Posts Tagged ‘Night of Champions’

Sheen’s Response To Appearing At SummerSlam, Expected Night of Champions Card, WWE Responds To Political Ad

– Charlie Sheen, who had been speculated to appear at SummerSlam Sunday, attended a family party that. While at the get-together, Sheen was asked about working the pay-per-view event and joked that it would cost WWE a ton of money to get him. Multiple WWE sources report that company officials are interested in collaborating with Sheen at a future pay-per-view event, possibly WrestleMania XXIX.

– Santino Marella is expected to receive a WWE United States Championship rematch against Antonio Cesaro at Night of Champions. Other matches expected for the event include CM Punk vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship, Kaitlyn vs. Layla for the WWE Divas Championship and a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kofi Kingston and R-Truth, Jey and Jimmy Uso, Epico and Primo, and The Prime Time Players.

– After Linda McMahon’s U.S. Senate opponent Chris Murphy purchased advertising time on the USA Network scrutinizing the former WWE CEO during Monday’s Raw airing in Connecticut, the sports-entertainment organization released the following statement to CourantBlogs.com: “It is apparent that the same people who have consistently denigrated and mischaracterized WWE and our family-friendly entertainment for political gain have officially changed their point of view about our content. For the second week in a row, Mr. Murphy’s campaign continues to run advertising in our programming with his new ad airing yesterday at 10:30 p.m. on USA during Monday Night Raw. While the past political rhetoric has been unjust, it pleases us to know that Mr. Murphy recognizes that WWE’s TV programming is a highly effective way to reach families and voters in Connecticut.”

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Former WCW Champion Appears On Raw, Ryback’s Opponents

– Vader, a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, made his first WWE appearance in over six years on Raw SuperShow. “The Man They Call Vader” dispatched Heath Slater with a Vader Bomb.

– In a 2-on-1 Handicap Match on Raw SuperShow, Ryback dismantled local competitors Willard Fillmore and Rutherford “P.S.” Hayes. Both Fillmore and Hayes compete for the New England based independent promotion Chaotic Wrestling: Fillmore as “American Sasuke” Mikaze and Hayes as Scotty Slade.

– Tickets for WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event on September 16, 2012 at the TD Bank Garden in Boston, Massachusetts go on sale on June 23 at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.

– Lance Storm, who recently injured his elbow, tweeted the following Monday night: “Got my elbow X ray results back, fractured bone spur. Will not keep me out, just causes pain. Now the long wait for the ortho appointment.”

Night of Champions Event Details, Triple H To Compete At MSG

— It was announced at Monday’s Raw SuperShow at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts that Night of Champions will take place at the same venue on September 16, 2012. There will be a pre-sale this week on Ticketmaster.com with the code WWENOC.

— Triple H will compete at WWE’s Road to WrestleMania event at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2012 as he teams up with CM Punk and Randy Orton in a Six-Man Tag Team Match against Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler.

Also announced for the show: World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show vs. Mark Henry; John Cena vs. Kane in a Last Man Standing Match; R-Truth vs. The Miz; Jack Swagger vs. Zack Ryder.

— WWE Champion CM Punk shot footage for his upcoming DVD Monday in Boston, Massachusetts.

“Oh hey. Day 1 of filming for this little DVD thing I’m doing. No time like 5:30 AM to capture my true crabby essence,” he wrote on Twitter. “Man. This DVD is going to be so great. #LWF #MAW #SDW #IWA #IWC #ROH #OVW #WWE.”

source: PWInsider.com

Early PPV Buyrate Info For Night Of Champions

According to WWE’s updated monthly Key Performance business figures, September’s Night of Champions pay-per-view (featuring Triple H’s in-ring return against CM Punk) drew only 165,000 pay-per-view buys.

By comparison, this number is dead even with last year’s Night of Champion event.

WWE has been doing approximately 64% of PPV buys from the United States, so applying that figure to the Night of Champions buyrate, the show did approximately that translates to roughly 105,000 buys from the United States and 60,000 buys internationally.

For more on WWE’s monthly financial numbers from the company’s corporate site, click here (.PDF).

Referee Sidelined With Injured Ribs, SmackDown Rating Sinks

— WWE referee Scott Armstrong underwent X-rays this morning for what he believed could be a broken, cracked or bruised rib after taking an errant kick from R-Truth during the CM Punk vs. Triple H match at Night of Champions. He later indicated on Twitter that he would be sidelined for a few weeks.

“No RAW OR SMACKDOWN for me for a couple of weeks anyway. Thanks To Miz and Truth!#a$$hol%s,” Armstrong wrote.

— The September 16 episode of WWE SmackDown featuring the return of “The Cutting Edge” garnered a 1.78 cable rating, down from 1.9 rating the week before.

SmackDown averaged 2.61 million viewers, down ten percent from the previous week’s score of 2.91 million viewers.

On cable television Friday night, SmackDown ranked twelfth in overall viewers

source: ProWrestling.net

Night Of Champions Live Notes, Paul Heyman Comments

– Several fans noted that security confiscated a lot of signs from the audience.

– WWE referred John Laurinaitis as Mr. Future Endeavors for the first time last night at Night of Champions. As previously reported, WWE recently trademarked several variations of the “Mr. Future Endeavors” name – a reference to the statement posted on the company website when talent is released.

– After Beth Phoenix lost to Kelly Kelly in her hometown (Buffalo), there was a huge “bullshit” chant from the crowd for over a minute.

– Paul Heyman wrote the following on Twitter last night after the Night of Champions main event:

“I had to flip from watching Inglourious Basterds to see HHH vs CM Punk. Fill in your own punch line for that one, folks! I thought they (and all the others involved) put on one helluva show. It took 3 Pedigrees and a Jack Knife to beat Punk. I know a lot of people are pissed Punk got pinned, but if you’re going to get beat, isn’t that the way to do it? As with everyone else, it’s all in the follow-up (right, TNA?) … let’s see what they do tomorrow night on #Raw. Hey, I hashtagged #Raw! Ah, it’s only been almost 5 years since I left. Maybe I’ve mellowed just a little. Nah!”

WWE Night Of Champions PPV Results

200px WWE Night of Champions 2011 poster

LIVE COVERAGE THIS SUNDAY!

COMMENT BELOW: What did you think of Night of Champions?

WWE Night Of Champions PPV Results
Sunday, September 18th, 2011

We open the show with a video package that highlights the Night of Champions theme of tonight’s PPV. We also get a good look at the match coming up later between CM Punk and Triple H.

The pyro hits and Michael Cole welcomes us to the PPV. I have to say, the stage looks great. Cole is on commentary tonight with Booker T and Jerry Lawler. Booker and Lawler talk about the Championship matches happening tonight, and tease that there might be a new COO before the end of the night. It looks like the Tag belts will be opening the show as Miz makes his way out, followed by R-Truth.

WWE Tag Team Title Match
Kofi Kingston & Evan Bourne (c) vs. The Miz & R-Truth

Miz tells the fans in attendance to listen to the remix of Truth’s song, and he and Truth make their way down to the ring singing ‘You Suck’ the whole way down. Truth and Miz do some goofy posing, and make me hope this tag team will be short-lived.

Bourne makes his way out next, followed shortly after by Kingston and the champs make their way to the ring, where they flaunt their belts in front of the challengers and hold them up for the fans.

The bell rings and it looks like Miz and Kingston will be starting things off. Both men lock up and Miz pushes Kingston into the corner, breaking with a head butt. Kofi comes right back with a big right forearm that’s good for a two count. Bourne tags in and goes right to the top. Kofi holds Miz up and Bourne hits a double stomp to Miz’s midsection. Bourne hits Miz with a nasty kick and tags out. Bourne goes to hands and knees and Kofi jumps off his back to hit Miz hard. Miz tags out to Truth who comes in and eats a hip toss. Kofi tags out and helps Bourne hit a hurricarana on Truth before they hit a double dropkick on Miz. Both men go to the top rope and leap out on top of Miz and Truth to a big pop.

Bourne gets a near fall back in the ring, but Truth is quick to come back, laying in with a series of punches to the face. Truth chokes Evan against the middle rope, the distracts the ref so Miz can score a kick to the face, leading to another near fall. Truth hits a big right hand before tagging out to Miz. Miz comes in and runs right into Bourne with a kick to the head that’s good for another near fall. Miz locks in a rear chin lock, but Bourne fights it off right away, kicking out of it, but Bourne goes for a dropkick and Miz avoids it, scoring another two count. Miz tags out to Truth and both men hit a shoulderblock, taking Bourne to the mat for a two count for Truth.

Truth locks in a front face lock but Bourne fights it off with a northern lights suplex and both men are down. Bourne crawls toward Kofi and Truth makes the tag, allowing Miz to come in and prevent the tag. Miz lays in with rights to Bourne’s head. Miz kicks at Bourne’s midsection, but Bourne fights back with punches and kicks to Miz. Miz tries for the SCF, but Bourne reverses and scores a tag. Kingston comes in as a house of fire and takes it to Miz. Kingston scores with the boom drop after hitting a big dropkick. Kofi gets the crowd behind him and avoids an ambush from Truth, and hits the SOS on Miz for a near fall.

Truth distracts Kingston and Miz spikes Kofi down into the canvas face first but Kofi is able to kick out at two. Even though there’s no tag Bourne comes in to the match with double knees to Miz’s chest and takes it to Miz, but Miz hits him with a big kick. Bourne rolls up Miz for two and hits Miz and Truth with big kicks. Bourne goes to the top and goes for the shooting star press but Miz moves and Bourne lands on his feet. Miz scores with a sick DDT but Kofi breaks up the pin. Truth makes the tag but the ref doesn’t see it and argues with the ref. Miz hits the SCF and goes for the pin, but the distraction allows Bourne to kick out.

Both Miz and Truth look upset. Miz argues with the ref and shoves him to the mat. The ref calls for the bell.

Winners by DQ and STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne

Following the match, Miz gets in the ref’s face again, and slaps him down to the mat. Truth pulls him away to calm him down, and picks the ref up, only to slap him across the face as well. Miz and Truth scream at the ref while he crawls from the ring.

Miz and Truth are shown walking backstage. They’re interrupted by Matt Striker who reminds them they may be fined. Truth says that wasn’t a ref, it was one of Triple H’s conspirators. Miz says they don’t care what Triple H thinks, and after tonight he may not be the COO.

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Ted DiBiase

Cody Rhodes is the first man out to the ring with men in tow handing out paper bags. We also get a recap of the events that have led up to this match, including Dibiase disguising himself as a fan in a bag and attacking Rhodes.

Ted Dibiase is next out to the ring, and he gets a big of a reaction from the Buffalo crowd.

The bell rings and we’re ready to kick off this match. Both men lock up quickly but break just as quickly. Rhodes talks smack. Another lock up and this time Dibiase backs Rhodes up into the corner. Dibiase sends Rhode across the ring but gets a drop toe hold for his troubles. Dibiase and Rhodes wrestle on the mat for a bit, Dibiase scores a kick to the face and Rhodes backs up and tells the ref to hold Dibiase away. Rhodes kicks Dibiase in the gut, but Dibiase hits a short arm clothesline. Ted works over Cody’s arm, wrenching and twisting away.

Rhodes hangs Dibiase up in the ropes and kicks him in the gut but Dibiase responds with a beautiful dropkick. Dibiase fights with punches and Rhodes comes back with a slap. Rhodes surprises Dibiase with a knee to the gut that turns the tide. Rhodes goes to the second rope and leaps off with a kick to Dibiase’s head. Rhodes goes for the pin and gets a two count. Cody works over Ted’s midsection with repeated knees to the gut before slapping at his head and kicking at his stomach. Cody picks Ted up in a suplex and throws him out to the front.

Dibiase hits a hip toss to get out of the hold, but he walks right into a big dropkick from Rhodes, who goes for a cover and gets a two count. Rhodes steps around Dibiase’s arm and locks in a face lock, pulling back hard. Dibiase gets to his face and ights Rhodes off, but Rhodes comes back with a fist to the face. Dibiase responds with a clothesline, atomic drop, slap to the face, and running knee which is good for a two count of his own. Dibiase runs into Rhodes’ feet, but comes right back with a spinebuster, scoring a two count as a result.

Cody goes to the second rope again but when he comes off, Dibiase is waiting with a dropkick. Dibiase goes for the pin but Rhodes grabs the ropes to stop the count. Dibiase puts Rhodes on the top turnbuckle, but Rhodes fights back with head butts that knock Dibiase away. Dibiase runs right back to the corner and throws Rhodes off with a body slam. Dibiase rips Rhodes’ mask off and goes to hit him with it but Rhodes ducks it, rolls up Dibiase and grabs a hand full of tights for the three count.

Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: Cody Rhodes

Christian’s music hits, and he makes his way down to the ring wearing street clothes.

Christian has a mic in hand and he looks out at the crowd. He says Night of Champions, Buffalo, New York. He fills the crowd in on what he’s been up to. He’s talked to Teddy Long and Triple H, and they’re too self absorbed to do the right thing, so he’ll do the right thing. He’s been in the business a long time, and racked up a lot of great matches that people will talk about for years to come, so he deserves one more match to become the World Champion, so he should get to face whoever wins the Henry/Orton match, immediately after the finish tonight. He takes a shot at Buffalo fans, telling them they’ve never won the Superbowl, they’ll probably never win the Superbowl, but he’s won it, twice. He’s a champion, this is the Night of Champions, and he wants everyone who feels his pain and joins his cause to stand up and say he deserves one more match. The crowd before to chant one more match as well, until they’re interrupted by Sheamus’ music.

Sheamus makes his way down to the ring, also wearing street clothes, and also with a mic. He says Christian’s right, this is the Night of Champions, not the night of the squinty eyed, crying, moaning, complaining little weasel. Sheamus has been a World Champion too and he’d give his Uncle Ferguson’s lucky green testicle to be here tonight. Christian says he’s got the testicles to stand up and tell the world he deserves one more match. Sheamus says he’s got a good point, and he’s sure his uncle would agree with him too. So if Sheamus can help Christian get a match, and he wins the title, he’ll have to give Sheamus the first match. Sheamus gets the crowd to chant one more match, but surprises Christian with a big bicycle kick, laying him out. Sheamus smiles and gets a big pop from the crowd.

WWE United States Title Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Jack Swagger vs. Alex Riley vs. John Morrison

Morrison is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and he gets a really nice pop from the crowd. Riley is the next man to come out, and he also gets a good pop from the crowd as well. Then Swagger and then Ziggler.

The bell rings and all four men will be in at once for this one. Swagger and Morrison pair off and Ziggler and A-Ri pair off. Rlley takes out Ziggler with a clothesline before tossing him to the outside and turning to Swagger. Swagger takes Riley down with a big shoulder block and lays in with clubbing blows to the back. Riley slams Swagger down to the mat out of nowhere and gets a two count. Riley leaps over the top rope to try and get Ziggler but Dolph moves and Riley crashes into the ring steps. Morrison surprises Swagger out of nowhere with a big kick to the head, but Ziggler breaks up the cover. Morrison hits a dropsault, sending Ziggler from the ring and pinning Swagger for two. Morrison charges Swagger but ends up being hip tossed over the top rope.

Ziggler and Swagger talk amongst each other for a bit, but then turn against one another. Swagger man handles Ziggler, tossing him to the outside. Riley is able to surprise Swagger, almost scoring the pin, but he can’t muster the three count. Morrison is also able to surprise Ziggler with a kick to the face, but Ziggler kicks out at two and responds with a rocker dropper that’s good for a two count of his own. Ziggler sends Morrison into the ropes but eats a quick upper cut. Morrison sits Ziggler on the top rope and follows up. Morrison goes for a superplex but Ziggler fights it off and Morrison ends up in a tree of woe. Riley leaps over Morrison into the corner, but ends up German suplexed out by Morrison, who falls to the mat. Swagger is in and he tosses Ziggler from the top, and Ziggler rolls to the outside. It’s down to Swagger and Riley in the ring.

Morrison is in the ring and he takes it to both Riley and Swagger, almost scoring the pin on Riley. Morrison pulls Riley toward the corner and goes for the starship pain, but Riley counters by getting his knees up. Morrison falls right into Ziggler’s clutches in the sleeper hold. Swagger locks Riley in the ankle lock. Morrison falls to the outside of the ring and Riley kicks Swagger away, knocking him into Ziggler who falls to the outside. Riley DDT’s Swagger and goes for the pin but he only gets a two count.

Swagger backs Riley into the corner before locking in the ankle lock again. Morrison goes for a springboard kick but Swagger ducks it and hits a gutwrench powerbomb. Ziggler tosses Swagger away and steals the pin and the three count.

Winner and STILL WWE US Champion: Dolph Ziggler

Josh Matthews is backstage with Mark Henry. Matthews says Henry has had opportunities in the past, but maybe he can’t win the big one. Henry says he has 15 years of frustration built up, and he’ll take it out on Orton, and as far as Matthews, he wants him to come out and interview the new World Champion.

Vickie Guerrero is shown celebrating backstage. She says tonight she saw her future. The US Champion works for her. Swagger wants to work for her. Other superstars want to work for her. Things are happening. If Triple H has to step down tonight she knows she’ll make a great COO. She ends up kissing Matt Striker before leaving.

World Heavyweight Title Match
Randy Orton (c) vs. Mark Henry

We get a video package that details the events over the past few weeks that have led up to this match.

The challenger is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and Henry gets a decent amount of boos. Cole mentions that Henry wrestles Jerry Lawler almost 15 years ago, and asks if he even though Henry would be this big. King says he knew Henry had big things in his future.

Orton’s music hits and the crowd explodes as the champion makes his way out to the ring.

We get formal ring introductions for both men from Tony Chimel and we’re finally ready to kick this one off.

The bell rings and both men circle each other slowly before locking up. Henry casually tosses Orton into the corner, but Orton comes back with a series of right hands. Orton ducks punches from Henry and kicks away at Henry’s legs, taking him down to the mat. Orton continues the assault, kicking away at Henry’s joints, but Henry gets right up to his feet, charging Orton. Orton sidesteps Henry and tosses him to the outside and Henry is furious. He makes his way back into the ring and gets Orton in press position. Orton fights out and tries for the RKO but Henry pushes him away and hits a big kick to the face.

Henry sends Orton corner to corner before hitting a big splash. Henry goes for the world’s strongest slam but Orton leaps over Henry and behind him, locking in the sleeper hold. Henry falls back into the corner to crush Orton and force the break. Orton gets on the turnbuckle and lays in with punches, but Henry turns around and hits a giant right hand that knocks Orton down to the arena floor.

Henry follows to the outside and beats on Orton before slamming him back first into the ring apron. Henry sends Orton back into the ring and follows, hitting an immediate head butt that sends Orton to the mat. Henry goes to the outside and grabs Orton’s chin and feet, wrapping him around the ring post and pulling back hard. Henry pushes Orton back into the middle of the ring and follows. Henry stands on Orton’s back, crushing him, before slamming him to the mat and hitting a running slam, but Orton is able to kick out at two.

Henry takes Orton into the corner and buries his shoulder in Orton’s midsection before sending him down to the mat and hitting a big elbow drop. Henry goes for the cover but only gets a two count. Henry kicks Orton’s chest and follows up with a big clothesline. Henry puts his hand around Orton’s throat and talks smack until the ref’s count forces him to break. Orton begins to fights back with punches, kicks and uppercuts. He backs Henry up until Henry hits a head butt. Henry goes for a splash but Orton moves out of the way. Henry goes to the corner and Orton mounts him laying in with a series of punches until he’s pulled away by the ref twice. Orton hits a clothesline, then another, but Henry is still up. Orton hits a dropkick that sends Henry to the mat, but Henry rolls to the apron. Orton grabs him, but Henry fights him off with a head butt and lays him out with a clothesline.

Henry hits the World’s strongest slam but Orton is able to kick out at two. Henry drags Orton to the corner and goes for the Vader bomb, but Orton gets his feet up into Henry’s face. Orton is a house of fire and he actually hits a beautiful DDT. Orton psychs himself up but Henry rolls to the apron. Orton plants Henry with the rope assisted DDT, but when Orton goes for the cover Henry is able to grab on to the rope.

Orton stands over Henry but Henry pulls him down into the middle rope hard before kicking away at him repeatedly. Orton’s knee is hurt, but he goes for the RKO, only to have Henry push him away. Henry hits the World’s strongest slam again, and goes for the pin, getting the three count.

Winner and NEW World Heavyweight Champion: Mark Henry

Henry has the title in the middle of the ring, and Josh Matthews is down to interview him. Henry says Matthews didn’t believe he’d be holding the most coveted prize in professional wrestling. He tells the crowd not to chant because they’re doubters and haters, and he’s like to welcome everyone to the Hall of Pain. This is his moment and he’s not sharing it with anyone. He’s going to be the most dominant champion of all time. He’s taking on all comers, and he’s never, ever losing the title.

Alberto Del Rio is shown walking backstage with Ricardo and Johnny Ace. Lauranitis and Del Rio argue, and Del Rio says after he beats Cena tonight, he better get the respect he deserves. Ace wishes Del Rio good luck, and also wishes Punk good luck. Punk says that almost sounds sincere. Ace says when he says good luck, he means it. Punk says, ‘like best of luck in your future endeavors?’ before walking away.

WWE Divas Title Match
Kelly Kelly (c) vs. Beth Phoenix

Kelly Kelly is out first, with Eve in tow, and she gets a heel reaction from Beth’s hometown crowd as she makes he way to the ring.

The challenger makes her way out with Natalya, and she gets a huge pop from the Buffalo crowd. Beth looks really happy, and even cracks a smile on her way into the ring, going as far as playing to the crowd.

The bell rings and Beth backs Kelly right into the ropes. Kelly locks in a headlock but Beth throws her into the ropes and hits a shoulder block, only to miss an elbow. Phoenix goes for a hip toss but Kelly lands on her feet. Kelly grabs Beth’s arm and goes to the top, scoring a hurricarana, but Beth is able to kick out of a pin. Kelly wraps her legs around Beth’s throat, but breaks before five. Kelly goes to the top rope and leaps off but Beth catches her and puts her over her knee, spanking her repeatedly, before simply kicking her in the stomach. Beth goes for the pin but she’s only able to get two.

Beth chokes Kelly against the middle rope before sling shotting her into the bottom rope. Beth goes for a pin but she’s only able to get two. Beth sends Kelly into the ropes but Kelly is able to come up with a bulldog out of nowhere. Natalya pulls Beth to the outside and Eve comes over to attack Natalya. Beth pulls Eve off by her hair, slamming her head into the floor hard. Back in the ring Kelly scores a couple of quick surprise roll ups, but Beth kicks out at two. Beth is able to come up with a big clothesline that takes Kelly down. Beth picks Kelly up and sits her on the top turnbuckle, hitting her with a big right hand. Beth climbs up after her, and connects with a big superplex.

Kelly isn’t moving and Beth is slow to move over her for the cover, but Kelly kicks out at two. Beth makes her way up to her feet on wobbly legs, picking Kelly up and going for the glam slam, but Kelly counters into a roll up, getting the three count. And this crowd is not happy.

Winner and STILL WWE Diva’s Champion: Kelly Kelly

We get a neat little video package hyping the WWE title as Del Rio’s destiny, that incorporates the events that have led up to this match. It’s a cool little piece of work from the WWE video editors.

WWE Title Match
Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. John Cena

Ricardo Rodriguez is out to make the introduction for the Champion, who is the first man to make his way out to the ring. Del Rio doesn’t even both with a car, walking out of the main entrance out to the ring. Del Rio doesn’t look happy getting into the ring and asking Ricardo where his key is. An engine can be heard revving and Cena’s music hits. Cena drives into the arena in a Ferrari, getting out and running down to the ring. Del Rio looks flustered outside of the ring.

We get formal ring introductions from Justin Roberts, but they’re interrupted as Del Rio grabs the mic out of his hands. He says he doesn’t want to hear his horrible voice with his horrible English accent. Del Rio calls in Ricardo to do his introductions, instructing him to do it the right way, in Spanish. Ricardo performs a special ring introduction for Del Rio, handing the mic back to Roberts. Cena grabs the mic from Roberts and says what he hates worst about Del Rio is he honestly thinks he’s in a different class. Thinks he can drive fancy cars, well Cena stole his car. And Cena may not have his own ring announcer, but he’ll give it a shot. Cena give his own ring introduction, poking a little fun at himself, referencing the Rock, and calling out Del Rio, before handing off the mic and having Roberts introduce him officially.

The bell rings and Cena takes Del Rio over with a side head lock. Cena pushes Del Rio down to the mat and he goes into the ropes immediately. The crowd doesn’t seem to be too into either man. Del Rio locks in a head lock but Cena sends him into the ropes and hits a shoulder block. Del Rio retreats into the rope. Cena and Del Rio circle each other and Del Rio strikes with punches and kicks, laying into Cena while he’s laid out on the mat. Del Rio sends Cena into the ropes and gets a shoulder block. Cena sends Del Rio corner to corner and hits a facebuster but he’s tripped by Ricardo. Ricardo’s thrown out by the ref, and neither he nor Del Rio look too happy about it.

Cena hits a series of punches, but Del Rio avoids a charging Cena and hits him with a running kick to the back in the corner. Cena falls to the outside and Del Rio follows, slamming him back first into the announcer’s table. Del Rio sends Cena back into the ring and goes up to the top rope, jumping off with some sort of weird strike before locking in a rear chin lock. Cena fights up to his feet and breaks the hold hitting a gut wrench suplex as well that’s good for a two count. Cena slams Del Rio’s head into the corner before sending him across the ring and following up with a fisherman suplex. Cena shoulder’s Del Rio, but Del Rio hits an arm breaker and goes for the pin, but Cena’s too close to the ropes.

Del Rio kicks Cena hard in the face, and he goes for another cover but he still can’t get three. Del Rio grabs Cena’s arm and punches away at his midsection. Del Rio locks in a rear chin lock, planting his knee in Cena’s back for leverage. Cena fights up to his feet and slams Del Rio to the mat with a sloppy suplex.

Both men are slow to their feet, and when they get up they both hit clotheslines. Both are slow to get up again, but when they do Del Rio hits Cena with a kick that sends him to the apron. Cena hangs Del Rio up on the top rope, but Del Rioe comes right back with a clothesline that scores another two count. Del Rio goes hang Cena up against the middle rope, but Cena moves and Del Rio slides through the ropes to the outside where he falls to the floor hard. Del Rio gets back to the apron and he’s suplexed back into the ring by Cena.

Cena hits a couple of shoulder blocks, a belly to back suplex, and five knuckle shuffle, but when he goes for the AA, Del Rio counters into a back cracker that’s good for a two count. Cena kicks Del Rio in the stomach and sends him into the corner, following up with a dropkick and a pin for a two count. Cena goes up to the top, but he’s caught with a kick to the side of the head that sends him crashing down to the mat. Del Rio pins Cena for another two count.

Del Rio goes for a kick and Cena avoids it. Cena tries for the STF, but Del Rio fights it off and hits a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Del Rio takes Cena to the corner and kicks away at him, wearing him down. Del Rio places Cena on the top turnbuckle, facing away, and pulls him down into a tree of woe. Del Rio goes for a spear, but Cena gets up and Del Rio’s shoulder connects with the ring post. Del Rio struggles as Cena gets to his feet on the top rope. Cena comes off with a leg drop from the top rope but Del Rio still kicks out at two.

Cena goes for the AA but Del Rio counters with a German suplex, bridging into a pin for a two count. Del Rio pulls Cena over toward the corner and stomps away at him. Del Rio slowly makes his way to the top turnbuckle and leaps off with a big back senton, but Cena is still able to kick out at two. Del Rio can’t believe it. Del Rio locks in the cross arm breaker, and Cena struggles against it. Cena stands to his feet, pulling Del Rio up while still locked in the hold, and he slams Del Rio down to break it up. Ricardo is back down, but he’s caught by Cena and slammed headfirst into a turnbuckle. Cena turns back to Del Rio and locks in the STF cranking away hard. Del Rio is finally forced to tap out, and this one is over.

Winner and NEW WWE Champion: John Cena

Following the match, Cena celebrates in front of the fans, tossing out some of his wrist bands, and jawing a little bit with Lawler and Booker T.

We get a video package that highlights the animosity that’s been building between these two men over the past few months, including the tensions added by Kevin Nash to the proceedings.

No DQ Match: CM Punk vs. Triple H
(If Punk wins, Triple H must resign as COO)

Cult of Personality hits, and the crowd pops as CM Punk makes his way out to the entrance ramp, and toward the ring.

The strains of Motorhead hit, and the crowd pops as Triple H makes his way out for his first match since WrestleMania.

Punk attacks Hunter from behind while he’s spitting water during his entrance and Hunter falls to the floor. Punk follows out and beats on him for a bit before launching him over the barricade into the time keeper’s area. Punk begins taking apart the announcer’s table, but he’s attacked from behind by Hunter who takes it to him by launching him into the barricade, then sending him over the announce table. Hunter mounts Punk and lays into him with punches before taking him up on the announce table. Hunter teases the pedigree and Punk counters into G2S position but when Hunter counters Punk scurries into the ring.

Hunter looks disappointed but he makes his way into the ring. In the ring Hunter and Punk trade blows with Punk backing Hunter into the corner. Hunter turns it around, beating on him before sending him across the ring and trying for the pedigree. Punk backs Hunter into the corner and buries his shoulder in Hunter’s midsection repeatedly. Punk sends Hunter across the ring and goes for the running high knee but Hunter ducks it and Punk connects with the turnbuckle before falling to the outside. Hunter follows and slams Punk’s head into the barricade before taking Punk to the corner and slamming his knee into the ring steps and post, hard.

Punk and Hunter continue to brawl on the outside and Punk sends Hunter into the barricade before setting him up against the ring post and hitting the running high knee there instead. Hunter comes back by launching Punk over the barricade into the crowd. Hunter stands on the barricade and leaps out into the crowd, hitting Punk with a flying forearm. Hunter grabs Punk around the throat and hits a clubbing blow across Punk’s chest. Hunter just goes to work on Punk, beating him over and over. Punk and Hunter fight through the crowd with Hunter chasing and beating Punk through the fans. Punk grabs a trash can and uses it to hit Hunter in the head before sending him over a free standing barricade, back toward the entrance way.

Punk sends Hunter back into the ring, but grabs a chair on his way back in. Punk lays in with a hard shot across the Game’s back, going for a pin and getting a two count. Punk wedges the chair in between the middle and top rope. Punk lays in with knees to Hunter’s stomach. Hunter hits a spinebuster and goes for the pin, but Punk is able to kick out. Hunter launches Punk into the chair wedged into the ropes, and Punk goes to the outside. Hunter slowly makes his way to the floor, walking over to Punk. Hunter kicks out Punk’s leg right out from underneath. Hunter picks Punk up and sends him into the ring, grabbing his leg and wrapping it around the ring post.

Hunter grabs a chair and uses it to hit Punk in the knee while his leg is still wrapped around the ring post. Punk screams in pain and drops to the floor. Hunter gives Punk the crotch chop. Hunter grabs Punk’s leg, but Punk kicks Hunter away, sending him head first into the ring steps. Hunter takes apart the Spanish announce table and grabs a monitor but he turns right around into a kick to the head from Punk that lays him out on the table. Punk goes to the top rope, and leaps off with a Macho Man style flying elbow that takes both he and Hunter through the table.

Both men are slow to get to their feet, and they struggle to make their way into the ring. Miz and R-Truth run down to the ring, and Miz begins attacking Hunter while Truth beats down Punk. The ref doesn’t do much of anything since it’s No DQ. Miz hits Hunter with the SCF and Truth puts down Punk. They drag Punk on top of Hunter for the pin and force the ref to count, but Hunter kicks out at two.

Miz argues with the ref, shoving him. The ref blocks a punch from Miz and delivers one of his own, but he’s jumped from behind by R-Truth and the numbers are too much for him to deal with. Miz and Truth continue to double team the ref, sending him out to the arena floor. Lauranitis walks out and calls for help. Punk and Hunter are up and they take out Truth and Miz respectively. Punk turns around and eats a pedigree from Triple H. A ref runs down to the ring, but Lauranitis stops the ref and has him tend to his fallen co-worker. Hunter makes his way back into the ring and Punk hits a G2S. Punk pins Hunter and the ref goes to count it but it’s broken up by Truth. Punk goes to the outside and lays out Truth by hitting him with the G2S.

Punk springs back into the ring where he’s met by a pedigree, but Punk is able to kick out of the pin attempt. Ace is shown texting and Nash walks in from the crowd. Nash takes it to Hunter, putting his knee into his stomach repeatedly and going for the jackknife powerbomb, but it’s interrupted by Punk. Nash responds by hitting Punk with the jackknife powerbomb instead. Hunter has rolled to the outside and Nash follows, laying Hunter out with a running clothesline. When Nash turns around, he’s laid out from out of nowhere by Hunter who has a sledgehammer.

Hunter gets back into the ring and he connects with another pedigree, pinning Punk for the three count, and retaining his job.

Winner and STILL WWE COO: Triple H

Following the match, Hunter is slow to get to his feet, and Punk is still laid out on his back as Hunter has his arm held up to close the show.


 

NOC Dark Match, Former ROH Stars Wrestle At FCW

– In a dark match that took place prior to WWE’s Night of Champions event,  Daniel Bryan defeated Heath Slater.

Former Ring of Honor stars Seth Rollins (formerly Tyler Black)  and Antonio Cesaro (formerly Claudio Castagnoli) wrestled at Saturday night’s Florida Championship Wrestling show from Brooksville, FL. Rollins, who just celebrated one year at WWE developmental, defeated Cesaro, who just signed with WWE.

Match Announced For NOC, Christian Starts Twitter Campaign

— WWE has announced that Cody Rhodes will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Ted DiBiase at Night of Champions.

— Following SmackDown, Matt Striker caught up with Christian to get his thoughts on the now-rocky relationship with his former best friend Edge. Instead, the Toronto native promoted his Twitter account and called on fans to start a campaign to make him the No. 1 contender to the winner of the Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry World Heavyweight Title Match at Night of Champions.

The video can be accessed here.

— Jim Cornette turns 50 years old today while Masahiro Chono turns 48.

*Spoiler* Surprise Planned For WWE’s Night of Champions

Kevin Nash

According to sources within WWE, Kevin Nash is currently scheduled for this Sunday’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event in Buffalo, New York.

In the opening segment of last week’s Raw Supershow, WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H fired Nash after the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion revealed that he had snuck into his office and sent a text to himself from The Game’s phone, instigating his attack on CM Punk at SummerSlam.

Nash was then shown leaving the venue with John Laurinaitis. Two days later, WWE formally announced his released from the organization. Nash then said on Twitter that both parties couldn’t reach financial terms.

For more on Kevin Nash’s “release” from WWE and what his future holds, check out our official Kevin Nash News Page.

(source: PWInsider.com)

The Reason Why CM Punk vs. Kevin Nash Was Scrapped

On Monday’s RAW, we saw Kevin Nash challenge CM Punk to a match at Night of Champions, only to have the match changed to Triple H vs. CM Punk at the end of the show.

Company officials did plan for Nash to wrestle at Night of Champions, however those plans were scrapped after Nash’s recent visit to Pittsburgh for his physicals. While details are still sketchy, something about what the doctors observed made WWE decide against having him work a full match, even with a seasoned performer like Punk, who could take the majority of the bumps.

It’s expected that Kevin Nash will remain part of WWE storylines, perhaps as an enforcer/bodyguard for Triple H, but don’t expect to see him working singles matches any time soon.

The decision for Triple H to wrestle at Night of Champions wasn’t made until Monday afternoon.

Had Nash been medically cleared to wrestle at Night of Champions, the plan was for CM Punk to win their match.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

NOC Main Event, New Tag Champs, Live SmackDown

– WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio will defend against John Cena at WWE’s upcoming Night of Champions pay-per-view. Cena defeated CM Punk on RAW in a #1 contenders match after Kevin Nash distracted Punk and allowed Cena to hit attitude adjustment.

– New WWE tag team champions were crowned on Monday’s RAW, as Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne defeated David Otunga and Michael Mcgillicutty.

– WWE confirmed on RAW that next Tuesday night’s live SmackDown on SyFy special will feature Superstars from the RAW brand. SuperSmackDown Live airs next Tuesday nigiht on SyFy at 8pm EST.

Night of Champions Poster Released – Randy Orton Featured

iN DEMAND has released the promotional poster for Night of Champions and Randy Orton is featured. The annual pay-per-view event takes place Sunday, September 18 at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York.

The synopsis reads: “Every Superstar has something to prove. Every WWE Champion has something important to lose. It’s the one night of the year when every championship is on the line! Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars at Night of Champions, Sunday, September 18 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, live on pay-per-view.”

Randy Orton

WWE Decides Name For September PPV, WWE Stock Increases

— WWE sent an e-mail to mailing list subscribers in the Buffalo, New York area that the pay-per-view event scheduled for Sunday, September 18, 2011 at the HSBC Arena will be Night of Champions. The event was previously not named.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 25, at 10:00 a.m. via Tickets.com, the HSBC Arena Box Office and charge by phone (888-223-6000). Advertised Superstars include John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Alberto Del Rio, Kane, R-Truth, Christian, Sheamus, Wade Barrett and Sin Cara.

— Shares of WWE stock closed at $9.30 per share on Tuesday, ending a streak of four consecutive days of 52-week lows. The stock price increased 0.17 after bottoming out at $9.13 on Monday.

Tough Enough contestant Ryan “Skidmarks” Howe is advertised to appear for V.I.P. Wrestling this Saturday in Owosso, Michigan. Click here for more information.

source: PWInsider.com

WWE PPV Scrapped? New Movie Role For Austin & More

— WWE’s upcoming Night of Champions pay-per-view event, which was previously listed on the events listing page of www.WWELiveTour.com, has been removed.

The buy number for last year’s show was down 36.7% from the previous year, from 267,000 buys to 169,000.

Meanwhile, WWE recently issued an online survey asking fans to give their thoughts on the following new pay-per-view titles: WWE Uprising; WWE Vengeance; WWE Champions; WWE Revolution.

— Jim Ross stated on Twitter that Steve Austin is working on a new action/adventure movie. According to Ross, Austin said the script is “great.”

— The FedExForum, the home arena of the Memphis Grizzlies, ran a video of Jerry Lawler cutting a promo prior to their NBA Playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs last night. He said the Grizzlies would pull the strap down on San Antonio, which concluded with his theme song being played. The Grizzlies went on to secure their first home playoff win in franchise history.

(source: PWInsider.com)

NOC PPV Buyrate Tanks, CM Punk Gets MRI, R-Truth’s Music

– The early PPV buyrate numbers are in for WWE’s Night of Champions 2010 pay-per-view and once again – the downward trend continues.

According to early estimates, this year’s event drew 169,000 buys, down a sharp 36.7% from 267,000 last year. WWE will report the official number in its third quarter 2010 earnings report, which will be released on November 4.

The preliminary buyrate expected to rise a bit before the final results are in, but it’s becoming more apparent by the month that WWE’s pay-per-view business is in bad shape and big changes are needed.

This year’s Night of Champions was $5 more expensive than last year and was headlined by Randy Orton winning the WWE title in a Six-Pack Challenge and the first match of the latest Undertaker & Kane feud.

– We reported earlier this week that CM Punk appeared to suffer a back or hip injury at Sunday’s Bragging Rights pay-per-view. CM Punk noted on Twitter hat he underwent an MRI yesterday, his birthday. Punk has been pulled from the next few WWE live events as a precaution and the results of the MRI should be available in the next few days. We’ll follow up on this.

– Several national media outlets have picked up on the story that WWE merchandise is no longer banned at Connecticut voting stations on Election Day.

– Vince McMahon is reportedly the person behind R-Truth’s new theme song. The idea is that like a real hip hop performer, R-Truth will release a few songs a year that will get played on WWE programming.

– WWE Monday Night Raw on January 24th, 2011 will be held at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Tickets go on sale December 4th, 2010. (Credit: Devin Cutting.)

(Credit to pwinsider.com for some of the info used in this report)

Update On WWE Title Unification, Khali On Reality Show

— There is conflicting discussion as to whether World Wrestling Entertainment will unify the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XXVII. While it was a big topic of conversation a few weeks ago, a well-placed source is skeptical as to whether company officials will follow through with the idea.

— It has been confirmed that The Great Khali will appear on the ongoing fourth season of the Indian version of television reality show Big Brother, Bigg Boss. The WWE Superstar will be introduced as the twelfth inmate when the show airs on Saturday.

He (Khali) is known for his strength in the wrestling ring but, with this show, his fans will get to see a part of his life as they watch him eat, sleep, laugh and interact with other contestants,” said WWE executive vice president Andrew Whitaker.

For more on the story, click here.

Night of Champions at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois actually drew 12,500 patrons, as opposed to the announced attendance of 13,851. The gate was $782,205.

(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)

Update On Final Member For Team Raw, Over The Limit, Jillian

— Following Monday’s Raw, one spot remains for Team Raw for the WWE Bragging Rights Tag Team Match at WWE Bragging Rights. The remaining spot was tabbed for Mark Henry, and may still be, but he missed the show because his brother is in a coma after suffering a stroke last week.

— The pre-sale password for WWE’s Over The Limit pay-per-view event taking place on May 22, 2011 at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington is CENA. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday.

— It’s interesting to note that Jillian is featured as today’s “Daily Diva” on WWE.com. While she still’s officially listed as a WWE Superstar on the company website, she was reportedly removed from the active roster two weeks ago due to her new assigned role as trainer for developmental promotion Florida Championship Wrestling.

— Next month on WWE Classics on Demand, WWE “gives thanks” with shows celebrating legends, announcers and matches. The synopsis reads: “All November on WWE Classics On Demand, we feature all the Superstars, matches and moments that the WWE Universe should be thankful for.”

— The cover art for WWE’s Night of Champions DVD, which features Randy Orton, has been released. To view it, click here.

New Match Announced For Night of Champions – Updated Card

It was announced on SmackDown that Dolph Ziggler would defend the Intercontinental Championship against No. 1 contender Kofi Kingston at Night of Champions. There will be a stipulation in the match as SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long announced that if Ziggler is disqualified or counted out, he will lose the title.

Below is the updated card for Night of Champions, which takes place September 19 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

WWE Championship Six Pack Challenge
Sheamus (c) vs. Wade Barrett vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

United States Championship Match
The Miz (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

Intercontinental Championship Match
Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Kofi Kingston

Divas and Women’s Championship Unification Lumberjill Match
Team LayCool (Layla or Michelle McCool) (c) vs. Melina (c)

Big Show vs. CM Punk

New Match Announced For NOC, Aloisia Blasts Vickie Guerrero

— In a Night of Champions first, no belt will be on the line when Big Show squares off against CM Punk at the annual WWE pay-per-view event. The match was announced tonight on WWE.com.

— Ousted NXT Rookie Diva Aloisia posted a pseudo-shoot blog on her official website Wednesday blasting her former NXT Pro, Vickie Guerrero. The 6’9″ lady grappler pokes fun at Guerrero’s weight and says her replacement, Kaitlyn, deserves someone better than a ‘washed up middle-aged “Pro” who’s been resting on her laurels for about the past 20 years or so.’

Aloisia also wants to know why past lingerie photos of her are so ‘unforgivable’ when Guerrero took part in a nude photo shoot for WWE.com.

“I find out that maybe the “real” reason I was fired was because of some ridiculous lingerie photo shoot I did when I was 18,” she said. “Um, EXCUSE ME, but if what I did was so unforgivable then can someone please explain why my “favorite” person, VG, has a (censored) nude photo shoot posted on the WWE.com website?”

She also calls out Beth Phoenix, who mistakenly called her ‘Aloisha’ in a tweet last week.

“And Beth Phoenix, honey…I’ve got you in my sights as well,” Aloisia wrote. “Every time you look in your rear view mirror, that’s me you see coming up behind you. And yes, I stole that line from Mad Men.”

Updated Card For WWE Night Of Champions (9/19)

On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that The Miz will defend the United States championship against Daniel Bryan. Also, Chris Jericho lost a match and has been eliminated from the WWE title match.

Below is the updated card for Night of Champions, which takes place September 19th at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

WWE Championship 6-Pack Challenge
Sheamus (c) vs. Wade Barrett vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. One More Competitor

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Divas and Women’s Championship Unification Lumberjill Match
Team LayCool (Layla or Michelle McCool) (c) vs. Melina (c)

United States Championship Match
The Miz (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

*Spoiler* World Heavyweight Title Match For NOC

* Warning: This article contains a Spoiler for Friday’s SmackDown:

At Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Albany NY (set to air this Friday), it was announced that Kane will defend the World Heavyweight title against his brother The Undertaker at Night of Champions.

With that match set, here’s the updated card:

Six-Pack Challenge for the WWE Championship
Sheamus (c) vs. Wade Barrett vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena

Title Unification Lumberjill Match for the WWE Women’s Championship & WWE Divas Championship
Layla or Michelle McCool (c) vs. Melina (c)

World Heavyweight Title Match:
Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker

Night of Champions takes place on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

Poster & Synopsis For WWE’s Night of Champions Pay-Per-View

The promotional poster and synopsis for WWE’s Night of Champions pay-per-view event taking place on Sept. 19 has been released.

“On Sunday, September 19th, WWE brings you the one night of the year when every championship is on the line! Don¹t miss John Cena, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, Randy Orton, Edge, Rey Mysterio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars as they battle for championship gold! Don’t miss “WWE: Night of Champions” on Sunday, September 19th, live on Pay-Per-View!”

Rey Mysterio