The following press release was sent out earlier tonight:
PRESS RELEASE 12/28/2008
Re: CHYNA’s Hospital Visit!
As reported early Saturday morning Chyna was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, Ca.
Upon finishing the video shoot for Lovechild’s new single, Chyna and a couple of friends including myself, Jeff Bauer AD on the Lovechild shoot, had a few drinks to celebrate her birthday and the end of a great shoot.
Unfortunately, newly prescribed medication she is taking had a very adverse effect combined with the alcohol and Chyna blacked out and fell into her mirrored closet doors. She received minor cuts on her arms and legs.
She spent half the day Saturday at St. Joseph’s emergency and was released by the doctors without being admitted to the hospital.
Chyna is doing fine if not a little embarrassed about forgetting she was on this new medication. The family at Hybrid Culture Entertainment is with her.
Chyna is a delight on the set and we at Hybrid Culture welcome her anytime she is willing to be involved in one of our productions.
Jeff Bauer
Mad Dad Promotions
Assistant Director, Lovechild video shoot
818/536-9337
Laurer was taken to the hospital for a psych evaluation but her blood alcohol level was too high to test her.
In a follow up to an earlier report, it is believed that Joanie "Chyna" Laurer mixed a bottle of prescription pills and vodka together, which sent her to the hospital.
According to a source close to Laurer, she may have been trying to commit suicide. Laurer is still hospitalized, and is waiting on a mental evaluation.
Mike Esterman, Laurer's manager, has stated that once she is released from the hospital, Laurer will go into rehab.
At Monday's Raw in Toronto, two anti-Cena signs were quite visible on camera when Cena himself got on the mic to introduce the returning Trish Stratus as his tag team partner for his match with Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix. The signs read "Cuck Fena" and "We've Cena 'Nuff!" - which was held up a few moments later. Both signs were held up by the same person, and quickly confiscated by security.
As recently as a few months ago - and definitely a few years ago when WWE marketed products featuring catchy slogans such as "Ruck Fules!", "Blow me ... Into the Stratusphere!", "APA - Always Pounding Ass", and "Wine me, Dine me, 619 me!" - both signs would have passed through, but that's not the case anymore due to the company's new-found kid-friendly directive, as well as WWE becoming more meticulous over what appears on-air.
As noted earlier, Jim Ross talked about the confiscated fan signs in his most recent blog and said those types of signs are not going to pass through in this day and age. Ross wrote: "As I have said many times, I am all for freedom of speech unless it crosses the line in the form of signs that essentially profanely scream, "please look at me." The "Cuck Fena" sign that was wisely confiscated in Toronto is a good example of crossing the line. It's akin to the "Tuck Fexas" shirt some here in Oklahoma wear. Bad taste...not cool. There was a time when that sort of material was actually encouraged and marketed in the WWE but that attitudinal ship has sailed."
Just to note, there is always a guy on a headset sitting by the announcers, and he is the person in charge of directing security to confiscate questionable fan signs, at least upon hearing from the people in the production truck. Sometimes he'll even get out of his chair and confiscate the questionable fan signs himself.
SmackDown Diva Maria posted a blog on the WWE Universe site responding to people criticizing her for not being a great wrestler. "I am not a person to respond to anger and cruelty but lately I have had such a hard time even getting on this site," Maria said addressing the criticism. "Mind you I do not claim to be the greatest wrestler or the quickest learner. I work hard, I get in the ring, (and) I try and still can't win. ... Wrestling is hard. I love it and that is what keeps me going. I love what I do." Maria added more on the negative comments. "If you want to be negative that is okay. I just can't read your comments cause negativity breeds negativity. I refuse to get down on myself. I could lose a million times and mess up a thousand things and as long as I love being out there I continue to march on."
If you missed iMPACT! last night, Mick Foley announced that he will be returning to the ring at the TNA Genesis PPV. Foley will team with AJ Styles and Devon to battle Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner and Booker T.
The WWE Tribute to the Troops special, which aired on December 20th, scored a 0.9 broadcast rating with 2.9 million viewers overall.
The UFC ended 2008 with "The Ultimate 2008" which featured three main event caliber fights on its card. UFC 92 drew 14,103 fans in attendance and brought in $3.47 million dollars at the gate.
UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar's next opponent has been confirmed. He will be getting a rematch with Frank Mir sometime in 2009, who defeated him at UFC 81 on February 2, 2008 with a first-round submission. Frank Mir defeated Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at last night's UFC pay-per-view by TKO in Round 2 at 1:54.
MMAScoops.com is reporting that Dana White and company weren't just collecting money though, they did also issue $60,000 to three fighters for their performances in last night's Pay-Per-View event. Fight of the Night: Rashad Evans & Forrest Griffin were each awarded $60,000 for their three round title fight. Knockout of the Night: Quinton Jackson took home $60,000 for knocking out Wanderlei Silva in the 1st. There wasn't a submission last night, so the submission of the night award was not issued.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is a true MMA legend. The highly regarded Brazilian jui-jitsu practitioner was the reining PRIDE heavyweight champion from Dec. 2001 to Mar. 2003, when he lost the title to Fedor Emelianenko.
Nogueira was considered by many to be unbeatable from 2000 to 2003 running off an impressive streak of 13 victories before his highly anticipated match up with Emelianenko.
Known primarily for his otherworldly jui-jitsu skills, a big heart, and tremendous chin coming into the UFC, Nogueira cemented all of these traits before the eyes of American fans with two unbelievable comebacks in consecutive fights against Heath Herring and Tim Sylvia.
Nogueira appeared dazed and took a high degree of punishment in both fights, particularly against Silvia, but was able to secure victories due in large part to his impressive recuperative abilities.
Nogueira has fought the world's top strikers and taken their best shots in stride, always pressing forward, always looking for a mistake. And from the vicious ground and pound of Fedor Emelianenko, and stand up prowess of heavy handed Tim Sylvia, to the ferocious leg kicks of K-1 superstars Mirko Filipovic and Semmy Schilt, Nogueira had never once been knocked out until last night.
"It was the first knockout of my career, said the ever-gracious Nogueira at the post fight press conference. "I feel like I didn't fight well tonight; I didn't fight my distance. He had a great fight tonight. He was a great fighter. He had better distance than me, he had some good shots at the beginning of the fight that changed everything I was planning. He's just great, he had a great night tonight and fought very good... he threw some strong hands.
Nogueira was a bit somber, but appeared in good spirits following the fight; stating that he's committed to improving his game and insisting that he'll come back stronger and faster.
As for an upcoming opponent? How about Randy Couture?
"Yep. For sure I would accept this fight against Randy Couture," Nogueira said. "He's a great fighter. He just lost his last match but he's a true legend in this sport and I'd love to fight him. It would be a good promotion; we're both very experienced fighters and it would be a nice match."
Let's hope the UFC is listening.
The last time the UFC wss in Chicago, fans were losing their minds after Anderson Silva won a less than stellar match-up against Patrick Cote at UFC 90.
UFC President Dana White is hoping that the UFC's second go around in the windy city will be a more pleasant one for MMA fans.
When asked during a recent chat with AOL Fanhouse about a possible return to Chicago, White responded by simply saying "July."
It's a little early to tell who would be on the card in July. We'll have more details as they arise.
With another blazing left hook that left another fighter defenseless on the Octagon mat, Jackson could find himself back in the title picture.
After knocking out Wanderlei Silva and getting his first victory over the Brazilian, UFC President Dana White told the media, "it does make sense for Rampage to get a title shot."
Jackson has made it clear that he would like to get a re-match with Forrest Griffin but a title shot could be calling his name.
White did go on to say that they weren't ready to make any announcements regarding the potential Light Heavyweight title match and that they would sit down and discuss their options.
The premiere of Countdown to UFC 92 on Spike TV drew 733,000 viewers.
Countdown to UFC 91 drew only 537,000, yet went on to become the second highest grossing PPV in UFC history.
Using the countdown show as an indication of potential PPV buyers and general interest in the show, it is safe to assume that UFC 92 will exceed expectations and produce a large number of PPV buys.
Dan Evensen vs. Patrick Barry
Round 1
K-1 veterans Barry and Evenson enter and look very confident. A very sparse crowd looks on from the seats. Barry circles to his left. Barry throws Evenson down but he gets back up. Hard leg kick from Barry. Evenson clinches and pins him against fence. They are separated by reveree Yves Lavigne. Three thunderous right low kicks by Barry. Evensen takes him down. Barry scrambles back up. Barry lands another huge right low kick. Evensen stumbles to his left. Evensen quits from the low kick. Official time of the TKO is 2:36 of the first.
Ryo Chonan vs. Brad Blackburn
Round 1
Blackburn walks into the Octagon to the perfectly suited "Bad" from Michael Jackson. No moon walk is performed, unfortunately. They exchange kicks to the body. Good combos from Blackburn early; punches and kicks. Loopy left hook glances Chonan's head. Short left hook from Chonan inside. Not much action. Chonan misses a flying knee and falls onto his back. He springs back up. Blackburn with good leg kick, right cross combo. And another. Chonan is pushing the pace but Blackburn is more active. Close round. 10-9 Blackburn.
Round 2
Chonan starts the second round with a head kick but it’s blocked. Chonan slips as he's punched as he falls onto his back. Blackburn pounces. Chonan is let back up after no damage is inflicted. Hard right- and left-handed punches score for Blackburn. Blackburn shoots for a takedown but it’s stuffed. The pace slows considerably. Hard kick to Blackburn's ribs. A leg kick connects for Chonan. And another. The close round goes to Blackburn, 10-9.
Round 3
Left kick to Blackburn's ribs. And another. Blackburn continues to back away to his left. Very little action. Chonan throws a head kick and it’s blocked. And two more, all of which are blocked. Chonan is starting to look desperate. Blackburn is not taking any chances. The crowd is getting restless. Chonan catches a leg but he can't sweep for the takedown. A hard right uppercut rocks Blackburn with 40 seconds left. Blackburn is retreating. A big straight right by Chonan followed by another uppercut. The third frame is all Chonan, 10-9.
All three official judges score the contest 29-28 for Brad Blackburn.
Matt Hamill vs. Reese Andy
Round 1
The fighters trade punches but nothing clean lands. Hamill dumps Andy onto his back. Andy gets up. Left head kick by Hamill but it’s blocked. Good left kick to body from Andy. Andy tries a takedown but is stuffed and caught in a loose guillotine. Hamill lets it go. Left jab by Andy. Gash opens under Hamill's right eye. Very little action. Looping right hand by Andy near bell. 10-9 Hamill.
Round 2
There's a mouse under Andy’s left eye. Good right hand by hamill. A left and right by Hamill. A hard right knee in the clinch from Hamill. Andy is in trouble. Hamill unloads a furious barrage of punches and another knee. Andy takes another knee and falls. Hamill pounces along the fencing, teeing off with punches. Dozens of punches rain down though most are blocked. Hamill takes his opponent’s back and unloads again. Referee Steve Mazzagatti steps in to halt the bout at the 2:19 mark of round two.
Antoni Hardonk vs. Mike Wessel
Round 1
Wessell comes right at Hardonk and pushes him to the floor. Wessell pounces but is sucked into Hardonk's guard. Hardonk secures an armbar. Wessell escapes and scrambles to his feet. They clinch along fence. A series of knees from Hardonk land. Wessell looks tired already. More knees to body and head from Hardonk. Wessell desperately looks for a takedown. Hardonk pulls guard. The action slows considerably and the crowd is booing. Hardonk just misses another armbar. He goes high with his hips in search of a triangle, but the round ends. 10-9 Hardonk.
Round 2
Wessell scores a quick takedown. Hardonk is playing a high offensive guard. Hardonk sneaks out the back door and takes his opponent’s back. He's softening him up with punches. Wessell turtles to avoid the rear-naked choke. Wessell rolls over but is stuck, fully mounted. Hardonk tees off with punches. Wessell rolls back over and eats more punches. Yves Lavigne saves him at 2:09 of the second.
Yushin Okami vs. Dean Lister
Round 1
Lister enters the cage sporting a pre-fight black eye. Lister misses badly with a wild right hook. Lister tries a single-leg, but it is stuffed. Lister is able to pull guard but he can't keep Okami down. Okami lets him up. Okami is dragged to the ground after another single leg. Okami gets back up. A hard left hand by Okami connects. And another. Lister wants the fight down and pulls guard. Lister rolls to rubber guard but nothing unfolds. Okami’s round, 10-9.
Round 2
Head kick by Lister misses and Okami is pinned against the fence. They separate. Left hand by Okami lands. A takedown by Lister is stuffed. Lister lays on his back to try and lure Okami into his guard. The crowd boos. He does it again. More boos. They're up and clinch along fence. Lister pulls guard. Lister applies an omaplata but Okami escapes. Okami lands three hard punches from on top. Lister scrambles out of danger. He tries to pull guard again. Three more hard right hands from Okami connect. The round ends as the arena showers the Octagon with boos. 10-9 Okami.
Round 3
Lister comes out firing, but misses wildly. Lister is trying more takedowns but his shots are telegraphed. Lister tries pulling guard again. Finally he successfully pulls guard, but Okami lands two more right hands. Very tedious fight to watch. The crowd is restless and are begging Referee Herb Dean to stand the fighters. Okami lands a decent right and left. Lister is unable to pull any submissions. Dean stands them. Lister misses badly with looping punches. Lister tries another single leg. It’s stuffed. 10 seconds left and the crowd boos. 10-9 Okami.
All three official judges see the bout 30-27 for Yushin Okami.
Cheick Kongo vs. Mustapha al Turk
Round 1
The fighters exchange jabs to kickoff the heavyweight contest. Kongo catches an al Turk kick and trips him to the canvas. Al Turk drops levels for a takedown, but Kongo defends it well with underhooks. Al Turk switches to a double-leg attempt and then gives it up. The fighters clinch against the fencing and Kongo delivers a knee to the body. Al Turk fires back with a knee, but it’s low. Referee Steve Mazzagatti steps in to give Kongo, who absorbed the strike on his groin protector, a reprieve. Action is resumed and al Turk drops for a single-leg takedown. Kongo stuffs it and blasts al Turk with a knee that lands south of the border. Al Turk is given time to recover. Mazzagatti gathers the fighters and tells them to keep it clean. Kongo drops al Turk with two right hands. Kongo pounces with elbows and punches, opening up a huge gash over the right eye. Referee Steve Mazzagatti finally saves al Turk after a savage beating at 4:37 of the first. The stoppage should have come quicker. The gash is about as bad as anything you’ll see in MMA. Starting from above the eye, it follows a jagged path well into the hairline.
Wanderlei Silva vs. Quinton Jackson
Wanderlei Silva enters the Octagon to the sounds of Darude’s“Sandstorm,” the theme he used for years in the Pride fighting championships. Quinton Jackson follows as WEC bantamweight champion Miguel Torres snaps a picture with his cellphone as “Rampage” passes.
Round 1
Jackson storms forward and takes the center of the cage. Jackson lands a left straight and a right hand. Silva loads up on a right hand that is blocked by Jackson’s left glove. Silva goes to work on Jackson’s lead leg with a low kick. “Rampage” drops down for a takedown, but Silva is game. He sprawls on it and lands two low kicks. Jackson catches a low kick attempt but loses his balance trying to take the Brazilian down. Jackson knocks Silva out cold with a left hook counter punch. Jackson unnecessarily nailed his fallen foe with three right hands to the face as referee Yves Lavigne pulled him off at the 3:21 mark of round one.
CB Dollaway vs. Mike Massenzio
Round 1
Dollaway attacks Massenzio’s body with a kick. Massenzio, whose left knee is heavily bandaged, appears to be slow in his movement around the Ocatgon. Massenzio hurts Dollaway with a right hand. Dollaway is hurt and is forced to fend off a tight guillotine choke.
Dollaway escapes and then has to defend a Massenzio triangle choke attempt. Dollaway gets out of danger and moves to side control. To mount goes Dollaway. He punches the head, forcing Massenzio to give up his back. Dollaway flattens out Massenzio and cracks the head with both hands until referee Yves Lavigne steps in at 3:01 of the opening frame.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Frank Mir
Round 1
Mir fires a head kick that misses. Mir goes to the inside of Nogueira’s front leg with a low kick. Mir is picking Nogueira apart with punches and kicks early. Mir trips Nogueira to the mat and enters his guard. Mir stands and invites “Minotauro” to follow. Mir blasts Nogueira with an uppercut and another low kick. The pace slows a bit as Mir appears to tire. Nogeuria takes the center of the cage looking fresh with his jab. Mir drops Nogueira to the canvas with a right hand. Mir pounces but patiently stands back to his feet once Nogueira had recovered. To the body with a knee and a left kick goes Mir. Nogueira gets off with his hands for the first time in the bout. Mir scores another knockdown with a right hand at the sound of the bell.
Round 2
Mir attacks with a flurry of punches that come up short. Nogueira answers with a stiff low kick to Mir’s right leg. Mir’s lateral movement is good as he bounces on his toes, moving away from Nogueira’s power. Frank Mir steps forward in the pocket and and puts Noqueira down with two left hooks. Mir finishes the Brazilian with punches on the floor.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans
Round 1
Griffin stalks the challenger around the cage, but Rashad connects first with a left hand. Grffin misses on a low kick. Griffin loads up a right hand that nearly connects. Griffin lands a low kick and a foot to the body. Evans returns the favor with a hard low kick of his own. The champion throws three jabs but they all fall short of their target. Griffin abandons his jab with a punching flurry and is cracked with a straight right to the ribs and a low kick. The champion again goes at Evans’ left leg with a kick. Evans switches to a southpaw stance to avoid punishment on the leg. He switches back to orthodox and gets the best of a punching exchange. A hard body punch prompts Griffin to take a deep breath.
Round 2
Griffin takes the center of the cage and moves toward Evans. Griffin lands a low kick and a right hand. Griffin gets busy from the Thai clinch with knees to the chin and body. Evans eats a punch and then taunts the champion by blowing a kiss and then touching his athletic cup. Evans, still smiling, absorbs another low kick to his left leg. And two more. Griffin is scoring big with his low kicks. The challenger attempts to kick back but his balance has been affected by the abuse to his legs. Evans connects with a clean straight counter right to the chin. Griffin shakes it off and stays busy with kicks and punches from the outside. A hard right from the champion closes the period.
Round 3
Griffin slips during an exchange and is forced to work from his back. Evans pounds away with punches from both hands as referee Steve Mazzagatti looks on closely. Griffin hangs on and recovers enough to attempt a triangle choke and an omaplata. Evans lands five hard right hands from the top position that hurt the champion. Evans pours it on with left-handed power shots until Griffin taps out from the abuse. Rashad Evans claims the UFC light heavyweight title at 2:46 of the third round.
WWE has started offering long-term contracts to several big stars with clauses strongly favoring the company. WWE has offered a five-year contract to Rey Mysterio and a ten-year contract to Randy Orton. The WWE contracts barely provide any way out for the wrestler, but are filled with out clauses that would let the company out of the deal.
For example, if there is a three-year contract, WWE could break it at any time with just 90 days notice. Some top stars have enough leverage to broker better deals, but the company is still strict about protecting themselves without clauses.
WWE would be protected if Mysterio suffered another injury or Orton had a serious meltdown and the company wanted out of the deals. In case of injury, WWE merely pays the downside guarantee, so there is incentive for wrestlers to continue working. WWE put the policy put in place in response to various wrestlers milking WCW's guaranteed contract system. This leaves the wrestlers with very little leverage.
Basically, if the wrestler is locked in for a long-term deal, the company can opt out at any time they please, so it's basically a no-lose situation for World Wrestling Entertainment.
Here are estimated pay-per-view buys figures for TNA pay-per-views in 2008:
- 20,000 for Final Resolution (Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage I)
- 30,000 for Against All Odds (Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage II)
- 20,000 for Destination X (Samoa Joe, Kevin Nash and Christian Cage vs. Angle Alliance)
- 55,000 for Lockdown (Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle)
- 25,000 for Sacrifice (Samoa Joe vs. Scott Steiner vs. Kaz)
- 20,000 for Slammiversary (King Of The Mountain Match)
- 25,000 for Victory Road (Samoa Joe vs. Booker T I)
- 35,000 for Hard Justice (Samoa Joe vs. Booker T II)
- 20,000 for No Surrender (Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage)
- 35,000 for Bound For Glory (Sting vs. Samoa Joe)
- 30,000 for Turning Point (Sting vs. AJ Styles)
The figure for this month's Final Resolution pay-per-view has not been released yet.
As you can see, Lockdown was by far the most purchased TNA pay-per-view of the year.
TNA drew an average of 28,600 buys per pay-per-view in 2008, up from last year's figure of 27,250 (through November 2007).
Also, here are the figures from last year in comparison:
- 35,000 for (2006) Turning Point (Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle)
- 34,000 for Final Resolution (Abyss vs. Sting vs. Christian Cage)
- 23,000 for Against All Odds (Christian Cage vs. Kurt Angle)
- 36,000 for Destination X (Christian Cage vs. Kurt Angle)
- 35,000 for Lockdown (Team Angle vs. Team Cage)
- 21,000 for Sacrifice (Kurt Angle vs. Sting vs. Christian Cage)
- 22,000 for Slammiversary (King of the Mountain Match)
- 15,000 for Victory Road (Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle vs. Team 3D)
- 26,000 for Hard Justice (Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle)
- 17,000 for No Surrender (Kurt Angle vs. Abyss)
- 36,000 for Bound For Glory (Sting vs. Kurt Angle)
- 27,000 for Genesis (Sting and Booker T vs. Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash)
Starting soon WWE will stop the branding of referees and all refs will wear the same shirts (likely the traditional black & white stripes), and only two refs will be going out on the road for Raw & Smackdown House Shows rather than three.
Whether this will lead to any refs being released is unknown.
Some refs also work on ring crews. Mike Posey & Charles Robinson are examples. It is possible they could be booked on some shows only as ring crew now rather than as ring crew and as refs too, as ref pay falls under the talent budget and ring crew pay falls under a different budget.
The reason why WWE wrote Ted DiBiase off television is due to him starring in "The Marine 2", WWE's second straight-to-DVD movie.
John Cena will not be apart of the movie outside of a possible cameo appearance.
It's unlikely DiBiase will be returning to television anytime soon.
A contributer for the UK Sun called into the Voice of Wrestling radio show last night claiming that a couple of WWE wrestlers he had interviewed last week, including William Regal, stated that WWE may be interested in A.J. Styles once his contract expires.
WrestleZone.com can now report with relative certainty that although WWE did approach A.J. Styles about coming over, it is most likely Styles will be staying with TNA.
If you watched the latest TNA Impact Show on Spike you heard Mick Foley announce the Main Event for Final Resolution as Sting, Booker T, Nash & Steiner vs AJ Styles, Samoa Joe & Two partners of their choice with AJ Styles winning the TNA Championship if any of the 4 Mafia Members are pinned.
So who will AJ & Joe pick?
Well if we were being logical we'd say Abyss & Matt Morgan. They faced Nash & Angle on the same episode as the announcement. Abyss is a true TNA original, and Main Event guy. Matt Morgan may have been in WWE, but it can be said he didn't have "opportunity" until he came to TNA, so he's as much an original as anyone.
Except that likely won't be the way it goes. Beer Money got involved in the finish of the match so likely Abyss & Morgan will end up with Beer Money at the PPV. I'd bet they could win the tag titles even.
So that leaves who???? Creed & Lethal? (Beat up by Mafia) Eric Young? (Beat by Booker T) Rhino? (Oh that's right he's facing Angle) A returning Petey Williams??? (He's out a month so likely not so much) Christian Cage (He was buried), maybe LAX (They are in really good Rough Cut segments for a while), Christopher Daniels (MIA but possible), Kaz (Legit recovering from surgery). All clearly are or could be with the TNA "Originals" in this fight, so those not already booked could be the choice.
But I'm betting they won't be.
So who then?
Well Team 3D, of course. Bubba mentioned the Mafia in his promo (BTW, great job by Devon..."testify my brother") Will Team 3D help AJ to win the title, and can they be trusted, or will they join the Mafia and screw the "Originals". I think that's the story or at least it's what I hear it could be.
Stay tuned.......
WWE has edited the forthcoming Eddie Guerrero DVD by removing any mention of Chris Benoit from the Guerrero tribute show that aired on Raw. In addition, the storyline between him and Chyna has been removed out of respect to Vickie.
"Prior to receiving the letter, I got a call from Brian Knobs who informed me that Vince’s surrogate Johnny Ace called Brian, who hasn’t worked for WWE in a decade, and threatened him not to go near any WWE talent or events as no one who is associated with CCW will ever work for WWE again. Then I found out that Jimmy Hart, one of the hardest working and loyal people I have ever met, was told he was no longer going to be used for WWE promotions because of his association with CCW, even though he asked for and received permission to do our show! As we subsequently learned, Vince went ballistic after viewing an episode of CCW and ordered Johnny to make the calls."
"According to Brian, Johnny told him that Vince was furious that CCW “exposed” the business. If that statement weren’t so transparent it would almost be funny. Even the most die-hard WWE loyalist knows that Vince has exposed the business more than anyone in history whenever it suits his financial self-interest (see avoiding regulation and taxation by athletic commissions) or lame creative decisions (Hornswaggle)."
In addition, Edge made his WWE return as he defeated Triple H and Vladimir Kozlov in a triple threat match to win the WWE Championship. Jerry Lawler pointed out at the end of the event that this was the first time in Survivor Series history that the two major titles have changed hands. He is incorrect. Both the WWE Title and World Title changed hands at Survivor Series in 2002 when Big Show and Shawn Michaels won the respective belts.
The line has started to form behind Brock Lesnar and Fedor Emelianenko has joined it.
The world’s top-ranked heavyweight and his team of managers voiced their interest on Tuesday in having the touted Russian meet the newly crowned UFC heavyweight champion in “a co-promoted event between the UFC, M-1, and Affliction Entertainment,” according to a prepared press release.
Lesnar dropped perennial favorite Randy Couture at UFC 91 last Saturday three minutes into the second round with a glancing right hook to the living legend’s neck before pouncing on the six-time champion with a flurry of chopping hammerfists for the stoppage.
Couture (16-9) -- who campaigned for a fight with Emelianenko for nearly a year outside the UFC during a contract dispute -- was down on the scorecards, but gaining momentum after he cut Lesnar over his right eye with an angular punch just a moment before his opponent short-circuited his efforts.
The former WWE champion earned a title shot toting a humble 2-1 professional record, but Lesnar silenced numerous critics who condemned the matchup happening based on popularity more than merit.
“I think Lesnar fought a very smart fight,” Emelianenko told Sherdog.com on Tuesday. “It was very interesting to watch. I think one of his strengths was that -- I was impressed by his speed in the fight. I think just from watching the fight, each fighter was waiting for the other one to make a mistake and I think Lesnar was very fortunate to have caught Randy and prevail.”
to UFC heavyweight champion
Brock Lesnar.
“It was certainly a good start for him, but his successes and failures will depend on who’s in the ring with him,” said Emelianenko. “Whether I get a chance to fight Lesnar in the future or not, that fight will be about me taking advantage of those weaknesses. Any opponent that he has in the future, for them to prevail would be for them to take advantage and capitalize on mistakes that he makes. Like every fighter, he’s certainly prone to them and I see that.”
Up until September, Emelianenko and his representatives seemed just as dedicated to a bout with Couture as the 45-year-old champion was himself. Last August, the pair met in Los Angeles to cull their resources in the hopes of greenlighting the proposed mega-fight.
However, Emelianenko’s management was unfavorable to the exclusive contract offered the Russian fighter by Zuffa LLC., owners of the UFC, and requested the organization co-promote events with their M-1 Global brand. Zuffa declined the offer.
With a legal stalemate drawing out into 2009 over his own contract, the aging Couture decided to return to the UFC fold on Sept. 2 to face Lesnar instead.
Billed “the fight of the century” by many observers, Emelianenko-Couture seems unlikely now following Couture’s loss to Lesnar. And the uneasiness between Emelianenko’s team and the UFC seems to rage on.
“It is the position of M-1 that the UFC has adopted an anti-Fedor policy because multiple attempts to sign him have not been fruitful,” read the prepared release. “For a company that has tried to market itself as the number one promotion in the world, they are unable to accept the fact that the number one fighter in the world does not reside on its roster of contracted fighters.
“We believe that the UFC has determined that it's much more inexpensive for them to use their marketing resources to use smoke and mirrors to brand a fighter as the pound-for-pound best as opposed to actually paying the pound-for-pound best what he is truly worth on the open market.”
Like his managers, the 32-year-old star seems to have made an about-face regarding Couture, though Emelianenko’s next bout has already been decided.
Emelianenko (28-1) faces top-five heavyweight and former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski (13-5) at Affliction 2 “Day of Reckoning” on Jan. 24 in Anaheim, Calif. The event will be co-promoted by M-1.
“To tell you the truth, I wasn’t entirely excited in fighting Randy,” Emelianenko told Sherdog.com on Tuesday. “I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him. Getting in the ring with someone that, I myself, adore as a person and a fighter, I’m never as interested in getting in the ring with someone I have an emotional attachment to.”
While M-1 reps predicted Lesnar wouldn’t make it out of the first round with the revered Russian, Emelianenko refrained from naming which opponent posed his greatest challenge –- the experience-heavy Couture or the heavy-handed Lesnar.
“I just never think that way,” he said. “I never concentrate on that. My opponent is the opponent that signs the contract to fight me and ahead of time, looking down a list of fighters that are available and trying to figure who poses more of a danger by studying their games –- it’s something I just don’t concentrate on.”
The UFC and M-1’s fundamental disagreement over Emelianenko’s proposed contract terms is the most obvious hurdle standing in the way of this bout happening -- that’s if you don’t count the fact that Emelianenko has nearly ten times as many bouts as Lesnar. The UFC is not lacking for opponents to face the 6-foot-3, 280-pound champion as well.
Regardless, Emelianenko has picked Lesnar out of the heavyweight line-up over Couture.
“I would choose Lesnar, mainly for the reason I mentioned before,” said Emelianenko. “I’m very sympathetic to Randy. We hung out together. We got to know each other. I have a lot of warm feelings toward him. Based on that, if I had my choice without any outside forces involved, I would choose Lesnar.”
Event: WWE Survivor Series Pay-Per-View
Airdate: Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 (Live On Pay-Per-View)
Location: The TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, MA
Results by WrestleView.com
- The WWE promo hits.
- A video package airs focusing on John Cena's injury back in August and his return tonight facing Chris Jericho for the World Heavyweight Title.
- A graphic opening then hits welcoming us to Survivor Series. We go live to the Boston Garden where a series of pyro goes off in the entrance area.
- Jim Ross and Tazz bring up the worked Jeff Hardy situation where he was found unconscious in his hotel in Boston. They said they are "investigating" the situation.
- Out first is Shawn Michaels to kick off the show.
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali & Cryme Tyme) vs. Team JBL (JBL, Kane, MVP, John Morrison & The Miz)
We start with Rey Mysterio and MVP. Lock up and MVP drives a knee into Mysterio's gut a few times. MVP gets in a few forearms, but Mysterio catches him with a big boot in the corner. MVP brushes it off and takes out Mysterio quickly in the corner. Mysterio with a huracanrana on MVP and a dropkick. Cover and MVP quickly kicks out. Tag to JTG who kicks MVP with Mysterio. They finish it off with a double dropkick to MVP, cover and MVP again kicks out. JTG with some big right hands to MVP. MVP then takes out JTG with a dropkick to the knee and a huge running knee to the head. MVP pins JTG and gets the pinfall.
JTG is eliminated.
The Great Khali is in and Khali chops MVP. Cover and MVP is gone.
MVP is eliminated.
Kane enters the ring and stares down Khali. Kane with a kick a big uppercut. Khali takes down Kane with a big clothesline and a big headbutt. Khali throws Kane to the corner and gets in a few kicks and elbows. Loud "KHALI" chant believe it or not. Kane with another uppercut, chokeslam attempt, but Khali counters and elbows Kane in the head. Khali chops Kane and tags in Mysterio. Mysterio goes up top on Khali's shoulders and jumps off splashing Kane. Cover and Mysterio gets the win.
Kane is eliminated.
John Morrison hits the ring and starts stomping over Mysterio. Morrison misses a splash in the corner and Mysterio gets in a few shots. Mysterio with a dropkick and tilt-a-whirl takedown on Morrison. Tag to Shad who launches Mysterio right into Morrison in the corner. Shad lifts up Morrison and drops him back down over the mat. Shad misses a shot in the corner on Morrison. Morrison with some right hands on Shad. Tag to The Miz who kicks Shad and gets in a few forearms. Tag back to Morrison who taunts at the crowd and continues working on Shad. Tag back to Miz. Shad takes both down with a double clothesline. Shad splashes Miz in the corner and powerslams him back down. Shad drops an elbow on Miz, but Morrison interferes to prevent a finish. Miz takes advantage and hits the Reality Check. Cover by Miz and he gets the pinfall.
Shad is eliminated.
It is now three on three as the captain Shawn Michaels enters the ring for the first time. HBK locks up with Miz. Miz gets in a few kicks and punches in the corner. HBK turns it around and chops Miz a few times. Miz with a big jumping clothesline on HBK in the corner. Miz with a catapult right into Morrison who tagged himself in and springboards back in the ring taking out HBK. Captain JBL gets the tag and he drives HBK into the corner. JBL throws some big rights. JBL with a swinging neckbreaker and elbow drop combo on HBK. Cover by JBL and HBK kicks out. HBK fights back with some chops. JBL pushes HBK to the corner and tags in Miz. Miz with a huge left hand that levels HBK. Miz with a leg drop, cover and HBK kicks out. Miz mounts HBK and gets in some big left hands. Another cover by Miz and HBK again kicks out. HBK is busted open over his eye and we see a replay of how JBL's right hands caused it. Tag to Morrison who jumps on HBK and applies a headlock. Morrison tries to toss HBK over the top rope, HBK holds on, kicks Miz, pulls himself back in and Morrison cuts him off. Morrison with a flying forearm taking out HBK and flips up just like HBK. Morrison scoop slams HBK near the corner, goes up to the top turnbuckle, attempts a flying elbow, but HBK rolls out of the way. Tag to Miz and Mysterio. Mysterio takes out Miz with a flying huracanrana. Mysterio gets flipped over the corner, lands and then springboard dropkicks Miz into the ropes. Mysterio with a 619 on Miz. Mysterio finishes off Miz with a flying body splash from the top rope and gets the pinfall.
The Miz is eliminated.
It is now three on two in favor of Team HBK. Mysterio flips over Morrison sending him into the ropes setting up another 619. JBL tags himself in and levels Mysterio. JBL with a big forearm and kick to Mysterio. JBL drops a few elbows over Mysterio. JBL with a cover and Mysterio kicks out. JBL sends Mysterio into the corner with force and Mysterio bounces off. Tag to Morrison who stomps over Mysterio's hand. Morrison starts choking Mysterio against the ropes. Morrison with a backbreaker on Mysterio and starts stretching him out over his knee. Mysterio with a big kick to Morrison's face. Mysterio tries a jumping bulldog, but Morrison counters in mid-air into another backbreaker. Tag to JBL who works again on Mysterio's back. JBL then applies an abdominal stretch on Mysterio. JBL breaks it and kicks Mysterio on the mat. JBL with a big kick to the back of Mysterio's head. JBL puts Mysterio up on the top rope and JBL hits a few forearms. JBL goes up with Mysterio, attempts a back superplex, Mysterio hangs on, hits a few elbows, JBL falls back to the mat and Mysterio hits a flying moonsault taking out JBL! JBL's mouth is busted open after the moonsault. Tag to HBK who chops JBL. HBK with a flying forearm, flips up, atomic drops, scoop slam, knocks Morrison off the ring apron, goes up top, but JBL rolls away. HBK springboards over the top rope and takes out JBL. HBK returns to the ring apron, JBL pulls him down and hits a few big rights. JBL dodges a Sweet Chin Music attempt by running away, the referee is still counting, HBK hits the ring and JBL is counted out.
JBL is eliminated.
JBL can't believe it and starts screaming at the referee. In the ring, Morrison is ready to take out HBK with Sweet Chin Music. HBK turns around, HBK dodges it and levels Morrison with some Sweet Chin Music of his own. HBK covers Morrison and gets the pinfall.
John Morrison is eliminated.
Winners: Team HBK (Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, The Great Khali & Cryme Tyme)
After the match, captain Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio and The Great Khali all celebrate the win. Khali puts Mysterio on his shoulders. All three men then celebrate throwing their arms up in the air.
- Backstage, Eve is with WWE Champion Triple H. She wants his reaction to the Jeff Hardy situation. Triple H said everyone seems to have their own opinion and doesn't want to get into that. He said Jeff worked hard to get where he was at tonight and is confident he will do it again. Triple H said tonight we will see the match that probably should have went down to begin with - Triple H vs. Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Championship. He said although Kozlov is undefeated, he has never been to the big dance before and promises it will be a night of firsts for Kozlov. It will be his first Survivor Series, his first WWE Championship match and his first defeat.
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Raw (WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Candice Michelle & Jillian Hall) vs. Team Smackdown (WWE Divas Champion Michelle McCool, Maria, Victoria, Maryse & Natalya)
We start with Beth Phoenix and Michelle McCool - both captains. Lock up and Beth goes to work on Michelle. Michelle flips Beth down quickly. Michelle with a dropkick to Beth, but Beth brushes it away. Tag to Maryse who shoves Michelle McCool off the ring apron. Michelle returns and tackles Maryse. The rest of the Smackdown Divas break it up. Maryse stares down Beth and Maria tags herself in. Beth lifts up Maria and throws her to the corner. Beth misses a charge and Maria gets in a few kicks. Maria with a takedown on Beth. Kelly Kelly tags herself in and hits a sunset flip on Maria over Beth that results in a two count. Kelly continues the pinfall attempts and Maria kicks out of each. Tag to Victoria. Kelly Kelly takes her out with a huracanrana and gets the pinfall.
Victoria is eliminated.
Kelly with another huracanrana on Maryse, but Maryse kicks out. Maryse with a backbreaker on Kelly and gets the pinfall. Kelly Kelly's bare ass was exposed here. Man she's HOT.
Kelly Kelly is eliminated.
Mickie James runs in all crazy and takes out Maryse. Tag to Michelle McCool again. Mickie with a takedown on Michelle, pinfall attempt, Michelle breaks it up, another bridge pinfall, break up, Michelle flips Mickie over her back and another pinfall gets broken up. Michelle with a russian leg sweep on Mickie and close two count pinfall. Maria hits Michelle when trying to break up a pinfall by Mickie. Michelle and Maria argue. Mickie with a DDT on Michelle and gets the pinfall.
Michelle McCool is eliminated.
Raw is up four to three right now. Rollup by Maryse on Mickie and gets the pinfall.
Mickie James is eliminated.
Tag to Candice Michelle and Natalya. Natalya with a takedown on Candice. Candice goes behind and takes down Natalya. Natalya attempts and locks on a Sharpshooter on Candice. It gets broken up by Jillian. Candice then spears Natalya and gets the pinfall.
Natalya is eliminated.
This is all over the place and not looking good. Maryse runs in and kicks Jillian. Jillian with a takedown on Maria, knocks Maryse off the ring apron, covers and Maria kicks out. Jillian with a flipping elbow to Maria in the corner. Maria gets on the shoulders of Jillian and hits a victory roll into a pinfall.
Jillian is eliminated.
Candice with a northern lights suplex on Maria and gets the pinfall.
Maria is eliminated.
It is now two on one with Maryse going after Candice. Maryse knocks Beth Phoenix off the ring apron. Maryse applies a figure four on Candice. Candice taps out.
Candice Michelle is eliminated.
We are down to Beth Phoenix and Maryse. Maryse lands a big heel kick to Beth, covers and Beth kicks out. Maryse catches Beth with an elbow in the corner, goes up top, jumps, Beth catches her, Maryse jumps off, rolls up Beth, but Beth kicks out after two. Maryse with a kick, but Beth goes behind and hits the Glam Slam as Michael Cole called it to get the pinfall.
Maryse is eliminated.
Winners: Team Raw (WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Kelly Kelly, Candice Michelle & Jillian Hall)
After the match, Santino Marella hits the ring and celebrates with Beth Phoenix. We see highlights of the match leading to the finish. Back live, Santino again kisses Beth's bicep and Beth gives him a kiss on the cheek.
- Backstage, Todd Grisham is with Matt Hardy and brings up the situation with his brother Jeff. Matt said he was in the hopsital last night and didn't get much sleep. He said Jeff was hit behind the head with an object and his status tonight isn't known. Matt said he doesn't know why this happened and wish he could tell everyone.
Casket Match
The Undertaker vs. The Big Show
The bell rings and both men have their fists up. Taker drops his and asks for the casket lid to be opened. Big Show gets mad. Lock up and Big Show breaks it getting in a few body shots. Big Show misses a big shot and almost gets tossed inside the casket. Big Show dodges it and moves to the outside area. Taker follows and Big Show gives him a big headbutt. Big Show then sends Taker with force into the padded guard railing. Big Show with more body shots and then nails Taker's face off the Smackdown announce table. Big Show clears away the ECW announce table as Taker comes forward again. He catches him with more body shots as Taker falls against the Raw announce table. Big Show continues to clear out the ECW table area. Taker grabs a TV monitor and cracks it over the head of Big Show two times. Taker then stands up on the Raw announce table, walks to the end, jumps and hits a leg drop over the back of Big Show's head crashing through the ECW announce table!
Taker picks up Big Show and gets in a few kicks to the body. Big Show rolls back into the ring as Taker follows. Taker misses the Old School and then Big Show takes out Taker with a big side slam. Big Show calls for the casket lid to be opened up. Referees open it, Big Show slides Taker under the bottom rope and throws him inside. Big Show calls for the referees to close it. They say Big Show has to. Big Show walks forward, tries to close the lid, but Taker blocks it putting his leg in the way. Taker with some big punches, sits up, climbs back into the ring and hits some big rights. Taker with a flying clothesline on Big Show. Taker with a clothesline on Big Show in the corner. Taker attempts a second and Big Show catches him with an elbow. Big Show starts going up the turnbuckle. Taker sits up, grabs Big Show and chokeslams him from the second rope to the mat! Taker calls for the casket lid to be opened up as Big Show gets to his knees.
Taker with a big boot to Big Show's head. Big Show falls through the ropes and into the casket. Taker goes to close the lid, but Big Show blocks it getting his arm up. Big Show catches Taker with a right hand and he falls back. Big Show returns to the ring and gives Taker a big chokeslam. Big Show leaves the ring and turns the casket over. Big Show looks to be done as he heads up the ramp. Big Show turns around and sees Taker sit up. Taker goes after Big Show. Flames shoot up from the ramp blocking Big Show. Big Show turns around and Taker hits a few body shots. Big Show counters and gets in more body shots putting Taker down. Big Show turns around and droids bring out a second casket and place it at the top of the ramp. Big Show sends Taker into the Survivor Series set to keep him down. Big Show lifts up the second casket and drives Taker face first into it. Big Show picks it up again, opens the lid, gets in some body shots on Taker, headbutt, but Taker fights back with some rights of his own. Taker then backs Big Show up against the corner of the ramp teasing he may fall off. Taker then grabs Big Show and launches him into the standing casket. The casket falls over and the lid closes with Big Show inside to get the win.
Winner: The Undertaker
After the match, The Undertaker gets down on one knee and poses.
- A promo for WWE Armageddon on December 14 airs.
- Backstage, we see The Bella Twins when Carlito and Primo walk up. Carlito confuses the two. The Gobbledy Gooker then walks up. They think it is Charlie Haas dressing up. Charlie Haas walks up asking what is going on. It turns out to be The Boogeyman.
- Backstage, Randy Orton is with his team. He said he didn't ask to be the captain tonight and if he had his choice he would be getting a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Orton tells them to follow his lead. Cody Rhodes teases that Randy will probably get eliminated before all of them. Orton gets in Cody's face. Mark Henry breaks it up.
Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match
Team Batista (Batista, ECW Champion Matt Hardy, World Tag Team Champion CM Punk, World Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston & R-Truth) vs. Team Orton (Randy Orton, WWE Intercontinental Champion William Regal, WWE U.S. Champion Shelton Benjamin, Mark Henry & Cody Rhodes)
We start with CM Punk and William Regal. Punk grabs Regal and hits the GTS right away getting the pinfall.
William Regal is eliminated.
Shelton Benjamin jumps in and rolls up Punk for a close two count. Punk with a big elbow to Benjamin. We see a replay of Layla throwing a shoe at Punk after he got the pinfall on Regal. Back live, Kofi Kingston gets the tag and grounds Benjamin. Benjamin stands up and pushes Kingston to the corner. Benjamin gets in a few shots, counters a catapult, but Kingston gets in a quick shot afterwards. Tag to Mark Henry with Benjamin holding Kingston down. Henry with a big headbutt to Kingston. Tag to Cody Rhodes who gets thrown on his back by Kingston quickly. Tag to Matt Hardy. Hardy drops Cody, hits an elbow drop and gets a two count after a pinfall. R-Truth is in and Truth and Hardy take out Cody with a double arm drag. Batista gets the tag quickly from R-Truth and Cody bails. Cody then slowly returns to the ring and tags in Benjamin. Benjamin hits a few elbows on Batista. Batista levels Benjamin with a big elbow and suplex. Cover by Batista and Benjamin kicks out.
Batista with some shoulder charges to Benjamin in the corner. Matt Hardy gets the tag. Benjamin catches Hardy in the corner and tags in Randy Orton. Hardy with a clothesline to Orton in the corner followed by a running bulldog. Cover and Orton kicks out after two. Hardy with a big scoop slam on Orton. Hardy goes up top, but misses a moonsault when Orton rolls away. Tag to Mark Henry. Henry hits a big forearm and a few kicks to Hardy. Henry with a catapult on Hardy into the second rope. Cover by Henry and Hardy gets a leg on the ropes to break it up. Cody gets the tag and we see a double clothesline between the two. Tag to Benjamin and R-Truth. Truth with some big rights on Benjamin. Truth with a roll up on Benjamin and Benjamin kicks out. Dropkick by Truth on Benjamin, cover and Benjamin again kicks out. Truth with a spinning forearm takedown on Benjamin. Benjamin then catches Truth with the Paydirt and gets the pinfall.
R-Truth is eliminated.
Kofi Kingston with a flying cross-body from the top on Benjamin, but Benjamin kicks out. Kingston with a dropkick and forearm takedown on Benjamin. Kingston with his double leg drop over Benjamin that results in a two count. Tag to Henry who grabs Kingston and hits a big elbow leveling Kingston. Tag to Orton who stomps over Kingston's body. Orton drops a knee and Kingston moves. Orton with a suplex lift dropping Kingston over the top rope. Orton catches Kingston with a knee to the head attempting a shoulder charge from the ring apron. Orton holds onto Kingston dropping him with a big DDT, cover and pinfall.
Kofi Kingston is eliminated.
CM Punk runs in and begins kicking Orton. Punk with a side kick on Orton, cover and Orton kicks out after two. Orton with a big kick to Punk's face and tag to Cody. Cody levels Punk with a dropkick followed by a drop toe hold. Cody drives his knee into the back of Punk. Punk with a cross-body off the turnbuckle and Cody kicks out. Punk with a knew knees to the gut, knee to the head and running bulldog from the corner. Cover and Cody kicks out. Cody lifts Punk to the ring apron. Punk kicks Cody in the head, Punk goes up top, Cody rolls to the ring apron, Manu distracts Punk and Cody sends Punk off the top to the mat. Cody drops Punk with a big DDT, covers and gets the pinfall.
CM Punk is eliminated.
Matt Hardy catches Cody with a Side Effect, but Cody somehow kicks out. Tag to Henry who uses his power sending Hardy to the corner. Hardy then drop toe holds Henry to the corner. Hardy goes up and drops an elbow to the back of Henry's head, hits a Side Effect, covers and Henry pushes Hardy off after the two count. Hardy up top again, jumps, Henry catches him and slams him down hard. Henry covers and gets the pinfall.
Matt Hardy is eliminated.
Batista is all alone. Batista hits the ring right away and takes out Henry with a Spear. Batista covers and gets the pinfall.
Mark Henry is eliminated.
Shelton Benjamin goes after Batista. Batista drops him with a big spinebuster. Batista Bomb, cover on Benjamin and gets the pinfall.
Shelton Benjamin is eliminated.
Batista with a big boot on Cody Rhodes. Cody goes up top, jumps, Batista catches him with a big clothesline and then drops him with a huge powerslam. Batista picks up Cody, knocks Manu off the ring apron, Cody with a kick, attempts a DDT, Batista pushes him away, gets him up for the Batista Bomb, Orton tags himself in, Batist hits the Batista Bomb, covers Cody, the referee tells Batista that Cody is no longer legal and Batista stands up. When Batista turns around Orton drops Batista with the RKO and gets the pinfall.
Batista is eliminated.
Winners: Team Orton (Randy Orton, WWE Intercontinental Champion William Regal, WWE U.S. Champion Shelton Benjamin, Mark Henry & Cody Rhodes)
After the match, the last survivors Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes stare each other down. Manu attends to Rhodes as Orton stares both down and leaves the ring. We then see highlights of the match leading to the finish. Back live, we see Batista recovering as Orton stares him down.
- Backstage, Eve is with Vladimir Kozlov. She asks if Jeff Hardy not competing tonight will change his strategy. Kozlov said it makes no difference and tonight he will become the champion.
- We go to ringside with Jim Ross and Tazz talking about Jeff Hardy's status tonight. JR informs us that Jeff Hardy will not be competing tonight.
- A video package airs highlighting the events leading into tonight's WWE Championship match involving Triple H, Vladimir Kozlov and Jeff Hardy (who was to compete in the match tonight and no longer will).
WWE Championship Match
Triple H (c) vs. Vladimir Kozlov
They did ring introductions for the challenger Vladimir Kozlov and the champion Triple H.
The bell rings and here we go. Kozlov attempts a takedown and Triple H dodges it. Lock up, Kozlov with a takedown, Triple H gets to his knees and back to his feet. Triple H with a side headlock takeover on Kozlov. Kozlov tries to send Triple H into the ropes, but Triple H keeps the headlock locked on. Kozlov flips back breaking the headlock. Lock up and Triple H with a takedown on Kozlov. Lock up and Kozlov takes down Triple H into a wristlock. Crowd starts a loud "WE WANT HARDY" chant. Triple H counters into a wristlock of his own into a modified abdominal stretch. Kozlov with a fireman's carry into a wristlock. Triple H counters out of that and works on Kozlov's wrist. Kozlov misses a charge in the corner and Triple H goes to work on Kozlov's left arm. Kozlov with shoulder charges to Triple H in the corner. Kozlov follows that up with a few forearms as well. Triple H catches Kozlov with a flying knee. Clothesline by Triple H on Kozlov in the corner.
Another clothesline by Triple H on Kozlov. Triple H with a knee to the face and DDT combo on Kozlov. Triple H with a few rights to Kozlov. Some "TNA" chants even start to break out as Triple H lands a few more rights. Triple H then catches Kozlov with a big spinebuster as Kozlov charged from the corner. Triple H attempts a Pedigree, Kozlov pushes him away and catches Triple H with his headbutt to the sternum. Both Triple H and Kozlov fall back after this takes place in the middle of the ring. Both men are back to their feet. Kozlov sends Triple H with force into the corner causing Triple H to fly over to the outside. Kozlov follows Triple H out and hits a shoulder charge into the padded guard railing. Kozlov throws Triple H against the ring and hits some more shoulder charges. Kozlov sends Triple H back inside. Kozlov catches Triple H and hits a big fallaway slam as Triple H came off the ropes. Cover by Kozlov, but Triple H kicks out after two.
Kozlov with shoulder charges on Triple H in the corner. Kozlov locks the arms of Triple H and hits another headbutt to the sternum. Kozlov with a powerslam on Triple H from the corner, cover and Triple H kicks out after two. Kozlov applies a modified bearhug on Triple H on the mat. Triple H begins to stand up. Kozlov hits a shot to the lower back and drops Triple H with a backbreaker. Cover and Triple H again kicks out. Kozlov with another backbreaker, cover and Triple H still kicks out. Kozlov then again applies pressure on Triple H's body. Fans in Boston are not liking this match at all. Triple H with right hands to Kozlov to break it up, hits the ropes, but Kozlov catches Triple H with a big powerslam that results in a close two count. Kozlov again applies more pressure to Triple H's body. Kozlov with a belly-to-belly suplex on Triple H. Kozlov misses a right on Triple H hitting his head on the top turnbuckle. Triple H with a kick to the gut and Pedigree.
Vickie Guerrero then walks out with a mic and said this match will after all be a triple threat match. Vickie says, "He's here. He's here. Here he is!" Edge's music hits and he walks down the ramp.
Edge hits the ring and stands in the corner. Edge takes out Triple H with a big Spear. Edge goes to cover Triple H when Jeff Hardy runs down and takes out Edge. Jeff Hardy grabs a steel chair, tries to hit Edge with it, but cracks Triple H with it instead when Edge moves. Hardy takes out Kozlov with the steel chair. Edge then takes out Hardy with a Spear. Edge crawls over, covers Triple H and gets the pinfall.
Winner & NEW WWE Champion: Edge
After the match, Edge bails from the ring with the WWE Championship over his shoulder. He walks up the ramp and celebrates with Vickie Guerrero. We then see highlights of the match leading to the finish. Back live, Edge has his arm around Vickie while holding up the WWE Championship. Edge kisses the title and smiles as referees attend to Triple H, Jeff Hardy and Vladimir Kozlov.
- A video package runs highlighting the events involving Chris Jericho becoming World Heavyweight Champion and how he will face the returning John Cena tonight with the title on the line.
World Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Jericho (c) vs. John Cena
Lilian Garcia does the ring intros. Mostly pro-Cena crowd here tonight.
Great reaction for Cena's return! Cena has the scare on his neck from surgery. Cena goes for an FU right away but to no avail.
Cena sells his neck injury at first by constantly putting his hand on his neck. Y2J targets the neck early on.
On the outside, Jericho kicked Cena in the neck area, and asked the referee to ask Cena if he wanted to continue. In the end, Cena barely made it back in the ring to avoid being counted out.
Jericho rammed Cena head first into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Y2J continues to work over Cena's neck. Y2J applies a full nelson. The psychology here is that Jericho continues to work over Cena's surgically repaired neck.
Jericho tried to submit him using the full nelson. Cena took too much time attemping the five knuckle shuffle, and Y2J locked on the walls of jericho, but Cena was able to reverse it.
Jericho applied another walls of Jericho, but Cena was able to make it to the ropes. Cena hit a quick FU out of nowhere but can't cover for the pin. Only a two count.
Code breaker by Y2J, but only a two count! Jericho follows with a hard clothesline. Jericho calls for Cena to get up.
Cena gets up and locks in an STFU. Jericho kicks out and goes for a small package. Cena picks up y2J and hits an FU. 1, 2, 3. NEW CHAMPION! Official time was 21:20.
Winner & NEW WORLD Champion: John Cena
John Cena celebrates with the title as the show ends. John's father is in the crowd. He goes over and hugs him. His entire family is there. Brothers, etc etc. They air replays and the show ends.
The idea of Sho Funaki's new "Kung Fu Naki" actually came from Funaki himself, who has been pitching the character to creative for several years now. Funaki has been showing up to WWE television for years with the same piece of paper that had his ideas of the gimmick. Vince McMahon shot down the idea countless times but for whatever reason, it finally got the green light.
MMAscoops.com is reporting that the UFC is setting up a huge main event for their first foray into Germany, a fourth fight of Randy Couture vs. Chuck Liddell is currently the top choice for UFC matchmakers. A proposed date of June 13th for UFC 95 in Germany has been rumored and seems likely to be officially announced shortly.
Liddell and Couture have fought three times in the past with Liddell taking the last two fights via TKO. The proposed fourth fight would take place in the Heavyweight division, which is the division where Couture currently fights.
It was reported that during UFC 91, the UFC had invited several German representatives to UFC 91 as sort of a showcase of their product to help the UFC expand into Germany, a market in which they’ve been trying to get into for a long time.
Stay Tuned For New Content.
