The following is an excerpt from the latest online blog entry of WWE Diva Candice Michelle:
"DEFINING BEAUTY...A FRESH START" Friday, April 24, 2009, 03:10 PM EST [General]
Hey Guys-
I am sooo excited! I was secretly wishing that I would be drafted this year to Smackdown! It has been a bumpy and unfortunate year for me with my injuries so I think Smackdown is the fresh start that I need to rev my engines! To top things off how exciting that the Woman's Championship also went to Smackdown! Ill be back soon and my eyes are back on the prize! It will be a fresh start mixing it up with these divas! I am sure that some will underestimate me, not mentioning any names...Michelle McCool...but its only to my advantage! It was so sweet of her to mention me in her blog it only shows that she has a bit of jealousy for me, it was kind of flattering! So, Thank-You! hehe... I feel welcome already and i haven't even been there yet! :)
In case you didn't notice, Mickie James was removed from the updated Raw opening this past week even though she is still a member of the Raw brand. The updated opening premiered this past Monday on Raw in light of the numerous draft moves last week. WWE inserted Raw newcomer Matt Hardy in her place. Fellow Diva, WWE Divas Champion Maryse, was also added to the opening.
The wrestlers most likely to be called up to the main WWE roster from Florida Championship Wrestling are DH Smith, Eric Escobar (a.k.a. Eric Perez), Sheamus O'Shaunessy, and Drew McIntyre. We haven't heard anything on anyone else.
Smith is said to be an especially strong mat wrestler who has improved tremendously since the last time he was seen in WWE. WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis has pegged the second generation wrestler as a blue chip prospect and future main eventer for at least two years now.
Meanwhile, there is ongoing concern on the attitude of Escobar, who has worked some recent WWE house show tours. He's had a reputation for being a headcase since he was teaming with Raw wrestler Primo in developmental, and he still carries that stigma to this day.
Although the talks only appear to be very preliminary, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Kurt Angles name has been brought up within WWE and it appears the company could be making a play to bring him back later this year.
Angle, who turns 41 this December, could be faced with a big decision if he is approached by WWE about a return. His wife Karen was said to be a major force behind him leaving WWE and now she is no longer a factor with the two splitting up recently. The negative is that Angle is still pretty banged up and is much smaller than when he left WWE in 2006.
While many feel his size could work against him, the belief is that WWE would give him an easier schedule and he would make more money. Angle has dropped a ton of weight in the last couple years, and tells friends he is much more comfortable this way. The plus to staying with TNA is that he is always guaranteed a top spot, his size will never be an issue and even if WWE offers him an easier schedule it will never be as easy on him physically as the TNA schedule is. The general opinion on Angle is that the smartest thing he could do is stay in TNA, but Angles career is also coming to a close and the possibility of an increase in pay becomes even more important at that stage of his career.
Matt Hardy & Kane def. Jeff Hardy & CM Punk Big Show def. Undertaker Divas Champion Maryse def. Gail Kim (Divas Championship Match) United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter def. Chavo Guerrero (Non-title) Batista & Shane McMahon def. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
LONDON Just two days before the sting of Backlash strikes the WWE Universe, the anticipation of things to come brought red-hot intensity to SmackDown.
Edge taunts his Backlash opponent John Cena (WATCH | PHOTOS) With absolute resolve, Edge emerged before the WWE Universe to replay the destructive footage of his Monday Night Raw Con-Chair-To on John Cena. The Ultimate Opportunist taunted The Champ, claiming that because he is a desperate man who will stop at nothing to bring their three-year rivalry to an end and get his title back, he will without a doubt be the "Last Man Standing" at Backlash this Sunday. (Match preview)
Batista & Shane McMahon def. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase (WATCH | PHOTOS) Despite Batistas misdirected spear on Monday Night Raw, The Animal roared back, catching Cody Rhodes with a high-impact spinebuster as The Legacy Superstar was leaping from the top rope. Shane McMahon picked up the pin, transferring invaluable momentum away from Legacy as they head into this Sundays pay-per-view. Will McMahon, Batista & WWE Champion Triple H take ultimate retribution and save The King of Kings crown at Backlash? Or will Randy Orton back up his promise of destiny by finally capturing the gold? (Match preview)
Matt Hardy & Kane def. Jeff Hardy & CM Punk (WATCH | PHOTOS) Jeff Hardy was attempting to close the door on his brother Matt with a Twist of Fate when a fallen Kane suddenly climbed back up on the apron. This allowed the elder Hardy to send Jeff running into the hard head of The Big Red Machine, before rolling his brother up for the quick victory. With several recent, sibling rivalry victories to his credit, can Matt make Jeff utter the words I Quit at Backlash? (Match preview)
Big Show def. Undertaker (PHOTOS) Before the drafted Big Show made his departure from SmackDown to Raw, the 7-foot, 485-pound nightmare of distraction dished out two vicious knockout blows on Undertaker that proved so brutal, the referee was forced to stop the match in his favor. After the bell, The Phenom came back for more, knocking The Worlds Largest Athlete from the squared-circle and off to Monday Night Raw.
Divas Champion Maryse def. Gail Kim (Divas Championship Match) (WATCH | PHOTOS) Despite Gail Kims non-title victory over Maryse one week ago, she fell short of the Divas Title. Although the sultry, French champion looked to be walking out on the match prematurely, she quickly turned the tables on Gail, hitting her with the stunning French Kiss for the victory.
United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter def. Chavo Guerrero (Non-title) (PHOTOS) Although The Views Sherri Shepherd has been mentioning MVP on her show (WATCH), The Ballin Superstar was all business when it came to beating Chavo Guerrero with the Playmaker. After the match, recently drafted Dolph Ziggler - who defeated MVP in a non-title match one week ago came forth to proclaim that he will prove triumphant over The Franchise Playa in their United States Championship Match next Friday night at Madison Square Garden.
ECW wrestler DJ Gabriel has posted a blog on his MySpace account (myspace.com/stevelewington) responding to online reports saying he's on the verge of being released from World Wrestling Entertainment in light of Alicia Fox's move to SmackDown in last week's Supplemental Draft.
Gabriel wrote: "Before I begin the blog with updates, I'd like to clear the internet rumor "gossip sites" with their opinions on my future within the WWE.
"I've been notified of numerous "wrestling rumor websites" claiming that I will be released from the company soon with Alicia now on SmackDown. I'd like to make my statement and say I've been in the company for nearly four years, and it has been an honor. And I'd like to state that my tenure within the WWE is at a good pace, and I do believe it will continue that way. These so-called accurate websites are actually wrong most of the time. It is just a rumor mill site, just like TMZ. I give the site publishers credit for actually trying to find out the inside scoop on our company, but it is no use. They thrive for the rumors, and usually post one by one on every site on here. So next time a publisher actually does claim something about me, they can contact me at any time. They can contact me on the MySpace, on the WWE Universe site, or even in person at a live event/airport/etc. I'm giving the publishers the chance to contact me, and I can state that the "facts" they are discussing, are only opinions."
Gabriel also notes he's a bit upset over being left off WWE's ongoing tour of Europe, but hopes to go next time.
Gabriel is hoping to return to television soon. He wrote: "I can tell you that I will hopefully be back on the SciFi network really soon, and if not...thank you for the continued support anyways."
The feeling is that TNA are allowing several stars contracts to expire, including Roxxi, Rhaka Khan, Kip James and Jackie Moore. All four have their contracts coming up and haven't been used on TV for weeks.
Jeff Jarrett recently went on record saying they want to cycle talent every so often to keep the product fresh and these look like the prime candidates not to be re-signed.
The most surprising would be Roxxi, who has been a solid part of the Knockout's division. With Kip James its a case that his contract doesn't warrant his drawing power.
Rhaka Khan has been reportedly hard to deal with and isn't progressing in the ring like the other females. She also no longer has Kurt Angle on her side. And Jackie Moores character seems to have just ran its course.
- Jeff Jarrett opened the show to present Mick Foley with the TNA title. A four-way match for Sacrifice was announced, with Foley defending his newly won belt against three others - the theme being that all four have something to sacrifice.
- Don West interviewed Team 3D. They announce the Team 3D Invitational tournament, in which the winners will receive $100,000, a trophy and a tag team title shot.
- Beer Money beat Lethal Consequences in the quarter-finals of the 3D Invitational. Fun match.
- Promo backstage with Kurt Angle and Scott Steiner. Steiner blames himself for trusting Jeff Jarrett and for the Mafia losing at Lockdown.
- Still backstage, Jarrett says he doesnt care about Steiner or anybody else.
- Sojourner Bolt beat Taylor Wilde in a ladder match to earn a future Womens title shot. Not particularly good.
- Another segment backstage with Jarrett. Slick Johnson tells him his daughter is on the phone and that its important.
- The Beautiful People had an in-ring celebration for Angelinas title win at Lockdown. Velvet brings out some male dancers. This is all interrupted by Awesome Kong. TBP bail, leaving Kong to powerbomb one of the dancers.
- AJ Styles beat Kevin Nash via DQ in a Legends title match after Booker T interfered.
- Eric Young and the debuting Trevor Murdoch (I did not catch what ring name hes using) beat No Limit in the quarter-finals of the 3D Invitational.
- Mick Foley made his way to ringside to do commentary for the main event.
- Jeff Jarrett beat Scott Steiner. Post-match, Steiner and Angle double-teamed Jarrett until Foley made the save and then laid Jarrett out with a chair. Daniels (no Christopher now) and Styles came out to make the save for Jarrett. Jarrett cut a promo on Foley hinting he was going to fire him. The building then went into darkness. When the lights returned, Bobby Lashley appeared at the top of the ramp. Kinda mixed reaction to him. Angle and Steiner clapped to end tonights taping.
The local promoters for the Raw brand's tour of Mexico next month were upset with Rey Mysterio being drafted to SmackDown because they had promoted the tour around him. As a result of the protesting, Mysterio is back on the tour, as is Umaga. It remains unclear whether Umaga is heading back to Raw, as he is advertised to wrestle Mysterio on two shows even though he is a member of SmackDown. Everyone else taking part on the tour besides Mysterio is on Raw.
WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk will be returning to the ring on September 19th for the first time since having knee replacement surgery for the Heavy on Wrestling promotion in Wisconsin. Funks opponent will be Arik Cannon, who appeared on MTVs WSX show. The special referee for the bout will be none other than Ric Flair.
Kane & Big Show def. CM Punk & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio Finlay & Hornswoggle def. Tyson Kidd & Natalya Edge def. Kofi Kingston
The second episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America featured two explosive matches showcasing Superstars who will compete in just three nights at Backlash, as well as what possibly could be the last match together for the father-and-son team of Finlay & Hornswoggle.
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.
Kane & Big Show def. CM Punk & Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio (PHOTOS | WATCH) Three nights earlier on Raw, Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk defeated Kane in singles competition, while Big Show clobbered Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio with a knockout punch to win their match. The Big Red Monster and The Ultimate Underdog got a chance for some retribution on WWE Superstars as all four ring warriors competed in tag team action. The Straightedge Superstar and The Master of the 619 were unable to overcome the massive size advantage possessed by their two 7-foot behemoth opponents as Kane pinned Punk for the win, giving Mr. Money in the Bank a taste of what could happen just days later when the two meet in the ring at Backlash.
Finlay & Hornswoggle def. Tyson Kidd & Natalya (PHOTOS | WATCH) In what was likely their final match together before Hornswoggle leaves for Raw, Finlay and his leprechaun son defeated their recent ECW on Sci Fi rivals, Tyson Kidd & Natalya, on Thursday night in London. The mischievous Hornswoggle mixed things up in the ring, distracting Kidd by juggling tennis balls, then hitting him with a Tadpole Splash as a stunned Natayla looked on. After their victory, Finlay led a sing-a-long with the WWE Universe in the O2 Arena of his sons favorite song, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Then, a grateful Hornswoggle waved goodbye to our fans and shared a few emotional hugs with Finlay before departing for Monday nights.
Edge def. Kofi Kingston (PHOTOS | WATCH) Mere days before he meets World Heavyweight Champion John Cena in a Last Man Standing Match at this Sundays Backlash, Edge went one-on-one with the explosive Kofi Kingston. The Jamaican Superstar may have been seeking a measure of retribution against The Ultimate Opportunist. At Februarys No Way Out, the sadistic Edge savagely attacked Kingston and stole his spot in the Elimination Chamber Match, robbing the high-flyer of his first World Title opportunity. While Kingston utilized his speed and agility in the contest, he ultimately came up short, falling victim to a ferocious spear from The R-Rated Superstar.
Shawn Michaels will be out of action a little while longer since his knees are really banged up. RAW is quite loaded on the face side following Batista's return, so this is probably the best time for him to take some time off. No word yet on how much longer he will be out, but people inside the company speculated he could be out until late July, for the start of the build-up of Summerslam.
Several WWE stars in danger of being released Posted by Sushi X on 04/22/2009 at 05:42 PM
Zack Ryder, who was sent to ECW in the Supplemental Draft last week, is not expected to get much a chance to shine on his new brand, reports the Wrestling Observer. You can add the former WWE Tag Team Champion to the list of those who are likely in danger of being let go in the near future.
Here is our report from last week detailing those expected to be let go:
Expect some talent cuts to be made in the near future now that everyone has been sorted following this week's drafts not to mention a likely lackluster company earnings report on the horizon. Following the aftermath of the two drafts, three wrestlers in particular appear to very much in danger of being "future endeavored" in the near future.
As noted in an earlier report, ECW wrestler DJ Gabriel's future is said to be very much in doubt following the departure of his manager Alicia Fox to SmackDown in the Supplemental Draft. Fox's move to SmackDown may have been the death knell on his character as he was having enough trouble finding television time as it is when he was partnered with her. His push was nixed a while ago after he failed to generate any semblance of a connection with the audience following numerous television matches. Gabriel has not competed in a singles match on ECW on Sci Fi since March 10, 2009.
Another wrestler on the endangered species list comes in the form of SmackDown star Curt Hawkins following his tag partner Zack Ryder's departure to ECW in the Supplemental Draft. Ryder is more regarded by company officials, which is why he got the nod for a fresh new start and possible singles push on ECW. Hawkins is now left to fend for himself on SmackDown and things don't look good for him to say the least.
A third wrestler to watch out for is SmackDown wrestler Jesse following the departure of his trusty tag partner Festus to the Raw brand in the Supplemental Draft. Jesse has yet to even garner a singles win on WWE television, which should be a good indication of his future prospects in the company or lack thereof. Of course, Jesse is the son of legendary wrestler Terry Gordy of the Fabulous Freebirds, who head SmackDown creative team writer and fellow Freebird Michael Hayes fondly remembers. Hayes is perhaps the second generation wrestler's lone saving grace as he has a lot of pull in the company and can put a good word in for him. However, in these trying times when the company is looking to cut costs wherever, Hayes probably won't have enough pull to ultimately save his job. On another note, he was the main person behind Jesse and Festus getting called up to the SmackDown roster in the summer of 2007.
The time frame to look for talent cuts is mid-May as that is when WWE will be releasing their next financial quarterly report. By all indications, this will likely wind up as their worst report in quite some time as pay-per-view buys the company's biggest revenue source have declined at a frightening pace in recent months. The decline was capped off by the worst figure for the Royal Rumble in twelve years, and this year's WrestleMania appears in line to underperform as well as the company opted not to release the direct numbers for the show. This would be the first year WWE has done a post-Wrestlemania business report, bringing up pay-per-view, without mentioning a buys number, which should be a good indication that the number was low enough that they didn't want it out. WWE's cost-cutting measures are at their highest immediately following a financial quarterly report especially when a lackluster report comes into play and it's pretty much a lock that the company will not have much to crow about in the report coming out in a few weeks.
In a cost-cutting measure, World Wrestling Entertainment released "Superstar" Billy Graham, 65, from his $2,000 per month level consulting contract this past week saving $24,000 annually.
The WWE Hall of Famer was given 90 days notice that the company was canceling the contract with one year remaining on it.
The move is said to be similar to what they did with fellow Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i, Sr. a few weeks ago. The father of former WWE wrestler Manu was told that the company was re-evaluating all deals of that type as a result of the waning economy.
Hornswoggle def. Natalya Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor
LONDON The official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash turned into a brawl in Great Britain on this weeks ECW on Sci Fi. After Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger inked their contract for this Sundays match, The All-American American Gutwrench Powerbombed Captain Charisma, sending a strong statement just days before Backlash. But the Extreme action didnt end there ECW kicked off with an unexpected battle between a Diva and a leprechaun!
Hornswoggle def. Natalya (PHOTOS) While Hornswoggle was offering his thanks to the WWE Universe for supporting him on ECW on Sci Fi before being drafted to Raw, Tyson Kidd and Natalya interrupted. The mischievous leprechaun bit the Diva on the derriere, prompting her to challenge him to a match immediately. Once interim General Manager Tiffany made the match official, Natalya taunted Hornswoggle in the ring. Then, Finlay knocked Kidd off the ring apron, causing a distraction, leading to Hornswoggles victory over the Diva with a schoolboy roll-up.
The lucky leprechaun left the Land of the Extreme with a smile on his face, defeating one of WWEs toughest Divas during his last match before moving to Monday nights. But Natalya & Kidd werent too happy about the matchs result, and demanded Tiffany take action. The interim GM announced Finlay & Hornswoggle vs. Tyson Kidd & Natalya on WWE Superstars Thursday at 8/5 PT.
Evan Bourne def. Paul Burchill (PHOTOS | WATCH) Since returning from injury, Evan Air Bourne has been soaring to new heights on ECW on Sci Fi, this week defeating Paul Burchill. Despite having his devious sister, Katie Lea, at ringside, and dominating the majority of the match, Burchill succumbed to another perfect Shooting Star Press by Bourne. With the WWE Universe behind Bourne, will anyone be able to stop this high-flying Superstar?
Vladimir Kozlov def. local competitor (PHOTOS | WATCH KOZLOV) The Moscow Mauler has arrived in the Land of the Extreme in search of new competition. Since the WWE Draft, Vladimir Kozlov has been steamrolling opponents, quickly and easily defeating another local competitor this week. The Moscow Mauler has been unleashed on Tuesday nights. Who will dare to step up and face Kozlov next?
Official contract signing for the ECW Championship Match at Backlash (PHOTOS | WATCH) Under the watchful eye of interim ECW General Manager Tiffany, No. 1 contender Christian and ECW Champion Jack Swagger signed the contract to face each other this Sunday at Backlash. Swagger taunted a quiet Captain Charisma, saying that while he won the Elimination Chase to Backlash, The All-American American leads a pack of bigger, stronger and faster new Superstars on ECW. But Christian pointed out that while he didnt have much to say to Swagger, he plans to make The All-American American the biggest, strongest, fastest ex-ECW Champion in history this Sunday at Backlash. Then, an angry Swagger threw his ECW Championship at Christian, knocking him over, and Gutwrench Powerbombed him through the table in the ring, turning the Official Contract Signing into an all-out brawl at the close of ECW on Sci Fi.
Jason Powell of Prowrestling.net is reporting that current WWE Women's Champion Melina is gaining quite a bit of heat with backstage officials for displaying what's been reported as an open distaste coming from her recent draft from the Raw brand to Smackdown. The general feeling amongst the other wrestlers in the locker room is that she shouldn't be complaining as everyone in the company is subject to the draft, and more major names than her have moved in past WWE drafts.
It should be noted that Melina has had a history in the WWE locker room of taking her role as a Diva quite literally, and that she has since worked hard to clear her name and past reputation. This recent development obviously does not help her cause.
Jeff Hardy posted the following on his Facebook page:
"Jeffrey Itchweed Nero Hardy says that new contract signing are RUMORS, which means it may not be true, I might sign a new contract soon but the contract doesn't expire till July, so I'll play it day-by-day."
Regarding TNAs usage of the name Cactus Jack, even though WWE has a trademark for the name, Foley can continue to use it because he had used the name prior to WWE and ECW. The Cactus Jack name dates back to working the indies. The reason that doesnt work for the Dudleys, for example, is because that name was given to them by Paul Heyman in ECW, and thus WWE owns it. There are other aspects of the Dudley story, but evidently Team 3D decided against fighting that case in court.
PWInsider.com is reporting that Jeff Hardy's future with WWE could be in doubt.
Hardy's contract is set to expire in the next three months. WWE has been trying to get Hardy to sign a contract extension. Hardy has not signed a deal yet and word going around is that he is burned out from wrestling and might want to move on to other projects.
We will keep you updated as this story progresses.
In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Finlay discusses how long he'll continue to wrestle.
"Every morning I get up I have aches and pains but thats all part of the job," Finlay said. "I'm going to wrestle until my bones turn to powder... I may be turning 50 next year but my enthusiasm is as strong as it has ever been."
In an interview with the latest issue of WWE Magazine, Randy Orton reveals why he kicked Manu out of Legacy.
"Respect, that's something that Manu, who had a chance to be part of Legacy, didn't have," Orton told WWE Magazine. "He grew up in the business, and you would've thought he'd have that ingrained in his mind. He had been wrestling since his early teens, and he thought that he was already a veteran in his early 20s. That's what got him fired from Legacy. But I think we're looking to include another part man in the stable to make it all the more powerful. I'll say no more.
While Orton's comments appear to be in-character, it is apparently not as the interview was a non-gimmicked interview with the members of Legacy talking about the group, their families' lineage, what makes the group different than other groups of the past, and more.
Behind the scenes, it is known that Orton legitimately pushed for Manu to be kicked out of the group, feeling he wasn't in the same league as the other members, and didn't fit in as a result. WWE officials apparently agreed as he was booted from the group in an angle on the January 12, 2009 edition of RAW. His departure from the group ultimately led to his release from World Wrestling Entertainment as the company didn't have anything else for him.
According to Bill Behrens, who handles bookings for Lance Cade, TNA officials have contacted the former WWE star about coming in. However, Cade is currently in Japan and unavailable, so it doesn't look like he's coming in anytime soon.
The three-time WWE World Tag Team Champion is primarily focusing on working as a singles wrestler in Japan.
- In an update on Paul London, he has pulled out of some previously scheduled independent bookings for this weekend, saying he has a back injury. TNA was not aware of any injury when he pulled out of the Impact tapings last night.
Taz is in fact heading to TNA and is expected to begin working as Samoa Joes advisor. Sources have confirmed that Taz does in fact haave a non-compete clause with WWE, and once it expires he will be able to appear on camera. Theres no word on the length of his non-compete agreement, but he is clearly being teased for a TNA debut.
ProWrestling.net reports that he will enter the company as an advisor or manager for Joe, and will likely make a transition to the broadcast booth as a color commentator at some point.
It remains to be seen where Don West fits into the long-term picture of the broadcast team. Multiple sources claim that Jeff Jarrett and Mike Tenay have spoken out against the idea of using a three-man broadcast team in the past. West may have more value as a backstage pitch man than a color commentator, but Jeff Jarrett has resisted past pushes from others within the company to shake up the broadcast team.
More than one source has stated that while Dixie Carter likes West personally, she is not a fan of his performance as a color commentator. There also may be a chance that Jarrett and Tenay would change their tune regarding a three-man team if it meant keeping West onboard.
Randy Orton def. WWE Champion Triple H in a No Disqualification Match Big Show def. Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Chris Jericho ended in a No Contest Women's Champion Melina def. Beth Phoenix CM Punk def. Kane Batista def. Chavo Guerrero
LONDON One week after the 2009 WWE Draft its effects were still being felt as Raw took place in London. There were numerous interpromotional matches, with Superstars attempting to make their presence on Raw known one last time before heading to their new brand. The main event also showcased two ring warriors eager to make an impact: WWE Champion Triple H and his Backlash opponent, Randy Orton. The Game planned to get all the anger out of his system by decimating The Legend Killer in a No Disqualification Match, but shocking the WWE Universe, Orton pulled out a win courtesy of a lightning-quick RKO.
Randy Orton def. WWE Champion Triple H in a No Disqualification Match (PHOTOS | WATCH) In a WrestleMania rematch, WWE Champion Triple H had a chance to take out all his frustrations prior to Backlash as he competed in a No Disqualification Match against Randy Orton. Both Superstars set out to use every tool and weapon at their disposal and eventually the match turned in The Games favor as he repeatedly worked on his opponents knee. As he prepared to deliver the coup de grace to Ortons wounded limb, he was distracted by The Legacy, with Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase rushing to the ring and attacking The King of Kings. The match turned into a massive brawl as Batista & Shane McMahon also entered the fray, but The Viper, Orton thrived on the chaos and Triple Hs allies lack of cohesion, picking his moment to level The Game with a victory-sealing RKO.
Big Show def. Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio (PHOTOS | WATCH) It was The Worlds Largest Athlete versus WWEs Littlest Big-Man as Big Show took on Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio in this non-title match only his second contest since being drafted to Raw. In spite of The Ultimate Underdogs amazing speed and agility, he wasnt able to overcome his opponents massive strength advantage, and was pinned following a knockout punch during his last appearance on Raw before moving back to SmackDown.
World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Chris Jericho ended in a No Contest due to interference from Edge (PHOTOS | WATCH) Chris Jericho had a final opportunity to make an impression on Raw by facing off against World Heavyweight Champion John Cena as his last act on the brand before moving to SmackDown. Having faced one another numerous times in the past, the ring warriors appeared evenly matched, countering one anothers moves and coming back time and time again. As the Superstars continued to do battle back and forth, the match ended due to interference from Cenas Backlash opponent, Edge. The Rated-R Superstar mercilessly pummeled Cena and proceeded to batter him with a Con-Chair-To. The Ultimate Opportunist then gloated over his injured opponent, issuing a symbolic 10-count just days before their Last Man Standing Match at Backlash.
Womens Champion Melina def. Beth Phoenix (PHOTOS | WATCH) After revealing Backlash news to Santino Marella and his twin sister Santina, Beth Phoenix had one last chance to get her hands on Melinas Womens Title before the recently drafted Diva leaves Raw for SmackDown. As the two competed, The Glamazons intern, Rosa Mendes, looked on eagerly from ringside. But when Mendes attempted to become involved, she inadvertently took a rough shoulder from Beth, giving Melina all the time she needed to strike, putting The Glamazon down and retaining her championship gold.
Miss WrestleMania Santina Marella will appear on Khalis Kiss Cam at Backlash (WATCH) Santino Marella appeared in the U.K. to speak with his twin sister, Santina. Expressing his regret that he couldnt keep his sibling from having to appear on Khalis Kiss Cam, the Italian Superstar learned from Miss WrestleMania that she wouldnt be able to appear with The Punjabi Playboy on SmackDown. Santina revealed that she has a nasty blister on her lip that will keep anyone from smooching her on Friday. As the Y-chromosome bearing half of the Marella twins started to recite a poem, he was interrupted by Beth Phoenix. A grinning Glamazon revealed that though Santina might not play tonsil hockey on SmackDown, shell need to make some time for The Punjabi Playboy this Sunday at Backlash, where General Manager Vickie Guerrero has cleared time for the pair to pucker up.
Mr. Money in the Bank CM Punk def. Kane (PHOTOS) At the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania, CM Punk became a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank after knocking Kane off a dangerously high ladder. When Raw emanated from London, The Big Red Monster had an opportunity to exact some manner of retribution before he and The Straightedge Superstar move to SmackDown permanently. Kanes vengeance will continue to wait for Friday nights, however, as CM Punk rolled-up the 7-footer after countering a chokeslam.
Batista def. Chavo Guerrero, Batista Bombing him a second time after the match (PHOTOS | WATCH) Newly drafted Raw Superstar Chavo Guerrero took to the ring wanting to prove his worth to his aunt and Raw General Manager Vickie Guerrero, and further assuring that he could take care of anyone on the Monday night roster. But the self-proclaimed Mexican Warrior probably wasnt expecting the Superstar who came down the ramp: Batista. The Animal made clear to Chavo and the WWE Universe that he had no signs of ring-rust following his recent return, quickly steamrolling over his opponent. As Batista left victorious, Chavo claimed that he wasnt ready for the match to begin. Serving as an exclamation point to his already impressive win, The Animal returned to the ring, where he crushed the new Raw Superstar with yet another Batista Bomb.
Ricky The Dragon Steamboat to face Chris Jericho at Backlash; Chris Jericho to face World Heavyweight Champion John Cena on Raw (PHOTOS) Though he was drafted to SmackDown the week before, Chris Jericho appeared on Raw, as snide and condescending as ever toward the WWE Universe. Though the fans in attendance in London didnt show the first-ever Undisputed Champion the appreciation he desired, WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Steamboat did emerge to show the arrogant Superstar his gratitude. The Dragon thanked Jericho for giving him the chance to compete once again, and at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania no less. The nefarious Superstar had a hard time accepting this, however, and accusing the Hall of Famer of stealing his spotlight, challenged Steamboat to a match at Backlash.
Before The Dragon could react, the two Superstars were joined by World Heavyweight Champion John Cena, who took Jericho to task for denigrating Steamboats name with his insults. As the new SmackDown Superstar was leaving the Raw ring, he received two pieces of news: First, Steamboat accepted the Backlash challenge and second, Cena announced that though General Manager Vickie Guerrero was absent, she had nonetheless informed him that he would be facing Jericho in the ring on Raw.
Bobby Lashley talks about why he joined TNA Credit: PWTorch.com
"With the WWE, I was on the road nonstop; it was my entire life," Bobby Lashley said in a press release for this weekend's XFC show where he will be appearing. "With TNA, Im only working four days a month. And with the extra income from wrestling, I can take care of my family and afford to fully dedicate myself to my MMA training."
Lashley defended his decision to join TNA on the merit that that he's a young MMA fighter who needs to be making money while he's developing his skills to become a top fighter.
"I'm no different than so many young fighters: I still need a day job, because MMA training is expensive especially when you want to travel to different camps and learn from the top minds in the game," Lashley said. "And TNA has been great to work with."
As reported earlier, Angelina Love suffered a concussion following an errant blow on the part of Taylor Wilde during her match at the Lockdown pay-per-view. The newly crowned TNA Women's Knockout Champion has posted a blog on her MySpace account (www.myspace.com/angel_williams14) thanking fans who wrote to see if she was okay, not to mention those congratulating her for her championship win at Lockdown. Love also posted an update regarding the ordeal:
"In an update, I did receive a concussion from Taylor Wilde's top rope crossbody. Guess thats her payback for us cutting her hair! I caught her hip bone in my jaw and it knocked me clean out. Unfortunately, I dont even remember winning! When I watch it back, I'll be able to try and put the pieces of my scrambled brains back together! and my jaw!"
Former WWE Tag Team champion Paul London was backstage at the Impact tapings on Tuesday. He was slated to debut with TNA as part of a team with The Amazing Red, who is a former X-Division champion, but it was canceled and London is no longer expected to work for TNA. After tonights taping, one TNA source felt London had probably lost his spot in the company, but things can always change. TNA management was not happy with the way the situation went down, although there arent many details on what exactly did go down.
Theres no word on where this may leave Red in regards to his future in TNA.
Three-time WWE World Tag Team Champion Trevor Murdoch debuted at tonight's Impact taping in Orlando, which is currently ongoing.
This is actually his return to the company as he appeared on the initial TNA pay-per-views in 2002 as part of a tag team called The Dupps.
As part of last year's WWE Supplemental Draft, Murdoch was drafted to the SmackDown brand. However, he was released on July 3, 2008 before he could make his debut on the blue brand. Since his departure from the company, he's been competing on the independent circuit as well as overseas.
You will be able to catch Murdoch's return to TNA on Thursday's episode of Impact.
In addition, former TNA talent Amazing Red is rumored to be returning to the company. Sources close to Red have stated that he too has spoken with the company, and a deal is being worked out to bring him back.
The word going around is that former WWE Tag Team Champion Paul London may be debuting with TNA in the very near future. Sources are claiming that the two sides have spoken and that a deal is expected to be reached.
- TNA Knockouts Champion Angelina Love suffered a concussion after catching Taylor Wildes flying bodypress at the Lockdown pay-per-view this past Sunday. Angelina will likely be featured in non-wrestling segments at the Impact tapings this week.
According to a new report by Dave Meltzer, former ECW and WWE star Taz is coming to TNA and the company will continue to slowly tease it. There were reports this weekend that his deal with WWE was different since it was an announcer contract and it prevents him from making appearances for other TV entities for a while.
The arena was abotu 3/4 full. The hard camera side was practically empty. But they did have a full section taped off for the production crew.
Before the PPV Dixie Carter was in the crowd greeting fans and getting pics taken with the world title (which is very heavy).
My seats were accross from the hard camera about 10 rows up fromt he floor. and I got some pretty good pics with my DSLR. I got stuck with seats right infront of a stereotypical redneck and an stereo typical "yelling at the movie screen" black man, and the two of them seemed to hit it off great and were bets of friends by the 2nd match.
Tenay got some mixed reaction and West got some decent heat.
Danny Bonaduchie messed up several times and had the crappiest swanton/somersault off the to rope, and botched a small package by E.Y.
The Pyros were freakin loud!
The X division match was great, and the ending dive by Suicide to the outside on Kiyoshi hot a "Holy Sh*t!" or "That was awesome" chant... cant remember which.
Madison Raine got some boos. Sojo Bolt barely got any reaction. Daffney goot a goot reaction. ODB is pretty over, the people behind me were amazed at the size of her boobs.
LAX & MCM are way over with the fans. LAX came out first and got lots of cheers. MCM got even more after they won.
Matt Morgan is HUGE. The ref made the blad jobs very obvious, diggin in his pockets and laying in front of Abyss, who took forever to blade. After the ref bump the ref dug in his pockets and pulle dhte blade and morgan rolled over and picked it up and bladed. Stevie got a great pop and "ECW" chant.
Taylor Wilde was not over, but Angelina Love & Velvet Sky were. Kong's flip of the top rope got a "Holy Sh*t" chant. They must have tied Kong's hair pretty well, It took a few mins, they barely got her untangled before the next introductions started.
Beer Money got a good pop, but Team 3D's was deafening! Ray and D-Von entered thru the crowd. The crowd was just pleading for a 3D through a table. After the match, Team 3D thanked the fans that made them famous afterwards and were all smiles.
Angle wore black & gold with his trunks, which added to his heat in with the Philly crowd. The video screen froze during Angle's entrance. Daniel's got a great pop. Booker T's Spinaroonie got a loud pop than his entrance. AJ was over. So was Steiner. Aftere his franketeiner got a good pop, he flicked off the fan and yelled "f*ck you!" several times, yet after the match while walked up the ramp, he and Nash got cheers and Steiner acknowledged them, since he was off camera. The crowd is horrible and counting down dispite the huge countdown ont he screen. I havnt noticed Joe's entrane video since he got his new look, but it was very Taz-esqe, and he was abotu 1 min late for his entrace, whcih I later read he was getting "instructions" Joe came otu with a black towel over his head which I heard many people scream "it's Taz!". (I may have been one of them.) Nash is ofcourse, very tall. Jarrett was mostly over. Joe did many Taz-like moves and Jarrett played with the crowd as if he was goign to hit AJ with the guitar. Afterwards Joe teased he was goign to hit Jarret as he left the ring. And I think he sat in one of the corners practically all match. AJ's leap tru the top of the cage got a huge reaction with a "Holy Sh*t" chant, i believe.
Foey was way over. So was Sting. I dont think anyone really expected Foley to come out the champ. I think he may have disloacted knee cap or somehting he was banging on it pretty hard after a move and walked on it very gingerly.
Team 3D came down and congratulated Foley. Foley thanked the crowd and TNA for giving him one more rememberable moment in Philly with the great fans. He said a few yrs ago he was gettign ready to wrestle in front of 64,000 fans at a PPV, but longed to be infront of the 900 at the old ECW arena. Ray said since the Phillies had tshirts for winning the world series, they had tshirts to celebrate their 22nd tag title reign. There was a limit of 400 shirts and Team 3D signed auto graphs afterwards.
Some guys were out front selling unlicened Lockdown & Mania shirts for $15.
One of the better PPVs I think, maybe it was because I saw it live. The only let down of the night was Bobby Lashley.
Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com is reporting that Bobby Lashley has NOT yet signed a contract with TNA Wrestling.
According to Meltzer, Lashley appeared at TNA Lockdown on Sunday night as a way of getting both sides acquainted with each other. If Lashley ends up signing with TNA, his goal would be to do TNA on a limited schedule and continue with his MMA career at the same time. Since TNA only tapes TV a few times a month, Lashley would probably be able to keep doing MMA while making his TNA appearances.
Three TNA stars in Matt Morgan, Awesome Kong and Taylor Wilde were involved in an automobile accident on Friday night near the TNA hotel in Philadelphia, reports The Sun. Their SUV was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling at 40-50 MPH during a left turn. Morgan and Kong reportedly hit their heads on the windshield during the collision and were later checked out by medical personnel. All three individuals were okay enough to appear at last night's Lockdown pay-per-view.
- Despite his loss last night, Sting's TNA World Heavyweight Championship reign was the longest reigning run for any champion since TNA launched their own "World title" in May of 2007. This was also the longest singles title reign in his illustrious career.
- On the Lockdown preshow, Eric Young defeated Danny Bonaduce. After the bout, Bonaduce attacked Young, but "The War Machine" Rhino came to his aid and hit the GORE on Bonaduce!
- Suicide retained the X Division Championship in the Xscape Match by beating Consequences Creed, Black Machismo, Sheik Abdul Bashir and Kiyoshi
- ODB won the Queen Of The Cage Match, beating Madison Rayne, Sojo Bolt and Daffney
- The Motor City Machinguns successfully defended the New Japan Jr. Tag Team Championship against the Latin American Xchange and No Limit
- "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan defeated Abyss in the Doomsday Chamber Of Blood match, which also saw the TNA debut of "Dr. Stevie" Stevie Richards! Richards refused to let Abyss use weapons during the bout, leading to Morgan getting the win!
- Angelina Love became the new Knockout Women's Champion by beating Awesome Kong and Taylor Wilde when she pinned Wilde following a big boot from Kong, who was trapped in the corner after the Beautiful People tied her braids to the cage.
- Team 3D (in their big return to Philly!) defeated Beer Money, Inc in the Philly Street Fight to become the new TNA World Tag Team Champions, their 22nd Title Reign! Check out Team 3D's new limited commemorative shirt at ShopTNA.com celebrating the win!
- Team Jarrett defeated Team Angle in the Lethal Lockdown Match, which at one point saw AJ Styles jump down through the roof of the cage in a daredevil dive onto the other participants below! Samoa Joe also questioned Jeff Jarrett's allegiance during the bout. However, Jarrett answered when he had both Styles and Booker T lined up for a guitar shot - and he smashed Booker, allowing AJ to get the pin and the win for his team.
- After the match, the lights in the arena went out and a video played introducing Bobby Lashley to TNA! Lashley came out and Kurt Angle was shown laughing in the ring! Is there some kind of connection between Lashley and Angle?
- Mick Foley became the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion by defeating "The Icon" Sting in the bloody and chaotic main event. Foley tried to use his barbed-wire bat at one point, but Sting avoided it. In the end, both Foley and Sting raced to climb over the top of the cage to escape, with Foley hitting the canvas first to win the championship!
In an interview with The Times & Transcript's Eric Lewis in Canada, Trish Stratus had this to say about the WWE Women's Division:
"It is disappointing. I think what it is, they have too many women. And I think they can't even see who's who because there's so many of them. I think they need someone maybe that can focus on the women."
Bobby Lashley arrived backstage at TNA Lockdown on Sunday night at about 10:00 PM Eastern, just moments before his debut with the company. The former ECW World Champions debut was kept a big secret by everyone in TNA, with his late arrival to the building being the ultimate way to prevent spoilers from leaking to the net. Lashley appeared at the top of the entrance ramp at the conclusion of the Lethal Lockdown match while everyone in the ring looked on with shock, except M.E.M. front man Kurt Angle who was smiling.
- As far as the other World Champion TNA promised, they did say they would begin to unlock the identity of that person at tonights show. It looks like they were indeed teasing Taz. Before Samoa Joe came out to the Lockdown match, he was seen backstage speaking to someone getting what Mike Tenay called, last minute instructions for the match. Joe hit the ring and nailed a series of various suplexes - most of them being the signature suplexes of former ECW World Champion Taz.
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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