On this day in history in ....
1926 - Ted Thye defeats Clarence Eklund for the World Light Heavyweight Title in Columbus, Ohio, ending Eklund's third reign.
1937 - Vic Weber defeats Klem Kusek in a tournament final to win the vacant Montana State Middleweight Title in Great Falls, Montana. Eddie Myers vacated the title in January.
1947 - Martino Angelo defeats Danny McShain to win the World Light Heavyweight Title in Hollywood, California. This ended McShain's eighth reign and began Angelo's third.
1955 - Chris Adams was born in Rugby, Warwickshire, England.
1955 - Buddy Rogers and Great Scott defeat Stan Holek and Bill Miller for the Midwest Wrestling Association American Tag Team Title in Columbus, Ohio, beginning their third reign.
1956 - Danny McShain defeats Bull Curry for the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title in Houston, Texas, ending Curry's second reign.
1961 - Pepper Gomez defeats Dan Manoukian to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Houston, Texas, beginning his 11th reign.
1961 - Tito Kopa and Bill Savage defeats Herb Freeman and Nick Kozak defeat Tony Borne & Shag Thomas for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, ending and beginning each team's second reign.
1965 - Johnny Valentine defeats Dory Funk, Sr. in Lubbock, Texas for the Amarillo NWA North American Heavyweight Title, ending Funk's 14th reign.
1967 - Pedro Morales and Ricky Romero defeat Hard Boiled Haggerty and El Shereef to win the World Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California, ending Haggerty and Shereef's second reign.
1968 - The WWWF held an event at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The results:
- Ricky Sexton defeated Mario Froteroli.
- Victor Rivera defeated Wes Hutchings.
- Bull Ramos defeated Smasher Sloan.
- Miguel Perez defeated Angelo Savoldi (subbing for Virgil the Kentucky Butcher).
- Earl Maynard defeated Guillotine Gordon.
- Edouard Carpentier and Dominic DeNucci defeated Luke Graham and Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- Antonio Pugliese defeated Prof. Tanaka by disqualification.
- Hans Mortier defeated WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino by disqualification. Sammartino retained the title.
1970 - Jack Brisco defeats Mr. Saito for the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in Orlando, Florida. At the same event, Dante and The Great Mephisto defeat Sailor Art Thomas and Thunderbolt Patterson to win the Florida NWA Southern Tag Team Title.
1971 - Lisa Marie Varon aka WWE's Victoria and Impact Wrestling's Tara is born in San Bernardino, California.
1971 - Louie Spicoli, who competed in AAA as Madonna's Novia and in the WWF as Rad Radford as well as under his own name in WCW, ECW and countless independents, is born.
1972 - Yasu Fuji and Chati Yokouchi defeat Omar Atlas and Danny Little Bear for the Central States NWA North American Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas, to begin their second reign.
1973 - Terry Funk defeats Johnny Valentine to win the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title in St. Louis, Missouri.
1978 - Hector Guerrero defeats The Canadian (Roddy Piper) for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in Los Angeles, California, ending Piper's fourth reign.
1979 - Giant Baba defeated Abdullah the Butcher for the AJPW PWF Heavyweight Title in Chicago, Illinois, to begin his second reign.
1980 - The Matador (Jerry Stubbs) and Mike Stallings defeat Dennis Condrey and David Schultz in a rematch for the held-up NWA Southeastern Tag Team Title in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1982 - Canadian star Vanessa Kraven is born.
1983 - Former WWE developmental and Impact Wrestling star Kevin Matthews, one of the owners of WrestlePro, is born.
1983 - Taiji Ishimori is born.
1984 - "The Yellow Rose of Texas" David Von Erich passes away at only 25 years old in a Tokyo, Japan hotel room during a tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling. His cause of death has been widely debated. Ric Flair said in his autobiography that he died from of drug overdose, with Bruiser Brody flushing the drugs before authorities arrived to cover it up. However, David's brother Kevin, World Class referee David Manning, and Gary Hart, on both Big Vision Entertainment and WWE's World Class documentaries, as well as the official autopsy report, say David died of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) due to acute enteritis (swelling of the small intestine), with the enteritis causing an intestinal rupture. David held All Japan's NWA United National Heavyweight Title at the time. In David's memory World Class would hold the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas on May 6, at which Kerry Von Erich won the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair.
1985 - The WWF held an event at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. The results were:
- The Tiger defeated Neilson the Newt.
- Brutus Beefcake defeated Special Delivery Jones.
- Dick Murdoch defeated Nick DeCarlo.
- Blackjack Mulligan defeated Goldie Rogers.
- Bob Orton defeated George Wells.
- Hillbilly Jim defeated Moondog Rex.
- The Haiti Kid defeated Sky Low Low.
- WWF Tag Team Champions The U.S. Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) fought The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff to a double-disqualification to retain the title.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper via count-out.
1985 - Super Medic I defeats Black Gordman for the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
1990 - "Super Fight", an event co-promoted by rival promotions All-Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling, takes place before 63,900 fans at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
- Takayuki Iizuka pinned Osamu Matsuda.
- Naoki Sano and Pegasus Kid defeated Jushin Liger and Akira Nogami, when Sano pinned Nogami.
- Tatsutoshi Goto, Norio Honaga and Hiro Saito defeated Hiroshi Hase, Kantaro Hoshino and Kuniaki Kobayashi, when Goto pinned Hoshino.
- Brad Rheingans pinned Victor Zangiev.
- Steve Williams pinned Salman Hashimikov.
- IWGP World Tag Team Champion Masa Saito defeated AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko to win the title.
- AJPW Triple Crown Champion Jumbo Tsuruta and Yoshiaki Yatsu defeated Osamu Kido and Kengo Kimura, when Tsuruta pinned Kido.
- Tiger Mask (Mistuharu Misawa) and AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champion Genichiro Tenryu defeated George Takano and IWGP World Tag Team Champion Riki Choshu, when Takano got counted out.
- IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Big Van Vader fought AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champion Stan Hansen to a double-countout to retain the title.
- Koji Kitao pinned Bam Bam Bigelow.
- Antonio Inoki and Seiji Sakaguchi beat Masahiro Chono and Shinya Hashimoto, when Inoki pinned Chono. Lou Thesz was the special guest referee for the match.
1990 - The WWWF held an event at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The results:
- Hercules defeated The Conquistador (José Rivera).
- The Red Rooster defeated Al Perez by submission.
- Ronnie Garvin defeated The Brooklyn Brawler.
- The Rockers (Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty) defeated The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) by disqualification.
- Jim Neidhart defeated Greg Valentine.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Randy Savage by countout.
- Roddy Piper defeated Rick Rude in a Steel Cage match.
1992 - Kamala defeats Koko B. Ware for the held-up USWA Unified World Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning his third reign. At the same event, Brian Christopher defeats Tom Prichard for the USWA Texas Heavyweight Title, ending Prichard's second reign. Christopher would be the last champion, as the USWA stopped using the title, formerly used in World Class Championship Wrestling, later that same year. NWA Southwest revived the title back in Texas in 1998.
1993 - Ric Flair makes his last WWF appearance for nearly nine years, at a WWF event in Dortmund, Germany. WWF Champion Bret Hart defeated Flair to retain the title at the show. On the January 25 edition of Monday Night RAW, taped on January 18, Flair lost a match to Mr. Perfect, in which the loser had to leave the WWF. Flair wrestled only on house shows for the next month, mostly working with Hart. This match in Germany was Flair's last match before returning to WCW, and he would not be seen in a WWF ring again until November 2001.
1996 - Abdullah the Butcher defeats Mabel to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title for the fourth time, in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
1996 - Frankie DeFalco defeats Billy Joe Eatin for the Mid-American Wrestling Heavyweight Title in New Berlin, Wisconsin, beginning his second reign.
1996 - Bobby and Woody Lee defeated Los Rudos in Warren, Michigan to become the first Championship Wrestling Federation Tag Team Champions.
1997 - The Monday Night Raw takes a break, as WCW Monday Nitro airs unopposed on TNT with a 3.8 rating, slightly up from the previous opposed week. WWF RAW is WAR did not air due to USA Network's coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with a live RAW airing the following Thursday night. Nitro was live from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville, Florida. The results were:
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Dean Malenko defeated WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Eddie Guerrero by countout, after Syxx distracted Guerrero at ringside.
- The Giant pinned Ron Powers.
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) defeated High Voltage (Kaos and Rage), when Scott pinned Rage.
- WCW World Tag Team Champions The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash) defeated The Extreme (Ace Darling and Devon Storm).
- WCW World Television Champion Lord Steven Regal fought Rey Misterio, Jr. to a 15-minute time-limit draw to retain the title.
- Kevin Sullivan pinned Maverick Wild.
- Hugh Morrus pinned Alex Wright.
2000 - Zap I and Zap T defeat Carlos (Rieko) Amano and Commando Bolshoi in Tokyo, Japan to win the JWP Tag Team Title.
2001 - At a WWF house show in St. Paul, Minnesota, Hardcore Holly defeats Raven for the WWF Hardcore Title, beginning his fifth reign, only to lose it right back to Raven, beginning Raven's sixth reign.
2001 - Lobo defeats champion Wifebeater and Lord Everett Devoe in a three-way match to win the CZW Ironman Title in Sewell, New Jersey, beginning Lobo's third reign and ending Wifebeater's fourth.
2001 - Ricky Banderas defeats Glamour Boy Shane for the IWA World Heavyweight Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
2001 - Shane Eden and James Storm win a tournament in Nashville, Tennessee to win the vacant NWA North American Tag Team Title. The title was vacated in September 2000, when Big Bully Douglas and Air Paris split up.
2002 - Johnny Moss defeats Gary Steele to win the NWA United Kingdom Heavyweight Title in Herne Bay, England.
2003 - Former AWA World, AWA World Tag Team, WWF Intercontinental and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion, "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig dies unexpectedly in a Tampa, Florida hotel prior his appearance on at an event promoted by Jimmy Hart. Autopsy results were revealed a month and a half later, with the cause determined to be an acute cocaine overdose. Hennig was posthoumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, by longtime friend Wade Boggs. Curt's widow, Leonice, accepted the award on his behalf.
2003 - D.J. Skittles defeats Double Dragon in Parkersburg, West Virginia for the NWA Tri-State Television Title, ending Dragon's second reign and beginning Skittles' second reign.
2004 - T.J. Dalton and J.T. Stahr defeat Crazy J and Lotus to win their third Heartland Wrestling Association Tag Team Title in Cincinnati, Ohio. At the same show, Mike Desire defeats Quinten Lee for the HWA Television Title.
2006 - Strikeforce held the MMA promotion's very first event, Shamrock vs. Gracie, at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California, with 18,265 fans in attendance and nearly a million-dollar gate. The event was headlined by Ken Shamrock's younger brother Frank taking on the latest fighter from the Gracie family, making his debut, Cesar Gracie. Also on the show was WWE $1,000,000 Tough Enough champion Daniel Puder, and future Ultimate Fighter 5 winner Nate Diaz. The results were:
- Scott Graham defeated Chris Yee by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:37 of round two.
- Nate Diaz defeated Tony Juarez by TKO at 3:23 of round one.
- Crafton Wallace defeated Ray Routh by knockout (knee) at 0:35 of round two.
- Gilbert Melendez defeated Harris Sarmiento by submission (strikes) at 0:44 of round two.
- Daniel Puder defeated Jesse Fujarczyk by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:54 of round one.
- Brian Ebersole defeated Matt Horwich by unanimous decision after three five-minute rounds.
- Mike Kyle vs. Krzysztof Soszynski resulted in a technical draw at 2:02 of round one, due to an accidental thumb to Krysztof's eye.
- Clay Guida defeated Josh Thomson by unanimous decision after three five-minute rounds, to become the first Strikeforce World Lightweight Champion.
- Cung Le defeated Mike Altman by knockout at 3:51 of round one.
- Frank Shamrock defeated Cesar Gracie by knockout (punch) at 0:21 of round one.
2007 - Hajime Ohara wins his second NWA World Welterweight Title in Osaka, Japan, defeating Super Delfin.
2007 - Fire Blaze defeats Alex Montalvo to win the WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in ManatÃ, Puerto Rico. This ended Montalvo's second reign and began Blaze's third.
2007 - Bolo the Red Bulldog defeats Hiram Tua for the IWA World Hardcore Title in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, ending Tua's second reign.
2007 - Adrian Lynch defeats Dysfunction and J-Cash in DePere, Wisconsin to become the first NWA Northeastern Wisconsin Heavyweight Champion.
2007 - NWA Upstate held February Fallout in Henrietta, New York. The results were:
- Cody Deaner defeated Colin Olsen.
- Dewey, Marc Krieger and Chip Stetson defeated NWA Upstate Six-Man Tag Team Champions The Dynasty (Vince Beach, The Czar and Derek Duncum) to win the title.
- 21st Century Fox defeated Synndy.
- Pepper Parks defeated Gabe Saint, Dicky Sanchez, Joe Sloan, Spazz and Sweet Lou in a six-way scramble match.
- Steve Corino and Ricky Landell defeated Sterling James Keenan and Larry Sweeney.
- Will Christenson defeated NWA Upstate Kayfabe Dojo Champion Eric Everlast to win the title.
- JP Black and Rhythm & Booze (Buddy Delmar and Frank The Tank) defeated Van Atlas and NWA Upstate Tag Team Champions The Roadies (Sammy Dunn and Dave Marcos)
- Madden Fisher defeated John McChesney.
- Big Cat vs. Triple X ended in a double-disqualification.
- NWA Upstate Heavyweight Champion Jimmy Olsen and NWA Upstate No Limits Champion Cheech defeated Brodie Lee and Cloudy.
2008 - TNA held their Against All Odds PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of TNA Against All Odds 2008, the promotion's debut in Greenville, South Carolina.
The show went on the air with Jeremy Borash introducing the Marine Corp who brought out the Marine and United States flags, flanked by Bob Armstrong and BG James. Morning Star recording artist Joe Struski then sang the national anthem. The building looked full based on the early camera shots.
They went into the usual well done opening video package.
They returned live to the building with BG James and Bob Armstrong walking to the ring with a number of Marines filing behind them marching. BG said that in honor of all the fighting men and women, they had "three words for 'em....God bless America." TNA shot off a ton of pyro.
TNA Tag Team champs AJ Styles & Tomko vs. BG James & Bob Armstrong
The champs made their way to the ring. Styles took the mic and said while it might not be the time and place, he wanted to know why Tomo hasn't called him back in three weeks. He said that Tomko wanted to be his own man and that was fine, but then he went and aligned himself with Christian Cage, so Styles wanted some answers right now. Tomko said they were about to fight the best wrestling family of all time and the Armstrongs were backed up by the Marines, so Styles needed to get his head in the game and worry about the match. He told AJ if he didn't, they were about to lose their belts. At least they explained why these two would work together after the recent storyline developments.
They had Jeremy Borash do the big-time fight introductions for the title bout.
Styles and BG locked up but AJ sidestepped him and laughed. AJ grabbed a side headlock on BG. AJ began showboating, so BG cracked him with a right hand. BG and Armstrong worked over Styles. Styles got in Armstrong's face, so Bob paintbrushed him and Styles fell on his rear.
Tomko tagged in. BG wanted in but Armstrong told his son it would be OK. Tomko got the better of Bob, who tagged out to BG. BG laid in several kicks and got a two count. BG and Armstrong began tagging in and out as they controlled the match. Styles tagged in and got a quick two count on Armstrong. They showed a shot of Kurt Angle watching a monitor of this match in the back as Karen Angle tried to get him to stop watching so she could talk to him.
Styles continued to work over Armstrong. Tomko tagged in and cinched in a side chinlock. The crowd rallied Armstrong. He fought to his feet and used several elbows and a right hand to break the hold. Tomko cut him off and mocked BG by holding Armstrong's hand out for a mock tag. Tomko set up Armstrong in the corner but Armstrong ducked a running boot and Tomko crotched himself.
BG tagged in and cleaned house on Tomko, who went to the floor. AJ hit the ring but BG cut him off with a several punches and a kneedrop. Tomko returned and held BG for AJ to take a shot. Styles hit a springboard forearm off the ropes but BG escaped and Tomko ate the forearm. BG nailed AJ with a pumphandle slam for a two count with Styles getting his shoulder up at the last second.
Tomko attacked Armstrong on the floor, so BG made the save. When BG returned to the ring, Styles nailed a springboard dropkick to his knees. Styles and Tomko nailed the Tornadoplex and scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA Tag Team champions AJ Styles and Tomko!
Kip James hit the ring immediately after the finish. He and Bob checked on BG's knee. The cameras focused on James holding his knee and showing close-ups of him in agony. Several referees helped him out. No heel turn for Kip, so I was wrong (at least for tonight).
The match itself was solid. Nothing amazing but it was a decent opener. The crowd live seemed to enjoy it. I am a big Bob Armstrong fan, so I enjoyed this for what it was.
They went backstage where Jeremy Borash was with TNA champion Kurt Angle and his wife Karen Angle. Karen was screaming at Kurt that she's done everything he's asked and doesn't know what else she has to do. She said that all he cares about it the TNA belt and who's screwing who behind his back. She demanded to know when the hell they were going to have time together and when the last time he did anything romantic. Angle told her now wasn't the time to be pulling this and told her to go take some midol and take her friend PMS with her. She told Angle one day he's going to "realize it" (what exactly?) and it'll be too late. She stormed off.
Mike Tenay and Don West reviewed the remainder of the live card.
They aired a video feature on the women's grudge match.
Traci Brooks vs. Payton Banks
Anyone ever notice that Brooks' music sounds like Aerosmith's Rag Doll? They girls go nose to nose at the bell and Banks slaps her. Brooks speared her in a corner and worked her over with stomps, then smothered Banks with her boot. Banks tried to escape but was dragged back into the ring.
Banks turned it around with a rake of the eyes, then yanked Brooks to the mat by her hair. Payton then strangled her. Brooks nailed another spear. They went to the floor and brawled around ringside. Brooks whipped her into the rail, then chopped her several times. Brooks was tripped into the steel steps. Payton unleashed a number of forearms, then sent Brooks into the railing.
Banks tossed Brooks back into the ring. She stomped at Brooks, then worked her over with a series of rights. The crowd chanted for Traci. Brooks mounted a comeback. She and Banks threw stiff kicks at each other. Banks began working over Brooks' back in the corner, nailing her with a kick and a double knee in the corner for a two count.
Brooks fought her way to her feet. Banks went for a piledriver but was backdropped over. Brooks nailed several chops and kicks. Brooks nailed a clothesline for a two count, but Banks got her shoulder up. Brooks went to the top rope, but Banks cut her off, shaking the ropes.
Banks charged Brooks in the corner, but missed. Brooks rolled her up and scored the pin.
Your winner, Traci Brooks!
Banks attacks Brooks with a Northern Lariat from behind as she celebrated. She tried to leave the ring but Brooks went after her. Banks finally escaped. The match was decent. They both worked their rear ends off.
They aired a promo video for Petey Williams vs. Scott Steiner
The returning Scott Hudson interviewed both. Williams said he was as tired of all the talk about the briefcases and put himself over as a totally natural bodybuilder. Steiner said he had more matches defending the World title than Petey has had matches. He said that had a surprise for Williams if Williams crossed him tonight. Steiner walked off and Williams said tonight was his night.
Scott Steiner vs. Petey Williams with the winner getting title shots for the TNA and X-Division title
They both posed in the ring with Petey copying Steiner's trademark poses before the bell. They locked up and Steiner shoved Williams backwards. Williams grabbed a waistlock from behind into a side headlock but Steiner shoved him off. Williams went for a dropkick and charged, but got caught with a hiptoss. Williams retreated to the floor. Steiner followed, so Williams hopped back in the ring and did situps to play mental games.
The crowd did the dueling chants. Steiner got the better of Williams, who kept mocking Steiner to try and get inside his head. Williams nailed a spinkick for a two count. Steiner caught him with a big suplex. He tied up Williams upside down in the corner, then pulled back on Williams with a chinlock as he stood outside the ring.
Steiner clotheslined Williams, then dropped an elbow. He nailed a belly-to-belly superplex off the top. He make an arrogant cover, then pulled up Petey. He carried Petey to the top and nailed a Fallaway Slam. He repeated the arrogant cover and pulled him up.
Steiner went to the floor and retrieved the Feast or Fired briefcases. He wedged them in opposite sides of the ring. Why would he risk being DQ's and losing his title shots? Referee Slick Johnson tried to stop Steiner, giving Williams the chance to knock Steiner into one of the cases for a two count. Why wasn't Williams DQ'd?
Williams nailed a hurancanrana for another two. He went for the Canadian Destroyer but Steiner blocked it and slammed Williams backwards on the mat. Steiner went for the cover but Petey kicked up. Petey rolled up Scott for a two count, then nailed a dropkick. He went to the top and nailed a flying bodypress, but Steiner kicked up at the last second.
Petey locked the Steiner Recliner in on Scott. Steiner got to his feet and ran Williams backwards into the corner. Williams refused to let go. Steiner went for a over the shoulder powerslam, but Williams escaped and turned it into a Tornado DDT for a two count. Steiner lowblowed Williams.
Williams came back with several punches and a mule kick. He sent Steiner into the other briefcase. Petey hit a missile dropkick and called for the Canadian Destroyer. A large African-American woman came down to the apron and began doing poses. Williams posed back, allowing Steiner to lay him out and get the pin. Check the main page for details on the newest TNA Knockout.
Your winner, Scott Steiner!
They went backstage to Kurt Angle and Jeremy Borash. Angle complained that Karen Angle walked out on him before the most important match of his life and didn't know what to do. Borash said he was going to release a book about how to get the broads and would give Angle a few tips. He told Kurt he had to treat Karen properly and showed him a few things, including how to hold her hand. Angle said he needed something better. Jeremy said, "What's Thursday?" Angle said, "Impact." That was classic. Borash told him it was Valentine's Day and suggested the Angles renew their vows on Impact. Borash told Kurt that on Thursday, he needed to look right into Karen's eyes and tell her "I love you." AJ walked in on the "I love you", looked confused and walked out as Kurt and Borash tried to explain. That was priceless.
They aired a video feature on the Drinking championship.
Eric Young vs. James Storm
Storm attacked Young as he was with fans at ringside. Young came back with a Thesz Press. Storm was clotheslined to the floor. Young nailed a bodypress to the floor. Young whipped him into the railing. He tossed Storm into the ring. Jackie Moore tripped Young, so he chased her around the ring, allowing Storm to take him out. Young fought back but Storm caught him with a kick to the head, sending Young to the floor.
Storm removed the padding on the concrete, then hiptossed him onto it. That was a lot more brutal than most fans will realize. Storm worked over Young on the floor. He teased a suplex, but Young blocked it. Young then suplex him on the concrete. Storm was bleeding slightly from the mouth. The crowd chanted TNA.
Young was cut off as he returned to the ring and Storm nailed a DDT. Mike Tenay and Don West plugged that tonight was the first time there would ever be a PPV emanating from two cities due to the South Carolina Athletic Commission not allowing them to have Barbed Wire Massacre 2. They said it would be in Orlando and that Jim Cornette and Crystal would be on hand.
Storm continued to work over Young. Young finally caught Storm with a powerbomb. He clotheslined Storm as Moore distracted the referee. Storm tossed Young into the corner. Young took the Flair flop over the turnbuckles, then caught Storm with a shoulderblock. Storm cut him off and went to the top rope. Storm went for a swanton but missed.
Young nailed a moonsault off the top for a two count. Young put Storm in the corner. Jackie hit the ring but Young picked her up for a Fireman's Carry. He used her as a battering ram to Storm's joy department. Young fell over onto Moore and Young hit them both with a Death Valley Driver for a two count.
Young positioned Storm in a corner but Storm turned it into a sunset flip powerbomb off the top. Jackie Moore tossed Storm a beer bottle and distracted the referee. Storm prepared to nail Young with it, but Rhino hit the ring from the crowd and gored him. From a storyline perspective, the return makes total sense.
Young covered Storm for the three count.
Your winner, Eric Young!
Decent match. Man, this is one hot crowd. They are into everything.
Rhino took the mic and returned to the ring. He said he had a lot to say, but tonight wasn't the time or place. He said Thursday at Impact might be the time and place. He said that one thing was for sure and that was he was back to kick some ass.
Mike Tenay sent the show over to Orlando. Crystal was with Jim Cornette. Cornette said that when Abyss asked for this match, Mesias accepted, so Cornette booked it. He said that after the match was advertised, the South Carolina Commission refused to allow it to take place in the State of South Carolina. Cornette said that when TNA advertises something, they follow through (Pacman Jones says hi, TNA). Cornette put over the dangerous nature of the barbed wire match and cut one hell of a promo.
They aired a video feature on the Knockout championship match.
TNA Knockouts champion Awesome Kong vs. ODB
They faced off at the bell and Kong shoved her. ODB shoved her back and tols Kong to kiss her rear. They grabbed each other by the hair. ODB attempted a slam. Kong cut her off with a running charge.
ODB went to the floor, where Raeesa got in her face. ODB told her to speak English and returned to the ring. Kong cut off ODB's offense and hit a running splash in the corner. She pulled ODB up by her hair, then tossed her to the floor. Kong drags her around ringside, throwing ODB into the railing. Kong shoved her back into the ring.
Kong stalked ODB from behind and worked her over with kicks. Kong set her up for a powerbomb but ODB battled her off. Kong dropped ODB in the corner. She grabbed Kong for the Dirty Dozen but Kong avoided it. ODB ducked the spinning backfist and went for a tornado DDT, but was shoved off.
ODB ducked a clothesline. ODB went for a Thesz Press but was caught and slammed on the mat. ODB escaped a powerbomb attempt. She nailed several dropkicks. Kong staggered but didn't go down. ODB hit the Thesz Press off the ropes, but Kong kicked up. ODB went for a bodyslam but couldn't get her.
Kong clotheslined ODB down, then nailed the Impant Buster for a two count. Kong went to the ropes but ODB attacked her in the corner. She worked over Kong and slammed her out of the corner. She made the cover but only got a two count. ODB went to her flask for liquid courage.
She nailed Kong with several shots. Raeesa got on the apron, but ODB nailed her. That allowed Kong to hit the spinning backfist and the Awesomebomb for the three count.
Your winner and still TNA Knockouts champ, Awesome Kong!
Another solid match with lots of stiff, hard work, but it wasn't at the level of the Kong-Gail Kim matches. I'm enjoying the show so far.
In Orlando, Jim Mitchell cut a promo backstage. He said he was going to send Judas Mesias into the Barbed Wire Massacre to destroy Abyss. He told Abyss that when the barbed wire tears and cuts him, "Mommy won't be there to save you." He said that when Abyss looks at Mitchell, knowing he can't take anymore, that's when Mitchell is going to tell Judas to send him straight to hell.
They aired a video feature on the Barbed Wire Match.
Judas Mesias vs. Abyss - Barbed Wire Massacre Match
We went to the Impact Zone, where Jim Cornette introduced the match. There are no ring ropes and several barbed wire boards around ringside. Mike Tenay said that Abyss had defeated Sabu in the first-ever Barbed Wire Massacre. Actually I was there and Sabu got the pin after sandwiching Abyss between two barbed wire boards and hitting the Arabian Facebuster.
They locked up with neither man getting the advantage early. Abyss tried to drag Mesias to the barbed wire but he put his foot up. He reversed the waistlock, but Abyss elbowed him away. Abyss tried to pick up and drop Mesias on the barbed wire, but Mesias escaped and dropkicked Abyss' arm into the wire.
Abyss came back and dropped Mesias chest-first into the wire. Abyss unloaded with a series of rights. Abyss missed a running charge and was hit with a drop toehold into the barbed wire. Mesias unloaded with a series of stomps. He charged Abyss but was caught with a kick.
Abyss went under the ring and retrieved a steel chair wrapped in barbed wire. Abyss placed it on Mesias and went to hit a running sitting splash on Mesias, who turned the chair sideways so Abyss crotched himself on it. Mesias nailed Abyss with a (soft) chairshot to the head. Since this was taped, they slipped in a number of replays smoothly. Abyss was busted open.
Mesias began biting at Abyss' bloody face. They brawled on the floor. Mesias was tossed into the steel steps at ringside. Abyss bridged a barbed wire board between the railing and the ring. A second was slipped into the ring. Abyss teased a powerbomb onto the outside board but Jim Mitchell attacked him from behind. Abyss grabbed Mitchell for a chokeslam on the floor but Mesias laid him out, then tossed his "half-brother" into the ring.
Mitchell handed Mesias a small piece of barbed wire. He raked it across Abyss' arm. He rakes it across Abyss' other arm. Both arms were bloody as hell. He battered Abyss with punches. Mesias charged Abyss, who cut him off with a kick. Mesias fought off an attempted chokeslam into the barbed wire, but Abyss sent him up and down into the barbed wire, chest-first.
Abyss tossed another barbed wire board into the ring. Mesias caught him outside. Abyss caught him and chokeslammed him off the apron through the board that was bridged. Abyss chased Mitchell into the ring. He caught Mitchell and nailed him with the Black Hole Slam.
Mesias attacked Abyss but was caught with the Black Hole Slam for a two count. Mesias came back and tried to whip Abyss into a barbed wire board in the corner. Abyss stopped short when he nearly ran into the referee. Mesias used that moment to spear Abyss into the board.
Mesias and Abyss exchanged blows on their knees. Mesias got the better of the exchange. Abyss came back with a Black Hole Slam into the barbed wire for the pin.
Your winner, Abyss!
The match was bloody and brutal. I don't think it matched the level of the first barbed wire match promoted by the company, but you didn't have the crazy Sabu aerial offense either. Still, it was enjoyable, which is a theme for this PPV. It's been decent, not awesome but decent.
Mike Tenay put over Abyss big-time, saying his name was on the same level as Funk, the Sheik, Abdullah, Cactus Jack and Brody.
Back in South Carolina, Scott Hudson asked Robert Roode is he regretted his actions and what happened last month with Sharmell. Roode said that he never wanted it to happen, but Booker did. He said that Booker was responsible for what happened to Sharmell. He said he tried to be a gentleman and apologize, but Booker wouldn't accept, so be it. He said that tonight he takes his apologizes back tonight. Roode said he was sick and tired of Booker. He said he hates everything about Booker especially his "horse-faced skanky wife." He said that he was going to shatter Booker's jaw tonight and prove it pays to be rude. He closed with, "I know you can dig that....b***h." Great promo.
They aired a Booker vs. Roode feature.
Jeremy Borash caught up with Booker T in his locker room. Booker said that in 30 seconds, Roode will belong to him.
Robert Roode vs. Booker T
Booker and Roode went right after each other. Booker got the better early, nailing a series of punches and kicks. Booker worked over Roode in the corner. He took control with chops in the corner, then whipped Roode into the corner, nailing another clothesline. Roode went to the floor. Booker followed, continuing to unleash chops.
Booker picked up and dropped Roode across the guard rail. He nailed a short-arm clothesline on the floor. Booker tossed Roode back into the ring, but Roode caught him with a stomp as Booker followed. Roode rammed Booker into the turnbuckle and began kicking and chopping him.
Booker came back, cutting Roode off with a reverse kick. Booker nailed several knee strikes to the head. Payton Banks got in the ring and Booker nearly hit her before he realized who she was. That allowed Roode to attack Booker from behind. Roode whipped him into the ropes and cut him off with a knee to the gut.
Roode hit the running neck snap. He nailed several rights. Booker ducked a clothesline and went for the Bookend but Roode escaped. Roode hit a dropkick and locked on a side chinlock. The crowd rallied Booker to his feet and finally tossed Roode off.
Booker nailed a kick to the jaw of Roode. Roode missed a punch and was hit with a spinkick. Booker nailed a flying forearm and then a spinebuster. Booker did the Spinaroonie, but Roode shot him to the floor to cut off the momentum. Booker grabbed Roode's legs and pulled him to the ringpost, smacking Roode's knee. Booker got back inside the ring and worked over his leg.
Roode tried to cut off Booker but failed. Booker nailed a series of kick variations. Roode was backdropped to the floor. Roode was tossed into the guard rail on the floor. Roode escaped up the ramp towards the back with Payton. Booker followed. Booker caught up with Roode in the back and they brawled. Roode yelled at Banks to get the car.
The referee counted both out, which the building hated.
The cameras followed them brawling in the back and outside. Roode tried to get in the car but Booker cut him off and they battled around the car. Roode yanked Banks out of the car and drove off. Booker said it wasn't over.
Match was good for the first grudge match in the feud, although I could see a lot of fans being let down by the finish. This was the best thing on the show so far in my opinion.
They aired a video feature on Samoa Joe.
Backstage, Kurt Angle told Karen that he's been neglecting her, so after he defeats Christian Cage, he wants them to renew vows on Impact. She loved the idea. Angle said he thought of the idea all by himself. Karen off to make plans. Kurt said now that Karen was taken care of, he could take care of Christian Cage. He said that this would be Cage's last shot and when he was done, Cage was going to have to abide by Angle's rules, because it's his kingdom. Angle then warned Samoa Joe to stay out of his way tonight.
They aired a video feature on the Hardcore Street Fight.
Scott Hudson interviewed Team 3D and Johnny Devine. Brother Ray asked if the Machineguns and Jay Lethal have given the match any thought. He asked if any of them have the will or heart to win a hardcore street fight. He said that they give Lethal credit for having guts and heart. He said that he wishes he could say the same about the Machineguns. He said they don't look or act like pro wrestling and don't respect the wrestling business. Ray said that might be why they don't respect the Machineguns. He said that win, lose or draw, 3D goes down as one of the greatest teams in the history of wrestling but the Machineguns will go down as just another flash in the pan and their 15 minutes of fame are almost up.
X-Division champ Johnny Devine & Team 3D vs. Jay Lethal & the Motor City Machineguns - Hardcore Street Fight
All six brawl in the aisle and around the ring. There was far too much early to cover. Machineguns hit a double suplex. They stole the famous Tommy Dreamer "Use My Sign" moment with Lethal nailing Bubba with a fan's sign that hid a yellow road sign.
A ton of weapons - trash cans, chairs, sticks, even a kitchen sink, etc. got tossed into the ring. Team Lethal worked over their opponents with trash cans. They went for pins in triplicate but Team 3D and Devine kicked up. Sabin nailed the Dudleys with the sink. Devine choked out Lethal on the floor.
The Machineguns locked on sleepers but the Dudleys hit stereo electric chairs. Ray drilled Sabin with a trash can lid. They continued to lay out Team Lethal and Bubba hit a sitdown powerbomb on an inflatable doll for good measure. They smashed a keyboard over Lethal's head. Devine suplexed Lethal onto a trash can for a two count and argued with the referee over the kickout.
Devine and DeVon held Lethal for Bubba to cane, but the Machineguns made the save. The guns hit a series of double-team moves on Devon for a two count. Bubba cut them off with clotheslines from behind. They nailed Sabin with the 3D. Alex Shelley fought them off but was drilled with it as well. Lethal hit a springboard dropkick on Devon, but Bubba nailed him with a clothesline. Lethal took a crazy spinning bump off the move.
Bubba began working over Lethal with rights. They showed Socal Val playing the Miss Elizabeth role yelling for them to stop. She got on the apron. Bubba grabbed her by the hair and teased using a cheese grater on her. Lethal made the save and put the cheese grater to Bubba's groin. he checked on Val then hit a top rope hurancanrana onto Bubba. He covered Bubba but someone pulled the referee out.
Lethal hit a running dive to the floor on Devon. He came back to hit a springboard clothesline on Bubba for another two count. It's obvious from the promo and the way this has been laid out, the match is all about making Lethal a star. Lethal superkicked Devon for a two count. Bubba caught him with a full nelson sitout powerbomb but Lethal kicked out.
Team 3D pulled in a table. They went after Lethal, who backdropped Devon out of the ring and hit an enziguiri on Bubba. Lethal ducked a shot with the road sign from Devine, drilled him with it, then came off the top with a flying elbow through the table for the pin.
Your winners, The Motor City Machineguns & new X-Division champ Jay Lethal!
Lethal hit a plancha on Bubba to get the X-Division title back since the winner of the fall got the championship. This was a fun match and obviously, all about Jay. This should lead to some "funny" comedy with the Dudleys having to cut weight down to 275 lbs. to wrestle.
Lethal celebrated with Socal Val and Sonjay Dutt.
Scott Hudson interviewed Christian Cage. Cage said that the cards have fallen into place and everyone knows where they stands, but the only thing that matters is the World title. Cage said that Samoa Joe, himself and Kurt Angle don't get along. Cage said he just wants Joe to come to the ring and do his job tonight. He says that Joe yaps about how he wants a title shot and Joe does deserve one, but not tonight. Cage said that tonight belongs to Cage and his peeps. He said that he was going to take the title tonight.
TNA champ Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage with Samoa Joe as the Enforcer outside the ring
They did some back and forth wrestling to start the match. It was solid. Angle hit a backdrop suplex for a near fall, but Cage rolled over into a side headlock. They went back and forth. Cage sidestepped Angle, who hit his shoulder on the ringpost. Cage jumped off the top rope to the floor on Angle.
Angle took back over on Cage as Joe left his seat at ringside. Joe smothered Cage against the ropes and Joe jumped on the apron to make sure Angle listened to the five count. Angle nailed a series of right hands.. Cage charged him but was caught with a belly-to-belly suplex over the top to the floor.
Angle stalked around ringside looking for a chair. Joe stopped him from using it. Angle shoved Joe, so Joe shoved him on his rear. Cage recovered and attacked Angle, chopping him. Angle picked up Cage with a fireman's carry, then slammed him backwards into the ringpost, although the move didn't hit the way they planned. The announcers tried to cover that.
Back in the ring, Cage and Angle exchanged chops. Angle powerbombed Cage into one of the corners for a two count. He cinched on leg scissors around Cage's mid-section. Cage finally mounted a comeback, nailing a flapjack on Angle. Cage floated up and over Angle, then rolled him up for a two count.
Cage ascended to the top rope. Angle went for a suplex but Cage had him scouted and knocked him off the ropes. Cage hit a frog splash for a two count. Angle came back to run Cage into the corner. He went for the Olympic Slam but Cage turned it into an Lucha style armdrag.
They battled on the apron outside the ring. Angle teased a German suplex off the apron. Cage held on for dear life before letting it go. Angle got an ankle lock while they were in the ropes and pulled him into the ring. Cage broke it with a forward roll but Angle grabbed it again. Angle went for the Olympic Slam, but Cage turned it into a sunset flip attempt. Angle countered that into another ankle lock, but Cage hit a forward roll for a two. Cage went for the Unprettier but Angle turned it into an Olympic Slam for a two count. The crowd chanted TNA.
Angle missed a moonsault off the top. Cage went to the top but was caught by Angle with a superplex variation for another near fall. Really good match. Angle began berating Cage and slapped him. Cage nailed the Unprettier but Angle kicked out.
The referee was bumped as Cage put an ankle lock on Angle. Joe got inside the ring to call for the fall. Angle got to the ropes, where Karen grabbed his hands. Cage dragged Angle back to the ring's center, with Karen being pulled in. Cage grabbed her and Joe teased stopping him, then tossed his hands up to say, "Whatever you want." Karne shoved Cage and slapped him. Cage grabbed her in the corner. Angle saw it and charged but Cage moved and Kurt splashed his wife in the corner. Cage rolled up Angle, who kicked out.
Cage and Angle nailed a double clothesline in the center of the ring. Joe carried Karen Angle out of the ring and put her in a chair. AJ Styles hit the ringside area and tried to nail a springboard move but Joe yanked him down in mid-flight and tossed Styles into the crowd. Joe battled with AJ in the crowd, dragging him out.
Angle grabbed a chair at ringside and tried to nail Cage, who ducked. Cage got the chair, but Angle lowblowed him. Angle nailed Cage in the back with the chair. Tomko hit the ring and grabbed the chair from Kurt. He teased laying out Angle, then hit grabbed Cage and drilled him with a F-5 variation. Angle looked shocked. Tomko walked out. Angle scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion Kurt Angle!
Great main event until the finish. TNA does far too many run-ins and turns and not enough clean finishes in their top matches.
Overall, I thought it was a decent show.
The match itself was pretty entertaining.
2010 - TNA released former X-Division champion Petey Williams, who has since worked for Lucha Libre USA and Lance Hoyt, who went on to work in Japan and for WWE.
2010 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Sunday night is No Way Out and the ECW Title will be defended in a regular match because they can’t do three Elimination Chamber matches. Instead we will see Fit Finlay try to win the ECW Title from Jack Swagger. Will Tommy Dreamer ever get another shot at the ECW Title before his apparent retirement this spring? Will we see any more new talent on ECW? Is Jamie Noble going to make an impact this week after his loss to Boogeyman?
We are live from Fresno, California and your announcers are Todd ‘Triple Crown’ Grisham and Matt ‘Thesaurus’ Striker.
We start off with a look back at the problems between Jack Swagger and Finlay and his family. We go back two weeks when Hornswoggle took Jack’s title belt. Fast forward to last week when Finlay defeated Swagger in a non-title match.
Jack Swagger comes to the ring and he has his title belt with him. He is going to address the crowd. Jack says that we saw how he was victimized and embarrassed over the last two weeks. He says that the General Manager forces him to defend his title against Finlay. He says that it is unfair because he is the victim. Jack says that he will take care of Finlay at No Way Out. He will take care of the real problem and he will take care of it tonight. Swagger calls out Hornswoggle.
Christian comes out to the ring. Jack wants to know what Christian is doing. Christian says that he is interrupting Jack’s promo. Christian says that he is out here to save Jack’s life. Christian tells Jack that he might electrocute himself with the mic during his speech. Christian comments on Jack’s speech pattern. Christian says that it has been a long time since his peeps have seen him. Christian says that he came to ECW is the ECW title. Christian says that he is issuing a challenge to the winner of the match at No Way Out for the ECW Title.
Jack asks if Christian is finished and Jack says that Christian will be facing him. Jack says that Christian couldn’t hack it so he is coming back. Jack points out that he is a two time All-American and became the ECW champion in four months. He also says that he is a wrestling prodigy. He tells Christian to think twice before making a name for himself at Jack’s expense. Jack says that Christian is no threat to him.
Christian punches Jack with the mic and then he leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a Moments Ago Moment of Christian’s return to the WWE fold.
Teddy Long is in the back and he tells Jack Swagger that he brought Christian to ECW. Jack says that he will take the night off, but Teddy tells Jack that he cannot have the night off because he is wrestling Christian.
We take a look back at John Morrison and The Miz making fun of Tommy Dreamer last week.
Match Number One: Tommy Dreamer versus The Miz with John Morrison
Dreamer punches Miz and takes Miz to the mat before Miz goes to the floor. Dreamer chases Miz and then he pulls Miz down. Miz kicks Dreamer into the ringside barrier. Miz misses a dive from the apron and Miz hits the ringside barrier. Dreamer with an elbow drop for a near fall. Miz runs Dreamer into the turnbuckles. Miz punches Dreamer. Miz with a forearm to the head followed by a reverse chin lock. Dreamer hits a belly-to-back suplex. Dreamer with punches but Miz with a knee. Dreamer responds with a clothesline and bulldog off an Irish whip. Dreamer with a sit out spinebuster for a two count. Miz with an Irish whip but Miz misses the clothesline into the corner. Dreamer with a neck breaker while Miz is in the ropes and then Dreamer gets a two count because Miz gets his foot on the ropes. Morrison gets on the apron and Miz almost hits Morrison when Dreamer moves. Dreamer punches Morrison but Miz with a jawbreaker for the three count.
Winner: The Miz
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: Jamie Noble losing to the Boogeyman.
Teddy is with Tiffany in the locker room talking about the match at the pay per view. Jamie Noble enters and he tells Boogeyman tried to put worms down his throat. Teddy asks Jamie if he wants a rematch. Jamie Noble says that he is the big dog and he says that is not how you deal with million dollar talent. There is a knock at the door and Teddy says that he has an appointment. Natalya and Tyson Kidd (TJ Wilson) enter. Natalya says that Tyson was trained in the Dungeon. Tyson tells Teddy that it is time to send the dog back to the pound. Noble is speechless.
Time to run through the pay per view.
Hornswoggle runs laps around Christian as Finlay enters. Finlay stares at Christian and eventually welcomes him. He says that he will be watching their match. Finlay says that he heard about Christian’s challenge. He tells Christian that he will not have to go through Swagger for the title, it will be him.
We go to commercial.
We are back with an Evan Bourne video package.
Match Number Two: Tyson Kidd with Natalya versus Bao Nguyen
They lock up and Kidd with a waist lock but Nguyen with a hammer lock. Kidd with an elbow and snap mare followed by a kick to the back and chest. Kidd with a reverse atomic drop followed by a spin kick. Kidd stomps on Nguyen’s head and gets a near fall while the referee checks on Nguyen. Kidd with a reverse chin lock but Kidd with a forearm. Kidd with a back kick and a drop kick to the head. Kidd goes to the apron and then he hits a springboard elbow drop for the three count.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
After the match, Jamie Noble comes out and he says that he is watching Kidd. Kidd wants Noble to come to the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Hype Machine about the Voices CD.
We go to the Raw Rebound with Shane McMahon saving Undertaker’s bacon.
Match Number Three: Jack Swagger versus Christian
They lock up and Swagger with a double leg sweep and waist lock. Christian gets to his feet but Swagger takes him down again. Christian gets to the ropes. They lock up and Swagger pushes Christian in the corner but Christian with a slap and a rollup for a near fall. Christian punches Swagger but Swagger with a kick and he tries for a slam but Christian escapes. Christian punches Swagger. Swagger runs into an elbow and then Christian with a sunset flip for a near fall. Swagger back into the corner and Finlay and Hornswoggle come to the ringside area. We go to commercial.
We are back and Swagger with a waist lock on Christian. Swagger with a kick and then he returns to the waist lock. Finlay and Hornswoggle join Striker and Grisham. Finlay does commentary while Hornswoggle growls like he should be on USA right now. We see footage during the break when Swagger presses Christian and drops him to the floor.
Back to live action and Christian with an elbow. Swagger punches Christian followed by kicks. Swagger with a snap mare and he returns to the waist lock. Christian returns to his feet and he escapes and punches Swagger. Swagger runs Christian into the corner and connects with shoulders. Christian is placed on the top turnbuckle but Christian punches and kicks Swagger. Christian with a tornado DDT but he can only get a two count. Christian with a punch and kick followed by a running forearm. Christian with an Irish whip and then he punches Swagger. Swagger kicks Christian and sends him into the turnbuckles. Christian with a punch followed by an inverted DDT. Christian goes to the apron and he sets for the diving head butt but Swagger moves. Swagger gets a two count with an Oklahoma roll. Christian and Swagger with reversals and then Swagger with a belly-to-belly suplex for a two count. Swagger misses an elbow and then they fight to the apron. Swagger tries to hit a German suplex onto the floor but Christian holds on. Christian kicks Swagger off the apron and then Swagger goes into the announce table. Swagger sends Christian into Finlay and Hornswoggle. Swagger with a boot to Christian and then Swagger goes for one of the turnbuckle pads. The referee stops Swagger and then he goes for another one. Christian with a rollup. Hornswoggle distracts the referee and Finlay hits Swagger with the shillelagh and Christian gets the three count after the Unprettier.
Winner: Christian
2011 - Former WWF and WCW star Pierre-Carl Oulette announced his retirement.
2011 - Gorgeous George was listed as #4 in the Los Angeles Times' Coolest Athletes in Southern California history.
2011 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off this week’s show with the Raw brand and your announcers are Scott Stanford and Josh Mathews.
Match Number One: Natalya versus Alicia Fox
They lock up and Natalya with a monkey flip into a near fall. Natalya with a side head lock take down. Alicia with a head scissors but Natalya escapes and returns to the side head lock. Alicia tries for a shoulder tackle but she bumps off Natalya. Natalya tries for the sharpshooter but Alicia is able to get to the ropes in a moment of desperation. They lock up again and Natalya returns to the arm. Alicia takes Natalya down to the mat by the hair and then kicks Natalya before getting a near fall. Alicia with a punch and Irish whip but Natalya floats over and puts Alicia into a surfboard and then Natalya turns it into a near fall.
Alicia goes to the apron and Natalya with a shoulder and then she tries to suplex Alicia back into the ring but Alicia blocks it and drops Natalya on the top rope. Alicia with a clothesline and she gets a near fall. Alicia with a neck breaker and she gets another near fall. Alicia stretches Natalya while she does a split. Alicia with a body scissors and then she slaps Alicia when Natalya tries to escape. Natalya gets Alicia up but Natalya’s back gives out and Alicia with a near fall. Alicia tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Natalya blocks it and runs Alicia into the turnbuckles.
Alicia and Natalya both go for clotheslines and they both go down. Alicia gets to her feet first and then she misses a knee drop. Natalya with a kick and punch followed by a slap. Natalya with a butterfly suplex followed by a clothesline and a delayed vertical suplex for a near fall. Natalya gets another near fall. Natalya tries for the discus forearm but Alicia blocks it. Natalya puts Alicia in the Sharpshooter and Alicia taps out.
Winner: Natalya
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time to take a look back to Monday night and the match between CM Punk and John Cena.
Match Number Two: Great Khali with Runjin Singh versus The Usos
The Usos surround Khali and they try to attack him from behind but Khali sends them into the corner. Khali chops Jimmy and Jey in the corner. Khali sends Jimmy into Jey and then Jimmy clips Khali and then they hit a double super kick and make a double cover but Khali kicks out. They both work on the arm but Khali sends them down and hits a double clothesline. Khali with more clotheslines and then he chops Jey and slams Jimmy on Jey. Khali with the vertical choke slam to Jimmy for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
We go to commercial.
It is time for the Smackdown portion of the show and your announcers are Matt Striker and Jack Korpela.
Before we get to our first Smackdown match, it is time to look at the Elimination Chamber and we have a video package.
We see highlights from last week Tyler Reks turned on his tag team partner after their loss.
Match Number Three: Tyler Reks versus Curt Hawkins
Reks pushes Hawkins off the ropes but Hawkins with a forearm. Reks with a boot to the head and then he sends Hawkins into the turnbuckles. Reks with punches and kicks in the corner and then he catapults Hawkins into the bottom rope and gets a near fall. Reks with forearms and then he puts Hawkins in a chin lock. Hawkins with an arm drag and punches to Reks. Hawkins with a flying forearm and drop kick that sends Reks into the corner. Hawkins with a running forearm into the corner and then he hits a sit out slam for a near fall.
Reks tries for a power slam but Hawkins with a DDT. Hawkins goes up top for the elbow drop but Reks crotches Hawkins. Reks punches Hawkins and then drops Hawkins across the top turnbuckle. Reks with the Burning Hammer and he gets the three count.
Winner: Tyler Reks
Match Number Four: Jack Swagger versus Trent Barreta
They lock up and Swagger backs Trent into the corner and then Swagger with a take down and then he hits another take down. Swagger tries a third time but Barreta with a sunset flip for a near fall. Barreta with another near fall on a rollup. Swagger pushes Barreta into the ropes and then he punches Trent in the corner. Swagger with a biel across the ring. Swagger with a second biel. Swagger with a double jump Swagger Bomb for a near fall and he argues with the referee. Swagger with a key lock on Barreta.
Barreta with forearms followed by a drop kick to the chest. Trent with a forearm and kick. Swagger tries for a suplex but Barreta escapes. Trent misses an enzuigiri and he puts Barreta into the ankle lock and despite his attempts to escape or counter the hold, he could not escape and Barreta taps out.
Winner: Jack Swagger
2011 - TNA broadcast Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
We open the show with comments from various members of the TNA roster from this past weekend's house shows down south, then we go to the Impact Zone as Eric Bischoff comes to the ring with the remaining members of Immortal. He says that if anyone thinks that Immortal is going to take a step back because of what happened with Fortune, it's not going to happen because he's Eric Bischoff and he's spent the last 15 years building stars and companies and changing the face of the industry as we know it today. He doesn't give a damn about Fortune, and the only reason they were even in Immortal was because of Ric Flair who, by the way, owes him a phone call. He runs each of the members of Fortune one by one, calling AJ Styles a midget hillbilly, James Storm one beer away from liver failure, Frankie Kazarian the Clay Aiken of wrestling, and Robert Roode another Canadian with no charisma. Eric hands the microphone to his friend, the founder of TNA and the reason we're all here tonight, Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett tells Fortune to come out right now (which they do), and Jarrett tells those BOYS to grow a set and come talk face to face with some real men. Fortune comes down to the ring and goes face to face with Immortal (crowd starts a big AJ Styles chant), and Jarrett apologizes to Eric Bischoff for what happened last week, because nine years ago he gave every member of Fortune an opportunity when they were flipping burgers and begging him for a job, and this is how they repay him. This isn't even talking about the disrespect they've shown the biggest box office attraction in the history of the business, Hulk Hogan, and all of them are nothing. He continues running them all down and then Roode grabs the mic out of his hand and says that this is enough, and if we want to take a trip down Memory Lane, Jarrett did give them all an opportunity, and they took that opportunity and built his company from the ground up. They are the heart and soul of TNA Wrestling and Jarrett knows it's the truth, but they'd still come in week after week and see "the new face of wrestling", their saviors, the washed up hasbeens who came and left, and the whole time Jarrett was overlooking them. They all had opportunities to leave and make more money elsewhere, but they stayed here because of the love and the belief they had in TNA Wrestling. They have all risen to the top and they'll continue to rise to the top no matter what they have to say about it, and if Jarrett doesn't like that, then he should grow a set and do something about it...Slapnuts.
That was enough for Immortal, who attack Fortune and beat them down until Kurt Angle, Scott Steiner, and Crimson come out to make the save. Immortal bails up the rampway as Angle and company stare them down from the ring.
We go backstage where Velvet Sky and Winter are going nose to nose and screaming at each other until Angelina Love gets between them and yells at them to stop it becuase she's had enough of the drama. She formally introduces BFF and Tag Team Partner to one another, and says that if they don't get along tonight, they're going to get killed out there.
We go back to Eric Bischoff's office as he's joined by Hernandez, and they always appreciated what he did and while Dixie Carter treated him like a rug, he took it upon himself to go down to Mexico and become a big star. Bischoff wants to treat him the way he deserves to be treated, and all Hernandez has to do is hurt some people. Hernandez seems into it and gives him the pound.
Okay, we're off to the ring for our first match...
Tables Match: Matt Hardy, Bully Ray & The Pope vs Brother Devon, Samoa Joe & Rob Van Dam
A brawl starts immediately before the match even starts and Joe again chases Pope to the back before the match even officially begins. Hardy and RVD go at it in the ring and RVD runs him over with a spinkick and then hits Rolling Thunder as Devon rams Bully Ray into the steps. Hardy slowly goes to the top rope and RVD recovers and kicks him off the top to the floor. Hardy gets a chair and nails RVD as he tries a dive over the ropes. Now the Dudleys get in the ring and Devon goes for a running charge, but Bully Ray gets an elbow up and then nails Devon in the stapler. Ray gets in his face and says he'll get his own stinkin' tables, and goes outside to pull a table from under the ring and sets it up on the floor. Ray goes back over to Devon's kids and says that he's going to go beat their father because he's weak, just like them. Ray hops up on the apron and Devon's kids hop the rail and grab his ankles, allowing Devon to drive him off the apron and through the table for the win.
Winners: Rob Van Dam, Brother Devon & Samoa Joe
Devon celebrates in the ring with his kids.
We go backstage to the Jarretts as Karen is telling her husband how great he looks, and Jeff says he can't wait for Angle to find out about the clause he put in the contract.
We head out to the ring with the Jarretts, who are surrounded by security, and Karen asks if we all enjoyed watching their family behind the scenes. Karen says that she did it for all of us because she can't imagine what it's like with our terrible marriages and dysfunctional marriages, and see what it's like to be a Jarrett and live the life they live where it's nothing but love 24/7. Kurt Angle's music hits and he comes walking out to sign the contract for their match as security forms a wall between him and the Jarretts. Karen says that this is a good chance to show the kids that mommy, daddy Kurt, and daddy Jeff can all get along and he should put on his happy face. Angle says to just give him the damn papers, and Jarrett says not so fast because their match at Genesis was supposed to be an exhibition and Angle took it too far, and that's why Jarrett had to destroy him. Jarrett says he has nothing to prove at Against All Odds, so he wants to up the ante: if Angle wins, then he gets custody of their two kids, but if Jarrett wins, then on March 3rd in Fayetteville, North Carolina when Karen renews her vows with Jeff, he wants Angle to give the bride away. Karen obviously doesn't like what's going on,but Jeff signs the contract and then hands it to Kurt, who signs it as well.
We go to commercial, and then come back for our next match...
Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne, Tara, Sarita, and Rosita vs Knockouts Tag Team Champions Angelina Love & Winter, Velvet Sky, and Mickie James
Cute bit as the Beautiful People and Winter made their entrance and Winter and Velvet kept trying to elbow each other out of the way so they could come to the ring with Angelina. Angelina and Sarita go at it in the ring and Sarita dumps Angelina to the apron, but Angelina nails her and comes off the top with a flying bodypress for 2. Rosita trips Angelina from the floor and then fires a hard forearm at her from the outside. Rosita tags in and cracks Angelina in the face with a a hard forearm, then Sarita picks her up on her shoulders and drops Rosita on Angelina for 2. Sarita tags in and wheelbarrow sentons Rosita onto Angelina and follows with a senton of her own for 2. Sarita and Rosita work Angelina over in the corner and then Rosita tries a crossbody, but Angelina catches her and hits a front powerslam then makes the hot tag to Velvet. Instead of wrestling the match, Velvet argues with Winter and allows Sarita to nail Velvet from behind and Rosita moonsaults Velvet for the win.
Winners: Madison Rayne, Tara, Sarita & Rosita
Velvet and Winter continue arguing all the way to the back, but Mickie James tells Madison that she's sick of Madison sneak attacking her and tells her to come back to the ring right now.
We go to commercial, and when we come back Madison asks Mickie if she's going to tell her about all the things she's going to do to her at Against All Odds, then says that Mickie came to TNA to prove she's the top female wrestler in the top female division in the world. Madison says she's gotten some impressive wins, but they haven't been against her and she can talk the talk, but when it comes to walking the walk, she's crippled. There comes a time when every wrestler has to make the decision about whether it's time to hang up the boots, and while Madison is young and hasn't even hit her prime yet, but Mickie's at that point and she has a decision to make about whether she's going to let Madison keep embarrassing her.
We go backstage to Jeff Jarrett who ponders on tonight's Morgan-Anderson match with the winner facing him at Against All Odds in a Ladder Match, and the only thing that matters is when he climbs the ladder and regains his title.
Ken Anderson and Matt Morgan are backstage, and they're...WALKING!
We go to the back as Kurt Angle walks into Fortune's locker room and tells AJ Styles & Robert Roode to destroy Jeff Jarrett tonight because of what he said about Kurt's kids. Roode says what the Jarretts are doing by putting the kids in the middle of it is BS, and Kurt did Fortune a favor, so Roode will do him a favor tonight and give Angle his spot in the match tonight.
Back to the ring...
WWE Divas Title Match: Ken Anderson vs Matt Morgan
Jeff Hardy comes out before the match with a ladder, sets it up at ringside, and climbs to the top for a bird's eye view of the match. You might as well do the screwjob finish right now for all the difference it will make. Anderson gets a headlock and Morgan sends him off into the ropes, but an Anderson shoulderblock goes nowhere. Now Morgan gets a headlock, Anderson sends him into the ropes, and Morgan runs over him with a shoulderblock. Anderson tries a hiptoss, Morgan reverses to one of his own, but misses a legdrop and Anderson gets a sliding clothesline for 2. They trade blows and Morgan whips Anderson to the corner and follows in with a clothesline, then hits a side suplex for 2. Morgan hits a series of short clotheslines, but Anderson ducks the last one and rolls Morgan up for 2. Morgan pops right back up and gets a clothesline for 2 and then goes to a chinlock as we get a good view of Hardy watching the action from the ladder. Anderson fights his way out of the chinlock and they trade blows again, but Anderson gets a flying clothesline, back elbow, and swinging neckbreaker for 2. Morgan blocks the Mic Check and Anderson dodges the Carbon Footprint and hits a clothesline from the second rope for 2. Morgan goes for another Carbon Footprint but crotches himself on the top rope and tumbles to the floor. Anderson tries to pull him back in and Morgan snaps his neck across the top rope and Anderson falls backwards into the ref and wipes him out. Suddenly, Hernandez runs out and attacks Morgan on the floor, rams him into the ringpost, then rolls him back into the ring so Anderson can cover him for 3.
Winner: Ken Anderson
Hardy sits applauding from his spot at the top of the ladder, and then Hernandez runs in and nails Anderson from behind, then plants him in the mat with a big spinebuster. Hardy comes down from the ladder and hits a Swanton on Anderson, then picks up the Divas Title belt and holds it high.
We go backstage to Bully Ray, who tells Devon that his kids are a couple of bastards who stuck their nose into his business. He says Devon has always been weak and he's raised two weak sons who grabbed his legs so Devon could blindside him. He tells Devon to bring his kids to Against All Odds so he can turn his bastard boys into men.
Back to the ring...
X Division #1 Contender's Match: Brian Kendrick vs Robbie E vs Suicide
Robbie attacks Suicide as he makes his big entrance on the zip line, but Suicide fires back and works Robbie over in the corner with clotheslines. Robbie backdrops Suicide to the floor and Kendrick suddenly goes after Robbie, still wearing his robe, and then they both nail Suicide as he gets back in the ring, but Suicide comes back and picks Kendrick up and legdrops him onto Robbie before giving Kendrick a bulldog to the second turnbuckle and clotheslining Robbie to the floor. Kendrick fires back with a series of kicks but Suicide hits a Yakuza Kick and a 450 back suplex. Cookie gets up on the apron and distracts Suicide so Robbie can run in and nail him from behind and then cover Kendrick for the win.
Winner: Robbie E
So the #1 Contender's Match at Against All Odds will now be Robbie E and Generation Me fighting for a shot at the X Division Title.
AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Jeff Jarrett, and Jeff Hardy are backstage, and they're all...WALKING!
We go to an interview with Ink Inc, who say they represent people who aren't afraid to come out and be themselves, and it doesn't matter what you're into because it's all about coming out and representing themselves. They proved to Gunner & Murphy last week what they're all about when they picked up the win.
Mike Tenay and Taz run down the card for Against All Odds, and then we go backstage to the Devon family. Devon says he's glad Bubba is pissed off because he had no business putting his hands on Devon's kids, and he was the one who brought them into the situation. They may be young, but don't underestimate them because they're all going to give him the ass kicking of his life.
It's main event time!
Jeff Hardy & Jeff Jarrett vs AJ Styles & Kurt Angle
Jarrett and AJ start the match and AJ immediately tags Angle in, so Jarrett runs and tags out to Hardy. Angle takes Hardy down with a headlock but Hardy regains his feet and takes Angle to the corner, then stomps him down to the mat. Angle responds with an overhead belly to belly suplex for 2 as Jarrett stands in the corner with his arm outstretched, so Angle tosses Hardy into his corner and Jarrett suddenly drops to the floor. Angle tags AJ and they hit a double backdrop on Hardy for 2, but then Hardy drives AJ into the corner and now Jarrett tags in and he beats AJ down. AJ catches him unawares with a hiptoss and tags Angle, but Jarrett runs and tags out as he dives to the floor again. Angle comes off the ropes and Jarrett grabs his ankle, allowing Hardy to hit a clothesline for 2. Hardy goes to a chinlock, Angle fights his way out but Hardy nails him with a back elbow and a legdrop, then tags Jarrett in. Jarrett unloads with some hard rights and chokes Angle on the second rope as Karen screams in his face. Angle catches the ankle out of nowhere and goes for the anklelock, but Hardy comes in to break it up and then tags in to inflict some punishment on Angle. Hardy with a vertical suplex for 2 and then goes back to the chinlock as we take a commercial break.
We're back and Angle is trying to fight his way free, but Hardy nails him with a clothesline and goes for the Swanton, but Angle runs up the turnbuckles and suplexes Hardy into the ring. Angle makes the hot tag and AJ comes in and cleans house, hitting a hard back suplex on Jarrett for 2, Jarrett escapes the Styles Clash but AJ hits the Pelle Kick for 2. Hardy comes in and gives AJ a gourdbuster, but Angle hits a 450 German Suplex on Hardy and then stalks Jarrett as he gets up and goes for the Angle Slam, but Jarrett slips out and runs from Angle. He runs into the ring and kicks at Angle to keep him from getting in the ring, and AJ hits a springboard crossbody on Jarrett to pick up the win.
Winners: AJ Styles & Kurt Angle
Jeff Jarrett comes in with lowblows on both Angle and AJ and gives them both the Stroke, then Hardy comes in and gives AJ the Twist Of Hate. They continue beating them down until Fortune, Crimson, and Scott Steiner run in to make the save. The rest of Immortal runs in to even the odds and Fortune and company again get beat down. Rob Van Dam runs out and Jeff Hardy and Jarrett bail, and RVD cleans house on the rest of them until Matt Hardy clips RVD's knee from behind. Now Ken Anderson runs out to make the save and clears out Immortal by himself, and then stares angrily at them as they hightail it up the ramp.
That's it for the Impact Report, check back this Sunday night as PWInsider.com presents live, segment-by-segment updates of the Against All Odds PPV!
2012 - Dwayne Johnson appeared on ABC's Live with Kelly Rippa and guest host Jerry O'Connell this morning to promoter Journey 2 The Mysterious Island.
Rippa joked that she's never seen a man who both men and women are both in love with. Johnson thanked her and said it's a gift.
Rippa asked about his workout regimen. He said that he works out five days a week and when he's on set, he gets up early, sends out a morning Tweet, has breakfast and works out before he goes to shoot. O'Connell told a story about being at the same supermarket deli counter as Johnson in California waiting for two pounds of macaroni salad and being completely embarassed when Johnson's two pounds of lean turkey meat came.
Johnson said that he loves working out as a way to launch his day, whether its yoga or weightliting. He said that it allows you to anchor your day and for him, he prefers to move "iron." Rippa asked if that started during his football days. Rippa flirted with him about "moving his iron" and Johnson quipped that there were many definitions. Rippa got Johnson to show off his tribal tattoo and O'Connell mocked her by gushing and asking for Johnson to show them more.
After a commercial, they showed Johnson bouncing his pecs in the new film, then played it back in slow motion for laughs.
Johnson said that they wanted to move an epic adventure movie that families could enjoy. He said he's spent the last few films playing darker roles hunting bad men down and he wanted to do something big if he was going to go back to the family genre. He said that they were the first film to use James Cameron's Avatar 3D cameras. They shot the film in Hawaii where they filmed Jurassic Park.
Johnson said that he grew up in Hawaii and it represents struggle to him because his family was often living paycheck to paycheck, so to go back there was very emotional.
They showed a clip of Johnson punching a giant lizard and it not working out too well for him from the film.
No mentions of WWE or Wrestlemania, but your usual smooth appearance from Johnson.
2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are live on tape from Tulsa, Oklahoma and your announcers are Josh ‘Big Hoss’ Mathews, Booker ‘with the Fringe on Top’ T, and Michael ‘Hook Em Horns’ Cole.
Lillian Garcia introduces Sheamus and he makes his way to the ring.
Sheamus says that as the winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble match, he has won the right to be in the main event of Wrestlemania. The next thing for him to decide is whether to go for the WWE Championship or the World Championship. Realistically, we won’t know who the winner is until the Elimination Chamber pay per view and there will likely be a title change that night based on the history of the match. He will make his decision by the end of that night.
A lot of people have been telling him to make his decision right now. Sheamus says that he doesn’t like being told what to do and being pushed around. Sheamus says that he was bullied as a kid. He did fight back and he had his arse handed to him a few times. The more he fought back, the better he got. That fighting brought him to the WWE.
The bullying started again. He was told things about his hair, his skin tone, and he accent. He did not succumb to the bullying and he made it to the main event of Wrestlemania. Sheamus says that he is a pasty faced, red headed, Irishman and he is damn proud of it.
Sheamus is interrupted by Wade Barrett. Barrett makes his way to the ring. Wade thanks Sheamus for such a heartwarming story so early in the show. Wade says that he possesses a smidgen of respect for him but he tells Sheamus that he has to go to for the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania because if he wrestles for the World Championship, he will be fighting Wade.
Wade vows to win the Elimination Chamber match. Wade says that he can and will beat Sheamus. Wade says that Sheamus will be remembered as nothing more than a pasty faced, ginger, Irish loser.
Sheamus tells Wade that he wasn’t listening to him fella because he was thinking about Randy Orton kicking him around the ring last week.
Wade starts to talk again and Cody Rhodes interrupts.
Cody appears on the stage and he says that what Wade said was of little or no significance. Cody says that he knows what it is like to have his hand raised in victory at Wrestlemania, unlike them. Cody says that unlike them, he knows what it is like to be a champion.
Cody says that he doesn’t have the urge to cry, like the rest of the audience, when they see themselves naked in the mirror. Cody says that the Elimination Chamber is a tax on the mind and it is Cody’s match to win. Cody says that Sheamus will go down in the record books as the first man to lose to the dual Intercontinental and World Champion.
Big Show makes his way to the ring and he has something to say. Show tells Sheamus that he respects him and he tells Sheamus that he will do what Sheamus normally does not do. He tells Cody to shut up or he will slap the taste out of his mouth. He says that he is not going to say that he is going to win the chamber or brag about it. Show tells everyone to think about Big Show versus Sheamus for the World Championship. Show says that is a match that is worth the main event at Wrestlemania.
Wade says that he is going to be as polite as he can be but he calls Show a Wrestlemania punch line. He tells Show that Snooki has a better Wrestlemania career than Show.
Cody says that Giants can win the Super Bowl, but not matches at Wrestlemania. Cody says that Show is the reverse Undertaker and we need to wonder who Show is going to lose to. Will it be the boxer, or the sumo wrestler, or will it be . . .
We will never know the rest because Show chops Rhodes and sends him to the mat. Sheamus and Barrett battle while Cody goes for Beautiful Disaster but Show grabs Cody and sends him over the top rope to the floor. Sheamus clotheslines Barrett over the top rope to the floor.
Great Khali is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
We are back and Teddy Long has done the unexpected. The four men who were involved in the opening brawl will be in a tag match with Big Show and Sheamus facing Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett.
We go to the Goldman Box for comments from Jinder Mahal. He says that after he beats the Great Khali tonight, he will demand to replace Khali in the Elimination Chamber Match.
Match Number One: Jinder Mahal with headgear case versus Great Khali
Mahal yells at Khali and Khali raises his arms. Mahal with a slap but Khali with a punch and chop in the corner. Khali sends Mahal into the turnbuckles. Khali with another chop. Mahal with kicks and a knee to Khali and he chokes Khali in the ropes. Khali with an elbow but Mahal with a kick and forearms followed by a front face lock. Khali picks up Mahal and tosses him to the mat. Khali with clotheslines followed by a chop to the top of the head.
Khali with the choke slam for the three count.
Winner: Great Khali
After the match, Booker says that Khali has a good chance to win the Elimination Chamber match.
We take a look back at the events surrounding Khali’s entry into the Elimination Chamber Match.
Teddy is in the office with Aksana and while the lighting is not the only thing that is blue in Teddy Long’s office and saxophones play, Teddy talks about how that was the only thing that he could do. Aksana says that she was impressed with Teddy and she likes a man of action who is brave, tall, and long. Teddy says that he is all of them. Aksana says that Teddy needs to be rewarded and Aksana starts to whisper Sweet Nothings (in Broken English) into his ear.
Daniel Bryan enters and the needle scratches for the ‘live’ saxophone accompaniment and the lights are normal. He wants to know what they are doing.
Bryan asks Teddy if ‘it is true’ and he wants to know if Teddy held a barbecue in the parking lot this afternoon. Teddy says that it is true and then he apologizes for not inviting Bryan. Bryan talks about having to eat the charred flesh of a dead animal and how disgusting it is. Teddy says that it tasted good to him.
Teddy apologizes for not being a vegetarian like Bryan and Bryan says that he is a vegan so he does not eat any animal products. Bryan says that he is sick to his stomach and he cannot compete tonight.
Teddy says that he is sick and tired of being preached to by Bryan. Teddy tells Bryan that he will not be able to use his veganism as a way to get out of his matches. He tells Daniel to get ready for his match tonight.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are reminded that Shawn Michaels will be on Raw this Monday night.
We are told about how Beth feels that there are no challengers for her Divas Title so she will be the champion forever.
Match Number Two: Beth Phoenix versus Alicia Fox with an animal pelt on her head in a Non Title Match
Beth gives Alicia the chance to get out of her ring. Alicia has hearing problems since her ears are not as large as the ones on her animal head hood. Alicia sends Beth into the turnbuckles and kicks her. Beth sends Alicia to the mat after blocking a monkey flip. Beth with kicks but Alicia with forearms. Beth with an Irish whip but Alicia tries for an elbow off the turnbuckles. Beth catches Alicia and tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Alicia lands on her feet.
Alicia with a matrix move but she cannot avoid the running forearm from Beth. Beth with the Glam Slam for the three count.
Winner: Beth Phoenix
After the match, Beth sets up for another Glam Slam on Fox, but Tamina has to stick her nose into the situation and she stares down Beth. Beth grabs her title belt and Beth leaves the ring with a strange smile on her face.
Randy Orton is stretching in the back as we go to commercial.
It is time for a look at the Rock and John Cena match at Wrestlemania and we have a Dwayne Johnson video package.
Natalya and Tyson are in the back and she talks about how she cannot believe that this is happening. She talks about how she gets so nervous. Tyson tells her that it is natural. Disgusting, but natural. Natalya wants to know what is disgusting and she says that when she gets nervous, she talks too much. There is a noise from down below and it apparently came from Tyson.
Kidd leaves and Natalya stands there. Hornswoggle walks by and he is walking through the blast area at eye level and he reacts like Santino has the last few weeks. Natalya is in shock because she thinks that Hornswoggle thinks she did it. Natalya says that it was Tyson and she walks away.
Match Number Three: Big Show and Sheamus versus Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett
Show starts off and Rhodes eventually joins Show in the ring. Cody tags in Wade before locking up with Show. Show brings Barrett into the ring and then he chops Barrett in the corner. Barrett tags in Rhodes and Cody slowly enters the ring. Rhodes is cornered but he is able to escape and he kicks Show.
Show sends Cody into the corner and he chops Rhodes. Show with another chop and Cody is regretting his entry in the match. Show lifts Cody over his head and then he drops Cody behind him. Show sets for the punch but Cody backs up into the corner.
Sheamus tags in and Cody likes that decision, but he tags in Barrett. They lock up and Barrett sends Sheamus into the corner. Sheamus with punches to Barrett followed by an Irish whip and clothesline. Barrett with a kick but Sheamus with a clothesline. Sheamus puts Barrett in the ropes and he connects with a series of forearms across the chest and then he gets a near fall with a rollup.
Barrett with a back heel kick and he sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles. Rhodes tags in and Cody works on the arm but Sheamus pushes Rhodes to the mat. Sheamus with a clothesline as we go to commercial.
We are back and Cody with a kick and he works on Sheamus’ arm. Sheamus with a slam and an elbow drop for a near fall. Sheamus punches Cody, but Cody tries for a back slide but SHeamus avoids it. Sheamus with a fireman’s carry slam and then he tags Show back in. Show with a punch to the midsection. Show with an abdominal claw. Show with an Irish whip but Cody gets his boots up and Barrett tags in.
Barrett and Rhodes with a high/low combination on Show. Barrett punches Show while the referee warns him. Rhodes tags in and he hits a missile drop kick and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with a kick and front face lock. Rhodes with a chin lock and he gets on Show’s back. Show with a snap mare and Barrett tags in. Barrett clips Show and stops him from making the tag. Barrett with a series of kicks and he gets a near fall.
Barrett with a reverse chin lock. Barrett gets on Show’s back and Show gets to his feet and Show backs Barrett into the turnbuckles to get out of the hold. Rhodes tags back in and he hits Beautiful Disaster but Show kicks out. Rhodes with a kick to the head and a reverse chin lock. Show with a side slam to get out of the hold and both men are down.
Barrett and Sheamus tag in and Sheamus with double sledges to Barrett and then he hits a running clothesline into the corner followed by forearms and a standing power slam. Sheamus gets ready for the Brogue Kick and he does not see Cody trying to interfere. Show does and he spears Rhodes. Sheamus with the Brogue Kick for the three count.
Winners: Sheamus and Big Show
We go to commercial.
We are back and Michael Cole is in the ring and he says that his guest will be making her first public comments after her career was almost ended due to the reckless actions of Big Show. Cole brings out AJ.
We see what happened last week when Big Show almost injured AJ a second time.
Michael asks AJ how she is feeling and she tells Cole that she is feeling better, but her neck still hurts but she will be getting the neck brace off next week and she hopes to be able to wrestle in the spring.
AJ starts to thank the people who supported her, but Michael Cole remembers that this is all about him because he is an announcer. He points out that nobody knows who she is. Cole is surprised that people are supporting her during the injury. Cole says that he is kidding and then he says that he brought AJ into the ring to see if she blames the big oaf the Big Show and points out how it almost happened again on Raw.
He wants to know why she is even at ringside.
AJ says that she was at ringside because Daniel asked her and she loves him. She never blamed the Big Show because he would never do anything to hurt her.
She says that there is someone who has done more damage than the Big Show and that person is Michael Cole.
Cole asks how he could be worse than Big Show and AJ points out that Cole has never believed in her boyfriend. He has done nothing but stir things up. She says that Cole has insulted Daniel, insulted her, and insulted the entire Divas division. AJ says that he is a biased, obnoxious jerk.
Before Cole can respond, AJ takes the mic and says that she is not finished. She says that as far as she is concerned, the entire WWE would be a better place if Cole would just shut his mouth.
Cole wants to know how AJ could say that and then he calls AJ ‘honey’ and ‘missy’. Cole says that he is doing his job. He says that he gets paid for his insightful commentary and his personality. Cole says that people are saying that Daniel Bryan set her up to get run over by the Big Show. They are saying that AJ is so blindly in love that she would throw herself in front of a moving bus for him. They are saying that Daniel Bryan has not guts. They are saying that AJ has no self respect. Cole says that he will be in his glory at the Elimination Chamber because they will be nothing more than footnotes in WWE history.
Daniel Byran comes out and says that is enough. If Cole says anything else to his girlfriend, he will break both of Cole’s arms.
Bryan wants to know if this woman has already been through enough. He talks about how Cole is verbally harassing her because Cole doesn’t like him. Bryan has news for Cole and everyone else. He is more than a footnote. He says that he is a great wrestler and the World Champion. Bryan says that he is a role model.
On Sunday, he took a nature walk while everyone else was watching the Super Bowl while consuming copious amounts of meat and beer. Bryan asks everyone while they were stuffing their faces with the flesh of murdered animals and drinking bottle after bottle of beer and soda, how many actually recycled. How many people thought about preserving the environment for future generations?
Bryan says that he recycles and he cares about the environment. He says that he cares about future generations. Bryan says that he cares about AJ. Bryan kisses her on the forehead and hugs her. Because the people have been so inhospitable towards her, he is leaving the arena and taking AJ home. She has been traumatized enough.
Bryan tells everyone that to show how environmentally conscious they are, they are leaving in a Prius.
They leave the ring while Cole insults Daniel Bryan and claims that he is correct..
We see Bryan and AJ walking out of the arena but Teddy Long stops Daniel and AJ. Bryan says that AJ is in no condition to watch him compete and he asks for a personal day. Teddy says that he will provide transportation for AJ but if Bryan leaves the building, he loses his title.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see footage of Ted DiBiase’s match against Hunico from two weeks ago.
Match Number Four: Ted DiBiase versus Hunico with Camacho
Ted sends Hunico into the corner and he punches and kicks him. Hunico has a kick blocked and Ted with a clothesline that sends Hunico over the top rope to he floor. Ted goes to the floor and he pushes Camacho and then Ted sends Hunico into the ringside barrier. Ted sends Hunico back in and he stares at Camacho before returning to the ring.
Hunico with an arm wringer to the injured arm and then he kicks Ted and sends him to the floor. Camacho kicks Ted when the referee was not looking. Hunico with a kick and then he sends Ted’s injured wrist into the ring post a few times. They return to the ring and Hunico with a kick followed by an arm bar on the injured arm.
Ted gets to his feet and he punches Hunico but Hunico with a kick and then Ted with a punch to the midsection followed by the rebound clothesline and he gets a near fall. Hunico with an arm breaker. Hunico tries to hyperextend the arm twice and on the third time, DiBiase gets a rollup and the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase
We go to commercial.
We are back and who wants an Elimination Chamber video package explaining the rules of the match.
John Laurinaitis is on the phone from Abu Dhabi and he points out what his job is and how it is never dull. He talks about the tour of the UAE. John says that he thinks the board is genuine with their decision to keep him on Raw. John mentions that Mr. Excitement will be on Raw as the General Manager.
Big Show joins Cole, Josh, and Booker at the announce table for the main event.
Match Number Five: Randy Orton versus Daniel Bryan in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Orton backs Bryan into the corner and Orton with a clean break. They lock up again and Orton with a side head lock. Orton with a shoulder tackle and Bryan backs into the ropes. They lock up again and Bryan with a hammer lock and Orton with a reversal. Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle but Bryan takes Orton down. Orton kicks Bryan away and then takes Bryan down with a drop toe hold.
Orton with an arm bar. Bryan with a kick and European uppercuts. Bryan with kicks to the chest. Orton with an Irish whip but Bryan flips over Orton. Bryan ducks a clothesline and Orton with a drop kick to stop the flying clothesline attempt and Orton with a near fall.
Orton with a kick but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Bryan with a knee drop to the head. Orton rakes the eyes and then he connects with an elbow and he kicks Orton in the chest. Bryan with a European uppercut but Orton iwht punches. Bryan with a European uppercut. Bryan misses a kick but Orton sends Bryan over the top rope to the floor.
Big Show gets up at the announce table and Orton asks him not to get involved. Orton rolls Bryan back in and Show sits down. Bryan with a baseball slide to Orton and then he hits the flying knee off the apron and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bryan with a key lock and then he works on the shoulder. Orton with a neck breaker but Bryan with a kick to the shoulder. Orton with punches but Bryan with more kicks. Orotn with a kick and a gutwrench into a neck breaker for a near fall. Orton with European uppercuts of his own.
Orton puts Bryan on the top turnbuckle for a superplex but Bryan fights Orton off and sends him to the mat. Bryan sets for the diving head butt but Orton rolls out of the way and Bryan hits the mat. Orton with two clotheslines and then he ducks a clothesline from Bryan and hits the power slam when Bryan comes off the ropes. Orton with the IEDDT set up but Bryan with a shoulder and kick from the apron. Bryan goes up top but Orton crotches Bryan.
Orton punches Bryan and sets for the superplex and he hits it. Orton with a near fall. Orton with the Garvin Stomp to Bryan and then he goes for the leaping knee drop but he misses when Bryan moves. Bryan with the running drop kick into the corner and then he kicks Orton in the chest. The referee pulls Bryan out of the corner. Orton avoids Bryan and gets a near fall with a rollup. Bryan counters with the LeBell Lock but Orton counters with a catapult that sends Bryan to the apron.
Orton with the IEDDT and then he looks for the power to turn into the push ups for the RKO. Orton wants to hit the RKO but Bryan goes to the apron. Bryan drops Orton’s arm on the top rope and Bryan gets the World Title belt.
Bryan attacks Show and Show pushes Bryan and sends him into the ring where Orton hits an RKO. The referee calls for the bell and disqualifies Orton for what Show did.
Winner: Daniel Bryan by disqualification
After the match, Orton is not happy with the result of the match. Bryan is laid out in the center of the ring and Orton goes to the floor and argues with Show. Orton pushes Show and Orton yells at Show. Show pushes Orton down and Orton and Show fight behind the announce table. Show sends Orton over the announce table and they continue to brawl as we go to credits with Bryan watching and smirking.
2014 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
Tonight’s show starts off with a graphic in Memory of Frank Bullock.
We are in Los Angeles, California and your announcers are Michael ‘Sophia’ Cole, John ‘Dorothy’ Layfield, and Jerry ‘Blanche’ Lawler.
Justin Roberts introduces Betty White and she is brought to the stage by Big Show.
She says that she cannot tell everyone how thrilled she is to be a guest on Raw.
Show asks Betty what are they going to do tonight.
Betty says that she is going to kick some ass.
Triple H comes out with Stephanie McMahon and they walk to the ring while Show and Betty go to the back.
Hunter wants to clarify some confusion last week. They said that if Daniel Bryan could come out and beat the WWE World Champion Randy Orton, they would re-consider him as the Face of the WWE. They are re-considering Daniel Bryan, but they are also re-considering Sheamus, Christian, Antonio Cesaro, and John Cena.
Randy Orton interrupts Hunter and he makes his way to the ring.
Stephanie asks Randy if he is seriously doing this again while they are talking about the potential new face of WWE. She tells Randy to go to the locker room to get ready for his main event match.
Randy says that he has been doing some thinking. He needs to apologize for his actions. Randy is not apologizing to the people. He is here to apologize to Stephanie and Hunter. He has been childish, selfish, and foolish. In order to get what he wants, he needs to give Hunter and Stephanie what they want. Randy says the Viper is back, starting tonight when he faces John Cena.
Stephanie asks how can they trust him. Where is this coming from?
Randy says that it is coming from the heart.
Stephanie asks if Randy is feeling the pressure about Daniel Bryan.
Randy says that he is thinking about six months ago when he cashed in his briefcase on Daniel Bryan and he was called the Face of the WWE. They stood in the ring united. Randy wants to make good on a promise made to him on that night. He doesn’t want to be the face of the WWE only in the ring. He wants to be the face outside the ring. He wants to do the interviews, be on cereal boxes and billboards.
No one else in this company is the Face of the WWE.
Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
Daniel asks Randy if he thinks he is the heart and soul of the WWE. It seems like Randy is a different body part.
Stephanie does not appreciate either of them interrupting her and her husband on live television. Now people will need to make an appointment with the Director of Operations.
Daniel says that Kane is nowhere to be found unless he is doing her business. Kane tried to interfere in their match and Kane failed. Daniel reminds everyone that he beat Randy Orton. This week, he decided to go over Kane’s head. He wants a match with Kane tonight.
Stephanie reminds Daniel that he attacked Kane first. Kane is on administrative leave for the week and he has a sternly written letter in his file.
Daniel wants to know who is doing Stephanie’s performance approval. They appear to be a combination of arrogance and stupidity.
Randy tells Daniel to show them some respect. Randy reminds Daniel how great Stephanie and Hunter are. He should be honored to be in the same ring as them.
Daniel says that we know Randy really likes Stephanie. Remember when Randy kissed Stephanie while Hunter was cuffed to the ropes.
Hunter says that Stephanie and him have decided that Daniel Bryan will face no one. What is best for business is what is best for Daniel Bryan. In his agitated state, the best thing for Daniel is to give him a well deserved night off. He tells Daniel to enjoy.
Daniel and Hunter argue before Hunter, Stephanie, and Randy leave the ring.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, and Goldust versus Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan
Rowan and Cody start things off and Rowan with a kick and forearm to the back. Rowan tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Rhodes lands on his feet and he punches Rowan. Cody with a drop kick and he tags in Goldust. Goldust with a side head lock but Rowan with a shoulder tackle. Rowan misses a punch but Goldust does not miss. Rowan with a side head lock and Harper tags in.
Goldust with a kick and uppercut. Goldust with a kick to Harper followed by a head scissors off the turnbuckles. Cody with a missile drop kick and Rey tags in. Cody with a baseball slide and then Cody slides Rey under the rope for a splash onto Harper.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rowan works on Goldust’s neck. Rowan with a forearm and then he backs Goldust into the corner. Harper tags in and he pulls Rowan out of the corner. Rowan with a splash and Harper with a boot to the chest. Rhodes has to be sent out of the ring. We see footage from the commercial break.
Wyatt tags in and he punches Goldust. Wyatt with a splash onto the chest using the ropes. Wyatt punches Goldust but Goldust punches back. Wyatt with an elbow and he tags in Rowan who drops a knee to the chest for a near fall. Rowan punches Goldust in the ribs and follows with a hard Irish whip.
Rowan with an Irish whip but Goldust comes off the turnbuckles with a back elbow. Goldust is caught by Rowan but Rowan charges at Goldust and Goldust drops down and Rowan goes over the top rope. Harper pulls Rowan into the corner and he tags in and hits Rey on the apron. Goldust with a power slam and both are down.
Rey tags in and he kicks Harper followed by a head scissors that sends Harper into the ring post. Rey goes up top for a seated splash and then Rey hits a satellite DDT for a near fall. Wyatt charges at Rey and Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Wyatt goes into the ropes. Harper is sent into the ropes too. Rey hits the 619 on Harper but Wyatt pulls Rey off the apron.
Cody with a double jump cross body onto Wyatt. Rowan sends Cody into the ringside barrier. Goldust with a cannonball off the apron. Back in the ring, Rey sends Harper into the ropes but Wyatt makes the tag and he grabs Rey as he goes for the 619 and Wyatt hits Sister Abigail for the three count.
Winners: Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan
After the match, Wyatt says that others have played this game before but all have failed. The Shield are only tiny soldiers playing their part in a war that was not meant for them. They will fall. That will give him time for his next game to begin. FOLLOW THE BUZZARD.
We go to commercial.
It is time to talk about the Royal Rumble and the record breaking performance by Roman Reigns, and the attempt by Dean Ambrose to ruin his night only to see Reigns be the one to eliminate Ambrose and Rollins.
Roman Reigns is with the other members of the Shield and Renee Young. She asks Roman about the match against the Wyatt Family. Roman says actions speak louder than words. Seth says that the Wyatts love to speak in riddles while they speak in absolutes. Dean says that they will absolutely destroy the Wyatts.
Renee asks Dean about why he has not defended the United States Title in a while. Dean says that there is so much paperwork for a match.
Roman asks Dean if he wants to be that champion.
Dean says that he will prove it tonight. He makes an open challenge to anyone and he will prove that he is a champion.
All of the Total Divas are with Betty White and Vickie interrupts. Natalya talks about her current show. The New Age Outlaws say that they are here to protect Betty. Billy offers to take Betty for a cup of tea.
It is time to take a look back at the Breaking Point Match between John and Randy from 2009 in an I Quit Match.
Match Number Two: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus Santino Marella (with Emma)
They lock up and Santino with a fireman’s carry. Fandango misses a clothesline and Santino with jabs. Santino tries to float over and Fandango does not fall for it and he sends Santino into the turnbuckles. Fandango with head butts and Santino tries to kip up but he fails.
Miz makes his way to the ring while Fandango chops Santino. Fandango with a reverse chin lock. Fandango with a delayed Saito suplex. Santino with a split followed by a hip toss but Fandango gets his knees up for the diving head butt. Fandango goes up top but Santino tries to stop him.
Fandango knocks Santino off the apron and he hits the FandangoBama Jam for the three count.
Winner: Fandango
We go to the locker room where Byron Saxton is with Sheamus. Byron asks Sheamus about having to tag with one of his opponents in the Elimination Chamber Match. Sheamus says that he has been both a friend and enemy to Christian. He respects him and is willing to tag with him. Maybe they can celebrate with a pint after the show.
At the Elimination Chamber, it is the last opportunity to headline Wrestlemania XXX. Legacies are made in the Chamber match. He promises that he will kick their teeth in and become the WWE World Champion.
We are back and Christian is in the Goldman Box. He says that there has been a lot of talk about being the Face of the WWE. Maybe this can be the face of the WWE. Maybe he is not poster boy material, but he is a two time World Champion. Why not make it three.
Zeb Colter tells the non Americans in the ring that they make him sick. After being allegedly out of action for months, they found a way to sneak back across the border and sneak back into the WWE. They are given the chance to win the WWE Championship.
Antonio Cesaro is given the mic and he says that it will not matter because he will become the first Real American World Champion.
Match Number Three: Christian and Sheamus versus Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Cesaro starts with Christian and Christian with a waist lock but Cesaro with a standing switch and a waist lock take down. Cesaro with a dead lift Side Salto. Swagger tags in and Christiain with a forearm to Cesaro and a rollup to Swagger. Christian with a pendulum kick to Swagger and he goes to the turnbuckles for a missile drop kick and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus tags in and he sends Swagger into the turnbuckles and he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Swagger with a knee to Sheamus and Cesaro tags in. Cesaro with a European uppercut to Swagger but Sheamus blocks at hip toss and he hits a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Sheamus with a kick to the back.
Sheamus with a neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Christian tags back in and he hits a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Christian wrings the arm and he tags Sheamus back in. Sheamus with a European uppercut but Cesaro with a knee. They go back and forth with European uppercuts. Cesaro lays in with European uppercuts and Sheamus with a forearm. Sheamus is sent to the apron and Sheamus with a flying shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles for a near fall.
Cesaro sends Sheamus to the floor and Swagger distracts Sheamus long enough to allow Cesaro to knock Sheamus off the apron with a forearm. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cesaro kicks Sheamus but Sheamus with a uranage back breaker. Christian tags in and he punches Cesaro. Christian with a back heel kick and he gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Christian with a punch and then he slingshots himself to the floor and he punches Cesaro. Christian with an elbow off the turnbuckles.
Cesaro with an elevated European uppercut for a near fall. Cesaro gets another near fall. Swagger tags in and he kicks Christian and then he slingshots him into the bottom rope. Swagger gets a near fall. Swagger with a front face lock and then he Gator Rolls Christian around the ring.
Christian punches Swagger and then he kicks and punches him. Swagger pulls Christian into the center of the ring and then his own corner. Swagger with a Swagger Bomb followed by a leap frog double stomp for a near fall. Cesaro kicks Christian in the corner and the referee warns Cesaro. Christian punches Swagger on the apron but when he leaps for his corner, Cesaro catches him and then he gives Christian the Giant Swing.
Christian falls to the floor and Cesaro shows some anger at the result. The referee continues his count and Christian miraculously gets back into the ring at nine. Ceasro gets a near fall. Swagger tags in and Cesaro catapults Christian to Swagger for a belly-to-belly slam.
Cesaro misses a splash into the corner and Christian sends Swagger to the floor. Swagger and Sheamus tag in and Sheamus with two running double sledges followed by a shoulder in the corner and a running knee lift. Sheamus with a Finlay slam for a near fall. Sheamus with the forearms across the chest on the apron to Swagger.
Sheamus with a power slam and he sets for the Brogue Kick. Cesaro stops Sheamus with an uppercut. Swagger stops Sheamus from hitting the forearms on Cesaro. Christian with a cross body to Swagger to stop the ankle lock. Christian takes care of Cesaro on the floor and then Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Swagger for the three count.
Winners: Christian and Sheamus
Renee Young is in the interview area with John Cena. Renee asks John about his history with Randy Orton and his thoughts on tonight’s match. John says for a decade the WWE has been dominated by two names, Randy Orton and John Cena. John says that we are in the midst of great change. In two weeks, the WWE Network will change television. The WWE Universe has been supporting Daniel Bryan and other top rising names. This is the most important part of the Cena/Orton timeline. It is about their future. Tonight, he closes his rivalry with Randy Orton. He will beat Randy in the center of the ring tonight. The statement goes to the Shield, the Wyatts, Daniel Bryan, and Antonio Cesaro. If you think you are the future of the WWE, you will have to go through him.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a YouTube video of Batista giving people BatistaBombs.
Match Number Four: Dolph Ziggler versus Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio with a kick to the leg and punches to the head. Ziggler with a pelvic thrust and strut followed by a drop kick. Ziggler with elbow drops to the chest and he finishes it off with a delayed leaping elbow drop. Ziggler gets a near fall. Ziggler goes for the Zig Zag but Del Rio pushes him off. Del Rio tries for the tilt-a-whirl back breaker but Ziggler avoids it. Ziggler with a Fameasser for a near fall.
Del Rio with an arm breaker followed by a super kick for the three count.
Winner: Alberto Del Rio
After the match, Del Rio thinks about it and he puts Ziggler in the cross arm breaker.
Batista’s music plays and he skips to the ring and he takes Del Rio down and follows him to the floor. Batista sends Del Rio into the ring steps. Batista does some rearranging of the announce table and Batista sends Del Rio into the ringside barrier. Batista sets for a Batista Bomb through the table and he does it.
In case you want to know how to order the WWE Network, here are the Bellas to explain the network to you.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Batista is walking in the back. Hunter stops Batista and asks him if he has a second. He tells Dave that he cannot go off like he did on Del Rio. Batista says Del Rio deserved it.
Hunter says that things have changed. This is a publicly traded company now so if something bad goes on, it is his neck. He says that he is fitting Dave in on what is best for business.
Batista tells Hunter that Alberto is his business.
Hunter gives Batista a match against Alberto at Elimination Chamber.
Batista says that things must have really changed around here.
It is time for the next inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame . . . Lita.
We go to the New Age Outlaws Tea Party. Betty says that she has heard some things about them. Billy says that they are the Tag Team Champions. Billy lets Betty look at his title belt. The Outlaws go to get some lemon while Betty switches the drugged drink with the others.
We go to commercial.
We are back and The New Age Outlaws join Cole, Lawler, and JBL at the remnants of the announce table. Billy looks like he might be getting sick shortly.
Match Number Five: Curtis Axel and Ryback versus Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso
Axel and Jey start things off and they lock up. Axel with an arm bar and kick. Jey with jabs to Axel and he mocks James and he connects with an uppercut. Jimmy tags in and he hits a forearm in the corner. Axel with a drop kick and shoulders in the corner. Ryback tags in and he punches Jimmy and kicks him.
Ryback with shoulders to Jimmy followed by a hard Irish whip. Axel tags in and he kicks Jimmy. Jimmy with a punch and Axel with a kick and forearm. Axel with a kick to the head followed by a leaping forearm. Ryback tags in and he kicks Jimmy. Ryback with a boot to the midsection. Ryback puts Jimmy on the turnbuckles and then he connects with forearms to the back.
Jimmy with an elbow that knocks Ryback off. Jimmy with a corkscrew senton and he tags in Jey. Axel tags in and he hits a springboard clothesline followed by a kick and uppercut. Jey with a kick to the back of the leg and Curtis flips. Jey runs Axel into the turnbuckles and then hits a Samoan drop. Ryback misses a shoulder and goes to the floor. Jimmy blocks a kick and he sends Axel into a super kick. Jey tags Jimmy while hitting a plancha onto Ryback and Jimmy hits a Superfly Splash for the three count.
Winners: Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso
After the match, The New Age Outlaws make their way to the ring but Billy decides that it might be better not to crap his pants so he runs gingerly to the back.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Dean Ambrose (with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns) versus Mark Henry for the United States Title
Rollins and Reigns try to motivate Dean before he locks up. They lock up and Ambrose is sent to the mat. They lock up again and Henry sends Ambrose to the mat and Ambrose rolls to the floor. Henry backs Ambrose into the corner but Henry misses a forearm. Ambrose with kicks and then he wraps the injured arm in the ropes. Henry with a kick to Ambrose. Henry sends Ambrose shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Henry sends Ambrose into another turnbuckle shoulder first. Henry sends Ambrose shoulder first into the ring post.
Ambrose tries to get to the floor and he punches Henry from the apron but Ambrose is brought back into the ring with a biel. Ambrose tries to take the brace off the injured elbow. The arm is wrapped in the ropes. Henry hip tosses Ambrose over the top rope to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mark Henry is down. Ambrose with a Divorce Court into an arm bar. We see footage from the commercial break when Henry ran Ambrose into the ring post. Ambrose with a Fujiwara arm bar. Ambrose with a head butt to the shoulder and Ambrose goes up top. Henry with a one arm toss to the mat. Henry with clotheslines followed by a running power slam.
Henry runs into a boot from Ambrose. Henry avoids the Dean Driver and Henry with the World’s Strongest Slam but Rollins breaks up the cover.
Winner: Mark Henry (by disqualification)
Henry sends Rollins and Reigns to the floor. Henry gets Rollins off his back but he is then speared by Roman Reigns.
The Wyatts appear on the TitanTron and they are here.
The Wyatts stand in the ramp while the Shield stand in the front row of the crowd.
The come over the ringside barrier and they stand on the other side of the ring. The Wyatts move to the other side of the ring.
The Shield get on the apron and the Wyatts call their bet and they get on the apron.
Reigns gets in the ring and Wyatt puts one leg through the ropes but he goes back to the apron and Harper and Rowan go to the floor. Rollins and Ambrose enter the ring and Wyatt joins Rowan and Harper on the floor and they start to back up the ramp.
We are back and it is time for another Black History Month. This week, we take a look back at Bobo Brazil.
Match Number Seven: AJ Lee, Alicia Fox, and Aksana versus Brie Bella, Nikki Bella, and Cameron
AJ and Nikki start off and she sends AJ to the mat. Nikki with a snap mare but AJ gets into the ropes. AJ with a kick to the leg and then to the midsection. Nikki with a leg sweep for a near fall. Nikki tries for a power slam but AJ escapes and she goes to the floor. Aksana tags in and Nikki sends her to the mat and then she does the worm before hitting a drop kick to the back.
Brie with Poetry in Motion to Aksana followed by a missile drop kick. Aksana sends Brie to the mat and she gets a near fall. Aksana with a knee and elbow drop. Alicia tags in and she gets a near fall. Brie with a rollup for a near fall after escaping the tilt-a-whirl back breaker attempt.
Alicia with straightjacket choke. Alicia knocks Nikki off the apron but Brie with a drop kick. Cameron tags in and she hits a Thesz Press on Alicia. Cameron sends Alicia into the ropes and she slap Alicia and then hits a clothesline followed by a head scissors. Cameron with a drop kick for a near fall. Cameron kicks Aksana and then she hits an Impaler DDT for the three count.
Winners: Cameron, Brie Bella, and Nikki Bella
We go to footage from a Be A Star event in Los Angeles.
We are back and Lana is in the back with Alexander Rusev. She says vitality, intelligence, brute force. He is the super athlete, Alexander Rusev. Rusev repeats what she says in Bulgarian.
Kane makes his way to the ring even though Kane was supposedly not here tonight.
Kane says that he has been placed on one week of administrative leave. He accepts the punishment given to him. He acted on his own volition last week and it was . . . ill advised. The Authority had nothing to do with it.
Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring and he kicks Kane. Kane with an uppercut to Bryan. Kane sets for a choke slam but Bryan escapes and he drops down and Kane goes over the top rope to the floor. Bryan soars and scores with a suicide dive and then he kicks Kane. Bryan with a flying knee and Kane goes into the crowd and he leaves through the crowd.
We are back and Betty White says that she is having so much fun tonight on Raw.
Match Number Eight: Randy Orton versus John Cena in Match Three of the Orton Elimination Chamber Challenger Challenge Series
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock. Cena with a hip toss for a near fall. Orton rolls to the floor. They lock up again and Cena with a reverse chin lock. Orton tries for a hip toss but Cena blocks it and Cena with a hip toss for a near fall. Orton rolls to the floor and then he slowly returns to the ring. Orton with kicks and punches. Orton with a boot to the chest. Cena with punches followed by a bulldog for a near fall. Orton with a back elbow.
Orton with kicks and he gets a near fall. Cena with a suplex but he misses a charge into the corner and Cena hits the turnbuckles. Orton kicks Cena to the floor and then he sends him into the announce table. Orton with a back drop driver onto the ringside barrier. They return to the ring and Orton gets a near fall.
Orton with forearms across the chest followed by a kick to the chest and he poses for the crowd. We go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with boots to Cena in the corner. Both men are down but Orton with kicks. Cena with punches and Orton with a head butt. They go back and forth with punches and kicks. Cena with a flying shoulder tackle but Orton ducks the second one and Cena goes to the floor.
Orton suplexes Cena back into the ring from the apron for a near fall. Orton with a reverse chin lock. Cena gets Orton on his shoulders but Orton gets to his feet and he hits a DDT but only gets a two count. Orton with the Garvin Stomp. Cena gets a near fall with a rollup. Cena with two flying shoulder tackles and then he hits the Blue Thunder Bomb. Cena goes for the Five Knuckle Shuffle and he hits it.
Cena gets Orton up for the Attitude Adjustment but Orton gets to his feet and he hits a back breaker for a near fall. Cena sends Orton over the top rope to the floor. Cena catches Orton on a cross body attempt and Cena gets Randy on his shoulders. Randy gets to his feet and he hits a power slam for a near fall.
Orton sends Cena into the turnbuckle. Orton tries for a superplex but Cena powers out of the hold but Orton crotches Cena. Orton goes for the SuperIEDDT and he connects. Orton looks around and then he drops to the mat. Orton goes for the RKO but Cena locks in the STF. Orton gets to the ropes and Cena has to release the hold. Orton with a drop kick and both men are down.
Orton looks at the Wrestlemania sign and he points to it to absorb its powers. Orton goes for the field goal kick but Cena moves. Cena gets Orton up for the Attitude Adjustment but Orton escapes and hits an RKO but Cena kicks out at two. Cena gets Orton up and hits an Attitude Adjustment but Orton kicks out.
Cena picks up Orton and backs him into the corner and puts him on the turnbuckles. Cena goes for a super Attitude Adjustment but Orton with punches. Cena with a kick and then Cena with a Rocker Dropper followed by an Attitude Adjustment for the three count.
Winner: John Cena
We go to credits.
Tonight’s show starts off with a graphic in Memory of Frank Bullock.
We are in Los Angeles, California and your announcers are Michael ‘Sophia’ Cole, John ‘Dorothy’ Layfield, and Jerry ‘Blanche’ Lawler.
Justin Roberts introduces Betty White and she is brought to the stage by Big Show.
She says that she cannot tell everyone how thrilled she is to be a guest on Raw.
Show asks Betty what are they going to do tonight.
Betty says that she is going to kick some ass.
Triple H comes out with Stephanie McMahon and they walk to the ring while Show and Betty go to the back.
Hunter wants to clarify some confusion last week. They said that if Daniel Bryan could come out and beat the WWE World Champion Randy Orton, they would re-consider him as the Face of the WWE. They are re-considering Daniel Bryan, but they are also re-considering Sheamus, Christian, Antonio Cesaro, and John Cena.
Randy Orton interrupts Hunter and he makes his way to the ring.
Stephanie asks Randy if he is seriously doing this again while they are talking about the potential new face of WWE. She tells Randy to go to the locker room to get ready for his main event match.
Randy says that he has been doing some thinking. He needs to apologize for his actions. Randy is not apologizing to the people. He is here to apologize to Stephanie and Hunter. He has been childish, selfish, and foolish. In order to get what he wants, he needs to give Hunter and Stephanie what they want. Randy says the Viper is back, starting tonight when he faces John Cena.
Stephanie asks how can they trust him. Where is this coming from?
Randy says that it is coming from the heart.
Stephanie asks if Randy is feeling the pressure about Daniel Bryan.
Randy says that he is thinking about six months ago when he cashed in his briefcase on Daniel Bryan and he was called the Face of the WWE. They stood in the ring united. Randy wants to make good on a promise made to him on that night. He doesn’t want to be the face of the WWE only in the ring. He wants to be the face outside the ring. He wants to do the interviews, be on cereal boxes and billboards.
No one else in this company is the Face of the WWE.
Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring.
Daniel asks Randy if he thinks he is the heart and soul of the WWE. It seems like Randy is a different body part.
Stephanie does not appreciate either of them interrupting her and her husband on live television. Now people will need to make an appointment with the Director of Operations.
Daniel says that Kane is nowhere to be found unless he is doing her business. Kane tried to interfere in their match and Kane failed. Daniel reminds everyone that he beat Randy Orton. This week, he decided to go over Kane’s head. He wants a match with Kane tonight.
Stephanie reminds Daniel that he attacked Kane first. Kane is on administrative leave for the week and he has a sternly written letter in his file.
Daniel wants to know who is doing Stephanie’s performance approval. They appear to be a combination of arrogance and stupidity.
Randy tells Daniel to show them some respect. Randy reminds Daniel how great Stephanie and Hunter are. He should be honored to be in the same ring as them.
Daniel says that we know Randy really likes Stephanie. Remember when Randy kissed Stephanie while Hunter was cuffed to the ropes.
Hunter says that Stephanie and him have decided that Daniel Bryan will face no one. What is best for business is what is best for Daniel Bryan. In his agitated state, the best thing for Daniel is to give him a well deserved night off. He tells Daniel to enjoy.
Daniel and Hunter argue before Hunter, Stephanie, and Randy leave the ring.
Match Number One: Rey Mysterio, Cody Rhodes, and Goldust versus Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan
Rowan and Cody start things off and Rowan with a kick and forearm to the back. Rowan tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Rhodes lands on his feet and he punches Rowan. Cody with a drop kick and he tags in Goldust. Goldust with a side head lock but Rowan with a shoulder tackle. Rowan misses a punch but Goldust does not miss. Rowan with a side head lock and Harper tags in.
Goldust with a kick and uppercut. Goldust with a kick to Harper followed by a head scissors off the turnbuckles. Cody with a missile drop kick and Rey tags in. Cody with a baseball slide and then Cody slides Rey under the rope for a splash onto Harper.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Rowan works on Goldust’s neck. Rowan with a forearm and then he backs Goldust into the corner. Harper tags in and he pulls Rowan out of the corner. Rowan with a splash and Harper with a boot to the chest. Rhodes has to be sent out of the ring. We see footage from the commercial break.
Wyatt tags in and he punches Goldust. Wyatt with a splash onto the chest using the ropes. Wyatt punches Goldust but Goldust punches back. Wyatt with an elbow and he tags in Rowan who drops a knee to the chest for a near fall. Rowan punches Goldust in the ribs and follows with a hard Irish whip.
Rowan with an Irish whip but Goldust comes off the turnbuckles with a back elbow. Goldust is caught by Rowan but Rowan charges at Goldust and Goldust drops down and Rowan goes over the top rope. Harper pulls Rowan into the corner and he tags in and hits Rey on the apron. Goldust with a power slam and both are down.
Rey tags in and he kicks Harper followed by a head scissors that sends Harper into the ring post. Rey goes up top for a seated splash and then Rey hits a satellite DDT for a near fall. Wyatt charges at Rey and Rey with a drop kick to the knee and Wyatt goes into the ropes. Harper is sent into the ropes too. Rey hits the 619 on Harper but Wyatt pulls Rey off the apron.
Cody with a double jump cross body onto Wyatt. Rowan sends Cody into the ringside barrier. Goldust with a cannonball off the apron. Back in the ring, Rey sends Harper into the ropes but Wyatt makes the tag and he grabs Rey as he goes for the 619 and Wyatt hits Sister Abigail for the three count.
Winners: Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erick Rowan
After the match, Wyatt says that others have played this game before but all have failed. The Shield are only tiny soldiers playing their part in a war that was not meant for them. They will fall. That will give him time for his next game to begin. FOLLOW THE BUZZARD.
We go to commercial.
It is time to talk about the Royal Rumble and the record breaking performance by Roman Reigns, and the attempt by Dean Ambrose to ruin his night only to see Reigns be the one to eliminate Ambrose and Rollins.
Roman Reigns is with the other members of the Shield and Renee Young. She asks Roman about the match against the Wyatt Family. Roman says actions speak louder than words. Seth says that the Wyatts love to speak in riddles while they speak in absolutes. Dean says that they will absolutely destroy the Wyatts.
Renee asks Dean about why he has not defended the United States Title in a while. Dean says that there is so much paperwork for a match.
Roman asks Dean if he wants to be that champion.
Dean says that he will prove it tonight. He makes an open challenge to anyone and he will prove that he is a champion.
All of the Total Divas are with Betty White and Vickie interrupts. Natalya talks about her current show. The New Age Outlaws say that they are here to protect Betty. Billy offers to take Betty for a cup of tea.
It is time to take a look back at the Breaking Point Match between John and Randy from 2009 in an I Quit Match.
Match Number Two: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus Santino Marella (with Emma)
They lock up and Santino with a fireman’s carry. Fandango misses a clothesline and Santino with jabs. Santino tries to float over and Fandango does not fall for it and he sends Santino into the turnbuckles. Fandango with head butts and Santino tries to kip up but he fails.
Miz makes his way to the ring while Fandango chops Santino. Fandango with a reverse chin lock. Fandango with a delayed Saito suplex. Santino with a split followed by a hip toss but Fandango gets his knees up for the diving head butt. Fandango goes up top but Santino tries to stop him.
Fandango knocks Santino off the apron and he hits the FandangoBama Jam for the three count.
Winner: Fandango
We go to the locker room where Byron Saxton is with Sheamus. Byron asks Sheamus about having to tag with one of his opponents in the Elimination Chamber Match. Sheamus says that he has been both a friend and enemy to Christian. He respects him and is willing to tag with him. Maybe they can celebrate with a pint after the show.
At the Elimination Chamber, it is the last opportunity to headline Wrestlemania XXX. Legacies are made in the Chamber match. He promises that he will kick their teeth in and become the WWE World Champion.
We are back and Christian is in the Goldman Box. He says that there has been a lot of talk about being the Face of the WWE. Maybe this can be the face of the WWE. Maybe he is not poster boy material, but he is a two time World Champion. Why not make it three.
Zeb Colter tells the non Americans in the ring that they make him sick. After being allegedly out of action for months, they found a way to sneak back across the border and sneak back into the WWE. They are given the chance to win the WWE Championship.
Antonio Cesaro is given the mic and he says that it will not matter because he will become the first Real American World Champion.
Match Number Three: Christian and Sheamus versus Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger (with Zeb Colter)
Cesaro starts with Christian and Christian with a waist lock but Cesaro with a standing switch and a waist lock take down. Cesaro with a dead lift Side Salto. Swagger tags in and Christiain with a forearm to Cesaro and a rollup to Swagger. Christian with a pendulum kick to Swagger and he goes to the turnbuckles for a missile drop kick and he gets a near fall.
Sheamus tags in and he sends Swagger into the turnbuckles and he hits a suplex and gets a near fall. Swagger with a knee to Sheamus and Cesaro tags in. Cesaro with a European uppercut to Swagger but Sheamus blocks at hip toss and he hits a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Sheamus with a kick to the back.
Sheamus with a neck breaker and he gets a near fall. Christian tags back in and he hits a double sledge from the turnbuckles. Christian wrings the arm and he tags Sheamus back in. Sheamus with a European uppercut but Cesaro with a knee. They go back and forth with European uppercuts. Cesaro lays in with European uppercuts and Sheamus with a forearm. Sheamus is sent to the apron and Sheamus with a flying shoulder tackle from the turnbuckles for a near fall.
Cesaro sends Sheamus to the floor and Swagger distracts Sheamus long enough to allow Cesaro to knock Sheamus off the apron with a forearm. We go to commercial.
We are back and Cesaro kicks Sheamus but Sheamus with a uranage back breaker. Christian tags in and he punches Cesaro. Christian with a back heel kick and he gets a near fall with a sunset flip. Christian with a punch and then he slingshots himself to the floor and he punches Cesaro. Christian with an elbow off the turnbuckles.
Cesaro with an elevated European uppercut for a near fall. Cesaro gets another near fall. Swagger tags in and he kicks Christian and then he slingshots him into the bottom rope. Swagger gets a near fall. Swagger with a front face lock and then he Gator Rolls Christian around the ring.
Christian punches Swagger and then he kicks and punches him. Swagger pulls Christian into the center of the ring and then his own corner. Swagger with a Swagger Bomb followed by a leap frog double stomp for a near fall. Cesaro kicks Christian in the corner and the referee warns Cesaro. Christian punches Swagger on the apron but when he leaps for his corner, Cesaro catches him and then he gives Christian the Giant Swing.
Christian falls to the floor and Cesaro shows some anger at the result. The referee continues his count and Christian miraculously gets back into the ring at nine. Ceasro gets a near fall. Swagger tags in and Cesaro catapults Christian to Swagger for a belly-to-belly slam.
Cesaro misses a splash into the corner and Christian sends Swagger to the floor. Swagger and Sheamus tag in and Sheamus with two running double sledges followed by a shoulder in the corner and a running knee lift. Sheamus with a Finlay slam for a near fall. Sheamus with the forearms across the chest on the apron to Swagger.
Sheamus with a power slam and he sets for the Brogue Kick. Cesaro stops Sheamus with an uppercut. Swagger stops Sheamus from hitting the forearms on Cesaro. Christian with a cross body to Swagger to stop the ankle lock. Christian takes care of Cesaro on the floor and then Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick on Swagger for the three count.
Winners: Christian and Sheamus
Renee Young is in the interview area with John Cena. Renee asks John about his history with Randy Orton and his thoughts on tonight’s match. John says for a decade the WWE has been dominated by two names, Randy Orton and John Cena. John says that we are in the midst of great change. In two weeks, the WWE Network will change television. The WWE Universe has been supporting Daniel Bryan and other top rising names. This is the most important part of the Cena/Orton timeline. It is about their future. Tonight, he closes his rivalry with Randy Orton. He will beat Randy in the center of the ring tonight. The statement goes to the Shield, the Wyatts, Daniel Bryan, and Antonio Cesaro. If you think you are the future of the WWE, you will have to go through him.
2015 -
WWE star Darren Young took to his Twitter account to rail against the company touring The United Arab Emirates, which it is doing this weekend.
Young wrote, "Why do we bring the best entertainment into a country like abu dhabi and they look down upon women and gays? I get it! #MillionsofDollars"
Young, who publicly revealed he was gay during the summer of 2013, was speaking out against the country because of its strict laws governing sexual activity outside of marriage, including homosexuality, which can be punishable by jail time, deportation, fines and even the death penalty.
There are also strict rules regarding how women are to conduct themselves in public. WWE Divas do not appear when the company brings its live events to U.A.E.
Women convicted of pre-marital law or adultery and other similar crimes in the U.A.E can be punished via stoning or flogging. There have also been cases of rape victims being criminally charged for engaging in extra-marital sex if the rape is not proven.
Young later deleted the Tweet and inferred that he was ordered to do so, writing, "My freedom of speech is gone. Gone but not forgotten. I feel like no none has my back and it upsets me. The struggle is real. I'm human."
In response, Young began re-tweeting comments from those who supported him, including Lance Storm and Sean Waltman. Young then posted: "I feel like this. A picture is worth a thousands words. Block the hate. Spread the word."
WWE has live events this Thursday and Friday in Abu Dhabi.
***
10:35 PM UPDATE:
WWE issued the following to PWInsider:
“WWE does not discriminate against individuals regardless of age, race, religion or sexual orientation, and we continue to proudly support Fred Rosser (aka WWE Superstar Darren Young) for being open about his sexuality.
Unfortunately, WWE cannot change cultures and laws around the world, and thus we did not send Fred Rosser to the United Arab Emirates for our upcoming events for his own protection.
WWE also fully supports Fred Rosser’s right to express his views on personal social media accounts rather than WWE’s corporate platforms.”
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