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January 9th
On this day in history in ....
1931 - Former World Heavyweight Champion Wayne Munn dies from kidney problems at age 35. Munn held the title for three months in 1925.
1945 - Gus Wisbar defeats Yaqui Joe for the Tennessee World Middleweight Title in Nashville, Tennessee, beginning his second reign.
1953 - Harold Sakata and Toi Yamamoto defeat John Cretorian and Kurt Von Poppenheim to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, beginning their second reign.
1957 - Al Kashey defeats Lord James Blears for the vacant NWA Beat the Champ International Television Title in Los Angeles, California.
1958 - Ben and Mike Sharpe defeat Ciclon Anaya and Ramon Torres in Stockton, California to win the San Francisco NWA World Tag Team Title for the 16th time.
1959 - Pat O'Connor defeats Dick Hutton in St. Louis, Missouri to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title. O'Connor was also recognized as the first AWA World Heavyweight Champion in May 1960, but was stripped of that title in August of that year for not defending against Verne Gagne.
1962 - Mister M (Bill Miller) defeats Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ending Gagne's second reign. As a result, Mister M's AWA United States Heavyweight Title was vacated. He was the last to hold the title, which had began as the Chicago and Minneapolis versions of the NWA United States Heavyweight Title before the AWA was founded. It was held by Wilbur Snyder four times, twice by Gene Kiniski and Verne Gagne, and once each by Hans Schmidt, Dick the Bruiser, Hard Boiled Haggerty and Mister M.
1965 - Don Leo Jonathan and Whipper Billy Watson defeat The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan) for the Winnipeg NWA International Tag Team Title in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
1968 - Butcher Vachon and Stan Vachon (Stan Pulaski) defeat Enrique and Ramon Torres for the Georgia NWA World Tag Team Title in Macon, Georgia, ending the Torres' third reign.
1969 - Danny Hodge and Wilbur Snyder defeat Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki to win the NWA International Tag Team Title in Hiroshima, Japan, ending Baba and Inoki's second reign.
1969 - Buddy Colt defeats Ricky Romero for the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title.
1970 - Dave Ruhl wins his fifth Calgary NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title in Calgary, Alberta, defeating Danny Lynch.
1971 - Curtis Iaukea defeats Bill Robinson for the Hawaii NWA North American Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.
1971 - Jerry Jarrett and Tojo Yamamoto defeat The Heavenly Bodies (Al and Don Greene) to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This ended the The Heavenly Bodies' fifth reign and began Jarrett and Yamamoto's second.
1973 - Mark Lewin defeats Buddy Colt for the Florida NWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida, ending Colt's third reign.
1974 - Billy Graham defeats Ed Francis to win the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title in Honolulu, Hawaii, ending Francis' third reign.
1978 - Norvell Austin and Bill Dundee defeat Dennis Condrey and Phil Hickerson for the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Austin and Dundee's sixth reign.
1979 - Jimmy Garvin defeats Dick Slater to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Tampa, Florida.
1982 - Dory Funk, Jr. and Terry Funk defeat Jack and Jerry Brisco for the Florida NWA North American Tag Team Title in Tampa, Florida.
1983 - Luis Arizona defeats Centurion Negro to win the UWA World Middleweight Title in Reynosa, Mexico.
1984 - Super Destroyer (Scott Irwin) wins his second World Class Television Title in Fort Worth, Texas, ending the second reign for Brian Adias.
1984 - Charlie Cook defeats Jerry Stubbs for the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama, ending Stubbs' third reign.
1987 - Larry Hamilton defeats Tom Prichard in Birmingham, Alabama to win the Southeast NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Title. This began Hamilton's second reign and ended Prichard's fourth.
1989 - Wendell Cooley defeats Sid Vicious in Memphis, Tennessee for the Championship (formerly Continental) Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title. The title would be awarded to Dutch Mantel later in the month when Cooley left the promotion.
1993 - The WWF holds an afternoon event at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The results were:
- Crush defeated Skinner.
- Terry Taylor defeated Jason Knight (subbing for Lance Cassidy).
- WWF Tag Team Champions Money, Inc. (Ted DiBiase and IRS) defeated The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags) to retain the title, when IRS pinned Sags after hitting him with hier briefcase. The Nastys won the match originally after DiBiase collided with Sags and Knobbs pinned DiBiase, but the match was restarted due to Knobbs not being the legal man in the ring.
- The Undertaker pinned Papa Shango after a chokeslam.
- Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Typhoon after a diving headbutt.
- WWF Champion Bret Hart defeated Ric Flair in a 60-minute Iron Man Match, three falls to two, to retain the title. Hart pinned Flair with a roll up, Flair then made Hart submit twice with the Figure-Four Leglock while holding a rope for leverage, first the top then the bottom rope. Hart won the fourth fall by submission with the Sharpshooter, and won the fifth fall with 18 seconds remaining, reversing the Figure-Four into an inside cradle.
1993 - Bart Sawyer defeated John Rambo in Portland, Oregon to win the Championship Wrestling USA Television Title, ending Rambo's second reign and beginning Sawyer's second.
1994 - The WWF held an event at Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. The results:
- Men on a Mission (Mo and Mabel) defeated The Headshrinkers by disqualification.
- Marty Jannetty defeated Rick Martel by disqualification.
- Doink the Clown defeated Bam Bam Bigelow.
- Crush defeated Randy Savage in a two out of three falls, falls count anywhere match.
- WWF Tag Team Champions The Quebecers (Jacques and Pierre) defeated The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn).
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon defeated Shawn Michaels in a ladder match.
- Lex Luger and Tatanka defeated WWF Champion Yokozuna and Ludvig Borga.
1995 - The USWA Tag Team Title changes hands twice in Memphis, Tennessee. Doug Gilbert and Tommy Rich defeat PG-13 (JC Ice and Wolfie D) for the title, ending their fourth reign. Immediately afterwards, PG-13 won them back, to begin their fifth reign. At the same show, Sweet Georgia Brown wins her second USWA Women's Title, defeating Miss Texas (Jackie Moore), ending her eighth reign.
1997 - Flash Flanagan and Steven Dunn defeat Mike Samples and Sir Mo to win the held up USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee. The title was held up after a match between the teams of Flanagan & Dunn and Samples & Vic the Bruiser on December 27 in Memphis.
1998 - Wolf Hawkfield and Johnny Smith defeat Jun Akiyama and Takao Omori for the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Title in Kagoshima, Japan.
1999 - Ray Gonzalez is awarded the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title, beginning his seventh reign. This was due to Carlos Colón using a foreign object on the referee and Gonzalez to win a match for the title three days earlier in Caguas, Puerto Rico. This ended Colón's short-lived 23rd reign.
1999 - Mike Rapada defeats Chris Michaels in Nashville, Tennessee to win the NWA North American Heavyweight Title for the second time.
1999 - Two Independent Professional Wrestling Alliance titles change hands in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Joey Matthews defeats Christian York to win the IPWA Light Heavyweight Title. Big Slam and Chris Stephenson win the IPWA Tag Team Title from Cueball Carmichael and Jimmy Cicero, and Tom Brandi defeats Corporal Punishment for the vacant IPWA Heavyweight Title, beginning his third reign. Buddy Landel was stripped of the title for no-showing.
1999 - Magic defeats Chino Martinez to become the first Bloody Rage Wrestling League American Heavyweight Champion in Edison, New Jersey.
1999 - Bam Bam and Danny Christian win their fourth Southern States Wrestling Tag Team Title in Mountain City, Tennessee, defeating The Brooklyn Bad Boys.
2000 - ECW holds the second-annual "Guilty as Charged" pay-per-view at the Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama. The results:
- Bill Whiles defeated Tom Marquez in a dark match.
- C.W. Anderson pinned Mikey Whipwreck after an Anderson Spinebuster.
- Simon Diamond, Danny Doring and Roadkill defeated Jazz, Kid Kash and Nova, when Roadkill pinned Chris Chetti after an Amish Splash. Chetti had come out to help Nova after Jazz, Diamond and Kash fought out of the arena.
- Super Crazy and Yoshihiro Tajiri defeated Little Guido and Jerry Lynn, after Tajiri pinned Lynn after a Brainbuster.
- Angel pinned New Jack after hitting him with a shovel.
- ECW World Television Champion Rob Van Dam pinned Sabu after a Five-Star Frog Splash to retain the title.
- The Impact Players (Justin Credible and Lance Storm) defeated ECW World Tag Team Champions Tommy Dreamer and Raven, after Credible pinned Raven after That's Incredible, to win the title.
- ECW World Heavyweight Champion Mike Awesome pinned Spike Dudley to retain the title, after a top-rope Awesome Bomb through a table.
2000 - Black Dragon defeats Ultimo Vampiro for the IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Title in Naucalpan, Mexico.
2001 - World Xtreme Wrestling sees four titles switch in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Low Ki ended Mason Cage's third reign as WXW Cruiserweight Champion, Afa, Jr. won the WXW Television Title from Shane Black, The Latin Hit Squad (Nuisance and Puerto Rican Chile) win their fifth WXW Tag Team Title from Moondogs 2000 (Wenzel and Molsonn) and Samu defeats Salvatore Bellomo to win his second WXW Heavyweight Title.
2002 - At a Heartland Wrestling Association show in Dayton, Ohio, Charlie Haas and The Island Boyz (Ekmo and Kimo) defeat HWA Heavyweight Champion EZ Money and HWA Tag Team Champions Steve Bradley and Val Venis, when Haas pinned Venis, in a match with both titles on the line. As a result, Haas won the Heavyweight title, as he was a singles wrestler. Also, Shannon Moore defeated Jamie Knoble for the HWA Cruiserweight Title.
2004 - Christie Ricci defeats Craziness to win the United States Wrestling Organization Television Title in Madison, Tennessee.
2005 - WWE holds the first-annual "New Year's Revolution" pay-per-view at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the company's first pay-per-view held outside North America since 1992's "SummerSlam", which was held in London, England. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
WWE NEW YEAR'S REVOLUTION
by Mike Johnson
New Year's Revolution opened with a cool video of the Elimination Chamber and a dragon flying out of it. Jerry Lawler and Jim Ross welcomed everyone to the sold out PPV. They talked about the Chamber with Ross calling it "Satan's Structure." They introduced it to the spanish announce team.
WWE World Tag Team champions Eugene & William Regal vs. Christian & Tyson Tomko
Interesting to note that Lillian Garcia did the ring announcements in English, which surprised me. Eugene came out dressed like Hulk Hogan, with a red and yellow T-shirt and headband. Jim Ross said that the Hulkster was one of Eugene's favorites and he was paying homage him.
The match started with Regal and Tyson. The crowd was really hot, chanting, "Christian sucks." Christian controlled Regal with several takeovers, but Regal came back with a quick cover. Regal worked him over with a headlock, but Christian rolled it over to a near fall. Regal tagged in Eugene who gave Christian a wedgie. He did Hogan's poses, followed by the Honkytonk Man's dance. Eugene did the Lady of the Lake and when Christian tried to drop an elbow, he moved. Christian hit the mat and Eugene hit several JYD-style headbutts on all fours.
Tyson Tomko tagged in and took over with his power, choking Eugene down. Eugene went outside to slap the fan's hands. The heels followed him and he scampered under the ring. They jumped in the ring to wait for him on the other side but he snuck in from behind and rolled up Christian for a near fall. He hit the airplane spin on Christian, but Tomko hit a chokeslam.
Christian and Tomko began working over Eugene, with tags in and out. Eugene began hulking up, which the crowd got into bigtime. Eugene made the hot tag to Regal, who cleaned house on Tomko, then tossed Christian into the ring. Tomko took Regal down and mounted him, hitting a series of rights. Regal's nose began bleeding. Christian locked a chinlock, but Regal tried to bridge out. Regal fought back but before he could make the tag, Christian took him out of the corner. They continued to work over Regal.
Regal finally made the tag to Eugene, who despite hurting his leg on a legdrop, was able to roll up Tomko for the pin. Your winners and still WWE World Tag Team champions, William Regal and Eugene!
The doctor and trainer were checking on Eugene's knee after the match.
They showed footage from earlier today with Christy Hemme looking hot in a bikini at a pool.
Backstage, Christian and Tyson Tomko were backstage upset when they came across Edge. Edge said that he had an idea, but Christian said the last time they were together, Edge jumped him from behind. He ordered Tomko to take out Edge, but Edge said that if he did that, he'd never hear Edge's idea and know how he could be World champion. They walked off together.
They aired a video feature on WWE Women's champion Lita vs. Trish Stratus.
WWE Women's champion Lita vs. Trish Stratus
The crowd chanted Lita's name at the bell. The crowd, as expected, is really into everything. They tied up, with Trish forcing Lita into the corner, until referee Jack Doan separated the two. Lita took down Trish with a heel trip, but Trish grabbed the ropes. Trish kicked Lita in the gut and tried to manhandle her but Lita tossed her to the floor. Lita came off with a Lou Thesz Press-esque move from the apron the floor, clutching at her knee. With Lita hurt, Lita jumped on her and began peppering her with rights. Trish went for the cover, but Lita kicked up at two. Lita tried to get to her feet, but fell into Stratus. Stratus began working over Lita's knee with kicks. She got to her feet but Stratus kicked right at the knee, and Lita went down again. They showed several replays of the Thesz Press. Stratus evaded a DDT and hit the Chick Kick for the clean pin.
Your winner and new WWE Women's champion Trish Stratus!
After the match, trainers looked over Lita as Trish gloated and rubbed her championship. The referees helped her walked out of the ring.
They showed Chris Jericho preparing for the main event.
They showed Maria at the pool "earlier today."
Edge was in Eric Bischoff's office. Bischoff said that he was confused by the fact that Edge didn't want a shot at the World championship. Edge said that he doesn't want to give up a shot at the belt, but with Shawn Michaels as the referee, he will screw Edge the first chance that he has. He says that he doesn't want to put his body on the line in the most dangerous match in WWE when he doesn't have a shot at the belt. He suggests putting Christian in and whoever wins the belt will defend it against him at Raw. Bischoff says that the show has started and he has sponsors and the fans to answer to, so he's not changing the match. Edge said that he doesn't care about them, but himself, but Bischoff won't hear it.
As Edge left the office, he ran into Shawn Michaels. Michaels promised that he only had two things to do in the Chamber “call for submissions and count a three count. He said that he gives Edge his word that he will call it down the middle. He said that he won't get involved unless he gets physically provoked, but should the moment come, it will be his pleasure to count Edge out for a three count.
WWE Intercontinental champion Shelton Benjamin vs. Maven
They showed a clip of Maven pinning Benjamin in a six man a few weeks back on Raw. Maven is out second, after the champion, for some weird reason. They announced that Eugene has a dislocated kneecap.
Maven and Benjamin locked up, with Maven stalling like his last name was Zbyszko. The crowd was really on Maven. Maven played off the fans and grabbed the ring mic. He told the crowd that he didn't know what they were saying. Maven said that he didn't know how many of them spoke English, so he was going to speak really slow. He told the fans that he can't concentrate while they were making so much gibberish. He told the fans to shut their mouths in Spanish then tried to walk out, saying he'll wrestle Shelton in the United States of America. Maven finally charged back to the ring where Benjamin took him down and scored the three count.
Your winner and still WWE Intercontinental champion, Shelton Benjamin!
After the match, Maven got back on the ring mic and told Benjamin to return to the ring as "that didn't count." He said that he wanted a rematch right now. He said that it appears that the WWE now has two Women's champions, since he wouldn't return to the ring. The crowd chanted, "Hey hey hey, Goodbye" to Maven. He said that both he and Trish have two things in common- both have a title and neither have any B****s.
Shelton jumped back in the ring and they rang the bell. Shelton hit the T-Bone suplex and scored the pin.
Your winner and still WWE Intercontinental champion (yet again) Shelton Benjamin!
They showed Chris Benoit preparing for the Elimination Chamber.
They showed footage of a topless Christy Hemme, on her stomach, getting rubbed down.
Jim Ross said that Jerry Lawler was getting ready for his match with Muhammed Hussan and they went to video footage of the attack on Lawler and Jim Ross on this past week's Monday Night Raw.
Todd Grisham interviewed Muhammad Hussan and Khosorov Daivari backstage. Hussan said that the footage they just showed was biased and one part of the story. He said that they didn't show the Lawler insulting them and Ross telling them to leave their own country. He said that last week, Ross and Lawler got what they deserved. Grisham asked if he was nervous about his first PPV, but Hussan said that he was excited to be wrestling in Puerto Rico because if anyone could relate to being treated as second class citizens, it's the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He said that he was very let down to see that they were treated the same way they are treated like everyone else, as they were detained at the airport for three hours when they arrived, their hotel reservations weren't there when they arrived and Daivari's wallet was stolen. Hussan said that his personal Revolution will have just begun tonight. Daivari closed the interview speaking in Farsi.
Jerry Lawler (with Jim Ross) vs. Muhammad Hussan (with Khosorov Daivari)
The crowd chanted for Lawler at the bell. There was no commentary for the match. The crowd chanted "Puerto Rico" in defense of Hassan's comments earlier. They locked up and Hassan tossed Lawler back. They locked up again and Hassan slammed Lawler. He hit several more slams on Lawler, who rolled out of the ring. Lawler came back with a clothesline, but Hassan retreated to the floor. They menaced Jim Ross, who wouldn't back down. Lawler jumped out of the ring behind Hassan and clocked him. Back in the ring, Hassan took down Lawler. Lawler rolled up Hassan but the referee was distracted by Daivari. Hassan dropped a knee on the back of Lawler's head. Hassan locked on a Camel Clutch. Well, the rest of the show seems like its a 1980s throwback, why not this one too? Lawler began fighting back with punches to the stomach, but Hassan overpowered him and locked in on once again. Daivari called Ross an "Oklahoma slob."
Lawler broke free but Hassan locked on a Cobra Clutch. Daivari was working really hard at ringside. The crowd started chanting "Boring" as Hassan continued to beat Lawler in the corner. The strap came down and Lawler made his comeback with a few punches and a dropkick. Lawler came off the ropes with a fistdrop, but only got a two count. Lawler covered again but Daivari put Hassan's foot on the ropes. Jim Ross cashed Daivari around the ring. He scampered through, with Lawler going after him. The distraction allowed Hassan to hit a one armed DDT for the pin and the win.
Your winner, Muhammed Hassan!
They aired a commercial for the ECW PPV on Fanatix.
Todd Grisham asked Batista about his chances in the Elimination Chamber. As he was about to answer, Randy Orton jumped in and said he was going to ask the questions and put Batista on the spot he asked if Batista was going to go on his own or help Triple H's cause. He said that Triple H doesn't care about anyone but himself and the World title and that's why he formed Evolution in the first place. He repeated his question to Batista. Batista said that he should stop worrying about what he's going to do to Triple H and more about what's Batista is going to do to Orton. He said that if he gets his chance to win the World title tonight, he's taking it.
They aired a Wrestlemania recall on Shawn Michaels winning the WWF championship at Wrestlemania XII from Bret Hart.
Jim Ross said that tonight they didn't get the job done and he hoped that Jerry Lawler would be back with them shortly. Coach instead joined him at the announcer's table. Coachman congratulated him on his loss.
They aired a video feature on Kane vs. Gene Snitsky.
Kane vs. Gene Snitsky
Snitsky and Kane began brawling at the bell. Kane backed him into a corner, hitting several uppercuts and a slam. Kane choked Snitsky. He tried to ram him into the turnbuckles, but Snitsky fought back. Kane powerslammed Kane. Snitsky removed the mats and tried to slam Kane but was backdropped on them. Kane came off the top but Snitsky kicked him in the gut as he came off the top. Snitsky began battering Kane. Snitsky worked over Kane's arm at the ringpost, then slammed him in the center of the ring. Snitsky locked in a bearhug. Kane finally came back with a series of rights and a chokeslam, but Snitsky threw it off and slammed him. Kane sat up but Snitsky kicked him down. Kane kept sitting up but was kicked down. Snitsky went outside and chased away Lillian Garcia to grab a steel chair. He charged Kane with it, but Kane hit the big boot. Kane tossed Snitsky back in the ring. Snitsky was tossed into the corner and peppered with punches and elbows. He whipped Snitsky into a corner and hit a running clothesline, followed by a sidewalk slam. Kane measured Snitsky and hit a big boot. Kane came off the top rope with a clothesline. Snitsky fought back with elbows and hit the worst Hot Shot in history. I think Eddie Gilbert just rolled his eyes in the heavens. Kane and Snitsky both went for the chokeslam and each tried to overpower the other. Snitsky kicked Kane in the gut then bit him on the ear. I kid you not. Kane finally hit the tombstone for the three count.
Your winner, Kane!
Jerry Lawler returned to the commentary table.
We went back to the pool where the Divas all undressed and jumped in the pool. Simon Dean pushed a chubby guy into a pool. All the divas had a chicken fight, sitting on top of the WWE stars' shoulders like Val Venis and Hurricane, including Rosey who was swimming in his gear and mask. I don’t know why but this reminded me of some demented Muppet Show sketch. Christy and Rosey won the chicken fight.
They aired a video feature on the Elimination chamber match.
The Chamber lowered to the ring.
Backstage, Triple H confronted Batista and asked if he heard Batista right because they had gone over it again and again. Batista said that Ric Flair and Hunter taught him never to let his opponents know what he is thinking, and he wasn't going to give Randy Orton his strategy. He said that he would have Triple H's back, unless Triple H was eliminated before he got into the match. He said if that happens, nothing will keep him from winning the World championship.
Eric Bischoff came to the ring and said that he wanted to introduce one of his greatest inventions, the Elimination Chamber. Yeah, this is right up there with the NWO and Nitro. He said that one of the next six superstars would become the new WWE World champion and welcome everyone to New Year's Revolution. Hey Eric, the show started almost two hours ago!
The Rules of the Match - Two competitors start and at the end of every five minutes, a new competitor is added. You can be eliminated via pinfall or submission at any point until they are down to the new WWE World champion.
Shawn Michaels was introduced first, coming out in his referee's garb.
Everyone made their entrance and we began with Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho. Jericho rode Benoit to the mat, but Benoit reversed it into a hammerlock. Benoit rode Jericho to the mat, but Jericho escaped. They locked up again, with Benoit getting the better of Jericho with chops, running him into the turnbuckles. Jericho fired back with chops of his own. Jericho charged Benoit, who put his boot up. Benoit went for the Sharpshooter, but was rolled up by Jericho. He turned that into a Walls of Jericho attempt. Benoit hit a German suplex and went for the Crippler Crossface. Benoit began nailing Jericho with punches. Benoit came off the ropes for a clothesline but was hit with one instead. Jericho hit a back suplex for a two count. Benoit hit a superplex off the top, with Benoit landing on his head.
The fans counted down...and Triple H joined the match.
Triple H joined the match and cleaned house on both men as they were recovering from the superplex. Triple H tossed Benoit into the steel cage several times. He tossed Jericho into the chains as well. Benoit was busted open bigtime. Triple H tossed a bloodied Benoit into the chamber. Triple H went for the Pedigree, but Jericho attacked him. Triple H went for the Pedigree on Jericho, who backdropped him outside of the ring into the steel. The crowd chanted, “Y2J.†Jericho suplexed Triple H into the ring. Benoit came back and began chopping Jericho. Benoit charged and dropped and elbow on Jericho. Benoit hit a swinging neckbreaker.
The fans chanted down and Edge joined the match.
Edge began hitting spears on everyone, nearly getting the pin on Triple H. Shawn Michaels didn't change his count because Edge was involved. Edge began beating down everyone. Edge backdropped Triple H, but Jericho kicked Edge. Jericho scored a two count on Triple H. Edge was tossed out of the ring to the steel. Jericho turned to Edge, who raked his eyes. Jericho was catapulted into the Chains of the chamber. Triple H hit a running knee on Edge. He went for a Pedigree on Edge, but Edge escaped and catapulted Triple H into a beam on the chamber. Edge came off the top rope with a clothesline on Benoit, getting a two count. Jericho got to his feet, all bloody. Benoit went for the Crippler Crossface, but Edge worked on his cut forehead. Edge hit a baseball slide kick on Benoit. Jericho hit a running enziguiri on Edge for a two count.
Triple H got to his feet and was nailed by Jericho. Triple H hit a spinebuster. Triple H was busted open from the nose. He went for the pin but Jericho kicked up at two. Triple H hit a pedigree on Jericho but everyone was down and out.
The fans chanted down and Randy Orton joined the match.
Orton slammed Edge's head into the chamber and came off the top with a cross bodyblock on Triple H. Orton began kicking and beating down Triple H and Edge, but not Benoit and Jericho, which Jerry Lawler pointed out. Orton tossed Triple H back into the ring. He hit the RKO on Jericho, and went to hit it on Benoit. Benoit countered it and locked in the Crippler Crossface. Triple H stood in front of Orton, taunting him to tap out. Benoit realized it and clubbed Triple H, locking on the Sharpshooter. Orton recovered and hit the RKO on Benoit. Great exchange.
Edge went to spear Orton, who ducked and Shawn Michaels was hit instead. Edge speared Orton, but there was no Michaels to make the cover. Edge slapped Michaels out of anger but he hit Sweet Chin Music on Edge in return. Jericho hit the Lionsault for the pinfall.
Edge has been eliminated.
Benoit hit German suplexes on Jericho, Orton, and Triple H. Benoit went to the top rope, then to the top of one of the chambers, hitting a flying headbutt off the top. Jericho locked on the Walls of Jericho at the same time Benoit locked on the Crippler Crossface.
The fans chanted down and Batista joined the match.
Batista joined the match, after a goof with the chamber door, and rescued Triple H. He ended up face to face with Triple H but before we got to see whether they would get physical or not, Benoit and Jericho attacked them. Batista press slammed Jericho and tossed him out of thje ring, where they destroyed a camera man who was shooting inside the chamber. Batista choked Orton in the air, until Benoit clipped his knee from behind. Benoit and Orton worked over Batista. Jericho tried to roll up Orton for a two count. The referees helped the cameraman out. Triple H nailed a knee to the head of Orton. Jericho bulldogged Triple H into the chamber. Benoit shoved Batista facefirst into the Chamber. Triple H was now bleeding a gusher. Batista began choking down Benoit with his boot. Benoit began firing back with chops. Batista hit a spinebuster on Benoit. Batista powerbombed Jericho on Benoit, then covered Benoit for the pin.
Chris Benoit has been eliminated.
Orton and Triple H battled outside the ring on the steel. Jericho chopped away at Batista. Batista caught Jericho and slammed him down, then went for the powerbomb. He powerbombed Jericho bigtime with a sitdown bomb and scored the pin.
Chris Jericho has been eliminated.
Triple H catapulted Randy Orton into the chamber, busting him open. Triple H gave Batista the thumbs up and clotheslined Orton back into the ring. Batista held Orton for Triple H to slap him. Batista watched as Triple H beat on Orton. Batista hits a powerslam on Orton, who kicked up at two. Triple H hit the spinebuster for a two count. Triple H picked up Orton, then measured and hit a running clothesline for yet another two count.
Batista continued to work over Orton. Orton blocked a shot from each and tried to battle back against both Triple H and Batista. He went for the RKO but Triple H kicked him off into Batista. Batista went for the powerbomb, but Orton hit him low then hit an RKO for the pin.
Batista has been eliminated.
The crowd booed the elimination. Triple H and Orton continued to go back and forth. Orton hit an RKO. Ric Flair tried to hit the ring but was stopped by Shawn Michaels. While Michaels was distracted, Batista clotheslined Orton and left him laying. The crowd chanted Batista's name as he exited the Arena. Triple H picked up Orton and hit the Pedigree.
Triple H scored the pin.
Randy Orton has been eliminated.
Your winner and new WWE World champion Triple H. Batista put Triple H on his shoulders after the match and Evolution celebrated.
2005 - Steve Jaworski and Roadbock Jones defeat Shane Holmes & The Super Ninja, The Trailer Park Boyz and The Office in a four-way match for the vacant Canadian Wrestling Federation Tag Team Title in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The previous champions, Dusty Dumont and Jean LaVernmay had left the promotion. At the same event, Kerry Brown defeats Steve Jaworski to win the CWF Heavyweight Title.2007 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
ECW on Sci Fi opened with Joey Styles, Tazz, and Brad Armstrong welcoming everyone to the show.
Hardcore Holly vs. CM Punk
They started off fast with a lot of fast counter wrestling. Punk went for the Anaconda Vice early, but Holly got to the ropes. Punk snapmared Holly, then dropkicked him in the back of the head, getting a two count. Punk charged Holly in the corner but Holly kicked him in the face. Punk came back with a powerslam and went back for the Vice. Punk clotheslined Holly over the top to the floor, then went for a tope suicida. Holly moved and Punk crashed to the floor, getting caught in the ropes on the way down. Tazz noted that Punk's winning streak in ECW was on the line, which probably means Punk's streak is about to end. Wait didn't it end at December to Dismember?
Holly worked over Punk with a side chinlock. Punk fought his way back up but Holly cut him off with a back elbow as Punk rebounded off the ropes. Holly used the ropes to tie up Punk and work him over with clubbing shots across the chest. He choked Punk on the ropes, who was now bleeding from the mouth. Holly went to the center turnbuckle and hit a legdrop for a near fall. Punk came back with a series of knee strikes, then springboarded off the ropes into a high crossbodyblock for another near fall. Holly cut off Punk with a dropkick, scoring a two count. Good, solid match thus far.
Punk came charging for a high knee in the corner but Holly cut him off and clotheslined him across the ropes. He slammed Punk into the cornerpost, then nailed the Alabama Slam for the pinfall. Not how I would have ended Punk's winning streak, but the match was solid.
Your winner, Hardcore Holly!
Backstage, referee Mickie Henson told Test his match was next. Test said that he shouldn't have to wrestle tonight because he should be the one in the ECW World championship. He said that he was better than Bobby Lashley and Rob Van Dam. He said he wasn't going to go out to the ring tonight because he shouldn't have to wrestle. The promo came off way too scripted and flat to be effective in my opinion.
Joey Styles promo'd that Tommy Dreamer vs. The Great Khali would be an Extreme Rules match tonight.
Elijah Burke was in the ring and said that last week, he prophesized that Sylvester Turkay would beat someone and that's exactly what happened. He said that he told Turkay to stay in the back because this week, Burke promised, he was going to knock someone out. He challenged anyone from the building to come to the ring.
Cue Sandman's grand entrance. Burke had a big smile on his face. Sandman, who busted himself up during his entrance, entered the ring and had words center ring with Burke. Burke went to punch him but Sandman used his cane to block it. Burke landed a few lefts but Sandman began caning him. Burke left the ring and told Sandman to put the cane back. Burke finally backed off and left ringside. They began playing Sandman's music. Segment just seemed to end without any real conclusion. A different first chapter for this storyline.
They aired a video feature on The Great Khali. I guess we know who's winning tonight on the road to Wrestlemania.
They aired a New Year's Revolution PPV replay commercial.
Extreme Rules: Great Khali vs. Tommy Dreamer
Daivari was with Khali. Dreamer came out wielding a street sign, but Khali stepped on the sign as Dreamer entered the ring, rending it useless. He began destroying Dreamer with headbutt and clotheslines. Dreamer pulled himself back to his feet using the ropes. Khali forced him back down and choked Dreamer with his boot. He nailed Dreamer with an elbow, then smothered Dreamer's face. Dreamer finally came back with street sign shots but was cut off when Khali punched the sign into Dreamer's face. Khali picked up Dreamer by the throat and slammed him down. He stepped on Dreamer's chest and pinned him. Wow, that Dreamer pushed lasted a whole, um, beats me.
Backstage Rob Van Dam was interviewed. He said that everyone backstage says RVD is too cool to care about anything. He said that wasn't true because he cares about ECW and cares about being the ECW World champion. He said that it capped the ten year journey that started the night he first stepped into an ECW ring (January 1996 to be exact) and he cared about the night in July the belt was taken from him in Philadelphia. He said that tonight, the title goes back home to RVD.
The Wrestlemania Recall was Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow. I wonder if they will mention Bigelow is a former ECW World champion? My guess is no.
They showed replays of Dreamer getting destroyed by Khali. They showed Dreamer fighting back to his feet during commercial. Joey Styles said that no matter what happens to Dreamer the spirit of ECW keeps him going.
Kevin Thorn vs. Shannon Moore
Ariel was dressed like a gothic Catholic school girl. I never saw anyone like her when I attended St. Mel's Elementary in Queens, NY. Thorn cut off Moore as he slid between Thorn's legs and clotheslined him. He clobbered Moore with a series of punches. Thorn slammed Moore backwards off the ropes into the ring. Thorn put Moore on the ropes, stared into Moore's face, then drilled him with an Ace Cutter. They called it the "Dark Kiss."
They showed ECW World champion Bobby Lashley warming up backstage. ECW on SciFi
They aired a video feature on Kelly Kelly, announcing she would return to ECW next week.
ECW World champion Bobby Lashley vs. Rob Van Dam
Lashley and RVD locked up. Van Dam was shoved into the ropes and shoulderblocked down. Van Dam and Lashley went back and forth with a series of offensive moves and faced off as ECW went to commercial. As they came back, Lashley slammed RVD. They showed clips of some good physical action from during the commercial break. Lashley hit a beel out of the corner. He charged RVD for a tackle but Dreamer dropped down into a drop toehold, sending Lashley into the turnbuckles. Van Dam nailed his split legged moonsault for a two count. Van Dam nailed Lashley with a Ryder Kick off the top rope. he cinched in head scissors on Lashley. Van Dam nailed a thrust kick for another near fall. Lashley pulled RVD into a Torture Race but RVD escaped and hit the windmill reverse kick. RVD nailed Rolling Thunder on Lashley.
Lashley drilled RVD with a belly-to-belly suplex. He charged for a spear but RVD evaded and Lashley landed on the floor. Van Dam dropped Lashley on the table and went for a corkscrew legdrop on the table, but Lashley moved. RVD went down screaming and holding the leg. Lashley tossed RVD back into the ring and went to work. He nearly scored a pin after a backdrop. RVD was drilled with a series of spears in the corner. Lashley hit a snap suplex, then hit a delayed vertical suplex.
Lashley measured RVD and speared him. Lashley prepared for his finisher but was hit from behind with a steel chair by Test. Test ran off the referee then sent RVD out of the ring. Test glared down at the beaten Lashley, then stalked off.
Match was good until the finish. The story was that Test screwed ECW and the fans out of the rematch. They can only do so many matches without a finish before fans give up, so it'll be interesting to see where it goes.
2009 - WWE continued with layoffs of their staff, even firing Vince McMahohon's two limo drivers. WWE also officially announced they were laying off 10% of their staff.
2009 - As part of WWE cutbacks, WWE released Kevin Thorne, Bam Beeley, Referee Jimmy Korderas, D'Lo Brown, Val Venis, and Producer Tim White.
2009 - Steve Austin was announced as leading the 2009 WWE Hall of Fame class.
2009 - Koch Records releases an official soundtrack for "The Wrestler."
2010 - Richie Steamboat, son of former NWA World champion Ricky Steamboat, was signed to a WWE developmental deal.
2010 - WWE released the following developmental talent:
WWE developmental talents who were released yesterday:
*Dino Carter (real name Rashad Goff)
*Chris the Bambikiller (Christoph Herzog)
*Lennox McEnroe (Bryan Wilcott)
*Leroy Morgan (Max McGuirk, son of former WWF announcer Mike McGuirk, grandson of legendary promoter Leroy McGuirk)
*Lift Swayner (Aaron Reed)
*Johnny Riggs (Dylan Klein), who actually gave notice several weeks back that he was leaving and was granted his release. He was not dropped by the company.
2012 - WWE announced Edge and The Four Horsemen were going into the WWE Hall of Fame.
2012 - Rasche Brown, who worked for a number of Mid-Western promotions, Ring of Honor and was the inaugural Urban Wrestling Federation Street King champion, announced his retirement from pro wrestling with the following statement made on his Facebook page:
"Hello friends family and fans. There comes A time when you have to call a spade a spade and I can't deny it anymore. Wrestling has been my life, my passion and all I ever wanted to do was be a wrestler, there was no back up plan that was just what I wasa going to be and nothing could stop me.
At the age of 19 I had my first Professional bout and 17 years later, I have to say I think this weekend was my last. About 12 years ago I broke my neck in a car accident that left me with nerve damage and spinal issues for the rest of my life. I was told never to participate in any full contact sports again at the age of 24. No doc is gonna tell me it's over right? Well 11 months later I was back in the ring and also playing Semi-pro football at a high level. Well I managed to get many more miles out of my body than any doc ever predicted.
Well dec 5th 2009 I wrestled for Ring of Honor in Chicago and I suffered the worst injury of my life. Do to some mistakes and misjudging, not on my part, I dove over the top rope and slammed the back of my head into the ground. This cause a concussion so severe that I had blood on the brain permanent short term memory loss Cluster headaches emotinal swings from depression to manic and many other post concussion syndrome issues.
After two years of taking it light and working back slow, I realize every time I get in the ring I'm a little bit more pain, the headaches come back and I regress with the healing of my brain.
This weekend after my match and waking up Sunday to nausea, spinal pain and stiffness as if i was in 10 car accidents, it's time to call it a spade.
My career is over, not by choice, for survival, this hurts me more that almost anything in my life because wrestling was there when life was bad for me growing up a poor kid in a community where people don't see a way out. It taught me right from wrong, good from evil and how to see through bullshit.
I had one goal since the age of 5, to be the NWA world tag champion and I did it. Work or shoot someone gave a damn about me and Keith to let us carry the torch and be the longest reigning champions in history. I've traveled Europe many times along with the US Canada and Mexico and I'm proud to say if maybe paid for two flights in my life to anywhere and one was only $20 because of flyer miles.
I have done more than many will and I am proud of what if done, to some because you weren't a star in WWE, they feel you did nothing. Anyone inside the sport knows different.
I would like to thank first Mike Thompson for allowing me to grow in his rings, Carmine Despirito for taking me under his wind and giving me the tools i needed to advance and my first couple Europe tours. Dave Herro who I became friends with when he had a Merch store full of only wrestling items, we spent many hours together in that store, you should have paid me like an employee...lol. Dave Marquez and the late great Ed Schuman for believing in the Skullkrushers, Adam Pearce My great friend, opponent, roomate on the road and fellow packer fan for bringing me to ROH to give me a chance to shine there and tech the young guys some things and learn even more. I want to thank Cary Silkin, then ROH owner for appreciating me and what I brought to the table and gave me the best year ever in the business as far as the amount of fun it was being with the boys and interacting with ROH fans, you are still the biggest wrestling company in America, the other two don't do what we do...
Most of all I want to that all you fans or people that have never met me but wanted to be a facebook friend or follow me on twitter or bought shirts pics etc. from me. I'd lie if I said I do this all for you, but I entertained you to the best of my abilities in the way that I was entertained by the men and women before me.
as the tears flow, all I can say is thank you, I tried but I can't shake this brain injury.
Never downplay a concussion, I beg you, its no joke.
I hope i did more good for the biz than bad, to all of my boys, it was a great ride and some of you I will never see again, but i have great memories that will kepp you all fresh in my head for many years to come.
Time to move on to the next chapter in my life, Thank you for taking time out of your day to read this.
Rasche"
2012 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We begin with footage from last week when Brodus Clay did not debut again. Instead we see footage of John Cena and Zack Ryder’s victory last week in the elimination tag match and Kane’s attempt to pull Zack Ryder into HornswoggleLand.
We are live from Corpus Christi, Texas and your announcers are Michael ‘Why did they add the ‘C’ to BCS’ Cole and Jerry ‘How long until pitchers and catchers report’ Lawler.
Kane makes his presence known early with his pyro, or is it Chris Jericho? It is Kane, but he has taken his ‘brother’s’ smoke for the entrance. Kane has something to say while the building stays red. He says that he sees the disapproving looks. He hears the weak little whispers. . . questioning him and wondering why he embraces hate. Not only are they deplorably predictable, they are also in denial. They all get up to espouse what they cannot stand. Then they go to a job they despise. Then they go home to children that they say they love, but deep down you think to yourself, they are nothing but soft, spoiled disappointments. They all live lives filled with PURE HATE but you don’t embrace it.
It is because they are either too cowardly or because they have filled their lives with delusions of hope like John Cena. Kane says that Cena represents hope, SUCCESS, and all of the things that people aspire to achieve, but cannot.
When you see John Cena, what you should see is your own failures, shortcomings, and unfulfilled dreams. It should anger you . . . and it does. When you say ‘Cena Sucks’ what you are really saying is that you suck. They refuse to embrace the hate that is bubbling inside you like a festering cauldron. You think you are good human beings, but you are liars.
Cheering for an underdog does not make you good and decent. Kane mentions Zack Ryder. YOU made him a star, but that proves NOTHING. Last week, he was seconds away from dragging that vessel of your vicarious elation down to the depths of hell, but John Cena stopped that.
All Cena did was delay the inevitable. Kane says that HE ALWAYS GETS WHAT HE WANTS and he wants consequences. Consequences for refusing to embrace the hate.
John Cena’s music plays and John is kind of serious. He runs to the ring and he punches Kane. Cena clothesline Kane over the top rope to the floor and Kane lands on his feet. They fight up the ramp and towards the back. They go into the hallway as Kane with uppercuts and elbows.
We see people standing in the back as they are thrown around by Kane as he is not content only to attack John Cena. Kane punches Cena and he walks past a series of chairs but he sends Cena into a door. They make their way outside.
Cena fights back and he has Kane at the edge of the platform but Kane recovers and he sends Cena into some metal poles. Cena has a tire iron and he hits Kane but Kane with an uppercut and Cena falls onto some trash. Kane leaves as Cena gets back to his feet.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is serious to talk about the battle between the agents of hate and the beacon of light.
We see footage from Friday night when Jinder Mahal attacked Sheamus and put him in the camel clutch.
Match Number One: Sheamus and Santino Marella versus Jinder Mahal and Wade Barrett
Santino and Jinder start things off and Santino misses a few kicks and then he hits a jab or two. Mahal with a knee to Santino followed by another knee for a near fall. Barrett tags in and he connects with a forearm. Barrett with a near fall and then he punches Santino. Barrett with a reverse chin lock.
Santino with punches but Barrett with a hard Irish whip for a near fall. Mahal tags back in and he kicks Santino in the ribs. Mahal with a reverse chin lock. Santino with a split stunner and both men are down.
Sheamus tags in and he hits a few double sledges and then he clotheslines Mahal in the corner and he connects with forearms followed by a power slam and he knocks Barrett off the apron. Sheamus with a Brogue Kick but he does not pin Mahal because he has to tag in Santino. Excuse Santino while he whips it out and he puts on the sleeve and hits the cobra for the three count.
Winners: Sheamus and Santino Marella
Miz is in the office and he says that this is not fair. He mentions that R Truth has assaulted him twice. John and Mr. Coffee stand there and John says that Miz brought this upon himself. He says that he has a lot on his plate because he is the referee in the WWE Championship match. John says that tonight is the debut of Brodus Clay.
Miz doesn’t care about Brodus and he wants some sort of protection. John tells Miz that he has to find his own protection. John says that he isn’t Little Jimmy, he is Big Johnny. Miz and Otunga leave in opposite ends of the office while John texts someone.
Who will be the first person inducted into the 2012 Hall of Fame?
We go to commercial.
We are back and the first inductee into the Hall of Fame Class of 2012 is Edge. We get comments from Randy Orton, CM Punk, Christian, and John Cena.
Jerry says that a second inductee will be named later tonight.
Mason Ryan is listening to Miz but Mason will not be his Batista.
Zack Ryder is on the phone and he is talking to his dad. He sees Eve walking by and Zack suddenly gets a spine. Eve wants to know if Zack is okay. Zack says that he was a little traumatized and he says that they should go out since he doesn’t have a match tonight. Eve thinks about it and she agrees, but Eve mentions that she has a match against Beth Phoenix in a non-title match. Zack tells Eve that he thinks she can win the match.
Zack walks away and we see red light from a door that opens. Kane is pulling an R Truth and is stalking Ryder.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage from Friday night when Daniel Bryan was able to retain the World Title against Big Show thanks to Mark Henry.
Match Number Two: Kofi Kingston versus Daniel Bryan in a Non Title Match
Bryan offers his hand and this is a match of honor. They lock up and Bryan with a wrist lock but Kofi with a reversal. Bryan with an Irish whip but Kofi with a pendulum kick and Kofi with a springboard cross body for a near fall. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but it is way to early. Bryan with an O’Connor Roll but Kingston counters and gets a near fall of his own.
Bryan flips over Kingston in the corner and Kofi with a double jump cross body but Bryan puts Kofi in the LaBell Lock and Kofi taps.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, Bryan celebrates around the ring.
Big Show’s music plays to steal Bryan’s glory and he makes his way to the ring after giving his beanie to a member of the military so he isn’t so torn up about his loss.
Bryan says that he is thinking the same thing as Show and feeling the same thing. He hated how that match ended and that Mark got involved. Bryan says that the World Title is much too prestigious and too important to end in a disqualification. Bryan says that he is a fighting champion. He will give Show a World Title match whenever he wants.
Show tells Daniel that he is happy that Bryan agrees with him. They will have a rematch on Smackdown and it is a No Disqualification and No Count Out Match. Show wishes Bryan luck and he offers his hand.
Bryan shakes his hand and this is a promo of honor.
We are told that Mr. Sparkly Jacket will be on tonight’s show and maybe he will speak or he will initiate an All Fan Battle Royal.
Brodus Clay has a locker room, but is he here?
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the 1994 Royal Rumble that saw Bret Hart and Lex Luger both win the Rumble Match.
Justin Roberts introduces the man from Planet Funk, Brodus Clay. He is accompanied by Naomi Knight and Cameron Lynn.
Match Number Three: BRODUS CLAY versus Curt Hawkins
They lock up and Clay sends Hawkins to the mat. Hawkins with a waist lock and Clay dances his way out of the hold. Hawkins with a slap and Clay likes it. Clay with a back elbow followed by an exploder and then he gets the groove before hitting a running splash into the corner and a cross body for the three count.
Winner: Brodus Clay
Zack Ryder is using some mouthwash while psyching himself up for his date with Eve and we see Kane appear but Zack does not see him.
Miz is trying to get Epico and Primo to help him but Rosa tells him no and they leave. Punk walks by and Miz leaves.
Punk walks us into commercial.
Match Number Four: Jack Swagger with push ups, Vickie Guerrero and Dolph ‘The Handstand’ Ziggler versus CM Punk in a Non Title Match
Before the match starts, Mr. Human Buzzkill comes out and he reminds us of his title. He reminds us that he will be the guest referee in the Punk/Ziggler match. John wants to show Punk that he is fair. If Punk wins tonight, Swagger and Vickie are banned from ringside during the match at Royal Rumble. John tells Dolph that he will be facing John Cena tonight.
Punk does a Santino kick into air before locking up but Swagger goes for the leg and Punk gets to the ropes. Swagger with a fireman’s carry into an arm drab. Punk gets a near fall. Swagger with a front face lock. They lock up and Swagger with a waist lock but Punk with a hammer lock into a side head lock. Swagger rolls through and gets Punk to the mat.
Swagger with a waist lock and Punk with a standing switch. Punk blocks a punch and he kicks Swagger followed by a slam and then he goes up top but Swagger rolls to the floor and Punk gets back to the mat.
Swagger returns to the ring and Swagger with a waist lock and forearms to the back. Swagger stands on Punk’s back to add more pressure. Swagger punches Punk but Punk with a springboard cross body for a near fall. Punk with a back elbow and punches.
Swagger tries for the ankle lock and Punk kicks him off. Swagger with a kick to Punk and a running shoulder tackle. Swagger with knees to the midsection followed by a snap mare and then he hooks the arms. Swagger with a rollup for a near fall. Swagger with a waist lock and Punk with elbows to get out of the holds. Swagger throws Punk to the floor and Ziggler goes over to Punk, but Laurinaitis takes time from his texting to stop Ziggler.
Punk gets back into the ring and he clotheslines Swagger to the floor and Punk with a suicide dive and we go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger with a front face lock on Punk. Punk with forearms but Swagger with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Swagger with forearms to the back on two occasions and then he sends Punk into the turnbuckles. Punk with punches but Swagger with a kick. Punk with knees and slaps followed by a back fist and a series of kicks.
Punk with a leg lariat and a clothesline. Punk with a swinging neck breaker on Swagger and then he hits the running knee into the corner but Swagger avoids the bulldog and he hits the double jump Swagger bomb for a near fall. Swagger wants to know why Punk hasn’t died.
Swagger goes for another Swagger Bomb but Punk gets his feet up. Punk goes for the springboard clothesline but Swagger catches him and hits a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Swagger goes for the Doctor Bomb but Punk escapes. Punk cannot hit the Go To Sleep. Punk misses a spin kick and Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall.
Swagger tries for a superplex but Punk with a head butt to knock Swagger to the mat. Punk goes for the Savage Elbow Drop of Tribute and he hits it and gets the three count, but there may have been some controversy.
Winner: CM Punk
After the match, John Laurinaitis goes onto the apron to act like he is responsible for the win.
We see the footage and Swagger got his shoulder up, so we can get the concept that Laurinaitis is better at refereeing than the people they pay to referee.
We have an Earlier Tonight moment of the brawl between Kane and Cena at the start of the show.
John Cena and Zack Ryder are in the back. Zack thanks Cena one more time for getting him the title match. He thanks Cena for saving him last week. Zack says that he is nervous about a lot of things. Cena points that Zack Ryder is in the top five on Twitter.
We go to commercial.
The Bellas are in the back and they are arguing about something and Ricardo Rodriguez wants to know why they wanted him here. Ricardo tells them to call Alberto instead of bringing him here for a message. Miz tells Ricardo that he is going to call out R Truth. Every other Superstar is scared of R Truth, but that is why Ricardo is going to say the most offensive thing to call out Truth. Ricardo says that it is not going to happen, but Miz tells Ricardo if it doesn’t happen, he will join Alberto on the sidelines with an injury. The Bellas refuse to go to the ring with Ricardo.
It is time for the second Hall of Fame Inductee into the Class of 2012 and it is The Four Horsemen.
Ricardo Rodriguez is in the ring and he is not a happy muchacho. Ricardo says that he is a really bad man and his mother is really ugly and has a mustache. Ricardo says that Truth smells like a wet donkey and his breath stinks really bad like a rotten burrito.
Truth has had enough when he Ricardo talks about burritos like that.
Truth comes out and he tells Lucy that he is home. Truth tells Ricardo hola and Ricardo waves back. Truth doesn’t know why Ricardo would want to pick a fight with him because he has it all wrong. Truth says that he isn’t a bad man. He tells us that he is a gooooooooooood R Truth. Truth says that Little Jimmy told him that he should let bygones be bygones and let Ricardo go.
Truth asks Little Jimmy if he should let Ricardo go and the crowd says no. Truth spins but he is too late for Brodus’ Dance Party. Truth says that Little Jimmy doesn’t think much about Ricardo and that Ricardo should be turned into a human piñata. Truth tells Ricardo stop bugging out like a little cock-a-roach. He wants to know if Ricardo could sing him and Jimmy a song.
Truth starts off singing and he wants Truth to sing it from the diaphragm. Ricardo starts to sing and he gets into it. The crowd likes the performance and so does Truth. He wants Ricardo to sing one more again.
Ricardo accidentally hits Truth’s mic and Ricardo knows that he is screwed. Truth hits Shut Up on Ricardo and while Truth’s music plays, Miz attacks Truth from behind and hits a running kick to the head. Miz with knees to Truth followed by a knee lift. Truth punches Miz and takes Miz down and punches Miz. Miz runs into the crowd and Truth acts like he is going to follow after him.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Justin Roberts tries his best Bobby Cruise to Chris Jericho’s Steve Corino as the lights go out and we wait for the shiny jacket to return.
Jericho makes it into the ring faster than last week and then he goes around ringside. Jericho’s jacket continues to blink while he does not say anything. The fans continue to chant Y2J.
Chris thinks for a moment about something to say and then he starts to cry. His music plays and he walks to the back without saying anything.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the 1998 Royal Rumble won by Steve Austin.
Match Number Five: Eve Torres versus Beth Phoenix in a Non Title Match
Beth has changed her look drastically and she looks like Kane. Eve looks around and gets out of the ring. Eve starts to cry and Zack Ryder comes out to take Princess Peach to safety. They run into the back while Cole and Lawler wonder where Kane is.
We see Eve and Zack get into the car and he has put Eve in the car but he realizes that the tire is flat. Zack, showing that he is not the brightest bulb in the case, tries to put on the spare tire.
We go to commercial. Will AAA get there in time?
We are back and Zack almost has the tire ready while Eve encourages him.
Match Number Five: Dolph Ziggler with Vickie Guerrero versus John Cena
They lock up and Ziggler with a side head lock on one of Kane’s potential victims. Ziggler stops running the ropes and does the Ziggler Strut. Ziggler with a side head lock but Cena with a drop toe hold and Ziggler hits the Fameasser and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a kick and punch to the head.
Ziggler with more punches and the referee pulls Ziggler out of the corner. Ziggler kicks Cena in the corner. Ziggler with a side head lock and he bridges to add more pressure to the hold. Cena with a belly-to-back suplex and then he charges into the corner and Ziggler moves out of the way. Ziggler with a series of elbow drops and then he does some sit ups. Ziggler misses an elbow drop.
Cena with two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and it is time for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but we cut to the back and Ryder still has trouble with the tire. Kane punches Ryder and they fight.
Meanwhile, in the ring, Ziggler with a sleeper on Cena. Kane continues to destroy Ryder while something is probably going on in the match. Kane choke slams Ryder off the loading dock and there was no thud.
Cena tries to go check on his little buddy but Ziggler with a sleeper on the floor. Ziggler is sent into the ring steps and then he goes to the back. Vickie tells Dolph to get back into the ring.
Cena makes his way out of the arena and he is ambushed by Kane. Kane with an uppercut and a kick. Kane tries to smother Cena and we see Ryder on a pallet and he isn’t moving. Kane stands over Cena and we go to credits.
2013 - TNA chose not to renew Rosita's deal, leading to her departure from the company.
2013 - WWE broadcast Main Event. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
The most important night of the year to this point was 48 hours ago. Now that the Rock has returned to Raw, what will happen on Main Event? Will Dolph Ziggler be able to defeat Sheamus?
We are in Miami, Florida and your announcers are Miz and Michael ‘South Beach Tan’ Cole.
The Michaels talk about the ‘main event’ tonight with Dolph Ziggler, joined by AJ Lee and Big E Langston, against Sheamus.
We go to a video package for Sheamus. He says that he has been watching WWE since he was four or five years old. When he debuted, he was on a different planet. Then he got to wrestle for the World Title at Wrestlemania and everything was rewarded.
Winning one of the top prizes in the WWE, doors were opened and he was in for the ride of his life.
Dolph Ziggler says that he is the hottest superstar in the WWE today. Whether you like him or hate him, you wish you are him. He wants to be the best ever. One day he will be.
Sheamus is in the interview area with Matt Striker. He says that 2012 was Sheamus’ best year. Matt asks Sheamus if he is concerned that Dolph Ziggler will win the title before he gets a shot. Sheamus says that the Royal Rumble is weeks away and Wrestlemania is months away. Dolph will still be holding the briefcase because he will be too afraid to cash it in.
Sheamus says that he will win the Royal Rumble and get his title match at Wrestlemania.
Dolph is a great superstar. He is athletic and charismatic. He has the tools but he is afraid to pull the trigger. Sheamus says that Dolph can bring anyone with him because he has a Brogue Kick for everyone.
Dolph Ziggler is walking in the back with Big E Langston and AJ Lee.
Josh Mathews stops Dolph and apologizes for interrupting but he asks Dolph if he is losing some momentum after losing to John Cena on Monday.
Big E interjects and asks the little man if he is asking a question. Big E asks if he wants to go all 20/20 with him and then he tells Dateline to come back.
Dolph and AJ are impressed with Big E’s performance.
We see footage from two weeks ago when the Shield attacked Sheamus during his match with Dolph Ziggler.
Match Number One: Sheamus versus Dolph Ziggler (with Big E Langston and AJ Lee)
They lock up and Sheamus backs Ziggler into the rope. Ziggler pushes Sheamus and Sheamus smiles at him. Ziggler with a waist lock but Sheamus with a drop toe hold into a front face lock. Sheamus works on the wrist and shoulder. Sheamus with a hammer lock and he sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles.
Sheamus gets a near fall. Ziggler with a punch and drop kick and Sheamus goes down in the corner. Ziggler wit a kick and punches. Sheamus with a forearm to Ziggler and then he slams Ziggler and hits a leg drop for a near fall. Sheamus sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and wraps the arm in the ropes.
Ziggler with a kick to the head and punches. Sheamus with a forearm to the back followed by an Irish whip and then he tosses Ziggler into the air and Sheamus gets a near fall. Sheamus sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles. Ziggler with a kick to the knee but he misses a Fameasser. Sheamus teases the Brogue Kick but Ziggler avoids it and he goes to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with punches and kicks in the corner and the referee warns Ziggler. Sheamus puts Ziggler in the corner and he kicks and punches Dolph. Sheamus gets Ziggler on his shoulders for the rolling fireman’s carry slam and gets a near fall. Ziggler with a swinging neck breaker and then he goes for another neck breaker and hits it and gets a near fall.
Ziggler kicks and chokes Sheamus. Ziggler with a splash into the corner and he gets a near fall. Ziggler with a reverse chin lock. Ziggler with a headstand and then a bridge while applying the reverse chin lock. Sheamus gets to his feet and he falls to the mat to get out of the hold and both men are down.
Ziggler sends Sheamus into the middle rope and then he hits another drop kick and gets a near fall. Ziggler returns to the reverse chin lock. Sheamus with punches but Ziggler with a knee. Ziggler with a kick to the head and then a leaping elbow drop. Sheamus blocks a punch and connects with punches of his own. Sheamus misses a charge into the corner and Sheamus hits the ring post shoulder first.
Ziggler misses a splash into the corner and Sheamus with the two running double sledges followed by a running shoulder into the corner and the knee lift. Sheamus tries for White Noise but Ziggler goes to the apron. Sheamus with a knee and then he connects with the ten forearms across the chest on the apron. Sheamus with a shoulder tackle from the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Ziggler with a punch and kick. Sheamus tries for a power slam but Ziggler escapes. Ziggler with a kick and head butt. Sheamus with punches and he tries for the slingshot shoulder tackle but Ziggler leaps over Sheamus and hits an X Factor but Sheamus kicks out at two. Ziggler and Sheamus exchange punches. Ziggler adds kicks but Sheamus gains the advantage. Sheamus with a uranage back breaker for a near fall.
Sheamus gets Ziggler up for White Noise but Ziggler counters with a sunset flip. Sheamus rolls through and applies the Cloverleaf and Ziggler gets to the ropes. Sheamus kicks Ziggler in the leg. Ziggler goes to the apron and he drops Sheamus on the top rope. Ziggler goes up top and hits a missile drop kick. Ziggler gets a near fall.
Sheamus pulls himself up to the turnbuckles but Ziggler recovers first and hits a DDT from the top turnbuckle. Sheamus kicks out due to a cover that does not allow Ziggler to get all of his weight on Sheamus. Ziggler tries for the Fameasser but Sheamus catches Ziggler and hits a modified Alabama Slam.
Sheamus goes up top and hits the shoulder tackle but only gets a near fall. Sheamus looks around and it is time for the Brogue Kick. Ziggler avoids the Brogue Kick but Ziggler misses a superkick. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick and Ziggler goes to the floor. The referee counts and Sheamus goes to the floor for a moment but returns to the ring before the ten count and wins.
Winner: Sheamus (by count out)
Sheamus and Langston stare each other down after the match. Langston gets on the apron but then goes back to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to go back to Raw for the return of the Rock.
The Rock will be on Smackdown this week.
Match Number Two: Wade Barrett versus Zack Ryder in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Barrett works on the arm and wrist. Barrett turns it into an arm bar. Ryder with a reversal. Barrett with a reversal of his own and a side head lock. Barrett backs Ryder into the corner after Ryder applies a waist lock. Barrett with elbows and a snap mare followed by a reverse chin lock. Ryder leaps over Barrett and hits an arm drag.
Barrett with a knee and shoulder tackle. Barrett with a back heel kick followed by a knee to the midsection and he hits a pump handle slam for a near fall. Barrett with punches in the corner until the referee warns him. Ryder with punches to Barrett and hits a flapjack for a near fall.
Ryder with a front face lock. Barrett backs Ryder into the corner and connects with a shoulder. Barrett with an elbow to the head followed by a kick. Barrett with an Irish whip and he runs into knees but Barrett sends Ryder to the apron and then he pulls Ryder’s head against the ropes and Ryder goes to the floor. We go to commercial.
We are back and Barrett chokes Ryder in the ropes. Barrett puts Ryder into the ropes and he connects with knees and follows it with a boot to the chest that sends Ryder to the floor. Barrett suplexes Ryder back into the ring and gets a near fall. Barrett with a rear chin lock. Barrett with a knee to the midsection followed by an elbow drop for a near fall.
Barrett with a boot to the midsection. Barrett with an elbow drop from the second turnbuckle and he gets a near fall. Barrett with a reverse chin lock. Ryder drives Barrett’s head into the mat and both men are down. Ryder with an elbow to Barrett followed by knees to the chest. Ryder with a missile drop kick and Barrett falls into the corner. Ryder with a running forearm and it is time for the Broski Boot but Barrett knows it is coming and he goes to the floor. They return to the ring and Barrett with a Blackpool Slam for a near fall.
Barrett picks up Ryder and he tries for a suplex but Ryder lands on his feet and he hits a neck breaker for a near fall. Barrett sends Ryder into the corner and Ryder with a drop toe hold into the corner. Ryder hits the Broski Boot and gets a near fall.
Ryder sets for the Rough Ryder but Barrett sends Ryder over his head and into the turnbuckles. Barrett with the Bull Hammer and gets the three count.
Winner: Wade Barrett
We find out that next week, Randy Orton will face Antonio Cesaro.
We go to credits.
2013 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Last week, The Shield made their influence known in NXT and their work allowed Seth Rollins to retain his title. However, at the end of the night, Dusty Rhodes provided Seth Rollins with a new opponent for this week. What will happen when Big E Langston gets his hands on Seth Rollins?
We get Scott Stanford to do a voice over telling us about the NXT Championship match.
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are Tom ‘No Philes’ Phillips and William ‘I remember when I was beating the crap out of one third of the Shield’ Regal.
William Regal mentions that the NXT Title Match will be a No Disqualification Match.
Bray Wyatt says that the time of being treated like a piece of trash is over. He can give you hope and strength. He bit the head off a snake just to taste its poison. When we come together and unite, we are strong . . . dangerous . . . family.
Match Number One: Yoshi Tatsu and Percy Watson versus Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Harper and Yoshi start things off and Harper with a forearm to the back. Rowan tags in and he connects with a double sledge to the back. Rowan misses a knee drop and then Yoshi kicks Rowan away to tag in Watson. Watson with two forearms but they do not move Rowan. A drop kick sends Rowan to the mat. Watson goes after Harper on the apron but Rowan attacks him from behind and chokes him in the ropes. Harper with a boot to the head from the apron.
Rowan with boots to Watson and then Harper tags back in. Harper with a kick and elbow drops to Watson followed by a reverse chin lock. Harper with an elbow to the head and forearm to the back. Rowan tags back in and Harper sends Watson towards Rowan and Rowan with a slam and then he works on the neck.
Watson with a punch but Rowan with a forearm to the back. Harper tags back in and he connects with a shoulder in the corner. Harper with a forearm to the back and Harper stops Watson’s momentum towards his corner and Harper with a front face lock. Watson with a jawbreaker and Watson with a drop kick.
Yoshi tags in and he chops Harper and kicks him. Yoshi with a drop kick to the knee and then he hits a Shining Wizard and gets a near fall. Rowan and Watson fight in the ring and Watson sends Rowan to the floor. Harper with a boot to Watson’s head. Yoshi with a round kick to Harper’s head and then he goes up top. Yoshi misses the spinning heel kick from the top turnbuckle. Harper with a running splash into the corner followed by a discus clothesline for the three count.
Winners: Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
After the match, they go up to Bray Wyatt and Wyatt laughs and tells them to go to the back with him.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: Paige versus Emma
Paige grabs Emma by the hair and then she tosses Emma to the mat. Paige tosses Emma across the ring by the hair again and Paige screams. Paige kicks Emma. Emma with a kick to the knee and a drop kick and Paige holds her ankle while Emma gets a near fall. Emma kicks Paige in the hamstring.
Emma tries to hyperextend the knee and gets a near fall. Emma puts Paige’s leg in the rope and she pulls the leg to add more pressure on the knee. Emma with a dragon screw leg whip and then he applies a single leg crab. Paige kicks Emma away to escape the hold.
Paige with a kick to the midsection followed by the Paige Turner for the three count.
Winner: Paige
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of Bo Dallas’ match against Epico and Michael McGillicutty getting involved after the match to help Bo.
Match Number Three: Michael McGillicutty and Bo Dallas versus Epico and Primo
Michael and Primo start things off and they lock up. Primo with a side head lock and drop toe hold and then he floats over Michael. They lockup again and Michael with a side head lock and drop toe hold into a front face lock. Michael with a side head lock and he holds on when Primo tries for an Irish whip. Primo with a punch but Michael with a chop.
Epico tags in and Michael with a side head lock take down. Epico escapes but Michael with a chop and Primo tags back in. Michael with a side head lock take down on Primo but Primo gets a near fall with a rollup. Michael with a cross body for a near fall. Michael with another side head lock take down.
Primo gets a near fall with a rollup. Primo with punches and a kick. Michael blocks a hip toss and hits one of his own. Michael with another side head lock take down. Epico tags in and he kicks Micahel. Epico with punches. Michael with a vintage Hennig hurdle leap frog followed by a running drop kick. Michael with a side head lock take down and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bo gets a near fall on Epico. Bo with a rear chin lock but Epico gets to his feet and he connects with a back elbow. Epico sends Bo’s head into the turnbuckles and follows with a chop. Epico misses a drop kick and misses a clothesline. Bo with an atomic drop and then he climbs the turnbuckles and punches Epico.
Primo distracts Bo and that allows Epico to escape and he crotches Bo in the turnbuckles. Epico with forearms to the back of the head and he pulls Bo to the mat. Epico sends Bo into the turnbuckles and he tags Primo in. Primo with kicks and then he puts Bo in the ropes and chokes him. Primo with a splash to the back and he goes through the ropes to the floor. Primo with a slingshot senton and a knee drop to the head for a near fall. Primo chokes Bo while arguing with the referee.
Epico tags back in and he drop kicks Bo after Primo Irish whips Bo towards him. Epico gets a near fall. Epico with a suplex for a near fall. Epico with a reverse chin lock. Bo with elbows but Epico pulls Bo to the mat by the hair and he gets a near fall. Epico with a reverse chin lock. Bo with a jawbreaker but Epico keeps Bo from making the tag. Epico with shoulders in the corner and Primo kicks Bo while the referee deals with Epico and Michael.
Bo with punches to Epico but Epico pulls Bo towards his corner and Primo tags in. Primo with a leg sweep while Epico hits a side Russian leg sweep. Primo with a leg drop for a near fall. Epico tags back in and he kicks Bo in the midsection. Primo tags back in and Epico is reversed on the Irish whip and Primo drop kicks his cousin instead of Dallas. Bo makes the tag to Michael.
Michael with punches to Primo. Michael slides to avoid the turnbuckles on an Irish whip and he hits a clothesline on Primo. Michael with a Saito suplex followed by a sliding D for a near fall but Epico pulls Michael off. Michael sends Epico over the top rope to the floor but Primo is able to hit the lungblower for the three count.
Winners: Epico and Primo
We go to commercial.
We are back and William Regal is joined by Jim Ross for the main event.
Match Number Four: Seth Rollins versus Big E Langston for the NXT Championship in a No Disqualification Match
Rollins tries to kick Langston but Langston blocks it and he sends Seth to the mat. Rollins goes fro the knee and he kicks and punches Langston. Rollins with a front face lock but Langston sends Rollins into the turnbuckles and Langston with shoulders to the midsection.
Langston misses a shoulder into the corner and Langston’s shoulder hits the ring post. Rollins tries for an Asai DDT but Langston pushes him away and Langston gets Rollins up for a press slam and he sends Rollins to the floor. Langston goes to the floor and Ambrose and Reigns attack Langston.
Ambrose and Reigns send Langston into the ring steps. They help Rollins up and we go to commercial.
We are back and Rollins kicks Langston as the action has returned to the ring. Rollins with punches to Langston followed by a kick. Rollins with a figure four head scissors. Rollins falls back to the mat to add extra pressure to the hold. Langston rolls over and he is able to get to his feet and he has Rollins on his shoulders and Langston with an Electric Chair Drop.
Langston with a clothesline or two. Langston with knees to the midsection and then he hits a running body block. Langston knocks Ambrose and Reigns off the apron. Langston gets Rollins up for the Big Ending but Reigns and Ambrose are able to get into the ring and they go for the legs.
Reigns and Ambrose work over Langston while Rollins recovers. Some wrestlers from the back come out to try to help Langston but it does not work. More wrestlers come out and they take care of Ambrose and Reigns. While the locker room take Reigns and Ambrose to the back, Rollins sets for the Asai DDT and he hits it but Langston kicks out at two.
Rollins cannot believe that Langston kicked out. Rollins goes for another one but Langston catches him mid-move and hits the Big Ending for the three count.
Winner: Big E Langston
After the match, Langston celebrates in the ring and then the wrestlers come to the ring to celebrate with Langston.
We go to credits.
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