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March 27th
This day in wrestling on ....
1944 - Gray Mask defeats Gorilla Ramos to win the World Light Heavyweight Title in Hollywood, California, ending Ramos' second reign and beginning Gray Mask's second reign.
1953 - Ed Francis defeats Lou Klein in Columbus, Ohio for the Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Title, ending and beginning each man's second reign.
1959 - Mighty Ursus and Shag Thomas defeat Maurice and Paul Vachon for the Stampede International Tag Team Title in Calgary, Alberta, ending the Vachons' second reign.
1961 - Guy and Joe Brunetti defeat Mitsu Arakawa and Mr. Moto to win the Vancouver NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia, beginning their second reign.
1967 - Fritz Von Erich wins his third NWA American Heavyweight Title in Fort Worth, Texas, by defeating Brute Bernard. As a result, his NWA Texas Heavyweight Title was vacated, ending that third reign.
1970 - Bill Ross defeats Jim Breaks for the European Lightweight Title in Stirling, England, ending Breaks' second reign.
1970 - Frankie Laine and Moondog Mayne defeats Karl and Kurt Von Steiger to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title, ending the Von Steigers' fifth reign.
1971 - Stan Stasiak wins his fifth NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title from Dutch Savage.
1971 - The Avengers (Jimmy Golden and Dennis Hall) defeat Bobby Hart and Lorenzo Parente for the Mid-America NWA World Tag Team Title in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This began the Avengers' second reign and ended Hart and Parente's third reign.
1971 - Billy Joyce wins the British Light Heavyweight Title in Blackburn, England, defeating Tony Charles. The title had been vacated in December 1969 when champion Ernie Riley retired. Joyce held the title until his own 1976 retirement.
1973 - The Mongol and The Rugged Russian (Pedro Godoy) defeat Bob Kelly and Ken Lucas to win the Gulf Coast NWA United States Tag Team Title in Mobile, Alabama.
1982 - Invader I wins the WWC North American Heavyweight Title for the third time in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, defeating Bobby Jaggers.
1983 - Roddy Piper defeats Dick Slater in Asheville, North Carolina to win the NWA Television Title, beginning his second reign.
1983 - Private Nelson defeats Terry Kay for the NWA Canadian Television Title in Toronto, Ontario, beginning his second reign.
1988 - The WWF held WrestleMania IV at Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, with 18,165 fans attending. The event featured, among other things, a 14-man tournament for the WWF World Title which was vacated after a controversial match between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant on February 5. On pay-per-view, WrestleMania IV got a 6.5 buyrate. The results were:
- Bad News Brown won a 20-man battle royal, last eliminating Bret Hart. Brown and Hart cooperated to eliminate The Junkyard Dog. Brown then eliminated Hart to win after hitting him from behind with a Ghetto Blaster. Bret attacked Bad News after the match and destroyed the winner's trophy. The other participants in the match were: Ron Bass, B. Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell, Danny Davis, Sam Houston, Hillbilly Jim, The Junkyard Dog, Jim Neidhart, Ken Patera, Jim Powers, Harley Race, Paul Roma, Jacques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Sika, George Steele, Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov.
- Ted DiBiase (with Virgil and André the Giant) pinned Jim Duggan in a WWF Title tournament first round match, after André tripped Duggan and hit him, and DiBiase hit Duggan with a fist drop.
- Don Muraco (with Superstar Billy Graham) defeated Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) by disqualification in a WWF Title tournament first round match, after Bravo attempted to shield himself with the referee from a Muraco forearm.
- Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Butch Reed (with Slick) in a WWF Title tournament first round match, after a flying elbow drop.
- Greg Valentine pinned Ricky Steamboat in a WWF Title tournament first round match, by rolling through a flying crossbody.
- The One Man Gang (with Slick) defeated Bam Bam Bigelow (with Oliver Humperdink) by countout in a WWF Title tournament first round match, after Slick pulled the top rope down when Bigelow hit the ropes.
- Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) and Jake Roberts fought to a 15-minute time-limit draw in a WWF Title tournament first round match. Both were eliminated as a result of the draw.
- The Ultimate Warrior pinned Hercules (with Bobby Heenan), when Warrior raised his shoulder out of a half nelson suplex.
- In the first match of the quarterfinals of the WWF Title tournament, Hulk Hogan and André the Giant (with Ted DiBiase and Virgil), who had received first round byes, were both disqualified for using chairs. Both men were eliminated from the tournament.
- Ted DiBiase pinned Don Muraco (with Superstar Billy Graham) after a hot shot.
- The One Man Gang received a bye to the semifinals as a results of the Roberts-Rude draw.
- Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Greg Valentine in a WWF Title tournament quarterfinal match, with a roll-up after Savage countered Valentine's Figure Four leglock.
- Brutus Beefcake defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion The Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) by disqualification after Hart hit the referee with his megaphone. Honky Tonk Man retained the title.
- Bobby Heenan and The Islanders (Haku and Tama) defeated Koko B. Ware and The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid), when Heenan pinned Ware after The Islanders dropped Heenan onto him.
- Ted DiBiase received a bye to the championship match due to the André-Hogan double-disqualification.
- Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) defeated One Man Gang (with Slick) by disqualification in a WWF Title tournament semifinal match, after the Gang tried to hit Savage with Slick's cane.
- Demolition (Ax and Smash (with Mr. Fuji)) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Strike Force (Rick Martel and Tito Santana), when Ax pinned Martel after hitting him with Mr. Fuji's cane, to win the title.
- In the tournament final match, Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth and Hulk Hogan) pinned Ted DiBiase (with André the Giant) to win the vacant WWF World Title after a flying elbow drop, after Hogan hit DiBiase in the back with a chair. During the match, Savage had Elizabeth go to the locker room to bring Hogan to the ring after André had been interfering.
1988 - Up against the WWF's WrestleMania IV pay-per-view, TBS aired the very first NWA Clash of the Champions. The show got a 5.8 rating live from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. The results were:
- NWA World Television Champion Mike Rotunda (with Kevin Sullivan) pinned Jimmy Garvin (with Precious) at 1:10 in the second round of an "College Rules" match with a cradle.
- NWA United States Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) by reverse decision to retain the title. Fulton had originally pinned Eaton, but the decision was reversed because Fulton had thrown the referee over the top rope before the pin.
- The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk (with Paul Ellering)) and Dusty Rhodes defeated Ivan Koloff and The Powers of Pain (The Barbarian and The Warlord) (with Paul Jones in a Barbed Wire match, when The Warlord was pinned after The Barbarian accidentally headbutted him.
- Lex Luger and Barry Windham defeated NWA World Tag Team Champions Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard (with J.J. Dillon), when Luger pinned Anderson after throwing him into Dillon, who was on the apron.
- NWA World Heavyweight Champion Ric Flair fought Sting to a 45-minute time-limit draw. Ringside judges for the match were Gary Juster, Sandy Scott and January 1988 Penthouse Pet of the month Patty Mullen. The judges couldn't come to a decision on who won, and Flair retained the title.
1988 - All Japan Pro Wrestling also held an event at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The results were:
- Mitsuo Momota pinned Tsuyoshi Kikuchi.
- Akira Taue and Isamu Teranishi defeated Haruka Eigen and Mighty Inoue, when Taue pinned Eigan.
- Masa Fuchi pinned George Skaaland.
- Samson Fuyuki, Ashura Hara and Toshiaki Kawada defeated Takashi Ishikawa, Shinichi Nakano and Motoshi Okuma, when Hara pinned Okuma.
- Tom McGee defeated Isao Takagi by submission.
- The Great Kabuki and Tiger Mask (Mistuharu Misawa) defeated Austin Idol and Tommy Rich.
- Big Bubba Rogers pinned Shunji Takano.
- Giant Baba and Hiroshi Wajima defeated Rusher Kimura and Goro Tsurumi, when Tsurumi was pinned.
- Abdullah the Butcher and Tiger Jeet Singh defeated John Tenta and Yoshiaki Yatsu, when Abdullah pinned Tenta.
- NWA United National and PWF World Heavyweight Champion Genichiro Tenryu defeated Stan Hansen by disqualification to retain the titles.
- Bruiser Brody pinned NWA International Heavyweight Champion Jumbo Tsuruta to win the title, ending Tsuruta's second reign and beginning Brody's third. It would be the final major title Brody would hold before his death four months later.
1992 - Eddie Gilbert defeats The Dark Patriot (Doug Gilbert) for the Global Wrestling Federation North American Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas.
1994 - All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling held its second-annual Wrestling Queendom event at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. The results:
- AJW Junior Champion Candy Okutsu pinned Rie Tamada to retain the title.
- Little Great Muta defeated Little Abdullah the Butcher.
- AJW Tag Team Champions Miki Handa and Yasha Kurenai defeated Kaoru Ito and Tomoko Watanabe, when Kurenai pinned Watanabe, to retain the title.
- Hikari Fukuoka pinned Chaparita Asari.
- Megumi Kido and Nurse Nakamura defeated Suzuka Minami and Chikako Shiratori, when Kido made Shiratori submit.
- IWA World Women's Champion Manami Toyota pinned Plum Mariko to retain the title.
- Reggie Bennett and Eagle Sawai defeated Takako Inoue and UWA World Women's Tag Team Champion Yumiko Hotta, when Bennett made Inoue submit.
- Etsuko Mita and AJW Singles Champion Mima Shimoda defeated JWP Tag Team Champions Mayumi Ozaki and Cutie Suzuki, when Mita pinned Suzuki. This ended Ozaki and Suzuki's second reign.
- Dynamite Kansai pinned Sakie Hasegawa.
- UWA World Women's Tag Team Champion Kyoko Inoue defeated All Pacific Champion Toshiyo Yamada by submission to win the title, beginning her second.
- Akira Hokuto and Shinobu Kandori defeated WWWA World Singles Champion Aja Kong and Bull Nakano, when Hokuto pinned Kong.
1995 - Miss Texas (Jacqueline Moore) wins her 10th of 14 USWA Women's Titles in Memphis, Tennessee, ending Sweet Georgia Brown's third reign.
1997 - Danny Dee defeats Tarek the Great to win the IWA Mid-South Lightweight Title in Louisville, Kentucky. The title had been stripped that same day from The American Kickboxer.
1998 - Doug Gilbert wins the NWA National Heavyweight Title in Mount Holly, New Jersey, by winning a three-way match against Rocco Rock and Barry Windham. Salvatore Sincere had vacated the title on October 11.
2000 - Juggernaut and Dr. Luther win the NWA/ECCW Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title from the Glamour Order of Discipline (Johnny Canuck and Michelle Starr) in New Westminster, British Columbia, ending their fourth reign. The Glamour Order of Discipline won the title back the same day, beginning their fifth reign.
2001 - Chotaro Kamoi defeats Shark Tsuchiya for the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Title, beginning his eighth reign.
2002 - Red defeats Qenaan Creed to win the Maryland Championship Wrestling Cruiserweight Title in Glen Burnie, Maryland, ending Creed's second reign.
2004 - After losing the title the previous day, Takeshi Morishima begins his second World League Wrestling Heavyweight Title reign, by defeating Rick Steiner in Bolivar, Missouri.
2004 - American Steel Ninja and Brass Munkey win the Carolina Wrestling Federation Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Title from Brad Attitude and Brad Rainz in Ramseur, North Carolina, ending their second reign.
2004 - El Rockero wins the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title for the seventh time, ending Pablo Marquez's third reign in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
2004 - Sammy Ray defeats Ross Jordan in London, England to win the British Welterweight Title.
2004 - Shane Somers defeats Ricky Murdoch for the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Title in Plato, Missouri, beginning his third reign.
2004 - Mad Mike defeats Nikita Allanov to win the NWA East Heavyweight Title in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, ending Allanov's second reign.
2005 - Ricky Banderas wins his second IWA Intercontinental Heavyweight Title in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, defeating Kasey James.
2005 - Kenshin defeats Riki Senshu to win the DDT Ironman Heavymetalweight Title in Tokyo, Japan.
2005 - Pro Wrestling ZERO1-MAX held the fifth event of its Strong Wind and Thunder tour at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The results:
- Hachimaki No Tetsu defeated Rikiya Fudo after a Twisting Mark.
- Ryouji Sai and Masato Tanaka defeated Tomoaki Honma and Osamu Namiguchi, when Sai pinned Namiguchi after a low kick.
- Sonjay Dutt pinned Tatsuhito Takaiwa after a Phoenix Splash in an AWA World Junior Heavyweight Title tournament qualifying match.
- C.W. Anderson defeated Kohei Sato to win the vacant NWA United National Heavyweight Title. The title had been stripped from Takao ÅŒmori on February 28 due to a lack of title defenses.
- Minoru Fujita and Ikuto Hidaka defeated Alex Shelley and Spanky (Brian Kendrick), when Hidaka pinned Spanky after a tornado DDT, to win the vacant NWA International Lightweight Tag Team Title. The title had been stripped from Kaz Hayashi and Spanky on February 28 due to a lack of title defenses.
- AWA World Heavyweight Champion Takao ÅŒmori defeated Steve Corino and Shinjiro Otani in a three-way elimination match to retain the title. Otani made Corino submit with the King Cobra Clutch, and Omori pinned ÅŒmori after the Axe Bomber.
2007 - The following press release was issued, announcing former WWE champion Brock Lesnar's first ever MMA bout:
World-Class Warriors to Clash at the L.A. Coliseum for Historic Mixed Martial Arts Extravaganza
Blockbuster Fight Series to Arrive on June 2nd in the U.S. for First Time on SHOWTIME(R) Pay-Per-View
LOS ANGELES , March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- FEG (Fighting Entertainment Group), ProElite and Showtime Networks today announced a deal to bring the immensely popular "K-1 Dynamite" mixed martial arts (MMA) series to the United States for the first time. Dubbed "Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite," this SHOWTIME Pay-Per-View event will take place June 2 at the legendary Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will host a mixed martial arts fighting event for the first time in its 74-year history.
"Dynamite!! USA promises to be one of the most exciting MMA events in history, and FEG is extremely excited to bring our production to this legendary Los Angeles venue," said Mr. Tanikawa , CEO of FEG. "Mixed martial arts has shown tremendous growth in recent years and events like this show that we are looking to raise the bar in making it one of the more popular sports in the U.S."
Headliners on the fight card will come from a variety of backgrounds, including 7-foot-2 South Korean giant Hong Man Choi , aka "Techno Goliath," who will face off against former NCAA and WWE wrestling champion Brock Lesnar. Also joining the fight card on June 2 will be mixed martial arts legend Royce Gracie and Johnnie Morton , a former USC Trojaanwide receiver and NFL star.
Hong Man Choi , a K-1 Asia champion, will be making his first U.S. MMA appearance at the June 2 event, where he will take on newcomer Lesnar, a North Dakota native who rose to WWE stardom in shows such as WWE Raw, SummerSlam and WrestleMania. Gracie, a 14-year MMA pioneer and UFC Hall of Famer, began his training in the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu and has taken on many larger opponents during his career, including 6'8, 486 lb. Sumo Grand Champion, Akebono, who Gracie defeated. Morton, a Los Angeles native and football star with University of Southern California and the NFL's Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers during an illustrious career, will be making his MMA debut at "Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite."
The pay-per-view fight card, which begins at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT , will feature up to six fights, with co-main events. Prior to the pay-per-view, SHOWTIME will televise three explosive bouts featuring EliteXC stars Jake Shields , Antonio Silva and Gina Carano , free to SHOWTIME subscribers from 9-10 p.m. ET/6-7 p.m. PT. For pay-per-view pricing and ordering information, viewers should contact their local cable or satellite provider.
"Dynamite!! USA will offer one of the most diverse and exclusive fight cards to appear in an MMA ring, something we feel is important for our inaugural event in the U.S.," said Mr. Tanikawa , CEO of FEG. "All the fighters bring different sets of skills to the ring, which makes for truly entertaining combat. MMA fans stateside and around the world will be treated to a number of exhilarating matches and unique competitors that make these fights so exciting."
"Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite" will combine the disciplines of karate, kickboxing and kung fu, as well as masteries of jiu-jitsu, judo and wrestling. The action takes place in a boxing-style ring, which provides easy accessibility for TV viewers and audiences. FEG matches take place in a controlled environment, where competitors are required to adhere to a series of rules and regulations. Fighters are not allowed to use elbows and attacks are not allowed to the head when one of the opponents is on the ground.
FEG holds events in more countries worldwide than any other MMA organization. The events, which draw in excess of 90,000 fans to packed arenas, have been broadcast in more than 130 countries, including New Years Eve prime time broadcasts that average more than 40 million viewers worldwide. Fans can purchase tickets for Dynamite!! USA at all Ticketmaster locations, as well as online at www.ticketmaster.com and the Coliseum box office. Ticket prices will range depending on locations. Seats are available both on the field and in the stadium bowl.
"Softbank presents Dynamite!! USA in association with ProElite" was brought to the United States from Japan with the financial help of Mr. Masayoshi Son , CEO of Softbank Capital, who, according to Forbes Magazine, is the richest man in Japan . Softbank, a leading telecommunications and media corporation, has been a key partner in the distribution of broadcasting and videogram rights throughout the world using Softbank's global network. As a result, the fighting competitions offered by FEG, such as "K-1," are currently viewed by spectators in more than 130 countries throughout Asia, Europe and Africa .
"As business partners, Softbank will combine FEG's excellent fighting sports content and event production expertise with SOFTBANK's strengths to pursue further global expansion," said Mr. Son . "We will fully support 'Dynamite!! USA' and offer blood-tingling sport scenes to audiences throughout the U.S."
"This fight card, with a star-studded field of international competitors is one of the most compelling pay-per-view offerings I have seen in a long time," said Ken Hershman , Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks. "Showtime Networks has long been a leader in the pay-per-view business and we are proud to produce and distribute this event, as well as offer the compelling lead-in bouts on SHOWTIME. I would like to thank Softbank, FEG and ProElite for their tireless effort helping pull off this epic event."
Calling the action on both the SHOWTIME telecast and the Dynamite!! USA pay-per-view will be play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo . Iconic world wrestling star Bill Goldberg and veteran NFL reporter Jay Glazer will serve as color analysts. The executive producer of US telecasts will be David Dinkins , Jr. with eight-time Emmy Award winner John Faratzis directing
"The tremendous growth of the sport over the last few years clearly demonstrates a demand for MMA on television and its passionate fan base is a community which ProElite is building," said Doug DeLuca, CEO of ProElite.
In the weeks prior to the live event, SHOWTIME(R) will air a six-part series entitled "Countdown to Dynamite!! U.S.A.," profiling fighters, detailing the match ups and previewing the historic night of action. New episodes of Countdown will premiere every Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET /PT beginning April 30 , on SHOWTIME(R), with replays airing throughout the week on the network's multiplex channels. For a complete schedule of airings, visit to www.SHO.com/schedule.
Promotions partner ProElite will execute a range of marketing efforts leading up to the June 2 event. Through its ProElite.com Internet community which is an inclusive, social network for fans, fighters and MMA organizations there will be exclusive content and promotional opportunities tied to this event; visit www.proelite.com.
2007 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi. Buck Woodward filed the following TV report:
ECW on Sci Fi for March 27th opened with them plugging that we would be hearing Bobby Lashley and Vince McMahon's "final statements" before the Battle of the Billionaires at Wrestlemania on Sunday.
Rob Van Dam vs. Elijah Burke
The fans were chanting for RVD before the first lock up. Van Dam swept out Burke's leg on the initial lockup. Burke grabbed a side headlock, but RVD turned it into a headscissors. They went into a bridge, but Burke used his weight to drive RVD into the canvas. Burke rammed RVD into a turnbuckle, but Van Dam fought back with punches. Burke slammed RVD and hit an elbowdrop for a two count. Burke ran into an elbow and Van Dam rammed him into a corner. Burke kicked RVD in the gut, but Van Dam flipped over a backdrop attempt and hit a side kick. Van Dam backdropped Burke, then crotched him on the top rope. Van Dam hit a top rope kick on Burke, knocking him off the rope and to the floor. There was a slight "ECW" chant. Van Dam hit a somersault over the top rope and to the floor, nailing Burke as they went to commercial.
Back from break, Burke had RVD in a chinlock. Van Dam elbowed out and swept Burke's leg. Van Dam went for Rolling Thunder, but Burke got his knees up. Burke hit a series of punches to the back and rubbed Van Dam's face into the mat. Burke hit a vertical suplex, then went right into a back suplex. Burke applied a surfboard, and there was an "ECW" chant. Van Dam stood up and back kicked to escape it, but Burke dropped Van Dam and applied a Texas Cloverleaf. Burke went down to one knee with the hold, but Van Dam broke out of it and grabbed the ropes. Burke stayed on Van Dam's back, and whipped him hard in the corner. Burke hit an elbowdrop in the corner, then mocked Van Dam's pose. Burke scored a pair of two counts, then drove some forearms into Van Dam's back before applying a chinlock. Van Dam broke out, but ran into a boot by Burke. Burke went to the top rope, but jumped off into a spinkick by Van Dam.
RVD hit a pair of clotheslines. Burke went for a kick, but RVD caught it and kicked Burke in the head. Van Dam hit a spinkick for a two count. Burke reversed a whip into the corner, but missed the double jumping knee in the corner (The Elijah Express) and crashed into the turnbuckles. Van Dam hit the five star frog splash for the clean win.
Winner: Rob Van Dam.
Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn ran in and attacked Van Dam, but Sabu, Sandman and Tommy Dreamer ran out and the New Breed bailed out of the ring. The did a staredown New Breed on the floor, Originals in the ring, and yelled at each other.
Extreme Expose danced, if you call it that, to a song by the Ying Yang Twins. At least they didn't befoul a Def Leppard classic this week. They did a bit where they wore hats. Guess who lost her hat and did the rest of the dance number with an "imaginary hat"? Yep, Kelly Kelly.
They went backstage, where Edge was with his partners for the night, CM Punk and the Hardys. Edge said that they don't like each other, but he was the first Money In The Bank winner, and they should listen to him. He said there were too many egos on the other team, and they could take out some of the opposition for Wrestlemania tonight if they work together. Edge walked off, and it didn't look like Punk and the Hardys were buying it.
Balls Mahoney vs. Snitsky.
Snitsky shoulderblocked Balls to the floor at the start, rammed him into the post, and put him back in the ring and kicked him in the chest. Snistky catapulted Balls throat-first into the bottom rope. Snitsky hit the big boot to the face and got the pin.
Winner: Snitsky.
They reviewed Vince McMahon's "win" over Bobby Lashley last night on Raw.
Backstage, Kennedy and Orton were whispering to each other. Fit Finlay and Booker entered, and Orton & Kennedy said they would see them later and left. Booker wondered what they were talking about, and Finlay said they were talking bad about Booker. Booker said he never trusted them, and that he and Finlay should watch each other's back tonight. Finlay agreed, then laughed and said that Booker could never trust him either before walking off.
They did the Vince McMahon-Bobby Lashley faceoff, which was done with both men joining us "via satellite". Vince immediately talked about how great it was to be in the WWE Studios in Connecticut, not Michigan. Lashley was backstage in Grand Rapids. Vince talked about partying after his win last night, and how Vince was looking forward to watching Lashley "let everyone down" at Wrestlemania. Vince said that Lashley's future in WWE is "bleak" and if he was in Grand Rapids tonight, he would walk up the Lashley and beat him up. Lashley simply said "Listen you old bastard, at Wrestlemania you are leaving as one bald son of a bitch".
Edge, Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & CM Punk vs. Randy Orton, Ken Kennedy, King Booker & Fit Finlay.
There was a ladder at ringside and the Money In The Bank briefcase was hanging above the ring. Everyone had their own entrance except the Hardys, who came out together. Edge came out last, then they went to commercial before the match began.
Back from break, Matt Hardy kicked Kennedy and hit the Side Effect, but Booker broke up the cover. Matt rammed Kennedy in a corner and tagged in Jeff. The Hardys hit a double back elbow and a elbowdrop/fistdrop combo for a two count. Jeff missed a splash in the corner and Kennedy tagged in Orton, who stomped Jeff down. Orton hit an uppercut and worked over Jeff with punches in a corner. Orton and Edge argued. Jeff leapfrogged Orton and hit the Whisper In The Wind but Booker broke up the cover. Matt tagged in and he and Jeff hit a legdrop combo on Randy for a two count. Matt tagged in CM Punk, who hit a double axhandle to the back of Orton, the followed with a vertical suplex. Kennedy broke up his cover.
Orton tagged in Finlay, who kicked Punk in the gut as Orton held him. Finlay hit some short arm clotheslines, then a sit down splash for a two count. Finlay slammed Punk, then dropped an elbow and tagged in King Booker. Booker kicked Punk on the mat and hit a series of right hands. Booker traded punches with Punk, then tagged in Finlay, who took Punk down with a chinlock. Punk fought up and elbowed out of it, then Finlay hit a clothesline to stop his momentum and reapplied the hold. Orton tagged in, and Punk rallied with kicks and punches, but Orton took him down with a clothesline and hit a kneedrop for two. King Booker tagged in and continued the beat down of Punk, until Punk reversed a whip and hit a jumping knee in the corner, followed by a bulldog. Punk then tagged Edge, who seemed annoyed at first, then got in the ring and acted like he was going to spear Booker. Edge then turned around and tagged Punk back, then dropped to the floor.
Punk and the Hardys argued with Edge, and this allowed Booker to knee Punk, but Punk came back with an enzugiri. The match broke down, with everyone running in, except Edge on the floor and Finlay, who stayed on the apron. Jeff tossed Orton to the floor and dove out on him. Matt fought with Kennedy, eventually ending up on the floor. In the ring, Punk was battling Booker, but Finlay hit him from the apron with the shillelagh, and Booker hit the ax kick for the win.
Winners: Randy Orton, Ken Kennedy, King Booker & Fit Finlay.
The winners started to argue amongst each other, and it broke out in a brawl. The Hardys came back in with a ladder and cleaned house on everyone, blasting them all with the ladder. Finlay suffered a nasty gash near his eye. The Hardys cleared the ring, then set up an extra-large ladder. They climbed up opposite sides and both grabbed the briefcase. They were talking to each other atop the ladder, and the announcers speculated what would happen at Wrestlemania if both of them were going for the briefcase in the Money In The Bank ladder match to end the show.
2008 - TNA broadcast Impact live for the first time ever from Orlando, FL, taking advantage of fans in the Orlando, FL area for the Wrestlemania 24 festivivies. Devin Cox filed the following TV report:
TNA’s first ever live broadcast (titled “Sting’s Return”) opened with their new slogan, “Cross the Line.”
Booker T and Robert Roode are brawling through the crowd immediately at the opening.span> They make their way to the ring and Peyton Banks runs in, then Traci Brooks. The women catfight for a moment before Jim Cornette and TNA security break up the fight.
Tenay and West welcome us to the show and run down tonight’s card.
Cornette’s got a mic and he says that tonight we will see Booker T vs. Robert Roode with the fans being able to pick the stipulation… First Blood, Last Man Standing, or I Quit.
Backstage Kurt Angle tells Styles and Tomko that he needs them at their best tonight. He needs Tomko for his strength and A.J. for his speed. He then tells Jeremy Borash he needs to hit the gym because next week it might be him.
Match #1 Johnny Devine vs. Alex Shelley – X-Scape qualifier
They go back and forth at the beginning while team 3D looks on. Devine with a rollup for a 2 count. About 2 minutes in, the lights go out as if Sting might be making his entrance. Team 3D run away in fear. The lights go back on and Shelley dives to the outside onto Devine as the crowd chants T-N-A. This crowd is awesome. The Knockouts are arguing in the back as we go to commercial. Can we focus on one thing at a time TNA?
We are back and Devine with a snap suplex followed by a two count. Devine pounds Shelley into the mat and then mocks his Motor City Machineguns hand signal thing. Shelley with chops and a suplex, followed by a nice Lionsault for a two count. They reverse each other’s moves until Shelley backdrops Devine out of the ring. Devine uses Shelley’s paparazzi camera as a weapon, the ref doesn’t see it, Devine hits his finisher for the pin. Too short of a match to judge really. I was surprised by the finish.
Winner: Johnny Devine
They show a video of Jay Lethal and Socal “Miss Elizabeth” Val working out in the gym. Val is spotting Lethal while he bench presses. Sonjay Dutt shows up and offers to help Val work out. They run off leaving Lethal stuck with lots of weight on his chest.
Booker T cuts an awesome promo saying he wants Robert Roode’s blood. I guess they’re pushing First Blood match for the fan voting… He says Roode won’t make it to lockdown. He says he will make sure Roode is never in the ring with Sharmell ever again. And he knows Roode can dig that… sucka.
Commercial break…
Jeremy Borash is backstage with Team 3D and Johnny Devine. Ray shoves Borash out of the way and congratulates Devine on his win. Ray then focuses on Sting. Sting’s path and Team 3D’s path have never crossed. Ray says that while Sting was being baby’d in WCW, Team 3D was stealing the show in WWE. The lights go out again. They look around trying to figure out what’s going on…
Speaking of WWE, TNA decides to rat out none other than Highlander Robbie McCallister sitting in the audience! He obviously doesn’t want the cameras on him. Oops! Let’s see how long before WWE is “wishing him the best in all his future endeavors…”
Match #2 Scott Steiner, Rocka Chan and Petey Williams vs. LAX and Salinas
Steiner with a belly to belly suplex on Homicide but pulls him up before the 3 count. He gives him a top rope belly to belly instead. Steiner tags in Williams who works him over with punches until Homicide hits the Gringo Stunner and tags in Hernandez. Hernandez cleans house, throwing bodies everywhere. Salinas attacks Rocka. Hernandez flies out of the ring onto Steiner. Homicide attempts a Gringo Killer on Petey, Petey reverses into a Canadian Destroyer, but Homicide reverses that into a T-Bone suplex for a bridge and a 3 count. The crowd loves LAX. Steiner takes Petey back for more punishment.
Winners: LAX and Salinas
TNA Rough Cut video about VKM breaking up over the feast or fired match. Why are they on a playground?
Commercial break…
They air a cool video promoting the Lockdown ppv, but the audio feed is screwing up. They start to show a Consequences Creed video, but there’s still no audio. Welcome to live TV TNA!
Mike Tenay interviews Karen Angle about her separating from her husband. Karen took the children away from home… yada yada… Kurt’s focused on Joe so much that he doesn’t show any affection to his family… blah blah… Tenay asks Karen to confirm that she’s seeing someone on the TNA roster. Karen says she has met someone who treats her as a lady should be treated, the way Kurt used to treat her. But other than that she cannot confirm any rumors. Whatever.
Another commercial break.
Video about Joe training for his lockdown match. They’re pushing this like it’s a legitimate MMA-style shoot fight. Cool video.
Tenay asks Joe via satellite how the training is going. Joe says it’s the most vicious training he’s ever been to. He says there’s a thousand excuses why he didn’t win all of his matches against Angle, but that’s not what the fans want. He says he will hold the TNA title with honor and defend it with sweat and blood, not with backstage politics. He’s coming for something at Lockdown, and it’s Kurt Angles TNA title. Great promo.
MMA fighter Frank Trigg joins the commentators for our next match…
Match #3 Kurt Angle vs. A.J. Styles and Tomko in some sort of collegiate wrestling thing?
We will have alternating one minute rounds. First is Angle vs. Tomko. Angle takes down Tomko and locks in a triangle choke. Tomko gets the ropes and Angle breaks the hold. Angle takes him down again and wrestles around a bit as time runs out.
A.J. is in now and Angle slaps him around. A.J. is wearing his goofy old Gainesville collegiate wrestling gear. A.J. circles around, avoiding Angle for a minute, literally, and time runs out with nothing happening. Trigg puts over that A.J. is tiring and frustrating Angle.
Tomko is in and he chokes Angle against the ropes, they break and Tomko takes him down to a positive crowd reaction. Angle reverses into an ankle lock and Tomko holds on, screaming in pain, as time runs out.
A.J. is in again and he wrestles with Angle a bit, but mostly avoids anything physical. Tomko is shown on the apron, bleeding from his right eye. Time runs out and Angle is frustrated that A.J. is not trying to fight Kurt. Time runs out again and Tomko breaks them up.
Team Cage comes out and Christian wonders if Angle is seriously doing this. He challenges Team Angle to a real wrestling match. Angle walks out of the ring and Team Cage attacks Tomko and A.J. Team 3D runs in and the heels gang up on the babyfaces. They set up a table and put Christian on it. The lights go out again and… Sting is in the ring with a baseball bat! The ring clears and the crowd goes nuts. The heels look on in disbelief. Sting says it feels great to be back. Sting says let’s not wait for Lockdown, let’s have a match tonight. Sting's music plays while he shakes hands with Christian as we go to commercial…
We are back and Don West pushes the house shows and Lockdown fanfest.
Jeremy Borash is in the back with Robert Roode. JB says that his match tonight will be… surprise surprise… a First Blood match. Roode says that come hell or high water, he will get Sharmell back in that ring and there’s nothing Booker can do about it. He says that Booker wants his blood, well that makes them even because Roode wants Booker’s blood as well. And he also wants Sharmell’s blood as well. Damn… that promo was downright evil. Roode is really coming out as a great heel.
Match #4: Booker T vs. Robert Roode – First Blood match
Booker hits the ring and chops Roode then kicks him in the head. Roode with punches and runs against the ropes but Booker with a spinebuster. He goes for the scissor kick but Roode avoids it. Booker goes for the Bookend but Roode avoids that as well. Tenay says that tonight’s main event will be an 8 man tag – Sting, Cage, Nash, and Rhino vs. Team 3D, Styles and Tomko… commercial free. Booker backdrops Roode out of the ring as we go to commercial.
We are back and they are brawling outside the ring. Roode slams Booker’s head into the apron and tells the ref to check for blood. They get back in the ring and Roode sets up a chair. Booker with punches but Roode with a drop toe hold into the chair. They are up and Roode punches Booker but Booker no sells, Roode grabs the chair but Booker kicks him. Booker throws the chair to Roode and attempts to kick it, but Roode ducks and hits Booker with it. He goes to hit Booker again but Booker moves and the chair bounces off the ropes and hits Roode in the head. Booker clotheslines him over the ropes and attacks him outside. Booker catapults Roode into the ring post and Roode is busted open. Wow, that ended quickly.
Winner: Booker T.
We are in the back with Awesome Kong and Raieesha Saieed. Saieed says that it does not matter who wins the fans voting. Tonight Kong will show why she is champion. We will find out Kong’s opponent right after the commercial…
We are back and “thousands” of votes have been counted and tonight Kong will be facing… ODB. Gail Kim congratulates her and tells her to get the job done.
Match #5: Awesome Kong vs. ODB
The crowd is chanting O-D-B at the start. They lock up and Kong throws ODB into the ropes. ODB with punches to Kong and attempts to slam her, but Kong falls forward onto ODB instead for a two count. Kong with chops in the corner, then slams her by her hair into the mat. Kong ties up ODB in a Steiner-recliner like position, but pulling her hair instead of choking her. Kong whips her into the corner then squashes her. Kong with a camel clutch. ODB somehow reverses and slaps Kong off of her. She runs off the ropes and tries a clothesline but Kong doesn’t budge. Kong clotheslines ODB and goes for a splash but misses. ODB hulks up and punches Kong. She goes for shoulder blocks and dropkicks but cannot knock Kong down. ODB climbs the ropes and drinks from her flask, powering up like Popeye with his spinach and finally takes Kong down with a flying tackle for a near fall. Kong with a kick and then an awesome bomb for the clean pin. Short, but a fun match!
Winner: Awesome Kong.
Commercial, then they re-show the Lockdown preview, this time with audio (yay!).
Team Cage is in the back with Leticia with a promo about tonight’s match.
Match #6: Team 3D, AJ Styles and Tomko vs. Rhino, Kevin Nash, Sting, and Christian Cage.
The crowd is way behind Sting, who looks to be in great shape. Cage and Styles lock up at the start. Cage slaps AJ, then a drop toe hold. He whips AJ into the corner and AJ goes for a moonsault but misses and lands on his feet. He tags in Tomko and Cage chops him then tags in Nash. Nash and Tomko stare each other down then lock up. Tomko with punches in the corner. Nash reverses an Irish whip and hits a side slam for a two count. Nash tags in Rhino, Tomko tags in Ray. Ray hits Rhino then tags in Devon for a double team move. Rhino starts to make a comeback on Devon, but Styles and Tomko trip him from the outside and crotch him on the ring post. The crowd is chanting “We Want Sting.” Ray is in now and splashes Rhino for a two count. He tags in Tomko who kicks Rhino and chokes him. Rhino with punches but Tomko with a huge elbow and Rhino is back down again. Tomko tags in Ray who ties up Rhino with a leg scissors. He tags A.J. and A.J. beats him down. He whips Rhino into the ropes and hits a beautiful dropkick then tags in Ray. Team 3D are double teaming Rhino when he avoids it and hits a hot tag to Sting.
Sting cleans house and gives the crowd a “whoo.” Sting hits Stinger Splashes on everyone in the corners. Sting with a Scorpion Deathlock on A.J. but Ray hits him off. Everyone is in the ring now with Hebner losing control. Tomko tries to slam Sting but Sting reverses into a Scorpion Death Drop. Nash clotheslines Devon then chokeslams Ray. Cage with a tornado DDT on Tomko from the corner. Sting press slams A.J. onto Tomko in the back. 3D tries to hit the 3D on Sting but Rhino gores Ray. Sting locks in the Scorpion Deathlock on Devon while the babyfaces make sure the heels stay away. Devon taps out.
Winners: Sting, Christian Cage, Rhino, and Kevin Nash.
Team Cage celebrates in the ring with a fireworks display. James Storm comes out of nowhere and hits Sting with a beer bottle and the heels attack. James Storm celebrates with the heels while Sting stares at the lights as we go off the air.
Thoughts… All of the matches on this show were a lot of fun, but way too short. I guess we’ve come to expect that from TNA lately though. The longest match was the one no one cared about (Angle’s collegiate wrestling, whatever that thing was). The main event was great and the crowd obviously loved Sting’s return. Sting scoring the victory was exactly what should have happened. James Storm’s attack came out of nowhere and left the show with a great cliffhanger. It took an otherwise predictable segment and added some surprise. I guess it will be five on five at Lethal Lockdown after all… Overall I really enjoyed this show. It was the best Impact in recent memory. TNA can really get the ball rolling here if they make the right moves creatively over the next couple weeks.
2009 - World Wrestling Entertainment was continuing work on their latest attempt towards purchasing the Mid South/UWF video library owned by Bill Watt's ex-wife as they were in Georgia a week or so back doing due diligence on the library. One of the major obstacles in the past had been the sizeable difference between what WWE was willing to pay to acquire the library and what Bill Watt's ex-wife, Ene and her sons felt the library was worth. One source close to the family indicated the company hasn't given an official offer yet but spent several days looking over the quality of the footage. In the end, the two sides were not able to make a deal and to date, the library remains owned by the Watts family.
2010 - Ring of Honor held their second Wrestlemania weekend event on Saturday afternoon 3/27 at Phoenix College's North Gym. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Ricky Romero vs. Kenny Omega
Omega and Romero locked up and Omegas rode him to the mat with a waistlock. Romero escaped and they grappled back and forth until Omega escaped and they faced off. Romero was going after the arm Omega hurt yesterday. Omega nailed a dropkick and used a spinkick to knock Romero to the outside. He went for a dive but Romero springboarded off the ropes into a rana, sending Omega to the floor. Romero followed up with some strong kicks and mat work. Omega made a comeback and dropped Romero with a suplex. He nailed a sliding kick. Romero powered back with a series of strikes, backing Omega into the corner. Omega ducked and nailed him with big right. He nailed a rana on Romero. Omega went for an uranage but Romero turned it into a Lucha takedown, then hit a swinging DDT.
Romero began peppering Omega with kicks to the legs. Omega nailed a sliding kick to take out Romero. He leaped over Romero with a leapfrog and brought him down with a bulldog. Romero came back with a leaping knee in the corner. Omega went for a big boot but Romero caught him with a dragon screw legwhip. Omega came back with a series of back suplexes. Omega nailed a leg lariat. He went for a forward roll but Romero pancaked him out and locked in an anklelock. Omega fought for the ropes and finally made it.
Romero stomped him in the corner. Omega fought his way to the turnbuckles. Romero legsnapped him off the ropes. Omega went for small package and received a two count. He finally nailed Romero with a back suplex and bridged for the pin.
Your winner, Kenny Omega!
Good solid opening with some nice offense from both men. Romero really had a good showing this weekend.
Shawn Daivari vs. Human Tornado
Prince Nana took the mic and said that Daivari has something to say. Daivari said he was born and bred in Minnesota, so he's just as American as anyone else here, but he's not a lazy bastard like all the fans. The fans chanted "Welcome back." They locked up and Daivari overpowered him early. Daivari worked over Tornado's arm early. Tornado came back with an elbow that sent Daivari to the floor and a forward running flip over the ropes.
Tornado missed a splash off the ropes. Daivari worked him into the corner with shoulderblocks, then whipped Tornado into the buckles. Tornado tried to toss Daivari out but instead ended up tossed. When Tornado returned, Daivari locked in an abdominal stretch. Tornado escaped with a hiptoss. He and Daivari went back and forth before crashing in mid-air with bodypresses on each other. Tornado recovered first and unloaded with a series of punches. Daivari tried to dive at him in the corner but was kicked off. Tornado nailed the disco kicks in the corner.
Daivari finally covered Tornado and put his feet on the ropes for the pin.
Solid stuff.
Kevin Steen vs. Scott Lost
Steen attacked Lost before the bell. Lost made a comeback and Steen ended up outside. Lost went for a dive but Steen tripped him up and pulled him out. Steen beat Lost on the outside. He pulled Lost back in the ring and stomped him. He tossed Lost outside and ran for a dive, then stopped, slid out of the ring and punched Lost in the face. He whipped Lost into the corner. Steen missed a flip legdrop and Lost covered him for a two count. Lost came off the top for a bodypress but Steen caught him and nailed him with a driver.
Fans began to sing "Ole Ole" to mess with Steen. Lost rolled him up for a two count. Steen clobbered him and yelled at the crowd to stop distracting him. He began choking Lost but broke at the four count several times. Whne Lost did it back, Steen screamed and demanded a DQ. Steen kicked Lost in the back, then cinched in a chinlock. Steen whipped Lost in the corner but missed a splash. He nailed a Downward Spiral over the knees for a two count. Steen caught him with a great DDT for a two count.
The crowd started to get behind Steen, so he blew snot at the,. Lost drilled his knees into Steen's back. Steen came back with a swanton for a two count. Steen caught Lost with a superkick and went for the package piledriver but Lost escaped and hit a blitz of offense. He went for a rear kick but Steen avoided it and powerbombed him. Steen nailed the package piledriver and scored the pinfall.
Your winner, Kevin Steen!
Steen's work this weekend was awesome heel stuff. This was a really good competitive bout. In fact, it may have been too competitive considering Steen's strong push.
They announced Chris Hero was unable to wrestle. He was limping backstage.
Bison Smith & Joey Ryan & Claudio Castagnoli & Prince Nana vs. Necro Butcher & Briscoes & Skullkrusher Raschke Brown
Team Briscoes won a fun, crazy eight man that had way too much to even try to recap. Highlights however including Necro locking one of the heels in an abdominal stretch and using all of his partners and even a fan in the first row to get leverage and a comedy spot where Nana teased a dive after all the babyfaces hit big dives, only to find himself in the ring with Brown and freaked out.
During intermission, they made some fans dance in the ring to get free tickets for tonight's Total Extreme Comedy show.
Scorpio Sky vs. Kenny King
Sky worked over King early with armdrags and armbars. Sky used kicks to keep King off balance. King came back with an inverted atomic drop for a two count. King choked Sky in the ring using his boot. Sky used head scissors to send King to the floor and hit a huge flying dive over the ropes. King came back with a kick to the head and a series of suplexes. King missed a charge in the corner. Sky nailed a karate kick off the top, then drilled King with a sidewalk slam.
King hit a pumping kick on Sky for a two count. Sky smalled packaged him for a two count, Sky nailed a leap into a top rope frankensteiner for a two count. They battled atop the top rope. King was shoved off but landed on his feet and kicked Sky in the head. King nailed a DDT off the turnbuckles for a two count.
Your winner, Kenny King!
Solid.
Steve Corino vs. Jerry Lynn
Corino took the mic and said that the fans should be chanting his name, not Jerry Lynn's. He said that while Lynn is one of the best wrestlers today, Corino is a legend. He said that not only is he a legend, but he's a nice guy. Corino said that he has a lot of respect for Lynn so he can transform Lynn like he did Kevin Steen. He said that in Los Angeles years ago, Lynn beat the hell out of him. Corino said he wants to return the favor tonight. Last night, Lynn's battle with Kenny King was excited and orgasmic. Fans began chanting boring. He said that while everyone else is destroying their bodies, they are veterans and the smart ones. He asks Lynn to forfeit so they can not have a bout. Lynn said that the match last night was his idea of a good time and asks Cary Silkin to make this match a hardcore match. Silkin agreed. Corino was mad and Lynn asks what was wrong. Corino tried to walk out, so Lynn called him a puss.
Corino went after Lynn but Jerry got the better of him and knocked him to the floor. They battled around the ring and back inside. Corino pitched Lynn back to the floor. He grabbed a piece of guard rail. Lynn drilled him with a steel chair. He slammed Corino into a railing, then grabbed a fan's cane. They continued to brawl around ringside. Lynn was busted open. Corino worked over Lynn with punches on the floor. Corino set up a chair in the corner but Lynn used a headscissor to slam him into it. They went back to the floor. Lynn tossed Corino into the crowd and did a running dive over the rail into a clothesline.
They battled in the crowd. Lynn dove off the hard camera platform onto Corino. They finally returned to the ring. Corino brought in a ladder. Lynn suplexed Corino onto the ladder for a two count. Lynn was whipped into the ladder but reversed it. Corino hit the ladder, which them collapsed on him. Lynn slammed it with a chair, then covered Corino for a two count. They began fencing with chairs. Lynn kicked Corino in the head for a two count.
Corino pulled a table into the ring as Lynn set up several chairs. Corino took him out and bridged a guard rail over the chairs. Lynn stomped Corino. Corino made a comeback and superplexed Lynn onto the railing. Lynn kicked up at two. Corino set up another table in the corner and tried to death valley driver Lynn through it. Lynn escaped and tackled Corino into it. Lynn went for the cradle piledriver but Kevin Steen came out and distracted him. Lynn rolled up Corino. Corino kicked out and sent Lynn flying into a Steen chairshot. Corino covered Lynn, who kicked out.
Corino went to the top but Lynn threw a chair at him. He nailed a twisting DDT for a two count. Lynn began painting his face with Corino's blood. Corino lowblowed him. El Generico's music hit and Generico hit a bit running boot on Corino. Lynn drilled Corino with the cradle piledriver and scored the pin.
Your winner, Jerry Lynn!
REALLY entertaining hardcore match. A nice little ECW style here.
El Generico & Colt Cabana vs. The American Wolves
Richards and Cabana went back and forth early. He maintained the early advantage and tagged in Generico. Generico nailed Edwards with a leg lariat. He and Cabana tagged in and out, working on Edwards. Generico and Edwards chopped each other back and forth. Edwards caught Generico with a kick to the head and the Wolves began working him over. Richards catapulted Generico into an Edwards punch. Edwards dropped a knee on Generico and locked on a single leg crab.
Generico fought his way out and made the hot tag to Cabana. Cabana nailed the flying a-hole on them. He clubbered each of the Wolves but they kicked him in the gut. He fought back with two elbows. Cabana suplexed Richards, who landed on his feet. Generico leaped off Richards' back to dive onto Edwards. Cabana nailed the butt butt on Richards. Richards began beating down Cabana but Generico hit the ring with a tornado DDT. Cabana covered Richards for a two count.
Edwards caught Cabana with a clothesline for a two count. He nailed a leaping kick to Cabana in the corner. Generico came off with a flying bodypress for a two count. The Wolves mauled Generico and got several near falls. They went back and forth until Cabana nailed an over the shoulder backbreaker for a two count. Richards and Cabana went back and forth with strikes and punches. Richards was brainbusted by Generico on the turnbuckle as Cabana forced Edwards to tap to the Billy Goat's Curse.
This was absolutely incredible. One hell of a fun back and forth match. ROH began an angle where El Generico and Kevin Steen finally faced off, but alas....
Unfortunately, due to needing to attend the WWE Hall of Fame and ROH running long, I missed the final two matches. The remainder of the report is filed by JP Nichols
Match Number Seven: Colt Cabana and El Generico versus The American Wolves (Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards)
Cabana and Generico defeat the American Wolves when Cabana makes Edwards tap to the Billy Goat’s Curse. At the same time Generico hit the top rope brainbuster on Richards.
Kevin Steen comes out after the match and throws Cabana out of the ring. Steen is trash talking to Generico and calls Generico a bitch. Steen says that Generico doesn’t have the balls to him. Steen attempts to hit Generico, but Generico blocks it. Corino runs out to make the save for Steen. Cabana returns to the ring with a chair and chases Steen and Corino away. As Steen heads to the back, he says that he was always the soul of the team with Generico. Cabana throws his gun at Steen and Steen catches it. Steen then starts to chew Cabana’s gum.
Jim Cornette comes out and asks how many of the people in the crowd are from out of state. He then asks them if they think that ROH kicks ass. Cornette then explains the rules for the Gauntlet and then he mentions the Big Bang pay per view next weekend from Charlotte, North Carolina. Cornette thanks everyone for coming and then he thanks everyone for coming to the show. He tells everything that “business is about to pick up”
Match Number Eight: Personal Challenge Gauntlet
First Match: Roderick Strong versus Austin Aries
During the match, Strong hit a release Gibson Driver off the top turnbuckle but while Aries landed in the ring, Strong went through a table at ringside. The referee threw up the ‘x’ and Adam Pearce and Jim Cornette come out to check on Strong.
Austin Aries gets on the mic and tells Black to come out since he was supposed to have a match.
It is announced that Aries will be facing Black for the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Title.
Roderick Strong comes out with his shoulder taped up and the match is turned into a Three Way for the title.
2010 - WWE held their 2010 Hall Of Fame ceremony, headlined by the induction of Ted DiBiase. Here is our original live report on the event, filed by Mike Johnson.
We are live at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremonies. WWE had signs posted warning fans not to catcall and also announcing video streaming was prohibited. Todd Grisham welcomed everyone to the event, at which point the WWE talents began to take their seats.
Among those here are Gene Okerlund, Blackjack Lanza, Dusty Rhodes, Tony Garea, Nick Bockwinkel, Steve Keirn and Billy Kidman.
As Batista entered he passed, and then stared down, John Cena.
Gorgeous George, Ted DIBiase and Bob Uecker will be inducted on the USA Network special.
Jerry Lawler was introduced as the host. He said it is his favorite night of the year and he's honored to be hosting. He introduced the "future Hall of Famers", the current WWE Superstars.
The first inductee is Mad Dog Vachon.
WWE is giving the inductees a five minute time limit for their speeches.
They aired a video feature on Mad Dog Vachon.
Lawler said that Vachon even struck fear into the hearts of his tag team partners and introduced the only man who has "jokes older than his", Pat Patterson.
Patterson said he was happy to be here but it was strange because tonight he's inducting a "mad dog" and two years ago he inducted an "old bag", Mae Young.
Patterson said when he broke into the business in Montreal, he was scared to death of Vachon. Years later, he was making no money in Boston and got a letter from Vachon booking him in Portland and that's what set his career off.
He said Vachon always tried to help the careers of French Canadians. Patterson made some jokes because he forgot what he was going to say. He said he's excited for tomorrow and is pulling for Shawn Michaels, who in his book is the best he's ever seen. He then said he was looking forward to seeing Vince McMahon get his ass kicked because "Bret got screwed."
Patterson said when he had his first Portland payday, he received $300 and thought it was too much. Vachon told him that was his pay and the promoter probably screwed him anyway.
He told stories of Vachon coming to his house when Vachon got into domestic troubles and Patterson told Vachon he was going to "ruin my reputation" (by staying in his house). Everyone laughed.
He said he was proud to induct Vachon and introduced him.
Mad Dog Vachon came out in his wheelchair. He started doing one of his old promos and finished with "I'm Mad Dog Vachon and I approve of this message."
Vachon said he believes he had 13,000 matches and became a wrestler because of his name. He said growing up his nickname was 'Vachon the Pig.' He said when he got into fights as a child, his dad told him it was okay, as long as he won.
Vachon told the story of getting the Mad Dog name, and he told the story of working for Don Owen in Portland Wrestling. He was told to be wild because he would be feuding with Curtis Iaukea. He said he attacked his first opponent, then attacked his referee. A policeman tried to hit him with a stick and he threw him into the third row. When he returned, Owen told him he 'looked like a Mad Dog' and it fit him perfect.
Patterson asked him to tell the story of the night he opened a plane in mid-air. He had too many drinks while flying back to Minnesota and opened the door. He could be feel himself being pulled out and said "Its a good night to die." He was charged $500 for opening the door, so he never did it again.
Vachon told some stories of starring in commercials in Montreal. WWE cut his speech as he was going long and rambling a bit.
Jerry Lawler said that if had a dollar for every time he was asked where Jim Ross was, he's be a Million Dollar Man. He then introduced Ross, who got a huge reaction.
The second inductee is Wendi Richter.
They showed a video feature on Wendi Richter.
Jerry Lawler noted that the Rock and Wrestling Connection began on a segment of Piper's Pit and introduced Roddy Piper.
Piper asked if anyone can believe tomorrow is Wrestlemania and quipped he was there when it 'didn't have a number.'
Piper said he lived with Mad Dog Vachon for two years. "There's a reason I act like this."
Piper said the early 80s was a time of feminism, which he didn't appreciate until he had his daughters. He said you had to do tough things back then, 'like date Moolah and live.'
Piper said it was an exciting time and he got to knock out Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. He then saw something come under the ropes and he kicked it. He said he ended up "kicking a girl who only wanted to have fun."
He told lots of 80s stories about celebrities being involved in the Rock and Wrestling era. He said Wendi Richter came along and he always had a crush on her. He said Wendi had a way to bring class to the NWA, where he first met her, and the WWF.
Piper mentioned he hated the Rock and Wrestling cartoon and said they once had a cartoon where Wendi Richter beat him in a knighting contest. He said she was a fierce competitor who gave everything for the fans and was a classy lady outside of it.
Piper called Richter 'the Sandra Bullock of wrestling' and introduced her.
Wendi immediately joked that Piper had to repeat his introduction after the show and said he was 'the best mouth in the business.'
Richter said this was her dream and she was humbled to be here, but it "Was about damn time!"
She told the story of seeing wrestling for the first time live because her friend wanted to see it. It was in Shreveport, Louisiana and the night was destiny as she saw The Fabulous Moolah and was mesmerized. She told her friend 'I think I can do that' and beat Moolah and four years later, which she did in New York City.
Richter said she approached Sputnik Monroe about getting into wrestling and he tried to discourage her but she had to follow her dreams. She talked about her best opponents, naming Velvet McIntyre, Joyce Grable, Leilani Kai, Princess Victoria and Judy Martin. She said they were wonderful people and great wrestlers.
Wendi told a story of touring Japan and using what she learned there in the United States to become what was then described as a 'rough babyface.'
Richter thanked her fans for standing behind her for 25 years and thanked Cyndi Lauper for skyrocketing her career overnight.
Richter said that all she ever wanted was respect and feels that she has that tonight. She said a female wrestler has to work 'twice as hard for half the pay' and is honored to have paved the way for the stars of today.
Richter said 'there's a place where you can touch a woman and drive her crazy... her heart'... and everyone did tonight. She finished off saying 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun.'
The third inductee is Stu Hart.
They aired an awesome video on Hart's career. They showed Natalya on the screens crying after the video. Lawler introduced Bret Hart.
Hart came out, followed by all of Stu's children. Bret said he didn't know where to start, and didn't have enough time, but his father was a great wrestling promoter and was almost loved as much by the wrestlers as his own children. He said Stu worked on a 'handshake deal' and that was rare.
Hart said the man he longs to be is the man he felt his father was. He said there were wrestlers in his life from the day he was born and the family loved and misses that time. He said there were so many things they loved about the wrestling business.
Hart said when he was a child, on a school night, he remembers one of the Cadillacs his dad used to transport wrestlers was stuck at the front gate of the property. Bret said he saw it was stuck, then dozed back off to sleep. His father went down to see who it was that was stuck. It turned out it was a kid who tried to steal one of the cars because the keys were in it. His father dragged the guy back up to the house. Bret thought it was his brother Smith. Stu began stretching the guy in the kitchen and suddenly the brothers realized they were all accounted for upstairs.
Stu stretched the guy for three or four hours, then instead of calling the police, he called the kid's parents to get him... and gave the kid a job as an usher. Bret said for years he would see that kid and think it was amazing how quick things change.
Bret said its like that for a lot of wrestlers who got their starts in Calgary. He said it was a great accomplishment to start there.
Hart said that Stu had a great sense of humor similar to Owen Hart. There was a big "Owen" chant. Hart said in the 70's Hart was famous for 'Mable Parties.' He told a story of The Great Antonio being ribbed about a girl named Mable who liked him, and Antonio believing it was real. When they went to see Mable while her husband was away, one of the wrestler's brothers would play her husband, show up with a gun and shoot blanks at them. The 'shot' wrestler would tell Antonio to run. Antonio found the police and, of course, when the cops arrived all they found were all the wrestlers laughing about the rib... and Antonio had to sit in the back of the police car worrying while the police enjoyed a few drinks with the wrestlers.
Bret said that Stu had a tough reputation but he was a funny and loving man. He said they all missed Stu and life has never been the same without him. He said that Calgary wrestling was something you had to see to believe and they gave everyone a truly special wrestling product.
He said that his father will live on forever now that he's in the WWE Hall of Fame and thanked everyone for that.
The next inductee was Antonio Inoki.
They played a video on Inoki's career.
Jerry Lawler introduced Stan Hansen. Hansen said he 'spent the last few decades in Japan and never did one interview', so please bear with him if he stumbles a little.
He said he wrestled all the top competitors in Japan and they were hard ranks to climb. He said Inoki stands alone in many respects. "Inoki was a household name with everyone in Japan - that's how over he was."
Hansen said that Rikidozan learned of a pure Japanese athlete living in Brazil and brought him back as a young star to train under him. He said the rest of the story is that Inoki became an icon in Japan. Inoki was excited about promoting pro wrestling - Hansen emphasized PRO WRESTLING - and said he was lucky enough to be a part of that.
He talked of Inoki putting together a Boxer vs. Wrestler match and that launched MMA. He said Inoki did it as a wrestler. He said Inoki used pro wrestling to promote peace and Inoki used his power to go to North Korea and Iraq. He said Inoki pushed the envelope and went to India and Pakistan before anyone else to try and broaden pro wrestling.
Hansen said that after the Shea Stadium show (where Hansen faced Bruno Sammartino), Vince McMahon Sr. got him booked for Inoki in Japan. At the time, Hansen didn't know much about how over Inoki was.
One time, Hansen's back was bad. He and Dynamite Kid got on an eight hour train that stopped every twenty minutes. He said they went to the southern part of Japan and were sent to chiropractors. They used flame and a cup to kill the pain in a vacuum. The doctor told Hansen he could 'adjust him' to where he would be impotent, to which Hansen said "Whoa!"
He told a story about Inoki wrestling Jack Brisco in Japan. Hansen, Chavo Guerrero and Steve Keirn are watching in the back. Inoki goes over and starts tossing his winnings out of the ring to the fans. Hansen said that it showed how much the promotion gave to the fans.
Hansen told a story of wrestling Inoki in Sapporo and having Inoki choked outside against a railing. Hansen said he doesn't see very well without his glasses. He sees someone winding up to hit him then the person tossed an egg on him. Hansen said he hopped the rail and followed the fan around. He said he knew the fan would trip over someone, and he did. He 'taught the fan a lesson' and the next day, there's big trouble and he needed to go to a police station. He spent the entire day being questioned. He leaves to go to the show and there's the fan, all bandaged up, bowing and apologizing. Inoki had told the fan about the trouble and the fan went on to become a great sponsor for Hansen.
Hansen said it was his honor to tell some stories and induct Inoki into the Hall of Fame.
Inoki said his English is bad, and that he started in Japan. He thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. He said it was an honor for him to receive such a prestigious honor and the timing was perfect, as his first match was 50 years ago this year. Inoki said he was proud to develop professional wrestling and martial arts.
Inoki then spoke in Japanese with a translator. He said he wanted to thank his fans in Japan and those who came here for the ceremony. He said this year is his 50th anniversary and he appreciates the fans and everyone who worked on inducting him.
He said he's been watching many of his matches recently and the most famous was the fight against Muhammad Ali. He said after the match he was able to build a nice friendship with Ali, and via that friendship, he was able to attend an event in North Korea that drew 190,000 people twice.
He said with the skills he developed as a wrestler, he was able to promote a 'Sports for Peace' event in Iraq.
He thanked all his fans. He said he's been working on unique events and would like to promote a card in Antarctica with WWE to promote Global Warming awareness.
Inoki did his traditional Japanese cheer after explaining it to the crowd and asking them to do it with them. They all did. A really nice speech.
Jerry Lawler talked about celebrities in wrestling and said the next man is just as important as any of them. He brought out Dick Ebersol.
Ebersol said 25 years ago tonight he was producing one of his last Saturday Night Live episodes and had Hulk Hogan and Mr. T doing a sketch on the show. He said Hogan got so carried away, he laughed and couldn't read his cue cards.
That was the night before Wrestlemania 1 and it led to the launch of Saturday Night's Main Event. He said that he's never had more fun than he did when working to produce WWE programming for NBC.
Ebersol said that Bob Uecker has had the most extraordinary career of any sports personality. He said Bob had a ten year career, only batted .200 and yet is still in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame.
Ebersol introduced a video on Uecker.
Ebersol told the story that brought Bob Uecker to Wrestlemania 3. They had gone to Detroit six weeks before the PPV to survey the site and figure out how to get everyone into the building.
He said Vince McMahon was trying to get Uecker, who didn't "get it" to appear. Ebersol said they would go visit Uecker to convince him. Ebersol sent for Jesse Ventura to come help.
They arrived and called Uecker and told him they were at his hotel. They needed two hours and a "lot of beer" to get Uecker to agree. He said Uecker had the time of his life but didn't know it was coming when Andre the Giant put his arms around him and he was scared to death.
He introduced Bob Uecker.
Bob Uecker said he had a lot to say but "Inoki stole his speech." Uecker said he wasn't always a great player and his father didn't know a lot about sports but wanted him to do everything the other kids did. His dad got him a football and they didn't know how to throw it, so they kicked it around until a nice neighbor filled it with air for him and "What a difference that made!"
Uecker said that he was interested in wrestling when he was 75 or 80 pounds. He told a story about being so poor his mother made him an athletic supporter from a flour sack "and the flour would fall out."
He told some funny baseball stories and showed off his Hall of Fame ring. He joked that "everyone else got a diamond," but he got a zircum. He talked about dreaming of a world championship ring... and his was tossed into the field and he had to find it during the fifth inning.
Uecker said that he met Dick Ebersol years ago and mentioned some of the shows he was involved in. When he was called to do Wrestlemania, he said he initially said no because it was during Spring Training but it turned out to be one of the best things he ever did in his life.
He told a story of Jake Roberts asking him to take a picture with Damian. He asked who Damian was and Jake said, "He's in the bag." Uecker said, "So am I. Pass me another beer."
When they got to Detroit, he got to meet everyone and was having the time of his life. He said he had spent time with Andre the Giant but had no idea it was coming. Uecker said if the camera had stayed on them we'd have seen him on top of Andre with Vince yelling for him to let Andre go because he had a match.
Uecker said when he was a kid, his grandma did wrestler's laundry and told a story of putting on Dick the Bruiser's tights. He talked about watching Milwaukee wrestling in the Rendezvous Ballroom.
Uecker continued his self deprecating lines and joked a lot. It was hilarious.
Uecker said that all of the things he's had the chance to do in his life, some of the best times he's had were with WWE. He said he was amazed by how jam packed the place is tonight and is amazed by the body punishment the wrestlers put themselves through.
He thanked everyone for their time and laughter.
Jerry Lawler introduced a video of Gorgeous George.
Lawler then introduced 'the only man here who can say he wrestled George three times' - The Destroyer Dick Beyer - who came out wearing his mask.
Destroyer said he is extremely excited and pleased to honor Gorgeous George with the WWE Hall of Fame. He said in college he watched George when George was big, made money and brought entertainment to pro wrestling.
Destroyer talked about George's Bobby Pins and wishes he had 2,000 to sell on Ebay. He told the story of wrestling George for the first time and learned that George could indeed wrestle.
Going forward, a Los Angeles promoter wanted to put a mask on Destroyer and he thought he was crazy. 16 months later the promoter wanted to take it off and Destroyer said 'not tonight'. This led to Destroyer's next story.
George owned a bar in the area and invited Destroyer to visit. The bar would have been the equivalent of the best sports bar today and had tons of photos of celebrities, but the bar was empty. George said he needed a payday and pitched Destroyer's mask against George's hair. Destroyer didn't want to lose his mask. George said not to worry and wanted to do all the pomp and circumstance. The promoter, Jules Strongow, agreed to do it and George submitted to a figure four. As they cut George's hair, Destroyer felt bad that he helped ruin the first image that brought entertainment to pro wrestling.
Destroyer said George was 'the living orchid' and had a mask for George's widow Betty. He said he was proud to have inducted George into the Hall of Fame.
Jerry Lawler introduced Betty Wagner, Gorgeous George's former wife, to accept on his behalf.
She said George was gorgeous. Her mother told George he was gorgeous, and they decided that was it for his name. Betty said she made all of George's robes. She told stories of her kids running around in the wrestling robes.
Betty was asked if there was anything else she wanted to say about George and she said she didn't want to 'tell everything' and thinks it was time she should go.
A short but funny and sweet induction.
Jerry Lawler asked for everyone to stand and applaud all the inductees since the crowd ignored the "Applause" signs.
Jerry Lawler said their final inductee once wrote a check so big, his bank bounced. He sent us to a great Ted DiBiase career video.
Lawler introduced Ted and Brett DiBiase to induct their father.
Brett said his father was getting inducted and Ted was getting his first Wrestlemania match tomorrow, so tonight he was going to talk about him. He and Ted did a comedy bit about playing with wrestling buddies and Ted dressing like Scary Sherri as kids.
Ted said they were honored to induct not just one of the greatest villains WWE ever produced, but a good man. Brett told a story that his father once told him how he only despises three things...a liar, a cheater and a thief. His father taught them a man is only as good as his word.
Ted said that the success and talent his father had as an in-ring performer is undeniable and the Million Dollar Man character will forever be cherished by those who love the business.
Ted said his father has more passion than anyone he's ever known and is proud to carry on his name in this business. He said that they are so proud of their father and for the level of character and integrity he brings.
Jerry Lawler introduced Ted DiBiase, who came out with the Million Dollar Belt. DiBiase said that like an American Express card, he never leaves home without it.
He says that it is an amazing night. There are moments in life that you can't put a price tag on and for him, tonight is that "priceless" night. He said to be in the Hall of Fame means he's been honored by his colleagues and he's very honored and humbled to join a very long line of legends in the business.
DiBiase said he had some many things and stories that went through his mind. He said there are some stories that are too good to be true. He told a story about 1987. For the last 12 years before that he had worked hard and wrestled in no-name towns and one day the WWE calls. The next day, he's in first class heading to New York. A limo takes him to Stamford and he meets with the brain trust.
They tell him they have an idea for a new character that would be 'truly evil.' For this character he would fly the best airlines, stay at the best hotels and have a limo take him everywhere he goes. He joked it was a hard job.
They told Ted they wanted to make him one of the best villains and he thought the fans and the wrestlers would hate him. They handed him several thousand dollars and sent Ted and his wife to New York City to spend it while staying at the best hotel. He told his wife that 'their ship had come in.'
DiBiase thanked Harley Race, Terry Funk, The Briscoes, Dick Murdoch and Killer Karl Kox. He thanked Harley for trying to save Iron Mike DiBiase's life the night he had a heart attack in the ring. Ted said ten years later he was in the ring against Harley in his first world title match.
DiBiase pointed out his wife Melanie and praised her for giving him a second chance and for being his rock. DiBiase thanked God and Jesus Christ for his mercy.
DiBiase said you can't talk about the Million Dollar Man without talking about Virgil. He told a story about Virgil picking up their bags and then realizing they didn't have the Million Dollar Belt. He raced back to the Atlanta airport and there's no briefcase at the carousel. He went to the baggage officer who had it. The baggage officer told him he had no idea how lucky DiBiase was that they had the briefcase. DiBiase said, "No, you don't know how lucky I am"... and opened the case to reveal the belt.
DiBiase praised Arn Anderson before addressing the younger stars. DiBiase said his father told him not to go out for anything he isn't passionate about. He told them to be passionate about what you do, live your life with integrity and work hard. He said the person with the biggest heart and the person who is the most dependable will get the job.
DiBiase said this was a moment where he wishes his father was here and believed his dad would say "Job well done."
DiBiase thanked the fans for the night and this moment. He then said that just in case anyone doubts that "you don't have a price and can't be bought"...he went into a Million Dollar promo and they dropped a ton of money down on the crowd.
They brought out all the inductees and ended the ceremony.
2010 - Dragon Gate USA taped their Mercury Rising PPV taping at the Celebrity Theater. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Dark Match: The Cutler Brothers, Malachi Jackson, and Chimera defeated Irish Airborne, Derrick Neikirk, and The Prophet.
I only saw a few minutes of this as I was setting up my laptop to do coverage but it was solid. Neikirk looked good.
Dark Match: TJP vs. Brad Allen
They circled each other and Allen shoved TJP into the corner. TJP rode Allen to the mat. Allen and TJP went back and forth on the mat. TJP grabbed a rear chinlock but Allen got to the ropes. TJP kicked him in the back. They locked up again, this time with Allen working the arm. TJP flipped to get out of it and nailed a dropkick. Allen got up and slapped him in the face. TJP nailed a neckbreaker. TJP kicked Allen in the chest. He nailed a flying bodypress off an Irish whip for a two count. TJP went for a leapfrog but was caught and powerslammed. Allen used his boot to choke TJP in the corner. He whipped and clotheslined him, then used the ropes as a spring to drop a pair of knees. TJP nailed an elbow as Allen charged. He went for a bodypress but Allen rolled through and nailed a Fall Away Slam. Allen slammed him to the mat by his hair, then locked in a side chinlock. TJP tried to rally back. He attempted to fake out Allen by using the ropes but was kicked out of the ring to the floor. Allen went for a suplex and TJP reversed it. They ended up falling over the top rope to the floor. When they returned to the ring, they went into a series of near falls. TJP kicked Allen in the head and drilled him with a cutter. He went to the top rope and hit a 450 splash but Allen kicked up. Allen nailed a TKO for a two count. TJP caught Allen with a cross armbreaker. Allen muscled him up but TJP turned it into a sunset flip and pulled him into a Sharpshooter. Allen tapped.
Your winner, TJP!
They were really working hard and were obviously out to steal the show. Solid.
Dark Match: Jigsaw & Mike Quackenbush vs. The Young Bucks
Nick and Quack started and went back and forth counter-wrestling. Quack worked on his arm so Nick punched him. Quack caught him with a leg lariat. Jigsaw and Matt Jackson tagged in. Dueling chants for the two teams. Jigsaw tied up Matt's leg but Matt grabbed the ropes to force a break. They went back and forth in some Lucha spots. Jigsaw locked Matt in a Gori Guerrero Especial. Nick and Quack got involved. Quack dove over the top on him. Jigsaw attempted a dive but Matt laid him out. Nick came off the top with a missile dropkick. The Bucks began working over Jigsaw. Jigsaw fired out of a side chinlock but was caught with an elbow. The Bucks tagged in and out. Matt held his arm while Nick came off the top with a double stomp. Nick held it while Matt moonsaulted onto it. The Bucks knocked Quack off the apron to keep working on Jigsaw. They continued to geat heat on Jigsaw with double team maneuvers. Jigsaw came back to nail a dive on Matt. Quack began cleaning house on Nick Jackson, who came back with a cutter. The Bucks sent Jigsaw and Quack into each other. Matt nailed a Buff Blockbuster on Quack. Jigsaw drilled him with a series of kicks and a brainbuster but Nick broke it up. There was a sequence of a ton of superkicks. Quack came off the top with a double stomp onto Nick as Jigsaw nailed an emerald frosion.
Your winners, Jigsaw and Mike Quackenbush!
The fans chanted, "That was wrestling" after the match. This was a crazy paced Lucha style tag. There wasn't a lot of psychology in it past the opening minutes but just all out crazy stuff. The Bucks took the mic after the match. Matt said that when Dragon Gate USA started, it put them on the map. They had one of the biggest matches of their career and they ended up destined for stardom. He said that tonight they got to wrestle two of the best wrestlers in the world. While they would have liked to have left on a higher note, Jigsaw and Quackenbush swung for the fences and "may have even taken our spot." They said Jigsaw and Quack are the new team to beat. They all shook hands in the ring. The fans chanted, "Thank you Young Bucks" as they exited DGUSA for the final time.
At this point, they began taping the PPV and counted the crowd down for the opening.
Genki Horiguchi vs. Shingo
Shingo powered Genki to the mat with a headlock, then shoulderblocked him down. He caught Genki attempting a leapfrog and slammed him down. He drilled Genki with a series of elbows but was caught with a dropkick. Genki tied up Shingo on the mat. Genki slammed him and went for a moonsault but Shingo got his knees up. He began beating down Genki. Shingo suplexed him over and ran him into the turnbuckles. He brought him down with a chinlock and began using a submission. Genki used a Lucha armdrag to escape but was caught with a powerslam. Genki tried to chop away at Shingo but it didn't have much of an effect. Genki kicked off a charge. He nailed an inverted DDT, then came off with a missile dropkick to the back. Shingo went for a powerbomb but Genki turned it into a rana. Shingo caught him with a running clothesline, then nailed a death valley driver off the ropes for a two count. Shingo dropped on his head with a back suplex, a lariat and a Michinoku Driver for the pin.
Your winner, Shingo!
Shingo is just a beast, throwing around and beating the crap out of Horiguchi. Good stuff.
Jimmy Jacobs came to the ring for his three way dance with Tommy Dreamer and Jon Moxley, but instead Teddy Hart made his way to the ring and took the mic. Hart said that he's never been hurt in his career, but he was last night. I was told he ripped up the ligaments in his shoulder and will likely be out awhile. Hart praised Paul London and Brian Kendrick and went on and on about being hurt and not being able to wrestle. It was your typical Tedd Hart, i.e. it was intense but all over the place and hard to follow. Hart began praising Jimmy Jacobs and said he could fill Hart's shoes tonight., I guess in the scheduled tag match. Jacobs agreed. Hart went on and on and on and on. Brian Kendrick finally came out and said this is all a lot of nothing, which was a total shoot, because it was. Kendrick and Jacobs challenged each other where the loser of the fall leaves DGUSA. They were setting up a tag but it was confusing in that they never out and out explained what the hell was going on. Kendrick and Hart went back and forth. Paul London was out there too. He and Kendrick said they were sorry that they injured Teddy and that it wasn't intentional. Hart put them over and hugged them as he left, they jumped him. Jack Evans hit the scene, so....
Dark Match: Jimmy Jacobs & Jack Evans vs. Teddy Hart & Jack Evans
They battled around the outside before it settled into a traditional tag match. London and Kendrick worked over Jacobs. Evans made the hot tag and cleaned house with dropkicks. Evans hits a space flying tiger drop to the outside on London and Kendrick. Jack hit a springboard 450 splash. London superkicked Evans into Kendrick, who slammed him down. Jacobs jumped in and it settled down to London and Jacobs. London nailed a tornado DDT. Jack nailed a standing splash. Jack rana'd Kendrick over the top to the floor. London went up for a 450 splash but Evans kicked him and pulled him down. Evans went for the 630 splash but London put his knees up. Kendrick began slapping Jacobs, who clotheslined him. Kendrick kicked Jacobs and nailed sliced bread #2. Kendrick locked in a camel clutch. Jacobs escaped and rolled up Kendrick for a two count. Jacobs locked in his choke on Kendrick. London went to help but Evans hit a springboard dropkick. Kendrick finally tapped.
Your winners, Jack Evans and Jimmy Jacobs!
Brian Kendrick must leave DGUSA. London attacked Evans but Hart lowblowed him and nailed a piledriver. If he's as hurt as they were claiming, that was just stupid to do.
Weird stuff. The entire segment seemed all over the place to start and in my mind, never recovered. It was all very contrived in terms of the set up, as if it could have been done simpler. The match was very similar in that it was insanely spectacular at points and at others, it was just there, sort of like a Sabu match that didn't hit on all cylinders. I give them all a hell of a lot of credit for the effort, though.
Tommy Dreamer vs. Jon Moxley
Dreamer got a huge ECW chant before he even got to the ring. Dreamer took the mic and thanked the fans for his reception. Dreamer said this is a very important weekend for a lot of wrestling fans. He said that as someone who was at the first Wrestlemania with his father, he thanked everyone for supporting the business. He said there are a lot of people who work in the business who don't wrestle for WWE and thanked everyone for supporting them. He said since his match was changed, he asked for an old school Tommy Dreamer violent no rules match. The place chanted "Thank you Tommy." Moxley had Christina Von Eerie with him. They went back and forth and faced off. They began shoving each other and went nose to nose. Moxley began chopping Dreamer. Moxley mounted Dreamer and began choking him. Dreamer came back and clotheslined him over the top to the floor, then hit a sliding kick. Dreamer hit a cannonball off the stage. He put the ring bell on Moxley's nether regions and rang it. Dreamer spit water in Moxley's face. They brawled into the audience. Dreamer nailed Moxley with a trash can. He tossed a second can into the ring and elbowed Moxley across the throat. Dreamer went to the ropes but Moxley crotched him. Moxley drilled him several times with the can. Moxley choked him on the ropes, then hit a superplex. Dreamer was bleeding from the can shots. Moxley cinched in an STF. Moxley went for a dropkick but was caught and turned into an Indian Death Lock. Dreamer clotheslined Moxley for a two count. Dreamer grabbed a chair and slammed it over Moxley's back. He set up Moxley but Moxley reversed it and nailed a drop toehold into the chair on Dreamer. Dreamer nailed a sitdown slam and a DDT but Christina hit the ring and broke it up. Dreamer grabbed her for a piledriver but the referee broke it up. Dreamer nailed the referee. Christina slapped Dreamer. Dreamer piledrive hger. YAMATO and ran in and attacked Dreamer. Moxley covered him but Dreamer kicked out. Dreamer piledrove Moxley for a two count. Moxley locked on a sleeper but Dreamer pulled him into an attempted Spicoli Driver. Moxley nailed a DDT and pinned Dreamer.
Your winner, Jon Moxley!
Fun hardcore match. Fans didn't seem to buy Moxley going over, but that's what Dreamer is all about.
YAMATO vs. Susumu Yokosuka.
Yokosuka rode YAMATO to the mat early. He controlled the match early. YAMATO caught him in a choke. YAMATO nailed him with a backbreaker. YAMATO defeats Yokosuka with a Gallaria (inverted facelock into a sit out slam piledriver). I actually fell ill during the bout and headed back to my hotel (I've just gotten over a bad sinus infection and was pushing it pretty hard this weekend and my body finally forced me to tap, so when I get a screener for the PPV, I'll write my thoughts from the rest of the show. ) BxB Hulk, Naruki Doi, and Masato Yoshino defeat CIMA, Gamma, and Dragon Kid when Yoshino made Gamma tap to Sol Naciente.
Thanks to JP Nichols for the results of the last two PPV bouts.
2011 - Daizee Haze and Tomoka Nakagawa defeated 3S on Shimmer Volume 40 in Berwyn, IL, ending the reign of 3S after one day and two successful title defenses.
2011 - WWE ran Indianapolis, Indiana. Thomas Green filed the following live report:
I went to the Raw house show tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. I don't know building capacity, but it looked like they sold 3/4ths of the available seating (they tarped off about half of the cheap seats). Of course, that could be a high estimate, given that the empty seats were unusually scattered, so they might've done worse.
1) Randy Orton defeated The Miz (w/Alex Riley) via disqualification in a WWE Title match when CM Punk interfered. -I'm assuming they did this exact same match (and show, in fact) in Evansville and Champaign. Orton was setting up for the finish when Punk ran out and attacked the leg he hit with the wrench on Raw, then the GM dinged in to announce the main event with these three and John Cena (the only guy on this show to get that genuine mega-star reaction).
2) Evan Bourne, Santino Marella & Vladimir Koslov (w/Tamina) defeated Tyson Kidd and the Usos when Evan Bourne hit Air Bourne on an Uso. The faces' reaction absolutely did not match their push on TV; they got about as good of a reaction as you would see midcard acts get during the late-90's when anyone with a catchphrase was over. The crowd even came up for Koslov both times he tagged in. Speaking of Koslov, this was a perfect match for him, as Bourne and Santino (who's improved more than he's given credit for, seeing him live) worked almost the entire match, then Koslov came in to occasionally shove guys over. Tamina even got a good reaction when she backdropped Kidd (who took a HUGE bump for her).
3) The Great Khali defeated Zack Ryder in seconds via big chop.
-It was depressing seeing how unover some of the undercard heels were, but there was unover and then there was Zack Ryder (who I adore personally). People were literally scattering in my section, asking who he was and if he was a good or bad guy. Ryder came out, cut a promo to crickets, then Khali did the big chop and it was over. It's bizarre seeing people in the front row literally freaking out at Khali's size when he walks by.
4) Sin Cara beat Primo with a DDT out of a flying headscissors. For a guy who's only been on TV in vignettes, Sin Cara got a pretty big reaction for his entrance. There were even a gaggle of largely-Caucasian kids in one section who were chanting "MISTICO!" at him, which surprised me to no end. Unfortunately, it looks like the dumbing-down of his moveset has begun, as he did one neat dive and his top rope hurricanrana where he lands on his feet, but otherwise didn't do anything too physically impressive. He even did the generic developmental clothesline/back elbow-crazy comeback. Primo also seemed to hold him in a chinlock FOREVER and talking to him, almost as if they were attempting to train him in front of an audience on how to sell WWE-style. It was a weird match.
5) John Morrison beat Dolph Ziggler via pinfall after Starship Pain. It was absolutely terrifying how not over Ziggler was during his entrance, considering how high up the card he's been booked the past few months. Morrison got a decent reaction, but almost entirely female. They ended up having an alright little match where they got the crowd by the end. Dolph channeled his inner-Zbyzsko, stalling for minutes upon end before locking up.
R-Truth brought out fans for the dance contest they've been doing in all of the towns. A small child won hands-down for doing the cabbage patch and other lovely 80's breakdancing moves.
6) Eve Torres & Natalya defeated Melina and Alicia Fox. This was the post-intermission match. Sadly, I missed the first half since I timed when I could leave for the bathroom during intermission badly, but what I saw was shockingly not rough, considering the Divas' reputation.
7) Sheamus beat Daniel Bryan (with Gail Kim) via pin after the High Cross in a United States Title match. Best match on the card. For the reputation that indie guys have coming into WWE that they can't work big for bigger buildings or that they can't work for the crowd, Bryan was probably one of the few guys on this card who seemed to know how to work differently for the building, as opposed to TV. He moved a lot bigger, emoted out to the audience more, and so on. Bryan, like people have mentioned, didn't have as much heat coming out as he would've a few months ago, but they absolutely got the crowd with it by the end. Bryan got Sheamus in the LeBell Lock late in the match and it was such a good false finish that it seemed like the majority of the building thought they were getting a title change. Great match.
8) Randy Orton & John Cena beat CM Punk & The Miz (w/Alex Riley) when Orton & Cena hit simultaneous finishers on their opponents. No one on this show could TOUCH how over Cena is. Ring announcer Justin Roberts shilling Cena merchandise before intermission got a bigger reaction than most of the undercard. Punk cut a promo before the match, first threatening to beat up the entire crowd by himself, before burying the contestants in the dance-off from earlier. I haven't read detailed reports of the other house shows this weekend, but Punk seemed to finish his promo off with a rib on Alex Riley, where he demanded the audio guy play dance music so Alex Riley could show the crowd that he dances better than them. Riley "busted a move", as the kids would say, before all of the heels did a wacky lucha-style pose on their knees to signal the faces' entrance. Punk was ridiculous (in a great way) in this match. He did a deal that I think he tried on TV once, where he LEAPED high in the air when Cena slid into the ring and did this ridiculous fall trying to catch him. Punk was also hilarious selling shock and awe during the nearfalls in a ridiculous, over-exaggerated way.
Overall, I thought it was a strong show considering these guys are probably saving their bodies for Wrestlemania next weekend. Everyone seemed to go home happy. It was just shocking how not over every heel that wasn't Miz or Punk was (except for Tyson Kidd, who also worked a lot more charismatically than his reputation would suggest).
2012 - The Chicago Tribune featured a long personality piece on WWE champion CM Punk to promote Wrestlemania. As always with Punk, you get a pretty raw to the bone take on things. I would highly suggest reading the entire article, which you can find by clicking here. There is also a collection of other interview outtakes at this link.
Some highlights from the piece include Punk admitting that he gave Vince McMahon bullet points for what he was going to say in his breakout promo, then turned around and said something completely different, because he knew McMahon wouldn't approve what he wanted to do.
Vince McMahon's reaction? "He had dollar signs in his eyes. He said, 'Hell of a promo. Too bad you're leaving. We could make a lot of money together.' "As for the enormous response he received from peers, fans and media, Punk says, "At that point, I was so out the door. ... I was counting down the days."
As it turned out, Punk noted in the piece that he signed a contract extension during the Money in the Bank PPV where he won the WWE title. He declined to say how long the deal was (we've heard 2-3 years) but did say in the piece that he's 33 and doesn't want to be wrestling when he's in his 40s.
Other highlights:
Rock: “I don’t think I have a relationship with The Rock. Over the past few weeks, it’s been better. Probably because I’ve been outspoken (about him) in the media. Of course, everything gets sensationalized and twisted. I don’t hate The Rock or fault him for coming back. I just think heaping credit on The Rock for ratings, buyrates – that’s where I get offended. It’s a team effort 365 days a year. Me and the entire locker room bust our (butts) and all our super stoked. Give credit where credit is due. Wrestlemania had a huge buyrate last year, not because of one guy. The numbers out there prove he hasn’t done much else, like the Survivor Series buyrate."
The WWE Studios vehicle for Punk: "(WWE) offered me a movie when I first told them I wasn’t re-signing. I immediately turned it down. They probably figured I would jump at a movie because I’m not a movie star. That’s not to say that if the right thing doesn’t come along, I won’t do it. That’s not my priority. … I think WWE films signed on three new movies. I’m sure one of them is probably slated to be a CM Punk vehicle. I haven’t heard anything yet. Nothing is set in stone. Take that for what it’s worth. I think I would love to do a movie if it’s the right project. I’m not going to be in 'The Marine 3' just because they offered it to me. If it’s something good, I’ll do it. I’d love to do it – as long as it doesn’t interfere with my wrestling schedule."
Promos: “What people need to realize is I’m not just watching promos on wrestling. The reporter on CNN interviewing Joe Paterno is a promo to me. I listen to the inflection in people’s voice, their body language, what they do with their hands, fidgety, how many times they touch their face -- depending in what situation they’re being interviewed for. If they’re on the spot or they’re guilty of something, emotional, nervous, joyful, just won the Super Bowl. I watch people’s eyes mostly: How to convey certain emotions, rage, happiness, sadness."
2012 - Legacy Talent, which represents Ric Flair, issued the following:
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING Star Ric Flair® to Attend WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Flair Confirms He Will be Present in Miami When the Four Horsemen Receive Their Hall of Fame Honor
CHARLOTTE, NC – (March 27, 2012) International celebrity the Nature Boy® Ric Flair is set to become the only wrestler in history to be inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame twice. Flair’s dominant 1980s wrestling group, the Four Horsemen, known to be the greatest in ring performers of all time, will be granted their seat in the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Miami, FL on March 31st, the day before Wrestlemania XXVIII. Flair will be inducted along-side fellow members of the Four Horsemen: Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, and J.J. Dillon.
The news of Flair’s second induction was followed by a firestorm of controversy. Questions flew about whether Flair would attend the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony as he is currently under contract with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling. Understanding what a huge honor this is for Flair, TNA is graciously supporting him in the decision to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony alongside his fellow inductees.
“Being inducted once was one of the greatest accomplishments of my career, so I’m humbled and honored to be recognized again. I wouldn’t miss the ceremony for the world,” says Flair.
TNA President Dixie Carter says, “We are proud of Ric’s many accomplishments and contributions he has made to the world of professional wrestling and beyond. We wish to congratulate him on yet another honor he truly deserves.”
Flair, a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion, was inducted individually into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2008. On becoming a two-time inductee his agent Melinda Morris Zanoni of Legacy Talent and Entertainment says, “We are all so proud to be watching Ric continue to make history. There will never be an athlete more deserving of wearing two Hall of Fame rings than Ric Flair.”
For more information on Ric Flair go to www.ricflair.com, follow him on Facebook: Ric Flair, The Nature Boy, or on Twitter: @RicFlairNatrBoy. Flair is currently with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. TNA airs Thursday nights (9/8c) on Spike TV with monthly 3-hour Per-Per-View events.
ABOUT LEGACY TALENT AND ENTERTAINMENT, LLC<br>
Legacy Talent and Entertainment is a full service Talent Management and Entertainment Development Company. Legacy Talent provides professional talent management services to select celebrities and athletes, including representing several of the highest profile celebrities exclusively.
2013 - WWE NXT ran Orlando, FL. David G. filed the following results:
i just came back from NXT show at Orlando Armory with over 100 people in attendance:
1. The former El Generico beat Mojo Rawley.
2. Jake Carter and Garrett Dylan (with Sylvester Lefort) beat Derrick Bateman and Mike Dalton
3. Mason Ryan beat Alexander Rusev
4. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan beat Percy Watson and Dante Dash
5. Adrian Neville beat Rick Victor in the best match of the night.
6. Emma and Audrey Marie beat Sasha Bank and Charlotte with Bailey as special referee
7. Bray Wyatt beat Kassius Ohno
8. Xavier Woods beat Conor O Brian, Corey Graves and Leo Kruger with help oh Big E Langston. After the match, Langston decided to applied the Big Ending to Xavier Woods and twice to Corey Graves
Notes:
- The British Ambition, Xavier Woods, and Summer Rae were signing autographs prior the show,
- Billy Gunn was at the show too since he is part of the staff.
- Camacho was at the show too but left early.
2013 - Robbie E. announced he had signed a new one year deal with TNA.
2013 - WWE broadcast Main Event on the Ion Network. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Hershey, Pennsylvania and your announcers are Michael ‘Why do people want me to become Augustus Gloop’ Cole and The Miz.
Before our first match, Antonio Cesaro says that since he tells everyone how much better Switzerland is than the United States, he will do so by bringing some culture back to this culture free society. Cesaro does some yodeling.
Match Number One: Kane (with Daniel Bryan) versus Antonio Cesaro in a Non Title Match
They lock up and Kane sends Cesaro to the mat. Cesaro with a side head lock. Kane with a shoulder tackle and Cesaro retreats to the corner. Cesaro works on the wrist but Kane with a reversal and he sends Cesaro to the mat. Cesaro with a kick followed by a European uppercut and punches. Kane blocks a hip toss and Kane with a hip toss followed by a punch and clothesline that sends Cesaro over the top rope to the floor.
Cesaro with a shoulder from the apron and he tries to suplex Kane to the floor but Kane blocks it and he hits a suplex of his own followed by a drop kick from Kane. Cesaro rolls to the apron and Cesaro pulls Kane’s shoulder into the turnbuckles and then Cesaro with a double stomp to the arm.
Cesaro with a key lock but Kane sends Cesaro to the floor. Kane sends Cesaro back to the floor but Cesaro pulls Kane’s arm onto the ropes. Cesaro comes off the top turnbuckles but Kane with an uppercut and he gets a near fall. Kane with forearms to the chest as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kane with punches followed by an Irish whip but he runs into a knee from Cesaro followed by a corkscrew European uppercut from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Cesaro returns to the key lock. Cesaro sends Kane into the ropes and Cesaro with a running yodeling European uppercut. Cesaro with a drop kick for a near fall.
Cesaro returns to the key lock and he continues to yodel. Kane with an Irish whip but he misses a clothesline in the corner. Cesaro with punches and the referee warns him. Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Kane with a second Irish whip and clothesline followed by a side slam for a near fall. Kane goes up top for a clothesline but Cesaro counters with a European uppercut but Kane is able to kick out at two. We go to commercial.
We are back and Antonio is yodeling while he keeps Kane in a head lock. Kane escapes and he punches Cesaro. Cesaro with a kick but Kane with a DDT and both men are down. Kane grabs Cesaro for the choke slam but Cesaro escapes. Cesaro with a kick followed by a dead lift side salto for a near fall.
Cesaro with punches and then he kicks Kane in the back. Cesaro with a chin lock using Kane’s arm. Kane with a punch but Cesaro works on the wrist. Cesaro with a kick to Kane but Kane with a power slam. Kane with a clothesline followed by a back body drop. Kane with an Irish whip and Kane tries for the side slam but Cesaro escapes. Kane with a boot to the head for a near fall.
Kane goes up top and this time he connects with the clothesline. Kane signals for the choke slam but AJ’s music plays and she makes her way to the ring.
Daniel Bryan stops AJ’s skip around the ring with nos. He cuts off her escape. Cesaro with an uppercut followed by a double stomp to the chest and he gets a near fall. Cesaro sets for the Gotch Style Neutralizer but Kane with a back body drop. Cesaro tries for the sunset flip but Kane does not go over and he hits a choke slam for the three count.
Winner: Kane
We see footage of Jack Swagger breaking Ricardo Rodriguez’ ankle and then the attack by Swagger on Ricardo on Monday night.
We go to commercial.
We are back and on Friday night, the Rock will be back on Smackdown.
Miz and Cole discuss Triple H’s comments to Brock Lesnar on Raw about their match at Wrestlemania.
Matt Striker is in the interview area with Sheamus. Matt asks Sheamus about his hesitance last week about having Big Show as his tag team partner. Sheamus says that sheep cannot fly and neither can he. Sheamus says that he was a bit selfish last week. He put his issues with Big Show ahead of the threat of the Shield.
We know that if you give the Shield an inch, they will turn it into 40 miles of bad road. Show has not turned over a new leaf and they will probably not be sharing a pint. However, if the three of them can be on the same page for one night, he guarantees that the Shield will be in for the fight of their life.
Cameron and Naomi have mics before their match. They introduce the new name for Tensai and Brodus Clay. They are now called Tons of Funk.
Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow will not be silenced this week. Cody wants to make sure that he heard it correctly that they are called Tons of Funk. Damien says that they have tons of something . . . saturated fat. Damien says that it is their pleasure to introduce the Divas who will restore class to the division.
Match Number Two: Cameron and Naomi (with Brodus Clay and Tensai) versus The Bellas (with Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes)
Cameron has to be held back by Naomi but she will start things off with Brie. They lock up and Brie misses a punch in the corner and Cameron with forearms. Brie with an Irish whip but Cameron with an elbow and a head scissors. Cameron with a forearm and Nikki grabs her leg. Brie with a clothesline and she gets a near fall. Brie with a boot to the back and she chokes Cameron in the ropes.
Nikki with a kick to the head when the referee was not looking. Nikki tags in and she connects with a clothesline and she gets a near fall. Nikki with a chin lock and arm bar on Cameron. Nikki with a knee and she sends Cameron to the mat and gets a near fall.
Brie tags in and connects with a clothesline and gets a near fall. Nikki tags in and they send Cameron to the mat with the assistance of the hair and gets a near fall. Nikki with a seated abdominal stretch. Cameron with punches and a jawbreaker to get away from Nikki.
Cameron kicks Nikki away and Naomi tags in and she hits a shoulder tackle followed by a drop kick. Naomi with a leaping butt bump and then she hits an arm scissors take down but Brie breaks it up. Cameron sends Brie to the floor while Nikki takes care of Cameron. Naomi with an enzuigiri to Nikki and then Naomi goes after Cody and that allows Nikki to get a rollup for the three count.
Winners: Nikki and Brie Bella
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look at the Question and Answer session from Raw featuring the Rock and John Cena as well as Mick Foley, Booker T, Bret Hart, and Dusty Rhodes.
We go to credits.
2013 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We are in Winter Park, Florida and your announcers are William ‘Can I get a Wrestlemania Match’ Regal, Jim ‘Finally back in the Orlando area’ Ross, and Tom ‘Wilson’ Phillips.
Howard Finkel is in the ring to do the introductions for tonight.
Match Number One: Natalya versus Kaitlyn in for the Divas Title
They lock up and Kaitlyn with a waist lock and take down. Natalya escapes and she starts to work on the ankle. Kaitlyn escapes and they circle each other before Natalya goes for the ankle but Kaitlyn blocks it and applies a front face lock. Natalya with a front face lock and fireman’s carry for a near fall.
Natalya with a forearm and shoulder tackle. Kaitlyn with a double leg take down and jackknife cover but Natalya bridges and tries for a back slide but Kaitlyn rolls through and hits a drop kick. Kaitlyn misses a charge into the corner but Kaitlyn with an elbow. Kaitlyn tries for a sunset flip but Natalya rolls through and tries for the Sharpshooter but Kaitlyn escapes.
Natalya with a clothesline for a near fall. Natalya with a suplex for a near fall. Natalya with an abdominal stretch and Natalya pulls the free leg up to stretch Kaitlyn more as we go to commercial.
We are back and Kaitlyn has Natalya in an abdominal stretch. Natalya with elbows to escape and she gives Kaitlyn a hip toss. Natalya slams Kaitlyn’s head to the mat but she misses a leg drop when Kaitlyn rolls out of the way. Natalya slaps Kaitlyn but Kaitlyn with a clothesline. Kaitlyn with European uppercuts followed by a flying shoulder tackle. Kaitlyn gets Natalya on her shoulders and hits a gutbuster and Kaitlyn gets a near fall.
Kaitlyn shows some frustration and she sets for the spear. Natalya leaps over Kaitlyn on the spear attempt and Natalya tries for the Sharpshooter and she turns Kaitlyn over into the Sharpshooter. Kaitlyn crawls to the ropes and she gets there but Natalya pulls Kaitlyn into the center of the ring. Kaitlyn escapes by rolling through and it sends Natalya into the turnbuckles.
Natalya has trouble getting back to her feet but she charges at Kaitlyn but Kaitlyn with a spear for the three count.
Winner: Kaitlyn
After the match, Kaitlyn offers her hand to Natalya and she shakes it and they hug.
Tony Dawson is in the interview area with Alberto Del Rio. Tony asks Alberto about his match with Jack Swagger at Wrestlemania. Alberto says that he has been Jack’s target since Jack feels that Alberto is everything that is wrong with America. Jack talks about how Alberto and immigrants are taking jobs from Americans. Then Jack breaks Ricardo’s ankle. Alberto says that he is going to make it right. He will break Jack’s spirit and arm. If Zeb sneaks his way into the ring, he will break his arm too. Alberto may have been born in Mexico, but he was made in America. Jack’s dreams will end at Wrestlemania thanks to Alberto Del Rio.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Two: El Local versus Brodus Clay (with the Funkettes)
They lock up and Clay sends Local to the mat. Local tries for a cross body but Clay catches Local and slams him. Clay with a diving head butt to the abdomen followed by a jackknife cover for a near fall. El Local with an enzuigiri and then he dives for the knee and he gets a near fall.
El Local with a springboard enzuigiri for a near fall. Local runs the laces of his boot across the face. Local misses a springboard move and Clay with clotheslines followed by the Sheeeplex and then he hits a splash into the corner. Clay with a running head butt to Local and it is time to call his mama for the splash and the three count.
Winner: Brodus Clay
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Shield. They introduce themselves and then they talk about April 7th. The day the Shield amends injustice on the grandest stage of them all. Rollins says on the 7th of April, the Shield collapses the center of the universe in the name of injustice. Reigns says that if you didn’t believe them before, they will be taking over on the 7th.
Ambrose says that Sheamus, Show, and Orton think they are above the law and think they can do what they want. Rollins says that they are the agents of change and there are casualties and sacrifice. They have a duty to serve justice and they will do it swiftly and without mercy.
Reigns says that mercy is for the weak. They have zero tolerance for mercy. Ambrose says that there is no time to waste so they close the chapter on the fake, false heroes.
Rollins says that their Wrestlemania moment will come at their expense and their new revolution will be born in their demise. Reigns says that the walls of justice will come crashing down on Orton, Show, and Sheamus.
Tony Dawson is with John Cena in the locker room and he asks John about the match with the Rock. Wrestlemania is more than an event that will change the face of sports entertainment. It is his shot at redemption and to settle the score. He said he had to win last year and he lost. The pressure is on the Rock. He has to defend his title for the first time and Rock does not know how to fail. Rock has been a success in everything he has done. He tells Rock that his time will be up on April 7th.
While Tom talks about John Cena, Kassius Ohno comes from out of nowhere and he attacks William Regal. Referees have to pull Ohno off Regal and Ohno wants to know who Regal thinks he is. Officials check on Regal after that attack.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jim and Tom talk about the attack and Jim says that Kassius will have to deal with the consequences of his attack.
Damien Sandow has something to say before his match. He tells everyone they should be ashamed of themselves. To cheer for a man who calls himself the Viper. The snake has long been a symbol of evil itself. Tonight, he will not only serve as the avenging sword of taste and decency. He is the avenging sword of all that is right with this world.
You’re Welcome
Match Number Three: Damien Sandow versus Randy Orton
They lock up and Orton with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. They lock up again and Sandow with a side head lock. Orton with a back elbow after a leap frog. Orton stomps on the face of Sandow and then he tries to send Sandow into the turnbuckles but Sandow blocks it and then he kicks Orton in the corner. Orton misses a clothesline but he does not miss with a Thesz Press and he punches Sandow in the head. Sandow goes to the floor and he is followed to the floor by Orton.
They return to the ring but Sandow goes back to the floor. Orton with a clothesline on the floor and we go to commercial.
We are back and Orton with the Garvin Stomp. We see footage from the commercial break when Orton hit a suplex on the floor. Orton misses the leaping knee drop and Sandow with kicks to Orton.
Sandow tries for a suplex but Orton blocks it and Orton with a suplex of his own. Orton sends Sandow to the apron for the IEDDT but Sandow gets into the ring and he back body drops Orton over the top rope to the floor. Orton pulls Sandow to the floor and Orton punches Sandow. Sandow Irish whips Orton into the ring steps.
Sandow sends Orton back into the ring and then he punches Orton in the head. Sandow with a knee drop for a near fall. Sandow with a reverse chin lock but Orton with head butts. Sandow with a kick to the midsection followed by the side Russian leg sweep and it is time for the Elbow of Disdain and he connects and gets a near fall. Sandow punches Orton and then he connects with a shoulder to the back. Sandow with a shoulder in the corner. Orton with an Irish whip but Sandow with a kick. Sandow goes to the turnbuckles and Orton with punches and a head butt. Orton sets for the superplex and he hits it and both men are down.
Orton gets a near fall. Orton with two clotheslines and then he avoids a clothesline from Sandow and Orton with a power slam. Orton with a clothesline into the corner and he punches Sandow. Orton with a European uppercut and then he Irish whips Sandow into the corner but Sandow with a boot and a leaping neck breaker for a near fall.
Orton with a back breaker and Sandow goes to the apron. Orton sets for the IEDDT and he connects. Orton looks around and then it is time to twist to the mat for the RKO push ups. Orton hits the RKO and gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton
2014 - Dragon Gate USA has signed contract extensions with then-DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate champion Johnny Gargano and Ricochet.
2014 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report on PWInsider.com!
We open the show with a look back at last week when James Storm attacked and humiliated Gunner and his dad, and then we're off to the arena!
We go to the ring where MVP says he came here to promote a level playing field where people get ahead based on how they perform in the ring, not because of cheating or shady backstage manipulations. He starts to talk about how he talked to the Board of Directors about making an executive decision after Abyss' interference last week, but he's interrupted by Magnus and Abyss. Magnus says that MVP can't make any decisions about Abyss because he works for Magnus and not TNA, so MVP says that's fine because that means he can only be out here when Magnus is wrestling and he better not ever put his hands on him again. MVP wants to know if Abyss wants more for himself, or if he's happy being the world's ugliest valet. Magnus says he doesn't like where this is going, then MVP asks Abyss if he wants a shot at the TNA World Title. Magnus tells MVP he can't do that, but MVP says we'll find out where Abyss' loyalties lie when the TNA World Title is on the line. Magnus will defend against Abyss next week, along with the guy who's been getting shafted all along, Samoa Joe, in a three way dance for the title. Samoa Joe comes out and the fans inform Magnus and Abyss that Joe is going to kill them, and he says he wants to make sure he heard MVP right because he and the fans have only ever asked him for one thing: an uninterrupted, fair opportunity to face Magnus alone so he can take back his World Title. Instead, he's hearing that HIS rematch is now a handicap match. MVP says it's not that at all, it's a three way match for the title because Abyss will think for himself with the title on the line. Joe tells MVP he's about to have a problem controlling him, and then he attacks Magnus. Abyss jumps Joe, but MVP goes after Abyss to even the playing field until Eric Young comes into the ring to attack Abyss. Magnus tries to stop him, but Young mule kicks Magnus in the ding ding and goes back after Abyss as we go to commercial.
We're back, and the heels have cleared out and left Joe, EY, and MVP alone in the ring. Young tells MVP that he has an answer for MVP: he brought out the monster in Abyss, and it's his responsibility to take him out. If MVP puts Joe in the ring with Magnus for the title, Young wants MVP to put him in there as well so he can take care of Abyss. MVP tells EY that he doesn't think he's earned that yet, but EY says that MVP has been here for ten minutes, but EY has been here for ten years. He runs down all the stuff he's done over the course of his career, all the titles he's won (including the Knockouts Tag Team Title), and all the crazy ideas the company has given him that he's taken and run with. Some people call him the most entertaining wrestler in the world and that's important to him, but the man standing in front of MVP right now is a world class professional wrestler and he will get what he deserves. Joe tells Young that nobody doubts the work he's put in, but there's a line and he's not at the head of it. MVP hasn't given Joe his one fair title shot, and until he gets what he wants, Young gets nothing. MVP tells Joe to wait because we are talking about a level playing field, and since Young has made his case, he'll make it a four way title match and add Eric Young. Joe gets in Young's face, so Young takes Joe down and they roll around on the ground pounding the snot out of each other. MVP has them separated, so Joe tells EY that if he wants to scrap with the big boys, they can do it later tonight. Well hell yeah!
Bully Ray is backstage, and he's...TWEETING! The Twittah Machine is back, and he wants Bobby Roode to know that if you mess with the bull, you're going to get the horns.
The Wolves catch up with MVP on his way through the curtain and request a match with Abyss and Magnus later on tonight. MVP asks them if they know what they're getting themselves into, and they say they're ready for it, so MVP says he'll make it happen, but he won't be responsible for what happens...to Magnus and Abyss.
Ethan Carter III and Spud are out in the woods somewhere. I guess we'll find out what they're up to later on tonight.
Okay, we're back and EC# and Spud are still in the woods and are looking for Willow. EC3 says he retired Sting and Kurt Angle, and now they're here for vengeance and will attack Willow in his home. Spud says this is a suicide mission, but EC3 says that we know what they say: "Shut up and follow me." Spud says nobody says that and begs for food as they march off to continue their search.
The Wolves vs Brutus Magnus & Abyss
Davey and Magnus start us off, and Magnus gets a brief advantage before Davey tags in Eddie and they trap Magnus in their half of the ring ofr a series of double teams. Magnus blind tags Abyss, and he comes in and wipes the Wolves out with a double clothesline as we go to commercial.
We're back, and Eddie Edwards is in the wrong part of town as he endures a 2-on-1 beating from Abyss and the World Champion. Eddie finally manages to catch Magnus with a flying headscissors out of the corner and manages to tag in Davey Richards, who zips across the ring and knocks Abyss off the apron with a big boot. Davey goes to work on Magnus, nailing him with the handspring enziguiri, then sidesteps a charge from Abyss and sends him crashing into Magnus. Davey hits a double missile dropkick to both opponents, then fires kicks into the chest of Magnus. The Wolves hit their finish, but Abyss breaks up the cover by Eddie at the last millisecond. Abyss goes for a double chokeslam, but the Wolves backflip through, land on their feet, and dropkick Abyss' legs out. The Wolves knock Abyss out to the floor and Davey takes him out with a dive as Eddie rolls Magnus into the Achilles Lock, and Magnus wastes no time in tapping out.
Winners: The Wolves
Abyss looks confused at Magnus tapping out so quickly, but Magnus shrugs it off because the title wasn't on the line. They have a tense staredown as Abyss walks toward Magnus with the title belt in hand. Magnus holds his hands out so Abyss can hand him the belt, but Abyss keeps it and heads to the back as Magnus looks on in disbelief.
Angelina Love comes out to the ring with a mic and says she has an issue with Velvet Sky because she hasn't returned her calls all week. Before this escalates any further, she wants Velvet to come out here and explain what the hell is going on. Velvet comes out and tells Angelina that she has more than a problem: she's pissed off. Angelina told Velvet that she was going to go make nice with Madison, and instead she wound up mopping the floor with her. She says she didn't sign up for this, but Angelina asks if she signed up for being mediocre because that's what she is without Angelina: vanilla. Velvet doesn't say a word, so Angelina asks if she's being quiet because she's right, and because she used to be something when she was in the Beautiful People. Velvet says things have changed, but Angelina says she sat home for two years because she's a headache, but she'd rather do that than be someone's biatch. Angelina says she has a match with Madison tonight, and by the time the bell rings to end that match, Velvet had better pick a side, and pick one because she wants to, not because Angelina is telling her to. Angelina walks off and Velvet looks really pissed off (and hot).
We see a video package hyping tonight's Unlocked Match between James Storm and Gunner, then EC3 and Spud are still wandering around in the woods, and then Bully Ray is backstage, and he's...SMASHING THINGS!
We're back in the woods where Ethan Carter III is trying to send Spud into a barn, and Spud won't go so EC3 goes in himself. We hear him screaming inside and Spud freaks out, but spud sticks his head out laughing and says it's more classic EC3. EC3 starts looking around making comments about Jeff Hardy putting ladders in here to practice Swantons, but he doesn't see Willow sneak up behind Spud, clap a hand over his mouth, and drag him away. EC3 turns around and looks for Spud...BUT HE'S GONE.
Another Gunner-James Storm video package, and we're STILL going to see them face off later tonight in an Unlocked Match!
A suddenly super-fan friendly Bully Ray comes out to the ring and has a bunch of guys brings tables down the ramp and set them up around ringside and in the ring. He asks the fans if they know who he is, and says he's the guy who got rid of Dixie Carter forever. Bully tells Roode that he would have wound up just like Dixie if he had won that match, and the last thing wrestling needs is another owner like Dixie Carter. They've both put each other through tables, so he asks the fans how many tables they want to see Roode go through tonight. Roode comes out and asks Bubba if he thinks he intimidates him, and he admits that the opportunity to own part of the company blinded him, but now he remembers that he's the guy who became the longest-reigning and most dominant World Champion in the history of TNA. He's the guy who smashed a beer bottle over his best friend's head, and he's the guy who spit in the face of Dixie Carter way before spitting in her face became cool. He's also the guy who suckered Bubba into flying to Nashville just to give Bubba a taste of his own medicine. Bubba tells Roode to quit running his mouth and get in the ring and fight him now, but Roode says this is pathetically typical of Bubba. Bubba can't tell the It Factor what to do because he's the guy who calls the shots around here and he decides when and where. Roode tells Bubba it's not going to happen and he tries to leave, but Bubba goes after Roode and nails him from behind. Bubba batters Roode all the way back to the ring and smashes his face into the ring steps before tearing his shirt off and chopping Roode hard across the chest. Bubba puts Roode on a table and goes for an elbowdrop, Roode rolls out of the way, but Bubba stops himself and drops down to the floor to chop Roode again. Roode dodges another shot and Bubba nails the table, then Roode smashes Bubba's hand into the barricade, the ring post, then tries to suplex Bubba onto one of the tables at ringside. Bubba blocks, so Roode shoves Bubba into the ringpost and goes back after the bad arm. They wind up on the apron and Bubba tries to powerbomb Roode through a table at ringside, but Roode backdrops Bubba into the ring and goes for a Blockbuster. Bubba avoids it and starts firing at Roode with jabs and the Dusty elbow, but Roode dodges a running boot and Bubba puts his foot through a table that was stood up in the corner. Bubba tries to powerbomb Roode through another table, but Roode slips out and dodges another charge, causing Bubba to crash head first through another table. Bubba is out as Roode leaves the ring, giving Bubba one last evil glare on the way out.
Abyss comes into Magnus' dressing room, and Magnus says he believes Abyss has something for him, and Abyss tosses him the belt and asks what the hell just happened when he tapped out in under two seconds. Magnus says he has no problem tapping when the title isn't on the line, Abyss says he doesn't like losing, and Magnus says that he made it clear when he hired Abyss that him keeping the title is all their arrangement is about. Magnus asks if that is clear, then tells Abyss not to let Abyss get in his head because he'll just wind up being someone's freak show.
Madison Rayne and Angelina Love are backstage, and they're...WALKING! They'll face off after this commercial break!
James Storm and Gunner are backstage, and they're...MENTALLY PREPARING!
We go to Knux in his hometown where a flood destroyed everything his high school girlfriend had. Her bar, arcade machines, and car have all been wiped out,and he asks how the old man is doing, but the girl yells at him for running off to chase his dreams and leaving his family here to drown. Knux looks conflicted, but she suddenly turns nice and tells Knux to go talk to the old man in the shed up by the house. Guess we'll pick up there next week, so let's go back to the ring...
Angelina Love vs Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne
Madison jumps Angelina as she enters the ring and puts the boots to her in the corner. Angelina rolls out to the floor and calls for a time out, but Madison chases her around ringside and back into the ring, dodging an elbowdrop on the way in. Velvet Sky comes down to ringside to watch the action as Angelina dodges a charge and causes Madison to sail out to the floor. Angelina goes out and gives Velvet a look as she brings Madison back inside. Madison gets caught with a couple of two counts, but Angelina recovers and dumps Madison out to the floor where Velvet tries to encourage her to get back inside. Angelina goes out to ringside and argues with Velvet before tossing Madison back inside and covers her for 2. Angelina is wasting a lot of time arguing with Velvet instead of going after Madison, but she keeps control ofthe champion with a choke on the ropes and a face gouge. Madison plants Angelina with a spinning bulldog to finally break Angelina's momentum, and she begins to mount a comeback. Madison with a northern lights suplex for 2, then a basement dropkick sends Angelina tumbling out to the floor right at Velvet's feet. Angelina screams at Velvet for supporting Madison, and doesn't see Madison come in to wipe her out with a baseball slide. Velvet suddenly grabs Madison and DDTs her on the floor, then rolls Madison inside so Angelina can cover her as Velvet points and laughs from ringside.
Winner: Angelina Love
Velvet continues to laugh and mock Madison as she BFFs up with Angelina.
ODB comes up to Eric Young and tells him to be safe since he's finally getting his shot at the World Title tonight, but Eric says he's going to prove to Joe that all the people who doubt him are making a mistake.
Kenny King is FINALLY back on Impact, as he comes into MVP's office and asks who his sacrificial lamb is going to be. MVP says things got out of hand tonight, but he's got a great opponent for the King next week.
Samoa Joe vs Eric Young
Joe walks up to Young and shoves him, so Young starts firing off punches and a running dropkick on Joe. Young gets caught with ak nee to the breadbasket, but Young nails Joe with a flying forearm for 1. Joe whips Young to the corner and he Flair flips to the apron where Joe drills him with a kick to the chest. Young tries to fire back with more punches, but Joe runs him over with a back elbow and hammers him with a charging elbow and a leaping enziguiri in the corner. Joe covers, but Young is out at 2. Joe hits the chop to the back/kick to the chest/kneedrop combo for 2, but young gets away and they end up wiping each other out with a double clothesline. Young mounts a comeback and bodyslams Joe, then heads to the top rope for his flying elbow. Joe is up and Young leaps over him and then charges him in the corner, but he gets caught with the STJoe for 2. Young takes Joe down and goes for a moonsault, but Joe moves and catches Young in the Kokina Clutch. Young tries to do the Bret Hart sleeper counter, but Joe won't let him go over and he ends up taking Young down and choking him out.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Earl Hebner comes down to ringside and informs his son Brian, who refereed the match, that Joe had his shoulders down flat while he was checking Young's arm. Brian realizes he blew the call as we realize that we have a disputed finish!
James Storm is backstage, and he's...WALKING! He'll face Gunner after this break!
Back to the woods as Ethan Carter III says we never leave a man behind, then he goes into a creepy cabin to go looking for Spud.
We go back to last week after Impact ended when Samuel Shaw tells a cameraman to follow him if he wants something interesting to see, then he corners Christy Hemme in the Knockouts locker room. She begs him to just leave her alone and slaps him when he backs her against a wall, but he says he just wants one thing, and he takes a pair of scissors to cut a lock of her hair off. He leaves, she cries, and we find out that earned Shaw a one week suspension. This looks way more like harassment than Aries sticking his crotch in her face a year or two ago.
Another video package hyping tonight's main event, then it's off to the ring for our main event!
No DQ, No Countouts, Anything Goes: James Storm vs Gunner
Gunner comes tearing out of the back and attacks Storm before introductions are even finished, Storm nails Gunner and sets up one of the tables left over from the Roode-Bubba angle from earlier, but Gunner fights back before Storm has a chance to put him through it. Storm tries to get away, but Gunner catches Storm and suplexes him on the floor. Storm dorp toeholds Gunner into the ring steps, then grabs a drink from a fan and smashes it over Gunner's head. Storm drills Gunner with a running boot to the head and then he suplexes Gunner onto the ramp to one up the suplex on the floor earlier. Gunner pops up and smashes Storm's head into the ring steps, then drills him in the ribs with a chair. Gunner rolls Storm inside, but Storm comes off the second rope with a DDT as Gunner comes back in the ring, and we're at commercial.
We're back as Storm tries to ram Gunner into a chair wedged in the corner, but Gunner blocks and they start hammering each other in the head with trash can lids. Storm finally drills him with one NASTY shot, but Gunner spears Storm and covers for 2. Storm catapults Gunner headfirst into the chair in the corner and then hits the lungblower and comes off the top with an elbowdrop for 2. Storm goes out to the apron, but Gunner pops up and spears Storm through the ropes, sending both men crashing through a table at ringside. Gunner rolls Storm inside and covers for 2, then sets up a two chair platform in the middle of the ring. Gunner puts Storm on the top rope and suplerplexes him through the chairs, but Storm somehow gets a shoulder up at 2. Gunner goes for the Gun Rack, but Storm gets out, hits the Last Call, and two Last Calls, but Gunner now kicks out at 2. Gunner looks up and sees Storm's beer bottle, and he smashes it over Storm's head, hits the Gun Rack, and covers for the win.
Winner: Gunner
Hell of a brawl to cap off a great episode of Impact!
We go back to the creepy cabin where Ethan Carter III is looking for Jeff Hardy, then corrects himself and calls out for Willow, saying he won't burn the place to the ground if he gives Spud back. EC3 finds Spud tied up and gagged in a corner, and he asks where Willow is, but Spud just freaks out when he hears Willow's howl. EC3 asks Willow where he is, and Willow pops up behind him and says "Here." before beating Carter down. Willow disappears and Carter says that if Willow wants to play games, it's game on.
2015 - Ring of Honor ran Supercard of Honor in Redwood City, CA. Billy Krotchsen filed the following results:
Mark Briscoe defeated ACH.
Michael Elgin defeated Frankie Kazarian.
Matt Sydal def Tommaso Ciampa, Moose (w/ Stokley Hathaway & Veda Scott), Cedric Alexander, Caprice Coleman & Andrew Everett.
BJ Whitmer beat Jimmy Jacobs.
Roderick Strong beat Christopher Daniels.
reDRagon beat The Kingdom to retain the ROH Tag Team Titles.
Jay Lethal beat Jushin Liger.
Jay Briscoe beat Samoa Joe to retain the ROH World Title.
2015 - EVOLVE held EVOLVE 40 in San Jose, CA. Stu Carapola filed the following iPPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live, ongoing coverage of EVOLVE 40!
Drew Galloway comes out to do a promo to start the show, but I'm not getting any audio and can't hear what he said. Uhaa Nation comes out to face him, so I guess he was challenging him to start their match right now.
EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway vs Uhaa Nation
Drew and Uhaa do a back and forth to start with neither man able to gain an advantage, but they go to the mat and Uhaa is able to gain control of Drew. Drew tries a monkey flip to escape, but Uhaa keeps hold of Drew's arm and Drew is forced to go with a closed fist to break that up. They start brawling out to the floor, exchanging hard shots until Drew drops Uhaa chest-first on the guardrail. Uhaa shows his agility by leaping onto the apron and moonsaulting toward Drew, but Drew avoids that and pops Uhaa up into a tilt-a-whirl slam onto the ring apron. That looks like it smarted! Drew is now firmly in control as they head back inside, and begins unloading with the heavy artillery in the corner. The stream goes out on me, and it comes back with Uhaa getting 2 off of some top rope move I didn't quite catch. Drew plants Uhaa with a sky high for 2, Uhaa nails him back with a sweet leaping enziguiri, but then Drew KILLS Uhaa with a German suplex into the corner and a sick kick for 2. Now it's Uhaa with a high angle sitout powerbomb of his own for 2, and then Drew hits the butterfly DDT for the win.
Winner: Drew Galloway
Terrific opener, this was a HELL of a hard hitting war and Drew looks really strong going into tomorrow's unification match after coming out on top in this one. Drew gets a mic and puts Uhaa over, leading the fans in chanting his name and shakes his hand. He then puts over the EVOLVE product and tells the fans what a great show they're in for.
Timothy Thatcher vs Tommy End
End, from Amsterdam, is accompanied to the ring by Chris Hero. End feints a few kicks and then they go to the mat where Thatcher manages to control the action. End gets away and feints another kick to create some space, then goes for a quick powwow with Hero. They go back to the mat where Thatcher again maintains control, twisting End over into a half crab, but End manages to get away and fires off a flurry of strikes that forces Thatcher to back off to the far corner. Hero is loudly encouraging End on from ringside as Thatcher takes End back to the mat and tries to work something on End's leg. End gets away and gets behind Thatcher for about half a second before Thatcher reverses back and gets a Kimura lock that End quickly escapes by going to the ropes. End desperately tries to keep his distance by firing off kicks, but Thatcher again takes End down and counters an armbar attempt with a roll into a cradle. End sits away and finally finds an opening to score with a hard kick to the chest. That really seems to have rattled Thatcher, but End waits for Thatcher to regain his feet before coming back out to the center. Thatcher takes End back down to the mat and keeps hold of the arm, trying to go back to that Kimura, but End gets out and, failing to get any substantial strikes. goes to a front facelock instead. Thatcher gets out and headbutts End, but End drills Thatcher with a hard superkick and Thatcher crumples to the mat. End tells the referee to count him down, but Thatcher makes it back up at 9, and End is on him immediately. Thatcher drives End to the floor with an instinctive European uppercut, then he tries a charge off the apron and gets his legs kicked out from under him. After getting dominated for the entire match, End turns the momentum around on a dime and is now very firmly in command as the referee counts Thatcher on the floor. End gets tired of waiting for Thatcher to get back in the ring and rolls him in himself, going for a lax cover that only gets 2. Now End is just hammering Thatcher with kicks, sending Thatcher crumpling back to the mat with another hard boot to the head. End still can't put Thatcher away for 3, so he starts firing kneestrikes into Thatcher's skull. Thatcher catches End's leg on one of those kneestrike attempts and uses it to transition to a tight front facelock. End gets out and peppers Thatcher with more strikes, avoids another Kimura attempt, and drills Thatcher with another kick for 2. End is just killing Thatcher with strikes every time he goes for a hold, but Thatcher finally catches End with a triangle choke. End tries to get away, but Thatcher transitions into a Fujiwara armbar and finally forces End to tap out.
Winner: Timothy Thatcher
This may have been the best match I've seen all year so far. They told a great story, built the match beautifully, and hit a great finishing sequence. Absolutely top notch stuff. Chris Hero doesn't seem to agree, as he gets in the ring and gets right in Thatcher's face, but Thatcher just walks off on him. End gets a nice ovation from the crowd as well as he leaves.
TJ Perkins vs Drew Gulak
They waste no time going right to the mat, with Gulak actually gaining a fast advantage by tying TJ up in a hold I can't even identify. TJ is able to get out, but Gulak continues to control Perkins on the mat, then goes to the apron and snaps TJ's leg around the rope. TJ goes to the arm and uses it to crank Gulak into the corner, but Gulak headbutts on the break and tries coming off the second rope. Perkins catches him with a kick to the ribs as he comes down, adjusts his pants, and rolls Gulak into a cross armbreaker. Perkins continues to transition from one arm submission to another, foiling Gulak's attempts to get away. Gulak finally turns the momentum back in his favor by tying one of Perkins' legs in the corner and then whipping the other one, dmamaging both legs and slowing down Perkins' ability to maneuver in the process. Gulak follows that up with a bodyslam into the ropes, causing Perkins to catch his legs on the ring ropes as he comes down. Nasty stuff! Gulak with a half crab, but Perkins gets out and counters a bodyslam attempt to a cross armbreaker. Gulak reverses to one of his own, then Perkins counters out of that into a Fujiwara armbar. Gulak rolls out of that into a cradle, but forgoes the pinfall to further roll Perkins into an anklelock. Perkins makes it to the ropes, peppers Gulak with a flurry of strikes, and goes for his underhook suplex, but Gulak counters that to the anklelock. Gulak with an open hand to the side of the head that drops Perkins, but Perkins catches Gulak in a cross armbreaker. Gulak gets away, Perkins goes for it again, but Gulak counters back to the anklelock again. Perkins tries and tries to get away, but Gulak isn't letting go of that anklelock. Finally PErkins counters to one of his own, but Gulak counters back to his own anklelock and Perkins taps.
Winner: Drew Gulak
Another solid wrestling match, I'm really digging all the technical wrestling I'm seeing on tonight's show.
Ethan Page vs AR Fox
They do a basic feeling out process, but Page makes the mistake of pulling off Fox's do-rag, then putting it on to mock Fox. Fox hits a couple of clotheslines that Page no-sells, so Fox does a flippy-dippy enziguiri that drives Page into the corner, then Fox knocks Page to the outside with a springboard clothesline. Fox takes Page out with a series of dives through the ropes, then hits the kick flip to complete the sequence. Fox slings Page over the ring apron and hits the Ass Destroying Legdrop, but gets too cute going for Sliced Bread #2 on the floor and gives Page an opening to hit a spinebuster onto the apron and then a hanging DDT off the guardrail. Now THAT is how you turn the momentum! Page rolls Fox inside and covers for 2, then begins dishing out some hard hitting offense and plants Fox with a curtain call for 2. Fox connects with a springboard Ace Crusher, and Page rolls out to the floor to try and take a moment to catch his bearings. Fox doesn't give him much time for that, taking him out with a huge somersault dive and then rolling Page back inside. Fox with a Yakuza kick in the corner and then connects with a Swanton for 2. Page managesto get ahold of Fox and gives him a lawn dart into the corner, and then hits the Claudio Castagnoli spinning facebuster for 2. Page backdrops Fox to the apron, Fox comes in with a springboard codebreaker for 2. Another codebreaker puts Page back on the ring apron and Fox goes for another Ass Destroying Legdrop, but Page nails him before he gets to complete the move and plants him with a Tower of London onto the ring apron. Page quckly rolls Fox in and covers for 2, but makes the mistake of going to the top rope and gets caught with Lo Mein Pain. Fox follows that up with a 450 splash that finishes Page.
Winner: AR Fox
Match was okay, but Fox is still way too spot-oriented for me to really enjoy watching, largely because he still telegraphs nearly everything he does from a mile away and his opponents clearly have to get themselves into position to take his moves. Page gets a microphone and says that Johnny Gargano endorsed him, and he wants to be just like Gargano, and he is so sorry he let him down. This brings Gargano out to the ring to tell Page to shut up because he believes in Page. He says Page didn't let him or anyone else down, and that's all anyone here wants from him. Page showed he belongs in thiss ring, and things will be okay, but now he wants to talk about the match he spent all six years in this company building to: the unification match with Drew Galloway tomorrow. Gargano tells Drew that if he thinks he's planning to waste six years of his life, and after all the things he put himself through and the injuries he suffered, and the fact that he loves what he does, Galloway is going to have to kill him to beat him tomorrow, and as long as his heart is still beating, he's walking out of that ring with both titles.
Chris Hero vs Biff Busick
They don't bother with any kind of wrestling pretense here, and they start off just trading shots in the middle of the ring. Hero nails Busick with a Yakuza kick and then a diving boot to take control. Busick blocks another boot and drills Hero with a couple of European uppercuts, but Hero hammers back with hard forearms than knock Busick back on his butt. A straight jab puts Busick flat on his back and Hero covers for 2, then hits a Saito suplex and makes a casual cover for 2. Busick hammers back on Hero, but Hero shrugs all of Busick's offense off and Yakuza kicks Busick out to the floor. Hero goes out after Busick and nails him so hard he actually knocks Busick THROUGH the barricade, then gets back in the ring and repeatedly boots Busick in the head as he tries to get back in the ring. Busick dodges a final kick and German suplexes Hero into next week. Hero isn't amused, and he just beats Busick's face in with repeated forearms in the corner. Hero connects with another hard forearm that knocks Busick flat on his back, and he barely beats the count getting back to his feet. Hero with another backdrop suplex for 2, but Busick catches a couple of running Blockbusters on Hero to slow the veteran down. Now Hero tries to escape to the floor and it's Busick going after him. Busick uppercuts Hero so hard that Hero knocks a piece of the guardrail loose as he crashes backward. Hero and Busick continue to hammer each other on the floor, then Busick dumps Hero back into the ring and goes for a rear naked choke, Hero counters that to a rollup for 2 and then connects with a big boot. Hero goes back out to the apron, but Busick drags Hero back in over the top and gets a rear naked choke. Hero rolls to the ropes to force a break and then rolls out to the floor. Busick dives over the ropes, but instead of wiping Hero out, he grabs onto him and gets the choke again. Hero desperately tried to break the choke by ramming Busick backward into every hard surface he can find, but Busick still has the hold cinched in. Hero comes back inside and drops backward, then plants Busick in the mat with a piledriver and covers for 2. Now Hero is getting arrogant an starts slapping Busick around before going for the deathblow. Busick blocks, hits a pair of half nelson suplexes, and turns Hero inside out with a lariat for 2. Hero is desperately holding onto the ropes to avoid getting tossed around by Busick again, but Busick hits a top rope belly to back suplex and makes a quick cover, but only gets 2. Busick goes to the choke, Hero gets out and hits the roaring elbow, Busick gets the choke again, Hero breaks out of the hold and hits the deathblow, but Busick is out at 2. Hero with another pair of roaring elbows, but Busick kicks out of a pinfall attempt at 1. Hero is in shock at this point, connects with another roaring elbow, a Tombstone, and finally covers Busick for 3.
Winner: Chris Hero
Well damn, that was a war! This was just a fight to the finish and even though he lost, Busick took everything Hero had multiple times before he went down, and he nearly put Hero away himself several times along the way. The streak of great matches tonight continues!
Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann vs Caleb Konley & Brian Cage
Swann and Gargano take their time getting going with the extended entrance, and Konley is not amused, going right after Swann and taking him down to the mat. Swann recovers and outmaneuvers Konley, then tags Gargano in for some fancy Ronin double teaming. Cage tags in, but doesn't have much better luck, as Gargano catches him with a tornado DDT and then tags Swann in. Cage does much better with Swann, just piefacing him down to the mat and choking him on the ropes. Swan tries a springboard move, but Cage catches him in a vertical suplex position (!!!), holds Swann up for a few seconds, and then plants him. Swann is now firmly in the wrong part of town, and Cage just manhandles him while blocking his attempts to tag out to Gargano. Swann goes for the Lethal Injection, but Cage just shoves him off as if he were nothing. Konley slips out of a suplex attempt and tags Gargano in, but the Open The Freedom Gate Champion quickly winds up on the defensive himself as he gets stomped out in the corner by Konley. Now Cage is in and he traps Gargano with a seated abdominal stretch, then dumps Gargano out to the floor. Andrea gets several cheapshots in, but Gargano has enough and rams Andrea into the ringpost before Konley nails Gargano and rolls him back inside where Cage hits a delayed superplex for 2. Gargano catches Konley with a small package for 2, superkicks him in the nuts, and hits Hertz Donut for 2. The stream goes out on me again, and when it comes up, Konley and Cage are celebrating in the ring with Andrea and So Cal Val, so I guess they won.
Winners: Caleb Konley & Brian Cage
Lenny is saying something about Konley tapping out during the finish, but Val hands him the Open The Freedom Gate Title belt, so I guess he must have pinned Gargano or Gargano pinned himself or something. Either way, solid match.
Ricochet vs PJ Black
They briefly do some mat work to start, but then they quickly pick up the pace. Ricochet gets Black down and teases a People's Elbow, but hits a standing moonsault instead of the elbow and only gets 2. He goes for a suplex, but Black slips out the back, elevates Ricochet, and drops him with a twisting DDT for 2. Black keeps the pressure up with kicks and a snapover suplex before going to work on Ricochet's wrists with a wide stretch. Black follows Ricochet in as he hits the ropes and clotheslines him to the floor, but Ricochet counters a dive with a leaping enziguiri. Now he tries a springboard and gets caught, but he dropkicks Black to the floor and hits a running dive that effectively takes both men out. Ricochet connects with an Ace Crusher off the ropes followed by a standing shooting star press for 2. Black escape the Benadryller and hits an STO for 2, then they trade superkicks until they both go down again. Ricochet is up first and goes for a springboard 450 and Black moves, then Black follows up with a springboard 450 of his own and connects for 2. Black goes for a springboard moonsault, but Ricochet shoves him off and crotches him on the top rope. Ricochet follows him up, hits a leaping enziguiri, and an inverted super Frankensteiner for 2. That's the kind of move that should really end a match. Black is back up 2 seconds later and goes for a super Frankensteiner of his own, Ricochet looks to either block or counter, and ends up dumping Black right on his head in a really scary bump. He follows that up with the 630 splash and that's all she wrote.
Winner: Ricochet
Match was okay, but I really feel like both guys can do better than this. It was just a string of spots, and it just comes off as really indyriffic after almost every other match on the show was so well put together and better paced. Ricochet puts PJ over in a postmatch promo, then hands Black the mic and he says Ricochet's match with Johnny Gargano last year was one of the reasons he left WWE, so he could have matches like that every night, and EVOLVE is the place he can do that.
Even though I wasn't a fan of the main event, this show was excellent. It was chock full of great wrestling matches that told good stories, and I would definitely recommend buying the replay of this one over at WWNLive.com.
2015 - WWE broadcast the second day of their coverage from Wrestlemania 32 on the WWE Network. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report from "Wrestlemania Today" -
Welcome to coverage of the Friday edition of Wrestlemania Today from Wrestlemania AXXESS in San Jose, California.
Your host is Renee Young and she is joined by Byron Saxton and Corey Graves.
Renee mentions that Paul Heyman will be joining them as well as Dolph Ziggler, Tyson Kidd, Cesaro, and Dusty Rhodes.
Renee mentions the match between Bray Wyatt and Undertaker.
We have a video package.
Renee points out we have not seen Undertaker since last year’s Wrestlemania, but has he bitten off more than he can chew.
Byron says that Bray needs this moment because he thrives on being worshiped and praised.
Renee wonders if Bray has anything to lose. Byron says that this is Bray’s personal mission so he has a lot to lose. Bray decided that he needs his next defining moment and that moment is to face the Undertaker.
Renee brings up the mindset of Bray and how Byron pointed out on Smackdown that he was smiling and had no fear. Corey says that only Bray knows what is going on in his head. Corey says that it is genius, not madness. His plan is coming to fruition. He has manipulated the Undertaker and has forced Undertaker back into a WWE ring.
Byron points out that there are a lot of question marks around the Undertaker. Bray has perfected the mind games, but he is facing the man who wrote the book on mind games.
Renee asks for predictions. Corey says Bray is going to win. Byron says Bray needs this, but Undertaker will bring something else to the table we have not seen. Renee points out that Taker has had a year to stew on his loss last year.
Corey points out that Undertaker was a broken man last year.
We take a look at John Cena and his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel.
The Tag Team Champions Tyson Kidd and Cesaro join the panel.
Tyson says what better way to kick of Wrestlemania with a bang than with the champions. Cesaro says they are going to give a kick start to Wrestlemania. Cesaro tries to expose Renee’s attempt to promote the sponsor by pointing out that the can is not even open.
They reveal their new t-shirts. Cesaro points out that the shirts are available at the Super Store.
Renee asks about their preparation for the match. They talk about Cesaro’s collapsible cereal bowl.
Byron points out that they won the title in less than three months as a team. Cesaro points out they started as a team on December 1st. They are facing three teams because they won’t take the easy way out.
Byron asks about the tag team division and if they are offended that anyone can win the title. Kidd wants to know if it was Cole or JBL. Cesaro asks Byron who does he think can beat them. Byron says it will be a hard battle.
Cesaro asks Corey if anyone can win the title from them. Corey says no one can and Byron calls Corey a suck up. Cesaro and Tyson say that is a fact.
Byron Saxton talked to Roman Reigns and we go to the interview.
Byron asks Roman about his evolution from NXT to the Shield to now. Roman says NXT was a great platform for someone with tools and he sharpened them. He gained experience he did not have.
The Shield was a godsend. It was a huge blessing. It thrust them into the positions they are in now. They wanted to raise the standard of the WWE and leave it a better place than they found it. For that to fall apart, it was like a rug being pulled out from under them. Things happen for a reason and he has grown.
Byron asks Roman about the moment with the Rock after winning the Royal Rumble. Rock told him to stay humble and remember that he is representing his family. Roman says that he is trying to lift the bar that his family has created.
Byron asks Roman what do you say to the detractors. Roman says that he respects people’s opinions but you have to respect his. He is asked about the pressure to face Brock Lesnar and he says this is the biggest moment of his life. Sometimes you can build a mystique. He has Paul Heyman feeding his bravado. Brock has backed it up, but he can be beaten and he is the man to do it. You are going to see a level of intensity you haven’t seen before. He has been told that he can’t. Roman says he can and he will. He tells Byron to believe that.
Renee brings up Brock re-signing earlier in the week and she asks if that changes the match.
Byron says that if Roman was worried about his contract, he could use that as an advantage. Now that Brock is locked into a contract, his focus is on the title. This could make it tougher for Roman.
Corey says that Roman has to stay the course and not let Paul get inside his head. Roman knows his biggest opportunity is on Sunday. There are doubters and unbelievers. Brock had to beat the Rock to win his first title.
Byron talks about how he was inside the Elimination Chamber and it gives you a new perspective to be inside the ring. Corey talks about going into the WWE Super Store.
The next match to discuss is the Divas Tag Match with the Bellas facing AJ Lee and Paige.
We have a video package for the Bellas. We see footage of the Bellas from the Divas Search. Nikki says two girls walked in with a dream to rule the world and they have created a brand. Nikki says there is more than you see from them. Brie says the haters judge a book by their cover. They have beaten everyone and their opinions. Nikki says you want to hate them because they were reality stars. They did it to show what the Divas are about, especially when you only had three minutes in the ring.
Nikki says that AJ got all of the television time for the Divas division. She was telling lies about the other divas. Nikki says they couldn’t defend themselves because they weren’t given a choice. Nikki says that led to ‘Give Divas a Chance’.
Brie says AJ is the biggest manipulator. She rode the coat tails of so many Superstars and now she is riding the coat tails of the Bellas. Nikki says that AJ is judgmental. Nikki says she does not have to pretend to be someone she isn’t. She wonders who is AJ Lee. You try so hard to be different when you are not. You have your spray tan, fake eyelashes, and make up to say you are an Anti Diva, but you are the biggest one.
Brie calls Paige a silver spooned brat. Who comes into the business and becomes champion overnight and gets a ‘frenemy’? Nikki says that she is so fake. She does not keep people close to them to take advantage of them. You can have your skipping and screaming, but the spotlight is on them. After Wrestlemania, the spotlight will still be on them.
Byron has a question for Renee and he says there are rumblings about the Divas and the split between the Bellas and Paige and AJ. Renee says the champion spearheads the division. There are some who want to get dressed up, but there are some who just want to come in wearing their sneakers.
Corey says that the Bellas are judged unfairly at times. They have been here a long time and they have worked for their success. They may have issues, but they have worked to improve in the gym and in the ring. It is unfair to give the Bellas the rep they get.
Renee agrees and says that while AJ does not have the same platform as the Bellas, but Paige is on there. Byron and Corey wonder if there would be a Total Divas without the Divas.
We see footage from Jon Gruden scouting the participants in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Kane joins the panel. He is asked about the battle royal and he says he is feeling good. Renee asks Kane what is his tactic for the battle royal. He says the big guys are going to be targets because if it will be hard to eliminate them one on one. Then he becomes a target in the second wave. Then he can start eliminating people.
Renee asks Kane what would he say to Hideo Itami making his debut after winning the tournament at AXXESS. He says he would wish him good luck but he will be in there against people who want to win.
Renee mentions that Itami has headlined at the Tokyo Dome, but what does it mean to debut at Mania. He says it will be tough.
Corey asks Kane what is his motivation. He says Andre was one of the greatest and it would be prestigious to win.
Byron asks if he has talked to Big Show about any alliance. Kane says he has not talked to Big Show and he would not tell us.
Renee asks Kane about Pete Rose’s chances and Kane points out that Pete has not had a lot of success at Wrestlemania.
Kane says that Andre is someone he would have loved to have faced in the ring. Winning something named after him would mean a lot.
Renee asks Kane about the Randy Orton and Seth Rollins match and whether he has a rooting interest for either one. Kane says it is important for Seth because it will take him to the next level. He had a spectacular outing at the Royal Rumble and he would expect nothing less against Randy.
We take a look at a video package for the Orton versus Rollins match.
Renee asks Kane about Orton getting put in this position. He says that Orton is a snake and Seth will take care of business at Wrestlemania.
Byron asks about the skepticism of Orton rejoining the Authority. He says that Big Show wanted to bring Orton back with open arms while others did have doubts.
Byron asks what the Authority thought of Orton turning. He says it wasn’t good, but it is what it is. It happens a lot in the business.
Corey asks what does it mean for the Authority to have Seth win. Kane says that Seth has a lot of resources available to help him win.
Renee mentions the NXT ring next to their announce table and Corey mentions that is where Hideo Itami earned his spot into the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
We take a look at the ceremony from last night when Triple H unveiled the Ultimate Warrior statue with Warrior’s family.
Dana thanks everyone for being there for them this year. The legacy he leaves behind is something he is proud of. He is proud of what the Warrior did in the ring.
Renee asks them what the Ultimate Warrior meant.
Byron says he had the tassels and the face paint. Corey says Warrior was his hero when he grew up. Corey says it was emotional to watch the ceremony last night and to see his family deal with this.
Corey says no one knew about the statue, but once Triple H came out and the family came out, everyone was at ringside to watch the ceremony.
Renee mentions the Warrior Award for the Hall of Fame and Byron mentions that it will be given to Connor Michalek.
Renee mentions meeting Connor last year at Wrestlemania AXXESS and she says he was a sweet boy who touched everyone. Corey talks about how everyone had something positive to say about him. Renee mentions his family shows up at the events in Pittsburgh. Byron talks about the inspiration you get from Connor.
It is time to talk about the United States Title Match and we see a Rusev video package.
Renee asks Byron if John has put too much pressure on himself. Byron says that he may have but everything America is being represented, John Cena is there. Rusev’s comments light the fire under him.
Renee asks Corey about Rusev. Corey says that since Lana has disappeared, Rusev has been more unstoppable. What Rusev did to Cena on Monday was hard to watch at times. Rusev has been on a path of destruction since he appeared. Cena is usually prepared but he came up short against Rusev. Cena is putting extra pressure on himself.
Renee says that we have not seen John deliver against Rusev. Byron says for Cena to be focused at Wrestlemania, he can look back at what happened at Raw and Fastlane. At the end of the day, Cena will have to do what no one else has been able to do. They have not beaten Rusev by pinfall or submission.
Corey mentions that Cena got this match by making Rusev pass out.
Byron talked to John Cena about this match.
John says Wrestlemania is the single biggest event WWE has. Getting an invite to appear at Wrestlemania is an achievement you strive for. Every moment at Wrestlemania is a chance to show the world who you are.
Byron asks John about the match at Fastlane. Cena says that Rusev is a super athlete. He can do amazing things for a man his size. He has unbelievable strength and confidence. Rusev does not want any of him. He knew he would be the first to get out of the hold. Cena says that he wants the rematch because of what Rusev did while Lana distracted the referee.
Byron asks Rusev why it took so long to get the match. Cena says he thought he was not going to get the invitation. It is a privilege to be at Wrestlemania. What he did to get in the match was patriotic. A byproduct of that is getting his ticket to Wrestlemania.
Byron asks Cena about the patriotic nature of the match. He says Rusev’s comments show ignorance. Rusev lives here and he earns his living here. He is protected under the umbrella of everything the United States stands for but he runs us down. He tells Rusev to leave if he does not like it.
Byron asks Cena if the match isn’t as big as the other. Cena says that he was on the pre show for Wrestlemania 19. He was in the first match. He was in the last match. He has been on the middle of the show. Some say if you are not in the last match, it is a fleeting effort. Wrestlemania is Wrestlemania and any moment is a moment to last a lifetime.
This match, he is excited for. His first title was the US title and he won it at Madison Square Garden. If things go his way, Rusev gets his first loss and the man who is vocal about his distaste of the United States is humbled. Cena will be able to proclaim the Champ is back.
Renee asks what will happen if John Cena does not win. Byron says that we have seen that John can deal with set backs. It will affect him mentally because John is so patriotic. To think you failed an entire country, it will be significant. Corey says it could be catastrophic. John has put the weight on the country on his shoulders. He wonders what will this do to your psyche.
Byron brings up what would happen for Rusev if he loses.
What will happen to the WWE Universe if Cena loses? Corey says it would break a lot of hearts if Cena loses. Byron says Rusev did not want this match. It is due to Lana. The Rusev legacy could have gone on, but to put it at risk against Cena at Wrestlemania, it could add to Cena’s legacy.
Corey mentions Rusev’s training video that is on WWE.com and while Cena trains just as hard, Cena needs to be ready for a battle on Sunday.
It is time to talk about the Intercontinental Title match. Renee mentions the prestige of the Intercontinental Title
Byron mentions the Hall of Famers who have held the title and then we see the video package that aired on Smackdown.
Dolph Ziggler joins the panel.
Renee asks Dolph how he feels about going into a ladder match. He says ladder matches are crazy and in a time when you have to outdo the previous ladder match, people care about the Intercontinental Title.
Byron asks Dolph about all of the titles held by the participants in the match and about trying to steal the show. Dolph says him and Luke had a hell of a ladder match where both wanted to make the title mean something. Barrett is awesome and has the it factor. Everyone loves Daniel Bryan and they have a rivalry because of a tweet.
Byron asks Dolph about Daniel Bryan seeking redemption after winning last year at Wrestlemania and having the title removed.
We take a look at a video package on Daniel Bryan.
Daniel says he has to live up to these expectations and he wants to exceed them. Cole asks Daniel about never being the Intercontinental Champion. Daniel says it is the only title he has not won and the people he looked up to were the Intercontinental Champions. He wants that for this year’s Wrestlemania. He wants people to talk about this match.
Daniel is asked if he will do anything to win. He says he will do anything he physically can to win. He is a little concerned about his neck. You never know what is going to happen. You have seen what Dean Ambrose can do. Luke Harper and Dolph Ziggler had a ladder match at TLC and Harper almost broke his arm in that match. There are a lot of people who are not the most hinged in this match. Seven hungry superstars fighting for the title. You have to expect the unexpected and that something crazy will happen.
Daniel says that everyone in the ladder match better think they are going to win. He believes he will win and there will be 70,000 people chanting yes after the match is done.
Renee asks Dolph why he targeted Daniel. Dolph says it is about them because he is jealous of what Daniel has done. Dolph feels that he was a grass roots guy who had crap dumped on him when he was a cheerleader. Daniel has succeeded. He wants everyone to top what he does in the ring. Daniel may have a killer instinct, but Dolph says he has one.
Renee asks Dolph about the risks of being in a ladder match. Dolph says no matter how much momentum you have, getting up to the third rung, it is scary. People get hurt in this match but he is willing to get hurt to prove he is the best.
Byron asks how do you prepare to get hurt. Dolph says you better get that rush going through the curtain and he feels it every night. You are excited and you have to deliver. He has never dropped the ball and he won’t do it on Sunday.
Corey asks Dolph about the other men in the match who are not him and Daniel Bryan. What is your plan. Dolph says they all want it and they want to get to the next level. R Truth and Wade Barrett have been in main events with John Cena. Stardust has a chip on his shoulder. Dean Ambrose.
Gene Okerlund interrupts from the ring and he says that his brother in law is a ladder salesman.
Dolph joins Gene on the floor and he says it was a dream come true. He says that Renee was his first interview but he is excited to be with him. Gene tells Dolph not to get ‘that’excited.
Gene asks Dolph about the danger in the match. Dolph says that all of the people with something to prove in this match. Dolph says that he will climb a literal ladder to cement his legacy.
We have a Wrestlemania Rewind Moment: Triple H versus Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania 18.
Dusty Rhodes joins the panel. He says anytime you can be around Wrestlemania, it is amazing. He says it is getting funky like a monkey.
Renee asks about Stardust being in the ladder match. He says there is danger in a ladder match, but the prize is worth the risk. He is looking forward to seeing Stardust bringing it home again.
Renee mentions Goldust being in the Battle Royal. Dusty says that will be a lot of hardware to bring back in the limo. He says it is cool as a dad to see them succeed. It is not like Archie Manning because he cannot throw the ball with Peyton.
Renee asks Dusty about Sting versus Triple H. Dusty says they had him first and he came on the scene and he was out of a different stratosphere. He moved the business. Sting stood his ground and did not leave WCW. Coming in now, he has to be prepared. When you look at Hunter and when he is serious, he is hard to deal with.
Corey brings up how Dusty was similar to Sting because of his time in the NWA. What will Sting be dealing with crossing over. Dusty says you have an opportunity to see something that comes by once in a lifetime. Everyone said they would never leave the NWA to go there. All but one man went and now he is in WWE. Sting has had so much power where he has been, but when you go through the curtain at Wrestlemania, it is more different than anywhere else.
We take a look at a Triple H and Sting video package.
Renee asks Dusty what will Sting bring to the table. Dusty says Sting has to bring the last 14 years into the ring.
Byron asks Dusty how has the match impacted Triple H and his family. Dusty says that negotiations and being an athlete as well takes its toll. Dusty says that this will be a first time match you do not want to miss. Dusty talks about the ability to get over nerves in certain sporting events, but when the bell rings, you have to be ready.
Corey asks Dusty what is Sting’s motivation since the War is over. Dusty says that money and contracts are great. Hall of Fame rings are great, but to walk through the curtain at Wrestlemania money and rings mean nothing. You are there to leave the fans with amazement. It is a one cannon shot.
Renee mentions Randy Savage getting into the Hall of Fame and she asks Dusty about a Savage Story. Dusty mentions working with Savage during the Polka Dot era and he was Dusty’s only Wrestlemania opponent. Savage brought something special to the ring.
We take a look at Randy Savage’s career.
Dusty talks about how imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it happened with Savage. Savage proved it in the ring.
Renee asks Dusty about his greatest memory. He says Randy cared about the legacy. He talks about seeing Randy Savage in the crowd at the armory in Tampa to see him and Jos Leduc.
Dusty talks about how Savage changed things and brought the whole circus to the ring.
Byron asks Dusty about the Hall of Fame class and what it means to him to see them inducted. Dusty says this is a cool Hall of Fame. Dusty says he asked everyone about their favorite Bushwhackers match.
We see the footage of Brock Lesnar announcing he is staying with the WWE.
Renee mentions that Paul would not be able to appear because he would not be seen with the two goons at the table with Renee, but he will be seen next at Wrestlemania with the reigning and defending WWE Champion.
Corey says that he was honored to be called a goon by Paul Heyman.
We take a look at a video package about the end of the Undertaker’s streak at Wrestlemania.
Corey says that the moment when Brock ended the streak is why Roman Reigns will not win on Sunday. Brock did the unthinkable and Roman has to do the same thing on Sunday. Byron says that Roman will be different on Sunday than what we have seen from him. He has been told that he can, but he will be someone we have not seen before.
2015 - TNA broadcast Impact Wrestling. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report here on PWInsider.com!
We start with a video look back at the torment that James Storm has put the Hardys through, then we go right to the ring for our opening promo. Storm says that tonight is supposed to be Jeff Hardy's revenge, but he crippled Jeff Hardy and put Matt Hardy out last week. He knows the fans like to see Jeff fly off the top of cages, but he gave the fans what they want by sending him flying off a cage, and he wound up in the hospital. He holds up a watermelon and says it is Jeff Hardy, and he tosses it over the cage and causes it to bust open when it hits the floor. Jeff Hardy comes out to a huge reaction from the fans and says that Storm did what nobody could by putting him out, but he's back and is still standing, and the time is now to end the Revolution. Hardy starts to walk toward the cage, but Manik runs out from behind and attacks Jeff. Storm says there's always room for one more in the Revolution, and he tells Manik to break his arm. Manik tries, but Jeff hits the Twist of Fate and then immediately falls victim to another attack by Abyss, who sends him into the cage. Hardy gets ahold of a chair and beats Abyss down with it, then gets his mic back and asks the controller to lower the top onto the cage to turn it into a Lethal Lockdown match. Storm tells Hardy that he's about to find out that the hero DIES. Hardy says it's about his revenge tonight, and he leads the fans in chanting for his revenge.
We look back at last week when Samoa Joe got taken out and then Rockstar Spud won the X Division Title, then we go backstage to the Beat Down Clan as MVP says that unfortunately, they have to make a statement tonight.
James Storm is backstage flipping out because he's tired of Jeff Hardy, and he tells Khoya to find Jeff and dispose of him. And if Khoya doesn't dispose of Jeff Hardy, he'll dispose of Khoya. Khoya gets fired up and leaves in search of his target.
X Division Title Match: Rockstar Spud vs Kow Ki
Pretty basic match, Low Ki spends the entire match beating the crap out of Spud, Spud gets some offense in toward the end but ultimately gets stomped back down, Drew Galloway comes out to distract Low Ki, and Spud small packages Low Ki to retain.
Winner: Rockstar Spud
Pretty much what you would have expected. I don't think Spud's the guy who's gonna revive this division.
We come back from commercial to the BDC in the ring and MVP saying he's tired of Drew Galloway jumping them and claiming he's doing this for the fans, and he can either come out and fight them or they'll start beating up these fans he loves. Drew comes out and asks the fans what they want to see, and the BDC keeps trying to taunt Drew into the ring, and he finally does come in, but he's not alone because he's got two big dudes with him, and the three of them take the BDC out and send them running for cover. Drew says the group is called the Rising, and I guess they're there to take the BDC out.
We see a video package of Awesome Kong going nuts because she wants Taryn Terrell's shiny gold belt.
The BDC is backstage and Kenny King and Low Ki are losing their minds over what just happened, but MVP is calm because he has a call to make to somebody who is ready.
Brooke Tessmacher vs Awesome Kong
Brooke tries to use her speed to stick and move on Kong, but Kong eventually gets ahold of her, swats her like a fly, and begins dishing out the punishment. Brooke fights valiantly as she attempts a comeback and even counters the Awesome Bomb to a facebuster, hits a top rope elbowdrop, and covers for 2. Brooke tries coming off the ropes, but Kong goozles her on the way down and hits a big chokeslam, then finishes with the Implant Buster.
Winner: Awesome Kong
Another dominant win by Kong, who shoves the referee away after getting her hand raised. She's not done, and picks Brooke back up and delivers another Implant Buster for good measure. She then sets up a table at ringside and prepares to plant Brooke through it when Taryn Terrell runs out and attacks Kong like she's Drew Galloway. Kong smashes her face into the barricade and tosses Terrel inside, but Terrell knocks Kong on her butt with a dropkick. An enraged Kong comes storming at Terrell, who moves out of the way and sends Kong sailing to the floor. Terrell comes out after Kong and gets tossed into the ring steps, then she powerbombs Terrell and her string thong through the table that previously had Brooke's name on it.
We look back at last week when Kurt Angle beat Bobby Lashley for the TNA World Title, and we'll see his championship celebration later tonight. We then go to Austin Aries who congratulates Angle and says he knows as well as Angle what it means to be the World Champion. He holds up the briefcase and asks how cool it would be if there were two championship celebrations tonight.
Jeff Hardy is backstage cutting a generic "I'm still standing" promo on James Storm when Khoya tries to sneak attack him from behind. Hardy kicks his ass and then batters him with a ladder. Hardy yells at Khoya to stay down, then breaks a glass bottle over his face when he doesn't. Hardy again tells him to stay down, and this time Khoya is too unconscious to respond.
Kurt Angle comes out to the ring and thanks the fans for supporting him on his road to his 14th World Title, and his first in three and a half years. That's the longest he's gone without a World Title, and it's taken a toll on his body. For him to be able to stand here as the World Champion right now after all he's gone through has to be the proudest moment in his life so far. Angle is cut off by Ethan Carter III, who is at the entranceway with Tyrus in tow. He says Angle is an inspiration who defeated the unstoppable Bobby Lashley, but going undefeated for a year and a half while pinning Sting, Bully Ray, and even Angle is even more impressive. EC3 and Tyrus enter the ring as EC3 says he's putting Angle on notice that he's going to beat him for the TNA World Title and there's nothing Angle can do about it. Angle is incredulous that EC3 thinks he can take that title from him, but Bobby Roode comes out to join the party and stake his own claim to a title shot. He says he never got a rematch after the title was stolen from him, and he's been in the ring with Angle many times and has had some of his best matches with Angle, but Angle knows there isn't a man who deserves a shot at that title more than him. Now Eric Young is out here too, and he says nobody took that title from him but Eric Young, and he did it because he's better than him and always has been. Roode says he's beaten Young over and over, but Young says that's not going to stop him because as long as he draws breath, Roode will never hold the World Title again. Now Austin Aries comes out and says that everyone here knows what it's like to be the World Champion...well, except for EC3 because money apparently hasn't bought him the title, but he brought something out here for the celebration. He pulls a bottle of champagne out of his briefcase and says they can celebrate, but he wants to know if they'll be celebrating Angle's title win of his. Angle says that he's ready and he'll fight any of them at any time. Wait, we're not done yet because Bobby Lashley comes out to demand a rematch, and Angle says if he wants a rematch, they can do it right now. A bunch of referees and officials come out to get between them, and Tyrus and EC3 attack Austin Aries while Eric Young jumps Bobby Roode. Just because we don't have enough people out here looking for a title shot, Ken Anderson comes tearing out of the back and attacks Tyrus as we go to commercial.
We're back, and it looks like we've got an impromptu six man tag...
Austin Aries, Bobby Roode & Ken Anderson vs Ethan Carter III, Tyrus & Eric Young
EC3 starts off getting triple teamed by the babyfaces, but he manages to tag out to Tyrus, who cleans house and traps Bobby Roode in their half of the ring. Roode plays babyface-in-peril for severl minutes until he backdrops his way out of a piledriver attempt by Young and tags in Aries. Aries and Roode double team Young, hitting several of their old tag team moves, but Young avoids the 450 splash from Aries and gets him in a figure four, forcing Aries to tap.
Winners: Eric Young, Ethan Carter III & Tyrus
Bram comes out to the ring and starts running Magnus down, calling him a coward for hiding behind his family. Bram says Mickie has more balls than Magnus ever will, and he's about to get to the baby when Magnus and Mickie come out. Magnus says this won't be a wrestling issue, it'll be an issue for the police if he says another word about his son. Magnus says it's bad enough that he got Bram his job here, but he draws the line with Bram putting his hands on Mickie. Bram says Magnus should come down to the ring and fight him, and Magnus says he wants to fight him in the ring, the parking lot, and anywhere and everywhere. Bram says that's fine because all he cares about is seeing the tears streaming down Mickie's eyes after he's kicked Magnus' head in. Mickie says the only tears Bram is going to see is tears of joy when Magnus pulls those pubes he calls a beard off his face and kicks his ass all over the building. Bram says Mickie will be coming home to an empty house when he takes Magnus out, but his door is always open for her. Magnus rushes the ring and Bram gets the advantage after a low blow, and he grabs his turnbuckle out from under the ring and comes after Magnus with it. Then he stops, drags Mickie into the ring instead, and says that he wants Mickie to hiss his boot like Magnus did. Actually, he's got a better idea and maybe Mickie can give him a big sloppy kiss. Magnus pops up, German suplexes Bram into next week, hammers him with right hands, then gets the turnbuckle and starts beating the crap out of Bram with it. Magnus goes to leave, but Mickie rushes Bram and attacks him until Magnus has to pull her off. Bram heads for the hills as Magnus dares him to come back and fight.
We see a video package hyping the main event, as James Storm battles Jeff Hardy in Six Sides of Steel after this break!
Kurt Angle is backstage and says it was tough beating Bobby Lashley once, and it'll be even tougher doing it twice when he faces him next week, but he's determined to be the best champion he can be and isn't going to be intimidated by Lashley.
It's...MAIN EVENT TIME!
Six Sides Of Steel: James Storm vs Jeff Hardy
Storm gets the jump on Hardy by bashing him in the head with a metal trash can as he enters the ring, and then proceeds to work him over. Storm is still in control as we go to commercial.
We come back and Storm is still in control, but Hardy hits something I didn't catch and gets 2 on Storm. Hardy avoids the Last Call and hits a Twist of Fate, then comes off the top rope with a Swanton...that lands on Storm's knees. Yeesh. Storm follows that up with a lungblower, and finally connects with the Last Call. Storm makes a cover, but Hardy is out at 2. A frustrated Storm grabs his cowbell and prepares to clean Hardy's clock with it, but Hardy dodges and rams Storm headfirst int oa chair Storm wedged between the ropes. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate and a twisting Swanton, but Storm is out at 2. Hardy takes his shirt off, but takes too long and allows Storm to come in and punch him in the ding ding. Storm begins perusing the weapons suspended from the top of the cage, but Hardy comes up behind him and hangs from the roof of the cage to hit a Frankensteiner into the ring. Hardy takes a trash can lid and bashes Storm over the head with it, nails him again, then uses Storm's cowbell to crack Storm. Another Twist of Fate, then Hardy climbs up the cage, swings off the roof to gain momentum, and uses it to swing himself down onto Storm with a high velocity splash for 3.
Winner: Jeff Hardy
Great match and I liked the finish, good way to bring Hardy back after his yearly vacation.
2015 - WWE NXT ran San Jose, CA in what would be a predecessor to NXT Takeover taking place the night before a major WWE PPV event in the same market. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
WWE NXT began what is undoubtedly a new Wrestlemania tradition tonight, drawing over 4,500 fans to the San Jose University Event Center for a two hour event that kicked off at 10 PM Pacific after WWE's Wrestlemania AXXESS had closed up shop for the night. The lIne to get in went waaaay down the block and there was a young energy in the crowd. Is wasnt a family audience but a college age crowd mixed in with diehard fans.
*WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross was sitting in the first row.
The night opened with Jojo signing the national anthem.
When they turned the lights out before the show officially began, everyone in the building was on their feet with an energy that I can only describe as ECW-esque.
Corey Graves came to the ring. HIs mic didn't work so the crowd chanted, "You f***ed up." Graves joked that they were new at this. Graves said he wanted to tell a story and that was that WWE had a little secret In a warehouse in Florida. Then came The Shield and Bray Wyatt and that started the whispers. Those turned into waking and shouts and whispers and that has led to this show. He said that they sold out thousands of seats Wrestlemania weekend in minutes and now there are wrestlers standing in the back becau:se they have no chairs left. He rallied the crowd to chant NXT, not that they needed any prompting.
*Hideo Itami pinned Tyler Breeze. Hell of an opener. The crowd chanted for Hideo as he came to the ring. The crowd went nuts for Breeze's music immediately. Breeze did his lay across the buckles spot and the crowd popped. Hideo mocked it and they really went nuts. Breeze had control early but Hideo nailed several kicks. He crowd chanted for the GTS. They went back and forth with a pretty hot competitive opener. Hideo missed a kick and Breeze nailed him with one and scored a two count with a crucifix bomb. The crowd loved the hell out of hat and chanted for NXT. Hideo went for the GTS but Breeze slipped out and nailed a super kick. The crowd chanted "This is awesome." Hideo went nuts with offense and kicked the hell out of Breeze. He nailed a big hesitation dropkick in the corner and killed Breeze with the GTS for the pin. Hideo looked the most he's looked like his old self since coming to the States here and Breeze was perfect as his foil.
*Jason Jordan pinned Bull Dempsey. The crowd booed he hell out of Dempsey but when Jason Jordan came out, they didn't seem to know who he was. Dude never should have cut that hair. Dempsey did a lot of ground and pound and kept Jordan on the mat early, Jordan went for a back Suplex but Dempsey turned and flattened him for a two count, Jordan used some collegiate takedowns. Dempsey nailed the Earthquake splash for a two count. He drilled Jordan and scored a two count after a flying Headbutt. Jordan mounted a comeback and scored the pin with an exploder. The crowd was surprised by that as they were treating Jordan as if he was Terry Gibbs tonight.
*Bayley & Alexa Bliss defeated Dana Brooke & Becky Lynch. The crowd went nuts when they announced this was a Divas tag with lots of women screaming. Bayley got her complete entrance and a huge standing ovation in her hometown. Huge chant for her when she entered the ring. Dana Brooke is freaking impressive looking in person. Bliss and Lynch had some great exchanges, Bliss nailed a backflip into a double knee drop that was brutal. She was the perfect underdog babyface against the larger Brooke. Lynch played a great heel. Some good solid tag wrestling here. Bliss was worked over for a long time so Bayley couldn't get the hot tag. Just as she was about to get that hot tag, Lynch pulled Bayley off the apron. When Bayley finally got the tag and hit her offense, the crowd was primed for it. She hit a nice slam into a Superplex, the ascended the ropes. Brooke kicked her legs out from under her. lynch tried to take advantage but Bayley kept kicking up. She finally nailed the Bayley to belly suplex for the pin. Perfect for this night, market and match. Big reaction for Bayley after.
Bayley was interviewed after. She said it was the coolest night of her freaking life and thanked everyone for supporting NXT.
*Solomon Crowe forced Kalisto to tap. I am pretty sure this is literally a DGUSA rematch from a previous Mania weekend. Lots of mat work early and it was really good. Crowe nailed a nice springboard clothesline to send Kalisto to the floor. Kalisto started whipping out all these sick Lucha moves and a nasty spike DDT. Crowe was pretty aggressive in the ring and has corey red hair now. It suits him well. Kalisto hit a springboard 450 splash into the ring for a two count. Fun stuff. Kalisto came off the top for a move but was caught in the air and turned into the Stretch Muffler for the submission. Damn good.
*Baron Corbin pinned Rhyno. Huge reaction for Rhyno, who was a surprise. Tons of ECW chants. This was the back and forth bruiser match with lots of big physical spots. Rhyno teased the Gore and was drilled with a kick. There was a dueling "You can't wrestle...yes he can" chant at Corbin. Corbin worked over Rhyno. Corbin sent Rhyno into the buckles hard. They clunked heads and both went down. They battled back and forth until Rhyno nailed Corbin. Corbin came back with a sitdown powerbomb for a two count. The crowd was really cold on Corbin early but got more into the bout as it went on. Rhyno was the fave for sure though. Rhyno went for the Gore but Corbin caught him with his finisher for he pin. Solid. You can see Corbin is still a project in progress. Rhyno Gored him after to a huge pop.
After intermission, Corey Graves came to the ring and said he brought a surprise to the ring. Out came HHH. He got a huge reaction. HHH said he gets to do some cool stuff but this is badass. The crowd chanted "Thank you Hunter" and he said thank you and that this isn't you or me, it's us. He said it was the hottest ticket in town and half the roster is back there including Shawn Michaels, Seth Rollins, Cesaro, Stephanie McMahon, X-PAC and even Vince McMahon are all here. Vince got half booed. HHH put over that Jim Ross was in the front row and the place exploded. HHH said the best thing is that none of the fans care about any of this because they are here for the future and the future is now. He led an NXT chant.
*WWE NXT Tag Team champs Murphy and Blake defeated The Vaudevillains and Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady. Huge reaction for Enzo and Colin. They had the last entrance and did all their lines, Carmella was with them. The crowd did all of the lines along with them. They were super over. The Vaudevillians got a big pop and the crowd clapped along as they came out. The Tag champs got a mixed reaction. Enzo's charisma live is off the charts, even better than I remember it being when I went to Full Sail Live for a TV a taping. The challengers each had turns keeping the champs on the defensive early. OK match once the tag champs gained control and slowed down the pace. Crowd really wanted to chant and cheer on Colin and Enzo. Colin finally got tagged in and cleaned house on everyone. He drilled Murphy with a big boot. It was the Vaudevillains were first eliminated. The crowd booed and gave them a really nice round of applause on he way out. Carmella got on the apron to distract Murphy. Colin sent him into the ropes to roll him up and Carmellla was knocked off to the floor. Colon gave up going for the pin to check on her and was nailed from behind and pinned. The crowd gave Colin and Enzo a big ovation for the way out. Solid.
*WWE NXT Women's champion Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte. HUGE reaction when they announced the title bout. Both Charlotte and Banks received monster reactions. Big Woos for all the chops. Charlotte was on offense early and they went to the floor where Charlotte chopped her on every side of the ring. As they re-entered ring, Banks cut her off. They had some nice back and forth near falls. The crowd chanted, "This is wrestling". Charlotte trapped her in a head scissors and drilled Sasha's head into the mat. Banks returned the favor by double stomping her as she was in the buckles. Real competitive back and forth bout. The crowd was super loud sigh back and forth chants for each. Banks mocked Charlotte with a Fargo Strut. That was awesome. Banks trapped Charlotte in her straight jacket submission, yanking her back all the way. It looked sick. The crowd clapped and rallied for Charlotte. Charlotte made the big comeback with chops. She sent Sasha over the top but she landed on her feet and drilled Charlotte for a two count. Banks was great at playing to the crowd. Banks locked Charlotte in the head scissors and drilled her into the mat face first before beating her rudely. Banks went for a rana but was caught, elevated and power bombed down with authority. They were both almost counted down on the mat but returned to their feet to fight each other. Banks was sent into the buckles. Charlotte was on fire with offense and scored several two counts. Charlotte's hair extensions got ripped out which infuriated her. They went back and forth with two counts. The crowd chanted, "This is awesome." Charlotte locked in the figure four. Banks tried to get out and even turned it but Charlotte turned it back over, Banks made it to the ropes. Charlotte went to the top but Banks pulled her off into the ring. Banks drilled her with two knees to the back and locked her in a submission. They went into a beautiful set of near falls until Banks finally caught her in the Bank Statement submission and Charlotte tapped. FREAKING AWESOME. Charlotte received a standing ovation and the crowd chanted, "Thank you Charlotte."
They introduced Sami Zayn. He came out and he crowd sang "Ole Ole" for a long time and then chanted his name. It was a huge ovation. He said it's been a crazy time for him and he's gone home to clear his head. He said he has some medical issues that aren't too serious but he's not cleared to compete tonight. The crowd booed that. Zayn said he knows but he wanted to say how important this show is. He said there used to be a dirty word called developmental. He said that it used to be if they went there they waited and wasted away in obscurity while hoping to be saved by being called up to Raw and Smackdown. He said things have changed. The crowd popped. He said that the word revolution is thrown around a lot but he wanted to talk about his revolution. He said that his started when he wrestled Cesaro in he a best of Three Falls two years ago, he said that they could have waited and kept things the way it used to be or they could kick down the doors and work hard and make this the place to be...and that's what this is. He said people can think he might be wrong about it being a revolution but he's standing in front of 5,000 fans who sold this place out in an hour.
Out came NXT champ Kevin Owens on the stage. This is pretty damn surreal to see. He said it's cute to listen to what Zayn says and how the fans are eating it up, but he knows Zayn knows Zayn better than anyone. He said Zayn uses the we did this but he really means he did is and he believes it's all about Zayn. The crowd gave Owens the "What?" Chant and Owens told the crowd they were cute and "Let's all go back to 2002 together, yaaaaay!" Owens said Sami has accomplished nothing since he got here but since Kevin arrived NXT blew up and sold out Ohio and tonight thanks to him. He said he has the title and he beat Sami for it.
Sami ripped Owens saying that Zayn tore the house down and was tearing it up for the last two years as Owens texted him asking how WWE is and watched him in TV. He said that without Sami, there would never have been Owens in WWE. Owens teased fighting Zayn and Zayn said lets go. Owens teased getting into the ring but then said Sami was lucky he had surgery two weeks ago and left. Sami said when Owens gets better, Sami is coming to get his belt. Better than 99% of most Raw opening segments we've seen in forever. Finn Balor.
For those who asked there were a few handhelds at ringside shooting the show. I didn't notice a hard cam or anything like that.
*Finn Balor pinned Adrian Neville. Balor came out in full Demon paint and entrance. The crowd lost it for this and chanted, "Holy sh**" when it was over. Some really nice mat work early. Neville nailed a nice dive to the outside. The crowd chanted, "Better than Mania." I wonder what Vince is thinking right now. Neville took control and ran Balor into the buckles, then chopped away at him. Balor fought his way to his feet but was thrown into the corner and taken back down. Neville controlled him with stomps and nailed a back suplex for a two count. Balor leapt out of the way of a charge and landed on the apron outside. They went for a move but Neville caught him with a guillotine leg drop through the the ropes. Neville came off the ropes with a sunset flip but Balor rolled through through and scored with a dropkick. They fought back and forth until Balor kicked him off the top rope to the floor. On the floor, Balor scored with a leaping forearm and tossed Neville back in. Neville drilled him with some kicks but Balor wiped him out and nailed a flying double stomp got a two count. The fans chanted, "This is awesome" and to a lesser extent, "Slobber Knocker." Balor charged but was killed with a superkick for a two count. Neville went to the top but Balor hit the ropes and Neville crashed into the ring. Balor scored several two counts, He went to the top but Neville nailed him. Great competitive bout. Neville scored with a Superplex as both men stood on the top for a two count. He called for the Red Arrow but Balor moved and scored with the top rope stomp for the pin. Great main event.
Great night. Thats all from San Jose tonight!
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