offical wwe thread

WWE Backlash PPV Results: 4-29-07

Real-time results courtesy of PWTorch.com

1 -- JEFF HARDY & MATT HARDY vs. CADE & MURDOCH

Ross said Cade was trained by Shawn Michaels and Murdoch was trained by Harley Race. There's a good story behind the idea for Murdoch to use the gimmick that was told to me a few years ago. If I remember correctly, Race was initially against the idea because he didn't think it would get over. Jeff Hardy hit a plancha onto the heels in the opening five minutes for the first big highspot of the night. He went for another move on the outside, but Cade yanked him face-first to the floor. The heels then isolated Jeff in their corner for a while. At 13:00, Matt took a hot tag and worked on Murdoch before hitting a bulldog in center ring. He then made a cover for a nearfall. Jeff tried to run off Matt's back for a corner splash, but Murdoch moved and Jeff ate the corner turnbuckle. Matt recovered and hit the side effect on Murdoch, but Cade came off the top rope with a top rope elbow. For some reason, Murdoch went back to the Canadian Destroyer and didn't completely botch it this week, and it was good for a nearfall. Matt suddenly recovered with an Ace Crusher and Jeff came off the top with a Swanton Bomb out of nowhere with the ref's back turned. Matt then covered Murdoch for the win.

WINNERS: Hardys in 16:00. Like there was any chance of Murdoch & Cade winning the belts. Good opener with decent action that kept the crowd involved for the most part. Uniting the tag title belts between Raw and Smackdown might be the best option to make the tag division mean anything in the company. (**)

Backstage, Umaga was breathing heavily as Shane McMahon talked him up. He just needs to listen to the McMahons and things would go smoothly. Umaga walked away, then Vince entered the scene sporting a doo-rag. Simply great. Vince sought Shane's approval for the look, then Vince predicted that a McMahon would become ECW champion tonight. Vince paused and said Shane should win the belt tonight. Shane visualized his name in lights, but then came back with a suggestion that Vince be ECW champion after what Lashley did to him at Mania. Vince left, then Shane stared after him with a hint of distrust.

2 -- MELINA vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Women's Title match

They went to a lock up to begin with and Melina knocked Mickie out of the ring to the floor. Lawler wanted to lend Mickie a helping hand, but Ross told him to keep his hands to himself. Back in the ring, Melina stretched Mickie's back against the ropes before making a cover for a nearfall. Melina then went for a body scissors hold by wrapping her legs around Mickie's back and forcing Mickie's chin towards her stomach. Great hold. Ross sarcastically asked Lawler if he had an upcoming match he wanted to use the move during. Melina then went for a kick, but Mickie forced her into a splits position. They battled while in the splits and Mickie won the exchange with a double foot dropkick to the face. Mickie made her comeback with a double handful of hair toss before dropping Melina with a neckbreaker for a close nearfall at 8:00. Mickie picked up another nearfall with a top rope cross body splash. Melina then caught Mickie in the corner with a rake of the eyes and dropped Mickie with a reverse DDT for the win.

WINNER: Melina in 9:00 to retain the Women's Title. That was really starting to get good until they went to the finish. Mickie had some believable nearfalls at the end to show that she could hang with Melina and set up future re-matches. This was the match that should have happened at Mania, and could have been a very good women's match with 3 or 4 more minutes. (**1/4)

Backstage, Melina interviewed Edge about the WWE Title match tonight. He said he's happy he didn't have to wrestle Orton on Raw last week, and he's really happy that Cena and Michaels tore each other up wrestling almost an hour. Maria then pulled out a cue card from her top and asked Edge how he won his first WWE Title. Edge eagerly re-told the story of cashing in the Money in the Bank stipulation last January to beat Cena for the title. He paused, then asked who told her to ask the question. Maria then pointed over Edge's shoulder and the camera zoomed out to find Mr. Kennedy standing off to the side with briefcase in hand. Kennedy then re-told Edge's story from his perspective and hinted that he might cash in his prize tonight. Edge simply stared at the briefcase with a clenched jaw. Nice.

WWE Backlash PPV Results: 4-29-07

3 -- CHRIS BENOIT vs. MVP -- U.S. Title match

JBL equated MVP to Deion Sanders, who played for the Falcons in the early '90s. A better analogy for 2007 would have been Michael Vick, but Deion transcends time as a legend in sports. Brief "Power Rangers" chant in the opening minute as Benoit and MVP danced around the ring during the feeling-out process. Benoit went for a Sharpshooter at 5:00, but MVP reached the bottom rope to break the hold. MVP suddenly came back with a charging kick to the back of the head and scored a nearfall. MVP went for a side headlock vice, but Benoit escaped and landed an elbow smash before walking into an overhead suplex toss. Nice exchange, resulting in a nearfall for MVP. Benoit then ducked a clothesline and landed three German suplexes at 8:00. MVP prevented Benoit from getting to the corner, so Benoit scored with a Northern Lights suplex. MVP came back with a grip for a suplex, but Benoit countered right into a Crippler Crossface. MVP teased losing the match, but then grabbed the bottom rope.

10:00: MVP instantly recovered and kicked Benoit in the face for another nearfall. Benoit then came right back with five consecutive German suplexes. Goodness. The fans applauded, then Benoit went up top for a top rope headbutt, but MVP smartly shifted his body and got his knees up to catch Benoit in the gut. MVP then locked in a half crab center ring as the fans chanted for Benoit, who eventually the ropes for a break. This would be a great match to have ROH's Pure Title rules on rope breaks. Suddenly, Benoit and MVP went into a finishing exchange and Benoit rolled up MVP with a small package for the win.

WINNER: Benoit in 14:00 to retain the U.S. Title. Again, just when the action was getting good, they went to the finish. I'm surprised by the short length of this match, as I felt MVP really could have had a break-out match with a 20-25 minute match against Benoit. Granted, I feel better critiquing a match for not going long enough than featuring bags-of-tricks and ref bumps and blindfolds. (**3/4)

Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed John Cena, who slapped Grisham hard on the arm. Grisham said Cena's title is in serious jeopardy tonight. Randy Orton then interrupted and said they have a lot in common. 1. Young. 2. Incredibly handsome. Cena looked into the camera with an odd look. 3. Extremely talented. Orton said they've been treated like dirt by the veterans, so they need to take out Edge and Michaels tonight to see who the better man is between them. Cena thought about it, then asked Orton if he really thinks he's handsome. Cena turned it into a sexual innuendo, and questioned whether Orton's gay based on the ballerina pose. He said that's not his thing. Orton said the only pose Cena's doing tonight is lying on his back with him on top. Yowsers. Ron Simmons then entered the shot from behind and shouted, "Damn!" in Orton's ear. Orton recognized that he fell into Cena's trap and showed frustration.

WWE Backlash PPV Results: 4-29-07

4 -- BOBBY LASHLEY vs. VINCE MCMAHN & SHANE MCMAHON & UMAGA -- ECW Title match

Shane's out first. Umaga's out second without Armando. Vince "thug life" McMahon came out third sporting black jeans, a black sweatshirt, and a black doo-rag. Shane held the ropes down for Vince, who did the belt-around-the-waist motion. Lashley then came out to a decent reaction. Team McMahon debated who should start, then Shane took the nod and Lashley instantly lifted him up in the air and dropped him hard on the mat. He then smashed Shane with a hard spinebuster. A smile probably crept across the face of some of the wrestlers who just took bumps for 12 days in Europe after seeing the golden boy take a hard fall. Umaga then tagged in and Lashley worked on him in the corner before clotheslining him over the top rope to the floor. Shane then took a hard clothesline over the top rope to the floor. Lashley circled the ring, then stared down Vince, who slowly swung one leg into the ring before Shane came in and took a high-vertical suplex. Lashley lost track of Shane momentarily, and Shane pulled the top rope down, causing Lashley to spill to the floor. On the outside, Umaga threw Lashley hard into the ring steps and went on the offensive control back in the ring. Shane tagged in and applied a series of arm bars on Lashley while cranking on the left shoulder. Suddenly, Lashley used his leg strength to power Shane in the air with the arm bar still intact before slamming Shane hard on his back. Umaga then tagged in and gave Lashley a back body drop to the mat.

10:00: Shane tagged in and went to work on Lashley's back with a series of elbow drops and forearm smashes. Lashley made his comeback and gave Shane a torture rack slam, but he fell forward instead of falling on his rear end. Lashley made a cover, but Vince finally entered the ring and broke up the pin. The fans popped when Lashley and Vince finally squared off, then Lashley put Vince up for the Dominator, but Shane and Umaga tripped up Lashley to save Vince. With the ref's back turned, Shane smashed Lashley in the face with the ECW Title belt. He wanted to go for the cover, but he tagged out to Vince, who made the cover for a nearfall only at 14:00. Suddenly, Lashley rolled up Vince from behind, but Shane broke up the pin attempt. Umaga then took a tag and gave Lashley a top rope splash. He was ready for the pin, but Vince tagged himself in, which didn't sit well with Umaga. Vince then made a cover, but it was good for another nearfall only. Umaga re-tagged into the match and hit another top rope splash, then reluctantly tagged out to Vince, who made the cover for the win to capture the ECW Title.

Post: Styles and Tazz were shocked on commentary. Styles said he never thought he'd see the day. After the match, Umaga reluctantly shook Vince's hand. Shane then gave Umaga a huge hug. Styles said he's nauseous and tried to figure out how ECW went from its formation in 1993 to Vince McMahon becoming champion. Vince then grabbed JBL's cowboy hat and did a brief dance before leaving up the ramp with the belt around his waist. Styles said this might be the darkest day in ECW's history.

WINNER: Vince McMahon in 15:00 to capture the ECW Title. Well, this should make for interesting TV on Tuesday nights. If you haven't figured out what McMahon thinks of the ECW brand by now, this should make the picture pretty clear. (*3/4)

Backstage, Vince, Shane, and Umaga shared a brief moment of celebration. Vince sent Umaga to the showers, then Vince stopped when he spotted RVD, Sabu, Sandman, and Dreamer standing off to the side. Vince mocked each man's trademark mannerisms as Vince pounded the ECW Title belt. The Originals predictably didn't get any words in to make a verbal comeback.

WWE Backlash PPV Results: 4-29-07

5 -- THE UNDERTAKER vs. BATISTA -- World Hvt. Title match -- Last man standing

Batista's right hamstring is still taped up. Gee, I wonder if Taker will target that tonight. Taker came out and we saw that Taker's right arm/elbow was taped. JBL warned us to put the women and children to bed because of what was set to happen in the ring. Cole gave us the tale of the tape, to give it more of a sporting feel. Batista instantly charged Taker, just like at Mania, but Taker met him with a big boot to the face. Batista recovered and executed a powerslam that put Taker down for a five count. Taker then rolled to the floor and Batista gave chase, but Taker slammed Batista's injured leg into the ring steps and announce table. Batista answered the count, then reversed a whip and Taker went knee-first into the steps. Inexplicably, Batista went up top after rolling Taker into the ring, and Taker met him up top. After a brief battle, Taker executed a dangerous-looking superplex. Both men answered the count at 8, as Batista's leg quivered. He then landed a knock-down clothesline so he could recover in the corner. The action spilled to the outside again and Taker cleared the Smackdown announce table.

10:00: Batista reversed another whip and Taker ate the guardrail. Batista went for a power slam on the table, but Taker slipped out and gave Batista a Randy Orton-style fallaway backbreaker. Taker then picked up the ring steps and slammed them hard into Batista's face. Batista came up bleeding heavily from the forehead, and Taker went right after the forehead to draw more blood. Taker then put Batista on the Smackdown announce table and walked the guardrail before delivering a hard leg drop that sent both men crashing through the table. Nice mid-match highspot. Cole said there's no way Batista can make the ten count, but Batista reached a squatting position at nine. Back in the ring, Taker hit Snake Eyes, but Batista made a great comeback with a spear when Taker usually hits his running boot to the face. Batista then met Taker with a spinebuster when Taker reached his feet. Taker came back up again, but Batista dropped him with consecutive spinebusters. When Taker came up at nine, Batista set up for a powerbomb, but Taker shoved him off into the corner. Taker then dropped Batista in center ring with a chokeslam at 16:00. Man, what a match. Both men up at nine. Taker took Batista to the corner for ten punches, but Batista countered with a Batistabomb as the kids in the arena screamed. The ref applied a count as Batista recovered in the corner, and Taker fell down at five, but then reached his feet just before 10. Batista, frustrated, went to the outside and grabbed a chair. He then smacked Taker in the face with the chair and went for a Batistabomb from a standing position, but Taker back dropped him onto the chair. Taker then scooped up Batista and dropped him with the Tombstone Piledriver near the ropes. JBL all but said the match was over as the ref applied another count. Amazingly, Batista reached his feet at eight and the crowd exploded. Taker then gave Batista a big boot, sending him falling to the outside.

20:00: They brawled up the entrance ramp toward the top of the stage and teased something big as they exchanged right hand blows. Batista then set up for a Batistabomb, but Taker blocked with a kick to the bad leg. Taker then measured Batista, but Batista speared him off the stage and they crashed through the electrical items on the floor below. Sparks shot up, then the Backlash stage pillars collapsed on top of Taker and Batista. Men scrambled around the stage on the floor, then the ref applied a ten count and called for the bell, with neither man being able to answer the ten count. After technicians cleared the stage, Taker was the first to get up. Batista then slowly reached his feet. Taker then raised his World Title belt in the air.

WINNER: Double Count Out in 22:00. Great, physical heavyweight-style action leading to the big finish. I'd put the match right on par with their show-stealer at Mania, with possibly more dramatic moments tonight. The finish gives them a ton of material to work with for TV storylines going forward. Since we've seen decisive finishes throughout this PPV, and WWE can get one or two more re-matches out of Batista vs. Taker, I have no problem with the non-finish. (****1/2)

WWE Backlash PPV Results: 4-29-07

6 -- JOHN CENA vs. SHAWN MICHAELS vs. RANDY ORTON vs. EDGE -- WWE Title match

Michaels out first. Edge out second. Orton out third and Ross said controversy seems to follow Orton everywhere he goes. Cena then came out to a monster pop. The bell sounded and the crowd roared with anticipation. This should be a hot main event. After everyone stood his ground in his respective corner, they slowly met in center ring and tried to form teams. Cena and Michaels then reared back and landed right hand blows on Edge and Orton before clearing them to the outside. Michaels then stepped into Cena and landed a round of hard chops. Cena suddenly came back with an overhead suplex for a nearfall two minutes into the match. Edge and Orton then cleared the ring to have their moment in the match. After a brief verbal exchange, Edge rocked Orton with a right hand blow. The action then spilled to the outside and Edge whipped Orton into the ring steps. Michaels scoop slammed Edge, then he went to the apron. Everyone recovered to their feet, and Michaels came off the top with a graceful moonsault onto his three opponents. Spot won't mean anything in ten minutes, but it showed that Michaels is still quite the athlete. Back in the ring, Edge and Michaels battled before Cena came off the top with a double guillotine leg drop on both men as they knelt down. Orton recovered and cleared the ring, except for Cena. He hit a fallaway back breaker for a nearfall, then re-arranged Cena's face with knee drops. The fans booed Cena's offense, then cheered when he ate the ringpost shoulder-first when Orton moved out of the corner. Edge and Orton then argued when the other man went for a pin attempt on Michaels. Edge tried to reason with Orton that they needed to work together. Hot opening 10 minutes, with no one taking too long of a powder.

10:00: Edge shoved Cena off the ring apron, sending him crashing into the announce table. Orton and Edge then put Michaels in a dual Boston Crab, which brought up the question of who would win the WWE Title if Michaels tapped out. Team RKO pulled Michaels back to the center of the ring, then Cena re-entered the picture by hitting a Blockbuster on both men. Cena fired up with shoulder tackles on everyone in the ring before slamming Edge. He went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but then Michaels and Orton pulled Cena out of the ring and threw him into the ringpost. Michaels then shoved Orton hard into the ringpost and Ross said that relationship dissolved faster than one of Lawler's marriages. Michaels and Orton brawled to the Raw announce table and Edge blocked a piledriver attempt by Michaels by slamming Michaels in the back with a steel chair. Orton gave Edge a thumbs up, then Edge suddenly creamed Orton with a steel chair shot to the head. Edge re-entered the ring and tried to smash Cena with the chair, but Cena countered with a drop toe hold into an STFU in center ring. Edge crawled on his belly toward the bottom rope and made a last-ditch effort to grab the bottom rope. Goodness. Orton then stumbled back into the ring and Cena put him in the STFU. Michaels slowly entered the ring, and Cena went for the STFU, but Michaels countered with a small package into a nearfall.

15:00: Michaels cleared Edge from the ring, then he cleared Orton. Michaels found Cena and scoop slammed him before going up top. Selling a back injury, Michaels came off the top with an elbow drop to the chest. They've got the kids screaming tonight. Michaels then warmed up the band in the corner, but Edge put an end to the tune. Michaels side-stepped Edge, though, and slammed him into the ringpost. He then hit a top rope elbow drop on Edge. Orton took a scoop slam, then Michaels went for an elbow drop on Orton, but Cena cut him off. Cena went for an FU off the top, but Orton and Edge grabbed Cena's legs and slammed both Cena and Michaels down to the mat. All four men recovered on the mat, allowing the fans to take a deep breath and come down from the dramatic high. Cena and Edge then went into a standing exchange, and Michels warmed up the band for Cena, but Orton gave him an RKO out of nowhere. Edge then caught Cena with an impaler DDT, but Cena kicked out. Edge got that look in his eye and went for a spear, but it was Orton who took the spear. Cena gave Edge the FU, then Michaels nailed Cena square in the face with Sweet Chin Music, but Cena fell on top of Orton. The ref had a brief moment of not realizing Cena was in position to pin Orton, but then he counted a three count just before Michaels could realize what happened and break up the pinfall. Sheer brilliance!

All four men recovered on the mat as they showed several replays of the amazing finishing sequence. Edge and Orton disappeared, and Michaels and Cena were left in the ring. Michaels pointed his finger at Cena out of frustration, as Cena stood his ground in the corner with a blank look on his face. Michaels then sat down in the corner and tried to ponder the events. He left the ring as Cena stood center ring with the WWE Title belt in hand. They went to a close up of Michaels staring into the ring from the top of the stage. Cena then turned and looked at Michaels before they closed the show with a shot of Cena holding up the title belt in center ring.

WINNER: Cena in 20:00 to retain the WWE Title. Wow. Great drama. Great WWE-style main event match. The pacing was spot-on and the teased finishing sequence and final finishing sequence were laid out with amazing precision. I think everyone watching wanted a few more minutes, but it's hard to complain about that when there were few slow moments at any point in the match. Just like with the Smackdown main event, they have so many different options coming out of this match for TV storylines going forward. I have both main events at the same level, as they made it a night to remember showcasing two different WWE main event styles (heavyweight power wrestling and dramatic storytelling). (****1/2)

Major Update On Top WWE Star Leaving, Details

As we’ve been reporting, RVD turned down WWE’s latest offer. According to sources, this appeared to be the final offer WWE was going to make. So the likeliness of RVD re-signing is very slim. His contract is rumored to expire in July. With his contract expiring, the general feeling is that there will be no non-compete clause in effect and he will be able to compete anywhere upon his departure from the company.

There has been no talk in regards to TNA signing him at this point but as time goes by things will likely change on that front.

With RVD’s possible departure from WWE, Sabu and Sandman’s future may be up in the air as well. It’s been said that Heyman and RVD, both, kept Sabu from being fired or even quitting himself. Sabu’s been on thing ice in the company for quite some time now and has been staying out of trouble for the most part.

Sandman’s days in ECW appear to be up in the air as well. RVD’s departure may result in the complete dismantle of the Originals.

We’ll have more on this as we get more information.

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source...

To add insult to injury...literally!

Source: WWE.com

Former ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley is in Birmingham, Ala. today waiting to meet with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to have his shoulder examined after suffering an injury during last night’s 3-on-1 Handicap Match at Backlash.

Lashley lost the championship last night to Mr. McMahon after the Chairman, Shane McMahon and Umaga overwhelmed him during the Handicap Match. It has been suggested that Lashley's shoulder injury has been lingering since WrestleMania 23. Lashley may have further aggravated the injury during his match last night. WWE.com will give more updates as they become available.

Dr. Andrews is respected as the preeminent physician athletes seek when they suffer sports injuries. He performed surgery on Triple H after “The Game” tore his quadriceps muscles on two separate occasions.

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backlash was okay at best. watched it all the way through. only good fight was the 4 way match and benoit/MVP. the rest of it was kinda boring and dull.

WWE RAW Results: 4-30-07

Khali's claim
By Noah Starr
April 30, 2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn.– It was a case of whodunit on the first Raw broadcast after the explosive events of Backlash. As Raw aired live from Nashville, one by one the top Superstars on the Raw roster turned up beaten and unresponsive in the backstage areas of the Gaylord Entertainment Center.

At the top of the show, Mr. McMahon scheduled a match between WWE Champion John Cena and Shawn Michaels. The WWE Chairman and new ECW World Champion guaranteed a title opportunity for Michaels next week if he conquered Cena later in the night. But the highly anticipated match never occurred, as HBK was found laid out in the locker room area. Soon, both Edge and Randy Orton were found in similar states. Mr. McMahon came up with a solution and sent word through Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman for Cena to go to the ring.

Cena stepped into the ring to demand that the anonymous attacker show himself. Fans suspected that anyone able to knock off three of the toughest Superstars in sports-entertainment would be nothing short of a giant of a man. When all 420 pounds of The Great Khali stepped into view, all suspicions were confirmed.

The monstrous Punjabi Warrior wasted no time in pummeling the WWE Champion. At one point in their confrontation, Cena was able to lift the behemoth for an FU, but was soon back on the defensive thanks to a stunning blow from one of Khali’s enormous elbows. After taking The Champ out, Khali raised the WWE gold to a staggering height above his head, letting fans around the globe know that he had his sights set on the most coveted prize in all of sports-entertainment.

Earlier in the night, Mr. McMahon forced ECW Original Rob Van Dam to square off against Umaga. Mr. McMahon, the self-proclaimed King of the Extreme, acted out of anger at the harsh words Van Dam and the rest of the ECW Originals had for the Chairman after his surprising victory over Bobby Lashley at Backlash (WATCH THE VIDEO). Although RVD put in a tremendous effort against the Samoan Bulldozer, a Samoan Spike helped Umaga ground the high-flyer and pick up the 1-2-3.

In an emotional case of friends turned foes, Edge and Randy Orton battled it out in a grueling match. Ever since the days leading up to the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 23, Rated-RKO has been falling apart at the seams. Edge and Orton were scheduled to clash last week on Raw but were forced to wait a week due to the Michaels vs. Cena match lasting nearly an hour!

After a brutal run-in with a turnbuckle left Orton bleeding from the head, a huge Spear from Edge left Orton on his back long enough for the Rated-R Superstar to secure the pin. Not satisfied with a victory over his former tag team partner, a fuming Edge informed Maria that he deserved an opportunity to challenge Cena for the WWE Championship.

In other Raw action, Carlito apologized to Ric Flair for losing his cool on last week’s Raw. Just as Carlito & Flair looked like they were about to claim a win in their match against The World’s Greatest Tag Team, Carlito viciously attacked his mentor and left the ring. No stranger to surprise attacks, the veteran Flair proved that he truly is the “Dirtiest Player in the Game” by giving Carlito a severe pounding as he tried to leave the ringside area.

Jeff Hardy defeated Johnny Nitro with a Swanton Bomb that seemed to come from outside of the stratosphere. Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch (who fell to The Hardys at Backlash) provided commentary for the match and gave Jeff a standing ovation after his win. Cade was heard exclaiming: “After last night, we have all the respect in the world for you!” The Southern tag team wanted to shake Hardy’s hand, but the fan-favorite refused. Were Cade & Murdoch up to no good?

Mickie James got some retribution for her loss against Melina at Backlash by teaming with Candice to defeat Victoria and the A-list Women’s Champion. Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella gave his first televised interview when he sat down with Todd Grisham to tell fans a little bit about himself.

Matches
Edge def. Randy Orton
Jeff Hardy def. Johnny Nitro
Umaga def. Rob Van Dam
Ric Flair & Carlito vs. World's Greatest Tag Team (no contest)
Mickie James & Candice Michele def. Victoria & Women's Champion Melina

i'm really gonna miss RVD. he is such an awesome wrestler. one of my favorites right behind kane who is my favorite wrestler of em all.

Kim _Kaphwan said:

i'm really gonna miss RVD. he is such an awesome wrestler. one of my favorites right behind kane who is my favorite wrestler of em all.

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Does anyone know if he'll be heading to TNA, Japan, or some indie promotion?

Hidden Character said:

Does anyone know if he'll be heading to TNA, Japan, or some indie promotion?

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no clue but i'm pretty sure he's got enough money to where he could simply just retire now and be fine. and he might do that, you never know.

Kim _Kaphwan said:

no clue but i'm pretty sure he's got enough money to where he could simply just retire now and be fine. and he might do that, you never know.

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He might go to TNA if offered enough money. Then, we'll see the dream match of AJ Styles versus RVD.

Source: PWTorch.com

Undertaker wrestled Sunday's match with a torn left bicep, and was in tremendous pain after his match on Sunday against Batista. He will likely require surgery, which would require six to eight months recovery time.

If that's the case, the talked-about switch of Shawn Michaels to Smackdown would become even more likely, or else Randy Orton may jump instead or also.

Taker was scheduled to defend the WWE Title against Batista at Judgment Day in the main event, plus work a heavier house show schedule than in recent years as he defended the title at least through Summerslam.

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ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 5-1-07

Fighting for ECW's Heart and Soul
By Bryan Robinson
May 1, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – When Mr. McMahon won the ECW World Championship from Bobby Lashley, the ECW Originals – the foundation upon which the promotion was built – were outraged. They believed that the Chairman had trashed their legacy, and perhaps no one was more vocal about this than former ECW World Champion Rob Van Dam. After winning an Extreme Rules Four Way Match tonight against his fellow Originals, RVD won the opportunity to face Mr. McMahon and salvage some of their legacy and ECW's dignity.

RVD’s match with the Chairman next week will not be for the championship. It will be a chance for one of ECW’s old guard to get their hands on the Chairman-champion. The Originals, all former ECW World Champions, had vented their rage at Mr. McMahon’s championship victory in interviews seen first on WWE.com. The self-proclaimed “King of Extreme” thought that he was punishing Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and Sabu by pitting them against each other in an Extreme Rules Four Way Match for an opportunity to face him.

Though the Originals are friends and are united in their love of ECW, they waged war against each other for the chance to battle Mr. McMahon. They were not confined by rules and showed our fans in Birmingham, Ala., why ECW is called Extreme Championship Wrestling. RVD won with a Five-Star Frog Splash on Sandman. The Chairman looked nervous as RVD celebrated his victory. But as the diabolical billionaire showed Bobby Lashley, RVD should beware – Mr. McMahon always has something up his sleeve.

A wounded Lashley appeared on ECW on Sci Fi and showed the Chairman and raucous Birmingham crowd that he is determined to regain the ECW World Championship. Lashley conceded that he was still nursing his shoulder, which he injured during his match against Mr. McMahon, Umaga and Shane McMahon at Backlash. However, that didn’t stop him from demanding a rematch for the championship tonight.

But that was not to be. Umaga’s handler, Armando Estrada – confined to a wheelchair because of the ferocious beating Lashley gave him last week – came out to ringside and told the former champion that, per Mr. McMahon’s order, he would receive a rematch, but not that night. However, there was one stipulation: if Lashley touched Umaga, Shane McMahon or the Chairman without any physical provocation, he would lose the right to his rematch.

To Estrada’s painful dismay, Mr. McMahon made a tactical error – Estrada was not included in that stipulation. Lashley put his hands on Estrada without fear of losing his rematch and made him pay for being the Chairman’s messenger. He got a small dose of revenge for the hell he has endured at the hands of Mr. McMahon.

Elijah Burke and his New Breed were determined to get revenge on CM Punk after the straightedge Superstar made them believe that he was a true member of their group and cost them their match against the Originals last week. At first it appeared Burke was going to extract revenge from Punk himself. But instead, he volunteered fanged freak New Breeder Kevin Thorn to take on Punk.

Thorn wasn’t pleased to be fighting Punk. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t able to channel his anger into a victory over the fan-favorite. When Thorn asked Burke why he didn’t help him out during his match, the eloquent pugilist berated him, and said no one should question his decisions as leader of the New Breed. With that, Thorn declared that the New Breed “bites” and quit the group.

The New Breed’s implosion continued unexpectedly later that night during a tag team match involving Marcus Cor Von and Matt Striker. Cor Von and Striker were expected to put the New Breed back in the win column with a decisive victory against two unknowns, the Major Brothers. But out of nowhere, the Major Brothers pulled off a major upset and defeated Cor Von and Striker. Shocked and disgusted, Burke went on a verbal tirade against Striker. The Extreme Educator took the tongue-lashing while Cor Von merely walked away. Is the New Breed slowly falling apart?

Matches
CM Punk def. Kevin Thorn
The Major Bros. def. Marcus Cor Von & Matt Striker
Rob Van Dam def. Tommy Dreamer, Sandman and Sabu (Extreme Rules Four Way Match)

Makes me wonder if the WWE is pushing some of the wrestlers too much? Triple H out, Booker T out, Lashley injured and may be out for awhile (shoulder) and now The Undertaker (torn bicep). Talk about the walking wounded.

I think it was reported that Lashley doesnt need surgery.

Borman said:

I think it was reported that Lashley doesnt need surgery.

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WWE.com: Lashley update

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - After visiting famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews to have his injured shoulder examined, Bobby Lashley learned that he has a damaged rotator cuff but will not need surgery at this time.

The former ECW World Champion injured his shoulder during Sunday’s 3-on-1 Handicap Match at Backlash, where he lost the title to Mr. McMahon. It has been suggested that Lashley's shoulder injury had been lingering since WrestleMania 23 and that he may further aggravated the injury during Backlash.

Dr. Andrews is respected as the preeminent physician athletes seek when they suffer sports injuries. He performed surgery on Triple H after “The Game” tore his quadriceps muscles on two separate occasions.

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Still, he'll be limited until his rotator cuff heals. Thank goodness it's not a tear or he would've been out for at least 4 months.

Source: ExtremeInsider.com

Ring Of Honor Inks PPV And VoD TV Deal

PPV/VOD Distribution Deals Bring ROH into 50 Million Households New York, May 3, 2007 - Ring Of Honor Wrestling (ROH), in association with G-Funk Sports & Entertainment, has concluded programming and distribution deals for PPV and VOD wrestling cards with iN DEMAND Networks, TVN and EchoStar Communications Corporation’s DISH NetworkTM, making the critically-acclaimed ROH brand available for the first time ever to approximately 50 million American households. The agreement calls for a card every 60 days from shows both stateside and abroad, and will premiere July 1. A total of six cards are planned throughout ‘07/’08. ROH owner Cary Silkin made the announcement today with G-Funk’s President Ken Gelman. The debut event, entitled “Respect Is Earned,” will be taped May 12 in New York City from the Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, and will feature a glistening array of talent from Japan, England, the U.S. and Mexico.

Long revered by a loyal underground fan base, the Philadelphia-based ROH—currently seen on Canadian, British and Japanese TV—appeals to the disenfranchised wrestling fan fed up with storylines which seem to take precedence over the kind of powerful ring competition that ROH specializes in. ROH, in fact, is seen to have the highest level of athleticism in its field today, which recently culminated in a sweep of the 2006 Wrestling Observer awards for “Most Outstanding Wrestler,” “Best Brawler,” “Best Major Wrestling Show” (ROH took four of its Top 10) and “Best Booker.”

“Fans around the world now know that our brand of action is, indeed, the highest-flying, hardest-hitting most daring and acrobatic action presented today,” says Mr. Silkin. “We are thrilled that we can finally show a televised audience what our crowds have known for the last six years…that ROH harkens back to an earlier era of wrestling where authenticity still counted for something. There’s a magic at our shows that I, as a wrestling fan, had all but given up on.”

G-Funk Sports and Entertainment will be handling all marketing and promotion for the wrestling programs, including creation and launch of an affiliate website on May 15, www.rohaffiliates.com, which will contain easy-to-implement marketing materials and all event information. Each show will also be supported by a range of targeted national consumer advertising and promotion.

According to Mr. Gelman, “Ring Of Honor already has the respect and enthusiastic following of legions of fans around the world through their live events, but represents a fresh new entry into the world of televised wrestling. These distinctive programs will prove a welcome change-of-pace for audiences and a popular new option for cable operators and satellite providers as they expand their transactional offerings.”

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Smackdown last Friday drew a 2.6 household rating (4.2 million viewers, the same as the same week in 2006)

Raw this week drew a 3.6 rating, down 0.1 from last week. The verdict on featuring longer wrestling matches is negative right now, as the overrun rating for the finish of Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena went down, not up. This week, the quarter hour was 4.2, well above the show's average of 3.6 and well above the Q8 rating of 3.7. Mystery angles, when used infrequently and when involving big stars, are a reliable ratings-getter.

The show opened with a 3.4 in Q1 and built to a mid-show peak of 3.8, before dropping leading into the overrun.

Source: PWTorch.com

Source: pwinsider

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling notified Ring of Honor earlier today that effective immediately, all TNA contracted talents have been removed from upcoming scheduled ROH bookings. In addition to the departure of Christopher Daniels, former ROH champions Homicide and Austin Aries will no longer be allowed to appear at future Ring of Honor events. Perhaps the most anticipated event upcoming in ROH, the return of Samoa Joe, is also off the books.

TNA officials made the call to distance themselves from the popular independent promotion following ROH's announcement yesterday that they had signed a deal to begin airing taped PPV events on July 1st. Their first PPV event will be taped on May 12th in New York City at the Manhattan Center.

While TNA management understands the fact that this will upset ROH fans, they felt that they were left with no choice after ROH announced their upcoming pay-per-view expansion.

Ring of Honor booker Gabe Sapolskly refused to comment on the situation, but given the way that ROH storylines have been phasing out TNA performers, this move is not one that came unexpected.

TNA Impact! Results: 5-3-07

1 -- TEAM 3D (BROTHER & BROTHER DEVON) vs. RHINO & SAMOA JOE -- NWA Tag Title match -- non-title match

I believe there was a "3D sucks" chant to start the match. The fans then chanted "Let's go Rhino," so Rhino tagged out to Joe, who squared off with Ray. Joe landed his kick and slap combo on Ray, but missed with a knee drop. Ray then hit a German suplex on Joe, but Joe answered right back with a t-bone suplex. They countered each other's moves, then had a stand off to a strong crowd pop. That's the best Ray's looked in the ring for a 45-second sequence in months. After the stand-off, Ray hit a fallaway suplex on Joe, followed by Rock Bottom. Rhino then popped into the ring and dropped Ray with a Gore. Christopher Daniels then hit the ring and KO'ed Rhino with a baseball bat. He jabbed Devon in the gut, and the ref called for the bell.

Daniels tried to leave the ring, but Joe put him a rear naked choke and tossed him back into the ring. Devon gave Daniels a diving headbutt to the crotch, then all four men called for a table for four. Rhino then Gored Daniels right through a table in the corner and all four men stood tall in the ring.

WINNER: Match thrown out in 3:00. Poor Daniels. Just a complete and utter squash of a wrestler who's been booked at the Brother Runt level of fodder for the semi-main event stars. The match itself was a great three minutes of action. Of course, this is TNA, so we only got three minutes of action. It was the first time in months that Joe has looked like the killer tweener that could dominate TNA's heavyweight division. (*1/4)

Backstage, Borash was with Christian and Styles, who complained about Christian volunteering him for another match. Christian told him to calm down and said when they beat Angle & Sting, that leaves one man with the opportunity for the NWA Title. Styles still didn't like what he heard, and slammed his fist into the locker room. Christian calmed him down again and they shared a moment about their hoods and chest hair. Seriously. Christian explained in no uncertain terms that Styles would be #1 Contender if they win the tag match. Styles went in for a tentative hug, then left. Christian was puzzled.

[Commercial Break]

They showed a recap of the Eric Young/-Robert Roode relationship, with Jeff Jarrett returning last week to save Young.

In the ring, Ms. Brooks was in a neck brace, and Roode said he's not a happy man. He said he hates Young's guts and he's going to fire him right now. Jim Cornette answered Roode and told him to listen to him. He sent Jarrett home because he's not going to have men beating up women in TNA, even if it was deserved. He said the only people that should be fired are Roode and his flotation floozy. Cornette then explained that when Young signed a contract with Roode, he breached his TNA contract. He then explained that when Young signed with Roode, it made Roode guilty of tampering with a TNA-contracted talent. Cornette suggested that Roode drop the deal with Young so no one has to go to court. I think it's about time for a graphic explaining the contract deal.

Roode called Cornette's bluff and shot back that Cornette should have done something about the Young situation a long time ago if he was this concerned about the legal ramifications. Roode placed a hard finger on Cornette, and Cornette answered back with a hard finger jab, so Roode jumped Cornette. He told him never to put his hands on him again. Eric Young then hit the ring and they exchanged right hand blows. Young took the upper hand, then went under the ring and retrieved a guitar. Back in the ring, Roode blocked a guitar shot and hit a spike DDT. Beautiful execution. Roode then tore up Young with right hand blows before Brooks pulled out the previously used handcuffs and Roode cuffed Young to the corner. Brooks paint brushed Young across the face, then Roode picked up the guitar and the mic. And the chant I thought I would never ever hear in my life: "We want Jarrett." Roode paused in between heavy breaths and told Young, "It pays to be Roode." He then whacked Young across the head with a guitar shot. Security intervened to uncuff Young, then Cornette re-entered the ring. Cornette said he's not going to fire Roode; he's going to put him in a match against Jeff Jarrett at Sacrifice. Roode, whose hair was suddenly back in place, had no problem with that. Another hot segment with the players involved in Jeff Jarrett's storyline.

[Commercial Break]

They recapped the previous segment, then Tenay plugged Roode vs. Jarrett. Ringside, Don West talked about what happened to Abyss two weeks ago. He said no one in TNA has been in contact with Abyss since the incident. James Mitchell then did a voice-over as they recapped footage of Abyss taking the pounding. Mitchell said that without him, Abyss was nothing. "I made Abyss a World champion." He said Abyss was an emotionally insecure, directionless, bumbling man child. And now that he's discarded Abyss, he's ready to move on to bigger and better things. Shoot, man.

2 -- GAIL KIM vs. JACKIE MOORE -- Street fight match

They brawled ringside to start the "match" and Jackie knocked down Gail with a right hand blow. They re-entered the ring and Gail tossed weapons into the ring. She placed a trashcan over Jackie's head, then smashed the can into Jackie's head with a weapon. She rolled Jackie over and made a cover for a nearfall. Jackie quickly recovered and nailed Gail with a cane shot to the gut. Gail, though, found a red bra and choked Jackie across the throat. Jackie recovered and retrieved a chair, but Gail dropkicked the chair into Jackie's face, knocking Jackie out. She then made the cover for the win.

Afterward, James Storm came to the ring with beer in hand and distracted Gail to let Jackie recover and punch Gail from behind. Jackie dropped Gail with a DDT, then the Pirate Chris Harris hit the ring and cut off Storm. He then ripped off the eye patch and tossed it at Storm. The scales have been lifted! Harris gave Storm a spinebuster, then Storm bailed to the outside. Tenay said Harris vs. Storm has been signed for a Texas Death Match at Sacrifice.

WINNER: Gail in 4:00. As usual, the story was the post-match activity. Decent action in the ring, with the women showing good passion during their fight. (*)

Backstage, Christy Hemme was grossed out by the smell emitted from VKM. She said she would have something foul at Sacrifice for VKM. Well, it has been a decade since Sunny had a little dip in the slop with the Godwinns. Kip James then scared everyone away by flashing his arm pit.

[Commercial Break. First, it was Hemme and Kip discussing foul odors. Now, a genital herpes commercial and two guys urinating on each other. That's quality TV, folks.]

Eye Spy this week recapped Chris Sabin falling out of a tree last week. Mr. Backlund, in his purple short shorts, then taught Sabin a lesson or two with a few single leg takedowns. Sabin apologized profusely, then Alex Shelley dropped the camera and started reading some book. Completely random.

Tenay and West broke down the Sacrifice PPV card.

3 -- NWA champion CHRISTIAN CAGE & A.J. STYLES vs. KURT ANGLE & STING -- No DQ match

Jim Cornette was ringside for commentary. He gave us a great money line that he could take Robert Roode to court, but that wouldn’t be half as bad as what Jarrett does to Roode at the PPV. That should have been the most important line of the show, but it was turned into a simple segue from one storyline to the main event match. The bell sounded and Angle ran over Christian with a shoulderblock. They exchanged chops in the corner, then Angle caught Christian in mid-air with a back body drop. Sting came in and knocked down Christian with a dropkick, then he press slammed him to the mat. Styles quickly regained the advantage for his team by crotching Sting hard into the ringpost. The heels then worked on Sting as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from the break, the heels were in control again. Angle finally took a hot tag and suplexed everyone in sight. Sting then stacked up the heels and hit a dual Stinger splash. He dropped Christian with the Scorpion death drop, but Angle broke up the pin attempt. They had a face-to-face exchange, then Styles entered the ring and took a double clothesline. Sting pointed at the lifeless body of Styles and told him to take the pin. With the delay, Christian smashed Sting from behind with a steel chair. Christian and Styles went for a conchairto on Angle, but Angle ducked. He then cleared Christian out of the ring. Suddenly, Angle and Styles found themselves grabbing one of Styles's ankles in the ankle lock hold. Styles fought the hold for a few seconds before tapping out with both hands. Angle and Sting turned to look at each other, then they finally released the hold and Cornette wondered aloud who should be the winner. The referee wouldn't raise a hand, so Cornette asked who Styles tapped out to. No one had an answer, so Cornette booked a three-way NWA Title match at Sacrifice.

WINNER: Sting & Angle simultaneously in 7:00. A lot of confusion on this show, summed up by no one being able to make heads or tails of the finish. The dynamic between Angle and Sting makes for good TV, but the only important factor is whether it makes people want to see them in a title match with Christian on PPV. How TNA sells this PPV is the big question for the next week, and we'll see how the second set of tapings translates on TV to make people want to spend $30 in ten days. (*1/2)

WWE Smackdown Results: 5-4-07

Destructive behavior
By Lennie DiFino
May 4, 2007

Birmingham, Ala. - On a night when General Manager Theodore Long announced that next Friday World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker and Batista would face off in a Steel Cage Match, both The Phenom and The Animal had stern messages for each other. When these two behemoths collide in Pittsburgh on Friday, the Steel City will never be the same – and neither will either competitor.

Following the announcement, a wounded Batista told the World Heavyweight Champion, “at Backlash, we pushed each other to the limit. Then we went past the limit. Nothing is resolved.” He continued, “is the World Heavyweight Championship worth all this destruction? Hell yes.” The Animal then had a promise for Undertaker, saying, “next week, in a 15-foot high cage, I will win back my title.”

The Deadman had a message of his own for his challenger, telling Batista, “I took your soul at Backlash. I took your health.” Undertaker then assured him, “next Friday when you step into the demon’s playground, you will rest in peace.”

Speaking of the World Heavyweight Championship, after announcing on Raw that he would cash in his championship opportunity at WrestleMania 24, Mr. Kennedy was on SmackDown in one-on-one action against Matt Hardy. Mr. Money in the Bank and Hardy are both looking to vault themselves into the upper echelon of SmackDown, and on this night, Hardy was able to get the victory over Kennedy in one of the highlight matches of the year for Friday Night SmackDown.

Despite the loss, Kennedy has 331 days until he claims he will take his opportunity at a world champion at WrestleMania 24, but Mr. Money in the Bank could always cash it in at any time.

Montel Vontavious Porter went up against Kane in a No. 1 Contenders Match for the right to face United States Champion Chris Benoit. The Big Red Monster was in full control and looked to become the man to face the Rabid Wolverine, but William Regal & Dave Taylor interfered. Regal & Taylor earlier in the night attacked Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman, but Kane made his way out, chasing off the dangerous duo of Regal & Taylor. The two would get their revenge when they cost Kane the match against MVP, as Regal nailed Kane with brass knuckles. MVP delivered the Playmaker for the victory and earned yet another opportunity at U.S. gold.

A former champion looking to regain his gold is Brian Kendrick. He took on one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Domino. Kendrick is still waiting for his partner Paul London to regain full health so the two can pursue the tag titles again, while Deuce & Domino are looking to “crack em’ in da mouth” before they have the chance. Last week, Kendrick lost to Domino’s partner, Deuce, and this week, the young high-flyer gutted out the victory.

Anticipating the need for some time off to spend with his girl Kristal, General Manager Theodore Long has begun the interview process for his assistant. On SmackDown, “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Sgt. Slaughter, Brooklyn Brawler, and even Miz were lined up in hopes of landing the job.

Another video featuring Mark Henry aired, and The World’s Strongest Man has vowed to continue the path of destruction he was on before his injury. Henry then told our fans and all of SmackDown, “there is nothing you can do about it.”

The Miz took on Finlay, but became increasingly frustrated when Hornswoggle intervened on numerous occasions. Hornswoggle poked Miz in the eyes, teed off with the shillelagh, and then pulled Miz under the ring, much to the delight of Finlay. Miz escaped from under the ring and left the arena in frustration, losing the match to the Irishman by count-out. Also, Jimmy Wang Yang defeated Gregory Helms in singles action.

Matches
Boogeyman def. William Regal (Disqualification)
Brian Kendrick def. WWE Tag Team Champion Domino
Matt Hardy def. Mr. Kennedy
Jimmy Wang Yang def. Gregory Helms
Finlay def. Miz (Count-out)
MVP def. Kane

RVD To Be Taken Off Television Soon; Further Update

To further update the situation between RVD and his contract with WWE, look for him to be taken off television around June, as his contract with the company expires in August.

The reason why WWE is doing this is because they don’t want him to pull a “Christian Cage” and show up on TNA programming right after being on WWE television if in fact he does go to TNA.

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anyone get the quote from orton tonight on raw?
"my career, my title future, and my life. are back on track tonight."
think he's gonna try and behaving for once?