WWE Superstars Mark Henry and the Big Show will be at tonight’s Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games ceremony which will start at 7:15PM.
“Excited to have @TheMarkHenry and @WWETheBigShow at the Special Olympics CT Summer Games Opening Ceremonies tonight,” tweeted the WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon earlier today.
The games kick off today and will go through this Sunday involving over 2,000 athletes with the competition taking place at the Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven and the Hamden Hall Athletic Field in Hamden.
WWE will be the official production partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, filming the opening ceremony as well as producing daily recaps of the games.
Dolph Ziggler will be returning to action tomorrow at the non-televised live event in Johnson City, Tennessee, exactly a month after he suffered a concussion at the hands of Jack Swagger during a taping of Smackdown.
The current champion will be going one on one against Alberto Del Rio in his first match back and will also be live on Monday Night RAW in three days time. Ziggler passed the concussion tests that he had to undergo to be cleared to return.
In an era where wrestling fans are too inquisitive for their own good, it’s often hard to find things in the WWE that everyone will agree just works. One of which is the criteria we use to judge what a heel wrestler is in today’s PG Era.
The rapid expansion of the internet wrestling community (IWC) and the ever-growing popularity of dirt sheets has made it cool to support the traditional ‘bad guys’ of wrestling. Guys like Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, and Dolph Ziggler are all supposed to represent your current crop of cocky heels, but instead of being greeted with jeers, are instead finding a certain level of support from the audience.
The Wyatt Family has had only two vignettes air on WWE programming and already we’re seeing an outcry of support from the IWC, boasting their excitement about the new (assumed) heel group. While it’s one thing to mark praise for young, talented wrestlers, it’s another to treat them like a fan favorite when they’re supposed to be despised.
While it will forever be an uphill battle for the WWE to get the IWC to boo their internet darlings and cheer Vince’s prototype superstars (pun intended), there are things that the world’s number one wrestling promotion are doing right.
What do Ryback, Alberto Del Rio, and The Miz all have in common?
Well, nothing. That is, at least, until you dig a little beneath the surface.
Ryback
When Ryback was first introduced and was pegged as the new version of John Cena, he saw overwhelming support from both fans and the IWC alike. While he most definitely had his flaws, they were often overlooked because fans were excited to see a new, fresh face enter the main event scene. The criticism about his wrestling ability and his mic work were dismissed…until he turned heel.
The moment he switched sides, there was an outcry of how Ryback is limited in the ring and how his mic work is bland and robotic. Suddenly, the very same people that were clamoring for a fresh face in the main event mix hated and criticized Ryback for his shortcomings.
Fans were booing Ryback. The “Goldberg” chants started up again and, if you listen close, you can hear fans changing “Boring” or “You Suck” every time Ryback gets on the microphone.
So tell me – who’s more over as a heel right now? Is it Dolph Ziggler, who has fans chanting his name during Big E Langston matches? Or is it Ryback, who people are genuinely getting angry over seeing in the main event?
Alberto Del Rio
Does anyone remember back about 6 months ago when you absolutely couldn’t stand seeing Alberto Del Rio on television? He had a quick rise to the top in the WWE and was immediately pushed to the forefront of the World Heavyweight Title scene. Del Rio had countless battles with Sheamus that we all continued to criticize as boring, predictable, and exhausting.
While Del Rio’s in-ring style and mic-work haven’t changed much since then, our opinion of him most certainly has. And why is that?
Vince McMahon force-fed us an overused gimmick we’ve seen a million times before with Del Rio’s debut. He catapulted Del Rio into the main event, a place we thought he got too fast, and used Del Rio’s language barrier to annoy us.
Say what you want about Del Rio’s mic work and his lack of “true heel antics” – but Vince knew what he was doing. Fans generally couldn’t stand seeing Del Rio on television. And, as a result, Sheamus became a bigger star every time he defeated Del Rio. Each match, we hoped and prayed would be the final match – the one where Sheamus would snatch the title from Del Rio and the Mexican Aristocrat could be buried down at the bottom of the roster.
So if the point of a heel is be UNLIKED by the fans – was Del Rio really all that bad at what he was doing?
The Miz
Perhaps my favorite example of a perfect main event heel has got to be Mike “The Miz” Mizanin. The fact that The Miz waltzed into professional wrestling from the set of The Real World, with no independent wrestling background, drove the IWC absolutely nuts.
Heel. Succeeded.
Coupled with his arrogant attitude, The Miz marched up the ranks of WWE in relatively short time to become one of the best heels we’ve seen in the past 5 years. Not only was he hated by fans, but he was hated by just about everybody in the locker room.
I don’t think it was a coincidence that Vince McMahon decided to pit an obnoxious reality TV star against the WWE’s poster boy and have him win at Wrestlemania. Knowing how much people despised The Miz and how often he was criticized for being undeserving was McMahon’s skeleton key into creating a star.
And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but The Miz was far more over than Cesaro, Sandow, and Kidd are now… combined!
So is the WWE Really Doing That Bad?
We’re in a huge transition period for the state of professional wrestling. The internet has given fans the opportunity to see new wrestlers and new styles from around the world, with ease – things only a select group of fans had access to before.
The old rules about professional wrestling have all been broken.
But if you ask me, the WWE aren’t doing nearly as bad as we make them out to be. They’re still creating heels and personas that we really can’t stand to see on television. All the guys that we sit here and criticize – THOSE are today’s heels.
Guys like Ryback, The Miz, and Del Rio didn’t get to the top of the WWE because they were green and had no personality. They got there because they were the best of the current crop of superstars. The issue isn’t that the WWE is putting over the wrong people, but rather that WE, the internet wrestling community, try to out-smart the people responsible for building the product we love.
At the end of the day, there’s a reason Vince McMahon is still the CEO of the only credible wrestling organization left. And that’s because he keeps us bitching about guys we think are undeserving!
Agree? Disagree? Yell at me on Twitter at @suggafnshane.
About the author: Shane Skwarek is a Technology Consultant in the Tri-State area and a long time, avid wrestling fan. He’s a mark for cocky heels and subtle wrestling references, and holds a special place in his heart for the Shawn Michaels/Bret Hart Iron Man Match at WrestleMania 12. You can follow Shane on Twitter at @suggafnshane.
The newest member of the TNA roster, Rampage Jackson, made his debut yesterday during the live IMPACT in Duluth, Georgia, in a five minute in-ring segment.
Jeremy Borash introduced the former UFC champion who said it’s an honor for him to be here and since he’s from Memphis he was always a wrestling fan. He said he wants to be the best in TNA and to do that, he eventually has to beat the best.
At that point, Kurt Angle’s music kicked in and out walked the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame. Angle told him if he wants to beat the best, he doesn’t have to look any further cause he’s staring at him. Angle warned Jackson that he might be the best in the cage, but this is his ring, his world, and when he thinks he’s ready to go, he has to go through him.
The two then had a nose-to-nose stare down but then shook hands to end the segment. You can watch it in full below.
Impact begins with Bully Ray walking to the ring to brag about beating all of TNA’s heroes. Bully Ray defeated Sting at this past Sunday’s Slammiversary to retain the World Title.
Bully calls out Dixie Carter and demands to be inducted into the TNA Hall Of Fame. Hogan comes out instead, and Bully calls him “dad.” Hogan calls Bully a “son of a B” and reminds him that the Bound for Glory series is coming up. I really think he should have just said “bitch” and let them beep it. Censoring yourself always sounds lame to me. I also don’t get why Hogan thinks Bully should be worried about the BFG series, the winner won’t be crowned until October. What a silly son of a … “B”.
Hogan gets a couple cheap pops out of the Atlanta Georgia crowd before announcing the big news: Bully Ray will face Jeff Hardy tonight in a ladder match with a hammer hanging above the ring. Whoever gets the hammer first can use it.
Commercial
Match #1 Bound For Glory Series qualifying match: Chavo versus Hernandez.
Chavo gets behind Hernandez and puts on a cravat. Hernandez gets out and knock Chavo down with a shoulder block. Chavo gets behind Hernandez again, rolls over his back, and takes him down with an arm drag. Hernandez pushes Chavo into the corner; Chavo responds with a couple European uppercuts. Chavo lands a dropkick, Hernandez knocks Chavo to the mat.
Hernandez goes for a splash in the corner but misses. Chavo takes Hernandez downs and applies an armbar. Hernandez powers to his feet and places Chavo on the top rope. Chavo jumps off the top but Hernandez catches him and slams him to the mat. Hernandez hits Chavo with a clothesline and a double axe handle shot to the back.
Hernandez hits Chavo with a big splash in the corner. Hernandez slams Chavo to the mat again but then misses with a slingshot shoulder block. Chavo hits Hernandez with 2 vertical suplexes, but Hernandez blocks the third.
Chavo hits Hernandez with a dropkick and climbs to the top. Chavo goes for the frog splash but Hernandez gets his knees up. Hernandez picks Chavo up for the Border Toss but Chavo slips out. Chavo rolls Hernandez up, but Hernandez reverses it and stacks Chavo up for the win! Chavo looks bitter, but eventually they shake hands. Hernandez qualifies for the Bound for Glory Series.
Later tonight will be the debut of Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Rampage exchanges pleasantries with Storm and Gunner in the back before making his debut.
Commercial
Devon makes his way to the ring to complain that Abyss “stole” his title at Slammiversary in an unsanctioned match, and demands he return that title right now. Joe Park comes out instead and confronts Devon. Park thinks Devon robbed him of the TV title at Slammiversary and he’s not going to take it.
Joe Park takes Devon to the mat with a double leg takedown. Park clotheslines Devon and knocks him down again. Devon finally manages to knock Joe down and pummels him. Devon knocks Joe to the floor, pummels him some more, and slams him into the steel post.
Devon gets a chair when suddenly Abyss’ music hits. Abyss doesn’t show, so Devon decides to go look for him. At ringside, Joe Park sees blood coming out of his mouth and looks enraged.
Commercial
Match #2: Robbie E versus Samoa Joe.
Robbie claims to be the BFG MVP last year because he beat Jeff Hardy, the man that eventually won it. That match was his only win of the series. Joe starts off with a big kick to the face, a lot of punches, and then stomps on him in the corner. Joe hits Robbie with a back splash in the corner and an enzuigiri.
Robbie lands a few punches and climbs to the top rope. Robbie flies but Joe just walks away and Robbie crashes. Joe hits Robbie with a running high knee, a round kick, a chop, and a knee drop. Joe puts Robbie up on the top rope and drops him with a muscle buster. Joe gets Robbie in the rear naked choke and Robbie taps. Joe goes on to the Bound for Glory Series.
Commercial
When we return, Mickie James is apologizing for standing and watching last week as Velvet Sky got attacked by Gail Kim. Mickie seems a little insincere to me, and I don’t think Velvet is buying it either, but she does accept the apology. Velvet also says she is healthy and wants that rematch. Mickie says she’d love to, but she already has a match tonight.
A video tribute to the legendary Kurt Angle is shown in honor of his Hall of Fame induction.
Commercial
When we return, Jeremy Borash introduces Rampage! Rampage says he came here to be the best, and he knows that in order to do that, he has to beat the best. Kurt Angle comes out and gets in Jackson’s face and says “you’re looking at the best.” The two men stare intensely and then shake hands…and then stare intensely again.
Commercial
Bully Ray and Ken Anderson are in the back talking. They laugh at D Lo and Ken lobbies for the VP job. Bully Ray changes the subject to his match tonight and Anderson asks if he’s going to want any help out there. Bully says that’s the kind of call the VP should make. Ken isn’t sure if this means he is the VP or not, and I’m not sure either.
Match #3: Kenny King, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode versus Chris Sabin (X champ) and Storm and Gunner (the tag champs)
King and Sabin start the match of and King quickly lands a kick and secures a hammerlock. Sabin reverses and takes King down with a deep armdrag. Sabin hits King with a hurricanrana and a chop, but then gets attacked by Roode and Aries.
Storm and Gunner run in to help and the heels get chased to the floor; Sabin dives out of the ring onto them. Sabin rolls King back in but is then tripped by Aries. King steps on Sabin and tags in Bobby Roode. Roode slams Sabin into the corner, hits him with a chop and a vertical suplex.
Roode hits Sabin with a knee drop. Sabin tags in Storm and Storm lands several punches, an arm drag, and an inverted atomic drop to Roode. Aries gets in a cheap eye rake and snaps Storm’s throat on the top rope. Roode tags Aries in and Aries lands a slingshot elbow and a couple of strikes before tagging Roode back in.
Roode lands a kick and tags in King. King bodyslams Storm and hits him with a springboard leg drop before tagging Aries back in. Aries lands a punch before Storm whips him head first into Roode’s nuts. Storm tags in Gunner and Gunner hits Roode with a clothesline and a headbutt. Gunner hits King with a slingshot suplex.
Roode hits Gunner with a suplex, and Storm hits Roode with a neckbreaker. Aries lands a missile dropkick, Storm lands an enzuigiri. Gunner tags in Sabin and Sabin hits King with a springboard DDT and then finishes him with the “Hail Sabin” driver for the win!
Commercial
When we return, Devon and Knux are still looking for Abyss, but haven’t found him yet. Brooke Hogan congratulates Taryn Tyrrell on a great “Last Knockouts Standing” match she had with Gail Kim at Bound for Glory. Taryn asks Brooke if she still has feelings for Bully Ray, but Brooke wants to keep the discussion on wrestling. Taryn says she’s sorry.
Match #4: Mickie James versus Taylor Hendrix.
Mickie starts off all smiles and handshakes, but I think she is evil now. The two knockouts lock up and separate, with Mickie giving a condescending ‘thumbs up’ sign to Taylor. They lock up again and Taylor gets behind Mickie and twists her arm. Mickie reverses but then Taylor takes her down with a fireman’s carry takedown.
Mickie gets Taylor in a headlock and squeezes for a while. Mickie knocks Taylor down with a shoulder block but then misses a clothesline as Taylor bends backwards in a “Matrix” like move. Mickie gets behind Taylor but Taylor gets out and lands a kick.
Taylor climbs to the top but Mickie pulls the ref in to complain about a knee injury. Taylor walks over to see what’s wrong and Mickie hits her with a cheap shot. Mickie hits Taylor with the Mick Kick for the win.
Devon and Knux are still looking for Abyss. In the shadows, we see Knux get destroyed by the monster Abyss. Abyss pummels Devon next and tells him he’s taking the TV title “to the Abyss.”
Commercial
Match #5: Bully Ray versus Jeff Hardy in a non title ladder/hammer match.
Hardy flies out at Ray before the match even begins. Hardy hits Ray with a hurricanrana, and then kicks him into the announce table. Hardy flies off the edge of the ring apron and hits Ray with a clothesline.
Hardy slams Bully into the steel steps. Hardy grabs a ladder and brings it into the ring. Ray trips Hardy up, pulls him back to the floor, and then slams his leg into the edge of the ring.
Commercial
Ray hits Hardy with a couple headbutts to the chest. Ray slams Hardy into the corner and then pounds on his leg some more. Jeff lands a punch and Bully responds with a backdrop. Bully grabs the ladder, but then attacks Hardy again. Ray hits Hardy with a big boot to the face and then does the whole Hogan posing routine.
After mocking the Hulkster, Bully looks at the camera and says “hi dad!” Bully tries to get Hardy in a full nelson but Hardy slips out and hits ray with a DDT. The two men exchange a long series of punches and eventually Hardy gets the edge.
Hardy knocks Ray down and then hits him with a double leg drop. Hardy hits Ray with a dropkick and then sets the ladder up again. Hardy starts to climb but Bully pushes the ladder over. Hardy hits Ray with a mule kick and then slams the ladder into Ray’s nuts. Tazz says Bully Ray does NOT wear a cup; now he doesn’t need a cup because his testicles just got destroyed.
Hardy hits Ray with a jawbreaker and a running forearm. Hardy starts to climb but Ray pushes the ladder over again and Hardy falls hard. Ray climbs and gets the hammer but wastes too much time. Hardy hits Ray with a kick and a twist of fate. Hardy grabs the hammer and Bully Ray begs him off. Hardy swings at Ray but Ray runs away.
After the match Bully Ray is still running and also searching for his belt. Hogan sneaks up behind Bully Ray and gets ready to hit him in the back of the head with a hammer. Brooke Hogan comes out and saves her hubby. All three of them stare at each other until Bully walks away as Impact goes off the air.
In an interview with the VOC Nation Radio Network, TNA Hall of Famer and former champion Sting expressed his wish to wrestle the Undertaker, saying that everyone wants to work WrestleMania, even himself.
Sting questioned TNA’s intentions when they inducted him in the Hall of Fame, thinking that they sort of want him to retire even though he was assured by Dixie Carter that it wasn’t the case.
When talking about losing to Bully Ray and not getting another shot at the title, he said he doesn’t know what the booking team is up to and all the stuff that is happening makes him wonder.
Sting said that he’s on a one year contract and he was very close to signing with WWE before deciding to give TNA a try. He did acknowledge once again of talks between him and WWE in 2007 but said there was nothing official.
A new trailer to promote the Total Divas reality show on E! has been released, with the main focus on the Bella Twins.
The one minute fifty second trailer looks at the behind the scenes training, traveling, drama, romance, and everything else in between featuring Nikki, Brie, Cameron, Naomi, Natalya, and newcomers Jo Jo and Eva Marie.
The Total Divas show, originally set for the WWE Network, will premiere in July on E! Television.
WWE has announced that the company will be returning to China for a live show on Friday, August 2, in Shanghai at the Oriental Sports Center.
“We are extremely delighted to be back in Shanghai and offer the ‘WWE LIVE’ experience to Chinese fans for the first time,” said Sweesin Wu, WWE’s Vice President & General Manager, Asia Pacific. “We look forward to showcasing our unique brand of family-friendly entertainment that only WWE can deliver.”
The tour is being branded the “first time” as it is under the ‘WWE LIVE’ banner instead of RAW or Smackdown brands.
This is the third trip for WWE to China after making their initial debut in 2010 at the Shanghai Expo at the Mercedes Benz Arena, a free show available to anyone who attended the expo. In 2012, the Smackdown brand returned for a show at the Oriental Sports Center.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will make his first TNA appearance tomorrow night live on IMPACT Wrestling which is being held in Duluth, Georgia at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.
Spike, TNA, and Bellator held a press conference today to announce more details of the deal between all parties which includes Rampage getting his own TV show on Spike.
“We are looking for Rampage to dominate IMPACT like he dominated MMA. I want to be very clear, he is very serious about his deal with TNA,” TNA President Dixie Carter said.
Rampage said that the wrestling audience “gets it” and he always wanted to be a professional wrestler. “I was doing powerbombs in high school.”
TNA and Bellator share another MMA fighter between the two – King Mo – who signed a similar deal like Jackson, minus his own TV show.
Kmart and WWE are launching the first-ever exclusive children’s apparel line called Never Give Up by John Cena, set for debut this fall in Kmart stores nationwide as well as online at Kmart.com.
The Never Give Up clothing line will feature shirts, hoodies, pants, shorts, outerwear, headwear, and accessories all “inspired” by the current WWE champion.
“I am excited to announce WWE’s relationship with Kmart and bring the Never Give Up by John Cena collection to all of our young fans,” said Cena. “For the first time ever, young shoppers will be able to go to Kmart and find a new line of apparel that expresses my lifestyle and my never give up attitude.”
Dwayne Johnson’s first reality TV show The Hero will debut tomorrow night on TNT starting at 8PM EST.
The former WWE champion will host the reality show featuring a competition testing the strength, courage, and integrity of a diverse group of nine contestants. The players will be tested physically, mentally, and morally, before the American public votes on who will be The Hero.
TNT has released the first five minutes of tomorrow’s show online and it looks pretty good with some wicked challenges, fighting, insults, money, and a whole lot of drama. You can see it below.
The NBA game going head to head against Monday Night RAW pummeled the WWE show in the ratings, with RAW getting only a 2.6 rating with an average of 3,640,000 viewers, down 300,000 viewers from the previous week.
The show had 3,620,000 viewers in the first and second hour and 3,800,000 viewers in the third, giving RAW the lowest rating in months. WWE were bracing for the hammering and the show was rumored to have been rewritten during the day to try and soften the blow by putting the McMahons on the broadcast. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
Following last week’s ending, who will Curtis Axel pick on next to elevate himself? (He needs to now have a legitimate win, other than Sin Cara from Smackdown two weeks in a row! As long as Paul Heyman cuts a promo tonight with him, that’ll be good enough for me to sell the repackaged man for another week! Also, how will Chris Jericho get involved with his new feud with Paul Heyman and “Paul Heyman’s Guy,” C.M. Punk?
What will Ryback do next to intimidate WWE Champion John Cena leading to their 3 Stages Of Hell match at Payback? Or can Cena get some retaliation and gain momentum?
Plus, World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler is allowed to be back on the road, but not wrestle. Will “The Show Off” make his long, long awaited return? (I hope so!)
Monday Night Raw Report for June 3rd, 2013 – “The Weakest Or Strongest Link?”
Segment #1: Arena Promo
In a surprise return I was not expecting, Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley walks down the aisle with smiles on her face. She is happy to be back, even though she wishes it was under “better circumstances.” Stephanie is talking about Triple H, and removing him from tonight’s planned rematch with Curtis Axel, due to his medical condition even though he has been cleared. The crowd are not fans of this decision, but pop loud when her daddy, Mr. Vince McMahon struts out.
He is also happy to see the fans and makes a personal request. He asks them not to boo Stephanie, to which of course, they respond with loud boos. He cites that he and Stephanie care more about HHH than they do, and backs up Stephanie by “emphatically” pulling Trips from the card.
He calls WWE “family entertainment,” not a “blood-sport.” (Nice shot at the UFC!) He asks what more do they want, as they also chanted “one more time, one more time” when Ryback slammed Kofi Kingston through a table last week and “injured him.” (In reality, a way to write him off for elbow surgery.)
McMahons are now shocked (as I was again surprised) at the sound of The Shield’s music blaring the arena and Tag-Team Champions Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, and United States Champion Dean Ambrose approach through the crowd. Cole wonders what’s going to happen.
Commercials.
Match #1: 6-Man Tag-Team – The Shield (Tag-Team Champions Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns, and United States Champion Dean Ambrose) VS. “The Viper” Randy Orton and “Team Hell No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan) (Non-Title)
Back live, “The Hounds Of Justice” are alone in the ring, as Cole says that during the break, Vince and Stephanie were able to leave unharmed. (Blasted WWE App – seriously, not airing that is really stupid!) Ambrose and Bryan begin, with Daniel vicious with kicks in the corner and on the mat right off the bat. (Hey, that rhymes!).
He tags in Kane, who delivers a kick-to-the-face of Ambrose and slams him down for a quick one. He and Daniel double-team Rollins, and Kane takes over with a huge sidewalk slam. He ascends the turnbuckle but is cut off with a high dropkick by Seth. He covers for two before the break.
Ads.
Back live, Rollins is in control, gripping Kane with a grounding rear chinlock, and running into him in “The Shield’s” corner. Dean is tagged in and repeatedly headbutts Kane. He and Rollins try to double-suplex Kane, but “The Big Red Machine” reverses with one of his one, then manages to get the hot tag to Randy Orton.
He takes out all members of “The Shield,” even double-slingshot-DDTing Ambrose and Rollins, then tries to plant Roman, but Seth nails him in the back-of-the-head with a jumping kick. He covers for 1 – 2 – kickout by Randy!
Ambrose is back and continuously stomps on Orton’s stomach, then wraps around him with a rear chinlock. Both Rollins and Reigns are switched in and out, dominating over Randy. Reigns locks in a grounding full-nelson. Off the ropes, Reigns delivers a hard right hand into Orton’s gut and Ambrose takes over again. He methodically wears Orton down with small stomps and punches around the canvas.
Orton finally reverses Reigns into a backdrop and begins the long crawl to his corner. Rollins is measuring Orton from the top rope, but as he flies off, Randy counters with a dropkick, then gets to slap hands with Bryan! He is on fire (figuratively!), taking out all members of The Shield, with kicks and a hurricanrana on Rollins from the top rope ONTO Ambrose!
He locks Dean in the “Yes Lock” crossface but it is broken by both Tag-Team Champions. Reigns drives Kane down with a spear, but Rollins gets RKO’ed by Orton. He tries the same on Roman, but Reigns shoves Orton into Daniel and takes him out of the ring. Ambrose capitalizes with his bulldog/DDT move on Bryan for the victory!
Winners via Pin Fall: The Shield (Tag-Team Champions Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns, and United States Champion Dean Ambrose)
Post-match, Kane and Bryan are frustrated with their most recent loss.
Later tonight, Big E. Langston will face Alberto Del Rio in their 5th match, with both tied at two wins each.
Commercials.
Segment #2: Locker Room Promo
Daniel Bryan is yelling at Randy Orton about the results, but Orton just wants to drop it and beat “The Shield.” Bryan continues with his insecurities, accusing Randy of not apologizing because he is “the weak link.” He claims that both Kane and Randy don’t respect him, despite them trying to convince otherwise. Bryan wants to prove it again and wants to have another match. He storms off as Kane and Orton look confused.
Segment #3: Office Promo
Triple H is in the building and barges into Mr. McMahon’s office. He wants to know what’s going on and why he’s not competing. Stephanie tells him how worried their family was when he collapsed two weeks ago. “The Game” doesn’t listen and demands to wrestle Curtis Axel. Vince warns him not to do anything that he won’t regret. (Ooooh!)
The Usos, complete with new face paint, perform their awesome entrance and are out for a bout next.
Ads.
Match #2: Tag-Team – The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) VS. The Primetime Players (“Mr. No Days Off” Darren Young and “The Big Deal” Titus O’Neil)
Honestly, standard tag-team match with the heels controlling most until Jimmy and Jey make their comeback. Jimmy/Jey hits a Samoan Drop and superkick, and a “Superfly” splash for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pin Fall: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)
Up next, it’s Big E. and Alberto!
Commercials.
A promo for WWE’s partnership with the Special Olympics is aired, then some of the athletes are shown at ringside as guests tonight enjoying the festivities. (Sincerely, awesome!)
Match #3: Single – Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) VS. Big E. Langston (with A.J. Lee)
Big E. is all over Alberto first, until Del Rio counters an Irish Whip with a front dropkick. Del Rio flies through the ropes but misses, and subsequently gets run over with a shoulderblock by Langston. He rolls him back in the ring and clamps on a grounding half-camel-clutch. Langston catches Del Rio in a backbreaker and drops him three times on his ribs for a two-count!
Alberto attempts a comeback with some kicks in the corner and an enziguri. He kicks him square in the jaw off the ropes, then gets the crowd riled up then locks on the Cross Armbreaker. Langston manages to power out, picking up Del Rio in that position and hanging him over the ropes! Del Rio clamps it on again in the middle of the ring, and puts even more leverage on, pressing Big E.’s shoulders against the canvas for the 3-count finish!
Winner via Pin Fall: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez)
(And sadly, no Dolph appearance – yet.)
Up next, Sheamus will take on Cody Rhodes!
Ads.
Match #4: Single – Sheamus VS. Cody Rhodes (with “The Intellectual Savior Of The Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow)
Even at first until Sheamus clotheslines a running Cody. He chucks him over the ropes and tries to hammer against as per normal, but Rhodes catches him and slams his leg against the second turnbuckle. In the ring, Cody clamps on a grounding reverse facelock, but Sheamus gets out of it by tossing Cody across the ring.
He runs into him with a shoulderblock and smacking knee. Sheamus climbs the top rope and dives off with the Battering Ram shoulder-tackle. Sheamus goes for the White Noise drop, but Rhodes rolls him up for two!
Rhodes tries the CrossRhodes but Sheamus gets out of it. Cody leaps onto the top rope and soars off with a beautiful moonsault, although he does miss and gets dropped with the White Noise. Sheamus then polishes Cody off with the Brogue Kick!
Winner via Pin Fall: Sheamus
Post-match, Sheamus gets Sandow’s face (who was on commentary the whole time) and offers to shake hands, but Damien refuses. Sheamus slaps him into the corner and walks off to the glory of cheers.
Later tonight, Chris Jericho and Paul Heyman will engage in the contract signing for Payback.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Triple H (or Paul as Stephanie talks to him), is marching toward a waiting car. He proclaims that he is leaving, feeling extremely angry with Vince, and says that instead, next week he will be on Raw as it kicks off to face Curtis Axel. He chucks his luggage into the vehicle and drives off.
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Daniel Bryan is also frustrated, kicking objects while walking through the hallway. Ryback confronts him and warns the “little puke” that he put Kofi in the hospital for surgery (he notes it was last Thursday, but my Dad pointed out, correctly, that the show didn’t air until FRIDAY – oops!). Ryback calls him “the weak link” but challenges him anyway to a match tonight. Bryan accepts.
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Segment #6: Office Promo
Paul Heyman and Curtis Axel are in Vince’s office when the boss walks in. He congratulates Axel on his success so far, but completely ignores Heyman, even when Paul E. offers his hand for a shake. Heyman tries to slide out, but McMahon informs them that Curtis will not be taking on Triple H tonight, or next week, but instead be facing John Cena tonight in a rematch, and it will be a no-disqualification match with the WWE Champion. Axel seems fine with this.
Up next, Fandango with Summer Rae will be in action!
Commercials.
Match #5: Single – Fandango (with Summer Rae) VS. The Great Khali (with Hornswaggle and Natalya)
Khali controls all of this bout with his usual repertoire of slow punches, until Fandango escapes to the stage, not wanting to get Double-Chokeslammed. He wants to go further, but is cut off by The Miz, who is in turn cut off by a Bullhammer blow from Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett. They are schedule to wrestle after the break!
Winner: No Contest due to Non-Finish
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Match #6: Single – “The Awesome One” The Miz VS. Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett (Non-Title)
In the midst of this bout, Fandango returns and interrupts by dancing on the stage with Summer Rae. This distracts Barrett and allows Miz to lock in the Figure-4 to force Wade to tap!
Winner via Submission: “The Awesome One” The Miz
Segment #7: Arena Promo
Jerry “The King” Lawler is in the ring and is presiding over the contract signing between “Y2J” Chris Jericho and Paul E. Heyman. The ring is decorated with the usual big leather chairs and table. Lawler presents the contract in front of them after they sit down.
Prior to signing, Heyman cuts a promo, telling Jericho that when he wrestles “my client, ‘The Best In The World’ and the longest-reigning WWE Champion….” Jericho cuts him off and says he doesn’t “give a damn about all that. All I care about is you delivering C.M. Punk on June 16th.”
Heyman signs the document, then asks “Y2J” if he is honestly ready to face “The Straight-Edge Superstar” in his faithful hometown of Chicago, where Punk “can do no wrong.” Jericho mocks Paul’s threats by naming other cities to wrestle in, before of course going for the cheap pop of wanting to have the match “right here in Hartford, Connecticut.”
Paul responds with a blatant “no,” and Jericho agrees to have it in Chicago. He says that “when you act like a ‘jackass,’ like C.M. Punk acts, you get treated like a ‘jackass.'” Jericho wonders where to file this contract though, his lawyer’s or Heyman’s. He gets up and approaches “Mr. Walrus.” Chris knows exactly where the contract should be put, and shoves it down Paul’s pants. “See you in Chicago” Jericho gleefully gloats and walks off.
Commercials.
Match #7: 6-Woman Diva Tag-Team – The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki) and A.J. Lee VS. The Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron) and Divas Champion Kaitlyn
A.J. and Kaitlyn start out, with Kaitlyn clutching Lee’s hair. A.J. backs out quickly, tagging in a Bella Twin as Kaitlyn tags in a Funkadactyl. The Bella Twin takes control after Naomi makes a mistake and misses a crossbody, springing herself back off the ropes.
Both Twins now dominate Naomi, but she battles back with quick punches and a smacking enziguri. She gets the tag to the Divas Champion. Kaitlyn (sloppily) drops a Twin with a reverse DDT, but is shoved down. The Twin goes to tag A.J., but Lee hops off the apron, not wanting to wrestle with Kaitlyn. This allows the Twin to turn around into a spear and receive the loss for her team!
Winners via Pin Fall: The Funkadactyls (Naomi and Cameron) and Divas Champion Kaitlyn
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Segment #8: Locker Room Promo
Daniel Bryan is psyching himself up for his second match when his “Team Hell No” partner walks in. Kane calls what Bryan is doing crazy, because he has never seen anyone with more heart “night, after night, after night, after night…” Bryan shakes his head and still is defiant, ordering Kane to stay away from him tonight. Kane obliges, telling Bryan to call him when he’s “found his mind, because you’ve clearly lost it.”
Segment #9: Video Promo
The second airing introducing The Wyatt Family is shown, which is similar to last weeks, complete with “lamb masks.” Bray is preaching that parents should not tell their children there are not monsters under their beds, because there ARE monsters. Other people are holding their hands out up to Wyatt, and Erik Rowan and Luke Harper are walking around. This footage is all filmed in a forestry-type area with a cabin. (very different and could go over very well!)
Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring and his contest with Ryback is next!
Commercials.
Match #8: Single – Daniel Bryan VS. Ryback
Bryan holds his own, kicking away at Ryback until the “Human Wrecking Ball” puts him down with a big boot. Daniel comes back with knees and kicks, but Ryback catches him and tosses him over by the legs. He takes control for a bit, but Bryan ties him up in a half-crab submission and hammers away with fists when he turns it around to the front. Bryan launches himself over Ryback out of the turnbuckle, but gets tossed over the ropes.
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Ryback is back dominating, running himself into Bryan against the turnbuckles. He holds on to the top rope and stomps away on Bryan’s arm, then his stomach and taunts him by shouting “you are a weak, little man.” He grips on a grounding rear chinlock, then hurls Bryan across the canvas with a choke-toss. He goes to ram Bryan in the corner, but misses and nails the ring post instead!
Daniel gets fired up again, even soaring across the ring with a diving headbutt off the top! He slaps himself awake and kicks at Ryback again, but gets caught on the last one and slammed down with a powerbomb! Ryback is “waking up,” but gets locked in the Crossface “No Lock, middle of the ring!
He is struggling to find the ropes and does manage to after at least thirty seconds in the submission! Ryback falls to the floor, and Daniel follows up with a suicide dive, however Ryback sees him coming and tosses him into the front of the announce table. Ryback now runs Bryan’s back into the ring post three times and goes for the table.
Referee Mike Chioda warns Ryback not to do this, but Ryback sets up the structure anyway. He high-powerbombs Bryan through the wood, resulting in a dq for Ryback!
Winner via Disqualification: Daniel Bryan
Post-match, Ryback sets up another table against the corner of the barricade, but before he can try again, WWE Champion John Cena runs out to stop Ryback to a massive pop. He faces off against “The Human Wrecking Ball,” threatening him with the WWE Championship.
Curtis Axel and Paul Heyman takes this opportunity to walk out and begin their match with the WWE Champion.
Commercials.
Match #9: No-Disqualification Single – WWE Champion John Cena VS. Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman) (Non-Title)
Cena runs off the ropes but is quickly tripped up by Heyman. Axel takes advantage with a high dropkick. Cena lands a few punches back, but gets driven down with a sidewalk slam coming off the ropes. Heyman gives a chair to Axel, but Cena grabs it and instead slams Curtis in the back. He chucks Axel over the commentator’s table, but the count reaches eight from referee Scott Armstrong, so Cena brings Axel back into the ring.
Curtis swings another chair, but hits the ring post instead. Cena looks worried as he sees a loaded-weaponed-Curtis. Heyman is licking his lips (disturbing!), but Cena counters with a dropkick to Axel’s face with the chair in front! Curtis gains control again, whipping Cena hard into the corner and ripping at his face with his hands.
Axel puts the boots to John’s head, but Cena powers up with his common spin-out backdrops and shoulder-tackles. He runs at Axel in the corner, but Curtis moves and Cena rams a chair that Heyman had placed. Axel viciously pounds away on Cena, then brings another chair back in the ring. He whacks Cena across the back, but only gets two with the cover! Axel repeats the process many times, then measures him and delivers a running swinging neckbreaker on the chair! 1 – 2 – Cena kicks out!
Axel sets up the WWE Champion for the Perfect Plex, but Cena reverses into the STF submission, right in front of Paul E. Axel struggles for the ropes, but Heyman helps him out by giving him a computer from the announce table. Axel nails Cena with the device to break out of the STF.
On the outside, Cena sets up Curtis for the Attitude Adjustment and walks over to the corner table. Heyman gets in the way, begging Cena not to put Axel through the table, saying “he’s a human being.” Out of nowhere, Ryback assaults Cena, running him through the table. This allows Axel to get his third-straight Raw victory by count-out!
Winner via Count-Out: Curtis Axel (with Paul Heyman)
Post-match, Ryback stands over a laid-out WWE Champion, yelling “you can’t see me. Ryback rules at Payback” to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Tonight was a promo-heavy show that continued storylines/angles, decently enough. However, the crowd in Hartford was awesome, and helped make Raw even better! On to the analysis.
Excellence: As has been the theme the last few weeks, the wrestling! Some of the matches tonight were great again, especially the 6-Man opener. “The Shield” seem to have the all-around cliche “package” right now – can get “over,” wrestle, and cut awesome promos! Also loved the Daniel Bryan/Ryback match (mainly because Bryan is turning into the man that can have a great bout with anybody and make them look good, even if they can’t wrestle very well.), as well as Sheamus/Rhodes. Definitely into the Bryan “weakest link” storyline and absolutely loved the passionate locker room promo he had with Kane (and Kane’s delivery/intensity too) and Orton. Really putting in some new “fire” (no pun intended) into “Team Hell No.”
Glad to see The Usos get a “fresh” start with a long-awaited “W.” I hope they will be moved up in the ranks of the tag-team division from now on, as they bring me back to the days of the 80s/90s of “golden era” tag-team wrestling – an actual team that dress/look alike, and have specific move-sets and/or perform actual double-team moves. (“The Shield” can definitely be classified here too)
The match tonight between Miz and I.C. Champion Barrett felt like just a “write-off”/quick one for the sake of continuing the angle, but the way they and Fandango have been interacting lately has been very entertaining. Since it’s a triple-threat storyline, I can see this continuing until Summerslam, with the big blow-off match then.
Anytime Paul Heyman is on screen is gold! Whether he is trying to weasel (reference, great Bobby Heenan!) is way out of a situation, or boldly pontificate his client’s abilities to put them over, Paul E. can do no wrong. And right now, his rivalry with Chris Jericho is a masterpiece of microphone work banter between the two, and Jericho is the perfect guy to both get C.M. Punk back and put over Curtis Axel.
Bogus: Triple H/McMahon storyline. This formula is tried, tested, and in this case, will not be true. I think Trips should’ve taken another extensive leave of absence, as this angle is really there just to put him back in the spotlight, since it did take most of the show! Not good.
And I slagged it initially in the show recap, but man is this “WWE App” thing stupid! I mean, stuff like “The Shield” coming down to the ring and McMahon’s leaving only being shown on the app and not TV is wrong. I was in a little suspense after the first commercial break, because I thought Ambrose, Rollins, and Reigns, could’ve done something decent and cut a promo with Vince and Stephanie. But nope, they just made their entrance and went into the match. Same with Zeb Colter, would’ve like to actually hear what he is saying instead of it being a visual in the corner of the television. Also, much like the twitter feeds at the bottom of the screen, it is very distracting and I sometimes find myself paying more attention to them instead of the match I’m supposed to be typing about!
Hated the ending – love everything character/wrestling-wise about Curtis Axel, but he needs to get a real pin fall win over a big star to get a reputation. These three count-outs don’t cut it. First one is a pass, but three weeks in a row is WCW-esque – yikes! Also, they didn’t even show him at the end of the night. The camera was just focused on Ryback and a downed Cena. I think that hurt Curtis a little. Alright, this and the above paragraph are my two rants for the week!
Quickly, in the don’t care file belongs the Divas storyline with Divas Champion Kaitlyn/A.J. and Bellas, as well as Big E./Alberto – only because they are without World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler, who adds an exuberant amount of “spice” into this storyline. Please come back next week, “Show Off!”
In general another good show overall, but I really do hope it isn’t going to be HHH-dominated again for the next long while! Keep the young guys (Bryan, “Shield,” Usos, Axel) at the forefront for interest. Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
PWInsider.com is reporting that TNA announcer Todd Kenely has been let go and will no longer form part of the announce team.
Kenely was hired in October of last year by Eric Bischoff and was added to the Taz and Mike Tenay announce team. Before joining TNA, he worked for NWA Hollywood as a backstage interviewer and then served as the ring announcer for the short-lived Hulk Hogan Celebrity Championship Wrestling.
His last work for TNA was at the Slammiversary pay-per-view this past Sunday. PWInsider adds that his removal had nothing to do with his work but because the company wants to use a two man team going forward.
TNA Wrestling, Bellator, and Spike TV, today announced that former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, has signed a multi-year partnership with the three companies.
The announcement was made by Kevin Kay, Spike TV President, Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO, and Dixie Carter, TNA Wrestling President.
The landmark partnership includes Jackson competing in Bellator MMA, along with joining the superstars of TNA’s IMPACT Wrestling.
“Rampage is one of the best known MMA fighters competing today,” said Carter. “He is a true cross-over star and his talent, big personality and popularity among a wide range of fans make him an extraordinary fit for our company.”
Kurt Angle thanked the fans on Twitter for their support the day after he was announced as the second inductee in the TNA Hall of Fame.
“Thanks to all of you for your support in my induction into TNA HOF,” Angle wrote. “Couldn’t do it without you. Much love.” The former WWE and TNA champion also praised his match against AJ Styles from yesterday’s Slammiversary pay-per-view, calling himself “blessed.”
His ex-wife Karen also had good things to say about him for being chosen to enter the Hall of Fame later this year.
“Congrats to @RealKurtAngle on his win over @AJStyesOrg & 4 being the next inductee into the TNA HOF! Very well deserved! #champion #machine,” the now Mrs Jarrett wrote.
Jeff Jarrett also sent in his congratulations via Twitter, saying that in the ring “there’s never been anybody better.”
Several other TNA Superstars joined in with their congratulatory remarks as well on the social network website.
Here are the results from last night’s Slammiversary XI pay-per-view which took place from the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts.
Chris Sabin defeated Kenny King and Suicide to win the X Division title in an Ultimate X match; Magnus, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy defeated Wes Brisco, Garrett Bischoff, and Mr Anderson in a six-man tag team match; Jay Bradley defeated Sam Shaw in a TNA Gutcheck tournament match; Devon defeated Joseph Park via forfeit to retain the TNA Television title; Abyss defeated Devon to become the new TNA Television champion; Gunner and James Storm defeated Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian, and Austin Aries and Bobby Roode to win the TNA tag team titles in a four-way elimination match; Taryn Terrell defeated Gail Kim in a last Knockout standing match; Kurt Angle defeated AJ Styles; Bully Ray defeated Sting in a no holds barred match to retain the TNA World title.
Kurt Angle was announced as the second inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame yesterday during the Slammiversary pay-per-view.
The 44 year old Olympic gold medalist joined TNA Wrestling in 2006 after an eight year stint with WWE.
He made his TNA debut in October, a month after TNA President Dixie Carter announced that Angle signed a deal with TNA. His first match took place on IMPACT in November and then defeated Samoa Joe at the Genesis pay-per-view to end his undefeated streak.
During his time in TNA, Angle divorced from his wife Karen and she ended up marrying Jeff Jarrett, a scenario which created some real-life drama behind the scenes.
Angle had a successful run in TNA in terms of winning titles, becoming the TNA World champion on five separate occasions, the tag team champion twice – with Sting and AJ Styles – and even won the X Division title.
The former champion will be inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame the night before Bound For Glory pay-per-view.
You can see his tribute video from the Slammiversary pay-per-view below.
World Heavyweight champion Dolph Ziggler returned to be a part of the non-televised live events yesterday in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, however did not wrestle as he is still not cleared to get physical in the ring.
Ziggler took the mic to address the fans about his concussion and told them that he can’t wrestle but his friend Big E. Langston would be taking his place to wrestle Alberto Del Rio.
Ziggler has been out for a few weeks due to a concussion received thanks to a kick from Jack Swagger during the Smackdown tapings. He had to be taken out of the Extreme Rules pay-per-view because of his injury.
Live from the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts, TNA Wrestling presents Slammiversary XI on pay-per-view. The full card is as follows:
Bully Ray vs Sting for the TNA title in a no holds barred match with the stipulation that if Sting loses he can no longer wrestle for the TNA title; AJ Styles vs Kurt Angle; Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez vs Gunner and James Storm vs Christopher Daniels and Kazarian vs Austin Aries and Bobby Roode for the TNA tag team titles in a four-way elimination match; Devon vs Joseph Park for the TNA Television title; Kenny King vs Suicide vs Chris Sabin in an Ultimate X match for the X Division title; Taryn Terrell vs Gail Kim in a last Knockout standing match; Magnus, Samoa Joe and Jeff Hardy vs Wes Brisco, Garrett Bischoff, and Mr Anderson in a six-man tag team match; and Jay Bradley vs Sam Shaw in a TNA Gutcheck tournament match.
