After last night’s WWE RAW, Bret Hart went out to dinner with a number of employees from TNA Wrestling, including Jeremy Borash
Borash posted a message on Twitter today stating:
“Had dinner with an ol’ friend last night. Nobody was screwed”
Several fans sent in emails saying they saw them eating at Bailey’s in Nashville, TN.
Borash also posted a picture of himself and Bret Hart from last night, click here.
TMZ.com has provided some new details on the January 27 arrests of WWE superstars Chris Jericho and Gregory Helms. According to the police report, Gregory “Hurricane” Helms was in possession of “one white round pill” at the time of his arrest for public intoxication. Police determined the white pill was the muscle relaxer Soma, the generic version of the muscle relaxer Carisoprodol and a “schedule four narcotic.”
Helms told police he had a prescription for the pill but was not able to produce any proof of it at the time of his arrest. Cops did not press charges against Helms over the single Soma pill. Should Helms be unable to produce a prescription for the narcotic found on him at the time of his arrest, he would be in violation of WWE’s Wellness policy and more importantly, the laws of the state of Kentucky, where he was arrested.
It’s worth noting that Gregory Helms was pulled from the Royal Rumble on Sunday after being advertised for the show.
TMZ reached out to WWE about these new details but did not hear back. The wrestling industry is all too familiar with muscle relaxers such as Soma. Dr. Phil Astin was recently jailed for 10 years after he was busted for prescribing Soma (among other drugs) in large quantities to Chris Benoit before he died.
– With the recent additions of Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan to TNA Wrestling, many have wondered how they would interact with Vince Russo, whom they had trouble working with in WCW. Eric Bischoff has posted a few messages on Twitter this week about Russo specifically:
On Monday, Bischoff wrote:
“Vince Russo has a new book out….I am going to be VERY interested in what he has to say in his book. Hmmm”
This morning, he wrote:
“Sorry to disappoint all of you who are expecting heat between Russo and I. Actually enjoy working with him so far. Ed [Ferrara] and Matt [Conway] too.”
As always, visit PWTweets.com to follow 80+ wrestlers & divas on Twitter!
– The decision has been made within TNA that iMPACT will be going to Mondays full-time but it’s not known yet when those changes will take effect and it’s unknown if the show will air from 8-10pm or 9-11pm. The current plan has TNA taping the show every other week doing a live shot on Monday and taping on Tuesday with the taped show airing the next Monday. Because of the occasional odd number of weeks between pay-per-views, it’s possible there will be times there TNA will tape three shows or do a taping where they would fly people in just for one live Monday. (Source: f4wonline.com)
TNA may make the decision to go live every Monday night depending on how low the ratings for taped shows are. iMPACT going to Monday nights has actually been discussed between Hogan, Bischoff, TNA officials and Spike since October of 2009.
TNA star Samoa Joe was interviewed by TNA’s official website and talked about “dead weight “on the TNA roster. Joe also defended the infamous shoot promo he cut at Turning Point 2007, when he verbally blasted Scott Hall in the middle of the ring for no-showing the event. Joe told TNA interviewer Hermie Sadler:
“It was a statement that needed to be made. This is a company that can’t have a lot of dead weight attached to it. You either come here to work or fight or get down or you don’t come here at all. For the people that I was speaking about, I made it known I wasn’t here to play games and just be a TV star. I’m here for this company to be the very best and for me to be the very best.”
Joe’s admits that his comments were harsh, but he stands by everything he said and said them because he cares about the company’s survival.
“If anything that I said out there you didn’t find to be true, then maybe you don’t need to be here because everything I said out there I still stand by. I apologized for the tone to some people because they may have taken offense, but at the same time, in their heart of hearts, they knew everything I said out there was absolutely true.”
Joe also talks about a ton of other TNA topics in this video interview with Hermie Sadler:
(Credit to PWTorch.com for transcribing the interview quotes)
WWE star Santino Marella says he will be starring in a new sitcom on WWE.com featuring Beth Phoenix as his live-in girlfriend and Kozlov playing his best friend.
In an interview with IGN.com, Santino explained that if the show is successful, he intends to spend more time focusing on acting than wrestling.
“I was always the class clown, the comedian. And combine that with 20 years of grappling and you put that together and you get Santino. I think the transition will be easy. I’d say I’m more of an actor actually than a wrestler. I did a pilot already. When I presented it to the office, I did a pilot and it was really fun to do. It’s a really natural transition for me.”
Shooting begins this month at his home in Tampa, FL with hopes of shopping the show around to television networks after the first “online” season.
WWE star Santino Marella says he will be starring in a new sitcom on WWE.com featuring Beth Phoenix as his live-in girlfriend and Kozlov playing his best friend.
In an interview with IGN.com, Santino explained that if the show is successful, he intends to spend more time focusing on acting than wrestling.
“I was always the class clown, the comedian. And combine that with 20 years of grappling and you put that together and you get Santino. I think the transition will be easy. I’d say I’m more of an actor actually than a wrestler. I did a pilot already. When I presented it to the office, I did a pilot and it was really fun to do. It’s a really natural transition for me.”
Shooting begins this month at his home in Tampa, FL with hopes of shopping the show around to television networks after the first “online” season.
Thanks to reader James Beckwith for sending in this live report from last night’s WWE RAW from Nashville. If you attend a live WWE show, send in your live reports to SEScoops@gmail.com.
– Raw was a virtual sellout including the upper decks. The only area tarped off was near the hard camera and that is normal for television tapings.
– I don’t know how it came across on TV, but the crowd was hot and had high energy for most of the night. John Cena was way over with this crowd. I’m talking close to Austin/Rock levels. They popped every time his image was on the Titantron and for every time he came out in the arena.
– The crowd chanted huge for Cena during the Batista beat down of Bret Hart. I believe that Cena came running out after Raw went off the air. Batista and McMahon bailed and returned to the back immediately. Eventually, Bret got to his feet and made his way to the back as well. Then, the locally advertised main event took place. It was John Cena vs. Sheamus for the WWE title.
– Dark Match main event: John Cena beat WWE champion Sheamus via DQ, Sheamus retained the WWE Title. I expected an extremely short match or a Dusty Finish, but Sheamus and Cena put on a good 10-15 minute match. It ended when Cena had Sheamus in the STF and Batista ran in and broke the hold causing the DQ. Batista then went on an extended beat down of Cena with Sheamus incapacitated on the outside.
Batista beat Cena with the ringside steps and then put the steps in the ring. He set up the Batista Bomb on the steps in the ring (which I expected Cena to power out of since they weren’t on television) and he powerbombed Cena onto the steps in a wicked looking spot. No comeback for Cena against Batista. Finally, Sheamus came back in the ring and stood over Cena while holding up the WWE Title. When he stepped away, Cena popped to his feet and gave Sheamus the Attitude Adjustment to send the crowd home happy.
Lots of Cena’s new shirt in the crowd and tons of glowsticks. WWE is making a fortune off those glowsticks.
Biggest Pops
— Anything Cena
— Triple H
— Edge after he speared Sheamus.
Most Heat:
— Edge before spearing Sheamus
— Mr. McMahon
— Sheamus
— Batista
(Partial source: F4wonline.com)
– At Monday’s WrestleMania 27 press conference , Vince McMahon talked about how the city of Atlanta has a rich history of pro wrestling but never took a jabs at Ted Turner or WCW. Vince later appeared on a local radio station and was asked by the host if it gave him satisfaction coming to Atlanta because of his rivalry with Turner. Vince said that it hadn’t even crossed his mind. (Of course not, ’cause Vince isn’t the kind of guy to hold a grudge!)
– The original ending for the 30-man Royal Rumble match was for Edge to eliminate Chris Jericho for the win. WWE wound up using Cena as the final elimination instead of Jericho.
– The decision to add MVP vs. The Miz United States title match to the Royal Rumble PPV was made on Sunday afternoon.
– This year’s Royal Rumble match was the third shortest Rumble match ever (just 49 minutes long.) The 1988 and 1995 Rumbles are the other two shortest.
– The WWE Unified Tag Team Titles will be on the line at next week’s RAW as DX will defend in a Triple Threat against the teams of CM Punk & Luke Gallows and Big Show & The Miz.
– Next week’s Raw will be hosted by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards.
– 2010 Royal Rumble winner Edge will host “The Cutting Edge” show on Friday’s SmackDown with special guest The Undertaker.
– Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler will be appearing on USA Network’s Psych this coming Wednesday night.
– The 2010 Royal Rumble had some stiff television competition on Sunday night. The NFL Pro Bowl, which went head-to-head with the Rumble, drew 12.3 million viewers and did an 8.2 rating. It was the highest rated Pro Bowl game in 10 years and the males 18-34 demographic was up a sharp 72% from last year. (Source: f4wonline.com)
– Chris Jericho’s Chasing the Grail album peaked at No. 1 on the UK Amazon.com sales charts last week.
TNA President Dixie Carter spoke to Fred Tropel of CanMag.com and explained that TNA Wrestling is going up against a corporate juggernaut that will stop at nothing to put them out of business.
“Our competition may not have the same opinion that competition is good for an industry and take every opportunity to try to shut us down. I mean, it is the truest of David-and-Goliath situations, but we are scrappy. We will not take no for an answer, and we are going to have great success.”
With everything that WWE has going for them, Carter believes her company has a better in ring product and knows what the fans want.
“I think that these days you don’t have to be a bigger-than-life cartoon character. I mean, it’s much more about reality and what these guys can do in the ring. They are amazing athletes. I can have an all-pro football player, an NBA star on, and they say, ‘We could never do something like this.’ You have no off season. It’s 52 weeks a year, and then we tour in between that. These guys are incredible athletes, and we do focus on the athleticism on our show much, much more.”
Visit CanMag.com to read the full interview.
Report by Kendra
This first RAW after the Royal Rumble starts with music and pyro.
King and Cole talk about Bret Hart confronting Vince tonight. William Shatner is guest host tonight.
Justin announces the winner of the RR, The Rated R Superstar, Edge! He comes out looking rather shaggy and fuzzy, sun glasses, leather jacket, jeans. Into the ring and the glasses come off. The fans are hot for his return, but it’s a mixed reaction. He gloats that he’s back! It feels good but he’s not just back in the WWE or in front of the fans, but back in the main even at WM. He wants to bring us back to about six months ago. He and Jericho had just won the Unified Tag Team Championships. Then he got injured. The docs had him coming back in April, May, June or never. A fan yelled “Never!†about seven weeks ago, he watched the Slammy’s. he saw Jericho thank Edge for being injured so he could tag with Big Show. He saw Jericho making light of his injury and all he went through and the room got very silent. It didn’t get silent because Denis Miller bombed with another bad joke. It got silent because he vowed he wasn’t going to miss a third WM due to injury. He realized who he is, the ultimate opportunist. He promised to prove the doctors wrong. He’d rehab harder than ever before and did. He promised himself he’d enter the RR and win it. Seven weeks later Jericho has his Slammy, his mug shot on TMZ. Edge has his ticket to the main event at WM. He can face any Champion he wants. Two years ago he faced Taker and lost. Unlike HBK, this year, if he wants the Deadman, he can have him. Would it be smart to go after the undefeated at WM? Or go after the guy who’s never competed at WM? He could decide tonight, or wait for three weeks until after the Elimination Chamber PPV and decide them. He does know that he will headline WM! His music plays, but then Sheamus’ music hits and he comes glowing out to the ring. Sheamus stands on the apron and smirks before getting into the ring. Sheamus gets some heat in the ring. He says Edge isn’t back five seconds and already mouthing off. A lot has changed since Edge left. Edge says it has, RAW’s been taken over by an evil Ronald McDonald. The fans love that! Sheamus tells him to watch his mouth, what’s seen on TV is nothing like reality. He might not have been at WM, but he did something Edge couldn’t do, beat Cena to win the championship. Last night he defeated Orton to retain. Edge says he’s made his career out of beating Cena for the title and he’s beaten Orton. Sheamus says he’s been out six months. And Sheamus will walk out of the elimination Chamber still Champion. If he can beat Cena and Orton, he won’t break a sweat beating Edge. So why doesn’t Edge run back to SD! because he doesn’t want to ruin his RR moment by ripping his head off. Edge stared, but didn’t move. Sheamus asked if he was deaf. He’d better get out before he puts Edge on the shelf for good. Sheamus hit Edge with the mic, then a forearm. Edge back to his feet, side stepped Sheamus’ big boot and got on top beating Sheamus down. Edge backed off, Sheamus to his feat and he ate a HARD spear from Edge. Edge took that boy off his feet before slamming him to the mat in a big way. Video replay of the big moves. Edge backs up the ramp staring down at Sheamus on the mat.
Elimination Chamber promo.
Cena backstage heading for the ring.
– Commercial
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, Cena out to the ring. King announces Stacy Keibler will be on Psych. Cody out (in his new purple ring gear) to face Cena. Cody on Cena with punches and kicks. Cena backed into a corner. “Cena†chants from women and kids. Side Russian leg sweep to Cena for two. More punches to Cena for two. Cody (badly) drops a knee on Cena for two. Cody goes for another knee drop but Cena moves. Shoulder block from Cena. Cody rolls Cena up for two. Cena slams Cody and hit’s the five knuckle shuffle. Cody up for the AA but elbows out. Cody slams Cena face first to the mat for two. Cody climbs. “Cena†chants and Cody flies to take him down for two. Cody back up for the AA. Cena hit’s the AA and pins Cody for three.
– Winner: Cena
Cena poses and salutes the fans. Sheamus and Cena are the first to participants in the RAW Elimination Chamber.
Video from the 1997 SS in Montreal. Back and forth, then HBK locked on the sharpshooter and Hebner called for the bell. Bret figured it out and spit in Vince’s eye.
Backstage Vince is walking along and Josh stops him. Josh asks if he’s seen Bret. Vince says he hasn’t and no one will as he’s not going to show up. Vince walks into his office and then turns. He says what a surprise that he barges in his office like this. Don’t Canadians have any manners at all. If he has something to say, then say it. The camera pans and it’s Shatner. Shatner smiles and says to Vince that as a fellow Canadian, as a fan and mostly as a human being, he can’t wait for Bret to embarrass Vince tonight. Shatner stomps off. Vince says something about guest hosts, but the fans are cheering too loud for Vince to be understood (at least by me).
– Commercial
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match, Swagger out to the ring. HHH out to face him.
Swagger locks on behind HHH and takes him down. Swagger keeps the hold as the work around. Swagger shows off beating his chest and pushups. One punch drops Swagger. High knee to Swagger and then HHH clotheslines Swagger from the ring.
– Commercial
HHH into a corner but gets a foot unp into Swagger’s face. DDT on HHH for two. Elbow drop and leg drop to HHH for another two. Swagger tried to stretch HHH, but HHH slammed him over. HHH sent Swagger out of the ring. HHH out to attack, but Swagger slammed HHH’s face to the apron and rolled him in. HHH up on Swagger’s shoulder and slammed him to the mat for two. Headlock on HHH in the center of the ring. HHH up and fights out but slammed back on the mat. Swagger runs to a corner, up and tries to splash HHH, but HHH gets his knees up. HHH up with punches and then a face buster for two. Swagger slammed face first into the corner and then punches in a corner until the ref breaks it. Swagger out at HHH, but eats a spine buster for two. HHH sets up the pedigree, but Swagger reverses into a back body drop. Swagger tries again and hits this splash for two. Swagger hit’s a belly to belly for two. Swagger getting annoyed. Shoulders into HHH’s gut in a corner. “Triple H†chants. Swagger gets HHH up on his shoulder and points to the WM sign. HHH gets free and hits his pedigree for three.
– Winner: HHH
HHH poses over Swagger. HHH poses in a corner. Video of high points in the match, including Swagger pointing at the WM sign before losing the match. HHH joins Cena and Sheamus going to the RAW Elimination Chamber. HHH is still in the ring posing.
– Commercial
Shatner on the screen, narrator talking about all of shatner’s accolades, but now he’s doing spoken word interpretations of WWE star entrance themes. (As in a bad CD commercial.) He does HBK’s Sexy Boy! He then goes on to doing Cena’s ‘You Can’t See Me’. And Rey’s ‘619’. He even does HHH’s theme song! They show the fake CD on the screen at the end of the bit! (One of the funniest things I’ve seen a guest host do!)
HBK backstage waiting. HHH comes up and asks if he’s got a second to talk. Then Hornswoggle is there. HHH tells him he doesn’t have time for this, go bite him or something. Hornswoggle leaves. HHH brings up the RR and that he wouldn’t have done that to HBK. Then HHH says he’s kidding, he’d have done it to HBK if he’d had the chance but didn’t have the time. HHH tells HBK to lighten up. HBK says it wasn’t supposed to happen that way. He was supposed to win the RR, go to WM and face Taker, beat Taker. HHH tells him to let it go. He lost it last night, super kicking refs, fines, he’s lucky he’s not suspended. HBK needs to get in the Elimination Chamber. HHH is already in. the two of them in there together, there’s no stopping them. One of them will walk out WWE Champion. If that’s the case he has no trouble going to WM with HBK and tearing the house down. All HBK has to do is beat Orton. HBK hit HHH in the arm and thanked him.
Orton out to the ring for the Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
– Commercial
WWE Rewind – RR last night. Sheamus defended against Orton. Cody got involved from the crowd. Orton hit an RKO, but Cody caused a DQ and Sheamus retained. Orton attacked Cody and Ted after the match.
Orton’s music still playing as he strangely moves his head in bird-like ways. HBK out to face him.
They lock up and push each other around. HBK backed into a corner. They break and stare off. HBK still looks pissed. He’s first to move in on Orton as they lock up. HBK backed into another corner. Clean break and more staring. Orton throws a punches but HBK ducks. HBK chops Orton in the corner. Swinging neck breaker to Orton in the center of the ring. Orton sensed the match getting out of hand rolled out. HBK out after him. Orton grabbed HBK to DDT him through the ropes, HBK out of it and pulled Orton out for more chops. Orton rolls in and HBK climbs. Cross body to Orton for two. Chops to Orton in a corner. Orton reverses and HBK whipped into a corner. Back breaker to HBK. “HBK†chants. Orton holds HBK’s feet and stomps the heck out of his gut. Knee drop to HBK’s face. Punch drops HBK to the mat. HBK blocks a punch and punches Orton but then HBK eats a dropkick for two. Orton holds HBK’s chin and forearms his chest from behind. Headlock on HBK in the center of the ring. HBK to his feet, but then a knee to HBK’s gut. HBK set up top and eats an upper cut. Orton climbs up but HBK throws punches. Orton to the mat, but on his feet. More punches to HBK. Orton back up and tries for the superplex (move made famous and some say created by his father). HBK pushes him down and drops an elbow in what Cole calls ‘vintage’. HBK tunes up the band, but Orton ducks. HBK reverses the RKO and hits an inverted atomic drop then a chop. Another inverted atomic drop and chop. Flying forearm to Orton and HBK tries to nip up but Orton rolls him back and steals the three.
– Winner: Orton
HBK left sitting on the mat. He’s really pissed off. HBK punches the mat then up and pacing. Off comes some of the wristbands and his hair band. HBK stomps from the ring and up the ramp. HBK lets out one more bit of fury before leaving the stage.
More video from 1997, Vince saying Bret Hart screwed Bret Hart.
– Commercial
King and Cole talk about the huge disappointments in HBK’s life. Cole says it’s the most disappointing 24 hours in HBK’s career and King agrees, “without a doubt.â€
Orton backstage and Ted stops him. He congratulates him on beating HBK. He’s sorry for what happened last night. He can’t speak for Cody but… Orton cuts Ted off with quite the look. Orton leaves, Ted swallows hard and stares.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Mark Henry out to the ring. Ted out to face him.
They lock up and Ted backs off. They lock up and Ted tossed from the ring. Henry out to face him and Ted pulls Henry into the post shoulder first then drop toe hold drops Henry shoulder first into the steps. Back in the ring and Ted keeps working the shoulder. Ted pins for two. Armlock on Henry. Henry works to his feet and out. Ted kicks Henry in the face when he telegraphs. A couple clotheslines to Ted and he’s whipped to a corner. Ted gets a foot up. Ted climbs and flies, but Henry catches him. Ted slides off and hangs Henry’s arm on the top rope. Ted slams Henry down shoulder first and gets the three as Henry’s in too much pain to kick out.
– Winner: Ted DiBiase
Ted celebrates. Video of how Ted worked Henry’s shoulder. Ted’s all smiles. Ted joins Orton, Cena, HHH and Sheamus. Only one slot remains.
Backstage Big Show and Kofi are readying to face off.
Cole and King talk about Jack Brisco. They put up a memorial picture and then run a video about his life. (My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Jack Brisco’s. He was an amazing wrestler and a fabulous man {from everything I heard}. He will be missed.)
– Commercial
WWE Slam Of The Week – Kim beat Fox to advance last week.
Kim and Kelly talking backstage. Maryse came up and said while they’re not close, she’s looking forward to their match. What McCool and Mickie are doing is a disgrace. They should go out and show what real women can do. Kim says she’s looking forward to it. Then Maryse spoke French and it had to be Nasty.
Miz and Big Show talking backstage about Big Show winning his match tonight. Then Miz said something about T.J. Hooker getting there. Big Show asked if he just said T.J. Hooker? Miz then said Captain Kirk? But he’s sure they’ll be facing DX for the Unified Tag Team Championships. But then Punk, Gallows and Serena walk in. Punk says Long robbed them so they’re looking for an authority figure to get what they deserve. Big Show says Punk gives bald people a bad name. Shatner walks in and they do a little logo across the screen that he’s the RAW Match Negotiator. He asks what’s the problem. Punk says they’re there to collect. Miz then says they’re not even on RAW. If anyone deserves it on RAW it’s him and Big Show. Big Show asks what he’ll do about it. Shatner says what he does best, make a deal! Shatner leans on Miz to stand up on a chair. He says next week with be a Triple Threat Match between Punk and gallows against Miz and Big Show against DX, winner gets the TTC. Priceline.com and Wells Fargo are official sponsors of the Hollywood Charity Horse Show. He then freezes. They’re all freaked out. They ask what he’s doing. Without moving his lips much he says “freeze frame†over and over. They all just walk out and leave him there.
HHH talking to HBK backstage. HHH says maybe it’s not meant to be, but he needs to get over it, move on. It’s not the end of the world. He’s Mr. WM! He doesn’t need Taker for that. There’s plenty of other guys for him to compete with at WM. HBK turns and says not for him. HBK walks out and HHH looks frustrated and sad.
Kofi out to the ring for the Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match.
– Commercial
Big Show out to the ring. Miz out to announce.
Kofi ducks Big Show and kicks away. Big Show punches away, Kofi punches back. Head butt to Kofi. Miz said you support your friends. Kofi chopped down to the mat but back with punches. Kofi tossed across the mat as Miz runs his mouth about running RAW. Big Show gets hung up to in that painful manly way. Kofi knocks Big Show to the floor.
– Commercial (Priceline add came on and confused me!)
During the break Big Show speared Kofi and gained control. Headlock on Kofi in the center of the ring. Kofi fights back with a jawbreaker. Head butt to Kofi who rolls from the ring. Miz takes off his headset when Kofi lands in front of announce. Miz taunts Kofi. MVP from through the crowd drops Miz to the floor then chases him out. Kofi up top, after slipping and kinda stomps on Big Show’s back/shoulder area before falling to the mat (something not right there). Punches to Big Show, then a low dropkick to Big Show’s knees, then one to a kneeling Big Show’s head. Kofi’s double drop on Big Show for two. Kofi up on Big Show with punches, Big Show holds him off with one hand. Kofi rakes an eye while flailing. Big Show punches wildly and hit’s the ref. Then Kofi’s tossed from the ring. Big Show is holding the eye raked. Big Show moves the ref’s face around, but he’s out. Another ref out calls for the bell. Justin announces that Big Show has been disqualified.
– Winner: Kofi Kingston
Big Show screams it was an accident, look at his eye, he didn’t mean to do it! Big Show is all upset and arguing. The other ref tells Big Show to leave. Big Show pitches a fit screaming he didn’t do it on purpose. He kicks the top layer of stairs off and keeps screaming it was an accident.
Video from January 4th when Bret Hart came back to WWE for the first time in twelve years. Vince talked Bret up and then kicked him in the gut.
Backstage Vince is heading for the ring.
– Commercial
The RAW Elimination Chamber will have Sheamus, Kofi, Cena, HHH, Ted and Orton.
Next week the RAW guest host will be NASCAR #99 Carl Edwards.
King in the ring announce the guest host. He talks up Shatner and says he inducted King into the WWE HOF, his friend, his BFF, William Shatner. Shatner comes out with a Bella on each arm. Shatner purposefully trips over the rope on his way in the ring and takes King down with him. They go through this whole thing making sure they’re both okay. He says he’s had the best time being the host for RAW. Now he’d like the honor to introduce, he is the excellence of execution, the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. His fellow Canadian, his hero, Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart! Bret comes out basically dressed exactly as he was last time, but this time in long jeans rather than shorts. Into the ring and they shake hands. Shatner hands over the mic kindly after a few words between them. Bret lays down the mic and works the fans a bit. Then he picks it back up and removes his glasses. He says it was a little over a month ago that he was there. For him he’s had a month to put things into perspective fore himself. He came for all the right reasons, 12 years is long time. It took him 12 years to come here with open arms and try to make peace. People tried to warn him, but he was too naïve. He thought he could put it all behind him, but he was wrong. That doesn’t sit well with him. He didn’t come for peace or closer tonight. He came to talk to Vince face to face. Bret calls out Vince’s ass and says if he doesn’t come out he’ll take a camera crew to go find him. He tells Vinnie that he’s waiting and doesn’t like to wait, just makes him madder. Vince’s music and he comes dancing out, almost more Shane that Vince in movements! Then he mouths “OMG, it’s Bret Hart!†like he was totally shocked. Vince then struts to the ring and gets a Nasty look just outside the ring. After a little staring Vince gets in the ring. Vince puts up a hand and says he wants to get a few things off his chest as well, he’s never regretted a thing he’s said or done to him. Bret says that’s the first honest thing he’s said. Bret calls Vince a liar. He says when it comes to lying Vince is the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be. Vince lied to him in Montreal and a few weeks ago a few weeks ago when he kicked him. He lied when he said he was proud, he lied when he said he was proud of Bret. Vince couldn’t lace up Stu’s jockstrap! Last week Cena came out and described Vince as pathetic. Bret knows all about pathetic. 8 years ago he was in a wheelchair. Everyday he thought about what it would be like to get up and walk across the room. He finally did and get past it. He’d cry himself to sleep some nights, but he promised he’d get out of that chair and did. He promised he’d never feel pathetic again. Then he came back here for all the right reasons, but Vince kicked him in the gut and left him in the ring feeling pathetic and he has a problem with that. For 14 years he worked for him, laced up his boots everynight, taped up his injured knee, wrestled sick, hurt, 300 days a year, 14 years. He said someday Vince will appreciate it. Boy was he wrong. Took him 20 years to build a reputation, took Vince 3 minutes to tear it all down. Then Vince called him chewing gum that’s lost all its flavor. All he can say to that is that this stick of chewing gum has just enough flavor to kick his ass right here, right now. The fans love this! Vince says in the interest of being honest… there he is, Bret Hart. Forgot, it’s Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart. The Excellence of Execution, Bret Hart. His favorite is the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be. What a crock! Then in Canada he’s recognized as a Canadian hero. Bret’s not a hero. Not a hero to anyone! Huge heat from the fans. Bret asks if he’s finished. Vince says he has never understood what people see in Bret, he doesn’t get it. He’s revered by all these people, but he’s pathetic. He has zero personality. Like the guys he faced in the ring – HBK, Mr. Perfect, Steve Austin – if not for them who have personality, Bret would be a footnote somewhere. Look at Bret, no charisma, no command over the English language. That hound dog looking face. Stringy, crappy hair. He’s dressed like a hobo! Bret asks if he’s finished. No, what Bret knows down deep and Vince does to, that Bret deserves to be screwed. One more thing, last they were together, Vince was willing to nominate Stu for the WWE HOF, he rethought it and it won’t happen. It’s legitimate, he’s not inducting Bret’s father because he doesn’t deserve it. That was the last straw and Bret kicked Vince in the gut and unloaded punches to Vince’s head. Bret grabbed Vince’s feet and one of Vince’s fancy shoes came off. Bret threw it down in Vince’s face! The fans go wild as he looks around. But then Batista is there and grabs Bret. He doesn’t pick him up, but bends him over and throws punches to the gut. “Cena†chants. Then Batista holds Bret at Vince’s word. Vince goes wild yelling and screaming at Bret, finally Vince spits in Bret’s face and gets HUGE heat. “Cena†chants.
Biggest pop
Bret Hart
HBK
Cena
Shatner
Biggest heat
Vince
Orton
Sheamus
Big Show
— To update the story that WWE will be overhauling the ECW brand in the coming months, the latest is that big changes are planned but won’t be made until after WrestleMania. While many ideas have been tossed around, the most likely scenario is that the ECW letters will be dropped and the show will be rebranded featuring mostly younger superstars. SyFy executives have been pushing for WWE to incorporate themes such as science fiction and conspiracies. (Source: prowrestling.net)
— ESPN.com features an interview with Raw superstar MVP, who talks at length about his feud with The Miz. MVP says he’s known the Miz since their days training at the now-defunct Deep South Wrestling and thinks the two will be headlining WWE shows in the years to come.
— There is talk of the RAW the night after WrestleMania being a 3-hour show, according to f4wonline.com.
— To update the story that WWE will be overhauling the ECW brand in the coming months, the latest is that big changes are planned but won’t be made until after WrestleMania. While many ideas have been tossed around, the most likely scenario is that the ECW letters will be dropped and the show will be rebranded featuring mostly younger superstars. SyFy executives have been pushing for WWE to incorporate themes such as science fiction and conspiracies. (Source: prowrestling.net)
— ESPN.com features an interview with Raw superstar MVP, who talks at length about his feud with The Miz. MVP says he’s known the Miz since their days training at the now-defunct Deep South Wrestling and thinks the two will be headlining WWE shows in the years to come.
— There is talk of the RAW the night after WrestleMania being a 3-hour show, according to f4wonline.com.
– WWE had the backstage area on lockdown last night to protect the surprise return of Edge from leaking out. Even invited guests who were originally invited backstage were told it was “staff only” last night.Â
– Several DirecTV subscribers had technical problems during last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
– The phrase “Royal Rumble” was one of the top searched phrases on Yahoo.com and was one of the trending topics on Twitter last night.
– As previously reported, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres & the Bella Twins defeated Jillian Hall, Katie Lee, Natalya, Maryse & Alicia Fox in a dark match that took place prior to the Rumble went live on PPV. The crowd was said to be dead for this match.
– After the Royal Rumble PPV went off the air, Edge was in the ring for about another ten minutes with loud “Welcome back” chants coming from the crowd.
(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)
– WWE had the backstage area on lockdown last night to protect the surprise return of Edge from leaking out. Even invited guests who were originally invited backstage were told it was “staff only” last night.Â
– Several DirecTV subscribers had technical problems during last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
– The phrase “Royal Rumble” was one of the top searched phrases on Yahoo.com and was one of the trending topics on Twitter last night.
– As previously reported, Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres & the Bella Twins defeated Jillian Hall, Katie Lee, Natalya, Maryse & Alicia Fox in a dark match that took place prior to the Rumble went live on PPV. The crowd was said to be dead for this match.
– After the Royal Rumble PPV went off the air, Edge was in the ring for about another ten minutes with loud “Welcome back” chants coming from the crowd.
(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)
Pay-Per-view provider iNDEMAND has released a new propomotional poster for WrestleMania 26 on 3/28 as well as an updated preview:
WrestleMania XXVI
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Synopsis: Nothing bigger, nothing more spectacular, and nothing can compare to WrestleMania. Watch as John Cena, Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and all your favorite WWE Superstars carve out a place in history at WrestleMania XXVI, Sunday, March 28 at 7pm ET/4pm PT, live on pay-per-view. A World Wrestling Entertainment Production.
Pay-Per-view provider iNDEMAND has released a new propomotional poster for WrestleMania 26 on 3/28 as well as an updated preview:
WrestleMania XXVI
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Synopsis: Nothing bigger, nothing more spectacular, and nothing can compare to WrestleMania. Watch as John Cena, Triple H, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and all your favorite WWE Superstars carve out a place in history at WrestleMania XXVI, Sunday, March 28 at 7pm ET/4pm PT, live on pay-per-view. A World Wrestling Entertainment Production.
– It was announced in Japan last night that the legendary Antonio Inoki has been invited to join the WWE Hall of Fame this year. Word is that Stan Hansen will be inducting him.
– Comedian and talk show host George Lopez was on ESPN radio this week and when talking about Cheech & Chong hosting WWE’s Monday Night RAW, Lopez said he has been invited by WWE to host RAW and was leaning towards accepting the gig since Cheech & Chong were doing it.
– Shawn Michaels broke Steve Austin’s record of most Royal Rumble eliminations at last night’s pay-per-view. Austin’s previous record was 36 while Shawn now has 41.
– William Regal was advertised for last night’s 30-man Royal Rumble match but did not appear.
– The Undertaker vs. Batista for the World Heavyweight Title is being advertised for the SmackDown/ECW event in Stockton, California on March 13th.
– Dante, a character in EA’s Dante Inferno video game, has been added to WWE’s SmackDown roster as a part of WWE promoting the game.
– Mexican star Super Nova did an interview recently saying that reports of him signing with WWE were incorrect as he was waiting for them to call him back. However, the original reports of him signing with the company came with him announcing it and with photos of him posing with his contract.
Read More: WWE Signs Masked Luchador Super Nova (PICTURE)
(Credit to f4wonline.com & Marc Middleton for this news)
Former WWE Superstar John Bradshaw Layfield posted a message on Facebook about Chris Jericho & Hurricane Helms getting arrested last week for public intoxication:
“I see in the news that a couple of my good friends got a free ride the other day and a little fine to go with it. I understand why this is news-Chris Jericho and my boy Hurricane Helms are on a TV show that is watched by hundreds of millions of people around the globe-getting arrested is big news even if it is a minor deal. And believe me, from what I have heard this is a minor deal.
But come on…there were no drugs and both guys were smart enough to plan not to drive while under the influence. In these days of celebrities that aren’t as big as these guys and some bigger doing drugs and being completely irresponsible this is akin to a parking ticket.
Most people out there if they were surrounded by friends and doing what they love would be guilty of having a few too many at times. This is all this was. Repeat…no drugs and no one was driving. Just a few too many and in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have known both of these guys for a long time and consider both friends. They are great guys who did what most Americans and nearly everyone in the world has done at some point. Have a few cocktails…good for them.
Also, I have to say for a mug shot pic-both looked pretty good.”
Former WWE Superstar John Bradshaw Layfield posted a message on Facebook about Chris Jericho & Hurricane Helms getting arrested last week for public intoxication:
“I see in the news that a couple of my good friends got a free ride the other day and a little fine to go with it. I understand why this is news-Chris Jericho and my boy Hurricane Helms are on a TV show that is watched by hundreds of millions of people around the globe-getting arrested is big news even if it is a minor deal. And believe me, from what I have heard this is a minor deal.
But come on…there were no drugs and both guys were smart enough to plan not to drive while under the influence. In these days of celebrities that aren’t as big as these guys and some bigger doing drugs and being completely irresponsible this is akin to a parking ticket.
Most people out there if they were surrounded by friends and doing what they love would be guilty of having a few too many at times. This is all this was. Repeat…no drugs and no one was driving. Just a few too many and in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have known both of these guys for a long time and consider both friends. They are great guys who did what most Americans and nearly everyone in the world has done at some point. Have a few cocktails…good for them.
Also, I have to say for a mug shot pic-both looked pretty good.”
The 2010 Royal Rumble is in the books and the surprise entrant, Edge, is our winner.
Here’s this year’s Royal Rumble by the numbers:
Order of Entry
1: Dolph Ziggler
2: Evan Bourne
3: C.M. Punk
4: JTG
5: Great Khali
6: Beth Phoenix
7: Zack Ryder
8: Triple H
9: Drew McIntyre
10: Ted DiBiase
11: John Morrison
12: Kane
13: Cody Rhodes
14: MVP
15: Carlito
16: The Miz
17: Matt Hardy
18: Shawn Michaels
19: John Cena
20: Shelton Benjamin
21: Yoshi Tatsu
22: Big Show
23: Mark Henry
24: Chris Masters
25: R-Truth
26: Jack Swagger
27: Kofi Kingston
28: Chris Jericho
29: Edge
30: Batista
Order of Elimination:
1: Bourne by Punk
2: Ziggler by Punk
3: JTG by Punk
4: Khali by by Phoenix
5: Phoenix via Punk
6: Ryder by Punk
7: Punk by Hunter
8: Miz by MVP
9: MVP eliminated himself when he took out Miz
10: Matt Hardy by Kane
11: Kane by Hunter
12: Carlito by HBK
13: Rhodes by HBK
14: DiBiase by HBK
15: Morrison by HBK
16: McIntyre by HBK and HHH
17: Hunter by HBK
18: Benjamin by Cena
19: Yoshi by Cena
20: Masters by Big Show
21: Henry by R-Truth
22: Show by R-Truth
23: Swagger via Kingston
24: Truth by Kingston
25: Kingston by Cena
26: Jericho by Edge
27: HBK by Batista
28: Batista by Cena
29: Cena by Edge
Most Eliminations: Shawn Michaels (6)
The 2010 Royal Rumble is in the books and the surprise entrant, Edge, is our winner.
Here’s this year’s Royal Rumble by the numbers:
Order of Entry
1: Dolph Ziggler
2: Evan Bourne
3: C.M. Punk
4: JTG
5: Great Khali
6: Beth Phoenix
7: Zack Ryder
8: Triple H
9: Drew McIntyre
10: Ted DiBiase
11: John Morrison
12: Kane
13: Cody Rhodes
14: MVP
15: Carlito
16: The Miz
17: Matt Hardy
18: Shawn Michaels
19: John Cena
20: Shelton Benjamin
21: Yoshi Tatsu
22: Big Show
23: Mark Henry
24: Chris Masters
25: R-Truth
26: Jack Swagger
27: Kofi Kingston
28: Chris Jericho
29: Edge
30: Batista
Order of Elimination:
1: Bourne by Punk
2: Ziggler by Punk
3: JTG by Punk
4: Khali by by Phoenix
5: Phoenix via Punk
6: Ryder by Punk
7: Punk by Hunter
8: Miz by MVP
9: MVP eliminated himself when he took out Miz
10: Matt Hardy by Kane
11: Kane by Hunter
12: Carlito by HBK
13: Rhodes by HBK
14: DiBiase by HBK
15: Morrison by HBK
16: McIntyre by HBK and HHH
17: Hunter by HBK
18: Benjamin by Cena
19: Yoshi by Cena
20: Masters by Big Show
21: Henry by R-Truth
22: Show by R-Truth
23: Swagger via Kingston
24: Truth by Kingston
25: Kingston by Cena
26: Jericho by Edge
27: HBK by Batista
28: Batista by Cena
29: Cena by Edge
Most Eliminations: Shawn Michaels (6)
Gail Kim, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres & the Bella Twins b.d Jillian Hall, Katie Lee, Natalya, Maryse & Alicia Fox in a dark match prior to the start of tonight’s pay-per-view.
WWE Royal Rumble 2010 Results
Report by Sean Hopkins
We get the usual video package, this time highlighting the Rumble match and some of the other feuds heading into tonight.
Lots of pyro and Michael Cole welcomes us to the 23rd annual Royal Rumble.
The first match is announced to be the ECW Championship. Christian’s music hits and he makes his way to the ring to a nice pop.
ECW Championship Match: Christian (c) vs. Ezekiel Jackson
They’re doing the three man announce team tonight with Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker. ECW Championship match opening is no surprise as Christian should get this crowd going against Ezekiel Jackson.
Ezekiel is out second with Regal in tow. Jackson gets next to nothing in the way of a reaction from the crowd.
Both men lock up and Christian is quickly shoved away by Jackson. Christian ducks another lock up attempt, but Jackson is quick to regain the advantage with a belly to back slam. Christian is up and he slaps Jackson across the face. Jackson chases Christian to the outside, but back in the ring, Jackson is caught by surprise with a couple of quick fists, a dropkick, and a springboard plancha from Christian. Christian rolls Jakcson back into the ring, ducks a couple of clotheslines and hits another slap, but Jackson responds with a slam.
Jackson hits Christian with a couple of big blows to the back, and he sends Christian into the corner twice, but Christian comes out and even attempts the killswitch. Jackson fights it off and tries for a gorilla press but Christian fights out, knocks Jackson into the ropes, and stands on his back, choking him. Christian slaps Jackson a third time, but when he goes to the second rope, Jackson pulls his feet out from under him and sends him to the outside. Regal tries to get involved, but the ref sees it and ejects him from the ringside area.
Jackson slams Christian into the steel ring steps and rolls him back into the ring. Jackson goes for the pin but Christian kicks out at two. Jackson wrenches away at Christian’s neck. Jackson picks him up, from a seated position and choke slams him. Jackson hits a delayed vertical suplex, but again it’s only good for two. Jackson bends Christian around the ropes and clubs away at his chest before bringing him back into the ring and working over Christian’s back. Christian comes up with a springboard sunset flip out of nowhere, but Jackson plucks up Christian and plants him with a double hand choke slam. Jackson locks in a camel clutch but Christian fights out.
Christian slaps Jackson three times, but Jackson comes back with a clothesline to the back of the head, that’s good for a two count. Jackson locks in a weird modified full nelson, but Christian is able to get to his feet. Jackson sits Christian on the top rope and he goes for a superplex, but Christian fights out of it, and kicks Jackson in the face, following up with a flying shoulder block.
Christian side steps a charging Jackson, who connects with the turnbuckle. Christian connects with a missile dropkick and he tries for the killswitch, but Jackson fights out again. Christian hits a reverse DDT, and he goes to the top, trying for a splash, but Jackson moves. Jackson connects with a huge lariat, but Christian won’t stay down. Christian tries for the killswitch again, but Jackson counters into a backbreaker, but it’s still only good enough for two. Christian dodges a charging Jackson again, and hits a kick to the face. Christian hits a tornado DDT, but Jackson is still able to kick out.
Christian goes for the killswitch yet again, but Jackson counters out. Christian locks in a sleeper, but Jackson muscles him into powerslam position and slams him into the corner twice, but going for the third, Christian connects with the killswitch out of nowhere. Christian rolls over Jackson, and this one is over.
Winner and STILL ECW Champion: Christian
Teddy Long complements Tiffany on the last match and Cryme Tyme interrupts. Shad says there’s two of them, but there’s only one in the Rumble, and that’s not right. They try to get Teddy to give them two spots so they can both wrestle. Long says he doesn’t think he can do it. Shad says that they’ve coerced someone to give them their spot. Great Khali comes in. JTG says is Khali gives them their spot, he can kiss Tiffany. Singh comes in from the side and says no dice, because apparently they’re keeping it real. Singh makes a joke about ‘Family Matters’ and Khali says something. Long calls Cryme Tyme fools talking about their pants on the ground and everyone starts singing that stupid song. Miz comes in and looks disgusted. He says you might as well be asking Who Let the Dogs Out, but what people will be talking about is Miz winning his first Rumble. Long says he makes the rules, so not only will he wrestle in the Rumble, he’ll be defending his title against MVP, and that match is next. Khali starts singing Who Let the Dogs out.
Randy Orton is shown backstage. Cody Rhodes comes in and says the Legacy has done too much and come too far to let it all slip away. He and Ted believe that he’ll beat Sheamus, and he’ll have his back. Orton thanks him. Rhodes says he wishes he could say the same thing for Dibiase. Rhodes says he hasn’t been the same since his movie came out, and all he’s talking about is winning the Rumble and challenging Orton for the title at WrestleMania. Rhodes says maybe tonight he’ll get it out of his system, but that’s not why he’s here. Rhodes says ‘you can count on me’, and he walks off. Orton looks conflicted.
It was just announced that The Miz will defend the WWE United States Championship at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view against MVP.
United States Championship Match: The Miz (c) vs. MVP
Miz is out first to a bit of an apathetic reaction from the crowd. MVP makes his way out next to a much warmer reaction.
Miz tries to hide behind the ref at the beginning of the match, but he quickly comes out with a couple of kicks. MVP is quick to come back though with a flying lariat that’s good for a near fall. MVP hits a suplex and floats over into a cover for a one. MVP sends MIz into the corner, but when he follows in he eats a boot. MVP retaliates with a back body drop. Miz tries to leave the ring, but MVP hits a belly to back suplex instead. Miz bails to the floor, but MVP follows him out, hits him, and body slams him into the barricade. MVP rolls Miz back into the ring, but he ends up being kicked out to the apron, and Miz knocks him off into the announce table.
Miz sends MVP back into the ring and he works over MVP with a couple of stomps and a leg drop. Miz backs MVP up into the corner and drives his shoulder into MVP’s midsection before just pounding him down. Miz hits his corner clothesline, and he goes to the top rope, where he hits a double ax handle that’s good for a near fall. Miz locks in a rear chin lock and he takes MVP down to the mat.
MVP eventually fights back up to his feet and out of the submission, and hits Miz with a couple of right hands before launching him in the air and down to the mat. MVP drives Miz’s face into his knee and he hits the ballin’ elbow. MVP tries for the playmaker, but Miz fights it off, only to walk into a Yakuza kick that’s good for a two count. Miz rolls out to the apron and when MVP follows, he gets hung up on the top rope. Miz tries to catch MVP off guard, but MVP retaliates with a pounce.
MVP goes for the Playmaker’s boot but Miz ducks, Miz goes for the SCF, but MVP fights out. MVP catches Miz with a series of roll ups, but Miz continually kicks out. Miz locks in a small package out of nowhere, and he gets the three count.
Winner and STILL US Champion: The Miz
After the match, Miz jaws at MVP, so MVP retaliates with the Playmaker before walking off.
Big Show is shown walking backstage, he walks into Jericho but tries to walk right by. Jericho stops him. Show says Jericho is jealous because he said Miz and him had more chemistry that JeriShow, and that Miz might be a better tag team partner. Jericho says he’s sorry for Big Show, Miz is pretentious and ego-centric, and Show has to see it. Show says he sees it, just like he saw Jericho do it. Jericho says he and Show were the greatest tag team of this generation. He says he can feel the chemistry between he and Show, and if it comes down to he Miz and Show, he knows where Show’s loyalty lies. Show says he throw both of them out. R-Truth comes in and says if Show doesn’t he will. Jericho says he’ll have to get through Big Show first, but Big Show is nowhere to be found.
Orton is shown backstage again, this time he runs into Dibiase who says good luck, and whatever he needs, he’s there. Orton asks where Cody is. Ted says he can’t talk to Cody because he keeps talking about winning the Rumble and taking on Sheamus, and that he’s counting Orton out. Dibiase says he’s there to help. Orton says he’s about to go out and win his title back, and he doesn’t need any help from either member of Legacy.
WWE Championship Match: Sheamus (c) vs. Randy Orton
Sheamus is out to the ring first to a bit of heat from the crowd. We get a little bit of a re-cap, but not the usual hype video that’s brought out for most title matches. Orton is out second to a surprisingly warm reception, but I guess someone has to play the babyface here (even if it is unwillingly).
We get formal ring introductions for this one, so after Orton’s glacially slow entrance, it’s still going to be a bit.
Both men stare each other down at the outset of the match. Sheamus pumps himself up, to the crowds disapproval, this crowd is solidly behind Orton. Orton locks in a headlock, but Sheamus is quick to fight out, but Orton connects with a beautiful dropkick. Orton and Sheamus stare each other down again. Another lock up and Sheamus backs Orton into the ropes, but Orton turns it around. Sheamus shoves Orton, but Orton comes back with a European uppercut, it’s not enough though as Sheamus comes back and works on Orton’s arm.
Orton goes to the outside and Sheamus follows, slamming Orton into the barricade and slamming Orton’s arm into the ring steps. Sheamus sends Orton back into the ring, and continues to work over Orton’s arm, wrenching away. Sheamus picks Orton up into powerslam position, but Orton works out of it and goes for a chop block. Orton immediately goes to work on Sheamus’ knee, stomping away at the leg.
Orton wrenches away at Sheamus’ leg and ankle, making Sheamus squirm. Sheamus tries to kick him off, but Randy just wrenches harder. Sheamus kicks again and this time it’s enough to stop Orton. Sheamus sends Orton shoulder first into the ring post, and then does it again.
Sheamus buries his shoulder in Orton’s midsection twice, but when he goes for a third, Orton gets his knee up. Orton kicks Sheamus in the knee, and goes right back to work, stomping at Sheamus’ wrist. Orton drags Sheamus’ legs to the apron, and slams them down, and then into the ring post. Orton clubs at Sheamus’ chest and Sheamus falls to the floor.”
Orton brings Sheamus back into the ring, and he kicks at Sheamus’ midsection. Sheamus fights back though, and hits a single arm DDT out of nowhere that’s good for a near fall. Sheamus locks in an arm bar and digs his knee into Orton’s ear.
Orton fights out of the submission, getting to his feet and punching Sheamus’ kidney, but Sheamus switches it up, locking Orton’s wrist behind his head. Orton fights out, and he and Sheamus trade punches, with Orton getting yays, and Sheamus getting boos. Sheamus hits a uranage backbreaker on Orton, but it’s not enough for a three count.
Sheamus picks Orton up and he goes for his finisher, but Orton fights out, kicks Sheamus in the knee and sends him to the outside.
Sheamus makes it to the apron at 7, but Orton quickly goes for, and hits his rope assisted DDT. Orton goes for the pin but Sheamus is able to grab the rope and force the ref to stop the count. Orton gets in position for the punt, but Sheamus rolls to the outside to prevent it. Orton gives chase, and he clubs Sheamus with a big European uppercut, but Sheamus sends him into the ring post twice. Sheamus rolls Orton back into the ring, but Cody Rhodes jumps the security rail out of nowhere and he hits Sheamus. Orton connects with the RKO and he goes for the pin, but the ref calls for the bell on account of DQ.
Winner and STILL WWE Champion BY DQ: Sheamus
Rhodes makes his way into the ring to apologize to Orton and the crowd starts to chant ‘RKO’. Rhodes apologizes profusely, but Orton responds with a right hand. Orton slams Rhodes head into the canvas, and Dibiase is out to break it up. Dibiase holds Orton off, but all it gets him is a right hand of his own. Orton tells Rhodes he’s done and he stomps away at him. Sheamus is back on his feet, but Orton is occupied with Legacy, so when he turns around he walks straight into a huge boot from Sheamus.
Sheamus makes his way to the back, Legacy slink away, and Orton is left laid out.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool (c) vs. Mickie James
Michelle McCool is out to the ring first, without Layla, but she doesn’t get much of a reaction. I don’t know if this crowd is just waiting for the Rumble, or what, but they’re just dead tonight.
McCool gets on the mic, and she says she’s about to give the people what they want to see, her. Her defend her title of course, but apparently Mickie James is nowhere to be seen, because if she was near the arena, no one would be able to miss her. McCool asks the fans if they’ve seen her, then asks if she’s at the hot dog stand again. McCool says it looks like James forfeits, and that’s such a shame because Layla has been making a cake, and they would have shared with her. Layla comes out in the same pig costume from Smackdown. Mickie’s music hits and she charges to the ring. Mickie takes out Layle right off the bat, slammer her head into the ground and sending her into the barricade. James makes her way into the ring, and we’re ready to start.
Mickie hits her DDT, and pins McCool, and this one’s over.
Winner and NEW WWE Women’s Champion: Mickie James
James lays out Layla on top of McCool and the rest of the divas come out with a big cake. James slams the cake into McCool and Layla's faces and all the divas celebrate. Rey Mysterio is shown backstage getting ready, this leads us right into the video package hyping the World Heavyweight Championship match. World Heavyweight Championship Match: Undertaker (c) vs. Rey Mysterio Rey Mysterio is the first man to the ring, and he gets a warm reception from this crowd, but still not quite as big a pop as I expected. Gong, big pop, and The Undertaker makes his way to the ring to an even bigger pop from the crowd. We get formal ring introductions, and this one is ready to go. Mysterio tries to use his quickness early on, kicking at Taker's leg, and getting in some quick strikes, but Taker grabs Mysterio by the throat, and simply throws him over the top rope and to the floor. On his way back into the ring, Mysterio catches Taker with a quick shoulder and some more quick striker, but when he goes for a springboard move, Taker simply punches him in the face and Mysterio crashes to the floor. Taker follows him out and sets him up on the apron, clubbing away at his chest. Taker goes for the leg drop, Mysterio moves but Taker lands on his feet and clubs Mysterio. Taker sets Mysterio up on the bottom rope and hits the leg drop instead." Taker goes for a chokeslam, but Mysterio turns it into a hurricarana and he tries for a 619 but Taker catches him. Taker tries for the tombstone, but Rey fights out of it. Mysterio goes for a springboard cross body, but he ends up eating Taker's boot. Mysterio rolls to the floor and Taker follows. Taker catches Mysterio with a big blow, another, and a third. Taker breaks the count, and he tries for a big boot, but Mysterio ducks and Taker ends up hung up on the ring post. Mysterio heads back into the ring and connects with a baseball slide to Taker's leg while it's still hung up. Taker falls to the floor, and when he gets to his feet, Rey tries for a hurricarana. Taker catches him and tries for the Last Ride, but Mysterio climbs up on the apron and hits an asai moonsault to take down Taker. Taker gets to his feet and catches Mysterio by the throat before slamming him back into the barricade. Back in the ring Taker goes for the cover but Mysterio is able to kick out. Taker goes to work on Mysterio's arm, hoisting him up in the air, and slamming him down across the top rope. Taker chokes Mysterio, breaking at a 3 count, and Mysterio crawls to the corner. Taker starts to work over Mysterio with measured blows in the corner. Taker connects with a side slam, but Mysterio is still able to kick out at two. Mysterio goes to work with a couple of quick kicks, but another right hand puts him right back down on the canvas. Mysterio catches Taker with a jawbreaker, and a low dropkick to the face. Mysterio hits a springboard leg drop, and goes for the cover, but Taker kicks out at two. Taker makes his way to his feet and catches Mysterio with a huge lariat. Taker is bleeding from the nose and mouth pretty bad. Taker goes for the Last Ride, but Mysterio fights out and Taker ends up in the ropes. Mysterio connects with a 619 and a springboard dropkick to the back. Mysterio hits another 619, but when he goes for the springboard senton, Taker catches him and hits a huge stalling Last Ride. He pins Mysterio, and this one is in the books. Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker Backstage, HBK is shown watching a monitor. Kane comes in and says his obsession with his brother is unhealthy. Kane says whatever vision Michaels has in his head, in the end, there is no light, only darkness. Hunter enters the dressing room and says he figures that wasn't a pep talk. Hunter wishes Shawn good luck. Michaels says sorry about last week. HBK says he doesn't have any right to step on Hunter's dream of winning tonight and going to WrestleMania. Hunter and Shawn shake hands. Shawn says he and the Undertaker is meant to be though. Hunter says he knows it is, that's why he knows Michaels will find another way. We get the same video running down Royal Rumble statistics that they've been playing for a while now, though this time it's updated to include Santino's new record from last year's Rumble. ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH #1: Dolph Ziggler #2: Evan Bourne Here we go! The bell rings and we're ready to start. Ziggler jaws at Bourne and they both eye the WrestleMania sign. Bourne catches Ziggle with a coulpe of kicks and a hurricarana before connecting with a heel kick to Ziggler's jaw. Ziggler almost knocks Bourne out with a dropkick, but Bourne fights him off and stays in the ring. Bourne launches himself up off of Ziggler and connects with the double knees to Ziggler's chest. Bourne knocks Ziggler to the apron, but he makes it back into the ring. Ziggler connects with the Zig Zag out of nowhere, and he throws Bourne to the apron, but Bourne kicks Ziggler and comes back in the ring with a Shooting Star Press, the buzzer rings: #3: CM Punk Punk goes after both Bourne and Ziggler and he immediately eliminates both. Punk grabs the mic and thanks the crowd for joining him for the most historic moment the Straight Edge Society has seen. 29 other men will either be eliminated or saved. #4 JTG JTG goes right to work on CM Punk, but when he charges Punk in the corner, he finds himself eliminated. Punk gets right back on the mic and says not everyone can win the Rumble, just like not everyone can be saved. Not everyone has his dedication. And tonight he'll be the first straight edge Rumble winner. The clock counts down again and this time it's the Great Khali." #5 Great Khali Punk tries to save Khali, telling him he can make him greater. Punk says he can see the pain in Khali's eyes and he needs to be saved. He asks Khali to raise his right hand and accept straight edge into his life, but Khali hits a chop and locks in the vice. The clock counts down again and the next entrant is Beth Phoenix. #6: Beth Phoenix Khali immediately picks up Beth and puts her over the rope and directs her to the back. Beth kisses Khali and drags him over the top rope, while remaining on the apron. She turns around and goes right to work on Punk, trying to eliminate him. Punk connects with the G2S on Phoenix. #7: Zach Ryder CM Punk eliminates Beth Phoenix. CM Punk grabs the mic, tells Zach Ryder he has potential and tells him he can join his movement before attacking him and throwing him out of the ring. Punk grabs the mic again and says he's better than everyone. #8: Triple H Hunter makes his way to the ring slowly, and Punk hypes himself up. Punk and Hunter stare each other down, and Punk tries for a right, but Hunter fights him off. Hunter connects with a knee and puts Punk back into the corner, pounding on him. Punk connects with a high knee, but Hunter fights off the bull dog and hits a spinebuster. #9: Drew McIntire Hunter fights off McIntyre as soon as he gets in the ring with a high knee. Hunter tries for the pedigree on Punk, but Punk fights out. Punk tries for the G2s, but Hunter fights out and sends him out of the ring. #10 Ted DiBiase Dibiase is immediately taken down by Hunter, but he retaliates with a scoop slam. McIntyre and Dibiase take turns stomping on Hunter. McIntyre and Dibiase double team Hunter for a bit as the clock counts down. #11: John Morrison Morrison immediately goes to work on Dibiase and sets his sights on McIntyre. Morrison connects with a crazy DDT on McIntyre, but he's attacked from behind by Dibiase. Dibiase tries for the Dream Steet, but Morrison fights it off and hits a big kick. Morrison connects with Starship pain on McIntyre. #12: Kane Kane comes into the ring with a top rope clothesline to Hunter. Kane fights off everyone in the match, and turns his attention to Dibiase, hitting a big side slam. Kane hits a double chokeslam on McIntyre and Morrison and a big boot to Hunter. Kane tries to eliminate Dibiase, but Hunter comes in from the side to work on Kane, he gets a chokeslam for his efforts.<br><br>The next entrant is Cody Rhodes. #13: Cody Rhodes Rhodes immediately saves Dibiase from elimination by Kane and Legacy go to work as a team on Kane. Rhodes attacks Hunter and McIntyre, before he sends Morrison to the apron. Morrison comes back in with a springboard, but he eats a dropkick from Rhodes. Rhodes and Dibiase try to eliminate Kane, but Hunter goes to work on Rhodes. Hunter tries to eliminate Rhodes, but Cody hangs on. #14: MVP MVP is immediately taken out from behind by the Miz who hits him with the US Title. Morrison connects with a springboard kick to McIntyre's face. Legacy try to eliminate Triple H, but Kane goes after Legacy, saving Hunter. #15: Carlito Carlito comes in as a house of fire, even fighting off a double team attempt from Legacy. Carlito and Kane trade blows, with Carlito going after Kane's knee. Carlito even gets in a backstabber on Hunter, following up with another to McIntyre, the Dibiase. #16: The Miz Miz hits the SCF right off the bat, but MVP is right out and he goes after Miz, both men tumble over the top rope. Both Hunter and McIntyre look to be in trouble, but Kane saves Hunter and McIntyre is able to save himself. Hunter stomps away at Carlito. #17: Matt Hardy Hardy comes in and goes to work, but when he goes up top, he's eliminated by Kane, who just pushes him off. Kane is then eliminated by Hunter. Hunter hits a couple of spinebusters and he goes for the pedigree on Rhodes, but McIntyre connects with a chop block to stop him. #18: Shawn Michaels Carlito is eliminated and so are Rhodes and Dibiase, all at the hands of HBK. Michaels chops away at McIntyre and connects with a flying forearm. Michaels ducks a kick from Morrison and tosses him out, adding another man to his elimination tally. Morrison goes to work on HBK, but he's left alone in the ring with DX, who team up and take him over the top rope with adouble clothesline and Hunter looks like he hurt his knee. #19: John Cena Cena hits a double shoulderblock right off the bat. Cena hits a double five knuckle shuffle. Cena goes for the AA on HBK to send him to the outside, but Hunter makes his way up and connects with a pedigree on Cena. Hunter is up, but he eats Sweet Chin Music and goes over the top! #20: Shelton Benjamin Benjamin goes right to work on both HBK and John Cena, connecting with Pay Dirt on HBK. Shelton goes for the move on Cena, but he finds himself dumped over the top. #21: Yoshi Tatsu Tatsu comes in with a couple of big kicks on both Cena and HBK, but he ends up being dumped over the top, just like Benjamin. HBK chops away at Cena in the corner, but Cena is quick to retaliate with a sloppy facebuster. Cena pounds on HBK in the corner. #22: Big Show Show hustles his way down to the ring where he quickly takes down Cena and takes HBK all the way to the ring apron, but HBK is back in the ring, where he almost ends up eating an AA. Michaels ends up almost falling to the floor, but he holds on, catches Show in hurricarana position, and ends up being thrown to the canvas. #23: Mark Henry Henry and Show face off in a stare down. Show shoves Henry and Henry throws a couple of punches. Henry tries to slam Show, but Show fights it off. Cena hits a big shoulder block on show, and another, followed by a slam from Mark Henry. Cena tries for an AA on Henry, but Cena can't follow through. #24: Chris Masters Masters goes to work right away, and he tries for the Masterlock on Show, but he finds himself launched over the top rope. Henry gets Show off the ground and almost eliminates him, but HBK comes up from behind to prevent it. #25: R-Truth R-Truth comes in an eliminates both Mark Henry and Big Show, who were fighting by the ropes. It's just Truth, Cena and Michaels in the ring. Truth works over Michaels in the corner with a couple of kicks and right hands, and he tries to send HBK over the top, but Michaels isn't having it. #26: Jack Swagger Swagger comes in with a quick Vader bomb on Cena and then HBK. Swagger powerslams Truth into the corner, and then the canvas. Michaels is up and comes in with punches and chops, but he ends up eating a kick, and almost being eliminated by a lariat from Swagger. HBK is able to make it back in under the bottom rope. #27: Kofi Kingston Kingston comes in and goes right to Jack Swagger, taking him down and hitting the boom drop. Kofi tries to take Swagger out, but Swagger catches him. Kofi ends up taking Swagger out with a body scissors over the top rope. Kingston is almost eliminated by Truth, but in turn Truth is eliminated by Kingston for real. #28: Chris Jericho Jericho goes right after Cena, stomping away at him. Jericho ends up eating an AA from Cena anyway though. Michaels hits a DDT on Cena and HBK goes to the top, where he flies off with an elbow drop to Jericho. HBK tunes up the band, but instead he falls victim to Trouble in Paradise from Kingston. Cena eliminates Kingston with AA and Jericho connects with a Codebreaker on Cena. #29: EDGE!!! Edge comes out to a HUMUNGOUS pop from the crowd. Edge spears Jericho, Michaels and Cena, before shoving Jericho out over the top rope. Edge plants HBK, and the takes Cena down with an Impaler DDT. #30 Batista Batista comes in as a house of fire, taking everyone out and planting Cena with a spinebuster, but he walks right into a spear from Edge. Edge eats an AA from Cena. It all comes down to HBK, Batista, Cena and Edge. Michaels is able to fight off everyone for a bit, taking out both Cena and Batista. HBK goes to the top again, this time connecting with an elbow to Cena. HBK hits an enzugiri to Batista and goes up top for an elbow drop to Batista. HBK connects with SCM on Cena and Batista, but he ends up clotheslined out to the apron by Edge eats a SCM on the apron, knocking him back in the ring, but Batista attacks HBK from behind and Michaels falls to the floor, being eliminated in the process. Michaels attacks a referee and makes his way back into the ring, where he pleads his case with another ref. In anger, Michaels hits the ref with SCM and falls to the canvas, clutching his head. Michaels finally begins to make his way to the back, looking distraught. It's down to Cena, Batista, and Edge. Batista charges Cena, and Cena counters with a low bridge, Batista falls to the floor and we're down to two men! Edge stalks Cena from behind, but Cena turns around and hits Edge with a kick. Edge shrugs it off and sends Cena over the top rope and to the floor. WINNER: EDGE Edge celebrates in the ring .. Pyro goes off around the WrestleMania 26 sign as the PPV goes off the air. Thanks to everybody who joined us here at SEScoops.com for our live coverage of the Royal Rumble.
Credit: Superluchas.net
Check out the PPV poster for TNA Destination X , a pay-per-view that will feature only X-Division wrestlers.
While an X-Division only PPV is a great idea that’s long overdue, having it in March up against WrestleMania is just a terrible idea. WrestleMania will obviously take a chunk out of the TNA PPV buyrate in March, so why put your experimental special attraction show up against the toughest competition of the year? TNA is trying to gauge whether the X Division can draw, so they book the show in a month when the deck is already stacked against them. Genius.
Credit: Superluchas.net
Check out the PPV poster for TNA Destination X , a pay-per-view that will feature only X-Division wrestlers.
While an X-Division only PPV is a great idea that’s long overdue, having it in March up against WrestleMania is just a terrible idea. WrestleMania will obviously take a chunk out of the TNA PPV buyrate in March, so why put your experimental special attraction show up against the toughest competition of the year? TNA is trying to gauge whether the X Division can draw, so they book the show in a month when the deck is already stacked against them. Genius.