offical wwe thread

WWE RAW Results: 7-2-07

A matter of time
By Andrew Rote
July 2, 2007

DALLAS – It was time for the Raw Superstars to Beat the Clock at the American Airlines Center, with the man who won his match in the fastest time earning a WWE Championship Match against John Cena at The Great American Bash. Randy Orton, King Booker and Mr. Kennedy tried, but ultimately it was Bobby Lashley who won the challenge. Time is now ticking for Cena, who must face a hungry Lashley on July 22 in San Jose, Calif.

In other title action, the Intercontinental Championship returned to the bulging waist of Umaga when he quenched his hunger for revenge, a hunger that had been brewing since losing the gold to Santino Marella. The Samoan Bulldozer lived up to his nickname once again when he turned an anticipated championship bout into a brief formality, capped off with a Samoan Spike.

Women’s Champion Candice watched as Melina defeated Maria, but the big action took place after the match was over. Melina backed Candice up to the wall, but the Women’s Champion got in the last move, knocking the bitter former champion to the mat. In other action, Sandman took Carlito to the extreme, proudly being disqualified for using his Singapore cane against Raw’s self-proclaimed coolest Superstar.

Also, Randy Orton went out of his way to introduce himself to Cody Rhodes, son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes. After Randy told Cody he could be just like Orton in surpassing the talent of previous generations, Cody warned the Legend Killer to stay away from his father, to which Orton responded by slapping the “American Dream” before walking away. Later on, Dusty announced to Orton, “I want you to meet me in that ring next week,” leaving our fans to wonder and imagine what the Hall of Famer has in store for the cocky Legend Killer.

Matches
Randy Orton def. Jeff Hardy (Beat the Clock Match)
Melina def. Maria
Umaga def. Intercontinental Champion Santino Marella (new champion)
King Booker def. Val Venis (Beat the Clock Match)
Super Crazy def. Mr. Kennedy (Beat the Clock Match)
Carlito def. Sandman (DQ)
Bobby Lashley def. Shelton Benjamin (Beat the Clock Match)

WWE RAW Results: 7-2-07

BTW these were the times for the 'Beat the Clock' matches:

Orton beat Hardy in 7:06 to establish the time.

King Booker beat Val Venis in 4:30 to take the lead.

Mr. Kennedy lost to Super Crazy in 0:39.
Kind of obvious he's not back to wrestling full-time quite yet.

Bobby Lashley beat Shelton Benjamin in 4:05 to become the #1 contender.

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 7-3-07

Playing with Poison
By Bryan Robinson
July 3, 2007

DALLAS – ECW World Champion Johnny Nitro couldn’t stop smiling as he emerged from the locker room. His long brown locks were still drenched in sweat from his hard-fought victory earlier that night over legendary ECW Original Tommy Dreamer – an opponent that his chief rival, CM Punk, had chosen for him in a “Pick Your Poison”-themed ECW on Sci Fi. In turn, Nitro’s handpicked “poison” for Punk was Kevin Thorn – and he had just watched the Straightedge Superstar impale the powerful vampire.

Nitro seemed impressed, but his smile slowly faded as his eyes locked on Punk. The No. 1 contender to the ECW World Title did not take his eyes off the champion either, and challenged Nitro to get into the ring. But Punk was then blindsided by Thorn, and would have been double-teamed by him and Nitro if he hadn’t fought off the powerhouse.

Nitro backed away from a likely attack on his challenger as Punk invited him to duke it out. As our fans at the American Airlines Center in Dallas chanted “CM Punk! CM Punk!” Nitro stuck his nose up and held his – and he would stress his – ECW World Title for Punk and the whole world to see. “You may have won your match, Punk, but I’m still the champ,” he seemed to say. “I’m the ECW World Champion, and you’re not.”

The latest duel between Punk and Nitro was essentially a draw as both men beat their respective “poisons.” Their rivalry, which began when Nitro defeated Punk for the vacant ECW World Title at Vengeance: Night of Champions, has only heated up in recent weeks as both men have traded verbal jabs at one another. They will have the opportunity to throw five-knuckled jabs when they wage war again over the ECW World Title at The Great American Bash on July 22.

But tonight, both young Superstars were content with having other men literally fight their battles for them. In some ways, it wasn’t surprising that Punk chose Dreamer to test Nitro. Punk, a fan of the original incarnation of ECW, respects Dreamer and the legacy he has built, and the two teamed together with Sandman in a Six-Man Tag Team Tables Match against the New Breed at One Night Stand.

Nitro, however, doesn’t have much respect for Dreamer and ECW’s history. Dreamer, a former ECW World Champion who has broken his back and neck for the promotion, is among those who have questioned Nitro’s toughness and whether he was “ECW enough” to be ECW World Champion. Nitro, in turn, has been on a mission to show naysayers that he represents the evolution of the Land of the Extreme.

Dreamer took Nitro to the extreme – but the focused A-lister showed Dreamer that he was redefining extreme with his athleticism. Dreamer learned that Nitro’s pretty boy looks, stylish fur and Hollywood shades could be deceiving as the ECW Champion tortured him by targeting his left shoulder before ultimately flattening him with a corkscrew neckbreaker.

In Kevin Thorn, Nitro had a brutal, sadistic opponent who was well-acquainted with Punk. The two had battled several times, and Nitro knew Thorn would be relentless and remorseless in his assault.

Thorn had been on a reign of terror, bulldozing all foes since he had left the New Breed months ago. He overwhelmed Punk for much of their contest with his power. But the Straightedge Superstar – at the urging of his cheering legion of supporters – shook with adrenaline and showed the heart that has won fans the world over.

As he stood victorious in the ring, Punk looked at Nitro. He definitely had Nitro's undivided attention and had won him over. But make no mistake; the ECW World Champion is no fan of Punk. He knows the Straightedge Superstar is the biggest threat to his championship reign. For now, these two young Superstars are only exchanging glares. What will be next as they try to gain an advantage in the weeks before their clash at The Great American Bash?

Matches
ECW World Champion Johnny Nitro def. Tommy Dreamer (non-title match)
CM Punk def. Kevin Thorn

During last night's ECW program, they showed the Nitro/CM Punk title match from Vengaence however for those who had originally watched the PPV event and even those who did not, the encore that aired was edited so that Styles or Tazz did not mention or even refer to the late Chris Benoit...moreso to the effect the crowd reaction was altered.

Arcademan said:

During last night's ECW program, they showed the Nitro/CM Punk title match from Vengaence however for those who had originally watched the PPV event and even those who did not, the encore that aired was edited so that Styles or Tazz did not mention or even refer to the late Chris Benoit...moreso to the effect the crowd reaction was altered.

Click to expand...

yeah, at vengeance the crowd kept shouting "we want benoit!" and they talked him up quite a bit. even showed a little clip of him when he stared at the ECW title.

Posted over at Rob's Damn Board but I thought I'd share it here...

Famous Wrestlers That Have Died Since 1984 Before the Age of 50:

Chris Von Erich - 21 - suicide
Mike Von Erich - 23 - suicide
David Von Erich - 25 flu complications and/or overdose
Louie Spiccoli - 27 overdose
Art Barr - 28 - drug related
Gino Hernandez - 29 overdose
Jay Youngblood - 30 ruptured spleen/multiple heart attacks
Rick McGraw - 30 ring injuries
Joey Marella - 30 car accident
Ed Gatner - 31 kidney disease
Buzz Sawyer - 32 overdose
Crash Holly - 32 overdose
Kerry Von Erich - 33 suicide
Eddie Gilbert - 33 heart attack
The Renegade - 33 suicide
Owen Hart - 33 ring accident
Chris Candido - 33 ring injuries
Adrian Adonis - 34 car accident
Gary Albright - 34 heart attack in the ring (artery disease)
Bobby Duncum Jr. - 34 overdose
Yokozuna - 34 heart failure
Big Dick Dudley - 34 kidney failure
Brian Pillman - 35 undetected heart condition
Pitbull #2 - 36 overdose
The Wall/Malice - 36 heart attack
Leroy Brown - 38 heart attack
Eddie Guerrero - 38 heart disease
Davey Boy Smith - 39 steroids
Johnny Grunge - 39 sleep apnea
Vivian Vachon - 40 car accident
Jeep Swenson - 40 heart failure
Brady Boone - 40 car accident
Terry Gordy - 40 heart attack
Bertha Faye - 40 overdose
Chris Benoit - 40 suicide
Larry Cameron - 41 heart attack
Rick Rude - 41 heart attack and/or overdose
Randy Anderson - 41 natural causes (?)
Bruiser Brody - 42 murdered
Miss Elizabeth - 42 overdose
Big Boss Man - 42 heart attack
Earthquake - 42 bladder cancer
Mike Awesome - 42 suicide
Ray Candy - 43 - heart attack
Nancy Benoit - 43 murdered
Dino Bravo - 44 murdered
Curt Hennig - 44 overdose
Bam Bam Bigelow - 45 overdose
Jerry Blackwell - 45 pneumonia
Junkyard Dog - 45 car accident
Hercules - 45 heart attack
Andre the Giant - 46 heart attack
Big John Studd - 46 liver cancer
Chris Adams - 46 murdered
Mike Davis - 46 heart attack
Hawk - 46 heart attack
Dick Murdoch - 49 heart attack
Jumbo Tsuruta - 49 hepatitis
Rocco Rock - 49 heart attack
Sherri Martel - 49 unknown

19 heart attacks
11 overdoses
6 suicides (half by the von erich brothers)
5 car accidents
4 homicides

TNA Impact! Results: 7-5-07

TNA Impact on Spike TV
July 5, 2007
Taped July 2 in Orlando, Florida
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

1 -- TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON) vs. A.J. STYLES & CHRISTOPHER DANIELS vs. LAX (HOMICIDE & HERNANDEZ) -- TNA Tag Title match

The heel teams double teamed Team 3D as soon as the bell rang. Homicide came off the top rope with a clothesline on Ray, clearing him to the floor. Devon then cleaned house before Hernandez ran him over with a shoulderblock. Styles then flew off the top rope onto Devon. Homicide and Styles battled in a preview of an eventual title match in an alternate wrestling universe, then Homicide caught Styles off the ropes with an overhead slam. He then ran into a flying dropkick from Daniels. Hernandez attempted the Border Toss on Daniels, but Styles pulled Daniels down. Daniels did too much posing, so Ray ran him over. A few vocal fans chanted, "Team 3D sucks" as they hit a reverse hanging neckbreaker on Hernandez for a nearfall. The majority of the crowd popped for 3D as they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Devon making a cover on Hernandez for a nearfall. Ray then airballed on a top rope splash on Homicide, who quickly went up top and flew onto Ray with a huracanrana. Daniels and Styles then hit the high-low on Ray for a nearfall. The referee tried to restore order as Homicide slapped on a neck vice on Ray, then LAX exchanged tags working on Rey for a few minutes. Homicide hit a top rope splash on Ray again, and another nearfall at 12:00. They cut to another break with LAX still in control.

[Q2]

[Commercial Break]

They return with Daniels and Styles now working on Ray in center ring. Ray fought back from his knees with stiff chops to Daniels's chest, but Daniels cut him off with a punch to the jaw. Suddenly, Ray came back with a full nelson bomb. He slowly crawled over to his corner and tagged out to Devon, who unloaded on the heels. Devon threw Styles through the ropes, then Daniels accepted a lift-up reverse slam for a nearfall when Hernandez broke up the pin. At 16:00, Ray hit a scoop slam on Homicide, then Devon went up top for the diving headbutt to the crotch. Team 3D then called for the tables, but the heels ambushed them in the ring. Daniels got caught in the corner, then 3D hit the Doomsday Device on Daniels, who kicked out just in time. Styles then flew off the top rope with a springboard double dropkick on 3D. Homicie went for the Cop Killah, but Styles slipped out and hit a back flip soccer kick. The action was all over the place, then Styles hit a frog splash and Daniels hit the BME in succession for a nearfall. Suddenly, Hernandez with the cracker jack on Daniels followed by the Border Toss on Styles. Homicide had the pin on Styles, but Daniels pulled the ref out just in time. Hernandez then generated a head of steam in the ring and flew over the top rope onto Daniels, Styles, and Devon on the floor. Ray, not to be outdone, went to the top rope and hit a Flying Sausage splash onto everyone on the floor. Daniels, not to be outdone, went up top, but Devon cut him off in the ring. Devon went for a powerbomb, but Daniels countered in mid-air with a huracanrana. He followed with the STO, then went for the Angel's Wings, but Devon countered with a back body drop. Ray back in the ring, and 3D hit the 3D on Daniels. Ray then covered Daniels for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team 3D in 21:00 to retain the TNA Tag Titles. Amazing final five minutes, albeit Highspot Fest 2007. If you only watch five minutes of the wrestling this week, those are the five minutes. (***1/4)

They instantly cut to Jeremy "Scheme Gene" Borash backstage without letting the title match sink in. That's unacceptable. Borash told us about Angle and Brock Lesnar meeting in the center of the ring last week. Find out now on TNA Mobile! We heard faint whimpering in the background. Someone left a porn movie on in the background. Borash then led the camera off camera. No, it was just Christy Hemme macking on Lance Hoyt. Christy called Borash a pervert for watching. Hoyt said he was under Christy's covers the whole time while with VKM. He said it's time because he has the skills, the fiery red hot, and a set. They continued to mack, then Hoyt carried her away. Samoa Joe approached Borash from behind and ripped the mic away. Almost a Ron Simmons "Damn!" moment from Joe. He said Team 3D is the last piece of the puzzle. Joe talked about pimpslapping Kurt Angle last week, and how he's his puppet. He said he's going to use Angle to get the tag titles, so he can go after Angle's TNA Title to have all the gold. Joe said he still needs Angle's help to destroy him. He closed: "I am Samoa Joe. I am the X Division champion. And Kurt, inevitably, you will be broken."

[Commercial Break]

[Q3]

Jim Cornette joined Tenay and West ringside with his airport traffic controller headsets. Tenay and West then broke down the Victory Road PPV card in nine days. Tenay asked Cornette about some sort of special announcement concerning the X Division. They aired a video package on the Ultimate X match. Cornette broke down the Match of Champions match with Angle & Joe vs. Team 3D.

Suddenly, Christian Cage interrupted on stage with Tomko. He screamed into a megaphone that the megaphone is a symbol of a director, producer, and of power. Christian approached Cornette and said he produces ratings. He said he produced Jeff Jarrett, Sting, Rhino, Samoa Joe, and Abyss. Christian asked about Chris Harris, saying, "Who in the hell is Chris Harris?" He said Harris is going to be a bonafide superstar just by breathing the same air he breathes. Christian said that once he makes another superstar, Cornette is going to have put Christian back in the main event. Cornette snapped back and said Harris is the guy that's about to shatter the glass ceiling, using Christian's head as a battering ram. He switched gears and said Abyss is still looking for him. Christian said he knows as a matter of fact that Abyss isn't even here tonight. He talked big about slapping Abyss right in the face if he were here. Suddenly, Abyss's music hit and the lights changed to Abyss's entrance them. Christian stumbled over Tomko, but no sign of Abyss.

They quickly cut an interview with Mike Tenay and Rhino with Tenay asking about why he snapped on Jim Cornette and everyone else a few weeks ago. Rhino gave us a story about his father having a drinking addiction, which turned into his addiction. He said he finally gave it up, but James Storm poured it in his mouth and it reminded him of those demons. Rhino said Storm opened up a wound, and he has to be held responsible for his actions.

2 -- MS. BROOKS vs. MS. JACKIE MOORE vs. GAIL KIM

The story unfolded with the heels - Jackie and Brooks - arguing over who would beat up Gail. Jackie then rearranged Brooks's assets with a series of chops. Brooks returned the favor to Gail, who walked into a face buster across her knee. Brooks tried to pull Gail back into the ring, but Gail pulled her to the floor. Jackie followed with a kick onto Brooks. Gail then went up top and hit a splash onto both opponents. Cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

Back from break, Brooks and Jackie had a dual half-crab on Brooks. Tenay plugged the Mobile contest to win a date with Christy Hemme. They don't tell it's chaperoned by Lance Hoyt. Gail and Brooks fought up top and Gail nearly broke everyone's neck with a huracanrana from the top rope. Jackie then caught Gail with a hard German Suplex in center ring. Gail suddenly fired up a comeback and took down both women with a spinning head scissors. She sent Brooks to the outside, then rolled through on a pin attempt by Jackie for the pin of her own to win the match.

WINNER: Gail Kim in 8:00. Nice match. Good action, but the post-match overshadowed the in-ring, as per the formula. (*1/2)

[Q4]

After the match, the women beat down Gail until Eric Young made the save. Jackie and Brooks backed away, then Brooks confronted Young. Jackie then jumped on Young's back, but he threw her down. Ditto for Brooks. Robert Roode then hit the ring from behind and clotheslined Young, leading to a beating by Roode. The women beat up Gail, then Brooks held up Roode's arm.

Backstage, Borash found Sting in a dark alley. Sting led Borash through the bowels of the building, discussing Abyss. Oh boy. Here we go again. Sting said he never gave up on Abyss, feeling indebted to "Chris". He said Abyss has been hiding behind the mask, while he's been hiding behind the paint or years. Sting said Abyss is going to talk next week. The camera panned left and revealed Abyss, without the mask and with Sting facepaint on. He threw his head back, then did his "X" pose. And there's our first glimpse of Abyss sans mask.

[Commercial Break]

Kurt Angle's music hit and he walked out on stage sporting a suit while holding the TNA Title and a version of the IWGP Title. That's how a champion is supposed to look like. Thumbs up. Angle took the mic and said tonight is Kurt Angle "champion of champions" night. He said T-N-A stands for Total Non-Stop Angle. Angle said he put TNA on the map, not Jeff Jarrett, not Sting, not Abyss, not Christian Cage. (No mention of Joe.) Angle said since he's been here, TNA has realized record ratings and increasing buyrates. Boy, I'd get that rating above 1.2 before bragging about it. Angle ripped on Team 3D, then Team 3D's music hit. Ray came to the ring shouting, "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah" oh, and "blah, blah, blah." He said TNA is about an entire locker room of wrestlers striving to become the greatest wrestling company in the world.

Lumberjack Ray said the company is about total non-stop action, not Kurt Angle. He talked about the highest ratings in the last couple of weeks because of the whole locker room, and because of the fans. Gag alert. He complemented the fans in the arena and watching at home. Angle said the fans live their lives through him and Ray's obviously a guy who won a hot dog eating contest on Coney Island. Ray vs. Chestnut with Kobayashi as special referee. I'll pay to see it. Angle, sweating profusely through his suit, said that Ray sucks. Ray said that if he sucks, then Angle blows. Ah, I miss the days of Tenay interjecting a "That was stiff" right about here. Angle tried to land a blow, but Ray caught him with a blow. Ray asked for a table, then Devon brought it into the ring. Team 3D slowly set up the table, giving Samoa Joe enough time to hit the ring and land a double clothesline and dropkick on Team 3D. Joe then snapped off a Samoan Drop on Devon. He played to the crowd, but, predictably, Angle caught Joe from behind and hit an Olympic Slam through the table. A lesson that you never, never, never play to the camera with a table in the ring. When are these kids going to learn? Angle posed for the crowd, which was red-hot for the final segment. Strong conclusion to the show.

Arcademan said:

Posted over at Rob's Damn Board but I thought I'd share it here...

Famous Wrestlers That Have Died Since 1984 Before the Age of 50:

Chris Von Erich - 21 - suicide
Mike Von Erich - 23 - suicide
David Von Erich - 25 flu complications and/or overdose
Louie Spiccoli - 27 overdose
Art Barr - 28 - drug related
Gino Hernandez - 29 overdose
Jay Youngblood - 30 ruptured spleen/multiple heart attacks
Rick McGraw - 30 ring injuries
Joey Marella - 30 car accident
Ed Gatner - 31 kidney disease
Buzz Sawyer - 32 overdose
Crash Holly - 32 overdose
Kerry Von Erich - 33 suicide
Eddie Gilbert - 33 heart attack
The Renegade - 33 suicide
Owen Hart - 33 ring accident
Chris Candido - 33 ring injuries
Adrian Adonis - 34 car accident
Gary Albright - 34 heart attack in the ring (artery disease)
Bobby Duncum Jr. - 34 overdose
Yokozuna - 34 heart failure
Big Dick Dudley - 34 kidney failure
Brian Pillman - 35 undetected heart condition
Pitbull #2 - 36 overdose
The Wall/Malice - 36 heart attack
Leroy Brown - 38 heart attack
Eddie Guerrero - 38 heart disease
Davey Boy Smith - 39 steroids
Johnny Grunge - 39 sleep apnea
Vivian Vachon - 40 car accident
Jeep Swenson - 40 heart failure
Brady Boone - 40 car accident
Terry Gordy - 40 heart attack
Bertha Faye - 40 overdose
Chris Benoit - 40 suicide
Larry Cameron - 41 heart attack
Rick Rude - 41 heart attack and/or overdose
Randy Anderson - 41 natural causes (?)
Bruiser Brody - 42 murdered
Miss Elizabeth - 42 overdose
Big Boss Man - 42 heart attack
Earthquake - 42 bladder cancer
Mike Awesome - 42 suicide
Ray Candy - 43 - heart attack
Nancy Benoit - 43 murdered
Dino Bravo - 44 murdered
Curt Hennig - 44 overdose
Bam Bam Bigelow - 45 overdose
Jerry Blackwell - 45 pneumonia
Junkyard Dog - 45 car accident
Hercules - 45 heart attack
Andre the Giant - 46 heart attack
Big John Studd - 46 liver cancer
Chris Adams - 46 murdered
Mike Davis - 46 heart attack
Hawk - 46 heart attack
Dick Murdoch - 49 heart attack
Jumbo Tsuruta - 49 hepatitis
Rocco Rock - 49 heart attack
Sherri Martel - 49 unknown

19 heart attacks
11 overdoses
6 suicides (half by the von erich brothers)
5 car accidents
4 homicides

Click to expand...

Wow, I had no idea the Von Erichs committed suicide. I had no idea JYD died like that! That sucks REALLY bad!

So both members of Public Enemy are dead, huh? Didn't know that and talk about trying to catch a break w/the Von Erichs.

WWE Smackdown Results: 7-6-07

A big surprise
By Andrew Rote
July 6, 2007

DALLAS - When Edge began hosting The Cutting Edge, you can be sure he didn’t have the latest edition in mind. After asking Theodore Long for the night off from action, the SmackDown General Manager promised the Rated-R Superstar his biggest guest in The Cutting Edge’s history… and he delivered. Kane surprised the World Heavyweight Champion, tossing the host out of the ring and earning himself a title opportunity at The Great American Bash.

Looking for a Bash invitation of his own, The Great Khali terrorized everybody in his path, promising not to stop until somebody accepts his open challenge for a match at the pay-per-view. After several of Khali’s attacks, Batista marched to the squared circle and stood eye-to-chest with the Indian giant. The Animal’s acceptance came too late for some, though. Jimmy Wang Yang suffered a double-handed chokeslam, Deuce and Eugene’s match was interrupted as both were attacked, and even a producer was thrown almost through a wall.

Elsewhere on SmackDown, Matt Hardy kicked off the night with a victory over United States Champion Montel Vontavious Porter. The win was anything but easy as both men contributed to one of the most athletic contests our fans have ever seen. With his victory, Hardy may have taken a step closer to becoming a contender for the United States Championship.

In their first match against each other in each of their illustrious careers, Finlay found a way to pick up the win against Ric Flair, beating him at his own dirty game. Hornswoggle tried to interfere and the “Nature Boy” hit him with a vicious chop. When the referee examined the injured leprechaun, however, Finlay struck Flair in the back of the knee with his Shillelagh. Moments later, Flair tapped out to the Celtic Cross.

Jimmy Wang Yang has enjoyed success in the past few months, winning match after match and coming close to earning the Cruiserweight Championship at Vengeance: Night of Champions. When he faced Chris Masters, though, it looked like time for him to ride off into the sunset. The Masterpiece had his way with the redneck rebel, capping the contest with the virtually inescapable Masterlock.

In other action, the Major Brothers made their SmackDown debut with a convincing win. Chuck Palumbo also had success in his first Friday night match when he silenced the cocky Kenny Dykstra.

During a photo shoot, Torrie Wilson told Victoria exactly what she thought of her: the Diva is crazy. The brawling beauties destroyed the set as they clawed at each other until they were pried away, but the rivalry is sure to heat up further.

Matches
Matt Hardy def. United States Champion MVP (non-title)
Chris Masters def. Jimmy Wang Yang
Major Brothers def. Locals
Finlay def. Ric Flair
Chuck Palumbo def. Kenny Dykstra
Eugene vs. Deuce (no contest)

The Major Brothers look like a well groomed(clean cut) legitimate tag-team,straight out of the eighties. Very refreshing to see and I hope they stay that way.
The show was pretty good tonight.The Great Khali's antics made me chuckle more than a few times. Khali's manager is really helping his cause tremendously.
BB

awesome, kane is getting the belt again. he doesn't look right without a belt really.

Chuck Palumbo was an unexpected though pleasant surprise. He's not listed on the Smackdown Roster though I find it interesting this person is!!!

Konnan Shoots On TNA - Must Read Interview

Former WCW & TNA star Konnan made an appearance on Wrestling Observer Live with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on Sunday night (July 8) discussing his departure from TNA Wrestling and speaking out in the media regarding the Chris Benoit situation. Here are some highlights:

- On leaving TNA, Konnan said it was a combination of five years of lies building up and not getting paid enough money.

- He added that not being helped with his health issues also caused him to make his decision. Konnan said he came into TNA with a hip problem and the excuse he got from TNA was that he already had a bad hip. Konnan told them it got worse working for them.

- Konnan said when it was time for him to get the hip replacement surgery, TNA did loan him the money, but wanted it all paid back in full. He said they also offered to loan him money for his kidney transplant as well, but again wanted to be paid back in full.

- He said that TNA always disrespected and briefly mentioned some racial tension.

- Konnan said he could never understand why when he would go to TNA and would ask for more money why that would tell him they couldn't, but were re-signing Christian Cage and giving Kurt Angle and Sting huge contracts.

- He said since he had somewhere else to go (AAA), he just left.

- Konnan said he told Homicide and Hernandez not to leave TNA because he was. He gave them his reasons for leaving having been there since day one and now being broke. "I decided to quit. Enough was enough," said Konnan.

- He added that Dixie Carter has her head in the sand and is oblivious to the problems with TNA. Konnan said that she complains about Jeff Jarrett all the time, but never pulls the trigger and gets him out of there.

- "All of the talent is frustrated there. No one watches the show," said Konnan. He added that the mid-card guys in the X Division are buried so bad and the people in power don't care.

- Said BG James, Kip James and Senshi have all asked for releases from TNA, but the company won't give it to them. He said he just straight up quit and they can't obligate him to work for them since TNA deals don't work like that.

- On getting involved in the media with the Chris Benoit situation, Konnan said quote, "They called me. I didn't call them."

- Said he felt we are all accessories to this (those in the wrestling industry). Felt it was his duty to speak up about the wrestling industry and steroids.

- Konnan said he wasn't afraid to speak his mind and that others won't because they are in fear they won't get a job with WWE.

- Said he didn't understand why so many wrestlers die and no one does a thing about it. He hoped by speaking out that someone in some type of power would step in and get some regulation.

- Said he has gotten some positive and negative feedback to speaking out in the media about what goes on behind-the-scenes with steroid use.

- His stance is that it will save lives and that wrestlers won't have to be on the road so much per year. "We are year round. And you have to take all these substances to stay in tip-top shape," said Konnan. "We are a different breed and put up with it because we love it."

- Said the only good thing that could come out of the Chris Benoit situation is that more attention could get put on the bad things in wrestling.

Click to expand...

source...

Hidden Character said:

So both members of Public Enemy are dead, huh? Didn't know that and talk about trying to catch a break w/the Von Erichs.

Click to expand...

And then Fritz's first son managed to electrocute himself when he was seven. Pretty sure he would have been a wrestler, too.

That list omits Shinya Hashimoto (brain aneurysm) and Plum Mariko (same, killed in the ring).

Rob Kamphausen's Forum: Wrestling Thread Link has interviews posted with Kevin Nash and Chris Jericho about the Benoit situation for those who haven't seen them. Double-click the picture to play the video.

Source: PWMania.com

In what has to be considered a "dream match," Scott Hall will be wrestling WWE star Carlito this Friday night for the Puerto Rican-based World Wrestling Council promotion. This match will be Hall's first wrestling match in about two-and-a-half years. Other matches scheduled for the card include Eddie Colón vs. Christian Cage, Vito vs. Joey Mercury, Sabu vs. Abyss. On Saturday night, Scott Hall will be competing again as he'll be wrestling in a three-way match with Carlito and the WWC Champion Apollo. Vito will be wrestling Abyss on Saturday's card. Apollo was scheduled to defend his belt against Goldust on Friday's card, but that match has been nixed for some unknown reason.

WWE RAW Results: 7-9-07

Bulldozed in the Bayou
By Lennie DiFino
July 9, 2007

LAFAYETTE, La. – Bobby Lashley’s quest to become WWE Champion continued on Monday Night Raw when he was supposed to take on King Booker in one-on-one action to kick off the show. After Lashley seized the advantage, Mr. Kennedy attacked and he and Booker led a 2-on-1 assault on Lashley. Executive Assistant Jonathan Coachman then declared that Lashley and a partner of his choosing would take on King Booker & Mr. Kennedy in a tag team encounter.

“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes has become Randy Orton’s worst nightmare, challenging Orton to a Texas Bull Rope Match at The Great American Bash. The cocky, third-generation Superstar accepted, and then he and Rhodes stood face-to-face in the ring. Rhodes’ son Cody entered the ring, and delivered his own message to Randy Orton when he slapped the former World Heavyweight Champion.

In other action, Intercontinental Champion Umaga was able to successfully defend his title against the former champion Santino Marella. Just one week after winning the gold, the Samoan Bulldozer unleashed his fury on the challenger once again, picking up the victory and retaining his championship.

Two other champions in action were the World Tag Team Champions – Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, who faced the Highlanders in non-title action. Cade & Murdoch continued to fight “by the rules”, and they picked up the win over Robbie & Rory. Since winning the titles, Cade & Murdoch have seemed to be abiding by the rules, but will this moral streak follow their reign as champs?

Women’s Champion Candice Michelle & Mickie James came to Raw ready to face off against Melina & Jillian. After announcing to Candice that she was invoking her rematch clause at The Great American Bash, Melina claimed injury and introduced her replacement, close friend, Beth Phoenix. Despite the last minute change, and with Melina looking on from ringside, Candice was able to score the pinfall on Jillian and secure the win for her team. However, after the match, Melina, Beth Phoenix & Jillian leveled the Women’s Champion with a 3-on-1 assault until Mickie James chased them away.

Snitsky made his in-ring debut on Raw and made an immediate impact when he defeated Super Crazy. The intimidating and powerful Snitsky came to Raw via the Draft, and he is continuing on his personal path of destruction on Monday nights. Super Crazy’s night wasn’t over, however, as he was later attacked by Mr. Kennedy while being helped in the locker room area.

Paul London made sure that Shelton Benjamin’s birthday was one he will never forget. London defeated the former Minnesota Golden Gopher, forcing the overconfident Benjamin to give a birthday hug to tag team partner Charlie Haas. As the World’s Greatest Tag Team embraced, Ron Simmons echoed the thoughts of our fans -- Damn!

Finally, William Regal was put into action against Sandman by Jonathan Coachman. With Carlito at ringside doing commentary, Sandman took the fight to Regal. But after interference from Carlito, Sandman nailed both Regal and the Caribbean Superstar with his Singapore cane, drawing the disqualification.

Matches
Bobby Lashley def. King Booker (Disqualification)
Intercontinental Champion Umaga def. Santino Marella
World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch def. The Highlanders
Snitsky def. Super Crazy
Paul London def. Shelton Benjamin
Women's Champion Candice Michelle & Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix & Jillian
William Regal def. Sandman (Disqualification)
Bobby Lashley & Jeff Hardy def. King Booker & Mr. Kennedy

COOL!!! 6,000th POST FOR ME!!!

last nights raw sucked. supercrazy lost, snitsky is lame, it was just suck all around. and the dusty rhodes, randy orton story is retarded. randy is better than that. but he's a screw-up backstage and i guess these matches are what he has to put up with.

Kim _Kaphwan said:

last nights raw sucked. supercrazy lost, snitsky is lame, it was just suck all around. and the dusty rhodes, randy orton story is retarded. randy is better than that. but he's a screw-up backstage and i guess these matches are what he has to put up with.

Click to expand...

The reason why they are putting Randy Orton is in this storyline, is that they trying to make him further into his Legend Killer gimmick, and pretty much, right now, Orton is random storylines until HHH comes back.

Jedite said:

The reason why they are putting Randy Orton is in this storyline, is that they trying to make him further into his Legend Killer gimmick, and pretty much, right now, Orton is random storylines until HHH comes back.

Click to expand...

yeah but when will that be? i say give orton a title run for something IC or something i dunno. then have HHH come back and take it from him. umaga really doesn't need the title that long. and hell santino already used his rematch.

What the fudge? Super Crazy is getting squashed again! He's MUCH better than that! Jeez, this is why I just can't sit up and watch the WWE anymore.

I've been sticking with the Japanese wrestling and that Kurt Angle/Brock Lesnar match was awesome! Kurt is now the TNA champ AND IWGP champ! That was the best re-match i've seen in a long time!

ECW on Sci-Fi Results: 7-10-07

Nitro and Punk continue to roll toward The Bash
By Corey Clayton
July 10, 2007

NEW ORLEANS – Seeing extreme icon Tommy Dreamer drag a garbage can to ringside had to momentarily give ECW World Champion Johnny Nitro second thoughts accepting this Extreme Rules Match for ECW on Sci Fi.

But with no rules, no disqualifications, and no help from referees, the Hollywood, Calif., Superstar used the occasion to prove his extreme mettle to his critics that questioned his hardcore credentials.

After weathering an early storm of blows from a steel crutch from Dreamer, Nitro rebounded to deliver a corkscrew moonsault from the ringside barrier. Then, after Dreamer recovered and pelted the champion with trash can blows, Nitro was able to reverse Dreamer’s momentum and send him crashing into a steel chair.

The champion quickly rolled up the ECW Original and used some leverage from the bottom rope – perfectly legal in Extreme Rules Matches – to gain the pinfall.

Meanwhile, his ECW World Title opponent at The Great American Bash, CM Punk, had his hands full with Stevie Richards. Richards had the Straightedge Superstar on edge throughout their match up, making Punk escape from a dangerous leg lock that had him near submission.

But with Nitro watching from a locker room monitor, Punk rallied past Richards, scoring the pinfall with his patented GTS. With less than two weeks until The Great American Bash, the rivalry between the champion and Punk continues to get hotter.

The evening on Sci Fi started off in a fitting way for New Orleans, a city known for the macabre and occult. Your teacher, Matt Striker, invited out his strange rival, Boogeyman, for a lecture. Keeping his school desk between him and The Bottomless Pit dweller, Striker tried to reason with Boogeyman and educate him about the importance his favorite snack, worms, have on the ecosystem.

But after seeing his lessons falling on deaf ears and the macabre monster stalking him closer, Striker introduced his new pupil, the intimidating Big Daddy V. Striker struck Boogeyman in the back to get his attention, then Big Daddy V attacked the worm-eater. The monster slammed Boogeyman into the teacher’s desk and then threw him through a chalkboard to the floor. Watch the video…

Also making his long-awaited ECW debut was The Miz, who defeated the Italian spitfire Nunzio. The former reality TV star, drafted to ECW weeks earlier, had Extreme Expose’s attention before the match, and got Nunzio’s attention early on in their contest. Miz caught the Full-Blooded Italian in his swinging neckbreaker, called the “Mizard of Oz,” to gain his first-ever ECW win.

Elijah Burke also snapped his recent slump, scoring a victory over Balls Mahoney. After trading blows early in the match with the Chair Swinging Freak, Burke was able to dodge Mahoney’s leg drop from the top rope, then deliver the Elijah Express to the stunned New Jersey native to score the pin.

Matches
Elijah Burke def. Balls Mahoney
CM Punk def. Stevie Richards
The Miz def. Nunzio
ECW World Champion Johnny Nitro def. Tommy Dreamer (Extreme Rules, non-title)

TNA Impact! Results: 7-5-07

Courtesy of PWTorch (direct link)

1 -- ABYSS vs. LANCE HOYT (w/Christy Hemme)

They fought to the outside in the opening. Abyss took control abck in the ring, but he missed with a Vader Bomb. Hoyt then acquired a chair while Christy Hemme distracted referee Earl Hebner. Hoyt set up the coast-to-coast dropkick, but Abyss got up and threw the chair into Hoyt's face. He made a cover and Hebner returned to the ring to make a nearfall count. Hoyt made a comeback and called for a running boot, but Abyss countered with the Black Hole Slam for the win.

Abyss wasn't done after the match. He went under the ring and retrieved the thumbtack bag. He dumped glass in center ring while Basham ran down and pulled Hoyt out of the ring. Some tourists who looked like B.G. James and Kip James then hit the ringside area and beat up Basham and Hoyt. Back in the ring, A.J. Styles and Tomko attacked Abyss from behind when he approached Christy Hemme for a glass splash. The lights then went down and Sting was in the ring when the lights came back up. Sting cleared Styles and Tomko, then handed the baseball bat to Abyss. Sting took the mic and plugged their tag match at the PPV against Styles and Tomko. He then handed the mic to Abyss, who wasn't sure what to do with it. After a long pause, Abyss said: "Tomko. Styles. Three days. Click. Doomsday."

WINNER: Abyss in 4:00. Relatively clean win by TNA standards. Of course, post-match took precedence. Nice follow-up on last week with Abyss finally talking. Short, effective and to the point, which worked well. He'll be effective in small doses on the mic. (*)

They cut to the usual Impact intro, then Tenay and West broke down the PPV card. They're booking a ten-man Ultimate X gauntlet match. Just a bunch of generic man doing flips and stuff. They plugged Storm vs. Rhino, Christian vs. Harris, Sting & Abyss vs. Styles & Tomko, and the Match of Champions match.

They aired a video package to promote tonight's TV main event: Team 3D & Angle & Samoa Joe vs. Christian's team. Ray said they don't have a problem with Team 3D, but they haven't respected Angle since the day he stepped into TNA. Angle, a great heel now and being as smarmy as possible, said he doesn't understand why everyone hates him when he's just preaching the truth that he's the best man in the ring, while everyone in the locker room sucks. He took off his sunglasses in the backstage setting and said, "Man, it's great to be Kurt Angle." It's amazing what character definition can do for a wrestler.

[Commercial Break]

[Q2]

They cut backstage where Christian Cage was interviewed by Jeremy Borash. Christian wanted to know he wasn't told about Sting and Abyss teaming again. Styles and Tomko stopped arguing backstage, then told Christian to be quiet. He said he's held more championships than him. Christian stopped him with a glare, then Styles said he just wants to know who their fourth partner is for the eight-man tag match. Christian said he always wins, then Robert Roode walked into the shot with Ms. Brooks. Roode shook hands with Christian, then he said he's sick and tired of being screwed by TNA's politics. He said, "If it don't make dollars, it don't make sense." Christian walked away with Roode and Brooks, leaving a confused and despondent Styles. He went chasing after Christian, then Tomko smiled and told Borash, "Every week, the same thing."

Havok, Martyr, and Kaz came to the ring individually for a three-way match to qualify for the ten-men Ultimate X gauntlet at the PPV.

2 -- KAZ vs. MARTYR vs. HAVOK

Havok and Martyr ganged up on Kaz to start things off. Tenay said Kaz is the only one who's had a set to stand up to Raven. They plugged a text messaging service to vote for who gets the fall in the Match of Champions match at the PPV. Kaz made a comeback at 2:00 and ran over Havok with a high kick to the face, sending him to the floor. He then rolled up Martyr with a bridge pin for the win.

After the match, Raven walked to ringside and broke a Kendo Stick across Kaz's back. Martyr and Havok then repeated cane shots on Kaz. They held him against the ringpost and continued to cane him. Back in the ring, Raven blew his nose into a rag and rubbed it in Kaz's face. Martyr and Havok repeated cane shots on Kaz before they posed over Kaz's fallen body.

WINNER: Kaz in 3:00 to qualify for Ultimate X. Standard small-man's match. As usual, post-match took precedence. (3/4*)

They aired a video package on the Ultimate X match.

[Commercial Break]

Don West introduced a video package on him having a few beers with James Storm yesterday. Storm laughed about Rhino pouring his heart out last week. West has had a few too many to be doing an interview. Storm said it was just a rib that he poured alcohol down Rhino's, but now he knows he has a drinking buddy. He tried to convince Storm that he lost his own family to alcoholism, so he needs to take it seriously. How can we take West seriously here when he's been drinking a few himself? Storm talked about losing his virginity at 16 years old. He said something about Rhino needing a lift to AAA meetings. West said Storm needs to have compassion for his fellow competitor.

[Q3]

They aired a video package on Chris Harris in TNA. He repeated the key points on being a singles and tag wrestler from the On Point interview I did with Harris last year. He said the match with Christian at the PPV will be a make-it-or-break-it match for him as a singles wrestler. Harris said he's been put in the spot for a reason: to be noticed by the other top stars in the company. He said that win, lose, or draw, Christian and the rest of the wrestling world will know he's arrived after the PPV.

[Commercial Break]

Ron Killings did a PSA about quitting smoking for Spike TV. Is he still getting a royalty despite being off the payroll?

James Mitchell did a voice-over promo on his son's debut approaching. He said he has several monsters coming to care of his unfinished business. They aired scenes from Jesus being hung on a cross at Calvary. He said he's raising his glass to the destruction of people from his new monsters. The video said Judas Mesiah is coming. Basically, they're doing a story of Judas returning for his revenge on Christ-like figures.

They cut to Paparazzi Productions for Kevin Nash hosting an Old School vs. New School debate between Shelley & Sabin vs. Lynn & Backlund. Lynn said they need to be on the other side of the rail buying a ticket. Lynn said he took them under his wings, but they didn't appreciate it. Sabin and Shelley lifted up their shirts and mocked Lynn. Backlund snapped and tried to jump the youngsters while Nash signed off.

Christian Cage led his team to ringside for the main event. Team 3D, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle then came out, with Angle bringing up the rear. He smirked on the way to the ring, then backed up the ramp when he made eye contact with his tag partners. Ray pointed his finger at Angle before they cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

[Q4]

3 -- TNA Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE & X Division champion SAMOA JOE & TNA tag champions TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON) vs. CHRISTIAN CAGE & A.J. STYLES & TOMKO & ROBERT ROODE (w/Ms. Brooks)

Roode and Christian argued one minute into the match when Roode went for a tag after working Devon. The tag champs then double-teamed Christian. Ray with a high-vertical suplex for a nearfall. Joe tagged in and landed the high kick to the face. Christian didn't take his cue to fall on the mat for the big sentaun rear splash, so Joe crashed down on the back of his head and neck. Ouch. Joe smirked as he looked down at Christian, then he landed a second sentaun splash. Tomko tagged in for Christian, and Joe no-sold forearm blows before running into a big boot, only to answer Tomko's boot with a leaping enziguiri kick. Roode then took a tag and accepted chops to the chest. He then caught Roode in the air for a pancake slam. Joe made a tag to Devon, and Ray took exception to Joe's hard tag. Tension. Break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Roode in control on Devon. When Devon built a rally for a hot tag, Angle mock cheered with a sarcastic look on his face. Joe took the hot tag and gave Styles a powerbomb in center ring. Styles kicked out and Joe turned it into an STF. And the action broke down. Ray turned the Unprettier from Christian into the set-up for the Doomsday Device and Devon completed the double-team move. Roode then took the 3D in center ring, but Tomko ran over Team 3D. Joe re-entered the ring and dumped Tomko with a DVD. Styles answered Joe with a soccer kick, but Joe turned him inside-out with a big clothesline. Christian took a kick to the head for good measure, then Joe catapulted Styles into Christian's crotch. Joe had the Muscle buster on Styles, but Angle blind tagged himself into the ring and chop blocked Joe's legs. Styles crashed to the mat with Joe, then Angle opportunistically covered Styles for the win.

WINNERS: Champions in 13:00. Standard multiple-man TNA match before a PPV. Good action to get the big players on the show, while allowing Angle to develop his personality as a crafty heel. Still had that inconsequential feeling by match end with so many men in the ring. (**1/4)

They closed with a recap of the top feuds heading into the PPV.

WWE Smackdown Results: 7-13-07

POST #7,000!!!

Officially on
By Andrew Rote
July 13, 2007

NEW ORLEANS – Whether or not Batista truly knows what he is doing by accepting The Great Khali’s open challenge, their match at The Great American Bash is now official. The Animal couldn’t wait to put the ink on the paper when he sat across from the giant for a contract signing. When he wrote his name, he made a statement: he is certain and he is confident, despite Khali's impressive resume and massive size.

The Great Khali didn’t come to the table with the same enthusiasm as his pay-per-view opponent. Translator Ranjin Singh called Batista an animal who belongs in a cage rather than in the ring with a competitor like Khali, seemingly stalling the inevitable signing. After some thunderous words from The Great Khali himself, he signed and formally closed his open challenge.

Batista offered a handshake when the two Superstars rose from their seats, but when The Great Khali refused it, The Animal slapped him across the face. Batista may not be quite as tall as his opponent, but he is big enough to strike fear in the giant, who fled the ring. Displaying his power, The Great Khali tore the stairs away from ringside and threw them into the squared circle, only to have them returned via airmail along with every chair and a table.

Edge did some redecorating of his own when he held a Mardi Gras celebration at New Orleans Arena. Dancing on a float in the middle of his parade, the World Heavyweight Champion made his way to the ring, surrounded by costumed party attendants. Unfortunately for the Rated-R Superstar, Kane was waiting behind one of those masks to give Edge a preview of things to come at The Great American Bash. The Big Red Machine sent Edge home from his party early, capping off a night of stalking the World Heavyweight Champion in the locker room area for two hours.

SmackDown kicked off with a hard-fought match between Matt Hardy and Chris Masters that could have gone to either Superstar. Hardy found his way to a victory, however, with a Twist of Fate as his opponent at The Great American Bash Montel Vontavious Porter looked on. When the bell sounded, MVP came to ringside and exchanged taunts, distracting Hardy and setting him up for Masters to apply the dreaded Master Lock from behind. MVP had his fun with the trapped Superstar, hitting him with elbows and the Playmaker and taking the mental advantage just nine days before they face.

Mark Henry had his way with a Superstar, as well. The World’s Strongest Man was initially slated to take on Deuce, but the greaser pulled a fast one and convinced Eugene to take on his opponent in exchange for a ride in their hot rod. Eugene quickly regretted the deal when he saw Henry pound toward the ring. Deuce, Domino and Cherry laughed as they watched Eugene submit, ending a quick contest.

Jimmy Wang Yang also regretted stepping into the ring when he faced Finlay. The Irish brawler gave the redneck Superstar a taste of the Celtic Cross, leading to his victory, but that was only the beginning. Hornswoggle fired out from under the ring and donated his body to be used as a weapon as Finlay drove the leprechaun into Yang’s stomach.

In other SmackDown action, the Major Brothers picked up an upset victory against Chavo Guerrero & Jamie Noble when Brett Major pinned Chavo after a dropkick off the turnbuckle. Chuck Palumbo also earned his second win on SmackDown in quick, convincing fashion.

The Divas were in battle, as well. Victoria and Torrie Wilson faced to settle their differences after last week’s brawl during a photo shoot. The match took the beauties out of the ring as the two pounded each other, but Torrie took control and hit Victoria with two boots to the chest, leaving the former two-time Women’s Champion to be counted out.

Matches
Matt Hardy def. Chris Masters
Finlay def. Jimmy Wang Yang
Major Brothers def. Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero & Jamie Noble
Chuck Palumbo def. Local
Mark Henry def. Eugene
Torrie Wilson def. Victoria