RAWs rating from last Monday.
The 5/28 Memorial Day edition of WWE Monday Night Raw drew a 2.7 cable rating with 3.91 million viewers. The first hour drew 3.92 million viewers, while the second hour drew 3.91 million viewers. This is the lowest rating for the show all year and the lowest since September 2011. The rating is also down from the 3.07 the show drew last year on Memorial Day.
WWE moving PPV date due to NFL schedule.
The NFL has released the 2012 regular season schedule today, and one team is going to cause a headache for WWE.
Former WWE Wrestler to be backstage for TNA.
Former WWE performer Cliff Compton (a/k/a Domino) is currently backstage for tonight's live Impact Wrestling show in Orlando, Florida and scheduled to wrestle. It is unknown whether he will be competing during the broadcast or in a dark match.
John Morrison talks on his WWE Departure.
“I left on good terms,” he said of his parting of ways. Morrison added that management always told him that his inability to cut a strong promo held him back from achieving greater success; he admits it’s something he needs to improve on. He is now looking to reposition himself and is hopeful that he’ll be worth more upon his return to the organization.
Morrison also discussed his workout routine, parodying The Undertaker and Triple H in an online video, parkour, life outside of professional wrestling and more. The interview is available at WeLoveColt.com.
STONE COLD to be in new movie.
"Talked to @steveaustinBSR last week. Steve spent approximately 30 days in Mexico taping 'Redneck Island' for CMT. He seemed pleased with the project which debuts in mid June on CMT. It's tapped for a 10 week run. This could be the first of multiple projects with Steve and CMT in the future. Steve will be shooting some scenes for 'Grown Ups 2' starring Adam Sandler and others in July."
NXT Spoilers.
Dark Match:
* Dean Ambrose def. Luke Hawkins.
WWE NXT for May 30:
* Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins def. Jimmy and Jey Uso.
* Kaitlyn def. Tamina Snuka.
* Justin Gabriel, Percy Watson, and Derrick Bateman def. Johnny Curtis, Michael McGillicutty, and JTG
* Dean Ambrose def. Luke Hawkins.
WWE NXT for May 30:
* Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins def. Jimmy and Jey Uso.
* Kaitlyn def. Tamina Snuka.
* Justin Gabriel, Percy Watson, and Derrick Bateman def. Johnny Curtis, Michael McGillicutty, and JTG
SMACKDOWN spoilers.
The following was taped on Tuesday, May 29 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana:WWE Smackdown for June 1:
* Sheamus came out to talk about Alberto Del Rio, but David Otunga interrupted him. Otunga wanted Sheamus to apologize for barreling over John Laurinaitis two weeks ago on Raw. Sheamus wouldn't apologize. Alberto Del Rio came out, and Otunga said he could pick Sheamus's opponent for tonight. Sheamus gave Otunga a Brogue Kick, and Del Rio ran away.
* Sin Cara def. Heath Slater.
* Damien Sandow def. Ezekiel Jackson. Sandow wasn't going to do the match, but Jackson threw him into the ring.
* Ryback def. two local wrestlers.
* Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match. Del Rio chose Ziggler as Sheamus's opponent after Ziggler asked to be it.
* Santino Marella and Zack Ryder def. Titus O'Neil and Darren Young. Big Show came out and destroyed both Ryder and Marella after the match.
* Cody Rhodes def. Tyson Kidd.
* CM Punk def. Kane via DQ in a WWE Championship match. Daniel Bryan ran out to cause the DQ. Kane chokeslammed them both. John Laurinaitis came out after and announced a triple threat WWE Title match for No Way Out. Bryan and Punk were in the ring with AJ, and she left without either of them. Bryan slapped Punk, and Punk gave him the GTS.
SUPERSTARS spoilers.
WWE Superstars for May 31:
* Jinder Mahal def. Yoshi Tatsu via Submission.
* Christian def. Drew McIntyre (non-title).
* Jinder Mahal def. Yoshi Tatsu via Submission.
* Christian def. Drew McIntyre (non-title).
Updated card for NO WAY OUT.
* John Cena vs. The Big Show.
WWE Championship
* CM Punk (c) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Kane.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
* Sheamus (c) vs. Alberto Del Rio.
IMPACT going live tomorrow.
THE NEXT EVOLUTION OF PRO WRESTLING ON TV STARTS THURSDAY MAY 31st ON TNA IMPACT WRESTLING LIVE ON SPIKE TVTUNE IN AT NEW TIME SLOT OF 8:00p.m./ET FOR LIVE ACTION AND MUCH MORE
NASHVILLE, TN (May 30, 2012) – TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announced today that the highly-rated weekly series will be making changes to its programming to include a hybrid of reality and explosive action each Thursday, live on SPIKE TV at 8:00pm/ ET. The reality elements and production technique represent the most significant evolution in this genre in more than 15 years.
"We took a step back to look at our product with fresh eyes," says TNA IMPACT WRESTLING President Dixie Carter. "People watch TV differently today than before, and the wrestling format itself has become stale. What happens backstage, in the office and on the road is so entertaining that we decided it was time to pull the curtain way back and give viewers a peek at that world as well. Over the next few weeks and months, viewers will continue to see our show evolve as we expose more real aspects of our business that have always been sacred," she continued.
This announcement is a key component in the continued growth of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING brand that is bringing game-changing programming to the world of professional wrestling. Cameras will be everywhere. Meetings will be shot in real time and unscripted as we capture moments; not produced segments. Access to conversations and vantage points that have never been seen before, such as production meetings, talent evaluations and post match critiques, will be revealed. Combined with an emphasis on story structure, long term character and story development, these changes will help IMPACT WRESTLING pioneer the next generation of wrestling entertainment programming.
Going live allows IMPACT WRESTLING a deeper connection with our audience via social media. Starting with the May 31st broadcast, IMPACT WRESTLING will be the most socially interactive television program in the history of professional wrestling. Viewers will have a variety of unique opportunities to participate and influence certain elements of the program through various social media platforms. Also, backstage will take center stage, as fans will have access to live interviews being conducted featured on www.impactwrestling.com.
About IMPACT WRESTLING IMPACT WRESTLING is the world's most innovative experience in professional wrestling, airing in over 120 countries worldwide. Join Hulk Hogan, Rob Van Dam, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Sting, Bobby Roode, Velvet Sky, Brooke Hogan, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division for "IMPACT WRESTLING" every Thursday night LIVE at 8:00 pm ET on SPIKE. For more information on IMPACT WRESTLING, visit www.IMPACTWRESTLING.com. TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in Nashville, Tenn.
EXTREME RULES gets pg14 rating.
The WWE Extreme Rules PPV is being listed as TV-14 on iTunes along with the DVD listing on Amazon.com. Most WWE PPV events carry a PG rating. Prowrestling.net reports that the increased rating is most likely due to the very violent Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena main event.
Randy Orton Suspended.
"In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE has suspended Randy Orton for 60 days effective today for his second violation of the company's policy."
This shows that WWE doesn't play around with anyone. Now who will step up and take the place of Orton at NO WAY OUT????
SMACKDOWN results.
Lillian Garcia introduces John Laurinaitis's executive administrator, Eve Torres, to the ring. Eve says that John Laurinaitis is still the General Manager of both Raw and Smackdown. Mr. Laurinaitis pinned John Cena at Over The Limit to cement his physical superiority. However, due to an international WWE business trip, she regrets to inform the crowd that Mr. Laurinaitis is not there tonight. Tonight, she's in charge. Her boss will deal with John Cena on Monday night, but tonight she'll deal with the World Heavyweight Champion, Sheamus. Two things will happen. One is that Sheamus will apologize for bumping into John Laurinaitis on Monday. The second is that she'll name his opponent for No Way Out.Alberto Del Rio's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring. Del Rio says Eve is not only beautiful, but also smart. If she's looking for an opponent for Sheamus then she should stop looking because there's no one better than him. Plus, what happened to him in his quest for the World Heavyweight Championship was horrible. Del Rio says she's smart and perfect, but she needs to ask if she wants to make John Laurinaitis proud. Del Rio says the answer is, "Si." Del Rio wants to be made the number one contender. Eve says he makes a very compelling case.
Randy Orton's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a great reception. Orton says he knows that Eve is new to the job, so he introduces himself. He says she has a big decision on her hands, so he suggests they use the crowd to help make the decision. Orton asks if they want to see Del Rio, but they boo. Orton asks if they want to see him, and they cheer. Orton says in the name of "People Power" that she has her answer.
Kane's pyro explodes on the stage, and he makes his way to the ring. Kane says neither of the two men have the qualifications that he does. That pasty white Irish ghost should have to face him, the Devil's favorite demon. In case she needed anymore convincing, tonight's episode is number 666. Eve says there's only one way to settle this. The superstar who will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the World Heavyweight Championship will be the winner of tonight's triple threat match.
They show still photos of Christian winning a "People Power" Battle Royal at Over The Limit and then beating Cody Rhodes for the Intercontinental Championship later in the evening. Christian's music hits, and the new Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring. He'll be in action next.
-Commercial Break-
Christian vs. Hunico w/ Camacho
They circle the ring, and Hunico quickly gets a side headlock applied. Christian whips him off, drops down, and flattens him with a flying forearm. Hunico kicks and punches away at him. Hunico chops the chest, but he has a whip reversed on him. Christian hits him with a back body drop, and Hunico rolls out of the ring to recover. Hunico sidesteps a baseball slide and runs away. Christian chases, but Camacho distracts him enough for Hunico to throw him shoulder first into the ring post. Hunico then lays him out with a suicide dive. Hunico throws him into the ring for a two count. Hunico stomps away at him before hitting a scoop slam.
Christian rolls out of the way of a senton and lays him out with a flapjack. Hunico reverses a whip, but Christian clotheslines him down. Christian goes for a missile dropkick, but Hunico counters into a jackknife pin. Christian counters into a rollup of his own for a near fall. Christian punches him, goes to the second rope, and hits a flying elbow. Christian goes for the Kill Switch, but he stops to dropkick Camacho off the apron. Hunico goes for his finisher, but Christian counters into the Kill Switch! Christian then goes to the top rope and hits a Frog Splash for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Christian
Match Rating: 3/4 *
Cody Rhodes's music hits, and the former champion comes out to the stage. Rhodes says for eight months he spent his time wiping the dirt off that title to restore it back to the pinnacle of its prominence because it was held by jokes. It was abused by the likes of Santino Marella, and he made it mean something again. It was held by greats like Razor Ramon, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and Shawn Michaels. In one night Christian ruined it. Nobody cares about that title because nobody cares about Christian. It won't take eight months to rectify that because when he gets the rematch that he's entitled to, it'll only take him three seconds.
Tonight's main event will see Randy Orton take on Kane and Alberto Del Rio in a Triple Threat Match. The winner will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the title.
-Commercial Break-
Jimmy and Jey Uso vs. Darren Young and Titus O'Neil
They show footage from earlier in the day with both these teams making fun of one another. The Uso's made fun of O'Neil and Young's dance, and they made fun of the Uso's dance.
Titus O'Neil and Jey Uso will start it out. Jey punches away at him, but he can't whip him. Jey kicks O'Neil in the face and tags in his brother, Jimmy. They head-butt him, and Jey is tagged back in. Jey hits O'Neil with a forearm, but he quickly comes back with some punches. O'Neil reverses a whip into the ropes, and Young kicks Jey in the back. Jey slaps him down, and O'Neil takes him out with a big boot. Young is tagged in, and O'Neil gives him a front suplex onto Jey for a near fall. Young kicks him and hits a neckbreaker. O'Neil is tagged in, and he stomps him down. Young is tagged in, and he sends Jey to the corner. Jey catches him running with a back elbow.
Jimmy is tagged in, and he clotheslines Young down. Jimmy knocks O'Neil off the apron and clotheslines Young again. Jimmy sends him into the ropes and hits Young with a nasty Samoan Drop. Jimmy hits a running butt bump, but O'Neil breaks the pin up. Jey runs in and pulls O'Neil out of the ring. O'Neil throws him into the apron. Jimmy superkicks Young and goes to the top rope, but O'Neil distracts him. Young knocks him off the top rope, tags O'Neil in, and they hit the backbreaker/elbow drop combination for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Darren Young and Titus O'Neil
Match Rating: *
The announcers wonder whether Sheamus will issue John Laurinaitis a public apology. That'll come later. Ryback is in action, next.
-Commercial Break-
A video plays that hypes up Sin Cara. He'll return to Smackdown next week.
JOBBER ALERTS: Brian Edwards and Kevin Bendl, two jobbers, are in the ring with no TV entrance. They make fun of Wilkes-Barre for the many ways of saying the name. Ryback has beaten two guys before, but never at the same time.
Brian Edwards and Kevin Bendl vs. Ryback
Ryback is sporting a nasty black eye. The "Goldberg" chants cue up. Ryback pushes one down, lifts another one up in a powerbomb position, uses him to knock the other over, and he powerbombs him down. Ryback hits one with a nasty spinebuster and immediately follows up with a powerbomb. Ryback delivers a nasty lariat to one before picking them both up. Ryback lifts them both up at the same time and hits a double fisherman's suplex buster for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Ryback
Match Rating: N/A
Santino Marella will take on Ricardo Rodriguez, next.
-Commercial Break-
Santino Marella vs. Ricardo Rodriguez
They replay the pretty funny exchange these two had on Raw. Ricardo Rodriguez then gave himself a ring introduction while rolling all his "r's". He's going to wrestle in his tuxedo. They go to lock up, but Ricardo botches it on purpose. Santino gets a headlock applied and shoulder blocks him down. They go into the ropes until Santino stops. Ricardo hits the ropes back and forth until he collapses from exhaustion. Santino then picks him up and gives him an airplane spin. They both fall down. Santino crawls under the ring, so Ricardo goes to the opposite side. Santino comes out from where he went under with the Cobra out, taps Ricardo on the shoulder, and hits him with it for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Santino Marella
Match Rating: N/A
Will Sheamus apologize? We'll find out next.
-Commercial Break-
Will Sheamus apologize to John Laurinaitis?
Sheamus's music hits, and the World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. Sheamus channels his inner Lance Storm and says, "If I can be serious for a minute..." Sheamus says he's been sent out here to apologize to John Laurinaitis. It's funny because in his retrospect you shouldn't have to apologize for an accident. He was simply running to the ring, and he hit into John Laurinaitis. Some people say he did it on purpose, so if that's true then it's accidentally on purpose. Sheamus takes a while before issuing his apology. Sheamus says he'd like to apologize for John Laurinaitis being a massive arse. While we're talking about his arse, if you look hard enough, you'll find Eve and David Otunga so far up there that they could probably tell you what he had for breakfast. He'd also like to apologize for everyone else who kisses his arse, like a giant 7-foot arse kisser.
Sheamus wants to talk about something important to him. Sheamus says if he had his way then he'd defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton at No Way Out.
EXCUSE ME! Vickie Guerrero comes out to massive heat. Her dear friend Eve has told her that Sheamus will face someone right now. That someone is her client, the All-American-American, Jack Swagger.
Sheamus vs. Jack Swagger w/ Vickie Guerrero
They circle the ring and lock up. They tussle around the ring to jockey for position before Sheamus gives him a clean break. They circle the ring, and Swagger takes him down with a waistlock takeover. Sheamus elbows him off and runs into a boot. Sheamus sidesteps him charging, and they have another standoff. Swagger knees him in the midsection and punches. Sheamus punches back before sending him to the ropes for a shoulder block. Sheamus goes to the top rope for a diving shoulder block for a two count. Swagger rolls out of the ring to recover. Sheamus shoulder blocks him down before throwing him back in the ring. Vickie distracts Sheamus on the apron, and Swagger knocks him off. Sheamus appears to have tweaked his ankle.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Swagger kicking away at Sheamus's ankle while Vickie laughs. Sheamus comes back with a bear hug, but Swagger gets him off. Swagger smashes the ankle off the ring post, and he DDTs the limb for a two count. Swagger applies a leg lock, but Sheamus refuses to give up. Sheamus kicks him off, and Swagger clotheslines him a few times in the corner. Swagger twists the injured leg around the ropes, but Sheamus fights him off. Sheamus sidesteps a big boot and hits a neckbreaker.
Sheamus looks intense as he gets to his feet. Sheamus hits a trio of hammer throws before going for a powerslam. Swagger slides off, but Sheamus is able to tie him up in the ropes for the clubs to the chest. Sheamus suplexes him back into the ring for a near fall. Sheamus goes for the White Noise, but Swagger fights out. Swagger takes him down and goes for the Ankle Lock, but Sheamus fights him off. Swagger sidesteps the Brogue Kick, chop blocks him, and hits the Swagger Bomb for a near fall. Swagger goes for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Sheamus flips out. Sheamus hits the Brogue Kick for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Sheamus
Match Rating: * 1/4
Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, and Kane will fight in a triple threat match to determine who will face Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Way Out. We'll also hear from the Big Show on why he's changed so much.
-Commercial Break-
JOBBER ALERT: Yoshi Tatsu is in the ring with no TV entrance. They show Damien Sandow beating him down last week.
Damien Sandow begs our indulgence for a moment. He's here to help all of us. Last week, out intellectual savior was caught in a conundrum: subject the WWE Universe to a contest between himself and an unworthy opponent, a bout that would serve to only propel us further into our self-imposed ignorance, or do the honorable thing by abstaining from such a mockery so we can all continue to place him on the pedestal of enlightenment. They boo, and he asks them to remain silent while he speaks. However, he chose to depart without incident when he was accosted by the sophomoric bantering by the ignoramus that stands before him. The dunce did not grasp the concept he was trying to teach, so tonight he will impart his lesson physically. This is for the benefit, welfare, and common good of everyone. "You're welcome!"
Yoshi Tatsu vs. Damien Sandow
Sandow puts himself between the ropes to keep Tatsu away. He kicks him, knees him in the guts, and hits a Russian leg sweep. Sandow hits an arm trap neckbreaker for the win.
Winner by Pinfall: Damien Sandow
Match Rating: N/A
Damien Sandow celebrates with a perfect cartwheel in the ring as "Hallelujah" plays through the arena.
-Commercial Break-
Big Show addresses the WWE Universe
Big Show's music hits, and he makes his way to the ring to a chorus of boos. Big Show says he was fired the Monday before Over The Limit. Most people know what it's like to be fired, but he doesn't. The difference between him and us is that he loves this job. He's a giant that loves dominating people. When he lost his dream job, he didn't know what to do. He didn't have a means of supporting his family. He became despondent. He couldn't eat or breathe. He felt betrayed by his so-called friends. He felt betrayed by the WWE Universe. Not one of them, or the superstars, or the technical crew came to his defense. After all the years and things he's done, that's what he gets.
They chant that he sold out which seems to anger him. Big Show says he didn't sell out. After all he's done, this is the thanks he gets. He realized at that moment that he has no friends. He realized that he is alone in this world. Then he got the call. When you're drowning, do you really care where the lifeline comes from? He made a deal. If he helped John Laurinaitis defeat John Cena, then he'd get his life back. He got a new contract and a big, fat bonus. All Laurinaitis had to do was escape from Cena and it was all set. Big Show set the ruse for John Cena. When he threw Laurinaitis to Cena, he knew exactly what would happen next. With one punch, he knocked John Cena out cold. Then he watched Laurinaitis pin Cena for the win. At No Way Out he'll do it again. He understands that the people really never cared about him. Now he damn sure doesn't care about us.
Big Show leaves the ring, and Kane's pyro explodes. Big Show and Kane walk by one another giving a look. All of a sudden while Kane is getting ready to make the ring posts explode, Daniel Bryan viciously assaults Daniel Bryan with a chair! Bryan absolutely lays into him with the chair, probably about twenty times before the referees pull him back!
-Commercial Break-
Sin Cara returns to Smackdown next Friday.
They show a replay of Daniel Bryan assaulting Kane with the chair. Kane is still in pain, but he's insistent on taking part in the match. He seems to be favoring his left arm.
#1 Contender's Match
Kane vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Randy Orton
Kane and Del Rio go after Orton. Orton throws Del Rio out of the ring, and Kane big boots him down. Kane hits a low dropkick for a two count. Kane sends him to the corner and hits a clothesline. Kane tries to repeat the move, but Orton kicks him in the face. Orton hits his patented backbreaker, but Del Rio breaks up the pin. Del Rio stomps both men before punching away at Orton. Kane uppercuts Del Rio, and Orton clotheslines him out of the ring. Orton turns, and Kane clotheslines him out of the ring. Kane drives Orton into the ring apron and boots Del Rio. Orton blocks a shot into the barricade and reverses it on Kane. Orton bounces Del Rio into the barricade and bounces Kane on the announcer's table. Orton goes for his hanging DDT, but Del Rio hits him with a step-up enzuigiri. All three men are down as we go to commercial.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Kane stomping Del Rio in the corner. Orton charges into an uppercut from Kane for a near fall. Kane hits a body slam and drops an elbow for a two count. Kane punches Del Rio down in the corner, but Del Rio kicks him in the injured arm. Del Rio kicks away at Orton and chokes him with the boot. Orton drops Del Rio to the apron and dropkicks him off the apron. Kane reverses a whip to the corner and hits a sidewalk slam for a near fall. Kane goes to the top rope, and Del Rio catches him with a step-up enzuigiri. Kane falls to the outside.
Del Rio kicks and punches away at Orton. Orton avoids a running boot and punches back. Del Rio reverses a whip, but he lowers his head to eat a kick. Orton hits a pair of clotheslines, ducks a clothesline from Kane, and hits him with a powerslam. Del Rio runs into a powerslam for good measure. Orton clotheslines Kane out of the ring and clotheslines Del Rio in the corner. Orton goes for the ten punches, but Del Rio fights back. Del Rio goes to the second rope, but Orton catches him with a hanging DDT. Orton begins to stalk Del Rio, but he gets out of the RKO. Kane pulls Orton out of the ring and sends him into the ring steps.
Kane snaps Del Rio off the top rope and goes for his flying lariat, but Del Rio moves. Del Rio goes for the Cross Arm Breaker, but Kane counters into a Chokeslam! Daniel Bryan gets on the apron with the chair, and Kane chases him off. Kane goes to get back in the ring, but Daniel Bryan returns. Orton hits an RKO, but Del Rio breaks up the pin with a kick to the head. Del Rio then picks up the scraps by pinning Kane for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Alberto Del Rio
Match Rating: **
Alberto Del Rio will face Sheamus at No Way Out for the World Heavyweight Championship. Del Rio celebrates up the ramp until Sheamus takes him out. Sheamus congratulates him on becoming the number one contender. Sheamus poses with the title.
TNA's fan interaction.
Lance Storm coments on Y2j's suspension.
HBK comments on Y2j's Suspension.
"Wow, waking up to find twitter blaming me for an apparent suspension of @IAmJericho. Seems to me I'd blame the horrific PC world we've allowed ourselves to be caught up in where you can't "act" & have it called "acting." BS!! I'll stand behind @IAmJericho any day of the week & twice on Sunday...what's the big "E" stand for in WWE anyway!!. I honestly don't see how many of you make it w/that much anger in your life...seems exhausting & a colossal waste of time!! See, that's all I've got & I'm already tired!! Time to workout & hit my day. Y'all have a wonderful day!! :-)
Had a nice txt'ing convo w/@IAmJericho and as always, he's handling things well. Just wanted to lend him some support!! :-) "
Y2J Comments on Suspension.
Chris Jericho, who was suspended for kicking the Brazilian flag last night at a WWE live event, wrote the following on Twitter after the incident:
"Just for the record I love Brazil and wish we could've spent more time here. Beautiful country!"
"Just for the record I love Brazil and wish we could've spent more time here. Beautiful country!"
Chris Jericho Suspended.
During Thursday's WWE Raw Live Event in São Paulo, Brazil, Chris Jericho denigrated the Brazilian flag during a match against WWE Champion CM Punk. This has resorted to WWE suspending Jericho indefinitely. This is said to be a major issue for WWE at the moment.
The official WWE website features an update on the situation with comments from Jericho regarding the incident.
“I made a bad judgment call in the course of entertaining [WWE] fans in Brazil,” Jericho told WWE.com. “I apologized to the people in the crowd for showing disrespect.”
During his match with Punk, Jericho took the Brazilian flag Punk was holding, threw it to the ground, and stomped on it. Desecrating the national flag is a crime in Brazil and is a punishable offense. Jericho was almost arrested and ended up being rushed to the airport to get out of the country into Ecuador.
WWE.com's report confirm police stopped the event and gave Jericho the option to apologize or be arrested. Jericho immediately told the crowd he regretted his actions, allowing police to let the event continue.
Due to his actions, WWE officials suspended Jericho indefinitely.
“It was a bad move,” Jericho said. “I did it with [our] fans’ entertainment in mind and I’ll accept the consequences for that.”
Roy Nelson tease
UFC fighter Roy Nelson, who has teased pro wrestling involvement in the past, is at it again.
Nelson is now teasing jumping to WWE to go head to head with Brock Lesnar.
Speaking to MMAWeekly, the UFC fighter revealed that after he wins his next fight at this Saturday's UFC 146, he “might just have to go to WWE because I might just have to call him [Brock Lesnar] out, go to WWE, and whoop his ass.”
Nelson is now teasing jumping to WWE to go head to head with Brock Lesnar.
Speaking to MMAWeekly, the UFC fighter revealed that after he wins his next fight at this Saturday's UFC 146, he “might just have to go to WWE because I might just have to call him [Brock Lesnar] out, go to WWE, and whoop his ass.”
News on Ric Flair.
Regarding a return to WWE, some in the company believe he will be brought back because of the WWE Network and because Triple H will go to bat for him to be used again. Don't expect to see Flair ever wrestle for WWE again because of the retirement stipulation.
Flair's new deal with Coca Cola for a new energy booster is said to be lucrative enough that he could leave pro wrestling and be fine. However, Flair's financial issues are likely lifelong, no matter what deal he gets.
TNA files lawsuit on WWE.
TNA Wrestling filed a lawsuit in Nashville, TN yesterday against World Wrestling Entertainment and former TNA/WWE office worker Brian Wittenstein for interference with existing contracts, conversion, breach of contract, civil conspiracy, unfair competition, and violation of the Tennessee Uniform Trade Secrets Act. They are also suing Wittenstein for breach of duty loyalty.
The lawsuit alleges that Wittenstein, who had worked for TNA previously, gave WWE inside information on contracts and other matters backstage within TNA, and now WWE is attempting to poach talent from TNA based off that information.
Wittenstein worked briefly under Michael Hayes when he was hired by WWE earlier this year before being let go in April. The lawsuit alleges that during this time period, Wittenstein provided WWE the inside information from TNA. However, WWE did not inform TNA that the informtion was provided for several weeks.
TNA claims that this information was presented on 5/7. Several days later, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair approached TNA management about being released from his contract. TNA alleges that Flair wanted out so he could return to WWE.
An injunction was issued earlier today demanding that WWE & Wittenstein return whatever confidential information retained during his TNA tenure. They were both instructed not to destroy the material.
The lawsuit alleges that Wittenstein, who had worked for TNA previously, gave WWE inside information on contracts and other matters backstage within TNA, and now WWE is attempting to poach talent from TNA based off that information.
Wittenstein worked briefly under Michael Hayes when he was hired by WWE earlier this year before being let go in April. The lawsuit alleges that during this time period, Wittenstein provided WWE the inside information from TNA. However, WWE did not inform TNA that the informtion was provided for several weeks.
TNA claims that this information was presented on 5/7. Several days later, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair approached TNA management about being released from his contract. TNA alleges that Flair wanted out so he could return to WWE.
An injunction was issued earlier today demanding that WWE & Wittenstein return whatever confidential information retained during his TNA tenure. They were both instructed not to destroy the material.
News on Former Diva.
Y2J Interview.
On the rumors that he will be departing shortly from WWE: “I’m actually not even here right now. I’m just a hologram that I have sent to all the shows. That’s something that has been kind of funny for this whole return. People have been predicting my early demise from the company for every show.
“First it was the day after WrestleMania, I’m gone. Then it was the day after Extreme Rules, I’m gone. Then it’s the day after that, or Over The Limit. Instead of just sitting back and enjoying the ride, people want to predict when I’m leaving. I just keep showing up every time. I’m like a bad disease.”
On what his plans are going forward: “Just to continue what I’m doing and being the best in the world. Win, lose or draw, it’s always about having the best performance and the best match of the night. It’s about making sure that people get their money’s worth when they come to see one of our shows and when Jericho’s on the show.
“What we do in the WWE is so multi-tasking and deep-rooted in all the different things that we do to provide the shows — all the touring shows.
“That’s another thing that people have said about me is that I’m leaving or that I’m just coming back for money. I’m here for every show, My first house show was in Tyler, Texas, and I’m going to Brazil and Ecuador tomorrow. I’m not just here for the TVs, for just Raw or Smackdown! I’m not just here for pay-per-views. When I sign up, I go hard, I go home. So, I’m here for every show.
“That’s the way I like it. So, whatever category haters want to put me in — haters going to hate. I don’t really care. Because I’m here doing what I do best, which is performing.”
WWe responds to TNA
In their report, WWE attorney Jerry McDevitt commented, "Our reaction is that no good deed ever goes unpunished. What the WWE did here is what you would hope any company would do in these circumstances it found itself in."
What McDevitt is trying to explain is, following WWE informing TNA that Brian Wittenstein was offering up "insider" TNA information, the company are feeling unfairly blamed.
TNA claims that WWE is now using the knowledge obtained from Wittenstein to their advantage, and is trying to "poach contracted talent" from the company. “This wrongful disclosure and misappropriation allows WWE to effectively price TNA out of the market and cause irreparable harm to TNA’s business and profitability,” the lawsuit reads. “WWE now knows the confidential details of TNA’s business affairs including its marketing and business strategy and analysis, which leaves TNA vulnerable to WWE’s unfair position in the market,” the lawsuit reads.
The lawsuit continues, "In order to injure TNA and gain a competitive advantage, WWE intentionally interfered with TNA's contractual relationship with Ric Flair and maliciously used the trade secrets and confidential information provided by Wittenstein to approach Ric Flair."
A restraining order requiring WWE and Wittenstein to return any inside information Wittenstein retained and brought to WWE is a temporary order through the June 11 court hearing, according to the report.
Sin Cara being advertised.
Sin Cara is advertised for all the shows in Mexico, but is not advertised for Sunday's live event in Lake Charles. Mick Foley is advertised for all four shows. Here is the card for the events in Mexico: * World Heavyweight Championship: Sheamus (c) vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Alberto Del Rio with Mick Foley as special referee
* Randy Orton vs. Kane in a No Holds Barred Match
* Big Show vs. The Great Khali
* Intercontinental Championship: Christian (c) vs. Cody Rhodes
* Santino Marella vs. Jack Swagger
* Layla vs. Natalya
* Drew McIntyre vs. Ezekiel Jackson
* Yoshi Tatsu vs. Jinder Mahal
* Sin Cara and Tyson Kidd vs. Camacho and Hunico.
The Rocks new movie.
SUPERSTARS results.
Lock-up and Cesaro tries to send Kidd into the corner, but Kidd breaks. Kidd goes for a waistlock, but Cesaro breaks free with a back elbow. Cesaro goes off the ropes, but as Kidd goes for a hiptoss, Cesaro blocks it. However, Kidd with a gut shot, followed by doing a backflip. Cesaro misses a clothesline and Kidd takes him down with a deep armdrag into an armbar. Cesaro brings Kidd into the corner to force a break, then nails him with a knee to the gut. Cesaro with a forearm to the ribs, followed by applying a knucklelock. Cesaro goes shoulder to shoulder, but then Kidd uses the ropes to backflip and he takes Cesaro down. Cesaro charges, but Kidd catches him with his backflip kick and lands on the apron. Kidd then hits a shoulder to the ribs of Cesaro, then hooks Cesaro with a slingshot O'Connor Roll for a nearfall. Kidd goes for a wheelbarrow move, but Cesaro hotshots him across the top rope.
Cesaro rubs Kidd's face against the mat, then lifts him up, scoring with a side salto. Cesaro with a soccer kick between Kidd's shoulder blades, then chokes him. Cesaro locks in a cravate, but Kidd fights out. However, Cesaro then comes back with a knee to the gut before going back to the cravate. Cesaro then also hooks the arm of Kidd in almost a unique version of an abdominal stretch. The crowd tries to will on Kidd as he gets to his feet. Kidd then gets out of the hold and hooks Cesaro with a backslide for a 1 count. However, Cesaro pops right up and nails Kidd with a clothesline. Cesaro brings Kidd to the corner and then unloads with a series of forearms & right hands. Cesaro with a knee to the head, followed by a snap suplex for a nearfall. Cesaro then goes right back to the cravate as the crowd again tries to will on Kidd. However, Cesaro then lifts up Kidd and hooks him in a Hangman style submission hold. Kidd then is able to flip over to break free, then hooks Cesaro with a Sunset flip for a nearfall. Cesaro charges, but Kidd moves out of the way and then nails Cesaro with an enziguri to the back of the head.
Kidd with a kick to the leg, followed by a spin kick to the head. Kidd with a spinning back kick to the gut, then goes off the ropes, connecting with a running front dropkick to the side of Cesaro's head for a nearfall. Kidd tries to go for the Sharpshooter, but Cesaro blocks it by grabbing onto Kidd's foot. Kidd then comes back with a leg drop that sends Cesaro rolling out to the outside. Kidd goes for a slingshot, but Cesaro gets back in the ring, however Kidd lands on the apron. Kidd then hits another enziguri before heading up top. Kidd scores with a Blockbuster for a close nearfall. Kidd goes for the Sharpshooter again, but Cesaro pulls at his ear to block it. Kidd tries to kick his way out of the grip, but then Cesaro shoves him into the corner. Cesaro charges, but Kidd catches him with a back elbow. Kidd goes for a Tornado DDT, but Cesaro blocks it in mid-move. Cesaro then throws up Kidd and drills him on the way down with Swiss Death.
Cesaro then hits the Gotch Neutralizer for the victory.
Winner: "The Swiss Sensation" Antonio Cesaro by pinfall (Gotch Neutralizer)
Cesaro & Aksana celebrate his win as we go to commercial.
Commercial
WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. JTG & Michael McGillicutty
JTG & Kingston will start things off. Lock-up and Kingston with a waistlock. JTG switches to one of his own, but then Kingston counters into a hammerlock. JTG gets to the ropes to force a break, then nails Kingston with a shoulder to the gut. Irish whip by JTG, but Kingston avoids him twice and then connects with a monkey flip for a 1 count. Tag into Truth and the champs hit a double hiptoss, followed by a running kick from Kingston. Truth then hits his split-dancing leg drop for a 1 count. Truth locks in a reverse chinlock, but JTG breaks free. Irish whip by JTG, but Truth holds onto the ropes and then nails JTG with a clothesline for a 1 count. JTG sends Truth throat first into the ropes, then hits a series of clubs to the back.
JTG & the referee exchange words and that allows McGillicutty to get a cheap shot in. Tag into McGillicutty, who unloads with a series of stomps & right hands. McGillicutty shoves Truth into the ropes, then catches him coming in with a dropkick for a 1 count. McGillicutty talks trash to Truth, but then Truth fights back with a series of right hands. Irish whip by Truth, but countered by McGillicutty, who takes Truth down with a drop toe hold. McGillicutty then rubs Truth's face into the mat, followed by a knee to the back. Tag into JTG, who chokes Truth in the ropes. JTG locks in a chinlock as Kingston tries to will on his partner. Truth tries to break free, but JTG comes right back with a club to the back. JTG goes off the ropes, but Truth catches him coming in with a spinning leg lariat.
Kingston & McGillicutty get the tags in & Kingston hits a springboard tomahawk chop to McGillicutty. Kingston with a pair of double chops, followed by a dropkick. Kingston goes off the ropes and connects with the Superman clothesline and is all fired up. Kingston goes off the ropes & hits the Boom Drop. Kingston sets up for Trouble in Paradise, but JTG pulls his partner to the outside to avoid it. Kingston then gets a head of steam and hits a tope dive onto both JTG & McGillicutty on the outside. Kingston is all fired up as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Truth wrings out McGillicutty's arm multiple times. Truth with an arm wrench, followed by a kick to the gut. Tag into Kingston and the champs hit a double arm wrench, followed by a double enziguri for a close nearfall. Irish whip by Kingston, but as he tries to catch McGillicutty coming in with Trouble in Paradise, McGillicutty puts on the brakes and goes out to the outside. Kingston starts to give chase to McGillicutty, but as JTG tries to nail him coming in, Kingston ducks and nails JTG with a forearm. However, the distraction allows McGillicutty to nail Kingston with a clothesline off the apron.
Back in the ring, McGillicutty hits a series of stomps, then tags in JTG, who hits some stomps of his own. Kingston tries to fight back, but JTG fires away with a series of shoulders to the gut. Tag into McGillicutty, who connects with a snap suplex for a nearfall. McGillicutty hits a elbow to the side of Kingston's head, followed by sending Kingston headfirst into JTG's outstretched boot. Tag into JTG as the crowd chants for Kingston. Snapmare takeover by JTG, followed by locking in a keylock. The crowd tries to will on Kingston as he gets to his feet. Kingston fights out of the hold, but JTG comes back with a back suplex into a neckbreaker for a nearfall. JTG with some gut shots to Kingston in the corner, but then Kingston begins to fight his way out of the corner. Kingston tries to leap and make the tag, but JTG catches him and throws him back to prevent it. JTG goes for another back suplex, but Kingston lands on his feet and makes the tag to Truth.
Truth with a pair of clotheslines, followed by doing a little dance and nailing JTG with a right hand. Truth with a "What's up", followed by an Irish whip. However, JTG reverses it, but then Truth comes off and nails JTG with the Lie Detector. Truth hits a spike DDT and goes for the cover, but McGillicutty breaks it up. Kingston then comes in and nails McGillicutty with a dropkick. Kingston charges, but McGillicutty pulls down the top rope and that sends Kingston sailing over the ropes and to the outside. Truth then sends McGillicutty over the ropes and to the outside. JTG charges and tries to go for the Mug Shot, but Truth shoves him off.
Truth then nails JTG with the Little Jimmy for the victory.
Winners: WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth by pinfall (Little Jimmy)
Truth & Kofi celebrate as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to this week's "RAW Rebound", highlighting what happened between John Cena & The Big Show before the main event.
Main Event
"Long Island Iced Z" Zack Ryder vs. "The 1 Man Southern Rock Band" Heath Slater
"Let's go Ryder" chants as the bell sounds. Lock-up and Slater sends Ryder into the corner before breaking clean. Slater with a shove to Ryder and then talks trash, but then Ryder with a shove back. Slater charges, but misses a clothesline and Ryder hits a pair of armdrags into an armbar. Slater pulls at the hair and forces Ryder to the ropes to force a break. Slater with a series of right hands & stomps and then taunts the crowd. Slater with a slam, then goes off the ropes, but Ryder sidesteps him and Slater goes out to the outside. Slater goes back on the apron, but has words with the crowd and that allows Ryder to bring him back in the hard way. Irish whip by Ryder and he catches Slater coming in with a one man flapjack. Ryder then with a clothesline that sends Slater over the ropes and to the outside. Ryder hits a slingshot plancha on Slater, then does a "Woo Woo Woo". Ryder sends Slater back into the ring and gains a nearfall. Ryder tries for an Irish whip, but Slater holds onto the ropes. Slater comes back with a kick to the gut, followed by connecting with a gourdbuster that sends Ryder ribs first across the top rope.
Slater then drills Ryder with a running kneelift that sends Ryder crashing to the outside as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Ryder is making a comeback on Slater. However, Slater shoves Ryder into the ropes, but Ryder sidesteps Slater's back body drop attempt with a kick to the chest. Ryder goes for a crossbody, but Slater moves out of the way and Ryder catches nothing but the ropes.
Slater gains a nearfall, then locks in a chinlock. The crowd tries to will on Ryder as Slater talks trash to the crowd. Ryder breaks free of the hold, then goes off the ropes, but Slater catches him coming in with a kitchen sink. Slater with a running kneedrop to the back for a nearfall. Slater goes back to the chinlock and talks trash to Ryder. Slater hits a series of elbows to the chest for another nearfall. Slater then goes right back to the chinlock. Ryder tries to break free, but Slater nails him with a club to the back. Slater with a pair of right hands, then heads up onto the middle rope. Slater leaps off, but Ryder catches him in mid-air and hits another one man flapjack.
Slater charges, but Ryder catches him with a back elbow. Slater then misses a clothesline and Ryder goes off the ropes, hitting a flying forearm. Ryder with a clothesline, followed by an Irish whip. However, Slater reverses it, but then Ryder catches Slater with a faceplant. Ryder is all fired up as he charges and connects with a running forearm. Ryder does another "Woo Woo Woo", then charges and connects with the Broski Boot for a close nearfall. Slater then double legs Ryder for a jackknife pin, while using the ropes for leverage, but only gains a nearfall. Ryder with a knee to the gut, followed by a Hangmans neckbreaker for another nearfall. Ryder fires himself up, then sets up for the Rough Ryder, but Slater catapults Ryder facefirst into the top turnbuckle. Slater goes off the ropes and connects with a running neckbreaker for a close nearfall. Slater can't believe it, then places Ryder on the top turnbuckle. Slater goes up with him, but Ryder knocks him off. Ryder then hits a missile dropkick for a nearfall. Ryder now can't believe it as he heads back up top. However, Slater leaps up the ropes and drills Ryder with a super belly-to-belly suplex for another close nearfall and Slater again can't believe it. Slater gains another nearfall and is now visibly frustrated. Slater unloads with strikes in the corner, then has words with the referee. Slater charges, but Ryder gets his knees up.
Ryder then hits the Rough Ryder for the victory.
Winner: "Long Island Iced Z" Zack Ryder by pinfall (Rough Ryder)
Ryder celebrates as we go to credits.
HBK Interview.
Being difficult to work with during first WWE stint: "If I'm putting on my psychiatrist's hat and you dig all the way down to the root of it has nothing to do with wrestling or anything else. It just has to do with a young man's insecurities with himself. Having said that, that can manifest itself in any form and how that's interpreted obviously depends on the time and depends on the spin. Let's face it. The ability it takes to be difficult really is to disagree with somebody. Nine times out of 10 mine were usually more creative issues than anything else. The company felt one thing. I felt another. We both feel opposite things, so therefore it's going to be difficult.
"Nowadays, the same thing can happen and depending on how our media spins it, that can be cool. The are guys who have done the exact same things that I did, and it's sort of pretty nifty, because they're fighting against Vince McMahon and the way the company wants to go. I think one guy's unprofessionalism is like another's guy's Attitude Era throwback. One is perceived as cool, and the other is not.
"Jim Ross used to always say to me, 'Shawn, it's not because of what you're saying or what you're doing. It's your vocabulary. It's your delivery.' When I came back, Jim said, 'There were a lot of times I would agree with you, but your delivery was so harsh that there was just no way you could jump on your side.' I think that's a fair statement. I was a young guy full of piss and vinegar -- excuse my language -- and I felt I had a very good idea of where the business needed to go and things that needed to be done.
"I never went back and told anybody what I did was justified. I'm not saying that at all, but let's face it. That is where the business went -- to more attitude and things of that nature and to perhaps being a little more truthful and a little more reality based, which I was doing many years ago as well as other guys. Now guys do that, and it's not really seen as being difficult or fighting a traditional system or unprofessional. It's more seen as fighting the WWE system, which is in turn viewed pretty cool."
Why he wasn't fired during his first WWE run: "The reason I survived it, and the reason I'm still part of the WWE now is because the one guy who loves absolutely every stitch of it, which is Vince McMahon, the guy I argued with more than anybody, understood it. He understood that it wasn't unprofessionalism or ego that was driving all that. It was a desire and a passion to be the guy and to be the absolute very best that I could be. His only challenge was channeling all that in the right direction, and he did that pretty darn well.
"He tells people all the time the reason he didn't fire me is because he could see through all that. Ultimately, when it came down to his way or my way, he always knew when he said, 'This is what I want done, period.' He knew I'd do it, and I always did.
"I can't do anything about the stories that are out there. I can only control what it was he said. I was given the right by him to argue and state my case. I could go before the judge, so to speak, and make my argument, and the judge either threw his gavel done and said it was his way or he said, 'All right. We'll do it that way.' The reason I'm still part of the company is because ultimately I never did anything that he didn't want me to do."
Sunny speaks on illness.
OK, now Im getting annoyed. Here's the story: I had a stomach flu, was dehydrated from puking my guts out, so I took myself to the hospital to get fluids... the next morning I was fine... it's not like I had to call 911 b/c I was dying! ENOUGH!!!! EVERYONE GETS SICK!
She followed that up in the thread by saying:
IM FINE NOW..... that's why these dirt sheets are so bogus... it's not like I have "health issues", I had a bug! I've been completely healthy for 2 days now!
Snitsky was backstage during Smackdown.
Sunny news.
WWE Hall of Famer Tammy "Sunny" Sytch admitted herself to the hospital this week due to a stomach flu and was informed that she has other ailments.
She wrote Tuesday evening on Facebook, "well... just got home from the hospital...again. wasnt just a stomach flu. severe gastroenteritis and an enflamed pancreas. i have no luck. feeling better now.. on meds."
She wrote Tuesday evening on Facebook, "well... just got home from the hospital...again. wasnt just a stomach flu. severe gastroenteritis and an enflamed pancreas. i have no luck. feeling better now.. on meds."
Heyman on Cody Rhodes.
Paul Heyman re-tweeted several posts from Cody Rhodes last night and wrote the following about the second generation Superstar:
"#NowFollowing @CodyRhodesWWE Hey, don't follow him. Be stuck in the past. 'Cuz the future will be Living Out The Dream!"
"#NowFollowing @CodyRhodesWWE Hey, don't follow him. Be stuck in the past. 'Cuz the future will be Living Out The Dream!"
HHH gets praise.
Goldust getting married.
"Listen i dont have any interest in doing any radio.. Im not bitter so go ask someone else"
NXT replacing FCW.
"With NXT moving in, tomorrow could very well be the last FCW TV Tapings ever. Rumor has it my greatest rivalry is getting renewed."
"I think people think he's just showing up and collecting some big fat paycheck and it couldn't be further from the truth. This guy, this legend in our business, truly surpasses the word wrestling itself. He is so immersed in our business and helping us grow our business on days he's not even on shows. He's driving an hour and a half to sit in on our agents' meetings and help working with agents and the talent on the night of the show. If we have a pay-per-view and he's not on it, he's there. He's working his tail off," Carter said.
"And then you have, what does Hulk Hogan bring to a company such as ours and the doors it opens and the visibility it gives and that's everything. He's making business calls for us, he's talking to advertisers, he's showing up and working Viacom stuff. He's as vested as you can possibly be and I think he will always be known for so many big big things throughout his career. I am hopeful that this period of his life, even when he's not in the ring wrestling will be one that fans are so proud of how much he's giving back to this sport and how much he's giving back to this sport and how he's helping these young guys grow and what he's doing for our industry."
Carter also discusses Kurt Angle, acquiring mixed martial star King Mo and more. The audio interview is available at www.sportstownchicago.com/fightclub.
Raw Ratings.
This week's WWE RAW Supershow drew a 3.04 cable rating, up from 2.94 the week before. The post-Over The Limit show averaged 4.16 million viewers, which is actually down from last week. The first hour averaged 4.17 million viewers and the second hour averaged 4.14 million.
RAW faced stiff competition from the NBA playoffs on Monday night, with the Thunder-Lakers game averaging 8.1 million viewers.
Comparing Monday's RAW to the previous post-PPV show, this week's rating and viewership were down sharply from the RAW that aired the night after Elimination Chamber.
TNA star coming to WWE ?????
Alex Shelley, whose contract with TNA Wrestling is set to expire, is reportedly jumping ship to WWE. This is according to former WCW broadcaster Mark Madden. He wrote on Twitter: "Good luck to Alex Shelley, WWE-bound. A real talent. Let's c if he's used rite. Shame 2c MCMGs break up. Best tag team in U.S."
WWE live event news.
WWE returns to the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina for a Raw live event on December 30. A Ticketmaster.com pre-sale is ongoing through May 25 at 10:00 p.m. The password is WWE.
Brian Pillman's 50th Birthday.
Smith Hart remembered the late wrestler via Twitter, writing, "Happy Bday to Brian Pillman. You are a brother in every sense to all of my siblings and are missed today more than you know. God Bless you."
Smackdown spoilers.
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* Dean Ambrose won a dark match.
WWE Smackdown (Airing Friday)
* Eve Torres opens up SmackDown on behalf of John Laurinaitis. Alberto Del Rio interrupts and wants a World Heavyweight Title shot against Sheamus at No Way Out. This brings out Kane and Randy Orton, who also want title shots. Eve announces a three-way for later tonight to determine a new #1 contender.
* WWE Intercontinental champion Christian defeated Hunico.
* Titus O'Neil and Darren Young beat The Usos.
* Cody Rhodes cuts a promo and says he will get his Intercontinental Title back from Christian.
* Ryback comes out with a black eye and squashes two local wrestlers.
* A vignette airs that says Sin Cara will return next week.
* WWE United States champion Santino Marella defeated Ricardo Rodriguez.
* World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus comes out and talks about John Laurinaitis and what happened on RAW. It sounds like he's going to apologize but he doesn't.
* Sheamus defeated Jack Swagger with the Brogue Kick.
*Damien Sandow defeated Yoshi Tatsu with the neckbreaker.
* Big Show comes out and takes a seat in the ring. He feels betrayed by everyone and talks about John Laurinaitis re-hiring him. Show says he doesn't care about what anyone thinks because he doesn't care about the fans.
* Kane comes out for the three-way main event but Daniel Bryan attacks him with a chair and they brawl.
* Alberto Del Rio beat Kane and Randy Orton in a three-way to become the new #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Title. Bryan distracted Kane again which led to him getting a RKO. Del Rio broke the pin up and stole the victory from Orton to win. Sheamus came out and hit a Brogue Kick on Del Rio to end the show.
WWE Responds To Claim They Are Barely Above Porn.
WWE has responded to a column featured in the Darien Times by editor Joshua Fisher, who stated that WWE is a product "barely above pornography." Expect lots of similar articles not being kind to WWE with Linda McMahon's political campaign kicking off. Here is WWE's response to the column:
Dear Mr. Fisher:
We are writing regarding your column that appeared in the Darien Times on May 17, 2012, where you state that WWE is a product “barely above pornography.”
Although this was an opinion piece, your position as editor of the Darien Times would ethically require you to report the facts accurately and not distort the truth. For future editorials and news stories that may pertain to WWE, we wanted you to be aware of the facts so you clearly understand our programming content and the type of entertainment we provide to our more than 300,000 fans in the state of Connecticut and millions around the world.
All WWE television programming features only TV-PG content as rated not by us, but by the network TV distributors and their standards and practices departments. WWE weekly programming has always appeared on basic cable or broadcast television. As any casual television viewer knows, your description of our programming, based on the Federal Communications Commission rules alone, would not be permitted on broadcast television or basic cable.
WWE is family entertainment. In fact, 40 percent of the millions of fans who attend our live events bring their children. It’s insulting to these parents to think that they would condone their children watching inappropriate content. WWE may not be your personal choice of entertainment, but that does not give you the right to damage our corporate reputation.
On behalf of WWE, its 690 employees and our fans in Connecticut, we would appreciate it if you would stick to factual statements about our organization and brand. For more information on our company, please go to corporate.wwe.com and feel free to reach out to us for the facts in advance of any articles you write relating to WWE.
Sincerely,
Brian Flinn
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Dear Mr. Fisher:
We are writing regarding your column that appeared in the Darien Times on May 17, 2012, where you state that WWE is a product “barely above pornography.”
Although this was an opinion piece, your position as editor of the Darien Times would ethically require you to report the facts accurately and not distort the truth. For future editorials and news stories that may pertain to WWE, we wanted you to be aware of the facts so you clearly understand our programming content and the type of entertainment we provide to our more than 300,000 fans in the state of Connecticut and millions around the world.
All WWE television programming features only TV-PG content as rated not by us, but by the network TV distributors and their standards and practices departments. WWE weekly programming has always appeared on basic cable or broadcast television. As any casual television viewer knows, your description of our programming, based on the Federal Communications Commission rules alone, would not be permitted on broadcast television or basic cable.
WWE is family entertainment. In fact, 40 percent of the millions of fans who attend our live events bring their children. It’s insulting to these parents to think that they would condone their children watching inappropriate content. WWE may not be your personal choice of entertainment, but that does not give you the right to damage our corporate reputation.
On behalf of WWE, its 690 employees and our fans in Connecticut, we would appreciate it if you would stick to factual statements about our organization and brand. For more information on our company, please go to corporate.wwe.com and feel free to reach out to us for the facts in advance of any articles you write relating to WWE.
Sincerely,
Brian Flinn
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications
WWE news.
* Antonio Cesaro vs. Tyson Kidd was taped for the SmackDown portion of this week’s WWE Superstars Tuesday night. WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston & R-Truth vs. JTG & Michael McGillicutty and Heath Slater vs. Zack Ryder were taped for the Raw portion.
* Derrick Bateman vs. Jinder Mahal, Heath Slater vs. Percy Watson and Alicia Fox vs. Maxine were the three matches taped for this week's edition of NXT.
* WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose defeated a local wrestler in a dark match before Tuesday's SmackDown taping in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
* Derrick Bateman vs. Jinder Mahal, Heath Slater vs. Percy Watson and Alicia Fox vs. Maxine were the three matches taped for this week's edition of NXT.
* WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose defeated a local wrestler in a dark match before Tuesday's SmackDown taping in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Sin Cara news.
Sin Cara has returned last Saturday in Florence, SC. He defeated Hunico that night. He has been out of action for about 6 months.
I personally am excited to hear about this. Sin cara is one of my favorites. Always fun to watch him fly around the ring doing moves i've never seen . I hope this time around he gets some kind of a title run, and feud with any of the Highfliers. Hopefully Rey Mysterio and him have a match at one of the 4 big PPVs. Would love to see these two in a ladder match against each other. Then, after their done feuding the can form a tag team with these two.
News on Raw.
WWe will reach their 1,000th episode of Raw on July 23rd. The first episode was January 11,1993. Raw has been on air for the last 19 years, and we've seen some great matches and not so great matches.
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Some of the greatest feuds have happened like the Stone Cold and Vince McMahon. Which had me at the edge of my seat every time. Never get tired of seeing Vince getting a Stunner. Anythinig that had to do with Stone Cold was/is fun to watch.
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Some of the greatest feuds have happened like the Stone Cold and Vince McMahon. Which had me at the edge of my seat every time. Never get tired of seeing Vince getting a Stunner. Anythinig that had to do with Stone Cold was/is fun to watch.
Raw Ratings.
* Raw on 4/9 drew 316,000 viewers.
* Raw on 4/16 drew 290,000 viewers.
* Raw on 4/30 drew 252,000 viewers.
* Raw on 4/16 drew 290,000 viewers.
* Raw on 4/30 drew 252,000 viewers.
TNA Wrestler signs new contract.
NXT Results from 5/16/2012.
Johnny Curtis vs. Percy Watson
Josh welcomes us to NXT and Curtis enters the arena, sans Maxine. Percy is out first and he goes on the offensive as Regal talks about how he's getting better. Curtis uses the ring as a weapon and turns the tables on Percy to take control of the match. After 2 minutes the match goes back and forth. Regal says the biggest impact player on NXT has been, with hesitation, Maxine. Percy breaks out of a hold to go on offense. He takes too much time to hit the Heisman and Curtis kicks out. Curtis turns the match around and gets the pin for the win.
Winner: Johnny Curtis
After the match Josh reveals that the main event is a triple threat with Tyson Kid, Derrick Bateman, and Michael McGillicutty. Regal then reveals the next match. It's a tag match with The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins.
* ads *
The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins
Match starts with Khali beating on Curt. Zek tags in, and Curt rolls out not wanting anything to do with him. Reks gets tagged in to take the beating next. After a minute, the tables are turned and the heels start tagging in and out. Regal is putting over Reks and Hawkins as the better team. Zek would be the face in peril for several minute with several chants for him. Reks gets tossed towards Khali. He stops before Colliding with him. It sets up a toss over Zek's back and a hot tag to Khali. Khali Smash! Khali Smash Alot!
Winner: The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson
*ads*
Over the Limit,
Kane vs. Zack Ryder on the Pre-Show
Kaitlyn vs. Maxine
Regal sees Kaitlyn as improving each week. And wanting to backpack with her. Awkward. Maxine is out next and is called devious my Regal. Regal points out that Maxine is extra tanned this week. Kaitlyn goes on the offensive first. Maxine gets body scissors, but Kaitlyn powers out of it. Kaitlyn tosses Maxine on the rope and pulls the ropes to slam her in the ring. Maxine rolls out of the ring and then uses the ropes to turn the table on Kaitlyn. Regal calls her a little nest of vipers. Regal talks about something irrelevant. Josh can't believe what he's just heard. Maxine has Kaitlyn in a hold. It gets broken after a minute to lead into multiple pins attempts on Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn is able to use the ring post to her advantage to get back on offense. They begin to trade pin attempts before Maxine goes for submission attempts. Kaitlyn finally counters and gets her into a submission. Maxine has to tap out.
Winner: Kaitlyn
* ads *
Josh talks about Sheamus vs. Orton on SmackDown. Josh then introduces the Raw Rebound where Big Show gets fired. Cena vs. Johnny Ace is put over at Extreme Rules.
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Tyson Kid vs. Derrick Bateman vs. and Michael McGillicutty
McGillicutty is put over by Regal by his family and his skill. Regal trashes Bateman next. Regal says Tyson Kidd is the stand-out star in the ring as the match starts. Mike ditches the ring and gets out of the way of Bateman and Kidd. Regal asks if a count should be started. Josh is agast at Regal. Two in the ring do a few moves and then they go out of the ring after McGillicutty. Kidd and Bateman start working on McGillicutty. He rolls out of the ring again. Bateman goes for a quick pin before Tyson takes control of the match. Bateman rolls out and Mike pulls Tyson's leg to take control of the match. Bateman lurks for while on the outside of the ring. Tyson turns the tables and tosses McGillicutty out. Bateman gets Tyson, but does a dive out of the ring on to McGillicutty making a cushion for Tyson to do a dive from the top rope to the floor.
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McGillicutty pushes Tyson into Bateman who was trying to reenter the ring. Mike continues his assault on Kidd. Regal puts over Mike's and Kidd's Family background in the industry. Mike gets Bateman out of the way on the ring post and goes back to work on Kidd. Bateman finally returns to the ring, but is pushed off Mike. Regal like how he sees Bateman keep coming back after taking a beating. Tyson collides with Mike and it sets up Bateman to go to work on Mike. Bateman goes to the ropes, but Mike throws him off. Kidd takes over on offense for a pin attempt. Bateman goes to work on Kidd, but Mike breaks the pin attempt up. Mike goes to work on Bateman with a pin attempt. Mike loses Bateman and then gets kicked by Tyson. Bateman slams Mike. The pin attempt is disrupted by a flying Elbow from Tyson. Kidd tries to pin Bateman, then Mike. Tyson is gassed. Kidd goes to Bateman. He goes for a pin, but Mike pulls him off and goes for this own pin attempt. Bateman breaks it up. Regal is honestly impressed by Bateman tonight. Bateman focuses on Mike. Derrick sets up Mike on the ropes. Derrick gets tosses off the ropes. Kidd gets tosses up to take out Mike. Tyson then slaps on the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring and then a dungeon lock. Bateman Taps. Regal loved the match tonight.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
Josh welcomes us to NXT and Curtis enters the arena, sans Maxine. Percy is out first and he goes on the offensive as Regal talks about how he's getting better. Curtis uses the ring as a weapon and turns the tables on Percy to take control of the match. After 2 minutes the match goes back and forth. Regal says the biggest impact player on NXT has been, with hesitation, Maxine. Percy breaks out of a hold to go on offense. He takes too much time to hit the Heisman and Curtis kicks out. Curtis turns the match around and gets the pin for the win.
Winner: Johnny Curtis
After the match Josh reveals that the main event is a triple threat with Tyson Kid, Derrick Bateman, and Michael McGillicutty. Regal then reveals the next match. It's a tag match with The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins.
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The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson vs. Tyler Reks and Curt Hawkins
Match starts with Khali beating on Curt. Zek tags in, and Curt rolls out not wanting anything to do with him. Reks gets tagged in to take the beating next. After a minute, the tables are turned and the heels start tagging in and out. Regal is putting over Reks and Hawkins as the better team. Zek would be the face in peril for several minute with several chants for him. Reks gets tossed towards Khali. He stops before Colliding with him. It sets up a toss over Zek's back and a hot tag to Khali. Khali Smash! Khali Smash Alot!
Winner: The Great Khali and Ezekiel Jackson
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Over the Limit,
Kane vs. Zack Ryder on the Pre-Show
Kaitlyn vs. Maxine
Regal sees Kaitlyn as improving each week. And wanting to backpack with her. Awkward. Maxine is out next and is called devious my Regal. Regal points out that Maxine is extra tanned this week. Kaitlyn goes on the offensive first. Maxine gets body scissors, but Kaitlyn powers out of it. Kaitlyn tosses Maxine on the rope and pulls the ropes to slam her in the ring. Maxine rolls out of the ring and then uses the ropes to turn the table on Kaitlyn. Regal calls her a little nest of vipers. Regal talks about something irrelevant. Josh can't believe what he's just heard. Maxine has Kaitlyn in a hold. It gets broken after a minute to lead into multiple pins attempts on Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn is able to use the ring post to her advantage to get back on offense. They begin to trade pin attempts before Maxine goes for submission attempts. Kaitlyn finally counters and gets her into a submission. Maxine has to tap out.
Winner: Kaitlyn
* ads *
Josh talks about Sheamus vs. Orton on SmackDown. Josh then introduces the Raw Rebound where Big Show gets fired. Cena vs. Johnny Ace is put over at Extreme Rules.
* ads *
Tyson Kid vs. Derrick Bateman vs. and Michael McGillicutty
McGillicutty is put over by Regal by his family and his skill. Regal trashes Bateman next. Regal says Tyson Kidd is the stand-out star in the ring as the match starts. Mike ditches the ring and gets out of the way of Bateman and Kidd. Regal asks if a count should be started. Josh is agast at Regal. Two in the ring do a few moves and then they go out of the ring after McGillicutty. Kidd and Bateman start working on McGillicutty. He rolls out of the ring again. Bateman goes for a quick pin before Tyson takes control of the match. Bateman rolls out and Mike pulls Tyson's leg to take control of the match. Bateman lurks for while on the outside of the ring. Tyson turns the tables and tosses McGillicutty out. Bateman gets Tyson, but does a dive out of the ring on to McGillicutty making a cushion for Tyson to do a dive from the top rope to the floor.
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McGillicutty pushes Tyson into Bateman who was trying to reenter the ring. Mike continues his assault on Kidd. Regal puts over Mike's and Kidd's Family background in the industry. Mike gets Bateman out of the way on the ring post and goes back to work on Kidd. Bateman finally returns to the ring, but is pushed off Mike. Regal like how he sees Bateman keep coming back after taking a beating. Tyson collides with Mike and it sets up Bateman to go to work on Mike. Bateman goes to the ropes, but Mike throws him off. Kidd takes over on offense for a pin attempt. Bateman goes to work on Kidd, but Mike breaks the pin attempt up. Mike goes to work on Bateman with a pin attempt. Mike loses Bateman and then gets kicked by Tyson. Bateman slams Mike. The pin attempt is disrupted by a flying Elbow from Tyson. Kidd tries to pin Bateman, then Mike. Tyson is gassed. Kidd goes to Bateman. He goes for a pin, but Mike pulls him off and goes for this own pin attempt. Bateman breaks it up. Regal is honestly impressed by Bateman tonight. Bateman focuses on Mike. Derrick sets up Mike on the ropes. Derrick gets tosses off the ropes. Kidd gets tosses up to take out Mike. Tyson then slaps on the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring and then a dungeon lock. Bateman Taps. Regal loved the match tonight.
Winner: Tyson Kidd
Superstars Results from 5/17/2012.
Alex Riley vs. "The 1 Man Southern Rock Band" Heath Slater Lock-up and a break. Riley goes to a side headlock, but Slater gets to the ropes. Lock-up and Riley goes back to the side headlock. Riley switches to a hammerlock, but then Slater counters into his own side headlock. Irish whip by Riley, but Slater with a shoulder tackle. Slater takes time to showboat, but then Riley trips him up and goes into a front chancery. Riley goes to a wristlock, but Slater gets to the ropes. Slater then trips up Riley and goes into a grounded side headlock. Irish whip by Riley, but Slater with another shoulder tackle. Slater goes off the ropes, but Riley catches him coming in with a dropkick. Riley then with an armdrag into an armbar. Slater sends Riley into the corner and hits a gut shot, followed by a pair of right hands. Irish whip by Slater, reversed by Riley. Riley charges, but Slater sends him over the ropes, however Riley lands on the apron. Riley with a right hand, then heads up top, but Slater crotches him and sends Riley crashing down onto the mat. Slater with a pair of stomps as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Slater has Riley in a reverse chinlock. Riley breaks out with a right hand, followed by sending Slater headfirst into the top turnbuckle. Irish whip by Riley, but runs into a boot by Slater. Slater gains a nearfall, then goes back to the reverse chinlock. Slater with a series of elbows to Riley's head, followed by a knee to the back for another nearfall. Slater goes right back to the reverse chinlock, then hits a series of elbows to Riley's chest for another nearfall. Slater once again locks in the reverse chinlock as the crowd tries to will on Riley. Riley breaks out with gut shots, but Slater comes back with a neckbreaker for another nearfall. Slater can't believe it and is visibly frustrated. Slater with a boot to Riley's chest, followed by a right hand for yet another nearfall. Slater then locks in a sleeper hold as the crowd tries to will on Riley once more. Riley breaks out again with gut shots, followed by another right hand. Riley goes after Slater, but Slater throws him through the ropes to the outside. Slater starts to go after Riley, but Riley nails him with his sliding kick on the apron.
Riley then heads up top and connects with a flying clothesline. Riley with a series of right hands, followed by an Irish whip. However, Slater reverses it, but misses a charge in the corner and Riley goes off the ropes and then connects with his sit-out clothesline. Riley with another clothesline, then ducks under Slater and catches him with a spinebuster. Riley is all fired up as he sets to charge at Slater. Riley charges and connects with an avalanche. Riley goes up to the middle rope and calls for the A-Bomb. Riley then connects with the A-Bomb for a close nearfall. Riley now can't believe it and has words with the referee.
Riley with an Irish whip, but Slater reverses it and then connects with a belly-to-back facebuster for the victory.
Winner: "The 1 Man Southern Rock Band" Heath Slater by pinfall (Belly-to-Back Facebuster)
Slater celebrates his win, then we go to video of the face-off between Johnny Ace & John Cena from RAW before we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see Tyson Kidd already in the ring as he awaits his opponent.
Lord Tensai vs. Tyson Kidd
Tensai goes right after Kidd and hits a series of left & right hands in the corner, followed by a series of knees to the head. Tensai with a series of right hands, followed by a short-arm clothesline. Tensai with a slam, then locks Kidd in a bearhug. Kidd fights out with right hands, then ducks under a clothesline, but Tensai knocks him back down with a shoulder tackle. Tensai charges at Kidd, but Kidd gets out of the way and nails Tensai with an enziguri to the back of the head. Kidd with a rope assisted kick, then ducks under Tensai's punches and hits a series of kicks to him. Kidd with a spin kick to Tensai, but Tensai comes right back with a throat thrust. Kidd then hits his backflip kick that sends Kidd onto the apron. Kidd with another enziguri, then springboards, but Tensai moves and then he drills Kidd with the Tensai Bomb. Tensai with a pair of headbutts to the corner, followed by charging and connecting with an avalanche.
Tensai then locks in the Claw and takes Kidd down for the victory.
Winner: Lord Tensai by pinfall (The Claw)
After the match, Tensai goes to leave, but then comes back in and squishes Kidd with a running back senton splash. Tensai finally leaves and then yells at Sakamoto as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go to video from RAW here Johnny Ace fired The Big Show before the main event.
Main Event: The Usos (Jey & Jimmy) vs. "The Show-Off" Dolph Ziggler & "The All-American American" Jack Swagger w/Vickie Guerrero
Jey & Ziggler start things off for their respective teams. Jey with some "Uso" chants to get the crowd going. Ziggler then mocks the chant before locking up. Lock-up and Ziggler locks in a side headlock. Irish whip by Jey, but Ziggler holds onto the ropes and then does a little strut. Ziggler with a kick to the gut, followed by a headbutt, but hurts his own head. The headbutt did nothing to hurt Jey as he does a little dance before nailing Ziggler with his own headbutt. Headfirst goes Ziggler off the top turnbuckle, then Jimmy is tagged in. The Usos hit double back elbows, followed by a double elbow drop on Ziggler. Ziggler comes back with a kick to the leg, followed by an elbow to the top of the head. Tag into Swagger, who hits a gut shot, followed by a club to the back. Swagger then with a forearm to the back. Swagger goes for it again, but Jimmy comes back with a series of right hands. Swagger then comes back with a log roll, followed by a slam. Swagger goes for a leaping leg drop, but Jimmy moves out of the way. Tag into Ziggler, but Jimmy catches him with a hiptoss. Irish whip by Jimmy, reversed by Ziggler, but Jimmy slides to put on the brakes and then nails Ziggler with a double chop. Jimmy with an armbar, but Ziggler takes him down to break out. Ziggler then misses a clothesline and Jimmy nails him with another double chop for a nearfall. Jimmy goes back to the armbar, then tags in Jey. Jey hits a backbreaker on Ziggler for a nearfall. Ziggler comes back with another kick to the leg, followed by a right hand. Ziggler with a fireman's carry takedown, then goes to a rear chinlock. Jey breaks out with gut shots, followed by a throat thrust. Irish whip by Jey, but he runs into a boot by Ziggler on a charge in. Tag into Swagger, who connects with a side belly-to-belly suplex for a nearfall. Headfirst goes Jey off the turnbuckles, followed by a series of right hands and stomps in the corner by Swagger. The referee has words with Swagger and that allows Ziggler to rake at Jey's face. Swagger chokes Jey with his knee, then tags in Ziggler. Ziggler goes for a back suplex, but Jey lands on his feet. Ziggler then misses a clothesline and Jey tags in Jimmy. Jimmy with a pair of clotheslines, followed by an Irish whip. Ziggler, however, sidesteps Jimmy's back body drop attempt. Ziggler charges, but Jimmy moves out of the way and Ziggler goes headfirst off the top turnbuckle. Jimmy then hits a Bubba Bomb for a nearfall as Swagger comes in to break up the pin. Jey tries to come in, but is kept away by the referee. Then, Ziggler nails Jimmy with a dropkick as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Ziggler nails Jimmy with a short-arm clothesline, followed by doing some push-ups. Swagger with a series of clubs to the back, then sends Jimmy into the corner before tagging in Ziggler. Ziggler with a little hip swivel, then connects with a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Ziggler with a hair flick, followed by a leaping elbow drop for another nearfall. Tag into Swagger, who hits a gut shot. Snapmare takeover by Swagger, followed by locking in a double chickenwing. Jimmy breaks out with gut shots, then tries to leap to his corner to make a tag, but Swagger catches him to stop him from doing so. Jimmy then counters with a Sunset flip for a nearfall. Swagger then instantly locks Jimmy in the Ankle Lock. However, Jimmy kicks him off and sends Swagger out to the outside. Jey tries to will on his brother, but before Jimmy can make the tag, Swagger pulls Jey off the apron. Swagger then drags Jimmy back to his side of the ring. Jey tries to come in, but the referee keeps him back and that allows Ziggler to unload with stomps while Swagger has Jimmy's leg trapped. Tag into Ziggler, who locks Jimmy in a head and arm lock. Crowd tries to will on Jimmy as he gets to his feet. Jimmy tries to fight back with gut shots, but Ziggler comes back with a kick to the gut. Ziggler goes for another neckbreaker, but Jimmy counters with a backslide for a nearfall. However, Ziggler comes right back with a kick to the leg, followed by the Fameasser for another nearfall. Ziggler can't believe it as he tags in Swagger. Swagger locks in an armbar, followed by clubs to the shoulder. Swagger then hits a leaping leg drop for a nearfall. Tag into Ziggler, who hits a kick to the leg. Ziggler taunts Jimmy and mocks Jey, followed by an elbow to the back of the head. Ziggler with another hair flick, then goes for another Fameasser, but Jimmy counters it with the weakest looking powerbomb that I have ever seen.
Swagger & Jey get the tags and Jey with a pair of running forearms, followed by a savate kick to the gut. Jey with a throat thrust, followed by the 360* forearm. Jey knocks Ziggler off the apron, then does another "Uso" chant as he sets to charge. Jey charges and connects with the running butt attack for a nearfall. Jey lifts up Swagger for a Samoan Drop, but Vickie gets up on the apron to distract the referee. This allows Swagger to send Jey into Ziggler, who nails Jey with a right hand.
Swagger goes for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Jey counters it with a roll-up for the victory.
Winners: The Usos by pinfall (Roll-up)
Swagger & Ziggler argue in the ring about the loss as we go to credits.
IMPACT Results.
We see a video highlighting Joseph Park's search for his brother Abyss, the secret that was revealed about A.J. Styles & Bobby Roode retaining his title over Rob Van Dam at Sacrifice this past Sunday.We then go to the ring as the World Champion Bobby Roode makes his way to the ring. Roode says that time after time, people have stacked the odds against me. But, time after time, he overcomes the odds. Take Sacrifice for example when he defeated Rob Van Dam in Van Dam's type of match, a Ladder match. Roode says that Van Dam has perfected the Ladder match and that he is isn't gonna BS, Van Dam lived up to his moniker of "Mr. PPV" because he put Roode through hell at Sacrifice. Roode says that Van Dam put him through one of the most grueling matches of his career. But, at the end of the day, the "It Factor" retained his title and proved each and every one of you wrong. Roode then mocks the crowd to chant his name. Roode says that in 1 week, he will go down in history as the longest reigning World Champion in IMPACT Wrestling history. And next week, he will throw the biggest party that IMPACT Wrestling has ever seen. Roode says he is calling it "The It Factor's Celebration of Domination". For that to happen, Roode says he needs to call someone out, and that is Hulk Hogan.
Hogan makes his way to the ring as Roode says he has some demands for his party next week. Roode says he wants his private dressing room re-decorated 5 bottles of chilled champagne, green M& M's & gold confetti from Canada for his entrance. Hogan then takes the list and says that out of all the champions he has seen, he says Roode fixed everything that had gone awry when he became champion. But, as far as Roode's list of demands goes, he hasn't become the longest reigning champion yet so Hogan rips up Roode's list. Hogan says that next week is "Open Fight Night" and that on Open Fight Night, we have a title defense. So, Hogan says that next week, the TNA World Title will be defended and that upsets Roode. Hogan says that is the bad news, the good news is that Hogan took a poll of the TNA roster of who wanted a title shot and out comes almost the entire TNA lockerroom on the entrance way. Hogan says that he needs to eliminate the choices down to 4 men so he can figure out who is the best man for the job. So 1st up, Rob Van Dam will take on Bully Ray. Next, he is having a hard time with the situation between Jeff Hardy & Mr. Anderson, so they will face each other. Then, 2 guys with mean streaks should face off and that is Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe. Finally, the rest on the entranceway will compete in a battle royal to see who the 4th choice is. Hogan closes by saying to Roode that if you want to celebrate, you have to fight.
Roode is in shock as Tenay & Taz runs down what we will see on IMPACT Wrestling tonight before we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see Abyss's return from last week where he had a warning for his brother, Joseph Park. We then go to the opening match.
Open Fight Night Qualifier
"Calfzilla" Bully Ray vs. "The Whole F'N Show" Rob Van Dam
Bully rips up a fan's sign in many pieces and like always, badmouths ring announcer Christy Hemme. Van Dam comes out with his arm and leg taped up due to the injuries he sustained at Sacrifice. Bully wants the referee to check Van Dam's tape as the bell sounds.
Lock-up and Van Dam with a side headlock. Bully counters into a keylock, followed by an elbow. Bully wrenches out Van Dam's arm, then pulls at it in the corner. Van Dam fights back with gut shots, followed by a right hand, but Bully comes back with a knee to the gut. Bully tries to send Van Dam into the turnbuckle, but Van Dam blocks it and then drills Bully with a kick to the head. Van Dam then with a spin kick, followed by Rolling Thunder for a nearfall. Van Dam goes for another kick, but Bully counters with an elbow drop across Van Dam's injured leg. Bully with a leglock as the crowd tries to will on Van Dam. Bully then drives Van Dam's leg into the mat, followed by taunting the crowd. Bully with a stomp to Van Dam's leg, but then misses a splash as Van Dam moves out of the way. Van Dam with a pair of right hands, followed by a clothesline. Van Dam with another clothesline, followed by a superkick. Van Dam leaps up top and goes for the one leg thrust kick, but Bully avoids it and Van Dam lands on his injured leg.
Bully then drills Van Dam with the Bully Cutter for the victory.
Winner and qualifying for next week's "Open Fight Night": "Calfzilla" Bully Ray by pinfall (Bully Cutter)
After the match, Bully yells into the camera, "Satisfied Hogan?" as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we go backstage where Bully Ray says that he is pissed at the Kardashians. He says that they want to jump on the anti-bullying campaign, he wants to see them try and stop him from bullying anybody. Joseph Park comes in and Bully wraps up his chain saying that Park better have something real good to say. Park says he is here to apologize for what happened at Sacrifice, but Bully was gonna cheat, and he has been dealing with cheaters for a long time. Park says that his brother that he is getting too close to the fire. Park says that Bully Ray must be that fire. Bully says that he is giving Park fair warning, stay away from him and then Bully walks off.
We go to the announce table where Mike Tenay & Taz talk about TNA's newest signing, King Mo. We then go to video from last week's "MMA Uncensored" where King Mo & TNA President Dixie Carter were on to talk about Mo's signing.
We go backstage again where Knockouts Champion Gail Kim & Madison Rayne are walking as Gail is complaining about her Triple Threat title match tonight. Gail says she already beat Tessmacher & Velvet Sky, so why does she have to face them again. However, Madison is not paying attention as her mind is somewhere else. Gail questions that is it because of that guy, but Madison plays dumb to it. Madison walks off as Gail is angry about her title match. Gail then runs into both Tessmacher & Velvet, who says that Gail thinks its unfair, was it unfair when Gail cheated to beat both of them? Velvet says that one thing is for sure, either me or Tessmacher will win that title tonight and that is fair before walking off, leaving Gail to pout some more.
We then go to the ring for our next "Open Fight Night" qualifying match.
"Open Fight Night" Qualifier
Wild Card Battle Royal: X-Division Champion "A Double" Austin Aries vs. "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles vs. Robbie E. vs. Robbie T. vs. "The Undefeated" Crimson vs. Gunner vs. Magnus vs. Television Champion Devon vs. Garett Bischoff vs. Knockouts Tag Champions Eric Young & ODB
Way too much to call in this one, so I will list the order of eliminations and by who:
Eric Young, ODB & Crimson (all at the same time)
Magnus (Aries)
Robbie T. (Robbie E.)
Robbie E. (Devon)
During this, we see Madison Rayne make her way onto the entrance ramp and she is obviously watching whomever her "crush" is.
Commercial
Devon (Garett Bischoff)
Garett Bischoff (A.J. Styles)
Austin Aries (Gunner)
Gunner (A.J. Styles)
Winner and qualifying for next week's "Open Fight Night": "The Phenomenal" A.J. Styles
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see video highlighting the secret of A.J. Styles that was revealed by Christopher Daniels & Kazarian last week before we go back to the ring.
Back in the ring, A.J. Styles has a microphone and says that Bobby Roode is about to become the longest reigning World Champion. "Well, if its up to me, I will be the one to end your reign". Styles says that things aren't always what they seem. He & Dixie Carter have been business partners for 10 years, but they are both happily married. Styles says he understands how things can get misconstrued, but again, things are not always what they seem.
Styles then is interrupted by Daniels & Kazarian. Daniels says that while A.J. is a great athlete, the world saw last week what moves brought A.J. to the top of IMPACT Wrestling. Kazarian then says this whole thing was never about humiliating you or destroying lives, it was just about exposing the truth and showing the benefits that Styles got and left Daniels & Kazarian in his wake. Kazarian says Styles has always been about moral character and been a man of his word, so what is the deal with the pictures? Styles says that he already told them the truth. Daniels then says that he is a reasonable man, so maybe they have taken one image out of context, but that is why they invented video. Daniels reveals an iPad and has Kazarian play a video of something. The video shows Styles & Dixie Carter at a hotel, walking arm & arm. The video then shows them walking into an elevator with Styles pulling Dixie in. Daniels says that there is affection and then there's passion. Styles then shoves Daniels, who says that apparently, he struck a nerve. Styles then leaves the ring and walks away in disgust as Daniels says that the truth sucks.
We go to video of the storied rivalry of Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe before we go backstage.
Backstage, Samoa Joe walks up to Kurt Angle and says that its a shame that he has to walk through Angle to get his belt back. Angle says that they have a long history, remember the headbutt? Angle says its all about who makes the first move. Angle says you see this as he lifts his one hand, then slaps Joe with the other. Joe then attacks Angle and sends him into a production box before many wrestlers & referees come in to pull Joe off. Angle has a smile on his face as wrestlers have to pull away Joe before we go to commercial.
We then go back to the backstage area where Mr. Anderson is watching video of the controversial ending to his match with Jeff Hardy at Sacrifice. Anderson says that at one angle, it shows that he won. But, the other angle shows that Hardy kicked out before the 3 count. Anderson says that he is giving Hardy another shot at him tonight so he can prove who the better man is as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see a TNA Greatest Moments video, highlighting the 3-way X-Division Title match that main evented the Unbreakable PPV from 2005 when A.J. Styles defeated then champion Daniels & Samoa Joe before our next match.
"Open Fight Night" Qualifier
Mr. Anderson vs. "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy
Feeling out process to start things off. Both men go for a waistlock, but both counter each other. Anderson goes for an O'Connor Roll, but Hardy holds onto the ropes. Anderson then tries to counter Hardy with a backslide, but Hardy breaks off and we have a stalemate. Both men slap hands in a sign of respect then lock-up again. Anderson sends Hardy to the corner and hits a series of shoulders to the gut. Hardy then spins Anderson around and hits a pair of shoulders to the gut, followed by a kick to the gut. Irish whip by Hardy, reversed by Anderson, but Hardy then hits an inverted atomic drop. Hardy double legs Anderson, then hits his double leg drop into Anderson's lower abdomen, followed by a front dropkick for a 1 count. Hardy then with a clothesline that sends Anderson over the ropes and to the outside. Hardy goes for his baseball slide kick, but Anderson catches his legs and drives Hardy backfirst into the mat.
Back in the ring, Anderson gains a nearfall. Anderson stomps away at Hardy, followed by an elbow drop. Anderson locks in a reverse chinlock as the crowd tries to will on Hardy. Hardy tries to break out with gut shots, but Anderson comes back with a club to the back. Irish whip by Anderson and he catches Hardy coming in with a clothesline for a nearfall. Hardy rolls out onto the apron as Anderson goes right back after him. Hardy hits a pair of shoulders to the ribs, but then Anderson tries for a neckbreaker, but Hardy breaks him off. Hardy then with a slingshot dropkick for a nearfall. Hardy gets the crowd into it, but then Anderson hits a neckbreaker for a nearfall. Anderson goes for his windmill kick, but Hardy counters with a chop block.
Both men exchange right hands, but then Hardy with a back body drop. Hardy with a clothesline, followed by a back elbow. Irish whip by Hardy, reversed by Anderson, but Hardy nails him with a flying forearm for a nearfall. Irish whip by Hardy sends Anderson sternum first into the corner, then Hardy connects with a Russian leg sweep. Hardy goes for a leg drop, but Anderson counters into a Victory Roll for a nearfall. Irish whip by Anderson, but he runs into a Hardy elbow. Hardy then hits Whisper in the Wind for a close nearfall. Hardy takes the shirt off and goes for the Twist of Fate, but Anderson counters it.
Anderson lifts Hardy up and connects with the Green Bay Plunge, but Hardy holds on and crucifixes Anderson for the victory.
Winner and qualifying for next week's "Open Fight Night": "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy by pinfall (Crucifix)
After the match, Anderson & Hardy shake hands and embrace in a sign of respect as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see another video highlighting the Angle/Joe rivalry before we go to our next match.
Triple Threat Match for the Knockouts Title
Gail Kim (c) vs. Brooke Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky
Gail goes to get away, but Brooke pulls her in and drives her down to the mat. Velvet & Brooke take turns with right hands before Velvet hits a clothesline on Gail. Gail tries to run away again, but this time Velvet pulls her back in and hits a pair of facebusters before Brooke hits a sleeper slam. Gail goes to the outside and now Velvet & Brooke lock up. Brooke with a roll-up for a 1 count. Velvet then with an inside cradle for a nearfall. Velvet with a side headlock, followed by a kick to the face after Brooke Irish whipped out. Velvet goes off the ropes, but Gail trips her up and pulls her to the outside. Gail with a clothesline to Brooke, followed by a stomp and finally chokes Brooke in the ropes. Gail knocks Velvet off the apron and back down to the outside, then hits a knee to the gut of Brooke. Gail then hits a backbreaker on Brooke, followed by placing her boot on Brooke's throat to taunt the crowd. Gail locks in a Boston Crab, but then Velvet comes in and locks Gail in a Dragon Sleeper while Gail still has the hold applied on Brooke. Gail pushes Velvet off, but then Velvet kicks Gail to break the hold. Velvet with a series of forearms, followed by an Irish whip. However, Gail moves out of the way on Velvet's charge in and then Gail locks Brooke in the Octopus. Velvet then comes in and rolls up Gail while she still had the hold applied on Brooke for a nearfall. Gail then rolls up Brooke for a nearfall of her own. Velvet tries to go after Gail, but Brooke grabs onto her foot. Velvet knocks Brooke off, then goes for the In Yo Face, but Brooke counters. Brooke goes for her belly-to-back facebuster, but Velvet blocks it. While this is going on, Gail heads up top and then nails both Brooke & Velvet with a missile dropkick. Gail goes for Eat Defeat on Brooke, but Brooke blocks it and throws Gail into the corner. Then, Velvet comes in and this time hits In Yo Face on Brooke.
Gail then comes in and throws Velvet to the outside, followed by picking up the scraps and covering Brooke for the victory.
Winner and still Knockouts Champion: Gail Kim by pinfall (Thanks to Velvet's In Yo Face)
Commercial
Back from commercial, we see a video highlighting the 10 year history of TNA that closes by saying, "This is TNA IMPACT Wrestling and we're just getting started" before our main event.
Main Event in the final "Open Fight Night" Qualifier
"The Olympic Gold Medalist" Kurt Angle vs. "The Samoan Submission Machine" Samoa Joe
Joe hits a pair of kicks to the leg, then both go for a knucklelock, but Joe nails Angle with a forearm. Joe with peppering jabs to Angle in the corner and that sends Angle down to the outside. Back in the ring, Angle with a double leg takedown, followed by a series of right hands. Angle with a side headlock, but Joe nails him with a shoulder tackle off an Irish whip. Joe with another shoulder tackle, followed by his infamous snapmare/chop to back of head/kick to chest/leaping knee drop combo for a nearfall. Joe with some face washes in the corner, followed by an uppercut. Joe goes off the ropes, but Angle catches him with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. We see Bobby Roode make his way to the announce table as we go to commercial.
Commercial
Back from commercial as Angle nails Joe with a series of right hands in the corner. Angle with a series of stomps to Joe's knee as Bobby Roode has now joined Mike Tenay & Taz at the announce table. Angle with a suplex for a 1 count. Angle locks in a chinlock as the crowd tries to will on Joe. Joe breaks out with gut shots, followed by a right hand. Joe goes off the ropes, but Angle catches him with a back elbow for another 1 count. Angle goes back to the chinlock as the crowd chants his name. Joe breaks out again with gut shots, followed by a jab. Irish whip by Joe, but he runs into boot by Angle. Angle goes up to the middle rope and leaps off, but Joe catches him with an inverted atomic drop. Joe goes off the ropes and hits a Mafia Kick, followed by a back senton splash for a nearfall. Angle breaks free of Joe and goes off the ropes, but Joe catches him with the snap powerslam for another nearfall. Joe goes for a powerbomb, but Angle rolls off his back and hits a German suplex. Angle holds on to the grip and hits a 2nd one. Angle still holds on and then hits the hat trick. Angle drops down the straps and sets up for the Angle Slam, but Joe counters and locks in the Kokina Clutch, but Angle counters out into the Ankle Lock. Joe kicks Angle off and then charges at him in the corner, hitting a running back elbow, followed by a roundhouse kick to the head. Joe with another inverted atomic drop, then goes for another Mafia Kick, but Angle catches his foot and then hits the Angle Slam for a close nearfall. Angle & Joe exchange right hands, with Joe gaining the advantage. Joe then with a front kick to Angle that knocks him down. Joe goes for another kick, but Angle catches his foot and locks back in the Ankle Lock. Joe tries to counter out, but Angle holds on. Joe tries again, but Angle still holds on. Joe then gets out and sends Angle facefirst into the middle turnbuckle. Angle charges, but Joe catches him and drills him with the STJoe. Joe calls for the Muscle Buster and perches Angle on the top turnbuckle. Joe goes for the Muscle Buster, but Angle counters with a headbutt.
Joe charges at Angle, but Angle catches him with a Sunset flip for the victory.
Winner and qualifying for next week's "Open Fight Night": "The Olympic Gold Medalist" Kurt Angle by pinfall (Sunset Flip)
After the match, Bobby Roode makes his way down the rampway, but then we see Hardy, Styles & Ray in different parts of the IMPACT Wrestling Zone surrounding Roode with Angle also in the ring. Roode has a nervous look on his face as all his potential challengers stare him down as we go to credits.
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