TNA announced tonight that Gail Kim is the newest member of their Hall of Fame.
Kim has been the key player in TNA’s Knockouts division from being with the company in a manager/valet like role in its early days, starting in 2005 after being cut by WWE in late 2004. Kim started doing occasional matches in 2006. In late 2007, when TNA started its Knockouts Division and featured women’s matches regularly on television, the division was built around Kim, the first champion, and Awesome Kong, in a long rivalry.
TNA’s womens’ division, largely due to Kim and Kong, was considered superior to WWE for the early years. In 2008, WWE signed Kim away from TNA and she stayed until quitting when her contract expired in 2011. She returned to TNA at that point and for most of the past five years has been the company’s key women’s performer, most notably having some great matches with Taryn Terrell.
She has been Knockouts champion five times, tag team champions once and was also WWE women’s champion in 2003, winning the title in her television debut.
Des Moines, Iowa: – World Heavyweight Champion Frank Gotch defeated former United States champion Tom Jenkins 2 falls to 0
1922
Minneapolis, Minnesota: – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler “Lewis beat John Freberg in 2 out of 3 falls match
1936
Waterloo, Iowa: – Bronko Nagurski beat Ivan Vacturoff
1948
Wichita, Kansas; – World Heavyweight Champion Orville Brown and Lord Albert Mills went to a draw at 1 fall a piece
1961
Duluth, Minnesota: – In a Texas Death Match: AWA US Champion Gene Kiniski beat Wilbur Snyder – Leo Nomellini beat Bob Geigel
1971
Duluth, Minnesota: – The Crusher beat Strong Kobayashi in a Death Match – Nick Bockwinkel beat Paul Diamond – Bobby Heenan beat Bull Bullinski – Big K beat Lars Anderson
1973
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – The Crusher & Wahoo McDaniel beat Superstar Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in 2 out of 3 falls – Nick Bockwinkel beat Billy Robinson dq – Rene Goulet defeated Bob Bruggers
1974
Chicago, Illinois: – Dick the Bruiser & Wahoo McDaniel beat Larry Heiniemi & Buddy Wolff – Ivan Putski beat Superstar Billy Graham via dq – Chris Taylor beat Ray Stevens
1978
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Russ Francis beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq – Hawaiian Tag Title Match John Tolos & Steve Strong beat Buddy Rose & John Studd to win tag title – Little John & Cowboy Lang beat Little Tokyo & Lord Littlebrook – Don Muraco beat Rocky Tomayo – Chris Markoff beat Mickey Doyle – Bill Francis beat Duke Savage
Miami Beach, Florida: – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito and Mr. Sato to win the Florida tag-team titles
Duluth, Minnesota: – Verne Gagne & Rufus R Jones beat Super Destroyer Mark II & Pat Patterson – Evan Johnson beat Lord Alfred Hayes – Bob Orton Jr beat Jim Brunzell – Steve Olsonoski beat Blackjack Lanza dq
1980
Rockford, Illinois: – Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Greg Gagne & Mad Dog Vachon – In a Loser Leaves Town Match; Bobby Heenan beat Lord Alfred Hayes – Dino Bravo beat Jerry Blackwell – Super Destroyer Mark II drew Steve Olsonoski
1981
Green Bay, Wisconsin: – The Highflyers (Jim Brunzell & Greg Gagne) defeated The East-West Connection (Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura) for the AWA World Tag Team Titles – Baron Von Raschke ddq Jerry Blackwell – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe
1982
Dallas, Texas: – The Spoiler defeated Frank Dusek – Bill Irwin defeated Ken Mantell – Lola Gonzales defeated Irma Gonzales – Andre the Giant defeated Bugsy McGraw via disqualification – El Solitario defeated Rene Guajardo to win NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship – Andre the Giant defeated Frank Dusek, Bill Irwin, Al Madril, Ken Mantell, Bugsy McGraw, The Spoiler and T John Thibedeaux in a Bodyslam battle royal – The Great Kabuki and Magic Dragon defeated David and Kevin Von Erich to win the WCCW All-Asian Tag Championship – Kerry Von Erich defeated Harley Race in a No Disqualification match – In Fritz Von Erich retirement match; Von Erich defeated King Kong Bundy to regain the America’s Title in a falls count anywhere match
1984
Tokyo, Japan: – Antonio Inoki defeated Hulk Hogan for the IWGP Heavyweight Title
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – In a Non Title Match, King Kong Brody & Abdullah The Butcher beat AWA Tag Team Champions The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke – Nick Bockwinkel beat Curt Hennig – Fabulous Ones beat Steve Regal & Chris Markoff – Blackjack Lanza drew Larry Zbyszko – Steve O beat Kevin Kelly – Stan Lane beat Sheik Adnan
1989
WCW Clash of the Champions VII: Fort Bragg, North Carolina: – The Freebirds defeated The Midnight Express in a tournament final for the NWA World Tag Team Championship – The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Kevin Sullivan) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott; with Missy Hyatt) – Sting defeated Bill Irwin to retain the NWA Television Title – Ricky Steamboat defeated Terry Funk by disqualification
1993
Columbus, Ohio: – The Steiner Brothers defeated Money, Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) for the WWF World Tag Team Titles
1998
WCW Great American Bash: Baltimore, Maryland: – Booker T defeated Chris Benoit in the finals of the Best-of-Seven series to earn a WCW World Television Championship match – Kanyon defeated Saturn – Chris Jericho defeated Dean Malenko via disqualification to win the vacant WCW Cruiserweight Title – Juventud Guerrera defeated Reese (with Lodi) – Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Eddie Guerrero – Booker T defeated Fit Finlay to win the WCW Television Title – Goldberg defeated Konnan (with Rick Rude and Curt Hennig) to retain the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship – Hollywood Hogan and Bret Hart (with The Disciple) defeated Roddy Piper and Randy Savage Tag team match – Roddy Piper defeated Randy Savage – Sting defeated The Giant to gain control of the WCW World Tag Team Championship
2015
WWE Money in the Bank: Columbus, Ohio: – R-Truth defeated King Barrett – Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler, Neville, Kofi Kingston, Kane, Roman Reigns and Randy Orton in a Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match contract – Nikki Bella defeated Paige to retain the WWE Divas Championship – Big Show defeated Ryback by disqualification, Ryback retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship – John Cena defeated Kevin Owens – Prime Time Players defeated Big E and Xavier Woods to win the WWE Tag Team Titles – Seth Rollins defeated Dean Ambrose in a ladder match to retain the WWE Title
It finally happened. Thanks, in part, to going head-to-head with Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the June 13th edition of WWE Raw fell below the 3 million viewer mark for the first time outside of football season.
The show did 2.96 million viewers — the second lowest for a non-holiday episode of the show since 1997, as there was a show in November that did 2.95 million viewers. The prior seasonal record low was 3.12 million viewers, and while the rating isn’t out as of this writing, it should equate to a 2.1 or 2.2 rating.
The Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game on ABC did 20.53 million viewers.
Raw was fourth for the night on cable, trailing Rizzoli & Isles on TNT, Major Crimes on TNT, and The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News.
The show opened weak, even though it started before the NBA game, and had a fairly significant third hour drop.
Three entertaining top-of-the-hour promo exchanges just about managed to save Monday night’s Money in the Bank go-home edition of RAW from being a total dud. Here, as always, are the show’s highlights and lowlights:
— The Hits —
Cena and Styles sign on the dotted line
Although I could have done without John Cena’s laboured Bullet Club references, the promo exchange between he and AJ Styles at the top of the third hour was very impressive. Cena delivered the goods as usual, namedropping PWG and ROH in an effective monologue, designed to get Styles over.
Styles’ bitter rejoindre, delivered forcefully with convincing fire, was even more impactful as it further banished the notion that the former IWGP champion can’t hang with the best on the stick. Cena goading AJ into banning The Club from ringside was another big positive as it tied into the insecurity of AJ’s character, and ensured that we should get a wonderful, shenanigan-free, match between the two this Sunday.
The Ambrose Asylum
I certainly never anticipated that this segment would ever appear in the Hits column, and yet here we are. Ambrose’s jarring wackiness aside, this was another example of two talents delivering on the microphone when it mattered.
Admittedly, the primary goal of the segment, and the first-hour ‘Shield Revisited’ clips, failed. Despite the constant reminders of Rollins’ responsibility for the breakup of that popular faction, the crowd still cheered Seth and booed Roman Reigns throughout the Ambrose Asylum.
Having said that, we must still credit both performers’ delivery. Rollins’ superiority complex-driven promo was excellent, as was Roman’s confident reply. And, although the Dirty Deeds from Ambrose to Reigns to close the segment was a bit off-kilter, I thought the Money in the Bank tease worked well too, building some much-needed anticipation for that match.
The New Day meets The New Era
This segment really belongs in both halves of the column, as the solo contributions from the New Day, The Club and the Vaudevillains all fell flat.
It was only when Enzo and Cass arrived in the ring to confront the New Day that this tag team championship build clicked in a big way. The Jersey boys taunting Xavier Woods about a promiscuous “Frannie”, culminating in the Woods line “I’m the only one who blows my girl!”, was fantastic. As was Cass comparing Kofi Kingston’s shoes to those of Jerry Seinfeld, the only one of many footwear-based insults that even raised a smile from this columnist.
Life Lessons
Look, the Darren Young and Bob Backlund vignettes have been awful from day one, but who among us did not laugh at Bob’s “This is my only pair of clothes!” line? Great delivery.
— The Misses —
The 50/50 booking-laced MITB ladder match build
Thank God that the Money in the Bank ladder match is this Sunday, lest we have to sit through another weekly five-hour serving of pointless matches involving the six participants.
Backstage bickering segments with Sami Zayn/Cesaro and Kevin Owens/Alberto del Rio at least showed that the company is aware of the problem. But it was still impossible to care about either of the two matches involving the four — Zayn’s spectacular Code Red victory aside.
The stipulation that Owens and Del Rio were putting their spots in Sunday’s match on the line against the Lucha Dragons certainly didn’t help as it was completely unbelievable. Plus, Kalisto and Sin Cara looked like even bigger geeks for losing to two guys who couldn’t get along at all.
Speaking of geeks, the 50/50 booking that has permeated throughout all in-ring interactions between the six is pretty much the professional wrestling equivalent of socialism. (Some level of inequality is necessary to get people over, you know!) Nowhere was that more obvious than in the main event, where Ambrose avenged his pointless loss to Jericho on last week’s Smackdown. Meanwhile, Owens saved the segment with his sarky commentary, while Zayn, Del Rio and Cesaro all looked like jabronis. Terrible.
Paint-by-numbers lower card booking
The build-up to Rusev’s US Championship defence against Titus O’Neil has been incredibly basic and incredibly dull. After weeks of Titus run-ins, the Bulgarian Brute attacked O’Neil from behind on Monday before he could compete in what I was assume was supposed to be a match.
This ambush got little reaction from the live audience, and I’m sure the audience at home didn’t appreciate the immediate post-commercials replay either. All I could do was sympathise with Titus, as Jack Swagger clearly wasn’t interested in returning last week’s favour and saving his ass. Harsh.
Elsewhere, in a reprise of that Swagger segment from last week, Apollo Crews ran in to save Zack Ryder from a post-match beatdown at the hands of Sheamus. Yawn. Sure can’t wait to watch that pre-show.
Bickering McMahons
I just don’t care! Every time Stephanie and Shane are onscreen with their weird incestuous sexual tension, I just want to shut off my television. It is literally impossible to care about who runs what show; the outcome will be the same regardless. Even Corporate Kane with his arson and testicle electrocution callbacks couldn’t save the segments involving these two from getting my dander up.
The Divas Devolution
Far from the lofty heights of top-of-the-hour segments and long matches upon its glorious inception, the so-called Divas Revolution is now reduced to a tag team program that no-one cares about on one of the biggest PPVs of the year.
Attempts to build tension between Charlotte and Dana Brooke are also doomed to fail, as the latter is far from ready for a program of that magnitude. Although, given that the Women’s champion got just three minutes to lose to Paige on Monday night, that magnitude may not be so great.
Knox is a former soccer player from England who looked decent but needs work. Tremendous body. Crowd chanted for Bailey during the match – didn’t care much about the in-ring action here.
– No Way Jose b Wesley Blake
Jose is super over. He got the crowd to do a Mexican wave after he won, and danced with the referee.
– Bayley & Carmella b Nikki Storm & Peyton Royce
Sloppy match. Bit disappointing from the NXT women. Lots of botched spots. Bayley was the best in-ring trying to cope with three girls who need a lot of work.
– Bobby Roode b Angelo Dawkins
Bobby played the heel, lots of stalling & running away from Angelo. Crowd did the stupid spot where they chant a different number than the referee. Longest match on the show so far. Roode won with a spinebuster — a finish that came out of nowhere.
– NXT Tag Champions The Revival b American Alpha to retain
The Revival worked over Gable for a long time. When Jordan finally tagged in, it was easily the biggest reaction for a hot tag I’ve seen live. All four of these guys have so much talent. Dawson got the pin after knocking Gable into an exposed turnbuckle.
Intermission
– Andrade Almas b Tye Dillinger
Great, fast paced match. Great showing for the former La Sombra.
– NXT Women’s Champion Asuka b Nia Jax & Alexa Bliss to retain
This felt like this had the potential to be great but it was sloppy at times. Seems like they weren’t on the same page. Asuka made Alexa tap with the Asuka lock.
– Shinsuke Nakamura & Finn Balor b NXT Champion Samoa Joe & Austin Aries
This was quite the spectacle to see so much talent in the ring at once, especially at a house show in Ireland. Match of the night. Balor got worked over for a while until the hot tag to Shinsuke. Place went nuts. Shinsuke pinned Aries with the Kinshasa. After the match, Finn and Nakamura did each other’s poses.
Overall, this was an excellent show with great wrestling and a good environment. Arena was taped off – around half the attendance of a WWE show.
The Big Takeaway: Mainly tying up loose ends for the Money in the Bank PPV. While Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns had a faceoff to build their main event match, Dean Ambrose teased potentially winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and cashing it in that night to beat one of his former Shield mates. The relationship between Shane and Stephanie McMahon is growing more prickly as they bickered throughout the show. Charlotte and Dana Brooke are teasing a breakup after a whole month together. Last half of the show was driven by the six Money in the Bank participants. Really, the program was focused on trying to get Ambrose to be taken seriously again instead of a comedy figure.
Show Recap:
As trivial as it may seem at a time like this, Raw will have its go-home show for Money in the Bank tonight in New Orleans. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins are expected back for the final push for their main event match at the PPV. After the curious decision to air that Rollins video last week, the question isn’t how much will he be cheered, but how much? Was last week any indication that they’re finally willing to give up the ghost on Reigns being a babyface?
This is also another show going head-to-head with the NBA Playoffs. Last time that happened was two weeks ago and it led to a wrestling-oriented program where Shane and Stephanie McMahon were limited to cameos. Last week was full of interviews, so perhaps they’ll even it up tonight.
Our coverage starts at 8 ET.
To open the show, the entire roster lined up on the ramp for a moment of silence to honor the 49 killed in the Orlando nightclub shooting. Again, Vince and Stephanie McMahon appeared but no HHH, who was in England over the weekend at the Download Festival hosting an NXT show. He also was the first recipient of the “Spirit of Lemmy Award” in honor of Lemmy Kilmister.
The New Day came out and discussed their title defense in a Fatal Fourway. Xavier Woods noticed that Kofi Kingston was wearing Stephen Curry’s Under Armour’s ridiculed shoes. Kingston joked Kingston was wearing the “I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up 12s.”
Enzo and Big Cass showed up. When Enzo Amore asked “How you doin’?,” New Day muttered they were doing fine. Cass said they were going all-in in Vegas and walking out with the WWE Tag Team titles. Cass asked Kingston if he was serious with those “Jerry Seinfeld joints” he had going. Cass talked about Francesca 2, the trombone, and asked where was Woods’ girl last night? Cass said Francesca 2 was with Enzo last night, and he had his lips all over her. Enzo said he had Franny on Bourbon Street, where he played her like Louie Armstrong. He said “Enzo Satchmo had her going all night long.” Basically, Amore was dropping lots of double entendres straight from 1980s Ric Flair promos, except this was about a musical instrument. Woods said “I’m the only one who blows my girl.”
Enzo and Woods teased a verbal showdown before the Vaudevillains interrupted them. Aiden English sang like the leader of a barbershop quartet about how they were going to be the new champions. Then Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows finally came out to say they were going to be the new champions. Gallows said it would be easier than scoring a touchdown on the New Orleans Saints. This built up an eight-man tag for the night’s opening match.
Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson and the Vaudevillains defeated The New Day and Enzo & Cass (13:27)
Gallows pinned Kingston after a Magic Killer. Kingston tried an O’Connor Roll on Karl Anderson, but Gallows had just made a blind tag. Action spilled out to the floor at the finish, where Big E gave English a belly-to-booty suplex. The highlight was Kingston doing a spectacular flip tope over the post onto English and Simon Gotch that the crowd loved. First spot was English trying to flip Kingston, who landed on his feet and he pointed to the Curry shoes for a pop. Pretty good match, but this crowd was dead most of the way and we still have 2.5 hours to go.
Tonight’s series of flashback clips feature the rise of the Shield. They opened with the Shield’s debut at Survivor Series 2012, which they also aired last week during the Seth Rollins profile.
Life Lessons with Bob Backlund featured Backlund asking how Young was going to celebrate many of his upcoming wins. Young said he was going to bring back the Millions of Dollars dance. Backlund said his next lesson would be about saving money. Young asked Backland how he saved money. Backlund said this was his only pair of clothes. Young asked if that was his only pair of underwear? Backlund screamed “You gotta want it!”
Shane McMahon walked in with Stephanie talking on the phone. Tensions are rising again. They argued over who would get Raw and who would get SmackDown. Stephanie wanted both. Shane said she and HHH ran both into the ground. Corporate Kane showed up and offered his services, and handed him his resume and a letter of recommendation from the Undertaker. Stephanie left Shane alone to talk to Kane, who dropped as many references to fire as possible to let us all know he’s also the Demon Kane.
Zack Ryder talked to some unknown backstage visitors about Apollo Crews hitting Sheamus from behind on Smackdown when Sheamus walked up. Sheamus said he would give Crews a Sheamus kick and make him a joke. Ryder blurted out “Hey Apollo!” Sheamus turned his head in concern, but Crews wasn’t there. When he turned around, Ryder was gone. Sheamus vowed to kick Ryder’s head off tonight while the visitors chuckled at him.
The next Shield flashback was their face turn against HHH, Randy Orton and Bautista from 2014.
The Shining Stars did a vignette saying they take care of the beaches of Puerto Rico and don’t litter, unlike the trash infected beaches of America.
Titus O’Neal made his ring entrance for a match when Rusev jumped him from behind. As Lana watched on from the background, Rusev put him in the Accolade several times before a group of referees ordered him off. Rusev screamed over a fallen O’Neal that he was the champion.
Next Shield highlight was Rollins turn on Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose. This was to set up the Ambrose Asylum with Reigns and Rollins, and really to reestablish Rollins as the heel again in the program.
They showed a tweet from HHH congratulating the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be sent a gorgeous WWE World Heavyweight Championship belt with the Penguins logo on it.
Ambrose came out and said the Ambrose Asylum was back by popular demand. He put over the entire Money in the Bank card then brought out Rollins and Reigns. Rollins got roundly cheered despite Ambrose calling him the “scum of the Earth.” Reigns got mostly booed, and Ambrose had to clap into the microphone for him to drown out the jeers.
Ambrose was smiling and clapping as Reigns and Rollins stared at each other. Ambrose asked Rollins how his knee was doing? Rollins curtly said if Ambrose had seen his documentary on the WWE Network? He said his knee was fine. Ambrose asked how was Rollins’ face? Rollins didn’t know what he was talking about. Ambrose said Rollins’ face was killing him.
Reigns spoke up briefly but was drowned out by booing. He said it was fun on Bourbon Street last night. Rollins looked wary of Ambrose and Reigns, and Ambrose called him a party pooper. Rollins brought up past memories of beating Team Hell No and the New Age Outlaws. Rollins smiled and brought up seeing Ambrose passed out beside a dumpster one night in Salt Lake City.
Rollins said the best times inside the ring came with the Shield. He even brought up beating Bautista, and Dave hasn’t been seen since. Then Rollins said his best ever moment in the ring was when he took a chair and hit Ambrose and Reigns to end the Shield. That was supposed to get him booed. It didn’t.
Ambrose asked Reigns what we can expect on Sunday. Reigns said the big dog would walk in as champ and the big dog would walk out as champ. Rollins said he was never defeated as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Ambrose tried to keep the two from fighting. Reigns said if Rollins was the champion, why does he have the belt? Actually, he said “this.”
Rollins said Reigns has the championship because he beat Ambrose. He beat Sheamus and he beat HHH. But Reigns has never beaten Rollins. Rollins said Reigns would have never won the championship without him. On the other hand, Rollins said everything he’s accomplished, he’s done on his own. And he will win the championship on his own. Ambrose brought up J&J Security, the Authority, Kane, etc.
Reigns said Rollins was right. Rollins broke up the Shield on his own. But the Shield had Rollins’ back, the only ones who did. And for what reason? So he could hog the spotlight. After Sunday, fans would call Reigns “the guy” not because he’s the champ, but because he beat Rollins. Ambrose wrapped up the segment by saying he could win the Money in the Bank contract on Sunday, and whether it’s Reigns or Rollins, he could cash in on Sunday to walk out as champion.
As Ambrose’s music played, Rollins pushed Ambrose into Reigns. Rollins punched Ambrose. Reigns gave Rollins a Superman Punch. Then Ambrose gave Reigns a kick to the stomach and Dirty Deeds and ended the segment looking up at the Money in the Bank briefcase. Good segment with the best mic work from Reigns since he became champion.
John Cena was shown talking to Shane backstage. Cena will have a contract signing with A.J. Styles later tonight.
Stephanie met Ambrose in the back. She mentioned that Shane was the one who brought back the Ambrose Asylum. Stephanie said that Ambrose would face Chris Jericho later tonight. It led to Ambrose saying that Stephanie had a lot of hatred and bile flowing through her veigns. Stephanie said having hatred within you can be a good thing if you know how to use it.
Paige defeated Charlotte (C) in a nontitle match (2:28)
Charlotte went for the Figure Eight, but Paige kicked her out of the ring. Dana Brooke threw Charlotte right back in the ring, where Paige gave her the Rampage for the pin. They’re already teasing a Brooke-Charlotte breakup. Natalya and Becky Lynch were at ringside on commentary. This leads to Charlotte & Brooke vs. Natalya & Lynch on Sunday. Charlotte took the face first Flair flop, which the crowd enjoyed.
Cesaro did an interview with Renee Young. Sami Zayn walked in, which made Cesaro mad. Cesaro said he was acting like a child. Zayn said, as far as he was concerned, they were equals. Cesaro said he’s been in the WWE for four years, while Zayn has been in the WWE for four months. He said Zayn still has a lot to prove and he should start tonight.
Backstage, Charlotte chewed out Brooke for costing her the match. Charlotte said she gave Brooke a chance to be part of her legacy, but if she makes the same mistake again on Sunday, there will be no room for her in the history book she’s writing.
Sheamus defeated Zack Ryder (1:54)
Sheamus won with the Brogue Kick. He put punches and boots to Ryder until Crews ran out. Crews scored a double-leg takedown, knocked him out of the ring with a forearm and Sheamus ran out through the crowd.
Another series of flashbacks, this one featurin famous monents from Money in the Bank. The opener was from 2010 Kane winning the briefcase, then cashing it in to defeat Rey Mysterio 50 minutes later. He’s still the only man to win the briefcase and the world championship on the same night.
O’Neal was shown in an Ad Council PSA paying Go Fish with his kids.
Kane talked with Shane backstage when Kevin Owens showed up. Owens wanted to see Stephanie, but when he heard she wasn’t around, he said that Alberto Del Rio only showed up to the building 20 minutes ago. Owens felt Del Rio should be taken out of the Money in the Bank match. Del Rio then walked in and said someone called airport security on him, which caused him to be held up for five hours. Del Rio blamed Owens. The two started jawing at each other with Del Rio speaking Spanish and Owens speaking French. Finally, Kane spoke up and ordered them to team together tonight against the Lucha Dragons. If the Lucha Dragons won, they would get Owens and Del Rio’s spot in the Money in the Bank match. Owens didn’t like the idea, but Shane did and it was done.
Sami Zayn defeated Cesaro (8:11)
Very good match where Zayn won with the Code Red. Fans got into it after Cesaro did his suplex from the apron into the ring. Had the most crowd heat of the night. Cesaro knocked Zayn to the floor early, blocking a springboard move with an uppercut. Zayn had a look on his face after he scored the finisher that put over the importance of finally getting a win on Raw.
There was a new feature called WWE Technology, which showed off the company’s video production truck. They also put over using green power to energize the trucks.
Cena came out for the contract signing with Styles. Cena said Money in the Bank might as well be WrestleMania, which wasn’t the first time someone has made that comparison tonight. Cena said for 15 years, people have wondered what would happen if he faces Styles. He said he loved the WWE, but year after year, the decision makers in the company said Styles didn’t belong. But through Ring of Honor, PWG and New Japan (using those names on the air), Styles has proven he belongs. Cena said he’s won 15 world championships, but Styles has won more over a 15-year span. Now, Styles has been given a chance thanks to Shane McMahon and that this would be a history making match.
Cena said the contract signing would be a little different tonight and told Michael Cole to leave. There was a table set up with a chair in the ring. Styles came out and there were the usual dueling chants. Styles said he turned Cena’s world around two weeks ago. At Money in the Bank, he would do it again. Styles said he would be the one saying “You can’t see me” because Cena couldn’t beat him.
Cena explained that there were two contracts on the table. One would guarantee a singles match between Cena and Styles with the Club barred from ringside. The other contract would have Cena vs. Styles with the Club allowed at ringside. If Styles signed the one that included the Club, it would prove how much of a bitch Styles truly is. But if he signed the one-on-one match with the Club barred from ringside. they would finally have an answer to the question of what if Styles faced Cena.
Styles brought up what would happen if Styles had been in the WWE 15 years ago? Then Cena wouldn’t have been a 15-time world champion, wouldn’t have won the Royal Rumble twice, wouldn’t be in movies and wouldn’t be on the cover of magazines. Cena screamed enough. He said he had heard the same routine from dozens of independent geeks for years and that Styles’ Club wasn’t full of bullets, it was full of bull. Cena said it was time for Styles to man up and try to prove him wrong. Cena said if Styles signed the contract with the Club, then they would need to put Styles on a fast track on Japan because he left his balls in Japan. Styles signed the contract for a one-on-one match with no Club at ringside and Cena followed.
Styles said this independent geek would beat Cena’s K-Mart shopping ass and prove it Sunday.
They aired highlights of the 2013 Money in the Bank, captured by Orton. He used it to defeat Daniel Bryan a month later.
Kevin Owens and Alberto Del Rio defeated Lucha Dragons to keep their spot in the Money in the Bank match (8:25)
Owens and Del Rio argued and nearly came to blows throughout the match. Kalisto used Salida del Sol on Del Rio, leading to the hot tag to Sin Cara. Owens was forced to use a save after Cara hit Del Rio with a Swanton, then dragged Del Rio to the corner for a tag. Kalisto attempted a tope on Del Rio, who threw Kalisto into the dasherboards. Owens pinned Cara with the Pop-Up Power Bomb. Del Rio gave Owens a Superkick afterwards and spit on him.
The Miz did another Facebook interview from the set of the Marine 5: Battleground. A stagehand gave him coffee, which Miz said was too cold.
Owens complained to Stephanie about Del Rio giving him a cheap shot. Stephanie listened to him instead of burying him. Owens said Zayn was going to be a commentary for the Ambrose-Jericho main event and asked if he could join him. Stephanie approved it. Del Rio walked up, said Owens was kissing up to Stephanie and demanded to be on commentary, as well. Stephanie said Del Rio could be guest timekeeper instead. Del Rio and Owens argued some more.
Shane and Stephanie bickered about their respective decision making. Shane said Cesaro will be the guest ring announcer for the main event. Stephanie said that Kane would be the wrong choice to run SmackDown. Kane walked in and Shane broke the news to him that he would not be running SmackDown. Kane asked if Shane’s decision was based on the whole “Jumper cables to the testicles” thing. Shane said it didn’t. Finally, Shane said Stephanie could run Raw, but he was going to run SmackDown this Thursday.
During Jericho’s ring entrance, Cesaro said he originally was from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, but currently lives in Stupid, Idiotville. He went on to say that Ambrose looked like he had just rolled out of bed.
Dean Ambrose defeated Chris Jericho (11:53)
Jericho got the Walls of Jericho but Ambrose made the ropes. After the elbow clothesline, Ambrose blocked the Codebreaker and won with Dirty Deeds. Owens largely stole the show on commentary putting down Byron Saxton. Del Rio held the bell hammer meancingly throughout the match, but never used it.
Owens ran in and jumped Ambrose afterwards. Zayn jumped on Owens, but Del Rio gave Zayn the back stabber. Cesaro ran in and gave Del Rio a springboard uppercut. Del Rio and Cesaro brawled around ringside. Meanwhile, Owens pulled out a ladder, but Ambrose gave him a baseball slide. As the four men fought, Zayn gave them a somersault plancha. As the only man not involved in the brawl, Jericho set up the ladder in the ring and climbed to get the Money in the Bank briefcase. He unhooked it and posed on top of the ladder cross-legged.
Fedor Emelianenko was on the MMA Hour today promoting his Friday night fight on Fight Pass against Fabio Maldonado from Russia. Emelianenko said he was back in talks with UFC and they are looking at a proposed deal. He said right now it is limbo. He said it hasn’t gotten so far as talking an opponent. UFC years back was looking at Fedor vs. Brock Lesnar and had the deal agreed to when Emelianenko decided he didn’t want to fight at the time. More on the story here.
We have an article already on the front page regarding the WWE cruiserweight classic and who is in the tournament. There are some interesting names from a political standpoint entered. Clement Petiot in the tournament wrestles under the name Tristan Archer.
We’re looking for your thoughts on last night’s TNA Slammiversary show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match Dave@WrestlingObserver.com.
We’re looking for reports on yesterday’s WWE show in Baton Rouge, anything from Lucha Underground this past weekend, as well as non-Raw notes (Superstars matches, anything not on television) from New Orleans including the return of Shane McMahon, NXT in Belfast, Northern Ireland and TNA tapings in Orlando.
Smackdown and Main Event will be taped Tuesday in Biloxi, MS and NXT runs in Dublin, Ireland. There is also an almost live Impact in Orlando as well as the taping for the following week’s show.
TNA tapings will continue on Wednesday in Orlando. NXT will be in Liverpool, England.
If you’ve ever wanted to WATCH our radio shows here on the site, check out our Youtube page! No full video shows, but lots of video clips, full free audio shows that you can tell your friends about, and much more to come! Make sure you subscribe today!
A look at the lives and careers of Muhammad Ali and Kimbo Slice, the return of Brock Lesnar to UFC and the story behind it and coverage of the Best of the Super Juniors tournament are the lead stories in this week’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Our Ali story talks about the changes in public opinion on him going through the years, his place in culture, the Ali-Frazier fight, the Ali-Liston fights, his being banned from boxing, the creation of different world titles, the Ali-Foreman fight, the Thrilla in Manila, the inspiration of the movie Rocky, what Ali took from pro wrestling, Gorgeous George and Fred Blassie, and what he gave back to pro wrestling, the Ali vs. Inoki story, Ali’s appearances in relation to pro wrestling, Ali’s pro wrestling matches that are often forgotten, Ali working the first WrestleMania and the Superdome in New Orleans for Bill Watts, the sad ending of his career and the fraud on the public that was the Larry Holmes fight.
The death of Kimbo Slice is also covered. Read about the circumstances leading to the death, how he became famous, his real background, what he did between football and MMA, the Sean Gannon fight, Elite XC, his television ratings records, the crazy night that was supposed to be the Ken Shamrock fight, the death of Elite XC and how media a misunderstanding ended the promotion, Kimbo’s days in UFC, the highest rated season of Ultimate Fighter, and sustaining the drawing power. Plus, a look at Kimbo Slice and pro wrestling and why it was about to happen, and how it fell apart, is covered. There’s also look at Slice in boxing, and the Dada 5000 fight.
Finally, read about the Brock Lesnar to UFC deal, what Lesnar said about why he’s coming back should it be believed, the choice of Mark Hunt as the opponent, why the deal took so long to be announced, how this affects pro wrestling, Lesnar’s regrets about re-signing with WWE but why you can question that, the drug testing issue and the Ariel Helwani issue that reporting the story first turned into.
You can also order the print Observer right now and get it delivered to your door via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to Dave Meltzer.
For the United States, it is $13 for 4 issues, $32 for 12, $61 for 24, $101 for 40 and $131 for 52. In Canada and Mexico, rates are $14.50 for 4, $35 for 12, $67 for 24, $111 for 40 and $144 or 52. In Europe, you can get the fastest delivery and best rates by sending to moonsault@mediaplusint.com For the rest of the world, rates are $16.50 for 4, $44 for 12, $85 for 24, $141 for 40 issues and $183 for 52.
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Bryan and I will be back tonight with Wrestling Observer Radio talking Raw, the cruiserweight tournament, Fedor and the rest of the latest news. You can send questions for the show to mailbag@wrestlingobserver.com.
Going against what could be the deciding game of the NBA playoffs, Raw could take it on the chin tonight without anything major being advertised. It’s the go-home show for Money in the Bank. More than 20 million viewers are expected to watch the game tonight.
Charlotte & Dana Brooke vs. Becky Lynch & Natalya has been added to Sunday’s Money in the Bank PPV in Las Vegas.Last night’s Stanley Cup finals did 5,407,000 viewers against the TNA show. It was the most watched NHL final ever on NBC that didn’t involve the original six teams. Last night’s game did a 35.1 rating in Pittsburgh and a 9.2 rating in the San Francisco Bay Area. The connection to wrestling includes the Penguins HBK line named after Shawn Michaels. Not missing a trick, HHH sent the Penguins some WWE title belts to wear.
The Fight Network announced today a deal to get the AXS version of New Japan World Pro Wrestling with Jim Ross and Josh Barnett as announcers. The shows will air on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. starting on 7/7.
The $1.8 million judgment awarded to Jesse Ventura in his lawsuit against the estate of Chris Kyle was thrown out on appeal in the 8th U.S. District Court of Appeals. The three judge panel reversed the $1.3 million award saying it fails under law and vacated another $500,000 defamation award but said that could be sent back to court for a new trial.
Don Frye on the return to UFC of Brock Lesnar from Submission Radio:
Don’s reaction when he saw Lesnar was returning at UFC 200
“Oh my god….. why? Why – since Mark Hunt is going to destroy him. So it’s going to be such a fun fight to watch Mark kick his head off. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Why Mark Hunt will destroy Lesnar
“Oh Mark’s an animal. Yeah he’s an animal. I mean, god damn, he’s one of the better fighters walking the planet. You know and he’s got the strength and the speed and the skill, and shit, he’s like ten-foot-tall and bullet proof.”
If Don’s surprised that Lesnar agreed to fight Hunt
“Yeah, you know, I was with everybody else. I thought they were going to give him some fish. Who’s that pro wrestler (CM Punk) that keeps bailing out of his fight all the time? Yeah, I mean, give him CM Punk (laughs) or somebody worse than that. But jeez, I gotta give it to Lesnar for accepting the fight. First you gotta step into the cage first, and then I’ll give the guy all the credit in the world just for being man enough to let that door close behind him.”
MISCELLANEOUS
Lucha Mexico, a documentary on wrestling in Mexico is scheduled for a 7/15 theatrical release in 25 markets including New York and Los Angeles. Among those in the movie are the late Perro Aguayo Jr., Blue Demon Jr., Tony Salazar, Strongman, Fabian El Gitano and more. For more info go to www.LuchaMexicoFilm.com.
Sting will be headlining a 9/17 Icons of Wrestling convention at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia doing photos from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and then sign autographs with no makeup from Noon to 2 p.m. VIP package if $350 for six autographs, one photo with makeup and front of the line access. One autograph and one photo with no makeup is $100. For more info go here.
Preston City Wrestling announced an iPPV of their Tribute to the Troops show on 6/25 at the Preston Guild Hall which is a free show that will draw 3,000 people. Rob Van Dam, Billy Gunn, Drew Galloway and Ken Anderson are scheduled. Sha Samuels defends the PCW title against Galloway, Anderson & Gunn face the UK Hooligans, Joe Hendry vs. Joey Hayes and more to be announced.
There is a movie that comes out on Friday in Finland on the wrestler StarBuck, whose goal was to become a musician and wrestler which has gotten awards at the Night Visions Festival in Helsinki, Finland as the Audience Favorite as well as the Critic’s Choice award at the Helsinki International Documentary Film Festival.
Honky Tonk Man and Hornswoggle are scheduled for Empire State Wrestling on Saturday night in North Tonawanda, NY at the St. Johnsburg Fire Hall.
New England Championship Wrestling’s Iron 8 results from Saturday night: Dan Terry b Beau Douglas, First round: Mike McCarthy b T.J. Warren, Kevin Tibbs b Jay Freddie, Todo Loco b Chris Escobar, Slyck Wagner Brown b Brad Hollister, Non-tourney: Giant Pharaoh b Jack Maverick, Final most falls in 45 minutes: Todo Loco won three falls to win to two for McCarthy and one for Brown and Tibbs. Loco was behind and scored two falls in the closing minutes. (thanks to Sheldon Goldberg)
NWAOnDemand.com has added a long Mongolian Stomper vs Scott Casey match today. New subscribers can get the first week free.
Pro Wrestling Revolver from Saturday night in Clive, IA: Rhino b Trevor Lee, AR Fox won scramble match over Dave Crist, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, Chainsaw King, Connor Braxton, Kurt Stallion and KLD, Jessicka Havok b Paco Gonzalez, Scotty 2 Hotty b Jake Manning, Tommy Dreamer b Arik Cannon in an Extreme rules match, Bob Holly b Sami Callihan, Michael Elgin b PJ Black, Billy Gunn b Johny Mundo. Wentz jumped of a balcony. Holly vs. Callihan said to be a major chop fest.
CZW on 7/8 has a Freelance vs. CZW show at Bottom Lounger in Chicago and then a show on 7/9 in Dayton. They have an iPPV on 8/12 at Flyer’s Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ.
WrestlePro on 6/11 in Keyport, NJ: Dan Maff b Bull James, Chris Avery Queling b Johnny Clash, Taboo Crew over Gino & J.J. Lee, Team Espana and Aesthetic Males, Kevin Matthews b Chris Dickinson, Fallah Bahn & Swoggle (Hornswoggle) & COPS & Merry Men in Tights b Butler Jackson,& Heavenly Bodies & Chris Payne & Brian Myers in an elimination match, Beefcake Charlie won a gauntlet match, Sonjay Dutt won six-way to keep the GFW NextGen title over Mario Bokara, Habib, Niko Rios, Bobby Wayward and Beefcake Charlie, Anthony Owens b Matt MacIntosh to keep Wrestle Pro title, Damien Sandow b Colt Cabnaa, Pat Buck b Jeff Jarrett in a cage match. Others on the show but not wrestling included Dutch Mantel, Booker T and Buff Bagwell plus at a meet and greet included Tatanka, Amber Gallows, Kevin Sullivan, Karen Jarrett, Eddie Edwards, Stevie Ray and Butch Reed.
Absolute Intense Wrestling on Friday night at Tequila Jaxx in Mentor-on-the-Lake,. OH with Ethan Cater III vs. Rex Brody, Alex Daniels vs. DJ Zema Ion vs. Flamita, Sonjay Dutt vs. Josh Prohibition, Veda Scott vs. Shayna Baszler, Brian Myers vs. Grado, plus Laredo Kid and B.J. Whitmer.
Colby Corino has been added to the 7/24 SMW show in Elizabethton, TN at the Evolution Sports Gym facing Timmy Lou Retton. Buff Bagwell & Toby Farley vs. Jordan Kage & Chris Richards headlines, plus Kevin Nash and Scott Hall will be doing a meet and greet.
Smash Wrestling on 7/30 in Oshawa, ONT at the Music Hall.
WWE announced the complete lineup for this summer’s Cruiserweight Classic tournament with some expected names and some surprises.
The only major star not previously talked about is Gran Metalik (believed to be Mascara Dorada) which is a major coup considering he’s a CMLL wrestler and with the CMLL/New Japan/ROH alliance, it becomes an interesting move on his part.
The biggest names involved include Kota Ibushi (rumored from the start) who has been taking it easy in Japan since his return after a serious neck injury; Tajiri (a former star in ECW and WWE), Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa, and Zack Sabre Jr. The latter just worked Kurt Angle Sunday night.
Originally, Andrade Cien Almas was to be the star of the tournament, but they’ve decided to keep him out of it and leave on the regular NXT roster.
The list:
Kota Ibushi
Gran Metalik
Tajiri
Zack Sabre Jr.
Noam Dar
Cedric Alexander (expected once he announced he was leaving ROH)
Da Mack – A German wrestler
Tony Nese – Evolve talent that qualified at Saturday’s iPPV
Zumbi – A Brazilian wrestler who had been working for Elite Lucha Libre but had kind of disappeared
Clement Petout – A bodybuilder from France
Fabian Aichner – A bodybuilder from Italy
Harv Sihra – One of the Bollywood Boyz tag team from British Columbia and half of the GFW tag team champions
Gurv Sihra – The other half of the Bollywood Boyz tag team and brother of Harv
Rich Swann – Anounced even though he’s been out of action with a shoulder injury but has apparently healed up
Brian Kendrick
Akira Tozawa – One of the top stars in the Dragon Gate promotion
Jack Gallagher – a U.K. wrestler
Johnny Gargano – a regular in NXT
Tommaso Ciampa – another regular in NXT
Ho Ho Lin – A small wrestler from Hong Kong
TJ Perkins – The former Manik from TNA who was recently cut by that promotion and works for Evolve as TJP
Anthony Bennett – A New Jersey independent wrestler
Drew Gulak – A top independent star that works in Evolve
Tyson Dux – The veteran Canadian independent star
Lince Dorado – Masked Florida independent wrestler that works in Evolve
Sean Maluta – the nephew of Afa Anoa’i, related to a number of current WWE stars
Raul Mendoza – Known as Jinzo in Mexico from the DTU promotion
Kenneth Johnson – a Detroit based independent wrestler
Alejandro Saez – A wrestler from Chile who is known as XL
Damien Slater -An Australian based independent wrestler
St. Louis, Missouri: – World Heavyweight Champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Jim Londos in 2 out of 3 falls
1940
Kansas City, Kansas: – Orville Brown defeated Bobby Bruns to win the Kansas City version of the Midwest Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title
1947
St. Louis, Missouri: – Ray Steele beat Bronko Nagurski – Dizzy Davis defeated Bob Cummings – Butch Levy beat Jack Conley
1957
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Ed Francis defeated Al Lolotai for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title
1960
Fort Worth, Texas: – Tony Borne defeated Bull Curry to win the NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Title
1961
Kansas City, Kansas: – Art Neilson & Ray Shires defeated Red Bastien & Lou Bastien in three falls – Bobo Brazil defeated Killer Kowalski in three falls – Bob Ellis defeated The Sheik via DQ in three falls
1963
Kansas City, Kansas: – Masked Medic #1 and Masked Medic #2 beat Pat O’Connor and Tiny Mills 2 falls to 1 – Sonny Myers beat Bob Geigel 2 falls to 1 via dq – Larry Hamilton drew Steve Kovacs – Rock Hunter beat Steve Bolus
1969
Duluth, Minnesota: – The Crusher & Bill Watts beat Larry Hennig & Lars Anderson – Red Bastien beat Dr. X – Billy Red Lyons beat Big K
1970
Milwaukee, Wisconsin: – In a Steel Cage Match The Crusher beat Mad Dog Vachon – Dr X & Double X beat Edouard Carpentier & Pepper Gomez – Paul Diamond beat Larry Hennig – Butcher Vachon beat Billy Howard – Blackjack Lanza beat Moose Cholak
1972
Tijuana, Mexico: – Alfonso Dantes defeated Rey Mendoza for the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title
Columbia, South Carolina: – Jerry Brisco defeated Rip Hawk to win the Mid-Atlantic Eastern title
1974
Kansas City, Kansas: – The Interns (Tom Andrews and Jim Starr) defeated Bob Geigel and Rufus R. Jones to win the Central States version of the NWA World Tag Team Titles – Jim Brunzell defeated Bobby Garcia – Pat O’Connor defeated Ciclon Negro via DQ – Bob Brown defeated Don Fargo via DQ
1975
– Black Gordman and Goliath won the NWA Americas Tag Team Title from The Hollywood Blonds (Jerry Brown and Buddy Roberts)
Morioka, Japan: – Great Kusatsu and Mighty Inoue defeated Tor Kamata and Duke Savage in a tournament final to win the vacant International Wrestling Alliance Tag Team Titles
1978
Miami, Florida: – Jack and Jerry Brisco defeated Mr. Saito and Mr. Sato (The Great Kabuki) to win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles
1981
Indianapolis, Indiana: – The Kelly Twins (Pat and Mike Kelly) defeated Wilbur Snyder and Spike Huber to win the World Wrestling Association (Indiana) Tag Team Titles
Omaha, Nebraska: – The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke beat AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura dq – AWA Light Heavyweight Champion Mike Graham beat Buck Zumhofe – Jerry Blackwell ddq Brad Rheingans
1982
Monterrery, Mexico: – Centurian Negro defeated Gran Hamada for the Universal Wrestling Association World Middleweight Title
1983
Mexico City, Mexico: – Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeated Fishman to win the vacant WWF World Junior Heavyweight Title
Salt Lake City, Utah: – Rick Martel beat AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel dq – Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell beat Baron Von Raschke & Mad Dog Vachon – Wahoo McDaniel beat Blackjack Lanza
1985
Koga, Japan: – Kuniaki Kobayashi defeated The Dynamite Kid for the NWA International Junior Heavyweight Title
Ibaraki, Japan: – Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta & Genichiro Tenryu beat Terry Gordy & Tiger Jeet Singh & Mario Milano – Riki Choshu & Yoshiaki Yatsu beat AWA Tag Team Champions Road Warriors dq – In an International Junior Heavyweight title match; Kuniaki Kobayashi beat Dynamite Kid dq
1986
Nassau, Bahamas: – Lex Luger defeated Ron Bass to win the NWA Bahamas Heavyweight Title
Houston, Texas: – In a Texas Tornado Street Fight; Steve Williams & Dusty Rhodes & Bill Watts beat Ivan Koloff & Nikita Koloff & Kortsita Korchenko – Terry Gordy beat Terry Taylor – AWA Champion Stan Hansen no contest Nick Bockwinkel – Rock & Roll Express beat Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts – Magnum TA beat Baron Von Raschke
1987
Memphis, Tennessee: – Bill Dundee defeated Chick Donovan to win the AWA International Heavyweight Title
1988
Memphis, Tennessee: – AWA Champion Jerry Lawler beat Curt Hennig – Brickhouse Brown double count out Max Pain – Great Sensei & Dutch Mantel beat Robert Fuller & Jimmy Golden dq
1991
Tokyo, Japan: – Gran Hamada and Perro Aguayo defeated Los Brazos (Brazo de Oro and Brazo de Plata) to win the UWA World Tag Team Titles
1992
Mexico City, Mexico: – Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. defeated El Egipicio to win the Mexico National Heavyweight Title
1993
WWF King of the Ring | Dayton, Ohio: – Yokozuna pinned Hulk Hogan to win the WWF World Title – Bret Hart pinned Bam Bam Bigelow to win the King of the Ring Tournament
1994
Memphis, Tennessee: – PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D.) defeated The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronus) for the USWA Tag Team Titles
1997
Xochimilko, Mexico: – Nygma defeated El Salsero to win the Mexico National Welterweight Title
1998
Alexandria, Virginia: – Buddy Landel defeated Jimmy Cicero to win the Independent Professional Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Title
Garden City, Manitoba, Canada: – E.Z. Ryder and Darren Daulton defeated Damage Inc. (Skar and Sledge) to win the Canadian Wrestling Federation Tag Team Titles
1999
WCW Great American Bash: Baltimore, Maryland: – The Jersey Triad (Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon) defeated Chris Benoit and Perry Saturn to win the WCW World Tag Team Titles
Okayama City, Japan: – Koji Nakagawa and Gedo defeated Masato Tanaka and Tetsuhiro Kuroda to win the FMW Brass Knuckles Tag Team Titles
2002
Tokyo, Japan: – Shouichi Ichimiya defeated Chocoball Mukai for the Dramatic Dream Team Ironman Heavy Metalweight Title
2003
Tokyo, Japan: – Yutaka Yoshie and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan to win the IWGP World Tag Team Titles
– Cheeseburger defeated Some Canadian Guy With A Fanny Pack. Cheeseburger was super over. The guy’s fanny pack was more over than the guy himself.
Main Show:
– Steve Corino promo on Whitmer, who was on commentary.
– ROH Tag Team Champions The Addiction defeated Kamaitachi and Juice Robinson via Best Meltzer Ever. Juice was super over.
– Dalton Castle defeated Will Ferrera via Deadlift German Suplex.
– Motor City Machine Guns defeated Lio Rush and Moose. This was a fun match. Rush is very impressive. MCMG put Lio over after the match by giving him the ring for the crowd to cheer him.
– Donovan Dijak defeat Trent Baretta. Prince Nana accompanied Dijak to the ring. Dijak is a decent heel.
– Four Corner Survival: Kyle O’Reilly defeated Roderick Strong, Michael Elgin and ACH via submission. This match ruled. Every sequence was jaw dropping. Elgin and Kyle had a great sequence of Germans and kicks. Roddy was great, per usual, as was ACH.
– BJ Whitmer promo. Two random dudes brought out a hog-tied Corino.
– War Machine destroyed two local talents.
– ROH TV Champion Bobby Fish defeated Rocky Romero via leg submission. Great match. Fish is awesome. Dalton Castle was on commentary for this match and they had a stare down after the match.
– Beer City Bruiser and Silas Young defeated The Briscoes and ANX in Tag Wars finals. BCB and Silas hit their finishers on ANX. Crowd celebrated like Milwaukee won the World Series.
– Colt Cabana and ROH Champion Jay Lethal defeated The Young Bucks via Double Lethal Injection. Crowd was super hot for this match. Bucks looked good after returning from injury. They hit an Indie Taker, but no Meltzer Driver. No disrespect to the Bucks, but they looked gassed and/or didn’t want to risk another injury. After the match, Colt had Lethal’s title and hinted he wanted a rematch. Lethal grabbed his belt and left.
