March 28th
On this day in history in ....
1963 - Dory Dixon defeats WWWF World Champion Buddy Rogers in Cleveland, Ohio to become the first World Wide Wrestling Alliance World Champion. Rogers' WWWF World Title is not on the line.
1966 - WWWF ran Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Miguel Perez defeated Angelo Savoldi.
- Chief Big Heart defeated Magnificent Maurice.
- The Beast defeated Johnny Carr.
- The Sheik defeated Ronnie Etchison.
- Argentina Apollo defeated Smasher Sloan.
- Bobo Brazil vs. Baron Mikel Scicluna ended in a draw.
- Johnny Valentine & Tony Pugliese defeated Bill & Dan Miller.
- WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Iaukea.
1977 - WWWF ran Madison Square Garden in New York City with the following results:
- Johnny Rodz vs. Jan Nelson ended in a draw.
- SD Jones vs. Jose Gonzalez ended in a draw.
- Carlos Rocha defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Executioner #2.
- Haiti Kid & Hillbilly Kid defeated Billy The Kid & Little Johnny.
- WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Baron Von Raschke via DQ when Sammartino got tied in the ropes and Raschke hit him with a chair, then applied the claw until other wrestlers came out to pull Raschke off of him.
- Tony Garea defeated Doug Gilbert.
- Billy Whitewolf defeated The Executioner.
- Dusty Rhodes defeated Tor Kamata.
- Ivan Putski & Larry Zbyszko vs. Ken Patera & Stan Stasiak ended in a draw.
1980 - Andre The Giant vs. Hulk Hogan in Binghamton, New York ends in a double countout.
1981 - Andre The Giant defeats Hulk Hogan in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.
1999 - Wrestlemania 15 takes place. Mike Johnson penned the following:
WRESTLEMANIA 15
March 28, 1999
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Arena: The First Union Center
Announced Attendance: 19, 514
*Bob Holly defeats Billy Gunn and Al Snow in a Three-Way to win the WWF Hardcore championship. Lots of plunder here and of course, the hardcore staple the fire extinguisher.
*WWF Tag Team champions Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett, with Debra, defeated D-Lo Brown and Test with Ivory (then managing Brown) when Jarrett rolled up Brown for the pin. Hart and Test were the final two in a Battle Royal earlier in the night before the PPV to determine who would challenge the champions. This would prove to be Hart's final Wrestlemania match before his death in May 1999.
*Butterbean knocked out Bart Gunn in a Brawl For All match in about a minute into the first round with a series of devastating rights. Gunn's WWF career was destroyed right then and there although he continued to make a name for himself in Japan as Mike Barton. Boxer Vinnie Pazienza was the special referee and had an impromptu boxing match with the San Diego Chicken afterwards. Judges including Gorilla Monsoon, boxer Chuck Wepner, and and boxing trainer Kevin Rooney.
*Mankind defeated The Big Show to determine who would referee the main event at Wrestlemania 15. Mick Foley was hurting here and it shows in his work. Big Show is disqualified when he chokeslams Mick through two chairs. Foley is carted off. Vince McMahon gets in Show's face screaming and slaps him for messing up McMahon's plans. Show goes to chokeslam him but changes his mind. McMahon continues to berate him and is punched. Show is arrested and taken away by Philadelphia police (actually a slew of New Jersey independent wrestlers and personalities including Fanslam promoter Tommy Fierro).
WWF Intercontinental champion Road Dogg Jesse Jammes defeated Ken Shamrock, Goldust (with Rian Shamrock and The Blue Meanie) and Val Venis in a Four-Way. Shamrock accidentally tripped her man, leading to the pin while Meanie gloated that he was right about her the whole time he was warning Goldust about her.
*Kane defeated Triple H by DQ when H hit him with a chair given to him by Chyna. Kane had accidentally burned Chyna's retinas in an angle building to Raw.
*WWF champion Sable pinned Tori. Tori had been a fan following Sable around the country in the first row who challenged her after Sable turned heel. Nicole Bass debuted (showing up before she was supposed to) to interfere and attack Tori. Sable powerbombs her for the pin. Unlike the participants, This wasn't pretty.
*WWF European champion Shane McMahon pinned X-Pac after Triple H turned on Pac and joined Vince's Corporation. McMahon busted his butt bumping here and Pac worked hard too. The Mean Street Posse were in the front row and interfered by going after Pac while outside the ring. This was the shocking match of the night, mainly because no one knew what Shane was capable of going into the PPV.
*The Undertaker defeated The Big Bossman in a Hell in the Cell match with a tombstone. The streak of awesome Hell in the Cell bouts stopped here with a screeching halt. Edge. Gangrel, and Christian lower down from the roof of the Arena and hang the Bossman from the top of the Cell as it rises. He later returns unharmed in a silly moment.
*Steve Austin pinned The Rock to win the WWF championship. Vince McMahon came out to be the special referee but out comes Shawn Michaels, who announces that "It's not Wrestlemania without HBK." Michaels is the Commissioner by now and explains that only he can make the referees, so out Vince goes. This is a great back and forth match including them brawling into the crowd. Austin finally scores the pin (counted by the returning Mankind) after the Stunner as Vince stands there at ringside shocked and upset.
Celebrities: Boxer Vinnie Pazienza was the special referee and had an impromptu boxing match with the San Diego Chicken afterwards. Judges including Gorilla Monsoon, boxer Chuck Wepner, and and boxing trainer Kevin Rooney....Pete Rose returned for beating #2....Philadelphia's own Boys II Men opened the show with "America the Beautiful."
Notes: This was the first Wrestlemania released on DVD....Jim Ross returned from a bout with Bells Palsy to call the main event at Austin's request, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler handled the rest of the show....The promotion put together a "Wrestlemania Rage Party" the night before complete with workers milling around with fans and a concert featuring The Cherry Popping Daddies, Mya, Big Pun, and Isaac Hayes (who was on fire as Chef of South Park fame at the time). The concert also featured a one hour live special on the USA Network with workers cutting promos and a series of vignettes where Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco couldn't get access into the building....The great Gorilla Monsoon made his final public appearance here, as one of the judges for the Brawl For All bout. Monsoon was announced and given a huge, extended standing ovation by the crowd in a fitting farewell....Test and Brown split the aforementioned Battle Royal before the show went on the air. Also involved were Steve Blackman, Justin Bradshaw, Brian Christopher, DOA, Droz, Farooq, Gillberg, The Godfather, Jeff & Matt Hardy (Wrestlemania debut), The Legion of Doom, Midian, The Public Enemy, Tiger Ali Singh, Scott Taylor, and Viscera....Jacqueline defeated Ivory in another dark match.
Kevin Kelly on Wrestlemania 15: Billy Gunn and I predicted the KO of Dr. Death, as we knew Bart was a Toughman winner in his younger career. But with weeks of training, how could he lose to Butterbean? Aside from the main event, to me, the show was dreadful. How did Mick Foley get conned out of the main event spot at Mania? Back in February, Shawn Michaels of all people politicked to Vince to keep it Stone Cold vs The Rock at Mania. Austin was always paranoid and he went to Shawn to help get him in that one-on-one match, having to go over and get the belt at Mania. On the road to Mania, remember how Austin beat the Big Show just after the big man's debut? How come nobody remembers that classic derailing moment? And they talk about HHH being a bad guy behind the scenes. That was also the show where a still-facially paralyzed JR went to both Austin and the Rock, wanting them to talk to Vince about allowing JR to call their main event match. Few moments in his career have bothered Michael Cole more... or me for that matter. Totally classless but not unexpected.
The Blue Meanie on Wrestlemania 15: Wrestlemania 15 meant a lot to me. On a professional and personal level, Wrestlemania is something you strive to reach. Wrestlemania cements you in wrestling history. Another special note behind working Wrestlemania 15 was that it was in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is where I was born, Philadelphia is where I debuted for ECW. It's where I debuted for the WWF and Philadelphia is where I made it to THE show, Wrestlemania.
Bart Gunn on Fighting Butterbean at Wrestlemania 15: "I'd like to say it was a work but to be totally honest [it wasn't]. I give the utmost respect to boxers. They're tough sons-of-a-gun. Their training is unbelievable. Going into that fight, Butterbean had 40 professional fights. I myself had never boxed before, except in the back alleys and as a kid growing up. I never put gloves on, and I did this Brawl For All. I went and actually trained for five weeks before Wrestlemania at a gym in upstate New York where I actually learned how to box. I changed my whole strategy, learned how to box, how to hold my hands, throw punches, and it totally took me out of my comfort zone. I wasn't the same person in that fight as I was in other fights." (Wrestling Digest Interview, August 2001)
Jess McGrath: Like several Manias before it, this was a one-match show, and that match delivered. Austin and Rocky had a very good match. It didn't have the aura around it that some other Mania main events before it did, as Rock was nowhere near the star he was the following year, but it was a good one. The other really good match of the night was Shane and X-Pac. This had been a well done storyline. Much of the undercard felt thrown together. Probably because it was. I don't remember D-Lo and Test ever being a regular team before they won the battle royal.
Mike Johnson: Wow, this show was full of WWF storyline twists and Vince Russo-esque swerves. I attended this show live in Philadelphia and with the exception of the main event, was completely bored. The show translated much better on screen. The Shane McMahon performance was shocking given his level of experience and the Mean Street Posse gimmick was just awesome. That Hell in the Cell still gives me nightmares. Austin and Rock had a great match, the first of three at Mania and really, the only bout that had headlined Mania twice. Just awesome work by the two of them. There were two many swerves on the show for me, but that was typical Russo.
Dave Scherer: I was at this show too and Mike is right on the money. In fact, at one point Ed Ferrara and Vince Russo came out during the main event and watched the booking go down. It was so much fun being at the show and again, watching the Attitude era's year culminate was great as well.
2000 - During an edition of Raw from San Antonio, Texas, Stephanie McMahon defeated Jacqueline to win the WWF Women's Title when Tori interfered and DDT'd Jacqueline.
2001 - The entire staff of World Championship Wrestling is called to a meeting, where they are informed they are being laid off, but are free to apply for a job with WWF, who has a human resources agent present. The staffers are then escorted out of their offices, with most unable to retrieve any personal possessions that were on their desks or files that were on their computers. The meeting was called under the auspices of informing the staff what WWF had planned for the future of the company.
2006 - In Kansas City, Missouri, on the last edition of Smackdown prior to Wrestlemania, World Champion Kurt Angle defeats Rey Mysterio, one of the two challengers to his title at Wrestlemania, cleanly with the ankle lock in a non-title match. Post-match, Randy Orton, the other challenger, attacked Mysterio and Angle, but Angle put him in an ankle lock, forcing him to tap out as well. Mysterio would go on to win the title from Angle at Wrestlemania by pinning Randy Orton.
2007 - Abe Coleman, 101 years old and believed to be the oldest living professional wrestler, passed away in a nursing home in Flushing, New York
A native of Zychlin, Poland, Coleman moved to the United States in 1923 and eventually landed in New York in 1941, where he resided for the rest of his life. Coleman was discovered by local promoter Rudy Miller working out in a gym. Miller offered $25 for Coleman to wrestle and he debuted that week at the Ridgewood Grove Arena. Coleman would go on to tour across the world, with results I've found listing him for matches in Calgary, Australia and the Northeast. Coleman also claimed to have worked in Mexico.
At times, Coleman used several nicknames based around his religion including The Hebrew Hercules and Jewish Tarzan, which sometimes caused him to receive anti-Semitic reactions. Coleman's has claimed through the years that he was the creator of a move still prevalent today, the dropkick, which he stated was inspired by Kangaroos he saw while touring Australia in the 1930s.
Coleman retired in 1958 and later worked for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
At the age of 80, Coleman was still making a splash when two teenaged muggers attempted to rob him. Coleman knocked each out with one punch.
Coleman's wife, Judy, passed away in 1987. The couple had no children but he was survived by several nephews and nieces.
2008 - One day after TNA cameras caught him in the crowd at a live TNA broadcast (and he was identified as a WWE wrestler), WWE sent Robbie McAllister of the Highlanders home from Wrestlemania./p>
2008 - TNA taped the following Impact results at the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL:
Kaz defeated some jobber with a bullfighter cowboy gimmick. I believe this was a dark match.
Robert Roode def. Black Machismo in a non-title match
Show opens with the heels from team Tomko and the newest member of the team James Storm. Matt Morgan made the decision to allow a fifth member. Team cage came out and question Morgan's decision. Christian says advantage or disadvantage he has a trick up his sleeve.
Backstage segment where Scott Steiner says he is going to cash in his title shot tonight.
LAX and Motor City def. Rock and Rave and Black Reign and Rellik. The heels attacked after the match and Kaz tried to make the save but Super Eric cleared house.
AJ Styles and Tomko def. Christian and Rhino by DQ after Rhino gored the Ref. Team 3D attacked but Nash made the save with a chair.
Shark Boy def. Elix Skipper to advance to the Escape Match at Lockdown.
Traci Brooks def. Peyton Banks. After the match Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Salinas, Jackie Moore, Roxxi and Christy Hemme all got in the ring until Sharmell cleared ring.
Kurt Angle comes down to the ring and says next week he wants Samoa Joe to sign a document saying that if he doesn't win at Lockdown he will never wrestle again. Scott Steiner interrupts and says that he is now going to use the title shot at Sacrifice against the winner of the title match at Lockdown.
Sting def. James Storm. Matt Morgan was the guest ref. Morgan gave Sting the bat. Afterwards, Team Tomko confronted Morgan but Team Christian cleared the ring. Morgan then revealed a Team Cage shirt so he is now there as the fifth member.
2008 - Ring of Honor ran Orlando, FL. Richard Trionfo filed the following live report:
On Friday night, approximately 1300 fans packed the Downtown Rec Center in the shadow of the Amway Arena to see the Florida debut of Ring of Honor. What the fans saw was Dragon Gate Challenge 2, which appeared to be a successful foray into the Sunshine State thanks to a lively crowd and some insane in ring action. Here are some of the stories coming out of the show.
Ring of Honor wins Challenge
Of the four matches that saw Ring of Honor wrestles face Dragon Gate wrestlers, the Ring of Honor wrestlers captured three of the victories, with Shingo and BxB Hulk getting the only victory for the Dragon Gate wrestlers. Despite the actual win/loss tally, there were no losers on this night because both promotions were able to show that they contain some amazing talent. This was a night for the capacity crowd in Florida to witness something that this state has probably not seen in the ring outside of one or two matches featuring the Dragon Gate wrestlers in FIP.
Austin Aries chooses . . . to Focus on the Ring of Honor World Title
The continued recruiting campaign by the Age of the Fall to get Austin Aries to join their side continues to be a losing battle since Austin Aries did not accept the offer from Jimmy Jacobs and Lacey on Friday night. Aries also turned down a competing offer from Tammy Sytch as he continues to focus on his chance to regain the Ring of Honor World Title on Saturday night. Will Aries join the Age of the Fall or will he accept Tammy’s offer? Will we find out on Saturday night? Will it affect his match on Saturday?
Florida Welcomes Ring of Honor with open arms and a large crowd
While it might be the aura of Wrestlemania or the presence of the two wrestling companies with national television in the area, Ring of Honor showed that they were not going to take a back seat on this weekend. In the building that Full Impact Pro ran in a few times as well as the home of part of the 2007 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, Ring of Honor dwarfed those crowds with their turnout for Dragon Gate Challenge 2. I can only imagine that Supercard of Honor III will equal or exceed the crowd that this show had.
Here is what happened on the show.
Before the show officially began, the YRR came out and interrupted a segment with Becky Bayless. They claimed that they are the best in Florida. They went over to Bushwhacker Luke.
The show starts with Nigel McGuinness coming to the ring and he gets on the mic and the crowd is split between 'Let's Go Nigel' and 'F*** You Nigel' chants. Nigel welcomes Ring of Honor to Florida and then he says that nobody can take the Ring of Honor Title from him and that includes Austin Aries tomorrow night.
Match Number One: Ring of Honor World Champion Nigel McGuinness defeats Delirious in a Non-Title Match
The match starts off in typical Delirious fashion with the masked man verbally berating McGuinness, including calling him ‘Mickey Mouse’ and the fans join in. When the action goes outside the ring, Delirious returns to the ring the same way that McGuinness enters the ring and that only angered the champion more. This match went back and forth with Delirious being stopped a few times by McGuinness from hitting the Panic Attack, but he eventually connected but he could not hit Shadows Over Hell. McGuinness was able to finish off Delirious with a vicious clothesline followed by the Tower of London and the London Dungeon as Delirious taps out.
Match Number Two: The Vulture Squad of Jigsaw and Ruckus defeat the YRR of Kenny King and Sal Rinauro with Chasyn Rance
The YRR tried to get the early advantage to add to their ‘home field advantage’ by attacking the Vulture Squad as they entered the ring. This strategy worked in the opening minutes which also saw King hit a somersault plancha that took Ruckus and Jigsaw down on the floor. While the YRR work over Ruckus for a good portion of the match, the momentum clearly shifts when Jigsaw is tagged in and they work over Rinauro and they finish him off with a double stomp from Ruckus into a Jig and Tonic by Jigsaw for the three count.
Match Number Three: Austin Aries defeats Horiguchi in an ROH versus Dragon Gate Challenge Match
At the start of the match, Aries tries to work on Horiguchi’s arm while Horiguchi works on Aries’s leg. After Horiguchi misses a moonsault from the middle turnbuckle, Aries is able to work over Horiguchi including a tomahawk chop from the turnbuckles and a roaring tomahawk chop. Aries follows that with his tope on Horiguchi that whips the crowd into a frenzy. Horiguchi will not give up and he tries to get back into the match with a tornado DDT and then he hits a brainbuster after blocking a brainbuster attempt by Aries. After a number of near falls on rollups, Aries is able to finish off Horiguchi with a brainbuster and Horns of Aries.
After the match, the lights go out and Jimmy Jacobs appears on one of the scaffolds while Lacey makes her way to the ring. Lacey and Jacobs continue to offer Aries a place in the Age of the Fall. They tell Aries with the Age of the Fall behind him, Aries cannot lose the title on Saturday night against Nigel McGuinness. Aries tries to leave the ring, but Lacey tells Aries that she wants him to be part of the revolution.
Before Aries can answer, Back In Black plays and Tammy Sytch comes to the ring. She asks Austin if she remembers her from Manhattan and then she tells Aries to make it easy and join her; and that she can offer Aries more than Lacey can.
Aries says that he has been listening to everyone for the last few months and he points out that he has no problem getting the ladies. He guarantees that he will win the title from Nigel McGuinness and he leaves the ring.
Lacey tells Tammy that it took a lot of guts for her to come to the ring alone. Lacey then calls Tammy old and washed up. Tammy tells Lacey that Lacey is in this industry because Tammy paved the way for whores like her and suggested that Lacey did not have what it took to be a Diva. Jimmy Jacobs says that the Age of the Fall is about action, and then Lacey hits a DDT on Tammy.
Match Number Four: Kevin Steen and El Generico defeat Yoshino and Doi in an ROH versus Dragon Gate Challenge Match
Steen uses his size advantage in the early moments of the match but Doi and Yoshino are able to work on El Generico and keep him from making the tag to Steen. After a number of double teams moves that wear down Generico, Generico is able to hit a desperation Blue Thunder Driver after being able to grab Yoshino’s tights when he tries for a move off the ropes. Yoshino and Doi work over Generico again but Steen gets back into the match and he hits power bombs on both of his opponents. Steen and Generico appear to have the match won after a Swanton by Steen and a frog splash from Generico but Yoshino is able to kick out at two. Steen and Generico are able to get the victory after Steen hits a package piledriver and Generico hits a brainbuster on Yoshino.
It was time for Intermission.
Match Number Five: Shingo and BxB Hulk defeat The Age of the Fall of Jimmy Jacob and Tyler Black with Lacey in an ROH versus Dragon Gate Challenge Match
Black and Jacob are able to work on Hulk at the start of the match as they use the guardrails and a number of double team moves. Hulk is able to fight back and Shingo uses a number of power moves on Jacobs and Black while Hulk hits a handstand pescado from the apron onto Black. Shingo continues to toss Jacobs around like a rag doll. Black and Hulk resume the battle and Black hits an inverted superplex which he rolls through and hits an inverted suplex on Hulk but he cannot finish off Hulk. Black gets Hulk set for a Burning Hammer while Jacobs goes up top and hits a senton before Black hits the Burning Hammer. Shingo gets the three count on Black with Last Falconry.
Match Number Six: The Briscoe Brothers defeat Dragon Kid and Saito in an ROH versus Dragon Gate Challenge Match
The match starts off with Jay wanting a test of strength with Dragon Kid but Briscoe has a considerable height advantage and Dragon Kid cannot reach. The situation is fixed when Dragon Kid gets on Saito’s shoulders. The Briscoes take control of their smaller opponents and they toss Dragon Kid around the ring. All four men go suplex crazy. Jay gets Mark out of a satellite octopus with a massive kick to the head. Mark is held on the turnbuckles by Saito and Dragon Kid hits a super rana followed by a frog splash from Saito but Mark kicks out at two. Saito has Jay in a waist lock but he cannot get Jay over. Dragon Kid with a sunset flip and the momentum allows Saito to German suplex Jay into Mark, who is down in the corner. The Briscoes get the victory with a Doomsday Device on Saito.
The No Remorse Corps come to the ring for the main event, but before their opponents can come out, Larry Sweeney and Shane Hagadorn come to the ring. Sweeney introduces himself to the members of the No Remorse Corps and he tells them that he is signing the cream of the crop in Ring of Honor. He talks about how the No Remorse Corps bring a lot to the table because of the titles that they hold, but he suggests that they dissolve the No Remorse Corps and sign with Sweet and Sour. Roderick Strong says that is a great offer but he has to say no.
Match Number Seven: Go Shiozaki, CIMA, and Erick Stevens defeat the No Remorse Corps of Rocky Romero, Davey Richards, and Roderick Strong
The Orlando crowd showers Strong with chants of ‘ROD-ER-ICK’ and Strong leaves the ringside area and heads to the back but he is convinced by Richards and Romero to come back. Go and CIMA work together to try to wear down Strong; but Richards and Romero are able to take Go out of the equation on the floor. Stevens is put in the Tree of Woe and Strong sends Romero into the corner for a drop kick and then Richards charges into the corner only to stop short and flick Stevens while still in the Tree of Woe. Stevens is unable to make the tag to either of his partners as the No Remorse Corps work him over. CIMA and Go are able to control the match while Stevens recovers on the apron. The two Florida wrestlers finally get a chance to go one-on-one and it turns into a chop fest that sees Stevens get the better of Strong. Stevens tries for the Doctor Bomb but he is sent out of the ring and Richards hits a tope con hilo on Stevens while CIMA hits a tope on Strong. Romero is worked over, but he is able to kick out after Go hits a moonsault and CIMA hits a frog splash. Richards and Romero Irish whip Go into a devastating Yakuza kick from Strong but they cannot finish him off. They return the favor on Romero when Go Irish whips him into a menacing lariat from Stevens. Strong and Stevens return to exchanging chops as the crowd can feel the pain as well. CIMA gets the victory on Strong with a Cross Arm Power Bomb.
Dragon Gate Challenge 2 Thoughts:
Before I get into my thoughts on the show, I want to thank Ring of Honor for coming to Florida. This was my first live Ring of Honor show and the intensity of the fans and the experience is definitely something that has to be experienced in person. You can watch the DVDs (which are available at http://www.rohwrestling.com ) and I highly recommend if you are a fan of good professional wrestling, but being a part of it allows you to get a better understanding of why there are so many people who will travel across the country to support this product. I had met a few Ring of Honor fans at FIP shows and I got to meet a lot more at this show. It is always fun to be able to discuss wrestling with fans who appreciate similar aspects of the sport as you and that also enhances the Ring of Honor experience. The camaraderie of these fans is a positive and the energy is felt during the show. I also think the people who are involved with Full Impact Pro Wrestling deserve a lot of credit along with the Ring of Honor management for the success of this show (and I am going to go out on a limb and say that Supercard of Honor III will be a success too). They have tried to provide the fans of Florida with a product that is as close to the Ring of Honor product.
One of the biggest things that you notice when you are at a Ring of Honor show is that when it is time for the show to begin, whatever you are doing is focused on what is going to happen in the ring. As soon as the lights went out, it was as if you were in your own universe to wait for the announcement of the first match of the night.
I had only heard about the heel heat that Nigel receives from the Ring of Honor fans, and while he mentioned it in his promo at last week’s FIP shows (which are also available on DVD at http://www.rohwrestling.com ), but it was a surreal feeling. I do not want to compare it to the reaction that John Cena receives, but it seemed pretty close and a justifiable comparison.
Since the focus of tonight’s show was Dragon Gate versus Ring of Honor, I did not mind seeing the McGuinness/Delirious match open the show. I thought it was a good match that got the fans into the show.
I thought Kenny King looked impressive in the YRR versus Vulture Squad match. I think he is the next wrestler from Florida who is going to follow Roderick Strong and Erick Stevens to the next level in this company.
I don’t know what can be said about the Dragon Gate wrestlers that would do them justice. I have been fortunate enough to see Shingo and BxB Hulk in FIP and have seen some of the other guys on ROH DVDs or other shows, but to see them live is quite an experience. I am really looking forward to the annual six man tag match on Saturday. I want to apologize in advance for not giving that match any justice in my report.
I like the recruiting angle for Austin Aries. Since he left the Resilience, why not try to get one of the top talents in the company to be a part of your faction?
IIn all of the matches, there were so many crazy move combinations that I think it would make the heads of a lot of the fans who attend shows in soundstages shake them in disbelief. While I am sometimes critical of matches where finishers are discredited because they are kicked out of, I did not even consider that with this show because it was a night to showcase the athletic ability of these wrestlers.
2009 - MTV.com interviewed John Cena and they spent the whole piece talking about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, as both had ventured into acting. Cena did the usual "I love wrestling and will never leave it no matter what stuff" that he had been doing for a while. He said that the fans are hold it Johnson that he left them behind for Hollywood. Then, he finally swung for the fences when he said, "I've been trying to wrestle him. It's not that I don't think he'll accept the challenge; he truly has a full plate. I think our fans would like to see him come back to the ring. Dwayne Johnson or the Rock or whatever he wants call himself vs. John Cena. Let's say 'WrestleMania XXVI.' "
2009 - Full Impact Pro ran Crystal River, FL. Alan Wojick filed the following live report:
On Saturday March 28, 2009 World Wrestling Network presented Full Impact Pro. The event was held at the National Guard Armory, 8551 W. Venable St. in Crystal River, FL./p>
The evening began with FIP broadcast journalist Shannon Rose who brought out the FIP World Tag Team champions Roderick Strong & Erick Stevens. Strong told Stevens despite holding the titles they weren’t great friends but they had mutual respect for each other. Both men said they accepted what went down as fate and were going to be fighting champions and that brought out the British Lions, Christopher Gray & Tommy Taylor. The Lions laid out a challenge to the champions but Stevens said told them they were wrestling the YRR tonight but if they walked out champions they would defend the belts on May 2nd. Things seemed to be cooled down when ROH World champion Nigel McGuiness came out to the scene to talk to the Lions. He said he was impressed with their ring work and he saw himself in them. But he also saw them making the same mistakes he made like caring what the fans of "Crystal Meth River" had to say. McGuiness said before title match on May 2nd he wanted the Lions to earn their spot in FIP. Taylor wasn’t too keen to the put down and he asked McGuiness to defend his championship tonight. McGuiness said the fans didn’t deserve to see a title match and Taylor wouldn’t get a shot at the title but he would get a wrestling lesson. After McGuiness left it seemed like there was some tension with the Lions but Gray went to the ring for the opening contest.
(1) In a four way elimination fray, Christopher Gray of the British Lions defeated "Bad Seed" Shawn Osborne, Shawn Spears, & Francisco Ciatso.
What was supposed to be a singles match quickly turned into Spears & Gray vs. Ciatso & Osborne in and outside the ring. Spears hit Ciatso with a spinning neckbreaker but Osborne came from the floor and hit Spears with several kicks to the head and chest. Gray was on the outside trying to get in as Osborne & Ciatso kept working over Spears. As this went on Nigel McGuiness came back out to the interview area to watch. Gray finally got in the ring and laid both men out with European uppercuts. Spears tried to fight back as the double teaming continued. But on an exchange Ciatso missed and punched Osborne by mistake. When Spears got free he hit Ciatso with a Burning Hammer like move to eliminate Ciatso. Osborne tried to make peace with the remaining competitors but got punches to the head from each man. At this point McGuiness was joined by Brad Attitude at the interview area. Osborne gained some control when he hit Spears with a back suplex and a double underhook suplex for two. Spears recovered and saved Gray from a suplex but Osborne raked his eyes and Gray took advantage by eliminating Spears with a rollup. Osborne pounced on Gray with several forearm shots to the back as he tried to get up after the pinfall. Gray fought to his feet with body shots of his own but a slingshot from the ring apron was met by a shoulder spear from Osborne. It was followed by a suplex which was countered into a crucifix pinfall win for Gray.
Heartbreak Enterprises made their way out to ring area. After "Fabulous" Phil patted down Jonathon Gold "Superstar" Sean Davis came out. Davis said tonight Rhett Titus would win the Florida Heritage championship and the fans would see the first title defense from Davey Richards (Richards stole the championship from FIP World champion Tyler Black last event) Davis said due to Chris Escobar’s injury Damien Wayne would be wrestling singles tonight. They didn’t care who the opponent was and the challenge was answered by Brad Attitude.
(2) Brad Attitude defeated Damien Wayne (w/Heartbreak Enterprises)
After some feeling out Attitude took over with several chest chops and face shots that sent Wayne scrambling to the floor for some personal time. Attitude got too close to the ropes and Wayne dropped him on them throat first. But when he entered the ring Wayne got hit with a backdrop and corner splash for two. The Davis’ had concern on their face as Attitude went up top so Phil got on the apron long enough for Wayne to get up and cheap shot Attitude. Wayne went to work with a suplex for two before locking in a neck vise. Attitude fought to his feet only to be yanked back to the mat. Wayne used the referee as a screen so the Davis’ could beat down Attitude on the ring apron. The neck trauma increased with each shot laid in by Wayne but Attitude wouldn’t be pinned. He was able to avoid a top rope leg drop and take over on Wayne with punches and clotheslines. Attitude hit a slingshot senton for two and then hit Wayne with what looked like an Attitude Adjustor. After the match the fans rejoiced as the Davis’ threw a temper tantrum.
(3) The match between 2 Fast 2 Furious (Nooie Lee & Jerrelle Clark) vs. The Set (J-Sin & Lance Lude) ended in a no contest.
Both teams tried to establish control with high energy offense until Sin tagged in and went to a power game. But Lee & Clark succeeded in keeping him guessing what was next. That as until Lee got caught in the middle of a huricurana and got dropped on his neck and back. This allowed the Set to use some interesting double team moves on Lee who fought back as the fans and Clark shouted encouragement. Lee was able to tag in Clark who got caught an octopus like move. He freed himself with a half nelson suplex that caused Lude to land on his chest. The match went to the floor but came back Lee ended up back in the ring. Clark came back in for a double team move but it quickly turned into a fight with Lee hitting a frogsplash and Clark hitting a one and a half flip onto Sin. Just when it looked like both teams were on the edge of victory the Dark City Fight Club came out and took out both teams with devastating moves. Kory Chavis said they wanted to go through each team in the locker room on the way to the championship belts. An open challenge was issued on the spot to anyone in the locker room as Chavis stated "we’re not going anywhere." The challenge was answered by Bumz’ R Us.
(4) Dark City Fight Club (Jon Davis & Kory Chavis w/Leva) defeated Bumz R’ Us (Ray Beez & Milo Beasley).
This was under anything goes rules and anything went in the ring to be used as weapons. Beginning with trash cans the Bumz brought to ringside. Chavis got his head placed in a can and Ray Beez kicked him as hard as he could. Beasley followed Chavis to the floor with a senton. Davis got to his feet and joined the fight taking it into the crowd where chairs were readily accessible. The guard rails were next to be used as Beez’ back met them out of control thanks to Chavis. Beasley made his way back to the ring to attack Chavis with an airplane spin and it allowed Beez to hit a discus clothesline. Davis finally joined the match again stopping Beez from a top rope move as he launched Beez into a ringside table. Chavis snapped and took his anger out on Beasley with wild punches. With nothing else to prove, DCFC finished off Beasley with Project Mayhem.
(5) "Addicted to Love" Rhett Titus (w/Heartbreak Enterprises) became FIP Florida Heritage champion when he defeated Chris Jones.
After guaranteeing a title change, Sean Davis told Titus and the fans since Baby Doll couldn’t be here he had surprise motivator for Titus in the form of $o Cal Val! The men in the ring nearly melted to it as Val laid a kiss on Titus and strutted around the ring. Jones didn’t seem too impressed by his opponent or the entourage around him. Once the bell rang Titus’ head games began gyrating his crotch into the back of the champion. Jones fought back with wrestling holds as the Davis’ & Val talked among themselves at ringside. Jones did some gyrating of his own when he kicked Titus in the crotch. Titus bailed to the floor and Jones followed with a baseball slide but got caught in the ring apron. So he dropped down under the ring as the Davis’ and Titus looked for him. When Jones came out of hiding he hit Titus with a tope’ but his return to the ring was stopped when Titus avoided a slingshot dropkick. Titus went to work on the champion’s neck with dropkicks and forearm shots. Jones fought back but his wheel barrel move was countered into a sitout powerbomb for two. Titus went for the win with a neck vise submission but Jones fought to his feet only to be hit with a spinning neckbreaker for two. Jones fought back with forearm shots and a kick to the head followed by a tornado DDT. Both men struggled to their feet and it was Jones who hit Titus with punches and chops. Jones hit a spring board missile dropkick and delivered punches in the corner and a standing flip for two. Titus fought back but got hit with Sliced Bread #2 for two. Jones went up top as Phil Davis got on the ring apron to stop him. Davis got decked but when Jones turned around he got Val’s hairspray right in his face. With the champion blinded Titus got the pinfall with the Muff Driver.
Ring announcer Jonathon Gold brought out former TNA superstar "Wildcat" Chris Harris who said Braden Walker was dead. He said FIP was the first stop on his comeback tour to greatness and he wasn’t done wrestling despite what some people thought. Harris said he remembers Chris Hero’s early matches and tonight a Hero would be falling. This brought out Hero who was also making his FIP debut. Hero said he was sent to FIP by his agent "Sweet N’ Sour" Larry Sweeney to rule the ring. Hero said it was true he had known Harris for ten years and wondered if he would be facing Chris Harris or Braden Walker in the next few moments.
(6) In a first time ever matchup, "That Young Knockout Kid" Chris Hero defeated "Wildcat" Chris Harris.
Hero quickly found out that Harris wasn’t a push over when Harris didn’t go down on two shoulder blocks. Hero did go down to an inverted atomic drop and a Thesz Press which sent Hero to the floor. Harris followed out and tossed Hero into the crowd and several chairs. Once back in the ring Harris went for a backdrop but Hero dropped an elbow and sent Harris to the floor. Hero followed with a boot to the face and punches to the head. The battle came back to the ring where Hero kept on the attack with punches, kicks and chokes. Hero hit a senton for two and locked in a chinlock as he verbally taunted Harris. Harris fought to his feet but got hit with a dropkick for two. Harris began to taunt Hero begging him to knock him out. All it did was let Harris get his wind back and hit a clothesline, backdrop and STO for two. Hero fired back with a blockbuster for two. Harris went for a move but got tagged with a punch to the jaw but kicked out of the pin. Harris hit a spinebuster as Phil Davis came out to the ring leaving something in the corner. Harris was getting ready for the Catatonic. Whatever it was Davis left, Hero picked it up as Harris went to confront Davis. When Harris came back to Hero his Catatonic was countered and Hero used the apparently loaded elbow pad to get the knockout pin. Davis and Hero left together, could this mean Hero has new management?
(7) In a non-title match, ROH World Heavyweight champion Nigel McGuiness defeated Tommy Taylor of the British Lions.
Taylor took McGuiness off his feet with a single leg but when the pressure was placed on the leg the action went to the ropes where a break occurred. McGuiness went to work on the left arm but Taylor countered only to be countered back to the mat. McGuiness sped things up but when he came off the ropes Taylor slammed him down and took over on the left arm. McGuiness tried to counter out and succeeded taking Taylor down into a headlock. Taylor countered into a hammerlock but McGuiness got the bottom rope in his free hand causing a break once more. Taylor went right back to the arm but McGuiness got in an elbow to the jaw and punches to the gut. This made Taylor fight back with forearms but McGuiness got a kick to the back. McGuiness tried to remove Taylor’s left arm at the shoulder socket with several moves but he couldn’t get the pin or submission. Taylor tried for a sunset flip but McGuiness grabbed the left wrist and torqued it against the grain. Christopher Gray made his way out to ringside to cheer his partner on and it worked as Taylor got on the attack with several moves getting near falls. McGuiness double legged Taylor to the mat with both legs on the ropes but Taylor kicked out. McGuiness’ top rope move resulted in Taylor slamming him off to the mat below. Taylor went up top but McGuiness cut him off and dragged him down. Taylor fought off McGuiness hitting a Perfect Plex for two. Taylor went up again but McGuiness grabbed the referee long enough to make Taylor stop. When McGuiness realized his plan worked, he took Taylor off the top with a Stunner as Taylor’s feet were draped on the top rope. After the match Gray told Taylor he should shake hands with McGuiness and reluctantly he agreed to do so.
Heartbreak Enterprises came out to the interview area to introduce their FIP World Heavyweight champion Davey Richards as Sean Davis declared the real champion Tyler Black’s career dead on arrival.
(8) In a Challenge Match, Davey Richards defeated TJ Perkins.
Perkins didn’t seem intimidated and went right after Richards with a legsweep into a headlock. Richards got to his feet so Perkins hit him with several armdrags into a headlock. Richards got to the corner and delivered body shot but got hiptossed to the mat where Perkins got an armbar. Richards got his foot on the rope to cause a break and slowed things down trying to get Perkins to shake hands and kissing his foot. When Richards went to kiss, Perkins kicked him in the mouth and took him down to the mat again. Richards went to dump Perkins to the floor but Perkins caught the ropes and hung on daring Richards to spear him. Richards went for it and hit only air followed by the floor where Perkins met him with a tope’. When the action came back to the ring Richards got hit with a handstand head scissor and a dropkick to the back. The two men went to the ropes and the action stopped when Richards hit Perkins with a spinning heel kick. Richards went to work using his strength advantage trying to damage Perkins left shoulder. Richards went up top and came off with a flying head butt for two and quickly countered into an armbreaker submission but Perkins got to the ropes so Richards hit him with several kicks to the chest. Perkins fought back with a neckbreaker but couldn’t follow with a pin attempt. Both men fought to their feet where Perkins was the aggressor with several moves including a Perfect Plex for two. Perkins hit a missile dropkick to Richards’ face for two and his suplex was countered. Richards went for the Kimura but Perkins countered into a Figure Four Deathlock. Richards refused to quit and grabbed the ropes for the break but Perkins refused to back off hitting more body shots. Richards fought off Perkins and he hit a tombstone piledriver before locking in the Kimura. After the submission victory Sean Davis told Richards to lock the hold back in even as the referee threatened fines and suspension. Announcer Jonathon Gold told the fans and Richards he just received a memo from the FIP Championship Committee that Tyler Black had received medical clearance and on May 2nd he would defend the championship against #1 contender Davey Richards. This made Sean Davis throw a tantrum big enough to cause his face and body to turn beet red.
The YRR made their way to the ring with their new advisor Mr. Saint Laurent who said he was invoking the YRR’s championship rematch clause tonight.
(9) FIP Tag Team champions Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong defeated The YRR (Sal Rinauro & Chasyn "Not Cocky" Rance w/ Mr. Saint Laurent)
Strong and Rinauro began the bout for their teams and Strong was the aggressor taking Rinauro down to the mat. Rinauro got to the ropes and slid out for a quick confab with his partners before coming back into face Strong. Rinauro got a low kick to the gut and a side headlock takeover to his corner’s satisfaction but Strong countered into a front facelock. Rinauro countered into head scissors but Strong got out hitting a leg lariat for two and tagged in Stevens who went to work. Rinauro got away with a bite to the forehead of Stevens and tagged in Rance who was leveled by Stevens’ forearm before being locked in a submission hold. Stevens let the hold go and was backed to a corner but Rance did it to the wrong one and Strong tagged back in. The YRR was able to get Strong away from his corner and went to work. But Strong got free and tagged Stevens back in. Stevens had control until Rinauro raked his eyes on the ropes. Rance joined in with a choke on the ropes as Rinauro taunted Stevens. The YRR isolated Stevens and made tags wearing him down but Stevens got free and tagged out to Strong who went to work on both men. Things broke down as all four men got involved before Rance caught Strong with a low blow as Rinauro dumped Stevens off the top rope to the floor where he remained for several minutes. This allowed the YRR to take control once more for several minutes bending the rules as far as they could possibly go. Strong fought back defeat and was able to finally tag in Stevens who got to his corner despite his pain ravaged body telling him to stop. With Strong on the floor recovering, Stevens took on the YRR and nearly getting the win on his own. But Rinauro hit a superkick for two just as Strong got back in the ring to save Stevens. All four men fought in the ring and had several near falls. The YRR went to end Stevens but Strong stopped Rance’s top rope move sending him into Stevens’ clothesline. In the end Rinauro fell to a double team move as Stevens held him while Strong hit a running kick to the head.
2009 - Northeast Wrestling ran their annual Wrestlefest event in Bristol, CT. Tyrell Vance filed the following live report:
I attended Wrestlefest XIII in Bristol, CT. I got there early because of the fact that Ric Flair would be there and it was a good thing too. By 3:30 pm there were already two decent sized lines forming. NEW had set up a VIP ticket that allowed fans a chance to get in at 5 pm instead of the normal 5:30 opening for the event. I had a VIP ticket and was one of the first to get inside to meet Flair.
When the doors opened we had our tickets and pass check and went down to see Flair. The staff would let 15 groups in at a time (the one VIP ticket got everyone in your party 1 picture). NEW also gave out event posters so that if you had your own camera you could still have something he could sign. The 15 groups would take their pictures and then he would sit down and sign the items you had. If you didn't take a picture with your own camera, you got a digital picture printed and a hall of fame cover for it. The only issue that came was after that you still had to wait till 5:30 for the rest of the meet and greet. People that were signing were Kevin Nash, Jimmy Hart, Velvet Sky, Paul London, Romeo Roselli and even Reid Flair. Along with that a lot of the NEW wrestlers like Brian Anthony, Amber, Jason Blade, Ron Zombie, the retiring Kurt Adonis, Jalil Salaam and "Maniac" Michael Sane.
The actual show started about 10 or 15 minutes after the 7:30 start but I did notice by 7:20 if not sooner it seems as if the line was pretty much gone. The show started with the Platinum poppa Rob Eckos taking on Frankie Arion. It was a good opener with a lot Eckos stealing the win by blocking the victory roll and grabbing the ropes.
After that was Amber versus velvet sky this match was very underwhelming as it seems like they never clicked in the ring. There were a number of awkward moments including the finish where Sky was sent to the turnbuckle, Amber charged and when Sky went for the handspring Sky came down on here. Sky won with the lung blower.
After that we had Jalil Salaam versus Ron Zombie which was nothing but a brawl. Zombie was going after Salaam and Salaam was doing anything to get away which lead to a double count out. after that out came Jimmy Hart to introduce Brian Anthony and it lead to the next match; Purity Kurt Adonis versus Brian Anthony w/ Jimmy Hart this was Kurt’s retirement match and as he said the night before at his retirement dinner he will do anything to entertain the crowd whether he won or lost that didn't matter. On this night he ended on his back as he lost to Anthony via the Piper/Hart Wrestlemania 8 finish. Kurt then got attacked with the megaphone by Anthony.
They announced the card for their May 2nd show then kept the action coming with a great match between Eddie Edwards versus Paul London Paul came out in a NASA outfit and 3d sunglasses and at one point tickled Edwards on a rope break. They were flying all over the place with fast pace action ending with Paul getting the win with a shooting star press. After the match Paul shake hands with almost every ringside fan and sent us into intermission with an army crawl from one side of the ring to another and the a roll out of it.
We came back with a six man match between Nash, Reid Flair, Charlie Dreamer versus "Maniac" Michael Sane, Chris King 1? And the man scout this was setup to give Reid the stage to work. There were people chanting at Nash not to get injured to which he replied don’t worry I won’t and that he only gets hurt when he’s healthy. You could clearly see Ric peaking thru the curtain to watch. A good deal of comedy until Reid hit the figure 4 for the win. We then had our main event match; NEW champion Jason Blade versus Romeo Roselli. This was a short but decent match with Jason getting the win with a super kick and a frog splash. Afterwards Eddie Edwards came out and beat down Jason and tombstone him on the belt.
To end the night we had Ric Flair come and talks about how he appreciates coming back and said that promoter Mike O’Brien thinks that Piper is the bigger star, which gets boos. Flair said that is why he gets the big bucks and told the story of how Piper got sent out of TBS because no one could match his wit. Out comes Jimmy Hart with Brian Anthony and he talks about how Flair is a legend and all but got beat down by Chris Jericho. He said even Brian could beat Jericho, to which Brian cracks Ric in the face. Off comes the jacket and here comes a beat down from Ric to Brian. Ric then invites Jimmy in the ring. Jimmy is slow to do so Reid comes out to help Jimmy get in the Ric. Ric does the Figure 4 on Jimmy and the crowd goes home happy.
Overall it was a great show that saw only one match not geling well and another match that seemed to be more about comedy then anything. London and Edwards stole the show, no doubt. Ron Zombie and Paul London came back out to sign and take pictures. Paul stayed as long as he could after the show to talk to fans… even when his ride was telling him " we have to go".
2010 - WWE held Wrestlemania 26, featuring the final match in the career of Shawn Michaels. Here is the original report on the show:
The show opened with a flyover, and Fantasia singing "America The Beautiful." We then had a really cool opening video, spotlighting different matches on the card and ending with The Undertaker.
Michael Cole welcomed us to the show, and said there were more then 70,000 fans in attendance. Cole, Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker will be the announce team for the show. The Spanish announcers, Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich are back at ringside for the show.
WWE Unified Tag Team Champions Miz & Big Show vs. R-Truth & John Morrison.
R-Truth did his full entrance, then Morrison did his, while Big Show and The Miz entered together. They closed the roof again, so I guess they just opened it for the flyover.
Morrison and Miz started off, with Miz hitting a back elbow, but Morrison catching him with a dropkick for a two count. Morrison slammed Miz and tagged in Truth. Morrison legdropped Miz on the mat, while Truth followed with a top rope legdrop for two. Truth hit a side kick, and Miz tagged out to Big Show. Truth went for a bodyblock, but Show caught it and hit a fallaway slam. Show hit a shot to the body, then shoved Morrison off the apron. Show chopped Truth to the mat, then went to the second rope, but Morrison got back on the apron and kicked Show in the head. Show crashed to the mat, then crawled over to tag Miz. Morrison tagged in and hit Miz with a kick and a flapjack. Miz went for a sunset flip, but Morrison rolled through it and hit a running knee to the head. Morrison went for Starship Pain, but Show pulled Miz out of the way and to the floor. Morrison crashed to the mat.
R-Truth went for a pescado, but Show caught it and rammed him into the ringpost. In the ring, Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale on Morrison, but Morrison blocked it and and rolled up Miz for a two count. Big Show made a blind tag off of Miz. Morrison, not knowing it happened, ducked a Miz clothesline and went for the Flying Chuck kick. As Morrison jumped on the ropes, Big Show caught him with a right hand from the apron. Big Show got in the ring and pinned Morrison at the four minute mark.
Winners: Big Show & The Miz.
A video package on the different events that have taken place this weekend in Arizona was shown including the golf tournament, art auction, Axxess, and the reading challenge.
Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Ted DiBiase in a Triple Threat match.
Ted DiBiase entered first, then Cody Rhodes, then Randy Orton. Rhodes and DiBiase stood together while Orton was making his way to the ring, discussing strategy.
DiBiase and Rhodes tried to corner Orton, who tried to keep his space while throwing a forearm at DiBiase and a kick at Rhodes. Orton went in and out of the ring, getting Cody to follow. Orton hit DiBiase with a clothesline, then knocked Rhodes out of the ring as he got in. Orton kicked DiBiase, then dropkicked Rhodes. DiBiase caught Orton with a dropkick, and then the double team began with Rhodes and DiBiase stomping Orton down. Rhodes and DiBiase trash talked Orton, then took turns holding him with the other punched him. Orton tried to fight back, but was given a double vertical suplex.
DiBiase and Rhodes taunted Orton, then kicked him down in a corner. They whipped Orton into a corner, and Orton came out swinging, until DiBiase nailed him with a clothesline. DiBiase hit Orton with another clothesline while Rhodes clipped Orton' leg. Rhodes gave Orton a kneedrop, then went to climb the ropes. While he did that, DiBiase tried to make a cover. Rhodes broke it up, and the two argued. Rhodes threw DiBiase out of the ring and hit the Alabama Slam. Rhodes covered, and DiBiase broke it up. They argued, and DiBiase slugged Rhodes. Rhodes responded by tackling DiBiase, and they rolled to the floor and brawled.
Rhodes and DiBiase rolled back in and kept punching. They two realized Orton was getting up, so they stopped fighting and charged him. Orton backdropped DiBiase, slugged Rhodes, then gave DiBiase and Rhodes each a powerslam. DiBiase rolled out of the ring, and Orton gave Rhodes a side backbreaker. The fans chanted for an "RKO" and Orton measured Rhodes for it, but DiBiase pulled him out of the ring. DiBiase and Orton slugged it out on the floor, and Rhodes went for a pescado. Orton moved, and Rhodes landed on DiBiase.
Orton rolled back into the ring, and DiBiase got on the apron. Orton kicked him and grabbed his head. Rhodes got on the apron as well, and Orton kicked him. Orton grabbed Rhodes and DiBiase and hit a double elevated DDT with both men hanging off the ropes. Orton kicked DiBiase out of the ring, and began measuring Rhodes for an RKO. Orton then changed his mind, and instead lined up for a punt. Orton punted Rhodes in the head. DiBiase got in the ring, grabbed Orton from behind and went for Dream Street. Orton armdragged out of it, hit DiBiase with the RKO and got the pin on DiBiase at the nine minute mark.
Winner: Randy Orton.
They aired a "Don't try this at home" promo.
Backstage, Josh Mathews interviewed Vickie Guerrero, who was accompanied by her partners. Josh gave her a grandiose introduction, then asked her "Is that what you wanted?" Vickie talked about it being her first Wrestlemania match, and how she would create a moment in history that would last forever. She then brought in Jillian Hall, who sang "Simply The Best" which only Vickie seemed to enjoy. Team Guerrero left, and Santino Marella walked in. Santino plugged Slim Jim, and said "Anything is possible when you bite into a Slim Jim" and he bit into one. Jillian "transformed" into Mae Young, who kissed Santino. Santino bit again, and Mae turned into Mean Gene Okerlund... in a dress. Santino bit one more time, and Gene turned into Melina. Melina said "Well, anything is possible" and walked off with Santino.
Money In The Bank with Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kane vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Jack Swagger vs. MVP vs. Evan Bourne vs. Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston.
Order of entry was Kofi Kingston, MVP, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Kane and finally Christian. I'll do my best to cover the big spots here, obviously, there will be a lot going on. There were some huge ladders (in terms of width, not just height) in the aisle.
Everyone started brawling at the bell, with a lot of the combatants going to the floor almost immediately. McIntyre was left alone in the ring, and as MVP tried to get a ladder in, McIntyre grabbed it and began climbing. Matt Hardy stopped him, and along with Hardy and Bourne, knocked him out of the ring. There was a race up the ladder, with several people trying to race up it. Evan Bourne almost reached the case, but Kane pulled him down and tossed him from the ring onto Benjamin. Hardy and Swagger climbed the ladder, but Kofi toppled it and sent them down. Christian threw a ladder at Hardy and Swagger in a corner, then monkey flipped Kofi into the ladder.
Christian climbed a ladder, but Ziggler pulled him off with a Zig Zag. Ziggler climbed a ladder, but MVP pulled him down. MVP then climbed, but Kane stopped him and was setting for a chokeslam. Benjamin and Kofi hit Kane with ladders. MVP, Kofi and Benjamin worked on Kane, but Kane powerbombed Kofi into a ladder. MVP kicked Kane from the ring. Benjamin gave MVP Paydirt. Shelton gave McIntyre a baseball slide kick as he tried to bring another ladder in the ring. Shelton climbed a ladder, but Swagger used another ladder to knock him down. Swagger used a ladder to knock several people off the apron, until Bourne came off the top rope with a flying knee on Swagger.
Bourne and Swagger fought under a ladder, while Matt Hardy and Christian got more ladders. Swagger got sandwiched between ladders by Christian and Hardy. Christian and Hardy bridged two ladders on the one that was standing and climbed up, where Bourne joined them. Matt was knocked off, then Bourne kicked Christian off. Bourne gave Christian Air Bourne off the ladder. Bourne climbed up, but Matt met hum at the top, Matt gave Bourne a hip toss off the top of the ladder. Swagger climbed up and shoved Hardy off the ladder onto the remaining ladder that was still bridged to the one that was set up.
MVP and Benjamin cleared out the excess ladders, and both climbed the standing ladder. Benjamin knocked MVP to the mat, but MVP got up and grabbed Benjamin for a powerbomb. Benjamin turned it into a rana, and both men fell to the floor. Kane wiped out MVP and Benjamin with a ladder on the floor. Kane got in the ring and began climbing. Dolph jumped in the ring and climbed over Kane to get ahead of him on the ladder. Kane toppled the ladder to knock Dolph down, then threw a ladder at him, but Ziggler ducked it. Kane punched Ziggler, then chokeslammed him on the ladder that Kofi was bringing in the ring. Kane put Ziggler between the halves of a ladder and repeatedly slammed it closed on him. Kane tore the ladder in half, but Kofi kicked him and sent him from the ring. Kofi took the broken ladder, and used it like stilts to walk to the center of the ring. Great spot. Kofi began climbing the halves, but McIntyre broke it up and sent Kofi from the ring.
McIntyre grabbed a new ladder and climbed up. Hardy got in and the two of them slugged it out near the top of the ladder. McIntyre knocked him off, but Matt toppled the ladder and McIntyre got crotched on the top rope and fell to the floor. Matt climbed the ladder, but Kane came in with another ladder. Matt kept kicked Kane back into the corner. Christian got in, and rode one ladder out of the corner to land next to Hardy. Christian and Hardy were now on top of two ladders, fighting it out. Kane climbed up, but Hardy and Christian knocked him down. Hardy teased a Twist Of Fate on Christian off the ladder, but Christian blocked it and gave Hardy a reverse DDT off the ladder. Christian climbed the two ladders, with Jack Swagger toppling one of them, then climbing up the other to stop Christian. Jack Swagger used the hanging briefcase to hit Christian and knocked Christian off the ladder. Swagger, with a great deal of difficulty, unhooked the briefcase for the win at the 14-minute mark.
Winner: Jack Swagger.
Jerry Lawler noted that recently Swagger said if he won Money In The Bank, he might cash it in right here at Wrestlemania.
A video package on last night's Hall Of Fame ceremony was shown. Howard Finkel was then shown in the ring, and introduced the Hall Of Fame Class of 2010, who all came out on the stage. Stu Hart was represented by the Hart family, minus Bret. Mad Dog Vachon mugged from his wheelchair, like he used to in his interviews. He was accompanied by one Bella Twin, while the other escorted Gorgeous George's ex-wife, Betty Wagner. Ted DiBiase was introduced last, to the biggest reaction.
A video package on the events leading to Triple H vs. Sheamus was shown. When recapping Triple H's promo on Raw about how he was crushed at his first Wrestlemania, they showed clips of the Ultimate Warrior squashing him, followed by clips of Triple H's subsequent Wrestlemania matches.
Triple H vs. Sheamus.
The announcers focused on this being Sheamus' first Wrestlemania during his entrance. Triple H's entrance included a barrage of green laser lights. They opened the roof for Triple H's entrance, as he had pyro going off from the top of the lighting grid into the sky.
They locked up at the bell, and Sheamus shoved Triple H in the corner and yelled "I'm the future" at Triple H. They locked up again, and Triple H slapped Sheamus in a corner. Triple H hit some right hands, then teased a Pedigree, but Sheamus crawled away quickly. Triple H gestured that he almost had Sheamus. Triple H hit a clothesline and a vertical suplex, then did a crotch chop before hitting a kneedrop. Sheamus rolled from the ring, and Triple H followed, ramming him into the security wall. Back in the ring, Triple H hit a chop block, then applied a figure four leglock, while the fans yelled "Whoo!" and Michael Cole mentioned Ric Flair being Triple H's mentor. Sheamus made the ropes for a break, then rolled to the floor.
Triple H went after him, and Sheamus managed to shove Triple H into the ringsteps. Sheamus stretched out his leg, then went back after Triple H, ramming him into the security wall. Back in the ring, Triple H threw a right hand, but Sheamus took it and came back with a uranage into a backbreaker. Sheamus hit a second, then delivered a series of knees and kicks in the corner to a downed Triple H. They slugged it out a bit, then Sheamus hit a double ax handle for a two count. Sheamus delivered a knee to the back and an elbow to the head, then punched Triple H on the mat and got a two count. Sheamus applied a crossface, and drove his knee into Triple H's back. Sheamus hit an over-the-shoulder powerslam for a two count, then went into an armbar.
Triple H got to his feet as Sheamus switched to a chinlock. Triple H used a back suplex to escape, then booted Sheamus in the face twice as the latter charged at him. Sheamus went for a slam, but Triple H floated over and hit a DDT. They traded punches, with the crowd cheering for HHH's punches. Triple H went for a backdrop, but Sheamus kicked it away. Triple H responded with a jumping knee and a facebuster on the knee for a two count. Triple H went for a Pedigree, but Sheamus tripped him. Triple H kicked Sheamus away, and Sheamus slammed into a corner. Triple H hit a reverse neckbreaker, then set up for a superplex. Sheamus slid under it and went to pull Triple H off into a crucifix bomb. Triple H slid out of it. Sheamus went for a pump kick, but Triple H ducked it. Triple H went for a Pedigree, but Sheamus backdropped out of it. Sheamus hit the pump kick, but Triple H kicked out at two.
There was a chant for Triple H. Sheamus went for a powerbomb, but Triple H fought out of it and hit a spinebuster for a near fall. Both men were slow to get up, and Sheamus went to the ring apron. Sheamus punched Triple H as he went after him, and hit the pump kick while standing on the apron. Sheamus collapsed into the ring, and was slow to get up. Instead of going for a cover, Sheamus lifted up Triple H, who was dead weight. Sheamus struggled, and as he pulled Triple H up, Triple H suddenly grabbed Sheamus and hit the Pedigree for the pin at the 12-minute mark. Triple H was playing possum.
Winner: Triple H.