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8/3 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: JERICHO DEPARTS ECW, HIGHSPOTS SUES FLAIR AND MORE

By Mike Johnson on 2011-08-03 08:00:14

August 3rd

On this day in history in ....

1985 - A huge 16-match card was held in Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Named "Polynesian Hot Summer Night", the show drew over 12,000 fans for a show featuring talent from the U.S. and Japan. The show, promoted by the Maivia family, almost fell apart at the last minute when Jim Crockett didn't want his wrestlers on a show with Lars Anderson (due to past issues between the two). The issues were cooled off enough before show time that the event was able to take place. Here are the results:
- NWA Junior Heavyweight Champion The Cobra defeated Superfly Tui.
- Seiji Sakaguchi defeated Matt Borne.
- Kengo Kimura & Tatsumi Fujinami defeated The Hoods.
- Jimmy Snuka defeated Iron Mike Sharpe.
- Manny Fernandez defeated Georgia National Champion Black Bart via disqualification.
- Mighty Milo vs. AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Regal ended in a time limit draw.
- Debbie Combs defeated Fallen Angel (Woman) via disqualification.
- Farmer Boy Ipo & Leroy Brown defeated Joel & Verne Deaton.
- Little Kevin defeated Pancho Boy in a midget match.
- Richie Magnet defeated Gypsy Joe.
- Dusty Rhodes & Magnum TA defeated Nikita Koloff & Krusher Khruschev.
- Andre the Giant, Angelo Mosca & Steve Collins defeated King Kong Bundy, Mark Lewin & Kevin Sullivan via disqualification.
- Lars Anderson defeated Bad News Allen to win the Polynesian Heavyweight Title.
- Rocky & Ricky Johnson defeated The Dirty White Boys to win the Polynesian Tag Team Title.
- Antonio Inoki vs. Bruiser Brody ended in a double countout.
- NWA World Champion Ric Flair vs. Siva Afi ended in a double disqualification.

1987 - Shane Douglas, substituting for Sting, who was attacked earlier in the show, defeated Eddie Gilbert to win the UWF Television Title in Morgan City, Louisiana.

1991 - Tri-State Wrestling (in many ways the precursor to ECW) ran their "Summer Sizzler II" event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Penn Hall. The show, which only drew about 550 fans, was headlined by a unique three falls match between Cactus Jack and Eddie Gilbert, in which each fall had a different stipulation. Because of that match, the show became a hot item amongst tape traders at the time. Here are the results from the show:
- The Sandman defeated The Rockin' Rebel.
- Cactus Jack defeated Eddie Gilbert in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
- Luna Vachon defeated Madusa Micelli via disqualification.
- Eddie Gilbert defeated Cactus Jack in a stretcher match.
- Cry Baby Wald0 defeated The Spoiler & Rick Perez.
- Buddy Landell vs. Austin Idol ended in a double DQ.
- The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) defeated Stan Lane & Jim Cornette.
- Larry Winters, DC Drake & Johnny Hotbody defeated JT Smith, Tony Stetson & CN Redd.
- Eddie Gilbert vs. Cactus Jack went to a double disqualification in a steel cage match, ending their three match series in a draw.

1996 - ECW ran their "The Doctor Is In" show at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, featuring the ECW debut of Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, and the debut of a new gimmick for Stevie Richards, The Blue Meanie, Super Nova & Donn E. Allen, as the foursome showed up in KISS makeup, singing "Rock N' Roll All Nite" before being attacked by The Sandman. Here are the results of the show:
- Mikey Whipwreck defeated Devon Storm.
- Johnny Smith defeated Louie Spicolli.
- D-Von Dudley vs. Axl Rotten ended in a non contest when the other Dudleys attacked D-Von.
- Raven defeated Sandman to retain the ECW World Heavyweight Title. Steven Richards was supposed to be defending the title for Raven (who had was injured), but Raven got the pin anyway.
- 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Chris Jericho with a Shooting Star Press.  This was Jericho's last ECW match.
- ECW Television Champion Shane Douglas defeated Pitbull #2 with two belly to belly suplexes.
- Taz & Brian Lee defeated Tommy Dreamer & Steve Williams when Lee chokeslammed Dreamer on a trash can.
- The Gangstas defeated The Eliminators, The Bruise Brothers and The Samoan Gangsta Party in a four way dance to win the ECW World Tag Team Title, starting the Gangsta's first reign as champions.
- Sabu defeated Rob Van Dam in a stretcher match.

1998 - The Monday Night Wars continued with Raw beating out Nitro. Raw, headlined by Steve Austin & Undertaker defeating The Rock & Owen Hart, Triple H defeating X-Pac, and Kane & Mankind defeating the New Age Outlaws, earned a 4.9 rating. Nitro did a 4.2 rating for a show headlined by Scott Hall & The Giant defeating Sting & Bret Hart, Rey Mysterio Jr. defeating Chris Jericho, and Curt Hennig defeating Konnan.

2010 - Highspots.com's owner and parent company, Michael Bochicchio and Highspots, Inc. filed a lawsuit against TNA star Ric Flair in the Superior Court of North Carolina.  The lawsuit was filed over issues regarding money Flair allegedly owed Highspots and the original National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight championship belt, which Highspots claimed they were given as collateral for the loan.  Highspots had maintained possession of the belt and had previously tried to sell the belt to make up the amount they have alleged Flair owed them, only to learn that another entity, Combraco, Inc., already held a lien on the property for money Flair owes them.  Highspots sued, claiming they were owed $35,000 from money lent to Flair, as well as money spent on photos and other materials created in conjunction with Flair appearances. They were also claiming they are owed one more appearance contractually by Flair, plus interest on money owed.
Highspots' side was that they lent Flair $31,000 and $35,000 on different instances. Flair agreed to make appearances to make up the amounts. Flair made two signing appearances and also appeared with Roddy Piper in a shoot interview DVD for a total of three appearances. So, Highspots is claiming they are owed for one final appearance to make up the remainder of the $31,000, plus the entire $35,000 loan.  Flair's attorney responded to the lawsuit on 7/21, noting that Flair had accepted a wire money transfer from Highspots to the tune of $35,000, which is the amount in question for the second loan. There is no mention of the initial $31,000 beyond the mention of a "loan that had been previously addressed." The agreement, according to Flair's side was that Flair would then do a series of autograph appearances for Highspots to work off the debt.   Flair's attorney claimed to the court that two such appearances were made, which each "generated $10,000 per appearance" while the remaining appearances "were canceled" by Highspots.  In the filing, Flair's attorney wrote that the cancellations were made "without prior warning" and that Highspots had "denied Flair the ability under the agreement to repay the balance of the loan."  In regard to the NWA championship belt, Flair's attorney claims that "at no time" did Flair pledge the belt to Highspots as collateral.  Flair's version of events is that the belt was brought to the autograph sessions and that Highspots took possession and "refused to return it."    In noting the lien to Combraco, Inc., Flair's attorney's claimed that at no time did Flair lead Highspots to believe they had "security interest" in the belt.  Flair is claiming Highspots has "wrongful, unlawful and unauthorized possession" of the belt.  The filing also mentioned that Flair did call the local police in Charlotte "asking for advice on how to retrieve it."  In asking around, there was a story making the rounds in the local wrestling scene several months back that several officers came to Highspots' office, trying to get the belt but left after being shown the paperwork regarding the issue.   The filing also featured an interesting claim from Flair's side that Highspots.com had failed to pay Flair after an appearance at a "Mid-Atlantic Fan Fest" (obviously, last year's NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte) as he was scheduled to work for seven hours and be paid $7,500.  Flair's attorney claimed Flair instead worked thirteen hours and was "compensated only $19,000" - and had he been paid for the "full extent of his services", there would have been "sufficient funds" to repay any debt to Highspots.com.  Interesting to note that NWA Legends Fan Fest promoter Greg Price came out publicly several months back regarding his dealing with Flair over the course of that event.  His statement, reprinted on Page Two, included a claim that Price cut a deal with Highspots and Flair where Flair received money up front and the remainder would go towards Highspots' debt.  Instead, Flair allegedly held Price up for much more money during the course of the event, which Price eventually paid Flair and not Highspots.  Obviously, Flair and Price's accounts greatly differ from the other, but if Price was the one paying Flair, not Highspots, one has to wonder how Flair can place the blame on Highspots to begin with and how it is even material to the money owed.  Flair's filing asked that Highspots be denied all of their claims, that the court rule that any debt to the company has been satisfied and that the NWA World championship belt be returned to his possession and that Highspots be forced to pay the court costs.  The lawsuit would be settled, but not without lots more legal drama, including an order for arrest issued for Flair had he not paid Highspots.com their settlement.
 

2010 - Samoa Joe was suspended by TNA. He was not happy after his match with Jeff Hardy and was vocal about it in the back after match. The problem that we were told got him suspended was that he went into the production truck during the broadcast to complain, which is seen as a breach of etiquette. He will be suspended for about a month.

2010 -China Broadband Inc. announced that they have appointed Shane McMahon as their CEO.

2010 - WWE broadcast WWE NXT.  Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We see highlights from last week, including the departure of Eli Cottonwood and his freaking out over the elimination.

We are live on tape from Laredo, Texas and your announcers are Michael ‘Deep in the Heart of ’ Cole and Josh ‘Let’s go on a road trip to Waxahachie’ Mathews.

Matt Striker welcomes us to NXT and he brings out the six remaining rookies and they come to the ring. We are told by Michael Cole that the next elimination takes place next week.

Matt says that they need to address what happened at the end of the show with the brawl. Matt says that they will have to kiss and make up. That is fitting because there will be a kissing contest tonight featuring the Divas. Matt calls on the co-Women’s Champions Michelle McCool and Layla.

Layla has Kaval hold their title belts. Michelle says that they have been thinking. She wants to see the softer, sweeter side of the rookies. How they kiss tells them a lot about how they are going to be as a WWE Superstar. Michelle says that they just want to kiss them. Layla and Michelle want to make sure that the rookies want to kiss them. They have to kiss as long, soft, and passionately as they want. Layla says that they will choose the best kisser. The winner gets a fabulous package of prizes.

Husky Harris is first and Michelle takes a look at Husky’s shirt and wants to get the engine revving. Michelle wants Husky to sweep her off her feet. Husky hesitates and then Michelle says that they won’t kiss her. Michelle says that they have brought in their own local expert. Her name is Margaret and she is the homecoming queen from 1993. Michelle makes sure that they don’t get too close to Margaret.

The second victim is Michael McGillicutty. After he is done, he compares notes with Husky. Michelle tells Lucky Cannon it is time for him to get Lucky. Percy Watson is the next person to pucker up. Now it is time for Kaval to kiss Margaret. Michelle and Layla think about it and while Kaval wants to be saved. Layla kisses Kaval instead. Michelle tells Kaval that he still needs to kiss Margaret. The final person is Alex Riley. Alex jumps in there and faints from the passion.

Michelle and Layla find out from Margaret who the winner was and she whispers it in their ears. The winner is Lucky Cannon.

Layla tells Lucky and everyone that they have won halitosis, gingivitis, athlete’s foot, tonsillitis, and cooties.

We go to commercial.

Match Number One: Kaval with Michelle and Layla versus Husky Harris with Dashing Cody Rhodes

Harris backs Kaval into the corner but Kaval with a kick out of the corner. Harris with a single leg take down and waist lock. Kaval gets to his feet and he connects with elbows and escapes the hold with a kick. Kaval with a back heel kick and another kick. Kaval stands on Harris’ shoulders and hits a drop kick. Harris goes to the floor and Kaval tries for a pescado but Harris catches Kaval and sends him into the ringside barrier.

Kaval makes it back into the ring and Harris gets a near fall. Harris with kicks to Kaval and then he applies a rear chin lock. Harris charges into boots from Kaval. He misses another charge and Kaval with punches. Harris takes Kaval down and he catapults Kaval onto the turnbuckles but Kaval lands on the turnbuckles and hits a double stomp. Kaval misses the Tidal Crush and Harris hits a uranage and back senton for the three count.

Winner: Husky Harris

Miz comments on Michael McGillicutty. It feels like he has seen this before. It is good that he wants to follow in daddy’s footsteps. He says that his dad was good, but Michael is mediocre.

Ashley Valence is in the back with Michael McGillicutty and Kofi Kingston. Michael says that the Miz knows nothing about him. To sit behind a camera and call him mediocre is pathetic.

Lucky Cannon and Mark Henry enter and Lucky says that he is going to have his shot at the Miz tonight.

Miz stops the yapping in the back and says that it is fitting that all of the attention is about him. Miz says that they can fight each other and maybe the winner might be able to face him in the ring.

Kofi says that Miz likes to talk a lot. Maybe one time Miz can put his money where his mouth is. Kofi suggests that Michael faces Lucky tonight and the winner faces Miz tonight. That is assuming Miz is afraid. Kofi wants to know if Mike the Miz is afwaid of the rookies. Miz reminds Kofi that he beat Kofi for the United States Title. Miz says that he will eat their rookies alive.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Did you Know about John Cena’s special Make A Wish coffee cup?

We see footage from two weeks ago when Miz attacked Lucky Cannon after Alex Riley beat Lucky.

Match Number Two: Michael McGillicutty with Kofi Kingston versus Lucky Cannon with Mark Henry in a Who Gets to Face Miz Later Tonight Match

Lucky with a fireman’s carry into an arm bar and a key lock. Cannon with an knee to the biceps. Cannon with forearms but Michael pushes Lucky out of the corner when he tries for a monkey flip. Michael with a drop kick followed by the running swinging neck breaker for the three count.

Winner: Michael McGillicutty

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to run through the card for SummerSlam.

Matt Striker is on the stage and it is time to hear from the pros. They are asked which pro is doing the worst job on NXT.

Kofi goes first and he says that as much as he hates the Miz, if you are talking about the worst pro, he has to go with LayCool. Kofi says that Kaval is the closest thing to a ninja and they had him come out in a pink snuggie. LayCool is next and they say Kofi.

Mark Henry says that the worst pro is the one who had the first elimination and that is Zack Ryder. Cody Rhodes says that the worst pro is the gentleman whose Intercontinental Title he is taking and that is Kofi Kingston.

Miz interrupts and he says that all of the pros are the worst. Morrison wants to know if Miz is going to come with anything original. Morrison starts to talk and Miz points out that Morrison has done nothing since they broke up as a team.

Percy Watson says the person he has had the hardest time getting along with is Alex Riley. Riley talks down to people. If he sees Alex backstage, Alex bumps into him and walks past. He says that is Alex’s mentality. He thinks that he is better than everyone.

Match Number Three: Alex Riley with The Miz versus Percy Watson with Montel Vontavious Porter

Watson gets into the action. Riley with a kick and punches followed by a side head lock. Watson with punches but Riley with a shoulder tackle. Watson with a back elbow to Riley and he gets a near fall. Watson with a wrist lock and arm bar. Riley with a forearm to the chest but Watson with an enzuigiri. Riley goes to the apron and Riley with a shoulder and then he drops Watson on the middle rope. Riley with a punch to the head and he returns to the ring and gets a near fall. Riley with a kick to the head and an arm bar and chin lock.

Riley with a forearm to the neck but Watson with an elbow of his own followed by two drop kicks. Watson with a flying clothesline and he kicks Riley. Riley with an Irish whip and Watson with a float over and sunset flip for a near fall. Watson punches Riley in the corner but Riley with a reverse atomic drop and then he sends Watson into the turnbuckles. Riley gets Watson up and hits the TKO for the three count.

Winner: Alex Riley

We go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Michael McGillicutty with Kofi Kingston versus The Miz

They lock up and Michael backs Miz into the corner but Miz pushes Michael. They lock up again and Michael with a waist lock take down into a front face lock but Miz escapes. Michael with a hammer lock but Miz with an elbow. Miz with a punch to Michael but Michael with a rollup for a near fall. Miz with a punch followed by a running knee lift and a kick to the midsection. Miz with forearms across the chest while Michael is in the ropes. Miz with a splash onto Michael’s back. Michael with an inside cradle for a near fall but Miz responds with a clothesline and a drop kick that sends Michael to the floor.

Kofi checks on Michael but Miz goes to the floor. Michael runs Miz into the apron but Miz with a boot to Michael’s head. They return to the ring and Miz gets a near fall. Miz with a reverse chin lock. Michael with punches to Miz and then he runs into an elbow from Miz. Michael with a clothesline and back elbow to Miz followed by a belly-to-belly suplex. Miz swats a drop kick away and Miz with a boot to the head. Miz sets for the Skull Crushing Finale and hits it for the three count.

Winner: The Miz

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