DAYTON, Ohio - Like unicorns, the Loch Ness monster and the lost city of Atlantis, the return of Bret Hart to WWE seemed merely the stuff of legend, a sight among the WWE faithful that would never come to fruition.
Then it happened. After a controversial exit and a 12-year absence, The Excellence of Execution agreed to return to WWE as the first special guest host of Raw to kick off the new year. Even Bigfoot himself couldnt have proven a more exciting host or more shocking.
Mr. McMahon betrayed Bret Hart (PHOTOS | WATCH) Closure. If Bret Harts appearance on Monday Night Raw could be summed up in one world, thats it. The former five-time WWE Champion and WWE Hall of Famer seemed determined to bring perspective and resolution to the controversial events of the past, most glaringly the infamous Montreal Screwjob.
Like a leery mountain lion guarding his pride, Mr. McMahon invited Hart into the ring. While the two proud men initially reacted defensively, trading cold words and icy glares, their distrust eventually began to thaw. The Chairman even announced that Harts father, famous trainer Stu Hart, would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this spring.
After the two had shaken hands and raised their arms in a triumphant truce, however, Mr. McMahon reverted back to form, hitting the WWE Hall of Famer with a low blow that left him in a fetal position in the center of the ring.
Randy Orton def. Kofi Kingston (PHOTOS | WATCH) Last Monday, Randy Orton gave his Legacy charges, Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase, an ultimatum: Win your match or be barred from the group. This week, the Legacy ringleader was forced to choke down a spoonful of his own medicine. Earlier in the evening, Rhodes & DiBiase confronted their mentor and told him that if he lost his match against Kofi Kingston, he would be booted from the group.
With Rhodes & DiBiase looking on at ringside, The Viper clashed with Kingston in a rivalry that has boiled over several times in the past. On this occasion, though, Orton would prevail, perhaps in part due to a bit of unexpected incentive.
WWE Champion Sheamus def. Evan Bourne (PHOTOS | WATCH) Sheamus continued his frightening reign. After retaining his title last week against John Cena, the WWE Champion came crowing. After bragging that he is now the best there is and the best there will ever be, Sheamus was confronted by a courageous Evan Bourne, who stepped forth to challenge him. While the high-flyer demonstrated that speed and agility can stagger a giant, The Celtic Warrior managed to hinder and hobble Bourne, persisting on his path of ruin.
Mike Tyson to serve as special guest host next week (STORY) A man comfortable with destroying opponents inside a ring, Mike Tyson, will act as special guest host of Raw next week. This wont be the first time the boxing legend has joined Raw, and this time is sure to be just as memorable.
Unified Tag Team Champions DX def. Chris Jericho & Big Show (PHOTOS | WATCH) Chris Jericho had his chances. The SmackDown Superstar and his partner, Big Show, held the Unified Tag Team Championships for months, which allowed Jericho to appear on all WWE brands, including Raw. Last month, however, Jeri-Show dropped the titles to Triple H & Shawn Michaels. Ever since, the arrogant Superstar has done everything in his power to recapture the titles, which would once again allow him to launch his petty attacks on Raw.
Jerichos whining, however, simply wasnt enough. When Jeri-Show teamed up against DX, The Game and HBK, with a little help from Hornswoggle, managed to overcome their opponents and bid Jericho a gleeful goodbye.
MVP def. Mark Henry, Carlito and Jack Swagger (PHOTOS | WATCH) United States Champion The Miz loves to be seen and, unfortunately, heard. Which may explain why he sat in on commentary to watch the Fatal Four Way Match featuring MVP, Mark Henry, Carlito and Jack Swagger to determine the No. 1 contender for the U.S. Title. When the dust, and Mizs mouth, finally settled, Montel Vontavious Porter emerged victorious among the field and will face the self-proclaimed Awesome Superstar for the championship.
Maryse def. Brie Bella (PHOTOS | WATCH) In the wake of a serious leg injury that will have Melina out for several months, WWE has arranged a Divas Championship Tournament to determine a new champion. The first round witnessed Maryse facing off against Brie Bella, who was accompanied by her twin sister, Nikki. Just as it appeared the conceited Canadian had gained an advantage, Nikki switched places with her weary sister. After a futile attempt to alert the referee, the beautiful blond took matters into her own lethal hands and finished Nikki off herself to prevail and move to the next round.
Guest host Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels reconciled (PHOTOS | WATCH) The conclusion of the WWE Title Match at Survivor Series 1997 between then-champion Bret Hit Man Hart and Shawn Michaels remains one of the most controversial episodes in WWE history. Hart was forced to relinquish his title to HBK after the referee called for a quick bell while Michaels had his opponent locked in Harts signature submission hold, The Sharpshooter, despite the fact that Hart never submitted.
The incident, known as the Montreal Screwjob, left a bitter taste in Harts mouth, including a palpable disdain for both Michaels and the man who orchestrated his defeat, Mr. McMahon.
While revenge has always nourished motivation, time continues to mend old wounds, which seemed to be the case when Hart addressed the audience at the top of Raw. Not only did the former five-time WWE Champion and WWE Hall of Famer thank the WWE Universe for their support, he also called out Michaels in an effort to bury the hatchet.
Michaels obliged, and the two talked openly about their feelings from that night and beyond. The men concluded their conversation with a handshake and, eventually, a heartfelt embrace. Perhaps in a forgiving mood, Hart even called out Mr. McMahon, who nonetheless did not emerge to join the two in the ring.
TNA and Spike TV thrilled with Impact rating Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/05/2010 at 07:27 PM
Officials from both TNA Wrestling and Spike TV are ecstatic about last nights 1.5 cable rating the live edition of Impact did on the cable network. The company knew they were in for a fight airing on a different night, in a different timeslot against the Fiesta Bowl on FOX and of course WWE RAW featuring Bret Hart.
TNA President Dixie Carter just posted this on Twitter:
"Thank you, thank you for helping TNA set RECORD ratings in every way last night. We ALL won."
Flair upset Hogan didn't invite him to Impact? Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/04/2010 at 02:11 PM
Hulk Hogan called into The Bob & Tom Show this morning and the first thing he did was cut a huge in-character promo regarding Ric Flair. Hogan said "Naitch" left a rambling message on his answering machine last night being really upset that he didn't invite him to tonight's Impact.
Later during the call-in, Hogan said he is not going to make pro wrestling like it was, but rather, better than it used to be. He also put over AJ Styles, calling him the best pound-for-pound wrestler in the world today.
- The Young Bucks are in Orlando for tonight's TNA Impact tapings and are expected to wrestle but that could change.
- Title changes at last night's Impact saw ODB defeat Tara for the Knockouts Title and the team of Hamada & Awesome Kong defeat Taylor Wilde & Sarita for the Knockouts Tag Titles.
- TNA will tape Impact tonight in Orlando at the Impact Zone with the fallout from last night's three-hour show. Tonight's tapings won't air until next Thursday, January 14th.
- Matt Morgan and Hernandez are the new #1 contenders to the TNA World Tag Team Titles.
- Former WWE Superstar Brian Kendrick is expected to start with TNA soon. He may make his debut in the Steel Cage Asylum match for the X Division Title tonight.
Hogan responds to comments made by CM Punk Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/04/2010 at 03:00 PM
Credit: PWInsider.com
Hulk Hogan responded to comments made by CM Punk about him this morning on the BJ Shea Morning Experience show in Seattle.
Hogan listened to the comments and said, "Well, you know, it's kind of like the law of attraction. He's probably going to attract more of that negative stuff to his career because, you know, if you're functioning on that level, that's probably what you are going to attract, but at the end of the day, you know, I was selling out Madison Square Garden when that kid was pooping in his diapers, so you know, you're going to see what I'm all about. I'm not there to wrestle. I don't have a contract to wrestle. I'm there to run this company. Make it better, like I said, give the talent a choice. All the talents that are locked in there...I'm sure Vince McMahon is giving CM Punk the big push but paying him crumbs, because I know how that goes, because I'm giving the fans a choice, and the talent a choice and I'm going to prove to this negative guy that he's wrong."
When asked about Punk making a personal attack on Hogan, The Hulkster said, "That's cool. I understand he's surrounded by negative stuff up there and I can see why he's jaded in his opinion. One of the things that I learned a long time ago is that you can't judge anyone. You can't judge a book by it's cover. Some of the craziest looking, weirdest people seem to be the nicest people and the most honest people in the world. I would never judge anyone before I meet them. Some day down the road, CM Punk and I are probably going to work together and I would never judge him under any preconceived notions. I would judge him on the type of person he was when I met him. It's all good, brother. I am vibing so high brother. I am going to reward those who are with me and those who aren't my friends, I am going to win them over and make them my friends."
- Former WCW and NWO star Scott Norton teased on Twitter that he might be at tonight's TNA Impact. This would be the first time that Norton's name has been brought up regarding tonight's show.
As noted before, Bryan Danielson defeated Chavo Guerrero in a dark match before tonight's RAW. Danielson is expected to be called up to the main roster very soon.
Regarding Bryan Danielson, he is under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment, but basically being paid to stay at home. Considering he's expected to bypass developmental, there has been no talk of a potential start date. Everything is on hold for the time being as he's living in Las Vegas and training at the Xtreme Couture gym.
WWE confirmed on their website this afternoon that WWE Divas Champion Melina is injured.
Melina will be forced to vacate her title on tonights RAW. An eight-Divas tournament will begin on RAW tonight to crown a new Divas Champion. The participants will be Kelly Kelly, Maryse, Alicia Fox, Jillian Hall, Gail Kim, Eve Torres, Brie Bella and Nikki Bella.
WWE mocking TNA's hype for Impact? Posted by Chris Kaufman on 01/03/2010 at 08:31 PM
According to a report on F4WOnline.com, the WWE creative team remains without any worry that TNA will make a major statement during the wrestling companies' head-to-head battle Monday night
That is not to say WWE creative team members and other employees are not interested in seeing what TNA offers Monday - it is simply a sign that WWE is not currently afraid of the potential impact the Hulk Hogan debut could have on its dominance.
Within WWE, there has also been some mocking of the fact that the only matches TNA is definitively hyping are Knockouts bouts (the "Steel Asylum" match does not have the competitors hyped). Some this weekend were joking that WWE should put Maryse on television every time a Knockouts match airs to show that one woman could dominate the other company's entire division in the ratings.
Former WWE Diva interested in TNA? Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/04/2010 at 02:19 AM
Former WWE Diva Jackie Gayda-Haas noted in a new website blog that she would not mind returning to professional wrestling if the door came "a knockin'" again, possibly teasing TNA. The wife of WWE Superstar Charlie Haas wrote:
"Within this past ten years, things have drastically changed for all of us, there is no doubt about that. Venturing into the fitness industry through the eyes of track and field was my goal towards the turn of the century, only to be side-railed by a profession that I would have never dreamed, that of professional wrestling. From flying from the top rope as a WWE Diva and then onto a Total Non Stop Action Knockout, I took my greatest challenge on of becoming a mom. A mom that could not get enough of the lifestyle of fitness. Incorporating what is IMPORTANT TO YOU into your daily routine is what is going to make this decade so great for all of us. For me, that meant and still will mean training for not only the continuation of triathlons next season but also readying myself to be compete on the fitness stage for the very first time. And who knows, if the door of professional wrestling comes "a knockin'" once again (*hint hint*), I may just be answering."
- Friend of Hulk Hogan, Bubba the Love Sponge, announced on his Twitter that he is the new "backstage guy" for TNA Impact. He noted that he will be appearing around four times on this week's show.
RVD claims he's not going to be at Impact or RAW Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/03/2010 at 08:23 PM
In a new blog on his official website www.robvandam.com, Rob Van Dam revealed where he will be tomorrow, and it won't be RAW or Impact:
"The wrestling business is exciting for the first time in quite awhile. This Monday kicks off the new ratings war between WWE and TNA-like I have to tell you! I admit, I am interested in the hype. In fact, I feel like Im involved with this new era just because of the ginormous rumors involving me and a return. Im going to say this-even though I know it wont do much good-dont be mad at me that you tuned in to see your favorite wrestler and I wasnt there. Im going to be watching with you."
RVD also commented on Steve Williams' death:
"We said goodbye to Doctor Death Steve Williams at the end of 2009. Anyone will tell you Doc was a mans man. Known for being one of the legit tough guys in the business, everyone that knew Doc or knew of him had total respect for him. I met Steve in 1993 on my first trip to Japan. He and Terry Gordy took care of me in and out of the ring and I believe its safe to say that Doctor Deaths regular daily routine inspired all of us. Hed work his ass off in the ring with incredible matches, party all night and still be the first at the gym, sweating puddles on the cardio equipment without a single complaint. He was the standard setter, whether he meant to be or not."
Recap of Hulk Hogan/TNA party: Hall, Russo appear Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/03/2010 at 08:17 PM
Gary Cantrel of The Shoot radio show (BlogTalkRadio.com/TheShoot) passed along the following recap of Hulk Hogan's party at Margaritaville in Orlando.
The event did start promptly at five. There was quite a line to go into the Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville resturant. The event was being held on the 2nd floor which filled up real quick. They were letting only a number of people up at a time. I just happened to be at the front of the line at one point when they filled up so I was outside for quite a while. There were two camera crews filming the entire event. The Spike TV/TNA crew and the Bubba the Love Sponge radio show crew who film material for his website and DVDs.
Several people showed up and greeted fans waiting outside. First up was Eric Bischoff, who had his own personal camera man. It wasn't a large camera so it could be footage for his own personal website. He was definitely very polite to everyone while in front of the camera. He went through pretty much the whole line and took photos with people.
Next up was Scott Hall, who came over with someone, was probably a manager or friend or something. He too was taking pictures with the fans outside.
Vince Russo also checked out the line. He seemed very polite and talked with some of the fans.
The Spike TV/TNA crew came back to the front this time with Bubba the Love Sponge. He is doing the interviews. They first filmed Hogan coming outside with Bischoff and Scott Hall. Bubba did several interviews with fans.
Later on after we got inside of the building, they had a ton more lights and Jeremy Borash was inside with cameras pumping the crowd up. They did several shots with fans chanting various things such as "TNA" and "Hogan." They had Bubba interviewing more fans. After they recorded the footage and some additional B-Roll they thanked the fans for coming out.
Update on WWE/TNA stars hanging out Posted by Chris Kaufman on 01/01/2010 at 12:50 PM
Credit: FWOnline.com
As we reported a few weeks ago, several WWE and TNA superstars socialized together after the 12/20 date in Orlando, where TNA did a PPV show and WWE taped SmackDown. Some WWE superstars were hesitant on doing it out of fear of reprecussions, so the TNA people, including Dixie Carter, went to the hotel they were at.
WWE Divas champion Melina, who injured her knee earlier this week during a match at a Tuesday night house show, has been pulled off RAW house show lineups through February. Her injury is believed to be a torn ACL.
WWE Raw superstar Ted DiBiase spoke to Eric Cohen of About.com this week to promote the release of his new WWE Studios DVD, The Marine 2. To read a full interview with DiBiase, visit About.com.
During the interview, DiBiase told a story from his childhood when he brought his father's Million Dollar title info school one day for show and tell.
"One time in fourth grade we had show and tell," DiBiase recalled. "I stole my dad's briefcase and I took it to show and tell. Everybody else is walking in with their backpacks and sack lunches pulling out these dolls and stuff. I've got this briefcase and everybody was like what is that.
"I was just saying it was a briefcase. When it came my turn, I put the briefcase up on the table, punched in the code, opened the briefcase, and there it is in all of its glory, the Million Dollar Belt. So I stole the Million Dollar Belt and took it to show and tell. So yeah, I was the most popular kid in class for a time after that."
Ik ben Boon Kenneth, en gebruik soms ook wel de schuilnaam Sting.
Ik ben een man en woon in Dworp (Belgie) en mijn beroep is .
Ik ben geboren op 05/06/1989 en ben nu dus 36 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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