UFC Bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz suffered another big setback after he underwent his second major knee operation that can keep him out for up to a year.
MMA website MMAJunkie.com broke the story about the second knee surgery earlier today, saying that his body rejected the cadaver ACL placed in his left knee earlier this year during the first surgery.
The first surgery prevented Cruz from fighting Urijah Faber after the two coached The Ultimate Fighter. Faber eventually fought Renan Barao for the interim Bantamweight title which Barao ended up winning.
Cruz holds an MMA record of 19-1, with his only defeated coming to Urijah Faber in March 2007. He last fought Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson in October 2011 in Washington.
WWE updated its iPad app this past weekend and added a new neat feature to the mix.
Fans who prefer their Apple tablet rather than a computer or even a television can now order pay-per-views straight from the app and watch them on the 9.7″ screen – or 7.9″ screen for iPad Mini users.
Although it’s not known if it will be available in every country, chances are that if you are in the United States unfortunately you will not be able to buy PPVs on the iPad for the cheaper price just like you cannot on WWE.COM.
The New York Daily News ran a story on WWE Diva AJ Lee as part of their coverage for the TLC pay-per-view which will take place in Brooklyn.
The article touches on AJ’s past where she spent most of her childhood eating at food banks and living in cars and motel rooms.
“I didn’t have the easiest time growing up; it’s no secret. We were just poor,” the 25 year old said.
The former RAW General Manager also talked about performing in front of a “different group of people” who find her being a tomboy “attractive,” referring to fans who reside in New York and New Jersey.
“There’s something about the fans in that area. They’re more extreme; they’re smarter. Every time we go somewhere in the tristate, there are people who remember me from six years ago. It’s like a homecoming.”
Bryon Saxton, who did commentary for the WWE version of ECW for a few months and is also a wrestler and announcer for FCW/NXT, has joined the NXT back room staff as creative assistant.
The Virginia native has been involved with FCW and WWE since 2007 and had different roles throughout his career including wrestling, commentating, managing, and ring announcing.
Saxton will be working with Dusty Rhodes who is NXT’s creative director. The NXT back room staff includes Steve “Skinner” Keirn, Bill DeMott, Joey Mercury, Norman Smiley, Ricky Steamboat, and Terry Taylor.
LAFAYETTE, CA (December 3, 2012) – UFC GYM, the brand best known for a ‘Train Different’ approach to fitness and unparalleled workout experience, announce they are headed down under, to kick off international expansion in Australia. Located in the city-suburb of Alexandria, just south of Sydney’s central business district, UFC GYM Sydney looks to shake up the fitness industry in one of Australia’s most bustling neighborhoods.
Set to open for workouts in February 2013, the massive 3,000 square meter (32,000 square foot) facility will be located in the high-profile, Green Building Council Australia member, Sydney Corporate Park Sydney. Renowned for its advanced sustainability initiatives, the site will incorporate some of Sydney Corporate Park’s environmentally sound structures and feature solar power water and intelligent lighting systems, to make Sydney one of UFC GYM’s most advanced facilities to date.
With over 30 years experience in the fitness industry, Selena Short and Lusiano Afeaki are the local partners and operators of UFC Gym Sydney.
“Australia has waited a long time for something like UFC GYM,” said Selena Short. “The club’s unique programming and premier training helps people of all ages and fitness levels realize their goals and enjoy the community that the brand develops. This is a new fitness approach, built on innovation, honor, courage, respect and a lot of fun.”
From the impressive Octagon entrance to the sweeping district views and floor to ceiling windows, the gym’s explosive workout environment is evident as soon as you step inside. The location will feature an array of amenities to provide everything needed for the entire family to sweat, move, and ‘Train Different,’ including a 32 foot Octagon, BJJ Studio, Bag Room, top-of-the-line strength training and cardio machines, battling ropes, agility ladders and other functional training equipment for dynamic workouts.
The 800 square foot group fitness studio will house a full range of UFC GYM’s signature classes including Hot Hula, Women’s Self Defense, Performance Cycling, and more. Whether it’s on the gym floor or the astounding outdoor training rooftop, a team of elite Personal Trainers will be on-hand to help members achieve indisputable results. The facility will have full-service locker rooms, a sauna and a UFC GYM retail store. UFC GYM Kids featuring a private kids’ training area, will offer Youth Fitness Classes, and a Kids Club child minding area.
An enrollment center is now open at the temporary address of Building 5, 85 O’Riordan (Behind Officeworks). The permanent club space will be at 93 O’ Riordan St., Alexandria NSW 2015. Visit the enrollment center to reserve your exclusive pre-opening reduced rates. To find out more about UFC GYM, click onto www.ufcgymsydney.com or call 1300 UFC GYM.
With Lockdown moving to March instead of April, rumors are that TNA will be cutting two of its yearly pay-per-views, going to 10 PPV shows a year instead of 12.
According to current plans, the Against All Odds and No Surrender pay-per-views – held in February and September respectively – will not feature in the 2013 calendar, giving enough time to build for Lockdown in March and Bound For Glory in October.
Both Bound For Glory and Lockdown are TNA’s most important pay-per-views of the year, similar to what WrestleMania and SummerSlam are to WWE.
TMZ has published photos of John Cena and Daniel Bryan being the dates of the Bella Twins at the former WWE Divas’ high school reunion in Scottsdale, Arizona, last week.
The two beautiful former Divas were certainly the most popular especially with those two dates and Cena looked like he was getting pretty close with Nikki, with TMZ even obtaining a photo of Cena going in for the kiss.
Former WWE and WCW champion Kevin Nash will be appearing at the NXT television tapings which will be held on December 6 at the Full Sail University.
This will be Nash’s first appearance for WWE in several months and he will be joined by Wade Barrett who will be involved in a match.
“Looking forward to the NXT tapings next week, but mostly hanging with my brother HHH for the day,” Nash wrote on Twitter yesterday.
Tickets are available at the Full Sail University box office for $5 for those who have a Full Sail ID or $10 for general admission and tickets are distributed on first come first served basis.
TNA is aiming high and big as the company announced yesterday night that the annual Lockdown pay-per-view will be held live at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
The Alamodome is a 70,000 seater arena and it will be interesting to see how TNA configures the stadium since it’s pretty likely they will not sell as many seats to fill it up.
The show will be held on March 10, 2013, moving one month from April, most likely to avoid WrestleMania. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, December 7, at Ticketmaster.com starting from $15.
“We have been waiting to play San Antonio until we could bring this great city a big televised event,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “I’m so excited our first show there will be Lockdown – TNA’s most intense pay-per-view of the year.”
WWE held their Royal Rumble at the same stadium in 1997 and managed to sell 60,525 seats with hometown hero Shawn Michaels main eventing against Sid.
Impact begins this week with a recap of recent events: Wes Brisco beating Jason Garrett in his Gut Check match, Eric Young getting his ankle broken by Aces and Eights, and the ongoing potential romance between Brooke Hogan and Bully Ray.
After the recap, Hulk Hogan is the first to the ring. Hogan wants to know what is going on between his daughter and Bully Ray, so he calls the Bully out. Ray comes out and is horrified that Hogan still doesn’t trust him. Ray also asks Hogan if he really wants to know who the #1 man in Brooke’s life is now.
Austin Aries interrupts them on the big screen. Aries is in Hogan’s office along with Kid Kash, Zema Ion, and Kenny King. Austin says they’re all wondering where Hogan is, and Aries promises not to leave the office until Hogan gets there.
Aries then lays on the desk and says “ow, that’s uncomfortable, how does Brooke do it? Maybe she lays on her stomach.” Hulk seems offended with the implication and angrily makes his way to the office.
Commercial
Match #1: Gail Kim versus Mickie James.
Gail rolls Mickie up for a quick pinfall attempt. Gail presses the advantage with a go behind and some strikes. Gail twists Mickie’s arm and then hits her with a knee to the gut. Gail hits Mickie with a backbreaker and follows up with a series of strikes.
Gail hits Mickie with a reverse neckbreaker and gets a 2 count. Gail slams Mickie’s face to the mat and traps her in a leg scissors submission hold. Gail twists Mickie’s head around and slams her head first into the canvas. Gail goes after Mickie in the corner but Mickie kicks her off.
Mickie slams Gail down with a flapjack and climbs to the top rope. Mickie comes off the top rope but Gail avoids the attack and hits Mickie with a dropkick. Gail goes for a cover and uses the ropes but referee Taryn Tyrrell catches her and stops the count. Gail tries to hit Mickie with Eat Defeet, but Mickie avoids it and hits her with a Mick kick.
Gail lands a kick and a couple forearm shots. Gail hits Mickie with a forearm and a neckbreaker. Mickie responds with a kick and goes for a DDT, which Gail blocks. Mickie climbs to the second rope and hits Gail with a tornado DDT for the win.
In the back, James Storm and AJ Styles are complaining. Storm is mad that Bobby Roode brought Storm’s family into their feud, and AJ is mad that he won’t get another title shot for a year.
Storm tells AJ to stop dwelling on the past and get his mind focused on their tag match tonight. They both seem irritated, especially AJ.
Commercial
When we return, we are treated to a lousy segment that just sucked. Hogan appears angry at Austin for his comments about Brooke earlier, but still goes ahead with another of his painfully boring rap sessions in which several wrestlers discuss which of them should get chosen for a match that night.
Why not fight for it instead? These segments suck; they should rename this show Total Non-stop Discussion if this is what they’re going to make us watch. I hate these segments; as a wrestling fan, they offend me.
Bobby Roode makes his way to the ring to talk about his title shot with Jeff Hardy. Roode notes that last week Hardy nearly lost to a Gut Check rookie, Christian York. Roode doesn’t refer to York by name, he simply refers to him as “some nobody.”
York is obviously offended and storms his way out to the ring and then slaps Roode across the face. Roode retreats to the floor and takes his shirt off while angrily yelling at Christian York.
Commercial
Match #2: Christian York versus Bobby Roode.
Roode starts things off with a headlock, followed by another headlock and then a shoulder block that knocks York to the mat. York takes Roode down with a hip toss and follows up with three shoulder blocks. Roode retreats to the floor. York goes out after Roode but Roode slams him back into the ring.
Roode attempts to slam York into the steps but York reverse it and sends Roode into the steps. York climbs to the top rope and Roode knocks him off and then stomps on him. York gets to his feet and hits Roode with a back elbow; Roode responds with a clothesline. Roode hits York with a vertical suplex.
Roode climbs to the top rope and jumps off, but York gets his boots up and Roode goes down. The two men get to their feet and exchange strikes.
York goes to the top and hits Roode with a double stomp to the back of the head. York goes for “mood swings” his neckbreaker finisher, but Roode reverses it. Roode hits York with a shot to the back of the head and ties him up in the crossface. York taps out, Roode wins.
After the match, Roode gets a chair to attack York with, but Hardy comes to his rescue.
In the Aces and Eights locker room, Devon tells Hogan (and us) that he wants his TV title back. He was never beaten for that title, and he says if he gets his title shot next week, no one gets hurt tonight. If he does NOT get his shot, all hell will break loose.
Commercial
When we return, Kurt Angle is lobbying Gut Check officials Taz and Bruce Pritchard on behalf of Wes Briscoe. Al Snow seems to be missing.
Match #3: Kaz and Daniels versus James Storm and AJ Styles.
Kaz and Daniels make their way to the ring first. Kaz calls the fans “butt nuggets” and predicts Daniels will beat AJ at the next Pay per View.
Commercial
AJ and Kaz are the first two men in the ring when we return. Kaz gets the early edge with a go behind and then slams AJ to the corner. Kaz takes AJ down with a drop toe hold and then applies a front chancery. AJ escapes and attempts a drop kick but misses.
AJ tags in Storm. Storm lands a LOT of punches, a kick, and a running neckbreaker. Kaz tags in Daniels and Storm backdrops him. Storm tags AJ and they attempt to double team Daniels but AJ misses. Daniels hits AJ with a series of strikes. AJ tags in Storm and Storm gets double teamed by Daniels and Kaz.
Storm hits Daniels with a clothesline and an inverted atomic drop. Storm hits Daniels with an Enzuigiri. Daniels and Storm make several quick tags and double team Storm. Daniels hits Storm with an elbow drop and Kaz follows up with a leg drop. Storm fights his way out of the corner but Kaz hits him with a dropkick before he can make a tag. Kaz and Daniels celebrate their advantage over Storm by dancing Gang Nam Style. Taz can’t wait for that to end.
Storm tags in AJ and AJ hits a big series of moves including a forearm shot, a suplex, a neckbreaker, and a springboard forearm. Kaz goes out to the floor and AJ tries to hit him with a flying cross body; Kaz dodges the attack and AJ hits the ground hard. Kaz and Daniels beat AJ outside the ring and roll him back in.
Kaz and Daniels hit AJ with a high-low double team move but AJ kicks out. Storm pulls Kaz out of the ring as AJ goes for a Pele kick on Daniels. AJ misses the kick but Storm tags himself in and beats Daniels with the last call superkick. After the match, AJ looks frustrated.
Commercial.
When we return, the next phase of the Hogan debate party continues. Hogan eliminates everyone but Aries. I guess Hogan wants to see Aries get beat up tonight. Aries will face RVD for the X Division title in the main event of this week’s “Championship Thursday.”
In the back, Samoa Joe addresses Devon’s challenge from earlier in the night. Joe admits Devon never lost the title, but claims he did abandon it. So now Joe has the title, and he accepts Devon’s challenge for next week.
Match #4: Doug Williams versus Matt Morgan with Joey Ryan.
Morgan comes out wearing Hulk Hogan’s robe from his match with Andre the Giant many years ago. Williams starts off with a kick, but Morgan just pushes him down.
Morgan hits Williams with a clothesline, an elbow, a boot to the face, a headbutt, and a side slam. Williams tries to fight back and lands a couple kicks, but Morgan choke slams him and then beats him with the Carbon Footprint.
In the back, D Lo Brown offers to take Al Snow’s place tonight on Gut Check. Al is still nowhere to be found.
Commercial
When we return, JB introduces Taz, Pritchard, and D Lo Brown as the Gut Check judges, and then introduces Wes Brisco. Pritchard votes yes, but Taz votes no. They both thought Brisco’s match was not great even though he won, but Taz said he’s not quite there yet.
They give Wes a chance to speak for himself before letting D Lo make the final vote, and D Lo votes yes. Kurt Angle and Garrett Bischoff come out to congratulate Brisco.
Commercial
When we return, ODB is being asked about her husband, Eric Young. ODB says for months she was calling him, trying to figure out where he was and when he was coming back, and now he’s out with a broken ankle because of Aces and Eights. She walks away upset and unable to continue.
Match #5: Austin Aries versus RVD for RVD’s X division title.
Aries lands a kick as RVD poses, and follows up with a knee and a headlock. RVD twists his way out and takes Aries down. The two men exchange take downs and reversals. They exchange strikes and RVD takes Aries down with a bodyscissors. RVD hits Aries with several shoulder blocks in the corner. RVD dropkicks Aries and Aries goes out to the floor. RVD hits Aries with a flying crossbody on the floor.
Commercial
When we return, Aries backdrops RVD to the floor. Aries goes for a suicide dive and RVD goes for a spin kick at the same time. The two men collide in what looks like a blown spot, or maybe they wanted it to look like they crashed into each other. It looked sloppy but violent, and that’s what’s important.
RVD drapes Aries down on the security barrier and tries a flying leg drop but Aries gets out of the way and RVD hits the barrier hard. Aries hits RVD with a neckbreaker over the security barrier and drags him back to the ring. Aries tries to pin RVD several times, but RVD keeps kicking out. Aries and RVD trade elbow strikes. RVD hits Aries with a kick to the head, Aries responds with a DDT.
Aries hits RVD with a modified version of Rolling Thunder and then climbs to the top rope. Aries tries to copy RVD’s frog splash, but RVD rolls out of the way and Aries crashes to the mat. RVD hits Aries with a series of kicks and a shoulder block.
RVD hits Aries with a split legged moonsault and goes for a cover but Aries gets his feet on the ropes. Aries hits Van Dam with a running forearm; RVD retaliates with an elevated drop kick. RVD goes to the top rope but Austin pushes him off and RVD crashes to the floor.
Aries grabs a mic and congratulates RVD for coming so close, but now he’s lying flat on his back and covered in sweat, just like Brooke Hogan. Bully Ray runs out to the ring and attacks Aries, causing the match to get thrown out. Aries is mad that Bully Ray cost him a chance at the title and yells at him.
Hulk Hogan comes out to the entrance ramp, and now Aries is caught between Hogan and Bully Ray. Hogan seems more focused on Bully Ray than Aries however. Bully Ray is angry that Hogan still doesn’t trust him, and they stare angrily at each other as Impact goes off the air.
The U.S. military video and imagery website has a story about the WWE crew visiting the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier at sea on November 25 as part of the Tribute to the Troops upcoming show.
This was the first time that WWE traveled to an aircraft carrier having previously visited Iraq and Afghanistan several times in the past.
“We’ve been to Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan so many times,” said Vince McMahon, CEO and Chairman. “We wanted to do something different this year and this is awesome.” [Editor’s note: Iran? When?]
While on board, McMahon, R-Truth, The Miz, Eve, and Layla, toured the ship and interacted with sailors along the way and observed flight operations as Navy jets roared on and off the flight deck.
“I was in awe of the young ages of the men and women who are turning these planes,” said Eve. “Everything operates like clockwork; it’s amazing.”
The sailors and military personnel aboard the ship were pretty excited to have the WWE crew visit them. A jet fighter pilot said that their visit was a good morale boost especially for those who would be spending the holidays away from home.
The Rock is currently set for two RAW appearances with more to be added as WrestleMania time comes closer.
The self-proclaimed people’s champion will be appearing on the January 28 Monday Night RAW in Las Vegas, Nevada, and then on the February 18 edition of the show in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Rock will be appearing at the Royal Rumble to face whoever is the WWE champion at the time as he goes for the gold for the fist time ever since 2002.
The first few months of 2013 will be super busy for Dwayne Johnson as he will have to appear at the Royal Rumble and leading up to the show, WrestleMania, and he also has three major movie releases in three months – G.I. Joe: Retaliation in March, Pain And Gain in April, and Fast and Furious 6 in May.
Several reports floating around have revealed that at the Smackdown tapings on Tuesday night, the sprinklers at the CenturyLink Center went off backstage making a mess everywhere.
PWInsider said that the incident happened when a pre-taped segment for Smackdown was being taped and the room went completely dark with water coming out from the ceiling after a fire alarm went off. The water kicked in when in the main arena they were wrapping up Main Event tapings and just moments away from the start of Smackdown.
Triple H eventually showed up and told everyone to get towels to soak up the water and prevent it from spilling to the main area where the rest of the more expensive equipment was sitting.
Monday Night RAW did a 2.7 rating with an average of 3,920,000 viewers. The viewership is slightly up from last week’s 3.83 million however there was a horrible number in the third hour.
Hour one kicked off strong with 4,147,000 viewers followed by a small drop to 4,126,000 viewers in the second hour. The third hour then suffered one of the worst numbers since moving to three hours with only 3,488,000 sticking to watch it. From hour one to hour three, RAW lost 659,000 viewers. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWinsider.com)
TNA Wrestling today announced that MDI Entertainment LLC will be offering lottery tickets branded with TNA logos, Superstars, and other artwork for the company.
“We are extremely pleased to have secured this license, and to be able to give lotteries so many noteworthy options to promote games associated with it,” said Steve Saferin, President, Properties Group and Chief Creative Officer for Scientific Games, the parent company for MDI.
“In addition to providing the biggest names in wrestling today, Impact Wrestling is offering extraordinary marketing support and incredible prize opportunities. This gives lotteries a chance to reach and inspire wrestling fans – including the often elusive 18-34 age group – in very powerful ways.”
TNA President Dixie Carter said that working with MDI will provide a new marketing platform for the company to connect with fans through state lottery programs.
TNA will work with MDI and lotteries to create 2nd Chance prizes that can include merchandise and trips where winners will be treated to a live taping of the Impact Wrestling television show, a backstage tour and a chance to meet wrestling talent.
A “Contract-for-a-Day” prize also can be created, in which the winner will be given the trip, plus an on-camera cameo role to be included in a TNA pay-per-view live show.
The Internet pre-sale for Monday Night RAW in Las Vegas on January 28 started yesterday and will run through Thursday ending at 11:59PM PT.
If you are interested in attending the show, returning to the Thomas & Mack Center after one run at the Mandalay Bay, the password to use is RAWLASVEGAS.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, November 30 at 10AM PT. You can purchase them at unlvtickets.com.
Running a brand new episode of Impact on Thanksgiving night was not such a great idea for TNA as the show registered its lowest rating on a Thursday since 2007.
Impact Wrestling only scored a 0.77 rating last week with an average of 1,190,000 viewers. Despite the bad number, the viewership wasn’t the lowest although it wasn’t far off.
Many TV shows run repeats on major holidays due to a low television audience. (Ratings compiled by Nielsen Media Research and put online by PWInsider.com)
Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins are now collectively known as The Shield. That name was rumored to be used last week although it wasn’t confirmed at the time.
The three NXT up-and-coming Superstars had their first interview on RAW yesterday with Michael Cole where they revealed that they are not working for CM Punk, but rather shielding the right from wrong.
Dressed up as an Attitude Era Big Boss Man, the trio eventually attacked Kane at the end of the show, then got beat up by Ryback before CM Punk “rescued” them. The Shield then resumed their attack on Ryback to close the show.
The main event for TLC: Tables, Ladders, & Chairs has been set after Ryback threatened to take over RAW yesterday.
The Las Vegas native demanded that he gets CM Punk at the TLC pay-per-view in a tables, ladders, and chairs match or else he would not leave the ring. RAW Supervising Manager Vickie Guerrero granted his request in return for his departure from the ring.
The match joins Big Show vs Sheamus for the World Heavyweight title in a chairs match and Kofi Kingston vs Wade Barrett for the Intercontinental title on the card so far.
The streak continues tonight, as C.M. Punk has now reigned as WWE Champion for 372 days. As the build towards T.L.C. starts, who will be the man to challenge him for the title at that Pay-Per-View? How will Ryback react to his beatdown from Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose?
Speaking of title shots, when will Wade Barrett exercise his match against Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Championship?
And, what will Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler have to antagonize John Cena and A.J., respectively? Or will the new “couple” gain some revenge?
Read on to find out!
Monday Night Raw for November 26th, 2012 – “To Serve and Protect – But For Who?”
Match #1: Ryback VS. Titus O’Neil (with Darren Young)
No intro video, no pyro, just right into the first contest. (During Ryback’s entrance, Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler welcome us to Raw and Cole informs us that later he will show an interview he had with the trio of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose).
Titus holds his fair game at first, knocking Ryback down and hammering away until Ryback counters with a Thesz press (much better than Randy Orton’s) and a faceplant. O’Neil rolled out for break, but it is short-lived as Ryback chases Titus to the outside.
He quickly rolls O’Neil back in the ring, but Titus capitalizes on Young’s help with a huge sit-down spinebuster! Ryback immediately gets up and chucks O’Neil into Darren, then rolls over him with a clothesline and the Shell-Shock marching Samoan Drop.
Winner via Pinfall: Ryback
Segment #1: Arena Promo
Ryback takes the microphone after his match and demands that WWE Champion C.M. Punk, the trio, or all four come on down and “feed him more!” He will stay in the ring until this happens.
Commercials.
Back live, Ryback is upping the crowd with “feed me more chants,” until a bunch of guys in yellow security shirts enter. They climb in the ring and face-off against “The Machine.” (I think you know where this goes – bye-bye security!) Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero walks out, but before she can deliver her punishment, Ryback orders her to book him and C.M. Punk for T.L.C.
Vickie agrees, and Ryback ups the anti by commanding an actual Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Guerrero concedes if he leaves the ring so Raw can continue. Ryback drops the mike and spooks security out, leaving a happy man.
Segment #2: Backstage Promo
Hornswoggle and Rosa Mendes bicker about her personality, when Alberto Del Rio walks in and threatens to face-off against Hornswoggle. That is until The Great Khali interrupts and gets A.D.R. to back off. This footage from earlier leads to…
Match #2: Single – Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodriguez) VS. The Great Khali (with Hornswaggle)
(Ads were after Del Rio’s entrance, before Khali’s). Back live, The Great Khali has Alberto in the corner, slapping him and pushing against the turnbuckle. Del Rio ducks a clothesline and kicks away and dropkicks Khali down, then locks an armbar on the big-man.
He tries to run at Khali in the corner, but the 7-Footer elbows him twice and chops him down. Ricardo distracts Khali until Hornswaggle takes him to the back. Unfortunately for The Great guy, Del Rio seizes the opportunity and brings him down with a jumping armbar-breaker, then locks in a grounding Cross-Armbreaker for the tap-out victory!
Winner via Submission: Alberto Del Rio (with Ricardo Rodgriguez)
Segment #3: Office Promo
Managing Supervisor Vickie Guerrero is reading WWE Kids’ Magazine, when WWE Champion C.M. Punk and Paul Heyman walk in. They dispute the booking of the WWE Championship match at T.L.C., and accuse Vickie of not having a clear head because of her situation with John Cena and A.J. She fires back and then books Punk in a match later tonight, with the opponent determined by the WWE Universe. Punk and Heyman exit very unhappy.
Ads.
Segment #4: Video Promo
Cole is with Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns. Ambrose wants Michael to ask straight-up, so he does and gets to the point by asking them if they are working for WWE Champion C.M. Punk. Ambrose immediately and quickly just says “nope.”
Rollins calls what they have done coincidence, because in reality, they are just working for justice. They are sick of everybody answering to everybody else (wrestlers to GM’S, GM’S to Owners, Owners to the “almighty” WWE Universe.) Instead, they stand to “right what is wrong,” and declare themselves “The Shield,” as in a “shield from injustice.”
Reigns stands up and promptly informs Cole they’ve said enough and the interview is over.
Commercials.
Segment #5: Video Promo
Another airing for new superstar Fandango airs, and he is a dancing-esque wrestler. “Follow my lead, and watch your step.”
Match #3: Single – Alicia Fox VS. Tamina Snuka
Tamina has a new entrance song and attire, supporting her recent heel turn. In a pre-match video, she warns A.J. to not mess with Vickie Guerrero again. Alicia is aggressive quickly, punching and kicking away at Tamina in the corner. Tamina soon gains control, slamming Fox into the turnbuckle and clotheslining her.
Alicia rolls through into a small package for two, but soon falls to a Samoan Drop and top-rope Superfly splash for the 1 – 2 – 3.
Winner via Pinfall: Tamina Snuka
Ads.
Segment #5: Arena Promo
John Cena is out and is going to tell us about A.J., but not until Guerrero walks out and interrupts again. She wants to give him and A.J. a present, which are matching bath robes.
Guerrero says she is going to enjoy watching them implode, since that is A.J.’s modus operandi with her relationships. Vickie recaps Lee’s recent “courtings” until the girl herself walks out.
A.J. is happy not to be G.M. anymore, because she can do whatever she wants, which includes dating whoever and “teasing” John Cena. Just now (thankfully), “The Showoff” Dolph Ziggler interjects and gives his two cents on John Cena. He questions Cena’s intentions on attacking him “cowardly” in the lockeroom last week and on the stage following Smackdown. Ziggler knows it’s because that A.J. was always thinking of Dolph himself while kissing Cena.
John wants to end this now, but Vickie orders for later, and books Ziggler to take on Cena!
Commercials.
Match #4: Single – Tensai VS. Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston (Non-Title)
(Note: Wade Barrett is on commentary, and it is made-known that he will challenge Kofi for the I.C. Title at T.L.C.). Tensai dominates early with his power moves, then grounds him with an arm-stretch. Kofi counters and springboards off the middle rope with a chop, then takes down Tensai, delivering the Boom Drop leg drop.
Kingston sets up but gets the Trouble In Paradise blocked. Tensai tries a middle-rope splash, but Kofi moves and kicks him between the ropes, then flies off the top with a crossbody to receive the win!
Winner via Pinfall: Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston
In a mind-games move, Barrett hands Kofi the I.C. title and walks off smiling.
Segment #6: Backstage Promo
WWE Tag-Team Champions “Hell-No” argue about who likes who more. Daniel Bryan provides polling information to prove that no one would vote for Kane, whether it is in the U.S. or the world!
However, the real results are determined by Josh Matthews and it is the other half that wins, with Kane facing WWE Champion C.M. Punk later tonight! Kane declares “red rules!” and walks off, while Matthews tells Daniel that he has a match next with Rey Mysterio!
Match #5: Single – Tag-Team Champion Daniel Bryan VS. Rey Mysterio
(Ads after Daniel’s entrance, before Rey) Lock up and armdrag by Daniel to start right away. They approach each other again and Rey kicks twice at Bryan’s thigh. Rey clamps a wristlock, which Daniel rolls out of and hooks on one of his own.
Mysterio kicks out of it, leap frogs Daniel, monkey-flips him, and hurls him out of the ring all in quick motion. However, Rey misses a running senton off the apron, and instead eats a running knee from Bryan off the apron.
Mysterio counters a hammerlock with a snapmare then drop-toeholds Daniel into the turnbuckle, but gets a clothesline to be driven down. Bryan baseball slides Rey out of the ring, then trades with him, as Mysterio stares him down from inside.
Ads.
Back live, Bryan crotches Rey on the turnbuckle then gives him a running dropkick to his face. He follows with quick, harsh kicks, then an elbow to the kidneys (according to Cole). He attempts a suplex from the top-rope, but Mysterio punches him off and flies with a seated-senton, then a flying headscissors!
He rolls through sunset-flip with a kick to Daniel’s head for a two-count! Rey sets up Bryan for the 6-1-9, but misses and Daniel clamps on the “No Lock” Crossface. Mysterio manages to grab the ropes for a break while Daniel is frustrated. He attempts another submission, but gets sling-shotted into the second turnbuckle.
Mysterio delivers the 6-1-9 and “Drop Of The Dime” top-rope splash for the 1 – 2 – 3!
Winner via Pinfall: Rey Mysterio
Segment #7: Lockeroom Promo
Josh Matthews asks Dolph Ziggler about “incentive” for John Cena in their match tonight. Ziggler denies this, and states he is “The Showoff,” and will enjoy the look on A.J.’s face when he beats her boyfriend.
Commercials.
Match #6: Single – “The Showoff/Mr. Money In The Bank” Dolph Ziggler VS. John Cena
The circle around each other, then lockup, with Dolph clamping a standing-side-headlock. Cena leapfrogs and hip-tosses Dolph, then grabs him in an arm-stretch. Cena with a side-headlock this time, and another hip-toss and side-headlock takedown.
Resounding shoulder-block by Cena, but he gets elbowed and driven down with a jawbreaker by Dolph.
Ads.
Back live, we are shown Ziggler chucking Cena into the steel steps to help him take control. Ziggler “shows off” with sit-ups in the ring, but Cena catches him with a quick pin for 2! Dolph follows with a quick clothesline and series of elbows to Cena’s heart.
He misses the last one after posing like the late, great, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, and Cena fires up with his usual repertoire of shoulder-tackles and a spin-out powerbomb. Dolph counters the 5-Knuckle with a kick-to-the-head and jumping DDT for a near-fall!
Ziggler runs at him for the splash in the corner, but Cena moves and tries to lock in the STF, however Dolph pushes off and grasps on the sleeper hold. Cena has dropped to one knee, but battles out and pushes Dolph into the corner to break it.
Cena takes down Ziggler and locks in the STF, however “The Showoff” makes it to the ropes and nails an on-target dropkick to Cena’s face!
Dolph dives off the top rope, but Cena rolls through and sets up for the Attitude Adjustment. Ziggler lands out of it and drops Cena with the Zig-Zag! 1 – 2 – Cena kick out! A slugfest ensues and Dolph rolls up Cena for a quick near-fall, but Cena comes back with his spin-out powerbomb.
Cena runs then hobbles out of the ring, as his “injured” knee is bothering him again. With referee Scott Armstrong distracted, Ziggler is trying to remove the turnbuckle covering. A.J. runs out and stops him, as does Vickie to A.J. Dolph then tries to smash Cena with the briefcase, but he ducks and drops Ziggler with the A.A. to get the W!
Winner via Pinfall: John Cena
Post-match, Cena and A.J. engage in another make-out session to celebrate the victory.
Commercials.
Match #7: Single – Sheamus VS. United States Champion Antonio Cesaro (Non-Title)
Both men lockup to being the bout, and Sheamus is shoved down with a shoulder-block. Side-headlock takedown now from Sheamus, then he pounds away on Cesaro. Suplex by Sheamus for a quick pin try. Antonio wrenches on Sheamus’ nose to gain an advantage, then slams Sheamus’ knee against the steel steps.
Ads.
Back live, Antonio has Sheamus in a grounding waistlock submission, then hits a couple of uppercuts. Sheamus fights back with fierce punches of his own, but gets clotheslined for another two-count by Cesaro! He now gutwrench-suplexes Sheamus for another near-fall, then ties him up against the ropes and gives Sheamus numerous uppercuts.
Sheamus fights back with knees and then hammers away on Cesaro’s chest with punches, as per usual. Springboard shoulder-tackle by Cesaro, and an Irish Curse backbreaker for a near-fall!
Huge scoop slam by Sheamus for a two-count and now he is pondering what he can do to finish off Cesaro. He tries a Cloverleaf submission, but Antonio grabs the ropes to break. The U.S. Champ pushes Sheamus off and picks him up with a Torture-Rack slam! 1 – 2 – Sheamus kicks out!
Antonio is surprised at Sheamus not staying down. Cesaro approaches Sheamus in the corner, but gets kicked away. Sheamus flies off with the “Battering Ram” shoulder-tackle, but Cesaro counters with a smacking uppercut!
He goes for the Neutralizer faceplant, but Sheamus back-body-drops him off and nails the Brogue Kick! However, Cesaro fell to the outside, and get up, so he is counted out!
Winner via Count-Out: Sheamus
Post-match, World Heavyweight Champion The Big Show walks to the stage with a chair in hand, then starts to walk back. Sheamus takes the microphone and demands that Show use that chair, then tells him he will make Show retire after a million chair-shots at T.L.C.
Show looks at the chair and then (poorly) rips it apart with his hands and smashes it on the steel ramp. He walks away with Sheamus glaring at him.
Ads.
Match #8: Single – “The Intellectual Saviour” Damien Sandow VS. “Long Island Iced-Z” Zack Ryder
Prior to this contest, Damien speaks on his way down. He promises to continue his crusade against “improper” opponents. Lock up with Zack pushing Sandow into the corner, and Damien demanding the referee to back him off.
Sandow quickly takes dominance, pounding away then stomping on the side of Ryder. Grounding rear-chinlock by Sandow, then he jumps down with a knee to Zack’s face. Russian legsweep is followed by the “Elbow of Distain” for a two-count.
Ryder counters an Irish Whip with a faceplant and double-knees. He flies from the ropes with a missile dropkick, then sets up and misses the Broski Boot. He ascends the turnbuckle but Damien cuts him off and drives him down with the “Termaneuse (‘The End’)” neckbreaker. Sandow covers for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: The Intellectual Saviour Damien Sandow
Segment #8: Lockeroom Promo
Paul Heyman is clutching the WWE Championship outside of C.M. Punk’s lockeroom when Josh Matthews asks him how he feels about Punk facing Kane. Heyman turns it around and tells Matthews that he should be asking Punk about how he feels about being “subjected to the whims of the WWE Universe,” or how he feels “on the 372nd uninterrupted day of his title reign,” or how he feels “now that he has surpassed ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage on the all-time list,” or “how much injustice can C.M. Punk tolerate.”
Commercials.
Match #9: Single – Tag-Team Champion Kane VS. WWE Champion C.M. Punk (with Paul Heyman) (Non-Title)
Lockup into the corner and Punk chops Kane to begin. Kicks and chops in the corner by C.M. but Kane grabs and tosses him around. Punk fights out and punches/kicks away, attempting something but getting draped on the top rope instead.
Ads.
Back live, Punk is in control again, pressing against Kane’s left knee. C.M. jawbreaks Kane off the ropes then runs and dives through the ropes on to him. Punk presses and stomps on Kane in the corner, then runs at him with the knees, twice.
A third does not happen, with Kane countering via an uppercut, and Kane is coming back. Big sidewalk slam for a two-count by Kane, then he flies off the top with a clothesline! Kane measures for the Chokeslam, but Punk counters into a neckbreaker for two!
“The Straight-Edge” Superstar uses the ropes to springboard off, but gets caught with a Chokeslam! Before Kane can get the cover, Heyman pulls Punk away. Kane tries for the Tombstone Piledriver, but “The Second-City Saint” drops down and chops Kane’s knee. (Just now, “The Shield” approaches the barricade and watches from the crowd.) Punk hits the Go To Sleep for the victory!
Winner via Pinfall: WWE Champion C.M. Punk (with Paul Heyman)
Post-match, “The Shield” surrounds the ring and stand-off with Punk, then abruptly assault Kane. C.M. leaves the ring, and Daniel Bryan runs down to try and help, to no avail as “The Shield” beat him down.
The crowd is begging to be “fed more” and they receive! Ryback comes out, as C.M. Punk stares down and then escapes over the barricade.
Ryback takes out “The Shield”, then tries a powerbomb on Punk who had come back in and hit from behind. Before he can drop the WWE Champion, Ryback is speared by Roman Reigns.
All three members then triple-powerbomb Ryback and stand over him, while staring at Punk. He climbs back in the ring and poses over a prone Ryback with his WWE Championship, and “The Shield” left through the crowd to close the show.
End Of Raw.
Reporter’s Rumblings – By Moe Tapp
This was a much better week, and all because of one aspect – WRESTLING! There were many, great matches tonight and that is really the best part (and main) of “excellence.” I say this because everything else still felt a little “average”, but the entire show was exemplified by the amount of matches and time given to the contests. Way to go on that part! Here’s official analysis:
Excellence: Good bout for Ryback and Titus (although, odd choice) to kick off the show and really liked the promo following to setup the main event for T.L.C. between Ryback and WWE Champion C.M. Punk. It was short and simple to follow, but meaningful too – great formula
The “mind-games” with Wade Barrett handing Kofi Kingston the Intercontinental Championship was a nice touch for their feud.
Again, pretty much all of the matches tonight were good-to-excellent in wrestling ability, particularly John Cena/Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus/Antonio Cesaro.
So far, liking the new group of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose. Very interesting and intriguing storyline – with or without Punk? I could see this continuing for a long while, even costing The Rock the WWE Championship (when he faces Punk at Royal Rumble), citing “injustice” that one main person comes back once a year for a high-profile match while everyone else works their tail off to get a spot on the card every week. That would be a good addition, I believe. We shall see, but here’s to them sticking around.
Bogus: A.J./Cena/Vickie storyline. I like the match of Ziggler/Cena out of it, but the rest is not necessary. It’s boring now and just end it. Also, on the fence about Dolph’s loss tonight. While I think he’s at the stage where a high-profile loss will NOT hurt him, I think he should’ve not been pinned clean, or he should’ve won himself by nefarious ways to give meaning to the next match Cena and he will have. Was disappointed in the main-event, thought it would be a bit longer (could’ve taken out Sandow and Ryder to make room) and a little more competitive.
Overall, an improvement for this week and here’s hoping they can do the same and more for next week. Until then, as always, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Wrestling Fans!
