This Day in History - 21st Jul, 2016
On this day in history in ....
1982 - Abdullah The Butcher is named the first World Wrestling Council World Heavyweight Champion in Puerto Rico. The title would later become the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title.
1995 - Dean Malenko defeats Eddie Guerrero in Tampa, Florida to win the ECW World Television Title, beginning his second reign as champion.
2002 - Cody Hawk defeats Lance (Garrison) Cade in Jeffersonville, Indiana to win the Heartland Wrestling Association Heavyweight Title for the second time.
2002 - WWE held their Vengeance Pay-per-view in Detroit, Michigan at the Joe Louis Arena. The Rock would win his seventh WWE Championship at this event. Here is Tim Whitehead's original report on the show:
WWE rebounded from a lackluster King of the Ring to produce a clear thumbs' up effort for Vengeance (7/21 Detroit). The show had good action from start to finish with all the major matches delivering. Good crowd heat, too, especially for the top bouts. They did something different on commentary, with Tazz & Michael Cole doing the first half of the show, with Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler doing the upper tier. I thought it worked well. All too often JR & Lawler have spent much of the lower card hyping the main matches or getting off on tangents. On this show, Tazz & Cole mostly stayed focused on the on-going bouts, and when JR & Lawler came out later, they were fresh and did a great job, especially on the main event. The only negative was the booking of the finish in two of the main matches. I hated the screwjob in the IC Title match, though otherwise the match was very good. And in the main event, which was a tremendous match, I didn't like the title switching without Undertaker being pinned. That's an inherent problem with three-way matches. It isn't good for the title when it can switch without the reigning champ actually being pinned or submitted.
THE DUDLEYS defeated CHRIS BENOIT & EDDIE GUERRERO in a Tables Match in 14:58. Tazz & Cole put over that this was Benoit's first PPV bout in thirteen months. Benoit tossed Spike around to start things. Bubba came in and got tied up in the wrong corner. There was a big "Eddie sucks" chant aimed at Guerrero. They kept getting heat on Bubba. Guerrero got a table but it took him a while to set it up, as the table legs didn't want to cooperate. Spike nailed Guerrero with a somersault plancha. Benoit hurled Spike hard into the stairs. Benoit & Guerrero tried to double suplex Bubba through the table, but Spike moved it out of the way. Bubba then saved Spike from being put through a table. Bubba gave high backdrops to both opponents. Spike gave the double foot stomp to Benoit. They gave Benoit the wazzup. Benoit came back and put the crossface on Spike to weaken him (it couldn't be used for a finish due to the table match rules). Bubba laid Benoit out and put him on a table. But when Bubba came off the top, Benoit rolled clear and Bubba went through the table alone. It didn't eliminate Bubba since he went through on an offensive move. Spike then gave Guerrero a Dudley Dog through a table, which looked rough, for the first elimination. Benoit quickly hurled Spike out through a table on the floor to even things up. Bubba then caught Benoit by surprise and slammed him through a table for the win. Good opener, but I guess I'm wondering a little why Benoit & Guerrero aren't getting a better push.
Backstage, Jonathan Coachman interviewed Eric Bischoff. Bischoff praised all four participants in the table match as an example of the Ruthless Aggression of RAW wrestlers. Triple H came in and Bischoff ran after him, wanting him to sign with RAW. HHH told him to calm down. He said he wants to hear both sides before making a decision. Bischoff acted offended that HHH would negotiate with his estranged wife, but HHH reminded Bischoff that he's the one who said to always negotiate. Bischoff looked worried.
JAMIE NOBLE defeated BILLY KIDMAN in 7:33 to retain the Cruiserweight Title. Kidman outmaneuvered Noble early, causing him to bail out to the floor in frustration. Kidman hit a huracanrana. Noble used Nidia as a shield to get the advantage on Kidman. Nidia, by the way, is great in this gimmick. He posted Kidman's shoulder. Kidman sold it as an injury and Noble went to work on the shoulder. Kidman hit his shoulder on the post a second time when trying to charge Noble in the corner. Kidman fought back and hit another huracanrana. He did a great counter when Noble went for a powerbomb. Kidman flattened Noble with an enzuigiri, but when Kidman went for the shooting star press, Noble rolled clear. Noble then won clean with a powerbomb. Good match!
Kurt Angle was being interviewed when Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman arrived. Heyman told Angle that Brock is the Next Big Thing. Brock and Angle shook hands, but both appeared a little distrustful. Angle warned Brock not to ever try to attack him the way he attacked Undertaker on RAW. He said this isn't the Summer of Brock, it's All Year Angle. Lesnar just said, "Good luck tonight, Kurt", with sort of a sneer. After Lesnar & Heyman left, Angle said he can't stand pompous people.
JEFF HARDY beat WILLIAM REGAL to retain the European Title in 4:15. Regal overpowered Jeff and got a lot of near falls early. Jeff did a huracanrana on Regal on the floor, but when he ran along the ring barrier and tried to nail Regal, it didn't work. Jeff hit a springboard senton. He went for the swanton but Regal got his knees up. Regal mounted a comeback but Jeff then won out of nowhere with a schoolboy. Regal cried again, just as he did when he lost the belt to Jeff on RAW a couple of weeks ago. The match was okay, but short.
Ric Flair praised Jeff backstage. Hulk Hogan arrived and joked that he might try a swanton in his match later. Flair and Hogan both expressed concern about Bischoff running RAW and Stephanie running Smackdown. Flair said if Bischoff doesn't get his way, he's likely to run the company out of business. Hulk agreed.
JOHN CENA defeated CHRIS JERICHO in 6:15. Jericho tried to ambush Cena with a chair before the bell, but Cena managed to get the chair and he walloped Jericho with it. Cena dominated after the bell and scored an early two count. Jericho dropped Cena's throat across the ropes and worked him over. Cena came back and scored some more twos. Jericho dropkicked Cena out of the air in a great move to score a near fall. Cena scored two with a belly-to-belly suplex. Jericho missed a lionsault when Cena moved. Jericho hit a second lionsault and went for the walls submission hold, but Cena blocked it and rolled a surprised Jericho up for the pin. Cena celebrated his debut PPV win as Jericho threw a major tantrum in the ring. A solid match, with Cena, who has great potential, getting a good push.
Bischoff and Coach waited outside Stephanie's office. Triple H was inside, supposedly negotiating. A man arrived and started to enter the office. Bischoff blocked him and demanded to know what he was doing there. He identified himself as Stephanie's attorney and said he had some legal documents with him. He refused to tell Bischoff what the documents were. The attorney entered the office and Bischoff looked more worried than before, fearing the attorney had delivered a new Smackdown contract for HHH.
JR & Lawler came out to do the announcing for the remainder of the show. JR came out to the Oklahoma fight song. JR shook hands with Cole & Tazz. Lawler did, too, but was a little wary of shaking Tazz's hand.
ROB VAN DAM defeated BROCK LESNAR by DQ in 9:37 to retain the IC Title. Lesnar started off with his clubbing blows. RVD retaliated with kicks. Lesnar hurled RVD halfway across the ring. Lesnar bumped out, but when RVD went for a moonsault, Lesnar caught him and bodyslammed him on the floor. Lesnar hit a suplex. RVD came back with a stiff kick that had Heyman looking worried. Lesnar tossed RVD out and he landed on the stairs. Lesnar pounded RVD. There was great heat encouraging an RVD comeback. RVD was way over since he's from the Detroit area. RVD hit a thrust kick off the top and the rolling thunder for a near fall. In an excellent maneuver, RVD countered the F5 and converted it into a DDT. RVD then hit the frog splash. The ref began a count. Heyman pulled the ref out at two, though Lesnar pretty much kicked out at the same time, so it wasn't as if RVD necessarily had Lesnar beat. The ref called for the lame DQ. RVD flattened Heyman and the ref (Charles Robinson) began pounding him. Lesnar went to Heyman's aid, but RVD caught Lesnar with a somersault senton off the top. RVD put Lesnar down in the ring with a kick and was about to go for the Van Terminator. Heyman held RVD and Lesnar slammed him on a chair and then gave him an F5 on the chair. A really good match other than the awful DQ. Lesnar continues to improve in the ring and in character development.
Stephanie emerged from her office looking dejected. Bischoff smirked, assuming she had failed to sign HHH. But Steph then said, "He signed", and walked off with her head down. HHH came out and Bischoff lit into him, screaming at him for signing to stay with Smackdown. HHH told Bischoff to back off. He said he still hasn't decided which side to sign with, and that the papers he signed in the office were his divorce papers. Bischoff looked relieved. After HHH left, Bischoff told Coach, "He's mine!"
BOOKER T defeated BIG SHOW in 6:12 in a no count-out, no DQ match. Show destroyed Booker for the first half of the match. They went to the floor where Show sent Booker into the stairs. Booker came back, using a monitor on Show. He then scissor kicked Show through the Spanish table. Back in the ring, Booker hit another scissor kick and won with the somersault legdrop off the top (Harlem Hangover back in Booker's WCW days). Booker did the spinaroonie afterward. A solid bout, and I guess it sealed the demise of the NWO.
Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie strutted their stuff at The World. Torrie predicted Rock would win the main event, while Dawn Marie predicted an Undertaker win. They ended up arguing over who has the nicest ass, but unfortunately didn't strip one another so we could judge for ourselves.
HHH came out to the ring to make his decision. Bischoff arrived and quickly apologized for yelling at him backstage. He said it would be better for HHH to sign with RAW, because working with his ex-wife on Smackdown would introduce all kinds of personal issues and problems. He said that by signing with RAW, HHH would be assured of a relationship with his general manager which is all business, with no personal baggage to get in the way. Bischoff also claimed to have ties with Hollywood. He said that with Rock's success, all the movie producers are on the lookout for the next big breakout WWE star, and HHH is at the top of that list. Bischoff even claimed to have a deal in the works for HHH to do commercials for sneakers. Stephanie then arrived and told Bischoff to shut up. She told HHH that she stood by him and supported him as he rose to the top, and claimed that when they work together they're unstoppable. She pledged that she will put personal issues aside and that their relationship on Smackdown will be all business. She admitted, though, that signing those divorce papers was the hardest thing she had ever had to do. Bischoff told her to stop crying. Steph then reminded HHH that early in his career, when he was in WCW, Bischoff told him he had no talent and no charisma and wasn't worth a damn. HHH got in Bischoff's face over this, with Bischoff backing down and claiming he was young when he made those statements but that now he has the experience to recognize what a great talent HHH is. He claimed to have more experience than Steph, but she spoke up and said she's a McMahon and the wrestling business is in her blood. So HHH thought it over. He said that on the one hand, he could look at the arrogant prick (Bischoff) and say, "Screw you!", or, on the other hand, he could look at the cold-hearted bitch (Stephanie) and say, "Screw you!" He then got a huge pop by saying Steph likes it when he says he's gonna screw her. HHH seemed like he was about to side with Stephanie, saying he prefers a devil he knows to one he doesn't, when Shawn Michaels suddenly came out. The Heartbreak Kid said the last thing he wants to do is cause trouble, prompting JR to say, "bulls**t". He acted like things hadn't gone too well lately, with Kevin Nash injured and Vince McMahon disbanding the NWO (no mention made of X-Pac). But he had an offer to make to HHH. He told him that before deciding which group to go with, he should think of two things: Friendship and Fun. He reminded HHH that he's his best friend and that they had a ton of fun together back when they were a part of the same group. A "DX" chant started. HBK told HHH that by signing with RAW, they can be together in the same division and can have a blast making Bischoff's life a living hell. That was enough to convince HHH, who told Stephanie to "suck it". He and HBK left together. Bischoff gloated that he won, and Stephanie lost. He told Steph the big difference between them is that he has testicles, and she doesn't. Steph flattened Bischoff with a punch and stormed out. A little long, but a good segment overall.
Backstage, Rikishi was asked about the HHH decision. As a Smackdown wrestler, he was disappointed that HHH went to RAW, but said he guesses HHH did what he felt he had to do.
Terri went in to interview Booker T & Goldust. Goldust got nervous when he saw her (she's his ex-wife). Booker said that if HHH arrives on RAW and tries to mess with him, he'll get his ass kicked. Goldust said HHH may be the Game, but he and Booker have bigger joysticks. Booker finished with his "can you dig it, sucka" promo.
LANCE STORM & CHRISTIAN defeated HULK HOGAN & EDGE to capture the WWE World Tag Titles in 10:00. Storm got on the mic and said Hogan has a lot in common with America, as both are past their prime and living on past glory. Christian said the only good thing about being in Detroit is that Canada is just across the river and they can quickly get out of the U.S. after their victory. Hogan came out to a huge pop. JR got a little mixed up talking about Edge attending Wrestlemania III as a teenager to see Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior. He corrected himself, noting that that match was actually at WM VI in Toronto. He then jokingly said WM III had been right here in Chicago. A good-humored way to correct an error! The heels doubled on Hulk until he hot tagged to Edge. Edge got in some offense but also got tied up in the wrong corner. Hogan came back in and cleaned house. Christian and Storm pounded him but he did the old no-sell Hulkamania comeback. This all drew tremendous heat. Edge came in and hit the Edgecution but there was no ref to make the count because of an earlier bump. Test ran in and posted Hogan before giving Edge the big boot to the face. Edge was almost pinned but kicked out at two to a huge pop. Rikishi came out and went after Test. They fought to the back. Edge speared Storm but the ref was distracted by Hogan and Christian brawling on the apron. This allowed fellow-Canadian Chris Jericho to run in and clock Edge with one of the tag belts. Storm pinned Edge as the ref returned to action. Hogan is past his prime but he worked hard, and it was a good match with excellent heat. I was scared to death they were going to turn Edge here. He's starting to get over as a babyface, which is just the time they usually turn someone heel.
Bischoff tried to recruit Angle. Angle was flattered but had to leave because it was time for his match.
Stephanie was interviewed. She was disappointed over HHH, but claimed to be in contact with several RAW stars and said when the time is right, she will rip the heart right out of RAW. JR & Lawler wondered who she meant when she referred to the heart of RAW.
ROCK defeated UNDERTAKER and KURT ANGLE in a three-way to capture the WWE Undisputed World Title in 19:33. UT and Rock immediately got in each other's face. Angle felt left out and tried to get their attention. They both slugged him. Angle got dumped over to the floor. UT pounded Rock and hit a big lariat. Angle got on the apron but UT bumped him off. Rock threw UT out, where Angle hurled him hard into the stairs. UT worked like crazy in this match, as did the other two. Angle suplexed Rock and put the boots to him. They traded hard chops. Rock hit a DDT on Angle, who rolled out to the floor after a near fall. UT lariated Angle on the floor. UT went after Rock but Angle chokeslammed him. This was the first of a series of spots where each wrestler used the trademark move of one of the others. Angle broke up Rock's pin attempt on UT, but Rock put Angle in the ankle lock. Angle escaped. Angle then used the Rock Bottom on Rock but UT stopped the count. UT gave Angle an Olympic slam, with Rock making the save. This was a great series of moves. Rock put UT down and hit the People's Elbow but Angle dragged Rock out and slammed him on the broadcast desk. UT posted Angle, who juiced, and also slammed Rock on the desk. UT scored a two count on Rock with a DDT. Rock put the sharpshooter on Angle, but UT made the save. Angle put the ankle lock on UT. UT countered and lifted Angle up for the last ride, but Angle caught UT with the triangle choke. Rock broke the hold up. Angle tried the ankle lock on Rock. UT chokeslammed Angle. Rock hit the Rock Bottom on UT. Angle then Olympic slammed UT but Rock caught Angle with a Rock Bottom and pinned him, for a title change in which the champ didn't lose. Other than that it was an excellent main event. I guess this will be a short-term reign for Rock given his movie schedule. They had actually built up a good angle for UT and Lesnar on RAW, but that didn't lead them to keep the belt on UT.
2009 - WWE broadcast ECW on Sci Fi, Richard Trionfo filed the following report:
We are live on tape from Richmond, Virginia and your announcers are Matt ‘Jefferson Davis’ Striker and Josh ‘Don’t worry, I am okay after the heinous attack by Maryse where I suffered friendly fire’ Mathews.
Match Number One: Yoshi Tatsu versus William Regal
Before the match, Regal tells Yoshi that he truly despises all foreigners.
Yoshi tries for a kick but Regal avoids it. Regal works on the arm and wrist but Yoshi uses the ropes to reverse things. Regal with a reversal of his own and then Yoshi with an arm wringer and Regal goes into the ropes. Regal with a knee and European uppercut but Yoshi with a chop. Yoshi tries for a shoulder tackle but Regal stays on his feet. Regal with a punch and knees to Yoshi. Regal with a chop in the corner and Yoshi fights back but Regal with more forearms and kicks. Regal with a European uppercut. Regal with a full nelson but Yoshi escapes the hold but Regal with an exploder suplex for a series of near falls. Regal with a Japanese choke and he adds pressure in a number of ways but Yoshi is able to escape the hold and he tries to reverse it but Regal with a knee and he returns to the choke. Yoshi with a snap mare but Regal with a knee to the head and a butterfly suplex for a near fall. Regal with an arm bar and chin lock as he tries to wear down Yoshi. Yoshi with elbows and a kick to the head that sends both men down. Yoshi with a series of chops and kicks that send Regal to the mat. Yoshi with a knee in the corner and then he rolls through with Regal and kicks him in the back. Yoshi goes up top but he takes too long and Regal crotches him. Regal misses a knee to the head and Yoshi with the spin kick for the three count.
Winner: Yoshi Tatsu
We go to commercial.
We are back and did you know that ECW did better than a lot of shows on other networks (but what about the one that aired before it)?
Match Number Two: Ezekiel Jackson versus Mike Williams
We see Zeke stare at Williams and then Williams with a boot to the charging Williams. Jackson with a clothesline that barely keeps Williams in one piece. Jackson with the uranage for the three count.
Winner: Ezekiel Jackson
After the match Vladimir Kozlov comes out and he stands at the other end of what is left of Mike Williams in the ring and we get a stare down. Kozlov sees Williams and decides to help him up before Kozlov hits a spinebuster and leaves.
It is time for ‘Ask the Divas’ and they are asked what they look for in a guy. We find out what Eve and Maria have to say. The Bellas and Kelly give advise about how to deal with a clingy girlfriend.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Three: Goldust versus Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin with knees and punches to Goldust but Goldust with a clothesline. Goldust with the flying butt bump. Goldust with an Irish whip and shoulder in the corner followed by punches. Benjamin with snake eyes and a neck breaker. Benjamin punches Goldust and a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Benjamin with a cravate and he has Goldust bent in an angle that adds extra pressure to the neck. Goldust with punches to Benjamin followed by an Irish whip but Goldust runs into an elbow. Benjamin charges out of the corner and Goldust with a power slam. Goldust continues the attack with a reverse atomic drop and a bulldog for a near fall. Goldust with a leg drop for a near fall. Benjamin with a neck breaker to Goldust for a two count. Benjamin goes to the turnbuckles but he lands short of Goldust and Goldust gets a near fall after an uppercut. Benjamin leaps over the ropes and he drops Goldust on the top rope. Benjamin returns to the ring and he hits Paydirt for the three count.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin
We go to commercial.
We are back and Sheamus is in the back and he talks about how ECW is used to an Irish man with a shillelagh and leprechaun. Those days are over because everyone will fall to him.
Gregory Helms is with Paul Burchill and Katie Lea. Paul comments on Helms’ choice of attire. Helms asks Burchill about his match with Tyler Reks. Burchill hears some grunts and he sees Goldust over there and tells Goldust that he is distracting him. Katie tells Paul to focus on his match.
Match Number Four: Tyler Reks versus Paul Burchill with Katie Lea
They lock up and Burchill with a cross face. Reks tries for a kick but Burchill blocks it. Reks with a flying clothesline but he charges into an elbow. Reks with a back body drop. Reks waits for Burchill to get up and Katie distracts him and hits a running knee into the corner and then Burchill with a short arm clothesline for a near fall. Burchill with a reverse chin lock. Reks with punches but Burchill with a knee. Reks with an elbow and then he hits a cross body from the turnbuckles for a near fall. Burchill with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Burchill with cross faces to Reks and then he returns to the reverse chin lock and then he adds a body scissors to apply more pressure. Reks gets to his feet again and he tries to get out of the hold but Burchill pulls Reks to the mat by his hair. Burchill with a kick to the midsection followed by a snap mare and a knee drop for a near fall. Burchill returns to the reverse chin lock. Reks punches Burchill and Burchill punches back. Reks with the sliding punch to the midsection followed by a Flatline. Reks goes to the apron and then hits a springboard missile drop kick for a two count. Burchill with a Saito suplex for a two count. Burchill sets up for a charge into the corner but Reks with a rollup for the three count.
Winner: Tyler Reks
After the match, Paul Burchill attacks Tyler Reks as he leaves the ring. Paul and Katie are kept away from Reks by the referee.
We go to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Abraham Washington Show. His show got moved from the ring to the entrance ramp. He pulls an Arsenio before starting off. He thanks everyone a few dozen times. He then welcomes everyone. He says that he is going to have a bigger show tonight because he has two main event superstars on his show. He brings out his guests, Christian and Tommy Dreamer. Abraham asks Tommy how he is doing tonight and then he asks Christian. Abraham continues to make jokes about Tommy’s size. Abraham says that things are going to get ugly on Sunday. Abraham turns his barbs to Christian and Christian comments on the quality of Abraham’s show. Christian points out that they are friends and Christian says that they worked together in the past and he says that he was the captain of the ship. Tommy says that he brings the title to the table and Christian says that Tommy is the champion at this time, but on Sunday that will change. Abraham asks Christian who he lost the title to. Christian says that he lost the title because Jack Swagger is a dork. Tommy and Christian argue about how Dreamer won the title. Abraham stops Tommy and Christian from talking. Tommy starts to talk about returning to Philadelphia and then Christian asks Tommy if he will take him to the extreme. Christian and Tommy get face to face and Dreamer says that Christian’s comments were a slap to the face. Christian slaps Tommy and points out that was a slap to the face. Dreamer slaps Christian and then we go to credits with a stare down.
2011 - TNA broadcast Impact. Stu Carapola filed the following TV report:
Welcome to the Impact Wrestling Report on PWInsider.com!
We look back at last week when Sting and the Clowns Of Doom took out all the members of Immortal and Kurt Angle attacked Ken Anderson and helped Sting regain the World Title. We go to the Impact Zone where the new champion kicks off the show with an in-ring promo. He's still crazy even though he's got the title now, and he's going to get Hogan and Bischoff because they still have something he wants. Sting says it feels good to be crazy, and he wants to start us off by talking to Hogan and Bischoff. Instead, Kurt Angle comes out with the clown mask on, takes the mask off, and tells Sting not to act like he won the title on his own because Angle neutralized Bully Ray. Sting may be trying to save the company for Dixie Carter, but he ran into a major speed bump in Kurt Angle, and their paths are going to cross again at Hardcore Justice. Angle says they're both legends, but only one of them can walk out of Hardcore Justice with the title. Immortal's music hits, and Ken Anderson and Bully Ray come out to confront Angle and Sting. Ray says they've got a bigger problem tonight because it's the two of them against Ray and Anderson. Angle hit him with the bat last week, and this week Ray's going to hit Angle with the kitchen sink. He's not giving up the title so easily after everything he'd been through over the last year, and Sting's going to have to deal with him tonight.
Time to continue the Bound For Glory Series, and just to quickly bring you up to date on what's happening, Crimson is currently in the lead with 31 points, and Crimson and Devon are tied for second with 21 points each.
Bound For Glory Series Match: Scott Steiner vs Rob Van Dam
Steiner jumps RVD before the bell and whips him to the ropes for a hard back elbow, then gets an overhead release suplex for 2. Steiner chokes RVD on the ropes and hangs him upside down in the Tree of WHOA and chokes him with his boot. Steiner with hard chops and right hands in the corner, then snapmares RVD and just kicks him in the face before tying him up in a standing surfboard. Steiner slumps RVD in the corner and lays in more chops and right hands, but RVD gets a leapfrog and a superkick to the jaw that sends Steiner crashing flat on his back. High kick to the face and a top rope thrust kick sends Steiner rolling out to the floor, and RVD follows him out with a baseball slide that sends Steiner crashing into the guardrail. RVD hangs Steiner over the guardrail and hits the spinning leg lariat off the apron. Steiner tries to bail back into the ring and asks for a time out, but RVD goes after him anyway. Steiner sneaks deep inside and gets a belly to belly suplex for 2, but RVD comes back with another leg lariat and Rolling Thunder for 2. Steiner stops RVD with a straight right hand to the gut and puts him on the top rope, then hits an awesome top rope Flatliner, but only gets 2 when RVD gets his foot on the rope. Steiner runs RVD over with a Steinerline and the elbowdrop followed by the pushups. Steiner gets up to yell at the referee for some reason, and RVD slips in behind him and gets a schoolboy rollup for 3.
Winner: Rob Van Dam
Now Rob Van Dam is tied with Gunner and Devon for second.
Mickie James is backstage, and she's...WALKING!
Time for some HARDCORE COUNTRY! Mickie James comes out to the ring and asks Velvet Sky, her challenger for the evening, to join her in the ring. She's seen everyone mess with Velvet for months now, blame her for their problems, and try to break her down mentally and physically. She knows what that's like, so she's proud to give Velvet her first shot at the Knockouts Title tonight, not because she kissed anyone's ass, but because she earned it and deserves it. She knows they are going to tear the roof off the Impact Zone, and show everyone why they're the best women's division out there today. Oh, and one other thing: she's walking in the Knockouts Champion and she plans to walk out the champion, so Velvet better bring her A-game. Winter and Angelina Love come out and Angelina reminds them that they all came to TNA to be competitors, and Velvet and Mickie ought to skip the match and go right to the hotel room. It took her a while to understand what Winter has been trying to show her, but now she gets it, and as a five time Knockoots Champion, the one thing all the Knockoots have is total disrespect for her. She's proven herself over and over, but has never been given her dues, and Winter made her see it was all due to jealousy, and none of the Knockoots want to compete against her because she's on a level all her own, and it doesn't matter who wins tonight because the Knockoots Title is coming right back to Angelina. Winter says she's going to take the Knockouts Title and nobody will ever get their hands on THEIR belt ever again because night is about to fall.
Tara and Miss Tessmacher are backstage, and they're...whoa, getting their asses kicked by Sarita and Rosita! Guess they'll be facing each other when we come back from commercial...
Okay, we're back and Tessmacher and Tara are still getting their asses kicked backstage. Tara and Tessmacher start to fight back, and Madison Rayne suddenly comes diving out of nowhere, Mark Henry style, and attacks Tara.
We've got a four way ladder match in the Bound For Glory Series later tonight, and we have comments and it's all standard stuff until AJ Styles says "I'm going to win the points" type stuff until Christopher Daniels comes in. He wants a private word with AJ, so AJ kicks the cameraman out of the room, and the cameraman tries to hide just outside the doorway, but AJ sees him and comes over and slams the door shut.
We see a cell phone video of a parking lot fight after Impact last week where Sarita got her jaw broken by Tara and Miss Tessmacher, which explains (in storylines) why she's wearing a face guard in this match.
Knockouts Tag Team Title Match: Sarita & Rosita vs Tara & Miss Tessmacher
Tessmacher and Tara jump the champions on the way to the ring and Tessmacher repeatedly drills Sarita in the face and then rams her face into the ramp. The fight makes its way into the ring and Rosita gives Tara a jawbreaker as Sarita takes Tessmacher out with a clothesline. Rosita dumps Tara to the floor, but Tessmacher takes both champions out with a double clothesline. Sarita and Rosita regain control and beat Tessmacher down in the corner while Sarita yells at Tessmacher to look at what she did to her. Nice touch. Tara tries to get back into the ring, but Sarita baseball slides her back out to the floor. Tessmacher destroys Rosita with a clothesline and tries to make the tag, but Tara again gets knocked off the apron. Rosita and Sarita with a double flapjack on Tessmacher that gets 2, but Tara has had enough and comes in, lays both champions out, and then drags Tessmacher to her corner so she can make the tag. Tara comes in and cleans house on both girls and goes for the Widow's Peak, but Madison comes in and spears Tara, and Sarita covers for 2. Rosita gets wiped out by Tessmacher and then Tara hits a sitout powerbomb on Sarita to win the title.
Winners and NEW Knockouts Tag Team Champions: Tara and Miss Tessmacher
Time to continue the Bound For Glory Series...
Bound For Glory Series Ladder Match (10 Points): AJ Styles vs Gunner vs Matt Morgan vs Samoa Joe
AJ and Gunne quickly go out to the floor while Joe and Morgan go at it in the ring. Gunner rams AJ into the barricade and grabs the ladder , but AJ nails him from behind as Morgan hits the machine gun elbows in the corner on Joe. Gunner picks AJ up and drops him face first on the ladder on the apron, but Joe baseball slides the ladder into Gunner's grill. Morgan and Joe fight over the ladder, but decide to just whack Gunner with it again and then Morgan uses the ladder to pull Joe in for a short clothesline. AJ and Morgan go back inside and Morgan tries to chokeslam AJ, but AJ backflips and lands on his feet and wipes Morgan out with the Pelle Kick. Gunner comes in and nails AJ and hits the best slingshot suplex I've ever seen, then picks up the ladder and rams it into Morgan's guts and then hits Joe in the face with it. AJ nails Gunner and tosses him out to the floor, but Morgan just floors him with a straight headbutt. The ladder is leaning on the ropes and Morgan tries to ram AJ into it, but AJ just moonsaults off the ladder, Morgan catches him and hits a fallaway slam, then Joe comes right in with a senton. Gunner whips Joe to the ropes, but Joe ducks a clothesline and dives through the ropes onto Morgan. Gunner sets up the ladder and climbs, but AJ does the Shelton Benjamin Memorial dive off the ropes and onto the ladder, AJ knocks Gunner off but Joe shoves AJ off the ladder. AJ nails Joe and starts to climb the ladder, but changes his mind and goes after Joe in the corner, and Joe hits the STJoe and then Gunner dumps both men to the floor. Gunner turns around and walks right into the Carbon Footprint, and Morgan climbs up the ladder and grabs the clipboard for the win.
Winner: Matt Morgan
Joe looks frustrated as hell out at ringside as Morgan celebrates his win, and the points he picked up here launched him into second place with 24 points. This may have been one of the best matches on Impact this year.
Eric Young is on the road defending the TV Title and walks into a gas station. He finds D-Lo Brown inside and wants to defend the title on the spot. D-Lo tries to talk him out of this because he's an officer of the company and this isn't a road Young wants to go down. D-Lo tries to leave, and Young rolls him up from behind and counts his own fall on the floor. D-Lo chases Young around the gas station until Young flees out the door, and D-Lo says that Young better recognize who he's messing with.
X Division Title Match: Brian Kendrick vs Alex Shelley
Friendly handshake to start and then Kendrick throws kicks at the legs of Shelley, but Shelley gets a modified O'Connor Roll for 2. Kendrick with right hands, but Shelley gets a hammerlock small package for 2. Shelley with a duck under into a rear waistlock, then gets another hammerlock rollup for 2. Shelley motions at Kendrick that he was very close to beating him, and Kendrick tries a wild swing and gets armdragged, but Kendrick drills him in the face with a dropkick and tries Sliced Bread #2, Shelley blocks and tries his own Sliced Bread #2, Kendrick blocks, but Shelley takes Kendrick down and starts driving knees into the back of Kendrick and ties him up with a side version of the surfboard. Kendrick rolls on top of Shelley, but only gets 1 and goes out to the apron. Shelley misses a charge and goes to the floor, Kendrick pops back into the ring and tries a dive of his own, but Shelley hits a leaping enziguiri from the floor and a top rope bodypress for another 2. Shelley tries several more various pinning combinations, but can't get more than 2. Shelley comes off the top rope, but Kendrick dropkicks him out of the air. Shelley makes it to his feet first and tries a forearm, but Kendrick boots him in the face and then dropkicks him to the floor. Kendrick wipes Shelley out with a dive through the ropes, then rolls him back inside and tries a top rope splash, and Shelley gets his knees up. They wind up going out to the apron and Shelley hits an unassisted Sliced Bread #2 on the apron, and both men tumble onto the floor. Shelley rolls Kendrick back into the ring, but Austin Aries comes out of nowhere and hits Shelley with the title belt, and Kendrick rolls on top of him and covers for the win.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
Kendrick looks confused as Aries hides against the ring apron and looks really pleased with himself. Kendrick goes to check on Shelley and helps him up as Aries continues hiding out at ringside.
The Mystery Cameraman is backstage asking if Kendrick wanted to win that way, and Kendrick says he didn't even know he won that way. Kendrick is really upset about what happened because he had been working toward this title for a year and a half the same way AJ and Daniels had been working for years to make it worth something and it's supposed to be about who the best wrestler is.
Mexican America comes out and complains about what happened earlier in the Knockouts Tag Team Title match, and they start kicking ass when they get pissed. They're not worried about the British Invasion, and there's only two guys they want to fight right now, and they know who they are. Beer Money comes out and James Storm tells them to shut up, leave the company, and find something they're good at like cutting his grass, and if they don't, Storm is going to shove his boot up their asses. Storm wants to reintroduce themselves (and does so in a way I can't do justice to), and says that they're four time tag team champions, and the difference between the teams they've beaten and Mexican America is that they're not just going to beat Mexican America, they're going to kick their asses. They going to do it for the fans and all the other great hispanic wrestlers to come along that Mexican America disrespects with the way they keep coming out here running their mouths. They'll defend the title against Mexican America at Hardcore Justice, and the next morning, Mexican America will wake up and find their green cards shoved up their asses. Roode says there's one other thing: sorry about their damn luck.
Mickie James and Velvet Sky are backstage, and they're...WALKING!
After a commercial for the Immortal DVD set that nobody's going to buy, we go back to the Impact Zone for...
Knockouts Title Match: Mickie James vs Velvet Sky
Angelina Love and Winter come out and attack Mickie on her way to the ring, and Velvet comes out to make the save. Velvet and Mickie roll Angelina and Winter into the ring and do a double Thesz Press, then continue beating them down until ODB and Miss Jackie come out of the crowd, toss Mickie to the floor, then kick the crap out of Velvet Sky. Winter and Angelina just stand on the floor with satisfied looks on their faces until Traci Brooks comes out of the back to even the odds. She stares down Jackie and ODB, who try to escape up the ramp, but Velvet and company go after her again and we have another pull apart brawl. If anyone actually expects me to believe that Velvet Sky can hang in a fight with Miss Jackie, they reall are nuts. Finally the babyfaces get herded back into the ring, but Jackie and ODB beat up security and go after the faces again. Officials again try to separate the girls, but have no luck at all as the crowd chants "let them fight" at the whole scene. Two of the security guys stand in front of ODB and tell her she's got to go, so ODB just kicks one in the nuts and punches the other in the face. Finally, the cops come in and cuff ODB and Jackie and haul them back out through the crowd.
Okay, guess we'll call this...
No Match
...but that was a damned entertaining brawl.
Velvet Sky is backstage thanking Traci for helping out and saying it's good to have her back. Traci says she knew that Jackie and ODB wouldn't honor the contract, and she was here to watch Velvet's back.
It's main event time!
Ken Anderson & Bully Ray vs Sting & Kurt Angle
Funny moment during entrances when Bully Ray interrupts . Ray jumps Sting from behind to start the match and rams him into Anderson's boot, then Anderson tags in and unloads on Sting with right hands. Anderson distracts the referee while Ray chokes Sting in the corner, then Anderson fires Sting into the ropes for a hard back elbow. Ray tags in and gets a hard bodyslam and tries several covers, but can't get more than 2 so he goes to a neck vice instead. Ray knocks Angle off the apron and knocks Angle off the apron, and Anderson drops elbows to the knee of Sting. Anderson stomps Sting in the lower abdomen and covers for 2, then mockingly holds Sting's hand in Angle's direction before dragging Sting back to his corner and tagging back out to Bully Ray. Ray with a slam and then goes to the second turnbuckle for a senton, but Sting rolls out of the way and makes the tag to Angle. Angle comes in and immediately opens up with the rolling German suplexes to Anderson, then dishes one out to Ray as well. Angle goes for the Hacker Slam, but Ray clips his knee out from under him. Sting dumps Ray to the floor and hits a Stinger Splash on Anderson, and Angle finishes Anderson with the Hacker Slam.
Winners: Sting & Kurt Angle
Wow, clean finish! Sting is handed his title belt and then he shares a staredown with Angle, who extends his hand to Sting. Sting shakes it, but Angle pulls him in for an even more intense staredown. Sting asks Angle if he's gone too far, or not far enough? Angle has no idea what Sting's talking about and neither do I, so we're going to call it a night right here.
2011- WWE held their first ever panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, including an appearance by CM Punk, the WWE champion who at the time, had walked out of the company, as he crashed the panel. Mark Carpowich filed the following report
The panel started with a representative from Mattel discussing what's in store for fans in 2012. The company will roll out new additions to its Basic Figures collection, which will include an Extreme Rules set, something called Survivor Series Heritage, two-packs known as "battle packs" that will commemorate rivalries of the past year or so, as well as first-time figures for Vickie Guerrero and Sin Cara.
There will also be a new set called Elite Flashbacks, including characters like Papa Shango and the voicebox-era Kane.
We will also see a new Legends set, which will include Andre the Giant, the Rockers, and five more figures to be chosen by fans (who can vote at www.mattycollector.com).
Finally, there will be a set of Defining Moments figures, including a Thuganomics-era John Cena and Bret Hart.
The moderator then called Bret to the stage to discuss his figure. Bret was fairly low-key until a baby in the audience started to make a fuss, at which point Bret said, "Someone should move Shawn Michaels to the back."
The moderator then introduced the remaining guests, Rey Mysterio and HHH. Each of the wrestlers entered the room with their theme music playing. Members of the audience were then invited to ask questions using a mic in the middle of the room.
Fans asked fairly tepid questions ranging from "who was your favorite opponent" (Bret said Mr. Perfect, Owen Hart and Undertaker; HHH said Shawn Michaels; Rey said Eddie Guerrero and Psychosis), to "which is your favorite action figure" (HHH put over the entire Mattel line, then joked about a writers' team line of action figures that he said "comes with a Mr. McMahon doll, you pull a string and he calls you idiots"), to "what are your thoughts on Randy Savage" (Bret admired his professionalism and dedication to the fans, and said he opened the door for smaller wrestlers like himself and Shawn).
This was the point when CM Punk entered the room. Someone with a press credential (who was later interviewing Bret Hart at the Mattel booth, and presumably a WWE employee) was inside the room, propping a back door open for several minutes before Punk entered. I was sitting right next to the door and saw him enter immediately, but no one else in the room noticed him until he interrupted with his bullhorn.
The fans LOVED this - in fact, earlier in the presentation, a CM Punk action figure elicited a big reaction, whereas the audience booed when a John Cena figure was shown.
After Punk left the room, HHH got all serious and scolded the fans for cheering the same CM Punk that walked out on them and won't perform. He then put over the rest of the WWE roster, guys who do perform every night. In a lot of ways, HHH's speech sounded like the promo Cena cut on The Rock in Australia.
This whole thing really played out well live, with Punk breathing some much-needed life into what had otherwise been a pretty tame presentation. HHH is one of the best on the mic, but Punk totally controlled the whole exchange. Considering that Rey has a 50-50 shot of replacing Punk as WWE champion, it would have made sense for him to chime in, but I guess the focus was on the authority figure versus the rebel. Comic-Con was the perfect venue for this, and again, it came across very well.
2012 - WWE Raw ran Little Rock, Arkansas. James Cohorn filed the following live report:
Brodus Clay, with Naomi & Cameron, vs. Jack Swagger. Brodus wins with the splash.
John Laurinaitis appeared on the video board & said that he would be in The Big Show's corner for the main event.
Tensai vs. Tyson Kidd. This was a competitive back & forth match with Tensai getting the win.
Curt Hawkins vs. Leakee. Leakee won with a Samoan drop.
AW & Primetime Players say they will win the Tag Team Titles.
Beth Phoenix vs. Layla for the Divas Championship. Layla gets the pin after kicking Phoenix in the back of the head.
It was announced that the fans would decide if Laurinaitis would be in The Big Show's corner by texting.
AW & The Primetime Players, Titus O'Neil & Darren Young, vs. Kofi Kingston & R-Truth for the Tag Team Championship. Truth came out rapping the What's Up song. AW was bad talking the Razorbacks here in Little Rock. Truth took off his Lil' Jimmy shirt to reveal a Razorback shirt underneath & then went & got a plastic Hog Head hat from under the ring which then resulted in the crowd leading a Hog Call by calling the Hogs. Young gets the win for the Primetime Players with a gut wrench into the knees on Kofi to win the titles. Charles Robinson came out to inform the ref that Kofi had his foot on the ropes but AW shoved it off. The match is restarted & Kofi & Truth retain the titles.
Smackdown was announced for Tuesday February the 12th. A presale password was announced. It is LRSDV.
The Miz vs. Santino Marella for the U.S. Championship. Santino wins with The Cobra.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder. Ziggler starts the match of by hitting Ryder in the gut with The Money In The Bank briefcase. Ziggler wins with The Zig Zag. This was the match of the night.
The Big Show vs. John Cena in a Steel Cage Match. Laurinaitis came but the fans voted against Big Johnny being in Show's corner. John Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment for the pin on Show. Big Johnny then came in through the open cage door & hit Cena with a steel chair, then tried again but swung & missed & Cena hit a Attitude Adjustment on him.
I said that the Ziggler-Ryder match was the match of the night but this was surprisingly an awesome match.
There was probably 6-7000 fans in attendance.
I won tickets & meet & greet passes & had the pleasure of meeting AW & The Primetime Players. That was not exactly who I imagined I would see during the meet & greet but oh well.
2012 - TNA ran a Basebrawl event in Brooklyn, NY. Evan Ginzberg filed the following live report:
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING HOUSE SHOW REPORT
by Evan Ginzburg
www.wrestlingthenandnow.com
Attendance 3,000 Approx at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY
7/21/12
Mr. Anderson defeated Robbie E. More comedy shtick than actual wrestling. Entertaining but instantly forgettable.
Rosita defeated Gail Kim. Over before you blinked and didn’t much matter.
RVD defeated Kazarian. Big pop for RVD. Match nothing one will ever remember.
AJ Styles defeated Jeff Hardy. Eight minute matches shouldn’t have lengthy rest holds. Felt Rushed. Disappointing.
Sting defeated Bully Ray in a No DQ Falls Count Anywhere match. Sting by far received the biggest fan reaction of night. Exciting 12 minute brawl throughout stadium into stands.
TNA champion Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode Championship Match. Great to see deserved Aries with belt. Real solid 18 minute match although I’ve seen Aries, my favorite active wrestler, in far better ones in ROH. Roode strong in-ring performer but essentially colorless.
Summary: Overall show was entertaining but way too much talking and shtick while the total in ring time was anemic on a six match show. Of the three shows I saw in NY over the past month, ROH, Extreme Rising and this one, TNA’s was unquestionably the weakest of the three. For $20 it was a fun night out, but really nothing I’d likely be inclined to seek out again. When AJ Styles wrestles 8 minutes and they hawk merchandise for a half hour at intermission following, the balance is just plain off. Dixie Carter was there in ring saying she appreciated feedback, well, hope this helps: a once a year stadium show in a major market like NY should feel special. This felt like any other indy, albeit a loaded one.
Continued ...
