Can you hear the wedding bells ringing? Tonight on IMPACT, TNA will present the Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan wedding live on Spike TV!
History suggests that wrestling weddings never go according to plan and it will be very, very surprising if this one goes on without a hitch!
Bully Ray had his bachelor’s party yesterday at Rick’s Cabaret – a gentlemen’s club – in New York City. Several TNA Superstars were on hand for the occasion and they occupied the entire second floor VIP lounge and the Deluxe Sky Box.
Over 75 of Rick’s Cabaret Girls were present to provide the exciting entertainment.
In what could be classified under the “taking an angle too far” department, Bully Ray is having his bachelor’s party tonight at Rick’s Cabaret – a gentlemen’s club – in New York City.
Several TNA Superstars will be on hand for tonight’s occasion and they will take the entire second floor VIP lounge and the Deluxe Sky Box.
On a good note, over 75 of Rick’s Cabaret Girls will provide the entertainment. Who knows, maybe TNA will be there taping some juicy footage.
Rick’s Cabaret – a publicly traded company on NASDAQ – actually issued a press release about tonight’s event.
Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan’s wedding will be airing tomorrow night on IMPACT on Spike TV. If there’s one thing we learned over the years, wrestling weddings never go according to plan!
Monday Night RAW did a 3.2 rating this week for the 20th anniversary show with an average of 4,550,000 viewers. That number is up 0.1 from last week and around 100,000 in additional viewers.
Hour one did 4,500,000 viewers, hour two did 4,680,000 viewers, and hour three dropped down to 4,470,000 viewers, once again going below the first and second hour in terms of total viewers. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
20 years (and three nights, technically!) a “revolution” began that changed professional wrestling and television forever. It has been on a roller coaster of ups and downs, but through it all, has lasted more than any other weekly television event.
Surprise hirings, surprise firings, drafts, unexpected returns and debuts, monumental and controversial storylines, friendships formed and disbanded, heartbreaking tribute shows and classy retirements, fantastic matches, and major championship changes have all lead up to tonight, the 20th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw!
Monday Night Raw for January 14th, 2013 – “20 Years On…”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo and Welcoming
All of the opening videos from Raws air, then we are welcomed by Michael Cole to the 20th Anniversary of Monday Night Raw.
Segment #1: Arena Promo
The man who started it all is in the ring, as Justin Roberts asks us to welcome the Chairman of the WWE, Mr. Vince McMahon. He gives thanks to all for making Raw what it has become (in particular the 4 billion fans who have tuned in each and every week) and of course, himself for being a “genius.”
He then announces that tonight, we have The Rock Concert to look forward to, as well as a rematch between Dolph Ziggler and John Cena, this time (as Vince points to the ceiling) in a steel cage!
Just as Mr. McMahon was finishing, former World Heavyweight Champion The Big Show walks out. He demands that Vince fix the “travesty” that was the match costing him the World Title.
Footage is shown of Alberto Del Rio winning the championship, and then Show goes on a tirade. He claims that Smackdown General Manager Booker T. is jealous of him because he has an “iron-clad no cut contract.” Big then suggests that Mr. McMahon strips Del Rio of the title.
The new champion’s music hits and Ricardo Rodriguez announces the jubilant Del Rio. He calls Show a “crying baby” for losing and picking on Rodriguez. He challenges Show to a rematch too, but Big declines. (Del Rio is really getting over as a face – big pop when he comes out, and chants of “si” which is Spanish for “yes.”)
Show claims, much like Smackdown, he is not prepared, but Alberto refutes this, saying that Big Show is already big enough, he doesn’t need to be prepared.
Show still denies, saying that he will fight him when he wants too, and that is at the Royal Rumble. The 7-Footer declares that everyone will be talking when he knocks Del Rio out and takes back the World Heavyweight Championship.
Del Rio then insults Show in Spanish, calling him a “fat jackass,” and gives him a present. Rodriguez chucks a bucket of confetti on Show, and as the giant goes to hit him, Alberto intercepts and takes him down with a hurricanrana and enziguri. He shakes hands with Mr. McMahon as Big how walks off steamed.
Ringside, Cole introduces us to Jerry “The King” Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield as the commentary team, then goes over some of the lineup.
Commercials.
Segment #2: Raw Recap
Highlights from September 7, 2009, when “Price Is Right” host Bob Barker hosted Raw.
Match #1: Single – Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett VS. Randy Orton (Non-Title)
Collar/elbow tie-up to begin this contest, then Randy comes off the ropes with a Lou Thesz press. On the outside, he slams Barrett’s head against the announce table, and rolls him back in the ring for a quick near-fall. After a few stomps, Orton clotheslines Wade to the floor for a break.
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Back live, the I.C. Champion has Orton clamped in a grounding rear chinlock, then gets a two-count following a big-boot. Randy counters another rear chinlock with a back body drop, then begins to fire up.
He nails a couple clotheslines and a powerslam, but gets hanged on the rope by Wade. Orton ducks again and drives Barrett down with a backbreaker and the slingshot DDT. Orton measures, but the champion shoves off out of the R.K.O.
Wade is gearing up and nails Orton with the “Brawl-Hammer” elbow for the clean victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett
Commercials.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
Divas Champion Eve Torres is walking backstage when Smackdown General Manager informs her, courtesy of Raw Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero, that if she tries to get counted-out or disqualified, she will be stripped of her title.
She tries to “seduce” his mind, but to no avail as Booker and Teddy Long just laugh at her, until Long gets slapped and Eve walks away.
Segment #4: Anger Management Lockerroom Promo
Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No,” Kane and Daniel Bryan, are discussing their upcoming session with Dr. Shelby. They both agree to lie and tell the good doctor what he wants to hear, so they can get on with this.
They shake on it, which Dr. walks in on and is pleased to see. He questions them on their favorite things about each other, with Bryan citing Kane’s tall, ability to set things on fire, and being a good dance.
Kane reciprocates with Daniel’s agility in the ring, his great beard, and being not afraid to wear women’s clothing!
Dr. Shelby loves the progress, but has one more surprise in store. He asks for “them” to come in, and in come “The Rhodes Scholars,” Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes.
Dr. Shelby has Cody and Damien antagonize the Tag Champs, so Kane and Daniel can “find their happy place” and “wash angry the anger.” This backfires however, and with their verbal skills, “The Rhodes Scholars” end up ticking off the good Doctor!
He orders his patients to attack and after sending them out of the room, they all chant “yes, yes, yes!”
Match #2: Single – Tag-Team Champion Kane (with Tag-Team Champion partner Daniel Bryan) VS. Damien Sandow (with Tag-Team partner Cody Rhodes)
Kane and Bryan made their entrances prior to the ads. (It is announced that “Team Hell-No” will defend their titles against “The Rhodes Scholars” at the Royal Rumble).
Sandow tries to back off out of the ring first, but Kane chucks him inside quickly. The Big Red Machine whips Sandow into the corners and chases with clotheslines, then puts him down with a sidewalk slam. As he ascends the top rope, Damien gets out of the ring.
Sandow cuts Kane off climbing back in the ring and drops some elbows and a knee on him. He dives off the second rope right into a Chokeslam for the 1 – 2 – 3 by Kane!
Winner via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champion Kane (with Tag-Team Champion partner Daniel Bryan)
Up next, the first inductee for the 2013 Hall-Of-Fame is announced and we will hear from them!
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
As expected (and absolutely well-deserved) the first inductee to the Hall-Of-Fame for 2013 is …. Mick Foley! Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy takes the microphone and wastes no time in getting the cheap pop. However, before he can continue, “The Shield” interrupt.
Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Seth Rollins march through the crowd and surround Mick. Before they can get their hands on them, “Feed Me More” blares the speakers and out comes Ryback.
He attempts to dismantle the trio, but they soon gain up, until Randy Orton and Sheamus run out to help even the fight. Ambrose is dropped with The Shell-Shock, then “The Shield” retreat up the ramp.
Josh Matthews then interviews Ryback. He states that “The Shield” have always allowed Punk to escape and walk away with the WWE Championship. He declares that he will not and cannot rest until he gives “The Shield” their due. Ryback then leads a chant of “feed me Shield.”
Segment #6: Raw Recap
A video of some of the most “outrageous” gimmicks in Raw history are highlighted.
Up next, is the Divas Title bout!
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Match #3: Single for the Divas Championship – Kaitlyn (Challenger) VS. Eve Torres (Champion)
Lockup between the two women, which Eve turns into a side headlock. Kaitlyn gets out of it with a takedown, then corners her and punches away. Eve counters with a kick to the head and cover for two!
Eve bounces off the ropes with a somersault flip, then rolls out of the corner, off the top rope, with a grounding headlock/leglock. (Best way I could describe that “different” move). Kaitlyn makes the effort to grasp the bottom rope to break the hold.
Kaitlyn is gaining momentum with clotheslines, then drops her with the reverse DDT for a near-fall! Eve turns her around with the twirling neckbreaker, 1 – 2 – Kaitlyn kicks out! She reverses into the gut-wrench knee drop, but Eve rolls out of the ring.
Kaitlyn goes after, but gets hurled into the corner barricade. Eve think she has taken the her out, but Kaitlyn sneaks back in and rushes her with a harsh spear for the victory!
Winner and NEW Divas Champion via Pinfall: Kaitlyn
Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Josh Matthews interviews Brodus Clay regarding WWE Champion C.M. Punk’s “shuck and jive” comments from his speech last week. Clay says he does that because he wants to and that Punk’s “pipe bomb is about to blow up in his face.”
Commercials.
Match #4: “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay (with “The Funkettes” Naomi and Cameron) VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (with Paul Heyman) (Non-Title)
Punk jukes around and tries to punch and kick, but Brodus overpowers quickly. He hammers away on the WWE Champion in the corner, then drops a few elbows on the body. Punk counters a run with two boots, then springboards off the ropes with a flying forearm. The “Second-City Saint” manages to bring Clay down with a neckbreaker, then mocks Brodus with a “dance.”
Punk clasps a grounding chinlock on, which Brodus powers out of. He counters a kick into an overhead t-bone suplex and runs at C.M. with clotheslines and a head butt!
However, Punk moves away from a corner splash and kicks Clay down again, then flies off the top rope with an elbow and locks on the Anaconda Vice for the sudden tap-out!
Winner via Submission: WWE Champion C.M Punk (with Paul Heyman)
Post-match, C.M, takes the microphone and tells us that he came out here to do what he does every Monday night, while The Rock will come out and do whatever he does.
Everyone has their opinions, but Punk says that no one can dispute facts. Those such as making a 400-pound monster tap out, a fact that the most important title in the world belongs to him for 421 days.
Punk declares that, because he is the best in the world, The Rock will not leave the Royal Rumble with the WWE Title!
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Segment #8: Raw Recap
Footage of “famous rides” in Raw such as the beer truck, numerous ambulances, limousines and regular cars destroyed.
Segment #9: Backstage Promo
Mick Foley is on his cell-phone when The Rock walks in. He gives his old friend a hug and congrats on the Hall-Of-Fame, and gives him props before Vickie walks in and demands them to “shut up!” (They were being too loud, apparently.)
The Rock does not take the opportunity to put her down, as he just simply states “enjoy ‘The Rock Concert.'”
Commercials.
Match #5: Over-The-Top-Rope Challenge: Sheamus VS. “3.M.B.” (Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre)
(Sheamus made his entrance prior to the break). Sheamus dominates early, then gets the same treatment. Jinder and Drew are eliminated, and as Sheamus goes for the Brogue Kick, Slater moves and the Irishman gets hung up on the ropes and triple-teamed and pulled over.
Winners via Over-The-Top-Rope Elimination: “3.M.B.” (Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre)
Post-match, Sheamus Brogue Kicks all three members as they celebrated their upset.
Segment #10: Lockerroom Promo
John Cena is asked about his Steel Cage match with Dolph Ziggler and recaps the history of wrestlers in Raw. Cena then looks to the future and says he is going to stare down Ziggler, telling him that, much like the World Wrestling FEDERATION did 10 1/2 years ago, he will “get the ‘F’ out!”
Segment #11: Arena Promo
“The Awesome One” The Miz is out and announces that a Hall-Of-Famer will be the special guest on “MizTV.” A hint Miz does give, shouting “whoooo” and strutting down the ramp.
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Miz brings out the “only two-time Hall-Of-Famer in WWE History,” the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair! The man himself struts to the ring as only he can, then takes a seat on Miz’s couch.
Miz asks Flair what is favourite moment from Raw is, and he recalls the night he retired following Wrestlemania XXIV, when he faced Hall-Of-Famer Shawn Michaels in a retirement match.
Ric his happy to be here and struts around, then engages a “whoo-off” with The Miz, then clips of the oratory skills of superstars on Raw is aired.
The Miz says that those catchphrases were awesome, and coaxes Ric into one great missing one: “the limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheeling-dealing, son of a gun…”
Before he can continue, United States Champion Antonio Cesaro interjects. He says that he does not need to rely on catchphrases crutches, but does give them props for embodying America.
He calls The Miz a “failed reality TV star” and insinuates that Ric made ten million dollars, and spent twenty million dollars. Cesaro says that the only thing Ric stands for is a bar tab he can’t pay, and that the Four Horseman hand sign really symbolizes his four ex-wives. (Great line!)
The Miz stands up for Flair, and as Antonio tries to walk away, Flair chops him and Miz drops him with the “Skull Krushing Finale.” Flair then goes for the figure-four submission, but “passes the torch” as Cole calls it, and lets The Miz lock on the famous hold.
Commercials.
Segment #12: Raw Recap
The infamous promo between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and “Iron” Mike Tyson from January 19, 1998 is aired.
Match #6: Single – Cody Rhodes (with Tag-Team partner Damien Sandow) VS. Tag-Team Champion Daniel Bryan (with Tag-Team Champion partner Kane)
The two circle around until Cody focusses on Bryan’s injured knee. Rhodes stops to pose and Bryan catches him in the “Yes Lock” Crossface submission for the quick tap-out!
Winner via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champion Daniel Bryan (with Tag-Team Champion partner Kane)
Segment #13: Video Promo
Eve Torres is disgruntled with her loss of the Divas Championship, so she decides to quit!
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Segment #14: Backstage Promo
A.J., with Big E. Langston recalls the disastrous “weddings” in Raw history like Lita and Edge from June 26, 2005, and Stephanie and Triple H from February 11, 2002.
Langston cites his favorite, the ceremony of Daniel Bryan and herself, from Raw 1000 on July 23, 2012. A.J. then cries at the pain that moment caused her, and Dolph Ziggler walks in.
He says that John Cena will pay for all the pain he has caused, both in and out of the ring. And when he beats Cena tonight, it will be the greatest performance in the history of Monday Night Raw! “Show, Off!”
The “voice of the WWE,” “Good Ole J.R.” Jim Ross comes out and is set to be helping commentate on tonight’s main event, which is up next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Steel Cage Single – “Mr. Money In The Bank/The Showoff” Dolph Ziggler (with A.J. and Big E. Langston) VS. John Cena
Immediately, Ziggler tries to escape but Cena catches him and rolls him back. Dolph tries again but John pulls him down and snap suplexes him. Cena clasps on a side headlock and delivers a shoulder block, but gets a picture-perfect dropkick to the face by Dolph. “The Showoff” now aggressive with repeated elbows, and throws him to the steel cage.
Cena counters a neckbreaker into an Attitude Adjustment, but Ziggler wiggles out of that into a jawbreaker. 1 – 2 – Cena kicks out! Dolph tries another dropkick but is caught and sling-shotted into the steel mesh wall.
However, Dolph uses this as an advantage and begins to climb, but gets pulled down again. Cena now ascends, but Dolph cut him off quickly too. They trade punches and headbutts, standing on the top rope, and Cena drops to the canvas but still crotches “The Showoff.”
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Back live, Cena is struggling to climb the cage, and Ziggler chases again. Both men are atop the cage, and Cena is punches down and hangs onto the top on the inside. Ziggler hits another great dropkick using the top rope and both hit the canvas. Ziggler covers but only gets two!
Cena gets some momentum now, with his usual moves of shoulder blocks, spin-out slam, and the “5-Knuckle Shuffle” fistdrop. As he goes for another A.A., Ziggler grabs the steel wall, but Cena still pulls him off (and almost his trunks, much to the cheers of ladies!)
Dolph gets out of a third A.A. attempt and nails the superkick! 1 – 2 – Cena with the shoulder up! “Mr. Money In The Bank” crawls to the door and ends up in a tug-of-war between Langston and Cena.
The former “Dr. Of Thug-A-Nomics” gets the better and locks in the S.T.F. Dolph reverses that into a sleeper, wearing down Cena, who does get to his feet and begins to climb the corner part of the cage, with Ziggler on his back!
Cena ends up collapsing and both men are down. Ziggler is going back to the wall as Cena is going for the door. Dolph realizes this and latches on to Cena, who kicks him off. As he goes to walk out, Langston slams the door on his head, and Dolph tries to capitalize with a cover, but Cena still kicks out.
Now they trade, and Ziggler tries the door again as John descends the cage. Ziggler’s head is slammed, and he is just about to drop until Langston swings a chair to motivate him back in the ring.
Ziggler hits the Zig-Zag! 1 – 2 – Cena kicks out, as he does following a DDT off the top rope from Dolph. (Which really should’ve been it!)
A.J. is pissed off, slamming her hands against the cage and tearing off the commentator’s table cover. She now begins to climb in the cage. As this is happening, Big E. enters the ring but gets nailed by mistake with the briefcase from Ziggler.
Cena then catches Dolph and finishes this main-event off with the Attitude Adjustment and victory!
Winner via Pinfall: John Cena
Commercials.
Segment #15: Arena Promo – “The Rock Concert”
The Rock is out now and ready to perform once again for all of us! First, he remembers all his time on Monday Night Raw, and shows us a picture from his 1996 debut, as “The Blue Chipper” Rocky Maivia.
He makes fun of himself and says “that picture, right there, goes to show, that if you put your mind to it, you can overcome anything!”
(For this, I will summarize what The Rock sings about)
In the tune of “The Heartbreak Hotel,” The Rock makes fun of Paul Heyman. He then sings about a special woman, and brings Vickie Guerrero out. She does oblige, but with a scowl on her face. He sings an Eric Clapton parody, making fun of her style.
The Rock now takes the microphone off and talks about “kicking ass.” He calls out WWE Champion C.M. Punk for a man-to-man conversation. He and Paul Heyman do oblige and stand on the stage.
The Rock cites some facts, such as the 421-day title reign, and while C.M. Punk may not be God (as he alleged last week), Rock says “as God is my witness, in 13 days I will beat you for the WWE Title.”
The “Straightedge Superstar” whispers into Heyman’s ear and then rushes down to attack The Rock. The roll around and punch each other as numerous referees and agents try to separate them. Their brawl closes the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Wow, what an average show! Seriously, was it just me, or was there really no “spark” to this big edition? The only true highlights were the actual highlights of Raws past. Otherwise, this just felt like another episode of Monday Night Raw. Onto the analysis:
Excellence: Opening promo with The Big Show and Alberto Del Rio. I thought that Big Show’s calmer, more “diplomatic” demeanor was a nice change of pace from his usual “angry giant” tirades. Also, Del Rio is getting over huge as a babyface. Good for him, I like the turn too – fresh!
Barrett/Orton was just some nice classic wrestling and good for the I.C. Champ to go over and continue his re-push. As always, “Team Hell-No’s” segments with Dr. Shelby made me laugh.
Kaitlyn capturing the Divas Championship will now hopefully put some new blood into the title picture (along with Eve leaving). Hello, Paige from NXT? Nice touch of continuity with the reason Brodus Clay faced off against WWE Champion C.M. Punk.
Loved the Ric Flair/Miz segments – just looked like Miz was in awe of the legend and that Ric was back to having a good ole’ time!
Bogus: My three major complaints:
1 – Mick Foley’s Hall-Of-Fame announcement really fell “flat.” Don’t get me wrong, super happy he’s in and he deserves it infinitely, but I guess with the leaked NY Post story, they couldn’t surprise us and just went, “well, here he is.”
2 – Dolph Ziggler losing again to “super Cena.” I honestly though that Ziggler would get the win this time, and they could have one more match at Royal Rumble (2/3 falls?) just to cap off their feud. The only saving grace is for Dolph to finally say next week (paraphrasing), “screw you Cena, I’m done and moving on to the Heavyweight Championship).
3 – Again, just no surprises, major returns/cameos (don’t count Ric Flair because he just appeared a couple of weeks ago), and no real “celebration” of 20 years. I know they packed a lot into the 1000 Raw, but seriously, they could’ve at least tried to match it (no pun intended) with an anniversary show. Heck, the 10-year stand-alone ceremony in 2003 was way better and more memorable than this version.
So, I guess next week, as with this one, is just back to normal. As always, until then, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
After RAW went off the air, the battle between WWE champion CM Punk and The Rock continued and once again it didn’t turn out good for the current champ.
CM Punk got in the ring after The Rock walked back up the ramp, grabbed the microphone and told his opponent, “13 days my ass! Just bring it.” After stalling for a few seconds, The Rock ran down the ramp and attacked Punk as referees tried to separate the two.
The pushing and shoving continued for a few more until Punk walked straight into a Rock Bottom. Referees and agents then pushed The Rock out of the ring as his theme blared over the arena speakers.
Former Divas champion Eve Torres gave an emotional thank you speech to her fans in a video she posted on her official website.
“I’ve had some of the most amazing years of my life in the WWE and I’m so glad I got to share those moments with you,” Torres said in the video she recorded yesterday.
“Whether you loved me or hated me, you were still the reason I traveled thousands of miles, drove hours on end at night to the next town, ate terrible fast food on the road, put on my spandex, piled on too much tanner and makeup, and tried to be the best wrestler and entertainer I could be,” she added in a text message accompanying the video.
Torres ended by saying that this will not be the last time we hear or see of her. You can see the video at EveTorres.com.
Las Vegas, Nevada – UFC light heavyweight champion and New Yorker Jon “Bones” Jones returns to Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. on Saturday, April 27 to defend his title against controversial and unpredictable star, Chael Sonnen. The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today that it will be returning to the Garden State this spring for this long awaited grudge match between two of the sport’s most recognizable names.
Jones and Sonnen serve as coaches on this season’s The Ultimate Fighter®, the longest running sports reality show on television. Tension between the two has never been higher and it will come to a boil during a two-hour season premiere Tuesday, Jan. 22 on FX at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
“Jon Jones has destroyed all the top guys in the light heavyweight division,” UFC President Dana White said. “He has defended the title four times and is one of the pound-for-pound best in the world. This fight with Chael is personal! Chael called Jones out and said a lot of things about him. Chael always comes to fight and I’m very interested in this matchup.”
“There’s a rumor going around that says Jon Jones is the best,” Sonnen said. “We’re going to find out who wins – the best or the baddest?”
“The rumors are true, I am the best,” Jones, who won the title at Prudential Center in March 2011 by defeating then-champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, said. “On April 27th, Chael will be put through the test. When it’s all said and done, he’ll be just like the rest.”
Tickets for UFC®159: JONES vs. SONNEN, presented by MetroPCS, go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $550, $350, $225, $185, $150, $100 and $60. Fans can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com, charge by Phone (800-745-3000), and any Ticketmaster outlet. Prices do not include applicable service charges.
UFC® Fight Club™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event on Monday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. ET via the website www.ufcfightclub.com. A special internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers on Tuesday, Jan. 22, starting at 10 a.m. ET. To access this pre-sale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com.
UFC®159: JONES vs. SONNEN will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN and in Canada on BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.
For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com. All bouts live and subject to change.
Smackdown with the return of The Rock last week and the spoiled title change paid dividends as the show drew a 2.2 rating and averaged 3,130,000 viewers on SyFy.
The show increased from the 1.8 rating it did the previous week and was the most watched broadcast for a Friday since February of last year. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWinsider.com)
Full Contact Fight Federation is at it again this weekend. This is the organization that UFC veterans such as Chris “The Crippler” Leben, Nathan “The Rock” Quarry, Ed “Short Fuse” Herman, Josh “Bring the Pain” Haynes, and one of the upcoming coaches on the next TUF season Chael Sonnen all have been apart of. Saturday January 19th Rumble @ the Roseland 69 will take place at the Roseland Theater in Portland, OR. The event has an impressive card that has a total of 2o fights and includes four championship matches. Tickets can be purchased for the event by either going to www.ticketwest.com, stopping by a local Safeway or calling 800.325.SEAT (7328).
The women’s 115 lbs champion will be crowned as Katie Howard of GIRLS Gym takes on Animal House fighter Kyra Batara. The current Super Heavyweight Champion Ricky Alcaraz will defend against Brandon Flint. 503 WCJJ fighter Paul Sims will compete for the heavyweight title against Tom Groth of Impact Jiu-Jitsu. Also Universal Fighters Jess Moore will compete for the 135 pound title against an opponent to be announced.
Now for a quick breakdown of the under card(gym affiliation):
170 pounds: Tyrell Pless vs Rafael Palma (Team Quest)
Women’s 135 pounds: Tanya Lasley (LA Boxing) vs Cayla Bollinger (Midtown)
155 pounds: Kody Kramer (Team Quest) vs Kevin Walker
Heavyweights: Feliciano Castilliano vs Richard Ryan
205 pounds: Nate Cook vs Emmanuel Cammarata
155 pounds: Nelson Hernandez (LA Boxing) vs John Baker (The Sports Lab)
Heavyweights: Alex Zepeda (Animal House) vs Tyree Fortune (Alive MMA)
135 pounds: Urmas Yanis (Team Quest) vs David Magliane (LA Boxing)
140 pounds: Chance Stamps (Animal House) vs James Wade
155 pounds: Kenji X (Team Quest) vs Anthony Reutov (Animal House)
155 pounds: Kevin Selmer vs Brogan Stewart (Team Quest)
205 pounds: Grant Harmon (Team Quest) vs Zane Robinson
155 pounds: Daniel Muller vs Adan Suarez (Team Quest)
145 pounds: Louis Duran vs Chad Kopperman
130 pounds: Bob Graisberry (Animal House) vs Derek Neff
170 pounds: Josiah Wessell (Alive MMA) vs Scott Phillip (Animal House)
TMZ.COM is reporting that the basis of Hulk Hogan’s $50 million lawsuit against Laser Spine Institute of Florida is that the surgeries prevented him from wrestling against John Cena at WrestleMania and that’s how the figure was cooked up.
Hogan’s attorneys said that he had a “phase out contract” opportunity which included a match against John Cena which was supposed to wrap up his wrestling career. However, the multiple surgeries which were suggested by LSI halted everything.
The match and appearance opportunities before and after the event was worth $50 million according to Hogan’s contract claim.
There has been no response from Laser Spine Institute yet regarding the lawsuit.
LAFAYETTE, CA, January 14, 2013 – UFC GYM®, the ultimate fitness destination and first major brand extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship®, continues its worldwide expansion with the acquisition of LA Boxing®. UFC GYM looks to bring its ‘Train Different’ philosophy, which combines the best of traditional fitness with the innovation of mixed martial arts, to LA Boxing’s already established elite facilities. Click this link here now to see.
“The UFC GYM experience is second-to-none. Our gyms have incredible energy and through innovative programs members see amazing results,” says UFC President Dana White, “With this acquisition, we continue to grow our footprint as leaders in the global fitness industry.”
Founded in partnership with New Evolution Ventures, LLC™, UFC GYM currently has five full-service facilities which average 35,000 square feet in California and Hawaii. It has also started selling membership for locations in New York Metro and Sydney, Australia which will open by April 2013. UFC GYM will begin to transform the boutique LA Boxing facilities, which average 5,000 square feet, to the UFC GYM format.
“The goal of UFC GYM when we launched it three years ago was to create a unique MMA-styled fitness experience for men, women and children that went far beyond the traditional workout,” says, Mark Mastrov, Chairman of New Evolution Ventures. “We were drawn to LA Boxing based upon the similarities in our brand DNA. We are thrilled to partner with the existing LA Boxing team and their franchisees in expanding our shared vision worldwide.”
With the addition of the current 81 LA Boxing locations, UFC GYM will begin to franchise this new model of boutique clubs while preserving the character and guiding principles of its brand. Franchisees will have the unique opportunity to own and operate the new UFC GYM franchise model across the US and the globe.
“Our new partnership will build upon LA Boxing’s growth over the past 10 years in boxing, kickboxing and MMA. We will grow the franchise in the US and internationally benefiting current LA Boxing franchises, their staff, trainers, and members,” said Anthony Geisler, President of UFC Gym Franchise. “The partnership will enable UFC GYM to continue to provide a superior workout experience at a great value and will add even more benefits for current members and franchisees.”
The first location under the new ownership will open in Chicago’s thriving River North neighborhood with media invited to visit the facility on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 11:30 a.m. This media-only event will feature a workout with main card athletes from UFC® on FOX: JOHNSON vs. DODSON which will take place on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the United Center and will be broadcast on FOX. For more information visit www.ufcgym.com.
Eve Torres decided to wrap up her wrestling career – at least for now – with her final match yesterday on RAW, putting over Kaitlyn and losing her Divas title in the process.
Reports suggest that Eve made up her mind a while ago about leaving WWE and was ready to wait it out until the best opportunity to pass the title to someone else. With Kaitlyn being from Texas, the best time was apparently yesterday.
Eve started her WWE career in 2007 where she was a contestant – and eventually won – the Diva Search competition. After being sent to FCW to train, she made her official debut in February of next year on Smackdown.
Her five year WWE journey resulted in three Divas title reigns as well as the “assistant” to the GM of both RAW and Smackdown.
Torres is a spokeswoman and instructor at the Gracie Woemn Empowered program and she is engaged to Rener Gracie of the famous Gracie MMA family.
It all started in 1993, and 20 years later, Monday Night RAW is still going strong as tonight WWE will celebrate another important milestone for their flagship show 20 years in the making!
This past July RAW hit the 1,000th episode with a show that featured returns and surprises and while this show might not be as big in terms of former Superstars returning, the 20th anniversary episode will definitely be a special one regardless.
One of the highlights for tonight’s show will be the Rock Concert with the recently returned Rock getting back with his guitar to entertain the millions. This time it won’t be John Cena in his path but WWE champion CM Punk.
Kane and Daniel Bryan have been tag team champions for a while now and tonight Dr. Shelby, the man who brought them together, will be having his four month “follow up.”
The Divas title will also be on the line as current champion Eve Torres defends against NXT season 3 winner Kaitlyn.
A lot has not been announced for RAW and with the show being in Texas, who knows, maybe some famous former WWE Superstars who are residents in the state will be dropping by!
King Kong Bundy wrote on Twitter that there will be a huge announcement tonight regarding his Hall of Fame, suggesting that he will be the second person to be announced as an inductee following Mick Foley.
“Sounds like someone listened to the #Bundyholics regarding my Hall of Fame,” Bundy said.
The 55 year old New Jersey native hasn’t wrestled in over six years however he keeps busy appearing at conventions. Bundy started his WWE career in 1985 and was part of the first ever WrestleMania where he defeated SD Jones in nine seconds.
His biggest moment came at WrestleMania 2 where he headlined the show against Hulk Hogan in a steel cage match, a match which Hogan won to keep the WWE title.
After leaving the WWF in 1988, he returned in 1994 as part of the Million Dollar Corporation but left a year later.
The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that Hulk Hogan filed a lawsuit against the Tampa-based Laser Spine Institute, saying the clinic performed unnecessary surgeries that damaged his career.
The lawsuit was filed Monday morning in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court and it seeks damages of $50 million. In addition to claiming unnecessary surgeries, the lawsuit also says the Laser Spine Institute used an endorsement from Hogan without permission or payment.
The attorneys for the Hulkster said that there was negligent conduct on the part of the company that resulted in past and future income of approximately $50 million. They claim that after numerous prominent spine surgeons recommended traditional spinal surgery for Hogan, Spine Institute advised him that that kind of surgery would effectively end his career.
Clearwire today announced a marketing deal with WWE for the year 2013, activating at a total of 20 WWE events that will take place in 20 cities throughout the year.
Clearwire is a leading provider of 4G wireless broadband services offering services in areas of the U.S. where more than 130 million people live.
“Our market research has shown that WWE fans are a perfect match for attracting new customers to CLEAR,” said Dow Draper, senior vice president and general manager of retail at Clearwire. “Our pioneering efforts in the 4G arena with other heavyweights has blazed a trail of innovation for our customers looking to connect Wi-Fi enabled devices to our high speed 4G internet network in 80 cities nationwide.”
Andrew Judelson, Executive Vice President, Sales and Partnership Marketing for WWE said that partnering with Clearwire will provide another way for the fans to access their favorite WWE content whenever and wherever they are through their high speed 4G internet network.
Fans attending tonight’s Monday Night RAW in Houston will be able to see Clearwire’s internet product demonstrations and also have an opportunity to create posters to use throughout the arena during the telecast.
This month CLEAR will have presence at WWE events in Los Angeles, Sacramento and Las Vegas.
Here are the results from last night’s Genesis 2013 pay-per-view which took place at the IMPACT Wrestling Zone at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez defeated Matt Morgan and Joey Ryan to retain the Tag Team titles; Mr. Anderson defeated Samoa Joe; Christian York defeated Kenny King to become the #1 contender for the X Division title; Rob Van Dam defeated Christian York to retain the X Division title; Devon defeated Joseph Park; Velvet Sky defeated ODB, Mickie James, Gail Kim, and Miss Tessmacher in a gauntlet match to become the #1 contender for the Knockout title; Christopher Daniels defeated James Storm to get a World title match; Sting defeated Doc from Aces & Eights; Jeff Hardy defeated Bobby Roode and Austin Aries in a triple threat match to retain the TNA World title.
In the first match up of the main card on Strikeforce’s final event Jacre Souza took on UFC fighter and TUF 3 alum Ed Herman in a catch-weight bout at 194 pounds.
Jacre used some precise striking to set up a take down. they were reset on their feet after Herman was warned for up kicking a downed opponent. Once Jacre got him down again he quickly locked in a kimura and Herman taps out at 3:10 of round 1. Rolondo “Jacre” Souza does his last alligator crawl across the cage for the Strikeforce fans in Oklahoma City.
Former Strikeforce and Dream light heavyweight champion “The Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi took on the powerhouse Mike Kyle.
Just over a minute into the fight Mousasi gets the take down and as Kyle allows Mousasi move into half guard so he can try to get up. Mousasi starts working the short elbows that splits the head of Kyle. Mousasi moves to the mount and postures up. Mousasi rains down punches and Kyle gives up his back and Mousasi locks in the rear naked choke to get the tap out at 4:09 of round number 1.
Nandor Guelmino stepped up to the challenge and took on long time heavyweight veteran and former UFC heavyweight champion Josh “The War Master” Barnett.
The sambo fighter Barnett gets the quick tie up and take down. Barnett tried for a leg lock and Guelmino uses the opportunity to get to his feet but can get no space before Barnett latches back on and drags him to the mat and ends up in the mount. Barnett locks in the arm triangle from the mount and Guelmino taps out 2:11 the first round. That moves Barnett’s record to 32-6 with 20 wins coming by way of submission. Barnett gives his classic pro-wrestling style interview after the fight and calls the other heavyweights cowards and tells them to run because he is going to take all their heads.
Dion “The Soldier” Staring, who is an Afghanistan war veteran, stepped up to the plate to face the two time Olympic wrestler, the Strikeforce Grand Prix Champion and undefeated Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier.
Cormier was making his return to Oklahoma were he was an Oklahoma State All-American wrestler. Staring has Alistar Overeem in his corner who Cormier replaced in the grand prix tournament. Cormier showed some thudding kicks early in the fight before Staring tried to tie him up. Cormier doesn’t mind and gets a huge throw and is now in side control. Cormier delivers some short elbows before Staring is able to get to his feet. Cormier lands a big right hand and left that has Staring hurt and Cormier takes the fight back to the ground. Cormier from side control works the short elbows again and knocks out the mouth piece of Staring got up long enough for McCarthy to pause the action and get the mouth piece back in. Cormier takes the fight back to the mat and delivers more big elbows and punches but Staring is able to survive the round.
Staring ties up Cormier in the second and Cormier puts him back on the mat. Cormier with more short elbows until Staring rolls over and Cormier has to switch to punches. McCarthy has seen enough after Cormeir spends the almost the next three minutes punching a turtled up Staring. Cormier walks over after the fight and tells Staring he is “tough as shit.” Nice sentiment but when the highlight for your night is the fact that you were able to keep from getting knocked out it still isn’t a good day at the office. Winner by TKO at 4:02 of round 2 Daniel Cormier. On April 20th on FOX Daniel Cormier wants Frank Mir and than he is going to let Jon Jones defend is belt on the 27th of April then kick his ass in the fall to a loud eruption from the crowd.
In the main event former UFC title middleweight title challenger and Strikeforce Welterweight Champion Nate “The Great” Marquardt was unable to successfully defend his belt in his first try against Team Quest fighter Tarec “Sponge” Saffiedine.
The first round was Marquardt walking him down and Saffiedine punishing the lead leg with kicks. Marquardt tried to rush in and ate a straight that dropped him. Marquardt tries for a take down Saffiedine defends but Marquardts head is clear now and he is back to pushing the action. Saffiedine side steps a punch and they are tied up on the fence. They trade knees and positions as they jockey for the take down.
The story of this fight was all about Saffiedine punishing the lead leg of Marquardt and defending take downs. Saffiedine showed some great take down defense that he has acquired under the tutelage of Dan Henderson at Team Quest. Saffiedine’s strikes were crisp tonight and a counter right straight had dropped Marquardt in the first round. It didn’t matter that Marquardt was the bigger stronger man becuase Saffiedine used his quickness and technical striking to take this fight. Saffiedine went over and over to the lead leg that looked punished at the end of the first round as the fight progressed Saffiedine pounded away on both sides of that leg over and over. By the close of round three Marquardt’s mouth was hanging open and his left thigh is showing the visible signs of broken blood vessels under the skin.
Round 4 and Marquardt takes a couple more kicks to that leg and it is buckling with eat shot. Pat Militech and Frank Shamrock are commenting on how bad that leg is. Marquardt tried to make a final push looking for the finish with the hay makers. Marquardt tried to tie up Saffiedine with the clinches and Saffiedine would drive his heel down into the mangled thigh of Marquardt. Marquardt also was busted open in the fourth round above the left eye but you can’t stop looking at that leg. The fifth round was nothing different Saffiedine punishing the leg and landing clean shots down the middle. Saffiedine got his own take down with a minute left and dropped big punches and elbows all the way till the final horn sounded. Tarec “The Sponge” Saffiedine received scores 48-47, 49-46, and 49-26 to go down in history as the final Strikeforce Welterweight Champion. Saffiedine started out on the Strikeforce Challengers series and worked his way up to get a championship shot and made the most of it.
Scott Coker the president and founder of Strikeforce started the promotion in 1985 as a kickboxing organization. He admitted it being tough closing the doors but is proud of the all the fighters and what they have done. Coker also thanked Showtime for giving them the opportunity to bring their events to more people and will be indebted to them.
Last night Strikeforce held its final event with a stacked card of their most notable fighters. The evening was started out off as a representative of MMA’s royal family Roger Gracie faced off against Anthony Smith in a middleweight affair.
The first round was all Smith striking and avoiding getting taken down by Gracie. Once Gracie got the fight to the ground about two minutes into the second round it was the beginning of the end as Gracie who trains with the Blackhouse gym in Brazil masterfully moved from position to position till he had the mount. Gracie delivered one short elbow from the top that split open Smith’s head before he locked in the arm triangle and maneuvered to the side giving Smith no option but to tap or go to sleep. Smith taps at 3:16 of round two to end the first fight.
Was to be lightweight title challenger Pat “Bam Bam” Healy versus Gilbert Milendez tonight but the Strikeforce 155 champ had to pull out due to an injury. Healy ended up taking home the unanimous decision ( 29-28, 30-27×2) versus a very game short notice opponent in Kurt Holobaugh.
Holobaugh, a true 145er, stepped up in weight for this match. Holobaugh right out the gate showed he had nothing to lose and was looking to swing for the fences. The fight started off with the two men just trading big punches. Healy got the first take down 2 minutes into the fight and would spend most of the fight glued to Holobaugh never giving him any space. Holobaugh never gave up though; constantly threatening one submission after another and defending against a some deep spots Healy had him in. Overall good fight from the two Healy showed he is that grinder that was next up for a shot at the champ. Holobaugh with the loss moves to 9-1 now with 8 submission victories and should be a very fun fighter to watch in the featherweight division hopefully for the UFC.
Trevor Smith faced off against former training partner, two-time title challenger and US Green Beret Tim Kennedy in the next match.
Smith from the beginning wanted to put Kennedy on his back and worked hard at it going for ten take downs over the course of the fight. Kennedy did a good job at defending most of them either via sprawl, some nice one legged balancing or knees to the body and uppercuts to the head as he came in. On the occasions Kennedy did get taken down he was pounding away from the bottom and quickly working his way back to his feet. Beginning of the third round Smith was clearly gassed he tried to stand and trade with Kennedy for about the first minute of round three but then shot in for a single and left his neck out for Kennedy to latch on to. Kennedy pulled the left elbow up high and sank the choke in. Smith tapped to the guillotine at 1:36 of round number three.
In the final prelim match up the boxing veteran KJ Noons met up against the son of UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture, Ryan Couture.
The 5-1 Ryan Couture has grown into a well rounded fighter before our eyes under the Strikeforce banner over the last few years. While KJ Noons picked his shots carefully in round one Couture stayed busy mixing up his stances and punches. Couture worked the wide variety of kicks. Noons with nice counter straight and Couture mixes with a head kick but lands a heel kick immediately after to the chest that sends Noons against the fence Noons springs off the fence and lands a short left that drops Couture and he swarms forward to go for the kill as the horn sounds. In the second round they are warmed up and taking turns going for the kill Noons gets busted open with an accidental head butt then Noons gets dropped by a short left. Couture comes forward and gets rocked by a series of shots from Noons. Couture spends the next minute circling and covering up but never goes down. Couture clears the cobb webbs and is able to hurt Noons with a knee. What an insane round and trade of striking. The fans are on their feet going nuts for these two at the end of the second round. In the third round it was Couture pressing the action coming forward with the punches and kicks to send close fight great fight to the judges for a decision. Ryan Couture takes home the split decision 29-28, 27-30, 29-28.
On a side personal note thank you to, It Ain’t Chemo, a non-profit group that provides support and comfort items for those that are going through and have went through cancer treatment. Ryan Couture is one of their board members and active with the group that helped me to get courage to take control of my life back.
In addition of being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year, former WWE champion Mick Foley will be having his own Blu-Ray and DVD released.
Titled ‘For All Mankind – Life & Career of Mick Foley,’ the three disc DVD and two disc Blu-Ray will feature the usual sit-down documentary which will occupy the first hour or more of the footage followed by several matches from his career.
This release is scheduled to be out in stores and online on April 16.
