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November 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1972 - WWE Hall of Famer Sharmell is born.
1983 - Fred Rosser aka Darren Young is born.
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Richmond, VA with the following results from the Richmond Coliseum:
-Black Bart defeated Tommy Kay.
-The American Starship (Eagle & Coyote aka Scott Hall & Danny Spivey) defeated Paul Kelly & Jeff Sword.
-Avalanche Buzz Tyler defeated Ivan Koloff.
-Wahoo McDaniel & Tully Blanchard defeated Dick Slater & Brian Adidas.
-The Assassin defeated Paul Jones.
-Ricky Steamboat defeated Mid Atlantic champion Ron Bass via disqualification.
-NWA World Tag Team Champions Dusty Rhodes & Manny Fernandez defeated the Zambuie Express.
1987 - Harvinder Sihra (aka Samir Singh during his WWE run) of The Bollywood Boyz is born.
1992 - Jerry Lawler defeats Todd Champion in Memphis, Tennessee for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title, starting Lawler's 13th reign with the belt.
1995 - Smoky Mountain Wrestling ran Betsy Layne, Kentucky at the High School, featuring the following results:
-Robert Gibson pinned Bobby Blaze.
-The Dirty White Boy & Tracy Smothers beat The Headbangers via pinfall.
-Brad Armstrong beat SMW Champ Terry Gordy via DQ.
-Buddy Landel beat Tommy Rich via DQ.
-Buddy Landel vs. Jim Cornette ended in a no contest.
-Brad Armstrong won a battle royal.
1996 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Middletown, NY at the Fairgrounds Fieldhouse with the following results:
-Louie Spicolli defeated Stevie Richards.
-Big Dick Dudley defeated the Erotic Experience in a handicap match.
-2 Cold Scorpio defeated DD Taylor.
-Buh Buh Ray & Spike Dudley defeated D-Von Dudley & Axl Rotten.
-Pitbull #2 defeated Brian Lee.
-Mikey Whipwreck defeated Raven.
-Pitbull 2 defeated the Pittsburgh Steel Team in a handicap match.
-ECW World TV Champion Shane Douglas defeated Tommy Dreamer after Brian Lee interfered.
-ECW World Champion the Sandman defeated 2 Cold Scorpio.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions The Gangstas defeated The Eliminators.
1998 - PJ Hawx is born in New Orleans.
1998 - In Houston, Texas, Vince McMahon creates the WWF "Hardcore Championship" and awards it to Mankind (Mick Foley). Ironically, Mankind would hold the title for less than a month, and never win it back. Despite this, the Hardcore Title is often associated with Foley.
1999 - Mankind & Al Snow defeat Hardcore & Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2000 - The WWF released the following regarding the Owen Hart lawsuit:
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement in Owen Hart Case
STAMFORD, Conn.--Nov. 2, 2000--World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) announced today that it has agreed to a settlement in a previously disclosed lawsuit filed by the members of the family of Owen Hart, a professional wrestler, whose accidental death occurred while performing under contract with the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, the WWFE will receive a full release from any further liability in the case.
`It has always been our intention to settle this case and we tried to do what we felt was in the best interest for all those involved, particularly for the family of Owen Hart,'' said Linda McMahon, CEO.
As a result of the settlement, the WWFE will take a charge of $7 million which is net of its insurance recoveries and will retain the right to pursue contribution and indemnity from the companies that manufactured and sold the equipment involved in the accident. The charge will be recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended October 27, 2000.
That was the ending to one of the most tragic stories in the history of wrestling. Kansas City Circuit Judge Douglas Long. Jr. approved the settlement, and the family of Owen Hart received $18 million dollars for the loss of Owen Hart on May 23, 1999 when his harness at the Kemper Arena malfunctioned and he fell to his death during the Over The Edge pay-per-view. The WWF told stockholders that they would pay $7million of the payment, and they wanted the rigging and harness companies to pay the other half. One of the companies, Amspec, Inc., filed for bankruptcy right before the judgment, possibly in anticipation of the payment.
Owen's wife, Martha, received $10 million. Their children, Oje, 8, and Athena, 5, received $3 million each. Stu and Helen Hart, Owen's parents, each received $1 million. After the hearing, Martha took her children to the Kemper Arena to see where Owen died. Martha announced that she was using $2 million of the money to start the Owen Hart Foundation to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps the saddest part of the story is how the Hart family, once thought to be a very tight unit, was now in shambles. Bret and Keith Hart sided with Martha, Stu and Helen, while sisters Diana and Ellie did not. Of course, their respective husbands, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart signed contracts with the WWF after the incident. Martha had some stinging comments about the situation after the settlement in the Calgary Sun.
"This is not a close-knit family and I'm not part of it anymore -- we carry the same last name but that's as far as it goes. They betrayed Owen by working against me and his children and I will never consider myself, or my children, a part of that family anymore. I will respect Owen's parents and I will stay in touch with a select few of them but people need to know that Owen was a white sheep in a black family."
2004 - At the Smackdown taping in St. Louis, Missouri, Kurt Angle made a challenge to the current crop of WWE Tough Enough contestants, one that nearly ended in disaster. Here is the report from that show:
We then went to the ring, where Al Snow had all the contestants assembled. Kurt Angle was then brought to the ring. Angle went down the line, asking each contestant their name, then insulting them while getting into their face. When he got in the face of Nick, he asked him to turn his eyes away, and when he wouldn't, he shoved him. Angle seemed to take great pleasure in ripping into Dan R. (the smartass) and Dan P. (the MMA fighter). Some of the contestants cracked smiles and laughed during the segment, and Angle would yell at them and shove them to shut them up. Angle talked about what it takes to succeed in wrestling, and told the contestants that he hated them, since they were getting a chance to win a million dollars. Angle (who was wearing his amateur wrestling shoes) did some squat thrusts (squat into pushup and back to standing position). Angle then told the group they would be doing squat thrusts, and whoever did the most without messing up would win a special prize. While Angle berated the group, last week's segment with the Big Show was recapped. After the recap, Angle brought two referees to watch the group and eliminate whoever messed up. Ryan appeared to be able to do them much faster than the rest. Justice was eliminated first, then one by one they gave out, including Ryan. The last two were Daniel Puder and Chris Nawrocki, with Nawrocki winning. Nawrocki was then told his special prize was his first match ever ... right now with Kurt Angle. Apparently, this was shoot-style wrestling, using "professional wrestling rules".
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Nawrocki. Angle took Nawrocki down with a front facelock, but Nawrocki grabbed the ropes. Angle then reapplied the hold, and easily took Nawrocki down for a pin. Winner: Kurt Angle.
Angle then asked the other contestants if anyone else wanted to take him on. Daniel Puder volunteered.
Kurt Angle vs. Daniel Puder. They grappled, and Puder went for an arm, but Angle backed him into the ropes. As they came off, Angle grabbed a front facelock, but Puder got away. The crowd was chanting "UFC" for Puder (who, while he does have a MMA background, never actually fought in UFC). They locked up again, and went to the mat. Angle was on top, and Puder went for a keylock, but his shoulders were down, so he was pinned (although it appeared his shoulder was up). Winner: Kurt Angle.
Puder reached out for a handshake, but Angle got in his face, and the two were talking nose to nose. You couldn't make out what they said, other than Angle saying "Now get out of my face" at the end. Tazz said Angle was telling him that you have to stay off your back in a wrestling contest, although that obviously was not what was being said. Angle then told all the contestants that as far as he was concerned, none of them were Tough Enough.
In truth, replays of the "match" showed that Puder had Angle's arm locked up and was probably moments away from submitting Angle when referee Earl Hebner counted a fast pin on Puder, who obviously didn't have his shoulders down. Angle was embarrassed, Puder gained a measure of popularity (that he still plays off of to this day), and many experts wondered what the hell WWE was thinking when they came up with the idea for the segment.
2007 - Harry Smith and Chris Masters were suspended by WWE for Wellness Policy violations. They were the first two workers to be named under the terms of the revised provision where Wellness Policy violators' names would be released to the public. Masters would later be released from the company.
World Wrestling Entertainment Suspends Two Performers
STAMFORD, Conn., November 2, 2007 – In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE today suspended the following performers for violations: Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) for 60 days (second violation) and Harry Smith (D. H. Smith) for 30 days (first violation).
2009 - The Chicago Tribune featured an article on Hulk Hogan, which includes quite a few Hogan gems, including his claim that he tried to get into Metallica and The Rolling Stones:
On his WWE Hall Of Fame ring, which Hogan now wears to cover a "Linda" tattoo on his finger: “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
On his musical aspirations: “I was in England presenting an award with Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, and she told me the [Rolling] Stones were looking for a bass player. I sent her a ton of merchandise that she asked for and said ‘Tell Mick I’m a great bass player.’ I never heard a word back." (Hogan also claimed he sent a tape to Metallica, but they never called back either)
On actively wrestling again: "People might say I'm too slow or crippled to get back in the ring. I can't say they're wrong. I heard Stone Cold [Steve Austin] say 'I'm not hanging around and embarrassing myself like some of these old guys.' I wonder who he's talking about, you know?
2010 - Linda McMahon lost her first attempt to become Senator in the State of Connecticut. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, Triple H and Marissa McMahon all joined former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she officially conceded her Senate race for the State of Connecticut to Richard Blumenthal. A smiling McMahon thanked everyone for what she called one of the "most unbelievable" years of her life and for all their hard work on her campaign. She remarked that "no matter what, I consider this a victory
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight is a 24 Karat Production. We see footage of Aksana and her love of English language only to have immigration issue. If only someone could make sure that she stays in this country. A Knight in Shining Gold Face Paint came to her rescue. Tonight is the night when Aksana get to stay in country.
We are live on the World Wide Web from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘Don’t Blame Me, you know who I voted for’ Cole and Todd ‘I hope I catch the bouquet’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Stand Up for the Teachers’ Striker.
Who will get eliminated tonight, but more importantly who will catch the garter and bouquet?
Matt Striker is in the ring and he brings out the five rookies and they are not wearing their bridesmaid dresses. We find out that Maxine is Michael Cole’s pick to win this competition.
Matt says that this is a special night and he mentions the wedding and the funeral for one of the rookies. Matt reminds us that winning competitions means immunity. Naomi has won three contests. Aksana cannot get immunity so she is excused from the competitions and she gets to prepare for her big night.
Matt says that one has to sweep the competitions to gain immunity. Since love is in the air, the first competition is a kissing contest. Matt says that he will need a special judge for the contest and it is the official mascot of NXT, Hornswoggle.
Matt asks Hornswoggle if he is ready and he grunts. Matt says that Hornswoggle gets to tell him which Diva made him ‘happiest inside’.
Kaitlyn is the first to go and Kaitlyn gets on her knees so they can be face to face. Hornswoggle hesitates at first and then he goes in for the kill. Hornswoggle has trouble getting up after the kiss.
Maxine is next but she doesn’t want to kiss Hornswoggle. She refuses to kiss Striker either. She says that Hornswoggle did this on purpose to mess with her. Maxine tells him to go. Hornswoggle leaves and he appears a bit dejected.
Cody Rhodes comes out and he is dressed very dashingly. He enters the ring and he says that they are all welcome. He says that he is here for his brother’s wedding, but this situation and scenario called for something or someone ‘dashing’. He says that he is here for that.
Kaitlyn now has to kiss a second man and Matt says that now she will have to kiss two men in the same night for the first time.
Cody checks on himself and he applies some lip balm as Kaitlyn waits for Cody to be finished. They kiss and Cody does not react the same way that Hornswoggle did so Kaitlyn tries again. Cody works his way to Maxine and he gets some breath spray and uses it on Maxine. Cody kisses Maxine’s wrist. Cody goes to Naomi and Naomi refuses.
She tells Cody that he is dashing but she wouldn’t kiss him if he was the last man on Earth. She refuses to kiss Cody after he kissed Maxine and Kaitlyn. Naomi doesn’t mind losing.
Cody says that he has plenty of ladies carrying around his bags and she has too much baggage for him.
Cody moves on to AJ and Cody files her nails before they kiss. He says that she has probably never kissed a boy and never stood across from such a dashing man, but he wants AJ to know that he is rooting for her.
AJ says that she might as well go for it and they end up on the mat and AJ composes herself.
Cody has a winner and it is AJ.
Matt sends it to the happy couple at the announce table. Cole shows off his tuxedo t-shirt and Josh says that he looks like Jerry Lawler.
It is time to see the rankings and AJ is now the only one who can catch Naomi since she has two wins.
Michael Cole says that the Bellas are his date for tonight.
AJ is walking in the back with Primo and he says that she looks good. Primo says that when he saw Cody kissing AJ, he felt a bit jealous. She says that she has wanted to tell Primo something and in case she is eliminated, she won’t be able to tell him. She wants to tell him in private.
They open a door and Dusty Rhodes is with the Bellas. Dusty says that they are having a private conversation. He says that there is no room at this inn. He tells Primo that he is looking good.
We go to e-merical.
Match Number One: Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly
Alicia pushes Kelly a few times and then Kelly with a Thesz Press. Alicia works on the arm but Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and Alicia goes to the apron. Alicia pulls Kelly to the floor. Kelly gets back into the ring and Alicia with a gutwrench back breaker and she stretches Kelly on her knee. Kelly with knees to Alicia to get out of the hold. Kelly with a jawbreaker but Alicia with an Eve Torres drop kick. Alicia misses the scissors kick and Kelly with a sunset flip for a near fall. Kelly with a kick and then she hits the K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
AJ and Primo are still looking for a room to have their private talk and they enter a room with Maxine kissing Hornswoggle. She says that she thought he was choking and she was giving him CPR. AJ and Primo look for another room.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Physical Challenge. Matt reminds everyone of the standings for Immunity. This challenge is the Wedding Gift Scramble. There is a flag in one of the presents and the person who finds the flag wins the competition.
Kaitlyn is the winner of the challenge and that means that Naomi has immunity.
It is time to remind everyone about how bad everyone is who criticizes WWE because they don’t really know about WWE. Time to Stand Up for WWE.
Michael talks about how ‘standing up’ for the WWE is a family thing. You can go to wwe.com to see people Standing Up for WWE.
We go to commercial with a look at the wedding invitation.
We are back and the ring is getting prepared for the wedding.
While we wait for the nuptials, Josh and Cole show some emotion talking about the WWE Title match and what might happen to John Cena.
AJ and Primo find a private spot that is only accessible by cameras. AJ and Primo see Kaitlyn and Dolph having a bit of fun and then we see Vickie Guerrero leave the stage and she is hunting Kaitlyns. Kaitlyn and Dolph try to explain what they saw. Kaitlyn is pushed by Vickie. Kaitlyn takes the wedding cake and throws it on Vickie. Vickie screams.
The ring is almost ready for the wedding. We go to commercial with the life partners arguing at the announce table.
We are back and did you know that Smackdown is the top show on SyFy since the show debuted on SyFy.
The groom’s party comes out first.
Hornswoggle comes out since he is the ringbearer.
The groom comes out to his entrance music (because every wedding needs entrance music). Goldust is in his facepaint and he has his Million Dollar Belt while Josh tears down the fourth wall and says that this wedding isn’t real.
Since she is only a rookie, Aksana comes to the ring to the wedding march. Aksana is in a gold dress.
The priest says that they each have written their vows.
Goldust says that Aksana looks beautiful. He says that he knows that their relationship has been bizarre and untraditional. She will never forget the name . . .
Goldust.
Aksana thank Goldust for saving her. She promise that she love him as much as she love country. Aksana start USA chant.
The priest asks if anyone objects to the wedding. Despite the crowd’s apparent objection, the priest objects. He says that everyone has a price.
Ted DiBiase’s music plays and he comes out with Maryse. Ted says that this isn’t the first time that money has ruined a marriage. Ted says that this means that Goldust’s mail order bridge to be will be deported. Ted brings out the Immigration agent and he has handcuffs. Ted says that there is one thing he can do to save this pathetic sham of a wedding and Goldust knows what that is. He wants his Million Dollar Title back.
Dusty gets on the mic and he says that he knew that something like this was gonna happen. Dusty went to Rome and the Pope was busy so he went to Mississippi and he found a Southern minister with a hound dog. Dusty brings out the minister and it is . . .
Ted DiBiase (to the real Million Dollar Music).
Ted comes to the ring and Michael Cole cannot believe that Ted would stab his son in the back with this betrayal.
Dad says that he did it for the look on his son’s face because it is priceless.
Ted says that it is time for the ceremony.
Goldust says ‘I Do’.
Aksana say ‘I Do’ too.
They are officially married and Ted tells Goldust he can kiss his bride. Dad jumps in for the first kiss. Aksana slap Goldust instead of kissing him and she leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the wedding ceremony as Aksana slapped Goldust since she got the ring on her finger.
The rookies are at ringside and Matt says that it is time for one of the rookies to be removed from the competition. Matt reminds us that Naomi is immune from elimination. It is time to go to the Random WWE Tron Elimination Generator and the person who is going home is Maxine.
Maxine is asked to give her parting words. She says that she understands that it is hard to wrap your mind around something different. She says that she is not the typical diva or woman. She says that she will be back and she will make sure that she reaches where she belongs and that is . . . on top.
She takes the walk of shame and Alicia hugs her former rookie.
November 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1992 - Jerry Lawler defeats Todd Champion in Memphis, Tennessee for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title, starting Lawler's 13th reign with the belt.
1998 - In Houston, Texas, Vince McMahon creates the WWF "Hardcore Championship" and awards it to Mankind (Mick Foley). Ironically, Mankind would hold the title for less than a month, and never win it back. Despite this, the Hardcore Title is often associated with Foley.
1999 - Mankind & Al Snow defeat Hardcore & Crash Holly for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
2000 - The WWF released the following regarding the Owen Hart lawsuit:
World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. Announces Settlement in Owen Hart Case
STAMFORD, Conn.--Nov. 2, 2000--World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWF) announced today that it has agreed to a settlement in a previously disclosed lawsuit filed by the members of the family of Owen Hart, a professional wrestler, whose accidental death occurred while performing under contract with the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, the WWFE will receive a full release from any further liability in the case.
`It has always been our intention to settle this case and we tried to do what we felt was in the best interest for all those involved, particularly for the family of Owen Hart,'' said Linda McMahon, CEO.
As a result of the settlement, the WWFE will take a charge of $7 million which is net of its insurance recoveries and will retain the right to pursue contribution and indemnity from the companies that manufactured and sold the equipment involved in the accident. The charge will be recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses for the quarter ended October 27, 2000.
That was the ending to one of the most tragic stories in the history of wrestling. Kansas City Circuit Judge Douglas Long. Jr. approved the settlement, and the family of Owen Hart received $18 million dollars for the loss of Owen Hart on May 23, 1999 when his harness at the Kemper Arena malfunctioned and he fell to his death during the Over The Edge pay-per-view. The WWF told stockholders that they would pay $7million of the payment, and they wanted the rigging and harness companies to pay the other half. One of the companies, Amspec, Inc., filed for bankruptcy right before the judgment, possibly in anticipation of the payment.
Owen's wife, Martha, received $10 million. Their children, Oje, 8, and Athena, 5, received $3 million each. Stu and Helen Hart, Owen's parents, each received $1 million. After the hearing, Martha took her children to the Kemper Arena to see where Owen died. Martha announced that she was using $2 million of the money to start the Owen Hart Foundation to help the less fortunate.
Perhaps the saddest part of the story is how the Hart family, once thought to be a very tight unit, was now in shambles. Bret and Keith Hart sided with Martha, Stu and Helen, while sisters Diana and Ellie did not. Of course, their respective husbands, Davey Boy Smith and Jim Neidhart signed contracts with the WWF after the incident. Martha had some stinging comments about the situation after the settlement in the Calgary Sun.
"This is not a close-knit family and I'm not part of it anymore -- we carry the same last name but that's as far as it goes. They betrayed Owen by working against me and his children and I will never consider myself, or my children, a part of that family anymore. I will respect Owen's parents and I will stay in touch with a select few of them but people need to know that Owen was a white sheep in a black family."
2004 - At the Smackdown taping in St. Louis, Missouri, Kurt Angle made a challenge to the current crop of WWE Tough Enough contestants, one that nearly ended in disaster. Here is the report from that show:
We then went to the ring, where Al Snow had all the contestants assembled. Kurt Angle was then brought to the ring. Angle went down the line, asking each contestant their name, then insulting them while getting into their face. When he got in the face of Nick, he asked him to turn his eyes away, and when he wouldn't, he shoved him. Angle seemed to take great pleasure in ripping into Dan R. (the smartass) and Dan P. (the MMA fighter). Some of the contestants cracked smiles and laughed during the segment, and Angle would yell at them and shove them to shut them up. Angle talked about what it takes to succeed in wrestling, and told the contestants that he hated them, since they were getting a chance to win a million dollars. Angle (who was wearing his amateur wrestling shoes) did some squat thrusts (squat into pushup and back to standing position). Angle then told the group they would be doing squat thrusts, and whoever did the most without messing up would win a special prize. While Angle berated the group, last week's segment with the Big Show was recapped. After the recap, Angle brought two referees to watch the group and eliminate whoever messed up. Ryan appeared to be able to do them much faster than the rest. Justice was eliminated first, then one by one they gave out, including Ryan. The last two were Daniel Puder and Chris Nawrocki, with Nawrocki winning. Nawrocki was then told his special prize was his first match ever ... right now with Kurt Angle. Apparently, this was shoot-style wrestling, using "professional wrestling rules".
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Nawrocki. Angle took Nawrocki down with a front facelock, but Nawrocki grabbed the ropes. Angle then reapplied the hold, and easily took Nawrocki down for a pin. Winner: Kurt Angle.
Angle then asked the other contestants if anyone else wanted to take him on. Daniel Puder volunteered.
Kurt Angle vs. Daniel Puder. They grappled, and Puder went for an arm, but Angle backed him into the ropes. As they came off, Angle grabbed a front facelock, but Puder got away. The crowd was chanting "UFC" for Puder (who, while he does have a MMA background, never actually fought in UFC). They locked up again, and went to the mat. Angle was on top, and Puder went for a keylock, but his shoulders were down, so he was pinned (although it appeared his shoulder was up). Winner: Kurt Angle.
Puder reached out for a handshake, but Angle got in his face, and the two were talking nose to nose. You couldn't make out what they said, other than Angle saying "Now get out of my face" at the end. Tazz said Angle was telling him that you have to stay off your back in a wrestling contest, although that obviously was not what was being said. Angle then told all the contestants that as far as he was concerned, none of them were Tough Enough.
In truth, replays of the "match" showed that Puder had Angle's arm locked up and was probably moments away from submitting Angle when referee Earl Hebner counted a fast pin on Puder, who obviously didn't have his shoulders down. Angle was embarrassed, Puder gained a measure of popularity (that he still plays off of to this day), and many experts wondered what the hell WWE was thinking when they came up with the idea for the segment.
2007 - Harry Smith and Chris Masters were suspended by WWE for Wellness Policy violations. They were the first two workers to be named under the terms of the revised provision where Wellness Policy violators' names would be released to the public. Masters would later be released from the company.
World Wrestling Entertainment Suspends Two Performers
STAMFORD, Conn., November 2, 2007 – In accordance with its Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, WWE today suspended the following performers for violations: Chris Mordetzky (Chris Masters) for 60 days (second violation) and Harry Smith (D. H. Smith) for 30 days (first violation).
2009 - The Chicago Tribune featured an article on Hulk Hogan, which includes quite a few Hogan gems, including his claim that he tried to get into Metallica and The Rolling Stones:
On his WWE Hall Of Fame ring, which Hogan now wears to cover a "Linda" tattoo on his finger: “I think Vince McMahon paid $20 for it. My high school ring was better than this thing.”
On his musical aspirations: “I was in England presenting an award with Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger’s ex-wife, and she told me the [Rolling] Stones were looking for a bass player. I sent her a ton of merchandise that she asked for and said ‘Tell Mick I’m a great bass player.’ I never heard a word back." (Hogan also claimed he sent a tape to Metallica, but they never called back either)
On actively wrestling again: "People might say I'm too slow or crippled to get back in the ring. I can't say they're wrong. I heard Stone Cold [Steve Austin] say 'I'm not hanging around and embarrassing myself like some of these old guys.' I wonder who he's talking about, you know?
2010 - Linda McMahon lost her first attempt to become Senator in the State of Connecticut. Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Shane McMahon, Triple H and Marissa McMahon all joined former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as she officially conceded her Senate race for the State of Connecticut to Richard Blumenthal. A smiling McMahon thanked everyone for what she called one of the "most unbelievable" years of her life and for all their hard work on her campaign. She remarked that "no matter what, I consider this a victory
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight is a 24 Karat Production. We see footage of Aksana and her love of English language only to have immigration issue. If only someone could make sure that she stays in this country. A Knight in Shining Gold Face Paint came to her rescue. Tonight is the night when Aksana get to stay in country.
We are live on the World Wide Web from Bridgeport, Connecticut and your announcers are Michael ‘Don’t Blame Me, you know who I voted for’ Cole and Todd ‘I hope I catch the bouquet’ Grisham. Your host is Matt ‘Stand Up for the Teachers’ Striker.
Who will get eliminated tonight, but more importantly who will catch the garter and bouquet?
Matt Striker is in the ring and he brings out the five rookies and they are not wearing their bridesmaid dresses. We find out that Maxine is Michael Cole’s pick to win this competition.
Matt says that this is a special night and he mentions the wedding and the funeral for one of the rookies. Matt reminds us that winning competitions means immunity. Naomi has won three contests. Aksana cannot get immunity so she is excused from the competitions and she gets to prepare for her big night.
Matt says that one has to sweep the competitions to gain immunity. Since love is in the air, the first competition is a kissing contest. Matt says that he will need a special judge for the contest and it is the official mascot of NXT, Hornswoggle.
Matt asks Hornswoggle if he is ready and he grunts. Matt says that Hornswoggle gets to tell him which Diva made him ‘happiest inside’.
Kaitlyn is the first to go and Kaitlyn gets on her knees so they can be face to face. Hornswoggle hesitates at first and then he goes in for the kill. Hornswoggle has trouble getting up after the kiss.
Maxine is next but she doesn’t want to kiss Hornswoggle. She refuses to kiss Striker either. She says that Hornswoggle did this on purpose to mess with her. Maxine tells him to go. Hornswoggle leaves and he appears a bit dejected.
Cody Rhodes comes out and he is dressed very dashingly. He enters the ring and he says that they are all welcome. He says that he is here for his brother’s wedding, but this situation and scenario called for something or someone ‘dashing’. He says that he is here for that.
Kaitlyn now has to kiss a second man and Matt says that now she will have to kiss two men in the same night for the first time.
Cody checks on himself and he applies some lip balm as Kaitlyn waits for Cody to be finished. They kiss and Cody does not react the same way that Hornswoggle did so Kaitlyn tries again. Cody works his way to Maxine and he gets some breath spray and uses it on Maxine. Cody kisses Maxine’s wrist. Cody goes to Naomi and Naomi refuses.
She tells Cody that he is dashing but she wouldn’t kiss him if he was the last man on Earth. She refuses to kiss Cody after he kissed Maxine and Kaitlyn. Naomi doesn’t mind losing.
Cody says that he has plenty of ladies carrying around his bags and she has too much baggage for him.
Cody moves on to AJ and Cody files her nails before they kiss. He says that she has probably never kissed a boy and never stood across from such a dashing man, but he wants AJ to know that he is rooting for her.
AJ says that she might as well go for it and they end up on the mat and AJ composes herself.
Cody has a winner and it is AJ.
Matt sends it to the happy couple at the announce table. Cole shows off his tuxedo t-shirt and Josh says that he looks like Jerry Lawler.
It is time to see the rankings and AJ is now the only one who can catch Naomi since she has two wins.
Michael Cole says that the Bellas are his date for tonight.
AJ is walking in the back with Primo and he says that she looks good. Primo says that when he saw Cody kissing AJ, he felt a bit jealous. She says that she has wanted to tell Primo something and in case she is eliminated, she won’t be able to tell him. She wants to tell him in private.
They open a door and Dusty Rhodes is with the Bellas. Dusty says that they are having a private conversation. He says that there is no room at this inn. He tells Primo that he is looking good.
We go to e-merical.
Match Number One: Alicia Fox versus Kelly Kelly
Alicia pushes Kelly a few times and then Kelly with a Thesz Press. Alicia works on the arm but Kelly with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors and Alicia goes to the apron. Alicia pulls Kelly to the floor. Kelly gets back into the ring and Alicia with a gutwrench back breaker and she stretches Kelly on her knee. Kelly with knees to Alicia to get out of the hold. Kelly with a jawbreaker but Alicia with an Eve Torres drop kick. Alicia misses the scissors kick and Kelly with a sunset flip for a near fall. Kelly with a kick and then she hits the K2 for the three count.
Winner: Kelly Kelly
AJ and Primo are still looking for a room to have their private talk and they enter a room with Maxine kissing Hornswoggle. She says that she thought he was choking and she was giving him CPR. AJ and Primo look for another room.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Physical Challenge. Matt reminds everyone of the standings for Immunity. This challenge is the Wedding Gift Scramble. There is a flag in one of the presents and the person who finds the flag wins the competition.
Kaitlyn is the winner of the challenge and that means that Naomi has immunity.
It is time to remind everyone about how bad everyone is who criticizes WWE because they don’t really know about WWE. Time to Stand Up for WWE.
Michael talks about how ‘standing up’ for the WWE is a family thing. You can go to wwe.com to see people Standing Up for WWE.
We go to commercial with a look at the wedding invitation.
We are back and the ring is getting prepared for the wedding.
While we wait for the nuptials, Josh and Cole show some emotion talking about the WWE Title match and what might happen to John Cena.
AJ and Primo find a private spot that is only accessible by cameras. AJ and Primo see Kaitlyn and Dolph having a bit of fun and then we see Vickie Guerrero leave the stage and she is hunting Kaitlyns. Kaitlyn and Dolph try to explain what they saw. Kaitlyn is pushed by Vickie. Kaitlyn takes the wedding cake and throws it on Vickie. Vickie screams.
The ring is almost ready for the wedding. We go to commercial with the life partners arguing at the announce table.
We are back and did you know that Smackdown is the top show on SyFy since the show debuted on SyFy.
The groom’s party comes out first.
Hornswoggle comes out since he is the ringbearer.
The groom comes out to his entrance music (because every wedding needs entrance music). Goldust is in his facepaint and he has his Million Dollar Belt while Josh tears down the fourth wall and says that this wedding isn’t real.
Since she is only a rookie, Aksana comes to the ring to the wedding march. Aksana is in a gold dress.
The priest says that they each have written their vows.
Goldust says that Aksana looks beautiful. He says that he knows that their relationship has been bizarre and untraditional. She will never forget the name . . .
Goldust.
Aksana thank Goldust for saving her. She promise that she love him as much as she love country. Aksana start USA chant.
The priest asks if anyone objects to the wedding. Despite the crowd’s apparent objection, the priest objects. He says that everyone has a price.
Ted DiBiase’s music plays and he comes out with Maryse. Ted says that this isn’t the first time that money has ruined a marriage. Ted says that this means that Goldust’s mail order bridge to be will be deported. Ted brings out the Immigration agent and he has handcuffs. Ted says that there is one thing he can do to save this pathetic sham of a wedding and Goldust knows what that is. He wants his Million Dollar Title back.
Dusty gets on the mic and he says that he knew that something like this was gonna happen. Dusty went to Rome and the Pope was busy so he went to Mississippi and he found a Southern minister with a hound dog. Dusty brings out the minister and it is . . .
Ted DiBiase (to the real Million Dollar Music).
Ted comes to the ring and Michael Cole cannot believe that Ted would stab his son in the back with this betrayal.
Dad says that he did it for the look on his son’s face because it is priceless.
Ted says that it is time for the ceremony.
Goldust says ‘I Do’.
Aksana say ‘I Do’ too.
They are officially married and Ted tells Goldust he can kiss his bride. Dad jumps in for the first kiss. Aksana slap Goldust instead of kissing him and she leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of the wedding ceremony as Aksana slapped Goldust since she got the ring on her finger.
The rookies are at ringside and Matt says that it is time for one of the rookies to be removed from the competition. Matt reminds us that Naomi is immune from elimination. It is time to go to the Random WWE Tron Elimination Generator and the person who is going home is Maxine.
Maxine is asked to give her parting words. She says that she understands that it is hard to wrap your mind around something different. She says that she is not the typical diva or woman. She says that she will be back and she will make sure that she reaches where she belongs and that is . . . on top.
She takes the walk of shame and Alicia hugs her former rookie.
2011 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
This week’s show starts off with the greatest proposal in the history of professional wrestling . . . since the last one. We also have a video package of the happy couple and their shared moments together.
We are live on tape from Greenville, South Carolina and your announcers are William ‘Southern Sunshine’ Regal and Jack ‘From this announce table I can see North Carolina’ Korpela.
JTG is in the ring and he says hello to Hatersville, South Carolina and he wants to know why people are cheering him. He wants everyone to get up and show some respect for the newest fairy tale couple in WWE because this is real, not one of those ‘I want a divorce after 72 days deals’. He brings out Derrick Bateman and Maxine.
Derrick carries Maxine out and then they walk to the ring hand in hand. Maxine reminds JTG that they are Batemax. Derrick says that it is a name for a couple that is just a little too hot for TV. He thanks JTG for the introduction and says that he might be a best man. JTG suggests that he would be the Best Fly Man.
Maxine wants to know when it became about JTG. Derrick asks if it is about him winning NXT and Maxine corrects him. Derrick says that he is going to do it right and he is going to do the chivalrous thing and show what 38 weeks of a Rookie salary can buy. Derrick puts the engagement ring on Maxine’s finger and they kick.
The happy couple and JTG are interrupted by Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, AJ Lee, and some barking. Titus says that nobody wants to see them kiss because it makes everyone’s stomachs rumble. Percy comments on the happy couple and he is not glad to see them. Titus suggests that they are trying to get a show on the new WWE Network and suggests that it should be called Young and the Fish Lips.
Percy points out that Wembley from Fraggle Rock is going to marry Chicken of the Sea.
Maxine wants Derrick to do something. He says that they are jealous of their love and how Derrick is going to win NXT. He tells them that they are not invited to the party.
AJ wonders how many times Maxine can catch a guy like Derrick. She congratulates them and says that Maxine and her ring are cheap and plastic.
Titus says that they might be a little rough on Derrick and he was romantic but he went the wrong way. Titus says that Derrick should have tried to find his father to ask for her hand in matrimony. Titus says that they have found Maxine’s father. They pull a fish out of a sack.
Maxine goes after Titus and Percy but JTG and Derrick hold her back. Titus and Percy send Derrick over the top rope. Derrick wants to know why they have to ruin everything.
Matt Striker comes out and he says that before things get out of hand, they should save it for the main event where we will have a six person mixed tag match.
We go to commercial.
We see footage from last week when Tyson Kidd defeated Jey Uso and Jimmy and Curt Hawkins got involved in the action after the match.
Tyson says that Matt Striker has suspended Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks for another week, but he has found a replacement. A man who deserved a chance. A man who never got his rightful shot. That man is the winner of season four of NXT, Johnny Curtis.
Match Number One: The Usos versus Tyson Kidd and Johnny Curtis
Kidd and Jimmy start things off and Kidd with a waist lokc and Jimmy with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Kidd backs Jimmy into the corner followed by punches to the head. Jimmy puts Kidd in the corner and he kicks Kidd.
Jey tags in and they hit a double back elbow followed by a double elbow drop for a near fall. Jey with a slam to Kidd and he hits a diving head butt for a near fall. Jey sends Tyson into the corner and he tags in Jimmy and Tyson gets sent into an uppercut from Jimmy for a near fall.
Jey tags back in and Jimmy hits a back breaker followed by an elbow from the top by Jey. Kidd backs Jey into the corner and Curtis tags in and he connects with forearms followed by a running back elbow. Curtis chokes Jey by the apron and the referee warns him.
Curtis sends Jey into the turnbuckles and Kidd is tagged back in. Kidd with punches and then he gets hot shot into the turnbuckles when he charges at Jey. Jimmy tags in and he hits a clothesline and punch followed by a splash into the corner. Jimmy goes up top but Curtis is able to distract him long enough to allow Kidd to recover and Kidd knocks Jimmy off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Curtis works on Jimmy’s leg and Kidd tags back in and he kicks the leg. Kidd continues to work on the knee and Kidd with a step over toe hold and he falls back to add more pressure to the knee. Jimmy punches Kidd to try to get Kidd to release the hold. Curtis tags in and hits a slingshot leg drop to the leg. Curtis with a step over toe hold on Jimmy and he gets a near fall when Jimmy stops trying to fight out of the hold.
Jimmy with a forearm to the back as he tries to get away from Curtis. Jimmy kicks Curtis away and Kidd tags in and he stops Jimmy. Jimmy sends Kidd to the floor and he crawls to his corner to try to make the tag but Tyson is able to stop him.
Curtis and Jey tag in and Jey with forearms and a kick followed by an uppercut. Jey with an uppercut to knock Tyson off the apron. Jey with a spinning forearm to Curtis followed by a running butt splash into the corner for a near fall. Kidd breaks up the cover and Kidd kicks Jimmy and then he tries for a senton onto Jey, Jimmy and Jey catch Tyson and send him into the turnbuckles.
Jey with a Samoan drop and Jimmy tags in and hits a superfly splash for the three count.
Winners: The Usos
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
AJ is getting ready for her match and Kaitlyn asks her about Derrick and Maxine. They talk about what their children will look like. AJ mentions Kaitlyn’s match against Tamina and Kaitlyn wishes AJ luck in her match later tonight. They fist bump to show that they are still friends.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Tamina versus Kaitlyn
Tamina with a side head lock and take down but Kaitlyn with a head scissors. Tamina with a punch followed by a forearm to the back. Kaitlyn with a European uppercut followed by a body scissors. Kaitlyn gets a near fall with a rollup as she holds on to the body scissors.
Tamina with an elbow to the head to escape. Kaitlyn with a suplex but she takes too long and Tamina gets her boot up when Kaitlyn charges into the corner. Tamina with a clothesline and a knee drop. Tamina sends Kaitlyn into the turnbuckles followed by a snap mare and Tamina gets a near fall. Tamina gets another near fall. Tamina with a kick to Kaitlyn and then she chokes Kaitlyn in the ropes.
Tamina with a rear chin lock followed by a forearm across the chest. Tamina pulls Kaitlyn to the mat by the hair and then Tamina continues to work on the neck and gets a near fall. Kaitlyn with a snap mare followed by forearms to the chest. Tamina with a punch to Kaitlyn and a reverse chin lock.
Kaitlyn backs Tamina into the corner and Kaitlyn with an arm drag into an arm bar. Kaitlyn misses a drop kick but Tamina misses a clothesline and Kaitlyn gets the win with a Side Effect.
Winner: Kaitlyn
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Maxine, Derrick Bateman, and JTG versus Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, and AJ Lee
The women start off and Maxine with a kick and then she sends AJ into the mat. Maxine with a chin lock. Maxine with a short arm clothesline to AJ and then she hits another one. AJ avoids a third one and she gets a near fall with a rollup. Maxine with a kick and then she twists AJ by the hair before hitting a short arm clothesline and gets a near fall.
Maxine with an Irish whip but she charges into boots from AJ. AJ with an arm drag from the turnbuckles followed by a back spin kick. Maxine gets to the apron and then she tgs in JTG. Percy enters for his team.
JTG with a kick and knee but Percy with an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Titus tags in and he barks. Titus with a clothesline for a near fall. Percy tags back in but JTG is able to escape and tag in Derrick. Watson with an arm drag and drop kick for a near fall. Bateman with an Irish whip but Derrick charges into an elbow. Bateman uses Maxine’s distraction to hit a running drop kick into the corner for a near fall.
Derrick with kicks to the midsection in the corner and then he sends Percy into the corner to tag in JTG. JTG with punches to Percy followed by a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Percy with punches but JTG with a cross arm clothesline for a near fall. Derrick tags back in but Percy with a chop and kicks followed by an elbow but Derrick stops him with a knee. Derrick with a neck breaker for a near fall.
Bateman with a chin lock and forearms across the chest. Derrick returns to the rear chin lock and then he turns it into a cravate. Derrick with a knee but Watson with an enzuigiri and Titus tags in and he connects with shoulder tackles and a clothesline. Now it is time to bark. Titus with a forearm into the corner but Derrick with a drop kick for a near fall.
JTG goes after Percy but Percy clotheslines JTG over the top rope and they both goe to the floor.
The ladies fight to the floor and Derrick turns around into a barking Clash of the Titus for the three count.
Winners: Titus O’Neil, Percy Watson, and AJ Lee
2011 -Making his first appearance in a WWE ring in 2008, former WWF champion Mick Foley worked as the special guest referee at tonight's WWE Raw house show in Dublin, Ireland for a John Cena & John Morrison vs. Miz & R-Truth match.
Foley last appeared for the company during an angle where Edge, who was being built for a Summerslam 2008 match against The Undertaker, attacked Foley during a promo. Foley, who had been announcing for the Smackdown brand with Jim Ross at the time, departed the company in September of that year when his deal expired.
Foley moved onto TNA, where he held the TNA championship. His TNA run became one of the primary subjects of his "Countdown To Lockdown" memoir, which in a strange turn of events, WWE actively promoted on their TV and website, despite Foley being signed to the competition at the time.
2011 - Local wrestler Chris Carnage, real name Kris Shield, was the professional wrestler referenced to earlier by The Associated Press in an article about a major steroid ring being busted by authorities in Ohio.
In their article, it was reported that Ohio authorities busted a steroid ring that operated like a corporation would, providing bonuses for those who brought in new business and buyers yesterday, including an unnamed "professional wrestler" according to The Associated Press.
The ring created the steroids in an TN lab using powder acquired from China, selling it within Ohio. 32 people across two states were indicted.
2012 - Enzo Amore was officially added to the WWE NXT roster.
2012 - DGUSA held their Fearless 2012 iPPV. Stu Carapola filed the following live report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of Dragon Gate USA's Fearless 2012 iPPV! Click on the poster above for information on how to order the show.
Open The Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano vs EITA
They tie up in the middle of the ring and quickly go to the mat and exchange some holds before breaking clean. EITA takes Gargano down with a shoulderblock, then he hits the ropes and Gargano goes up for a leapfrog, but EITA dropkicks him square in the chest and Gargano goes down. Gargano knocks EITA out to the floor and goes for a dive through the ropes, but EITA nails him on the way down and then lays in a hard chop. EITA goes for a second hard chop, but Gargano sees it coming and ducks, making EITA chop the ringpost. Back inside they go, as Gargano with a snapmare followed by a dropkick to the back of the head. Gargano grapevines the one arm and then back bridges over the other one, doing that modified version of the Rings of Saturn that Nigel McGuinness used to great effect. Gargano goes for a suplex, but EITA lowers his base to block the move and puts Gargano on his ass with another chop. EITA chokes Gargano with a straddle on the second rope and then he tries a suplex, but Gargano slips around behind him, schoolboys him over, and connects with a kick to the face. Gargano tosses EITA out to the floor and tries to go after him, EITA slips back inside and charges Gargano as he re-enters the ring, but Gargano catches him with a spear through the ropes. EITA blocks a bulldog and goes for a flying headscissors, but Gargano drops down into a sitout powerbomb for 2, then dumps EITA over his head and out to the floor on the kickout. EITA quickly gets back to his feet, but Gargano comes through the ropes with a crossbody, then sends EITA back inside and slingshots over the top rope with a DDT for 2. EITA whips Gargano to the ropes and tries a dropkick, but Gargano holds the ropes and EITA hits nothing. Gargano quickly comes over and kicks EITA square in the head, but EITA responds with a charging forearm that sends the champion back down to the mat. EITA goes for a Gory Special, Gargano rolls out the back and tries to dump EITA back out to the floor, but EITA hangs onto the ropes and springs back inside where he now sends Gargano out to the floor and then comes off the top rope with a moonsault out to the floor, and the fans go nuts. Back inside they go, Gargano blocks what looks like a version of the Hacker Slam, but EITA dropkicks his leg out, then hangs him on the ropes and comes off the second rope with a guillotine legdrop. He goes for another Gory Special and turns it into a leaping version of the Cop Killa, and Gargano barely kicks out at 2. That looked really devastating. EITA hits a moonsault, but makes the mistake of going up for a second one and lands right on Gargano's knees. Gargano with a series of strikes, lawn darts EITA into the second turnbuckle, superkicks him in the face, and goes for Hertz Donut, but EITA counters to a victory roll that Gargano kicks out of at 2.9999999999. Gargano hits Hertz Donut the second time around, and then goes right into the Gargano Escape and EITA taps out.
Winner: Johnny Gargano
Excellent opener, this was a great way to introduce EITA to the company because he looks like he can go with anyone in the company after coming so close to beating the Open The Freedom Gate Champion. Gargano asks for a microphone and says that he heard that a lot of the fans in attendance are seeing DGUSA for the first time tonight, but the match we just saw is what DGUSA is all about: a couple of young, hungry guys who come out here not for money or fame, but because they love professional wrestling. He tells the fans to give it up for EITA, and says he thinks he speaks for everyone here by saying that he wants to see a lot more of what he brings to the table. He shakes EITA's hand, then says how proud he is to be the Open The Freedom Gate Champion for a full year. He lives out a dream every single time he's in this ring, and he is so grateful to do what he loves, and this Sunday he has his toughest test to date.
Speaking of that test, Jon Davis charges out to the ring and takes Gargano's head off with a clothesline, then drills him into the mat with a spinebuster. He drags Gargano back to his feet and hits another spinebuster, and pulls him up yet again for a third spinebuster. Gargano is limp as Davis practically deadlifts him to his feet to deliver yet a fourth spinebuster. Officials come out to stop Davis, who appears to finally be finished delivering the beating to Gargano, but then goes back and delivers a fifth spinebuster before finally leaving the ring and returning to the locker room. Gargano is down in the middle of the ring and looks to be in a lot of pain as the officials tend to him. In a scene that is eerily reminiscent of this past January when Gargano first injured his back at the final ECW Arena show, Gargano lays in the ring motionless for several minutes before finally being helped to the back by the officials.
The Scene vs The DUFs
The DUFs are represented by Arik Cannon and Pinkie Sanchez in this match, and they rush the ring and attack the Scene before the bell. The fight quickly spills out to the floor, with Cannon and Reed pairing off on one side of the ring while Pinkie and Konley go at it on the other side. The DUFs unload a merciless beating on the Scene, who get small flurries of offense in, but aren't able to mount any sustained offense until the DUFs allow themselves to be distracted by Larry Dallas, allowing Reed to come in and nail Cannon from behind. The Scene traps Cannon in their half of the ring, and Reed connects with a back elbow to the jaw of Cannon for 2. Cannon simply rolls out of the way of a double elbowdrop and makes the tag to Pinkie Sanchez, who comes in like a skinny, pink house of fire. He cleans house on both members of the Scene, using his agility to stay beyond their reach, but he goes up top and Konley comes out of nowhere with a big bicycle kick that sends Sanchez tumbling down to the mat and into the clutches of the Scene. Reed comes in and picks Sanchez up in a delayed vertical suplex, then Konle comes in and picks Sanchez up in a suplex of his own, holding him up long enough for Reed to lay in a couple of chops before dropping him and covering for 2. Konley gets a little arrogant, slapping Sanchez around, and then Reed pulls down the middle rope and causes Sanchez to fall backward and land on the back of his head on the ring apron. Reed with a big kneedrop and Konley covers for 2, but Pinkie catches boots from both men and delivers a double dragon screw legwhip and fainlly makes the tag to Cannon, who comes in like a big, mohawked house of fire. He hammers both men with running forearms, then bulldogs Reed while clotheslining Konley before hitting a twisting vertical suplex on Reed that gets 2. Cannon ducks a double clothesline and tags Pinkie back in, and Pinkie springboards in and takes out both members of the Scene with a double dropkick. The Scene tries to escape to the outside, but Pinkie comes right out after them with a dive, then goes after Trina. Trina gets into the ring to get away from Pinkie, but he follows her in and gets ahold of the back of her jeans, bending her over and simulating a lewd act. He may have had fun doing that, but it ended up costing him because Larry Dallas pops up on the ring apron and kicks the middle rope into his nether regions. Reed quickly capitalizes by hitting the Roll of the Dice and covering for the win.
Winners: The Scene
Solid match, everyone worked hard and heel chicanery led to the (virtuous?) babyfaces going down in defeat.
Samuray Del Sol vs Sami Callihan
Callihan attacks Del Sol like a crazed and persistent animal as soon as the bell rings, but Del Sol manages to avoid getting mauled. He goes for some kind of flying headscissors, but loses his balance and they both end up tumbling out to the floor. Del Sol tries springboarding off the guardrail, but Callihan catches him with a superkick on the way down. Callihan tries to ram Del Sol into the ringpost, but Del Sol uses the momentum to basically kick off the ringpost with a moonsault, then wipes Callihan out a second time with a dive off the apron. Del Sol goes back inside and tries another dive onto Callihan, but Callihan catches Del Sol and suplexes him on the hardwood floor. Del Sol landed with an audible thud on that one, and Callihan rolls back inside to let the referee count. Del Sol makes it back in, but Callihan doesn't let up the pressure and slams Del Sol hard in the middle of the ring and covers for 2. Now Callihan is going to methodically take Del Sol apart, stomping on his knee before tying him up in a modified version of the Indian Deathlock. Del Sol is in deep trouble, but manages to crawl to the ropes to force the break. Callihan puts Del Sol back on the mat with a hard chop and covers for 2, then pulls Del Sol to his feet and grapevines his leg while crossfacing him. Del Sol fights his way out of that, but Callihan quickly drills him with a bicycle kick, then delivers a Death Valley Driver and the slingshot splash for 2. Callihan is slowly stalking Del Sol and waiting for him to get to his knees so he can crawl in and headbutt him. Callihan slams Del Sol toward the ropes so that Del Sol's legs get caught on the ropes on the way down, then he whips Del Sol into the corner so hard that he does a flip on the way in and goes down yet again. Callihan gives Del Sol and opening and he connects with a dropkick to the chest, but a charge in the corner doesn't pay off, and Callihan hits a leaping enziguiri, then comes charging across the ring with a pair of kneestrikes to the face. He takes his time going for a third, and Del Sol is able to get to his feet and nail Callihan, then deliver a flying headscissors that sends Callihan rolling out to the floor. Del Sol measures Callihan and connects with a running dive over the top rope, and he rolls Callihan back inside and comes off the top rope with a sort of double jump into a Code Red for 2. Del Sol goes back out to the apron and Callihan tries to drill him with a springboard forearm, but Del Sol dodges and hits a leaping enziguiri, then slingshots back into the ring with a sick tornado DDT that drops Callihan right on top of his head. Del Sol ducks a clothesline and hits a leaping enziguiri, but Callihan's adrenalin is going and he pops right up to take Del Sol's head off with a clothesline that gets him 2. Callihan goes to the top rope and goes for a splash, but Del Sol rolls out of the way and Callihan hits hard. Del Sol with an unassisted Sliced Bread #2 that gets 2 (maybe he should have tried Sliced Bread #3), then both men get to their knees and trade headbutts in the middle of the ring. They get to their feet and trade forearms and European uppercuts, then open hand slaps to the face. Del Sol with a sole butt and he tries to springboard off the second rope, but Callihan swoops in and dropkicks the rope out from under Del Sol. He hits a sitout powerbomb for 2, then gets Del Sol in the stretch muffler. Del Sol counters to a small package for 2 in a nice move I've never seen, but Callihan drills him with a boot and sits him on the top rope. Callihan gives Del Sol a top rope brainbuster, and that's all she wrote for Samuray Del Sol.
Winner: Sami Callihan
Awesome match, and Callihan sends a message to El Generico by using his finish to win the match.
Captain's Match: Rich Swann, CIMA & ACH vs Chuck Taylor, Drew Gulak & Orange Cassidy
This match can only end if one of the captains, either Chuck Taylor or Rich Swann, defeats the other. If Swann beats Taylor, he'll finally get a singles match with Taylor this Sunday. Cassidy and Gulak are double teaming ACH in the corner, but CIMA comes in and cleans house, disposing of Gulak and taking Cassidy out with a double stomp. Taylor comes in and dumps CIMA to the floor, Swann goes for a quick rollup for 2, then Gulak comes in and gets dropkicked by Swann, who gets a spinning headscissors to send Gulak outside as well. Taylor sneaks in and tries a rollup on Swann, but only gets 2. ACH comes in and unloads on Taylor with a series of strikes, followed by a diving crossbody in the corner. Another crossbody off the top takes out Taylor, but Cassidy comes in, slams ACH, and sort of stumbles off the ropes and falls on ACH. Cassidy doesn't appear to be taking this very seriously as the announcer points out, and ACH responds by drilling him with some hard shots. The Gentlemen's Club quickly regains control, trapping Swann in their corner as Gulak plants him with a hard slam and a twisting elbowdrop. Gulak goes for the cover, but no dice since he can't score a pinfall in this match. Taylor can, and he tags in to dish out some punishment of his own. Taylor whips Swann across the ring and charges in, Swann gets the boot up, but Taylor sees a spinning enziguiri coming a mile away and ducks. Gulak comes back in and chokeslams Swann into a backbreaker over his knee and Taylor covers for 2. The referee gets distracted by ACH and CIMA trying to get into the ring, and the swamp monster the Gentlemen's Club has in their corner (it's been a few months since I've seen a DGUSA show, I don't know what that's about) comes into the ring and takes a shot at Swann as well. Gulak with a key lock on Swann, then drives him into the corner before tagging in Orange Cassidy, who slugs Swann with a right hand and then falls down before getting up and throwing a chop that misses by a mile. Cassidy is acting like he's high or really drunk or something, and I don't get what that's supposed to be about either, but I think it's stupid. Swann finally takes him out with a flying headscissors and tags out to CIMA, who comes in and cleans house on the Gentlemen's Club. CIMA's a guy who's been in tons of these trios matches, and he pulls out some of his favorite spots as he and his partners destroy Orange Cassidy. Gulak takes CIMA out with a northern lariat and then drops ACH over the top rope, but ACH nails Gulak with an ax kick. He tries to slingshot into the ring for an Ace Crusher, but Gulak block the move until Cassidy and Taylor come in and hit a triple team. Swann comes in and takes out Gulak and Cassidy, but Taylor gets Swann in a half crab right in the middle of the ring as Gulak and Cassidy get CIMA and ACH in submission holds as well. This is a truly precarious situation, but Swann makes it to the ropes and the ring clears out, leaving Swann and Taylor alone. Taylor goes for the Awful Waffle, Swann blocks and hits a handspring Ace Crusher, and then Swann and ACH hit a pair of dives over the top rope that wipe out Cassidy and Gulak. CIMA comes in and takes Taylor out with the Perfect Driver and Swann gets a springboard splash, but Gulak and Cassidy break up the fall at 2. Everyone else goes out to the floor as we're left with the captains once again. Taylor hits the Awful Waffle and cames a cover, but CIMA gets in just in time to break the fall at 2. CIMA with a superkick to Taylor and hits the Schwein, comes off the top rope with Meteora, then throws an unconscious Swann on top of Taylor for the three count.
Winners: Rich Swann, CIMA & ACH
I was not a fan of this match. For one, Cassidy's gimmick, whatever it is, really detracted from what was going on in the ring. It came off like a stereotypical indy gimmick where the guy is so busy coming up with a silly persona that he forgets he's there to have a wrestling match. For two, Taylor had Swann beat and he only lost because CIMA swooped in and destroyed him with every finisher he has and basically won the match for Swann. It made it look like Swann couldn't beat Taylor on his own and needed John Cena to come in and hand him the win like he's Zack Ryder. I get what they were going for, but it didn't come off very well to me.
Jon Davis vs Akira Tozawa
This ought to be fun. Davis takes a really long time to make his entrance because he stops to death stare five or six people in the front row on his way in. I don't know if they put him here for this reason, but it actually makes a lot of sense having his entrance as they come back from intermission since it'll give everyone plenty of time to get back from the concession stand or the bathroom. Tozawa is over like Grover with the fans here, but Davis is not impressed as he picks Tozawa up and slams him hard to the mat before unloading with big, clubbing forearms. Davis chokes Tozawa in the corner with his boot, then goes back to driving more forearms to the back of Tozawa, who is in a lot of trouble early on and rolls out to the floor to catch a break. Davis goes after Tozawa and tries to press slam him, but Tozawa shifts his weight and lands on the apron. He tries to leap onto Davis and gets nailed and tossed into the crowd, but Tozawa picks up a chair and throws it at Davis, connecting with his skull with an audible crash. They go back to ringside where Tozawa rams Davis face first into the announcer's table and yells at the announcer that he's got it. Back in the ring they go as Tozawa stomps a mudhole in Davis in the corner, then whips him across the ring and follows him in with a charging forearm for 2. Now Davis is in trouble as Tozawa puts the boots to him, and he starts rolling to the floor to catch a break, getting a little help from a baseball slide by Tozawa. Davis tries to climb back in and gets dropkicked in the face by Tozawa, but Davis catches Tozawa as he tries a dive through the ropes and hits a spinebuster onto the ring apron. Davis picks Tozawa up and repeatedly rams his back into the corner of the ring apron, then rolls him back inside and continues the assault. Tozawa gets right back up in Davis' face and dares him to hit him harder, and Davis is more than happy to oblige with several hard forearms that put Tozawa firmly back on the mat. Davis powers Tozawa up into a delayed vertical suplex, and Tozawa actually struggles to escape and Davis is able to hold onto him and keep him in the air for several more seconds before dropping him and covering for 2. Tozawa tries a bicycle kick that Davis dodges, but Tozawa dropkicks Davis' legs out from under him and connects with a second kick. Davis rolls out to the floor, so Tozawa takes him out with three straight dives through the ropes. Tozawa rolls Davis back in and goes for a Saito suplex, but Davis easily holds his ground and drives elbows into the back of Tozawa's head. He goes for a suplex of his own, but Tozawa slips out the back and this time is able to hoist Davis into the air and drive him into the mat with the Saito suplex. Davis blocks a German suplex and drills Tozawa with a forearm to the jaw, Tozawa ducks a second and goes to the ropes but runs back right into a huge chokeslam from Davis that Tozawa just barely manages to kick out of. Davis goes for Three Seconds Around The World, but Tozawa slips out the back and goes for a sleeper. Davis backs into the corner to force Tozawa to break, but Tozawa gets the hold a second time. Davis backs Tozawa off into the corner again, and Tozawa comes flying right back out with a pair of bicycle kicks and a release German suplex, but Davis uses his adrenalin to pop right back up and take Tozawa out with a clothesline before going back down himself. They take turns drilling each other with chops in the corner until Tozawa knocks Davis on his butt with a pair of straight right hands, then drills him with a running knee for 2. Tozawa stalks Davis and swoops in to go for another German suplex, but Davis again fights his way free. Tozawa with a sole butt, Davis ducks a spinning enziguiri, but Tozawa scurries through his legs and comes out the back to get a bridging German suplex for 2. Tozawa waits for Davis to get to his feet and tries to set up for the straitjacket suplex, but Davis powers out and hits a leaping knee to the jaw. Tozawa tries a Frankensteiner, but Davis holds into him and hits a version of the Royal Flush. Tozawa kicks out at 2, so Davis takes his head off with another hard clothesline and covers for the win.
Winner: Jon Davis
This match was great, Davis came off like a monster, while Tozawa again displayed his uncanny ability to adapt to literally any kind of opponent and didn't lose a thing by getting defeated.
#1 Contender Match: Super Smash Brothers vs Genki Horiguchi & Ryo Saito
The winners here earn a shot at the Open The United Gate Title later this weekend. Saito and Dos start us off, with Saito taking Dos to the ropes and breaking clean. They tie up again and now Dos takes Saito to the ropes and breaks clean...then flexes at him. Dos with a duck under and he goes behind with a waistlock, and this leads to a feeling out process as they exchange wristlocks and reversals. They go to the mat and exchange holds before winding up back at a stalemate. Saito comes off the ropes with a shoulderblock that sends Dos to the mat, but a second attempt leads to Dos catching him with a flying headscissors. Both men tag out to their partners, and Horoguchi tells Uno to take his t-shirt off so they can go at it like men. Horiguchi stomps on Uno's foot and tries to take him down with a shuolderblock, but Uno evades him and gets a shoulderblock of his own, followed by a kneedrop for 2. The SSB trap Horiguchi in their corner as Dos tags in and slingshots into the ring with a rolling senton for 2. Uno comes in and plants Horiguchi in the mat with a back suplex that gets 2, then he slams him in the middle of the ring so they can do a muscle pose together. Dos finally decides to try a cover, but by this time Horiguchi has recovered and kicks out at 2, then drills Dos with a dropkick before suckerpunching Uno, who tries to get in the ring to go after Horiguchi, but gets dumped out to the floor where Horiguchi beats him down back alley style. Saito comes into the ring to go at it with Dos in the meantime, and he gets the advantage and traps Dos in his corner where Horiguchi can tag in and tie Dos' leg in the ropes so he can dropkick the kne and trap him in a kneelock. Uno tries to get in to make the save, but again gets smacked up and tossed to the floor, this time by Saito. Horiguchi tags in Saito, who comes off the top rope with a double stomp to the chest for 2 before criss-crossing the ring while stepping on Dos' face on each pass. That's just uncalled for. Horiguchi comes in and gets a figure four on Dos as Saito steps into the ring and dares Uno to try getting in, and as Dos reverses the figure four on Horiguchi, Saito rolls him back and then double stomps his chest again. What a jerk! Saito and Horiguchi with a quick series of double teams that involve several kicks to the face of Dos, and Saito covers for 2. Saito slumps Dos over the second rope and Horiguchi ties some kind of fabric around his neck and then holds the other end, going out to the floor, over the rail, and to the door of the building, stretching the fabric all the way, then releases it so it comes back and whips Dos in the face. That has to be the most bizarre spot I've seen this year. They try to do it again, but this time the rebound whips the fabric into the face of Saito, and Dos is finally able to tag out to Uno, who comes in and cleans house on Saito, getting a swinging Flatliner before hoisting him up for a running powerslam that he delivers while clotheslining Horiguchi on the way down. Uno continues his rampage, but Horiguchi connects with a dropkick and tries a slam. He has a little trouble getting Uno up, and he finally manages, but can't hold him and Uno falls on top for 2. The SSB with a series of superkicks on Horiguchi and a powerbomb into a lungblower, then Uno gets Horiguchi in a Sharpshooter. Saito tries to make the save, but Dos dumps him out to the floor and takes him out with a dive. Horiguchi is in trouble, but musters the willpower to crawl to the ropes and force the break. Horiguchi boots Uno in the face and gives him a tornado DDT, knocks Dos off the apron, and gets a hard fought vertical suplex on Uno, followed by a top rope splash from Saito to Uno for 3. Dos with the Matrix escape from a double clothesline by Saito and Horiguchi, and he and Uno deliver several more unique double teams before Dos hits a 450 splash on Horiguchi for a close 2. Uno declares that it's game over and he gets Horiguchi up in the Gory Special, but Saito knocks Dos off the top rope and Horiguchi backslides Uno for 2. Saito comes in and nails Uno, but Dos comes in and a schmozz breaks out as Horiguchi drills Dos with a brainbuster for 2, then pops Dos into the air for an elevated suplex by Saito, who covers Dos and gets the win.
Winners: Ryo Saito & Genki Horiguchi
Saito and Horiguchi will now get the title shot tomorrow night in Voorhees, New Jersey. Good, hard fought match between two teams who badly wanted that title shot.
Respect Match: AR Fox vs Ricochet
The loser of this match has to not only shake the winner's hand, but admit that he's the better man. Fox doesn't waste any time going after Ricochet, dropkicking him off the apron and wiping him out with a dive during Ricochet's entrance, then quickly follows up with a kick flip and then a running 450 over the ropes. He connects on that one, but a second attempt has Fox apparently try to land on his feet, but he seems to have hurt his knee on the way down. I can't quite tell yet if this is a work or not, because the match seems to have stopped completely and Ricochet has backed off to a corner to give Fox some time to get it together. Fox is down on the outside and Gabe Sapolsky comes out to check on him as nothing continues to happen. Gabe and one of the referees get Fox and start walking him to the back as the referee counts. Fox turns back to Ricochet and shoves the officials away, hobbles back down the entryway, and rolls into the ring. Ricochet goes right after the knee with several stomps, then takes Fox to the outside and picks Fox up for an atomic drop, but drops his knee on top of the guardrail, doing a kind of Tree of Woe on the guardrail. Ricochet continues dancing around Fox and stomping him before rolling him back inside and cranking on the knee, just not very much. Fox goes to the ropes as Ricochet does a standing moonsault on the knee before breakdancing in the middle of the ring. Ricochet continues stomping the knee, then drags his legs to the corner and rams his knee into the ringpost. Ricochet is really taking his time here, and now goes to work by ramming elbows into the chest of Fox before sliding back into the ring and waiting for Fox to get to his feet so he can kick his knee out from under him. Ricochet gets Fox in a Texas Cloverleaf right in the middle of the ring, pounding on the knee with forearms as Fox desperately tries to crawl to the ropes. Ricochet starts kicking Fox in the back as he fights for the ropes, but he finally makes it and Ricochet waits for him to get up so he can again kick his leg out from under him. Ricochet gets Fox in a weird modified version of the Gory Special, runs Fox knee first into the corner, and drops Fox down right on the knee. Ricochet gets Fox in another weak leglock before ramming the knee into the mat, and again starts playing to the crowd as Fox tries to pull himself together. Fox fires some weak right hands at Ricochet, who is just toying with Fox at this point. Fox finally gets a couple of good shots in and pulls his leg up to do a big boot, but he tries a kip up and tweaks his knee again as he comes to his feet and goes right back down. Ricochet goes back to yelling at the crowd while slowly picking Fox up for a suplex, but he leaves Fox enough time to recover and pop Ricochet over with a vertical suplex of his own. Fox leaps up with one leg and springboards out of the corner with an Ace Crusher for 2. Ricochet charges Fox, who pulls the top rope down and sends Ricochet sailing out to the floor. Fox goes for another springboard move to the outside, but Ricochet reaches up and shoves Fox into the ring, then springboards in himself with a double kneedrop for 2. Fox dodges a leaping move, but Ricochet fires back with another series of kneestrikes and a standing shooting star press for 2. Ricochet tries to backslide Fox, but Fox blocks and tries a fireman's carry. He obviously can't hold Ricochet's weight, but gets a leaping enziguiri and gets the rolling DVD on the second try. He goes to the top rope and tries a swanton, but Ricochet rolls out of the way and Fox crashes and burns. Ricochet gets a backslide driver for 2, then drags Fox to the corner and goes up top for a shooting star press, but Fox gets the knees up, hurting himself in the process as much as he hurts Ricochet. Ricochet goes up top, but AR Fox suddenly leaps up and hits the rebound Spanish Fly for 2. Ricochet with a full rotation Regalplex into the corner, followed by a Phoenix Splash that only gets 2. Ricochet was not happy about that, but he keeps the assault up on Fox, sitting him on the top rope to go for a superplex. Fox shoves him off and comes off the top with a leaping Codebreaker, then sits Ricochet back up top and connects with a leaping enziguiri followed by a second rebound Spanish Fly for the win.
Winner: AR Fox
Okay, I honestly couldn't tell if Fox legitimately hurt his knee at the beginning, or if it was a work. If he did, then it obviously wasn't something too serious given what he did during the rest of the match, and Ricochet deserves a lot of credit for being able to work around the injury and give Fox room to recover. Fox also deserves a ton of credit for toughing it out and finishing what turned out to be a very good match where they seamlessly integrated the injury into the story.
If he didn't hurt the knee and it was all planned, then they did a hell of a convincing job making it look like he did and this was the best sell job I've ever seen Fox do. If the match was planned this way, then I actually think this was better than what we would have gotten if they just went out there and did spots for twenty minutes like I expected, and I applaud them for telling a hell of a story. Either way, this was an excellent, excellent match, easily the best AR Fox match I've ever seen, and the runaway match of the night.
Whatever the case with the possible injury, Ricochet doesn't want to tell Fox that he's the better man and he tries to leave, but CIMA blocks him and tells him to go back. Ricochet shakes Fox's hand, but mumbles something I don't quite catch and leaves, though I don't think he said Fox was the better man. Ryo Saito and Genki Horiguchi come out to say that they're taking the Open The United Gate Title tomorrow, but CIMA gets the fans to chant Gonzo at Saito since he has a big nose. Saito and Horiguchi leave, so CIMA and Fox ask the fans if they enjoyed the show and said they'll see them next time.
Overall, this was an excellent show. Other than the six man, I thought every match was good to excellent, and the main event stood out as particularly memorable. If you didn't watch this live, I'd strongly recommend buying the replay because this was the best top to bottom wrestling show I've seen in months.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
With all of the controversy over Hell in a Cell and who was responsible for Brad Maddox’s actions, the affair that probably does not exist between John Cena and AJ Lee along with Vickie Guerrero’s attempt to find a conspiracy theory, and don’t forget that we have a new World Champion.
We are live on tape from Fayetteville, North Carolina and your announcers are Josh ‘Flair Country’ Mathews and John ‘Armstrong’ Layfield.
We begin with Miz in the ring for MizTV. Miz says that there are some shocking incidents going on in the WWE. Did AJ and John Cena have an affair? Vickie Guerrero thinks so. At Hell in a Cell, Brad Maddox goes Rogue to help CM Punk retain the WWE Title against Ryback. Miz talks about his first guest and the dispute over which is more powerful, the Brogue Kick or the KO Punch. You might have missed Sheamus getting knocked out and losing the World Championship.
Miz brings out the FORMER World Champion Sheamus. Sheamus comes out and he is still in a good mood.
Miz brings up that it has been seven months since he has not had the World Title. Miz says that the World Title match was incredible, but he wonders how embarrassed Sheamus feels about being a loser after being knocked out by Big Show.
Sheamus tells Miz that he could ask Miz the same question. Sheamus asks Miz how his rematch against Kofi Kingston went. He doesn’t see Miz with a title.
Miz throws out a few reallys. Miz points out that he has beaten Kofi and he will regain his Intercontinental Title. Sheamus has never beaten the Big Show and he never will.
Sheamus agrees with Miz that he hasn’t beaten Big Show. He would be lying if he did not say that getting knocked out did not humble him. He gave his best but his best wasn’t good enough. Sheamus will not walk around with his tail between his legs.
Miz interrupts the Cliched Former Champion.
Miz reminds Sheamus of what happened at Wrestlemania to lead to Sheamus losing the title. John Laurinaitis got put in power and that allowed Big Show to get his contract that brought him back to the WWE and that is how Sheamus lost the title.
Sheamus thinks about it and he wonders if he should be kicking Miz in the face.
Miz tells Sheamus that he is a guest on his show. Sheamus should not be trying to take his shame out on Miz because he could not get the job done. Sheamus says that he can beat the Big Show but he sees the doubt in Sheamus’ eyes.
Miz says that he will regain the Intercontinental Title when he faces Kofi Kingston again. He is the Miz . . .
and he is interrupted by Kofi Kingston’s music.
Kofi says that Miz is a bit disoriented. It has been a while since Miz was on the Real World, but he has lost touch with reality. How many times does he have to kick Miz in the head to knock some sense into him. Kofi wants Miz to come to grips that Kofi beat him. Then he beat Miz. Then he beat Miz on Sunday. In three weeks . . .
Miz says that he will lead his team to victory at the Survivor Series, just like he did at Wrestlemania and he will personally eliminate Kofi. He is the Miz and he is . . .
Interrupted one more time. This time it is the World Champion, the Big Show.
Show says that he does not want to hear Miz taking credit for Show’s victory. He says that he has to side with Kofi and he thinks that there is something wrong with Miz. Why is Miz interviewing the ‘former’ World Champion instead of the ‘new’ World Champion? Why is Miz asking Sheamus about being KOed instead of asking Show about what it is like to KO Sheamus.
Miz asks Show how it felt to knock out Sheamus. Show says that to describe the perfect euphoria of closing his hand into a fist.
Sheamus reminds Show that he hit Big Show with White Noise on Raw and what kind of euphoria did Show feel at that time.
Sheamus suggests that they do this right now.
Show tells Sheamus that he is being delusional again. Sheamus will get all of the Big Show that he could ever want at Survivor Series. Show says that everyone knows that he will go to the ring and KO Sheamus again. There is nothing to prove tonight so he tells Sheamus ‘No’.
Miz tries to attack Kofi in the ring but Kofi sees him coming and Kofi with a back body drop to the floor.
Sin Cara and Rey Mysterio walk in the back and then we see Darren Young and Titus O’Neil walk in a different hallway as we go to commercial.
We are back and Big Show is walking in the back and Booker T stops by to congratulate Show on his victory. Booker says that they left everything in the ring at Hell in a Cell. Booker says that in his role as General Manager of Smackdown, he has to give the fans what they want. He is going to give them Show and Miz against Kofi Kingston and Sheamus.
Match Number One: Sin Cara (with Rey Mysterio ) versus Darren Young (with Titus O’Neil )
Young slaps Cara in the back of the head and he kicks him. Cara slides through the legs and he this a head scissors take down. Cara kicks the hand and then he uses the ropes for an arm drag. Young with a clothesline and then he drops an elbow and hits a leg drop.
Young with a neck breaker for a near fall. Young with a reverse chin lock but Cara gets to his feet. Cara counters a suplex and gets a near fall with an inside cradle. Young with an elbow and kicks to Cara. Young puts Cara in the corner and he punches Cara and then he snap mares Cara into a reverse chin lock.
Cara with elbows but Young with a knee and he tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Cara lands on his feet. Cara with an elbow and kick to Young followed by a missile drop kick and forearms. Cara with kicks to the leg and then he hits the handspring back elbow for a near fall. Young with a kick and Cara counters an atomic drop with a rollup for a near fall.
Cara with a kick to Young. Young hits the Orange Crush gutbuster for the three count.
Winner: Darren Young
After the match, Darren and Titus do the Millions of Dollars Dance and then Titus gets a whistle and blows it. Titus tells everyone that when the country bumpkins thought that Halloween was over, D Young busted open the piñata in the ring. This was a case of a little dog getting in the ring with a big dog. Titus says that as a good Samaritan, he will let another little dog get in the ring with a big dog (and this big dog barks).
Titus challenges Rey Mysterio and Rey is ready for a fight. Rey throws a t-shirt at Titus and Titus gets on the apron.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Titus O’Neil (with Darren Young) versus Rey Mysterio (with Sin Cara)
Rey with a kick to the leg as he stays away from Titus. Titus sends Rey into the corner but Rey with a kick and drop kick to the knees. Titus with a clothesline to Rey and he barks. Titus with a kick to the midsection. Titus with kicks to Rey and then Darren gets in a cheap shot while the referee deals with Titus. Titus puts Rey in the corner and he connects with forearms.
Rey with kicks to Titus but Titus kicks back and he picks up Rey for a slam and he gets a near fall. Titus waits for Rey to get back to his feet and he picks up Rey for a power slam but Rey escapes and he kicks Titus. Titus with a shoulder tackle and kick to Rey. Titus charges at Rey but he misses a boot into the midsection and Rey kicks Titus and then he drop kicks Titus into the ropes and Titus gets trapped in the force field on the middle rope. Young trips Rey but Sin Cara takes care of Young on the floor. Rey tries for the 619 but Titus grabs Rey’s legs and he picks up Rey and runs him into the turnbuckles. Titus sets for the charge into the corner but Titus’ shoulder makes contact with the turnbuckle and Rey gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
After the match, Rey and Sin Cara do the Milliones de Pesos dance.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back at the ‘most controversial moment’ in WWE history at Hell in a Cell. Let’s go to the end of the match.
Josh Mathews mentions that Brad Maddox has been suspended indefinitely. After the Board of Inquiry, Brad Maddox will be live on Raw to explain what happened.
John Layfield says that a lot of people do not think that Brad Maddox acted alone and he is one of them.
We then go to footage from Raw when we found out the members of Team Punk and Team Foley at Survivor Series.
Booker T and Teddy Long are in Booker’s office and Teddy says that everything is out of control on Raw under Vickie Guerrero. If it gets any worse, there will be a full blown mutiny.
Natalya enters the office and she says that since Eve is on the European tour, she would like a shot to step in her role.
David Otunga storms in and he wonders when Natalya learned about leadership. Teddy asks David if they taught him how to knock at Harvard. David says that if Booker needs anything, he is here for him and he is his man. Booker needs a competitor to face a returning Superstar tonight.
Otunga asks who the returning Superstar is and Booker tells him that it is the Great Khali and Otunga spits his coffee on Natalya’s clothes.
Booker tells Otunga to get his gear on because that match is tonight.
Otunga apologizes to Natalya and he tells her that her new look is an improvement. Otunga slurps from the monolith of coffee and Natalya slaps Otunga in the face and he spits coffee all over Teddy.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez make their way to the announce table to watch the next match.
Match Number Three: Randy Orton versus Wade Barrett
Del Rio comes into the ring and Orton kicks Albeto. Ricardo sends Orton into the ring post while Barrett watches. Del Rio with kicks to Orton and the referee have to take Del Rio to the back. Del Rio sends Orton into the post one more time.
We go to commercial so order can be restored and the match can officially start.
The match is joined in progress and Orton with elbows and then he clotheslines Barrett over the top rope to the floor. Orton rolls to the floor and he hits a belly-to-back suplex onto the ringside barrier. Orton with a forearm across the chest before they return to the ring.
Barrett with a big boot to Orton’s chest and Barrett with punches to Orton’s head. Barrett with a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Barrett chokes Orton in the ropes and then he puts Orton in the ropes and chokes him. Barrett with knees to the midsection and then he hits the big boot to the chest and Orton is sent to the floor.
Barrett goes to the floor and he tries to send Orton into the ring steps but Orton blocks it. Barrett blocks Orton’s attempt to send Barrett into the steps. Barrett sends Orton into the steps and they return to the ring where Barrett gets a near fall. Barrett with a reverse chin lock and Orton gets back to his feet.
Orton tries to get to the ropes but then he goes for a belly-to-back suplex to escape the hold and both men are down. Barrett with a back heel kick to Orton and Barrett with a kick to the top of the head. Barrett picks up Orton and he punches Orton in the ribs. Barrett with a short arm clothesline for a near fall.
Barrett with more kicks to Orton. Orton blocks a punch and returns fire with punches of his own. They go back and forth but Orton with a kick and he gets the advantage. Barrett with a knee to the midsection and Barrett with an elbow drop with the point of the elbow hitting the ribs that Barrett worked on for a near fall. Barrett goes to the middle turnbuckle and hits an elbow drop but Orton kicks out.
Barrett with a rear chin lock Orton gets back to his feet and he punches Barrett. Barrett with a slam and Wade goes to the turnbuckles again but Orton recovers and punches Barrett. Orton with a head butt and punches. The referee pulls Orton away but he is able to get Barrett set up for the superplex and Orton hits it but both men are down.
Orton waits to pounce on Barrett. Orton with two clotheslines and then he ducks one from Barrett. Orton with a power slam. Orton gets Barrett in the ropes and Orton hits the IEDDT. Orton looks around and he sees Del Rio on the stage before Orton can twist into RKO position. Ricardo gets on the apron and Orton punches him. Barrett with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
After the match, Del Rio and Rodriguez go to the back. Orton looks at Barrett but he decides to go to the back and it looks like the evening is not over for Orton, Del Rio, and Rodriguez.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package about the money raised for breast cancer in October.
We go to the back where Matt Striker stops Ricardo Rodriguez and Alberto Del Rio. Matt wonders why Alberto persists in taunting Randy Orton. Alberto says that Randy is not the Viper or Apex Predator. Alberto says that Orton is a crying girl.
Unfortunately, Randy Orton was in the hallway and he sees Alberto. Alberto and Orton fight in the catering area. Alberto tries to grab a large container with coffee and he burns his hands. Orton gets something to grab the container and he tries to throw it at Del Rio but Alberto moves. Ricardo was not so fortunate and he was caught in the crossfire and he is in immense pain due to burns.
Alberto and Randy continue to fight while everyone else watches the fight. The Three Man Band enjoys some food while watching. Orton pours something else onto Ricardo and he screams and runs away.
Orton grabs a chair but Del Rio kicks Orton in the arm. Orton back body drops Del Rio through a table. Orton punches Del Rio and then he thinks about leaving but then we see other wrestlers watching the action. Orton and Del Rio fight by the dessert table but they block attempts to go into the cake. Orton throws Del Rio into another table.
Del Rio finally runs away.
Matt Striker asks Orton about what just happened and Orton sends Striker’s face into the cake.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are reminded that Jerry Lawler will return to Raw in Columbus, Ohio.
Match Number Four: Great Khali versus David Otunga
Otunga poses for Khali and he turns his back to Khali but Khali pushes Otunga into the corner. Otunga with kicks to Khali. Otunga with a drop kick to the knees and David poses. Khali with a chop to the chest and then he sends Otunga into the corner. Khali with elbows in the corner. Khali with a chop across the chest and we see Natalya watching in the back.
Khali with an Irish whip but he misses a boot in the corner. Otunga with kicks but Khali grabs Otunga. Otunga escapes and Khali with a chop to the top of the head for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
We go to commercial.
We are back and Natalya tells Great Khali that she wanted to tell him how impressed she was by his performance. She shakes Khali’s hands and she comments on his big hands.
Match Number Five: R Truth versus Justin Gabriel
Truth wants to know what’s up and Gabriel howls. They lock up and Truth with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Truth wants to know what’s up again and Truth dances and then he punches Gabriel. Gabriel floats over in the corner and he returns fire with some dance moves. Truth with a twisting flying forearm for a near fall.
Gabriel sends Truth to the apron and Truth with a punch. Truth goes up top but Gabriel moves. Gabriel with a drop kick and he gives Truth a snap mare followed by a kick to the back for a near fall. Gabriel with a modified abdominal stretch and he gets a near fall with a rollup. Gabriel with a clothesline for a near fall.
Gabriel with a reverse chin lock on Truth but Truth gets to his feet. Gabriel with a forearm and kicks to Truth ending with a jumping back spin kick. Gabriel with a spinning heel kick for a near fall. Gabriel with a kick to the back. Gabriel with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Gabriel misses a springboard move and Truth hits Little Jimmy for the three count.
Winner: R Truth
After the match, Truth offers his hand to Gabriel and Justin shakes it.
It is time for a Raw Rebound.
Big Show and Miz are in the dressing room and Miz talks about their time as tag team champions. Miz tells Show to follow his lead like they used to. Show says that they were a team before and they were teammates. Tonight, he is Miz’ superior. If Miz does not do what he says, he will knock Miz out. Show tells Miz to give him his championship.
We go to commercial.
We are back with an Earlier Tonight Moment when Alberto Del Rio and Randy Orton battled through catering.
We are told that next week during the ‘Live’ Smackdown, we will have a Falls Count Anywhere Match between Randy Orton and Alberto Del Rio.
Match Number Six: Miz and Big Show versus Kofi Kingston and Sheamus
Miz and Kofi start things off and Show tags himself in. Sheamus tags in and then Show goes to the apron and tags Miz in. Miz says that he has it. Miz with a kick and punches to Sheamus. Sheamus punches back and he sends Miz into the turnbuckles and then punches him again. Sheamus blocks a hip toss and hits a short arm clothesline.
Sheamus tags in Kofi and Kofi with a double sledge to the arm followed by kicks. Miz with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with a leaping back elbow and then he clotheslines Miz over the top rope to the floor. Kofi with a suicide dive onto Miz and we have a stand off as we go to commercial.
We are back and Show tags in and he slams Kofi. Show has something to say to Sheamus on the apron. Show chops Kofi across the chest and then he takes Kofi down with a waist lock and front face lock as he tells Sheamus that he will show him some wrestling. Show with a side head lock take down.
Kofi with punches but Show with a side slam to Kofi. Show tags Miz in and Miz works on the back. Miz with a running boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Miz rakes the face and applies a rear chin lock. Kofi tries to get to his feet and he punches Miz. Miz hits Reality Check and gets a near fall. Miz with a rear chin lock.
Kofi with elbows but Miz keeps Kofi from making the tag. Kofi with a rollup and then he tries to get to his corner to make the tag. Kofi kicks Miz away and tags in Sheamus. Sheamus with two running double sledges followed by a shoulder in the corner, a running knee lift and a power slam. Sheamus gets Miz on the apron and he connects with the ten forearms across the chest.
Sheamus with the fireman’s carry slam and Kofi is tagged in and he hits a springboard cross body but Show breaks up the cover. Sheamus sends Show to the floor. The referee tries to get Sheamus to the apron and he does not see Show punch Kofi when he was getting ready to punch Miz in the corner. Sheamus goes after Show but does not realize that his tag team partner is knocked out and getting pinned.
Winners: Big Show and Miz
After the match, Big Show leaves the ring and Sheamus decides that if he cannot give Big Show the Brogue Kick, he can give one to Miz. Sheamus pounds his chest and lets out a FELLA as we go to credits.
2013 - Ring of Honor broadcast ROH TV on Sinclair Broadcasting stations. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin with a look at Michael Bennett and his current focus on the piledriver. We also see Kevin Steen answer Bennett’s statements about who possesses the best piledriver. We see Bennett attacking Steen on different shows.
We are in Chicago Ridge, Illinois and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness.
We see footage of issues between Silas Young and Mark Briscoe.
Match Number One: Mark Briscoe versus Silas Young
They lock up before the handshake and they go to the floor. Silas and Mark exchange punches on the floor. Mark with a head butt and Silas with a back body drop. Silas pulls Mark off the guardrails to the floor. Silas goes for a suplex but Mark blocks it and he suplexes Silas onto the apron. Mark returns to the ring first and then he hits a baseball slide.
Mark goes up top and hits a moonsault onto Silas. Mark sends Silas back into the ring and he kicks Silas in the head. Mark with head butts. Silas with a kick and Mark with a punch. Mark with a belly-to-back set up into a throw to the mat. Mark with an elbow drop for a near fall.
Silas with a kick and punch followed by a forearm. Mark with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Mark with a head butt followed by an Irish whip. Silas back body drops Mark over the top rope and onto the cameraman.
Silas goes to the floor and he rolls Mark back into the ring. Silas with forearms to the back and Mark blocks a suplex attempt. Silas runs Mark into the corner and Silas with shoulders. They exchange chops and Silas with a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall.
Mark with punches but Silas with a punch. Silas with a Bubba Bomb and a sliding clothesline for a near fall. Silas with a forearm and he puts Mark on the turnbuckles. Mark with head butts and Silas falls to the mat. Mark lands on his feet on a back body drop and then he hits a head and arm suplex for a near fall.
Mark puts Silas on the turnbuckles and he tries to take Silas to the mat but Silas kicks Mark away. Mark pulls Silas out of the corner but Silas lands on his feet and he hits a face buster. Mark with a boot to he head. Silas with a back breaker and clothesline combination for a near fall.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mark sends Silas off the apron with a drop kick. Mark goes to the apron and he hits a running elbow drop off the apron. Mark sends Silas back into the ring and he waits for Silas to get to his feet for some chops to the neck.
Silas pushes Mark away and Mark with a rolling Death Valley Driver. Mark goes to the apron and up top for the elbow drop but Silas moves. Mark is sent into the turnbuckles and Silas with a rollup and his feet on the ropes for the three count.
Winner: Silas Young
After the match, Briscoe attacks Young but Young with a low blow. Silas takes the referee’s belt and he whips Mark.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Veda Scott has joined Kevin and Nigel for this match. Veda corrects Kevin’s statements about the return of Steve Corino next week.
Match Number Two: Jimmy Jacobs versus Adam Page in a Jimmy Jacobs Trial Series Match
There is no handshake because Page refuses.
They lock up and Jacobs with an arm drag. They lock up and Jacobs with a Japanese stranglehold but Page with a snap mare to escape. They lock up and Page with a side head lock and shoulder tackles. Page with a drop kick and Jacobs falls into the corner.
Page and Jacobs have something to say to each other before they lock up again with a test of strength. Jacobs with a spinning head scissors to Page and he clotheslines Page over the top rope to the floor. Jacobs goes for a suicide dive but Page with a round kick to the head and then Page with a shooting star press off the apron and both men are down on the floor.
Page rolls Jacobs back in and he goes up top. Page with a cross body for a near fall. Page sends Jacobs into the turnbuckles and he chops Jacobs in the corner. Page sends Jacobs into another corner and he chops Jacobs again. Page with an arm drag and he applies a version of Rings of Saturn but Jacobs gets to the ropes.
Page with a punch but Jacobs punches back. Page with a drop kick and he gets a near fall and Jacobs gets his foot on the ropes.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Page with an arm bar. Page with a kick. Page with a reverse chin lock. Page with more kicks but Jacobs with clotheslines and a neck breaker. Jacobs tries for a suplex and Page blocks it. Page runs into a boot from Jacobs and Jacobs with a tornado suplex for a near fall.
Jacobs punches Page and Irish whips him into the corner. Jacobs tries for a spear but Page gets his foot up. Page with clotheslines and a boot to the head. Jacobs with a kick but Page with a power slam for a near fall. Page chops Jacobs in the corner. Jacobs with an Irish whip and Page with a float over. Jacobs with a springboard cutter for a near fall.
Jacobs goes for the Contra Code but Page blocks it. Page with a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Jacobs with a sunset flip for a near fall. Jacobs counters a springboard move from Page with a gutbuster. Jacobs with the Contra Code but he can only get a two count.
Jacobs puts Page on the turnbuckles and he tries for a super rana but Page holds on to the ropes. Jacobs with a back elbow. Page blocks a springboard cutter and hits a standing shooting star press but Jacobs kicks out at two. Page goes to the apron and Jacobs with an elbow. Jacobs tries for a superplex but Page blocks it. Page tries for a sunset flip power bomb but Jacobs blocks it.
Jacobs punches Page on the turnbuckles and Jacobs hits the Contra Code for the three count.
Winner: Jimmy Jacobs
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Kevin Steen versus Michael Bennett (with Maria Kanellis)
Steen punches Bennett instead of shaking Bennett’s hand. Steen with forearms and chops. Bennett with a kick and punches followed by an elbow to the top of the head. Steen goes for the package piledriver early but Bennett escapes and goes to the floor. Steen goes after Bennett on the floor and Bennett kicks Steen when they re-enter the ring.
Bennett punches Steen and sends him into the turnbuckles. Steen with a drop toe hold and a flip leg drop to the back of the head. Bennett goes to the floor. Steen follows Bennett to the floor and Bennett punches Steen and sends Steen into the apron. Bennett runs Steen’s back into the apron and he punches Steen. We focus on Maria and almost miss Steen Irish whipping Bennett into the guardrails.
Steen sends Bennett into the guardrails on the other side of the ring. Steen celebrates with the fans and then Steen sends Bennett crotch first into the ring post. Steen sends Bennett groin first into the ring post again and Bennett crumbles to the floor. Steen decides to go for a third ring post to introduce Bennett’s groin to the ring.
Steen thinks about the fourth ring post but he takes too long and Bennett sends Steen into the guardrails with a side Russian leg sweep.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Bennett with a running boot to Steen against the guardrails. Bennett returns to the ring and he goes up top but then goes to the apron and then to the floor and he punches Steen. Steen sends Bennett into the fourth post. Steen goes up top for the Swanton but he lands on Bennett’s knees.
Bennett with the Box Office Smash for a near fall. Bennett runs into Steen’s boot but Steen runs into a spinebuster from Bennett but Bennett can only get a two count. Bennett with a kick to the head and then he punches Steen. Bennett chokes Steen in the ropes. Bennett with a back elbow and then he gets a near fall. Bennett gets Steen up for a TKO but Steen blocks it.
Bennett blocks a Sleeper Suplex but Steen moves when Bennett charges into the corner and Steen with a tornado DDT for a near fall. Steen gets Bennett on his shoulders for an F-Cinq but Bennett escapes. Steen blocks a super kick and then he tries for the Cannonball but Bennett kicks him and goes for the piledriver. Steen with a back body drop. Bennett with a super kick for a near fall.
Bennett tries for the TKO but he cannot get Steen on his shoulders. Steen tries for a sleeper suplex but Bennett with a jaw breaker. Steen with a power bomb and back senton for a near fall. Steen calls for the F-5 and he decides to hit a Go To Sleep but Steen does not get the three count because Maria threw something into the ring and it confused the referee.
Steen goes to the floor after Maria and Maria runs into the ring. Steen runs into a TKO and Bennett with a piledriver for a near fall. Bennett puts Steen on the turnbuckles for a superplex but Steen blocks it. Steen bites Bennett and Steen hits a Swanton for a near fall.
Steen calls for the package piledriver but Maria gets on the apron to stop Steen. Bennett kicks the ropes and Steen is crotched. Bennett with a piledriver for the three count.
Winner: Michael Bennett
After the match, Maria tells Bennett to piledrive Steen on the apron. Lisa Marie Varon attacks Maria and security makes its way to surround the ring. Bennett holds Varon and Steen goes after Bennett while Varon goes after Maria.
Steen continues to attack Bennett after security does its usual stellar job of separating wrestlers. They continue to battle on the floor. Steen goes to the turnbuckles and he hits a Swanton onto everyone on the floor and we go to credits.
2013 - ROH ran Cincinnati, Ohio. Trent Van Drisse filed the following live report:
Myself and two married women attended tonight's ROH show at the Masonic Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, titled "The Golden Dream". This was the third time ROH has run this venue in Cincy, and we've been to all three shows. This was fell in the middle both attendance wise, and show quality wise. I'd guesstimate the crowd around the 300 range. They didn't announce a return this time. This show set up some key stipulations for the December 14th "Final Battle" show in New York City.
Nigel McGuinness did a Q&A session from the ring before the show began. Cliff Compton, of all people, crashed the Q&A, and asked McGuinness why Kevin Steen was in the main event tonight. When asked why he even cared, Compton said he wanted to kill Steen, but then wasn't seen again the rest of the show.
McGinnness then opened the show by announcing that Adam Cole could not defend the ROH World title against Steen tonight due to a concussion Cole suffered last week in Chicago. Jay Briscoe, carrying his own "real world title" belt, Michael Elgin, and eventually Kevin Steen all came out state their cases for being the champion, and airing various beefs they had. It was finally decided that the winner of Jay Briscoe vs Kevin Steen tonight would be added to the Cole vs Elgin main event at Final Battle, turning that December match into a triple threat for the ROH title. Cole was in attendance tonight, and McGuinness added that anyone who touched Cole tonight would be immediately suspended from ROH, because they are serious about concussion issues.
Lenny "Legend" Mercer was the ring announcer tonight. McGuinness did commentary with Kevin Kelly for the entire first half of the show.
1. Bobby Fish w/Kyle O' Reilly beat Mike Posey w/Corey Hollis
The gimmick here was called "Instant Reward", if either of "Alabama Attitude" beat either of "ReDRagon" in singles matches, Alabama Attitude would receive an immediate shot at the ROH World tag titles. Fish beat Posey with a Shining Wizard style round house kick to the head.
2. Kyle O' Reilly w/Bobby Fish beat Corey Hollis w/Mike Posey by submission
O' Reilly caught Hollis coming off the turnbuckle into a Gogoplata for the submission victory. So no tag team title shot for poor Alabama Attitude on this night.
3. Michael Elgin beat Silas Young
Fun battle here, but nobody in the building bought that Young had a chance to win. Elgin won it with a buckle bomb, followed by a spinning power bomb.
4. Davey Richards beat ACH
Richards played very subtle heel here in some spots. Match was just fair early on, but picked up greatly down the stretch. The last few minutes were awesome. Richards won with a double stomp off the top rope.
Intermission
5. Matt Taven w/Truth Martini & Scarlett beat Adam Page to retain the ROH World TV title
An extremely scary moment happened when Page gave Taven a sunset flip off the apron, and Taven hit the guard rail back first super hard, and his neck snapped violently too. Several ran from the back to check on Taven, but he was able to continue the match just fine, which was amazing, could have been a real disaster. Taven did have a large red mark across the middle of his back. Taven won with his "Climax" variation of a DDT finisher to retain the ROH TV title. Jay Lethal did commentary with Kevin Kelly during this match.
6. Jimmy Jacobs beat Roderick Strong in Jacobs' "Trail series match #5"
Cincinnati native BJ Whitmer did commentary with Kelly here. Veda Scott wandered out during this match, whispered something into Whitmer's ear, which he seemed to dismiss, then she left. Pretty Long match. Jacobs wasn't over enough as a babyface to make this match as effective as they wanted it to be. Strong got mostly babyface reactions, though the crowd was subdued in general. Strong threw his entire arsenal at Jacobs, who even kicked out of the "Sick Kick". Jacobs finally won it with a slop drop like reverse neckbreaker from the top rope. With this win, Jacobs earned himself a shot at the ROH World title on November 15th in Dearborn, Michigan.
Maria Kanellis came out and said Michael Bennett has bigger fish to fry than trying to earn a shot at the ROH TV title, namely he wants Kevin Steen, so he wouldn't be appearing tonight in the "Four Corners Survival match". Bennett did not make it to this show for whatever reason.
7. Tommaso Ciampa beat Mark Briscoe and Jay Lethal to earn a shot at the ROH TV title at Final Battle
Matt Taven joined Kevin Kelly for this one, which went from a four way match to a three way match with no Michael Bennett. Mostly good action here. Lethal took out Taven at ringside with a dive, meanwhile Ciampa hit Mark Briscoe with a lung blower type back cracker to win it. So Ciampa gets a shot at Taven's ROH TV title at Final Battle.
8. Jay Briscoe beat Kevin Steen
The ultra smug Adam Cole cut a promo before this match, and then joined Kevin Kelly on commentary, as did Nigel McGuinness, in a vain attempt to keep order here. Cole later went over and grabbed Briscoe's "real world title" belt. Steen hit the package piledriver on Briscoe, but Maria Kanellis ran out and stopped referee Todd Sinclair from making the three count. Briscoe got the win after hitting two "Jay-Drillers" on Steen, so Briscoe will be added to the Cole vs Elgin main event at Final Battle. Elgin came out after the match and jawed heavily with Briscoe, which became a pull apart. Meanwhile Steen went to the back and grabbed Kanellis out, and attempted to give her the package piledriver, but was stopped by the refs, and the young boys at ringside. Steen's answer to that was to give two young boys, and referee Paul Turner, package piledrivers. Steen then cut a promo saying he wanted, and deserved, the winner of the Final Battle title match.
2013 - TNA ran Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Judd Omansville filed the following live report:
I attended the second annual TNA event in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan last night. The crowd seemed about what they had a year or so ago. Before the show, ODB, Magnus, Kazarian, Bobby Roode, The Bromans, and Austin Aries were all signing.
Here are the results of the show:
*Magnus beat Dewey Barnes via submission. Magnus claimed Dixie Carter was picking his opponents to prepare him for the TNA tournament. Barnes was working the TNA merchandise table before the show. Magnus won with a Sharpshooter.
*Abyss pinned Kazarian with a Black Hole Slam.
*TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim pinned ODB. They did a deal where Kim was trying to flirt with referee Earl Hebner to curry his favor. She put her legs on the ropes to score the pin.
*TNA X-Division champion Chris Sabin pinned Manik. This was a weak finish. Manik went for a sunset flip but Sabin dropped down and held the ropes. Earl was the ref here as well, so perhaps he's turning heel.
Gail Kim signed at intermission.
*TNA Tag Team champions Bromans beat James Storm and Gunner after Kazarian interfered and nailed Storm. Really good stuff here, and easily the best thing on the show.
*Austin Aries beat Bobby Roode in a really good back and forth main event. Roode demanded that he get the respect he deserves since he's beaten Kurt Angle twice in a row. They eventually battled onto the stage in the building and Aries nailed a suplex on Roode, which sounded brutal. There was a ref bump, leading to Kazarian, James Storm and Gunner hitting the scene with run-ins. Aries made the comeback and scored the win with a brainbuster. Fun main.
Overall, the show was a good, fun wrestling show.
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