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October 22nd
On this day in history in ....
1938 - Jack McLauchlan defeats Pete Tripodes in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to become the first Canadian Junior Heavyweight Title.
1943 - Allan Coage aka Bad News Allen in Stampede Wrestling and Bad News Brown is born.
1956 - Ray Gunkel & Amazing Zuma defeat Gene Kelly (Gene Kiniski) & Len Crosby to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Fort Worth, Texas
1957 - Kurt Von Himmler & Juan Oinada defeat Doug and Red Donovan to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1962 - The Medics win their second NWA Southern Tag Team Title by defeating Lester Welch & Buddy Fuller in Memphis, Tennessee.
1965 - Danny McShain wins the NWA Louisiana Heavyweight Title from Bobby Fields in Lafayette, Louisiana, ending Fields' second reign.
1966 - George & Sandy Scott defeat Skull Murphy & Brute Bernard for the IWA (Australia) Tag Team Title in Melbourne, Australia.
1969 - Curtis Iaukea & Ripper Collins begin their fourth reign as NWA Hawaii Tag Team Champions when they defeat Kurt and Karl Von Steiger in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1970 - Former WWF, All Japan and Impact Wrestling star D'Lo Brown is born.
1976 - El Faraon defeats Perro Aguayo for the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico.
1976 - Gene & Ole Anderson win their fourth NWA Georgia Tag Team Title by defeating Tom Jones & Porkchop Cash in Atlanta, Georgia.
1976 - The Wrestling Pro wins his fourth NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title. by defeating Greg Peterson in Ozark, Alabama.
1979 - Ivan Putski & Tito Santana defeated Johnny & Jerry Valiant for the WWWF World Tag Team Title in New York, New York.
1981 - Don Kent & Bruno Bekkar defeat Jack and Jerry Brisco for the WWC North American Tag Team Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
1983 - Taya Valkyrie is born.
1984 - The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) defeat The Long Riders (Scott Irwin & Bill Irwin) in Fort Worth, Texas to win the NWA American Tag Team Title, ending the Riders' fourth reign.
1984 - The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeat Rick Rude and King Kong Bundy to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning Keirn and Lane's eighth of 14 reigns as champions.
1985 - Mike Miller & Moondog Moretti defeat Steve Simpson & Joe Savoldi for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title in Fort Lewis, Washington.
1986 - Al Perez defeats Invader I for the WWC Puerto Rican Heavyweight Title in San Juan, Puerto Rico, ending Invader I's fourth reign and beginning his first.
1994 - Toshiaki Kawada defeats "Dr. Death" Steve Williams for the AJPW Triple Crown Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan.
1995 - WWF held their fourth In Your House Pay-per-view in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada at the Winnipeg Arena. Here are the results:
- In a dark match, Bob Holly defeated Rad Radford.
- Hunter Hearst Helmsley defeated Fatu.
- WWF World Tag Team Champions The Smoking Gunns defeated The 1-2-3 Kid & Razor Ramon when Billy pinned The Kid.
- Goldust, in his WWF debut, defeated Marty Janetty.
- Yokozuna vs. Mabel ended in a double disqualification.
- Shawn Michaels, who had been beaten up outside of a bar (legitimately) and was unable to wrestle, forfeited the WWF Intercontinental Title to Dean (Shane) Douglas.
- Razor Ramon defeated Dean Douglas to win the WWF Intercontinental Title.
- Davey Boy Smith defeated WWF World Heavyweight Champion Diesel via disqualification.
In matches held after the Pay-per-view had ended:
- Henry Godwinn defeated Sid Vicious.
- Bret Hart defeated Isaac Yankem.
- Owen Hart & Yokozuna defeated Savio Vega & Bam Bam Bigelow.
1995 - Christopher Daniels & Kevin Quinn defeat Huracan Castillo Jr. & Invader I to win the WWC World Tag Team Title in San Germin, Puerto Rico.
1999 - Yumiko Hotta defeats Kyoko Inoue to win the WWWA World Singles Title in Fukuoka, Japan, beginning her third reign.
2000 - WWF held their No Mercy Pay-per-view at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, New York, headlined by Kurt Angle defeating The Rock for the World Title. Tim Whitehead's original PPV report:
WWF's No Mercy (10/22 from the Pepsi Arena in Albany, NY) was a basic thumb's up PPV, mainly due to solid key matches. Much of the lower card action was lackluster and had little heat, but as is often the case with the WWF, the top guys carried the show. There were also enough twists and turns
in the ongoing soap operas to spark fan interest, and the WWF World Title change capped off a strong, though not spectacular, show. Commentary from Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler was good.
THE DUDLEYS won an "invitational" table elimination match over TOO COOL & LOW DOWN & RIGHT TO CENSOR & TAZZ and RAVEN in 14:36. Edge & Christian were supposed to be in this match but claimed to be suffering from food poisoning (i.e., they were wrestling later as Los Conquistadors). This was fought under rules where two teams chosen by draw started off, then a new team entered when one was eliminated. The only way to win was to put an opposing team member through a table. Most of the match had no heat since the fans only wanted to see the Dudleys. Too Cool started off against Low Down. They brawled to no heat. Low Down were eliminated at 3:52 when Scotty Too Hotty put Chaz through a table and at the same moment D-Lo Brown accidentally put himself through a table while trying to splash Grandmaster Sexay. Tazz & Raven came in. Scotty did his worm spot under a table. Grandmaster accidentally broke a table on a moonsault spot. This "didn't count" as being eliminated, but it did prompt a "you f****ed up" chant. Tazz & Raven eliminated Too Cool at 7:41 by double suplexing Scotty through a table. The Dudleys arrived and got a pop. There was a lot of sloppy brawling, with Buh Buh Ray legdropping Tazz through a table at 10:31 for an elimination. Finally, Goodfather & Bull Buchanan came in representing RTC. Buh Buh put Bull through a table but the ref had been bumped and didn't see it. Goodfather hit Buh Buh with a hard chairshot and he fell onto the broken table. The ref revived and thought Buh Buh had been put through the table and gave RTC the win, but a second ref ran in and told the match ref what happened and the match was restarted. The Dudleys then 3D'ed Goodfather through a table for the win at 14:36. A mostly lackluster opener that ran too long.
Up next was supposed to be a Test & Albert & Trish Stratus vs. Acolytes & Lita match, but Bradshaw has broken ribs so they made it into an angle. Trish teased that her boobs might be exposed during the match. Anyway, Lita came to the ring and was waiting for the Acolytes, but Test & Albert attacked them backstage and left them laying after dropping some metal trunks on them. They then came to the ring and grabbed Lita, with Trish slapping her until the Hardy Boyz made the save.
Edge & Christian did an interview and claimed to be fully recovered from their illness. They said they didn't have food poisoning as previously believed but only a brief virus of some sort. They had thought their illness was caused by eating some tainted nuts, and did a bunch of double entendres using the word "nuts". Their recovery from illness was truly miraculous.
CHRIS JERICHO defeated X-PAC in 10:37 in a cage match. Jericho called the cage a "Y2Jail". When X-Pac arrived, Jericho hit him with a baseball slide through the door and they brawled outside the cage. X-Pac slammed the door on Jericho's head as they went inside. Jericho came back and dominated until X-Pac got his knees up on a lionsault attempt. X-Pac tried to climb out a couple of times but got dragged back in. X-Pac laid in some kicks and did the bronco. He then went for a pin but remembered that pinfalls don't count. X-Pac tried to leave again but Jericho powerbombed him from the top ropes. Jericho went up but got crotched on the cage top. X-Pac tried to crawl out the door. Jericho caught him in time but X-Pac was able to grab a chair which he used on Jericho. Instead of again going out the door, X-Pac climbed the cage. This didn't make sense but the commentators covered for it by claiming that X-Pac was incoherent due to the heat of battle. Jericho caught him and put the Walls hold on him on the cage top before X-Pac shoved Jericho off for a good bump to the mat below. X-Pac started down the outside of the cage but Jericho caused him to fall on the open door and crotch himself. Jericho then went through the door for the win. A good match but it lacked crowd heat.
The mandatory segment from WWF New York featured Steve Blackman showing off moves with his martial arts sticks.
Rikishi complained to Mick Foley that Steve Austin had not yet arrived (JR & Lawler had dwelled on this throughout the show). Foley said that if Austin no-showed, Rikishi would win by forfeit, but also warned him that Austin may be closer than he thinks.
VAL VENIS & STEVEN RICHARDS beat MR. ASS & CHYNA in 7:15. This match was a substitute for Ass vs. Eddie Guerrero, due to Guerrero's legit injury. Pretty much a standard brawl with no heat. Chyna hit her handspring elbow. The RTC team kept working on Ass' bad shoulder. Chyna had Val set up for a Pedigree, but with the ref distracted by Ass and Richards brawling on the floor. Guerrero limped in and walloped Chyna with the flower bouquet with a lead pipe hidden within. The ref returned to action as Val pinned Chyna.
Stephanie wanted to accompany Hunter Hearst Helmsley for his match against Chris Benoit. HHH said no as always. Steph still gave him a videotape she had made. It was of Benoit applying the crossface in assorted matches, and she told HHH he could learn a few things watching it.
They aired a good recap of the Austin - Rikishi angle.
STEVE AUSTIN vs. RIKISHI went to a no-contest in 10:04 in a No Holds Barred match. Rikishi came out and said Austin was a coward since he still wasn't there. Foley was about to award Rikishi the match via forfeit when Austin's shattered glass entrance music began playing and he drove into the arena in truck Rikishi had battered on Smackdown. Austin emerged from the truck and immediately went after Rikishi. Austin rammed Rikishi into the truck, threw him over the announcers' desk, and choked him with a cable. They brawled through the crowd. Rikishi threw a drink in Austin's face. Lawler said it better not be beer because that's like spinach to Popeye. Austin whipped the hell out of Rikishi with a belt. The match had decent heat but not as much as you might expect. Rikishi made a brief comeback but Austin got a chair and hit Rikishi with a series of sick chairshots which left him juicing a gusher. He also swung twice at Rikishi with a sledgehammer but hit the truck instead. Rikishi was nearly out of it from the chairshots. Austin threw him in back of the truck and drove him out to the parking lot. He dragged Rikishi from the truck and slammed him against a brick wall and pounded him into near unconsciousness. He then positioned the truck and was going to squash him against the wall with it as JR freaked out that Austin was going too far. A police car drove in front of Austin's truck to stop him from committing vehicular homicide and Austin rammed the car twice before a bunch of cops dragged him from the truck and arrested him. The cop driving the squad car was "injured" and was hauled off in an ambulance. Austin's truck was towed off, presumably as evidence. The brawl was good, and was kept relatively short since it was Austin's first match back, but the ending was a little on the bizarre side.
STEVEN WILLIAM REGAL defeated MIDEON in 6:09 to retain the European Title. No heat at all. The storyline was that, at Regal's request, Foley had forced Mideon to wear clothes during the match. But Mideon gradually disrobed down to his fake nude tights. It was pretty bad. Regal kept acting disgusted and backed off from applying a submission hold since he didn't want to touch Mideon. Regal finally won with his neckbreaker type move.
They re-aired Kurt Angle's "interview" with Rock from Heat. It was pretty funny. Angle had taken some clips from an old Rock interview and spliced them in to make it look like Rock was responding to his (Angle's) questions. It made it appear that Rock was afraid of Angle and that he admitted to being behind Rikishi's car assault on Austin last year.
LOS CONQUISTADORS (Edge & Christian) defeated THE HARDY BOYZ to capture the WWF World Tag Titles in 10:50. The match was disappointing since we've come to expect so much from these teams. With no spectacular moves, the crowd was dead. I guess the idea was that the mask gimmick would draw heat, but it didn't. Of course, we can't expect these guys to kill themselves on every PPV or their careers will be over very soon. It was funny in spots as the Conquistadors did some fake Lucha Libre mannerisms. Lawler kept talking about how sacred the masks are in Mexico. He should have told Eric Bischoff. Mostly it was standard tag wrestling with only a couple of planchas and one swanton. The end saw Matt unmask one Conquistador to reveal a second mask underneath. He was then nailed by the other Conquistador with a tomokaze type move for the pin.
HUNTER HEARST HELMSLEY defeated CHRIS BENOIT in 18:41. Before the match, HHH was shown watching Stephanie's tape and he acted like he got some good ideas from it. The crowd treated HHH as a total babyface. They started off brawling. HHH destroyed Benoit for about five minutes, working over his knee. Both bumped out and Benoit posted HHH, taking command for several minutes. Benoit worked over HHH's bad left arm, scoring some two counts. Benoit hit his diving headbutt on HHH's arm. Crowd heat was modest at first but began to pick up. HHH made a big comeback and scored several near falls. Benoit hit the German suplexes and hooked the crossface but HHH escaped with a Samoan drop, an idea he presumably got watching Steph's tape. Stephanie then arrived uninvited. She slapped Benoit. HHH went for the Pedigree but Benoit blocked it. HHH then blocked a crossface. Steph distracted the ref and HHH took the opening to do a low blow and hit the Pedigree for the win. Good match! Of course, Stephanie proved her value here as a ringside tactician.
Edge & Christian congratulated Los Conquistadors on their tag title win (it was two other guys under the masks). They gave each Conquistador a Corona. Los Conquistadors will defend the tag belts against Edge & Christian on the 10/23 RAW (ahem).
KURT ANGLE defeated ROCK to capture the WWF World Title in 21:40. Before the match it was announced that Foley had made this a no-DQ match, with JR & Lawler wondering why he would do that. Stephanie immediately distracted Rock and Angle attacked. They went to the floor and Angle used a chair. They brawled up the aisle where Rock threw Angle through some barriers. They fought back to the ring, where Stephanie continued to interfere. Rock hit Angle in the knee with a chair and hooked the sharpshooter bur Steph distracted the ref and he didn't see Angle tapping out in pain. Rock went after Stephanie but that allowed Angle to blindside him. Steph was on a roll tonight. They returned to the floor and brawled around the announcers' desks, each taking bumps. Rock got posted. Stephanie gave the title belt to Angle and he used it on Rock but only scored two. Rock hit a tornado DDT for two. Angle missed a high moonsault. Rock nailed Angle with the spinebuster and was about to do the People's Elbow when Steph got in his face. Rock plastered her with a Rock Bottom and was going to hit the People's Elbow on her but Angle tackled him. This brought in HHH, who threw Angle from the ring and Pedigreed Rock. HHH carried Stephanie out. Angle and Rock went back at it to great heat and scored some twos. Rikishi then arrived, still covered with blood from his earlier brawl. He tried to help Rock but it backfired and he thrust kicked Rock in the face (actually the shoulder) and Angle won with the Olympic slam. Good strong main event! Rock, who was juicing, was furious afterward as Angle left triumphantly with the belt.
2001 - Hayabusa, the top star of the FMW promotion in Japan, and one of the most popular performers in the country, was paralyzed following an injury during a match with Mammoth Sasaki at Korakuen Hall on Tokyo. Hayabusa was attempting a quebrada (Lionsault) and, after slipping off a loose middle rope and springboarding off the bottom rope to try and save the move, apparently undershot Sasaki, as well as his flip, landing on his head in the ring. He was taken to the hospital, and FMW later announced that he was conscious, but paralyzed from the neck down. In the years since the injury, Hayabusa has recovered to the point that he can stand, and even walk a few steps, but his in-ring career, obviously, is over.
2001 - Keiji Mutoh & Taiyo Kea defeat Genichiro Tenryu and Yoji Anjoh for the AJPW World Tag Team Title in Niigata, Japan.
2001 - WWE Raw saw three separate title changes. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
The 10/22 edition of Raw Is Driving The Final Nails Into The Alliance Coffin aired live from Kemper Arena in Kansas City. It was a bad show on several levels, especially following up on a PPV with such great workrate.
They opened with still photos of the No Mercy main event, where Steve Austin retained the WWF World Title over Kurt Angle and Rob Van Dam, with run-ins from both Vince and Shane McMahon.
Vince & Linda came out. You read that right. The divorce is off, so that angle ended as insipidly as the HHH-Stephanie-Kurt Angle deal did last year. Vince said he hasn't been around much in recent months because he's been undergoing therapy, which he quickly clarified as meaning physical conditioning. He said he's in the best shape of his life. During his time away he watched his ungrateful kids on TV as they tried to destroy the greatest sports entertainment enterprise of all time. But now that he's back, he promised to take care of business. He started to kiss Linda, which he called a "jump start", when Shane & Stephanie arrived on the ramp top. Shane said it makes him sick watching two old people kiss. Stephanie said they're two old prunes who should just dry up and blow away, or retire to Florida with all the other old people. Vince said that he and Linda got where they are the old fashioned way, by earning their wealth through taking risks, while Shane & Steph had everything handed to them. Actually, Vince & Linda did take a lot of risks back in the eighties. Vince said he's had it with the Alliance invasion crap and challenged his brats to one match, winner take all, at Survivor Series, with the losing side closing up shop and the winner being sole survivor. Shane accepted the challenge wthout even knowing what the match would be or who would be in it. I don't know this for sure, but it sounds like a blow-off to kill the feud, which is dying anyway. Vince then suggested they could have a few WWF vs. Alliance matches tonight on RAW, which he said would be the beginning of the end for the Alliance. He brought up Austin's name but Shane said he's injured thanks to Vince's chairshot at the PPV (Austin took a legit 12 stitches and was off RAW due to the injury). Stephanie then brought up Chris Jericho, which made no particular sense coming from her. Vince said he would team Jericho with Rock and give them a shot at the Dudleys for the WWF Tag Titles. Shane said he'd kick Vince's ass right now and started down the ramp but William Regal ran out and they did the routine where he "held Shane back". Vince dared Shane to come in the ring, but Shane backed off and said he wouldn't beat Vince up in front of his mom. This was getting more insipid by the minute. Linda then took it to a whole new insipidity (is that a word?) level by wondering aloud where she and Vince had gone wrong in raising their kids, noting that Stephanie is a "maneater" and Shane is a "wuss". The segment then mercifully ended.
Lita & Trish Stratus beat Ivory & Mighty Molly in 4:20. Typical WWF catfight. Trish got doubled on to set up a hot tag, with Lita giving Ivory a twist of fate and moonsault for the pin.
Vince talked with RVD. He said the WWF is his life and invited RVD to jump to the WWF side. RVD said he isn't sure about all this taking sides stuff and is happy just being RVD. Vince warned him, doing the same "if you aren't with me, you're against me" routine that Austin did last week. RVD remained non-committal, so Vince ordered him to defend the Hardcore Title against Big Show.
Matt Hardy went to Lita's locker room but found Trish wrapped in a towel, getting ready to shower. He watched her as she walked off, obviously lusting in his heart. Lita walked in and Matt quickly claimed he had been thinking of her and led her out so that she wouldn't know he had been lusting after Trish.
Mick Foley went to Regal's office, knocking his tea set off the desk. Foley said that they, as the two rival commissioners, should plan out some matches and agree there should be no interference in them. Foley said he had already scheduled a Hurricane defense of the European Title against Bradshaw. He also challenged Regal to a game of Connect Four. Regal didn't like Foley's intrusion.
Angle congratulated Edge on regaining the IC Title at the PPV in the ladder match. He said it's hard to believe Edge and Christian are brothers since they're so different. He called Christian the world's ugliest pretty boy. Rhyno then charged out of nowhere and gored Edge into a garage door. Edge sold it like it nearly killed him. A zillion refs and road agents suddenly materialized to hold Angle and Rhyno apart.
As a result of the prior angle, Foley challenged Regal to set up a Rhyno defense of the U.S. Title against Angle. Regal accepted the challenge.
Tajiri beat Billy Kidman in 5:07 to capture the WCW Cruiserweight Title. The first of four (count 'em, four) title changes on this show, none of which made a dime's worth of difference since the titles in question are meaningless. Paul Heyman brought up that Torrie (who was out there with Tajiri) had an association with Kidman, with Jim Ross adding that they were once an "item". Heyman was funnier, though, when he went off on Big Show's weight and started talking about reading about it in the Ross Report. The match was short but they did work hard, with several near falls before Tajiri put Kidman away with two hard kicks to the head.
Diamond Dallas Page came out wearing a headset. He had that goofy smile. Too bad he didn't have Jennifer with him. He talked about losing being a good thing, not a bad thing, mentioning the Chiefs as an example. If losing really was a good thing, the Alliance would be as over with the fans as Ric Flair in the Carolinas during the eighties. He said that all the guys who lost their matches at No Mercy should realize that their defeat was really a good thing since it gives them a chance to change their strategy, diet, training, or whatever. Kane came out, and DDP said that was a good thing because Kane was a loser at the PPV. In fact, he said Kane's been a loser his whole life, due to having a face mangled in the (alleged) fire. He said Kane has a face that makes women vomit and kids scream, but that's a good thing because he gets to have fun wearing a mask like it's Halloween all the time. Kane drilled DDP through the mat with a chokeslam. JR said that was a good thing.
Kurt Angle beat Rhyno to capture the U.S. Title in 11:28. Not all that good for an Angle match. Rhyno hit a gore pretty early. Rhyno also did a botched neckbreaker that drew groans from the crowd. Angle hooked the ankle lock but Rhyno made the ropes. Angle did his suplexes, which looked good. He hit the Olympic Slam but was slow going for the pin and only got a two count. Rhyno rolled clear of a high Angle moonsault. JR said Angle's spent more time on the canvas in this match than Rembrandt. At first, I thought he said a ring rat. Rhyno hit a second gore and Angle fell through the ropes to the floor, which looked like it hurt. Back in the ring, Angle hooked the ankle lock out of nowhere for the submission. Shane & Stephanie, watching on the monitor, looked disturbed. Vince & Linda looked pleased watching their monitor.
Bradshaw beat Hurricane to capture the European Title in 3:08. Terrible match with some really botched up spots. Molly kept interfering and Bradshaw just brushed her off until finally giving her an over-the-head slam. Hurricane hit a lariat, which Bradshaw no-sold before giving Hurricane the lariat from hell for the pin.
Back in Regal's office, Foley was playing with the wooden knob paperweight that Regal always has on his desk, allowing Regal to say, "Keep your bloody paws off my knob!" Foley pulled out three candy bars (Mr. Goodbars, to be exact) and said they represent titles and noted that in title bouts thus far the WWF is 3-0 over the Alliance. As insult to the Alliance's injury, Foley also connected four in his game, but Regal dismissed that by saying Foley was "playing with himself". No, this was not a rerun of Beavis & Butthead.
Undertaker & Kane defeated Booker T & Test in 8:10. Pretty much what you'd expect, though there was one cool spot where Booker took one of the best spin bumps ever. The faces dominated until UT got tied up in the Alliance corner. Booker missed a scissor kick and Kane came in. They all four started brawling. Test had Kane up for a pump handle slam but UT kicked Test and Kane managed to position Test for a tombstone piledriver, pinning him afterward. Okay, that was kind of cool, and the sedate crowd did pop for it since the tombstone is banned most of the time and they hadn't seen it for a while.
Rob Van Dam beat Big Show in 4:44 to retain the Hardcore Title. Before the match, they ran into each other in a hallway and had a verbal confrontation. Show dominated at first just by tossing RVD around and brushing off his kicks. RVD legdropped Show on the crowd barrier. Show no-sold a shot from a garbage can and then knocked a chair into RVD's face. Show got the chair but RVD shot off a fire extinguisher and then gave the blinded Show a Van Daminator and five star frog splash for the pin. Backstage, Shane & Steph were happy their side finally won one.
Maven appeared at WWF New York and admitted being lucky to have beaten Tazz on Smackdown. He said he still has a lot to learn and thus is going to the WWF "farm system" (i.e., OVW & HWA). Tazz ran out and choked Maven out again.
Back in Regal's office, Foley suggested a Tazz vs. Al Snow match for Smackdown, which Regal agreed to. Foley bragged that the WWF had won every match so far except the RVD vs. Show match. Regal vowed that after Survivor Series there won't be a WWF anymore. Unless they change booking direction, he may be right.
Rock congratulated Chris Jericho for his WCW Title win. The interplay between these two was the best thing on the show. Rock told Jericho that at some point there will be a re-match, but for tonight they would put their rivalry aside and team together for the WWF. Rock pointedly asked Jericho if he's still with the WWF, and he said that of course he is. Jericho then said he had a present for Rock. It was the name plate off the WCW belt with Rock's name on it. Jericho held up the belt to show that his name plate was now there. Rock thanked him and said he also has a present for Jericho. He handed Jericho a chair, and told him he would need it when they have their re-match.
Rock & Chris Jericho beat The Dudleys in 7:47 to capture the WWF Tag Titles. An okay match but nothing out of the ordinary. Stacy was with the Dudleys and JR said that's like feeding strawberries to pigs. The Dudleys doubled on Jericho, allowing him to hot tag Rock for the expected pop. Rock destroyed both Dudleys and did the People's Elbow on D-Von but Bubba broke the pin up. Jericho accidentally missile kicked Rock, which was the inevitable tease spot. Rock did a comeback and pinned D-Von after a Rock Bottom. Rock handed Jericho one of the tag belts but was slow handing over the WCW Title. He eventually draped it over Jericho's shoulder but they teased some tension between them. Backstage, Shane & Stephanie looked sick at having lost four titles to the WWF on one show. Vince & Linda hugged and were about to kiss when suddenly Star Trek appeared on the screen due to a TNN glitch. They got back on track long enough to let the world see them kissing to end the show.
2002 - WWE issued the following statement after negative fallout of an angle that aired on Monday Night Raw the day before featuring Triple H, disguised as Kane, allegedly copulating with a mannequin that was purported to be Kane's dead ex-girlfriend Katie Vick:
In a blatant attempt to create controversy and further enhance the character of RAW’s chief antagonist Triple H, last night’s Monday night RAW on TNN (rated TV-14 LVD) presented an alleged act of necrophilia.
Triple H, poorly disguised as his chief adversary Kane, presented a skit in a funeral home using a mannequin that simulated the body of Kane’s former girlfriend Katie Vick
WWE Executive Producer Kevin Dunn, stated that numerous warnings to WWE viewers about sensitive subject matter did air prior to the segment. “While the subject matter is sensitive, on balance this was an attempt at dark humor capitalizing on the popularity of programs such as CSI, Six Feet Under and X-Files,” said Dunn.
2003 - Total Nonstop Action Wrestling holds their weekly pay-per-view from the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville, Tennessee. The results:
- Low Ki defeated Christopher Daniels and Kid Kash.
- Shane Douglas and Michael Shane beat Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt.
- X (Sean Waltman) pinned Don Harris.
- America's Most Wanted defeated Simon Diamond & Johnny Swinger and David Young & Glenn Gilberti to earn a NWA World Tag Team Title match.
- Abyss and Kevin Northcutt defeated The Gathering (Raven, Julio Dinero and CM Punk) in a Handicap Match.
- Jeff Jarrett pinned A.J. Styles to win his second NWA World Heavyweight Title.
2005 - Shuji Kondo defeats Taka Michinoku for the AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2005 - Scorpio defeats Muhammad Yone in Tokushima, Japan to win the NOAH Global Hardcore Crown Openweight Title.
2005 - Bad News Johnson & Drake Tungsten defeat Chris Escobar & Shane Falco to win the NWA North American Tag Team Title in Roanoke, Virginia.
2005 - Erik Rowland defeats Black Diamond to win his second NWA New South X Division Title in Greenville, Mississippi.
2006 - TNA held the 2006 Bound for Glory PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
TNA BOUND FOR GLORY PRE-GAME SHOW COVERAGE
The TNA Bound for Glory Pre-Game show opened Mike Tenay & Don West welcoming us to the show, then they went outside, where Jeremy Borash was in the parking lot. The "headbutt heard around the world" was discussed, and we saw Samoa Joe, in street clothes, sitting in a chair in the lot. Borash said he had been waiting for Kurt Angle to arrive in the lot for over an hour.
We went to Christy Hemme at ringside in front of a group of fans, noting that the crowd was electric and then sent us to a video package on LAX vs. AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels. Mike Tenay and Don West then ran down the lineup for tonight's PPV.
Bobby Roode came to the ring, announced as now hailing from "Wall Street, Manhattan." He came to the ring and said that the moment everyone was waiting for has arrived. He said it was going to be a new start for "Robert Roode", his new ring name. He buried Bobby Heenan, Col. Parker, and Sherri Martel, saying he didn't need them. He said he needed someone to make him their number one priority, referring to himself in the third person. He said that he wanted someone who would bring him to the World title and said he would make a lot of money with his new "CEO", Ms. Brooks (Tracy Brooks). Brooks was dressed in business attire.
Robert Roode vs. Lance Hoyt
Roode attacked Hoyt when he played to the crowd, beating him with punches and chops. He began stomping Hoyt in the corner, showing a lot of aggression. He began choking Hoyt against the ring ropes, then hit a running snap mare. Hoyt began mounting a comeback, but Roode cut him off. Roode continued to work over Hoyt with punches. He rebounded off the ropes but was hit with a big boot by Hoyt. Hoyt hit a running clothesline in the corner. Roode was caught and hit with a TKO variation, but Roode kicked up at two. Hoyt ascended to the top for a moonsault, but Ms. Brooks distracted him. The referee chased her away. Hoyt went for the moonsault but missed as Roode had discovered. Roode hit a lariat to the back of the head, then hit the Payoff spinning DDT for the pin.
Your winner, Robert Roode!
A much better showing for Roode this month. With the Wall Street and CEO references, I kept thinking of the old WCW York Foundation and Michael Wallstreet. Although Roode referred to himself as Robert Roode on the mic, the announcers and ring announcer Dave Penzer all called him Bobby Roode.
Outside, Jim Cornette, flanked by security, was trying to talk sense into Samoa Joe, telling him he wasn't going to let anyone ruin Bound for Glory and to let the issue with Kurt Angle go for tonight. Joe ignored him, sitting in the chair, seething.
Back in the Arena, Roode and Brooks were working over Lance Hoyt. Ron Killings hit the ring and Roode backed off. Killings rapped his rap song, which was over bigtime in Detroit. Hoyt danced in the ring.
Backstage, Christy Hemme was discussing the 8 Mile Street Fight as a midget ran around. He stopped Hemme, saying she looked bigger on television and asked where the locker room was, saying he was here for the Kevin Nash Invitational. Hemme directed him, then sent us to a Rhino vs. Christian Cage video package.
Mike Tenay and Don West discussed the Monster's Ball and the championship matches as they continued to plug the PPV.
They ran a video feature on Sting's quest to win the NWA championship tonight against Jeff Jarrett.
At ringside, Don West did a hard sell for the PPV. As West did the hard sell, he reacted to something and we heard noise but the cameras didn't go outside for a good 30 seconds, where Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe were being held apart by security, presumably after Angle got out of his car. Angle taunted Joe, telling him he was going to be in the ring if Joe wanted to find him. Angle called Joe a "son of a b**ch." If there was any physical contact, we didn't see it.
Aaron McMann sent word that Vince Russo was visible in front of the fans and taking pictures with anyone who asked during the pre-game show.
They closed the pre-game show with the excellent Fozzy music video that aired on Impact.
TNA BOUND FOR GLORY 2006
The PPV opened with one hell of an opening video that explained every match and talent that was competing painting the passion and driving force of their abilities as something special that was housed by TNA. They called it the most important night in the history of TNA.
They shot off a lot of pyrotecnics to open the show.
KEVIN NASH OPEN INVITATIONAL X-DIVISION BATTLE ROYAL
Kevin Nash came to the ring in a suit carrying a bowling trophy. Nash is doing commentary. They announced it was a gauntlet. Another gauntlet?
The first two competitors are Austin Starr (the re-debuting Austin Aries), billed as hailing from "TV Land" and Sonjay Dutt. Aries shoulderblocked Dutt. Dutt came back with a headscissors takedown. On commentary, Nash said he was interested in the X-Division because he was such a high flyer. They said it there were going to be new entrants every minute, but it was more like 30 seconds.
Maverick Matt Bentley was the third man out. Bentley and Starr whipped Dutt into the ropes and elbowed him down. Starr hit a driving elbow. Dutt rebounded off the ropes with a double clothesline. The crowd was into everything that they did and is really hot.
The fourth competitor was Jay Lethal, who hit the ring with a lot of fire and nailed a cartwheel into a dropkick. Starr came off the corner with a rear elbow on Lethal. The next competitor out was A-1. A-1 in the X-Division? Come on, TNA. Make an effort here. A-1 nailed Lethal with a big spinebuster. He drilled Lethal into a corner. The sixth combatant was Zach Gowen. Gowen hit a one-legged moonsault over Dutt. Frankie Kazarian was out next.
As Kazarian came to the ring, Dutt was eliminated. A-1 and Gowen tried to toss over Lethal but he hung on the ropes. Sierlda was next, returning with blonde hair. Starr nailed her with a backhand. She drilled Kazarian. Starr hit her with a lowblow, and A-1 drilled her with a running clothesline to knock her over the top. The crowd was even into Sirelda, who has worked local indies here, they are so hot.
Shark Boy hit the ring. Nash joked Shark Boy was his favorite. The Battle Royal continued. Next out was Alex Shelley. Shelly hit a crossbodyblock off the top on Lethal and Kazarian. There was a huge "Shelley" chant. Nash said he was going to send Shelley out last but the State Athletic Commission made him do this on the up and up.
Next out was the returning D-Ray 3000. He hit the ring and began headbutting everyone. D-Ray and Shark Boy, old partners, acted excited to see each other. Sharky began using D-Ray's head as a battering ram. Bentley was eliminated. Johnny Devine was next out. Devine clotheslined Gowen on the ropes, with Gowen bumping off the apron to the floor.
Elix Skipper was out next. At this point, there was nothing really standing out here, but the silliness was being kept to short bursts. Skipper went to rebound off the ropes for a dive but slipped and fell. Next out was Short Sleeve Sampson, the aforementioned midget. Shark Boy and D-Ray were tossed. Sampson and Starr battled. Starr carried Sampson around the rings. Fans called for Sampson to be tossed to them. Norman Smiley hit the ring, out next and took out Starr. Sampson and Smiley both did the big wiggle on Devine and Starr.
Alex Shelley tossed Sampson out to the floor on Shark Boy, who was getting up. Sampson chased referee Slick Johnson into the ring. Johnson acted like he was going to compete. Petey Williams was last out, given a hero's welcome by the crowd. He tossed Johnson right out. Skipper was tossed out. Jay Lethal was hit with the Canadian Destroyer, which got a standing ovation. Shelley tossed out Williams from behind, which pissed off the crowd, as they started chanting, "Bullsh**.:"
Austin Starr tossed out Johnny Devine. He then shoulderblocked Shelley over the ropes onto Devine. Devine and Shelley began arguing on the floor. Jay Lethal and Austin Starr are the final two, with a pinfall determining the winner. Lethal hit a full nelson suplex for a near fall. The live crowd did the dueling chants. Starr hit a brainbuster to score the pinfall and the win. They called it a "Starrbuster."
Your winner, Austin Starr.
This was your typical Battle Royal. Everyone got in a spot or two, waiting for the next entrant, but there was nothing really memorable. They tried to mix in comedy with Sampson, Sirelda, and Johnson. The competitors were all trying hard.
After the match, Nash awarded the trophy to Austin Starr. Alex Shelley felt insulted. It appeared Nash was leaving with Starr, but they cut to a video package without really showing it.
They aired a video clip of Gail Kim being injured by LAX on Impact.
Jeremy Borash interfered America's Most Wanted. Chris Harris said he didn't want to disrespect their opponents tonight, but on the greatest night of TNA history, there is now a missing piece of AMW. Harris said that he couldn't see how LAX could even call themselves men. James Storm said that they were going to be the new border patrol and said he didn't know how they even let people like LAX into the country. He said that they might be getting a whopping at the hands of AMW later and "Sorry 'bout your damned luck." Good promo with a lot more fire from Harris then usual and Storm doing his usual good job.
TEAM 3D VS. THE NATURALS VS. THE JAMES GANG VS. AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
Shane Douglas came to the ring and introduced the Naturals. BG James did his usual spiel on the mic. Brother Ray took the mic and did the "You Wanted The Best" intro, ala a KISS concert, and Kip James said he had "two words for that" and then said "Suck it" to little reaction.
Chase Stevens and James Storm started off, having a good exchange. Ray tagged in and hit a big boot to Storm, then a uranage. He then clotheslined Chris Harris. Ray and BG did stereo clubbering on AMW. Weren't they feuding a few months ago? OK, they then turned on each other, so I can forgive it. Devon and Kip battled in the center of the ring. Storm hit an enziguiri on Ray.
Storm went to the top and battled with Andy Douglas. AMW and The Naturals ended up doing a great looked stacked Tower of Doom powerbomb. TNA wisely showed a replay. Harris went for the Catatonic on BG, who broke free and hit a pump handle slam. Chase Stevens drilled him with a running clothesline. James Storm caught him with the Whirlybird. Devon nailed Storm, but Andy Douglas hit a tornado DDT. Brother Ray hit a sit down spinebuster on Douglas. Kip hit the Famouser on Ray. Good, fun exchange.
The fans began chanting for tables. Team 3D hit the Doomsday Device on Chase Stevens. Devon then hit the top rope headbutt on Andy Douglas. Team 3D led the fans to yell, "Get the tables" but Chase Stevens hit a dropkick. The Naturals drilled Devon with the Natural Disaster. Andy Douglas accidentally hit his own partner and was then drilled with a 3D. Douglas was pinned. They worked their rear ends off here, trying to fit as much in as they could. Good match and effort by everyone involved.
Your winners, Team 3D!
Shane Douglas hit the ring irate. He faced off with 3D, who then let him pass. Douglas began screaming at Douglas. Chase Stevens grabbed him, but Douglas slapped Stevens down and continued berating them.
Outside of Samoa Joe's dressing room, Jeremy Borash noted that Joe didn't want to comment and would let his actions talk for him. Jake Roberts appeared and said he wasn't going to be a referee, but a guide. He said he was just going to check the pulses to make sure they were still alive. He promised Borash that if he really wanted to see it, Jake would show him the snake. Borash's reaction was hysterical.
They aired a video feature on the Monster's Ball.
MONSTER'S BALL: SAMOA JOE VS. ABYSS VS. RAVEN VS. BROTHER RUNT WITH SPECIAL REFEREE JAKE ROBERTS
Once all four were in the ring, Roberts called for the bell. Everyone went right after Samoa Joe. Abyss tossed Joe to the floor. Raven and Runt turned on Abyss. Raven began working over Abyss with right hands. Runt set up a chair, which Raven used to hit a drop toehold into it on Abyss. Joe returned to the ring and hit a running forearm in the corner on Runt, then drilled Raven with a knee. The crowd was going nuts for Joe. Joe nailed Raven with several facewash boots. He charged to hit another one but Abyss caught him with a chokeslam.
Abyss clotheslined Raven, then pressed and dropped Runt. He tossed Runt into the crowd, who surfed Runt back into ringside. Raven hit a discus clothesline on Abyss, who went to the floor. Raven hit a dive to the floor. Joe hit a running dive over the top to the floor on all three. The place went insane. TNA showed replays of all the big spots. Their production in terms of the replays is very much improved this month, but live, they are missing a lot here.
Raven and Joe battled up the apron with Raven nailing Joe with a gothic mask he wore to the ring. Raven sent Joe through a table off the ramp. Runt and Abyss battled up scaffolding on the side of the stage. Abyss chokeslammed Runt off the scaffolding, which looked sick. Abyss dove off the scaffolding, which TNA completely missed live but then showed a replay.
Everyone battled back towards the ring. Abyss covered Runt, but Raven pulled him off before the three count. Abyss hit the big sitdown Earthquake splash on Raven for a two count. Abyss lifted up Raven for a backbreaker but Joe was back in the ring and peppered Abyss with punches. Joe backdropped Raven over the top to the floor. Joe flattened Abyss but missed the back senton splash. Joe came back with a low kick to Abyss. Abyss and Joe went back and forth. Joe hit a powerslam on a chair for a two count.
Joe charged Raven, who dropped into a drop toehold, sending Joe to the floor. Jim Mitchell handed Abyss a bag of thumb tacks but Jake Roberts brought out the snake bag. Raven got back in the ring but Roberts shoved him aside. Raven hit Roberts and teased hitting a DDT, but Abyss drilled Raven. Abyss poured out the thumbtacks. Abyss whipped Raven into the ropes, but Joe pulled down the middle rope. Raven sailed to the floor. Joe attacked Abyss and drilled him facefirst into the tacks.
Joe cinched in the rear naked choke, but Raven drilled him with a chair. Jake Roberts took the chair from Raven and hit a DDT. Joe set up Raven and hit a muscle buster, scoring the pin. Samoa Joe couldn't get a clean pinfall during the same time period they are building to Joe vs. Angle?
Your winner, Samoa Joe!
A fun brawl. The Roberts-Raven thing at the end seemed contrived and forced. It made absolutely no sense for Joe not to get a clean win here. TNA needs to realize that, fast, because if everyone always has an out, none of the wins mean nothing.
Jake Roberts put his snake on Raven after the match. Unless that's going to be a program, I don't see why they would do that, either.
Backstage, Jeremy Borash interviewed Eric Young, who was breathing into a paper back to calm himself. Young said that if he wins tonight, he gets his dreams and career back intact. He wondered what would happen if he lost. Borash told him he had to have confidence. Larry Zbyszko showed up and said that Young doesn't have confidence and even if he did, he couldn't because he has no ability. He told Young he'd see him in "Larry Land."
ERIC YOUNG VS. LARRY ZBYSZKO
Eric Young was scared of his own pyro. That cracked me up. Zbyszko was wearing a Ribera's Jacket. They'll give those to anyone. The crowd chanted for Larry to be fired. Zbyszko stalled a lot early. Young played a lot to the crowd, who loved him. Zbyszko locked on the abdominal stretch, but Young reversed it. The referee got bumped. Zbyszko pulled out a foreign object, but Young drilled him with a low blow. Young used the object and nailed Zbyszko. Young scored the pin.
Your winner, Eric Young!
Young ran through the crowd celebrating.
A typical, short comedy match. When Larry returns to TV, he'll be the third guy fired in the last three months to return.
They aired a video feature on Senshi vs. Chris Sabin.
Jim Cornette made his way to the ring. Cornette sounded like he had lost his voice. He noted he was sick as a dog and could hardly speak but would have had to be in intensive care before he would miss tonight's event. He told the fans they've seen a great show but they haven't seen anything yet. He said he had an important announcement to make. He said Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle have problems, but tonight is not the place to settle it and promised that time would come. He said that if Samoa Joe interferes in any form tonight in the NWA title match, he'll be removed from the TNA roster immediately.
Kurt Angle came out to the ring. Fans tossed streamers for Angle. He got a monster reaction from the crowd live. He told Cornette that he knew he was supposed to get a big introduction, but when he heard the fans, he just wanted to come out and kick some ass. The crowd chanted Angle's name. Angle said that the TNA fans are the best audience in the world and said, "TNA is the best, screw the rest, and you know who I'm talking about."
Angle said that he came out because he's going to be the special main event enforcer for one of the biggest main event matches of all time, Jeff Jarrett vs. Sting. He said that he didn't need Jim Cornette to be his buffer. He said if someone came to the ring and headbutt him and punked him out, he'd want revenge too. Joe's music hit and Joe hit the ring as Angle slid out to meet him. Security tried to hold them apart as they screamed at each other and clawed to break free. Joe finally broke free and charged up the ramp at Angle but they were held apart. The crowd chanted TNA.
Joe began screaming at Cornette to let him fight. Angle charged him and they brawled for a moment, but were pulled apart again. They finally dragged Angle backstage as Joe was held on the ramp.
An awesome, awesome tease for the eventual Joe vs. Angle match. That should headline the November or December PPV. Mike Tenay and Don West reviewed what just happened. A great segment.
They aired a video feature on Senshi vs. Chris Sabin, pushing it as setting a new chapter for the X-Division. That's exactly how they should be pushing this, and I hope they give them a chance to go all out and have an amazing bout.
Mike Tenay announced that Samoa Joe has been ejected from the building...(well, until the main event, that is. A good storyline.)
TNA X-DIVISION CHAMPION SENSHI VS. CHRIS SABIN
Sabin and Senshi locked up and jockeyed for position around the ring, down to the mat, and back to their feet again. The dueling chants started. Senshi began nailing kicks and chops. Sabin nearly got a pin with La Magistral. Senshi missed a kick but then reversed and nailed it. Senshi drilled Sabin with a knife edge chop. He came off the ropes with the Muta power elbow, then tied up Sabin on the mat. Thus far, it's all slow building and good, solid wrestling.
Sabin began to fight back but Senshi overpowered him with chops. Sabin came back and whipped Senshi into the corner. He charged but Senshi kicked him down. Senshi scissored Sabin's waist with his legs and worked him over, squeezing. They made their way back to their feet and chopped each other back and forth. Sabin missed a kick but Senshi connected. Senshi worked Sabin over in the corner then hit a big spinkick.
Sabin hit a big missile dropkick off the top. He showed some fire, drilling Senshi with a series of moves, then nailed him out of the ring. Senshi grabbed at his knee. Sabin hit a tope suicida to the floor. Sabin kick Senshi with an enziguiri, then tied him to the tree of woe. He hit Senshi with the Hang Time dropkick as Senshi was hanging upside down, but couldn't get the pin.
Senshi applied a submisison while on Sabin's back, but Sabin drilled him into the corner. Senshi went for a cartwheel kick but Sabin nailed him. Sabin hit a tornado DDT for a near fall. They are starting to turn it up into a good match. Sabin went for the Cradleshock but Senshi avoided. They battled on the top. Sabin went for a rana b off the top but Senshi rolled through and drilled him with a double stomp for a near fall.
Senshi missed a splash in the corner and Sabin hit a running kick to the face. He grabbed him for the Cradle Shock, but Senshi escaped. Sabin finally drilled it and the crowd thought that was it, but Senshi kicked up. They changed TNA. They battled to the ropes. Sabin tried for the Cradleshock but Senshi drilled him with kicks to the chest. Senshi hit a dropkick to the chest, then came off the top with the Warrior's Way double stomp. Sabin got hit foot on the ropes at the last minute and the place exploded.
Senshi locked on a Dragon Sleeper, but Sabin pulled through and caught Senshi with a fast, shocking rollup for the pin.
Your winner and new X-Division champion, Chris Sabin!
Sonjay Dutt and Jay Lethal hit the ring and celebrated with Sabin. Jerry Lynn came out as well.
The crowd, spent on Angle-Joe was dead as they started but this was a great match and they really drew everyone in. By the end, the place was going nuts for all the big spots and near falls. This was exactly the match that the X-Division needed to get back on the right track after the Kevin Nash storyline that went nowhere the last few months and the Jackass silliness of late.
Christian Cage was interviewed by Jeremy Borash. Cage said that Rhino had to nmake a video to make everyone see him as this big hometown hero, but he was just like all of them, a bum. He said that the post-concussive issues Rhino had would be nothing compared to the asskicking Rhino was going to get in front of his hometown friends and family. He said after tonight Rhino would never invite him home for dinner but the cooking sucked anyway. Cage said that he was going to be like the St. Louis Cardinals handing the Detroit Tigers their heads last night, but tonight Cage was going for the clean sweep.
They aired a video feature on the 8 Mile Street Fight.
8 MILE STREET FIGHT: RHINO VS. CHRISTIAN CAGE
They showed Christian Cage backstage when he was introduced. Rhino made his way to the ring down the stairs of the arena, through the crowd. Rhino hit the ring, then went to the stage, where his pyro went off. Rhino headed to the back, where the Street Fight would start on the streets.
Cage and Rhino charged each other. Rhino slammed Cage's head into a car. He tossed him into a dumpster, then dragged him out by the throat. Rhino was screaming, "This is my town." Rhino hit Cage, who bumped onto a wooden palleyt. They brawled into the backstage area. They battled atop a zamboni that was parked in the back. He nailed Cage atop of it, then drove the zamboni into the arena. They battled atop of the zamboni, Cage bumped off of it to the floor.
Rhino climbed down and caught up to Cage at the ramp. They had street lights set up around the rampway. Cage picked one up to strike Rhino with it, but Rhino got it and drilled Cage instead. Rhino grabbed some chairs from ringside and tossed them into the ring. He tossed Cage into the ring and pulled in another street light pole. Cage drilled him with a chair as he went to use the pole. Rhino charged Cage for the gore but was hit with a chair to the face.
They played up Rhino's concussion with the announcers noting it and the referee checking Rhino. Cage began nailing him in the head. Rhino and Cage brawled into the crowd. He took Cage down then drank a fan's beer. They battled into a benching area used for hockey teams during competitions, then battled back to ringside. Rhino slid a table into the ring and set up another at ringside.
Rhino hit a belly to belly suplex on Cage, then set a table in the corner. Cage drilled Rhino with an enlarged 8 Mile street sign. Cage pulled a ladder out from under the ring. Cage began beating Rhino with punches. Rhino was bleeding at this point. Cage charged Rhino with the ladder but was hit with a drop toehold, so cage hit the ladder facefirst. Rhino put cage on the ladder and went for a splash off the ropes, but missed. Cage hit the Unprettier on Rhino, but Rhino kicked up.
Cage drilled Rhino in the face with a ladder, then slammed it atop of Rhino. Cage went under the ring and pulled out a chair and a straightjacket. He began choking Rhino with the jacket and began to put it on Rhino. Rhino looked completely glazed over and out of it. Cage strapped Rhino in. Cage nailed him. Rhino used his head as a battering ram to take down Cage. The referee freed Rhino. The crowd booed that.
They battled to the apron, teasing a suplex into the table on the floor. Rhino hit a piledriver off the apron through the table, like he did during his original run in ECW. They showed a bunch of replays. Rhino covered Cage, who got his foot on the ropes.
Rhino went to gore Cage through a table but Cage sidestepped him. Rhino drilled the table. Cage went for the pin but Rhino kicked up. cage hit an Unprettier on a table piece but Rhino kicked out again. Cage piled chairs on Rhino, then the ladder and began beating the hell out of him with another chair. Cage covered Rhino and scored the pin.
Your winner, Christian Cage!
This was a really good brawl. Everything made sense and played off the Rhino concussion storyline and did a good job of showing Rhino off as someone who fought to the end, coming off as a sympathetic hero in the process. The brawling was good, the zamboni sequence was fun, and everything was treated like a real grudge match.
Jeremy Borash interviewed LAX. Konnan promised they were going to take the LAX violence to a new level. Konnan then warned AMW to stop flapping their gums about the USA because it was about the Latino Nation.
As the ring was cleared for the Six Sides of Steel, Mike Tenay and Don West mentioned their plug in the World Series program and pushed TNA as being the buzz of the sports world.
They aired a video feature on the LAX vs. AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels feud.
Mike Tenay and Don West talked about the feud and how successful TNA has been, showing tons of wide shots of the sold out building and noting they were up against the World Series. They plugged the move to primetime on November 16th. A nice way to fill the dead time of setting up the cage by marketing the strength of TNA's biggest live crowd to date.
NWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AJ STYLES & CHRISTOPHER DANIELS VS. LAX - SIX SIDES OF STEEL
Dave Penzer did LAX's ring announcement. They should have had the Spanish language announcer doing it. Homicide looked psyched up beyond belief for his biggest TNA match to date.
All four brawled as soon as the champions hit the cage. Daniels hit a tiltowhirl backbreaker on Homicide. Styles and Daniels worked over Hernandez with doubleteam moves. Daniels hit a leg lariat on Hernandez. He tried to force Hernandez' face into the cage. Homicide tagged in and went back and forth with Styles, culminating with a Styles dropkick to the face. They settled into a traditional tag match. Daniels drilled Homicide with a clothesline for a two count. Styles and Daniels did a series of fast tags in and out.
LAX took over on Styles and Daniels, drilling them into the cage. Homicide hit a suplex on Daniels. Styles was busted after being thrown into the cage by Hernandez. LAX took turns working over Daniels. Homicide suplexed Homicide, then drilled him with a knee. Homicide took a fork from Konnan and began stabbing Daniels in the head, busting Daniels open. Hernandez worked over Daniels, who began fighting back. Daniels tried to spring off the ropes but Hernandez caught him, slammed Daniels into the cage and then powerbombed him.
LAX poured tequila on Daniels' bloody face. Homicide and Daniels battled to the top rope. Daniels leaped off, hiptossing Homicide in mid-air as they went down. Styles springboarded off the ropes and hit the inverted DDT on Homicide. He elbowed Hernandez. Homicide was backdropped by Daniels. AJ and Daniels hit a flapjack into the cage on Hernandez.
Styles and Daniels hit the old Midnight Express double goozle on Homicide. Styles dropkicked Hernandez into the cage. AJ and Daniels grated Hernandez' face against the cage. Homicide charged but AJ hit him with the Pele Kick. Daniels got retribution, stabbing Homicide with the fork and busted him open. Styles dug the fork into Homicide. Daniels hit a charging forearm on Hernandez. Daniels caught Homicide with the STO, but was tackled into the cage by Hernandez. Styles hit a Pele Kick on Hernandez. The crowd chanted "TNA."
Styles tried to climb up the cage. Homicide grabbed him but was kicked off. Styles went to the top. Homicide followed and tried to suplex Styles off. Daniels grabbed Homicide for a belly to back suplex. Hernandez got underneath Daniels and powerbombed him. Homicide went flying as well, while Styles was left on top of the cage. Styles then did a flying bodypress off the cage onto Hernandez. The place went nuts and chanted, "This is Awesome."
Hernandez went to the top and splash off the cage but Styles avoided it. Daniels grabbed him for Angel's Wings but Homicide began choking Daniels with a coat hanger slipped to him by Konnnan. Hernandez stepped on Daniels as Konnan kept choking Daniels with the hanger from the outside.
Styles went for the Styles Clash on Homicide but Hernandez destroyed him with a running clothesline. Homicide hit the Cop Killa and scored the pin.
Your winners and new NWA Tag Team champions, LAX!
A tremendous cage match, meshing awesome high spots with old school wrestling brutality and weapons like a coat hanger and a fork.
LAX celebrated with the belt, then continued to beat down AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels.
Mike Tenay and Don West discussed the Cage match, then pitched to a video recap of the Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett feud.
NWA CHAMPION JEFF JARRETT VS. STING: TITLE VS. CAREER, SPECIAL ENFORCER KURT ANGLE
Jeremy Borash handled the ring announcements. Angle came out first, complete with pyro. Sting had a new look, meshing red into his white and black facepaint. He was wearing a silvery ring robe and red and black pants. It's a nice change from his previous look. Mike Tenay put the change over as a major transformation. He was also in way better shape, with Don West noting Sting was down 20 lbs. He looked much thinner than he has in recent years.
Sting tried to hiptoss Jarrett, who reversed it. Jarrett tried to beel Sting out of the corner, and finally nailed it. Jarrett dominated and out-wrestled Sting early. Sting shoulder blocked Jarrett down and leapfrogged him, but Jarrett got the better of that exchange as well. Sting looked frustrated, slapping one of the turnbuckles. Jarrett dropkicked Sting, who rolled out of the ring. Jarrett did the Fargo Strut.
Outside the ring, Sting went eye to eye with Kurt Angle, although the cameras missed most the exchange. Sting rallied the crowd, then took over on Jarrett, powerbombing him. Sting clotheslined Jarrett over the ropes to the floor. On the floor, Jarrett shoved Angle, who shoved him back. Angle shoved him again and pointed Jarrett back to the ring. Jarrett was hesitant, so Sting jumped to the floor and attacked Jarrett. Sting tossed him into the railing. The referee tried to get involved but Angle threw the ref back into the ring, telling him to leave Angle the floor. Jarrett whipped Sting into the guard rail and grabbed a chair. Angle pulled the chair away.
Jarrett and Sting battled up the entrance ramp. Sting suplexed Jarrett on the ramp. Sting grabbed the chair, but Angle pulled it away. Sting and Angle were playing tug of war with the chair. Jarrett charged and Sting ducked so he smashed the chair into Angle's face. Angle was taken out. Jarrett picked up Sting and dropped him on the guard rail.
Jarrett brought Sting back to the ring and put the boots to him. Jarrett locked the sleeper in on Sting as Angle got to his feet. Sting escaped. Sting rebounded off the ropes several times. They connected in center ring as both went for a high cross bodyblock. The referee was going to count them both out cold on the mat, but as he was going to count 10, Angle hit the Olympic Slam and told them to get to their feet, taking over the referee's job.
Sting unleashed a series of right on Jarrett, then hit an inverted atomic drop. Sting hit the Stinger Splash in the corner as Jarrett was facing away from him. Sting caught Jarrett with the Scorpion death Drop, but Jarrett got his shoulder up at the two count. Jarrett comes back with the Stroke but Sting got his shoulder up.
Jarrett went for a tombstone, but Sting reversed it and drilled him. Sting scored a two count with Jarrett getting up at the last second. Jarrett went for the Stroke off the ropes but Sting fought him off and sent him to the mat. Sting went for a splash out of the corner but Jarrett got his knees up.
Jarrett cinched in a figure four leglock in the center of the ring. Sting fought to turn over the move. Jarrett cinched in an Ankle Lock. Sting got to the ropes but was pulled back to the center. Sting finally escaped by rolling forward, sending Jarrett through the ropes to the floor. Sting was favoring his leg and grabbed the baseball bat (why?). Angle tried to stop him but Sting pointed the bat at him. Jarrett drilled Sting with a guitar shot (oh, that's why) but Sting no sold it and locked in the Scorpion Death Lock. Jarrett tapped.
Your winner and new NWA champion Sting!
Angle handed Sting his bat, stared at him, then exited the ring. Jarrett stared at Sting from the corner, seemingly in shock. Angle stared at the ring as he exited, walking backwards up the entrance ramp. Sting celebrated, showing off the title in the corners of the ring to the crowd. They spent a lot of time watching over Jarrett's point of view as Sting put on the NWA championship.
A decent match, although there was never a feeling that Sting's career was even in jeopardy. The crowd reaction seemed to be down a notch after the three previous matches and the Joe-Angle deal. Still, they needed to get the belt off Jarrett to go to the next phase of their storylines and this accomplished it. They were heavily teasing a Jarrett babyface turn here. This was exactly the match you expected going in, but they did a decent job.
Overall, the strongest TNA PPV in several months. There were no bad matches and a string of three great matches with the Street Fight and the X-Division and Tag Title bouts.
2007 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that World Wrestling Entertainment filed motions in Fayette County Superior Court in Georgia in an attempt to prevent the company from having to provide paperwork requested during the discovery period of the court battle between the the families of the late Chris and Nancy Benoit over the Benoit family estate.
The Journal-Constitution wrote, "The Toffolonis and Michael Benoit, Chris's father, had sought documents from the WWE pertaining to the company's drug testing, as well as any previous deaths, drugs and illnesses other wrestlers may have suffered as a result of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs."
Attorneys for Chris Benoit's father Michael and Nancy Benoit's parents the Toffolonis will have to convince the presiding judge in the case that the documents are "pertinent to an upcoming hearing to determine heirs to the estates" according to the Atlanta newspaper.
WWE's motion referred to the families' request as, "wholesale fishing expedition" towards potential future lawsuits against the company.
2007 - Dwayne Johnson pulled out of a planned role in a feature film adaptation of the "Spy Hunter" videogame. To date, the film was never made.
2008 - World Wrestling Entertainment informed all of their announcers this week to refer to their talent as "entertainers" as opposed to wrestlers or even Superstars, effective immediately. According to numerous sources, the decision is part of a organized plan of attack towards getting WWE as a company re-classified as an entertainment touring event, as posed to a legitimate sporting event.
The internal hope within WWE management was that by doing this, they will take power away from the Athletic Commissions in certain States and keep the company from having to pay taxes on their events. Obviously, it would also have the company benefit of preventing WWE from being held to the letter of the law in States like Georgia, who's Athletic Commission is looking at putting stricter restrictions on the professional wrestling industry following the Chris Benoit incident. Over time, Superstars became the more common descriptive term again.
2009 - Paul Heyman accused music superstar Rihanna of stealing the cover design for her Russian Roulette CD from ECW. The cover, which features the singing star wrapped in barbed wire, is similar (I guess) to the cover of ECW's Extreme Music compilation from over a decade ago, which had a cover shot of The Sandman wrapped in barbed wire. Heyman has been making noise about the "hijacking" of the cover concept on his Twitter account.
2009 - Lance Cade returned to WWE developmental as he had signed a new deal. He would never make it back to the main WWE roster.
2009 - In their annual "Best of NYC" issue, The Village Voice bestowed Ring of Honor with the award of "Best Place to Watch Straight Men Get All Homoerotic." No, seriously. The Award caption read, "The legions of black-T-shirt-, black-jeans-clad wrestling fans in this world might take offense to what we're about to say, but here goes: Wrestling is gay. That's not an epithet (like we'd ever . . . ). It just is, literally, gay. When a man in ball-outlining shiny undies wraps his crotch around another man's head, flexes his muscles, and grunts, the activity has more to do with porn than sports. It's hard to believe how straight the audience can be, but there you have it. World Wrestling Entertainment is that giant conglomerate you probably caught on TV at one time or another, but for even better theatrics in a more up-close-and-personal setting, try to scout out one of Ring of Honor's New York dates. Usually playing the intimate Manhattan Center, this indie league hosts a variety of highly toned men basically taking part in stage combat—or auditioning for a Michael Lucas film, we're not sure. If the gay community ever catches wind, wrestling is going to be as popular with the homos as the WNBA. "
2009 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with the Lou Albano video tribute package that aired on television this week.
We start off with a match from Raw and it involves the Divas.
Match Number One: Kelly Kelly versus Gail Kim
We are told that Gail and Kelly are going to be on the same team in one of the Bragging Rights matches. They will be teaming with Melina.
Gail with a side head lock take down but Kelly with a rollup for a near fall. Kelly with a head scissors but Gail escapes and Kelly with a leg sweep for a near fall. Gail with a leg sweep of her own. Gail with a side head lock and Kelly with forearms but Gail with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Gail with a wrist lock. Kelly uses the ropes to reverse and then she hits an arm drag. Gail goes to the apron and slingshots back in for a rollup. Kelly with a float over and then she hits a back handspring and arm drag. Gail knocks Kelly off the turnbuckles and Gail with a jackknife cover for a near fall. Gail with a reverse chin lock. Gail sends Kelly into the turnbuckles and then tries for a super rana but Kelly holds on to the ropes. Kelly with a victory roll for a near fall. They each think of clotheslines and they both hit one and they are down. Kelly and Gail exchange forearms. Kelly with a clothesline followed by a satellite head scissors and a near fall. Gail sends Kelly into the turnbuckles. Gail misses a cross body and then she hits the step up leg drop for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
After the match, Kelly helps up her tag team partner on Sunday night.
It is time for a video package for the Randy Orton/John Cena feud that will culminate in the Iron Man Match.
We are back with the ECW contribution to the show.
Match Number Two: Ezekiel Jackson and Vladimir Kozlov versus Tommy Dreamer and Goldust
Goldust and Jackson start things off and Goldust with a side head lock but Jackson picks up Goldust and tosses him aside. Jackson pushes Goldust but Goldust punches back. Goldust with a kick but Dreamer made the blind tag and he hits a cross body and a kick. Goldust tags back in and he hits an elbow from the turnbuckles. Jackson punches Goldust and then he Irish whips Goldust but misses the charge. Goldust wrings the arm and then he tags in Dreamer who hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Jackson with a slam and he tags in Kozlov. Kozlov misses an elbow drop and Dreamer tags in Goldust who punches Kozlov and works on the arm. Goldust with a drop toe hold and Dreamer with an elbow drop for a near fall. Dreamer with a front face lock but Kozlov runs Dreamer into the corner and connects with shoulders. Jackson tags in and punches Dreamer and kicks him. Jackson with an Irish whip and then he hits a splash into the corner. Jackson with a knee to the head and then he distracts the referee to allow Kozlov to interfere. Jackson chokes Dreamer with his boot and then he tags in Kozlov. Kozlov chokes Dreamer as well and then Kozlov hits a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Kozlov with a waist lock but Dreamer with punches. Kozlov with a slam and then he tags Jackson back in and Jackson kicks Dreamer. Jackson with shoulders in the corner. Jackson with an Irish whip and a running clothesline into the corner for a near fall. Jackson punches Dreamer. Jackson with a double underhook on Dreamer and then he gets Dreamer up for a slam but Dreamer runs Jackson into the turnbuckles. Dreamer tries to make the tag and he succeeds. Goldust punches Kozlov and hits the drop down uppercut followed by a bulldog but Jackson breaks up the cover. Dreamer hits Kozlvo from behind and then Goldust hits a Flatline for the three count.
Winners: Tommy Dreamer and Goldust
After the match, Jackson attacks Goldust and Dreamer. Kozlov hits the spinebuster on Dreamer and then he hits one on Goldust.
We go to commercial.
It is time to run through the card for Bragging Rights and it is being done by the ECW announcers.
We go to a video package for The Miz.
R Truth and Matt Hardy are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
Match Number Three: R Truth and Matt Hardy versus Drew McIntyre and Eric Escobar with Vickie Guerrero
McIntyre and Truth start things off and Truth wants to know what is up. Escobar decides to start things off. Truth dances and it shocks Escobar a bit. Truth with a side head lock but Escobar with a shoulder tackle. Truth with a hip toss and then he hits a satellite head scissors that backs Escobar into the corner. Truth with a float over and split followed by a leg lariat for a near fall. Hardy is tagged in and he punches Escobar and continues to work on the arm. McIntyre tags in and he works on Hardy’s arm and he takes Hardy to the mat. Hardy with punches to McIntyre while McIntyre continues to work on the arm. Truth tags in and they hit a double hip toss and double clothesline that sends McIntyre over the top rope. Escobar checks on McIntyre and that allows Truth and Hardy to hit stereo baseball slides and we go to commercial.
We are back and Truth with a drop toe hold to Escobar. Escobar with forearms and an Irish whip. Escobar misses a splash and then McIntyre’s attempt at interference fails. It does allow Escobar to work on the arm. McIntyre tags back in and McIntyre works on the arm and he stomps on it. McIntyre with a key lock. McIntyre sends Truth to the mat and kicks him again before tagging Escobar back in. Escobar with a hammer lock. Truth with a sunset flip attempt but Escobar stays up and he drops elbows onto the injured arm. McIntyre tags in and he kicks Truth and then he connects with forearms. Truth with a rollup for a near fall and then we get a double clothesline and both men are down. Hardy tags in and he connects with a forearm and clothesline. Hardy with a back elbow and elbow drop. Hardy with an Irish whip and running clothesline followed by a bulldog for a near fall. McIntyre with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot and Hardy with the screaming elbow from the turnbuckles. Hardy goes up top for a moonsault and gets a two count. Truth and Escobar are in the ring and Vickie gets on the apron. Truth misses a pescado onto Escobar. Hardy with a rollup for a two count. Hardy tries or a Twist of Fate but McIntyre sends Hardy to the ropes while Vickie distracts the referee. Escobar drops Hardy on the top rope and McIntyre with the double underhook DDT for the three count.
Winners: Drew McIntyre and Eric Escobar
2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight with a look back at Sunday’s Bound for Glory pay per view. We see photos from the pay per view.
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Coming back from Cali’ Tenay and Taz.
Kurt Angle comes to the ring via the Anglevator. Kurt says that he stands in the center of the ring without a family. Kurt says that it was one year ago that the Main Event Mafia was created. From the beginning, the Main Event Mafia was misunderstood. They were not about securing spots because Kurt says that he knew he was going to be the best. It was not about job security for him because he knew that he was better than anyone else. Kurt says that it was about respect. Respect for the wrestlers and the game. You were in it because you loved it. It was not about money and ego. It was about pride and being the best. Kurt says that he thought he saw a bunch of young punks looking for hand outs and to be given everything on a silver platter. Kurt says that everyone makes mistakes and he admits that he made a mistake. Kurt says that he sees a bunch of young boys who have grown into men. Kurt says that he saw it in Eric Young because he thought he could be better than him. Kurt says that he saw it in A.J. Styles. Kurt talks about their match from last week was more than a classic. A.J. gave him everything that he could handle because A.J. wants to be the best. Kurt talks about Matt Morgan. He says that the fire and determination in Matt’s eyes reminded him of the look that Kurt had when he started. Kurt thought that Matt had him a few times. Kurt tells everyone in the back that they have nothing to prove to him. Kurt says that he considers them his peers and he is ready to fight their fight.
Rhino comes out to the ring and he gets in Angle’s face. Rhino says that he cannot believe what Kurt is saying. Rhino says that he is glad that Rhino is having some revelations. Rhino asks if it has to slap him across the face. Rhino says that the Main Event Mafia is no more. Rhino says that Booker is gone. Rhino asks Kurt who is going to be at his side. Rhino tells Kurt that TNA Management wants him gone. Rhino tells Kurt to look at the people management are behind. He mentions Hernandez, Matt Morgan, and A.J. Styles. Rhino asks what about him.
Kurt says that he understands and he says that maybe they earned it. Rhino says that they haven’t earned nothing. They haven’t earned respect. Rhino says that he fought alongside them, but they brought in Bobby Lashley to push him aside with the trash.
Team 3D come to the ring and security tries to hold them back. Rhino tells Bubba to wait a minute. He says that he knows that Bubba and Devon are mad at them. He did it to get their attention. Rhino says that he has Team 3D and Angle’s attention. Rhino points out that Team 3D was on the stage standing next to people who were there to take their place. Rhino asks them what they are going to do when they are done.
Ray gets a chair as Rhino tells them to try to listen to him about how they are trying to push them out. Rhino points out that Team 3D aren’t even on the show tonight. Rhino invites Team 3D to come to the ring to watch him and Hernandez wrestle tonight.
Security tries to hold Ray back but it takes Kurt Angle to do the job. Rhino says TNA will have to drag his lifeless body out of the ring to get rid of him.
Lauren is in the locker room with Daniels and A.J. Styles. She asks them about Angle’s comments. A.J. says that if Kurt is sincere about what he said, that is a good thing for TNA. A.J. says that it is about them and the competition. They will strive to be the best in the business. Lauren asks Daniels about the main event at Turning Point and brings up the main event at Unbreakable 2005. Daniels says that A.J./Joe/Daniels will exceed expectations. Daniels says that they will have to deal with Joe and Nash tonight. He says that they had some tough losses on Sunday, but Daniels reminds them that he almost died in the ring. They will prove it in the ring tonight.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike and Taz talk about the new issue of Muscle and Fitness.
Lauren is with Raisha Saeed and Lauren asks her about her match with Kong. Saeed says that Kong wants to be on her own now, but that is nonsense. Saeed says that Kong learned everything from her. She knows everything that Kong will do. Saeed tells Kong that Kong is her puppet and she pulls the strings. She will destroy Kong.
Mike and Taz talk about the matches on tonight’s show and they are interrupted by Homicide and Amazing Red fight into the Impact Zone through the ramp. Homicide with a clothesline to Red as he comes down the ramp. Homicide sends Red into the ring post. Homicide tries to hit Red with his flak jacket but Red moves. Red with a back kick and then he is sent onto the apron and Red is pulled off the apron. Homicide sends Red into the ring and the match starts.
Match Number One: Homicide versus Amazing Red
Homicide with a slam but he misses a series of elbow drops. Red with kicks and Homicide with a pump handle suplex. Homicide sends Red into the turnbuckles and he chops Red. Homicide punches Red and rakes the eyes. Homicide with a punch to Red and an Irish whip but he misses a splash. Homicide with a hot shot for a near fall because the referee sees Homicide’s feet on the ropes. Homicide yells at the ref and Red with a rollup for a near fall. Red with a kick to Homicide and then he hits a drop kick into the corner. Red with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and a back kick. Red hits Code Red but Homicide kicks out. Red with an Irish whip but Homicide with a wheelbarrow slam and then Homicide hits the Gringo Killer for the three count.
Winner: Homicide
After the match, Homicide demands his title match from Don West and then he throws his flak jacket.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren is with Scott Steiner. Lauren asks Scott about Kurt Angle’s comments and wonders what the future of the Main Event Mafia is. Scott says that he has his warm up on and he left the locker room. Steiner says that there will always be a Main Event Mafia. Kurt is crazy for giving the young guys credit. Steiner says that the first young punk he is going to beat is Mike Morgan. Lauren points out that his name is Matt. Steiner says that Matt won’t even remember his name after the beating he receives.
Match Number Two: Matt Morgan versus Scott Steiner
Before the match starts, Steiner has some words for Kristal Lashley who is sitting in the front row.
Steiner with a forearm to the back and punch followed by chops. Steiner with punches to Morgan. Morgan with a back elbow. Morgan takes off the elbow pads and he connects with elbows in the corner. Morgan with a splash into the corner but Steiner was down and Morgan appears to have hurt himself more than Steiner. Morgan with a series of kicks to the leg and then he kicks Morgan in the chest. Steiner with another chop to Morgan. Steiner with a forearm to the back and he hits a suplex. Steiner with a clothesline and then he hits the flex elbow followed by push ups. Morgan with a short arm clothesline and a normal clothesline. Morgan with a splash into the corner and then he hits a clothesline. Morgan chokes Steiner in the ropes and Morgan with the splash and he goes to the floor. Morgan pulls Steiner to the floor and Morgan punches Steiner and then he tries to send Steiner into the guardrail. Steiner sends Morgan into the guardrails. Instead of going back into the ring after Morgan, Steiner grabs Kristal and Bobby Lashley comes out and he attacks Steiner. Lashley sends Steiner into the announce table and the referee doesn’t even realize what is going on. Lashley sends Steiner into the ring post and Lashley sends Steiner into the ring. Lashley leaps to the apron and he punches Steiner and Morgan hits the Carbon Footprint for the three count.
Winner: Matt Morgan
After the match, Lashley leaves with his wife.
Lauren is in the back with Awesome Kong. Kong takes the mic and she tells Raisha no more orders. Tonight finish.
Now commercial.
We are back for a few seconds to see A.J. in the locker room.
We are back and Lauren is with the Lashley family in the back. Lauren wants to apologize for TNA. Lashley tells Lauren that Steiner needs to apologize to Kristal and then he says that it is a game that Steiner doesn’t want to play.
We see footage of Kevin Nash’s loss at Bound for Glory.
Match Number Two: Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash versus A.J. Styles and Daniels
Joe and Nash attack Styles and Daniels before the bell rings. Joe with jabs to Styles while Nash and Daniels are on the floor. Styles with the Phenomenal drop kick to Joe. Styles sends Joe into Daniels’ boot. Daniels tags in and hits a leg lariat for a near fall. Daniels sends Joe into Styles’ boot and A.J. is back in. Styles punches Joe. Joe with an elbow and then he hits a reverse atomic drop and a Yakuza kick and back senton. Nash tags in and hits a side slam for a near fall. Joe tags back in and he punches Styles. Joe with jabs to A.J. but A.J. with punches. Joe with a back elbow and Nash tags back in. Nash punches Styles and then he connects with knees in the corner. Nash makes it elbow time in the corner and then he frames things but Styles with a kick and punches. Nash with a knee but Styles with a punch. Styles goes to the apron and hits the phenomenal springboard forearm and both men are down. Daniels tags in and he hits forearms on Joe and Nash and then he hits a leg lariat on Joe followed by another forearm to Nash. Daniels with a clothesline to Joe and a kick to Nash. Daniels sends Joe into Nash and Nash has Joe in a front face lock. Daniels goes to the turnbuckles and hits a clothesline on Nash and the impact turns it into a DDT on Joe. Daniels gets a two count. Nash with a clothesline after Daniels connects with a few punches. Styles hits an Asai Moonsault on Joe on the floor. Daniels with an enzuigiri and Daniels tries to make the tag but Styles is down. Nash with a knee and a choke slam for the three count.
Winners: Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash
After the match, Lauren congratulates Nash on his victory. Nash says that Eric Young stole his title and owes him $60,000. Nash says that he is looking for his money.
Jeremy Borash is in the back to talk about the hotline. Eric Young takes the mic and he says that he is not hard to find. With the titles they won, he says that he is in charge of the top group in the company. Eric says that he has an earth shattering announcement for next week. We go to commercial.
We are back and the Motor City Machine Guns are with Lauren. Lauren talks about the first Ultimate X Tag Match on Impact. Sabin says that the Machine Gun Movement has begun. Sabin says that Lethal Consequences might have the advantage because they didn’t have to pull double duty but it won’t matter. Shelley says that it is smart to give the opportunity to the younger guys. They are going to make people pay attention tonight.
We go to footage of Velvet, Madison, and Lacey and they push people out of the way at catering. They attack Sarita and Taylor Wilde and we have a food fight.
We see footage of Saeed costing Kong the match against ODB.
Match Number Three: Raisha Saeed versus Awesome Kong
Kong with a giant swing on Saeed and Saeed tries her best to avoid Kong. Saeed with forearms to Kong followed by chops and kicks. Saeed with a drop kick to the knee but Kong blocks a boot. Kong misses the back fist. Saeed avoids punches and connects with a few of her own. Kong with a body block and then Kong goes to the turnbuckles but Saeed stops her. Saeed with kicks on the ropes and then she hits a leg drop on the ropes. Saeed gets a two count. Saeed kicks Kong and then Saeed goes to the turnbuckles for a splash but Kong gets her knees up. Saeed with a clothesline followed by punches. Kong catches Saeed but Saeed tries for a sunset flip. Kong drops down and then hits the Implant Buster for the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
After the match, Kong takes Saeed up the ramp and then Kong hits a power bomb through the stage. The medical staff checks on Saeed as we go to commercial.
We are back and we have a Moments Ago Moment of the Awesome Kong power bomb through the stage. We see footage during the commercial break of Saeed being carried to the back.
Team 3D are at the announce table for our next match.
Match Number Four: Rhino versus Hernandez
Rhino with a kick and forearm. Hernandez sends Rhino into the turnbuckles and then Hernandez runs into an elbow. Hernandez with forearms and then he sends Rhino over the top rope to the floor. Hernandez with a plancha onto Rhino. Rhino kicks Hernandez as he returns to the ring. Rhino with more kicks to Hernandez as he tries to recover. Rhino with a snap mare and a rear chin lock. Rhino with a slam and then he goes to the turnbuckles but misses a diving head butt. Hernandez with a forearm and clotheslines. Hernandez with a splash into the corner and then he hits a choke slam for a near fall. Rhino with an Irish whip and shoulder into the corner. Hernandez pulls himself up to the turnbuckles and Rhino with a punch and he tries for a superplex but Rhino is sent to the mat. Hernandez with a splash for the three count.
Winner: Hernandez
After the match, Rhino attacks Hernandez and hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Rhino sets for the GORE and Hernandez side steps him. Hernandez takes off his shirt and he signals for a border toss. Team 3D stop Hernandez from doing it and they tell him not to sink to Rhino’s level.
Jeremy Borash is with Kurt Angle in his dressing room and Jeremy says that he never heard the words coming out of Angle’s mouth. Angle says that he was wrong and the younger talent puts everything on the line. Jeremy asks Angle about Rhino’s comments and Angle says that it is a lack of confidence by Rhino. Angle talks about A.J.’s match at Turning Point. Next month, he gets his title match and we will find out who is the best.
Desmond Wolf enters the dressing room and he wants to introduce himself to Kurt Angle. He says that he is a huge fan of Angle’s and has followed his career. Desmond says that he is a professional wrestler because of Kurt Angle. He came to TNA because of Kurt Angle. Angle thanks Desmond and welcomes him to TNA. Kurt talks about the young talent and Desmond attacks Angle and connects with European uppercuts. Wolf with a knee and forearm to the back.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment showing Desmond Wolf’s attack on Kurt Angle.
Match Number Five: Jay Lethal and Consequences Creed versus The Motor City Machine Guns in an Ultimate X Number One Contender Match for the Tag Titles
All four men go for the towers but Sabin pulls Creed off while Lethal pulls Shelley off. Sabin and Shelley avoid each other and then they hit clotheslines into the corner. They hit a double uranage on Lethal and then they send Creed to the floor. Sabin and Shelley tease going to the floor as Sabin goes to the apron and he kicks Lethal while Shelley goes for the tower. Shelley is on the cable and Creed with a spin kick to Sabin and Creed pulls Shelley down. Creed with a clothesline into the corner followed by a drop kick on Shelley. Creed with a springboard bulldog to Shelley. Creed climbs for the cables. Lethal punches Sabin but Shelley sends Lethal to the apron and Sabin with a kick off Shelley’s back to send Lethal to the floor. Sabin and Shelley pull Creed from the cable and they connect with a series of kicks. Sabin climbs while Shelley holds Creed. Creed runs Shelley into the corner to crotch Sabin. Lethal with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker on Shelley while Creed hits a side Russian leg sweep. Lethal holds Shelley for a drop kick by Creed. Creed punches Sabin and they fight on the turnbuckles. Lethal gets to the cable but Shelley walks Sabin on the ropes and Lethal is caught on the cable. Creed has Sabin who grabs Lethal. Lethal escapes while Creed is pulled to the mat by Shelley. Sabin kicks Lethal in the back and they fall to the mat. Sabin sends Lethal into the turnbuckles. Shelley with a knee and chop to Lethal. Shelley and Sabin charge into boots. Creed with a missile drop kick to Sabin. Shelley with a round house kick to Creed. Lethal with a Dragon suplex to Shelley. Sabin with an enzuigiri to Lethal followed by a springboard tornado DDT. Creed with a clothesline to Sabin. Creed with a back kick to Shelley. Creed and Lethal with a double team move to Shelley. Lethal has Sabin in a waist lock. Lethal with a Boston crab on Sabin while Creed climbs to the tower. Shelley stops Creed and then The Machine Guns hit a springboard clothesline and power bomb combination. Sabin is almost at the X but Lethal hits Lethal Combination on Sabin. Lethal and Shelley are on the turnbuckles and Sabin stops Lethal. They hit the Sliced Bread and power bomb combination and Shelley is down holding his knee. Sabin gets the X to win the match.
Winners: Motor City Machine Guns
We see the participants in the TNA Tag Title Match getting ready for their interviews as we go to commercial.
We are back and Don West goes through some of the live show dates.
Lauren is with the British Invasion and she congratulates them on winning the titles at Bound for Glory. Doug Williams says that it was a foregone conclusion that they would win. They are the best tag team. He says that they have dominated and got rid of the Main Event Mafia. Brutus says that there are still some fat slobs around. Brutus says that they will make Storm and Roode sober and poor because it is their last title match.
Jeremy is with Storm and Roode and he reminds them that it is their last shot at the Brits. Roode says that they only need one opportunity. There are only two teams tonight and then he wonders why the champions agreed to this match. Roode says that there will be no Rob Terry to protect them. Storm did not appreciate being called sober. Storm says that the six sides of steel is their home.
Match Number Six: Doug Williams and Brutus Magnus versus James Storm and Robert Roode for the TNA Tag Titles
Roode with a side head lock and Williams with a shoulder tackle but Roode with a back elbow and punches. Roode with a flying forearm for a near fall. Magnus tries to break up the cover with an elbow but he hits his partner. Roode kicks Magnus but Williams attacks the ribs and hits a gutwrench suplex. Williams sends Roode into the turnbuckles and then Magnus tags in and he punches Roode and hits a hard Irish whip. Magnus sends Roode into the turnbuckle and tags in Williams and they hit the Japanese clothesline and gets a near fall. Williams with an Irish whip but Roode punches Williams and tries to get the tag but Williams stops him and Magnus with an elbow to Roode’s back and then he hits Storm on the apron. Magnus tags in and he has Roode in a camel clutch. Roode punches Magnus but Magnus hits Roode in the lower back. Roode sends Magnus into the cage and then Roode with a David Young spinebuster and both men are down. Williams tags in and he stops Roode from making the tag for a second but Storm tags in and he punches Williams and Magnus. Storm with a back body drop to Magnus and one to Williams. Storm with a lungblower to Mangus and then Storm with a facebuster and uranage for a near fall. Storm and Roode with a double suplex into the cage and then a double suplex on Magnus.
Storm and Roode waste time reminding us of their team name and that allows Williams to attack Roode. Roode catapults Williams into a DDT by Storm for a two count. Storm puts Williams on the turnbuckles and Magnus attacks Roode and then goes after Storm. Williams climbs to the top of the cage. Storm with an enzuigiri. Storm stops Williams on top and then Magnus stops Storm from a superduperplex. We have a tower of ultimate doom move and all four men are down. Storm and Roode hit DWI but Magnus hits the referee to stop the count.
More referees come into the cage to check on the referee. Earl Hebner disqualifies the British Invasion.
Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode by disqualification
Kurt Angle is walking in the back and he has a purpose. We go to commercial.
We are back and Lauren has a few questions for A.J. Styles and A.J. says that they were just talking strategy. A.J. goes to his vehicle to leave the Impact Zone and he is attacked from behind while Lauren sends it back to Mike and Taz.
Kurt Angle walks into the Impact Zone and he says that nobody makes their name at the expense of Kurt Angle. Angle tells Desmond Wolf to come out and look at him in the eye. Part of the cage is still up and Angle is ready for a fight. Angle says that he can run but he cannot hide. Angle goes up the ramp and Wolf attacks Angel from behind. Angle kicks Wolf and connects with a European uppercut and punch. Angle slams Wolf’s head into the announce table. They get into the ring and Wolf with a head butt and a low kick to the yam bag. Wolf puts Angle on the top turnbuckle and hits the Tower of London. Wolf leaves the ring and he comes back with a chair. Wolf puts the chair on Angle and he says that he wants Angle to think about it. He introduces himself to Angle and then he leaves giving a British salute. We go to credits.
2010 - The Associated Press reported today that voting registrars in Connecticut can request voters wearing WWE clothing to cover up, since Linda McMahon is so closely associated with World Wrestling Entertainment. There is a federal law that does not allow political material in polling places.
In response, World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following statement on their website:
State Of Connecticut Threatens WWE Fans' Right To Vote
STAMFORD, Conn. – The right for World Wrestling Entertainment fans to vote was threatened today by Connecticut Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz, who gave the authority to local poll workers to determine that if anyone shows up to the polls on November 2 wearing any WWE merchandise, whether it is a John Cena T-shirt or a Randy Orton wristband, they may be forced to go home and change, cover it up, or take it off in order to vote.
“Denying our fans the right to vote, denying them their First Amendment rights, regardless if they are Democrat, Republican or Independent, is un-American, unconstitutional and blatantly discriminatory,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman and CEO of WWE.
2010 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and your announcers are Matt ‘The Don Cherry of Wrestling Announcers’ Striker, Todd ‘The Ron McLean of Wrestling Announcers’ Grisham, and Michael ‘Schiavone’ Cole.
We begin with thirteen of the fourteen men (plus Alex ‘Seat Filler’ Riley) involved in the Bragging Rights Elimination Match in the ring with Teddy Long and the Bragging Rights Cup. This week there is a red and blue tablecloth on the official presenting table.
Teddy welcomes everyone to Smackdown. He reminds us that there will be an elimination match at Bragging Rights. Teddy announces that he won’t be making the matches tonight, for the first time. He is going to let the Superstars select the matches tonight. Teddy lets the Raw captain choose first, but Miz tells Teddy that he should be thanking him for allowing Team Raw to grace the B Show with their presence. He says that Teddy should be thanking him for the ratings boost that they are going to give this show because of the superstars on ‘this’ side of the ring, not ‘that’ side. Miz says that he has already proven his superiority over Smackdown’s captain so we are going to have a six man tag match. Miz says that he will be joined by Ezekiel Jackson and Sheamus.
Show says that he isn’t surprised that Miz is hiding behind two powerhouses when Miz was always hiding behind him when they were tag team partners. Show asks Miz if he still has the bedwetting problem. Show mentions Sheamus and Ezekiel Jackson as powerhouses so he needs some speed so he chooses Kofi Kingston. Show says that he is also going to choose the heart and soul of Smackdown and that when he is in trouble, he doesn’t call 911, he calls 619 so the third member of the team will be Rey Mysterio.
Edge tells Teddy that since they are making the matches, he wants to be in action tonight. Edge says that he wants a singles match against the most obnoxious, self righteous, condescending, sanctimonious superstar on either brand. Edge says that he wants CM Punk.
Punk is surprised that he is called obnoxious.
John Morrison says that he wants to challenge someone who thinks that he is better than everyone. Someone who thinks that he is too good to be here. Someone who thought that he could be a member of Menudo. Someone who has trouble speaking the English language. Morrison says that he isn’t talking about Jack Swagger. He wants to face Alberto Del Rio.
Swagger says that doesn’t leave a lot for him. He says that he will face the man whose finisher is worse than the Sharpshooter. He says that he isn’t talking about the Miz. He wants to face the superstar with a unibrow and then he will wipe it off his face. He wants to face Santino Marella.
Teddy says that we have our matches so it is time for the first match and it is the six man tag match.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, and Big Show versus Miz, Ezekiel Jackson, and Sheamus in a Bragging Rights Preview Match
Rey and Sheamus start things off and Sheamus with a kick and forearm. Sheamus puts Rey on the turnbuckles and then he is warned by the referee. Sheamus misses with a punch and kick but Rey kicks Sheamus and then hits a head scissors but he runs into a clothesline from Sheamus. Sheamus with a short arm clothesline and then he connects with forearms across the chest and gets a near fall. Rey slides through Sheamus’ legs but Sheamus with a knee and elbow to the back of the neck and Sheamus gets a near fall. Rey with a kick and Kofi is tagged in and he hits a springboard cross body for a near fall.
Kofi with kicks and forearms but Sheamus with a kick and forearms to the back. Sheamus goes after Rey but Rey gets to the floor. Sheamus tries for a slam but Kofi escapes and he kicks Sheamus. Sheamus charges at Kofi but Kofi ducks down and Sheamus goes over the top rope to the floor. Rey with a seated senton from the apron while the referee deals with the members of Team Raw and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ezekiel is now in the match for Team Raw. Kofi and Zeke with kicks to each other followed by an Irish whip by Jackson but Kingston with a pendulum kick in the corner. Kofi with a drop kick to Miz when he tries to interfere on the apron. Kofi tries for a springboard move but he is taken down with a body block. Zeke sends Kofi into the turnbuckles and then he chokes Kofi before tagging in Miz.
Miz with a kick to the ribs and then he chokes Kofi in the ropes and then Sheamus kicks Kofi while the referee was not looking. Kofi with forearms but he cannot make the tag and Miz brings him back into the corner. Sheamus tags back in and he kicks Kofi and connects with a short arm forearm and gets a near fall. Sheamus with a rear chin lock and he has his knee in Kofi’s back. Sheamus with a knee but Kofi with a neck breaker and both men are down.
Miz keeps Kofi from making the tag to Show but Kofi is finally able to make the tag. Show with clotheslines to Miz and he hits a back body drop on Miz and Sheamus. Rey with a seated senton to Sheamus but his momentum sends him to Zeke who presses Rey over his head. Show with a thrust kick that sends Zeke to the floor. Miz goes up top but Show catches him and Show with a choke slam. Show tags in Rey and Rey gets on Show’s shoulders and he connects with a dive onto Miz for the three count.
Winners: Big Show, Rey Mysterio, and Kofi Kingston
We go to commercial.
We are back and Did You Know hat John Cena is a member of the Make A Wish Ambassador Council with Michael Jordan?
Cole, Striker, and Grisham mention the issues surrounding the WWE Title match, especially with John Cena’s involvement with Nexus. We have a video package.
Josh Mathews is in the interview area with Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero. Josh asks Dolph about the challenge made to him on Monday night by United States Champion Daniel Bryan for Bragging Rights. We go to the footage from Monday night.
Dolph says that he was jumped from behind and then says that he thought a fan had gotten into the ring wearing his dad’s underwear with his grandfather’s beard. He says that Daniel Bryan versus Dolph Ziggler is like a high school football team taking on the Super Bowl Champions. Dolph says that the high school team might get one or two plays in, but that is it. At least the high school kids have pads to protect them. Daniel Bryan will have nothing to protect him at Bragging Rights.
Match Number Two: Jack Swagger with the Soaring Swagger Eagle versus Santino Marella in a Bragging Rights Preview Match
Santino leaps at Swagger but Swagger forces Santino to flinch. Santino goes for a leg but Swagger with a uranage take down and then he rolls Santino out of the ring and Santino goes to the floor. The Eagle sets to pounce on Santino but Hornswoggle’s music plays and he has the Smackdown flag with him and he uses it to keep the Eagle away from Santino.
Swagger pushes Santino a few times but Santino pushes back and he takes Swagger down with an arm drag. Santino with a side head lock but Swagger gets out of the hold. Swagger with a splash into the corner. Swagger throws Santino over the top rope and Hornswoggle protects Santino again. The Eagle charges at Santino and Hornswoggle and they both do splits to avoid the Eagle. Santino with the Cobra to the Eagle and Hornswoggle with a splash from the ring steps on the Eagle.
Santino returns to the ring and Swagger misses a clothesline. Santino with punches to Swagger and then he does a split to avoid Swagger’s offense. Santino follows that with a hip toss and a diving head butt for a near fall. Santino uncoils the Cobra but Swagger puts Santino in the ankle lock and Santino taps.
Winner: Jack Swagger
After the match, Hornswoggle forces Cole from the announce table for a moment.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Cody Rhodes Grooming Tip. This week Cody talks about dry, crater-like, chapped lips and how they are a turn off for the opposite sex. Cody tells you to dab your finger in some lip balm in a circular motion, making sure not to get too much on your finger. He tells you to pucker up and apply. Cody says that if you are by yourself and getting ready to go to bed, he likes to apply some lip gloss. He says that it is rejuvenating and not just for the ladies.
Match Number Three: Alberto Del Rio versus John Morrison in a Bragging Rights Preview Match
They lock up and Del Rio backs Morrison into the corner and he connects with a knee out of the break. Del Rio sends Morrison into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and kick to the back. Morrison with a double leg take down followed by punches and a Shining Wizard for a near fall. Del Rio sends Morrison into the turnbuckles followed by a back breaker for a near fall. Del Rio with a rear chin lock with his knee in Morrison’s back. Del Rio with a forearm to the back followed by an Irish whip and kick to the back by Del Rio. Del Rio with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Del Rio works on the back and then he returns to the rear chin lock.
Morrison with punches to Del Rio followed by a rollup for a near fall. Del Rio goes for a splash in the corner but Del Rio lands awkwardly. Morrison with clotheslines followed by a leg lariat and Morrison gets a near fall. Morrison with a kick but Del Rio wit a German suplex and bridge for a near fall. Del Rio with shoulder in the corner but he misses the step up enzuigiri. Morrison tries for the corkscrew split legged moonsault but Del Rio gets his knees up and Morrison gets to his feet holding his left arm. Del Rio floats over and puts Morrison in the cross arm breaker and Morrison taps.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Last week’s battle royal that was won by Team Smackdown with Edge and Big Show surviving.
Match Number Four: Edge versus CM Punk in a Bragging Rights Preview Match
Punk with a kick but Edge is able to block it. Punk with a waist lock and take down. Edge gets to his feet and he works on the arm and puts Punk in a side head lock. Edge with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Edge with a side head lock take down on Punk. Punk backs Edge into the corner and Punk with shoulders to Edge in the corner. Punk with a punch to Edge followed by a hard Irish whip and Punk gets a near fall. Punk with an arm bar to Edge followed by a jawbreaker. Edge with a forearm and punches in the corner. Punk with a slide on an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Edge. Edge tries for the cross body with Punk in the ropes but Punk moves and Edge hits the ropes. Punk gets a near fall and then Punk turns his focus to Edge’s midsection. Punk stomps on the hands and then kicks Edge in the chest and gets a near fall. Punk goes for another head butt but Edge sidesteps it and hits a swinging neck breaker. Punk with a kick and then he drops Edge on the top rope and Edge goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Punk continues to focus on the midsection with a body scissors. Edge with elbows that allow him to get out of the hold. Punk with kicks to the leg followed by a gutbuster for a near fall. Punk goes to the apron for the springboard clothesline but Punk counters with a power slam and both men are down. Edge and Punk exchange punches with Edge gaining the advantage. Punk with kicks to Edge but Edge ducks a kick attempt but Punk escapes an Impaler DDT attempt. Edge with a flying forearm followed by a running forearm. Edge with a half nelson bulldog on Punk for a near fall.
Edge starts to show some frustration as he waits for Punk to get up. Edge tries for a suplex but Punk escapes the hold. Punk gets Edge for the Go To Sleep but Edge counters with an Edge-o-Matic and Edge gets a near fall. Punk with a knee to Edge’s midsection for a near fall. Punk with a running knee into the corner but Edge escapes the bulldog attempt and Edge hits the Impaler DDT but Punk kicks out.
Edge goes to the turnbuckles but Punk kicks Edge’s foot and Edge lands on the turnbuckles. Punk tries for a superplex but Edge holds on to the turnbuckle and Edge drops Punk on the mat. Edge pulls his hair as he waits for Punk to get up for the spear. Alex Riley and Miz come out and pull Edge to the floor and the referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Edge by disqualification
After the match, Miz and Riley send Edge into the ringside barrier. They check on Punk in the ring and Kofi Kingston comes out and he gives Riley Trouble in Paradise. Miz gives Kofi the Skull Crushing Finale. Tyler Reks gives Miz a Burning Hammer. Morrison with a tornado DDT to Reks. Del Rio sends Morrison into the turnbuckles and hits the step up enzuigiri. Ezekiel Jackson with a spine buster but Swagger puts Jackson in an ankle lock. Santino comes out and Swagger blocks the cobra and Swagger with a Doctor Bomb to Santino. Sheamus with a pump kick. Show makes his way to the ring and he gives Jackson a choke slam. Sheamus with a pump kick that sends Show to the floor. Rey with a drop kick to the knees and Rey hits the 619 on Sheamus. Punk gives Rey Go To Sleep but Edge finishes the succession of finishers with a spear on CM Punk.
Team Smackdown stands together in the ring as Team Raw goes go the back.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Layla and Michelle McCool are in the ring and they are a little more than a week early with their Halloween costumes. Layla is dressed like a Natalya/Jim Neidhart hybrid while Michelle is dressed like Bret Hart.
Layla introduces her ‘uncle and WWE legend’ Bret Hart. Michelle takes the mic introduces the first third generation diva who is a disgrace to the Hart family. Natalya ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart. Michelle/Bret says that they don’t worship Natalya, they worship him. Michelle/Bret then says that she worships LayCool because they are Flawless.
Match Number Five: Natalya and Kelly Kelly versus Michelle McCool and Layla
Layla and Natalya start things off and Natalya with a waist lock but Layla chokes Natalya in the ropes. Michelle with a kick to Natalya. Layla slams Natalya’s head into the mat and gets a near fall. Michelle tags in and she kicks Natalya in the midsection. She follows that with an elbow to the back of the head. She sends Natalya into the turnbuckles and Layla tags back in. Layla with a snap mare and kick. Natalya blocks the discus clothesline and responds with an STO. Layla wit a kick but Natalya with a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Natalya tells Michelle to mind her business. Layla tries for the Lay Out but Natalya counters with a back slide. Natalya pulls Michelle into the ring when she tries for the Sharpshooter. Natalya locks in the Sharpshooter and Layla taps out.
Winners: Natalya and Kelly Kelly
After the match, Natalya attacks her opponent on Sunday.
We go to a tale of the tape for the Randy Orton/Kane match.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Kane video package.
Match Number Six: Randy Orton versus Kane in a Champion versus Champion Non Title Match
Orton and Kane circle each other as they get ready to lock up. Kane with an uppercut to get the first shot in and then he punches Orton in the corner. Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Kane with another Irish whip and splash into the corner followed by a side slam. Kane signals for the tombstone but Orton counters it and hits a back breaker. Orton drops down for push ups but Kane goes to the floor before Orton can hit the RKO.
They go to the floor and Orton with punches to Kane followed by a European uppercut. Orton sends Kane into the announce table and then they return to the ring. Orton kicks Kane and Kane goes to the floor. Orton goes after Kane on the floor but Kane with a clothesline. Kane picks Orton up and runs him into the ring apron and ringside barrier. Kane does it all again. Kane sends Orton once more into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane has Orton in a bear hug as he continues to work on Orton’s back. Orton with punches to get out of the hold but Kane with a clothesline for a near fall. Kane punches Orton and follows it with knees and a punch to the head. Kane with boots to the midsection. Kane with a hard Irish whip.
Orton fights back with punches but Kane returns to the midsection and takes Orton down. Kane pulls Orton to the floor and he sends Orton’s back into the ring post. Kane drapes Orton over the apron and he punches Orton followed by a boot to the head. Kane gets a near fall on Orton. Kane returns to a bear hug on Orton. Orton with punches to Kane but Kane with a back breaker to Orton for a near fall. Kane goes up top for the clothesline and he hits it on Orton but Orton is able to kick out. Kane motions for the choke slam and he grabs Orton but Orton with elbows to the head.
Orton with punches but Kane with a knee. Kane charges into a boot. Orton with European uppercuts followed by clotheslines but he cannot get Kane off his feet. Orton with a power slam and Kane goes to the apron. Orton tries for the IEDDT and he hits it. Orton stares into space and then he twists to the mat for the RKO push ups, but Kane escapes the RKO and hits a big boot to the head. Kane sets for a choke slam one more time but a gong goes off and the lights go out.
The lights come back on and Orton is behind Kane and Orton hits the RKO and gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
After the match, Kane shows his frustration over losing the match as he goes to the announce table and even knocks over the Bragging Rights Cup. Kane returns to the ring as he looks for the Undertaker.
The arena goes blue after the gong sounds. We have ominous music as Undertaker appears under the ring and he pulls Kane under the ring as we go to credits.
2011 - ROH on Sinclair was broadcast on The Sinclair Broadcasting Group's TV stations. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Louisville, Kentucky and your announcers are Kevin ‘Is this the only building in Louisville not named ‘Papa John’ in some manner’ Kelly and Nigel ‘Freedom Hall McGuinneess.
Kevin and Nigel talk about the main event, a Television Title Match with Jay Lethal defending against Mike Bennett.
We get comments from the participants in the first match of the night. First we hear from TJ Perkins. He says that it is a career highlight for him to make his debut on Ring of Honor television. He says that he made his wrestling debut when he was fourteen years old and he has wrestled all over the world. He has had to sacrifice a lot on his road to Ring of Honor. He says that the best step for him to take is with Ring of Honor. He says that he won’t find a better challenge than in Ring of Honor. He says that Mike Mondo might be known as the Giant Killer, but TJ says that he is not a giant. Mike will have to catch lightning with his bare hands to beat him.
Mike Mondo says that he is called the ‘giant killer’ because no matter how big and tough they are, he will chop them down. He wants to make everyone in the locker room know that they better step aside when he walks in because he needs a lot of room. He says that TJ is a nice kid and he hopes that he doesn’t hurt him. He is big enough to step on toes and keep on walking.
Match Number One: Mike Mondo versus TJ Perkins
Perkins with a kick to the leg and then he applies a waist lock but Mondo with a take down. Mondo with a wrist lock but Perkins escapes and hits a drop kick. Perkins with a side head lock and he tries for a shoulder tackle but Mondo stays on his feet. Mondo with a double leg take down but Perkins escapes. Perkins with a sunset flip into a reverse rocking chair and then he drops Mondo to the mat and gets to the ropes.
Perkins with a European uppercut and then he puts Mondo in the tree of woe. Perkins with a hesitation drop kick and Mondo goes to the floor. Perkins wants to go to the floor but Mondo sees him coming and Perkins stops. Mondo pulls Perkins to the floor and sends him into the guardrails. Mondo with a somersault dive off the apron and he hits Perkins.
Mondo with a slingshot splash for a near fall. Mondo with a kick to the back followed by a forearm. Mondo with kicks and then he chokes Perkins. Perkins with punches to Mondo followed by a European uppercut. Mondo with an Irish whip and running knees and a flying Yakuza kick for a near fall.
Mondo with an elbow to the head followed by a slam. Mondo with a knee drop for a near fall. Mondo with a reverse chin lock. Perkins punches Mondo but Mondo with a knee. Perkins with an elbow to Mondo and then they exchange forearms. Perkins gets the upper hand but Mondo with a kick. Perkins holds himself in the ropes and Mondo charges at him and Mondo goes to the floor when Perkins moves. Perkins with a suicide dive to the floor.
Perkins returns Mondo to the ring and he hits a springboard double stomp to the back of the head for a near fall. Perkins gets Mondo on his shoulders but Mike escapes the hold. Perkins with a double leg take down and Perkins with a figure four death lock but Mondo makes it to the ropes.
Perkins with a European uppercut in the corner but Mondo with an Irish whip. Perkins sends Mondo to the apron and then Mondo drops Perkins head on the top rope. Mondo trips getting back into the ring and Mondo with a gutblower and then he kips up showing that he did not hurt his knee and was only playing possum.
Mondo with a drop kick for a near fall. Mondo argues with the referee and that allows Perkins to recover. TJ tries for a superkick but Mondo blocks it. Mondo with a forearm but Perkins with a superkick followed by a round kick and then he goes to the apron but he misses a springboard drop kick when Mondo moves out of the way.
Mondo tries for a rollup but he is not able to get Perkins’ shoulders down. Perkins with a La Magistral for the three count.
Winner: TJ Perkins
We go to commercial.
We are back and Nigel and Kevin talk about Jim Cornette’s decision about the number one contenders for the Tag Titles. We go to footage from last week when The Briscoes defeated The All Night Xpress to become the Number One Contenders only to have Jim Cornette strip them of that classification due to the nature of the finish of the match.
The Briscoes come to the ring to join Jim Cornette. Cornette says that there are some issues between the Briscoes and All Night Xpress and that after what happened last week, he wanted to think things over before making a decision about the number one contenders for the tag titles. Jim says that he has made a decision and we will have a match next week with the Briscoes facing the All Night Xpress with the winner getting the tag title shot at Final Battle.
Jay wants to make sure that he heard Cornette right and asks him if this means that they have to beat those ANX sons of bitches one more time and Cornette confirms that with Jay. Jay says that they have whooped their ass all over the country so it won’t be a problem next week. Jay says that ROH officials don’t want the Briscoes headlining Final Battle. After they win next week, ROH won’t have a choice.
Cornette says that they don’t want a repeat of what happened at Best in the World when the Briscoes attacked Haas and Benjamin. They have to prove themselves against the top teams.
Jay reminds Cornette that they are six time tag team champions so they have already proven themselves. He says that Charlie and Shelton better kiss their belts because they are going to be losing them at Final Battle.
It is time for comments from Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Charlie says it is no secret who they want to face. He says that the All Night Xpress are a great team, but they want the Briscoes. Shelton says that they have wanted the Briscoes since New York in June. After winning a four way tag match, they were attacked by the Briscoes with chairs.
Charlie says that they remember how it felt.
Shelton says that they want the Briscoes to win next week. There is a good news/bad news situation. The good news is that they get to fight Charlie and Shelton. The bad news is that they have to fight them.
We go to commercial.
We are back with Inside ROH and this week we talk about Final Battle. Final Battle takes place on Friday December 23rd.
Roderick Strong says that Davey Richards is probably happy with how he won a few weeks ago, but he had to attack Truth Martini. Truth says that he was talking to the referee about Davey’s illegal tactics and then Davey attacked him. Roderick says that he was too busy saving Truth’s life. Truth says that Davey was trying to get disqualified against Roderick. Roderick mentions that the challenger for the World Title will be announced in two weeks and he knows that it will be him. Truth says that if the referee disqualified Davey Richards and if Michael Elgin had defeated Eddie Edwards, Roderick would be on top of the list of challengers. Truth says that adversity introduces a man to himself. Roderick can prove to everyone that he is the best wrestler in the world.
Roderick says that he is making the Roderick invitational challenge. Any wrestler who claims to be the best in the world can come to Final Battle to try to prove it to him. Roderick says that he is going to stick it to Davey one more time. Roderick says that he will still the show and outshine Davey Richards and his title match.
Roderick was asked about facing Kyle O’Reilly, who is affiliated with Davey Richards, and he says that it is a warm up for him and a way to send a message to Davey and his team of male cheerleaders that Team Richards is a joke. Roderick says that he is not gone. It is a chance to beat up Kyle and make Davey miserable.
Davey Richards says that he went into Final Battle so convinced that he was going to beat Roderick Strong, but Roderick left with the title and he left with a concussion. There is a lot of pressure on him this year because he will be the champion. He is convinced that every great champion has to take themselves to a dark place. He brought a group of people to be with him and they put him through hell to know that when he steps in the ring will be ready for hell because that is what he is going to bring. Without his team, he doesn’t think any of this will be possible.
Davey mentions that he has made five trips to New Japan and he mentions how brutal and athletic New Japan is. Being part of that style and the Ring of Honor schedule has kept him sharp and hungry.
He says that he is not going to worry about his opponent at Final Battle. Whoever steps in the ring with him will remember his name.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we take a look back at the night that Jay Lethal defeated El Generico to become the new Ring of Honor Television Champion.
Match Number Two: Mike Bennett with Bob Evans versus Jay Lethal for the ROH Television Title
They lock up to a stalemate. They lock up again and they go around the ring and Lethal forces Bennett into the corner. Lethal with forearms but Bennett with a kick. Lethal with a chop and a hip toss followed by a cartwheel and drop kick for a near fall. Lethal with a European uppercut but Bennett with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bennett with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Lethal holds on to the ropes and Bennett is sent to the apron and Lethal drop kicks Bennett to the floor. Lethal goes to the floor with a baseball slide when Bennett moves. Lethal with a chop and Bennett with a punch. Lethal breaks up the count andt hen he returns to the attack with kicks.
Bennett with a knee to the midsection and then he runs Lethal’s back into the apron. They return to the ring but Lethal with a single leg sweep and he applies a modified figure four leg lock and then he lifts Bennett off the mat. Lethal drops Bennett face first to the mat and gets a near fall. Lethal with a slam to Bennett and then he hits an elbow drop (I think because they cut away) and he gets a near fall.
Lethal with a drop kick to the head and then he goes to the apron. Evans distracts Lethal and Lethal with a kick to Evans. Bennett with a hot shot and lariat to Lethal and both men are down. Bennett gets a near fall and he kicks Lethal. We go to commercial.
We are back and Lethal with chops to Bennett. Bennett with a clothesline into the corner followed by a neck breaker and Bennett gets a near fall. We see footage from the commercial break as he worked on the head and neck. Bennett with a forearm across the chest as we return to the current action. Bennett with kicks to the chest followed by an Irish whip. Lethal with an elbow but he runs out of the corner and Bennett with a power slam for a near fall. Bennett with a body scissors and then he elbows Lethal in the head.
Lethal with elbows to get out of the hold and then Lethal tries for a suplex but Bennett blocks it. Bennett with a front face lock and he brings Lethal down to the mat. Lethal with punches to Bennett followed by a chop. Lethal with a reverse atomic drop followed by a running elbow and clothesline followed by a back elbow. Lethal with a leg lariat to Bennett.
Lethal tries for a springboard back elbow but he turns it into a modified Stunner for a near fall. Lethal points to the turnbuckles and he goes up top but he sees Bennett move away so Lethal stays in the ring. Lethal with a European uppercut but Bennett with a punch. Lethal tries for a springboard move but Bennett catches Lethal and hits a spinebuster for a near fall. Bennett sets for the Box Office Smash but he turns it into a German suplex and Lethal lands on his feet. Lethal with a DDT for a near fall.
Lethal tries for a figure four leg lock but Bennett with an inside cradle for a near fall. Lethal with a super kick and then he goes up top for the elbow drop but Bennett moves out of the way. Bennett punches Lethal instead of worrying about a pinfall. Lethal turns Bennett over and time runs out.
Time Limit Draw
After the match, Lethal wants five more minutes but Bennett refuses. Jim Cornette does not come out to give the fans the five more minutes that they demand.
2012 - WWE closed the deal to purchase the Mid-South library from Ene Watts, the ex-wife of Bill Watts and her children.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live from East Rutherford, New Jersey and your announcers are Michael ‘Can we recreate the opening scene from Highlander’ Cole and Jim ‘Look, there is the building where Wrestlemania 29 is taking place’ Ross.
We are told that AJ Lee is currently in a meeting at WWE headquarters and will be at Raw later in the show.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara versus Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes in the Finals of the Number One Contender Tournament
Cody and Cara start things off and they lock up. Rhodes backs Cara into the corner and Cara blocks a punch and he connects with kicks. Cara tries for a handspring back elbow but Rhodes sees it coming and Cara does a flip. Cara with a head scissors and Rey tags in. They hit a wheelbarrow spike front driver for a near fall.
Rey with a forearm and kick to Cody. Cody with the drop down uppercut and Sandow tags in. Sandow kicks Rey followed by an Irish whip. Rey lands on his feet on a belly-to-back suplex attempt. Rey and Sandow with waist locks. Rey with a head scissors and Sandow gets stuck to the ropes until Cody pulls Sandow to the floor.
Cara with a suicide dive onto Cody and Rey with a seated splash onto Sandow.
We see the men who am the tag team champions watching in the back as Rey brings Sandow back to the apron.
Rey puts Sandow in the ropes and he holds Cara for a springboard double jump moonsault for a near fall. Cara with a kick and punches. Cara misses a cross body and Sandow tries to take advantage and he gets a near fall. Rhodes tags in and he punches Cara. Rhodes with a delayed gourdbuster and he gets a near fall.
Rhodes tags Sandow back in and he punches Cara and continues the attack with forearms and a shoulder in the corner. Rhodes tags back in and he stomps on the abdomen. Sandow tags back in as they continue to stay fresh while working on Cara. Sandow with a suplex and he hits a leaping knee drop. Sandow bows at his own performance and he sends Cara back into his corner. Rhodes tags back in and he kicks Cara.
Cara kicks Rhodes but Cody keeps Cara from making the tag. Cody says something to Rey and then he returns to Cara and punches him. Cara with a step up enzuigiri and both men are down.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cody with a hammer lock on Cara. Rey with a slam and a Flair-like knee drop. Sandow tags back in and he punches Cara. Sandow with the side Russian leg sweep and he floats through into the Elbow of Disdain and he connects but Rey breaks up the cover.
Rhodes tags back in and he puts Cara on the turnbuckles. Cody tries for a superplex but Cara holds on to the turnbuckles and he hits a tornado DDT and both men are down. Rey tags in and he hits the seated senton on Rhodes and he knocks Sandow off the apron. Rey with a head scissors followed by a drop toe hold that sends Rhodes into the turnbuckles. Rey with a moonsault for a near fall.
Rey with a drop kick to the back and Cody is locked in the ropes. Rey does the same to Sandow and then he hits a 619 on both men. Rey goes up top and hits the dive onto Rhodes but Sandow blocks the three count.
Cara with an enzuigiri and Rey kicks Sandow to the floor. Rhodes takes advantage of Rey losing focus to hit Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow
Daniel and Kane congratulate Damien and Cody on their win. Kane wonders if they will win the tag titles and they say Hell No. Kane says that he wants to perform some magic and he puts Bryan behind him. Kane sets off the pyro from the ring posts.
We go to commercial.
We are back with photos from the WWE Tour of Egypt.
Miz is at the announce table with Jim Ross and Michael Cole because the man who beat him last week on Main Event to win the Intercontinental Title.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Michael McGillicutty
Michael with punches to Kofi as he shows some aggression at the start of the match. Michael with a drop kick. Michael with a snap Saito Suplex for a near fall. Michael kicks Kofi and punches him in the corner. Michael with a knee to the midsection followed by more punches. Michael with a chop and back breaker. Michael with a reverse chin lock.
Kofi with punches when he gets back to his feet. Michael with punches in the corner and the referee warns him. Michael takes too much time and Kofi leaps over Michael and Kofi with Trouble in Paradise for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
After the match, Miz tells Kofi to keep the title warm for him since he will win it back on Sunday.
We go back to the end of last week’s Raw when we found out that it will be Ryback who will get a shot at the WWE Title against CM Punk.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we have some New York Giants in the crowd.
John Cena makes his way to the ring.
John mentions that we have the defending Super Bowl champs in the house. And next door is the home for Wrestlemania 29. On Sunday, it will be Hell in a Cell. On Sunday, the WWE Universe will finally find out that CM Punk is a man that tells the truth. CM Punk has been WWE Champion for 337 days. The most truthful thing CM Punk ever said was something he said before he won the title. He talked about change.
This Sunday, at Hell in A Cell, after 337 days we see change. Change is 6 foot 3 inches. Change is 291 pounds. When change steps into the ring all he can hear is Feed Me More. Ryback is not an individual who will talk about an unreachable brass ring. Ryback will not complain about conspiracy. Ryback will not talk about a revolutionary Raw and ice cream. Ryback talks about destruction and on Sunday the face of the WWE will change.
CM Punk makes his way onto the stage and he is joined by the official championship belt holder, Paul Heyman.
Punk says that he wants to start off by saying that John Cena would say something nice about the Giants. Punk says that Cena wants to endear himself to them. Punk says that the Giants suck. He won’t do that because he is a huge Giants fan, but he is talking about the Giants from San Francisco.
Punk says that Cena’s demand for change is laughable. He has been champion for 337 days and counting. That means that Cena has not been champion for a longer period than that. Punk says that he has done everything that he has promised and then some.
Punk says that he is the best in the world, not Cena, not the Giants, and not Ryback. Punk says that Cena can say that Ryback will hurt him and cause bodily harm. When CM Punk makes a promise, he means and he promises that he will walk out of Hell in a Cell still your WWE Champion.
He says that Cena is doing a good job being Ryback’s cheerleader. Punk says that Cena realizes that Cena cannot beat him.
Cena says that he wanted to come out to say how excited he is for Sunday.
Cena says that he was not allowed to beat Punk, but now he is officially medically cleared. Cena says that he will not mess up the Title Match on Sunday, but he wants to mess up Punk tonight. He wants to give Punk a pre ass whipping before the real ass whipping on Sunday.
Punk walks to the ring and Paul tries to stop him.
Punk gets on the apron and then he goes back to the floor and he is given the title belt to hold over his head as he backs up the ramp.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Antonio Cesaro versus Justin Gabriel
Cesaro takes his time getting ready and then he goes to the floor to make an announcement. He introduces himself as the United States Champion in five different languages.
Gabriel with a pescado onto Cesaro and they return to the ring. Cesaro with a hot shot to Gabriel followed by a boot to the head. Cesaro with a European uppercut to the chin followed by one to the back of the head. Cesaro with a dead lift side salto. Cesaro with a cravate and Gabriel with punches but Cesaro drops Gabriel on the top turnbuckle and then he kicks Gabriel in the midsection.
Cesaro with a near fall. Cesaro with a cravate. Cesaro with an Irish whip but Gabriel with a kick. Cesaro tosses Gabriel into the turnbuckles. Gabriel lands on his feet when Cesaro pulls him up. Gabriel with an elbow drop and then he goes up top but Cesaro hits the ropes and it crotches Gabriel.
Cesaro tries for a superplex but Gabriel with forearms. Cesaro with forearms as well. Gabriel with chops but Cesaro with a forearm and then he knocks Gabriel to the apron. Gabriel with an enzuigiri and Cesaro goes down. Gabriel hits the 450 Splash and gets the three count.
Winner: Justin Gabriel
We go to the back and a limo arrives in the arena. Vince McMahon emerges and he is joined by AJ Lee and she does not appear to be in a good mood.
We go to commercial.
We are back and AJ Lee and Vince McMahon are in the ring. Vince says that AJ Lee met with the board of directors for several hours. The subject was her tenure as General Manager of Raw.
Vince gives the mic to AJ and she says that because of allegations of her fraternizing with a superstar on the roster, she is resigning from Raw. AJ says that these allegations are completely false. She understands that she could have been fired a long time ago. She could have been fired when she attacked Vickie or Paul Heyman. She could have been fired for decisions that appeared to be unfair.
She says that some of her decisions might have been unorthodox and some might consider her mentally unstable. She says that some people like a crazy chick.
AJ says that she has come so far in her career. She says that she grew up fifteen minutes from here. She says that she grew up with nothing. She has lived in cars, motels, and has gone from being homeless to being the boss. AJ says that everyone accepted her. AJ thanks everyone for every second because she has loved every second of this job.
AJ thanks Vince for an opportunity that no one else would have given her.
Vince hugs AJ and Paul Heyman makes his way to the stage and he says that he speaks for everyone that he was unaware of AJ’s touching life story. Paul mentions the one in a billion chance of a homeless girl rising to the top of the longest running weekly episodic show in television history. She rose above her lack of education, intelligence, and class. She rose above the fact that she grew up a Jersey girl.
Paul says that business is business and there needs to be a new General Manager on Raw. Paul says that he understands that the board needs to name someone immediately and Vince should sign off on someone with class, education, and dignity. He needs someone who can show Ruthless Aggression. Paul knows that they have butted heads and he understands that he has been wrong in the past. He humbly suggests that if they need him to step in as the next General Manager of Raw, it should be him.
Vince tells Paul . . . NO
Vince introduces the person who is the managing supervisor of Raw. That person is Vickie Guerrero.
Vickie Guerrero starts off by thanking the WWE Board of Directors for giving her this opportunity. Vickie with an Excuse Me. She says that she is so touched that the Board values her expertise.
Paul interrupts with an Excuse Me of his own. He says that now that Vickie is in a position of power, it is time for her to make her first decision. Paul says that he would not have thrown his name into the ring if he knew she would get the position. He wants Vickie to give Punk back his opportunity to name an opponent. He says that Ryback is a Punk eating carnivore.
Vickie tells Paul that Punk will face Ryback at Hell in a Cell. Vickie says that she will show everyone that she will do a better job than Booker T on Smackdown. The main event will be Champion versus Champion. CM Punk will face Sheamus.
Paul tells Vickie that she cannot do that and Vickie tells Paul to watch her. The main event will be the largest lumberjack match in the history of Raw.
Paul leaves the ring and he talks to himself.
Vickie looks at AJ and she tells her that she knew all along that AJ was not right for the job. Her immaturity and dress are not for someone in a position of power. Vickie says that she has the experience to run Raw. That is why the board feels that she will soon be the General Manager.
Vickie mentions AJ’s allegations. Not only was she fraternizing with the talent, AJ had an affair. Vickie says that AJ disgusts her. Vickie tells AJ to pack up her Barbies and her dolls because since it is her ring now, AJ has to leave.
AJ starts to leave the ring but then she turns around and attacks Vickie Guerrero. Vickie gets out of the ring and she yells at the referees.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Miz versus Ryback
Miz tells the referee that he is going to leave but Ryback pulls Miz into the ring.
The match starts thanks to the referee and he starts to march in place. Ryback sends Miz to the floor and Ryback follows. Ryback blocks a kick and he pushes Miz back into the corner. Ryback sets for a power slam but Miz escapes. He does not escape a boot and then he slams Miz’ head into the mat.
Ryback winds up for a lariat but Miz moves and then he runs into Ryback and Miz hits the mat while Ryback does not move. Miz drops Ryback on the top rope and then Miz goes up top but Ryback catches Miz and then hits a spinebuster.
Ryback sets for the lariat and he connects. Ryback gets Miz up for the marching muscle buster and he gets the three count.
Winner: Ryback
We go to the latest Be A Star event in Hartford.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Eve Torres is on the phone and she wonders who AJ hasn’t been fraternizing with. She mentions Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, and Kane. Then Eve mentions Zack Ryder and Primo as possible partners. Kaitlyn stops by and she wants to know why Eve is throwing stones. Kaitlyn mentions that AJ did not have anyone attack someone.
Kaitlyn says that she has proof of the photo on Eve’s iPad. Eve says that she is going to go to Booker about this. Kaitlyn tells Eve to drop the nice girl act because she is still the same conniving witch. Eve slaps Kaitlyn but Kaitlyn fights back. Layla breaks it up and then Layla joins in when Eve attacks her.
Josh Mathews is with a Sheamus Brawlin’ Buddy and he mentions the main event. Josh brings in Sheamus. Sheamus says that it burns easily. Josh asks Sheamus about the lumberjack match. He says that the only thing that makes a champion versus champion match more interesting is the unpredictability and the chaos.
Josh asks if the lumberjack match will have a negative effect on Sunday’s match. He doesn’t let his matches interfere with what is ahead of him. Sheamus holds up his Brawlin’ Buddy for Show and Show punches it.
Show says that he will do the same thing on Sunday and he will win the World Championship. He tells Sheamus to get serious.
Match Number Five: Daniel Bryan versus Dolph Ziggler
They lock up and Bryan works on the arm and he tries to get Ziggler to the mat. Ziggler goes for the arm but Bryan with an arm bar take down. Bryan with a waist lock but Ziggler with a cravate. Bryan with an arm drag but he misses a kick when Ziggler moves.
Ziggler with a kick to the midsection followed by a punch to the head and then to the ribs. Ziggler punches Bryan and kicks him. Ziggler with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot from Bryan. Ziggler tries for an O’Connor Roll in the corner but Bryan holds on to the turnbuckles. Ziggler with a drop kick followed by a kick to the back.
Ziggler with a neck breaker on Bryan. Bryan avoids a suplex and he tries for the No Lock. Bryan catches Ziggler on a leap frog and he tries to stretch Ziggler and then he drives the knees into the mat. Bryan with a dragon screw leg whip and then he tries for a figure four leg lock but Ziggler kicks Bryan off and into the turnbuckles.
Ziggler with punches to Bryan. Bryan with an insider cradle into a figure four leg lock but Ziggler gets to the ropes. Bryan kicks Ziggler on the apron. Bryan with a forearm to Ziggler followed by a shoulder. Bryan tries for a second shoulder but Ziggler with a knee and then he suplexes Bryan over the top rope to the floor.
Kane’s pyro goes off and he makes his way to the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Bryan with punches but Ziggler with a kick. Bryan flips over Ziggler in the corner and he hits a flying clothesline. Bryan with a running drop kick into the corner for a near fall. Bryan with Kicks of No but he misses a kick with the right leg. Ziggler misses a Zig Zag and Bryan goes for the No Lock.
Ziggler and Bryan get near falls. Ziggler with a sleeper but Bryan escapes. Ziggler with a DDT for a near fall. Ziggler punches Bryan in the corner. Ziggler goes for a splash into the corner but Bryan moves and Ziggler hits the ring post and he goes to the floor. Bryan with a suicide dive onto Ziggler and someone hits the ringside barrier.
Ziggler with an X Factor from the top turnbuckles and both men are down. Ziggler can only get a near fall. Ziggler pushes Bryan to the mat but Bryan with a drop kick to the knee. Bryan with a round kick to the head but Bryan is unable to get up.
Kane gets the crowd to chant ‘YES’ and Bryan yells ‘NO’. That allows Ziggler to hit a Zig Zag from the turnbuckles for the three count.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
After the match, Kane comes into the ring to check on his tag team partner and wonders why the man who am the Tag Team Champions would not want his support.
Matt Striker tries to stop the bickering because he has a surprise from Vickie Guerrero. Vickie has put them in a ‘Therapeutic Game Show’. This the Newly Tag Game. Matt will be the host. Their opponents on Sunday will be their opponents for this game show.
We go to commercial.
We are back with an Earlier Tonight Moment of Vickie Guerrero being put in charge of Raw.
We are back with the first new feature of the Guerrero Era: The Newly Tag Game with your host Matt ‘I will quit if I have to ask about making whoopee’ Striker.
It is a way for partners to better get to know each other.
Team Number One is Kane and Daniel Bryan. Daniel Bryan introduces himself and he says that he does not have a goat face and he is the most dangerous Vegan. He also says that he AM the Tag team Champions. Kane introduces himself. He says that he likes long walks on the beach, rainbows, and puppies. Matt asks him if that is true and Kane says Hell No. Bryan says that Kane does love rainbows.
It is time to mean Team Number Two, Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow.
Damien refuses to participate in such facetious tomfoolery. What is happening in the ring is the putrification of this society that they are trying to eradicate. They will not be part of such foolishness.
Cody tells everyone ‘what he said’. Cody says that everyone will know them as well as he knows Damien when they win the Tag Team Titles on Sunday.
Damien tells them ‘you’re welcome’.
Kane says that the game show is a bust.
Matt declares Daniel and Kane the winners by forfeit. Kane goes after Striker and he realizes that he should leave the ring.
Matt tells Kane and Daniel that he wishes he could wish them luck on Sunday, but he doesn’t. Matt backs into the Big Show and he throws Striker down.
Big Show makes his way to the ring for his match with Kane.
Match Number Six: Kane versus Big Show
The match is joined in progress and we see footage from the commercial break when Show sent Kane to the floor. Show misses the Shhhh chop after calling someone a hobbit. Kane with two clotheslines into the corner but Show with a spear. Show mocks Bryan’s ‘Yes’ chant the way that AJ used to do it.
Show with forearms to Kane but Kane with kicks. Show with head butts but Kane with punches. Show with a slam and elbow drop and he gets a near fall. Show punches Kane in the ribs. Show with a head butt to Kane. Show with a bear hug. Kane tries to get his hands inside to escape the hold but Show gets a near fall after Kane failed to get Show up for a slam. Show chokes Kane in the ropes.
Kan with punches to Show but Show with a punch to the midsection. They go back and forth with punches. Kane hits a DDT but Show kicks out. Kane goes up top for the clothesline and he hits it. Kane gets a near fall. Kane signals for a choke slam but the men who will try to be the Tag Team Champions make their way to the stage.
Show punches Kane and Kane goes down and Show gets the three count.
Winners: Big Show
After the match, Sandow and Rhodes attack Daniel Bryan on the floor and send him into the ring. Rhodes hits Cross Rhodes on Bryan.
AJ Lee is in the back with Santino Marella and he tells AJ that he thinks she did a good job.
John Cena stops by and he tells her that if there is anything that she needs, he is there for her.
AJ says that she cannot believe this. She did not think she should be let go for this. Vickie says that she was having an affair.
Cena tells AJ to tell him the name so we can have it worked out. AJ says that it was Cena.
Cena says that it was a business dinner.
They hug and Cena says that he will take care of this.
We go to commercial.
We are back with more photos from Egypt.
John Cena wants to know how Vince could believe the bogus story from Vickie about him and AJ and she gets AJ’s job.
Vince says that there was some incriminating evidence.
Cena says that it was a business dinner.
Vince says that if it wasn’t this, it would be something else. He says that Vickie is probably an interim thing. He doesn’t even know what the title means.
Vince drives away.
Match Number Seven: Alberto Del Rio () versus Zack Ryder
Del Rio kicks and punches Ryder. Del Rio with a kick to the ribs. Ryder with punches but Del Rio with a kick and suplex for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick to the ribs and another near fall. Ryder with a sunset flip for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick to Ryder for a near fall.
Del Rio with an arm bar but Ryder with forearms. Del Rio with a head butt but he misses a splash into the corner. Ryder with a clothesline followed by a back elbow. Ryder with knees when Del Rio charges into the corner. Ryder signals for the Broski Boot but Del Rio moves and then he puts Ryder’s arm in the ropes and he kicks it. Del Rio with a kick to the shoulder.
Del Rio floats over into the cross arm breaker and Ziggler taps out.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio takes his time releasing the hold.
Del Rio asks Randy if he liked that. He says that he will cut his head off at Hell in a Cell. Del Rio reapplies the cross arm breaker on Ryder while telling ‘Randy’ to tap. He says that he is the new Apex Predator.
Ricardo calls out Alberto’s name for a while and then Del Rio finally releases the hold.
Del Rio does the Orton pose on the ropes.
Vickie Guerrero has someone remove AJ’s stuff from the office. John Cena tells Vickie to cut the crap.
Vickie reminds John that she is the managing supervisor.
Cena says that he is being polite and he will call her a backstabber. He says that it was a business dinner.
Vickie says that perception is reality. Vickie reminds John that he asked AJ out on Raw. They went out. She tells Cena that he cost AJ her job.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Josh Mathews is with Dolph Ziggler in the interview area. Dolph wants to know what is up with the AJ thing. He thought she was a good egg. You cannot put your hands on someone like Vickie Guerrero. You know that AJ was fraternizing with superstars and then she lays her hands on Vickie Guerrero again. There is one person who is at fault for all of this. John Cena. You would have thought that AJ would have had better taste.
It is time for a Ryback video package.
Paul Heyman tells Punk not to let that get into his head.
Punk says it is not getting into his head. This is the disrespect he is talking about. He is now put in a champion versus champion lumberjack match. He is missing AJ.
Paul tells Punk that when Raw goes on the air, everyone will be faced with the facts that he beat Ryback at Hell in a Cell. On Monday, he will be the reigning and defending WWE champion. He will be the best in the world.
It is time for everyone from the back to make their way to the ring to be lumberjacks. No one is wearing flannel or carrying axes.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Eight: CM Punk (with Paul Heyman) versus Sheamus in the Largest Lumberjack Match in the history of the longest running weekly episode show in television history that is also a rematch of the debut episode of WWE Main Event
They lock up and Punk with a waist lock but Sheamus with a standing switch and take down but Punk with a front face lock. Sheamus with a clean break. Punk with a kick and then he sends Sheamus to the floor but the lumberjacks part like the Red Sea. He returns to the ring and Sheamus blocks a punch. Sheamus with an atomic drop and he sends Punk to the floor.
The lumberjacks send Punk back into the ring and Sheamus with knee drops. Sheamus with a side head lock take down. Sheamus with another side head lock take down. Punk with shoulders in the corner followed by a head butt to the abdomen.
Sheamus avoids a neck breaker and he connects with a shoulder tackle. Sheamus with a slam followed by an elbow drop. Punk with a kick and Sheamus clotheslines Punk over the top rope and they send Punk back into the ring. Sheamus with a back breaker and he gets a near fall. Punk goes to the apron and Sheamus tries for the crossfaces in the ropes. Sheamus connects with a few but Punk with a stunner followed by a springboard clothesline for a near fall.
We go to commercial with Punk sending Sheamus to the floor. He is on the bad side of the tracks so they attack Sheamus and send him back into the ring.
We are back and Punk with a side head lock. Sheamus with punches to Punk in the corner. We see footage during the commercial when Sheamus hit the ring post and went to the floor. Back to the live action and Punk with a key lock. Sheamus gets Punk on his shoulders but Punk gets back to his feet and he sends Sheamus to the floor. The lumberheels attack Sheamus. The lumberfaces try to protect Sheamus and we have a Demilitarized Zone of Lumberjacks.
Punk with a neck breaker followed by a double sledge from up top followed by an elbow from the turnbuckles. Punk goes up top again but you don’t do a move a third time and Sheamus with a punch to the midsection. Sheamus with more punches. Punk with a knee to the midsection followed by a kick that returns Sheamus to the mat.
Punk with a slam and he goes up top and teases the big elbow drop but he jumps to the mat and drops a regular elbow drop. Punk with a neck breaker for a near fall. Punk with a reverse chin lock on Sheamus. Sheamus punches Punk and hits two double sledges followed by a running clothesline into the corner followed by a fireman’s carry slam.
Sheamus gets Punk on the apron and he connects with the ten crossfaces. Sheamus suplexes Punk back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Sheamus with a running shoulder into the corner but Punk with a leg lariat to counter the knee lift.
Punk sets for the knee into the corner but Sheamus grabs Punk. Punk tries for a sunset flip but Sheamus holds on. Punk with the running knee followed by a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Punk goes up top but Sheamus with forearms to Punk’s back. Sheamus with a superplex and a near fall.
Sheamus sets for the uranage backbreaker but Punk gets Sheamus on his shoulders. Punk with a drop toe hold into the turnbuckles and Punk with a near fall. Punk with a round kick and he gets a near fall. Punk goes up top for the elbow drop but Sheamus moves. Sheamus with the uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Sheamus tries for the Cloverleaf but Punk escapes the hold and Sheamus goes over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus fights off the lumberjacks. Sheamus hits White Noise and then he looks around for the Brogue Kick set up and Sheamus gives Cesaro a Brogue Kick. Sheamus gives a Brogue Kick to Jinder Mahal. Big Show grabs Sheamus and choke slams him. Punk gets the three count.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, Ryback comes to the ring and he hits a back breaker followed by a power slam after Punk is returned to the ring. Punk goes to the floor but he is sent back into the ring and Ryback with a power bomb. Punk goes to the floor again and Ryback gets him again and he presses Punk over his head and he tosses Punk onto the lumberheels.
2013 - Dennis Hall passed away following a stroke. He had been hospitalized for a few weeks following another stroke.
Hall worked for a number of territories in the 1960s and 70s and was part of a group of "wrestling cousins" including Les and Roger Kirby, who he was related to via marriage.
Over the course of his career, he held a number of Tag Team championships, including belts in the Gulf Coast, Memphis and Mid-America territories. He also worked under a mask in Florida as Taurus, teaming with Bob Orton Sr., who was working under a mask himself as Zodiak.
Beyond his team with Les and Kirby, Hall also worked regularly as a team with Ken Lucas, specifically in the Tennessee territory.
Hall was cremated and his ashes were taken to the Hall cemetery near Anderson, Indiana.
About Hall, Les wrote he was "One of the finest human beings I know" and that "if you knew him, you loved him."
2014 - WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Wichita, Kansas and your announcers are Byron Saxton and Michael Cole.
John Layfield is in the ring with Goldust, Stardust, Jimmy Uso, and Jey Uso. He says this is the most monumental thing since Barry Horowitz won a match. This is a game that was played on the deck of the Titanic before it sank. It is time for brother versus brother and "How Well Do You Know Your Bro".
The first question is interrupted by Stardust starting a JBL chant.
John asks Jimmy the first question: Who would your brother be if he was not a WWE Superstar?
Jimmy says that Jey would be a football player.
The answer is a football player.
John asks Stardust what would his brother be if he was not a WWE Superstar?
Stardust says that he would be Stardust. John asks Stardust for the answer and Stardust repeats his answer.
Goldust's answer is a drawing of Stardust.
John moves on to the second question and he asks Jey what is the biggest influence in his brother's life.
Jey says it would be their dad, Rikishi.
Jimmy is correct and they earn another point and they dance like their father and JBL does his own dance.
John tells Stardust to stop hissing before he asks Goldust who would be his brother's greatest influence.
Goldust's answer is Yo.
John asks Goldust if he wants to change his answer and Goldust refuses.
Stardust answers Yo so things are tied.
John asks who "Yo" is and Goldust responds with Yo Mama.
It is time for sudden death and it is time for Password.
Goldust and Jey will have to provide the answer to the clue on the TitanTron.
Jimmy goes first and they argue before they finally get the word correct.
It is now Stardust's turn as John wonders how Jonathan Coachman didn’t get this gig.
Stardust and Goldust cannot connect mentally so they lose to the Usos.
Jimmy super kicks Stardust and then Jimmy and Jey with a double super kick to Goldust.
Tyson Kidd and Natalya are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see how Natalya cost her husband his match with R Truth last week on Main Event.
Match Number One: R Truth versus Tyson Kidd (with Natalya)
Truth asks "What's Up" before locking up and Kidd with a waist lock and Truth with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Truth with another shoulder tackle and he gets a near fall. Truth with a side head lock and Kidd backs Truth into the corner. Kidd punches Truth and then he kicks Truth in the corner. Kidd with forearms and punches.
Kidd with a snap mare and kick to the back for a near fall. Truth goes to the floor and he does his dance in front of Natalya and then he starts talking to her. Kidd tries for a baseball slide but Truth moves. Truth with a kick and then he sends Kidd over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kidd chokes Truth in the corner and he catapults Truth into the bottom turnbuckle. Kidd gets a near fall. Kidd with a kick and reverse chin lock. Truth punches Kidd but Kidd sends Truth to the mat and then he puts Truth in the Tree of Woe.
Kidd with knees to Truth and then he hits a hesitation baseball slide for a near fall. Kidd with a reverse chin lock. Kidd sends Truth to the floor and then he goes to the apron but Truth blocks the running kick. Truth sends Kidd to the apron. Truth with clotheslines followed by a kick and a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall.
Truth with a Stinger Splash into the corner followed by an Irish whip but Kidd floats over and he appears to have injured his knee. The referee checks on Kidd and Natalya gets on the apron. Truth comes over and Kidd sends Truth at the ropes and he almost hits Natalya. Kidd with a kick and then he hits a swinging fisherman's neck braker for the three count.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
After the match, Tyson and Natalya hug on the ramp.
We cut to the Wyatt Family is moving on because there is something coming video.
We go to commercial.
We are told that Cesaro faces Dolph Ziggler on Smackdown for the Intercontinental Title
Bo Dallas thanks everyone for such a warm welcome. As you all know, he is America's Sweetheart. He is also the man who defeated Mark Henry, not once, not twice, but three times. That makes him the NEW World's Strongest Man.
Bo says that all he had to do was . . . BOLIEVE!!!!!!!!
Match Number Two: Big E versus Bo Dallas
Bo goes for the leg and Big E kicks Bo into the corner. Bo with a waist lock but Big E with a standing switch and take down. Bo with a punch but Big E with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Big E runs into a knee from Bo and Bo with a flying clothesline off the turnbuckles for a near fall. Bo with a series of knees to the head and he gets a near fall.
Bo with a reverse chin lock into a front face lock. Big E picks up Bo and pushes him away. Bo with a knee to the midsection followed by a neck breaker for a near fall. Bo returns to the reverse chin lock.
Big E with elbows but Bo with knees. Big E with a hard Irish whip and he follows with clotheslines and then he avoids a clothesline and hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Big E sets for the Ultimate Warrior splash but Bo gets up and connects with a shoulder to the leg. Big E with the Big Ending and he gets the three count.
Winner: Big E
We have a Raw Rebound.
Match Number Three: Seth Rollins (with Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) versus Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
They lock up and Swagger with a waist lock and take down. Rollins gets to his feet and he gives Swagger a standing switch but Swagger backs Rollins into the turnbuckles. Swagger goes for the ankle but Rollins gets to the floor. Rollins with a kick but Swagger with a side head lock and take down.
Swagger with a shoulder tackle or two and then he clotheslines Rollins over the top rope to the floor. Rollins relaxes on the announce table while we have a stand off. Swagger gives Rollins a ‘We The People’ and Rollins goes after Swagger but Swagger punches Rollins. Rollins with a drop kick as they return to the ring. Rollins with a kick to the back and then he punches Swagger in front of the referee.
Rollins kicks Swagger in the corner while the referee warns him. Rollins sends Swagger to the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Rollins with a rear chin lock but Swagger powers out of the hold. Rollins with a wraparound clothesline and he gets a near fall. Rollins with knees to the back. Rollins punches Swagger in the corner. Rollins rolls away and then he hits a running forearm into the corner. Rollins kicks Swagger in the head but Swagger with a belly-to-belly slam.
Rollins with a flatline into the turnbuckles and Swagger’s offense has been stopped for now. Rollins with a running kick to the midsection. Rollins chokes Swagger in the ropes. Rollins kicks Swagger while the referee warns him. Rollins with a suplex and he gets a near fall. Rollins with a rear chin lock. Rollins gets on Swagger's back and he applies a sleeper.
Swagger tries to back Rollins into the turnbuckles but Rollins releases the hold. Rollins misses a splash into the corner and Swagger with a clothesline and boot to the head. Swagger tries for the double jump Swagger bomb but Rollins gets his feet up. Swagger sees it and he tries for the ankle lock but Rollins is in the ropes.
Swagger pulls Rollins out of the ropes and Rollins lands on his feet but Rollins misses an enzuigiri and Swagger tries for the ankle lock again. Rollins goes for a springboard move but Swagger catches him and hits a belly-to-belly slam for a near fall. Swagger runs Rollins into the turnbuckles and he puts Rollins on the turnbuckles. Swagger punches Rollins and he goes for a superplex but Rollins knocks him to the mat.
Swagger jumps to the turnbuckles again and Rollins with a head butt. Rollins goes for a sunset flip power bomb but Swagger holds on to the ropes and Rollins hits the mat. Swagger with a Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Swagger dives for the knee but Rollins jumps over Swagger. Rollins is sent into the air and Swagger catches him and applies the ankle lock. Rollins gets to the ropes and Swagger releases the hold.
Swagger gets distracted by Noble and Mercury pointing at Colter. Swagger is dropped on the top rope and Rollins with a springboard knee to the head followed by Black Out for the three count.
Winner: Seth Rollins
We go to credits.
2015 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Jeremy Borash opens the show by sitting down with Group Champion to get their thoughts on who will be moving on to the round of 16, then we're off to the ring for our opening match!
World Title Series - Group Champion: Austin Aries vs Ken Anderson
Fast paced start with a lot of dropkicks, armdrags, and hiptosses. Each man goes for quick pinfalls but neither is able to put the other away at this early juncture. Aries gets an advantage and takes Anderson down, then hits a slingshot senton for 2. They continue trading high impact shots as we go to commercial.
We're back as Anderson hits a neckbreaker, but then Aries escapes a Finlay roll and clotheslines Anderson to the floor as we get to the five minute countdown. Aries with a dive through the ropes, then connects with a missile dropkick. Anderson catches Aries on an IED attempt and hits a Finlay roll for 2. Aries hits a 450 splash, but Anderson kicks out at 2, then connects with a leg lariat for 2. They go to the top and Anderson hits a super Finlay roll for a 2 count with less than two minutes left. Aries rolls out of the Mic Check, hits a roaring elbow, but an IED runs right into Anderson's boot. Anderson quickly goes to the top, but not quickly enough because Aries connects with an IED and then hits a super brainbuster for the win with less than a minute left.
Winner: Austin Aries
Aries now leads Group Champion, but Anderson is mathematically eliminated from the tournament.
We see clips from Tigre Uno's title defense at Bound For Glory, then Josh and Pope debate whether Tigre Uno is the greatest X Division Champion of all time. I wonder if they're on crack for even suggesting that as we go back to the ring...
World Title Series - Group X Division: Tigre Uno vs Mandrews
I'll keep this simple: they did spots until Tigre Uno hit a split legged, twisting senton for the win. These kinds of matches are a perfect example of why Tigre Uno is not only not among the greatest X Division Champions ever, but couldn't carry AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels, Jay Lethal, Chris Sabin, Low Ki, Frankie Kazarian, or Austin Aries' jockstrap. All those guys know how to wrestle, and have wrestling matches that tell a story and don't just look like the same thing over, and over, and over, and over, and over again. Every single Tigre Uno match I've ever seen has looked exactly the same, and frankly, if they stuck another luchador under the Tigre Uno mask, I'd never know the difference. I get that he's all they have right now, but please don't insult my intelligence by even suggesting that he's anywhere near the same league as the guys I mentioned before.
Winner: Tigre Uno
Tigre Uno takes the early lead in Group X Division, and Mandrews has a big goose egg.
Austin Aries is backstage with Thea Trinidad saying that he always manages to up his level because he expects it from himself, and he's not going to let his beautiful woman down.
We join the TNA World Title match from Bound For Glory just after the bell rang to start the match, and we see the entire thing straight through to the finish with Matt hitting the Twist of Fate on Drew Galloway to win the title.
EC3 is backstage and says he thought he was in a company that wanted to see him succeed, but he was wrong. His back is up against the wall tonight, but that makes him lethal and on the verge of frenzy. Tonight, he will beat Lashley because the World Title Series isn't over until he wins.
World Title Series - Group Future 4: Jessie Godderz vs Crimson
We join this match at the finish, Jessie has Crimson in a Boston crab and forces him to tap out.
Winner: Jessie Godderz
Nothing to the match, but we see a video package of Jessie explaining how hard he's training and how he has what it takes to be the next TNA World Champion.
World Title Series - Group Future 4: Eli Drake vs Micah
Same thing as the previous match, we cut right to the finish where they both get counted out while fighting on the outside.
DOUBLE COUNTOUT
They both get one point, so this means that Jessie Godderz is now leading the group after the first round.
We're back, and Pope gives his picks on Group UK, Group Knockout, and Group Champion, then we head back to the ring for more group play...
World Title Series - Group X Division: DJ Z vs Manik
This is much better than the earlier X Division match, as they do a lot more mat wrestling and work holds throughout most of the match. They pick up speed later on with a bit of stuff on the floor, then they come back inside and start working pinning combinations. Manik gets his boots up in DJ Z's face as he comes off the top rope and goes for a frogsplash, but DJ Z moves out of the way and tries a tornado DDT. Manik blocks that and hits a sitout kicking version of the GTS for the win.
Winner: Manik
Good match, and the first round of Group X Division is in the books.
We see a video package of the finish from the first EC3-Lashley match, and they'll face off in our main event...NEXT!
World Title Series - Group Champion: Ethan Carter III vs Bobby Lashley
They tie up andLashley takes Ethan to the corner, but breaks clean. EC3 takes a couple of cheap shots at Lashley, but ducks through the ropes before Lashley can return the favor. EC3 ducks through the ropes again to get away from Lashley, then quickly slips in and gets another cheap shot. Lashley finally gets ahold of Ethan and absolutely unloads on EC3, hammering him with clubbing blows and shoulderblocks in the corner. Lashley clotheslines EC3 over the top and to the floor as we go to commercial.
We're back and Lashley is in control of EC3 on the floor when Tyrus absolutely barrels into Lashley and sends him crashing into the ringpost. That's good enough for EC3 to get a quick two count, then hammer Lashley with right hands. EC3 dumps Lashley back out to the floor where he's powerslammed by Tyrus. We're down to the last five minutes as Lashley pops EC3 over with a snap vertical suplex, but EC3 quickly takes Lashley down and puts him in a camel clutch. Lashley gets out, pops EC3 over with a belly to belly release suplex and catches EC3 in a sleeper. Tyrus puts EC3's foot on the ropes, EC3 hits a Stinger splash with two minutes left, but goes up for the corner punches and Lashley powerbombs him and hits the spear. Tyrus drags Lashley out of the ring behind the referee's back, delaying his cover just long enough for EC3 to recover and kick out at 2. Lashley goes for the powerslam but sees Tyrus come in the ring with a chair and drops EC3 to spear him. EC3 goes after Lashley with a chair, Lashley ducks and struggles with EC3 for the chair, but EC3 kicks him low and hits the 1% for the win.
Winner: Ethan Carter III
EC3 stays alive in the tournament, and Lashley drops to third place.
2016 - WWE NXT ran Ocala, Florida. Alan Masters sent the following results:
Adrian Jaoude beat Steve Cutler.
Peyton Royce beat Daria.
The Authors of Pain beat TM61.
Gabriel Ealy Twins beat Mada.
Dory Funk came out to address the crowd and was interrupted by Elias Samson. Blake made the save and then beat Samson.
Cedric Alexander beat Patrick Clark.
Ember Moon beat Nikki Cross by DQ.
Sanity (Eric Young, Sawyer Fulton and Alexander Wolfe) beat Shinsuke Nakamure, Oney Lorcan and Rich Swann.
2017 - WWE ran Santiago, Chile. Joaquin Munoz filed the following results:
WWE results from today in Santiago. No AJ Styles.
*The New Day & Randy Orton defeated Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos & Sami Zayn.
*Sin Cara pinned Aiden English with a moonsault.
*WWE Smackdown Women's champion Natalya defeated Naomi with the Sharpshooter.
*Triple H pinned Rusev with the Pedigree. New Day came out to celebrate with HHH and Kofi got Pedigreed as well.
*Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair defeated Tamina Snuka & Carmella.
*WWE Unied States champion Baron Corbin defeated Tye Dillinger and Bobby Roode when he pinned Dillinger with End of Days.
*WWE champion Jinder Mahal defeated Shinsuke Nakamura in a Street Fight after the Singhs interfered.
2017 - WWE NXT ran Johnson City, TN. Christopher Stewart filed the following report:
If you ever wondered “how much impact do entrance themes and music have on a live wrestling show?”, then let the NXT Live event in Johnson City on 10/22/17 answer that question:
IT. IMPACTS. EVERYTHING.
Sometime before the show started, it seems the house speakers at Freedom Hall blew out, leaving them static-rilled, unable to produce bass, and only operable at low volume.
So when the opening bars of No Way Jose’s theme song fired up to kick off the night, it was at such a low volume that it could barely be heard and thus; his usually energetic entrance was quiet, awkward, and painful to watch. He tried dancing around the arena floor to liven up the crowd, but they were was absolutely quiet from the lack of pop and energy a theme song can produce.
Speaking of the crowd, there is no other way to say it, it was an embarrassment. I live in East Tennessee, am a hardcore fan, and was so ashamed to be sitting amongst such a dead and lifeless audience. The crowd on the floor had sprinkles of hardcore NXT fans, but the remaining ones and pretty much all of the 100 or so sitting in the upper levels sat on their hands throughout the night. I’ve been to lively, frenetic NXT Live shows in Nashville and Atlanta, so my expectations for a fun, festive night were crushed by this crowd that frankly appeared to be waiting for Cena or Roman Reigns to walk through the curtain. This was not an NXT crowd and the aforementioned music/sound issues only threw fire on those flames.
On a positive note, I wanna give credit to the wrestlers and production people of NXT. Despite the crowd’s apathetic nature, every superstar brought their A-game to the ring and put on solid, quality matches that would’ve popped most any other audience. Both tag team matches earned the loudest pops (I use that term loosely) of the night. The of the night was Drew McIntyre - his brutal style in the ring was matched equally by his speed, charisma, and crowd interactions. It’s clear he is having the time of his life and even cut a promo after his match thanking the NXT crowd from his heart.
And as for the production folks, during the Sanity/Undisputed Era match, they wheeled out standalone speakers and worked feverishly to hook them up so that the theme music could be at least somewhat audible. Props to all of them indeed.
All in all, me and my friend had a blast watching the talent in the ring but I can’t ever see NXT returning to Johnson City. This crowd clearly didn’t get what it takes to be a true NXT crowd and the venue’s technical issues only made matter worse.
Event Card:
Singles Match
No Way Jose d. Dan Matha via PIN
Women’s Singles Match
Lacey Evans d. Sage Beckett via SUBMISSION
Singles Match
Velveteen Dream d. Johnny Gargano via PIN
Six-Man Tag Match
The Undisputed Era d. Sanity via PIN
INTERMISSION
Singles Match
Kassius Ohno d. Fabian Aichner via PIN
Women’s Singles Match
Nikki Cross d. Sonya Deville via PIN
Main Event - Tag Team Match
Drew McIntyre/Roderick Strong d. Andrede Cien Almas/Hideo Itami via PIN
2017 - WWE held their 2017 TLC PPV, Mike Johnson filed the following report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of the 2017 WWE TLC PPV from Minneapolis!
PWInsider.com Elite subscribers can listen to our preview show for tonight by clicking here.
Elite subscribers can also listen to all of our past TLC Post-Game Shows by clicking here.
Our old pal Billy Krotchsen is sending along photos from the TLC PPV, which will be featured over the course of our coverage tonight. Enjoy!
2017 WWE TLC KICKOFF SHOW COVERAGE
You can watch WWE's Kickoff broadcast below:
The Kickoff panel features Renee Young, David Otunga and Pete Rosenberg. Young reviewed the story on Friday that saw Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt pulled from tonight's card, leading to Kurt Angle returning to the ring and AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor being added on the show.
Otunga noted that he saw Kurt Angle in the gym this morning and Angle was doing high intensity and looked great. They noted it was an amazing series of circumstances that led to Angle wrestling for the first time in 11 years. They wondered if he could get Braun Strowman in the Olympic Slam.
They went to the Miz, who said that everyone always tries to steal the spotlight. The big news was that he and Maryse were expecting a baby girl but Angle tried to steal that moment from them. He said they aren't just facing five stars and put over all over his team members' greatness. Miz mocked Angle winning the gold medal with a broken neck. He said after he beats Angle tonight, he demands that tomorrow, Angle walk out and shake Miz's hand to show he's the better man and that it's not personal. They accused Miz of making it extremely personal. Miz said he's not the one who's made it personal and promised that he was going to give Angle another "broken freaking neck."
They then went to AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor, saying two leaders from a "notorious club" will face for the first time ever tonight. They noted fans were beyond excited about this announcement. They presented it as "Christmas" coming early for fans and noted Styles rushed back from South America to make this happen. They praised Kurt Angle for making this happen.
They noted tonight's Kickoff show would feature Mickie James taking fans' social media questions.
They talked about Sasha Banks vs. Alicia Fox. Otunga picked Fox. Rosenberg went with Sasha.
They aired a video feature about the debut of Asuka tonight.
Emma cut a promo backstage complaining about all the attention Asuka has been receiving. She said all eyes will be on her tonight and decreed she was the creator of the women's revolution. Good promo.
The panel all predicted Asuka would be victorious tonight.
Backstage, Kurt Angle was deep in thought when his son Jason Jordan came into the room. Kurt said he had to fill the void and do something big when Roman couldn't compete. Elias came in and said last night the spirit of Prince overtook him and tonight, they needed to have a big musical performance. Jordan took issue with Elias bothering Kurt. Kurt told him he could have his performance but give them a minute. Jordan said, "Thanks for saving the PPV" to Elias in a mocking fashion. Elias shot down, "At least I'm on the PPV."
The panel looked at the Cruiserweight championship match between Enzo Amore and champion Kalisto. The panel wondered how loyal Enzo's new friends really are. They were cut off by Drew Gulak who came out upset that he was cut "for time" tonight. He said the man was holding him down. He had a megaphone and said he would not be silenced. He said the man wants to break him, but he won't be broken and he wants a "better 205 live." He went into a list of things he wanted to combat, but was cut off by Renee promoting Mickie James Q&A.
They aired a video feature on Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James for the Raw Women's championship.
Backstage, Mickie James did a social media Q&A with Charly Caruso. James said she felt great and confident about her title match and was ready to take home her seventh championship. On it being her potential seventh title, she said it's an amazing feeling since she would only be the second person to ever do this. She was asked if she felt age was catching up to her. She said that she's not the oldest woman on the roster and there are a fe females around her age and half the male roster is older than her. She said Fabulous Moolah was 78 when she won her final championship. She said she was going to get ready and if she wins, she will Facetime her son tomorrow to show him the belt.
AJ Styles was interviewed. They made it clear he's going to face Demon Finn Balor. Styles said he was going to be the first to beat the Demon on television.
They went to Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Booker T. They introduced Banks vs. Fox after showing what happened at Raw to set this up.
Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks
They shoved each other at the bell. Sasha chased Fox out of the ring. Fox returned to the ring cautiously. She cut off Banks and sent her into the corner. Banks reversed it and exploded with a series of rights. Fox grabbed her by the hair and slammed Sasha backwards to the mat.
Fox, now in control, locked in a chinlock. Banks came back with a Thesz Press and unloaded with a series of punches. Fox tried to beg off and offered her hand. Banks took the hand and dropkicked Fox out of the ring as they went to the usual waste of time commercial.
When they returned, Fox was making it to the ropes after being hit with the Bank Statement. They battled to the ropes, where Banks was shoved off the corner to the apron and then bounced down to the floor outside. Fox followed but was caught with a forearm. Fox drove Banks down with a big kick.
Banks was shoved back into the squared circle and covered for a two count. Fox placed her back on the top but was shoved into the buckles. Fox shoved her outside to the apron, where she crashed again to the floor. Fox gave the referee static as he counted Banks out. Sasha returned right after the nine count, but was attacked again by Fox.
Fox nailed a Northern Light suplex for a two count. She cinched Banks in a side chinlock. Somehow the Missing Link came up in commentary. They reversed attempted Irish whips. Fox went for a rollup but Banks kicked out and jettisoned her through the ropes to the floor roughly. Fox made it back into the ring. Fox nailed a nice head scissors takedown. Banks nailed her in the nose but was kicked down for a two count.
Fox went for a scissors kick but argued with the referee beforehand, allowing Banks to recover a bit. Banks cut her off and nailed the Bank Statement, forcing a submission.
Your winner, Sasha Banks!
Good, solid match. Fox worked hard and did a lot more than you'd expect from her usually. Banks did a good job as babyface in peril before making the comeback. I liked this. Enjoyable.
The panel looked at media coverage of Kurt Angle's return, acting as if he hasn't wrestled in 11 years.
They aired a video feature on Angle.
Backstage, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose were interviewed. Rollins said they were feeling good. Dean said he's not in a good mood at all. Dean said he doesn't know what Angle's plans and motivations are but he's not jumping into the kiddie end of the pool. It's war. Rollins said he never thought he'd be competing with Angle. Dean admitted it was cool but said they were coming to burn everything down like Kamikaze pilots. They turned down the chance to give away their strategy but promised they had something up their sleeves. Ambrose said it was a four stage plan - tables, ladder, chairs, war.
WWE TLC PPV COVERAGE
The opening video feature focused on the return of WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle.
The announcers welcomed everyone to the event and pointed out that Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt had been pulled due to a viral infection.
Emma vs. Asuka
The announcers noted Asuka had not been pinned or submitted since debuting in NXT. Emma avoided locking up several times and was very proud of herself Asuka took down and cinched in an armbreaker. Emma grabbed the bottom rope. Emma slapped her, which led to Asuka shaking her head as if to say, "OK, if this is how it's going to be, fine."
They locked up again and Asuka was unfazed and kept in control of Emma's arm. They noted this was Emma's first ever singles bout on PPV. Emma slapped her again and Asuka smiled. Asuka used a hip attack and then kicked her in the tailbone. Asuka took her to the mat and cinched in an anklelock. Emma rolled through and Asuka, after a hesitation, went through the ropes to the floor.
Emma worked her over on the floor and tossed Asuka back into the ring, She stomped Asuka's face into the mat for a two count. Emma cinched in an armbar, but Asuka broke free and nailed some kicks. Emma made a comeback and showed a real mean streak, working her over in the corner and hanging her to the tree of woe. Emma hit a nice splash in the corner for a two count.
Emma kept up the attack but Asuka just started to get angry. She rolled up Emma for a two count. Emma kicked her off towards the ropes but Asuka rebounded with a knee strike. Asuka began tatooing her with kicks. She came off the middle rope with a missile dropkick. Asuka began kicking her in the head while holding the arm to prevent retreat.
Asuka grabbed the anklelock and twisted her leg. Emma made it to her feet trying to escape but was hit with a big back suplex. Emma rolled out of the ring to the relative safety of the floor. Asuka went to the apron to retrieve her but was slammed off to the floor.
They returned to the ring, where Emma was caught in the Asuka Lock and tapped out.
Your winner, Asuka!
Much more of a competitive match than I expected going in. Emma looked to be working extremely hard to make a case herself and did a nice job. She and Asuka had some good in-ring chemistry. All of Asuka's striking and offense looked great. Really good match. Asuka looked like a star.
Backstage, the Miz was telling Cesaro and Sheamus that they needed to focus. Sheamus said Mick Foley never would have allowed this to happen, but he's always wanted to Brogue Kick an Olympic gold medalist through a table. Miz said Angle wouldn't have stepped in for them. He says he did it for the "WWE Universe" but the reality is that he only cares about himself. Miz said Angle could have canceled or postponed the match but didn't. He had to play superhero.
Angle may think he's a superhero but he's going to meet a monster among men. Braun told him to save the pep talk because he's going to snuff out Angle's return plus trash Dean and Seth. He warned them to stay out of his way.
Kane said that if anyone was going to take them out, it was going to be him. Miz said they have enough carnage to go around and sit at the dinner table. When they take them out, they will run Monday Night Raw. Braun said there's no tomorrow for Team Angle. Kane said he's going to make TLC into "hell on earth." Miz, Sheamus and Cesaro did the Shield pose to close the segment. Good stuff.
Elias was in the ring and quoted Prince, since they are in Minneapolis. He ripped the crowd and said he had a song to sing. How long before Jason Jordan comes out?
Elias started to play but someone was throwing vegetables. They turned on the lights and it was Jason doing it, tossing them from a shopping cart. Jordan walked out laughing. Elias just stared at him as the segment ended. It seemed like an angle right out of 1985 WWF.
Cedric Alexander & Rich Swann vs. Jack Gallagher & Brian Kendrick.
Kendrick started out working on Swann, who came back with some strikes. Gallagher tagged in and tied up Swann on the mat. Gallagher went for a monkey flip but Swann landed on his feet and nailed a dropkick. Kendrick tagged in but Cedric, who tagged in, dropkicked him out of the ring. Cedric went for a dive but Gallagher tripped him. Swann nailed a dive on Gallagher. Cedric nailed a great flip dive to the floor.
Swann and Alexander double teamed Kendrick. Gallagher cut off Swann and now he and Kendrick were double teaming Swann. They worked him over until Alexander made the hot tag and nailed a handspring kick off the ropes on Gallagher for a two count. Alexander drilled him in the corner and came off the top with a clothesline for a two count.
Kendrick pulled Alexander out. Swann tried to help but was hit with an overhead belly to belly suplex on the floor. Alexander rolled up Kendrick for a two count. Kendrick kicked him and nailed a superkick to set up the Captain's Hook. Alexander fought to escape and turned it into a rollup for a two count.
Swann came off the top with a Phoenix Splash, shocking Kendrick. Gallagher attacked Swann and nailed a headbutt that sent Swann to the floor. Alexander came back with the Lumbar Check and pinned Kendrick.
Your winners, Cedrick Alexander and Rich Swann!
All action, bell to bell. Super fun.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss said there's been some really mean things said, like Mickie calling her "biscuit butt." She said that she doesn't know what that means, because she likes her butt, because it's cute. She reminded everyone she was the one that brought Mickie back to WWE (in the Smackdown storylines) and that she was great, just like Trish Stratus and Lita back in the day. She said that those were the good old days, but tonight, there's nothing good her her, she'll just be old.
WWE Raw Women's champion Alexa Bliss vs. Mickie James.
They locked up and Alexa wasn't happy that Mickie had the control early. She nailed an elbow to the face to gain control and began working over Mickie's arm. Mickie did a kip up but was sent back to the mat, only to do it again. Alexa was getting very frustrated early on.
Bliss began focusing her attack on the arm and drilled her knee down on it several times. She sent James into the corner and covered her for a two count. James fought out of a top wristlock but was caught back in an armbar again.
It broke down into a back and forth slapfight. Bliss and James hit kicks at the same time on each other, KOing the other. The referee began to count them both out on the mat. They fought to their feet. Alexa went for a kick but missed. Mickie began hitting some good offense, including a clothesline and a kick to the gut. Mickie scored a two count.
Mickie went for her DDT but Bliss avoided it and nailed some offense, including a two count off a Code Red. James missed a move into the corner and came down on the arm and shoulder Bliss was working over. Bliss went for a twisting splash off the top but James rolled out of the ring.
James ascended to the top and hit a glancing missle dropkick for a two count. Even the announcers noted she didn't get all of it. Bliss drilled her in the throat. The crowd chanted for tables. That's not a good thing. Bliss backed off and suckered in James, kicking her and nailing a DDT for the pin.
Your winner and still WWE Raw Women's champion, Alexa Bliss.
Decent back and forth match.
After the match, a tearful James said she was let down but she fought with her heart and soul and hoped it wasn't going to be her last chance at challenging or at being Women's champion. She thanked the fans for their support and said they are the reason she does what she does. Good old school style babyface promo.
Backstage, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose came to Kurt Angle backstage. He said they wanted to do this 2 on 5, but he couldn't allow that. He said he didn't know how much he had left in the ring because it was the first time in 11 years but he would give them all that he has. They cut him off. They said they didn't come to talk about why he is doing this, but to give him this - and handed him a Shield vest. Angle was all about that.
They tried again to present Elias' concert performance. The crowd was much more against this the second time around. He said he was going to sing a song that would change their life, even if they didn't want it. The crowd kept booing it. Elias kept trying to sing. More Jason Jordan throwing vegetables. Elias walked out upset. Jason Jordan laughed and waved at the crowd.
WWE Cruiserweight champion Kalisto vs. Enzo Amore.
Enzo's voice sounded really haggard. He said he lost it celebrating his victory early last night but it was the only thing he was losing tonight. He said there are three types of people in the world - people like him who makes things happen, people like the fans who watch him make it happen and people like Kalisto who are losers.
Kalisto was ready to go but Enzo kept stalling. Enzo sent him into the ropes out of a side headlock and nailed an elbow. Kalisto went for a kick but Enzo saw it coming and went to the floor. Kalisto gave chase out and back into the ring, then hit a head scissors. Kalisto nailed an enziguiri, sending Amore to the floor.
Kalisto set up for a dive and nailed a tope suicida to the floor. He tried to pull up Amore to the ropes from the outside but was snapped down into the top turnbuckle jaw first. Enzo fired away with crossfaces and ripped at Kalisto's mask. He sized up Kalisto and nailed a punt to the mid-section.
Enzo went to the top and mocked Kalisto's "Lucha Lucha" chant. Enzo came off the top but was caught and slammed by Kalisto. Just like that, as he charged, Kalisto was nailed and nearly pinned in the corner. Enzo wound himself up like a baseball pitcher and nailed a right hand. He followed that up with a side chinlock. Kalisto fought his way out.
Kalisto nailed a sitdown splash off the ropes and a rana, which Amore took hitting his head on the mat, for a two count. Amore caught Kalisto and rolled him up, snapping the back of his head into the buckles. Enzo nailed the DDG, but Kalisto kicked up before the three count. That move looks awesome every time.
Enzo went for the Eat Defeat but Kalisto slipped out. Kalisto went for the Salina del Sol but Enzo slipped out and tried to escape. Kalisto pulled him into ring. Enzo pulled the ring apron in with him. As the referee fixed that, Enzo poked Kalisto in the eyes and rolled him up, scoring the pin.
Your winner and new WWE Cruiserweight champion for the second time, Enzo Amore!
Charly Caruso interviewed Enzo. He said he "had to thank him." Enzo said he wanted to give all the thanks to "Me!" He said he owed everyone else a big "No thank you. How you doing?" He walked out.
AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor
Full Demon entrance. The crowd chanted "This is awesome" before they even rang the bell.
They locked up. The crowd chanted "Too Sweet." That sound you hear is The Young Bucks cackling.
They went back and forth with reversals, testing the other before facing off. The crowd applauded their efforts. Balor caught him with a kick but Styles came back with a great dropkick. Styles went for a clothesline in the corner but Styles avoided him and was caught with a kick.
Balor went for and nailed a bow and arrow submission. He turned Styles and maneuvered him into a chinlock variation. Balor worked over his legs for a submission attempt but Styles made it to the ropes. Styles nailed a hard chop to the chest. Styles went for a sunset flip but Balor rolled through and nailed a dropkick. Styles cut him off with a clothesline.
Lots of back and forth action and back and forth chanting. Styles nailed the Phenomenal Forearm for a two count. Styles peppered Balor with forearms. Balor battled back with chops and took control. Balor leapt and kicked Styles off the top rope to the floor. Balor nailed a great flip dive to the floor.
Back in the ring, Styles went for the Styles Clash but Finn avoided it but Styles nailed a sitout facebuster for a two count. Balor drilled Styles and began stomping away at him. Balor drilled him with a kick in the corner but Styles caught him with the Calf Crusher in the center of the ring. Balor fought for the ropes but Styles snatched him over and centered him in the center. Balor fought his way out with strikes but a lot had been taken out of him.
Styles charged and was elevated over the ropes to the apron. He nailed Finn and went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but was caught and shoved off to to the floor by Balor. Balor went outside to the apron and nailed a great looking running kick. Balor nailed a running dropkick on the floor, sending Styles into the barricade.
Balor returned to the ring to break the countout, but returned to the floor. Styles grabbed him and drove him into the German announcing table as they both crashed over it and to the floor. They were almost counted out but hit the ring at the same time. They charged at each other and collided spectacularly in mid-ring twice in a row.
They fought to their feet and battled back and forth with punches and forearms. Styles went for kicks and Balor nailed Styles with a variation of the Pele Kick. They went through a series of reversals, ending with Balor nailing an inverted DDT and the 1916 for a two count.
Balor went to the floor, but Styles caught him with the Pele Kick. Styles nailed a rana for a two count. Styles missed a springboard 450 splash for a two count. Balor dropkicked him hard into the corner. Balor nailed the Coup de Grace off the top and scored the pin.
Your winner, Finn Balor!
Really fun back and forth match. If you were expecting something really hard hitting and entertaining, you won't be let down in the least. Worth going out of your way to see.
They faced off, shook hands and "too sweeted" each other after.
Elias vs. Jason Jordan
Elias tried to play but Jordan's music began to play. They locked up and muscled each other all around the ring. Jordan broke clean in the corner. They locked up again. Jordan took Elias down to the mat and controlled him there. He dumped him down again and went for a cover but Elias was too close to the ropes. Jordan did it again but Elias rolled out to the floor.
Elias cut off Jordan. He controlled him with a headlock, then an armbar. Elias went for a leapfrog but was snatched in mid-air and driven down to the mat. He followed up with a dropkick for a two count. Elias continued to beat down Jordan, sending him hard into the corner and driving him down into the corner of the apron outside. He scored several two counts.
Jordan made a comeback with a series of right hands. Jordan nailed several axehandles. He drove Elias into the corner several times. Jordan challenged him to bring it and caught him with an overhead belly to belly suplex. He nailed a tackle into the corner and nailed a belly to belly suplex for another two count. Elias attacked his leg as he charged into the corner but Jordan caught him with a small package for a three count.
Your winner, Jason Jordan!
Just a match placed there to let the audience cool down before the main event.
The announcers all pointed out that Elias' shoulder was actually up.
Sheamus went to put Dean through a table but it didn't break. That's actually worse. They set the table up in a corner and Braun drove Dean through it. Miz called for a garbage truck, which was backed up on the side of the stage. They beat down Dean and Seth on the entrance stage as they waited for the truck.
Team Miz dragged Dean and Seth towards the truck. They were tossed into it but battled their way out and climbed up the truck. They dove off the truck onto everyone on the floor. The brawl made its way back to the ringside area with Seth and Dean doubleteaming Miz as everyone else recovered back by the entrance. They beat him back to the entranceway and set up several tables as Miz tried to crawl to safety.
Kane attacked Dean and Seth, assisting Miz. They battled against the LED screen. Dean and Seth went for a double suplex through a table but Braun attacked them. Kane attacked Braun, getting revenge for being shoved down earlier and chokeslammed Braun through the stage set up for the announcing table.
After they showed several replays, we came back to Kane standing above the hole. Braun's hand came up to grab him. Kane looked up and yanked down a series of chairs that were hanging as part of the stanging, bringing them down on Strowman in the hole. The announcers said Stroman was somehow still moving but a camera shot showed him out under the pile of chairs.
Kane went right back after Dean and Seth. They battled him, two to one. They failed. Kane nailed a double chokeslam on them through two tables on the stage. Cesaro and Sheamus returned to the fray. Braun rose from the wreckage. Kane looked shocked. Miz tried to beg him to not fight. Braun threw him hard into the LED board and then attacked Cesaro and Sheamus.
Braun and Kane began brawling off the stage and onto the floor. He went for the running powerslam on the floor on Kane, but Cesaro and Sheamus attacked. Miz joined the fray and they began putting the boots to him, four on one. They tossed Braun into the garbage truck and then closed the crusher, "trapping him" inside.
The remaining members of Team Miz dragged Seth back to the ring and beat him. They went for the pin but Ambrose made the save. They beat him down. Angle's Olympic theme hit and he came out, holding his ribs. Cesaro and Sheamus charged down the aisle but were laid out as Angle backdropped Cesaro on the ramp, then snapped Sheamus with an Olympic Slam. He was pissed and hit the ring but was laid out with a Kane clothesline. Kane went for the tombstone but was attacked by Rollins and Ambrose with chairs.
Dean and Seth speared Kane through the barricade on the floor, paying tribute to Roman Reigns, in a sense. Miz snuck up on Angle and nailed the Skull Crushing Finale, but Angle kicked out Miz argued with referee John Cone. The crowd chanted "USA!" for Angle. Miz went for his finale again but Angle rolled through and locked in the anklelock. Miz was able to roll through and kicked Angle, who bounced rudely over the top rope and went to the floor.
Miz was left in the ring alone. Dean, Seth and Kurt got up on each side of the aisle. Miz was caught and drilled with a high knee, Dirty Deeds and an Olympic Slam. They did the Shield triple powerbomb on Miz and scored the pin.
Your winners, WWE Raw Tag Team champions Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins and Kurt Angle!
A long, drawn out brawling spectacle. The crowd really enjoyed this and there were a lot of twists and turns.
Overall, an enjoyable PPV I thought. Stay tuned for Raw Talk coverage!
RAW TALK COVERAGE
Renee Young and Peter Rosenberg talked about the return of Kurt Angle.
AJ Styles was the first guest. He said there was no build to his match with Finn Balor and they had never been in the ring before in a one on one match. He said this was something special. On Thursday night, he was told they needed him as they had some issues. He said that's what professionals do. You get on a plane that's going to take 18 hours and then have a great match.
Young asked him if he wished he had more time to prepare. Styles said that he wishes that physically, he wishes he had time for a nap or too but what they did in the ring was special and he wouldn't give that up for anything. Rosenberg asked if there was a mental advantage because they didn't have the time to think about it and there wasn't time to wait and hype up a match for a Wrestlemania, just you go and do it the day after wrestling in Chile.
Rosenberg asked if it was worth it, given that he had lost. Styles said he could make excuses and even makes excuses when he plays videogames. He said he has demons in his life and if he lets them cripple him, that's where Satan wants him to go. He lost, he's going to brush it off and keep fighting.
Styles was asked how it felt to be back on the Raw brand. Styles said it was nice seeing some of the guys that he hasn't seen in awhile but it's time to go back to his brand and that's where he's going. They asked him how Smackdown will fare against Raw at Survivor Series. Styles said that Smackdown has the best roster and they have the hardest working men and women and they will bring it. Styles said he's going to cross paths with Balor again and next time, it's going to go different.
The next guest was Raw Women's champion Alexa Bliss. Bliss said she's said from day one that Mickie is a first ballot Hall of Famer and great, but Bliss has beaten her. Bliss said that from here, she doesn't know where she goes. She wants to be the longest reigning Raw Women's champion. She beat everyone on Smackdown and has beaten everyone on Raw. She didn't mention Asuka. She said that last year, Smackdown lost to Raw. She doesn't like losing and said that she will be the leader to lead Raw to victory. She was asked how she was going to lead them when she hasn't endeared herself to them. She said she has to lead them and they don't have to like her. They just have to respect her. They teased the idea of Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss. Alexa said they faced off in NXT and when Flair left Raw, everyone asked what was going to happen to Raw. She said, "Alexa Bliss happened." She said she would love to be in a ring with Charlotte, but she's only worried about leading her team to victory at Survivor Series. They began talking about whether she can convince the locker room to get on her side. Bliss said they were confused and excused herself.
Kurt Angle joined them. He said it's been 11 years since the WWE fans have seen him wrestle. He said he feels great and it was an honor to be in the ring with The Shield, Sheamus, Cesaro and Kane, who he said "came back for this." Angle was asked how it felt to be part of The Shield. He said it was awesome. He said when the boys asked him to do it, he said, "Sure, I'll throw away the red, white and blue for a night." He said they were one of the most popular and most successful factions in the history of the sport and it was an honor. He said he wanted to come back to the ring, but wasn't expected it this early. He said you always get a farewell tour or a last Wrestlemania, which is what he wanted when he returned to WWE. He said he loved the match, even though he was "knocked out there for a second" and hoped there would be another match in the future. He admitted he was hesitant about getting back into the ring. He said that he hadn't been in the ring and hadn't been taking those "jarring bumps that these professionals do." He said at 48, he had been questioning himself lately and said he had been clean for four and half years.
They showed Angle some highlights from the match. He said he was happy with his performance but wishes he could have given his guys more as he was out of the ring for 15 minutes. He said that he was so proud of the Raw brand for the incredible job. He called Shane McMahon and asked for a favor to get AJ Styles and he's sure Shane will ask for a favor down the line but he can't say how happy he is with the Raw men and women. He said that he feels they have the best roster and believes they have the best talent right now. He said that the current roster, including NXT and Smackdown, is the best collection of talents in WWE history, including the Attitude Era.
They asked if he would be back in the ring soon. He said he has to speak to his wife first. He said he hasn't spoken to her and he's sure she's furious, so once he speaks to her, they can decide what's next.
They went off the air teasing that WWE Universal champion Brock Lesnar will return to Raw tomorrow to answer the challenge of WWE champion Jinder Mahal.
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