klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Jeff Hardy suffered a concussion at Lockdown.
Monday Night Raw
Date: March 11, 2013
Location: Bankers Fieldhouse Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler
We're four weeks out from Wrestlemania and the top of the card is set. The major news coming out of last week is that CM Punk gets the chance to stop Undertaker's Streak this year after winning a fatal fourway to end last week's episode. Other than that we're likely to hear more about Rock vs. Cena II tonight which should be fun after last week's solid promos. Let's get to it.
We open with a tribute video to Paul Bearer. This is the same one that aired on WWE's Youtube channel last week.
Appropriately enough, here's Undertaker to open the show. He kneels down in the middle of the ring in front of an urn and looks up at the In Memory graphic but is interrupted by CM Punk. Punk talks about wanting to extend his heartfelt condolences for Undertaker's loss. That would be Undertaker's loss at Wrestlemania of course. The silver lining for Undertaker is that Paul Bearer won't be alive to see Undertaker go 20-1. Punk says that in four weeks, we'll get a tribute video to Undertaker's streak.
During the break Kane came out and tried to chokeslam Punk off the stage but he escaped. Kane went looking through the back for Punk but couldn't find him. Instead he threw someone I couldn't make out across the locker room. It might have been Alex Riley.
Big Show vs. Seth Rollins
This is a result of Shield beating up Big Show after Raw went off the air last week. Rollins runs at Big Show to start but is easily shoves away. Rollins is sent to the floor with Big Show in pursuit. The other members of the Shield jump him for the DQ at 41 seconds.
Show tries to fight them off but the spear takes him down. There's the TripleBomb to leave Show laying.
Punk yells at Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox about what happened with Kane, so Vickie makes it Kane vs. Punk in a No DQ match.
We get a classic Bearer moment with him making his debut on the Brother Love Show.
Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler
This is a result of Bryan making fun of AJ after she had water thrown on her last week. Bryan starts fast with a surfboard submission, only to have Ziggler escape and dropkick him down for two. Bryan comes back with an elbow in the corner and a stomp to the arm before backdropping Ziggler out to the floor. Bryan loads up the suicide dive but Langston gets on his apron to stop him in his tracks as we take a break.
Back with Ziggler holding Bryan in a chinlock but Bryan catapults him into the corner to escape. A running knee to Ziggler's chest puts him down but Bryan runs into a boot in the corner. An O'Connor Roll gets two for Bryan but Ziggler pops out at the last second. Bryan fires off the hard kicks to the chest and a big one to the head gets two. Ziggler goes up top but gets crotched down hard. Bryan loads up a belly to back superplex but Ziggler turns over in mid air, turning it into a cross body for a VERY close two.
Bryan tries a standing huricanrana but gets dropped onto the top rope. The Fameasser gets two for Dolph and he pounds away on the chest. AJ gets on the apron to distract the referee as Bryan hooks the No Lock, only to have Langston pull him to the ropes. Another attempt at the No Lock is countered and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the pin at 11:30.
Post match Langston hits the Big Ending (falling slam) on Bryan at AJ's request.
We recap HHH's challenge to Lesnar from last week.
Tensai vs. Fandango
Tensai tells him to get out here, but Fandango doesn't like how they say his name. He wants Naomi to say his name because she's the only one with any skill. Fandango says she's better than this but Tensai cuts her off, meaning no match.
Trailer for G.I. Joe 2.
Another Paul Bearer moment is him returning with Undertaker at Wrestlemania 20.
Rhodes Scholars vs. New Age Outlaws
Before the match, Sandow and Rhodes do the intelligent version of the Outlaws' entrance which is very amusing. Apparently they've reunited for good now, which makes me wonder why they split in the first place. Road Dogg: “Lord have mercy, this one is for you Percy (Bearer's real first name). Roadie and Cody start things off and there are the shaky jabs to put Cody down. Before this goes anywhere though, here's Brock Lesnar, sending fear running through Cody. Lesnar attacks Gunn for the DQ at 1:25.
Both Outlaws get F5's and are laid in front of Lesnar. Heyman is here with Lesnar and talks about how Lesnar isn't here to play games. He talks about Lesnar hurting both Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. Heyman says the last traces of DX were just destroyed right in front of you and that Lesnar will indeed fight HHH at Wrestlemania. However, there's a but to that yes. Lesnar wants to name the stipulations before he'll agree, but HHH has to sign the contract before he knows the rules. Heyman eggs HHH on by listing off people that HHH will disappoint by saying no. Heyman's two words for us: BROCK LESNAR.
Kofi Kingston vs. Mark Henry
Kofi tries to fire off some kicks to start but is easily knocked out to the floor with a single kick from Henry. Out on the floor and Henry misses a charge into the steps, allowing Kofi to dive off the steps and stagger Henry. Back inside Kofi tries his top rope cross body, only to be caught in the World's Strongest Slam for the pin at 2:26.
In the back, Cody makes mustache jokes to Kaitlyn when Sandow shows up. He says he has a surprise for Cody and here are the returning Bella Twins. Kaitlyn walks off in disgust. Vickie comes up and gives the Scholars a match with Randy Orton and Sheamus.
Ryback vs. Heath Slater
Mark Henry comes out to watch and there isn't much else to say. Slater tries to jump him but gets pounded down, allowing for the Meat Hook and the Shell Shock to end this at 1:05.
Post match McIntyre gets Shell Shocked and here's Henry to the ring. McIntyre gets a World's Strongest Slam and a second Shell Shock. Now he gets another World's Strongest Slam as the monsters stare at each other.
Trailer for The Call.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Antonio Cesaro
Non-title here as usual. Before the match Del Rio says he was born in Mexico but made in America. Alberto hits a quick cross body for two but Cesaro comes back with a forearm to the head. He pounds down Del Rio before hooking a fast chinlock. The world champion comes back with some clotheslines and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The low superkick and Backstabber get two each and Del Rio goes up top. He jumps into the European uppercut for two though and follows it up with an attempted German suplex. Del Rio easily counters into the cross armbreaker for the submission at 4:40.
Kane is holding the urn and has nothing to say.
We get a video recapping Cena vs. Rock over the last two years.
Rhodes Scholars vs. Randy Orton/Sheamus
Damien and Randy start things off with Orton in full control. It's off to Sheamus to face Cody and the Scholars manage to send Sheamus to the floor to take over. Back do Damien for some knee drops for two as Sheamus is in trouble. He fights up with relative ease though once Cody comes back in. The not hot tag brings in Orton for an attempt at the Elevated DDT but Damien makes the save.
Orton is sent into the post and we head back inside so Sandow can hit the Wind-Up Elbow for two. Back to Rhodes who goes up top, only to get crotched and superplexed down. There's the tag to Sheamus who cleans house, including hitting Sandow with the ten forearms on the apron. White Noise takes down Sandow again and it's the Brogue Kick for the pin at 8:03.
During the break, Shield attacked Orton and Sheamus.
We get some Touts from fans about Paul Bearer.
Here's Jericho for the Highlight Reel with guests the Miz and Wade Barrett, both of whom have movies out at the moment. Miz is out first and talks about the success of his movie but here's Barrett to talk about how great Dead Man Down is. Barrett talks about turning down a lot of movie roles because he's busy being IC Champion. Jericho gets in his face and says he's been Intercontinental Champion nine times and if Barrett keeps up, he might make it ten. Cue Brad Maddox who stumbles through the worst promo in the history of ever while announcing Jericho vs. Miz with the winner getting a title shot at Wade next week.
Chris Jericho vs. The Miz
This is joined in progress and the winner gets a title match at Barrett next week. Barrett is on commentary for the match. Jericho has Miz in a chinlock with an armtrap but Miz fights out with some left hands. Jericho bulldogs him down very quickly but the Lionsault hits knees. The Walls of Jericho can't go on either so Miz takes out the knee. He can't hook the Figure Four so Jericho fights for the Walls again. This time he manages to hook them but Miz crawls over to the ropes before falling to the floor. Jericho sends Miz flying into Barrett so the champion jumps Jericho for the DQ at 4:09.
Post match Barrett takes both finishers.
We get Ricardo and Alberto's parody of Colter and Swagger's videos.
We get a video from a Wrestlemania XI vignette which parodies NYPD Blue and has Bearer in drag, saying he has nothing to do with Yokozuna disappearing. A gong sounds, the lights go out, the lights come back on, Bearer is in a male suit. 1995 was weird.
Jack Swagger vs. Sin Cara
Before the match, Colter talks about how the fans are programmed to cheer for Sin Cara because of his entrance and the jumps he performs. Colter says Sin Cara is nothing but a sign of things that need to change. As the match starts we're told that it's a triple threat for the Intercontinental Title next week with Miz and Jericho challenging Barrett. Cara sends him to the floor to start and hits a big dive but might have hurt his shoulder. Apparently it wasn't that bad as he charges back into the ring and fires off some kicks to Swagger, only to springboard into a kick to the ribs. The Patriot Lock ends this at 1:52.
Now we get an interview with Halle Berry about The Call. During the interview David Otunga calls her and tells her he may have given her phone number to someone who threatened him with violence. She hangs up and Kane calls her, asking why she doesn't return his fan mail. Apparently Kane sent her a picture but she wasn't impressed. She raises up her arms and makes fire come out of the ring posts behind Kane.
Ryback vs. Mark Henry on Smackdown.
CM Punk vs. Kane
No DQ here. Punk dives through the ropes to attack Kane to start but Kane comes back with an uppercut. He drops Punk throat first onto the barricade and loads up the announce table, only to have Punk hit Kane in the ribs with the ring bell. Back inside Punk shoves Kane off the top and hits the Macho Elbow for two before nailing the knee in the corner. Kane throws him over the top and we take a break at 11:05pm.
Back with Kane charging into a boot in the corner followed by Punk hitting a middle rope clothesline for two. Punk wedges a chair into the corner but Kane reverses a whip to send Punk into said chair. Kane goes to the floor and throws about four chairs into the ring before turning his attention back to Punk who is cowering in the corner. Back inside and Punk counters a chokeslam into a DDT onto a chair for two. The high kick blocks a chair shot but the Undertaker's gong goes off, allowing Kane to chokeslam Punk for the pin at 12:00.
Undertaker and Kane do their kneeling salute to Bearer, but Punk hits Kane in the back with the urn over and over before leaving with it.
Results
Big Show b. Seth Rollins via DQ when Shield interfered
Dolph Ziggler b. Daniel Bryan – Zig Zag
New Age Outlaws b. Rhodes Scholars via DQ when Brock Lesnar interfered
Mark Henry b. Kofi Kingston – World's Strongest Slam
Ryback b. Heath Slater – Shell Shock
Alberto Del Rio b. Antonio Cesaro – Cross Armbreaker
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – Brogue Kick to Sandow
The Miz vs. Chris Jericho went to a no contest when Wade Barrett interfered
Jack Swagger b. Sin Cara – Patriot Lock
Kane b. CM Punk – Chokeslam
Tuesday
The Royal Rumble did 498,000 buys, up 14% from last years 438,000.
WWE's June PPV will be called Payback.
Raw got a 3.36, down from last week.
Wednesday
Jimmy Uso was arrested and charged with DUI. This is his second offense.
NXT
Date: March 13, 2013
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Tony Dawson, William Regal
We have a #1 contender now with O'Brian winning the triple threat last week. On top of that we had a lot of storyline development as Bo Dallas seems to be going to war against the Wyatt Family. Last week was all about setting up the future shows which should make for some entertaining TV today. Let's get to it.
Kassius Ohno vs. Derrick Bateman
Regal on Bateman: “If brains were elastic he wouldn't have enough to make a frog's jockstrap.” Bateman quickly takes him down with an armdrag before hooking an armbar. Apparently Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo are here tonight. Bateman chops away as Regal is very focued on Ohno here. This is Derrick's return from a knee injury. Ohno is sent into the corner and slammed down for two. Almost all Bateman in the early going.
Kassius is sent to the apron where he hits a cravate Stunner onto the top rope. A running boot to Bateman's jaw puts him down and Ohno drops a pair of sentons for two. Back to the cravate on Bateman but Derrick makes his comeback with some clotheslines and shots to the face. He loads up the falling bulldog but Ohno shoves him off because it's too stupid of a move to sell. Kassius kicks him in the face for the pin at 4:20.
Post match Ohno puts Bateman in an STF with a cravate headlock until Regal makes the save. These two need to fight already.
Bo Dallas says Bray Wyatt has his attention after Wyatt cost him both the tag team and NXT Titles.
Regal apologizes for what he did.
Emma vs. Summer Rae
Emma is the bad dancing klutz. A quick rollup gets two for Emma and Rae is frustrated. Wait, dance time. Rae is knocked into the corner for a cross body but she comes back with a snapmare to send Emma's leg into the ropes. We're told it's Dallas vs. Wyatt later tonight as Summer stays on the leg. Summer goes VERY old school with an Indian Deathlock (the version with both girls on their backs) before choking Emma with her long legs. Back up and a dropkick puts Emma down before Rae does Paige's scream. Emma comes back with a clothesline for two, only to be caught by a bad spinwheel kick to give Rae the pin at 3:51.
Apparently that revenge is right now because here's Paige to chase off Summer. The place went NUTS for Paige.
We recap Oliver Grey being laid out by the Wyatt Family last week.
Adrian Neville issues an open challenge to any member of the Family for next week.
Big E. Langston says that last week Conor O'Brian defeated two men to earn his title shot. However, this is Langston's first defense, so he's going to make sure it's dominant, destructive and delicious.
Bray Wyatt vs. Bo Dallas
Wyatt talks about how in his world there are no distractions and no communication. The women take care of the young and the men aren't afraid to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect what is theirs. He wants to know how far Dallas is willing to go to get what he wants. Wyatt takes him into the corner but then hides from a right hand. Bray starts to laugh at Dallas (his real life younger brother if you're not familiar with your family trees) before hooking a headlock.
Dallas tries a headlock of his own but Wyatt hits a hard cross body for two. We take a break and come back with Dallas in a chinlock. Back up and Bo is whipped hard into the corner and a slam gets two for Bray. In a unique submission hold, Wyatt sits on Dallas' ribs and pulls back on his head in a kind of reverse camel clutch. Dallas gets up again and tries a sunset flip but Bray drops down, only to hit the mat. The look on his face from missing is great as he looks like he was shot.
Bo starts his comeback with a forearm but gets caught in a big release Rock Bottom for two. A big splash in the corner crushes Bo and it's time to dance with Dallas' limp body. He dances a bit too long though and it allows Dallas to come out of it with a belly to belly suplex for the pin at 6:21 shown of 9:51.
Post match here's the Wyatt Family to destroy Dallas as Wyatt laughs. Dallas makes a comeback and beats them both up, only to be caught in Bray's Downward Spiral.
Justin Gabriel says he's heard of Leo Kruger before. Back when Gabriel lived in South Africa he heard of Kruger being in the South African militia and apparently it messed with his head. Gabriel wants a match with Leo next week.
Here are Ricardo and Alberto to a very nice ovation. Del Rio does his old bit of “My name is Alberto Del Rio” which draws a small SI chant. He says he's the new world champion here so this must be an old show. Del Rio talks about how there's a lot of talent in the back and someone back there will be WWE or World Heavyweight Champion someday. Instead of a new superstar though, here's Antonio Cesaro to challenge Del Rio to a champion vs. champion match. This brings out Dusty Rhodes who says that the Swedish guy in the ring doesn't make matches. Cesaro can have a champion vs. champion match, but against this guy.
Big E. Langston vs. Antonio Cesaro
Non-title here. Langston shoves him down and we're ready to go. We take a break before there's any contact (why not just have the bell after the break? Is it really that hard?) and come back with Langston easily breaking a wristlock. A lifting wristlock has Antonio in trouble as Big E. is easily throwing him around. Langston LAUNCHES him across the ring with a beal but Cesaro comes back with the European uppercuts and a knee lift for one.
Off to a kind of cobra clutch on Big E. but the NXT Champion easily fights up. Cesaro goes up top and dries Langston down with a knee before hitting his really impressive gutwrench suplex for two. Cesaro hooks a sleeper but Langston easily fights out of it and clotheslines Cesaro down. Five knees to Cesaro's ribs have him in trouble and Big E. runs him over, but here's Corey Graves for the DQ at 5:23 shown of 8:53.
Graves is run over post match but here's O'Brian to pound on Big E. Corey helps O'Brian and Langston is laid out to end the show.
Results
Kassius Ohno b. Derrick Bateman – Big Boot
Summer Rae b. Emma – Spinwheel Kick
Bo Dallas b. Bray Wyatt – Belly to belly suplex
Big E. Langston b. Antonio Cesaro via DQ when Corey Graves interfered
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: March 14, 2013
Location: Sears Center, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz, Todd Keneley
We're past the Orlando era now as Impact will be on the road permanently going forward. The main story of course is that Bully Ray is the new TNA World Champion, having beaten Jeff Hardy on Sunday at Lockdow while also revealing that he is in fact the President of Aces and 8's, FINALLY giving the team both a leader as well as a major accomplishment. We'll hear about that as well as see AJ Styles live on Impact for the first time in months tonight. Let's get to it.
We open with a clip from Lockdown with Hogan telling Bully Ray to be remembered as he won the title. This transitions into a package of still photos from the world title match with Ray accepting the help of Aces and 8's and winning the title.
Tag Titles: Hernandez/Chavo Guerrero vs. Bobby Roode/Austin Aries
Never mind as Aces and 8's beat down Chavo and Hernandez before the champions ever come to the ring.
D-Von says this is the team that is going to take over TNA and introduces the new world champion Bully Ray. Bully and D-Von do their old Dudleys pose before Bully is presented with his biker vest. Ray asks if we know who he is before saying he's the President of Aces and 8's, the world champion, the man who fooled Sting, Hulk and Brooke but also made fools out of all the fans. For nine months the fans bought into Ray and all the lies he told.
On Sunday he was so proud of the team and he never felt better than when he hit Jeff with the hammer to win the title. The plan was delayed a bit as Bully was supposed to leave when Wes and Garrett came into the cage, but they waited until the Hogans came down. See, an hour before the main event, Hulk gave Bully a lecture about doing something memorable. Ray says that's something the NWO never could accomplish. Ray begs Hogan to come out and fire him but knows Hulk won't do it. He says when you ride with Aces and 8's, you never ride alone.
Sting is in the back freaking out about how Aces and 8's are burning TNA at the stake. He need to talk to Hulk so he can get his hands on Aces and 8's tonight.
Gail Kim/Tara vs. Mickie James/Velvet Sky
A pre-match interview with Gail talks about how Teryn Terrell is on probation for costing Gail the title on Sunday. Gail and Velvet start things off with Sky taking Gail down with a series of armdrags. Off to Mickie for a double rolling leg drag on Kim. Mickie chokes Gail in the corner and gets two off an enziguri as we take a break. Back with Mickie getting caught in the Tarantula from Tara in the ropes.
A double slingshot suplex gets two for Gail on Mickie and it's off to the corner for some choking. Mickie comes out of said corner with a hurricanrana and there's the hot tag to Velvet. Gail and Teryn get in an argument with Gail shoving her down. Terrell smacks her in the face, allowing Mickie to hit the Thesz Press off the top on Gail. Tara hits Mickie with the Widow's Peak but Velvet takes out Tara with In Yo Face for the pin at 9:40.
We recap the Aces and 8's segment from earlier before going to the back to see Bully toasting Aces and 8's. He thanks them for being behind him these past nine months but realizes he hasn't talked to his wife in awhile. Bully calls Brooke and they leave her a voicemail to get on her nerves. Oh and say hi to dad for him.
Hulk won't answer anything about Aces and 8's.
Robbie E vs. Robbie Terry
This is a rematch from the PPV where E got destroyed. Terry power walks to the ring, sending E running to the floor. E tries to jump Terry but it has no effect at all. A big beal sends E flying as does a one man flapjack. Terry hits a modified Jackhammer as the fans chant feed me more ala Ryback. The fireman's carry into a spinebuster gets the pin for Terry at 1:19.
Terry dances post match.
Sting goes in to see Hulk and we cut to a break.
Aces and 8's continue to celebrate.
Hogan blames Sting for everything that happened with Bully. Sting wants Bully tonight but Hogan goes on a rant, saying he never should have trusted Bully. Apparently everything is over and nothing can get better again.
We recap AJ's saga and his loss to Daniels on PPV. We also look at the Claire Lynch stuff and AJ walking out on the company.
Sting runs into Aries and Roode, now with matching shirts that identify them as dirty heels. They make fun of him for causing all of these problems and say that it's unfortunate that they can't fight, because they were going to give Hogan and Sting a title shot. Sting says he wants to fight and Roode bails, leaving Aries alone with the Stinger. Apparently they're fighting later tonight.
Here's AJ back to Impact after several months away. Or actually not as instead it's Bad Influence in Road Warrior attire. Ok that's pretty awesome. They don't have the spikes but they can do the poses perfectly. Kaz says they're bringing back Throwback Thursday and paying homage to the second best tag team in wrestling history. Daniels even does Hawk's WEEEEEEEEEEEEEL catchphrase. Apparently this is the Legion of Boom.
This brings out James Storm who says that the original LOD is a little bigger, a little tougher and a lot more over than these two are. Bad Influence gets to pick which of them gets beaten up by Storm right now.
James Storm vs. Christopher Daniels
Storm starts fast and throws Daniels around before ramming Daniels into Kaz, getting two as a result. Kaz trips up Storm to get Daniels control which includes a slingshot moonsault. Storm comes back in a slugout though but can't hit Eye of the Storm. Daniels puts him down with a release Rock Bottom, only to miss the BME. Storm hits Closing Time and a Backstabber for the pin at 3:43.
Post match Bad Influence beats up Storm but here's the returning AJ to lay out the evil tag team. Daniels bails but AJ hits Storm as well.
We recap Wes Brisco vs. Kurt Angle from Sunday before seeing Aces and 8's destroying Angle in the back.
Here's Joseph Park who is gushing about having two wins now. He's been reflecting on his accomplishments, including graduating law school and making partner at Park Park and Park. Park grew up around here going to Cubs games (mixed reaction) and going to Blackhawks games (POP) and he can't wait for what's coming next.
This brings out Matt Morgan to make fun of Hulk because that story is still going on after not being mentioned for months I guess. Morgan doesn't like Park having a contract here and calls Park Hogan's biggest mistake. One by one, Morgan is going to eliminate each and every one of Hulk's mistakes, starting with Park. He tells Park to leave but Morgan insults Chicago and that means it's time to fight. Morgan uses the always lame “on my time” excuse and goes to leave, only to catch Park not paying attention and kicking him in the head. Morgan says his time is next week.
Aces and 8's want to know if Hulk is going to fire them because they've destroyed a lot of people. Ray thinks destroying the show sounds like a good idea so let's go do that.
We get some clips of Brooke freaking out after the end of Lockdown.
Austin Aries vs. Sting
Feeling out process to start as the fans are split on who to cheer for. Sting carries Aries over to the corner but Austin lays on the ropes to show off. Sting kicks him down but misses a Stinger Splash as Aries bails to the outside. Back in for a bit before Sting knocks him right back to the floor. There's the Stinger Splash to Roode against the barricade and Aries is sent through the barricade as we take a break.
Back with Sting still in control but he has to stop and yell at Roode, which gets Bobby ejected. The distraction lets Aries kick the rope into the Little Stingers and there's the suicide dive for good measure. Back in and Aries hits a middle rope dropkick to the back of a seated Sting for two. Aries pounds away in the corner but Sting gets in a few right hands. A dropkick to the knee puts Sting back down though and Aries keeps control via a quickly broken half crab.
Back up and Sting misses a dropkick but Aries tries for the Scorpion Deathlock. Unfortunately he doesn't know hot to hook the hold and Sting is able to come back again. A big clothesline spins Aries inside out but Austin bails away from the real Scorpion. After guillotining Sting down on the top rope, a missile dropkick puts Sting down for about one second.
Sting busts out a gorilla press slam before missing another Stinger Splash. Aries hits a running dropkick in the corner and a running splash of his own. The brainbuster is countered into a Scorpion Death Drop for two but the Stinger Splash sets up the Deathlock...but here are Aces and 8's for the DQ at 15:16.
Aces and 8's want to know if Hogan is going to fire them.
After a break Ray is still wanting Hogan to come out and here he is. Hulk is still on crutches so he stays on the stage. He says firing Aces and 8's would be too easy and they deserve the hard way. It might not be today or tomorrow, but it's coming. Right now, Hogan is telling everyone on the roster to go to war with the bikers.
About five guys (including Angle, Terry, Hardy, Chavo and Hernandez) runs out to beat down Aces and 8's but there are too many bikers resulting in a big beatdown of the TNA guys. Jeff Hardy is beaten down in just a few seconds and this is a pretty lame brawl. Ray says is this what you meant by memorable and starts destroying everyone with his chain. Ray goes halfway up the ramp and says the cavalry just got destroyed. He asks what his dad is going to do to end the show.
Results
Mickie James/Velvet Sky b. Tara/Gail Kim – In Yo Face to Tara
Rob Terry b. Robbie E – Spinebuster
James Storm b. Christopher Daniels – Backstabber
Sting b. Austin Aries via DQ when Aces and 8's interfered
Friday
Impact got a 1.07, down from last week.
Smackdown
Date: March 15, 2013
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Josh Matthews, Brad Maddox
Back to Smackdown as we continue getting ready for Wrestlemania. Counting this episode we have four episodes to go before the big show and a lot of the card is already set. The main thing we still need to do is officially announce the likely six man tag between Shield and Orton/Sheamus/Big Show. We have a main event tonight of Ryback vs. Mark Henry, which I have a feeling won't happen. Let's get to it.
Sheamus/Randy Orton vs. Rhodes Scholars
Before the match we get a clip of Shield attacking Orton and Sheamus on Sunday. We also hear from Sandow who complains about how bad things went on Monday, but tonight the Scholars are going to ruin Orton and Sheamus' night. Rhodes and Sheamus start things off and after Cody can't get anything going he makes the tag off to Sandow. Damien stomps Sheamus down in the corner but Sheamus comes back with the knee lift and some running forearms.
Sheamus hits the ten forearms to the chest of Sandow before they head to the floor, allowing Rhodes to hit the Disaster Kick off the apron to take Sheamus out. After a break we come back with Cody dropkicking Sheamus down for two. Back to Sandow who pounds away on the pale one, only to have Sheamus headbutt him from the mat to escape. A front facelock keeps Sheamus in control but he punches his way out.
Sheamus is sent into the corner but the referee stops Sandow for a lecture. Damien charges into an elbow in the corner followed by the top rope shoulder from Sheamus to put both guys down. The hot tag brings in Orton to powerslam Rhodes. A t-bone suplex puts Cody down again as does the Elevated DDT. It's a Brogue Kick for Sandow and the RKO to Cody for the pin at 5:57 shown of 9:27. Cole: “HASHTAG CELTIC VIPERS!” It's time to push Twitter again apparently.
Post match here's the Shield...on the screen. They say Sheamus and Orton should be afraid, but not tonight. Ambrose lists off all the people they've taken apart and left laying in the ring like roadkill. Rollins wants to know why Shield doesn't have a match at Wrestlemania because that's the biggest injustice of all. Ambrose tells Sheamus and Orton to find a partner for a six man tag. Orton and Sheamus say they're in.
Fandango debuts tonight. Again.
We recap Lesnar's beatdown of the Outlaws from Raw as well as Heyman accepting Lesnar's challenge for Wrestlemania.
Sheamus and Orton talk about making the right choice when Big Show comes up. He offers his services even though he doesn't trust either guy. Instead though, Sheamus and Orton have apparently picked Ryback.
Kaitlyn/Layla vs. Tamina Snuka/Aksana
Tamina shoves Layla down to start but Layla comes back with some kicks. Tamina slams Layla as he blocks a kick before bringing in Aksana. The crowd is dead for this. The Funkadactyls are watching in the back. Aksana puts on a lame bow and arrow hold before it's back to Tamina for another suplex. Layla whips Tamina into the corner, allowing for a hot tag to Kaitlyn. She fires off kicks and right hands to Aksana and spears her down, but Layla tags herself in and hits Lots of Layla (that bouncing cross body out of the corner of hers) for the pin at 3:52.
The Bellas come in to see the Funkadactyls and the dancers say the Bellas were big influences on them. The Bellas call the Funkadactyls hoochie mamas who dance for a dinosaur and a man who thinks he's Japanese. A brawl erupts and the Bellas leave the Funkadactyls laying.
We go back to Raw to recap the events with Punk, Kane, Undertaker and the urn during the tribute to Paul Bearer.
Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kane takes him into the corner to start and fires off some knee lifts before punching away in another corner. An uppercut puts Ziggler down on the floor for a bit but he fires off some right hands back inside to get himself a breather. A big boot puts Ziggler down again though as does a slam. Dolph fires off more right hands but gets backdropped out to the apron. He comes back in with a missile dropkick for two before kicking Kane in the face.
A front facelock by Ziggler is easily thrown off by Kane but Ziggler counters with the jumping DDT for two. Kane comes right back with a delayed vertical suplex for two. A powerslam attempt is countered into the sleeper by Ziggler but Kane flips him down onto his back for two. Kane's top rope clothesline puts Dolph down but an AJ distraction breaks up the chokeslam. Langston throws Bryan into the timekeeper's area so Kane kick Big E. down. Back inside Ziggler hits a Fameasser and the Zig Zag for the pin at 7:17.
Post match Langston lays out Kane.
We get another parody video from Del Rio and Ricardo, this one about evil Canadian immigrants. Apparently they're crossing the border and bringing in maple syrup. Is this supposed to be amusing?
Jericho and R-Truth are laughing at the video in the back when Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter come in. Swagger talks about putting the weight of the country on his back and fighting for America's soul. They accuse Jericho of sneaking across the border and stealing American jobs, but Jericho points out that he was born in New York. Jericho tells Swagger to focus on his match with Del Rio at Wrestlemania but not until after their match tonight.
Fandango still debuts tonight. Allegedly.
Great Khali vs. Fandango
I'm sure you know the drill by now. Khali can't pronounce Fandango's name so no match. The idea is starting to get old in a hurry. We waste another five minutes on this.
We get the Rock vs. Cena video from Raw.
Sheamus and Orton talk about being excited for the six man when Shield jumps them. Ryback comes up but Booker tells him to go fight Mark Henry instead of worrying about Shield.
Mark Henry vs. Ryback
They lock up and fight into the corner but here's Shield about thirty five seconds in. No match for all intents and purposes.
Henry bails and Ryback clears out Shield. Henry gets back in but Shield comes back in to beat Ryback down. The TripleBomb lays Ryback out and the Shield leaves, allowing Henry to hit a pair World's Strongest Slams for good measure.
Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho
Feeling out process to start as they fight for control via a hammerlock. Swagger takes over with a big right hand in the corner but Jericho clotheslines him to get a breather. The springboard dropkick sends Swagger to the floor and we take a break. Back with Swagger hitting a running knee in the corner before hooking a double chickenwing. Jericho finally rolls his way out of it but gets kicked right back down for two.
Off to a front facelock by Jack but Jericho rolls over into a near fall. Jack takes out the knee with a chop block to set up the Patriot Lock. Chris kicks off and gets two more off a small package, only to be suplexed down for two for Swagger. We take another break and come back with Swagger hitting a running splash in the corner but Jericho comes back with a DDT for two. Chris fires off some kicks but Swagger grabs the gutwrench, only to have the powerbomb countered into the Walls of Jericho.
Swagger blocks those though and puts on the Patriot Lock but Jericho rolls through THAT and puts on the Walls. They're not on tight though and Swagger makes a rope. Out to the floor we go with Jericho sending Jack into the steps. Back in and a top rope cross body gets two for the Canadian but Jack blocks the Codebreaker. The gutwrench powerbomb is enough to end Jericho at 10:03 shown of 16:33.
Results
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – RKO to Rhodes
Kaitlyn/Layla b. Tamina Snuka/Aksana – LOL to Aksana
Dolph Ziggler b. Kane – Zig Zag
Ryback vs. Mark Henry went to a no contest when Shield interfered
Jack Swagger b. Chris Jericho – Gutwrench Powerbomb
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Big Show b. Seth Rollins via DQ when Shield interfered
Dolph Ziggler b. Daniel Bryan – Zig Zag
New Age Outlaws b. Rhodes Scholars via DQ when Brock Lesnar interfered
Mark Henry b. Kofi Kingston – World's Strongest Slam
Ryback b. Heath Slater – Shell Shock
Alberto Del Rio b. Antonio Cesaro – Cross Armbreaker
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – Brogue Kick to Sandow
The Miz vs. Chris Jericho went to a no contest when Wade Barrett interfered
Jack Swagger b. Sin Cara – Patriot Lock
Kane b. CM Punk – Chokeslam
NXT
Kassius Ohno b. Derrick Bateman – Big Boot
Summer Rae b. Emma – Spinwheel Kick
Bo Dallas b. Bray Wyatt – Belly to belly suplex
Big E. Langston b. Antonio Cesaro via DQ when Corey Graves interfered
Impact Wrestling
Mickie James/Velvet Sky b. Tara/Gail Kim – In Yo Face to Tara
Rob Terry b. Robbie E – Spinebuster
James Storm b. Christopher Daniels – Backstabber
Sting b. Austin Aries via DQ when Aces and 8's interfered
Smackdown
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – RKO to Rhodes
Kaitlyn/Layla b. Tamina Snuka/Aksana – LOL to Aksana
Dolph Ziggler b. Kane – Zig Zag
Ryback vs. Mark Henry went to a no contest when Shield interfered
Jack Swagger b. Chris Jericho – Gutwrench Powerbomb
Jeff Hardy suffered a concussion at Lockdown.
Monday Night Raw
Date: March 11, 2013
Location: Bankers Fieldhouse Arena, Indianapolis, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler
We're four weeks out from Wrestlemania and the top of the card is set. The major news coming out of last week is that CM Punk gets the chance to stop Undertaker's Streak this year after winning a fatal fourway to end last week's episode. Other than that we're likely to hear more about Rock vs. Cena II tonight which should be fun after last week's solid promos. Let's get to it.
We open with a tribute video to Paul Bearer. This is the same one that aired on WWE's Youtube channel last week.
Appropriately enough, here's Undertaker to open the show. He kneels down in the middle of the ring in front of an urn and looks up at the In Memory graphic but is interrupted by CM Punk. Punk talks about wanting to extend his heartfelt condolences for Undertaker's loss. That would be Undertaker's loss at Wrestlemania of course. The silver lining for Undertaker is that Paul Bearer won't be alive to see Undertaker go 20-1. Punk says that in four weeks, we'll get a tribute video to Undertaker's streak.
During the break Kane came out and tried to chokeslam Punk off the stage but he escaped. Kane went looking through the back for Punk but couldn't find him. Instead he threw someone I couldn't make out across the locker room. It might have been Alex Riley.
Big Show vs. Seth Rollins
This is a result of Shield beating up Big Show after Raw went off the air last week. Rollins runs at Big Show to start but is easily shoves away. Rollins is sent to the floor with Big Show in pursuit. The other members of the Shield jump him for the DQ at 41 seconds.
Show tries to fight them off but the spear takes him down. There's the TripleBomb to leave Show laying.
Punk yells at Vickie Guerrero and Brad Maddox about what happened with Kane, so Vickie makes it Kane vs. Punk in a No DQ match.
We get a classic Bearer moment with him making his debut on the Brother Love Show.
Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler
This is a result of Bryan making fun of AJ after she had water thrown on her last week. Bryan starts fast with a surfboard submission, only to have Ziggler escape and dropkick him down for two. Bryan comes back with an elbow in the corner and a stomp to the arm before backdropping Ziggler out to the floor. Bryan loads up the suicide dive but Langston gets on his apron to stop him in his tracks as we take a break.
Back with Ziggler holding Bryan in a chinlock but Bryan catapults him into the corner to escape. A running knee to Ziggler's chest puts him down but Bryan runs into a boot in the corner. An O'Connor Roll gets two for Bryan but Ziggler pops out at the last second. Bryan fires off the hard kicks to the chest and a big one to the head gets two. Ziggler goes up top but gets crotched down hard. Bryan loads up a belly to back superplex but Ziggler turns over in mid air, turning it into a cross body for a VERY close two.
Bryan tries a standing huricanrana but gets dropped onto the top rope. The Fameasser gets two for Dolph and he pounds away on the chest. AJ gets on the apron to distract the referee as Bryan hooks the No Lock, only to have Langston pull him to the ropes. Another attempt at the No Lock is countered and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag for the pin at 11:30.
Post match Langston hits the Big Ending (falling slam) on Bryan at AJ's request.
We recap HHH's challenge to Lesnar from last week.
Tensai vs. Fandango
Tensai tells him to get out here, but Fandango doesn't like how they say his name. He wants Naomi to say his name because she's the only one with any skill. Fandango says she's better than this but Tensai cuts her off, meaning no match.
Trailer for G.I. Joe 2.
Another Paul Bearer moment is him returning with Undertaker at Wrestlemania 20.
Rhodes Scholars vs. New Age Outlaws
Before the match, Sandow and Rhodes do the intelligent version of the Outlaws' entrance which is very amusing. Apparently they've reunited for good now, which makes me wonder why they split in the first place. Road Dogg: “Lord have mercy, this one is for you Percy (Bearer's real first name). Roadie and Cody start things off and there are the shaky jabs to put Cody down. Before this goes anywhere though, here's Brock Lesnar, sending fear running through Cody. Lesnar attacks Gunn for the DQ at 1:25.
Both Outlaws get F5's and are laid in front of Lesnar. Heyman is here with Lesnar and talks about how Lesnar isn't here to play games. He talks about Lesnar hurting both Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. Heyman says the last traces of DX were just destroyed right in front of you and that Lesnar will indeed fight HHH at Wrestlemania. However, there's a but to that yes. Lesnar wants to name the stipulations before he'll agree, but HHH has to sign the contract before he knows the rules. Heyman eggs HHH on by listing off people that HHH will disappoint by saying no. Heyman's two words for us: BROCK LESNAR.
Kofi Kingston vs. Mark Henry
Kofi tries to fire off some kicks to start but is easily knocked out to the floor with a single kick from Henry. Out on the floor and Henry misses a charge into the steps, allowing Kofi to dive off the steps and stagger Henry. Back inside Kofi tries his top rope cross body, only to be caught in the World's Strongest Slam for the pin at 2:26.
In the back, Cody makes mustache jokes to Kaitlyn when Sandow shows up. He says he has a surprise for Cody and here are the returning Bella Twins. Kaitlyn walks off in disgust. Vickie comes up and gives the Scholars a match with Randy Orton and Sheamus.
Ryback vs. Heath Slater
Mark Henry comes out to watch and there isn't much else to say. Slater tries to jump him but gets pounded down, allowing for the Meat Hook and the Shell Shock to end this at 1:05.
Post match McIntyre gets Shell Shocked and here's Henry to the ring. McIntyre gets a World's Strongest Slam and a second Shell Shock. Now he gets another World's Strongest Slam as the monsters stare at each other.
Trailer for The Call.
Alberto Del Rio vs. Antonio Cesaro
Non-title here as usual. Before the match Del Rio says he was born in Mexico but made in America. Alberto hits a quick cross body for two but Cesaro comes back with a forearm to the head. He pounds down Del Rio before hooking a fast chinlock. The world champion comes back with some clotheslines and a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. The low superkick and Backstabber get two each and Del Rio goes up top. He jumps into the European uppercut for two though and follows it up with an attempted German suplex. Del Rio easily counters into the cross armbreaker for the submission at 4:40.
Kane is holding the urn and has nothing to say.
We get a video recapping Cena vs. Rock over the last two years.
Rhodes Scholars vs. Randy Orton/Sheamus
Damien and Randy start things off with Orton in full control. It's off to Sheamus to face Cody and the Scholars manage to send Sheamus to the floor to take over. Back do Damien for some knee drops for two as Sheamus is in trouble. He fights up with relative ease though once Cody comes back in. The not hot tag brings in Orton for an attempt at the Elevated DDT but Damien makes the save.
Orton is sent into the post and we head back inside so Sandow can hit the Wind-Up Elbow for two. Back to Rhodes who goes up top, only to get crotched and superplexed down. There's the tag to Sheamus who cleans house, including hitting Sandow with the ten forearms on the apron. White Noise takes down Sandow again and it's the Brogue Kick for the pin at 8:03.
During the break, Shield attacked Orton and Sheamus.
We get some Touts from fans about Paul Bearer.
Here's Jericho for the Highlight Reel with guests the Miz and Wade Barrett, both of whom have movies out at the moment. Miz is out first and talks about the success of his movie but here's Barrett to talk about how great Dead Man Down is. Barrett talks about turning down a lot of movie roles because he's busy being IC Champion. Jericho gets in his face and says he's been Intercontinental Champion nine times and if Barrett keeps up, he might make it ten. Cue Brad Maddox who stumbles through the worst promo in the history of ever while announcing Jericho vs. Miz with the winner getting a title shot at Wade next week.
Chris Jericho vs. The Miz
This is joined in progress and the winner gets a title match at Barrett next week. Barrett is on commentary for the match. Jericho has Miz in a chinlock with an armtrap but Miz fights out with some left hands. Jericho bulldogs him down very quickly but the Lionsault hits knees. The Walls of Jericho can't go on either so Miz takes out the knee. He can't hook the Figure Four so Jericho fights for the Walls again. This time he manages to hook them but Miz crawls over to the ropes before falling to the floor. Jericho sends Miz flying into Barrett so the champion jumps Jericho for the DQ at 4:09.
Post match Barrett takes both finishers.
We get Ricardo and Alberto's parody of Colter and Swagger's videos.
We get a video from a Wrestlemania XI vignette which parodies NYPD Blue and has Bearer in drag, saying he has nothing to do with Yokozuna disappearing. A gong sounds, the lights go out, the lights come back on, Bearer is in a male suit. 1995 was weird.
Jack Swagger vs. Sin Cara
Before the match, Colter talks about how the fans are programmed to cheer for Sin Cara because of his entrance and the jumps he performs. Colter says Sin Cara is nothing but a sign of things that need to change. As the match starts we're told that it's a triple threat for the Intercontinental Title next week with Miz and Jericho challenging Barrett. Cara sends him to the floor to start and hits a big dive but might have hurt his shoulder. Apparently it wasn't that bad as he charges back into the ring and fires off some kicks to Swagger, only to springboard into a kick to the ribs. The Patriot Lock ends this at 1:52.
Now we get an interview with Halle Berry about The Call. During the interview David Otunga calls her and tells her he may have given her phone number to someone who threatened him with violence. She hangs up and Kane calls her, asking why she doesn't return his fan mail. Apparently Kane sent her a picture but she wasn't impressed. She raises up her arms and makes fire come out of the ring posts behind Kane.
Ryback vs. Mark Henry on Smackdown.
CM Punk vs. Kane
No DQ here. Punk dives through the ropes to attack Kane to start but Kane comes back with an uppercut. He drops Punk throat first onto the barricade and loads up the announce table, only to have Punk hit Kane in the ribs with the ring bell. Back inside Punk shoves Kane off the top and hits the Macho Elbow for two before nailing the knee in the corner. Kane throws him over the top and we take a break at 11:05pm.
Back with Kane charging into a boot in the corner followed by Punk hitting a middle rope clothesline for two. Punk wedges a chair into the corner but Kane reverses a whip to send Punk into said chair. Kane goes to the floor and throws about four chairs into the ring before turning his attention back to Punk who is cowering in the corner. Back inside and Punk counters a chokeslam into a DDT onto a chair for two. The high kick blocks a chair shot but the Undertaker's gong goes off, allowing Kane to chokeslam Punk for the pin at 12:00.
Undertaker and Kane do their kneeling salute to Bearer, but Punk hits Kane in the back with the urn over and over before leaving with it.
Results
Big Show b. Seth Rollins via DQ when Shield interfered
Dolph Ziggler b. Daniel Bryan – Zig Zag
New Age Outlaws b. Rhodes Scholars via DQ when Brock Lesnar interfered
Mark Henry b. Kofi Kingston – World's Strongest Slam
Ryback b. Heath Slater – Shell Shock
Alberto Del Rio b. Antonio Cesaro – Cross Armbreaker
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – Brogue Kick to Sandow
The Miz vs. Chris Jericho went to a no contest when Wade Barrett interfered
Jack Swagger b. Sin Cara – Patriot Lock
Kane b. CM Punk – Chokeslam
Tuesday
The Royal Rumble did 498,000 buys, up 14% from last years 438,000.
WWE's June PPV will be called Payback.
Raw got a 3.36, down from last week.
Wednesday
Jimmy Uso was arrested and charged with DUI. This is his second offense.
NXT
Date: March 13, 2013
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Tony Dawson, William Regal
We have a #1 contender now with O'Brian winning the triple threat last week. On top of that we had a lot of storyline development as Bo Dallas seems to be going to war against the Wyatt Family. Last week was all about setting up the future shows which should make for some entertaining TV today. Let's get to it.
Kassius Ohno vs. Derrick Bateman
Regal on Bateman: “If brains were elastic he wouldn't have enough to make a frog's jockstrap.” Bateman quickly takes him down with an armdrag before hooking an armbar. Apparently Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo are here tonight. Bateman chops away as Regal is very focued on Ohno here. This is Derrick's return from a knee injury. Ohno is sent into the corner and slammed down for two. Almost all Bateman in the early going.
Kassius is sent to the apron where he hits a cravate Stunner onto the top rope. A running boot to Bateman's jaw puts him down and Ohno drops a pair of sentons for two. Back to the cravate on Bateman but Derrick makes his comeback with some clotheslines and shots to the face. He loads up the falling bulldog but Ohno shoves him off because it's too stupid of a move to sell. Kassius kicks him in the face for the pin at 4:20.
Post match Ohno puts Bateman in an STF with a cravate headlock until Regal makes the save. These two need to fight already.
Bo Dallas says Bray Wyatt has his attention after Wyatt cost him both the tag team and NXT Titles.
Regal apologizes for what he did.
Emma vs. Summer Rae
Emma is the bad dancing klutz. A quick rollup gets two for Emma and Rae is frustrated. Wait, dance time. Rae is knocked into the corner for a cross body but she comes back with a snapmare to send Emma's leg into the ropes. We're told it's Dallas vs. Wyatt later tonight as Summer stays on the leg. Summer goes VERY old school with an Indian Deathlock (the version with both girls on their backs) before choking Emma with her long legs. Back up and a dropkick puts Emma down before Rae does Paige's scream. Emma comes back with a clothesline for two, only to be caught by a bad spinwheel kick to give Rae the pin at 3:51.
Apparently that revenge is right now because here's Paige to chase off Summer. The place went NUTS for Paige.
We recap Oliver Grey being laid out by the Wyatt Family last week.
Adrian Neville issues an open challenge to any member of the Family for next week.
Big E. Langston says that last week Conor O'Brian defeated two men to earn his title shot. However, this is Langston's first defense, so he's going to make sure it's dominant, destructive and delicious.
Bray Wyatt vs. Bo Dallas
Wyatt talks about how in his world there are no distractions and no communication. The women take care of the young and the men aren't afraid to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect what is theirs. He wants to know how far Dallas is willing to go to get what he wants. Wyatt takes him into the corner but then hides from a right hand. Bray starts to laugh at Dallas (his real life younger brother if you're not familiar with your family trees) before hooking a headlock.
Dallas tries a headlock of his own but Wyatt hits a hard cross body for two. We take a break and come back with Dallas in a chinlock. Back up and Bo is whipped hard into the corner and a slam gets two for Bray. In a unique submission hold, Wyatt sits on Dallas' ribs and pulls back on his head in a kind of reverse camel clutch. Dallas gets up again and tries a sunset flip but Bray drops down, only to hit the mat. The look on his face from missing is great as he looks like he was shot.
Bo starts his comeback with a forearm but gets caught in a big release Rock Bottom for two. A big splash in the corner crushes Bo and it's time to dance with Dallas' limp body. He dances a bit too long though and it allows Dallas to come out of it with a belly to belly suplex for the pin at 6:21 shown of 9:51.
Post match here's the Wyatt Family to destroy Dallas as Wyatt laughs. Dallas makes a comeback and beats them both up, only to be caught in Bray's Downward Spiral.
Justin Gabriel says he's heard of Leo Kruger before. Back when Gabriel lived in South Africa he heard of Kruger being in the South African militia and apparently it messed with his head. Gabriel wants a match with Leo next week.
Here are Ricardo and Alberto to a very nice ovation. Del Rio does his old bit of “My name is Alberto Del Rio” which draws a small SI chant. He says he's the new world champion here so this must be an old show. Del Rio talks about how there's a lot of talent in the back and someone back there will be WWE or World Heavyweight Champion someday. Instead of a new superstar though, here's Antonio Cesaro to challenge Del Rio to a champion vs. champion match. This brings out Dusty Rhodes who says that the Swedish guy in the ring doesn't make matches. Cesaro can have a champion vs. champion match, but against this guy.
Big E. Langston vs. Antonio Cesaro
Non-title here. Langston shoves him down and we're ready to go. We take a break before there's any contact (why not just have the bell after the break? Is it really that hard?) and come back with Langston easily breaking a wristlock. A lifting wristlock has Antonio in trouble as Big E. is easily throwing him around. Langston LAUNCHES him across the ring with a beal but Cesaro comes back with the European uppercuts and a knee lift for one.
Off to a kind of cobra clutch on Big E. but the NXT Champion easily fights up. Cesaro goes up top and dries Langston down with a knee before hitting his really impressive gutwrench suplex for two. Cesaro hooks a sleeper but Langston easily fights out of it and clotheslines Cesaro down. Five knees to Cesaro's ribs have him in trouble and Big E. runs him over, but here's Corey Graves for the DQ at 5:23 shown of 8:53.
Graves is run over post match but here's O'Brian to pound on Big E. Corey helps O'Brian and Langston is laid out to end the show.
Results
Kassius Ohno b. Derrick Bateman – Big Boot
Summer Rae b. Emma – Spinwheel Kick
Bo Dallas b. Bray Wyatt – Belly to belly suplex
Big E. Langston b. Antonio Cesaro via DQ when Corey Graves interfered
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: March 14, 2013
Location: Sears Center, Chicago, Illinois
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz, Todd Keneley
We're past the Orlando era now as Impact will be on the road permanently going forward. The main story of course is that Bully Ray is the new TNA World Champion, having beaten Jeff Hardy on Sunday at Lockdow while also revealing that he is in fact the President of Aces and 8's, FINALLY giving the team both a leader as well as a major accomplishment. We'll hear about that as well as see AJ Styles live on Impact for the first time in months tonight. Let's get to it.
We open with a clip from Lockdown with Hogan telling Bully Ray to be remembered as he won the title. This transitions into a package of still photos from the world title match with Ray accepting the help of Aces and 8's and winning the title.
Tag Titles: Hernandez/Chavo Guerrero vs. Bobby Roode/Austin Aries
Never mind as Aces and 8's beat down Chavo and Hernandez before the champions ever come to the ring.
D-Von says this is the team that is going to take over TNA and introduces the new world champion Bully Ray. Bully and D-Von do their old Dudleys pose before Bully is presented with his biker vest. Ray asks if we know who he is before saying he's the President of Aces and 8's, the world champion, the man who fooled Sting, Hulk and Brooke but also made fools out of all the fans. For nine months the fans bought into Ray and all the lies he told.
On Sunday he was so proud of the team and he never felt better than when he hit Jeff with the hammer to win the title. The plan was delayed a bit as Bully was supposed to leave when Wes and Garrett came into the cage, but they waited until the Hogans came down. See, an hour before the main event, Hulk gave Bully a lecture about doing something memorable. Ray says that's something the NWO never could accomplish. Ray begs Hogan to come out and fire him but knows Hulk won't do it. He says when you ride with Aces and 8's, you never ride alone.
Sting is in the back freaking out about how Aces and 8's are burning TNA at the stake. He need to talk to Hulk so he can get his hands on Aces and 8's tonight.
Gail Kim/Tara vs. Mickie James/Velvet Sky
A pre-match interview with Gail talks about how Teryn Terrell is on probation for costing Gail the title on Sunday. Gail and Velvet start things off with Sky taking Gail down with a series of armdrags. Off to Mickie for a double rolling leg drag on Kim. Mickie chokes Gail in the corner and gets two off an enziguri as we take a break. Back with Mickie getting caught in the Tarantula from Tara in the ropes.
A double slingshot suplex gets two for Gail on Mickie and it's off to the corner for some choking. Mickie comes out of said corner with a hurricanrana and there's the hot tag to Velvet. Gail and Teryn get in an argument with Gail shoving her down. Terrell smacks her in the face, allowing Mickie to hit the Thesz Press off the top on Gail. Tara hits Mickie with the Widow's Peak but Velvet takes out Tara with In Yo Face for the pin at 9:40.
We recap the Aces and 8's segment from earlier before going to the back to see Bully toasting Aces and 8's. He thanks them for being behind him these past nine months but realizes he hasn't talked to his wife in awhile. Bully calls Brooke and they leave her a voicemail to get on her nerves. Oh and say hi to dad for him.
Hulk won't answer anything about Aces and 8's.
Robbie E vs. Robbie Terry
This is a rematch from the PPV where E got destroyed. Terry power walks to the ring, sending E running to the floor. E tries to jump Terry but it has no effect at all. A big beal sends E flying as does a one man flapjack. Terry hits a modified Jackhammer as the fans chant feed me more ala Ryback. The fireman's carry into a spinebuster gets the pin for Terry at 1:19.
Terry dances post match.
Sting goes in to see Hulk and we cut to a break.
Aces and 8's continue to celebrate.
Hogan blames Sting for everything that happened with Bully. Sting wants Bully tonight but Hogan goes on a rant, saying he never should have trusted Bully. Apparently everything is over and nothing can get better again.
We recap AJ's saga and his loss to Daniels on PPV. We also look at the Claire Lynch stuff and AJ walking out on the company.
Sting runs into Aries and Roode, now with matching shirts that identify them as dirty heels. They make fun of him for causing all of these problems and say that it's unfortunate that they can't fight, because they were going to give Hogan and Sting a title shot. Sting says he wants to fight and Roode bails, leaving Aries alone with the Stinger. Apparently they're fighting later tonight.
Here's AJ back to Impact after several months away. Or actually not as instead it's Bad Influence in Road Warrior attire. Ok that's pretty awesome. They don't have the spikes but they can do the poses perfectly. Kaz says they're bringing back Throwback Thursday and paying homage to the second best tag team in wrestling history. Daniels even does Hawk's WEEEEEEEEEEEEEL catchphrase. Apparently this is the Legion of Boom.
This brings out James Storm who says that the original LOD is a little bigger, a little tougher and a lot more over than these two are. Bad Influence gets to pick which of them gets beaten up by Storm right now.
James Storm vs. Christopher Daniels
Storm starts fast and throws Daniels around before ramming Daniels into Kaz, getting two as a result. Kaz trips up Storm to get Daniels control which includes a slingshot moonsault. Storm comes back in a slugout though but can't hit Eye of the Storm. Daniels puts him down with a release Rock Bottom, only to miss the BME. Storm hits Closing Time and a Backstabber for the pin at 3:43.
Post match Bad Influence beats up Storm but here's the returning AJ to lay out the evil tag team. Daniels bails but AJ hits Storm as well.
We recap Wes Brisco vs. Kurt Angle from Sunday before seeing Aces and 8's destroying Angle in the back.
Here's Joseph Park who is gushing about having two wins now. He's been reflecting on his accomplishments, including graduating law school and making partner at Park Park and Park. Park grew up around here going to Cubs games (mixed reaction) and going to Blackhawks games (POP) and he can't wait for what's coming next.
This brings out Matt Morgan to make fun of Hulk because that story is still going on after not being mentioned for months I guess. Morgan doesn't like Park having a contract here and calls Park Hogan's biggest mistake. One by one, Morgan is going to eliminate each and every one of Hulk's mistakes, starting with Park. He tells Park to leave but Morgan insults Chicago and that means it's time to fight. Morgan uses the always lame “on my time” excuse and goes to leave, only to catch Park not paying attention and kicking him in the head. Morgan says his time is next week.
Aces and 8's want to know if Hulk is going to fire them because they've destroyed a lot of people. Ray thinks destroying the show sounds like a good idea so let's go do that.
We get some clips of Brooke freaking out after the end of Lockdown.
Austin Aries vs. Sting
Feeling out process to start as the fans are split on who to cheer for. Sting carries Aries over to the corner but Austin lays on the ropes to show off. Sting kicks him down but misses a Stinger Splash as Aries bails to the outside. Back in for a bit before Sting knocks him right back to the floor. There's the Stinger Splash to Roode against the barricade and Aries is sent through the barricade as we take a break.
Back with Sting still in control but he has to stop and yell at Roode, which gets Bobby ejected. The distraction lets Aries kick the rope into the Little Stingers and there's the suicide dive for good measure. Back in and Aries hits a middle rope dropkick to the back of a seated Sting for two. Aries pounds away in the corner but Sting gets in a few right hands. A dropkick to the knee puts Sting back down though and Aries keeps control via a quickly broken half crab.
Back up and Sting misses a dropkick but Aries tries for the Scorpion Deathlock. Unfortunately he doesn't know hot to hook the hold and Sting is able to come back again. A big clothesline spins Aries inside out but Austin bails away from the real Scorpion. After guillotining Sting down on the top rope, a missile dropkick puts Sting down for about one second.
Sting busts out a gorilla press slam before missing another Stinger Splash. Aries hits a running dropkick in the corner and a running splash of his own. The brainbuster is countered into a Scorpion Death Drop for two but the Stinger Splash sets up the Deathlock...but here are Aces and 8's for the DQ at 15:16.
Aces and 8's want to know if Hogan is going to fire them.
After a break Ray is still wanting Hogan to come out and here he is. Hulk is still on crutches so he stays on the stage. He says firing Aces and 8's would be too easy and they deserve the hard way. It might not be today or tomorrow, but it's coming. Right now, Hogan is telling everyone on the roster to go to war with the bikers.
About five guys (including Angle, Terry, Hardy, Chavo and Hernandez) runs out to beat down Aces and 8's but there are too many bikers resulting in a big beatdown of the TNA guys. Jeff Hardy is beaten down in just a few seconds and this is a pretty lame brawl. Ray says is this what you meant by memorable and starts destroying everyone with his chain. Ray goes halfway up the ramp and says the cavalry just got destroyed. He asks what his dad is going to do to end the show.
Results
Mickie James/Velvet Sky b. Tara/Gail Kim – In Yo Face to Tara
Rob Terry b. Robbie E – Spinebuster
James Storm b. Christopher Daniels – Backstabber
Sting b. Austin Aries via DQ when Aces and 8's interfered
Friday
Impact got a 1.07, down from last week.
Smackdown
Date: March 15, 2013
Location: Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Commentators: Michael Cole, Josh Matthews, Brad Maddox
Back to Smackdown as we continue getting ready for Wrestlemania. Counting this episode we have four episodes to go before the big show and a lot of the card is already set. The main thing we still need to do is officially announce the likely six man tag between Shield and Orton/Sheamus/Big Show. We have a main event tonight of Ryback vs. Mark Henry, which I have a feeling won't happen. Let's get to it.
Sheamus/Randy Orton vs. Rhodes Scholars
Before the match we get a clip of Shield attacking Orton and Sheamus on Sunday. We also hear from Sandow who complains about how bad things went on Monday, but tonight the Scholars are going to ruin Orton and Sheamus' night. Rhodes and Sheamus start things off and after Cody can't get anything going he makes the tag off to Sandow. Damien stomps Sheamus down in the corner but Sheamus comes back with the knee lift and some running forearms.
Sheamus hits the ten forearms to the chest of Sandow before they head to the floor, allowing Rhodes to hit the Disaster Kick off the apron to take Sheamus out. After a break we come back with Cody dropkicking Sheamus down for two. Back to Sandow who pounds away on the pale one, only to have Sheamus headbutt him from the mat to escape. A front facelock keeps Sheamus in control but he punches his way out.
Sheamus is sent into the corner but the referee stops Sandow for a lecture. Damien charges into an elbow in the corner followed by the top rope shoulder from Sheamus to put both guys down. The hot tag brings in Orton to powerslam Rhodes. A t-bone suplex puts Cody down again as does the Elevated DDT. It's a Brogue Kick for Sandow and the RKO to Cody for the pin at 5:57 shown of 9:27. Cole: “HASHTAG CELTIC VIPERS!” It's time to push Twitter again apparently.
Post match here's the Shield...on the screen. They say Sheamus and Orton should be afraid, but not tonight. Ambrose lists off all the people they've taken apart and left laying in the ring like roadkill. Rollins wants to know why Shield doesn't have a match at Wrestlemania because that's the biggest injustice of all. Ambrose tells Sheamus and Orton to find a partner for a six man tag. Orton and Sheamus say they're in.
Fandango debuts tonight. Again.
We recap Lesnar's beatdown of the Outlaws from Raw as well as Heyman accepting Lesnar's challenge for Wrestlemania.
Sheamus and Orton talk about making the right choice when Big Show comes up. He offers his services even though he doesn't trust either guy. Instead though, Sheamus and Orton have apparently picked Ryback.
Kaitlyn/Layla vs. Tamina Snuka/Aksana
Tamina shoves Layla down to start but Layla comes back with some kicks. Tamina slams Layla as he blocks a kick before bringing in Aksana. The crowd is dead for this. The Funkadactyls are watching in the back. Aksana puts on a lame bow and arrow hold before it's back to Tamina for another suplex. Layla whips Tamina into the corner, allowing for a hot tag to Kaitlyn. She fires off kicks and right hands to Aksana and spears her down, but Layla tags herself in and hits Lots of Layla (that bouncing cross body out of the corner of hers) for the pin at 3:52.
The Bellas come in to see the Funkadactyls and the dancers say the Bellas were big influences on them. The Bellas call the Funkadactyls hoochie mamas who dance for a dinosaur and a man who thinks he's Japanese. A brawl erupts and the Bellas leave the Funkadactyls laying.
We go back to Raw to recap the events with Punk, Kane, Undertaker and the urn during the tribute to Paul Bearer.
Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler
Kane takes him into the corner to start and fires off some knee lifts before punching away in another corner. An uppercut puts Ziggler down on the floor for a bit but he fires off some right hands back inside to get himself a breather. A big boot puts Ziggler down again though as does a slam. Dolph fires off more right hands but gets backdropped out to the apron. He comes back in with a missile dropkick for two before kicking Kane in the face.
A front facelock by Ziggler is easily thrown off by Kane but Ziggler counters with the jumping DDT for two. Kane comes right back with a delayed vertical suplex for two. A powerslam attempt is countered into the sleeper by Ziggler but Kane flips him down onto his back for two. Kane's top rope clothesline puts Dolph down but an AJ distraction breaks up the chokeslam. Langston throws Bryan into the timekeeper's area so Kane kick Big E. down. Back inside Ziggler hits a Fameasser and the Zig Zag for the pin at 7:17.
Post match Langston lays out Kane.
We get another parody video from Del Rio and Ricardo, this one about evil Canadian immigrants. Apparently they're crossing the border and bringing in maple syrup. Is this supposed to be amusing?
Jericho and R-Truth are laughing at the video in the back when Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter come in. Swagger talks about putting the weight of the country on his back and fighting for America's soul. They accuse Jericho of sneaking across the border and stealing American jobs, but Jericho points out that he was born in New York. Jericho tells Swagger to focus on his match with Del Rio at Wrestlemania but not until after their match tonight.
Fandango still debuts tonight. Allegedly.
Great Khali vs. Fandango
I'm sure you know the drill by now. Khali can't pronounce Fandango's name so no match. The idea is starting to get old in a hurry. We waste another five minutes on this.
We get the Rock vs. Cena video from Raw.
Sheamus and Orton talk about being excited for the six man when Shield jumps them. Ryback comes up but Booker tells him to go fight Mark Henry instead of worrying about Shield.
Mark Henry vs. Ryback
They lock up and fight into the corner but here's Shield about thirty five seconds in. No match for all intents and purposes.
Henry bails and Ryback clears out Shield. Henry gets back in but Shield comes back in to beat Ryback down. The TripleBomb lays Ryback out and the Shield leaves, allowing Henry to hit a pair World's Strongest Slams for good measure.
Jack Swagger vs. Chris Jericho
Feeling out process to start as they fight for control via a hammerlock. Swagger takes over with a big right hand in the corner but Jericho clotheslines him to get a breather. The springboard dropkick sends Swagger to the floor and we take a break. Back with Swagger hitting a running knee in the corner before hooking a double chickenwing. Jericho finally rolls his way out of it but gets kicked right back down for two.
Off to a front facelock by Jack but Jericho rolls over into a near fall. Jack takes out the knee with a chop block to set up the Patriot Lock. Chris kicks off and gets two more off a small package, only to be suplexed down for two for Swagger. We take another break and come back with Swagger hitting a running splash in the corner but Jericho comes back with a DDT for two. Chris fires off some kicks but Swagger grabs the gutwrench, only to have the powerbomb countered into the Walls of Jericho.
Swagger blocks those though and puts on the Patriot Lock but Jericho rolls through THAT and puts on the Walls. They're not on tight though and Swagger makes a rope. Out to the floor we go with Jericho sending Jack into the steps. Back in and a top rope cross body gets two for the Canadian but Jack blocks the Codebreaker. The gutwrench powerbomb is enough to end Jericho at 10:03 shown of 16:33.
Results
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – RKO to Rhodes
Kaitlyn/Layla b. Tamina Snuka/Aksana – LOL to Aksana
Dolph Ziggler b. Kane – Zig Zag
Ryback vs. Mark Henry went to a no contest when Shield interfered
Jack Swagger b. Chris Jericho – Gutwrench Powerbomb
Saturday
Nothing.
Sunday
Nothing.
Quick Results
Monday Night Raw
Big Show b. Seth Rollins via DQ when Shield interfered
Dolph Ziggler b. Daniel Bryan – Zig Zag
New Age Outlaws b. Rhodes Scholars via DQ when Brock Lesnar interfered
Mark Henry b. Kofi Kingston – World's Strongest Slam
Ryback b. Heath Slater – Shell Shock
Alberto Del Rio b. Antonio Cesaro – Cross Armbreaker
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – Brogue Kick to Sandow
The Miz vs. Chris Jericho went to a no contest when Wade Barrett interfered
Jack Swagger b. Sin Cara – Patriot Lock
Kane b. CM Punk – Chokeslam
NXT
Kassius Ohno b. Derrick Bateman – Big Boot
Summer Rae b. Emma – Spinwheel Kick
Bo Dallas b. Bray Wyatt – Belly to belly suplex
Big E. Langston b. Antonio Cesaro via DQ when Corey Graves interfered
Impact Wrestling
Mickie James/Velvet Sky b. Tara/Gail Kim – In Yo Face to Tara
Rob Terry b. Robbie E – Spinebuster
James Storm b. Christopher Daniels – Backstabber
Sting b. Austin Aries via DQ when Aces and 8's interfered
Smackdown
Sheamus/Randy Orton b. Rhodes Scholars – RKO to Rhodes
Kaitlyn/Layla b. Tamina Snuka/Aksana – LOL to Aksana
Dolph Ziggler b. Kane – Zig Zag
Ryback vs. Mark Henry went to a no contest when Shield interfered
Jack Swagger b. Chris Jericho – Gutwrench Powerbomb