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September 2nd
On this day in history in ....
1962 - Tracy Smothers is born.
1963 – Bill Watts & Jerry Kozak defeated The Masked Bolos (Might Bolo & Great Bolo) to win the United States Tag Team championship.
1966 - The EMLL 33rd Anniversary Show was held in Mexico City headlined by Rene Guajardo defeating Felipe Ham Lee in a Hair vs Hair Match and Jerry London defeating Karloff Lagarde in a Hair vs Hair Match.
1972 - WWWF runs at Madison Square Garden in New York City, headlined by WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeating Ernie Ladd and Bruno Sammartino defeating George "The Animal" Steele. After Bruno's win, the final match of the evening, it was announced that Sammartino would face Morales (a battle between the top two babyfaces in the company) at Shea Stadium on September 30th, WWWF's first ever stadium show. Over 22,000 fans would attend that event, with Sammartino vs. Morales ending in a draw.
1984 - WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan vs. UWA World Champion El Canek in Mexico City ends in a draw in a two out of three falls match. Hogan won the first fall via pinfall, Canek won the second via DQ, and the third fall ended in a double DQ. The match received a great deal of attention in Mexico, has Canek had defeated Andre The Giant the previous February, and only Hogan's WWF title was on the line, giving Canek the chance to become a dual World Champion.
1985 - Jay Youngblood, most famous for his tag team with Rick Steamboat in Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, passed away at the age of 30 while touring Australia.
1985 - World Class Championship Wrestling held their Labor Day Weekend "Star Wars" event in Ft. Worth, Texas. Here are the results:
- Kelly Kiniski defeated Jim Powers.
- World Class Television Champion John Tatum defeated Steve Casey.
- Gino Hernandez defeated Brian Adidas to win the World Class Texas Heavyweight Title.
- Bruiser Brody defeated One Man Gang via disqualification.
- Kevin Von Erich defeated Chris Adams.
- Mark Lewin defeated Iceman Parsons.
- Kerry Von Erich, Kevin Von Erich & Brian Adidas defeated One Man Gang, Mark Lewin & Jack Victory to win the World Class Six Man Tag Team Title.
1985 -Championship Wrestling from Florida presented the first Battle of the Bests in Tampa, Florida featuring:
– Hector & Chavo Guerrero Sr. defeated The Grappler & Rip Oliver.
– Cocoa Samoa defeated Rip Rogers.
– Kendall Windham defeated Jack Hart (future Barry Horowitz) to win the Florida Heavyweight championship.
– Rick Rude defeated Billy Jack Haynes to retain the NWA Southern Heavyweight championship.
– AWA World Tag Team champions The Road Warriors fought Harley Race & Stan Hansen to a no-contest.
– Nick Bockwinkel defeated Frankie Lane.
– Ric Flair defeated Wahoo McDaniel in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match to retain the NWA World championship.
1987 – Terry Taylor defeated Shane Douglas to win the UWF Television championship.
1991 – Jerry Lawler defeated The Dragon Master to win the USWA Unified championship in Memphis, TN. On the same show, Danny Davis defeated Bill Dundee to win the USWA Junior Heavyweight championship.
1992 - WCW broadcast Clash of the Champions XX from Center Stage in Atlanta, GA celebrating 20 years of wrestling on TBS, including a message from Ted Turner and the final public appearance of Andre the Giant, who was in attendance. Results from the broadcast:
– Ricky Steamboat defeated Steve Austin in a No-DQ Match to win the WCW World Television championship.
– Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton defeated Greg Valentine & Dick Slater.
– Ron Simmons defeated Cactus Jack to retain the WCW World championship.
– The Barbarian & Butch Reed defeated Dustin Rhodes & Barry Windham
– Rick Rude & Jake Roberts & The Super Invader (Hercules Hernandez), & Big Van Vader defeated Sting & Nikita Koloff & Rick Steiner, & Scott Steiner in an Elimination Tag Team Bout.
1996 - Jerry Lawler defeated Sid Vicious to win the USWA Unified championship, marking Lawler’s 25th reign on the top of Memphis.
2002 - WWE's Smackdown brand ran LaCrosse, Wisconsin. John Saks filed the following live report:
Albert beat Rico.
Rey Mysterio beat Eddie Guerrero.
Chris Benoit beat John Cena.
Kurt Angle beat Rikishi in a "Kiss My Ass Match".
Brock Lesnar beat Edge to retain the now WWE Disputed Title.
Mark Henry beat Bull Buchanan.
Hardcore Holly and Randy Orton beat Billy and Chuck.
Batista beat D-Von.
Matt Hardy beat Funaki.
The Hurricane, Shannon Moore and Billy Kidman beat Tajiri, Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Noble.
2002 -During an edition of Raw, Eric Bischoff creates a new World Heavyweight Title and awards it to Triple H. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar had been signed "exclusively" to Smackdown by Stephanie McMahon, so a new title was needed for the Raw brand. The championship belt was a recreation of the "big gold belt" that had been identified with the WCW and NWA World Title.
Triple H would defend the belt against Ric Flair that night, defeating him with a Pedigree following a low blow. Chris Jericho, angry over not being given a title shot, would then come in and put Flair in the Walls Of Jericho. Rob Van Dam would make the save, setting up a tag team main event for Raw in which Ric Flair & Rob Van Dam would defeat Triple H & Chris Jericho when RVD pinned Triple H with a Five Star Frog Splash after kicking the championship belt into the face of the new champion.
Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
The 9/2 edition of RAW IS UNDERSTAFFED aired live from Milwaukee. It was once again a bland show, which highlighted how lopsided the talent roster now is in favor of Smackdown. In addition, the decision to create a second world title for RAW was not a good idea. It creates a dispute over Brock Lesnar's status as champ right at the point where he, as a newcomer still needing to get over, should be the sole focus. Also, title controversies like this hurt the title's credibility no matter who is champ.
Eric Bischoff came out to the ring carrying a briefcase. He said that Brock Lesnar may call himself the Undisputed World Champion, but by becoming exclusively a Smackdown wrestler, he has rendered his belt very disputed. He stated that RAW fans deserve a world champion, calling RAW the top brand in the history of sports entertainment. Continuing, Bischoff asserted that Stephanie McMahon may want a Lesnar vs. Undertaker match at the Unforgiven PPV, but the whole world knows that Triple H is the rightful number one contender. HHH came down to the ring as Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler both agreed with Bischoff that RAW fans deserve to have a world champion. HHH began ragging on Lesnar, accusing him of wanting to stay on Smackdown because he knows he isn't in his league. He buried Lesnar pretty well, saying the Next Big Thing has no balls. Bischoff agreed 100% and repeated his claim that, had he signed HHH to WCW, Nitro would have won the Monday Night Wars. He kept heaping the praises on HHH, which led to him opening the briefcase and presenting HHH with his own RAW WWE World Title. It was the old WCW title belt. HHH said that most guys would act modest and say they don't really deserve the belt, but he isn't most guys and he bragged that he does indeed deserve to have the title presented to him. He praised Bischoff as being a better judge of talent than his ex-wife. At this point, Ric Flair came down to the ring. The Nature Boy agreed that the title has become disputed and that RAW fans deserve to have a champion. He said HHH is The Man, but added that he (Flair) has been The Man 16 times, and each of those times he won his championship in the ring through blood and sweat and busting his ass, not by having it handed to him. Actually, Kevin Nash handed the WCW Title to Flair once during one of those Vince Russo angles but I don't think Flair counts that one among his 16 "official" reigns. In any event, Flair was right about it being a bad idea to hand belts out like that. Bischoff set up a HHH vs. Flair title defense for later, with the idea of giving legitimacy to HHH's reign. HHH said it would be an honor to defend the belt against Flair. Flair offered to shake HHH's hand, but HHH shook Bischoff's hand instead and then sucker punched Flair. HHH walked off with a smirk on his face, shouting out a sarcastic "whoooo!"
Backstage, Steven Richards and Johnny Stamboli congratulated HHH. But Bubba Ray Dudley didn't seem as good-natured. HHH asked Bubba if he had a problem, and accused him of being jealous. He told Bubba to get in line and that maybe he could work his way up to a title shot, adding that unlike Lesnar he'll be defending his belt. Bubba said he isn't jealous, he's hungry, and that for every hungry guy in the locker room, the world title is their salvation. Bubba told HHH to wipe that smug expression off his face, because eventually someone will slap it off. Bubba then excused himself, saying it was time to put someone through a table.
Bubba Ray Dudley & Trish Stratus defeated Christopher Nowinski & Molly Holly in an intergender tables elimination match in 6:35. They aired an earlier interview with Nowinski where he said that after bursting Bubba & Trish through tables, he would burst through something else. Yes, he actually said he would burst through Molly's hymen. Lawler acted like he didn't know what a hymen is. JR said, "You of all people don't know what a hymen is?" Maybe Lawler only knows it by its slang term. The match began and was pretty much what you would expect. Molly's pants got pulled down, exposing her unaphrodisiac undies. I think she bought those at a mall store called Great-Grandmother's Secret. Trish got a pop for flashing her thong. A "we want puppies" chant started and Lawler shouted "we want hymen". They did a spot where Nowinski ended up face down in Molly's private (i.e., hymen) area. I'm trying to find discrete ways of writing about this. Nowinski took a wazzup from Trish. Molly plastered Trish with a somersault splash off the top. She laid Trish out on a table on the floor and was going to splash her through it from off the top, but Bubba blocked it. Nowinski then tried to splash Trish through, but Trish moved and Nowinski crashed hard through the table. It was counted as an elimination, even though in the past offensive moves haven't been counted that way. So much for consistency. Trish gave Molly a huracanrana off the top and Bubba then put Molly through another table for the win.
Jonathan Coachman interviewed Lance Storm & Christian about their upcoming handicap match against Kane. Coach noted that their tag belts wouldn't be on the line, but their pride would be. Christian said Americans know nothing about pride. Storm said the Un-Americans aren't the bad guys, but are just trying to help us change our ways by pointing out our hypocrisy, such as when a bunch of fat unemployed people celebrate Labor Day. Test showed up with a blowtorch and boasted that they'll finish the job they started last week by burning a U.S. flag.
Bischoff invited Terri and Stacy Keibler to his office. They were in robes. Bischoff boasted that he was making history by booking them in the first ever lingerie pillow fight match. Terri complained that she just wants to conduct interviews. Bischoff made them give him a peek beneath their robes. He said Stacy had the best assets (emphasis on ass) while Terri had the best pillows. Stacy said at least her pillows are natural. And nature is a beautiful thing.
Chris Jericho confronted Flair. Y2J was angry that Bischoff gave a world title shot to a 53 year old has-been. Flair reminded Jericho that he beat him at SummerSlam. Jericho told Flair he wants him to beat HHH so he can then kick Flair's ass and take the title from him.
Booker T beat William Regal in 3:13. Just a regular, short TV match. Booker won, but his momentum seems to have been stalled. I think the scientific term for that is TripleH-us Interruptus. Booker scored the pin with a scissor kick and did the spinaroonie afterward.
Highlight footage aired from SummerSlam of the HHH vs. Shawn Michaels match, including HHH's post-match attack with the sledgehammer. JR & Lawler then conducted an interview with Michaels via satellite. Michaels was in a wheelchair. He said he has feeling in his legs but his mobility isn't good. He vowed to make it through rehab and to get out of the wheelchair. Lawler asked if the match was worth it. Michaels said he wondered going in if he could live up to his past performances, and thinks he did so. He thanked God and the fans for allowing him to do what he loves to do. So he felt the match was worth it, noting also that his injury came not in the match, but in HHH's attack afterward. JR asked if Michaels had anything to say to HHH. Michaels said HHH should never hurt what he can't kill and said what goes around comes around. Michaels then held up a sledgehammer as the segment ended.
Hour two began with HHH beating Flair in 9:38 to retain the RAW World Title. Flair did some takedowns and then strutted. He hit some chops and let out a "whooooo!' They did some traditional mat stuff. Flair took his bump over the top in the corner. He fell short on that one at SummerSlam but did it this time. HHH went on offense and Flair sold like a heel. Flair hooked the figure four but HHH made the ropes. HHH then hit a low blow and won with the pedigree. This was another Flair match that could have been saved for a specialty bout at a PPV, but was given away. It was just an average match. Afterward, Jericho ran in and attacked Flair, putting him in the walls. Rob Van Dam ran in for the save. He bumped HHH while running in, which caused HHH to go back in the ring after RVD. RVD, however, caught HHH with a spinkick. Both HHH and Jericho retreated.
Big Show got in Bischoff's face, moaning about how Bischoff had Rosie & Jamal (the Island Boyz) attack him two weeks ago. He also was pissed over HHH being given the new RAW championship. Bischoff told him he could have a title shot if he put in an impressive performance in his scheduled match against Tommy Dreamer. I think Shakespeare wrote a play about Show's chances of being champion. It was called Much Ado About Nothing. The phone rang and whoever was on the other end told Bischoff that one of his wrestlers was going to defect to Smackdown to be with a family member. Bischoff was pissed and called Stephanie a bitch. By the way, throwing in all the fake and real family storylines, this defection theoretically could have been Jeff Hardy, Crash or Molly Holly, Kane, Bubba Ray or Spike Dudley, Christian, or even Rosie & Jamal.
Kane beat Christian & Storm in the non-title handicap match in 5:22. Kane's lost a lot of weight. Kane controlled almost the entire match, tossing the tag champs all over the place. Christian & Storm finally doubled on Kane and scored some twos on him. Storm accidentally kicked Christian. Kane pinned Storm with a chokeslam. Afterward, Test ran in and gave Kane the boot to the face. The Un-Americans were once again about to burn Old Glory when Bradshaw charged in. He and Kane cleaned house and captured the flag, saving it yet again from destruction.
Big Show beat Tommy Dreamer by DQ in 2:42. I actually got several e-mails last week objecting to the phase-out of the Hardcore Title, so that belt apparently had a constituency. Show just bullied Dreamer around for a couple of minutes. Show got a chair, but decided not to use it since he might get DQ'ed. So Dreamer used it instead, and got DQ'ed. He really laid in some sick chairshots, with Show taking some scary blows. Dreamer was doing his full ECW gimmick here and earned an "ECW" chant from the crowd. Show won, but didn't look very impressive in doing so.
HHH told Bischoff he wanted to fight RVD. Bischoff said RVD was already scheduled to defend the IC belt against Jericho. HHH said he's the champ and is entitled to get whatever he wants. Jericho overheard all this and naturally didn't want to lose his IC shot. But lose it he did, as Bischoff agreed to cancel that match and replace it with HHH & Jericho vs. RVD & Flair. So HHH screwed Jericho again.
Jeff Hardy vs. Crash Holly never got started. Bischoff came out and said he had been tipped off that someone was about to defect to Smackdown to be with a family member. He assumed it was Jeff, wanting to get at brother Matt for attacking him a few weeks ago. Bischoff was furious, and sent in Rosie & Jamal to do the weekly squash job. Jeff was flattened with the big splash. Bischoff boasted that anyone defecting in the future will face a similar beating at the hands of Rosie & Jamal. But to Bischoff's dismay, Crash announced that he was the one defecting, and fled. I guess they'll revive the Hollies gimmick on Smackdown.
Terri beat Stacy in the lingerie pillow fight in 1:43. Lawler was special ref. Shakespeare also wrote a play about him called King Leer. They had a bed set up in the ring with pillows and stuffed animals. There was also a night table with an alarm clock, which was there for foreign object purposes. JR said, correctly, that this match wouldn't be like Bruiser and Crusher (Milwaukee legends) being in the ring. It was one of those matches that sucks as far as wrestling is concerned, but I still liked it, for reasons upon which I don't need to elaborate. The two babes fought with pillows in their lingerie, doing a few sexually charged spots before Terri pinned Stacy, who always seems to lose. With her long legs, she should learn the figure four. Stacy attacked Terri after the match and hit her with clock (Lawler said Terri got "clocked"). She then retrieved a bowl of syrup, or some similar sticky substance, which for some reason was under the ring. She poured it on Terri and then dumped feathers from the pillows on her, leaving Terri tarred & feathered and looking like Foghorn Leghorn would look if he had a sex change operation and got implants.
Flair & RVD beat HHH & Jericho in 9:35. HHH & Jericho attacked RVD before Flair got to the ring. RVD hit a flip splash on Jericho. Jericho responded with a spin kick. Flair got pounded and again sold it big. RVD did his kicks. Jericho hit RVD with a hard chairshot but HHH only scored a two when he went for the pin. The crowd got into this match after not being too hot overall for most of the show. They were hot for RVD. Jericho put the walls on RVD but Flair broke it up. Flair threw a bunch of chops on both opponents. RVD scored two on HHH with the rolling thunder. RVD blocked a pedigree, kicked HHH, and went to the top for the frog splash but Jericho shoved him off. Jericho hit a lionsault on RVD, scoring two. Flair pulled Jericho out and put the figure four on him on the floor. Jericho tapped but it didn't count since they were outside, and HHH was the legal man. RVD then scored the upset pin by laying HHH out with a kick and hitting the frog splash. The first half of the match wasn't all that good but the latter half was okay and the ending was good. The show ended with RVD holding up his IC belt and also the RAW World Title, indicating that he should be in line for a shot at HHH's belt.
2007 - WWE releases Nick Dinsmore, who had portrayed the Eugene character. He would be brought back in 2009, but after one appearance on Raw, would be released again.
2007 - Jeff Hardy defeated Umaga to win the WWE Intercontinental championship.
2008 - During a conference call with the MMA media, Ultimate Fighting Championship announced that they had come to terms with MMA legend and UFC Heavyweight champion Randy Couture to return to the flagship MMA promotion. Couture had been at odds with UFC over contractual issues since late 2007.
Couture's first opponent will indeed be former WWE champion Brock Lesnar on 11/15 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena. It will undoubtedly be the biggest test in Lesnar's UFC run. It will be a five-round fight, and Couture's UFC Heavyweight Championship is on the line.
Lesnar won the fight via TKO when it took place.
2008 -Jakks Pacific, which holds the action figure license for World Wrestling Entertainment, issued the following press release today:
WWE’s Entire Case against JAKKS Pacific and Its Senior Officers Dismissed
MALIBU, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As reported on August 29, 2008, the Superior Court of Connecticut granted summary judgment dismissing WWE’s remaining state claims against JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) and its senior officers relating to alleged wrongful acts occurring more than a decade ago of bribery and conflict of interest involving its videogame license and amendments to its toy license. The Connecticut Court determined that WWE’s claims were time-barred under Connecticut State law. In addition, the Connecticut Court separately found that WWE was precluded from litigating its state court claims based on the previous federal court determination that WWE’s then remaining federal claim was time-barred by the applicable federal statute of limitations. The Connecticut Court also dismissed WWE’s state antitrust claim based on the lack of any antitrust injury under Connecticut State law and, separately, because WWE was precluded from relitigating in state court antitrust claims that the federal court had already dismissed under federal law.
As a result of prior federal court decisions, all of WWE’s federal claims against JAKKS Pacific and its senior officers were dismissed, including claims alleging violations of RICO, the Sherman Antitrust Act, and the Robinson-Patman Act. Now, by virtue of this Connecticut Court’s summary judgment ruling, all of WWE’s remaining claims relating to the procurement of the subject licenses have also been dismissed.
Jack Friedman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JAKKS Pacific stated, “From the outset, we have maintained that WWE’s claims against us were meritless and part of an attempt by WWE to force us to relinquish our financial stake in our licenses. We have refused to be bullied into submission and are delighted that the Connecticut Court has granted summary judgment in our favor.”
WWE has indicated that it plans to appeal the adverse rulings against it, and JAKKS Pacific and its senior officers, consistent with what they have done until now, intend to vigorously defend on appeal the court rulings.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and consumer products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific®, Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite®, Color Workshop®, JAKKS Pets™ and Plug It In & Play TV Games™. JAKKS and THQ Inc. participate in a joint venture that has worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment video games. For further information, visit www.jakks.com.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about JAKKS Pacific's business based partly on assumptions made by its management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, those described above, changes in demand for JAKKS' products, product mix, the timing of customer orders and deliveries, the impact of competitive products and pricing, and difficulties with integrating acquired businesses. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date on which they are made, and JAKKS undertakes no obligation to update any of them to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. © JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All Right Reserved.
2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Mike Odd filed the following TV report:
ECW comes to us from Pittsburgh, PA and starts with Mizorrison in the ring for The Dirt Sheet. They introduce Mark Henry who is joined by Tony Atlas. Atlas tells The Miz that this will not be a repeat of the last time they were on The Dirt Sheet; The Miz assures him this will not be the case. They bring out Chavo who comes to the ring with funny entrance music vocalized by Miz and Morrison. Morrison says that was obviously a snafu from the production and tells Kerwin in the truck to not let it happen again. Morrison informs us Finaly can not be here and instead we have his brothers from Belfast via satellite who turn out to just be Mizorrison in Irish garb. Finlay and Hornswaggle join us as does Matt Hardy who proceeds to run down everyone in the ring before Mark Henry cuts him off and tells him to watch it before he sees a repeat of last night. All the heels attack the faces. Tommy Dreamer and Evan Bourne make the save. We go to commercial.
Backstage, everyone is arguing and Teddy Long breaks them up and announces an 8 man tag later tonight.
Match # 1
Super Crazy vs. Gavin Spears
Spears starts off working Super Crazy's arm until Crazy reverses it into a leg lock. Spears gets to the ropes. Crazy attempts his signature punches in the corner. Spears slides out from under him and pulls him off the ropes for a 2 count. Spears with several knees to Crazy's head and catches Crazy in a chin lock. Crazy fights out, hits Spears with a few drop kicks and hits a springboard moonsault for the 3 count.
Winner - Super Crazy
Commercial.
Match # 2
Ricky Ortiz vs. Ryan Braddock
Braddock and Ortiz trade should blocks. Ortiz hits a suplex for a 2 count followed by Braddock with a knee to the back of Ortiz's head off the top rope for a 2 count. Braddock catches Ortiz in a head lock; Ortiz tries to fight out buy gets thrown down. Braddock delivers 2 knees to the head of Ortiz followed by a head lock. Ortiz fights out and hits a shoulder block off the 2nd rope for a 2 count and hits The Big O for the 3 count.
Winner - Ricky Ortiz
The Raw Rebound recaps the Michaels and Jericho angle.
Commercial.
Back at the Republican National Convention with Mickie James and Mr. Kennedy.
Commentators run down the card for Unforgiven.
Back to commercial.
Match # 3
Matt Hardy / Tommy Dreamer / Evan Bourne / Finlay vs. The Miz / John Morrison / Chavo Guerrero / Mark Henry
Hardy and Morrison start the match. Hardy gets the advantage over Morrison and tags in Dreamer. Dreamer hits a suplex and an atomic drop for a 2 count. Dreamer tags in Finlay. Morrison gets control and pushes Finlay into the heel corner before tagging in Chavo. Finlay hits an atomic drop on Chavo and hits a clothesline for a 1 count. Finlay slides out of the ring. Chavo attempts a baseball slide but gets caught in the apron. Bam Neely attempts to interfere but gets knocked down by Hornswaggle.
Commercial.
We're back and Finlay's beating on Chavo. Finlay tags in Bourne who continues the assault. Chavo counters a Hurricanrana with a spinning back breaker. He then tags in The Miz. Bourne gets the advantage over Miz and hits a beautiful standing moonsault. Bourne goes to the top rope and gets pulled down by The Miz. Miz drags him over to Mark Henry and tags Henry in. Henry pummels Evan Bourne and tags The Miz back in. Miz catches Bourne in a head lock and tags in Chavo who continues to keep Bourne away from his partners. Chavo tags in Morrison. Morrison throws Bourne outside of the ring where Morrison's team mates takes turns stomping him. Morrison throws Bourne back in the ring and gets a 2 count. Bourne fights out of a head lock and hits a Hurricanrana but Morrison pushes him back into his corner and tags in Chavo. Bourne hits Chavo with a Hurricanrana before tagging in Dreamer who hits Chavo with a bulldog for the 2 count. Dreamer puts Chavo in the corner but runs into his boot. Chavo tags in Mark Henry who decimates Dreamer and then tags Chavo back in. Dreamer fights out of a chin lock and tags in Matt Hardy. Hardy pounds Chavo and then hits an elbow drop off the 2nd rope for a 2 count. Hardy hits the Side Effect for 2, Chavo reverses the Twist of Fate and tags in Mark Henry. Hardy goes for a big splash and misses. Hardy tags in Evan Bourne who hits a Shooting Star Press. Tommy Dreamer then goes to the top and hits a big splash. Finlay comes off the top and sits on Mark Henry's chest. Matt Hardy then lays out Tony Atlas and hits a Twist of Fate for the 3 count.
Winners - Matt Hardy / Tommy Dreamer / Evan Bourne / Finlay
2009 - Former WWE talents Kevin "Thorne" Fertig and "Kizarny" Nick Cvjetkovich worked a dark match at a TNA Impact taping. Neither were signed by the company.
2009 - The following press release was issued:
Series of On-Demand Offerings Delivers WWE Programming Straight to the Fans
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avail-TVN®, the largest independent digital media services company in North America today announced a comprehensive, long-term VOD service deal to support World Wrestling Entertainment®’s various VOD programming initiatives. Included under the deal is distribution for WWE Classics On Demand, WWE’s successful VOD product that allows WWE fans to access current and classic matches; historic pay-per-views, vintage episodes of primetime series such as “Monday Night Raw” and WCW Nitro, as well as original series such as the roundtable talk show “Legends of Wrestling.”
Avail-TVN will support all of WWE’s VOD needs including multiple codecs (MPEG2 and MPEG4), SD and HD, advanced asset management tools and services, programming stunts, as well as fast turn services to accommodate VOD advertising sales timelines and other high profile programming.
“We’ve been using Avail-TVN’s services for nearly five years and are continually impressed with their business acumen, customer service, responsiveness and strategic insight. We are excited to extend our partnership into the future,” said Jim Brown, Director of Operations, WWE Classics On Demand.
“We continue to enhance customized solutions for our content partners, including the ability to efficiently modify VOD assets during their lifecycle, which allows partners like WWE to quickly respond to VOD usage trends, ultimately resulting in an optimized offering for their affiliates and fans,” said Matt Cohen SVP, Content Services for Avail-TVN. “As the WWE’s VOD strategy grows, we will continue to innovate and simplify the process to showcase one of the hottest brands on TV.”
WWE Classics On Demand utilizes Avail-TVN’s award winning ADONISS 2 Asset Managment platform that houses all of the content and the PRI interface that allows each provider to remotely manage their content. For more information please visit www.avail-tvn.com.
About Avail-TVN
Avail-TVN is the largest independent digital media services company in North America. Working with every major studio and television network, the company offers a full content line up of MPEG-4 encoded live programming as well as video on demand content in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 to multichannel video providers throughout the US, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. The Avail-TVN platform is an open, advanced technology, offering the most comprehensive, end-to-end solution for licensing, managing, distributing and marketing linear and on-demand content to virtually any platform today and is extensible to support the new services of tomorrow. For more information about TVN’s and Avail’s products and services, please visit www.avail-tvn.com.
About the WWE
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly, PG content across all of its platforms including television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 145 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 500 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto and Sydney.
2010 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's ongoing coverage of TNA Impact!
We open with a video package hyping tonight's tag match with the four remaining contenders for the TNA World Title, with all four guys giving their thoughts on even being in this match and their frame of mind going into teaming with guys they're going to be fighting three days from now.
We go to the Impact Zone as Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, and Miss Tessmacher make their way to the ring. I'll be honest, I'm going to find it hard to concentrate on what Hogan and Bischoff are saying, for obvious reasons. Hogan greets the cast members and says how much he loves being in the back with the greatest talent in the wrestling business. But now we're down to the semifinals in the title tournament, and he'd like to bring each of the guys out one at a time. While they're all coming out, I go and pour myself a cup of coffee, and they're almost done coming out when I return. Hogan says that everyone knows what happened to RVD, and whoever becomes the TNA Champion has to raise the bar because we can't have what happened to RVD happen ever again. Bischoff chimes in, saying he knows the decision to make tonight's tag match was a controversial one, but it's something that's going to help TNA decide which of the four of them is worthy of becoming the champion. As Bischoff continues babbling, Abyss comes out to the ring with Janice. Abyss says that he's here bearing newsworthy revalations from THEM. Hogan says to knock the crap off because everyone knows that THEM is Fortune. Abyss says that Hogan is ignorant because the THEY that he referred to was never EV2.0 and was never Fortune, and that Ric Flair is a liar. THEY have told him that the chess pieces are in place and the plan is ready to proceed, and have even given him the date of their revalation, and that date is 10.10.10. Hogan says THEY had better tell Abyss to get out of his face, and Abyss says that on 10.10.10 when THEY arrive, THEY are not only taking TNA over, but THEY are going to take TNA and turn it upside down, starting with the removal of Dixie Carter and continuing with the systamatic extermination of Hogan, Bischoff, Pope, Hardy, Anderson, and...Hardy attacks Abyss aaaaaaaaaand we go to commercial.
We're back and, instead of seeing what happened with Abyss, we see a video package detailing the history of the Beautiful People, Dumpy Ass, and the TNA Knockouts Title, and then we head back to the ring for our opening match...
Angelina Love & Velvet Sky vs Madison Rayne & Dumpy Ass
Angelina and Velvet get announced first, but Madison and Dumpy Ass come out first on the motorcycle. They're all so pissed at each other that, after their 20 minute entrance, all four girls start fighting on the floor. Velvet & Angelina whip Dumpy Ass into the guardrail and then surround Madison in the ring. She tries to make nice and do the ass shaking thing, but Velvet and Angelina aren't having it and double team Madison in the ring. They ping pong her back and forth a bit before Dumpy Ass comes in the ring and lays both Angelina and Velvet out. Now the bell rings to officially start the match, and Angelina recovers and kicks Madison in the...uh...love pudding. Velvet tags in and runs Madison over with a series of clotheslines, then mounts her and repeatedly rams the back of her head into the mat and then covers for 2. Tag to Angelina who comes in and powerslams Madison, then tags back out to Velvet who bends over right in front of the camera before the both of them nail Dumpy Ass and send her flying off the apron, then double suplex Madison and cover her for 2. Dumpy Ass runs in to try and make the save, but Angelina spears her out to the floor. Velvet goes for something but Dumpy Ass nails her with the motorcycle helmet and Madison covers Velvet for the win.
Winners: Madison Rayne & Dumpy Ass
Madison and Dumpy Ass continue the attack after the match and then Dumpy Ass finally removes the mask and reveals herself to be...Tara! Wow, it's not like everyone knew that for weeks!
We go backstage to Stevie Richards, who says that he has been asked all day if he's afraid of facing Abyss tonight, but he said no because he's been through throat surgeries and broken necks, and tonight he's going to stand on his own against Abyss.
Speaking of Abyss, we go to the video package from last week's TNA Reaction looking at Abyss' recent actions, and next week: Rob Van Dam will speak for the first time since the attack.
After all the Abyss talk, let's go back to the ring for our next match...
Stevie Richards vs Abyss
Stevie attacks Abyss on the floor before he gets in the ring and beats him up all around ringside. Stevie rams Abyss into the ring steps, but charges and runs into Abyss' boot. They head back into the ring and the bell rings to officially start the match. Stevie tries a Stevie Kick, but Abyss blocks and takes his head off with a clothesline, then charges Stevie with a splash in the corner. Stevie tries to fight back, but Abyss just pummels him down. Abyss with a front powerslam and then goes outside the ring and grabs a chair, but Stevie hits the Stevie Kick and pins Abyss.
Winner: Stevie Richards
Abyss nails Stevie and gives him Shock Treatment, and as this is going on, we go backstage to Foley laying on the ground holding his ankle as EV2.0 and Fortune are being pulled apart by security. Abyss sees all this on the screen, then casually no-sells it, tosses the ref out of the ring, and gives Stevie the Black Hole Slam. Abyss grabs Janice, but Brian Kendrick runs out and nails him from behind before he has a chance to use it and helps Stevie to the back.
We go backstage to Ken Anderson, who says he doesn't understand why Pope doesn't like him because he's been really nice to him. Pope comes up laughing behind him, and Pope says Anderson's still up to his same old tricks, but Anderson says that they can kick each other's ass at No Surrender, but tonight all they have to do is cooperate as a team. Pope says he doesn't like or trust Anderson, and he better not screw Pope tonight. Anderson says he doesn't plan on screwing anyone because if he screws Pope, he's screwing himself, and he needs to know that Pope will be there for him tonight. Pope says we'll see what happens out in the ring.
Still to come: Kurt Angle & Jeff Hardy take on the Pope & Ken Anderson, and...get ready for this...Jeff Jarrett takes on Sting!
We're back from commercial, and Tommy Dreamer is in the ring with what's left of EV2.0. Dreamer tells Fortune to come out and fight them, so Fortune comes out and AJ has a mic. He says that Dreamer doesn't call Fortune out in his house, because this is his house and he makes the rules. He tells EV2.0 to look at themselves and ask if they really think they'll have a chance at No Surrender. He says Douglas Williams will slaughter Sabu for the X-Division Title, Abyss will slaughter Rhino, and then asks how phenomenal it will be when the Innovator Of Violence begs AJ to stop hurting him and says I Quit. AJ says he's going to embarrass Tommy in his own house, and Dreamer tells him he doesn't have to wait for the PPV, and that they should do it now. Yes, this is AJ's house and also the house of people who think that he really sucks, so Dreamer says to take the four of them and face EV2.0. Obviously he can't count since there's seven guys in Fortune, but whatever. Dreamer and company get ready for Fortune to rush the ring, but instead...
We go backstage to Jeff Jarrett who is with Samoa Joe, and Jarrett says that before he goes out and gets his butt kicked, he wants Joe to know that he's going out there for TNA, Samoa Joe, and everyone in the locker room, so it's up to Joe to do the right thing. Joe says that if there's one thing he's learned in this business, it's that you should mind your own. Joe walks away, and Jarrett vs Sting is up next, so I guess we're going to blow off the Fortune-EV2.0 segment as well. Hey, this is really easy when you don't need endings to any segments!
We go backstage to Sting and Kevin Nash as they make their way to the ring, and they say they don't know if Joe's on Jarrett's side, but they know who will show up and Sting plans on pulling him in the ring. We then go to Jarrett, who says that he knows he's heading into a losing situation tonight, but hopes someone will stand up and help him out.
Jeff Jarrett vs Sting
Sting sends Jarrett into the ropes and Nash trips him from the outside. Sting with a boot to the gut and begins hammering Jarrett with rights, but Jarrett starts to come back, ducks a clothesline, and gets tripped by Nash again. Nash starts chasing Jarrett and Jarrett runs back into the ring where Sting continues pummeling him. Sting puts his head down and Jarrett connects with a boot and a clothesline, then dives out to the floor and goes after Nash. Sting comes out as well and rakes Jarrett's eyes from behind, then rams him into the guardrail a couple of times and then hits a short clothesline on the ramp as Mike Tenay again points out that Sting is wearing the Wolfpac facepaint. Jarrett tries to suplex Sting into the ring but Nash trips Jarrett from the floor and Sting falls on top for the win.
Winner: Sting
Jarrett goes after Nash again and Sting comes from behind to choke him with the bat, but Hulk Hogan's music hits and he comes sauntering out with no sense of urgency whatsoever. Hogan stops to take off his watch and walks down the ramp so slowly that Samoa Joe finally loses his patience and comes out of the crowd to lay Nash out, then goes around to the ramp and tells Hogan to stay back before going face to face with Sting, who backs down.
We're. uh...at the beach. It's another promo for "Shore", whatever that is.
Okay, we go back to the Impact Zone where Desmond Wolfe and Magnus, otherwise known as London Brawling, are in the ring with Chelsea saying that they're going to beat the Motor City Machine Guns at No Surrender. Magnus says the fans are obviously embarrassed to have the MCMGs as their champions, but fear not, because they're here to save the day. Those belts are coming off the boys and coming to the real men. So says the guy with the tight shirt and beret. The MCMG come out and go face to face with London Brawling as the fans start a USA chant. Shelley says if they think the MCMG killed themselves in five matches with Beer Money just to lose the belts to them at No Surrender, they're not thinking hard enough because they're the best tag team in the world and if they don't believe that, they can just ask the fans. Crowd pops for that one. Sabin says they may be the #1 contenders, but the MCMG haven't seen them beat anybody, and from the look of things, the only tag teaming they've been doing lately is with each other. Desmond asks the MCMG if they think they're a couple of poofs, and then says he hates to break up their comedy routine, but London Brawling are the only ones in the ring with a bird, then Magnus says instead of making jokes, they ought to grow some more hair on their nuts. Shelley responds by saying that if they're such men, why does Chelsea always have such a lousy look on her face? Shelley then offers her $10 for a go round, and then Sabin says to stop torturing Chelsea because she needs to make a living just like any call girl. Desmond then tells Chelsea to tell them how he's the biggest guy on this side of the pond, and Chelsea says that if this were a sword fight, his weapon would fall just a little bit short. London Brawling all start arguing with each other, then turn around and start laying out the MCMG. They toss Sabin to the outside and then double team Shelley, just not in the way the MCMG suggest they double team people.
We go backstage to EV2.0, and Tommy says they've already lost the FBI and now they've lost Mick, and Brian Kendrick comes in and offers his services tonight. He says it's not just for EV2.0, it's for each other because Mick's hurt. Tommy tells him not to get involved, but Brian says he loves what they've created and he wants to create with them. Mick says he's the only one who's going to name his own replacement. He says that Kendrick is out of his mind...and that makes him perfect for EV2.0. Tommy says he's in, but has no idea what he's getting himself involved in.
We go backstage to Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy, and Hardy says that if he beats Angle at NS, his career could be over. Angle says that's not happening, but he's focused on tonight because if you're not focused, that could lead to injury that'll affect them at No Surrender, and at No Surrender, he doesn't plan on losing.
Back to the ring for our next match...
Elimination Match: AJ Styles, Frankie Kazarian & Beer Money vs Tommy Dreamer, Rhino, Sabu & Brian Kendrick
Storm and Rhino start, Storm sends Rhino into the ropes and Rhino runs him over with a shoulderblock. Storm takes Rhino to the Fortune corner where he gets quadruple teamed. Kazarian tags in and Rhino starts to come back and nails Kazarian with a dropkick and tags out to Sabu. Sabu with a springboard clothesline and nails the Fortune guys in the corner. Kazarian whips Sabu to the corner, but Sabu comes out with a tornado DDT for 2 and AJ tries to run in, but Sabu lays him out and goes for another springboard move, but Williams trips him off the ropes and Kazarian rolls him up for the elimination.
Sabu is eliminated.
Sabu dives out onto Williams on the floor and they brawl to the back as Dreamer comes into the ring to face Kazarian. Dreamer gets a Texas Cloverleaf, but AJ comes in to break it up so Dreamer tags in Kendrick, and he nails Kazarian with a series of dropkicks and gets a 2 count. Kendrick goes for a crossbody out of the corner but Kazarian drops him on his knee and tags Roode in. Roode works Kendrick over in the corner then rams a series of knees into Kendrick's gut and gets a back suplex for 2. Kazarian tags in and gets a salto for 2 and then they exchange rollups until Kendrick nails Kazarian with a leg lariat for 3.
Frankie Kazarian is eliminated.
AJ comes in and goes at it with Kendrick, and Kendrick gets a Thesz Press and chokes AJ, then hits a running dropkick to the referee and sends him flying out of the ring. Kendrick gets a big smile on his face as a big brawl erupts and spills out to ringside as we go to commercial.
Okay, we're back and Kendrick got disqualified for his little run-in with the referee during the commercial break.
Brian Kendrick is eliminated.
So now it's 3-on-2, and Beer Money are double teaming Dreamer in the ring. Just not with London Brawling. Storm holds Dreamer up so Roode can drill him with a right to the ribs and a bodyslam, then he goes up to the second rope, wastes enough time to know what's going to happen next, and sure enough he comes off right into Dreamer's boot. Dreamer follows with a SIDEWALK SLAM and makes the hot tag to Rhino, who comes in and cleans house on Fortune. Storm tries a superkick but Rhino catches the boot and gives Storm a big belly to belly suplex. Rhino hits the Gore and...Roode breaks the cover. Rhino with a belly to belly for Roode and sets up for the Gore, but Abyss comes to ringside so Rhino bails out to the floor and starts brawling with Abyss instead and gets counted out.
Rhino is eliminated.
I bet Dreamer's going to win, he never loses when in a tough spot. That was sarcasm for anyone who didn't pick it up or didn't see enough of the original ECW to know that Dreamer ALWAYS LOST. Fortune tag in and out and take turns beating Dreamer up. Dreamer goes for the DDT on Roode and AJ comes off the top to try and nail Dreamer, but Dreamer ducks and AJ nails Storm, so Dreamer hits the DDT on Roode and he's gone.
Robert Roode is eliminated.
Storm charges Dreamer and gets rolled up, and he's gone.
James Storm is eliminated.
So we're down to Dreamer and AJ, and AJ goes for the Styles Clash but Dreamer backdrops out and catches AJ in a Crippler Crossface, but AJ makes the ropes. Dreamer reverses a whip to a DVD attempt, but AJ slips out and hits a dropkick. AJ off the ropes with the Fancy Kneedrop but Dreamer moves, he goes for the DDT but AJ reverses into a cross armbreaker, but Dreamer makes the ropes. AJ with a slam and goes up top, but Dreamer recovers and nails him and gets a superplex. Dreamer goes over to AJ, looks Flair right in the eyes, and goes for the figure four, but Matt Morgan tries to come in. Dreamer crotches him on the top rop as Foley beats Flair up at ringside, and Dreamer turns around and eats a Pelle Kick and that's enough for AJ to get the win.
Winner: AJ Styles
No time to dwell on that, we have to head to commercial, and Angle/Hardy vs Pope/Anderson is up next!
Pope and Anderson have a little conference in the corner as the bell rings, so Angle comes up behind Pope and suplexes him out of his shoes and then tags in Hardy, and Angle sets up so Hardy can hit Poetry In Motion and then the springboard dropkick in the corner. Pope starts firing back and looks at Anderson untrustingly, then tags him in. Anderson picks Hardy up and goes for a right, but Hardy blocks and gets an inverted atomic drop, double legdrop to the crotch, and a diving dropkick, then nails Pope, but Anderson recovers and kills Hardy with a clothesline for 2. Pope tags himself in and snapmares Hardy, pulls down the kneepads and gets a Ric Flair kneedrop out of the corner for 2. Pope tags Anderson back in and holds Hardy so Anderson can nail him in the ribs. Anderson with a slam and covers for 2, and it appears that Anderson's reluctant to go all out against his friend Hardy, so instead we HIT THE CHINLOCK! Hardy elbows out and comes off the ropes, Anderson catches him and tries for the Mic Check, but Hardy escapes and hits Anderson with a Diamond Cutter. Both men make the hot tag and Angle comes in and nails Pope with a series of clotheslines and an overhead belly to belly, then a German Suplex for Anderson, then one for Pope, and he covers Pope, but Anderson breaks it up but Anderson nails him with a clothesline. Hardy comes off the top rope with the Whisper In The Wind, but Anderson moves and Hardy nails Angle, so Anderson hits the Mic Check and Pope steals the cover and pins Angle.
Winners: Ken Anderson & The Pope
Pope and Anderson smile at each other briefly before they start duking it out, and they tumble out to the floor together as Angle and Hardy recover in the ring and they go face to face over what just happened. Now Hardy and Angle start going at it as Pope and Anderson continue to brawl out on the floor, and Angle sends Hardy out to the floor, then follows him outside as security comes out to try and break this up, and we are off the air!
2010 - WWE broadcast Superstars. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off tonight’s show with the Raw brand and your announcers are Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole.
Match Number One: Ted DiBiase with Maryse versus Goldust
They lock up and Ted with a hammer lock into a side head lock. Goldust backs Ted into the corner and Goldust barks at Ted. Goldust with arm drags and then Ted goes to the floor. Ted returns to the ring. Ted with a kick and punch to Goldust. Goldust with an uppercut and a side head lock followed by a shoulder tackle or two and he gets a near fall. Goldust with knees to the arm and he goes to an arm bar. Ted with a knee but Goldust with a leaping butt bump and a clothesline that sends Ted over the top rope to the floor. Goldust goes to the floor after Ted and Goldust with a punch and then he sends Ted into the ringside barrier. Goldust returns Ted to the ring and Maryse grabs Goldust’s leg and that allows Ted to knock Goldust off the apron. Ted sends Goldust into the ring post and ring step as we go to commercial.
We are back and Ted has Goldust in a reverse chin lock but Goldust with elbows but Ted with the rebound clothesline for a near fall. Ted with a kick to the ribs and Ted gets another near fall. Ted punches Goldust in the head and then he chokes Goldust in the ropes. Maryse slaps Goldust while Ted distracts the referee. Ted with a neck breaker to Goldust and he gets another near fall. Ted with a hard Irish whip and a near fall while Maryse yells at the referee. Ted with a knee drop followed by a series of fist drops and he gets a near fall. Ted returns to the reverse chin lock. Goldust with clotheslines to Ted followed by the drop down uppercut. Goldust with a reverse atomic drop followed by a bulldog for a near fall.
Goldust punches Ted in the corner but Ted pushes Goldust off. Ted charges at Goldust and Goldust with a power slam for a near fall. Ted tries for Dream Street but Goldust with an arm drag. Ted with a flapjack for a near fall. Ted with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot and Goldust tries for a suplex but Ted blocks it and then he drops Goldust on the top rope and kicks Goldust followed by Dream Street for the three count.
Winner: Ted DiBiase
It is time to take a look back at the season finale for NXT.
Match Number Two: Santino Marella with Vladimir Kozlov versus Jimmy Uso with Jey Uso and Tamina
They lock up and Santino works on the arm but Jimmy pushes him away. They lock up again and Jimmy pushes Santino away. Santino misses a flying kick by a few feet and then he does some tai chi in the ring. Santino tries for a drop toe hold but Santino is the only one to drop to the mat. Santino with a fireman’s carry and Santino celebrates and walks into a thrust kick. Jimmy with a slam and a diving head butt for a near fall. Jimmy with a reverse chin lock. Jimmy with a single arm Flatline and then he continues to work on the arm by slamming it to the mat and then he stomps on the arm. Jimmy with a hammer lock and he sends Santino into the turnbuckles. Jimmy with an Irish whip but he misses a splash in the corner. Santino with punches and then he connects with a forearm and he does a split followed by a hip toss. Santino with a diving head butt for a near fall. Jey comes off the apron and he runs into a head butt from Kozlov. Jimmy with a slam and then he goes up top but Santino gets his knees up and then he gets the three count.
Winner: Santino Marella
After the match, Tamina comes into the ring and Santino backs himself into the corner. Tamina leis Santino and Tamina pets Santino’s cobra and she gives it a kiss.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Smackdown half of the show and your announcers are Todd Grisham and Matt Striker.
We see the China video package one more time.
Match Number Three: Kofi Kingston versus Chavo Guerrero
Kofi with a waist lock but Chavo with a standing switch. Kofi with a dragon screw leg whip after blocking a kick. Chavo limps but Kofi with a punch and kicks to the leg. Chavo pushes Kofi away but Kofi with a drop kick. Kofi leaps into the corner but Chavo puts Kofi on top. Kofi with a cross body for a near fall. Kofi with a key lock and then he hits a splash onto the arm. Kofi sends the knee into the mat and Kofi with another drop kick when Chavo’s knee buckles. Chavo continues to limp as Kofi works on the let and he applies a knee bar. Chavo kicks Kofi away with his good leg. Chavo with kicks to Kofi. Chavo tries to throw Kofi out of the ring but he bounces off the ropes. Kofi throws Chavo over the top rope and then Chavo trips Kofi on the apron and he falls to the floor as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kofi is the one favoring his leg now. Chavo with a kick to Kofi and Kofi kicks Chavo away. Chavo with a forearm that sends Kofi to the apron. Kofi’s leg is sent into the ring post. Chavo with a slingshot senton and then he gets a near fall. Chavo puts Kofi’s leg in the ropes and he works on the knee while Chavo tries to get feeling back into the leg. Kofi punches Chavo and he connects with a forearm. Kofi with a flurry of punches in the corner and the referee pulls Kofi out of the corner. Chavo with a Liger Kick and he gets a near fall. Chavo still tries to get feeling back into his knee and he chokes Kofi in the ropes. Chavo with knees to the leg. Kofi punches Chavo in the head to get Chavo to release the hold. Chavo with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow. Kofi with a neck breaker to Chavo and both men are down.
Kofi with chops to Chavo followed by a knee and a drop kick but Kofi’s leg still hurts. Kofi misses the Superman punch and his knee buckles a little. Kofi with an SOS and Chavo gets his hand on the rope. Chavo with a sunset flip but Kofi rolls through and he kicks Chavo. Kofi with a gingerly placed Boom Drop. Kofi sets for Trouble in Paradise but he turns it into a charge into the corner. Kofi with a pendulum kick and Kofi hits a cross body but Chavo with knees to counter. Chavo can only get a two count. Chavo does the family shimmy and then he hits the Three Amigos but Chavo gets up slowly as his knee still hurts. Chavo barely gets to the turnbuckles for the frog splash. Kofi crotches Chavo and then they fight on the turnbuckles and Kofi tries for a superplex. Chavo punches Kofi off the turnbuckles. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise that knocks Chavo off the turnbuckles and Kofi gets the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
2011 - WWE.com ran a story announcing that Santino Marella had suffered a separated shoulder when his car was hit by a truck, flipping over Marella's car. Marella noted that he crawled out of his car's sun roof after the wreck. WWE did not specify when the wreck took place.
2011 - WWE ran Puerto Rico. Jose M. filed the following live report:
WWE RAW House Show - Live Report from San Juan, PR
I attended the show tonight at "Coliseo de Puerto Rico" in San Juan, PR. Overall an average show, although the crowd being fairly hot all night made for a fun event. Also, there were at least 2 really good matches, 3 ok matches and the other 2, well; they were part of the show. Let’s get into the quick match rundown and some comments about the show.
1. Evan Bourne & John Morrison defeated The Miz & R-Truth - I missed part of the opener but was able to catch about 1/2 of the match and with what I saw, I would've liked to have seen it from the beginning. This was very fast paced with a few nice spots spread throughout the match. I could hear the crowd roaring while I was on my way to our seats. After the match R-Truth and Miz attacked Bourne with Morrison making the save and running them off. As Bourne and Morrison were making their way back, out came Mason Ryan running out of the dressing room and attacked them in the aisle.
2. Zack Ryder defeated Mason Ryan - Mason Ryan went in the ring and challenged Ryder to come and face him. Ryder came out to a nice pop as his music played. After that, the crowd went into idle mode for the match. This was one of the matches that was just there. Nice to see Ryder pick up the win here.
3. Jack Swagger defeated Percy Watson - When the match was announced I was not too excited about it. However, after they got going, they actually had a really good back and forth match that saw Swagger win via submission with the ankle lock.
4. WWE Championship Match - Alberto Del Rio defeated CM Punk - Ricardo Rodriguez came out to the ring and as soon as he got on the mic he started getting heat. Alberto Del Rio made his way to the ring, thus making his comeback to US territory after spending a little over a week in Mexico trying to get his work visa renewed. The guitar riff from Cult of Personality hit and the crowd went nuts. Punk seemed to soak in the moment as he made his way to the ring. This was by far the best match of the night. Crowd was hot all throughout and definitely made it even better. These two guys can put a really good match if given the appropriate time. They had about 15 minutes for this one and it was very entertaining.
Out came Eve Torres and announced a contest where 4 fans would have the opportunity to win a pass backstage to meet the favorite superstar. She was interrupted by Beth Phoenix who started to threaten Eve until out came Kelly Kelly to stop the bully Phoenix. Yes, Kelly made the save even before Beth put her hands on Eve. Oh well....
5. Kelly Kelly retained her Divas Championship by defeating Beth Phoenix.
After the match Kelly and Eve did the contest and they had a tie for 1st place, which meant that both kids (girl and boy) were winners and they went to the back to meet their favorite superstar.
6. US Championship Triple Threat Match - Dolph Ziggler retained after defeating Alex Riley and Primo Colon. In my opinion the 2 best match of the night. Crowd was hot for this one. Primo, even being at home, did not receive a big reaction from the crowd when he first came out. However, after the match got started the people were 100% behind him. Each of the participants hit their finisher at different points during the match, only to have the third opponent break the pin. After about 13 minutes Primo was able to mount a comeback against Ziggler. He got the crowd to their feet when he started to get Ziggler's leg ready to put on his father's finishing hold, the figure 4 leg lock. He was able to put it on for a few minutes until Riley came back in to break it. Then Primo hit the "back-stabber" on Riley but was not able to pin him because Ziggler threw him out of the ring and pinned Riley for the win. After the match, Ziggler was mocking Primo and taunting the crowd, only to have Primo hit the "back-stabber" on him too and leave the crowd happy going into the main event.
7. John Cena defeated Alberto Del Rio via DQ after interference from Ricardo Rodriguez, when came in the ring to hit Cena with a chair right in front of the referee. After the bell sounded and Del Rio was disqualified they started to attack Cena again and out came Punk to make the save. Punk hit the GTS on Rodriguez and Cena hit the AA on Del Rio and everyone went home happy.
Notes:
Last year’s show I wrote that the coliseum was about 90% full then. Tonight there were a lot more seats available in the upper bowls (3rd and 4th floor). The lower bowl was full, as well as ringside. I had never seen a WWE in PR that did not draw a sellout, or very close to it. That is until tonight. Having said that, tonight’s crowd was hot from the beginning to the end, which helped make it a fun show.
Biggest Pops:
John Cena
CM Punk
Evan Bourne & John Morrison
Biggest Heat:
Alberto Del Rio
Dolph Ziggler
The Miz
No return dates announced, but I would not be surprised if the tried to bring SmackDown sometime in the next 6 months. The show has a stronger audience here in Puerto Rico than RAW. I did hear a lot of people in my area commenting that we are ready to host a televised event; no matter if it is a RAW or SmackDown taping or a PPV. I am all for that.
2011 - A lawsuit WWE filed against J.F. Ramos, a company based out of Portugal that had acquired the license to produce WWE licensed clothing was dismissed by United States District Court of Connecticut as a result of an interesting defense by Ramos - that WWE couldn't prove it was responsible for the allegations brought against them until a lawsuit filed AGAINST WWE in France was resolved.
Here's the back story: WWE filed the lawsuit against Ramos in September 2010 as a result of a currently ongoing legal proceeding in France. Sun City, Inc., a French company, sued WWE for $21,632,489 in damages after World Wrestling Entertainment alleged that Sun was selling counterfeit merchandise to stores based in France.
As it turned out, Sun City had purchased the clothing from J.F. Ramos, who WWE alleges passed off unapproved merchandise as the real thing.
After Sun filed their lawsuit against WWE in France, WWE opted to bring their own lawsuit against J.F. Ramos on 9/2/10 in the United States District Court of Connecticut, blaming Ramos for the French proceedings and requesting that their licensing agreement be severed (that agreement contractually expired in December 2010 and was no longer an issue).
In their suit against Ramos, WWE alleged that Ramos misappropriated paperwork for items the company did approve to be licensed and forged new paperwork in order to move additional shirts and other apparel that WWE did not give company approval for.
In their initial filing, WWE noted that after they sent a cease and desist letter to Sun City regarding the unlicensed material, Sun City then went to Ramos for proof the items were indeed officially licensed. WWE claimed that, "Ramos, in response, deceptively created fraudulent approval sheets(based on prior forms where WWE had, in fact, denied Ramos approval for the distribution of certain products), and provided these fraudulent approval sheets to Sun City."
Those actions by Ramos, according to WWE, led to the aforementioned Sun City lawsuit filed against them in France. WWE claimed that the French lawsuit is "relying upon the fraudulent approval sheets submitted to it by Ramos, contends that the Counterfeit Clothing was, in fact, not counterfeit, but was approved by WWE and therefore lawfully obtained from Ramos. Sun City further claims, among other things, that WWE engaged in unfair commercial practices by “succeeding in diverting Sun City’s customers through false accusations of counterfeiting to the clients of the plaintiff.” Sun City’s allegations are false; contrary to Sun City’s allegations, the product sold by Ramos to Sun City, and then by Sun City to its customers, was the Counterfeit Clothing—i.e., WWE never approved for sale the Counterfeit Clothing."
WWE also demanded that Ramos be responsible for any legal costs in the French lawsuit and that Ramos be barred from trying to pass off any additional WWE-related merchandise as legitimately licensed.
Ramos filed a motion to dismiss the WWE lawsuit this past February, citing the currently ongoing legal issues in France. In short, Ramos' argument was that since the French judicial system requires that the losing party in a lawsuit covers the winner's losses and court costs, Ramos shouldn't be on the hook. The Ramos argument was that should WWE win, the ruling against Sun City would cover anything WWE would deserve related to the case. However, should WWE lose against Sun City, only then would a lawsuit against Ramos need to be heard. Ramos' argument was also that until the French proceedings with Sun City are resolved, there's no way WWE can argue for damages, because nothing has been proven.
On 8/30, the Court sided with Ramos, noting, "The complex nature of the underlying action in this case distinguishes it from the more straightforward declaratory judgment actions which deal with an insurance coverage “paradigm.” In the paradigmatic insurance case, the court may issue a declaratory judgment on the insurer’s indemnification obligations despite not yet knowing whether the insured may ultimately be found liable for damages. Such a declaration serves a useful purpose in clarifying or settling the legal issues involved, because after the declaratory judgment, the insured knows out of whose pocket—his or his insurer’s—any damages and costs of defense will be paid. In this case, even were the Court to determine the scope of Ramos’s indemnification obligation pursuant to its licensing agreement with WWE, such a declaration would not do much to clarify which party will be responsible if Sun City prevails in the underlying litigation. Only some of Sun City’s claims in the underlying litigation relate to allegations that Ramos sold products in violation of its licensing agreement. Other claims allege that the structure of WWE’s licensing agreements unfairly partitioned the French market in violation of French and European law. Any declaration by this Court about the extent of Ramos’s obligations under its licensing agreement with WWE would not substantially clarify who—WWE or Ramos—is obligated to pay Sun City if Sun City ultimately prevails in the French litigation. Because any declaration would, at best, only tentatively clarify legal issues involved in the underlying suit, and would not offer WWE relief from uncertainty, the Court exercises its discretion and finds this declaratory judgment action is not appropriate at this time."
2012 - WWE Diva Cameron (real name Ariane Andrew) was suspended by WWE as part of the fallout of her 8/24 DUI arrest. Andrew had been on tour in Australia as WWE learned of the arrest while the Raw crew was en route on the tour. She was pulled prior to the end of the tour. There was a lot of heat on her for the company finding out about the arrest from online reports, as opposed to her informing them of the issue. Another factor was the embarrassment of being part of the first act featured on the new WWE children's series, Saturday Morning Slam.
2013 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Des Moines, Iowa and your announcers are Michael ‘Do you have any corn’ Cole, Jerry ‘If you buy it for Randy Orton, it will be destroyed’ Lawler, and John ‘Are we in heaven’ Layfield.
Triple H is already in the ring and his music is playing. Triple H says that he wants to introduce the face of a company. He wants to introduce everyone THE WWE Champion . . . Randy Orton.
As Randy makes his way to the ring and past The Shield, Michael Cole says that an unnamed WWE Superstar said that this is a Reign of Terror.
Randy makes it into the ring and Randy says that as the face of the WWE, protecting this company is his number one responsibility. He will not let the image of this company be tarnished. If you disrespect him, you disrespect the entire WWE and you need to be punished.
Randy mentions Daniel Bryan. Last week on Raw, Daniel Bryan defaced his personal property, an Escalade that Triple H personally gave him. In turn, he has no choice but to deface Daniel Bryan. We see what Randy and The Shield did to Daniel on Smackdown, including the nWoization of Daniel Bryan.
Randy says that he will take a page out of Daniel Bryan’s book and play an audience participation question and answer game. Randy’s first question is ‘Should Daniel Bryan face him at Night of Champions for the WWE Title?’ The people say yes, but Randy says no.
Does Daniel Bryan have the slightest chance in hell of beating him at Night of Champions? The crowd says yes, but Orton says no.
Will Daniel Bryan ever amount to anything in the WWE or will he always be a B+ player? The crowd says Yes.
Should Daniel Bryan give up his opportunity to face him at Night of Champions for the WWE Title? Orton says Yes.
Triple H says that at COO, he has a number of responsibilities. He is to make sure that the best product is put on each week. He says that the WWE Universe are the most passionate fans. His other job is to ensure the health and welfare of Superstars and Divas. Hunter says that he has become worried about Daniel Bryan. Daniel’s ego gets him into situations like we just saw. That is a problem.
Hunter says that the people are not helping because they are chanting Yes. The people are causing Daniel Bryan to confuse popularity with what is best for business. Popularity is not what is best for business. Hunter mentions Doink. Doink was insanely popular. People loved Doink. There is a very big reason why Doink was never WWE Champion. It was because it would have been bad for business.
Daniel Bryan will never be WWE Champion. He can reach for that brass ring and he can have some goals. Hunter says that he can bring back the Cruiserweight or European title and Daniel can set that goal for himself.
Daniel Bryan’s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage.
Daniel says that Hunter and Randy made a lot of really good points. He is thrilled to be compared to Doink. Daniel says that he is not sure if there was a loud Doink the Clown chant in 1992. The only clowns he sees are the two standing in the ring right now.
Daniel says that he knows that Hunter and Randy want him to give up his title match. Just like when Hunter gave up being a man when he cut his hair and put on the suit to become a corporate sellout. He says that Randy gave up being in the WWE Title picture until someone decided to hand it to him.
Should he give up his Title Match against Randy Orton at Night of Champions? Daniel says that the answer is the same as the answer to the question ‘Is Randy Orton more masculine than Stephanie McMahon?’ and that is no.
Randy asks how many times does Daniel have to be punched in the face, triple power bombed or given an RKO before he realizes he cannot win.
Daniel tells Randy that no one ever told him he couldn’t do something. Daniel says that he was told he couldn’t do better than wrestle in high school gyms and flea markets. He was told he couldn’t make it to the WWE. He was told he would never make it to the top. He was told he could never be WWE Champion. Daniel says that is what made him the man he is today. He says that he loved the fight to get here. Randy will never understand that because he was given everything.
Daniel says that he does not think he can beat Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, he knows that he can beat Randy for the WWE Championship. He tells Randy that deep down he knows it and so does Hunter. They wouldn’t put him in gauntlet matches or have three people beat him down. They would let him and Randy WRESTLE, one on one.
Randy may have the genetics of a champion, but he does not have the heart of a champion. Randy may walk around like a big dog, but he is only Hunter’s . . .
Hunter interrupts Daniel and calls him a grump little troll. Daniel’s anger is something, but it is misdirected. There is one guy who Daniel should be angry at. That person is seven foot tall and weighs 500 pounds and has an iron clad contract who watches him get beaten down.
Hunter tells Daniel that he can take his anger out on Big Show tonight because in the main event, Daniel Bryan will face Big Show.
We see footage from last week when CM Punk was attacked by Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Hunter and Randy are walking in the back and they see Cody Rhodes.
Hunter shakes Cody’s hand and he asks about his dad. Cody says that tonight’s main event will be great . . . as long as nobody gets involved.
Hunter wonders why anyone would get involved.
Cody asks Randy why avoid the match since Randy isn’t afraid of Daniel. Daniel Bryan versus Randy Orton is what is best for business.
Hunter asks Cody if he is deciding what is best for business. Hunter says that he wouldn’t rely on Cody’s judgment. Daniel Bryan versus Big Show is what is best for business. Hunter says that Cody is busy getting ready for his wedding and planning things. Hunter asks Randy if he got an invitation and Randy asks Hunter.
Hunter says that he got Cody an early wedding present. He will face Randy Orton.
Cody thanks Hunter for the opportunity.
Hunter says that it is an opportunity for him to keep his job because if he does not win, he probably won’t be here very long. Hunter guarantees it.
Match Number One: Fandango (with Summer Rae) versus Miz
Summer tries to distract Miz as the bell rings but Miz with punches followed by a hip toss. Miz runs into an elbow and then Fandango comes off the turnbuckles but Miz blocks the drop kick and he goes for the figure four leg lock but Fandango goes to the floor. Miz with a baseball slide and then he drops Fandango on the ringside barrier.
Summer tries to slap Miz and Miz blocks it and then he spins Summer. Miz rolls in and he gets a near fall. Miz with a flapjack for a near fall. Miz with a side head lock but Fandango backs him into the corner. Fandango with punches. Fandango with an Irish whip and Miz floats over followed by a clothesline.
Miz with a running boot to the head for a near fall. Miz with a rear chin lock into a reverse chin lock and we go to commercial.
We are back and Fandango is dancing and he Irish whips Miz and sends him into the turnbuckles. Cole mentions that Fandango suffered a broken nose from Miz’ boot before the commercial. Summer slaps Miz while Fandango deals with the referee.
Miz with punches followed by an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Miz blocks a kick and then he sends Fandango to the mat. Miz tries for the Figure Four again but Fandango kicks him away. Fandango moves when Miz tries for a boot into the corner. Fandango puts Miz in the turnbuckles and he hits a slingshot leg drop. Fandango limps and that allows Miz to apply the figure four leg lock and Fandango taps out.
Winner: Miz
We go to commercial.
We are back and we are in Daniel Bryan’s locker room. Booker T enters and he wants to talk to Daniel. Daniel says that he has a lot on his mind.
Booker says that he knows that Daniel wants to rage against the machine because that is a fight he cannot win. Daniel can go back to fighting in gyms and armories for little money. Booker tells Daniel that maybe he should give up his title match.
Daniel says that this is not about titles or money. This is about his life.
Booker says that these are people who could ruin his life. Daniel could get injured to the point where he could have his career put in trouble. Booker says that he has Daniel’s back and he tells him to tread lightly.
Michael talks about the situation between CM Punk and Paul Heyman and we have a video package.
Match Number Two: Dolph Ziggler versus Ryback
Dean Ambrose attacks Ziggler from behind before the bell rings and it appears that Ambrose is Ziggler’s opponent. Ambrose sends Ziggler shoulder first into the ring post. Dean tells Ziggler that he will learn to respect the business.
The bell rings and Ryback charges into an elbow but Ryback with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Ryback with punches to the back of the head. Ryback rips off Ziggler’s shirt and then he chokes Ziggler in the ropes. Ryback with a biel by the hair. Ryback slams Ziggler’s head into the mat three times.
Ryback pulls at Ziggler’s face while the referee warns Ryback. Ryback with a kick to the ribs. Ryback pushes Ziggler to the mat. Ryback sends Ziggler into the turnbuckles and Ziggler falls to the mat. Ryback tells Ziggler that he is done.
Ryback winds up for the lariat but Ziggler with a drop kick followed by a Stinger Splash and punches in the corner. Ryback with a lariat to Ziggler. Ryback picks up Ziggler for the marching muscle buster and he hits it and gets the three count.
Winner: Ryback
Triple H and Stephanie watch the action on the monitor and Brad Maddox enters the office. Brad tells Hunter and Stephanie that Big Show is refusing to wrestle tonight. Stephanie says that she will take care of this. Brad tells Stephanie where Show’s locker room is, but she says that this will not be a private matter because that is not how she rolls.
We have a Los Matadores video package and we go to commercial.
We are back and Stephanie McMahon makes her way to the ring.
Stephanie introduces someone who helped her out a lot when she was younger. She grew up in these arenas. She had someone teach her life lessons on the way. She brings out her friend, her giant, the World’s Largest Athlete, the Big Show.
Big Show makes his way to the ring in his ring gear, even though he has refused to wrestle.
Show and Stephanie hug each other in the ring. Stephanie says that she heard that Show doesn’t want to face Daniel Bryan tonight. Stephanie says that he told her that you can do things you don’t want to do, but you have to pay the price.
Stephanie says that Show needs to look at the friend he has known for years.
Stephanie says that Show is broke. He has made some bad investments. The strip mall went belly up. Wall Street went bad and he has nothing. Stephanie says that iron clad contract will put him in breach if he doesn’t do what he is told. How much longer does Show have a career in WWE.
Stephanie says that there aren’t many 7 foot tall 500 pound leading men in Hollywood. Will he be the World’s Largest gas station attendant. Stephanie asks Show to think about what he will be giving up if he does not compete in one match.
Stephanie tells Show that giants don’t live long.
Stephanie tells Show that he will have to wrestle tonight. The only person who is hurting more than Show right now, is her.
Stephanie hugs Show and then she leaves the ring.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Edge will be on Raw next week (because Haven will be returning on Syfy next Friday)
We see footage from the break on the WWE App when Big Show was walking in the back and people figured that they better get out of the way of a pissed off Giant.
Michael Cole reminds us that things like what we just saw could be watched on the WWE App.
Match Number Three: Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal (with Drew McIntyre) versus Darren Young and Titus Young
Titus and Slater start things off and Slater wants to lock up. Slater with a jab and he mocks the dog bark. Slater with another jab but Titus sends Heath into the corner and he kicks him. Titus kicks Heath while blowing his whistle. Young tags in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and Young gets a near fall.
Slater sends Young into the corner and Jinder tags in and he applies a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Young with a discus forearm followed by a reverse atomic drop and clothesline for a near fall. Young with a boot when Jinder charges into the corner. Young goes to the turnbuckles but Jinder pulls him off and Heath tags in.
Slater with boots to Young and then Mahal and Drew get in shots. Slater slingshots Darren’s throat into the bottom rope. Slater with a reverse chin lock. Young with elbows but he misses a punch and Slater with a neck breaker for a near fall.
Mahal tags in and he drops a knee on Young’s chest. Mahal with a kick to the back of the head. Slater tags back in and he connects with a jab and he chokes Young in the ropes. Slater with a reverse chin lock but Young with head butts. Slater with a kick but Young with an overhead belly-to-belly throw.
Titus and Jinder tag in and Titus with shoulders followed by an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Titus with a fallaway toss and he barks. Titus with a boot to Jinder for a near fall and Slater makes the save. Young with a double sledge to Slater and Drew. Mahal sends Young to the floor but he turns around into Clash of the Titus for the three count.
Winners: Titus O’Neil and Darren Young
We go to commercial.
We are back and Brad Maddox is on the phone and Paul Heyman enters and he tells Brad to call him back.
Paul asks Brad how he is doing and Paul says that he is not doing well because of Brad. Brad put his fate in the WWE Universe. He gave them the opportunity to let CM Punk put his hands on him. He asks Brad what would happen if Punk got his hands on Paul? You wouldn’t see Paul Heyman again.
Now it is a practical guarantee that CM Punk will get his hands on Paul Heyman. Paul asks Brad if that is what is best for business.
Triple H enters the office and he heard someone say ‘What’s best for business’. Hunter says that he approved that match.
Paul has a change of heart and he respectfully inquires why Hunter okayed the match.
Hunter says that it has nothing to do with their past. He has enjoyed watching Paul weasel his ways out of precarious situations. This match guarantees that Paul cannot weasel his way out of this match. Maybe Paul surprises him and weasels his way out. He tells Paul mazel tov and he will watch it with a smile on his face. Maybe CM Punk gives Paul the beating he deserves. Either way, Hunter says that he wins, and isn’t that what is best for business.
Michael Cole remembers that Kane has not been seen since SummerSlam. Bray Wyatt has a video to explain what has happened to Kane.
Bray says that Icarus was warned never to get too close to the sun. Pride can make even the most noble men do foolish things. As Icarus neared the sun, his wings began to melt and Icarus fell into the ocean and was never heard from again. Where is Kane?
Bray says that he warned Kane and said that the fire that he thought was his friend would be his ending. When Kane allowed his pride to cloud his common sense, he knew that Kane was his. Like a lamb that was led to slaughter. Bray wonders where his monster has gone. Kane has made his bed and now he is burning in it.
Match Number Four: Cody Rhodes versus Randy Orton in a What is going to happen with Cody’s Career after this match Match
They lock up and Orton backs Cody into the corner and Orton with elbows in the corner. Rhodes punches Orton and he kicks him. Rhodes with an Irish whip into the corner but Orton with a clothesline. Orton drops Cody on the top rope and then he sends Cody into the turnbuckles.
Orton throws Rhodes to the floor and Randy follows. Randy tries to send Cody into the steps but Cody blocks it and he sends Orton into the steps and gets a near fall. Rhodes with another near fall. Rhodes with a modified cross face chicken wing using the leg. Orton with a punch but Cody with a drop kick for a near fall. Rhodes punches Orton in the corner. Orton with an Irish whip and Cody with a taste of Orton’s medicine with a clothesline to Orton and then he gets a near fall and he chokes Orton in the ropes.
Orton with a thumb to the eyes and he gets a near fall. Orton with forearms across the chest. Orton with a boot across the eyes. Orton sends Cody into the turnbuckles and Orton climbs the turnbuckles and punches Cody. Cody with a gourdbuster to Orton and he punches Orton in the corner. Cody climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Orton.
Orton gets away from Cody and he connects with a forearm to the back followed by a back breaker and Cody rolls to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Cody punches and kicks Orton. Orton is rolled back into the ring but Randy goes to the floor on the other side. Orton kicks Cody and punches him. Orton with a backdrop driver onto the ringside barrier. Orton with a forearm across the chest before sending Cody back into the ring. Orton gets a near fall.
Orton punches Cody and then he hits a leaping knee drop for a near fall. Orton with a reverse chin lock.
We see the locker room watching this match in the back. Orton with a knee followed by an Irish whip but Cody gets his boots up and then he hits a clothesline followed by a back elbow. Cody with the drop down uppercut and then he goes to the apron. Cody hits a springboard drop kick and he gets a near fall.
Cody misses Beautiful Disaster but he sends Orton into the turnbuckles and Rhodes is able to hit Beautiful Disaster but he can only get a two count. Cody goes up top for the moonsault but Orton pushes him out of the way. Orton gets a near fall. Orton sends Cody to the apron and into the ropes for the IEDDT and he connects.
Orton looks around and then he twist to the mat for the RKO push ups. Rhodes counters an RKO attempt with Cross Rhodes but he only gets a two count. Orton kicks Cody away and then Orton drops Cody on the top rope. Rhodes with an elbow and leg sweep for a near fall. Rhodes misses Beautiful Disaster and Cody appears to have injured his knee. Orton with a kick to the knee followed by an RKO for the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
Randy Orton walks past Triple H on the stage and goes to the back.
Hunter tells everyone to give it up for Cody Rhodes. Hunter says that Cody went all in and fought like his life was on the line. He fought with heart. Hunter tells Cody from the bottom of his heart how much he respects Cody. This is a business and in business, he needs winners so he cannot let personal feelings cloud his judgment.
Hunter tells Cody that with deep regret that he has to tell Cody that he is fired.
We are back and Michael Cole is still somber about the fate of Cody Rhodes after his match against Randy Orton.
Cole wonders if this is a gross misuse of power. JBL says that it was a business decision.
CM Punk makes his way to the ring and he has a kendo stick with him.
Punk promises and those are words that don’t mean a lot to people. Punk says that he never promised anyone before. He promises no more empty threats or posturing. He says that there will be no more talking because he is having a hard time thinking of what to say next.
Punk asks people if they saw what happened to him last week. What is left to say? Everything that has to be heard has been said. Punk says that he is dressed to compete but wrestling is the farthest thing from his mind.
Punk says that he wants to fight. Punk says that he wants to fight Paul Heyman. If he has to fight Curtis Axel to get a shot at fighting Paul Heyman, he will do it. Punk says that they would not come out here to fight tonight.
Punk says that it is okay because in 13 days he has them both. Punk says that he is in such a dark place that he wouldn’t even want to fight himself. Punk says that he doesn’t want to say anything about the biblical ass beating that will take place at Night of Champions.
Punk wants to talk to everyone in the building and his friends and family in Chicago. Everyone who bought his t-shirt or made a sign to support him. Thirteen days . . . at Night of Champions, he guarantees that he will get past Curtis Axel. He guarantees that he will get his hands on Paul Heyman. If you order Night of Champions, you will see a side of CM Punk that you have never seen before. It is a side of CM Punk you might not like. He can live with it, but people might not like what is going to happen to Paul Heyman.
Last week, Paul said that Punk broke his heart. At Night of Champions, he is going to break his face. Punk says ‘I Promise’.
We take a look back at what happened last week on Raw between CM Punk, Paul Heyman, and Curtis Axel.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Daniel Bryan is in his locker room and Big Show enters. Show says that he didn’t want any part of this fight but he is under a lot of pressure.
Daniel says that what Show wants does not matter to him. He does what he has to regardless of the obstacles put in front of him. Whether it was the Shield, Randy Orton, or a Giant.
Show says that he cannot let their friendship dictate what happens to his family. Show says that he is in a no win situation.
Daniel says that he will beat Show just like he did for his first World Championship.
We go to the WWE Rewind: AJ’s promo from last week.
Match Number Five: Naomi versus Brie Bella versus Natalya in a Number One Contender Match
Before the match starts, AJ skips her way to ringside and joins commentary.
Naomi with a leg lariat to Brie but Natalya with a rollup on Naomi for a near fall. Brie sends Natalya into the turnbuckles and Brie with an X Factor for a near fall on Naomi. Natalya with a jackknife cover for a near fall on Brie. Brie with a running knee to Natalya. Naomi tries for a sunset flip from the apron and then Natalya sends Brie to the floor. Natalya with a sharpshooter but Naomi with an inside cradle for a near fall.
Brie goes up top and Natalya catches Brie. Naomi with a leaping butt splash and Naomi covers Natalya but AJ breaks up the cover and the referee calls for the bell.
No Contest
Brie attacks AJ and then Natalya and Naomi join in. They triple team AJ and then the Total Divas girls leave.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Damien Sandow (with Choco-Case) versus Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
They lock up and Van Dam with a waist lock. Sandow backs Van Dam into the turnbuckles and he punches Van Dam. Sandow with an Irish whip but Van Dam with a heel kick. Van Dam with kicks. Sandow with an Irish whip. Van Dam tries for a rana but Sandow blocks it and hits a power bomb for a near fall. Sandow kicks Van Dam.
Van Dam with a kick and body scissors roll up for a near fall. Sandow with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Sandow with forearms to the chest and then Sandow with a quarter nelson and chin lock. Van Dam with punches but Sandow pulls Van Dam back to the mat. Sandow runs his laces across the face and then he kicks Van Dam and chokes him.
Sandow punches Van Dam but Van Dam stops Sandow from sending him into the turnbuckles. Van Dam with a kick followed by a jumping side kick.
Alberto’s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage. Sandow attacks Van Dam from behind and Rob falls to the floor.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Sandow with a reverse chin lock. On the App we saw Van Dam hit an Asai Moonsault before Sandow send Van Dam back first into the apron. Back to the action in the ring, Sandow with a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall and he returns to the reverse chin lock. Sandow with an Edge-cution after Sandow does not charge when Van Dam tries to float over.
Van Dam with a corkscrew drop kick followed by a punch and kicks. Sandow with the side Russian leg sweep followed by the Elbow of Disdain and he connects. Sandow with a near fall. Sandow with another near fall and then he traps the arms. Van Dam gets to his feet and he punches Sandow. Sandow with a drop toe hold and a running shoulder to the back and then he gets a near fall.
Sandow with a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Sandow with a forearm and Van Dam blocks a suplex with a small package. Van Dam with clotheslines followed by a thrust kick. Van Dam with Rolling Thunder and then he tries to go up top but Sandow with a rollup for a near fall.
Van Dam drops Sandow on the top rope from the apron and then Van Dam goes up top and hits the Five Star Frog Splash for the three count.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see what happened exclusively on the WWE App when Stephanie McMahon announced a Fatal Four Way Match for Night Of Champions for the Divas Title. (not that things can be exclusive when they are shown somewhere else).
We see footage from earlier tonight (exclusively on Raw) of what happened to Cody Rhodes.
We see Cody being led out of the building and Josh Mathews asks Cody if he has any parting words.
Cody says that Randy Orton beat him fair and square. It was that damn stipulation. If he loses, he is fired. Cody says that he shouldn’t be surprised because for over two decades, the McMahons have hated the Rhodes. His father was a legend in Florida and they put him in polka dots. His brother was a second generation stud. He was The Natural and they put him in gold paint. Cody says that he has to worry about his new wife.
Josh asks Cody if he has anything to say to his new wife and Cody walks out of the building.
The WWE Roster makes their way onto the stage to watch the match between Big Show and Daniel Bryan.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Seven: Daniel Bryan versus Big Show in a McMahon is Making Show Do This Match
Show tells Bryan that he doesn’t want to do this. Show tells Bryan to leave so he doesn’t have to do this. Bryan with a forearm and Show pushes him to the mat while telling Daniel he doesn’t want to do this. Show tells Bryan not to make him do this. He tells Bryan he is trying to help him.
Bryan with a drop kick to the knee followed by kicks to Show. Bryan with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Bryan with a running drop kick into the corner and then he hits a second one. Bryan goes for a third one but he runs into a boot from Show.
Show puts Bryan against the turnbuckles and he chops Bryan and then throws him to the mat. Show with a slam and he yells at Bryan for making him do this. He says that he does not want to hurt Bryan. Bryan with kicks to the leg.
Show with a shoulder tackle to Bryan. Show tells Bryan to stop fighting. He says that he is being forced to do this. He doesn’t want to have to hurt Bryan. Bryan with a forearm to Show but Show with a head butt. Show with a punch to the midsection.
Show with an Irish whip and running butt splash into the corner. Bryan with a drop kick to the knee to stop the running shoulder tackle. Bryan with Kicks of Yes to Show and then he has the round kick blocked. Show grabs Bryan by the throat and then Bryan with a kick and DDT but Show kicks out.
Bryan comes off the turnbuckles but Show with a spear and Bryan is down. Show sets for the knockout punch but Show has second thoughts. Show leaves the ring, but Hunter’s music plays as he goes over the top rope.
The Shield make their way to the ring like good lapdogs. Hunter tells Show to get back into the ring and finish it.
Show refuses despite Hunter’s orders. Show walks up the ramp and the Shield attack.
Winner: Daniel Bryan (by disqualification)
Hunter tells Show not to do it and he tells him to think about his family and what is best for him. He tells Paul that he doesn’t want to do this. They get Bryan up for the Cerberus Bomb and they hit it on Bryan. Show starts to cry. Hunter tells Show to look at him. Hunter tells Show to ball up his fist and do what he tells him . . . for his family.
Hunter tells Show to knock Daniel Bryan out.
Show tells Hunter no and he leaves the ring.
Stephanie McMahon’s music plays and she makes her way on the stage and down the ramp. Stephanie says that this is Show’s last chance. He needs to think about them.
Show makes his way back to the ring with Stephanie.
Hunter reminds Show of his earlier instructions.
Show wants to hit Hunter but Stephanie stands between Show and her Husband . . . Triple H.
Show punches Bryan and Bryan falls down to the mat.
Show leaves the ring with Hunter and Stephanie and he tells Show he did the right thing.
Randy Orton’s music plays and he makes his way to the ring and he walks past Big Show and slides into the ring. Orton stands over Bryan and then he turns over Daniel. Orton stands on Bryan’s chest and he holds the title belt over his head.
2014 - "Guardians of The Galaxy" featuring Dave Bautista as Drax officially broke $550 million globally.
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