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December 31st
On this day in history in ....
1891 - William Muldoon, the first American Greco-Roman Heavyweight Champion, retires as champion. Muldoon had been champion since defeating Thiebaud Bauer on January 19, 1880 in New York City, New York.
1956 - MS-1 is born in Salvatierra, Mexico.
1959 - Ilio DiPaolo and Whipper Billy Watson defeat Don Leo Jonathan and Gene Kiniski to win the NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title in Toronto, Ontario, beginning their second reign.
1963 - The WWWF held a television taping at the Bridgeport Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The results:
- Gorilla Monsoon defeated Klondike Bill by countout.
- Gorilla Monsoon defeated Bob Boyer.
- Klondike Bill defeated Pete Sanchez in a Best-of-Three Falls match, 2-0.
- Al Costello defeated Tim Woods.
- Jerry Graham defeated Carlos Milano.
- Tony Nero defeated Manuel Soto.
- Frank Martinez defeated Umberto Mercado.
- Chris Jelevarou defeated Pedro Rodriguez.
1974 - Ryan Sakoda is born in Tokyo, Japan.
1974 - The Mighty Yankees defeat Danny Little Bear and Rocky Johnson for the NWA Macon Tag Team Title in Macon, Georgia.
1975 - Vance Nevada is born in Brandon, Manitoba.
1975 - Frank Goodish (Bruiser Brody) defeats Rocky Johnson for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida.
1978 - Ronnie Zukko is born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1978 - Killer Tim Brooks and Roddy Piper defeat Jonathan Boyd and Dutch Savage to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.
1980 - Matt Cross is born in Cleveland, Ohio.
1983 - Rick Patterson and Randy Rich defeat Star Rider and Snake Williams in Cloverdale, British Columbia to win the vacant Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title.
1984 - Kevin, Kerry and Mike Von Erich win their third World Class Six-Man Tag Team Title, by defeating Chris Adams, Gino Hernandez and Jake Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas.
1989 - New Japan held an event at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Soviet Union. The results were:
- Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated Takayuki Iizuka.
- Jushin Liger defeated Black Tiger.
- Masahiro Chono defeated Chimur Zarasov by submission.
- Wahka Eveloev and IWGP Tag Team Champion Shinya Hashimoto fought to a draw.
- Riki Choshu defeated Victor Zangiev.
- Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Vladimir Berkovich.
- Habieli Victachev defeated Hiroshi Hase by submission.
- Salman Hashimikov defeated Manny Fernandez.
1994 - Brian Christopher wins his 16th USWA Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Tommy Rich's third reign.
2001 - The 449th edition of "RAW is WAR", a Best of 2001 special edition, aired on USA. The show got a 2.4 rating, the lowest of the year. Although this rating is typical of a highlight show, it was the lowest for "RAW" since October 27, 1997. The matches featured were:
- Royal Rumble, January 21: Chris Jericho defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Chris Benoit in a Ladder match to win the title.
- WrestleMania X-Seven, April 1: The Undertaker pinned Triple H after the Last Ride.
- King of the Ring, June 24: Kurt Angle pinned Shane McMahon in a Street Fight after an Angle Slam from a sheet of plywood laid across the top turnbuckle.
- RAW is WAR, May 21: Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho defeated WWF Tag Team Champions - WWF Champion Steve Austin and Triple H (with Stephanie McMahon) to win the title, when Jericho pinned Austin after Triple H accidentally hit Austin in the stomach with a sledgehammer. Late in the match, Triple H tore his right quadriceps muscle while breaking Jericho's Walls of Jerichot hat he had on Austin.
- No Mercy, October 21: Torrie Wilson pinned Stacy Keibler in a Lingerie match after a handspring elbow.
- Survivor Series, November 18: Team WWF (WCW Champion The Rock, The Big Show, Chris Jericho, Kane and The Undertaker) defeated Team Alliance (WWF Champion Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, Booker T, Shane McMahon and WWF Hardcore Champion Rob Van Dam) in a Winner Take All Elimination match. As a result the Alliance had to disband.
- Invasion, July 21: Rob Van Dam pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Jeff Hardy after the Five-Star Frog Splash to win the title.
- WrestleMania X-Seven, April 1: Steve Austin pinned WWF Champion The Rock in a No Disqualification match to win the title, after hitting Rock 17 times with a chair that Austin got from Vince McMahon. After the match, in a sight fans never thought they would see, Austin and McMahon shook hands and drank beer.
- WrestleMania X-Seven, April 1: Edge and Christian defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt) in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match to win the title.
- No Way Out, February 25: Triple H defeated Steve Austin in a Three Stages of Hell match. Austin pinned Triple H after a Stone Cold Stunner and Triple H pinned Austin in a Street after a headshot with a sledgehammer and the Pedigree. In the final fall, a Steel Cage match. Both men knocked eachother out with weapons, Austin to Triple H with a barbed-wire 2x4 and Triple H to Austin with a sledgehammer, at the same time, and Triple H fell on top of Austin.
2006 - Natsuki Taiyo defeats Fuuka at NEO's "4th Junior All-Star: The Dream and Future" in Tokyo, Japan to win the Jd' Princess of Pro-Wrestling Title.
2007 - The WWE's 762nd edition of "RAW", taped two nights earlier at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, airs on USA, earning a 2.6 rating. The results were:
- In a dark match, Brian Kendrick defeated Nick Nemeth, the future Dolph Ziggler.
Heat:
- Snitsky defeated Super Crazy.
- DH Smith defeated David Owens.
- Drew McIntyre defeated Charlie Haas.
RAW:
- Ken Kennedy pinned Shawn Michaels after the Mic Check after avoiding Michaels' Sweet Chin Music.
- Umaga pinned Jim Duggan after the Samoan Spike to qualify for the 2008 Royal Rumble match.
- WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix defeated Mickie James and Melina in a Triple Threat match to retain the title, by pinning Melina after a cradle suplex.
- Hornswoggle and William Regal (with Vince McMahon) fought to a no-contest after Regal refused to hit Hornswoggle with brass knuckles despite several demands to do so by McMahon.
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy fought Santino Marella (with Maria and Carlito) to a no-contest after Randy Orton appeared on the Titantron attacking Matt Hardy, with Jeff running to the back to check on his brother.
- Ric Flair defeated Triple H by disqualification when William Regal interfered and hit Flair with brass knuckles as Triple H had Flair covered after the Pedigree. Flair's career and Triple H's participation in the 2008 Royal Rumble match were on the line.
- In a dark match after the show, WWE Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho defeated JBL and WWE Champion Randy Orton, when Hardy pinned Orton after the Swanton.
2007 - "Pro-Wrestling Summit in Korakuen: Countdown Pro-Wrestling", a Kaientai Dojo and Dramatic Dream Team joint event, was held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The results were:
- Spark Aoki, Rui Hiugaji and Yuki Sato defeated Takuma Obe Atsushi Ohashi and Keita Yano.
- General KY and Great Kojika won a seven-team battle royal.
- Minoru Suzuki defeated Daisuke Harada.
- Gran Hamada, Strongest-K Tag Team Champion TAKA Michinoku, The Great Sasuke and Ultimo Dragon defeated Asian Cougar, Mineo Fujira Great Takeru and Yujiro.
- Manabu Hara defeated Munenori Sawa.
- Boso Boy Raito and Yoshihiro Takayama defeated Shuji Ishikawa and Shinjitsu Nohashi.
- Jun Kasai, Jaki Numazawa and Naoki Tanisaki defeated Saburo Inematsu, Yuko Miyamoto and Takashi Sasaki.
- BxB Hulk, Independent World Junior Heavyweight Champion Kota Ibushi and Madoka defeated Don Fujii, Abdullah Kobayashi and DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Champion Sanshiro Takagi, when Ibushi pinned Takagi, to win Takagi's title. This ended his seventh reign.
- Shuji Kondo, Yoshihito Sasaki and Daisuke Sekimoto defeated DDT KO-D Openweight Champion HARASHIMA, Tetsuhiro Kuroda and Strongest-K Champion Kengo Mashimo.
2009 - WWE aired Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
It is the final WWE show of the year and we get to see wrestlers from all three brands show how they will close out 2009.
We begin with the Raw brand and Jerry Lawler gets to celebrate the ball drop with a Divas Match with your announcers Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole.
Match Number One: Melina versus Alicia Fox in a Non Title Match
They lock up and they go into the turnbuckles and Melina with a clean break but Alicia pushes Melina and then Alicia misses a clothesline when Melina shows her flexibility. Melina with a back kick and forearm but Alicia with a Northern Lights suplex and bridge but Melina rolls through and gets a near fall. Alicia goes to the floor to frustrate Melina. Alicia heads to the back and Melina brings Alicia back to the ring. Alicia sends Melina to the floor from the apron. Alicia gets a near fall and then she slams Melina’s head into the turnbuckles and pulls the hair while putting her foot in Melina’s back. Alicia tosses Melina by the hair. Alicia with a full nelson and camel clutch combination and Melina screams. Alicia slams Melina’s head into the mat. Alicia with a forearm to the back and then she hits a back breaker and stretches Melina on her knee. Melina with knees to Alicia to get out of the hold and then Melina kicks and trips Alicia and gets a near fall. Melina with a drop toe hold that sends Alicia into the ropes and Melina with knees to the back. Melina sends Alicia into the turnbuckles and then she puts Alicia on the turnbuckles and then hits a double knee and then she screams like a banshee before taking Alicia down by the hair. Melina with a forearm but Alicia with an Irish whip. Alicia with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker but she misses a charge into the ropes and Melina screams very loudly and Alicia lets go of the ropes for some reason to allow Melina to hit Code Red for the three count.
Winner: Melina
We go to Ask the Divas and we get their New Year’s Resolutions.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for a match from ECW with your announcers Byron Saxton and Josh Mathews.
Match Number Two: Shelton Benjamin versus Vance Archer
Archer with a kick and punches followed by a slap but Benjamin with a running tackle and he punches Archer. Benjamin follows that with a Samoan drop. Benjamin punches Archer and kicks him but Archer with a back elbow and a full nelson drop for a near fall. Archer punches Benjamin and the referee warns him. Archer chokes Benjamin in the ropes and then he hits a splash to the back while Benjamin remains in the ropes. Archer with a kick to the back and he gets a near fall. Archer with a reverse chin lock as he tries to wear down his opponent. Archer turns it into a rear chin lock and Benjamin gets to his feet and he hits a jawbreaker to stop Archer. Benjamin with punches to Archer followed by a kick. Benjamin with a forearm from the turnbuckles and then he punches Archer. Benjamin with a German suplex for a near fall. Archer with shoulders to Benjamin in the corner and then he gets Benjamin up for a slam but Benjamin escapes and then hits a Stinger Splash to the back. Benjamin tries for another one but Archer moves and Benjamin lands on the turnbuckles but Archer trips him and Benjamin is in the Tree of Woe. Archer chokes Benjamin and then releases the hold at the last second. Benjamin slaps Archer while hanging in the corner. Archer kicks Benjamin in anger and he does not stop before the referee gets to five and he disqualifies Archer.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin by disqualification
After the match, Archer hits the inverted DDT on Benjamin.
Cryme Tyme are walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back with some Smackdown action as Todd Grisham and Matt Striker take over the commentating position for our next match.
Match Number Three: Cryme Tyme versus Mike Knox and Charlie Haas
Knox and Shad start things off and they lock up and Shad with a side head lock. Knox with a forearm but Shad tries for a shoulder tackle but Knox stays on his feet. Shad tries for a flying shoulder tackle but Knox stays on his feet. Shad gets Knox up for a slam and hits it but he might have hurt his back trying to lift the big man up but now he appears okay as he hits a shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles. Shad goes to the opposite side but he comes down when Haas gets too close. This allows Knox to hit Shad in the knee to take him down. Haas tags in and he kicks Shad in the leg as he works on the injured appendage. Haas with a leg drop and then he puts Shad in a single leg crab but turns around into a modified step over toe hold. Shad reaches for the ropes and he finally gets there and Haas reluctantly releases the hold. Shad with punches to Haas but Haas with a single leg trip to regain control. Knox tags in and he hits a running knee into the leg while Haas holds it. Knox tries to torque the knee and then he tags Haas back in and Haas kicks Shad in the leg. Haas runs into an elbow and then Shad hits a clothesline and both men are down. JTG tries to will his partner to make the tag while Knox returns to the match and keeps Shad in the ring. Shad with a kick and then he kicks Knox away. JTG and Haas tag in and JTG with the flip shoulder tackle followed by a clothesline. JTG with a drop kick and then he leaps into the corner and hits an X Factor for a near fall but Knox breaks up the cover. Shad kicks Knox and then clotheslines him over the top rope. Haas with a super kick to the injured leg but JTG with the wraparound clothesline for the three count.
Winners: Cryme Tyme
We go to commercial.
We are back with a video package about Batista and his quest for the World Title.
We also have a Raw Rebound.
It is time for our main event from the Raw brand and features the King of Superstars in tag team action.
Match Number Four: Montel Vontavious Porter and Chris ‘The Pectacular’ Masters with Eve Torres versus Carlito and Jack Swagger
Porter and Carlito start things off and they lock up with Carlito backing Porter into the corner. Carlito with a punch and kick in the corner followed by more punches and kicks. Carlito with an Irish whip but Porter floats over and hits a flying clothesline for a near fall. Carlito with a knee and Swagger tags in and he connects with a forearm to the back. Swagger with a slam and leg drop for a near fall. Swagger with a key lock on Porter but Porter with a flying forearm followed by a clothesline and back elbow. Porter with a double thrust to the throat followed by a facebuster and it is time to go Ballin and he hits the elbow drop but Swagger rolls to the floor. Porter hits a pescado onto Swagger as we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger is in control as he has Porter in an arm bar. We see footage from the commercial break when Carlito distracts Porter on the apron and Swagger knocked Porter off the apron. We are back to the in ring action and Carlito tags in and he chokes Porter in the ropes and works on the arm. Carlito gets a near fall and puts Porter in a key lock. Porter gets to his feet and he punches Carlito but Carlito with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Swagger tags back in and he hits a double sledge to the back and then he distracts Masters before pulling Porter into the center of the ring. Swagger locks the arms but Porter with punches and he tries to make the tag but Swagger catches him. Swagger charges at Porter but Porter with a belly-to-belly throw. Porter reaches out for the tag and he finally makes it as Carlito enters the match as well. Masters with a clothesline to Carlito and then he knocks Swagger off the apron. Carlito with an elbow to Porter but Masters with a press slam to Carlito and it is time for the pectacular before the Master Lock is applied. Swagger comes in and he gets a Master Lock of his own. Porter clotheslines Swagger over the top rope to the floor but Masters forgets about Carlito and he hits a lungblower on Masters for the three count.
Winners: Carlito and Jack Swagger
We go to credits and Happy New Year.
2009 - TNA broadcast a special New Year's Eve themed edition of Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and your announcers are Mike ‘Is that Clarence Beeks’ Tenay and Taz.
Mike and Taz talk about the tournament to determine Tara’s next challenger for the Knockouts Title. We see the brackets for the tournament. We will also see the top three pay per view matches from the year. In case you forgot, there is something happening on Monday night involving some guy named Hogan.
Match Number One: Madison Rayne versus Hamada in a First Round Tournament Match
They lock up and Hamada with a side head lock and Madison with an escape. They lock up again and Hamada with a waist lock and she works on the arm and wrist. Hamada with an elbow to the arm followed by a hammer lock. Hamada with a hip toss but Madison lands on her feet and hits an arm drag on Hamada. Madison points at Hamada and Hamada with a kick to the head and then Hamada charges but is sent to the apron. Hamada with a head butt and then she tries for a tightrope arm drag but Madison is able to break free. Madison with an Irish whip but she charges into a boot. Madison puts Hamada in the ropes and then she slams Hamada’s head to the mat and gets a near fall. Madison slaps Hamada in the head and puts Hamada in a front face lock and hits a swinging neck breaker and gets a series of near falls. Madison slams Hamada’s head into the mat and then kicks Hamada. Madison charges into a boot and then Hamada hits a running boot to Madison and both ladies are down. Hamada with a super kick followed by chops and head butts to Madison. Hamada with a slam and she gets a near fall. Hamada pulls Madison into the corner and then goes up top for a moonsault but Madison moves. Hamada lands on her feet and then Hamada with a spin kick to Madison followed by a Hamada Driver for the three count.
Winner: Hamada
Christy Hemme is in the interview area with Tara. Tara says that she likes hearing it when she is called the champion. She talks about how she will bring honor to the division. She says that she will be walking out of the ring on Monday night as the champion when she faces the winner. Tara says that she has a surprise because she will be introducing the top three matches of the year from pay per view. Christy wants a hint and Tara mentions that the matches will be shown in their entirety.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see photos of the match between Tara and ODB from Final Resolution when Tara won the title.
Match Number Two: Traci Brooks versus ODB in a First Round Tournament Match
ODB takes a sip before the match and spits it in Traci’s face when the referee was not looking. ODB hits Traci from behind and then ODB slaps her talents. ODB with a kick to the injured arm but Traci kicks back and punches ODB. Traci with punches in the corner but ODB kicks back. ODB with a bulldog and lands on the arm as well. ODB stomps on the elbow and shoulder as she continues the attack. ODB gets a near fall. ODB with a forearm to the back and then she hits a shoulder breaker. Traci takes ODB down and punches ODB. ODB with a divorce court and gets a near fall. ODB gets Traci on her shoulders but Traci with knees to escape and then she hits a spear on ODB. ODB tries to go after the arm but Traci fires back and connects with chops. Traci with a reverse atomic drop and then she sends ODB to the mat. Traci foreshadows Hogan’s return by ripping her shirt and then she hits a double knee to the back and gets a near fall. ODB sends Traci into the turnbuckles and chops Traci. Traci with an elbow but ODB with an arm stunner from the turnbuckles followed by a TKO for the three count.
Winner: ODB
We go to the back where Christy Hemme is with Velvet, Madison, and Lacey. Christy asks Velvet about her match and Madison does not appreciate Christy’s tone because she referenced Madison’s loss. Madison says that she can beat Hamada any day of the week but Christy mentions that she didn’t. Velvet talks about how the fans will not get what they want by seeing Madison and Velvet wrestle in the semi finals. Lacey comments that Christy is doing this only because Lauren got fired for assaulting her. Christy says that they knew what they were doing and reached Lauren’s breaking point. Madison threatens to do the same to Christy before they leave.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at Roxxi’s successful return to TNA with a victory over then champion ODB.
Match Number Three: Roxxi versus Velvet Sky in a First Round Tournament Match
Velvet with a kick to Roxxi and then she sends Roxxi into the turnbuckles and hits a series of shoulders followed by a choke. Velvet with an Irish whip and a splash into the corner followed by a bulldog for a near fall. Velvet with punches and a choke as she continues to yelp throughout the match. Velvet with an Octopus and then bites Roxxi. Roxxi with a boot to Velvet. Roxxi with punches and forearms to Velvet followed by a discus forearm. Roxxi with a running elbow into the corner followed by a running boot to the chest for a near fall. Roxxi tries for a slam but Velvet escapes. Velvet tries for a DDT but she waits too long and that allows Roxxi to get the three count with a Voodoo Drop.
Winner: Roxxi
This means that Roxxi will face Hamada in the semi finals.
After the match, Jeremy Borash interviews Roxxi to talk about her victory. Roxxi says that it feels great to be a part of the tournament and she is happy that she was able to get rid of some of the trash. Roxxi says that Tara is a great champion and she cannot wait to show what she has. Lacey attacks Roxxi from behind and she chokes Roxxi with her large pink night stick.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see Daffney stretching to get ready for her match with Awesome Kong in the tournament.
We are back and Mike and Taz talk about what we have seen so far and we look at the brackets. ODB awaits Daffney and Awesome Kong’s winner for the semifinal.
It is time for a Jeff Jarrett video package.
We go to Tara and she mentions Monday’s Impact but we are almost ready to see the number three pay per view match of the year as voted by the TNA fans. We go to commercial.
We are back and Tara talks about the Turning Point pay per view which saw the pay per view debut of Desmond Wolfe in TNA and his match against Kurt Angle. This match is the number three match of the year.
[play by play from Mike Johnson’s live coverage of the pay per view from the site with his comments after the match].
KURT ANGLE vs. DESMOND WOLFE
This will be Wolfe's first-ever live PPV appearance, as his ROH bouts were on taped PPVs.
They had some awesome technical mat wrestling early. Angle caught him with a pair of hiptosses and locked in a top wristlock. Wolfe made his way to his feet and locked in a keylock while cranking Angle's neckbreak. Wolfe maneuvered Angle into a corner, then kicked his arm. Wolfe continued to work on Angle's wrist and arm. Taz did a good job explaining that would hinder Angle's grip during moves including suplexes.
Angle caught Wolfe with a slam and then drilled an over the knee backbreaker. Angle drilled him with a European forearm and shoulderblock in the corner. Wolfe began nailing Angle with a series of suplexes, using the arm as a focal point to continue the strategy.
Angle went for a sunset flip but Wolfe attacked the arm to escape it. Wolfe began using European style matwork and submissions. This is awesome. Taz said it was like watching Billy Robinson. Taz is awesome. Wolfe charged Angle into the corner and drilled him with a European uppercut upon impact.
Wolfe went to charge out of the corner but Angle caught him with a belly to belly suplex. Angle lariated Wolfe with a series of clotheslines. Angle nailed a flying forearm off the ropes. Wolfe continued with several headbutts but Angle ducked a clothesline and began hitting a series of six German suplexes. The audience chanted, "TNA."
Angle went for the Angleslam but Wolfe countered with the jawbreaker lariat for a two count. Wolfe set up Angle for the Tower of London but Angle escaped and rolled him up for a two count. Wolfe yanked Angle's bad arm then locked on a keylock while on Angle's back. Angle escaped and locked in the anklelock. Wolfe thought about tapping but reversed it, cinching Angle in a figure four hammerlock. Angle escaped and it was back to the anklelock in the center. He pulls himself to the center as Wolfe gets to the ropes. Wolfe finally gets back to the ropes.
The fans are chanting "This is awesome" and it sure as hell is.
Wolfe drills Angle down. Wolfe drills the Tower of London for a two count. Wolfe is shocked Angle kicked out. Wolfe went for the jawbreaker lariat but Angle clotheslined him first. Angle went for a standing moonsault off the top rope but Wolfe escaped and went back to the London Dungeon.
They battled their way to to top and exchanged headbutts. Angle got the better and hit a frog splash off the top onto Wolfe for a two count. Angle went for a tombstone. Wolfe reversed but before he could snap it, Angle grabbed the anklelock. Wolfe kicked him off but Angle grabbed it. Angle went into a side triangle choke and Wolfe finally tapped.
Absolutely f***ing awesome. There is no other way to describe that match. It was so good, I wish I had been there. The announcers did a beautiful job building Wolfe in the commentary as someone who had all the answers to everything Angle had to show, since he had studied him so hard. Easily the best match on the card so far and well worth the price of the PPV.
As he left, Wolfe warned Angle he hasn't seen the last of Desmond. I certainly hope not. TNA made a star tonight.
He is coming on Monday and it is time to see a video package of Dixie Carter’s meeting with Hulk Hogan to make the big announcement in the lobby of Madison Square Garden in October.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Daffney versus Awesome Kong in a First Round Tournament Match
Daffney wants a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock and Kong complies but Daffney with a kick and clip to the back of the knee. Daffney with another knuckle lock but Kong pushes Daffney down. Kong with a chop to Daffney and then she winds up for a second one. Kong tosses Daffney across the ring by the hair. Kong pulls Daffney into the center of the ring and then she drops an elbow on the leg and she works on the leg. Daffney punches Kong in order to survive in the match. Kong kicks Daffney in the hamstring. Kong with a chop and then she gets Daffney on her shoulders and it is time for the human accordion as she has Daffney kicking herself in the head. Daffney rolls to the floor and begs for mercy. Kong goes after her and sends Daffney into the ring steps. Daffney with a kick to Kong as she re-enters the ring. Daffney chokes Kong and stomps on her collarbone. Daffney tries to pull Kong into the center of the ring but Kong kicks her off. Kong with the Implant Buster for the three count.
Winner: Awesome Kong
This sets the semi finals for the tournament and while Roxxi faces Hamada in one semi final, former champions ODB and Awesome Kong will meet.
Christy is in the back with Taylor Wilde and Sarita. Taylor says that they will bring in the new year by showing why they are the champion. Taylor and Christy mention that Sarita won the CMLL body building championship. Taylor mentions that they will face Hamada and Kong on Monday night so they are looking forward to their non-title match tonight.
We are back and Don and Mike talk about Final Resolution and it is time to take a look back at Final Resolution.
The TNA Tag Team Champions come out and unlike Monty Python, they are not in dresses. Will they make a challenge for the Women’s Tag Titles? Brutus and Doug join Taz and Tenay at the announce table.
Match Number Five: April Hunter and Lorelei Lee versus Taylor Wilde and Sarita in a Non Title Match
Sarita and Lorelei start things off and Lorelei with a waist lock take down. Sarita with a rollup and elbow to the back and then Taylor is tagged in. Sarita with a drop toe hold followed by a drop kick by Taylor. Lorelei hits April when Taylor moves. Taylor with a drop kick to Lorelei. April with a uranage to Taylor and then Lorelei is tagged in. April with a Japanese choke and Lorelei with a bulldog for a near fall. April tags back in and Taylor tries to make the tag. April pie faces Taylor but Taylor with forearms and a lungblower. Sarita and Lorelei with the tags and Sarita with an elbow and arm wringer followed by a hip toss and arm drag take down. Sarita avoids April and April goes to the floor. Taylor tags in and they hit a kick to Lorelei followed by a flip onto Lorelei for the three count.
Winner: Sarita and Taylor Wilde
Tara is in the back with Poison and it is almost time for match number two.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Taz and Tenay talk about the semi final matches but we go back to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Number Two Match and it was the Match Four Years in the Making as Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, and Daniels battled for the TNA Title.
[We go back to Mike’s live coverage of Turning Point 2009]
TNA champ AJ STYLES vs. SAMOA JOE vs. DANIELS
Daniels punched Styles right in the face at the bell. Joe and Daniels went at it. Styles clubbed both with right hands, then shoulderblocked Joe in the corner. Styles hit a flying forearm smash in the corner on Joe. Joe came back with a charge and enziguiri. Joe unleashed a series of kicks and chops to Styles but Daniels nailed a leg lariat. Styles covered Joe for a two count. Daniels ducked under a leapfrog from Styles and evaded a dropkick but was caught with one. Styles then drilled Joe with one.
Joe punted Styles, then hit a running high knee on Daniels. Joe cinched in a legbar on Daniels. Styles came off the ropes with a big knee drop for a two count. Styles worked over Joe and Daniels. He cinched the Mutalock on Joe, but Daniels dropped a double axehandle over Styles' exposed stomach. Daniels caught Styles with a drop toehold, then dropped a knee across the back of the head. Daniels cranked Styles' neck.
Daniels tripped Joe and then slammed Styles atop of him. He locked on a Boston Crab on Styles at the same time he cinched a camel clutch on Joe. Joe bit his fingers to break it. Daniels punched Styles in the corner. He charged Joe but was caught with an uranage. Joe began killing Styles with boots to the face before unleashing the facewash. Joe drilled Daniels with a chop/kick combination. Styles charged but Joe tossed him aside to the floor and senton splashed Daniels.
Joe went for a running dive through the ropes but Styles kicked him in the face. Joe went to the floor. Styles whipped Daniels, but who pulled short and forearmed him. Daniels was caught with a suplex. AJ went to the outside after Joe but Joe kicked his legs out from under him and Styles smashed into the apron in nasty fashion. Daniels hit a dive to the floor.
Daniels went for the Arabian Press but Styles grabbed his legs. Joe was able to cinch in the choke on the floor and Styles hit a great twisting dive to the floor on both. Back in the ring, Styles got a two count on Daniels and nailed a great headscissors. Some fans began chanting, "Screw Hulk Hogan!"
Styles hit a springboard into a hurancanrana on Daniels for a two count. Styles peppered both with punches. Daniels maneuvered Joe and Styles into the same corner and chopped them both. Daniels hit a monkeyflip on Styles, who went right into Joe's arms. Joe powerbombed Styles atop of Daniels. He covered Styles for a two count, but AJ kicked out. Joe locked in a Boston Crab, then turned it into an STF. Styles finally makes it to the ropes.
Joe nailed a snap powerslam for a two count. Joe clobbered Daniels as he rebounded off the ropes. Daniels grabbed Joe and hit an inverted DDT at the same time he nailed Styles with a uranage onto Joe. This is awesome. Daniels caught Styles with a running high knee in the corner, then a death valley driver. AJ and Daniels fought for position with a suplex, ending with Styles catching Daniels with something of a neckbreaker.
Joe returned to the ring. Styles and Joe began punching and slapping each other. Joe got the better of the exchange. Daniels and Joe went back and forth. Daniels caught him with a palm thrust. Styles catches Daniels with a boot and the Pele Kick. The fans chanted TNA. AJ went outside. Joe charged and was caught with a shoulderblock. Styles jumped in and hit a discus clothesline on Daniels.
Styles backdropped Daniels to the floor, then hit a springboard leaping forearm smash on Joe. Styles covered him for a two count. Styles hits the flip into an inverted DDT for a two count. He went for another, this time on Daniels, but it's caught and turned into Last Rites. Joe went for a Samoan Drop but Daniels used elbows to break free and hit a German suplex on Joe. He leaped at Joe but Joe crotched him and hit the muscle buster,. Styles broke up the pin at two.
Daniels and Styles went back and forth with some incredible moves and pinfall combination. In the end, Daniels went for the Styles Clash but Joe hit a superkick on him. Styles rolled up Daniels but Joe broke it up. Daniels and Styles used the old Midnight Express double goozle to take down Joe. They showed respect to each other and Daniels immediately went to hit AJ who was smart to him. Styles and Daniels battled on the rope, trying to suplex each other to the floor. Joe came in and chopped Styles off the top to the floor.
Joe went for a muscle buster but Daniels avoided it and hit a STO. Daniels went for the Best Moonsault Ever but Styles hit a springboard 450 splash and covered Joe for the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion AJ Styles!
Another absolutely awesome match. In fact, these may have been the best TNA PPV ever in terms of the top two matches delivering. I friggin' loved this main event. They totally lived up to the hype of their last PPV main event in 2005 and at the same time, had a completely different, original match. Between the athleticism and the creativity, this was TNA at its best.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike and Taz talk about the four semi finalists in tonight’s tournament.
It is time to look at the way that Mick Foley’s life has been changed since the Hogan announcement was made in October.
ODB is with Christy Hemme and she has a fifth in her hand. She talks about how she was the champion two weeks ago and she should still be the champion instead of Tara who was whining a lot. ODB says that she will win the tournament and she will get her title back. ODB does her best John Blutarski imitation as we go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Roxxi with taped ribs versus Hamada in a Semi Final Tournament Match
They lock up and Hamada with a waist lock and take down as Hamada goes for the arm. Roxxi with a reversal but Hamada with a drop toe hold as she starts to work on the leg. Hamada goes to the arm again and she puts Roxxi in a hammer lock. Roxxi with a front face lock and arm drag. They lock up with a knuckle lock and each try to take the other down and Roxxi with a bridge for a moment but Hamada takes Roxxi to the mat. Hamada works on the ankle and then Hamada with an elbow to the leg. Roxxi with a cross arm breaker but Hamada gets to the ropes. Hamada with a leg sweep and then she puts Roxxi in a side head lock. Roxxi with a shoulder tackle but Hamada with an arm drag but Roxxi responds with one of her own and then Hamada and Roxxi both try for a drop kick. They lock up again and Hamada with a kick to the ribs and then she works on the arm and then puts Roxxi in an abdominal stretch while locking the arm and then she turns it into an octopus. Hamada goes to the turnbuckles and hits a double stomp on the back. Hamada with a single leg crab and Roxxi fights the urge not to tap but Hamada releases the hold. Hamada with a head butt and chops but Roxxi with a suplex and a running back elbow into the corner and a running boot to the head for a near fall. Roxxi goes to the turnbuckles but Hamada with a roll into a palm thrust. Roxxi pushes Hamada off the turnbuckles but Hamada with a thrust kick and then hits a Hamada rana for a near fall. Hamada goes up top and hits a missile drop kick to the ribs. Hamada gets Roxxi on her shoulders but Roxxi with a near fall after a rollup. Hamada with a kick to the head and then Hamada with the Hamada Driver but Roxxi counters with a rollup and a near fall. Roxxi hits the Voodoo Drop and Hamada kicks out. Roxxi with a modified torture rack into a slam for a two count. Roxxi tries for another Voodoo Drop but Hamada with a series of head butts and Hamada gets the three count with a rollup.
Winner: Hamada
Awesome Kong is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
ODB is in the back getting ready and we return to commercial.
Match Number Seven: ODB versus Awesome Kong in a Semi Final Tournament Match
ODB meets Kong on the ramp and they exchange punches but Kong with chops on the floor. They enter the ring and ODB rolls to the floor so Kong goes back after ODB. Kong sends ODB into the ring steps. ODB with a double sledge to Kong and then ODB rolls in to break up the count before she returns to the attack on Kong and she sends Kong into the ring steps. ODB yells at some of the people in the crowd and Kong attacks ODB. Kong with a short arm clothesline to ODB and the referee tells them to return to the ring. Kong with a slam to ODB but she misses a splash and ODB rolls to the corner. ODB gets a near fall and we go to commercial.
We are back and ODB climbs on Kong’s back and tries to choke her out. Kong runs ODB into the turnbuckles. ODB drives Kong into the solar plexus area and then hits a running shoulder but Kong stays on her feet. ODB with a running splash into the corner but Kong stays up. ODB kicks Kong in the corner and then hits the Bronco Buster. ODB pulls Kong into the center of the ring for a near fall. Kong kicks ODB away. ODB tries for a slam but falls under the weight of Kong and Kong gets a near fall. Kong grabs ODB for a choke slam but ODB fights it off. Kong with a clothesline or two and then ODB sets for a running butt splash and hits it. Kong tries for a power bomb but ODB lands on her feet. ODB pulls the referee into the way when Kong tries for a splash. Kong sets for a power bomb but ODB hits Kong with the empty bottle and the referee makes the three count.
Winner: ODB
The finals are set and it will be ODB versus Hamada.
Tara tells us that it is almost time for the top match of 2009.
We go to commercial.
We see Hamada getting ready for the finals as we return to commercial.
We are back and Tara introduces the number one match of the year, A.J. Styles versus Sting at Bound for Glory.
[We go to my report from Bound for Glory]
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: A.J. Styles versus Sting
They shake hands before locking up and Styles with a side head lock and Sting with a side head lock of his own. Styles with a hip toss and a side head lock. Sting with a hip toss of his own. Sting with a side head lock. Sting tries to hip toss A.J. over the top rope but A.J. lands on the apron and he returns to the ring. Sting with a side head lock. Sting with a shoulder tackle and he tries for the Scorpion Death Lock but Styles powers out of it. Sting misses an elbow drop. Styles with a snap mare and kick to the back. Styles with a slam and a phenomenal knee drop for a near fall. Styles with an elbow to the back of the head. Sting with an Irish whip and Styles hits the turnbuckles awkwardly. Sting with a hard Irish whip as he tries to wear down A.J.’s back. Sting clotheslines Styles over the top rope to the floor.
Sting holds the ropes open for Styles to return to the ring. They lock up and Styles with an enzuigiri. Styles with a suplex for a near fall. Styles with a hard Irish whip and a kick to the back. Sting with a kick and face plant to Styles. Sting with a back body drop. Styles with punches to Sting but Sting with a punch. Styles with the phenomenal drop kick and Sting goes to the floor. Styles goes to the apron and Sting moves out of the way. Styles tries for a splash onto Sting but Sting moves and Styles goes into the guardrails. Sting tries for a Stinger splash into the guardrail and Styles moves out of the way.
The referee starts his count and Styles tells him to stop the count. Sting returns to the ring and Styles with a waist lock but Sting with an elbow. Sting with punches but Styles with punches of his own. Styles tries for the forearm into the corner but Sting moves. Sting and Styles bump heads. Styles charges into a boot from Sting. Styles sets for a tombstone but Sting reverses and hits a tombstone of his own for a two count. Styles goes to the apron and he punches Sting. Styles with a phenomenal forearm for a two count. Styles with a back breaker for a near fall. Styles with an elbow to the back of the head. Styles with an elbow and then he tries for the moonsault into the inverted DDT but Sting and Styles each counter and Sting with the Scorpion Death Drop followed by a Stinger Splash and another Scorpion Death Drop for a near fall. Sting sets for the Scorpion Death Lock and he has it locked it. Styles powers out of the hold. Styles with punches and chops to Sting. Styles and Sting with punches and Sting hulks up. Sting with a clothesline and a two count. Sting puts Styles on the turnbuckles and Styles with a head butt but Styles falls to the apron. Styles with a Pele on the apron and Styles with a springboard splash for the three count.
Winner: A.J. Styles
After the match, Sting was going to leave the ring but he returns and shakes A.J.’s hand before leaving the ring for A.J. to celebrate. A.J. asks for a mic and he tells Sting to come back into the ring. He reminds Sting that he has entertained these fans for 23 years and this is his home state. He tells Sting that the ring is his spotlight. A.J. tells Sting that this is his time now.
Sting returns to the ring and A.J. goes to the back. Sting thanks the fans and he says that he did not expect to be in the ring because this moment is not about him, it is about the world champion. Sting says that if he is going to lose, he is glad that he lost to A.J. Styles. If he can lose, he is glad to lose at home. Sting says that since he has this platform, he should cover what people have been asking him for the last few months. Sting says that he will not pull a Brett Favre and he did not plan to make an announcement. Sting says that he does not know if he will come back, but what he heard yesterday and the way the fans reacted tonight, he wants to stay forever.
We go to commercial.
We have a Sting video package.
Mike and Taz talk about Monday’s show and they wonder if Sting will be back. Taz mentions that some guy in red and yellow will be there.
ODB and Hamada are walking in the back for our main event. We go to commercial.
Match Number Eight: Hamada versus ODB in the Tournament Finals
They circle each other as the match starts and then ODB bows before Hamada and then she pie faces Hamada. Hamada with a kick and head butts followed by a chop. Hamada with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors followed by a tornado DDT for a near fall. ODB goes to the floor and takes a break. She takes her pulse on the floor before returning to the ring. ODB finally re-enters the ring and Hamada avoids a charging ODB. ODB with a float over and then she taps her breasts one too many times and Hamada with a super kick for a two count. Hamada with a La Magistral for a two count. Hamada with another rollup for a near fall and ODB tries to sober herself up. Hamada with a slam and then she goes to the turnbuckles but ODB trips Hamada and she is in the Tree of Woe as we go to commercial.
We are back and ODB gets a near fall. Wait, we go back to commercial.
We are back and ODB with a bear hug and Hamada with elbows. ODB with a knee and then she drives Hamada’s head into the mat for a near fall. ODB with a kick to the back followed by a fallaway slam and ODB with a kip up. ODB gets a near fall and then she shows some frustration as she continues to check her pulse. ODB returns to the bear hug and then runs Hamada into the turnbuckles. ODB misses a knee in the corner and Hamada with an enzuigiri and both women are down. ODB with a forearm and Hamada responds. We get a series of forearms between the women and then Hamada with a series of head butts and both women are woozy. Hamada goes to chops. Hamada with a moonsault out of the corner for a near fall. Hamada with a spin kick and gets a near fall. ODB with a jawbreaker.
We see Awesome Kong come to the ring with a table. The referee has something to say to Kong because she is not involved in the match. ODB yells at Kong. Finally other referees come out to allow the regular referee to watch what goes on in the ring.
Hamada with an uppercut and super kick. ODB staggers to the floor and Hamada goes to the apron and hits a cannonball. Hamada signals that she is going to put ODB on the table. Hamada with a head butt and ODB is on the table. Hamada moves it into position for the moonsault and she goes up top. ODB gets off the table in time and Hamada goes through the table. ODB rolls Hamada into the ring and hits the TKO for the three count.
Winner: ODB
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is in the ring with ODB. Jeremy lets ODB know that she will be facing Tara on Monday night on the biggest night of the year known as January 4th. ODB says that Tara might be the champion when the match starts, but ODB says that she will be leaving the Impact Zone with the title. She proved that she can outwrestle everyone in the company. Jeremy brings up the finish of ODB’s match with Kong and ODB tells white bread to zip it. ODB says that Tara needs to go back where she came from where they prance around the ring and dance. ODB says that they wrestle in TNA. They don’t show their skin off and she suggests that Tara came to TNA because nobody wants to see her skin.
Tara’s music plays and she comes out to the ring with her title belt but no tarantula. Tara asks ODB if she was dancing when she kicked ODB’s ass at Final Resolution. Tara comments on ODB’s tattoos and then points out that she is the champion and that is what she came to TNA for and that is all that ODB has to worry about.
ODB calls Tara a joke of a champion and a joke of a woman. ODB calls Tara a cry baby and Tara punches ODB. ODB with a take down and they roll around the ring as we go to credits.
2010 - CZW star Nick Gage turned himself in to face charges stemming from his bank robbery of a New Jersey bank. Gage would eventually plead guilty and is currently serving a prison sentence.
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact. Richard Trionfo filed the following live report:
We are live on tape from Rochester, New York and your announcers are Matt ‘Happy’ Striker, Michael ‘New’ Cole, and Josh ‘Year’ Mathews.
Dolph Ziggler starts off tonight’s show and he is accompanied by his girlfriend and Smackdown consultant Vickie Guerrero. Vickie is not her usual bubbly self, but she throws out a few excuse mes and she appears to be fine. She says that as the official consultant of Smackdown, she is filing an official complaint against John Cena. She mentions the tag match and says that Cena put her on his shoulders for an Attitude Adjustment and says that it was unprovoked. Vickie says that she does not have an attitude and it does not have to be adjusted. Vickie wants to relive the experience by the magic of video tape.
Vickie summons the strength to say that she is now suffering from a case of vertigo. She says that she is not allowed to be more than two and a half feet off the ground according to her doctor.
Dolph informs the people of Rochester as well as the WWE Universe that vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or spinning. It is a confused and disoriented state that severely affects balance.
Vickie says that she suffers from nausea and the room spins uncontrollably. She tells everyone that she has done research and tells everyone that more than one thousand people suffer from this every year. Vickie says that there are a few people who don’t like her, but she wants everyone to stand up and show some human compassion.
Kofi Kingston comes out to interrupt the medical lesson from Dolph and Vickie. He asks Vickie to show some compassion and be quiet. Everyone is getting real nauseous listening to Vickie’s nonsense.
Vickie says that she has a serious condition, but Kofi points out that it didn’t seem so serious at TLC. Kofi asks Vickie if she remembers or is she suffering from a case of amnesia. Dolph says that temporary amnesia is a symptom, but Kofi wants to show Vickie something to remind her of what she did at TLC and we see footage of Vickie climbing a ladder at the pay per view.
Dolph says the footage was doctored while Kofi says that Vickie’s medical maladies are not the only problem. Kofi says that the way the match ended was another problem.
Vickie tells Kofi to stop being jealous because Dolph won the match.
Jack Swagger comes to the ring and he wants to talk about the match at TLC. Jack says that for the first time in his life, Kofi Kingston is right about something. Jack says that the ladder match was nothing but an All American American American American injustice. Jack wants everyone to see the injustice. We see the end of the match when the belt fell from the hook and Ziggler grabbed the belt to win the match.
Dolph says that it was fair and square that he won the match.
Jack says that both of them know that he won that match. Everyone knows that he should have won the match. Jack mentions that he is a former World Champion, a former Money in the Bank winner, and an All American American.
Dolph says that Swagger is just jealous of him because he is the Intercontinental Champion and Swagger is not. Dolph says that he could have beaten them both in succession as well. He says that the only thing that matters is that he is the Intercontinental Champion.
Kofi tells Dolph that he doesn’t deserve to be champion. Kofi says that he deserves a rematch.
Swagger says that he deserves a rematch.
Dolph says that he would love to give them a rematch, but they are the special guests of honor at Teddy Long’s New Year’s Eve Party. Dolph says that everyone follows them on Twitter and he says that it is important to everyone.
Dolph also says . . . he decides to let his fists do the talking and he tries to punch Kofi but Kofi blocks it and Kingston punches Ziggler. Swagger attacks Ziggler from behind but Kofi with a drop kick and Swagger goes to the floor. Kofi also back body drops Ziggler over the top rope to the floor when Dolph charges at Kofi.
Teddy Long comes out onto the stage and tells everyone that it is enough. Jack and Kofi aren’t the only ones who are upset with the way the ladder match at TLC ended. Teddy invites them to his Holla Holla Holla-day Party. Teddy tells Dolph that he is going to be busy tonight because he will be defending the Intercontinental Title in a triple threat match against Jack Swagger and Kofi Kingston.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of Cody Rhodes being the Grinch for Big Show’s Christmas celebration.
Match Number One: Big Show versus Dashing Cody Rhodes
Show punches Cody in the midsection and then he chops Cody and biels him across the ring. Show with a shhh chop that echoes through the building. Show decides to rest against the turnbuckles and he smothers Cody while the referee counts. Cody goes to the floor and he checks on his face in the mirror on his jacket. Cody is pulled back into the ring by the head by Big Show. Cody with a kick to Show but Show responds with a clothesline to Cody. Show with a back body drop and then Show misses a running butt splash into the corner. Cody with the Beautiful Disaster and then he punches and kicks Show against the ropes and the referee warns him. Cody comes off the ropes but Show with a shoulder tackle. Show winds up for the knockout punch and Cody leaves the ring and walks to the back. The referee makes the count because Cody is not coming back.
Winner: Big Show by count out
We go to the back where the party is in full swing and we see Teddy talking to Kelly Kelly in the background while Beth does not believe that Diddy gave JTG his chain. Rosa feeds Hornswoggle and she says that it has been a great year for her and it is time to celebrate. Conor O’Brian stops by and says that he is admiring Rosa’s cheese. Alberto enters the party and wants to know what Conor is doing. Alberto apologizes to Rosa for his NXT rookie because he looks like a rat. Alberto tells Hornswoggle to stop bothering the lady before he leaves.
Teddy welcomes everyone to his Holla Holla Holla-Day Party. He wants some people to come up and make their New Year’s Resolutions. Drew is the first to take Teddy up on the offer and he says that he guarantees that in 2011 he will become champion. Second, he plans to be a better person while he looks at Kelly. Chavo is a bit inebriated and he admits that it might be the alcohol talking but he has some resolutions. He tells all of the ‘so called’ Superstars that they are ignorant, self centered jerks. Teddy tells Chavo that he is drinking non-alcoholic champagne. Chavo meekly wishes everyone a Happy New Year as we go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Drew McIntyre versus Trent Barreta
They lock up and Trent sends Drew into the turnbuckles. They lock up again and Drew tries for a side head lock but Trent gets out of the hold. Drew with a kick and side head lock take down. Trent escapes the side head lock and applies a side head lock of his own. Drew with a kick and punch instead of a clean break. Drew with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot and then takes Drew to the mat again. Trent tries for a rana but Drew counters with a buckle bomb. Drew slaps Trent and then he connects with a series of forearms across the chest. Drew with a stomp to the head and then he hits a series of short clotheslines in the corner followed by a short arm clothesline.
Drew gets a near fall and then he applies an arm bar on Barreta. Trent with forearms to Drew but Drew with an elbow that sends Trent to the apron. Trent escapes a belly-to-back suplex attempt from the apron into the ring and Trent hits an enzuigiri on McIntyre and Trent gets a near fall. Trent goes to the apron and hits a springboard drop kick to the back and Drew goes to the floor. Trent tries for a plancha but Drew moves out of the way. The referee calls for the bell as a result of Trent’s crash and burn on the plancha.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Other officials come out to check on Trent who is not moving on the floor. Drew goes over to Trent and applauds Trent’s performance. Drew gives Trent a Future Shock DDT and then wishes Trent a Happy New Year.
We go to commercial.
We are back at the party and Chavo says that nobody respects him or likes him. Chavo says that the person he is talking to is the only one who understands him. They pan out and we see that Chavo is talking to the Swagger Soaring Eagle and Chavo says that the eagle is a great listener and they hug. Teddy walks by and he does a quick double take.
Teddy is about to give his New Year’s Resolution but he is interrupted by Layla and Michelle McCool. Layla and Michelle say that they don’t need resolutions because they are flawless. Michelle and Layla tell Teddy that he was wrong to say that they lost the tables match at TLC. Michelle and Layla say that they were too skinny to go through the table and that Natalya was the one who went through the table. They mention that on that night pigs flew. Michelle wonders what would have happened if both pigs flew and Beth joined in. Michelle suggests that they would have been sucked into a giant hole trying to climb out.
Beth and Natalya stop by and they want Michelle and Layla to say it to their face. They yell back and forth and Teddy is the peacemaker and matchmaker because Michelle and Layla will face Natalya and Beth tonight.
Teddy tells the eagle that was a close one.
Match Number Three: Edge and Rey Mysterio versus Kane and Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio and Mysterio start things off and Alberto with kicks followed by an Irish whip but Del Rio runs into a boot from Rey. Rey with a head scissors that sends Alberto into the ropes and Edge is tagged in. Edge punches Alberto and kicks him in the corner. Edge with a kick as he comes off the ropes and he clotheslines Alberto over the top rope to the floor. Kane comes in and Edge punches him and then Edge and Rey with a double drop kick that sends Kane to the floor next to Del Rio. Edge propels Rey over the top rope to the floor in a modified wheelbarrow power bomb. We go to commercial.
We are back and Kane and Del Rio are in control of the match and Kane with an uppercut to Edge followed by punches. Edge punches Kane and then sends him into the turnbuckles. Edge climbs onto the ropes and Edge punches Kane but the referee deals with Rey on the apron and Del Rio drops Edge on the top rope.
Del Rio tags back in and he kicks Edge followed by a snap mare and drop kick to the back for a near fall. Del Rio with a kick to the head and he gets a near fall. Del rio chokes Edge in the ropes and Kane with a boot to the head while Del Rio talks to the referee. Del Rio gets a near fall. Kane tags back in and he kicks Edge in the ribs. Kane with more kicks to the ribs and then he chokes Edge with the rope. Kane gets a near fall on Edge. Kane with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Edge with an Edge-o-Matic and he tags Rey into the match. Rey with a seated splash from the top turnbuckle followed by a drop kick to the knee and a kick to the head. Rey knocks Del Rio off the apron but that gives Kane enough time to recover and he punches Rey when Rey returns his focus to the legal man in the match.
Rey with a kick to Kane and then he tries for a springboard cross body but Kane with an uppercut to Rey. Kane throws Rey to the floor and Del Rio kicks Rey while Kane distracts the referee. Kane Irish whips Rey into the ringside barrier and then he punches Rey before returning to the ring. Kane gets a near fall. Del Rio tags back in and he gets a running start before kicking Rey in the head and he gets a near fall. Del Rio with a gut buster from the shoulders for a near fall.
Del Rio with a figure four body scissors but Rey gets out of the hold. Rey with a kick to the head and a back kick. Del Rio stops Rey’s momentum with a tilt-a-whirl back breaker for a near fall. Kane tags back in and he kicks Rey and Irish whips Rey and hits a back breaker and then he stretches Rey on his knee. Rey with punches and then he kicks Kane when he charges into the ring. Rey hits a tilt-a-whirl DDT as a counter and both men are down.
Del Rio and Edge tag in and Edge with a running forearm and clothesline followed by a flapjack. Del Rio has Edge on his shoulders but Edge escapes and counters with an Impaler DDT. Edge has that look in his eyes and he pulls at the hair to signify that the spear is coming. Del Rio gets back to his feet but Kane stops the spear attempt and grabs Edge by the throat. Edge escapes the choke slam and he sends Kane across the ring and Rey pulls down the ropes and Kane goes to the floor.
Edge with a baseball slide to Kane and Rey with a head scissors that sends Del Rio into the ropes for the 619 and then Edge finishes off Del Rio with a spear and he gets the three count.
Winners: Edge and Rey Mysterio
Edge and Rey celebrate in the ring and then we go back to the party.
Chavo is talking to Kaitlyn and Chavo comments on how lame the party is but he knows how to liven it up. Chavo thinks that he is going to inhale helium from the balloons, but his voice does not change and Kaitlyn tells Chavo that there is no helium in the balloons. Chavo can’t believe that and walks away. We see the return of the Chris Masters Pectacular and he is watching Hornswoggle try out but he does not have the same technique as Masters, but Hornswoggle leaves with Kaitlyn.
Big Show is telling Kelly that she is a big girl and she can make her own decisions, but since they are BFFs, he warns Kelly about Drew. He tells her to be careful. Kelly thanks Show for the advice.
Cody Rhodes steps up to the Resolution mic and he says that he has an announcement. Cody wants to know how, as the face of Smackdown, that he can go on with Big Show trying to break his nose. Good thing Big Show is standing right next to Cody so he can respond. Show tells Cody that is his first mistake because if he wanted to break his nose, it would be broken.
Teddy interjects and says that the party every year seems to end up having a fight. Show says that it wouldn’t be much of a fight but Teddy does his job preventing a fight . . . so far. Teddy says that after what he saw in the ring, he wants to announce two matches for the first Smackdown of 2011. Alberto Del Rio will face Rey Mysterio in a two-out-of-three falls match. Kane will face Edge for the World Title in a Last Man Standing Match.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Layla and Michelle McCool versus Beth Phoenix and Natalya
Beth and Michelle start things off and Beth works on the wrist and lifts Michelle by the wrist. Natalya tags back in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and Natalya gets a near fall. Michelle gets to the ropes to stop Natalya’s offense. Michelle tries for the McCool Clash but Natalya grabs the ropes. Michelle sends Natalya to the ropes and Michelle with a kick to the head. We go to commercial.
We are back and Layla has Natalya in a body scissors. Natalya with a forearm to the chest and then gets Layla up for a bear hug but Layla turns it into a lateral press for a near fall. Layla with a drop kick to Natalya and then misses a charge into the corner. Beth tags in and hits a double sledge on Layla. Beth tries to go off the ropes but Michelle pulls the ropes and Beth goes to the floor.
Michelle tags in and she sends Beth into the apron and then kicks her. Michelle with knees to the back and then Layla kicks Beth while the referee was not looking. Michelle with kicks in the corner and chokes Beth. They double team Beth briefly while the referee deals with Natalya on the apron. Layla tags in and kicks Beth and slams her head into the mat. Beth with a rear chin lock but Beth escapes with a snap mare. Beth tries to make the tag but Layla stops her for a moment before Beth kicks her away.
Natalya tags in and hits a few clotheslines and then slams Layla and hits a drop kick to the back and gets a near fall. Layla with a punch and she tries for a kick but Natalya blocks it. Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter but Layla blocks it and sends Natalya into the ropes. Natalya with the Sharpshooter but Michelle with a kick to Layla. Michelle pulls Layla into the corner to make the tag.
Natalya with a back body drop and then she tags Beth in. Michelle tries for a rollup using the ropes but Beth sends Michelle into the ropes and then Beth hits the Glam Slam for the three count.
Winners: Natalya and Beth Phoenix
We return to the party where Teddy Long is at the Microphone of Resolutions and he congratulates everyone on a great year. He says that everyone has matured has human beings. Teddy is proud to announce that this is the first party in WWE history that did not have a fight.
Teddy might have to eat his words because Chavo has something to say. Chavo says that this is the lamest party he has ever been to. Show offers to get Chavo a drink and he pours the punch bowl onto Chavo. Chavo sees Hornswoggle laughing by the cake so he sends Hornswoggle face first into the cake. Things break down and food goes flying everywhere. Chavo says that is what he calls a party and then Hornswoggle throws some cake in his face to end the festivities.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Match Number Five: Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero versus Jack Swagger versus Kofi Kingston in an Intercontinental Title Match
Kofi with a kick to Ziggler and then Swagger punches Kofi. Dolph and Swagger focus on Kofi to weaken him. Kofi with an elbow to Swagger but Swagger with a forearm to the back and an elbow drop to Kofi. Ziggler kicks Kofi as the alliance between Ziggler and Swagger continues. Kofi fights back with punches and kicks. Ziggler with a kick to Kofi and then the double team continues. Swagger sends the knee into the mat as he tries to limit Kofi’s aerial moves. Swagger with a boot to the chest.
Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop to Kofi and then Swagger hits a leaping leg drop on Kofi. Kofi tries to fight from the corner but Ziggler with a flurry of punches to the head. Swagger and Ziggler with a double suplex on Kofi. Ziggler starts to focus on Kofi’s back but Kofi with a kick to Swagger and a forearm to Ziggler. Kofi with a monkey flip to Swagger and then he leaps into the corner and punches Ziggler. Kofi with a European uppercut that sends Ziggler to the floor. Swagger charges at Kofi and Kofi drops down and Swagger goes to the floor. Kofi with a suicide dive and hits both men as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi has Swagger in a key lock while Ziggler is still on the floor. We see footage from the commercial break when Kofi punched Swagger repeatedly. Back to the live action and Kofi with a leaping clothesline on Swagger and he gets ready for the Boom Drop but Ziggler trips him from the floor and pulls Kofi to the floor. Ziggler with a clothesline to Kofi.
The alliance appears to be over when Swagger tries to pull Ziggler into the ring by his hair. Dolph pulls Swagger onto the top rope and then hits a running Fameasser and gets a near fall after pulls Swagger from the apron. Swagger goes to the floor and Ziggler turns his attention to Kofi who returns to the ring. Ziggler with a neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Ziggler punches Kofi in the head and then he this a leaping elbow drop and gets a near fall. Ziggler locks in the reverse chin lock but Kofi gets to his feet with elbows. Ziggler slams Kofi’s head to the mat and gets a near fall.
Swagger tries to get back into the ring but Ziggler knocks Swagger off the apron. Ziggler returns to the head lock as he works on Kofi’s neck. Kofi stomps on the foot to get out of the hold and then he connects with a forearm and punch. Ziggler stops Kofi with a kick to the midsection and then he Irish whips Kofi but misses a splash into the corner.
Kofi with chops to Dolph followed by a drop kick and a Superman punch. Kofi hits the Boom Drop and then he sets for Trouble in Paradise. Swagger returns to the ring and he stops Kofi and has him in a waist lock before hitting a German suplex and in the process, Kofi hits Ziggler as he is suplexed. Swagger gets a near fall on Ziggler and then he covers Kofi but only gets a near fall. Ziggler rolls to the apron and Swagger deals with Kofi. Swagger puts Kofi on the turnbuckles and punches Kofi before going for a superplex. Kofi pushes Swagger off the turnbuckles. Ziggler takes his place and tries for a superplex but Kofi blocks it and Swagger gets involved.
Kofi is able to get out of the superplex so Swagger gives Ziggler a running power bomb. Kofi goes up top and hits a cross body on Swagger but he can only get a two count. Kofi tries for the SOS but Swagger avoids it and he dives at Kofi’s knee. Swagger applies the ankle lock but Kofi rolls through. Kofi tries for Trouble in Paradise and misses, landing on the injured knee.
Swagger smells blood in the water and he returns to the ankle lock. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on Swagger and Ziggler covers Swagger but Kofi breaks up the cover. All three men are down in the ring as they try to get to their feet first to gain an advantage. Ziggler rolls to the apron while Kofi gets to his feet first but he is still feeling the effects of the ankle lock. Kingston with punches and he kicks Swagger. Kofi comes off the turnbuckles and hits a DDT but Vickie puts Swagger’s foot on the rope to stop the count. Swagger with a knee and he tries for the Doctor Bomb but Kofi lands on his feet and hits Trouble in Paradise. Ziggler comes from out of nowhere to get the three count on Kofi with a rollup.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
2011 - Former WWE and UFC champion Brock Lesnar announced he was retiring from MMA after losing via TKO to Alistair Overeem in the main event of UFC 141 just minutes into the first round.
Lesnar noted that he promised his wife, former WWE star Sable, that if he lost the fight, he would retire from MMA and was keeping his word. He noted that had he won, he would have retired after fighting for the UFC title one last time.
Lesnar looked as if he was there in name only during the fight and never showed any serious sign of offense.
2012 - TNA ran Albany, NY. Mary Briscoe filed the following results:
TNA ran Albany, NY last night and I had a ton of fun. Really fun show.
The pre-show Meet and greet was Morgan, Tara, Jesse, Samoa Joe, Chavo Guerreri and Hernandez. Austin Aries signed at merch table. Velvet Sky made it and did autographs for people that bought her action figure in the backstage area they did the meet and greet.
Christy Hemme was announcing.
The first match Jesse Godderz with Tara vs. Robbie E. They did a Bro off to start. Jesse went over with rollup and a handful of tights. After the match, they beat down E but it was broken up by Velvet Sky.
That led to Sky's match vs. Tara. Velvet won by pinfall after reversing a Widow's Peak into a roll-up.
They held a TNA Tag title match with Joey Ryan and Matt Morgan challenging Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez. Chavo and Hernandez went over after a frog splash on Joey.
Austin Aries vs. Bully Ray. Aries berated Albany and says only town in NY he likes is Xoxsakie. After a long match with lots of gaga, Bully went over after reversing a brainbuster into an Ace crusher.
They held an intermission with Earl's 10,0000 matches t-shirt plugged as for sale.
Doc and Devon vs. James storm and Samoa Joe. Devon and Joe bumped the ref and fight to the back. Another masked member of Aces and Eights came out and hit Storm with hammer. Doc pins Storm. Storm was laid out for a good five minutes after the bell.
The main event was the NTA championship match with Bobby Roode vs. Jeff Hardy. Hardy wins after the twist of fate.
Overall, a good show but it was a weird set up of two matches after intermission. They did a deal for twenty bucks after the show, your entire group could get a picture in the ring with Jeff Hardy.
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Washington D.C. and your announcers are Michael ‘Wizard’ Cole and Jerry ‘Remember when Alex Ovechkin played in this building’ Lawler.
Miz comes to the stage for the Most Must See show in WWE history, MizTV. On the final Raw of 2012, it will be ‘must see’. Per Vickie Guerrero, it is a ‘Championships on the Line’ kind of night. It will be champions choice. All current champions get to decide their opponents.
Miz brings out his guest, and he is a ten time WWE Champion, he brings out John Cena.
John wishes everyone a Happy New Year.
Miz points out that John Cena was involved with AJ and they were the feel good story of 2012, until she pushed him off a ladder. Miz says that AJ said that John toyed with her emotions and used her.
Miz wants to know what John thinks of AJ. Cena says that it is over and he throws out a few ‘Reallys’.
Miz says that AJ and Dolph invited him to a New Year’s Eve Toast.
John says that he will attend. Maybe they can watch the ball drop, or someone drop.
Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes come out and Damien says that T.S. Eliot once said that this is how the world ends, not with a bang, but with a whimper. Damien demands silence.
Cena does blustery speech and does his best Elihu Smails. He then says that it was Robert Griffin III who said, ‘You guys suck’.
Damien says that he has never heard of that man and he says that he did not ask for their opinion. He calls Miz a mouth breathing miscreant and then he demands silence while the crowd chants RGIII.
Miz chooses to spotlight this disgusting tabloid scandal.
Cena says that he agrees with Damien. Cena says that there is another issue that is facing us and growing out of proportion. Cena gets close to Cody’s mustache.
Cody says that John thinks he is so funny. He says that what sucked was when both Miz and Cena got laid out by Big E Langston and Dolph Ziggler.
Sandow says that they went from main eventing Wrestlemania to drowning in the shadow of the Rhodes Scholars.
Damien has a New Year’s Resolution and Cena wants to have a clean slate with Miz. Cena challenges Gandalf and Magnum P.I. for a match.
Match Number One: John Cena and Miz versus Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow
Cena and Cody start things off and Cena with a shoulder tackle. Cena with a punch and he tags in Miz. Miz goes up top and he hits a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Cody tags in Sandow. Sandow with a side head lock take down. Sandow with a shoulder tackle and Miz with a flapjack. Sandow goes to the floor and Cody checks on him and we go to commercial.
We are back and Cena with an Irish whip and kick to Sandow followed by a suplex and a reverse chin lock. Sandow with elbows but Cena with a back body drop. Miz tags in and he works on Sandow’s back. Miz with a kick to the midsection. Sandow with a back elbow and clothesline. Cody tags in and he kicks Miz.
Miz with a back elbow and then he sends Cody into the turnbuckles and he punches Cody. Miz with a punch to the head and he gets a near fall. Cody with punches to Miz. Sandow tags back in and connects with a forearm to the back. He rubs Miz’ face in the mat and he kicks Miz in the ribs. Sandow with an elbow drop for a near fall. Sandow with the Elbow of Disdain and he tags Cody back in.
Cody with a head butt and then he stomps on the head. Cody with a rear chin lock. Cody punches Miz in the corner and Miz fights out of the corner but Cody puts Miz on the top rope and he kicks Miz in the abdomen. Sandow tags back in and gets a near fall. Miz with an inside cradle for a near fall.
Sandow keeps Miz from making the tag and Cody is tagged in. Cody with a kick and punch. Cody with a gourdbuster for a near fall. Cody with an arm bar. Cody sends Miz back to the mat and then he tags Sandow back in. Sandow with a kick and snap mare. Sandow with forearms across the chest and then an elbow drop to the head.
Rhodes tags in and he tags Cody back in and Cody kicks Miz. Cody with a kick but Miz pushes Cody away on a bulldog attempt and both men are down. Cena and Sandow tag in and Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by a Blue Thunder Bomb and he sets for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and hits it.
Cody with Beautiful Disaster to Cena. Miz with the Skull Crushing Finale on Cody. Sandow runs into an Attitude Adjustment when he misses a clothesline on Miz. Cena gets the three count.
Winners: Miz and John Cena
After the match, Miz and Cena celebrate in the ring.
There is a New Year’s Eve Party in the back and Otunga has his travel mug that matches his sweater. Otunga is looking forward to 2013. He says that it will be the Year of Otunga.
Vickie sees Dolph and he thanks Vickie for the invite. Dolph suggests to let bygones be bygones. Vickie tells Dolph and his girlfriend to enjoy their New Year’s Toast. Vickie says that Dolph has a match against Sheamus tonight.
We are back and on January 11, 1993, an era began with Raw. On January 14th, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary.
The party continues with Millions of Dollars Dances.
CM Punk is at the party and he says that the WWE Universe does not appreciate what he goes through. He says that some believe that the injury is not real. CM Punk says that he has his doctor from Chicago with him to explain what happened to his knee. Punk says that he wants to wrestle tonight.
Vickie asks Punk who he would have defended the title against. Punk says Ryback.
Vickie says that Ryback will wrestle tonight against . . .
CM Punk suggests The Shield but Vickie says that it would not be fair to have to face three men.
Vickie decides to make it a handicap match.
Punk wishes Vickie a Happy New Year and kisses Vickie.
Antonio Cesaro is in the ring. He points out that he is in the capital of the United States as your United States Champion. He says that he went to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Pentagon. Three things that he is the champion of. He ran into someone at the Pentagon with someone who is full of patriotism. Antonio selects a man who is the symbol of America itself.
Sergeant Slaughter comes to the ring.
Match Number Two: Sergeant Slaughter versus Antonio Cesaro for the United States Title
They lock up and Cesaro with a hammer lock and he pushes Slaughter. They lock up and Cesaro with a waist lock but Slaughter with a standing switch. Cesaro gets to the ropes and Slaughter with a slap to the back of the neck. Cesaro with a kick and head butt to the chin.
Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Slaughter with punches but Cesaro with kicks. Slaughter locks in the Cobra Clutch but Cesaro gets to the ropes. Cesaro with a European uppercut to Slaughter followed by the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.
Winner:Antonio Cesaro
After the match, Cesaro kicks Slaughter and sets for another Neutralizer and he hits it.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Kane and Daniel Bryan are angry because they wanted to face the Shield. Who can they fight? They hear singing on the other side of the curtain and it is the 3MB.
Slater says that they are trying to rehearse.
Kane and Bryan have their opponents.
Back to the party and Ricardo is getting a beverage. Big Show wishes Ricardo a Happy New Year in Spanish. Show asks Ricardo if he would like a chance at the World Title tonight. Show says that his choice is Ricardo. Ricardo drops his drink on Show’s boots and Ricardo cleans it up.
Kaitlyn brings Mae Young to the party and she is with all of the Divas.
Eve says that everyone is wondering who she is going to defend the title against. She says that she has beaten all of them . . . except Mae Young. She says that she will see Mae in the ring.
Match Number Three: Kane and Daniel Bryan versus Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre for the Tag Titles
Bryan and Slater start things off and Slater with an arm drag and he plays some air guitar in the ring. They lock up and Bryan with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Bryan grabs the leg when Slater tries for a leap frog. Bryan sets for a surfboard and then he tags in Kane and Kane with a drop kick to Slater. Kane gets a near fall>
Drew makes the tag and he throws the bandana aside. Drew with a side head lock but Kane with a shoulder tackle. Kane with an Irish whip and uppercut. Bryan tags in and Bryan with a drop kick into the corner after being Irish whipped by Kane. Drew sends Bryan to the mat and then he stomps on the chest. Drew with a punch but Bryan with kicks after escaping a slam attempt.
Slater makes the blind tag and he pulls the ropes open and Bryan goes to the floor. Mahal with a high knee to the chest and Slater sends Bryan into the ring and gets a near fall. Slater with a reverse chin lock. Bryan with elbows but Slater with a knee and neck breaker for a near fall.
Both men go for cross body blocks and both men are down. Drew tags in and he keeps Bryan from making the tag for a moment but Kane tags in and he punches Drew and follows with a slam and leg drop. Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Drew with a boot but Kane with a side slam for a near fall.
Kane goes up top for the clothesline and he hits it. Kane signals for the choke slam but Slater tries to interfere and Slater is thrown over the top rope to the floor. Bryan with a knee to the head from the apron on Mahal. Drew tries for the Future Shock DDT but Kane counters with a choke slam. Bryan tags in and hits the diving head butt for the three count.
Winners: Daniel Bryan and Kane
After the match, Bryan wants to play some title belt guitar but Kane does not want to play.
CM Punk is in the back with Paul Heyman and his physician as we go to commercial.
We are back and we see highlights from the end of the opening tag match that saw John Cena and Miz face Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes.
CM Punk makes his way to the ring with his crutches, Paul Heyman, and his physician.
As Punk makes his way to the ring, we see the footage of CM Punk when he suffered his knee injury four weeks ago.
Paul Heyman introduces himself and he says that it is his pleasure to everyone the man who has held the WWE Championship for each and every single solitary day of the calendar year 2012. For 407 days, your champion has been CM Punk.
Punk says that 2012 has been quite a year for him. Wrestling and besting people like Chris Jericho, Dolph Ziggler, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, John Cena, Ryback, and John Cena, he has accomplished a lot. Being champion for 407 days, it is a tough schedule. He has been rendered injured. Punk says that he has had his share of lacerations, contusions, chipped teeth, and broken bones.
If anyone in the crowd had suffered through a fraction of what he did, they would be in the fetal position crying for their mommies. Punk says that he is a Champion’s champion’s champion.
Punk says that some question the veracity of his injury. Some think that this is felonious. That is why Punk has brought his doctor from Chicago, Samuel De Cero.
His doctor says that to fully understand Punk’s injury . . .
Punk interrupts and demands that the people show some respect.
In order to understand the injury, one has to see what a healthy knee looks like. We see a comparison of a healthy knee and Punk’s knee. The knee is in an obvious state of duress. There is major swelling.
Punk says that despite this swelling, he has a match against Ryback. Punk says that he made a career out of beating people like Ryback. He can beat Ryback with one arm, one eye, or one leg. Punk says that he will continue to do what he has done for 407 days. He will prove that he is the Best in the World.
The doctor tells Punk that he cannot allow him to compete.
Punk says that he was told in the back that he could compete.
After further review, he cannot allow Punk to wrestle in good conscience.
Vince McMahon comes out and he does the McWalk to the ring. Vince wishes everyone a Happy New Year. Vince says that he wanted to see how Punk was going to weasel out of the match.
Paul reminds Vince that Punk has been champion for 407 days and CM Punk has never weaseled his way out of anything.
Vince says that in terms of evaluating his condition, WWE officials will evaluate Punk next week. If they deem that Punk is capable of wrestling, he will defend his title against Ryback in a TLC match.
Punk says that Vince thinks that he is guilty of all of the things that people are accusing him of. Punk says that Vince was unjustly prosecuted.
Vince says that he is not taking anything away from Punk. Vince wonders why Punk has been champion so long. Was there a deal between Punk and Brad Maddox? Was there a deal between Punk and The Shield?
Punk says that this hurts because Vince was unjustly prosecuted by this government. Punk says that he had nothing to with the Shield or Brad ‘Mad Docks’ Maddox.
Paul tells Vince that even Vince surprises him. Punk is the best in the world and everything that Vince wanted to promote. Punk is a hero. He is an injured hero. How dare Vince, in the same city that his father first promoted sports entertainment, force an injured hero into action. Vince has become a flesh peddling promoter.
Vince says that if WWE officials say that Punk cannot go next week, he will not wrestle. They will need an opponent for Ryback.
Heyman seems okay with Vince’s new edict. . . until Vince tells Paul that he would be facing Ryback.
Match Number Four: Dolph Ziggler (with AJ Lee and Big E Langston) versus Sheamus
Ziggler with a kick and punches to Sheamus. The referee pulls Ziggler out of the corner as he connects with elbows. Sheamus with punches to Ziggler. Sheamus sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and hits a short arm clothesline. Sheamus with a slam followed by an elbow drop and he gets a near fall.
Ziggler with a kick and punches. Sheamus with a back body drop like maneuver and then he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a kick but Sheamus sends Ziggler to the apron. Ziggler misses a shoulder and Sheamus with a knee lift and forearms across the chest but Langston pulls Ziggler to the floor and we get a stare down between Sheamus and Langston as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a side head lock but Sheamus with two double sledges followed by a shoulder that sends Ziggler into the corner and Sheamus with a running knee lift. Ziggler escapes a power slam and he hits a DDT after an uppercut. Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler with a leaping elbow drop and he gets a near fall. Sheamus punches Ziggler but Ziggler with a kick to the knee. Ziggler with a drop kick to the chest and he gets a near fall.
Ziggler with a rear chin lock. Ziggler takes Sheamus to the mat and applies a body scissors. Sheamus with punches but Ziggler with a knee. Sheamus with a power slam for a near fall. Ziggler goes to the apron and Sheamus goes to the corner but Ziggler drops Sheamus on the top rope. Ziggler goes up top but Sheamus punches Ziggler.
Sheamus sets for a super Fallaway Slam and then Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus goes up top but Ziggler crotches Sheamus. Ziggler punches Sheamus and connects with elbows on the turnbuckles. Sheamus pushes Ziggler off and then he tries to get back onto the turnbuckles but Sheamus with a punch. Sheamus with a flying shoulder tackle and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus tries to apply the Cloverleaf but Ziggler gets to the ropes. Ziggler hits Sheamus in the knee and tries for another DDT but Sheamus catches Ziggler and then gets him set for White Noise and hits it.
Sheamus looks around and it is time to bloody the chest for the Brogue Kick. Langston grabs the leg and that allows Ziggler to climb on Sheamus’ back for a sleeper. Sheamus with an arm drag that sends Ziggler onto Langston and Langston catches Ziggler.
We get another stare down between Langston and Sheamus. Langston gets on the apron and then the Shield attacks Sheamus. The referee calls for the bell.
Winner: Sheamus (by disqualification)
The Shield works over Sheamus but Sheamus sends Ambrose and Rollins to the floor. Reigns with a spear and the three on one attack resumes. They get Sheamus up for the triple power bomb and send him to the mat.
We go to commercial and Kofi is checking with someone about Sheamus’ condition.
Wade tells Kofi that every champion except him has picked their opponents. Is Kofi worried about choosing between Hornswoggle and Little Jimmy. Barrett tells Kofi to choose him.
Kofi says that Hornswoggle and Little Jimmy would be better opponents. He already beat Barrett at TLC. He will beat Barrett again.
CM Punk is interrupted by Brad Maddox. Brad says that they can help each other. Brad says that he lost his last chance on Smackdown and he is looking for a job. Paul tells Brad to find the person who hires people.
Paul tells Brad to get out of CM Punk’s locker room, the arena, and out of his life.
Mae Young is at the party and she is holding her sides. The Divas tells the doctor that Mae is suffering from cramps. They get a table ready for Mae so the doctor can check on her.
The doctor says that Mae cannot compete tonight because she is pregnant.
Mae says not again.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Eve comes to the ring and she says that it is a flimsy excuse from Mae Young to get out of this match. She says that she was looking forward to defending the title against a Hall of Famer. Since Mae cannot wrestle, she wants the referee to declare her winner by forfeit.
Kaitlyn comes to the ring and Eve attacks her. Kaitlyn with a shoulder tackle and she punches Eve. Kaitlyn goes after eve and sends her into the ringside barrier. Kaitlyn kicks Eve. Kaitlyn punches Eve in the back of the head.
Eve tries to leave with the title belt but Kaitlyn makes it hard for her to get away.
Ricardo is in the back getting ready for his match. Alberto tells Ricardo it is not fair or right. Alberto says that he should be fighting that monster. He wants to know how Ricardo feels. Ricardo says that he is going to win the title and he will do it in Alberto’s honor. Alberto tells Ricardo that he has shown him nothing but honor. Alberto says that he has treated Ricardo like dirt. Ricardo was his dirt. Nobody should be treating him bad. Tonight, he will be with Ricardo, he will be there for Ricardo.
Ricardo says this is for them. Alberto tells Ricardo that if he is going to face a champion, he has to look like a champion. He gives Ricardo his scarf and his car keys.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Five: Big Show versus Ricardo Rodriguez (with Alberto Del Rio) for the World Championship
Ricardo goes for the leg and Show with a forearm to the back. Show pulls off Ricardo’s jacket and then the shirt is unbuttoned for Show to chop Ricardo. Show with another chop. Show sends Ricardo to the mat. Show puts Ricardo on the top turnbuckle and he turns his attention to Del Rio.
Ricardo with a kick to Show and then Show misses a shoulder in the corner. Ricardo with a step up enzuigiri. Show misses a boot and Ricardo works on the hamstring. Ricardo comes off the turnbuckles and is met with a chop. Show with a short arm clothesline or two. Show sets for the knockout punch but Del Rio attacks Show.
Winner:Big Show (by disqualification)
Alberto with kicks to the leg and then he hits a super kick to Show.
Match Number Six: Kofi Kingston versus Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up and Barrett with a knee and elbow. Barrett with an Irish whip but Kofi moves. Kofi with a punch and kick to the legs. Kofi with a side head lock. Barrett with a shoulder tackle but Kofi with a back elbow and a drop kick for a near fall. Barrett backs Kofi into the corner and connects with a shoulder. Barrett with a key lock but Kofi uses the ropes to escape.
Kofi tries for Trouble in Paradise but Barrett is able to stop short to avoid it. Kofi with a waist lock into a side head lock. Kofi tries for a monkey flip but Barrett pushes Kofi off. Kofi with a hip toss and both men go over the top rope to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett with a side head lock. Kofi with punches. We see Barrett with a boot to the head during the commercial. Barrett sets for a pump handle slam and hits it and gets a near fall. Barrett chokes Kofi in the ropes and then he puts Kofi in the ropes and connects with knees. Barrett misses the boot to Kofi and gets caught in the ropes. Kofi with a pendulum kick followed by a springboard cross body on the floor.
They return to the ring and Kofi gets a near fall. Kofi with chops followed by a drop kick. Barrett tries for the Blackpool Slam but Kofi counters. Barrett with a counter of his own for a near fall. Kofi escapes Wasteland and hits SOS for a near fall. Kofi leaps to the corner and he punches Barrett. Barrett with a Barrage Bomb for a near fall. Barrett shows some frustration. Kofi misses Trouble in Paradise and Barrett gets Kofi on the shoulders for Wasteland but Kofi kicks out at two.
Kofi with an inside cradle for a near fall. Barrett with a clothesline and kick to the ribs. Barrett with kicks to the midsection in the corner until the referee warns him. Barrett with punches and the referee pulls him out of the corner again. Kofi with a pendulum kick and then Kofi tries for a springboard cross body but Barrett moves. Barrett gets the Bull Hammer ready and connects for the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
We go back to the party and Great Khali is the stirrups for Mae Young while we get closer to the delivery.
We go to commercial.
We are back and do you remember when Santa Claus made the mistake of walking into Alberto’s car on Raw last week?
Santino and Zack are ready for the party but Vickie Guerrero says that Mae Young is going to give birth to the New Year’s Baby. Kane and Daniel Bryan enter. Daniel says No and Kane says Yes. Mae gives birth to sound effects and Hornswoggle.
Match Number Seven: Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins versus Ryback
The Shield attacks Ryback on his way to the ring and Ryback does his best to fight them off. Ryback gets into the ring with Ambrose and he sends Ambrose into the turnbuckles. Reigns and Rollins join in the attack and they connect with kicks and elbows. Ambrose punches Ryback.
Sheamus comes to the ring and he goes after The Shield. Reigns and Ambrose attack Sheamus while Rollins chokes Ryback.
Randy Orton’s music plays and he comes to the ring and he goes after Ambrose and Rollins and then hits the Thesz Press on Reigns.
Ryback presses Rollins over his head and then slams him onto Reigns. Ambrose gets an RKO from Orton. The Shield leave the ring.
AJ helps Dolph get ready for their toast and we go to commercial.
We are back and we are reminded that we will either see CM Punk versus Ryback or Ryback versus Paul Heyman.
Dolph and AJ are dressed for a party and adorned in white. Big E is still in his ring gear. Dolph says that this toast goes out to everyone who deserves it. Less than a month ago, each of you voted for the Slammy for Superstar of the Year and you picked the Golden Boy John Cena. Cena had a great year. In 2012, the first half of the year was the buildup to the Match of a Lifetime. . . John Cena versus The Rock. A match that John Cena said he could not lose. Let’s go to the video tape for the finish of the match.
The next night, on Raw, John did something equally as impressive. He got F-5ed by Brock Lesnar and we see the footage.
Dolph says that there is no shame in getting beaten up by Brock Lesnar.
Then there was Cena being beaten by John Laurinaitis at Over the Limit.
Dolph wonders if people remember the People Power crap.
Dolph says that there is one more and we go to John failing to cash in at Raw 1000.
John became the first person to cash in and lose.
We need to give John some slack because it is about what you have done last and what you have done lately. Dolph asks if anyone knows how John ended his 2012 PPV year.
AJ responds that John lost to Dolph Ziggler when she pushed him off the ladder.
Dolph says that John had the most embarrassing year of his life. Everyone voted for him as Superstar of the Year.
AJ says that some people think she has mental problems, but it is the WWE Universe that needs the evaluation.
Dolph says that Cena hasn’t changed in ten years. He tells Cena to get with the times. It is 2012 and John’s time is up and Dolph says that his time is now . . . no offense. John is no longer on his level any more.
Dolph tells AJ to toast and make this the greatest new year ever. Dolph tells Big E that John is no longer invited to this toast.
AJ wants to toast the man who will own 2013, Mr. Money in the Bank, the Show Off and the man she loves . . . Dolph Ziggler.
Dolph kisses AJ in the ring and John Cena’s music plays.
Langston is all that stands between Cena and the ring.
John tells Mr. T to take it easy because he did not come out to fight. He says that Ziggler was right.
Dolph wants to make sure that he heard Cena right.
John says that there is no way to say that 2012 is not a year to be proud of. 2012 is the year of Dolph and AJ.
Dolph says that 2013 will be even better.
John says the future screams Dolph and AJ. . . primarily AJ. AJ had so many relationships. John points out that he was the fifth of the year. Sixth time is the charm. She is ready to settle down and make it legal. Dolph is in on it. They shopped for their outfit for the big day.
John has a photo of Dolph and AJ in their wedding attire and then we see the baby photo.
John says that this is not AJ’s first child.
Dolph tells John that he has nothing so all he can produce is doctored photos. John is a man-child. He calls John the biggest loser in the WWE. In 2013, he will become World Champion and John will still be a loser.
John says that Dolph is wasting their time and he wants to celebrate New Year’s. John says that if he gets serious, it does not end good for Dolph.
2012 was not good for him. He owned up to his losses and never gave up. The WWE Universe voted for him to be Superstar of the Year but he did not accept the award. Cena reminds Dolph that this is his seventh year in WWE. Dolph has only talked about how the administration held him down and all he needs is a push. The only way that Dolph gets a set of nuts, he earns. Dolph was a caddy, then a cheerleader, then he was a blonde. He had a bigger girlfriend and now he has a smaller one.
Cena announces that he is in the 2013 Royal Rumble. John vows to be the WWE Champion in 2013.
Dolph says that it is easy to say that but talk, just like Cena’s outfit is cheap.
Cena comments on Dolph’s outfit and then he says that he could make a lot of jokes about AJ wearing white. He says that his uniform has not changed in ten years because he has not changed as a person. He will give the devil his due out of respect. Cena toasts to a prosperous 2013 with the one thing that Dolph is full of. We see something brown coming from the rafters.
John wishes everyone a Happy New Year.
2013 - Former WWE star Matt Striker nabbed a role in a Star Trek film "Star Trek Equinox: The Night of Time."
2014 - TNA's John Gaburick announced that the company had signed Abyss to a new deal.
2018 - Beyond Wrestling held "Heavy Lies the Crown" in Worcester, MA. Adam Cardoza filed the following live report:
On the heels of a massive announcement that Beyond Wrestling will be running weekly streamed shows starting in April, tonight is Beyond Wrestling’s 2nd annual New Year’s Eve party at The White Eagle. It’s featuring a showdown between the winners of Beyond’s and WWR’s tag tournaments, a challenge to Tracy William’s Independent Wrestling Championship from Orange Cassidy, and a grudge match between Chris Dickinson and David Starr. The Main Event pits Nick Gage against the man who refuses to lose again in Beyond, Josh Briggs, in a Fans Bring the Weapons match. Briggs is personally inspecting the items at the door as fans enter.
Match 1: Kimber Lee, Penelope Ford, Skylar & Kylie Rae vs Twizted Sisterz (Holidead & Thunder Rosa), Harlow O’Hara & Shotzie Blackheart
It’s some of the best of yesterday’s WWR TFT show in a giant tag battle! A fast-paced high-energy chaotic match that was waged all over the room. TFT-standout and Beyind newcomer Kylie Rae isolates and sinks a DEEP crossface on Harlow to get the tap. Super fun opener!
Winners: Kimber Lee, Penelope Ford, Skylar & Kylie Rae
Match 2: John Walters vs Wheeler Yuta
Walters had a great showing last October when he beat Jon Gresham last and he faces another one of Beyond’s best tonight. This was our technical chessmatch of the night. Lots of good back-and-forth sequences and submission attempts. Walters works the wrist and arm of Yuta several times. Back and forth pin attempts until Yuta locks in a roll up for the pin. This was getting really good until a springboard spot went awkward and they never quite recovered from that.
Winner: Wheeler Yuta
Match 3: Eddie Kingston vs Stokely Hathaway (w/ Faye Jackson) (No-DQ Independent Wrestling Championship #1 Contender’s Match)
Hathaway is on a 2018 winning streak and tonight will cement his right to challenge for the Independent Wrestling Championship....except it doesn’t. It’s no DQ so Stokely gets a chair shot in....leads the crowd in a “Purple Rain” singalong...and then Eddie Kingston decisively beats the hell out of a begging and pleading Hathaway. 2 Backfist to the Futures and a powerbomb through a pair of chair seals the win for the Mad King. This was a beautifully violent end to the winning ways of Stokely Hathaway.
Winner: Eddie Kingston
Post-match, Kingston gets a kiss from Faye Jackson and calls out Independent Champion Tracy Williams from commentary.
Match 4: Matt Cross vs Andrew Everett
Last time we saw Everett in Beyond, it was in a entertaining losing effort against Donovan Dijak. They trade high-flying offense with ample counters until Everett whiffs a shooting star and Cross shows him how THAT’S done for the pin. Happy Birthday, M-Dogg!
Winner: Matt Cross
Match 5: David Starr vs Chris Dickinson
It’s the battle of the man who claims to be the Ace of Beyond Wrestling and a man who has been the Backbone of Beyond for the last decade. Starr goes on a profanity-laden tirade and runs down everyone and everything until the crowd can’t stand him anymore. The bell rings. Dickinson with an enziguri and a Pazuzu bomb for the pin. Wow. That was...DEFINITIVE. Dickinson cuts a promo on anyone who wants to come to Beyond. He is waiting. If I’m being honest, this was NOT the match I wanted from these two...that said, that was the perfect angle that this story NEEDED to establish the Dirty Daddy as Beyond’s gatekeeper. I look forward to when these two ACTUALLY lock up in a Beyond ring.
Winner: Chris Dickinson
(Intermission)
MJF interrupts Rich Palladino’s intro to the 2nd half. He’s got his arm in a sling. He says Beyond owner Drew Cordero told him he shouldn’t wrestle tonight but he thinks his can beat anyone in the back even with one arm. Kris Statlander accepts his challenge.
Match 6: MJF vs Kris Statlander
Statlander tries to use her alien telekinesis but the ref prevents it. MJF lands some cheap blows and stays on top, trying to pick his opponent apart. Kris fights back until she jacks her knee on moonsault. MJF targets that aggressively until the alien hits a destroyer and finishes the cocky elitist with a scissor kick.
Winner: Kris Statlander
Match 7: Simon Grimm vs Timothy Thatcher
Apparently, the former Simon Gotch shaved his mustache just before this match and the crowd made sure to let him know they noticed. The bell rings and these two go to war. This is 10-ish minutes of strikes, kicks, headbutts, stretches, stomps, chops, elbows and LOTS of ugly mean faces. Grimm is the agressor towards the end, almost putting Thatcher away with a rainmaker-style big boot. Tim battles back and taps out Grimm with an armbar. This was awesome.
Winner: Timothy Thatcher
Match 8: Beaver Boys (Jon Silver & Alex Reynolds) vs The Bird and The Bee (Willow Nightingale & Solo Darling)
The Beaver Boys won Beyond’s TFT (Tag F***ing Tournament) a few weeks back. The Bird and the Bee won WWR’s TFT last night. Tonight is a battle for brand supremacy. Despite working 3 matches the night before, the ladies more than hold their own. There’s a weirdly uncomfortable spot in the middle where Silver admires Solo’s muscularity and proposes marriage to her. She declines and the Boys stomp her out. Eeeeeeesh. The battles rages on and the ladies battle back, getting several near falls. Silver gets hit with Nightingale moonsault but Reynolds flips the pin and Silver gets the three with a rope assist. Good match and another Beaver Boys cheap win.
Winners: The Beaver Boys
Match 9: Tracy Williams(c) vs Orange Cassidy (Independent Wrestling Championship Match)
This is the 17th defense of Williams’ Independent Championship reign. Cassidy bested David Starr last month in what some called Beyond’s match of the year. Heeeeeere we go. Orange spends several minutes fighting with his hands in his pockets. A frustrated Williams turns up the heat but Cassidy is proving to be a resilient opponent. Orange uses an apron miscue to battle back with a top rope DDT and dropkick. Williams’ leg gets tweaked on a roll up and Orange tries to tap him out several times with an ankle lock. Cassidy mists with the juice but Williams reverses the destroyer follow up into a pair of piledrivers but Orange kicks out!!! Williams hits a top rope piledriver and tries to hit another but his leg gives out, allowing Orange to roll him up for the win. My god, he did it. This was a great culmination of some excellent long-term storytelling Beyond has done with Orange this year and an awesome cap to the title reign of Tracy Williams.
Winner (and NEWWWWWW INDEPENDENT WRESTLING CHAMPION): Orange Cassidy
Retrosexual Anthony Greene cuts a promo saying that 2019 is his year and Beyond’s new Uncharted Territory shows will be the place where he starts his “Retro-bution Tour”.
Main Event: Nick Gage vs Josh Briggs (Fans Bring the Weapons Match)
So in the ring we have a ton of things. Wooden blocks, legos, a mailbox, a guitar covered in pushpins, a piñata full of thumbtacks, a toilet seat covered in tacks, a video game guitar, rope, a keyboard, a kendo stick, a metal bat, a plastic bat covered in metal thumbtacks, a cookie sheet covered in thumbtacks, a ceiling tile, a dumbbell, crutches, a snowbrush covered In thumbtacks, gloves covered in thumbtacks annnnnnnnd....a container of salt. You know what’s about to happen here.
Gage opens up Briggs early and pours salt right in the wound. Briggs battles back and they are just rolling in tacks, weapons and each other’s blood for several minutes. After some stiff mailbox and baseball bat shots to the knee, Briggs goes for the kill with the thumbtack guitar...only to break it in front of the fan that brought it. Gage blasts him with a cookie sheet and a pair of piledrivers. Briggs reverses a third piledriver attempt and locks in a stretch muffler. Gage’s shoulders are down and the ref counts him for the three. This was a weird finish, hard to tell if Gage’s knee caused an early stop but the ref vacated the ring almost immediately and ran to the back. Gage thanked the crowd and Briggs relaxed in the ring, his win streak intact.
Winner: Nick Gage
Overall, this was a good show with a few hiccups that marred otherwise great matches. It is definitely worth your time to check out the WWR showcase tag, the Thatcher/Grimm throw-down, the TFT superfinal, and the epic conclusion to Orange’s ascent to the Independent Wrestling Championship.
Happy New Year!
2019 - Bar Wrestling held Ball Drop in Baldwin Park, CA at American Legion 241. Eric Denton filed the following results:
*"Dashing" Chris Bey pins Lucas Riley.
*The Leftovers (Ray Rosas & Uptown Andy Brown) defeated REVOLT (Zane Reilly & Caleb konley).
*Eli Everfly pins Douglas James.
*Gisele Shaw pins. Pricilla Kelly.
*Dom Kubrick & Heather Monroe defeated Tommy Dreamer & Ruby Raze.
*Teddy Hart defeated Jake Atlas.
*David Arquette, RJ City, Colt Cabana & Joey Ryan defeated YUMA, BHK, WATTS & Russ Taylor.
2019 - Beyond Wrestling held “Heavy Lies The Crown” in Worcester, MA. Adam Cardoza filed the following report:
It is here! Beyond Wrestling’s annual year-end blowout show! It’s an absolutely stacked card and the crowd has packed it in here in Worcester. Some things to note: We’re gathering a huge crowd in the White Eagle. Beyond has some new lights in the room to make the presentation even better. Mama Colorado is catering tonight so I get my walking taco in hand to Paul Crockett’s utter disgust (but really, these things are great).
Davienne is out here to issue an open challenge ahead of the show. ADDY STARR is here to answer it!!!
Dark Match: Davienne vs “The Queen of Crazy” Addy Starr
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! I have a big dumb smile on my face when the music hits. Davienne ambushes Starr during her intro but the Queen lands a series of running knees for a near fall. Davienne powers back with suplexes. Addy whiffs a hangman’s double knees. Davienne with the corner dropkick to wrap Starr to the post. Addy kicks out of a sidewalk driver. She battles back and hits a sliding forearm to keep Davienne down.
Winner: Addy Starr
Solid match here and a good surprise addition to the card! Would love to see Starr here more often, especially if she can showcase some of her more violent LEGO-based stylings. Skyler being unavailable this weekend, this was a good way to get the other Top Dog in the room.
And we’re liiiiiiiive!!! Sidney Bakabella isn’t here tonight so Smart Mark Sterling is joining Paul Crockett on the headset tonight!
Match 1: Wheeler Yuta vs Fred Yehi
First: These new lights are REALLY GOOD. They are instantly adding that special SOMETHING we’ve lacked since moving from Electric Haze to the White Eagle. Ok, match time. Yuta and Yehi are scrambling for position. Yehi grabbing the ear for advantage. Trading chops and reversals until Yuta dropkicks Yehi out of the ring. Yehi dodges the dive but gets hit with the superkick. Yehi stuffs Yuta arm into the corner post and beats him down and follows with a snap suplex to the floor. OWWWWW. Yuta beats the count but Yehi is stomping him out for the effort. Yuta keeps fighting back, eventually hitting a shotgun dropkick sending Yehi headfirst into the second buckle. Yehi gets enziguri’d out of the ring and dove on. Top rope dropkick from Yuta but Yehi with a near fall on a rollup. Yuta with a near fall on a ddt and wraps up a deep STF but Yehi bites his way out, drawing blood! Big brain buster but Yuta kicks out. Yehi going for a piledriver but Yuta flips it over into a pin for the win!
Winner: Wheeler Yuta
Hell yeah. I love both these guys and this was the solid competitive fight between them both. Yuta was at his best fighting from underneath and Yehi looked like an absolutely predator in there. Great opener!
Match 2: Nick Gage vs SLADE (No DQ)
SLADE won the season 2 Discovery Gauntlet against Aaron Rourke last Thursday and Immediately called out Gage for this fight. Time to see if that was a bad idea. Gage comes out hot, flooring SLADE and goes for the plunder. We have a seated bar fight. Gage blasts SLADE with a chair. SLADE fires back. SLADE puts Gage through a door. SLADE sets up the chairs again but Gage suplexes him through them. They take turns smashing broken parts of the door over each other’s heads. Gage and Ref Dumeng set up a door across the chairs but SLADE suplexes Gage through it. The King battles back and it takes 2 chokebreakers and a stacked Powerbomb to keep the man from Riker’s Island down.
Winner: Nick Gage
Wow. This was a wild & fast car crash. Exactly what I wanted from these two. Just the right amount of plunder and intensity. SLADE takes the loss but Gage had to destroy him to get the W.
Match 3: WARHORSE(c) vs One Called Manders (for the IWTV Championship)
Manders attacked WARHORSE after the Thanksgiving Night episode of Uncharted Territory to set this showdown up. This is WARHORSE’s 21st title defense. The Crowd is properly split here between the two. Big one armed press slam from the cowboy but WARHORSE pops up. Lots of intensity between these two as they trade chops. Manders catches WARHORSE on the top and hits a long delayed vertical suplex. The champ battles back and hits a top rope shotgun dropkick but Manders muscles him up for a back suplex. Big chops from the big cowboy and he applies a Camel Clutch. Stackup powerbomb for a near fall. WARHORSE battles back with a series of Germans and a top rope dive for a two count. WARHORSE back to the top but Manders back drops him and hits a gutwrench sitout powerbomb for a close call. Manders with a buckle Bomb and huge lariat but WARHORSE kicks out! WARHORSE fires up being punched but Manders with a powerslam to lay them both out. Coming to their feet with chops, WARHORSE hits the top rope double stomp to Manders’ back for the pin!
Winner (and still champion): WARHORSE
David Starr’s music hits so he can stare down WARHORSE just before going to battle with Erick Stevens. As for the match, this was great. I’ve loved every outing Manders has had in Beyond and this was no different. This may not have been the cowboy’s night but he is bound to get another crack at it. WARHORSE has been having a hell of a run as champion this year.
Match 4: “The Product” David Starr vs Erick Stevens
Well if Starr wants a crack at that belt, he needs to take down Stevens, who briefly held the title himself earlier in the year. They feel each other out early, grappling over wrist and arm locks. Starr’s war of words starts to anger and frustrate Stevens, as he shoves Starr to the corner and wraps up his neck in a deep tangle. These guys have reversals for their reversals as they work into an arm in arm stalemate. Starr’s forehead gets busted wide open and Stevens starts dropping bombs on the Product. Starr fires up with a crossbody to the corner but Stevens is taking advantage of His opponent’s dazed state to land more shots and some hood slams and holds. Big backbreaker from Stevens only gets a one count. Starr catches Stevens on the apron with a ddt and lands a huge top rope elbow for a two count. Stevens up to the top and clotheslines Starr off a crotched top rope. Stevens with a sit out powerbomb for a two count. Stevens wants a crab but Starr powders. Erick dives after him. Starr catches him coming back with a lariat and face plant. They battle to their feet with strikes and chops. Stevens with a suplex backstabber for a two count. Stevens gets the crab applied but Starr works his way out. Huge sequence of elbows, lariats, a flip into the buckle, German suplex and Starr finally hitting his big lariat but he’s too exhausted to make the cover. Starr with the full crimson mask as he and Starr charge laraiats like two bulls. Stevens with a German uranage, running clothesline but Starr picks him up into a suplex neckbreaker from the top. Oh my god. Starr with a lariat, one count! Starr with a piledriver, two count! Stevens with a backslide, two count! Starr picks up speed and turns Stevens inside out with a lariat for the pin!
Winner: David Starr
Godddddddddamn. This was a 2019 indie scene dream match. Just...go watch this. Blood added to the drama. Both guys just went to war here. Starr leaves the ring to Stevens to soak up the crowd’s appreciation. Well deserved. Just....go watch this fight. It was my #1 most anticipated match of the night and it absolutely delivered.
Match 5: Legit Legends (Chuck O’Neil, Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku w/ Larry Legend) vs Team Pazuzu (Chris Dickinson, Pinkie Sanchez & Jaka)
Heeeeeeeeere we go! Team Pazuzu slowly reunited over the course of Season 2 as the Legit Legends started to gain steam. We have a real battle for domination over Beyond tonight. Chaos at the bell as everyone just battles right into the crowd. Pinkie and Garrini battle in the ring, Sanchez getting a two count on a roll up. Pinkie with a lionsault but Larry distracts and Garrini pulls Sanchez into the corner for a beatdown. Triple teaming on Pinkie as Pazuzu tries to intercept. Ku taunts the Dirty Daddy as he prepares to Bomb Pinkie but Dickinson gets the tag and comes in hot. Dickinson sets up a DVD but Larry pulls the leg and Chuck is in to pick the bones as Ku tags out. Chuck landing some stiff kicks to a defiant Dickinson as Jaka begs for the tag. The savage is in! He shotguns ViF off the apron, drops Chuck and dives out. Chuck is isolated and taking punishment from the Team Pazuzu. ViF back in to take out Pinkie and Jaka. Dickinson fires up but eats kicks from 2019’s tag team of the year. Garrini wraps up Jaka in a RNC. Chuck has Dickinson in an RNC. Pinkie slams Ku into them both to break the holds! Jaka and Sanchez wipe out ViF and dive out to them, leaving the captains. Chuck slams Dickinson but the Dirty Daddy’s second wind kicks in and they go strike for strike in the center. Dickinson misses a kick, Chuck hits one but Pazuzu swarms. Dickinson gets Chuck up in the electric chair and Jake chokeslams him down. Pazuzu wins!
Winners: Team Pazuzu
Pa! Zuzu! Larry Legend runs for the hills. Jaka drags him back for a Team Pazuzu beatdown. Jaka and Dickinson hold him down for a Sanchez top rope double stomp. This was chaos but a lot of fun. Absolutely stoked to see Jaka back! If this was a last hurrah for the full Team Pazuzu, I’m glad to have been here! We go to intermission!
(Intermission)
Match 6: “Red Death” Daniel Garcia vs “The Patron Saint of Professional Wrestling” Brandon Thurston
The Bast*** King of Buffalo has made an enemy of everyone in Beyond, most notably Jay Freddie’s poor kicked-in testicles. Garcia, Season 1’s Discovery Gauntlet winner, has decided to be the man to shut him down and the crowd absolutely wants this. They scramble and trade fast germans. Trading strikes and more Germans. Double crossbody and they’re both down. Triple vertical suplex from Garcia. Roll to the outside and Garcia with a suplex to the floor. Thurston kicks out at two. Thurston battling back and landing kicks and chops to Garcia but Red Death battles back and hits a shining wizard for a near fall. Thurston on his back and Garcia kicking his legs out. He wants a lariat but Thurston hits a pair of them. Garcia is looking gassed as Thurston starts slapping the hell out of him. Garcia fires back with punches and slaps and a head butt that sends them both into the corner. More strikes, Garcia covers up as Thurston throws knees and more slaps. Ref checks Garcia who pops up for a buckle bomb, corner DVD and powerbomb for a two count. A tired Garcia wraps up a cloverleaf but Thurston flips it around and starts dropping kicks to Red Death. Garcia tries to fire back one more time but Thurston dodges a strike and hits a brain buster for the pin.
Winner: Brandon Thurston
Great start and Thurston weathered the storm to wear down the red hot Garcia over time. Garcia looked noticeably worn out mid-way through this which led to a couple of seeming miscues towards the end. Crowd took a little time getting back into this, as another Thurston win (and a clean one at that) just makes everyone sad.
Match 7: Tony Deppen vs Christian Casanova
Casanova won this year’s Tournament for Tomorrow and promptly called out Deppen for a match. Deppen is doing his all to stifle the high flying and fast paced Casanova’s skill set. This devolves into a sequence that would make Jordan Oliver proud. Superkick from Deppen and a shotgun to the buckle. Casanova getting twisted up but battles back with chops. Deppen with a side Russian leg sweep for a two. Casanova up and they are slapping and decking each other, but Deppen can’t keep up and gets battered to the corner. Uranage side slam for a two count. Casanova wants a codebreaker, Deppen doesn’t. Casanova with a twisting cutter for two. Crowd is loudly divided here. Deppen blows snot in Casanova’s eye and hits a brain buster for two. Casanova battles back with a springboard ddt to the apron. Casanova wants that top rope leg drop but Deppen dodges into a double stomp. On the outside, Deppen somersaults our to Casanova and shotguns the front row of chairs. Deppen setting up a top rope destroyer but Casanova wiggles out but gets trapped into a rising knee and superkick. Casanova with a backdrop flapjack as Deppen comes in for the kill and hits that top rope leg drop to the back of Deppen’s head for the win.
Winner: Christian Casanova
The crowd is BACK in a big way for a match that went hard and wild from the bell. Deppen is always fantastic (He’s basically the Invader Zim of Indy Wrestling) and Casanova has stepped up in Beyond in a huge way this year. Looking forward to more from these two in 2020!
Match 8: “The B**ch Destroyer” Josh Briggs vs “Retro AG” Anthony Greene (Ava Everett is Special Referee)
Greene went bad a few weeks back. Ava, upset at AG, got kicked in the head by Briggs last week. So no one knows who to trust right now. One thing is certain, the crowd thinks “AG Sucks”. Greene bushwhacks Briggs while Ava is checking him for foreign objects. Briggs doesn’t appreciate that and boots AG in the face and slams him from pillar to post. Another big boot sends AG out but he scoots under the ring when Briggs tries to follow. AG with a tope to surprise the big man. Greene seems to tweak his leg on a leapfrog and Ava holds Briggs back as she checks on AG’s condition. Briggs is suckered in and eats a knee and DDT for a two count. AG leaps up and bounces around in Ava’s face. he’s fiiiiine. Briggs is pissed that he cared and comes back but AG keeps the big man down with kicks and neck breakers. Briggs with a slap and goes for a superplex, AG with a crossbody. AG tries to stay up but Briggs comes back up with another boot and backbreakers. Back drop from Briggs but gets caught running into a back drop flapjack. Bomb from AG and goes into a half crab. Briggs is struggling but makes the rope. AG won’t break the hold in defiance and Ava pulls him out of it. AG goes for a superkick, she dodges and Briggs eats it. This wakes up the big man who hits a spin cycle knee to the face. Ava makes the quick count but Greene kicks out! Briggs wants the chokebomb but Greene reverses it into a pin. Ava refuses to count. She reverses the pin but Greene kicks out. AG with a low blow and Ava is in his face. They argue a minute and Ava goes for a superkick but misses and hits Briggs. AG with the piledriver but Briggs kicks out. AG with a chair, Ava talks him down from using it, allowing Briggs to hit his own low blow, the chokebomb and the pin.
Winner: Josh Briggs
Good Action and story beats in equal parts. Good throw back to Attitude Era booking. Both these guys worked a good power vs smarts match and Ava wasn’t really a decided factor until the end, when she’d just had enough. AG on the mic post-match. He says he’s sorry to Ava....he’s not a bad guy....she’s always been at his side, except tonight. Ava is a bad person, in his eye. They’re DONE.
Match 9: Kris Statlander vs John Silver
The rematch we’ve wanted all year! John Silver says he has some friends Kris REALLY needs to meet...but that’s for another time. This starts very friendly as Silver is driven to the corner and they hug on the rope break. Statlander puffs up for a test of strength. This starts out even but Silver’s freaking jacked....and that doesn’t matter because Statlander send him to his back. A fast sequence of leapfrogs and dodges and Silver boops her nose. Statlander with a series of cartwheels to boop him back and wet willies both his ears. The fun is done as the meat man turns on the aggression and throws the alien into the grinder. Strikes and tossing suplexes. Statlander fires back up with running strikes but is cut off with another suplex. Meat man wants a moonsault but gets Germaned off. Half Nelson backstabber for a two count as a Silver dodges the follow up. Silver’s got a bloody nose as he starts laying in those brutal chest kicks. Statlander is pissed and swarms with strikes. I’m Your Leader facebuster and a scissor kick for a two. Silver applies a straight jacket choke in the center and starts raining blows to the head. She goes for the Big Bang theory but Silver rolls through for a two count. She tries again from the top but silver lawn darts her to the buckle. They battle with strikes in the center. Trade enziguris. Kicks from Silver and a poisonrana. Silver hits the spin doctor Bomb but Statlander kicks out! Silver comes running into a superkick. Statlander with a powerbomb and she tries to hit the Area 451...but Silver gets the knees up. He pins. 1 2 3. Got her!
Winner: John Silver
It started friendly. It ended straight fire. Both of them worked their asses off here. Crowd was in for all of it. This was great stuff.
Referee Kevin Quinn is out here to make an announcement. He says he’s been doing a lot of thinking and he’s getting older....he brings his girlfriend into the ring, who has supported him all along. He says he’s wrestled his last match of 2019....and of his life....as a single man. He proposes! She says yes! Ahhhhhh!
We go to intermission as they need some time to set up for the Fans Bring The Weapons match. Here’s a look at the plunder involved (including a foam head I covered in thumbtacks):
The plunder table for tonight’s Fans Bring The Weapons main event match is looking great. #HeavyLiesTheCrown pic.twitter.com/Hlus019MLH
— Adam Cardoza a.k.a. (@juliusblaise) January 1, 2020
(Intermission)
So there’s a lot of things getting set up here. Lots of things covered in tacks. Lots of things covered in barbed wire. Toys, kegs, a bin full of golf balls, rain gutters, a hat covered in forks. Everything looks terrifying. I will do my best to cover what gets smashed on who but we all know this is gonna be a crazy plunder match you’ll need to SEE with your eyeballs.
Bear Country is out to help the countdown to the new year! Happy New Year! Team Tremendous is out immediately to fight! Ring the bell!
Main Event: Bear Country (Bear Bronson & Bear Boulder) vs Team Tremendous (Dan Barry & Bill Carr)
Barry hit with a crutch. Carr hit with a CD and barbed wire portrait of dogs playing poker. Barry hit with a doll (not covered in barbed wire, just like from the 89’s and made solidly). We have a globe covered in barbed wire that is introduced to Dan Barry’s testicles. Bear Boulder wears the infinity gauntlet and flips off Barry before Bronson dropkicks that globe. Carr is already a bloody mess but rolls to the outside. Barry has a nail gun and is stapling streamers to Bronson. Dan Barry with a springboard moonsault to the Bears on the outside. Dan Barry throws Boulder out of the building and locks the door! Oh no! Bronson going 2-on-1. Carr destroys a beer bottle over his head. Oh fuuuuuuuuu- Bronson is tasting the cheese grater. Carr pulls out a wedding dress covered in barbed wire and exploders Bronson through in and some drain pipes. Boulder is back and he has a car bumper! Team Tremendous is getting battered with a car bumper and Bronson recovers to dive after them. Boulder’s got a piñata....full of tacks and legos. Welp. Boulder gets Barry down on the tacks and wants a moonsault but falls into the keg. The bin of golf balls explodes as Bronson goes house with a trash can. Bronson piledrivers Barry onto Carr. Bronson gets a door. They wanna cannonball into Carr. Boulder gets DVD’d into the door by Barry. What a beef! Carr tosses Bronson into Barry’s codebreaker but kicks out! Bronson up in the electric chair and Barry with a reverse blockbuster for another near fall. All these bumps look like they suuuuuuuuck. How is Dan Barry not bleeding from his face. We seem to be out of folding chairs, Dan Barry grabs the hard venue chairs from VIPz oh nooooo. A door covered in mousetraps is getting set up. Everyone gets skewers to the head. Dan Barry gets powerbombed through that mousetrap door. Double Bear cannonball to Carr in the corner. Bears hit the elevator to Carr...kick out!!! Team Tremendous starts clearing the plunder and goes toe to toe with the bears. Carr bombs Bronson on Boulder. We’re building a pile of chairs and toilet lids. Tremendous goes for the blockbuster again but Boulder makes the save with the staple gun. Barry chokeslammed onto Carr. Bears hit the elevator drop to them both for the emphatic pin.
Winners: Bear Country
And so concludes the long violent feud between these two teams. Jesus H what a train wreck (but the good plunder match kind). Weird. Ultraviolent. Crazy. This was a 25 minute war of attrition. The Bears stand tall in the first match of the new decade! The crowd is here for everyone though, chanting for Team Tremendous as they peel their bloody carcasses from the mat.
And that is it for Heavy Lies the Crown! This show delivered and then some. Every match felt like it mattered. With one exception, every match gave us way more than we asked for. This was a perfect culmination of the work Beyond has put in throughout the entire year. Probably the biggest non-Americanrana crowd I’ve seen and they were hot to death. If this is how we close out the year, I welcome what 2020 will bring us.
Happy New Year, PWInsider.com friends and thanks for following along. As always, until next time.
~Adam (Twitter: @juliusblaise)
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