January 6th
On this day in history in...
1964 - Former WWE, TNA and Memphis wrestling star Jacqueline Moore (aka Miss Texas in Memphis) is born in Dallas Texas.
1964 - Gorilla Monsoon defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino via disqualification in Pittsburgh, PA.
1966 - WWWF ran Washington, DC with the following results:
Angelo Savoldi defeated Pete Sanchez
Chief Big Heart defeated Johnny Rodz
The Magnificent Maurice defeated Domingo Robles
Bill Miller defeated Steve Stanlee
Curtis Iaukea defeated Humberto Marcado
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Miguel Perez & Hector Serrano in a handicap match
Tony Altimore & Tarzan Tyler defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Arnold Skaaland
1968 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Hans Mortier in a Texas Death Match in Philadelphia, PA.
1975 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino fought Bobby Duncum to a draw in Landover, MD at the Capital Centre.
1977 - WWWF ran West Orange, NJ with the following results:
SD Jones fought Johnny Rodz to a draw
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Pete Sanchez
Tor Kamata defeated Johnny Rivera
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Gorilla Monsoon defeated the Executioners via disqualification
Billy Whitewolf defeated Mike Santocapito
Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Doug Gilbert
Stan Stasiak defeated Jose Gonzalez
1979 - WWWF ran Willingboro, NJ at John F. Kennedy High School Gym with the following results:
Stan Lavdas defeated Mark Tendler via disqualification
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Steve King
Kitty Adams defeated Esther Cartwell
Gorilla Monsoon & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Stan Stasiak & Victor Rivera
Ivan Koloff fought Ivan Putski to a double disqualficiation
1981 - WWF ran Portland, Maine with the following results:
SD Jones defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna
The Hangman defeated Jose Estrada
Killer Khan defeated Rick McGraw
Sgt. Slaughter defeated Dominic DeNucci
WWF Tag Team Champions Rick Martel & Tony Garea defeated the Moondogs
1982 - WWF taped All Star Wrestling in Hamburg, PA, including the following results:
Adrian Adonis defeated Barry Hart at 6:29
WWF IC Champion Pedro Morales defeated Larry Dee at 3:35
Tony Atlas defeated Davey O'Hannon at 7:33
Rick Martel & Tony Garea defeated Jerry Johnson & Johnny Rodz at 8:44
Greg Valentine defeated Jeff Craney at 3:15
Jesse Ventura defeated Steve King at 4:23
Steve Travis defeated Victor Mercardo at 3:06
Tony Atlas defeated Jose Estrada at 5:05
Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito defeated Charlie Brown & Dominic DeNucci at 4:55
WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Hans Schroeder at 8:15
Charlie Fulton defeated Jeff Craney at 3:48
Dark match after the taping: WWF World Champion Bob Backlund & WWF IC Champion Pedro Morales defeated Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura via count-out
1983 - WWC World Champion Carlos Colon pinned NWA World Champion Ric Flair in a non-title match with a backslide in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
1983 - WWF ran Wilmington, NJ with the following results:
Curt Hennig defeated Miguel Feliciano
Eddie Gilbert defeated Victor Rivera
SD Jones defeated Charlie Fulton
Ray Stevens defeated Tony Garea via count-out
Jimmy Snuka defeated Mr. Fuji
Rocky Johnson defeated Buddy Rose via disqualification
1983 - NWA US Champion Greg Valentine, Gene Anderson, & Dory Funk Jr. defeated Abdullah the Butcher, Jimmy Valiant, & Sweet Brown Sugar in a steel cage match in Norfolk, Virginia,
1984 - A live event in St. Louis, Missouri saw the following results:
King Cobra & Tiger Mask defeated Roger Kirby & Scott Farris
Tully Blanchard (sub. for Buck Robley) defeated Buzz Tyler
Ron Ritchie defeated 666 (sub. for Buddy Landell)
Dory Funk Jr. fought Bob Orton Jr. to a draw
AWA Tag Team Champions Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell defeated Dick the Bruiser & Gene Kiniski (sub. for Ted Dibiase)
Harley Race defeated Missouri Heavyweight Champion David Von Erich to win the title
NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Bruiser Brody via disqualification
1984 - WWF ran Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, NY with the following results:
Invader 2 defeated John Callahan
Rene Goulet defeated the Tonga Kid
WWF Tag Team Champion Tony Atlas defeated Iron Mike Sharpe
Jose Luis Rivera defeated Samala
SD Jones fought Mr. Fuji to a draw
The Masked Superstar defeated Salvatore Bellomo
Afa won an 18-man battle royal; other participants included Sika, Samula, the Invaders, WWF Tag Team Champions Tony Atlas & Rocky Johnson
Bob Backlund defeated Afa
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greensboro, NC with the following results:
Steve Casey defeated Black Bart
Cowboy Lang defeated Lord Littlebrook
Charlie Brown, Assassin #1, & Buzz Tyler defeated Superstar Billy Graham, Ron Bass, & JJ Dillon at the 13-minute mark when Tyler pinned Dillon with a powerslam
NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Dick Slater in a $10,000 Texas Death Match with the slingshot suplex at the 8-minute mark
Magnum TA defeated NWA US Champion Wahoo McDaniel in a non-title match
NWA Tag Team Champion Dusty Rhodes & Manny Fernandez defeated the Road Warriors
Don Kernodle defeated Ivan Koloff in a lights out match
NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Harley Race at the 33-minute mark
Magnum TA won a 20-man $50,000 battle royal by last eliminating NWA US Champion Wahoo McDaniel; other participants included: Harley Race, Ole Anderson, Ricky Steamboat, the Barbarian, NWA Tag Team Champion Dusty Rhodes, and Nikita Koloff
1985 - WWF ran Columbus, Ohio with the following results:
Bret Hart pinned Buddy Rose
Mr. Wrestling II fought Les Thornton to a draw
David Sammartino defeated the Spoiler
Bob Orton Jr. pinned Ivan Putski
Tito Santana defeated WWF IC Champion Greg Valentine via count-out
WWF Women's Champion Wendi Richter defeated Judy Martin
Big John Studd & Ken Patera defeated Andre the Giant & Blackjack Mulligan via disqualification
1985 - New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Tateyama, Japan with the following results:
Naoki Sano defeated Shinya Hashimoto via submission with an armlock
Makoto Arakawa pinned Hirokazu Hata
The Wild Samoan pinned Tatsutoshi Goto
The Black Tiger pinned Keiichi Yamada
Anoaro Atisanoe pinned Kim Su Hong
The Cobra & Kantaro Hoshino defeated Umanosuke Ueda & Hiro Saito via disqualification when Ueda was disqualified
The Strong Machines defeated Tiger Toguchi & Shunji Kosugi when Strong Machine #1 pinned Kosugi
King Kong Bundy pinned Kengo Kimura
IWGP Champion Antonio Inoki, Seiji Sakaguchi & Tatsumi Fujinami defeated WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan, Kerry Brown & David Morgan when Fujinami pinned Morgan
1985 - WWF ran East Rutherford, NJ at the Meadowlands with the following results:
Jimmy Snuka & Jose Luis Rivera (sub. for the Tonga Kid) defeated Don Muraco & Johnny Rodz
Nikolai Volkoff & the Iron Sheik defeated Salvatore Bellomo & SD Jones
Jack & Jerry Brisco defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch via disqualification
Tony Atlas & George Wells defeated the Moondogs
Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo vs. ? & ?
Paul Orndorff pinned the Junkyard Dog
Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo won a 10-team battle royal by last eliminating Nikolai Volkoff & the Iron Sheik at the 5-minute mark
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Fayetteville, NC at the Cumberland County Memorial Arena, headlined by NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated NWA National Heavyweight Champion Dusty Rhodes
1986 - WWF ran New Haven, CT at the Coliseum, featuring:
SD Jones defeated Terry Gibbs
Pedro Morales defeated Tiger Chung Lee
Hercules defeated Scott McGee
King Tonga defeated Iron Mike Sharpe
The British Bulldogs defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake via disqualification
Don Muraco defeated Ricky Steamboat
Paul Orndorff defeated Bob Orton
1989 - The NWA ran Philadelphia, PA at the Civic Center, drawing just 1,000 fans although over 4,000 tickets had been sold due to a snowstorm in the area that also kept a number of talents from making the shot. The official results saw:
Larry Zbyzsko pinned Kendall Windham
Al Perez pinned Dustin Rhodes
Dennis Condrey & Randy Rose defeated Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers (sub. for Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane)
Sir Oliver Humperdink won a four-man managers bunkhouse battle royal at the 3-minute mark after throwing out Paul Jones; other participants were Paul E. Dangerously and Gary Hart
Kendall Windham fought Eddie Gilbert to a double count-out
NWA Tag Team Champions the Road Warriors & Paul Ellering defeated Dusty Rhodes, Lex Luger, & Sting via disqualification
NWA World Champion Ric Flair pinned NWA TV Champion Rick Steiner at the 25-minute mark with his feet on the middle rope for leverage following a shoulderblock from the apron and then sliding into the ring on top of Steiner; Steiner thought he had won the match and title moments earlier with the belly to belly suplex but Flair's foot was on the bottom rope; after the match, Steiner hit the belly to belly suplex on referee Tommy Young
Lex Luger won a bunkhouse battle royal by last eliminating NWA US Tag Team Champion Steve Williams
1989 - WWF ran Lakeland, FL with the following results:
The Blue Blazer fought the Red Rooster to a draw
The Big Bossman & Akeem defeated Jim Powers & Paul Roma
Dino Bravo defeated Jim Duggan
Ted Dibiase defeated Hercules
Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty defeated Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard via disqualification
Tim Horner defeated Danny Davis
WWF World Champion Randy Savage defeated Bad News Brown
1989 - WWF ran Montreal, Quebec with the following results:
Iron Mike Sharpe defeated Lanny Poffo
Paul Roma defeated Jose Estrada
Bret Hart fought the Honkytonk Man to a double disqualification
Tito Santana fought Mr. Perfect to a draw
WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition defeated the Powers of Pain
Hulk Hogan, Ron Garvin, & Jim Duggan defeated Dino Bravo, Jacques & Raymond Rougeau via disqualification when Bravo refused to break a bearhug on Hogan; after the bout, Hogan was taken from ringside on a stretcher
1990 - WWF ran a matinee event in Utica, NY with the following results:
Bad News Brown pinned Bill Woods (sub. for Bret Hart)
Demolition Ax pinned WWF Tag Team Champion Haku; the bout was to have been a tag team match between Demolition and Haku & Andre the Giant
Tugboat defeated Bob Bradley (sub. for Barry Horowitz)
Jim Duggan pinned Randy Savage after Tugboat interfered and gave Sensational Sherri's loaded purse to Duggan, who then hit Savage with it
The Honkytonk Man pinned Sam Houston (sub. for the Red Rooster)
Mr. Perfect pinned Jimmy Snuka
Dusty Rhodes pinned the Big Bossman at around the 3-minute mark in a ball & chain match
1990 - NWA ran Charlotteville, VA at the University Hall, featuring:
Mike Rotunda defeated Brad Armstrong
The Samoan Savage defeated Ranger Ross
Eddie Gilbert & Tommy Rich defeated the Royal Family
Arn Anderson & Ole Anderson defeated the Great Muta & the Dragon Master (Kendo Nagasaki)
Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace defeated Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane
Shane Douglas defeated Jim Cornette
Brian Pillman & Tom Zenk defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin via disqualification
Sting defeated NWA US Champion Lex Luger via countout
1990 - WWF ran an evening event in Glen Falls, NY with the following results:
Tugboat defeated Barry Horowitz
Mr. Perfect defeated Jimmy Snuka
WWF Tag Team Champions Andre the Giant & Haku defeated Demolition
The Honkytonk Man defeated the Red Rooster
Bret Hart defeated Bad News Brown
Dusty Rhodes defeated the Big Bossman
Randy Savage defeated Jim Duggan
1991 - WWF ran Baton Rouge, LA with the following results:
Jimmy Snuka pinned Black Bart
Shane Douglas defeated Dale Wolfe
The Legion of Doom defeated the Orient Express
Tugboat pinned Dino Bravo
WWF Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation defeated Power and Glory when Jim Neidhart pinned Paul Roma
Kerry Von Erich pinned Virgil (substituting for Ted Dibiase)
Jake Roberts defeated Rick Martel via disqualification
Hulk Hogan pinned Earthquake
1992 - WWF performers appeared on a SWS event in Japan, which featured the following results:
Shawn Michaels & the Berzerker defeated Kendo Nagasaki & Kennichi Oya
The Ultimo Dragon defeated Bestia Salvaje
Davey Boy Smith & Naoki Sano defeated Tatsumi Kitihara & Shinichi Nakano
George & Shunji Takano defeated Ricky Fuyuki & Takashi Ishikawa
1992 - WWF ran Miami, Florida featuring the folowing results:
Marty Jannetty defeated the Brooklyn Brawler
Tito Santana fought Ted Dibiase to a time-limit draw
Roddy Piper defeated Skinner
Owen Hart & Jim Neidhart defeated the Beverly Brothers when Neidhart pinned Blake
Kerry Von Erich defeated Hercules
WWF IC Champion Bret Hart defeated the Mountie via submission with the Sharpshooter
IRS defeated the Big Bossman
Hulk Hogan defeated Ric Flair via countout
1993 - Cactus Jack became a babyface for the first time in Mick Foley's career following an angle taped for WCW Main Event in Montgomery, Alabama. Cactus Jack fought Paul Orndorff to a no contest in a streetfight at around the 8-minute mark when Big Van Vader attacked Cactus after Cactus knocked down Harley Race, who was at ringside to scout which of the two men would replace injured WCW U.S. Champion Rick Rude on Vader's team at the Clash of the Champion. After the bout, Vader, Orndorff, and Race assaulted Cactus. This would lead to Cactus attacking Orndorff and Vader with a shovel and having a run as a babyface for the remainder of his WCW career. Foley would remain a babyface until turning heel against Tommy Dreamer in the summer of 1995.
1993 - WWF ran Austin, Texas at the Frank Irwin Center, featuring the following results:
Bob Backlund defeated the Berzerker
WWF IC Champion Shawn Michaels pinned Marty Jannetty by putting his feet on the ropes for leverage
Virgil pinned the Brooklyn Brawler with a Russian leg sweep
Tatanka pinned Damien Demento with the fall away slam
The Headshrinkers defeated Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware after Koko was hit with a flying headbutt behind the referee's back
The Undertaker pinned Papa Shango
WWF World Champion Bret Hart defeated Ric Flair
1994 - WWF ran Daytona Beach, FL with the following results:
IRS defeated Marty Jannetty
Owen Hart defeated the Cuban Assassin
Bret Hart defeated Jeff Jarrett
Crush defeated Randy Savage in a Best 2 out of 3 falls, falls count anywhere match
Lex Luger defeated Ludvig Borga
The Smoking Gunns defeated Samu & an unknown
Tatanka defeated WWF World Champion Yokozuna via disqualification
1995 - Randy Savage makes his WCW debut, defeating Avalanche (John Tenta) in Birmingham, Alabama.
1995 - WWF ran Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Tingley Coliseum, featuring:
Bob Holly pinned Henry Godwinn
Duke Drose pinned Mantaur
Lex Luger fought Tatanka to a double countout
Aldo Montoya pinned the Brooklyn Brawler
The New Headshrinkers defeated Well Dunn
WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon pinned Jeff Jarrett
1995 - WWF ran Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Arena, featuring:
Davey Boy Smith defeated Owen Hart
The Bushwhackers defeated the Heavenly Bodies
King Kong Bundy defeated Adam Bomb
The Undertaker defeated IRS
Hakushi defeated the 1-2-3 Kid
Doink the Clown defeated Barry Horowitz
WWF World Champion Diesel defeated Bob Backlund
1996 - WWF ran New Haven, CT at the Coliseum, featuring:
Fatu defeated Bob Backlund
Skip & Zip defeated Marty Jannetty & Barry Horowitz
Bob Holly defeated Psycho Sid
Henry Godwinn pinned Rad Radford
WWF Tag Team Champions Smoking Gunns defeated Jerry Lawler & Isaac Yankem DDS
Goldust pinned Savio Vega
Diesel & WWF Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon defeated Jeff Jarrett & Hunter Hearst Helmsley
Ahmed Johnson defeated Davey Boy Smith via disqualification
WWF World Champion Bret Hart & the Undertaker defeated Owen Hart & Yokozuna
1997 - WCW broadcast Monday Nitro from Monroe, LA with the following results:
Glacier pinned Bobby Eaton at 1:56 with the Cryonic Kick
Konnan (w/ Jimmy Hart) defeated Big Bubba in a Mexican strap match at 5:52 when Bubba knocked Konnan into the fourth and final corner with an uppercut; prior to the bout, footage was shown of Konnan and Bubba's altercations over the previous three weeks; it was announced prior to the match that the Giant would face WCW World Champion Hulk Hogan at Souled Out; after the contest, Bubba attacked Konnan and dropped him with the sidewalk slam
WCW TV Champion Lord Steven Regal fought Jim Duggan (sub. for Diamond Dallas Page) to a time-limit draw at 8:27 after Duggan knocked the champion out with a taped fist punch; during the bout, Eric Bischoff, Syxx, and WCW Tag Team Champion Kevin Nash came out to the commentary table, with Tony Schiavone & Larry Zbyzsko giving them their headsets and leaving; moments later, Bischoff implied Page had joined the nWo and was meeting with WCW Tag Team Champion Scott Hall; Bischoff then gave information on how women can enter the Miss nWo Contest, said he had signed the ideal candidate for the nWo and would release that information soon, and told Randy Savage to stop calling him; after the contest, Duggan waved a WCW flag inside the ring (Regal's first appearance with new theme music)
Hugh Morrus pinned Jim Powers (w/ Teddy Long) with the moonsault at 1:40 after catching Powers in mid-air and hitting a powerslam; prior to the bout, Schiavone & Zbyzsko returned to the broadcast booth
Rey Mysterio Jr. pinned Psychosis with the springboard hurricanrana at 6:43; during the bout, it was announced Jushin Liger defeated J-Cup Champion the Ultimo Dragon the previous week at the Tokyo Dome but Dragon was still the WCW Cruiserweight Champion; it was also announced Dragon would defend the Cruiserweight Title at the Clash of the Champions against Liger and that Rick & Scott Steiner would face WCW Tag Team Champions Kevin Nash & Scott Hall at Souled Out
Kevin Sullivan (w/ Jimmy Hart) pinned Chavo Guerrero Jr. at 2:17 with the Tree of Woe and double stomp; during the match, it was announced Sullivan would face Chris Benoit in a falls count anywhere match at the Clash of the Champions
WCW US Champion Eddie Guerrero pinned Alex Wright at 9:05 with a superplex and the frog splash; prior to the bout, footage was shown of Guerrero being attacked at Starrcade by Syxx; during the contest, it was announced Guerrero would face Syxx in a ladder match at Souled Out and that Chris Jericho would face Masahiro Chono; late in the match, Syxx appeared in the aisle, climbed a ladder, and showed off the stolen US title belt around his waist, distracting Guerrero; immediately after the contest, Guerrero chased Syxx backstage
Harlem Heat (w/ Sister Sherri) defeated Jacques Rougeau & Carl Ouelette (w/ Col. Rob Parker) at 4:06 when Booker pinned Rougeau with the Heat Bomb after Oulette accidentally hit Rougeau with the flagpole behind the referee's back
Lex Luger defeated Meng at 4:51 when a dazed referee Mark Curtis called for the bell after Luger put an interfering Barbarian in the Torture Rack
1997 - WWF ran Fresno, CA with the following results:
Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon defeated Razor Ramon II & Diesel II
Farooq defeated Savio Vega after a minute
WWF Intercontinental Champion Hunter Hearst Helmsley pinned Marc Mero
Steve Austin pinned Shawn Michaels
1999 - WWF ran Ponce, Puerto Rico at the Juan Vicens Sports Aiditorium, featuring a number of IWA Puerto Rico stars working the show:
Jose Estrada defeated Dick Togo
Taka Michinoku defeated Babu
Mascarita Sagrada defeated El Torito
D-Lo Brown defeated Foreign Exchange
Val Venis defeated Mark Henry
Miguel Perez & Jesus Castillo defeated Billy Gunn & the Road Dogg; Savio Vega was the guest referee
The Undertaker defeated Kane
1999 - WCW ran Mobile, Alabama with the following results:
Scott & Steve Armstrong defeated Alex Wright & Disco Inferno
Steve McMichael defeated Brian Adams
WCW Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman defeated Juventud Guerrera
Booker T defeated Chris Jericho
Scott Hall defeated Horace Hogan
Konnan defeated Lex Luger
Bill Goldberg defeated Bam Bam Bigelow
2000 - WCW ran Roanoke, VA with the following results:
Evan Karagias defeated Villano IV
The Maestro defeated Villano V
Jerry Flynn defeated Bam Bam Bigelow via count-out
WCW Tag Team Champions David Flair & Crowbar defeated Ron & Don Harris
Dustin Rhodes defeated WCW US Champion Jeff Jarrett in a non-title guitar on a pole match
Perry Saturn & Dean Malenko defeated Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Asya
Meng (substituting for Sting) defeated Lex Luger
WCW World Champion Bret Hart defeated Ric Flair via submission with the Sharpshooter after Curt Hennig interfered
2001 - WWF ran Anaheim, CA with the following results:
The Acolytes defeated the Goodfather & Bull Buchanan when Bradshaw pinned Buchanon
WWF Women's Champion Ivory pinned Molly Holly with her feet on the ropes
Chris Jericho defeated Perry Saturn via submission with the Walls of Jericho
Albert defeated Test
Billy Gunn defeated Val Venis
WWF World Champion Kurt Angle pinned Steve Austin after hitting him with the title belt moments after Austin fought off interference from WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian; after the bout, Austin hit the Stunner on Edge & Christian and drank several beers
WWF Hardcore Champion Raven defeated Steve Blackman
WWF Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian defeated the Dudley Boyz and Matt & Jeff Hardy in an elimination match; the Hardyz were the first eliminated
Hardcore Holly pinned the Big Bossman with a roll up
The Rock & the Undertaker defeated Rikishi & Kane in a No DQ match when Rock pinned Rikishi with the Rock Bottom
2002 - WWF ran Trenton, NJ at the Soveriegn Bank Arena:
Crash Holly defeated Rico Constantino
Spike Dudley defeated the Brooklyn Brawler
Jazz defeated Jackie
Brock Lesnar defeated Lance Storm
Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo defeated Scotty 2 Hotty & Albert when Gunn pinned Scotty
Justin Credible defeated Ron Waterman
WWF Tag Team Champions the Dudley Boyz defeated the Acolytes when D-Von pinned Farooq after one of the title belts was used as a weapon
Booker T pinned Diamond Dallas Page
Triple H & Kane defeated Kurt Angle & WWF World Champion Chris Jericho when Triple H pinned Jericho with the Pedigree
2002 - WWF ran St. John, New Brunswick in Canada, featuring the following results:
WWF Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri pinned Billy Kidman with a dropkick to the face
Lita pinned Molly Holly with a moonsault
Shawn Stasiak defeated Randy Orton
The Hurricane pinned Funaki
The Big Show pinned Hugh Morrus with the chokeslam
WWF European Champion Christian pinned Rikishi after Test came ringside
Matt & Jeff Hardy defeated Steven Richards & Tommy Dreamer
WWF Intercontinental Champion Edge pinned Val Venis following the DDT
Rob Van Dam pinned Test after Rikishi interfered
2003 - WWE broadcast Raw in Phoenix, Arizona with the following results:
Rico, Rosey, Jamal, & Batista (w/ Ric Flair, Eric Bischoff, & Chief Morley) defeated the Dudley Boyz in a No DQ match at 4:27 after Flair interfered; after the bout, William Regal and Lance Storm further brutalized the Dudleyz as payback for losing a match to Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler two weeks prior
WWE Women's Champion Victoria (w/ Steven Richards) & Molly Holly defeated Trish Stratus & Jackie at 3:04 when Victoria pinned Trish by using the tights for leverage after Steven Richards interfered and reversed a roll up Trish had on Victoria
Lance Storm & William Regal defeated WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Booker T & Goldust to win the titles at 14:14 when Storm pinned Booker after Regal hit Booker with a pair of brass knuckles; late in the contest, Chief Morley made himself special referee for the bout and counted the pinfall after preventing referee Nick Patrick from making a count on the challengers
Test (w/ Stacy Keibler) defeated Christopher Nowinski at 2:03
Rob Van Dam & Kane (w/ Shawn Michaels) defeated Chris Jericho & Christian (w/ Randy Orton) at 7:09 when Kane pinned Christian following the chokeslam / Five Star Frog Splash combo
2004 - WWE taped Smackdown in Huntsville, Alabama with the following results:
Chris Benoit defeated Johnny Stamboli (#1), Chuck Palumbo (#2), & Nunzio (#3) in a mini Royal Rumble match at 6:21; Benoit eliminated Stamboli at 3:09 with a baseball slide as Stamboli was on the ring apron; Benoit eliminated Nunzio at 5:14 as Nunzio tried to save Palumbo's elimination; Benoit eliminated Palumbo
Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty fought WWE Smackdown! Tag Team Champions Doug & Danny Basham (w/ Shaniqua) to a no contest when the champions attacked the challengers from behind before the bout, double teaming them and hitting them with the title belts; moments thereafter, Kurt Angle came out and announced that he and Paul Heyman came up with a substitute pair of challengers for the Bashams to defend against later in the night - Eddie & Chavo Guerrero Jr.
WWE Smackdown! Tag Team Champions Doug & Danny Basham (w/ Shaniqua) defeated Eddie & Chavo Guerrero Jr. at 16:22 when Doug reversed an attempt by Chavo for a sunset flip into the ring, holding onto Shaniqua for leverage; after the bout, Eddie sustained a brutal double team inside the ring while Chavo sat at ringside and watched; after the champions left ringside, Chavo helped his uncle to his feet before punching him to the mat and pummeling him until Eddie became busted open; moments thereafter, Chavo drove off in Eddie's low rider
John Cena pinned Albert with the FU at 2:50
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Rey Mysterio Jr. pinned Akio (w/ Sakoda) at 4:37 with the West Coast Pop after hitting a double 619 on Akio and Sakoda
Tajiri pinned Nidia (sub. for a missing Jamie Noble) at 1:05 with a Russian legsweep; after the bout, Rey Mysterio Jr. made the save for the blind Nidia; moments later, as Mysterio was walking Nidia back, Noble appeared, threw Mysterio out of the way, and helped Nidia backstage
Hardcore Holly defeated WWE US Champion the Big Show in a non-title streetfight at 4:55 when Holly wrapped a steel chair around Show's neck and began choking him until Show tapped out; after the bout, Holly had a staredown with Brock Lesnar, the guest commentator for the match, before chasing him into the crowd with the chair
2006 - www.BlackAthlete.net named ECW World champion Bobby Lashley its 2006 Wrestler of the Year.
2006 - WWE Smackdown ran Terre Haute, Indiana. John Lawson filed the following live report:
This event was originally scheduled as a Raw house show in September but was changed three days before tickets went on sale back in August.
The WWE made their first appearance in a year and a half in Terre Haute, Indiana on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at Hulman Center, before an estimated attendance of 2,800.
Before the first match, the lights were dimmed for Teddy Long's entrance. With the lights down, Boogeyman was brought to ringside under a black sheet and stationed under the ring, where he'd have to stay for over an hour before appearing in front of the crowd.
1. US title: Chris Benoit made Chavo Guerrero submit.
2. Deuce & Domino w/Cherry defeated Funaki & Jimmy Wang Yang when Deuce pinned Funaki. It's rare for heels to win in small markets that WWE visits annually (or less). Of course, the fans were not familiar with the team from OVW. Deuce & Domino are much like the Hearthrobs from two years ago, in that they are being brought up from developmental too early and are placed in sexually suggestive positions for comedy in their matches.
3. CM Punk made Matt Striker submit. Stiker did a lot of mic work prior to match, welcoming everyone to Terra Rizing, Indiana. He then stated that he was only joking, because "that was the name of a handsome wrestler from several years ago." He also ragged on what the name Terre Haute meant. In French, he knew that it meant "high land." He also said that it represented the crystal meth capital of the USA. I doubt if he realized that this city is known as the state capital for that distinction. He also said that it was the prositution capital of the state (and that he was a virgin). Perhaps Striker checked on the history of Terre Haute, as it was known for that distinction back in the 1920s.
4. Davairi w/ Great Kali pinned Tommy Dreamer with his feet on the ropes. One fan sitting near me was sure that Tommy Dreamer used to wrestle as the Brooklyn Brawler. Tommy would enjoy hearing that. Same fan thought that a couple of the refs were former wrestlers. Nick Patrick and Scott Armstrong were refs here, but those weren't the two that he swore were ex-wrestlers. Mickey Jay was one that he thought wrestled previously.
5. RVD pinned Hardcore Holly. Two front-row fans were tossed from the building for touching Holly, even though they only patted him on the back. Holly told security to throw them out after he challenged them to touch him again.
6. The Miz hosted a diva bikini contest between Ashley, Rebecca, Kelly Kelly, and Crystal. The fans' applause was to determine the winner. It was pretty even amoung Ashley, Rebecca, and Kelly, but Crystal received the least applause since she's a heel. Miz declared Crystal the winner, which led to the lights going out and the emergence of Boogeyman from under the ring. Miz was attacked and subjected to the worm treatment.
7. In a handicap match, Kane won by disqualification over Mr. Kennedy & MVP. Kennedy handled MVP's introduction, which included his delayed/echo announcement of the last name, hence Porter was intro'd as M...V...P... ... ...Pee. Heels were DQ'd for low blows, but Kane cleaned house on both post-match.
8. ECW title: Lashley pinned Test. The sign guy from Texas (the one who wears the red hat and mechanic's shirt that was featured on Confidential a few years back) was at ringside, with a sign that read "The best body chemicals can buy" with a large needle being injected into a photo of Test. When Test saw it he laughed. I should also note that the sign guy had a sign for Holly, reading "I hope you got some talent for Christmas." Holly ended up spitting a mouthful of water into the sign guy's face for that one.
9. World title: Batista pinned Finlay in a long match, dominated by Finlay, and included a spot with the Little Bastard. Finlay was able to stir up some old school heat before Batista even his appearance, and had a husband and wife "traditional" wrestling fan trying to come over the barricade after him.
2006 - OVW ran the Lincoln County Community Center in Cincinnati, OH before 100 fans. Mike Giralico filed the following live report:
Boris Alexiev (w/ Stronko) submitted Dupe Ruppa - The Belgian Brawler to the Wheel Of Steel arm bar. Not a usual Boris squash. Boris tried for a cross arm breaker and a couple of kimuras early on Ruppa. Boris also showed off some Judo throws. Ruppa got a brief flurry of offense but fell to the standing arm bar.
Jake Hagar defeated Atlas DaBone with a small package. This match was short like 1:00 thereabouts. Hagar came out in Sooners wrestling gear and has the build of a collegiate wrestler. He tried a test of strength with DaBone which he won, then as DaBone tried some offense Hagar just rolled him up for the win.
Rene Dupree (w/ Maryse) pinned Sinn. Dupree worked face this night leading the crowd in "This Guy Sucks" chants directed at Sinn. Sinn focused his work on Dupree's back with Irish Whips, elbows and slams. Sinn gained a near fall but out of frustration chased Maryse. Maryse lead Sinn back into the ring where Dupree greeted Sinn with a springing elbow. Durpee followed up with a power slam and a spine buster for the win.
Idol Stevens defeated Steve Lewington. The way the venue was set up, the wrestlers had to enter through the same doors that the fans paid admission. As Idol was being introduced a late arriving family was trying to pay when Idol found his way blocked by them. He tried to get them to hand him the money directly then shooed them away from him. Match started out with Lewington gaining the upper hand no matter what Idol tried. Lewington would dodge whatever offense Idol generated. Finally Idol got Lewington to the outside and wrapped him in the apron to focus on Lewington's back. Idol drags him back into the ring and tries for a double chicken wing type submission. Lewington gets an arm free and elbows out. Lewington then hit a shoulder block and a standing senton for two. Idol springs up and tries a moonsault from the middle rope but misses. Comes right back and hits the Idolizer for the win.
The Ox & The Hammer (w/ Kenny Bolin) defeated High Dosage. This is going to get confusing with Bolin and Bolen involved here. Kenny Bolin cut a promo stating yes the internet rumors were true, he had been hospitalized. However "he rose from his deathbed" to verify that Cincy is a town of losers. He then proceeded to document the performances of every local sports franchise. Bolin stated that even though his doctors told him not to manage for 6 months he had to get in his limo and see how far Cincy had sunk himself. (I though he was joking about the limo but always one to take his gimmick to the max, when the show was over I saw the limo myself.) For the match itself, Ox & Hammer isolated Reeves early and had him pretty worn down until Hammer went for a lariat and Reeves countered with one of his own. Reeves finally got the hot tag to John Bolen which lead to Kenny Bolin distracting the ref. Ox exposed a turnbuckle and gets Bolin's briefcase. He swings for John Bolen and misses so the wrecking ball shoves Ox into the exposed turnbuckle and covers him behind the ref's back. The Hammer then gets the briefcase and lays out Bolen allowing the Ox to get the pin fall.
Katie Lea & Victoria Crawford defeated Beth Phoenix & The ODB. Katie Lea showed off the new OVW Women's belt which is finally not just an altered version of an old WWE belt. It's nice if not a tad large for the petite Lea. ODB and Phoenix wasted little time isolating Victoria. They focused on her ribs and chest. There were quite a few chest spots in this match for some reason. ODB locked in a full nelson on Victoria near Beth and as Beth charged with a lariat Victoria slipped out and ODB was laid out. This opened the door to tagging in Katie Lea and all 4 women were in the ring. Beth and Victoria went to the floor and Katie Lea hit her Kat-Nip neck-breaker into a back-breaker finisher on ODB for the win.
Rombola defeated Johnny Punch (w/ Melody). I'm gonna be honest before beginning this review I wasnt expecting much from this match. However I was very surprised by the work I saw in this match. No match of the night mind you but a solid contest none the less. Punch stalled early but Rombola finally got his hands on him and went into some fast mat work. Rombola with a standing roll up on Punch get thrown forward as Punch kicks out and lands head first on Melody's guitar as she shielded herself form the flying Rombola. Punch then works over the neck of Rombola but Rombola comes back. Rombola tries for a flying cross-body but Punch pulls the ref into the path. Rombola then hits a sit out power bomb on Punch. Melody enters the ring and gets the same for her troubles. Rombola finally hits the flying cross-body on Punch for the win. Good job all around here.
Jack Bull defeated Daniel Rodimer. So this was my first look at the highly lauded (by Stephanie McMahon) Rodimer. OK so this guy has the look I will completely hand that to him. Now I also understand he has only been working about 5 months so I have to give him a learning curve grade when it comes to in ring work. Rodimer is tall at least 6-6, he showed some flashes of mobility while bumping. His offense however for the moment consists simply (at least on this night) of punch, kick, slam, elbow drop. This guy shouldn't be rushed to prime time, please give this kid some time to develop, thus the term DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM. We'll see where this kid goes as time progresses. In the match itself, Bull sold well for the kid. Finally though he dodged the standing elbow drops from Rodimer and grabbed his flask took a swig and then "Hulked up" as Rodimer threw punches at him. Bull then hit two inverted atomic drops and tried for a DDT only to get shoulder blocked into the corner. Bull took another swig from his flask and misted Rodimer for a roll up pin fall. Post match Rodimer attacked Bull but Idol made the save.
The collective TV Champion(s) Bad Kompany defeated Seth Skyfire & Cody Runnels & Shawn Spears. This was a comedy affair, they opened the match with the faces causing the Blind Seed to attack his own partners repeatedly. Finally Kruel and Kraven kept Osbourne out long enough to isolate Seth. They pounded Seth mercilessly in their corner until finally Seth manages to get away from Blind Seed and tag Spears. Seth then chases Blind Seed out of the building and Shawn puts the sharpshooter on Kruel but the ref misses the tap out. Roucka then "distracts" Spears and Kraven hits Spears from behind with the cane for the win. I wonder if the cane is Mr Fuji approved?
Paul Birchall retained his OVW Southern Heavyweight Championship over Chett The Jett Jablonski and Jacob Duncan in a three-way. Chett and Duncan tried to take out Birchall early but that soon deteriorated when it came time to pin Birchall. Birchall then dispatched Duncan and focused on Chett. Chett hit an extended vertical suplex on Birchall but Duncan broke up the pin. Chett is thrown out of the ring and Duncan focuses on Birchall's back. Duncan hit a suplex from the middle rope and Chett breaks up the fall. Birchall then attacks both Duncan and Chett but Duncan hits the F-5 on Burchall for 2. Chett then Spears Duncan, Duncan comes back and choke slams Chett only to find himself falling victim to Birchall's swinging neck breaker for the pin fall. Post-match Chett lays out Birchall
2005 - TNA star Hector Garza (Hector Solano Segura) was arrested in Houston, Texas on charges of possession of a controlled substance, which according to Mexican newspaper El Norte were anabolic steroids Primobolan and Deca-Durabolin, which is used to regenerate injuries and to fortify muscle tissue. Garza, on his way to the TNA Impact! tapings in Orlando, Florida, was detained by Immigration agents at the IAH Houston Airport. Garza was placed under arrest and appeared in court yesterday in Houston. He is currently being held in a Harris County, Texas jail.
Garza’s brother Humberto told El Norte that the steroids were prescribed by a local doctor in Mexico, who overnighted the proof to the Mexican Consulate in Houston, so it can be turned into the court in Garza's defense. Humberto stated that Garza was being counseled by a personal attorney, while TNA was sending one as well. Garza’s bail was set at $1,000 but he was advised not to pay it for fear of being deported, which would destroy his Stateside career. Garza, billed as the leader of Team Mexico, recently returned to TNA. Under new booker Dusty Rhodes, he was expected to receive a healthy push and had main evented Impact! recently against Scott Hall. His problems caused rewrites at the TNA taping on Tuesday evening, where the wrestlers were told he had “travel issues.”
When contacted for comment about Garza's arrest on Monday in Houston, Texas, TNA's Director of Public Relations Brad Bernstein made the following statement to PWInsider.com via email: "Hector Garza and his attorney are anxious to proceed with the case and prove Hector's innocence." Garza would eventually be deported from the country and has yet to work in the United States since.
2005 - Former Smoky Mountain Wrestling regular and WWF enhancement talent Johnny Croitoru was arrested in Hamilton, Ontario Canada in the connection of the murder of Fred and Lyn Gilbank six years before. The Gilbanks were shot and killed in their home on Monday, November 16th, 1998 as they were sleeping. Fred Gilbank worked for IBM as a computer software specialist, while his wife was a practicing criminal defense attorney. Croitoru was arrested by Hamilton police without incident, several weeks after a public plea to anyone who may have been implicated in a lesser role in the crime to step forth and help authorities. Croitoru was referred to as the former leader of local motorcycle gang Satan's Choice. His arrest was the lead story on the Global News in Hamilton, which noted his time working as Johnny K-9. Croitoru, a Hamilton native, broke into the business working for several Canadian groups including Stampede Wrestling and the old Grand Prix promotion run by Emile Dupre, using the ring names Orhan Turgedan and The Terrible Turk. He also worked tours with FMW, WAR, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, but is likely best known for his enhancement stint working under the ring name Johnny K-9 for the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s, doing jobs for the major babyfaces of the era like Hulk Hogan and the Junkyard Dog.It was in Smoky Mountain Wrestling that he had his last real run of note in the early 1990s, using the ring name Bruiser Bedlam, where he was managed by Jim Cornette and given a huge heel push during the latter part of that promotion's run. Croitoru held the promotion's "Beat the Champ" TV title during his 18-month run there. Croitoru has had numerous run-ins with the Canadian police before, including a seven month prison stint for a 1991 assault. He also served a 10 month sentence after being convicted of trafficking cocaine as well. Croitoru has publicly denied any links to The Satan's Choice bike gang. Charges would eventually be dropped but Croitoru would have additional charges filed against him.
2006 - WWE released Juventud Guerrera.
2008 - Mickey Rourke appeared at a World Xtreme Wrestling event in Allentown, PA, filming "The Wrestler" for a scene where Randy the Ram wrestled Tommy Noxious, technically the "in ring debut" of the character. Rourke would go on to be nominated for an Academy Award for the film.
2008 - During a pre-show meeting at the Final Resolution PPV, TNA's Terry Taylor informed the wrestlers that the company would institute drug testing at the 1/21-1/22 Impact tapings in Orlando, Florida. There was no discussion of punishment for offenses, just that the baseline testing would be taking place.
2008 - On the ECW website, Joey Styles named Stevie Richards his "Most Extreme Player" for the year of 2007, looking at the rash of recent surgeries Richards has undergone in the last several months to get full range of his breathing passages and vocal cords back. Styles went into the background in long detail (and I suggest everyone check it out) but Richards has been suffering from issues with his voice for years stemming from a May 1997 broken neck suffered in the original ECW during a frightening spot where Terry Funk dropped a guard rail on his neck in Buffalo, New York. Styles wrote, "I expect Stevie to return to the ring in early 2008 with little fanfare, if any. However, Stevie himself, his family and his close friends will know what he endured to once again resume his dream of being a WWE Superstar. Win or lose, every match is a personal victory for Stevie Richards."
2008 - TNA held their Final Resolution PPV in Orlando, Florida. Here is Mike Johnson's original coverage of the show.
Welcome to the first PPV coverage of the New Year here on PWInsider.com!
TNA's Final Resolution 2008 opened with a video package for the show, followed by Mike Tenay and Don West wondering whether AJ Styles would side with Kurt Angle or Christian Cage tonight.
LAX vs. Jimmy Rave & Lance Hoyt (with Christy Hemme)
Hoyt and Homicide opened up with Homicide getting caught by Rave with a quick cradle. Homicide nailed a belly to belly overhead suplex, but was drilled into the corner. Hoyt tagged in and nailed him with a Fall away slam. Hernandez tagged in and faced off with Hoyt, which the crowd was into. They exchanged shoulderblocks against each other. Hernandez sent Hoyt out of the ring. Homicide attempted a tope con hilo but was cut off by Rave, so Hernandez hit a running dive out of the ring on Hoyt instead. The crowd was super hot for LAX.
LAX worked over Rave in the corner. Homicide nailed him with a dropkick to the face. They nailed Rave with a catapult combination that ended with Rave laid out over Hernandez' knees, complete with Homicide hitting a senton back splash across Rave's chest. Hoyt returned to the ring and slammed Homicide with a faceplant. Homicide fought back against both but was cut off with an inverted atomic drop. Hoyt nailed Homicide with a big boot to the face.
Homicide ducked under a double clothesline, setting up Hernandez hitting a springboard double clothesline into the ring on Hoyt and Rave. Hernandez catches Rave in mid-air and drilled him with a sit down powerbomb. Hernandez charged Hoyt but was caught with an elbow. Hoyt nailed a moonsault, but was caught with head scissors by Homicide. Homicide finally caught the tope con hilo to the outside.
Hernandez picked up Rave for a powerbomb, but Christy Hemme interfered, pulling Rave back down. Rave caught him with a knee to the gut and began working him over in the corner with punches. Rave went to the top but was shoved off and Rave crotched himself between the pole and turnbuckle. The female member of LAX stalked around at ringside. Hernandez set up Rave and nailed a Border Toss off the ropes for the pin on Rave.
Hernandez was attacked from behind by Hernandez. The female member went after Hoyt and lowblowed him. Christy went after her and was laid out. The female member finally unveiled herself as Shelley Martinez, formerly Ariel in ECW. Holy crap, she looked hot.
A really hot opener with everyone working hard. Good stuff. The crowd was really alive for the match since they love everything LAX does and let's hope this is the start of a new run for the team as it's blatantly obvious the audience loves them and wants to see them pushed. Hoyt and Rave had one of their better showing ever here as well.
We went to footage from "last night" from part one of the Drinking Championship Series between Eric Young and James Storm. Jeremy Borash and Crystal were the witnesses. They did a deal where James Storm won a contest where he got to take a drink anytime Eric Young said something that he had never done, but Storm had. Those things included going to the moon, killing a lion with his bare hands and being responsible for riots in Detroit in 1967. I didn't think it was funny, but that's just me.
Mike Tenay and Don West ran down the remainder of the lineup.
Backstage, Crystal tried to get comments from AJ Styles on whether he was siding with Kurt Angle or Christian Cage tonight. Styles said that he promised he would make a decision tonight, but the night wasn't over, so he still has time to think. Tomko told Styles he was completely wrong and was out of time because they have a title match with Kevin Nash and Samoa Joe tonight. Tomko said that he needs to make his suggestion sooner rather than later and if he screwed up tonight, his problems were going to be huge. Crystal asked again for a decision and Styles said he would let her know sooner or later.
They aired a video feature on Black Reign vs. Kaz.
Black Reign vs. Kaz.
As soon as Kaz hit the ring, he went right after Reign. He nailed Reign with a series of rights, then hit a springboard back elbow. He whipped Reign into the ropes, but Reign pulled himself out of the ring. Kaz followed and hit a running clothesline off the apron to the floor. He went to whip Reign, who reversed it, sending Kaz into the railing. Reign charged Kaz, who moved out of the way. Kaz kicked him onto the entrance ramp. Kaz followed him up the ramp, kicking him in the rear. Reign nailed a mule kick low from behind. He nailed a running kneelift, sending Kaz off the ramp to the floor. They said Kaz caught his hip on the corner of the stage.
Reign dragged Kaz back into the ringside area. Reign pulled Kaz through the ropes and nailed a neckbreaker. He then punched Kaz with a right, sending him down. He nailed an elbow and locked in a side chinlock. Kaz began battling out with elbows but put his head down and Reign caught him with a dropdown uppercut.
Reign began choking Kaz. He snapmared Kaz to the mat, then cinched in a rear chinlock. Kaz got to his feet as the crowd rallied him and began nailing punches to the gut, but was cut off. Reign nailed him in the jaw and covered him for a two count. Reign went back to the chinlock.
Reign missed a clothesline and was caught with a high cross bodyblock. The referee began to count both men down on the mat, but they returned to their feet at the count of eight. Kaz ducked a punch and nailed several kicks. Kaz drilled Reign with a spinning neckbreaker but Reign kicked up at two. Kaz avoided a Reign charge in the corner and hit a slingshot DDT for another two count.
Reign moved to avoid a legdrop and hit the Lights Out, but Kaz got his shoulder up at the last moment. Reign went for another, but Kaz got to his feet and nails the twisting DDT for the clean pin.
Your winner, Kaz!
Decent match. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary but it was solid.
After the match, Reign began coddling the cage holding his rat. Kaz took the cage and walked out with it. Reign began screaming that he wanted it back. Mike Tenay said, "Kaz is leaving Final Resolution with the rat."
Backstage, Jeremy Borash was telling Kurt Angle that after all they had done for AJ Styles, he still hadn't sided with Angle. Kurt questioned Borash for saying "we" and told him, "There's you and there's me and my wife. You are an interviewer." Angle then asked Borash for advice, but Karen cut them off and said they are going to do whatever they do during a time like this. She told Angle to worry about the match and she was going to take care of business. He said that every time Karen tries to take care of business, she gets them in trouble. She leaves and Angle tells Borash to follow Karen. Karen didn't seem to be wearing a cast, by the way. It was the usual type of silliness involving the Angles and Borash.
They aired a video feature on the TNA Knockouts title bout.
TNA Women's champion Gail. Kim vs. Awesome Kong - No DQ
I sure hope this is as fun as last month.
Kong charged Kim as she was on the apron, but Kim jumped down. Kim grabbed Kong's ankle and pulled her to the floor. They started brawling on the floor. Kong drilled her with a clothesline on the floor, then cleared the announcer's table. She teased a powerbomb on the table, but Kim fought back with a kick. Kong tossed Kim into the ring and smothered her with a boot to the throat. Kong snaps Kim across the mat by the hair, then choked her with a boot to the chin.
The announcers said an associate of Kong's from Japan was in attendance, according to rumors. Kong continued to work over Kim, who fought back with elbows. Kim tried to come off the ropes but was nailed with a spinning back fist. Kim fell backwards over the ropes, hanging upside down, before being shoved to the floor. Kim grabbed at her knee. Kong followed her to the floor.
Kong dragged her around ringside, but Kim began fighting back. Kong just slapped her down. Kong followed her around the ring, stalking her prey. She picked up Kim by the legs and swung her into the guard rails headfirst.
They brawled in the crowd. Kim fought back but was tossed onto the steps of the bleachers. Kong dragged her into the bleachers and choked her throat. Kim continued to fight back. She grabbed a plastic bottle from a fan and began beating Kong with it. Kong tossed her down the stairs to the floor. Kim fights back and dumps Kong over the railing back into the ringside area.
Kim grabs Kong with a hammerlock, then runs her shoulder into the ringpost. Kong just shakes it off and slaps down Kim. She rolls Kim into the ring and beats her down. Kong grabs a chair and drills it down but Kim moves and Kong slaps herself with it. With Kong dazed on the floor, Kim went to the top rope and dove off. Kong still caught her and tossed her into the ring. Kong beats Kim down with a punch to the back.
Kong grabbed Kim by the hair and beat her with a series of back fists. Kong went for a powerbomb, but Kim rolled out of the way to the mat. Kong went for a sitdown splash but missed. Kim avoided a charge in the corner. Kim came off the top but was caught. Kong nailed an inverted sitdown powerbomb, but Kim kicked out at the last second. Some in the crowd booed that, believing it was the finish.
Kong wasn't happy with the referee's count and powerbombed Slick Johnson. Kong went to the floor and got a chair, then nailed Johnson with it. Kim grabbed the chair and began beating Kong in the head with it. Kim went to the top and nailed a splash off the top, but the referee was out. Kim called for a second referee and Rudy Charles hit the ring. He counted, but Kong kicked up at the last second.
Kong nailed a chokeslam on Kim, who kicked up. Kong grabbed Charles and went to powerbomb him but Kim rolled up Kong, who crashed backwards with Charles atop of her. Charles counted three and Gail Kim got the victory.
Brutal, fun and a unique finish. This was officially the first great match of TNA for 2008.
Kong tried to go after Kim after the match but security and some of the other Knockouts hit the ring to separate them. The crowd chanted "TNA."
Backstage, Jeremy Borash followed Karen Angle into the men's room as she was looking for AJ Styles. He was there. She offered to relieve him of his tension and tried coming onto him. ODB came out of the stall after flushing the toilet, saying they should light a match. Ugh. Karen walked off and Styles was in awe that she liked him, she really liked him. I'm not liking any of the vignettes tonight.
They aired a video piece on Abyss vs. Judas Mesias.
Crystal interviewed Jim Mitchell. She asked him if he was going to reveal the secret tonight to the world. Mitchell said that the secret was one for Abyss to reveal and it was going to change the landscape of TNA. Mitchell says that tonight could be the night that Mesias tortures Abyss into revealing the secret. He said that Abyss was doomed to burn in hell if he didn't tell the truth. Typical good promo from Mitchell.
Abyss vs. Judas Mesias
Abyss and Mesias brawled around the ring. Mesias chopped him in the corner. Abyss reversed a whip into the corner but was caught with an elbow. Abyss nailed a clothesline, but Mesias came right back. Abyss pressed and dropped Mesias. Abyss clotheslined Mesias over the top to the floor.
Abyss followed him outside the ring and slammed him into the ringsteps. They brawled around ringside with Mesias being tossed into the steps. It was nothing compared to Kim and Kong. Mesias slammed Abyss' legs into a ringpost. He teased tying his legs to the post with the chain but the referee stopped him. Mesias began working over Abyss' knee.
He followed Abyss around the ring, kicking at the knee and nailing shots to the head. He leaped up for a faceplant but Abyss grabbed him with a chokeslam, then fell to the mat. Abyss went under the mat looking for something but the cameras showed Jim Mitchell had grabbed Abyss' sack of tacks. Abyss chased him up the rampway, allowed Mesias to clip his knee from behind.
Mesias shoved Abyss into the ring steps and Abyss fell over them. Mesias came off the top with a double axehandle but was caught with a chokeslam. Abyss hits a running charge into the corner, then nails a second back splash into Mesias' face. Abyss nails a sideslam for a two count. Abyss went to the floor and grabbed a chair. The referee tried to tell Abyss to stop but he ignored it, wedging the chair in between the top and middle turnbuckle. The referee tried to remove it but failed. Hey ref, how about DQing him then?
Mesias took over on Abyss. Abyss tried to run him into the chair and Mesias avoided it. Abyss kicked him low, then slammed him into the chair. Still no DQ. Abyss nailed the chokeslam, but Mesias kicked up at two. Abyss went outside looking for something. The cameras showed another bag brought out by Mitchell. Abyss produced a chair wrapped in barbed wire. The referee took it away and put it outside of the ring, taking forever. Mesias used the distraction to nail Abyss with a chair to the head, then nailed a frog splash for a two count.
Mesias began working over Abyss who came back with a Black Hole Slam. Jim Mitchell distracted the referee. Abyss grabbed Mitchell by the throat, then grabbed Mesias as well. Mesias blew mist in Abyss' head then nailed his drill DDT into the barbed wire chair. Abyss was bleeding as Mesias scored the pin.
Your winner, Judas Mesias!
OK brawl but they couldn't follow the women, even with the weapons. As a set up match for Barbed Wire Massacre, it was fine.
Mitchell told Mesias to grab Abyss and asked him if he was ready to tell the truth. Abyss refused. He said they he was a man of his word and promised Abyss he would burn in hell. He pulled out a gas can and they poured it over Abyss. Mitchell teased lighting a match but security came to the ring and took them away, then left Mitchell and Mesias standing over the fallen Abyss. It seemed silly for security to save Abyss and then leave him in the ring. Unless they are building to a fire gimmick match, this makes no sense.
Crystal interviewed Kevin Nash. Nash said that the professional wrestling world was crazy and nothing was for sure. He said he and Joe both know that anything can happen and usually does. Crystal asked him what that means. Nash said that it means he will do what he usually does - put asses in seats, win championship belts and make a ton of money. Well, he knows how to make a ton of money, I will certainly give him that.
They aired a video feature on the mixed tag.
Crystal interviewed Booker T and Sharmell. Booker said she's not a wrestler, but she gets what she wants because she is his queen. He said that Robert Roode has to deal with Sharmell's alley cat side tonight. Sharmell said she would do her talking in the ring.
Booker T & Sharmell vs. Robert Roode & Ms. Brooks
They showed Robert Roode's "fan" in the crowd. Mike Tenay, talking about Booker being signed, said, "You know TNA management will do everything they can to improve the TNA product." Yep, he said that.
Roode backed off and walked out of the ring when Booker advanced on him. They finally locked up and Roode raked Booker's eyes. Booker came back with chops and punches in the corner on Roode. Roode whips Booker into the corner but Booker floats over and continues the chop assault.
Booker suplexed Roode, but Roode landed on his feet, then kicked Booker in the gut. He choked Booker by shoving him over the ropes. Booker came back with a series of kicks, but Roode caught him with a DDT for a two count. Roode nails Booker in the head with a series of knees, then dropkicks Booker down for a two count.
The crowd chanted for Booker. Roode tossed Booker into his corner but Ms. Brooks refused to take advantage. He berated Brooks. He whipped Booker and Brooks tripped Booker, but was upset with herself that she did. Brooks had some good facial expressions. Roode works over Booker's knee and cinches in a rear chinlock, using a knee to apply pressure to the back.
Booker made a comeback, but missed a spinkick and crotched himself on the ropes. Booker fell to the floor and Roode slammed him into the apron. He tossed Booker back into the ring and went back to the rear chinlock. Booker finally made a comeback, fighting off Roode with elbows. He whipped Bobby into the corner, but Roode missed a charge. Roode hit a Blockbuster off the ropes but Booker kicked up at the last second.
Roode made Brooks slap Booker. He tried to get her to do it again and she refused. He grabbed her, which the referee said was a tag. Brooks entered the ring and was speared and attacked by Sharmell. Roode grabbed Sharmell to allow Brooks to get control, then attacked Booker on the floor.
Brooks whipped Sharmell into the ropes and Roode grabbed her leg. Sharmell kicked him off but was rolled up by Brooks. Brooks was kicked off and clunked heads with Roode, then was rolled up for the pin by Sharmell.
Your winners, Booker T and Sharmell!
Roode and Brooks argued in the ring after the match. She finally slapped Roode, which the crowd loved. Roode tried to manhandle her, but Brooks kept fighting back. Sharmell hit the ring to grab Roode, but he turned around and punched her dead in the face. Everyone looked shocked. Booker came to the ring as Roode ran out shocked. Roode tried to say he didn't mean it. West left the commentary booth as Tenay immediately said that TNA wasn't going to accept anything like that. They teased Sharmell was knocked out as Booker cursed as Earl Hebner. They teased Roode broke her jaw.
Crystal interviewed Christian Cage. She said he could be the new champion tonight if he can defeat Kurt Angle and asked him if he had any help tonight. Cage said he never needed or will need any help. Cage said that he saw more potential in AJ Styles than anyone else and tried to give him tough love so he could approach his potential. Cage started ripping on Karen Angle for trying to seduce AJ, saying she was showing her age and that tonight she was going to have to explain why AJ finally realized where his loyalties lie. He promised that he would be the new TNA champion.
Mike Tenay and Don West said that Robert Roode went too far, accidental or not, and they would try to get an update on Sharmell later tonight.
They aired part two of the drinking contest where they had beer bottles taped to their hands and weren't allowed to leave the table until they were done drinking. It turned out James Storm peed himself, so Young won.
They aired a video feature on the Ultimate X match. As the Ultimate X was set up in the ring, Tenay and West reviewed the history behind the bout. They said Sharmell was taken to a local hospital with a jaw problem.
Team 3D & Johnny Devine vs. TNA X-Division champion Jay Lethal & The Motor City Machineguns
Brother Ray took the mic as they entered the ring. He said that the time has finally come for the Ultimate X match. He said that he and Devon have bene training for a very long time and are in the best shape of their career. Ray said he has the speed of a gazelle while Devon can move around like a black panther, then turned to Devon and said, "Oh my brother, power to the people." Ray said that Devine (who looks like Cassidy Riley's twin brother tonight) was made for a match like this.
Ray said that they are the best tag team that ever existed and are the greatest hardcore wrestler in the world. He then called Socal Val a two bit tramp and they are the masters of the table match. He said they are the masters of the TLC match and the best wrestlers the world has ever seen. He warned the referee that the X-Division wrestlers are "little cheating bastards" but was cut off by Jay Lethal's theme music before he could continue.
Lethal and The Guns hit the ring and everyone started brawling in the ring and outside of it. Sabin tossed Devon into the railing. Ray went after Alex Shelley's hands, playing off 3D caning the Guns' hands on Impact. 3D set up a table outside the ring. Alex Shelley tried to climb the ropes but failed. Chris Sabin had the same problem due to their problems. Lethal took out Devon and started to make his way across the ropes but Devine yanked him off the ropes and slammed him to the mat.
Devine climbed up to the cables but the Guns swung him and Devine crashed down in one of the sickest bumps I've seen in a long time. Ray clotheslined the Guns down. Ray tried to lift up Devon to grab the belt, but Ray's back gave way. Devon got on all fours but Ray was too heavy for him to stand on. Sabin dropkicks Devon to the floor. Ray grabbed him and tossed Sabin to the floor.
Ray tried to go across the cables but Jay Lethal climbed across and in front of him, taunting Ray before slipping off. Ray tried to make his way across but quickly slipped as he was too heavy. The crowd chanted, "You're too fat." Lethal tried to suplerplex Ray but was shoved off. Ray teased a top rope elbow but Lethal moved. He started across the cables but Devine pulled him down. Devine drilled Lethal's chest across his knees, then hit him with a curb stomp.
Devine started across the cables but was caught by Shelley who drags him down into an inverted atomic drop. Sabin nailed a DDT. Shelley went for a slingshot dive to the floor but Brother Ray moved and nailed Shelley's hands with the Singapore Cane. They took out Sabin with the cane. Devon tried to get on Ray's shoulders so Ray could walk under him as he propelled across the ropes. Lethal dropkicked Ray, then dove off the ropes to pull Devon off with a powerbomb variation.
Ray put Devine on his shoulders but Lethal jumped off the cables with an inverted frankensteiner. Ray drilled Lethal with a monster clothesline. Shelley accidentally took out the referee and was taken down by Ray. Ray pulled out a ladder match. Mike Tenay said there was an unwritten rule of pride ion the X-Division to never use a ladder in the Ultimate X but 3D were ignoring that.
The Guns return to hit stereo enziguiris but Devine caned them down. Devine set up the ladder and started climbing up. Sabin tipped the ladder and Devine bumped off the ladder onto the tables outside the ring, which didn't budge. He bounced off them to the floor. 3D nailed Sabin with 3D. Lethal tried to come off the ropes but was drilled with the ladder in mid-air.
3D started to climb the ladder. Devon unhooked the belt and put it over his shoulder. Ray removed the ladder and once the referee saw Devon hanging, he called for the bell. Tenay called the finish the low point of the X-Division. West said it was a mockery.
Your winners, Team 3D & Johnny Devine!
I actually have no problem with the finish as it makes sense that 3D would want to mock the X-Division as they stole a victory. There was a lot of good bumps and everyone worked hard. 3D even mocked themselves with the spots poking fun at their girth early as well. Entertaining match, but not at the level of any previous UX match. It was more storyline stuff with a few big bumps, as opposed to full throttle insane stunts.
Crystal interviewed Samoa Joe, saying that while he and Kevin Nash didn't get off on the right foot, now they seemed to be on solid ground. Joe said they started off on the worst foot they possibly could. He said that maybe he was wrong about Nash and possibly even about Scott Hall. Joe said he and Nash have been training and he learned a few things that he didn't know about mind games and he thanked Nash for that. He told Tomko and Styles not to let their personal issues get in the way because Joe and Nash were coming to take their belts and destroy them. Joe said that maybe, just maybe, the old guard and the new guard would be champions.
TNA Tag Team champions AJ Styles & Tomko vs. Samoa Joe & Kevin Nash
Before the match, they said that TNA fears Sharmell suffered a broken jaw.
Styles and Joe started off. Every time they locked up, Joe smooshed him in the face. Joe grabbed Styles with a body scissors into a leglock, then tagged Nash. Nash hit AJ with an elbow to the head. Nash beeled AJ out of the corner. Styles ducked a pair of clotheslines and dropkicked Nash in the knee. Styles was kicked off, so Tomko tagged himself in. Nash snapped Tomko into the turnbuckle. Nash drilled Tomko in the corner with several knees.
Nash catches Tomko with a sideslam for a two count. Joe tagged in and they cleaned house on the champions. Joe fed Tomko into a big boot by Nash. Joe hit an overhead T-Bone suplex by Joe, but Styles hit a springboard dropkick to Joe to break up the pin. Tomko choked Joe.
Tomko chopped away at Joe in the corner. AJ began nailing Joe with punches. Joe fought back but Styles drilled him with a dropkick as Joe rebounded off the ropes. Styles and Tomko tagged in and out. Tomko nailed a short arm clothesline for a two count. Tomko drills Joe with a back elbow for a two count. Tomko and Styles continued to work over Joe.
AJ locked on a Muta Death Lock. Tomko nailed several chops and a DDT. Joe and Styles exchanged forearms. Styles teased going for the Pele Kick but Joe punched him in the face. Tomko nailed Joe from behind. That set up an AJ springboard move but Joe caught AJ and powerbombed him down. Tomko knocked Nash off the apron and charged Joe but was caught with a powerslam.
Joe went to tag Nash, who dropped off the apron and walked off. Styles and Tomko went for their finisher but Joe countered and DDT'd Nash. Joe laid out Styles, then set up the muscle buster on Tomko. Styles nailed Joe from behind. Joe caught him with an uranage. Joe nailed Styles with the muscle buster but Tomko dove onto Joe and broke the pin. The crowd chanted, "Thank you Tomko."
Joe applied the choke on Tomko but Tomko fell backwards. Joe almost fell out of the ring but pulled himself in. Joe was nailed with the Pele Kick. They drilled Joe with their finisher and scored the pin.
Your winners and still TNA Tag Team champions AJ Styles and Tomko!
Well TNA had Nash turn on Joe without ever putting the belts on them, which is fine with me. The match was OK, but below the notch of what you expect from Joe because it was all about the Nash storyline. Once Nash exited, it was good stuff all the way to the end. Interesting to hear such a pro-Styles and Tomko crowd though.
The final part of the drinking contest saw them doing shots. Borash pulled out the "He's gonna puke" line from Beyond the Mat. Storm spiked Young's drink so he would win. Storm gets to pick his match at the next PPV.