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October 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1962 - Jan Madrid defeats Don Fields in a tournament for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title in Pensacola, Florida. The title had been vacated almost a year earlier, when champion Chief Little Eagle had left the territory. Ironically, Madrid would also vacate the title in February of 1963.
1975 - Antonio Inoki & Seji Sakaguchi defeat Jerry Brown & Buddy Roberts for the NWF North American Tag Team Title in Osaka, Japan, starting their second reign as champions.
1972 - A live event in Abilene, TX at County Coliseum was headlined by a Boxing Match where Ciclon Negro beat Terry Funk when manager JC Dykes burned Funk with a fireball.
1972 - Mid-Atlantic Wrestling ran Charlotte, NC at The Park Center, featuring the following results:
-Johnny Weaver & Art Nelson beat Royal Kangaroos, Lord Jonathan Boyd & Norman Frederick Charles III in a Best of Three Falls encounter.
-Gene Anderson & Ole Anderson beat Ronnie Garvin & Les Thatcher.
-Penny Banner beat Peggy Patterson.
-The Menace beat Joe Furr.
-Dick Shannon drew Randy Curtis.
1972 - A Mid-Atlatic Wrestling ran Greenville, SC at The Memorial Auditorium featured the following results:
-Eastern Champion Jerry Brisco beat Swede Hanson.
-Paula Kaye beat Susan Green.
-Dennis McCord beat Rip Hawk.
-Sandy Scott beat Billy Hines.
-Jim Dillon beat Joe Soto.
-David Finley beat Charlie Fulton.
1972 - A live event in Waycross, GA at The City Auditorium featured the following results:
-Argentina Apollo & Koa Tiki beat Joe Turner & Bill Bowman via DQ in a third fall
-Jesse James beat John Caruso in a Best Two out of Three Falls encounter.
-Johnny Reb vs. Billy the Kid: result unknown.
-Krusher Karlson fought Tim Geohagen to a double countout.
-Koa Tiki beat Bill Bowman by DQ.
1974 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Miami Beach, FL at The Auditorium featuring the following results before 3,642 fans:
-Lumberjack Match: Pak Song beat Jos LeDuc.
-Bill Watts beat Dusty Rhodes by DQ.
-Mike Graham & Jerry Brisco beat Dick Slater & Gary Hart.
-Professor Toru Tanaka beat Ron Fuller.
-Bob Armstrong & Tony Charles beat The Hollywood Blondes, Buddy Roberts & Jerry Brown.
-Mike Pappas beat Beautiful Bruce.
-Bob Backlund beat Jim Dalton.
1976 - Jerry & Ted Oates defeat The Great Kojika & Motoshi Okuma for the All Japan All Asian Tag Team Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1979 - Ryuma Go defeats Tatsumi Fujinami in Osaka, Japan for the WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title.
1981 - Jack Brisco defeats Ted DiBiase for the Missouri Title in St. Louis, ending DiBiase's second reign with the belt, and starting his own second run with the title. The show, held at the Checkerdome, drew 18,055 fans, featured the following results:
-Bulldog Bob Brown drew Dewey Robertson.
-Rufus R. Jones defeated Gene Lewis.
-Kevin & David & Kerry Von Erich defeated Greg Valentine & Johnny Valiant & J.J. Dillon.
-Dick the Bruiser defeated Baron Von Raschke.
-Andre the Giant and Rocky Johnson defeated Sgt. Slaughter and Ken Patera by disqualification.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair fought Harley Race to a 60 minute draw.
1982 - A live event in Chattanooga, TN at Memorial Auditorium featured the following results:
-Tito Santana defeated Chick Donovan.
-Terry Gordy defeated Matt Borne.
-Ivan Koloff and The Iron Sheik defeated Brad Armstrong and Johnny Rich.
-Roddy Piper defeated The Super Destroyer.
-Paul Orndorff defeated Buzz Sawyer by DQ.
1982 - The WWF ran Landover, MD at the Cap Centre featuring the following results:
-Tony Garea defeated Johnny Rodz at 12:37.
-Jose Estrada defeated Mac Rivera (substituting for Steve Travis) at around the 5-minute mark.
-Salvatore Bellomo defeated Charlie Fulton at 7:41.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Pedro Morales defeated Bob Orton at 10:10
-Andre the Giant defeated Blackjack Mulligan in a Texas Death Match at 17:04.
-WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Buddy Rose at 32:13.
-SD Jones defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna at 7:14.
-Pete Sanchez defeated Mr. X at 4:31.
-WWF Tag Team Champions Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito defeated Chief Jay & Jules Strongbow in a Best Two out of Three Falls bout.
1982 - Mid-Atlantic Wrestling ran Greensboro, NC with the following results:
-Wahoo McDaniel beat Sgt. Slaughter by DQ.
-Jimmy Valiant beat Jos Leduc by DQ.
-Greg Valentine & Pvt. Kernodle beat Jay Youngblood & Porkchop Cash.
-Johnny Weaver beat Pvt. Nelson.
-Gene Anderson beat Keith Larson.
1983 - World Class Championship Wrestling ran San Antonio, TX with the following results:
-Kerry Von Erich defeated Boris Zurkov.
-Chris Adams & Iceman Parsons defeated Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts.
-José Lothario defeated Coco Samoa.
-David Von Erich defeated Jim Garvin.
-Kevin Von Erich defeated NWA World Champion Harley Race by DQ.
1983 - The WWF ran San Diego, CA featuring the following results:
-Buddy Rose defeated Steve Pardee.
-Jerry Monti fought Jack Armstrong to a draw.
-Tony Rocco defeated Ray Evans.
-Alexis Smirnoff defeated Bill Anderson.
-Pat Patterson defeated the Great Goliath.
-Rocky Johnson defeated George Steele.
-Tito Santana defeated Black Gordman.
-Andre the Giant & Jimmy Snuka defeated Magnificent Muraco & Big John Studd.
1984 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Tampa, FL at The Spartan Sports Center with the following results:
-Hector Guerrero & Angelo Mosca Jr. beat Ken Timbs & Dusty Wolfe.
-Dick Slater fought Jay Youngblood to a double countout.
-Pistol Pez Whatley & Larry Hamilton beat Krusher Khrushchev & Jim Neidhart.
-Jesse Barr beat Billy Jack Haynes.
-Florida Champion Scott McGhee fought Dory Funk Jr. to a 60:00 minute draw.
-Superstar Graham beat Kevin Sullivan via DQ in 4:23.
1985 - A live event in Wichita Falls, Texas featured the following results:
-Nick Kiniski beat J.R. Hogg.
-Dale Veasey beat Ric McCord.
-The Hoods beat American Force.
-Big Bubba vs. Mike Golden resulted in a no contest.
-Al Madril beat Chavo Guerrero.
-Big Bubba won a battle royal.
1988 - The NWA ran Chicago, IL at The UIC Pavilion featuring the follwing results:
-Ron Simmons defeated Rip Morgan.
-NWA World TV champion Mike Rotunda defeated the Italian Stallion.
-The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane fought Dick Murdoch & Dusty Rhodes to a draw.
-The Fantastics, Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers defeated the Sheepherders.
-The Russian Assassins defeated Ivan & Nikita Koloff by DQ.
-Sting defeated U.S. champion Barry Windham by DQ
-NWA World champion Ric Flair fought Lex Luger to a draw.
1988 - A live event in Marietta, GA featured the following results:
-Chick Donovan beat Sugar Ray Lloyd (future Glacier).
-Southern Tag Team champs Ranger Ross & Joey Maggs beat Dino Manelli & Steve Lawler.
-Scott Armstrong beat World Class Light Heavyweight champion Eric Embry.
-The Bullet (substituting for Kerry Von Erich) beat the Iron Sheik.
-Mr. Wrestling II beat Dutch Mantell via DQ in a Lumberjack match.
-Mr. Big & Rhubarb Jones beat Dino Manelli & Steve Lawler.
-AWA World champion Jerry Lawler beat Tommy Rich via DQ.
1989 - Tony Anthony wins a tournament in Memphis, Tennessee to become the first USWA Southern Heavyweight Champion. Here are the results of the tournament:
First Round:
- Chris Champion defeated Freddy Krueger (Tommy Gilbert)
- Dustin Rhodes defeated Kevin Dillenger.
- Mike Davis defeated Stan Frazier.
- Robert Gibson defeated Mark Starr.
- Dutch Mantell defeated Buddy Landell.
- Tony Anthony defeated Jeff Jarrett.
- Ricky Morton defeated Iceman King Parsons.
- Bill Dundee defeated Brickhouse Brown.
Quarterfinals:
- Dustin Rhodes defeated Chris Champion.
- Mike Davis defeated Robert Gibson.
- Tony Anthony defeated Dutch Mantel.
- Ricky Morton defeated Bill Dundee.
Semifinals:
- Dustin Rhodes defeated Mike Davis.
- Tony Anthony defeated Ricky Morton.
Finals:
- Tony Anthony defeated Dustin Rhodes.
1990 - Kyoko Inoue defeats Takako Inoue for the vacant All Japan Singles Title in Yamagata, Japan.
1993 - ECW holds the "NWA Bloodfest: Part 2" at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here are the results:
- ECW World Tag Team Champions Tony Stetson & Johnny Hot Body defeated The Sandman & JT Smith.
- The Tazmaniac defeated Tommy Dreamer in Dreamer's official ECW debut. Although he wrestled the night before under a mask, this match "officially" begins the run of the character and performer who would become known as the "heart and soul" of the promotion.
- Kevin Sullivan defeated Gino Caruso.
- ECW Champion Shane Douglas defeated JT Smith via disqualification.
- Badd Company (Paul Diamond & Pat Tanaka) defeated The Public Enemy.
- Richard Michaels defeated Rockin' Rebel via disqualification.
- Ian & Axl Rotten defeated Don E. Allen & Chad Austin.
- Don Muraco & Jimmy Snuka defeated The Public Enemy.
- Sabu defeated Shane Douglas to win his first ECW Heavyweight Title.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Chad Austin.
- Kevin Sullivan defeated Abdullah The Butcher in a steel cage match.
- The Public Enemy defeated Ian & Axl Rotten and Badd Company in a three way steel cage match.
1995 - The Monday Night Wars raged on, with both WCW Monday Nitro on TNT and WWF Monday Night Raw on USA earning 2.5 ratings. Raw featured Razor Ramon defeating The 1-2-3 Kid, Triple H defeated Barry Horowitz, PG-13 defeating Al Brown & Sonny Rogers, and a main event of Bret Hart defeating Jean Pierre Lafitte. Nitro had Lex Luger defeating Randy Savage, Eddie Guerrero over Dean Malenko, The American Males vs. The Nasty Boys in a no-contest when the Giant interfered and laid out everyone, and Ric Flair defeating Arn Anderson in the main event via disqualification.
1999 - Psicosis begins his second WCW Cruiserweight Title reign in bizarre fashion. Because WCW was feeling pressure from Turner management over controversy and media attention brought forth by Lenny Lane's ambiguously gay character, the decision was made to pull Lane from television immediately. Since Lane was the Cruiserweight Champion at the time, the decision was made to create a "phantom" title change and put the belt on Psicosis.
1999 - WWF hold's their UK-Only "Rebellion" Pay-per-view at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England. Here are the results:
- Christian defeated Crash Holly in a dark match.
- Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett defeated D'Lo Brown.
- The Godfather defeated Gangrel.
- Val Venis defeated Mark Henry.
- Women's Champion Ivory defeated Tori, Jacqueline, and Luna Vachon in a Four Corners match.
- Chris Jericho defeated The Road Dogg.
- Chyna defeated Intercontinental Champion Jeff Jarrett via disqualification.
- Kane defeated The Big Show in a No DQ match.
- Davey Boy Smith defeated X-Pac.
- Edge & Christian defeated The Acolytes and Hardcore & Crash Holly in a Triangle match.
- World Heavyweight Champion Triple H defeated The Rock in a steel cage match.
1999 - The Honky Tonk Man defeats Bob Starr for the MEWF Heavyweight Title in Dundalk, Maryland.
1999 - The NWA held the 4th Annual Eddie Gilbert Memorial Brawl in Vineland, New Jersey, headlined by Tommy Gilbert & John Kronus defeating The Public Enemy. George "The Animal" Steele made a rare in-ring appearance on the show, defeating Jack Hammer.
1999 - Naoya Ogawa defeats Gary Steele for the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Thomaston, Connecticut, starting his second title reign.
1999 - Glen Kulka & Mic Tierney are awarded the Memphis Power Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles in a "Phantom" title change with Jerry Lawler & Bill Dundee. Dundee had left the company, and in fact, Lawler had won the belts in a handicap match without him, so Dundee was recognized as a champion without being involved in the title win or loss.
2000 - Booker T becomes a three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion in San Francisco, California by defeating Jeff Jarrett. The title had been vacated by Vince Russo after winning it from Booker T in a steel cage match the previous week. On the same show, Reno defeats Sgt. AWOL to win the vacant WCW Hardcore Title. Commissioner Mike Sanders had stripped Norman Smiley of it previously.
2002 - NWA:TNA holds their weekly Pay-per-view at the TNA Asylum in Nashville, Tennessee. Jim "Quigs" Quigley filed the following TV report:
NWA TNA for October 2nd opened with Syxx-Pac and BG James coming to the ring. BG said they are veterans and talked smack towards Jeff Jarrett and Ron Killings. BG said that Killings isn't ready until they say so. Pac put over Low Ki but said that he isn't in their league yet. They are now called White Kryptonite. Ron Killings answered the challenge and said he is the future and they are the past. He said that he only gives title shots to guy like him. Pac told him enough with the race card and lets get it on. Jeff Jarrett arrived on the scene and wondered where Scott Hall is. Brian Lawler/Elix Skipper attacked Pac/BG from behind. Pac/BG ran them off. It will be a handicap match later tonight where Pac/BG will take on Jarrett/Skipper/Lawler.
The first match saw The Amazing Red take on Shark Boy. Elix Skipper came to ringside to do some commentary. He was pissed because he was taken out of the main event by Bob Armstrong. Skipper said he now sees what Ron Killings was talking about earlier tonight. Mortimer Plumbtree was shown watching the match. It was a solid back and forth X-Division match that saw Red hit the Infrared and the standing shooting star press to get the win. Skipper then destroyed Red as well as security after the match.
A recap of the Lynn/Killings match from last week aired. Low Ki was interviewed and said he heard Syxx-Pac earlier tonight. Low Ki said that Killings wasn't focused and he will capitalize and become the new NWA Champion.
Ron Killings hit the ring and said Low Ki got a title shot because he felt sorry for him. He called Low Ki out for his match right now. The match is on. It was a fasted pace match to start. The brawled out in the crowd. Killings rammed a rolling case stiffly into the shoulder/face of Low Ki as he laid on the side of the ramp. Mortimer Plumbtree was shown watching the match from the ramp again. Killings spent much of the match working on the back/ribs of Ki to try and slow him down. Ki tried the Ki Krusher but it was blocked, Killings hit a nasty neck breaker, but Ki kicked out. Ki applied the Dragon sleeper, but Killings fought out. The finish saw Killings hit the True Conviction from the top rope for the win. After the match, Killings was attacked and beaten down by a man in a mask who was dressed all in white. It appeared that the man in white was BG James.
The SAT then took on the Flying Elvis'. It was announced the winner would get a tag title shot next week. Plumbtree watched the match again. Sonny Siaki came out to watch midway through the fast paced match. Siaki teased that was rejoining the Elvis' and would join the match, but was just there to distract the Elvis'. This let the SAT hit the Maximo Explosion and get the victory..
Siaki/AJ Styles then attacked Jerry Lynn and put him in a big trunk. AJ Styles sat on the trunk smirking.
Sonny Siaki then took on David Young. They said that Young lost his baggage, as in his former valet Bobcat, and he will be more focused. It was another solid bout. The finish saw David Young hit a spinebuster that would have won the match for him, but he acted confused. Young then tried a moonsault, but missed. Siaki hit the Money Clip and got the win.
Hour 2 opened with a recap of the Tag Title match from last week. Ron Harris told his brother to remember the pact they made.
Chris Harris and James Storm then took on Aussie Ashley Hudson and Ron Harris. They said Harris wasn't teaming with Brian Lee since he blamed him for the loss last week. The finish saw Ron Harris hit the big boot on his partner by mistake. This allowed Harris/Storm to get a quick pin. Harris destroyed Hudson and security after the match. Don Harris, head of security, hit the ring and hit his brother.
Jerry Lynn was supposed to be interviewed, but the Elvis' said he was too injured to talk.
AJ Styles then took on Jerry Lynn in a ladder match for the X-Division title. I am not even going to try to give you a move by move recap. It was too fast paced for me to keep up with. Mortimer Plumbtree was watching this match as well. Towards the end of the match Sonny Siaki came down to ringside. Ref Scott Armstrong got bumped when Lynn was pushed off the ladder. Lynn hit a spin kick on Styles who was busted open. Both men hit moves off of the ladder. Lynn hit a hurricarana on Styles off the ladder and Styles hit a back suplex on Lynn. Lynn also hit a suplex off of the top of the ladder. Siaki tried to interfere, but Lynn took him out. However it allowed Styles time to gain the advantage and hit a somersault flip on Lynn on the floor and knock him out. AJ Styles climbed the ladder and got the title. We have a new champ. Styles/Siaki beat down Lynn after the match. The X-Division roster made the save for Lynn. Bob Armstrong came to ringside and said that he was giving the title back to Jerry Lynn and there will be a rematch next week. It will be another Ladder match.
Brian Lawler, with April, and Jeff Jarrett then took on BG James and Syxx-Pac. Pac said that he was banging April behind Lawler's back and maybe Lawler could watch next time. It was a total brawl through the crowd at the start. It finally turned into a traditional tag match. Lawler continued to pay attention to April instead of the match at times. Elix Skipper hit the ring and hit the X factor on Pac. He stayed at ringside. BG James hit a pump handle slam on Lawler to get the win. It was a 3 on 2 beat down. Red tried to make the save, but was beaten down. SAT ran in and hit the Spanish Fly on Skipper. Killings joined Jarrett and company in beating down the SAT, Red, Pac and BG as the show went off the air.
2002 - To promote his forthcoming autobiography, Roddy Piper's promotional team released the following Q&A:
Q & A with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
Q: Since leaving WCW many years ago, you have, for the most part, been out of the public eye. What have you been doing the last few years, both in Pro Wrestling and out?
A: 18 months ago, I began writing my book, at which time I had to deal with getting a lifetime stalking order against a man who spent three years in prison, got out, and then began stalking my family. He is a 33 year old male named Michael Feil. During the time while writing this book, I had to fire six different people along the way for various reasons hindering me from completing the book. I must admit, I have always prided myself in “no retreat and no surrender,” however, three individual times, I almost gave this book up. I moved down to Los Angeles to continue finishing the book until January 31, 2002, when being a passenger in a car with a wrestling fan, this fan tried to kill me by slamming my side of the car into a steel guard rail, two SUV’s, and uprooted a lamp post. Dazed and confused, I came home where I collapsed and I can only tell you what I heard from the man who saved my life, Lewis Rach, that I had passed out, began spitting blood out of my mouth, and when the paramedics arrived, my blood pressure was 80/40 and I was close to clinically dead. I spent 13 days in intensive care at Cedars-Sanai Hospital, recovering from a shattered ankle, ruptured spleen, broken back in two places, and four broken ribs, one of which went into my liver four inches and caused severe internal bleeding. This tended to slow the book writing down a bit for me, however, I finally got the damn thing done. There is a God!
Q: There have been many books released by Wrestling Personalities in the last several years. What makes yours different from the rest?
A: I am very proud of the profession of wrestling as it not only saved my life as a 15 year old boy, giving me direction, but I literally became the orphan-boy of professional wrestling. Because of all of the things I have seen that will be brought to life for you in the book, I set out to write this book not to talk about myself, but to try to make the world understand from the most honest and sincere point-of-view, the REAL life of a REAL-DEAL professional wrestler. What makes my book different is that my book is not a kiss-and-tell book, it is an honest book from the heart that unfortunately involves topics such as murder, suicide, and the few thrills of victory and numerous agonies of defeat.
Q: On your website, www.inthepitwithpiper.com, there is an article written by Lewis Rach that talks about your health problems stemming from an auto accident early this year. How is the recuperation going?
A: In asking Rod this question, he simply said, “I am a box of fluffy ducks.”
Q: Will you be touring in association with the release of your book and if so, when will the details and cities be released?
A: Billy Ray Cyrus, a friend of mine, cut his tour a week short in order that I may have the bus that I desired for my book tour, NiteTrain Coach’s “Crazy Train.” The tour begins November 4, the same day that “In the Pit With Piper” will be released, and will encompass all of North America, the exact cities I will let you know as soon as I do, however, I must tell you, I am very proud of one I do know of: Planet Hollywood in Times Square, New York, New York. The New York Fire Department Pipe Band will be playing a key role in my appearance in what is planned to be a HUGE affair where I plan to see a lot of old acquaintances.
Q: After 35 years, what does the future look like for Roddy Piper?
A: Well Folks, they have told me my whole career that I have been the most unpredictable personality in history. So, I am gonna make this simple. These are my choices:
Make a movie out of the book.
Do a Warner Brothers feature “Knight Fever” with an ensemble cast of Christopher Walken, Emilio Estevez, Janet Jackson, Coolio, Roddy Piper, Angela Basset, and Gary Busey.
They have asked me to do the audio book.
Create a new programming for television that is 110% family friendly as I wrote a script called “Mic” and they are asking to make a series of it.
A BUNCH MORE STUFF!
I wish I had nothing to do…!
2002 - Ohio Valley Wrestling taped TV in Louisville, Kentucky. Aaron Wilson filed the following report:
Another successful week in Ohio Valley Wrestling. An announcement was made early on that Sgt. Slaughter would be in the house next week to visit Ohio Valley Wrestling. The crowd was at its capacity as every seat was full.
Mark Magnus vs. Alex Croft
DARK MATCH
The now standard opening dark match to test all of the lighting and cameras opened off the show with two advanced students of the OVW amateur group. Magnus opened off by working on the arm of Alex Croft with two big armdrags, sending Croft down hard. After a big belly to back suplex by Magnus, Croft managed to make somewhat of a comeback applying a variety of snap mare takedowns, controlling Magnus on the mat. Magnus pulled off the Matt Hardy-like inverted bulldog, but only managed to gain a two count, as the crowd seemed to be solidly behind Magnus. Eventually Magnus pulled off a Rock bottom into a DDT like maneuver and gained the pinfall and the win.
Winner via pinfall: Mark Magnus
Next Jim Cornette came down to the announcers position to a tremendous "Jimmy" chant and jokingly claimed that he was late becasue the fire marshall had to check his tie. The show then began as they cameras panned the standing room only crowd.
Nova vs. Trash
NON-TITLE MATCH
To start things off, it seems that the OVW faithful are beginning to turn on the current OVW champion Nova. I'm not sure why, but the majority of the crowd doesn't seem to be cheering for the former ECW superstar. Nova reversed many of Trash's early offensive attempts as Trash actually had a sizable "Go Trash Go" chant going for him. About halfway through Trash was thrown to the corner, he then delivered a big boot to the face of Nova as he tried to run in for the attack, and sent him down to the mat. Trash then went for the top rope leg drop, but missed massively, sending a loud boom across the brand new Davis Arena. The two went back and forth, Nova pulled off the Flatliner but only managed to receive a two count out of it. Nova then was able to reverse a move attempted by Trash, which set him up perfectly for Nova's Kryptonite Krunch allowing Nova to gain the victory.
Winner via pinfall: Nova
Static D vs. Chris K
OVW AMATEUR MATCH - DARK MATCH
A decent match, although the crowd seemed to be distracted by the size of the competitors as well as Chris K's ring attire. The two had a classic light weight amateur match, and did fairly well. Static D reminds me of a very young African American version of Rey Mysterio Jr. Although Static D has not yet reached the level of wrestling as Mysterio, he shows the potential, and is roughly the same size, maybe a little bigger. The match came to an end after Static D gained the pinfall after an X-Factor.
Winner via pinfall: Static D
For the next interview segment, Jim Cornette was joined in the ring with Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin got on the mic claiming his OVW Southern tag team championship partner Redd Dogg to be a coward. Redd Dogg eventually comes out, to a very hateful reaction, and gets on the mic taunting Benjamin. Eventually Benjamin dove to the outside attacking Redd Dogg as the two had to be broken up by security as the cameras went to a commercial break. Shortly after the cameras came back on the air, and the two were in the locker room, Jim Cornette announced that Shelton Benjamin would take on Redd Dogg in the TV main event tonight.
Johnny Jeter vs. Seven w/ Synn
A very impressive match for Jeter, who is apparently growing a fan base of young attractive females, here in Louisville, Kentucky. Jeter opened off early with the offense attacking Seven and taking the big man to his back. Although the overly dominant Seven managed to pull off an early slam, slowing down the offense of Johnny Jeter. The ever so remorseful Jeter, on the other hand, did not give up as he continued his offensive assault on Seven. He pulled off a successful second rope splash, following by a huge top rope spinkick but was only able to pull off a two count, on the big man. Jeter, showed that he was not about to slow down his high risk efforts, as they seemed to be working on the big man, as he went to the top rope for a big cross body block. Unfortunately, for Jeter, Seven managed to catch the high flyer, and slam him down hard to the mat. Seven then followed up with a big powerbomb to gain the three count and the victory.
Winner via pinfall: Seven
Jim Cornette was joined in the ring by Arn Anderson, the special guest this week. Cornette announced Anderson as the WWE representative, and stated that he was an agent as well as talent scout. Arn Anderson stated that he had a major announcement to make to the wrestlers and fans of Ohio Valley Wrestling and involved the Royal Rumble. Anderson stated that the top athletic talent in OVW by the time of the Rumble would be granted a shot in the big Royal Rumble match, and basically have a shot at going on to the main event of Wrestlemania. This announcement, of course brought out the most conceited stable in OVW, The Revolution, consisting of Doug Basham, Damaja, Victoria, Johnny Spade and Jackie (Gayda). Basham immediately took the mic and stated that he was the top athletic talent in OVW and stated his reasons why. Damaja then got on the mic and claimed that considering that he and Basham are "co-leaders" of the Revolution that they were on an equal playing field, and that he was just as able to be the top athletic talent to go to the Rumble. This proclamation brought the "Lords of the Ring" Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway to the ring, who of course argued their words. Dinsmore stated first that the last time he met up with Basham that he won, in a last man standing match, and that he also beat Damaja at their last encounter too. This of course meant to Dinsmore that he was the top talent and should go to the Rumble. Rob Conway then stated that the last time that he met up with Dinsmore in the ring that he won the bout, putting him at a higher level then Dinsmore. The OVW heavyweight champion then got on the mic, stating that considering he's the champion, that he should go on to the Rumble. It's obviously apparent that the title of "the top athletic talent" in OVW is definitely as disputed as the current direction of WWE storylines, and this of course will be settled in the next few months. Damaja got on the mic standing next to Jackie, who was receiving a "Hot Tub Ho" chant, going back to her TE2 days, and stated that the "Royal Rumble would definitely be 'Revolutionary'". Johnny Spade even managed to support his argument in the ring, as the cameras eventually went to a commercial break.
Mark Jindrak & Matt Morgan vs. Bane & Lance Cade
DARK MATCH
A very slow dark match, with the team of Morgan and Jindrak actually showing some potential. Jindrak opened off on Cade with the early offensive assault. Eventually Morgan was tagged in, and Cade immediately made his way out tagging in Bane. Morgan delivered a huge clothesline to Bane, sending him down hard to the canvas. Cade was tagged in as well, and the same beating was dealt. Bane attempted to get the cheap shots on Morgan, from the ring apron, which apparently upset Matt Morgan. There was an impressive spot where Morgan held Lance Cade high above his head, and Jindrak delivered a very high and impressive dropkick to the face of Cade. Eventually after some ring work by Jindrak, Matt Morgan gained the hot tag and laid out Bane and Cade many times. Matt Morgan then delivered a big chokeslam to Cade and gained the pinfall and the win.
Winners via pinfall: Mark Jindrak & Matt Morgan
Jim Cornette was joined in the ring once again for another interview segment, this time with Kenny "the King" Bolin, Rene Dupree and Jerome Crony. Bolin introduced the 18 year old Canadian phenom as the next big superstar to come out of Ohio Valley Wrestling. It's funny that Dupree actually made his WWE TV debut on Confidential before he made his OVW debut, as today was it. Dupree got on the mic and questioned Bolin as to why all of the fans were yelling mean and nasty things at him. I couldn't hear much of this interview, due to low mic volume and intense crowd heat, but did manage to hear Bolin say that it was the way the fans show their appreciation towards Dupree, and that it was a good thing. Dupree then stated that he would be the next OVW heavyweight champion, which I would have to agree with. Pretty entertaining stuff.
Shelton Benjamin vs. Redd Dogg
TV MAIN EVENT
Redd Dogg made his way down to the ring, to a very hateful un-welcoming reaction by the Davis Arena crowd. Shelton then attacked Dogg before his ring music even played, although it is still the same as Redd Dogg's music, and the match was underway. The match was nothing short of an all out brawl, which went to the outside early on. Shelton went for a big chair shot to Dogg, who was laying against the ring, on the outside, but missed, as Dogg quickly moved out of the way. Dogg then rolled into the ring, as Benjamin followed, and got on his knees begging Shelton for forgiveness. Although Shelton would not give any, and immediately attacked his former friend. Dogg, although managed to make somewhat of a comeback, pummeling Benjamin in the corner, as the crowd rallied behind Benjamin to a "Go Shelton Go" chant. Shelton did manage to make a comeback, and went for the Crescent Kick to Dogg, but Redd Dogg pulled the referee into the line of fire, who eventually took the full blow of the kick. Redd Dogg then went to the outside of the ring, and brought a chair into the ring. Shelton although kicked the chair into the face of Redd Dogg, but the referee was out to make the count. A new ref then came in to make the three count, but he was apparently a second too late, as Redd Dogg managed to kick out after two. Shelton then set up Redd Dogg in the corner, that Dogg put his massive chains around, and Dogg used that to his full advantage. He put the chain on the turnbuckle pads and then moved out of the way as Benjamin came flying at him. Benjamin then hit his head hard against the chains and went straight down to the mat. Redd Dogg then made the cover and gained the three count and the win. After the match Redd Dogg started attacking everyone, including both referees in the ring, as well as every security guard that came in to stop the assault. Eventually the team of Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway ran in to make the save on the security guards concluding another great night of Ohio Valley Wrestling action.
Winner via pinfall: Redd Dogg
2002 - Ring of Honor issued the following press release, accusing XPW of raiding their talent:
XPW Attempts Talent Raid On Ring Of Honor
PHILADELPHIA- Xtreme Pro Wrestling attempted a talent raid on the Ring Of Honor roster over the last several weeks in hopes of running a Ring Of Honor invasion angle on its upcoming event.
XPW representative "Slash" has placed several calls in addition to having face to face meetings with Mafia & Monsta Mack of Da Hit Squad, Homicide & Boogalou of The Natural Born Sinners and Izzy (also known as Insane Dragon). XPW offered these individuals some or all of the following: five times what ROH pays them, new ring outfits and gimmicks, paid for airfare, hotel, rental car for proposed shows in Chicago, Louisiana, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. When these offers were refused, XPW upped the ante to "anything it takes" to sign these individuals.
Homicide and Mafia have given their word that they are with Ring Of Honor and will only be performing at the Murphy Recreation Center in South Philly this Saturday night on 4th and Oregon Ave. Ring Of Honor officials, who became aware of this talent raid on October 1st, have yet to talk with Izzy, Monsta Mack and Boogalou. In the past, XPW has tried to raid other talent from the ROH roster including Jay and Mark Briscoe, Jose Maximo and Joel Maximo as well as The Amazing Red. In every case, these individuals have committed to Ring Of Honor.
This Saturday night Ring Of Honor will present its biggest show to date, entitled "Glory By Honor." The lineup has: Low Ki vs. Samoa Joe; Dick Togo vs. Doug Williams; Chris Daniels with Simply Luscious vs. either Williams or Togo; James Maritato vs. Tony Mamaluke; Spanky vs. Paul London vs. Michael Shane; The Amazing Red vs. Ikuto Hidaka; Jay Briscoe vs. Xavier; Da Hit Squad vs. Loc & Devito; Steve Corino vs. Rudy Boy Gonzalez; SAT vs. Homicide & Boogalou vs. Quiet Storm & Chris Divine vs. Izzy & Dixie; Joey Matthews, Christian York & Alexis Laree vs. Buff-E, Mase & Allison Danger. The stipulations for all these matches can be found at ROHwrestling.com.
All of these individuals have willfully and knowingly allowed Ring Of Honor to advertise and promote their services for this Saturday's event. If any of these individuals wish to break their agreement they can go because Ring Of Honor does not wish to employ them. Eddy Guerrero proved to be a man of honor by keeping his 4/27 "Night Of Appreciation" date despite being WWE Intercontinental Champion. A promotion based on honor can only expect the same from the current roster.
Ring Of Honor will not employ any individual that breaks their promise to the paying customer. ROH prides itself on total honestly and delivering what its fanbase pays for. We realize you work hard for your money and we consider it an honor that a wrestling fan would choose to spend it and their evening at a Ring Of Honor event. In return, we promise to work as hard as possible to deliver the best show we can.
ROH is based on honor, respect and professionalism in and out of the ring. Any individual who allows his/her name to be advertised only to screw the fans that pay to see them and the company that employs and promotes them does not uphold these qualities. Simply, they are not Ring Of Honor material and we owe it to our fanbase not to employ these individuals. If you are the type to betray your fans by no showing, Ring Of Honor does not want you. It is the least we owe our paying customers.
If anyone accepts our offer, we will keep you informed in the backstage area of RFVideo.com. Ring Of Honor is flattered by XPW's high regard of our talent roster and wishes them as well as all other Philly area promotions the best of luck.
This Saturday night we are once again determined to top ourselves with a memorable event of athletic wrestling. We invite you to join us. Thank you for all your support.
2002 - XPW responded with a press release of their own:
With all the hype being generated and Philadelphia presenting itself as the country's territorial hot bed, everyone seems scared of the Hollywood glitz, glamour and blow s*** up mentality and influence of XPW.
As we here at XPW make our way out East for the second show in a series of shows which everyone proclaimed would never occur, we're confident that our second outing will be as strong, if not stronger than our first, and we have worked diligently to improve the problems we felt we had the first time.
Now that the show is less than a week away, it seems our "competition" has to resort to name calling and accusations to get themselves a little bit of extra press, a game which we wrote the rules to, which unfortunately for them puts them at a horrible disadvantage.
You see XPW has always been XPW, and while we may say "F*** You" to a bunch of people, we'll always give those people the common courtesy of saying it directly to them, and then follow it up by spitting right in their face. We do things our way, we do things the extreme way, we don't conform for anyone and we tell you exactly how we feel. So that makes people think that we're dangerous. It makes people believe that we're scary. It makes them believe that we're the bad guys, and that's an image we're happy to uphold. ROH presents themselves as a promotion built on honor, but all dealings and experiences we have with this company demonstrate that they're bigger s******* then we are. Case in point the license issue of last month, but that's over, no need for me to get into it, so I'll move on and address their accusations.
First off, Slash is not an XPW representative, Slash is not a talent liaison for XPW and Slash is not a paid employee of XPW. Slash does volunteer work for us, which sometimes includes collecting phone numbers, but when it comes to having say so or making decisions and the ability to make offers, Slash does not represent the front office of XPW. All issues of talent relations are dealt with by XPW talent coordinator Smiley Johnson aka Dirt Bert, and all XPW business inquiries are handled by interim-VP John Blake.
We were contacted and told that members of The Hit Squad and Natural Born Sinners were interested in working for us, and they had brought up the idea of possibly making the jump from ROH to XPW. We were given phone numbers for these guys, and I made initial calls to feel them out and catch their vibes. We had never seen either of the teams in action, and we were sent tapes of them so that we could check them out. At this point, no offers were made, despite what ROH wants to, and wants you to believe.
Once I finally talked with Homicide I explained the XPW deal. Meaning, we change your gimmick, we change your persona and we make you what we want to make you. He brought up his concerns about being known all over and having wrestled for so long to which I replied, I didn't care. We didn't want the Natural Born Sinners, we wanted the two guys who play those characters to play new characters which we believe we could build, market and promote. We're not looking for indy stars, we're looking for guys we could make stars. Once again Homicide expressed he would need to speak to his partner, and I had no problem with that and set up to talk the next day or so. Before hanging up, the issue of how much they would get was brought up to which Homicide informed me that he and his partner get $200 a piece. I told them I'd have to talk that over with the office, and once again we would talk the next day or so.
The next day I finally spoke with Mafia of The Hit Squad. Once again I informed him of the XPW deal, and that we would be changing his and his partner's gimmicks. No issues of price were ever discussed with Mafia and no offers were formerly made. Mafia asked if he could set up a meeting with us in person either the night before or day of the show to discuss everything, to which I replied I may be able to put them up at the hotel Friday night if we were to have that meeting. We arranged to talk the next day to hash everything out, and things were OK. Nothing set in stone, but we would see what happens.
The next day I receive another phone call, this time explaining to me that The Hit Squad called Slash bitching, moaning, complaining and crying that they didn't want to change gimmicks and they didn't like what we had planned for them. Once this was found out, it was determined by me and other representatives of the office that we were no longer interested in using them, and had no intent to continue our discussions any further. A message was sent to each team to work the ROH show and that if they wanted to talk with us after the show, they were welcome to stop by.
ROH proclaims: XPW offered these individuals some or all of the following: five times what ROH pays them, new ring outfits and gimmicks, paid for airfare, hotel, rental car for proposed shows in Chicago, Louisiana, Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. When these offers were refused, XPW upped the ante to "anything it takes" to sign these individuals.
First off, we had no intent on giving any of the guys the $200 that was proposed by them, and if $200 is 5-times more than they're getting paid now, I truly feel sorry for them and Ring Of Honor. It was my intent to make them an actual offer the next time we spoke, once everything was worked out and hashed out. As far as airfare for future shows, if they were to be a part of our company, of course we would pay for their travel to get to our shows. We are professional company, and we treat our talent as professionals. As far as new outfits, while yes, we wanted them to change their looks, we never made any offer to buy them their new outfits, that would have been a responsibility of theirs to invest in themselves and purchase the necessary gear to fit the role. If they weren't willing to invest in themselves, why should we feel the need to invest in them.
XPW operates by our rules. When we bring in new talent, we bring them in under our terms. We don't care how known they are in the indy's, fact is, they are indy workers, and in the broad scheme of things, are nobodies. I mean for Christ sake, we changed the NWA Heavyweight Champion Ron Killings to K Malik Shabazz, do you think we really wanted to ride these guys indy coat tails? Hell no, we were offering them a chance to be something more, but we retracted our offer. So any wrestler that wants to live their dreams as an indy wrestler should go about doing what they're doing. Any wrestler who wants to be a part of, and grow with something special, and feels they have what it takes to be a superstar should send me a tape. But don't send me some boring ass match that looks like it was shot on an old s***** camera, send me something interesting and exciting. 30-second rule baby!!!
This Saturday XPW shows once again why they offer what no other wrestling product offers, and proves why we are the Greatest Wrestling Show on Earth.
2007 - WWE champion John Cena was officially diagnosed with a complete tear of his right pectoral muscle today by Dr. James Andrews and is expected to be out 6-8 months following surgery. Cena suffered the tear during a hiptoss spot in the Raw main event against the returning Ken Kennedy. It was believed thar would put Cena back at the earliest in April (meaning he will miss Wrestlemania) and at the worst, June 2008. John Cena was be stripped of the WWE championship, but amazingly returned to the ring for the 2008 Royal Rumble PPV.
2007 - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and his wife Dani jointly announced that they made a $1 million donation to the University of Miami's football facilities renovation fund. Both Johnsons graduated from the University, where they initially met. The gift was the largest gift a former Miami Hurricane student athlete has ever made to the university's athletic department. The Associated Press ran a story today about the donation.
2007 - WWE broadcast ECW on SyFy. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of ECW on Sci Fi. This should be an interesting opening.
ECW opened with a very serious looking Vince McMahon made his way to the ring. Joey Styles noted that McMahon is here with a major announcement. No kidding. McMahon said that he's come before the fans with bad news and announced John Cena's injury. He said Cena needed immediate surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. McMahon said that the fans might ask who was responsible and the pointed the fans to a video feature on the incident. It's pretty amazing how quick the WWE production team got that done. McMahon claimed Cena would be out somewhere between 6 months to a year. Some fans cheered that.
McMahon announced that "As of this moment, John Cena is no longer WWE champion." Lots of boos for that. McMahon said that the belt was vacant and would be rectified at the No Mercy PPV. He didn't announce what the match would be.
Joey Styles and Tazz talked about the announcement and said it was heartbreaking for Cena. That's the truth, for sure.
ECW champion CM Punk came to the ring. He said that he should be focused on No Mercy and who will win tonight's Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke match. He said that for the last week, he hasn't been able to get one thing out of his mind. They showed footage of the finish of Punk vs. Matt Striker from last week, followed by Big Daddy V laying Punk out. Striker and V appeared on the Titantron. Striker said that V wants the ECW title, so until he gets a shot he'll pay Punk no mind and wished Punk luck in his next match...right now.
Mike Knox came to the ring.
ECW champion CM Punk vs. Mike Knox
They locked up. Punk went right to work on Knox's shoulder. Knox reversed a hammerlock, but Punk turned it into an armdrag and armbar. Knox shoved Punk back into the corner but the referee forced a break. Knox worked over Punk's lower back. Punk came back with a series of chops. Knox whipped Punk into the corner and nailed a dropkick for a two count. Punk took down Knox and nailed several knee strikes before cinching in a front chancery. Knox sat out and applied a hammerlock. Knox controlled Punk on the mat, then slammed him. Punk tossed Knox out of the ring and hit a dive as they went to commercial.
When they returned, Knox was in control back in the ring. He dropped Punk's throat across the top rope, getting a two count. Even though the ECW champion was in the ring, the commentators pushed the WWE title vacancy being filled at the PPV. Knox snapped Punk's head over the ropes and scored a two count. Knox continued to control the champion. He cinched on a side chinlock. Punk rolled through for a near fall but Knox kicked out and clobbered Punk with a clothesline. Knox continued to work over Punk on the mat.
Punk finally fought to his feet with elbows and knees. He nailed a leg lariat. He hit the running knee strike in the corner but was shoved off from the bulldog. Knox missed a bicycle kick and was caught with the GTS for the pin.
Your winner, ECW champion CM Punk!
Match was solid but I was surprised to see Knox get so much offense.
They showed Balls Mahoney walking around backstage and said he would be in action next. Here comes Miz vs. Balls!
They then ran a great video feature on Tommy Dreamer using footage of the old and new ECW to get over his role as ECW Original and how much the ECW title meant to him. That promo did more for Dreamer's character then anything I can think of in the last year.
Balls Mahoney made his way to the ring. They showed a clip of Balls asking Kelly Kelly out and Miz attacking him with the ring mic. Balls took the mic and said that some have claimed he was acting like a lovesick puppy, Mahoney said that he hasn't forgotten the cheap shot Miz gave him last week, but said he'd like an answer from Kelly Kelly. Mahoney asked her to come out and give it to him. Kelly made her way to the ring with the stuffed bear he gave her a few weeks ago. Balls repeated his question from last week, asking her out. Kelly took the mic and milked the moment, then agreed. Mahoney grabbed her in a huge hug.
The Miz came out with the rest of Extreme Expose. He asked Kelly if she was really going to go out with "that fat slob." He joked that Balls might brush his one tooth for her. Miz said that it's been fun, but it's time for Kelly to go. She hesitated and Miz told her to go. Balls struck Miz. Kelly stopped him. Miz retreated to the floor and told her again to leave. Miz said that he took over Extreme Expose's management contract, so what he says goes. Miz says that if Kelly wants to go out with Balls, she'll be gone from Extreme Expose and ECW. Oh God, this has turned into Robert Roode and Eric Young from TNA! Miz demanded that Kelly make a decision and Kelly sadly left the ring, leaving Balls with her bear. She kept looking back all sad and sympathetic. Something about Kelly's facials when she's sad reminds me of an early Elizabeth.
They ran a video feature on Elijah Burke. If this Road to No Mercy ends with John Morrison stealing the ECW title shot, that would be so lame.
Joey Styles and Tazz reviewed the John Cena announcement. They reviewed the No Mercy card.
Tommy Dreamer vs. Elijah Burke for No Mercy ECW title shot.
They lock up and Dreamer rides Burke to the mat. Dreamer shoulderblocks Burke down and goes for a quick cover. Burke fails at a slam, but Dreamer doesn't. Dreamer clotheslines Burke. Burke whips Dreamer into the corner, then drills him with a back elbow. Dreamer recovers and ties Burke to the tree of woe. He hits the running dropkick in the corner, then nails the Cactus clothesline to the floor. Dreamer dove off the apron onto Burke, who was on the floor, and peppered him with punches. While Dreamer waited for Burke to return to the ring, they went to commercial.
TNA took out an ad in the New York City market to promote the two hour Impact and main things pushed were a Gauntlet bout and Adam "Pacman" Jones. That sound you hear is me beating my head against the keyboard in frustration.
Back on ECW, Burke got a two count on Dreamer and began pounding him in the back. They showed Dreamer getting tossed into the ringside steps during a commercial break. Burke cinched in a reverse chinlock, putting his feet on the ropes for leverage. Someone's been watching his Mike Rotunda Varsity Club era tapes. Burke and Dreamer throw down and Burke gets the better of it, which makes sense due to his boxing background. He hits the 4-Up on Dreamer.
Burke keeps trash talking Dreamer while Dreamer keeps pulling himself up and egging Burke on. Dreamer catches Burke with a neckbreaker. Dreamer came back with some offense and a flapjack. Burke slams Dreamer into the turnbuckles, then goes to the top rope. Dreamer cuts him off and sets up for a superplex. Burke shoves him off. He hits a top rope sunset flip but Dreamer reverses for a two count. Burke hits the Outer Limits elbow, but Dreamer catches him with a DDT and gets the pin clean.
Your winner, Tommy Dreamer, who advances to a ECW title shot on Sunday at No Mercy.
ECW General Manager Armando comes out and congratulates Dreamer saying he earned the victory, but the chase isn't over. Armando says that there's one man left to enter, and introduces Big Daddy V. V comes to the ring. V lays out Dreamer. You know where this is going. V picks up Dreamer and slams him. V drops down with a headbutt and steps on Dreamer's chest. V beats on Dreamer who refuses to back down. V misses a splash. Dreamer nailed a clothesline but V didn't sell it. Dreamer keeps fighting but is laid out. Dreamer pulled himself up in the corner, where he was hit with a running avalanche splash. V scooped up Dreamer and dropped back with a Samoan Splash. V hits a running splash and scores the pin.
Your winner, Big Daddy V!
So, it's Punk vs. V at the PPV with the storyline that V stole Dreamer's title shot.
2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment broadcast a one hour Wrestlemania XXIV highlight special to officially kick off their relationship with MyNetworkTV. PM. MyNetworkTV also aired a "Magic's Big Secret" special with appearances by Eve Torres and Maria.
2008 - Steve Austin began filming "Damage" a movie about an ex-con trying to raise money via underground fighting to raise money for the child of the man he killed in British Columbia. The film would go on to have a DVD and cable release.
2008 - CMT launched a website for Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling series, which ran for one entertaining season on the network,
2008 - The independent feature film "Andre Heart of the Giant", which is based on the life of former WWF champion Andre the Giant claims it will have a limited theatrical release on 10/10 in New York, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego and Chicago. The film never appeared to actually screen anywhere.
2008 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
It is the start of a new era in TNA tonight as the latest ‘most important signing in the history of this company’ makes his Impact Zone debut. What will Mick Foley say and will he find a way to get in the location of the show. What will happen between Christian Cage and A.J. Styles? Will we see more bats or guitars tonight? Will Sheik Abdul Bashir keep his title after tonight? Who will advance to the Monster’s Ball Match and get a shot to be the number one contender for the title. Will Abyss have any nutty buddys tonight? How will Jeff Jarrett react to Kurt Angle’s comments in a London paper? How many names will be dropped who are not under a TNA contract?
We start off tonight’s show with a look back at the confrontations between Jeff Jarrett and Kurt Angle to set up their match. We see Sting talking about respect. Then we see Joe talking about hurting people to show respect. Who will Christian side with? Who cares because Mick Foley is here.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Don ‘Mason’ West and Mike ‘Dixon’ Tenay.
Match Number One: Angelina Love Velvet Sky and Kip James versus ODB
ODB mocks Angelina’s entrance and Angelina goes after ODB before the bell rings. Angelina punches ODB. Angelina with a snap mare and slams ODB’s head into the mat so hard it shakes the cameras. ODB with a shoulder tackle and a clothesline. Angelina backs into the corner and then Velvet and Kip get on the apron to distract ODB and Angelina throws ODB out of the ring. Velvet kicks ODB on the floor and Angelina joins in while Kip and the referee discuss something. Angelina with a near fall when they return to the ring. Angelina distracts the referee and Velvet attacks ODB. Angelina pulls ODB up by the hair and slams her to the mat. Angelina poses over ODB and ODB kicks Angelina. ODB with chops to Angelina. ODB with a running splash into the corner followed by a fallaway slam. ODB with a nip up. ODB gets Angelina up but Kip distracts the referee and Angelina pushes ODB towards Velvet who spits ODB’s beverage of choice into ODB’s face. That blinds ODB and allows Angelina to hit a Flatline for the three count.
Winner: Angelina Love
TO THE BACK and Jeremy Borash is with Jeff Jarrett. Jeremy asks Jeff about Kurt’s comments in The Sun. Jeff says that he is going to address it now. We go to commercial.
We are back and ODB is complaining about her eye. Traci Brooks is there and ODB says that she wants a match against Velvet and Angelina. Traci gives her the match if she can find a partner, as long as it isn’t Roxxi, Kong, or Taylor Wilde.
We go to a video package for the Kurt Angle/Jeff Jarrett situation.
Jeff Jarrett comes to the ring and he has some music and reading material. Jarrett tells Angle that some people have said that the decision to come back to the ring is a mistake since he hasn’t been in a ring in almost two years. Jeff says that if you have doubts, you don’t know Jeff Jarrett. He says that his entire career, his back has been against the wall. Everyone told him that he had a lot of heart but you are too small to make it. Six years ago, when he founded this company, people told him that he was crazy. Hundreds have gone in the grave trying to battle the big machine ‘up north’. Jarrett tells those people that you don’t know Jeff Jarrett. Six years later, TNA has never been stronger. Nothing and no one will bring down TNA. Jarrett says that Angle was supposed to promote TNA in Europe but he had to air some dirty laundry. Jeff says that two can play that game. Jeff reads some excerpts from the interview. Jarrett talks about the contract situation and how he might be considering his options when his contract is up. Angle said that it depends on how he feels about the company. Jeff turns to comments about Vince McMahon and how they have a mutual respect and a father/son bond. Jarrett says that now that they have a match, Angle does not want to be in TNA any more. Jeff asks Angle if he remembers how happy Angle was when he signed with TNA and how he was freed from that living hell. Jeff says that Angle made some comments about Vince when he entered TNA, but he decided not to air them. That is until right now. We see comments from Kurt about how he wanted to beat up Vince McMahon and how much he hated Vince. Jeff says that he just broke the father/son bond between Kurt and Vince. Jeff says that he is going to beat up Angle so bad that Vince won’t want him back.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kurt Angle enters and Jeremy comes running wanting to make sure that Angle got his text. Jeremy says that Jeff just aired the interview from two years ago. Angle says that he wants to rip off Jeff’s head, but Jeremy says that Cornette wants to see him.
Match Number Two: Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley versus LAX in a Monster’s Ball Qualifying Match
Shelley and Homicide start things off and Shelley works on the arm but Homicide reverses. Homicide with a t-bone belly-to-back suplex to Shelley and Hernandez is tagged in. Hernandez tosses Shelley over his head and then Homicide with a clothesline. Hernandez with a bear hug to Shelley and Sabin tags in. Sabin with a side head lock but Hernandez with a shoulder tackle and he wants Sabin to charge at him again. Sabin with a back kick but Hernandez gets Sabin up and hits a back breaker on his shoulder for a near fall. Hernadez with a delayed vertical suplex set up but Shelley comes in and kicks Hernandez. They try a double suplex to Hernandez but Hernandez blocks it and hits one of his own. Homicide with a back elbow to Sabin for a near fall. Shelley with a knee to the back of Homicide and then Shelley holds Homicide for a drop kick from Sabin. Sabin hits a suicide dive on Homicide. Sabin rolls Homicide back in and he tags Shelley back in. Shelley and Sabin double team Homicide and hit a double drop kick to the head and Shelley with a near fall. Shelley stands on Homicide’s hand and then he tags in Sabin. Shelley knocks Hernandez off the apron, but Homicide sends Sabin into Shelley. Hernandez is tagged in and he chops Shelley and Sabin. Hernandez with a back body drop to Sabin followed by a head and arm German suplex to Shelley. Hernandez presses Sabin over his head and then Sabin tries for a sunset flip but Hernandez with the cracker jack. Hernandez with a kick to Shelley but Sabin with an enzuigiri. Sabin and Shelley with a double super kick. Sabin helps Shelley hit a double team move on Hernandez and Homicide and the Guns get a near fall. Shelley tries for Sliced Bread #2 but Homicide gets out of the hold. Homicide hits the Ace Cutter on Shelley. Hernandez sets for the plancha but Sabin with a super kick. Sabin tries for a springboard cross body but Hernandez catches Sabin and hits the sit out power bomb for the three count.
Winners: LAX
After the match, while Hernandez and Homicide leave the ring, Shelley flips off LAX.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Rough Cut segment with Traci talking about the night that Roxxi got her head shaved. Roxxi talks about how her head got cut open during the match. We get comments from Roxxi’s mother.
It is time to run through the card for Bound for Glory.
Jeremy Borash is in Jim Cornette’s office. Jim tells Angle that his comments were too much. Jim says that he has given Angle a lot of leeway. Cornette tells Angle that he is fined $25,000. Angle wants to know where Jarrett is and he is going to shove the money up Jarrett’s a**. We go to commercial.
It is time for a Suicide video package.
Match Number Three: Jimmy Rave with Christy Hemme and Lance Rock versus Eric Young versus Sheik Abdul Bashir for the X Division Title
Bashir keeps a close watch on the referee. Bashir and Rave go after Young as the bell rings. Rave and Bashir pose for no reason. Bashir sends Rave into the ring post. Young with a side head lock but Bashir with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Bashir with a drop kick to the head and a rear chin lock. Young lands on his feet on a belly-to-back suplex attempt and he sends Bashir over the top rope. Rave with a tilt-a-whirl into a Fujiwara arm bar. Young makes it to the ropes and then he hits a jawbreaker. Bashir trips Young. Rave with an STO to Bashir. Young punches Rave and slams Bashir for a near fall. Rave misses Young in the corner and he goes to the floor. Young slams Bashir and then Young tries for a moonsault but Bashir moves. Bashir with a DDT and he gets the three count after staring at the referee.
Winner: Sheik Abdul Bashir
After the match, Bashir wants the referee to raise his hand and the referee does not really want to do it. Bashir and the referee get face to face and then Bashir makes the referee flinch.
Jeremy Borash is in the back with Jay Lethal, A.J. Styles, and Christian Cage since they are working in a six man tag match. Christian says to ask Jay Lethal about the match. Lethal thanks Christian and A.J. for giving him the chance to run with the big dogs tonight. Jay says that he lost last week but there are no excuses. Lethal says that he took Booker to the limit and he will learn from those mistakes. Lethal walks away. A.J. wants to know if him and Christian are cool about things. Christian says that he is always cool because he is the champ. We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Team 3D and Booker T with Sharmell versus Jay Lethal, Christian Cage, and A.J. Styles
Lethal and Booker start off and Booker backs Lethal into the corner and he tries to punch Lethal but Lethal blocks the punch and he responds with punches of his own. Booker with chops and punches. Lethal with a hip toss and handstand into the drop kick for a near fall. Booker with an arm bar and then he tags in Ray. Ray chops Lethal and punches him. Ray with kicks to the midsection and punches. We go to commercial?
We are back and Christian and Devon are in the match and Booker is tagged in but he misses a punch. Christian with chops and Styles is tagged in. Styles with a leaping clothesline in the corner. Lethal is tagged in and he hits a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Lethal chops Booker but Booker with a knee and Irish whip. Lethal fights out of the corner but Ray and Devon trip Lethal and pull him into the ring post but the referee missed it. Booker with a super kick to Lethal for a two count. Devon tags in and he hits a head butt and then he chokes Lethal. Devon with a punch to Lethal and then he hits a corkscrew back elbow for a near fall. Devon with a reverse chin lock. Lethal with elbows but Devon pulls Lethal down by the hair. Ray tags in and he punches Lethal and then he drops an elbow on the little Machismos when he tells the referee to look at something shiny. Devon is tagged back in and he catches Lethal with an elbow. Lethal and Devon both go down.
Christian and Ray tag in and Christian with punches and then he goes after Devon and Booker. Ray with a boot to Christian but Christian with a double clothesline to Team 3D. Ray with an elbow to Christian but Christian punches Ray on the turnbuckles. Christian with a rana from the turnbuckles for a near fall that is broken up by Devon. Styles and Devon battle outside. Ray with a back body drop to Christian followed by one to Lethal. He finishes them off with one to Styles. Lethal and Styles with a back body drop to Rey and then Christian goes up top and he hits a cross body but he only gets a two count. Lethal with a pescado but Booker hits Lethal with the case. Styles hits a pescado on Devon. Booker makes the blind tag. Christian with a rollup on Booker but Styles accidentally hits Christian from the top turnbuckle and Booker gets the three with a rollup.
Winners: Team 3D and Booker T
After the match, A.J. tries to help Christian to his feet but Christian wants no help from Styles. Christian has something to say to A.J. and he wants nothing to do with him. We go to commercial.
We are back and we are told that Impact is going to be live in Las Vegas on October 23rd.
TO THE BACK where Kurt Angle is being held back as he tries to get into Jarrett’s office. Angle gets into the office, but Jarrett is not there.
Mike was in a sit down with Sting and Samoa Joe. Sting says that wrestling ended for him badly in 2001 when WCW was gone. Sting says that he came back five years later because of what he saw. Sting says that he did not see the respect. Joe wonders why Sting cares so much about him. Is it because Joe and A.J. are the future? That would be because they are in the past. Sting wonders why anyone would want to hurt Booker or Angle and try to hurt him. Joe points out that Angle and Booker did the same. Sting says that without Ric Flair or Arn Anderson, there would be no Sting. Joe wonders why Sting isn’t at the show. Sting wonders if Joe thinks he has been coasting. Joe respected Sting. Joe says that he handles things differently than Sting. Sting says that enough has been said and he is tired of talking. Sting says that he will walk the aisle at Bound for Glory. Joe says that he is not choking Sting now because maybe he has some of the qualities that Sting is looking for.
Lauren is in the back with Abyss and Matt Morgan. Lauren talks for a while and then Abyss says that Lauren is funny and wrong. Abyss wonders if he looks crazy. At Bound for Glory, he has been assured that there will be no weapons. Matt tells Abyss that he will deal with the weapons. Matt says that they are the top but as a team they are untouchable. Matt says that they are the future of TNA. Abyss wonders if he will be a top guy after Monster’s Ball.
We are back and James Storm, Robert Roode, and Jackie Moore come to the ring. Roode says that they are alive and doing extremely well. There are some who are not doing as well. Roode mentions Salinas, who had a little talk with Miss Jackie. Since then, nobody has heard from her or seen her since. Then there is Hector Guerrero and we see Hector at the announce table. Roode points out that Hector has been forced back to the announce booth where he belongs. From this moment forward, they have an open invitation to any tag team in the back or any tag team in the world from any company on the planet.
Team 3D come out and Devon starts to talk, but the sounds of the crazy Ice Cream man play. Matt Morgan says that the last time he looked, he beat Team 3D. LAX interrupt and come out. Homicide says that they have no problem with Team 3D or Matt Morgan and Abyss.
Jim Cornette comes out and says that he wants to interject before this blows up like a meth lab. Cornette says that at Bound for Glory, the number one contender match is no more. Now the Monster’s Ball Match will be for the TNA Tag Team Titles. Cornette says that he does not know who will beat Storm and Roode, but somebody will.
Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Kip James walk in the back as we go to a video package.
Match Number Five: Velvet Sky and Angelina Love with Kip James versus ODB and a Mystery Partner
ODB gets on the mic and tells the two skanks that she found a partner for tonight. Her partner is Rhaka Khan.
Kip has some words with ODB to distract her but it does not work because she sees Velvet charge at her. ODB with a back elbow and punches. Khan tags in and Velvet leaves the ring. Khan pulls Sky and Love into the ring and she hits a double clothesline. Kip gets in the ring and he backs off. Velvet hits Khan, but Khan with a kick to Sky. ODB tags in and Angelina trips ODB and Velvet punches ODB. Sky with punches while ODB tries to fight her way out of trouble. Love tags in and they hit a double elbow drop. Angelina with a front face lock and then Velvet is tagged in. ODB punches Sky but Sky gets a near fall. Angelina tags in and she kicks ODB. Sky joins in and they both choke ODB. ODB with a kick to Sky and a clothesline to Love. ODB makes the tag and she punches Sky and Love. Khan with kicks to Love and Sky. Khan with a inverted leg drop for the three count.
Winners: ODB and Rhaka Khan
After the match, Kip gets on the apron and that allows Sky and Love to attack Khan and ODB. Rhino’s music plays and he comes to the ring and he goes after Kip.
In case you didn’t know, Smackdown is . . . wrong company. Mick Foley is next. We go to commercial.
We are back and Mick Foley makes his way into the Impact Zone. Mick has something to say. Mick says that it is an honor to stand in the same ring where a few short moments ago, Kute Kip did. He says it is an honor. Mick says that it is a huge night for him and one of the biggest nights of his career. Mick thanks everyone who is watching and he mentions the vice-presidential debate. Mick thanks Jeff Jarrett for having the faith to bring him here and for referring to him as the greatest acquisition in TNA history. Mick wants to thank one other person who made this possible. That person is Vince McMahon. He thanks Vince for giving him so many opportunities and for making the decision to leave the WWE so easy.
Kurt Angle comes to the ring. Angle apologizes for busting Mick’s party but Jeff Jarrett pisses him off. Kurt mentions the interview from two years ago. Now Jarrett wants to fine him $25,000 for making comments in an interview. Angle points out that Jarrett said that Mick was the greatest acquisition in TNA history. Angle says that Jarrett is full of s*** and so are the fans. Angle says that Jarrett told him that he lost everything. Angle agrees that he lost everything. Angle tells Jarrett that he isn’t the only one who lost his wife. Angle wants to know what Foley ever did because he was the greatest acquisition in TNA. Angle says that he carried the company for two years.
Mick says that Angle can talk about his Olympic achievements, but Foley will not hear Angle diminish the achievements of Samoa Joe or A.J. Styles. Mick says that the main reason he came to TNA was because of Angle. Mick says that he did not enjoy having a bellicose billionaire yelling in his ear. Mick talks about seeing Edge and the Undertaker. He saw Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. Foley says that he saw Triple H and John Cena. Then it got to thinking about Kurt Angle. He saw Angle wrestle those WWE superstars and Angle beat them all. Maybe Jarrett was wrong and Angle was the greatest acquisition in TNA history. Foley says that Angle might be the greatest performer in history. There is only one way to know. He needs to be ‘that close’ to the action to see if Angle is the greatest in the sport. Angle asks Foley if he wants to take Don West’s place. Foley says that he did not come to TNA to take Don West’s job. Foley says that he needs to be right next to the action. Angle wants to know if Foley wants to be in his corner. Foley says that he will be the special enforcer at Bound for Glory. We go to credits.
2009 - WWE celebrates Ten Years of Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with a look back at some of the moments over the last ten years of Smackdown. We have a new theme song for the next decade of Raw.
We are live on tape from Boston, Massachusetts and your announcers are Jim ‘Party like it’s 1999’ Ross and Todd ‘I had a curfew in 1999’ Grisham.
Jim Ross and Todd Grisham are in the ring and Todd talks about the history that Boston has with the WWE. Todd points out that everyone from all three brands are in the building and the party has started. We go to the party area and see the celebration.
We have our first Smackdown Moment that was Moment #64 on the Best of Smackdown DVD from the December 16, 2005 Smackdown when Rey and Batista faced Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro to win the tag titles for Eddie Guerrero.
Match Number One: Batista versus Kane
They lock up and Batista backs Kane into the corner and Batista with a clean break but Kane with an uppercut but Batista with punches of his own. Kane with a back elbow and Kane misses an elbow drop. Batista with a boot to the head and then he hits a clothesline for a near fall. Batista with a side head lock but Kane with a belly-to-back suplex. Kane with a boot to the head and then Kane punches Batista in the corner and then connects with an elbow. Kane with an Irish whip and kick followed by a Divorce Court for a near fall. Kane with a key lock but Batista sends Kane over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane is back in control with an arm bar. We see footage from the commercial when Kane hit a big boot on Batista to send Dave to the floor. Kane with a kick and punch. Each man tries for a big boot and both men are down. Kane gets up first and Batista with punches and a back elbow followed by a flying shoulder tackle and a running clothesline into the corner. Batista with an Irish whip and splash. Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline of his own followed by a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top and he hits the jumping clothesline. Kane sets for the choke slam but Batista with a spinebuster for a two count. Batista sets for a Batista Bomb but Kane sends Batista into the turnbuckles. Batista with a clothesline and then he goes to the top turnbuckle but he is caught by Kane. Batista avoids the choke slam but Batista misses a charge into the corner. Kane punches Batista in the corner and Batista channels Taker to hit a Batista Bomb for the three count.
Winner: Batista
It is time for the party and Teddy thanks everyone for coming. Even the Brooklyn Brawler is at the party. Teddy makes his way to Maria and then Hornswoggle stops by and slaps Maria in her rear end and we get a ‘Vintage’ from Michael Cole. Finlay stops by and he orders a drink from his son. Cole with a forced ‘Vintage’ for Finlay. Finlay makes a toast about a decade of Smackdown. Punk stops Teddy from drinking and Cole has worn out his ‘vintage’ welcome. Punk says that as long as he is the champion on Smackdown, there is no alcohol. Punk says that we will see how Straight Edge will save everyone.
Vickie Guerrero is back and she is still excusing herself. Teddy thanks Vickie for accepting his invitation. Vickie says that she cannot believe that Teddy lifted the ban on the Hell’s Gate and Vickie says that Teddy lacks a backbone. Vickie introduces Teddy her new boyfriend Eric Escobar. Vickie tells Teddy that Eric has been signed to Smackdown and Vickie will be Eric’s manager.
A gong sounds and Santino has a long coat and black hat. He talks about how it is a great costume party. Teddy takes a shot and wonders what is going on.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cole is on ‘vintage’ overload. Finlay has more shots for Cole. Cole makes a ‘shrimp’ joke at Hornswoggle’s expense and he kicks Cole in the shin. Hornswoggle makes it into the VIP area while Zack Ryder tries to get in. He tries to buy his way in and Henry thinks about it. Porter allows Mark Henry some of the Divas in. Sergeant Slaughter enters as well. Porter says that there is room for one more and it is the Iron Sheik. Sheik calls Ryder a jabronie and everyone gets a good laugh.
It is time for a video package about Eddie Guerrero.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jack Swagger has joined Todd and JR at the announce table. JR asks Jack about Sunday.
Match Number Two: JohnMorrison and Kofi Kingston versus Dolph Ziggler and The Miz
Morrison and Miz start off in a battle of former tag team partners. Miz and Morrison have some words before Miz kicks Morrison and punches him. Miz with kicks and punches. Morrison with a dropsault and clothesline that sends Miz over the top rope. Ziggler tries to interfere but Kofi cuts him off and we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi gets a near fall on Ziggler. Kofi punches Ziggler and then Kofi with an elbow. Kofi gets distracted by Swagger and Ziggler leaps to the floor and drops Kofi on the top rope. Ziggler gets a near fall and he tags in Miz who kicks Kofi. Miz with the Miz clothesline into the corner and then he goes up top and hits a double sledge for a near fall. Miz with a rear chin lock but Kofi with punches and then hits a facebuster on Kofi. Ziggler tags in and Miz catapults Kofi into Ziggler but Kofi punches Ziggler and then he kicks Miz. Ziggler keeps Kofi from making the tag and he pulls Kofi back into his corner and hits a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Kofi with punches but Ziggler pulls Kofi down by the hair. Ziggler with an Irish whip and Miz is tagged in. Miz misses a charge into the corner and hits the post with his shoulder. Morrison makes the tag and so does ZIggler. Morrison with clotheslines and then Morrison with a leg lariat. Morrison poses and then hits a standing shooting star press for a near fall. Morrison with a hard Irish whip and then he avoids a clothesline from Miz. Kofi takes care of Miz with a clothesline. Ziggler stops Morrison on the ropes and hits the Zig Zag for the three count.
Winners: Dolph Ziggler and The Miz
We see Funaki and Yoshi Tatsu doing karaoke that is ruined by Jillian Hall. Slaughter and Sheik do the Bugs Bunny/Daffy Duck bit with USA and Iran. Sheik chokes on something and Hurricane makes the save with the Heimlich. Cole is still drinking and Finlay gives him some more.
Big Show and Jericho stop by and Show tells everyone to be quiet. Jericho talks about the party for the tenth anniversary of Smackdown. He says that they should be the guests of honor since they were on the first episode of Smackdown. Jericho says that maybe the party should be wrapped up and everyone should show them the respect that they deserve. Cole with some vintage vomit on Jericho’s suit. Even Joey Styles gets into the game with an ‘Oh My God’.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Justin Roberts introduces the Rock who is available via satellite. Rock says that Dwayne Johnson has returned to Friday night. We go to another take since Rock did not like it. We go to a second take that worked just as poorly. Rock tries a third time and he liked it but then he is told that it was not right. Rock tries again and he goes spiritual and he thought it sucked. Rock asks who Dolph Ziggler is. We go to take 31 and his latte finally arrives. Rock remembers his catchphrase and he has FINALLY come back to Smackdown. Rock talks about the ten years that Smackdown has been on and he was there when it started. He talks about the Most Electrifying Move in Sports Entertainment as well as the Rock Bottom. Rock pulls out a few vintage songs. Ten years later, the champion is CM Punk, a straight edge dude. Rock says that you should call him BM Punk. Rock says that he never faced CM Punk, but he faced Punk’s opponent. Rock says that him and Taker made history. He whooped the Undertaker’s ass all over the world . . . wait, he only beat Taker once by disqualification. Rock wants it edited and he does not want to be tombstoned by Taker. Rock asks one of the production people if they have ever been tombstoned. Rock says that it doesn’t matter if he thinks a tombstone is painful. Rock talks about Hell in a Cell and he says that there will be a new World Champion. Rock says that no matter what, the show will belong to the Jabronie beating, pie eating, has no peer, has no flaw, now that he’s tried Smackdown, the Rock should guest host Raw. Rock says that he would be the most electrifying host. Now it is time to smell what the Rock is cooking. We get the People’s Eyebrow.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Melina versus Michelle McCool for the Women’s Title in a Lumberjack Match
They lock up and Michelle with a take down for a near fall. Michelle with an uppercut and a punch. Melina with a head scissors and Michelle sends Melina to the apron. Melina with a split but Michelle with a drop kick that sends Melina to the floor. Michelle brings Melina back in and she slams Melina’s head into the mat. Melina sends Michelle to the mat with clotheslines and forearms. Melina with a flap jack for a near fall. Melina with a screaming kick and then he gets tripped by Jillian. Melina with a cross body on to Jillian and Katie Lea. We have a cat fight of epic vintage proportions.
Back in the ring, Melina with a kick and then Melina goes up top but Beth pulls Melina’s leg and Michelle hits the Faithbreaker for the three count.
Winner: Michelle McCool
We go to a message for CM Punk. Taker says that Punk is going to enter the domain of the Undertaker. The domain of eternal suffering. A place where there is no forgiveness. Taker says that he will reclaim the World Title and in the process he will knock Punk from the black horse of self righteousness. Punk will be forced to crave the pills that he shuns. Taker welcomes Punk to Hell’s Playground and Satan’s Structure. Taker welcomes Punk to Hell in a Cell.
We go to commercial.
We are back to the party and we are in the party area where the Divas are now best friends. Drew McIntyre takes the mic and he makes a toast to Smackdown and to the future World Champion, Drew McIntyre. R Truth attacks Drew and they fight onto the dance floor and the food.
We are back with Moment Number 100 from April 14, 2005 when the Spinner WWE Title belt debuted. We also see Moment Number 32 from September 26, 2008 when Vickie Guerrero banished him from the WWE and Vickie got a tombstone for her troubles.
Match Number Four: Degeneration X, John Cena, and The Undertaker versus Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and CM Punk in a This is the Greatest Eight Man Tag Match Ever on Smackdown
Cody and Cena start things off and Cena goes for the arm. Cena backs Rhodes into the turnbuckles. Cody misses a punch but Cena does not miss. Cena with a bulldog for a near fall. Hunter tags in and Cena holds Cody for Hunter and Hunter punches Cody. Ted tags in and they lock up and Ted punches Hunter but Hunter punches back. The referee pulls Hunter out of the corner. Ted with an Irish whip but you don’t Irish whip Hunter because he comes out of the corner and hits a clothesline. Hunter avoids a clothesline from Ted and hits a neck breaker for a near fall. Hunter with a key lock on Ted. Hunter sends Ted into Shawn’s boots and Shawn is tagged in and he chops Ted while Hunter holds DiBiase. Ted sends Shawn into the turnbuckles and then Ted punches Shawn. Ted runs into a boot and then Shawn wants to tag in Taker but Taker takes too long and Ted with a knee. Taker makes the blind tag and Taker and Shawn stare each other down and Taker punches Cody Rhodes. We go to commercial.
We are back and Taker goes Old School on Cody and gets a near fall. Hunter tags in and he punches Cody. Hunter with a delayed vertical suplex on Rhodes. Hunter with a crotch chop followed by a knee drop to the head. Shawn tags in and he chops Cody. Rhodes with punches and kicks and Shawn goes down. Ted tags in and he kicks and punches Shawn. Ted with punches to Shawn and then Orton tags in and he punches Shawn only as a viper can. Punk tags in and he kicks Michaels in the corner as the referee admonishes him. Cody and Ted attack Shawn and then Punk hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Orton tags back in and he kicks Michaels and then he stomps on the solar plexus three times. Orton with a reverse chin lock but Michaels with a belly-to-back suplex and both men are down. Cody tags in and he keeps Michaels from making the tag but Shawn with an enzuigiri. Cena is tagged in and he hits the two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena gets ready for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and he hits it. Cena punches DiBiase who breaks up the Attitude Adjustment. Cena with a double Attitude Adjustment but Cody and Ted get out of the hold and Cody and Ted go high and low as we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk with a drop kick to the back of Cena’s head for a near fall. Randy is tagged in and Punk holds Cena. Orton with a viperlike punch to the head. Orton with forearms across the upper chest. Orton with a leaping knee drop for a near fall. Orton with a kick to the ribs and then he runs his boot laces across Cena’s face. Cena gets Orotn up on his shoulders but Orton counters with a DDT for a near fall. Ted tags back in and DiBiase with a kick to the midsection and then one to the head. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock but Cena uses the power of our yellow sun to escape. DiBiase with a clothesline that a Marine would be jealous of. DiBiase with a series of fist drops but he misses a third one. Cena with a belly-to-belly suplex and both men are down. Punk and Hunter tag in and Hunter punches Punk. Hunter with the high knee and then he hits the facebuster and clothesline. Hunter with a spinebuster and then he poses. Hunter tags in Taker and Taker makes the tag to Orton and Taker brings Orton in and Taker punches Randy. Taker with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Taker with snake eyes and the running boot. Taker punches DiBiase when he tries to interfere. Orton with a back breaker but Taker tries for Hell’s Gate. DiBiase tries for Dream Street on Hunter but Shawn with Sweet Chin Music. Hunter with a Pedigree to Ted but Cody pulls Ted out. Punk with a leg lariat to Michaels but Cena sends Punk to the floor with Attitude Adjustment. Orton is surrounde din the ring and Taker with the tombstone for the three count.
Winners: Undertaker, Degeneration X, and John Cena
Confetti falls as everyone’s music plays. We go to credits.
2010 - Local authorities were called after a TNA twitter stunt in Columbia, SC. Jeremy Borash announced via twitter that he would be at a location near their venue, with a mystery guest, giving out backstage passes (which are just passes for meet and greets backstage during the show). The guest was Shannon Moore. After Moore and Jeff Hardy both repeated the information on their respective twitter accounts (and keep in mind Hardy has over 100,000 followers), there was a literal stampede of fans rushing to the location, a parking lot in front of a Dollar General store.
The manager of the store, seeing the huge mob assembling, called the police. As it turned out, the TNA crew had left before the police arrived. Upon learning of the issue, TNA sent tickets and backstage passes to the store as a "make good." Some in TNA loved the idea, feeling it was a great way to build buzz for the local events and interact with the fans, giving them an "extra" for their support.
2010 - Ring of Honor taped ROH on HDNet at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Joshua Higham filed the following results:
Pre-show:
Andy "Right Leg" Ridge, Bobby Dempsey & Blain Rage defeated Marker Dillinger, Jay Freddie & "Man of Value" Jeff Brooks when Dempsey pinned Brooks.
TV Main Event: Davey Richards defeated Erick Stevens w/ Prince Nana with a reverse figure four/ankle lock combo.
Jim Cornette invited the Kings of Wrestling to the ring. Hagadorn says challengers for the belts need to prove to be worthy, but that KOW will face any team in a non-title match. Cornette then invites their opponents for Final Battle to the ring: Jay & Mark Briscoe accompanied by Papa Briscoe. Hagadorn threatened to have Papa arrested if he wasn't barred from ringside, so Papa rebutted saying he'd sue Chris Hero for his attack earlier this year. Hero accepts the match, and the contact is signed. Cornette then reveals the contract is actually for a Six-Man Tag: Jay, Mark & Papa Briscoe v. Kings of Wrestling & Shane Hagadorn.
Steve Corino came out next and called out El Generico. He tells Generico that he cannot control Steen anymore and that it isn't worth all of this. He tells Generico to give him his mask and end it. Generico slaps him and they brawl to begin the match. El Generico defeated Steve Corino after a flash small package; Corino tries to attack post-match and is hit with 2 Yakuza Kicks & a Brainbuster.
Daizee Haze defeated Taelor with a German suplex.
Cornette invites "The Prodigy" Mike Bennett to the ring. He comes with his trainer "Brutal" Bob Evans, who is dressed like Burgess Meredith from Rocky. Bennett says he'll be ROH World Champion within 12 months and that 2011 is the "Year of the Prodigy" before taking a front row seat for the next match.
Ring of Honor Television Title Match: ROH Television Champion Eddie Edwards over Colt "Boom Boom" Cabana via pinfall; Bennett fakes out Edwards with a handshake attempt and Cabana yells at Bennett to prove himself. Show of respect between Edwards and Cabana.
Return Dates: January 21 & 22, 2011
The Bravado Brothers defeated Slyk Wagner Brown & Colby Godwin w/ Sly Stetson in the cameramen's break match.
Shawn Daivari w/ Prince Nana defeated Tony Kozina
Butcher's Rules Match: Homicide defeated The Necro Butcher w/ Prince Nana. Before the match, Necro & Nana littered the ring with weapons. Homicide won with 2 Ace Crushers, the first on the back of a chair, the 2nd on a pile of chairs. Necro got pretty bloody. Should be good tv brawl.
El Generico defeated "Beautiful" Bobby Shields quickly, after two yakuza kicks and a brainbuster. After the match, Generico draped a Steen shirt over a chair and brainbustered Shields through it.
Jim Cornette came to the ring and invited Davey Richards. Cornette announces Kings of Wrestling v. American Wolves for Plymouth, MA in December and labeled it the final tag match for the Wolves.
Davey said that Truth Martini was full of s--t which brought out Roddy and Truth. Strong retorted to Davey that he'd wake up after Final Battle with the feeling of failing the fans and failing his dead grandfather.
"Addicted to Love" Rhett Titus defeated Jon Davis.
Adam Cole & Kyle O'Reilly defeated Grizzly Redwood & Mike Sydal following an awesome double team finisher. Adam Cole held Sydal in a wheelbarrow for O'Reilly to hit a codebreaker. Cole then dropped Sydal into his own lungblower.
Kevin Steen cut a promo for Final Battle talking directly to Generico's mask in the ring.
Kevin Steen then defeated Kory Chavis following a powerbomb, F5 and Package Piledriver.
Kings of Wrestling held a public workout with Shane Hagadorn. He faced Blain Rage in an exhibition. Claudio served as ref, while holding his Starbucks coffee cup. Rage was apparetly told to get no offense, that it would be against the rules, but Hagadorn still struggled. Rage would actually have to throw himself when Hagadorn attempted any slam. Rage finally fought back and was hit with KRS1 and pinned by Hagadorn.
Non-Title Match: ROH World Champion Roderick Strong w/ Truth Martini defeated Austin Aries following a Gibson Driver and a Sick Kick. Strong had kicked out of a Brainbuster and grabbed the ropes after the 450 Splash.
Notes: Steve Corino and Austin Aries had new entrance themes. Aries got some face reaction during his match with Strong. There was definitely a different feel or flow to these tapings compared to the Pearce era. Less squashes, more in-ring promos (the crowd hated the promos). The action was good, and you should check out the show when it airs if you can.
2011 - WWE held their Hell In A Cell PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing WWE Hell in A Cell PPV coverage.
Michael Cole, Booker T and Jim Ross are the announcers as Jerry Lawler is still recovering from injuries after being put through a table by Mark Henry. I guess he fought through those injuries when he wrestled Terry Funk last night?
Christian vs. Sheamus
As Christian came to the ring, Miz and R-Truth came to the front row holding tickets through the crowd. Johnny Ace and security tried to throw them out but they said they bought tickets and argued. They were finally forced out of the building. Don’t they get to take their PPV chairs with them?
The announcers wondered how they could legally force Miz and Truth out of the building as Sheamus and Christian locked up. Sheamus forced him into a corner and broke clean. Christian went for a waistlock takedown but was elbowed in the face and Sheamus stood over him defiantly.
Sheamus used a side headlock takedown to cover Christian for a two count, then repeated the attempt. Christian forced him into the ropes and Sheamus broke clean. Christian slugged him so Sheamus returned fire. Christian slipped out to the floor, where Sheamus followed and gave chase. As they returned to the ring, Christian slugged him, which only pissed off Sheamus.
Sheamus went for a slam but Christian slipped out and shoved him into the ropes. Sheamus came back with a series of shots across the chest while Christian was outside on the apron. Sheamus slammed him for a two count. Christian kicked off Sheamus after being whipped into the corner. He was caught during a bodypress attempt and nailed with a Fall Away Slam.
Sheamus climbed the ropes but was shoved off to the floor. Christian worked him over on the floor and rolled him back in, nailing a series of rights. He choked Sheamus’ throat against the top rope. Sheamus fired back and they went back and forth. Christian nailed a back elbow off the center turnbuckle, then attempted a sleeper. Sheamus sat down into a jawbreaker to escape the hold.
Christian continued beating him down, working him over with punches and stomps. Sheamus began to mount a comeback but was caught with a knee to the gut as he rebounded off the ropes. Christian continued working him over but Sheamus began blocking punches and mounted his own series of moves with knees and other strikes.
Sheamus went for a press slam but Christian slipped out and went for the Killswitch. Christian was fought off but snapped Sheamus over the ropes. Christian was caught with a backbreaker out of an Uranage for a two count. Sheamus called for the High Cross but Christian began nailing a series of strikes and went to the top. Sheamus stopped him and went for a superplex. Christian fought him off and used the ropes to catapult himself into a kick. He followed up with a tornado DDT out of the corner for another near fall.
Sheamus fought back and nailed a running kneelift. Sheamus went to go to the top but Christian stopped him. Sheamus kicked him away and pulled himself up. Sheamus nailed a flying shoulderblock off the top rope. He went for the Brouge Kick but Christian slipped out of the ring. Sheamus followed and they ended up jockeying for position with a suplex to the floor. Sheamus ended up on the floor. Christian went for a sliding kick but was caught and slammed to the floor. Christian came back with a spear on the floor.
Sheamus pulled himself into the ring, where he was speared again but kicked up at the last second, Christian was frustrated that it didn’t get the job done. Christian went for a swan dive headbutt but Sheamus rolled out of the ring. Sheamus went for the High Cross but Christian slipped out and went for the Killswitch. Sheamus slipped out but was sent into the corner. Christian charged for a spear but Sheamus moved and Christian hit the ringpost shoulder-first.
Christian staggered into the Brouge Kick and was pinned.
Your winner, Sheamus!
Very good back and forth opener.
Matt Striker tried to interview World champion Mark Henry about being in the Hell in A Cell. He said that he’s never been in one, but it’s a different time and he’s a different champion. He said Randy Orton was going to join the Hall of Pain, whether it was in a back alley or the cell. Good promo.
Sin Cara vs. Sin Cara
For simplicity’s sake, I am going to refer to them as Blue and Black.
Each man claimed they were the real Cara at the bell. Black took Blue down to the mat and tied him up while grandstanding, then tied him up in a sideways bow and arrow. Blue slipped out and covered him for a one count. They went back and forth and faced off.
They did some nice Lucha reversals and faced off again. They went into a test of strength with Black getting the better of it. He leapt atop of Blue who flipped him over and then flipped over again, landing on his feet. They exchanged Lucha headscissors and faced off. The story was that they were mirroring each other.
Black caught Blue with several kicks and whipped him into the ropes but was caught with a rana and a Lucha armdrag that sent Black to the floor. Blue hit a tope con hilo over the top to the floor. Blue nailed a sliding kick to the outside. He went for an Asai Moonsault but Black moved out of the way. Black nailed a slingshot senton splash onto Blue for a two count.
Black cinched in a side chinlock and the crowd rallied Blue. Black cut him off and covered him for a two count. Black rammed his head into the buckles and chopped away at Blue. Blue was sent to the apron and knocked off. Black hit a tope over the ropes onto Blue. Black covered Blue for a two count.
Black continued to control Blue and went back to the side chinlock and tagged him with a kick. Blue fought his way out of a waistlock. They went for a dropkick at the same time. The crowd began catcalling them with a “Boring” chant. Blue nailed a headscissor and sent Black to the ground. He hit a dive from the top rope to the floor.
Back in the ring, Black kicked out of several near falls and was caught with a kick. Blue went for a rana but was dropped into a powerbomb for a two count. They battled on the top rope and Blue armdragged Black into the ring. Blue was backdropped over the top to the apron but drilled Black with a kick. Blue missed a swanton but rolled through. Blue caught Black with the Code Red for the pin.
Your winner, Sin Cara (original, blue)
It was a pretty unique match for WWE in that they did a complete Lucha style mixed in with some WWE trademark spots to build crowd sympathy. I thought it was solid but it seemed lost on some of the crowd and they had some timing issues. If this thing takes off when they tape TV in Mexico, that's one thing but they really need to explain this stronger to the audience because the crowd just saw it as two guys in masks doing spots and it didn't resonate.
Backstage, David Otunga asked CM Punk if they can speak. Punk told him no and asked if he had ambulances to go chase. Otunga reminded him of his Harvard education and said he was representing the WWE stars. Punk said he doesn’t need representation and has his own voice. Punk said when he wins the WWE title, he won’t change his mind. He told Otunga that he hates lawyers and to “vanish.” Otunga walked off.
WWE Tag Team champions Air Boom vs. WWE United States champion Dolph Ziggler & Jack Swagger (with Vickie Guerrero)
Swagger and Kingston started off and went back and forth. Kofi went for a monkey flip but was slammed down. Kingston came back with an uppercut and tagged into Bourne, setting up a double stomp. Swagger slammed Bourne and tagged Ziggler. Bourne nailed a series of kicks to Zigger’s legs and tagged Kingston back in.
Kofi nailed a leaping forearm into the corner off Bourne’s back. The champions doubled on Ziggler and Bourne covered him for a two count after a nice dropkick. Swagger tagged in and cut off Bourne, nailing a series of shoulderblocks into the corner a big Beal Throw for a two count. The challengers cut off the ring, tagging in and out as they dominated Bourne.
Kingston tagged in and was cut off so the challengers took turns working him over. The announcers used the match as a backdrop to put over the HHH COO storyline. It was sort of silly for Michael Cole to say the guys speaking out were being penalized when he namedrops Swagger and Zigger and at the same time they are challenging for a TITLE. Yeah, some punishment!
Swagger nailed Bourne off the apron to distract the ref so Ziggler can work over Kingston. The crowd began rallying Kingston who kicks off an ankle lock attempt and catches Swagger with a big DDT. Bourne makes the hot tag. Bourne nails a double knee strike off the ropes on Ziggler who kicked out at the last second. Ziggler goes for the Famouser but Bourne avoids it and hits a standing moonsault for a two count. Swagger grabs an ankle lock but Kingston nails a bodypress on him. Bourne small packages Ziggler for a two count. Ziggler comes out of it with a clothesline.
Zigger picks up Bourne so Swagger can powerbomb him off the top. Bourne turns it into a rana and rolled through with a forward roll for the pin as Kofi pulled Ziggler out of the ring.
Your winners and still WWE Tag Team champions, Air Boom!
Good back and forth tag match.
They aired an Inside Out DVD promo.
World champion Mark Henry vs. Randy Orton
Orton goes right after Henry with a series of punches and a headbutt. Henry rolled out of the ring but Orton follows and runs Henry into the Cell. Henry blocks it and tries to run Orton like a battering ram into it but Orton slips out and Henry hits the steel.
Orton brings him back into the ring and begins stomping away at Henry. Orton nailed a leaping knee drop. He tried to set up Henry for the hanging DDT but Henry breaks free and runs Orton into the top turnbuckle. Henry grabbed Orton’s arm and pulled it through the ropes, pulling it against the ringpost. He tries to do it again but Orton pulled Henry into the post. He kicked and stomped Henry around the Cell.
Orton leapt off the apron but was caught and run several times back first into the Cell and then into the guard rail. Henry deposited the challenger back into the ring but Orton fought back. Henry caught him with a big running powerslam for a two count.
Henry headbutt Orton, who staggered through the ropes to the floor. Orton tried to fight back but was powerslammed on the floor. Henry grabbed the ring steps and threw them at Orton, who got out of the way at the last second. Booker started talking about Henry escaping a countout, so apparently he didn’t even know the rules, which Michael Cole called him on. Henry ran Orton into the cage head-first.
Henry began trash talking Orton, who fired back with several kicks. Henry clotheslined him in the corner, cutting off the offense. Henry splashed him for a two count. Henry continued trashing Orton but the challenger kept kicking out. Henry picked up Orton and ran him into the buckles, then stepped on Orton’s chest, smothering him under the champion’s weight.
Henry locked on a bearhug in the middle of the ring as Orton fought to escape. Henry picked up Orton and teased the World’s Strongest Slam on the steel steps out of the ring. Orton grabbed the cage to escape the move and nailed a DDT on the steps.
Orton began running Henry into the ring posts on the outside. He rolled Henry back into the ring and nailed a Thesz Press on Henry, unloading him with a series of rights. Orton nailed a dropkick and began building the tease for the RKO. Orton set up and nailed the hanging DDT. Orton nailed the RKO and but Henry kicked up at two. Orton put his head in his hands and stared wondering what the hell he could do next as the announcers noted his finisher didn’t work.
Orton wondered what he should do, then set up for the punt kick. He went for it but was caught with the World’s Strongest Slam and pinned, clean.
Your winner and still World champion, Mark Henry!
After the match, Henry grabbed a chair and nailed another World’s Strongest Slam on Orton, The story was that Henry wanted to take out Orton with the chair, which should be the return of either Kane or Big Show to make the save. He set up the chair to Pillmanize Orton’s leg. Orton rolled out of the way and grabbed the chair, nailing Henry in the gut, then across the back. Henry rolled out of the ring and headed to the back but Orton chased him down and kept nailing him with stiff shots to the chest and the back with the chair. Orton went for another shot but was kicked by Henry. Henry ran off to the back.
Good match. They used the cage as a weapon well and told a really strong story. I especially liked Henry pulling out the clean win with his finisher, since that’s what you would expect someone that massive and dominant to be able to do. Both looked good here and the angle afterward was a good way to continue the story. Thumbs up from me all the way.
Josh Mathews interviewed Alberto Del Rio. He said he shouldn’t be in the Cell because it’s a brutal, dangerous match but an animal becomes more dangerous when it’s caged and he will do the same. He said CM Punk and John Cena will see a side of him that no one has ever seen before and when Alberto returns from Hell, its with the WWE title.
WWE Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes made his way to ringside wearing street clothes. Rhodes said he knew there were many there and at home hiding their features under paper bags. He said the fans should be euthanized and so should the IC title. They put it in a paper bag and unveiled the new belt, which was a classic IC title design that Savage, Steamboat, Honkytonk Man, etc. held. BIG POP from me as I always hated the newer design. Rhodes name checked a number of the older champions and said that in their honor, he would wear the belt but would wear it with more pride and dignity than any of them. He said he would defend the belt anytime, anyplace against anyone.
Johnny Ace came out and said that HHH demanded Ace announce that Rhodes will be defending the title tonight. Rhodes acted like he wasn’t ready but Ace said he was going to defend it right now against John Morrison.
WWE Intercontinental champion Cody Rhodes vs. John Morrison
The announcers played this up as HHH playing games with people he doesn’t like. Rhodes tried to walk out but Morrison caught him in a roll up for a one count, then a dropkick for another. Morrison used a headlock takedown to control Rhodes. Rhodes missed a clothesline and a dropkick. Morrison covered him for another near fall and locked on another side headlock.
Rhodes went to the floor to take off his shirt and turned around into a dropkick through the ropes by Morrison. Morrison sent him into the ring apron and tossed him into the ring. Rhodes began walking out but Morrison attacked him in the aisle and dragged him back. Rhodes grabbed the ringpost and refused to move, demanding to be counted out. Morrison kicked Rhodes hard, making him release the hold.
Rhodes cut off Morrison as he returned to the ring and nailed a suplex, then stomped away at Morrison. Rhodes locked on a modified submission but Morrison fought his way out of it. Cody cut him off and went back to the move. Morrison was nailed with a clothesline and slapped Morrison when he was down, saying this wasn’t funny.
Rhodes sinked in a figure four leglock in the center of the ring. Morrison made it to the ropes almost immediately. Why do the move if it’s not being done to build drama? Rhodes beat Morrison down with a series of right hands. Morrison finally tackled him into the corner and began throwing a ton of punches. Morrison continued with a series of dropkicks and nailed the standing Spanish Fly for a two count.
Morrison went for Starship Pain but Rhodes grabbed his legs. Morrison stomped him low on the gut. Morrison missed a running knee but snapped backward and kicked Rhodes with a Pele Kick. Morrison missed a springboard enziguiri kick when Cody ducked. Rhodes came back with a La Magistral cradle and scored the pin.
Your winner and still WWE Intercontinental champion, Cody Rhodes!
In his office, Triple H was pissed and talking to someone on the phone. Johnny Ace ran in and told them there was a problem. HHH told him he was pissed about Ace making matches without his permission. Ace told him Miz and Truth had invaded backstage and they ran there. The cameras followed them to a locker room where security was pulling Miz and Truth out after they laid out Air Boom. They both challenged HHH to fight them. HHH told Ace that he was told to call the cops earlier and he couldn’t even handle security. He told Ace that if there was one more screw up, it was his ass. In the background, Ezekiel Jackson and Alex Riley checked on the champs.
WWE Divas champion Kelly Kelly (with Eve) vs. Beth Phoenix (with Natalya)
Kelly took down Phoenix immediately and began punching him. Phoenix manhandled her into the corner but was kicked off. Kelly hit a flying clothesline out of the corner for a two count. She went for flying headscissors but was caught and slammed down. Phoenix dropped an elbow and covered her for a two count.
She ran Kelly upside down into the corner and tied her to the tree of woe, then dropkicked her. She snapmared the champion over and locked in a Dragon Sleeper. Phoenix went after Kelly’s back, still hurting from the beatdown on Smackdown. Kelly battled back but was caught and dropped into an over the knee backbreaker. She forced Kelly backward over her knee, trying to force the submission.
Kelly caught Beth with an inside cradle for a two count. Phoenix cut her off and nailed the slingshot suplex. I love this woman. She covered the champ for a two count. She went for a powerbomb but Kelly turned it into a rana for a two count. Beth cut her off and covered Kelly for several two counts. You could the crowd starting to catcall the match.
Kelly nailed a neckbreaker and several right hands. She went for the K2 but time stood still and it turned into a sunset flip for a near fall. They went for several near falls. Kelly failed with a bulldog and went for a backslide. Phoenix ran her into the buckles but missed a charge into it. Kelly screamed and began smashing Phoenix into the corner.
Kelly nailed a handspring elbow but came up too close to Phoenix. She nailed a bulldog off the top but Phoenix got her shoulder up at the last second. Natalya and Eve got into it at ringside and Eve was sent hard into the barricade. Kelly went for the K2 but Beth dropped her throat-first on the top rope and kicked her where good Lord split her.
Beth locked Kelly into the same submission that Natalya locked her in at Smackdown. Natalya grabbed the mic and yelled at Kelly to scream and cry. She nailed Kelly with the mic while the ref was distracted. Phoenix nailed the Glam Slam and covered Kelly for the win.
Your winner and new WWE Divas champion, Beth Phoenix!
This was easily the best of their matches. Kelly worked as hard as she could and Phoenix looked really good.
Phoenix was crying after being given the belt, which Booker questioned. Cole pointed out that she had just won a title. Booker was just awful tonight.
WWE champion John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Alberto Del Rio
Punk went right after Del Rio who ran to the floor Del Rio spent the early minutes trying to run from Cena and Punk after the beating he gave them on Raw. They finally cornered him and Punk and Cena kept pulling the other away to get at Del Rio. Punk nailed a series of knees to the face and the crowd loved him. They weren’t behind Cena. It ended up with Punk and Cena left alone in the ring facing off. They missed several offensive moves and went for their finishers early but each evaded them.
Del Rio tried to attack Punk who avoided him and Alberto landed outside and nearly hit the Cell. Cena grabbed him for an FU on the floor but Punk dove out onto both of them. Punk nailed a backbreaker for a two count. Dueling chants for Punk and Cena, which was the most crowd response of the night at this point. Punk went under the ring for a chair but Cena nailed him. He whipped Punk into the stairs but Punk landed on them and goaded Cena to face him. Del Rio blasted Punk from behind.
This left Del Rio and Cena going back and forth in the ring with several near falls. Alberto grabbed a chair and wedged it into a corner. Cena nailed several shots, taking out Del Rio. He nailed the Five Knuckle Shuffle and went for the AA but Del Rio came out it going for the rolling cross armbreaker. Punk broke it up and starting covering both Del Rio and Cena for near falls.
Punk pulled a table from under the ring. He was bleeding from the back where he was blasted into the cell. Punk went for the running knee on the apron and nailed it. He teased a bulldog through the table but was sent hard into the Cell by Cena. Punk grabbed at his elbow. Del Rio used the distraction to beat the hell out of Cena, including a backbreaker onto an open chair.
Del Rio drove his knee into Cena’s face in the corner and mocked him, waving his hand in his face. He tied Cena to the tree of woe and dug his boot into Cena’s throat. Del Rio charged Cena, who pulled himself up and Del Rio nailed his shoulder into the ringpost. Cena prepared to come off the top with the Alabama Jam but Punk shook the ropes and crotched Cena. He nailed a side suplex on Del Rio followed by a sit down slam for several near falls.
Del Rio cut off Punk and cinched in a side chinlock. Punk battled his way back to his feet but Cena came off the ropes with the legdrop on both. He covered Del Rio, then Punk for several two counts. Cena went for the AA but Del Rio slipped out. Punk nailed a Yakuza Kick on Del Rio, sending him to the outside. Cena clotheslined Punk and everyone was down.
Punk and Cena slugged it out in the ring with punches and kicks while Ricardo tried to revolve Del Rio. Punk went for the GTS as Del Rio returned with a chair and worked over Punk and Cena alike. He placed Cena down, then the chair and Punk on top of them. Del Rio came off the ropes with a back senton splash for a two count on each man.
They went into a series of near falls with the third man breaking it up. Del Rio locked in the cross armbreaker on Cena but Punk attacked them both. Punk nailed the GTS on Punk and covered him but Del Rio pulled Punk out of the ring and sent him into the ring steps. He then nailed Punk with a chair to the knees.
Del Rio returned to the ring where Cena caught him with a surprise inside cradle for a two count. Del Rio nailed Cena’s back, then sent him into the stairs on the floor. Cena was run into the Cell. Del Rio drilled Cena with a chair on the floor.
Punk returned to the ring and clotheslined Del Rio several times. Punk slammed him and nailed the Randy Savage flying elbowsmash for a two count. Cena returned to the ring with a flurry of offense on Punk but Punk kicked him in the head and slammed him. Punk went for the flying elbow but Del Rio shoved him off and Punk crashed through the table on the floor.
Del Rio stalked Cena who reversed him into the STF. Ricardo attacked the outside referee and unlocked the Cell. He tried to assault Cena with a pipe but Cena caught him and nailed the AA on the outside. Del Rio blasted Cena out of the Cell and locked him out. He tossed the keys under the ring.
Del Rio stomped Punk in the head and threw him into the ring. Punk was completely out. The crowd began chanting for Punk. Del Rio nailed a German suplex for a two count. Punk reversed another German attempt into a jackrabbit rollup for a two count. Del Rio nailed an enziguiri for another two count. Cena began to shake off his grogginess in the aisle.
Del Rio called for the cross armbreaker but Punk sent him into the buckles and nailed a series of kicks to the head and gut. Punk nailed a leaping leg lariat. Cena tried to return to the cage but found it locked. Punk went for the springboard clothesline and nailed it for a two count. Cena tried to force the door open but could not.
Del Rio rolled out of the ring and grabbed the pipe. He nailed Punk with it, then mocked Cena outside the Cell Punk went for the GTS but Punk was nailed again with the pipe. Del Rio covered him for the win.
Your winner and new WWE champion, Alberto Del Rio!
Cena hit the ring as soon as the match ended and the Cell was raised but R Truth and Miz attacked everyone with pipes. The Cell was lowered as Triple H and other officials hit the scene. Miz and Truth beat down everyone in the cage, including the referees and the camera men as the entire WWE locker room ran out, faces and heels alike, trying to get in. A swarm of police ran out. They finally cut the lock with bolt cutters. The cops ran in and Miz and Truth immediately dropped to their knees and allowed themselves to be handcuffed. Other police held back all the wrestlers. Miz and Truth were walked through the wrestlers. Triple H lost it and attacked them both. Johnny Ace tried to stop him and was nailed by HHH. HHH was dragged off and the announcers wondered if he was being arrested as well. They went off the air at this point.
The Cell match was your typical Triple Threat match although it was a lot more brutal with all the stiff chair and Cell shots. The angle at the end was a great chaotic ending to the PPV that put a TON of heat on Miz and Truth as outsiders and also left the question hanging as to the future of HHH as the COO. An effective cliffhanger angle.
2012 - WWE taped the first episode of Main Event on the Ion Network, featuring:
The WWE Main Event commentary team is Michael Cole and The Miz.
*WWE champ CM Punk pinned World champ Sheamus after Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick and nailed the corner and Punk scored the pin. Sheamus promised afterward he was going to kick Punk's face off.
*In the Tag Team contender tournament, Santino Marella and Zack Ryder defeated Tyson Kidd and Justin Gabriel. It was OK.
They announced Big Show vs. Randy Orton for second week.
2012 - "Hangman" Bobby Jaggers, who worked a number of territories in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away following a lengthy illness. He was 64 at the time of his passing.
Jaggers, real name Robert Jeadouin, was a Washington State native billed from Kansas and to some fans, was best known for his team in Jim Crockett Promotions with Dutch Mantel as the Kansas City Jayhawks, a really rough, fighting team.
Jagger, however, had a number of top singles runs in different promotions, including a memorable run on top in the Pacific Northwest, a stint at the Southern Heavyweight champion in Continental and even singles belts in Championship Wrestling from Florida.
Jaggers broke into the business after being trained by Tito Montez and Kurt Von Steiger. He was originally billed under the ring name Bobby Mayne, with the idea he was Lonnie "Moondog" Mayne's younger brother. During that era, he was managed by Johnny Mann.
Jaggers worked as a top name for Don Owens' Pacific Northwest Wrestling, holding the top title there several times in the mid-1980s, feuding with Tom Zenk, Rip Oliver and Ricky Vaughn (aka the future Lance Von Erich), among others. Jaggers also held the PNW tag straps with both Rip Oliver and The Assassin.
During a time period where a wrestler could travel to different territories for regular work, Jaggers worked all over and held a number of different tag belts - in Florida, in Oklahoma, for the Blanchards' Southwest Wrestling (where he appeared on the USA Network before WWF was on the cable channel) in Texas, and of course in Central States.
It was in Florida where Jaggers, now sporting blonde hair, really began to excel and stand out as a personality. He would end up beating Barry Windham for the Florida title and had long running feud working with Dusty Rhodes.
Jaggers would take crazy bumps, bleed and talk a good game. He was the perfect foil for the babyfaces of that era and was the type of talent that probably wouldn't have gotten a shot today because he didn't fit the cosmetic expectations of what most national companies look for - something that would be the business' loss.
Jaggers was also a regular in Puerto Rico, capturing the WWC North American title in 1982. At one point, he had revisited the Kansas Jayhawks tag team name, only this time, teaming with Dan Kroffat (Phil Lafon). After being present in the locker room where Bruiser Brody was murdered, he slowly shifted his life away from the business, eventually retiring in 1991.
Jagger had distanced himself from the business for many, many years, although he did make a rare convention signing appearances a few years back for K&S Wrestlefest in New Jersey and did work as a Commissioner for independent promotion Bad Boys of Wrestling as well.
2012 - Tales of Masked Men, a documentary on Lucha Libre, debuted on PBS. Eric McHugh filed the following report:
PBS presented an episode of "Voces", a program co-produced by Latino Public Broadcasting that features elements of latino culture, primarily historical culture of Latin America and South America. The installment featured most recently was entitled "Tales of Masked Men", a documentary by Carlos Avila about lucha libre pro wrestling. Actor Miguel Sandoval was its narrator.
The program opened with a quote about Mexican culture being mythical and colorful, and often containing a series of rituals. Lucha libre contains all of those characteristics as well and is among the most obvious embodiments from Mexican culture of what this culture is all about. Clips were shown of the inside and outside of the famous Arena Mexico, with a fan saying that what opera means to the Italian populace, lucha libre means the same to the Mexican populace. Many quick clips were then shown from numerous wrestling events of lucha highspots, dives, matwork and the like. We also see vendors selling literally hundreds of different styles of t-shirts, masks and plastic masked heads. Legendary Mexican wrestler Solar said lucha is very much a contact sport, not false theater. If it were the latter, there would be no training necessary.
Lucha libre's literal translation is "free fight" or "free struggle". The term "luchador" is what Mexico calls pro wrestlers, but we habitually call all Mexican pro wrestlers this. In actuality, that term is for those who don't wear masks. The term for a masked Mexican wrestler is "enmascarado". The mask is very sacred to Mexican wrestlers and they wear them at all times in public and even often at home when there is a possibility of being seen. Those masks only come off for good usually as the result of match stipulations, or when a wrestler retires. The terms used in the United States for good guys and bad guys are "babyfaces" and "heels", while in Mexico they are "tecnicos" and "rudos". There is very little, if any, use of "tweeners" in Mexican wrestling. The lines are much more clear-cut than in U.S. wrestling. Lucha has a large following in the U.S. and Japan, but the cradle of lucha libre has always been Mexico City, Mexico.
Pro wrestling existed in Mexico going all the way back to the 1900's decade, but that was your greco-roman Olympic-style and it often featured wrestlers from the States. In the 1930's, Salvador Lutteroth decided to create the lucha style as entertainment for what was then a growing and changing Mexican society. As explained by lucha archivist Christian Cymet, Lutteroth would run the old Arena Modelo with mostly main events from U.S. stars such as Yaqui Joe and Bobby Sampson, but the majority of the undercard would feature the Mexican wrestlers. The first show was September 21, 1933, and this was the founding of Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL). Lutteroth also opened a wrestling school and even ran some smaller arenas to get the product out there. With this new group of wrestlers, Lutteroth was creating characters, not just wrestlers. There were a few mentions of documented masked wrestlers in 1934 such as The Masked Basque, but the first true masked star was Ciclon Mackey wrestling as The Masked Marvel. Mackey, a U.S.-born wrestler, had been a journeyman floundering around the country for several years. He decided to get a mask made up and began wrestling under it with the Masked Marvel moniker, and would always swear he would unmask if anyone could beat him. This caught on with the fans. (Interesting to note that the mask even in 1934 was very similar to the style of today.) It only took a year for many more masked wrestlers to start popping up, and by the 1950's about half of all Mexican pro wrestlers were under hoods.
Heather Levi spoke next. She is a cultural anthropologist and a professor of anthropology at Temple University. She also is a very knowledgeable authority on lucha libre, having actually trained in Mexico years ago. She has even published numerous books and articles about lucha libre. As explained by Levi, the masks had ties to pre-Hispanic culture where many warriors wore ritual masks and would embody a character. This was happening with lucha libre as well. Wrestlers weren't just wrestling under a mask with a name for the fun of it. The mask would embody the wrestler and he would become that name in the eyes of fans. The mask became so iconic that wrestlers would often put them up in mask vs. mask matches, or mask vs. hair if one of the men didn't wear a mask. To lose one's mask would create a "loss of identity" to some, especially in the eyes of their fans. (A clip is shown of an apparently-accidental unmasking during a match as Levi is speaking here. The wrestler, who's face was blurred, very quickly put it back on.) Lucha also became theatrical with overacting and melodrama, but it wasn't considered corny, it was part of the appeal.
The program then tells three stories of three enmascarados. The first is arguably lucha's all-time greatest star, El Santo. El Santo debuted in July of 1942, wearing plain silver tights and a plain silver mask. He was disqualified for ignoring the referee's commands. Over the next 40+ years, El Santo would turn out to be an icon that transcended the wrestling business. Born in Hidalgo as Rudolfo Huerta, he began his career at age 16 without a mask. An audio recording of El Santo himself explained that after a while, he began to wear different masks and try out different names. Finally he came down to three that he liked: The Saint, The Devil or The Angel. Obviously, he chose the first option. As El Santo, promoters didn't know what he had to offer so he was first booked into a battle royale. Despite being a rudo, he impressed the promoters and the fans heavily with his aerial offense. The character immediately took off. The turning point was a 1952 match against hated rival Black Shadow, where the loser would have to unmask. After a 70-minute match, El Santo was victorious.
From this point on, the El Santo Express rolled nonstop as he became lucha's first true superstar. Comic books featured El Santo. TV commercials featured El Santo. Even movies featured El Santo, as he starred in over 50 of them, usually in the role of an action hero. The biggest surprise of all this was he still wrestled as a rudo until 1962, when he finally altered his style to tecnico. Many statements were made by wrestlers, historians and culturists, and they all raved about El Santo's generosity. Fame never went to his head. One anecdote shared by Cymet is that El Santo wrestled at an event that didn't draw well for whatever reason. The promoter handed El Santo his pay. El Santo asked if everyone else got paid as well. The promoter said unfortunately, the house was bad so he couldn't pay them outside of buying them dinner. El Santo handed the money back and said to split it amongst everyone.
El Santo retired in 1982, and passed away two years later. His death was a national event with tens of thousands attending the public service, and many world media outlets covering the passing. His son wrestles today with the same silver mask.
A funny story is told about audience interaction to segue into the second featured story. Fuerza Guerrera was getting verbally hammered one night during his match by an older woman. She was cursing him out, talking about his family, saying he was a bum, etc. Finally, Guerrera had enough and went over to the woman. She continued to scream at him, so he grabbed her purse and just dumped all of its contents onto her. Fans were both laughing at his antics, but at the same time booing him mercilessly. This type of interaction has always been very common at lucha events, with women being especially vocal. Lucha has always been family-oriented and it's not abnormal to see a large crowd being made up of over 50% women and children.
The second story then began and focused on Mascarita Sagrada. Midget wrestling, as it was called in the 1930's-1980's before the term became viewed as derogatory, was popular mostly in the States. Lutteroth saw this and decided he should bring this to Mexico as well, so in the mid-1940's he did just that. They were never the star attractions though until the 1970's. In early years it was considered more of an afterthought to most fans. However, a 1970 film featured several little people as criminal henchmen, and they actually employed lucha libre as their fighting style. Several of those actors even continued training after the movie and wound up in the business, one of the most famous being a man who went by Gulliver. Antonio Pena introduced these "minis" as smaller versions of the full-size characters, and fans ate it up. This practice continues today with Mascarita Sagrada being a smaller version of Mascara Sagrada.
Mascarita Sagrada was one of 14 children, born in Zacatecas. His sister, Rosa, stated that he never let his small size bother him even though he wound up having to fight obstacles growing up because of it. One time a teacher told him to fetch some folders from a high shelf. His friend said to the teacher that he wouldn't be able to reach it, and the teacher simply replied, "That's his problem." Sagrada never hesitated though, he just got a chair, climbed on it and retrieved the folders. He explained to not get the folders would be admitting defeat and stunting himself. Sagrada ultimately grew to be 4'5". He said there were times when he'd ask himself why God was punishing him, but nowadays he wouldn't have his life any other way. "You don't have to be big to do big things." Clips are shown of Sagrada being absolutely mobbed by fans, mostly children, as he makes his way to the ring for a match. Sagrada said as he was growing up, he got into martial arts and actually thought that lucha libre was demeaning. However, once he decided to try it out, he found himself to be completely wrong about the sport.
We see several minutes of Gulliver and Mascarita bantering as they tell stories to the camera, and the camaraderie is hilarious. Gulliver's biggest thrill is to still be recognized today and to be accepted by wrestling fans as not just a sideshow, but as legitimately athletic and entertaining. Sagrada ultimately enjoys showing that any adversity can be overcome.
The third and final story is of Solar, who we were introduced to earlier in the hour. Solar is called one of the few remaining active and living legends of the Silver Era of lucha libre. Clips are shown of Solar wrestling in Austin, Texas, and also we see Solar with his wife and grown son at home. Both men are wearing their masks as they head out for an arena show. Born in Jalisco, Solar grew up on a farm where, as his wife explains, he had to survive quite literally. Resources were scant. Finally, the family moved to Guadalajara, and his father took him to a lucha event. Solar wound up enamored with the spectacle almost immediately and he took a particular liking to a wrestler named El Solitario. The look, the wrestling, the colors...it all spoke to him. Solar told his father at that moment that he would be doing this later in life.
Solar trained and moved to Monterrey, quickly impressing promoters and peers. As it turned out, he wound up working an event with his idol, and El Solitario took him under his wing. They became good friends quickly. However, life changed for Solar on April 6, 1986. After a match, El Solitario felt ill and went to the hospital with stomach pains. It was found that he had internal bleeding. During surgery, he went into full cardiac arrest, and he passed away on the operating table at age 39. Solar was hit hard by this, but to this day he said he feels El Solitario by his side every time he wrestles.
Solar talks about his grown son wanting to follow in his father's footsteps. Solar said he never wanted his son to do so, but he from Day One supported him 100%. Both father and son wear similar designs on their masks. Solar's wife hates seeing her husband in pain but he perseveres just the same. However, she has no idea how to tell him he isn't eternal. Solar knows this, though, and says his career is winding down. If his son (who has been in the business about a year at this point) chooses to continue this for a career and carry on the Solar name, that's great. If not, then so be it. He has no regrets now nor will he in the future. Lucha libre let him see the world, meet his wife, have his children and live his life to the fullest.
Some final clips show and narration tells how lucha masks are sold everywhere in Mexico. Lucha libre embodies passion and emotion, and this reaches not only the target audience but the Mexican mainstream as well. With many young fans attending shows to this day, lucha libre should continue to thrive for a very long time. With that, the documentary ended.
All in all, a great program that showed definite knowledge and respect of the product, the culture, its wrestlers and its fans. Wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans should enjoy this. It's informative, it's educational and it provides great historical background to the business. The DVD of "Tales of Masked Men" is available from the PBS website for pre-order with a fitting release date of October 31.
2013 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight, NXT will be honored by the presence of Fandango as he returns to Florida. Who will join Emma to face him and Summer Rae?
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are Tony ‘Performance Center’ Dawson and Alex ‘Wild Card’ Riley.
Before Renee joins Alex and Tony for the opening match, she asks Emma who her tag team partner is tonight. Emma says that she has the best possible partner. Santino Marella comes out and they have issues syncing up on their way to the ring.
Match Number One: Fandango and Summer Rae versus Emma and Santino Marella
The men start off and Santino tries to get the crowd behind him and Emma but Santino has trouble with the turnbuckles. Santino tries again and he succeeds.
Fandango dances and he shows off his assets to Santino. Santino dances as well and Fandango appears to be insulted. Santino blocks a kick and Fandango does the same. They spin around to a standoff.
Santino wants a test of strength but Fandango with a knee to the midsection followed by a forearm to the back. Fandango sends Santino into the turnbuckles. Santino floats over and Santino shows his hand and Fandango freaks out and he goes to the floor.
Emma comes into the ring and she shows Santino that he could do the Emma Dance with a pair of cobras. We go to commercial.
We are back and Santino has Fandango on his back but his shoulders are not down. Fandango with a kick and punch. Santino with an arm drag or two. Emma tags in so it is time for the women to wrestle.
Emma gives a thumbs up to Summer. Santino and Emma keep tagging each other back in to confuse the referee as well as Summer and Fandango.
We resolve things and the men stay in the match. Santino turns around and Fandango with a jab to Santino. Fandango with a back elbow and he chokes Santino in the ropes. Santino gets caught in the ropes and Fandango kicks him. Fandango with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Fandango with a European uppercut.
Fandango chokes Santino in the ropes and Summer slaps Santino when the referee deals with Fandango. Emma goes to the floor but the referee stops her. Santino dives into the corner to try to make the tag but Emma is not on the apron.
Fandango pulls Santino away from his corner. Santino tries to kip up and he fails the first few times. Fandango goes up top but Santino rolls to the corner. Fandango goes to the other corner and Santino rolls to the other side. Fandango tries again and Santino rolls away.
Santino with a back slide for a near fall. Fandango with a punch. Santino kips up and tags in Emma. Emma with clotheslines. Summer with an Irish whip but she misses a charge into the corner and Emma with a Tarantula in the ropes.
Emma with a cross body into the corner and she gets a near fall. Santino gives Emma the cobra and he shows her how to get it ready. Summer rolls through and punches Emma. Emma punches Summer and then she sends Summer into Fandango and Fandango lands on Emma.
All four are in the ring and they each do splits and hit hip tosses on Summer and Fandango. They hit tandem diving head butts. Santino puts on the cobra and he hits Fandango with it for the three count.
Winners: Emma and Santino Marella
We go to commercial.
We are back and we get comments from Rick Victor and Conor O’Brian. Conor says that what they did to Colin Cassady and Enzo Amore was a mere vision of what their fate holds. Tonight, they will take the tag team championships where they belong, their homes. Rick says tonight the heroes will fall . . . they will rise.
Match Number Two: Kassius Ohno versus Luke Harper
They lock up and Harper backs Ohno into the corner and he punches Kassius. Harper sends Ohno through the ropes to the floor. Harper pulls Ohno to the apron and back into the ring. Ohno goes to the apron and he connects with a shoulder and hits an enzuigiri. Ohno runs into boots from Harper and Harper with a clothesline.
Harper punches Ohno. Harper with a head butt and elbow drop. Harper with a reverse chin lock on Ohno. Ohno sends Harper into the turnbuckles and then he connects with punches and chops to Harper. Ohno blocks a kick and then he kicks Harper and Harper falls to the floor. Ohno with a baseball slide to Harper.
Ohno with a running chop and then they return to the ring. Harper with a boot to the head and Harper waits for Ohno to return to his feet. Harper with a splash in the corner followed by a discus clothesline for the three count.
Winner: Luke Harper
We go to the back where Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady have something to say. Enzo says that they are as close as Siamese twins. They should be number one contenders for the tag titles until they were given their first loss by O’Brian and Victor.
Cassady says that it looks like have been hitting the taco stand. Scott Dawson comes out week after week dressed like a mechanic. He would never let him fix his car. Scott is going to get his teeth knocked down his throat. Alexander Rusev breaks boards when he should be worried about breaking his mother’s heart. He comes out with no shoes or shirt and he has a skirt on.
Enzo gets a joke that Colin said a minute earlier and then Colin walks away.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Mojo Rawley video package. He says that hype is the most powerful force in the world. It has the ability to transform someone from ordinary to super human. When someone gets hyped, they can do things they never thought were possible. If getting hyped can make a man this powerful, what happens when you stay hyped.
Mojo will debut next week.
Match Number Three: Conor O’Brian and Rick Victor versus Adrian Neville and Corey Graves for the NXT Tag Team Titles
Neville and Victor start things off. Victor misses a clothesline and Neville with a kick and side head lock. Neville with a leg sweep for a near fall. Neville avoids a leg sweep from Victor and he hits a drop kick and gets another near fall. Neville with kicks in the corner followed by a side head lock. Victor with a flying shoulder tackle and he tags in O’Brian.
Conor with a series of running shoulder tackles and he gets a near fall. Conor with another near fall. Conor stomps on the hand and connects with a knee. Conor punches Neville. Conor with a suplex attempt but Neville lands on his feet and he tags in Graves. Graves with punches and a mule kick after Conor blocks a kick.
Conor with a flap jack for a near fall. Victor tags back in and Victor with a shot to the midsection while Conor holds Graves in the air. Victor with kicks to Graves and he tags Conor back in. Conor with a kick to the chest. Conor with a forearm and he works on the head and he gets a near fall.
Victor tags in and he connects with a forearm as we go to commercial.
We are back and Victor with a rear chin lock on Graves. Graves with elbows but Victor with a forearm to the back. Graves with a cross body and he tries to make the tag but Victor pulls him into the corner. Conor tags back in and he hits a leg drop to the back of the head and gets a near fall. Conor with a body scissors.
Graves with elbows to try to escape but O’Brian continues with the body scissors and he drops Graves to the mat. Victor tags in and he kicks Graves. Victor with a forearm to the back and he punches Graves. Victor with a chop and Canadian Lifters. He mixes them with chops and then he gets Graves on his shoulders and he drops him to the mat and he gets a near fall.
Victor with a rear chin lock as he continues to wear down Graves. Victor gets a near fall and then he returns to the rear chin lock. Graves with elbows but Victor with a forearm to the back. Victor with an Irish whip and shoulders in the corner. Victor with another Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner and Victor hits the ring post with his shoulder.
Graves tries to make the tag and he succeeds. Neville with a shoulder and then he connects with a series of kicks and hits a running forearm and running back elbow. Neville with a drop kick that knocks Conor off the apron. Neville sends Victor over the top rope but he lands on the apron. Neville with a drop kick to knock Victor off the apron. Neville with a corkscrew plancha.
Neville sends Victor back in and he hits a springboard drop kick and he gets a near fall. Victor with an Irish whip but Neville floats over and flips into the corner and then he hits an enzuigiri from the apron. Neville sets for Red Arrow but Conor pulls Victor out of the way and Victor gets a near fall.
Graves pulls Neville into his corner and he makes the tag. Graves charges towards Victor but Victor with a flying Yakuza Kick and Conor is tagged in. Conor with the leg sweep while Victor hits the corkscrew elbow and Conor gets the three count.
Winners: Conor O’Brian and Rick Victor
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rob Van Dam is coming to NXT next week.
Before the Bo Dallas Invitational starts, he takes the mic. He welcomes everyone to a historic night. The first Bo Dallas Invitational. He gives a lucky, new and upcoming superstar the opportunity of a lifetime. If he is pinned, that person gets a title match in two weeks.
Match Number Four: The Bo Dallas Invitational
Opponent Number One: A Nameless Wrestler
Bo offers his hand and they shake hands. They lock up and Bo almost gets pinned with a rollup. Bo with a kick and forearm to the back. Bo with a forearm to the head followed by elbows in the corner. Bo with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Bo Dallas
After the match, Bo says that he feels great. There has to be someone else who wants to RSVP for the Bo Dallas Invitational.
Opponent Number Two: Leo Kruger
Not so fast because Antonio Cesaro makes his way to the ring. Kruger pulls Cesaro out of the ring and then Cesaro does the same to Leo. They both enter the ring and then they have some words for each other. Antonio lets Kruger go.
Cesaro with punches to Kruger but Kruger punches back. Cesaro with a kick and European uppercut. Bo with a Harley Race knee to the back and Cesaro goes over the top rope to the floor.
Opponent Number Two . . . Take Two: El Local
Bo charges at El Local but El Local leaps over him and El Local with a Yakuza Kick for the three count.
Winner: El Local
After the match, El Local removes his mask and it is Sami Zayn.
We go to credits.
2016 - Beyond Wrestling held a double-header. Scott Hurley filed the following report:
Beyond Wrestling had yet another stellar event from Somerville, MA presenting "New England Mania" and "Midas Touch"
Results for "New England Mania"
The American Destroyers (Donovan Dijak & Mikey Webb) defeat Heidi Lovelace & Kimber Lee
Brian Fury defeats Dave Cole in a short match
The Crusade For Change (Anthony Gangone, Darius Carter, Devin Blaze, TJ Marconi & Tommy Trainwreck) defeat Ace Romero, Chuck O'Neil, Sully Banger, Travis Gordon & Xavier Bell. Chuck turned on his team mid way through the match after running them down pre-match
Jordynne Grace defeated Alexxis. Afterward Alexxis' stable mates Davey Cash and Anthony Stone hit the ring to get revenge. Then Grace is attacked from behind by Taeler Hendrix. They bash her knee with a baseball bat.
Keith Lee defeats Brian Milonas after powerbombing him off the middle rope in a hell of a Hoss fight.
Results for "Midas Touch"
Tracy Williams defeats Chris Dickinson via reverse decision. Finish comes when Dickinson makes Williams tap to a rings of Saturn but refuses to let go. Refs come to break it up and the decision is overturned. Post match Dickinson takes out all the refs.
Team Pazuzu (Angel Ortiz, Mike Draztik & Pinkie Sanchez) defeat Joey Ryan and Massage NV(Dorian Graves and VSK)
Matt Riddle defeats Jaka. Post match Riddle refuses to break his choke until Dickinson runs down to break it up. This brings out Chuck O'Neil and then the rest of Pazuzu to clear out the ring.
Tessa Blanchard defeats Ricochet
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Sonya Strong. I had to step out and missed this match. Not too sure what went down
Joey Janela defeats Jonathan Gresham
War Machine (Hanson & Raymond Rowe) defeat Da Hit Squad (Maff & Monsta Mack) in a pretty good fight
John Silver defeats Michael Elgin
Beyond also announced this year's Tournament for Today will be held in Providence on November 6th. The first participant announced was Keith Lee
Be sure to visit lookmanofans.com for all things Beyond Wrestling.
2016 - Global Force Wrestling ran Toronto, Ontario.
Global Force Wrestling team with Santino Marella's Destiny Pro Wrestling for an event at the Battlarts Academy's Don Kolov Arena last night before about 250-350 fans. The show was being taped, but I don't know for what or for who.
Complete results saw:
*Psycho Mike Rollins pinned Joe Coleman (accompanied by Jade) with a Fisherman's Buster.
*Kat Von Heez made Alexia Nicole tap to a Sharpshooter.
*The Fraternity (Trent Gibson & Channing Decker) defeated Cody Deaner & Bobby Sharp when Gibson pinned Sharp after "The Kegstand" (aka Bullet Club's Magic Killer)
*Brent Banks defeated Idris Abraham and Dustin Quicksilver when he pinned Quicksilver following a reverse springboard Cutter.
*Playboy Johnny pinned Randy Reign with his feet on ropes. Reign challenged Playboy to "Kiss My A**" match when Destiny returns to the Don Kolov Arena on 11/6.
*RJ City & Tiana Ringer with Scott D'Amore defeated Chris Mordetsky (Masters) & Lisa (fka Victoria) Marie Varon when RJ rolled up Modetsky and hooked the tights.
*GFW NexGen champ Sonjay Dutt defeated Tyson Dux with a spinning cradle roll.
*Jeff Jarrett pinned Kongo Kong in a bout that saw Scott D'Amore handcuffed to Anthony (Santino Marella) Carelli after Carelli hit Kong with the Cobra.
Fun show. I hope we get to see more GFW shows.
2019 - AEW Dynamite debuted on TNT. Anthony Pires filed the following TV report:
We are LIVE from the Capital One Arena in Washington DC for the most anticipated wrestling show in 18 years. It is AEW DYNAMITE.
Your announcers are Jim Ross, Excalibur and Tony Schiavone.
We kick this historic night off with fireworks and a raucous crowd. 14129 is the announced attendance. The announcers run down the card. We go to a video package featuring Cody vs Sammy Guevara. Sammy believes Cody is overlooking him. The American Nightmare realizes a loss could be a big embarrassment and knows the title picture would change drastically with a loss tonight.
The American Nightmare Cody vs Sammy Guevara.
Cody comes out from under the stage with Brandi Rhodes, seemingly taking in the magnitude of the moment. The crowd definitely appreciates the moment as well. Guevera comes out to a very tepid reaction. Aubrey Edwards is our referee. Cody is absolutely the crowd's choice tonight. Lock up collar and elbow. Ropes force a break and Cody gives a clean one. Guevara with a headlock. Guevara rolls Cody through and Cody retreats. Guevara mocks him as he comes back. Guevara misses a kick. COdy with a waistlock, Guevera reverses it. Dropkick by Guevara. Moonsault press for 1 by Guevara.
They lock I[ again and Cody with a headlock. Ross and Schiavone reminisce about Jushin Liger. Powerslam for 1 by Cody. Figure four out of no where by Cody. Cody fights off the reversal by Guevara makes the ropes. Cody with a series of forearms and chops, Guevara gives it right back. Gourdbuster by Cody for 2. Cody shows off with push ups. Spinning kick by Guevara. Springboard cutter by Cody for 2. Cody looks a little frustrated. Cody throws Guevara over the top but Guevara stops it into a springboard cutter of his own for 2. Guevara with a shoudlerblock into the corner but turns his back. Cody kicks Guevara out of the ring and attempts a suicide dive. Guevara pulls Brandi in front but Cody is able to put the breaks on before making full contact.
Back in the ring, Guevara with a standing moonsault for 2. Brandi slaps Guevara and Cody hits his kick for 2. Guevara lifted into the corner and Cody with a reverse suplex off the top rope for 2. Frustration now showing on Cody. Crowd comes to life. Guevara floats over an unprettier. Spanish Fly by Guevara for 2. Guevara to the top. Shooting star by Guevara hits nothing but Cody's raised knees. Cody with a small package for the pin.
WINNER: CODY.
Tony Schiavone conducts an interview in the ring with Cody. They hug. Guevara gets in Cody's face and offers a handshake. Cody accepts and is blindsided by AEW World Champion Chris Jericho. Guevara leaves without helping or hurting Cody. Codebreaker by Jericho.
We go to commercial.
Jericho continues the attack through the commercial. Bransi is trying to pull Cody out. Jericho takes selfies over Cody's laid out body. Jericho with a chair lays out Cody. Jericho with punches. Jericho powerbombs Cody through 2 chairs while Brandi looks on worried. Jericho walks off drinking in the boos from the crowd as referees tend to Cody.
Jim Ross laments that no one came into help Cody.
Brandon Cutler vs MJF
MJF comes out to an initial loud pop. MJF demands his music be cut and asks who told the fans they could talk while he has a mic. The A-Hole chants start up. MJF insults Cutler on his way to the ring, comparing him to the fans at home. MJF insults Dungeons and Dragons and hits his "better than you" catchphrase. They lock up and MJF with a trip and a kick. Cutler avoids the charge and hits a destroyer for 2. MJF with an eye rake. MJF sends Cutler into the ring post and celebrates in the ring. Cutler sidesteps and sends MJF to the outside. Suicide dive by Cutler. Cutler hurts himself jumping back into the ring. MJF with a right hand into a armbar for a quick submission. Cutler may have legit tweaked his knee
WINNER: MJF
Chris Van Vliet interviews Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes. They plug Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. They are interrupted by Jack Evans and Angelico. Private Party comes out to make sure Smith and Mewes don't get hurt.
The announcers plug the upcoming AEW World Tag Team Championship Tournament.
We go to a pre recorded segment with SCU walking around D.C. Sky, to no one's surprise, declares Washington DC the Worst Town they've ever been in. Back in the arena, SCU is with Tony Schiavone live. Sky announces it will be Daniels and Kazarian representing SCU in the tournament. They're interrupted by the Lucha Bros. The Lucha Bros declare themselves the best tah team in the universe. A catch phrase yell-off results in a pull apart brawl.
Backstage, Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks are warming up while Jericho, Santana and Ortiz discuss strategy.
Hangman Page vs Pac
Page comes out first to a decent reaction, not a superstar reaction, though. As Pac comes out, Ross references Neville's old "Man That Gravity Forgot" moniker. Earl Hebner is our referee. Pac and PAge back and forth with strikes, Page gets the better. Pac with a series of kicks. PAge with a boot to the face and a clothesline. Pac dropped in the corner. Page with chops, Pac gtp the outside. Page throws Pac around the outside barriers. Pac fires back and throws PAge back in. Page with a suicide dive. Page throws Pac back inside. Fallaway slam and a running moonsault by Page. Pac reverses a suplex and backdrops Page over the top. Pac to the outside slams Page into the apron. Pac with a springboard moonsault on the outside. Pac with a kneelift and sends Page back into the ring.
Pac with a springboard 450 back into the ring for 2. Reverse kick by Pac followed by a stomp. Page rolls out of the way when Pac went to the top. Pac with a dropkick into the corner. Pac to the top and Page with a superkick. Fallaway slam off the 2nd rope by Page. Flapjack by Page for 2. Pac reverses a whip and sends Page into the corner, shoulder first as we go to commercial (picture in picture in effect here). Pac to the top, hits a dropkick, Page goes down hard. Pac plays to the crowd as PAge struggles to his feet. Pac with stomps in the corner. Pac plays to the crowd more and more. Kicks by Pac, Page is trying to shake it off. Pac gets in Page's face and Hangman strikes back with a spinebuster. Page goes for the Deadeye, Pac gets out but Hangman hits a power bomb for 2. Action spills to the outside as PAge hits a moon sault. Pac hits a low blow outside of Hebner's view. Pac back to the top. Black arrow by Pac into the Brutalizer. Referee Earl Hebner almost immediately stops the match as he declares Page defenseless.
WINNER: Pac
The crowd seems a bit stunned. Not by the result but by the almost immediate stoppage.
Britt Baker joins the announce team
Nyla Rose vs Riho for the Inaugural AEW World Women's Championship
Nyla charges, Riho sidesteps and Riho hits strikes and a dropkick. Rose tries a side suplex but Riho reverses into a headscissors. Nyla with a press for 2. Riho with stomps, Nyls pushes up and shoves her off. Nyla slowing the pace down. Snap mare by Nyla. STF by Rose and Riho makes the ropes. The two did a great "will she or won't she" as far as escape. Riho escapes a vertical suplex. Running knee strikes by Riho sends Nyla to the outside. Riho with a dive from the top to the outside, Rose catches her and hits a backbreaker on the outside. Rose with a chair, referee pulls it away. Riho slammed into the barricade. Nyla grabs more chairs and lays Riho on them. Nyla tries a cannonball senton and misses. Double stomp by Riho.
Action comes back in while Riho hits another double stomp for 2. Labelle Lock by Riho as we go to commercial. Riho tries a suplex, fails but hits a double stomp off of a victory roll. Rose takes over with power. Rose drapes Riho over the top rope and hits a knee off the top rope for 2. Nyla with a cross face. Rose tries a powerbomb, Riho attempts a backdrop but falters under Nyla's size. Riho out of nowhere hits a rollup for what seems like a 4 count. Nyla with a Death Valley Driver for 2. Crowd is alive now. Nyla to the top, Riho kicks her off. Riho with fast forearms and hits a a Northern Lights off the turnbuckle for 2. Knee strokes by Riho. Double knee strikes by Riho gets the 3!
WINNER AND NEW AEW WORLD WOMEN'S CHAMPION: Riho
Riho celebrates and is interviewed in the ring by Michael Nakazawa. Nyla attacks and lays Riho out. Kenny Omega comes to Riho's rescue and Rose storms off.
Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks vs Ortiz, Santana and Chris Jericho.
Omega starts off with Jericho. Jericho immediately tags out to Santana. Announcers are making an issue of Omega's psyche. All 6 men in there now. Matt Jackson with a kick over the top, Nick catapaults his brother and hits a dive. Before Omega can make his dive, John Moxley hits the ring and he and Omega start brawling all over the arena. In the ring, Jericho with a clothesline. Santana, Ortiz and Jericho in full control as the cameras are following Omega and Moxley. Moxley with the death rider through a glass coffee table in the VIP lounge area. We go to commercial.
Back live, Ortiz tries a lariat and gets speared by Matt Jackson. Nick pulled off the apron. Ortiz with a splash for 2. Jericho tags in and misses a lionsault. Matt Jackson continuously denied the corner. Matt his a cutter off the top. Matt his a trifecta of Northern Lights suplexes. Nick Jackson tags in. Bulldog into clothesline combo to the former LAX. Nick with a dive on to Santana o the outsode. Meltzer driver attempt falls into a codebreaker. Jericho with the Judas Effect on Matt Jackson for the pin.
WINNERS: Ortiz, Santana and Chris Jericho.
Cody comes into attack Jericho but was stopped by Jake Hager. Dustin Rhodes tries to make the save. Sammy Guevara joins in the attack. Hager with a powerbomb on Dustin through a table. Jericho was a Judas Effect on Cody. We go off the air with Jericho, Hager, Santana, Ortiz and Guevara celebrating.
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Bang On Casino
