This Day in History - 3rd Aug, 2016

On this day in history in ....

1983 - NWA World Champion Harley Race defeated Barry Windham via disqualification at a Championship Wrestling from Florida event in Miami.

1983 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran a TV Taping in Spartanburg, SC at the Memorial Auditorium, featuring the following results:
NWA U.S. Champion Greg Valentine defeated Brett Hart
Mid-Atlantic TV Champion the Great Kabuki & the Magic Dragon defeated John Bonello & Ric McCord
The Assassins defeated Mike Rotundo & Mike Davis
Bob Orton Jr. defeated Ben Alexander
Bugsy McGraw defeated Golden Boy Grey
The Assassins defeated Brett Hart & John Bonello
Mid-Atlantic TV Champion the Great Kabuki defeated Ric McCord
Roddy Piper defeated Masa Fuchi
Bob Orton Jr. defeated Golden Boy Grey
Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, & Jimmy Valiant vs. NWA U.S. Champion Greg Valentine, Dick Slater, & Mid-Atlantic TV Champion the Great Kabuki - no result known for dark match main event.

1984 - Championship Wrestling from Florida ran the West Palm Beach Auditorium, featuring the following results:
Breakdancer #1 defeated Shotgun Willie
Black Bart defeated Dennis Brown
The Dream defeated Breakdancer #2
The Saint defeated Joe Lightfoot
Hector & Chavo Guerrero defeated Mike Rotundo & Scott McGhee
Scott McGhee defeated Superstar Billy Graham
Dory Funk Jr. defeated Billy Jack
Kevin Sullivan & Ron Bass defeated Blackjack Mulligan & the One Man Gang
Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair via disqualification

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

1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Florence, SC with the following results:
Rising Sun #1 defeated Stoney Burke
Rising Sun #2 defeated Denny Brown
Superstar Billy Graham defeated Sam Houston
Jimmy Valiant defeated Paul Jones in a dog collar match
Ron Bass defeated Buddy Landell in a Texas Death Match
NWA World Tag Team Champions The Rock N' Roll Express defeated National Tag Team Champions Arn & Ole Anderson via disqualification

1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions also ran Macon, GA, headlined by The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeating Buzz & Brett Sawyer

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

1989 - The NWA ran two different events the same night:

Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum, featuringL

Star Blazer pinned Dutch Mantell
Norman pinned Zan Panzer
Tommy Rich defeated Buddy Landell
Big Van Vader pinned Tom Zenk
Mike Rotunda defeated the Iron Sheik
Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin
NWA World TV Champion Arn Anderson & Barry Windham defeated the Junkyard Dog & Paul Orndorff when Anderson pinned JYD after Windham hit JYD with a chair
NWA World Champion Sting pinned Ric Flair.

Pittsburgh, PA at the Palumbo Center:
NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeated Brad Armstrong & David Sierra at 17:03 when Lane pinned Sierra
Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Wendell Cooley at 7:07
Mark Callous pinned Doug Furnas at 12:20
Rick & Scott Steiner defeated the Samoan Swat Team at 10:38 when Scott pinned Samoan Savage
NWA U.S. Champion Lex Luger fought Sid Vicious to a double count-out at 12:48
The Rock N' Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson defeated NWA World Tag Team Champions Doom in a non-title match at 19:56 when Gibson pinned Ron Simmons
El Gigante won a 14-man battle royal.

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

1991 - WCW ran Kansas City, MO at the Municipal Auditorium featuring the following results:

The Junkyard Dog pinned Black Bart
The Diamond Studd pinned Tom Zenk
WCW World TV Champion Steve Austin pinned Big Josh
WCW World Champion Lex Luger pinned Ron Simmons; the referee didn't notice that Simmons' foot was on the bottom rope during the cover
Dustin Rhodes & Robert Gibson defeated Terrance Taylor & Ricky Morton when Rhodes pinned Taylor
Barry Windham defeated the Yellow Dog (Brian Pillman)
Sting defeated Nikita Koloff via countout in a Texas Death Match (YES, countout)
El Gigante & Bobby Eaton defeated The Hardliners, Dick Murdoch & Dick Slater in a steel cage match


1996 - ECW ran their "The Doctor Is In" show at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, featuring the ECW debut of Steve "Dr. Death" Williams, and the debut of a new gimmick for Stevie Richards, The Blue Meanie, Super Nova & Don E. Allen, as the foursome showed up in KISS makeup, singing "Rock N' Roll All Nite" before being attacked by The Sandman. Here are the results of the show:

- Mikey Whipwreck defeated Devon Storm to retain the European Junior Heavyweight championship.
- Johnny Smith defeated Louie Spicolli.
- D-Von Dudley vs. Axl Rotten ended in a non contest when the other Dudleys attacked D-Von.
- Raven defeated Sandman to retain the ECW World Heavyweight Title. Steven Richards was supposed to be defending the title for Raven (who was dealing with a foot injury), but Raven got the pin anyway.
- 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Chris Jericho with a Shooting Star Press in Jericho's farewell appearance for ECW.
- ECW World Television Champion Shane Douglas defeated Pitbull #2 with two belly to belly suplexes.
- Taz & Brian Lee defeated Tommy Dreamer & the debuting Steve Williams when Lee chokeslammed Dreamer on a trash can. The event was named in Williams' honor.
- The Gangstas defeated The Eliminators, The Bruise Brothers and The Samoan Gangsta Party in a four way dance to win the ECW World Tag Team Title, starting the Gangsta's first reign as champions.
- Sabu defeated Rob Van Dam in a stretcher match, ending their ECW feud.

1997 - WCW ran Grand Rapids, MI at the Van Andel Arena featuring the following results:
Chris Benoit defeated the Barbarian
WCW Cruiserweight Champion Alex Wright defeated Chris Jericho
Eddie Guerrero defeated Dean Malenko
Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Harlem Heat
WCW U.S. Champion Jeff Jarrett defeated Ric Flair
Lex Luger & The Giant, & Diamond Dallas Page defeated Syxx & WCW World Tag Team Champions Scott Hall & Kevin Nash

1997- New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Tokyo, Japan at Sumo Hall featuring the following results:

Akitoshi Saito & Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated Koji Kanemoto & Shinjiro Ohtani at 15:45 when Saito pinned Kanemoto
Tatsuhito Takaiwa pinned El Samurai at 16:42
Jushin Liger pinned Kendo Kashin at 12:09
Buff Bagwell & Hiro Saito defeated Tatsutoshi Goto & Michiyoshi Ohara at 16:10 when Bagwell pinned Goto
Hiroyoshi Tenzan pinned Shinya Hashimoto at 14:01
Kensuke Sasaki pinned Scott Norton at 5:16
The Great Muta defeated Lord Steven Regal at 6:40
Akira Nogami, Kengo Kimura, & Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Satoshi Kojima, Manabu Nakanishi, & Junji Hirata at 12:57 when Nogami pinned Kojima
G-1 Climax Finals: Kensuke Sasaki pinned Hiroyoshi Tenzan at 8:09

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

Nitro was held in Denver, CO at the Coliseum. The complete results of the broadcast:

Diamond Dallas Page defeated the Barbarian
Psychosis fought Tokyo Magnum to a no contest
Brian Adams defeated Jim Duggan
Eddie Guerrero pinned Juventud Guerrera at 4:07 with the frog splash after catching Guerrera in mid-air and hitting a shoulderbreaker; during the bout, it was announced Dean Malenko would be the guest referee for the Guerrera vs. WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho match at Road Wild
Lizmark Jr. defeated Stevie Ray via count-out
Curt Hennig defeated Konnan
Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated WCW Cruiserweight Champion Chris Jericho in a non-title match.
WCW Tag Team Champions the Giant & Scott Hall defeated Sting & WCW U.S. Champion Bret Hart via disqualification
Dark match after the show: WCW World Champion Bill Goldberg defeated the Giant

2007 - TNA ran Des Moines, IA featuring the following results:
Jay Lethal defeated Petey Williams
Jackie Moore defeated Gail Kim
Eric Young defeated Robert Roode
LAX, Homicide & Hernandez defeated Team 3D, Brother Ray & Brother Devon
Chris Harris defeated James Storm
Abyss defeated Tomko
TNA champ Kurt Angle defeated Christian Cage

2010 - Highspots.com's owner and parent company, Michael Bochicchio and Highspots, Inc. filed a lawsuit against TNA star Ric Flair in the Superior Court of North Carolina. The lawsuit was filed over issues regarding money Flair allegedly owed Highspots and the original National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight championship belt, which Highspots claimed they were given as collateral for the loan. Highspots had maintained possession of the belt and had previously tried to sell the belt to make up the amount they have alleged Flair owed them, only to learn that another entity, Combraco, Inc., already held a lien on the property for money Flair owes them. Highspots sued, claiming they were owed $35,000 from money lent to Flair, as well as money spent on photos and other materials created in conjunction with Flair appearances. They were also claiming they are owed one more appearance contractually by Flair, plus interest on money owed.

Highspots' side was that they lent Flair $31,000 and $35,000 on different instances. Flair agreed to make appearances to make up the amounts. Flair made two signing appearances and also appeared with Roddy Piper in a shoot interview DVD for a total of three appearances. So, Highspots is claiming they are owed for one final appearance to make up the remainder of the $31,000, plus the entire $35,000 loan. Flair's attorney responded to the lawsuit on 7/21, noting that Flair had accepted a wire money transfer from Highspots to the tune of $35,000, which is the amount in question for the second loan. There is no mention of the initial $31,000 beyond the mention of a "loan that had been previously addressed." The agreement, according to Flair's side was that Flair would then do a series of autograph appearances for Highspots to work off the debt. Flair's attorney claimed to the court that two such appearances were made, which each "generated $10,000 per appearance" while the remaining appearances "were canceled" by Highspots. In the filing, Flair's attorney wrote that the cancellations were made "without prior warning" and that Highspots had "denied Flair the ability under the agreement to repay the balance of the loan." In regard to the NWA championship belt, Flair's attorney claims that "at no time" did Flair pledge the belt to Highspots as collateral. Flair's version of events is that the belt was brought to the autograph sessions and that Highspots took possession and "refused to return it." In noting the lien to Combraco, Inc., Flair's attorney's claimed that at no time did Flair lead Highspots to believe they had "security interest" in the belt. Flair is claiming Highspots has "wrongful, unlawful and unauthorized possession" of the belt. The filing also mentioned that Flair did call the local police in Charlotte "asking for advice on how to retrieve it." In asking around, there was a story making the rounds in the local wrestling scene several months back that several officers came to Highspots' office, trying to get the belt but left after being shown the paperwork regarding the issue.

The filing also featured an interesting claim from Flair's side that Highspots.com had failed to pay Flair after an appearance at a "Mid-Atlantic Fan Fest" (obviously, last year's NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte) as he was scheduled to work for seven hours and be paid $7,500. Flair's attorney claimed Flair instead worked thirteen hours and was "compensated only $19,000" - and had he been paid for the "full extent of his services", there would have been "sufficient funds" to repay any debt to Highspots.com. Interesting to note that NWA Legends Fan Fest promoter Greg Price came out publicly several months back regarding his dealing with Flair over the course of that event. His statement, reprinted on Page Two, included a claim that Price cut a deal with Highspots and Flair where Flair received money up front and the remainder would go towards Highspots' debt. Instead, Flair allegedly held Price up for much more money during the course of the event, which Price eventually paid Flair and not Highspots. Obviously, Flair and Price's accounts greatly differ from the other, but if Price was the one paying Flair, not Highspots, one has to wonder how Flair can place the blame on Highspots to begin with and how it is even material to the money owed. Flair's filing asked that Highspots be denied all of their claims, that the court rule that any debt to the company has been satisfied and that the NWA World championship belt be returned to his possession and that Highspots be forced to pay the court costs. The lawsuit would be settled, but not without lots more legal drama, including an order for arrest issued for Flair had he not paid Highspots.com their settlement.

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

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

Continued ...

Continued ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We go to commercial.

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

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

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

Winner: Husky Harris

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

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

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

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

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

We go to commercial.

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

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

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

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

Winner: Michael McGillicutty

We go to commercial.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Alex Riley

We go to commercial.

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

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

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

Winner: The Miz

2012 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We are live on tape from Indianapolis, Indiana and your announcers are Michael ‘Why are people complaining about my Peyton Manning jersey’ Cole and Josh ‘Jimmy Chitwood for Smackdown GM’ Mathews.

Vince McMahon is introduced by Lillian Garcia and he makes his way to the ring.

Michael Cole mentions the job that AJ Lee did on Monday night on her first night on the job.

Vince says that selecting a General Manager for Smackdown has been an arduous task. He wanted to find someone people would respect. He also wanted to find someone with integrity, character, and charisma as well as experience. He wanted someone who would use their authority and back it up. Vince introduces the new General Manager . . . Booker T.

Booker makes his way to the ring and he shakes Vince’s hand.

Michael Cole sucks up to Booker and says that Booker cannot do a worse job than Teddy Long.

Booker thanks everyone and then he says that he wants to thank Vince and the WWE Board of Directors for giving him this opportunity. Friday Night Smackdown is about to blow up. Booker says that we should get this started right now.

Alberto Del Rio’s music plays and he walks to the ring.

Alberto applauds Booker as he enters the ring and he has something to say. Alberto wants everyone to give it up for Booker T. He congratulates Booker on being the new General Manager of Smackdown. Booker must be happy because he is going to be working with Alberto because Alberto will be the new World Champion at SummerSlam.

Booker tells Alberto that if he is going to suck up, he has to be a lot smoother and not make it sound like a bunch of crap. Booker says that he heard what Alberto had to say about Sheamus.

Alberto tells Booker that Sheamus is beneath him and nothing but a peasant. He grew up as a fat red headed hooligan. Alberto says that he has the blood of champions in his DNA. He was bred for greatness. Alberto was going to say that he doesn’t have to kiss Booker’s butt but Sheamus interrupts Alberto.

Sheamus comes to the ring and he is dressed to fight. Sheamus congratulates Booker on becoming the new Smackdown General Manager. He says that unlike Bertie over there, he means it. Sheamus tells Booker that the first pint is on him. Sheamus tells Alberto that he can talk about where he grew up all he wants, but Sheamus says that he is proud of where he came from and who he is. He didn’t have someone brushing his teeth or wiping his arse when he was younger.

Sheamus says that he would also not ask for three weeks off so his manicured nails won’t get dirty. He asks Alberto if he is not going to wrestle before their match at SummerSlam.

Booker says nay nay and tells Alberto and Sheamus that they have matches.

Alberto says that he does not care who Booker is but he will not compete until SummerSlam.

Booker tells Alberto that he might have all the money in the world, but it does not mean that he can hear better. Booker says that he is the boss and Alberto will compete, sucka, in the center of the ring. Alberto will face none other than Randy Orton.

Booker tells Alberto to get his boots on and get those boots a-clickin’.

Booker tells Sheamus that he appreciates what he said earlier, but Sheamus is wrestling next and he will be in a knockdown, toe to toe fisticuffs with . . .

Tensai.

We go to the Goldman Bento Box and he says what he will do to Sheamus in Japanese.

We go to commercial.



Match Number One: Tensai (with Sakamoto) versus Sheamus in a Non Title Match



They lock up and they go around the ring until Tensai backs Sheamus into the corner but Sheamus with a front face lock. They lock up again and Sheamus with a side head lock and Tensai stays on his feet when Sheamus goes for a shoulder tackle. Sheamus with another side head lock and he works on the arm. Tensai with a forearm but Sheamus responds with one of his own. They exchange forearms and then Tensai with shoulders in the corner.

Sheamus with a punch and forearms to Tensai. Sheamus with forearms in the corner but Tensai slaps Sheamus in the face. Sheamus with a double leg take down and punches to Tensai. Sheamus with a reverse chin lock. Tensai with a back elbow and Sheamus is down. Tensai punches Sheamus in the head and the referee warns Tensai.

Tensai misses an elbow drop and Sheamus with a knee to the back and ribs that sends Tensai to the apron. Sheamus with a baseball slide that sends Tensai to the floor. Tensai throws Sakamoto in the way but Sheamus returns with a volley of his own and then Tensai sends Sakamoto into the ringside barrier.

Sheamus with forearms against the ringside barrier and then they return to the ring. Tensai punches Sheamus and connects with a head butt. Tensai sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles and then he connects with a series of head butts in the corner. Sheamus with a kick to the knee and midsection and then Sheamus pulls himself up and Sheamus leaps over a charging Tensai. Tensai with a punch but Sheamus with a kick to the midsection and then he clotheslines Tensai over the top rope to the floor.

Sheamus goes to the apron and he kicks Tensai. Sheamus goes off the apron and Tensai catches him and sends Sheamus into the ring post. We go to commercial.

We are back and Sheamus with punches to the midsection and head. Tensai with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Tensai with a Vader Bomb to the back and he gets a near fall. Tensai with a bear hug and Sheamus with a forearm to the back to try to get out of the hold. Tensai with a forearm to the kidneys. Tensai sends Sheamus into the ropes again but Sheamus with forearms of his own and he tries for a slam but he cannot get Tensai up.

Tensai with a kick to the head and he gets a near fall. Tensai with head butts and the referee warns him. Tensai with kicks to Sheamus and then Tensai goes to the turnbuckles but Sheamus grabs the foot. Sheamus with forearms to the back of the knee and the back. Sheamus gets Tensai on his shoulders for an electric chair drop but Tensai holds on to the ropes. Sheamus knocks Tensai off the turnbuckles with a forearm and Tensai goes to the floor.

Sheamus gets Tensai on the apron and he connects with the forearms of ten but Tensai stops him at four. Sheamus gets Tensai set up for the forearms of ten and he completes it. Sheamus tries to suplex Tensai back into the ring but Tensai with a head butt to stop him. Sheamus with a power slam for a near fall.

Sheamus tries for White Noise but Tensai stops him and Tensai sends Sheamus shoulder first into the post. Tensai hits the Baldo Bomb but he can only get a two count. Tensai kicks Sheamus in the ribs and then he sends Sheamus into the turnbuckles but Sheamus avoids a splash and Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick for the three count.



Winner: Sheamus



Eve is in Booker’s office waiting for him to enter and she says that she wants to be one of the first to congratulate him on the job. Eve wants to remind Booker of the asset she was for John Laurinaitis and she says that they would make a great team.

Teddy Long enters and he says that if anyone has earned their way to the top it is Booker.

Booker says that Teddy did a good job and he wants Teddy around as a senior advisor to the General Manager to help him out.

Booker tells Eve that all of his jobs have been filled.

Teddy is asked to escort Eve out of the office and she storms out.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Antonio Cesaro greets everyone in the five languages that he speaks.



Match Number Two: Antonio Cesaro (with Aksana) versus Santino Marella in a Non Title Match



Cesaro misses a punch and Santino with a punch of his own. Cesaro runs Santino into the turnbuckles and then he connects with forearms and punches. Santino tries to float over but Cesaro catches him. Santino with a rollup for a near fall. Cesaro with a European uppercut followed by a deadlift side salto and he gets a near fall.

Cesaro with a reverse chin lock. Santino with punches and a backslide for a near fall. Santino with a split and hip toss followed by a diving head butt. Santino goes for the sock puppet but Cesaro with a head butt to the midsection. Santino with a mule kick and the Cobra but Cesaro’s foot was under the ropes.

Cesaro rolls to the floor and he recovers from the cobra ‘bite’. Cesaro sends Santino into the ringside barrier and then Antonio returns to the ring and then he hits the Gotch Style Neutralizer for the three count.



Winner: Antonio Cesaro



After the match, Antonio ‘kicks dirt’ on Santino and then he kisses Aksana.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Matt Striker is in the interview area with Daniel Bryan. We have a video package of what has happened to Daniel Bryan recently.

Matt asks Daniel if he has any comments and Daniel says no. He says that we will hear him saying no more often and we see Daniel in a shirt with No replacing the Yes. Daniel says that he doesn’t want to hear anyone chanting yes any more.

Daniel says that YES is his catchphrase. Yes he can be the greatest of all time. Yes he can be World Champion. The people do not get to say Yes. He says NO, the people cannot chant Yes or steal his catchphrase. Daniel says that he does not need another psychiatric evaluation.



Match Number Three: Miz, Daniel Bryan, and Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) versus Kane, Christian, and Chris Jericho



Bryan and Christian start things off Bryan with a head butt and kicks to Christian. Bryan with a side head lock but Christian with a shoulder tackle and then slingshots over the top rope for an uppercut but Bryan moves. Christian drops the back of Bryan’s head on the top rope and then he goes to the turnbuckles for a missile drop kick and Christian gets a near fall.

Kane tags in and he goes up top for the clothesline and he gets a near fall. Kane sends Bryan into the turnbuckles and punches him. Kane with an Irish whip and running clothesline into the corner. Kane with a boot to the head and he gets a near fall. Kane tries for a slam but Bryan escapes and he sends Kane into the turnbuckles with a drop toe hold.

Miz tags in and he goes up top but he is met with an uppercut. Kane with punches in the corner. Jericho tags in and he chops Miz and connects with a running back elbow. Jericho with a slam and Ziggler hits Jericho in the back of the head and that distraction allows Miz to recover and he connects with a boot to the head.

Ziggler wants to be tagged in and Miz obliges. Jericho with a double leg take down and punches. Jericho iwht an Irish whip and clothesline into the corner. Jericho with a chop and then Ziggler goes to the floor. Jericho teases going to the floor but Ziggler puts Vickie in the way.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Miz has Christian in a reverse chin lock. We see footage from the commercial break when Miz knocked Christian off the turnbuckles to the floor. Christian with a sunset flip for a near fall. Miz with a clothesline to Christian for a near fall. Bryan tags in and he kicks Christian in the chest with kicks of No. Bryan gets a near fall.

Ziggler tags in and he kicks Christian in the midsection and then connects with a few elbow drops and then hits a leaping elbow drop for a near fall. Christian punches Ziggler but Ziggler with a drop kick and Ziggler gets a near fall.

Miz tags back in and he kicks Christian and then hits a running boot to the head and gets a near fall. Miz rakes the face and then applies a rear chin lock. Miz with a knee to the midsection to stop Christian and then he goes for the Awesome clothesline but Christian gets his boots up. Christian with a back elbow from the turnbuckles and both men are down.

Bryan and Jericho tag in and Jericho with a shoulder tackle or two. Jericho with a springboard drop kick that sends Ziggler to the floor. Jericho with a bulldog followed by a Lionsault for a near fall but Ziggler breaks up the cover. Kane takes care of Ziggler and sends him to the floor. Kane grabs Bryan by the throat but Miz goes for the knee and then he sends Kane to the floor. Christian with a punch and then he hits a Mick Foley clothesline that sends both men to the floor.

Jericho with the Liontamer but Vickie gets on the apron. Ziggler tries to interfere but Jericho with a Codebreaker and Ziggler goes to the floor. Bryan with a rollup for the three count.



Winners: Miz, Daniel Bryan, and Dolph Ziggler



After the match, Bryan gets into a YES/NO ‘Rabbit Season/Duck Season’ argument with fans at ringside.

Matt Striker is in the locker room with Randy Orton and he mentions Randy’s two month layoff. Matt asks Randy about how the long layoff has affected him. Randy says that the WWE is his life and every moment away from Raw or Smackdown is like air taken from his lungs.

Orton says that Del Rio is the number one contender because Alberto never beat him. Orton says that he is going to give the fans what they want. He is going to hit a perfect RKO on Del Rio.

We go to commercial.

We are back and we get to hear from Ryback in the Goldman Box. Ryback says in the jungle there is one law, eat or be eaten. That is the only law he knows. Everywhere he looks, he sees food. He welcomes everyone to the Food Chain. He wants to be fed more.



Match Number Four: Jinder Mahal versus Ryback



Ryback runs Mahal into the turnbuckles and connects with shoulders and then he back body drops Mahal. Ryback with a kick and forearms to Mahal. Ryback slams Mahal’s head into the mat and then hits an overhead belly-to-belly suplex.

Mahal kicks Ryback in the knee and then Mahal with a high knee but he tries for a second knee but Ryback moves and then he hits a spinebuster. Ryback sets for the lariat but Mahal goes to the floor and then he hits Ryback with the mic.

The referee calls for the bell.



Winner: Ryback by disqualification



After the match, Mahal decides to run up the ramp so Ryback does not snack on him.

Darren Young and Titus O’Neil are swaying in the back saying they want Millions of Dollars. Abraham Washington wants to know where the Prime Time Players merchandise is but they see a table in the back with Little Jimmy merchandise on it and they are not happy. Titus and Darren sway into commercial.



Match Number Five: R Truth (with Kofi Kingston) versus Darren Young (with Abraham Washington, Titus O’Neil, and a live mic)



Truth with kicks and punches to Young and the referee warns Truth. Truth continues with punches and kicks but Young with a power slam and he gets a near fall. Truth with more punches. Truth charges at Young but Young ducks down and Truth goes over the top rope ot the floor.

Abe gets on the apron to try to distract the referee and Titus goes after Truth, but Kofi with a flying clothesline to Titus followed by punches. Abe throws his jacket at Abe and then he cowers and goes up the stage.

Truth tries to suplex Young back into the ring but Titus trips Truth. Truth is able to roll through and get a near fall. Kofi comes back and he runs into a boot from Titus. Truth with a baseball slide to Titus on the floor but Young with a gutbuster from the fireman’s carry position for the three count.



Winner: Darren Young



After the match, Titus and Darren do their Prime Time Player dance and we go to commercial.

We are back with the Raw Rebound.

We also see the announcement that Booker T is the new Smackdown General Manager and we go to his office where he is on the phone. He has some business to take care of.

Layla enters and she congratulates him on the job.

Cody Rhodes enters and he says that he won’t be long. He wants to congratulate Booker on his new position. It is good that a superstar of his age can find a purpose. He hopes that ending Booker’s in ring career will not affect their working relationship. Booker calls Cody sucka and Cody tells Booker not to call him sucker. Booker says that Cody will be wrestling one of his favorites next week, Sin Cara. Booker asks Cody if he can dig that.

Booker says that he likes his job.



Match Number Six: Randy Orton versus Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)



Del Rio with a kick and punch and then he backs Orton into the corner with kicks and then he tries to work on the arm using the ropes. Orton with a kick and he punches Del Rio. Del Rio with an Irish whip but you don’t Irish whip Orton into the corner without getting a clothesline for your troubles. Del Rio pushes Orton away but Orton with clotheslines into the corner. Orton punches Del Rio and then he goes to the ropes and punches him ten times.

Del Rio goes to the floor to discuss strategy with Ricardo. Alberto returns to the ring and is back body dropped by Orton. Orton with a kick to the chest and he sets for the IEDDT but Del Rio gets back into the ring. Del Rio sends Orton to the apron and he kicks Orton in the shoulder and then drops the back of Orton’s neck against the top rope.

Del Rio sends Orton into the ringside barrier and then he kicks him and sarcastically welcomes Randy back. Del Rio gets a near fall. Del Rio starts to work on the back with a boot and a knee in the back while he applies a rear chin lock. Orton with elbows and punches but Del Rio with a head butt.

Orton with a back breaker after avoiding a clothesline. Orton with a boot to the chest and abdomen. Orton tries for a leaping knee drop but Del Rio moves out of the way. Del Rio sends Orton into the corner and then he hits a step up enzuigiri to the back and gets a near fall. Del Rio mocks Orton’s push ups and he kicks Orton.

Orton kicks back but Del Rio with a punch. Del Rio with a hard Irish whip and kick to the head. Del Rio with another Irish whip but Orton moves when Del Rio charges into the corner and Del Rio hits the ring post with his shoulder. Orton with a rollup for a near fall.

Orton with two clotheslines and then he avoids a clothesline from Del Rio and that means it is power slam time. Orton sends Del Rio to the apron for the IEDDT and he hits it. Orton looks into the crowd and then he twists into the RKO push ups but Ricardo knows what is coming and he attacks Orton. The referee calls for the bell.



Winner: Randy Orton by disqualification



After the match, Del Rio with an arm breaker and then he tries to float over into the cross arm breaker but Orton escapes. Orton sends Del Rio into the turnbuckles and then Orton hits a drop kick.

Del Rio leaves with Ricardo but Sheamus comes from out of nowhere and Sheamus sends Del Rio back into the ring. Orton with an RKO.