On this day in history in ....
1957 - Richard Brown defeats Red Berry in Witchita, Kansas for the NWA Central States Title. This marked the beginning of the third reign for Brown, and ended the second run with the belt for Berry.
1959 - Lee Fields defeats The Mighty Yankee in Mobile, Alabama to win the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title for the second time in his career. In a different twist, Fields would vacate the title a few months later when he decided to buy the promotion.
1964 - Chin Lee defeats Silento Rodriguez for the NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title, ending Rodriguez' second title reign in Mobile Alabama.
1972 - Ken Patera, Olympic Weightifter, announced he was retiring as a powerlifter to become a professional wrestler. The announcement is so big that UPI carries it nationally.
1972 - A live event in Waterloo, Iowa at the McElroy Auditorium saw the following results:
-Harley Race beat The Mongolian Stomper.
-In a Handicap match, Rufus R. Jones beat Black Angus & Percival A. Friend.
-Les Thornton drew The Destroyer.
-Bobo Johnson beat Little Bruiser.
-Ronnie Etchison beat Ed Wiskoski.
1981 - A Pacific Northwest event in Seattle, Washington featured the following results:
-Stan Stasiak defeated Steve Regal.
-Mike Masters defeated Art Crews.
-Billy White Cloud defeated Terry Fargo.
-King Parsons defeated Gene Kiniski by disqualification.
-Buddy Rose defeated Matt Borne.
1981 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Miami, FL with the following results from the Convention Hall:
-Coco Samoa beat Steve Sybert.
-Ox Baker beat Mike Bond.
-Bobby Jaggers drew El Gran Apollo.
-Charlie Cook beat Assassin #2.
-Buzz Sawyer drew David Sierra.
-Jack & Jerry Brisco beat Jonathan Boyd & Luke Williams.
-Eddie Mansfield beat Mike Graham via DQ.
-Dusty Rhodes & Bugsy McGraw beat Assassin #1 & Ernie Ladd via DQ.
1982 - The WWF ran Oil City, PA with the following results:
-Bill Dixon defeated the Beast via disqualification.
-Jose Estrada defeated Hurricane Hunt.
-Chief Jay Strongbow fought Buddy Rose to a double countout.
-WWF champion Bob Backlund defeated Mr. Fuji.
-Tony Garea defeated Johnny Rodz.
1984 - A live event at the The Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas saw the following results:
-Leo Burke beat Dan White.
-Evelyn Stevens beat Princess Jasmine.
-El Canek & Brett Sawyer & Chicky Starr beat Eric Embry & Dan Greer & The Medic.
-Abdullah The Butcher fought Tommy Rich to a draw.
-Killer Brooks & Voodoo Malumba & Al Madril beat The Sheepherders & Abdullah The Butcher(substituting for The Mongolian Stomper)
1984 - A live event in Charlotte, NC featured a tournament for the United States championship.
In the Opening Round:
-Mike Rotunda defeated Assassin #1 via disqualification.
-Ivan Koloff defeated Brian Adidas.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated Don Kernodle.
-Ricky Steamboat fought Ron Bass to a draw.
-Superstar Billy Graham defeated Carlos Colon via countout.
-Wahoo McDaniel defeated Mark Youngblood.
-NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Jimmy Valiant.
In the Quarter Finals:
-Manny Fernandez defeated Superstar Billy Graham via disqualification.
-Dusty Rhodes fought Ivan Koloff to a no contest, eliminating both men.
-Wahoo McDaniel defeated Mike Rotunda.
In the Semi-finals:
-Manny Fernandez defeated NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard.
In the Tournament Finals, Wahoo McDaniel defeated Manny Fernandez to win the U.S. title.
1985 - A CWA live event in Memphis, TN at The Mid South Coliseum saw the following results:
-Tarras Bulba beat Tracy Smothers.
-Tojo Yamamoto beat Ken Timbs.
-The Masked Superstar (Jerry Stubbs) beat Tommy Wright.
-Tom Prichard & Pat Rose beat Rocky Johnson & Billy Joe Travis.
-Stan Lane KO'd Rip Morgan in the Fourth round of a kickboxing match.
-Sir Jonathan Boyd beat Steve Keirn in an Aborigines match.
-Harley Race beat Koko Ware to win the NWA Mid-America Title.
-CWA International Champ The Mongolian Stomper beat Phil Hickerson.
-Jerry Lawler fought Bill Dundee to a no contest.
1985 - A live event in Birmingham, AL at the Boutwell Auditorium saw the following results:
-Adrian Street beat Norvell Austin via disqualification.
-Roy Welch drew Bill Ash.
-Adrian Street beat Brickhouse Brown.
-John Austin beat Jimmy Valentine.
-Roberto Soto beat the Flame via disqualification.
-Brad Armstrong & the Bullet beat Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden.
-Tommy & Johnny Rich beat the Nightmares.
-Big John Harris beat Ron Fuller in a cage match.
1989 - The World Wrestling Council held their 16th Anniversary show in Bayamon, Puerto Rico at Juan Lobriel Stadium, drawing a crow of 17,000. Here are the results:
- Cuban Assassin & Jerry Morrow defeated Miguel Peres, Jr. & Hurricane Castillo, Jr. for the WWC Caribbean Tag Team Title, ending Perez & Castillo's third reign as champions.
- WWC World Junior Heavyweight Champion Super Medico defeated El Gran Mendoza.
- Manny Fernandez defeated Invader #3.
- Jimmy Valiant defeated Kareem Muhammad.
- Kevin Von Erich defeated Ron Bass.
- Chris & Mark Youngblood defeated Rip Oliver & Abddhuadein to win the WWC World Tag Team Title.
- TNT defeated Chicky Starr, forcing him to shave his head. If TNT had lost, he would have to give up his name and character.
- Invader #1 defeated Ivan Koloff in a Russian Chain Match to win the WWC Puerto Rican Heavyweight Title.
- Carlos Colon defeated Steve Strong in a Barbed Wire Cage match to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title.
1990 - Manami Toyota defeats Bison Kimura in a tournament final for the All Japan Pacific Title in Tokyo, Japan. The belt had been vacated on June 17, 1990 when Suzuka Minami defeated champion Aja Kong by disqualification, but refused to take the championship.
1991 - The USWA ran Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum with the following results:
-Tony Falk pinned Tony Williams.
-Bull Pain drew Danny Davis.
-Billy Joe Travis pinned Bill Dundee.
-Dutch Mantell & Tony Anthony beat Eric Embry & Tom Prichard via DQ
-Jeff Jarrett & Robert Fuller beat The Texas Outlaws (Doug Vines & Jeff Sword) to win the USWA Tag Team championship.
-USWA Unified Champ Jerry Lawler beat GWF TV Champ Eddie Gilbert via DQ.
-Jeff Jarrett & Robert Fuller fought Eric Embry & Tom Prichard to a no contest in a lights out match.
1993 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Hazard, KY at the Memorial Gym before 450 fans featuring the following results:
-The Dirty White Boy beat Tim Horner.
-The Bullet beat Killer Kyle.
-SMW Tag Team champs The Rock-n-Roll Express fought Scott & Steve Armstrong to a no contest.
-SMW Champ Brian Lee beat Tracy Smothers.
-Rick & Scott Steiner beat The Heavenly Bodies, Tom Prichard & Jimmy Del Rey via DQ.
1995 - ECW ran a show at the ECW Arena in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here are the results:
- The Eliminators defeated Chad Austin & Tony Stetson.
- Taz defeated Jason Knight.
- Cactus Jack defeated El Puerto Ricano (As part of his storyline at the time, Cactus purposely made the match as boring as possible, in order to infuriate the hardcore fans. He would tease using a chair or fighting on the floor, but then would simply apply a side headlock instead. The fans responded by doing the "wave".)
- Konnan defeated Dudley Dudley.
- Psicosis defeated Rey Mysterio Jr. in a three falls match.
- Raven & Stevie Richards defeated The Pitbulls to become two-time ECW World Tag Team Champions.
- ECW TV Champion 2 Cold Scorpio defeated JT Smith.
- ECW World Heavyweight Champion The Sandman defeated Mikey Whipwreck to retain the title.
- Originally, ECW planned to have The Public Enemy vs. The Gangstas in a match held outside the building, but the local authorities wouldn't allow it. Instead, ECW held the "Three Way Dance, Part 2" with Public Enemy defeating The Gangstas and Steven Richards & Raven to win the ECW World Tag Team Championship for the fourth, and final, time in their careers.
1996 - WCW Monday Nitro defeated WWF Monday Night Raw, 3.5 to 2.1 in the Monday night ratings battle. Nitro was headlined by a Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage bout that didn't take place due to the NWO attacking both men, while Raw featured Sid Vicious defeating Goldust..
2002 - WWE broadcast Raw. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
The 10/7 edition of RAW IS CARNAGE aired live from Las Vegas. It was a great show, with a fantastic main event that no doubt left a lot of guys feeling pretty sore afterward. Some of the bumps were incredible. The entire show was built around the spin-the-wheel gimmick, where match stipulations were selected by a roulette wheel. It was handled in an entertaining manner, making the whole show fun to watch. The live crowd was hot, adding to the show.
They opened with a promo similar to a TV game show, hyping the RAW Roulette wheel gimmick. Eric Bischoff promised sex, sin, lust, greed, unpredictability, and danger (though not necessarily in that order) on this special edition of RAW. He had a couple of showgirls with him. Bischoff gave the wheel its first spin and it selected a steel cage match.
Booker T defeated Big Show in a steel cage match in 8:07. Show dominated most of the match, since he was losing again. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler reported that Show was still upset over losing by count-out last week. If he stays angry that long, he should really be pissed by this time next week. Booker bumped like crazy. He took a stiff sideslam, a spin bump, and several shots into the cage. Show could have just walked out the cage door at this point, but stayed inside to "inflict more punishment". Maybe this is why Monday Night Football draws higher ratings. I've never seen a player voluntarily avoid making a touchdown so he can go back and inflict more punishment on the opposing team. Booker made a big comeback, including a scissor kick, followed by a second scissor kick off the top rope. Booker started to climb out, and gave Show a low blow when he tried to stop him. Show fell back into the ring, which didn't break, so WWE uses high quality materials for sure. Booker made it over the top to the floor for the win. Chris Jericho arrived out of nowhere and suddenly attacked Booker. He rammed Booker into the security rail and into the cage. Jericho kept screaming "Who's the sucka?" Booker juiced and was left laying. An entertaining match and angle.
Bischoff was back at the roulette wheel, talking to Kane & Hurricane. He smirked that Booker was the night's first casualty. He noted that Kane holds the IC Title and the tag titles, and also wants the RAW World Title, accusing Kane of possessing some Las Vegas greed. Bischoff sent the wheel spinning to determine what type of match Kane & Hurricane would have. It landed on "Tables, Ladders, and Chairs", or TLC for short. Hurricane said, "Holy Mick Foley". Bischoff said he'd select their opponents later, and wished them luck. Kane said luck is for losers.
Several referees helped the bloody Booker back to the locker room. It was later reported he had been taken to the hospital.
Terri asked Jericho why he attacked Booker, accusing him of doing so for no reason. Jericho called her an ass clown and said he did have a reason. It seems that during their verbal altercation last week, Booker invoked the word "sucka", as he does in every such discussion. Jericho was furious over it, and acted as if he lost the IC Title to Kane because he was so distraught over being called a "sucka". Jericho was also upset over Goldust saying that Fozzy sucks a couple of weeks ago. Jericho held up a fist which was covered with Booker's blood, and said he is a dangerous and unbalanced individual, not a sucka.
Bischoff spun the wheel again, this time for Triple H. It landed on "blindfold match". HHH didn't like it. He said such matches are dangerous and indicated that as world champion he shouldn't have to be in such matches. HHH accused Bischoff of coming up with the roulette wheel gimmick to keep him from going after Kane, but he vowed to do something before the end of the show that would change Kane's life forever. Ric Flair calmed HHH down. He then brought out two hot babes named Mandy & Sandy, hinting that they would be waiting for Bischoff in his hotel room if Bischoff did a good job in selecting HHH's opponent (i.e., picked a sure loser). Bischoff smiled, as if to say he would accept the bribe. William Regal arrived and was also upset about the roulette wheel. He found the match stipulations to be barbaric and beneath the dignity of a gentleman such as himself. Bischoff spun the wheel to select Regal's match gimmick, and it came up as a "Las Vegas Showgirl" match. Regal hoped that meant he would be accompanied to the ring by a lovely showgirl, but instead it meant he would wrestle dressed as one. Regal was dismayed. Goldust showed up and told him he could be the second Queen of England.
They aired a promo to hype Batista's impending arrival on RAW. I'll bet you thought all the switches were going to stop for a while after Vince McMahon supposedly froze all the contracts. In any event, it was an excellent promo which made Batista look like a big deal, which is what is needed.
HHH defeated D-Lo Brown in a non-title blindfold match in 2:34. Poor D-Lo. He's a good wrestler but is getting the Barry Horowitz loser treatment, as he was apparently picked by Bischoff as a sure fall guy. JR mentioned that this was the first blindfold match in WWE since Jake Roberts vs. Rick Martel more than ten years ago. He also brought up one from about twenty years ago between Dick Murdoch and Killer Karl Kox. HHH and D-Lo wore hoods rather than traditional blindfolds. It was entertaining, and they did some funny spots, including one where HHH thought D-Lo was in the corner and lectured him before attacking empty space. D-Lo almost slugged the referee, thinking he was HHH. D-Lo hit a sky high powerbomb on HHH. Flair distracted the ref, allowing HHH to cheat by simply lifting his hood. He pedigreed D-Lo, pulled the hood back down, and scored the pin.
Bischoff told Jeff Hardy, Bubba Ray Dudley, and Christian that he was making the TLC match a four-way tag match. He selected them because each had experience in TLC matches. He told them they could each pick their own partner. Christian acted like he didn't want to get involved in such a match and threatened not to do it, but Bischoff said he'd be suspended if he refused. Bischoff boasted to the showgirls that his roulette gimmick was great, but was dismayed that, standing between the two pretty showgirls, was Goldust in a showgirl outfit. He agreed that Bischoff was doing a great job, with an effeminate "hisssssss".
Regal beat Goldust in the showgirl match in 0:50. Goldust had tail feathers on his showgirl outfit. Security had to drag Regal out to the ramp. He was in full showgirl drag, including high heels and lipstick, and had chorus girl type entrance music. Normally matches like this are awful, but I have to admit this one was a laugh riot thanks to Regal. The match had barely started when Lance Storm arrived and tried to run in. Goldust slugged him, but that allowed Regal to pull the brass knux from his bra and KO Goldust for the pin.
Terri interviewed Christian, who said that at first he didn't like being put in the TLC match. But he then remembered that he has won three TLC bouts entirely on his own (forgetting about Edge). He called himself the TLC master. Christian said he won't pick any of the UnAmericans as a partner since he wants to win. Jericho walked up and said he's the only one other than Christian who has ever won a TLC match, so he suggested they should be a team. Christian liked the idea.
Bischoff spun the wheel to select the gimmick for the Trish Stratus women's title defense against Stacy Keibler. It came up as a "blank on a pole" match. Bischoff filled in the blank by making it a paddle on a pole. He then announced that he would add one more stip, and spun the wheel again. This time he cheated and interfered with the wheel so that it would land on "bra & panties" match. Bischoff combined the two stips by telling them the first girl to strip the other down to bra & panties would win, and would earn the right to paddle the pretty ass of the other. I'm not sure why the paddle would need to be on a pole for that stip, but since both girls are hot, who cares? Bischoff patted Stacy on the ass as she was leaving.
Bubba asked Tommy Dreamer to be his partner in the TLC match. Tommy agreed. Spike Dudley was there and looked disappointed. He said he had watched Bubba & D-Von in TLC matches in the past, and always wished he could be in one. Dreamer agreed that it would be good for Bubba & Spike to team as brothers, so Bubba picked Spike.
Stacy was heading out to the ring for her match. A crew guy told her that her shoe was untied so he could look at her ass when she bent over to check. Lawler said that crew guy is his hero.
Hour two began with Trish beating Stacy in the bra & panties paddle match in 2:19 to retain the women's title. Trish has new music. Stacy attacked Trish from behind and rammed her into the title belt, which was on the mat. Stacy threw some long-legged kicks. JR mentioned Stacy's flexibility and Lawler was dismayed that that was all JR noticed about her. He said if Lady Godiva rode out nude, all JR would notice would be the horse. Trish hit some chops and kicks. Trish got hung upside down in the corner. Stacy peeled her top off, but Trish immediately ripped Stacy's off to even the score. Stacy rolled Trish up and was about to pull Trish's bottom off, but Trish reversed the roll-up and pulled Stacy's bottom off for the win. Stacy blindsided Trish with a kick afterward and got the paddle but, you guessed it, Trish took the paddle from her. Stacy's ass got paddled a few times before she fled. Victoria then ran in and attacked Trish. Trish got beat up, moonsaulted, and rammed into the stairs. JR went off on Victoria, calling her sick and in need of a psychiatrist. This Victoria angle is pretty good.
Jonathan Coachman asked Jeff Hardy who his TLC partner would be. Jeff asked Rob Van Dam, who agreed in his standard laid back manner. So all four teams were set.
Coach asked Victoria why she's so hostile towards Trish. Victoria said to ask the little princess about her past. She claimed that Trish has hurt a lot of people, including her, though she predicted Trish would deny it if asked. She said Trish once hurt her, and now it's her turn to hurt Trish. So it's a mystery angle, which can be good if there's a believable storyline.
Al Snow beat Test in a street fight in 5:39. Both guys were already in the ring when Bischoff appeared on the Titantron to do the wheel spin. When "street fight" came up, he informed them that there were plenty of weapons stored under the ring for their use. Snow, by the way, got a nice pop coming out. JR claimed Bischoff signed Snow from Tough Enough, not from Smackdown, to explain his addition to the roster. Pretty much a standard hardcore style match, with lots of shots from signs, garbage cans, and lids. Snow did a great crossbody off the top. Snow did a Flair-type flip over the turnbuckle but then got walloped on the apron by a lid. Snow used a lid to block a powerbomb. Snow brought in a bowling bag, which drew a big pop because everyone thought Head might be in it. But it was a bowling ball. Snow scored the pin after several lid shots and a bowling ball shot.
Earlier in the show, Lawler had announced that he would wrestle, and was hoping the wheel would land on Hot Lesbian Action. JR told him it could also land on inferno match, which caused Lawler to worry a little.
Lawler beat Steven Richards in 2:24 in a "Legal in Nevada" match, which was the result of Bischoff's final spin of the night. As you might have guessed, Godfather came out with his hos. The stips meant that the winner would get to spend the evening with the legal-in-Nevada prostitutes. Lawler was ecstatic, and a "Jerry" chant started. The story of the match was that Lawler was determined to win with sex on the line. He dropped his strap, which didn't get much of a reaction since most of today's fans don't remember what a big deal that was in Memphis. Lawler hit the fist drop but Richards draped his leg over the rope to break the count. Richards went for a sunset flip but Lawler dropped on him and got the pin. Not much to the actual match, but the stip made it fun. The hos came in the ring and jumped all over Lawler. He left with them, leaving JR to do commentary alone for the main event. Hopefully an evening with a dozen hookers will relieve Lawler's sexual frustrations and he can stop dwelling on puppies all the time, but don't bet on it.
A Randy Orton promo video aired. I love these promos because they're so well done. Afterward, Orton was shown signing autographs at WWE World.
Terri interviewed Kane, calling him the Big Red Machine, with emphasis on the big part. Kane said he's been fighting against the odds his entire life and is now happier than he's ever been before. He vowed to be the first man to ever hold the World, tag, and IC belts simultaneously after beating HHH at No Mercy. Coach ran up and told Kane that HHH & Flair were beating up Hurricane. Kane ran to aid his partner, but by the time he got there, the damage had been done. Hurricane was beaten up too badly to participate in the TLC match. Kane was forced to go it alone.
Kane defeated RVD & Jeff Hardy, Bubba & Spike, and Jericho & Christian in the four-way TLC match to retain the tag titles in 25:07. What a spectacular main event! I can't possibly mention every highspot, expecially with seven guys going at it. I will mention, though, that Christian's new tights suck. Kane started off playing superman, bumping everyone who crossed his path. Several guys tried to climb the ladder early but all were pulled back down. RVD & Jeff tried to subdue Kane but he double lariated them. Kane went out and Jeff hit him with a lariat from off the rail. Bubba began walloping everyone with the ladder until Kane kicked it back into his face. RVD hit a big thrust Kick on Kane. They were putting Kane over huge in the early going. Spike took a big bump into the ladder. Bubba started to climb but Kane chokeslammed him off. Kane took a ladder shot to the face. RVD did the teeter-totter deal with the ladder, walloping Jericho and Christian. Jeff laid Kane out on a table after a chairshot and then legdropped him through the table from off a ladder. A scary bump! Bubba climbed again but Christian powerbombed him off. They went to a commercial break, and when they came out, two ladders were in the ring. Jericho bulldogged Bubba off one ladder, while RVD gave Christian a neckbreaker off the other. Christian went back up but Kane turned the ladder over and Christian got crotched. Jericho hit Bubba with a hard chairshot. RVD did the Van Terminator on Kane. Jeff suplexed Jericho on a ladder, which must have hurt like hell. Jeff then slammed Christian on a ladder. The crowd was red hot for all this. JR was also really into this on the mic. Bubba superplexed Jeff off a ladder. Jericho went up but Spike tipped the ladder and Jericho took a wild bump all the way out to the floor. Spike went up as JR called him a tough little bastard. Christian pulled Spike down. Spike tried for the Dudley Dog but Christian hurled him out through a table for a major bump. Christian took a Bubba Bomb off the ladder. RVD hit Christian with a frog splash. Jeff got backdropped from the ring and went through a table, which was a really sick bump. RVD hit Bubba with a Van Daminator. RVD went up but Jericho knocked him off with a chair. Jericho tried to climb. Kane, who had been selling the Van Terminator, revived and chokeslammed Jericho off the ladder. Kane then climbed and got both belts. Excellent main event! Afterward, HHH & Flair emerged on the ramp top. HHH said he had promised to do something to change Kane's life forever, so he asked him about someone named Katie Vick, or Thicke, or something like that (I couldn't make out the last name). HHH asserted that Katie died ten years ago, and that Kane killed her. The show ended with HHH calling Kane a murderer. I'm not sure what this angle portends. It sounds like a stupid shock angle, but I'll pass on commenting on it until we know for sure where it's heading, since otherwise RAW was so great this week.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
How sore are all the guys in that main event today?
If Spike is pound for pound the toughest guy in WWE, what does that make Big Show since he loses most of his matches while clocking in at over 500 pounds?
Is Godfather on RAW or Smackdown?
Don't they need to do a schoolgirl uniform match with Stacy and Trish?
Aren't you glad no midget matches came up on the wheel?
Aren't you glad the showgirl match wasn't Big Show in drag?
2002 - WWE issued the following press release, announcing the third season of Tough Enough:
Season Premier of WWE Tough Enough 3 Airs on MTV on Thursday, October 17th at 10 pm ET/PT
21 Semi-Finalists Are Whittled Down to the Final 13 Competitors Vying To Become the Next WWE Superstars; Interactive Audience Component Added to Competitor Elimination Process
WWE(TM) Tough Enough(TM) 3, a co-production of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) and MTV, kicks off its third season on MTV on October 17th at 10pm (ET/PT). The series documents the trials, excitement and challenges experienced by 13 competitors as they vie to become the WWE's(TM) next Superstars. Two competitors will win the ultimate prize -- contracts with WWE(TM).
An open casting call was held for WWE(TM) Tough Enough(TM) 3 through taped submissions. After receiving thousands of tapes, MTV and WWE(TM) executives conducted in-depth phone interviews with top candidates to narrow the field to 75 who were invited to appear at an interview/audition in-person in three cities: New Orleans, Denver and Chicago. There, applicants met with the WWE(TM) Superstar trainers to evaluate their physical condition and motivation resulting in a final group of semi-finalists to fly to Los Angeles for two full days of strength, cardio and in-ring training.
The first episode is a one-hour special that features a unique combination of comedy, drama, and action in which the field of 21 semi-finalists is narrowed to a group of 13 finalists. The series continues with 13 half-hour shows every Thursday night at 10:00 pm ET/PT. WWE(TM) Tough Enough(TM) 3 will give viewers an all access pass to witness firsthand the decision making process behind choosing the next WWE(TM) Superstar. Cameras were strategically located throughout the estate high in the Topanga Hills of California that housed the competitors and their training facility to capture the pressures of living together and competing against one another for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at stardom. WWE(TM) Superstars Al Snow(TM), Bill DeMott(TM), and Ivory(TM) are the trainers on WWE Tough Enough(TM) 3.
WWE(TM) Tough Enough(TM) 3 will incorporate an interactive fan element to the contestant elimination process for the first time this season. The winners will be announced during a live season finale (date TBD), where the results of the fan voting will help determine who is next awarded contracts with the WWE(TM).
The 21 semi-finalists featured in the season premiere are:
Amy, 25 yrs old, Minneapolis, MN
Chad, 24 yrs old, Wausau, WI
Eric, 23 yrs old, Northampton, PA
Greg, 25 yrs old, Arden, NC
James, 20 yrs old, Naples, FL
Jamie, 21 yrs old, Beaverton, OR
Jill, 20 yrs old, Stoneham, MA
John, 23 yrs old, Davis, CA
Jonah, 23 yrs old, Natick, MA
Julia, 22 yrs old, Framingham, MA
Justin, 24 yrs old, Tampa, FL
Kelly, 22 yrs old, Lynchburg, VA
Lisa, 25 yrs old, Livermore, CA
Matt, 23 yrs old, Kalamazoo, MI
Melina, 23 yrs old, Hesperia, CA
Nick, 20 yrs old, Peabody, MA
Rebekah, 23 yrs old, Lynchburg, VA
Rob, 23 yrs old, Wynnewood,PA
Sarah, 23 yrs old, Markham, Ontario Canada
Scott, 21 yrs old, Harrisonburg, VA
Voula, 26 yrs old, Toronto, Canada
Beth Holmes and Kevin Dunn are Executive Producers, and Craig Spirko is Supervising Producer for MTV's WWE(TM) Tough Enough(TM) 3. John Gaburick is WWE producer for Tough Enough(TM) 3. John Miller is Senior Vice President of Original Series Development for MTV. Carol Eng and Drew Tappon are Co-Executives in Charge of Production for MTV.
MTV Networks owns and operates the cable television programming services MTV: Music Television, MTV2, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, TV Land, VH1, CMT: Country Music Television, and TNN, as well as The Digital Suite from MTV Networks, a package of thirteen digital services, all of which are trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com Information on television ratings and community activities can be found at parents.wwe.com.
2002 - XPW TV aired in Philadelphia. Phil X. filed the following TV report:
XPW Monday Nightmare Episode #6 from 10/7/02 on WGTW Channel 48 out of Philadelphia/Burlington
Kris Kloss opens the show from Viking Hall. He is sitting around after Fallout has ended. He says we will see highlights from Fallout which happened just 2 days ago.
Segment #1- Highlights from XPW Fallout (Sandman vs. Pogo the Clown; Chris Hamrick vs. Chris Chetti; Mexico's Most Wanted vs. The Dead Presidents; Juventud Guerrera vs. Julio Dinero; Malice vs. Vic Grimes; Psicosis vs. Super Crazy; Altar Boy Luke vs. Supreme; Danny Doring vs. Kaos which included a sick bump by G.Q. Money over the rope and on to the guardrail; Shane Douglas vs. Chris Candido (who had his Funk tights on). Crowd size looked very similar to the Hostile Takeover crowd. This segment lasted about 6 minutes.
Segment #2- Four XPW video including various highlights of XPW action including some former stars such as Kronus, Major Gunns, New Jack, Vampiro, and Insane Clown Posse. Others featured were Webb, Jessica Darlin, Mexico's Most Wanted, Angel, Terry Funk, and many more. The final video was a highlight package from Liberty or Death (6/29/02). This lasted a total of 15 minutes.
Segment #3- XPW video highlight package from Damage Inc (8/25/01).
Segment #4- XPW video package
Segment #5- Hardcore Homo Angel video package.
Segment #6- Pogo the Clown video package
Segment #7- Vic Grimes video package
Segment #8- XPW video highlight package from New Years Revolution 2002 (1/11/02).
Segment #9- Terry Funk/Shane Douglas "Who Made Who?" video package
Segment #10- XPW video highlight package from Genocide (4/27/02).
NOTES:
This was a rather tame show as they are just 2 days removed from Fallout. I am sure things will pick up next week.
The Dead Presidents is the name of the tag team that I saw reported on the net. Is this their actual name?
Anyone who hasn't seen Mexico's Most Wanted work as a tag team should make a point to! They are VERY entertaining and are one of the best teams around right now.
XPW returns to Viking Hall on Saturday, November 16th. That will be my 4th show in a 7 day period since as of today I am planning on going to ROH and CZW on 11/9, PWF on 11/10, and XPW on 11/16!!! Who is jealous of Philly fans????
2002 - WWE Smackdown ran a live event in Tucson, Arizona. Mark Johns filed the following report:
- Funaki defeated Matt Hardy.
- Crash Holly & Bill DeMott (introduced as that) defeated Bull Buchanan & Shelton Benjamin.
- John Cena defeated Albert.
- Shannon Moore & Billy Kidman defeated Yoshihiro Tajiri & Chavo Guerrero.
- Brock Lesnar defeated Edge.
- Jamie Noble defeated Rey Mysterio.
- Chris Benoit defeated Big Valbowski.
- Billy & Chuck defeated D-Von Dudley & Faarooq.
- Rikishi defeated Kurt Angle. After the match, D-Von, Faarooq and Noble ran out, followed by Billy, Chuck and Rey Mysterio for a big brawl. The faces gave all the heels a stinkface.
2007 - WWE held their No Mercy Pay-per-view. Here is our original report from the show:
No Mercy opened with a video focusing on John Cena and his injury, putting over that Cena's title reign is over and that the "search for a champion begins" showing a montage of Raw starts.
Live in Chicago, Vince McMahon and William Regal came out to the ring as Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler welcomed us to the show. A covered pedestal was in the ring. Vince McMahon announced that John Cena would be out for six months to a year, and that he was no longer the WWE Champion. Vince McMahon guaranteed us that history would be made, and that we would have a WWE Championship match tonight. Vince heeled the crowd a bit, then said he "makes decisions for you" because he "knows what you want". The fans chanted "Y2J" and Vince said "I'm not going to give you that". Vince uncovered the pedestal, and the WWE spinner belt was on it. Vince then announced that Randy Orton was the new WWE Champion. Randy Orton came out and held up the title belt as tons of pyro went off.
William Regal congratulated Orton on being the new champion. William Regal said that Orton must defend the title tonight, and said that Orton would be allowed to decide which WWE star he wanted to defend the title against. "Y2J" chants started, and Vince told the crowd to shut up. Orton said he would not be defending the title tonight against John Cena. Orton said he was supposed to have a Last Man Standing match with Cena, but due to Cena's injury, that would not happen. Orton told Cena that it saved him the "embarrassment" of being defeated. "You suck" chant, and Vince told the crowd to shut up and show the champion respect. Orton said getting the title was a "long time coming" and that no one deserves to be WWE champion more than him. Orton bragged about putting Cena on the shelf, and said that there was "no one in the business that comes close to being..." and was cut off by Triple H's music.
Triple H came out to a huge ovation. He entered the ring and gave Orton a "golf clap". Triple H said he wanted to congratulate Orton on being the new WWE Champion, and that he knew Orton would be a "fighting champion". Triple H challenged Orton to defend the title against him "right here, right now". Orton said "No", and Triple H said he figured on that, saying Orton wouldn't want his second title reign to be shorter than his first. Vince reiterated that Orton said no. Triple H asked the crowd if they wanted to see it. They cheered. Triple H pointed out that Vince said he "gives the people what they want". Triple H noted that perhaps Vince was scared to give the people what they want, and that Vince was gutless and a coward. Triple H said Vince has "no balls". Triple H kept pushing Vince's buttons, including calling him an "old man" and that instead of grapefruits, he had "shriveled raisins". He got to Vince, who said "You're on!" and called for the referee. So much for Orton picking! First match of the night will be Triple H vs. Randy Orton.
WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Triple H
Orton ambushed Triple H as Vince distracted him, but Triple H quickly hit a back elbow and pounded Orton. Orton tired to go to the floor and leave, but Triple H went after him and tossed him back in the ring. Orton kicked Triple H as he got back in the ring, but Triple H ducked a clothesline and hit a jumping knee. Orton floated over a vertical suplex and hit a side backbreaker. Orton hit some punches on the mat, then choked Triple H in the corner. They exchanged punches, then Orton reversed a whip and hit a powerslam for a two count. Orton did a variation of the Garvin Stomp, then hit a kneedrop to the chest for a two count.
Orton applied a chinlock, but Triple H got to his feet. Orton went for a backdrop, but Triple H kicked it away and hit a clothesline. Triple H hit two clotheslines in corners, then a running forearm to the back of the head for a two count. Triple H put Orton on the top rope and set up for a superplex. Triple H nailed the superplex for a two count. Triple H ran into an Orton elbow, but then Orton ran into a Triple H spinebuster for a near fall. Orton left the ring, but Triple H went after him and tossed him back in. Orton kicked Triple H as he was climbing in, then nailed a DDT with Triple H's feet hanging on the second rope. Orton got a two count, then measured for the RKO. Triple H kicked it away and went for a Pedigree, but Orton backdropped out of it. Orton missed a kneedrop, and Triple H applied a figure four leglock.
Orton made the ropes to force the break. Orton grabbed Triple H by the trunks and pulled him through the ropes and to the floor. Triple H got on the apron and yanked Orton throat first across the top rope. Triple H went to the top rope, but Orton crotched him and Triple H fell into the ring. Orton charged Triple H, but Triple H moved and Orton ran shoulder first into the ringpost. Triple H cradled Orton and got the three count at the eleven minute mark. The crowd went nuts for the pin.
Winner and new WWE Champion: Triple H.
Triple H celebrated in the ring, and a dejected and upset Randy Orton walked up the aisle. Crowd went nuts for the title change and Triple H's celebration. The celebration continued for a while, with Jim Ross noting we had two new WWE Champions crowned inside of 35 minutes to start the PPV.
They cut backstage, where an upset Randy Orton walked up to Vince McMahon. McMahon looked at Orton, then turned and walked away without saying a word. Orton looked in total disbelief over what had happened.
They announced a "special bonus six-man tag team match".
Jeff Hardy, Brian Kendrick & Paul London vs. Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch & Mr. Kennedy.
The babyfaces came out first, then Cade & Murdoch came out. They said what happened last Monday was luck, and they had a new partner tonight, bringing out Mr. Kennedy. Kennedy had his mic lowered on the stage for his intro. Kendrick hit Cade with a crossbody block to start, then London tagged in with a sunset flip for a two count. Murdoch tagged in, then Hardy tagged in and hit a leg lariat in the corner and a jawbreaker, but Kennedy tagged in and went on offense on Hardy. Kennedy missed a kick in the corner and Jeff tagged Kendrick, while Kennedy tagged Cade. Kendrick hit some kicks, but Murdoch held the ropes open as Kendrick went to bounce off them and Kendrick fell to the floor.
Cade slammed Kendrick in the ring, and Murdoch tagged in and Cade lifted him into a legdrop on Kendrick for a two count. Murdoch stepped off the middle rope for a trio of kneedrops to Kendrick's gut. Kennedy tagged in and stomped Kendrick, then hit a running kick to the head that almost knocked Kendrick to the floor. Kennedy pulled him to the center of the ring for a two count, then applied a cravate. Kennedy pulled Kendrick into his corner and tagged in Cade. Cade set up for a superplex, but Kendrick headbutted and kicked Cade away and hit a flying DDT. Murdoch tagged in, but Kendrick made the hot tag to Jeff Hardy. Jeff hit Murdoch with a flying forearm and a Swingblade clothesline, then dropped Murdoch with a gourdbuster. Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb, but Cade broke up the cover. London ran in and gave Cade a rana. Kennedy tagged in, but Hardy gave him a mulekick. London tagged in and hit a springboard dropkick on Kennedy. London hit some kicks, while on the floor, Jeff missed a dive on Cade off the security wall. London tried to climb the top rope, but Murdoch went to stop him. Kendrick took Murdoch off the apron with a bodypress. London went to the top rope, but Kennedy grabbed him and hit the forward flip Samoan Drop for the pin at the eight minute mark.
Winners: Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch & Mr. Kennedy.
Backstage, Batista approached Triple H. He congratulated him and told Triple H that "it's a lot harder to keep it than to win it" which is what Triple H told Batista last time they were face to face. Triple H wished Batista luck in his match tonight, and Batista walked off. Vince McMahon went up the Triple H and said he does give the people what they want, and they would get the advertised Triple H vs. Umaga match tonight. Vince said the WWE Title would be on the line, and walked off.
ECW Champion CM Punk vs. Big Daddy V, with Matt Striker.
Tazz and Joey Styles talked about how Big Daddy V stole the title shot from Tommy Dreamer (saying Matt Striker convinced Armando Estrada to allow BDV to do it) as BDV came out. CM Punk got a big pop from his hometown crowd. They locked up at the bell and BDV threw Punk to the mat. Punk rolled to the floor. Punk got in and went for a leg, but Big Daddy V took him down to the mat and rode Punk on the mat, hitting crossface shots to the face. Punk got out from under him and hit some kicks, including an enzugiri, but couldn't knock him down. V shoved Punk into a corner and hit a chop, but missed an avalanche. Punk hit a top rope dropkick and knocked Big Daddy V down. Matt Striker, rather inexplicably, ran in and hit Punk, causing a DQ in about two minutes.
Winner via DQ: CM Punk.
An angry Big Daddy V gave Punk a Samoan Drop, then three elbowdrops, laying out Punk. Striker gave Bid Daddy V the title belt, and he held it up and then threw it down on Punk before leaving. Punk had to be helped from the ring, and was spitting up blood as fans chanted "CM Punk". They played up that Punk had internal injuries from the elbowdrops.
A commercial for WWE Tag Team Champions MVP & Matt Hardy vs. Undertaker & Kane on Smackdown this week was shown. JBL and Michael Cole then discussed the MVP-Hardy feud, showing clips from their various competitions. We are now going to have a pizza eating competition. Tazz hosted, discussing the differences between New York and Chicago-style pizzas. Tazz brought out the judges for the contest: Melina and Maria. Tazz said the women would keep score of who eats the most pizza. MVP and Hardy, in street clothes, then made their entrances. MVP got on the mic and said he was on a strict training regimen and diet, and said he doesn't eat garbage. MVP comments on the Chicago Deep Dish pizza, saying that is why Chicago is one of the fattest cities in the world. Maria said she is from Chicago, and asked if she was fat. MVP said pizza obviously doesn't help your IQ. MVP said he was more concerned about his "slower" partner Matt Hardy eating so much pizza. MVP and Hardy then argued about their past competitions, with Hardy saying MVP only won competitions by cheating. Tazz finally got them to stop bickering and have the contest. MVP promised he would not lose for all of his fans.
The rules were to eat as much pizza as possible in two minutes. They had a stack of pizzas, but they were having trouble even finishing one thick slice of the Chicago pies. Matt shoved down once slice pretty quick, then with thirty seconds left, had two slices down. MVP still hadn't eaten one. Matt never finished a third. Matt wins, two slices to none.
This was the most pathetic pizza eating contest ever. I could beat both of them, after finishing Thanksgiving dinner.
MVP started to complain, and Matt barfed on MVP's white jumpsuit. Of course, we had an instant replay of that as well. Hardy left, with a smile on his face.
They plugged Cyber Sunday, and noted that fans would decide a referee for the World Title match at the show with the choices being Mick Foley, JBL and Steve Austin. Looks like Roddy Piper is out of the running.
The history leading to Triple H vs. Umaga was shown.
For those of you who care, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are about to call their third match of the night, while Joey Styles & Tazz called less than three minutes of action, and JBL & Michael Cole got to call a pizza eating contest.
WWE Champion Triple H vs. Umaga.
Umaga grabbed the belt from the referee and tried to hit Triple H with it, but Triple H hit a series of punches as the bell rang. They traded shots, and Triple H hit a DDT, but Umaga got right up from it. Umaga charged Triple H, who pull down the top rope and Umaga fell to the floor. Triple H went outside and rammed Umaga into the steps headfirst. Umaga felt nothing, and rammed Triple H into the steps. Umaga tossed Triple H into the ring and hit a savate kick. Umaga jumped off the bottom rope and stomped Triple H. then hit some shots to the head. Umaga went to the second rope, but missed the diving headbutt. Triple H threw some punches and hit a facebuster, but Umaga wasn't hurt at all. Triple H kicked Umaga in the gut and went for Pedigree, but Umaga backdropped him. Umaga went for the Samoan Spike, but Triple H ducked it and hit a spinebuster. Triple H went for the Pedigree again, but Umaga blocked it and hit a Samoan Drop.
Umaga kicked at Triple H's ribs, and the champion rolled to the floor. Umaga followed him out and rammed him into the security wall. Umaga grabbed the title belt and stared at it, then went back to work on Triple H, rolling him back into the ring. Umaga put Triple H in a bearhug, but Triple H got out with an eye rake. Umaga gave Triple H a swinging sidewalk slam for a two count. Umaga hit a headbutt to the gut, then drove a knee into Triple H's ribs. Umaga went for the running posterior butt in the corner, but Triple H moved out of the way. Umaga charged again, and Triple H hit a boot to the face. Umaga charged a third time, and Triple H moved out of the way. Umaga went head first into the ringpost, and Triple H hit the Pedigree for the pin at the seven minute mark.
Winner: Triple H.
They plugged that a version of the Bret Hart DVD will be on PPV all this month.
The Great Khali was shown in mediation in the back, preparing for the Punjabi Prison match. Ranjin Singh talked about how you need a "sound mind and dark soul" to win the Punjabi Prison match. Singh said Khali was praying to "the most evil of Hindu gods".
Rey Mysterio vs. Fit Finlay.
Huge pop for Mysterio's entrance. This is a really live crowd. They locked up at the bell, and Finlay backed Mysterio into a corner. They locked up again and Rey grabbed an arm wringer, but Finlay punched him down. Mysterio hit some leg kicks, slid under Finlay and dropkicked his legs out. Rey hit a legdrop as Finlay tried to get up, then hit a slingshot kick and a slingshot splash for a two count. Mysterio hit a pair of forearms, then a series of punches in the corner. Finlay reversed a whip and sent Rey hard into the corner. Finlay whipped Rey into the opposite corner, but Rey dropkicked his legs out again. Finlay went to the apron, and Mysterio hit some kicks to the leg. Rey went for a sunset flip powerbomb off the apron to the floor, but Finlay pulled the ring apron over Rey's head and hit a series of kicks and punches.
Back in the ring, Finlay slid Rey chest first across the ring, sending him shoulder first into the ringpost. Finlay yanked Mysterio's arm into the post, then pulled him into the center of the ring and applied a Fujiwara armbar. Mysterio punched out of it, but Finlay hit a short arm clothesline for a two count. Finlay wrapped Rey's arm around the middle rope and kicked it. Finlay dropped an elbow for a two count. Mysterio fought back with kicks and punches, but Finlay grabbed a hammerlock. Rey used a snap mare to get out of it, sending Finlay head first into the middle turnbuckle. Mysterio hit some punches, then a springboard cross bodyblock off the middle rope for a two count.
Rey hit a springboard senton, then a dropkick to the face for a two count. Rey went for a bodyscissors, but Finlay shoved it off. Finlay went for a back suplex, but Rey flipped over it and dropkicked him in the back. Finlay fell in 619 position, but as Rey ran off the ropes, Finlay turned and blasted him with a clothesline for a two count. Rey went for a headscissors, but Finlay blocked it and hit a shoulder breaker for a two count. Finlay pulled off a turnbuckle pad, but the referee grabbed it from him. As the referee went to put the pad back, Finlay went for the shillelagh, but Rey stopped him from using it and used a rana to send Finlay to the floor. Finlay got on the apron, and Rey went for the 619, but Finlay ducked it. Rey hit a standing kick to the head instead. Finlay was hanging over the middle rope. Rey went to the top rope and hit a guillotine legdrop to the back of the head. Finlay snapped off the ropes and took a sick back bump to the floor.
The referee checked Finlay, who wasn't responding. Finlay opened his eyes and turned his head as the referee moved away, then went back to playing dead. They brought out a stretcher and put Finlay in a neck brace. They started to stretcher him out, but then Finlay jumped off the stretcher and ambushed Mysterio from behind on the floor. Finlay pounded Rey unmercifully on the floor. The fan chanted "Finlay sucks". Finlay hit a running kick to Rey's head. The referee ordered Finlay to leave. I never heard any bell. I guess the match ends at the thirteen minute mark.
Result: No contest (I guess).
JBL and Cole argued, with JBL saying Finlay "made impact", while Cole noted that he didn't win the match.
A "Save Us 222" promo aired, ending with the words "2nd Coming".
Backstage, Triple H was having his ribs iced down. Vince McMahon entered and said he was giving the fans what he promised. He promised them a new WWE Champion, he promised them a WWE Championship match, and he also promised them that history would be made. He said "history wasn't done being made" and that Randy Orton had requested his automatic rematch. Vince said the rematch would happen tonight, and it would be a Last Man Standing match. Vince wondered if Triple H could even stand now. Triple H got up and stared at Vince. Vince wished him luck with a smirk.
Women's Champion Candice Michelle vs. Beth Phoenix.
Candice now has a ring robe with giant angel's wings on it. Phoenix muscled Candice in a corner, then hit a hiptoss. She went for another, but Candice blocked it. Candice leapfrogged Phoenix and rolled her up into a Backlund Bridge, but Phoenix broke out of it and hit a forearm to the back. Phoenix hit some shoulderblocks in the corner, but Candice came back with some kicks and a dropkick to the chest for a two count. Candice applied a shortarm scissors on Phoenix. Phoenix tried to stand up with it, but then just broke free and dropped an elbow instead. Candice went to the second rope for a bodypress, but Phoenix caught it and hit a powerslam for a two count. Phoenix hit a pair of elbows to the shoulder and applied a cobra clutch. Candice rolled backwards in the hold into a pinning position, but Phoenix rolled through it and kept the hold on. Candice lunged forward into a corner and sent Phoenix into the turnbuckles to break the hold.
Candice hit some punches and kicks, then sort of hit a spinkick. Candice went to the top rope and hit a flying bodypress, but Phoenix kicked out. Phoenix powered Candice into a corner, but Candice flipped over her into a sunset flip, but Phoenix kicked out. Phoenix hit a backbreaker and a cradled suplex for the clean pin at the five minute mark.
Winner and new Women's Champion: Beth Phoenix.
Phoenix looked like she was going to cry as they gave her to belt. Phoenix went to ringside and said she had something to say. Jerry Lawler went to interview her. Phoenix reiterated what Vince McMahon had said about history being made. Phoenix said she was the perfect combination of beauty and strength, and that she was ushering in the "era of the Glamazon".
They showed the events leading to the Punjabi Prison match.
World Champion Batista vs. The Great Khali in a Punjabi Prison match.
There is a bamboo cage around the ring with four trap doors. If a wrestler requests, a door is opened for 60 seconds, then is locked shut. A second bamboo cage surrounds ringside with spikes on the top of it. You have to successfully escape both cages to win. Batista slid into the ring to start the match, and Khali hit him with a clothesline. Khali went for a chop, but Batista blocked it and knocked Khali into the ropes. Khali got tied in the ropes. Batista hit some shots and charged, but Khali got a boot up. Khali hit a big chop, then called for a door. Batista hooked Khali's leg to stop him from leaving. Batista hit some shots, then Khali threw Batista in the corner. The door was shut, and locked. One door down.
Khali continued his awesome offensive arsenal of shoves and "sort of like a punch" moves. Khali hit a boot to the face, then executed a bodyslam. Khali missed a legdrop, then Batista hit a spear. Batista called for a door, but Khali hooked his leg. Batista punches and kicked Khali then got to the apron, but Khali grabbed him and hit some forearms to the chest. Khali choked Batista against the cage and the door was shut. Two doors down.
Khali used a rope from one of the doors to choke Batista. Khali pulled a leather strap that was used to bind the cage together down and whipped Batista with it. Khali called for a door, but Batista hit Khali with a spinebuster. Batista crawled for the door, but Khali grabbed his legs. Batista tried to kick him away, but the door closed. Three doors down (insert joke here).
Batista picked up the leather strap and whipped Batista repeatedly. Batista climbed to the top rope, and Khali climbed up as well. Then Batista slid off the ropes and to the mat. Khali lowered himself to the second rope. They teased Batista pulling Khali off the ropes into a powerbomb, but Khali punched him down. Khali got down off the ropes. Khali applied the vice grip and squeezed Batista's head. Batista dropped to his knees. Khali called for the final door while still applying the hold. As Khali released the hold, Batista hit Khali in the groin. Both men were down on the mat. Batista climbed halfway through the door. The idea was for Khali to slam the door down on Batista, but it came down slow and awkwardly. Khali pushed it down on Batista anyway. Khali pulled Batista back into the ring, and the door was closed and locked. No more doors. An angry Khali reached through the cage and knocked down the referee.
Khali tried to climb the cage and ropes, but Batista pulled him down, into the ropes. Khali was grabbing his leg after hitting the mat. Batista tried to climb the cage, but Khali pulled him down, slamming him into the mat. Khali slowly climbed up the cage and down the other side. From ringside, Khali started to climb the other cage. Batista got up and quickly scaled the inside cage. Khali was at the top of the second cage. Batista went over the top of his cage, then jumped from the inside cage to the outside cage. Khali was climbing down the outside cage. Batista got over the top of the second cage, and won the race down the other side at the sixteen minute mark.
Winner: Batista.
They recapped the events of earlier tonight concerning the WWE Championship.
Todd Grisham interviewed Triple H, saying he had to be hurt. Triple H said if anyone thinks "the game is over", he is "just getting started". Triple H said this is a dangerous business, and that Randy Orton needs to be "ready to get hurt".
WWE Champion Triple H vs. Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match.
They started slugging it out at the bell. Orton hit a shot to the ribs to take the advantage, and continued to hit shots to the body. Triple H rolled to the floor and Orton followed, hitting an uppercut on the outside. Triple H hit a kick to the gut and teased a Pedigree on the ramp, but Orton blocked it and tripped Triple H, sending him down hard on the ramp. Orton hit a shot to the head, then rammed him into the ringsteps. Back in the ring, Orton hit a shot to the ribs, then another body shot. Orton slugged Triple H down and stomped on his mid-section. Triple H got up at a four count, and Orton knocked him to the floor.
Orton hit a back suplex, dropping Triple H back first across the security wall. The referee began counting Triple H down on the floor on the outside, but Triple H was up at six. Triple H fired off some punches, but Orton hit the ribs again and whipped Triple H into the steps. Triple H was down for a six count again. Orton shoved Triple H into the ring, waited for him to get up, then hit a standing dropkick. Triple H was down for an eight count. Orton hit a punch and went for a backdrop, but Triple H blocked it and hit a facebuster on his knee. Both men were down, and up at three. Orton hit a side backbreaker. Triple H got up and shoved Orton in the face. Orton hit a series of punches and an uppercut, then a kick to the ribs. Orton went to the floor and grabbed a television cable. Orton applied a bodyscissors and choked Triple H around the throat with the cable.
Orton released his hold and choke, and Triple H was down for a nine count, using the ropes to get up. Orton threw Triple H to the floor, then cleared off the ECW announce table. Orton then cleared off the Raw table, and hit Triple H with a monitor. Orton pulled Triple H up on the Raw table and went for an RKO off the Raw table into the ECW table, but Triple H shoved Orton off and he went through the ECW table alone. The referee counted Orton down on the floor for a nine count. Orton kicked Triple H in the ribs and went to whip him into the ringpost, but Triple H blocked it and hit a spinebuster on the floor. Both men were down. Triple H was up at eight, Orton at nine. Triple H grabbed a section of the ringsteps and hit Orton in the head with them. Fans were counting along with the referee. Orton up at nine again.
Triple H tossed Orton into the ring, then grabbed a chair. Triple H went to use the chair, but Orton kicked him in the gut. Orton hit a DDT into the chair. Both men were down. Orton was up at eight, Triple H at nine. Orton pummeled Triple H in a corner with punches and stomps. Orton set up the chair in the ring. Orton went for an RKO into the setup chair. He hit it (sort of, didn't really seem to be that close to the chair). Triple H was busted open. He started to get up at eight, and barely got both knees off the mat at nine.
Leaning on the ropes, a bloody mess, Triple H gave Orton a crotch chop, then collapsed to the mat. Orton measured Triple H for the kick to the head. Orton went for it, but Triple H grabbed his leg. A bloody, trembling Triple H stood up, still holding Orton's leg. Triple H hit a clothesline, then threw Orton to the floor. Triple H bounced Orton around ringside, into the steps and Smackdown announce table. Orton was rammed into the table over and over. Triple H went to put Orton on the Raw announce table, but he fell off. Triple H grabbed Orton and went for a Pedigree, but Orton tripped out of it and gave Triple H a catapult into the ringpost. The referee got to a seven count, as Orton grabbed the ringsteps and went to hit Triple H with them. Triple H hit Orton with a low blow, and Orton fell down, his head landing in the "V" of the ring steps as he dropped them. Triple H grabbed a chair and blasted Orton in the back of the head, sandwiching it with the ringsteps (in the "V"). The referee counted Orton, who was now bleeding a bit from the forehead. Orton managed to get up at nine. Triple H put Orton on the Raw table and set up for the Pedigree, but Orton blocked it and hit the RKO on the table.
Triple H was on the table as the referee began his count, and Orton rolled into the ring. Triple H fell off the table at six, and was on the floor, at eight, he started to pull himself up with the apron, but he didn't get his other knee off the ground in time and the referee reached ten at the twenty minute mark.
Winner and new WWE Champion: Randy Orton.
A bloody Triple H was pulling himself up on the announce table as Orton left with the belt to end the show.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on SyFy. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's coverage of ECW on Sci Fi. Matt Striker and Todd Grisham plugged the eight man tag team main event.
Finlay (with Hornswoggle) & Tommy Dreamer vs. Mike Knox & Jack Swagger
Finlay and Knox started off with Finlay outwrestling him and nailing a catapult into the turnbuckles followed by a low shot. Dreamer tagged in and they double suplexed Finlay for a two count. Dreamer rebounded off the ropes for a bulldog on Knox. He nailed a clothesline but it failed to topple Knox. Swagger nailed Dreamer from behind so Dreamer knocked him off the apron. Dreamer came off the apron to the floor on Swagger but was nailed with a big boot as he returned to the ring, knocking him back to the outside.
When they returned from commercial, Knox was using a chinlock to manhandle Dreamer. Dreamer fought back to his feet but was nailed with a high vertical suplex. Dreamer kicked up at two. Knox nailed Finlay off the apron to distract the referee, allowing Dreamer to be double teamed. Swagger slammed Dreamer and went for a splash off the turnbuckles, but Dreamer moved. Knox and Finlay tagged in, with Finlay cleaning house. Knox missed a charge in the corner and was nailed with a leg lariat off the ropes. Finlay nailed the Irish Roll but Swagger broke the pinfall.
Dreamer knocked Swagger off the apron. Hornswoggle nailed Knox low and Finlay snapped the shillelagh over his head, scoring the pin.
Your winners, Tommy Dreamer and Finlay!
Solid tag match. I was surprised by the result.
Backstage, Tiffany and Teddy Long were in costume as part the Halloween theme for Sci Fi. Jamie Noble showed up and was trying to flirt with Tiffany saying he was the greatest wrestler of all time. Mark Henry and Tony Atlas stormed in and demanded Matt Hardy. Henry shoved past Noble and told him they had grown men's business. Noble told Henry not to disrespect him in front of his "new girl." Henry told Long that if he wasn't going to get Hardy, he wanted to use Noble as an appetizer. Noble stood his ground, trying to impress Tiffany and told Long to make the match. After making sure that Noble meant it, Long did. Tiffany's acting was horrible!
They ran a promo for the long awaited return of the Boogeyman.
After a plug for the Cyber Sunday PPV, Mark Henry made his way to the ring.
Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas) vs. Jamie Noble
Noble tried to take down Henry with a go behind but was shrugged off. Henry measured and kicked him in the chest. Henry smothered him against the ropes and slammed him down, but only received a two count. Henry choked Noble against the turnbuckles, then whipped him into the opposite corner. Henry charged but Noble avoided him. Noble tried to go after the leg Henry "hurt" at the PPV, but was caught with a clothesline. Henry put Noble on the top rope but Jamie fought him off. Noble dove off the ropes for a flying bodypress but was caught, slammed and pinned.
Your winner, Mark Henry!
Henry continued to beat on Noble until Matt Hardy, music and all, hit the ring for the save. He dazed Henry and nailed the Twist of Fate on Tony Atlas. Henry caught Hardy with the World's Strongest Slam, then nailed a big splash.
The segment was fine for what it was designed to be - something to build Henry back up as a monster after his loss and to give Noble some sympathy.
The Raw Rebound recapped the announcement of the World title referee voting.
They recap what just went down.
CM Punk & Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne & Ricky Ortiz vs. WWE Tag Team champs Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes and The Miz & John Morrison (with Manu)
They started out fast with Morrison taking a lot of big moves from the babyface side. The heels tried to hit the ring after an Evan Bourne rana but the babyfaces cleared it and stood dominant as they went to commercial. A fun kickoff.
When they returned from the ring, Rhodes was working over Bourne. They showed clips of Manu interfering during the commercial break. DiBiase tagged in and tied up Bourne in a hold as Punk rallied the crowd. Morrison and Miz tagged in and double teamed Bourne, who kept kicking up. Miz and Morrison continued to take turns wearing down Bourne. Bourne fought his way towards a tag but Morrison prevented it.
Bourne finally made the tag to Punk, who nailed a leg lariat on Morrison. Punk caught a powerslam for a two count. The match broke down into everyone brawling. Ortiz nailed a dive on Cody and DiBiase. Kofi followed suit. Punk went to nail the GTS on Morrison but Manu interfered. DiBiase snapped Punk over the ropes and he stumbled into the Moonlight Drive. Morrison scored the pin.
Your winners, WWE Tag Team champs Ted DiBiase & Cody Rhodes and The Miz & John Morrison!
This showed some real flashes of entertaining brilliance but time restraints kept them from truly scratching the surface. Still, it was good and it was something else to see an Arena going nuts for eight fresher, young stars, which to me, sends a message that it's time to give this crew the spotlight already. Whether WWE will ever do that is another story. I guess we'll have to see.
2009 - Highspots.com began soliciting offers for Ric Flair's NWA World title belt after the two sides did not come to terms over money owed to the wrestling retailer. They were looking for bids of $75,000 minimum.
2010 -Bruce Prichard began working for TNA. Within a year, he would rise to the head of talent relations as well a lead creative writer for TNA Storylines.
2010 - In New Mexico, WWE Studios began filming the John Cena film "Blood Brothers", which would eventually be changed to "The Reunion"
2010 - TNA broadcast a "Before the Glory" special edition of Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
We open the show with Abyss...um...holding Dixie Carter hostage. He's handcuffed himself to he and is forcing her to walk through the backstage area with him and telling everyone to get out of his way. He's got Janice and Bob over his shoulder, and she's pleading with him to stop and leave her alone, but he keeps yelling at her to shut up and keep walking. Well, that's...disturbing. They make their way out of the back and into the crowd and she continues screaming and trying to get away while he rants and raves about how he's been saying that THEY are coming and on 10/10/10, THEY will take total control of TNA. He tells Dixie that she and the silver spoon in her mouth are gone. Abyss asks one last question before Sunday: does Dixie prefer Janice or Bob?
Eric Bischoff comes running out and tries to talk some sense into Abyss, but he holds everyone back with Janice. They have a tense staredown for several moments until Abyss finally unlocks the handcuffs and Dixie runs into the protective arms of D-Lo Brown and Simon Diamond, who spirit her away to safety. Bischoff says it's over and motions to the camera to cut to commercial. Bischoff climbs in the ring and then...STING'S MUSIC HITS. Bischoff grabs a radio headset from a ringside attendant and starts to talk into it as Sting, Nash, and Pope make their way out of the back and we go to commercial.
Okay, we're back and the Pope has the mic. He says that maybe it's time Pope retracted his statement from last week, because last week, Pope looked the world in the eyes and told them that he is a no good son of a Bischoff. But maybe he's not, because you can't be a no good son of a Bischoff if he's out here running a one trick pony show the way he is and playing the smoke and mirrors. Pope can tell him that all the black hat and white stuff will be revealed pretty soon, and on 10/10/10, at Bound For Glory, the walls are gonna come crashing down and the walls are gonna fall on Bischoff. Bischoff tells Pope that he respects the hell out of him, but he doesn't know what he's talking about, he doesn't even have a clue. Pope says that they're not 300 lions, they're three calculating wolves, and Bischoff's made it perfectly clear that this may be bigger than Pope, and Bischoff says it's much bigger than him but Bischoff can't help him because Pope doesn't have a clue what's going on. While Nash and Sting are leading Pope around like a dog, Pope's just going in the wrong direction. Pope says he's tired of talking to Bischoff and wants to know what it's all about. Bischoff says it's all about Sting and Hogan, and then Sting takes the mic and says Bischoff's dead on that it's all about he and Hogan. What started 10 years ago is going to come crashing down at Bound For Glory and he wants Hogan back in the ring. But it's not about wrestling anymore, it's about life, isn't it Eric? It's about two men who took different roads down different paths, but this is the end of the line, and he asks if Hogan is ready to put it all out there and put everything that he is and everything he's about on the line? At Bound For Glory, when Hogan's true character is revealed, will he be ready to walk away? Sting tells Bischoff to answer him now, and Bischoff says he has nothing to say to him. Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe come running out but Bischoff tells them not to do it because he'll handle it. If they want the answers, he'll give them the answers. Bischoff says what Sting wants is something to fill the big black hole in his heart. Bischoff says they're challenging a guy who is in intensive care as we speak, but that doesn't matter because nothing's going to fill the hole in their heart, and he's going to show them proof: he points to the screen for shots of Hogan in the hospital. Bischoff asks them if they're man enough to see video of Hogan in the hospital, and they've been believing their own BS for so long that they believe it, but there it is: eight surgeries since February of 2009. Bischoff says that if they want to kick his ass then have at it, because he really doesn't give a damn. Crowd cheers big for that one. But if they want to fight, Jarrett and Joe will fight them, so he makes a handicap match for Bound For Glory with Jarrett and Joe against Nash, Sting, and Pope.
We go out back as the Mysterious Cameraman catches Mickie James getting out of a car and asks her what she's doing here. She says that he'll just have to wait and find out just like everyone else.
Up next: Madison Rayne & Tara face Velvet Sky & Angelina Love for the rights to the Beautiful People name!
We see a video package hyping the TNA World Title match at Bound For Glory and the history of what led into the match.
We go to a video promo of Team 3D in Times Square in New York City, talking about how this was where Team 3D was born and bred, and at Bound For Glory, TNA will make the biggest announcements of their career, one that will change tag team wrestling forever.
Let's go to the ring for our first match...
Winner Owns The Beautiful People Name: Madison Rayne & Tara vs Angelina Love & Velvet Sky
Madison and Tara break the Unspoken Code of Wrestling: they attacked the Beautiful People during their entrance before they got done posing. Kevin Dunn would have a heart attack if that happened in WWE. Rayne and Tara double team Angelina and hit a double Russian Legsweep and Tara covers for 2. Tara gets a chinlock and Angelina reverses to a small package, but Madison distracted the referee and he missed the pinfall. Angelina tags in Velvet and she hits a series of shots and a bulldog, but Madison kicks her in the back as she comes off the ropes and then Tara nails her from before and sends her to the floor. Miss Tessmacher comes out to take notes on the division she is now managing as Madison tosses Velvet back in where Tara chokes her out in the corner. Madison tags in and chokes Velvet as well, Velvet reverses a whip into the corner and Madison tries a leapfrog, but can't quite make it over Velvet, who catches Madison and drops her on her face. Velvet makes the hot tag and Angelina comes in and cleans house on Madison and hits the Botox Injection, and Madison tags out to Tara, which then leads to Angelina pummeling her 2-on-1 and hitting a double martial arts kick, and Angelina covers Tara for the win.
Winners: Angelina Love & Velvet Sky
Madison and Tara start to argue after the match, but Miss Tessmacher grabs a mic and reminds them that all four of them are in the ring for the Knockouts Title, and it won't be a tag match, it'll be a four way for the Knockouts Title. She then reminds them that this isn't a BFF club, it's a competition, and to ensure that all four of those skanks (her words) play by her rules, she's assigning a special referee: hey, it's Mickie James! I don't know what she looked like in Portugal, but she looks great to me! Crowd starts a big Mickie chant, and then Mickie says it's sad that there's no warm welcome for the newest Knockout, but everyone knew she'd make an Impact and would be Bound For Glory. It'll be her honor to crown the Knockouts Champion, but as she raises their hand in victory, she has her eyes on one thing only because there's one thing that Mickie James does, and that's make history, and therefore it'll be their pleasure when she wins the Knockouts Title and becomes the first woman to hold every title known to womankind, and that's Epic!
We go to Mick Foley from a book signing in Massachusetts where he is just days away from wrestling Ric Flair in a Last Man Standing match, and he's not taking anything for granted because if he beats Flair, Flair will kiss his ass on national television, and Foley plans on being the Last Man Standing. And that match is up...NEXT!
Backstage, Dixie Carter tells Eric Bischoff that she wants him to fire Abyss, and that he should have done this a long time ago. Bischoff wants time to solve this, and Dixie says no more time, she wants him to fire Abyss tonight and do it in the ring in front of everybody where he'll be humiliated like he humiliated her tonight.
Back to the ring for feature bout #1...
Last Man Standing Match: Ric Flair vs Mick Foley
They tie up and Flair takes Foley to the corner and drills Foley in the Jaw and unloads with a series of chops and punches, then tears the tape off the cut on Foley's head and punches him in the cut, opening him right back up and Foley's bleeding already. Flair kicks Foley in the cajones and pitches him to the floor, then goes out after him and rams him headfirst into the guardrail a couple of times, but Foley mulekicks Flair in the groin and rolls him back in the ring, then grabs a barbed wire bat from under the ring. He heads back in and bashes Flair in the head with it twice, and then Flair flagrantly blades on camera and starts bleeding. Flair bails out to the floor and tries to head back to the broadcast table to get away from Foley, but Foley follows him and they start brawling by the announce table and then out to the stage. Foley takes the bat and grinds it into Flair's forehead, but Flair goes to the eyes and tosses Foley off the stage and through a table. You know, Foley really doesn't need to take bumps like that at this point in his life, in much the same way as we don't need to take a commercial break. Unfortunately, that's exactly what we do right now.
Okay, we're back and in the ring, and as Flair drops an elbow on Foley for a 2 count, we go back to the commercial break when Flair beat Foley up with his own book and then kicked it out of the ring. Flair continues laying the beating on Foley in the corner and kicks him in the ribs, then goes out to the floor and grabs a bag from under the ring. He pours it out inside the ring and wouldn't you know it, it's full of tacks. You know, I thought Flair spent years busting on Foley for relying on all the blood and hardcore stuff. That's all Flair does anymore. Flair tries to go after Foley again, but Foley fights back and backdrops Flair onto the thumbtacks. It really starts to get uncomfortable watching Flair do this kind of stuff. But wait, it gets better: Foley goes under the ring and pulls out a barbed wire board, sliding it in the ring and then going after Flair in the corner. Foley with rapid fire rights in the corner and then grabs the barbed wire board and holds it in front of him as he charges at Flair in the corner. He tells the referee to start the count, but Flair makes it to his feet. Flair and Foley go toe to toe with Foley coming out on top, and then Foley goes under the ring AGAIN, and this time gets just a plain old table, but I guarantee that it won't lead to anything good. Foley sets up the table and then goes after Flair, but Flair with a pair of groin uppercuts and then he lays Foley on the table. Flair grabs the barbed wire board and hits Foley with it like a chair, then goes up to the top rope and splashes Foley through the table. This is so surreal to watch. Both men are down and the referee starts counting as the crowd chants TNA, and Flair makes it up, then does the Flair Flop face first into the tacks as Foley makes it to his feet, and the ref counts 10 and awards the win to Foley.
Winner: Mick Foley
This was just brutal on so many levels, but absolutely blew away the matches they had a few years ago in WWE. Foley grabs the mic as Flair starts to head to the back and reminds him of the stipulation that Flair has to kiss Foley's ass. Foley would have been content to shake Flair's hand because he is a great man, but a deal is a deal, and he wants Flair to come back and kiss his ass. Flair has an understandable lack of enthusiasm, but slowly makes his way back into the ring as Foley tells him the fighting is over, but the kissing has just begun. Suddenly, Fortune runs out of the crowd and jump Foley 7-on-1 but EV2.0 runs out of the back and chases Fortune off. Flair gets a mic and says that's kissing your ass, and on Sunday, they're going to kiss all their asses and then calls them EV 2 My Ass.
We go to Mike and Taz as they talk about the physicality of the match we just saw, and wonders what we're going to see when EV2.0 faces Fortune in Lethal Lockdown. Still to come: the $100,000 Gauntlet Battle Royal!
Eric Bischoff is backstage, and he's...WALKING! And he's coming out right now, walking past EV2.0 as they head to the back. We see a replay of what happened earlier as Abyss kidnapped Dixie, and then we go to Bischoff in the ring which is still littered with the remnants of the match we just saw. In a nice subtle touch, he looks down at the thumbtacks and broken table and shakes his head before grabbing a mic. He says he's seen wrecks, but this is one hell of a trainwreck right here. He goes to speak to a stagehand and then comes back and says they don't have much time here, so he wants Abyss to come out to the ring right now because they have something to talk about.
We go to commercial and when we come back Bischoff says he's waited long enough and tells Abyss to come out now, but instead, Rob Van Dam's music hits and he comes out...in his wrestling gear. Van Dam holds his back as he gets in the ring and tells Bischoff that there's no way he's going to be screwed out of the opportunity to fight Abyss on Sunday, and he'll leave over this if Abyss is fired. RVD says they have a code backstage where they solve their own problems and don't get management involved. RVD tells Eric to go to Dixie and tell her that either Abyss wrestles through Sunday, or she loses the Whole F'n Show. RVD drops the mic and walks off, and Bischoff picks it up and tells RVD that if that's what he wants, then he's got it.
We go to a video from last week in Philly as Tommy Dreamer and Rhino walk up to the ECW Arena, where they are mobbed by the fans as they walk down Swanson.
Still to come tonight: the $100,000 Battle Royal, and we're back at commercial!
We come back to a video of earlier today as Orlando Jordan teaches Eric Young how to hold balls...so he can throw them at stacked milk bottles and win a stuffed animal. Young says it's only a matter of time until PWI recognizes them (????), and then Jordan says he's going to grab his balls and gives him a big hug. Speaking of Orlando and Eric...
Ink Inc vs Orlando Jordan & Eric Young
I guess with London Brawling disappearing, they needed SOMEBODY to fill the void, and I didn't even mean that as a dirty joke. Eric is covered with drawn on tattoos, and he tries to lock up with his own partner to start the match, then high fives Shannon Moore and heads out to the apron. Orlando with a knee to the gut of Neal and tries for a hiptoss, but Neal blocks and hits a hiptoss of his own and then a dropkick. Taz says Orlando is flaming like a pack of hemmorhoids as Jordan grinds up on Neal and then suckerpunches him. Jordan with a snapmare and some stomps, then picks Neal up and delivers a shoulderbreaker before going to a wristlock and stomping on the shoulder of Neal. Neal fights his way out but walks right into a spinebuster, and then Jordan covers Neal with his crotch on Neal's face for 2. Young comes in and runs around before heading back out to the apron, then Neal tags out to Moore, who comes in and cleans house on Jordan with clotheslines and a flying headscissores. Moore ducks a clothesline and gets a moonsault for 2. Young comes in and calls a double team move on Jordan, helping Moore hit a clothesline and then ratting Jordan out when Jordan tries to cover Moore with his feet on the ropes. Jordan lowblows Moore and covers him for the win, but Young tackles the referee and then takes a mic and says that, as the leader of this tag team, and as a member of the Worldwide Tag Team Coalition, they would like to forfeit this match. Young then offers to pull some strings and make some calls and set up a rematch at Bound For Glory.
Winners: Ink Inc by forfeit (I guess?)
We go to Jay Lethal's parents' house in Elizabeth, NJ where Jay shows where he first learned to do moonsaults and his grandfather would yell at him. He shows off his driveway and says that one of the reasons he moved to Florida was because he and his brothers would have to shovel it. He then shows his tree where he used to hide, and then shows us the street in New Jersey where he's from and he grew up.
We see Jeff Hardy, Ken Anderson, and Kurt Angle backstage getting ready for the battle royal, and it's up...NEXT!
We go backstage to Dixie Carter and Rob Van Dam, and Dixie says that she understands their code, but as soon as Bound For Glory is over, Abyss is gone. Bischoff brings over a contract to terminate Abyss as of 12:01am on 10/11/10 that Dixie signs, and then she tells RVD that win, lose, or draw, she wants RVD to take Abyss out at Bound For Glory.
We're back in the Impact Zone and hey, it's the Shore: Robbie E and Cookie. I almost forgot they were going to be here. Okay, I totally forgot. Robbie says that he and Cookie are finally in TNA, and Cookie says the party's here! Robbie says before he fist pumps the entire roster (?????), he and Cookie want to let all the Orlando, Florida hamsters know that there is zero hot girls in Florida. When he looks around, all he sees are a bunch of grenades. Cookie pulls his head down and tells him to watch out: INCOMING! Robbie tells her to watch his hair, and then Cookie says that her needs aren't being fulfilled because she hasn't seen one filthy gorilla since she's been in town and doesn't think the crowd leaves their houses because they don't have tans. Robbie reminds her that these people live in their basements with their mothers and that's why they don't have tans. They inform us that next week on TNA, the party's in the house...BITCHES!
We go to a video hyping Bound For Glory as several of the main event wrestlers give their take on the importance of the event to TNA.
It's main event time!
$100,000 Bound For Glory Invitational Gauntlet Battle Royal
Ken Anderson draws #1, and #2 is Kurt Angle. They circle one another before tying up, and Anderson backs Angle to the corner, but breaks clean. Another tieup and Angle goes to a headlock, Anderson sends him to the ropes but Angle comes back and takes Anderson down with a shoulderblock as Jeff Hardy enters at #3. All three participants in this weekend's title match circle one another as #4 comes in already, and it's AJ Styles as we go to a commercial break. Great timing on those tonight, by the way.
Okay, we're back from commercial and several other guys are in the ring, they seem to be joined by Douglas Williams, Sabu, Max Buck, Chris Sabin, and now Tommy Dreamer enters as we come back. Jay Lethal comes in next and goes after AJ as Tommy tries to dump Anderson. Lethal with a flying headscissors on AJ as Max goes to the apron and fights to stay alive. JEff Jarrett comes out now and tries to dump Williams, but he lands on the apron so Jarrett goes after AJ instead and tries to dump him, but AJ scissors Jarrett's head and slips back in. Jarrett now tries to dump Anderson but Anderson's not going, and Pope is in next and goes right after Jarrett, he tries to dump him but Jarrett holds the ropes and pulls himself back in. Across the ring, Sabin tries to eliminate Hardy but Hardy hangs on. Robert Roode comes in and goes after Lethal as Pope beats down Williams in the corner. Jarrett dumps Angle to the apron and tries to kick him to the floor as Angle holds the ropes. Now Sting comes in as Lethal puts Max Buck to the apron, and Sting takes turns beating up Jarrett and Dreamer. Hey, the main event seems like a good time to take TWO commercial breaks, so let's take the second one now!
All right, we're back and a bunch more people are in there as Abyss makes his way to the ring as we have 19 men in and nobody's eliminated yet: until Abyss comes in and dumps Douglas Williams, Sabu, Jay Lethal, Stevie Richards, Chris Sabin, Raven all by himself. All the other people left in the ring decide to gang up on Abyss, Sting hits a Stinger Splash on top of the pile of people trying to toss Abyss, they all fall off so he tries another Stinger Splash but Abyss catches and tosses him as Nash comes out to join the fray. He goes right after Abyss and unloads a series of powerful kneelifts and then tries to toss him. Matt Morgan comes out now and lays out Generation Me, then drops Abyss with a big clothesline. He goes eye to eye with Kevin Nash and then go toe to toe with Morgan coming out on top as Samoa Joe makes his way out, but instead of going after Nash, he does after Tommy Dreamer, so Abyss tosses Nash and Morgan by himself instead. Dreamer goes after Abyss now and clotheslines him to the apron, but Abyss hangs on as James Storm makes his way out. Generation Me try to eliminate Abyss, but he goozles both of them and yanks them over the top to eliminate them, then gets back in the ring. Alex Shelley is out now as a bunch of guys try to unite against Abyss, but Abyss survives again. Anderson tries to toss AJ as Frankie Kazarian is eliminated and Rhino comes in and goes after Abyss. Dreamer tries to toss AJ, but AJ slips back in and goes after Dreamer, elevating him over the top but fails to eliminate him as Rhino is somehow eliminated off camera. Jarrett goes for the Stroke on Pope, but Abyss grabs Jarrett by the hair and tosses him. Now Pope tries Abyss but gets eliminated and then Shelley goes for Sliced Bread #2 and...you guessed it, Abyss picks him up and tosses him. Now Joe takes a shot at Abyss, working him over in the corner and hitting a running knee. Joe takes a run at him again and Abyss ducks down and Joe goes over the top and out of the match. Beer Money beat up Dreamer in the corner and hit a double suplex on him and then hit a double suplex on Abyss, then do their Beer...MONEY! thing. Suddenly Roode grabs Storm and tries to toss him, but Storm hangs on and gets back in and they look like they're about to fight...but then hug and make up just in time for Abyss to come over and eliminate both of them as well. AJ goes after Dreamer and Abyss tries to grab him from behind, but AJ shocks him with a Pelle Kick, and Dreamer tries to go after AJ but AByss grabs him and tosses him out, then presses AJ above his head and tosses him out as well. So we're down to Abyss, Angle, Hardy and Anderson. Angle tries to German Suplex Hardy, but Hardy blocks and hits the Twist Of Fate, then nails the Swanton. Hardy tries to eliminate Angle but Abyss comes from behind and eliminates Hardy. Anderson goes after Abyss, but Abyss goozles him and delivers a chokeslam. Suddenly, Rob Van Dam's music hits about ten minutes after the last entrant, and he comes in and goes right after Abyss, coming off the top with a jump kick and then hits a big crossbody, but overshoots Abyss and eliminates himself, landing with an audible splat. Luckily, Abyss sells it anyway even though RVD barely grazed him, and they're both eliminated. It's Angle and Anderson and they go toe to toe in the middle of the ring, Angle sends Anderson to the ropes but Anderson runs him over with a shoulderblock. Anderson off the ropes again and Anderson tries a fireman's carry, Angle slips out, Anderson goes for the Mic Check, Angle slips out, Anderson gets a headlock and Angle give him an Angle Slam over the top rope to pick up the win and $100,000 in COLD HARD CASH!
2012 - WWE ran Anaheim, CA. Kenny filed the following results:
The opener saw Justin Gabriel and The Usos beat Yoshi Tatsu and The Prime Time Players.
Tyson Kidd beat Heath Slater.
Natalya beat Aksana.
Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara beat The Miz and Cody Rhodes.
Wade Barrett beat Ted DiBiase.
Ryback destroyed Jinder Mahal.
Sheamus beat Alberto Del Rio in a Last Man Standing match to retain the World Title.
After the match they teased that Dolph Ziggler would cash in MITB but Sheamus Brogue Kicked him.
2012 - WWE star Hornswoggle underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder.
2013 - The following press release was issued:
Sports Legacy Institute to Honor WWE® at 6th Annual Impact Awards Dinner
Annual Boston event raises funds for concussion advocacy, awareness, education, and research, and recognizes individuals and organizations committed to solving the concussion crisis
(BOSTON) — The Sports Legacy Institute (SLI) will honor global entertainment company WWE with the 2013Impact Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their commitment to solving the concussion epidemic.
The award will be presented at the 6th Annual Impact Awards dinner on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Boston Harbor Hotel and accepted by Stephanie McMahon, Executive Vice President, Creative, WWE and Paul Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE.
WWE is being recognized for its commitment to brain trauma research as well as its commitment to concussion education. In 2013, WWE gave a $1.2 million gift to SLI to launch a new three-year research program led by Boston University researchers Ann McKee, MD and Lee Goldstein, MD, PhD aimed at developing a treatment for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease associated with brain trauma and known to affect athletes, military veterans, and others who suffer brain trauma. SLI is a Boston-based non-profit organization founded by Dr. Robert Cantu and Chris Nowinski to advance the study, treatment, and prevention of brain trauma in athletes and other at-risk groups.
WWE has also collaborated with SLI to educate WWE performers about concussion education. Every WWE Superstar and Diva has been required to attend a SLI “Conquering Concussions” seminar led by SLI executive director and former WWE Superstar Chris Nowinski, aimed at preventing concussions and increasing the reporting of concussions when they do occur.
“Our partnership with SLI is a key component of WWE’s talent health and wellness program,” said Paul Levesque. “Talent is the only natural resource that WWE has, and we are committed to their well-being.”
The Impact Awards will be hosted by Jim Braude, host of New England Cable News (NECN) show “BroadSide” and co-host of Boston Public Radio on WGBH. Current and former professional athletes will also be in attendance, including a number of former New England Patriots including Joe Andruzzi and Pete Brock. The 6th Annual Impact Awards are presented by the Mintz Levin, Trinity Partners, the Andlinger Family and Carol Quimby-Bonan and the Bonan Family.
Last year’s Impact Awards gathered over 250 attendees, athletes, and distinguished guests from across the country and raised more than $260,000 to support concussion advocacy, awareness, education, and research. Prior honorees include The Ivy League, the NFL, Dr. Ann McKee, and athletes Ted Johnson, Micky Ward, Keith Primeau, and Kevin Turner of the Kevin Turner Foundation.
2014 -WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Michael Cole and Byron Saxton.
Cesaro has joined Michael and Byron at the announce table for the opening match.
Before the match, Bo Dallas says that he met one of his BOLIEVERS in catering. There was only one cheesesteak left and she gave it to him so he would have enough strength to defeat Dolph Ziggler tonight. He took that cheesesteak and he threw it in the trash can because it is a heart attack on a bun. Mark Henry took that cheesesteak out of the trash can and ate it. Bo says that he will win tonight without any help. All he has to do is BOLIEVE.
Match Number One: Bo Dallas versus Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship
They lock up and go to a stalemate. They lock up and Ziggler with a wrist lock into a hammer lock and side head lock. Bo with a forearm and top wrist lock. Ziggler with an arm drag and hip toss followed by an attempted leaping elbow drop but Bo moves. Bo punches and kicks Ziggler in the corner. Bo kicks Ziggler in the ribs and he gets a near fall. Bo with a reverse chin lock.
Bo pulls Ziggler to the mat by the hair. Bo with a knee to the ribs and he gets a near fall. Bo returns to the reverse chin lock. Ziggler with a jaw breaker to escape the hold. Ziggler with a clothesline and splash into the corner but Bo avoids the neck breaker. Ziggler tries for a kick against the ropes but Bo moves and he sends Ziggler through the ropes and to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler punches Bo to get out of a side head lock. Bo blocks a drop kick and he catapults Ziggler into the turnbuckles to get a near fall. Bo with knee drops followed by a hesitation knee drop for a near fall. Bo with clotheslines in the corner and Ziggler moves when Bo charges at him and Bo hits the turnbuckles in his sternum.
Both men struggle to get back to their feet. Ziggler with flying clotheslines followed by a splash and neck breaker. Ziggler sets for the Fameasser but Bo moves and Bo with a belly-to-belly slam and he gets a near fall. Bo sets for a Gibson Driver but Ziggler counters with a back body drop and he hits a hesitation DDT for a near fall.
Bo blocks a super kick and Bo with a double underhook DDT but Ziggler kicks out at two. Bo shows some frustration and lets that be the focus instead of continuing to work on Ziggler. Ziggler rolls to the apron and Bo with forearms and punches. Ziggler with a shoulder from the apron and he tries for a sunset flip but Bo drops down and he grabs the ropes. The referee sees Bo using the ropes and he stops the count. Ziggler with a Zig Zag for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
It is time to relive Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb’s appearance on Raw.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Tyson Kidd tells Kane that he is more than Nattie’s husband. Kane says that we know that she wears the pants in her family. Tyson demands a match tonight. Kane tells Tyson he already has a match because Nattie demanded that he get a match against Jack Swagger. Kane tells Tyson not to tap out to Swagger like he does to his wife.
Match Number Two: Nikki Bella, Summer Rae, Cameron, and Layla El versus Brie Bella
Summer starts off and she pushes Brie to the mat but Brie tries for a single leg crab. Brie with drop kicks to Summer and she gets a near fall. Summer with a knee and Layla tags in and hits a thrust kick. Layla with a knee to the midsection followed by a DDT for a near fall. Layla slams Brie’s head into the mat and then she applies a rear chin lock. Brie with a forearm but Layla with a forearm of her own.
Layla slams Brie’s head into the mat again. Cameron comes in and hits a clothesline and she mocks the Yes Chant. Brie gets a near fall but Cameron with a kick to Brie. Cameron chokes Brie in the ropes. Cameron follows with a reverse chin lock. Cameron sends Brie to the mat and then she hits a suplex followed by a split leg drop to the waist for a near fall.
Cameron with a surfboard on Brie but Brie is able to escape the hold with a snap mare. Brie with a running knee to the head and she goes to the turnbuckles for a missile drop kick. Brie knocks Nikki off the apron with a forearm but Cameron with an elbow but Brie clotheslines Layla when she tries to interfere.
Cameron with a kick and then Summer kicks her in the back. Nikki tags herself in and Nikki mocks Brie and hits a running knee to the head. Nikki gets Brie up for the Torture Rack and gets the three count.
Winners: Cameron, Layla El, Summer Rae, and Nikki Bella
We take a look at the return of the Rock to confront Lana and Rusev on Raw.
Jack Swagger is in the back with Zeb Colter as we go to commercial.
We are back and Zeb Colter tells Tyson this is not an American or a Canadian thing. This is a manhood thing and everyone knows where you keep yours. You keep it in Natalie’s purse and he heard it wasn’t that big of a purse.
Match Number Three: Tyson Kidd (with Natalya) versus Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Kidd is pushed away by Swagger but Tyson kicks Swagger in the leg and connects with punches and kicks. Kidd chokes Swagger with his boot. Kidd with a drop kick to the temple and he gets a near fall. Kidd with a front face lock. Swagger backs Kidd into the corner and Swagger with a series of shoulders. Kidd with a drop kick to the knee and he connects with a kick and elbow to the head.
Kidd with a front face lock. Swagger picks up Kidd and sends him across the ring. Kidd rolls to the floor and Swagger follows. Kidd gets to the apron and Swagger blocks the running kick and Swagger sends Kidd face first into the apron. Swagger with a knee into the corner and then he hits a biel. Swagger with the double jump Swagger Bomb but Kidd gets his foot up. Swagger sees that and he tries for the ankle lock but Kidd gets to the ropes.
Kidd with an enzuigiri from the apron and then he gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
After the match, Natalya is ignored by Tyson during his celebration.
We see the comments that Joan Lunden made last night on Raw.
We are back with the Raw Rebound, a look back at the situation surrounding Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and John Cena.
We go to commercial.
Goldust and Stardust were in the Goldman Box. Goldust says that the Usos don’t believe in the stars, but the stars believe in them. Stardust says that they are the children of the cosmos.
Match Number Four: Stardust (with Goldust) versus Jey Uso (with Jimmy Uso)
Stardust with a kick and forearms and then he throws Jey to the floor. Jey with uppercuts to Stardust and then he clotheslines Stardust over the top rope to the floor. Jey with a suicide dive onto Stardust. Jey sends Stardust back into the ring and he tries to kick Goldust but Jimmy takes care of Goldust.
Stardust kicks Jey when he comes back into the ring and then he hits a swinging neck breaker in the ropes and he gets a near fall. Stardust with punches and he chokes Jey in the ropes, right in front of his brother. Stardust with a punch and he rakes the back. Stardust rips off Jey’s shirt and he punches him in the head. Stardust chokes Jey with his leg.
Stardust with a snap mare and then he applies a double underhook. Stardust with a knee to the midsection and he gets a near fall. Stardust with a boot to the back and midsection. Stardust punches Jey but Jey punches back. Stardust sends Jey to the mat with a punch and he chokes Jey in the ropes. Stardust with a biel to Jey. Stardust runs into a boot when he charges into the corner. Jimmy goes up top and hits a cross body for a near fall.
Jey with chops and a thrust kick and uppercut. Jey tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Stardust lands on his feet and he drops down for a kick. Jey with a Samoan drop and running butt splash. Jey goes to the apron and he goes up top but he takes too long and Stardust recovers and pushes Jey off the turnbuckles and to the floor.
Jey with a super kick from the floor when Stardust leans over the ropes. Jey with a superfly splash to the back and he gets the three count.
Winner: Jey Uso
We go to credits.
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