Archive for the ‘WWE’ Category

Jim Ross Blogs About Bret Hart Returning To WWE

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted a lengthy blog with his thoughts about Bret “The Hitman” Hart returning to WWE in January.  As always, you can read JR’s full blog and purchase his delicious BBQ products over at JRsBarBQ.com. Ross wrote:

“Firstly, having Bret Hart return to a WWE locker room and be able to mentor young talents is awesome. Young wrestlers need more positive role models who have made it within the business and Bret would no doubt be a great mentor and coach. I have often wondered why Bret has not been asked or arrangements made for Bret to do be a “reoccurring professor” in WWE’s developmental program, FCW.

“Secondly, Bret would not come back to WWE without a game plan and a strategy. Just as his wrestling matches had a beginning, a middle and an end so would the “Hitman’s” return to WWE especially considering the controversy of Montreal 1997 which is an issue that seemingly won’t die to wrestling historians and aficionados much like the President Kennedy tragedy in Dallas in 1963 to conspiracy theorists.

“Bret is too smart that, IF, he’s coming back to WWE that he has a sound strategy in mind with a predetermined destination. It doesn’t take the class Valedictorian to make an educated guess that destination might logically be Wrestlemania 26.

“Thirdly, if it is physically possible for Bret Hart to have a physical confrontation with his “arch nemesis” Mr. McMahon that attraction could be significant for WM26. When I last saw Bret at the Cauliflower Ally Club function a couple of years ago in Vegas he looked great. Pulling off an entertaining, say, “Street Fight” would not require the participants to have a traditional, wrestling bout of which Bret was the master back in the day.

“I find it hard to believe that if Bret “Hitman” Hart’s name was mentioned so prominently on Monday Night Raw that there is more than simply smoke but also some fire as it relates to this matter and I hope that I’m right as the return of the “Hitman” would be great for the fans and would add a new, fresh and much needed creative element to Monday Night Raw. not to mention enhancing Monday Night Raw’s build to WM26. USA Network should be ecstatic is this matter comes to fruition.

“Some have emailed me about what the potential of Bret returning would mean to the Hart Dynasty and I don’t know that answer. My guess is that the Dynasty would naturally get more exposure but I see this matter as being much more about Bret and Mr. McMahon that any thing else with the goal to create some exciting, new TV moments from its inception through WM26.

“Again, this is purely personal  speculation and only one guy’s opinion as I have, as previously mentioned, not spoken to any one in the Hitman or WWE camps about this matter.

“Bottom line is that if Bret Hart returns to WWE that, in my opinion, it will be on Monday Night Raw, it will commence on Monday January 4 and that it will culminate in something big at WM26.

Jim Ross Signs Short-Term WWE Contract Extension

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer has announced on his website JRsBarBQ.com that he’s signed a short-term contract extension with WWE.

“My contract status with WWE has changed somewhat,” Ross wrote in a Friday blog. “We have agreed to terms on a contract extension for a few months to allow me to completely heal from Bells palsy #3.

“I don’t expect to go back on the road until, at the earliest, March but that is an approximate time frame. The story making the rounds that I’m targeting WM26 to return to the airwaves makes for a good story but it is not accurate as I am hoping that I heal quicker and can get back in the game in some form sooner than March 28. That particular issue isn’t up to me.”

Bret Hart Interview: His WWE Return, Hogan-TNA & More

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart appeared on yesterday’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio on F4Wonline.com. Here are some highlights:

* Bret said he doesn’t have faith in Eric Bischoff or Hulk Hogan when it comes to recreating the Monday Night Wars with TNA. He respects TNA as a company and hope it brings competition for the sport but doesn’t think they’re going to do anything major. Bret said Hogan has played himself out to the American audience and doesn’t have anything to offer anymore.

* He feels he still has lots of ideas and different things he can contribute to wrestling. His ideal job in the business right now would be something similar to what John Laurinaitis does for WWE. He would want to be involved in planning matches and storylines.

* TNA has always been good to him as far as extending offers go.

* Bret says he is a big fan of Randy Orton’s work these days but not impressed with the storylines he’s been involved in. He also said he’s impressed with Kofi Kingston and is a mark for Melina, calling her creative and very imaginative when it comes to doing her moves. He also feels everything Sheamus is doing right now is impressive and also is a big fan of Jack Swagger. Bret feels Swagger has good potential to be a top wrestler and character.

* He would loved to have wrestled Kurt Angle and David Hart Smith. He also would have loved to work as a heel against John Cena because he feels they could have told a good story together. He hinted that Cena’s abilities in the ring are limited but he is still good.

* As far as all the news about his WWE return, Bret said he can’t talk about the rumors but did say that he was talking with WWE and “we will see what happens.”

Vince Unhappy With Dennis Miller’s RAW Performance

WWE officials are said to be unsatisfied with the performance of RAW guest host Dennis Miller.

According to sources who were backstage at Monday’s 3-hour WWE RAW, Miller was late to arrive at the building and showed up just hours before the show went live on the air.

Miller made a remark during the show that Vince McMahon was trying to give him some comedy pointers -  it turns out Miller’s remark was unscripted and a “shoot” – as McMahon really did try to give Miller some jokes to tell.

Overall, Miller’s performance was considered sub-par. Many felt his humor missed the mark and he was unable to connect with the live crowd.

Miz Talks About Bret Hart, Tribute To The Troops & More

WWE Raw superstar The Miz spoke was interviewed by Phil Strum of the PojoSlam blog this week and spoke about a number of topics including working with the various Raw celebrity guest hosts, wanting to feud with former partner John Morrison and more. Here’s what the Miz said about:

Working With Mary Jannetty: “You have no idea how excited I was,” Miz said. “I wanted to prove I wasn’t the Marty Jannetty of the team. I almost felt bad because I was ripping on him right in front of his face. It’s terrible, but it was something I can do because I’m the Miz and that’s what I’d do.”rs.”

His Tribute to the Troops Experience. “It brought me a whole new respect for our armed forces,” Miz said. “It was incredible seeing them and seeing the smiles on their faces. They don’t get to see their families during Christmas and birthdays. It was incredible to meet these people and bring smiles to their faces.”

Bret Hart Returning To WWE: “I’m really curious on the whole situation,” he said. “Will Bret be a little bitter? Will Vince (McMahon) be bitter? It’s one of those things: This will be very entertaining and definitely shocking. That would be fantastic if he came in. He hasn’t been with us since he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and hasn’t been in a WWE ring in over 12 years.”

To read the full interview, visit PojoSlam.blogspot.com.

Releases Coming, Obama Distances Himself From WWE

– There are a lot of undercard talents in WWE who are worried about their jobs right now as everyone is expecting the company to release a number of talents after the first of the year.

– Dennis Miller noted on FOX’s O’Reilly Factor show last night that WWE paid him no money for hosting the Slammy’s last week and what he got in return was to promote the USAcares.org charity.

– After Linda McMahon seemed to use Barack Obama’s promo on WWE’s Tribute to the Troops special for political gain, The White House issued a statement to The Hartford Courant paper stating that the message Obama filmed for the special was for the Troops and not done in any way to show support for WWE. The White House said that Obama did not tape the promo for WWE but for the Troops and doesn’t mention WWE once in the message.

– The theme songs for WWE’s 2010 Royal Rumble pay-per-view will be Martyr No More by Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy and Hero by Skillet.

– WWE has been booking little people all week and have booked a Miami area courtroom for this coming Monday afternoon so it appears the segment with DX and Hornswoggle is finally happening after being put off for weeks.

Edge Talks About His WWE Return, Umaga & More

Bubba The Love Sponge

Bubba The Love Sponge

WWE superstar Edge appeared on the Bubba the Love Sponge radio show this morning.. He talked with Bubba for about 20 minutes .. Here are some highlights sent in from reader Terri Bey:

* Edge mentioned he was in North Carolina in the mountains in his new property there, and will be there for Christmas. He said he didn’t mind sitting out and getting paid.

* Edge and Bubba talked about Vince and competition and Edge said that Vince thrives on competition and even though he (Vince) doesn’t like it, he works hard when he has to compete. Edge said Vince never stops working.

* Edge and Bubba then talked about his deal. Edge said it ended in October, but they tacked on injury time and said however long this takes, that much time will be tacked on.

Bubba mentioned some upcoming dates and Edge joked that he listed every city in Florida.

* Edge talked about he and his girlfriend went to a movie in North Carolina where he is living and when they came out of the theatre, he said they saw a bear. Bubba asks how she is adapting since she is a Florida girl, and Edge said she had not seen snow since she was four.

* Edge and Bubba banter about his looks, with Bubba saying he looks like a Neanderthal, and Edge said when he is done, he should be a caveman in those Geico commercials.

* They discussed his return and he said he went to Dr. James Andrews for follow-ups and he is doing some explosive therapy in NC, and he is doing some other therapy in Tampa. He jokes that if they want him to work, he is sitting in the mountains.

* Edge talked about Chris Jericho telling him he met Joe Walsh, and Edge then talked about the PPV. He said Christian and Benjamin had the best match. He also enjoyed the main event. He said Christian looked pissed off when they stopped the match due to the new rule. He said Christian wanted to keep going.

* Edge put over Sheamus and said he was a good kid, and talked about how Ireland is wild about him. He joked how Sheamus is so pale, he is blue.

* Edge put over FCW. He said when he was breaking into the business, he didn’t have all that (FCW). He talked about McIntyre, and Ted Dibiase coming out of FCW.

* Edge said he was close with Umaga (called him Eki). He said he was super. He talked about when he dressed up as Umaga for a house show. He said Umaga cracked up. He said Umaga called him the night before he died, and didn’t think to keep the message. He said Umaga’s death hit him hard.

* Edge was asked about the Undertaker and he said he has no idea how Taker performs so well. Bubba said Taker had best entrance. Edge said when he was wrestling Taker, he was in awe of Taker. Edge said Taker put him over a couple of time. He said Taker is about respect. He said he and Taker have always been on good terms. Edge then said he busts his ass with no crap and Taker respected it.

* Edge was asked about rehab and return and says he doesn’t know when he will be back. The doctors told him 6 months to a year. He said when he heard six month, he thinks six months, but he said he has to see Andrews and get in a ring to see how it holds up. When he tests it he will see where he is at. He said that he is gunning for the first quarter of the year. Edge said he didn’t’ realize that he uses the Achilles for everything.

* Bubba told Edge to say hi to his girlfriend for him and show ends.

Bret Hart Signs With WWE: Details On His Return

WWE Hall of Famer Bret "The Hitman" Hart

WWE Hall of FamerBret "The Hitman" Hart

Amid speculation that Bret Hart is in talks to return to World Wrestling Entertainment to host an upcoming edition of WWE RAW, it now appears Bret Hart’s involvement with WWE will extend well beyond a 1-night appearance. WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart has signed a short-term talent contract with WWE that goes into effect on January 1, 2010 and runs until April 10th, approximately two weeks after WrestleMania 26. The news was originally reported by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and has since been corroborated by our own sources and other reliable sites.

WWE had been in talks with Bret Hart for several months trying to bring him in for an extended program. There has been talk of talk of Hart returning to the ring for one match, but he will not be a full-time wrestler considering he’s 52 years old and has not wrestled since suffering head injuries (and later a stroke) a decade ago.

The storyline that virtually writes itself is Bret Hart feuding with Vince McMahon to settle the 1997 Survivor Series screwjob once and for all. Whether Hart is able to participate in a full match or a less-taxing street fight, seeing the Hitman finally get his hands on Vince McMahon will be a sight to see.

As reported here earlier this week, Bret’s former tag partner Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart recently said WWE was working on a new Hart Foundation DVD project. The DVD release is part of Bret’s deal.

Bret Hart is expected to debut on the January 4th edition of WWE RAW, head-to-head with TNA’s Monday Night iMPACT! special.

We’ll have more details on this blockbuster story in the coming days – stay tuned!

Details On WWE’s New Comic Book “WWE Heroes”

The creators of the WWE Heroes comic book were interviewed by Newsrama.com and were asked whether it will be consistent with WWE storylines. “We’ve got pretty free reign to do what we please,” Keith Champagne said. “The only instances we’ve had to change something based on the TV stuff has been removing a couple of WWE superstars when they left the WWE.

“If WWE doesn’t have the rights to use someone, we can’t. Otherwise, it’s the Wild West. By the way, the WWE has an AWESOME website we have access to listing tons of reference and photos of the people we can use, from classic superstars to modern day. I’ve spent hours in there getting lost…

“It’s only happened a couple of times and with WWE superstars who were more or less being featured in the comic in minor roles. So it’s been pretty easy to just surf the wave and do a little rewriting to line things back up. If Triple H or Undertaker were to suddenly leave, that would be a bit harder to fix at this stage of the game but so far, it’s been a problem so minor it’s not even worth mentioning.”

Tournament To Determine Royal Rumble ECW Title Match

The ECW Homecoming Qualifying matches kicked off on last night’s show with Kane and Ezekiel Jackson picking up wins. Over the next few weeks, former ECW Superstars will return to the brand to compete in these qualifying matches with the winners advancing to an eight-man Homecoming Finale Over-the-Top Rope Challenge on January 12th.

The winner of that will go on to face Christian for the ECW Title at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

Jack Swagger will return to ECW on next week’s show to face Yoshi Tatsu in a qualifying match.

JR Blog: Bret Hart Hosting Raw, HBK-Undertaker 2, His Health

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can (and should) read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Some highlights:

WWE teasing Bret Hart will host RAW: “The teasing of Bret Hart potentially hosting Raw was cool. That was the first that I had officially heard of any sort of ‘Hitman’ return but it’s always good to see Bret in any forum and one would think that the WWE HOF’er would enhance the ratings for Raw when and if Bret does make an appearance. Could that particular appearance occur on January 4? Your guess is as good as mine.”

Shawn Michaels challenging Undertaker: “Shawn Michaels challenging the Undertaker for a match at WM26 captured my imagination. These two created magic in Houston at WM25 and the question will be asked if both future WWE HOF’ers can recreate such a moment one more time. I will always consider being a part of the broadcast team for WM25 and being a small part of the HBK-Taker presentation as one of the greatest experiences that I’ve had in this business.”

His own health and WWE contract status: “Yours truly is awaiting some important, medical test results that I hope to have sometime this week. I am of the belief that they will provide good news and refuse to believe any thing else. It goes without saying that I sincerely appreciate all the get well wishes and prayers from so many of you. Since making many, overdue life style changes I have been feeling great the past several weeks as I await the aforementioned medical test results and the facial nerve to kick start. With my personal health still my most important issue, I am not stressing about any contractual issues or negotiations and nothing has changed on that front or my mindset regarding such since I last addressed this matter. All my contractual issues are still in motion and being discussed.”

Bret Hart WWE Update, Miz Talks About Iraq & Lebron

– Former WWE tag champion Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart said at an autograph signing this past weekend in Long Island, New York that WWE is working on a new DVD collection featuring The Hart Foundation ( not him & Bret but also Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith, other Hart family members and possibly Brian Pillman). Neidhart told fans he recently finished shooting interview footage for for the project. With WWE teasing a return by Bret Hart on last night’s RAW, this adds to the speculation that Bret might be returning to WWE in some fashion.

– The following matches and events are advertised for tonight’s ECW on Syfy show.

* Kane is an invited guest of ECW general manager Tiffany.
* The Hurricane vs. The Ripper.

– The Miz was interviewed by FoxNews.com and spoke about his experience in Iraq for WWE’s 7th annual Tribute to the Troops taping earlier this month.

“One camp we visited didn’t even have running water. Could you imagine living without running water? Plus there’s nothing to do besides work out, eat, and work,” he said. “However when we came in seeing the smiles on these heroes’ faces was priceless.” I feel safe and secure with our troops protecting us. One of the great things about our tribute is that their families get to see them enjoy themselves, smile and be happy. It’s a great change from seeing the news with all the bombings and negativity.”

Miz also said he wants basketball superstar Lebron James, “the second biggest star in Cleveland behind me”, to join WWE in Iraq next year.

Johnny Damon Hosting Raw, Doink In Rehab, MVP Single

– Next week’s WWE RAW will be hosted by New York Yankee Johnny Damon. Hhe will be bringing some “Secret Santas” with him, so expect a some other Yankees in attendance.

– WWE has confirmed that the “Little People’s Court” segment with DX and Hornswoggle that was taped weeks ago will finally air on next week’s RAW from Tampa, Florida.

– “The View” co-host Sherri Shepherd recently announced on her show that she’s no longer dating WWE superstar MVP and that the two are now “just friends.”

– Former WWE star Matt “Doink” Borne recently completed a stint in WWE sponsored rehab. He will be meeting with the company soon about an agent job.

Complete List Of 2009 Slammy Award Winners

SlammyBelow are results from the 2009 Slammy Awards that aired on Monday”s RAW:

* Tag Team of the Year: Chris Jericho & Big Show

* Breakout Star of the Year: Sheamus

* Shocker of the Year: CM Punk forces Jeff Hardy to leave WWE

* Match of the Year: Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker

* Guest Host of the Year: Bob Barker

* Extreme Moment of the Year: Jeff Hardy’s jump at SummerSlam

* Oh My Moment of the Year: Michael Cole puking on Chris Jericho

* Diva of the Year: Maria

* Superstar of the Year: John Cena

UFC Going Head-To-Head With WWE’s WrestleMania 26

Whether pro wrestling is considered competition of Mixed Martial Arts is up for debate. WWE CEO Vince McMahon denies UFC is his competition, but there’s no question that the two sports compete for pay-per-view dollars and these days, even talent (Lesnar, Lashley).

Spike TV and UFC got the attention of World Wrestling Entertainment when they announced the next live UFC Fight Night event will take place on January 11th – the first time UFC has run a live show on a Monday dnight, head-to-head with WWE Monday Night Raw.

In a move that is likely to upset World Wrestling Entertainment and probably hurt the PPV buyrate of its biggest show of the year, UFC have decided to bump UFC 111 ahead to weeks from 3/12 PPV to 3/26, the night before WrestleMania 26.

UFC 111 will take place from Newark, NJ and will be headlined by Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy.

It should also be noted that the highly anticipated Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao superfight will be taking place on 3/12, which likely contributed to UFC’s decision to move their show. The last time UFC went head-to-head the same night against a Floyd Mayweather fight (UFC 103: Franklin vs. Belfort) – UFC got crushed, with Mayweathter’s fight against Ricky Hatton drawing nearly twice as many PPV buys as UFC and setting PPV records. As much trash as Dana White talks about boxing, even he recently joked that he too wants to see the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight and thus would not want to put a UFC event against it.

Wrestling insiders believe this year’s WrestleMania buyrate will take a big hit from the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, while some MMA journalists are reminding people not to sell WWE short, as WrestleMania is still WWE’s “Superbowl” event and a proven commodity on PPV. March will be a big month for fight fans and it will be very interesting to see how the PPV dollars are spent.

HBK Superkicks NBA Mascot At San Antonio Spurs Game

Shawn Michaels and his wife Rebecca were courtside at the San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Bobcats NBA game this past Friday night.

HBK got involved with the mascots and ended up giving some Sweet Chin Music to the Bobcat’s mascot – check it out.

JR Blog: Sheamus’ WWE Title Win, Orton vs. Kingston & More

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can (and should) read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here’s what JR had to say about last night’s TLC PPV:

Sheamus Winning The WWE Championship: “Sheamus upsetting John Cena to win the WWE Title was a MAJOR shock to me. I mentioned in an earlier blog on Sunday that I liked surprises, especially surprises that are logical and believable, and this surpirse was that and more and really caught me off guard. Good stuff. It reminded me somewhat of many years ago when Stone Cold was red hot and he lost the WWE Title to Kane in a ‘First Blood’ match. Sheamus’ victory is a huge and bold step in the right direction for another, young talent. It will be interesting to see what sort of publicity is generated in Ireland as a result of Sheamus becoming the WWE Champion.”

Orton vs. Kingston Feud: “Funny…but it seemed to me watching at home that the Orton-Kofi issue was hotter a few weeks ago than it was Sunday night on PPV. It just might have been the crowd getting restless or looking ahead to the TLC bout. However, I thought the match was really solid and I was surprised that Orton won. Nonetheless I think that Kofi accounted himself well and is ‘this close’ to being perceived as a full time main eventer. Even if Kofi had won I would have said the same thing. It just takes time to get to the next level but I do feel that Kofi has had some outstanding exposure on Raw the past few weeks especially around the time Kofi defaced Orton’s NASCAR.”

Last Night’s Three-Man Announce Team: “The three man announce booth is challenging especially when the three man team doesn’t regularly work with each other. I enjoyed the announcing of the trio tonight better than I did at the Survivor Serieswhich would indicate that Cole, Lawler, and Striker were more comfortable working with each other in San Antonio. ‘Comfort’ and ‘finding one’s zone’ are crucial when broadcasting live TV.”

Jeff Hardy Comments On TLC, Dark Match & Title Changes

— Jeff Hardy and Mickie James have posted comments on their Twitter pages regarding WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV.

Jeff Hardy wrote: “TLC” and later followed up with “GoodFinish”

Mickie James wrote: “me tonight! :-( The sun shines on every dogs booty once and a while. Tonight was theirs. This is not over. No! This is just the beginning!”

To read more tweets from wrestlers and divas, check out PWTweets.com.

— In a dark match that took place fro San Antonio, Texas before WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV began, R-Truth defeated CM Punk.

— Here is a rundown of the title changes that took place at TLC:

* Drew McIntyre defeated John Morrison to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion
* Sheamus defeated John Cena to become the new WWE Champion

* DX defeated Chris Jericho & Big Show to become the new Unified Tag Team Champions at tonight’s TLC pay-per-view.

Sound Off 92: Gimme Mah Gun, I’m Off To War Brother!

solomonster

Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 92)

*right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

Est. Runtime: 64 minutes

Some of the topics discussed in this edition of the Sound Off include:

| Hulk Hogan and TNA rekindle the Monday Night Wars with WWE on January 4th, including a look at who may debut thAt night and Hogan’s ridiculous prediction on the “iMPACT!” rating

| Bobby Lashley signs with Strikeforce to continue his MMA career, but will he still be able to wrestle?

| Thoughts on Mark Cuban on Raw and the one thing WWE did wrong in his final segment with Sheamus

| TLC thoughts and predictions and which match should be the sleeper of the PPV

| A rant on another INCREDIBLY STUPID SEGMENT produced by TNA that not only does NOT make television, but is made to look like a REHEARSAL of a segment (idiots!)

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs PPV Results (12/13)

We get the usual video package highlighting the main feuds running into tonight to kick things off.

The pyro hits a Michael Cole welcomes us to the show. The ECW Championship is hanging high over the ring and the ladder match will be kicking things off tonight.

Ladder Match for the ECW Championship: Christian(c) vs. Shelton Benjamin

Benjamin is out first to the ring, sidestepping and looking at all the ladders on the way down. Christian is out second to a warm reception from the crowd. There are a ton of ladders around the ring. Both men stare each other down before Christian fakes running to the outside to grab a ladder. Benjamin and Christian lock up with Benjamin pushing Christian into the corner. Another lock up, this time Shelton locks in a headlock, but it doesn’t last long as Christian fights out and hits Shelton with a beautiful dropkick.

Christian sends Benjamin into the corner, but Benjamin leaps up to the turnbuckle and comes back with a cross body. Shelton goes for a big kick but Christian ducks and tries for the Killswitch. Shelton fights out, hits a big backbreaker, and bails to the floor. Shelton goes for a ladder, but Christian ids right behind him, and he slams his head into the barricade. Christian goes for a huge ladder, but Shelton attacks and launches Christian into the barricade. Shelton goes for yet another ladder, but Christian jumps from the second rope to the outside on top of Benjamin.

Christian is able to set up a ladder in the ring, but when he tries to climb up it, Shelton is in to break things up. Christian tries for a monkey flip, but Benjamin lands on his feet and launches himself up the ladder, Christian pulls Shelton down and sends him to the outside. Christian grabs a ladder and looks to throw it down on Shelton, but Shelton pulls Christian’s feet out from under him and the ladder lands on Christian’s face.

Trainers are in as apparently Christian has been busted open. The trainer gets huge boos and Shelton argues with the referee to buy time. The crowd starts a ‘We Want Blood’ chant and Benjamin climbs a ladder on the outside. Christian pushes off the trainer and sends Benjamin into the crowd. Christian goes for another ladder, but Benjamin is climbing back up on the ladder on the outside. Benjamin dives off with a somersault on top of Christian and both men are down.

Benjamin is first to his feet and he begins disassembling the announce table. Benjamin props a ladder up between the ring apron and the ladder. Christian tries to Irish whip Benjamin into the ladder, but Shelton ducks and grabs Christian’s legs, trying for a slingshot, but Christian fights back and launches Shelton into yet another ladder on the outside.

Back in the ring, Shelton sends Christian into a ladder in the corner, before putting Christian in the corner and props the ladder on top of Christian. Shelton charges, but Christian sends the ladder back into Benjamin. Christian tries to climb the ladder, but Benjamin knocks it over and hits Christian with a huge kick. Benjamin sets the ladder against the ropes and slams Christian’s head into it repeatedly.

Benjamin sets up the ladder and begins the climb but Christian is right behind him. Christian hits a big reverse DDT from the ladder to the ring and both men are down.

Christian begins climbing the ladder, but Shelton begins climbing the turnbuckle. Christian sees it coming, so he drops down and grabs the ladder, trying to ram it into Bejamin. Benjamin ends up on the ladder, almost to the title, but Christian tips it over. Benjamin lands on the ropes, standing, and he rights the ladder, before tipping himself over and landing on Christian with a hugh clothesline.

Benjamin climbs the ladder again and he actually manages to get both hands on the title, but Christian takes the ladder out from under his feet. Christian puts another ladder down and he knocks Benjamin off the title, but Benjamin takes the ladder out from under Christian. Christian hangs from the belt, and Shelton jumps up grabbing his feet. Christian falls straight into powerbomb position and Shelton launches him into a ladder in the corner. Both men are on top of the ladder. Shelton tries for a sunset bomb from the top of the ladder, but Christian counters. Both men fight on the ring apron, near the ladder that was propped up earlier and Shelton tries to catch Christian with a German suplex, but Christian counters with a kick that sends Shelton on top of the ladder. Christian climbs to the top turnbuckle and crashes through Shelton and the ladder with a huge frog splash.

Christian climbs the ladder in the middle of the ring, grabs his title, and wins the match.

Winner and STILL ECW Champion: Christian

WWE Intercontinental Title Match: John Morrison vs. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre’s music hits, and he’s out first to little to no reaction from the crowd. Morrison is out next, to a really nice pop. Morrison and McIntyre lock up with Drew backing up JoMo into the corner. Another lock up and Morrison comes out with an arm bar, but he’s quickly put down by a punch to the face from McIntyre. McIntyre locks in a modified front face lock, but Morrison works his way out and hits an arm drag. Morrison connects with a beautiful hurricarana followed by a stiff kick to the back, but a pin attempt only gains a two count. McIntyre bails to the outside.

Morrison follows McIntyre out, but when he tries to surprise Drew, he ends up being launches face first into the steel ring post. Back in the ring, McIntyre slams Morrison’s head into the top turnbuckle and goes to work, punching and stomping away at Morrison.

McIntyre locks in the same modified front face lock, but JoMo fights out with a series of forearms and kicks. It doesn’t last for long though as soon Drew is punishing Morrison with clotheslines in the corner before McIntyre hits a big suplex, then right back into the same submission.

Morrison fights out again, but he falls victim to a big boot from McIntyre. McIntyre pounds on Morrison and tries for a couple of pin attempts, but he can’t get three. McIntyre locks in THE SAME submission (AGAIN), but this time he has Morrison’s face pressed to the canvas. Morrison fights out again, and this time he’s able to put McIntyre down with a huge DDT counter and both men are down.

Morrison punches away at McIntyre, sending him down to the mat with a clothesline and a weird (botched) high knee. Morrison climbs to the top and hits a big missile dropkick, but when he goes for the pin Drew kicks out at two.

McIntyre goes to work on Morrison’s leg before hitting an inverted Alabama Slam, but it’s still not enough to keep Morrison down. McIntyre picks up Morrison, but he ends up being dropkicked through the ropes by JoMo. Morrison follows to the outside where he sends McIntyre into the barricade with a drop toe hold before jumping up to the ring apron and launching off with a huge kick.

Back in the ring, Morrison goes for the starship pain, but he launches himself too far and barely lands on McIntyre. Morrison goes for the pin, but McIntyre’s leg is under the rope. Morrison stomps away at McIntyre, but he takes off his belt and the ref turns his back to toss it out of the ring. McIntyre pokes Morrison in the eye and connects with his double arm DDT. McIntyre pins Morrison and we have a new champion.

Winner and NEW WWE Intercontinental Champion: Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre is backstage being congratulated by Vince McMahon. Josh Matthews tries to get an interview with McMahon, but Vince says he should interview Drew first. Drew says he’s not surprised that he won a title so quickly, when he was handpicked by McMahon, he knew he would do great things. Sheamus comes in and says that McIntyre’s match was impressive, but he won’t be the only newcomer to leave tonight with gold.

WWE Women’s Championship Match: Michelle McCool vs. Mickie James

Mickie James is out first to a big pop from the crowd, followed by McCool, who doesn’t get much of a reaction at all.

Mickie tries to attack McCool right off the bat, but McCool bails to the floor and demands the ref back her up. McCool is slow to get back in the ring, where she finally locks up with James. Mickie takes McCool down, while still locked up, and the two actually roll to the outside, where they slam each other into the barricade and the ring apron, before staring each other down and making their way back into the ring.

Mickie takes McCool down and scores a couple of quick near falls, but when she goes for a crucifix, McCool gets her in Alabama slam position and backs up into the corner, squashing Mickie. McCool kicks away at Mickie, before trying for a pin, but only scoring a near fall.

McCool locks in a rear chin lock, and when Mickie tries to fight her way out, McCool stomps down on her. McCool kicks away at James before burying her knee in Mickie’s back.

Mickie is able to fight back with a couple of big right hands, but when she goes for a hurricarana, McCool counters with a big backbreaker that’s good for a near fall. Mickie almost surprises McCool with a small package, but McCool kicks out and sends Mickie to the floor. McCool follows out, where she launches Mickie into the barricade.

McCool tries to knee Mickie, but James ducks and McCool’s knee connects with the barricade. Mickie connects with a hurricarana and a Thesz press before moving things back in the ring. Mickie hits another Thesz press that’s good for a near fall, and she follows it up with a series of clotheslines. Mickie tries for a headscissors, but McCool sends her to the apron. Layla gets involved, and she ends up eating a big boot from McCool. Mickie tries to surprise her with a roll up, but McCool kicks out, hits a huge kick to the chest, and pins Mickie for the three count.

Winner and STILL WWE Women’s Champion: Michelle McCool

Tables Match for the WWE Title: John Cena vs. Sheamus

We get a video package highlighting the problems that these two men have had over the last few weeks. Sheamus is out first to a little bit of heat from the crowd, but not much. Cena is out next, to a mostly positive reaction (you can still hear some of those boo’s though).

Sheamus tells Cena to bring it on at the outset of the match. Cena comes with a series of punches before he slams Sheamus’ head into the turnbuckle and follows up with a bulldog. Cena continues to pound on Sheamus, but when he charges Cena in the corner, Sheamus hits a shoulder block and follows it up with a big kick. Sheamus hits a suplex, and he mounts Cena, punching away at his head.

Sheamus goes to the outside for a table, but Cena is right behind him and he sends him into the announce table, slamming his head repeatedly into the table. Cena pucks up Sheamus and sends him chest first into the barricade. Sheamus battles back and sends Cena shoulder first into the steel ring post.

Sheamus tries to Irish whip Cena, but Cena reverses it and sends Sheamus into the ring steps.

Cena pulls a table out from under the ring and he sets it up on the arena floor. Cena picks Sheamus up and props him on the table before he climbs to the top turnbuckle. Sheamus jumps off the table before Cena can jump, but Cena gives chase. Sheamus rolls back into the ring, and while Cena is climbing in, Sheamus stomps away at him. Sheamus picks up Cena and hits a big running powerslam.

Sheamus pounds away on Cena, who’s standing on the ring apron, holding onto the ropes so he won’t go through the table. Cena fights back and gets Sheamus in AA position, but Sheamus fights out and sends Cena head first into the turnbuckle.

Both men go to the outside, where Sheamus pushes Cena into the ring apron hard before slamming his head into the steel ring steps. Sheamus tries to punch Cena, but Cena blocks and hits Sheamus with a punch of his own before sending him head first into the ring steps. Cena gets Sheamus up into AA position again, but Sheamus fights out and gets Cena in powebomb position. Sheamus picks him up, but Cena counters out and fights Sheamus to the top of the ramps. Sheamus tries for a desperation suplex, but Cena reverses it and suplexes Sheamus on the entrance ramp.

Cena goes back to the ringside area to grab the table, which he puts on his shoulder. Cena tries to slam the table down on top of Sheamus, but Sheamus moves. Cena follows and quickly slams his head into the barricade. Sheamus and Cena fight out into the crowd, but it’s brief as Cena quickly clotheslines Sheamus over the barricade back into the ringside area.

Cena sends Sheamus back into the ring before going under the ring to grab another table. Cena sets up the table on the outside, but when he comes back into the ring he quickly falls victim to the Irish Curse kick.

Sheamus goes to the outside, where he grabs a table and makes his way back into the ring. Sheamus props the table up in the corner. Sheamus picks up Cena, but Cena counters out and hits a couple of big shoulder blocks before following up with a side belly to back suplex. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle, but Sheamus gets to his feet and sends the table to the outside. Cena hits the AA and he drags Sheamus closer to the ring apron.

Cena goes to the outside where he grabs another table to bring back into the ring. Cena sets up the table in the middle of the ring (it seems like he’s moving in slow motion). Cena puts Sheamus on the top turnbuckle, and Cena tries to get Sheamus in AA position on the second rope. Sheamus fights out and Cena falls to the mat. Cena and Sheamus trade blows with Sheamus still on the top turnbuckle. Cena tries for a superplex, but Sheamus pushes him off, through the table.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Sheamus

Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Title:The Undertaker vs. Batista

We, of course, get a video package hyping the Championship match between Batista and Undertaker.

There are chairs set up all around ringside (although it looks pretty pathetic in comparison to the ladders earlier), as Tony Chimel explains the rules, apparently only chairs will be legal as far as foreign weapons go. Batista is out first to a bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd (it seems like the crowd is still a bit shocked about the previous title change).

The Undertaker’s gong hits and the crowd goes nuts, as expected. Taker makes his way to the ring, amidst very loud cheers from the crowd.

Batista bails to the floor at the sound of the bell and goes right for a chair, but Undertaker doesn’t allow him to use it. Back in the ring Undertaker hits a quick clothesline before pounding on Batista in the corner. Taker stomps away at Batista for a bit before sending him head first into the turnbuckle. Batista is able to fight back with a clothesline of his own, but when he goes for the pin, Taker kicks out at one. Taker sends Batista to the outside.

Taker sends Batista head first into the steel steps, but when Taker goes for a chair shot, Batista buries his foot in Taker’s midsection and sends him head first into the stairs. Batista tries to send Taker into the barricade, but Taker reverses it and Batista ends up flipping over into the timekeeper’s area. Taker tosses a couple of chairs in the ring, but when he goes for a big kick on Batista, Batista ducks and Taker ends up being hung up on the barricade. Batista hits Taker with a big chair shot and uses the chair to choke the Undertaker.

Batista sends Taker into the ring post and he tries to hit him with a chair, but Taker ducks and the momentum shifts. Taker sets Batista up for his big apron leg drop and he hits it. Back in the ring, Taker goes for the cover but Batista kicks out at two. Taker tries for Old School, but Batista counters and Taker ends up sitting on the top turnbuckle. Batista tries for a superplex, and after a little bit of fighting, he’s able to connect, but again it’s only good enough for a two count.

Batista sets a chair down in the middle of the ring and he tries for the Batista bomb, but Taker counters with a back body drop sending Batista down on top of the chair. Taker and Batista trade blows in the middle of the ring with Taker getting the advantage, but it doesn’t last long as Batista fights back with a big spinebuster that’s good for a near fall.

Batista wedges a chair in between the top and middle turnbuckle before going back to pounding on Taker. Batista tries for a clothesline, but Taker ducks and comes back with a leaping clothesline of his own. Taker hits a nasty shoulderblock and goes for Old School again, connecting this time.

Taker hits snake eyes in the corner on Batista, but Batista comes right back with a spear. Batista tries for a cover, but he can’t hold Taker down for the three count. Batista picks up Taker and drives him down on a chair with a big spine buster. Batista teases the Batista bomb, but he finds himself caught in the Hell’s gate out of nowhere. Batista is able to fall over into the ropes and force a break of the submission.

Batista bails to the floor to recover and when Taker tries to follow out after him, Batista hits Taker with a chair shot to the throat. Back in the ring, Batista tries for a spear, but Taker moves and Batista connects with the chair he set up in the corner earlier. Taker tries for a pin but Batista kicks out at two. Taker signals for the chokeslam, and he connects, but again Batista kicks out at two.

Batista tries for the tombstone, but Batista counters out and pushes Taker toward the ref. The ref turns his back and Batista uses the opportunity to hit a low blow. Batista hits a huge chair shot straight to Taker’s head. He pins Taker and gets a three count.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Batista

Teddy Long is out and he says that even though the usage of chairs is legal, a blatant foul is not. Long says he won’t allow the World Heavyweight Championship to change hands on such a cheap act, so this match will be restarted.

Batista tries to get a quick chair shot, but Taker gets his foot up. Taker hits a chair shot of his own and follows up with a tombstone. Taker pins Batista and this one is over… again.

Winner and STILL World Heavyweight Champion: The Undertaker

Batista looks dejected after the match as he tells the fans in attendance that he doesn’t need any of them.

Kofi Kingston is shown warming up while Legacy comes up from behind. Legacy says they aren’t here to beat down Kingston, they’ll let Randy do that. Kingston says it doesn’t psych him out, it psyches him up. Dibiase says that they aren’t sidekicks, and Kingston’s never been one-on-one with someone like Orton and Kingston is terrified. Kingston says that he’s supposed to be terrified, but Orton can’t come tell Kingston himself. Kingston walks away from Legacy and into Orton’s dressing room. Kingston tells Orton that he thinks Orton is a coward, and he’s really looking forward to beating him down tonight.

Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston

Orton’s music hits and ‘the Viper’ makes his way down to the ring.

Kingston’s music hits and he gets a pretty decent reaction from the crowd on his way to the ring.

Orton and Kingston are quick to lock up, with Orton locking in a side headlock and taking Kingston down to the mat, keeping the hold locked in. Kingston is able to fight out with a headscissors and both men make their way back to their feet. Orton locks in a quick hammerlock, but Kingston fights out of it. Orton backs Kingston up and he pounds on him in the corner for a bit.

Orton sends Kofi into the corner, but when he follows in Kingston hits him with a big kick. Kingston charges Orton, but he falls victim to a powerslam. Orton locks in a rear chin lock, cranking down when Kingston tries to fight out. Kingston is eventually able to get out of it and he hits Orton with a series of right hands in the corner, before trying for a quick sunset flip. Kingston hits a Russian leg sweep and he tries for the boom drop, but Orton bails to the floor. Kingston follows out and he tries to hit Orton with a crazy cross body block, but Orton counters with a sick drop kick to Kofi’s ribs.

Orton picks Kofi up and puts him down ribs first on the barricade, doing further damage. Orton sends Kingston back into the ring and he tries for the pin, but Kingston kicks out at two. Orton stomps away at Kingston’s midsection, continuing to work over the ribs.

Kingston tries to fight back with a couple of right hands, but it doesn’t last long as Orton suplexes Kofi ribs first into the ring ropes. Orton hits a high knee drop, and tries for a pin, but Kingston kicks out at two.

Orton kicks at Kofi’s ribs and hits a big European uppercut. Kingston works his way back to his feet, ducks a fist from Orton and connects with the SOS.

Kingston tries for a pin, but Orton is able to kick out at two. When Orton gets back to his feet, he’s quickly clotheslined to the outside. Kofi follows with a suicide dive through the ropes onto Orton. Kingston sends Orton back into the ring and he goes to the top turnbuckle. Kofi hits a beautiful cross body, but again it’s only good for two Kofi chops away at Orton’s chest before connecting with a leaping lariat. Orton sends Kingston into the corner, but Kingston counters by jumping off the ropes with a big chop to the head.

Orton is able to connect with his crazy backbreaker, and he begins stalking Kofi. Orton looks to be going to the RKO, but Kofi counters with a high dropkick. Kofi hits the boom drop, and follows with up with trouble in Paradise. Kingston goes for the pin, but Orton is able to grab the bottom rope and break up the pin. Orton bails to the outside and Kingston is quick to follow.

Kingston struggles to get Orton back into the ring, and when Kingston tries to follow, Orton springs up and hits his rope assisted DDT and both men are down.

Orton is back to his feet first and he’s stalking Kingston yet again. Orton goes for the punt, but Kingston is able to get up his arm to block the shot. Orton goes for a single arm DDT, doing even more damage to Kingston’s arm. Kingston gets back up and tries to surprise Orton with the trouble in Paradise, but Orton blocks. Orton picks Kofi back up, hits an RKO, pins Kofi and this one’s over.

Winner: Kofi Kingston

Batista is backstage with Teddy Long, accusing Long of costing him the title. Batista threatens Long with a chair and tells him he better make it right, or the next time he swings that chair, it’s going to be at Long’s head.

TLC Match for the Unified Tag Team Titles: Chris Jericho and Big Show vs. Shawn Michaels & Triple H

DX is out first to a huge pop from the San Antonio crowd. Jeri-Show is out next, to a little bit of heat.

All four men stare each other down at the beginning of the match, until show shoves Hunter and Michaels shoves Jericho. The fight is on as Show and Hunter bail to the floor, where Show sends Hunter into the barricade. Back in the ring, HBK hits Jericho with a neckbreaker. On the outside, Show tries for a clothesline, but Triple H ducks and Show ends up in the crowd.

Hunter grabs a table that he props up on the barricade as Michaels and Jericho continue to fight in the ring. Big Show is back up and he punches Hunter, fighting with him part of the way up the entrance ramp. Michaels and Jericho make their way to the outside, where HBK ends up eating ring post. Jericho tries to suplex Michaels through a table, but Michaels won’t go down. Michaels reverses out of the suplex and sends Jericho back in the ring.

Jericho tries for the Walls of Jericho but HBK fights out and heads to the top rope. Michaels tries for a top rope elbow drop, but Jericho is able to get his knees up. Jericho grabs a ladder while Hunter and Show fight at the top of the ramp. Jericho tries to intervene, grabbing a chair and going after Hunter, but Hunter blocks and tries for the pedigree. Jericho counters out with a backdrop sending Hunter crashing down on the entrance ramp.

Jericho and Michaels both go for chair shots, with the chairs colliding, and Michaels comes out on top, then turning to hit Show. Show puts down Michaels and he and Jericho make their way down to the ringside area. Show grabs a ladder and Jericho hops into the ring.

DX are down to break things up, and Hunter pounds on Jericho in the corner. Hunter picks up the ladder and drives it into Jericho’s midsection.

DX double team Jericho in the ring, Michaels puts him down with a body slam before DX slam the ladder down on top of Jericho’s back. DX then use the ladder as a battering ram straight into Show’s face. DX set up the ladder under the titles and HBK begins the climb. Show is back in the ring to break things up, sending Hunter down and pulling HBK off the ladder. Show pounds on Hunter in the corner while Jericho brings in another ladder and slams Michael’s head down onto it. Jericho hits a baseball slide into the ladder into Michaels, sending Michaels to the floor.

Jericho bulldogs Hunter on top of the ladder, doing damage to the ribs. Show props the ladder up in the corner as Jericho sends Michaels back down to the floor. Jericho sends Hunter into the ladder in the corner with an Irish whip, before Show body slams Hunter into the ladder. Show hangs up Hunter by his leg, upside down in the ladder, before sending HBK into the ladder, and Hunter, with a big Irish whip.

Jericho gets Hunter out of the ladder, and tries for another Irish whip into said ladder, but Hunter reverses it, sending Jericho to the floor. Hunter dodges a splash in the corner from show before hitting a facebreaker. Hunter picks up the ladder and hits Big Show in the head before throwing it to the outside on top of Jericho. Show tries for a chokeslam, but Hunter counters into a DDT, setting Show up for a top rope elbow drop from Michaels. HBK tries for Sweet chin music, but Jericho ducks it and hits a codebreaker. Jericho walks right into a spinebuster from Hunter, who quickly falls victim to a spear from Show.

Show grabs a ladder and sets it up under the titles. Show starts the slow climb up the ladder, scared that the ladder will collapse, but Hunter is in with a big chair shot. Big Show just looks angry as he makes his way down the ladder. Show hits Hunter’s chair straight into Hunter’s face. Show tries to climb the ladder again, but this time, both members of DX push the ladder over into the ropes. Show walks straight into a pedigree with an assist from Michaels.

HBK sets up the ladder, and he almost gets to the top before Jericho tips the ladder over, sending Michaels crashing to the outside on top of Show. Jericho rights the ladder and starts to climb up, but Hunter is in to break things up. Hunter finally pulls Jericho off the ladder and plants him with a big powerbomb. Now Hunter is going to climb the ladder for the titles, but Big Show is back in the ring and he plucks Hunter off the ladder and takes him down with a big chokeslam.

Big Show destroys the ladder currently in the ring before tossing it to the outside. Show pounds on Hunter in the corner with some massive right hands and a big headbutt. Show puts Hunter down with a big body slam and Jericho grabs another ladder from under the ring. Jericho and Show wedge DX in between the ladder. Show holds the ladder down on top of DX while Jericho wails away at the ladder with a chair. Big Show rips the ladder apart with his bare hands, sending half to the floor and leaving half of it in the ring. JeriShow sends DX to the floor, where Show follows. Show chokeslams Michaels into Hunter through a table.

Jericho climbs on top of Big Shows shoulders, trying to reach the titles, but DX make their way back into the ring. HBK hits Show with SCM, sending Jericho crashing to the outside. Michaels hits a second SCM on Big Show before DX pick up the half ladder and send Show over the top to the outside. Hunter holds up the half of the ladder as Michaels climbs up toward the titles. Michaels is able to unhook the titles and we have new champions.

Winners and NEW Unified Tag Team Champions: DX

DX pose with the belts and do their signature crotch chops, getting big pops from the crowd. Hunter and Shawn celebrate in the middle of the ring to end the PPV.

Thanks to everybody who joined us for our Live Coverage of WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs!

WWE RAW Places Second On ‘Most Product Placement’ List

Credit: PWTorch.com

WWE RAW on USA Network placed #2 on Nielsen Ratings’ rankings of “Programs with Product Placement Activity”. The rankings were for all of television, not just cable. RAW was only behind The Jay Leno Show on NBC, and was ahead of The Biggest Loser also on NBC. According to Nielsen’s data, there were 787 instances of product placement ads during episodes of RAW on the NBC-owned USA Network. Jay Leno had 1,015 instances.

RAW’s most obvious case of product placement was the KFC-sponsored “commercial-free” episode of the show in June. NBC Universal has been pushing product placement as part of their strategy to woo advertisers, particularly to Jay Leno’s new earlier timeslot.

Undertaker Bar Fight Story Told By Dutch Mantel

The latest blog entry from Dutch Mantel recalls a night than he and the Undertaker were out drinking, with the night ending in a bar patron being knocked out by Taker in one punch. The bouncers had seated us at the front of the bar but when Mark left, he headed into the back where the rest rooms were,” Dutch wrote.

“As I was looking into the crowd of people toward the back looking for Mark, I saw some activity going on and I heard some loud yelling. Since Mark was right beside me and he had been drinking, I had the wrestler’ss intuition that something was wrong. It took me 30 seconds to find out.

“Off I went to find Mark and as soon as I got close to the rear of the club, I saw some dude laid out all over the floor. Everybody was standing in a circle around the guy with some girl kneeling over him. He was in dreamland. I then saw Mark over to the side with the bouncers talking to him. I walked up and asked what had happened and the bouncer said that Mark had leveled this one guy with one shot and he dropped him like a bad habit.”

USA Network Touts Best Year Ever – Remains Cable King

The USA Network issued the following press release today:

USA Delivers Best Year in Cable Ever- Again

BURN NOTICE #1 Series in P18-49 & P25-54;

ROYAL PAINS and WHITE COLLAR Top New Original Series

Widest Margin Of Victory Ever Over Second Ranked Cable Network

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – December 10, 2009 – USA continued its dominance over the cable landscape in 2009, delivering more primetime P25-54, total viewers, and households than any cable network (basic or pay) in history, while delivering more P18-49, P18-34 and the largest household coverage rating ever in basic cable. For a fourth straight year, USA was the #1 network in cable prime, delivering more P25-54 (1.50 million, +36% over #2 TNT) and P18-49 (1.38 million, +29% over #2 ESPN) than any other network. USA was also the top network for 2009 in cable prime among total viewers (3.29 million, +29% over #2 Disney Channel,) households (2.44 million, +31% over #2 Disney Channel) and P18-34 (613,000, +3% over #2 TBS); the network also delivered the highest household coverage rating (2.47, +0.56 over #2 Disney Channel).

Among basic cable networks, USA enjoyed the widest margins of victory ever over the second ranked network among P25-54, P18-49, and households and the best since 1994 in total viewers.

USA also won the total day crown in 2009, delivering more P25-54 (706,000, +9% over #2 TNT) and P18-49 (656,000, +9% over #2 TNT) than any other cable network. No cable network has ever averaged as many P25-54 over the course of a year’s total day as USA has in 2009. This was USA’s first total day victory in P25-54 since 1995 and its first P18-49 victory since 1999.

USA performed like a broadcast network this year, beating the CW by double digits in P25-54 (+61%), P18-49 (+33%), total viewers (+85%), and household delivery (+79%) in prime (Mon-Sun 8P-11P). This marks USA’s second year beating a broadcaster among P25-54 and P18-49, a feat no other cable network has accomplished.

USA is the home to seven successful original scripted series: BURN NOTICE, ROYAL PAINS, WHITE COLLAR, PSYCH, IN PLAIN SIGHT, LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT and the record-setting final season of MONK. Most of the Top 50 P25-54 and P18-49 entertainment telecasts of 2009 were the above USA originals (28 of the top 50 P25-54 and 26 of the top P18-49), as well as the most watched weekly series on cable, WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW. No other network placed more than 8 telecasts in the year’s top 50 for either demo.

* USA’s BURN NOTICE and ROYAL PAINS were the top two original series in basic cable prime this year and the only ones to draw over 3.5 million in P25-54 or 3 million in P18-49. These two series claimed nine of the top ten P25-54 scripted telecasts in basic cable prime for 2009, shutting out prior powerhouse TNT’s “The Closer.”

* BURN NOTICE’s 2009 performance made it the most watched scripted series ever in basic cable among P18-49 (3.27 million). BURN NOTICE also claimed the year’s top spot among P25-54 (3.61 million).

* Proving again that USA is the home to new hits, the network’s ROYAL PAINS was the #1 new original series of the year, ranking second to BURN NOTICE, for P25-54 (3.56 million), P18-49 (3.15 million). ROYAL PAINS also came in second among total viewers (7.47 million), and households (5.29 million).

* ROYAL PAINS was the top-ranked new series in cable history, delivering more P25-54, P18-49, P18-34, and total viewers than the freshman year of any other scripted series in history.

* WHITE COLLAR debuted in style, coming in second only to sister series ROYAL PAINS among the year’s newest cable originals in delivering P25-54, P18-49, total viewers, and households.

* After eight successful seasons on the air, the series finale of the USA Original MONK set records as the most-watched basic cable original drama series telecast of all time. Hitting series highs for its final episode, a rare feat in the TV landscape shared by only an elite group of iconic series, the finale brought in 9.4 million total viewers, beating the prior series high by +37%

* WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW drew more P25-54 (2.63 million), total viewers (5.48 million), and households (3.70 million) than in any year since 2002. WWE RAW dominates cable in its Monday 9P-11P timeslot, drawing more P18-49, P25-54, P18-34, total viewers, and households than any other entertainment network. WWE RAW grew in every category in 2009, capturing +9% more P25-54, +4% more P18-49, +9% total viewers, and +12% households than in 2008.

* The three most watched acquired series in cable prime in 2009 were USA’s NCIS, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, and HOUSE. These three titles drew more P25-54 (NCIS 1.43 million / SVU 1.20 million / House 1.18 million), total viewers (NCIS 3.50 million / SVU 2.73 million / House 2.48 million), and households (NCIS 2.69 million / SVU 2.19 million / House 1.90 million) than any other acquired property on cable. These were the only acquired series to draw over 2.5 million total viewers, or 2 million households.

Interview Recap With WWE’s Celtic Warrior Sheamus

Raw superstar Sheamus, who will square off against WWE Champion John Cena this weekend in a tables match at the Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, was recently interviewed by IrishCentral.com and spoke about his career aspirations, the road that led him to WWE and more.

The 31-year-old Dublin native, whose real name is Stephen Farrelly, is a former IT professional, actor, and security guard.

When asked about his match against John Cena at Sunday’s TLC PPV, Sheamus said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to walk out of TLC as WWE champion. I’m ready. I want to make history. I want to be the first Irishman to become WWE champion — and I will,” he said. “I’m going to put Cena through a table. I’ve already done it once and I’m gonna do it again. All the time I’ve been with WWE, I’ve been making statements, you know what I mean? I retired Jamie Noble. The fella can’t even walk properly. I’m not a nice guy!”

Sheamus explained that his path to WWE was unlike most of today’s young superstars. “I wanted to do this my whole life. I did whatever it took to get noticed and get experience. I traveled in shows throughout Ireland, the U.K., Italy and Portugal. I honed my craft and proved my experience. People said I was crazy, I was working all the jobs back home. But anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

He also talked about life on the road, his training regemin and what his Irish heritage means to him. Check out IrishCentral.com to read the entire interview.

Kofi Kingston Talks About Orton-TLC, Sheamus’ Push

In an interview with Sky Sports, Kofi Kingston talked about this coming Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view and more. Below are some highlights of what Kofi said about:

Kofi’s Native Ghana In The World Cup: “Hopefully we can make our mark. We did alright the last time. We’ll try and take it to the top this time. I’ll definitely be rooting for them. It’s not going to be easy for sure. I know they’re all very good teams. We’ll see how we’ll stack up against them but I know Ghana are ready to bring it.”

Wrestling Randy Orton On Sunday: “I’ve been training hard. It’s going to be a battle. I think I have learned a lot these past weeks. I know that I don’t just fight one member of Legacy, I’m always having to fight all three. This is going to be a brawl to say the least.”

Sheamus; Rise In WWE: “I don’t think Sheamus would have stepped up to that role if he wasn’t ready to carry the ball. If you pick a fight with John Cena you better bring it. I hope Sheamus knows what he is doing. Some people might be jealous, I wouldn’t be surprised. But me, I’m not jealous for sure. I’m sure that for Sheamus and I, our paths will cross in the near future.”