2012

10/09/2012

They’re back! After a long absence for John Cena (OK, really only 2 weeks, but for him that’s an eternity) and Mr. Vince McMahon (he has not appeared since the 1000th Episode on July 23rd), make their return to Monday Night Raw. Will John Cena convince WWE Champion C.M. Punk to face him at Hell In The Cell? What does the owner of the WWE have to say in his “State Of The WWE Address?” Will there be a major announcement/change? How will (if at all) this affect WWE Champion C.M. Punk, and perhaps his “associate” Paul Heyman? General Manager A.J. Lee?

Also, the Tag-Team Championship Tournament is sure to continue, so who will move on in the next brackets? And as it occurs week after week, who is the Tag-Team Champion?

All this and much more from Sacramento, California, as we continue on the path to Hell In The Cell! Read on!

Monday Night Raw Report for October 8th, 2012 – “Intimidation and Proclamation”

Introduction Segment: Welcoming And Arena Promo

Michael Cole welcomes us to Monday Night Raw as John Cena’s music plays, bringing the return of the former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion to kick off the show!

Cena is in the ring as Cole also welcomes back John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) to the commentary booth, as well as Jim Ross. Cena thanks the crowd for their reaction and recaps what has been going on since he left two weeks ago. John is back to his “funny” self for a bit, then gets right on topic. He claims the crowd has no voice anymore, because WWE Champion C.M. Punk – the self-proclaimed “voice of the voiceless” has stolen the fans’ voice. Cena poses a question to Punk – what does it matter about how long he is champion (323 days and counting) if no one is watching?

It gets serious, as Cena demands that “Punk don’t be a ‘punk.’ Be a man, face me at Hell In The Cell. Agree to define your legacy in the cell against John Cena!”

Cena thanks the fans and wishes them to enjoy the show before dropping the microphone, putting his hat on a little boy and approaching the ramp. Suddenly, “Feed Me More” blares out and Ryback marches toward the ring. He and Cena look at each other quickly while crossing on the ramp.

The clip from last week, where WWE Champion C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman ordered Jim Ross to leave the ring, and Ryback brought him back and stared down Punk is shown.

Match #1: 2 On 1 – Ryback VS. Primo and Epico (with Rosa Mendes)

(I think we know how this will go!) Epico and Primo try to trick and surround Ryback, but to no avail as he just dominates the former WWE Tag-Team Champions for the first part. The cousins get a few shots win, with a missile dropkick and then trade covers and kicks. Ryback rights back a little, but gets locked in a rear chinlock. Epico slaps Ryback, but this only set him off, as he clotheslines both opponents, then finishes them off at the same time with his marching Samoan Drop for the win!

Winner via Pinfall: Ryback

Post-match, Ryback pumps up the crowd with LOUD “Feed Me More” chants.

Commercials.

Match #2: “The Funkasaurus” Brodus Clay (with “The Funkadactyls” Naomi and Cameron) VS. R-Truth (with “Little Jimmy”)

This match does not get going, as all “Little Jimmy” wants to do is dance with “The Funkadactyls.” So they all do.

Winner: No Contest via Non-Start

During the jig, Mr. McMahon appears on the Titantron and informs everyone that he will be out next for his “State Of The WWE Address.”

Ads.

Segment #2: Arena Promo

The Boss Is Back! It’s time for The Chairman of the WWE to saunter on down to the ring and talk to the people. Mr. McMahon names all the variety of characters you see in the WWE and says that there is room for all of it, however the most important is the action. Champions taking on all comers, the best of the best. Of course, this brings out the self-dubbed “Best In The World,” WWE Champion C.M. Punk with Paul Heyman and the WWE Championship in tow.

Vince tells Punk that it is disrespect to interrupt him during his promo. This lights up Punk, who feels disrespected because McMahon “took at shot” at him by talking about the “best facing the best.” He goes on to rip on the fans for not respecting him, and giving Cena chance after chance for the title, which he kept failing.

Vince responds by respecting Punk for his 323-day reign as WWE Champion, but does not respect him for being a “Paul Heyman guy.” Punk appreciates Vince for finding his “famous grapefruits” to tell him that to his face, then eventually threatens to “hop that rail and I’ll quit and you can kiss my ass goodbye.” Punk goes on an ego trip, claiming that he is the reason WWE is successful.

McMahon retorts and credits the success of WWE to the WWE Universe (fans). “You’re nowhere near the caliber of an Andre The Giant, of a Shawn Michaels, of a Triple H, of a Bret Hart. You’re nowhere near that. You’re nowhere near a ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.”

Punk cuts him off and says that McMahon is right, he is nowhere near a Steve Austin, because Punk earned everything, where Steve Austin took short cuts and beat up a “clueless, inept millionaire.” Punk shoots on Vince’s age, calling him a “senior citizen.” Out of no where, the “Straight-Edge Superstar” harshly slaps Vince to the mat, then walks up the ramp.

Vince gets back to his feet and informs Punk that he will fire him for that, “if you don’t fight me tonight! You’re going to learn something about respect.” Heyman is trying to talk Punk out of it, but C.M. is loving this, and obliges enthusiastically. “Trust me, everything’s going to be fine,” he says.

Commercials.

Match #3: Tag-Team Tournament – “The Prime Time Players” (Darren Young and Titus O’Neil) VS. Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara

Young and Cara start out, with Sin countering a hammerlock into an armdrag. Cara springs off the top rope with another twisting armdrag, then gets tagged by Mysterio, who hits a diving Senton from the apron. Cara also hits a Suicide Dive to take out O’Neil.

Ads.

Cara and O’Neil back in the ring and Titus delivers a backbreaker for a two-count. He tags in Young, who squeezes Cara with a bearhug. Cara counters a 10-punch in the corner with a boot and jumping Tornado DDT. Both men down, as Cara leaps for the tag to Rey-Rey. He flies in with another Seated Senton and headscissors, then a couple of kicks for a nearfall. O’Neil comes into break it up and gets kicked by Cara, who receives a double-knee-dropper from Young. Mysterio is the legal man though, and manages to nail Darren with the 619 and Drop Of The Dime Splash from the top-rope for the victory!

Winners via Pinfall: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara

Segment #3: Locker Room Promo

Paul Heyman is still trying to convince WWE Champion C.M. Punk not to step in the ring with Mr. McMahon. Punk thinks otherwise and says that he is totally going to decimate the owner of WWE. Heyman doesn’t like the idea still, trying to say that McMahon will make their life a living hell for the long-term. C.M. reassures Heyman that it will all be ok and he will win.

Commercials.

Match #4: Single – Wade Barrett VS. World Heavyweight Champion “Great White” Sheamus

Elbow-collar tie-up begins this bout and neither man get an advantage before The Big Show’s music plays. The 7-Footer walks down and around the ring, then Barrett jumps Sheamus. The World Heavyweight Champion counters and takes Wade down with a side headlock. Big Show is shown sitting at ringside, by the announce table.

Wade throws Sheamus to the apron, but “Great White” shoots back in with a springboard shoulder-block. Sheamus reverses a suplex attempted into one of his own, then clamps on another side headlock. Barrett fights off Sheamus’ shoulders, but gets kneed off the apron. Barrett sweeps Sheamus off the apron this time, as Big Show smiles.

Ads.

Back live, Sheamus battles out of a surfboard stretch and clotheslines Wade over the ropes. Barrett hops the steel steps then kicks them back into Sheamus’ legs. He rolls Sheamus back in the ring for a two-count. Wade whips Sheamus off the ropes and delivers a knee-to-the-gut, then a harsh, harsh boot-to-the-face. 1 – 2 – Sheamus kicks out!

Wade misses an elbow from the top, then receives multiple clotheslines from Sheamus, a shoulder-to-the-gut, and a running knee-lift. Sheamus ties up Barrett against the ropes and hammers away on his chest, but turns around into an attack from Tensai, causing a dq.

Winner via Disqualification: World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus

Post-match, Tensai and Barrett beat down Sheamus, until he Brogue Kicks Tensai and dumps out Wade. Big Show hops in the ring and catches another Brogue Kick, then chucks Sheamus over the ropes. Show walks off as the Champion is left in the ring staring at him.

Commercials.

Segment #4: Office Promo

General Manager A.J. Lee is on her phone when WWE Champion C.M. Punk walks in. He asks her if she has thought about Punk “annihilating” an old-man. Lee says she knows that Punk is scared to fight Cena but is he scared to fight Mr. McMahon, but Punk says he’s not, and was really talking to save her job, because anything that happens “it’s on your pretty little head.”

Jim Ross has left the announce booth, going to try and convince McMahon not to engage Punk in a match tonight.

Footage of John Cena appearing on a morning talk show to sincerely promote Breast Cancer Awareness month and the WWE’s Partnership with the Susan G. Komen foundation is aired.

Ads.

Match #5: Single – Tyson Kidd VS. United States Champion Antonio Cesaro (Non-Title)

Lockup and hammerlock from Ceaaro. Tyson reverses and Antonio up in the middle rope. Cesaro counters and presses down on Kidd with a wristlock, but Tyson reverses with a springboard rolling-armdrag, then a victory roll for a nearfall!

Tyson runs into a big-boot, then Cesaro punches and kicks away in the corner. Gut-wrench suplex from the United States Champion, then sling-shots him to the floor using the top-rope. Tyson makes a small comeback, with a hard-knee, and sling-shot legdrop. He goes for a flying elbow, but only nails the mat. Cesaro capitalizes with a European uppercut, then The Neutralizer (Cradle-Faceplant-Driver) to get the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winner via Pinfall: United States Champion Antonio Cesaro

Commercials.

Match #6: Tag-Team – “The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero) and Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) VS. WWE Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan)

As usual, Kane and Daniel argue over who’s the champion and who starts this match. Bryan gets it this time and locks up with Ziggler, rolling through. Dolph with a shoulder block off the ropes but gets kneed by Bryan, who refuses to tag in Kane. Daniel drop-toeholds Del Rio, then switches with Kane, who hammers away on Alberto in the corner.

Kane has Del Rio in a wristlock, then uppercuts a running Dolph. Kane chucks Ziggler over the ropes and then gets tagged by Daniel, who dives off the apron with a running knee.

Ads.

Back live, it is turned around again with Ziggler grasping a side headlock on Kane. The “Big Red Machine” punches is way out and nails “The Showoff” with a big boot. Bryan is tagged back in and hits a running elbow-clothesline, then brings Dolph off the top rope with a hurricanrana, but Ziggler rolled through for a two-count!

Del Rio slaps Bryan from behind, allowing Dolph to hit a high-dropkick, then exchange with Alberto. The “Mexican Aristocrat” clutches on a grounding rear chinlock, and kicks Bryan in the jaw. Ziggler is back in and brings Daniel down with a neckbreaker, a la the late great “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Ziggler drops an elbow for a nearfall.

In is Del Rio again, who gets a float-over suplex and a running kick-to-the-back, then repeated kicks-in-the-corner. Bryan reverses those into some of his own, but misses the running front dropkick. Ziggler misses too – a jumping splash in the corner and bounces off the top turnbuckle. He is able to yank Bryan from his own corner and prevent a tag. Del Rio now with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker but Kane breaks up the pin attempt.

The heels continue to control the bout over Bryan, until Daniel moves from a running shoulder by Del Rio, and crawls to make the hot tag to Kane! One-half of the Tag-Team Champions is all over Del Rio and Ziggler, until he tries a double-chokeslam and instead gets kicked and driven down with the Fameasser by Dolph. 1 – 2 – Kane kicks out!

Huge sidewalk slam by Kane, then Daniel tags himself back in to fly off the top-rope with a missile front dropkick. Del Rio gets sent flying out of the ring, as Ziggler gets kicked harshly following a sneaky rollup. Kane tags himself back in and drives Ziggler down with the chokeslam to gain the hard=earned victory!

Winners via Pinfall: WWE Tag-Team Champions “Team Hell-No” (Kane and Daniel Bryan)

Segment #5: Backstage Promo

Jim Ross is with Mr. McMahon and also tries to warn him against wrestling. McMahon won’t hear of it, but does want the honor of Ross calling the match. Vince asks Ross to give him his patented line to hype him up. Ross obliges, shouting “McMahon, McMahon, he’s beating C.M. Punk like a government mule! He’s kicking an ass in him and walking it dry. McMahon wins! he broke him in half!” Ross still thinks Vince is making a mistake, but The Chairman quotes another famous superstar in saying, “It doesn’t matter what you think!” He slaps Ross’ back and walks off.

Commercials.

Segment #6: Arena Promo

Larry King, legendary journalist and talk-show host is on the stage with his wife, seated at a desk. He is going to interview Intercontinental Champion The Miz. Before he can go on, the interviewee interrupts and introduces himself. Miz announces that it is his birthday, so he wants everyone to sing him “Happy Birthday.” King gets tired of Miz, and decides to replace him. His new guest is Kofi Kingston.

Kofi plays the face and cheap-pops Sacramento, which Miz calls-out. He rips on both Larry and Kingston (with a great-line of “I’ve had more championships than you’ve had wives!”) then threatens to beat up King. Larry’s wife hurls water at Miz, allowing Kofi to fight to the back, and Larry leaves with his wife happy.

Ads.

Match #7: Tag-Team Tournament – “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder and Santino Marella VS. The Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow)

Rhodes and Ryder begin, with Cody shoving Zack into the corner then punching away at him. Ryder counters into a backslide and roll-up, then hits a short clothesline. Cody knees Zack then tags in Damien. Sandow stomps away then drops a knee for a two-count. Grounding rear chinlock by Sandow to wear down Ryder. Zack counters and flapjacks Rhodes later, then tags in Marella. Santino works over Cody and goes for the Cobra, until he is distracted by Sandow, and gets nailed by a disaster kick for the 1 – 2 – 3!

Winners via Pinfall: The Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow)

Post-match, Heath Slater, Jinder Mahal, and Drew McIntyre beatdown Santino Marella for no reason at all. (This made no sense!)

Segment #7: Locker Room Promo

Vince, now donned in his wrestling gear, turns around to find Paul Heyman. He wants to apologize for C.M Punk, and did not know that Punk was going to challenge McMahon to a fight and slap him. Heyman wants to “broker the peace between you and C.M. Punk.” Vince accuses him of lying and “poisoning Punk’s mind for years.” Paul begs McMahon to not make “C.M Punk do to you what Brock Lesnar did to your son-in-law Triple H.” Heyman walks off as McMahon scowls.

Up next, Eve defends her Divas Championship against Kaitlyn.

Commercials.

Match #8: Single for the Divas Championship – Eve Torres (Champion) VS. Kaitlyn (Challenger)

Kaitlyn rushes Eve and chucks her to the mat. She delivers a couple of forearms and then a suplex for a two-count. Back-body drop from Kaitlyn, then a Torture Rack (haven’t seen that in a long while!), but Eve fights out. Kaitlyn catches Eve in a backbreaker, but appears to have re-injured her left ankle. Torres kicks and works over that ankle to gain an advantage. Eve locks in a leg grapevine submission in the middle of the ring to get the tap out victory and retain her title!

Winner via Submission and STILL Divas Champion: Eve Torres

Post-match, Layla, who was on commentary, makes the save and shoves Eve.

Segment #8: Backstage Promo

Josh Matthews asks Alberto Del Rio about Randy Orton’s “tweet” that he will be at Smackdown on Friday. Del Rio and Rodriguez just walk off.

Ads.

Segment #9: Backstage Promo

Tag-Team Champion Daniel Bryan asks Larry King and his wife how they dealt with name-calling. He then hits on Larry’s wife, and King suggests that he can’t do anything about it. Kane sneaks up from behind and they get into their usual argument.

Segment #10: Locker Room Promo

Paul Heyman is still going over the situation where McMahon can make their lives miserable, unless Punk delivers a beating so brutal, Vince can never make another decision again. “Paul, I’m going to victimize Vince McMahon, and I’m going to enjoy every single second. You should too,” declares an ominous Punk.

The main-event is next!

Commercials.

Match #9: Single – Mr. Vince McMahon VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (Non-Title)

As Mr. McMahon is walking down the aisle, Punk runs out and starts laying the assault. C.M. rolls Vince in the ring, but McMahon spears and punches Punk. They engage in a roll-around brawl, but Punk nails McMahon in the back of the head with a high-kick. Punk throws Vince outside and slams his head on the announce table three times. He picks up Vince, carrying him on his shoulders, but McMahon drops down and pushes C.M. into the ring post!

McMahon now chucks Punk over the commentator’s table, then gets on the mike claiming “I’m gonna teach you something about respect!” before leaping over the table and pounding on Punk! (He’s still got it!) Vince shoves the leather chair into Punk’s lower extremities, then pulls out a kendo stick from under the ring!

C.M. rolls out as Vince took a swing. Punk asks Heyman for the Championship, but Vince cuts him off and slaps Paul E. down! McMahon brings the Title into the ring and taunts C.M. with the kendo stick. However, Punk now grabs one of his own and it’s a battle!

They both wail away on each other with kendo sticks, but Vince gets the better, sending Punk to his knees, until Punk gives him an upper cut below the belt! C.M. takes both sticks and bats away on his boss. “The Second-City Saint” signals for the Go To Sleep and picks up Vince in position for the G.T.S., but Ryback stomps out!

“Big Hungry” is ready for Punk, but the WWE Champion chickens out, until he turns around into John Cena! He punches Punk with his left arm and throws him back into the ring, where Ryback clotheslines him and picks him up for his marching Samoan Drop. Punk escapes though, and grabs his WWE Championship, hiding in the crowd.

Winner: No Contest due to Non-Start

McMahon picks up the microphone and gives C.M. Punk an ultimatum: he takes on Ryback at Hell In The Cell, or defends against John Cena! If Punk doesn’t decide by next week, then Mr. McMahon will make his mind up for him!

To close the show, all three wrestlers stare down, with Punk looking very, very worried, and clutching his WWE Championship.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp

I thought this week was more mediocre. The only two big storylines that stuck out was C.M. Punk VS. Vince McMahon (well-done, though!) and the Divas Championship situation. The rest just seemed to go along with not much fanfare. Onto the analysis:

Excellence: As mentioned above, the whole night of Punk VS. McMahon, both verbally and the main-match. I’m glad Vince wasn’t here tonight just to make some promise or some “big” announcement, but instead really pulled off a convincing “one-night war” with C.M. Punk, not seen since the days of McMahon taking on Austin. Plus, he really stepped up in his match, and I think that was the best I’ve seen him “wrestle” since either of his bouts at Wrestlemanias XIX & XXII, facing Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels respectively.

Love Ryback’s popularity. Really, really getting over now. (Hopefully those “feed me more” chants aren’t piped in!)

Cena’s promo tonight was the right balance – he did start off his “funny” (though, I never really like it – always love him more when he’s just serious) to get the welcome back, but when it came time to get down to business, he did that too and put over his pending match with C.M. Punk and heated rivalry.

The finals for the Tag-Tournament – intriguing because I’m truly not sure who they’re going to have win, either team would be perfect to face Kane & Daniel Bryan. Also, just should be a great, great match between Cara/Mysterio & Rhodes, Sandow.

Eve/Kaitlyn/Layla saga for the Divas Title. This “triple-threat” is also interesting and has put some “spark” back in this division for me. They are making it real again and about a championship, rather than superficial issues like modeling or soap operas like stealing lovers. They are about the wrestling, finally!

Tyson/Ceasaro – awesome, technical wrestling match – enough said!

Bogus: Brodus Clay/R-Truth – short and dumb. I

Wade/Sheamus – waste of a potentially great future feud/match, Championship or not. (although, tonight’s bout was very hard-hitting and great to watch)

Kane/Bryan/Ziggler/Del Rio – felt mis-matched and just a one-off. Waste of time for Ziggler, since his is the M.I.T.B. holder. Bigger and better for him.

Larry King/Miz segment – longer and dumb.

Marella/Ryder/Rhodes/Sandow – should’ve been on Smackdown and it should’ve been Rhodes/Sandow VS. Kidd/Gabriel. (Not into Marella at all, and Zack has lost my support because he’s lost his push.)

“The Band” (Slater/Mahal/McIntyre) beatdown – read last week’s report for my full-feelings – for now, really, really, really dumb!

Even though I thought this week was “average,” I did just count up my “excellence” for this show and at least it’s more than the “bogus,” so that is a positive. I definitely liked the “cliffhanger” and truly can’t wait for next week to see who C.M Punk will face at Hell In The Cell for his WWE Championship!

Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!

McMahon and Cena back on RAW tonight

Colin Vassallo

10/08/2012

The boss will be back on Monday Night RAW tonight as WWE hit the alarm bells following last week’s horrible 15-year low ratings.

Vince McMahon will be appearing on the show to address the state of the WWE, many believing that some quick changes will be implemented to help build the audience back up. RAW has lost viewers constantly every week since it made the jump to three hours back in July.

Also appearing on the show will be former WWE champion John Cena. While he is currently out of action following his elbow surgery, he will continue to run after CM Punk to give him a title shot at the Hell In A Cell pay-per-view later this month.

Plus Arnold Schwarzenegger will be tweeting live during the show as he was appointed the RAW social media ambassador for tonight.

TNA announces several new International TV deals

Colin Vassallo

10/08/2012

TNA Wrestling today announced a number of new TV deals in the Middle East and Africa, bringing TNA TV to the region for the first time.

IMPACT is now airing on FX Middle East at 10:30PM every Tuesday with the channel reaching Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, the Palestinian territories, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mauritania and Somalia.

Beginning mid-October, Egyptian fans will also be able to watch Xplosion and and Greatest Matches after a new deal with Dream TV.

Starting in early 2013, Kuwait TV will also begin airing archive episodes of IMPACT Wrestling under the name of Classic IMPACT.

Apart from reaching Middle East and Africa, TNA has also concluded deals in Eastern Europe and is now airing on GSP TV in Romania with IMPACT airing every Monday at 8PM and Xplosion airing each Wednesday at 8PM. GSP TV will also broadcast TNA’s monthly pay-per-view events.

“I’m thrilled that this year has seen us bring the very best in professional wrestling to more and more people around the world. The TNA IMPACT WRESTLING family is growing all the time, and I can’t wait to chat to all our new fans from every corner of the globe on Facebook and Twitter,” said TNA President Dixie Carter.

Arnold Schwarzenegger to be RAW social media ambassador tomorrow

Colin Vassallo

10/07/2012

Former California Governor and Hollywood movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger will be the social media ambassador for tomorrow’s episode of Monday Night RAW.

Schwarzenegger will be tweeting to his 2.6 million followers on Twitter while WWE will return the favor by plugging his new book titled ‘Total Recall’ during the broadcast.

The Governator got into a war of words with Money In The Bank winner Dolph Ziggler over the weekend on Twitter after Ziggler said he bought his book to “study his workouts for the media and movies” after he cashes in his MITB contract. Schwarzenegger thanked him for the support and told him good luck, two words that Ziggler didn’t appreciate.

“Hah relax brother, i don’t need luck & im not a fan, just a heads up, im on my way to being a much bigger STAR than you,” Ziggler tweeted back.

This is not the first time that Schwarzenegger worked for WWE as in 1999 he appeared in an episode of Smackdown and got physical with Triple H, attacking The Game and then downing a few beers with Steve Austin in the ring afterward.

Linda McMahon slightly edging out opponent in polls for Senate seat

Colin Vassallo

10/07/2012

In the latest poll released by Quinnipiac University revealed that the Senate race between former WWE CEO Linda McMahon and her opponent Chris Murphy is pretty much dead even, with McMahon edging out Shays 48% to 47% among likely voters.

McMahon has spent a lot of money in television advertising and 84% of those polled have seen Linda’s TV ads versus the 64% who said they saw Murphy’s ads. Two thirds of the voters polled said that McMahon’s ads are “very” or “somewhat” effective, while half said the same for her opponent’s ads.

“McMahon has done a good job defining Murphy, who was not well known statewide, in a negative way,” said Douglas Schwartz, director of the Quinnipiac poll. “McMahon’s blanketing the airwaves with TV ads appears to be working.”

This is Linda McMahon’s second shot at the U.S. Senate after two years ago she lost her election to her Democrat opponent by 11% despite spending over $50 million of her own money in the campaign.

THQ announces downloadable packs for WWE ’13

Colin Vassallo

10/07/2012

THQ announced three downloadable content packs for the upcoming WWE ’13 video game which will be released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii on October 30, 2012, in North America.

“With a great variety of roster additions, along with fan-favorite offerings for customization and unlockable access, WWE ’13 delivers a comprehensive selection of downloadable content for the franchise,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President, Global Brand Management, THQ. “In addition, the Fan Axxess Program delivers a great value proposition for those looking to have the ultimate WWE videogame experience.”

The downloadable packs will feature several WWE Superstars and Divas, moves pack, costume changes, and other add ons to the highly anticipated video game.

The downloadable packs are:

Content Group #1 – “Attitude Era” Superstars Pack

“Attitude Era” Superstars Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Grand Master Sexay, Gangrel and Val Venis

Accelerator – enables players to unlock all in-game items, as well as customize individual WWE Superstar attributes

Each WWE Superstar will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $0.99 USD via PlayStation Network.

The Accelerator will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $1.99 USD via PlayStation Network.

All content is currently scheduled for release on October 30, 2012 in North America.

Content Group # 2 – WWE Superstars Pack

WWE Superstars Tensai, Ryback, Drew McIntyre and Yoshi Tatsu

WWE Divas AJ Lee and Natalya

Undertaker “Ministry of Darkness” alternate attire

Championship Title Pack – 10 new championships from WWE, WCW, ECW and AWA.

The Undertaker “Ministry of Darkness” alternate attire will be available free of charge

Each WWE Superstar and Diva will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $0.99 USD via PlayStation Network.

The Championship Title Pack will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $1.99 USD via PlayStation Network.

All content is currently scheduled for release in December 2012

Content Group #3 – You’re Welcome in Five Languages Pack

WWE Superstars Damien Sandow, Antonio Cesaro, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso

WWE Diva Layla

“Attitude Era” Legends Brian Pillman and Chainsaw Charlie

Moves Pack – 20 new moves, including the Lionsault (made popular by Chris Jericho) and the Kimura Lock (made popular by Brock Lesnar)

WWE Diva Layla will be available free of charge

Each WWE Superstar will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 80 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $0.99 USD via PlayStation Network.

The Moves Pack will be available for a suggested purchase cost of 160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $1.99 via PlayStation Network.

All content is currently scheduled for release in January 2013

WWE ’13 Fan Axxess Program

THQ also announced today the ability to pre-purchase downloadable content at a reduced price point through the WWE ’13 Fan Axxess Program. For a one-time purchase cost of 1600 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360 or $19.99 USD via PlayStation Network, a savings of more than 10 percent versus individual content purchases, consumers will receive the following items:

Fan Axxess Program Exclusive: Legendary WWE Superstars Diamond Dallas Page and Goldust

All Content Groups: “Attitude Era” Superstars Pack, WWE Superstars Pack and You’re Welcome in Five Languages Pack

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Dave Bautista wins MMA debut in the first round

Colin Vassallo

10/07/2012

Dave Bautista won his MMA debut yesterday night defeating MMA veteran Vince Lucero in the first round after the referee stopped the fight with just over a minute to go.

The former WWE and World Heavyweight champion was on the receiving end of some hard shots in the opening two and a half minutes and wasn’t good in trying to defend himself, finding himself backed up against the cage while Lucero pummeled him.

However Bautista then landed a takedown, pinned his opponent’s right arm, took his back, and started hammering down on Lucero and the referee stepped in after Lucero couldn’t protect himself better.

You can see the ending of the fight below.

Linda Bollea in hospital days before DUI arrest

Colin Vassallo

10/06/2012

The New York Daily News is reporting that Linda Bollea, the ex-wife of Hulk Hogan, was in hospital earlier in the week just days before she got busted for DUI in Malibu.

The 53 year old was in hospital for a coli infection and was on antibiotics, which might have helped spike up the alcohol blood level according to her lawyer.

“She regrets it. She’s a mom, so she’s embarrassed about it,” her lawyer Raymond Rafool told The News. “She’s just thankful it wasn’t worse and thankful nobody got hurt. The police were all very nice. It wasn’t a scene at all. It was anticlimactic.”

Linda was released from jail on a $5,000 bond. You can see her mug shot below.

Dave Bautista making MMA debut tonight in heavyweight fight

Colin Vassallo

10/06/2012

Former WWE and World Heavyweight champion Batista will be making his MMA debut tonight, fighting under his real name of Dave Bautista.

The 43 year old is fighting Vincent Lucero after his original opponent, Rashid Evans, had to be pulled out from the fight.

In an interview with Sportsvibe.co.uk, Bautista said that by the time his opponent was changed, his training camp was already done and with lack of footage of his new opponent, there was no way to change training or plans, so he’s going in with the same game plan.

Speaking about being compared to Lashley and Lesnar – who both ventured into MMA before he did – Bautista said that while both of them based their MMA on wrestling, he prefers standing up and striking.

The fight will air tonight on pay-per-view as well as on his website BautistaMMA.com.

UFC on FX 5 post fight press conference highlights

W-O Staff

10/06/2012

The paid attendance for tonight’s UFC on FX 5: Browne vs Silva was 7,000 plus. The exact number wasn’t given because the UFC President couldn’t make out the writing. The gate for the event was $358,000. The submission of the night went to Justin Edwards, knockout of the night Michael Johnson and fight of the night went to Diego Nunes and Bart Palaszewski. Each fighter will take home an extra $40,000 for their award.

Travis Browne looked to clearly be injured in his fight with Antonio Silva, as he wasn’t able to put pressure on his left leg. Browne said that he felt on the first kick that he attempted his left hamstring pop three times. This was his first defeat in his career and he wanted give credit to Silva though for coming in and getting the win. When Browne was asked if it was his leg or the punches as for the reason he couldn’t get back up he made it clear that he didn’t want to take anything away from Silva. Browne wanted it to be known that he is still the same fighter and will come back even tougher in his next fight.

Dana White is happy with Jake Ellenberger and how he performed tonight because everyone knows how tough Jay Hieron is and Jake fought smart. Jake himself was questioned as to his approach because it was a much more surgical method to him tonight compared to some of his past fights say Diego Sanchez for example.

Johnson was very appreciative for the knock out of the night honors especially since his air conditioning in his car is out and it is still hot in Florida. Johnson says he left his hand low and Castillo caught him. The choke was tight but he wasn’t going to give in. Johnson had won his previous two fights and didn’t want to lose the moment he had been building.

Dana White was asked of the situations that the UFC has to deal with such as Dennis Hallman not making weight and Jeremy Stephens being arrested. The UFC president says that this is the kind of stuff he now has to deal with every day. Dana White topped it off when he stated he said “when I get up now it is like a soap opera.” That is the struggles the company and he must deal with when they have 475 fighters on contract.

Dana respects everyone who fights and who has helped them get where they are today. The UFC will do anything for their guys and he gave the example with Hallman that even though they hadn’t always seen eye to eye he is going to help. Hallman has some serious personal issues to take care of and that is why he was given his show money and his win bonus before he was released from his contract after failing to make weight.

The UFC has their sights set on India in 2013. They are looking to take both the UFC events over there and The Ultimate Fighter franchise.

Dana White then went into the situation of the day about Jeremy Stephens and his arrest. The UFC president had received a call this morning informing him of Stephens arrest. Stephens was picked up yesterday afternoon for a felony arrest warrant out of Des Moines, IA. Dana felt that this was set up on purpose since Stephens had been in town since Monday and could have picked up at any time. White spent the day negotiating and agreeing to many things including as he called it an “astronomical” amount of money only to have them change their demands.

If you are a part of the UFC then he will have your back. White had even offered up to such things flying him to Des Moines, and having armed police escort him to and from the event. White had a hard time accepting that he couldn’t get him bailed out. This was, as he put it, an assault charge and he hadn’t gone on a killing spree. He even brought up the fact that Floyd Mayweather Jr. had been convicted and got to pick when he went to jail. Dana White was so set on being able to get him out that was the reason for his anger towards the media who were reporting that the fight was off.

The UFC will also take care of Yves Edwards who was told 35 minutes before the main event that his fight was off and Dana personally feels it is an honor to work with him. Edwards will get his show money and will be given a fight soon. “I don’t care if we have to have 37 fights on one card” according to White.

I will try to get the whole video up shortly.

IMPACT Wrestling rating for 10/04/2012

Colin Vassallo

10/05/2012

It’s not only RAW that is getting spanked in the ratings but TNA’s flagship show IMPACT Wrestling also got a nice smackdown this week.

Thursday’s show did a 0.84 rating with just over 1 million viewers, which is the lowest rated show for the whole year and down around 20% from the previous week.

TNA is currently going full speed ahead with promotion towards their biggest pay-per-view of the year, Bound For Glory, and that number is not a good sign at all.

Vince McMahon on RAW this Monday night

Colin Vassallo

10/05/2012

WWE has hit the panic button as it was announced that Vince McMahon will be appearing on this upcoming Monday Night RAW to deliver a State of WWE address.

Ratings have been going down the drain every week ever since RAW started the three hours broadcast and this week’s RAW got the lowest rating for a non-holiday in 15 years, with just a 2.5.

Every time Vince McMahon is on RAW there is a small spike in the numbers as curious viewers tune in to see what the Chairman and CEO will have to say.

UFC on FX: Browne vs Bigfoot live report

W-O Staff

10/05/2012

UFC is back with another non-pay per view event. UFC on FX 5 starts today at 4:25 pm ET/ 1:25 pm PT with the first fight being streamed on Facebook. The main event will feature the heavy weights today as an undefeated Travis Browne takes on Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva who is making his second appearance in the Octagon. The FX main card will also feature Jake Ellenberger versus Jay Hieron in the co-main event.

The fight card tonight lost the match up between Dennis Hallman and Thiago Tavares. Hallman failed to make weight yesterday for his fight and was released from his UFC contract. Hallman blamed the failed weight cut on personal issues. Tavares was removed from the card since he didn’t have an opponent to face. As reported by bjpenn.com Hallman passed out trying to cut the last two pounds and was given an IV after that he ballooned up 7 pounds and asked Dana White to be removed from the card.

In other news it is being reported that Jeremy “Little Heathen” Stephens was arrested last night at the host hotel last night. Stephens is scheduled to face Yves Edwards tonight. Stephens supposedly had an outstanding warrant in another state. Dana White posted to twitter a little over an hour ago, “Don’t listen to the media! Nobody ever told them Jeremy isn’t fighting. He is fighting!![sic]” It seems like that fight is scheduled to go on but we will see what kind of mental shape Stephens will be in if he did indeed spend a night in jail.

The UFC website has removed the Stephens vs Edwards fight and the event will now being at 5pm et/ 2pm pt. Now it is back. Main event and Stephens vs Edwards is all that is left other than the main event so it doesn’t look like we will get to see it.

Follow @wonlinemma on twitter for coverage of tonight’s event.

Prelims on Fuel TV 5pm ET/ 2pm PT

Flyweights (125lbs)

Phil “Billy” Harris vs Darren “BC” Uyenoyama

Ref: Nick Gamst

Round 1-

These two light weights start out with the quick striking and lots of movement Harris is able to get the take down briefly. They pop back up and Harris stays tied to his back Harris keeps working for the take down and is able to get it. Uyenoyama is able to briefly get the triangle up but Harris is able to pull out of it and Uyenoyama is able get to his feet and goes for a summersalt kick. Uyenoyama goes to the left high kick than right high kick but both are checked by Harris. Uyenoyama took the round after that triangle choke.

Round 2-

Harris is a precise boxer with his striking while Uyenoyama more of a Muay Thai style. Uyenoyama comes charging forward with a stepping knee to the body. Harris ties him up and works for the take down. Harris gets it but Uyenoyama has a kimura. Harris defending but gives up his back. Uyenoyama takes the mount delivers some ground and pound before Harris rolls over and Uyenoyama takes his back and sinks in the rear naked choke.

Winner at 3:38 of round 2 by Submission( Tapout to Rear Naked Choke) Darren “BC” Uyenoyama

Featherweights (145lbs)

Diego “The Gun” Nunes vs Bart “Bartimus” Palaszewski

Ref: Daryl Guthmiller

Round 1-

Nunes quickly jumps in the center and clips Palaszewski with a right hook. Nunes with a leg kick and then rushes Palaszewski with punches and Nunes opens up the left eye of Palaszewski on one of those three rights. Nunes gets the take down but is caught in a triangle. Nunes leaning forward keeping space so he doesn’t get put to sleep. Nunes pushes through and is in full guard now. Nunes with some vicious elbows now. Nunes with two more. Nunes postures up and Palaszewski gets up. Nunes with a huge right and drops Palaszewski. Nunes pounces but Bart is still with it and rolls over. Nunes with a couple shots from the back of a turtled Palaszewski. Nunes back in half guard and drops more ground and pound.

Round 2-

Nunes with the combos early Palaszewski is able to pop his head back with a straight of his own. Nunes with another right hand that rocks Palaszewski. Nunes ties him up and gets the inside trip. Nunes with the right hand delivering ground and pound to the left eye of Palaszewski. Palaszewski is able to work his way up to his feet and delivers a nice leg kick. Nunes now with another of those rights and now a leaping left hook. Palaszewski lands a leg kick and left right combo. Nunes still coming forward this time with a right hook. Nunes with leg kicks and a kick to the body. Nunes catches a kick and trips Palaszewski but he is able to get up right before the round ends.

Round 3-

Nunes clearly up two rounds now. Both men trading leg kicks. Palaszeski with a combo and Nunes tries to land his own but eats a left hook. Nunes is rocked. Palaszewski with a high kick. Nunes is up still but wobbly. Palaszewski with a counter left now. Nunes looks to have recovered but not as active or aggressive. Palaszewski is landing the short left. and now a right. Nunes is missing with the big looping overhand punches. Nunes tries to feint another spinning move put instead lands a left right combo. Nunes back to charging forward and misses with a big spinning kick. Nunes with a right than eats a left coming in. Nunes with a spinning back kick to the body and a right hand that drops Palaszewski. Nunes dives on top and ground and pounds till the final bell. Nunes should take all three rounds here after that strong finish to the round.

Winner by judges scores 30-27, 29-28, 30-27 for an unanimous decision Diego “The Gun” Nunes

Lightweights (155lbs)

Shane Roller vs Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann

Ref: Herb Dean

Round 1-

Volkmann leg kick head kick combo. Volkmann really utilizing the kicks early and cant get the take down. Volkmann shuts the single again this time he stays glued to Roller and and takes his back. Volkmann locks in the body triangle and punches away from the back now Volkman switches to the Rear naked choke but it is not under the chin so he is just cranking on his jaw and face. Roller taps out.

Winner by Submission(rear naked choke) at 2:38 of round 1 Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann

Lightweights (155lbs)

Carlo “Neo” Prater vs Marcus “The Prospect” LeVesseur

Ref: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1-

Prater gets the tie up and delivers a series of knees to the body of LeVesseur. Prater trips for a trip but when he can’t get it he puts LeVesseur back on the cage and delivers about another dozen knees. LeVesseur waits for him to lift his knee and takes him down. Prater wraps him up till Rosenthal stands them up. Prater with a front kick and Prater ties him up. Prater tries for a flying triangle but LeVesseur cages him and walks him over to the cage. Prater still has his legs wrapped around LeVesseur and Prater throws his arm over for a possible guillotine. Prater drops his legs down and LeVesseur is able to pop his head out. Prater briefly spins him around as they exchange knees. LeVesseur with some short body shoots and tries for a double leg but can’t get it and peppers the body more. Prater with a couple knees to the midsection as the horn ends the round.

Round 2-

LeVesseur with a good body shot that sends Prater backwards but Prater ties him up and puts him back to the fence. Prater with more knees to the chest and almost head. LeVesseur is able to spin him back around but can’t get the double leg. They get away from the cage and exchange some dirty boxing. LeVesseur with a nice straight left. Now Prater has the thai clinch and lands a couple knees. LeVesseur reverses and knees the thighs right before the ref is to break them LeVesseur gets the take down. Prater immediately sinks in the guillotine LeVesseur is giving the thumbs up to the ref and takes his time and pops his head out. LeVesseur fires away with punches as Prater hops back up. LeVesseur with another left and know ducks under and gets the double leg. Prater grabs the neck again and is trying for the d’arce choke as the round ends.

Round 3-

LeVesseur and Prater throw their hands up to pop up the crowd and they respond. They touch gloves LeVesseur goes to the body and Prater lands a high kick. LeVesseur goes for the take down and Prater stops him and walks him into the fence. Prater with knees to the body. LeVesseur reverses and lands a couple knees. LeVesseur with two upper cuts in close and Prater is bleeding from the mouth. LeVesseur wants the take down but Prater is stopping him and landing knees to the body. Rosenthal breaks them apart and Prater working the jab. Prater now with a jumping right head kick that lands. Prater gets the Single collar tie and lands knees and LeVesseur backs him into the cage. LeVesseur switches to a single and gets it but LeVesseur is now in another guillotine. He once again gives the thumbs up and pops his head out. LeVesseur now in closed guard and is peppering the body. Prater is backing up the cage and is seated now. Prater with another guillotine choke with 10 seconds left.

Winner by split decision(28-29, 29-28, 29-28 ) Marcus LeVesseur

Welterweights (170lbs)

Mike Pierce vs Aaron “A-Train” Simpson

Ref: Daryl GuthMiller

Round 1-

Pierce quickly get the tie up and each man with over under and they trade left hands to the body. They separate Simpson misses with the big right but lands a quick combo and Pierce is able to land a combo of his own. Pierce with a throw but Simpson is able to reverse it and pops back up. Pierce has him pressured back on the fence and is leaning on him and landing shots in close. Simpson spins them put to the middle and Simpson lands some knees and lands a high kick. Pierce doesn’t seemed fazed but is rocked by the right hand. Pierce catches a knee after it bounces of his face and Simpson makes him eat a punch of punches from one leg. Simpson gets the Thai clinch and knees him to the head. Simpson with an upper cut and now he picks up Pierce and slams him. Simpson tries for the choke but Pierce gets free only to eat punches. Great round for A-Train

Round 2-

Simpson with a front kick to the body than eats a short right hand coming forward and about four more on the way down. Simpson is out cold.

Winner by KO at :29 in round 2 Mike Pierce

Lightweights (155lbs)

Danny”Last Call” Castillo vs Michael “The Menace” Johnson

Ref: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1-

Both men using the leg kick to try and set up the striking range. Castillo hits Johnson with a straight right that drops him. Castillo dives on top and delivers some serious hammer fist. Castillo has the mount and now an arm triangle and he hops onto the side. Caastillo moves back into mount and is punching away. Johnson frees himself and gets Castillo into the half guard. Now right hands in close from Castillo. Castillo trying to use his leg to pin the arm of Johnson. Castillo with another series of short shots and pressuring with the elbow. Johnson with an elbow from the bottom. Castillo stands up and dives back into half guard. Castillo with a few punches before the round ends.

Round 2-

Johnson now is being first to get off with a mixture of kicks to the outside of the leg, body and head. Johnson now with a straight. Looks much sharper. Lands a short left as Castillo steps in with a leg kick and Johnson delivers another left and three rights before Rosenthal stops it.

Winner by KO at 1:06 of round 2 Michael “The Menace” Johnson

UFC on FX main card 8pm ET/ 5pm PT

Welterweights (170lbs)

Justin “Fast Eddy” Edwards vs Josh “The Dentist” Neer

Ref: Nick Gamst

Round 1-

Edwards with a combo than changes levels to try and get the take down. Edwards with an elbow and Neer backs him to the cage and Edwards grabs a guillotine in mid air and puts the Dentist to sleep.

Winner by Submission to guillotine choke at :45 of round 1 Justin “Fast Eddy” Edwards

Flyweights (125 lbs)

Jussier Formiga vs John “The Magician” Dodson

Ref: Daryl Guthmiller

Round 1-

First minute so far both men circling nothing really landing these two are so quick they are out of the way before the punch gets there. Formiga lands the counter left and Dodson with a body shot. Dodson goes down stairs again and Formiga with a straight counter right that lands. Formiga goes for a single but can’t get it. Formiga with an overhand right partially blocked . Formiga goes for another take down but Dodson gets out of the way. Dodson with a pair of jabs. Crowd is booing as the round comes to a close.

Round 2-

Dodson lands the third jab and Formiga barely misses with the counter right hook. Formiga goes for a take down but Dodson is out of the way again. Crowd is still booing now a knee from Dodson as Formiga comes in. Dodson with an outside leg kick. Dodson with a feint jab up high and lands to the body. Dodson has a right cross blocked and lands a 1-2 combo as Formiga tries another take down. Dodson lands a left hook as Formiga comes in and Formiga has been dropped Dodson lands the two more lefts on the ground before Formiga gets up. Dodson with a left to the body than right to the body and a left again up stairs that drops Formiga. Dodson pounces again and pounds out a sprawled out Formiga and Guthmiller stops it.

Winner at 4:35 of round 2 by TKO John “The Magician” Dodson III

Dodson is now the number 1 contender for MIghty Mouse Johnson

Welterweights (170lbs)

Jay “The Thoroughbred” Hieron vs Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger

Ref: Josh Rosenthal

Round 1-

Hieron goes for the double jab and Ellenberger is looking to knock his head off. Hieron with a nice counter jab when ducks under the Ellenberger shot. Hieron with a counter left hook and a checked left high kick. Ellenberger with a short right that looks to have connected solidly. Hieron with good head movement to stay out of more danger. Hieron with a spinning back kick that misses and Ellenberger with a counter to the body. Hieron shoots a single and Ellenberger jumps in the air to avoid the sweep and lands a knee on the break. Hieron with a head kick that is checked and misses a spinning back fist.

Round 2-

Hieron ducks under a jab and lands a counter left hook flush. Ellenberger this time with a jab down low that lands as Hieron tries to duck. Hieron with another head kick again that connects on the fore arm. Ellenberger with a power take down now and Hieron moves him to a closed guard. Ellenberger with short punches has busted the bridge of Hieron’s nose from an elbow. More short elbows now from Ellenberger and Hieron is able to push him away. Hieron with a counter left and another left head kick blocked by Ellenberger’s forearm. Hieron’s face is covered in blood from the eyes down. Hieron with more kicks to the outside of the leg.

Round 3-

Ellenberger goes to the body and Hieron clips him on the side of the head with a left. Ellenberger with a lunging left jab and Hieron catches him in the cup with a kick. Crowd erupts but it is due Pat Berry in the stands shutting up a heckler according to twitter. Ellenberger gets a very brief take down but points are points. Hieron switching stances and goes for more leg kicks. Hieron with a jab and he is constently wiping his broken nose. Hieron with a counter left hook as Ellenberger shoots for another take down that stops that idea. Crowd is booing again and Ellenberger with a clean jab down the pipe. Ellenberger drops down for a take down and comes up with a knee to the body. Ellenberger rocks Hieron with a lunging left hook right before the bell.

Winner by unanimous decision (29-28×3 ) Jake Ellenberger

Heavyweights(265lbs max)

Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva vs Travis “Hapa” Browne

Ref: Herb Dean

Round 1-

No touch of the gloves for these two big men. Browne with a big overhand right and spinning roundhouse kick that misses. Browne goes for a front kick and Silva steps to the side and lands a right. Silva keeping his hands up and eats a knee on the way to tie up Browne. Browne gets a warning for grabbing the fence and Browne has a tie clinch and Silva goes to work on the body. Browne’s left knee isn’t holding up he is walking gingerly. Big counter right from Silva and another big overhand right from Silva to the chin and Browne goes down. Browne tries to get up put either he is rocked or that knee gave out again. Silva pounds away till Herb Dean jumps in. Browne gets up and is limping towards his corner now they are holding him up as he tells them about his knee.

Winner by TKO at 3:27 of round 1 Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva

WWE and ION Television say Main Event was a big success

Colin Vassallo

10/05/2012

WWE and ION Television today issued a press release announcing the success of the first WWE Main Event show on the network.

After ratings were released, Main Event garnered the highest male audience in the last year with the most Men 18-49 (422,000), Men 25-54 (444,000), and Men 2+ (876,000) on ION.

The show was the #4 program in the time period among Men 18-34, #4 among Men 18-49, and #5 among Men 25-54. The premiere delivered 518,000 Women 2+, finishing ahead of most female cable networks.

“The viewers have spoken,” noted Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks. “Fans of the WWE are passionate and seem to have a knack for finding their favorite Superstars wherever they live. Needless to say, we are particularly pleased that WWE has found a new home on ION Television, and we congratulate our new partner in the success of the premiere.”

Vince McMahon, WWE Chairman and CEO, said, “Our partnership with ION Television is off to a strong start. We expect our fans will make WWE Main Event the number one show on the network as they have done for WWE programs with all of our other TV partners.”

Gawker releases one minute video of Hulk Hogan’s sex tape

Colin Vassallo

10/05/2012

Gawker.com released a one minute video from the Hulk Hogan sex tape after it obtained the tape from an anonymous source, who according to TMZ, gave the footage to the site for free.

The full sex tape is 30 minutes long and Gawker calls it a “goddamn masterpiece.” Apparently, Hogan and the mystery woman were initially joined by another man, believed to be Bubba “The Love Sponge” and his voice is heard but he never makes it on camera.

“You guys do your thing,” the anonymous man says. “I’ll be in the office if you need me.”

The site has a full rundown of the steamy sex that happens afterward.

TMZ.COM meanwhile is now reporting that Hogan’s lawyers are writing up a cease-and-desist letter for the website to take down the clip and if Gawker doesn’t take it down, he’s going to run wild all over them.

According to the Hulkster, Gawker has no right to post the footage, or anything related to it.

You can see the one minute clip and read the full play-by-play of the tape here.

Linda Bollea, ex-wife of Hulk Hogan, arrested in Malibu

Colin Vassallo

10/05/2012

Linda Bollea, the ex-wife of current TNA Superstar and WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan was arrested in Malibu, California, after she was busted with a DUI.

According to TMZ.COM, Linda was booked at around 1:30AM yesterday morning after cops found her blood alcohol level topping .084, just above the California legal limit of .08.

Linda was originally stopped for speeding after she was on her way home from a jewelry event in Los Angeles. A rep for Linda said she drank a glass of champagne on an empty stomach and the combination of alcohol and antibiotics increased the effects.

She was released from jail a few hours later after posting a $5,000 bail.

Impact TV report for 10/05/2012

W-O Staff

10/05/2012

Impact begins this week with Sting and Hogan in the TNA office discussing who they will pick to be Sting’s partner for the big match with Aces and Eights at Bound for Glory in 10 days.

Hogan and Sting agree it needs to be someone with a killer instinct. In the Impact Zone, Mr. Anderson is the first man to make his way to the ring. Anderson tells Hogan and Sting to pay close attention to their monitors, because he wants to prove he is the man they should pick.

Match #1: Mr. Anderson versus Gunner with Kid Kash.

Gunner starts the match of with some punches and then drags Anderson’s eyes across the top rope. Anderson knocks Gunner down with a pair of clotheslines and follows up with a neckbreaker. Gunner fights back with a kick, a couple punches, and an elbow. Anderson takes Gunner down with a hip toss and then dropkicks him to the floor.

Anderson pursues Gunner but is distracted by Kid Kash. Gunner rolls Anderson back in, hits him with an elbow, and gets a 2 count. Gunner ties up the arm and chin of Anderson but Anderson punches his way out. Gunner hits Anderson but Anderson hoists Gunner up on his shoulders to try a rolling fireman’s carry slam.

Kid Kash saves Gunner from the fireman’s carry slam, but Anderson is still able to hit Gunner with the mic check for the win. After the match, Anderson hits Kash with the mic check, knocking him out as well.

After the match is an annoying segment with Tara and Gail Kim. Tara is talking to her huge Hollywood boyfriend, and Gail wants her to concentrate on the match they have coming up.

Commercial

Match #: Tara and Gail Kim versus Miss Tessmacher and ODB.

ODB and Gail Kim start things off. ODB uses her larger frame and boobs to knock Gail down twice. She really does seem to be using her ample bosom as a weapon, and it appears to be working. I’m not surprised, fake boobs can be very hard. They may constitute a foreign object…or two.

Gail fights back with a kick but is knocked down again with a shoulder/boob block followed by a body slam. ODB tags in Miss Tessmacher and Tessmacher knocks Gail down with a dropkick. Tessmacher grinds her ass into Gail’s face. Apparently Tessmacher’s ass is just as dangerous as ODB’s tits. They could call themselves team TNA!

Tessmacher tags in ODB. ODB goes for a bronco buster (which would mean her vagina is now a weapon, I’m sensing a pattern in women’s wrestling) but misses. Gail tags in Tara, but Tara is knocked down by ODB, who follows up with a bronco buster. Boobs, ass, and vagina have all successfully been used as weapons in this match. Tara goes for a dropkick but misses.

Gail distracts ODB and Tara knocks her down. Tara tags in Gail and Gail grinds her foot into ODB’s face in the corner. Gail follows up with a diving shoulder block in the corner. Gail lands a kick and a shoulder block to ODB.

Tara tags herself in and beats ODB down. Tara goes for a standing moonsault, but ODB gets her knees up in time to block it. ODB tags in Tessmacher and Tessmacher lands a punch, a pair of clotheslines, and a headscissors takedown. Tessmacher climbs to the top turnbuckle and hits Tara with a face plant.

Tessmacher goes for a cover but Gail comes in to make the save. ODB comes in after Gail and the match starts to break down. Tara rams her own partner, Gail Kim, into Tessmacher and then hits her with the widows peek for the win.

Commercial

When we return, TNA executive Al Snow is making his way to the ring. Al recently got into an altercation with Gut Check loser Joey Ryan that ended with Al hitting Ryan. As a TNA executive, Al is here to apologize.

Al calls Joey Ryan to the ring and apologizes. That’s not good enough for Joey, and Joey insists Al say that he personally is sorry, which Al does. Joey also wants Al to tell everyone what else they recently agreed to. Al produces a TNA contract for Joey Ryan.

Joey is pleased and orders Al to turn around so he can sign it on his back. Al says Joey may want to read it first, but he just signs it anyway. Apparently Joey never saw the South Park episode when Kyle was turned into a human cent-i-pad because he failed to read before agreeing to something. It turns out that Joey’s contract is only for one day, Bound for Glory, and he’s going to face Al Snow. It could have been much worse.

In the back, Sting is being approached by Kurt Angle. Angle already has a tag title match at Bound for Glory, but he wants to join Sting’s fight against Aces and Eights even if it does mean he has to pull double duty.

Sting says he wants someone focused exclusively on Aces and Eights, but because he’s Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, he’ll consider it. Bully Ray also wants to fight Aces and Eights, claiming that they cost him the world title. Sting says if he wants to be considered, he’ll have to prove tonight that he really is the bully he says he is.

Commercial

Match #3: RVD versus Samoa Joe for the TV title.

The two men lock up and Joe pushes RVD back. Joe takes RVD down, but Van Dam escapes and rolls Joe up. Joe fights his way out and the 2 men exchange punches. Joe lands a pair of clotheslines and then whips RVD to the corner. Joe hits Van Dam with a running back elbow and then a kick to the head.

RVD lands a punch and then tries to take Joe down, but Joe blocks the takedown attempt and catches RVD in an STF. RVD makes it to the ropes and then rolls out to the floor. Joe pursues RVD and gets hit with a kick from RVD. Joe responds with a punch, a couple knee strikes, and then whips RVD into the steel post. Joe rolls RVD back into the ring and the two men exchange punches back in the ring.

RVD lands an elbow and couple big kicks before hitting Joe with Rolling Thunder. RVD goes for a cover but Joe kicks out. RVD lands a kick and tries a monkey flip but Joe blocks it. RVD hits Joe with a crossbody and then climbs to the top. Joe cuts RVD off and hits him with the muscle buster for the win.

In the back, AJ Styles is arguing with Chavo Guerrero and Chavo’s partner, Hernandez. AJ and Kurt Angle will be teaming up to take on Guerrero and Hernandez and the tag champs, Kaz and Daniels at BFG. The three men are interrupted by the champs, Kaz and Daniels. Kaz and Daniels try to stir things up by claiming AJ and Angle are not on the same page.

Commercial

When we return, Austin Aries is talking to Jeff Hardy. Austin says he has no problem with Hardy and that things are cool between them. He doesn’t really seem to mean it though. They are interrupted by Bully Ray. Bully says he has to prove himself to Sting and Hogan tonight, and he intends to do that by beating one of them up.

Bully decides he wants to fight Hardy, because hardy is the #1 contender. Aries is insulted because he’s the champ; it’s got to be more impressive to beat the champ than it is to beat a contender for his title. Hardy offers to make it a triple threat. Aries is pissed off that Hardy is trying to book his matches. He is the champ after all. Pretty soon he is going to start demanding respect and beating up the people that don’t give it to him.

Match #4: Chavo Guerrero with Hernandez versus Kurt Angle with AJ.

Angle gets behind Chavo quickly, but Chavo reverses it. Chavo applies the first of what will be a lot of headlocks. After an Irish whip, Chavo hits Kurt with a shoulder block and then re applies the headlock. Angle hits Chavo with a suplex, but Chavo maintains the headlock. Angle escapes, lands a kick, and then stomps on Chavo.

Chavo fights back with punches and European uppercuts. Chavo then re applies the headlock; Angle escapes and backdrops Chavo. Angle and Chavo exchange punches and kicks. Angle clotheslines Chavo and goes for a cover, but Chavo kicks out. Angle takes Chavo down again with a rear gut wrench and goes for another cover, but Chavo kicks out again.

Chavo and Angle exchange strikes, and then Chavo takes Angle down with a hurricanrana. Angle fights back with a kick, but Chavo knocks him down with a dropkick. Angle hits Chavo with an overhead release belly to back suplex, Chavo responds with a hurricanrana. Chavo tries to hit Kurt with the 3 amigos, but Kurt blocks the second one. Kurt hits Chavo with 3 straight German Suplexes and applies the ankle lock. Chavo rolls out of the ankle lock and hits Angle with the three Amigos.

Chavo goes to the top rope and tries a frog splash but Angle rolls out of the way. Angle hits Chavo with an Angle slam but gets distracted by Hernandez before he can go for a pin. Chavo rolls Angle up and just barely gets a 3 count. Chavo wins.

Commercial

Match #5: Doug Williams versus Zema Ion for the X division title.

Williams slaps Zema to start the match and Zema responds with a kick. Williams lands a lot of European uppercuts and a running knee. Williams takes Zema out of the ring with a clothesline. Williams goes after Zema and punches him repeatedly. Zema whips Williams into the steel post and then rolls him back into the ring.

Zema applies a modified armbar and Williams taps out. Zema continues to apply the pressure too long after the bell however, and the ref reverses the decision. Doug Williams is declared winner by DQ but Zema retains the title.

Zema says he knows Sting and Hogan want him to help them with Aces and Eights, but he doesn’t want to risk his pretty face. Zema also tells us he’s not just f’in pretty, he’s pretty f’in dangerous. I’ve never been a fan of the phrase “f’n.” It’s self-censorship, which sounds weak to me. It’s better to just swear and get bleeped.

Commercial

When we return, James Storm makes his way to the ring to talk about his match with Bobby Roode at Bound for Glory. Storm says that since no referee can contain the hatred that they have for each other, TNA had to get MMA star King Mo Lawal as special enforcer.

Before long, Bobby Roode comes out to interrupt Storm. Roode says he’s not going to stop until he stands over Storm’s bloody carcass and ends his career. Roode also tells us that no one will be able to stop him, and he say the same thing to King Mo’s face if he was here. King Mo comes out and Roode shoves him. Mo shoves Roode back and knocks him over. Mo walks to the ring and has his hand raised by Storm. Storm and Mo share some beers.

Commercial

When we return, we see Aces and Eights torturing Joe Park on the big screen. They just want to prove he’s still OK, and to show us how much fun it is to abduct people and shock them with jumper cables.

Match #5: Bully Ray versus Jeff Hardy versus Austin Aries. Immediately after the ring entrances, we go to Commercial.

When we return the match is underway and Bully Ray is punching Jeff Hardy. Bully goes for a suplex, but Hardy reverses it and suplexes Ray to the floor. Aries rolls back into the ring and Ray pulls Hardy out to the floor. Ray slams Hardy into the steel post and then climbs back into the ring. Aries beats Ray down as he re enters the ring. Ray hits Aries with a back elbow and Aries responds with kick and a high crossbody.

Hardy gets back into the ring and hits Ray with whisper in the wind and then follows up with an atomic drop. Hardy hits Rays mid section with a double leg drop. Hardy hits Ray with a kick and then twist of fate. Hardy climbs to the top and tries for a Swanton, but Aries knocks him off the top. Aries goes after Bully ray and applies the Last Chancery. Hardy comes in and makes the save. Ray gets up and knocks Hardy and Aries down with a double clothesline.

Ray throws Hardy to the floor and then backdrops Aries onto him. Ray grabs Aries and tries to pull him back in the ring, but Aries grabs Ray’s head and snaps his neck down across the top rope. Aries hits Ray with a missile dropkick and follows up with a running dropkick in the corner. Aries tries to get Ray up in the brain buster but Ray blocks it.

Ray goes out to the floor looking for his chain but grabs the world title instead. Ray looks like he’s about to hit Aries with the belt, but Hardy attacks at the same time and Ray whips Hardy into Aries. Aries slumps to the canvas and Ray hits Hardy with the Bully Bomb for the win. Ray just beat the champ and the #1 contender.

After the match, Aries is yelling at Hardy and blaming him for the loss. Aries poses for the crowd and they boo. Hardy poses for the crowd and they cheer. Aries is mad.

Commercial

When we return, it’s time for Sting and Hogan to announce who they have decided to team up with Sting to fight Aces and Eights at Bound for Glory. Hogan tells us that after the two mic checks Mr. Anderson delivered to start the show, he earned the right to fight with Sting.

Anderson’s music plays, but he doesn’t come out. The big screen shows Anderson getting beaten up by Aces and Eights. Bully Ray comes out to the ring and starts screaming at Hogan and Sting. He asks how they could pick Anderson over him, don’t they know who he is?

He points to Anderson’s unconscious body on the monitor and asks “is THAT the guy you want fighting for you?” Ray then tells Sting he needs to convince Hogan to let Ray team up with Sting to fight Aces and Eights.

Eventually, Hogan and Sting agree: Bully Ray will team up with Sting to fight two men from Aces and Eights at BFG.

Personally, I think Bully Ray is associated with Aces and Eights. I know he claims they cost him the title, but I don’t think they’ve ever actually laid a hand on him. Also, he came out to the ring immediately after Aces and Eights beat down Ken Anderson, almost as though he knew in advance it was going to happen. Anderson’s beat down benefited Ray; know Ray has the match at Bound for Glory that he wanted. I predict ray screws Sting at BFG.

Sting, Hogan, and Bully Ray all shake hands as Impact goes off the air.

UFC 153: Silva vs Bonnar media call recap

W-O Staff

10/04/2012

As UFC 153 approaches next weekend, the media had an opportunity today to ask questions to the combatants in both the main event and co-main event.

UFC 153 has been overhauled due to injuries since it was first reported and it took Anderson Silva agreeing to fight Stephan Bonnar in a light heavyweight match up to keep the event alive. These two took the fight on less than a month notice and therefore it will be a three round affair.

The co-main event will feature a pair of heavies as Dave Herman faces off against the Brazil native Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira.

Herman was lost from the call early and answered only one question about how he felt to be facing Big Nog in Brazil. Dave Herman is excited for the opportunity. Nogueira on the other hand answered numerous questions for the media.

Big Nog, if you remember, last fought in the octagon against Frank Mir back at UFC 140. Nogueira had the chance for a TKO or KO victory when he went for the submission instead and Mir ended up snapping the bone in his upper arm with a kimura.

Nogueira feels fully healed and is glad to be fighting in his native Brazil. He has a great team that has got him ready for this fight. Minotauro admits that he should have finished Mir with strikes and if the opportunity is there against Herman he won’t let it pass by again.

Herman has stated before that Brazilian jiu-jitsu doesn’t work and when Big Nog was asked about those comments he referred to his record of 33 wins with 20 of them coming by submission.

Nogueira was questioned about whether or not he had another title run in him and he feels he does if it is someone other than Dos Santos as champion. Dos Santos is a training partner of his and a good friend and he regards him as a brother so he would not be interested in that match up.

As stated Silva and Bonnar agreed to this fight on short notice even though Silva is the Middleweight champion he still feels a responsibility to the UFC family in helping them to succeed and that means taking a fight on short notice he will.

Silva is also a family man and sees this as a chance to teach his children about ethics. This will be the Spider’s third fight now at 205 but has no plans on making a permanent move up in weight.

He stated that he has teammates more than capable of facing off against Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones and that he is now 37 and still has fighters to face in the middleweight ranks.

While this may not be Silva’s biggest fight in his career he knows how the fight game works and anyone can be knocked out or submitted at any time. He is honored to be fighting Bonnar who has proven himself in the UFC and helped to bring the UFC to the forefront with his fight in the finale of the first TUF season with Forrest Griffin.

Silva’s opponent Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar hasn’t fought since last November when he defeated Kyle Kingsbury by decision.

Bonnar had been in a semi-retirement phase after that fight because he was just enjoying fighting and not worried about going after the title which is in contrary to Dana White’s philosophy that everyone should be hungry for the title.

After months of not being in the gym Bonnar was asked to help get Dave Bautista ready for his upcoming fight. This triggered Stephan to get into the gym before helping out Bautista and two weeks in the UFC called with this fight.

Bonnar feels he his in good enough shape to fight a three round fight with Silva now and that a win could get him the marquee names out there for his next fight. Bonnar didn’t want to get too much into his game plan for the fight but admitted that he is not going to be able to out finesse the middleweight champ and will probably need to make it ugly and take a punch to land one.

Bonnar also stated that a win over Silva will be the highlight of his career regardless if a belt is on the line or not. Also to note, Bonnar has won his last three fights against Kingsbury, Igor Pokrajac, and Krzysztof Soszynski.

Feel free to check out the video preview of the event and follow @wonlinemma on twitter for more MMA coverage.

CM Punk documentary to be screened tonight in Chicago

Colin Vassallo

10/04/2012

The Portage Theater in Chicago, Illinois, will have the premiere of CM Punk’s documentary titled Best In The World tonight at 7PM, a documentary which will also be released on Blu-Ray and DVD later this month.

The current WWE champion is being joined by his buddies Colt Cabana and Ace Steel at the showing. A Q&A session with all three will follow right after the documentary ends.

This release is one of the most anticipated for some time and WWE is banking on it to sell a lot of copies considering the popularity of Punk at the moment.

Jeff Hardy talks about addiction problems and possible WWE return

Colin Vassallo

10/04/2012

In a recent interview to promote Bound For Glory, TNA Superstar Jeff Hardy spoke with the Phoenix New Times about the possibility of returning to the WWE and fighting with his personal demons.

Speaking about his problems with addictions, Hardy said that there will also be people who will doubt him and waiting for him to crash and burn again but his mind and heart are “stronger than they’ve ever been” and he really doesn’t care what other people think about him.

He discussed how music helped him go through the dark times and coming back to the ring and proving himself to everyone was part of the recovery of getting himself in better shape.

When he was asked about possibly going to WWE when his TNA contract is up, Hardy gave the never say never answer.

“Man, I really can’t answer that. I’m happy where I’m at right now with TNA. But you never say never in this business, so it depends on where I’ll be at in a few months.”

You can read the full interview here.

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