7/21 THIS DAY IN HISTORY: THE ROCK WINS HIS SEVENTH WWF CHAMPIONSHIP, ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER NAMED FIRST WWC UNIVERSAL CHAMPION AND MORE

By Mike Johnson on 2023-07-21 08:00:00

July 21st

On this day in history in ....

1971 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Hall with the following results:
-Ron Fuller won a 8 man battle royal that also featured Rene Goulet, Ronnie Garvin, Dick Dunn, Ole Anderson, Man Mountain Mike, Sonny King, & Hiro Matsu.
-Eddie Graham & Great Malenko beat Bobby Duncum & Dick Murdoch.
-The Australians Ron Miller & Larry O’Day beat Mr. Okuma & Masao Ota.
-The Grappler beat Mr. Wrestling, who was unmasked to reveal Sabu Singh.
-Corsica Jean beat Greg Peterson.

1973 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Sarasota, FL at the Robarts Arena, featuring the following results:
-Tim Woods defeated Florida Champion Buddy Colt by DQ.
-TV Champion Paul Jones beat Great Mephisto.
-Ron Fuller & Robert Fuller beat Florida Tag Team Champions The Samoans by DQ.
-Florida Women's Champion Bonnie Watson beat Debbie Johnson.
-Dick Slater beat Roberto Soto.
-Don Carson beat Steve Keirn (substituting for Tony Charles)
-Ronnie Paul beat Bobby Cash.

1977 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Jacksonville, FL featuring:

-Great Mephisto and Gordon Nelson defeated Raúl Mata and Carlos Mata.
-Mike York defeated Tony Rocco.
-Buddy Roberts defeated Scott Casey.
-Charlie Cook defeated Tony Marino.
-Ivan Koloff defeated Jerry Brisco.
-Jack Brisco defeated Pat Patterson.
-Rocky Johnson defeated Ernie Ladd.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated Billy Graham.

1977 - NWA Central States ran Kansas City, KS at Memorial Hall with the following results:

-Benny Ramírez defeated Doug Pettis.
-Mr. Wrestling defeated Don Wayt.
-Bob Brown and Black Angus defeated Randy Tyler and Bobby Jaggers.
-Rufus R. Jones defeated Buck Robley.
-Bob Sweetan fought Ted DiBiase to a Double DQ.

1977 - The WWWF ran Worcester, MA with the following results:

-Johnny Rivera defeated Frankie Williams.
-Johnny Rivera vs. Johnny Rodz ended without a winner as a time limit draw.
-Peter Maivia defeated Baron Von Raschke.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka and Mr. Fuji defeated Tony Garea and Larry Zbyszko.
-Chief Jay Strongbow fought Ken Patera to a Double DQ.

1978 - A live event in Lubbock, Texas featured the following results:
-In a Brass Knuckles Match, Mr Pogo beat Ted Dibiase by DQ.
-In a $5,000 Golden Challenge Match, where Adonis had to be beaten within five minutes to earn the money, Adrian Adonis beat The Super Destroyer.
-Killer Tim Brooks beat Scott Casey.
-Western States Champion Ricky Romero beat Roger Kirby.
-Noah Jones & Rip Hawk beat Tully Blanchard & Doug Somers.

1980 - A Mid-Atlantic Wrestling event in Greenville, SC saw the following results:

-Ray Stevens & Jimmy Snuka beat Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood.
-Bobby Duncum beat Johnny Weaver.
-Ricky Ferrara beat Abe Jacobs.
-S.D. Jones beat Ox Baker.
-Steve Muslin beat Ricky Ferrara.

1980 - A Mid-Atlantic Wrestling event in Forest City, NC saw the following results:

-Jim Brunzell beat Iron Sheik by countout.
-Blackjack Mulligan beat Enforcer Luciano.
-Ox Baker & Swede Hanson beat Pedro Morales & Johnny Weaver.
-Billy Starr beat Ron Sexton.

1982 - Abdullah The Butcher is named the first World Wrestling Council World Heavyweight Champion in Puerto Rico. The title would later become the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title.

1982 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Miami Beach, FL at the Convention Hall, with the following results:
-Dusty Rhodes & Butch Reed beat Bruiser Brody & John Studd in a Steel Cage match.
-Mike Graham beat Kendo Nagasaki by DQ.
-Dory Funk Jr beat Sweet Brown Sugar.
-The Alabama Chain Gang fought to a draw against Brian Blair & Barry Windham.
-Cyclone Negro beat Dennis Brown.
-King Tonga beat Terry Allen.
-Derek Draper beat Tommy Wright.

1984 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran Fort Lauderdale, Florida with the following results:

-Dusty Rhodes & One Man Gang beat Billy Graham & Ron Bass.
-Blackjack Mulligan beat Angelo Mosca in a Lumberjack match.
-Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo beat The Saint & Inferno II.
-Mike Graham beat Kevin Sulilvan by DQ.
-Billy Jack beat Black Bart.
-The Saint beat Joe Lightfoot.
-Scott McGhee beat Denny Brown.
-Brickhouse Brown beat Inferno #1.

1990 - Fabian Aichner aka Giovanni Vinci in WWE is born.

1995 - Dean Malenko defeats Eddie Guerrero in Tampa, Florida to win the ECW World Television Title, beginning his second reign as champion.

2002 - Cody Hawk defeats Lance (Garrison) Cade in Jeffersonville, Indiana to win the Heartland Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title for the second time.

2002 - WWE held their Vengeance Pay-per-view in Detroit, Michigan at the Joe Louis Arena. The Rock would win his seventh WWE Championship at this event. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:

WWE rebounded from a lackluster King of the Ring to produce a clear thumbs' up effort for Vengeance (7/21 Detroit). The show had good action from start to finish with all the major matches delivering. Good crowd heat, too, especially for the top bouts. They did something different on commentary, with Tazz & Michael Cole doing the first half of the show, with Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler doing the upper tier. I thought it worked well. All too often JR & Lawler have spent much of the lower card hyping the main matches or getting off on tangents. On this show, Tazz & Cole mostly stayed focused on the on-going bouts, and when JR & Lawler came out later, they were fresh and did a great job, especially on the main event. The only negative was the booking of the finish in two of the main matches. I hated the screwjob in the IC Title match, though otherwise the match was very good. And in the main event, which was a tremendous match, I didn't like the title switching without Undertaker being pinned. That's an inherent problem with three-way matches. It isn't good for the title when it can switch without the reigning champ actually being pinned or submitted.

THE DUDLEYS defeated CHRIS BENOIT & EDDIE GUERRERO in a Tables Match in 14:58. Tazz & Cole put over that this was Benoit's first PPV bout in thirteen months. Benoit tossed Spike around to start things. Bubba came in and got tied up in the wrong corner. There was a big "Eddie sucks" chant aimed at Guerrero. They kept getting heat on Bubba. Guerrero got a table but it took him a while to set it up, as the table legs didn't want to cooperate. Spike nailed Guerrero with a somersault plancha. Benoit hurled Spike hard into the stairs. Benoit & Guerrero tried to double suplex Bubba through the table, but Spike moved it out of the way. Bubba then saved Spike from being put through a table. Bubba gave high backdrops to both opponents. Spike gave the double foot stomp to Benoit. They gave Benoit the wazzup. Benoit came back and put the crossface on Spike to weaken him (it couldn't be used for a finish due to the table match rules). Bubba laid Benoit out and put him on a table. But when Bubba came off the top, Benoit rolled clear and Bubba went through the table alone. It didn't eliminate Bubba since he went through on an offensive move. Spike then gave Guerrero a Dudley Dog through a table, which looked rough, for the first elimination. Benoit quickly hurled Spike out through a table on the floor to even things up. Bubba then caught Benoit by surprise and slammed him through a table for the win. Good opener, but I guess I'm wondering a little why Benoit & Guerrero aren't getting a better push.

Backstage, Jonathan Coachman interviewed Eric Bischoff. Bischoff praised all four participants in the table match as an example of the Ruthless Aggression of RAW wrestlers. Triple H came in and Bischoff ran after him, wanting him to sign with RAW. HHH told him to calm down. He said he wants to hear both sides before making a decision. Bischoff acted offended that HHH would negotiate with his estranged wife, but HHH reminded Bischoff that he's the one who said to always negotiate. Bischoff looked worried.

JAMIE NOBLE defeated BILLY KIDMAN in 7:33 to retain the Cruiserweight Title. Kidman outmaneuvered Noble early, causing him to bail out to the floor in frustration. Kidman hit a huracanrana. Noble used Nidia as a shield to get the advantage on Kidman. Nidia, by the way, is great in this gimmick. He posted Kidman's shoulder. Kidman sold it as an injury and Noble went to work on the shoulder. Kidman hit his shoulder on the post a second time when trying to charge Noble in the corner. Kidman fought back and hit another huracanrana. He did a great counter when Noble went for a powerbomb. Kidman flattened Noble with an enzuigiri, but when Kidman went for the shooting star press, Noble rolled clear. Noble then won clean with a powerbomb. Good match!

Kurt Angle was being interviewed when Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman arrived. Heyman told Angle that Brock is the Next Big Thing. Brock and Angle shook hands, but both appeared a little distrustful. Angle warned Brock not to ever try to attack him the way he attacked Undertaker on RAW. He said this isn't the Summer of Brock, it's All Year Angle. Lesnar just said, "Good luck tonight, Kurt", with sort of a sneer. After Lesnar & Heyman left, Angle said he can't stand pompous people.

JEFF HARDY beat WILLIAM REGAL to retain the European Title in 4:15. Regal overpowered Jeff and got a lot of near falls early. Jeff did a huracanrana on Regal on the floor, but when he ran along the ring barrier and tried to nail Regal, it didn't work. Jeff hit a springboard senton. He went for the swanton but Regal got his knees up. Regal mounted a comeback but Jeff then won out of nowhere with a schoolboy. Regal cried again, just as he did when he lost the belt to Jeff on RAW a couple of weeks ago. The match was okay, but short.

Ric Flair praised Jeff backstage. Hulk Hogan arrived and joked that he might try a swanton in his match later. Flair and Hogan both expressed concern about Bischoff running RAW and Stephanie running Smackdown. Flair said if Bischoff doesn't get his way, he's likely to run the company out of business. Hulk agreed.

JOHN CENA defeated CHRIS JERICHO in 6:15. Jericho tried to ambush Cena with a chair before the bell, but Cena managed to get the chair and he walloped Jericho with it. Cena dominated after the bell and scored an early two count. Jericho dropped Cena's throat across the ropes and worked him over. Cena came back and scored some more twos. Jericho dropkicked Cena out of the air in a great move to score a near fall. Cena scored two with a belly-to-belly suplex. Jericho missed a lionsault when Cena moved. Jericho hit a second lionsault and went for the walls submission hold, but Cena blocked it and rolled a surprised Jericho up for the pin. Cena celebrated his debut PPV win as Jericho threw a major tantrum in the ring. A solid match, with Cena, who has great potential, getting a good push.

Bischoff and Coach waited outside Stephanie's office. Triple H was inside, supposedly negotiating. A man arrived and started to enter the office. Bischoff blocked him and demanded to know what he was doing there. He identified himself as Stephanie's attorney and said he had some legal documents with him. He refused to tell Bischoff what the documents were. The attorney entered the office and Bischoff looked more worried than before, fearing the attorney had delivered a new Smackdown contract for HHH.

JR & Lawler came out to do the announcing for the remainder of the show. JR came out to the Oklahoma fight song. JR shook hands with Cole & Tazz. Lawler did, too, but was a little wary of shaking Tazz's hand.

ROB VAN DAM defeated BROCK LESNAR by DQ in 9:37 to retain the IC Title. Lesnar started off with his clubbing blows. RVD retaliated with kicks. Lesnar hurled RVD halfway across the ring. Lesnar bumped out, but when RVD went for a moonsault, Lesnar caught him and bodyslammed him on the floor. Lesnar hit a suplex. RVD came back with a stiff kick that had Heyman looking worried. Lesnar tossed RVD out and he landed on the stairs. Lesnar pounded RVD. There was great heat encouraging an RVD comeback. RVD was way over since he's from the Detroit area. RVD hit a thrust kick off the top and the rolling thunder for a near fall. In an excellent maneuver, RVD countered the F5 and converted it into a DDT. RVD then hit the frog splash. The ref began a count. Heyman pulled the ref out at two, though Lesnar pretty much kicked out at the same time, so it wasn't as if RVD necessarily had Lesnar beat. The ref called for the lame DQ. RVD flattened Heyman and the ref (Charles Robinson) began pounding him. Lesnar went to Heyman's aid, but RVD caught Lesnar with a somersault senton off the top. RVD put Lesnar down in the ring with a kick and was about to go for the Van Terminator. Heyman held RVD and Lesnar slammed him on a chair and then gave him an F5 on the chair. A really good match other than the awful DQ. Lesnar continues to improve in the ring and in character development.

Stephanie emerged from her office looking dejected. Bischoff smirked, assuming she had failed to sign HHH. But Steph then said, "He signed", and walked off with her head down. HHH came out and Bischoff lit into him, screaming at him for signing to stay with Smackdown. HHH told Bischoff to back off. He said he still hasn't decided which side to sign with, and that the papers he signed in the office were his divorce papers. Bischoff looked relieved. After HHH left, Bischoff told Coach, "He's mine!"

BOOKER T defeated BIG SHOW in 6:12 in a no count-out, no DQ match. Show destroyed Booker for the first half of the match. They went to the floor where Show sent Booker into the stairs. Booker came back, using a monitor on Show. He then scissor kicked Show through the Spanish table. Back in the ring, Booker hit another scissor kick and won with the somersault legdrop off the top (Harlem Hangover back in Booker's WCW days). Booker did the spinaroonie afterward. A solid bout, and I guess it sealed the demise of the NWO.

Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie strutted their stuff at The World. Torrie predicted Rock would win the main event, while Dawn Marie predicted an Undertaker win. They ended up arguing over who has the nicest ass, but unfortunately didn't strip one another so we could judge for ourselves.

HHH came out to the ring to make his decision. Bischoff arrived and quickly apologized for yelling at him backstage. He said it would be better for HHH to sign with RAW, because working with his ex-wife on Smackdown would introduce all kinds of personal issues and problems. He said that by signing with RAW, HHH would be assured of a relationship with his general manager which is all business, with no personal baggage to get in the way. Bischoff also claimed to have ties with Hollywood. He said that with Rock's success, all the movie producers are on the lookout for the next big breakout WWE star, and HHH is at the top of that list. Bischoff even claimed to have a deal in the works for HHH to do commercials for sneakers. Stephanie then arrived and told Bischoff to shut up. She told HHH that she stood by him and supported him as he rose to the top, and claimed that when they work together they're unstoppable. She pledged that she will put personal issues aside and that their relationship on Smackdown will be all business. She admitted, though, that signing those divorce papers was the hardest thing she had ever had to do. Bischoff told her to stop crying. Steph then reminded HHH that early in his career, when he was in WCW, Bischoff told him he had no talent and no charisma and wasn't worth a damn. HHH got in Bischoff's face over this, with Bischoff backing down and claiming he was young when he made those statements but that now he has the experience to recognize what a great talent HHH is. He claimed to have more experience than Steph, but she spoke up and said she's a McMahon and the wrestling business is in her blood. So HHH thought it over. He said that on the one hand, he could look at the arrogant prick (Bischoff) and say, "Screw you!", or, on the other hand, he could look at the cold-hearted bitch (Stephanie) and say, "Screw you!" He then got a huge pop by saying Steph likes it when he says he's gonna screw her. HHH seemed like he was about to side with Stephanie, saying he prefers a devil he knows to one he doesn't, when Shawn Michaels suddenly came out. The Heartbreak Kid said the last thing he wants to do is cause trouble, prompting JR to say, "bulls**t". He acted like things hadn't gone too well lately, with Kevin Nash injured and Vince McMahon disbanding the NWO (no mention made of X-Pac). But he had an offer to make to HHH. He told him that before deciding which group to go with, he should think of two things: Friendship and Fun. He reminded HHH that he's his best friend and that they had a ton of fun together back when they were a part of the same group. A "DX" chant started. HBK told HHH that by signing with RAW, they can be together in the same division and can have a blast making Bischoff's life a living hell. That was enough to convince HHH, who told Stephanie to "suck it". He and HBK left together. Bischoff gloated that he won, and Stephanie lost. He told Steph the big difference between them is that he has testicles, and she doesn't. Steph flattened Bischoff with a punch and stormed out. A little long, but a good segment overall.

Backstage, Rikishi was asked about the HHH decision. As a Smackdown wrestler, he was disappointed that HHH went to RAW, but said he guesses HHH did what he felt he had to do.

Terri went in to interview Booker T & Goldust. Goldust got nervous when he saw her (she's his ex-wife). Booker said that if HHH arrives on RAW and tries to mess with him, he'll get his ass kicked. Goldust said HHH may be the Game, but he and Booker have bigger joysticks. Booker finished with his "can you dig it, sucka" promo.

LANCE STORM & CHRISTIAN defeated HULK HOGAN & EDGE to capture the WWE World Tag Titles in 10:00. Storm got on the mic and said Hogan has a lot in common with America, as both are past their prime and living on past glory. Christian said the only good thing about being in Detroit is that Canada is just across the river and they can quickly get out of the U.S. after their victory. Hogan came out to a huge pop. JR got a little mixed up talking about Edge attending Wrestlemania III as a teenager to see Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior. He corrected himself, noting that that match was actually at WM VI in Toronto. He then jokingly said WM III had been right here in Chicago. A good-humored way to correct an error! The heels doubled on Hulk until he hot tagged to Edge. Edge got in some offense but also got tied up in the wrong corner. Hogan came back in and cleaned house. Christian and Storm pounded him but he did the old no-sell Hulkamania comeback. This all drew tremendous heat. Edge came in and hit the Edgecution but there was no ref to make the count because of an earlier bump. Test ran in and posted Hogan before giving Edge the big boot to the face. Edge was almost pinned but kicked out at two to a huge pop. Rikishi came out and went after Test. They fought to the back. Edge speared Storm but the ref was distracted by Hogan and Christian brawling on the apron. This allowed fellow-Canadian Chris Jericho to run in and clock Edge with one of the tag belts. Storm pinned Edge as the ref returned to action. Hogan is past his prime but he worked hard, and it was a good match with excellent heat. I was scared to death they were going to turn Edge here. He's starting to get over as a babyface, which is just the time they usually turn someone heel.

Bischoff tried to recruit Angle. Angle was flattered but had to leave because it was time for his match.

Stephanie was interviewed. She was disappointed over HHH, but claimed to be in contact with several RAW stars and said when the time is right, she will rip the heart right out of RAW. JR & Lawler wondered who she meant when she referred to the heart of RAW.

ROCK defeated UNDERTAKER and KURT ANGLE in a three-way to capture the WWE Undisputed World Title in 19:33. UT and Rock immediately got in each other's face. Angle felt left out and tried to get their attention. They both slugged him. Angle got dumped over to the floor. UT pounded Rock and hit a big lariat. Angle got on the apron but UT bumped him off. Rock threw UT out, where Angle hurled him hard into the stairs. UT worked like crazy in this match, as did the other two. Angle suplexed Rock and put the boots to him. They traded hard chops. Rock hit a DDT on Angle, who rolled out to the floor after a near fall. UT lariated Angle on the floor. UT went after Rock but Angle chokeslammed him. This was the first of a series of spots where each wrestler used the trademark move of one of the others. Angle broke up Rock's pin attempt on UT, but Rock put Angle in the ankle lock. Angle escaped. Angle then used the Rock Bottom on Rock but UT stopped the count. UT gave Angle an Olympic slam, with Rock making the save. This was a great series of moves. Rock put UT down and hit the People's Elbow but Angle dragged Rock out and slammed him on the broadcast desk. UT posted Angle, who juiced, and also slammed Rock on the desk. UT scored a two count on Rock with a DDT. Rock put the sharpshooter on Angle, but UT made the save. Angle put the ankle lock on UT. UT countered and lifted Angle up for the last ride, but Angle caught UT with the triangle choke. Rock broke the hold up. Angle tried the ankle lock on Rock. UT chokeslammed Angle. Rock hit the Rock Bottom on UT. Angle then Olympic slammed UT but Rock caught Angle with a Rock Bottom and pinned him, for a title change in which the champ didn't lose. Other than that it was an excellent main event. I guess this will be a short-term reign for Rock given his movie schedule. They had actually built up a good angle for UT and Lesnar on RAW, but that didn't lead them to keep the belt on UT.

Prior to the PPV, WWE broadcast Heat:

Welcome to our coverage of WWE Vengeance. Here is a brief recap of Heat:

- Heat was done live from the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Coach and D'Lo Brown were the hosts.

- Eric Bischoff's arrival at Raw, and appearance on Smackdown, was recapped, pushing that Triple H will decide between Bischoff and Raw or Stephanie and Smackdown tonight.

- Lilian Garcia interviewed John Cena. Cena challenged Chris Jericho to a match tonight on the PPV, and to leave the chairs in the back. Looks like Jericho does have a PPV match after all!

- Clips from the Eric Bischoff, Vince McMahon and Jim Ross interviews on Confidential were shown.

- Triple H arrived at the building.

- The events leading to Hulk Hogan & Edge vs. Christian & Lance Storm was recapped.

- The undercard of the show was briefly mentioned, then they reviewed the Brock Lesnar-Rob Van Dam feud.

- A new Rey Mysterio Jr. video was shown, hyping his WWE TV debut on Smackdown this week.

- Goldust defeated Steven Richards in the only Heat match of the night.

- Undertaker's sit-down interview from Smackdown was shown.

- The Rock arrived at the building.

- Terri interviewed Chris Jericho about John Cena's challenge, which Jericho accepted. Jericho said he would end Cena's career, and also prevent the fans getting enraged over having to watch a PPV without himself on the show. Looks like Jericho does have a PPV match after all!

- As Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler wrapped up the show, Michael Cole and Tazz came out to Tazz' music. Tazz informed them that Stephanie McMahon decided that they should start calling some Pay-per-view's. Tazz put over Ross and Lawler's ability, but felt they deserved a chance. Lawler and Tazz almost came to blows, but J.R. played peacekeeper, and said they could split the show.

- A recap of the events leading to the PPV main event was shown to end Heat.

2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi, Richard Trionfo filed the following report:

We are live on tape from Richmond, Virginia and your announcers are Matt â€˜Jefferson Davisâ€™ Striker and Josh â€˜Donâ€™t worry, I am okay after the heinous attack by Maryse where I suffered friendly fireâ€™ Mathews.

Match Number One: Yoshi Tatsu versus William Regal

Before the match, Regal tells Yoshi that he truly despises all foreigners.

Yoshi tries for a kick but Regal avoids it. Regal works on the arm and wrist but Yoshi uses the ropes to reverse things. Regal with a reversal of his own and then Yoshi with an arm wringer and Regal goes into the ropes. Regal with a knee and European uppercut but Yoshi with a chop. Yoshi tries for a shoulder tackle but Regal stays on his feet. Regal with a punch and knees to Yoshi. Regal with a chop in the corner and Yoshi fights back but Regal with more forearms and kicks. Regal with a European uppercut. Regal with a full nelson but Yoshi escapes the hold but Regal with an exploder suplex for a series of near falls. Regal with a Japanese choke and he adds pressure in a number of ways but Yoshi is able to escape the hold and he tries to reverse it but Regal with a knee and he returns to the choke. Yoshi with a snap mare but Regal with a knee to the head and a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Regal with an arm bar and chin lock as he tries to wear down Yoshi. Yoshi with elbows and a kick to the head that sends both men down. Yoshi with a series of chops and kicks that send Regal to the mat. Yoshi with a knee in the corner and then he rolls through with Regal and kicks him in the back. Yoshi goes up top but he takes too long and Regal crotches him. Regal misses a knee to the head and Yoshi with the spin kick for the three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu

We go to commercial.

We are back and did you know that ECW did better than a lot of shows on other networks (but what about the one that aired before it)?

Match Number Two: Ezekiel Jackson versus Mike Williams

We see Zeke stare at Williams and then Williams with a boot to the charging Williams. Jackson with a clothesline that barely keeps Williams in one piece. Jackson with the uranage for the three count.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson

After the match Vladimir Kozlov comes out and he stands at the other end of what is left of Mike Williams in the ring and we get a stare down. Kozlov sees Williams and decides to help him up before Kozlov hits a spinebuster and leaves.

It is time for â€˜Ask the Divasâ€™ and they are asked what they look for in a guy. We find out what Eve and Maria have to say. The Bellas and Kelly give advise about how to deal with a clingy girlfriend.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Three: Goldust versus Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin with knees and punches to Goldust but Goldust with a clothesline. Goldust with the flying butt bump. Goldust with an Irish whip and shoulder in the corner followed by punches. Benjamin with snake eyes and a neck breaker. Benjamin punches Goldust and a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Benjamin with a cravate and he has Goldust bent in an angle that adds extra pressure to the neck. Goldust with punches to Benjamin followed by an Irish whip but Goldust runs into an elbow. Benjamin charges out of the corner and Goldust with a power slam. Goldust continues the attack with a reverse atomic drop and a bulldog for a near fall. Goldust with a leg drop for a near fall. Benjamin with a neck breaker to Goldust for a two count. Benjamin goes to the turnbuckles but he lands short of Goldust and Goldust gets a near fall after an uppercut. Benjamin leaps over the ropes and he drops Goldust on the top rope. Benjamin returns to the ring and he hits Paydirt for the three count.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin

We go to commercial.

We are back and Sheamus is in the back and he talks about how ECW is used to an Irish man with a shillelagh and leprechaun. Those days are over because everyone will fall to him.

Gregory Helms is with Paul Burchill and Katie Lea. Paul comments on Helmsâ€™ choice of attire. Helms asks Burchill about his match with Tyler Reks. Burchill hears some grunts and he sees Goldust over there and tells Goldust that he is distracting him. Katie tells Paul to focus on his match.

Match Number Four: Tyler Reks versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea

They lock up and Burchill with a cross face. Reks tries for a kick but Burchill blocks it. Reks with a flying clothesline but he charges into an elbow. Reks with a back body drop. Reks waits for Burchill to get up and Katie distracts him and hits a running knee into the corner and then Burchill with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Burchill with a reverse chin lock. Reks with punches but Burchill with a knee. Reks with an elbow and then he hits a cross body from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Burchill with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Burchill with cross faces to Reks and then he returns to the reverse chin lock and then he adds a body scissors to apply more pressure. Reks gets to his feet again and he tries to get out of the hold but Burchill pulls Reks to the mat by his hair. Burchill with a kick to the midsection followed by a snap mare and a knee drop for a near fall. Burchill returns to the reverse chin lock. Reks punches Burchill and Burchill punches back. Reks with the sliding punch to the midsection followed by a Flatline. Reks goes to the apron and then hits a springboard missile drop kick for a two count. Burchill with a Saito suplex for a two count. Burchill sets up for a charge into the corner but Reks with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Tyler Reks

After the match, Paul Burchill attacks Tyler Reks as he leaves the ring. Paul and Katie are kept away from Reks by the referee.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for the Abraham Washington Show. His show got moved from the ring to the entrance ramp. He pulls an Arsenio before starting off. He thanks everyone a few dozen times. He then welcomes everyone. He says that he is going to have a bigger show tonight because he has two main event superstars on his show. He brings out his guests, Christian and Tommy Dreamer. Abraham asks Tommy how he is doing tonight and then he asks Christian. Abraham continues to make jokes about Tommyâ€™s size. Abraham says that things are going to get ugly on Sunday. Abraham turns his barbs to Christian and Christian comments on the quality of Abrahamâ€™s show. Christian points out that they are friends and Christian says that they worked together in the past and he says that he was the captain of the ship. Tommy says that he brings the title to the table and Christian says that Tommy is the champion at this time, but on Sunday that will change. Abraham asks Christian who he lost the title to. Christian says that he lost the title because Jack Swagger is a dork. Tommy and Christian argue about how Dreamer won the title. Abraham stops Tommy and Christian from talking. Tommy starts to talk about returning to Philadelphia and then Christian asks Tommy if he will take him to the extreme. Christian and Tommy get face to face and Dreamer says that Christianâ€™s comments were a slap to the face. Christian slaps Tommy and points out that was a slap to the face. Dreamer slaps Christian and then we go to credits with a stare down.

2011 - TNA broadcast Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:

Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report on PWInsider.com!

We look back at last week when Sting and the Clowns Of Doom took out all the members of Immortal and Kurt Angle attacked Ken Anderson and helped Sting regain the World Title. We go to the Impact Zone where the new champion kicks off the show with an in-ring promo. He's still crazy even though he's got the title now, and he's going to get Hogan and Bischoff because they still have something he wants. Sting says it feels good to be crazy, and he wants to start us off by talking to Hogan and Bischoff. Instead, Kurt Angle comes out with the clown mask on, takes the mask off, and tells Sting not to act like he won the title on his own because Angle neutralized Bully Ray. Sting may be trying to save the company for Dixie Carter, but he ran into a major speed bump in Kurt Angle, and their paths are going to cross again at Hardcore Justice. Angle says they're both legends, but only one of them can walk out of Hardcore Justice with the title. Immortal's music hits, and Ken Anderson and Bully Ray come out to confront Angle and Sting. Ray says they've got a bigger problem tonight because it's the two of them against Ray and Anderson. Angle hit him with the bat last week, and this week Ray's going to hit Angle with the kitchen sink. He's not giving up the title so easily after everything he'd been through over the last year, and Sting's going to have to deal with him tonight.

Time to continue the Bound For Glory Series, and just to quickly bring you up to date on what's happening, Crimson is currently in the lead with 31 points, and Crimson and Devon are tied for second with 21 points each.

Bound For Glory Series Match: Scott Steiner vs Rob Van Dam

Steiner jumps RVD before the bell and whips him to the ropes for a hard back elbow, then gets an overhead release suplex for 2. Steiner chokes RVD on the ropes and hangs him upside down in the Tree of WHOA and chokes him with his boot. Steiner with hard chops and right hands in the corner, then snapmares RVD and just kicks him in the face before tying him up in a standing surfboard. Steiner slumps RVD in the corner and lays in more chops and right hands, but RVD gets a leapfrog and a superkick to the jaw that sends Steiner crashing flat on his back. High kick to the face and a top rope thrust kick sends Steiner rolling out to the floor, and RVD follows him out with a baseball slide that sends Steiner crashing into the guardrail. RVD hangs Steiner over the guardrail and hits the spinning leg lariat off the apron. Steiner tries to bail back into the ring and asks for a time out, but RVD goes after him anyway. Steiner sneaks deep inside and gets a belly to belly suplex for 2, but RVD comes back with another leg lariat and Rolling Thunder for 2. Steiner stops RVD with a straight right hand to the gut and puts him on the top rope, then hits an awesome top rope Flatliner, but only gets 2 when RVD gets his foot on the rope. Steiner runs RVD over with a Steinerline and the elbowdrop followed by the pushups. Steiner gets up to yell at the referee for some reason, and RVD slips in behind him and gets a schoolboy rollup for 3.

Winner: Rob Van Dam

Now Rob Van Dam is tied with Gunner and Devon for second.

Mickie James is backstage, and she's...WALKING!

Time for some HARDCORE COUNTRY! Mickie James comes out to the ring and asks Velvet Sky, her challenger for the evening, to join her in the ring. She's seen everyone mess with Velvet for months now, blame her for their problems, and try to break her down mentally and physically. She knows what that's like, so she's proud to give Velvet her first shot at the Knockouts Title tonight, not because she kissed anyone's ass, but because she earned it and deserves it. She knows they are going to tear the roof off the Impact Zone, and show everyone why they're the best women's division out there today. Oh, and one other thing: she's walking in the Knockouts Champion and she plans to walk out the champion, so Velvet better bring her A-game. Winter and Angelina Love come out and Angelina reminds them that they all came to TNA to be competitors, and Velvet and Mickie ought to skip the match and go right to the hotel room. It took her a while to understand what Winter has been trying to show her, but now she gets it, and as a five time Knockoots Champion, the one thing all the Knockoots have is total disrespect for her. She's proven herself over and over, but has never been given her dues, and Winter made her see it was all due to jealousy, and none of the Knockoots want to compete against her because she's on a level all her own, and it doesn't matter who wins tonight because the Knockoots Title is coming right back to Angelina. Winter says she's going to take the Knockouts Title and nobody will ever get their hands on THEIR belt ever again because night is about to fall.

Tara and Miss Tessmacher are backstage, and they're...whoa, getting their asses kicked by Sarita and Rosita! Guess they'll be facing each other when we come back from commercial...

Okay, we're back and Tessmacher and Tara are still getting their asses kicked backstage. Tara and Tessmacher start to fight back, and Madison Rayne suddenly comes diving out of nowhere, Mark Henry style, and attacks Tara.

We've got a four way ladder match in the Bound For Glory Series later tonight, and we have comments and it's all standard stuff until AJ Styles says "I'm going to win the points" type stuff until Christopher Daniels comes in. He wants a private word with AJ, so AJ kicks the cameraman out of the room, and the cameraman tries to hide just outside the doorway, but AJ sees him and comes over and slams the door shut.

We see a cell phone video of a parking lot fight after Impact last week where Sarita got her jaw broken by Tara and Miss Tessmacher, which explains (in storylines) why she's wearing a face guard in this match.

Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: Sarita & Rosita vs Tara & Miss Tessmacher

Tessmacher and Tara jump the champions on the way to the ring and Tessmacher repeatedly drills Sarita in the face and then rams her face into the ramp. The fight makes its way into the ring and Rosita gives Tara a jawbreaker as Sarita takes Tessmacher out with a clothesline. Rosita dumps Tara to the floor, but Tessmacher takes both champions out with a double clothesline. Sarita and Rosita regain control and beat Tessmacher down in the corner while Sarita yells at Tessmacher to look at what she did to her. Nice touch. Tara tries to get back into the ring, but Sarita baseball slides her back out to the floor. Tessmacher destroys Rosita with a clothesline and tries to make the tag, but Tara again gets knocked off the apron. Rosita and Sarita with a double flapjack on Tessmacher that gets 2, but Tara has had enough and comes in, lays both champions out, and then drags Tessmacher to her corner so she can make the tag. Tara comes in and cleans house on both girls and goes for the Widow's Peak, but Madison comes in and spears Tara, and Sarita covers for 2. Rosita gets wiped out by Tessmacher and then Tara hits a sitout powerbomb on Sarita to win the title.

Winners and NEW Knockouts Tag Team Champions: Tara and Miss Tessmacher

Time to continue the Bound For Glory Series...

Bound For Glory Series Ladder Match (10 Points): AJ Styles vs Gunner vs Matt Morgan vs Samoa Joe

AJ and Gunne quickly go out to the floor while Joe and Morgan go at it in the ring. Gunner rams AJ into the barricade and grabs the ladder , but AJ nails him from behind as Morgan hits the machine gun elbows in the corner on Joe. Gunner picks AJ up and drops him face first on the ladder on the apron, but Joe baseball slides the ladder into Gunner's grill. Morgan and Joe fight over the ladder, but decide to just whack Gunner with it again and then Morgan uses the ladder to pull Joe in for a short clothesline. AJ and Morgan go back inside and Morgan tries to chokeslam AJ, but AJ backflips and lands on his feet and wipes Morgan out with the Pelle Kick. Gunner comes in and nails AJ and hits the best slingshot suplex I've ever seen, then picks up the ladder and rams it into Morgan's guts and then hits Joe in the face with it. AJ nails Gunner and tosses him out to the floor, but Morgan just floors him with a straight headbutt. The ladder is leaning on the ropes and Morgan tries to ram AJ into it, but AJ just moonsaults off the ladder, Morgan catches him and hits a fallaway slam, then Joe comes right in with a senton. Gunner whips Joe to the ropes, but Joe ducks a clothesline and dives through the ropes onto Morgan. Gunner sets up the ladder and climbs, but AJ does the Shelton Benjamin Memorial dive off the ropes and onto the ladder, AJ knocks Gunner off but Joe shoves AJ off the ladder. AJ nails Joe and starts to climb the ladder, but changes his mind and goes after Joe in the corner, and Joe hits the STJoe and then Gunner dumps both men to the floor. Gunner turns around and walks right into the Carbon Footprint, and Morgan climbs up the ladder and grabs the clipboard for the win.

Winner: Matt Morgan

Joe looks frustrated as hell out at ringside as Morgan celebrates his win, and the points he picked up here launched him into second place with 24 points. This may have been one of the best matches on Impact this year.

Eric Young is on the road defending the TV Title and walks into a gas station. He finds D-Lo Brown inside and wants to defend the title on the spot. D-Lo tries to talk him out of this because he's an officer of the company and this isn't a road Young wants to go down. D-Lo tries to leave, and Young rolls him up from behind and counts his own fall on the floor. D-Lo chases Young around the gas station until Young flees out the door, and D-Lo says that Young better recognize who he's messing with.

X Division Title Match: Brian Kendrick vs Alex Shelley

Friendly handshake to start and then Kendrick throws kicks at the legs of Shelley, but Shelley gets a modified O'Connor Roll for 2. Kendrick with right hands, but Shelley gets a hammerlock small package for 2. Shelley with a duck under into a rear waistlock, then gets another hammerlock rollup for 2. Shelley motions at Kendrick that he was very close to beating him, and Kendrick tries a wild swing and gets armdragged, but Kendrick drills him in the face with a dropkick and tries Sliced Bread #2, Shelley blocks and tries his own Sliced Bread #2, Kendrick blocks, but Shelley takes Kendrick down and starts driving knees into the back of Kendrick and ties him up with a side version of the surfboard. Kendrick rolls on top of Shelley, but only gets 1 and goes out to the apron. Shelley misses a charge and goes to the floor, Kendrick pops back into the ring and tries a dive of his own, but Shelley hits a leaping enziguiri from the floor and a top rope bodypress for another 2. Shelley tries several more various pinning combinations, but can't get more than 2. Shelley comes off the top rope, but Kendrick dropkicks him out of the air. Shelley makes it to his feet first and tries a forearm, but Kendrick boots him in the face and then dropkicks him to the floor. Kendrick wipes Shelley out with a dive through the ropes, then rolls him back inside and tries a top rope splash, and Shelley gets his knees up. They wind up going out to the apron and Shelley hits an unassisted Sliced Bread #2 on the apron, and both men tumble onto the floor. Shelley rolls Kendrick back into the ring, but Austin Aries comes out of nowhere and hits Shelley with the title belt, and Kendrick rolls on top of him and covers for the win.

Winner: Brian Kendrick

Kendrick looks confused as Aries hides against the ring apron and looks really pleased with himself. Kendrick goes to check on Shelley and helps him up as Aries continues hiding out at ringside.

The Mystery Cameraman is backstage asking if Kendrick wanted to win that way, and Kendrick says he didn't even know he won that way. Kendrick is really upset about what happened because he had been working toward this title for a year and a half the same way AJ and Daniels had been working for years to make it worth something and it's supposed to be about who the best wrestler is.

Mexican America comes out and complains about what happened earlier in the Knockouts Tag Team Title match, and they start kicking ass when they get pissed. They're not worried about the British Invasion, and there's only two guys they want to fight right now, and they know who they are. Beer Money comes out and James Storm tells them to shut up, leave the company, and find something they're good at like cutting his grass, and if they don't, Storm is going to shove his boot up their asses. Storm wants to reintroduce themselves (and does so in a way I can't do justice to), and says that they're four time tag team champions, and the difference between the teams they've beaten and Mexican America is that they're not just going to beat Mexican America, they're going to kick their asses. They going to do it for the fans and all the other great hispanic wrestlers to come along that Mexican America disrespects with the way they keep coming out here running their mouths. They'll defend the title against Mexican America at Hardcore Justice, and the next morning, Mexican America will wake up and find their green cards shoved up their asses. Roode says there's one other thing: sorry about their damn luck.

Mickie James and Velvet Sky are backstage, and they're...WALKING!

After a commercial for the Immortal DVD set that nobody's going to buy, we go back to the Impact Zone for...

Knockouts Title Match: Mickie James vs Velvet Sky

Angelina Love and Winter come out and attack Mickie on her way to the ring, and Velvet comes out to make the save. Velvet and Mickie roll Angelina and Winter into the ring and do a double Thesz Press, then continue beating them down until ODB and Miss Jackie come out of the crowd, toss Mickie to the floor, then kick the crap out of Velvet Sky. Winter and Angelina just stand on the floor with satisfied looks on their faces until Traci Brooks comes out of the back to even the odds. She stares down Jackie and ODB, who try to escape up the ramp, but Velvet and company go after her again and we have another pull apart brawl. If anyone actually expects me to believe that Velvet Sky can hang in a fight with Miss Jackie, they reall are nuts. Finally the babyfaces get herded back into the ring, but Jackie and ODB beat up security and go after the faces again. Officials again try to separate the girls, but have no luck at all as the crowd chants "let them fight" at the whole scene. Two of the security guys stand in front of ODB and tell her she's got to go, so ODB just kicks one in the nuts and punches the other in the face. Finally, the cops come in and cuff ODB and Jackie and haul them back out through the crowd.

Okay, guess we'll call this...

No Match

...but that was a damned entertaining brawl.

Velvet Sky is backstage thanking Traci for helping out and saying it's good to have her back. Traci says she knew that Jackie and ODB wouldn't honor the contract, and she was here to watch Velvet's back.

It's main event time!

Ken Anderson & Bully Ray vs Sting & Kurt Angle

Funny moment during entrances when Bully Ray interrupts . Ray jumps Sting from behind to start the match and rams him into Anderson's boot, then Anderson tags in and unloads on Sting with right hands. Anderson distracts the referee while Ray chokes Sting in the corner, then Anderson fires Sting into the ropes for a hard back elbow. Ray tags in and gets a hard bodyslam and tries several covers, but can't get more than 2 so he goes to a neck vice instead. Ray knocks Angle off the apron and knocks Angle off the apron, and Anderson drops elbows to the knee of Sting. Anderson stomps Sting in the lower abdomen and covers for 2, then mockingly holds Sting's hand in Angle's direction before dragging Sting back to his corner and tagging back out to Bully Ray. Ray with a slam and then goes to the second turnbuckle for a senton, but Sting rolls out of the way and makes the tag to Angle. Angle comes in and immediately opens up with the rolling German suplexes to Anderson, then dishes one out to Ray as well. Angle goes for the Hacker Slam, but Ray clips his knee out from under him. Sting dumps Ray to the floor and hits a Stinger Splash on Anderson, and Angle finishes Anderson with the Hacker Slam.

Winners: Sting & Kurt Angle

Wow, clean finish! Sting is handed his title belt and then he shares a staredown with Angle, who extends his hand to Sting. Sting shakes it, but Angle pulls him in for an even more intense staredown. Sting asks Angle if he's gone too far, or not far enough? Angle has no idea what Sting's talking about and neither do I, so we're going to call it a night right here.

2011- WWE held their first ever panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, including an appearance by CM Punk, the WWE champion who at the time, had walked out of the company, as he crashed the panel. Mark Carpowich filed the following report

The panel started with a representative from Mattel discussing what's in store for fans in 2012. The company will roll out new additions to its Basic Figures collection, which will include an Extreme Rules set, something called Survivor Series Heritage, two-packs known as "battle packs" that will commemorate rivalries of the past year or so, as well as first-time figures for Vickie Guerrero and Sin Cara.

There will also be a new set called Elite Flashbacks, including characters like Papa Shango and the voicebox-era Kane.

We will also see a new Legends set, which will include Andre the Giant, the Rockers, and five more figures to be chosen by fans (who can vote at www.mattycollector.com).

Finally, there will be a set of Defining Moments figures, including a Thuganomics-era John Cena and Bret Hart.

The moderator then called Bret to the stage to discuss his figure. Bret was fairly low-key until a baby in the audience started to make a fuss, at which point Bret said, "Someone should move Shawn Michaels to the back."

The moderator then introduced the remaining guests, Rey Mysterio and HHH. Each of the wrestlers entered the room with their theme music playing. Members of the audience were then invited to ask questions using a mic in the middle of the room.

Fans asked fairly tepid questions ranging from "who was your favorite opponent" (Bret said Mr. Perfect, Owen Hart and Undertaker; HHH said Shawn Michaels; Rey said Eddie Guerrero and Psychosis), to "which is your favorite action figure" (HHH put over the entire Mattel line, then joked about a writers' team line of action figures that he said "comes with a Mr. McMahon doll, you pull a string and he calls you idiots"), to "what are your thoughts on Randy Savage" (Bret admired his professionalism and dedication to the fans, and said he opened the door for smaller wrestlers like himself and Shawn).

This was the point when CM Punk entered the room. Someone with a press credential (who was later interviewing Bret Hart at the Mattel booth, and presumably a WWE employee) was inside the room, propping a back door open for several minutes before Punk entered. I was sitting right next to the door and saw him enter immediately, but no one else in the room noticed him until he interrupted with his bullhorn.

The fans LOVED this - in fact, earlier in the presentation, a CM Punk action figure elicited a big reaction, whereas the audience booed when a John Cena figure was shown.

After Punk left the room, HHH got all serious and scolded the fans for cheering the same CM Punk that walked out on them and won't perform. He then put over the rest of the WWE roster, guys who do perform every night. In a lot of ways, HHH's speech sounded like the promo Cena cut on The Rock in Australia.

This whole thing really played out well live, with Punk breathing some much-needed life into what had otherwise been a pretty tame presentation. HHH is one of the best on the mic, but Punk totally controlled the whole exchange. Considering that Rey has a 50-50 shot of replacing Punk as WWE champion, it would have made sense for him to chime in, but I guess the focus was on the authority figure versus the rebel. Comic-Con was the perfect venue for this, and again, it came across very well.

2012 - WWE Raw ran Little Rock, Arkansas. James Cohorn filed the following live report:

Brodus Clay, with Naomi & Cameron, vs. Jack Swagger. Brodus wins with the splash.

John Laurinaitis appeared on the video board & said that he would be in The Big Show's corner for the main event.

Tensai vs. Tyson Kidd. This was a competitive back & forth match with Tensai getting the win.

Curt Hawkins vs. Leakee. Leakee won with a Samoan drop.

AW & Primetime Players say they will win the Tag Team Titles.

Beth Phoenix vs. Layla for the Divas Championship. Layla gets the pin after kicking Phoenix in the back of the head.

It was announced that the fans would decide if Laurinaitis would be in The Big Show's corner by texting.

AW & The Primetime Players, Titus O'Neil & Darren Young, vs. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth for the Tag Team Championship. Truth came out rapping the What's Up song. AW was bad talking the Razorbacks here in Little Rock. Truth took off his Lil' Jimmy shirt to reveal a Razorback shirt underneath & then went & got a plastic Hog Head hat from under the ring which then resulted in the crowd leading a Hog Call by calling the Hogs. Young gets the win for the Primetime Players with a gut wrench into the knees on Kofi to win the titles. Charles Robinson came out to inform the ref that Kofi had his foot on the ropes but AW shoved it off. The match is restarted & Kofi & Truth retain the titles.

Smackdown was announced for Tuesday February the 12th. A presale password was announced. It is LRSDV.

The Miz vs. Santino Marella for the U.S. Championship. Santino wins with The Cobra.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder. Ziggler starts the match of by hitting Ryder in the gut with The Money In The Bank briefcase. Ziggler wins with The Zig Zag. This was the match of the night.

The Big Show vs. John Cena in a Steel Cage Match. Laurinaitis came but the fans voted against Big Johnny being in Show's corner. John Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment for the pin on Show. Big Johnny then came in through the open cage door & hit Cena with a steel chair, then tried again but swung & missed & Cena hit a Attitude Adjustment on him.

I said that the Ziggler-Ryder match was the match of the night but this was surprisingly an awesome match.

There was probably 6-7000 fans in attendance.

I won tickets & meet & greet passes & had the pleasure of meeting AW & The Primetime Players. That was not exactly who I imagined I would see during the meet & greet but oh well.

2012 - TNA ran a Basebrawl event in Brooklyn, NY. Evan Ginzberg filed the following live report:

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING HOUSE SHOW REPORT
by Evan Ginzburg
www.wrestlingthenandnow.com

Attendance 3,000 Approx at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY
7/21/12

Mr. Anderson defeated Robbie E. More comedy shtick than actual wrestling. Entertaining but instantly forgettable.

Rosita defeated Gail Kim. Over before you blinked and didnâ€™t much matter.

RVD defeated Kazarian. Big pop for RVD. Match nothing one will ever remember.

AJ Styles defeated Jeff Hardy. Eight minute matches shouldnâ€™t have lengthy rest holds. Felt Rushed. Disappointing.

Sting defeated Bully Ray in a No DQ Falls Count Anywhere match. Sting by far received the biggest fan reaction of night. Exciting 12 minute brawl throughout stadium into stands.

TNA champion Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode Championship Match. Great to see deserved Aries with belt. Real solid 18 minute match although Iâ€™ve seen Aries, my favorite active wrestler, in far better ones in ROH. Roode strong in-ring performer but essentially colorless.

Summary: Overall show was entertaining but way too much talking and shtick while the total in ring time was anemic on a six match show. Of the three shows I saw in NY over the past month, ROH, Extreme Rising and this one, TNAâ€™s was unquestionably the weakest of the three. For $20 it was a fun night out, but really nothing Iâ€™d likely be inclined to seek out again. When AJ Styles wrestles 8 minutes and they hawk merchandise for a half hour at intermission following, the balance is just plain off. Dixie Carter was there in ring saying she appreciated feedback, well, hope this helps: a once a year stadium show in a major market like NY should feel special. This felt like any other indy, albeit a loaded one.

2012 - Ring of Honor broadcast ROH on Sinclair. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

This weekâ€™s show starts off with footage from May when Mike Bennett and Eddie Edwards battled on television and the post match attack by Evans and Maria on Edwards.

We are live on tape from Baltimore, Maryland and your announcers are Kevin Kelly and Nigel McGuinness.

Match Number One: Mike Bennett and Bob Evans with Maria Kanellis versus Eddie Edwards and Adam Cole

Bennett and Edwards start things off. They push each other before locking up and Edwards with a waist lock. Bennett with a wrist lock but Edwards rolls through and reverses. Bennett with a knee and side head lock. Bennett with a shoulder and then he punches Cole off the apron. Edwards sends Bennett to the floor. Evans goes to the floor and Cole with a cross body off the apron. Edwards with a suicide dive onto Bennett.

Edwards rolls Bennett back in and Eddie goes up top but he misses a double stomp. Edwards with a kick to the knee followed by a running kick to the head. Cole tags in and he works on the wrist. Bennett with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Cole with a reverse atomic drop and a drop kick for a near fall. Cole with an arm bar and works on the wrist.

Bennett with a kick and Evans is tagged in and Cole with a few arm drags into an arm bar. Edwards tags in and they hit a double back elbow and Edwards gets a near fall. Edwards with a wrist lock but Evans backs Edwards into the corner and connects with shoulders and a punch in the corner. Evans with an Irish whip but Edwards floats over and hits a rana. Edwards with chops.

Bennett with a knee to the back but Edwards with a shot to Bennett. Evans with a lariat and Bennett tags in. Bennett punches Edwards. Evans tags back in and we go to commercial.

We are back and Bennett with a drop kick to Edwards for a near fall. Evans tags in and Evans with a kick to the midsection followed by a power slam for a near fall. Bennett tags in and Edwards tries to get to his corner but Bennett stops him. Bennett with a front face lock. Evans tags back in and Edwards with a back body drop to Bennett and an enzuigiri to Evans on the turnbuckles. Edwards lands on his feet on a German suplex attempt by Bennett and Cole tags in.

Cole with clotheslines to Bennett but Bennett with an Irish whip. Cole with boots in the corner followed by a missile drop kick to Bennett. Evans with a waist lock but Cole with an enzuigiri and Shining Wizard. Evans stops Cole on the turnbuckles and Evans and Bennett try for a double superplex. Edwards suplexes Bennett over the top rope and both go to the floor. Cole with a cross body for the three count.

Winners: Adam Cole and Eddie Edwards

After the match, Maria slaps Cole and then Evans attacks Cole. Maria wants to hit Cole with her boot and she takes her time before connecting with Coleâ€™s head. Sara Del Rey comes to the ring and attacks Maria and applies an ankle lock. Bennett and Evans pull Maria out of the ring.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we are given a warning that there may be some scenes that viewers might find disturbing.

It is time for Inside Ring of Honor.

We start off with a look at the Hybrid Fighting Rules Match from Best in the World. We see Oâ€™Reilly slap Cole after the match and hear the indignation from the announcers.

We see footage of Bruno Sammartino from the Ring of Honor show in the Pittsburgh area.

In two weeks, Lance Storm will meet Mike Bennett on television to see who will win the series.

Lance Storm tells Mike Bennett they will settle it in two weeks. For the final time. Win or lose, it is over. After 22 years in the business, if Bennett thinks that Lance isnâ€™t going to go out with his head held high, Bennett is wrong.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Kevin and Nigel talk about Kevin Steenâ€™s match against an unnamed opponent. They also mention the All Night Xpressâ€™s victory over Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin to become the new Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions.

Match Number Two: Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin versus Fusion DS (Matt Saigon and Damien Dragon)

Haas and Dragon start things off and Benjamin distracts Dragon and Haas punches Dragon. Haas with kicks and punches in the corner. Haas bumps the referee and then he Irish whips Dragon but Damien with a boot. Haas with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall. Haas with a kick to Dragon. Dragon with punches and he tries for a sunset flip but Benjamin tags in and he attacks Damien.

Benjamin with a slam and hard Irish whip. Benjamin with a kick and power bomb attempt but Dragon with punches and Saigon tags in. Saigon with forearms and a drop kick but Benjamin with a shoulder tackle. Benjamin with a super kick and Haas is tagged in. Haas with a running clothesline into the corner and Benjamin with a Stinger Splash and Haas with an Olympic Slam for the three count.

Winners: Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas

After the match, Haas and Benjamin throw Dragon and Saigon out of the ring.

Haas takes the mic and he says that greatness is about to speak so everyone should shut up. Haas says that what happened in New York was the biggest fluke and robbery in the history of professional wrestling. How can they get up in the morning and look at themselves in the mirror and call themselves the World Tag Team Champions. They beat Rhett within an inch of his life.

Haas says that they are demanding to see King and Titus in the ring. If they donâ€™t accept the challenge, they will get them.

We go to the back where Veda Scott is with Jim Cornette and she asks Jim about Steenâ€™s opponent for tonight. Jim says that he is looking outside ROH for opponents to see people who would do anything to win. Jim mentions that Homicide gets a shot at the title on July 28th (there was still a show when this was taped) and Steen will face someone he knows well on August 11th in Providence. Jim says that he has narrowed it down to two men.

Mike Mondo enters and he tells JC that he is the man to face Kevin Steen. Steen will get no rest, no mercy, and no fear. He says that he will decapitate Steen and put his head on a stick.

Cornette says that Mondo has hunger, desire, and passion. Mondo is his choice so forget his other two options.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Kevin Steen says that Jim Cornette is so desperate to get the title off him, you donâ€™t even have to win matches to get a title shot. Steen tells Mike that all he did to earn this title shot was not lose to Davey Richards. Steen says that Mike didnâ€™t beat Davey Richards.

Steen says that Davey didnâ€™t beat Mike, but Mike didnâ€™t beat Davey. Steen tells Mike that he is going to humor Jim Cornette and give him a title shot. Steen tells Mike for his own best interest not to expect any miracles. Mike might have no rest, no mercy, and no fear. After this match, Mike will have no pulse.

Steve Corino joins the announce team for this match.

Match Number Three: Mike Mondo versus Kevin Steen with Jimmy Jacobs for the Ring of Honor World Championship

Mondo interrupts Steenâ€™s promo with punches and the match is on. Mondo with punches but Steen with a few forearms and boots. Mondo with a kick and knee to the back and Steen goes to the floor. Mondo with a baseball slide. Steen with a rake of the eyes.

They exchange punches on the floor. Mondo with an Irish whip into the guardrails. Mondo slams Steenâ€™s head into the guardrails. Mondo with a running shoulder tackle. Mondo sends Steen into the guardrails but Steen with another rake of the eyes. Steen tries for a suplex onto the ramp but Mondo lands on his feet. Steen with an elbow.

Steen takes the guardrails and tries to drop it on Mondo but Mondo moves. Mondo tries for a suplex onto the guardrail but Steen blocks it and hits a power bomb onto the guardrails. The referee starts his count as Steen enters the ring. Mondo gets in just before the twenty count. We go to commercial.

We are back and Steen chokes Mondo in the ropes. Steen bites Mondoâ€™s ear and tells the fans that Mondo canâ€™t hear them. Mondo punches Steen but Steen with a kick to the head. Steen with another kick but Mondo fights to his feet. Mondo with a punch but Steen with kicks to Mondo. Steen stands on Mondoâ€™s neck and then hits a short arm clothesline followed by a back senton for a near fall.

Steen takes the mic and kicks Mondo in the head. He tells Mondo he doesnâ€™t deserve a title shot. Mondo will be be known as No Balls. Mondo with punches to the midsection and then the head. Mondo with a pescado onto a screaming Steen. Mondo rolls Steen back into the ring and he climbs the turnbuckles. Mondo with a boot to the back of the head and gets a two count.

Mondo goes up top but he takes too long and Steen stops him. Mondo punches Steen from the turnbuckles and then he goes to the apron. Steen with a kick when Mondo tries for a shoulder from the apron. Steen with a DDT followed by a cannonball and Steen connects. Steen gets a two count.

Steen gets Mondo on his shoulders for the F-Cinq but Mondo counters with an inside cradle for a near fall. Mondo with a forearm and front face lock. Mondo tries for the double underhook DDT. Steen sends Mondo into the ropes and then hits F-Cinq for the three count.

Winner: Kevin Steen

After the match, Jacobs attacks Mondo but Eddie Kingston comes to the ring and he goes after Steen. Jacobs with a rake of the eyes and Jacobs and Steen attack Kingston. Kingston fights back as security comes to the ring. Kingston with a suicide dive but Steen moves. Kingston takes care of a lot of security members.

We go to credits.

2013 - Championship Wrestling from Hollywood held a TV Taping. Steven Ronquillo filed the following live report:

Championship Wrestling from Hollywood ran its series of television tapings at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, California on Sunday, July 22nd. This was the second straight taping to take place at the casino and once again reminded me how great of a venue it is.

The show opened up with PPRay (â€œPrettyâ€ Peter Avalon and Ray Rosas) coming out to the ring. Rosas talked about how they have defeated the RockNES Monsters three straight times and therefore deserve to be the number one contenders for the tag team titles. This brings out the RockNES Monsters (Johnny Goodtime and Johnny Yuma). The crowd chants â€œstupid haircutâ€ at Yuma who looks like Kid Kash. Yuma says that nobody has done what the RockNES Monsters have done and they are the top contenders for the belts. The Tribe (Hawaiian Lion and Navajo Warrior w/ Olivia) come out and mention how they were champions for 20 months before they were robbed of the belts. The Heritage Tag Team Champions Los Banditos (Rico Dynamite and Tito Escondido) enter the ring. Dynamite says it doesnâ€™t matter who has accomplished anything because in the end Los Banditos are the ones holding the belts. Dynamite says they can take on all three teams at once. This leads to all eight men attacking each other and they are brawling all over the place. Jon Ian heads to the ring to stop everything. Ian says that obviously everyone wants a fight so therefore there will be a four team elimination match for the titles next week (later that night).

Great opening segment and a great way to show the importance of the tag team titles. Very excited to see how the match is played out.

Dave Marquez makes his way to the ring and brings out the Heritage Champion, Scorpio Sky. Scorpio Sky makes his way to the ring with Big Duke and Christian Cole. Scorpio Sky is running down everyone as Ryan Taylor makes his way to the ring. Taylor says he has a contract to face Scorpio Sky for the Heritage Championship and wants his match tonight. Jon Ian comes back out with his assistant Danielle and says the contract means nothing and rips it up. Ian says if Taylor can defeat Gregory Sharpe later tonight he can get a shot at the title. Cole says that is fine with everyone, but Ian says that does not mean Scorpio Sky has the night off. Ian says Scorpio Sky will defend the title against whoever his assistant Danielle selects. Scorpio Sky asks her to pick someone who is an athlete and not some pretty Twilight boy. Danielle says she will think about it.

A solid segment that moves Scorpio Sky into a new storyline. With Shaun Ricker no longer in the company it will be interesting to see what is next for Scorpio Sky and the top championship in CWFH.
Terex defeated Big Duke via pinfall after a spine buster by Terex. Scorpio Sky and Christian Cole were at the commentary table for this match and surprisingly did not interfere. This was a bit surprising as Duke was dominating the whole time. Not sure where they go with Duke as he has lost his last few televised matches.

Rudy Talawana defeated Brian Weston via pinfall with a sunset flip. Rudy is a very small wrestler who gets the crowd behind him as the big underdog. Weston dominated the whole match until Rudy was able to reverse a sunset flip for the win. Weston has the Nobodies in his corner as team leader Pinky forgave Weston for the loss.

Hoss Hogg and Ian W. Sutton defeated Saxon Huxley and Robbie Churchill via pinfall. Apparently Hogg and Sutton are now family members and they had a brother and a sister at ringside for this match. The match was short and decent but was more of an introduction to Hogg and Sutton now becoming a team.

Todd Chandler made his way to the ring and announced he has resigned as an active official for the company. Chandler says he lost his confidence for a while but regained it when he put on the silver mask and became Blake Fox. He

apologizes to everyone and especially Shelly Martinez for lying to her. Ricky Mandel comes out and says it is too late to apologize. Mandel suggest if Chandler is going to quit everything he might as well quit at life. Both men attack each other and they brawl around the ring.

Good segment to continue the feud between these two men. I am expecting Shelly Martinez to show up for this feud.

Scorpio Sky defeated Jarek Matthews via pinfall to retain the Heritage Championship. A lot of people were surprised to see Matthews come out for this match as he is not seen as a main event guy. With that said, this was a very entertaining match. Matthews was a huge underdog and really had the crowd behind him. There were several close pinfalls that had people thinking Matthews had a chance to win. Great job by both guys and a great way to put over Matthews.

Ethan HD defeated Tristan Kellâ€™I via pinfall when HD had his feet on the ropes for leverage. This was a short match that was looked to be designed to give HD more exposure. He is new to the company and has been getting more TV time as of late. Heâ€™s got a good look and could be something down the line.

Ricky Mandel defeated Todd Chandler via stoppage when Shelly Martinez threw in the towel for Chandler. This was a great brawl between two wrestlers who had a personal grudge with each other. Chandler was busted open badly after being thrown head first into the ring post. Martinez came out and threw in the towel for Chandler but later kick him in the groin to show her allegiance with Mandel.

Gregory Sharpe defeated Ryan Taylor via pinfall after a roll up. This was a very excellent match and Sharpe continues to make a splash in CWFH. This victory will earn him a match later with Scorpio Sky for the Heritage Championship.

Taylor looked great during the match and did a great job post match when he started crying in the ring.

Biggie Bigz and Ridiculoso defeated Angel Lopez and Luis Tapia of the Nobodies via pinfall. Bigz and Ridiculoso are a fun team that are very kid friendly. They are sort of like Tons of Fun in WWE where they dance and entertain the crowd.

The loss adds more tension to the Nobodies as they have not won a match in some time.

Following the match Cedric the Hitman attacked Bigz and Ridiculoso with the metal briefcase. Stu Stone grabs the mic and runs down Adam Pearce. This brings out Mikey Oâ€™Shea and he chokeslams Cedric. Oâ€™Shea calls out James Morgan.

Mikey Oâ€™Shea defeated James Morgan via pinfall with the Irish Curse. Morgan was in control but was distracted when Adam Pearceâ€™s music played but nobody came out. Morgan is looking more like a stud every time he comes out. He could be a future champion. Oâ€™Shea looked strong as well and is a huge fan favorite. Heâ€™s not big as far as height goes, but he is a strong guy.

Willie Mack defeated Nick Madrid via pinfall. This was a really fun match and so far the match of the night. Madrid is a young guy who has very athletic moves and is over with the crowd. Mack is probably the most underrated indie star that I have seen in the past year. He is so great and very over with the crowd. Heâ€™s got the charisma and the athleticism who can put on a hell of a match.

Eric Cross fought Jarek Matthews to a no contest. Both men were on the top rope when the both fell and Matthews landed on his head. They played off that Matthews was seriously injured and referees and announcers went to check on Matthews. Cross, who is Matthewsâ€™ best friend, was very concerned and upset for injuring Matthews. Out of nowhere Cross jumped onto Matthews and counted his own three count and celebrated. This will lead to a feud between the two former friends.

Che Cabrera and Sasha Darevko defeated Saxon Huxley and Robbie Churchill via pinfall. Cabrera has been talking about a revolution for some time and turned out to be the team of Darevko and himself. Short match to put over the new team.

Eric Watts defeated Othello via DQ when Cedric the Hitman attacked Watts. This led to Mikey Oâ€™Shea coming out and a tag team match was made.

Eric Watts and Mikey Oâ€™Shea defeated Cedric and Othello via pinfall. A good back and forth battle that showed some tension growing between Othello and manager Stu Stone. Othello is a beast of a man. I wouldnâ€™t be surprised if someone tries to sign him based on his look. He could use some improvement in the ring but his look is great.

PPRay defeated Los Banditos, RockNES Monsters, and the Tribe to win the Heritage Tag Team Championship. Hell of a match! Match of the night by far. All eight men worked their rear ends off and it showed in the ring. There was action going on all over the place and the fans were eating it up. It is nice to see a company put so much emphasis on the importance of the tag team championships. Really happy to see PPRay when the belts as they are very entertaining and work damn hard. Again, match of the night.

Terex defeated Daniel Joseph in a squash match. Again, total squash match.

Scorpio Sky defeated Gregory Sharpe to retain the Heritage Championship. Great match by both guys. Scorpio Sky played the role of Anderson Silva early on when he kept playing around with Sharpe. Finally Sharpe connected with a kick to the head and almost got the pinfall.

Ethan HD, Tommy Misfit, and Tristan Kellâ€™i defeated Hobo, Manimal, and Kevin Douglas. The story of this match was to continue the tension between friends Hobo and Manimal. For weeks Hobo has been accidently interrupting Manimalâ€™s matches and it continued tonight. Hobo accidently punched Manimal when Hobo thought he was being attacked from behind. After the match Manimal attacked Hobo as Douglas laughed. It looks like Douglas was the one causing the tension between the

former friends as Manimal walked out with Douglas.

James Morgan defeated Eric Watts via pinfall after knocking out Watts with a foreign object. After the match Adam Pearce came out and took out members of the Family Stone. Pearce grabbed Family Stone member Heather Lynn and performed a

pile driver on her. I heard from some fans in the crowd that could have been it for Heather Lynn as she is leaving the company.

Pinky defeated Hector Canales. This match continues the storyline of tension in the Nobodies as Pinky has had enough of Canales.

Joey Ryan defeated Willie Mack to retain the Television Championship. You read that correctly. Tyler Cintron was the companyâ€™s TV Champion but when it was time to introduce the champion for the match Ryan came out with the belt instead.

When asked why he was out here Ryan said he is the biggest star on TV so why not be the TV Champion. I will have to listen to the commentary for this match when it airs to get more specifics on why Cintron is no longer champion. As for the match it was a great battle between both guys. I really hope this becomes a feud for the belt because it could be a lot of fun.

Overall a very great taping and a great job by Dave Marquez and company. Marquez did announce the next taping will take place on August 11 at a new location in Ventura County. Details will be on the official CWFH website.

You can watch new episodes of Championship Wrestling from Hollywood every Sunday morning at 1 am PST on KDOC in the Los Angeles area and on MAVTV every Sunday morning at 5 am PST. Also, catch new and past episodes online at hollywoodwrestling.com.

2014 - CM Punk was interviewed in Cleveland, Ohio prior to his stint hosting the red carpet interviews for AXS-TV's coverage of the AP Music Awards by CBS 19's Chris Van Vlie

The jubilant Punk noted he was "off the market" while showing off his wedding ring and discussed how he ended up as one of the hosts for the broadcast.

When asked what he was doing for the last six months, Punk said he has pieces of his life that he doesn't remember "due to staph infections and concussions" and when asked if he should be called a former WWE Superstar, said, "Neither. I'm CM Punk. I'm a Superstar."

When asked about returning to wrestling, Punk commented he would, "never ever ever ever ever" be back inside the ring.

2014 - WWE broadcast Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We are in Miami, Florida and your announcers are Jerry â€˜Maybe they would rather have Lebron back instead of the IC Championâ€™ Lawler, John â€˜I can see my home from hereâ€™ Layfield, and Michael â€˜I wonder if Brock will return to this arena like he did 2 years agoâ€™ Cole.

The show starts off with Triple H making his way to the ring to make a major announcement.

Hunter says that he was walking around backstage and no one wants to look at him in the eye. They are scattering around on eggshells as if he is going to blow a gasket over what happened last night. Over the fact that the WWE Title did not come back to the Authority and stayed on John Cena.

Hunter says that he is mad. He is very mad. He is madder than he has been in a long time. However, he has options. Hunter says that he is going to . . .

Tweet his displeasure. He is going to go on social media to complain about it. He might even send an Instagram or a Vine. Hunter says that he is going to threaten if he doesnâ€™t get what he wants, he is going to riot. If that doesnâ€™t work, him and his friend Mark are going to stop watching.

Hunter says that he could fire everyone in the back. He will fire the crowd too and throw them out in the weather. That will solve his problems.

Or, he can just relax, knowing that sooner or later, he always wins. If he has to wait four more weeks until SummerSlam to win, then so be it. Like a true genius once said, at SummerSlam he can Guarandamntee that John Cena will not be the WWE Champion.

The question is WHO?

Who number one, Randy Orton makes his way to the ring and he wants to know if we are really talking about this. He wants his one on one rematch. The rematches is what he is owed. He guarantees if he is in a one-on-one match at SummerSlam, he will beat John Cena.

Hunter says that he appreciates that confidence and while Randy makes a compelling argument about why he should get the match, he is the front runner.

Hunter says that everyone will get a chance to convince him. Hunter says that he wants someone to impress him. He wants someone to go the extra mile to show him. He wants someone to show him that they want it more than anything in life. They want to be WWE Champion.

Orton says that if Kane had done his duty and done his job, Randy says that he would be standing here with these titles around his waist.

Kaneâ€™s name is mentioned so â€˜Who Number Twoâ€™ makes his way to the ring. Kane says that he hopes that he is being considered to face John Cena. Kane says that he knows that he can beat John Cena. He knows that he can be the one to bring the title back to the Authority. So long as he is not acting as Randy Ortonâ€™s protector. He is tired of babysitting.

Hunter has to separate Kane and Orton while â€˜Who Number Threeâ€™ makes his way through the crowd.

Roman says that if you are going to have a conversation about the WWE Championship, he thinks his name should be in it. Last time he checked, no one wants to see John Cena versus Kane. Nobody want to see Randy Orton versus John Cena again. It sounds like everybody wants to see John Cena versus Roman Reigns. BELIEVE THAT.

Orton takes care of Kane with a Superman Punch and Orton slides out of the ring.

Hunter says that he believes that Roman Reigns is going to have a match. He believes that Roman Reigns is going to face Kane . . . and Randy Orton. He believes that this match is going to take place right now.

Match Number One: Kane and Randy Orton versus Roman Reigns

Orton starts off and they lock up. Orton with a kick and head butt. Reigns with a head butt of his own followed by punches in the corner. Reigns with an uppercut to Orton but Orton sends Kane to the mat. Kane tags in and Reigns gets away from Orton to prevent a double team attack.

They lock up and Kane tries to back Reigns into the corner. Kane with a knee and forearm. Reigns with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Orton tags in and Reigns with punches but Orton with a knee to the midsection followed by the Garvin Stomp. Kane tags in and he hits a drop kick on Reigns and he gets a near fall.

Kane with an uppercut and double sledge to the back. Kane with head butts to Reigns followed by a snap mare and nerve hold. Reigns with punches but Kane with a knee and he tries for a suplex but Reigns blocks it and Reigns with a suplex for a near fall. Reigns with head butts but Kane with an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Kane with another Irish whip but he runs into a boot.

Reigns with a flying clothesline out of the corner and he gets a near fall. Reigns with an uppercut but Kane sends Reigns through the ropes to the floor. Kane follows but Reigns Irish whips Kane into the ring steps.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with a side head lock but Reigns with punches. Orton with a back elbow and then he stomps on Reignsâ€™ midsection as he does a modified Garvin Stomp and he gets a near fall. Kane tags in and he kicks Reigns. Kane with a back elbow and he gets a near fall. Orton tags back in and he stomps on Reignsâ€™ leg. Orton with a drop kick for a near fall.

Orton with a reverse chin lock. Reigns with punches and a head butt. Reigns with a Samoan drop and both men are down. Kane tags in and Reigns with a flying clothesline and splash into the corner. Reigns with an uppercut and clothesline in the corner. Reigns with another uppercut and he hits the Juggernaut drop kick. Reigns sets for the Superman Punch and he punches Orton and knocks him off the apron. Reigns with a punch and Kane with a boot to Reigns.

Kane wants Orton to tag in, but Orton refuses and he tells Kane that he should have been there yesterday. Kane grabs Orton by the throat and Reigns with a Superman punch and spear for the three count as Orton leaves the ring and walks towards the back.

Winner: Roman Reigns

After the match, Orton gets on the apron but he thinks that it is better to fight another day.

Stephanie gives her team of Divas superstars a pep talk for them to annihilate Nikki Bella and send Brie a message.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Brie is sitting in the front row.

Stephanie McMahon comes out and she says that the quitter Brie Bella is here. Stephanie says that Nikki did a good job feigning surprise. Brie has gone from being a world famous diva to just another face in the crowd. It is fitting. Why is Brie in this position? Because she abandoned her sister for her husband, Daniel Bryan, the B+ Player. Daniel Bryan was stripped of the WWE Championship and has been on the shelf ever since. Stephanie says that was a smart move. Now she gets to see her sister get demolished by four people. It is all because of her.

Brie calls Stephanie a bitch.

Stephanie gets security to eject Brie. Brie shows her ticket, but Stephanie says that she is blocking the view of the people so she can take her seat.

Brie takes the mic and she says that Stephanie is doing this out of spite for the slap. Brie calls Stephanie a vindictive bitch. Stephanie slaps Brie and then she tries to hit Stephanie but security takes her away.

Match Number Two: Rosa Mendes, Alicia Fox, Cameron, and Eva Marie versus Nikki Bella

All four attack Nikki and Alicia with a scissors kick for the three count.

Winners: Alicia Fox, Cameron, Eva Marie, and Rosa Mendes

After the match, Stephanie says that looked really painful and it was Brieâ€™s fault. Stephanie says that Nikki will do what Brie did and she will quit.

We go to commercial with a look at what you can see on the WWE Network . . . Saturday Nightâ€™s Main Event, but they play the original music (which you cannot hear if you have the Network).

We are back with a look at the return of Brie Bella to the world of spectator and the editing of Brieâ€™s harsh language.

Bo Dallas is in the ring.

Match Number Three: Bo Dallas versus Damien Sandow (dressed as LeBron James)

Damien asks if the people were expecting Michael Jordan. He took his talents from South Beach back to Cleveland. He tells Bo to BOLIEVE that he should leave so people do not have to see his goofy smile. He tells Bo to LEAVE.

Sandow with a kick and forearm but Bo with a kick and clothesline. Bo with a back body drop and he clotheslines Sandow over the top rope to the floor. Bo celebrates in the ring and Sandow returns. Bo with punches but Sandow with a back elbow and forearms. Sandow with punches to Bo.

Sandow with a suplex for a near fall. Bo with an inside cradle but Sandow with a clothesline. Bo with a forearm and he gets a near fall. Sandow with a knee and then Sandow takes a shot. Sandow with a slam and then he tells Cleveland he is coming home and he misses the Elbow of Disdain. Bo with the BoDog for the three count.

Winner: Bo Dallas

After the match, Bo does his victory lap as Cole and JBL argue over how many wins Bo has.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for the Highlight Reel, but Chris Jericho is not in the ring.

Michael and Jerry talk about an incident that happened during the commercial break that you can see on the WWE App.

The Wyatts say that they are here.

Cole mentions that the Wyatts attacked Chris Jericho while he was being interviewed during the commercial break.

Bray welcomes everyone to the Highlight Reel. Unfortunately your scheduled host is unable to make it. He is a bit indisposed. Where oh where could Chris Jericho be? Bray says that he wonders.

We go to the WWE app footage of Bray, Luke, and Erick attacking Chris Jericho in his locker room. Bray tells Chris that sooner or later, they all fall down. Bray hums as he leaves.

Bray asks where is Chris Jericho? Where is your savior? Surprise surprise, he ainâ€™t here for you. You know who is here? Bray is. He is here just like he has every day since he has been around. He says that he can read your thoughts. He knows that you are thinking because Chris had his arm raised last night that he is the better man. Do you believe that Bray would burden himself with these petty things? A loss in a battle does not matter because the war is what counts. Bray says that he created war.

It was not so long ago that the Wyatt Family entered a WWE ring for the first time. In their reign of terror, they have dismantled giants and destroyed monsters. They have brought so called heroes to their knees. Who does Chris Jericho think he is dealing with? Bray says that he is the Eater of Worlds. He is every bit the monster that they think he is.

Bray says that you cannot measure him like you can measure a normal man. You cannot measure him by how many dollar bills you have because society is his play thing. Time is irrelevant to him. He lives 100 years in a day. Since last night, it has been recurring in his head. Abigail told him to be careful chasing vengeance because you will need to dig two graves. One for your enemy and one for yourself. Bray says that he is forever.

We see Chris Jericho being checked in the back while R Truth wants to know what happened (since he probably doesnâ€™t watch the WWE App). Zack Ryder is there as well.

Flo Rida is walking in the back and he stops to talk to Big E, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Naomi, and Emma.

Miz makes his way to the ring as we go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Miz versus Dolph Ziggler in a Non Title Match

Ziggler goes after Miz and Miz goes to the floor to take off his sunglasses. Miz almost gets into the ring but he stays on the floor. Miz goes back to the floor after actually getting into the ring. Ziggler chases Miz around the ring and Ziggler with a Thesz Press and Miz goes back to the floor and he is sent into the ringside barrier. Ziggler with a chop to the chest.

Ziggler tries to send Miz into the steps but Miz blocks it. Miz kicks Ziggler as he comes back into the ring and Miz with more kicks. Miz tries for a belly-to-back suplex but Ziggler lands on his feet and he gets a rollup for a near fall. Miz with a near fall. Ziggler with a hip toss followed by rapid fire elbow drops while Miz covers his face.

Miz with an elbow and kick followed by a reverse chin lock. Ziggler with punches and a side head lock. Ziggler with a shoulder tackle. Miz tries for a hip toss but Ziggler blocks it. Miz blocks a drop kick and he catapults Ziggler over the top rope but Ziggler holds on and Ziggler sends Miz to the apron. Miz covers up and Ziggler punches him but Miz with a kick and a hot shot into the ring post as we go to commercial.

We are back and Miz is in control. Ziggler with punches. Ziggler blocks punches from Miz but Miz with a knee and kicks. Miz gets a near fall. Miz with a reverse chin lock. Ziggler with punches followed by a rollup for a near fall. Miz with a clothesline and kicks. Miz goes for the Awesome Clothesline but Ziggler moves and Miz hits the turnbuckles.

Ziggler with a few clotheslines and then he hits a splash in the corner. Ziggler with a neck breaker. Ziggler misses a Fameasser and Miz with a rollup for a near fall. Miz goes for the Reality Check but on the second neck breaker Ziggler counters with a backslide for a near fall. Miz with a Side Effect for a near fall.

Miz runs into a boot and Ziggler goes for the hesitation DDT but Miz blocks it. Miz tries for a power bomb but Ziggler rolls through for a sunset flip. Miz tries for a figure four leg lock but Ziggler kicks Miz away and Ziggler gets a near fall with a hesitation DDT. Miz with a DDT for a near fall. Miz with knees to the hamstring to set up for the figure four leg lock. Miz tries for the figure four but Ziggler with an inside cradle for a near fall.

Ziggler with an elbow and Miz with a single leg sweep and he applies the figure four leg lock. Ziggler tries to get to the ropes or reverse the hold and he gets to the ropes and Miz has to release the hold. Miz gets kicked away and Ziggler hits the Fameasser for a near fall. Ziggler goes for the sleeper but Miz is at the ropes. Miz tries for the Skull Crushing Finale but Ziggler with a snap mare and then he hits the Zig Zag for the three count.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Justin Roberts makes sure to announce that Miz is still the Intercontinental Champion.

Triple H says that there is no reason for Seth Rollins to wrestle John Cena at SummerSlam because he has the briefcase. You put the cards out when you want to play them. Seth says that whenever he has a hand to play, Dean Ambrose is there to screw it up. Seth says that they need to stop Dean Ambrose permanently.

Cesaro enters and he says that if anyone should face him at SummerSlam it is him. He is a walking Money in the Bank Contract. He will get the job done. Cesaro says that he is what is best for business. He is no longer a Heyman guy. He wants to be Hunterâ€™s guy.

Seth says that he already has a â€˜guyâ€™.

Hunter has an idea. There is some unfinished business with Dean Ambrose. If Cesaro will finish that business, it would be something that would impress Hunter.

Cesaro says to consider it done.

AJ skips in the back and she stops by Paige and they walk into commercial together.

We are back with the Slam of the Week: Footage from the Divas Title match at Battleground.

Match Number Five: Paige and AJ Lee versus Natalya and Emma

Emma and AJ start things off and AJ with a wrist lock and hammer lock. Emma with an elbow and Emma trips AJ and she gets a rollup for a near fall. AJ with a rollup for a near fall of her own. AJ with a clothesline and then she skips around while holding Emmaâ€™s hair.

Paige tags in and she head butts Emma. Paige misses a splash and Emma with the DilEmma. Natalya tags in and she hits a drop kick and she goes for a jackknife cover but Paige bridges. Natayla bumps into Emma but Natalya with a release German suplex and Natalya with a Sharpshooter and Paige tries to get to the corner to make the tag.

AJ with a Shining Wizard and then AJ applies the Black Widow and Natalya taps out.

Winners: AJ Lee and Paige

After the match, AJ takes her belt and she skips around the ring while Paige applauds her. Paige raises AJâ€™s hand in the ring, but it is a trap because she pulls AJ down by the hair and then Paige with head butts and then she throws AJ through the ropes to the floor. Paige sends AJ into the ringside barrier.

Paige sends AJ into the ring post. Paige yells at AJ and tells her that this is her house. Paige throws AJ over the announce table.

Paige mocks AJ by skipping around the ring.

We go to commercial.

Match Number Six: Fandango versus Zack Ryder (with Summer Rae and Layla El)

Fandango with a forearm to the back followed by punches and a drop kick. Fandango with a kick to the head. Fandango with a short arm clothesline and a reverse chin lock. Ryder with punches but Fandango with a knee. Ryder sends Fandango to the mat and then Ryder goes for a missile drop kick but Fandango moves. Fandango punches Ryder. Ryder hits the Rough Ryder but Layla knocks Fandangoâ€™s foot off the ropes and Ryder gets the three count.

Winner: Zack Ryder

After the match, Ryder is in shock but he celebrates his victory with Layla and Summer.

It is time to recap the recent events involving the Bellas.

Renee Young is in the interview area with Flo Rida. He says that he enjoys working with the WWE Universe. Flo Rida hopes that he will get the title match at SummerSlam.

Heath Slater interrupts Mr. Florida. Slater asks him if he remembers him. Slater reminds him of what happened at Wrestlemania 28. He is here to return the favor. Slater pushes Flo Rida and Flo Rida pushes Slater down and Slater is out.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Rusev will face Sheamus on Main Event.

Stephanie McMahon is in the ring and she introduces Flo Rida.

Cole asks JBL who he thinks should get the title match at SummerSlam, but something is afoot next to the announce table. Stephanie McMahon is being questioned by people with badges about something. Stephanie appears to be getting read her Miranda Rights.

Stephanie is handcuffed and taken away.

Brie Bella has returned and she is inside the ringside area.

We go to the back where Hunter finally tries to stand up for his wife. Hunter tells Stephanie that he will get Jerry on the phone to get this worked out.

We are back, but we see why Stephanie is no longer in the arena. She has been arrested for slapping Brie.

Hunter is on the phone and Joey Matthews says the car is ready. Joey asks who gets the title match at SummerSlam. Hunter says that family comes first. It is the mother of his children. Hunter thinks about it and he says that she has to get processed so it will take a while. They need to print her so it will take a while.

Hunter tells Joey to put the car on standby. He will make his announcement and then go to see Stephanie.

Match Number Seven: Big E and Kofi Kingston versus Ryback and Curtis Axel

Ryback and Big E start things off and they lock up. Ryback backs Big E into the ropes and Ryback with a kick and punch. Big E with a flying shoulder tackle and a belly-to-belly suplex. Axel gets in the way of the Ultimate Warrior splash and Big E knocks Axel to the floor. Ryback with a spinebuster and he tags Axel in. Axel with forearms across the bridge of the nose. Axel with kicks.

Ryback tags back in and he punches Big E and hits a suplex. Ryback with a kick and then he keeps Big E from making the tag. Ryback sets for the clothesline but Big E with a clothesline of his own. Kofi tags in and hits a springboard clothesline followed by a drop kick. Kofi with SOS and he gets a near fall. Axel breaks up the cover and Big E clotheslines Axel over the top rope. Ryback misses a splash into the corner and Kofi with a cross body but Ryback rolls through and gets the three count.

Winners: Curtis Axel and Ryback

After the match, Xavier Woods is in the ring and he has something to say. You cannot move ahead by kissing babies and shaking hands. You cannot move ahead by doing what you are told. Xavier says that this is their time and their place. It is time to find focus. It is up to them to find order. Together it is their time to find purpose. They do not ask any longer. Now, we take.

Hunter is on the phone trying to explain what happened.

We go to commercial.

We are back with a look at what Bray Wyatt did to Chris Jericho.

Lana and Rusev make their way to the ring and Lana has something to say. Lanaâ€™s comments are interrupted by Great Khali.

Match Number Eight: Rusev (with Lana and Flag) versus Great Khali

Rusev with a forearm to the back and a kick to the back of the leg. Khali with a shot that staggers Rusev followed by a chop in the corner. Rusev with a kick and punches that stagger Khali. Rusev with shoulders in the corner. Rusev runs into a boot from Khali and Khali sends Rusev into the corner and he chops Rusev.

Rusev with a punch but Khali with a chop. Rusev uses the ropes to send Khali to the mat. Rusev with a jumping thrust kick and then Rusev with a boot to the back and he applies the Accolade and Khali taps out.

Winner: Rusev

After the match, Rusev does not release the hold until Lana gives him the signal.

We take a look at Sheamusâ€™ appearance on Royal Pains.

Stardust is in the Imaginarium. Stardust is now singing from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory until Goldust stops him. Goldust says that they can be the brightest, most bizarre . . .

Stardust says that they need the Cosmic Key. Goldust says that â€˜theyâ€™ currently have it but it is calling them. They will have it soon and it will be calling their names.

Renee Young says that Stephanie will be arraigned later tonight and she may have been charged with resisting arrest.

Match Number Nine: Dean Ambrose versus Cesaro

They lock up and Cesaro goes for the injured arm. Ambrose with punches and he runs his forearm across the face. Cesaro avoids a suplex and he connects with forearms. Ambrose with a knee and he sends Cesaro to the floor. Ambrose with a Thesz Press off the apron. Ambrose sends Cesaro into the ringside barrier and then he sends Cesaro back into the ring but Cesaro with a kick and then he sends Ambrose shoulder first into the post.

Hunter is still on the phone while Orton and Rollins watch on the monitor. Cesaro suplexes Ambrose from the ring to the floor and then he kicks Ambrose. Cesaro rolls Ambrose back in and he kicks Ambrose. Cesaro with a key lock. Ambrose punches Cesaro but Cesaro holds on to the key lock and he takes Ambrose to the mat.

Cesaro continues to work on the shoulder. Ambrose punches Cesaro and Cesaro punches back and it sends Ambrose into the corner. Cesaro with kicks but Ambrose with a double leg take down and he sends Cesaro to the floor. Ambrose goes for a pescado but Cesaro with a European uppercut to the injured arm and we go to commercial.

We are back and Cesaro with an arm bar. Cesaro with a punch and Ambrose is sent into the ropes and Cesaro sidesteps the rebound clothesline. Cesaro with a German suplex and bridge for a near fall. Cesaro puts Ambrose on the turnbuckles while we go to Hunter, Randy, and Seth watching on the monitor. Cesaro with a boot to the head and then he goes for a superplex but Ambrose blocks it.

Ambrose with a head butt to send Cesaro to the mat. Ambrose with a missile drop kick. Ambrose with punches followed by a shoulder in the corner. Cesaro with an Irish whip but he runs into an elbow from Ambrose. Ambrose with a tornado DDT but Ambrose can only get a near fall.

Cesaro tries for a crossface chicken wing but Ambrose sends Cesaro into the turnbuckles and Ambrose with a rollup for a near fall. Cesaro is sent to the floor and Ambrose with a suicide dive and both men are down.

Ambrose rolls Cesaro into the ring and Cesaro with a boot but Ambrose bounces off the ropes and hits a clotheslines for a near fall. Cesaro drops Ambroseâ€™s injured arm on the top rope and Cesaro with a clothesline for a near fall. Ambrose goes up top and Cesaro crotches him and Ambrose is in the tree of woe. Cesaro with kicks and the referee warns Cesaro. Ambrose sends Cesaro shoulder first into the post and then he does it a second time. Ambrose does it a third time and then Ambrose goes to the floor.

Ambrose grabs a chair and he hits Cesaro in the elbow with it and the referee calls for the bell.

Winner: Cesaro (by disqualification)

After the match, Ambrose throws chairs into the ring and he wants to know if that is all that Cesaroâ€™s got.

Renee wants to get a comment from Hunter but Hunter says that he has to go to the ring to announce who faces John Cena at SummerSlam. Renee asks Hunter if he should be with his wife and Hunter gives Renee the death stare.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Alberto Del Rio will face Roman Reigns on Smackdown.

Triple H is in the ring while his wife is at the Miami-Dade County Jail.

Triple H introduces John Cenaâ€™s opponent and the challenger for the WWE Title at SummerSlam. . .

Randy Ortonâ€™s music plays and he comes to the ring. Roman Reigns attacks Orton and they fight outside the ring. They fight into the crowd. They work their way to the back and Hunter doesnâ€™t know what to do.

Paul Heyman makes his way onto the stage and he has a mic. Paul says that he knows how much he has for Mr. COO, but he hates to point out the obvious. Plan A is not working with Randy Orton as long as Roman Reigns is around. Plan B is great. Every time Seth Rollins tries to cash in the briefcase, Seth Rollins is going to stop him.

The Authority has the uncomfortable decision to implement Plan C . . .

Brock Lesnarâ€™s music plays and he makes his way onto the stage and he does the Brock Bounce before making his way to the ring.

Hunter looks at Paul and he shakes his hand. He also shakes Brockâ€™s hand and it is official that Brock Lesnar is going to take his talents to Los Angeles to beat John Cena.

Paul introduces himself and he says that his client BROCK LESNAR conquered the Undertakerâ€™s undefeated streak at Wrestlemania. That is why at this moment, his client hereby announces that his intention is to conquer John Cena and take the WWE World Championship at SummerSlam.

Paul says that his client acknowledges this divide that permeates through the WWE Universe. There are those who wear their green t-shirts and pump up sneakers as they scream at the top of their lungs â€˜Letâ€™s Go Cenaâ€™. There are those who offer the contrarian position because their mommies donâ€™t tuck them into bed and they say â€˜Cena sucksâ€™. His client does not matter what side you are on because the malpracticing doctor of Thuganomics will get the beating of a lifetime.

Paul says that he uses historical fact to support his position. Paul shows us what happened the last time his client focused on someone and decided to give them a beating. We see footage of Brockâ€™s win at Wrestlemania XXX.

Paul says that everyone wanted to be the one to stop the Undertakerâ€™s streak. Brock beat the Undertaker so violently that Vince McMahon had to ride in the ambulance because our heartless chairman cared so much about a Deadmanâ€™s life. That same beating is waiting for you John.

Brock is not the stereotypical villain who will offer John to surrender the title to escape the beating. John, you cannot escape this beating. Brock will take John Cena down. He will punch John Cenaâ€™s face in. John will be hurt by Brock Lesnar. He will injure John Cena. He will mangle John Cena. Then he will F-5 John Cena and then he will strip John of the dignity of being the WWE Champion. The same way that he stripped the Undertaker of his dignity and exposed the Undertakerâ€™s streak as a myth. The same myth that he hears about John Cena being the greatest WWE Champion of all time. Fifteen titles in 10 years. That sounds like something work conquering. Paul pledges his allegiance to the conqueror who stands before him. One Cenation, with no hustle, loyalty, or respect for all.

Paul says that he is the one behind the one in twenty-one and one. Paul says that his client will beat John Cena at SummerSlam and become the WWE Champion of the World.

Brock bounces while we go to credits.

2019 - Ring of Honor ran their Mass Hysteria event in MA. Anthony Pires filed the following report:

PRE-SHOW:

The crowd is down from previous shows. About 700 I estimate

During the meet and greet, two fans were rightly ejected for very vile comments towards the Allure

The Tate Twins (formerly The Boys) vs. Cheeseburger and Ryan Nova. Brandon Tate with the pin on Nova

Top Prospect Round 1: Dante Caballero vs Joe Keys - Caballero with a crossface for the win.

MASS HYSTERIA:

1. Jay and Mark Briscoe successfully defended the ROH World Tag Team Titles against Beer City Bruiser and Brawler Milonas. Post match saw the Briscoes attacked by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Guerrillas of Destiny alluded to a Ladder War in Toronto

2. Christian Casanova defeated Thrillride

3. Silas Young pinned PJ Black

4. Tasha Steelz defeated Angelina Love and Karissa Rivera in a triple threat match. Post match saw the Allure attack Steelz and Rivera. Kelly Klein on commentary made the save. The lights went out. When they came on, Maneater Maria Manic laid waste to Rivera, Summi Sakai and 2 security guards.

5. Shane Taylor pinned Eli Isom to retain the ROH TV title

6. Kenny King pinned Dragon Lee. Towards the end, timekeeper Amy Rose distracted Lee and the referee leading to Kings win. King announced that he was invading CMLL next month. King and Rose left together

7. PCO and Marty Scurll (with Flip Gordon) beat Bandido and Mark Haskins (with Tracey Williams)

8. Rush beat Dalton Castle by DQ due to a low blow

9. Jay Lethal, Alex Shelly & Jonathan Gresham beat Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia and TK O’Ryan when Shelly forced O’Ryan to tap out to a crossface.

2020 - Tom Hirschmann, who wrestled at Z-Barr, passed away. Mike Johnson filed the following:

I am sorry to report the passing of Tom Hirschman, who was a very colorful heel for Combat Zone Wrestling in the earliest incarnation of that promotion's history as Z-Barr.

A close friend of then-CZW lead announcer Eric Gargiulo, Hircshman broke into the business training at CZW's original training school and was immediately thrust into the middle of the promotion. While working for CZW, Hirschman, billed as "The Ultraviolent Manwhore" would often play lackey or secondary heel to the prominent heel stables of the era, including Rockin' Rebel's Army.

Coming out to Madonna's Dress You Up To My Love and emblazoned with zebra striped tights and a robe, Barr would rile up the audience with his charismatic arrogance before taking bumps and often being the one completely emasculated and tormented by CZW's stars who would have to get through him for a shot at the higher-level heels he was representing. As Z-Barr, he was an important piece of the CZW product at the time but was also likely way in over his head being so young and being tasked with so much responsibility so quickly.

Hirschman had a great aptitude for playing a heel character and getting heat outside the ring. He played a great second banana and at times showed a lot of future potential that sadly never played out. A knee injury, bad timing and his ability to get himself heat in the locker room all played against him. He was among the talents who departed CZW to wrestle for Johnny Kashmere's Pro Wrestling Unplugged and also worked for The Wild Samoans' WXW in Pennsylvania, as well as countless other independent promotions of the era.

While in CZW, Barr also teamed as one half of the Softcore Connection with Nick Berk. The CZW connection led to Barr touring for Big Japan Wrestling in 2002, which was something he carried like a badge of honor, wrestling against Winger, Kintaro Kanemura and others. Once he toured Japan, he routinely wore a Ribera's jacket as a way to get heat among fans who saw those jackets as a status symbol worn by "real" stars who had "made it" in Japan.

In recent years, he had relocated to Florida and occasionally wrestled there but after 2012, he talked of making comebacks but had not regularly performed. He had been dealing with health issues, including bouts of depression and issues with blood clots of late. On his social media, he railed against those he felt weren't there for him when he needed someone to listen to.

****

On a personal note, a long time ago in 2001, in the wake of ECW closing, I attended a Jersey All Pro Wrestling event at the ECW Arena. It was (if memory serves right) the first independent wrestling event there after the death of ECW. I intended to go to just to see the venue one last time as I couldn't imagine still going there for wrestling again without ECW existing.

That night, Tom and the late Trent Acid cornered me in the ECW Arena one night and pestered the hell out of me (in a funny way) until I agreed to go to my first Combat Zone Wrestling show. That night was the first time I recall meeting Tom and I remember cracking up at him, because he was so genuinely funny. Two weeks or so later, I went to CZW for the first time in Sewell, NJ.

Tom went out of his way that night to make sure I was taken care of and we were able to do live coverage online, which in 2001 meant he personally ran phone wire 200 feet all the way across the venue so I could plug into a hard line telephone line to dial into AOL. He also went well out of his way to find me a place where I could see the show, which as it turned out was sitting on chairs on top of a makeshift shed designed to be a ticket office and he disappeared to find and bring a ladder to the venue to make that work. That CZW show was genuinely amazing - the promotion was building towards its apex at the time - and it led to me covering CZW regularly, which put me at ground zero to cover the Philly indy wars to come, which provided a bounty of blessings for me as I grew as a reporter.

Had Tom and Trent not pushed me to come to CZW, certainly the story of my journey as a wrestling writer would have been completely different. As I noted, I expected the death of ECW would be the beginning of the end of my interest in pro wrestling. Instead, it was a new beginning and Tom and Trent were the ones who helped point me towards that next chapter. I will always appreciate them for that.

I always liked Tom and I wish things had gone better for him. There was a point in time I thought he would rise up to become the top arrogant heel in the area - sort of similar to a role MJF has now in AEW, but for whatever reason it was not meant to be.

On behalf of everyone at PWInsider.com, I send my deepest condolences to Tom's family, friends and fans.

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