This Day in History - 9th March 2013
March 9th
On this day in history in ....
1960 - Nikita Koloff was born.
1962 - Rick Steiner was born.
1970 - WWF ran Madison Square Garden, featuring the following results:
-Sky Low Low & Little Brutus defeated Joey Russell & Don Harvey in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match
-Joe Turco pinned Jack Vansky at 10:04
-Eric the Red pinned Jean Dubois at 10:05
-Gorilla Monsoon & Mario Milano defeated Ernie Ladd & Prof. Toru Tanaka in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1:- Milano & Monsoon won; fall #2: Ladd & Tanaka won; fall #3: Milano & Monsoon won
-Ivan Koloff fought Victor Rivera to a 20-minute draw
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Karl Kovacs at 16:45
-Killer Kowalski fought Waldo Von Erich to a curfew draw at 8:34
1974 - Tiger Ali Singh was born.
1980 - Melina was born.
1991 - Rick & Scott Steiner defeated Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin to become the NWA World Tag Team Champions in Montgomery, Alabama at a TV taping. During this title reign, the titles would become known as the WCW World Tag Team Championship. The belts would actually change hands BEFORE Garvin and Hayes would win them from Doom on a WCW PPV, meaning the Freebirds had a negative numbered title reign.
1993 - Eddie Creatchman, best known for his work as a manager in Canada and Detroit, where he handled such stars as Abdullah The Butcher and The Sheik, passes away of a heart attack at the age of 66.
1996 - Night two of ECW's "Big Ass Extreme Bash" weekend took place at the ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Results from the show saw:
- JT Smith defeated Axl Rotten after hitting a low blow and pinning him by using the ropes for leverage.
- Bad Crew vs. El Puerto Ricano & Damien Stone ended in a no-contest when Brian Pillman and Philadelphia Eagle Harry Boatswain came out and ran off both men. Pillman and Shane Douglas engaged in a verbal confrontation, but Pillman left when Douglas came to the ring.
- ECW World Tag Team Champions The Eliminators defeated Buh Buh Ray Dudley & Hack Myers when Saturn pinned Myers after Total Elimination.
- Chris Jericho defeated Taz via disqualification when refused to release the Tazmission following a submission win. Taz finally released the hold when Brian Pillman ran in, although the two never locked up. Shane Douglas then ran out, and Pillman escaped through the crowd.
- Rey Misterio Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera in a best two-out-of-three fall match when Mysterio reversed Splash Mountain (second rope Razor's Edge) into a rana for the win in the third fall. Post match, Mysterio powerbombed Guerrera through a table. It would prove to be the final ECW bout for both Mysterio and Guerrera.
- In his final ECW match, Cactus Jack defeated Mikey Whipwreck with a piledriver on a chair. Following the match, Cactus was given a standing ovation from the crowd, then he gave a heartfelt speech about ECW, before fulfilling his "last wish", which was strutting out of the arena with Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie.
- The Pitbulls vs. The Bruise Brothers ended in a no-contest after interference from Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie, then interference from Tommy Dreamer.
- Sabu defeated Big Titan with an Arabian Facebuster after reversing a spinebuster into a DDT on a chair.
- ECW World Champion Raven defeated Shane Douglas after a DDT onto a chair. Post match there was a brawl with Raven and The Bruise Brothers facing off against Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and Shane Douglas, who had temporarily agreed to work together against Raven despite their past issues.
- The Gangstas defeated The Sandman & 2 Cold Scorpio and The Headhunters in a Three Way Dance. Scorpio pinned Headhunter B when B missed a top rope legdrop and Scorpio hit a superkick followed by the 450 splash. New Jack pinned Scorpio with a top rope headbutt after a Mustafa powerslam.
2001 - ECW officially cancels the March 11th "Living Dangerously" Pay-per-view, which comes as little surprise, since there was no venue booked, no television to promote it and obviously no tickets available. It was well over a month since the last ECW show had been held, and ECW owner Paul Heyman was appearing on Raw as color commentator. Living Dangerously, at that point, was simple three hours of PPV airtime that had been reserved. Several cable companies still accepted orders right up until airtime, which were later refunded. Other systems ran replays of the final PPV, Guilty As Charged 2001. While the official announcement would not come until April, even the most diehard supporters were coming to the realization that Extreme Championship Wrestling was finished.
2002 - Dan Severn won the NWA title from Shinya Hashimoto.
2006 - WWE announced the following: "World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the releases of the following talents (Mascarita Sagrada, Tsuki, Pequeno Violencia, Octagoncito, Piratita Morgan and Super Porky) that make up the SmackDown Juniors division. WWE wishes them all the best in all their future endeavors."
2007 - WWE issued the following press release:
World Wrestling Entertainment issued the following press release today:
Donald Trump Returns to Monday Night Raw(TM) ON March 12
TORONTO, March 9 - Donald Trump will make a special appearance at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC for WWE(R) Monday Night Raw scheduled to air Monday, March 12 at 9:00 pm ET on The Score to sign on the dotted line finalizing WrestleMania(R) 23's "Battle of the Billionaires."
The contract solidifies Trump's prior announcement that ECW(TM) World Champion Bobby Lashley(TM) will be his representative in the epic "Battle of the Billionaires." The battle was set when, on February 12, Trump challenged WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to a "Hair Match" at WrestleMania 23.
If Bobby Lashley loses on behalf of Trump, McMahon will shave Trump's head. But if McMahon's representative, recently announced Intercontinental Champion "The Samoan Bulldozer" Umaga(TM), is defeated, Trump will shave McMahon's head.
This year's highly anticipated WrestleMania 23 will take place live on
Pay-Per-View in front of 75,000 fans at Ford Field in Detroit on April 1,
2007.
Images from Donald Trump's live appearance on Monday Night Raw will be available Tuesday, March 13 via Wireimage.
2008 - Chyna signed on to appear on NBC's "Celebrity Circus" reality series.
2008 - TNA held their Destination X PPV. Mike Johnson filed the following PPV report:
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of the TNA Destination X PPV in Norfolk, Virginia.
The PPV opened with the usual great video package.
They showed footage from earlier tonight with The Angle Alliance arriving at the building. Kurt Angle was told by Jeremy Borash that Jim Cornette had all the footage from his cage match with Christian Cage. Angle hoped he would reverse the decision. Tomko said that for once he agreed with Angle, but questioned getting to the building so early. Angle said they needed to work on strategy. Styles questioned why Karen Angle wasn't there with them and Kurt told him to stop worrying about her because they were in for the fight of their lives.
Mike Tenay and Don West welcomed everyone to the show. The building looked full and like a major event.
LAX vs. Motor City Machineguns vs. Rock N' Rave Infection
The winners of the bout will be the top contenders to the TNA Tag Team championships. Lance Hoyt was channeling Slash from Guns N' Roses.
Homicide and Chris Sabin started off. Sabin armdragged Homicide and shoulderblocked him down for a one count. Homicide caught him with a belly to belly overhead suplex. Sabin rolled through a sunset flip attempted and dropkicked Homicide. The Machineguns worked over Homicide with a series of synchronized moves.
Hoyt and Hernandez faced off. Hernandez fought off a suplex attempt and reversed it, holding Hoyt up for a long time before dropping him down. Hoyt cut him off, but Homicide held the ropes down when Hoyt rebounded, sending him to the floor.
LAX and the Machineguns went back and forth. Hernandez hit a huge dive to the floor on Rave and Hoyt. It settled down into Homicide and Rave in the ring. He tagged out to the Machineguns, who drilled Rave with kicks. Rave gets his boots up to cut them off during a charge, but Shelley nails him with a snapmare, bulldog combination.
Shelley drilled Rave with uppercuts but was tripped by Hoyt. Rave nailed a DDT. Homicide blind tagged in and hit a T-Bone suplex on Shelley. LAX worked over Shelley, culminating with an over the shoulder backbreaker by Hernandez for a two count.
Hoyt tagged in and nailed Shelley with a fall away slam. Homicide was upset about being forced out of the ring. Rave and Hoyt worked over Shelley. Shelley finally kicked Rave into Hoyt, then nailed a jawbreaker. Shelley tried to make the tag but Hoyt knocked Sabin off the apron.
Hernandez tagged in instead and nailed Rave with the Crackerjack. He cleaned house on Hoyt and Rave. Rave tried to dive off the middle turnbuckle but was caught and nailed with a sitout powerbomb. Shelley nailed Sliced Bread #2 on Hernandez. Sabin DDT's Hoyt. Homicide nailed him with the gringo stunner, then hit a tope con hilo out of the ring to everyone else. Hernandez hit the Border Toss on Rave and scored the pin.
Your winners and top contenders, LAX!
This was probably Hoy and Rave's best showing to date and a really fun opening bout. Everyone did what they do best and the crowd made it feel like something special. Hopefully this won't be a recurrence of Bound for Glory where LAX had a good showing and were forgotten.
They showed Joel and Jonny Fairplay from Survivor in the first row. Foreshadowing is your friend.
Backstage, Jeremy Borash was at Jim Cornette's office. They aired the alternative footage of the Christian Cage-Kurt Angle Steel Cage match from Impact this past Thursday. They were pushing a fan poll on whether Cornette should overturn the decision, which seems to be the direction they are going for. That certainly makes more sense because if they are going to handicap a team, for dramatic sake, it should be the babyface team.
TNA X-Division champ Jay Lethal vs. Petey Williams
The storyline here is that Scott Steiner has given Petey Rhaka Khan to be in his corner. TNA made sure to focus on So Cal Val as Jay made his way the ring and the announcers were teasing Lethal may be distracted by his upcoming date with her. Brian Hebner, formerly of WWE fame, made his TNA debut here.
Williams elbowed his way out from a waistlock and shoulderblocked Lethal down. Lethal nailed a hiptoss and went for an armbar. Williams used the ropes to set up a Lucha style armdrag and attempted and enziguiri. Lethal rolled Williams for a two but it was reversed. Lethal tried for the Lethal Combination but Williams escaped and went for the Canadian Destroyer, but didn't get it. They faced off. Good stuff early.
Lethal caught him with an elbow and a clothesline for a two count. Lethal went to the ropes and nailed a double axehandle for another near fall. Lethal went up and over to avoid a charge in the corner and nailed a hurancanrana. Williams went outside and Lethal came off the top with a double axehandle to the floor.
As Williams got back into the ring, Khan stepped in front of Lethal to distract him. When Lethal returned to the ring, Williams cut him off and took control. Williams nailed a spinning neckbreaker for a two count. Lethal began fighting back but Williams slingshot himself into the ring and drove Lethal's chest into his knees as he landed.
Williams caught Lethal with a spinkick. Williams locked in a side chinlock as the first dueling chant of the night began. Williams snapped Lethal 's neck on the top rope, then dove out of the ring onto Lethal's shoulders, nailing a hurancanrana to the floor. Williams brought him back into the ring and wore him down with a front facelock on the mat. Still a good match.
Lethal fought his way to his feet and cut off Williams with a series of standing rights. He pulled out a cartwheel into a dropkick to the chest. Lethal went to suplex Williams but but kneed in the face. Lethal finally nailed it and got a two count.
Williams came back with a dropkick to the back of the head while Lethal was draped over the ropes, then a side Russian legsweep. Williams went for the Canadian Destroyer but Lethal fought him off. Lethal went for the Lethal Combination but Williams escaped and reversed. He went for the Destroyer but Lethal slipped out and nailed a full nelson suplex for a two count.
Lethal missed a missile dropkick. They reversed a series of pinfall attempts. Williams applied the Sharpshooter. Lethal tried to make his way out to the ropes but was pulled to the center. Lethal got free and went for the Lethal Combination. He finally nailed it and went to the top for the flying elbow. Scott Steiner ran out and shoved Lethal off the top as the referee was distracted.
Williams nailed a beautiful Canadian Destroyer, but So Cal Val grabbed the referee. Williams was furious and sent Rocka after her. Sonjay Dutt came out to protect Val. Williams kept trying to make a pinfall but the referee was distracted by the outside issues. Williams went to grab Lethal but was caught with a small package for the pin.
Your winner and still X-Division champ Jay Lethal!
Lots of really good wrestling here. Normally I groan when I see run-ins, but here it worked because it allowed Val to save her man, provided a cameo for Sonjay, still led to a clean pin and allowed Williams to have a reason to demand a rematch. A really fun, athletic match. TNA is two for two so far.
Mike Tenay and Don West ran down the rest of the card.
Backstage Crystal interviewed the babyfaces in tonight's six man. Samoa Joe said that you never know what Jim Cornette is going to do because he's undependable. Joe said that no matter what they were going to do their job and he was going to take down Angle in the cage at Lockdown. Cage said that there was no question who won the match at Impact because his hand was raised and that means it's a win. Cage said that he doesn't care if Cornette overturns the ruling because he would be in the match no matter what after what AJ and Tomko did to him. Nash said that everyone assumes with his history, he'll sit out the first five minutes but he may start the match (No!). He said he made Joe a promise and would keep it tonight.
Eric Young & Kaz vs. Black Reign & Rellik
Eric Young hit the ground when his pyro hit. That cracked me up. The storyline here is Kaz is trying to convince Young that the heels are real people playing monsters, not real monsters. Well, that's different.
Rellik and Kaz started the match. Kaz nailed a nice slingshot into the ring for a sideroll pin attempt. Kaz went for a dragon screw legwhip but Rellik kicked him off. Reign tagged in but was caught with a dropkick. He went to tag in Young, who hesitated, then did so. The place went nuts for Young tagging in, which is certainly a good sign that the character is getting over.
Young avoided a charge and kicked Reign low. He goes for a pinfall but is kicked off. Young runs from the ring. Kaz tagged in and rolled up Reign with a jackrabbit at the same time he nailed a Northern Lights suplex on Rellik. That was great.
Reign nailed snake eyes in the corner on Kaz. Rellik then nailed him with a big boot. Rellik pounded on Kaz and bit his face. Rellik applied a cobra clutch and snapped Kaz over. Reign and Rellik worked over Kaz. Kaz finally made a comeback with a dropkick after landing on his feet. They were building him as someone who came come back just when you assume he's done. Kaz wanted to make a tag but Young was too scared.
Rellik nailed a spinbuster to cut him off. Kaz began drilling Reign with kicks. Young finally makes the tag. He psyched himself up but the second the villains faced off with him, Young ran backstage. This left Kaz to continue to be worked over. Kaz kept looking for a tag but there was no one there. Kaz caught them with a combination stunned and DDT.
Triumphant music began playing and Eric Young returned dressed like a super hero. The announcers called him "Super Eric." He posed during his pyro and hit the ring with a missile dropkick. He cleaned house but was double teamed. He ducked and Rellik clotheslined his partner, then nailed Eric.
Young finally nailed a double death valley driver on both for the pin.
Your winner, Kaz and Super Eric Young!
Match was decent with Kaz looking fluid and good. This was all about doing something silly with the company mascot, Eric, and it was good comedy, as opposed to stupid compedy.
Backstage, The Angle Alliance was in Jim Cornette's office. Cornette said he needed some air and walked off down the hallway with the Alliance followed him. He ran into Team 3D and Johnny Devine. Brother Ray said that Cornette kept screwing the good guys like 3D and the Alliance. He mocked Cornette for forcing them to make weight and for putting 3D in a situation where a "fish" makes stipulations. He told Cornette that he was the one who should be drug tested. Cornette said that he'd make the decisions on his own time without anyone else's help.
TNA Knockout champion Awesome Kong vs. ODB vs. Gail Kim
All three start the match. The challengers try to work over Kong together but she's too powerful and sends them into each other. Kong follows up with a double clothesline. Kong avalanches Kim in the corner after ODB moves.
ODB began nailing Kong and draped her over the ropes. Kim hit a legdrop off the top to the outside of the ring, sending Kong to the floor. Kim and ODB faced off. Kim went for a sunset flip but ODB avoided. Kim bridged out of an ODB pinfall attempt.
Kim nailed a necktie suplex and went to the top, but instead of attacking ODB, she dives onto Kong. Kong catches her in mid-air. As Kong holds Kim, ODB dives off the apron onto both.
ODB tosses Kim into the ring for a near fall. Kim tries to go up and over after being run into the corner but is caught. Kim slips down into an attempted waistlock but ODB nailed her and applied a front facelock on the mat. Kim went for a high cross bodyblock but was caught with a Fall Away Slam. ODB played up to the crowd but Kim speared her.
Kim muscles ODB out of the ring just as Kong returns. Kim charges her but is wiped out by Kong's power. Kong misses a charge in the corner and Kim begins chopping away at her. Kim goes for a crucifix but Kong wards it off. She went for the backfist but Kim blocked it. Kong took Kim down and tossed Kim into the ringpost shoulder-first.
ODB returned and confronted Kong. She missed an enziguiri. Kong picks up ODB and slammed her by the throat. She went for the powerbomb but Kim used ODB's as a springboard to attack Kong. ODB and Kim ping ponged Kong back and forth with punches.
ODB and Kim both drank from ODB's flask (although Kim didn't like the taste) and nailed stereo missile dropkicks on Kong. It was designed to get a big pop but the audience didn't know ODB as well as the Orlando fans did. Kim went for the pin but ODB broke up the pin. Kim went for another pin after Kong went to slap her and ODB tripped Kong up but ODB broke it up again.
Kong nailed a splash off the ropes but ODB dove atop of her to prevent a pinfall on Kim. ODB and Kong exchanged strikes. Kong nailed the Implant Buster, then went to the corner for the splash, but missed. ODB began firing away with shots but Kong wouldn't go down. ODB hit the middle rope benchpress for a two count.
Raiessa Saied tripped ODB, so ODB went after her. Kong caught her with a powerbomb and scored the pin.
Your winner and still TNA Knockout champion, Awesome Kong!
Another really good match. I don't think the interference was needed because the work here was so good, a loss wouldn't have hurt anyone involved - it was TNA overbooking here. This wasn't at the level of the great Kong vs. Gail matches a few months ago, but still good work all the way through.
They went to a video they produced earlier today with Rhino on top of the Elevation X cutting a promo talking about falling and getting back up, asking James Storm if he can do it and whether he'll ever breath again.
Jim Cornette was inside the ring when they returned to the broadcast. The crowd chanted Cornette's name and he said it was great to be back in the Scope. Cornette said he had a few things to discuss tonight. First was Team 3D. He said if they make weight tonight, they won't have to any more but if they don't tonight, they are terminated. He then turned his attention to the finish of the Cage vs. Angle match. They showed a split screen with each team watching to see who got the advantage.
Cornette finally agreed that Angle did hit the floor first in the cage match but Angle was trying to get Cornette to set a legal precedent and overturn 100 years of wrestling history. He said it was too big of a decision for him to make, so he turned the decision over to the fans live in the building. The fans voted against Angle. It was actually a good promo and I thought the idea of making the live crowd "part of the show" was a cool idea.
Fish Market Street Fight: Shark Boy & Curry Man vs. Team 3D
After the ring entrances, it was time for 3D's weigh-in. Brother Ray said it wasn't right and asked the crowd if they really wanted to see them get fired. Ray said they weren't fat, but all the women in Virginia were. He promised they were going to make weight right now. Devon made weight. Ray played up that he was scared to death, even stepping gingerly on the scale and praying, but he made weight as well. 3D tried to celebrate with food, but they were rolled up and the fight was on.
Curry nailed Devon and sent him out of the ring. Shark and Curry both backdropped Bubba, then dropkicked him. Team 3D regrouped on the floor with Johnny Devine. Ray hit his head on the steps as he was knocked out of the ring and you could see blood.
3D tried to leave but were attacked by the fish props. Sharky hit Devon with a fish. I don't think PETA is sponsoring this PPV, folks. Curry nailed Ray low with one. Yes the mighty hardcore Dudleys were beaten with fish. This was WCW level goofiness, right down to Curry Man baiting a fishing rod with a Hoho to hook Brother Ray and reel him into the ring. Curry nailed a pescado to Ray on the floor.
They battled to the fish market. West began calling the fish by name. Curry pulled a net over Ray and hit him with another fish. He charged Ray, who backdropped Curry into the tray of fish. That didn't look like it felt good. Ray began throwing fish at Curry Man, then pelted the crowd with fish as well. Ray even ribbed the announcers with them.
"The fish are flying at Destination X" - Mike Tenay.
Devon and Ray set up a table at ringside but Shark Boy tried to save Curry Man. Johnny Devine caned him, then pulled a net over him. Back in the ring, 3D did used a fish low on Curry Man. They tried Curry to the tree of woe. Devon used a fishing rod on Curry's knee. The crowd loved all of this lunacy and chanted for tables.
Curry Man avoided a back senton by Ray. Sharky came off the top with a double clothesline on 3D. He nailed Ray with the Lou Thesz Press and beat him with punches. Devon nailed an inverted suplex on Curry. Shark Boy and Devine brawled on the floor. 3D went for the wazzup headbutt again but Shark Boy nailed Devon off the ropes. Curry and Shark Boy nailed it on Bubba.
They worked over Bubba. Ray kicked out of a stunner. They nailed stereo faceplants on 3D for a two count. They then nailed stereo twisting DDTs out of the corner for another two count. Ray dumped Curry to the floor. 3D set up Sharky for the Doomsday Device and nailed it, but Shark Boy kicked up at two.
Devine tossed a trash can into the ring for Ray but Curry got it and began beating Ray with it. Devine tried to toss powder but Curry ducked and Ray was blinded. Curry and Shark Boy put Devine through a table at ringside. Devon clotheslined them down. They went for 3D but Curry reversed it and set up Devon for Bubba, who was blinded. Devon was pinned by Shark Boy.
Your winners, Curry Man and Shark Boy!
Equal parts silly and solid, nothing wrong with this unless you were a fish lover. This was a spectacle match in every sense of the word. As a one time deal, this was fine.
Angle time. As Team 3D left, they played up that the crowd was laughing at 3D. They came across Joel from Survivor and Ray shoved him down. He went after Ray but Atlas Security showed up and dragged Joe out. I hope he doesn't get beat down as bad as I saw some idiot fans get killed in the old days of ECW. I guess you know who Joe will be working with in TNA now.
Backstage, The Angle Alliance argued over who would be the first man out. It ended up being Tomko, who walked out with Angle. AJ questioned Jeremy Borash as to whether he had spoken to Karen Angle. Borash said he hadn't, then admitted he had and she was going to drop a bombshell on Thursday. Styles wanted to know what he meant.
Booker T (with Traci Brooks) vs. Robert Roode (with Payton Banks) - Strap Match
The winning wrestler's girl gets to strap the losing side's girl.
Robert Roode was cautious about getting in the ring while Booker came out with the strap and was ready to go. Roode tried to run away once he was strapped in but Booker dragged him back and cleaned house. Booker backdropped Roode and choked him with the strap.
Booker nailed a superkick. The crowd chanted Booker's name. Roode rakes Booker's face. Roode began unloaded with right hands and shoulderblocks in the corner on Roode. Booker fired back with chops and punches. Roode finally caught Booker with a side Russian legsweep.
Roode controlled Booker, who made a comeback with a clothesline and a suplex. Booker worked over Roode in the corner with knee strikes. Roode caught Booker with an elbow to the face as he charged Roode after an Irish Whip in the corner but Booker reversed the momentum.
Booker went for the scissor kick but Roode slipped out of the way and drilled him with a DDT for a near fall. Booker went for the Bookend but Roode nailed him with elbows. The referee went down in the fracas. Payton Banks tried to give Roode handcuffs but was attacked by Brooks. She went to toss them to Booker but Roode nailed him low and got them.
Roode nailed Booker with the handcuffs and pinned Booker.
Your winner, Robert Roode!
Banks gets to lash Brooks 10 times. Booker tried to tell the referee what happened but the referee didn't want to hear it. Atlas Security entered the ring and forcibly removed Booker while Roode and Banks raised their arms in victory.
Roode stepped out of the ring to watch Brooks' face as she was lashed. Banks was loving. They showed closeups of Brooks crying and spitting at Roode as he mocked her. Roode called a time out after the seventh shot and whispered in Banks' ear. Banks kept lashing Brooks after the tenth one. Brooks fought back and got the strap but Roode grabbed her by the throat and shoved her down. Roode and Banks teased leaving but he smiled, then returned to lash Brooks. That was an AWESOME old school moment.
Sharmell hit the ring, lashed Roode with a belt of her own, then unloaded on Banks, the referees, security, Jim Cornette and even ring announcer David Penzer (well, he's deserved it for years). Security finally took her out.
The match was solid, but shorter than I expected. I thought Roode and Banks were absolutely great in the post-match and Brooks did a hell of a job making herself a sympathetic babyface. All three were so good that it was almost a shame they pulled the trigger on the Sharmell return because it took all the focus off of them.
This has been a really good show tonight. They'd have to really screw it up at this point for me not to recommend a replay. Between this show and the ROH PPV, it's been a good weekend for wrestling.
Crystal interviewed James Storm, saying tonight could be a career-ending move for him. Jackie Moore was scared for Storm. Storm said he backs down from no one. Storm said he started the feud with Rhino and knew he would be the one to finish it. He said that he never thought Rhino would be stupid enough to challenge him to an Elevation X match. Storm said he hasn't had one sip of beer today because he doesn't think people should drink or drive and he doesn't think people should be drinking when they are fighting two stories up. He said he was taking a six pack with him to celebrate after he knocks Rhino off. A good promo.
They are pushing the Elevation X is two stories up and played a great video feature on the match.
James Storm vs. Rhino - Elevation X Match
Storm climbed up but retreated to the floor when Rhino came up. Rhino started firing beers at Storm from the scaffold. Rhino followed Storm to the floor and attacked him. He whipped Storm into the railing at ringside. Rhino pulled tables and a trash can out from under the ring.
Storm took over the control of the match. He and Rhino battled in the corner over a superplex, which neither got. Rhino made a comeback and Jackie got involved. She climbed up the structure, in heels no less, and Rhino followed. She crawled across, distracting Rhino as Storm followed him up. Storm tried to sneak up on Rhino but he realized it and they faced off.
They showed lots of shots of fans in the crowd watching serious and worried.
Storm tried to offer Rhino a handshake. Rhino tried to offer him a beer. Storm goes for a thumb to the eye but missed. Rhino got him and smacked Storm's head on the scaffold. Storm teased slipping.
Rhino nailed Storm and teased he lost his balance, falling forward and hanging on the side. Storm and Rhino, each holding on, exchanged blows. Storm got the better of it and slipped into the underside of the scaffold. Storm sat inside drinking a beer. Hell, I'd need one too right about now.
Rhino recovered and was confused, looking around for him. Rhino began asking the crowd where Storm was, so Rhino found out. He tried to grab at Storm, who kept hiding. Rhino ripped the top of the scaffolding off to get at Storm, who blinded him by spitting beer in his face.
Rhino punched Storm in the midsection as he stood up in the scaffolding, so Storm crotched himself. Rhino began laying in punches. Storm hung under the scaffolding. Rhino began stomping on him and Storm fell into the ring, crashing through a table.
Your winner, Rhino!
They did as much as you can do in a match of this nature without needlessly putting yourself into the line of danger. This was the one match where the crowd was noticeably quiet, just watching and waiting to see what happened. I am not a fan of these type of matches in general since I don't want to see anyone hurt, but they were smart to do the brawl around ringside first and leave the scaffold to the end. I thought the sight of Storm hiding and sipping beer was priceless. It was what it was and I give both guys respect for even trying and putting themselves out there like this.
EMTS stretchered Storm out of the ring after the match.
TNA champion Kurt Angle & TNA Tag Team champs AJ Styles & Tomko vs. Kevin Nash & Samoa Joe & Christian Cage
The babyfaces will have a 3 on 2 advantage for the first five minutes of the match, so the tag champs stalled to start, which is a smart strategy. Joe and Nash attacked them at ringside and tossed Styles into the ring.
Cage and Styles officially started. Styles missed a moonsault and was caught with an elbow. Styles caught Cage with a thrust to the throat and tagged in Tomko. Tomko missed a charge in the corner and Cage nailed him with chops. Tomko tried to press and slam Cage but Cage escaped and went for the Unprettier. Tomko escaped, clotheslined Cage and got a two count.
Nash and Joe grabbed Tomko, allowing Cage to work him over in the corner. Styles tried to help but was caught with a spear. Joe and Nash worked over Tomko.
With one minute left, Styles backdropped Cage off the top and nailed the Spiral Tap. Nash chokeslammed AJ. Tomko and Joe faced off with Joe nailing Tomko with a snap powerslam. As the countdown ended, Joe went into the aisle to meet Kurt Angle face to face.
Angle came out and there was this awesome moment where they stared down at each other from a distance, then Angle sprinted at him and the fight was on. They battled into the ring. Joe dove out of the ring on Tomko. Angle tried to superplex Cage but was shoved off and nailed with a frog splash.
It settled down into Styles working over Cage in the ring. Styles nailed a dropkick and tagged in Tomko. Tomko nailed a spinebuster but Cage kicked up. Cage was busted open. Angle tagged in and locked on the anklelock. Joe hit the ring and started battling with Angle but the referee forced him out of the ring.
Cage went for an inverted DDT on Angle but saw Styles coming with a clothesline. He ducked, then he and Styles clotheslined each other. Cage tagged in Nash. He cleaned house on the tag champs. He hit a sideslam on Styles and a big boot on Tomko. Styles caught Nash with a dropkick to the knee.
Joe and Tomko tag in. Joe unloaded with forearms and elbows. He nails a kick to the face then catched Styles springboarding in and powerbombs him down. Joe goes for the muscle buster, but Angle nails him low. Styles hits the Pele Kick. They went into a ton of spots. Nash chokeslams AJ out of the ring. Cage nails an Unprettier.
Joe locks in the choke on Tomko as everyone else is brawling and Tomko finally taps.
Your winners, Kevin Nash & Samoa Joe & AJ Styles!
The babyfaces celebrated at Kurt Angle swore that Joe wasn't going to beat him. We went off the air with a great Lockdown promo.
A good six man tag to close the show. This may have been one of the most balanced, entertaining TNA PPVs in some time. No really bad finishes that hurt the momentum of the matches, no really terrible vignettes muddying up the flow, no bad performances, nothing. This is totally worth a replay look in my opinion.
2009 - WWE released Kizarny and Afa Anoai, who had been working as a consultant for the company.
2009 - WWE announced Koko B. Ware will be inducted into their Hall of Fame.
2009 - WWE broadcast Raw, including JBL winning the Intercontinental title, becoming the fourth WWE Grand Slam champion. Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We start off tonight’s show with a recap of Randy Orton’s attempt to arrest Triple H only to see Hunter use the Jedi Mind Trick to force Randy to let him go and to challenge him at Wrestlemania. Now we fast forward to Smackdown when Hunter was trapped in the ring by Legacy.
We are live from Jacksonville, Florida and your announcers are Michael ‘Vintage Carnivals’ Cole and Jerry ‘Paul Zimmerman was here’ Lawler.
We see Randy Orton’s home and he will be appearing via satellite.
Shawn Michaels comes out to the ring. Shawn mentions Undertaker’s record at Wrestlemania and he says that it will be hard to replicate it. Shawn says that he is no slouch with stealing the show. Shawn points out that he sent Taker a message on Friday night of his most memorable Wrestlemania moments. Shawn says that he respects the Undertaker, but he is not afraid of the Undertaker. Shawn says that Taker might be 16-0 at Wrestlemania, but Shawn says that he is Mr. Wrestlemania. He says that he has not been outperformed at Wrestlemania. Streaks are meant to be broken and nothing lasts forever. Shawn tells Taker that something has to give.
The gong sounds and it is time for the annual Undertaker Wrestlemania streak video package.
The video ends and Taker is in the ring behind Shawn and Shawn says hello to Taker before turning around. Shawn says that he has been expecting Taker. Taker tells Shawn that his arrogance has clouded his judgment. Taker says that he respects Shawn, but he has fought many men he has respected and they have all fallen. Taker tells Shawn that he will be no different.
Shawn says that they have taken different career and personal paths. They are at a crossroads. Now that he has Taker here, he should not have to qualify to face anyone at Wrestlemania. Shawn says that he is the man who set the bar for the ladder match. He is the man who wrestled for more than an hour and won the WWE Title. He is also the man who retired Ric Flair. Shawn says that he is still the Showstopper and he cannot wait for this.
Taker tells Shawn that he has had epic victories at Wrestlemania, but he has also had bitter defeat. Despite all of his achievements, that dream of defeating him is just a dream. He will lay it to rest. He tells Shawn that he concerns with being the Showstopper with winning a match and breaking a streak. He says that Shawn should concern himself with what he is going to do to Shawn physically and what he is going to do to Shawn’s soul. He does not have to outperform Shawn or steal the show. When he takes center ring at Wrestlemania, Shawn will realize that he is the most dangerous entity that has set foot in the ring. Taker tells Shawn that he should have been more carefully with what he wished for because he opened hell’s gate. Like the other sixteen, Shawn will rest in . .
Shawn says that he will rest quite comfortably on April 5th because he did the impossible. He ended the undefeated streak of the Undertaker. Even though Taker might have beaten all of his other opponents, he has never beaten Shawn Michaels and he never will.
We go to a vintage commercial.
We are back with a plug for the Hall of Fame the night before Wrestlemania. It will be vintage Texas wrestling.
Match Number One: CM Punk versus Bradshaw with JBLimo for the Intercontinental Title
They lock up and Punk with a side head lock but Bradshaw with a shoulder tackle for a near fall. Bradshaw with forearms to the back but Punk avoids a clothesline and Punk with kicks to the leg followed by a punch and snap mare for a near fall. Punk with an arm wringer but then he returns to the leg. Bradshaw with a vintage sleeper but Punk with a jawbreaker and a running knee. Punk tries for the bulldog but Bradshaw pushes him off and goes to the floor. Punk with a tope and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bradshaw has Punk in an abdominal stretch and he adds pressure to the leg. We see footage from the commercial and Bradshaw gained control with a big boot. Bradshaw with a fallaway slam for a near fall. Bradshaw with knees in the corner followed by a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Bradshaw with forearms to the back and then he gets a near fall. Bradshaw with a bear hug on Punk and Punk fights out of the hold. Punk with a forearm but Bradshaw with a knee. Bradshaw charges into a boot but Bradshaw with a punch to Punk. Bradshaw puts Punk on the turnbuckles but Punk with a tornado DDT and both men are down.
Punk gets a near fall with an arm cover. Punk with a spin kick and another kick followed by a flying forearm. Punk with a leg lariat and then he tries for the knee into the corner but Bradshaw sends Punk to the apron. Punk with a springboard clothesline to Bradshaw and then he hits the knee and the bulldog for a near fall. Punk gets Bradshaw up for the Go To Sleep but Bradshaw with a rake of the eyes and the Clothesline from Wall Street for the three count.
Winner: Bradshaw
We go to St. Louis where Randy Orton is with his wife as he prepares for his exclusive interview. We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that a lot more people watched Raw last Monday than anything else on cable?
Bradshaw is in the back with Vickie Guerrero and he cannot believe that he has to do something. Vickie tells Bradshaw that she needs him to do something for him since she got the title match.
Edge shows up and he wants to know what Cena said to Vickie on Friday and Vickie pulls a Rock and says that it does not matter. Edge says that it only matters that he signs his Wrestlemania contract tonight.
Lawler and Cole talk about the match between Orton and Hunter. We go to St. Louis where Randy introduces his wife to the viewing audience. Cole asks Orton about the stipulation and wonders why Randy violated the stipulation. Randy asks Cole to show the alleged violation for those who did not see it on Friday night. We see Orton and Hunter eventually battle after DiBiase and Rhodes fought with Hunter.
Randy says that Cole might call it a violation, but he calls it restraint because he could have finished it off right there. He could have kicked Hunter in the head like Hunter’s father in law and brother in law. He could have RKOed Hunter like his wife. Orton says that he is proud of his self control so he can have his match at Wrestlemania. He says that Hunter will even be on Raw tonight because of pride. Orton says that he is running just enough so Hunter can defend his title. Cole asks Randy if he can ask him some more questions throughout the night. Randy says that he is going to be at home with his wife watching the main event.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the Slam of the Week: The post match pandemonium which saw Maryse attack Melina.
The rest of the women in the company are at ringside for this match. I wonder if there will be a lumberjack match?
Match Number Two: Maryse versus Melina in a Champion versus Champion non-title Match
They each try for kicks but miss. Melina with a kick that takes Maryse down. Maryse misses an enzuigiri. Melina is sent outside and Melina is sent back into the ring by the Smackdown women. Maryse with a modified camel clutch and then she sits back to stretch Melina’s back. Melina slaps Maryse and then Maryse pulls Melina’s hair. Melina with a seated splash and a hair take down. Melina with a forearm and then she puts Maryse on the turnbuckles and stomps on the chest. Melina misses a charge into the corner and Maryse pulls Melina to the mat and Maryse gets the three count.
Winner: Maryse
After the match, Rosa gets into the ring and Beth tries to hold her back. All of the women come into the ring and they have a standoff until Rosa goes after Maryse. Things have broken down and instead of being brand loyal, we have the faces in the ring while the heels are on the floor.
We take a look back at the contract signing from Friday’s Smackdown. We see vintage jealousy between husband and wife.
We go to commercial.
We are back with this week’s Wrestlemania History Recap of Wrestlemania VI in Toronto.
The official contract signing table with contract signing chairs and contract signing carpet are in the ring with Vickie Guerrero. Before the contract signing, Vickie has an announcement. She says that there will be a twenty-five Diva Battle Royale with Divas from all three brands and from the past. The winner will be the first Ms. Wrestlemania.
It is time for the official contract signing for the World Title. Out first is the challenger, Big Show. Out next is the champion, Edge and he kisses his wife before we get to the signing.
Vickie tells them to take a seat at the table. Edge tells Vickie that before they continue, he has something to say. Edge tells Show that they said a lot of harsh things last week but this week’s Wrestlemania moment was from Wrestlemania VI and he was in the crowd to watch the Ultimate Warrior face Hulk Hogan. Edge says that he knows that Show is better than The Warrior and he knows that he is far better than Hulk Hogan. Edge says that they have the chance to have an epic and historic match at Wrestlemania. Edge says that he does not care if the fans like them but they are the top two stars in the WWE. He suggests that they put the past in the past and work towards creating history at Wrestlemania. Edge signs the contract.
Show says that he is glad to hear what Edge had to say and he agrees with him 100 percent. Show signs the contract. Edge and Show shake hands.
They are interrupted by Mr. Orange Sash, John Cena. Edge wants to know what Cena is doing here because it is official and Cena is not in the match. Cena wonders why Vickie did not tell him. Cena wants to know which one of them will tell Edge. Edge says that it does not matter and he tells Show that they should get this leech out of the ring. Vickie stops them and she says that she invited Cena to come out. Vickie says that it was only fair for the fans to let John Cena compete for the title at Wrestlemania. Show wants to know what Vickie is thinking because it does not matter since he is the number one contender. Cena says that they need to tell the truth. Cena says that he interrupted the contract signing not because he does not like Show or Edge because he does not like them. Cena says that he needed to tell Vickie something. He told Vickie that he loves her. Cena says that this could get a bit weird because they might be legally married. Cena says that he cannot control who he falls in love with. Cena says that he wants two things, the World Title and Vickie Guerrero. Cena says that he loves Vickie and he says that he will see Show and Edge at Wrestlemania.
Edge tells Cena that he does not love Vickie because he is using her for the shot at Wrestlemania. He tells Vickie that she is going to rip up the contract. Cena admits that he does not love Vickie. He says that the sight of her makes him sick. Cena says that he told Vickie that he had some friends in his home town. Cena said that he knows the guy who runs the security camera.
We go to footage of Show and Vickie and their forbidden love that must stay hidden from Edge until after Wrestlemania. Vickie tells Show that she hopes he wins at Wrestlemania.
Cena tells Vickie that she has some splaining to do. Edge wants Vickie to look him in the face.
We go to commercial.
We are back with the WWE Rewind: Chris Jericho attacking Jimmy Snuka on last week’s Raw in Jericho’s Pit.
Match Number Three: Chris Jericho versus Kofi Kingston in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match
They lock up and Jericho with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Kofi with leap frogs and a leaping back elbow and arm drag followed by a drop kick. Kofi jumps to the turnbuckles and punches Jericho but Jericho with a power bomb for a near fall.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jericho with a version of a cobra clutch on Kofi. We see footage of Jericho hitting a springboard drop kick on Kofi during commercial. Back to live action and Kofi hits a jumping clothesline followed by a clothesline and a cross body but the momentum puts Jericho on top for a near fall. Kofi sends Jericho to the mat but Jericho blocks the Boop Boop Leg Drop and tries for the Walls of Jericho but Kofi powers out of the attempt. Jericho with a bulldog to Kingston and then Jericho misses the Lionsault when Kofi moves. Kofi hits the Boop Boop Leg Drop for a two count. Kofi tries for the spinning heel kick and Jericho puts Kingston in the Walls of Jericho. Kofi tries to make it to the ropes but Jericho pulls him into the center of the ring.
Ric Flair’s music plays and he comes out and Kofi gets to the ropes. While Jericho snarls at Flair, Kingston recovers and hits the spinning heel kick for the three count.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
It is time to return to Randy Orton in St. Louis and Cole wants to know why Orton is not in Jacksonville. Orton says that he is not afraid of Triple H, he is afraid of what he would do to Triple H if he was there. Orton says that he is not always in control of his actions, but he is showing restraint tonight. That is the only reason why he is not in Jacksonville tonight. Orton says that he will enjoy the main event. We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that the WWE Universe owns Facebook members?
Todd Grisham is with Chris Jericho and Chris says that he is angry with Ric Flair for taking away his Wrestlemania moment. He wants his Wrestlemania moment next week and he challenges Ric Flair to face him on Raw. It is his chance to be in the spotlight one more time to hear the cheers of the hypocrites one more time. Chris says that the story of Ric Flair will end next week.
We have a new member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2009 to join Ricky Steamboat, Terry Funk, Dory Funk Junior, Steve Austin, and Bill Watts. That man is Koko B. Ware. He will be inducted by the Honky Tonk Man.
Match Number Four: Rey Mysterio, Christian, and Finlay with Hornswoggle versus Kane, John Morrison, and The Miz
Christian and Miz start things off and they lock up with Miz with a side head lock. Christian with a spinning heel kick and Christian with a drop toe hold into the ropes. Christian with an inverted DDT for a near fall. Kane tags in and Christian with a punch. Kane with an Irish whip but he charges into a boot. Christian tries for a sunset flip but Kane picks him up and throws Christian into the corner followed by an elbow and a power slam for a near fall. Morrison tags in and he connects with a European uppercut and a kick to the head. Miz tags in and they hit a double gutbuster for a near fall. Miz with a reverse chin lock.
Christian with punches but Miz with an Irish whip but Christian moves out of the way and Christian kicks him in the head. Morrison and Finlay tag in and Finlay with a clothesline and a forearm to Kane on the apron. Finlay with more clotheslines to Morrison and then Miz kicks Finlay. Finlay pulls Miz into the ring and he hits a double clothesline before tagging in Mysterio. Mysterio with a seated splash on Miz and then he hits a springboard cross body on Morrison. Morrison with an Irish whip but Rey moves on the charge. Rey with a super rana and he gets a two count. Miz misses a clothesline in the corner. Rey with a drop kick that sends Morrison into the ropes. Kane grabs Rey and sets for a choke slam. Christian and Finlay take care of Kane. Rey sends Morrison into the ropes again and Rey with a 619 followed by a springboard rana for the three count.
Winners: Rey Mysterio, Christian, and Finlay
Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes are walking in the back as they discuss strategy for their match against Triple H.
We go to commercial.
We are back and the big news is that Undertaker and Shawn Michaels are going to be on the same side of the ring against John Bradshaw Layfield. . . and Vladimir Kozlov.
Did you know that John Cena will be in a movie where he plays a man whose wife is kidnapped?
Match Number Five: Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase versus Triple H
Hunter’s music plays and he does not come out. Lillian introduces Hunter one more time. It is the same song and the same result. Rhodes and DiBiase want to know where he is and the referee calls the match a forfeit.
Winners: Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton wants the music cut and Orton says that nobody should be smiling. He says that Hunter let everyone down. Hunter let him down and he says that he gave Hunter too much credit. Orton says that he is taking this personally. Since he did not show up on Raw tonight, he will not be showing up at Wrestlemania. Orton says that he will put Hunter with his family in the hospital. There is a knock at the door and Orton tells his wife to get it, but then Orton remembers that he is not related to Sting so he tells his Wife to stop. Hunter breaks into Orton’s house using GameHammer. Hunter looks for Orton and he only finds random people who are not Randy Orton. Hunter finds Randy’s wife and he wants to know where Randy is. Hunter continues to go through the house and he encounters more people who are not Randy Orton. Hunter goes upstairs and then he hears someone going for a door so he returns to the first floor. Randy has a golf club but Hunter stops him. They fight in the living room and then Hunter sends Orton into the wall. Hunter throws Orton out of the window where we conveniently have a clean transition. The police arrive as Hunter punches Orton. The cops check on Orton as he tells them that Hunter broke into their house and he wants them to arrest him. On second thought, Orton goes after Hunter while they are putting him in the police car.
We go to credits.
2010 - WWE broadcast NXT. Richard Trionfo filed the following TV report:
We start off with a look back at last week’s episode of NXT including the tension between David Otunga and R Truth.
We are live from Seattle, Washington and your announcers are Michael ‘Supersonics’ Cole and Josh ‘Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs’ Mathews with your host Matt ‘Frasier Crane wasn’t verbose enough’ Striker.
Matt Striker reminds us of the concept for NXT and the rules.
We see footage from the non title match last night on Raw featuring R Truth and The Miz.
Match Number One: R Truth and David Otunga versus The Miz and Daniel Bryan
Before the match starts, The Miz has a pep talk for his rookie. He tells Bryan that he is 0 and two and hasn’t proven himself to anyone, especially the pros. Miz points out that he was jumped on Monday so this match is important. He tells Bryan that if he is pinned tonight, that he will make sure that Daniel never achieves his goal of becoming a WWE Superstar and he will have him thrown off NXT.
Bryan and Truth start things off and Bryan offers his hand but Truth dances instead. They lock up and Bryan works on the arm but Truth with a side head lock and shoulder tackle. Truth blocks a hip toss and hits a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Otunga tags in and they hit a double shoulder tackle and Otunga gets a near fall. Otunga works on the arm and then he tags Truth back into the match. Truth with a kick to the arm but Bryan with European uppercuts. Truth with a clothesline and then he clotheslines Bryan over the top rope to the floor. Miz misses and he goes to the floor. Otunga sends Truth over the top rope for a plancha and we go to commercial.
We are back and Bryan has Truth in a Dragon sleeper. We see footage from the commercial break when Miz berated Bryan and then Miz kicked the ropes and Truth hit the mat hard. Back to live action and Bryan with a rear chin lock. Truth with elbows and a punch but Bryan with a knee to the midsection. Miz yells at Bryan and tags in. Miz with a front face lock. Miz turns it into a cravate and then he keeps Truth from making the tag. Truth with a sunset flip for a near fall and then Miz hits a clothesline and he punches Truth. Miz chokes Truth in the ropes but then he misses a splash in the ropes and Truth tries to make the tag. Miz keeps Truth from making the tag and then Truth kicks Miz away and Otunga tags in and hits clothesline and a back elbow. Otunga with an Irish whip but he runs into a boot. Otunga with a power slam and Bryan makes the save. Miz hot shots Otunga and Bryan makes the tag and hits a missile drop kick and then he kicks Otunga in the chest. Otunga tries for a spinebuster or something else but Bryan with a heel hook and Otunga tries to escape the hold but Miz makes the tag. Miz yells at Bryan and slaps him. Bryan and Miz push each other and Truth interferes and hits Miz with a leg lariat and Otunga with a spinebuster for the three count.
Winners: David Otunga and R Truth
Bryan leaves the ring without his mentor.
Miz yells at Bryan and tells him that he makes him a star. Miz continues to yell at Bryan and Bryan wants a piece of Miz.
We go to comments from Heath Slater and he says that you have to be ready for anything and he was caught by surprise last week when Carlito spit his apple in his face. We see the footage and Slater’s comments. Slater says that isn’t cool and if he had an apple, he would have thrown it at his face instead of taking a bite and spitting it in his face. Slater says that Carlito better watch out.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Matt Striker wants to know if Miz let Daniel Bryan down by losing after his ultimatum. Miz says that he is the Unified Tag Champion and United States Champion. Bryan says that every tag team partner that Miz had carried him. Miz tells Bryan that he is the pro and the talent of every team he is in. Bryan wants to know if Miz is so talented, why did he lose.
Cole and Josh talk about the situation between Miz and Bryan. Now it is time for a video package on Justin Gabriel.
Justin says that people call him the poster boy and he wonders why. He says that his father was a wrestler in Africa. He mentions that he played rugby. He says that he has a hybrid style that is a mix of the British and Japanese style. He says that he doesn’t see himself failing. He says that it is an inspiration to be the first South African in this spot.
Matt Hardy and Justin Gabriel are in the locker room. Matt points out that Justin is the first rookie of NXT to beat a pro. Justin asks Matt if he would have done anything differently.
Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett enter and Jericho says that Justin did good last week, but not good enough because Wade will beat him. Jericho reminds Gabriel that he is the best in the world and to put two and two together.
Wade points out that last week he beat Daniel Bryan last week in under three minutes and Bryan is the fan favorite.
Matt tells Chris that his guy is going to beat Chris’ guy. We have an awkward stare down.
Match Number Two: Heath Slater with Christian versus Carlito with Michael Tarver
Before the match, Carlito tells Heath that he heard what Heath said about last week. Carlito says that Heath should be honored about what happened last week and he says that Heath should be begging him to spit in his face again.
Carlito bites his apple and then he stands in Slater’s face but Slater ducks the spit and then he punches Carlito. Carlito with a back elbow and the referee holds him off. We go to commercial.
We are back and Carlito with an arm bar. We see the footage from before the commercial. Slater backs Carlito into the corner and then Carlito kicks Slater after a break. Carlito slaps Slater and then Carlito charges at Slater and he sends Carlito over the top rope to the floor. Carlito returns to the ring and he punches Slater in the corner. Carlito with an Irish whip but Slater moves when Carlito charges into the corner. Slater with punches and a kick but Carlito with a boot to the head for a near fall. Carlito with a rear chin lock and a forearm to the back. Carlito throws Slater over the top rope but Slater lands on the apron. Slater with a shoulder and he tries for a sunset flip but Carlito holds on to the ropes. Carlito has some words for Christian before returning to Slater and he stretches Slater and works on his back. Carlito with a knee and shoulders in the corner. Christian provides some advice to Slater and Slater moves when Carlito charges into the corner. Slater with a clothesline and back elbow followed by a flapjack for a near fall. Carlito with a sit out spinebuster. Carlito looks for his apple and Christian takes it and tosses it to Tarver. Carlito sets for the lungblower but Slater with a jackknife cover for a two count. Carlito with a rollup but Slater rolls through and gets the three count.
Winner: Heath Slater
After the match, Christian and Slater celebrate in the ring.
It is time for a Darren Young video package. He says that this is his dream, chance, and destiny. He says that he was ecstatic to be a part of NXT. He says that he has worked so hard to get where he is and now he needs to capitalize on it. He says that he has an open attitude when he comes to the ring. He says that he is here to entertain. He talks about growing up and being a fan of Ricky Steamboat and Shawn Michaels. Darren says that nobody is going to stop him from achieving his dream.
We go to CM Punk with Serena and Luke Gallows. Punk wonders if their involvement has led to Darren’s win last week. Darren says that he understands Punk’s lifestyle but he wants to be able to live his own life. Punk has Serena and Luke tell Darren who the pro and rookie are. Darren says that you can follow Straight Edge and succeed or try to do it your own way. Punk leaves with Serena and Luke as Darren stands in the back and we go to commercial.
We are back with the Raw Rebound.
Match Number Three; Wade Barrett with Chris Jericho versus Justin Gabriel with Matt Hardy
Barrett with a kick and punch but Gabriel lands on his feet on a hip toss and gets a leg sweep. Barrett catches Gabriel off the turnbuckles and then connects with shoulders to the back and punches him. Barrett stretches Gabriel in the ropes. Barrett goes to the apron and drops Gabriel on the top rope and gets a near fall. Barrett with a seated abdominal stretch. Gabriel kicks Barrett in the head and then Gabriel with a spin kick and a discus punch. Barrett catches Gabriel but Gabriel with a sunset flip for a near fall. Barrett with a slingshot back breaker for a near fall. Barrett with slams to Gabriel as he continues to work on Gabriel’s back. Barrett puts Gabriel on the top turnbuckle but Gabriel with forearms that knock Barrett to the mat. Gabriel hits the 450 Splash for the three count.
Winner: Justin Gabriel
After the match, Jericho throws Hardy out of the ring and then he hits a Codebreaker on Gabriel. Jericho tells Barrett to come into the ring and Jericho puts Gabriel in the Walls of Jericho and Gabriel taps despite it not being a match.
2010 - Wrestler's Rescue announced the following after many, many months of putting together an insurance program for professional wrestlers and their families:
WRESTLERS RESCUE ASSOCIATION NOW OFFERING INSURANCE PROGRAMS
Wrestler's Rescue is now offering coverage to all current and retired professional wrestlers, indie wrestlers and fans via our association, with a variety of packages tailored to each individual.
Our silver membership, which is available to indie wrestlers and fans, includes a Wrestler's Rescue discount prescription card, a bi-annual newsletter, preferred membership status with our travel agency and a free 8x10 color photo of one of our stars. Upon the first anniversary of your membership, you will also receive a $25 merchandise discount to put toward Wrestler's Rescue and a Wrestler's Rescue t-shirt. (Our gold members have access to upgrade their membership to the silver level, which provides dental and prescription insurance.)
Our gold dental membership, which is available to all current and retired professional wrestlers, indie wrestlers and fans, includes everything listed above in the silver package plus WorldDoc online health decision support, a pre-paid MasterCard and dental insurance.
Our gold prescription membership includes everything listed above in the silver package plus WorldDoc online health decision support, a pre-Paid MasterCard and prescription insurance. Of course, you may purchase both programs for their respective needs.
Our platinum membership, which is eligible for all current and retired professional wrestlers and their immediate families (parents & siblings), includes a Wrestler's Rescue discount prescription card; a bi-annual newsletter, preferred member status with our travel agency, WorldDoc online health decision support, a pre-paid MasterCard and a t-shirt. This association plan benefit gives you access to the following coverage: major medical health insurance, disability insurance, supplemental insurance, optional dental insurance, optional prescription insurance.
All of the above services are available to both active and retired wrestlers that have worked in any of the territories or have had/has a contract with any of the companies.
We are also pleased to announce the debut of Wrestler's Rescue free discount prescription card; every time it is used, 25 cents is donated back to support our cause. The cards are available to both wrestlers and fans. You may order or download one from the web site.
Alumni are those who have donated items or personal services to Wrestler's Rescue; you are eligible for our membership for a specific amount of years according to the value of the item donated.
If you have donated an item worth $25 - $74, you are eligible for one year; if you have donated an item worth $75 - $199, you are eligible for two years; if you have donated an item worth $200 or more, you are eligible for three years. If you have made a personal appearance at a Wrestler's Rescue event, you are eligible for five years.
