Loading ...
Archive for MISC NEWS
The Strike Zone – Wrestling News and Headlines
Posted by: | Comments
THE STRIKE ZONE
Welcome to THE STRIKE ZONE! Here’s the latest wrestling news and headlines from the world of Sports Entertainment…from the Insider’s view!
The Return Of Michael Hayes on Television?
The Smackdown tapings this past week revealed a potential new manager for WWE Superstar Tyson Kidd: Michael PS Hayes! Hayes is known to long time wrestling fans as part of the legedary Fabulous Freebirds. Now he is the head writer for the Friday Night SmackDown brand of WWE. The last time Hayes managed anyone it was the Hardy Boys during their early days of WWE. Hayes also recently inducted the Von Erichs into the WWE Hall Of Fame a couple of years ago.
The ‘Shaman of Sexy’ John Morrison was treated by Dr. Joseph Maroon, the medical director of WWE. It is believed that Morrison is making excellent progress.
The Miz may have lost the WWE Title to John Cena, but don’t expect to see the last of him in the spotlight. The higher ups at WWE are very pleased with how professional MIZ had carried himself as champion. Miz also brings that STAR power to the WWE – that is, coming from the Real World and all. No, no. Not the ‘real’ world. But the TV show…in the fake world, that is. Here’s the announced WWE Over The Limit card, as of press time..
“I Quit” Match for the WWE Championship:
John Cena (c) vs. The Miz
World Heavyweight Championship Match:
Randy Orton (c) vs. Christian
Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole
(Jerry Lawler will give up his WWE Hall of Fame ring to Michael Cole if he loses.)
Intercontinental Championship Match:
Wade Barrett (c) vs. Ezekiel Jackson
R Truth vs. Rey Mysterio
What do you think of this card?
Think the Great Khali has gone soft as of late? Well, the newest addition to the WWE Roster, Jinder Mahal seems to think the same thing. There are some that think he may be trying to sway the Giant away from his brother’s managing. His brother, of course being David Kapoor, I mean Ranjin Singh. Oops. Not manager, either. He is the “peevish communicator” for Great Khali.
Dolph Ziggler’s brother Ryan Nemeth has joined the WWE family in the form of developement territory Florida Championship Wrestling. His new wrestling name is Briely Pierce. He’s doing really well!
Steve Austin is being advertised locally as appearing on the June 13 Raw show at the Nassau Coliseum. This is going to be a three-hour Raw the first week after Tough Enough is over. This was also the original date for the 2011 WWE draft.
“Million Dollar Man” Ted Dibiase is (finally) getting his own DVD release. The Ted Dibiase DVD is currently in production and will be called “Wrestling with Faith”.
If you’ve got any news, opinions or views you’d like to discuss here on The Wrestling Page, feel free to do so via the comment link below or via email at roster @ the wrestling page dot com.
CLASS IS OVER!
Register – Be Entered Into Random Drawing – Meet WWE Superstars John Cena & Randy Orton!
Posted by: | CommentsRegister (FREE) as a member of The Wrestling Page roster
Automatically be entered into a random drawing
Win tickets to a WWE RAW event in a location near you!
Meet WWE Superstars John Cena & Randy Orton!
- REGISTER NOW! (Before all the good usernames get taken up!)
OPPORTUNITY ENDS IN TWO WEEKS!
Join CashCrate - Make Money While Online! - Join Free - ALL AGES
Chris Jericho Dancing with the Stars rehearsal footage
Posted by: | CommentsWWE Superstar Chris Jericho in action!
TNA TV Report 3-17-11
Posted by: | CommentsThe Big News: The Countdown to Lockdown is underway with a major angle where A.J. Styles was left incapacitated after getting power bombed off a ramp by Bully Ray in an angle played up as big as any in recent company history. It was one of the best executed segments in quite sometime on Impact. It also came after one of the worst ever. As for Jeff Hardy, he was an afterthought, never to be mentioned after the first segment, where he was buried.
Sting came out with a new TNA Heavyweight title belt, and it does indeed appear this is the third new TNA championship belt in five months. How a company can afford three new top title belts when they’re supposedly losing money is beyond me. Sting called out Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. He handed Hogan the purple title belt and said “this is all that’s left of Jeff Hardy.” Sting brought up how Hardy came into the company eager and enthusiastic, but it was Hogan’s influence that twisted his mind into not giving a damn. Actually, I think I could say that about half the guys who have come from WWE to TNA, and Hogan and Bischoff aren’t the reason why they feel that way. Sting did another good interview saying there’s nothing he could do to save Hardy, but he can save 50 other wrestlers in the back. Hogan pretty much buried Hardy as well, saying he let Immortal down and spoke of him in the past tense. Hogan said Sting needs to worry about his own ass, not the other wrestlers in the back. He said his cell phone rings off the hook from wrestlers all around the world trying to join Immortal. Sting wondered who he was talking about. Bully Ray came out and said he had been calling Hogan and put him over as the man who made wrestling. Ray said the only reason why Sting came back was because he could never escape Hogan’s shadow. He asked Hogan if he could join Immortal so he could face Sting for the TNA Heavyweight title. Hogan looked like he was about to give him the title shot when Fortune came out with new music. A.J. Styles said they have Sting’s back. Styles said that Ray started out aspiring to be a singles star, but he had to find a partner who carried the load. He said without Brother Devon, there would be no tag team titles and no one would have heard of him. Ray said if it wasn’t for Dixie wiping Styles’ ass for the last eight years, he would be out in the street. Ray said if it wasn’t for Devon, he would be a 23-time World Heavyweight Champion. That elicited visible laughter from the crowd. Ray was about to ask Hogan for his title shot when Styles slapped him. Then Mr. Anderson came out for his weekly interview about demanding a title shot. He called himself an asshole, and Hogan said “you really are an asshole.” This whole gimmick now is directly lifted from a Dennis Leary stand-up routine from 1992. Anderson called Hogan “Terrence,” which got a brief “Terrence” chant. Bischoff ordered a four-way match for tonight between Anderson, Ray, Styles and Rob Van Dam. Anderson didn’t want any part of it saying he earned the title shot, but Hogan overruled him and the four-way was on.
Backstage, Kurt Angle came into the building with a big gift for Karen and Jeff Jarrett as a newlywed present.
Styles walked to Van Dam’s locker room and asked him to watch his back. Van Dam said he would go out and try to win the match for himself while Styles would do what he does.
1. Madison Rayne defeated Alyssa Flash in :16 to retain the TNA Knockouts Championship. Alyssa Flash was jumped before the ring entrance, depriving us of what would have been the best part of the match. She looked in great shape. Madison Rayne pinned her after the Rayne Drop. Flash looked so delighted over the finish, she simply got up and walked directly to the back. This was the only 16 seconds of wrestling in the first hour of the show.
DUD
Mickey James ran in demanding a title shot, and Rayne turned it down. James offered anything for a title shot, and Rayne said she wanted her hair at Lockdown. James agreed.
Pope D’Angelo Dinero was rehearsing his miracles with his three subjects backstage to let us all know in advance that the upcoming segment where he was supposed to form magical miracles was all a sham. He had a man who pretended to be blind, a man in a wheelchair who he taught to jump up and start dancing, and a fat woman who was, well, fat.
Anderson was screaming at Hogan about wrestling for a title shot that he already owns. Hogan reminded him that he couldn’t beat Van Dam at Victory Road. Anderson ordered the cameraman out of the room.
Next segment will be firmly enshrined in the WCW/TNA bad angle Hall of Fame someday. Dinero said this was a time where miracles need to be performed. Why didn’t he start Sunday by making Victory Road a decent show? In the ring was the blind man, the fat woman and the man in the wheelchair. The blind man couldn’t see until Dinero spit into his hands, rubbed them together and pushed them against the man’s forehead. Suddenly, the blind man could see. Then he rubbed his hands on the handicapped man’s legs, and the man could suddenly walk again. Then he approached the fat girl and rubbed against her body to no avail. Dinero said not even Jesus could help her lose weight. This brought out Samoa Joe and Okada. Dinero bailed at first, then tripped Okada, dragged him out of the ring and held what appeared to be a knife to his throat. Ugh. As if they didn’t get the message years ago when Joe was doing that lame “Nation of Violence” gimmick where he carried around a serrated blade. Even worse, you could hear the audience openly laughing at this. It was painful to watch Joe have to overact. Then Dinero tossed Makato to the back, took the knife and pushed it against his own throat to show it was a fake blade and laughed about toying with Joe’s head. I know it’s only March, but I’ll be surprised if there’s a worse feud program in wrestling this year.
Within minutes, Dinero somehow had Makato tied up in chains to the roof of the building, where he hit him with a cane. Dinero ripped off his mask and vowed to take him to the streets. He tossed in several more cane shots to the groin before Joe, screaming like a banshee, rescued him. Even worse, Joe had to act concerned over his friend. This program is career suicide for just about everyone involved.
Van Dam approached Anderson and accused him of joining Immortal. Anderson acted like he didn’t know what he was talking about and said for all he knows, Van Dam may have joined Immortal.
Velvet Sky was talking to Angelina Love thinking they were teaming together in a street fight against Sarita and Rosita. Then Winter walked in and said that Love was teaming with her, not Sky. Winter reminded Love that Sky costs them the TNA Knockouts titles on Sunday. Sky denied doing that intentionally. Love reluctantly left with Winter while Sky was left to wonder what was going on.
The Jarretts came out with Jeff calling himself the “Ultra Male.” Jarrett said now that he’s beaten Angle, he wants to offer a truce. Jarrett said they have to co-exist for the sake of his kids. Angle came out with his gift and admitted that Jarrett was the husband and father that he could never be. He brought the gift as a symbol of forgiveness. Jarrett looked uncertain and asked him if he was being sincere. Jarrett opened the gift to find a guitar painted with American flag colors. The three raised their hands together until Angle grabbed the guitar and walloped Jeff with it. Karen immediately tried to give Angle a low blow, but he just laughed and pulled out a cup he was wearing. Jeff had a nasty gash over his head and it appeared to be hardway blood. It actually made for an awesome visual as Jarrett had a ring of crimson around his eyes. Karen ran off to the corner in fear while an enraged Angle screamed at Jeff to face him in a cage match at Lockdown. Karen begged Jeff not to, but Angle warned them both that if Jeff didn’t, he would make their lives into a living hell everyday. Finally, Jeff said yes. Angle was great here, and it had the right intensity.
Bischoff talked with Gunner, Murphy and Rob Terry about the importance of claiming all of the championships for Immortal. Bischoff announced that Abyss had been stripped of the TV title after Crimson buried Janis in his back. Tonight, Bischoff told the three of them that they would face each other for the vacant title.
Karen freaked out and called the police about Kurt. Jeff came out looking like he had a two-inch cut in his head from the guitar shot.
2. Gunner defeated Murphy to win the vacant TNA TV title in a three-way match that also included Rob Terry in 1:45. Hulk Hogan’s wife Jennifer and daughter Brooke were shown at ringside. As the match started, the cops were shown pulling up to the building. That Orlando police is prompt. Gunner and Murphy acted like they weren’t getting along. Gunner speared Terry, and pinned Murphy with a TKO. Bischoff came out to applaud Gunner following the victory. Not long, but that was probably a good thing. DUD.
Styles did a promo saying he had been in the backseat too long. Then Ric Flair walked up and said he had three other guys to deal with. Styles decked Flair with one punch, then talked about how good that felt.
Karen demanded to an officer that Angle be arrested. Jeff tried to calm her down, then started screaming. He demanded that Karen be put in protective custody while he vowed to take care of it himself.
Hernandez did a pro-Mexico interview before the intergender trios match saying America was once the white man’s land, but now it’s “their” land.
3. Matt Morgan, Winter and Angelina Love defeated Hernandez, Rosita and Sarita in 1:20. Hernandez loosened a turnbuckle, but Matt Morgan rammed him into it in the opening minute. Rosita and Sarita jumped on Morgan’s back, but Morgan dumped them onto the mat. Winter then pinned Rosita following a Catatonic into a backbreaker. DUD
Postmatch, an unknown man ran out of the crowd to jump Morgan. Mike Tenay and Taz didn’t know who he was, saying he was a fan who jumped the rail last week. Morgan recovered and chased them all off.
4. Rob Van Dam and Mr. Anderson pinned each other in the four-way match that also included A.J. Styles and Bully Ray in 5:52. All four men were in the ring at the same time. A good portion of the match was spent trying to make Ray into a singles star. Styles got a great near fall following the springboard forearm. Van Dam gave Styles a Rider Kick for a near fall, which Anderson followed with a swinging neckbreaker on Van Dam. Styles missed a pescado on Ray, who pulled out a chair. As he was about to swing it, referee Earl Hebner grabbed it and pulled it down inside the ring. At that point, Anderson gave Van Dam a back suplex on the chair, and while both men shoulders were down, Hebner counted both men down. **1/4
Hebner looked indecisive and was about to tell ring announcer Jeremy Borash who won. But Ray hit Hebner, then decked Borash as well. Styles and Ray continued to brawl on the floor after the match ended, including Styles hitting Ray with a lighting kit. Styles threatened to hit Ray with a chair on the stage when Flair ran up from behind and gave Styles a low blow. Why didn’t Styles have his cup on? Ray threatened to hit Styles with the chair, then thought better of it and power bombed him off the ramp onto a table, just like the one he gave Mae Young during the Attitude era. Both men sold it like they were dead, with Al Snow among the agents running out to check on them. They sold this more than any angle in years. The last ten minutes of the show consisted of Ray screaming at Styles that he hopes that he never wrestles again, while Snow and Pat Kenney pulled him backstage. Meanwhile, Styles was lifted onto a stretcher while close-up shots of individual crowd members with concerned looks on their faces punctuated the scene. It was well done because it was given time to breathe. The rest of Fortune came out, with Robert Roode asking James Storm and Kazarian which one of them should call Styles’ wife Wendy. Kazarian did the honors, identifying himself as Frankie, and the ambulance pulled away.
SUMMARY: The final segment was the best executed angle TNA has done in several years. Hopefully, the follow up won’t be disappointing. Styles should return a bigger star than before. It’s amazing that angle took place one hour after that atrocity with Dinero and Joe. All that from the same company. The angle with Ray-Styles and the Kurt Angle-Jeff Jarrett segments were the only highlights of an otherwise bad show.
wrestlingobserver.com
TNA Impact Spoilers – For 3/17 TV
Posted by: | CommentsTNA Impact Spoilers From Orlando
Sting is in the ring with both of Jeff Hardy’s belts – The non-purple one is patterned after a UFC belt. Sting said he had something to say to Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. They come out and Sting handed Hogan with Divas title belt and sadi they could have it. Hogan therw it out of the ring. Sting asked Hogan how he could do what he did to Jeff Hardy, take one of the brightest stars in wrestling and turn him black. He blamed Hogan & Bischoff for leading him down the path he took, where it was all about money and power. Hogan said the problem was that Hardy couldn’t stand in Hogan’s shadow. Hogan said wrestlers from all over the world wanted to join his tsunami that was taking over wrestling. What a bad choice of words. Sting said if all these people wanted in, where are they because the only guys he sees are jokes. Out came Bully Ray who said he’s been calling Hogan and waiting for be beside him his whole life because Hogan made the business what it is. What a bad choice of words. He said Sting is nothing but a co-star and is selfish and Sting doesn’t care about anyone else or the company, he’s just jealous of Hogan. Fortune then came out and said they’ve got Sting’s back. Styles said Ray was a guy who had a partner carry him for 15 years. They argued and Styles slapped Ray. Mr. Anderson was next out to this debate wanting a title shot at Sting. Hogan said Anderson had his chance to get a title shot and couldn’t get the job done. This set up a four-way or a shot at Sting with Styles, Anderson, RVD and Bully Ray.
Scott Steiner & Crimson b Ink Inc.
Pope is now doing one of those spiritualist gimmicks where he does gimmick miracles.
Madison Rayne b Alissa Flash. Another post-match beatdown and Mickie James save
James wanted a title shot. Rayne said she’s had her shot. Rayne said the only way she can get a shot at Lockdown is putting up her hair, which she agreed to do.
Jeff and Karen came out. Jeff wanted a truce with Kurt Angle saying they have to co-exist for the sake of the children. Kurt came out with a present for Karen and agreed that they have to co-exist for the kids. Jeff opened the gift and it was a guitar. They all made up, but then Kurt turned on Jeff and laid him out with a guitar shot and Jeff bled. Karen gave Kurt a low blow but he no sold it. He then pulled out a cup he was wearing. Couldn’t he have just told us after? Kurt wanted Jeff at Lockdown but Jeff turned him down. Kurt said he woudl hunt them down and kill them. Geez, they were right there, why does he need to go hunting, and kill them, what’s he want to do, be stuck hanging with that weirdo Ed Graziano the next few years?
Gunner won the vacant TV title in a three-way over Muprhy and Rob Terry when Gunner pinned Murphy.’
Matt Morgan & Angelina Love & Winter b Hernandez & Sarita & Rosita in a street fight when Winter pinned Rosita
Bully Ray vs. RVD vs. Styles vs. Anderson for the title shot ended with Van Dam and Anderson doing a double pin. Ray that attacked everyo8ne. Flair gave Styles a low blow and Ray used a Bubba bomb on Styles off the stage through a table.
Credit: Wrestling Observer
Wrestlemania Theme Full – Tinie Tempah – Written In The Stars ft. Eric Turner
Posted by: | Comments
WWE House Show Results – 3-13-11 – Oklahoma City
Posted by: | CommentsBy Ryan Jameson
‘
R-Truth and Mark Henry v Tyson Kidd and William Regal – Henry wins with world’s strongest slam on Kidd.
Sheamus v Yoshi Tatsu – Sheamus attacks from behind in a squash, match never started and he hit his razor’s edge like finisher. Sheamus cuts promo after.
Natalya picks a guess bell ringer kid.
Alex Riley v John Morrison – Riley states before the match the Miz only got him beat up and he didn’t need him. The anonymous raw GM told him if he wins he’s a member of the raw roster – Morrison wins with starship pain.
Santino & Koslov w/Tamina v The Usos – santino wins with the cobra
Randy Orton v The Miz – Jim Ross was special guest ring announcer. Alex Riley hit orton with the briefcase in the back, Miz wins with Skull crushing finale. Riley back with Miz. Entertaining match, both guys tried hard for a house show.
Intermission
Eve, Gail Kim & Tamina v Maryse & The Bella twins – Eve pinned one of the bellas with Cody Rhodes’ finisher. Pretty terrible.
Daniel Bryan v Evan Bourne v Ted Dibiase – Bryan wins with labell lock. Bryan definitely sucks the charisma out of the room, there were crickets in this match.
John Cena v CM Punk with Mason Ryan – Cena wins with aa. Miz and Riley join beat down on Cena after. Orton makes the save. RKO’s on punk and Ryan. Miz gets aa from cena. Cena and Orton shake hands and pose together.
TNA Impact TV report
Posted by: | CommentsSting came out for his celebratory interview after winning the TNA Heavyweight championship last week. He thanked the fans, and said he was thankful for Jeff Hardy and was hopeful that Hardy would get his head screwed back on straight again. Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff came out Hogan said Sting was a day late and a dollar short after Sting quit once he found out how they were trying to take over control of the company from Dixie Carter. Sting said he never quit on the fans, and while he was sitting home the fire within him started burning again. Mr Anderson then showed up to say he wanted his title match, even if it meant wrestling Sting, who he introduced himself to with his catchphrase. This brought out Hardy to say the line for the title shot starts behind him. Rob Van Dam continued the parade by demanding his title shot saying he never lost it after Abyss bludgeoned him with Janis last summer. The crowd didn’t react because they didn’t remember Janis or the angle. Van Dam then lit into Sting for calling the shots after showing up out of nowhere. Bischoff then said “we all know” that Sting would defend the title against Hardy at Victory Road. We did? He then ordered Sting and Van Dam would team tonight to face Anderson and Hardy.
Backstage, Angelina, Cookie and Sarita walked into the Beautiful People’s locker room. Angelina started running down Angelina Love, which brought in Winter. Velvet Sky told Love that Winter better be on the same page as them tonight.
1. Pope D’Angelo Dinero defeated Samoa Joe in 3:20. Oktao dressed up as the Green Hornet character is turning Samoa Joe into a prelim act. It was clear this was a match the crowd didn’t want to see as they were silent throughout, and keep in mind how hot they were last week. Pope D’Angelo Dinero came out of the crowd to hit Okato with a chain before the bell. Joe caught an inverted atomic drop and a sexton, followed by a powerslam for a two count. Dinero turned the tables with a clothesline, then loosened a turnbuckle pad. Joe caught an exploder suplex, and while he was down Dinero grabbed his chain. While referee Brian Hebner tried to put the turnbuckle pad back on, Joe went for the muscle buster, but Dinero hit him with the chain for the pin. One heel outsmarting two faces. All you can do is just shake your head at the idiocy of that booking. 1/2*
Bully Ray came out of his locker room and challenged Tommy Dreamer to a parking lot brawl.
Madison Rayne came out with Tara, who continues to tease a turn. She announced another open challenge, which brought out another surprise appearance from Roxxi, who didn’t get much of a response.
2. Madison Rayne defeated Roxxi in 1:31 to retain the TNA Knockouts title. Rayne jumped Roxxi before the bell, but Roxxi battled back with an Anderson spine buster and caught a near fall with a cradle. Rayne kicked out and delivered the Rayne Drop for the clean pin. DUD
During the match, Mike Tenay and Taz mentioned that Mickie James hadn’t been seen since losing to Rayne at Against All Odds. I was thinking that was the start of a month-long program culminating in her return in April. You would think I’d know better by now, because she came in at the end of this match to chase Rayne from the ring. Well, it wouldn’t be Impact without blowing off four weeks of angles in one segment once a week, at least.
Dreamer brought a camera man outside to the parking lot to accept Ray challenge.
Ray called out Dreamer, in fact stealing a catchphrase from the 1979 movie “The Warriors.” Well, it is a cult classic. And it’s more recent that the Sound of Music. As Ray was standing there, Brother Devon ran out, jumped him and laid waste to him, ramming Ray into the side of an 18-wheeler, hitting him with a chain and construction barrels. Ray was begging Devon to stop but Devon was hearing none of it. Then Devon pulled out a sledgehammer until Dreamer came out to stop him. Dreamer cautioned him that Devon could go to jail. Hadn’t he done enough for an assault charge already? After Dreamer led Devon away, an unknown security guard came out for this week’s anonymous character cameo. He wanted to check on Ray, who responded by jumping him, whipping him with a chain and throwing a guard rail on him. Ray didn’t sell the fierce beating long enough, but I guess he had to get his heat back.
3. The Beautiful People and Winter defeated Angelina, Cookie and Sarita in 1:51. Winter again got in the way of the Beautiful People’s ring entrance by rubbing her butt in Sky’s face. Angelina insisted to Sarita that she start the match. Rosita tripped Sky, setting up Angelina to throw punches from the mount. Taz mentioned “She’s done that before.” It quickly escalated into a six-way brawl outside the ring, which distracted referee Earl Hebner for a good minute. Robbie E. ran in to interfere and held Sky for Angelina to hit. Cookie came in and said she wanted to hit her. Then Winter stepped between them and acted like she was going to punch Sky, but instead clotheslined Angelina (who took a decent bump) and Cookie instead. Robbie started coming on to Winter, who bit his hand and kicked him out of the ring. Sky then pinned Angelina with a schoolgirl cradle. Sky looked legitimately pissed afterwards. DUD
Hogan, Bischoff and Hardy were backstage with Anderson trying to talk him into doing something, I guess into turning heel. This was never really explained. Hardy and Anderson nearly went at, and Anderson stormed out after Bischoff reminded him that Van Dam isn’t fond of him, as well.
Ric Flair came out with Matt Hardy. Flair called out A.J. Styles. How can you put Styles out there against Flair in front of a North Carolina crowd with the hopes of getting him over? That’s called setting him up to fail. Flair fired off some great one-liners about how he slept with of the guys’ mothers in the crowd. Styles started to make his comeback when Hardy interrupted him. You can’t understand how much charisma Hardy has lost until you’ve seen it yourself. He lost the crowd within seconds in a rambling promo that went nowhere. Styles jumped him to start a three-way street fight match with Flair, who was dressed in an Armani suit.
4. Ric Flair pinned A.J. Styles in a three-way match that also included Matt Hardy in 10:00. Styles gave Flair an enzuigiri, then clamped on the Figure Four. Hardy came back in and delivered a leg drop off the second rope for a two count. They fought outside the ring, where Hardy hit Styles with a trash can. Hardy pulled out a ladder and rammed it into Styles’ chest. Hardy teased the Twist of Hate, but Styles threw him into the ladder. Flair came back in to kick Styles low, but Styles fought back and Flair juiced again. Flair took the face-first fall. Hardy jumped back in the ring for the side effect for a good near fall. Flair picked up a chair, but Styles gave him a super kick, followed by a Pele kick to Hardy. Styles teased the Styles Clash on Hardy on the chair, but Flair gave him a low blow, followed by Hardy delivering the Twist of Hate onto Styles on a chair. This allowed Flair to crawl on top of Styles for the pin. Interesting that Flair, who wrestles mainly as a special attraction, was the one who got the pin and not Hardy. It was announced later that Hardy would face Styles at the PPV. **1/2
Next came one of those segments where you had to follow the myriad of TNA storylines from months ago in order to make sense of. Sting told Van Dam that when Van Dam debuted in the company, he was with Bischoff and Hogan. Oh God, they want to remind us that Sting got pinned in five seconds by RVD last March, then proceeded to bury Van Dam by battering him with a baseball bat for, something like, 6 minutes. Even worse, they were teasing Sting vs. Hogan back then before Hogan’s back troubles came into play. Van Dam reminded Sting that he fell off the map after he lost the championship. Sting apologized, but Van Dam said he was sorry too, then walked off.
5. Ink Inc. defeated Generation Me in 4:13. The gimmick here was Jeremy Buck kept doing a hot move to Shannon Moore, then Max Buck would tag in trying to steal the pin, which Jeremy looked upset with. Well, we haven’t teased tag team dissension in at least 10 minutes. Jesse Neal got the hot tag, with Taz calling him Shannon Moore. Neal went for the spear, but Max gave him a Superkick. Then Max tagged Jeremy, who was still recovering from a clothesline earlier from Neal. Max set up Neal on the second rope, and Max tried to hoist Jeremy into him. But Neal gave Jeremy a spear. Neal gave Jeremy the Mooregasm, and Neal pinned him. Ink Inc. then issued challenges to Beer Money afterwards. **
Hardy asked Anderson in the locker room if he was going to turn on him tonight. Anderson said he was unconventional, and an asshole, then walked off. So both teams in the main event teased fighting with each other.
Dinero did a promo about ridding TNA of Joe once and far all. If he really wanted to hurt him, he would have Russo control his story lines for another year.
Jeff and Karen Jarrett did an interview about renewing their vows last week and how Kurt Angle wrecked it. Jeff wanted to take her on a honeymoon to Orlando, which she didn’t looked thrilled with at first. Then they left together looking happy about doing something at Victory Road.
They did a great video package for the Ultimate X match. Then they announced that Kazarian would defend the X Division title against Robbie, Max and Jeremy Buck. Great buildup of pounding that match into our heads in a span of….30 seconds.
Sting did an interview about his return last week. Then Anderson, of all people, jumped him from behind, rammed his back into a door, then screamed about wanting a title match. Sting was left gasping for air. Almost came off like a heel turn for Anderson.
6. Rob Van Dam and Sting defeated Mr. Anderson and Jeff Hardy in 4:18. Sting didn’t come out during his entrance to sell the beating that Anderson had just given him. That didn’t make the crowd happy, who chanted for him while they ignored the action in the ring between Anderson and Van Dam. Anderson tagged Hardy by slapping him in the back of the head. Referee Herb Dean immediately deducted a point. Van Dam gave Hardy Rolling Thunder for a two count. Anderson refused to tag in when Hardy approached him. Then Hardy tagged Anderson in by slapping him on the chest. Hardy hit the Twist of Hate on Van Dam and went for the pin, but Anderson punched Hardy and gave him the Mic Check. Then the lights went out and Sting’s music played. Sting showed up in the ring and gave Anderson a Scorpion Death Drop, and Van Dam got the pin after a Five Star Frog Splash. Van Dam and Sting celebrated together *1/2
WWE Friday Night Smackdown Report
Posted by: | CommentsEdge came down to start the show after the announcers hyped Triple H appearing for the first time on SmackDown in years. The staring and pointing at the Mania sign started early. Edge addressed Alberto, asking if he knew who he was. He said he didn’t want a match tonight but he wanted to fight. He referenced the bloody nose from last week. Edge got a big smile when Del Rio’s music hit. Alberto came out without a car but with a Brodus Clay.
They went back and forth on the mic as Alberto moved to the ring. Alberto said he was the man that would replace Edge’s legacy with his destiny and win the Championship at WrestleMania. Edge sais he didn’t think so and suckerpunched Del Rio and went to work on Clay. Clay took him out when Edge went back to work on Alberto. They beat Edge down and threw him into the steel pole when Christian ran down. They took him out after a brief flurry. Long came out and said that after the contract signing and what just happened that they needed to work through some issues. He said tonight would be historic as Clay and Del Rio would take on one of the greatest tag teams ever, together for the first time in ten years, E&C. Both Edge and Christian had their elbows taped which looked cool.
Cole said he was going back to his journalistic roots by having the interview of the year with John Cena tonight.
They played clips form last week of Kane’s interaction with the Corre. Wade Barrett then came out alone with a microphone. He said Kane had made some fundamental mistakes, that he didn’t appreciate what they did for him and then put his hands on Gabriel. He called Kane a failed chemical experiment.
Match Number One: Kane Vs. Wade Barrett.
Barrett went right after came with punches and kicks until Kane hit one strike and started throwing Barrett into corners. The rest of the Corre ran down the ramp but Kane dealt with all of them until Zeke took him down.
Winner: Kane, DQ.
They were all booting him on the floor when Show came down the ramp with a chair and they fled. They very quickly went to an ad, so I don’t know if something was edited off of the Australian version or if it was just an awkward commercial break. When they came back it was suddenly a tag match.
Match Number Two: The Big Show & Kane Vs. Wade Barrett & Heath Slater.
The other Corre members had disappeared and Show was beating on Barrett with body punches and over hand chops. Barrett took out Show’s knee and then hit two running boots to his head to get him down after slipping out of a chokeslam. Show got a hot tag to Kane after a chin lock from Slater. Kane went up top and hit his flying clothesline and went for a pin on Slater. He caught Barrett as he tried to interfere and then Gabriel and Zeke ran down and took Kane out.
Winners: The Big Show & Kane, DQ.
The announcers referenced Teddy Long sending the rest of Corre away earlier so something was clearly missed. As the Corre were beating down Kane The Big Show got a chair and took out each member one by one. When all were gone Show gave Kane a chair shot as pay back for last week.
Cole was again boasting about his interview later so Booker cut him off and sent it to a replay of Austin from Raw. Cole guaranteed that Austin would raise his hand at Mania.
Match Number Three: JTG Vs. Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes came out in a suit and his face mask. No intro for JTG. Cody took off his jacket but wrestled in his shirt and pants. He was really aggressive and threw three headbutts in the corner which put JTG out. He then hit the Cross Rhodes for the pinfall. He fled the ring quickly to get away from people looking.
Winner: Cody Rhodes, Pinfall.
Cole introduced Cena and showed video of Miz’ attack from Raw. Cena grabbed the mic from Cole midsentence. Cena congratulated Miz for getting one over him. He said it was the biggest mistake of Miz’ career, since he had been distracted by the bigger issue. He may have had a chance at winning at mania if he stayed under the radar. He said he was done with the other issue and changed focus to breaking the face of the WWE. He told Cole they were done and went to leave when Cole asked for his attention.
Cole said he wasn’t through conducting his interview. He asked if Cena was underestimating the Miz and asked if Cena was scared. Cena again went to leave so Cole said he wasn’t asking him to rap for him but just answer the question. Cole said maybe he couldn’t because Miz shut him up Monday. Cena took his shirt off and grabbed Cole by the collar when Swagger ran down and took Cena down. Cena rolled out of the Ankle Lock but Swagger kept kicking away. Cole yelled about teaching him respect and kept yelling over and over to punish him. He told Swagger to put the ankle lock but Cena kicked off and sent him out of the ring. He picked Cole up for the AA but Swagger pulled him off, so Cena his Swagger with the AA.
Match Number Four: Layla w/ Michelle McCool Vs. Kaitlyn.
Not a good night for Kaitlyn. Match went less than a minute. Kaitlyn started with a push and Layla looked to McCool for help. Kaitlyn pulled Layla away and tried to pull Michelle into the ring but Layla kicked her, hit the neck breaker and got the pin. Ugly while it lasted
Winner: Layla, Pinfall.
McCool squashed Kaitlyn in the corner with help from Layla after the bell.
Match Number Five: Rey Mysterio Vs. Drew McIntyre.
This was Rey’s first appearance since Cody’s attack. Drew hit his big boot to start the match and then dominated for a long time. He hit a sidewalk slam onto the apron and some lucha surfboards and pin attempts. Rey came back with the 619 when Drew missed a charge into the corner and then hit the top rope splash for the pinfall.
Winner: Rey Mysterio, Pinfall.
Cody came out clapping and said he was still waiting for his answer. Rey asked where his daddy was. Rey said he wore the mask with pride before Cody attacked from behind. He said he would wear the mask with pride when he beat Cody at WrestleMania. Rhodes stormed off.
Triple H came out and sent to a clip in response to Taker’s video package from Monday, reminding what each could do. He talked about how great the Shawn/Taker matches were and said he couldn’t figure out why the greatest performer of all time couldn’t get the job done. He said Michaels answered it last Monday, that it’s about emotion. He said Shawn couldn’t separate emotion from matches. He said he had a dark sadistic side that would allow him to do unthinkable things to anyone without regret; he won’t hesitate for a second or become unglued by things that go bump in the night. He said Undertaker made the match no holds barred, thanked him and left.
Striker asked for Christian’s thoughts in the back. Christian listed things that happened in the last decade since E&C were together last. Edge came in and asked if he was ready.
Match Number Six: Brodus Clay & Alberto Del Rio Vs. Edge & Christian.
Edge and Christian came out second with separate entrances.
Clay started with Christian. Christian had the best of it until he went for the tornado DDT that he won with on RAW and Del Rio distracted him. Clay suplexed him off the top and on the outside Del Rio threw Christian arm first into the barricade.
Del Rio came in and worked on Christian’s arm, taking off the elbow brace. Christian got the hot tag with a European elbow from the middle rope. Edge hit a clothesline and a cross body by Clay caught him and hit a slam. Clay then missed a splash in the corner and Edge set for the spear but was hit with a shoulder block. Clay set him up in the corner and went for Umaga’s old hip bump. Edge ducked and Christian took Del Rio out when he tried to interfere. Christian then hit the tornado DDT and Edge followed it up with a top rope elbow drop for the pinfall on clay.
Winners: Edge & Christian, Pinfall.
Edge and Christian celebrated in the ring together to end the show.
