This Day in History - 27th April, 2013

[LG]

April 27th

On this day in history in ....

1957 - The first ever tag team match involving women in the United States was held in St. Louis, Missouri with June Byers & China Mira vs. Penny Banner & Bonnie Watson.

1962 - Dick Beyer wrestles as the masked Destroyer for the first time and defeats Seymour Koenig in San Diego, California.

1981 - Tommy Rich defeats Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Title in Augusta, Georgia. This ended Race's fifth title reign. Harley would win back the belt four days later.

1987 - Austin Idol defeats Jerry Lawler to win the Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee in what is arguably one of the most famous matches in Memphis Wrestling history. The match was a steel cage bout, with a cage that covered the floor and ringside area. Austin Idol and manager Paul E. Dangerously had promised to refund the money of every fan in the Mid South Coliseum if Idol lost the match. Lawler, in addition to the Southern Heavyweight Title, also put his hair on the line. The finish saw Tommy Rich (who flew into Memphis from Japan that morning and hid under the ring all day with a six-pack of beer and an air mattress) come up from under the ring after a ref bump and help Idol win the match. Lawler had his hair cut to a crew cut length, while fans were literally grabbing and shaking the cage in anger. This match ended Lawler's 36th Southern Title reign after only a week, and began Idol's 3rd title reign. The Lawler vs. Idol & Rich feud would continue for several months, ending with Lawler & Bill Dundee defeating Idol & Rich in a Scaffold match.

1992 - Barry Windham defeats Steve Austin for the WCW Television Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

1992 - Brian Christopher defeats Tom Pritchard in a rematch for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title. The title was held up on April 20th after a match against Tom Pritchard in Memphis, Tennessee.

1997 - Jerry Lawler defeats King Reginald (Reggie B. Fine) for the USWA Unified Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, starting Lawler's 27th and final run with that particular title.

2000 - The Prototype defeats Smelly in San Diego, California to win the Ultimate Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. Prototype is now known as John Cena in WWE.

2003 - WWE held their Backlash PPV in Worcester, MA, the only in-ring meeting of The Rock and Bill Goldberg. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:

Mike Johnson, live at Backlash, called in to inform me that WWE is handing our four different surveys to fans as they enter the building for the show. On one of the surveys, they ask fans whether or not they would be willing to buy "Raw-Only" and "Smackdown-Only" Pay-per-view events. Another survey asked fans their opinions on Wrestlemania this year. Mike will have more on the surveys here on the site tomorrow.
Welcome to our coverage of Backlash. Here is a brief Heat recap:

- Jonathan Coachman hosted with Jerry Lawler, since Lita was fired last week on Raw. They recapped Eric Bischoff firing her last week. Lawler and Coachman will handle the Raw matches on the PPV as well, while Michael Cole and Tazz will handle the Smackdown matches.

- They recapped the return of Kevin Nash, and the events leading to the six-man tag match with Nash, Shawn Michaels & Booker T taking on Triple H, Ric Flair, & Chris Jericho.

- Trish Stratus was being checked out by a trainer. Eric Bischoff came in, and Trish said she was fine. The trainer took Eric to the side and said that she should not wrestle due to injuries suffered at the hands of Jazz. Eric said she better wrestle tonight. Trish insisted she was fine, but was favoring her ribs.

- As a change of pace, they had Tazz and Michael Cole preview the Smackdown matches, while Coachman and Lawler previewed the Raw matches.

- They re-aired the Goldberg piece from last night's Confidential. Coachman said Goldberg received a concussion from Rock's chairshots on Raw last week, but that he would wrestle tonight.

- A vignette on Rene Dupree and Sylvan Grenier aired.

- Rey Mysterio knocking down Big Show this past week on Smackdown was recapped.

- A video package on Terri, Stacy Keibler, Test, and Bill Goldberg visiting some troops aired, although the audio was cut out in the beginning.

- Backstage, D-Von and Bubba Ray Dudley were not getting along, with Bubba apologizing for beating up Spike last week and saying that there was "light at the end of the tunnel" if they played ball with the Bischoff administration and win the championship tonight. D-Von said he was not going to be a puppet, and that they should just let Bischoff fire them, so they can go to Stephanie McMahon and get signed to Smackdown. Chief Morley entered, and said he was going to be the referee tonight, to make sure the tag titles came back to the Bischoff administration. Bubba thanked Morley and shook his hand, while D-Von walked off in disgust.

- A "Mr. America" vignette aired. He will debut this Thursday at Smackdown.

- The events leading to John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar aired. Brock Lesnar, with a bandage on his head, was shown arriving at the building.

- They recapped Rikishi vs. Roddy Piper from Smackdown.

- Josh Matthews interviewed Team Angle, who dedicated their match tonight to Kurt Angle. They even had a giant framed poster of Angle, complete with medals hanging off it.

- Lilian Garcia interviewed The Rock, who had Lilian feel his muscles. Rock said his match with Goldberg was bigger than his muscles. Rock seemed totally confident and was joking around.

- Carlos Cabrera and Hugo Savinovich welcomed all the Spanish speaking fans out there.

- Scott Steiner defeated Rico with a reverse DDT in the only match of the show.

- The events leading to Rock vs. Goldberg were recapped.

- Goldberg was shown arriving to end the show.

Backlash began with a video opening concentrating on the Goldberg-Rock match.

The respective announce teams for the two brands welcomed fans to the show.

The first match of the night saw Team Angle, Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin, defend the WWE Tag Team Championship against Eddie & Chavo Guerrero. Team Angle came out with the huge framed poster of Kurt Angle, but the easel they had was broken, so they just held the portrait, until it could be fixed. Charlie started off with Eddie. They exchanged holds, with neither getting much of an advantage. Guerrero went for some quick covers after a shoulderblock, a snap mare, and with a small package, but only got two counts. The fans chanted "Eddie". Eddie got them to chant "Chavo" and tagged him in. Haas feigned locking up, but instead tagged Benjamin. Chavo and Benjamin exchanged armbars and quick covers. Chavo went after the arm of Benjamin, and tagged in Eddie, who hit a springboard forearm to the corner, worked over the arm, then tagged in Chavo, who hit a double axhandle on the arm and applied a short arm scissor. Benjamin reversed a whip and Haas kicked Chavo from the apron, allowing Benjamin to hit a slam and clothesline. Benjamin went into the ropes, and Eddie kicked him from the apron. Eddie came in without a tag, while Haas distracted the referee by trying to come in. Eddie and Chavo did another "phantom tag" after teasing Haas to come in. Eddie pounded Benjamin on the floor. Chavo hit a back suplex in the ring for a two count. Chavo slammed Benjamin, and Eddie hit a slingshot somersault senton backsplash for a two count. Eddie hit some forearms and a back suplex. Benjamin tagged Haas, who backdropped Eddie and hit a series of forearms before kicking him in his corner. Benjamin used the tag ropes to choke Eddie, then came in without a tag and hit a snap suplex on Eddie for a two count. Haas rammed Eddie back first into the ring apron on the floor. Benjamin put Eddie in a camel clutch, then covered Eddie for a two count. Haas held Eddie chest first across the top rope, while Benjamin leapfrogged him and straddled Eddie's back. Haas hit an elbowdrop and applied a rear chinlock. Eddie broke out with a backdrop driver. Eddie dove for a tag, but Haas caught him and hit a spinebuster. Chavo broke up the cover at two, but Benjamin snuck in without a tag and applied a rear chinlock on Guerrero. Eddie broke out with a chinbuster and went for a tag, but Benjamin hooked a leg lace to stop him. Eddie went for a whip, but Shelton hit a short arm powerslam for a two count. Benjamin applied a reverse chinlock and pulled Eddie to the mat for a two count. Benjamin drove a knee into Eddie's back and tagged Haas in, who hit a backbreaker and pressed down on Eddie's chin to further bend his back. Eddie used a knee to the head to break free, and turned a side slam attempt into a headscissors. Eddie got the hot tag to Chavo, who cleaned house with clotheslines, dropkicks and a backdrop on Haas. Haas and Benjamin collided, and Chavo hit a snap suplex on Haas for a two count. Benjamin ran in and powerbombed Chavo. Eddie hit a top rope dropkick on Benjamin. Eddie hit three brainbusters in a row on Haas. Eddie was ordered out of the ring, and Chavo crawled across the ring onto Haas, but only got a two count. Chavo punched Benjamin off the apron, then dropkicked out of a Haas flapjack attempt. Eddie gave Haas a frog splash. Eddie was ordered out of the ring again. Chavo went for the cover, but Benjamin dragged him off of Haas. Eddie went after Shelton on the floor, and Benjamin rammed him into the ring steps. Chavo went for a back suplex on Haas, but Benjamin tripped him from the floor. Chavo fell down with Haas on top of him, and Benjamin hooked Chavo's legs from the floor, allowing Haas to get the pin. Team Angle retain the championship at the fifteen minute mark. After the match, Eddie tossed Chavo from the ring into a plancha on Team Angle (and knocked down the picture of Kurt too). The Guerreros took the belts and walked out of the arena. The cameras followed the Guerreros, as they got in their low-rider (complete with horn that plays "La Cucaracha") and left the building with the belts.

Backstage, Torrie Wilson was telling Test to stop calling her and leaving her messages. Test said he saw Torrie's Playboy pictures and knew she wanted him. Torrie said Stacy Keibler was her friend, and that Test was a jerk. Test said Stacy didn't have to know. Test forced a kiss on Torrie, and when she tried to slap him, he grabbed her arm and said she likes it "rough". Torrie, upset, walked off. As Torrie headed down the hall, Sable walked out from a dressing room, apparently having seen the whole thing.

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper came to the ring with a basket filled with coconuts. He then introduced Sean O'Haire for his match with Rikishi. Piper said that O'Haire would teach Rikishi that "everyone pays the Piper". Rikishi came out and stalked Piper at ringside. O'Haire tried to get the jump on him, but Rikishi rammed him into the steps and the announce table. In the ring, the bell rang, and Rikishi hit a pair of lariats and a Samoan Drop. Piper got on the apron, and Rikishi went after him. Rikishi turned in time to hit O'Haire again, but Piper grabbed at Rikishi's leg, allowing O'Haire to hit a superkick. Piper took some shots at Rikishi from the floor. O'Haire pounded Rikishi in the corner, hit a pair of lariats, and got a two count. O'Haire put Rikishi in a head vice, then kicked him in the back before going back to the hold. O'Haire did it again, then hit a running knee to the face for a two count. O'Haire traded punches with Rikishi, but couldn't lift him, then missed a spinkick. Rikishi hit a avalanche in the corner, then a reverse splash. O'Haire slumped in the corner, and Rikishi went for a stinkface, but O'Haire kicked Rikishi away. Piper came into the ring with a coconut, but the referee ordered him out. Rikishi and O'Haire went for kicks at the same time, knocking each other down. Piper came in again, but Rikishi slugged him and broke a coconut over Piper's head. Rikishi did the Jimmy Snuka pose, but O'Haire grabbed Rikishi in his fireman's carry into a spinebuster move for the win in five minutes. Rikishi glared at O'Haire as he helped Piper up the ramp. Piper said "everyone pays the Piper".

Backstage in catering, Sable told Stacy Keibler that Torrie was after Test. Stacy wouldn't believe it, but Sable said Torrie sent Test the advance issue of Playboy. Stacy still didn't believe, but Sable told Stacy that she saw Torrie kiss Test. Sable walked off, telling Stacy she was sorry she had to tell her that. Stacy, very upset, toss her plate of food on the ground and walked off.

Rob Van Dam and Kane were warming up in the back. RVD said he likes being the champion, and wants to keep the World Tag Team titles. Kane said that they would go out and keep them, despite Chief Morley being the special referee.

The World Tag Team Championship was next. Chief Morley came out first, in referee gear. The Dudleys came out together, but still seemed to not be on the same page. Rob Van Dam came out, then Kane, and they had a brief staredown with the Dudleys. Bubba attacked Van Dam before the bell to start the match. They two went back and forth countering moves, and stalemated. Van Dam did his thumbs pose, and Bubba hit a clothsline, then did the pose, saying "Bubba-Ray-Dudley". Van Dam hit a spinning leg lariat for a two count. Van Dam hit a series of shoulderblocks in the corner, then flipped out and ran into a Bubba clothesline. D-Von tagged in and worked over Van Dam with punches. D-Von went for a backdrop, but Van Dam hit some kicks and a corkscrew legdrop. Kane tagged in, and went to work on D-Von's arm, legdropping it. Kane hit an elbowdrop, but D-Von poked him in the eyes. Kane absorbed a series of punches. There was some sort of miscommunication, then Kane hit a big boot. D-Von booted a charging Kane and hit a flying clothesline for a two count. Bubba was tagged in, but Kane knocked him down over and over. Kane worked Bubba over in a corner, but D-Von yanked Kane throat first across the top rope. Bubba hit a bulldog for a two count on Kane. Bubba kicked away a Kane backdrop, but Kane hit a spinebuster for two. Morley was counting all the pinfalls pretty evenly so far. Rob Van Dam tagged in and kicked Bubba down in the corner, then hit a dropkick to the face. Bubba reversed a whip, but Van Dam leapfrogged him and hit a spinkick. RVD hit the split leg moonsault for a two count. Bubba hit a side slam and knocked Kane off the apron. Bubba and D-Von hit the "What's Up" headbutt on RVD. D-Von stomped RVD, and hit a flying back elbow for a two count. D-Von applied a rear chinlock, and Bubba ran in and dropkicked RVD in his exposed face. D-Von covered RVD twice for two counts. D-Von dropped an elbow and tagged in Bubba. Bubba put RVD in a head vice, and bit him on the head. Kane yelled at Morley for allowing the biting. RVD elbowed out of the hold, but Bubba yanked him down by the hair. RVD hit a spin kick, and slowly rolled to Kane for the tag, as Bubba tagged in D-Von. Kane hit a series of clotheslines on D-Von and backdropped him. Kane went back and forth with clotheslines on D-Von and Bubba. Kane hit a sideslam on D-Von, but Bubba broke up the pin. Kane booted D-Von down, and clotheslined Bubba. RVD tagged back in, and hit a top rope kick on D-Von and a back heel kick on Bubba. RVD hit a rolling somersault senton backsplash on Bubba. RVD went for a monkeyflip on D-Von, but D-Von reversed it and hit a neckbreaker on RVD. Kane hit a top rope clothesline on D-Von. Kane went for a chokeslam on Bubba, but Morley hit Kane with a low blow. Bubba hit Kane with a clothesline, but Kane still managed to kick out. Morley tossed Kane from the ring, and went for a clothesline on RVD, but Van Dam ducked and Morley hit Bubba by mistake. D-Von Dudley knocked down Morley and pounded him. Lance Storm ran in and hit D-Von. Bubba gave Storm the Bubba Bomb, sending him to the floor. Bubba clotheslined RVD. Morley went after Bubba, but Bubba lifted him and D-Von joined in for 3D on Morley, sending him to the floor. Kane grabbed Bubba, booted D-Von from the ring, and chokeslammed Bubba. Rob Van Dam hit the five star frog splash on Bubba, and a second referee came in and counted the pinfall. Rob Van Dam and Kane retain the World Tag Team Championship in thirteen minutes.

Stacy went into the women's locker room, and apparently all the women, heels and faces, use the same locker room. Stacy asked Torrie if it was true. Torrie said it was, thinking Stacy meant Test forcing himself on her. Stacy asked why she kissed him. Torrie said it was Test that kissed her. Before she could explain, Stacy attacked Torrie, and the other women (including Ivory, who was wearing a towel, Victoria, Molly, Dawn Marie, and Nidia) broke them up.

Teddy Long, with Jazz, came to the ring, and informed us that Jazz would overcome bigotry and win the Women's title. Jazz took the mic and said "The bitch is back, and the bitch is black"). They recapped how Jazz tossed Trish on a table last week on Raw, injuring her ribs. Trish came out, and was obviously still favoring the ribs. Trish and Jazz went face to face before the match started. Jazz grabbed a hammerlock early, and tapped the ribs. Trish got a two count with La Magistral and hit an armdrag. Jazz hit a knee to the ribs and dropped Trish with a backbreaker. Jazz hit a kick to the ribs, but Trish hit a clothesline for a two count. Jazz lifted Trish with that double armbreaker, and tossed her to the mat. Trish floated over a backbreaker attempt and hit a side salto suplex for a two count. Jazz came back and hit a vertical splash on Trish's stomach. Jazz pulled off the middle turnbuckle cover in one corner. Trish grabbed a backslide, but Teddy Long was distracting the referee, and only made it over for a two count. They slugged it out, and Jazz hit a boot the face. Trish went for a handstand in the corner into a rana, but Jazz blocked it and applied a single leg Boston Crab, jumping off the ropes into the move. They traded reversals on leg moves, with Trish finally getting a Boston Crab and dropping into an STF. Jazz made the ropes. Trish pulled Jazz back into the ring, but strained her side in doing so. Trish hit some chops, ducked a clothesline, and hit a side kick for a two count. Jazz hit Trish in the ribs and delivered a dropkick for a two count. Trish flipped over a back suplex and hit a Stratusfaction, but Teddy Long took off his shoe and threw it in the ring, hitting Trish in the head. Teddy claimed a fan tossed it in. With Trish distracted Jazz rolled her up from behind, but Trish kicked out. Trish went for a sunset flip, but Jazz dropped down on her, and hooked the ropes for leverage to get the three count. In just under six minutes, Jazz is the new Women's Champion.

Backstage, Booker T and Shawn Michaels were talking. Booker wanted to know if Kevin Nash was ready. Nash, sitting on a bench with "Big Daddy" tights on, said he was ready, and told Booker and Shawn that they could do whatever they wanted tonight, and he just wanted them to leave Triple H for him.

The recent events between The Big Show and Rey Mysterio was recapped.

Big Show came to the ring first, then Mysterio, with a special entrance platform on the side of the main stage, made his usual flying leap entrance. Mysterio would not get in the ring right away, and drew Big Show out so he could slide in. Rey then hit Show with a baseball slide. Show, frustrated, kicked the ring steps. Show got back in the ring, and Rey hit a springboard dropkick on him as he came in. Rey ran at Show twice and delivered punches, but then he got caught and Show tossed Rey into the corner. Show hit a chop to the chest. Show whipped Rey across the ring, but Rey slid out. Show grabbed Rey to pull him back in by the head, but Rey yanked Show throat first across the top rope. Rey the went for a springboard, but Show caught him and hit a backbreaker. Show whipped Rey into a corner, then stood on him. Show pressed Rey over his head and dropped him to the mat, but Rey landed on his feet. Rey hit some chops and kicks to the leg, but Show swatted him from the ring with one forearm. Show shoved the referee out of the way and reached over the ropes to grab Rey. Rey had a chair, and hit Show in the head with it. Rey then hit a springboard senton on Show for a two count. Rey hit a 619 to the gut of Show, then a 619 to the back of his legs, then a 619 to his face, taking Show to the mat. Rey then went for a springboard, but Show caught him and chokeslammed Rey for the pin at the three minute and forty second mark. EMT's came to the ring with a stretcher and a hard board. After Rey had been strapped down to the hard board so they could slide him from the ring, Show came out and picked up Rey, hard board and all, and swung him into the ringpost (board first). Rey was stretchered from the ring, saying he was having trouble breathing.

Lilian Garcia interviewed Triple H, Chris Jericho and Ric Flair. They were confident going into their match.

Backstage, Stacy and Torrie were getting into it again. Stacy was tossed into a road case, and a bin of wardrobe items crashed on Stacy's head. Torrie backed off, and was taked away by WWE officials. Scott Steiner showed up, and carried Stacy away. Test approached them, and wanted to know what Steiner was doing with Stacy. Steiner said that maybe Stacy wanted to know what Test was doing. Steiner stood up Stacy, asked if she was okay, and walked away. Test asked Stacy what she was doing with Steiner, as they cut away to go back to the ring.

The history leading to John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar was shown.

John Cena came out in New York Yankees gear to tick of the Massachusetts fans. He got some cheap heat for it, and Michael Cole pointed out that Cena is actually the hometown wrestler here. Brock Lesnar came to the ring, sporting a bandage on his head. They went nose to nose in the ring, and Lesnar turned his back on Cena to give the referee the belt. Cena attacked Brock from behind to start the match. After some brief brawling, Brock took control, hitting two backbreakers in a row, then tossing Cena with a fallaway slam. Brock hit a pair of vertical suplexes and got a two count. Brock applied a front facelock, and Cena worked his way up, but Brock hit a fisherman's suplex. Cena backed off into a corner, and Lesnar stomped him. Cena elbowed a charging Lesnar, but Brock press slammed him. Brock clotheslined Cena from the ring, and went after him on the floor. Brock tossed Cena into the announce table, then stood over him, shoving the title belt in his face. Brock tossed Cena back into the ring. Cena put the brakes on after a whip, and Cena went to the floor. Cena was going after a chair, but Brock hit him from behind and mauled him with knees and forearms. Cena reversed a whip on the floor and whipped Brock into the steps. Cena rammed Brock headfirst into the steps repeatedly, then held up the title belt and yelled at the crowd. Brock was busted open, and Cena pounded it. Cena rolled Brock into the ring for a two count. Cena hit a back suplex for another two count, then choked the bloody Brock. Cena kicked Brock and dropped an elbow for a two count. Cena hit a back elbow on Brock for another two count, and pounded at the wound. Cena ran into a back elbow, and Brock hit a series of knees to the mid-section. Cena came back with knees of his own, and shoulderblocked Brock into the ropes and to the apron. Cena hit some knees to the head, and a second rope legdrop to the back of Brock's head as he was hanging on the second rope. Brock fell to the floor, and Cena rammed Brock's head into the ringpost. Cena rolled Brock back in for a two count. Cena applied a reverse chinlock. Brock snapmared out of it, but Cena kicked him in the head. Cena hit a DDT for a two count. Cena kicked Brock in the head twice, then charged Lesnar, who caught Cena with a spinebuster. Both men got up slowly, and Lesnar hit some knees to the gut, but Cena hit a jawbreaker and a clothesline for a two count. Cena applied a reverse chinlock again, with a body scissors as well. There were chants of "Let's Go Cena" from some in the crowd. They stayed in the hold for a long time, before Brock got to his feet. With Cena on his back, Brock repeatedly rammed Cena into the turnbuckles until he finally fell off. Cena hit a back elbow, but Brock blocked a clothesline. Brock hit three clotheslines of his own, and a powerslam for a two count. Brock rammed Cena into the corner with shoulderblocks. There was some sort of miscommunication, and Brock just lifted Cena into a powerslam for two. Brock drove some shoulderblocks into Cena in the corner. Cena tried to whip Brock into the referee, but Brock put on the brakes. Cena hit a low blow on Brock and rolled him up for a two count. Cena hit a rolling neck snap on Brock for another two count. Brock hoisted Cena over his shoulder and rammed him into the corner. Both men were down. Cena went for his chain, but the referee stopped him from using it. Cena went to Irish whip Brock instead, but Brock reversed it into an F5 and got the pin. In just over fifteen minutes, Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Championship.

The events leading to the six-man tag team match were recapped.

Chris Jericho came to the ring first, then Ric Flair (to a big ovation of Whoo's), then Triple H, then Booker T, then Shawn Michaels, and finally, Kevin Nash. They all had separate entrances with their own music. Jonathan Coachman pointed out how all six men have been World champion at some point. Nash and Triple H started off, but Triple H tagged Jericho before they could lock up. Nash tagged Michaels in. Michaels and Jericho locked up, and they traded punches and chops in the corner. Shawn hit a shoulderblock, and went for a go behind, but Jericho elbowed out. Shawn floated over a suplex and the two traded reversals on a sunset flip for a series of two counts. Shawn bridged out of a roll up and hit a backslide for another two. Jericho slapped Michaels and hit a right hand. Michaels went for a dropkick, but Jericho caught it and went for the Walls of Jericho. Michaels kicked it away, and grabbed an armbar. Nash tagged in, and tossed Jericho around the ring and out of it. Nash knocked Flair off the apron, and dared Triple H to come in. Jericho jumped Nash, and Nash tossed Jericho out of the ring again. Jericho skinned the cat back in, but Nash booted him. Booker tagged in, and hit a back kick and a spinebuster. Booker worked over Jericho in the corner, and hit a flapjack for a two count. Jericho backed Booker into his corner, and tagged in Triple H. Booker hit a back kick on Triple H for a two count. Booker chopped and punched Triple H, but Triple H caught Booker with a facebuster to the knee. Triple H worked over Booker T in the corner, but Booker fired back with shots of his own. Booker T was put in Triple H's corner, but Booker fought out of it. Triple H caught Booker with a spinebuster and tagged in Flair. Flair missed an elbow, and Booker tagged in Michaels. Michaels decked Flair with a series of punches and hit a backdrop. Jericho ran in and Michaels backdropped him from the ring. Triple H ran in and Michaels hit him with a reverse atomic drop and a clothesline. Michaels hit Flair with a flying forearm and Sweet Chin Music. Triple H ran in and hit Michaels with a Pedigree. Nash chased Triple H from the ring. Michaels and Flair were both laid out. Flair made it to his corner and tagged Jericho. Jericho dropped a series of elbows and mocked Michaels' pose. Jericho covered for a two count. Triple H tagged in, and he and Michaels exchanged punches. Triple H hit a jumping knee, but Booker broke up the cover. Flair tagged back in, and chopped and snapmared Michaels. Flair went for a figure four, but Michaels rolled him into a small package for two. Jericho tagged in and gave Michaels a back suplex. Jericho applied a surfboard, but Michaels battled up. Jericho hit a clothesline and tagged Triple H. Triple H dragged Michaels to the ringpost and rammed his leg into it twice. Triple H took a shot at Booker on the apron, then pulled Michaels into his corner for a triple team. Flair tagged in and worked on Michaels leg, dropping a knee on it and yanking it. Flair dropped his weight on the leg, and chopped Michaels. Michaels fired off some shots. Flair hit a shinbuster, but Michaels hit an enzugiri. Flair and Michaels traded shots again, and they collided on a shoulderblock. Michaels draped his arm on Flair for a pair of two counts. Flair tagged Triple H, and Michaels tagged Nash. Nash slugged Triple H into the corner and hit a series of elbows. Nash slugged Flair and Jericho, then gave all three of his opponents bodyslams. Nash clotheslined Flair from the ring, and whipped Jericho into Triple H. Nash booted Jericho, and gave Triple H Snake Eyes. Nash hit a sideslam on Triple H, but Flair broke up the pinfall. Flair chopped Nash, to no effect. Booker T took Ric Flair to the floor, and Jericho sent Booker to the floor. Nash shrugged off a Jericho bulldog, and Triple H went for a Pedigree, but Nash backdropped him. Nash went for a powerbomb on Triple H, but Jericho dropkicked him from the top. Booker T hit an ax kick on Jericho, a superkick on Flair, and did the spinaroonie. Booker missed a sidekick on Jericho, but tossed from the ring and fought him on the floor. Triple H and Nash were fighting in the aisle. Flair and Michaels fought in the ring. Michaels slammed Flair off the top rope. Michaels measured for a superkick, but Jericho ran in and bulldogged him. Ric Flair put Michaels in a figure four. Jericho Lionsaulted Michaels while he was in the hold. Nash went to powerbomb Triple H through a table on the floor, but seeing Michaels was being put in the Walls of Jericho, Nash ran in for the save instead. Nash hit Snake Eyes on Jericho, and set for a powerbomb. Flair went to break it up, and Nash shoved Flair into the referee, and both of them fell from the ring. Nash powerbombed Jericho, but Triple H ran in and hit Nash with a sledgehammer. Triple H covered Nash, as the referee got back into the ring to make the count at just under the eighteen minute mark.

Big Show's attack on Rey Mysterio from earlier tonight was recapped. They reported that Rey Mysterio had been taken to a trauma center.

The events leading to The Rock vs. Goldberg was recapped.

Terri interviewed The Rock, and Rock ranted that he has done it all "except make a white baby". Rock then talked about his chairshots on Goldberg from last week, and said that the crowd could "wipe a cockatoo's ass" with what they think. Rock then said that was the only animal he could think of. Rock called Goldberg a "bitch" and then just stood there smiling for a while before exiting.

Rock came to the ring, and complained to those in the crowd that were giving him a middle finger. Goldberg entered, with the camera following him from his dressing room, but without any security. Jerry Lawler pointed out how all the hallways were clear for his entrance. Rock stalled on the floor before the match. Rock acted nervous getting in the ring, while Goldberg was chewing gum. They had a staredown, and trash talked. The bell finally rang to start the match. They locked up, and Goldberg shoved Rock to the mat. Crowd reaction seems to be mixed. Rock and Goldberg locked up, and Goldberg shoved him down again, this time with Rock falling to the floor. Rock got back in and slapped Goldberg. Goldberg smiled and hit a series of rights and knees to the gut. Goldberg clotheslined Rock to the floor. Goldberg yelled at Rock on the floor to get back in the ring. Rock headed up the aisle for a breather. Rock got on the apron, and Goldberg advanced, and Rock yanked Goldberg throat first across the top rope. Rock decked Goldberg and hit some more punches. Goldberg went for a backdrop, but Rock kicked it away. Rock then ran into a Rock Bottom by Goldberg. Goldberg went for the spear, but Rock sidestepped it, and Goldberg charged shoulder first into the ringpost. Goldberg fell to the floor, clutching at his arm. Rock went after him and tossed him back into the ring. Rock stomped Goldberg, and applied the Sharpshooter. Goldberg struggled in the hold before making the ropes. Rock took his time breaking the hold, then shoved referee Earl Hebner away so he could punch Goldberg in the nads. Rock measured Goldberg for a Rock Bottom, but Goldberg hit the spear out of nowhere. Both men were down, and slow to get up. Goldberg hit some punches and a shoulderblock. Goldberg hit a powerslam, but the pain in his shoulder kept him from covering quickly, and Rock kicked out. Goldberg hit a knee to the midsection, but ran into a shot by the Rock. Rock hit a pair of clotheslines, then hit a spinebuster. Rock kipped up, and measured Goldberg for a Rock Bottom. Rock delivered the Rock Bottom, but Goldberg kicked out. The kickout came late, so Hebner had to pause on his count, and the fans moaned. Rock hit a series of rights, but Goldberg came back with a clothesline. Rock hit a spinebuster, and delivered the People's Elbow, but Goldberg kicked out. Both men got up slow, and Goldberg hit the spear. Goldberg measured Rock for another spear, as Rock slowly got up. Goldberg hit the second spear. Goldberg then delivered the jackhammer for the pin at the thirteen minute mark. The show ended with Coachman wondering if a "new era" was starting.

2004 - Plans for WWE to market a "Stone Cold Brew" are dropped.

2004 - Brock Lesnar turns down an offer from the San Diego Chiefs.

2007 - Memphis Wrestling ran the Fedex Forum in Memphis, TN, headlined by Hulk Hogan, making his first ever independent wrestling appearance vs. Paul Wight (aka Big Show). Brian Tramell filed the following live report:

----Moondog Cujo with "Big Cheese" Sal Corrente beat The Barbarian in pretty much a hardcore match. Crowd was into it. Barbarian had Cujo pinned, but Sal got on the ring apron with Cujo then pinning Barbarian.

----Greg Valentine beat Mr. Hughes with a roll up. Hughes had Valentine pinned with his feet on the ropes, but then ref Bill Rush seen it. Hughes had his back turned and Valentine rolled him up.

----Jazz beat Christie Ricci & Miss Passion in a triple threat Ladies Match.

----Abdullah The Butcher vs Big Al Greene was No Contest in a match that never got into the ring. A bloodbath. The fans got into it.

----Bill Dundee/Dutch Mantell with Jimmy Valiant beat Koko Ware/Bobby Eaton with Slick. Jimmy Hart came down from the announcer's desk to have the formation of the First Family with Koko/Eaton back together [they were a team a long time ago], then in called out Slick to manage them.

----Brutus Beefcake/Bubba The Love Sponge beat The New Assassins with "Big Cheese" Sal Corrente. Assassins looked just like the guys working in Memphis as Fire/Flame. Bubba was horrible in the ring. He did a splash from the second rope for the pin. Beefcake put Sal in the sleeper and they cut his hair after the match.

---- Brian Christopher beat Buff Bagwell with the hip hop drop. Bagwell talked about how bad Memphis was and heeled the crowd. Christopher came out to a huge pop.

----Southern Tag Team Title Match: Ricky Morton/Kid Kash beat "Too Cool 2" [Flex/Tim Grind] for the titles.

----Hulk Hogan beat Paul Wight slamming him and dropping the leg on him. It was around a 10 minute match with the crowd so nuts for Hogan!!

*FIP champion Roderick Strong defeated Christopher Daniels by countout.

*ROH World champion Takeshi Morishima defeated Austin Aries.

2007 - WWE Studios' The Condemned, starring Steve Austin was released theatrically and promptly bombed at the box office, the weakest of the company's films up until that point. The film would rank ninth for the weekend and would only gross $8,642,858 worldwide.

2007 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

Smackdown completes the European tour with their venture to England. What will happen when the local wrestlers face Kane and Boogeyman? Now that we have new tag team champions, what is next for Brian Kendrick and Paul London? Will they be able to get revenge on Deuce and Domino for what happened last week? Will the Undertaker and Batista be able to work together despite the fact that they will be opponents in the Last Man Standing Match on Sunday? Will Chris Benoit get his hands on Montel Vontavious Porter before their match on Sunday? What is next in the budding romance between Teddy Long and Kristal Marshall? Will we hear Jillian Hall sing?

We are live on tape from London, England
We begin tonight's show with Batista and Ken Kennedy fighting in the back and Kennedy is sent into the equipment cases. Batista punches Kennedy and he follows him in the back. From out of nowhere, Finlay attacks Batista from behind.

We go to Cole and Bradshaw and Cole wants to know what is going on in the back.

We se Batista and Finlay fighting as they enter the arena area. Batista sends Finlay into the double decker bus. Kennedy attacks Batista from behind and he punches Batista. Finlay and Kennedy double team Batista but Batista fights back until Kennedy hits Batista in his thigh which is heavily taped. Finlay chokes Batista while Kennedy punches Batista in the leg.

The lights go out and the Undertaker's music plays. The lights return and Taker is in the ring. Taker's presence scares Kennedy and Finlay. Batista turns around and see Taker in the ring. The lights go out and when they come back on, Taker is no longer in the ring. We go to commercial.

We are back and Finlay and Kennedy are in Teddy Long's office and they Kennedy tells Teddy to forget about Backlash and make the Undertaker/Batista match tonight. Teddy wants to make sure that he understands what Kennedy and Finlay are asking for and if they want to see Taker and Batista in action tonight. Kennedy and Finlay tell Teddy that is what they want. Teddy says that they have it. Teddy says that all of the Smackdown fans would like to see Kennedy and Finlay in action tonight. Therefore, Mr. Money in the Bank and Finlay in tag team action as they face Batista and the Undertaker in a No Disqualification Match. Kennedy and Finlay do not appear to be happy.

Match Number One: Kane and Boogeyman versus Dave Taylor and William Regal
Kane and Regal start things off and Regal with a knee and forearms but Regal comes off the ropes into a boot. Kane with punches and a back elbow in the corner followed by shoulders. Kane with a forearm to Regal followed by a punch. Kane with an Irish whip and he charges into a back elbow from Regal. Taylor tags in and Kane punches him followed by a back elbow and Irish whip followed by a running clothesline. Kane hits another running clothesline into the corner followed by more punches. Kane chokes Taylor in the corner. Taylor with a running European uppercut before he tags Regal back into the match with a series of punches. Regal with a European uppercut to Kane and then he tries to rearrange Kane's face. Kane with an uppercut and kick followed by another uppercut. Kane slams Regal's head into the turnbuckle followed by a shoulder. Kane with an Irish whip followed by a side slam and then Kane goes up top for a clothesline for a two count that is broken up by Taylor. Kane grabs Taylor by the throat and that allows Regal to attack Kane from behind. Taylor tags in and Kane tries for a big boot but Taylor holds on to the ropes and Taylor goes outside the ring. Boogeyman with a clothesline to Taylor on the floor before he rolls Taylor back into the ring and we go to commercial.

We are back and Kane rubs Regal's face on the ropes. Kane with a back body drop followed by a kick. Regal is sent into the turnbuckles and then Regal begs for mercy and Kane is sent outside the ring but he stays on the apron. Taylor sends Kane into the ring post while Regal distracts the referee. Taylor is tagged back in while Kane is on the floor. Taylor works on Kane's arm with an arm bar and crossface. Taylor with an elbow to Kane's back and Regal is tagged back in. Regal continues to work on the arm and Regal applies a crossface chicken wing. Taylor tags back in and he returns to the arm. Kane returns to his feet and Kane hits a desperation belly-to-belly suplex and both men are down. Taylor gets up and he returns to the arm. Regal tags in and he connects with a series of forearms. Kane tries to fight out of the corner but Regal and Taylor are able to stop him. Regal and Taylor with a double suplex after Taylor is tagged back in. Kane with an Irish whip and Taylor tries for a cross body but Kane ducks and Boogeyman tags in as well as Regal. Boogeyman with a series of punches to Regal. Boogeyman with a slam to Regal and then he hits a back splash into the corner followed by an uppercut for a near fall. Kane stops Taylor from interfering and then Kane hits a boot to Regal's head allowing Boogeyman to hit a spinebuster for the three count.
Winners: Kane and Boogeyman

Even though The Condemned opens today, we have a video package for the movie. We go to commercial.

We take a look back at the situation between Undertaker, Batista, Finlay, and Ken Kennedy as we go to last week's episode of Smackdown when Kennedy and Finlay attacked Batista. We go to commercial.

We go to the HollaOffice where Teddy Long and Kristal Marshall are kissing. Kristal says that the last ten days have been wonderful. Kristal says that the highlight was their romantic ride on the London Eye. Teddy says that he picked it just for her. Kristal tells Teddy that she loves him and he says that he loves her. Kristal says that she wishes that she could spend more time with her. Teddy says that she wishes that she could spend more time with her. Teddy says that maybe he could give someone more responsibility so they can spend more time together.

We go to footage from the Kennedy/Taker match where Finlay interfered in the match. We go to commercial.

We are back and Mark Henry is coming back soon.

Match Number Five: Ken Kennedy and Fit Finlay versus Undertaker and Batista in a No Disqualification Match
The bell rings and Taker goes after Kennedy while Batista takes on Finlay in the ring. Batista with shoulders in the corner followed by a hard Irish whip. Batista with knees to Finlay's head. Finlay kicks Batista before Taker can be tagged in. Kennedy tags in as well. Kennedy avoids Taker and Kennedy with punches and kicks while Finlay holds on. Kennedy with punches to Taker and then he slams Taker's head into the turnbuckles. Kennedy with kicks to the leg but Taker with a clothesline. Batista is tagged in and he punches Kennedy in the chest. Finlay tags in and he connects with forearms on Batista. Batista with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Batista with punches and elbows to Finlay followed by a fisherman's suplex. Kennedy comes in and Batista throws Kennedy into Finlay and both men go over the top rope to the floor and we go to commercial.

We are back and Batista hits a suplex on Kennedy and he gets a near fall after Finlay breaks up the cover. Batista with knees to Kennedy and Taker is tagged in. Taker starts to work on Kennedy's shoulder and it is time to go Old School but Finlay distracts Taker and Kennedy throws Taker off the turnbuckles to the mat. Taker with a clothesline to Kennedy and a boot to Finlay. Taker goes to the other corner and he hits Old School. Taker does the same to Finlay. Taker with a head and arm DDT to Kennedy for a two count. Kennedy with punches to Taker while Batista pulls Finlay off the apron and sends Finlay into the ring steps and apron. Taker throws Kennedy over the top rope to the floor and Taker follows after him. Taker with a knee to the head followed by an elbow and kick to the back of the head. Batista with an elbow to Kennedy on the apron while Taker throws Finlay into the announce table. Kennedy grabs the briefcase, but Taker prevents Kennedy from using it. Kennedy with punches but they have no effect on Taker. Taker with a punch to Kennedy and then Batista is tagged in. Batista sends Kennedy shoulder first into the ring post. Batista with an Irish whip but Kennedy with a drop kick to the knees. Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh. Kennedy wraps Batista's leg in the ropes and then Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh again. Taker stops Kennedy from working on Batista's leg any more and he punches Kennedy. Kennedy with a front face lock while Finlay continues to work on the leg. Batista with crossfaces to escape the hold. Kennedy tags in and then he returns to the leg. Kennedy punches Batista but Kennedy with a kick. Batista with a spear and then he shakes the ropes and sets for the Batista Bomb but Kennedy hits Batista in the leg. Finlay comes in and he knocks Taker off the apron. Finlay hits Batista in the leg with the shillelagh. Taker comes in and he punches Finlay and then he hits running clotheslines in the corner on both men. Taker tries for a double choke slam but Finlay and Kennedy kick Taker in the leg. Taker ducks a double clothesline and responds with one of his own. Taker with a choke slam to Finlay and then he gives one to Kennedy. Batista with a spinebuster to Finlay for the three count.
Winners: Batista and Undertaker

After the match, Batista gets on the mic and returns to the ring. He says that he does not care about Finlay or Kennedy, nobody keeps him down for a ten count. Batista says that the title belongs to him and on Sunday he will be taking it back.

Taker gets on the mic and says that of all people, Batista should know that Taker is not an ordinary man. Taker says that he will take something that belongs to Batista and that is his soul. We go to credits.

2008 - WWE held their Backlash PPV. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:

Welcome to our coverage of WWE Backlash. We will be updating this page throughout the evening with results from the show, so check back often.

Backlash opened with the three announce teams introducing themselves to us. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler for Raw, Mike Adamle & Tazz for ECW (I've been told Adamle was greeted with loud boos when he came out prior to the PPV starting) and Michael Cole & Mick Foley for Smackdown. Adamle referred to Tazz as "the human suplex machine". Haven't heard that in a long time.

The crowd, which was very hot for Hardy, popped for the title change, and MVP pounded the mat in disbelief in the ring as Hardy celebrated up the aisle.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler plugged a mobile vote to select the winner of tonight's Four Way match for the WWE Title. Lawler noted Orton only won 8% of the vote at Wrestlemania, and he went on to win the match.

Backstage, Eve Torres interviewed Matt Hardy. Hardy noted he was a European Champion, Hardcore Champion, Cruiserweight Champion and an eight-time tag team champion, but this title win meant more because he worked so hard for it. Matt said it was the biggest win of his career. Matt said he had one thing to say to MVP, "I am better than you".

Tazz and Mike Adamle discussed the ECW Championship match.

ECW champion Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero.

Chavo was accompanied to the ring by Bam Neely. As Chavo came out, they reviewed the attack on Kane's leg from last week on ECW. Once again, they did the "big fight" intros, which I always like for title matches. Adamle called referee Mike Posey "Scott Armstrong" so Tazz corrected him. That's one. Chavo tried to get at Kane's leg at the start, but Kane knocked Chavo down and gave him a dropkick as he sat up on the mat. Kane was favoring his leg. Kane put Chavo in a Hangman for a bit, then choked him in a corner. Kane pressed Chavo overhead and slammed him to the mat. Kane whipped Chavo into a corner, but Chavo gave him a drop toe hold into the corner and began kicking at Kane's leg. Chavo went for a whip, but Kane blocked it and flung Chavo over the top rope and to the outside.

Kane went after him, chasing him back into the ring. Chavo hit a baseball slide dropkick, then jumped off the apron at Kane, who caught Chavo and rammed him back first into the apron. Kane threw Chavo into the ring and went to the top rope, but Chavo shoved him off the top rope and Kane crashed to the floor. Chavo put Kane in the ring, stretched his leg and gave the leg a slingshot splash on the apron. Adamle noted Chavo leaped over the "three rings" to hit that move. He meant ropes. Adamle and Tazz actually were joking about "pulling an Adamle" during the match. Chavo kept working Kane over in the ropes, and the referee pulled him back. Bam grabbed Kane's leg and whipped it into the ringpost. Chavo applied a leglace in the ring, but Kane punched and kicked out of it. Chavo stood on the second rope and punched Kane, but Kane pulled him off into an Electric Chair.

Both men were down in the ring, but Chavo got to his feet first. Kane reached up and grabbed Chavo by the throat. Chavo kicked Kane in the leg to break away, then Kane decked him with a boot to the face. Kane hit a side slam for a two count. Kane went for a tombstone, but Chavo floated out of it. Chavo charged into a Kane backdrop. Kane hit a top rope clothesline, but Chavo rolled to the apron. Chavo pulled Kane throat first across the top rope and Kane went to grab him. Chavo went to the top rope, but Kane caught him as he jumped off. Chavo managed to swing it into a DDT anyway, and got a two count. Chavo went for a suplex, it didn't work, so he swept Kane's leg instead. Chavo went to the top rope, but Kane went to grab him by the throat. Chavo managed to knock Kane down, then went for the frog splash. Kane reached up as Chavo came down and grabbed him by the throat. Kane got to his feet, never releasing his grip, and hit a chokeslam for the pin at the nine minute mark.

Winner: Kane.

Kane had a brief staredown with Bam Neely before limping off.

Todd Grisham interviewed Randy Orton. Grisham noted that Orton had to survive in an elimination match to keep his title. Orton gave a confident promo, saying it was the "Age Of Orton" and he would retain the title.

Mick Foley and Michael Cole went over the "Tale Of The Tape" for Big Show vs. Great Khali. In discussing Show and Khali's shoe size, Michael Cole said he wears a size 9. Foley said that compared to Show & Khali, that was a children's size, and was "smaller than the shoes Coach left for me to fill".

Big Show vs. Great Khali.

Khali trash talked at the bell, although I don't think Show had any idea what he was saying. Show stepped up chest to chest with Khali and they began jabbering. Khali shoved Show, Show shoved Khali. Khali hit some punches, then Show ducked a clothesline. They traded punched, then traded headbutts. Then they traded chops. Khali hit a short arm clothesline, and Show went down. Khali hit a clothesline and badly missed some kicks in the corner. I mean, you could see the space between his foot and Show. Fans chanted "You can't wrestle" briefly. Show hit a headbutt and went for a slam, but Khali blocked it and hit a clothesline that sent Show over the top rope and to the floor. Khali shoved Show back first into the ringpost, then pushed him back into the ring. Khali hit a boot to the face on Show, then dropped an elbow to the back. Khali applied a crossface. No kidding, he really did. Show struggled in the hold, then got to his feet and picked up Khali for a slam. Show fell back under the weight and Khali got a two count. Khali applied a nervehold. Show is selling Khali's offense like crazy, yelling in pain. Show got to his feet and elbowed out of it, then hit a headbutt.

Show ran into the Khali Chop, and Khali got a two count. Fans are chanting "boring". Loudly. Khali applied a surfboard. Show backed Khali in a corner to break out and hit some back elbows. Show scooped up Khali and slammed him. Show got a two count. Khali hit a back elbow, a punch and a kick, then went for the Khali Bomb. Show broke Khali's grip and gave Khali the chokeslam for the pin at the eight minute mark.

Winner: Big Show

Show was selling like his arm was injured from the nervehold and the effort of hitting the chokeslam. The announcers noted that Khali dominated most of the match.

Backstage, John Cena was discussing country music with Jimmy Wang Yang. Randy Orton walked up to Cena and said that just like Wrestlemania, he was going to go home disappointed. Cena said that no matter what happens, Orton is going him a "broken man".

The events leading to Batista vs. Shawn Michaels, with Chris Jericho as the referee, were reviewed.

Batista vs. Shawn Michaels. Special Referee: Chris Jericho.

Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are calling this one. Jericho came out in full referee gear, including earpiece. Batista then entered, and there was a slight Batista chant after his music ended, but also some boos. Michaels also got a mixed reaction. Jim Ross noted that Ric Flair was watching from his home in North Carolina tonight. Jericho gave the wrestlers their instructions, and Batista smiled at Michaels while rubbing his jaw, making reference to being superkicked on Smackdown.

Michaels grabbed a waistlock at the belly, but Batista elbowed him away. Batista slugged Michaels and Michaels went for a superkick, but Batista dodged it and grabbed Michaels for a Batista Bomb, but Michaels rolled to the floor to avoid it. Michaels kicked at Batista's legs, but Batista shoved Michaels in a corner. Jericho tried to separate them, and Michaels was able to land some punches. Batista whipped Michaels in a corner and hit a clothesline, then choked him with his boot. Batista whipped Michaels into another corner, then ran into a HBK boot. Michaels hit a chop block to the leg. Michaels went for a Thesz Press, Batista caught it, but Michaels took him to the mat and applied a short arm scissors.

Batista rolled in the arm scissors and went to lift him, but Michaels added more pressure to the hold. Batista tried to roll Michaels into a cover, but Michaels pulled his shoulder up. Batista finally got his feet under him and stood up, dead lifting Michaels. They were near the ropes and fell forward, both men tumbling over the ropes and to the floor. On the outside, Michaels rammed Batista's now weakened arm into the ringpost. Back in the ring, Michaels stomped Batista's arm and hit some kneedrops, then applied a hammerlock. Michaels shot a half-nelson to get Batista in a pinning position for two. Michaels yanked at the arm and wrapped it in the ropes. Batista came back with punches (using his good, right hand), but Michaels hit a drop toe hold and went back after the left arm.

Batista got to his feet and shoved Michaels in a corner, but Michaels grabbed a jujigatame armbreaker and fell backwards over the top rope, stretching Batista's arm. Michaels released the hold, then went to the top rope and hit the left shoulder. Michaels went for another armbar, but Batista picked up Michaels with his good arm and hit a Samoan Drop. Seems like Michaels has more support than Batista right now. Michaels hit some chops, then Batista whipped Michaels into a corner. Michaels flipped up and down in the corner, then Batista nailed Michaels with a clothesline. Batista scooped up Michaels and put him in a corner, then hit some shoulderblocks. Batista hit a one armed powerslam for a two count. Batista went for a Batista Bomb, but Michaels floated out of it and into a Crippler Crossface on Batista. There were chants for Batista and chants for HBK. Batista got near the ropes, so Michaels turned Batista into a pinning position. Batista kicked out and Michaels rolled him back into the middle of the ring off the kickout and back into the Crossface. Batista made the ropes, and Jericho called for the break, to boos.

Jericho ended up pulling Michaels off of Batista, telling him he needed to listen to him. Michaels went back at Batista's arm, but Batista hit a side slam for two. Batista went for a clothesline, but Michaels ducked it and hit a flying forearm. Michaels kipped up, but Batista hit a weak spear for a two count. Batista set up Michaels for a superplex, but Jericho pulled Batista off the ropes when he didn't obey the count. Batista went back for it again, but Michaels shoved him to the mat. Michaels hit a top rope elbow, then began to stomp in the corner. Michaels went for the superkick, but Batista instead picked up Michaels and hit a spinebuster. Batista called for the Batista Bomb.

Batista lifted Michaels, but Michaels flipped out of it. Michaels knee buckled under him as he came down. Michaels fell to the mat, clutching his knee by the ropes. Jericho checked on him, and Batista went to pick him up, but Jericho made him back off. A second time, Batista went in, but Jericho made him back off again. Michaels struggled to his feet, and as Batista advanced on him, Michaels popped off a superkick and got the three count at the fifteen minute mark.

Winner: Shawn Michaels.

Michaels kept limping, and two referees came out to help Shawn to the back. The announcers talked about Shawn's history of knee issues.

A commercial for the Wrestlemania DVD was shown. I'm surprised they didn't mention that the complete Hall Of Fame would be included.

Randy Orton continued his locker room visits, this time approaching Triple H. Orton wouldn't look Triple H in the eye as he said that Triple H would not win the title tonight. Triple H said "Pride comes before the fall" as Orton walked off.

WWE Women's champ Mickie James & Maria & Ashley Massaro & Michelle McCool & Cherry & Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix & Melina & Jillian & Layla El & Victoria & Natalya Neidhart

The heel team came out with Beth Phoenix leading the way, and her music playing. The announcers (Lawler & Ross) discussed Phoenix losing the Women's Title to Mickie James. The babyface team came out to Mickie's music. Phoenix and McCool started out. McCool hit a dropkick and went for a belly to belly suplex, but Phoenix hit a knee to the gut but missed a charge. McCool hit some shots, but Phoenix powerslammed her. Melina tagged in and threw McCool face first into the mat, then applied a bridging chinlock. Melina hit a sunset flip, but McCool rolled through it and hit a dropkick. Mickie James tagged in and traded shots with Melina. James hit a flying headscissors and a clothesline. Natalya tagged in, but Mickie got the better of the exchange at first, only for Natalya to deck her and knock Cherry off the apron as well. Victoria came in and missed her standing moonsault on Mickie in the ring. Meanwhile, Cherry walked around the ring and pulled Natalya off the apron, leading to a brief brawl on the outside. Things settled down, and we had Ashley giving Jillian a slow motion rana. Phoenix kicked Ashley from the apron, then tagged in and worked her over with a cobra clutch. Phoenix used a double chicken wing, but Ashley rolled out of it, kicking Layla, who was running in, as she did so. Mickie was hit by Phoenix, and Mickie ran in and gave her a DDT. We then went into a sequence of every woman running in and giving her finisher to someone else, who would then roll to the floor. The crowd actually got into this segment. It ended with Phoenix getting back in and giving Ashley a fisherwoman's suplex for the pin at the six minute mark.

Winners: Beth Phoenix & Melina & Jillian & Layla El & Victoria & Natalya Neidhart.

We were reminded that Judgment Day, the next WWE PPV, is only 21 days away.

The events leading to Edge vs. Undertaker were shown.

World champion The Undertaker vs. Edge.

Edge came out alone. It was interesting to have Mick Foley give his take on what it feels like to face the Undertaker as the champion made his entrance. They did the "big fight" intros again. I should note, very vocal crowd tonight, which is always a plus. They were chanting for Undertaker at the bell. Undertaker mouthed to Edge "I'm going to hurt you".

Edge tried to duck away from Undertaker at the bell, and when they did lock up, Undertaker shoved Edge through the ropes and to the floor. They locked up again, and Edge grabbed a headlock. Undertaker shoved it off and hit a shoulderblock. Edge got to his feet, but Taker backed him in the corner and hit some punches. Undertaker headbutted Edge and stomped him down. Taker rammed Edge in a corner, then ran into a boot to the face. Edge hit a clothesline and landed some punches, but Taker shoved him in a corner and hit a barrage of punches. Taker hit a short arm shoulderblock, then a second, then rammed him shoulder first in the corner. Undertaker worked over the arm in the corner, then rammed him into the buckles and went for Old School, but Edge raked his eyes. Edge clotheslined Undertaker over the top rope, but Taker landed on his feet. Edge hit a baseball slide dropkick, then went to jump off the apron at Undertaker, but Taker caught him and rammed him back first into the ringpost.

Undertaker whipped Edge into the security wall, then dropped him chest first across it. Undertaker dropped Edge face first across the apron, then placed him on the apron and hit a kick to the face. Undertaker hit the ring apron legdrop, and seemed to hurt his own back doing the move. Undertaker slammed Edge in the ring, then hit a legdrop for a two count. Undertaker lifted Edge for a slam, but Edge floated over and yanked Undertaker headfirst into the mat for a two count. Edge kicked and pounded Undertaker near the ropes. Edge hit a spear to Undertaker's back for a two count. Edge applied a bodyscissors, and Undertaker struggled in the hold, until he was able to turn around in the move and pepper Edge with punches to the face. Edge ducked a clothesline and kicked Undertaker in the back. Edge then hit a baseball slide kick to the back, and Undertaker fell from the ring to the floor.

Edge threw Undertaker back in the ring and hit an elbow to the back, then applied a camel clutch. Undertaker stood up in the hold, but Edge switched to a bodyscissors again. Undertaker made the ropes for a break. Edge punched Taker and went for a chinlock. Undertaker punched out of it, and was Edge got on his back to maintain the hold, Taker dropped back. Edge ducked an Undertaker clothesline, and the two men collided on the rebound. They both got up, and then went down again as both of them hit kicks to the face. They got up and traded punches, with Undertaker getting the better of it. Taker hit an avalanche, but missed a second as Edge moved. Edge bounced off the ropes, but Taker scooped him up and dropped Edge with Snake Eyes, then hit a boot to the face for a two count.

Undertaker went for Old School, but Edge broke free and kicked Taker in the face. Edge put Undertaker on the top rope and set up for a rana, but Taker blocked it and teased a powerbomb, but Edge blocked it. Taker shoved Edge to the mat, and went for a top rope elbow, but Edge moved out of the way and Taker crashed to the mat. Edge scored a two count. Edge went for the title belt at ringside, but as he got on the apron, he dropped it. This distracted Edge, and Taker grabbed Undertaker by the throat and pulled him into the ring. Undertaker went for a chokeslam, Edge reversed, Undertaker reversed again for the chokeslam, but Edge blocked it and hit a Russian legsweep. Edge went to the top rope, but Undertaker grabbed him by the throat and chokeslammed him to the mat. Undertaker went for a tombstone piledriver, but Edge grabbed the turnbuckle pad to block the move. Undertaker yanked Edge away from the corner, and the pad came off as Undertaker lost his grip on the move. Edge rammed Undertaker back first into the exposed steel corner. The referee went to fix the turnbuckle pad, and while he was distracted, Curt Hawkins ran out and hit Undertaker with the title belt. Hawkins ran off. Edge covered Undertaker for a two count. Edge went for a spear, but Undertaker blocked it and hit Edge with DDT for two. Undertaker sat up, and called for a chokeslam. Zack Ryder came out and got on the apron, so Taker threw Edge into Ryder, knocking him off the apron. Undertaker went for a Last Ride powerbomb, but Edge rolled through it and into a sunset flip rollup for two. Undertaker grabbed Edge's arm and put him in the gogoplata. Edge struggled for a bit in the hold, then finally tapped out at the eighteen minute mark.

Winner: The Undertaker.

Undertaker refused to release his hold, and soon Edge was bleeding from the mouth. Undertaker finally let go of it and left. Vickie Guerrero was wheeled to ringside by Teddy Long, then Vickie scurried into the ring to check on Edge. The brought out paramedics, and Edge was taken out on a stretcher while Vickie screamed and cried including saying she was sorry to Edge. They played it up big time.

Backstage, Randy Orton was knocking on JBL's dressing room door. CM Punk walked by, holding his Money In The Bank briefcase, and wished Orton luck before walking away.

They revealed the results of their Mobile Poll on the main event:

John Cena - 48%
HHH - 36%
Randy Orton - 12%
JBL - 4%

A video package on the WWE Title match was shown.

WWE champion Randy Orton vs. JBL vs. John Cena vs. Triple H.

Triple H entered first, then JBL (who know has a Mama Juana ring jacket), then Cena, then Orton. It's elimination rules, No DQ, with everyone in the ring at the same time. There is a referee in the ring and one outside it. They did the big match intros. As you would expect, JBL and Orton were booed, HHH was cheered, and Cena got a very loud mixed reaction.

Orton grabbed the title belt at the bell, but JBL kicked it into Orton's head. Orton fell to the floor. JBL and Cena started going at it, but Triple H interceded and suplexed JBL. Cena clotheslined HHH and started working him over in a corner. HHH whipped Cena in a corner, and he rolled to the floor. JBL attacked Triple H, hitting punches and kicks. Cena tackled Orton on the floor, who was sitting in a chair, and tossed him back into the ring. Triple H threw Orton into Cena, who was on the apron, and Cena crashed into the announce table. JBL and Orton double teamed Triple H in the ring, beating him down and getting a two count together. Orton and JBL missed a double clothesline and HHH hit both men with a clothesline on the rebound. JBL was knocked out of the ring, then HHH dodged a charging Orton, who went shoulder first into the ringpost. JBL pulled Triple H to the floor, and HHH threw him into the ringsteps. Triple H teased a pedigree on the floor, but JBL tripped him into the metal rampway.

In the ring, Orton was giving Cena forearm shots. Orton missed a charge in the corner and Cena gave Orton a Throwback. Cena gave Orton a top rope Rocker Dropper, then applied an STFU. JBL acted like he was going to break it up, then stopped and yelled at Orton to tap. Triple H came in and jumped on the distracted JBL, putting him in a Crossface. JBL raked Cena in the eyes to break the STFU. JBL was expecting Orton to return the favor, but instead Orton yelled at JBL to tap. Cena ended up hitting Orton from behind, into JBL and Triple H, to break up the move. Orton tossed Cena from the ring, then JBL hit Orton with a big boot to the head for a two count.

Orton hit JBL with a kick, then a clothesline. Orton went to the top rope, but JBL hit the ropes to crotch Orton. JBL kicked Orton in the head, then set up for a superplex. Cena and Triple H came over and powerbombed JBL off the ropes as he was superplexing Orton. Triple H covered Orton and Cena covered JBL, both getting two counts. HHH and Cena exchanged punches, with Cena getting the better of it. Cena gave Triple H a suplex for a two count. Cena hit a pair of shoulderblocks, then a back suplex into a powerbomb. Cena did the "You Can't See Me" and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Triple H jumped up and gave him a spinebuster. Triple H went for a Pedigree, JBL went to clothesline him, but Triple H ducked it. Cena lifted Triple H for a FU, but he floated out of it. Cena lifted JBL instead and gave him the FU. Triple H went for the pedigree on Cena, but Cena backdropped him over the top rope and to the floor.

Cena put JBL in the STFU, and JBL tapped out at the ten minute mark. Randy Orton then kicked Cena in the head, while he still had the STFU applied, and scored the pin on Cena.

JBL and John Cena are eliminated. The second referee left with them for some reason.

Triple H and Randy Orton faced off, then began exchanging punches. Triple H hit a kneedrop for a two count, then sent him over the top rope and to the floor. Triple H went for a whip on the outside, but Orton reversed it and sent Triple H into the steps. Orton catapulted Triple H into the security wall, and Triple H flipped over it onto the concrete. There was a chant for Triple H. Orton suplexed Triple H back over the wall into the ringside area. Orton rolled Triple H into the ring for a two count, then hit a knee to the back. Orton stomped Triple H's midsection, then delivered a double sledge to the back. Orton drove a knee to Triple H's back, then stomped on his midsection. They were selling that Triple H had cracked ribs from the catapult into the security wall. Orton hit a knee to HHH's gut as he got up, then decked him with a punch. Orton hit another knee to the gut, then a kneedrop for a two count.

Triple H mounted a comeback with punches, but Orton gave him a side backbreaker for a two count. Orton applied a chinlock, then added a bodyscissors to it, but only momentarily. The chinlock spot lasted for a long time. Triple H got to his feet and punched out of the chinlock, but Orton came right back with a snap powerslam. Orton then measured Triple H for an RKO. Orton went for the move, but Triple H shoved it off and sent Orton crashing to the mat. Both men were down, and the referee counted. Both men got up and began trading punches. Orton got the better of it, but Triple H reversed a whip and hit a jumping knee. Triple H hit a clothesline in a corner, then a facebuster on the knee for a two count. Triple H clothesline Orton over the top rope and to the floor. HHH tossed Orton over the ECW announce table. Triple H rammed Orton into the Smackdown announce table, but Orton hooked HHH's trunks and sent him head first into the security wall.

Orton took apart the ring steps, and went for a piledriver on the larger section of the steps. Triple H blocked it, then yanked out Orton's legs and sent Orton down onto the steps, banging the back of his head on them. They got back into the ring, and Triple H hit a spinebuster. Triple H went for a pedigree, but Orton backdropped out of it. Orton went for an RKO, but Triple H threw it off and Orton bumped into the referee, but it didn't knock him out. Triple H was distracted by the referee being hit, and Orton nailed HHH with an RKO. Orton crawled onto Triple H for a two count. Orton got to his feet, then measured for a kick to the head. Orton missed the kick, and Triple H went for the pedigree. Orton blocked it and went for an RKO. Triple H spun it around and hit the pedigree for the pin at the 29-minute mark. Randy Orton is eliminated.

Winner and new WWE Champion: Triple H.

The PPV went off the air with Triple H celebrating his victory.

2009 - Lance Hoyt, formerly TNA star Lance Rock, announced he had signed a deal with WWE. He would debut on the main roster as Vance Archer. After being released by WWE, he would go on to tour with New Japan.

2009 - WSOC-TV in Charlotte reported that Reid Flair (real name Richard Fliehr) is facing felony charges after being arrested and charged with driving while impaired and driving with a revoked license (his license was revoked following a previous arrest). However, the felony charge will be for heroin that Charlotte-Mecklenburg police found in his vehicle. The 21-year-old Fliehr was released from jail after posting bond. The arrest led to Ring of Honor backing off on using him, one of the factors that led to his father, Ric Flair, backing out on working with ROH and HDNet.