Tonight’s episode of IMPACT Wrestling will be a Destination X show, with the event moving from pay-per-view to free television after TNA restructured their pay-per-view business earlier this year. The show is being taped from the Broadbent Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.
The main event will be the reigning TNA champion Bully Ray defending his gold against Chris Sabin, who
vacated the title in return for a TNA title shot tonight.
Also set for the show are qualifying matches to determine the new X Division champion with stars from the past and present. A new X Division title will also be revealed during the show.
A Bound for Glory Series match will also take place with Bobby Roode vs Austin Aries.
RAW pulled in 4,101,000 viewers this week for a 3.0 rating, down around 66,000 viewers from the previous week.
The first hour of the show did 3,926,000 viewers followed by 4,108,000 in the second and 4,268,000 viewers in the third and final hour. RAW has been getting some good “growing” trends in the past few weeks with the third hour receiving more viewers than the second, a trend which stopped for the majority of the second half of 2012 when it moved to 3 hours. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
D’Lo Brown is the latest to be given the pink slip by TNA Wrestling as the released continued.
“It is true that my employment with TNA has come to an end. I consider myself fortunate to have worked so closely with some of the best up and coming talent in the business. I also had the privilege to work closely with some of the greatest this industry has produced,” Brown wrote on his Twitter account.
This was Brown’s second stint with TNA after spending a year and a half with the company between 2003 and 2004. He returned in 2009 in the role of a road agent as well as leading the talent developmental division. Earlier this year he joined the Aces & Eights and he was revealed as the Vice President of the group.
Y2J Chris Jericho said his goodbyes to his WWE friends and co-workers yesterday at the Smackdown tapings as he is about to embark on a tour for Fozzy.
“So long to @WWE for now…2013 was one of my favorite in ring yrs ever! Thx for always sticking w Y2J & see u on the road soon w @FOZZYROCK,” Jericho wrote on his Twitter.
His last match “for now” was against Curtis Axel and the match will be part of this Friday’s Smackdown television broadcast. Jericho was involved in one of the best matches on RAW this week against Rob Van Dam, a match which he lost after a 5 Star Frogsplash from the returning RVD.
Jericho’s deal with WWE is somewhat special and he returns whenever Fozzy are not touring the world.
TNA has released Tara and Aces & Eights member Doc yesterday afternoon. Doc’s contract expired and was not renewed while Tara was let go.
“Impact Wrestling has released Tara. We thank Tara for all her contributions and wish her the best of success in the future,” a tweet from TNA’s official Twitter account read.
Tara – real name Lisa Marie Varon – started with TNA in 2009 and won the Knockout title on five separate occasions as well as the Knockouts Tag Team title once with Miss Tessmacher.
DOC, who wrestled in WWE as Luke Gallows, joined TNA in 2012 and wrestled as a masked member of Aces & Eights. He was unmasked during an episode of Impact. The “director of chaos,” whose real name is Drew Hankinson, “lost” his bid to become VP of Aces & Eights in an angle that ran this month on the show.
A judge has issued an arrest warrant for WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair after he was held in contempt this month for not paying his ex-wife more than $32,000 she’s entitled to in spousal support according to the Charlotte Observer.
The arrest warrant was signed on July 3 and Flair can avoid going behind bars if he pays up. The Nature Boy told the same newspaper that he plans to pay his ex by today.
“The reason I didn’t pay my ex-wife the 32 grand is because my son died and I was in the hospital for a month,” Flair said. “I was in the hospital for a month with a blood clot. I didn’t go to work for three months.”
Meanwhile, the same ex-wife turned herself in to police after an arrest warrant was issued against her for harassing Flair’s current girlfriend. She was released on $500 bond.
Forbes.com published the top list of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors and put Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in fifth place.
The former WWE champion is estimated to have earned $46 million between June 2012 and June 2013, clearly showing that he doesn’t need money from professional wrestling to make a living!
The list was topped by Robert Downey Jr., with $75 million, followed by Channing Tatum with $60, Hugh Jackman at $55 million, and Mark Wahlberg at $52 million.
Johnson’s move to Hollywood from professional wrestling was seriously questioned back in the early 2000s however he is the only pro wrestler who has turned into a bona fide movie star, as Forbes called him.
This year, The Rock had a movie in the top 10 for 10 weeks in a row with Snitch, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Pain & Gain, and Fast & Furious 6.
Deadspin.com has a very interesting article about a guy who posts on the Reddit’s pro wrestling forum who has been correctly guessing each WWE pay-per-view match outcome since the Elimination Chamber.
The man only known by his online nickname of Dolphins1925 claims that he doesn’t work for WWE nor is he associated with the company, but, he does have someone in the WWE who leaks him the winners of each pay-per-view match before the show starts.
For the past 6 pay-per-views, including Sunday’s Money In The Bank, Dolphins1925’s record stands at 100%. For each match.
“Given that this information is out there, we both feel that I should continue to share this information until it garners the attention of WWE,” he wrote in a poster, saying that Vince and management aren’t taking measures to keep info from being leaked.
WWE gave Deadspin.com a short statement regarding the story, saying that we might have a “modern day Nostradamus on our hands” and said that they will monitor the posts in advance of their next PPV to see “how good he or she really is.”
During last night’s Home Run Derby special competition which was held at the Citi Field in New York, New York, winner Yoenis Cespedes celebrated with the WWE title, giving WWE some unexpected free advertising on ESPN.
Cespedes, from Cuba, managed to land 9 hard-hitting home runs display, beating his final opponent with one HR to win the competition.
When he won the competition, Cespedes ran to his team mates and one of them gave him the WWE title and held it up. He then posed with the trophy and WWE title for the press.
After three consecutive great Raws, the streak was broken last week, as I felt the “go-home” show for Money In The Bank was just average. I loved a few of the fantastic wrestling matches, particularly Daniel Bryan VS. Sheamus and Orton taking on Punk. I also LOVED the build-up to the much-anticipated debut of the Wyatt Family, however am undecided on what they will be about and where they stand on Raw right now.
I think it kind of fell flat, and they could’ve made a bit more impact somehow, but perhaps they did at last night’s Pay-Per-View. As well, really hated the Vickie Guerrero/McMahons/Triple H segment. Went way too long and just an excuse to put themselves over again.
The only interesting parts were Brad Maddox being promoted to General Manager/Supervisor, and another possible Vince heel-turn?(Note: despite being away, I caught up on the shows today via PVR, hence my quick opinion).
Speaking of MITB, I managed to stay away again from the results, so let’s see how the landscape of the WWE has changed. Here’s hoping a couple new heavyweight champions (Dolph Ziggler and Mark Henry!), and a couple surprise MITB Ladder Match winners that would give a jolt for a summer feud!
Plus, did The Wyatt Family have any interaction on the card, and what is Rob Van Dam’s position following his supposed triumphant return?
All this and much more I’m sure, so read on!
Monday Night Raw Report for July 15th, 2013 – “Decision, Explanations, and Warnings – Oh My!”
Introduction Segment: Welcoming
The regular Raw video plays, and for the first time in a LONG time, the pyro explodes in the arena. The lights go out and the first man stands on stage…
Segment #1: Arena Promo
The new General Manager of Raw, Brad Maddox, hypes up the crowd for the first Raw in the new Barclay Center in Brooklyn. He announces that a Money In The Bank rematch will take place, with Dolph Ziggler facing Alberto Del Rio. (No champion was announced, so I am still left wondering!)
My first disappointment of the night runs to the ring in John Cena, who is all smiles as he is still clutching the WWE Championship. (I like and highly respect Cena, I just believe that Mark Henry should’ve been the Champion after the phenomenal build.)
Cena informs Maddox that this is the only time he will be in the ring with someone who is hated more (referring to himself), but gives the new G.M. his props, letting us see what he will do. Maddox butters up to the WWE Champion, saying that he always enjoyed watching him on the TV since he was a teenager.
He then lets John pick his own opponent for SummerSlam. Cena thinks this is a mistake, since he could pick anyone from Doc Hendrix to Michael Cole to one of the Bella Twins!
Before they go further, the Raw Money In The Bank winner walks out to a huge pop, and gets in the WWE Champion’s face. Randy Orton tells Cena that he will be a man, and give him fair warning that when he cashes in, John will never know. In an odd twist, Fandango struts his stuff out with Summer Rae to challenge Cena for the WWE Title.
As he announces his own name, Orton blindsides him and the two engage in fisticuffs with Randy coming out on top. Maddox interjects and immediately books those two to go at it after the break!
Commercials.
Match #1: Single – “The Viper” Randy Orton VS. Fandango (with Summer Rae)
Orton is stomping away on Fandango and drops him with an uppercut. He misses a running kneedrop and Fandango gains control, choking Orton with his knee. Randy reverses a suplex attempt into one of his own, then hammers Fandango from behind as he went outside.
Orton chases and clotheslines him to the outside mat. In the ring, “The Viper” scores a two-count with the first cover (on screen), but gets a boot-to-the-face as he ran at Fandango in the corner.
Fandango grips on a head submission, but Orton battles out and tosses him with a back body drop. He delivers the patented-10-punch in the corner, then a picture-perfect dropkick. Fandango catches Randy with a mini-enziguri, sending him to the outside again. He chucks “The Viper” into the steel steps and poses atop them to go to break.
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Back live, Fandango slingshots Orton underneath the bottom rope for a near-fall, then goes back to that headlock/chinlock submission. Orton punches his way out again, but Fandango counters with a backdrop. 1 – 2 – Randy kicks out! He starts to comeback again with some punches and a clothesline in the corner.
He brings him overhead with a t-bone suplex and is starting to get in the zone, despite having cut left fingers. Orton flies off the top with Fandango via a superplex! (They got some serious air and bounce!) Orton nails the quick powerslam and sets up Fandango for the slingshot-DDT.
Fandango counters with a slingshot-kick, but gets crotched on the top rope. Orton grabs his head and uses the corner middle rope to drive him down with the DDT! Next, an R.K.O. as “The Viper” slithers to cover for the victory!
Winner via Pin Fall: “The Viper” Randy Orton
Segment #2: Recap
Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler recap my second disappointment of the night, as still-pictures show that Dolph Ziggler did NOT capture the World Heavyweight Championship, as A.J. had interfered, costing him the bout. Apparently, an argument ensued after.
Segment #3: Backstage Promo
“The Show Off” is walking alone in the hallways as A.J. approaches him. She apologizes again but he says to forget about it. “It’s time to move on,” he tells her. A.J. gives him a big hug, but Ziggler clears it up, saying that “it’s time for ME to move on, from you. We’re done!”
Out next is Mark Henry.
Commercials.
Segment #4: Arena Promo
“The World’s Strongest Man” gets in the ring and puts over WWE Champion John Cena for the match they had last night. He gives him accolades for showing up, but does remind us that Cena has the power to choose his opponent. Just as Henry makes a bid to be the one, The Shield interrupt and surround the ring.
Mark takes his jacket off and prepares to fight all three. “The Hounds Of Justice” start to pound him down, but Henry comes back, kicking Rollins down. As Ambrose jumps on him from behind, Roman doves through him with a spear, then all three triple-powerbomb the big-man! (FYI, Dean Ambrose does not have the Smackdown MITB briefcase, but Rollins and Reigns are still the Tag-Team Champions).
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Segment #5: Office Promo
General Manager Brad Maddox is talking to his mother on his cell phone when “Y2J” Chris Jericho walks in. He ribs him about being so young, but Brad still sucks up to Jericho, booking him in a contest against R.V.D. to impress WWE Champion John Cena. Chris likes it and tell shim “you got a helluva future on ya junior!”
Match #2: Single – World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio VS. “The Show Off” Dolph Ziggler (Non-Title)
Del Rio hammers away on Dolph quickly, but Ziggler comes back with a jumping dropkick off the ropes! He drops him with a neckbreaker, then delivers repeated elbow drops, to the pleasure of the fans! 1 – 2 – Alberto kicks out! Ziggler attempts the corner splash but Alberto ducks as Dolph kisses post. Del Rio sets up Dolph backside on the turnbuckle and flips him over with a reverse suplex off the top!
He chokes Dolph on the ropes, but also misses a corner run. Dolph comes back with a leaping splash and jumping clothesline. Del Rio counters and chucks Ziggler over the top to the floor!
Commercials.
Back live, “The Mexican Aristocrat” is still dominating and gloating while doing so. He does miss a kick but tosses Dolph up in the air with a flapjack. He is lining up Ziggler in the corner, but Dolph counters by rocketing himself on to A.D.R. with a Tornado DDT!
The two enter into a slugfest, which Del Rio gets the better of. Del Rio goes for his run-through-the-ropes, but does that literately as Ziggler moves and dropkicks him on the shoulder for a close fall!
Dolph attempts the Fameasser but Alberto reverses with a German Suplex Pin for two! He viciously headbutts Ziggler and gears himself up for the Cross Armbreaker. Ziggler smoothly reverses with a neckbreaker! 1 – 2 – Del Rio kicks out! Alberto comes back with a running enziguri for another two count and the suspense is on!
Del Rio hangs Ziggler upside down in the corner, kicks away, but misses a running shoulder block as Ziggler sits up! Using the leverage of the ropes, Dolph faceplants Alberto with the Fameasser. As he goes for the cover, the bell suddenly rings!
A.J. is shown standing at ringside, distracting her former man, allowing Del Rio to hit him with the kick for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pin Fall: World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio
Post-match, A.J. enters the squared circle and slaps away on Dolph, until he is run over with a clothesline by Big E. Langston! Big E. picks him up and drives him with the “Big Ending” front drop. A.J. looks distraught at what has gone down, but gets on her knees, strokes Dolph’s her, and kisses him. She and Langston walk off to an out-cold Ziggler.
Ads.
Match #3: Single – R-Truth VS. ?
Truth cuts his usual rap promo and entrance, but is quickly cut-off by The Wyatt Family! Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, and Erik Rowan enter the arena and Wyatt sits down in a rocking chair at the bottom of the ramp. Harper and Rowan attack R-Truth, allowing Bray to come in the ring with a microphone.
He informs us that “they” have been lying to all of us. “There ain’t no such thing as a hero. Not anymore. You have become addicted to the allusion of what a hero is. You’ve become addicted to the allusion of what a hero does for you.” He maniacally laughs times through his oratory, saying “the man who made you is a liar. What if I was to tell you that your own flesh and blood turn his back on you? I will never turn my back on you. And maybe, maybe the answers you seek have been slapping you right in the face. Or maybe, just maybe, that I, Bray Wyatt, ‘The Eater Of Worlds,’ have been the answer all along.”
R-Truth hops back on the apron with a steel chair in hand, furious, and wants Wyatt himself. Harper and Rowan exit, as Bray eggs on Truth. “I’m right here waitin’!” He continues to taunt R, as Harper and Rowan approach from outside. Wyatt splashes him in the corner and the assault continues, with Bray kissing Truth, then planting him with a spinning flatliner!
Wyatt crawls over Truth, declaring “you are not ‘the truth’ we seek. Kane, follow the buzzards.” Bray gets on his knees and poses with his arms out, while Erik and Luke stand tall behind him. (Very awesome and creepy!)
Winner: No Contest via No Match officially started.
Commercials.
Segment #6: Video Recap
Footage of the WWE Performance Center grand opening airs, promoting the new development facility.
Match #4: Tag-Team – “The Real Americans” (Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro) (with Zeb Colter) VS. The Usos (Jey and Jimmy)
Prior to this bout, Colter rips on Brooklyn for all the languages he hears BUT English. He then asks John Cena to pick one of his “Real Americans” to face him for the WWE Title at SummerSlam. Lawler responds with a WWE Universe Fan-Vote, which saw The Usos getting 55% to take these guys on! (The other choices were “The Prime Time Players” and “Tons Of Funk”)
Jey and Cesaro begin, with Jimmy getting the quick tag after Jey shoved Antonio into the corner. Jimmy rolls up Cesaro for a count, but Antonio comes back with a gutwrench suplex and switches with Swagger. He nails a Swaggerbomb splash out of the corner as the heels continue to dominate.
Cesaro back in and clamps on a grounding rear chinlock, which Jimmy gets out of and manages to tag in his brother. Jey flies off the top with a crossbody, then reverses a gutwrench into a sunset flip for the W!
Winners via Pin Fall: The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)
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Match #5: Single – “Mr. Money In The Bank/The Intellectual Savior Of The Unwashed Masses” Damien Sandow VS. Christian
Sandow aggressive right away with blows to the back, then holds unto the ropes and escapes the ring. He misses an elbow drop, but pushes Christian off the top rope to the floor, then rolls him back into the ring for a quick count1 Damien sets Christian atop the turnbuckle again, but he is countered with a Tornado DDT! 1 – 2 – Sandow kicks out!
Christian trips him up on the second rope, hops over the apron with an uppercut, then dives off the top rope with a crossbody for two! He hits a second-rope spinning elbow and goes for the Unprettier, but Damien reverses into a Russian Legsweep. Sandow goes for his “Elbow Of Distain,” but Christian reverses into a jackknife flip over to get the victory!
Winner via Pin Fall: Christian
Post-match, as Sandow announces himself as “still your intellectual savior of Money In The Bank,” his former friend and tag-team partner, Cody Rhodes, comes out of nowhere and brawls. He gets the best, with Sandow walking away through the crowd.
Commercials.
Segment #7: Video Promo
Vickie Guerrero, the former Supervising Manager of Raw, is shown in the concourse, protesting and trying to get votes for her to return to Raw.
Match #6: Single – Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) VS. Naomi (with “Funkette” partner Cameron)
Some great chain-wrestling between the two Divas begins, then Naomi slides to the apron and delivers a high kick to Brie. Naomi is tripped up on the apron, and Brie takes advantage. She stomps hard, then tosses her by the hair. With a unique move, Brie uses the ropes to lock in a Camel Clutch!
Back in the middle, a chinlock is applied, but Naomi fights out with a sunset flip for two! Brie comes back with a flying clothesline, and goes back to the chinlock.
Naomi flips her way out, and takes Brie down with a Hurricanrana and a couple of dropkicks. She runs in the corner, and soars off the top with a beautiful crossbody for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Segment #8: Recap Footage
With an “exclusive” from WWE.com, Paul Heyman is shown walking out of the Money In The Bank arena last night. An unknown reporter repeatedly asks him why he did that to C.M. Punk, until Heyman barks back “stay out of my personal life!” Clips are then shown of Heyman tipping a ladder on to Punk during the MITB match.
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Segment #9: Arena Promo
“Cult Of Personality” blares the speakers, as do the fans who give C.M. Punk a “standing o.” He is limping his way to the ring, donned in shorts, shoes, and a hoodie. “The Second City Saint” claims he knows that both Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar are in the building, and orders them to come out.
Paul E. obliges and approaches the stage. Heyman says that he is “looking at an empty ring, because in ‘my world, you don’t exist.” Paul reminds Punk how he took care of him his entire career, then they “reached the holy grail together. We were the reigning and defending WWE Champion for 434 days. WE were the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the past twenty-five (25). WE came with in an inch of breaking The Undertaker’s streak at Wrestlemania. We, C.M. Punk, we were ‘the best in the world.'”
Heyman goes on to preach “the truth.” He blames Punk for failing “us.” He accuses Punk of thinking that he is better than Paul Heyman, so he retaliated by lying, manipulating, and playing Punk. Heyman makes it personal, calling out C.M. for having no family, just the fans.
He gets the fans riled up and behind Punk, then says that because he took his best fiend away from him, Heyman took his opportunity at the WWE Championship away from Punk. Paul says that his children made him see the proverbial light, questioning him on why Punk never listened to him like Brock Lesnar did.
Heyman says that the main reason he betrayed Punk is because he “can’t beat Brock Lesnar!” Punk replies, saying that he saw “first-hand last night that the truth does hurt.” Punk says another truth is that “you know me better than anybody. You know when I’m lying and you know when I’m telling the truth. And you know when I want something bad enough, I am the most relentless man on the planet, and I will not stop until I get it. And the truth is Paul, I’m gonna get you. I will get everybody that conspired against me. Every single one of your associates. Everybody who profited from it. Everybody who had knowledge of it. Anybody who enjoyed it. Anybody that steps in between you and I, and opens their eyes on me. I will get my hands on and I will rip apart. The truth is that you don’t have a future because I’m going to burn down everything around you until you’re the last man standing, and I’m gonna keep you alive long enough to look you in the eye and hurt you worst of all. So tell me you son of a bitch, am I lying?”
Heyman confirms that is the truth, and mocks Punk’s “clobbering time” pose. This was the signal for Brock Lesnar to come out, and “The Beast Incarnate” approaches the ring. Punk is armed with a microphone as Lesnar distracts him. Heyman attacks from behind, but Brock pulls him out and they brawl around the barricade.
Lesnar hurls him like a rag doll over the announce table, and catches a leaping C.M., running his back into the ring post. Lesnar delivers the F-5 on to the commentary table, then hops aboard, standing over his destruction. Punk struggles to his feet, holding onto his throat and is aided by ringside staff.
Commercials.
Segment #10: Backstage Promo
WWE Champion John Cena is walking through the hallways, when is talked to in Punjabi by The Great Khali. Cena replies in the same language, which pleases the 7-footer.
Segment #11: Office Promo
Stephanie McMahon is in General Manager Maddox’s office, and inquires Triple H how he is doing. HHH agrees that he is doing well, but wonders if he got the final “a-ok” from Vince McMahon about the decisions he has made tonight. Both Stephanie and “The Game” toy with the new G.M. about his new-found position.
Rob Van Dam makes his return to Raw and prepares to face Chris Jericho, next!
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Match #7: Single – Rob Van Dam VS. “Y2J” Chris Jericho
Lockup between the two starts, as does traded waistlocks. RVD turns it into a rolling takedown, and Jericho counters with a ground headscissors, which Rob hops out of. “Y2J” chops at RVD and he returns with punches and a shoulder block. Jericho comes back with a dropkick, then “Mr. Monday Night” flips/rolls over Jericho, takes him down with a spin kick and a monkey-flip out of the corner!
Standing Moonsault by Van Dam for a two-count! Jericho jumps a legsweep and takes him down with an enziguri for a close call! He then controls with a backdrop going into the break.
Commercials.
RVD now has Jericho in a grounding body scissors, but the “Ayatolla Of Rock N’ Rolla” rolls Rob up and attempts the Walls Of Jericho submission. Van Dam works his way out of it, but is slingshotted into the corner turnbuckle head-first! 1 – 2 – Van Dam kicks out! Jericho front-dropkicks RVD out of the ring, and attempts to suplex him back in, but Van Dam flips over and nails him with an on-target kick-to-the-chin!
He clamps on the grounding body scissors again, then turns into a Triangle-Choke-like submission. “Y2J” reverses into a powerbomb for two, but misses a front dropkick. This sets up Rob for the “Rolling Thunder” senton, but Jericho rolls to the outside. RVD follows up with a springboard moonsault, and both are down against the floor mats!
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Back again, Jericho is in domination with an armbar hold, but RVD reverses a whip into a whip-into-the-corner, then a running double-heel kick. Van Dam fires up with some kicks, but Jericho does the same with a couple shoulder blocks.
Jericho dives off with a double-axe handle, then plants RVD with a bulldog. He misses the Lionsault follow-up, and RVD nails the subsequent “Rolling Thunder.” Chris kicks RVD and brings him down with a DDT. 1 – 2 – RVD kicks out! Again, Jericho goes for the Walls Of Jericho, but Van Dam flips him over and delivers another stiff kick!
Jericho counters a run with a boot-to-the-face, but RVD reverses a bulldog attempt by chucking Chris into the turnbuckle. He attempts the split-legged moonsault, but Jericho moves and lands the Lionsault for a near fall! RVD kicks Jericho one more time and ascends the turnbuckle, but “The Hi-Lite Of The Night” crotches him.
Jericho tries another move, but RVD headbutts him off and soars with a rolling senton! 1 – 2 – Jericho kicks out! RVD sets up for the Hurricanrana, but “Y2J” counters into the Walls Of Jericho. A now bloody RVD struggles and crawls his way to the ropes, then catches Jericho’s foot with a spin kick. He is able to go to the top rope and propel with the Five-Star Frog Splash and earn the hard-fought victory!
Winner via Pin Fall: Rob Van Dam
Commercials.
Segment #12: Arena Promo
Most of the wrestlers are lined up on the stage, as they await WWE Champion John Cena’s choice for Summerslam. He walks through them and glares back on his way to the ring. To the chagrin of the fans, Cena says he actually can’t make a decision, but only because he hasn’t heard the most important voice yet, them! He asks for their help, to make SummerSlam “a match you would like to see.”
He lists some names and gives the crowd the opportunity to voice their opinion. The entire “3.M.B.” group bets booed out of the building, while Randy Orton gets cheered. Khali’s response is luke-warm, but they go right back to hating on World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio.
Both Jericho and RVD receive big praise, and Fandango gets a mixed reaction. Ryback has major heat, and Cena asks if he has forgotten anybody. In unison, the fans chant “yes, yes, yes,” wanting Daniel Bryan. Cena finally concurs, and picks the big-time fan-favorite, putting him over as a deserving opponent.
Bryan runs out excitedly, and gets the crowd going with “yes, yes, yes!” Daniel and Cena face-off, with Cena holding the championship in Bryan’s face, and lets the man celebrate his “golden opportunity” to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
Raw was a step-up from last week, as many aspects were highlights. However, there was also some big disappointments (mainly two!), so I do feel a little cheesed on those. On to the analysis:
Excellence: Even though it was an odd twist with Fandango in the mix, the opening segment and proceeding match were great! Orton/Fandango have some decent chemistry, and the fans were behind both! A hot way to begin. I also like how they are playing up the insecurity of Brad Maddox as G.M. He’s basically making all the popular decisions, so as too please the fans and not get fired the next time around. Good angle, since he truly looked shocked last week at the naming of his new position.
Very happy that Dolph Ziggler will finally be on his own. I did like his pairing with A.J., however, now he can truly break out. All he needs is a solid World Title run (read more than six months!) to make him the big superstar he can be – and that better happen soon!
Definitely loving The Wyatt Family, and Bray’s promo was brilliant – glad they have, for now, defined who they are picking on, with Wyatt telling Kane to “follow the buzzards.” (In other words, not going to be The Shield and attack random superstars week in/week out – they seem to have an agenda set against “The Big Red Machine.”)
Nice to see The Usos continue to be fan favorites and pick up victories. They should be in a long feud with Rollins/Reigns, though, for the Tag-Team Championships. Love the aggressiveness out of Cody Rhodes, and I hope this helps him rise back to the upper-mid-card level, where he belongs. Naomi/Brie was actually a pretty good match, so props to both women for putting in the effort!
Paul Heyman/C.M. Punk – absolutely fantastic! Can’t say much more, because their promo/segment was just genius. They held me on every word and as always, blurred the line between reality and storyline. Heyman/Punk/Lesnar will be the hot feud for the summer!
Great main-event between RVD and Jericho – nice wrestling bout, but it will be interesting to see where these guys will be positioned, since both Heavyweight Championship pictures are seemingly booked up.
Bogus: Mark Henry – loved his promo and kudos to him for being real and putting over John Cena, BUT should’ve had the WWE Title with him. Not liking the fact that he is potentially back to face again – I loved the butt-kicking, “Hall Of Pain” Mark Henry more.
While a superb match, I did not like the Alberto/Dolph rematch, for the reason that the World Title was NOT on the line. If it was a true MITB rematch, then the Championship should’ve been included! It felt like a waist of a bout (even though awesomely wrestled). Right now, out on Damien Sandow as MITB winner – that was truly a surprise, and I just don’t see him cashing in. Maybe he will be another that does so and fails? I believe it’s still to early for him in his career.
The Vickie Guerrero “protesting” gimmick is going to wear off quick and just be down right dumb. They should just scrap it! The ending fell really flat – the whole idea of Cena being able to pick his opponent is somewhat absurd, but at least he put Daniel Bryan over. It will be very intriguing to see how this is built, since everyone and anyone is vehemently behind Bryan.
As proven by my review, while I did have a lot of positives coming out of Raw, I still felt jolted that both Heavyweight Titles did NOT change hands when they should’ve, providing new feuds/plans for the summer. (I’m looking at you, Del Rio & Cena!). So I had a bit of a skewed view of Raw right off the bat, but still managed to enjoy the show.
Oh well, now that MITB is out of the way and they are focussing on Summerslam, let’s hope the build to the “summer spectacular” is awesome! Until next week, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
One of the top matches for SummerSlam was made official yesterday on Monday Night RAW as John Cena selected Daniel Bryan as his opponent for the WWE title.
Cena chose Bryan after the new GM Brad Maddox gave him the opportunity to pick his own opponent. The majority of the WWE Superstars came out on the top of the ramp in the final segment as Cena enlisted the help of the crowd to choose his opponent.
Right from the get-go, the red hot Brooklyn crowd were chanting Yes! Yes! Yes! and then just before Cena made his announcement, a loud Daniel Bryan chant started. Cena then selected Bryan as the fans exploded in more Yes! chants while Bryan did his usual Yes! routine to end the show.
Paul Heyman got rid of one of his guys yesterday – CM Punk – but if Punk is plotting revenge tonight, there might be a tiny obstacle – Brock Lesnar!
The former WWE and UFC champion is scheduled to be on RAW tonight, the first time that the show will be coming to you live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Apart from Lesnar, the returning Rob Van Dam is also scheduled to be on RAW along with appearances from Triple H and Vince McMahon as the power struggle continues.
The Money In The Bank pay-per-view left some Superstars needing some medical attention as ladders and human contact don’t usually play fair to each other.
Both Rob Van Dam and CM Punk got their heads busted wide open with the returning RVD needing 14 staples to close his wound while CM Punk was on the receiving end of 13 stitches. Cody Rhodes received 5 stitches to close a wound right above his eye.
Christian also walked out with a chipped tooth thanks to a “hand” from Sheamus, who got him the hard way by mistake.
Decked in his familiar face paint, the Ultimate Warrior recorded a funny commercial walking through the 2K offices and beating people up while hyping up the WWE 2K14 video game.
The Ultimate Warrior will be available as a playable character to those who pre-order the game now, his first time ever in the WWE’s franchise game.
Warrior posted a Twitter message yesterday, his first since April, simply saying, “15/07/13 Always Believe.”
In a press release issued today by WWE and 2K, Warrior said, “Immortality is inspiration, pure and simple. An example to others that they, too, can do things larger than the life they are actually living, and Ultimate Warrior was the pure embodiment of this belief, in what has proven to be a very attention-getting and inspiring way.”
Warrior added that he is humbled by all the fans who not only kept his legacy alive, but depended it even more over time.
“In WWE 2K14, Ultimate Warrior’s creed, ‘Always Believe,’ lives on.”
Here are the results from last night’s Money In The Bank pay-per-view which took place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Shield defeated The Usos to retain the Tag Team titles in the kickoff match; Damien Sandow defeated Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Dean Ambrose, Jack Swagger, Antonio Cesaro, and Fandango to win the MITB ladder match; Curtis Axel defeated The Miz to retain the Intercontinental title; AJ Lee defeated Kaitlyn to retain the Divas title; Ryback defeated Chris Jericho; Alberto Del Rio defeated Dolph Ziggler to retain the World Heavyweight title; John Cena defeated Mark Henry to retain the WWE title; Randy Orton defeated CM Punk, Christian, Rob Van Dam, Daniel Bryan, and Sheamus to win the MITB ladder match.
WWE and 2K Games will officially unveil the involvement of the Ultimate Warrior for the upcoming WWE 2K14 video game in a press conference to be held tomorrow.
This will be Warrior’s first involvement in WWE’s franchise game, which was previously named Smackdown vs RAW. Warrior was part of the WWE All-Stars video game released a few years ago.
WWE ran an ad for the WWE 2K14 game in the August edition of WWE Magazine which included a small photo of the Warrior saying you’ll get him if you pre-order the game. The WWE Games Twitter account then started posting “hints” about a new arrival to WWE 2K14 with small photos taken from a Warrior picture to hype up his involvement.
This is a big win for WWE and 2K and previously WWE along with THQ scored the involvement of Brock Lesnar and Mike Tyson when both were not part of the company.
WWE champion John Cena will be appearing on LIVE with Kelly and Michael on ABC, a show which he has been on quite a few times.
A tweet from the official show’s account hyping up Cena’s appearance said that both Cena and co-host Michael Strahan will be in a “no holds-barred wrestling showdown.”
Does his scheduled appearance kinda give away the result of tonight’s Money In The Bank match against Mark Henry? Maybe, but with WWE, you never know!
Live tonight from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, WWE presents Money In The Bank on pay-per-view. The full card is as follows:
John Cena vs Mark Henry for the WWE title; Alberto Del Rio vs Dolph Ziggler for the World Heavyweight title; CM Punk vs Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton vs Sheamus vs Christian vs Rob Van Dam in a MITB ladder match; Wade Barrett vs Cody Rhodes vs Damien Sandow vs Dean Ambrose vs Fandango vs Jack Swagger vs Antonio Cesaro in a MITB ladder match; Chris Jericho vs Ryback; Curtis Axel vs The Miz for the Intercontinental title; AJ Lee vs Kaitlyn for the Divas title; and The Shield vs The Usos for the Tag Team titles in the kick off show.
Just when you thought you have seen it all, WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch comes out with a new way of making money.
Posting an ad on her Facebook page, Sunny announced that she will be offering the opportunity for fans to take pictures with her in bed during the Legends of the Ring convention on October 5.
“For $50 you get to have your photo taken laying next to me in bed, and for $75 you can have your photo taken ‘spooning’ or with me lying my head on your chest,” her message reads.
Yes. No joke. She also adds that she will be wearing a “little item” from her lingerie drawer for her photos.
The opening of the WWE Performance Center received tons of publicity from the Orlando press with all major news outlets and publications covering the story.
The new building will be the home of future WWE Superstars and Divas and will employ around 100 locals. A project spearheaded by Triple H, the WWE Performance Center will ensure that future stars get their best possible training and medical as their work their way through the ranks.
Central Florida News 13, Orlando Sentinel, WFTV, Orlando Business Journal, and local network news affiliates all covered the official opening, which was attended by several WWE Superstars, Divas, officials, and politicians including Governor Rick Scott.
You can see photos from the opening courtesy of WFTV below.
