs the mic and says the champ's answer is no. Roode says he's not talking to MVP, he's talking to Lashley, but MVP says the champ's answer is no. He drops the microphone and quickly herds Lashley out of the ring.
Gail Kim is backstage getting her shoulder taped up, and says she has to do this and to make sure she can have this match tonight.
Gail Kim comes out and says that Havok may have taken her down, but she didn't take her out, and if she wants the Knockouts Title, to come try and take it now. Havok comes out and it looks like it's...MAIN EVENT TIME!
Knockouts Title Match: Gail Kim vs Havok
Gail attacks Havok on her way to the ring, but Havok beats her down and this time rolls her into the ring to officially start the match. Havok stomps Gail down in the corner and hammers her with hard forearms, then gets the hammerlock bearhug and rams Gail into the corner, then does it again. Gail tries to fight back, but Havok easily pops Gail up and flapjacks her to the mat. Havok really torques on that hammerlock, and Gail tries to get out and go for a flying headscissors, but Havok catches her and gives a shoulderbreaker to the good shoulder for 2. Havok gets Gail in the Rings of Saturn, but Gail twists her body and fires kneestrikes into Havok's skull until she breaks. Havok doesn't slow down a bit and goes right back to work on Gail, slamming her arm into the mat repeatedly. Gail rolls away from a legdrop to the arm and drop toeholds Havok into the bottom turnbuckle, then puts Havok in the ringpost figure four. Gail springs off the top rope with a flying bodypress, but Havok easily powers out of the cover at 2. Havok block Eat DaFeet and hits the hammerlock spinebuster, chokeslams Gail into next week, and covers her to win the Knockouts Title.
Winner and New Knockouts Champion: Havok
Totally dominant night for Havok, who has established herself as an indestructible monster that the entire Knockouts Division can't handle. Good job by TNA putting her over real strong.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
