This Day in History - 11th January 2013

1901 - Tom Jenkins defeats Dan McLeod in Cleveland, Ohio to win the American Heavyweight Title.

1954 - Wilbur Snyder defeats Mr. Moto for the NWA Beat the Champ International Television Title in Hollywood, California.

1954 - Don McIntyre defeats Ray Villmer in Augusta, Georgia to win the Georgia NWA Southern Heavyweight Title, ending Villmer's second reign and beginning McIntyre's ninth.

1954 - Ivan and Soldat Gorky defeat Carl Engstrom and David Jonnes for the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

1957 - Buddy Rogers defeats Johnny Barend to win the NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Title in Akron, Ohio, beginning his seventh reign.

1957 - Jerry Graham defeats Chief Big Heart in Atlanta, Georgia to win the Georgia NWA Southern Heavyweight Title, beginning his second reign.

1962 - Bob Ellis and Johnny Valentine defeat The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan) to win the Northeast NWA United States Tag Team Title, ending the Kangaroos' third reign.

1963 - Rip Hawk defeats El Medico II in Houston, Texas for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Title.

1963 - Jack Curtis, Jr. and Jan Madrid defeat Bad Boy and Billy Hines to win the Gulf Coast NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Dothan, Alabama, ending the Hines' fourth reign.

1965 - Don Leo Jonathan and Gene Kiniski defeat The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan) for the Vancouver NWA Canadian Tag Team Title in Vancouver, British Columbia.

1966 - German-Canadian wrestler Martin Hutzler dies at age 42, from complications of diabetes and throat cancer.

1966 - Mario Milano and Len Rossi win their second Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee. They won a three-team tournament, defeating the Mysterious Medics and Kanji (Antonio) Inoki & Hiro Matsuda.

1968 - Ron Etchison and Klondike Bill defeat Bob Brown and Bob Geigel for the Central States NWA North American Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas, ending Brown and Geigel's third reign.

1974 - Mr. Wrestling II defeats Ron Fuller in Atlanta, Georgia to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title for the third time.

1975 - Dick Steinborn wins his second WWC World Junior Heavyweight Title by defeating Carlos Colon in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

1979 - One day after losing the title, Dale Valentine defeats Tully Blanchard to win the Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Television Title, this began and ended both's second reigns.

1979 - Ron Bass defeats Ray Candy to win the NWA Arkansas Heavyweight Title in Little Rock, Arkansas.

1980 - Mr. Hito and Mr. Sakurada defeat El Halcón and José Lothario for the World Class American Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas.

1981 - Bruiser Brody and Kerry Von Erich win their second World Class American Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas, defeating Gino Hernandez and Gary Young. The title was vacated in May when Brody left the area.

1981 - Centurion Negro defeats Jungle Negra for the UWA World Middleweight Title in Monterrey, Mexico.

1984 - Mike Davis and Mike Rotundo defeat Ron Bass and The One Man Gang for the Florida NWA United States Tag Team Title in Tampa, Florida.

1985 - The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton) defeat The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) to win the World Class American Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.

1985 - Ole Anderson and Thunderbolt Patterson defeat The Long Riders (Bill and Scott Irwin) for the NWA National Tag Team Title in Columbus, Ohio.

1986 - The WWF held an event at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Danny Spivey defeated Ron Shaw.
- Hercules defeated Special Delivery Jones.
- King Tonga defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
- Jim Neidhart and B. Brian Blair fought to a time-limit draw.
- Adrian Adonis pinned Tony Atlas.
- WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and André the Giant defeated King Kong Bundy, Big John Studd and Bobby Heenan in a handicap match, when André pinned Heenan.
- Bret Hart pinned Ivan Putski with his feet on the ropes.
- Ricky Steamboat pinned Don Muraco in a no-disqualification, no-countout, judo jacket match.
- The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine by disqualification.

1986 - Sam Houston defeats Krusher Khrushchev to win the NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia.

1987 - The WWF held an event at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. Most of the matches from the event aired on the January 26, February 23 and May 4 editions of Prime Time Wrestling. The results were:
- Jose Rivera pinned Terry Gibbs.
- Don Muraco and Koko B. Ware fought to a 20-minute time-limit draw
- Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine defeats Mike Rotundo and Danny Spivey, when Valentine hit Spivey with a double axehandle while Spivey had Beefcake covered, with Beefcake the getting the pin.
- George Steele defeated Johnny V (subbing for The Honky Tonk Man, who was at ringside with his arm in a cast and sling) by disqualification when Honky hit Steele with the cast and choked him with the sling.
- Dino Bravo pinned Scott McGhee.
- Jake Roberts and King Kong Bundy fought to a double countout.
- Paul Roma pinned Barry O.
- The Junkyard Dog (subbing for The Dynamite Kid) and WWF Tag Team Champion Davey Boy Smith defeated The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart), when JYD pinned Bret.
- WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Kamala in a steel cage match.

1987 - Jeff Jarrett and Billy Travis defeat The Rock 'n' Roll RPM's (Mike Davis and Tommy Lane) for the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning their second reign.

1988 - Jonathan Boyd defeats Ranger Ross to win the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

1991 - WCW runs an event at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, before 5,000 fans. The low turnout was in part due to a winter storm in the area. The results:
- WCW World Television Champion Z-Man (Tom Zenk) pinned The Black Angel after a missile dropkick, to retain the title.
- Brad Armstrong pinned The Cuban Assassin after a side Russian legsweep.
- Michael Wallstreet pinned Terry Taylor while using the ropes.
- Sid Vicious pinned Brian Pillman after a powerbomb.
- El Gigante, Ricky Morton and Tommy Rich defeated Bobby Eaton, Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes, when Gigante pinned Garvin. Garvin and Hayes turned on Eaton after the match.
- WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger (with Lawrence Taylor) defeated Curtis Hughes (with Paul E. Dangerously) in a Football Challenge match.
- WCW United States Tag Team Champions The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) defeated The Master Blasters (Blade and Steel (Kevin Nash)), when Scott pinned Blade after the Frankensteiner.
- Ric Flair pinned NWA World Heavyweight Champion Sting to win the title, and become the first WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Flair would be fired by the company on July 1, resulting in his eventual debut in the WWF, with the title belt in tow.
- Arn Anderson and Barry Windham defeated WCW World Tag Team Champions Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) in a non-title steel cage match, when Windham pinned Simmons.

1992 - The WWF held an event at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Chris Walker pinned the Brooklyn Brawler.
- Hercules pinned Jim Powers.
- Repo Man pinned Virgil.
- Sgt. Slaughter pinned Colonel Mustafa.
- Ted DiBiase and Tito Santana fought to a draw.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Bret Hart and WWF Tag Team Champions The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal) defeated The Mountie and The Natural Disasters (Earthquake and Typhoon), when Hart pinned The Mountie.
- Hulk Hogan defeated Ric Flair by countout.

1993 - The premiere edition of WWF Monday Night RAW came live from the Manhattan Center in New York City, New York. Vince McMahon, Randy Savage and Don Imus radio sidekick Rob Bartlett were on commentary, with Sean Mooney reporting from outside on West 34th Street. Segments throughout the show featured Bobby Heenan, who had been replaced with Bartlett, trying to get in the building. Heenan posed as Bartlett's aunt, and as his uncle, both times being busted by Mooney. Heenan was finally let in at the end of the show. Results from the show:
- Yokozuna pinned Koko B. Ware with the Banzai Drop.
- The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) defeated The Executioners, when Rick got the pin after their double-team top-rope bulldog.
- Vince McMahon interviewed Razor Ramon about his upcoming WWF Title match with Bret Hart at the Royal Rumble.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Shawn Michaels pinned Max Moon after a back suplex to retain the title. During the match, Rob Bartlett and Vince McMahon did a skit where Bartlett played Mike Tyson calling in from prison watching the show. A funny moment was when Bartlett, as Tyson, said that Don King was trying to get his sentence reduced from six years to 72 months.
- The Undertaker pinned Damien Demento with the Tombstone piledriver.
- The show ended with a rundown of next week's card, and Vince McMahon interviewing Doink the Clown, who was warned by Crush not to make the children in the crowd cry. Doink shot Crush with a watergun, and was chased around the ring by Crush to close the show.

Prior to Raw going on the air, Bob Backlund defeated Damien Damento while Cheetah (Ted Pety, who was working under a mask as the Cheetah Kid on the independents) defeated Johnny Rotten (Mike Durham). Cheetah and Rotten would begin teaming as The Public Enemy in ECW before the end of the year.

1993 - In a match taped for the January 16 edition of WCW Saturday Night, Dustin Rhodes defeated NWA and WCW World Tag Team Champion Ricky Steamboat by countout, after Barry Windham DDT'd Steamboat on the floor. As a result, Rhodes won the vacant NWA and WCW United States Heavyweight Titles, which were vacated when Rick Rude was injured in December.

1993 - Brian Christopher wins his seventh USWA Heavyweight Title, ending Jeff Jarrett's sixth reign in Memphis, Tennessee. At the same show, The Moondogs (Spike and Spot) defeated Ron and Don Harris for the USWA Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning their fourth reign.

1996 - Hiromi Yagi defeats Candy Okutsu for the JWP Junior Title in Fukuoka, Japan. Yagi had defeated Okutsu on December 6 in Nagoya for the title, but she vacated it the next day, not wanting to win it due to an injury to her opponent.

1997 - ECW holds House Party '97 at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Chris Candido pinned Louie Spicolli.
- Mikey Whipwreck pinned Spike Dudley.
- ECW World Tag Team Champions The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronus) defeated Axl Rotten and D-Von Dudley to retain the title.
- The Gangstas (New Jack and Mustapha Saed) defeated Ricky Morton and Tommy Rich, when New Jack pinned Rich.
- Tommy Rich pinned Ricky Morton.
- Mike Awesome pinned Balls Mahoney.
- Buh Buh Ray Dudley and Pitbull #2 fought to a no contest.
- Brian Lee pinned Terry Funk.
- Pitbull #1 defeated ECW World Television Champion Shane Douglas by countout.

1998 - Doug Basham and Flash Flanagan defeat David C. and Jason Lee for the OVW Southern Tag Team Title in Jeffersonville, Indiana, ending David and Lee's second reign.

1998 - Lioness Asuka wins her second JDStar TWWF World Women's Title in Tokyo, Japan, defeating Jaguar Yokota.

1999 - The Monday Night War continued, with WWF RAW is WAR's 5.5 rating defeating WCW Monday Nitro, which got a 5.0 rating.

The WWF's event was at the Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. The results:
- Kit Carson defeated Chris Young in a dark match.
In matches taped for the January 23 edition of Shotgun Saturday Night:
- The Disciples of Apocalypse (8-Ball and Skull) defeated The Oddities (Golga and Kurrgan) and Too Much (Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor) in a triple threat elimination match.
- The Godfather defeated Khris Germany.
- Gangrel defeated Goldust.
In matches for the live RAW is WAR:
- Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett defeated The New Age Outlaws (Billy Gunn and Road Dogg) to become #1 contenders for the WWF Tag Team Title.
- Luna Vachon pinned WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Gillberg.
- WWF European Champion X-Pac pinned Al Snow after Goldust hit Snow with Head.
- Kane defeated WWF Champion Mankind by disqualification, when The Rock came in and hit Kane with a chair before also hitting Mankind.
- Triple H defeated Edge.
- Chyna won the "Corporate Royal Rumble" match, last eliminating Vince McMahon, while McMahon was distracted by Steve Austin. As a result, Chyna earned the #30 entry spot in January 24's Royal Rumble match.
In matches taped for the January 31 Super Astros:
- Apolo Dantes, El Merenguero and Rey Ortiz defeated Negro Casas, Armando Fernandez and Miguel Perez.
- El Hijo del Santo defeated Papi Chulo.

WCW Monday Nitro was live from the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee. Its results were:
- Ernest Miller pinned Perry Saturn.
- Rey Misterio, Jr. and Kaz Hayashi fought to a no contest.
- Booker T pinned Lenny Lane.
- WCW World Television Champion Scott Steiner defeated Diamond Dallas Page.
- Scott Hall pinned Bam Bam Bigelow.
- Ric Flair defeated Curt Hennig.
- Kevin Nash pinned The Giant.

2000 - WCW tapes the January 12 edition of Thunder at the Louis J. Tullio Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Vampiro pinned WCW World Tag Team Champion Crowbar.
- Brian Knobbs pinned WCW Hardcore Champion Norman Smiley to win the title.
- WCW Cruiserweight Champion Madusa defeated Oklahoma in an Evening Gown match.
- Booker T defeated Midnight and Stevie Ray in a three-way match.
- Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Chris Kanyon in a Champagne Bottle on a Pole match.
- Kevin Nash and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett defeated Chris Benoit and Sid Vicious.

2000 - In Cornelia, Georgia, Bad Attitude (Rick Michaels and David Young) win the NWA Wildside Tag Team Title from The Underdogs (Big Eddie Cool and Mark E. Mark). Also, Terry Knight defeats Romeo Bliss to win the NWA Wildside United States Heavyweight Title, ending Bliss' second reign.

2000 - Rudy Boy Gonzalez defeats Spanky to win the Texas Wrestling Alliance Television Title in San Antonio, Texas, beginning his second reign.

2000 - The Rebel wins his second AWA Supreme Heavyweight Title, by forfeit, over Eric Draven in Madison, Indiana.

2001 - Eric Bischoff and Fusient Media Ventures announced their intent to acquire World Championship Wrestling from AOL-Time Warner.

2002 - Balls Mahoney defeats Xavier in Queens, New York for the United States Extreme Wrestling Heavyweight Title, beginning his third reign.

2002 - The Prodigy defeats Rich Myers to become the first Phoenix Championship Wrestling Television Champion in Toms River, New Jersey.

2002 - Cru Jones defeats Jeremy V. for the NWA Wildside Beat the Champ Title in Cornelia, Georgia.

2003 - In Clarksville, Indiana, Nate Webb defeats Shark Boy to win his second IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Title.

2003 - Ring of Honor holds "Revenge of the Prophecy" in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The results:
- Chad Collyer defeated Matt Stryker.
- Super Hentai defeated Mega.
- CM Punk defeated Michael Shane.
- Konnan and Devine Storm (Chris Divine and Quiet Storm) defeated Ghost Shadow and The S.A.T. (Joel and Jose Maximo).
- Da Hit Squad (Mafia and Monsta Mack) defeated The Carnage Crew (Tony DeVito and H.C. Loc) in a Weapons match.
- Special K (Angel Dust, Deranged, Hydro, Slugger and Yeyo) defeated The Ring Crew Express (Dunn and Marcos) and The Outcast Killaz (Diablo Santiago and Oman Turtoga) in a Tag Team Scramble match.
- Paul London defeated Colt Cabana, Homicide and B.J. Whitmer in a four-way match.
- Samoa Joe defeated Bryan Danielson.
- Low Ki and A.J. Styles defeated ROH Tag Team Champion Christopher Daniels and ROH Heavyweight Champion Xavier in a No Holds Barred match.

2003 - Fidel Sierra defeats El Nene for the held-up WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title in Morovis, Puerto Rico. The title was held up after a match between them five days earlier in Caguas, Puerto Rico.

2003 - Ricky Murdock defeats Hotstuff Hernandez in Greenville, Mississippi to win the NWA National Heavyweight Title.

2003 - Two Chaotic Wrestling titles change hands in North Andover, Massachusetts. Billy Kryptonite ends Dukes Dalton's second reign as CW New England Heavyweight Champion, and Attrition (Angers and Studd) defeat Frankie Armadillo and Arch Kincaid (subbing for an injured Adam Booker) to win the CW Tag Team Title.

2004 - Three titles switch at a Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation event in Northpoint, Maryland. The Bruiser and Suicide defeated The Ghetto Mafia (2-Dope and Sideswype) for the MEWF Tag Team Title, they then lost the title to Chad Bowman and Dino Divine. Andrew Ryker wins the MEWF Cruiserweight Title from Reckless Youth, and Romeo Valentine defeat champion Bob Starr and Buzz Stryker in a three-way match to win the MEWF Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Title, ending Starr's fifth reign.

2004 - T.J. Richter defeats champion Paul Hudson, Jason Blade and Mike Paiva in a four-way match for the Premier Wrestling Federation Northeast Junior Heavyweight Title in North Providence, Rhode Island.

2005 - WWE tapes the January 13 SmackDown! and January 15 Velocity shows in Tampa, Florida at the St. Pete Times Forum. The results:
- The Shane Twins (Mike and Todd Shane) defeated Steve Madison and Shannon Moore in a dark match.
In Velocity matches:
- Hardcore Holly pinned Spike Dudley after the Alabamaslam.
- Scotty 2 Hotty pinned Chet Jablonski after the Worm.
- Akio pinned Paul London after a corkscrew moonsault.
- Charlie Haas pinned Rene Dupree after an exploder suplex.
In SmackDown! matches:
- The Basham Brothers (Doug & Danny Basham) defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam, Booker T & Eddie Guerrero and Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns in a fatal four-way elimination match to win the title.
- Kurt Angle defeated Roderick Strong by submission with the ankle lock in a three-minute invitational match.
- WWE United States Champion John Cena pinned Kenzo Suzuki after the FU.
- In a match made in the opening segment of the show, Amy Weber defeated Joy Giovanni by forfeit, when Joy didn't show up for the match. Moments later it was revealed that she was missing.
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion Funaki pined Nunzio after a top rope jumping DDT.
- JBL was being presented with the Man of the Year award by the Florida Agricultural Group. Kurt Angle interrupted the presentation, and accused JBL of kidnapping Joy Giovanni. Angle opened the trunk of JBL's limo and found Joy tied up and gagged. After this, Big Show came out and took out the Cabinet. However, Kurt Angle revealed that he was behind the whole thing.
- In a dark match after the taping, The Undertaker defeated WWE Champion JBL and Orlando Jordan in a handicap casket match.

2005 - Chad Collyer defeats Brian Beech to win the Heartland Wrestling Association Television Title in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2007 - Samoa Joe defeats Eddie Osbourne for the Pure Wrestling Association Championship in Cambridge, Ontario. However, a few weeks later, Joe is stripped of the title due to a contractual error.

2009 - TNA broadcast their Genesis PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:

The opening video was focused on the Main Event Mafia and Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle.

While the competitors entered for the first match, Mike Tenay announced it was a day of uncertainty within TNA. He announced Christy Hemme's injury and announced it would be ODB & Roxxi & Taylor Wilde vs. The Kongtourage. They then said that TNA hasn't heard from Rhino all day, hoped he was OK and Jim Cornette was investigating.

Jimmy Rave & Sonjay Dutt & Kiyoshi vs. LAX & Eric Young - Six Man Elimination Tag

Homicide and Dutt opened the bout with Dutt nailing head scissors. Homicide got to his feet and nailed a right. Rave and Young tagged in. Young and Rave exchanged holds. The crowd chanted for Young. Young nailed a flying forearm while rebounding off the ropes. Hernandez tagged in and hit a flying shoulderblock into the ring on Kiyoshi. Hernandez backdropped him but missed a clothesline.

Kiyoshi nailed a series of kicks but Hernandez caught him. LAX worked over Kiyoshi. Dutt tagged in. He and Homicide went back and forth. Homicide nailed a clothesline, then a Tiger Bomb. They showed Jim Cornette knocking on the Main Event Mafia's door but no one answered. Dutt's team worked over Homicide in their corner.

Homicide came back with a T-Bone suplex on Kiyoshi. Young made the hot tag in, then worked over all three heels. Young caught Rave with a belly to belly suplex for a two count. Young sent Kiyoshi to the floor. Young teased a dive but Rave cut him off. Homicide hit a tope con hilo on them. Dutt then hit a dive to the floor. Hernandez hit a big dive over the top to the floor, wiping everyone out.

Young rolled Rave back into the ring for a two count. Young went for the Death Valley Driver but Dutt broke up the pin. Homicide hit a neckbreaker on Dutt. Young clotheslined Kiyoshi. Hernandez nailed Rave. Dutt dropkicked Hernandez off the top. The crowd applauded all the crazy spots.

Backstage, they showed Jim Cornette still being unable to access the Main Event Mafia's locker room.

Young missed a charge in the corner, Dutt kicked him in the face, then used the ropes for leverage to score the pin and eliminate Young. Homicide tried to hit the Gringo Killer but Dutt landed on his feet and tagged in Rave. Rave rolled up Homicide from behind and hooked the tights to score the pin, leaving a three on one disadvantage for Hernandez.

Hernandez began clearing house on all three. Dutt went for a sunset flip but was caught and hit with the Cracker Jack. He nailed the Border Toss on Kiyoshi and scored the pin, so it was now 2 on 1. Dutt came off the top but was caught. Hernandez hit a sit-out powerbomb for the pin. Don West joked Jimmy Rave might want to sneak out of the building.

Rave tried to nail a superplex but was shoved off. Hernandez hit a top rope splash and scored the pin.

Your winners, LAX & Eric Young.

Homicide returned to the ring to celebrate with his partner. They noted Hernandez still has a World title shot he can cash in at any time.

A fun opener with lots of fast spots. You got the feeling they were building up Hernandez so when he cashed in, fans would buy he has a legitimate shot to win the belt. I enjoyed it.

Backstage, Scott Steiner came to the door and told Jim Cornette to stop bothering them because they had matches to prepare for. Cornette said Rhino was never late a day in his life and the day he has a World title match, no one hears from him, so that makes him wonder what the Mafia are up to. Steiner said Rhino was a drunk and had been in and out of rehab more than Jeff Conway. Someone is a VH-1 fan in creative. He told Cornette to start searching gutters and to leave them alone. He slammed the door in Cornette's face.

Alex Shelley vs. Chris Sabin - X-Division championship tournament final

The partners went back and forth with some solid mat wrestling early. The story was that they were mirror images of the other with lots of fast reversals. Good stuff early. They seemed to tease Shelley would turn heel early and sure enough, he nailed Sabin with a punch during an attempted springboard. Sabin went to the floor. Shelley missed a plancha but Sabin didn't.

Sabin tossed Shelley back into the ring but was cut off as he tried to enter. Shelley set him up and nailed a flip legdrop onto his partner, who was draped over the ropes. Shelley and Sabin exchanged chops with Shelley getting the better of the exchange and garnered a two count.

Shelley cinched in an abdominal stretch in the center of the ring. Sabin tried to break it with a series of elbows to the knee but was caught with an elbow as he escaped. Shelley missed a sliced bread attempt, but flipped Sabin into a makeshift backdrop. Sabin played opossum and nailed Shelley with a dropkick. They returned to their feet and exchanged forearms and chops in the center of the ring.

They began exchanging a lot of fast paced spots and near falls. Shelley went to the top for a frog splash but missed.. They did so much, it would be ridiculous to even try to recap. It's an awesome bout.

Sabin hit a big clothesline then nailed the Cradleshock for a two. Sabin attempted one off the ropes but Shelley escaped and nailed a superkick, then hit Sliced Bread #2 for a near fall. Shelley went for another but Sabin shrugged him off. Shelley teased that he hurt his ankle. Sabin went to check on his partner. Shelley grabbed him in a small package and scored the pin.

Your winner and new X-Division champ, Alex Shelley!

A really great match. The two hugged afterwards. Would you hug the guy who just cheated you out of the title?

Backstage, Jim Cornette said that no one has heard from Rhino and now he's learned Kevin Nash is in the hospital with a staph infection and may have blood poisoning. Mick Foley showed up and demanded that Cornette tell the Main Event Mafia that they have until bell time to find a suitable replacement or it'll be a handicap match.

Sheik Abdul Bashir vs. Shane Sewell

Sewel went right after Bashir at the bell with a series of chops. He railed down with ten punches in the corner, then bit Bashir. Bashir retreated to the floor. Sewell followed and slammed him into the guard rail. Sewell continued to clean house on Bashir. The crowd didn't seem to know what the storyline was based on the reactions. I almost wish this match was taking place in Orlando given how over the angle has been there.

Bashir cut off Sewell and shoulderblocked him down. Bashir tried to walk out but was clotheslined from behind on the rampway. Sewell tossed Bashir into the guard rail. Bashir caught Sewell and crotched him on the guard rail. Sewell was almost counted out but made it back to the ring. Bashir locked in a side chinlock.

Bashir began chopping Sewell in the corner and Sewell made the superman comeback. He caught Bashir with a boot as he charged into the corner. Bashir caught him with a spinebuster for a two count. Sewell made a comeback and worked on Bashir's knee. He locked on a figure four which got a big pop since it's Flair Country. Bashir got to the ropes.

Bashir caught Sewell with a hot shot. He began working over Sewell with forearms across the face. Bashir wouldn't listen to Hebner, who shoved him. This led to a cartoon run around in circles between the two. Sewell caught Bashir with a clothesline and a sunset flip and scored the pin.

Your winner, Shane Sewell!

All the referees came out to celebrate with Sewell.

Match was OK but the finish was hokey.

Backstage, Jim Cornette demanded Booker T and Sharmell tell him what happened to Rhino. Booker didn't like the way Cornette spoke to his wife and grabbed him physically. The referees and Shane Sewell, "returning" pulled Booker off. Booker and Sewell had a staredown and Booker warned him not to get involved in his business. I guess that's going to be the new program. I figured Sewell's push would end with the Bashir win, but perhaps not.

TNA Tag Team champions Jay Lethal & Consequences Creed vs. Matt Morgan & Abyss vs. Beer Money Inc.

Storm and Creed opened the bout. After they went back and forth, Lethal and Roode tagged in. Lethal nailed a series of jabs in the corner then backdropped Roode. Lethal nailed the double sledge off the top for a two count. Lethal and Creed worked over Roode for a two count.

Jackie Moore jumped into the ring to protect Roode. The champs whipped Storm into them. Abyss whipped the champs into them, then hit his running charge in the corner. They did the bit where the heels landed in sexual positions. Abyss clotheslined Roode over the top to the floor. The reaction of a shocked woman in the first row was priceless. Lethal and Creed hit dives to the floor on Beer Money.

Matt Morgan went to the top rope and hit a dive to all four to the floor. A seven footer just did a dive. You gotta love his gumption. Abyss clotheslined Roode and teased a chokeslam. He tried to slam both but they nailed him in the gut and driven face-first into the mat. They nailed a double suplex on him but Roode could only get a two count.

Creed tagged in and cleaned house on the champs. Matt Morgan and Abyss had words in their corner, continuing the tease of issues there. Creed covered Storm for a two count. Beer Money drilled Creed with a DDT spike for a two count, as Lethal broke it up. Beer Money made a wish with Creed's legs. Roode caught Creed with a spinebuster for a two count. Storm tagged in, wearing his hat to shock disrespect, and went for a charge. Creed moved and Storm crashed into the corner.

Roode tagged in but Lethal tagged in. He cleaned house on Roode and went for the pin. Storm went to drop an elbow but Lethal saw it coming and moved, so Storm nailed his partner. Lethal hit the Lethal Combination and went to the ropes but Matt Morgan blind tagged in and went for the cover. Lethal broke it up. Abyss tossed Lethal into the air and drilled him with a backbreaker. Creed hit a missile dropkick to Abyss. Morgan hit the Carbon Footprint on Creed.

Storm drilled Morgan with the Backstabber. Beer Money tried to double team Morgan. He fought them off. Jackie Moore distracted the ref. Storm tossed one of the tag belts to Roode but Abyss intercepted. Morgan knocked Storm off the apron. Abyss charged Roode with the belt but Roode ducked and Morgan got nailed instead. Lethal hit a top rope elbow but Beer Money stole the win and regained the belts.

Your winners and new TNA Tag Team champs, Beer Money!

Match was OK. It felt like it was really muddied by the third team being involved but TNA tries to put everyone on the PPVs.

Morgan and Abyss argued after the match. Morgan kept ripping him and Abyss was getting pissed.

Backstage, Jeremy Borash was following Kurt Angle, who was furious. He stormed into Jim Cornette's office. He told Cornette if he has questions about anything regarding the Main Event Mafia, you come to him and don't bother anyone else. Cornette asked him where Rhino was and Angle told him he should be more concerned about Jeff Jarrett. Cornette said Jarrett was somewhere in the building and not to worry about him. Cornette pressed him on Rhino. Angle admitted they grabbed Rhino at his hotel this morning, tried to get him to give up the TNA title bout and when he refused, they beat him down and left him in a lot somewhere. He told Cornette he had better start working on "Plan B."

It certainly looks like Sting is going to work the six man tag tonight, doesn't it?

ODB & Roxxi & Taylor Wild vs. Raiesha Saeed & Sojourner Bolt & Rhaka Khan - Winner Earns TNA Knockouts title bout

Saeed had a form fitting new outfit, which should help her actually show how good she really is in the ring. No sign of Kong. Bolt and Wilde started the bout. Wilde rolled up Saeed for a quick two count. Roxxi tagged in and nailed a dropkick and several forearms on Saeed.

Khan tagged in. Wow, she needs work. Wilde began nailing her with kicks. She whipped Wilde into the ropes where the other heels tripped her and dragged her to the floor for a beatdown. They tossed her into the guard rail. Wilde was tossed back into the ring, where Saeed worked her over. Saeed stomped Wilde's legs and knees. Bolt drops an elbow off the top for a two count

ODB made the hot tag and slammed Saeed and Bolt. She nailed a double clothesline. ODB went for a Fall Away Slam. It wasn't pretty. She got it on a second try. ODB nailed a powerslam on Saeed but Bolt broke up the pin. ODB was far and away the most over female in the bout. Roxxi grabbed Khan and Bolt on the outside. Khan tripped. Roxxi tossed them to Wilde, who nailed them.

ODB rolled up Saeed in a small package for the pin, so she gets a title shot down the line.

Your winners, ODB & Roxxi & Taylor Wilde!

The match was just there, not really memorable.

TNA Knockouts champ Awesome Kong came into the ring and faced off with ODB. ODB challenged her to have the match right now. Kong shoved her away. They started brawling. The other four jumped in and everyone brawled as Kong stood over ODB. Kong nailed a chokeslam on ODB, since she couldn't do a powerbomb with her injured back. The Kongtourage stood over the fallen ODB.

Backstage, Jim Cornette was questioning TNA champion Sting and asked him how he could condone what happened to Rhino. Sting asked, "Who said I condoned it? Who?" Sting said he hadn't been to Charlotte for 15 years and came to defend the World title. He said he would be doing that tonight, whether Rhino showed up or not. Total babyface interview.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle - No DQ

They brawled center ring at the bell. Jarrett ran Angle into the turnbuckles, then whipped him hard into the opposite corner. Angle tried to cinch a sleeper in on Jarrett, who low blowed him. Jarrett hit a running clothesline over the top to the floor.

Backstage, they showed Rhino somewhere in the building, beaten throwing trash cans around backstage.

Jarrett ran Angle face-first into the guardrail on the floor, then did it again. Jarrett grabbed a beer and tossed it in Angle's face. Angle nailed Jarrett, sending him into the railing, then slammed his head into the side of the steel steps leading to the ring. The crowd began doing dueling chants for both men. It's been a solid brawl so far.

Angle hit a suplex in the ring for a two count. Angle controlled the bout for a bit, cinching in a side chinlock on the mat. Jarrett backdropped Angle over the top. Jarrett then tried to do a dive and in a scary moment that reminded me of JT Smith in 1995, fell to the floor in frightening fashion when his foot caught the top rope. He's really, really lucky. Angle slammed Jarrett into the table, then smashed Jarrett in the face with the timekeeper's bell. Jarrett was busted open. They brawled up the ring ramp and a bloody Jeff DDT'd Angle on the ramp.

They brawled to the entranceway. Jarrett smashed Angle's face into the scaffolding. Now Angle was busted open. They brawled to the left side of the stage. Jeff kept trying to punch Angle off, but missed a punch and Angle hit the Angleslam off the stage through a table they had made up to look like "one of the pyro boards" according to the announcers. The place went nuts for it.

Both men slowly recovered and made their way to the ring. Angle made his way to the ring first with Jarrett slowly crawling down the aisle. They returned to the ring with Jeff refusing to say die fighting to his feet again and again as Angle nailed shots. Jarrett began using the ropes for momentum to fight back. Angle kicked Jeff who responded with several clotheslines and a double underhook DDT for a two count.

Jarrett went for the Stroke but Angle countered into the Anklelock. Jarrett fought his way to the ropes but as he reached out for them, Angle pulled him to the center of the ring. Jarrett rolled through, sending Angle out to the floor. Angle, furious, grabbed a chair at ringside. He swung at Jeff, who ducked, then dropkicked the chair into Angle's face. Jarrett nailed the Stroke for a two count. Really well constructed match.

Jarrett attempted a suplerplex but was shoved off by Angle. Angle hits a glancing missile dropkick, then an Angle Slam. Jarrett got his shoulder up at the two count. Jarrett kicked off an anklelock attempt. Angle charged but Jarrett evaded him and Angle hit his shoulder on the ringpost.

Jarrett grabbed the guitar. He went for the El Kabong but Angle kicked him low. Angle grabbed the guitar and the chair, as if he was deciding which to use. He chose the chair and drilled Jarrett in the back of the head with it. Jarrett kicked up at two. Angle lost it and began grabbing and screaming at the referee.

Jarrett fought his way over to the guitar, but Angle saw it and cinched in the anklelock. Jarrett teased tapping but refused. He finally rolled through, catching Angle in a front roll-up for a two count. Angle went for an Angle Slam but Jarrett turned it into a DDT.

Jarrett grabbed the guitar, which fell apart in his hands. Ooopps! He grabbed the chair and smashed Angle with it. After Angle went down, Jarrett collapsed to the mat grabbing his ankle. He crawled over for the cover but Angle got his shoulder up at two, then grabbed Jeff and pinned him to the mat in a surprising end with a rollup.

Your winner, Kurt Angle!

As Jarrett was being tended to, Angle attacked him in the corner, Pillmanizing his ankle with the chair. Jarrett did a stretcher job.

A great fn' match. Seriously, for all the flack Jarrett gets (and in his position, he's always going to get it) I loved the hell out of this match. He and Angle had one hell of a brawl and told a great story.

TNA champion Sting vs. Rhino

They had Jeremy Borash doing the introductions. Rhino attacked Sting as he hit the ring. They went right to the floor with Sting being whipped into the guard rail. Sting avoided a charge and tossed Rhino into the rail. He slammed Rhino's head into the announcer's table.

They returned to the ring where Sting continued working over Rhino. He put Rhino on the turnbuckles, then shoved him over the top to the floor. Rhino made his way back to the ring, where Sting continued stomping him, then locked on a bear hug. Sting whipped him into the ropes but Rhino came back with a leaping clothesline.

Rhino nailed Sting with a shoulderblock in the corner for a two count. Rhino nailed the gore, so Sting rolled out to the floor to save himself. Sting came back and locked on the Scorpion but Rhino escaped. Rhino evaded the Gore. Sting hit the Scorpion Death Drop and got the pin.

Your winner and still TNA champ Sting!

The crowd took to Sting as a babyface. Really disappointing in my opinion. Nothing clicked and it couldn't follow the last match at all.

Jeremy Borash interviewed Brother Devon, Mick Foley and AJ Styles. Borash noted how bad the Frontline has been beaten in the last few weeks. Styles asked if Borash was giving up on them already. He said they liked being the underdogs and worked well under pressure. Styles said that no matter how many times they get knocked down, they will get up. Styles dedicated the match to the "injured" Samoa Joe and his newborn son. Devon said he doesn't need to scream and yell. He said Brother Ray isn't his friend, but his brother. He spoke to Ray earlier and promised they would take care of business and they would take that partner. Foley then cut a good promo asking which Mick Foley was going to show up, the sensitive one or the hardcore monster that's been involved in some of the craziest matches of all time. Channeling Clint Eastwood, Foley asked the Main Event Mafia if they felt lucky.

Booker T & Scott Steiner & ? (with Sharmell) vs. Mick Foley & AJ Styles & Brother Devon

Steiner and Booker came out and announced Cute Kip was the substitute. I know this was a last minute issue, but you have to be f**** kidding me on that one. Like, wow, seriously? Kip took the mic and said he was a Hardcore champion, an Intercontinental champ and a 10 time Tag Team champion. He's suddenly Kip James now.

All six brawled to start. Foley hit a clothesline over the top Kip. Foley teased the elbow to the floor but Kip ran off. The crowd chanted, "We want Angle."

Styles and Kip started the official bout. Styles used his agility to thwart Kip and hit a dropkick. Kip backed off and tagged out to Booker. Devon tagged in and worked over Booker with punches in the corner. Devon whipped Booker into the ropes but Booker put on the brakes and kicked him in the chest.

Foley tagged in and hit a running kneelift on Booker for a two count. Styles tagged back in but was cut off with a palm thrust to the face. Booker and Kip worked over Styles. Styles rolled up Kip for a two count but was nailed with a boot to the face. Steiner tagged in and kicked Styles in the face. Steiner nailed a clothesline, then an elbow.

Booker tagged in and maintained control on Styles, who came back with a Pele Kick, catching Booker glancingly. Kip tagged in and went for the Famouser but Styles moved and hit another Pele. Styles made the tag to Foley who began working over Kip in the corner. As he turned, Steiner nailed him.

Steiner turned his attention to Devon, going to the floor where they brawled. Steiner whipped Devon into the railing several times.

The referee counted everyone out of the ring. Yes, it's a double countout.

"Not quite so fast!"

Jim Cornette came out and said he's been coming to Charlotte for 25 years and "we don't do things like that down here." Cornette ordered the match restarted. Booker took the mic and says that he doesn't have the authority to do that and declares the match over. Foley took the mic and told Cornette he doesn't have the authority to restart the match, but as the Executive Shareholder, he has the right to re-start it...under Hardcore Rules.

All six bawled all over the floor. All the trademark hardcore weapons came out from under the ring. Styles punted a trash can into Booker. They all brawled with weapons. Foley told Devon to get the tables. Foley teased an elbow off the announcing table through Kip but Booker hit a low blow. Styles did a springboard frog splash through the table on Kip. That was awesome.

Inside the ring, Steiner and Devon battled on the top. Devon fought him off, then hit a diving headbutt. Booker returned to the ring and hit the Axe Kick. Foley pulled out the Sock we dare not name and hit Booker with the Mandible Claw. Steiner nailed Foley with a trash can Booker and Steiner tried to set up Foley with a chair. Foley avoided an Axe Kick and nailed Booker with a chair. He hit a double arm DDT on Steiner and scored the pin.

Your winners, Mick Foley & AJ Styles & Brother Devon!

OK main event. They had to put someone in so I guess Kip was the best of the available choices. He did work as hard as you would expect of him. The match was OK until they did the re-start, which I thought came off well. It didn't seem like Foley had much in the tank as he didn't do any of the big signature spots but he really should save them for the first singles match against Angle. Styles was on fire tonight.

There were some really good matches tonight but due to injuries, it came across like one of those shows the company just had to get through and move on from. Angle vs. Jarrett, The X-Division title bout and the opener were my favorite matches.

2010 - Mike Tyson is the Guest Host of Monday Night Raw. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:

We are live from Minneapolis, Minnesota and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Favre’ Cole and Jerry ‘Where is Jesse Ventura tonight . . . it’s a conspiracy’ Lawler.

We begin with Justin Roberts introducing the guest host, Mike Tyson. Mike says that it is great to be back on Raw. He mentions the last time he was on Raw and he says that it was a memorable appearance. We go back to 1998 when Steve Austin came out to interrupt Mike Tyson and Austin’s salute to Tyson. Then we go to footage from Wrestlemania XIV when Tyson turned on DX and punched Shawn Michaels.

The fans chant ‘you screwed Shawn’ and Mike likes it. He says that it is nice to be here, but he is interrupted by the WWE Champion, Sheamus.

Sheamus comes to the ring and he wonders why Tyson was announced as one of the most iconic figures of the 20th Century. He calls Tyson a washed up ex champion. Sheamus holds up his belt and says that he is the champion and therefore the baddest man on the planet. Tyson wants to punch Sheamus, but Sheamus flinches. Sheamus dares Tyson to do it again.

Randy Orton comes out to the ring and he tells Mike that he is not interested in a SportsCenter moment. He is interested in the WWE Title. Randy points out that Sheamus doesn’t have an opponent for the Royal Rumble, so he wants to be named the number one contender.

Not to be out done, John Cena’s music plays and he comes to the ring. John says hello to everyone and he says that he is here to see Mike Tyson. He is here because the Packers are out of the playoffs and the Vikings are still in. He says that he is here for the WWE Title.

Sheamus reminds Cena that he is not getting a title shot at the Royal Rumble. Cena pulls a Morrison and mocks an accent. Cena reminds Sheamus that he beat him last time they met. Cena says that he has beaten everyone in the ring. Cena says that he even beat Mike Tyson and then goes through all of the characters on Mike Tyson’s Punch Out. Cena says that he deserves the title match.

Since there is still room in the ring, Kofi Kingston comes out. Randy wants to know why Kofi is in the ring because he lost last week. Kofi admits that he lost last week and he might not have any business in the ring, but Orton and Cena have already been WWE Champions and have had many title matches. Kofi points out that he has never had a title match. Kofi says that he is not going to wait in the back for his chance. Kofi says that he wants a chance at the WWE Title. Kofi says that he will not take no for an answer.

Sheamus says that since he is a better champion than Tyson because he defended his title more frequently than Tyson when he was champ, he wants the Royal Rumble off. Sheamus tells the other men in the ring to earn his shot at the Royal Rumble.

Tyson says that he doesn’t want to be compared to Sheamus. Tyson says that they have a match tonight and the winner will face Sheamus at the Royal Rumble. Cena likes the idea.

We go to commercial.

We are back and did you know that Raw was number one on Cable last Monday (wonder why we have that new DYN moment)

Match Number One: Kelly Kelly versus Alicia Fox in a Divas Tournament First Round Match

They lock up and Kelly backs Alicia into the ropes and the referee separates them but Alicia with a forearm and knee before sending Kelly into the turnbuckles. Alicia with a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Kelly with forearms and Alicia sends Kelly to the apron and then Kelly sends Alicia over the top rope to the floor. Kelly with a cross body from the apron. Kelly with a few clotheslines followed by a head scissors and drop kick. Kelly tries for a rana but Alicia blocks it and hits a power bomb for the three count.
Winner: Alicia Fox

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to take a look back at John Cena’s time in Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl.

Before our next match, Ted and Cody are on the mic and they mention how they were three of the final four in last year’s Royal Rumble. Last year was Randy’s turn but this year is a different story. Ted says that he cannot agree with Cody more because it is his year. Ted wonders if Cody disagrees with him. Ted points out that Cody’s dad says that he has ‘movie star good looks’ but Ted points out that he is a movie star. He points out that people say that it is better than the original Marine. Cody says that his fifth grade graduation video was better than the original Marine. Ted and Cody argue over who is going to win, but it is time for their opponents to come to the ring.

Match Number Two: Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes versus Evan Bourne and Mark Henry

Bourne and DiBiase start things off they lock up but DiBiase with a knee and forearm. Bourne with a rana and drop kick followed by a kick. Bourne is sent to the apron and then DiBiase sends Bourne to the floor with a drop kick. Cody sends Bourne into the ringside barrier while Ted distracts the referee. Bourne returns to the ring and Evan is sent into the turnbuckles. DiBiase with a reverse chin lock. Rhodes tags in and he hits a drop kick to Bourne and he gets a near fall. Rhodes with a punch and then he stomps on Bourne’s head. Rhodes with a slam followed by a Ric Flair knee drop for a near fall. Rhodes isolates the arm and then he puts Bourne in a rear chin lock. Bourne gets to his feet but Rhodes with a kick. Bourne with an enzuigiri and both men are down. Henry tags in and he hits a clothesline followed by a head butt. Henry punches DiBiase and then he presses Rhodes over his head and then drops him to the mat. Henry signals for Bourne to do some flippy stuff and tags in Bourne. Bourne goes up top but DiBiase pulls Rhodes out of the way. Henry goes over the top rope when he goes after DiBiase. Bourne with a knee to DiBiase’s back but Cody hits Cross Rhodes for the three count.
Winners: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase

Degeneration X are in the back and Hunter asks Shawn if he really wants to do this. Bret Hart was one thing, but with Mike Tyson. Shawn says that he made peace with Bret Hart after twelve years and tonight he wants to do that with Mike Tyson. Hunter says that Tyson is insane. He also reminds Hunter that Tyson knocked Shawn out. Shawn says that he watched the documentary and he thinks that Tyson is a changed man. We go to commercial.

We are back and Shawn is in Tyson’s office and he mentions burying the hatchet last week with Bret Hart. Shawn says that he wants to do the same tonight with Tyson. Shawn says that he forgives Mike for knocking him out at Wrestlemania XIV. Tyson says that he enjoyed knocking out Shawn and he would love to do it again.

Chris Jericho . . . the man banned from Raw . . . enters the locker room and he says that he was able to talk to Mike and he mentions that they are both wrongly persecuted by the unwashed masses. Jericho says that he struck up a friendship with Mike and DX will have a match tonight and Jericho can stay on whatever show he wants to for however long he wants. Tyson says that the match will be DX versus Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson.

We go to ringside and Lawler and Cole talk about Mike Tyson being in a WWE ring tonight for a match.

In case you were watching something else last Monday night between 9:00 and 11:00, we have a recap of Bret Hart’s appearance on Raw as it related to Vince McMahon.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Jack Swagger is doing laps in the ring.

Swagger has something to say. He says that he will win the Royal Rumble to main event Wrestlemania (because all of his guarantees have come true). Swagger says that the Royal Rumble is tailor made for him. He says that since he was defending the ECW title last year, he was not in the Royal Rumble. Swagger guarantees that no one can eliminate him. He says that he will put his money where his mouth is. He makes an All American American Challenge. He wants anyone to come out to try to throw him over the top rope.

Santino Marella comes out and he says that he was going to make an All Italian Italian challenge similar to Jack’s challenge. Santino says that he will drop Swagger like a bike with no kickstand.

Match Number Three: Santino Marella versus Jack Swagger in an Over the Top Rope Challenge

Swagger misses a punch but Swagger runs Santino into the turnbuckles. Swagger with a hard Irish whip followed by the double jump Vader Splash. Swagger picks up Santino and he throws Santino over the top rope but Santino holds on and Swagger goes to the floor.
Winner: Santino

We take a look back at the Tyson/Austin footage before we are reminded that Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson are going to face DX tonight.

The participants in the Triple Threat Match are walking in triplicate as we go to commercial.

Match Number Four: Randy Orton versus Kofi Kingston versus John Cena in a Number One Contender Match

Orton kicks Cena but Kingston punches Orton. Cena with an Irish whip but Orton goes down. Cena and Kofi with a double suplex to Orton. Kofi with a Stinger Splash on Orton followed by a European uppercut. Cena with an Irish whip and suplex followed by a European uppercut by Kofi to Orton. Orton goes to the floor and Cena goes after Orton and brings him back into the ring. Kofi punches Orton and then they hit a double back elbow and Cena with an elbow drop. Kofi throws Orton out of the ring and then Kofi looks at Cena and they figure that they might as well do something.

Sheamus makes his way onto the stage to survey his opponents and Cena and Kofi violate Rule #2 and focus on someone hundreds of feet away, allowing Orton to attack Cena and Kofi from behind as we go to commercial.

We are back and Orton with a reverse chin lock. We see footage from the commercial break to explain why Cena is down by the announce table and we see him knocked off the apron. Sheamus is still watching from afar.

Orton brings Cena back in with an IEDDT and he hits it after looking skyward. Kofi with a cross body for a near fall on Orton. Kofi with punches and then he hits a clothesline from the turnbuckles followed by a drop kick to Orton. Orton with a backbreaker but Cena with a bulldog to Orton. Cena with an Irish whip but he misses a charge into the corner and he hits the ring post with his shoulder. Kofi with the SOS to Orton for a near fall followed by a kick and then Cena stops the Boom Boom Leg drop with a drop toe hold into an STF. Kofi tries to make it to the ropes as Orton hits Cena so Kofi does not have to tap to the STF (thanks Cole for the reminder). Cena with the two flying shoulder tackles followed by the Blue Thunder Bomb and it is Five Knuckle Shuffle time. Cena gets Orton up for the Attitude Adjustment but Kofi pulls Orton down and hits a few chops followed by a jumping chop. Kofi with the Boom Boom Leg Drop and then he tunes up the string band for Trouble in Paradise and he hits it on Cena and Cena goes to the floor. Kofi leaps into the corner and he punches Orton. From out of nowhere, Cody Rhodes drop kicks the ring steps into Cena. Cody distracts the referee and DiBiase pulls Kofi off Orton. Orton waits for Kofi to get to his feet and he does a few RKO push ups and then he hits the RKO. Orton gets the three count.
Winner: Randy Orton

Legacy stands in the ring staring at something.

Josh Mathews is in the back with Mike Tyson to ask him about the match. Hornswoggle interrupts and he grunts, shadow boxes, and does crotch chops. Tyson tells Hornswoggle that if he sees him, he will tear out Hornswoggle’s intestines and jump rope with them. Then he says that he will rip out Hornswoggle’s brains. He tells Hornswoggle to have a good night and Hornswoggle backs off.

We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time to take a look back at the match that determined that MVP would face The Miz for the United States Title.

The Miz is in the back and he says that when he first came to World Wrestling Entertainment, not a single person respected him. No one in the WWE Universe and no one in the locker room. Nobody could stand him and wanted to get rid of him. They made his life a living hell. Miz says that he got kicked out of the locker room for six months for eating chicken in the locker room and getting crumbs in a referee’s bag. He mentions how JBL would see him in the back and would say that he was a gift from God. Miz says that everyone wanted him to quit, but he used that negativity to ignite a wrath against everyone. Miz says that he has his own locker room while the superstar locker room is for the likes of Evan Bourne and MVP. He points out that MVP is his challenger for his United States Title. He says that MVP gets to join a long list of people who have been publicly humiliated by him. Miz walks to the ring and he says that MVP does not belong in the ring with him and should still be in jail. Miz says that MVP should not have gotten a second chance. Miz says that the Miztakes continue to boo him. Miz says that he is the reason why people watch Raw, not MVP. Miz comments on the way that MVP dresses and then he says that you could put diamonds on a dog, but it will still be a mutt. Miz says that the Miztakes will respect him and then we get the catchphrase.

Montel Vontavious Porter’s music plays and he comes out very well dressed. Porter says that everyone knows about his past and he has not run from it. He says that he doesn’t want other people to make the same mistakes that he has made. He says that he does have an affinity for nice clothes and accessories because he has worked hard for what he has. Porter says that he has worked hard to earn the respect of the WWE Universe. Porter says that he is a superstar in the circus that we call The WWE. Porter repeats Miz’s comments about him and he says that they might be animals in this circus but he is no mutt. Porter takes off his jacket and tie. Then the shirt comes off. Porter says that he is a Bengal tiger while Miz is a monkey flinging poo.

Porter says that he is not tame like Miz claims. Porter wants to bring up his past and how he spent nine and a half years in the Florida penal system. He says that he was with other animals in jail and he survived in a world that Miz has only seen on television. Porter says that his ‘real world’ and Miz’s ‘real world’ are different. Porter wants Miz to open his cage to see what kind of animal he is dealing with.

They have a stare down and Miz backs off and Porter takes Miz down. Porter with a flying forearm and a running boot to the head that sends Miz to the floor. Porter holds the title belt.

We go to the 2009 Hall of Fame Ceremony footage because tickets go on sale this weekend.

It is time to take a look back at the punch that knocked out Shawn Michaels after the Michaels/Austin match from Wrestlemania XIV.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Maryse is at the announce table to see who she will face in the next round of the Divas tournament. Match Number Five: Eve Torres versus Katie Lea Burchill in a Divas Tournament First Round Match

Katie with a near fall and then she works on Eve’s back. Eve tries for a cross body and Katie catches her and hits a uranage back breaker for a near fall. Eve with a kick to Kaite and then she hits a clothesline for a near fall. Katie with a knee and forearm but Eve with a kick and drop kicks. Eve with a flip leg drop but she lands on Katie’s knees and Katie gets a near fall. Eve with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Eve

After the match, Eve goes to the floor in front of the announce table and Maryse tells Eve to ‘talk to the hands’. In the semifinals, it will be Eve versus Maryse and Gail Kim versus Alicia Fox.

Carlito is talking to Gail Kim in the back and Vince McMahon walks by and he takes us into commercial.

We are back and did you know that 7 of the last ten Royal Rumble winners have won at Wrestlemania.

We see footage of the match that provided us with a new face in the WWE title picture (well, Orton wasn’t in the match at TLC) and we have a graphic for the match.

Vince McMahon comes to the ring as only Vince McMahon can. We have a 7 days ago moment of the kick heard ‘round Bret’s solar plexus.

Vince says that he wants to stop the rumors about extra security to prevent Bret Hart from being here tonight. Vince says that Bret is intimidated. Twelve years ago, Bret spit in his face, sucker punched him, and walked out on his company. Vince says that last week, he screwed Bret. Bret wanted to let bygones be bygones and bring closure to this whole thing. Vince says that he does not play nice and he does not forgive or forget. Vince mentions that Bret was humbled and humiliated by him last week and Vince says that is closure. Vince says that Bret will not be back if he wants closure. Vince says that Bret will never be seen in the WWE again.

We see Tyson getting ready for his match with Chris Jericho as we go to commercial.

We are back and Jon Heder and Don Johnson are your guest hosts next week.

Before our main event, Hunter wants to know if everyone is ready. He really wants to know if we are ready. Shawn says that he is ready for an answer from the Undertaker. Shawn says that he wants his answer on Raw next week about his challenge for Wrestlemania.

Match Number Six: Degeneration X versus Chris Jericho and Mike Tyson in a Chris Jericho’s Raw Life on the Line Match . . . for this week or until Jericho gets another chance to stay on Raw

Michaels and Tyson start things off and they lock up and Tyson sends Michaels to the mat. They lock up again and Tyson pushes Michaels away. They lock up again and Tyson sends Michaels to the mat again. Shawn talks to Hunter for a second. Shawn charges at Tyson and Tyson with a shoulder tackle. Hunter tags in and he gets in Tyson’s face. They lock up and they go into the corner. Tyson with a clean break but Hunter pushes Tyson and Tyson pushes back. They lock up again and Jericho tags in and he punches Hunter. Jericho with punches to Hunter but Hunter tries for a pedigree and Jericho runs into a punch from Shawn. Hunter with a punch followed by a vintage high knee and a punch. Michaels tags in and hits a reverse atomic drop and chop. Michaels tries for a sunset flip but Jericho drops down for a near fall. Michaels and Jericho alternate near falls. Jericho is sent into Hunter and Michaels gets a near fall. Jericho with an enzuigiri and then he tags Tyson in. Tyson waits for Michaels to get up.

Hornswoggle’s music plays and he comes to the ring. Hornswoggle wants a piece of Tyson and he has his gloves on. Tyson tags Jericho in and we have a five man stand off in the ring. Jericho talks to DX while Tyson reveals a DX shirt. Jericho turns around and he senses the DX shirt. Jericho gets punched in the face and Michaels gets the three count.
Winners: Degeneration X

After the match, Hunter brings Mike Tyson’s son into the ring as Jericho rolls out of a Raw ring for the final time . . . until next time.

We go to credits to a chorus of crotch chops.



2011 - Former WWE announcer and Raw General Manager Mike Adamle, who is the sports director at the NBC affiliate in Chi-town, was arrested for DUI. Adamle, who was on medication for epilepsy, is later cleared of the charges.

2011 - Stevie Richards announced that he departed TNA, writing on his Twitter, "Just left Universal Studios. Had a great talk with Terry Taylor and Vince Russo about making the decision to quit TNA Wrestling. Thanks to everyone there for the past 2 years."

2011 - PWInsider.com broke a new WWE hiring standard for wrestlers in their developmental system as the company began only hiring that talents that were under the age of 30 so they could properly invest in them.

2011 - Jesse Neal announced he signed a three year deal with TNA. He would be gone by the end of the year after turning down the chance to go to TNA's fledgling developmental system in OVW.

2011 - PWInsider.com broke the news that Ring of Honor and its first broadcast partner, HDNet would be parting ways after two years of working together. In response, ROH issued the following statement:

"Ring of Honor completed its 2 year TV contract with HDNet. During this time "ROH on HDNet" fans witnessed many great matches, the introduction of the ROH Television Title, and the crowning of new tag champions, among other historical moments. HDNet will air new episodes of ROH until 4/4/11. Please continue to support ROH and watch these new shows on HDNet."

While the two sides were in discussions to air some ROH events live via the network, it would not come to pass. Before the end of the year, ROH would be sold to Sinclair Broacasting.

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

We are Wild and Young and on tape from Laredo, Texas. Your announcers are William ‘It only took 99 weeks for a new opening video’ Regal and Matt ‘Where is Dick Murdoch when you need him’ Striker.

Matt is in the ring and he reminds us that next week is the one hundredth episode of NXT and he thanks everyone for supporting the show. Next week’s show will be in Las Vegas.

Matt mentions that he has brought back some past members of NXT. He brings out someone from season three and it is Alicia Fox and she has her pet carcass on her head.

Matt comments on the thing on her head and Alicia purrs. Matt mentions how Alicia’s rookie from season three has done so well. Her rookie was Maxine. Alicia starts talking but Maxine’s music plays and she interrupts.

Maxine makes her way to the ring and she says that she is so happy that Alicia could join us tonight. Maxine tells Alicia that this is her ring and Alicia was of no use to her in season three and no use to her now.

Alicia tells Maxine that during season three, she was stubborn, rude, and belligerent.

Maxine tells Seacrest to shove it. Alicia asks Maxine how and who she is doing.

Maxine asks if Alicia has to stick her nose in Maxine’s business.

Alicia says that she thought Maxine was more comfortable on her back and Alicia pushes Maxine down. Maxine takes Alicia down and they fight.



Match Number One: Alicia Fox versus Maxine



They lock up and Maxine with a clean break. They lock up again and Alicia pushes Maxine. Maxine kicks Alicia. Alicia with a split and Maxine kicks Alicia. Maxine with a chin lock but Alicia with a snap mare. Maxine gets a near fall.

Maxine backs Alicia into the turnbuckles and she connects with a few shoulders. Maxine tosses Alicia by the hair. Maxine with a European uppercut and then she sends Alicia into the turnbuckles and chokes Alicia. Alicia with an Irish whip and she floats over into a chin lock with a body scissors.

Maxine with an O’Connor Roll but Alicia is able to roll through and get the three count.



Winner: Alicia Fox



We go to commercial.



Match Number Two: Trent Barreta versus Tyler Reks with Curt Hawkins



Reks with a kick and forearm to the back followed by a punch as he tries to get over the embarrassment of last week. Reks wends Trent into the turnbuckles and then follows it with a back elbow. Reks with an Irish whip but Trent slides into the corner and he hits a drop kick. Trent with a springboard elbow into the corner.

Trent goes up top but Reks moves out of the way and Trent goes to the mat. Trent with a plancha onto Reks and Hawkins on the floor. Trent sends Tyler back into the ring and Tyler with a big boot to Trent after Trent was briefly distracted by Hawkins. Tyler with kicks to Trent in the corner.

Tyler with a Flatline into the turnbuckles and he gets a near fall. Reks with the quarter nelson and chin lock. Reks misses a knee drop and Trent with a chop and forearm. Trent with a kick to the chest but Tyler with a clothesline. Tyler gets a near fall.

Reks returns to the quarter nelson and chin lock. Trent with punches to get away from Reks but Reks with a kick and slam. Reks with an Irish whip but Trent gets his boot up for Reks. Trent slowly climbs the turnbuckles for the corkscrew splash but Reks sees him coming and he moves out of the way.

Tyler picks up Trent but Trent appears to be out on his feet. Reks gets Trent up for the burning hammer but Trent escapes and gets the three count with a back slide.



Winner: Trent Barreta



After the match, Hawkins attacks Trent and Tyler joins in to double team him. Hawkins uses the cane to choke Trent. Yoshi Tatsu comes out and he hits a spinning heel kick on Curt and then he kicks Reks.

Justin Gabriel and Derrick Bateman are in the back and Derrick does not care if Maxine and Johnny are getting married. He doesn’t know why Maxine is angry about him and Aksana because nothing happened between them. Justin says that Maxine is angry about the e-mail that Derrick sent to Teddy Long about how Maxine was holding him back. Derrick looks at the e-mail and he says that he never sent that e-mail. Justin suggests that Derrick shouldn’t leave his phone at the bar again or he shouldn’t use 1-2-3-4 as his password.

We go to commercial and Bateman thinks that it was Johnny Curtis who did it.



Match Number Three: JTG and Tyson Kidd versus The Usos



Kidd and Jimmy start things off. Kidd with a side head lock. Kidd tries for a rollup but Jimmy holds on to the ropes and he connects with an uppercut. Jey tags in and they hit a double back elbow and double elbow drop for a near fall. JTG tags in and he misses a clothesline. Jey with a European uppercut and Northern Lights suplex for a near fall.

Jimmy tags back in and he clotheslines JTG. Jey tags back in and he connects with a shoulder. Jey with a head butt and he gets a near fall. Jey punches Tyson on the apron and JTG uses that opportunity to hit an alley oop neck breaker. Kidd tags in and he kicks Jey. JTG chokes Jey while the referee deals with Tyson and Jimmy.

Tyson with a kick to the back and gets a near fall. Tyson with a reverse chin lock. Kidd with a back heel kick but Jey with a flying forearm and both men are down. JTG and Jimmy tag in and Jimmy with clotheslines and a Samoan drop. Jimmy sets for the running butt splash into the corner and he hits it. Jimmy gets a near fall but Kidd breaks up the cover. Kidd knocks Jey off the apron. Kidd with a suicide dive onto Jey and both go into the ringside barrier.

JTG comes off the turnbuckles and Jimmy with a super kick for the three count.



Winners: The Usos



We go to commercial.

We are back and it is time for the Raw Rebound.

Maxine is in the back with Aksana and Maxine says that it was a fluke. Maxine says that the wedding is driving her crazy. Aksana says that she will help Maxine.

Derrick stops by and he wants to talk to Maxine. Maxine says that they are done and she knows what Derrick did. Maxine says that him and her fiancé are going to the top and they will leave Derrick behind so he can enjoy being part of the 200th episode of NXT.

Maxine tells Derrick that she is going to be with her new fiancé and she leaves.

We go to commercial.



Match Number Four: Alex Riley versus Johnny Curtis with Maxine



They lock up and Curtis with a side head lock. Curtis with a shoulder tackle but Riley with a hip toss and Curtis goes to the floor to regroup with his true love. Curtis with a shoulder from the apron followed by a kick. Curtis with a punch to the head followed by a hard Irish whip. Curtis gets a near fall.

Curtis with a cravate. Riley with punches followed by an STO. Riley with a flying forearm and clothesline. Riley with a kick and Maxine distracts Riley to allow Curtis to hit a Falcon Arrow for the three count.



Winner: Johnny Curtis



After the match, Derrick Bateman wants to talk to Johnny Curtis. He knows what Johnny did but he doesn’t know how Johnny did it. He says that this ends next week.

We go to commercial.

We are back and Darren Young makes his way to the ring. We see footage from three weeks ago when Young attacked Titus after his match against JTG.

Darren says that even in the ring alone, he is the most dominant individual on NXT. He defeated Percy Watson, Derrick Bateman, and Titus O’Neil so he is the baddest man on NXT. He says that he heard that Titus O’Neil is in the building but Titus is too afraid to come out and confront him. Darren says that he runs NXT.

Titus O’Neil comes to the ring.

Darren tells Titus that he doesn’t know when to quit. He calls Titus a loser, just like the people in Laredo.

Titus says they have a room full of dogs and he barks. He says that they are winners. He says that he is back. He says that this started with people who wanted to prove they have everything it takes to be a WWE Superstar. Through everything that has happened, there is no Percy Watson or JTG to deal with. It is just them. They need to deal with this man to man.

Darren says that he has beaten Titus so many times. He tells Titus to shove it. This place was a lot better when Titus was at home complaining and apologizing to his stupid kids.

Titus tells Darren to watch it.

Darren says that Titus doesn’t like him insulting Titus’ stupid kids.

Titus tells Darren that you can insult him all he wants, he can call the people losers even if they aren’t, but he will not talk about his kids without getting the hell beaten out of him.

Darren calls Titus’ kids quitters and Titus punches Darren.

Matt gets on the mic and he tells the referees to separate them. Matt announces that Darren Young will face Titus O’Neil in a No Disqualification Match. Matt says that it will end.

Titus and Darren continue to battle at ringside and the referees separate them. They break away from the referees and the battle continues as we go to credits.

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