This Day in History - 9th April, 2013

April 9th

On this day in history in ....

1917 - Earl Caddock defeats Joe Stecher by forfeit in Omaha, Nebraska to win the World Hravyweight Title. Stecher was so frustrated after losing in the second fall of the match, that he refused to wrestle in the third fall.

1953 - Buddy Rogers defeats Antonino Rocca in Cleveland, Ohio to win the Ohio version of the Boston AWA World Heavyweight Title for the third time.

1960 - Ray and Roy Shire defeat Dick Afflis and Gene Kiniski to win the Chicago/Indianapolis NWA World Tag Team Title, beginning the Shires' second reign. The Chicago/Indianapolis office left the NWA later in the year to become the American Wrestling Alliance, with the Shires recognized as the first champions there.

1963 - Gino and Tony Calza defeat The Medics (Tony Gonzales and Donald Lortie) to win the Mid-America NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee, ending the Medics' fifth reign.

1965 - Rene Guajardo defeats Rayo de Jalisco for the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, ending Jalisco's second reign and beginning Guajardo's third.

1969 - Black Gordman defeats Alfonso Dantés for the vacant NWA Beat the Champ Television Title in Los Angeles, California.

1976 - Fishman defeats Blue Demon to win the NWA World Welterweight Title in Mexico, City, Mexico, ending Demon's second reign. As a result, Fishman's Mexican National Welterweight Title was vacated.

1978 - Ric Flair defeats Mr. Wrestling to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Title in Charlotte, North Carolina. Flair was later recognized as champion in Toronto as well.

1978 - Perro Aguayo defeats Ringo Mendoza for the NWA World Middleweight Title in Mexico City, Mexico, ending Mendoza's second reign and beginning Aguayo's third.

1981 - Bob Brown and Terry Taylor defeat The Kelly Twins (Mike and Pat) for the NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.

1981 - Buddy Rose defeats Jay Youngblood to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title, ending Youngblood's second reign and beginning Rose's fourth.

1984 - Jerry Lawler defeats Randy Savage to win the NWA Mid-America Heavyweight Title in Lexington, Kentucky, ending Savage's third reign.

1984 - Vic Rain defeats Charlie Cook for the NWA Alabama Heavyweight Title in Birmingham, Alabama.

1987 - Jim Crockett Promotions purchases Bill Watts' Universal Wrestling Federation.

1988 - Carlos Colón wins his sixth WWC Universal Heavyweight Title in Caguas, Puerto Rico, defeating Hercules Ayala, ending his second reign.

1990 - Kenta Kobashi and Tiger Mask (Mitsuharu Misawa) defeat The Can-Am Express (Doug Furnas and Dan Kroffat (Philip LaFon)) for the AJPW All Asia Tag Team Title in Okayama, Japan, ending the Express' second reign.

1994 - Debbie Combs is awarded the USWA Women's Title, after Lauren Davenport left the promotion.

1995 - T. Rantula defeats Cactus Jack for the Steel City Wrestling Heavyweight Title in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1999 - Lord Zieg defeats Flash Wheeler in a falls count anywhere match for the JAPW New Jersey State Title in North Bergen, New Jersey.

1999 - Canyon defeats Jimmy James to win the NWA Texas Hardcore Title in North Richland Hills, Texas.

2001 - The WWF held a live RAW is WAR at the FleetCenter in Boston, Massachusetts. RAW got a 5.4 rating on TNN. This edition of RAW included the segment where Linda McMahon told Vince McMahon that she wanted a divorce. The results were:
Jakked:
- Steve Blackman and Grandmaster Sexay defeated Kaientai (Funaki and Taka Michinoku).
- Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn defeated Alex Arion and Low Ki.
- K-Kwik defeated Gary Swinger.
- Haku defeated Dukes Dalton.
RAW is WAR:
- WWF Hardcore Champion Kane pinned Big Show to retain the title. Kane was originally to face Kurt Angle but Big Show ran in, followed by The Undertaker, with Undertaker and Kane double-chokeslamming Show for the win.
- Rhyno defeated WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Crash Holly and Molly Holly in a handicap match by pinning Crash after the Gore.
- The Undertaker pinned Big Show after a powerbomb off the second turnbuckle.
- The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von and Spike) defeated X-Factor (Albert, Justin Credible and X-Pac), when D-Von pinned Credible after the 3D. After the match, the Dudleys were attacked by X-Factor, with Albert Baldo Bombing Bubba Ray through a table.
- Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit fought to a no contest after both men attacked referee William Regal, and locked him together in the Walls of Jericho and Crippler Crossface.
- Val Venis (with Bull Buchanan, The Goodfather and Steven Richards) pinned Raven with the Money Shot.
- Team Xtreme (Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy and Lita) defeated WWF Champion Steve Austin, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley and WWF Intercontinental Champion Triple H, when Lita pinned Stephanie with a moonsault.

2001 - Kazuyuki Fujita defeats Scott Norton for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan, ending Norton's second reign.

2003 - Doug Basham wins the OVW Heavyweight Title for the fourth time in Louisville, Kentucky, ending Nick Dinsmore's seventh reign.

2004 - Minoru Fujita and Ikuto Hidaka defeat Josh Daniels and Matt Striker to win the Premier Wrestling Federation Universal Tag Team Title in Quarryville, Pennsylvania.

2004 - Zach Gowen and Silas Young defeat Jason Dukes and Skull Krusher for the Mid-America Wrestling Tag Team Title in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

2004 - Shane Matthews defeats Eric Darkstorm for the NWA Bluegrass Junior Heavyweight Title in Salyersville, Kentucky.

2004 - Justin Kage defeats Austin Aries to win the NWA Midwest X Division Title in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

2004 - IWA Mid-South held its fourth-annual April Bloodshowers event at the Community Center Gym in Oolitic, Indiana. The results were:
- Michael Shane defeated Adam Flash and Nate Webb in a three-way match.
- MsChif defeated Daizee Haze.
- Jimmy Jacobs (with Becky Bayless) defeated Roderick Strong.
- Delirious defeated Nigel McGuinness.
- IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Champion Matt Sydal defeated Emil Sitoci to retain the title.
- In a 30-minute Iron Man match, B.J. Whitmer (with Jim Fannin) defeated IWA Mid-South Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn, 2-1, to win the title.
- Arik Cannon defeated Chad Collyer.
- Mark Wolf defeated Danny Daniels (with Jim Fannin).
- A.J. Styles defeated B-Boy.
- JC Bailey and Necro Butcher defeated Corporal Robinson and The Wifebeater in a Fans Bring the Weapons match.

2004 - Suicidal Youth (Arrick Andrews and Ryder) defeat The Fast and Furious (Shane Eden and Hammerjack) to win their second United States Wrestling Organization Tag Team Title. At the same show, Ryder won the USWO Television Title from Hot Rod Biggs.

2004 - The World of Hurt Wrestling Federation has five titles change hands in Hudson Falls, New York. Danger defeats The Texas Outlaw to win his fifth WOHW Heavyweight Title, Brodie Lee wins the WOHW United States Title from Scott Scarsdale, Virus and Warpath defeat Shane Alden and Swinger Sidusky for the WOHW Tag Team Title, Punk wins his fourth WOHW Hardcore Title from Jim Tanner, and Miss DeVille defeats Kayla Sparks to become the first WOHW Women's Champion.

2005 - The East Coast Wrestling Association held its ninth-annual Super 8 Tournament at the Greater Newark Boys' and Girls' Club in Newark, Delaware. The results were:
- Puma defeated Eric Matlock in a Super 8 Tournament first round match.
- J.J. Perez defeated Tyson Dux in a Super 8 Tournament first round match.
- Alex Shelley defeated Andrew Ryker in a Super 8 Tournament first round match.
- Petey Williams defeated Rory Fox in a Super 8 Tournament first round match.
- Puma defeated J.J. Perez in a Super 8 Tournament semifinal match.
- Petey Williams defeated Alex Shelley in a Super 8 Tournament semifinal match.
- The Logan Brothers (Bill and Bryan) won a Tag Team Summit battle royal to earn an immediate ECWA Tag Team Title match.
- ECWA Tag Team Champions The Valedictorians (Billy Bax and Rob Eckos) defeated The Logan Brothers (Bill and Bryan) to retain the title.
- Petey Williams defeated Puma to win the Super 8 Tournament.

2005 - Swi$$ Money Holding (Ares and Marc Roudin) defeat Michael Kovac and Eric Schwarz for the German Stampede Wrestling Tag Team Title in Duisburg, Germany.

2005 - Kenny Campbell defeats Bernard Funk for the Steel Rage Pro Wrestling X Division Title in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

2005 - Miss Natural defeats Josie to win the World League Wrestling Women's Title in Concordia, Missouri, beginning her fourth reign.

2005 - John O'Malley defeats Michael Barry for the NWA Universal Heavyweight Title in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, ending Barry's second reign.

2005 - Mike Booth defeats Chris Dramin to win the NWA Virginia Alpha Title in Hopewell, Virginia. At the same event, The Unholy Grail wins the NWA Virginia Junior Heavyweight Title from Mike Vaughn.

2005 - Jake 'N Bake defeats Chip Stetson for the NWA Upstate Kayfabe Dojo Title in Webster, New York. At the same event, Glenn Spectre won the NWA Upstate Heavyweight Title from H.C. Loc.

2005 - Scott Sterling defeats Eddie Bruiser to win the NWA Blue Ridge Heavyweight Title in Kingsport, Tennessee. At the same show, Peggy Lee Leather defeats Bambi for the NWA Blue Ridge Women's Title.

2006 - Cedric defeats Wilson Kane and Warren Peace in a three-way match for the vacant Championship Pro Wrestling Hardcore Title in Milwaukie, Oregon, beginning his second reign.

2007 - Naruki Doi, Gamma and Magnitude Kishiwada defeat CIMA, Ryo Saito and Susumu Yokosuka to win the Dragon Gate Open the Triangle Gate Title in Kobe, Japan.

2007 - Glenn Gilberti is one of many arrested in connection with an illegal gambling operation run in the basement of a house in Roswell, Georgia.

2007 - WWE held a live RAW at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. RAW got a 3.9 rating on USA Network. The results:
- In a dark match, Daniel Rodimer defeated Super Crazy.
Heat:
- Cryme Tyme (JTG and Shad) defeated Bryce Andrews and Mike Bennett.
- Kenny Dykstra defeated Val Venis.
- Chris Masters defeated Mike Edwards.
- The Great Khali defeated Eugene.
RAW:
- Mickie James and Candice Michelle defeated WWE Women's Champion Melina and Victoria, when Mickie pinned Melina with a jumping tornado DDT.
- Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch defeated Carlito (with Torrie Wilson) and Ric Flair, when Murdoch pinned Carlito after the High/Low.
- Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton fought to a draw after a double pin. The match was to determine a #1 contender for John Cena's WWE Title.
- World Tag Team Champions The Hardys (Jeff and Matt) defeated The World's Greatest Tag Team (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas), when Jeff pinned Benjamin after the Swanton.
- ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley defeated Shane McMahon by disqualification in a title vs. hair match.

2008 - WWE Hall of Famer and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura was asked to compare the shape of professional wrestling to the United States government and decide which is worse in the new issue of Time Out New York. Ventura responded, "Without a doubt, the government. Vince McMahon makes money. He's profitable. Our federal government has put us $9 trillion in debt. It's beyond my comprehension. If you did that in the private sector - Enron and WorldCom ring a bell? - you'd be locked up. And yet what will our media do? What will our history books do? They call these people "honorable" and write them up as heroes. They're bankrupting America and we're doing nothing about it. Excuse me for saying this...Actually don't excuse me. We're a bunch of lemmings."

2009 - The cause of death in the case of Andrew "Test" Martin was ruled as an accidental overdose via oxycodone intoxication.

2009 - Ring of Honor's Collision debuted on PPV. Mike Johson filed the following PPV report:

Caged Collision opened with ROH's Dave Prazak in the ring in Chicago welcoming everyone to the PPV. The crowd chanted "ROH." Prazak then sent it to announcer Kyle Durden backstage with Austin Aries and Jimmy Jaocbs. He noted that they were teaming in a Dream Partner tag where the winner of the fall gets a World title shot. Jacobs said that he was in a tag match with three men he didn't like and he wanted his title shot. Aries said it was his title shot since ROH officials took it from him and they both agreed they didn't want Tyler Black to get it. As they left, Aries decked Durden, then glared into the cameras smiling. Hilarious.

ROH aired an opening video of clips from previous shows. The logo for the event featured a huge lock instead of the first vowels in Caged and Collision, which I thought was cool.

Alex "Sugarfoot" Payne vs. Silas Young vs. Kenny King

Dave Prazak butried Payne, saying he didn't deserve to be on the PPV. King refused to sign and slapped both. Payne got tossed out of the ring, but grabbed King's foot. That allowed Young to dropkick him. Payne nailed a top rope dropkick. Both worked over King. Young whipped Payne into King, nailing a leg lariat. King retreated to the floor.

Payne rolled up Young from behind for a two. Young went for a back suplex but Payne landed on his feet and rolled him up again. Young overpowered Payne, who kept kicking up. King remained on the outside talking trash to the camera. Payne dropkicked Young, but was pulled out of the ring by King. King slammed him into the barricade. Young faked a dive over the ropes, landed on the apron, but was nailed by a King kick for a two count.

King whopped Young and went for a big boot but was caught. King nailed a bicycle kick. Payne returned to the ring with a pinfall attempt. Payne then nailed a crucifix for a two count. King grabbed Payne in a Fireman's Carry but Young broke it up. Young nailed a neckbreaker but Payne broke up the pinfall.

Young and Payne went back and forth in the ring with Young getting the better of the exchange. King got involved and was drilled with a German suplex for a two count. Young went for a TKO but King nailed elbows to escape. He nailed a Blue Thunder Powerbomb for a two count. The cameras focused on Payne trying to recover. Young and King went back and forth with punches in the center while getting to their feet. They grappled, trying to get the better of the other, but were both nailed by a missile dropkick.

Payne began cleaning house and the crowd booed. Payne nailed a Perfectplex for a two count on Young. Payne ducked a clothesline and went for a high cross bodyblock. King caught him and slammed him down but Young broke it up. King missed the Elijah Express in the corner on Young, who drilled him with a clothesline for a two count. King leaped over the top, clotheslining Young's throat over the top rope. Payne caught Young with a forward roll and scored the pin.

Your winner, Sugarfoot!

A decent opener with all three working as hard and as fast as they could. Payne is obviously being designed for the young, scappy underdog character based on how he's been used the last two PPVs. King is absolutely going to be awesome down the line.

ROH aired a video feature on Claudio Castagnoli and Kevin Steen.

ROH Tag Team champ Kevin Steen vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Castagnoli worked over Steen's arm early. Steen used a forward role into a single leg takedown, overwhelming Castagnoli for a moment before locking in a front facelock. Claudio got to his feet but Steen went for a Sharpshooter. Castagnoli escaped the attempt. Claudio began attempting European uppercuts but Steen slapped him and drilled a spinning kick. He clotheslined Claudio over the top to the floor. Steen went for a sliding kick out of the ring but Claudio returned to the ring, avoiding it. Steen knocked him down and hit a slingshot senton over the ropes into the ring,

Steen charged Claudio in the corner but the referee was pulled into the ring. Claudio used the distraction to drill Steen with a kick. Claudio began nailing knees into the back, then locked on a side chinlock. Steen fought to his feet and nailed several chops but was caught with an over the knee backbreaker. Castagnoli had a trickle of blood running down his chest from the chops. He nailed Steen with a Gut Wretch suplex, then dropped another knee into the lower back.

Claudio then locked in Steen's own finisher, the Sharpshooter on him. The announcers noted Steen has been working on a bad knee courtesy of the American Wolves. Steen made his way to the ropes. Claudio and Steen exchanged chops and forearms. That broke down into punches but Claudio used a thumb to the eye to stop the onslaught. Claudio charged but was caught with a boot to the face and a tornado DDT out of the corner.

Steen unloaded with a kick to the chest, then a pumphandle lift into a neckbreaker for a two count. The crowd chanted, "Mr. Wrestling." Steen went to the top rope for a swanton but Cladio got his knees up. He scored a two count with a Waterslide, then attempted the Ricola Bomb. Steen escaped and finally drilled a glancing superkick. Steen nailed a cannonball in the corner, then cinched in a Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring.

Claudio fought his way to the ropes but Steen pulled him back. Larry Sweeney came out but El Generico came out and forced him to the back. The referee was distracted, allowing Claudio to nail a low blow and a Ricola Bomb for the pin.

Your winner, Claudio Castagnoli!

ROH aired a video feature on the Age of the Fall's fallout with The Necro Butcher as well as Delirious falling under Jimmy Jacobs' power.

Kyle Durden tried to interview Sugarfoot (I hate that name) about his win but Nigel McGuinness attacked him from behind. He said, "There is a saying in this business....payback is a B**ch" and told him to get out of "my locker room." McGuinness said he didn't forget the last time he was here. He said Sugarfoot was a disgrace like the contenders to his belt - Geritol Lynn, Tylenol Black and Clamdigger Danielson. They aired clips of each challenger as Nigel spoke. Nigel said they are all disgraces and don't deserve title shots. McGuinness said that if El Generico tries to hit a flippy thing or an Ole Kick, "I'm going to kill ya." He said that no matter what, "I'll kill ya." Good solid, old school heel promo. You can really see that the company's MO these days is to provide more of a traditional wrestling product in terms of personas, heels vs. babyfaces, etc.

Necro Butcher & Jerry Lynn vs. The Age of the Fall's Delirious and Brodie Lee

Lee and Necro began brawling outside the ring immediately. Lynn whipped Delirious into the guard rail.As it settled down, Lynn nailed head scissors on Delirious. Delirious missed a back senton splash and Lynn tagged in Necro. Necro drilled him with a right hand, then hit a monkey flip!? Necro then locked on an abdominal stretch but Brodie Lee jumped into the ring and began striking him. Lee broke the move and tagged in.

Necro and Lee began exchanging punches in the center of the ring. Necro headbutt Lee, who staggered into the corner but began returning fire. Necro was whipped into the corner but came out with a big right hand. Necro nailed a drop toe hold. Dave Prazak quipped, "There are no drop toe holds in a bar fight." Lynn tagged in but was tagged with a right hand. Lee shot Lynn into the air but the former ECW champ nailed a hurancanrana.

Lee chased Lynn to the floor and back, with Lynn trying to wear out Lee. Jimmy Jacobs distracted Lynn, allowing Lee to overpower him and nailed a suplex. Delirious tagged in and the Age of the Fall double teamed Lynn as Necro tried in vain to get past the referee. The NECRO BUTCHER can't get past a lowly referee?? Come on! Lynn avoided a charge in the corner from Lee but was hit with a big boot. Lee began tearing at Lynn's face.

Lynn was worked over in the AOTF's corner for some time. Lee went for a running boot but Lynn ducked and Lee fell to the floor. Lynn went to make a tag but Necro was pulled off the apron by Lee. Lynn kept kicking up. Delirious went for a backslide but Lynn battled his way out and nailed a DDT. There were some nice close-ups of the guys as they battled for leverage.

Lynn makes the hot tag and Necro drills Lee with a foot to the face, a slam and began beating him down in the corner. Necro bulldogged Lee, then placed him in the corner. Necro then hit a top rope frankensteiner. Lynn hit a flying high cross body off the top rope but Lee clotheslined Lynn for a two count. Necro drilled Delirious while he was on the top rope preparing for a Shadows over Hell splash.

Necro and Lee brawled outside. Necro legdropped Lee through a table on the floor and Chicago loved it. Delirious went for the Shadows over Hell splash from the top but Lynn moved. Lynn grabbed the cradle piledriver and scored the win.

Your winners, Necro Butcher and Jerry Lynn!

Another good back and forth tag team bout. Lynn was really good in his role as the babyface getting sympathy. I still feel Necro isn't being used right here - he should be the modern day Abdullah, not doing drop toe holds and ranas, but that's just me.

After the match, Jimmy Jacobs shoved down Delirious and told him he had disappointed him for the last time. He said he was doing this because he cares. He pulled out a chain. Daizee Haze hit the ring to stop him but Jacobs shoved her down. She ended up with Jacobs' spike and threatened spiking him but instead accidentally spiked Delirious, who she has been trying to "free from Jacobs." Jacobs smiled like he had gotten exactly what he wanted. Haze began crying that she was sorry while Jacobs blamed her. I didn't care for the angle but I got that they were going for the idea that Jacobs had tricked her into doing the opposite of what she wanted and in doing so, she had helped Jacobs' cause. That said, I thought the performance was a little over the top.

They aired a video feature on the Dream Partner Tag bout.

Austin Aries was in the ring when they returned and began heeling the crowd. He said he didn't want them to chant for him because it was all fake and the ROH fans are the most fickle in all of wrestling. He said he and Jimmy Jacobs tore each other apart for 8 months and everyone applauded because the fans only wanted their instant gratification. He said that now that "A Star" is here, the show can begin. You can tell Aries is loving the new role.

Jimmy Jacobs made his way to the ring. When he entered the ring, Jacobs and Aries stared each other down.

Danielson and Black came out to "Final Countdown", which I actually saw performed on Broadway in "Rock of Ages" earlier this week. Now THAT was surreal.

Danielson took the mic and said that between the all of the others, there's been a lot of emotion and tension. He said that he doesn't know if they trust each other, but he doesn't know that he can trust any of them, but there is nothing that's more important to him than the ROH World title. The fans chanted, "Best in the world." He said that since he can't trust Tyler Black and the opponents can't trust each other, he suggested a Four Way instead with one fall of a finish. Everyone agreed. A nice twist that the crowd popped for. It's always good to give a little more than you advertise so I liked it as well.

Bryan Danielson vs. Tyler Black vs. Jimmy Jacobs vs. Austin Aries

ROH champ Nigel McGuinness joined Dave Prazak and Lenny Leonard for commentary. He said that while he's scheduled to defend the title next, he wanted to scout who was going to challenge him next. Aries did a lot of stalling early. One thing I've noticed with this PPV is that in terms of the camera work, the editing and the overall production is that a lot more attention has gone to the personalities and facial expressions, as opposed to just the wrestling moves.

Jacobs tagged in. Danielson grabbed him in a waistlock, then took him down and attempted to cinch in a cross-arm breaker. Jacobs made it to the ropes but Danielson snapped his arm down against the mat. Jacobs backed off, then locked up with Danielson, grabbing a hammerlock. Danielson reversed it but Jacobs caught him with a back elbow. Jacobs retreated from the ring to break Danielson's momentum, then tagged out to Aries. They go back and forth for awhile.

It finally settles down to Danielson and Black facing off and exchanging moves. Black takes the opportunity to nail Aries on the apron, leaving him open to attacked by former Tag Team championship partner Jacobs. Black makes a comeback and Aries tags in. Black avoided headscissors and drilled Aries with a drokick. Danielson tagged in and again, Aries went to the floor. Danielson caught him with uppercuts when he returned to the ring and whipped him into the ropes for a hard kick to the chest.

Danielson dropkicked Aries' sending him to the floor. When Aries returned to the apron, Danielson knocked him off and into the front row. Danielson went to dive into the crowd but was shoved off the top rope by Jacobs. Aries grabbed Danielson on the floor and tossed him back into the ring while he was still dazed. Aries and Jacobs began working over Danielson in the corner, taking turns tagging.

Jacobs stomped on Danielson in the corner and choked him against the ropes. He began using double stomps across Danielson's gut. Aries tagged in with a slingshot senton splash. Aries began unloading with uppercuts. He whipped Danielson into the corner but Danielson flipped over him, then tagging Black. Black came off the top on Aries then began unloading on Jacobs.

Black took turns going back and forth on Jacobs and Aries. Danielson came in with a missile dropkick on Aries, drilled Jacobs with a clothesline and hit Black with a knee strike. He cinched in the cattle mutilation on Black but Tyler escaped, turning it into an inverted DDT for a two count. Black went to the top for a Phoenix Splash but was attacked by Aries. Danielson took out Aries, then grabbed a belly to back superplex off the top on Black. Jacobs leaped on Black for a pinfall attempt.

Jacobs was tossed to the floor, where Black teased a dive but Aries tripped him. Lots of teases of dives to build to the spots. Aries tossed him to the floor where Jacobs held him. Aries went for a dive but Black moved and Aries wiped out Jacobs. Black then hit a dive over the ropes. Jacobs and Aries are tossed over the rail into the crowd. Black tries to return to the ring but Danielson dropkicks him to the floor then does a dive over the top to the floor. As Danielson celebrated, Bison Smith, dressed in street clothes, attacked and laid out Danielson before walking out. The announces wondered if Danielson was going to be out of commission the rest of the match.

This left Black alone with Jacobs and Aries. Jacobs locked in his choke. Black fought to his feet and shoved him in corner. Aries nailed a dropkick. Aries went for a suplex but Black escaped and went for the powerbomb in a corner. Jacobs speared him. Aries and Jacobs both attempted a pin but Black kicked up. They went back and forth until Black scored a surprise pin on Aries, who was furious.

Your winner and next in line for a ROH title shot. Tyler Black!

They aired a video feature on Nigel McGuinness and El Generico.

Backstage, Jerry Lynn, sporting a black eye was interviewed. Lynn promised that if Generico didn't get the job done, he would take the title.

ROH champ Nigel McGuinness vs. El Generico

McGuinness attacked Generico before the bell and threw him into the ringpost shoulder-first. Generico crumbled to the floor. Nigel smashed his arm against the corner post. Nigel then drilled him with the London Dungeon on the floor. Generico began to be counted out, but Kevin Steen ran out to try and get him to return to the ring. Generico just makes the count.

McGuinness continued to work over Generico's arm, but Generico nailed a chop to stun Nigel. McGuinness recovered and then slapped Generico down. Nigel went the handspring kick in the corner but Generico shoved him over to the apron then dropkicked him to the floor. Nigel cut off Generico as he left the ring and slammed him into the barricade. He went to whip Generico into the railing but it was reversed.

Generico went for a Yakuza Kick but Nigel avoided it and kicked him into the barricade. Generico was again in danger of being counted out on the floor but made it in at the last second. McGuinness continued to focus on Generico's shoulder and arm. Generico keeps fighting back but Nigel is able to take him back down and locks on different armbars to continue wearing him down.

The crowd began singing "Ole Ole" to rev up Generico. Generico finally broke free and went for a tornado DDT but Nigel "had it scouted" and immediately slammed Generico back down to the mat. Nigel continued to control the flow of the match. Nigel continued to beat down Generico, who refused to go down.

Nigel ducked a Yakuza Kick and hit Generico with a kick to the back, then a Tower of London in the ring. Nigel set up Generico on the top rope for another lariat but Generico blocked it with a boot. Nigel came back and hit another tower of London off the top rope outside the ring as Generico hit the apron and went to the outside. Nigel whipped Generico into the guard rail at the 17 count but Generico jumped into the ring at 19 to save himself.

Generico came back and nailed a brainbuster for a two count, then a Yakuza kick in the corner. He went for a brainbuster off the top but Nigel escaped. He locked on an arm bar but Generico made it to the ropes. Nigel pulled him back into the center of the ring and finally forced the submission.

Your winner and still ROH champion, Nigel McGuinness!

Tyler Black came back out and said he could exercise the title shot he won tonight at any time and, "What better time to do this, but tonight, on PPV. What better place to do this, but Chicago!" Before he could cash in, Jimmy Jacobs and Austin Aries attacked him on the ramp. Jerry Lynn and Necro Butcher made the save as Nigel left through the crowd.
They aired a video feature on the main event. Kyle Durden interviewed Larry Sweeney backstage. Sweeney said he's assembled the most dominant faction to ever exist in ROH. He said when you put them into a situation with no rules, that makes them mad. He said that the world will see their wrath tonight.

Steel Cage Warfare: Sweet N Sour Inc vs. Brent Albright & Ace Steel & Erick Stevens & Roderick Strong & Jay Briscoe
Davey Richards was the first man in for Sweet N' Sour while Strong was Richard and Strong went back and forth. Strong grabbed him in a Fireman's Carry and slammed him into the cage. The Horsemen, er...Sweet N' Sour won a cointoss and the second man out was Tank Toland. They both beat down Strong. Ace Steel came out next, making the save for Strong, running both men into the cage, then hitting stereo dropkicks into the cage with Roderick,

There was another countdown, but no one came out for Sweeney's team. Jay Briscoe was next but was attacked by Eddie Edwards and Sara del Rey, working over his knee . Edwards then entered the ring with a chair and began beating Steel and Strong down.
The next out for Team Sweeney was Bobby Dempsey, who looked scared to be in the ring and began punching Steel. Briscoe was carried out and never entered. The next in was Erick Stevens, who began cleaning house. Dempsey was too worried to do anything as Sweeney was screaming at him.

Adam Pearce came out as the final man on Team Sweeney. Strong grabbed him and threw him into the cage. Pearce was busted open, as were a lot of others. It's a total old school Cage match. Brent Albright is the last man in. By this point, Strong gained ownership of Edwards' steel chair and began beating everyone. Richards and Edwards were thrown out of the cage.

Brent Albright went to the top of the cage but was stopped by Pearce, who was now alone (except Dempsey, who was hiding). Albright nailed Pearce with a powerbomb off the top. The babyfaces took the battle to the floor. Briscoe returned with his knee bandaged and threw Dempsey into the cage, cutting him open.

Briscoe ascended to the top of the cage and hit a monster dive. Pearce was tossed back into the ring as Ace Steel and Albright worked him over. Pearce was taking one burial of a beating as everyone hit their main moves on him. Albright drilled him with a German suplex to score the pin.

After the match, Sweeney blamed Dempsey. He spit on Dempsey, who snapped and nailed him. All the babyfaces took turns working over Sweeney, bloodying him. Dempsey ripped his shirt off, drilled Sweeney with a cannonball in the corner, then hit a Death Valley Driver. The legend of Bobby Dempsey is born.

Thoughts: A great PPV. I really feel bad for ROH knowing this is airing the night before a Chuck Liddell fight and the same weekend as a top TNA PPV. With no bad matches, a great old school Wargames match in the main event, an excellent four way and a really good Nigel vs. Generico title bout, this is a no brainer at $10 for purchase. You can see the company evolving here as its still about the wrestling, but not so much about the wrestling moves with more importance put on storylines and personas. A really fun 2 hours.

2009 - TNA announced the following:

TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION WRESTLING WINS MI6 AWARD FOR THE "SUICIDE IS BORN" CAMPAIGN

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling is proud to announce that the "Suicide Is Born" campaign, featuring the arrival/crossover of Suicide to TNA from the "iMPACT!" videogame, won the coveted "Thinking Outside the Box - Marketing" honors at the annual MI6 awards on Wednesday in San Franciso, California!

MI6 is the interactive entertainment marketers association, formed by Promax BDA. The MI6 Awards recognize excellence in the marketing in the gaming space. TNA was up against major names such as Electronic Arts, Xbox, Activision, 2K Sports, and Ubisoft, to name a few. TNA claimed two of the five finalist spots in their category, one for the creation of Suicide as well as the incorporation of "iMPACT!" game footage into superstar entrance videos!

2009 - TNA broadcast Impact. Ed Sheriffs filed the following TV report:

It's Thursday, April 9, 2009 and we are just ten days away from the in ring return of Danny Bonaduce at Lockdown. Tonight also marks the end of an era, as Richard Trionfo, the Cal Ripken of Impact reports is sitting this week out. This week's episode is called "Who's Calling the Shots?" As always, TNA Impact is shot before a live studio audience.

The Main Event Mafia open the show and come to the ring. Sting wants, nay he needs, answers from Jeff Jarrett. He doesn't want them behind closed doors, so Double J comes to the ring, as well. Jarrett has business to take care of in his office (curious how he was so close to the entrance tube). Sting wants to know who is in charge of the company. Jarrett or Foley? Sting says if Foley is running the company, it is time to make it public. Jarrett insists he is calling the shots. Sting says good because he thinks Foley needs a warm up for Lockdown. Jarrett seems hesitant, so Sting says he'll use his stroke to make Foley wrestle. Steiner takes the mic and says Jarrett is losing control of the company.

The Motor City Machine Guns make their way to the ring. Cheap pop for video games. The MCMG are a tag team for hire tonight. Thanksgiving Eve was one of the worst days of Shelley's life. He had to wear a turkey suit and get DDT'd by Foley. He's been waiting a long time to get back at Mick. He offers the MCMG against Foley in a handicap match as a warmup. Jarrett is still the boss and he makes the match.

In the back, Foley is at a loss for words. He takes K.C. & the Sunshine Band's lyrics instead. That's the way he likes it. Foley is happy to see Jarrett back in charge, but he is going to tweak it a bit. Commercial.

TNA's WWE like masturbatory graphic thanks the fans for making last week's episode of Impact the most watched episode in TNA history.

Foley tells Jarrett he plans on tweaking his match. JB asks what is wring with Jarrett. JB is thrown out by the Mafia.

Sheik Abdul Bashir (w/ Kiyoshi & No Limit) vs. Suicide

Lock up goes into the corner with a clean break by Suicide. Bashir tries to rush him, but he is caught. Hip toss out of the corner then a dropkick into the corner by Suicide. Bashir snaps Suicide's neck on the top rope and pounds him in the corner. Clotheslines in the corner by Suicide. He drops Bashir on the mat and drops a leg on him. Bashir clubs Suicide in the back of the head and shoves him to the floor. No Limit take advantage of the situation.

Back in the ring, Bashir gets two with a neckbreaker. He works on Suicide in the corner, then whips him hard in the opposite corner. Snapmare and chinlock by Bashir. Back suplex by Bashir. He climbs to the top, but Suicide throws him off. Clothesline and trip by Suicide. Suicide puts Bashir on his shoulder and somersaults. Bashir drives Suicide to the mat for two. Suicide comes back, but No Limit interfere and Bashir DDT's Suicide on the X Division Belt.

Your winner, Sheik Abdul Bashir!

After the match, Bashir gloats over Suicide. The lights go out and when they come back on, Suicide has disappeared.

Rhino is in the back with a sailor from the USS Cole and Lauren. The sailor talks about bonding with a Petty Officer over wrestling. He found out he lost a friend, a brother when the USS Cole was attacked. Rhino offers to train the Petty Officer in wrestling so he can live the dream.

In the back, the Beautiful People are beating down Raisha Saeed. Velvet Sky cuts her hair. Commercial.

Vignette on the Team 3D Academy. They're doing it to save the art of professional wrestling!

A taped sit down interview between Tenay and Sting is shown. Given their history, Sting is surprised that Foley attacked him. Sting talks about how there is no comeback from his next big injury. He also talks about witnessing Cactus lose an ear in Germany.

Lauren tells Abyss that Doctor Stevie was abusing him. Lauren threatens to report Doctor Stevie to the board of health. Abyss convinces her not to, but Lauren says she will be at the next session.

In the ring, Foley talks more about the tweak he is doing to the match. He's got the notebook for his next book, Crossing the Line, out. Foley talks about Dewey wanting to look like Alex Shelley. Cane him! Younger son Huey wants to look like Shelley, too. The tweak is that his match with the Guns is now a First Blood match. He wants Sting as the special guest enforcer. He wants Jeff Jarrett to do whatever it is that founders do. He threatens to carve Shelley's face up.

In the back, Booker T is in a more solemn mood in light of the fact that his wife was kidnapped. Booker says he can't get one word out of her. He wants what happens to Joe tonight to be left up to everyone's imagination. Angle says he will be ringside with Booker. One hour into the show and we have a grand total of one match.

During the break, Styles offered to come out with Joe, but Joe turned him down.

Lethal Lockdown Advantage, Round 2: Samoa Joe w/ Nation of Violence vs. Booker T w/ Kurt Angle

Joe runs right out and goes after Booker, pounding him in the corner. Booker back with some knees, but Joe hits an enziguri. Angle trips Joe. More knees from Booker. Styles can't take no for an answer and he attacks Angle. Booker goes for the Axe Kick, but he runs into a powerslam and...that's it?

Your winner, Samoa Joe!

After a rundown of the Lockdown card, ODB and Cody Deaner are enjoying a date at Universal Studios Theme Park. More redneck than Jamie Noble showing Nidia their new double wide.

Another Team 3D vignette talking about Legacy and being one of the best tag teams of all time.

During the break, Big Sexy was hitting on Jenna Morasca.

The MCMG talk about making a name for themselves against Foley.

Scott Steiner vs. James Storm

Storm is distracted by Nash and Steiner jumps him. Scoop slam by Steiner. Storm skins the cat, then gets two with a swinging neckbreaker. Belly to belly by Steiner. Steiner knocks Storm to the mat, then hits with with a clothesline. Elbow drop and pushups by Steiner.

Storm punches out, but Steiner gets two with a reverse STO. Chinlock on the mat by Steiner. Storm punches back. He gets on the apron and kicks Steiner, followed by a backcracker for two. Suplex by Storm. Nash interferes and this one is over. Steiner gets the pipe, but Team 3D make the save for their opponents.

Your winner via disqualification, James Storm!

JB has some late breaking news. But you have to text TNA to get it. Pass. He then talks to The Beautiful People. Angelina wants the Knockout Title and she'll get it at any cost. They will continue to take out one ugly person at a time. They plan on giving Kong a makeover.

Awesome Kong vs. The Beautiful People (Velvet Sky & Madison Rayne w/ Angelina Love)

TBP attack Kong right away. They kick her and take her to the mat with a straitjacket. Sky chops and punches Kong. Kong blocks a DDT. Sky pushes Kong into a dropkick from Rayne. Kong comes right back. Rayne blocks the Awesome Bomb and Sky covers for two. Kong reverses the pin and scores the victory.

Your winner, Awesome Kong.

TBP attack after the match, but Taylor Wilde makes the save.

The ubiquitous JB once again is in the back, this time with Jarrett. He wants to know what was going down in the meeting with Steiner. Jarrett plays coy, but he says he will name the fourth member, a former TNA Champion.

First Blood Match: Mick Foley vs. The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) w/ Special Guest Enforcer Sting

Shelley is first in for the Guns. Back elbow by Foley. He punches Shelley on the mat. Shelley floats over a suplex. Foley sends Shelley out of the ring. Sabin with a dropkick off the apron to Foley. The Guns double suicide dive onto Foley. Commercial.

Back from the break, Sabin avoids a charge and the Guns double team Foley. Dropkick off the top/Reverse STO combo. Kicks knock Foley back to the mat. Sabin mocks Sting, so Sting pulls him out of the ring and hits the Scorpion Death Drop. Foley with a Double Arm DDT to Shelley. Foley takes Socko out and Shelley eats it. Shelley is tossed out of the ring. The ref sees blood on Socko, but Foley won't let him ring the bell. Suplex to Shelley on the concrete. Foley takes out a mic and says a little blood was not what he promised. He promised to bust somebody wide open. He says he's going to make Shelley suffer. Foley takes Barbie out. He carves Shelley's head. Sting hits Foley in the head with a steel chair. Foley is busted open, so the ref calls the bell and declares Foley the loser...even though Shelley bled first. That pretty much sums up tonight's show.

Your winners, the Motor City Machine Guns!

Sting and Foley brawl in the aisle to end the show.

2010 - Women's comedy promotion Wrestlicious, which aired on MavTV in the United States and Bite TV in Canada, went on "hiatus" from airing original TV episodes. To date, it has yet to return.