Jeremy Borash said this morning during an appearance on the Pain Clinic radio show that TNA is expected to debut a big-name wrestler at the Genesis pay-per-view, which takes place on Jan. 17. He indicated it would be a "big surprise."
Gail Kim def. Jillian Ted DiBiase def. Chris Masters Yoshi Tatsu def. Caylen Croft Finlay def. Mike Knox
The first WWE Superstars of 2010 rang in the new year in the best way possible: With four hard-hitting matches! Boasting a match from the Divas Championship Tournament and a knock-down drag-out fight between two of SmackDowns toughest bruisers, even after the first episode this year promises to be another explosive one for WWE Superstars.
Dont know where to catch WWE Superstars? Find WGN America in your area. Can't see WWE Superstars on WGN America in your area? Stay with WWE.com for full results, photos and video clips of all the action.
Finlay def. Mike Knox (PHOTOS | WATCH) The WWE Universe knows to expect exciting matches whenever two Superstars step into the ring, but when two hardened ring warriors like Finlay and Mike Knox collide, our fans know to look for fireworks. Though the hulking Knox possessed the definitive size advantage, The Belfast Brawler would not be slowed down as he took the fight to his opponent in his trademark smashmouth style. Ultimately, Finlay felled his massive opponent, proving once again that he is one of the toughest Superstars on SmackDown or any other shows roster.
Yoshi Tatsu def. Caylen Croft (PHOTOS | WATCH) On ECW Yoshi Tatsu has proven himself to be one of the brands most promising young stars, catching the attention of ECW Champion Christian and the WWE Universe alike. But recently The Land of the Extreme has been host to an equally impressive tag team in the form of Caylen Croft & Trent Barreta. In his first singles outing, Croft went head-to-head with Tatsu on WWE Superstars. To the dismay of Crofts partner Baretta and the delight of Tatsus associate Goldust, the Japanese sensation pinned his opponent for the win.
Ted DiBiase def. Chris Masters (PHOTOS | WATCH) Since the inception of Legacy, Randy Ortons protégés, Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes have terrorized the Raw roster, going to any lengths to achieve victory over their opponents. But on WWE Superstars, DiBiase went one-on-one with his opponent, the impressive Chris Masters who was accompanied to the ring by the lovely Eve. Though The Masterpieces physique might be flawless, his Priceless rival found a chink in the armor, enabling DiBiase to walk away the victor.
Gail Kim def. Jillian (PHOTOS | WATCH) With the injury of reigning Divas Champion Melina, the title was vacated, leaving many of WWEs most talented Divas clamoring for the coveted prize. On WWE Superstars, two of those competitors, Gail Kim and Jillian squared off. Though both Divas competed fiercely, it was Gail who was victorious, moving one step closer to her first ever Divas Title.
Speaking of Hardy, his brother Matt continues to post teases on Twitter that he and Shane Helms are possibly going to TNA. Hardy has a history of trying to work the Internet although there have been rumors about Matt and Shane leaving WWE for TNA although they are unconfirmed.
It was announced during last night's Florida Championship Wrestling event that "International Superstar" Bryan Danielson will make his FCW debut at next week's television taping.
Danielson was reportedly rusty in his dark match with Chavo Guerrero this past Monday in Dayton, Ohio and asked to head to developmental in order to sharpen his skills.
In an interview with the UK Sun, WWE's Big Show says that with all the talk of young talent being elevated in WWE, it's not going ot be handed to them.
"I want to let you know flat out there's not anybody good enough to take my position," Show said. "And I'm certainly not going to give my position up just because I've been on top for a while, and nor would anyone else.
If there's another giant that can walk in and take my position, then good for him. He can run with it and I'll retire. Until then I'm going to work on top as long as I can, make as much money as I can and entertain the fans as much as I can. It's up to the younger generation to come to the locker room, step up and be leaders."
On the official Twitter of Beth Britt, Jeff Hardy's real-life girlfriend, she posted a tweet saying "I have no idea where these reports are coming from saying Jeff 'had a verbal agreement to return to WWE by a certain date.' That's 100% false".
Scott Steiner and Kip James were backstage at Tuesday's iMPACT tapings. While Steiner was expected to wrestle, he did not. Both stars were set to meet with TNA talent relations director Terry Taylor to talk about their futures with the company. It's said that Steiner's future with TNA has been in question for months. There were conflicting reports about Kip being released late last year but it appears he is still around.
PREVIEW FOR THURSDAY'S HUGE TNA "iMPACT!" ON SPIKE TV: HULK HOGAN, RIC FLAIR, SCOTT HALL, KEVIN NASH, SEAN WALTMAN AND MORE
On Thursday, TNA Wrestling returns to SpikeTV at 9/8c for two hours of Total Nonstop Action as the road to the January 17 "Genesis' Pay-per-View continues!
- "The Band" is reunited with Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman - what's next for the controversial group?
- The legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair will be at TNA "iMPACT!" on Thursday night! Will we find out why he met with TNA World Heavyweight Champion "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles?
- TNA Wrestling Founder Jeff Jarrett will react to Hulk Hogan's comments last week!
Plus...
Desmond Wolfe vs. Samoa Joe Beer Money vs. Matt Morgan & Hernandez
And news on the upcoming "Genesis" Pay-Per-View! All this and much more on Thursday's "iMPACT!"
* ECW champion Christian came to the ring to talk about the Homecoming Tournament. CM Punk and Luke Gallows come out and Punk says he's going to win the tournament, title and fans the Straightedge way. Christian asked if Straightedge means looking like you haven't showered in two weeks. Christian tells Punk he's going to be squashed by Mark Henry and won't be facing him for the title at the Royal Rumble.
* In a ECW Homecoming tournament bout, Shelton Benjamin pinned Chavo Guerrero to advance.
* Zack Ryder and Rosa Mendes come out. Ryder cuts a promo saying last week he stopped the heart of ECW and 2010 will be the year of the Ryder.
* Ezekiel Jackson defeated Vladimir Kozlov.
* Backstage, Tony Atlas reminds Mark Henry of all the good times they had in the past on the road and offers to be in his corner tonight. Henry turns him down and walks away, leaving Atlas there laughing.
* CM Punk defeated Mark Henry after interference from Luke Gallows. Next week will be the Homecoming Finale to set up the Rumble title bout.
Update on Mickie James moving to Smackdown Posted by Chris Kaufman on 01/06/2010 at 05:04 PM
Credit: F4WOnline.com
Dave Meltzer said this past week on Wrestling Observer Radio that the other reason Mickie James was moved to Smackdown besides an apparent weight issue was that she was annoying certain people backstage on RAW by being too emotional about a relationship she had just broken up from. Company officials felt it was best to move her "to get her out of their hair."
Jeff Hardy removed from WWE opening Posted by Chris Kaufman on 01/06/2010 at 12:05 PM
Thanks to PWInsider.com for the following:
As seen at the beginning of the January 5th edition of ECW, WWE has again edited the opening to its television programming. Recently, Hulk Hogan was removed from the opening and replaced with the "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, and Mick Foley was removed and replaced with Jeff Hardy. Following his return to TNA on Monday, Hardy himself has now been replaced with Kofi Kingston. Surprisingly, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who also appeared on TNA programming this past Monday, and who is more prominently featured than Hardy in the opening, has not been removed... at least not yet.
According to a new report by Dave Meltzer, Ric Flair signed his deal with TNA Wrestling just a few days before the big Monday night event on January 4th in Orlando, FL. According to Meltzer, Flair's deal with TNA is allegedly for 65 appearances over a one year period. The belief at this time is that he will be working on a guaranteed money deal and he would still be able to book his own outside appearances (either involving public appearances or business deals). Any reports suggesting that Flair's deal with TNA was through Panda Energy if anything were to happen with TNA long-term have not been confirmed at this time.
Team 3D lost the IWGP Tag Team championships to Tetsuya Naito and Yujiro in a three-way hardcore tag match yesterday. The other team involved was Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson. Also Chris Kanyon turned 40 years old yesterday.
TNA officials had low expectations for the ratings on Monday night. The main goal amongst those within the company was just to carry the normal Impact audience and do at least a 1.0 cable rating. All expectations were exceeded with the company setting their rating record with a 1.5 and I'm told it's very likely TNA will permanently move to Monday nights in the 9 to 11 PM timeslot on Spike TV.
Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff have been adamant about the show airing live on Monday nights to compete with WWE Raw.
WWE officials are unhappy with this week's Raw rating. Though TNA provided competition, they felt Bret Hart's return to the company would have garnered at least a 4.0. The show finished with a 3.6 cable rating, the same number as last week. The show drew hours of 3.51 and 3.73 with the first hour scoring 5,441,000 viewers and hour two pulling in 5,773,000. Raw averaged 5,600,000 for the broadcast.
WWE sources were reportedly caught off guard by Jeff Hardy's appearance on Impact, as there was been a rumor floating around that Hardy had verbally agreed to return to WWE.
There is also word that Vince McMahon "no-sold" the news of Hardy going to TNA.
SPIKE TVS TNA iMPACT DELIVERS ITS HIGHEST RATINGS EVER FOR HULK HOGANS DEBUT IN SPECIAL LIVE EPISODE
2.2 Million Tune-In For Live Three-Hour Telecast
New York, NY, January 5, 2010 Hulk Hogans first appearance on Spike TVs special three-hour live TNA iMPACT on Monday, January 2 (8:00-11:05pm) drew 2.2 million viewers. This marks the most-watched "TNA iMPACT" in the history of the franchise, totaling 222 episodes dating back to October, 2005. The previous high was 1.97 million viewers reached last April
The event was broadcast from the TNA iMPACT! Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fl. Airing head-to-head with WWE on USA Network, TNA iMPACT peaked at 2.9 million viewers from 9:00-9:15pm ET/PT.
Overall, the telecast drew a 1.5 household rating, a 1.8 in Men 18-34, and a 1.6 in Men 18-49. For the time period, TNA iMPACT was up a whopping +338% in M18-34, +241% in M18-49, and +84% in average audience versus a year ago.
RESULTS FROM MONDAY'S LIVE "iMPACT!" ON SPIKE TV - DON'T MISS THE REPLAY THIS THURSDAY ON SPIKE TV!
If you missed Monday's historic TNA "iMPACT!" broadcast, catch the replay this Thursday on SpikeTV! The epic event featured Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Eric Bischoff, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman, new champions crowned and so much more!
Check back later for photos and video from Monday's huge broadcast!
- The huge event started with a recap of TNA Wrestling's history, all leading to this huge night!
- Bubba The Love Sponge was introduced as the newest member of TNA Wrestling's broadcast team
- In the first bout, the high-flying superstars of TNA's X Division competed in the Steel Asylum match. However, the first of many surprises on the night took place when Jeff Hardy's music played, leading to the "Charismatic Enigma" appearing! Hardy hit the ring, took the fight to Homicide and then climbed to the top of the Steel Asylum structure as the Impact Zone went insane!
- Footage was shown of Hulk Hogan's limo traveling to the Impact Zone
- Christy Hemme interviewed Kevin Nash about the future of TNA. Nash said he was excited to make more money, and that he spoke to Hulk - and Hulk wasn't coming alone.
- ODB won the Knockouts Championship by beating Tara, using a handful of tights to get the win and regain the gold she lost at Final Resolution. After the match, Tara hit the Widow's Peak finisher for revenge, then put her tarantula on ODB
- In a huge surprise, the legendary "Nature Boy" Ric Flair was shown arriving to TNA Wrestling! Flair entered the building and went into AJ Styles' locker room!
- Footage was shown of Mick Foley attempting to enter the "iMPACT!" Zone, however, security refused him entry
- "The Boss" Bobby Lashley came to the ring with Kristal! Kristal did all the talking, and ended up insulting wrestling fans for the lack of respect they feel Lashley has been shown. She stated this would be the last time that fans would see Lashley, and that they were demanding Lashley be released from his TNA contract!
- The Beautiful People took part in their Strip Poker Tournament, with footage airing throughout the program. Later in the broadcast, a familiar face wearing a towel interrupted their game! The Beautiful People accepted his offer to join in on the game!
- Scott Hall and Sean Waltman were shown trying to get into the arena. When they were stopped by security, Hall and Waltman and security had to be separated
- After a commercial break, Hogan's limo was shown, when a second limo pulled up and a mysterious figure got out and entered Hulk's limo! Back inside the arena, Hall and Waltman made their way inside the Impact Zone!
- The legendary Hulk Hogan made his long-awaited TNA Wrestling debut, hitting the ring as the crowd went crazy! Hulk talked about coming to TNA and getting ready to make history. However, as Hulk was talking, Hall and Waltman climbed over the rail and caused a distraction. Hulk invited them in the ring if they wanted to talk, and Hall and Waltman told him they were here to party. But, Hogan told them it's a new day in TNA Wrestling, and that means change! Hall and Waltman argued with Hulk, bringing out Kevin Nash! Nash joined Hall and Waltman in questioning Hulk - leading to the TNA debut of Eric Bischoff! Bischoff hit the ring and told Hall and Waltman that everyone had to earn their spot in TNA Wrestling, and that it was time to change TNA. Hall, Nash and Waltman backed down and left the ring, leaving Bischoff and Hogan in the ring. They tore up the format for the night, the first of many changes coming to TNA!
- Sting was then shown in the rafters...he had been there the entire time watching Hogan and Bischoff! Sting hasn't been in TNA in months! What will be his reaction to everything that's happened?!
- Awesome Kong and Hamada became the new TNA Knockout Tag Team Champions by beating Taylor Wilde and Sarita in an action-packed match! In the end, Awesome kong held up Sarita as Hamada hit a top rope dropkick into an Awesome Kong powerbomb! The referee awarded the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Titles to the new champions!
- Mick Foley once again tried to make his way into the arena....followed by the arrival of The Nasty Boys!
- Up next, Raven and Dr. Stevie took on the team of Matt Morgan and Hernandez, with the winner earning a TNA World Tag Team Title shot against The British Invasion at Genesis on January 17. Morgan and Hernandez got the quick pin when Morgan hit his Carbon Footprint finisher on Dr. Stevie for the win! Morgan and Hernandez get the tag team title shot at the Pay-Per-View
- Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero about his match tonight against Desmond Wolfe. However, he was interrupted by Orlando Jordan! The Pope certainly wasn't happy about the interruption.
- D'Angelo Dinero beat Desmond Wolfe with a small package! A huge win for The Pope on a grand stage!
- Earlier, The Motor City Machineguns were shown knocked out backstage. Then, JB found Rhino had been attacked! Bubba The Love Sponge then came onto the scene to follow the situation.
- In the back, JB interviewed AJ Styles about his upcoming "Genesis" Pay-Per-View main event World Title match against Kurt Angle. However, AJ was interrupted by Eric Bischoff, who announced we wouldn't have to wait until "Genesis" and that AJ would defend the World Title later in the show against Kurt Angle!
- TNA Wrestling Founder Jeff Jarrett came out to the ring and spoke about starting TNA Wrestling in 2002. Jarrett said with great emotion that he was proud to be standing in the middle of the ring live on a Monday night! However, Hulk Hogan interrupted Jarrett on the big screen - and Hogan wasn't happy. Hogan said it was true Jarrett started TNA, but Hogan said Jarrett almost ran it into the ground and that Dixie Carter was the one responsible for saving it. Hogan said he was now Dixie Carter's partner, and that Jarrett's past accolades and titles meant nothing to him. Hogan said Jarrett no longer had any power, and that he needed to get in line and prove himself like everyone else. Hogan told Jarrett to "lace them up and be ready".
- Backstage, Christy Hemme interviewed Daniels. However, JB interrupted as Mick Foley called him trying to get into the arena. Foley busted past Borash and went looking for Hogan
- Backstage, Jeff Hardy was talking with Shannon Moore about meeting with Hulk Hogan
- Abyss battled Samoa Joe in a physical bout. During the bout, Sting was shown backstage! During the bout, with the referee distracted, Samoa Joe nailed Abyss with a steel chair. Joe locked on the Clutch, and after Abyss failed to get to the ropes. Abyss was forced to tap out.
- Backstage, Kristal confronted Eric Bischoff after Bobby Lashley's demands. She demanded a meeting with Hulk Hogan - in turn, Bischoff told her to take a number, get in line and to drop her attitude. Kristal told her Lashley wouldn't be happy.
- Bubba The Love Sponge found Beer Money knocked out in the back!
- The Nasty Boys tried to get back in, but security still wouldn't let them. Bubba The Love Sponge distracted security so The Nasty Boys could sneak in.
- Jeff Hardy and Shannon Moore were shown leaving with two envelopes, which they said is "what they came for" (referring to their meeting with Hulk Hogan). Before leaving, Hardy gave his painting to a group of fans.
- The Nasty Boys found Team 3D's locker room and proceeded to tear it apart!
- It was time for the TNA World Heavyweight Title match, as champion "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles defended against Kurt Angle! It started off fast with plenty of action, but the mysterious masked man came out to attack Styles! However, Angle fought him off, as Kurt didn't want anyone to interfere! It was an amazing back-and-forth bout, with both men going all-out and using all of their high-impact arsenal. Later, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair came out to watch the main event! In the end, AJ was able to hit another 450 splash on Angle to get the win and retain the gold in a monumental match! After the match, Angle raised AJ's hand in victory!
- After the main event, Hulk Hogan came out and said AJ Styles and Kurt Angle were the two greatest wrestlers in the world! Hulk said that history had been made and it was only the beginning! However, Hulk was interrupted and told that Mick Foley had arrived! Foley demanded to know where Hogan was backstage! Foley eventually found Hogan's office, but Bischoff was there. Bischoff told Foley that he no longer had any power in TNA Wrestling. Foley went to knock out Bischoff, but Nash, Hall and Waltman attacked Foley as Hogan watched on and the broadcast came to an end!
- WWE Superstar JTG of Cryme Tyme apparently wasn't invited to last night's RAW in Dayton. He said on Twitter that he was a "lil pisst" about not being there to meet his hero, Bret Hart.
Thanks to Scott & Lori of PWInsider.com for the following live notes from RAW last night:
The weather was cold, but the crowd was HOT and looking forward to a great evening of wrestling. Unlike the last WWE event we attended here, the place was packed. If I had to rate it, I'd give it a thumbs-in-the-middle. It wasn't a bad show (goodness knows we've seen a few of those lately), but WWE needed to knock it out of the park last night and they got a single.
Brian Danielson defeated Chavo Guerrero in a Superstars dark match. came out to a huge pop when they announced his name and there were lots of "Lets go dragon." chants throughout the match. He looked much like he did when he was here in May. We didn't make the September ROH show as the Air Force Marathon was the next morning.
As already reported, Superstars saw Gail Kim defeat Jillian in the Divas Championship Tournament. Not sure if it will come through, but the crowd was way into Gail Kim and just crapped on Jillian. She was just lousy. Her singing was pretty bad too.
Michael Cole came out to polite applause but Jerry Lawler hot a good pop.
We've been to several WWE events at the Nutter Center before, but I must admit I don't think I've heard a louder audience when Bret Hart's music hit and he came out.
I've got to be honest, several weeks of teasing and hyping and I thought the Bret/Shawn segment fell flat like the Nevada Salt Flats. The crowd wanted a fight or a confrontation as least and they got a love fest. I thought it was interesting that WWE was removing signs critical of Cena, DX and the like that were across from the hard cameras, but allowed anti Bret signs to stay.
Maryse and Brie Bella had as good a match as they could. Couldn't see too much as some jackass on the floor had a 4'x4' sign blocking my view throughout the match. From out vantage point, Maryse's facials when the Bellas attempted their switcharoo was great. Wish her ring work was as good.
Jack Swagger, MVP, Carlito and Mark Henry and what I thought was a really fun match. I really think Mark Henry is hugely overlooked as he carried the match and made it work. I would have preferred Mark going over, but MVP was fine. Jack Swagger and MVP looked good, but I think Carlito was phoning home or something. He didn't seem as crisp and didn't react to much of anything. Might just be our vantage point.
The Jericho/Big Show and Jericho/Bret Hart segments just didn't work well. The crowd didn't react much, until Jericho came out later; then he got his heat.
I don't understand why the crowd loves Hornswoggle, but they did. Big pop for DX, Hornswoggle and Santino. Nice way to bring out the new Mattel stuff, but seriously, throw Hornswoggle into the lake behind the Nutter Center and leave him there.
Jerisho versus DX wasn't a bad match, but it was predictable. Jericho got a lot heat from the crowd. DX got a huge a pop from the crowd. The crowd got into the match and there were a few chants for Big Show to turn on Jericho. After the match everyone started signing "HEY HEY HEY" and then DX tried to start it. Good timing folks. I'm sure we'll get blamed for not taking our cues better.
You could tell all the Vince pretapes were exactly that as in the background, you can see the arena floor all lit up. Did Vince really just blow off Orton? And Orton took it without comment? Really? More importantly, did Legacy just grow a pair?
I feel sorry for Evan Bourne. He looks amazing when he's allow to. But this was a squash and it was. With the number of Dayton indy guys in attendance, WWE could have used any of them to achieve the same effect. Be afraid Brian Danielson, be very afraid.
On to the main event. Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton. Kofi came out huge. Orton got a lot of heat, but there were a few Orton chants through the match. The match was fine I guess. 4' sign guy blocked a lot of my sight throughout. There were more Orton chants throughout.
More love-fest. Again, the crowd wanted something and they got a cheap shot by Vince. I suspect he came across as heat, but the crowd was not happy with the ending. A LOT of people started to leave during this segment.
Afterwards, all the the wrestlers lead by the Hart Dynasty came out and spent a little time in the ring with Bret. The crowd that was left loved this. After that all of the Wrestlers left the ring and stage while the Hart Dynasty waiting on stage. Bret walked around the ring area, shook hands, took pictures and signed stuff for a good 20 minutes. Finally he got to the stage with waiting Hart Dynasty and they took a final bow.
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."
Vince Russo posts message about Monday's Impact Posted by Mark Virginia on 01/02/2010 at 05:33 PM
Vince Russo has launched a Facebook page and here is what he wrote:
"Thanks for joining me here on my page. I look forward to interacting with you all. Gearing up for live show on Monday--been working around the clock. I hope you all tune in so we can give the other Vince a run for his money. There are many surprises on the show . . . MANY surprises!"
According to The Sports Courier, chances are high that former WWE performers Ken Anderson, Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman will be debuting on tomorrow night's three-hour iMPACT broadcast.
In the case of Anderson, there is a 95% chance that the former "Mr. Kennedy" will make his TNA debut tomorrow night. However, in the event he does not appear, "he will in the very near future."
Regarding Heyman, they were told there is a 75% chance, if not better, that he will debut in TNA. I can confirm that Heyman has indeed had discussions with TNA officials in recent months though he'd probably deny them if asked.
As has been speculated by numerous websites, Rob Van Dam appears to be headed to TNA. The Sports Courier feels there is a 70% chance of RVD showing up tomorrow night.
It's also noted that Scott Hall is pretty much a lock to appear tomorrow night, as is Sean Waltman.
During the SPIKE TV broadcast of the UFC 108 preliminary fights, a commercial aired for TNA iMPACT!. The commercial announced that the X-Division Title will be on the line in the Steel Asylum Cage Match. Amazing Red is currently the X-Division Champion. The following had already been announced for the show:
I can now confirm that Angelina Love has re-signed with TNA, and will likely re-debut with the company on Monday's live iMPACT!. She was released a few months back after issues with her visa. It is unknown at this time what the future holds for the person currently holding the place of Love, Lacey Von Erich, who is reportedly on thin ice with TNA management.
CM Punk def. Matt Hardy in a Beat the Clock Challenge Match Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler ended when the time expired in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match The Great Khali def. A local athlete Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre def. John Morrison by disqualification in an Intercontinental Championship Match Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix Rey Mysterio def. Chris Jericho in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match Batista vs. R-Truth ended when time expired in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Amidst the feverish anticipation of the Intercontinental Championship rematch between the Chosen One and The Guru of Greatness, a riveting Beat the Clock Challenge attempted to establish the No. 1 Contender to take on the World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker at the Royal Rumble.
CM Punk def. Matt Hardy in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) CM Punk emerged with Luke Gallows by his side and attempted to lead the WWE Universe in a pledge to take up the straightedge lifestyle as their New Years resolution. The Second City Saint claimed that next week, his Straightedge Society will save one lost soul from the audience.
SmackDowns self-proclaimed savior then went on to overcome the high-octane Matt Hardy and, with the help of the G.T.S., set a formidable time of 7:20 in the first match of the Challenge. Once the straightedge smoke cleared, Gallows added his own intervention, decimating the war-torn Hardy.
Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler ended when the time expired in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) Punk moved even closer to his prophesized title opportunity later that night when the time expired in the explosive Challenge Match between The Big Red Monster and the ultra-confident Dolph Ziggler. Although the bell might have sounded to end the rip-roaring battle, Ziggler nevertheless felt compelled to ring in his own New Years havoc with a post-match Zig Zag on his monstrous opponent.
Rey Mysterio def. Chris Jericho in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) The excitement of the Challenge continued to build with masked fury as the high-flying Master of the 619 soared to the top of the proverbial mountain. With seconds to spare, Mysterio captured an astounding winning time over the self-proclaimed best in the world at what he does with a small package out of nowhere.
Batista vs. R-Truth ended when time expired in their Beat the Clock Challenge Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) Mysterio stuck around to watch his former comrade-in-arms Batista attempt to make short work of R-Truth in the final Challenge Match. But just when it appeared as if The Animal was about to pin The Rapping Superstar in time to beat Rey Mysterios mark, the masked Superstar he once called brother surprised all by pulling the Official from the ring. Not only did the unorthodox move prevent the three-count, it also took away the precious seconds that would close the door of Batistas championship hopes.
It appeared as if Mysterio had overcome the odds once again by becoming the official No. 1 Contender to The Deadmans World Title. But that all came to a screeching halt when SmackDown Consultant Vickie Guerrero suddenly interrupted his celebration. She informed Mysterio that because he broke the rules and denied the Challenge its clear victor, Mysterio would have to face The Animal in one week to decide who will face The Demon of Death Valley for the World Heavyweight Championship at Royal Rumble.
Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre def. John Morrison by disqualification in an Intercontinental Championship Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) The brutal Intercontinental Champion battled his gravity-defying predecessor in a furious contest of pure athletic excellence. But when The A-Lister paused to argue with the Pfficial, McIntyre suddenly pushed his adversary into him. The official thought Morrison had shoved him on his own accord and quickly disqualified the challenger.
After the matchs conclusion, things quickly turned into pandemonium as the outraged Friday Night Delight targeted McIntyre and ignited a fierce brawl.
Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix (PHOTOS | WATCH) While trying to attack Mickie James during her match with Beth Phoenix, a shocked Womens Champion Michelle McCool instead connected with The Fabulous Firebird, allowing Mickie to roll her up for the victory. This mishap drew major retribution from the furious Glamazon, who turned the full force of her dominance on Michelle. And just when it looked like her wrath had subsided and that she and Mickie had joined forces to eradicate a common enemy, Beth suddenly hit the Glam Slam on the stunned Diva, assuring with supremacy over all.
The Great Khali def. A local athlete (PHOTOS | WATCH) The Punjabi Playboys opponent tried to make a statement with the East Rutherford members of the WWE Universe, wearing a jersey of the football team that just blew out their beloved Giants. But, his colors would be no help against The Great Khali, who swiftly decimated the local competitor with the devastating Punjabi Plunge.
Divas Champion Melina def. Alicia Fox Shelton Benjamin def. Vance Archer by Disqualification Cryme Tyme def. Mike Knox & Charlie Haas Jack Swagger & Carlito def. MVP & Chris Masters
While you were getting ready to watch the ball drop on New Years Eve your favorite ring warriors were facing off on WWE Superstars on WGN America. The explosive night saw eight of Raw and SmackDowns preeminent Superstars compete in two tag team matches, while one of ECWs most dominant competitors suffered an unprecedented loss.
Dont know where to catch WWE Superstars? Find WGN America in your area. Can't see WWE Superstars on WGN America in your area? Stay with WWE.com for full results, photos and video clips of all the action.
Jack Swagger & Carlito def. MVP & Chris Masters
In the main event of WWE Superstars, MVP joined with Chris Masters to take on their Raw brandmates, Jack Swagger & Carlito. Though The Ballin Superstar & The Masterpiece were fortunate enough to have the lovely Eve cheering them on from ringside, her support wasnt enough to spur them onto victory. Carlito proved to be too much for Masters to handle as The Southpaw from San Juan pinned his opponent for the win.
Cryme Tyme def. Mike Knox & Charlie Haas
WWE Superstars hosted not one but two exciting tag matches this week, as SmackDowns favorite hoods took on the team of Mike Knox & Charlie Haas. With Knoxs massive size and strength and Haas extensive amateur wrestling background, Cryme Tyme had their work cut out for them. But Shad & JTG persevered, showing that their in-ring synergy couldnt be overwhelmed by their opponents considerable abilities.
Shelton Benjamin def. Vance Archer by Disqualification
Since arriving in ECW Vance Archer has terrorized The Land of the Extreme, steamrolling through anyone brave enough to get in the ring with him. But on WWE Superstars, the intense ring warrior came up against Shelton Benjamin, who refused to be intimidated. Perhaps unaccustomed to this level of resistance, Archer attacked his opponent relentlessly, resulting in his loss by disqualification. After the bell, Archer continued his assault on The Gold Standard.
Divas Champion Melina def. Alicia Fox
As Divas Champion Melina reigns supreme over the sexy, smart and powerful women of Raw, but Alicia Fox has proven time and time again that she isnt one to be underestimated. But despite Alicias best efforts, she was unable to defeat Melina on WWE Superstars, as the Divas Champion proved why she deserves to hold the coveted title.
TNA Knockouts New Years Eve & Best PPV Matches of 2009 Special 31st December 2009
Your announcers are Mike Tenay and Taz. Mike and Taz talk about the tournament to determine Taras next challenger for the Knockouts Title. We see the brackets for the tournament. We will also see the top three pay per view matches from the year. In case you forgot, there is something happening on Monday night involving some guy named Hogan.
Match Number One: Madison Rayne versus Hamada in a First Round Tournament Match
They lock up and Hamada with a side head lock and Madison with an escape. They lock up again and Hamada with a waist lock and she works on the arm and wrist. Hamada with an elbow to the arm followed by a hammer lock. Hamada with a hip toss but Madison lands on her feet and hits an arm drag on Hamada. Madison points at Hamada and Hamada with a kick to the head and then Hamada charges but is sent to the apron. Hamada with a head butt and then she tries for a tightrope arm drag but Madison is able to break free. Madison with an Irish whip but she charges into a boot. Madison puts Hamada in the ropes and then she slams Hamadas head to the mat and gets a near fall. Madison slaps Hamada in the head and puts Hamada in a front face lock and hits a swinging neck breaker and gets a series of near falls. Madison slams Hamadas head into the mat and then kicks Hamada. Madison charges into a boot and then Hamada hits a running boot to Madison and both ladies are down. Hamada with a super kick followed by chops and head butts to Madison. Hamada with a slam and she gets a near fall. Hamada pulls Madison into the corner and then goes up top for a moonsault but Madison moves. Hamada lands on her feet and then Hamada with a spin kick to Madison followed by a Hamada Driver for the three count. Winner: Hamada
Christy Hemme is in the interview area with Tara. Tara says that she likes hearing it when she is called the champion. She talks about how she will bring honor to the division. She says that she will be walking out of the ring on Monday night as the champion when she faces the winner. Tara says that she has a surprise because she will be introducing the top three matches of the year from pay per view. Christy wants a hint and Tara mentions that the matches will be shown in their entirety.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see photos of the match between Tara and ODB from Final Resolution when Tara won the title.
Match Number Two: Traci Brooks versus ODB in a First Round Tournament Match
ODB takes a sip before the match and spits it in Tracis face when the referee was not looking. ODB hits Traci from behind and then ODB slaps her talents. ODB with a kick to the injured arm but Traci kicks back and punches ODB. Traci with punches in the corner but ODB kicks back. ODB with a bulldog and lands on the arm as well. ODB stomps on the elbow and shoulder as she continues the attack. ODB gets a near fall. ODB with a forearm to the back and then she hits a shoulder breaker. Traci takes ODB down and punches ODB. ODB with a divorce court and gets a near fall. ODB gets Traci on her shoulders but Traci with knees to escape and then she hits a spear on ODB. ODB tries to go after the arm but Traci fires back and connects with chops. Traci with a reverse atomic drop and then she sends ODB to the mat. Traci foreshadows Hogans return by ripping her shirt and then she hits a double knee to the back and gets a near fall. ODB sends Traci into the turnbuckles and chops Traci. Traci with an elbow but ODB with an arm stunner from the turnbuckles followed by a TKO for the three count. Winner: ODB
We go to the back where Christy Hemme is with Velvet, Madison, and Lacey. Christy asks Velvet about her match and Madison does not appreciate Christys tone because she referenced Madisons loss. Madison says that she can beat Hamada any day of the week but Christy mentions that she didnt. Velvet talks about how the fans will not get what they want by seeing Madison and Velvet wrestle in the semi finals. Lacey comments that Christy is doing this only because Lauren got fired for assaulting her. Christy says that they knew what they were doing and reached Laurens breaking point. Madison threatens to do the same to Christy before they leave.
We go to commercial.
We are back with a look back at Roxxis successful return to TNA with a victory over then champion ODB.
Match Number Three: Roxxi versus Velvet Sky in a First Round Tournament Match
Velvet with a kick to Roxxi and then she sends Roxxi into the turnbuckles and hits a series of shoulders followed by a choke. Velvet with an Irish whip and a splash into the corner followed by a bulldog for a near fall. Velvet with punches and a choke as she continues to yelp throughout the match. Velvet with an Octopus and then bites Roxxi. Roxxi with a boot to Velvet. Roxxi with punches and forearms to Velvet followed by a discus forearm. Roxxi with a running elbow into the corner followed by a running boot to the chest for a near fall. Roxxi tries for a slam but Velvet escapes. Velvet tries for a DDT but she waits too long and that allows Roxxi to get the three count with a Voodoo Drop. Winner: Roxxi
This means that Roxxi will face Hamada in the semi finals.
After the match, Jeremy Borash interviews Roxxi to talk about her victory. Roxxi says that it feels great to be a part of the tournament and she is happy that she was able to get rid of some of the trash. Roxxi says that Tara is a great champion and she cannot wait to show what she has. Lacey attacks Roxxi from behind and she chokes Roxxi with her large pink night stick.
We go to commercial.
We are back and we see Daffney stretching to get ready for her match with Awesome Kong in the tournament.
We are back and Mike and Taz talk about what we have seen so far and we look at the brackets. ODB awaits Daffney and Awesome Kongs winner for the semifinal.
It is time for a Jeff Jarrett video package.
We go to Tara and she mentions Mondays Impact but we are almost ready to see the number three pay per view match of the year as voted by the TNA fans. We go to commercial.
We are back and Tara talks about the Turning Point pay per view which saw the pay per view debut of Desmond Wolfe in TNA and his match against Kurt Angle. This match is the number three match of the year.
KURT ANGLE vs. DESMOND WOLFE
This will be Wolfes first-ever live PPV appearance, as his ROH bouts were on taped PPVs.
They had some awesome technical mat wrestling early. Angle caught him with a pair of hiptosses and locked in a top wristlock. Wolfe made his way to his feet and locked in a keylock while cranking Angles neckbreak. Wolfe maneuvered Angle into a corner, then kicked his arm. Wolfe continued to work on Angles wrist and arm. Taz did a good job explaining that would hinder Angles grip during moves including suplexes.
Angle caught Wolfe with a slam and then drilled an over the knee backbreaker. Angle drilled him with a European forearm and shoulderblock in the corner. Wolfe began nailing Angle with a series of suplexes, using the arm as a focal point to continue the strategy.
Angle went for a sunset flip but Wolfe attacked the arm to escape it. Wolfe began using European style matwork and submissions. This is awesome. Taz said it was like watching Billy Robinson. Taz is awesome. Wolfe charged Angle into the corner and drilled him with a European uppercut upon impact.
Wolfe went to charge out of the corner but Angle caught him with a belly to belly suplex. Angle lariated Wolfe with a series of clotheslines. Angle nailed a flying forearm off the ropes. Wolfe continued with several headbutts but Angle ducked a clothesline and began hitting a series of six German suplexes. The audience chanted, TNA.
Angle went for the Angleslam but Wolfe countered with the jawbreaker lariat for a two count. Wolfe set up Angle for the Tower of London but Angle escaped and rolled him up for a two count. Wolfe yanked Angles bad arm then locked on a keylock while on Angles back. Angle escaped and locked in the anklelock. Wolfe thought about tapping but reversed it, cinching Angle in a figure four hammerlock. Angle escaped and it was back to the anklelock in the center. He pulls himself to the center as Wolfe gets to the ropes. Wolfe finally gets back to the ropes.
The fans are chanting This is awesome and it sure as hell is.
Wolfe drills Angle down. Wolfe drills the Tower of London for a two count. Wolfe is shocked Angle kicked out. Wolfe went for the jawbreaker lariat but Angle clotheslined him first. Angle went for a standing moonsault off the top rope but Wolfe escaped and went back to the London Dungeon.
They battled their way to to top and exchanged headbutts. Angle got the better and hit a frog splash off the top onto Wolfe for a two count. Angle went for a tombstone. Wolfe reversed but before he could snap it, Angle grabbed the anklelock. Wolfe kicked him off but Angle grabbed it. Angle went into a side triangle choke and Wolfe finally tapped.
He is coming on Monday and it is time to see a video package of Dixie Carters meeting with Hulk Hogan to make the big announcement in the lobby of Madison Square Garden in October.
We go to commercial.
Match Number Four: Daffney versus Awesome Kong in a First Round Tournament Match
Daffney wants a Greco Roman Knuckle Lock and Kong complies but Daffney with a kick and clip to the back of the knee. Daffney with another knuckle lock but Kong pushes Daffney down. Kong with a chop to Daffney and then she winds up for a second one. Kong tosses Daffney across the ring by the hair. Kong pulls Daffney into the center of the ring and then she drops an elbow on the leg and she works on the leg. Daffney punches Kong in order to survive in the match. Kong kicks Daffney in the hamstring. Kong with a chop and then she gets Daffney on her shoulders and it is time for the human accordion as she has Daffney kicking herself in the head. Daffney rolls to the floor and begs for mercy. Kong goes after her and sends Daffney into the ring steps. Daffney with a kick to Kong as she re-enters the ring. Daffney chokes Kong and stomps on her collarbone. Daffney tries to pull Kong into the center of the ring but Kong kicks her off. Kong with the Implant Buster for the three count. Winner: Awesome Kong
This sets the semi finals for the tournament and while Roxxi faces Hamada in one semi final, former champions ODB and Awesome Kong will meet.
Christy is in the back with Taylor Wilde and Sarita. Taylor says that they will bring in the new year by showing why they are the champion. Taylor and Christy mention that Sarita won the CMLL body building championship. Taylor mentions that they will face Hamada and Kong on Monday night so they are looking forward to their non-title match tonight.
We are back and Don and Mike talk about Final Resolution and it is time to take a look back at Final Resolution.
The TNA Tag Team Champions come out and unlike Monty Python, they are not in dresses. Will they make a challenge for the Womens Tag Titles? Brutus and Doug join Taz and Tenay at the announce table.
Match Number Five: April Hunter and Lorelei Lee versus Taylor Wilde and Sarita in a Non Title Match
Sarita and Lorelei start things off and Lorelei with a waist lock take down. Sarita with a rollup and elbow to the back and then Taylor is tagged in. Sarita with a drop toe hold followed by a drop kick by Taylor. Lorelei hits April when Taylor moves. Taylor with a drop kick to Lorelei. April with a uranage to Taylor and then Lorelei is tagged in. April with a Japanese choke and Lorelei with a bulldog for a near fall. April tags back in and Taylor tries to make the tag. April pie faces Taylor but Taylor with forearms and a lungblower. Sarita and Lorelei with the tags and Sarita with an elbow and arm wringer followed by a hip toss and arm drag take down. Sarita avoids April and April goes to the floor. Taylor tags in and they hit a kick to Lorelei followed by a flip onto Lorelei for the three count. Winner: Sarita and Taylor Wilde
Tara is in the back with Poison and it is almost time for match number two.
We go to commercial.
We are back and Taz and Tenay talk about the semi final matches but we go back to commercial.
We are back and it is time for the Number Two Match and it was the Match Four Years in the Making as Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, and Daniels battled for the TNA Title.
TNA champ AJ STYLES vs. SAMOA JOE vs. DANIELS
Daniels punched Styles right in the face at the bell. Joe and Daniels went at it. Styles clubbed both with right hands, then shoulderblocked Joe in the corner. Styles hit a flying forearm smash in the corner on Joe. Joe came back with a charge and enziguiri. Joe unleashed a series of kicks and chops to Styles but Daniels nailed a leg lariat. Styles covered Joe for a two count. Daniels ducked under a leapfrog from Styles and evaded a dropkick but was caught with one. Styles then drilled Joe with one.
Joe punted Styles, then hit a running high knee on Daniels. Joe cinched in a legbar on Daniels. Styles came off the ropes with a big knee drop for a two count. Styles worked over Joe and Daniels. He cinched the Mutalock on Joe, but Daniels dropped a double axehandle over Styles exposed stomach. Daniels caught Styles with a drop toehold, then dropped a knee across the back of the head. Daniels cranked Styles neck.
Daniels tripped Joe and then slammed Styles atop of him. He locked on a Boston Crab on Styles at the same time he cinched a camel clutch on Joe. Joe bit his fingers to break it. Daniels punched Styles in the corner. He charged Joe but was caught with an uranage. Joe began killing Styles with boots to the face before unleashing the facewash. Joe drilled Daniels with a chop/kick combination. Styles charged but Joe tossed him aside to the floor and senton splashed Daniels.
Joe went for a running dive through the ropes but Styles kicked him in the face. Joe went to the floor. Styles whipped Daniels, but who pulled short and forearmed him. Daniels was caught with a suplex. AJ went to the outside after Joe but Joe kicked his legs out from under him and Styles smashed into the apron in nasty fashion. Daniels hit a dive to the floor.
Daniels went for the Arabian Press but Styles grabbed his legs. Joe was able to cinch in the choke on the floor and Styles hit a great twisting dive to the floor on both. Back in the ring, Styles got a two count on Daniels and nailed a great headscissors. Some fans began chanting, Screw Hulk Hogan!
Styles hit a springboard into a hurancanrana on Daniels for a two count. Styles peppered both with punches. Daniels maneuvered Joe and Styles into the same corner and chopped them both. Daniels hit a monkeyflip on Styles, who went right into Joes arms. Joe powerbombed Styles atop of Daniels. He covered Styles for a two count, but AJ kicked out. Joe locked in a Boston Crab, then turned it into an STF. Styles finally makes it to the ropes.
Joe nailed a snap powerslam for a two count. Joe clobbered Daniels as he rebounded off the ropes. Daniels grabbed Joe and hit an inverted DDT at the same time he nailed Styles with a uranage onto Joe. This is awesome. Daniels caught Styles with a running high knee in the corner, then a death valley driver. AJ and Daniels fought for position with a suplex, ending with Styles catching Daniels with something of a neckbreaker.
Joe returned to the ring. Styles and Joe began punching and slapping each other. Joe got the better of the exchange. Daniels and Joe went back and forth. Daniels caught him with a palm thrust. Styles catches Daniels with a boot and the Pele Kick. The fans chanted TNA. AJ went outside. Joe charged and was caught with a shoulderblock. Styles jumped in and hit a discus clothesline on Daniels.
Styles backdropped Daniels to the floor, then hit a springboard leaping forearm smash on Joe. Styles covered him for a two count. Styles hits the flip into an inverted DDT for a two count. He went for another, this time on Daniels, but its caught and turned into Last Rites. Joe went for a Samoan Drop but Daniels used elbows to break free and hit a German suplex on Joe. He leaped at Joe but Joe crotched him and hit the muscle buster,. Styles broke up the pin at two.
Daniels and Styles went back and forth with some incredible moves and pinfall combination. In the end, Daniels went for the Styles Clash but Joe hit a superkick on him. Styles rolled up Daniels but Joe broke it up. Daniels and Styles used the old Midnight Express double goozle to take down Joe. They showed respect to each other and Daniels immediately went to hit AJ who was smart to him. Styles and Daniels battled on the rope, trying to suplex each other to the floor. Joe came in and chopped Styles off the top to the floor.
Joe went for a muscle buster but Daniels avoided it and hit a STO. Daniels went for the Best Moonsault Ever but Styles hit a springboard 450 splash and covered Joe for the pin.
Your winner and still TNA champion AJ Styles!
We go to commercial.
We are back and Mike and Taz talk about the four semi finalists in tonights tournament.
It is time to look at the way that Mick Foleys life has been changed since the Hogan announcement was made in October.
ODB is with Christy Hemme and she has a fifth in her hand. She talks about how she was the champion two weeks ago and she should still be the champion instead of Tara who was whining a lot. ODB says that she will win the tournament and she will get her title back. ODB does her best John Blutarski imitation as we go to commercial.
Match Number Six: Roxxi with taped ribs versus Hamada in a Semi Final Tournament Match
They lock up and Hamada with a waist lock and take down as Hamada goes for the arm. Roxxi with a reversal but Hamada with a drop toe hold as she starts to work on the leg. Hamada goes to the arm again and she puts Roxxi in a hammer lock. Roxxi with a front face lock and arm drag. They lock up with a knuckle lock and each try to take the other down and Roxxi with a bridge for a moment but Hamada takes Roxxi to the mat. Hamada works on the ankle and then Hamada with an elbow to the leg. Roxxi with a cross arm breaker but Hamada gets to the ropes. Hamada with a leg sweep and then she puts Roxxi in a side head lock. Roxxi with a shoulder tackle but Hamada with an arm drag but Roxxi responds with one of her own and then Hamada and Roxxi both try for a drop kick. They lock up again and Hamada with a kick to the ribs and then she works on the arm and then puts Roxxi in an abdominal stretch while locking the arm and then she turns it into an octopus. Hamada goes to the turnbuckles and hits a double stomp on the back. Hamada with a single leg crab and Roxxi fights the urge not to tap but Hamada releases the hold. Hamada with a head butt and chops but Roxxi with a suplex and a running back elbow into the corner and a running boot to the head for a near fall. Roxxi goes to the turnbuckles but Hamada with a roll into a palm thrust. Roxxi pushes Hamada off the turnbuckles but Hamada with a thrust kick and then hits a Hamada rana for a near fall. Hamada goes up top and hits a missile drop kick to the ribs. Hamada gets Roxxi on her shoulders but Roxxi with a near fall after a rollup. Hamada with a kick to the head and then Hamada with the Hamada Driver but Roxxi counters with a rollup and a near fall. Roxxi hits the Voodoo Drop and Hamada kicks out. Roxxi with a modified torture rack into a slam for a two count. Roxxi tries for another Voodoo Drop but Hamada with a series of head butts and Hamada gets the three count with a rollup. Winner: Hamada
Awesome Kong is walking in the back as we go to commercial.
ODB is in the back getting ready and we return to commercial.
Match Number Seven: ODB versus Awesome Kong in a Semi Final Tournament Match
ODB meets Kong on the ramp and they exchange punches but Kong with chops on the floor. They enter the ring and ODB rolls to the floor so Kong goes back after ODB. Kong sends ODB into the ring steps. ODB with a double sledge to Kong and then ODB rolls in to break up the count before she returns to the attack on Kong and she sends Kong into the ring steps. ODB yells at some of the people in the crowd and Kong attacks ODB. Kong with a short arm clothesline to ODB and the referee tells them to return to the ring. Kong with a slam to ODB but she misses a splash and ODB rolls to the corner. ODB gets a near fall and we go to commercial.
We are back and ODB climbs on Kongs back and tries to choke her out. Kong runs ODB into the turnbuckles. ODB drives Kong into the solar plexus area and then hits a running shoulder but Kong stays on her feet. ODB with a running splash into the corner but Kong stays up. ODB kicks Kong in the corner and then hits the Bronco Buster. ODB pulls Kong into the center of the ring for a near fall. Kong kicks ODB away. ODB tries for a slam but falls under the weight of Kong and Kong gets a near fall. Kong grabs ODB for a choke slam but ODB fights it off. Kong with a clothesline or two and then ODB sets for a running butt splash and hits it. Kong tries for a power bomb but ODB lands on her feet. ODB pulls the referee into the way when Kong tries for a splash. Kong sets for a power bomb but ODB hits Kong with the empty bottle and the referee makes the three count. Winner: ODB
The finals are set and it will be ODB versus Hamada.
Tara tells us that it is almost time for the top match of 2009.
We go to commercial.
We see Hamada getting ready for the finals as we return to commercial.
We are back and Tara introduces the number one match of the year, A.J. Styles versus Sting at Bound for Glory.
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: A.J. Styles versus Sting
They shake hands before locking up and Styles with a side head lock and Sting with a side head lock of his own. Styles with a hip toss and a side head lock. Sting with a hip toss of his own. Sting with a side head lock. Sting tries to hip toss A.J. over the top rope but A.J. lands on the apron and he returns to the ring. Sting with a side head lock. Sting with a shoulder tackle and he tries for the Scorpion Death Lock but Styles powers out of it. Sting misses an elbow drop. Styles with a snap mare and kick to the back. Styles with a slam and a phenomenal knee drop for a near fall. Styles with an elbow to the back of the head. Sting with an Irish whip and Styles hits the turnbuckles awkwardly. Sting with a hard Irish whip as he tries to wear down A.J.s back. Sting clotheslines Styles over the top rope to the floor.
Sting holds the ropes open for Styles to return to the ring. They lock up and Styles with an enzuigiri. Styles with a suplex for a near fall. Styles with a hard Irish whip and a kick to the back. Sting with a kick and face plant to Styles. Sting with a back body drop. Styles with punches to Sting but Sting with a punch. Styles with the phenomenal drop kick and Sting goes to the floor. Styles goes to the apron and Sting moves out of the way. Styles tries for a splash onto Sting but Sting moves and Styles goes into the guardrails. Sting tries for a Stinger splash into the guardrail and Styles moves out of the way.
The referee starts his count and Styles tells him to stop the count. Sting returns to the ring and Styles with a waist lock but Sting with an elbow. Sting with punches but Styles with punches of his own. Styles tries for the forearm into the corner but Sting moves. Sting and Styles bump heads. Styles charges into a boot from Sting. Styles sets for a tombstone but Sting reverses and hits a tombstone of his own for a two count. Styles goes to the apron and he punches Sting. Styles with a phenomenal forearm for a two count. Styles with a back breaker for a near fall. Styles with an elbow to the back of the head. Styles with an elbow and then he tries for the moonsault into the inverted DDT but Sting and Styles each counter and Sting with the Scorpion Death Drop followed by a Stinger Splash and another Scorpion Death Drop for a near fall. Sting sets for the Scorpion Death Lock and he has it locked it. Styles powers out of the hold. Styles with punches and chops to Sting. Styles and Sting with punches and Sting hulks up. Sting with a clothesline and a two count. Sting puts Styles on the turnbuckles and Styles with a head butt but Styles falls to the apron. Styles with a Pele on the apron and Styles with a springboard splash for the three count.
Winner: A.J. Styles
After the match, Sting was going to leave the ring but he returns and shakes A.J.s hand before leaving the ring for A.J. to celebrate. A.J. asks for a mic and he tells Sting to come back into the ring. He reminds Sting that he has entertained these fans for 23 years and this is his home state. He tells Sting that the ring is his spotlight. A.J. tells Sting that this is his time now.
Sting returns to the ring and A.J. goes to the back. Sting thanks the fans and he says that he did not expect to be in the ring because this moment is not about him, it is about the world champion. Sting says that if he is going to lose, he is glad that he lost to A.J. Styles. If he can lose, he is glad to lose at home. Sting says that since he has this platform, he should cover what people have been asking him for the last few months. Sting says that he will not pull a Brett Favre and he did not plan to make an announcement. Sting says that he does not know if he will come back, but what he heard yesterday and the way the fans reacted tonight, he wants to stay forever.
We go to commercial.
We have a Sting video package.
Mike and Taz talk about Mondays show and they wonder if Sting will be back. Taz mentions that some guy in red and yellow will be there.
ODB and Hamada are walking in the back for our main event. We go to commercial.
Match Number Eight: Hamada versus ODB in the Tournament Finals
They circle each other as the match starts and then ODB bows before Hamada and then she pie faces Hamada. Hamada with a kick and head butts followed by a chop. Hamada with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors followed by a tornado DDT for a near fall. ODB goes to the floor and takes a break. She takes her pulse on the floor before returning to the ring. ODB finally re-enters the ring and Hamada avoids a charging ODB. ODB with a float over and then she taps her breasts one too many times and Hamada with a super kick for a two count. Hamada with a La Magistral for a two count. Hamada with another rollup for a near fall and ODB tries to sober herself up. Hamada with a slam and then she goes to the turnbuckles but ODB trips Hamada and she is in the Tree of Woe as we go to commercial.
We are back and ODB gets a near fall. Wait, we go back to commercial.
We are back and ODB with a bear hug and Hamada with elbows. ODB with a knee and then she drives Hamadas head into the mat for a near fall. ODB with a kick to the back followed by a fallaway slam and ODB with a kip up. ODB gets a near fall and then she shows some frustration as she continues to check her pulse. ODB returns to the bear hug and then runs Hamada into the turnbuckles. ODB misses a knee in the corner and Hamada with an enzuigiri and both women are down. ODB with a forearm and Hamada responds. We get a series of forearms between the women and then Hamada with a series of head butts and both women are woozy. Hamada goes to chops. Hamada with a moonsault out of the corner for a near fall. Hamada with a spin kick and gets a near fall. ODB with a jawbreaker.
We see Awesome Kong come to the ring with a table. The referee has something to say to Kong because she is not involved in the match. ODB yells at Kong. Finally other referees come out to allow the regular referee to watch what goes on in the ring.
Hamada with an uppercut and super kick. ODB staggers to the floor and Hamada goes to the apron and hits a cannonball. Hamada signals that she is going to put ODB on the table. Hamada with a head butt and ODB is on the table. Hamada moves it into position for the moonsault and she goes up top. ODB gets off the table in time and Hamada goes through the table. ODB rolls Hamada into the ring and hits the TKO for the three count. Winner: ODB
We go to commercial.
We are back and Jeremy Borash is in the ring with ODB. Jeremy lets ODB know that she will be facing Tara on Monday night on the biggest night of the year known as January 4th. ODB says that Tara might be the champion when the match starts, but ODB says that she will be leaving the Impact Zone with the title. She proved that she can outwrestle everyone in the company. Jeremy brings up the finish of ODBs match with Kong and ODB tells white bread to zip it. ODB says that Tara needs to go back where she came from where they prance around the ring and dance. ODB says that they wrestle in TNA. They dont show their skin off and she suggests that Tara came to TNA because nobody wants to see her skin.
Taras music plays and she comes out to the ring with her title belt but no tarantula. Tara asks ODB if she was dancing when she kicked ODBs ass at Final Resolution. Tara comments on ODBs tattoos and then points out that she is the champion and that is what she came to TNA for and that is all that ODB has to worry about.
ODB calls Tara a joke of a champion and a joke of a woman. ODB calls Tara a cry baby and Tara punches ODB. ODB with a take down and they roll around the ring as we go to credits.
Jeff Hardy posted the following message on his Twitter page right after Shannon Moore announced he was going to Orlando to meet with Hulk Hogan:
"Hell yeah Gonna roll with my boy @TheShannonBrand to FLA to put in a good word & check out tha show."
Jeff Hardy will be backstage at the show but he is NOT expected to return to the company. You can bet Hogan and others will make an offer though. It should also be noted that WWE wants Jeff back to work a WrestleMania 26 match against CM Punk so we'll see.
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 34 jaar jong.
Mijn hobby's zijn: Worstelen en films.
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