On this day in history in ....
1950 - Gorgeous George defeats Don Eagle for the AWA (Boston) World Heavyweight Title in Chicago, Illinois.
1959 - The Corsicans (Joe and Jean) defeat Angelo Martinelli and Luis Hernandez for the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas.
1961 - Duke Keomuka & Tony Martin defeat Rito Romero & Dory Dixon for the Texas version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Houston, Texas.
1963 - WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Apollo defeated the Kangaroos in Commack, NY.
1964 - Jackie & Don Fargo defeat Tojo Yamamoto & Alex Perez to win the Mid-America version of the NWA Southern Tag Team Title in Nashville, Tennessee, ending and beginning each team's respective second and third reigns.
1964 - WWWF ran a TV Taping in Bridgeport, CT featuring:
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Hans Mortier
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Klondike Bill
The Scufflin Hillbillies defeated Pedro Rodriguez & Frank Hickey
Arnold Skaaland defeated Lou Albano via disqualification
Ernie Ladd defeated Boris Malenko
Killer Kowalski defeated Matt Gillmore
Jerry Graham defeated Ted Lewin
Luke Graham fought Don McClarity to a draw
Max Mortier fought Bill Watts to a draw
1966 - Killer Karl Kox & Joe Carrolo defeat Michiaki Yoshimura & Giant Baba to win the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Title in Sendai, Japan.
1966 - WWWF ran TV taping in Washington, DC featuring the following results:
Angelo Savoldi defeated Hector Serrano
Waldo Von Erich defeated Ronnie Etchison
Vittorio Apollo defeated Frank Hickey
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Arnold Skaaland
The Fabulous Moolah & Judy Grable defeated Pat Lydia & Brenda Reed
WWWF US Tag Team Champions Johnny Valentine & Antonio Pugliese fought Bill Miller & Curtis Iaukea to a draw
WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated the Beast
1967 - Michiaki Yoshimura & Antonio Inoki defeat Waldo Von Erich & Ike Eakins for the vacant JWA All Asia Tag Team Title in Sapporo, Japan.
1967 - Al Costello & Karl Von Brauner defeat Bill Miller and Bobo Brazil to win the Detroit version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Dayton, Ohio.
1967 - WWWF ran Plyseville, Maryland with the following results:
Tony Altimore defeated Arnold Skaaland
Luke Graham defeated Smasher Sloan
Arman Hussian defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna
Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated the Ox
Tony Pariso & Spiros Arion defeated Bull Ortega & Tank Morgan
1968 - Tiger Jeet Singh & Bull Curry defeat Whipper Billy Watson & Bulldog Brower for the Toronto version of the NWA International Tag Team Title in Toronto, Ontario.
1972 - WWWF ran North Attleboro, MA at Witschi's Sports Arena, featuring the following results:
Manuel Soto pinned Juan Caruso
Prof. Toru Tanaka & the Black Demon defeated Tony Contilles & Tomas Marin in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1
Manuel Soto defeated Nikita Mulkovich via disqualification when Mulkovichi hit the referee
Chief Jay Strongbow pinned King Curtis in an Indian strap match
1973 - Dory Funk, Jr. & Terry Funk defeat Killer Karl Krupp and Karl Von Steiger to win the NWA International Tag Team Title in Amarillo, Texas.
1973 - Black Gordman and Goliath win their second NWA Texas Tag Team Title in Dallas, Texas, defeating Jose Lothario and Ivan Putski.
1973 - WWWF ran Trenton, NJ at the Civic Center featuring the following results:
Miguel Feliciano defeated Mike Conrad
Mike McCord defeated Joe Turco
Manuel Soto defeated Frank Hickey
Tony Garea fought Mr. Fuji to a draw
Freddie Blassie defeated El Olympico
Prof. Toru Tanaka fought Chief Jay Strongbow to a draw
WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Moondog Mayne
1973 - WWWF ran a matinee at the Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, NY featuring the following results:
Joe Turco defeated Luis Torres
Manuel Soto pinned Frank Hickey
Mike McCord fought Tony Garea to a 20-minute draw
Chief Jay Strongbow & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Fred Blassie & Moondog Mayne
1975 - A live event in Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum was headlined by Southern Tag Champs Tojo Yamamoto & Jimmy Golden beat Bill Dundee & George Barnes and Southern Champ Ron Fuller beating Crazy Luke Graham via DQ.
1975 - Karl Von Steiger & Otto Von Heller defeat George Gulas & Jerry Jarrett for the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title.
1975 - Spiros Arion defeated WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino via countout in Landover, MD.
1976 - WWWF ran Highland Park, NJ with the following results:
Arnold Skaaland defeated Johnny Rivera
Skandar Akbar defeated Pat Barrett
Bull Pometti defeated Mike Santocapito
Jose Gonzalez defeated Rocky Tomayo via disqualification
Ivan Putski defeated Ernie Ladd
1977 - WWWF ran Trumbull, CT featuring:
Tony Altimore defeated ?
SD Jones defeated Rocky Tomayo
Gorilla Monsoon defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna
Ivan Putski pinned Nikolai Volkoff
1978 - Black Gordman & Hector Guerrero defeat Ron Bass & Roddy Piper to win the NWA Americas Tag Team Title.
1978 - New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Takamatsu, Japan with the following results:
Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated Jo Bake San via submission with camel clutch
Yoshiaki Fujiwara pinned Ray Steel
Kengo Kimura pinned Chief Jay Strongbow
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Makoto Arakawa
Bad News Allen & Kotetsu Yamamoto defeated Williem Ruska & Baron Scicluna when Allen pinned Scicluna
Bugsy McGraw pinned Riki Choshu
Tatsumi Fujinami pinned Umanosuke Ueda
Andre The Giant pinned Seiji Sakaguchi
WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund & Tony Garea defeated Antonio Inoki & Osamu Kido in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1: Backlund pinned Kido; fall #2: Inoki defeated Garea with the Octopus; fall #3: Backlund pinned Kido
1978 - WWWF ran Harrisburg, PA at Zembo Mosque featuring the following results:
Steve King pinned Pinky Larson (sub. for Moose Monroe) at 10:44
Gypsy Rodriguez defeated Joe Turco via disqualfication at 12:07
Butcher Vachon fought SD Jones to a 20-minute draw
Peter Maivia pinned Stan Stasiak at 15:17
Superstar Billy Graham defeated Haystacks Calhoun via count-out at 12:34
1978 - WWWF ran Albany, NY at the Washington Ave. Armory with the following results:
Strong Kobayashi pinned Mark Tendler at 12:00
Johnny Rodz pinned Ted Adams at 7:00
The Golden Terror pinned Sylvano Sousa at 6:00
Spiros Arion pinned Juan Ortiz (substituting for Larry Zbyszko) at 7:00
Luke Graham pinned Larry Zbyszko (substituting for Dusty Rhodes) at 19:00
1979 - The WWF ran an event at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- Johnny Rivera fought Mr. X to a draw.
- Dominic DeNucci defeated Johnny Rodz.
- Nikolai Volkoff defeated Frank Williams.
- Bulldog Brower defeated Special Delivery Jones.
- WWF Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund defeated Greg Valentine when guest referee Haystacks Calhoun stopped the match due to Valentine's bleeding.
- Hussein Arab defeated Jose Estrada.
- WWF Tag Team Champions Johnny & Jerry Valiant defeated Steve Travis & Gorilla Monsoon when Johnny pinned Travis.
- Tito Santana defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.
- WWF North American Heavyweight Champion Ted DiBiase fought Jimmy Valiant to a curfew draw.
1980 - World Class Championship Wrestling ran Fort Worth, Texas at Will Rogers Coliseum featuring the following results:
Mr. Hito defeated Ted Heath
Gary Young defeated Johnny Boyd
Sweet Brown Sugar defeated Mr. Sakurada
Johnny Valiant defeated Bruiser Brody by disqualification
Mark Lewin and David Von Erich defeated Gino Hernandez and Gary Hart
1981 - WWF ran Middletown, NY at the High School with the following results:
The Carolina Kid & Farmer Jerome defeated Sky Low Low & Kid Chocolate in a midget tag bout
SD Jones defeated Frank Savage
The Great Yatsu defeated the Hangman
Angelo Mosca defeated Dominic DeNucci
WWF Intercontinental Champion Pedro Morales defeated Killer Khan via countout
1982- Tiger Mask defeated the Black Tiger to win the WWF Jr. Heavyweight Title in Tokyo, Japan/
1982 - WWF ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center, featuring:
Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Barry Hart
Swede Hanson defeated Frank Williams
Rick McGraw defeated Johnny Rodz
Blackjack Mulligan defeated Steve Travos
Ivan Putski defeated Greg Valentine
Tony Atlas defeated Adrian Adonis
WWF IC Champion Pedro Morales defeated the Black Demon
1982 - WWF ran Hebron, CT with the following results:
Laurent Soucie defeated Fred Marzino
Jimmy Snuka defeated Tony Garea
WWF Tag Team Champions Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito defeated Pete Sanchez & Steve King
WWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Bob Orton Jr.
1983 - Chavo Guerrero defeats Ultra Seven in a tournament final for the vacant NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title in Tenryu, Japan, beginning his third reign.
1983 - Bob Brown & Buzz Tyler won a tournament final for the vacant NWA Central States Tag Team Title in Kansas City, Kansas.
1983 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Norfolk, Virginia, headlined by Rufus R. Jones defeating Jake Roberts and NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeating NWA U.S. Champion Greg Valentine
1984 - WWF ran Baltimore, MD at the Civic Center with the following results:
Butcher Vachon defeated Steve Lombardi
Jose Luis Rivera & Pete Sanchez defeated Tony Colon & Israel Matia
Bobo Brazil defeated Ron Shaw
Sika defeated Akira Maeda
WWF IC Champion Tito Santana defeated Samula
Ivan Putksi defeated Afa
Roddy Piper defeated Rocky Johnson
The Iron Sheik defeated Bob Backlund via countout
1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greenville, SC with the following results:
The Assassin defeated Angelo Mosca Sr.
NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Dusty Rhodes
Jimmy Valiant defeated Adrian Street
NWA U.S. Champion Ricky Steamboat defeated Dick Slater
1984 - WWF ran Cincinnati, OH at theCincinnati Gardens featuring the following:
Terry Daniels defeated Larry Kean
Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji
Rene Goulet defeated Billy Travis
Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Tiger Chung Lee
Paul Orndorff defeated SD Jones
Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo
Jimmy Snuka defeated Greg Valentine
Sgt. Slaughter defeated David Schultz
1985 - In Orlando, Florida, Hercules Hernandez defeats Brian Blair to win the Florida version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Title.
1985 - WWF ran Miami, FL, featuring in the following:
The Spoiler defeated Swede Hanson
The Missing Link defeated Aldo Marino
Bret Hart defeated Rick McGraw
The Junkyard Dog defeated Jim Neidhart
Ivan Putski defated Jesse Ventura via disqualification
Big John Studd defeated George Wells
Tito Santana defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion Greg Valentine in a non-title taped fist match
1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greensboro, NC at the Coliseum featuring:
Sam Houston defeated Joel Deaton
Buddy Landell defeated Denny Brown
NWA World Tag Team Champions Ivan & Nikita Koloff defeated Rocky Kernodle & Pat Tanaka
NWA World Champion Ric Flair & Jimmy Valiant defeated Superstar Billy Graham & the Barbarian
NWA World TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA via disqualification
1985 - WWF ran Toronto, Ontario in the Maple Leaf Gardens featuring:
Joey War Eagle fought Johnny V to a double countout at 12:31 when both men began brawling on the floor
George Steele defeated Matt Borne via submission with the flying hammerlock at 5:05
Barry O pinned Don Kolov at 8:45 with a forearm from the middle turnbuckle following a running powerslam
Bob Orton defeated Jimmy Snuka via count-out at 10:11 when Snuka knocked Orton back inside the ring just before the referee's 10-count. After the match, Snuka cleared Orton from the ring
Paul Orndorff defeated Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) via disqualification at 10:33 when Bob Orton Jr. interfered; after the bout, Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo made the save for Orndorff
Ricky Steamboat pinned Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny V) with a roll up from behind at 14:27 as Beefcake argued with the referee after he thought he had won the match but Steamboat's foot was on the ropes
WWF Women's Champion Wendi Richter pinned the Fabulous Moolah at 12:41 after reversing a powerslam from the apron into an inside cradle
Mike Rotundo & Barry Windham defeated WWF Tag Team Champions the Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff via countout at 12:42 when the champions left ringside; there were two referees for the match
1986 - WWF ran Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the Mecca featuring the following results:
King Tonga & Sivi Afi (substituting for Danny Spivey) defeated the Moondogs
David Sammartino defeated Paul Christy
Paul Orndorff defeated Bob Orton.
The Iron Sheik defeated Lanny Poffo
George Steele defeated Rene Goulet
Nikolai Volkoff defeated Cpl. Kirchner
Tito Santana defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Randy Savage by disqualification
1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Greenville, SC with the following results:
The Italian Stallion defeated Thunderfoot
Baron Von Raschke defeated Rocky Kernodle
Don Kernodle defeated Black Bart via disqualification
NWA World Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey defeated Manny Fernandez & Hector Guerrero
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Jimmy Garvin in a Texas Death Match
Dusty Rhodes & The Rock N' Roll Express defeated NWA World Champion Ric Flair, NWA National Heavyweight Champion Tully Blanchard & NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson in an elimination match
1987 - The Rock N' Roll Express defeat Manny Fernandez & Rick Rude for the NWA World Tag Team Title... or do they? Rude and Fernandez were the reigning champions, when Rude left for the WWF. On some of the NWA syndicated TV shows, it was announced that Rude was injured, and being replaced on the championship team by Ivan Koloff. However, Fernandez then left the NWA, so a "phantom" title change was created. The NWA claimed on television that the Rock N' Roll Express won the belts in Spokane, Washington on this date from Rude & Fernandez, and then aired footage of "the match". In truth, they just aired the ending of an old match where the Rock N' Roll Express won and claimed it was the title change.
1987 - Hacksaw Jim Duggan and the Iron Sheik were arrested together on charges of drug possession after they were pulled over by police on the New Jersey Turnpike en route to a WWF card in Asbury Park, NJ. The two wrestlers, who were feuding at the time, were pulled over when a trooper saw Duggan drinking a can of beer while driving. Duggan was charged with possession of marijuana and drinking alcohol while driving. The Iron Sheik was charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana. Duggan would receive a conditional discharge, while Sheik was put on probation for a year.
The pair eventually made it to the WWF event and worked it without telling WWE management about the arrest. When the arrests broke in the media, with the media paying far closer attention to the idea that two wrestlers feuding with each other were riding in the same car, WWF fired them both. Duggan would return a few months later, while Sheik would be not return for several years.
Believe it or not, The Iron Sheik actually gave an interview months later where, in an attempt to maintain kayfabe, claimed that he didn't have a driver's license in the U.S. and the WWF forced him to travel with Duggan to the show. In his 2012 autobiography, Duggan claimed that Sheik was stuck at the airport and asked for a ride. It was the first and only time they ever traveled together.
1987 - WWF ran Flint, Michigan at The Sports Arena, featuring:
Outback Jack defeated Steve Lombardi
Ron Bass defeated SD Jones
The Islanders defeated Don Muraco & Bob Orton.
The Can-Am Connection, Rick Martel & Tom Zenk defeated Kamala & Sika
Brutus Beefcake defeated Johnny V.
WWF Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation, Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart defeated The British Bulldogs, Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid in a steel cage match
1989 - Eric Embry defeats Super Zodiac (Gary Young) to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, beginning Embry's second reign.
1989 - WWF ran Peterborough, Ontario at the Memorial Centre, featuring the following results:
Tim Horner pinned Barry Horowitz
The Honkytonk Man defeated Hillbilly Jim
Bret Hart fought Mr. Perfect to a draw
Dino Bravo pinned Hercules Hernandez
The Genius pinned Jim Powers
Big John Studd & King Jim Duggan defeated Andre the Giant & Haku
1990 - Pierroth, Jr. & Besita Salvaje defeat Angel Azteca & Atlantis for the Mexico National Tag Team Title in Puebla, Mexico.
1990 - WWF ran Emmitsburg, MD at The Knott Arena featuring the following results:
Paul Diamond pinned Jim Powers
Koko B. Ware defeated Black Bart
Akeem pinned Hillbilly Jim with a splash
The Warlord pinned Tito Santana
The Rockers, Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty defeated the Orient Express via count-out
Brutus Beefcake defeated the Genius via submission with the sleeper
Earthquake pinned Hacksaw Duggan after Jimmy Hart interfered
1990 - WWF ran Auburn Hills, MI at the Palace with the following results:
Tugboat defeated the Brooklyn Brawler
WWF Tag Team Champion Demolition Smash fought Bret Hart to a double disqualification
Jake Roberts defeated Bad News Brown
Mr. Perfect defeated Hercules
Rick Martel defeated Ron Garvin
Sensational Sherri defeated Sapphire
Dusty Rhodes defeated Randy Savage
1991 - WWF ran Yakima, Washington with the following results:
IRS pinned Jimmy Snuka
Bret Hart pinned the Barbarian
The Warlord fought Kerry Von Erich to a double countout
Road Warrior Animal pinned WWF Tag Team Champion Jerry Saggs
Greg Valentine pinned Crush
The Big Bossman pinned the Mountie
The Ultimate Warrior defeated the Undertaker via disqualification
1992 - WWF ran Tucson, AZ at the Convention Center featuring:
Kato defeated Dale Wolfe (Dusty Wolfe)
Rick Martel pinned Tito Santana
Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware defeated the Nasty Boys via countout
Crush defeated Repo Man
The Legion of Doom defeated the Beverly Brothers
WWF Intercontinental Champion Bret Hart pinned Shawn Michaels
The Ultimate Warrior pinned Papa Shango
1993 - WWF ran Kitchener, Ontario at the Memorial Auditorium, featuring:
Virgil defeated Damien Demento
Papa Shango defeated Tito Santana
Bob Backlund defeated Blake Beverly
Yokozuna defeated Jim Duggan
The Headshrinkers defeated the Smoking Gunns
Mr. Perfect defeated Shawn Michaels
Bret Hart defeated Lex Luger via disqualification
1993 - WWF ran Brockville, Ontario at Memorial Centre with:
Tatanka defeated Razor Ramon
Doink the Clown defeated Crush
Owen Hart defeated Terry Taylor
The Undertaker defeated Giant Gonzalez
WWF Tag Team Champions Money Inc., Ted Dibiase & IRS defeated Rick & Scott Steiner
1995 - IWGP World Champion Great Muta pinned Steve Austin with a backbreaker and the moonsault after Austin kicked out of a cover following a hurricanrana off the top at a New Japan Pro Wrestling event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
1995 - WWF ran Calgary, Alberta at the Corral featuring:
Techno Team 2000 defeated Tom Prichard & Mantaur (substituting for Jimmy Del Rey)
Jean Pierre Lafitte defeated Virgil
Hakushi defeated Doink the Clown
Tatanka defeated Man Mountain Rock
Skip defeated Barry Horowitz
Razor Ramon defeated WWF Intercontinental champion Jeff Jarrett via disqualification
Jacob & Eli Blu defeated the New Headshrinkers
Bret Hart pinned Psycho Sid
1996 - The worst technical disaster in wrestling Pay-per-view history took place at the WWF In Your House VIII: "Beware Of Dog" event in Florence, South Carolina. After the opening match of Marc Mero defeating Hunter Hearst Helmsley, a massive thunderstorm knocked out power to the building, and fans across the country got to watch a blue screen for the next hour or so, with Vince McMahon briefly appearing (thanks to an emergency generator) to explain the situation. The power was restored in time to show the main event, which saw WWF Champion Shawn Michaels battle Davey Boy Smith to a no-contest. WWF, at great expense, held a "make up" Pay-per-view two days later, holding the other three advertised matches live and re-airing the Mero-HHH and HBK-Smith matches. It should be noted that the live crowd were treated to matches during the blackout, with emergency lights used to light the building.
Here are the results of the show:
- The Smoking Gunns defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Godwinns to win the championship. This match aired on the Free-For-All.
- Bob Holly defeated Isaac Yankem. This match aired on the Free-For-All.
- Marc Mero defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley by blocking a Pedigree and catapulting Helmsley over the turnbuckles and into the ringpost.
- Savio Vega defeated Steve Austin in a strap match. This match was only seen in the arena due to the power outage.
- Yokozuna defeated Vader. This match was only seen in the arena due to the power outage.
- WWF Intercontinental Champion Goldust defeated The Undertaker. This match was only seen in the arena due to the power outage.
- Jake Roberts defeated Justin Bradshaw. This match was only seen in the arena due to the power outage, and was never scheduled for the PPV.
- WWF World Champion Shawn Michaels vs. Davey Boy Smith ended in a double pin after Shawn Michaels gave Smith a German suplex, and both men had their shoulders on the mat for the three count. The power outage ended during this match, leading to an obviously angered Michaels loudly complaining in the ring about the situation.
Dark Matches after the PPV went off the air:
- Ahmed Johnson defeated Jerry Lawler. .
- Ultimate Warrior defeated Owen Hart.
1997 - WCW Monday Nitro drew a 3.1 for the first hour and a 3.4 for the second, averaging out at a 3.25. The taping, held in Nashville, TN at the Municipal Auditorium, featured:
Juventud Guerrera & Hector Garza & Super Calo defeated La Parka & Damien 666 & Ciclope at 6:25 when Garza pinned Ciclope with a powerbomb and reverse somersault splash
Psychosis pinned Alex Wright at 4:09 with a legdrop off the top
Wrath pinned Mark Starr at 2:34 with a uranage
Konnan defeated Villano IV via submission with the Tequilla Sunrise at 3:10
The Great Muta (with Sonny Onoo) fought Masahiro Chono to a no contest when Muta sprayed mist into Onoo's face and revealed he had joined the nWo
The Barbarian pinned Jim Powers at 3:18; after the bout, Chris Benoit appeared and challenged Barbarian to a match the following week
The Giant defeated Rick Fuller, Jerry Flynn, & Johnny Swinger in a handicap match at 2:16 after hitting the chokeslam on all three
Harlem Heat defeated Jeff Jarrett & Steve McMichael (with Debra) at 10:07 when Jarrett was pinned after McMichael, seeing Kevin Greene was commentating the match, walked out
A dark match held before the taping saw Chris Benoit defeated Joey Maggs.
1997 - Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin defeat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog to win the WWF Tag Team Titles at RAW is WAR in Evansville, Indiana. Raw scored a 2.275 in the first hour and went up a full point in the second, averaging a 2.775. Complete results of the taping saw:
The Legion of Doom defeated Brian Pillman & Jim Neidhart via disqualification at 4:24 when Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith interfered as Pillman was set up for the Doomsday Device; after the bout, Shawn Michaels and Steve Austin made the save before brawling with one another
D-Lo Brown pinned Bob Holly at 3:09 with a Tiger Bomb
KOTR Quarter-Finals: Jerry Lawler pinned Goldust at 5:19 with his feet on the ropes; after the match, Goldust knocked Lawler all the way down the ramp
Rocky Maivia pinned Flash Funk at 3:34 with a crossbody off the top after the Headbangers came ringside, with one of them hitting Funk with his boombox
Ahmed Johnson pinned Vader with a spinebuster at 3:05; had Vader won, he would have earned Ahmed's spot in the KOTR tournament; Ken Shamrock did guest commentary for the match
Hunter Hearst Helmsley (w/ Chyna) pinned Rockabilly (w/ the Honkytonk Man) at 3:16 with the Pedigree after Chyna blocked Honky's interference and hit him with his own guitar
Steve Austin & Shawn Michaels defeated WWF Tag Team Champions Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith to win the titles at 13:25 when Austin pinned Smith after Michaels hit the superkick behind the referee's back; after the bout, Austin grabbed his title belt and left ringside to attack Bret Hart on the ramp while Smith, Owen, Brian Pillman, and Jim Neidhart attacked Michaels inside the ring; during the bout, Bret, Pillman, and Neidhart watched on from the ramp; if the champions had won, they would defend the titles as scheduled against the Legion of Doom at the King of the Ring but if the challengers won then they would defend against the LOD the following week.
In other bouts at the taping, Jesse Jammes defeated Steven Dunn in a dark match.
WWE Shotgun results::
Phinneas Godwinn (w/ Henry Godwinn) fought Blackjack Bradshaw (w/ Blackjack Windham) to a double count-out
The Headbangers defeated Flash Funk & Rocky Maivia via disqualification when Maivia used the Headbangers' boombox as a weapon
Tony Williams pinned Scott Taylor by reversing a roll up
A dark match after the taping ended saw Farooq, Savio Vega & Crush defeated WWF World Champion the Undertaker, Vader, & Mankind (w/ Paul Bearer) when Farooq pinned Vader with a roll up
1998 - WWF ran Moncton, Ontario at the Coliseum featuring the following results:
WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Taka Michinoku defeated Brian Christopher with a roll up
Kurrgan defeated D-Lo Brown with the Paralyzer
The Headbangers defeated the Quebecars
Bradshaw pinned Marc Mero with the lariat
The Undertaker defeated Kane on a disqualification when Paul Bearer interfered
Jeff Jarrett pinned Steve Blackman with Tennessee Lee's help
Farooq defeated Owen Hart
WWF Tag Team Champions New Age Outlaws, Road Dogg & Billy Gunn defeated DOA
WWF champion Steve Austin pinned WWF European Champion Triple H. Dude Love was the special time keeper but left ringside after being beat up by the champion early on
1998 - WCW ran Memphis, TN at the Mid-South Coliseum featuring:
Ernest Miller defeated Yuji Nagata
The Barbarian defeated Kenny Kaoas
Konnan defeated Hugh Morrus
Davey Boy Smith defeated Robbie Rage
WCW U.S. Champion Bill Goldberg defeated Perry Saturn
Lex Luger defeated the Giant
Sting defeated Bret Hart
1999 - WCW ran Savannah, GA at the Civic Center, featuring the following results:
Juventud Guerrera defeated Blitzkrieg
Vampiro defeated Lash Laroux
Stevie Ray & Brian Adams defeated Fit Finlay & Dave Taylor
Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Hak (Sandman) in a hardcore match
Jim Duggan defeated Bobby Duncum Jr.
Buff Bagwell defeated Curt Hennig
WCW World Champion Kevin Nash defeated Randy Savage via disqualification
2000 - The Necro Butcher defeats Canyon for the vacant NWA Texas Hardcore Title in North Richland Hills, Texas, beginning his third reign. Also, at the same show, Rodney Begnaud (Rodney Mack) defeats Mike Fox to win his third NWA Texas Heavyweight Title.
2000 - Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Toledo, Ohio at the Seagate Convention Center, taping ECW on TNN. The taping featured the debut of former WCW star Tony Mamaluke, who would remain with ECW until the company closed in 2001. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
Extreme Championship Wrestling taped "ECW on TNN" on Saturday 5/26 from the Seagate Convention Center in Toledo, Ohio.
In the opening contest, Los Angeles' Shawn "Shocker" Evans took on Miami's Jorge Estrada. Estrada started out working over Evans' arm. Evans came back with a powerslam. Estrada vaulted off the ropes with a bodypress. Evans hit a Russian legsweep for a two count, then drilled him with a short arm clothesline. He followed up with a neckbreaker. Estrada came back to hit a swinging neckbreaker of his own. He hit a modified bulldog, then went to the air with a flying bodypress for the pin.
Toledo, Ohio's hometown son, Chilly Willy came out to face Chris Hamrick. Toledo danced to Willy's ring music, giving "The Ghetto Superstar" a tremendous reaction. Hamrick hammered Willy early, but it did not faze the big man, who hit a tremendous Belly to Belly suplex. Willy took him over with an armdrag. Hamrick hit a legdrop off the top rope but was unable to score a pinfall. Hamrick attempted to jump onto Willy, who moved, and Hamrick hit nothing but air, crashing to the concrete floor below. Willy finished him off with a suplex into a modified Michinoku Driver.
Simon Diamond made his way to the ring with his entourage, "Prodigy" Tom Marquez, Prodigette, Mitch, and the Musketeer, as well as his tag team partner, Swinger. Dastardly Danny Doring and Roadkill then made their way to the ring receiving a warm reception from Toledo. Simon then informed everyone, to their surprise, that he had a problem. His problem was Danny and Roadkill, who he insults. They don't take it well and jump Diamond and Swinger. Simon gets tossed to the floor, and Roadkill prepares to jump off the ropes, but The Prodigy shoves him off. Swinger and Diamond doubleteam Doring. Danny hits the bearback on Simon. Roadkill gets the tag and cleans house on Diamond and Swinger. Roadkill hits the dirt road slam. Mitch tries to break up the count, by kicking Roadkill and starts dancing in happiness.
Roadkill gets up unfazed and suplexes Mitch. The Prodigy and Prodigette attempt to interfere, but Roadkill hits a springboard clotheslines off the ropes on them. The Musketeer fared no better. Danny and Roadkill hit the Lancaster Lariat of Lust and the Buggy Bomb on Swinger for the pinfall.
The Muscle of the Baldies, Grimes, took on Kid Kash in the next contest. Kash took down Grimes with Headscissors, then took to the air with a double springboard hurancanrana. The third time was not the charm for Kash going to the air, as he missed a springboard off the top rope. Grimes savagely struck with a interted running powerbomb. Grimes missed a charge in the corner, and flew over the top to the floor. Kash hit a springboard twisting senton onto Grimes in the aisle. Back in the ring, Kash hit a somersalt into a leaping hurancanrana. Grimes missed a senton off the top rope. Kash hit a victory roll for the pinfall.
DeVito and Angel hit the ring and attacked Kash, hitting him with a double flapjack. All three Baldies mugged Kash, leading to the appearance of the
Original Gangsta, New Jack, armed with his magic trash can calvacade. Kash took the distraction of Jack coming out to attack Grimes and brawl to the back with him. Jack attacked the Baldies using a fork, a crutch and other instruments of torture, then went to the top and hit the 187 off the top
rope. Jack pinned Angel and referee Mike Kehner counted the fall. Hey, this is ECW after all! Your winner, New Jack! New Jack brought a young fan into the ring to celebrate with him.
Raven made his way to a tremendous reaction then sat in the corner of the ring. Joey Styles and Joel Gertner then made their way to the ring for the
TNN opening segment. After Joey opened the show and Joel Gertner introduced himself, Joey attempted to get some "uninterrupted comments" with Raven.
Raven says that some say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but Justin Credible stole Raven's look, Raven's girl, and Raven's title. He says
the difference between him and Justin is that it doesn't bother Raven to be compared to Satan. Justin Credible and Francine came out, and Raven dared him to get in the ring.
The ECW World Heavyweight champion and the morose slacker began to brawl, but Justin soon nails That's Incredible and leaves Raven laying. Several officials hit the ring, but Scotty Anton, with Cyrus come out. Anton attacks Dreamer, who rolls out of the ring and brawls to the back with Credible.
Referee H.C. Loc tries to stop them and when Cyrus questions what he is doing, Loc tells him he is going to stand up to the Network, and is clubbed
from behind by Anton. Cyrus mocks Loc as Anton beats him. Cyrus tells Anton to do his gimmick and Anton begins clapping his hands. Cyrus says everyone wants to see the clap and it is a gimmick for the new century, but Toledo is not impressed. Anton and Cyrus leave "The Extreme Official" laying in the ring.
Little Guido's ring music begins and he makes his way to the ring, leading Tony Mamaluke, last seen in WCW as Joey Marinara. Mamaluke's opponent, Mikey Whipwreck then came to the ring to the serene sounds of the Sinister Minister's cackling. Mamaluke goes for a headscissors but is cut off by a Mikey clothesline. Mikey follows up with a slingshot guillotine legdrop with Mamaluke draped over the ring apron. Mikey goes for a flapjack, but Mamaluke reverses it into a DDT in midair. Mamaluke misses a corkscrew dive onto Mikey on the floor and splatters on the railing chestfirst. Mikey hits his spinning inverted butterfly powerbomb for the pin. Guido hits the ring but Mikey hits the Whippersnapper. The Minister comes in the ring, but Sal E. Graziano comes out and grabs him. Mikey tosses powder in is eyes and gets out of dodge with the Minister. In a fit of rage, the blinded Graziano grabbed Tony Mamaluke and pressed him above his head, throwing him into the crowd below.
The Dangerous Alliance of C.W. Anderson and Billy Wiles, made their way to the ring, led by Elektra and Lou E. Dangerously. Their opponents, Nova and Chris Chetti then came to the ring. Dangerously took the mic and said that everyone knows that the ECW World Tag Team championships are vacant. He asked if everyone actually wants to see Nova and Chetti as the champions, and the crowd cheered.
Lou E. says that it will never happen because he is the owner, booker, and Executive Producer of Extreme Championship Wrestling, and he is a Psycho Yuppie from Scarsdale, New York.
The match began and Nova hit a bulldog on Wiles while Chetti hit a vaulting kick on Anderson. Nova leaped over Anderson and hit a plancha on Wiles. Chetti hit a sliding kick on Anderson that sent him racing all the way up the aisle. Wiles knocked Chetti to the floor and the Dangerous Alliance began doubleteaming him.
Wiles stretched Chetti with a submission move, but Nova broke it up. Anderson pummeled Chetti in the corner while Nova yelled words of encouragement. Anderson hits a spinebuster, but misses a running charge into the corner. Nova is tagged in and hits a running neckbreaker on Anderson and a chickenwing swinging DDT out of the corner on Wiles. Chetti hits the Amityville Horror, and Nova does him one better with the Swanton bomb, for a two count. Lou E. Dangerously jumped in the ring, but Jazz hit the ring and went after him. Elektra tried to jump Jazz but Jazz caught her and powerslammed her. Jazz went after Lou again, but was superkicked by CW Anderson.
Chetti got Dangerously's phone and nailed Anderson with it. Nova hit the stunned Anderson with the Nova-caine, and that was it. A three count later, your winners are Nova and Chetti. The ECW World Television champion Rhino, with Steve Corino made his way to the ring for his championship defense against the Hardcore Icon the Sandman, the first in a trifecta of main events. The Sandman made his grand entrance from the top of the building as the Toledo fans exploded. Sandman pointed to the entranceway, and the legendary "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes came to ringside.
The match started with the Sandman pummeling away on the monstrous Rhino. They brawl around the ring, and a table is tossed into the ring. The Sandman tried to position it in the corner, but Rhino attacked him from behind. Sandman came back to hit a drunkencanrana off the top rope on Rhino. Jack Victory made his way to ringside. Sandman hit a piledriver and began caning Rhino. Steve Corino and Jack Victory jumped in the ring and overpowered the Sandman. Dusty Rhodes jumped in the ring and began throwing bionic elbows as the crowd chanted his name. They overpowered Dusty and Yoshihiro Tajiri hit the ring. The brawl settled to Rhino and Tajiri who hit his trademark handspring elbow. Scotty Anton, the newest disciple of the Network hit the ring. Rob Van Dam and Bill Alfonso ran out to even up the odds for Extrem Championship Wresting!!
RVD hit a kick off the top rope, clearing over Scotty Anton, on Rhino. Jerry Lynn came out but it was unclear to see what his motives were and he left separately. RVD then hit the sprinting senton over the ropes to the floor on the Network. The Hardcore Heroes gathered in the ring and the Sandman asked the crowd is they wanted to see "R-V-D drink a B-E-R?" They did, so RVD, the Icon, The Japanese Buzzsaw, The American Dream, and the Manager of Champions all cracked open a few cold ones to the delight of the fans in Toledo.
"The New Fn' Show" Jerry Lynn made his way to the ring for the second main event, a World Heavyweight championship challenge against Justin Credible, with Francine. Francine was wearing a HOT red outfit. Credible took the mic at the opening bell, and tells the crowd that they are lucky a true talent and World champion like him would even grace a slum like Toledo, but he will show them what wrestling and the World championship is all about.
After some counterwrestling, both men reverse tombstone attempts, and Lynn hits headscissors on Justin. Credible lands outside the ring, Lynn follows and Irish whips him into the guardrail. Back inn the ring, Lynn cores with an enzigiri, but before he can follow up, Francine jumps on his back. He flips her over, but Credible hits him with a superkick. He beats on Lynn in the corner, then pulls him out into a Tiger Driver. Credible works Lynn over with a chinlock. Lynn comes back to hit a sunset flip, but Credible cuts him off with a sideslam. Lynn whips Credible into the corner, where he flips over to the apron. Lynn knocks him to the floor, then hits a plancha.
Lynn hits a tornado DDT off the top rope, and goes for suplex, but Credible reverses it into an inverted DDT. He positions a table in the corner, and tries to suplex Lynn into it, but Lynn reverses. After several counters, Lynn hiptosses Credible into the table, shattering it. Lynn gets several two counts but is unable to pin Credible. Lynn whips Credible out of the corner, but Justin reverses it and Lynn takes out the referee, Francine tries to interfere, but Lynn grabs her and spanks her. He sets her up for a cradle piledriver, but Justin grabs him and sets him for That's Credible. Lynn kicks up and goes for a small package but doesn't get the pin. Credible scores with That's Incredible and gets the pin. Jerry Lynn got a nice ovation as he left the Arena.
The third and final main event of the evening then took place as Balls Mahoney faced "The Whole Fn' Show" Rob Van Dam, with the Manager of Champions, Bill Alfonso. As they entered the ring, there was some Extreme Karaoke, as the Toledo fans sang along to the ring music of both men. Van Dam and Balls showed respect by shaking hands before the match.
After some counterwrestling, Rob hit a splash off the top on Balls. Balls went for a spinkick on Van Dam, but Van Dam ducked and Balls went sailing to the floor. Van Dam dove down on Balls. They battle around the ringside area. Balls hammers RVD. Balls goes to the top but Van Dam catches him and hits a superplex into the ring. Van Dam backflip off the ropes and dropkicks a chair into Balls' face. Van Dam hits a backflipping splash for a two count. Van Dam goes for a bodypress off the ropes but gets caught and slammed down. Balls hits a frog splash off the top rope for a two count.
Balls gets his steel chair and destroys it over the head of Rob Van Dam. He goes for a pinfall but Bill Alfonso jumps in the ring. Balls shoves him
down. This gives Van Dam a chance to recover and with Fonzie's help, he puts a chair over Balls and hits a somersalt into a senton on Balls for a two
count.
Then battle goes to the top rope, where Balls catches Van Dam with the nutcracker suite off the top but is too spent to make the cover. He finally
does and gets a two count. Balls goes for his chair, but Bill Alfonso grabs it. Fonzie and Balls argue giving Van Dam a chance to leap to the top rope,
come off with a kick to the back of the head and score the pinfall.
Notes: Joe C of Kid Rock fame was in attendance watching the show...Dawn Marie was at the show and signed autographs.
2001 - The Messiah defeats New Jack for the XPW Heavyweight Title.
2001 - WWF ran Salt Lake City, UT with the following results:
Spike Dudley pinned Crash Holly with the Dudley Dog
Jeff Hardy pinned Billy Gunn with the Swanton
WWF Light Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lynn pinned Eddie Guerrero by using the middle ropes for leverage
X-Pac & Justin Credible defeated the Dudley Boyz, the Acolytes, and Perry Saturn & Dean Malenko in an elimination match
WWF European Champion Matt Hardy pinned Edge after Lita interfered
WWF Hardcore Champion the Big Show pinned Test with the chokeslam
The Undertaker pinned Kurt Angle with the chokeslam
WWF Intercontinental champion Kane pinned Rhyno with the chokeslam
WWF Tag Team Champions Chris Benoit & Chris Jericho defeated WWF World Champion Steve Austin & William Regal when Benoit pinned Austin after Jericho hit Austin with one of the tag title belts
2002 - Homicide defeats Dixie for the Jersey All Pro Heavyweight Title.
2002 - TNA began announcing timeslots for different markets on The Fox Sports Network.
2002 - WWE broadcast Heat. John Keane filed the following TV report:
Heat Report for 5/26/2002.
Matches taped on 5/20 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Your Announcers: Jonathan Coachman and Raven.
Show opens with the creepy Judgment Day promo package. Why?
Pyros explode, Coach and Raven welcome us in, and we get straight to work..
1st Match: D’lo Brown vs. Justin Credible.
Crowd digs D’lo, hates Justin. Circle, lockup, D’lo slaps on a side headlock, Justin elbows out. D’lo off ropes, shoulder block sends Justin down. D’lo off ropes, over Justin, off ropes again, Justin up, tries for a hiptoss, blocked, D’lo scores with hiptoss and armdrag, Justin down. D’lo applies an armbar, Justin to feet, scores with a forearm to face, breaks hold. D’lo to corner, Justin lays in boot, punch, attempts whip, reversed, Justin to corner. D’lo charges, Justin gets a leg up, D’lo catches boot, hauls Justin to center of ring, drops him to mat, D’lo scores rolling leg-whip (? Sorry, need help with names occasionally), both men up, Justin the worse for wear. Justin to ropes, D’lo in with kick, punches, whips Justin off ropes, misses with a clothesline, Justin off again, scores DDT, D’lo down. Justin lays in boot, sets D’lo in corner, lays in chop, punches, kick to kidney, D’lo down in corner. Justin scores trademark sit-down powerbomb, good for 2. Justin hits a snapmare, applies reverse chin-lock, ref goes to check on D’lo, drops the arm once, twice, stays up at 3. D’lo to feet, elbows out of hold, Justin counters with rake to eyes, D’lo to knees. Justin slams D’lo’s head into turnbuckles, kick sends him down. Justin to opposite corner, goes for baseball slide, D’lo evades, Justin crotched on ring post. Both up slowly, D’lo blocks a punch, scores one of his own, Justin down. Another punch, Justin again down and up, D’lo sends him off ropes, scores modified flapjack (thanks Raven, I appreciate you even if Coach doesn’t), Justin down. D’lo scores his famous legdrop, covers for 2. Justin to ropes, D’lo attempts whip, reversed, D’lo off ropes, swinging inverted facebuster (that name thing again) sends Justin down for 2. D’lo goes up top, Justin to feet, D’lo flies, Justin superkicks him to mat, rolls D’lo up for 2. Justin brings D’lo up, attempts whip, D’lo puts on brakes, hits the Sky High, gets the 1-2-3.
Winner: D’lo Brown. (Hey, if you know the real names of D’lo’s moves, please let me know. Always willing to learn.)
Coach and Raven spend more time arguing than calling the match. Raven also sounds sick as a dog. Break.
Back, we recap the opening segment of last weeks Raw. New Undisputed Champ The Undertaker assaulted Rob Van Dam while he was on his way to the ring. Later in the night, RVD got a shot at the belt. He appeared to get the 1-2-3, but unknown to the ref, ‘Taker had his foot on the ropes at 2. Ric Flair, aghast at such shoddy officiating, ordered the match continued. ‘Taker than hit RVD with the Last Ride in short order to retain.
Lets get back to work
2nd Match: Tommy Dreamer vs. The Bossman.
Nice pop for Tommy, hatred/boredom for Bossman. Pre-match, we see clips of Tommy doing his new ‘I’ll eat anything’ gimmick. The two circle, go to lock up, Bossman scores with a kneelift, forearms Tommy to corner. Bossman in with uppercuts, headbutt, legendary bastion of fair play and sportsmanship Referee Nick Patrick warns him off. (There’s my solitary reference to my personal hero.) Bossman whips Tommy to opposite corner, charges, scores corner splash, goes to second turnbuckle, Tommy counters with reverse Atomic Drop, clothesline, Bossman down, Tommy off the ropes, drops the elbow, covers for 2. Up, Tommy goes off ropes, ducks a clothesline, off again, Bossman scores with a shoulder, Tommy down. Bossman drags Tommy up, scores with another uppercut, Tommy staggers to corner. Bossman scores with palm to face, whips Tommy to opposite corner, Tommy to corner and down. Bossman slides out of ring, scores chop to Tommy’s face as he’s on ropes. Bossman back in, pauses to bask in crowds hatred, brings Tommy up, slaps on headlock. Tommy elbows out, goes off ropes, Bossman scores with Big Boot, Tommy down for a pair of 2-counts. Bossman slaps on another headlock, Tommy gets to feet, tries for bodyslam, Bossman too heavy, falls on top of Tommy for 2. Bossman tosses Tommy into turnbuckles, attempts whip, reversed, Bossman into corner, Tommy charges, Bossman gets both boots up to Tommy’s face. Tommy staggered, Bossman approaches, Tommy scores bodyslam out of nowhere, Bossman down and up, Tommy scores leg sweep, Bossman down, Tommy covers for 2. Tommy tries to set Bossman for Death Valley Driver, Tommy’s back seems to go out. Bossman takes quick advantage, hits Tommy with a spinebuster, gets a trio of 2-counts. Bossman argues with Nick (jackass), the 2 exchange shoves, Tommy scores the schoolboy roll-up, gets the 1-2-3.
Winner: Tommy Dreamer.
Backstage, Terri interviews Hardcore Champ Steven Richards (who looks like he’s been spending time in Hulk Hogan’s tanning booth). She asks how he likes his chances in his upcoming match, reminding him he won’t have his currently injured pal Jazz as backup. Steven appears confident and is about to go off on a rant about his opponent for the evening, Bradshaw, when the former APA member approaches from behind and greets ‘Wacko Stevie’ with a friendly slap to the back. Steven meekly attempts to hand over his belt-Bradshaw declines, says it’ll be more fun to win it. Steven is despondent. Break.
We return with recap of the closing segment of Smackdown. Hulk Hogan, defeated by ‘Taker for the Undisputed Championship at Judgment Day, attempted to announce his retirement. Mr. McMahon put the kibosh on that, stating that he had a signed contract that would keep the Hulkster working for him until he leaves in a box. Vince continued to talk smack until Hogan announced he’d postpone his retirement until after he’d kicked Vince’s butt. Hulk then laid into Vince, save made by The Undertaker. Break.
WWE Rewind: Last week on Raw, Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler gets a countout victory over Raven.
Coach tries to discuss the above with his broadcast partner. Raven WAY pissed, even refuses to read the spots. Back to the ring…
3rd Match: Shawn Stasiak vs. Spike Dudley.
Decent pop for Spike, not many people looking to hitch a ride to Planet Stasiak. Shawn attacks as Spike enters, laying in kicks and punches. Shawn whips Spike off ropes, goes for back body drop, Spike rolls over, rolls Shawn up for a quick 2. Up, Spike lays in chops, tries for whip, reversed, Spike to corner. Shawn charges, takes a boot to face. Spike to second rope, tries for flying clothesline, appears to injure shoulder, both men down. Shawn up quickly, in with kick, forearm, he brings Spike up, scores gutbuster, covers for 2. Both up, Spike in with chops, goes off ropes, Shawn scores with flying reverse elbow, Spike again down. Shawn channels the Ultimate Warrior, confers with the ceiling, returns to real world, chokes Spike on ropes, gets warned off by ref. Shawn brings Spike up, scores Cordbuster (thanks again Raven), Spike again down. Shawn brings Spike up, tosses him to mat, goes to cover, gets a 1-count…then goes back to chatting with the ceiling like some kind of idiot. Spike to corner, Shawn approaches, Spike scores head to gut, Dudley Dog, 1-2-3.
Winner: Spike Dudley.
We get our Tough Enough 2 recap. Female contestant Jackie decided to work through a leg injury and stay on the show. Pete and Anni were cut. 2 males and 2 females left, season finale this Thursday after Smackdown. Break.
Back, Coach attempts to discuss Judgment Day when Raven interrupts. He hits the ring, gets on the mic, whines about his treatment and announces he’s quitting (the announce gig or the Raw roster entirely? Unknown.). He heads up the ramp and we take a break.
We get a replay of Raven’s walkout. Looks like Coach flies solo for our main event…
4th Match; For the Hardcore Title: Bradshaw vs. champ Steven Richards.
Decent heat for Steven, big pop for Bradshaw. Comedy segment to start-Steven in the ring, Bradshaw tosses in all manner of hardcore plunder, Steven tosses it right back out. Bradshaw finally tosses in a set of ring steps-Steven can barely move it. Bradshaw enters, Steven bails, chase around the ring ensues. Steven re-enters, Bradshaw follows, Steven gets in a couple of trash can lid shots to little effect. Steven off ropes into a Big Boot, yep he’s down. He tries to get up, Bradshaw keeps him on canvas with a forearm to the back and a boot to the face. Steven finally up, Bradshaw knocks him goofy with trash can lid shots. Crash Holly, ref in tow, appears at ringside. Steven down at ropes, Crash lurks outside with a Stop sign. Bradshaw brings Steven up, sends him off ropes, misses with a clothesline, Steven off again, goes for a cross body, don’t think so, Bradshaw scores his trademark fallaway slam. Steven rolls from ring, Crash comes in, charges with the Stop sign, Bradshaw nonchalantly sidesteps, Crash into ropes bashing himself in the noggin with the sign. Bradshaw scores the NONCHALANT Clothesline from Hell, Crash is sent out of ring. Steven seizes the opportunity, covers Crash, gets the 1-2-3.
Winner and Still Hardcore Champion: Steven Richards.
Post-match, Steven grabs his belt and does the ‘Feets, do yo’ stuff!’ routine. Bradshaw gives chase-Slippery Stevie apparently makes his escape.
Coach hypes tomorrow nights Raw to end the show.
In the words of Bradshaw's former partner, ‘DAMN!’. Raven added a hell of a lot to the show. I honestly can’t believe he walked away from a reasonably high-profile gig. One hint though-during the matches, he stated that Shawn, Justin, and Tommy were in desperate need of guidance and leadership. He also had some kind words for Steven after his segment with Bradshaw. I’m usually the worst at guessing booking, but I really think we have a new Flock in the works. Maybe something will develop tomorrow night.
2002 - WWE Raw ran Red Deer, Alberta in Canada. Mitchell Spector filed the following results:
The show opened with Ric Flair announcing matches for later in the show.
Crash Holly beat Jacqueline.
Steven Richards put the Hardcore Title on the line against Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer beat him, then Raven ran down and beat Dreamer. Then, Richards won it back, and left.
William Regal beat Spike Dudley. He used the knux again.
Big Show, with help from X Pac, beat Bradshaw.
Brock Lesnar beat Bubba Ray Dudley.
Undertaker beat Rob Van Dam to retain the title.
Shawn Stasiak and D-Lo Brown beat Goldust and Justin Credible.
Trish Stratus beat Molly Holly to retain the Women's title.
Booker T. beat Matt Hardy.
Steve Austin beat Eddie Guerrero in a non title match. Austin drank a lot of beer after the match. Crowd looked to be less than 4,000.
2002 - WWE Smackdown ran Saskatoon in Canada. Robert Bailey filed the following live report:
The show opened with not one but TWO weddings, which involved I believe to be local people. The fact that these people chose to be married in a wrestling ring is in a word, sad. Nonetheless, the segment was hilarious. First off, instead of real wedding music, they came out to the cheesy rock-and-roll wedding music from the “flash Gordon” soundtrack. Few people made that connection I’m sure, but this was absolutely hilarious. Second, we saw the only “what?” chant of the evening, and it was loud. Lance storm (who was the best man, oddly enough), was trying desperately to restrain his laughter as the fans shouted “WHAT”” after every line. Serves them right for getting married in the middle of a ring.
Match 1- Yoshihiro Tajiri vs. Chavo Guerrero Jr. vs. The Hurricane (cruiserweight belt):
Tajiri came out to a great pop, Chavo… not so much, and the hurricane came out to an AMAZING pop! Of course, this was the opening match and the novelty of actually seeing the superstars was fresh (the WWF has not been here for a long time, and not since the WWF was not exactly the most popular thing going back in 1996/1997.) The match was good, but sweetened by the fact that the crowd popped for EVERY move, I mean every move. Started off slow with Tajiri being knocked out and Chavo and hurricane going at it, but once Tajiri got back in the mix there was a lot of double team between Chavo and Tajiri, which got good heat. It ended with the Anarchy Rulz ’99 Tajiri spot with Tajiri kicking hurricane, who is being held up by Chavo, and then kicking Chavo instead of hurricane the second time around. Some fans chanted for the vertebraker, which I find incredible. Hurricane nearly hit a double chokeslam spot. Match ended with hurricane hitting a chokeslam on Tajiri. Hurricane’s pop was amazing.
Winner: Hurricane
Match 2 – Christian vs. Funaki :
Initially, Christian got a huge ovation, but he got cheap heat by insulting Regina, saying it was the pimple on the butt of Canada and whatnot. This got him A LOT of heat. I couldn’t believe just how much heat he got after this. (some of the more rowdy crowd members were saying things I can’t repeat). Funaki got a fair pop, but only because he interrupted Christian. This was a fairly decent match, with lots of comedy. Much of the comedy was the same stuff we always see on TV between these two, so I don’t need to elaborate. Funaki very nearly messed up a tornado DDT and it looked really awkward. Christian got the pin.
Winner: Christian
Match 3 – Test vs. Maven:
Test got a good pop. He is well-liked. Maven got a mixed pop. Some fans obviously didn’t like him. Regina really has a thing for calling people gay. in EVERY match, at least one person of called gay, faggot, homo, etc. It’s like the ultimate insult or something? This match was the typical test fare, with test not doing too much except for a few impressive power moves, which stove the show. MAVEN KICKED OUT OF THE PUMP-HANDLE SLAM which I find unbelievable. In the end, Test got the win with a big boot.
Winner: Test
Match 4 – Billy and Chuck vs. Val Venis and Randy Orton:
Billy and chuck came out acting much gayer than on TV. Crowd was really into Venis and Orton. I could hear many people discussing Orton, and all of it was positive. I think the kid has serious potential. Orton and Venis put on B & C’s headband and started to act gay/ B & C got a lot of heat by refusing to wrestle at first, and nearly being counted out. The match was very hot the whole way through, with an incredible number of gay spots. Regina is very anti-gay I think, because the crowd reaction was great. Chuck started off with a gutwrench on Venis, and it looked very much like…. Er yeah, ahem. Billy then got into the as did Orton, with Billy really getting his hands all over Orton’s ass at one point. if I were gay, I would have felt very uncomfortable at the things being yelled by the fans. Orton was very old school during this part of the match. Venis got back in and was isolated for a while, but made a hot tag to Orton later. Chuck hit his belly-to-belly and it looked great. They did this hilarious spot where Billy was against the turnbuckle, and chuck was thrown against him, then they were repeatedly pounded by Venis and Orton charging against them. Chuck became dizzy and fell to his knees, then Billy became dizzy and, well let’s say the end result looked really wrong. Wrong, but very funny. They don’t do anywhere near this much on TV. Randy Orton got the win with a rollup out of nowhere, which was unexpected and didn’t come across well. B & C attacked Orton and Venis after the match.
Winner: Randy Orton and Big Valboski
Match 5 – Lance storm vs. Hardcore Holly;
This was put over as a “U.S. vs. Canada challenge”. Hardcore came out and cut a heel promo, but you couldn’t hear what he was saying because of the HEAT. The crowd was very pro-lance, but even more anti-holly. Holly didn’t have to do anything to get incredible heat. The crowd was more negative than positive in this match. There were far more “U.S. sucks” chants than “Canada” chants, which I find amusing. Overall the match itself was good, but I expected better. Lance storm got the win with a superkick. Overall the crowd was more alive for this match than any other, and that is hard to do because it was a very hot crowd throughout. Lance was 100% face and the crowd loved him.
Winner: Lance Storm
There was an intermission at this point.
Match 6 – D-von & Leviathan & Albert vs Hugh Morris & Billy Kidman & Mark Henry:
D-von had a “sermon” to read to us before the match started. Albert looks good when the lights are turned down, he comes across much better than he does on TV. Hugh Morris got an unexpectedly noticeable pop. I was disappointed with the pop Billy Kidman got, however, and there were some who didn’t realize who it was at first. Part of the reason was because he was wearing blue tights that were shorter (Speedo sized) and so lots didn’t pick up right away. Also, there were quite a few in a crowd who though Hugh Morris was D’lo Brown. (???). Mark Henry was over. The match was what you would expect. Overall quite decent. One low point was that when Billy was in the ring, they did a string of about 6 rest spots, and the crowd got tried of clapping for Kidman after about the 3rd or 4th one. Hugh Morris is amazingly charismatic, it’s weird. Mark Henry and Albert did a test of strength spot, and mark Henry slammed Albert which looked really impressive. I think Mark Henry is a great sports entertainer, It confuses me that so many smarks hate him so much. His offense comes across as very believable, unlike Hogan's or Nash's, etc. Crowd was into this match, expect when Kidman was in there with Albert, they were dead at that time. D-von hit Morris (think it was Morris) with the collection box. Match ended when Henry slammed Albert in a corner and Kidman hit the shooting star press. The Shooting star press got the absolute hugest and most insane pop of the night. IT WAS INCREDIBLE. I could barley see the move because every camera in the arena and then some went off at the same time. The pop for this move was deafening, every stood up, and they knew it was coming. This move is OVER. Overall a good match.
Winner: Kidman & Henry & Morris
Match 7 – Chris Jericho vs. Edge:
Some confusion at this point because it was supposed to be edge vs. Kurt angle in a no-DQ and then HHH vs. Jericho in a steel cage. Fans were confused and pissed off that this was not the case. Chants of “where’s the cage” took off for the remainder of the evening. Chris Jericho came out to a HUGE pop. He cut a promo against Regina and for himself (usual living legend stuff), which got great heat. He was very good at turning the crowd against him. Again, many “homo” and “you suck ****” chants from some of the more vocal fans. Jericho’s heat was very good. Out comes Edge, to an even more amazing pop, man this guy was over. He suggested that “Y2J” was not a good thing to call Jericho, and that “Y2gay” would be better. Boy, did the fans ever agree!!!!! “Y2gay” chants were abound throughout this match, and Jericho really worked the crowd. One notable thing is that Jericho ripped off his shirt and tossed it to the mat before the match. Edge took the shirt and threw it to the crowd, one piece going to the middle of the crowd, the other landing right outside the barricade. There was a huge fight for the shirt, and it was hilarious. The entire crowd, Y2J and edge all looked on astonishment as about 10 little kids beat up a teenager for the shirt, then fought for it amount themselves for like 4 minutes. Eventually Chris Jericho exited the ring to try and yell at the kids or something. A security guard took the shirt from the kids, which got huge heat. Not wanting to be booed, he gave it back, then the kids started fighting again.it was truly an unusual thing to see. Edge and Jericho were both laughing their assess off. In any event, the match was about as good as could be expect for a 5 minute affair between edge and Jericho, meaning that it was good, not great. Jericho played the heel wonderfully without cheating. Good near falls that had the crowd going. Y2J kicked out of the impaler/edgcutioner/edge-o-matic or whatever the hell you call it. The liontamer got a great pop. This was the only match with a ref bump. With the ref down, Jericho grabbed a steel chair. Him grabbing the chair got the second hugest pop of the evening, because everyone wanted to see a chair is used, and he was the first person to do so. Edge counted the attempted chair shot with a spear, (which also got a good pop) but the ref was down. In the end Chris Jericho got the pin with a breakdown with his foot on the ropes. Edge attacked him with a chair to the ribs afterwards, but no stiff chairshot. Edge sat on the chair in the middle of the ring for a while afterwards.
Winner: Jericho
Next was the Smackdown swimsuit challenge. Normally, I hate this crap, but DAMN Stacy and Torrie are F’n hot in person!!!! Ai ai ai. Some very, VERY crude and disgusting things being said by the people sitting behind me (I won’t repeat). It was at this time that I held up my “I came to see Benoit” sign. The challenge was between Stacy, Torrie and Ivory. Ivory gave and RTCish lecture, before Torrie and Stacy ripped off her bathrobe. Her bikini slipped and her bare breast was exposed. Crowd went ballistic. Ivory ran off and looked very legit embarrassed. Now, the real challenge. First, Stacey Keibler. Drool. Torrie was next, stripping her pretty pink robe. Egad she’s hot. Crowd legit cheered for Torrie more. Stacy attacked Torrie after. Torrie came back and ended up on top – literally. Meow. Anyway, now that that crap is over, it’s time for the main event.
MAIN EVENT – Triple H vs. Kurt Angle;
Kurt angle was loved and adored by the fans of Regina. Of course, they all chanted you suck. Funny how they loved and hated him at the same time, but I think everyone feels that way with angle (except the smarks, who simply love him). Kurt came out with his wig on, and looked goofy. Angle looked directly at my sign and clearly saw it, even smiled a little which made me feel good. My sign read “Olympic Hero, it’s true it’s true, I’ve got gold, how ‘bout you?” It was a great, stylish sign that everybody loved. In any case, HHH came out to a huge pop. Much of the crowd was rambling about the absence of the steel cage. The match was very good, with all the usual HHH and Angle spots. HHH kicked out of the Olympic slam, which surprised the crowd. This was the 3rd time that someone kicked out of a finisher tonight, which I find weird. The funniest spot came when HHH went to pull down angle’s tights and leave him with just a thong, as he has done on TV, but accidentally pulled down the thong as well, leaving angle with NOTHING!!! Fortunately, only in the rear, no salami (thank god). The icing on the cake was when Kurt was trying to pull his tights back up, HHH tore off Angle’s wig, revealing his bald head. I think He must have shaved his head again because his hair hadn’t grown back at all and it doesn’t take long for noticeable hair to appear (a 5’o clock shadow on your head) Maybe I’m wrong. In any event. Angle got the pedigree with a bald head and a bare ass.
Winner: HHH
After the match, HHH posed in the ring for a few minuets.
Overall, it was a great show. I don’t go to a lot of these (obviously) so I had a great time. One thing to note is that originally it was going to be edge vs. angle in a no-DQ match and Y2J vs. HHH in a steel cage. Why did they change it? In any case, the crowd was somewhat pissed and I can’t say I blame them. The WWE promised a cage, and we didn’t get it. As far as that goes, I was disappointed. I guess they would have trouble setting up the cage (though they should not have advertised that match), but there was no reason not to have a no-DQ match. The crowd desperately wanted to see steel chairs and whatnot, but they did not get too. Some very hot girls stole the attention form the show at one point, as they ran around the ring.
The show was in no way a sellout, Which I find very surprising. While the majority of the rear row cheap seats were full, there were a very large number of middle-priced seats empty. The tickets cost far too much considering the city. I am quite sad to report that only about 85-90% of the seats were full.
Biggest pop:
1. HHH
2. Hurricane
3. Edge
4. Jericho
5. Lance Storm
Biggest heat:
1. Hardcore Holly
2. Y2J
3. Billy and chuck
4. Christian
5. Angle (who got a good pop too)
2003 - WWE broadcast Raw. Tim Whitehead filed the following TV report:
The 5/26 edition of RAW IS AN INEVITABLE FLAIR HEEL TURN aired live from Mobile. I do wish they had let Ric Flair remain a babyface for his match against Shawn Michaels, but the past twenty years have seen many Flair babyface runs cut too short by an abrupt heel turn. Other than that, I liked the show, and I think they're building their first RAW PPV very well.
The show opened with footage of last week's confrontation and match between Flair and Triple H.
"Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels came down to the ring. He immediately introduced Flair, calling him the greatest world champion of all time. HBK bowed to Flair as the crowd chanted "Nature Boy". HBK told Flair that he represents everything that's great about the wrestling business. He added that the Nature Boy is the reason he wanted to be a wrestler, and again mentioned the promo Flair did fifteen years ago which inspired him to try to be the best. HBK fought back tears as he said he spent his whole career trying to reach Flair's level. Flair looked very emotional as HBK spoke. HBK said that he once thought he had become as great as Flair, but that Flair's performance last week against HHH showed that the Nature Boy is still the greatest there is. HBK asked Flair for a match, saying he wants to test himself against the greatest to see if he matches up. Flair, all choked up, said he passed the torch to HBK years ago and that HBK reached new heights and set new standards. He accepted HBK's match challenge, saying it would be an honor to wrestle him. This brought HHH out. HHH ridiculed Flair and HBK for their "mutual admiration society". He told Flair that it was he (HHH) who revived Flair's career six months ago when he took him on as his manager. He put Flair over as a kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine ridin', jet flyin' son of a gun, and agreed that Flair took him to the limit last week, but warned Flair not to bite the hand that feeds him. Flair responded by putting HHH over as the current champ, which he said proves he's the best there is right now, but added that he was tired of being subservient to HHH. HHH grew furious and called Flair an "old bastard", warning him that dire consequences will befall him if he turns against him. At this point, Eric Bischoff came out on the ramp top. He called Flair, HHH, and HBK the three biggest egos in the business. He liked the idea of a Flair vs. HBK match, but said it was too good to waste on Mobile, Alabama. So he announced that it will take place on the next PPV, called (ahem) "Eric Bischoff Presents Bad Blood". For the main event in Mobile, Bischoff ordered a Flair & HBK vs. HHH handicap match. This infuriated HHH, and drew a face pop. It also was enthusiastically endorsed by Jim Ross. In fact, it was seemingly a babyface ruling, and Bischoff was presented as a kinder, gentler guy for much of the show. Of course, given the outcome, it wasn't really a babyface ruling. HBK was being set up. The interaction between Flair and HBK in this segment was great.
JR & Jerry Lawler announced a poll on WWE.com. Apparently this will now be a weekly feature. This week's poll asked if Goldberg would spear Chris Jericho later on the Highlight Reel segment.
Booker T defeated Test in 5:20. It was announced that Booker will get a shot at Christian's IC Title at Bad Blood. Stacy Keibler came out with Test, and it was reported that she has decided to manage Test and Scott Steiner as separate singles wrestlers since they don't get along as a team. That means they'll end up fighting one another and she'll have to choose sides. Booker started off with chops and a lariat. Lawler said Booker's high school was so dangerous that its school paper ran obituaries. Test dropped Booker across the ropes. Test put the boots to Booker and lariated him. Booker came back with hard chops and a suplex. Booker hit some kicks, including a missile kick. Test bumped out. Booker went for a baseball slide, but Test shoved Stacy in front of him so she took the blow. Both JR & Lawler denounced Test over this. Test nailed Booker with the pump handle slam for a near fall. Steiner came out to help Stacy, carrying her to the back. Test was distracted by this, allowing Booker to hit the scissor kick for the pin.
HHH visited Steve Austin, whose face was all bruised and swollen. It looked like he was in some sort of accident recently. HHH asked about it and Austin said he fell in the shower. HHH started praising Austin, trying to get him to override Bischoff and cancel the handicap match. He endorsed the fine job Austin has been doing as general manager, praised his new T-shirt design, and put over his physique. Each time, Austin simply said, "The match is still on". HHH then went off on Austin, calling him trash and vowing to win the handicap match, noting that he always comes out on top in the end. Austin again said, "The match is still on". HHH stormed out.
Val Venis defeated Steven Richards in 2:28. Before the match, Venis sarcastically offered to make Victoria a platinum contract girl in his porn empire. He said her first film can be called "Victoria's Very Little Secret", in reference to Richards' alleged endowment. Trish Stratus did color commentary. She has at least one thing in common with the other female wrestlers who have tried color commentary: She isn't good at it. She blamed Victoria for busting her lip at Judgment Day. As for the match, Venis won with a spinebuster and the money shot.
Jonathan Coachman interviewed Kevin Nash about his upcoming Hell in the Cell title shot against HHH. Nash admitted that he's been a little out of control lately, but said anyone else would behave that way if their best friend turned on them. He claimed HHH is on the run, knowing that he'll lose the belt at Bad Blood. Nash concluded by expressing hope that Flair & HBK would kick HHH's ass in the handicap match.
Terri interviewed Christian. He boasted that his new haircut cost $700 and ridiculed Mobile for being named after a gas station. Goldust, who had a non-title match scheduled against Christian, came up and began doing the spasm routine. He said Christian will lose the title to Booker at Bad Blood. Christian pointed to the big C on his tights and said it stands for champion. Booker arrived and said it stands for chump, and said he'll take the IC Title in Houston, sucka!
Bischoff asked Austin what he thought of the HBK vs. Flair match he booked for Bad Blood. Austin liked it but was angry that Bischoff was calling the show "Eric Bischoff Presents Bad Blood". Austin said it should be "Steve Austin Presents". Bischoff complained that Austin was offering the PPV free to anyone in the U.S. armed forces and they argued about that. By the way, that's a nice gesture on the part of WWE. Bischoff noted that they end up arguing every week and suggested that they need to have a competition of some kind, I guess to get it out of their system. Austin wanted a match, but Bischoff quickly nixed that idea. However, they shook hands and agreed to find some form of competition for the PPV.
Hour two began with a Memorial Day celebration scheduled by Austin. Lilian Garcia kicked it off by singing "America the Beautiful". However, she barely got started before La Resistance came out, waving the French flag. They ran down the U.S. as being barbaric and claimed France is a civilized, peaceful nation. Good thing they didn't mention the name Robespierre. As expected, Austin came out. He threw Sylvan Grenier from the ring and gave Rene Dupree a stunner. He flipped both of them off as they fled. Austin then started doing a serious promo to praise those who gave their lives wearing the uniform of the U.S. military, but the "whats" made a mockery of it, so he quickly switched to talking about drinking beer. Austin admitted that he can't sing, but wanted to do an "America the Beautiful" duet with Lilian. They sang, and Austin was bad, but it came off as entertaining and honest rather than that awful cat scratching on a blackboard that we heard from Stephanie McMahon that time. Afterward, Lilian gulped down a couple of beers just like Austin, which was cool. Austin circled the ring high-fiving the fans before leaving.
Flair primed himself in front of a mirror like he did last week, letting out a "whooooo!" However, the cameras picked up a man wearing a black ski mask lurking in the background. It was made to appear that this was an assailant planning an assault on Flair, so in that sense it was a good swerve.
Goldust defeated Christian in a non-title match in 4:04. Christian started off with fists. Goldust hit a bulldog. Goldust took a hard bump out. Christian rolled him back in and choked him. Goldust scored two after a lariat. Christian scored two with a neckbreaker. The ref stopped Goldust from delivering shattered dreams. Goldust then hit a powerslam out of nowhere and scored the pin. Christian was in panic mode after the loss, grabbing the title belt and hugging it close to him like an endangered commodity as he fled.
Rodney Mack defeated Bubba Ray Dudley in 2:30. Theodore Long issued his usual five minute white boy challenge, and this time Bubba answered the call. Unlike previous weeks, Long stayed at ringside for the match, rather than doing color commentary. Bubba began scoring quick two counts on Mack, following a suplex and a Bubba bomb. Mack looked to be in trouble, but with the ref distracted, Christopher Nowinski ran in and KO'ed Bubba with his face mask. This allowed Mack to put Bubba out with the blackout. D-Von ran in for the save, but it was too late. JR & Lawler wondered aloud why a white boy like Nowinski was helping out Long & Mack.
La Resistance complained to Bischoff about Austin's "assault" on them. To smooth over their ruffled feathers, Bischoff set up a Grenier vs. Rob Van Dam flag match, with the stipulation that if Grenier won, La Resistance would get a shot at RVD & Kane's world tag belts at Bad Blood. Grenier said America would be a better place if more Americans were like Bischoff.
Chris Jericho was shown getting make-up applied for his Highlight Reel segment, which was scheduled to have Goldberg as the guest. Footage aired of the events last week where it was revealed that Jericho put Lance Storm up to assaulting Goldberg with a car. JR & Lawler reported that the fan ballot on WWE.com predicted that Goldberg would spear Jericho by a margin of 81% to 19%.
HHH confronted Flair, accusing him of having changed. Flair denied it, saying he's still the same kiss stealin', wheelin' dealin', limousine ridin', jet flyin' son of a gun that he's always been. He said everyone grows old but only a few get great. Whooooo! HHH intimidatingly promised to give Flair something to think about.
Grenier beat RVD in the flag match in 5:18. After trading some spots, both bumped out. RVD hit the legdrop on Grenier across the ring barrier. Dupree attacked Kane at ringside, sending him into the stairs. Kane sold this for far longer than a normal stair bump. RVD hit a plancha on Dupree. Both guys tried to climb to get their country's flag but got knocked off. There was a major ref bump. RVD got the American flag, but the unconscious ref didn't see it. Grenier & Dupree beat RVD down, and then KO'ed Kane, who finally revived from the stair shot, with the flagpole. They restored the U.S. flag to the top of the pole, and then Grenier retrieved the French flag as the ref came to and recognized it as the win. So another Bad Blood match was established.
Jericho opened his Highlight Reel segment by announcing that Rock will be his guest next week. Turning to the Goldberg situation, he said he engineered the car assault to send Goldberg a message that no one wants him in WWE. He said that in WCW they had once been friends, but that as Goldberg became a bigger and bigger star, he grew arrogant and became a major jerk. Jericho stated that he had more talent and charisma than Goldberg, yet remained mired in the same spot on the roster while Goldberg became a major star. He complained that Goldberg vetoed a match against Jericho, feeling that Jericho wasn't big enough to be his opponent (this was a shoot as this actually did occur). Jericho said he grew frustrated and left WCW for WWE, where he rose to become a huge star and the first ever undisputed champion. He said the only thing in his career he hasn't accomplished is to beat Goldberg so badly that he'll never underestimate him again. At this point, Goldberg charged the ring. Jericho immediately bailed out to the floor. They ended up yelling at each other, and agreed to fight it out at Bad Blood. Goldberg called Jericho an ass. Jericho got on the apron and threatened to beat Goldberg up on the spot. Goldberg hauled Jericho into the ring, but before he could do anything else, Jericho sprayed mace in his eyes. Goldberg went down in pain, and when he staggered up blinded, Jericho speared him. Goldberg was left laying. This was an excellent angle!
After a commercial break, Jericho was spotted fleeing from the arena, allowing JR to invoke his "gettin' out of town like a scalded dog" catch phrase. Terri tried to interview him but he ignored her. He tried to drive off but apparently the car wouldn't start (they seem to have this problem a lot), so he got out and ran.
HHH beat Flair & HBK in the handicap match in 3:13. By the way, this was a non-title bout. HBK started off for his side, pounding on HHH, who pounded right back. HBK hit a crossbody. HHH nailed HBK with a backbreaker, but HBK escaped a pedigree attempt. HBK caught HHH with the sweet chin music and tagged Flair in. Flair, however, immediately turned on HBK by sucker punching him. Nash ran in to help HBK but was laid out with a chair by the mystery man in the ski mask. HHH pedigreed HBK and scored the pin. The three heels went to work beating on HBK. Nash recovered and cleaned house on all three until HHH caught him with a chairshot. Flair put the figure four on HBK as HHH stomped on Nash. The mystery man unmasked to reveal Randy Orton, which didn't get much of a reaction from the crowd. They seemed disappointed that Flair turned so quickly. I was disappointed, too. But overall it was a good show. The broadcast ended with HHH & Flair & Orton triumphant, as JR & Lawler noted that Flair is the dirtiest player in the game and that leopards don't change their spots.
RHETORICAL QUESTIONS:
Couldn't they at least have waited until Bad Blood for Flair to turn heel again?
If Spike is gonna get his own network, will Bubba & D-Von get one too?
Weren't we at least lucky that the crowd didn't chant "what" during America the Beautiful?
Isn't Bubba supposed to be half black? If so, how is he classified as a white boy?
How did Nowinski's little mask knock Bubba out after he's taken so many brutal chairshots and remained standing?
Aren't they doing a surprisingly good job at setting up Bad Blood as the first RAW exclusive PPV?
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Wrestling History Today - 26th May
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