WWE issued a press release today announcing the hiring of Mayuri Pitale as Consumer & Promotions Licensing (CPL) Manager and Carl Sequeira as Marketing Manager in its India office.
Pitale will be responsible for spearheading the licensing and retail expansion for WWE in India, and Sequeira will be responsible for executing marketing campaigns to help develop and grow the brand and support WWE’s various lines of business across the region.
Both employees are based in Mumbai and will report to Rukn Kizilbash, the General Manager of WWE India.
Following the last pay-per-view of 2012, what has changed for tonight’s Raw? I’m guessing (and hoping) some championships. For example, it would be really cool to see Dolph Ziggler walk out to the ring with a new Heavyweight title! And Wade Barrett should be the Intercontinental vhampion. Those are my main picks.
Also, of course, the Slammys are up for grabs. I believe (if they are in the categories) match of the year will be “End Of An Era,” between Undertaker and Triple H in the Hell In The Cell from Wrestlemania XXVIII with Shawn Michaels as the special referee. And superstar of the year….C.M. Punk, 2 years in a row!
Well, why wait. Read on to find out the results of T.L.C. another Raw Report!
Monday Night Raw Report for December 17th, 2012 – “Awards and Alliances”
Introduction Segment: Video Promo, Welcoming, and Recap
A montage of past Slammy awards and a preview of tonight’s Slammys airs. We go right to the arena in Philly, as Michael Cole, J.B.L., and Jerry “The King” Lawler (even donned in suits/tuxedos) welcome us to the show. They also recap two main T.L.C. matches, where A.J. cost John Cena the Money In The Bank Briefcase (Dolph retained – yay!), and The Shield dominated Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan) and Ryback.
Match #1: Single – Rey Mysterio (with Sin Cara) VS. “The Intellectual Saviour of the WWE” Damien Sandow (with Cody Rhodes)
Lockup to begin the bout, as Damien shoves Rey into the corner and kicks away. He hurdles Mysterio two the outside on his stomach, then throws him into the ring post. Sandow drops “The Elbow of Distain” for a two-count, then clamps on a grounding rear chinlock.
Damien corners Rey again with shoulders, then attempts a suplex off the top, but Rey counters and flies off with a seated-senton! Rey hits a front-dropkick off the ropes for a near-fall, but then gets driven down with a tornado neckbreaker from Sandow!
Mysterio reverses a shoulder-move with a spinning-DDT, then sets up Damien for the 619, nailing it and the “Drop Of The Dime” top-rope splash for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Rey Mysterio
Segment #1: Slammy #1 Promo – “Tell Me I Did Not Just See That!”
Smackdown General Manager Booker T. is out to present this first award.
Nominees: “Brad Maddox’s Low Blow” (Hell In The Cell), “18 Seconds” (Wrestlemania XXVIII), “Kofi’s Miracle Save” (Royal Rumble), “The Rock Gets Punked” (Raw 1000)
Just before he can announce who won, a face (or creature) from his past returns – The Boogeyman! The oddity crawls out to his usual entrance like before, giving Booker the creeps.
Commercials.
Back live, Booker is alone again (until Brad Maddox comes out, predicting his win) and gives the award to… Kofi Kingston! (Okay, that was a surprise). Kofi comes out and thanks the fans.
Match #2: Single – Kaitlyn VS. Divas Champion Eve (Non-Title)
All-out brawl to start, with Kaitlyn dominating until Eve counters with a low dropkick. She takes control with punches on the mat and kicks in the corner. Eve sits on the top rope and chokes Kaitlyn from there, until Kaitlyn counters and takes down Eve with a gut-wrench kneedrop for the quick victory!
Winner via Pinfall: Kaitlyn
Post-match, Kaitlyn takes the Divas Title and holds it over Eve, then lays it on her and poses.
Segment #2: Slammy #2 Promo – “Comeback Of The Year”
The New Age Outlaws, “Road Dogg” Jesse James and “B.A.” Billy Gunn are out to give this award. (Cool!) They go through their routine before listing the nominees.
Back live, the winner, of course and rightfully so, is Jerry “The King” Lawler. He runs up the ramp and thanks all fans for love and support.
Match #3: Single – Tensai VS. Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston
Pretty short bout honestly, with Tensai controlling a little bit then Kofi hitting the “Trouble In Paradise” spin-kick out of nowhere for the W!
Winner via Pinfall: Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston
Post-match, Wade Barrett assaults Kingston out of the blue, running him into the post twice, and with the elbow. He leaves he on the floor and walks off.
Segment #3: Slammy #3 Promo – “Kiss Of The Year”
Raw Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero walks out for this award.
The nominees are, well A.J.! She is in every nomination, with her men of Daniel Bryan, Kane, WWE Champion C.M. Punk and John Cena.
Commercials.
Back live, prior to the announcement, Guerrero states that she would never be nominated for this award because she would never abuse her power for a romantic relationship. (Cha, right!)
Anywho, A.J.’s winning kiss is with John Cena. She skips out her and is asked to explain her actions from T.L.C. Instead, A.J. snags the Slammy and says she doesn’t owe anyone anything. “For the past year I’ve cared a lot about what people think about me, including you (Vickie), including them (the fans), but not anymore.”
They engage in a verbal joust before Dolph Ziggler walks out and breaks it up. A.J. says that her award it is “nothing compared to this.” She hops up on “The Showoff” and makes out with him for about 15+ seconds straight! Dolph didn’t stop her or nothing, just let her ride! She skips off and Dolph chases her to the back.
Match #4: Single – The Great Khali (with Natalya) VS. David Otunga
Ads between entrances.
Khali clubs down Otunga quickly, then chest-slaps him in two corners. David moves out of the corner and trades, stomping away at Khali. He ties up the 7-footer’s leg on the bottom rope, but gets a big elbow and boot, plus a clothesline. Chop-to-the-head finishes off Otunga for Khali!
Winner via Pinfall: The Great Khali (with Natalya)
Segment #4: Slammy #4 Promo – “Superstar Of The Year”
Despite hearing his voice, you don’t actually see “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.
Nominees: Sheamus, John Cena, World Heavyweight Champion Big Show, and WWE Champion C.M. Punk.
Commercials.
Back live, he’s live in person! “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair struts out to the stage after 4 years and 8-and-a-bit-months away. He puts over the crowd in Philadelphia and being back. He then gives the award to …. John Cena (boo!)
Cena embraces Ric with a hug, then stands and listens to the mixed reaction. He goes into a “respect” promo about what a “Superstar Of The Year” means and then gives his award to Ric Flair, the two-time Hall Of Famer.
Of course, as expected, WWE Champion C.M. Punk with a jovial Paul Heyman hobbles out on crutches. He gets right into Flair’s face then takes the Slammy. “This is completely ridiculous on multiple, multiple levels.” (Agreed!) The “Second City Saint” recounts why John Cena (or Ric Flair) should NOT be superstar, mainly because he has lost most of his main matches all year, while Punk has been the WWE Champion for 393 days.
Flair just stares and smiles, then takes cheap-shots at Punk and Heyman. C.M. claims that he could beat up Ric with one leg, just like he could be everyone up in Philadelphia. Flair takes him upon the challenge, takes off his coat and marches to the ring. Punk starts down the ramp, too!
Ads.
Back live, Punk gets in the ring with Heyman, and jabs Flair in the gut with his crutch, then smashes it over the back of “The Nature Boy.” Punk mocks Flair’s strut, but then gets poked in the eye. C.M. falls out of the ring, while Flair locks on the FIgure-4 on Paul Heyman!
Ric now takes the microphone. He says that he has come just to have a good time, then gives his love for Jerry Lawler. “If I die, I want to die right here, or with a woman from Philadelphia!” He puts over Philly again, until The Shield enter the arena.
Commercials.
Back live, an all-out war is broke again between The Shield, Kane, Daniel Bryan, and now Ric Flair. The Shield completely decimate Bryan, Kane, and Flair, then just as they go to put Ric through the announce table, Ryback interrupts.
He is on a mission, tearing apart The Shield until they retreat through the fans. Ryback, Kane, Daniel, and Ric celebrate in the ring.
Ads.
Segment #5: Backstage Promo
Kane, Daniel Bryan, and Ric Flair are happy with their fight against The Shield. Ric keeps on “whooing”, while Kane says “yes” and Bryan screams “no.” Another Hall Of Famer, Ron Simmons, walks in and proclaims his “damn!”
Match #5: Single – J.T.G. VS. “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay (with “The Funkadactyls” Cameron and Naomi)
Pointless contest, with Brodus picking up the victory after a splash.
Winner via Pinfall: Brodus Clay (with “The Funkadactyls” Cameron and Naomi)
Segment #6: Slammy #5 Promo – “L.O.L. Moment Of The Year”
Odd couple, Santino Marella and Tensai, are out to present this lame award.
Nominees: “The Rock’s Boston Tea Party” (Raw), “Team Hell-No’s Anger Management Therapy” (Raw), “Randy Orton pouring food all over Alberto Del Rio, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Matt Striker” (Smackdown), “Vickie Guerrero Dancing” (Raw)
Commercials.
The winner is The Rock, however he is not here to accept. Instead, Santino wants to take it, but Daniel Bryan protests “no, no, no” until Kane comes out and literately carries him to the back.
Match #6: Single – Sin Cara (with Rey Mysterio) VS. Cody Rhodes (with “The Intellectual Saviour Of The WWE” Damien Sandow)
Elbow/collar tie-up and punches in the corner from Rhodes. He Irish-Whips Cara, but Sin counters with a handstand back elbow. He sends Cody to the outside with a top-rope armdrag, then runs through the ropes with a dive to the outside. Rhodes capitalizes with kicks quickly and takes control again. He grasps on a grounding arm submission, then stomps on Cara again.
Cody uses the ropes to help choke Sin, then delivers a stiff right hand. Cara eventually counters a running Cody with a kick, then nails a missile dropkick and hurricanrana. Cody reverses another move and drives Cara down with the Crossrhodes spinning neckbreaker to get the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Cody Rhodes (with “The Intellectual Saviour Of The WWE” Damien Sandow)
Segment #7: Slammy #6 Promo – “Trending Now Hashtag Of The Year”
“Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder and Layla give this one.
The winner, appropriately, is “#FeedMeMore” for Ryback. Zack and Layla take the award to the back to give to him.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
Despite not being voted “Superstar Of The Year,” The Big Show is still not upset because he is still the World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd begins to chant “boring,” which irritates the 500-pounder, until Sheamus comes out to liven things up. He gives accolades to the match they had at T.L.C., as well as The Big Show for being the better man.
He shakes Show’s hand and starts to walk off calmly, until the World Heavyweight Champion insults him with some Irish stereotypes. This makes Sheamus unglued and he destroys Show with chair shots and a Brogue Kick!
Just now, Dolph Ziggler is running to cash in his Money In The Bank contract, but Cena chases after him and levels “The Showoff” with a clothesline. Cena chucks him barricade-to-barricade, and since the referee never rang the bell to start the match, Ziggler still has his contract.
Match #7: 6-Man Tag-Team – “3.M.B. (Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, and Heath Slater) VS. Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez), The Miz and ???
The mystery partner is left for after the break.
Commercials.
Segment #9: Backstage Promo
Dolph Ziggler is looking for Vickie Guerrero. When he finds her, they argue about T.L.C. and tonight. Ziggler says this relationship is finally over (yay!) and that he wants revenge on Cena for costing him the World Championship opportunity. Guerrero agrees, but instead puts him in a tag-team match – with his partner of A.J. taking on John Cena and his partner – Vickie Guerrero!
Match #7: 6-Man Tag-Team – “3.M.B. (Drew McIntyre, Jinder Mahal, and Heath Slater) VS. Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez), The Miz and ???
The Miz announces their partner as a man that “takes it to the extreme, the heart and soul of E.C.W. – Tommy Dreamer!” The “Innovator Of Hardcore” walks out, welding a Singapore Cane.
Drew and Alberto tussle for a bit, until the Philadelphia-favourite is tagged in. Dreamer takes down Slater with a punch, and things break down fast. Dreamer flies off, impressively, to all three members of 3.M.B.
Ads.
Back live, Dreamer counters a side-headlock from Mahal to a backrop, then tags in Miz as Slater is switched with. Miz all-over Heath, hitting the running-clothesline in the corner. Slater eventually counters and sends Miz into the barricade, then Miz is wrestled by all three, who dominate over the Miz for a while.
Miz finally makes a hot-tag to Del Rio, going after Slater and Drew. Miz takes out Mahal with a clothesline, while Alberto hits the running Enziguri and goes to lock in the Crossarmbreaker submission, but decides to please the crowd and switch with Tommy Dreamer. He comes in and plants Heath with the DDT for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winners via Pinfall: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez), The Miz, and Tommy Dreamer
Segment #10: Slammy #7 Promo – “Newcomer of the Year”
Sheamus comes back out to hand out the next trophy. The nominees are: Antonio Cesaro, “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay, “The Intellectual Saviour of the WWE” Damien Sandow, and Ryback (Gee, I wonder!)
Commercials.
The newcomer of the year is … Ryback. Yep, that’s about right. He walks out, shakes Sheamus’ hands and takes to the podium. Ryback quotes the late, great Owen Hart (ok, there’s my win, right there! Very classy!) saying “enough is enough and it’s time for a change.” Ryback declares he is that “change” and leads the crowd in a “feed me more” chant. He now marches to the ring, for a bout next.
Match #8: Single – Ryback VS. United States Champion Antonio Cesaro (Non-Title)
Prior to the contest, Cesaro rips the voting, claiming it is rigged. He says that he is stronger, smart, and a champion, unlike Ryback.
Antonio starts fast with a kick and uppercut, but gets a Lou Thesz press off an Irish whip. Ryback slams his head three times to the mat and punches him down. Cesaro counters and shoves Ryback into the ropes, then hits a couple uppercut punches to Antonio’s back.
Ryback reverses a suplex into one of his own, then gives Cesaro shoulders in the corner. He goes for another, but the U.S. Champion counters with a high-knee. He then runs and slams Ryback to the canvas!
As Cesaro signals for “The Neutralizer,” Ryback backdrops him and drives him and drives him down with a spinebuster. Ryback is gearing up for a clothesline, but Antonio rolls out of the ring to collect is U.S. Championship. He turns around right into an overhead-press, sending him back to the ring. Cesaro escapes again and decides to forfeit.
Winner via Count-Out: Ryback
Segment #11: Slammy #8 Promo – “Match Of The Year”
Hall Of Famers “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and “Good Ole J.R.” Jim Ross walk out to present the final Slammy of the night, for the greatest match of 2012.
The nominees are: “End Of An Era” Triple H VS. The Undertaker (Wrestlemania XXVIII, 4/2/2012), Brock Lesnar VS. John Cena (Extreme Rules, 4/30/2012), World Heavyweight Championship Big Show VS. Sheamus (Hell In A Cell, 10/28/2012), “Once In A Lifetime” John Cena VS. The Rock (Wrestlemania XXVIII, 4/2/2012)
(Ok, this one is actually hard to pick – it’s definitely down to the two ‘Mania 28 contests, and personally, I’d like it to be the “End Of An Era” bout.) We’ll find out next!
Ads.
Back live, the winner for 2012 “Match Of The Year” is … “End Of An Era” Triple H VS. The Undertaker (Wrestlemania XXVIII, 4/2/2012)! (Good)
Out to accept, Triple H returns (with his new haircut) and receives a loud ovation, and gives it right back to the fans and the three Hall Of Famers on stage.
Just as he begins his speech, loud “we want ‘Taker” chants blare. He calls the match “magical,” and puts over the two other participants as the two guys he respects more than anyone else in the business. Shawn Michaels, and calling Undertaker “the benchmark.”
The fans chant “thank you, Hunter” and he reiterates the sentiment. He then answers a “million dollar question,” saying that we haven’t heard the last of The Undertaker! Triple H walks off to his music.
Backstage, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose attack Tommy Dreamer and Ricardo Rodriguez until referees and agents shoo them away.
A.J. come out next and wants a ladder set up in the ring. She ascends it before the break.
Commercials.
Segment #12: Arena Promo
A.J. is almost atop the ladder with the microphone in the ring. She says that she is “just full of surprises.” A.J. claims that everyone is asking her why she tipped John Cena off the ladder at T.L.C. and cost him the match. She thought it was obvious, and just before she can say so, Vickie Guerrero excuses herself. She says that no one cares and drops the mike, getting ready for the match.
Match #9: Mixed Tag-Team – A.J. and “The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler VS. Vickie Guerrero and John Cena
Ziggler and Cena start out, with Ziggler ducking a clothesline and strutting around. They chain-wrestle with headlocks and armlocks, then Dolph tags A.J. following a spin-out backdrop.
A.J. comes in and eyes down Cena, then gets in the “catfight” with Vickie Guerrero. A.J. suddenly walks off, as Dolph takes control over Cena with stomps and punches. Vickie also walks off, and this is basically a one-on-one.
Ziggler misses a corner splash, but Cena gets the Attitude Adjustment countered by a jumping DDT for a close near-fall! Ziggler drops a series of elbows (7, to be exact!) Dolph misses a superkick and Cena locks in the STF. A.J. walks back out, and this time with a new charge – Big E. Langston from NXT.
Big E attacks Cena, causing the DQ.
Winner via Disqualification: John Cena,
Post-match, Big E. slams Cena with a shoulder breaker as Dolph looks on and A.J. skips around to close the show!
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Honestly, this wasn’t a great show. It had it’s moments, but much like last year, it felt bland, really kinda just sucked! I’ll do my usual analysis, however the “bogus” will be very quickly summed up!
Excellence: Jerry “The King” Lawler, Kofi Kingston, and Triple H/Undertaker/Shawn Michaels winning their Slammys. Two out of three were surprises/hard to pick and Jerry’s was excpected, but still very nice and honourable. (Although again, they didn’t need to re-show footage of his backstage ordeal following the heart attack – a bit uneasy there.)
Ryback/Cesaro was actually a great match, and these two look good in the ring together for future bouts. Once again, I liked WWE Champion C.M. Punk’s rant, but that was it from that segment.
Anything that “The Rhodes Scholars” do, as well as Miz and Alberto’s face turns – I could actually see this doing well.
I still like The Shield for sure, I’m just starting to wonder if they need to pick a permanent opponent now and begin an individual feud, instead of attacking everyone.
Bogus: Everything else. In particular, three stand-outs – The other awards were too predictable, the Ric Flair segment – although nice to see him back – was too long and too much involved. Plus, you won an AWARD John Cena, why would you give it away? And the ending to Raw was just too sudden. It felt like they rushed off the air.
Ah well, here’s hoping for more explanation next week. On that note, I will not be writing about Raw on the 24th/25th, due to Christmas, so I wish all you readers a Merry Christmas (for those who celebrate), Happy Hanukah (for those who celebrate) and Happy Holidays to everyone else! The next posting will be on January 1st, so also Happy New Year for 2013! Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
In an interview with WWE.COM, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair said that WWE is “the best place in the world to work,” adding that he loves being there and appreciates all the friendships and loyalty among the people who work at WWE and the fans.
When he was asked about CM Punk and being the best in the world, Flair told the interviewer to give him 60 days so he can get in shape and in two months, he’ll tell him who’s the best in the world. “I don’t want to say something I can’t back up right now,” Flair said while smiling.
Meanwhile on Twitter, Flair wrote a message saying he is “so happy to be home” while Hulk Hogan, his former colleague over at TNA also tweeted a message saying it was great to see Ric Flair “doing his thing again.”
USA Network will air a special edition of Smackdown tonight live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the WWE Week on USA Network.
The main event for tonight’s show will feature John Cena teaming up with Sheamus to take on the World Heavyweight champion Big Show and Dolph Ziggler, who just last night tried to cash in his Money In The Bank briefcase at the expense of Show.
Tonight’s show will also air again on SyFy this Friday in the usual time slot.
A new WWE developmental wrestler currently assigned to NXT down in Florida made his debut on WWE television yesterday, flattening John Cena at the end of RAW after walking out with AJ Lee.
The 26 year old Big E Langston followed fellow NXT wrestlers Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns to the main roster and judging from the fact that he laid out Cena, it’s a fairly good assumption that the company is high on him.
Langston – real name Ettore Ewen – is a Tampa native and has been signed to a WWE deal since 2009. He made his NXT debut in August and was then involved in an angle with Vickie Guerrero who offered her services – managerial, that is – to him but he turned her down. Guerrero then put a $5,000 bounty to any member of the NXT roster who can take Langston out. He has taped a match for the NXT title against champion Seth Rollins but that match has yet to air.
He is a powerlifter and currently holds the USAPL Florida State Raw record in deadlift with an impressive 799lbs.
The Slammy Awards Monday Night RAW had some surprise appearances during the broadcast, both in backstage segments and even in the ring.
When it comes to presenting awards, The New Age Outlaws came out in DX gear for the first time since their reunion during the 1,000th episode of RAW back in July. WWE Hall of Famers Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, Mean Gene Okerlund, and Jim Ross also presented a Slammy.
The biggest return was that of Ric Flair however, who even was in a lengthy segment with John Cena, CM Punk, Paul Heyman, The Shield, Daniel Bryan, Kane, and Ryback.
Another Hall of Famer, Ron Simmons, appeared in a backstage segment while the Boogeyman interrupted Booker T during the presentation of the first Slammy Award.
And finally, a familiar face return to Philadelphia as former ECW champ Tommy Dreamer was the surprise partner of Alberto Del Rio and The Miz when they took on 3MB. Dreamer won the match via his DDT finisher but was then attacked backstage by The Shield.
WWE presented its Slammy Awards yesterday night on RAW, just twenty four hours after the WWE.COM Slammy Award winners were revealed prior to the TLC pay-per-view.
Voting was exclusively held on the WWE app for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones.
The first Slammy was presented by Booker T, appropriately presenting the award that was named after his catch phrase, the ‘Tell Me I Did NOT Just See That Moment of the Year.’ The winner was Kofi Kingston for his great escape at the Rumble.
The ‘Comeback of the Year’ award was presented by Road Dogg and Billy Gunn and it went to Jerry “The King” Lawler for his miraculous return after his heart attack.
Vickie Guerrero presented the ‘Kiss of the Year’ award which involved AJ in all of the nominees. AJ and John Cena won the award.
The returning Ric Flair presented the ‘Superstar of the Year’ award which John Cena award.
Santino Marella and Tensai presented the ‘LOL Moment of the Year’ which The Rock won for his segment throwing John Cena’s times in the Boston river.
Zack Ryder and Layla presented the ‘Hashtag of the Year’ award which Zack Ryder won for his #WWWYKI.
The ‘Newcomer of the Year’ award was presented by Sheamus and won by Ryback.
WWE Hall of Famers Ricky Steamboat, Mean Gene Okerlund, and Jim Ross presented the ‘Match of the Year’ which was won by Triple H and the Undertaker for their Hell In A Cell match at WrestleMania.
Wooooo! Guess who’s back? The sixteen time former champion Ric Flair returned to WWE yesterday during the three hour Slammy Awards edition of Monday Night RAW.
Flair appeared at the top of the second hour to present the award of Superstar of the Year award to John Cena. Cena eventually gave the award to Flair but the Flair welcome was quickly cut off by the reigning, defending, WWE champion CM Punk and his sidekick Paul Heyman.
CM Punk ran down the two time WWE Hall of Famer, calling him a loser just like the rest of the people in Philadelphia. Flair challenged Punk and walked down to the ring. Punk hit Flair with his crutches and imitated Flair’s strut. Flair eventually stood up and poked Punk in the eye and then locked the figure four on Paul Heyman.
The Shield interrupted Flair’s speech after getting rid of Heyman and Punk and attacked Flair. Kane and Daniel Bryan came to help but were laid out as well. Just before The Shield triple power bombed Flair through the table, Ryback came out to save the day. Flair, Kane, Bryan, and Ryback then celebrated in the ring.
Flair last appeared on a WWE show earlier this year when he was granted permission by TNA to appear at the Hall of Fame ceremony and the next day at WrestleMania.
TNA will launch its British Boot Camp reality-style television series on January 1 in the UK, airing at 10PM on Challenge TV. The second episode will air immediately after the first one ends and then other shows will air every Tuesday throughout the month of January.
The six-part TV show will follow four British wrestlers – 2 males and a set of female twins – who’re trying to win a contract with TNA. At the end of the series, either one of the two males, or the twins, will get a chance to wrestle in front of a home town crowd as TNA rolls into London’s Wembley Arena as part of the UK tour later in the month.
The four individuals on the show are 29 year old Rockstar Spud, 24 year old Marty Scurll, and 24 year old twins Hannah and Holly.
TNA: British Boot Camp is the first non-game show to air on Challenge TV since Sky re-launched it on Freeview last year. “We are confident that this show’s focus on four of Britain’s most promising wrestlers will inspire Challenge’s passionate TNA fans, and draw in a new audience to professional wrestling, as we track their daunting journey from the UK, through TNA boot camp to the high pressure finale in Florida,” said John Jelley, Sky Commissioning Executive for factual and features.
It is WWE Week on USA Network this week with WWE shows or WWE personalities on USA shows from Monday to Friday.
As always, the week kicks off with a three hour edition of Monday Night RAW featuring the Slammy Awards, followed by a commercial-free Smackdown live tomorrow night. On Wednesday, USA will screen a two hour episode of WWE’s 10th annual Tribute to the Troops and then on Thursday the Big Show will be guest starring on Burn Notice. On Friday, WWE champion CM Punk hosts the movie The Game Plan which features The Rock in the leading role.
Smackdown will air on SyFy on Friday as well in its usual time slot while Tribute to the Troops will also air a slightly different one-hour version of the show on NBC on Saturday.
WWE has released the teaser trailer for the 2013 Royal Rumble featuring the one and only The Rock which will take place on January 27 from Phoenix, Arizona.
The trailer features a brahma bull who then flicks the eyebrow and transforms into The Rock as footage is shown of the former WWE champion laying the smackdown on other WWE Superstars. The Rock will be facing CM Punk at the Rumble for the WWE title.
The WWE.COM Slammy Award winners were announced yesterday during the 30 minute PPV pre-show which aired on YouTube, Facebook, and WWE.COM as well. The other main categories for the Slammy Awards will be announced tonight during RAW.
Brodus Clay won the Best Dancer of the Year, Charlie Sheen won Best Social Media Ambassador of the Year, Jerry Lawler’s video about his comeback won the WWE.COM Exclusive Video of the Year, Ryback’s “Feed Me More” won the Best Chant of the Year, Daniel Bryan defeating Big Show and Mark Henry at the Rumble won the Upset of the Year, AJ won Diva of the Year, John Cena’s promo on Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler won Insult of the Year, Daniel Bryan won Facial Hair of the Year, Zack Ryder won the YouTube Show of the Year, Tweet of the Year went to Daniel Bryan, Sheamus won the Feat of Strength of the Year for the White Noise on Big Show, and Big Show won the Double Cross of the Year when he turned on John Cena.
WWE today announced a new partnership with Hire Heroes USA, an organization committed to serving U.S. military veterans through personalized and customized job search training and assistance. To support Hire Heroes USA’s mission, WWE will make a donation and utilize all its assets, including TV broadcasts, live events, digital and social media to generate awareness and raise funds.
“WWE has a clear commitment to supporting the US military and the top organizations that help military veterans and their families,” said Brian Stann, President and CEO of Hire Heroes USA and also an MMA fighter with the UFC. “Like us, WWE follows verbal support with action, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in defense of this nation. We are proud to partner with WWE so that together we can help reduce veteran unemployment.”
WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said that it’s an honor for WWE to partner with the organization and support programs that will help the veterans, adding that the WWE has a long history with the U.S. military and they are extremely grateful for their sacrifices.
For over a year now, CM Punk has displayed over and over again that he is the best in the world but in the last few months, it has come with major controversy. First it was interference by a rogue referee, who low blowed Ryback which allowed a fast count pin by CM Punk.
Then 3 men came out of the crowd and attacked Ryback which allowed CM Punk to pin John Cena. Now, due to an injury and knee surgery, the WWE Champion will not defend his title tonight.
The original main event for tonight was going to be CM Punk defending against Ryback in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. This was changed due to the surgery on CM Punk’s knee to now a 6 man tag team TLC match with Team Hell No (Kane and Daniel Bryan) and Ryback vs. The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns).
The largest athlete in the world, The Big Show looks to keep his Heavyweight title reign alive against Sheamus in a chairs match. Big Show has poked the Irish Man a little too far to the extent of a no contact clause between the two.
Not to forget that many matches tonight will be allowed to use either Tables, Ladders, and/or Chairs.
Preshow Match is a Santa’s Little Helpers battle royal to determine the #1 contender for the Divas Championship.
The following Divas were in the Battle Royal
Layla, Kaitlyn, Alicia Fox, natalya, Tamina Snuka, Aksana, Roda Mendes, Naomi, and Cameron.
Winner of the Match – Naomi
Tonight, WWE’s TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs is live from The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
WWE opens with a toll of the bell 26 times for each victim for the horrific attack on Friday at a Connecticut Elementary School.
The play-by-play broadcasters tonight are Michael Cole, Jerry “The King” Lawler, and JBL.
Our 1st Match is Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs. Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody The Mustache Rhodes and Damien Sandow in a Tables match to determine the #1 contenders to the Tag Team Championship.
This is a tables match as one member needs to be put through a table and all men can be in the ring at the same time. We start off with Mysterio and Sin Cara controlling this match and don’t take long to get tables out.
They attack Rhodes with a table then attack Sandow in the ring. While Rhodes and Sandow are down, they set up a table in the ring and get ready to take out Sandow. Rhodes saves the match and throws Mysterio outside of the ring,
Rhodes and Sandow work on Sin Cara but Rhodes quickly takes out Mysterio on the outside so both men can continue to work on Sin Cara. They prepare to get Sin Cara through the table in the ring but Sin Cara counters and takes out Sandow.
This allows him to work Rhodes alone in the ring. Outside of the ring, Sandow and Mysterio battle it out while Rhodes puts a hurting on Sin Cara. All men are now outside and Rhodes/Sandow are destroying Sin Cara and Mysterio.
Another table is introduced and is used to slam the steps while Sin Cara’s leg is stuck between the stairs and ring post.
Now 2 tables are setup outside with both Sin Cara & Mysterio are laying on them. Rhodes was about to fly over the top rope but Mysterio blocks it then takes out both Rhodes and Sandow.
Rhodes gets taking out to the outside while Sin Cara takes out Sandow in the ring. Rhodes almost gets a power bomb through a table to Mysterio but Mysterio counters, hits the 619. Sandow saves Rhodes from getting frogged Splashed though the table.
Sandow and Rhodes slam a table directly into Mysterio head but then Sin Cara takes out Sandow, slowing the match for a few until, until Sin Cara attempts to jump over the ropes to get in the ring. Rhodes jumps in and pushed Sin Cara while he is in mid air and Sin Cara falls backwards through both tables setup outside.
Winners of the Match – Team Rhodes Scholars via Sin Cara though table to become #1 contenders for the Tag Team Championship.
A Shield Promo is played.
Our 2nd Match is Antonio Cesaro (c) vs. R-Truth for the United States Championship.
Truth comes out throwing Cesaro to the corner but Cesaro comes back to overpower and control Truth with a headlock. Truth breaks the then able to get a 2 count. Then another pin attempt allows Truth to control Cesaro in the middle of the ring, keeping Cesaro on the ground.
Cesaro out powers Truth which allows him to work Truth on the mat, gets a 2 count pin attempt then wears down Truth in the ring. Really slowing down the match but the announcers are having a great time cracking jokes about each other.
Truth tries to get the Brooklyn crowd back into the match but Cesaro don’t care and Truth begins to fight back. Truth hits a Scissors kick for a 2 count then Truth again takes out Cesaro with a high leg kick to again get a 2 count.
Truth gets whipped into the corner but seems to avoid the ref. This allows Cesaro to quickly hit the Neutralizer for the 3 count
Winners of the Match – Antonio Cesaro via pinfall to retain the United States Championship.
Matt Striker starts an interview with the winner. Cesaro claims to be the greatest US Champion, ever.
After a quick promo about Tribute to the Troop this week, Josh Matthews has in interview with Dolph Ziggler. He claims is a little unfair that he already won the Money in the Bank contract, he wants John Cena to not only lose but also watch as Ziggler becomes a bigger icon then John Cena.
The Miz then makes his way to the ring as they have setup the Greatest talk Show Ever, MIZ TV! His guests tonight are the 3MB.
Personal Note, I WANT TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL. What happened to you Drew, why..why..why.
After a few minutes of crap, they are talking crap about the spanish announcers then begin to attack them. Ricardo then comes out then Del Rio comes out and attacks 3MB. The numbers games catches up and 3MB pick apart Del Rio.
Back in the ring, The Miz takes out Health Slater, then both Del Rio and Miz clare the ring. Slater then issues a challenge for Miz and Del Rio to find a partner and have a 6 man tag team match. Miz accepts the match.
Yet, another segment, Now with Kane and Daniel Bryan talk about what they need to do during this match.
Then yet, another interview with Wade Barrett telling how he beat Kofi multiple times and will win tonight.
Our 3rd Match is Kofi Kingston (c) vs Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental Championship.
Barrett start off laying out Kofi then gets a quick pin attempt of 2. Kofi then break out of a small slump to use his legs to try to control the match but Barrett quickly stops that.
Kofo gets to the outside and is able to regain control by taking out Barrett. Both men back in the ring and Barrett regains control and slams Kofi to the mat for a kick out pin attempt.
Kofi again tries to fight back and a tilt a whirl back breaker stops that. Barrett from the second rope nails an elbow drop to the chest and attempts to pin but Kofi kicks out. The crowd starts to get back into Kofi corner and he is able to hit a leg sweep then a couple of shots to the chest of Barrett allow Kofi to hit the Boom Drop.
Kofi signals the Trouble in Paradise but misses but he does hit the S.O.S. Kofi pins but Barrett kicks out. Barrett does fight back and slams Kofi hard and attempts a pin but musters only a 2. Back and Forth we go.
Kofi nails a kick to the head and Wade rolls through a cross body slam but Kofi kicks out of the pin attempt. Barrett then begins to signal the Bull Hammer after taking down Kofi but Kofi avoids the elbow, hits the Trouble in Paradise and is able to pin Barrett 1-2-3.
Winners of the Match – Kofi Kingston via pinfall to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
CM Punk is then introduced in his personal Skybox above the crowd. Punk got himself another new shirt with “Knees 2 faces” on the front and GTS on the sleeves. There is something on the back of the shirt but its to dark to view.
Punk then begins to insult the Brooklyn crowd. He then thanks Ryback on hurting him so he couldn’t embarrass Ryback. He states he started 2012 as the WWE Champion and will end 2012 as the Champion. This is day 392 as the WWE Champion.
Our 4th Match is Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) and Ryback vs The Shield (Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns) in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match that will be decided by either a pinfall or submission.
Surprised this is not the 2nd to or last match. The Shield do have an entrance theme but enter the arena through the crowd and all hell breaks loose. They are all fighting on the outside. there will be no tagging and just a fight.
In the ring, Ambrose works Ryback but Ryback just laughs it off and just takes out Ambrose. Now, both Kane and Bryan were taking out on the outside which allows all members of Shield to take out Ryback. Kane then begins to take out a ladder but its returned directly to his gut by the Shield.
Another ladder is brought in and The Shield take out Bryan with it. Ryback comes back in then starts to slam the ladder against 2 members of the Shield but Reigns enters and nails a chair into Rybacks chest.
Now Kane and Bryan come in and destroy Reigns in the corner. Reigns is then thrown into the corner where a ladder stands. A drop kick to Reigns brings a 2 count from a pin attempt by Kane. Rollins gets caught by Kane and takes a huge uppercut from Kane in the ring.
Now, Rollins is in between a ladder and Kane starts to nail the ladder. A Huge DDT from Ambrose on Kane is delivered onto a chair. Rollins grabs a Ladder and takes out Ryback who just entered the ring.
Now the Shield work Ryback alone until Ryback fights back. He then picks up both Rollins and Ambrose, and suplexes both of them on a ladder. Reigns then enters to take out Ryback. Now all three members of Shield begin to hurt Ryback with a ladder and chair. No tables as of yet. Until now.
The Shield begin to take apart the spanish announce table and as the start to powerbomb Ryback, Ryback gets slammed hard into the table. Bryan then comes in and takes out all three members of Shield but the numbers get the better of him.
Kane tries to help but he gets taking out by Reigns. Ambrose and Rollins work Bryan in the ring with multiple chair shots, including a body slam while Ambrose hel a chair to Bryan’s back.
Bryan is alone in the ring with Ambrose and Rollins setup a table on the top rope corner. Then run bryan, chin first, into the table then place him on top of the table. all three are standing on top of the table and delivery a huge superplex to Bryan.
Kane runs in to stop the guaranteed 3 count. Now, Kane in the ring, its his turn and he gets thrown into the table. Rollins and Ambrose are going to try the superplex on Kane. Kane does fight back and takes out Rollin and Ambrose but again the numbers don’t allow much.
Kane does catch Ambrose in a chokeslam though a chair that was setup by Ambrose. Reigns then spears Kane right through the barrier around the time keeper area. Not, The Shield bury Kane under multiple chairs and chairs.
Bryan then applies the No Lock on Ambrose then Rollins then Reigns but is able to get any one of them to tap. Now, all three members of Shield again work bryan but Bryan begins to kick out of the trouble. Ryback then comes back from his nap and takes out each member one at a time. He throws Ambrose to the outside of the ring into Rollins.
Ryback was going to powerbomb Reigns but Ambrose stops it. A spear from Ryback on Ambrose then the meathook close line sets up Shellshock on Ambrose. The 2 other members of Shield break up the pin. Ryback goes after these 2 men on the outside but Reigns with a chair shot to the back.
Ryback and all three members of Shield go up the aisle towards the entrance and all three are just destroying him. They place Ryback on a table then Rollin claimbs a huge ladder. 20 feet maybe but Ryback gets up.
He then begins to chase Rollins up the ladder. He then throws Rollins off the ladder and through multiple tables. Back in the ring, Ambrose and Reigns are taking out Bryan and powerbomb Bryan through a table in the ring.
They then are able to pin Bryan 1-2-3. Insane match
Winners of the Match – The Shield via pinfall.
Our 5th Match is – Eve (c) vs. Naomi for the Divas Championship.
Both ladies trade shots but Naomi with a nice leg drop gets Eve to run to the outside of the ring. As Eve tries to get back in, she takes out Naomi then she works the arm shoulder of Naomi. Naomi then fights back but misses a cross body which allows Eve to hit a neck breaker then pins for 3.
Winners of the Match – Eve via pinfall to retain the Divas Championship.
Big Show interview which he claims Sheamus should have hit him to cancel this match. Big Show claims a win.
Our 6th Match is Big Show (c) vs. Sheamus in a Chairs match for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Sheamus just runs into Big Show right when the bell rings. Big Show tries to stop him but Sheamus just keeps coming. He then takes out the legs of Big Show. Sheamus now grabs a chair but it gets thrown out by Big Show.
Big Show then rolls to the outside but Big Show gets a high back kick to take out Sheamus. A slap to the chest twice allows Big Show to slow this down then he goes around looking for something but Sheamus comes back and attacks Big Show.
Now back in the ring, both men trade shots but Big Show wins the power battle. Big Show leaves again and gets caught again. Now Sheamus grabs another chair and begins to clobber Big Show.
Then a huge powerslam gets a 2 count pin. Sheamus now bleeding from the mouth and he again, starts to swing the chair. Big Show then gets nailed by Sheamus who jumps from the top rope with chair in hand.
Sheamus again to the top rope but this time, Big Show spears him in mid air. Big Show then slowly walks over and now its his turn to swing the chair. A few hard shots to the back, then Big Show gets Sheamus back into the ring.
Now Big Show takes his time and continues to hurt Sheamus. A knee to the head from Big Show stuns Sheamus and this allows him to slowly destroy Sheamus. As Big Show tried to leave the ring, Sheamus catches him between the ropes.
Sheamus now back into the action swings wildly then hits high running knee but then he walks into a chokeslam with Big Show trying to pin but only gets 2. Big Show again trying to find chairs and grabs 2 from one side of the ring, then grabs another 2 from the other side of the ring.
Sheamus stirring but gets a kick to the gut then Big Show, with chair in hand, takes out Sheamus. Now, Big Show trying to jump off the 2nd rope, slams Sheamus while a chair is on his chest. Big Show goes for the pin but Sheamus kicks out.
Big Show begins to setup 2 chairs in the middle of the ring and goes for the chokeslam, Sheamus counters and Sheamus nails White Noise on the 2 chairs. Big Show kicks out of a very close 3 and we continue. Sheamus then signals for the Brogue Kick and misses. this allows for the WMD but Sheamus then kicks out.
Big Show then finds this huge chair, Its freaking huge. Its at least 2-3 times a normal size chair. He then nails Sheamus with it square on the back.. Big Show then pins Sheamus for 3 slams of the refs hand.
Winners of the Match – The Big Show via pinfall to Retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
John Cena is shown preparing for his match and AJ walks in to say sorry about what happened last week on Raw when she snapped after her losing match vs Vicki.
Our 7th Match is Alberto Del Rio, The Miz, and The Brooklyn Brawler and vs. 3MB (Health Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre).
Talk about a crazy mix of a tag team members, oh man.
Alberto starts this off against Slater and he works in the corner then Alberto tags the Brawler. He takes out Slater but then Slater catches him with a high kick. Drew gets tagged in and continues to bring down Brawler then Slater misses a high fly slam.
The Miz gets tagged in and takes out Jinder and gets a 2 count. Alberto enters and double knee backers Drew. Ricardo then gets involved and takes out Slater on the outside of the ring. Now, The Miz hits his Skull Crushing finale but does not pin Jinder. He tags Brawler instead.
The Brooklyn Brawler, Yes, The Brooklyn Brawler applies the Boston crab and Jinder taps out. The announcers tried to stop and say well, it should be called the Brooklyn Crab to stay safe from the Boston and New York sports rivalry.
Winners of the Match – Alberto Del Rio, The Miz, and The Brooklyn Brawler via submission.
Our 8th Match is Dolph Ziggler vs John Cena in a Ladders Match for Dolph’s Money in the Bank Contract.
John doesn’t get a warm welcome right here in, Brooklyn, New York.
Dolph Ziggler got himself a main event match on PPV, just not the way I think he wanted it. He would rather have a title in hand instead but we start with Cena showing over with a shoulder shot to Ziggler. The crowd is in this match, they have not been this loud all night. Ziggler is shown to be a fan favorite tonight. Crowd chanting for Ziggler.
Ziggler responds by holding the ropes to avoid Cena but Cena responds by taking Ziggler down to the mat with a head lock. Now the “You cant wrestle” rains from the crowd as Ziggler reverses the headlock and applies it himself. Fisherman suplex from Cena allow him to throw Ziggler to the outside. While in the ring, most fans boo him.
Ziggler grabs a chair and nails Cena in the gut then enteres the ring with Cena. He places the chair in between the top and middle rop. Cena quickly takes out Ziggler in the ring then he grabs a ladder.
Ziggler with a sliding kick places the ladder into Cenas head very nicely. Ziggler tries to setup the ladder but then Cena runs in, stops him, then nails Ziggler in the head with the top of the ladder. Cena then takes Ziggler to the other announce table, then begins to grab the stairs. he lifts them and runs directly into the head of Ziggler hard.
Cena then grabs a table to places it in the ring while Ziggler is still down outside. He grabs Ziggler but eats top rope instead. This gets Ziggler to setup the ladder and he begins to crawl up the ladder but Cena stops him with a shot to the kidney.
Now both men trade viscous shouts back and forth then Ziggler applies his sleeper hold. Cena fades to one knee then gets up and begins to crawl up the ladder while Ziggler still has the hold.
At the top of the ladder, while trying to grab the briefcase, they both fall backwards right on a table.
Right now, there is a huge issue happening to Cena’s left eye. It is swelling really bad. The refs have applied the rubber gloves and a camera shot shows a ref clearing blood off Ziggler’s leg.
Ziggler tried to climb the ladder. Cena then closes the ladder and Cena lifts the ladder and Ziggler in an attempt to hit the AA. Ziggler does avoid it but Cena attacks Ziggler multiple times. Ziggler does counter one to take out Cena.
As Ziggler awake, he applies the STF and Ziggler taps but you cant win that way. Cena breaks the hold after a minute. Cena gain tries to hit the AA but Ziggler counters and hits a reverse STO. He then sets up a table in the corner but Cena hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. As Cena gain goes for the AA, Ziggler counter to nail a huge DDT.
Ziggler then goes out to grab a huge ladder, 15 footer it seems and sets it up in the ring. He climbs the ladder but Cena reaches the top too.
They trade shots on top of the ladder and Ziggler falls down. Cena gets close but then Ziggler is able to stop him. They both crawl back down from the ladder with Ziggler throwing Cena into the ladder.
Cena counters with a flying head scissors and this causes Ziggler to go through the table in the corner of the ring. This allows Cena to close the larger ladder and but Ziggler drop kicks Cena which then causes the only ladder in the ring to fall over and out of the ring.
As Ziggler tries to throw Cena into the chair he setup before, Cena stops him but loses a battle of punches on the top rope. Ziggler, still on the top rope, hits a crossbody but Cena rolls through, Picks up Ziggler. Ziggler able to grab a chair before Cena hits the AA and hits Cena twice.
Ziggler then clears the entire ring of everything but misses a superkick. Cena then nails the AA. Vicki then runs to the ring with a chair but Aj stop her from doing anything. AJ takes out Vicki with a 5 knuckle shuffle. She is using all of John Cenas 3 moves.
Now, Cena enters and grabs a ladder and begins to crawl up the ladder but then…..
AJ pushes the ladder with Cena on it he falls on the ropes then Ziggler with a kick to the head of Cena. She then looks over to Ziggler, smiles then leaves the ring. Ziggler then crawls up the ladder and grabs HIS CASE!
Winners of the Match – Dolph Ziggler via grabbing the Money in the Bank Contract.
Shock runs wild as everyone is surprised with the AJ betrayal. Cena awakens, wondering what happened and why…….as the PPV ends.
This was a great PPV, the matches were awesome and a few surprises ends the match.
Our Next PPV will be the Road to Wrestlemania, The 2013 Royal Rumble. Remember, The Rock is to face whomever the WWE Champion is. As of right now, Its CM Punk!
Live tonight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, WWE presents its last pay-per-view of 2012 – TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs. The full card is as follows:
Ryback, Kane, and Daniel Bryan vs The Shield in a TLC match which will be decided only via pinball or submission; Dolph Ziggler vs John Cena in a ladder match for the Money in the Bank briefcase; Big Show vs Sheamus in a chairs match for the World Heavyweight title; Antonio Cesaro vs R-Truth for the U.S. title; Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow in a tables match for the number one contendership for the WWE tag team titles; and the pre-show match, a Santa’s Little Helpers Divas battle royal between Layla, Kaitlyn, Alicia Fox, Natalya, Tamina Snuka, Aksana, Rosa Mendes, Cameron, and Naomi.
The latest season of Ultimate fighter wraps up tonight as a new welterweight TUF contract is handed out and Coach Roy Nelson squares off against fellow heavyweight Matt Mitrione. Both Nelson and Mitrione compete on the same season of Ultimate fighter that Nelson went on to win the contract in. Facebook fights start at 5:35 pm ET/ 2:35 pm PT. Prelims resume on Fuel TV at 7pm ET/ 4 pm PT and the main card is on FX at 9pm ET/ 6pm ET. Also follow along on twitter @wonlinemma for winners and other side notes as they happen.
Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg back to calling the action tonight with Bruce Buffer doing the announcing.
Facebook Prelims
Flyweights (125lbs)
Tim Elliott vs Jared “The Jackhammer” Papazian
Ref: Chris Tognoni
Round 1-
Papazian comes forward and Elliot gets the take down and goes for a guillotine. Papazian gets up and lands a kick but Elliott catches it and takes him back down. Papazian goes for a knee bar and Elliott gets free and into half guard. Elliott gets side control and Papazian sweeps. Elliott immediately grabs a guillotine again but Papazian pops free again. Papazian with a big knee to the body. Papazian knees Elliott in the jaw. Good call by the ref to stop them from the illegal knee. Elliott has no legs under him and docs are checking him. Elliott was seated on the mat which makes it illegal. the doc gives Elliott a minute and he has his legs but is still shaken. Doc is still giving him time. Elliott is ready to continue. Papazian with another knee. Elliott looks rocked again. Elliott drops Papazian with a left it looked like. Elliott ground and pounding. Elliott gets the mount and delivers punches and elbows. Papazian gets space and is back up. Elliott has the body lock and eats a knee to the body. Papazian with a right hook and Elliott is hurt again. Elliott staying in the fight ties up Papazian and now Papazian has Elliott against the cage with the body lock. Papazian with another knee to the body. Elliott gets free and drops down for a leg lock and just misses catching a spinning kick to the head.
Round 2-
Elliott with a head kick to start the round and Papazian lands a couple counter left hooks. Elliott grabs a single and gets the take down and into side control. Elliott with a load of short elbows to the face has busted the nose of Papazian. Papazian gets back up and lands an upper cut. Papazian with another upper cut then a right hook. Elliott with another single leg take down and Papazian wall walks back up. Papazian gets space and Elliott with a jumping switch kick followed by a left hand before his feet hit the ground. Papazian with a flying knee now another upper cut. Papazian goes back to the body with a thudding right. Papazian with a left right and Elliott ties him up but can’t get the trip. Papazian with a stepping right jab down the middle. Elliott with left right combo and gets take down right behind it. Elliott finishes the round with elbows from the mount.
Round 3-
Papazian is bleeding from the eyebrow and mouth too. Elliott gets the take down and goes for another guillotine. Elliott lets it go and goes for an ankle lock now. Elliott holding the ankle and Papazian punching away the ref stands them up. Papazian with a nice right and now Elliott drops him with another left. Elliott in the mount again elbowing and punching away. Elliott trying to take the back as Papazian rolls over and still raining down punches from the back now. Papazian bleeding all over the place now. Elliott switches for a rear naked Papazian keeps his chin tucked and rolls over now Elliott pounding away from the top mount again. Papzian has to give up his back again and Elliott goes back to the RNC he can’t get it under the chin and Papazian rolls over and wall walks the trade for a moment and Elliott picks him up and puts Papazian back on the mount. Elliott punching away from the back Papazian rolls and eats more shots from the mount. Papazian has to roll over again and Elliott punches away till the end. Looks like Papazian goes after him after the end of the fight the ref steps in between. Elliott tells his corner that Papazian was “lubed up”
Winner by Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26 ) Tim Elliott
Lightweights (155lbs)
John “The Potter” Cofer @coferpottery vs Mike “The Wolverine” Rio @MikeRioMMA
Ref: Kim Winslow
Round 1-
Cofer with a nice kick to the body then a right hook. Rio goes for the take down can’t get it but has Cofer against the cage working the knee to the body. Rio goes for a throw and Cofer is able to get space. Rio working the leg kick as Cofer sets up in front of him. Cofer hurts Rio with a left and Rio looks hurt goes for the tie up and gets Cofer against the fence and recovers. Rio still working for the take down. Rio can’t get the throw again and they are back in the center of the octagon. Cofer misses barely with a front kick to the jaw. Cofer uses head movement to avoid the jab and lands a counter left. Rio gets the single this time and from half guard drops a few left hands. Cofer goes for the leg and uses it to sweep. Rio has the closed guard from the bottom and lands a nice elbow. Cofer with a couple body shots and Rio goes for a leg lock with 10 secs left.
Round 2-
Cofer with a nice body kick. Rio counters with the right hook and Cofer lands that left again. Rio picks up Cofer and slams him down into side control. Cofer working for an omoplata. Rio stands up and is trying to get back in the guard. Cofer with an up kick and Winslow stands them up. Cofer with another straight left and Rio tries to tie him back up. Cofer with another left jab. Rio lands a right jab then eats a kick to the body. Rio ties him up with an over under and knees to the body. Cofer gets Rio against the cage and knees the legs of Rio. Cofer gets reversed but lands a knee to the body. Rio has to work for a single but is able to turn the corner and get it. Rio goes from side to back mount and Cofer stands up with Rio on his back and shakes him off. Cofer back on top and gets in half guard and delivers some ground and pound and Rio explodes back up with 10 seconds left.
Round 3-
Rio’s corner tells him he has to circle to the left away from the left of Cofer and Cofer is able to land another straight left. Cofer kicks the body and Rio ties him up. Rio turns the corner and is in half guard now. Cofer gets the full guard and Rio nicely moves to side control. Elbows now from Rio. Rio with elbows to the body and it looks like he is working for the arm. Rio pounding the body with the point of the elbow. Rio has the arm now and as Cofer tries to turn he he looks to be working for an arm bar. Rio gets the arm bar now. Rio cant get it and Cofer is back in the closed guard and gets off a couple elbows. Cofer now with the right hand landing some ground and pound this time Rio catches the arm and is pulling it for the arm bar. Cofer has to tap out with his finger tips since both arms are trapped.
Winner by Submission(arm bar) at 4:11 seconds of round 3 Mike “The Wolverine” Rio
Bantamweights (135lbs)
Hugo “Wolverine” Viana (@wolverinehugo) vs Reuben Duran (@reubenduranUFC)
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
Round 1-
Viana lands the counter over hand right. Viana with a left right hook combo that drops Duran. Duran pops up and Viana nails him with a right to the body. Viana drops him again with another right and Duran pops up and hollers at Viana. Viana with control now against the cage. Viana lunges forward after they reset with a left that misses. Viana is stepping in with each punch looking to end the fight. Viana just throwing for the fences. Viana lands that big over hand right again drops Duran. Duran pops back up and then eats another right hand that spins Duran all the way around and makes him face plant. Mazzagatti is diving in to protect Duran.
Winner at 4:05 of rd 1 by TKO Hugo “Wolverine” Viana
Joe Rogan has Viana interpret himself at a bit in Portugese. Viana thanked the UFC, Las Vegas, and his momma.
Prelims on Fuel TV
Welterweights (170lbs)
Nick “The Jersey Devil” Catone (@NickCatone) vs TJ Waldburger (@TJWaldburger)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
Catone with a low stance wings some punches and Waldburger has him tied up on the cage now. Catone spins free and delivers a knee on the way out. Waldburger going for another take down and Catone sprawls and controls Waldburger by a front head lock. Waldburger working hard for the take down has his head free and over under hooks against the cage. Waldburger knees the legs of Catone then drops down but can’t get it to the canvas. Catone is able to use a judo throw and get Waldburger on his back. Waldburger wall walks and gets back up. Catone briefly gets another take down and Waldburger now working for a kimura or use it for a throw. Waldburger drops to the mat and is trying to pry the arm away from the body. Catone stands up and dives on top of Waldburger with a right hammer fist. Waldburger gets back to his feet reverses and gets his own take down. Catone spins and takes the back of Waldburger. Waldburger working for the arm now tries to spin for the leg but the round ends.
Round 2-
Catone with a high kick that connects to the fore arm. Waldburger drops Catone with a straight right and dives in for the ground and pound. Waldburger goes for a guillotine then switches to the triangle. Waldburger has both the arm in also if he wants to switch it again. Dean is watching close and Catone doesn’t tap but goes to sleep instead.
Winner at 1:04 of round 2 by submission (triangle) TJ Waldburger
Khabilov closes the distance and grabs for a single. Khabilov gets it and is in half guard. Khabilov with some right hands and Pichel creates space with his knee. Khabilov suplexes him back to the mat twice as Pichel gets up. Khabilov with a big elbow and takes the back Khabilov with a third big suplex. Khabilov hits him with 5 big lefts from the back but Pichel could have been out from that last slam. Those were ESPN top play material slams WOW. All three of those slams caused the side and back of Pichel’s head to violently connect with the canvas.
Winner by KO at 2:15 of round 1 Rustam “Tiger” Khabilov
UFC on Fuel is saying Jamie Varner is sick and fight with Melvin Guillard is off. Varner is sick in the back area.
Bantamweights (135lbs)
Marcos “Vina” Vinicius (@VinaTUFBrasil) vs “Brutal” Johnny Bedford (@BrutalBedford)
Ref: Kim Winslow
Round 1-
Bedford with a nice left right left combo to start things off. Bedford Picks up Vinicius and slams him down. Bedford is in closed guard and pushes Vinicius to the cage. Bedford works to half guard and delivers a couple big lefts. Vinicius gets his feet up on the hips and Bedford hops over to side control and pulls Vinicius back down flat. Vinicius gets the butterfly guard. Bedford backs off and lets Vinicius up to his feet. Bedofrd with a right left right combo up stairs then a nice jab as they reset. Bedofrd sways to the side and lands a nice counter left as Vinicius comes forward. Bedford connects with the left and drops Vinicius. Bedford drops down with some ground and pound. Bedford moves to side control. Bedford briefly gets the side crucifex and drops a couple short elbows. Vinicius gets to his feet and Bedford connects with a pair of knees.
Round 2-
Bedford with a nice stepping left jab down the pipe. Bedford now mixes in a thudding right body shot followed by the left jab. Vinicius push kicks bedford in the cup and Rogan goes into the Diamond MMA cup and steel Thai cups. Action resumes and Vinicius misses with the spinning back kick. Bedford steps in with the left hook and right straight that drops Vinicius. Bedford kicks him in the chest as he is trying to get up then a left and right. Now Bedford unloads with the big right hands and Vinicius is done.
Winner at 1:00 of round 2 by KO “Brutal” Johnny Bedford
Welterweights (170lbs)
James Head (thejameshead) vs Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (@Mike_Pyle)
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
Round 1-
Pyle with the full blown mullet nicely shaved on the sides. Pyle steps in with a jab then eats a left and right jab from Head. Head with right straight looks like it hurt him. Head with some knees. Pyle circles away from the fence and lands a right hook.Head closes the distance and lands few elbows. Head hits him with a right then series of lefts to the body as Pyle goes for the thai clinch. Pyle lands a left knee to the body then a right knee to the face. Head is down now a right and left and few more lefts for good measure while Head is down before the ref can jump in to save Head.
Winner by TKO at 1:55 of round 1 Mike “Quicksand” Pyle
TUF 16 Finale main card on FX
Featherweights (145lbs)
Jonathan Brookins (@J_Brookins) vs Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (@DustinPoirier)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
Two south paws meet in the middle and Poirier is getting that left jab in. Brookins counters with a nice body and straight right. Poirier is hurt and the two men stand and trade punches. Poirier goes for the tie up. Brookins connects with the right hook now. Poirier lands a left elbow. Poirier clinches against the cage again Brookins spins him around and eats a straight right. Poirier lands another and goes for a push kick and Brookins catches it. Brookins breifly gets him against the face and eats a couple rights from Poirier. Poirier with a left and right hook. Poirier counters a Brookins combo and eats a straight right that has him hurt. Poirier with another straight right. Poirier now with a left hook right right straight combo. Brookins tries to tie him up but Poirier latches on the d’arce choke and Brookins taps.
Winner by Submission (d’arce choke) at 4:15 of round 1 Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier
Heavyweights (265lbs limit)
Shane Del Rosario (@delrosariomma) vs Pat “HD” Barry (@HyperOrDie)
Ref: Kim Winslow
Round 1-
Del Rosario with a kick to the body to start things. Barry with a vicious kick to the lower leg. Del Rosario ties him up and Barry with an upper cut to the body Del Rosario with a knee. Barry sprawls on the take down and locks on a front head lock. Del Rosario working for the take down but Barry blocking with a shoulder lock. Del Rosario with big knees over and over to the body. Del Rosario punching away at the body and thighs of Barry. Barry with that big leg kick again. Del Rosario shoots for another take down and it takes a minute but he gets the take down. Del Rosario takes his back and goes for an RNC. Barry frees himself and he is trying to shake him off the front. Del Rosario goes for an arm bar then an omoplata Barry defends but eats a few punches. Barry is now in side control with 10 seconds left and holds that position till the end of the round.
Round 2-
Barry with a BIG left hook that some how Del Rosario stays on his feet but he was out. Barry charges forward with three right hooks as Del Rosario backs up and he is now out.
Winner by KO at 26 secs of rd 2 Pat “HD” Barry
Barry very emotional after the fight tells his girls he is coming home to hug them for 15 hours straight. Barry gives Rogan a big sincere hug. Barry worried about rushing Del Rosario because last time he did he woke up thinking he won but Kongo had won.
TUF 16 Finalist
Welterweights (170lbs)
Mike “The Martian” Ricci (@MikeyRicci ) vs Colton Smith (@ColtonSmithMMA )
Ref: Steve Mazzagatti
Round 1-
Smith drops down for a very low single and under a kick. Ricci gets up but still is in the body lock. Smith gets the take down again briefly and moves over to the back of Ricci. Smith has a hook and shoulder lock to control Ricci. Smith drags him to the ground gets the second hook and flattens him out. Ricci is defending really well is now eating some hammer fist. Smith working the right arm under the chin. Ricci defending but is eating punches now. Smith has his palms together but Ricci is able to turn over and get back to his feet. Smith ducks under the jab of Ricci and grabs a low single again. Ricci stays on his feet but Smith is grinding on him against the fence until he can yank the legs out from under him and delivers some grueling punches on the ground before the round ends.
Round 2-
Smith kicks Ricci in the groin and Mazagatti doesn’t stop the action and Smith swarms. Smith ties up Ricci on the cage again and gets the take down again. Ricci monuvers to the cage and Smith with the ground and pound is on the back now of Ricci as he gets back to his feet. Ricci is taking back down and Smith has the hook in again and Ricci escapes out the back but can’t separate. Smith gets Ricci back to the mat and Smith is on the back again with one hook pounding away at the body and head of Ricci. Smith rolls over Ricci with both hooks and Smith is working for the RNC but can’t get it under the chin. Smith switches to palm to palm over the mouth of Ricci. Ricci briefly sits up but can’t get any space and Smith is grinding away working for the submission and trying to soften up Ricci with strikes. Another dominant round for Smith.
Round 3-
Ricci wants to trade kick s and Smith blitzes forward and ties up Ricci behind a jab. Smith drags him back to the ground and gets the back again with one hook in. Smith works for a neck crank but can’t get it. Dumb fans are booing this but this is pure domination by Smith. Smith is relentless taking him down punching to soften him up then going for a submission. Smith moves to the mount now and is pounding away. Ricci has to give up his back again and Smith is pounding away at the side of the head of Ricci. Ricci is tough fighting all this off. Smith still on the back is working for a shoulder lock and dropping elbows in the process. Smith working for an arm triangle lets it go and takes the back again. Ricci is able to spin and takes Smith’s back with under a minute left. Smith is trying to shake him off the top. Ricci goes for an arm bar but Smith is able to escape and get on the back once again of Ricci. Congrats to the Army Ranger who got his MMA start in San Luis Obispo.
TUF 16 Welterweight winner and contract recipient and a Harley Davidson by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26 ) Colton Smith
Coming up next…
5 rd Heavyweight Main event
Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) vs Roy “Big Country” Nelson (@roynelsonmma)
Ref: Herb Dean
Round 1-
Nelson has the mullet in a tight braid tonight. Only in the back of course. Mitrione has a 9 inch reach advantage. The former NFLer is really trying to set up that lead jab. Mitrione with a thudding kick to the body. Nelson gets inside and gets the body lock against the cage. Nelson working for the trip. Mitrion is able to press Nelson against the cage and Mitrione does as his corner asks and delivers knees to the body. Mitrione lands the elbow on the break and lands three hard body kicks. Nelson looks to have hurt him with a right uppercut. Nelson comes forward just swinging as Mitrione is falling backwards Nelson connects with left then a right hook that makes sure Mitrione is going down. Nelson unloads a barrage of big rights and Dean has seen enough. Big Country climbs atop the octagon and does his ritual of rubbing the belly.
Winner at 2:58 of round 1 by TKO Roy “Big Country” Nelson
Award Winners for the night and an extra $40,000 each
WWE has kicked off the voting for the “secondary” 2012 Slammy Awards which will be not be part of the three hour Monday Night RAW in two days.
Only certain categories will be shown during RAW and voting will take place on the WWE mobile apps however twelve other categories are available for voting on WWE.COM starting today.
The pretty much meaningless categories are Betrayal of the Year, Upset of the Year, Feat of Strength of the Year, Diva of the Year, Facial Hair of the Year, Crowd Chant of the Year, YouTube Show of the Year, Exclusive Video of the Year, Tweet of the Year, Top Social Media Ambassador of the Year, Insult of the Year, and Best Dancer of the Year.
Weigh-ins for The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale were held yesterday at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the site for tonight’s show on FX. You can see the video of the weigh-ins below.
MAIN CARD
Matt Mitrione (257) vs Roy Nelson (252)
Mike Ricci (171) vs Colton Smith (170)
Patrick Barry (238) vs Shane del Rosario (244)
Melvin Guillard (156) vs Jamie Varner (156)
Jonathan Brookins (146) vs Dustin Poirier (146)
PRELIMINARY CARD James Head (171) vs Mike Pyle (171)
Johnny Bedford (136) vs Marcos Vinicius (136)
Rustam Khabilov (155) vs Vinc Pichel (156)
Nick Catone (171) vs T.J. Waldburger (170)
FACEBOOK CARD
Reuben Duran (136) vs. Hugo Viana (135)
John Cofer (156) vs. Mike Rio (156)
Timothy Elliott (126) vs. Jared Papazian (126)
TNA shows in Germany are at risk of being taken off television after the deal between the company and Sky Deutschland is about to expire with no renewal agreement reached yet.
The German Facebook for TNA announced that the current deal ends on January 1 and there has been no news yet if Sky will be picking up the rights. If no deal is announced either with Sky or else another broadcaster in the country, TNA will go dark in Germany with no Impact or pay-per-views airing in the region.
Sky Deutschland airs both TNA and WWE programming.
