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9/9 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: FLAIR MAKES WWF TV DEBUT, FRANK TALENT PASSES AWAY

By Mike Johnson on 2023-09-09 08:00:00

September 9th

On this day in history in ....


1967 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeats Gorilla Monsoon in a Texas Death match at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

1980 - The Samoans defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in a tournament final for the WWWF World Tag Team Title in Allentown, Pennsylvania, starting their second title run. The titles had been vacated when Pedro Morales & Bob Backlund defeated The Samoans, but Backlund was unable to defend the tag belts due to being WWWF World Heavyweight Champion.

1986 - Dusty Rhodes defeats Arn Anderson for the NWA Television Title in Columbia, South Carolina, starting his third reign with the belt.

1986- The AWA ran St. Paul, Minnesota with the following results:

-Marty Jannetty defeated Jim Mitchell.
-Col. DeBeers defeated Rick Renslow.
-Col. DeBeers defeated Buck Zumhofe.
-Brad Rheingans defeated Earthquake Ferris.
-Marty Jannetty defeated Doug Somers.
-Jerry Blackwell defeated Earthquake Ferris by disqualification.
-AWA World Tag Team champs Scott Hall and Curt Hennig defeated the Long Riders by disqualification.
-AWA World Champion Stan Hansen defeated Sgt. Slaughter by countout in a no DQ match.
-The Road Warriors & Paul Ellering defeated The Mongolian Stomper & Boris Zhukov & Nord the Barbarian by disqualification.

1991 - Ric Flair wrestles his first match for the WWF following his departure from WCW the previous July. He defeats Jim Powers at a WWF Television taping in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

1993 - Shane Douglas won the ECW Heavyweight Title via forfeit from Tito Santana. In truth, this was a "phantom" title change, as the supposed show in Roanoke, Virginia where Douglas vs. Santana was to have taken place never really existed.

1993 - AEW star Brian Pillman Jr. is born.

1993 - Sarah Logan is born.

1998 - World Championship Wrestling ran Evansville, Indiana with the following results:

-Ernest Miller defeated Billy Kidman.
-WCW Cruiserweight Champion Juventud Guerrera defeated WCW TV Champion Chris Jericho.
-Steve McMichael defeated Norman Smiley.
-Chris Kanyon defeated Evan Karagias.
-Konnan defeated Vincent.
-Lex Luger & Konnan defeated WCW US Champion Bret Hart & Scott Hall.

2000 - Rhino defeats Kid Kash in Mississauga, Ontario to become the last ECW Television Champion, as he would hold the title until the company officially shuts down in April 2001.

2002 - Pioneer Home Video released ECW WrestlePalooza '97 and Cyberslam '99 on VHS and DVD.

2002 - JBL suffered a torn biceps.

2002 - On an edition of Raw from Ames, Iowa, Rob Van Dam defeats The Big Show, Jeff Hardy and Chris Jericho in an elimination match to earn a title match with World Champion Triple H at Unforgiven. Show was disqualified with the referee caught him with a chair (which Show actually grabbed away from Jericho). Jericho pinned Hardy with a Lionsault after shoving Hardy off the top rope. Van Dam pinned Jericho with the five star frog splash after ramming him into an exposed turnbuckle (that Jericho had pulled the cover off of).  Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:

The 9/9 edition of RAW IS HOT LESBIAN ACTION aired live from Iowa State University in Ames. They had a decent amount of wrestling on the show, and everyone worked hard, so that aspect of the show was mostly good. The main event was very strong overall. On the other hand, this latest attempt to shock the audience into a cheap ratings pop with all the gay angles is pathetically desperate. It's quite obviously designed to upset family oriented TV watchdog groups to engender controversy. It comes off ultra-lame as a result.

Lance Storm & Christian beat Kane & Bradshaw in 6:47 to retain the WWE World Tag Titles. Bradshaw grabbed the mic and called the Un-Americans "jackass bastards" and said there would be no place better than the heartland of America to take the tag belts off them. Bradshaw really walloped Storm hard with a shoulderblock. Kane came in and tossed both opponents around. At this point, Jerry Lawler announced that Eric Bischoff would be scheduling something on the show which would make it the greatest RAW of the year, biggest night in the history of RAW, etc.. That pretty much assured it would be something that had nothing to do with wrestling. Meanwhile, Bradshaw plastered Christian with a powerbomb, but Storm stopped the pin. Bradshaw and Christian traded pin attempts, with the crowd getting into it with "USA" chants. Storm accidentally missile kicked the referee. Kane chokeslammed Storm, but there was no ref. Test ran in and gave Kane the boot to the face. Bradshaw gave Test the lariat from hell. William Regal then ran in, joining the Un-Americans, and slugged Bradshaw with the brass knux. The ref revived and Christian pinned Bradshaw.

Bischoff walked arrogantly out to the ring. He said a lot of the WWE RAW superstars were upset about how Triple H had simply been handed the new RAW World Title last week. So to placate them, Bischoff said the TV main event would be a fatal four-way elimination match with the winner getting a shot at HHH's belt at the next exciting WWE PPV. The four participants announced were Rob Van Dam, Chris Jericho, Jeff Hardy, and Big Show. I still say two world titles is a bad idea. Bischoff declared that the four-way should take care of the "sports" part of the show, so he then turned to the more important (sic) "entertainment" part. He said Stephanie McMahon has gotten a lot of publicity for having a gay wedding coming up on Smackdown, mentioning stories in the New York Times (what a surprise), Variety, and the New York Post. He promised to beat her to the punch by having "HLA" on RAW. He said HLA stands for Hot Lesbian Action. Lawler went crazy, even by Lawler standards, and was lusting all over the place, and didn't stop talking about this for the next hour-and-a-half or so. Jim Ross acted embarrassed and tried to change the subject back to wrestling, but Lawler kept wanting to talk about lesbians. JR said he's seen Rosie O'Donnell, but Lawler said he wanted to see hot lesbians, not fat ones. I felt sorry for JR here because I can just about bet he was against both this and the Billy & Chuck deal.

Terri interviewed Chris Jericho. Jericho was eating an apple, and when he talked with his mouth full, he kept "accidentally" spitting apple all over Terri. He promised to win the four-way, which would earn him a shot at that ass clown HHH. He went off on HHH for being handed the belt and for costing him his IC Title shot last week.

Jonathan Coachman interviewed HHH. He asked him if he has any preferences about who wins the four-way, hinting that since RVD pinned him last week in that tag match, HHH might want to avoid defending the belt against him. HHH sneered that RVD just got lucky and said he doesn't care who wins. Bubba Ray Dudley walked up, and noted that HHH was scheduled to face little brother Spike later on the show. Bubba wished he was the one fighting HHH. Steven Richards, Bubba's scheduled opponent, attacked Bubba from behind and laid him out, saying Bubba should worry about him, not HHH.

Terri & Trish Stratus were walking down a hallway when they noticed a door with a sign simply reading "Lesbians" on it. They giggled about it. Lawler, of course, went crazy again.

Bubba beat Richards in 5:51. Bubba lariated Richards on the ramp before the bell. JR tried to call the match but Lawler wouldn't shut up about lesbians. He wondered if Stacy Keibler might be a lesbian. This was getting scary. The wrestlers kept brawling. Bubba did his Dusty Rhodes routine, and told himself to get the table. But Richards stopped him with a kick. Bubba hit a spear and scored a near fall before winning with a Bubba Bomb.

Trish & Terri defeated Stacy & Victoria in 4:55. You guessed it, Lawler kept expecting the ladies in this match to turn lesbian right before our eyes. But it turned out to be just a regular women's tag match. Mostly, it was a mess, although as I've said before, Stacy's mere presence is a positive thing. JR reported that Molly was out this week as a result of going through the table last week. Trish and Victoria worked a few spots that were okay. Terri pinned Stacy with a crossbody.

Christopher Nowinski was upset that Regal joined the Un-Americans. Considering some of the nonsense they teach at Harvard nowadays, it's refreshing that a Harvard grad isn't Un-American. Regal said he's hated this awful country ever since he arrived here. Nowinski just shrugged and said he was looking forward to seeing the hot lesbian babes. Regal slapped the hell out of him and was disgusted that Nowinski spends so much time thinking about "scrubby lesbians" or about "rogering" Molly Holly. He told Nowinski to act like a Harvard grad.

Nowinski came out to the ring wearing his Harvard jacket. He claimed to be the first Harvard grad to ever grace Iowa State with his presence. He said Iowa State is almost a legitimate university. Nowinski boasted that at Harvard they have Rhodes Scholars, but at Iowa that have dirt roads. He recited a couple of Harvard cheers: "That's alright, that's okay, you'll all work for us someday" and "five, ten, fifteen bucks, we'll own the company, you'll drive the trucks". This brought Tommy Dreamer out in an Iowa State shirt. He said, "Roses are red, violets are lame, how about I beat you with my Singapore canes". Nowinski said 95% of the people don't know where Singapore is, and told him to throw down the canes and fight like a man. Dreamer dropped the canes and started beating up on Nowinski. So Nowinski ran and got the canes. He used them on Dreamer but the tables got turned and Dreamer whipped Nowinski with the canes until he fled. This was not an actual match as no ref came out, but it lasted about 1:30.

Spike Dudley headed out to the ring for his match, and as he passed the lesbian locker room he encountered two hot babes. They told Spike they were lesbians and acted like they were about to kiss as they went back into their room. Spike was surpised. Lawler was about to go through the roof.

Hour two began with HHH beating Spike in a non-title match in 7:38. HHH bullied Spike at first. He wasn't taking Spike seriously, and was even chewing gum during the match. He slapped Spike. Spike slapped back and actually got in some offense, with HHH selling it. Spike dropkicked HHH from the ring. Lawler even talked about lesbians during this match. Spike hit a huracanrana, a spinning headscissors (which spun several times), and a plancha. Spike scored a near fall. HHH then hit the pedigree, but instead of going for the pin, he slapped and taunted Spike. Spike surpised the arrogant HHH with a low blow and a Dudley Dog for a two count, with HHH breaking the count by getting his boot on the ropes. HHH rallied and put Spike out with a sleeper. Afterward, HHH kept stomping Spike until Bubba ran in for the save. They never came to blows, as HHH backed off and left. Obviously they're planning (at least this week) to give Bubba a singles push.

Coach interviewed Jeff Hardy about the four-way match. Jeff said he's always dreamed of being world champion, but admitted that he's not at 100% right now (because of the beating he took last week from Jamal & Rosie). Bischoff walked by and Jeff ran after him and got in his face. Bischoff acted apologetic over the Jamal & Rosie incident, saying it was just a case of miscommunication, and acted like he was making it up to Jeff by giving him a spot in the four-way. Jeff said he earned that spot, and warned Bischoff that he'll go extreme on him if he ever sets him up to be attacked again.

Jericho tried to talk Big Show into agreeing to work together in the four-way to eliminate RVD and Jeff early. Show wasn't interested. Johnny Stamboli told Show that he should listen to Jericho. Show grabbed Stamboli by the throat and told him to keep his mouth shut. Stamboli was right. Show, as usual, was wrong.

Coach interviewed Booker T. Booker blasted Regal for joining the Un-Americans. Goldust showed up wearing a Kane mask, pretending to be him. Bradshaw and the real Kane arrived. Goldust got scared of Kane. Kane took the mask off Goldust, who kept apologizing. Bradshaw said he was looking forward to the hot lesbian action. Kane and Booker agreed, but Goldust acted uninterested. Booker said where else but in America could you kick Un-American ass and see sexy lesbians all in one night. They all headed off to watch, Goldust included.

Regal & Test beat Booker & Goldust by DQ in 5:49. I guess this match sort of had to be taken care of before they could watch the lesbians. Booker hit some kicks on Test early and scored a near fall. The heels mauled Goldust for a couple of minutes. Guess what Lawler talked about instead of calling the match? Goldust made the hot tag and Booker kicked ass. He hit a scissor kick on Regal and did the spinaroonie to a major pop. Booker hit Test with a kick. Regal then used the knux on Booker, but before either heel could pin him, Kane & Bradshaw ran in for the save, though it also prompted a DQ. With Booker still KO'ed, Kane & Bradshaw & Goldust ran Regal & Test off.

The two cute lesbian chicks came out to the ring holding hands. For the record, these were two female indie wrestlers from the UPW promotion in California. Bischoff said the Billy & Chuck wedding on Smackdown will be just a cheap stunt to get publicity, but his lesbian display would be classy programming. Well, at least RAW did get the girls, and they were good looking. Their names were Jenny and Tanya, by the way. Bischoff led them step by step through various phases of undress until they were down to bras and thong panties. He had them express desire for one another and to caress one another a little. Lawler loved it. Poor Tazz & Michael Cole. He then had them kiss, although their long hair kept it blocked from view, so it was probably one of those deals where they didn't really do it. Of course, all this was to set up the weekly Jamal & Rosie squash spot. Bischoff announced that sex and violence on TV go together, and that we'd seen enough sex so it was time for some violence. Jamal laid Jenny out with a thrust kick while Tanya took the big Samoan Drop. One girl was then laid on top of the other in a 69 position (i.e., desperate for teen male ratings position) and Jamal squashed them with the big splash. Both lesbians got stretchered out by the EMT's. Tune in next week to see two people who practice incest get squashed.

Ric Flair praised RVD for pinning HHH last week. RVD said it was just another day at the office for Mr. Monday Night. Flair said if RVD wins the four-way, he's certain he'll beat HHH for the belt at the PPV.

RVD won the four-way elimination match over Jericho & Big Show & Jeff Hardy in 15:43 to earn the world title shot. Jeff quickly sent Jericho out to the floor. Show played monster, deflecting everyone. Jericho and Show tried working together, as Show hurled Jericho off the top for a splash attempt on RVD, but RVD moved. RVD finally knocked Show down with a thrust kick. Jeff gave Show a swanton but Show kicked out of the pin attempt at two. Show also kicked out when RVD went for a pin after the rolling thunder. Jericho got a chair and clocked all three of his opponents with it. Show got the chair from Jericho. Jericho pretended Show hit him with it, and the ref, who had missed all of Jericho's chairshots, DQ'ed Show at 2:39. Show was pissed and chokeslammed everyone before leaving. They went to a commercial break, and when they came back, Jericho was on offense. Jericho crashed to the floor after missing a springboard move. RVD hit Jericho with a somersault plancha. Jeff did his rail run and lariated both. Jeff missed on a twisting moonsault. RVD did a springboard moonsault on Jeff. Jeff did a scary DDT on RVD. Jericho hit the lionsault on Jeff and pinned him clean at 9:58. Jericho suplexed RVD, who landed in one of the sickest positions ever. He's lucky it didn't kill him. Jericho got his knees up when RVD went for the rolling thunder. They started trading some really good two counts. RVD hit the split-leg moonsault but missed a frog splash. Jericho hit a lionsault but only scored a two count. RVD kicked Jericho hard. At this point, HHH came out to watch from the ramp top. This distracted RVD and Jericho almost scored a pin using the ropes. RVD came back and vaulted Jericho into the exposed turnbuckle (Jericho had earlier torn off the padding) and then hit the frog splash for the pin. JR said "he nailed that son of a bitch", in describing the splash. It was a very good match, at least the part after the commercial break. RVD celebrated his victory as HHH looked disturbed, obviously not wanting RVD to have emerged victorious.

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:

Was Lawler pretending to be Beavis, or was it Butthead?

Why is Regal now opposed to "rogering" Molly, after supporting it before?

Bursting hymens last week, homosexuality this week, any bets for next week?

Wasn't it at least good that they had more wrestling this week than usual?

Just what wrestling demographic are they expecting to get on Thursday?

How does RVD land like that on his head and still live to tell about it?

2002 - WWE's Smackdown brand ran Mankato, Minnesota.  Karl Erikson filed the following live report:

I was at WWE's house show in Mankato, MN last night.  Here are the results.

The Hurricane and Shannon Moore beat Chavo Guerrero and Tajiri. 

Matt Hardy beat Hardcore Holly. 

Randy Orton and Mark Henry beat Chuck and Billy. 

The Big Valbowski, Horace Hogan and John Cena beat Albert, Mike Awesome and Bull Buchanan. 

Rikishi beat Rico. 

Edge beat Chris Benoit. 

Batista beat Reverend D-Von. 

Eddie Guerrero beat Billy Kidman. 

Jamie Noble, with Nidia, beat Rey Misterio to keep the Cruiserweight title. 

Brock Lesnar beat Kurt Angle to keep the WWE title. 

It was a good show, but the building was less than half full.

2003 - At a Smackdown taping in Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. Champion Eddie Guerrero defeated John Cena in a Parking Lot Brawl with a frog splash off the roof of a van onto Cena, who was laid out on the hood of a car. Also on the show, Stephanie McMahon was forced to wrestle Brock Lesnar by her father, Vince McMahon. The match, which wasn't much of a bout, quickly ended in a no-contest when Kurt Angle attacked Lesnar and Stephanie hit low blows on both Lesnar and her father.

2008 - Kurt Angle was found not guilty of driving under the influence and careless driving in an Allegheny County, PA courtroom.  Judge David Cashman made the ruling in a non-jury trial on charges filed Sept. 28.  Angle had been arrested for DUI after a witness filed a complaint.  Angle's lawyer challenged the use of the witness since police couldn't corroborate her claims.

2008 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi.  Mike Odd filed the following TV report:

The show begins with a video package of the ECW Championship scramble match at Unforgiven.

ECW comes to us from Milwaukee, WI; our announcers are Todd Grisham and Matt Striker. They introduce our new ECW World Champion, Matt Hardy. He thanks the fans and says winning the title is a dream come true. He says that by winning the title he's unlocked his destiny. He's not happy just being the ECW champion, he wants to be the greatest champion ever. He is interrupted by Mark Henry and Tony Atlas. Mark Henry says that Matt Hardy has his title and he wants a rematch. Tony Atlas tells Matt Hardy that if he ever lays his hands on him again there will be problems between them. Henry then attacks Hardy but Hardy fights him off and hits The Twist of Fate on Tony Atlas. Our main event tonight will be Finlay and Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry and Mike Knox. We go to commercial.

Match # 1
Evan Bourne vs. John Morrison

As Evan Bourne comes to the ring they show clips from the tag match on Raw last night. John Morrison comes to the ring with The Miz. The match starts with a lock up. Morrison with a hammerlock into a snapmare. Evan Bourne with a headlock. Morrison rams him into the corner. Morrison with an Irish Whip. Bourne jumps over the top rope and attempts a Sunset Flip. Morrison blocks the Sunset Flip and Bourne hits a spinning heel kick for a 2 count. Evan Bourne with kicks. Morrison brushes him off and begins stomping. Morrison with a headlock. Morrison comes off the ropes then gets hit by a dropkick. Morrison falls outside the ring. Bourne hits a hurancanrana on the floor. We go to commercial.

We're back and Evan Bourne is punching John Morrison in the corner. He rushes Morrison in the corner, Morrison moves, he catches himself on the 2nd rope and The Miz knocks him off. Morrison with a chinlock, Evan Bourne fights out. Morrison throws him into the ropes and Bourne attempts a cross body block which Morrison avoids and dropkicks Bourne to the outside. Morrison joins him outside and drops Bourne on the barricade. Morrison puts Bourne back in the ring then kicks him in the head before getting back into the ring himself. Morrison gets a 2 count.

Morrison with a headlock, Evan Bourne fights out. Evan Bourne with kicks. Evan Bourne attempts a hurricanrana. Morrison catches him and throws him onto the ropes for a 2 count. Morrison with yet another headlock. Evan Bourne attempts to fight out but Morrison hits a backbreaker followed by a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Morrison gets a 2 count. Morrison with an armlock and throws Evan Bourne out of the ring. Morrison with kicks to Bourne's ribs and throws Bourne back into the ring for a 2 count. Morrison with another armlock. Evan Bourne tries to fight out but Morrison hits him with a quick backbreaker for a 2 count.

He gets Evan Bourne in another chinlock, Bourne fights out again. Punches and kicks by Bourne. Morrison hits a punch and knocks Bourne to the ground. Morrison attempts a couple clotheslines but each time is met with kicks. Evan Bourne with a running hurricanrana. Bourne with an elbow in the corner and a back kick for 2. Bourne with another hurricanrana into a pin for 2. Bourne with a kick followed by the standing moonsault which Morrison blocks with his feet. Morrison hits a kick for a 2 count, drags Bourne into the corner and attempts Starship Pain.

Bourne goes to the top, Miz gets on the apron, Bourne jumps off at The Miz. Morrison hits a big kick, drags Bourne back into the ring and gets the 3 count.

Winner - Morrison

They recap the Finlay/Mike Knox situation over the past few weeks. We go to commercial.

Match # 2
"The All American American" Jack Swagger vs. Josh Daniels

Jack Swagger starts the match with a thrown on the much smaller Josh Daniels. They lock up. Swagger with a headlock; Daniels gets to the ropes. Daniels punches Swagger. Swagger responds with a gut wrench suplex and mounts him for punches. Swagger hits a sidewalk slams and gets a 2 count. Swagger rams Daniels into the corner. Swagger hits a slam that Striker calls a Blue Thunder Bomb (a back suplex that turns into a sit out powerbomb) for the pin.

Winner - Jack Swagger

Finlay, Hornswaggle, and Matt Hardy are shown backstage walking. Ricky Ortiz stops them and gives them a rally towel which Hornswaggle happily plays with. We go to commercial.

Match # 3
Mark Henry and Mike Knox vs. Matt Hardy and Finlay

  Match starts with Hardy and Henry.  Henry powers Hardy into the corner.  Hardy fights out, hits a few punches, and tries in vain to knock Henry over.  Hardy stays on the offense until Henry hits him with a clothesline.  Henry puts Hardy into the corner, hits him a few times, then throws him into the other corner and gets a 2 count.  Matt Hardy with a few punches then drops Mark Henry onto the top rope.  Matt Hardy with punches, Mark Henry continues to push him away.  Matt Hardy goes for a cross body block off the 2nd rope; Mark Henry catches him and throws him to the mat.  Mark Henry hits a big elbow drop and stands on Matt Hardy's chest.  Mark Henry puts Matt Hardy into the corner and runs into him.  Henry goes for another big elbow but Matt Hardy moves.  We go to commercial.

We're back and Mike Knox has Matt Hardy in a headlock.  Hardy fights out, tags Finlay, and Finlay comes in with multiple clotheslines for a 2 count.  Finlay rams Knox into the corner and then hits a rollover fireman slam.  Knox hits Finlay with an elbow, goes for a sunset flip which Finlay blocks and clotheslines Mike Knox over the top rope.  Finlay follows him out, hits Knox's head on the ring a couple of times, and throws him back in.  Knox kicks Finlay as he's coming back into the ring and pulls Finlay over to Mark Henry before tagging him in.  Henry with stomps to Finlay.  Henry with a chinlock.  Henry tags in Mike Knox and they double shoulder block Finlay.  Knox stays on top of Finlay and hits a knee to the back of Finlay's skull for a 2 count.  Mike Knox with a headlock just keeping Finlay out of his corner.  Finlay fights back but still stops short of tagging in Matt Hardy.  Mike Knox gets him in a headlock before giving him a short arm clothesline.  Knox goes for a knee drop, Finlay moves and tags in Matt Hardy.  Hardy with punches to Knox followed by clotheslines.  Matt Hardy hits a bulldog off the 2nd rope for a 2 count.  Matt Hardy hits the side effect.  Matt Hardy hits a moonsault for a 2 count which Mark Henry breaks up.  Hornswoggle runs in the ring.  While the ref's distracted, Finlay hits Henry with the shillelagh.  Matt Hardy with a Twist of Fate for the 3 count.

  Winners - Matt Hardy and Finlay  

Post match Hardy, Finlay, and Hornswaggle are celebrating in the ring while Henry, Knox and Atlas walk backwards up the ramp as we go to credits.

2009 - "The Wrestler" actor Mickey Rourke was voted International Man Of The Year at the GQ Awards yesterday in London.

2010 - WWE broadcast an episode of WWE 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: R Truth versus William Regal

Before the match starts, Regal demands the mic and he asks Sunshine if he thinks he is clever. Regal says that anyone can rap. He says that it is incredibly easy. Truth lays out a challenge. Regal asks for a beat and he says “I’m William Regal, God Save the Queen. An English brawler and the ladies’ dream. A real tormentor with a trifle of dash. He spent three bloody hours learning this and I forgot this.” He returns to the rap and continues with “A real tormentor with a trifle of dash. A man of fine manners who likes to bash. You besmirch my name, you’ll pay the price. I’ll mark you up because I’m the king of vice. You’ve got more grenades than the Jersey Shore, but I’m the situation to set the score.”

Truth does the Truth shimmy before they lock up. Regal with a forearm out of the corner but Truth with punches and kicks before he puts Regal in a side head lock and Truth with a take down but Regal with a rollup for a near fall. Truth with a head scissors and side head lock take down but Truth almost gets rolled up. Truth with a shoulder tackle and a near fall. Truth with a punch followed by a monkey flip. Truth with a punch and he sends Regal into the turnbuckles. Truth goes to the turnbuckles for punches. Truth with a clothesline for a near fall. Regal with forearms to Truth followed by an Irish whip but Truth with a float over and split followed by a drop kick that sends Regal to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Regal with a full nelson on Truth. We see Regal working on Truth’s back during the commercial break. Truth tries to get out of the hold and he eventually escapes and tries for a sunset flip but Regal does not go over and he puts Truth in a front face lock before returning to the full nelson. Regal with forearms across the face for a near fall. Regal with a nerve hold and Truth with elbows to escape but Regal with an uppercut. Regal and Truth exchange punches and Truth with clotheslines and a hip toss. Truth misses the axe kick but Truth is able to reverse an inside cradle to get the three count.

Winner: R Truth

It is time to take a look back at the season premiere of NXT.

Goldust is walking in the back with Aksana and Gail Kim. We go to commercial.

Match Number Two: Gail Kim and Goldust with Aksana versus Jillian and Primo with AJ

The men start off and they lock up with Goldust working on the arm but Primo with a knee and punch. Goldust with a leaping butt bump and then he slingshots Primo into the ropes and onto his knees. Gail tags in and she connects with a forearm and kick followed by a clothesline into the corner. Jillian with a punch but Gail with a splash onto Jillian. Primo moves Jillian out of the way and Gail with a missile drop kick to Primo. Goldust pulls Primo out and Gail with a clothesline for a near fall. Primo pulls the ropes and Gail goes to the floor. Jillian sends Gail back into the ring and gets a near fall. Jillian stands on Gail’s hair and then kicks Gail in the back. Gail wit ha float over but Jillian with an Alabama Slam and she gets a near fall. Jillian with a knee to the back of the head. Jillian with a forearm and then she tries for a power bomb but Gail punches Jillian and hits a rana that sends Jillian into the ropes.

The men tag back in and Goldust with clotheslines followed by the drop down uppercut and then he hits a reverse atomic drop. Goldust with a bulldog for a near fall. Goldust punches Primo in the corner but Primo with an Irish whip but Goldust with a power slam. The cover is broken up by Jillian and Jillian slaps Goldust. Gail with Eat Defeat to Jillian and Goldust with the Final Cut to Primo for the three count.

Winner: Goldust and Gail Kim

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for the Smackdown half of the show and your announcers are Matt Striker and Todd Grisham.

Match Number Three: Curt Hawkins and Vance Archer versus Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft

Croft and Archer start things off and they lock up and Archer sends Croft into the corner. Croft fights out of the corner but Archer with a big boot and then he punches Caylen. Hawkins tags in and they send Croft into the turnbuckles and hits a belly-to-back suplex for a near fall. Hawkins with a kick to the head and then he chokes Croft in the ropes. Archer with a kick to the head and Hawkins with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Archer tags in and he hits a leg drop to the back of the head. Archer with a short arm clothesline and he gets a near fall. Archer with a rear chin lock but Croft with a punch. Archer with an overhead suplex for a near fall. Archer with a slam and then he puts Croft in a reverse chin lock. Croft escapes a suplex attempt and he tags in Trent. Trent with a back elbow to Hawkins on the apron and then he punches Archer. Trent with a slide into the corner and then he hits a knee and a Yakuza kick for a near fall.

Hawkins breaks up the cover but Croft sends Hawkins to the floor. Archer with a shoulder tackle to Croft but Trent comes off the top and Archer catches him. Croft pushes Archer into the ropes and that allows Trent to hit a tornado DDT for the three count.

Winners: Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to take a look at Legendary.

We go through the card for Night of Champions.

We see footage from last week’s handicap match between Big Show and the Straight Edge Society followed by CM Punk’s GTS to Luke Gallows.

Luke says that he is better than everyone. He says that he is better because he is straight edge. Tonight is a big night for the Straight Edge Society because he reaffirms his position as CM Punk’s straight edge enforcer. He is going to cut the fat. He is going to singlehandedly dismantle the world’s biggest athlete.

Match Number Four: Luke Gallows with Joseph Mercury versus Big Show

Gallows circles around Show and then Show blocks a kick and connects with a few chops. Show punches Luke in the ribs and then kicks him in the ribs. Show with a snap mare and then he stands on Luke’s chest. Luke goes to the floor and Show with a baseball slide. Show with a shhhh chop against the ringside barrier. Show with another chop and then Luke with a kick and punches as Show returns to the ring. Show with punches that lift Luke off his feet. Show with a biel and it is time for the right hand and Luke goes down land Show with the three count.

Winner: Big Show

After the match, Show says that the only fat trimming in the WWE Universe is going to be him getting rid of the SES. He wishes them luck before leaving the ring.

2011 - Frank Talent, a well known member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission going back decades who was a regular fixture at professional wrestling events, passed away at the age of 74 from brain cancer.

Mike Johnson penned the following....Talent was quite a character and I mean that in the nicest sense of the word. The best way to describe him is that he was like that goofy but caring grandfatherly figure that everyone meets at some point in their life.

Since at least the 1980s, but likely longer, Talent attended the majority of professional wrestling events promoted in Philadelphia acting as a Commission Representative. He would be seen sitting ringside and would often get into the act, giving static to heels as Talent "got" what the business was supposed to be.

A few times during the 80s, Talent even ended up ring announcing WWF matches at the Spectrum. He was pretty awful at it and one had to wonder if he did it just because he knew he could get away with it, but that was Talent. I can distinctly remember him once introducing Roddy Piper and hugging him in the Spectrum while Piper had this look on his face wondering who the hell this was.

During the post-ECW independent explosion in the early part of this decade, Talent became a more well known personality in front of the fans, often making announcements pointing out celebrities who were attending the shows and issuing "official edicts" when shows were delayed, etc.

Talent was one of those eccentric characters you took for granted as always being around. He was seemingly everywhere at every show and if he wasn't, you took a mental note that it seemed strange he wasn't lurking at ringside.

I noted earlier that Talent "got" what the business was supposed to be and that was an important asset for shows he was covering. Often, Talent would give pre-show instructions to the different locker rooms at events, reminding them of what was expected by the State, but for the most part, as long as the performers weren't being too reckless, he would let things go. The lone exception would be that he wouldn't allow any spitting out of the ring towards the audience. But beyond that, within reason, he would allow things to go and allow the promotions to do their thing.

One thing that always amused me was that Talent seemingly had an endless list of friends that he would visit whenever there were shows. Whenever I was set up doing coverage for live shows on one of the stages or balconies of the ECW Arena, which have been converted into "VIP" areas in recent years, Talent would show up visiting different families he personally knew that were in those areas, bringing talent for visits and autographs. If Talent asked for a favor, the wrestlers were quick to do it, since he commanded respect in his position and was pretty much well liked by the workers.

2012 - Dave Marquez announced at a Championship Wrestling from Hollywood TV Taping in Glendale, CA that the promotion had left the National Wrestling Alliance.  The company had been the NWA member with the largest clearance and awareness in terms of TV exposure as they air in Los Angeles, CA.  Marquez had been a true blue NWA supporter for many, many years so obviously this is fallout from Bruce Tharpe and his contingent gaining ownership and control over the NWA initial and name. Going forward, the promotion was known simply as Championship Wrestling from Hollywood.

2012 - TNA broadcast No Surrender 2012.  Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:

Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing TNA No Surrender 2012 PPV coverage!

Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy

My cable box decided at 7:58 to reboot itself so I missed the first 8 minutes of the PPV.  If anything major went down, I'll catch it and add on the replay.  My apologies.

TNA Bound for Glory Series Semi-Final bout. Obviously, we are joining this in progress.   When my box actually decided to work (gee, thanks Time-Warner), Hardy had just wiped out Joe outside the ring and brought him back into the ring.  They exchanged shots in the corner.  Joe peppered him with several rights and nailed an inverted atomic drop followed by a big boot and a back senton splash for a two count.  Joe covered him for a two count and locked on a rear chinlock, then a nerve hold.

Joe drilled Hardy with a knee to the back and went back to the rear chinlock.  There was a small back and forth chant for each competitor.   Hardy was sent into the ropes and caught with a snapping powerslam for a two count.   Joe and Hardy exchanged forearms and punches.  Joe sent Hardy through the ropes to the outside and nailed the tope suicida elbowsmash to the outside.  Joe sold that his elbow was bothering him.  He rolled Hardy into the ring and covered him for a two count.

Hardy fought back and nailed it twisting kick to the chest.  He went for the cruncher but Joe kicked him off into the ropes.  Hardy rebounded into a leaping clothesline that knocked Joe down.  Both men were down and out but struggled to return to their feet.  Hardy nailed another clothesline but Joe pulled him down and went for the back senton splash.  Hardy moved out of the way and nailed the cruncher for a two count.

Hardy went for the Twist of the Fate but was shoved off into the corner.  He kicked Joe and nailed a twisting moonsault press for another two count.   Hardy charged Joe in the corner but was nailed with the Uranage.  Joe called for the Muscle Buster but his arm was hurting bad.   He placed Hardy atop the ropes and went for it but Hardy slipped out and nailed the Twist of Fate.  Hardy went to the top for the swanton but Joe cut him off and crotched him on the top rope.  Joe went for the muscle buster but Hardy turned it into a forward roll for a two count.

Hardy rolled through with a headlock while locking Joe in an armbar for a submission.  Joe turned it into a pinfall combination but Hardy shocked him by turning that into a crucifix style pinfall.

Your winner, Jeff Hardy!

Joe looked like he had seen a ghost when he lost but acknowledged it and showed respect to Hardy.

From what I saw, it was a solid opening match. 

Jeremy Borash interviewed James Storm backstage.   Storm said he chose Bully Ray for a reason.  Last year, it came down to them and he didn't get the job done so tonight, he rights the wrong.  He said that he's led the entire BFG series and when he's done with Ray, he moves on to Hardy.  Hardy is one of the only guys to beat him in the Series but he's lived and learned and gotten better.  He said that no matter who he faces, sorry about their damn luck.

Bully Ray vs. James Storm

Ray stalled early and then asked Storm if he forgot about last year.  Storm spit in his face.   That made Ray leave the ring and walk around ringside, where he tormented the fans and slammed a steel chair down.  Ray returned and locked up with Storm.  He pushed Storm back into the corner and slapped him.   Storm fired back and Ray went down hurting in the corner.   The crowd chanted that he got "bitch slapped."  This led to more Ray stalling as he was pissed about being hit.  Ray was slapped again and Storm unloaded with a series of rights.  Ray retreated back to the floor.

When he returned to the ring, Ray worked over Storm, who made a comeback and whipped him back into the buckles, then stomped on his fingers after he hit the mat.  Ray raked his eyes to change the flow of the bout and used a series of hard shots with strikes and smashes into the turnbuckles.  Storm nailed a big running clothesline for a two count.

They battled to the floor and back into the ring.  Storm went for the Last Call superkick but Ray moved and Stifixm got caught in the ropes.  Ray nailed him and began beating Storm down   Ray cinched in a bearhug in the center of the ring.   Storm boxed Ray's ears to escape but was caught with a big boot for a two count.   Ray nailed a suplex for another two count.  Storm came back with a kick from the ropes and came off the top with a high cross bodyblock for a two count.

Storm went for a crucifix for a two count.  Storm kicked Ray in the back of the head and charged him but nailed Earl Hebner.  Ray nailed the Bully Bomb but there was no referee to count the pinfall.  Another referee hit the ring for a two count and then started checking on Heber.   Ray went to the ropes for the back senton splash but Storm rolled out of the ring.  Storm went for a flying forearm but Ray ducked and the second referee was wiped out.  Ray pulled up Hebner but Storm nailed him with the Backstabber and superkicked Ray into Hebner.  Earl acted like he was shot although the two hardly collided.

Storm covered Ray but there was no one to make the save.  Bobby Roode hit the ring and drilled an unsuspecting Storm with a beer bottle.  Storm went down and Roode draped Ray's arm over him.  A woozy Hebner counted the pinfall.

Your winner, Bully Ray!

Match was OK and from a wrestling standpoint, it wasn't anything memorable.  They had some entertaining sequences but three referee bumps in one bout is beyond excessive in my opinion.  Looks like Roode vs. Storm at Bound for Glory.

Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy will be the finals.

Jeremy Borash interviewed Miss Tessmacher.  She said that Tara is truly her mentor and best friend.  She taught her everything and they were Knockouts Tag champions together.  She said that she wouldn't be champion right now if it wasn't for Tara.  She called her out because she needed to see that she could beat Tara and lost.  Brooke Hogan made the match and Tessmacher needs to know that the student can beat the teacher and that she deserves to be the champion.  Her best promo to date.

TNA Knockouts champion Miss Tessmacher vs. Tara

Taryn Terrel is the referee.

They locked up and Tara got the better of the early struggle.  Tessmacher began working over her arm but Tara used a cartwheel to escape and reverse.  She bridged Tessmacher back with her strength.  Tessmacher used the ropes to flip out of it but was snapped over with an armdrag.  They locked up again and Tessmascher used a headlock takedown and a shoulderblock.  Tara swept her leg out from under her and they faced off.

Tara locked in a side headlock and held on when Tessmacheer tried to shove her off into the ropes with the idea that she's the stronger of the two.  Tessmacher shoulderblocked her down.  They went back and forth with reversals until Tessmacher ended up on the floor.    She returned to the ring and Tara rolled her up for a two count.  That upset Tessmacher as they were having a clean match.  Tessmacher got angry and nailed several armdrags and locked on an armbar.  Tara got to the ropes and Tessmacher didn't want to break.  Terrell forced her to do it.  Tara got mad and nailed Tessmacher.  Tessmacher came back with a series of rights as the temper got the better of them.

They battle back and forth.  Tessmacher nailed a series of clotheslines.  Tara reversed a whip and sent Tessmacher into the corner  where she came back out with a back elbow for a two count.  Tara came back to nail a superplex for a two count.  Tara was mad she couldn't get the win.  Tara went for the Widow's Peak but Tessmacher turned it into a forward roll for the pin.  Tara wasn't happy.

Your winner and still TNA champion Miss Tessmacher!

Solid match and way better than any Divas match on WWE TV of late as they worked really hard. Tessmacher is really improving. Backstage, Bobby Roode was being taken out by the cops for assaulting James Storm.  Wait, since when can you be arrested for interference in a wrestling bout? Storm attacked Roode and ended up handcuffed and carted out as well.  Hulk Hogan was in the middle of this and the segment was better than this recap probably reads.

TNA champion Austin Aries came to the ring in street clothes for his fight against Armbreaker.  He said that he knows everyone is used to him coming out looking stylish and wearing the TNA title, but tonight isn't about that bullshit.  It's about pain and payback, not pinfalls and referee.  He said that Aces and Eights wanted to declare war on him and that's fine because he's the God of War.  He demanded they send out their big goon.  Aries said, "He may kick my ass but he's going to have to."

Aries waited in the ring and demanded on the mic they show but there was no one initially.   He came from a side door and entered the ringside area.  Aries kicked at him as he entered the ring several times.   Aries sat on the ropes waiting for him to return and when Armbreaker got onto the apron, Aries dropkicked his legs out from under him, nailed a dive to the outside and slammed him into the ring steps.  Aries tossed him back into the ring and controlled him.  He tried to unmask Armbreaker but was nailed with a low blow and tossed to the outside.

Aries pulled himself back up but was kicked back to the floor.  Armbreaker slammed him into the ringpost and began kicking him on the floor.   The crowd chanted for Aries.  Armbreaker slammed Aries into the ring steps and rolled him back into the ring.   Armbreaker nailed a short arm clothesline, wiping out Aries.  He picked up Aries for a powerbomb but Aries pulled powder out of a bag in his jeans and poured it into Armbreaker's eyes.  Aries nailed him and sent him to the floor, then nailed a dive from the top.   Aries worked him over on the ramp and then tossed him into the ring.

Armbreaker cut him off and kicked Aries back to the floor.  He grabbed a steel chair and brought it into the ring.  I guess the cops are going to arrest him too?  Aries ducked a chairshot and nailed him with a roll of coins.  Aries nailed a brainbuster and went for the mask but the rest of Aces and Eights hit the ring and overwhemed Aries, The TNA locker room hit the ring, setting off a huge brawl.  Jeff Hardy was taken out on the floor and of all people, Bully Ray made the save for him.  The TNA roster, babyfaces and heels, ran them off. Hulk Hogan came out with a baseball bat.   He was telling everyone to lock down the building when Ray told him Hardy was hurt.  Hardy was sitting on the floor holding his shoulder.  He was walked out by medical officials.   Hogan demanded every exit and entrance be locked down and that the police be called.  The crowd chanted for Hogan.  Ray and Aries showed each other respect.

They showed a replay of Hardy's shoulder being launched into the ringpost by one of the Aces & Eights members.  Mike Tenay and Taz wondered what this would mean for his Bound for Glory Series later on.

The fight was OK but the brawl and the angle with Hardy were good. The entire locker room helping each other against the outsiders makes Aces & Eights come off like a real threat.

 

So far, it's entertaining as a TV show but as a show I paid $35 for, thus far, it feels just there but these were the undercard matches.  We'll see how it progresses going forward.  I'm guessing the Hardy thing will be a tease he can't wait and "ignores" the doctors to compete anyway. 

TNA X-Division champion Zema Ion vs. Sonjay Dutt

They went back and forth with Ion showboating early.  Dutt came back with a springboard off the ropes into an armdrag and clotheslined Ion over the top to the floor.  Ion returned to the apron and dropped Dutt's throat over the top.  Dutt came back with a double springboard into an armdrag sending Ion to the floor.  He nailed a sliding kick and then a head scissors off the apron to the floor.  Good stuff early on.

Dutt came off the ropes but was drilled with a gutbuster over the knees.  Ion began stomping away on Dutt.  Ion worked over Dutt and nailed a suplex for a two count.  They showed a shot of police arriving outside.  Ion continued to work over Dutt and send him into the buckles.  Dutt used an awesome rana variation out of the corner to turn the tide his way but Ion shoulderblocked him.  Dutt, undeterred, still nailed a series of clotheslines.  Ion was caught with a big boot in the corner.  Dutt nailed a standing rana off the top and hard kick to the head, followed by a standing moonsault for a two count.

Dutt caught Ion with a back elbow.  They battled on the top and Ion dropped Ion off the top to the floor.    Dutt nailed a standing moonsault to the floor on Ion.  For flashy moves, this is easily the best thing on the show    Dutt nailed a springboard splash another into the ring for a two count.    Dutt went for another big move but was powerbombed down.  Ion went right after Dutt's bad shoulder with a submission, ripping off Dutt's brace.  Dutt was able to use his feet to touch the ropes.

Dutt came back to nail a standing Sliced Bread #2.  He went to the top for a moonsault into a double stomp but Ion rolled out of the way.  They went back and forth with a great series of near falls.  Dutt used some awesome technical stuff for a submission attempt.  Ion caught Dutt out of nowhere with him finisher and scored the pin.

Your winner and still X-Division champion, Zema Ion!

Real fun match. They packed in a ton of hot moves and springboard dives and it was really good athletic stuff. Dutt has really delivered since returning to the company and Ion continues to excel in his role.

Outside, Hulk Hogan was telling the police - and they had about 7 police cars - to lock down everyone and everything and not let anyone in and out. Hogan demanded that anyone who tries to defy them be beaten, cuffed and dragged out.

Jeremy Borash was looking over Hardy as Hardy was being checked out.  He said that no one had an updated yet. Magnus showed up and what we saw was Hardy being so stupid he let himself get involved in the Aces & Eights situation when he's got an important match in the most important tournament in the business.  He said Hardy had a lack of common sense for letting himself get involved.  He said Hardy let them get in his head just like RVD did with Magnus and tonight, Magnus will make a statement.

 

Rob Van Dam vs. Magnus

They went back and forth early.  Van Dam kicked Magnus so hard that Magnus was sent to the floor.  RVD hit a sliding kick to the outside and whipped Magnus into the ringpost.  He draped Magnus over the guard rail but Magnus moved out of the way of the corkscrew legdrop.  RVD slammed into the guard rail.  That looked brutal.  

Magnus worked over RVD and rolled him back into the ring for a two count.   Magnus cut off RVD and covered him for another two count.   Magnus continued working over Van Dam until being caught with a spinkick.  RVD nailed a clothesline and a basement dropkick.   Vam Dam swept his leg out and drilled him with another low dropkick, then nailed Rolling Thunder for a two count.

Van Dam nailed Magnus with a series of kicks in the corner but was caught and slammed down.  Magnus went to the top but was caught and slammed back into the ring by RVD.   Van Dam went for his somersault monkey flip but Magnus saw it coming and clotheslined him hard.  Magnus went for a Texas Cloverleaf but was kicked off.  Van Dam nailed a spinkick and nail the Five Star Frog Splash for the pin.

Your winner, Rob Van Dam!

Good match.  I was surprised by the clean finish here as it seemed to be Magnus' match to win based on how he's been presented of late.  His work in the ring and on the mic really have come along and TNA has something with him.  Good, hard hitting athletic bout.

The Tag champs cut a great promo saying the police should be looking into all the crimes committed against them, including Kazarian not being in the Bound for Glory Series and Claire Lynch slandering them.  Good stuff.

TNA Tag Team champions Chris Daniels & Kazarian vs. AJ Styles & Kurt Angle

Angle had his bad hamstring wrapped and still started with Daniels.  Daniels backed him into the corner and nailed a series of rights but Angle fired back with several of his own and a back elbow.  Angle nailed a series of stomps on Daniels and whipped him hard into the corner.  He nailed a suplex and covered Daniels for a two count.

Angle continued working over Daniels and tagged out to Styles.   Styles nailed him with a series of chops and worked over Daniels in the corner.  Daniels fought back and locked on a side headlock.  Kazarian tagged in but was caught with a spinning neckbreaker.  He and Angle nailed a high double backdrop on Kazarian.  Daniels tried to get involved so Angle slugged him. 

The challengers tagged in and out working over Kazarian util he nailed Styles with a monkey flip.   He rained down punches on Styles.  The champs worked over Styles, tagging in and out while drilling Styles with hard shots.  Styles was dumped to the floor by Daniels.  Kazarian nailed him with a double sledge to the head.  Daniels covered Styles after he was tossed back in but Styles kicked out at the last second.

The champions continued tagging in and out.  Styles tried to fight them off and make the hot tag to Angle but was cut off.   Daniels cinched in a side chinlock and wore Styles down on the mat.  The crowd rallied Styles and fought back but Kazarian made a blind tag and that allowed them to cut off Styles again.  Styles slipped away and tagged in Angle, who cleaned house on everyone.

Angle nailed a German release suplex on Kazarian for a two count.   Kazarian accidentally clotheslined his own partner.  Angle began tossing Kazarian for a series of back suplexes.  Daniels tried to save his partner but ate a belly to belly suplex for his troubles.  Kazarian nailed a leaping DDT on Angle for a two count.   The champions nailed a series of elbowdrops on Angle from the ropes for a two count.

Kazarian locked on a neck crank.  Angle fired back with a series of elbows.  Kazarian went for a moonsault but Angle jumped onto the buckles and nailed an Angleslam off the top.   Daniels and Styles were tagged in.  Styles nailed a big kick and a backbreaker across the knee for a two count.  Styles nailed a big flying forearm smash in the corner.  Styles nailed the moonsault into the inverted DDT on Daniels.  Kazarian charged and nailed a nasty dropkick on Styles.

The champions worked over Styles, who nailed a double clothesline.  Angle tagged himself in and nailed a top rope splash on Daniels for a two count.   He nailed a series of Angleslams on the champions but Daniels put his foot on the ropes at the last second.  He locked an anklelock on Daniels but Kazarian drilled him with a kick to the back of the neck.  Styles nailed a springboard clothesline on Kazarian, then drilled Daniels off the apron.  Kazarian monkeyflipped Styles into Daniels who was caught with a rana.  He drilled Kaz with the Pele Kick but Daniels broke it up at the last minute.  Kazarian hit a springboard 450 splash for another near fall.

Styles went to the top but Daniels cut him off.   Styles dumped him to the floor.  Kazarian nailed a leaping kick to stun Styles on the top.  Kazarian went for the Flux Capacitor and nailed it but Styles kicked out at the last second.  The crowd chanted "TNA".  Angle drilled Kazarian with a back suplex and clothslined Daniels over the top to the floor.  Angle grabbed at his leg on the outside.

Styles went for the Styles Clash but Daniels threw the Appletini he was drinking on the way to the ring into Styles' eyes.  Kazarian rolled him up and scored the pin.

Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions Daniels and Kazarian!

Good back and forth match.  Even injured, Angle works beyond extremely hard.  Everyone here had their working boots on.

 

Jeremy Borash interviewed Bully Ray.  Ray said that the Aces & Eights stuff has to stop and a very small part of him feels bad for Hardy.  He said that either way, he was going to beat Hardy tonight.  He said that people may or may not like him, but they have to respect what he's accomplished in the last 18 months.  He said that he's recreated himself and was one half of the most decorated tag team of all time.  He said he's going to go on to Bound for Glory and is bound for greatness.  More of a babyface promo than you usually see out of him, which could be a red herring to throw fans off the track.

They showed police getting into position.

Bound for Glory Series Final: Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy

Hardy's music played but he didn't come out.  Some in the crowd chanted for him.  The music began again.   Hulk Hogan came out instead.  Hogan said they have a problem.  He told Bully to forget about what was on the blackboard and was was scheduled.  He said there was no Jeff Hardy.  Bully said that the tournament means the world to him and he wants to win the tournament.  He said the Aces and Eights thing has to stop.  He said that he and Jeff both want to win the tournament but if Jeff doesn't come out, what are they supposed to do.

Hogan said he's the GM here and the ball is in both of their courts.  He said that if Bully really feels that way, he'll give Hogan the courtesy of giving them four more days to let Hardy recover and wrestle on Impact.  Ray was going to respond but Hogan demanded the mic back.  Hogan said this is going to be Ray's legacy and it was up to him to decide if he was going to go down a good man or a bad man.

Hardy's music started again and Hardy, obviously hurting and holding his arm against his side, came down to fight.  Ray actually showed Hardy respect for coming out.  Hardy threw a kick at Ray and even that hurt him. 

Hardy tried to lock up Ray in the corner with one arm but Ray escaped.   Ray went for a test of strength and Hardy punched him in the face.  Ray nailed his bad arm and began working it over.   Ray stomped on his shoulder so Hardy rolled to the floor.  Ray yelled at the referee to count him out.   Hardy returned so Ray continued the onslaught.  Hardy went back to the floor and Ray demanded the referee count him out.

Hardy finally returned and charged at Ray but was wiped out immediately.  Ray beat him down and splashed Hardy's arm.  Ray covered him several times for near falls.  Ray locked on an armbar.  He ripped at Hardy's bandages and slapped him hard across the chest.  Ray missed a splash.  Hardy nailed the Twist of Fate and went to the top for a swanton for a two count.  Hardy nailed a twisting moonsault  for a two count.  Ray cut him off with a clothesline for a two count.

Hardy cut him off with a Twist of Fate and went to the top for another swanton but Ray rolled out of the ring.   Bully hit the Bubba Cutter for a two count.   Hardy hit a pair of Twist of Fates.  Hardy went to the top but Ray cut him off and they battled back and forth.  Hardy knocked Ray off and nailed the swanton and scored the pinfall.

Your winner, Jeff Hardy!

2013 - The latest installment in the "Riddick" film series, which featured former WWE World champion David Bautista in a supporting role, was the top film in the United States over the weekend, garnering $18,673,000 in its debut weekend.  Internationally, the film also made $7,400,000.  In the United States, the film opened on 3,107 screens.

2013 - WWE broadcast Raw.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

Ever since Daniel Bryan defeated John Cena at SummerSlam, there have been two constants, Triple H is going to address the fans at the start of the show and someone is going to attack Daniel Bryan at the end of the show. Now that we are North of the Border, will the ‘Bizarro’ nature of the product in Canada change things or will it be the standard operating procedure as we move closer to Night of Champions.

We are in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and your announcers are John ‘Five Second Pose’ Layfield, Jerry ‘If I ever get fired to get married, do you have my son’s phone number available’ Lawler, and Michael ‘Kazoos Still Rule’ Cole.

We begin tonight’s show with Edge and he makes his way to the ring. We are going to have a return of the Cutting Edge.

Edge says that every time he comes out here, the fans remind him why this is home. Edge says that it has been far too long for him to welcome everyone to the Cutting Edge.

To be perfectly honest, he is here because he was requested by the COO, Triple H, to come out here because it would be ‘good for business’. He thought it would be good if he had a reunion . . . not one with his best friend Christian. Edge says that nobody wants to see Edge and Christian. Hunter felt that it would be better for Edge to have a reunion with his Rated RKO partner, and WWE Champion, Randy Orton.

Edge says that he has known Randy for a long time and Randy has nothing interesting to say. Edge does not have a problem with Randy cashing in the briefcase because he wrote the blueprint for it. Randy is a puppet. He is Triple H’s lackey. Randy needs the Shield to fight his fights for him. Randy is not going to be the guest on The Cutting Edge tonight.

The fans start to ‘Yes’ and Edge looks around. He says that he will have a guest who is good for business . . . and that guest is Daniel Bryan.

We see what happened last Monday night between Big Show and Daniel Bryan during their match.

Edge points out that Daniel has been through a lot lately and he appreciates that.

Daniel says that it is a lot better when you have a lot of people chanting your name. Daniel says last week Triple H said that if he did not give up his title opportunity, he was going to get hurt. Daniel says that he has been hurt. When Randy Orton hit him from behind last week with the title belt.

Daniel says that there is satisfaction with the struggle. No matter how many times Randy Orton hits him from behind, no matter how many triple power bombs he gets from the Shield, no matter how many times Big Show punches him, and no matter how many times Triple H tries to keep him down, he will become the WWE Champion.

Edge says that is why he likes Daniel and the fans love him. He looks at this as a challenge. Edge says that he sees himself in Daniel. They did not do something else and then turn to wrestling. Edge says that he does not know if Daniel can beat Randy Orton, but he deserve a fair shot. Edge asks Daniel if he thinks he can beat Randy Orton.

Daniel says Yes.

Edge asks Daniel if he can shove it in the man’s face and become WWE Champion.

Daniel says Yes.

Edge asks Daniel if he can become the face of WWE.

Randy Orton’s music interrupts Daniel’s response.

Randy appears on the stage and he says that it is a shame that when Edge decides to come back from time to time, the only place that gives a crap about him is Canada. What a shame it is that Edge’s body failed him at such a young age.

Edge says that it is a shame that Randy is supposed to be the face of the WWE and he acts like a different body part. Edge says that Randy’s dad had issues with his arm and while Edge may have issues with his spine, at least he has one.

Edge tells Randy that he has become Triple H’s puppet. Hunter has a great mind for the business, but when it comes to picking talent, he just sucks. This is a guy . . .

Triple H’s music plays and he makes his way to his puppet’s side.

Hunter figures that he would let Edge say it to his face.

Edge points out that he doesn’t have to bite his tongue because he is not an employee. Hunter didn’t think that Edge could make it. He didn’t think that Chris Jericho could make it. He talked about a Vanilla Ice wannabe like John Cena and how he couldn’t make it. Now he says that Daniel Bryan cannot make it. Maybe Hunter has to look past his huge nose.

Hunter says that it is great to see Edge tonight because it is what is best for business. Hunter secured a large sum for Edge to promote the season premiere of Haven, which airs after Smackdown.

Now that the promotional considerations are out of the way, it is time to retort. Hunter says that he may have been wrong a few times, but he was right. Hunter says that Jericho proved him wrong. He was certainly wrong about John Cena. Time will tell about Daniel Bryan.

There was one guy he was right about and said he would be a failure and that is Edge. Edge might be a legend in Canada, but the ‘Rated R Superstar’ experiment was an abject failure. Edge never drew a dime. When he says those things, all a person has to do is prove him wrong. That is what Jericho and Cena did. Now he will give Bryan the opportunity to prove him wrong.

Tonight, Daniel Bryan will face Dean Ambrose. Hunter will allow Daniel to have someone in his corner because Dean has the Shield. It is not going to be Edge. He will have Big Show in his corner.

It would be a lot easier to get along with him because he is not a bad guy. He is not a dictator.

Edge says that he did not have to marry into his success, he earned his Hall of Fame ring. He says that Hunter is not a dictator, he is a dick.

Hunter says that it takes a lot to have a stack of dimes for a neck after multiple surgeries. While Hunter can’t hurt Edge, he can hurt the ones who Edge loves.

The Shield bring Christian onto the stage and ramp and it appears that Christian has been attacked by the Shield. Edge checks on Christian.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Hunter and Stephanie are in the office. Edge enters and The Shield get in the way. Edge tells Hunter that he wishes that the doctors would clear Edge so he can come after him.

Hunter says that the doctors will never clear him to wrestle so he tells Edge to take the bass out of his voice. Hunter wants to know who Edge is to come into his building and his show. What is he doing walking into his town and run his mouth to him. He tells Edge to get out of his town, his city, his building, and his show.

If Edge doesn’t want to go on his own, he can always have him escorted out.

Edge leaves the office.

 

Match Number One: Kofi Kingston versus Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman)

 

They lock up and Axel with forearms to the back followed by elbows to the back of the head. Axel with a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Axel with a forearm to the head and he chokes Kofi in the ropes. Axel tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Kofi lands on his feet and he connects with an elbow and drop kick. Kofi misses the flying clothesline.

Axel with a kick and Irish whip. Kofi with boots to Axel and he hits SOS but Axel gets his hand on the ropes to stop the count. Kofi goes to he floor after Axel and Axel returns to the ring first and he kicks Kofi.

Axel with kicks in the corner. Axel with knees to the back and the referee tries to pull Axel out of the corner but the referee gets to the five count.

 

Winner: Kofi Kingston (by disqualification)

 

After the match, Heyman pulls Axel off Kofi and Paul tells Axel about what would happen if he gets disqualified on Sunday. Paul tells Curtis that everything that him and Brock have built is gone.

Axel picks up Kofi but Kofi with a punch and Trouble in Paradise.

Michael Cole reminds us about what Triple H did to Cody Rhodes last week. Goldust will be facing Randy Orton tonight with Cody’s contract on the line.

We take a look at Goldust with a video package.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Paul Heyman is down and he is being helped to the trainer’s room. It looked like Paul slipped on something.

Paul has his knee checked on and they call for the doctor. Paul says that he has his own doctor who will look at him so he does not want the WWE doctor. They ice Paul’s knee.

We take a look back at last Monday’s main event between Big Show and Daniel Bryan.

Big Show is in the locker room and Booker T wants to Holler at Show. He says that last week might have been the worst time of his life. He knows that Show will go out there and take it out on everybody. He says that he respects Show and he tells Show that he needs to admit it. Cody went out there and got himself fired for speaking his mind.

Now the people are on Show and calling him a sellout. He reminds Show that he is a professional. He would have done the same thing if he was in Show’s shoes. The people want Show to be a hero. When that happens, Show needs to think about his daughter and family. Show will experience feelings in Daniel Bryan’s corner. Show might think that it is rage, but it is pride.

Show tells Booker that he doesn’t know if he has anything left.

We go to a Wyatt Family video package. They will be up next. We go to commercial.

 

Match Number Two: Dolph Ziggler versus Bray Wyatt (with Erick Rowan and Luke Harper)

 

Ziggler with a waist lock and Wyatt escapes. He misses a clothesline but he does not miss with a forearm. Wyatt with a slam and then he stares at Ziggler from his perch in the corner. Ziggler with a drop kick to Wyatt and he knocks Rowan off the apron. Wyatt with a cross body to Ziggler.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Wyatt with a rear chin lock. Ziggler with elbows but Wyatt with a back elbow. Wyatt with a head butt to the back and then he returns to the rear chin lock with his knee in Ziggler’s back. Ziggler with a jawbreaker. Wyatt misses a splash into the corner but Ziggler does not miss the Stinger Splash and he punches Wyatt. Ziggler with a neck breaker followed by an elbow drop for a near fall.

Ziggler escapes a suplex attempt and Ziggler with a Fameasser for a near fall. Ziggler sets for the Zig Zag but Harper distracts Ziggler. Rowan misses Ziggler. Wyatt with a splash into the corner and then he hits Sister Abigail for the three count.

 

Winner: Bray Wyatt

 

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look back at some of Goldust’s more memorable moments.

Paul Heyman makes his way to the ring with Curtis Axel and a random person. Paul is on crutches and he makes his way into the ring, and he does it gingerly.

Paul says that he is not an advocate for socialized medicine. In other words, he does not believe in the Canadian Health Care System. Paul says that when he travels to Canada on behalf of the Intercontinental Champion, he travels with his personal doctor Michael Kirshenbaum.

Paul says that Doctor Kirshenbaum has confirmed his fears that because of his accident, he tore his meniscus or MCL. Paul says that regretfully he is pulling himself from competition this Sunday at Night of Champions.

Paul says that no one is as upset as himself. He was looking forward to teaming with his client and finally putting out of his misery his prodigal son CM Punk. Paul says that he is an injured man. Therefore he is going to leave their good graces at this time and he will return to his home in New York, where he will get proper medical care.

Paul promises, just like Edge, that he will be back when he is ready.

Brad Maddox comes out with Dr. Sampson. He reminds Paul that they have a fully licensed medical staff on the WWE Payroll and they are able to give him a through evaluation.

Brad tells Paul that if he is truly injured, the only way to be officially removed from the match is to be evaluated by their WWE Doctor. Brad gets a chair for Paul so the doctor can check the knee.

Paul explains that he slipped on some water and then he reminds the doctor that he is the son of a Personal Injury Attorney. The doctor says that he is not suffering any symptoms based on the time that he was injured so he gives Paul a clean bill of health.

Paul calls him a quack and he wants to know if him and Brad have something against him. Paul . . .

is interrupted by CM Punk and he makes his way to the ring with a kendo stick. Paul pushes his ‘doctor’ in the way and Punk hits him with the kendo stick. Paul runs out of the building.

Punk corners the doctor and then he opens the ropes for him. As he goes through the ropes, Punk hits him with the kendo stick.

Punk screams Heyman’s name as he hits the doctor in the head with the kendo stick.

We go to commercial.

We are back and AJ skips her way to the ring to watch the next match.

 

Match Number Three: Natalya, Brie Bella, and Naomi versus Alicia Fox, Aksana, and Layla El

 

Naomi and Aksana start things off and Aksana has a kick blocked and Naomi with an atomic drop followed by a slap. Naomi with a leaping butt bump for a near fall. Aksana with an Irish whip and Naomi with a kick. Aksana knocks Naomi off the turnbckles and Layla tags in and she chokes Naomi in the ropes and pulls her down.

Layla with a drop kick and she gets a near fall. Layla works on the ankle. Layla with a forearm to the back and then she misses a leg drop. Alicia and Natalya tag in and Natalya kicks Alicia and follows with a suplex and kick up. Natalya knocks Layla off the apron.

Natalya runs into a boot and then Natalya gets a near fall. Natalya sends Aksana to the floor. Natalya with a discus clothesline followed by a Sharpshooter and Alicia taps out.

 

Winners: Natalya, Naomi, and Brie Bella

 

After the match, AJ’s opponents on Sunday make their way to the ropes by the announce table and they stare down the champion.

We take a look at some of the things Goldust has done in the ring.

We go to commercial.

We are back and R Truth is rapping in the ring.

Rob Van Dam has some thoughts in the Goldman Box. Alberto may call himself the champion tonight, but on Sunday, dude, the new champion will not be ADR, but RVD.

 

Match Number Four: Alberto Del Rio versus R Truth in a Non Title Match

 

They lock up and Del Rio with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Truth with punches and forearms in the corner. Del Rio with a thrust kick and punches in the corner. Truth with a kick to Del Rio and he misses a clothesline but Truth with a few to send Del Rio over the top rope to the floor. Truth with a pescado onto Del Rio and both men are down on the floor.

Del Rio with an enzuigiri to Truth on the apron. Del Rio slams Truth’s head into the apron. They return to the ring and then Del Rio gets a near fall and he applies a reverse chin lock. Truth with a sunset flip for a near fall but Del Rio with a clothesline. Del Rio with a near fall on Truth and then he returns to a reverse chin lock.

Truth with punches but Del Rio with a knee and head butts. Truth with a leg lariat and clotheslines. Truth with a kick and a sit out gourdbuster for a near fall. Truth misses the scissors kick and he tries for the Lie Detector but Del Rio with a tilt-a-whirl slam. Del Rio with a super kick and then he applies the cross arm breaker and Truth taps out.

 

Winner: Alberto Del Rio

 

We go to commercial.

We are back and there will be five teams who will get a chance to become the number one contenders for the Tag Titles on Sunday.

Zeb Colter is in the ring and he says that Canada are neighbors in name only. They have not helped the United States out and he cannot remember the last time Canada helped the United States. He says that they are the boring cousins of the United States. It is not too late if you could find the passion for more than a stupid hockey game.

 

Match Number Five: Antonio Cesaro (with Zeb Colter) versus Santino Marella

 

Cesaro with a drop kick and he taunts Santino before punching him. Cesaro with a European uppercut followed by a dead lift side salto. Santino with punches and forearms followed by a kick and a round kick.

Cesaro with a double leg take down followed by a giant swing that lasts about thirty seconds. Cesaro waits for Santino to get back to his feet and Santino falls down. Cesaro with forearms and a kick to the head.

Santino ducks a short arm clothesline and he connects with a hip toss and a diving head butt. Santino goes for the Cobra and Cesaro kicks the Cobra and Cesaro with a European uppercut for a near fall. Cesaro throws the Cobra away and then Cesaro with a belly-to-belly slam for a near fall.

Cesaro with a running European uppercut into the corner for a near fall. Cesaro yells at Santino and Santino with a hip lock take down for the three count.

 

Winner: Santino Marella

 

We go to commercial.

We are back and Damien Sandow says that when he cashes in his Money in the Bank briefcase, he will assume his throne, but until then, he remains your uncrowned WWE Champion.

 

Match Number Six: Damien Sandow versus Miz

 

They lock up and Sandow with a waist lock but Miz with a standing switch. Sandow with an elbow and side head lock. Miz with a back elbow and kick followed by a suplex. Sandow with a kick to the midsection followed by shoulders. Miz with an Irish whip and the Awesome Clothesline. Miz goes up top and hits a double sledge from the top for a near fall.

Miz with knees to the back. Miz misses the running boot and Sandow sends Miz into he ropes. Sandow with forearms to Miz in the ropes followed by a running hip into the back and he gets a near fall. Sandow with a knee drop and he gets a near fall. Sandow with a front face lock and knees followed by a side Russian leg sweep.

Sandow with the elbow of disdain for a near fall. Sandow with knees to he back. Sandow with a reverse chin lock. Miz with an arm drag and then he gets his knee up. Miz with a shoulder tackle followed by a knee, a knee lift, and boot to the head.

Miz kicks Sandow in the thigh and then hits a drop kick into the thigh.

Fandango’s music plays and he comes out with Summer Rae.

Sandow with a rollup and a handful of tights for the three count.

 

Winner: Damien Sandow

 

After the match, Fandango reminds Miz of his name.

Renee Young is in the interview area with Goldust. She asks Goldust about his chance to help his brother by winning tonight and if he is ready for his match with Randy Orton. Goldust says that he has been the screw up of the family. Cody has chosen to live the right way. Goldust says that he has received multiple chances and he has screwed it up. Triple H has damaged the Rhodes family name. Tonight, Cody will get his second chance after he beats Randy Orton. Randy will never forget the name . . .

Hunter interrupts and he asks Goldust how it feels to be back. Hunter points out that the weight of the world is on Goldust’s shoulders because his brother’s fate is on the line. If Goldust wins, Cody gets his contract back. If he loses, what will happen? Hunter says that is a lot of pressure. Hunter says that he hopes that Goldust doesn’t let them down.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a WWE Rewind: The end of Cody Rhodes’ career in the WWE from last week’s Raw.

 

Match Number Seven: Randy Orton versus Goldust

 

Goldust with punches. Orton with a kick and he sends Goldust into the turnbuckles. Goldust with punches to Orton but Orton with a kick and Irish whip. Goldust gets his boots up and then he sends Orton shoulder first into the turnbuckles. Goldust with an Irish whip but Orton with a kick. Goldust with a back elbow and Orton rolls to the floor.

Orton returns to the ring and Orton wants a test of strength but it was a trap and he kicks Goldust. Orton with a European uppercut for a near fall. Orton chokes Goldust in the ropes. Orton tries for a drop kick but Goldust holds on to the ropes and Goldust with a jackknife cover for a near fall.

Goldust with chops to Orton. Orton with a thumb to the eyes and then he climbs the turnbuckles and punches Goldust in the head. Orton chokes Goldust in the ropes. Orton stomps on the hand. Orton sets for the power slam but Goldust holds the ropes and Orton hits the mat and Goldust gets a near fall.

Goldust sets for Shattered Dreams but Orton gets out of the ropes and to the floor as we go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with a reverse chin lock. Goldust with punches to get out of the hold. Orton with a European uppercut followed by an Irish whip but Goldust gets his boot up. Orton goes to the floor and Goldust follows. Orton tries to send Goldust into the ring steps but Goldust blocks it and he sends Orton into the steps. Goldust with a back rake and an uppercut before they return to the ring.

Orton drops Goldust on the top rope and then Orton Irish whips Goldust on the apron into the ring post. Orton goes to the floor and he hits a backdrop driver onto the ringside barrier. Orton sends Goldust into the ring steps and then he sends Goldust back into the ring and Orton gets a near fall.

Orton with a Garvin Stomp and he gets a near fall. Orton with a reverse chin lock. Goldust gets his second wind and he punches Orton. Orton with a knee but Goldust with a bulldog and both men are down.

Goldust with a few clotheslines and then he does the drop down uppercut. Goldust climbs the turnbuckles and he punches Orton. Goldust with an Irish whip that almost sends Orton into the referee but Orton stops short. Goldust with a rollup for a near fall.

Orton with an IEDDT and then Orton poses and he mocks Daniel Bryan while looking for the spot to twist to the mat for the RKO push ups. Goldust hits Cross Rhodes but Orton kicks out at two. Orton with a rollup for a near fall. Orton avoids a punch and hits an RKO for the three count.

 

Winner: Randy Orton

 

After the match, Orton stands over Goldust and he tells him that it looks like his dream of saving his baby brother’s career has been shattered. Just like Daniel Bryan’s dream of taking this away from him will be shattered at Night of Champions.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a Los Matadores video package.

Goldust is walking in the back and he looks a bit dejected by his loss. Stephanie stops Dustin and she says that he must be so disappointed. She knows that Cody and wife to be are disappointed. Cody doesn’t have a job any more. It is all because of Dustin. He let his brother, father, and whole family down. He let the WWE Universe down. She asks Dustin how does it feel.

She wants to know how it feels to be a loser . . . just like his brother. She tells Dustin to join him in the unemployment line. She tells Dustin to say hello to his father.

Before the next match starts, Alberto Del Rio comes out and he calls Van Dam a washed up loser. He calls Ricardo a peasant. Without Alberto Del Rio, Ricardo is nothing. The two of them belong with each other, just like him and his belt belong together. After Night of Champions, the people won’t be chanting RVD . . . they will be chanting ADR.

 

Match Number Eight: Rob Van Dam (with Ricardo Rodriguez) versus Ryback

 

Van Dam with a twisting drop kick and a springboard thrust kick. Van dam tries for a monkey flip but Ryback blocks it and sends him to the mat. Ryback with a back elbow and punches. Ryback with forearms to the back. Ryback with a belly-to-belly throw and then he slams Van Dam’s head into the mat.

Ryback with an abdominal stretch. Van Dam blocks being sent into the turnbuckles and Van Dam with a kick. Ryback catches Van Dam off the turnbuckles and he escapes and hits a step over spin kick. Van Dam with Rolling Thunder followed by a senton off the turnbuckles for a near fall.

Van Dam with a thrust kick and then he goes up top but Ryback goes to the floor. Van Dam tries for a cross body onto Ryback on the floor but Ryback moves and Van Dam hits the ringside barrier.

Ryback crotches Van Dam on the ring post and the referee calls for the bell.

 

Winner: Rob Van Dam (by disqualification)

 

After the match, Ryback sends Van Dam into the ring post again and then he brings Van Dam back into the ring for the marching muscle buster.

Big Show walks in the back and he stops by Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie reminds Show of the dynamic of the match. She tells Show not to lay a finger on The Shield. She says that emotions are high and she cannot have mass chaos in the main event. If he touches the Shield, he will be terminated because that is what is best for business.

Show picks up a television that happens to be in the area and he destroys it.

We go to commercial.

 

Match Number Nine: Daniel Bryan (with Big Show) versus Dean Ambrose (with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins) in a Non Title Match

 

Bryan with punches and kicks to start things off. The referee pulls Bryan out of the corner and then Ambrose with punches. Ambrose with a chop to Bryan. Bryan with kicks to Ambrose. Ambrose goes to the floor to avoid Bryan and deal with the effect of Bryan’s kicks. Rollins and Reigns discuss strategy only feet away from Big Show.

Ambrose returns to the ring while Rollins and Reigns tease interference. Bryan with punches and a knee to the midsection. Bryan with a kick to the back followed by a snap mare and kick to the back. Bryan with another snap mare and kick to the back for a near fall. Ambrose with a side head lock and shoulder tackle.

Bryan with a drop toe hold and then he stomps on the elbow. Bryan stomps on the elbow again to set up the Yes Lock or something else? Bryan continues to work on the shoulder and he applies a hammer lock on the mat. Bryan with a surfboard on Ambrose but Ambrose gets to the ropes.

Ambrose with a kick and he sends Bryan into the turnbuckles and he connects with shoulders. Bryan flips over Ambrose when he charges into the corner. Bryan with a flying clothesline followed by a suplex and then Bryan goes up top. Rollins distracts Bryan and the referee and Ambrose with a running forearm that knocks Bryan off the apron and into the ringside barrier as we go to commercial.

We are back and Ambrose sends Bryan into the turnbuckles and he connects with jabs. Ambrose with a hard Irish whip and he waits for Bryan to get up. Ambrose with another hard Irish whip as he continues to taunt Bryan. Ambrose with another Irish whip and he charges into the corner but Bryan moves and Ambrose hits the ring post with his shoulder.

Bryan with a running drop kick into the corner followed by a second one and then he kicks Ambrose in the corner. Bryan puts Ambrose on the turnbuckles and he hits a super rana for a near fall. Bryan with more kicks but he misses the round kick. Bryan with a counter to Ambrose and he gets a near fall with a rollup.

Bryan with the Yes Lock and he crawls to the ropes and he gets there and Bryan has to release the hold. Bryan with more kicks to Ambrose. Bryan misses the running drop kick into the corner and Bryan lands hard on the mat. Ambrose with a rollup for a near fall.

Ambrose punches Bryan and then he puts Bryan on the turnbuckles. Bryan escapes and he crotches Ambrose and puts him in the tree of woe. Bryan with kicks to the chest and he hits a hesitation drop kick. Bryan with a belly-to-back superplex and Bryan gets a near fall. Bryan with kicks to Ambrose but Ambrose moves and Bryan goes to the floor.

Reigns tries to interfere but he misses a spear into the ring steps. Rollins misses a dive onto Bryan and he hits the announce table. Ambrose with a DDT to Bryan on the floor while Big Show cannot do anything about it.

Ambrose brings Bryan back into the ring and he gets a near fall. Ambrose tells Bryan to stay down. Bryan with a small package for the three count.

 

Winner: Daniel Bryan

 

After the match, Ambrose tries to attack Bryan but Bryan sends him to the floor.

Randy Orton makes his way to the ring and Bryan with a suicide dive onto Orton. Bryan attacks Orton but the Shield joins in and it is a four on one attack.

Show picks up a chair and The Shield and Orton stop their attack on Bryan. Show drops the chair and the Shield roll Bryan back into the ring. Orton points at Show on the floor before Orton gives Bryan an RKO.

Triple H and Stephanie McMahon come out and they tell Show to put aside his feelings and the moral conundrum. He tells Show to walk to the ring and knock out Daniel Bryan.

Big Show makes his way to the ring. Show does not want to do it and Orton reminds Show of what Hunter told him moments ago. Orton tells Show that he will pick up Bryan for Show to knock him out.

Orton picks up Bryan and Show refuses to do it. Orton drops Bryan to the mat and Orton tells Show to turn around. Show tells Orton to leave him alone. Orton tells Show not to talk to him like that. He is the face of WWE. He tells Show to ball up his feet, pick up Daniel Bryan, and knock him back down.

Bryan with a flying knee to Randy Orton. Bryan picks up the title belt as we go to credits.

2014 - Vince Russo, during an interview with The Pro Wrestling Report Youtube series, ripped on SpikeTV as TNA Wrestling's broadcast partner. Russo said that Spike was a horrible partner for TNA and that the only way he could understand working with them is if there was no other option. Russo described them as a "horrible partner" and described the way they promoted and advertised TNA as "atrocious."

Several readers this afternoon sent along a response that David Schwarz, the Senior Vice President of Communications with Spike TV, made in response.  The comments, first published in a story written by The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer about Russo's remarks about the TNA-SpikeTV partnership, were:

"I want to start by saying we enjoyed a great relationship, a very collaborative relationship with Dixie Carter and her team over the years. We took TNA from a late night spot on Saturday nights, doing 500,000 viewers, to a two-hour time slot that did two million viewers over time. Spike went out of its way, not in just adhering to its contract, but above and beyond the contract. We paid Hulk Hogan, we paid Eric Bischoff, with our money. We financed many shows. We financed U.K. shows. We helped promote. We gave TNA a prime time slot of Thursdays from 9-11 p.m. I think his comments are way off base. Clearly, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He’s somebody who thinks more of himself than really exists. Vince Russo never meant anything to Spike TV. He had nothing to do with negotiations. Nobody cares about Vince Russo at Spike TV. Nobody cares or knows who he is. We have a great relationship with TNA. We went above and beyond for them, as they did for us. Dixie helped promote our shows. What Vince Russo is saying is complete nonsense."

Not knowing the original source of the comments when they were forwarded to PWInsider.com, I contacted Schwarz this afternoon.  He confirmed his comments were legitimate and when asked about Russo, added, "[Vince] Russo means less to Spike than gum that gets stuck on the bottom of a sneaker. What network would want to work with a guy who trashes other networks?"

Russo was let go from TNA from his position as a consultant in July 2014.

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