"Then. Now. Forever." The WWE video leads us into the show.
Sheamus' music hits as Michael Cole reminds us that we are 23 nights away from WrestleMania. Cole welcomes us to the show alongside Josh Mathews and Brad Maddox. Maddox will be the fill-in commentator until John "Bradshaw" Layfield returns.
Sheamus and Randy Orton vs. Team Rhodes Scholars
Before the match begins, Sandow asks for silence. He says what happened on last Monday's RAW was nothing short of a professional and managerial abomination. Not only was their sure fire victory over the New Age Outlaws taken from them, as well as their post-match endeavor with the Bella Twins, they were put into a match they were not physically or mentally prepared for against the two vulgarians in the ring. He goes to tell a story about his Uncle Minnow Sandow, but Rhodes takes the microphone. Rhodes says they don't deserve a story. They ruined their dates and night, so it's their turn to ruin it for them.
Cody Rhodes will start out against Sheamus. Sheamus executes a headlock takeover. Rhodes gets to his feet and whips him off, but Sheamus shoulder blocks him down. Rhodes quickly comes back with some kicks and punches, but Sheamus comes back by reversing a whip to the corner. Sheamus catches him as he tries to slingshot over, but Rhodes slides out of the powerslam attempt. Sandow is tagged in, and Sheamus blocks his kick. Sheamus pushes him down and drops an elbow. Sheamus puts him in the corner and punches until the referee backs him up. Sandow gains the advantage by kicking and punching him down in the corner. Sheamus reverses a whip to the opposite corner and nails him with a running shoulder to the midsection. Sheamus hits a knee lift and a pair of Irish hammers. Sheamus goes for White Noise, but Sandow elbows out. Sandow charges, but Sheamus sends him to the apron. Sheamus ties him up in the ropes and clubs away at the chest. Rhodes tries to blindside him, but Sheamus elbows him off the apron. Sandow capitalizes on the slight distraction by snapping him off the top rope and dragging him outside. Sheamus fights Sandow off, but Rhodes stuns him with a Disaster Kick off the commentary table.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Sheamus fighting Rhodes off. Rhodes quickly comes back with a dropkick for a two count. Rhodes clubs away at his back before tagging in Sandow. Sandow punches and head-butts him down before leaving the ring to elbow him across the throat. Sheamus comes back with some head-butts. Rhodes is quickly tagged in, and he cuts Sheamus off before he can tag in Randy Orton. Rhodes stomps him before wrenching the arm. Sandow is tagged back in, and they both cut Sheamus off again before he can tag. Sheamus fights up, but Sandow punches him to the corner. The referee gets in Sandow's face, telling him to back up. Sandow continues to punch away at Sheamus. Sandow backs up and charges into Sheamus' boots. Sheamus pulls himself up to the top rope and jumps off with a flying shoulder block.
Orton and Rhodes are tagged in. Orton hits a pair of clotheslines, ducks one, and hits a powerslam. Orton takes him down with a T-bone suplex before hitting a hanging DDT. Sandow attacks him from behind, but Sheamus quickly takes him down with a Brogue Kick. Orton stalks Rhodes before dropping him with an RKO for the win!
Winners by Pinfall: Sheamus and Randy Orton Match Rating: * 3/4
The Shield's music hits, and they appear on the titantron. Dean Ambrose says they can relax. They don't have to be afraid, but Seth Rollins contends that they just may have to be. Roman Reigns then says they don't need to fear anything tonight. Ambrose says the ring that Orton and Sheamus are standing in belongs to them. If they don't believe that, they can ask the Big Show. They served justice to him on Monday night, just like they've done to every major force in this industry.
Rollins says that brings up an interesting point. They've taken John Cena and The Rock, the WWE Champion, multiple times. They've flattened them in the center of the ring, but those two criminals continue to take from them. They are the main event of WrestleMania, and somehow The Shield doesn't even have a match on the show. That is the greatest injustice he's ever heard. Ambrose says they'll serve that injustice themselves. He tells them to find any partner they want, as long as its the right one. Orton says he's in, and Sheamus says he'll see them at WrestleMania. Rollins says the Showcase of the Immortals will become the Showcase of Justice. Ambrose says they'll believe at WrestleMania. Reigns finishes off with, "Believe in The Shield!"
Chris Jericho will take on Jack Swagger in tonight's main event. We'll also see Ryback and Mark Henry lock horns later tonight.
A Fandango vignette airs. He will make his debut match tonight.
-Commercial Break-
They show footage of Brock Lesnar destroying the New Age Outlaws. Paul Heyman then spoke for Lesnar. Heyman says they'll accept Triple H's challenge at WrestleMania as long as he accepts Lesnar's match stipulation. They won't announce the stipulation until Triple H signs the contract. Triple H will respond next week on RAW.
Randy Orton and Sheamus are talking backstage when Big Show walks up to them. Big Show says they could use a tag team partner. He says he doesn't trust either of them, but in lieu of recent events, that's what he's saying. They need a tag team partner who is brutal and vicious. Their partner should be a bulldozer and an ultimate destroyer. Orton says they couldn't agree with him more. Big Show says they won't regret it. Sheamus says he's right, because they've picked this man: Ryback. Ryback walks up and stares at Big Show until he goes away.
Ryback will face Mark Henry later tonight.
-Commercial Break-
Tamina Snuka and Aksana vs. Kaitlyn and Layla
Tamina will start against Layla. They lock up, and Tamina powers her to the corner. Tamina runs into a kick, but she blocks a whip. Tamina sends her to the ropes, but she eats a kick. Tamina blocks a roundhouse kick and throws her down. Tamina throws her by the hair before choking her. Tamina sends her to the corner and tags in Aksana. Aksana kicks her down before tagging Tamina back in. The Funkadactyls are seen watching. Aksana is tagged in, and she takes Layla down with a side leg sweep. She stretches her out a bit covering for a two count. Aksana sends her to the corner before tagging Tamina in. Tamina hits a suplex for a two count. Layla tries to fight back, but Tamina quickly takes control. Layla then sidesteps a splash in the corner and rolls her up for a two count. Layla then kicks her away.
Kaitlyn and Aksana are tagged in. Kaitlyn hits a back elbow and a clothesline. Kaitlyn sends her to the ropes and takes her down with a shoulder block. She then drops Aksana with a reverse DDT for a two count. Kaitlyn hits the ropes, but Tamina punches her in the back of the head. Aksana goes for a body slam, but Kaitlyn slides off and pushes her into Tamina, knocking her off the apron. Kaitlyn then takes her down with a spear, and Layla blind tags in. Layla then hits the LOL for the win.
Winners by Pinfall: Kaitlyn and Layla Match Rating: 3/4 *
The Funkadactyls shake their pom-poms backstage before bumping into the Bella Twins. Naomi says they were a big influence on Cameron and her. Cameron says they're not twins, but they dress just alike and grew up watching them. Nikki says it's so great that they influence two "hoochie mommas" who shake their butts for a dancing dinosaur and his fat friend that thinks he's Japanese. They take offense to that, but the twins say they just wanted to introduce themselves. They then blindside the Funkadactyls until officials run in to separate them.
They show the Undertaker's tribute to Paul Bearer that was interrupted by CM Punk on RAW. Kane attacked him, and they fought in the main event. Kane defeated him, and he saluted Paul Bearer along with his brother. CM Punk then attacked him with the urn.
Kane makes his way to the ring. He'll take on Dolph Ziggler, next.
-Commercial Break-
Kane w/ Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler w/ AJ and Big E. Langston
Kane gets him in the corner and punches him down. Kane stomps him before uppercutting him. Kane continues to kick away at him before driving his shoulder into him in the corner. Kane punches him down before throwing him across the ring. Kane sends him to the corner, but Ziggler moves before he can splash him. Kane puts the brakes on, and Ziggler rolls out of the ring. Kane follows him, and Ziggler runs back to the ring. Kane grabs him by the throat as he gets in the ring, but Ziggler kicks him off. Ziggler punches away at him before hitting the ropes and eating a big boot.
Kane hits a pair of body slams before sending him into the ropes. Ziggler hangs on, and Kane runs into a back elbow. Ziggler punches away at him and charges, but Kane drops him onto the apron. Ziggler stuns him with a snapshot off the top, and he quickly follows up with a missile dropkick. Ziggler punches away at him before dropping a big elbow for a near fall. Ziggler applies a front face lock, but Kane fights up and powers him off. Kane then runs into a drop-toe-hold in the corner. Ziggler catches him with a big snapping DDT for a near fall.
Ziggler punches away at Kane. Ziggler hits the ropes, and Kane clotheslines him. Kane kicks him in the midsection and executes a perfect delayed vertical suplex. Kane hits a low dropkick to the face for a near fall. Kane sends him to the corner and clotheslines him. Kane sends him to the opposite corner and repeats the move. Kane goes for a sidewalk slam, but Ziggler flips through and applies the sleeper hold. Kane backs him into the corner a few times to break the hold. Kane runs into a boot. Ziggler goes to the second rope and jumps into an uppercut. Kane picks up a near fall. Kane goes to the top rope and hits his flying lariat. Kane signals for the Chokeslam, but AJ gets on the apron for the distraction. Daniel Bryan then attacks Big E. Langston from behind before he can get Kane. Langston throws Bryan into the timekeeper's area, and he turns into a big boot from Kane! Ziggler catches Kane with a leg drop bulldog as he comes back in the ring. Ziggler then drops him with the Zig-Zag for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler Match Rating: * 1/2
Ziggler stands over Kane and talks a little trash. Kane grabs him by the throat, but Langston quickly runs him over. Langston drops Kane with the Big Ending.
They show a video of Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez parodying Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger's YouTube videos. They joke about Canadians being threats to America's borders. They have funny accents and play sports on ice.
Chris Jericho and R-Truth are laughing at the video backstage. Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter walk up to them, and R-Truth walks off. Swagger asks if he thinks that video is funny, and Jericho does. Swagger says he's put the weight of a nation on his back. He's not only fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship; he's fighting for the soul of the country. Jericho jokes about it. Swagger says Jericho is no different from Del Rio. He snuck over the border from Canada and tried to take what doesn't belong to him. It belongs to real Americans. Jericho says he grew up in Canada, but he was born in America. Jericho asks Colter if he's a real American. He says he looks like a cross between Rush Limbaugh and Yosemite Sam. Jericho says instead of worrying about politics, immigration, and naturalization, he should worry about it being WrestleMania season. He's facing Alberto Del Rio for the title in a few weeks. More importantly, he's facing Y2J tonight. Until Swagger and "Sam" can beat him, he suggests they shut the hell up.
Fandango will debut, next.
-Commercial Break-
The Great Khali is in the ring dancing with Natalya, the Punjabi Princess.
Fandango's music hits, and he comes out dancing with another professional dancer. Fandango says he's a professional interpreter of the language of dance. The "dancing" going on in the ring is unacceptable. It's obvious they can't dance. Fandango wants to see if Khali can pronounce his name correctly. Khali says it, and Fandango tells him to shut his mouth. Fandango then teaches Khali how to pronounce his name. Fandango says he did horrible. He says he hopes Khali has a lot of money because he needs to reimburse the people as they're now going to miss out on the debut of Fandango!
They'll show a preview of The Rock vs. John Cena match at WrestleMania, next.
-Commercial Break-
They play a video package that highlights the feud John Cena and The Rock have had over the past two years.
Matt Striker is backstage with Sheamus and Randy Orton. Striker says Booker T made the six-man tag team match against The Shield official. Sheamus says the odds are in their favor. Orton says we're going to see a preview of what Ryback can do against Mark Henry. All of a sudden, Roman Reigns spears Sheamus through the set! Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins beat Orton down before sending him into a garage door twice. The three then turn their focus onto Sheamus, who was getting to his feet. They put him through a table. The referees run in, and The Shield walks off.
-Commercial Break-
Booker T and Teddy Long are looking over the carnage cause by The Shield moments ago. Ryback walks up and wants to know what happened. Booker T cuts Teddy Long off, and he tells Ryback to take care of his match against Mark Henry. They'll take care of Sheamus and Orton.
Mark Henry vs. Ryback
They stare at each other from across the ring. They lock up and jockey for position. Ryback gets him in the corner, and Henry pushes him off.
The Shield's music hits, and they make their way through the crowd. Henry leaves the ring, and The Shield attacks. Ryback fights the three of them off, and he turns around to see Henry getting back in the ring. The Shield then attacks Ryback from behind, and they viciously beat him down. They then deliver a triple powerbomb to Ryback. They put their fists together before leaving through the crowd.
No Contest Match Rating: N/A
Mark Henry begins going up the ramp before turning around and looking at the helpless Ryback. Henry gets in the ring, picks him up, and destroys him with the World's Strongest Slam. Henry picks him up again and drops him with a second World's Strongest Slam. Henry screams, "That's what I do!" Henry tells the referee to get away from him. Henry then deadlifts Ryback one more time to deliver a third World's Strongest Slam! Henry yells at Ryback, "This is what you got in store for you. I ain't none of these punks you've been running through. You will not run through me! Welcome to the Hall of Pain!"
-Commercial Break-
Jack Swagger w/ Zeb Colter vs. Chris Jericho
They circle the ring and lock up. Swagger powers him to the corner, and Jericho pushes him away. They circle the ring again and lock up. Swagger applies a waistlock, but Jericho turns it on him. They fight for position as Jericho gets a side headlock applied. Swagger then drives him to the corner and drops him with a straight right hand. Swagger punches away at him, and Jericho comes back with some chops. Swagger reverses a whip, but he eats a kick. Jericho clotheslines him, but Swagger only goes to a knee. Swagger reverses another whip, but Jericho hangs on to the ropes. Swagger charges, and Jericho drops him on the apron. Jericho then knocks him off with a springboard dropkick. Zeb Colter goes up to Swagger to talk strategy as a commercial break hits.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Swagger send Jericho to the corner and hit a running knee to the midsection. Swagger stomps the midsection and screams, "We the people!" Swagger under-hooks the arms while screaming his phrase. Jericho fights to his feet and takes him down with a back suplex. Swagger is still quick to his feet as he takes Jericho down with a vicious clothesline for a near fall. Swagger rubs his face into the mat before applying a front face lock. Jericho fights up and takes him down for a near fall. Jericho kicks and punches him in the corner. Swagger reverses a whip to the corner, clips the ankle, and applies the Patriot Lock. Jericho kicks him off and gets an inside cradle for a near fall. Swagger then takes him down with a belly-to-belly suplex for a near fall.
-Commercial Break-
We come back from the break to see Swagger splash him in the corner. Swagger goes to suplex him, but Jericho counters into a DDT for a near fall. Jericho kicks him in the head a few times before hitting the ropes. Swagger surprises him with a flapjack. Swagger goes for the Gutwrench Powerbomb, but Jericho counters into a Walls of Jericho attempt. Swagger counters that counter into the Patriot Lock. Jericho reverses out of it and applies the Walls of Jericho. Colter gets on the apron, and Swagger is able to crawl to the bottom rope. Swagger gets out of the ring as Jericho yells at Colter.
Jericho takes Swagger down with a baseball slide before sending him into the ring steps. Jericho puts him in the ring, goes to the top rope, and hits a cross-body block for a near fall. Jericho knees him in the face a bunch of times until Swagger pulls him face first into the turnbuckle. Jericho sidesteps him attempting a splash and goes for a Codebreaker, but Swagger holds him up. Swagger throws him into the corner, and Jericho crashes hard. Swagger then hits a decisive Gutwrench Powerbomb for the win!
Winner by Pinfall: Jack Swagger Match Rating: ** 1/2
Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter celebrate in the ring. Swagger gets on the turnbuckle and points to the WrestleMania sign.
----------
Quick Match Results
Sheamus and Randy Orton def. Team Rhodes Scholars Kaitlyn and Layla def. Tamina Snuka and Aksana Dolph Ziggler def. Kane Mark Henry NC Ryback Jack Swagger def. Chris Jericho
As reported earlier, WWE announced on Friday's SmackDown episode
that Ryback, Randy Orton & Sheamus would take on The Shield at this year's
WrestleMania pay-per-view event. We also noted that Ryback will most likely be
pulled from that match and replaced by The Big Show.
WWE.com may have
spoiled that change as they have a photo that shows The Big Show in Ryback's
place in a promotional image for the bout. You can check out the photo below.
Diamond Dallas Page and Scott Hall have reached their goal in
raising $80,000 to cover hip replacement surgery for Hall, as well as physical
therapy, dental work and other medical expenses. Embedded below is Page reacting
to the news.
Showing their
appreciation, Scott Hall, Diamond Dallas Page and Kevin Nash all commented about
the accomplishment on Twitter. Here is what they wrote.
Scott
Hall: "I am very humbled by your support. Wrestling fans are the best.
I don't no what to say. This is a moment I will never forget. Thank you all"
DDP: "words cant express our thanks/gratitude 4helping
@SCOTTHALLNWO reach this goal. ur generosity/support's truly appreciated. THANK
YOU ALL!"
Kevin Nash: "To all that reached out to help
Scott, l give my thanks more for restoring my faith in mankind than anything
else.You are amazing♥♥♥♥♥"
Sean Walman: "You did it
everyone! Im so moved by this I can't find words."
- WWE signed Australian talent Matt Silva to a developmental deal. Silva will
finish up with Melbourne City Wrestling on April 13th, 2013 before heading to
Tampa, Florida.
- After suffering an apparent injury at Friday night's live event, R-Truth was
back in action Saturday night at the WWE live event in Providence. Truth got a
win over Titus O'Neil with a quick roll-up.
- R-Truth sustained some type of injury during a match against Titus O'Neil at
Friday's Raw live event in Bridgeport, Connecticut, according to a reader in
attendance. The official threw up the "X" signal and the Raw Superstar was
assisted to the backstage area by personnel following the conclusion of the
bout.
- We noted yesterday that CM Punk may have been injured in Monday's RAW main
event against Kane. Word is that it was an injury to his arm that is said to not
be severe. There were rumors yesterday afternoon that Punk is suffering from a
knee injury but those are not true.
- For what it's worth, WWE recently revived their trademark application for Kharma, which was abandoned in January of this year. Back in October, WWE applied to register "Big Hungry" as a trademark. It was just assigned last month.
Miss Tessmacher and Angelina Love appeared to take shots at each
another Friday on Twitter over the topic of tattoos.
Diva-Dirt.com
brought the apparent e-fight to light in a story on Saturday. Tessmacher, who
frequently answers questions from fans on the website, was asked, "Hey Tess, do
you like tattoos on your hands?" In a message that was later deleted, she
responded, "On ladies no. Tats should be coverable. Classy not trashy."
Love, who boasts a large collection of tattoos, appeared to take offense
to her former co-worker's remark by referencing the words "classy" and "trashy."
She wrote, "Laugh of the day! Ppl who don't know the difference between "classy
& trashy" giving opinions on what's "classy & trashy" LOL!" Soon after,
Love posted two fan messages saluting her body artwork.
Tessmacher
retaliated with a harsh message knocking Love's cosmetic appearance, including a
shot at the 31-year-old's much-speculated weight.
"Eating is important,
save the surgeries 2ur face when they are actually needed, age graceful, dont
over tan(leather skin) b proportioned," wrote Tessmacher.
Indicating
that she was talking about Love in her biting tweet, Tessmacher added the
following fan message to her favorites list on Saturday: "I love how @BrookeTess
put @ActualALove in her place after getting butthurt over a comment that wasn't
direct toward her #TeamBrooke."
Reigning TNA Women's Knockout Champion
Velvet Sky showed her support for Love Saturday by tweeting a photo of her
tattooed hand displaying a thumbs-up signal.. Later, Tessmacher earmarked a fan
message responding to Sky's post, reading, "if you want to talk about somebody
why don't you tag @BrookeTess in your tweets?"
You
along with Bubba Ray came on the scene in ECW, what was that whole experience
like?
"ECW was an amazing time, the company in
general was so family orientated and we were all aiming for the same goal to
make sure that ECW wasn't going to be a fly by night company, that it was to be
taken seriously and that we were starting a revolution.
We had a great following; some might like to say it was a cult
following which actually helped put ECW on the map. Paul Heyman took unknown
guys that WCW and WWE didn't tap into and he made them into stars himself, which
in return made the other two companies look at ECW.
To
me ECW was a phenomenal time and we were able to help change and revolutionize
the business into the Attitude Era, which was great because nobody at the time
was doing the stuff we were doing, pushing the envelope of hardcore, and then
when there was such a high demand for it that opened the door for a lot of
us."
Bubba and yourself then went over to the WWE
during a peak era for tag team wrestling with The Hardy Boyz and Edge &
Christian, what was it like working with those teams and the TLC
matches?
"That was another amazing time in my
career; to be able to be in the ring with five other guys and to steal the show
at WrestleMania two years in a row was awesome. The TLC matches were matches
that had never really been seen before; the closest thing to a TLC match was
just a ladder match that was performed by Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels. We
then added the tables and the chairs into the mix and made it what it is today
and it was just great to go out there and entertain throughout that whole
attitude era.
Everywhere we go out of all the matches
we've had, the TLC matches seem to be the one that pretty much everybody still
talks about today."
You and Bubba then joined TNA
and began working with the likes of Beer Money and Motor City Machine Guns, what
was that like?
"It was great because we were able
to help these guys and literally pass the torch of tag team wrestling. We had
accomplished so much in the business and it was time to be able to pass it on to
guys like Beer Money and Motor City Machine Guns and they were great to work
with.
It was so easy because these guys wanted it just
as bad as anyone else did. To be able to have talent like that, and they were
willing to get in that ring and give it one hundred and ten per cent and do what
you ask of them for the sake of the business, the product and the fans it was a
win win situation. That is exactly what went on at that time in TNA and I was
very proud to be a part of the company at that particular
time."
What was the reasoning behind the Team 3D
split?
"The singles career was something that I
needed, Bubba was always into the tag matches and he never really wanted to
break up and I understood that because he is more of a tag team guy. I was as
well but I wanted to separate that little bit more, we actually separated in
2002 with the Reverend Devon angle in WWE and I remember feeling like I never
really got my just due and six months later we were put back
together.
It always bothered me that I could not leave
this business without having another shot at being a singles competitor and I
remember saying it I wanted it so bad but I knew there was more for Bubba and I
to accomplish as a tag team. We had to go over to Japan and take over from where
the Road Warriors left off, we conquered that, we conquered in making the tag
team titles very prestigious in TNA and all of the organisations we were
in.
We did our jobs in that sense but now was the time
to move on and I was very happy about that because it is something that I have
always wanted. I loved teaming with Bubba and creating history but there was a
little bit of a selfish side to me that wanted that singles career just a little
bit more. Now that I've got it and now that its here Im proving those critics
that said I couldn't do it, let me change that were proving those critics that
said we couldn't do it, were proving them wrong."
Are you enjoying the run as a singles wrestler?
"Im extremely happy hes doing well on his own and Im extremely
happy Im doing well on my own, and Im glad I've won two titles before he has
(laughs) but in all seriousness Im happy for both of us because we've worked so
hard to have been in this business as long as we have and you get the critics
that say, theyre old and theyre washed up.
Well I
remember a time back in the day when the business was hot, back when Hogan,
Andre, Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes were in there primes and you weren't anything
in this business until you got to your mid-thirties going into your forties. If
you were younger than that you were just considered a young boy and you got your
ass kicked and handed to you, but now the business has changed and everybody
thinks when your aged thirty you should be the one thats on top.
Listen Im old school and if it isn't broke dont fix
it because when your 34 or 35-years-old you are still learning a lot more, by
that time you should be almost polished up but when your that age that is when
it all kicks in. Im in better shape now than I was when I was 25-years-old and
my knowledge for the business is better now than it has ever been and Im very
happy about that."
How would you compare your
three bosses, Paul Heyman, Vince McMahon and Dixie Carter in terms of their
similarities and differences?
"Well you've got
Doctor Frankenstein, Paul Heyman who was kind of a rebel and definitely a guy
that loved to play some mind games but in a good way. He would play mind games
with you so you would understand the business and know what this business is
about.
Then you've got Vince McMahon and he is the
grandfather of them all, being with him was really a challenge, my biggest thing
was and I tell my students at our school in Orlando, Florida, if you go out and
perform in front of Vince McMahon and not have any fear then you are going to
make it in this business, because if anybody has an aura about them and can
install fear in you by just walking in a room it is Vince.
With TNA it kind of like out of all three bosses Ive got to say Dixie
Carter is the best looking one (laughs) no offense to Vince and Paul but if Im
going to put a ring on anybodies finger its going to be
Dixie."
What can we expect of Devon and the Ace
and 8′s during the rest of 2013?
"Like I said
before whether you love me or hate me, Im going to get my just dues. Everybody
thinks that this whole thing with me having a gripe against the company was all
part of the show and it really wasn't, I legitimately walked away because of a
contract dispute.
It just got to the point where I
wasn't going to take any more nonsense and Ive been making it well known. For
those that love me great and for those that think I turned my back or crapped on
the company then so be it."
You were recently
helping out at Booker Ts All-Star Clinic in Houston, Texas, what did that
involve?
"I was helping out as much as I possibly
could with the younger talent and being able to as they say in this business,
pass the torch knowledge. I want to make sure these guys are strong enough and
able enough so when the time comes for them to showcase what they have, they
will be able to showcase it in the right way.
They
didn't have stuff like this when I was getting into the business so I guess it
is a privilege and an honor to do this for these kids and Im happy to be apart
of it. It is something I wish we could have had back when I was growing up but
the business was the way it was back then. So be grateful for what we've got and
what we are able to give after gaining so much from this business."
To further the Aces & Eights
storyline, TNA President Dixie Carter wrote on her Twitter that DLo Brown
joining Aces & Eights has cost him his job.
"This
"smart" move of yours has cost you your job. Congrats. RT @dlobrown75: Good
morning to all of @TheAcesAnd8s supporters out there."
Brown replied
to the storyline firing, writing on his Twitter:
Its ok I
got a better offer anyway Now that I dont have to worry about those damn
office responsibles. Maybe it time I focus on restarting my previous career.
#FoodForThought
TNA Knockout Madison Rayne announced her
pregnancy on twitter moments ago. She revealed the child is due in August. This
explains why Madison has been absent from television for months. It is unclear
what is next for Madison for wrestling, but a huge congratulations to her.
The first live TNA Impact episode permanently on the road opened with a video package documenting events from the Lockdown PPV, specifically Hulk Hogan giving Bully Ray a pep talk before Ray won the TNA Title but after turning on the Hogans to join Aces & Eights. The video closed with a visual of Ray getting plunked in the head during the PPV-closing littering.
Arena: TNA went live to Chicago for a wide shot of the Sears Centre to make it look like they were in front of a very large, major-league audience. At commentary, Todd Keneley introduced the show before Taz gloated about Ray being new TNA World champion. Keneley plugged reaction from Ray and Brooke Hogan tonight. Mike Tenay the spoke up with a plug for A.J. Styles returning to TNA tonight.
TNA then randomly went to the ring for an unhyped Tag Title match to start the show. Out came Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez as the challengers. Suddenly, Aces & Eights members hit the ring, apparently upset by TNA not promoting this Tag Title match in-advance. A&E put the boots to Guerrero and Hernandez to send a message to the TNA locker room. D-Lo Brown then dumped Hernandez to the floor before D.O.C. and Knox tossed Chavo to the floor.
In the ring, Devon told the crowd to sit down and shut up. Devon said this is the group that he said would take over TNA. He said this group will dominate from now on. So, without further ado, Devon introduced new TNA World champion Bully Ray. The A&E music played to bring out Bully through A&Es back-entrance. Bully slowly walked out sporting a beanie, flannel shirt, t-shirt underneath the flannel, and jeans. Ray stared down the ringside fans as he slowly walked toward the ring. Ray then embraced Taz before Ray hit the ring.
In the ring, Ray and Devon embraced before D-Lo presented Ray with his own Aces & Eights jacket. Ray then stood tall as the president of the group. Once the music stopped, Ray took the mic and asked the crowd if they know who he is. Ray said he is Bully Ray, the president of Aces & Eights. And, he is the TNA World Hvt. champion.
Ray said he used Sting, screwed Brooke (some cheers in the crowd), and made a fool out of Hulk Hogan. Ray then claimed to have made a fool out of everyone in the audience. He claimed that they pulled the wool over their eyess for nine months. Ray said he cannot tell Devon how proud he was of him in that moment at Lockdown when he drilled Jeff Hardy in the back of the head.
Ray said it wasnt supposed to go down like that. He said that when Wes and Garett came over the cage, he was supposed to escape the cage when they entered. But, Hogan sat him down one hour before the show to give him a pep-talk. Ray said Hogan told him to do something memorable, which is what he did. (So, did Ray radio in a new plan during the match after calling an audible?)
Ray said he did something in one night that the NWO couldnt accomplish in forever, which drew ooohs and aaahs. Ray said they are the Aces & Eights and when you ride with A&E, you never walk alone. Their music played, then Ray held up the TNA Title belt in the air. Keneley said its entitlement.
Backstage, Sting was shown flipping out watching this unfold on the monitor. Sting said Rays in the fast-lane, pissing him off. Sting vowed to get his hands on Ray and it starts by talking to Hulk. Sting stormed off, frustrated and angry.
Up Next: Knockouts tag action of Gail Kim & Tara vs. KO champion Velvet Sky & Mickie James.
[Commercial Break] [...Q2]
[...Q2]
Back live, Keneley recapped Knockouts Title events at Lockdown on Sunday.
1 KO champion VELVET SKY & MICKIE JAMES vs. TARA (w/Jessie) & GAIL KIM Taryn Terrell referee
Prior to the bell, TNA cut to an inset promo from Gail Kim announcing that Knockouts authority figure Brooke Hogan put referee Taryn Terrell on probation for her role in the Knockouts Title match on Sunday. After the babyfaces grabbed an early advantage, TNA cut to a mid-match commercial.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, the heels were in control as Taryn found herself in a familiar position trying to maintain order while having to deal with Jessie on the outside.
[Q3] The match built to Velvet getting a hot tag from Mickie and cleaning house on Tara and Gail. Ref Taryn and Gail then got into it again, so Taryn slapped Gail across the mouth. After the slap, Sky nailed her finisher for the win.
WINNERS: Sky & at 9:40.
Earlier Tonight: Bully Ray dared Hulk Hogan to come out here and fire the Aces & Eights group.
Somewhere in Catering: Aces & Eights were shown sitting around having some drinks. Ray said he doesnt think Hogan has the balls to fire them, but in-case he does, he would like to propose a toast to the brotherhood. Ray then joked that he hasnt heard from his wife in a little while. He then pulled out his phone and mockingly left her a voice-mail. Tell dad I said hello! Bully cackled into the phone.
[Commercial Break]
Slammiversary plug: TNA is coming on June 2.
Backstage: A roving cameraman asked Hulk Hogan for his thoughts tonight. Hogan hobbled away on crutches before slamming the door on the cameraman.
In-ring: Robbie E. was introduced to the ring. Hes unfortunately facing Rob Terry in a re-match from Lockdown.
2 ROBBIE E. vs. ROB TERRY
Terry bounced Robbie around the ring, then finished him off in a little over one minute to little fanfare other than light Feed Me More chants. After the bell sounded, dance music played and Terry did some posing and dancing in the ring.
WINNER: Terry at 1:17. During the match, it became clear that a contributor to my 6.5 in-person score for Lockdown instead of a 5.0 like the rest of the PWTorch Staff was not having to listen to the announcers for three hours. Unbearable.
Backstage: Sting apprehensively walked into Hulk Hogans office for a chat.
[Q4] [Commercial Break]
A&E Catering Positon: Bully Ray complained about no A&E merchandise available at the TNA stands. Ray then told an A&E member to open up the program and the first person they see will get it. The group got excited about who the program opened to, then said it will be a tough challenge, but they can do it.
Hogans Office: Hulk Hogan blamed Sting for everything with Bully Ray. He said now Bully has the World Title and now A&E has the whole company hostage. And, now, his daughter is married to Bully. Sting told Hogan not to fire Aces & Eights, especially not Bully, because they need to handle this together. Hogan said there is no more we because this is the end of the movie. Hogan shouted at Sting to get out of his office because he makes him sick. Back on commentary, Taz had a big laugh watching Sting and Hogan break down.
Announcers: Keneley and Tenay switched gears to hearing from A.J. Styles for the first time in a long time. Keneley said Styles has been on an emotional rollercoaster, then TNA rolled footage of Styles blowing off TNA reps when they tried to catch up to him in Georgia.
Up Next: A.J. Styles returns to TNA.
[Commercial Break]
Backstage: TNA tag champs Bobby Roode and Austin Aries walked up to Sting to rub it in about Hogan dressing him down. Aries kept going by noting Sting just wouldnt listen to reason. He said Sting just ruined everything. Sting said hes had enough and he just wants to fight tonight. Roode then bailed on Aries and Sting pointed his finger in Ariess forehead and said hes fighting him tonight.
In-ring: Two minutes before the top of the hour, A.J. Styles was introduced. No sign of Styles, though. TNA cut to a wide-shot of the arena, but still no sign of Styles. Tenay said hes supposed to be here tonight.
[Q5 -- second hour] Suddenly, Daniels and Kazarians music played to bring out Daniels and Kaz dressed like the Road Warriors since theyre in Chicago. In the ring, Kaz said this isnt the first time that Styles has disappointed all of his fans. Kaz said this is Throwback Thursday and theyre paying homage to the second-best team in wrestling history. Daniels, playing Hawk, said the Road Warriors of the past were fake tough guys, like A.J. Styles. Daniels called themselves the Original Ring Warriors.
James Storm had enough of this and interrupted. Storm hit the ring and said they dont have to run away from him. Storm then put over the Road Warriors for being bigger, tougher, and more over than them. On to the tough part. Storm told Daniels and Kaz to decide which one wants to get a beating right now. Storm then decided for them by yanking Daniels into the ring.
3 JAMES STORM vs. DANIELS (w/Kazarian)
Storm tried to finish it at 3:00 with Eye of the Storm, but Daniels slipped out and hit the STO. Daniels then got too cocky, allowing Storm to pin Daniels with a quick roll-up.
WINNER: Storm at 3:44.
Post-match, Daniels and Kaz beat down Storm as the crowd chanted for A.J. Styles. Styles then appeared on the entrance ramp and walked with purpose to the ring. Styles, with a beard and longer hair and sporting a leather jacket over a black t-shirt while wearing jeans, cleared Kaz and Daniels from the ring. Styles stood still watching Kaz and Daniels with his eyes, then he suddenly clotheslined James Storm. Styless hood flipped up as he clotheslined Storm, covering his head to enhance his new persona. Styles then left the ring, selling that hes brooding like 96 Sting after feeling like WCW turned their back on him by accusing him of being the Third Man joining WCW.
Backstage: Kurt Angle was shown walking down the hallway, but Wes Brisco set him up for a trap to take a beat down from A&E members. D.O.C. attempted to throw some right hands, then A&E left Angle out cold on the floor.
[Commercial Break]
[Q6] Moments Ago: A.J. Styles returned to TNA and clotheslined James Storm after attacking Kazarian and Daniels. I dont get it, Taz said on commentary.
In-ring: Jazz music could only mean one thing. Joseph Park. Park came out to the ring dressed in a suit as the announcers discussed representatives from Park, Park, and Park here tonight. Once in the ring, Park looked around the arena before saying its an honor and a thrill to be standing here tonight. He said its no secret that its been a wild & crazy past few months for him. Park said that with all of this early success, hes decided to take a step back and reflect on the highlights of his life. (1) Graduating law school at the top of his class. (2) When he finally made partnership at Park, Park, and Park. This started to draw boos, then Park waved toward to the top of the arena and apologized for the lack of quality seats.
(3) Standing right here in an Impact ring in front of his hometown. Taz said he has the cheap pop down. Park said he grew up sitting on the first-base line of the Cubbies games, which drew boos. Park made the save saying he sat behind the goal at Blackhawks games. That got a reaction.
Suddenly, Matt Morgan interrupted. Park covered his mouth to sell concern as Morgan hit the ring and demanded a mic. Morgan waved off Park, then addressed Hulk Hogan, asking if it was everything he wanted and more. Morgan said out of all the mistakes he made, theres no bigger mistake he made than this walking joke Joseph Park. Park took exception as some vocal males chanted, Morgan, Morgan. Morgan said the fact that Hogan signed Park to a TNA contract is an abortion to wrestling.
Morgan said hes going to start eliminating Hulks mistakes one by one, starting with Park. Morgan delivered the final line in Parks face, then told Park he better get out of the ring. Now. Park did his goofy face to sell concern, then sized up Morgan and thought about leaving. Suddenly, Park had second thoughts after Morgan insulted him as being fat. Park said in Chicago, they never back down from a fight. So, if he wants to fight, then they do it right now.
Morgan laughed and circled around the ring as Park started removing his suit jacket. Youre serious, arent you? Morgan asked. Morgan told Park that they do things on his time, then started backing away from the ring. Morgan then hopped over the top rope, but paused on the top rope. Park turned his back, then turned around and ate a Carbon Footprint. As Park sold on the mat, Morgan leaned down and whispered, And my time is next week. Morgan slammed down the mic, then left the ring after establishing his mission going forward.
Still to come: Sting vs. Aries and footage of Brooke Hogans San Antonio Meltdown.
[Commercial Break]
Catering: Bully Ray said he feels good about taking out an Olympic gold medalist. Bully then looked into the camera and sent a message to Hulk Hogan to fire them if he has the balls. Ray listed the TNA roster members they already took out tonight, then vowed to destroy the show tonight if Hogan doesnt answer them.
[Q7] Video Package: Brooke Hogan was shown freaking out after Bully Ray turned on her at Lockdown. Back on commentary, Taz chuckled to himself that you would think Brooke would have been happy because her husband is now World champion.
With 28 minutes remaining the show, TNA introduced the main event. First out was Austin Aries, along with Bobby Roode. Sting was then introduced as Ariess opponent. Big reaction for Sting, causing Taz to complain about this crowd being too loud. Tenay noted Sting has returned to the scene of some of his most memorable career victories tonight.
4 STING vs. TNA tag champion AUSTIN ARIES (w/TNA tag champion Bobby Roode)
As the bell sounded, Taz piled on Sting getting dressed down by Hogan, saying he should have seen it coming. As the action started, TNA flashed a graphic for Slammiversary that included Jeff Hardy, which is a reminder that there has been no focus so far on how Hardy feels about dropping the prestigious TNA Title at Lockdown.
In the ring, Aries knocked Sting to the outside, so Roode tried to land some cheap-shots on Sting, but Sting reversed and Stinger-Splashed Roode into the guardrail. Aries tried to make the save for Roode, but Sting moved and Roode ate a double axehandle from his tag partner. Sting then chucked Aries into a chair before posing on the ring apron. The crowd popped for Sting as Impact cut to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back from break, Sting was still in-control as Keneley said Sting has dominated this match. Sting then spotted a shinny penny on the floor, allowing Aries to club Sting from behind to begin wearing down Sting. But, Sting quickly clotheslined Aries over the top rope to the floor. Roode then got in the mix again, so ref Brian Hebner gave Roode the boot from ringside. Roode took forever to leave, though, allowing Aries to punt Sting in the crotch behind the refs back.
[Q8] Aries went on the attack after nailing the low-blow, then started targeting Stings lower body. Aries teased going for a Scorpion Deathlock, then somewhat mocked Miz by pretending not to know how to execute it. How do you do this?! Aries shouted down at Sting, who popped Aries in the mouth to escape. But, Aries came back moments later with a top-rope missile dropkick. Suddenly, Sting popped to his feet, no-selling. Sting did his pose in Ariess face before body-pressing Aries across the ring.
Sting missed with a corner splash, though, and Aries nailed a corner dropkick before nailing his own Stinger Splash. Aries then wanted a Brainbuster, but Sting escaped and hit a Scorpion Deathdrop for a nearfall. Sting, still wrestling in a t-shirt, hit the Scorpion Splash before slapping on the Scorpion Deathlock. Sting sat down on it, but Aces & Eights decided now was the time to attack Sting, causing the match to be thrown out.
WINNER: No Contest at 15:15. The best Sting has looked in the ring in a long time. It helped having an opponent like Aries to work with, as opposed to someone like D.O.C. at Genesis.
As Aces & Eights beat down Sting, Keneley complained about A&E ruining this show. Bully Ray then hit the ring and told Sting that he used him. Ray looked into the camera, shouting toward Hogan that he did something memorable, all right. He asked Hogan where he is, then mockingly called out for everyones hero and dad. Impact cut to break as Ray kept calling out for Hogan.
[Commercial Break]
Its worth noting TNA is running a take-over angle on their website.
Impact returned from break five minutes before the top of the hour with Bully still calling out for Hogan. Ray said they have taken over Impact, then Hogans music played. Ray stopped in his tracks and looked toward the entrance ramp as Hogans entrance played. Hogan then hobbled out on-stage on crutches as Ray shouted, Cmon, dad! from inside the ring.
Hogans music stopped and Hogan said it would be too easy for him to fire Bully after everything he did to this company, the fans, his family, and Sting. Hogan said every dog has his day, and from this moment forward, he is empowering every man and woman in the locker room to band together to fight and eliminate Aces & Eights.
Jeff Hardys music then played and some roster members spilled out to fight Aces & Eights. Tenay flashed back to WCW that the TNA roster needs to be united against Aces & Eights. Taz said this is not right. The camera focused on Ray getting Kurt Angle on the outside to punch him. In the ring, Hardy took a beating. Aces & Eights retained control of this fight as referees scrambled around the ringside area to give time cues to the wrestlers as they brawled.
The brawl came to a standstill as TNA roster members tried to fight back until Ray brought a mic into the ring to silence them with words. Ray shouted toward dad that this must be what he meant by memorable. Taz told Hulk theres nothing he can do about this. Ray then walked up the ramp toward Hogan as Impact hit an over-run period.
[Q9 -- over-run] Ray mockingly said Hogans calvary just got killed by Aces & Eights. He asked Hulk what hes going to do now. Ray, Devon, and D-Lo Brown stood on the entrance ramp staring down Hogan as Impact cut.
SmackDown wrestler Jimmy Uso was arrested Wednesday at 12:47 p.m.
in Hillsborough County, Florida, and charged with driving under the influence,
according to the official website of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
He did not stay in jail for long as he was released on $500 cash bond that day
at 3:08 p.m.
Uso, whose real name is Jonathan Solofa Fatu, was
previously arrested on September 29, 2011 in Tampa, Florida on suspicion of
driving under the influence. An officer observed Fatu at approximately 3:00 a.m.
that day driving the wrong way down a one-way street in a silver Mustang.
- It was reported earlier today that WWE officials are considering
a MMA-style fight for the Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania 29 in
just a few weeks.
F4Wonline.com reports that the match will not be held
under MMA rules.
WWE officials are considering 3 or 4 different
stipulations but they had not decided on anything as of last night's RAW. It's
possible we won't find out the stipulation until the March 25th or April 1st
RAW.
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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