klunderbunker
Welcome to My (And Not Sly's) House
Monday
Smackdown got a 1.89, about the same as last week.
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 30, 2013
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, John Bradshaw Layfield
It's the final show before Battleground a mere fifteen days after Night of Champions. If that's too fast for you, don't worry because you'll get another PPV just three weeks after this Sunday. Tonight will probably just firm up stuff for the show on Sunday, but there's a chance we'll get new developments in the potential locker room revolt. Let's get to it.
It's breast cancer awareness month again, meaning the middle rope is pink and there's a graphic on the ramp.
Here's Punk to open things up and we get a clip from Heyman's scheme last week, leading to Ryback's beatdown. Punk talks about how things are often unpredictable around here but once in awhile you can guess what's happening. Take last week for instance: Punk was in his hometown so of course Heyman was going to come after him. Everyone knew Punk would get jumped if he went after Heyman and that's exactly what happened.
That doesn't matter though as the story ends with Punk making Axel go to sleep, showing Ryback what happens to bullies, and when Punk gets his hands on Paul Heyman. The story could end at anytime. It could be at Battleground, or it could be right here tonight. Punk isn't leaving the ring until he gets a fight with one of Heyman's guys and he gets rid of Heyman for good.
Cue Brad Maddox (Punk: You don't even get an entrance song?) who says this ultimate showdown isn't best for business. Punk already has his match with Ryback on Sunday so there's no need to give him another one now. Maddox is willing to give Punk a match here tonight though.....and here's Big E. Langston for the first time in weeks. Big E. says he's Punk's man if Punk wants aggression and the beating is on. Punk is tossed into the corner but he misses a charge into the post and here's a referee. The bell is after the break.
CM Punk vs. Big E. Langston
Joined in progress with Punk firing off kicks on the floor before sending Langston back inside for a high cross body for one. Big E. escapes the GTS and slams Punk out of the corner for two. A splash to Punk's back gets the same and it's off to a half crab from Big E. CM fights up but gets run over by Langston for two more. A nice looking belly to belly suplex puts Punk down again and Langston is getting a little frustrated.
Punk comes back with a high kick for two but gets taken down by a clothesline for the same. A second splash misses though and it's Punk coming back with his kicks. Langston is taken down with a neckbreaker and there's the running knee in the corner. There's the Macho Elbow and the GTS is good for the clean pin at 5:52 shown.
We recap Cody Rhodes being fired.
Kofi Kingston vs. Fandango
Fandango is in a pink shirt, allowing Cole to list off everything he can about the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We also get part of a compilation of 30 Troubles in Paradise from Youtube, because we need to see a Youtube player on screen instead of just showing the video right? Fandango takes Kofi down with a quick suplex and puts on a chinlock as the fans chant overrated. Kofi spins out of a hiptoss and DDTs Fandango down for a breather. Kingston comes back with some double chops but gets sent into the buckle. Fandango goes up but Kofi moves before the legdrop. Trouble in Paradise is good for the pin at 3:02.
Post match here are the Wyatts with Bray sitting on the stage, asking why these things happen to him. He promises to knock everyone down one by one, so follow the buzzards. Creepy as ever.
Ziggler vs. Sandow is the Kickoff match for Sunday.
The Bellas are in the back when Randy Orton (fangirl pop) comes up to offer some sarcastic congratulations to Brie for her engagement to Daniel Bryan. Orton wants to know the date before it needs to be scheduled before Battleground because Daniel won't be able to make it after then.
Paul Heyman chastises Renee Young for thinking Punk will be taking him out anytime soon. Heyman says Punk was a nobody who because a Paul Heyman guy before becoming WWE Champion but the forgot what made them the best in the world. Renee says that Axel and Ryback can be seen hiding off camera, meaning Heyman must be planning another trap. Heyman says he has a big plan for tonight's Raw and if Punk wants to do something about it, go ahead and try.
Los Matadores vs. 3MB
It's Mahal and Slater here. Los Matadores are named Fernando and Diego and their graphic says they have a miniature bull with them named El Torito. After an over the top intro sequence with a bunch of flips and waving of red capes, we start with Diego (Primo) throwing Mahal around and into the corner for a tag off to Slater.
Heath is thrown around and backdropped but he shoves I think Fernando into the corner for some double teaming. A knee drop has Fernando in trouble and we hit a quick chinlock. Fernando comes back with a headscissors and it's back to Diego to clean house. Everything breaks down and something resembling a double Angle Slam takes out Slater at 3:58.
Here are HHH and Stephanie to address the Rhodes family face to face. Goldust comes out in a suit while still wearing the facepaint. Stephanie congratulates Cody on the wedding and hopes he got the Bed Bath and Beyond gift card. HHH wants to know why they're staring at him because this is what, the fourth opportunity the family has gotten? Cody failed, Goldust failed and Dusty made it about himself. Is Dusty still upset about not being able to do anything outside of Florida or the NWA (I'd be shocked if more than 5% of the live crowd understood that)?
Stephanie says Dusty has a very important job by training new superstars down in Orlando, meaning the future is in Dusty's hands. Tonight though, the family's future is in Stephanie and HHH's hands. They'd like to give Cody and Goldust a job if they can beat Rollins and Reigns this Sunday at Battleground. If they lose though, neither of them will ever work for WWE again, including Dusty.
Big Dust grabs the mic and says he'll be in his boys' corner. Stephanie says you're on but Dusty sounds like he wants a fight. The bosses leave and here's Shield for the brawl. Dusty tries to bring in a chair but gets beaten down as well. Cody takes the TripleBomb and the Shield stands tall.
Curtis Axel vs. R-Truth
Non-title. Axel pounds away to start but Truth comes back with kicks to the leg. He rains down right hands in the corner, only to be dropped face first onto the buckle to give the champion control again. A nice dropkick from Axel puts Truth down and we hit the chinlock. Truth fights up and hits the suplex into a Stunner for two but misses a dropkick. Before Axel can follow up, Punk's music hits and the distraction lets Truth hit the Little Jimmy for the pin at 4:20. No Punk.
Trish Stratus has had a son. Cool.
Video on Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan, which is an excuse to show clips from Total Divas.
Alicia Fox vs. Brie Bella
Feeling out process to start with Alicia taking over with some choking. The northern lights suplex gets two on Brie as AJ and Tamina are watching in the back. After a quick headscissors from Alicia, Brie comes back with some running kicks and the Bella Buster for the pin at 3:19.
Axel is upset but Heyman tells him to calm down. Heyman says Punk is just messing with them but is out of their league. Ryback comes up and says there's nothing to worry about because they should just give Punk what they want. Heyman tells Ryback to go get something to eat and he'll come find him in a few minutes. Ryback leaves and Heyman says he sees the world differently since Ryback saved him. Heyman says, and this is a direct quote, that he's going to go to the ring and propose to Ryback.
We look at Big Show knocking Miz out last week as per Stephanie's orders.
Big Show, in a suit, says he's doing ok. We look at a clip from Smackdown with HHH telling Big Show there aren't many jobs for a guy like him and Big Show nearly knocking HHH out. Show talks about everyone telling him to do the right thing, but that's easy to say when they're not in his shoes. How can he pick between his job and his family?
He's a good person but he has to do evil for the sake of his family. Show rants about having to knock out Dusty Rhodes and now he can't even look him in the eye. There's only so much he can take and he's not going to take it anymore. He's going to go knock HHH out. Show's eyes are bugging out and it looks very disturbing.
R-Truth is asking for an Intercontinental Title shot when Big Show comes in and lifts Maddox against the wall, demanding to know where HHH is. Maddox is let down and goes off to find him.
Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio takes him into the corner before running Ryder over with a shoulder block. Ryder comes back with a clothesline to send Alberto to the floor but misses a plancha to give Del Rio control again. Del Rio pounds away on the floor before heading back inside for a reverse chinlock. There's the tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and it's back to the chinlock again. Ryder comes back with all of his usual stuff but the Rough Ryder doesn't connect and Del Rio grabs a German suplex for two. The armbreaker gets the submission at 4:07.
We recap the Rhodes family segment from earlier.
The breast cancer people are recognized.
Here are Ryback and Heyman for the proposal. Heyman says he was man enough to pin Punk at Night of Champions to prove he's the best in the world, but he's also an expert in political science. He owns CM Punk, so it was his obligation to squash the rebellion that Punk was starting last week in Chicago. That was getting rid of a dictator which si the right move politically. We get the same clip from earlier of Punk being beaten down by the Heyman guys in case the fans forgot it in the last hour and a half.
Heyman says he's here because Ryback decided to stand up to the bully that is CM Punk. Ryback says he hates bullies like Punk who took everything Heyman did for him and throw it back in Paul's face so he had to do something. Heyman talks about how progressive of a society we live in today and he wants more than just a client relationship with Ryback. He wants to make a commitment to Ryback from the opening match to the main event, in sickness and in health and until death do them part.
Paul wants to make an honest man out of Ryback so he takes him by the hand and drops to a knee. Paul's proposal: will Ryback be the new Paul Heyman guy? Before there's an answer we get more Punk music and here's Punk through the crowd. He jumps the barricade....and hurts his knee, collapsing down to the floor in pain. This goes on for awhile until Punk limps to the apron but can't get in. Heyman goes for it for some stupid reason, allowing Punk to pop up with a kendo stick and lay out Heyman, Ryback and the charging Axel with ease. Axel takes a GTS as Punk hops around to show how good his knee is.
Big Show is still waiting for HHH.
Dolph Ziggler/Usos vs. Shield
On the way to the ring we get another Youtube video to answer the burning question: which Uso is a better dancer? After that greatness, we start with Ziggler getting punched by Ambrose in the corner. Ziggler comes back with a dropkick but a rake to the eyes allows for the tag off to Rollins. The Usos come in with some double teaming and it's Jimmy hooking an armbar on Seth.
Rollins takes him into the Shield corner and it's back to Ambrose for some double teaming. Jimmy ducks a double clothesline and tries a double cross body, only to be caught in the air. Jey dropkicks Jimmy's back to drop both guys down. Everything breaks down and the Usos hit stereo dives to Dean and Roman as we take a break. Back with Seth holding Jimmy in a chinlock. A suplex puts Rollins down but it's ff to Ambrose before Jimmy can make a tag.
Off to a chinlock from the US Champion as the fans are wanting Ziggler. Roman comes in to complete the trio of chinlockery before something like Cena's spinning side slam gets two. Jimmy superkicks out of it and FINALLY makes the tag off to Dolph to fire up the crowd. Ziggler loads up the ten straight elbowso n Dean but has to dropkick Rollins out of the air before finishing.
A Fameasser gets two on Ambrose as Reigns makes the Shield save. Jimmy shoves Roman to the floor but Dean breaks up the attempted dive. Off to Rollins as Dean is sent to the floor. Roman makes a blind tag as Dolph Zig Zags Rollins, only to be speared in half for the pin at 12:04.
Big Show is still waiting on HHH and even throws some flowers to the floor. Instead he gets cops who don't like that he's threatening a WWE employee. Stephanie comes in to say Show is under a lot of pressure and doesn't understand the consequences of his actions. Stephanie has talked to Show's wife and implies he can't perform to her standards as of late if you get Stephanie's drift. Everyone but Show leaves so Big Show punches a HHH poster.
RVD shows us a Youtube video of his ten most extreme moments. In case you didn't get it, WWE has a Youtube channel and you need to subscribe to it or your puppy will be lit on fire and your mother will be fed to mutant pigs. Del Rio has no idea what hardcore is about because anything goes. By anything of course they mean chairs to the back, trashcan lids, the steps and a table.
Big Show vs. Shield on Friday.
Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro
Before the match we get the entire giant swing on Titus last week which is still amazing. Cesaro fires off a bunch of elbows to start and stomps on Santino's chest. A chinlock is quickly broken but Cesaro can't hook the swing. Santino comes back with his usual stuff before loading up the Cobra. Thankfully Cesaro punches him down and here's the weekly swing with Santino dropping the stupid sock. The fans are counting the revolutions as they go and we hit an insane 32. Santino stands up but immaturity falls back down, only to roll up Cesaro for the pin at 2:51. Well of course he does.
We look at the marriage announcement between Brie and Bryan again.
Lawler is in the ring to moderate the face to face meeting between Bryan and Orton. Randy talks about how he's the old Predator again and how dangerous that makes him. He's genetically superior to the B+ Bryan and will prove it on Sunday. Bryan says that's A+ all the way from Orton but asks why HHH picked him as the face of the WWE. It's because he wants Orton to be on magazines and DVDs whereas Bryan would never want to be the best because of something like that.
Orton stops the YES chants before shifting over to Brie Bella. He doesn't understand what must be wrong with Brie to make her want to be with Bryan, because one day she'll realize she's sleeping with a barnyard animal. That's enough for Bryan and the beating is on. They head to the floor where Orton takes over and sends Bryan into the steps and post. The beating continues and Orton loads up the Elevated DDT on the floor, drawing out Brie to beg for mercy. Orton of course DDTs him on the floor and loads up the announce table. An RKO to Bryan through the table ends the show as Brie freaks out.
Results
CM Punk b. Big E. Langston GTS
Kofi Kingston b. Fandango Trouble in Paradise
Los Matadores b. 3MB Double falling slam to Slater
R-Truth b. Curtis Axel Little Jimmy
Brie Bella b. Alicia Fox Bella Buster
Alberto Del Rio b. Zack Ryder Cross armbreaker
Shield b. Usos/Dolph Ziggler Spear to Ziggler
Tuesday
Raw got a 2.68, down from last week.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: October 2, 2013
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Alex Riley, Tony Dawson, Renee Young
It's a big show tonight with both the Bo Dallas open challenge and the Ascension challenging Graves and Neville for the tag titles. The main question in the open challenge isn't will Sami Zayn get involved but how will he get involved. The big showdown is coming and the blowoff match is going to be awesome. Let's get to it.
Fandango is here tonight for a mixed tag with Summer Rae against Emma and whomever she can find for a partner.
Welcome Home.
Fandango/Summer Rae vs. Emma/???
The partner is.....Santino, meaning he now gets to waste our time on NXT too. The guys start with Santino almost falling off the buckles while posing. The fans insist that he try it again but they have to settle for the middle rope. Wait we're still not ready as the guys have to dance a bit. The fans tell Fandango that he got served so he tries a kick to the ribs. Both guys catch kicks at the same time until Santino shoves him away. A right hand drops Marella as we're finally going a bit.
Santino teases the Cobra, sending Fandango to the floor. Renee teaches the Cobra to dance and we take a break. Back with Fandango not being sure what to do so here are the girls for a change of pace. Summer wants nothing to do with Emma so it's back to the guys again. Phillips: Doing the do-see-do instead of the Fandango. They change over and over until Fandango gets annoyed and punches Santino in the jaw. Apparently Fandango has been hitting on Renee but she doesn't seem to mind that much.
An uppercut sends Santino into the corner and Summer gets in a hard slap, drawing Emma out to the floor. Santino makes a dive to the empty corner for the tag in a cute spot. Santino can't nip up so Fandango goes up for the legdrop but Santino rolls across the ring before Fandango jumps. This is so funny that they do it three times in a row until Marella rolls him up for two.
Now the nip-up works and it's off to the girls for their first contact. Summer misses a charge and gets caught in the Dilemma followed by the cross body in the corner for two. Santino gives Emma the sock but it's time for a catfight instead. Summer is whipped into Fandango which catapults him in and also counts as a tag. Everything breaks down and our heroes do stereo Santino spots until Santino hits the Cobra for the pin on Fandango at 10:15 shown of 13:45.
Ascension says what they did to Cassady and Amore is nothing compared to what they'll do to win the tag titles.
Kassius Ohno vs. Luke Harper
Renee is off commentary. Ohno is looking in a bit better shape. Harper comes out on his own and looks more confused than usual. Ohno is quickly sent out to the floor but comes back with a one foot dropkick to stagger Harper. Not that it matters as a clothesline puts Ohno down and Harper rains down punches. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Kassius fights up and connects with some strikes. Harper rolls to the floor but even a baseball slide can't knock him down. Back in and it's the big boot and a discus lariat to end Ohno at 2:57. This was a squash.
Amore and Cassady want another shot at Rusev and Dawson. Cassady says he wouldn't even let Dawson fix his car. The only thing Rusev is breaking is his mother's heart by not wearing shoes. Enzo says Dawson and Rusev have been eating tacos. SAWFT tacos! Cassady: I worry about you sometimes.
Mojo Rawley is going to hype us next week. I've heard a lot about him but I've never actually seen him.
Tag Titles: Ascension vs. Corey Graves/Adrian Neville
Ascension is challenging. Neville and Victor get us going with the champion flipping around and kicking Victor down for two. Victor gets kicked in the head but shrugs it off to bring in O'Brien. Neville escapes a suplex and makes the tag off to Graves who still has injured ribs, which are made worse by a flapjack from O'Brien for two. Victor comes back in and goes right after the ribs before giving it back to Conor.
Back from a break with Graves hitting a cross body on Victor but injuring his ribs in the process. O'Brien hooks a body scissors to keep Graves in trouble before it's back to Victor for more right hands to the head. We hit another chinlock until Graves fights up and avoids a charge in the corner, sending Rick's shoulder into the post.
Off to Neville for the rapid fire kicks and a pair of dropkicks to lay out Ascension. Both guys are knocked to the floor for a BIG dive to take out both challengers. Victor is sent back in and caught with a springboard missile dropkick for two. A high kick to the head looks to set up Red Arrow but Rick moves at the last second, giving Victor two. Graves pulls Neville to the corner for the tag but walks into a running knee to the head. Fall of Man (Total Elimination) is enough for the pin and the titles for O'Brien at 10:40 shown of 13:00.
RVD is here next week.
Bo Dallas Invitational
The idea is that anyone can come out to challenge Dallas and if anyone can pin him, they get a title shot in two weeks. The first guy up is named Chance Champion which I found online. He doesn't get an entrance, so the fans chant Let's go this guy! because they're actually paying attention to the show instead of saying random things to entertain themselves. Champion (the person, not the champion) gets a quick rollup for two but Bo pounds
him in the corner and spears him down for the pin at 1:12.
Next up is Leo Kruger and Bo seems ready. Actually wait as here's Antonio Cesaro instead to take the shot. The fans want a triple threat but the challengers fight instead until Kruger is sent to the floor. Cesaro brags too much though and gets dumped by Dallas, which I guess is an elimination?
Next in is El Local who avoids a quick and hits a running boot to the face in the corner for the pin in 30 seconds. The fans chant OLE and SI before it's revealed to be Sami Zayn. Somewhere Dean Malenko is smiling.
Results
Santino Marella/Emma b. Fandango/Summer Rae Cobra to Fandango
Luke Harper b. Kassius Ohno Discus lariat
Ascension b. Adrian Neville/Corey Graves Fall of Man to Graves
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: October 3, 2013
Location: Verizon Arena, Little Rock, Arkansas
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz
We're still in Arkansas and the main story is still Dixie Carter vs. Hulk Hogan, despite us only having three more Impacts until the biggest show of the year. Tonight is about Hogan's decision on whether or not to join Dixie's side in whatever she thinks she's doing. If we're lucky we might even get Bully and AJ in the same ring for the first time for the build to their match. Let's get to it.
We open with the customary recap of last week's events.
Here's AJ to address the crowd. He can appreciate Hogan trying to come out here last week and smooth things over, but then Dixie Carter came out and showed her true colors. AJ isn't here to talk about Dixie or Hogan though. Instead he wants to talk about his opponent at Bound For Glory. What a refreshing idea. He knows exactly who Bully Ray is: the man that he'll beat at Bound For Glory for the world title. Styles doesn't have a contract right now and hasn't even looked at the world title in over a year. He's coming to get what's his at Bound For Glory, but here's Bully Ray to object.
Bully says Dixie is in AJ's head because AJ is just hoping to win. If AJ was really in the game, he would know that he's going to win rather than just hoping. AJ doesn't have to worry about Dixie in San Diego though, because Bully will give him all he can handle. Look at what Ray has done to people like Hogan, Hardy or D-Von. What do you think he'll do to a guy like Styles? AJ knows who he is: the man that beat AJ in a last man standing match two years ago. AJ has one thing Ray wants: he wants to take Styles away from the fans. Bully is sick of hearing the fans chant AJ, and there's the chant again.
Styles says that Bully is just like Dixie Carter, but Ray takes that as a compliment. Dixie is a millionaire and a somebody while Bully is a millionaire and the World Heavyweight Champion. Ray goes OFF on AJ, ranting about how he's going to beat AJ into the ground and send him back home to his trailer, wife and three kids. AJ thinks Ray is going to get killed in his match tonight against Samoa Joe, which is a surprise to Ray.
Magnus is going to run the EGO gauntlet tonight.
Dixie has AJ escorted out by security but he leaves on his own so he doesn't have to breathe the same air Dixie is breathing.
Kenny King/Chris Sabin vs. Manik/Jeff Hardy
Austin Aries is on commentary. Manik and King get us going with Kenny taking him into the corner for some choking by Sabin. Chris comes in legally but the double team doesn't work as King is caught in a springboard hurricanrana to send him into the corner. Off to Jeff to speed things up and hit a middle rope splash on King for two. Back to Manik for something resembling an octopus hold on King before rolling him up for two. King's cut from last week has busted open again.
King snaps Manik throat first across the top rope before bringing Sabin back in for a basement dropkick. Manik is tied up in the Tree of Woe so Sabin can stand on his crotch for some torture and a two count. Back to King for some right hands before Sabin comes back in for some choking in the corner.
Chris runs into a boot in the corner and a middle rope dropkick (Aries: Right in the brain stem!) puts Sabin down. Hardy comes in off the hot tag and cleans house with the sitout gordbuster on King for two. Sabin breaks up the Twist attempt on King as everything breaks down. Manik sends Sabin to the floor and hits his double chicken wing gutbuster on King, setting up the Swanton for the pin at 7:07.
Post match Sabin goes after Manik but Aries makes the save. Austin asks for a four way match with Manik, Sabin, Hardy and himself for the title at Bound For Glory.
Sting and Hogan have a legends powwow about what Hogan should do. Hulk declares Dixie worse than Bischoff before a girl delivers a gift from Dixie. It's a watch, the same one that Dixie gave Sting as a retirement gift. Hogan: She is worse than Bischoff. He never gave me anything.
We look at EGO jumping Magnus last week. Later in the night Sting asked Magnus what happened. Magnus says they're in his head and he wants all three of them on his own next week (tonight). He's icing his knee but says it's just tweeked.
EGO vs. Magnus
It's a gauntlet match with Daniels up first. Magnus jumps Daniels in the corner but Chris comes back with elbows to the neck. Daniels gets shouldered down and asks for a breather, only to get kicked in the ribs for his efforts. Chris goes to the throat to slow the Brit down before bulldogging him throat first on the top rope. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Daniels can't hit Angel's Wings. Magnus comes back with a clothesline but jumps into the Koji Clutch. He's right next to the ropes though so Daniels goes up for the BME, only to land on Magnus' bad leg. The Falcon's Arrow eliminates Daniels at 3:55.
Kazarian is up next and Magnus doesn't wait for him to get to the ring. We take a break and come back with Kazarian raking the eyes to escape a press slam. A dropkick puts Magnus down again for two but he comes back with right hands out of the corner. Magnus punches him down and drops the top rope elbow for two. He goes up but gets kicked in the chest, only to roll through Fade to Black into the Cloverleaf for the submission at 12:37 total.
Last up is Bobby Roode but Kaz clips Magnus' knee and crunches it in between his own legs. Roode goes after the leg as we take a break. Back with Roode still working on the knee like a smart heel would. Roode can't get a figure four, allowing Magnus to fight up and hit another Falcon's Arrow for a quick two. He tries the Cloverleaf again but can't sit down on it like he should.
Bobby punches at the bad leg to escape but gets shoved off during a superplex attempt. Magnus misses the top rope elbow and gets caught in the Crossface. Just as he's about to make the rope, Roode pulls him back and puts on an ankle lock with a grapevine for the submission at 23:08.
Magnus is mad post match but here's Sting with something to say. The Brit won't listen to reason so Sting says let's go to the back and talk about this. Magnus says no with all due respect because he's had enough. He says everyone in the Mafia sees something in him but it's not really there. Sting, Joe and Kurt all passed the challenges given to him but Magnus has failed every time.
Sting tries to calm him down but Magnus says he doesn't need another pep talk. Magnus says this is a results driven business but he's not getting the results. Sting talks about needing the one big match and he got it with Ric Flair but Magnus cuts him off. He saw the Flair match with his own eyes and has been watching Sting his whole career. Magnus was one step away from Bound For Glory but now who puts him on the map? Sting says he'll do it at BFG and they shake hands.
Aries has a present for Hogan too: vegan vitamins. Maybe even a prayer or two would help Hogan make the right decision. Aries talks about Hogan doing the right thing over his entire career and says tonight is all black and white.
Video on Hogan's history in TNA.
Sabin won't be at ringside for Velvet's match tonight because he has to focus on his match at Bound For Glory.
We recap the gauntlet match.
EGO celebrates their win by singing their version of Roode's theme song. They're happy because Magnus is off somewhere crying. Also Roode is going to be the first inductee into the EGO Hall of Fame with the ceremony next week. It's going to be a black tie affair with everyone dressed to the nines. Kaz: Let's make it to the tens!
Brooke Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky
Winner gets a title shot at BFG. Before the match here's Lei'D Tapa to destroy Velvet so no match.
We get our first clip of Ethan who appears to be at a Hollywood store shopping but doesn't seem impressed. We can't see his face.
We recap Gunner and Storm's run as tag champions.
Bound for Glory card.
Video on Angle's career.
Samoa Joe vs. Bully Ray
Joe is apparently one of AJ's Band of Brothers, because if there's one thing TNA needs it's another group. They shove each other around to start with Ray running his mouth too much and getting shoved out of the corner. Joe pounds away in the corner but misses a knee drop, only to put on the standing choke. Ray escapes and grabs the chain, only to have Hebner take it away so Ray can hit the Samoan low.
Back with Ray clotheslining Joe down but missing an elbow drop to give Joe a breather. Joe comes back with a kick to the face and a middle rope kick to the chest for two. The referee gets crushed in the corner as Joe hooks up the Clutch. Ray taps but there's no referee, so naturally he lets go of the hold. Ray gets the chain around his hand and hits a middle rope ax handle, only to get caught for the DQ at 10:20.
Post match Ray shoves the referee and sends Joe into the announce table. He pulls back the mats for a piledriver on the floor but AJ makes the save and celebrates with the fans.
Here's Dixie to tell us we don't know anything about business. Hulk Hogan however does know a little bit about it so please come out here and let's take care of this. Hogan looks annoyed as Dixie says she can take him to the next level. He thanks her for the watch and talks about always wanting to be part of a power couple in this business. While it's an amazing offer, he's quitting. Hogan throws down the mic and walks away, leaving Dixie on her knees begging, because you can't have Hogan on a wrestling show without worshiping him right?
Results
Manik/Jeff Hardy b. Chris Sabin/Kenny King Swanton Bomb to King
EGO b. Magnus Ankle lock
Samoa Joe b. Bully Ray via DQ when Ray hit Joe with a chain
Smackdown got a 1.89, about the same as last week.
Monday Night Raw
Date: September 30, 2013
Location: Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi
Commentators: Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, John Bradshaw Layfield
It's the final show before Battleground a mere fifteen days after Night of Champions. If that's too fast for you, don't worry because you'll get another PPV just three weeks after this Sunday. Tonight will probably just firm up stuff for the show on Sunday, but there's a chance we'll get new developments in the potential locker room revolt. Let's get to it.
It's breast cancer awareness month again, meaning the middle rope is pink and there's a graphic on the ramp.
Here's Punk to open things up and we get a clip from Heyman's scheme last week, leading to Ryback's beatdown. Punk talks about how things are often unpredictable around here but once in awhile you can guess what's happening. Take last week for instance: Punk was in his hometown so of course Heyman was going to come after him. Everyone knew Punk would get jumped if he went after Heyman and that's exactly what happened.
That doesn't matter though as the story ends with Punk making Axel go to sleep, showing Ryback what happens to bullies, and when Punk gets his hands on Paul Heyman. The story could end at anytime. It could be at Battleground, or it could be right here tonight. Punk isn't leaving the ring until he gets a fight with one of Heyman's guys and he gets rid of Heyman for good.
Cue Brad Maddox (Punk: You don't even get an entrance song?) who says this ultimate showdown isn't best for business. Punk already has his match with Ryback on Sunday so there's no need to give him another one now. Maddox is willing to give Punk a match here tonight though.....and here's Big E. Langston for the first time in weeks. Big E. says he's Punk's man if Punk wants aggression and the beating is on. Punk is tossed into the corner but he misses a charge into the post and here's a referee. The bell is after the break.
CM Punk vs. Big E. Langston
Joined in progress with Punk firing off kicks on the floor before sending Langston back inside for a high cross body for one. Big E. escapes the GTS and slams Punk out of the corner for two. A splash to Punk's back gets the same and it's off to a half crab from Big E. CM fights up but gets run over by Langston for two more. A nice looking belly to belly suplex puts Punk down again and Langston is getting a little frustrated.
Punk comes back with a high kick for two but gets taken down by a clothesline for the same. A second splash misses though and it's Punk coming back with his kicks. Langston is taken down with a neckbreaker and there's the running knee in the corner. There's the Macho Elbow and the GTS is good for the clean pin at 5:52 shown.
We recap Cody Rhodes being fired.
Kofi Kingston vs. Fandango
Fandango is in a pink shirt, allowing Cole to list off everything he can about the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We also get part of a compilation of 30 Troubles in Paradise from Youtube, because we need to see a Youtube player on screen instead of just showing the video right? Fandango takes Kofi down with a quick suplex and puts on a chinlock as the fans chant overrated. Kofi spins out of a hiptoss and DDTs Fandango down for a breather. Kingston comes back with some double chops but gets sent into the buckle. Fandango goes up but Kofi moves before the legdrop. Trouble in Paradise is good for the pin at 3:02.
Post match here are the Wyatts with Bray sitting on the stage, asking why these things happen to him. He promises to knock everyone down one by one, so follow the buzzards. Creepy as ever.
Ziggler vs. Sandow is the Kickoff match for Sunday.
The Bellas are in the back when Randy Orton (fangirl pop) comes up to offer some sarcastic congratulations to Brie for her engagement to Daniel Bryan. Orton wants to know the date before it needs to be scheduled before Battleground because Daniel won't be able to make it after then.
Paul Heyman chastises Renee Young for thinking Punk will be taking him out anytime soon. Heyman says Punk was a nobody who because a Paul Heyman guy before becoming WWE Champion but the forgot what made them the best in the world. Renee says that Axel and Ryback can be seen hiding off camera, meaning Heyman must be planning another trap. Heyman says he has a big plan for tonight's Raw and if Punk wants to do something about it, go ahead and try.
Los Matadores vs. 3MB
It's Mahal and Slater here. Los Matadores are named Fernando and Diego and their graphic says they have a miniature bull with them named El Torito. After an over the top intro sequence with a bunch of flips and waving of red capes, we start with Diego (Primo) throwing Mahal around and into the corner for a tag off to Slater.
Heath is thrown around and backdropped but he shoves I think Fernando into the corner for some double teaming. A knee drop has Fernando in trouble and we hit a quick chinlock. Fernando comes back with a headscissors and it's back to Diego to clean house. Everything breaks down and something resembling a double Angle Slam takes out Slater at 3:58.
Here are HHH and Stephanie to address the Rhodes family face to face. Goldust comes out in a suit while still wearing the facepaint. Stephanie congratulates Cody on the wedding and hopes he got the Bed Bath and Beyond gift card. HHH wants to know why they're staring at him because this is what, the fourth opportunity the family has gotten? Cody failed, Goldust failed and Dusty made it about himself. Is Dusty still upset about not being able to do anything outside of Florida or the NWA (I'd be shocked if more than 5% of the live crowd understood that)?
Stephanie says Dusty has a very important job by training new superstars down in Orlando, meaning the future is in Dusty's hands. Tonight though, the family's future is in Stephanie and HHH's hands. They'd like to give Cody and Goldust a job if they can beat Rollins and Reigns this Sunday at Battleground. If they lose though, neither of them will ever work for WWE again, including Dusty.
Big Dust grabs the mic and says he'll be in his boys' corner. Stephanie says you're on but Dusty sounds like he wants a fight. The bosses leave and here's Shield for the brawl. Dusty tries to bring in a chair but gets beaten down as well. Cody takes the TripleBomb and the Shield stands tall.
Curtis Axel vs. R-Truth
Non-title. Axel pounds away to start but Truth comes back with kicks to the leg. He rains down right hands in the corner, only to be dropped face first onto the buckle to give the champion control again. A nice dropkick from Axel puts Truth down and we hit the chinlock. Truth fights up and hits the suplex into a Stunner for two but misses a dropkick. Before Axel can follow up, Punk's music hits and the distraction lets Truth hit the Little Jimmy for the pin at 4:20. No Punk.
Trish Stratus has had a son. Cool.
Video on Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan, which is an excuse to show clips from Total Divas.
Alicia Fox vs. Brie Bella
Feeling out process to start with Alicia taking over with some choking. The northern lights suplex gets two on Brie as AJ and Tamina are watching in the back. After a quick headscissors from Alicia, Brie comes back with some running kicks and the Bella Buster for the pin at 3:19.
Axel is upset but Heyman tells him to calm down. Heyman says Punk is just messing with them but is out of their league. Ryback comes up and says there's nothing to worry about because they should just give Punk what they want. Heyman tells Ryback to go get something to eat and he'll come find him in a few minutes. Ryback leaves and Heyman says he sees the world differently since Ryback saved him. Heyman says, and this is a direct quote, that he's going to go to the ring and propose to Ryback.
We look at Big Show knocking Miz out last week as per Stephanie's orders.
Big Show, in a suit, says he's doing ok. We look at a clip from Smackdown with HHH telling Big Show there aren't many jobs for a guy like him and Big Show nearly knocking HHH out. Show talks about everyone telling him to do the right thing, but that's easy to say when they're not in his shoes. How can he pick between his job and his family?
He's a good person but he has to do evil for the sake of his family. Show rants about having to knock out Dusty Rhodes and now he can't even look him in the eye. There's only so much he can take and he's not going to take it anymore. He's going to go knock HHH out. Show's eyes are bugging out and it looks very disturbing.
R-Truth is asking for an Intercontinental Title shot when Big Show comes in and lifts Maddox against the wall, demanding to know where HHH is. Maddox is let down and goes off to find him.
Zack Ryder vs. Alberto Del Rio
Del Rio takes him into the corner before running Ryder over with a shoulder block. Ryder comes back with a clothesline to send Alberto to the floor but misses a plancha to give Del Rio control again. Del Rio pounds away on the floor before heading back inside for a reverse chinlock. There's the tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and it's back to the chinlock again. Ryder comes back with all of his usual stuff but the Rough Ryder doesn't connect and Del Rio grabs a German suplex for two. The armbreaker gets the submission at 4:07.
We recap the Rhodes family segment from earlier.
The breast cancer people are recognized.
Here are Ryback and Heyman for the proposal. Heyman says he was man enough to pin Punk at Night of Champions to prove he's the best in the world, but he's also an expert in political science. He owns CM Punk, so it was his obligation to squash the rebellion that Punk was starting last week in Chicago. That was getting rid of a dictator which si the right move politically. We get the same clip from earlier of Punk being beaten down by the Heyman guys in case the fans forgot it in the last hour and a half.
Heyman says he's here because Ryback decided to stand up to the bully that is CM Punk. Ryback says he hates bullies like Punk who took everything Heyman did for him and throw it back in Paul's face so he had to do something. Heyman talks about how progressive of a society we live in today and he wants more than just a client relationship with Ryback. He wants to make a commitment to Ryback from the opening match to the main event, in sickness and in health and until death do them part.
Paul wants to make an honest man out of Ryback so he takes him by the hand and drops to a knee. Paul's proposal: will Ryback be the new Paul Heyman guy? Before there's an answer we get more Punk music and here's Punk through the crowd. He jumps the barricade....and hurts his knee, collapsing down to the floor in pain. This goes on for awhile until Punk limps to the apron but can't get in. Heyman goes for it for some stupid reason, allowing Punk to pop up with a kendo stick and lay out Heyman, Ryback and the charging Axel with ease. Axel takes a GTS as Punk hops around to show how good his knee is.
Big Show is still waiting for HHH.
Dolph Ziggler/Usos vs. Shield
On the way to the ring we get another Youtube video to answer the burning question: which Uso is a better dancer? After that greatness, we start with Ziggler getting punched by Ambrose in the corner. Ziggler comes back with a dropkick but a rake to the eyes allows for the tag off to Rollins. The Usos come in with some double teaming and it's Jimmy hooking an armbar on Seth.
Rollins takes him into the Shield corner and it's back to Ambrose for some double teaming. Jimmy ducks a double clothesline and tries a double cross body, only to be caught in the air. Jey dropkicks Jimmy's back to drop both guys down. Everything breaks down and the Usos hit stereo dives to Dean and Roman as we take a break. Back with Seth holding Jimmy in a chinlock. A suplex puts Rollins down but it's ff to Ambrose before Jimmy can make a tag.
Off to a chinlock from the US Champion as the fans are wanting Ziggler. Roman comes in to complete the trio of chinlockery before something like Cena's spinning side slam gets two. Jimmy superkicks out of it and FINALLY makes the tag off to Dolph to fire up the crowd. Ziggler loads up the ten straight elbowso n Dean but has to dropkick Rollins out of the air before finishing.
A Fameasser gets two on Ambrose as Reigns makes the Shield save. Jimmy shoves Roman to the floor but Dean breaks up the attempted dive. Off to Rollins as Dean is sent to the floor. Roman makes a blind tag as Dolph Zig Zags Rollins, only to be speared in half for the pin at 12:04.
Big Show is still waiting on HHH and even throws some flowers to the floor. Instead he gets cops who don't like that he's threatening a WWE employee. Stephanie comes in to say Show is under a lot of pressure and doesn't understand the consequences of his actions. Stephanie has talked to Show's wife and implies he can't perform to her standards as of late if you get Stephanie's drift. Everyone but Show leaves so Big Show punches a HHH poster.
RVD shows us a Youtube video of his ten most extreme moments. In case you didn't get it, WWE has a Youtube channel and you need to subscribe to it or your puppy will be lit on fire and your mother will be fed to mutant pigs. Del Rio has no idea what hardcore is about because anything goes. By anything of course they mean chairs to the back, trashcan lids, the steps and a table.
Big Show vs. Shield on Friday.
Santino Marella vs. Antonio Cesaro
Before the match we get the entire giant swing on Titus last week which is still amazing. Cesaro fires off a bunch of elbows to start and stomps on Santino's chest. A chinlock is quickly broken but Cesaro can't hook the swing. Santino comes back with his usual stuff before loading up the Cobra. Thankfully Cesaro punches him down and here's the weekly swing with Santino dropping the stupid sock. The fans are counting the revolutions as they go and we hit an insane 32. Santino stands up but immaturity falls back down, only to roll up Cesaro for the pin at 2:51. Well of course he does.
We look at the marriage announcement between Brie and Bryan again.
Lawler is in the ring to moderate the face to face meeting between Bryan and Orton. Randy talks about how he's the old Predator again and how dangerous that makes him. He's genetically superior to the B+ Bryan and will prove it on Sunday. Bryan says that's A+ all the way from Orton but asks why HHH picked him as the face of the WWE. It's because he wants Orton to be on magazines and DVDs whereas Bryan would never want to be the best because of something like that.
Orton stops the YES chants before shifting over to Brie Bella. He doesn't understand what must be wrong with Brie to make her want to be with Bryan, because one day she'll realize she's sleeping with a barnyard animal. That's enough for Bryan and the beating is on. They head to the floor where Orton takes over and sends Bryan into the steps and post. The beating continues and Orton loads up the Elevated DDT on the floor, drawing out Brie to beg for mercy. Orton of course DDTs him on the floor and loads up the announce table. An RKO to Bryan through the table ends the show as Brie freaks out.
Results
CM Punk b. Big E. Langston GTS
Kofi Kingston b. Fandango Trouble in Paradise
Los Matadores b. 3MB Double falling slam to Slater
R-Truth b. Curtis Axel Little Jimmy
Brie Bella b. Alicia Fox Bella Buster
Alberto Del Rio b. Zack Ryder Cross armbreaker
Shield b. Usos/Dolph Ziggler Spear to Ziggler
Tuesday
Raw got a 2.68, down from last week.
Wednesday
NXT
Date: October 2, 2013
Location: Full Sail University, Winter Park, Florida
Commentators: Alex Riley, Tony Dawson, Renee Young
It's a big show tonight with both the Bo Dallas open challenge and the Ascension challenging Graves and Neville for the tag titles. The main question in the open challenge isn't will Sami Zayn get involved but how will he get involved. The big showdown is coming and the blowoff match is going to be awesome. Let's get to it.
Fandango is here tonight for a mixed tag with Summer Rae against Emma and whomever she can find for a partner.
Welcome Home.
Fandango/Summer Rae vs. Emma/???
The partner is.....Santino, meaning he now gets to waste our time on NXT too. The guys start with Santino almost falling off the buckles while posing. The fans insist that he try it again but they have to settle for the middle rope. Wait we're still not ready as the guys have to dance a bit. The fans tell Fandango that he got served so he tries a kick to the ribs. Both guys catch kicks at the same time until Santino shoves him away. A right hand drops Marella as we're finally going a bit.
Santino teases the Cobra, sending Fandango to the floor. Renee teaches the Cobra to dance and we take a break. Back with Fandango not being sure what to do so here are the girls for a change of pace. Summer wants nothing to do with Emma so it's back to the guys again. Phillips: Doing the do-see-do instead of the Fandango. They change over and over until Fandango gets annoyed and punches Santino in the jaw. Apparently Fandango has been hitting on Renee but she doesn't seem to mind that much.
An uppercut sends Santino into the corner and Summer gets in a hard slap, drawing Emma out to the floor. Santino makes a dive to the empty corner for the tag in a cute spot. Santino can't nip up so Fandango goes up for the legdrop but Santino rolls across the ring before Fandango jumps. This is so funny that they do it three times in a row until Marella rolls him up for two.
Now the nip-up works and it's off to the girls for their first contact. Summer misses a charge and gets caught in the Dilemma followed by the cross body in the corner for two. Santino gives Emma the sock but it's time for a catfight instead. Summer is whipped into Fandango which catapults him in and also counts as a tag. Everything breaks down and our heroes do stereo Santino spots until Santino hits the Cobra for the pin on Fandango at 10:15 shown of 13:45.
Ascension says what they did to Cassady and Amore is nothing compared to what they'll do to win the tag titles.
Kassius Ohno vs. Luke Harper
Renee is off commentary. Ohno is looking in a bit better shape. Harper comes out on his own and looks more confused than usual. Ohno is quickly sent out to the floor but comes back with a one foot dropkick to stagger Harper. Not that it matters as a clothesline puts Ohno down and Harper rains down punches. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Kassius fights up and connects with some strikes. Harper rolls to the floor but even a baseball slide can't knock him down. Back in and it's the big boot and a discus lariat to end Ohno at 2:57. This was a squash.
Amore and Cassady want another shot at Rusev and Dawson. Cassady says he wouldn't even let Dawson fix his car. The only thing Rusev is breaking is his mother's heart by not wearing shoes. Enzo says Dawson and Rusev have been eating tacos. SAWFT tacos! Cassady: I worry about you sometimes.
Mojo Rawley is going to hype us next week. I've heard a lot about him but I've never actually seen him.
Tag Titles: Ascension vs. Corey Graves/Adrian Neville
Ascension is challenging. Neville and Victor get us going with the champion flipping around and kicking Victor down for two. Victor gets kicked in the head but shrugs it off to bring in O'Brien. Neville escapes a suplex and makes the tag off to Graves who still has injured ribs, which are made worse by a flapjack from O'Brien for two. Victor comes back in and goes right after the ribs before giving it back to Conor.
Back from a break with Graves hitting a cross body on Victor but injuring his ribs in the process. O'Brien hooks a body scissors to keep Graves in trouble before it's back to Victor for more right hands to the head. We hit another chinlock until Graves fights up and avoids a charge in the corner, sending Rick's shoulder into the post.
Off to Neville for the rapid fire kicks and a pair of dropkicks to lay out Ascension. Both guys are knocked to the floor for a BIG dive to take out both challengers. Victor is sent back in and caught with a springboard missile dropkick for two. A high kick to the head looks to set up Red Arrow but Rick moves at the last second, giving Victor two. Graves pulls Neville to the corner for the tag but walks into a running knee to the head. Fall of Man (Total Elimination) is enough for the pin and the titles for O'Brien at 10:40 shown of 13:00.
RVD is here next week.
Bo Dallas Invitational
The idea is that anyone can come out to challenge Dallas and if anyone can pin him, they get a title shot in two weeks. The first guy up is named Chance Champion which I found online. He doesn't get an entrance, so the fans chant Let's go this guy! because they're actually paying attention to the show instead of saying random things to entertain themselves. Champion (the person, not the champion) gets a quick rollup for two but Bo pounds
him in the corner and spears him down for the pin at 1:12.
Next up is Leo Kruger and Bo seems ready. Actually wait as here's Antonio Cesaro instead to take the shot. The fans want a triple threat but the challengers fight instead until Kruger is sent to the floor. Cesaro brags too much though and gets dumped by Dallas, which I guess is an elimination?
Next in is El Local who avoids a quick and hits a running boot to the face in the corner for the pin in 30 seconds. The fans chant OLE and SI before it's revealed to be Sami Zayn. Somewhere Dean Malenko is smiling.
Results
Santino Marella/Emma b. Fandango/Summer Rae Cobra to Fandango
Luke Harper b. Kassius Ohno Discus lariat
Ascension b. Adrian Neville/Corey Graves Fall of Man to Graves
Thursday
Impact Wrestling
Date: October 3, 2013
Location: Verizon Arena, Little Rock, Arkansas
Commentators: Mike Tenay, Tazz
We're still in Arkansas and the main story is still Dixie Carter vs. Hulk Hogan, despite us only having three more Impacts until the biggest show of the year. Tonight is about Hogan's decision on whether or not to join Dixie's side in whatever she thinks she's doing. If we're lucky we might even get Bully and AJ in the same ring for the first time for the build to their match. Let's get to it.
We open with the customary recap of last week's events.
Here's AJ to address the crowd. He can appreciate Hogan trying to come out here last week and smooth things over, but then Dixie Carter came out and showed her true colors. AJ isn't here to talk about Dixie or Hogan though. Instead he wants to talk about his opponent at Bound For Glory. What a refreshing idea. He knows exactly who Bully Ray is: the man that he'll beat at Bound For Glory for the world title. Styles doesn't have a contract right now and hasn't even looked at the world title in over a year. He's coming to get what's his at Bound For Glory, but here's Bully Ray to object.
Bully says Dixie is in AJ's head because AJ is just hoping to win. If AJ was really in the game, he would know that he's going to win rather than just hoping. AJ doesn't have to worry about Dixie in San Diego though, because Bully will give him all he can handle. Look at what Ray has done to people like Hogan, Hardy or D-Von. What do you think he'll do to a guy like Styles? AJ knows who he is: the man that beat AJ in a last man standing match two years ago. AJ has one thing Ray wants: he wants to take Styles away from the fans. Bully is sick of hearing the fans chant AJ, and there's the chant again.
Styles says that Bully is just like Dixie Carter, but Ray takes that as a compliment. Dixie is a millionaire and a somebody while Bully is a millionaire and the World Heavyweight Champion. Ray goes OFF on AJ, ranting about how he's going to beat AJ into the ground and send him back home to his trailer, wife and three kids. AJ thinks Ray is going to get killed in his match tonight against Samoa Joe, which is a surprise to Ray.
Magnus is going to run the EGO gauntlet tonight.
Dixie has AJ escorted out by security but he leaves on his own so he doesn't have to breathe the same air Dixie is breathing.
Kenny King/Chris Sabin vs. Manik/Jeff Hardy
Austin Aries is on commentary. Manik and King get us going with Kenny taking him into the corner for some choking by Sabin. Chris comes in legally but the double team doesn't work as King is caught in a springboard hurricanrana to send him into the corner. Off to Jeff to speed things up and hit a middle rope splash on King for two. Back to Manik for something resembling an octopus hold on King before rolling him up for two. King's cut from last week has busted open again.
King snaps Manik throat first across the top rope before bringing Sabin back in for a basement dropkick. Manik is tied up in the Tree of Woe so Sabin can stand on his crotch for some torture and a two count. Back to King for some right hands before Sabin comes back in for some choking in the corner.
Chris runs into a boot in the corner and a middle rope dropkick (Aries: Right in the brain stem!) puts Sabin down. Hardy comes in off the hot tag and cleans house with the sitout gordbuster on King for two. Sabin breaks up the Twist attempt on King as everything breaks down. Manik sends Sabin to the floor and hits his double chicken wing gutbuster on King, setting up the Swanton for the pin at 7:07.
Post match Sabin goes after Manik but Aries makes the save. Austin asks for a four way match with Manik, Sabin, Hardy and himself for the title at Bound For Glory.
Sting and Hogan have a legends powwow about what Hogan should do. Hulk declares Dixie worse than Bischoff before a girl delivers a gift from Dixie. It's a watch, the same one that Dixie gave Sting as a retirement gift. Hogan: She is worse than Bischoff. He never gave me anything.
We look at EGO jumping Magnus last week. Later in the night Sting asked Magnus what happened. Magnus says they're in his head and he wants all three of them on his own next week (tonight). He's icing his knee but says it's just tweeked.
EGO vs. Magnus
It's a gauntlet match with Daniels up first. Magnus jumps Daniels in the corner but Chris comes back with elbows to the neck. Daniels gets shouldered down and asks for a breather, only to get kicked in the ribs for his efforts. Chris goes to the throat to slow the Brit down before bulldogging him throat first on the top rope. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Daniels can't hit Angel's Wings. Magnus comes back with a clothesline but jumps into the Koji Clutch. He's right next to the ropes though so Daniels goes up for the BME, only to land on Magnus' bad leg. The Falcon's Arrow eliminates Daniels at 3:55.
Kazarian is up next and Magnus doesn't wait for him to get to the ring. We take a break and come back with Kazarian raking the eyes to escape a press slam. A dropkick puts Magnus down again for two but he comes back with right hands out of the corner. Magnus punches him down and drops the top rope elbow for two. He goes up but gets kicked in the chest, only to roll through Fade to Black into the Cloverleaf for the submission at 12:37 total.
Last up is Bobby Roode but Kaz clips Magnus' knee and crunches it in between his own legs. Roode goes after the leg as we take a break. Back with Roode still working on the knee like a smart heel would. Roode can't get a figure four, allowing Magnus to fight up and hit another Falcon's Arrow for a quick two. He tries the Cloverleaf again but can't sit down on it like he should.
Bobby punches at the bad leg to escape but gets shoved off during a superplex attempt. Magnus misses the top rope elbow and gets caught in the Crossface. Just as he's about to make the rope, Roode pulls him back and puts on an ankle lock with a grapevine for the submission at 23:08.
Magnus is mad post match but here's Sting with something to say. The Brit won't listen to reason so Sting says let's go to the back and talk about this. Magnus says no with all due respect because he's had enough. He says everyone in the Mafia sees something in him but it's not really there. Sting, Joe and Kurt all passed the challenges given to him but Magnus has failed every time.
Sting tries to calm him down but Magnus says he doesn't need another pep talk. Magnus says this is a results driven business but he's not getting the results. Sting talks about needing the one big match and he got it with Ric Flair but Magnus cuts him off. He saw the Flair match with his own eyes and has been watching Sting his whole career. Magnus was one step away from Bound For Glory but now who puts him on the map? Sting says he'll do it at BFG and they shake hands.
Aries has a present for Hogan too: vegan vitamins. Maybe even a prayer or two would help Hogan make the right decision. Aries talks about Hogan doing the right thing over his entire career and says tonight is all black and white.
Video on Hogan's history in TNA.
Sabin won't be at ringside for Velvet's match tonight because he has to focus on his match at Bound For Glory.
We recap the gauntlet match.
EGO celebrates their win by singing their version of Roode's theme song. They're happy because Magnus is off somewhere crying. Also Roode is going to be the first inductee into the EGO Hall of Fame with the ceremony next week. It's going to be a black tie affair with everyone dressed to the nines. Kaz: Let's make it to the tens!
Brooke Tessmacher vs. Velvet Sky
Winner gets a title shot at BFG. Before the match here's Lei'D Tapa to destroy Velvet so no match.
We get our first clip of Ethan who appears to be at a Hollywood store shopping but doesn't seem impressed. We can't see his face.
We recap Gunner and Storm's run as tag champions.
Bound for Glory card.
Video on Angle's career.
Samoa Joe vs. Bully Ray
Joe is apparently one of AJ's Band of Brothers, because if there's one thing TNA needs it's another group. They shove each other around to start with Ray running his mouth too much and getting shoved out of the corner. Joe pounds away in the corner but misses a knee drop, only to put on the standing choke. Ray escapes and grabs the chain, only to have Hebner take it away so Ray can hit the Samoan low.
Back with Ray clotheslining Joe down but missing an elbow drop to give Joe a breather. Joe comes back with a kick to the face and a middle rope kick to the chest for two. The referee gets crushed in the corner as Joe hooks up the Clutch. Ray taps but there's no referee, so naturally he lets go of the hold. Ray gets the chain around his hand and hits a middle rope ax handle, only to get caught for the DQ at 10:20.
Post match Ray shoves the referee and sends Joe into the announce table. He pulls back the mats for a piledriver on the floor but AJ makes the save and celebrates with the fans.
Here's Dixie to tell us we don't know anything about business. Hulk Hogan however does know a little bit about it so please come out here and let's take care of this. Hogan looks annoyed as Dixie says she can take him to the next level. He thanks her for the watch and talks about always wanting to be part of a power couple in this business. While it's an amazing offer, he's quitting. Hogan throws down the mic and walks away, leaving Dixie on her knees begging, because you can't have Hogan on a wrestling show without worshiping him right?
Results
Manik/Jeff Hardy b. Chris Sabin/Kenny King Swanton Bomb to King
EGO b. Magnus Ankle lock
Samoa Joe b. Bully Ray via DQ when Ray hit Joe with a chain