NXT had the start of their 3 day road trip yesterday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the NXT talent joined the crowd in honoring Dusty Rhodes.
The NXT champion Kevin Owens put polka dots on KO t-shirt as a tribute to the American Dream while Enzo Amore had Hard Times written on the sleeve of his arms, referencing the famous promo by Dusty during his feud with Ric Flair.
Triple H, who was present at the show, also posted a video of the crowd chanting “Thank You Dusty.” Dusty often referred to the talent down at the Performance Center as his “NXT kids” and was present many times during the week helping the up and coming WWE Superstars and Divas. After his death was announced, many on the NXT roster and those at the Performance Center all tweeted their condolences with one common statement – that Dusty was their mentor.
“To the @WWENXT Superstars and Divas on the road: go and show #NXTPittsburgh and the world why Dusty called you HIS NXT kids,” Triple H tweeted before the show.
Following yesterday’s Pittsburgh trip, the crew now moves to Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, for the final two shows.
Mainstream media picked up the Dusty Rhodes story after WWE announced on its website that the 69 year old Hall of Famer passed away.
Websites such as CNN, Fox News, New York Times, Yahoo! Sports, ABC News, CBS Sports, New York Post, Variety, NPR, Chicago Tribute, IGN, Los Angeles Times, Fox Sports, Newsday, Washington Post, Forbes, Digital Spy, Tampa Bay Times, Associated Press, and many other regional newspapers all reported the story.
On Twitter, his name was trending worldwide in the top spot just minutes after the news broke out as hundreds of co-workers and thousands of fans all expressed their shock and sadness over the news.
One of Rhodes’ legendary opponents, fellow WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, gave a statement to TMZ Sports after Rhodes was announced dead.
The statement was issued through Flair’s agents at Legacy Talent and Entertainment.
“Today I lost one of my greatest opponents and greatest friends. He was the definition of heart and soul and I’m honored to have shared the ring with him countless times,” Flair said.
“He became the ‘American Dream’ because wrestling needed a hero they could respect, and he was the man for the job. Dusty Rhodes, I will miss you my mentor and friend.”
Flair and Rhodes had one of the best wrestling feuds in the history of the sport and he defeated Flair for the NWA title. Their feud continued in WCW with the 4 Horsemen as well.
TMZ.COM is reporting that officials who are aware of what happened to Dusty Rhodes said that emergency medical personnel responded to a call at Dusty’s home in Orlando, Florida, just before 6AM yesterday.
Rhodes was transported to a nearby hospital and suffered numerous complications – one of which is rumored to be kidney failure – which eventually led to his death today.
TMZ says that immediately family members all traveled to the hospital as soon as they learned that he fell and was admitted there.
Wrestling personalities and friends of the American Dream Dusty Rhodes expressed their sadness and condolences on their Twitter accounts.
“Saddened to hear the passing of Dusty Rhodes. Legend, teacher, mentor, friend…Love you Dream,” tweeted Triple H, apparently the first one to spread the news on Twitter about the Legend’s passing.
“#RIPDustyRhodes We never got to shoot our angle together! Thank you for everything, I Love You. #HallofFamer #Legend,” Stephanie McMahon tweeted.
“My mentor @WWEDustyRhodes. Much love to your family and more respect than can ever be measured. Love you Dream,” wrote Ric Flair.
“Am so so very sorry to have to report this. My sincerest condolences to @Goldust and @StardustWWE,” said Joey Styles who included a link to the WWE.COM statement.
“Godspeed dream. You taught me so much these last few years. Prayers and love to the family,” wrote Michael Cole, while Cole’s broadcast partner John Layfield wrote, “Sad to hear about Dusty Rhodes, there’s only one American Dream. Love you Dusty, thanks for all the laughs and stories.”
The current WWE champion Seth Rollins said he was fortunate to know him. “I was ever so fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being. #RIPDusty,” Rollins wrote along with a picture of Rhodes and Triple H holding up his hand when he won the NXT title.
“My heart goes out the the Runnels family, Dusty Rhodes was one of the all-time greats. He was a friend, a teacher and a good man,” wrote Eric Bischoff, who spent a lot of years working with Dusty down at WCW.
“RIP Dusty!! One of the greatest talkers and babyfaces ever!! You made us all BELIEVE in “The American Dream”. Travel on my friend,” wrote Gregory Helms who worked for WWE as The Hurricane and in WCW as Shane Helms.
“My hero, the man that made me believe, the reason I took my name @WWEDustyRhodes I love you & your family,” added Tommy Dreamer. Fellow ECW alumni Taz called Dusty a true legend. “Super guy & Superstar, pave the way for so many of us. #RIPDusty,” he wrote.
Gerald Brisco, a long time friend of Dusty wrote, “Words can’t express the sadness and grief I’m feeling now. The loss of a lifelong friend.“ Brisco also added a a photo which he took with Dusty this past Thursday.
Another long time friend of Dusty, Gene Okerlund tweeted, “I am absolutely devastated to hear about the passing of my long time friend Dusty Rhodes. One of the best ever.” Okerlund added a picture of him interviewing Rhodes at SummerSlam many years ago.
“My children just called with the news that @WWEDustyRhodes had passed away. I’m crushed. He was a one-of-a-kind talent with an amazing mind,” added fellow WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley.
“I was so honored to write Dusty Rhodes’ theme song “common man” – the American Dream and Dusty will live on forever – love ya Dream,” said another Hall of Famer, Jimmy Hart.
Bill DeMott, the former head coach over at NXT worked with Rhodes at the Performance Center and wrote, “My prayers are with the Rhodes family. My friend, mentor and teacher made such an impact in my life and is part of my family #ripdustyrhodes.”
Others such as Kane, Howard Finkel, William Regal, Shawn Michaels, The Miz, Vickie Guerrero, Jerry Lawler, and many, many others also expressed their condolences.
E!’s Maria Menounos, a big WWE fan, and a big Dusty fan as well tweeted, “Omg just heard the news about @WWEDustyRhodes …I’m so sad!!” At this year’s WWE Hall of Fame, Menounos, with Rhodes by her side, did the famous “hard times” promo in Dusty mode, earning her praise from wrestling fans around the world.
Condolences also came from those within the UFC. UFC Director of Marketing Ant Evans tweeted, “So sad to learn of the passing of The Dream, @WWEDustyRhodes. I really wish this was a Dusty finish. Rest in peace.” Dave Sholler, UFC’s Vice President of Public Relations wrote, “Wow. RIP to a legend.”
In a news that has shocked the wrestling world, the American Dream Dusty Rhodes passed away today at the age of 69. WWE.COM confirmed the news in a short statement. No cause of death was revealed.
Born on October 12, 1945, in Austin, Texas, Virgil Runnels started his wrestling career in 1968, first wrestling for the American Wrestling Association before moving to the NWA, Jim Crockett Promotions, WWF, WCW, ECW, and TNA.
Rhodes had memorable feuds throughout his career with Terry Funk, Harley Race, Ric Flair, Macho Man Randy Savage, and other notable names before officially retiring from the ring in 2007.
Apart from being a wrestler, he also worked behind the scenes both for WCW and WWE and the term Dusty Finish is named after him.
Rhodes returned to WWE in 2005, first signing a Legends Deal and then was part of the creative team before transitioning to the developmental system and working at the WWE Performance Center and NXT. He made several appearances on WWE television throughout the past few years and his legacy will live on with both his sons – Goldust and Stardust – still active in the WWE.
In 2007, Rhodes was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and throughout his wrestling career he won numerous titles including the NWA World title on three different occasions.
10 Tough Enough hopefuls were eliminated from the competition during the 3-day tryout camp at the WWE Performance Center yesterday.
Those who have no chance of participating this time around are Adam Ohriner, Ava Knight-Salicka, Carly Marshall, Jason Vasquez, Kevin Penczek, Krishany San Jorge, Lorenzo Davis II, Nicholas Cuffari, Philip Guilford, and Vinny Tortorella.
Much more have to be cut from the pool of 40 as producers cut down contestants to just 13 for the show. The whole process is being filed for a WWE Network special which will air on Tuesday.
The new season of Tough Enough debuts on USA Network on Tuesday, June 23, at 8PM EST.
After making allegations about Triple H on The Opie and Jim Norton Show, Chyna also had some interesting words about Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman, who ended up calling the show to confront her live.
Chyna said that when the sex tape with Waltman – titled One Night In Chyna – was released, it was released without her knowledge. Chyna went even further by accusing Waltman of drugging her to do the sex tape.
Waltman was tweeting to @OpieRadio when this was going on saying that she had a $100,000 check cashed for her advance from Redlight District and signed a contract for the sex tape. He added that both of them took “quite a few pharmaceuticals that night” but no one had to slip her anything. “I’m not fond of falsely being accused of rape,” Waltman said.
X-Pac said that he thought the two buried the hatchet but obviously it wasn’t the case. At that point, the guys at the show let him call in to confront Chyna, something X-Pac was very appreciative of considering Howard Stern did not let him defend himself when she made similar accusations when she was on his show.
“That’s more courtesy than Stern showed me when she accused me of rape on his show,” Waltman wrote on his Twitter.
You can see the video of their confrontation on the show below.
Yesterday, former WWE Women’s and Intercontinental champion Chyna appeared on The Opie with Jim Norton radio show which airs on the Sirius and XM Radio.
During the show, Chyna again alleged that Triple H hit her during the time the two were together before he moved on with a relationship with his now-wife Stephanie McMahon. Chyna made these allegations before as well after Triple H was asked about her during the Stone Cold podcast on the WWE Network earlier this year.
Triple H issued a response through one of WWE’s corporate spokesmen following yesterday’s allegations which states, “The false statements and reckless allegations Joan Laurer (aka Chyna) continues to make about a physical dispute are a complete fabrication. As I’ve said in the past, while Joan has had significant struggles in life, this does not justify making such claims.”
During the show, Chyna’s former boyfriend X-Pac also called in and revealed that she once told him that Triple H never hit her but only that he shoved her away during an altercation where she was pushing him to lay his hands on her.
The Internet is getting loaded with rumors that WWE is about to announce some sort of a deal with the Evolve promotion. These rumors include either a partnership with WWE’s developmental system NXT or a complete buyout of the promotion.
Evolve was founded in 2010 by Gabe Sapolsky, Sal Hamaoui, and Davey Richards, and in 2011 it merged with with Dragon Gate USA although the two still do events under their own banner.
Currently, Evolve shows air on iPPV and Video on Demand on WWNLive.com, which is owned by Sal Hamaoui, one of the founders of Evolve.
Whether these rumors turn out to be true or not remains to be seen.
Samoa Joe will make his NXT wrestling debut on tonight’s episode which airs on the WWE Network.
Joe will be in the main event wrestling Scott Dawson with Kevin Owens on commentary. This was taped the day after the NXT Takeover: Unstoppable WWE Network special which was Joe’s NXT debut.
The former TNA champion will wrestle for the last time for Ring Of Honor this month and then will be a full-time WWE employee. Joe’s merchandise went flying off the shelves the day WWEShop.com started selling them, prompting WWE to take action and bump Joe’s part-time deal to a full-time one.
Dwayne Johnson’s San Andreas was a massive hit in China as the movie made its debut as number one in the box office in the country with a $35 million weekend and $51.8 million over six days.
The China tally puts San Andreas foreign box office to over $188 million and with domestic box office receipts added to the sum, the movie has now grossed $289.6 million worldwide after 11 days.
The movie has also surpassed the $100 million mark domestically, The Rock’s second movie to do that where he is not part of an ensemble cast.
Monday Night Raw did not fare so well this week as the show dropped around 330,000 viewers from last week’s episode, getting a total of 3,645,000 viewers.
Hour one was the highest rated with an average of 3,678,000 viewers tuned in, followed by 3,609,000 in the second hour, and then slightly back up with 3,647,000 in the third and final hour. (Ratings credit: PWInsider.com)
WWE Hall of Famer Scott Hall has fallen off the wagon once more and will be checking himself in a Drug Rehab center to help with his alcohol addiction.
“Happy to report I’m checking in to a detox facility to address my recent difficulty. During drug detox, a person’s drug intake is gradually lowered, until their body no longer relies on the substance to function. Thanks to all the supporters out there,” Hall tweeted. Detox centers mainly follow psychotherapy treatments to encourage an addict in overcoming his addiction. Many detox centers also offer the option of personalized programs for their patients, depending upon the seriousness of the problem. The centers will also provide you with a leisure environment for curative benefits and the outdoor activities offered by these centers can help to bring you closer to nature and assist you in understanding the better ways of leading your life. Gradually, the detoxification and rehab programs will ensure that you see the positive change in yourself. Detoxification is a remedial procedure wherein you will be put under general anesthesia and observed by a team of experts. Additionally, the doctor will purge the toxins out of your body by administering beneficial drugs. This elimination of toxins will immediately make you undergo the withdrawal symptoms. However, the anesthesia will aid to prevent you from experiencing the painful symptoms. This withdrawal period can last from ten hours to ten days, based on the severity of drug abuse. This detox procedure is normally carried out to deal with oxycontin, heroin, codeine and methadone addictions. And, as you start recovering, your craving for addictive drugs diminishes. However, though the results are instantaneous, researches have shown that you will still be required to go through continued counseling and therapy.
The former WWE Intercontinental champion made great progress under Diamond Dallas Page along with Jake “The Snake” Roberts however his “demons” often showed up again. WWE has sponsored almost all of Hall’s trips to rehab facilities as per their Wellness Program where any current or former Superstar or Diva needing help could reach out to the company and get an all-expense paid program.
How to Gauge the Severity of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol Drinking Withdrawal Symptoms can occur when you suddenly stop using alcohol after regular excessive drinking and can range from severe to mild. Severe withdrawal symptoms can be quite serious and in rare situations, they can actually be fatal. Because they can worsen over time, it’s important to know whether your symptoms are getting more severe so you can seek help. The most severe symptoms usually occur between two and five days after you stop drinking, which means that the first day or two may not be a good indicator of your risk of serious problems.
In mid May, Hall was part of a wrestling event which was held at the Skate and Surf Music Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, but was too drunk to take part in the meet and greet with fans. After he was given enough time to sober up by the promoters, Hall was kicked out of the event by security. In 2013, fans helped raise over $80,000 on Indiegogo.com so Hall could get his hip replacement, physical therapy, and dental work.
During Monday Night Raw, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan – back together after their Wyatt Family days – showed off their new finisher which is similar to the move made famous by the Dudley Boyz, the 3D. Harper and Rowan call the move The Way.
Bully Ray wasn’t particularly impressed with the move and tweeted to WWE saying, “Dear @WWE, if ya wanted the DUDLEY DEATH DROP hit THE WAY it should be, ya should have had the BALLS to call us.”
Bubba Ray’s tag team partner Devon also chimed in, adding “Oh my brother……. Testify!!!!”
Luke Harper responded by telling both Bubba Ray and Devon that he and Rowan would enjoy showing both of them the way anytime, anywhere. In response, Ray said that he’ll wait if the brass who pull their strings has the balls to make it happen!
The top 40 finalists for the new season of Tough Enough were chosen after WWE went through around 11,000 submissions.
A mini-camp will be held between June 10 and 12 where producers will then cut down the finalists to just 13. The journey of the final 40 will be chronicled on a WWE Network exclusive, Tough Enough Competition Special, which airs Tuesday, June 16 at 8PM EST.
The mini-camp will be held at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Tough Enough will be mainly filmed at the Performance Center as well, showcasing WWE’s state of the art training facility.
Tough Enough premieres on Tuesday, June 23, at 8PM EST on USA Network and it’s hosted by Chris Jericho and Renee Young. Hulk Hogan, Daniel Bryan, and Paige will serve as the judges, while Billy Gunn, Booker T, and Lita, will be the trainers.
Each week, one cast member will be eliminated until one man and one woman are considered Tough Enough, with each earning a one-year, $250,000 WWE contract.
The 40 finalists are:
Adam Ohriner, Long Island, N.Y.; Alexander Frekey, Dallas; Alexander Galizia, Springfield, Mass.; Amanda Saccomanno, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; Ashley Urbanski, Oakland, Calif.; Ava Knight-Salicka, Las Vegas; Carly Marshall, Los Angeles; Chelsea Green, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Danielle Kamela, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Daria Berenato, Los Angeles; David Michael Barnes, Mandan, N.J.; Dianna Dahlgren, Spokane, Wash.; Don Arner, Pittsburgh; Gabi Castrovinci, Southington, Conn.; Giorgia Piscina, Brisbane, Australia; Hank Avery Jr., Macon, Ga.; Jason Vazquez, Oak Lawn, Ill.; Jeremiah Kingdom, Los Angeles; Joshua Bredl, Thornton, Colo.; Kahlil Bell, San Jose, Calif.; Kevin Penczek, Belle, W.V.; Krishany San Jorge, Puerto Rico; LaRayia Gaston, Los Angeles; Lorenzo Davis II, Los Angeles; Mada Abdel Hamid, Los Angeles; Michael Mio, Staten Island, N.Y.; Mike Hayes, Louisville, Ken.; Nehemiah Kingdom, Los Angeles; Nicholas Cuffari, Lakewood, Okla.; Patrick Clark, Washington, D.C.; Philip Guilford, Atlantic City, N.J.; Samantha Sage, Los Angeles; Sara Bettencourt, San Jose, Calif.; Sara Lee, Hope, Mich.; Stephen Tezanos-Pinto, Sacramento, Calif.; Tanner Saraceno, Boiling Springs, S.C.; Tommaso Giannuzzi, Germany; Vinny Tortorella, Staten Island, N.Y.; Zach Boss, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and Zamariah “ZZ” Loupe, Bayou Bluff, La.
Hulk Hogan and CM Punk went into a Twitter war of words over hockey which escalated when Punk told Hogan to “Shut the f**k up.”
The WWE Hall of Famer is supporting the Tampa Bay Lightning who are 2-1 up in the Stanley Cup against CM Punk’s beloved Chicago Blackhawks.
In a tweet, Hogan said that the Blackhawks are in a lot of trouble and should take their puck “punk” and go home. “CM can show them way brother,” Hogan wrote.
Perhaps Hogan’s worst mistake was when during a live broadcast last week, Hogan got the name of the Tampa Bay coach and one of their players wrong.
And CM Punk didn’t let that go unnoticed after he got called out.
“You mispronounced the team captains name and didn’t even know the coaches name. Shut the f**k up or I’ll wreck you @HulkHogan,” Punk replied.
Punk even went on CSN Chicago and called Hogan out during a live broadcast. Punk said that the Tampa Bay organization should be ashamed of themselves for aligning themselves with such a “piece of garbage.” He said in Chicago, they are real hockey fans again pointing out Hogan’s mistakes over the names.
We are just six nights away from Money in The Bank, where not only a new wrestler will hold a contract for a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship up to one year, but also Seth Rollins puts said WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the line in another Ladder Match against Dean Ambrose.
Ambrose still has the title in his possession, so will The Authority/Rollins be able to get it back tonight before the Pay-Per-View? As well, which of the seven participants in the MITB bout – Roman Reigns, Kofi Kingston, Neville, Randy Orton, Dolph Ziggler, Kane, or Sheamus – will gain a last advantage on Raw?
Paige is embarked on another feud with The Bella Twins, particularly after Nikki pulled the switch with Brie last week to retain her championship; so will this lead to a Divas Championship match at Money In The Bank? What will Nikki and Brie have to say about using “twin magic” again?
The Big Show made his return last week, challenging Ryback for the Intercontinental Championship – will “The Big Guy” accept? Also, Bray Wyatt came back too, so who will he target next?
All this and much more, so read on!
Monday Night Raw TV Report for June 8th, 2015 – “All Bets Are Off”
Introduction Segment: Welcoming
Michael Cole greets us from New Orleans, Louisiana, and then John Cena’s music plays. Cole lets us know that Cena is putting his United States Championship on the line right now in another Open Challenge
Segment #2: Arena Promo
Cena cuts a promo putting over Money In The Bank, and his impending rematch with NXT Champion Kevin Owens. He proclaims that “there’s no safer bet on Sunday than John Cena.” Owens now walks out to the ramp and calls Cena “delusional” for thinking he’s going to defeat Kevin and that the people want to see Cena start off Raw with another U.S. Open Challenge. Instead, Kevin wants to have an NXT Open Challenge, so Cena quickly takes him up on it. Owens denies Cena that opportunity, as they will already be squaring off again this weekend.
Cena calls himself a “fighting champion,” and still issues the challenge. Owens proposes another one, saying that whomever answers, can pick which title he wants to wrestle for – the NXT or U.S. Championship.
Adrian Neville is the man to respond, and picks Owens and the NXT Title for the reason of Owens “disrespecting” the championship.
Commercials.
Match #1: Single for the NXT Championship – Kevin Owens (Champion) VS. “The Man That Gravity Forgot,” “The New Sensation” Adrian Neville (Challenger)
(Note: U.S Champion John Cena is on commentary.) Adrian starts out fast, but Owens quickly takes control and slows Neville with kicks and shoves. He clothesline Neville in the corner, then runs at him with a Cannonball. Kevin tosses Neville against the top rope, which he bounced off of. He wears him down with a grounding rear chinlock, then hits him with a knee-to-the-gut out of a fireman’s carry. He chucks Adrian to the floor for a break.
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Owens is still in control until Adrian counters a fireman’s carry into a DDT! Owens tumbles to the outside, which allows Neville to springboard-moonsault him! (although he basically tagged Owens’ arm and no more). Adrian missile-dropkicks Owens for a two-count, then kicks away. Owens counters and drives Adrian down with a shoulder-breaker. 1 – 2 – Neville kicks out! He whips Neville into the ropes, but Neville holds on and kicks back. He clasps Owens around the waist and German-suplexes him for a near-fall. Neville ascends the turnbuckle, but is met by Kevin. He fights him away, then climbs again, but Owens rolls. Adrian kicks Kevin down and steps to the top, but is tripped up by Owens, who then capitalizes with the Pop-Up powerbomb and covers for the victory!
Winner and STILL NXT Champion: Kevin Owens
Post-mach, Owens and Cena stare each other down; then Owens offers for Cena to come in the ring. John obliges, but Kevin vacates and backs up the ramp.
The commentators – Cole, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, and Byron Saxton – recap the recent events between Dean Ambrose and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins that lead up to their second encounter for the title at Money In The Bank.
Commercials.
Segment #3: Locker Room Promo
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins are discussing Dean Ambrose’s pictures from around town with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. HHH and Stephanie remind Rollins that he said he doesn’t want them. This concerns Rollins at first, but they reassure him that he can do it.
Segment #4: Backstage Promo
Rene Young is with Divas Champion Nikki Bella and asks her about Paige’s comments regarding “Twin Magic.” She insinuates that Paige gets whatever she wants, but when she doesn’t, she complains about those who do get what they want. “Maybe this is ‘her house,’ but she’s living in ‘The Bella’s World.’”
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Match #2: Single – Summer Rae VS. Divas Champion Nikki Bella (Non-Title)
Nikki tries a couple of quick roll-ups for counts, but Summer makes a comeback with a clothesline and roundhouse kick. It doesn’t last long, as Nikki nails a springboard-kick and finishes this one promptly with the “Rack Attack” (Torture Rack drop).
Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion Nikki Bella
Up next, Roman Reigns will be out to chat about Money In The Bank!
Commercials.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
Roman Reigns makes his way through the fans and steps into the ring. He is all too happy that the MITB case is no longer in the possession of Seth Rollins; Reigns declares that he will win it on Sunday and then go on to face his pal, Dean Ambrose for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Kane now walks out and informs Roman that he is in the MITB to keep the briefcase in The Authority’s place. Dolph Ziggler interrupts, He makes a few jokes at Kane, to which Kane retorts until R-Truth interjects. He talks about the WrestleMania Ladder Match and overcoming his fear of heights, but Kane promptly corrects him that he is not in this MITB. Truth apologies and walks off. Kane tries to continue, but The New Day cut him off too. They talk about “the power of positivity” and predict that when Kofi wins, all three win and will all be “Mr. Money In The Bank.”
The Director Of Operations wonders if anyone else is going to come out, so of course, Sheamus makes his presence felt. He says he will be the one to win MITB and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion again. Kane then reminds everyone in the ring that both Neville and Orton are also in the bout. Orton saunters to the squared circle and will take on Sheamus, next!
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Match #3: Single – “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus VS. “The Viper” Sheamus
Orton is all over Sheamus to begin, then joins him on the outside where he is punched away at. Randy reverses a whip into the barricade, but is soon punished in the ring with more punches and uppercuts. Orton counters, jawbreaking Sheamus with the top rope, but is elbowed hard out of the corner. He works over Randy’s arm with a lock, but Orton hits back with a dropkick.
Commercials.
Sheamus is back dominating, kneeing Orton as he runs off the ropes. He drops another knee then covers for two. Sheamus continues to slug away, but Orton soon matches him with fists too. “The Viper” gets the better, dropping Sheamus with the DDT off the second rope. He gears up for the R.K.O., but Sheamus shoves him off. He goes for a Brogue Kick, but Orton moves and clotheslines Sheamus over. Sheamus throws Orton into the barrier, but Randy hits him with a chair, causing the dq.
Winner via Disqualification: “The Celtic Warrior” Sheamus
Post-match, Orton continues the beating, slamming Sheamus against the steel steps and RKO’ing him in the ring.
Segment #6: Locker Room Promo
J & J Security walk up to Seth Rollins and offer their forgiveness to Rollins for the way Rollins talked about them last week. Seth goes off the handle insulting them, and reiterates that he made them, and he “never needed either of you.” This infuriates J & J for once, and Jamie lays into Rollins verbally, saying it was all because of them that Seth is where he is at today. Rollins decides to take them both on later tonight, then slaps Jamie, who slaps back in turn. Joey suddenly and finally speaks up; “you think we’re a couple of ‘jokes?’ We’re not. We’ve had your back since day one. Tonight, we’re kicking your ass!”
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Match #4: Single – “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler VS. Director Of Operations Kane
(Note: Lana stands on the ramp, observing.) This contest is somewhat even or a bit until Kane clotheslines Dolph in the corner. He wears down Dolph with a grounding chinlock and stomps away in the corner. Ziggler hits back with a kick, but is planted again with a sidewalk slam.
Commercials.
Dolph is gain momentum, driving Kane down with the Fameasser. He jumps out of a chokeslam attempt and superkicks Kane! Rusev hobbles out on crutches and forces Lana off the ramp by not letting her walk away. She appears to have hurt her ankle, which also distracts Dolph as he falls to a chokeslam and loss.
Winner via Pinfall: Director Of Operations, Kane
Post-match, Dolph, referees, and other personnel tend to Lana.
Up next, The Miz will host MizTV with Intercontinental Champion Ryback and The Big Show!
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Segment #7: Backstage Promo
Lana is still being taken care of, with ice being placed on her ankle.
Segment #8: Arena Promo
The Miz is in the ring and soon brings out his first guest, Intercontinental Champion Ryback. The IC Champ gets right into it and takes a quick shot at Miz. “The Awesome One” doesn’t like it, but Ryback cuts him off quickly, telling Miz that always states his usual accomplishments over and over. He asks if he’s correct and the crowd cheers. “You should be thankful what The Big Show did to you last week, ‘cause had you wrestled ‘The Big Guy’ Ryback, I would’ve taken years off of your career.” They insult each other about their looks and catchphrases, with the fans siding with Ryback more and more.
As they go on, The Big Show connects with them, at first telling The Miz he hated tag-teaming with him, then touting his strength. “If I need something broken, I break it. If I want to take something, I take it.” Ryback says he is not afraid of The Big Show, like The Miz is, then shows off his Intercontinental Title to Show.
Big gets to his feet, telling Ryback “you can’t stop me, I’m a giant.” Miz tries to egg on Ryback, but Show puts him in his place quickly. Miz pushes Show, but he is quickly taken out of the ring. Ryback then impressively gives Show the Shellshock Marching Samoan Drop and then celebrates with the fans.
Commercials.
Match #5: Tag-Team – Los Matadores (Fernando and Diego) (with El Torito) VS. Luke Harper and Erik Rowan
The Matadores muster some offense on Rowan, who starts out. He hammers one of the Matadores from behind, and then he and Luke control, finishing Los Matadores with the 3-D!
Winners via Pinfall: Luke Harper and Erik Rowan
Segment #9: Locker Room Promo
Kane walks into Rollins’ locker room and laughs at the shenanigans that Dean Ambrose is up to with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. He tells Rollins of his plans to win the M.I.T.B. Ladder Match, then cash in on either him or the new champion, Dean Ambrose. Kane calls it a “lose-lose” for Seth and a “win-win” for himself. He “stacks the deck” more against Rollins and says he will be in J & J’s corner.
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Match #6: Single – Tag-Team Champion Big E. (with New Day Tag-Team Champion partners Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston) VS. “The Big Deal” Titus O’Neil (with Prime Time Players partner “Mr. No Days Off” Darren Young)
Big E. controls for a bit, but Titus comes back with a tossing fall-away slam! The New Day and Darren brawl on the outside, which turns Titus’ attention and allows Big E. to plant him with the Big Ending and get the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Tag-Team Champion Big E. (with new Day Tag-Tam Champion partners Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston)
Roman Reigns now makes his entrance and will face Kofi Kingston, next!
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Tag-Team Champion Kofi Kingston (with New Day Tag-Team Champion partners Big E. and Xavier Woods) VS. Roman Reigns
Reigns gets the best of Kingston to start, so Kofi goes to the floor and discusses with his friends. Big E. and Woods hop the apron, while Kofi sneaks from behind and begins an attack. Reigns tries a Samoan Drop, but Kingston wiggles out of it. Roman nails a couple clotheslines, then rams Kofi’s head off the announce table. He runs at Kingston with the front-dropkick against the apron. Reigns rockets over the steps and takes down Woods, but Kingston gives Roman a baseball slide.
Ads.
Kofi is back in control, clamping on a grounding rear chinlock. He hits a high-dropkick for two, then stomps on Reigns. He trips up Roman then flies off the top turnbuckle with an axe-handle. 1 – 2 – Roman raises his shoulder! Kofi misses a splash in the corner, which Roman capitalizes. He clotheslines Kofi in the corner then, awkwardly, gives him a tilt-a-whirl slam. He reverses Kingston’s S.O.S. move into a single-leg/half-crab powerbomb! 1 – 2 – Kofi kicks out!
Roman fends off another attack from New Day, then Superman Punches Kofi as he was in the air from the top turnbuckle! Reigns takes this one!
Winner via Pinfall: Roman Reigns
Post-match, collects a chair and waits for his friend Dean Ambrose. “The Lunatic Fringe’s” music blares and he walks through the fans with the WWE Title. Triple H and Steph are watching with Seth Rollins. They want to know if Rollins needs them, but he doesn’t say anything, so they tell him to “go get them.”
Commercials.
Match #8: Two-On-One – WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins VS. J & J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (with Director Of Operations, Kane)
(Note: Dean Ambrose, with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, is watching ringside with the fans.) Joey begins, flipping out of an armlock into a wristlock.
Kane distracts the referee, allowing J & J to double-team Seth. On the outside, Ambrose pours some popcorn on Rollins, then Mercury hits a beautiful dropkick in the ring! Rollins soon gets control and punishes Joey. He goes to splash Mercury in the corner, but Joey moves and gets the hot-tag to Jamie. He’s “still got it” as Noble gives Seth a couple shoulder-tackles and a swinging neckbreaker! 1 – 2 – Rollins gets his shoulder up! Noble climbs the turnbuckle, but is crotched. Rollins suplexes Jamie from the apron to the canvas, but Jamie lands on him and Joey holds his feet, but Rollins still gets out of it. He kicks Noble hard, then powerbombs Joey into Jamie in the corner.
Seth slaps Noble around and sets up for The Pedigree, but Ambrose hops the barricade and distracts Rollins’ attention by throwing him the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This allows Joey to roll him up for the upset victory!
Winners via Pinfall: J & J Security (Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) (with Director Of Operations, Kane)
Post-match, J & J huddle out with Kane, while Dean drops Seth with the Dirty Deeds DDT. He takes back the WWE Title and then props a ladder in the aisle while, climbs it, and holds the championship above to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was okay Raw, with it of course being all-build to Money In The Bank. There were a couple good matches, a couple surprises, but felt averages/”going through the motions” just to get to M.I.T..B. Let’s look at the particulars:
Excellence: Promos by Cena, Owens, and Neville. Owens/Cena is the second (maybe first) hottest feud (other than Ambrose/Rollins); it was also a great bout between Owens and Neville.
Still liking the Lana/Rusev rivalry, and glad they are using Rusev/keeping him relevant despite his injury.
The MizTV segment was well-done, and Ryback has really stepped up is promos in recent times. Miz was also superb, as he truly annoyed me with some of his remarks, so he did his job great too!
Big E./Titus, Reigns/Kingston, and the Two-On-One were pretty-good matches. I really liked that they went completely through with a potential face-turn of J & J; I thought the whole scenario was well played out after all, but at first was going to be a ruse, much like Nash/Hogan and nWo from WCW in 1999. This was a nice turn-of-events!
Bogus: not as into The Bellas/Paige feud, particularly with no reasoning of Nikki & Brie’s sudden heel-turn again; still should be a decent match between Nikki and Paige for the Divas Championship.
The “everyone in the M.I.T.B. talks” segment was nothing special and the usual; also felt that way about Orton/Sheamus. Hopefully their rivalry will amp up once M.I.T.B. is over, as these two have the ability to put on hard-hitting/ferocious matches.
Definitely missing Bray Wyatt’s promos and him being in a meaningful feud. Also, as much as I like Harper/Rowan, their match could’ve been cut or saved for next week, to allow more time for build to those who are on M.I.T.B. (longer matches, perhaps.)
Too bad both R-Truth and King Barrett have been relegated to the pre-show; I thought Truth would’ve been the 8th and final competitor in the M.I.T.B. and he would’ve been good; with Barrett, winning the King Of The Ring should been something (I.C. Title to main-event push?), but unfortunately he has going downhill since.
Money In The Bank Predictions: New Day to retain with some trickery; all signs point to Roman Reigns winning M.I.T.B, so I will go with him too; Cena to beat Owens, and continue this feud for one more pay-per-view; Nikki to keep her Divas Championship until another NXT woman is called up; Ryback beats Big Show by DQ when Miz interferes; Rollins squeaks by another challenge and escapes with his WWE Championship.
Until next week, after a new man holds the briefcase, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
A documentary on the rebuilding of Chyna, titled The Reconstruction of Chyna, has popped up on Kickstarter with a $10,000 minimum needed to be raised.
This documentary will follow the former WWE Intercontinental and Women’s champion across the United States as she rediscovers herself with old friends, celebrities, and fans before arriving in Los Angeles to start her life again.
The details on the Kickstarter page reads, “After hitting rock bottom as an alcoholic, she ended up on her feet in Japan. Teaching foreign language for three and a half years while meditating, doing yoga, and getting her life together. Now she comes back to the country that made her a goddess amongst men to redeem herself and reclaim her identity.”
The documentary makers will not get money unless the Kickstarter campaign reaches the $10,000 goal. As of this writing there are 5 backers with just $210 pledged.
Former WCW and World Heavyweight champion Bill Goldberg returned to a wrestling ring last night at the Legends of Wrestling show at the New York Mets Citi Field stadium in New York.
Goldberg was on hand with other wrestlers such as Ric Flair, Bret Hart, Scott Steiner, Rob Van Dam, and many others for the show. The event was hosted by Metropolitan Hospitality, the event and hospitality company for the New York Mets, making it the first pro wrestling event at Citi Field.
Goldberg got physical in the ring and delivered a spear to Scott Steiner in the ring. Actually he bulldozed through Steiner. You can see the video below.
