Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Who is this jerk usurping AlyKat’s spot?
The answer is G, I’ve been doing the iMPACT reviews as of late and she’s unable to make it this week.*
And I know you’re asking yourself, “Well then Mr. G, will there be the twittering like she does?”
No. Maybe some fake ones, but no. I will be doing this in my usual suffer-through-it-as-I-write style.
* Card subject to change.
Well then, let’s get down to business and see what the WWE served up for the last RAW of 2010, shall we? I haven’t done a RAW review in a long, long time.
Tonight is TNA’s first real chance to show their stuff to a Monday night audience – and their last couple of shows weren’t that bad. Mr. Anderson takes on Kurt Angle in a ladder match tonight, and the ongowing drama between Hogan and Bischoff should continue. Let’s go!
Last week: David Otunga and R-Truth had a bit of a falling out.
The theme song plays, the pyro goes off, and the broadcast team of Michael Cole and Josh Matthews welcome us to WWE NXT!
R-Truth and David Otunga make their way to the ring, Truth rapping the whole way. Otunga can care less about Truth’s performance, he walks right past his mentor and into the ring.
Matt Striker is standing by backstage, and he explains the rules of the show once more. The pros will vote on the rookies – but they can’t vote for or against their own rookies.
AWESOME!
The Miz leads his rookie, Daniel Bryan, to the ring. This is a tag team match, which will probably wind up coming down to which team can put aside their differences better. Miz has a pep talk for Bryan. Right now, Bryan is 0-2. He hasn’t proven anything to anybody yet. Last night on RAW, Miz was jumped. This match is very important to him. If Bryan is pinned tonight, Miz will make sure he never achieves his goal of becoming a WWE Superstar. And he’ll have him thrown off of NXT.
R-Truth & David Otunga def. The Miz & Daniel Bryan
Bryan starts off with R-Truth, with Truth having the upper hand early on. Otunga gets the tag in and the team of Truth and Otunga start utilizing classic tag team strategy, keeping Bryan away from The Miz. Things get a bit crazy – Bryan and Miz get dumped to the outside by Truth, who dives on them, sending us to a…
<COMMERCIAL BREAK>
When we come back, Michael Cole screws up David Otunga’s name, calling him Daniel Otunga. Miz and Bryan are also in control by this point. Bryan tags in The Miz, who admonishes him for showboating. Miz is nearly pinned by Truth off of a rollup, but manages to take control right back from him. Truth causes some separation, and finally manages to get the tag in to Jennifer Hudson’s fiancee. He gets Miz in a pinning predicament, but Bryan makes the save. Bryan tags himself in and turns the tide back into his team’s favor. He locks a heel hook in on Otunga. Will Otunga snap or tap? Miz tags himself back in, and then the two start battling – meanwhile, Truth sneaks in and nails the Lie Detector on The Miz, allowing Otunga to pin the WWE United States Champion.
After the match, Miz threatens Bryan’s career again, telling him to go away. Bryan feigns punching The Miz, who flinches, before leaving.
Video: Carlito Surprised Heath Slater by spitting in his face. That wasn’t cool to Slater. Slater says if he had an apple and Carlito was standing in front of him, he wouldn’t spit in his face, he’d chuck it like a fastball at Carlito’s head. He’ll have the opportunity, as he takes on Carlito, NEXT!
<COMMERCIAL BREAK>
Matt Striker wants to know how Miz feels about the fact that it was he who lost the match for his team, and not Daniel Bryan. Miz reminds Striker of all the gold he has. Bryan comes in, he doesn’t care about Miz’s accolades. He says that everybody he’s ever been partners with have carried him. Miz reminds him he’s the pro. Bryan asks if Miz is so talented, why is he the one who lost tonight?
Video: Justin Gabriel grew up in the wrestling industry and he’s a martial arts expert.
Matt Hardy is giving Gabriel a pep talk backstage, telling him to do exactly what he did last week. Chris Jericho and Wade Barrett come in. Jericho says he did good last week, but not good enough for this week, because Wade Barrett is Jericho’s protege, and look at the size of him. Barrett reminds Gabriel that last week, he destroyed Daniel Bryan in less than 3 minutes. Hardy tells Jericho that his protege will defeat Jericho’s tonight.
Heath Slater makes his way to the ring along with his pro, Christian. Carlito heads to the ring with his rookie, Michael Tarver. Carlito heard what Slater had to say about him, but he should be honored that Carlito spit in his face. You know how many WWE Superstars faces Carlito’s spit into? Slater should be begging to get spit at again. Carlito gets in the ring, takes a bite of his apple, but Slater ducks the spit.
Heath Slater def. Carlito
Slater decked Carlito to start the match and then we went to a…
<COMMERCIAL BREAK>
Carlito is in control when we come back, but that doesn’t last very long. Slater holds his own with Carlito, and when Carlito kicks Slater in the face, Tarver cheers from ringside, saying “that boy’s gonna need to go to the dentist!” Carlito takes control for a few minutes, but he takes some time to talk to Tarver on the outside, and Slater takes advantage. Carlito hits a spinebuster on Slater, and he goes to grab his apple, but Christian took it away. Christian tosses it to Tarver, who doesn’t think it’s funny. Carlito tells Christian to watch what he does to Slater – he goes for a Backstabber, but Slater escapes. Carlito tries to roll up Slater, but Slater rolls through and pins Carlito.
Video: Darren Young says this is his destiny. He thinks the WWE Universe will find him entertaining. There’s no better feeling than being in the spotlight, and he looks up to guys like Shawn Michaels and Ricky Steamboat.
CM Punk is discussing Young with the Straight Edge Society. Young comes in and says he respects Punk’s lifestyle, but wants to know why he can’t live his own. Punk says he can lead a horse to water, but he can’t make him drink. Straight Edge can make him a winner, but Young can live his own lifestyle and see where that gets him.
Up next, Justin Gabriel takes on Wade Barrett in our main event.
<COMMERCIAL BREAK>
It’s confirmed that “Be Yourself” by Audioslave is an official theme song of WrestleMania.
RAW REBOUND: Mr. McMahon defeated John Cena in the main event. Nevermind the fact that it was a handicap gauntlet match and that the WWE Champion Batista was Mr. McMahon’s last partner, Mr. McMahon pinned John Cena.
We get a rundown of the WrestleMania XXVI card – Batista vs. John Cena, Chris Jericho vs. Edge, Shawn Michaels vs. Undertaker in a no DQ match, Triple H vs. Sheamus, Bret Hart vs. Mr. McMahon, John Morrison & R-Truth vs. ShoMiz – what a hell of a card we’ve got for the show of shows!
Chris Jericho leads Wade Barrett to the ring and we’re informed that for the first time in two years, this Friday on SmackDown it’s the return of Chris Jericho’s Hi-Lite Reel with special guest Edge!
<COMMERCIAL BREAK>
Matt Hardy leads Justin Gabriel into battle, and last week, Gabriel became the first rookie to have pinned a WWE pro, that pro being William Regal.
Justin Gabriel def. Wade Barrett
Power vs. speed – that’s what this match is. Barrett is a big guy who can really hurt you, and Gabriel is a smaller guy – well, compared to Barrett anyway – who can use his speed to avoid being hurt by a bigger guy like Barrett and to strike before his opponent can counter. The crowd actually starts chanting USA in this one, despite the fact that the only American in this match is Gabriel’s pro, Matt Hardy. Gabriel manages to squeak out the win, knocking Barrett down and hitting the 450 splash from the top for the victory.
Jericho attacks Hardy after the match, knocking him out of the ring, then hitting a codebreaker on Gabriel before locking him into the old school Lion Tamer style Walls of Jericho. Barrett and Jericho are the ones standing tall as NXT goes off the air.
My Thoughts: WWE did a great job this week and getting me interested in some of the rookies who I didn’t care about at all. Darren Young showed a bit of personality, Heath Slater showed that he could be a great commodity for World Wrestling Entertainment, and Michael Tarver seemed to open up a bit more this week than he had a couple of weeks ago. Still the star of this show is Daniel Bryan, and that’s not by accident. WWE is trying to make that happen, and they’re doing a good job of it – though Justin Gabriel seems to be developing quite a fan base, even if they don’t realize he’s from South Africa and not the United States. Some people I’ve talked to don’t like the show – I, on the other hand, have really enjoyed it the last few weeks and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. See you Friday for SmackDown!
Tonight’s guest hosts for RAW were supposed to be Dule Hill and James Roday from Psych, but Roday had to have an appendectomy yesterday and will be unable to participate. Hill will be hosting himself. Also tonight, it’s the final RAW stop before the Royal Rumble. Will Randy Orton and WWE Champion Sheamus continue to attempt to embarrass each other before their title match this Sunday? What of the Royal Rumble participants? How will Shawn Michaels react after Triple H dumped him over the top rope last Monday and proclaimed that he’s going to win the Royal Rumble? Stick around and find out!
– A video package runs focusing on various TNA stars and how their dream was to become a star in the world of professional wrestling. “This is who I am…this is what I do…” uttered the various TNA stars in the promo. The video package then focuses on tonight’s AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
– A graphic opening hits welcoming us to TNA Genesis. We go live to the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL where a series of pyro goes off above the ring and in the entrance area. Mike Tenay welcomes us to the show in what he dubbed the first TNA PPV of the “Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff era.”
– Hulk Hogan’s music hits and he makes his way out into the Impact Zone along with Eric Bischoff. They have gotten rid of the two entrance tunnels and simply have a big entrance area under a big tron. The ramp also connects to a new four-sided traditional ring as they are ditching the six-sided ring. We see a shot of Brooke Hogan cheering on her father in the crowd. Hogan gets on the mic and says, “Well guys I guess all there is to say is welcome to Genesis!” He says welcome to the brand new Impact Zone (which gets some boo’s). Hogan said he told everyone there would be change and everything would be moving and shaking. The crowd starts a loud “WE WANT SIX SIDES” chant. Hogan said there is no more play pen rings and this is where professional wrestling is meant to be done. He said there competitor likes to refer to themselves as “sports entertainment”, but he is proud to be aligned with TNA where professional wrestling still lives. Eric Bischoff takes the mic and said he knows no one likes change, but change is what they are all about. He said change starts tonight with this ring and there is a hell of a lot more coming our way. Hogan said there is only one last thing to say, “Whatcha gonna do Vince McMahon, when TNA comes for you!”
– Mike Tenay and Taz welcome us to the show and we are going to kick things off with The Amazing Red defending the TNA X Division Championship against a mystery opponent. Red is out first to a big reaction from the crowd in Orlando. Red’s opponent is…former WWE star The Brian Kendrick.
TNA X Division Championship
The Amazing Red (c) vs. Brian Kendrick
Brian Kendrick takes the champion Amazing Red down early on. More armbar takedowns by Kendrick on Red. Kendrick with a camel clutch with forearm shots into a crossface. Red with a big snap huracanrana on Kendrick. Kendrick fires back with a big running spear on Red and then sends Red to the outside with a flying kick to the face. Kendrick goes to work on the knee of Red kicking him off his feet and then applying pressure against the ropes. During the match, Tenay and Taz noted on commentary that Bobby Lashley is claiming he will not wrestle tonight and that they hope to have more on that soon. Kendrick goes up top and Red catches him with a big kick to the head. Red then takes out Kendrick with a huge senton dive off the top turnbuckle. Red then follows that up with a missile dropkick on Kendrick in the ring. Kendrick with a single leg boston crab on Red after Red missed a shot from up top. Red with a kick to the head on Kendrick and rolling armbar. Kendrick with a nearfall on Red. Red gets the pinfall on Kendrick with a springboard Code Red.
Winner & STILL TNA X Division Champion: The Amazing Red
– Backstage, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff is with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman. Bischoff said he appreciates the help with Mick Foley, but reminds them that Nash is the only one under contract. Bischoff said Hall and Waltman need to prove themselves. Hall asks Nash for some help tonight. Waltman asks what about him. Hall and Waltman play rock/paper/scissors on who will join Nash tonight. It looks like Waltman won, but I’m pretty sure everyone is still confused on what just happened.
Sean Morley vs. Daniels
Before the match, Morley got on the mic and said tonight he presents his first TNA Films production for the ladies. Daniels walks out and gets on the mic saying TNA is about wrestling and not the goofy stuff Morley is talking about. Daniels tells Brooke Hogan to shut up when she stands up making some noise at him. Daniels said he already has a review for Morley’s first TNA production and it isn’t a thumbs up. Daniels walks in the ring and flips off Morley. The bell rings and they start brawling. Morley with some big knees to the gut on Daniels into a russian leg sweep. Morley with a pump handle slam on Daniels. Daniels fights back dropping Morley head first off the ropes. Daniels focuses on the throat of Morley hitting a few palm strikes and then sending Morley throat first into the top rope. Daniels then chokes Morley’s throat against the top rope using his legs using the three count to his advantage. Daniels with a springboard moonsault on Morley. Morley fights back with some quick offense and then hits the Money Shot off the top rope to get the pinfall.
Winner: Sean Morley
– A video package runs highlighting the events between ODB and Tara.
TNA Knockouts Championship
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
ODB (c) vs. Tara
Both women exchange some big chops early on. Tara with some big kicks to ODB that is followed by a big kick to the back of the head. Tara with a springboard flipping leg drop on ODB that results in a two count. ODB fires back with a big fallaway slam on Tara. Tara with a rollup on ODB that results in a pinfall.
Winner of Fall #1: Tara
ODB goes after Tara right away powering her into the corner and choking her out. Tara gets ODB locked up in a tarantula sumbission against the ropes. ODB then goes on the attack on Tara on the outside. The referee starts the count and ODB rolls back in to break it up. ODB tosses Tara back in the ring and attempts a few pinfall attempts that all result in a two count. ODB then applies a full body submission on Tara. ODB keeps it locked on, twirls around the ring with Tara and gets into another pinfall with Tara finding a way to kick out. ODB started favoring her chest during the match like something was wrong. Tara then hit the Widow’s Peak suddenly and got the pinfall.
Winner of Fall #2: Tara
Winner & NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Tara
After the match, we see a few highlights of the match featuring the two falls Tara won in a row. Back live, Tara is celebrating with the TNA Knockouts Championship.
– Backstage, Christy Hemme is with “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero. Dinero cut a promo telling Desmond Wolfe that he better bring it tonight.
TNA World Tag Team Championships
The British Invasion (c’s) vs. Matt Morgan & Hernandez
We start with Matt Morgan and Brutus Magnus. They lock up and Morgan pushes Magnus away quickly. More quick offense by Morgan on Magnus hitting a big shoulder block. Magnus dodges a chokeslam attempt, kicks Morgan and tags in Doug Williams. Hernandez gets involved and breaks it up. Hernandez gets the legal tag and goes after Williams in the corner. Williams with a running knee to Hernandez, attempts a suplex, Hernandez blocks it, gets Williams up for a vertical suplex, Williams counters off and Hernandez hits a big body splash in the corner. Hernandez takes off his shirt, wraps it around the neck of Williams and tosses him across the ring. Magnus clips Hernandez when Hernandez has Williams up for a powerbomb. Hernandez pulls himself up top, but both Magnus and Williams jump up and take him down in a big superplex. More double teaming by Magnus and Williams on Hernandez with Magnus getting back the tag. Magnus with an abdominal stretch on Hernandez and uses Williams to apply more pressure. Hernandez fights back and Morgan gets the hot tag. Morgan takes out Magnus and Williams quickly. Morgan plants Magnus with a big spinning slam and elbows Williams in the corner. Morgan with a reverse chokeslam on Williams into the corner. Hernandez with a springboard shoulder block on Williams and Morgan takes out Magnus with a clothesline. All four men are down. Morgan with a chokeslam on Williams and Williams somehow kicks out. Magnus boots Morgan in the face allowing Williams to hit a german suplex into a bridge for a close two count. Morgan body splashes Magnus, throws him away and then tosses Williams off the top rope. Hernandez with a Dominator on Magnus and Morgan follows it up with a big running boot to the face for the pinfall.
Winners & NEW TNA World Tag Team Champions: Matt Morgan & Hernandez
After the match, we see highlights leading to the finish. Back live, Morgan and Hernandez are celebrating their win with the tag team gold over their shoulders.
– Backstage, we see Bobby Lashley heading into Hulk Hogan’s office. Abyss is speaking with Eric Bischoff when Lashley pushes him away. Abyss goes crazy and starts attacking Lashley. Abyss then knocks out Lashley and Bischoff said they just ruined their semi-main event. Hulk Hogan walks in and sees what happened. He asks Abyss what he is doing and that this is the last things he needs tonight. Hogan said the match is now off between Abyss and Lashley, but he has other plans for Abyss tonight.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Desmond Wolfe
Wolfe was accompanied to the ring by a woman who removed his ring attire. The bell rings and they immediately lock up. Pope breaks it up with a few shots and kicks to Wolfe’s chest. Pope continues with kicks and trips up Wolfe in the corner. Pope goes up top and misses an elbow shot. Wolfe with a unique snapmare into the ropes on Pope. Wolfe does this a second time against the ropes. Wolfe then gets a boston crab applied on Pope. Wolfe keeps the action grounded by applying side headlocks on Pope or laying over his back applying a headlock. The two exchange a few chest chops and Wolfe gets the better of it taking Pope down. Wolfe gets Pope setup for a Tower of London, but Pope counters and takes Wolfe off his feet with a huge running spear. Pope then hits a quick suplex on Wolfe. Wolfe attempts another boston crab, but Pope counters into a nearfall. Pope with a sitdown powerbomb on Wolfe that results in a close two count. Another close nearfall for Pope. Wolfe then connects with his Lariat and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Desmond Wolfe
– Backstage, Jeremy Borash promotes tonight’s main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship when Eric Bischoff walks up cutting him off. Bischoff asks Borash what he is doing. Borash said he is doing his job. Bischoff said his job is to do whatever he tells him. He tells Borash that he has been pulled off television until further notice. Ric Flair then shows up and has a staredown with Bischoff. Flair then talks with Christy Hemme and said he goes where the greatest talent in the world goes.
– A video package runs highlighting the events leading into tonight’s tag team match between Beer Money and Kevin Nash & Scott Hall.
The Band (Kevin Nash & Sean Waltman) vs. Beer Money
Sean Waltman will be replacing Scott Hall tonight in tagging with Kevin Nash. The bell rings and we start with James Storm and Sean Waltman. Storm gets in a quick jab on Waltman and hits a few arm drags. Storm with a neckbreaker on Waltman and then tags in Robert Roode. Beer Money double team Waltman. Kevin Nash then gets the tag and goes to work on Storm in the corner. Waltman with a quick snap suplex on Storm into a side headlock. Tag back to Nash who drives his knees into the chest of Storm in the corner. Nash starts choking Storm in the corner and then tags Waltman back in who starts kicking Storm down in the corner as well. Storm with a Bronco Buster on Storm in the corner. Nash prevents a hot tag to Roode and goes back to work on Storm. Roode is able to get the hot tag and starts going after Waltman with a series of shots and a big high back body drop. Roode hits Nash with some big right hands. Beer Money then double team Nash and Waltman and do the “BEER…MONEY” pose. Scott Hall is then seen coming down the ramp distracting Roode and Storm. Hall then pulls a fan over the guard railing and starts beating him up as Waltman runs out to stop it. In the ring, Storm catches Nash with a superkick and Roode rolls up Nash for the pinfall.
Winners: Beer Money
– Backstage, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff are watching the monitor. Hogan said he is going to call those guys out this Thursday on Impact to settle things once and for all.
– Abyss is on his way out to the Impact Zone awaiting his mystery opponent tonight. The lights go out and when they come back on we see former WWE star Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson making his TNA debut. Anderson gets on the mic and said, “It looks like I crossed the line!” Anderson has a mic drop and introduces himself as “MISSSSSTTTTEEEERRRRR….ANDERSON.”
Abyss vs. Mr. Anderson
The bell rings and Anderson extends his hand to Abyss. Abyss goes to shake his hand and Anderson slaps him. Lots of quick offense by Anderson early on in the match. They then brawl to the outside where Anderson uses the ring to his advantage throwing Abyss up against it. Anderson pulls a steel chair from the crowd and tries to use it, but Abyss counters kicking it away and tossing Anderson back in the ring. Anderson comes back choking Abyss with his boot. Anderson sends Abyss into the corner, gets in a roll up and Abyss quickly kicks out. Abyss favors his left arm when Anderson runs into him with a shoulder block. Anderson takes advantage dropping his weight over the left arm of Abyss. Anderson then works over Abyss’ arm applying more pressure. Abyss eventually fights out and drops Anderson with a big boot. Abyss with a body splash on Anderson in the corner and a big side slam. Abyss attempts a chokeslam, but Anderson breaks it up. Abyss gets Anderson on his shoulders and Anderson jumps off hitting a reverse neckbreaker. Abyss catches Anderson with a chokeslam after he comes flying off the top rope. Abyss has Anderson back up and connects with a big Torture Rack. Abyss with a cover and Anderson kicks out. Abyss leaves the ring and grabs a steel chair. Once inside, Abyss has the chair taken away by the referee. We then see Anderson putting brass knucks on and catching Abyss with a big right hand. Anderson gets rid of the knucks without the referee noticing and gets the pinfall.
Winner: Mr. Anderson
After the match, Anderson gets on the mic and says, “The winner of the match…*shrugs*…*shrugs*…Misterrrrrr…*shrugs…Anderson.” Looks like he was trying to do his best Peter Griffin impression for you Family Guy fans out there.
– A video package runs highlighting tonight’s main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship between champion AJ Styles and challenger Kurt Angle.
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
AJ Styles (c) vs. Kurt Angle
The stipulation at hand is that if Kurt Angle loses, he will not receive another shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in 2010. Lots of back and forth exchanges early on with Angle getting the better of Styles and Styles getting the better of Angle. Styles and Angle continue more back and forth exchanges on the mat feeling each other out. Angle with a german suplex attempt on Styles who flips back and lands on his feet. They continue at a rapid pace trying to take each other down and get a few nearfalls. Styles catches Angle with a huge dropkick after a series of counters. Styles with a snapmare and kick to the back combo on Angle. Angle attempts a comeback running at Styles, but Styles catches him with a big elbow and Angle falls to the outside. Styles attempts a springboard flip onto Angle, but stops himself and lands on the ring apron. Angle then trips up Styles who crashes on the outside. Back in the ring, Angle takes Styles down and applies a full body bearhug. Styles fights to his feet, but Angle grounds him with a big backbreaker. Angle continues to work on Styles in the corner.
Styles fights back with a few chops and then both collide in the middle of the ring. Both Styles and Angle are down. We then see Ric Flair walking down the ramp and getting closer to the ring. Flair stands at ringside and looks on as Angle and Styles start going at it again. Styles tosses Angle out of the ring, hits the ropes and hits a big flipping dive to take out Angle at ringside. Angle limps back into the ring and Styles connects with a backbreaker. Styles with a springboard clothesline on Angle that results in a two count. Angle counters a Styles Clash attempt, hits a german suplex, hits a second and then hits a third with a release. Styles counters an Angle Slam attempt, but Angle comes back hitting a fourth release german suplex. Styles catches Angle with a big Pele Kick, covers and gets a close two count. Angle then drives Styles into the corner and hits a few shoulder charges. Angle connects with a big clothesline on Styles in the corner, covers and Styles kicks out.
Styles with a snap huracanrana off the top rope on Angle. Styles with a springboard 450 splash, but Angle moves out of the way and connects with the Angle Slam. Angle covers and Styles kicks out. Angle can’t believe it. Angle with a moonsault attempt and Styles moves out of the way. Styles attempts a Styles Clash, but Angle counters into an Ankle Lock. Styles counters out flipping to his back and kicking Angle away. Styles with a springboard body splash, cover and Angle kicks out. Styles attempts another snap huracanrana from the top rope, but Angle counters and hits the Styles Clash on Styles! Styles kicks out. Styles counters an Angle Slam attempt into a big spike DDT. Angle misses a charge in the corner and Styles hits an Angle Slam on Angle. Styles covers Angle and Angle kicks out. Styles argues that it was three with the referee. Styles then goes up top, Angle sits up quickly and hits an Angle Slam off the top rope. Angle covers and Styles still finds a way to kick out. Angle with an Ankle Lock on Styles. Styles turns to his back to kick Angle away, but Angle holds on and keeps the Ankle Lock applied. Angle then falls to the mat to apply more pressure. Styles is about to tap out when Ric Flair pulls the referee out. Styles starts tapping, but there is no referee. Angle sees what Flair did and starts going after him. Angle chases Flair around the ring, inside the ring, Flair bails to the ramp and Styles takes out Angle with a clothesline. Flair tosses Styles the TNA World Title and Styles knocks out Angle with it. Styles tosses the belt away, Flair tosses the referee back inside and the referee counts the pinfall.
Winner & STILL TNA World Heavyweight Champion: AJ Styles
After the match, Ric Flair gets in the ring, hands the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to AJ Styles and raises his arm in the air. Styles starts celebrating with Flair. Flair and Styles take turns letting out a few WOOOOOOOO’s. We then see highlights of the match leading to the finish involving the interference from Flair.
Tonight was I think the BIGGEST night in wrestling history in over ten years. Im proud to be apart of the BWF Family and im proud to be brining you iMPACT results so here we go…
The show kicks off with a hype video covering the history of TNA all the way up until the Hogan signing. Really great way to start the show especially for fans that haven’t seen Impact yet. We then cut to the Impact opening and it’s a new opening for this week.
The pyro goes off inside the Impact Zone and we are live! Over at the announce table Mike Tenay & Taz hype up the show for tonight and they talk about how electric it feels in the Impact Zone, and it is VERY loud. They run down the card which will feature the Steel Asylum for the very first time ever on Spike TV! Also, ODB gets a shot at the Knockouts Title and Tara. Rhino will face Abyss in Barbed Wire Massacre III! Beer Money faces the British Invasion in Full Metal Mayhem as well! Tenay and Taz say that Bubba the Love Sponge is now part of the TNA broadcast team and we cut earlier today with Bubba talking to fans outside the Impact Zone. The fans talk about what they expect from the Hulk Hogan signing. One guy actually has TNA tattooed on his arm, wow. And now we’re going to get right into the Steel Asylum!
Non-Title
Steel Asylum Match
Chris Sabin vs. Alex Shelley vs. “Notorious 1-8-7” Homicide vs. Kiyoshi vs. “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal vs. Consequences Creed vs. Suicide vs. Amazing Red
Mike Tenay points out how there are 3 teams in this match and only Suicide & Amazing Red aren’t members of a tag team. Red’s X-Division Title is NOT on the line in this match. Those that don’t know the way to win this match is to escape the whole at the top of the cage! Suicide quickly tries to climb the cage as everybody starts going at it but Red joins him on the top rope and stops him. Lethal Consequences with a backbreaker and then a Russian Legsweep and Lethal holds Homicide in a Camel Clutch and then Creed hits a Sliding Dropkick. Lethal and Sabin are both climbing the cage but Kiyoshi climbs up and starts trading kicks with Lethal. Red with a spinning Enziguri on Suicide! Shelley is at the top of the cage as Sabin hits a Tornado DDT on Homicide. Lethal climbs up and tries to Powerbomb Shelley off the top but Shelley blocks it. Action is everywhere! Suicide with a spinning front slam on Red but then he eats the Lethal Combination from Lethal! Shelley then kicks Lethal in the face only to eat a running STO from Kiyoshi! Creed Press Slams Kiyoshi into a Gutbuster! Red with the Red Eye on Homicide! Suicide climbs up on the cage and starts climbing near the hole but Red quickly gets to the top as well and cuts him off! Red and Suicide brawl at the top rope and Suicide hip tosses Red off the top but he lands onto Sabin and hits a hurricanrana! Homicide has a baton and hits Red with it as Kiyoshi holds him but then he blats Kiyoshi with it out of nowhere! The bell rings as Homicide nails everyone with the baton and the fans boo. The match is a NO CONTEST due to the weapon, that is a lame finish. Winner: NO CONTEST
Homicide climbs through the hole at the top of the cage as the fans “THIS IS BULLS*T” at what just went down. Homicide is having trouble climbing through the cage which causes the rest of the X-Division guys to climb up to come and get him but he falls down and tries to escape through the door but the rest of the guys drop back down and start beating on him. Jeff Hardy’s music hits! JEFF FUCKING HARDY IS IN THE CROWD! HOLY SHIT He climbs over the barricade and Homicide attacks him! Homicide is laying into Hardy but Hardy throws him into the cage wall! Hardy blasts Homicide with a sickening chair shot and then hits the Twist of Fate! HOLY COW! The fans are going nuts for Hardy as the rest of the X-Division wrestlers look on in shock! Hardy climbs to the top of the Steel Asylum and sits down and stares at the crowd!
——————-COMMERCIAL ————————
Footage of what just went down with Hardy is shown after the break. We then cut to the back where Shannon Moore meets Jeff Hardy coming back. They talk and walk off as we are back at ringside with Tenay & Taz. We then see footage of Hulk Hogan’s limousine getting a police escort to the show.
In the back Christy Hemme is with Kevin Nash. Nash seems to be excited as he says tonight is epic for TNA. He says he has many times called himself the smartest man in wrestling and that’s because it’s true, but his first mentor was Hulk Hogan. He says whatever company Hogan has worked with in the past has been #1 and that makes TNA on their way to TNA. He says with those numbers comes more money. He says there is a lot of reasons for him to be excited and then he starts to walk off, but he stops and says he just talked to Hulk a few minutes ago. He says a, he’s on his way and b, he’s not alone!
TNA Knockouts Championship
Tara (c) vs. ODB
ODB attacks Tara as she started to take her t-shirt off. ODB chokes Tara with the t-shirt behind the referees back and then she chops away at the chest of Tara. ODB goes for a Corner Splash but Tara hits a back elbow and then a dropkick. Tara then follows up with a clothesline. ODB and Tara trade big right hands but Tara gets the advantage with some nice leg kicks and then an Enziguri! Tara hits a Scoop Slam and then the Standing Moonsault! 1…2…NO ODB kicks out! Tara attempts to whip Tara into the corner but ODB counters and then charges at her, but Tara counters into the Tarantula! Tara follows up with a Slingshot Somersault Leg Drop from the apron onto ODB in the ring for another nearfall. Tara sets up for a Powebomb but ODB forces Tara into the corner and then goes for the TKO, but Tar blocks it and goes for another Powerbomb. ODB counters it into a rollup and holds the tights, 1…2….3 and ODB wins back her title! Winner & NEW Knockouts Champ: ODB via pinfall (rollup)
After the match Tara hits the Widow’s Peak on ODB and then puts her tarantula on her. Tara then raises up the Knockouts Title as we cut to the back.
A limousine is shown arriving and in the words of Joey Styles OH MY GOD!!! IT’S RIC FLAIR! Beer Money and other staff members welcome Flair as he walks in!
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Back from commercials and Taz says that it was AJ Styles lockerroom that Flair walked into. we cut to more footage of fans earlier today, this time with Christy Hemme. She then sees Mick Foley arriving and she asks him what he’s doing. Foley says that he was barred from coming into the Impact Zone because he may be a problem. Foley says he doesn’t want to disrupt anything and he says he’ll be on his best behavior. He tries to get into the Impact Zone but security stops him and they say they have to escort him off the property.
Bobby Lashley’s music hits and he makes his way out to the ring accompanied by his wife. Kristal says tonight is the biggest night in TNA history as a big “Bobby” chant erupts. She says that Bobby wants to send a special message to Hulk Hogan. She says Bobby isn’t just a star in a pro wrestling, but also in MMA. He says no one can match his strength and potential. She says that pro wrestling is filled with a bunch of ‘inbred’ degenerates unlike MMA. The fans are getting all over her. She says Bobby is asking for his immediate release from TNA because they have better things to do! She says tonight is the last night we’ll ever see him and then she drops the mic and they leave!
In the back Velvet Sky tells the cameraman to follow her and she walks into a room where a poker table is set up with Madison & Lacey. She says tonight BP wanted to make the biggest impression tonight and she says since poker shows are so popular today that they’ll do one without a net. Lacey doesn’t know how to play Poker and says she wants 5 cards and Velvet calls her out on it. Lacey has a great hand but she’s dumb so she wins. Lacey strips off her jacket and Velvet says they’ll be there all night playing Strip Poker. Madison says when they lose, everyone wins.
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In the back Scott Hall and Sean Waltman are talking! They try to get in the Impact Zone but security won’t let them. Hall grabs one of the security guards by the throat and then Waltman grabs the other one as the rest of security tries to pull them off! Tenay says that TNA is the #1 trending topic on Twitter right now and then we see Hogan’s limo getting close to the Impact Zone.
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The limousine stops in the road and then someone pulled up in another limousine beside it and gets in Hogan’s limo!
Waltman and Hall walk in through the crowd now! The fans are going nuts for them as Hall flicks his toothpick at the camera.
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During the break they cut in to see Waltman & Hall taking pictures of each other in the front row and cheesing for the camera.
Hulk Hogan’s new music hits (very nWo sounding) and he makes his way out to a HUGE ovation! The fans are absolutely going nuts! Just a note here, Hogan is wearing all black. I don’t know if that means anything or not. Hogan sees Waltman and Hall at ringside and he smiles and nods his head towards them as they point at Hogan. Brooke Hogan (looking VERY bouncy) is shown in the audience. Hogan grabs a microphone as a ‘Hogan’ chant starts up and he soaks it all in. Hogan says TNA is making history tonight. He says there is so much talent in TNA and he says TNA will become the #1 company in the world. Hogan says he spent all day long talking to the talent and listening to their ides and now he feels the energy from the fans that he was dreaming for. He says there are a lot of old faces and new faces in TNA. Waltman and Hall are trying to get into the ring but security is holding them back. Hogan tells security to back off and tells them to get in the ring and for TNA to give them a mic! The fans are chanting “1-2-3” at Waltman. Waltman gives Hogan the nWo sign and he does it with both Hall and Waltman. Hall does his ‘Hey, Yo!’ thing to a huge reaction. Hogan says they know he’s all about the party but if they have something to say then say it right now. Hall says “say hello to the Bad Guy” and then he says that when he and Pac heard that Bischoff and Hogan were coming to TNA it meant one thing to them and that’s big paychecks, big arenas, and big parties. Hogan says this is a different time and a different place and it doesn’t work like that anymore. Waltman says that’s where Hogan is wrong and he says it is the same place with the same people and they’re there to party. Hogan says not this time and it’s going to be totally different this time. Hall says Hogan is the highest paid guy ever in wrestling and now he wants to change the business. Hogan cuts Hall off and says it’s time to grow up and do the right thing for the business. Hall says Hogan deserves everyone of the fans chants and he says things have changed. He says and they will with him or without him. Kevin Nash’s music hits now and Nash makes his way out to the ring! Nash grabs the microphone from Hall and hugs Waltman. He says Hogan has a role to play tonight so Hall and Pac need to let him play it. Hogan says it’s not a role and he says when he became a partner with Dixie he gave her his word to make a change in this business for the better. Big “TNA” chant starts up and Nash says that he’s been talking with Hogan for the past 5-6 weeks and that’s not the conversation they’ve been having. Nash asks Hogan when he turned so corporate. Hogan says it’s not about turning corporate and he says they are his brothers ‘4-life’ but it’s a different time now and they need to be forreal. Hall and Waltman look like they want to fight with Hogan but more music plays and it’s Eric Bischoff! Bischoff power walks down to the ring and we have a full blown nWo reunion in this ring now! Bischoff says it’s been awhile for all these guys and says it brings back memories. He says in the ring are the guys that changed the business. Bischoff says hopefully now they’re all a little smarter. He says he’s the one that putted that ‘band’ together in the first place. He says there has been a big breakdown in communication here and Waltman tells him to explain it to him now. Bischoff says that what Hogan is trying to say is that everybody has to earn their position in the company. Nash says he hears him loud and clear and they’ll talk to him later. Hall, Nash, and Waltman leave the ring as Bischoff and Nash look a little surprised. Hogan says in TNA everyone will have to earn the spot and he doesn’t care about past relationship or who thinks they’re on a role. Bischoff says he and Hogan have done it before and he’s sure they can do it in TNA because there is awhole lot of talent and heart in TNA. He says things will definitely change. He says he doesn’t care if you’re the World Champion or the cameraman, everyone is under a microscope. Hogan says the change starts tonight. Bischoff asks for the producer because he wants a format. Someone brings Bischoff the format and he rips it up. He says they’re starting over. He then pulls out somemore papers and gives it to So Cal Val and says that’s what’s going to happen tonight. Hogan says if you can’t talk and you can’t wrestle then you need to pack your bags and ‘head up north.’ We see Sting looking down on Bischoff and Hogan from the rafters!
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We get a shot of Sting up in the rafters from moments ago as we come back from break.
TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships
Taylor Wilde & Sarita (c) vs. Awesome Kong & Hamada
Sarita and Hamada will start the match off. They lockup in the center of the ring and they stalemate. They lockup again and Hamda hits an arm drag but Sarita comes right back with one of her own. Hamada with a leg sweep but Sarita comes right back with another armdrag. Hamada goes for a clothesline but Sarita counters into a DDT. Taylor tags in and hits a Flying Armdrag off the top and then she follows up with a series of forearms. Taylor attempts to whip Hamada into the ropes but she counters it and lights up Taylor with chops. We get a split screen now showing JB finding the Machine Guns laid out in the back. Sarita tags back in and Hamada hits a double arm drag on them and then she tags in Kong. Sarita attempts a Crucifix type move on Kong but she blocks it and then Big Boots Taylor and drops down into a sort of Samoan Drop on Sarita! Kong gets a nearfall and Hamada charges at Taylor. Taylor backdrops Hamada over the top rope onto the apron and then hits an Enziguri! Taylor with a dropkick on Kong and then another dropkick. Taylor & Sarita then hit double dropkicks on Kong sending her out to the floor with Kong. Taylor climbs to the top and she hits a Flying Plancha off the top on Kong as Sarita hits a Suicide Dive through the ropes on Hamada the same time!
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Back from commercials Kong holds Taylor as Hamada hits a sliding dropkick. During the break Taylor hit a Moonsault on Kong for a nearfall and then Kong destroyed Taylor with a shoulder block. Hamada gets another nearfall back live on Taylor. Taylor comes back with forearms on Hamada but Hamada kicks her in the gut and then headbutts her. Hamada taunts Sarita by acting like she’s going to let Sarita get a tag and then she tags in Kong. Kong continues the beatdown on Taylor. Kong goes for the Awesome Bomb but Taylor blocks it and then comes back with a Codebreaker and then she tags in Sarita! Sarita hits a Springboard Missile Dropkick on Kong and then she ducks a clothesline from Kong only to eat a nasty Superkick from Hamada out of nowhere! Hamada is limping a bit in the ring. Kong and Hamada whip Sarita into the corner but she quickly springs to the top rope and attempts a Flying Cross Body but they catch her in midair! Kong and Hamada slam Sarita to the mat but then Taylor hits a gorgeous Hurricanrana on Hamada out of nowhere! Sarita then goes for a Rolling Hurricanrana on Kong but she blocks it and goes for the Awesome Bomb! Sarita counters into a Sunset Flip attempt but Kong destroys her by sitting down on her! 1…2…NO Taylor breaks it up with a dropkick! Sarita covers Kong, 1…2…NO Kong kicks out! Kong hits a Spinning Backfist on Sarita out of nowhere and then sets up for the Awesome Bomb again as Hamada throws Taylor into the ring post on the floor. Kong lifts Sarita up and then Kong hits a Missile Dropkick on Sarita sending her down into the Awesome Bomb! 1…2…3! Winners & NEW Knockouts Tag Champs: Kong & Hamada via pinfall (Missile Dropkick/Awesome Bomb)
In the back BP are down to their bras now as Val Venis comes in! He asks if they need a fourth for their threesome. Velvet asks him what makes him think he can bust in on their game. He says they need something to take their little game to a whole new level. He says he just got out of the shower and if he loses a hand it’s all over for him. I don’t want to see that. Madison tells him to shutup and deal and he says this is going to be a very interesting night.
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Foley is still trying to get in the arena but security still won’t let him in. Foley says he has another plan and walks away as we see the Nasty Boys walk up. They try to get in but security stops them as well. They tell the Nasty Boys to go the gate and if they get clearance they can come in.
Raven & Stevie Richards w/Daffney vs. “Super Mex” Hernandez & “The Blueprint” Matt Morgan
Raven and Hernandez kick the match off. Hernandez hits a huge shoulder block and Raven quickly tags in Stevie. Hernandez tags in Morgan as well. Stevie ducks a clothesline from Morgan and kicks him in the gut. Stevie then kicks him in the head and then hits a Running Forearm Smash. Stevie comes off the ropes again only to eat a Carbon Footprint! 1…2…3! Raven attempted to stop the count but Hernandez cut him off.
Winners: Hernandez & Morgan via pinfall (Carbon Footprint)
In the back D’Angelo Dinero is with Christy Hemme. She says Hogan must think highly of Pope because he is one of the people Hogan wants to see tonight. Dinero says that doesn’t surprise him but what does surprise him is the fact that Christy is standing next to him and hasn’t ‘dipped her hand in the Pope’s cup’ yet. He says Desmond Wolfe stands in his way to the mountain top and then says he wants Wolfe to bring his very best tonight. Orlando Jordan walks up out of nowhere! Jordan tells Christy he’s a big fan of her and then says he’s a big fan of Pope too. He asks if he has seen Hogan and that Hogan invited him. Pope can’t believe it and tells Orlando to get to stepping because he’s interrupting his TV time. Jordan says Pope reminds him of himself and then offers a handshake but Pope doesn’t accept it. Pope calls Orlando a Whoopi Goldberg lookalike.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Desmond Wolfe
Wolfe and Dinero lockup in the ring and Wolfe immediately gets Dinero in a Full Nelson and then transitions into a Hammerlock and then a wristlock. Wolfe slams Dinero to the mat and then stomps the arm of Dinero. Wolfe then tries to slam Dinero into turnbuckles but he blocks it and then kicks Wolfe in the gut. Dinero then hits a backick followed by a front kick and then a running shoulder block! Dinero then goes for a Scoop Slam but Wolfe counters into the Hammerlock DDT! Wolfe then slams that shoulder into the top turnbuckle and follows up with a leg sweep. Wolfe whips Dinero into the ropes and Dinero goes for a Sunset Flip but Wolfe blocks it and grabs that arm again and slams it to the mat again. Wolfe with a crazy rolling armtrap (with the knee) and armbar on the other arm. That really looks painfull but Pope is able to counter it with a rollthrough but Wolfe kicks him in the head again. Wolfe follows up with a European Uppercut and then charges at Dinero in the corner, but Dinero sidesteps him and then hits a legsweep. Dinero then hits the Outer Limits Hanging Elbow Drop! Dinero comes right back with another slam and then he puts Dinero up on the top rope for the Tower of London! Pope blocks it and goes for that nasty Upperuct, but Wolfe avoids it and counters into a backslide attempt! Dinero lands on his feet and then rolls Wolfe up with a small package! 1…2…3! Winner: Dinero via pinfall (small package)
In the back we see Jeff Jarrett arriving!
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In the back Rhino is laid out and JB is on scene but Bubba the Love Sponge walks up and takes the microphone from him and says he’s got it.
Clips from earlier with Hogan’s promo are shown.
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In the back AJ is with JB and he talks about being in TNA for all 7 years and he says he’s never felt something this electric. JB mentions that at Genesis AJ will defend his belt against Kurt finally. AJ says he can’t hold his belt with pride until he beats Kurt and he says at Genesis the world will find out who the best is. Eric Bischoff walks in clapping and says he has heard so much about AJ and it’s an honor to meet him. He says he has some good news and some bad news for AJ. He says the AJ-Angle match is off and that’s the bad news. He says the good news is the world does need to know who the best is and they will find out tonight because AJ will face Angle tonight for the belt instead! AJ says he’s ready and he hopes Kurt is! Now that is a huge match!
Jeff Jarrett’s music hits and the TNA founder makes his way out to the ring. Jarrett says it feels great to be back home in the Impact Zone. He says 7 years ago he founded TNA after about 15 years of hard work in the business. A “thank you Jeff” chant erupts. Jeff says every critic in the world said TNA wouldn’t last 6 weeks let alone 6 months, yet he’s standing in the middle of the 6-sided ring on a Monday night in the companies greatest night. He says he’s damn proud to be there too. He says he tried to convince Hogan for years to be apart of TNA but the time wasn’t right but tonight the timing is very right. Jeff says throughout his career his done some good things and some not so good things, but by far the most rewarding thing he ever did was giving guys like AJ Styles, Beer Money, Motor City Machine Guns, Daniels, and Samoa Joe a chance. He says ‘you ain’t seen nothing yet!’ and with Hogan partnering with Dixie and Jeff anything can and will happen in TNA. Hogan shows up on the video screen and says “so what, nobody cares” about anything he just said. He says if he heard ‘I’ one more time he was going to bring security out there after him. Hogan says that Jeff founded TNA but in a short amount of time he ran the company into the ground too. Hogan says now that the truth be told, if it wasn’t for Dixie Carter resurrecting TNA and giving the young guys a chance he wouldn’t be there. He says Jeff needs to straighten his act up and as far as he’s concerned and he’s now Dixie’s partner, not Jeff’s. He says the young guys will finally get a shot now with him. He says nobody cares about Jeff’s past accolades and one thing he does have right is that he and Dixie are going to take TNA to the top. He says Jeff has no voting power or power at all in TNA. He says Jeff needs to go get his boots and lace them up because he has to prove himself just like everybody else! Jeff looks shocked in the ring and not happy at all.
In the back Hemme is with Christopher Daniels. Daniels says he’s not worried about anything but JB walks up and interrupts the interview. He says he has Mick on the phone and he wants him to help him in. JB opens the door but JB says he can’t let him in and Mick says he’ll go through him to get to Hogan.
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In the back Jeff Hardy is painting something while Shannon Moore looks on. Shannon tells Jeff he has to start selling his paintings and then tells Jeff it’s time for their meeting with Hogan.
“The Monster” Abyss vs. “Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe
No Barbed Wire Massacre tonight due to Bischoff & Hogan scrapping everything previously planned. This is, believe it or not, a first time matchup between these two one-on-one. Joe charges Abyss at the bell with a forearm and follows up with a series of jabs in the corner, some nasty jabs! Joe then attempts to whip Abyss into the corner but he counters it and goes for a Corner Splash. Joe moves out of the way and hits the Leaping Enziguri! Joe then follows up with the Facewash, that move is just so nasty. As Joe was going for the running kick to cap it off Abyss got to his feet and lays Joe out with a Big Boot! Joe rolls out to the floor and Abyss follows him but Joe kicks him in the gut and grabs a chair. Joe swings but Abyss ducks and Joe hits the ring post. Abyss throws Joe into the ringsteps and then rolls Joe back into the ring. Abyss with a series of right hands and then he whips Joe into the ropes and goes for a backdrop, but Joe stops and hits a kick to the head. Joe with chops followed by an Atomic Drop and then a Running Mafia Kick! Joe follows up with the Backsplash Senton! 1…2…NO Abyss kicks out. We see a shot of Sting watching this match in the back now. Joe comes off the ropes but Abyss grabs him by the throat for the Chokeslam, but Joe counters with a back elbow only to eat a clothesline from Abyss. Abyss with a Corner Splash and then the Sidewalk Slam. 1…2…NO Joe kicks out. Abyss goes for the Corner Splash again but Joe counters with a back elbow and then a big boot. Joe climbs to the top and hits a Flying Thrust Kick for another near fall. Joe with more jabs and then he hits a Running Forearm but it just fires Abyss up! Joe then levels Abyss with the Leaping Enziguri! Joe climbs to the top and dives but Abyss catches him with the Chokeslam! 1…2…NO Joe kicks out again! Joe rolls out to the floor again and Joe reaches out to pull Joe in but the referee pulls him away. Abyss shoves the referee out of the way and then starts to climb out of the ring and eats the chair shot from Joe! Joe climbs back in and locks Abyss in the Coquina Clutch! Abyss tries to get to the ropes but taps out! Winner: Joe via submission (Coquina Clutch)
In the back Bischoff is talking to a staff member when Kristal walks up and she asks him if he’s going to say anything. Kristal says she wants to hear what Hogan says about Lashley wanting to leave. Bischoff says if she wants to meet with Hulk then she needs to go stand in line with everybody else and when she gets there she needs to check her attitude.
Bubba the Love Sponge is in the back and Beer Money is laid out now too. He says he has a pretty good idea who did it.
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Nasty Boys are still trying to get in but security says they’re not on the list. Bubba the Love Sponge walks up and says they have to be on the list. Bubba says the Nasty Boys have a history with Hogan and then he walks off with the security guy and the Nasty Boys sneak in.
We cut to JB who is with Angle. Angle says when he lost the title to AJ he never actually beat Angle and ever since then he knew they would face off one-on-one but didn’t think it would take this long. He says AJ cannot beat him. He says he’s great but he’s not the greatest and now it’s time for him to reclaim his World Heavyweight Title!
Shannon and Jeff are walking in the parking lot and they are carrying envelopes and Shannon is saying they got everything they came for. Some screaming girls run up and tell him how much they love him. He gives the girl his painting and then they get in their car to leave.
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Nasty Boys walk into Team 3D’s lockerroom because they are off in Japan. The Security guard walks in to apologize to them and he brings them doughnuts but they throw them at the security guy. They are trashing 3D’s lockerroom and they spray paint over Devon’s picture.
Main Event
TNA World Heavyweight Championship
“The Phenomenal” AJ Styles (c) vs. “Olympic Hero” Kurt Angle
This is the rematch that everybody has been waiting on! Kurt and AJ lockup with AJ getting the early advantage with a side headlock, but Angle quickly lifts AJ up into a Back Suplex. AJ holds onto the side headlock, though, on the mat! The fans are REALLY into this already. Angle gets to his feet and counters into a hammerlock and then a side headlock of his own. AJ shoves Angle into the ropes and AJ leapfrogs Angle and then goes for the Dropkick but Angle stops in his tracks but AJ never left his feet. Angle then charged at AJ only to eat the Phenomenal Dropkick! Angle quickly rolls out to the floor to catch a breather but you are not safe from AJ Styles out there! AJ with a slingshot but Angle moves and AJ lands on the apron. Angle reaches to grab AJ’s foot but he slingshots himself back into the ring. Angle starts to climb back into the ring but AJ knocks him back to the floor and then hits the Somersault Plancha over the top onto Angle on the floor! A huge “TNA” chant starts as AJ rolls Angle back in the ring. AJ with a series of forearms as the hooded man enters the ring and attacks AJ! Angle grabs the hooded man and nails him with a European Uppercut! The referee was knocked down in all of this so he didn’t see the interference. Angle then clotheslines the hooded man out to the floor and security drags him away as Angle offers a handshake to AJ. Angle tells AJ to ‘come on’ now. AJ with a slam attempt but Angle counters and whips AJ into the ropes, but AJ comes back and whips Angle into the corner. AJ with a running forearm and then a snapmare. AJ charges at Angle but catches a boot to the gut and then Angle follows up with a disgusting Running Powerbomb into the turnbuckles!
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Back from commercials Angle has AJ in a headlock on the mat. AJ fights to his feet and hits a back elbow and then he hits an arm drag. AJ then hits a big right hand and ducks a clothesline. AJ hits a back elbow and then another one. AJ with forearms in the corner and he whips Angle into the opposite corner. AJ charges in but Angle gets his boot up. Angle charges but AJ catches him with a Fireman’s Carry Neckbreaker over his knee! AJ charges at AJ in the corner and Angle backdrops AJ over the top. AJ lands on the apron and hits a forearm smash followed by an attempt at the Springboard Flying Forearm, but Angle catches him and hits the Belly-to-Belly Suplex! Angle goes for the Angle Slam but AJ counters it and hits a Discuss Clothesline! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! AJ goes for the Styles Clash but Angle counters with a Double-leg Takedown and then he catapults AJ into the corner! Angle follows up with the Rolling German Suplexes! He hits 3 of them on that one. Angle goes for the Angle Slam again and again AJ counters it. AJ goes for the Pele but Angle avoided it and grabbed AJ’s leg and locks in the Ankle Lock! AJ rolls through into a pin, 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! The fans are going nuts! Angle with a lariat attempt, AJ ducks, Pele hits this time out of nowhere! 1…2…NO Angle still kicks out! AJ goes for the Styles Clash again but Angle reverses with a backdrop. Angle then attempts to whip AJ into the corner but AJ reverses it and then goes for a Flying Forearm. Angle moves and then hits the Angle Slam! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out now! Angle with a big European Uppercut and then he attempts to whip AJ into the ropes but AJ reverses it. Angle holds onto the rope so AJ charges at Angle but he backdrops AJ up and over the top rope. AJ lands on the apron and this time he connects with the Springboard Flying Forearm! Somewhere Michael Jordan is blushing at the height AJ Styles got on that one! AJ climbs to the top rope but Angle quickly gets to his feet and climbs to the top! Belly-to-Belly Superplex! 1…2…NO AJ still kicks out! Angle climbs to the top rope and goes for the Frog Splash but AJ rolls out of the way and Angle eats the mat! AJ goes for the Styles Clash again and this time he hits it! 1…2…NO Angle BARELY kicks out! AJ lifts Angle up and puts him up on the top rope. AJ climbs up with him for a Superplex but Angle shoves AJ off and then connects with the Frog Splash! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out yet again! Angle goes for the Angle Slam again but this time AJ reverses it into the DDT! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! An hilarious “who needs Bret?” chant starts now. Styles goes for the Styles Clash again but Angle backdrops him. AJ rolls Angle up as he hits the mat but Angle rolls through and locks in the Ankle Lock! AJ rolls through but Angle holds onto him until AJ kicks him off. AJ goes for a Lariat but Angle ducks and hits a Release German Suplex! 1…2…NO AJ kicks out again! Angle whips AJ into the corner and charges but AJ hits a back elbow and then his the Springboard into the Phenomenon (Asai Reverse DDT)! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out! AJ climbs to the top as Angle gets to his feet. Angle crotches AJ and then climbs up to the top with AJ and hits a Super Angle Slam! 1…2……NO AJ STILL KICKS OUT! ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Angle is frustrated and he grabs AJ’s ankle and locks in the Ankle Lock again! AJ reaches out for the ropes but Kurt pulls him back and AJ rolls through sending Angle headfirst into the middle turnbuckle! AJ hits a big Enziguri and then the Styles Clash! 1…2……NO WHAT?! ANGLE KICKED OUT AGAIN! AJ sets up for the Styles Clash again but Angle reverses and locks in the Ankle Lock again! This time he drops back and great veins the leg! AJ is about to tap as Ric Flair walks out and AJ rolls over and starts kicking Angle repeatedly! Ric Flair is looking on in the ring. Angle charges at AJ but he sidesteps Angle and he goes headfirst into the ring post! AJ hits a Back Suple and then he rolls out to the apron as Tenay says we’ll stay with this match as long as it goes! AJ hits the Springboard 450-Splash! 1…2…NO Angle kicks out yet again!
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Back from the break Flair continues to watch on at the match as Angle has AJ in a Triangle Choke! AJ counters the Triangle into the Styles Clash, but Angle counters it into the Ankle Lock again! AJ rolls over and kicks Angle off! Flair walks back down the tunnel as AJ rolls Angle up and then hits the Styles Clash again! AJ doesn’t have the strength to roll Angle over like he normally does but he’s finally able to roll Angle over and then he goes out to the apron. AJ hits the Springboard 450-Splash again! 1…2…3 and AJ retains the title! Winnner & STILL World Champ: Styles via pinfall (Springboard 450)
After the match Angle shakes AJ’s hand and then they hug. Hogan’s music hits and he walks out to the stage. Hogan says those are the two greatest wrestlers in the business today. Hogan says he has nothing but respect for Angle and AJ just raised the TNA bar to a whole new level. Hogan says this situation will go on and on and he says that they made history tonight. He says this is the beginning of the greatest rise in the history of wrestling. Someone runs up to Hogan and says something to him and Hogan runs off. We see Foley looking for Hogan and he busts into BP’s poker game and Val says he doesn’t know where the hell Hogan is. Val says he’s not intimidated by Foley and Foley again asks where Hogan is. Val says he’s down the hall and to the left. Foley walks to the office and busts in where Bischoff is sitting. Bischoff says Foley has no influence, power, or control in TNA now and his only choice is to put his boots on and fight for his job. Foley says he accepted that he worked for Dixie Carter and he could MAYBE accept working for Hogan but he made a choice a long time ago that he would never work for Bischoff. Foley says he’s going to give Bischoff a reason to fire him and that’s knocking his teeth down his throat. Then Nash grabs him by the back of the head out of nowhere and slams his head into the desk! Hall and Waltman then take turns laying Foley out! Hogan runs in and stops what’s going on. Hogan looks on at what we just saw as we fade to black!
It’s Slammy Award time – and I’m disappointed in the nominations for this year. That’s ok though, because we’ve got a new WWE Champion coming in to tonight’s show, and his name is Sheamus! Dennis Miller is hosting, so let’s get started!
BWF Founder and Fearless Leader ThinkSoJoE is live in attendance at tonight’s RAW! He has left your Empress of “iMPACT” in charge. Be afraid! Join your Reina of RAW, and let’s check out the “Bragging Rights” fall-out. (more…)
Join your Empress of “iMPACT” and cross the line! It’s time for some “Hard Justice,” and, porntastic though it sounds, it’s what we’ve got. Will Kurt Angle’s real-life arrest affect the main event title match? Will the introduction of “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero obliterate the actual X-Division? Will the Legends title match between Mick Foley and Kevin Nash scar your soul for life? Will Samoa Joe and Homicide unleash the nine levels of hell that we all know that they can? It’s showtime, folks!
The mechanized voice of Professor Stephen Hawking opens the show, with references to DNA. The opening video package focuses on Matt Morgan, then on Kurt Angle, and finally on the Angle/Morgan in-ring dispute that ended last week’s “iMPACT.” We go to the opening pyro, and the ring.
Match #1: Steel Asylum match for the Number One Contender to the X-Division title: The Motor City Machine Guns enter together, followed by Amazing Red, Daniels, Lethal Consequences, Suicide (who enters up from the floor out of a cloud of fog), and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero. Dinero is a street preacher, according to Tenay and West. The Guns double-team Daniels, while Lethal, Creed, and The Pope climb the walls of the cage. Lethal Consequences double-team Red. Pope nails Lethal with a huge release suplex, but then falls victim to more Guns double-team goodness. Daniels overpowers Sabin, but Shelley stops Daniels with a top rope jawbreaker. Shelley hangs The Pope in the corner, but Suicide grabs him. Sabin kicks Suicide into The Pope to free Shelley. The Guns climb the walls, but run into trouble with Lethal and Daniels. Daniels and Lethal go at each other, and Daniels brings Lethal down to the mat. The Pope goes after Daniels, ducks a punch, and Daniels punches the cage. Both men hit the mat. Suicide goes after Shelley on the top rope, but Sabin runs up the ropes and throws Suicide over. The Guns double-team Lethal Consequences, but get attacked by Daniels and The Pope. Suicide lands a huge Tower of Doom powerbomb on Daniels, Red, and The Pope. Creed and Shelley go, and the Guns trap Lethal Consequences in submission holds, but the holds are broken. Shelley hits the Sliced Bread on Daniels, but Lethal takes down Shelley. Sabin takes down Lethal. Creed takes down Sabin. Red takes down Creed. Everyone makes it back up to climb the wall. Daniels takes The Pope down to the mat. Suicide and Creed hit the mat. The Guns take down Lethal. Red DDTs Sabin, then Shelley. Red climbs the wall, but Daniels is right behind him. Daniels hangs upside down from the roof by one leg after throwing Red to the mat. The Pope brings Suicide down, then drops to the mat to punish him further. Daniels extricates himself from the roof, and crawls through the roof to win.
Winner and #1 Contender to the X-Division title: Daniels
Jeremy Borash interviews Daniels about facing either Samoa Joe or Homicide at the next ppv. He has history with both of them, and whoever doesn’t lose tonight will lose to him next month. Daniels tells AJ Styles not to question himself, that he and the TNA fans are thinking of him. Tenay and West run down the rest of the card.
Lauren interviews Matt Morgan about his friction with Kurt Angle. Morgan wants to be in the MEM, but Angle is the one who jerked him around for weeks, getting him to do Angle’s dirty work. Tonight, Morgan rewards himself with the title that’s destined to be his.
Match #2: “$50,000 Bounty Challenge” match, Abyss vs. Jethro Holiday (w/ Dr. Stevie): Weapons are legal. Basically, no DQ. Holiday shows no fear, and lays into Abyss with shoulder blocks and chops. Abyss has none of it, and clotheslines Holiday to the floor. Holiday ducks and Abyss punches a ringpost. Holiday throws Abyss into the railing, and follows him around the floor. Abyss is rolled into the ring, and Holiday attempts a middle rope elbow drop, but misses. Abyss punches down Holiday, then leaves the ring to get a chair. Dr. Stevie tosses a police baton to Holiday, who uses it on Abyss. Dr. Stevie directs traffic, and Holiday knocks Abyss from the apron onto the railing. Abyss places the chair over Holiday and goes for a splash, but Holiday turns the chair sideways, and Abyss crotches himself on it. Holiday hits Abyss with the chair, and goes for the pin, but Abyss kicks out at two. Abyss throws Holiday head-first into the chair wedged into the corner, follows up with a chokeslam, but Holiday kicks out at two. Dr. Stevie interferes, and Abyss drags him in the ring by his hair. Holiday hits Abyss with a bulldog. Dr. Stevie tosses brass knuckles to Holiday. Holiday charges Abyss with the brass knuckles, but Abyss counters with a perfectly-timed Black Hole Slam. Abyss gets the pin and three-count. Post-match, Dr. Stevie gets in Holiday’s face, and Holiday lays out Dr. Stevie.
Winner: Abyss
JB interviews Kurt Angle, who is completely clean-shaven. Hmm. Angle claims that nothing Morgan has said or done has surprised him. Morgan is young, excited, and green. By the end of the night, after Angle talks to him, he’ll be thinking differently.
Match #3: Rob Terry vs. Hernandez: This match was for posession of the “Feast or Fired” briefcase containing the World Heavyweight title shot. Hernandez grabs a mic and says that the fans are his family, and the ring is his house. The British Invasion can either return his briefcase, or he’ll take it and walk out over all three of them. All three Brits rush the ring, and the match is on. Hernandez pins Rob Terry in about four seconds.
Winner and possessor of a World title shot: Hernandez
Lauren interviews Beer Money. James Storm says that they let Booker T and Scott Steiner beat them at their own game, which is winning at all costs. Robert Roode agrees, and says that they got soft by having emotions. Tonight, they go back to what they’re good at. Kicking ass and doing anything necessary to win.
Match #4: IWGP Tag Team title match, The British Invasion vs. Beer Money: Eric Young comes to the announce table wearing a suit to join the commentary team for the match. Beer Money enters first, and they have new music. The British Invasion enters without Big Rob Terry, as he has likely been forced to commit seppuku for shaming his people. Don West and Eric Young make nice while chatting. Loud crowd chants of “Wanker!” Funny. Storm and Magnus start off, and Storm dominates with punches. Magnus gets thrown to the outside, and Roode tags in. Roode lays into Magnus for a bit, then Doug Williams tags in. Williams and Roode trade punches and headlocks, showing off their respective power. Beer Money double-teams Williams. Storm gets a two-count on Williams. The Brits double-team Storm, but Storm clotheslines both guys at once. Magnus is thrown into Williams. Williams is hung in the Tree of Woe, and Magnus’s legs are pulled into the ring post. A new take on the “69” spot. The Brits recover, and work over Storm, particularly on the ankle. The Brits use quick tags to maintain the double-team on Storm. Magnus and Storm go. Magnus repeatedly slaps Storm, but gets knocked to the mat for his trouble. Storm tags in Roode, who lays out Williams and Magnus. Beer Money dominates again. Eric Young tosses one of the title belts into the ring, and while the ref threw the belt out, Magnus low blowed Roode, allowing The British Invasion to get the win. Post-match, Beer Money tries to attack Eric Young, but the Brits pull them off.
Lauren interviews ODB and Cody Deaner. She tries to ask what would happen if Cody Deaner gets the pin, and wins the Knockouts title. Lots of yelling and foolishness.
Match #5: ODB and Cody Deaner vs. The Beautiful People: This was a tag team match for the Knockouts championship. Don West’s commentary here was absolutely gold! Love and ODB start, exchanging pushes. ODB overpowers Love and slams her back-first into the ringpost. Love hits a bulldog on ODB for a two-count. Love tags in Sky, who kicks at ODB while screaming a lot. ODB tags in Deaner, who spanks Sky over the tope rope for a ten-count. Deaner tags in ODB and Sky runs to the other side of the ring and tags in Love. ODB misses a splash, and a red-assed Sky tags in and TBP double-team ODB. Love gets ODB in a sleeper hold, but ODB fights out and throws Love over in a suplex. ODB tags in Deaner, who faces off against Sky. Sky hits Deaner. Deaner kisses Sky. Sky hits Deaner. Deaner kisses Skye. Skye hits Deaner. Deaner kisses Skye. Love attacks Deaner. Deaner kisses Love. Madison Rayne yells at Deaner, who grabs her over the ropes and kisses her too. Sky mule kicks Deaner in the groin. Love superkicks Deaner. ODB and Love scrap on the apron. Deaner pins Sky after Rayne tries to spray Deaner in the eyes, but misses and sprays Sky instead. Post-match, Love and Sky turn on Rayne for her mistake, and Deaner takes the title from ODB, claiming that it’s his.
Winners (and new Knockouts Champion) : ODB and Cody Deaner
Lauren interviews Samoa Joe and Taz. Taz says that Joe is taking the X-Division title from Homicide, starting now.
Match #6: Samoa Joe vs. Homicide for the X-Division title: Even back-and-forth action for the opening minute. Joe rolls out to the floor, where Taz tells him to get his head on straight and play his own game. Joe blocks a hurricanrana attempt by Homicide, and follows up with a suicide dive between the ropes. Joe is all strikes and knees, but only gets a two-count. Joe works on Homicide’s neck, and follows up with a snap power slam. Joe chokes Homicide in the ropes with his leg for a four-count. Both men trade chops. Joe power bombs Homicide, but Homicide kicks out at two. Joe locks in the STF ( a real one, not a John Cena one). Homicide gets a foot on the ropes. Joe kicks Homicide repeatedly. Loud chants of “187!” They trade punches. Homicide lands a top rope missile drop kick, followed by the tope con hilo to the floor. Homicide and Taz talk trash. Homicide hits a hangman’s neckbreaker back in the ring for a two-count. Homicide hits the Gringo Cutter for a count of two and three-fourths. Homicide attempts the Gringo Killer, but Joe pushes him away. Joe locks in a sleeper hold, but knocks Homicide down and cinches in the Kokina Clutch. Homicide taps, and Joe wins.
Winner and NEW X-Division Champion: Samoa Joe.
JB is with Kurt Angle, who goes to talk to Matt Morgan. Morgan yells at Angle for not knocking, and takes him to task for the way that Angle has treated him. Angle partially apologizes, and tells Morgan that if either he or Morgan win, Morgan is in the Main Event Mafia, and all is good. Morgan shakes on it.
Match #7: TNA Tag Team Championship titles match, Team 3D vs. Booker T (w/ Sharmell) and Scott Steiner: Two referees have been assigned to this match, with falls counting anywhere and no DQs. No, this is not awesome. I’m walking out. Be back later. Slow and plodding for the most part. Steiner pinned Ray, but Ray’s arms were under the ropes. The two referees came to conflicting decisions regarding the winners, and consulted the video tape. Booker T and Scott Steiner are declared the winners. Loud chants of “Bullshit!” Agreed, peoples. Agreed.
Winners and still Tag Team Champions: Booker T and Scott Steiner
JB interviews Mick Foley, who says that it isn’t about the number of zeros at the end of your paycheck, but the number of fans you bring to your feet.
Match #8: Legends Championship match, Mick Foley vs. Kevin Nash: Nash dominates early with knees and elbows. Foley fights back with headbutts and punches. Once the action spills onto the floor, Foley hits Nash with a chair. Foley goes for a top rope elbow drop onto Nash, but Nash pulls the chair inthe way at the last second and Foley hits it. Foley’s head is busted open. Blood splatters onto the camera, which is really weird. Nash punches the bloodied mess that is Foley’s face repeatedly, grinning as he does so. Elbows follow punches, and Foley starts to laugh through the crimson mask. Foley fights back and knocks down Nash. Foley pulls out pieces of his own hair, and goes after Nash. Nash is soon busted wide open as well from the steps. Nash rolls up Foley and gets the pin. Post-match, Nash uses Foley’s barbed-wire baseball bat against him. Abyss runs down with his own barbed-wire baseball bat, and makes the save. Foley grins and gives Abyss the thumbs-up. Abyss claps like a little kid, and leaves the ring.
Winner and NEW Legends Champion: Kevin Nash
Lauren interviews Sting. Sting says that you can only trust yourself. Matt Morgan will learn from his mistakes, just like Sting did. Kurt Angle is, well, Kurt Angle, and will walk over anyone in order to preserve himself. There is a third man in the match, however, and it’s Sting.
Match #9: World Heavyweight Championship match, Kurt Angle vs. Matt Morgan vs. Sting: Matt Morgan enters first, then Sting, then Kurt Angle. Morgan and Angle work together to throw Sting around. Angle misses a running shoulder to the gut when Sting dodges, and hits the ringpost shoulder-first. The action spills onto the floor. Back in the ring, Sting punches Morgan for a ten-count in the corner. Morgan is thrown to the outside, and Sting focuses on Angle. Crowd chants of “You got arrested!” at Angle at points. Angle throws Sting to the outside, where Morgan punches the Icon, and follows him around the ring. Angle leaps off the apron in a cross body, but Sting dodges and Morgan catches Angle instead. Sting kicks Angle as Morgan tries to handle Angle. Back in the ring, Sting gets Angle in the Scorpion Death Lock, but Angle counters it into the Angle Slam for a two-count. Angle attempts the Angle Lock on Sting, but it isn’t cinched in, and Sting escapes. Sting and Morgan now mix it up. Morgan physically dominates Sting, but only gets two-counts. Morgan hits a leg drop on the apron on Sting, but Sting kicks out at two. As Morgan runs into the ropes, Angle pulls down the top rope, and Morgan hits the floor. Angle and Morgan stare down. Crowd chants of “Fuck him up, Morgan!” Morgan throws sweat at Angle and turns his back to him. Angle attacks Morgan from behind. Morgan nails a Carbon Footprint on Angle on the floor. Morgan pins Sting for more than three counts, but the ref is outside checking on Angle. Sting pins Morgan, but Morgan kicks out at two. Morgan plants Sting with a stiff Carbon Footprint, but as the ref counts to three, Angle pulls him out of the ring. Angle hits Morgan with a chair, pins him, and gets the win.
Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Kurt Angle
So, the Main Event Mafia has all the gold in TNA except for the Knockouts title. The main title is still on Kurt Angle, despite all the legal craziness revolving around him at the moment. They have tv tapings tomorrow and Tuesday, at which Angle may or may not be allowed to be present. That Morgan should have won was clear, which made him look good. That we get Daniels/Joe for the X-Division title at the next ppv is also good. If AJ Styles’s announcement on “iMPACT” is that he’s a loser and he’s going home, I will shout “Turnip!” in a very loud voice. Join us back here at BWF for RAW tomorrow night, and assorted wrestling goodness for the rest of the week.
For what it’s worth, I’d rather be doing ANYTHING than watching RAW tonight. I’d rather watch a marathon of Sasha Baron Cohen movies. I’d rather watch Grease and Grease 2. I’d rather watch all 200 episodes of iMPACT! Hell, I’d rather play the iMPACT video game. But alas, I sit through the boring crap that is RAW because it’s been my Monday routine for the last 15 1/2 years. Don’t get me wrong, I still love professional wrestling, I’m just so bored with RAW right now, which is why I slept through the show last week (and thank you to Legend Killer for filling in for me.) Anyways, tonight’s show is hosted by Jeremy Piven of Entourage, and we’ve got a handicapped match featuring Triple H burying taking on Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes.
