Continued ..

2005 - WWE broadcast Raw. Mike Johnson filed the following TV report:

This week's Raw emanated from Tampa, Florida and opened with a video package reviewing last week's You're Fired Match between WWE champion John Cena and Chris Jericho, which featured the WWE departure of Jericho and Kurt Angle's attack on Cena. They then aired the Raw opening video.

WWE Intercontinental champion Carlito Caribbean Cool came to the ring for this week's installment of Carlito's Cabana. Carlito said that now that his good friend Chris Jericho has been fired, there's no more Highlight Reel, and that's cool.

He then introduced Shawn Michaels as his special guest this week. Michaels came to the ring dressed in a suit and tie. Cool said that he hates to admit it, but he admires Michaels. Cool said the things Michaels have done and accomplished in the ring have paved the way for the things that Carlito has accomplished in WWE. He asked Michaels if it was ironic that he was now a guest on Carlito's Cabana because Carlito is the Intercontinental champion. Carlito said that he used to look up to Michaels, but now its the other way. Michaels called him an egomaniac and asked that he be sympathetic because Michaels can't deal with any more ego in his career, taking a shot at Hulk Hogan. Michaels then asked Carlito how long he's been Intercontinental champion. The crowd chanted "Hogan" and Michaels quipped that he wouldn't be coming back until he needs another payoff.

Michaels asked if people are talking about Cool's matches and said that they aren't because they are still talking about his matches ten years ago. He told Carlito that he hasn't had had any matches to speak of and said that it's the man who makes the title, not the other way around. He asked Carlito when was the last time he defended the Intercontinental championship, but Carlito ducked the question saying that no one has the cajones to face him. Carlito claimed that even Ric Flair backed down from him. He told Michaels that, “Guys like you need to learn there's a pecking order around here...a ladder so to speak."Âť Carlito said that he was at the top while Michaels was down on the bottom. He grabbed an apple and saying that by Shawn coming on his show and insulting him, that's not cool. Michaels warned him that if he took a bite of the apple, Shawn would kick it down his throat.

Carlito asked him to calm down and said that he had another guest tonight, introducing Chris Masters. Michaels took his suit jacket off and loosened his tie. Masters said that Michaels talks tough but would pass out to the Master Lock. Michaels said that after 21 years in wrestling, he's smart enough not to get into these situations and attacked Masters and Cool. Cool DDT'd Michaels and Masters called for the Master Lock. Before he had the chance to do so, Ric Flair hit the ring in street clothes and made the save. Michaels clotheslined Masters over the top. Michaels and Flair embraced after running off their foes.

When they returned from commercial, Carlito and Masters were complaining to Eric Bischoff. Bischoff ruled that he was putting off the Masterlock Challenge until next week, and announced Michaels & Flair vs. Carlito & Masters for later tonight.

Big Show vs. Steve Madison & Buck Quartermain in a handicap match

Jim Ross said that Show, who was growing his hair in, was having problems finding opponents of late. They both attacked Show. He flung Madison away as Buck went for his legs. Show chopped the hell out of Buck in the corner. He then did the same to Madison. He hit Madison with a huge hiptoss, then hit the same on Buck and Madison retreated to the floor. Show pulled them up on the apron but they kicked him and snapped him throat first over the ropes. They tried to suplex Show together but he reversed it. An angry Show cleaned house on both and called for a double chokeslam. He hit it and scored the pin. Your winner, The Big Show.

Gene Snitsky attacked Show immediately after the bell. Show knocked him out of the ring but Snitsky jumped back in and cracked Show with the ring bell from behind. He hit Show in the back of the head, knocking him out. Snitsky stood over the fallen Show and celebrated. The crowd chanted "You suck" at Snitsky.

They showed a replay of last week's attack on Ashley by Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle.

Wilson and Michelle came to the ring, wearing matching silver outfits. It appeared they were trying to outdo Melina's entrance with Michelle coming up between Wilson's legs. Wilson said that last week they shocked everyone by coming to Raw and no one more then the woman they “initiated " last week, Ashley. They asked her to come out, in a not so sincere manner, saying they felt bad and wanted to apologize. Ashely came to the ring. Michelle said that she and Wilson were really sorry and she wanted to apologize from the bottom of her heart. She asked for forgiveness. Ashley said she was skeptical but that if they were serious, she accepts. They said that they wanted to show how sorry they were by pulling some strings with Eric Bischoff getting Ashley her very first wrestling match tonight. Ashley said that she knew what was going on and asked who she was facing. They told her she wasn'tt facing them, but Victoria.

Ashley Massaro vs. Victoria

Ashley shoved Wilson and Michelle down and kicked Victoria through the ropes as she got to the ring. She unleashed a series of punches but Victoria came back and dragged her into the ring. Ross said Ashley was “still in training and this wasn't fair". Victoria hit the Widow's Peak and scored the pin. All three looked down at the beaten Ashley.

They aired a vignette of TNT in a bar promising they were coming to be WWE World Tag Team champions. Trevor Murdoch, who was doing shots, really looks like Dick Murdoch. I like that as Murdoch was one of the all time great characters in the business and was pretty entertaining.

Edge was sitting with Altarbridge, which performs his theme song. They were playing a song and Todd Grisham tried to ask Edge a question. He asked where Lita was and Edge said that she was running an errand for him. Edge said he feels great about his Street Fight and said he would finish what he started at Summerslam. He said Matt Hardy can go back to his website and his whining postings and his “podunk independent shows that no one has ever heard of" after tonight because Tampa will be the burial site of his wrestling career.

Backstage, Matt Hardy was pacing the halls. Lita showed up and said that she wanted to warn him before his match because she spent a long time "warming Edge up." She unzippered her shirt and asked what it felt like to know that he'll never experience her body again. She said that it probably feels pathetic because he is pathetic and told him to go to hell. Hardy looked at her for a long time and smirked. He said he's taking Edge with him. He walked off, leaving a worried Lita behind.

When they returned from commercial, they showed several members of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at ringside.

Backstage, someone ran up to Shawn Michaels and said Ric Flair was down. They ran over to find a bloodied and unconscious Flair. Michaels was upset and screaming. I am guessing it was Triple H.

Edge vs. Matt Hardy in a Streetfight

Edge came out wearing jeans like an old school NWA Streetfight. He and Hardy both looked intense as they came to the ring. Hardy unloaded with a series of rights and backed Edge into the corner. They went to the floor where Hardy threw him into the crowd. They brawled back and forth. They battled up the arena stairs. They returned to the ringside area, where Hardy nailed Edge and then pulled out a ladder. As they went to commercial, Edge nailed Hardy.

When they returned, they showed clips of action from the commercial including a superplex. The ladder was propped in the corner. Edge went to spear Hardy off the apron but was hit with a trash can lid. Hardy whipped him into the ladder. Hardy and Edge battled atop of the ladder. Hardy knocked Edge off then hit a legdrop from the top of the ladder. He scored a two count. Hardy went to hit Edge but was nailed then struck with a Kendo Stick. Edge grabbed a steel chair and laid Hardy atop of it. He grabbed a second chair and went for a conchairto, but Hardy took his legs out from under him. Hardy and Edge pulled themselves up and stared at each other from opposite corners. Hardy went after Edge but was flapjacked into the ladder. Edge nailed him with the trash can lid several times. The referee pulled Edge away and asked Hardy if he could continue. Hardy said he could. The referee kept checking on Hardy. Edge began battering him with rights and Hardy, who had just gotten to his feet, went back down. Edge hit a Yakuza Kick to Hardy's face., The referee was going to stop the match but Hardy begged him not to. Edge hit him again. The crowd began chanting for Hardy. Edge put Hardy's head next to the stairs and went for a Yakuza Kick but Hardy moved at the last minute. On the floor, Edge tried to DDT Hardy on the steps but Hardy fought him off and hit a DDT of his own.

Hardy battered Edge's head into the ring steps several times and grabbed a chair. Lita hit him from behind with Edge's briefcase. Hardy went after her but Edge took Hardy down. Edge and Hardy battled on the floor. Hardy rolled Edge back in the ring, grabbed the ladder and ran it into Edge several times like a battering ram. He pulled Edge over the ladder, which was laid out across the mat. Hardy went for a moonsault but Edge moved. They both rolled to the floor and began brawling again. Edge got a trash can and beat it over Hardy's back. They brawled up the ramp and Hardy threw Edge into the Titantron wall. Lita went after Hardy. They teased Hardy was going to piledriver her out of respect for Tommy Dreamer's legacy but Edge stopped him. Hardy tried to throw Edge off the stage but he saved himself. Edge tried to spear Hardy off but Hardy moved and Edge saved himself. Hardy grabbed Edge and hit the sidewinder off the stage onto "electrical equipment"Âť which sparked after they hit it. The referees were screaming to have the power turned off and neither man got up. Eric Bischoff and all the officials came out. They were putting collars on both men's necks as they went to commercial. I guess that means it's a no contest. A really great brawl with an awesome spot at the end. This was the followup they needed to put some buzz back into the storyline after their Summerslam bout.

They returned from the commercial break with both men being checked by officials. A somber Jim Ross said that Edge was complaining of neck pain and noted his previous neck surgeries. They replayed the big bump at the end of the match. They had the EMTS carting both men to the ambulances with Lita consoling Edge. They replayed the spot again before going back to commercial. The follow up was great and just exactly the heavy type of angle that has been missing from WWE's version of sports-entertainment of late. It was a really good intense brawl with a serious followup to the major bump that ended it.

When they returned to the show, WWE champion John Cena made his way to the ring. Cena said that last week he was attacked by Kurt Angle and that's the bad news. He said the good news was that he saved a bunch of money on his car insurance. He then said the great news is that after last week, the champ is still here. He challenged Angle to come to the ring if he wanted some of Cena.

Angle's music began to play and Angle came out on stage. Angle said that he must have hurt Cena's brain more then he thought he had, if Cena is calling out Angle. He warned Cena that he didn't want anything of Angle and showed the footage from last week. Angle said he wasn't going to get in the ring and risk losing his PPV title shot. He said that with all due respect, he wasn't Chris Jericho and ran down his collegiate and Olympic wrestling credentials. He said that Cena has been wrestling for 5-6 years while Angle has been wrestling his entire life and is at the top of his game. He ran down his recent wins including Shawn Michaels, Eugene, and Shelton Benjamin. The crowd chanted, "ass***" at Angle. Angle said he's never been more vicious in his life and he wants the WWE title more then any other time in his career. He says he doesn't care about anyone or anything that gets in his way. Cena tried to speak but Angle told him to shut his mouth. Angle said at Unforgiven, he was going to end Cena's charade and make him tap out, calling him a street punk.

Cena began reciting Angle' accomplishments back to him and said he might be the baddest man alive, but I'm still calling your a** out. He took off his shirt. Angle asked him if he really wanted a piece of him, walking slowly to the ring. Ross called Angle a “Blue Eyed Demon. That's an AWESOME nickname for Angle. Angle teased getting in the ring, then walked out. Angle stopped and began arguing with the fans and began walking back to the ring. He got up on the apron and had a staredown with Cena but got back down and walked away.

Cena said that he forgot that Angle likes Cena said that no one is judging him and turned his back to Angle, saying he was"putting the vibe out there" and Angle can do anything he wants. He said, “Nobody's watching us." Angle tackled Cena and took him down, then turned him into the Ankle Lock. Cena kicked him off and knocked him out of the ring. He jumped up and dared Angle to return to the ring. The referees stopped Angle from getting back in and walked him to the back. Cena's music played and he played to the crowd.

They showed boxer Ronald Wright at ringside. Jim Ross said that Ric Flair, Matt Hardy, and Edge have all gone to the hospital tonight.

Tyson Tomko vs. WWE World Tag Team champion Rosey.

They showed highlights of Tomko's recent wins on Sunday Night Heat, putting over that he's been on a role. Hurricane came to the ring with Rosey. They locked up and Tomko shoved off Rosey. Tomko took Rosey down and hit him with a series of knee strikes to the back and neck. Rosey shoved him off and went to the ropes but Tomko kicked him in the gut as he was in the air. Rosey was knocked out and they stopped the bout. Tomko kicked and knocked out Hurricane after the bell. That does wonders for the Tag Team straps. Your winner by knockout, Tyson Tomko.

They showed clips of Carlito's Cabana from earlier tonight. They said that due to Flair going to the hospital, Michaels would be facing Carlito and Masters in a handicap match.

Shawn Michaels vs. WWE Intercontinental champion Carlito Caribbean Cool & Chris Masters Handicap Match

Michaels and Carlito started out with Michaels evading Carlito after he was backed into a corner. Michaels locked up Carlito with a wristlock, but was decked. Masters tagged in and they doubleteamed Michaels in their corner. They both stomped Michaels before Masters got out of the ring. Carlito continued the assault, kneeing Michaels in the solar plexus. He worked over Michaels with chops in the corner and then whipped Michaels into the ropes, nailing him with an elbow as he rebounded for a two count. Michaels made a comeback and chopped Cool into the corner. He attempted to shoulderblock Carlito in the corner, but he moved. Michaels' shoulder hit the ringpost. Carlito peppered Michaels with punches. Michaels hit a back suplex on Cool. Cool whipped Michaels into the ropes but Michaels hit a swinging neckbreaker as he came off the ropes. Michaels hit an inverted atomic drop and a clothesline. He knocked Masters off the apron and clotheslined Cool over the ropes. Michaels skinned the cat and then backdropped Masters out of the ring as they went to commercial.

When they returned, Michaels was coming off the ropes with a flying forearm while rebounding off the ropes. Michaels hit an elbow off the top ropes and began signalling for Sweet Chin Music. Chris Master cut him off and whipped him into the corner, getting a two count. Masters hit a backbreaker over his knee on Michaels, then nailed another. He tried to force a submission by forcing Michaels' back backwards over his knee but Shawn broke free with several punches. Michaels and Masters fought back and forth in the corner. He whipped Michaels into the corner, where he did a flip bump, and then gorilla pressed and slammed Michaels.

Masters went for the Masterlock, but Shawn turned and hit a series of rights. Michaels hit a big DDT on Masters. Flair, bandaged up, ran to the ring in his street clothes to the ring and tagged in going off with offense on Carlito and Masters. Flair chopped Masters and worked him over with punches. Flair went for the figure four on Masters, but Carlito struck a low blow. Michaels tossed Carlito out of the ring and hit a plancha to the floor. Masters locked the Masterlock on Flair, who was still feeling the effects of the low blow in the middle of the ring. Flair tried to fight it off but faded fast and went out. The referee called for the bell. Your winners by submission, Carlito Caribbean Cool and Chris Masters. As they went off the air, Jim Ross pushed that Michaels would be in next week's Masterlock Challenge.


2006 - Chris Jericho, who fronts metal band Fozzy, is eliminated on the first episode of FOX reality series "Celebrity Duets."

2007 - TNA officially began to quietly tell wrestlers that the Impact series would be expanded in the Fall of 2007 to a two hour series on SpikeTV.

2008 - Imus Sidekick Rob Bartlett, who does character voices and sidekick duties on Don Imus's morning show, heard locally on WJZW (105.9 FM), has been hospitalized suffering from multiple blood clots. Bartlett made a full recovery. Bartlett was one of the first hosts of Monday Night Raw, alongside Randy Savage and Vince McMahon. Beyond his duties with Imus, Bartlett has appeared in featured roles in a number of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions including recent stagings of Little Shop of Horrors and Sweet Charity. He's regularly popped up in guest-starring roles on New York-based TV series, including Law & Order.

2008 - WWE broadcast Smackdown. Taylor Millard filed the following TV report:

Welcome to PWInsider.com’s coverage Smackdown coming from the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

No opening theme (except for a quick “Welcome to Friday Night Smackdown!” from JR) as the gong sounds, the lights go dark, the flames leap into the air, and the Undertaker makes his way towards the ring. JR recaps the history between Undertaker/Edge/Vickie and Tazz says “That’s just the beginning” and they discuss Edge being sent to Hell by the Phenom. JR says Vickie tried to apologize to the Undertaker last week (emphasis on try).

Undertaker stands in the middle of the ring with a mic and tells Vickie he’s not the forgiving kind. He tells her he will be coming for her and her soul, while La Familia watches in the back. Undertaker says Vickie will burn in Hell, after he takes her soul. He then kneels in the ring and it goes up in flames. In Vickie’s office, Chavo, Bam Neely, and the Edgeheads slowly back out, leaving Vickie locked in the room alone. Undertaker with slow paces towards the back and JR tells us Jeff Hardy and MVP will face each other in a Summerslam rematch. Tazz then says there will be a ‘Champion vs. Champion’ match with Triple H vs. Shelton Benjamin and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and a vignette for R-Truth is shown. Clips of Truth walking through the ghetto, talking how he can never hide from the truth, building a better future, and wanting to head towards the top.

The bell rings and Justin Rogers says, “Making his Smackdown debut is R-Truth”. Tazz says this is the much anticipated debut for R-Truth. JR talks about Truth’s mistakes and Tazz says he’s pointing his life in a positive direction. Out next is Kenny Dykstra with a mic who says he’s done everything he can to make the company care for him, but no one does. Says he’s a hot prospect while Truth is a convict. Talks about how he never had vignettes, promos, and he never went to jail. Says the company needs to build around him, not R-Truth.

Match One: R-Truth (Ron Killings) vs. Kenny Dykstra:

R-Truth with a quick uppercut to Dykstra’s chin, then he goes for a quick cover but ony gets one. Dykstra sends Truth into the corner and gets a two count. JR says he admires Dykstra’s talent and brashness, but if he’s going to be like this he has to “just win”. JR and Tazz agree Dykstra is jealous of Truth, as Dykstra focuses on Truth’s back. Truth with a shoulder throw, then several clotheslines to Dykstra. The man formerly known as Ron Killings hits a nice looking corkscrew flying elbow, gives Dykstra a scissors kick, and gets the win. Winner by pinfall: R-Truth.

After the match, highlights of R-Truth are showed and JR says he truly wants to be a WWE superstar.

Michelle McCool is shown getting her picture taken and Maryse interrupts her. McCool says Maryse will never be Divas champion because she doesn’t have talent. Maryse says, she has everything and McCool won’t be Divas champion soon. Maryse leaves with an “Aur Voir” for Michelle McCool.

Back from commercial and the WWE Rewind from last week, where Maryse and Natalya Neidhart attacked Maria during her match with Natalya. McCool made the save but Tazz said it was a setup.

JR says Diva action is getting hotter than ever, as Michelle McCool heads to the ring. Tazz says the young lady is a tremendous role model and always has a smile on her face. Out comes Maria, who Tazz says he loves. Out next is Maryse, with a nice cloak and a cocky attitude. Tazz says Maryse is the sexiest of the sexy. Out next is Natalya Neidhart, who represents Canada very well. Tazz says Natalya is all about power and says she reminds him of her dad…just without the goatee.

Match Two: Michelle McCool and Maria vs. Natalya Neidhart and Maryse:

McCool and Natalya start off the match, as McCool reverses a side headlock into a quick cover. Back to their feet and McCool sends Natalya into the ropes with a takedown, then a Russian leg sweep. Maria with a tag and she hits several kicks, but takes a shot to the face. Maria with an inside cradle, but Natalya kicks out and gives a nasty right hand to Maria. Natalya misses a leg drop but Maria is forced into the corner. Maryse tags in but takes several punches to the face. Maria goes into the ropes, but takes a cheap shot forearm from Natalya. Maria knocks Natalya off the apron, but takes a very nasty looking DDT from Maryse. Maryse with the pin and the victory. Winner by pinfall: Maryse and Natalya Neidhart.

After the bell, Maryse and McCool catfight out of the ring and Tazz says Maryse wants the Divas title. Natalya pulls McCool off of Maryse and the French-Canadian hits a stiff forearm to the face. Natalya and Maryse laugh as they head to the back. Tazz says McCool needs to be careful with Maryse wanting her title.

A video recap of the MVP/Jeff Hardy feud is shown. MVP is talking about the risks Hardy takes and how’s he’s a detriment to everyone around him. Highlights of MVP’s sneak attacks against Hardy are shown, followed by highlights of Summerslam, with Shelton Benjamin’s interference. Video ends with MVP saying he’s better than Hardy.

Eve Torres then welcomes Jeff Hardy. A very fiery Hardy says MVP is criticizing everything he does, but he’s only an obstacle in his quest for the WWE Championship. Hardy says MVP and his attitude will be flat on his back. Hardy walks off and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and the rules for the Championship Scramble Match are shown. JR says Triple H vs. Shelton Benjamin is later on tonight.

In the back, Vickie is shown locked in her office. She tries to get a phone line out but can’t. With authority she throws the phone against the wall.

Back to the ring and on his way to it is Jeff Hardy (with his own version of the Game Fountain). JR says it seems Hardy is extremely anxious for tonight’s match and Tazz says he respects Hardy calling MVP an obstacle. JR says now is the time for Hardy to seek retribution. Out next is MVP, who JR says could be a natural disaster for Jeff Hardy if he nails the drive-by kick.

Match Three: Jeff Hardy vs. MVP:

The bell rings and MVP says “Come on let’s go”. The two stare at each other, while MVP talks trash. Two shoves by the combatants and Hardy with the first takedown. Hardy with a headlock and JR says Hardy doesn’t always take chances. Tazz says Hardy is a good wrestler, not just a high-flyer. MVP sends Hardy into the ropes, but takes two shoulder blocks by Hardy. Tazz says the momentum is on the side of Hardy, just as MVP sends him out of the ring. Hardy lands on his feet and lands several right hands against MVP. MVP goes to the outside to regroup and Tazz says that’s not a bad thing to do. MVP into the ring and the two lock up. Another headlock by Hardy, but MVP uses the hair to send him down. Smack talk by MVP but he takes a leg sweep to the ground. Several good arm drags by Hardy, who then gives MVP a shoulder wrench. JR says he’s asking MVP for a loan next time he hears MVP say he is the highest paid Smackdown superstar. Charles Robinson tells MVP to get out of the corner and wrestle. Quick elbow by MVP who starts to focus on Hardy’s leg but Hardy remains one step ahead of him. Hardy gets a two count and MVP takes another time out. Hardy attacks MVP on the outside. We go to commercial with both men down outside the ring.

Back from commercial, with Jeff Hardy and MVP punching each other but Hardy is sent into the turnbuckle. MVP gives Hardy a hard kick and he goes to the outside. MVP continues the attack on the outside and Tazz says Hardy has a ton of intestinal fortitude. MVP with two pins but Hardy kicks out of both at two. Tazz says MVP is starting to get frustrated. MVP with an abdominal stretch, but Hardy counters but standing up and falling onto his back (a side slam from an abdominal stretch). Hardy with a kick to MVP’s face, goes for the swanton but MVP counters with knees to Hardy’s chest. MVP with a low dropkick into the ring post then gives Hardy a back stretch against the ringpost. Hardy kicks out at two and JR praises MVP for not complaining when he didn’t get three. MVP with another kick and another cover but only gets a two count. MVP taunts Hardy but takes a punch for it. Another cover, another kick out. Camel clutch by MVP and Tazz talks about how it affects the whole spinal region of Hardy. Hardy gets to the ropes and JR says this might be a Championship Scramble preview but Hardy wants to beat MVP tonight. Scoop slam by MVP, then a knee to the heart. Hardy kicks out again. MVP with a back suplex but Hardy kicks out at two again. Hardy with punches but MVP with a quick throw and a cover, but only two. Tazz says he’s digging the match and wonders what MVP has to do to beat Jeff Hardy. The two exchange right hands and Hardy with a kick to the gut. Jeff Hardy tries to climb the turnbuckles but takes a nasty fall to the mat. It looked nasty. MVP with a cover but Hardy kicks out. Tazz says he hopes Hardy’s okay as MVP tries for a suplex from the top rope, but Hardy counters. Hardy with a cover but only gets two. MVP tries to go for the drive-by but Hardy counters. Hardy with Whisper in the Wind, then a swanton bomb and gets the win via pinfall. Winner by Pinfall: Jeff Hardy.

Tazz says he can’t believe Hardy won, but Shelton Benjamin nails Hardy with Paydirt. MVP says, “Nice work” but Benjamin then nails MVP with Paydirt. Tazz says Benjamin didn’t forget the inadvertent drive-by kick from two weeks ago. More highlights of the match are shown (which was really good by the way), then a recap of Benjamin’s attack on Hardy and MVP. Tazz wonders if Paydirt is in the future for Triple H and the match between the two is hyped and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and we learn Tazz is a big Jets fan because the Steelers are in the front row.

Josh Matthews and Candice Michelle then give highlights of the Democratic National Convention.

It is Biscuits and Gravy time as Jesse and Festus (who apparently do vote) make their way out to the ring. Tazz calls Festus very dangerous and the Edgeheads (Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins) come out to the ring. Tazz says he’s happy for the Edgeheads being WWE Tag “Champeens” because they’re Long Island Boys.

Match Four: Jesse and Festus vs. Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins:

The bell rings and Festus quickly takes out Hawkins and Ryder. The Edgeheads huddle outside and JR says it’s a non-title match. All of a sudden…here comes The Big Show, who looks rather annoyed. Tazz says he’s not sure why he’s out there. Big Show takes out the Edgeheads and JR says this is an example of manhandling. Show takes the mic, smiles, introduces himself, and wonders why he was left out of the Scramble Match. Show says he will never be overlooked again and says “My bad” and “Oops” with interrupting the match. He also calls it an “oversight”, then leaves. No contest.

We go to commercial.

Back from commercial with Vickie still locked in her office. If she’s trapped in the office, why is the cameraman with her?

Out comes Victoria, who is called a classic in the Diva’s division on Smackdown. JR says he loves WWE 24/7 Classics on Demand (somewhere Jared is cursing aloud). Then out comes Brie Bella from my future hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. Victoria taunts Brie with a version of her own dance before the bell rings.

Match Five: Victoria vs. Brie Bella:

The two lock up and Victoria controls from the start (with her usual form of taunting). Victoria sends Brie into the ring but Brie with a quick cover and two quick snap mares. Victoria with a backbreaker, but Brie kicks out. Brie sent into the turnbuckle and Victoria with a nasty suplex. Standing moonsault by Victoria but Brie kicks out at two. Victoria with a hard dropkick which sends Brie to the outside. Brie tries to crawl under the ring, but is pulled out by Victoria. Tazz says Brie’s hurt and that’s why she tried to escape to kill time. Brie then gets a small package out of nowhere and Victoria loses. Tazz and JR say Victoria fell asleep at the wheel, as Brie smiles at her victory. Winner by Pinfall: Brie Bella

Raw Rebound focuses on Cena’s injury, as well as highlights of Cena’s surgery shown. Mike Adamle then announces Rey Mysterio is the replacement for Cena in Raw’s Championship Scramble Match at Unforgiven.

JR then plugs the Triple H/Shelton Benjamin match and we go to commercial.

We’re back and The Brian Kendrick says he won the biggest match of his career last week. Kendrick says he doesn’t need to beat all the others this week, but is spending his time studying ‘The Art of War’ and the masters. It’s not about who wins the little battles, but who wins the war. Kendrick says the Scramble Match is all about who gets the last pin. JR says if The Brian Kendrick becomes WWE Champion he can write a new book.

The two announcers run down the Unforgiven card including: the Scramble Matches, the Chris Jericho/Shawn Michaels unsanctioned match (but the Cryme Tyme/Simply Priceless match isn’t mentioned).

It’s time to play The Game, as Triple H makes his way to the ring. JR wonders if he’s the odds-on underdog to lose the WWE Championship at Unforgiven. Champion vs. Champion coming up next and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and WWE’s Slam of the Week is shown, with Triple H’s attack on Khali to help Jeff Hardy qualify for the Championship Scramble Match.

Comments from Shelton Benjamin are shown, who calls himself the Gold Standard of the WWE. Speaking of Shelton Benjamin, out to the ring he comes and Tazz says his confidence and swagger make him deadly. Benjamin’s attack on Hardy and MVP is shown and JR says he sent a message but he needs to let his actions do the talking against Triple H.

Match Six: WWE Champion Triple H vs. United States Champion Shelton Benjamin (neither title are on the line):

The bell rings and the two circle before locking up. Quick arm drag by Benjamin, as Tazz puts over the Scramble match. Tazz says Triple H picks his spots, as Triple H gets Benjamin into a headlock. Shoulder block by the WWE champion but the US Champion counters with several arm drags. Tazz wonders if Benjamin has Triple H scouted and JR says Benjamin is just really athletic and praises him for it. Triple H with his own arm drag, but Benjamin quick to recover. Triple H gives Benjamin a right hand and down goes Benjamin. Triple H sends Benjamin into the corner and nails him with several rights to the face. Triple H works on the arm, but Benjamin opens up several quick rights. Triple H locks on an armbar and forces Benjamin to the mat. Benjamin breaks free but Triple H counters with a very physical counter (to quote JR). Tazz says Triple H does a good job at keeping a match at his pace. Benjamin with knees to the quad of Triple H. Tazz says it’s a smart game plan since Triple H has a history of quad injuries. Benjamin escapes a Pedigree attempt and we go to commercial.

Back from commercial and Triple H is crawling across the ground trying to get back in the ring. He’s outside the ring because Benjamin sent him out with a hard Irish whip into the corner. Benjamin with a neck breaker but Triple H kicks out at two. Benjamin keeps Triple H in a neck vice and Tazz says it’s like trying to rip off a bottle cap off of a bottle. Benjamin with a Figure Four headlock, but Triple H counters for a quick pin (only netting one). Benjamin charges and takes an elbow to the face. Benjamin tries to suplex Triple H from the inside of the ring to the outside. Triple H counters the move by attempting a suplex of his own, but Benjamin lands on his feet and nails a neck breaker (nice move). Benjamin gets a two count. Triple H with a kick and down goes Benjamin. Benjamin with a successful splash to Triple H in the corner. He goes for another one and misses, then takes shot to the head. Both men hit the ground and the ref starts counting them out. Ref gets to eight on the count but both men get up. A Harley Race-like high knee by Triple H, then a power slam, but Benjamin kicks out at two. Triple H with a DDT, but Benjamin kicks out at two. Benjamin with a VERY hard kick and Triple H is out. Cover by Benjamin, but Triple H kicks out. Spinebuster by Triple H and Tazz says his timing was perfect. Triple H tries for the Pedigree, but Benjamin with a backbreaker. Cover, but only two. Facebuster by the Game, but here comes Khali (with Ranjin Singh). Benjamin goes for Paydirt, but Triple H counters with a Pedigree and gets the win. Winner by pinfall: Triple H.

Triple H dares Khali to come into the ring, but Khali stands near the ring, popping his knuckles. Benjamin nails Triple H with the US Title and holds his title up (with JR saying it’s all about the gold). Benjamin signals for the belt and exits the ring. Khali now gets into the ring and gives Triple H a tree chokeslam. Khali stands victorious over Triple H and a recap of the end of the match is shown.

In the back Vickie is shown still locked in her office, quivering in fear. Suddenly, the lights go out and the show ends with Vickie’s screams of horror.

2009 - NBC aired a broadcast version of Wrestlemania 25.

2010 - JC Bailey, real name Joseph Carl Bailey Jr., passed away from a brain aneurysm. He was only 26 years old.

Bailey, the namesake and son of promoter Joe Bailey, had been wrestling since 2001 and was originally trained by Ian Rotten, Chris Hero and Tracy Smothers. He worked for a number of promotions, specializing in Death Matches and utilizing a high flying style with a lot of crazy spots, most notable Rotten's IWA Mid-South and Combat Zone Wrestling.

Bailey was CZW's first Ultraviolent Underground champion and had won IWA Mid-South's King of the Death Match tournament. He also held the CZW Tag Team belts with the late Chris Cash. He had been involved in a number of major IWA angles including the promotion's original invasion of CZW several years back, which was an incredibly heated angle.

Bailey had returned to wrestling at the end of 2009, making a surprise return to CZW just days after being released from jail, where he served a multi-year sentence for a TV theft. This past June, he had won the aforementioned IWA Mid-South Death Match tournament and had just also competed in CZW's Tournament of Death, losing to Scotty Vortekz in the finals.

2010 - World Wrestling Today ran El Paso, Texas. Patrick Torres filed the following live report:

The promotion was called World Wrestling Today and it was held in a minor league baseball stadium named Cohen Stadium. This was the first wrestling event ever held there.

This even was original scheduled for July but was postponed due to thunderstorms. Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot of buzz going into the show last night and there was a lot less advertising. A lot of my friends, who would normally go, did not go because of a lack of confidence that the show was actually going to take place.

I can't be certain about paid attendance but there seemed to be a good 900 to 1200 people in the stands. The stadium has 9000 permanent seats. Of course they added seats on the filed around the ring. I am not sure how 900 stacks up in the world of independent wrestling.

There was a very long lucha libre six man tag team match to start off the show. It was 2 out of the 3 falls and each fall had to have a double pin. Very confusing. It was fun and the wrestlers were very entertaining. I literally have no idea what their names were.

Konnan and a luchadore defeated Rodney Mack and a luchadore. Konnan appeared to be in really bad shape. I mean really bad. Not weight or physical wise but medically. He literally had a hard time getting into the ring. Inside the ring, all he could do is punches and clothelines. They did a spot where the heels were against the turnbuckles and the face hopped to the second rope to deliver punches. Rodney Mack had to literally pick up Konnan to get him onto the second rope. After Konnan delivered the 10 punches, Mack had to lower him back down. Very sad to see.

Jazz defeated Simply Luscious is a very fun match. The crowd loved it.

Rikishi defeated Rob Terry. Rikishi is really big now. The wrestlers entered the stadium from right field. They would then walk all the way to the pitchers mound where the ring was set up. Rikishi had to be driven down to ring. He also needed help getting into the ring. He is that big now.

Chavo Guerrero defeated Ryan Genesis. Ryan seemed like a good kid. He completely carried Chavo in the match and convincingly put him over. I know he was simply trying to get heat but he sort of crossed the line with a "wetback" comment. Obviously he was simply trying to work the crowd. Just the wrong time and place.

There was an Eddie Guerrero tribute and an award was given to Chavo by a local Lucha Libre promoter.

Intermission

The next match is actually the reason I decided to write you guys. If you could use anything, I would hope this is it. Believe it or not, Billy Gunn and Kevin Thorne put on a clinic. It wasn't a technical masterpiece but these put on an extremely fun and entertaining match. I really can't say enough about the effort these two put out. I am being serious and this not setting up a joke. These guys did everything except selling hot dogs and making change.

To say security was lax would be an understatement. I am actually very proud of the home crowd. There was a ton of beer being sold and very very little security. Gunn and Thorne started off with a brawl outside the ring. When I say outside the ring, I don't mean a curtained off area, or an area surrounded by security. These guys took it right into crowd. Right through the rows of seating. The whole time, tons of kids were following them around. There was a small mob following them as the two battled literally over the baseball field.

I wish I could paint a better picture but Gunn and Thorne did an awesome job. Thorne specifically would stay in character, and yet still control the crowd for their safety. The mob of kids were constantly within 2 feet of the brawling wrestlers. Yet, when they needed more room for a spot, they were to stay in character, control the mob of fans, and move them were needed. The brawl went from outside the ring, through the rows of seating, to home plate, to the dug out, to the concession stands, to right field, and finally back to the ring. Like I said, being followed the entire time by 50 to 60 kids. Gunn and Thorne were working everything perfectly. Honestly, these two did an awesome job. Both were in awesome shape. Great great job by both. Gunn wins with Famouser.

In the main event, Booker T defeated Carlito. Good match. It was a very long night and the crowd was a bit tired by this point. The show was advertised for 8:00 pm but didn't start till around 8:20. The opening six man tag was very long. Also, the ring entrances were very long due to the distance between right field and the pitcher's mound. Hopefully the promoters and wrestlers made money.

2010 - WWE ran Newark, NJ with a Raw live event. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:

World Wrestling Entertainment returned to the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ for the first time since last October's Hell in A Cell PPV with a matinee Raw house show

Full results;

*John Morrison pinned Ted DiBiase in a good back and forth match. Maryse got on the apron to distract Morrison so DiBiase could nail him but Morrison ducked and Ted knocked her off the apron instead. Morrison then nailed Starship Pain for the pin.

*WWE United States champion The Miz (With Alex Riley) pinned Evan Bourne. Riley did some good mic work before the match putting himself and Miz over and ripping on Kaval since Tuesday is the NXT finale. Miz then ripped on Newark and tore down the fans when they tried to do his catch phrase. Miz worked over Bourne early but Bourne nailed him with knee strikes during a suplex attempt. Bourne went for a shooting star but Riley tried to interfere. Bourne fought him off and nailed a dive to the floor. Miz and Bourne went into a series of near falls. Bourne went for the shooting star press but Miz got his knees up and scored the pin. Real entertaining on the mic and in the ring.

*Mark Henry defeated William Regal. Regal stalled, playing to the crowd. Henry flung him into ring, cleaned house on Regal and hit the World's Largest Slam for the pin. Over before it began.

*Yoshi Tatsu pinned Zach Ryder gained control after an early flurry of offense by Tatsu. Ryder kept him on the mat for a long time. Tatsu came back with chops and kicks, scoring the pin with a spinkick off the top. OK but it seems criminal to give us Regal for two minutes and Ryder for 12.

As Tatsu celebrated, Chris Jericho hit the ring and nailed the Codebreaker. Jericho said that he proved once again that he's the best in the world and that WWE owes everything to him at Summerslam. Jericho said that Team Jericho owes everything to him and John Cena listened to him, which is why they won. Jericho demanded Cena come to the ring and admit he was wrong.

Cena came out but was attacked by Sheamus and brawled to the back. The Nexus hit the ring and attacked Jericho. Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan made the save. The mystery GM emailed and announced Cena vs. Sheamus in a Cage and a six man for right now, switching Orton and Cena from their original placement on the card.

*Nexus members Michael Tarver & Wade Barrett & Justin Gabriel. Jericho took the mic and told Nexus he was pissed off and they were going to see the return of Y2J. Jericho and Orton worked over Gabriel early on. Bryan tagged in and scored with a dropkick. He locked in the surfboard. Tarver tagged in against Jericho. Tarver took control and tagged to Barrett, who drill Jericho with a big boot. Jericho escaped a Fireman's Carry and turned it into a rollup but was caught with a clothesline. Nexus controlled Jericho as Tarver locked in a rear chinlock as he mocked the babyfaces.

Danielson tagged in and cleaned house on Tarver until he was tossed out of the ring. Nexus worked on Danielson. He was tossed back out and Nexus beat him on the floor. Jericho went after Nexus on the floor with a chair. Danielson was worked over and finally made the hot tag to Jericho. Jericho forced Gabriel to tap to the Walls of Jericho. Nexus laid out Jericho and Bryan. Orton laid out Nexus with clotheslines, then punted Tarver in the head. The babyfaces all shook hands and left. Tarver laid in the ring for a long time before being walked out by the official.

*The ring announcer brought out Eve Torres to helped toss some t-shirts to the crowd but Alicia Fox came out. She said if they thought this was intermission, they are sadly mistaken. Fox told Torres to get out of her ring and they faced off. Out came WWE Divas champion Melina. Eve exited the ring but stayed at ringside for a bit before heading back to the back.

*WWE Divas champ Melina pinned Alicia Fox in a fun back and forth match.

*They plugged the 9/10 release of John Cena's Legendary and the 9/5 White Plains, NY house show which will be headlined by Big Show vs. CM Punk.

*WWE Tag Team champions The Hart Dynasty with Natalya defeated the Usos with Tamina. Some good stuff here, specifically with Tyson Kidd who was working his rear end off. The Usos controlled for a long time to set up DH Smith's hot tag. Smith cleaned house and hit the over the shoulder powerslam but the other Uso broke it up. Smith went for the Sharpshooter but Tamina got on the apron but Natalya laid her out. They hit the Hart Attack for the win.

*WWE champion Sheamus defeated John Cena in a Steel Cage match. Cena, who received the biggest reaction of the night for his entrance, opened up with a bulldog for a near fall. Sheamus came back with a clothesline and several pinfall attempts. Cena came back with a back suplex for a two count Cena went for the Attitude Adjustment but Sheamus escaped and nailed him with a kick to the face. Sheamus tried to climb out but Cena nailed a back suplex off the ropes. Both men were down but Sheamus got to his feet first. Sheamus took down Cena with a clubbing blow to the side of the head and ragged on the crowd. He went for a kick but Cena ducked it and opened up with a series of rights, only to be kicked in the gut. Sheamus drilled him with a right hand.

Sheamus called for the door to be opened but Cena came up from under him and dropped Sheamus backwards with the Electric Chair. Sheamus recovered first and drilled Cena with a knee. Cena reversed a suplex attempt for a two count. He began to climb the cage but Sheamus followed him up. The battled on the top rope. Sheamus pulled himself to the top of the cage but Cena prevented him from going over. They had a nasty spill into the ropes. Cena went for the shoulderblock but Sheamus ducked and Cena crashed into the cage. Sheamus covered him for a two count.

Sheamus tossed Cena into the cage facefirst. He then tied Cena's arms up in the ropes and began working him over with right hands and kicks. He climbed the cage right past Cena, who pulled himself free from the ropes and caught Sheamus. They battled standing on then ropes and Sheamus was crotched. Cena came back with several shoulderblocks and a slam. He nailed the five knuckle shuffle. Sheamus escaped the Attitude Adjustment and nailed an Uranage into a backbreaker for a two count. Sheamus called for the Celtic Cross but Cena turned it into the Attitude Adjustment. Sheamus grabbed the cage and scrambled up it from Cena's shoulders. Cena followed and they battled on the ropes. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment off the ropes. Cena scored a two count.

Cena set up for the STF but Sheamus nailed him. Sheamus began crawling for the cage door but Cena dove and grabbed his leg. Cena scooted past Sheamus and almost escaped but Sheamus pulled him back in. Sheamus nailed the Pump Kick for a two count. Sheamus went for the Celtic Cross but Cena escaped and turned it into the Attitude Adjustment for a two count.

Cena climbed to the top of the cage but Sheamus caught him as Cena made it over. Sheamus pulled him back in, then slipped over the top but Cena grabbed him. Cena hit a superplex into the ring. Cena locked on the STF but The Nexus' Wade Barrett, David Otunga, Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel hit the ring and attacked Cena. Sheamus crawled out the door for the win. Great main event!

After the match, Nexus beat on Cena. Cena avoided being tossed in the cage and ducked a Barrett clothesline. Barrett clobbered Otunga and Gabriel was nailed with a big right. No idea where Slater went. Cena cleaned house and ended the night saluting the fans.

Notes: They were selling Randy Orton, Nexus, and several John Cena shirts as well as Rey Mysterio masks...The show drew well but wasn't a sellout....Cena and Orton were clearly the biggest babyfaces based on crowd reactions. Jericho's rant on the mic got the most heat.