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Post by DTP. on Aug 31, 2016 12:19:23 GMT -5
WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW - Monday, August 23, 2004 Anaheim, California - Arrowhead Pond (12,000) LIVE ON SPIKE TV!
SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT: Sunday, August 29, 2004 - Maven def. Chuck Palumbo in 4:50 after the reverse Russian legsweep. - The Hurricane & Rosey def. Ollie John & Dale Scott in 3:14 after a diving legdrop from Rosey to Dale. - Edge def. Garrison Cade in 5:12 in a non-title match after the Spear.
The opening WWE signature aired, which was followed by a graphic very similar to last week with a letter opening, a voiceover and formal, calligraphic text inviting the fans of Monday Night RAW to attend the wedding of Kane and Lita, which takes place tonight. The opening video package for Monday Night RAW aired, taking us live and inside of the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California - the site of WrestleMania XII and WrestleMania 2000 - but tonight, the site of the "Big Red Monster", getting married to Lita! Jim Ross and Jerry "the King" Lawler welcomed us to RAW, on a night where the World Tag Team Championships will also be at stake, as La Résistance defend against Tajiri and Rhyno!
But first, to kick off Monday Night RAW, the theme of Jonathan Coachman was playing, and Coach had took centrestage - the Coach asking what better way there was than to kick off RAW in Anaheim, than to kick off with the RAW Diva Search contestants. He introduced the six remaining contestants, Maria Kanellis, Carmella DeCesare, Michelle McCool, Christy Hemme, Amy Weber and Joy Giovanni, who came down to the ring all wearing bikinis. Coach appeared very smug tonight, but said that before revealing what this week's challenge was for the $250,000 RAW Diva Search contestants - somebody was going home. He peppered up the crowd, a drum roll leading to Coach revealing that fan voting had made the decision that Joy Giovanni would be going home this week! Some boos to this, as Joy hugged her fellow contestants; Coach giving Joy some time to process her elimination on the microphone. Joy told the fans that this had been the experience of her life, and she couldn't be happier. Giovanni smiled and waved whilst leaving.
Back to the ring, Coach reminded the hopeful Divas of what the challenge was last week, where Diss the Diva was the challenge - and everybody unanimously chose to diss Carmella, who remained passive to the other Divas' qualms. However, in contrast to last week, Coach explained that this week, there'd be no dissing - just praising. The Divas would each get two minutes each to talk about how great...the Coach was! Coach arrogantly told the Divas to feel free to kiss ass - when suddenly The Rock's theme song hit! The Anaheim crowd went ballistic, when out came The Rock, pacing down to the ring! Rock stepped into the ring to loud "Rocky" chants, the contestants meanwhile appearing very starstruck in his presence. Rock flirted playfully with Christy and Michelle, before directing his attention towards Coach. The history was there, with Coach having been belittled by Rock many times during his career as an interviewer. Rock, who was back tonight for the first time since May, made fun of Coach's goofy glasses and his crappy shirt: Rock running through his catchphrases, before literally chasing Coach out of the ring! Lawler was stunned that the host of the Diva Search had been treated this way. Back in the ring, Rock continued to appear charming in front of the five remaining contestants. Rock said that he hijacked this contest because the last thing he wanted to hear was Divas kissing the Coach's ass. In fact, nobody, not even the Diva Search contestants wanted to hear them compliment the Coach.
But what the Rock wanted to know from the contestants was...whether the women liked pie. Rock asked each if they liked pie - and Amy Weber actually said she dislikes pie! Rock appeared shocked by this; whereas Christy Hemme told Rock how much she loved pie, particularly cherry pie. Rock nodded, then brought out Tajiri from the backstage area - who had a tray of many pies in his hands - Tajiri looking extremely happy tonight, and also ready to challenge for the World Tag Team Championships later tonight alongside Rhyno. Rock thanked Tajiri amusingly, whilst Tajiri stood lingering, looking at the Divas in their bikinis. Rock told Tajiri to redirect his eyes: whilst Rock moved on, telling the Divas that tonight, they would have thirty seconds to each...eat pie for the fans in Anaheim tonight. Rock allowed Weber to begin, who kind of winced every time she ate the baked good - Rock immediately disgusted with her performance. Moving on, McCool ate the pie like a normal person; whilst Carmella literally shoved her face into her pie. Christy Hemme? She took an unorthodox route, resting the pie on the canvas...and rubbing her ass all over the pie! Hemme came up with pie all over her rear end, with Rock looking a little lost for words, and Tajiri gawking over Hemme! Lastly, Maria Kanellis flanted her stuff eating the pie with her fingers in seductive fashion - and the crowd loved it.
The Rock went to wrap up, when suddenly Jonathan Coachman re-emerged, the Coach lined with the World Tag Team Champions, La Résistance, who both have history with Rock - last time Rock was on RAW, Robert Conway and Sylvain Grenier having gotten their asses kicked by Rock and Eugene. Coach with a microphone in hand said how mad he was that Rock had stolen his thunder, which is when Rock and Tajiri got prepared to give Coach and the French-Canadian's a fight! Grenier and Conway got the better of Rock and Tajiri - when suddenly Rhyno came charging to the ring; Rhyno with a Gore taking Grenier out of the ring - a Buzzsaw Kick from Tajiri taking Conway down! The Coach looked terrified, but before he got a chance to leave: Rhyno and Tajiri blocked his exit! Coach, petrified, turned around to eat a spinebuster from the "Brahma Bull" - and the former seven time WWE Champion raised an eyebrow...the People's Elbow connecting on Coach! On a night where Tajiri and Rhyno challenge La Résistance for the World Tag Team Championships, Rock had humiliated the Coach once again, in a shocking return to Monday Night RAW for the "Great One"!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back live on Monday Night RAW, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler reviewed what had just happened with the opening RAW Diva Search segment - the Coach having been bested by the Rock - who made a shocking return to RAW, taking out Coach and hijacking the Diva Search contest. Afterwards came La Résistance, who Tajiri and Rhyno face later tonight with the World Tag Team Championships at stake - but Tajiri, Rhyno and Rock got the best of them - a final People's Elbow taking Coach down and out.
Shifting forward, the "Big Red Monster" Kane was getting dressed up in his tuxedo - Kane actually dressed rather charmingly, ahead of his wedding coming later on tonight with a rather hesitant Lita. Kane was approached by Todd Grisham, who asked Kane for a few comments ahead of his wedding later on. Kane was intimidating, but admitted that he has no reason to tonight. Kane told Todd that he is just so excited to get married to his little flame - and that there would be no Matt Hardy around to ruin things tonight. Kane grinned maliciously when he commented on what his and Lita's honeymoon would be like.
1. Trish Stratus, Molly Holly & Gail Kim (w/Tyson Tomko) vs Victoria, Nidia & Stacy Keibler Back at SummerSlam, Victoria and Trish Stratus got into a brawl at the conclusion of Diva Dodgeball - contested between the RAW Divas on a truce, and the RAW Diva Search contestants. And after Victoria got a win against Molly Holly last week on RAW, it was Trish, Molly and Gail Kim who put the boots to her - until Nidia and Stacy Keibler made the save. Tonight, it was six Diva tag team action, with Trish Stratus vs Victoria announced for Unforgiven on September 12, the Women's Championship to be on the line on that night. Nidia tried to bring the fight to Molly, whilst Stacy mixed it up with Trish for a time, until the expertise of Molly and Gail set in, making Stacy the Diva in peril. Victoria was desperate to make the tag - which she finally got: Victoria rushing Molly and Gail from the ring and bringing the fight to Stratus in particular! Victoria almost scored a win with the sunset flip, but Trish kicked out of it; Victoria going for the Widow's Peak at this time...but Tyson Tomko pulled on the foot of Trish, the "Problem Solver" freeing Stratus from the finishing move: Stratus nailing Victoria with a Chick Kick, giving Trish the win for her team!
Trish Status, Molly Holly & Gail Kim def. Victoria, Nidia & Stacy Keibler in 4:13
Trish appeared irked by what had transpired with Victoria coming close to beating her - which is when Trish Stratus continued to put the boots to Victoria in the ring! Molly and Gail continued to brawl with Nidia and Stacy Keibler at ringside, whilst Tyson Tomko stepped inside: Trish tossing a prone Victoria to the "Problem Solver" - who put Victoria up in the backbreaker rack...stopped suddenly! In ran the Mystery Woman that has been following Victoria around for weeks, and the big woman chased Tomko off, saving Victoria and burying Tomko in right hands until Trish and Tomko managed to bail from the ring! The mystery woman attended to Victoria, who looked absolutely weirded out by her...as did Nidia and Stacy at ringside, not sure what to make of this.Meanwhile backstage, Chris Jericho was shown getting ready for singles action tonight against Batista - Y2J tying up his wrist tape when suddenly Edge came into the room. There was some tension between the Canadians, as the Intercontinental Champion Edge wanted to address why Jericho never came to his aid last week. Y2J told Edge that it's because Edge never saved him against Batista the week prior. The scene was surprisingly dramatic for the Superstars involved, when Edge made a sly remark - resulting in a backstage brawl breaking out between the two men - referees having to run in to break up the brawl! Jericho was shouting at Edge, telling him how he wanted the Intercontinental Championship, whilst being restrained by officials. Meanwhile, Y2J faces Batista next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
An advertisement aired, promoting Monday Night RAW's next pay-per-view presentation, Unforgiven on September 12.2. Batista (w/Ric Flair) vs Chris JerichoAfter the exchange that Y2J had just had with Edge in the backstage area, it appeared that all bets were now off when it comes to a partnership between the two Canadians - with Chris Jericho making it clear that he wanted the Intercontinental Championship. Jericho was all fired up and ready to go at it with "the Animal" Batista - who was the third man in a triple threat match for the Intercontinental Championship back at SummerSlam: Batista having been on a tear as a monster recently. These two men met back at Vengeance in July, where Batista was victorious - but this match looked to be different, with Y2J equally as motivated as Batista. Jericho charged Batista with rights and lefts, and even took the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair off the apron with a springboard dropkick - unfortunately allowing Batista to gain momentum, taking Jericho down and beginning to wear him down. Batista had a chinlock on Jericho, using every part of his big arms as an advantage. The Anaheim crowd however, were heavily supportive of Jericho, who made a comeback and managed to break free. Shortly after this, Jericho connected with a single handed bulldog - Y2J setting the wheels in motion for a Lionsault - but Ric Flair pulled the ropes down, causing Jericho to go crashing down - resulting in a disqualification!Chris Jericho def. Batista in 5:15 by disqualification For the second week in a row, Ric Flair had prevented "the Animal" from losing in what could be damaging fashion to Evolution! The Anaheim crowd booed at the result, when Flair and Batista began to come for revenge on the cocky Canadian. Batista pounded away at Jericho, before Flair set Y2J up for a fierce clothesline from "the Animal"! Evolution was standing tall, much like last week - but suddenly Edge came running down to the ring! The Intercontinental Champion had a steel chair in hand; and he ran Batista and Flair away with several missed shots with the weapon! Edge then glared back at Jericho, before he slammed the chair down on the floor and began to leave - the Intercontinental Champion apparently making a point to Y2J here tonight.
In the dressing room of the bride-to-be, Lita was having her make-up done by an assistant, when suddenly a door slam was heard. And who would walk in, but her husband, the "Big Red Monster"! Lita rolled her eyes whilst Kane, half-dressed in all white, told Lita how he knows it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding - but he doesn't care. Kane was carrying a white dress, and told Lita that he wanted her to wear that tonight, which Lita looked incredibly angry about. Kane then got a hold of Lita's face, and planted a big kiss on her - then fretted that he didn't want her to run away from him, or have anything get in the way of tonight, because it is very special to him and it should be her as well.
In a corridor, the new World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton was shown walking - the "Legend Killer" making his first appearance since a successful first defense went down against Chris Benoit last week, despite some unwanted assistance from Triple H and Ric Flair. The youngest World Heavyweight Champion is set to address the Arrowhead Pond...next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK An exterior shot of the Arrowhead Pond was shown back live on RAW, the site of tonight's show, and the wedding of Kane and Lita later on tonight.
In the office of RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff, the RAW GM was talking to Jonathan Coachman about how embarrassing earlier tonight was, getting berated by The Rock like that. Eric assured Coach that this wouldn't happen again, when William Regal arrived in the room. Eric told William that he was glad that he made it - the Blackpool villain telling Bischoff that it better be good, because he was looking after Eugene, and he's had to leave him alone in the hallway so he doesn't have to come face to face with his vile Uncle Eric. Bischoff told Regal that he knows his nephew is here, which is why, much like last week when Regal got in the face of authority - Mr Regal will be in action tonight. Why? Because Eric wanted Eugene to show him what a false idol was. And tonight, Wiliam Regal is that false idol. Eric told Regal that he also knows how much he dislikes Evolution - which is why tonight, it will be Regal taking on the sixteen time former World Champion, Ric Flair. Regal said that this sounded fine by him, but warned Eric not to piss around with him.
Back live on a busy night in Anaheim, the theme of the twenty-four year old new World Heavyweight Champion was playing - and out came the "Legend Killer" Randy Orton to a mostly positive reaction. It appeared that for the third-generation Superstar, it had settled it that he was the holder of the biggest prize in the business, as Randy Orton gloated with the World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder - dressed in a fancy suit - for tonight's show. Orton, who defeated Chris Benoit both at SummerSlam to win the title, and last Monday on RAW to retain the title - had fought very hard to become the man on top of the RAW brand, and even gained the respect of the "Rabid Wolverine". However, Orton, who wanted to cement his legacy last Monday night, was able to win after an assist from Evolution - but Orton did not realize on that night. Tonight, Orton started out very smugly when addressing how he is the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in sports entertainment history. Orton declared himself the top of RAW...or so he would like to say he is. Orton says that women love him, that men his age aspire to be him, and he is gaining the respect of a locker room. But to say he is the face of the RAW brand...that's a pipedream, at least right now. Orton relayed to a replay of last Monday night, where in the midst of a hard fought battle with Benoit in Randy's first defense of the World title, he was given help from Triple H and Ric Flair - who later hoisted him up on their shoulders in celebration. And as Orton says, it was a very good night for Evolution, that he was left feeling a little empty. Orton revealed that he does not feel satisfied, knowing that Triple H and Ric Flair helped him retain the World Heavyweight Championship last week on RAW. And he knows for a fact that Chris Benoit, the person he beat to get this on two consecutive nights, he feels slighted as well. Which is why the "Legend Killer" wanted to invite Benoit to come out to this ring right now.
Instead...out came "the Game". Triple H came out with a look of confusion on his face, the leader of Evolution and Randy's own mentor coming to the ring with arms wide open for the "Legend Killer". Hunter asked what Randy's problem was, and where he has been all week. He commented on last week, they had a hell of a night with a limousine, champagne and women. And they partied all night...just so Orton could go into hiding. Triple H wondered what Randy had been doing, to which Randy told Hunter that he's already commented on what happened. He said that as much as he loves him, Ric Flair and Batista - he is the World Heavyweight Champion now, and he's got to prove himself to be The Man. Randy told Hunter that he's got to be The Man now and prove his way - which is why he wants to invite Chris Benoit out here tonight to personally challenge him to another rematch, one on one, on September 12 at Unforgiven. And just like that, the theme of the "Rabid Wolverine" hit, and out paced Chris Benoit - the former World Heavyweight Champion coming on down to the ring, perhaps in a lion's den with two members of Evolution. Benoit kept a fair distance away, but got right into Triple H's face and told him to mind his own damn business. Chris then said that he would love to take Randy up on that offer. Benoit says that he knows Orton is a better man than Triple H, and he has outgrown Evolution. Benoit said that Randy claims himself to be the "future of the business", and he can easily see that happening...but without Triple H, Ric Flair and Batista in his way.
Benoit then formally accepted the challenge for Unforgiven, with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. But Triple H then asked Randy what he was doing. Hunter told Randy that without Evolution last week, Orton could have lost the World Heavyweight Championship he fought so valiantly for. Hunter said that Benoit was on the cusp of victory, and that this is what he doesn't understand. Triple H said that they had his back against Benoit last week, and that even when he himself was The Man as World Champion, he had the help of Evolution. But that's when Benoit reminded the "Cerebral Assassin" that that worked out great - except that Triple H never got to beat Chris Benoit, and yet Triple H's protegé did! Benoit told Hunter that Orton has grown his wings, and that he should let him fly away now. Triple H looked insulted and sighed, ingenuously agreeing, before kicking the leg from under Benoit! Triple H stomped away at Benoit to boos, when Randy Orton got in his way - Orton asking Hunter what the hell he was doing! Triple H pointed the finger at the man he has mentored since the beginning, telling Randy that this was his business. Orton and Hunter got at each other's throats about who's business this was, when Benoit suddenly recovered and grabbed Hunter: Benoit applying a Crossface on Triple H! Hunter was tapping out, but Orton was able to pull Benoit off of him, when Benoit suddenly delivered a clothesline to Randy Orton! Evolution cleared out, as it appeared that despite their differences, Orton still cared about Hunter - whilst former champion Chris Benoit stood alone in the ring, staring down the dysfunctional two Evolution members!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We returned live to Monday Night RAW, where footage from moments ago was shown, with the altercation involving World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton and Triple H of Evolution, as well as Chris Benoit - with the announcement of Benoit challenging Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven on September 12, much to the chagrin of Orton's mentor, Triple H.
In the backstage area, Triple H and Randy Orton were squabbling once again, with the World Heavyweight Champion telling Hunter how this could have all been avoided if he had just stayed out of his way. "The Game" noted that but said he needed to tell Orton the truth, and now the truth has come out. Hunter asked Orton why he cared so much about what Chris Benoit said - when suddenly Eric Bischoff appeared on the scene. Eric told Randy that he admired what he did out there, acting like The Man around here, assigning himself a match for Unforgiven, where the World Heavyweight Championship is at stake against Chris Benoit. And that's nice, but it's actually Eric Bischoff who is in charge around here - and as RAW General Manager, he is telling Randy that at Unforgiven - it will be Randy Orton against Chris Benoit...against Triple H! Orton and Triple H looked angered by this, with Orton asking Triple H why he always has to get involved. More tension in the Evolution faction, three weeks away from a triple threat match with the World Heavyweight title at stake!
3. World Tag Team Championship: La Résistance (c) vs Rhyno & Tajiri After the several of weeks that the ECW alumnus have had, Rhyno and Tajiri having come close but yet so far away from a shot at the World Tag Team Championships held by La Résistance, last week it was Rhyno who was successful in defeating Sylvain Grenier, with the assist from Tajiri - the two granted this World Tag Team title opportunity as a result. Grenier and Robert Conway got involved earlier on tonight during the RAW Diva Search contest of the week - where The Rock had made a shocking return and hijacked it from Jonathan Coachman - the French Canadians coming to help Coach clear house, just for Rhyno and Tajiri to wind up in a brawl with the champions. La Résistance worked well as a team early on, attempting to dissect the neck of Tajiri with a double flapjack landing the "Japanese Buzzsaw" throat first across the top rope. Grenier and Conway choked Tajiri whilst Rhyno looked to make the tag - almost succeeding, just for La Résistance to cut Tajiri off. They continued to make consistent tags, but finally La Résistance made a subtle mistake, allowing Tajiri to make the tag to Rhyno! Rhyno came in and ran down Grenier and Conway; a belly to back suplex getting two on Grenier. Tajiri wrapped the Tarantula on Conway in the ropes, which allowed Rhyno to charge for a Gore in the ropes, on an upside down Robert Conway, taking him out! Tajiri now lined up Grenier for a Buzzsaw Kick; Grenier ducking it and delivering a low blow! Tajiri clutched his groin, whilst Rhyno took Grenier down with a Gore - covering...but Conway broke it up! Conway brought the fight to Rhyno now whilst the "Man Beast" was caught off guard. La Résistance attempted to whip Rhyno off the ropes, and Rhyno tried for a Gore that missed: and suddenly La Résistance capitalized with the Au Revoir, getting the win!La Résistance (c) def. Rhyno & Tajiri in 5:46 to retain the World Tag Team Championship The World Tag Team Champions had succeeded in defeating Rhyno and Tajiri, La Résistance hugging their championships tight, an unbelievable result in the ultimate test for the ECW alumnus! Sylvain Grenier and Robert Conway had succeeded, leaving with the titles secured, whilst Rhyno and Tajiri were saddened by the loss.
Backstage, "the Nature Boy" was getting pumped up, punching the big palms of "the Animal" Batista; Ric Flair set for action shortly against William Regal. Flair was giving Batista a pep talk of a lifetime, talking about how he was going to bloody Regal up. Meanwhile in a hallway, Eugene and William Regal were en route to the ring, Eugene excitedly clapping his hands whilst Regal shadow-boxed; Regal takes on Ric Flair, next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Returning to RAW, another infomercial aired with Simon Dean heavily touting the Simon System. He talked it up a lot, showing a lot of before and after photos, and deriding the unfit and overweight viewers. He added that he was coming to RAW soon, to show everybody how great a success the Simon System has been - and what it can do for you too.4. William Regal (w/Eugene) vs Ric Flair (w/Batista)After everything that Eugene had been through with Evolution, this feud raged on as Eugene tonight was returning from a cracked rib suffered in his SummerSlam match against "the Game" Triple H. On the contrary, William Regal was making a point to Eric Bischoff, trying to be a good role model and a carer for Uncle Eric's nephew, Eugene - who Regal believes he doesn't care about. In response, Eric has been making life hard for the Blackpool Brute, last week in singles action against "the Big Red Monster" Kane - and tonight, facing "Nature Boy" Ric Flair of Evolution. And of course, it was only earlier tonight where Batista and Flair had gotten involved in beating down on Chris Jericho, until Edge made the rescue - and it was announced during this match that next week, Chris Jericho and Edge would team up to face Flair and Batista in tag team action. Regal methodically started off by taking Flair down to the mat and trying to wrestle the sixteen time World Champion, but Flair would not allow it for long, and not long after this, a fist fight broke out between the two! Regal with the strikes; Flair with the chops, and suddenly Batista tried to get involved in tripping Regal, allowing Flair to come in with a chop block to the leg! Flair then worked over the leg, grounding the Brit whilst an anxious Eugene watched on from ringside. Flair hit a shinbreaker and was sizing Regal up for the Figure-Four Leglock, but Regal kicked Flair out to the floor - and that's when Batista tried to help Flair out, just to take a right hand from Eugene! Eugene and Batista got into a brawl with Batista getting on the winning end of things - whilst Flair flopped back into the ring: Regal rolling Naitch up, and stealing the win!William Regal def. Ric Flair in 4:28 "The Nature Boy" had been beaten, and Ric Flair was absolutely livid whilst William Regal rolled out to the floor! Regal's hand was raised by an excited Eugene - whilst Flair was throwing a tantrum in the ring, with an irate "Animal" Batista! Regal meanwhile, kept jumping the obstacles that RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff were throwing at him, successful again tonight on RAW.
The SmackDown! Rebound aired, reviewing what went down last Thursday night on UPN. A broken John Bradshaw Layfield came out, the recipient of a post-match brutal assault from the Undertaker at SummerSlam four nights prior - where Layfield was driven through the roof of his limousine with a chokeslam. Layfield, wearing a halo brace, bruised from head to toe, almost fearsome of the Undertaker's presence - which soon happened, as the WWE Champion ran away from the ring upon the Undertaker's arrival: the "Phenom" warning JBL that their business wasn't done, as he threw the WWE Championship at a fleeing Orlando Jordan.
Suddenly another graphic aired showing the letter inviting us to Kane and Lita's wedding in Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, California - and regretfully, this comes up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back live from the commercial break, we had run the last of the commercial breaks for the night, with it now being time for the "hottest wedding of the summer" between the "Big Red Monster" Kane and Lita. The ring was decorated in white, with the ropes being taken down, an archway where the priest stood in the ring, and the barricades dressed to the nines for this anticipated wedding. Jerry Lawler was looking very forward to this ceremony, telling Jim Ross how he always tears up at weddings. Kane's theme hit first; the "Big Red Monster" looking more like a big white monster tonight, the pale skinned demon walking merrily to the ring dressed in a white tuxedo. Kane was happy about tonight, which he calls "very important" to him, whereas J.R. noted that Lita has been forced into this wedding, as Kane defeated Lita's boyfriend Matt Hardy at SummerSlam, where the winner would get to marry her. And tonight, Matt Hardy was banned from the Arrowhead Pond, with the warning that should he appear in person to ruin this wedding, he would not just be banished from Monday Night RAW, but he would be blacklisted from the WWE as a whole. Kane stood with a big grin on his face, whilst the priest invited the wedding singers - a couple - to sing during Lita's entrance.
And with that, Lita appeared - but not wearing the white dress that Kane wanted her to wear earlier tonight: instead, black! Kane was a little shocked and angered by his spited wife-to-be, but Lita walked to the ceremony tightlipped, and not wanting any part of this. Kane grabbed Lita by the arm, warning her not to ruin this night for him. But suddenly, the ceremony was interrupted by Eric Bischoff! Out came Bischoff in a white tuxedo of his own, standing on the rampway with a champagne glass in hand. The RAW General Manager called for a toast, tapping his glass. He thanked Kane personally for the invitation to tonight's wedding, which he knows will not only be the hottest wedding of the summer - but the hottest wedding in the ratings. Bischoff wished them both the best, almost insincerely, with a grin on his face. Bischoff left, allowing the ceremony to continue. Back to business, the priest asked Lita to recite her wedding vows to her "love". No response from Lita. Kane then insisted that he begin to read his, the "Big Red Monster" reminding her of the first time he forced a kiss upon her. It was love at first touch. He continued, telling Lita how happy he is to be marrying her, so that she will become his. He especially mentioned that he was excited for the honeymoon, where their hotel room would become a hot, steamy inferno of love. And last but not least, he can't wait for Lita to birth their beautiful, beautiful offspring. Boos for all of this, with the priest now asking the couple to present the other with their rings. Kane reached into his pocket with the box containing the wedding rings...when suddenly he was blindsighted!
It was Matt Hardy! Matt Hardy was here, with a devil may cry attitude, not caring about being banished from the WWE at all! Hardy fired away at Kane with rights and lefts, not wanting Kane to marry his longtime girlfriend - but suddenly security charged for the ring, grabbing Hardy by all limbs - and escorting Hardy up the rampway away from the ceremony! Hardy was screaming for Lita, and Lita seemed extremely flattered and in love with Hardy for his commitment shown tonight. Hardy was dragged to the backstage area for probable ejection - whilst Kane stumbled back up to a vertical basis. Kane dusted himself off and looked furious, but then took a few deep breaths, demanding that the priest continue, and that he hurry up. The ring was forced upon the hand of Lita, and Kane placed the ring on his own finger in return. Lita was getting more and more upset at this wedding as it went on - with the priest now wrapping up the ceremony and pronouncing them husband and wi---
The theme of Shawn Michaels rang out throughout the Arrowhead Pond, and the crowd went ballistic! Michaels, who hasn't been seen since June, where he had his larynx crushed at the hands of the "Big Red Monster" - he was back! The "Heartbreak Kid" however was nowhere to be seen, and an already irritated Kane turned around to the stage, looking for Shawn to show his face...when Michaels appeared behind Kane - Sweet Chin Music connecting with Kane's head! Lita left the site and ran away from the wedding, up the rampway, whilst Michaels posed over the unconscious "Big Red Monster"! HBK was back, as he now headed up the rampway with his theme music playing - and Kane sat up, the groom to be having his wedding absolutely ruined by Shawn Michaels! Kane was raging, whilst Michaels goaded Kane from the rampway - RAW going off the air!
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Post by DTP. on Aug 29, 2016 23:33:29 GMT -5
RAW LIVE EVENT - August 20, 2004 Bismark, North Dakota - Bismark Civic Center (6,700) 1. The Hurricane & Rosey def. Al Snow & Garrison Cade after the diving legdrop from Rosey to Cade.
2. Shelton Benjamin def. Simon Dean after the Dragon Whip. Before the match, Dean talked trash to the "unfit" members of the Bismark crowd.
3. Molly Holly & Gail Kim def. Victoria & Nidia after the hurricanrana pin by Gail on Nidia.
4. Rodney Mack (w/Jazz) def. Val Venis after a distraction from Jazz led to the Blackout.
5. Tyson Tomko def. Steven Richards after backbreaker rack into a neckbreaker. Tomko continued to attack Richards after the match.
6. Tajiri & Rhyno def. La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & Robert Conway) in a non-title match after a high kick from Tajiri led to the Gore from Rhyno to Conway.
7. Edge (c) def. Chris Jericho to retain the Intercontinental Championship after the Spear. After the match, both men shook hands.
8. Chris Benoit, William Regal & Eugene def. Evolution (Triple H, Randy Orton & Batista) (w/Ric Flair) after the roll-up by Eugene on Batista. Triple H and Batista attacked Eugene after the match until Benoit, Regal and Orton made the save. Orton appeared hesitant after Evolution's post-match attack, and shook Benoit, Regal and Eugene's hands.
SMACKDOWN! LIVE EVENT - August 21, 2004 San Diego, California - San Diego Sports Arena (11,700)
1. Charlie Haas & Rico def. The Basham Brothers (Danny & Doug Basham) after the roundhouse kick by Rico on Doug, who had switched places with Danny.
2. Mark Jindrak def. Funaki after the Mark of Excellence.
3. The Full Blooded Italians (Nunzio & Johnny Stamboli) def. Akio & Sakoda after the Sicilian Slice by Nunzio on Akio.
4. Rob Van Dam & Hardcore Holly def. Kenzo Suzuki & René Duprée after the Five Star Frog Splash by RVD on Dupree.
5. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von & Spike Dudley) def. Scotty 2 Hotty, Paul London & Billy Kidman after the 3D from the Dudleys on Scotty, with Spike tagging for the pin.
6. John Heidenreich (w/Paul Heyman) def. Billy Gunn after the shoulderbreaker. Heyman introduced Heidenreich and bigged him up before the match began.
7. John Cena def. Orlando Jordan (w/John Bradshaw Layfield) after the FU. Jordan replaced an injured JBL, who wore a standard neck brace and instead accompanied his Chief of Staff to the ring.
Josh Mathews hosted a bikini contest between Dawn Marie, Miss Jackie, Torrie Wilson and Hiroko that did not receive an official decision. Hiroko refused to participate and instead was stripped of her kimono by Torrie and Jackie. Jackie and Torrie double teamed Dawn Marie and posed for the crowd afterwards.
8. Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio def. Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns after the 619 and springboard legsplash by Mysterio on Angle. Angle and Reigns attacked Mysterio and Guerrero after the match, but they came back, running Angle and Reigns off. Eddie and Rey celebrated with Mysterio's hometown crowd.
RAW LIVE EVENT - August 21, 2004 Fargo, North Dakota - Fargodome (9,500)
1. Tajiri & Rhyno def. Simon Dean & Al Snow after the Gore by Rhyno on Dean. Simon Dean and Snow belittled the out of shape Fargo crowd before being interrupted.
2. Tyson Tomko def. Val Venis after the backbreaker rack neckbreaker.
3. Shelton Benjamin def. Garrison Cade after the T-Bone suplex.
4. La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & Robert Conway) (c) def. The Hurricane & Rosey to retain the World Tag Team Championship after a shot from the French-Canadian flag pole to Hurricane. Rosey ran the champs away after the match.
5. Victoria, Nidia & Steven Richards def. Molly Holly, Gail Kim & Rodney Mack (w/Jazz) after the Widow's Peak by Victoria on Molly.
6. Triple H & Batista (w/Ric Flair) def. William Regal & Eugene after the Batista Bomb by Batista on Regal. Eugene hulked up and cleaned house after the match with a big boot for Triple H and the body slam and legdrop for Flair. Eugene invited Regal to pose with him after the match.
7. Edge (c) def. Chris Jericho to retain the Intercontinental Championship after the Walls of Jericho reversed into an inside cradle. Both men shook hands after the match.
8. Randy Orton (c) def. Chris Benoit to retain the World Heavyweight Championship after Benoit attacked Triple H, knocking him off the apron, leading to the RKO from Orton. Orton shook hands and posed with Benoit after the match.
RAW LIVE EVENT - August 21, 2004 Palm Springs, California - Palm Springs Convention Center (5,400)
1. Tajiri & Rhyno def. Simon Dean & Al Snow after the Gore by Rhyno on Dean. Simon Dean and Snow belittled the out of shape Fargo crowd before being interrupted.
2. Tyson Tomko def. Val Venis after the backbreaker rack neckbreaker.
3. Shelton Benjamin def. Garrison Cade after the T-Bone suplex.
4. La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier & Robert Conway) (c) def. The Hurricane & Rosey to retain the World Tag Team Championship after a shot from the French-Canadian flag pole to Hurricane. Rosey ran the champs away after the match.
A special appearance from Eric Bischoff, RAW's General Manager brought the crowd back to their seats after intermission, bigging up tomorrow's live episode of RAW from Anaheim - the site of Kane and Lita's "hot" wedding ceremony. Bischoff continued to talk trash to the fans before introducing the returning couple of Rodney Mack and Jazz.
5. Victoria, Nidia & Steven Richards def. Molly Holly, Gail Kim & Rodney Mack (w/Jazz) after the Widow's Peak by Victoria on Molly.
6. Evolution (Triple H & Batista) (w/Ric Flair) def. William Regal & Eugene after the Batista Bomb by Batista on Regal. Eugene hulked up and cleaned house after the match with a big boot for Triple H and the body slam and legdrop for Flair. Eugene invited Regal to pose with him after the match.
7. Edge (c) def. Chris Jericho to retain the Intercontinental Championship after the Walls of Jericho reversed into an inside cradle. Both men shook hands after the match.
8. Randy Orton (c) def. Chris Benoit to retain the World Heavyweight Championship after Benoit attacked Triple H, knocking him off the apron, leading to the RKO from Orton. Orton shook hands and celebrated with Benoit after the match.
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Post by DTP. on Aug 28, 2016 15:09:23 GMT -5
WWE SMACKDOWN! - Thursday, August 19, 2004 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada - Copps Coliseum (8,600) TAPED ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2004; BROADCAST ON UPN!
VELOCITY: Saturday, August 21, 2004 - John Heidenreich def. Scotty 2 Hotty in a dark match. - Charlie Haas & Rico def. Akio & Sakoda in 6:08 after the Roundhouse Kick by Rico on Sakoda. - Mark Jindrak def. Wavell Starr in 3:25 after the Mark of Excellence. - Orlando Jordan def. Shannon Moore in 4:41 after the reverse STO. - The Basham Brothers def. Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly in 6:53 after a roll-up by Danny on Gunn.
The opening WWE signature aired, which was then followed by a video package reviewing the events of the dramatic WWE Championship match this past Sunday night at SummerSlam. A match pitting the reigning and defending WWE Champion John "Bradshaw Layfield" against the "Phenom" the Undertaker, ended in controversy as the Undertaker's rage due to mind games from the champion, as well as interference from Chief of Staff, Orlando Jordan, led to the match ending in disqualification. But the action did not end there, as the Undertaker would have his revenge, a post-match beating leaving a bloodied JBL chokeslammed through the roof of his own longhorn-hooded limousine; whilst the "Deadman" vowed to come and fight another day. The opening video package aired for SmackDown!, and tonight the Copps Coliseum - home of the first ever Royal Rumble event - is the site of SmackDown! in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada! Michael Cole and Tazz welcome us to the show, on a night where the second match of the Best of Five Series takes place between United States Champion Booker T, and John Cena!
The theme of SmackDown!'s resident Frenchman, René Duprée made his way out to the Hamilton crowd; Dupree as always, accompanied by his loyal, well-groomed poodle, Fifi - as Dupree received many boos from the crowd upon approaching the ring. The crowd continued to boo as Duprée began to belittle the Ontario crowd, telling the fans that he does not appreciate the fact that he is in Ontario tonight. Dupree segued into discussing why he feels he deserves more from SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long. Duprée said how typical and American it was for him to deny a faithful Frenchman of a place on the SummerSlam pay-per-view event. René said it sickens him and now, to be in a town like Hamilton tonight - even worse. Before Duprée could continue however, out came his opponent Rob Van Dam to shut the mouth of the former World Tag Team Champion!
1. René Duprée (w/Fifi) vs Rob Van Dam The French Superstar had not anticipated the arrival of "Mr Thursday Night" so soon, as Rob Van Dam; a former five-time Intercontinental Champion and a former World Tag Team Champion, came to shut up René before he could continue belittling the fans in the Copps Coliseum tonight. These two men faced off on Sunday Night Heat prior to SummerSlam getting underway - the focal point of why Duprée is so angry and besmirched tonight. "The Aristocrat" was met with several of RVD's arsenal of athletic kicks - Van Dam connecting with a cartwheel into a standing moonsault early in the match. The bout continued with Duprée on the defensive, as Van Dam lit René up with more kicks in the corner, as well as a shoulder thrust, before handspringing into a monkey flip across the ring. "The Aristocrat" would however get in an eye poke, which allowed Duprée to take advantage, now bringing the fight back to RVD; Van Dam in trouble, as Dupree almost got a win with a roll-up. Van Dam came back from it however, with a side slam and a split-legged moonsault. Later in the match, Duprée got arrogant with a scoop slam: and the French Tickler strut took place, missing an elbow drop on RVD! Van Dam went up for the Five-Star Frog Splash, connecting for a win to kick off the fallout of SummerSlam edition of SmackDown!
Rob Van Dam def. René Duprée in 4:46 Rob Van Dam celebrated his victory after the match, "Mr Thursday Night" continuing to look impressive on the SmackDown! brand. RVD continued to celebrate when Kenzo Suzuki suddenly appeared behind him, jumping the ECW alumni from behind! Suzuki stomped away at Van Dam when René Duprée joined in on the beatdown, leaving Van Dam down and hurting on the canvas! Duprée and Suzuki shook hands, as it appeared that the natives of France and Japan had colluded here against "Mr Thursday Night"!
Meanwhile, Luther Reigns was escorting the Olympic Gold Medalist and former SmackDown! General Manager down a corridor: Kurt Angle talking trash big time, seemingly on his way to the arena - where Angle will speak out for the first time since defeating Eddie Guerrero last Sunday at SummerSlam.
With the fifth anniversary of Thursday night SmackDown! tonight, we take a look back with the SmackDown! Rewind to the very first episode, on August 26, 1999 - where it was Triple H defending the WWE Championship against The Rock with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We returned live to SmackDown!, where the theme of the Olympic Gold Medalist was playing throughout the Copps Coliseum; Kurt Angle coming out to the aisleway alongside Luther Reigns, both dressed in suits, and not looking to be ready for any type of action. Angle and Reigns walked down to the ring, where the crowd booed and hurled "You suck!" chants in the direction of the former SmackDown! General Manager. After Angle had appeared to have had his career ended due to a broken leg sustained at the hands of the Big Show in March, the former Olympian took the reigns on as the GM - abusing his power where he saw fit - until Theodore Long was voted on by the WWE Board of Directors to replace Angle - and put him in a match at SummerSlam against main rival Eddie Guerrero, where Angle was ultimately successful. The crowd continued to boo loudly, as Angle addressed the fans by saying that he told them so. He said that as a real American hero, the fans should be applauding him. But the fact remains that Eddie Guerrero is nothing more than a disgrace to the WWE. He was a disgrace as the WWE Champion, which is exactly why he went out of his way to get the title from around his waist. Angle claimed that he should still be in charge of the freakin' show, and how it was lucky that he was even in shape at SummerSlam to beat everybody's favorite Mexican, "Latino Heat" himself. Angle then questioned what now, because he has done so much in the WWE. He's been a European Champion, an Intercontinental Champion, a four-time WWE Champion; he's main evented WrestleMania, he's been SmackDown!'s great General Manager...but before he could continue his thought, the theme of Eddie Guerrero hit to interrupt him!
The former WWE Champion came to the ring to confront Kurt in cocky swagger: Eddie telling Kurt Angle not to get mad that he came out here. Eddie told Kurt that he actually wanted to congratulate him, telling Angle that even though he does suck - that's okay, because he beat "Latino Heat" at SummerSlam - in fact, his ankle's still a little sore. Guerrero prodded Angle with barbs about how it is a leg for a leg, reminding Angle of his own leg injury: but then Eddie reminded Kurt that he still beat him at WrestleMania...and that must sting a lot. Angle tried to deny Eddie's intentions, telling Eddie that he has already beaten him, and that he doesn't owe anything more to Eddie for that. But Eddie kept telling Kurt that after everything that happened...they are still one win apiece. Eddie asked Kurt where he ca-hones were, asking them if they died when he was fired as General Manager. Finally, Angle accepted...at a price. Angle stomped into the weakened ankle of Guerrero - which is when Angle and his ally, Luther Reigns, began to stomp away at Eddie, a beatdown commencing with Angle slapping on the Ankle Lock once again on Guerrero this week! He had it locked in tight, until suddenly the theme of Rey Mysterio hit - and out darted the masked man from San Diego! Mysterio hit the ring, sliding between the legs of Reigns: a dropkick sending Reigns out through the ropes! Angle tried to attack Rey, but Mysterio got in a drop toe hold, and just as Rey tried for a 619, Angle bailed with Reigns up the aisleway! Rey attended to his good friend Eddie Guerrero in the ring, whilst Angle and Reigns left fuming!
SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long was at work in his office discussing ideas with Torrie Wilson, until in walked the Dudley Boyz - led by "the Boss" Spike Dudley, who brandished the Cruiserweight Championship on his shoulder. Spike led Bubba Ray and D-Von in, where Spike told Teddy that the Dudleys had some questions for the so-called boss. Spike emphasized that he is the real boss around here, the boss of the Dudley Boyz, the boss of the cruiserweights - and the boss of even Teddy Long himself. Spike looked smug whilst Bubba and D-Von reminded the GM of how they laid waste to Paul London and Billy Kidman at SummerSlam in six-man tag action, clamoring that they deserve another WWE Tag Team Championship opportunity. Teddy agreed, telling the Dudleys that a match has been made as a result of that - and they get their wish next week. But as for tonight, Long says it's convenient that Spike showed up here: because tonight he's going to have a match of his own with the Cruiserweight title at stake. Spike was flabbergasted, when Long told Spike he'd be defending against Funaki! Spike questioned what he did to deserve this, whilst Long shooed the irate "Boss" and his cousins out of his office.
Meanwhile, Michael Cole and Tazz discussed the Best of Five Series that began at SummerSlam, with John Cena successfully defeating Booker T in match one of the series. They talked about how match two comes up next, with the first match to gain three wins in the series becoming the United States Champion, currently held by Booker. The two were shown walking down hallways on a splitscreen - and match 2 of the series, comes up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK In our second SmackDown! Rewind to celebrate the fifth anniversary of SmackDown!, it was on September 9, 1999 where the first and only Buried Alive tag team match to date took place with the World Tag Team Championships on the line, where The Undertaker and the Big Show teamed up to take on The Rock 'n' Sock Connection.
A replay aired reviewing the attack made on Eddie Guerrero at the hands of Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns moments ago, that was thwarted and prevented by the arrival of Rey Mysterio to save his longtime friend. A graphic then aired, with the announce team revealing that the match had been signed, and our main event would be the team of Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio taking on Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns. 2. Best of Five Series for the United States Championship (#2): Booker T [0] (c) vs John Cena [1]The United States Championship was won by Booker T at a time where Theodore Long was very recently assigned the General Manager of SmackDown!, as Booker had won the title at the conclusion of a eight man elimination match, pinning the former champion John Cena to claim the title for the second time in the five-time WCW Champion's career. And with that, it was announced that Booker's first challenge would be in a Best of Five Series, with Booker's title up for grabs. Booker was obviously none too pleased after losing to Cena in the first match at SummerSlam - but looked to go into this with victory on the other side. Cena rapped to the ring as always, looking to reclaim his title once and for all. Cena went to work on Booker early on, taking him down with some mat wrestling, which is very unlike the challenger. Booker came back and used his experience as a factor in taking over - doing so with a scoop slam that planted Cena down, then followed up with a knee drop. Booker began to try and go after the leg of the former champ, perhaps an attempt to try and slow down Cena - as speed has been something that Cena has been known for previously - but whenever Cena tried to get into control again, Booker wisely cut him off like a great ring general. The Hamilton crowd were supportive of Cena, as Booker kept Cena down - and Cena finally came back with a hip toss cutting Booker off this time! Cena battled back with shoulder tackle after shoulder tackle, before Booker cut Cena off with a Book End attempt reversed into a spinout powerbomb attempt; but Booker blocked it and connected with a sidewalk slam! Booker showboated with the Spinerooni, which prompted more boos - but perhaps it was this that threw Booker off, as Cena came back with the spinout powerbomb, which led to the Five Knuckle Shuffle landing on Booker's face! Cena pumped the sneakers and looked ready to go for the F-U, but Booker was wise to it and kicked Cena in the gut, the Scissors Kick missing, and Cena got Booker up again for the F-U: Booker landing behind Cena, and he clutched him in a rolling crotch pin - Booker with the tights - and the champion stole the three count!Booker T [1] def. John Cena [1] in 7:45 in Match #2 of the Best of Five Series Booker T jumped for joy as he slid out to the floor, the United States Champion having his hand raised in victory - Booker being able to tie things up at one apiece in the second match of the Best of Five Series. Booker strutted his way up the aisleway, whilst John Cena looked frustrated in the ring - Cena now knowing that he had to gain an advantage in their third match up.
In the locker room, René Duprée was aligned with Kenzo Suzuki and his wife, Hiroko - Hiroko petting René's poodle Fifi. Hiroko and Kenzo appeared content with how that match went earlier tonight, with the Frenchman and the Japanese man joining forces to take out Rob Van Dam. Duprée talked about how the SmackDown! locker room has never been fair to either man, and that it's time to change that. Suzuki spoke in broken English, explaining that this is their time to prove others wrong. Kenzo added, telling Duprée that they should go get some sushi - but René disagreed, saying he planned to eat a snail dish tonight. Both men argued over their cultural preference of food, before ultimately agreeing to go eat at a diner. Despite the tension, this seemed to be a new team forming on the horizon of SmackDown!
Meanwhile, the longhorns had pulled up in the parking lot outside of the Copps Coliseum - and that could only mean that the WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield was in the building with his Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan! Michael Cole and Tazz implied that we would hear from the champ, up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
An exterior shot of the Copps Coliseum was shown as we returned from the break, the site of SmackDown! tonight, and also the site of the very first Royal Rumble back in 1988.The cowbell was ringing throughout Hamilton, which could only mean one thing - the WWE Champion had arrived, as the longhorned limousine drove its way into the Copps Coliseum. The limousine driver got out and helped out Orlando Jordan, JBL's personal Chief of Staff - and behind him...Orlando Jordan helped out a battered and bruised WWE Champion. John Bradshaw Layfield, not leaving SummerSlam looking much like a champion, was bruised head to toe, with a gigantic halo brace around his neck; the cowboy hat however, still wrapped on top of his head! Tazz questioned the severity of the injury, whilst Michael Cole questioned whether this absurdity was necessary from the champ! After much help from Orlando Jordan, Layfield climbed carefully into the ring - Hamilton giving JBL a very negative reaction in regards to the controversial championship match last Sunday against the Undertaker. Jordan held out the microphone for Layfield, who called these people barbarians, stating how it should be illegal for a man of his stature to be put in harm's way, to be brutalized and victimized; to be beaten up and chokeslammed through the roof of his own expensive limousine! JBL asked the fans if this is what a champion looks like, and how they could condone the possibilities of someone like the Undertaker as WWE Champion. "He's dead, and you want that lunatic as your champion!?" Layfield then asked to review the footage from last Sunday, warning women and children to step away from their TV sets right now, whilst stills showed the criminal activity in which the Undertaker committed towards him at SummerSlam.JBL looked to continue his tirade, but the Chief of Staff had some sucking up he wanted to do. Orlando Jordan told Layfield that what happened to him was an outrage; a vicious attack on a great hero like himself. Orlando told John that he will look after him because he is his WWE Champion - and nobody will ever understand why a man like John Bradshaw Layfield is so respected like he is. Met with boos, Layfield seemed flattered by his Chief of Staff's comments...but it wouldn't last. A gong interrupted, and this signalled the arrival of the "Phenom", the Undertaker making his way down the aisleway in menacing fashion - slowly walking to the ring among the darkness and fog filling up throughout the Copps Coliseum! Orlando Jordan scurried out to ringside to grab a steel chair, arming himself up and standing face to face with the Undertaker - but when Jordan darted at the "Deadman", Undertaker grabbed Jordan by the throat, then shoved him down! Undertaker was making his way to the ring, and JBL had little place to run or hide - somehow managing to fit between the ropes: JBL fleeing out to ringside in fear of the "Deadman"! Layfield lost his hat but stumbled back to Jordan on the aisleway. Meanwhile, Undertaker picked up Layfield's own WWE Championship in the ring, as well as a microphone. Undertaker told Layfield that his business with him is not through yet - dropping JBL's title out to the floor for Jordan to pick up. Undertaker told JBL that he will get his true revenge!A segue from this, we went to the RAW Rebound - a video package that reviewed the set up and main event to RAW this past Monday night: where Randy Orton was made to defend his newly won World Heavyweight Championship against former champion Chris Benoit - a rematch from SummerSlam - with the match going either way until the interference of Triple H and Ric Flair from Evolution cost Benoit the match: Evolution disobeying Orton's request for no help in this match. But it seemed to be just fine, as Orton never noticed "the Game" or "the Nature Boy" getting involved in his business.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
We returned to SmackDown! on UPN, where Orlando Jordan was helping WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield get to safety; Layfield holding the WWE Championship tightly over his shoulder. But suddenly, the duo encountered General Manager Theodore Long, who asked JBL and Jordan where they were going. JBL told Long that they were going home, saying that they can't stand to be in the nuthouse with that lunatic, the Undertaker any longer. But Long seemed confused, telling Layfield that that is a shame, because he's just come up with a great idea. On October 3, the SmackDown! brand will host No Mercy, live on pay-per-view in East Rutherford, New Jersey - and on that night, it will be John Bradshaw Layfield going one on one with the Undertaker for the WWE Championship! JBL appeared beside himself, as Long explained further: to prevent a controversial finish like at SummerSlam, there will be a stipulation added. Bringing us to next Thursday night on SmackDown!: it will be someone of JBL's choosing, taking on someone of the Undertaker's choosing - and whoever's representative wins that match, will get to choose the stipulation for No Mercy's main event. JBL and Jordan were freaking out, but Long walked away with a smile on his face - the Hamilton crowd liking the sound of what will transpire!
3. Non-Title: Paul London & Billy Kidman (c) vs Chavo Guerrero & Jamie Noble It has been quite a year for the tandem team of Paul London and Billy Kidman, as the high flyers were successful in their efforts to win the WWE Tag Team Championships from the Dudley Boyz back on July 8, and have dazzled crowds with subsequent rematches with members of the Dudley Boyz, including defeating them in their first title defense two weeks ago - however at SummerSlam, it was Kidman who took the fall in a six-man tag team bout against the Dudley threesome, and another WWE Tag Team Championship bout has been announced for next week. This looked to be a warm-up match for the champs against two former Cruiserweight Champions - Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Noble teaming up rather well, in working over the younger London, and trying to wear down his back with a powerbomb from Noble getting a near fall. Chavo applied a Gory Special on London, but London was eventually able to free himself, getting the tag to Kidman. Kidman came in like a house on fire with dropkicks for the two opponents, as London cleared Noble of the ring with an outstanding hurricanrana off the apron to the floor. Back inside, Kidman went up top, and the Shooting Star Press connected - Kidman's knee clashing against the face of Chavo - giving Kidman and London the win!
Paul London & Billy Kidman (c) def. Chavo Guerrero & Jamie Noble in 5:22 in a non-title match Paul London and Billy Kidman appeared to be packing momentum going into their WWE Tag Team Championship defense against the Dudley Boyz next week in Fresno, and celebrated their win against a game team of former Cruiserweight Champions in Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Noble. However, something was off, as Jamie Noble attended to a down and out Chavo, who appeared to be injured from the Shooting Star Press that landed with Kidman's knee clashing with the face of Chavo. Referees came out, whilst the announcers worried about the incident, reviewing several replays. Chavo was given a humble ovation as he was helped out by referees, but still seemed to be out on his feet.
An advertisement aired, promoting the return of Tough Enough for Season 4, coming soon. And unlike in past editions, and unlike the $250,000 RAW Diva Search; the winner of this season of Tough Enough - exclusive to the SmackDown! brand - will earn $1,000,000!
COMMERCIAL BREAK In another SmackDown! Rewind, this time looking back at April 4, 2002 - the first edition of SmackDown! of the Brand Extension under the authority of Vince McMahon, featuring Superstars such as The Rock, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, Edge, Triple H and Hulk Hogan.
Back on SmackDown!, more replay footage aired of what went down moments ago, where during a tag team bout between WWE Tag Team Champions Billy Kidman and Paul London taking on Chavo Guerrero and Jamie Noble, Kidman came off the top rope with a Shooting Star Press to finish the match - but when he landed on Chavo, his knee bounced off the face of Chavo Guerrero. Michael Cole and Tazz gave us an update on the condition of Chavo, saying that he may have suffered a concussion - and telling fans to keep updated by going to WWE.com.
4. Cruiserweight Championship: Spike Dudley (w/The Dudley Boyz) (c) vs Funaki It was back on August 3 in Houston where Spike Dudley shocked the world when the runt of the Dudley Boyz turned his back on the fans, and attacked Rey Mysterio - revealing himself as the brains behind the Dudley Boyz faction. One week later, thanks to outside interference from Bubba Ray and D-Von, "the Boss" of the Dudleys was victorious in claiming the Cruiserweight Championship from Mysterio - and since then, Spike has been walking around with a sour attitude - belittling everybody in his path. Dudley was angry about being put in action tonight, whilst the Dudleys joined and watched on from ringside, seven days prior to their rematch with Paul London and Billy Kidman, with the WWE Tag Team Championships on the line. His opponent tonight of course, SmackDown!'s #1 Announcer in Funaki - who traded blows with Spike early, before taking him down with a dropkick and a hiptoss. The numbers game came into play however, as Bubba and D-Von distracted Funaki, allowing Spike to repeatedly gain an advantage, including using a tornado DDT on the Japanese Superstar. Shortly after, it wouldn't take long for Spike to capitalize, the Dudley Dog connected, giving Spike the three count.
Spike Dudley (c) def. Funaki in 3:35 to retain the Cruiserweight Championship The Cruiserweight Champion's hand was raised in victory, Spike Dudley victorious in a mostly one-sided affair tonight against Funaki. Bubba Ray and D-Von however was not going to let Funaki end his night there - an attack made on Funaki with both Dudleys stomping a mudhole in Funaki - Spike meanwhile directing traffic! A 3D connected, before Spike ordered both men to "Get the Tables"! "The Boss" was large and in charge, as the Dudleys set up a table inside the ring - Spike sitting on the top rope as Bubba and D-Von picked Funaki up and propped him on Spike's shoulders - the Cruiserweight Champion with a powerbomb off the second rope to Funaki through the table! Spike led Bubba and D-Von out, a message made to anybody wanting to mess with the Dudleys.
In the locker room, Eddie Guerrero was shown icing his ankle, whilst Rey Mysterio stood nearby. Eddie thanked his amigo for having his back, telling Rey that in tonight's match, he wants to show Kurt what it's like to fight dirty. Mysterio and Guerrero joked about taking Reigns out of the equation, before Eddie said on a serious note, but tonight, he wants Rey to leave Kurt for himself. Mysterio complied, as both men left the locker room ready for action.
Meanwhile, Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns, still relenting and ready for action, were on their way to the ring - tag team main event action against Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio coming up next!
COMMERCIAL BREAK Back on UPN SmackDown!, a vignette aired showing the intense and fierce John Heidenreich, managed by former SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman, who makes his debut on SmackDown! next week.
5. Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns vs Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio It was time for main event action, featuring two men that are embroiled in a fierce rivalry that dates back to the beginning of the year. It was Kurt Angle who took Eddie Guerrero's side during a feud between Eddie and his nephew Chavo Guerrero: but this friendship was proven to be a lie, as Angle grew jealous of Eddie's success, becoming the WWE Champion at No Way Out in February. Angle then challenged Eddie for the title at WrestleMania XX, where he was outsmarted by "Latino Heat" shortly before his leg was broken during an incident with the Big Show throwing Angle from a high ledge. In this time, a brooding Olympic Gold Medalist's career was thought to be over, as he was assigned the SmackDown! General Manager - allying himself with Luther Reigns to act as his enforcer. Angle abused his power and was then replaced by Theodore Long - who made Angle against Guerrero a match for SummerSlam, where Angle was successful. But things did not seem to be over yet, as Eddie was aided by Rey Mysterio earlier tonight - and Eddie wants nothing but Angle in this main event tonight. Eddie and Rey made their way out in the lo-rider of Guerrero's, whilst Angle and Reigns appeared very serious, stepping into this match. Mysterio started off with Luther Reigns, who tried to get his hands on Rey but to little success early on, as Mysterio used his quick-witted agility to outmatch Reigns: and Mysterio delivered a hurricanrana, almost going for the 619 - but Reigns bailed out to regroup with Angle at ringside, whilst we went to a commercial break.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Returning to action, Luther Reigns was now delivering repeated elbows into the face of a cornered Rey Mysterio, with Reigns brutalizing Mysterio with the size advantage: and during the commercial break it was Kurt Angle who teased getting into the ring with Rey Mysterio - before Luther Reigns came in from the other side of the ring, jumping Mysterio, and knocking Eddie Guerrero from the apron. Reigns applied a chinlock on Mysterio, trying to keep him down and in place - but the Hamilton crowd were firmly behind Mysterio - Reigns able to stop Mysterio from breaking free of the hold with a big mat slam, followed up by a double underhook suplex - Reigns only able to get two at this time, as Mysterio kicked out. In came Kurt Angle, who then began to mock Eddie from across the ring: the former SmackDown! General Manager stomping away at the ankle of Mysterio; even dragging Rey close to the corner, where he could wrap the legs of Rey around the ring post - just slamming his leg into the ring post for extra effect! Angle talked trash to Eddie Guerrero more, before eventually this was too much for Rey - who fired back again: Rey blocking an Ankle Lock attempt by flicking Angle off, and then a springboard armdrag connected - Rey leapfrogging over Reigns; and Mysterio attempted to climb up top - but his ankle was hurting from the legwork done by the Olympian - and Angle crotched Mysterio up top: Angle darting up and bringing Mysterio down to Earth with a belly-to-belly suplex from the top rope! It looked bad for Rey as Eddie Guerrero waited desperately to get back into the match - but first, SmackDown! had to take its' final commercial break of the night!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
SmackDown! returned with no more commercial breaks to take, whilst Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero were now bringing the fight to Kurt Angle and Luther Reigns! Eddie tossed Kurt Angle over the top rope and to the floor to join Luther out at ringside - and Eddie came down on top of both men with a slingshot crossbody plancha! Eddie continued to trade blows with Angle on the floor, which set up Rey to come charging from across the ring, springing over the top rope with a somersault topé landing on all three men! A replay showed what went down during the commercial break, as Mysterio made the tag to Eddie at last, who then relented with multiple right hands to a legal Kurt Angle: the two rivals going at it with Guerrero applying an Ankle Lock on Angle. Back to current time, Guerrero rolled Angle back inside whilst Reigns and Mysterio battled it out on the floor. Guerrero looked to go for the Frog Splash from the top rope - but Angle stopped him in time, managing to drag Eddie down to the canvas with an attempted Ankle Lock: but Eddie kicked Angle off! Guerrero then cradled Angle for a near fall, before Eddie walked into a clothesline from Luther Reigns! In came Rey Mysterio at this point with a springboard legsplash on the shoulders of Reigns: Mysterio with a drop toe hold to Angle - dialling up and executing the 619 on the Olympic Gold Medalist! Angle was now in trouble, as Eddie went up to the top rope: the Frog Splash connecting - and Eddie Guerrero covered Angle, just for Reigns to break it up! Luther Reigns tried to attack Eddie, who gave Reigns a sly kick to the groin out of referee Brian Hebner's eye sight: Mysterio dropkicking Reigns out to the floor. Meanwhile, Angle executed the Angle Slam on an unsuspecting Rey Mysterio - but Guerrero then rolled Angle up with the tights...for the three count! Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio def. Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns in 16:26 "Latino Heat" had settled the score evenly with Kurt Angle once again - outsmarting him at the climax of a long-winded, heated tag team main event! The Olympic Gold Medalist was irked, but before he got a chance to get a hold of Eddie, he had slid out to the floor. Eddie helped Rey Mysterio up to his feet, whilst both men celebrated with big smiles on their faces - Guerrero and Mysterio strutting back up in the aisleway to their lo-rider. Meanwhile Kurt Angle was left raging and throwing a tantrum in the ring, unable to contain himself after being defeated tonight. Guerrero and Mysterio mocked Angle from a distance, taking a seat in their ride, whilst SmackDown! went off the air.
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Post by DTP. on Aug 27, 2016 21:15:27 GMT -5
WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW - Monday, August 16, 2004 London, Ontario, Canada - John Labatt Centre (8,600) LIVE ON SPIKE TV!
SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT: Sunday, August 22, 2004 - Carly Colon def. Rory McAllister in a dark match. - The Hurricane def. Garrison Cade in 5:28 after the Eye of the Hurricane - Maven def. Wavell Starr in 4:11 after the reverse Russian legsweep. - Robert Conway def. Tajiri in 7:34 after a Sylvain Grenier distraction led to a swinging neckbreaker
The opening WWE signature aired, which was then followed by several stills of last night's historic main event between Randy Orton and the World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit. Ultimately, it was the twenty-four year old "Legend Killer" who made history, when he became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion. The opening video package for Monday Night RAW aired, before going straight to the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario for the fallout of an eventful SummerSlam pay-per-view, pyrotechnics going off - and an introduction from Jim Ross and Jerry "The King" Lawler. Tonight, Edge does battle with Batista for the Intercontinental Championship!
Speak of the devil, the sound of Motörhead roared throughout the JLC, as the new World Heavyweight Champion emerged to a hero's welcome - a juxtaposition from the crowd's feelings towards the "Legend Killer" prior to last night in Toronto. Randy Orton proudly displayed the World title on his route to the ring, where Randy Orton stood in the middle of the ring, soaking in the reaction from the London crowd. Orton, with a microphone in hand, began to address the audience, talking about how he has done many things in the two years he has been a part of the WWE. He's the WWE's first third-generation Superstar. He joined Evolution, arguably the greatest faction to have ever graced the sight of Monday Night RAW. He's killed many legends - from Mick Foley, to Shawn Michaels, to even Fabulous Moolah. He was the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in seven years. And last night, he cemented himself as the future of the WWE, the future of Monday Night RAW, when he defeated Chris Benoit to become the youngest reigning and defending World Heavyweight Champion in history. Orton then asked everybody that was twenty-four years of age in the crowd tonight, to stand up and show their faces. With that, a plethora of twenty-four year olds stood up - just for Orton to belittle them, acknowledging that he himself is better looking than the average twenty-four year old: hotter, better, and immensely more talnted - which is why he is the future of the business, and that future is...right now.
Orton received a mixed reaction at this point, talking about how he has achieved his destiny - and now he's the man on top of Monday Night RAW. But suddenly, the theme of the former champion, the "Rabid Wolverine" made his way out to the ring to a colossal reaction from his home country. Chris Benoit climbed into the ring, the veteran clapping his hands seemingly sincerely for the "Legend Killer". Benoit congratulated Orton, telling him that he was able to beat him last night and take away the biggest prize in this business from him - something he had chased for nineteen long years. Benoit told Orton that he fought well, and he earned respect from the "Crippler" last night - but that was last night. Benoit told Orton that he wanted his rematch - TONIGHT - if Orton has the guts. Orton took a moment to divulge Benoit's request, before telling his foe that he too, gained respect for Benoit last night. Orton told Benoit that they put on a clinic last night. And what better way to kick off the Age of Orton, than to beat the "Rabid Wolverine" a second time...in a few weeks time. Orton smirked, but Benoit spoke up, telling Orton that everybody knows that he is the "Legend Killer", he's beaten legends left right and centre: but now as the champion, he is the legend - and he wants his rematch tonight, live in London, Ontario! Orton backed up and collected his thoughts, finally granting Benoit the match tonight - with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line!
COMMERCIAL BREAK 1. All or Nothing: Rhyno (w/Tajiri) vs Sylvain Grenier (w/Robert Conway) Tensions have been running high in the hunt for a World Tag Team Championship opportunity for the "Man Beast" Rhyno and "Japanese Buzzsaw" Tajiri. The ECW alumnus have been attempting to pursue the titles held by La Résistance, but whenever the opportunity has arose, the French-Canadian duo have been able to postpone the title match. It was two weeks ago when Rhyno and Tajiri defeated La Résistance in non-title action, and tonight - if Rhyno was able to beat Sylvain Grenier, then he and Tajiri would have their title match at last. However if Grenier was able to get a win against Rhyno, then Rhyno and Tajiri would never be in contention for the titles as long as La Résistance were the champions. Rhyno slugged it out with a retreating Grenier in the opening moments, including almost securing a victory off of a snap powerslam - but interference from Conway allowed the opportunistic Grenier to strike, beating down on Rhyno and targeting the previously injured neck of Rhyno. Rhyno was able to come back from it, but more interference from Conway distracted the referee - allowing Tajiri to sneak in with the green mist, blinding Grenier until he turned around into the Gore from Rhyno - Rhyno securing victory!
Rhyno def. Sylvain Grenier in 5:17 to gain contention to the World Tag Team Championship Rhyno and Tajiri celebrated in the ring, whilst Robert Conway tried to sneak in with the Quebec flag in hand - Conway charging Tajiri, just to eat a stiff kick to the gut from Tajiri - and Rhyno hit the ropes, the Gore connecting on Conway! La Résistance may be in trouble when the day the World Tag Team Championships are on the line, as Rhyno and Tajiri appeared ready and waiting to claim the titles.
A graphical letter appeared on the screen at this point, opening up to reveal a well worded invitation from "the Big Red Monster" Kane, inviting the viewers of Monday Night RAW and the audience of Anaheim, California to the wedding of Kane and Lita, live, next week on RAW.
Backstage, Lita was shown entering the Divas locker room to suddenly find that Trish Stratus, Molly Holly, Gail Kim and Jazz throwing her a baby shower! Stratus seemed excited about her true best friend getting married to Kane, the Women's Champion almost mocking Lita over her now ex-boyfriend Matt Hardy's loss to Kane last night. Lita seemed bemused by all of this. Molly tried to brighten the mood, telling Lita she knew how much she liked to sleep around so much - which is why she got Lita some condoms and birth control pills! Gail Kim meanwhile presented Lita with a framed portrait of Lita's first kiss with the "Big Red Monster" - and a picture of what their children may look like...babies with Kane's head! The malicious Divas laughed at Lita's expense, but that's when Jazz presented Lita with a gift - a vibrator - for the nights when Kane is out on the road. The Divas continued to laugh at Lita's misfortune, causing the humiliated redhead to storm out in anger.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
2. Victoria vs Molly Holly (w/Gail Kim)The Diva Dodgeball game last night contested between the Divas of Monday Night RAW and the remaining contestants of the RAW Diva Search ended up in the RAW Divas' favor, but ultimately it broke down into a tussle between the Women's Champion Trish Stratus and Victoria, with Victoria setting her sights on the title she lost to Trish in a fatal four-way match back at Bad Blood in June. Tonight, Victoria faced her WrestleMania XX rival Molly Holly - Victoria being the reason why Molly Holly is bald tonight - as this match got underway. Molly was able to outwit Victoria with her wrestling experience, taking Victoria to the mat and targeting the abdomen of Victoria, connecting with her handspring elbow in the corner as well as a clothesline - but Victoria stayed in the match. Molly continued to work on Victoria whilst the London crowd got behind the longhair, and Victoria fired back, a standing moonsault getting a near fall. Trish Stratus came out to the rampway to spectate during the match, as she watched Victoria knock Gail Kim off the apron with a forearm - before blocking Molly's attempt at a German suplex - Victoria following through the Widow's Peak, giving Victoria victory!Victoria def. Molly Holly in 3:54
Victoria celebrated her win to applause from the Ontario crowd, before setting her sights on a gazing Trish Stratus, who was still stood on the rampway. Stratus smiled at Victoria, now perhaps her next opponent for the Women's Championship - until Gail Kim snuck in from behind, a chop block taking Victoria down with her bad leg! Gail and Molly stomped away at Victoria whilst Trish waltzed down to the ring, as Gail and Molly set Victoria up for a big Chick Kick from the champion! The women stood victoriously until Stacy Keibler and Nidia came down to the ring, running off the Women's Champion and her allies! Whatever truce was in place with the RAW Divas going into the Diva Dodgeball game at SummerSlam was definitely over, as Trish, Gail and Molly retreated from the ring.
In the locker room, the Intercontinental Champion Edge was shown preparing for his upcoming match against "the Animal" of Evolution, Batista - when Edge was suddenly joined by Chris Jericho. Both men were a part of the triple threat match last night at SummerSlam with Batista, and Jericho almost secured the victory, if it wasn't for Edge. Jericho wished Edge luck in his match tonight, telling Edge that he knew what it was like being in the ring with a brazen bull like that jackass. Edge nodded, but then mentioned that he was the one that pinned Batista last night. Y2J chuckled, then told Edge that he knows - but then reminds Edge that he almost won the Intercontinental Championship for himself last night: and that when Edge retains the title tonight, he wants his own opportunity. Edge nodded his head, agreeing. Edge was about to leave for the match, but Jericho then mentioned that should Evolution get involved, Y2J is here to help out.
Meanwhile, Batista was shown being coached by "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, as "the Animal" and Flair made their way down to a corridor - the Intercontinental Championship on the line, next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
3. Intercontinental Championship: Edge (c) vs Batista (w/Ric Flair) Whilst Edge was victorious last night at SummerSlam in front of his hometown crowd in Toronto, the Toronto crowd were seemingly rejecting Edge as the Intercontinental Champion. In addition, after the loss to Edge last night, "the Animal" was out to win his first taste of singles gold tonight on RAW. Ric Flair in Batista's corner proved to be a threat to Edge's reign, but Edge came into this expecting a battle, which is what happened as Edge and Batista traded blows, going back and forth with Batista ultimately using his pure power as a mean to dominate. Batista assaulted Edge in the corner with repeated shoulder thrusts, before attempting a powerslam, but Edge was able to get out and dropkick Batista away. Edge came back with a clothesline that rocked Batista, but Batista then took Edge down with a sharp clothesline of his own! Batista began to dominate Edge, once again targeting the ribs of the Canadian. Batista even tossed Edge out to the floor, where Ric Flair proceeded to stomp away at the champion, the sixteen time World Champion landing several harsh chops into the chest of Edge with the referee's back turned. Batista then took control as Flair tried to whip Edge into Batista - Edge ducking a clothesline, but then Edge turned back to eat a spinebuster on the floor from Edge - just as we needed to take a commercial break!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back from the commercial break, in the midst of a match for the Intercontinental Championship, "the Animal" had the Intercontinental Champion right where he wanted him, as Batista clutched Edge with a bearhug in the centre of the ring, whilst Batista's manager, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair watched on eagerly. Batista tried to keep Edge down on his knees, whilst increasing the pressure - but with London, Ontario strongly behind Edge, he finally made a comeback - two right hands rocking "the Animal", before Edge pulled out a sudden DDT taking the challenger down! Edge slowly reached his feet, taking Batista down with a spinning wheel kick, as Edge attempted to reclaim control. The Intercontinental Champion then came off the top rope with a missile dropkick, covering Batista, but Ric Flair put Batista's foot on the bottom rope! The match continued with Edge following Flair around ringside, wanting to get his hands on the persistent thorn in his side - Edge following Flair back inside, just to encounter a spinebuster from Batista - only for a near fall! Flair instructed to Batista to just look for the win now, as Batista looked to now go for the sit-out Powerbomb: getting Edge on his shoulders, but Edge broke loose, then came off the ropes with a Spear on "the Animal"! Edge covered Batista, but only for a near fall. The match continued, as Edge stood back and looked to prepare a second Spear on the inbound "Animal" - but Batista was quick, cutting Edge off with a spear of his own! Batista then picked Edge up, hoping to look for the sit-out Powerbomb a second time: Edge on a second occasion getting out with a hurricanrana sending Batista into Flair on the corner! Edge then hit the ropes, a second Spear connecting! Edge covered...but Flair jumped in to break it up at two!Edge (c) def. Batista by disqualification in 8:37 to retain the Intercontinental Championship The Intercontinental Champion had hoped to come out on top, and came close enough on a second night in a row. And Edge was victorious, but not on his terms, as Ric Flair stomped on the back of the Intercontinental Champion before helping his Evolution protegé Batista up to his feet. Batista, "the Animal", now picked apart at Edge; Batista delivering a big spinebuster on Edge! Flair applied a Figure-Four Leglock on Edge, trying to harm the leg of the Intercontinental Champion...when suddenly Chris Jericho emerged on the rampway, Y2J thinking about coming in to make the save, but instead halfway down the rampway, Jericho decided against it - much like last Monday night on RAW, when Edge could have saved Jericho from a beatdown, but chose against it. Jericho exacted his karma, as the Intercontinental Champion was set up and dropped with a sit-out Powerbomb, courtesy of "the Animal"!
A vignette aired, showing a man known only as Simon Dean. Simon Dean, dressed like a 1980s informercial star in a powder blue ensemble, talked about the Simon System - a fitness program designed to let every fat slob out there to lose weight. He talked it up big, and showed the before and after photos of two completely different males and females, enhancing the effects of the Simon System.
In the backstage area, Lita was shown approaching the locker room of her fiance, knocking on the door sheepishly - and immediately Kane snapped over the door, "the Big Red Machine" telling Lita "baby" that she didn't need to knock. Lita looked angry with the position she was put in, whilst Kane told Lita that everything would be fine when they get married next week. Kane told Lita that first, he had to take care of some things, first looking for a kiss from Lita - planting one on the poor Diva, but Lita slapped Kane across the face! Kane laughed evilly, then told Lita that is exactly what he liked.
In another part of the backstage area, Jonathan Coachman was stood with the seven remaining contestants of the $250,000 RAW Diva Search - and tonight, as the Coach promised - one unlucky Diva will be going home as voted by the fans at home around the world. In addition, the seven lovely contestants will get a chance to air dirty laundry, in Diss the Diva - up next.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back from the break, General Manager Eric Bischoff was seated working on paperwork, admiring the his jottings to himself. With that, a door slam was heard - and in came William Regal. The villain from Blackpool, England paced in, telling Bischoff that he was absolutely disgusted at the fact that his own flesh and blood, nephew Eugene was in the hospital as a result of the loss suffered at the hands of Triple H last night at SummerSlam, and warned Eric that he had really done it this time. Bischoff appeared intimidated initially, but then used his authority to calm down the steaming Brit. Bischoff told Regal to calm down or face a similar fate. Regal continued to get in the face of the GM, whilst Bischoff tried to back off. Eric told Regal that what happens next week happens next week - but if Regal is going to be this angry right now...he can settle it in the ring tonight. Almost conveniently, in lurked the "Big Red Monster" himself, Kane with some wedding decorations in mind ahead of the big ceremony next Monday night on RAW to Lita - when Bischoff blurted out "Kane!" Regal looked confused and let go of Bischoff's collar: Eric Bischoff telling Regal that tonight, as part of his wedding present - he was going to let the "Big Red Monster" tear William Regal limb from limb...in a no disqualification match! Regal turned around to see Kane, who told William that he wanted something to do other than wedding plan tonight - so he looked forward to it. Regal meanwhile threatened the seven-foot demon, asking him if he wanted to get his face any uglier ahead of next week. Kane smirked, then walked out.Back in the backstage area, Jonathan Coachman was here to present this week's contest for the $250,000 RAW Diva Search. Coach introduced the contestants, including Carmella DeCesare, Amy Weber, Tracie Wright, Christy Hemme, Maria Kanellis, Joy Giovanni and Michelle McCool - but before getting to the Diss the Diva round, Coach had to get rid of one of the contestants: and as a result of fan voting, this week the Diva eliminated was Tracie Wright, who appeared nonchalent about her elimination. Tracie told Coach in a brief interview that her elimination may have been just - but that she will move on to better things. She told fans that they will see her butt very soon.After Tracie left the scene, the Coach got down to business, as he presented the Diss the Diva contest - where in thirty seconds, the Diva Search contestants were to talk smack about their least favorite contestant. Michelle McCool talked about how everybody hated Carmella, and this became a recurring theme - as everybody talked to great lengths about how unlikeable Carmella DeCesare was. Everybody excluding Amy Weber, who voiced her complaints about Christy Hemme and how hyperactive she can be. Carmella of course, dissed Joy Giovanni and how bland she has been up to this point. Rather than insulted, Carmella appeared flattered by her fellow contestants' comments, telling Coach when asked, that the other Diva Search contestants can kiss her ass. Coach pepped up next week's Diva Search category, where the Divas will get their chance to flaunt their stuff...for the Coach! Coachman smugly signed off, preparing fans for next week.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
In the backstage area, Todd Grisham was standing by with the former World Heavyweight Champion, the "Rabid Wolverine" Chris Benoit. Grisham asked Chris about feeling like the hunter again, after being the hunted - the result of losing the World Heavyweight Championship last night to Randy Orton. Benoit talked about how it hasn't set in, reminding Todd that he had spent his whole career chasing the World title. Benoit said it was a special night at WrestleMania XX - where he and his best friend, Eddie Guerrero stood in the middle of Madison Square Garden with the two most valuble prizes in the WWE. But now he's not got the title around his waist. He commented, telling Todd that he gained respect for Randy Orton when he won it. But now, like Grisham just said - the roles are reversed, and now Orton is the hunted...and Chris Benoit, is the hunter.
4. No-Disqualification: William Regal vs Kane (w/Lita) It was expected to be a hard-hitting exchange between two brawlers - but the size difference, and the dangerous nature of the "Big Red Monster" was sure to play apart. At the expense of Regal getting in the face of an injured Eugene's "Uncle Eric" Bischoff, the RAW General Manager was punishing the Blackpool brute by putting him in this no-disqualification bout with the seven-foot demon, who dragged his reluctant wife Lita to the ring by the wrist. Regal started off strong, getting in as many strikes as possible, but Kane repeatedly pushed Regal backwards, before taking Regal down hard with a big boot! Bischoff could be seen watching on a television monitor in his office, a big grin on his face - whilst Kane brutalized Regal, including taking him out to the floor, whilst a helpless Lita watched on. Kane ripped open the ringside floor mats, exposing the concrete below: which allowed Regal to bring out his brass knuckles - the villain from Britain coming back with a huge Power of the Punch, right into the face of Kane! Kane was dazed, and so Regal struck Kane again, taking the "Big Red Monster" down! Regal tried to capitalize, mounting him and attempting more brass knuckle punches - but Kane sat up with his hand wrapped around the throat of Regal! Kane shoved Regal down to the floor, then grabbed the steel steps: some cruel intentions in mind for Regal when...Matt Hardy appeared, a bat in hand as Hardy clubbed Kane in the back!Kane vs William Regal in 2:48 in a No-Disqualification match ended in a no contest This match was sabotaged by the boyfriend of Lita, as Matt Hardy caused Kane to drop the steel steps to the floor - Hardy with a shot to the abdomen of Kane with the bat - followed by two straight shots across the back! Hardy, who lost the Till Death Do Us Part bout to the "Big Red Monster" last night, costing him the opportunity of marrying his longtime girlfriend Lita - was out for revenge, jumping on Kane and striking him as many times as possible! Hardy then took Lita by the hand and ran up the rampway, whilst Kane remained down on the floor! But Kane suddenly sat up: a look of anger on his eyes, raging as he shoved referees away and down, storming up the rampway to try and find his soon to be wife with his rival!
Meanwhile, the new World Heavyweight Champion was shown warming up in the locker room of Evolution. The "Legend Killer" was lacing up his boots, before he planted a kiss on the title he now owns and defends tonight against the man he won it from last night. Randy Orton was then stopped by an emerging Triple H: "the Game", who was victorious in his efforts against Eugene last night at SummerSlam. Triple H asked Orton how it felt to hold the most prestigious prize in the business. Orton still said it hadn't set in. "The Game" began to give Orton a pep talk, telling him that now he is the man and that everything changed last night. Orton became the World Champion - something held by the likes of Lou Thesz, Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair: even Hulk Hogan, and the "Cerebral Assassin" himself. Hunter talked about how Orton was the future of the industry, and that the future is now, and tonight: Orton needs to beat the "Rabid Wolverine" one more time to cement his legacy. Orton cut Hunter off momentarily, telling Triple H that he knows Evolution has always got his back, and he always has theirs - but tonight, to cement his own legacy: he knows he has to win this on his own terms. Hunter agreed surprisingly easily. Triple H did however tell Randy how proud of him he was - and that after he defends the title for the first time successfully tonight, that they will go out, get some girls, and have a celebration party on behalf of the "Legend Killer".
COMMERCIAL BREAK A vignette aired, promoting the return of the legendary "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Michaels, who has been out since June as a result of injuries sustained at Bad Blood in Hell in a Cell against Triple H - as well as a beatdown from Kane that crushed his larynx the night after on RAW - returns very soon.Back in the office of RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff, the "Big Red Monster" was with him and he looked very angry, Kane shouting at Eric about how Matt Hardy had ran away with the woman he marries next Monday night on RAW! Kane threatened him, telling Bischoff to do something, because he's not allowing Hardy and Lita to break the vow on the line during their SummerSlam match - which is when Eric got himself out of hot water. Eric told Kane that next week, not only would Matt Hardy be banned from the building in Anaheim, California - preventing him from rudely interrupting the wedding proceedings - but should Lita not show up next Monday night to her own wedding: her and Matt Hardy would be blacklisted from not just Monday Night RAW - but World Wrestling Entertainment as well. Bischoff promised Kane this, which seemed to put the "Big Red Monster" at ease...for now at least.5. World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton (c) vs Chris BenoitIn what was a classic match last night at SummerSlam in Toronto, the tables had turned, and now "the Legend Killer" was the World Heavyweight Champion after defeating the "Rabid Wolverine", and with that - as echoed in their pre-match statements, Randy Orton was the hunted; the man with the target on his back - and Benoit, who had chased the World title throughout his twenty year long career prior to WrestleMania - was now the hunter once again. Orton, the youngest reigning World Heavyweight Champion in sports entertainment history, may have earned the respect of Benoit last night - but Benoit still wanted it. Early on it appeared that the butterflies in Orton's stomach was effecting his in-ring abilities, as a hungry Benoit worked over Orton in a mat-wrestling battle; getting the better of Orton to the point that the champion had to bail from the ring. And as Orton wanted, he has no help from Evolution tonight, wanting to, in his own words, "cement his own legacy" in this title fight main event to RAW in London, Ontario. Orton was able to get back in the swing of things with several shots to the stomach whilst in a side headlock - and a whip into the ropes was followed up with a dropkick, taking Benoit down. Orton tried to keep up with this, but Benoit fired back with some ruthless chops in the corner, before taking Orton down with a northern lights suplex for a near fall. Benoit continued to attack Orton with a snap suplex for another near fall, before Orton bailed again. The match was to continue, as RAW took its' final commercial break - going into overtime on Spike TV tonight!
COMMERCIAL BREAK
Back from our final commercial break, Randy Orton now had Chris Benoit in a sleeper hold, with Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler taking us to a replay of what happened during the commercial break - where Benoit continued to brutalize the new champion with chops and a suplex attempt on the floor: thwarted when Orton tripped Benoit and catapulted him head first into the steel ring post! Orton kept the sleeper applied until Benoit began to fight out of it, and out of nowhere Benoit fired back with two consecutive German suplexes, before a third one connected, much to the chagrin of the "Legend Killer"! Benoit motioned his fist across the throat: perhaps ready to go for the diving headbutt, but when Benoit got up there, Orton came back with two right hands - and a draping DDT connected, dropping Benoit on the canvas: Orton with the cover, but only for two! Orton was getting frustrated, as he continued to stomp on Benoit. Benoit attempted to fire back, but Orton cut him off with a big inverted neckbreaker, traumatizing the well documented recovered neck of the former World Heavyweight Champion! Orton was getting cocky now as he lined Benoit up for the RKO; Orton going for it, but Benoit shoved Orton down, then a clothesline followed into a Sharpshooter - successfully applied! Benoit had it locked in tight, with Orton having nowhere to go! Orton was on the verge of tapping out, but he gained the defiance of a champion within, and made the break on the ropes! Benoit looked about ready to take this match home, looking to become a two-time World Heavyweight Champion after losing the gold last night - but as Chris eyed Orton up for a German suplex, Orton low blowed Benoit without referee Earl Hebner noticing, and both men dropped to the mat! In the mean time, Ric Flair came trotting down to ringside: the "Nature Boy" disobeying Orton's own orders to Evolution: and Flair distracted Hebner! But then even worse, Triple H appeared at ringside; removing his jacket and entering the ring: Triple H planting a huge Pedigree on the "Rabid Wolverine" - all whilst Orton was still down and out without noticing Evolution had gotten involved! Orton recovered, and whilst Evolution backed up the ramp, Orton lined a groggy and unsuspecting Benoit up: the RKO connecting on Benoit, giving Orton the 1-2-3!Randy Orton (c) def. Chris Benoit in 14:32 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship Without even realizing, the "Legend Killer" had done it - with unknown assistance from Evolution! The London, Ontario crowd in JLC gave Randy Orton a mixed ovation on a job well done, whilst Triple H and Ric Flair were joined by Batista on the rampway! Orton got up in a groggy and confused state, as Evolution joined him in celebration over the defeated "Rabid Wolverine" Chris Benoit! Orton was hoisted up onto the shoulders of Batista and Flair, Orton raising the World Heavyweight Championship high, and now ready to enjoy a night of grand celebrations, after defending the World title for the very first time! J.R. was upset at the interference that Evolution played at the match's conclusion, but Orton appeared to think that he did it all alone - but regardless, the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history, was still the champion - as RAW went off the air!
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Post by DTP. on Aug 25, 2016 21:30:50 GMT -5
SMACKDOWN LIVE EVENT - August 16, 2004 Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada - Bayshore Community Centre (2,700)
1. Spike Dudley (c) def. Chavo Guerrero, Rey Mysterio & Jamie Noble to retain the Cruiserweight Championship.
2. Johnny Stamboli (w/Nunzio) def. Doug Basham (w/Danny Basham) after the Fuhgeddaboudit military press slam following interference from Nunzio.
3. Orlando Jordan def. Shanon Moore after the swinging neckbreaker.
4. John Heidenreich def. Funaki after the shoulderbreaker.
5. Billy Gunn def. Mark Jindrak after the Famouser.
6. John Cena, Rob Van Dam & Charlie Haas def. Booker T, René Duprée & Luther Reigns after the FU by Cena followed by the Five-Star Frog Splash on Duprée.
7. Paul London & Billy Kidman def. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship after the inside cradle by London on D-Von. The Dudleys attacked London and Kidman after the match.
8. Eddie Guerrero def. Kurt Angle (w/Luther Reigns) after the Frog Splash.
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Post by DTP. on Aug 25, 2016 20:27:02 GMT -5
WWE SUMMERSLAM - Sunday, August 15, 2004 Toronto, Ontario, Canada - Air Canada Centre (17,640) Presented by RAW, SmackDown! and Stacker 2's YJ Stinger LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW!
0. Rob Van Dam def. René Duprée in 6:07 after the Five-Star Frog Splash. This match aired exclusively on Sunday Night Heat, prior to SummerSlam going on the air. (SmackDown!)
1. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von and Spike Dudley) def. Paul London, Billy Kidman & Rey Mysterio in 08:06 after the 3D by the Dudley Boyz on Kidman. Michael Cole and Tazz, the resident announce team for SmackDown! brand matches, called the action. (SmackDown!)
2. Kane def. Matt Hardy (w/Lita) in 6:08 in a Till Death Do Us Part match after the Chokeslam. Per the stipulation, Lita will now have to marry Kane instead of Matt Hardy. Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, the resident announce team for RAW brand matches, called the action. (RAW)
3. John Cena def. Booker T (c) in 6:25 in a non-title first match of a Best of Five Series for the WWE United States Championship after the FU. (SmackDown!)
4. Edge (c) def. Chris Jericho & Batista in 8:26 in a triple threat match to retain the Intercontinental Championship after the Spear by Edge on Jericho. Edge was booed throughout by his hometown crowd. (RAW) 5. Kurt Angle (w/Luther Reigns) def. Eddie Guerrero in 13:38 after the Ankle Lock. (SmackDown!)
6. Triple H def. Eugene in 14:06 after the Pedigree. Ric Flair came out to ringside in favor of Triple H during the match, whilst William Regal came out shortly after in favor of Eugene. (RAW)
7. Team RAW Divas (Trish Stratus, Victoria, Nidia, Stacy Keibler, Gail Kim, Jazz & Molly Holly) def. Team RAW Diva Search (Christy Hemme, Carmella DeCesare, Amy Weber, Joy Giovanni, Maria Kanellis, Tracie Wright & Michelle McCool) in a Diva Dodgeball match. The RAW Divas got into an argument after the game, culminating in a pull-apart between Trish Stratus and Victoria. (RAW)
8. John Bradshaw Layfield (w/Orlando Jordan) (c) def. The Undertaker in 17:37 by disqualification to retain the WWE Championship after Undertaker struck JBL with the title. After the match, Undertaker attacked Layfield, concluding the beatdown with a chokeslam through the hood of JBL's limousine. (SmackDown!)
9. Randy Orton def. Chris Benoit (c) in 20:08 to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Orton celebrated after the match, becoming the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in history, at the age of twenty-four. Benoit confronted and shook Orton's hand after the match. (RAW)
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Post by DTP. on Aug 25, 2016 20:18:53 GMT -5
WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT 2004
World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton (since August 15, 2004) Intercontinental Champion: Edge (since July 11, 2004) World Tag Team Champions: La Résistance (since May 31, 2004) Women's Champion: Trish Stratus (since June 13, 2004)
RAW SUPERSTARS
A-Train - Al Snow - Batista - Chris Benoit Chris Jericho - Christian - Chuck Palumbo - Edge Eugene - Garrison Cade - The Hurricane - Jonathan Coachman Kane - Mark Henry - Maven - Randy Orton Ric Flair - Rhyno - Robert Conway - The Rock Rodney Mack - Rosey - Scott Steiner - Shawn Michaels
Shelton Benjamin - Simon Dean - Steven Richards - Sylvain Grenier Tajiri - Test - Triple H - Tyson Tomko William Regal - Val Venis WWE DIVAS Gail Kim - Jazz - Lita - Molly Holly Nidia - Stacy Keibler - Trish Stratus - Victoria
$250,000 RAW DIVA SEARCH Amy Weber - Camille Anderson - Carmella DeCesare - Chandra Costello
Christy Hemme - Joy Giovanni - Julia Costello - Maria Kanellis Michelle McCool - Tracie Wright
General Manager: Eric Bischoff Announce Team: Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler; Todd Grisham & Al Snow Ring Announcer: Lilian Garcia Referees: Earl Hebner, Mike Chioda, Chad Patton & Jack Doan RAW SCHEDULE
WWE SummerSlam 2004 - Aug 15, 2004 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
Heat/RAW Taping - Aug 16, 2004 - London, ON - Labatt Centre
Live Event - Aug 20, 2004 - Bismark, ND - Bismark Civic Center Live Event - Aug 21, 2004 - Fargo, ND - Fargodome Live Event - Aug 22, 2004 - Palm Springs, CA - Convention Center
Heat/RAW Taping - Aug 23, 2004 - Anaheim, CA - Arrowhead Pond Live Event - Aug 27, 2004 - Colorado Springs, CO - World Arena Live Event - Aug 28, 2004 - Salt Lake City, UT - E-Center Live Event - Aug 29, 2004 - Stockton, CA - Spanos Center Heat/RAW Taping - Aug 30, 2004 - San Francisco, CA - Cow Palace Live Event - Sep 4, 2004 - Beaumont, TX - Ford Arena Live Event - Sep 5, 2004 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center Heat/RAW Taping - Sep 6, 2004 - Wichita Falls, TX - Kay Yeager Coliseum WWE Unforgiven 2004 - Sep 12, 2004 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden WWE Champion: John Bradshaw Layfield (since June 27, 2004) United States Champion: Booker T (since July 27, 2004) WWE Tag Team Champions: Paul London & Billy Kidman (since July 6, 2004) Cruiserweight Champion: Spike Dudley (since July 27, 2004) SMACKDOWN! SUPERSTARS Akio - Big Show - Billy Gunn - Billy Kidman Booker T - Bubba Ray Dudley - Charlie Haas - Chavo Guerrero D-Von Dudley - Danny Basham - Doug Basham - Eddie Guerrero Funaki - Hardcore Holly - Jamie Noble - John Bradshaw Layfield John Cena - John Heidenreich - Johnny Stamboli - Kenzo Suzuki Kurt Angle - Luther Reigns - Mark Jindrak - Nunzio Orlando Jordan - Paul Heyman - Paul London - René Duprée Rey Mysterio - Rico - Rob Van Dam - Sakoda - Scotty 2 Hotty - Shannon Moore - Spike Dudley - The Undertaker Viscera
WWE DIVAS Dawn Marie - Hiroko - Miss Jackie - Torrie Wilson
General Manager: Theodore Long Announce Team: Michael Cole & Tazz; Josh Mathews & Bill DeMott Ring Announcer: Tony Chimel & Justin Roberts Referees: Brian Hebner, Nick Patrick, Charles Robinson, Jim Korderas SMACKDOWN! SCHEDULE
SummerSlam 2004 - Aug 15, 2004 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
Live Event - Aug 16, 2004 - Owen Sound, ON - Bayshore Community Centre
Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Aug 17, 2004 - Hamilton, ON - Copps Coliseum
Live Event - Aug 21, 2004 - San Diego, CA - San Diego Sports Arena
Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Aug 24, 2004 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center Live Event - Aug 27, 2004 - Sydney, AU - Sydney Super Dome Live Event - Aug 28, 2004 - Brisbane, AU - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Live Event - Aug 29, 2004 - Melbourne, AU - Vodafone Arena Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Aug 31, 2004 - Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Sep 7, 2004 - Tulsa, OK - Tulsa Convention Center Live Event - Sep 11, 2004 - Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Conference Center Live Event - Sep 12, 2004 - Calgary, AB - Calgary Corral Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Sep 14, 2004 - Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena Live Event - Sep 19, 2004 - Memphis, TN - FedEx Forum Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Sep 21, 2004 - Phoenix, AZ - America West Arena Live Event - Sep 26, 2004 - Springfield, MA - Springfield Civic Center Live Event - Sep 27, 2004 - Joplin, MO - Memorial Hall Velocity/SmackDown! Taping - Sep 28, 2004 - Wichita, KS - Kansas Coliseum WWE No Mercy 2004 - Oct 3, 2004 - East Rutherford, NJ - Continental Airlines
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Post by DTP. on Aug 22, 2016 15:02:48 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Aug 3, 2016 12:00:16 GMT -5
Very nice work thus far. Where are the Cruiserweights though? Also hoping you fix up the Raw layout a bit, it could stand out a lot better.
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Post by DTP. on Aug 2, 2016 11:23:05 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jul 31, 2016 12:41:27 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jul 31, 2016 12:23:00 GMT -5
| NJPW G1 CLIMAX 25: DAY FOUR
Saturday, July 25, 2015 - Takamatsu City Gymnasium- Takamatsu, Kanagawa |
The opening signature aired, a presentation of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2015. Following this came a video package that ran down the history of the G1 Climax - a tournament so gruelling and historic that many in professional wrestling all wish to compete, with the additional bonus of going on to challenge for an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match in the future. A rundown on the B block participants aired, which is what tonight is focused on - consisting of Bad Luck Fale, Doc Gallows, Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Roderick Strong, Rush, Shinsuke Nakamura, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano and Yuji Nagata, as well as their accolades and finishing moves. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the biggest tournament in New Japan history continues tonight.
Tonight, we are live in Takamatsu City Gymnasium for the second round of the B block G1 Climax tournament in 2015. A patient crowd waited, as ring announcer Kimihiko Ozaki formally introduced the crowd to the night's card ahead:
- Juice Robinson & David Finlay vs Yohei Komatsu & Jay White
- Kota Ibushi & Héroes Voladores (Jushin Liger & Máscara Dorada) vs Tomoaki Honma, Ryusuke Taguchi &
KUSHIDA
- Katsuyori Shibata, Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask vs CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo)
- Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Daisuke Sekimoto vs BULLET CLUB (Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga & Cody Hall)
- BULLET CLUB (A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi) vs Michael Elgin & Captain New Japan
- Toru Yano vs Rush in a G1 Climax 25 B Block match
- Yuji Nagata vs Roderick Strong in a G1 Climax 25 B Block match
- Hirooki Goto vs Doc Gallows in a G1 Climax 25 B Block match
- Shinsuke Nakamura vs Bad Luck Fale in a G1 Climax 25 B Block match
- Kazuchika Okada vs Togi Makabe in a G1 Climax 25 B Block match
1. Yohei Komatsu & Jay White def. Juice Robinson & David Finlay in 8:16 after the Boston crab by White to Finlay.
2. Tomoaki Honma, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA def. Kota Ibushi & Héroes Voladores (Jushin Liger & Máscara Dorada) in 9:24 after the Dodon by Taguchi on Dorada.
3. CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo) def. Katsuyori Shibata, Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask in 9:45 after the sliding lariat by Ishii on Tiger Mask. Shibata and Ishii brawled after the match, stopped by Young Lions and teammates.
4. BULLET CLUB (Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga & Cody Hall) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Daisuke Sekimoto in 11:19 after the Swivel Gun Stun by Anderson on Tanahashi. Naito did not get along with Sekimoto, who he lost to last night - and had a staredown with Tanahashi after the match. Naito repeatedly used a steel chair against Hall and Tonga during the match.
5. BULLET CLUB (A.J. Styles & Yujiro Takahashi) def. Michael Elgin & Captain New Japan in 9:47 after the Tokyo Pimps by Takahashi on Captain New Japan.
- 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION -
6. G1 CLIMAX 25 B BLOCK MATCH TORU YANO (2pts, 1-0) vs RUSH (0pts, 0-1)After a disappointing end to the Los Ingobernables founder on the B block opening night of the tournament, and a disappointing night for the ever devious CHAOS member on said night, both men were looking to gain momentum moving forward, as it was Rush of Conseco Mundial de Lucha Libre on one side of the ring, taking on the notorious Toru Yano on the other. Yano was able to knock off a victory against Yuji Nagata on July 23, whilst Rush was unsuccessful in his first ever New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 performance, losing to the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Roderick Strong. With that said, this feud between CHAOS and Los Ingobernables dates back further than one would think - mainly due to Shinsuke Nakamura's previous rivalries with La Sombra and Tetsuya Naito in particular.
With that all said, this one was on, as Toru Yano came to the ring forever plugging and promoting his DVD sales, whilst Rush came to the ring in an extremely confident mood, power walking to the ring and getting ready for this confrontation. It's notable that Rush is so calm and collected in his entrances, very similar to Tetsuya Naito, who is also a Los Ingobernables member - and both men have been known to be poised by a very aggressive style based on their movesets in the ring. However, with Yano, ever the spoiler in big match scenarios - a man that has beaten Hiroshi Tanahashi in the past - this one was bound to go either way.
Predictably the shenanigans of "YTR" played a part in the opening moments of this match, as Toru Yano mischievously removed the turnbuckle corner padding from its rightful place and placed it in the rear of his tights. Rush meanwhile decided to charge Yano right at the bell, a big dropkick landing...on the padding blocking Yano's rear, and Yano actually had a big laugh over it. Rush fell down and tried to go for a second charging dropkick on Yano, who turned his back and had his padding block the dropkick. Rush did not fall for it a third time, going right into it with an open handed chop, followed by a big right hand, and another one - as Rush knew he had to combat the wit of Yano with heavy landing strikes this early on.
Rush followed up with a leg kick on Yano, but Yano caught a second one and sweeped Rush down to the mat, covering for a one count. Back on their feet, Yano took the padding from his backside and tried to charge Rush with it, who ducked it, then executed Yano with another open handed chop. The padding went flying as Rush now took Yano into the corner, striking him repeatedly with some hard-hitting corner chops. Rush attempted to whip Yano into the opposite exposed corner's steel, but Yano managed to reverse it - and in return, Rush leaped over it, landing himself on the apron. In the mean time, Yano picked up the padding and swung, taking Rush off the apron and crashing down hard on the floor!
Toru Yano giggled slightly, then rolled out of the ring, delivering some unorthodox forearms - striking not being something he has been known for in the last couple of the years - Yano then whipping Rush into the ringside barriers rib first! Yano went over and continued his attack, pushing Rush into the barrier and causing it to fall through. Now into the sea of Takamatsu audience members, Yano attempted to whip Rush into a set of cleared chairs - Rush able to counter it, and Yano went tumbling into the chairs! Rush paced back to the ring, rolling inside and posing in an overconfident way, very simialr to Naito once again. The referee's count was on, as Yano appeared to get his arm trapped in chair, causing some struggle breaking loose. Yano instead dragged the folding chair to ringside with him, mounting the ringside barrier and barely making the count at seventeen!
Yano was still in this match, but Rush was about to make sure this did not last - the Los Ingobernables founder from Mexico taking the chair from Yano's arm and then slamming its rough edge into the arm of Yano! Rush tossed the chair out to the floor to boos, whilst the referee decided to continue the match without disqualification at this stage of violence. Rush saw Yano rising back up to his feet and cornered him, delivering body blow upon body blow - Rush following with a corner splash taking Yano down, but only for a near fall at this time. Rush was relentless now, stomping away at the arm of Yano as "YTR" was brought up to his feet for another haymaker to the face. Rush tried to whip Yano back out to the floor, but Yano reversed it and sent Rush out to the apron. Rush instinctively darted back inside, but Yano then sent Rush into the exposed steel: Rush sidestepping the impact, and then when Yano turned his back and shrugged, Rush delivered a huge German suplex, covering Yano for a near fall.
Rush started getting aggressive, not even letting Yano get up; tossing him into the corner shoulder first, then beginning to stomp away at the abdomen and arm of "YTR". The former IWGP Tag Team Champion was in trouble as Rush charged and executed a charging dropkick in the bottom corner, covering again but only for two. Rush was losing his temper very quickly with the quirky and common upset gainer Yano; Rush now picking Yano up and targeting the arm of Yano with two big kicks to his arm again. Yano however cut Rush off when he attempted to whip him across the ring - Yano covering Rush for a close call with the Akakiri; Yano then getting up and catching Rush off guard with a slap, then the Urakasumi leg hook cradle for two. Yano got back up instantly and cowered from Rush, hiding behind the referee, who he lawndarted into Rush's path.
With the referee out of position, Yano looked for a low blow on Rush, but Rush leapfrogged it, then delivered a kick to the groin of "YTR"! Rush shoved Yano out of the ring through the ropes, where he came emerging with a topé through the ropes...that went missed, as Yano managed to walk out of the way! Rush hit the floor, and Yano decided to capitalize, delivering a big chair shot across the spine of the Los Ingobernables founder! Yano slid back inside and shrugged, then held his thumbs up for the "YTR" taunt - but little did Yano know that Rush did not suffer badly from the chair shot, and had slid back inside. Rush came from behind with the olympic slam, then charged the ropes, dropping the running senton across the ribs of Yano! Rush then picked Yano up, dropping him with the double underhook piledriver Rush Driver: and just like that, Rush emerged in victory!Winner: Rush (2pts, 1-1) in 7:22 [**¼] After the efforts of the man himself, Toru Yano had come out unsuccessful again in his second outing in this year's G1 Climax tournament. The man that came close in 2007 and 2010 to winning his block had been defeated by the newcomer to New Japan, the man known only as Rush. Rush celebrated his win by picking Yano up by his hair, then suddenly dropping him with a big punch to the mouth! Rush was extremely aggressive tonight, but in his next match of the tournament against a motivated Kazuchika Okada, he may not be so lucky. Yano was helped out of the ring by the Young Lions, next to face Doc Gallows on July 28 in Oita.
7. G1 CLIMAX 25 B BLOCK MATCH YUJI NAGATA (2pts, 1-0) vs RODERICK STRONG (2pts, 1-0)After the events of the previous match between two men that lost on the opening night of the B block, it was time for the men that beat them on said night to combat one another in an expectedly tough, hard-hitting battle. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion, representing Ring of Honor in the B block for this year's tournament in Roderick Strong, has been riding a wave of momentum in recent months, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura on two separate occasions, both to claim and then retain the IWGP Intercontinental Championship - also gaining top contendership to the ROH World Championship held by Jay Lethal in the United States - but above all, on his first night in his first ever G1 Climax tournament, Strong was able to defeat fellow G1 newcomer Rush to get a good set of starting points in this year's edition. Meanwhile, the former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, as well as long-time member of the New Japan roster, Yuji Nagata, was able to defeat Toru Yano during his first match of the tournament, and with "Blue Justice" having wanted to gain some previously lost notoriety with New Japan fans in previous months dating back to Wrestle Kingdom 9, where he was left off of the main card and instead won the annual New Japan Rumble instead - this had the potential to be a big year for the veteran forty-seven year old.
Roderick Strong, who has shown to be egotistical in his recent appearances, even when losing in tag team competition, came down to the ring gloating about being the first IWGP Intercontinental Champion to simultaneously win the G1 Climax tournament. "Mr ROH" added to this when he mentioned that he would be facing Jay Lethal at ROH's next feature event entitled "Field of Honor" on August 22 in Brooklyn, New York - the same event that will feature New Japan talents returning to its American partner - to the camera on his way to the ring, claiming to take all of the gold from Mr Lethal. On the contrary, "Blue Justice" was in no mood and it showed, as he came pacing down to the ring, ready to go at it with the sometimes confident yet resiliently hard-hitting "Mr ROH".
Strong ordered the referee to clean his IWGP Intercontinental Championship as he handed the belt over, Yuji Nagata meanwhile waiting patiently for the opening bell to sound, effectively beginning this match. The audience were behind Nagata tonight, wanting the previous G1 Climax winner to enjoy another monumental tournament victory in the twilight of his career. Strong talked some trash as both men approached one another in the centre, this match beginning with Nagata quickly striking Strong with a big elbow blow. Strong fired back with a forearm of his own, followed by a second one. Nagata came back with two forearm blows of his own, rocking Strong, but Roddy came back with an uppercut, then blocked a strike from Nagata. Yuji fell backwards into the ropes and tried to go for a big boot off the ropes, which Strong sidestepped. Roddy threw a dropkick that went blocked, and Nagata then caught Strong with a big kick to the torso!
Yuji clobbered Strong when he was down on his knees with another elbow strike, before swinging a chest kick that Strong caught, and Roddy then sweeped Nagata down to the mat and applied an inverted chinlock. Strong had mounted the back of Nagata for more leverage, but Nagata was able to slip out like the professional he is - Nagata with a waistlock on Strong, teasing an early Back Suplex Hold - Strong breaking free with three big elbows across the side of the head. Strong chopped Nagata, but Nagata then chopped back. Nagata followed up with two more, cornering Strong: but the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, a veteran of the ring in his own right, turned it around and cornered Yuji, then chopping him twice before the referee prompted the first break of this match.
Strong mocked Nagata's JUSTICE taunt, then ducked a right hand from Nagata, Strong coming back with two big elbow strikes, followed by a dropkick that stunned Yuji. Nagata stumbled over towards the ropes, and Strong relentlessly approached looking for more - Nagata ducking a chop and then hitting the ropes - Strong jumping over a knee to the gut, but he was unable to see a big boot coming, and Strong dropped to a knee! Nagata fired away with chest kicks to the reddening torso of the American: but Strong ducked a roundhouse kick, then came back with a jumping knee strike to the back of Nagata! Strong delivered two clubbing forearms to the spine of "Blue Justice", before attempting a back suplex that went blocked - Nagata breaking out with two elbow strikes to the head. Strong hit the ropes, but Nagata cut him off with a knee strike to the gut, flipping Strong across the ring!
The veteran was in control as he picked Strong up to his feet and delivered a huge chop to the chest, followed by a second. Strong tried to come back with a forearm strike of his own, but Nagata came back with a series of snap jab punches to the jaw, Nagata getting excitable now as he wound up, looking for one more punch - Strong cutting him off with a dropkick! "Mr ROH" rose back up and stomped on the back of Nagata, picking him up and dropping him with a suplex, covering for a very brief near fall. Strong rose back up to his feet and kicked Nagata in the back one more time, before stomping him over to the apron. Yuji tried to recover, but Strong was going right after the back - hitting the ropes and then firing off a sliding dropkick to the back, sending Nagata tumbling out to the floor below.
Roddy still in the ring, then thought to capitalize on the opportunity, hitting the ropes and connecting with a topé through the ropes, knocking Yuji spine-first into the barriers at ringside. Now on the floor, the IWGP Intercontinental Champion hoped to follow up, looking for a backdrop on the floor, but Nagata broke out of it, then took the arm of Strong and dropped him with an arm ringer on the floor! Both men were down on the floor, whilst Yuji was the first to get back up to a vertical basis. Nagata rolled back inside whilst Strong remained down holding his wrist, the count beginning on the IWGP Intercontinental Champion. Strong remained down but slid back inside at eight, allowing Nagata to go on the attack, stomping the hand. The wise veteran picked Strong up by the wrist and wrenched away at it in a hammerlock, then took him down to the mat, mounting the wrist in what was now a grounded hammerlock hold. Nagata delivered a handstand knee to the limb, and "Mr ROH" appeared to be in a bad way right now.
"Blue Justice" kicked the wrist for some extra effect, whilst Roddy attempted to find himself back in this match. Nagata found Roddy in the corner, where he lit Strong up with two chest kicks before Strong was somehow able to duck one, grabbing Nagata from behind and back suplexing him over the top rope to the floor below! This was IWGP Intercontinental Champion Roderick Strong's mission now, rolling out quickly and fast - then picking Nagata up and back suplexing him right on top of the ringside barrier! Nagata went down from the gross thud, and Strong rolled back inside holding his wrist, the count now beginning on Nagata in a cruel twist of fate in this G1 Climax bout. Nagata was slower to get up than what Roddy was, breaking the count at thirteen - perhaps unlucky thirteen, as Strong immediately followed up with a backdrop across the knees spine-first, Strong covering...but Nagata kicked out, still energized in this bout.
Roddy appeared to try slowing down the pace of this match, a seated surfboard stretch applied, the knee of the champion driven into the back of Nagata with his arms stretched out wide. Strong tried to keep Yuji locked in the hold, and maybe even cause Yuji to submit, but "Blue Justice" was able to scoot over, getting his foot on the bottom rope and thus forcing the break in the hold. Strong did not want to stop though, another sharp kick catching Yuji right in the back. Nagata's back had to be hurting, whilst Strong continuously shook his wrist, trying to fight the pain Nagata had sustained earlier on. Strong picked Nagata up and whipped him spine first into the corner: Strong charging looking for a back elbow, but Nagata got his foot up, a big boot catching Strong! Yuji then fired up with two forearm strikes, Nagata hoping to get back in the game, but a big lifting knee caught Nagata in the jaw!
Strong propped Nagata up on the top rope now, hoping to yield some more work into the spinal column of the veteran. Strong hoped to continue his attack with some more elbows, but Nagata fired back and grabbed the arm, now attempting to get his leg over the arm for a top rope positioned Nagata Lock: Strong however wisely clubbing Nagata in the back with three elbow clubs. Strong went up and executed a superplex, the cover however only getting two at this time! It became apparent that Strong was growing frustrated in Yuji's hard resilient style, as he raised Nagata up into a seated position, then driving his knee into the back of Yuji's twice. Strong covered again, but only managed to get one.
Roddy felt now that playtime was over, with Strong stalked Nagata from the corner: the IWGP Intercontinental Champion charging at Yuji looking for a Sick kick: Nagata catching him off guard with with a big boot to the wrist! Strong went down hurting, whilst Nagata now fired back up, emerging to his feet and delivering two Mongolian chops to the shoulder blades of Roddy, followed by two big drilling elbow blows to the jaw. Strong looked for a lariat that Nagata wisely countered, Nagata sending Strong off the ropes and connecting with a belly-to-belly suplex! Nagata looked to immediately attempt the Nagata Lock, and he almost had him if not for Strong squirming in hopes of reaching the ropes. Not quite, but Nagata pulled back on the arm, and a cross-armbreaker became applied! Nagata rolled his eyes back into his skull as Strong rived in pain, his arm under a lot of punishment right now!
Strong attempted to backwards roll out of it when Nagata wisely switched back to the Nagata Lock, this time applied successfully, and it appeared that Strong had nowhere to run, at least in this bout! Yuji tried to apply more pressure by rolling his eyes back into his head a second time: but Strong was able to free himself, his toe barely touching the bottom rope, prompting the break! Strong was lucky to have barely survived, but Nagata was now on the attack again, and Yuji approached Strong looking for JUSTICE, Nagata lighting Strong up with several more chest kicks - Strong however coming out of it with a jumping knee strike, nearly shattering the nose of the veteran! Strong whipped Nagata into the corner, charging for a back elbow strike that landed. Strong then followed up with two charging big boots to Nagata, who was slumped down in the corner - Strong picking Nagata up for a double underhook backbreaker, but Nagata broke loose and delivered a crushing elbow strike!
Nagata hit the ropes, looking for a big boot that missed, Strong now attempting a Sick Kick that also missed! Nagata capitalized and connected with an exploder suplex to Strong, the IWGP Intercontinental Champion in peril now, as "Blue Justice" picked Strong up to his feet, looking for the Backdrop Hold, Strong however, able to block it out! Nagata navigated over to a German suplex attempted, but Strong back elbowed his way loose, then executed a rolling elbow to the jaw, stumbling Nagata! Strong hit the ropes attempting the Sick Kick once more, but Nagata cut him off with a big boot to the jaw! Nagata connected with the Backdrop Hold, but Strong kicked out barely, almost being beaten by the forty-seven year old!
It was as hard hitting as expected, but more heated than expected too, with Nagata having the Takamatsu City crowd strongly behind him. Nagata picked the arm attempting to apply the Nagata Lock once more, but Roderick Strong elbowed Nagata in the abdomen, then again struck Yuji with a jumping knee strike to the face! Strong picked Nagata up and powered him down with a double underhook backbreaker, the end perhaps near for Nagata, as Strong picked him up and attempted the End of Heartache: but Yuji clung onto the legs of Strong during the suplex attempt - Nagata connecting with a snap suplex of his own...rising to his feet...just to encounter a hard Sick Kick from the IWGP Intercontinental Champion! Strong picked Nagata up to his feet, and the End of Heartache connected - Strong pinning him, and that was all she wrote!Winner: Roderick Strong (4pts, 2-0) in 19:11 [****¼] Perhaps it was pure luck, but Roderick Strong had survived this clash with a veteran and modern legend in "Blue Justice" Yuji Nagata to remain undefeated in this tournament, and it was perhaps not as easy as "Mr ROH" had thought it would be. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion celebrated his win with blood dripping down his face, holding his wrist, as Strong knew that he had been through a war. Strong hugged his title gold, and perhaps had gained respect in this outing, remaining undefeated early on in this year's G1 Climax B block, one of the leaders thus far.
Yuji Nagata came to and turned down the Young Lions' offer of an icepack to cool his wounds, "Blue Justice" having other things in mind, as Nagata got up to his feet somehow and grabbed the microphone. Nagata confronted Strong, telling him that he won tonight - but he lit a fire up inside of Nagata. Yuji told Roddy in Japanese that he wanted another match where maybe something else would happen...something Strong maybe wouldn't like. Roddy meanwhile simply just looked at him in confusion, arrogantly telling Yuji that he doesn't know any Japanese. Nagata knowingly, looked Strong dead in the eyes and told him: "I want the title" before leaving. But first, Nagata and Strong have to get through this tournament, with Nagata moving on to face Shinsuke Nakamura, whilst Strong prepares to meet Togi Makabe on July 28 in Oita.
8. G1 CLIMAX 25 B BLOCK MATCH HIROOKI GOTO (0pts, 0-1) vs DOC GALLOWS w/Karl Anderson (0pts, 0-1)The first night of the G1 Climax for the B block was not a good night for either of the men going into this bout tonight. For Hirooki Goto, one-half of the current reigning and two-time IWGP Tag Team Champions alongside Katsuyori Shibata, it was a highly competitive loss to Shinsuke Nakamura that the "Aramusha" of New Japan Pro Wrestling sustained back on July 23. For Doc Gallows, it was the loss to Togi Makabe that has got him to this point, getting ready to go at it with a recurring rival in one half of Meiyu Tag. The history between these two men go back to last December, where Goto and Shibata teamed up to win the 2014 World Tag League, beating Gallows and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson in the finals. Goto and Shibata went on to win the IWGP Tag Team Championships the first time around on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 9 in the Tokyo Dome, which then turned into a rematch at the New Beginning in Osaka, which ended the same way. Not to mention how Goto and Shibata ended the impressive 365-day streak set by Gallows and Anderson. But this looked to be potentially different.
"The Outlaw" did not come to the ring peacefully either, arriving with his face dressed up in warpaint, a noose hanging around his neck, whilst swinging its loose end between his legs like an extended phallus. But besides this, he was with the "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson, who has also been unfortunate in past appearances in the A block of this very tournament, losing thus far to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi. Meanwhile, Hirooki Goto came out to the ring with intent to overcome the Bullet Club once again, just like Meiyu Tag as a team have done before, whether it be to Gallows and Gun, or Bad Luck Fale and Tama Tonga, and even A.J. Styles and Yujiro Takahashi.
The bell sounded, with the Takamatsu crowd supportive of Hirooki Goto, the winner of the 2008 G1 Climax tournament, in this match against the loud and profanely obnoxious gaijin, representing the Bullet Club. Doc Gallows swore at Goto as both men approached one another, greeting in the middle of the ring with Gallows showing off in front of his adversary. Hirooki immediately slapped the taste out of Gallows' mouth with a big slap across the face, then followed up with an open handed chop to the chest of Gallows, followed up by another. Goto kicked Gallows in the breadbasket, then attempted to send him off the ropes, but Gallows immediately came back with a shoulder block that did not budge Goto. Goto backed up into the ropes and tried his own shoulder block that went absorbed by Gallows. Gallows cut Goto off when he could, a kick to the gut and a throat thrust catching Goto hard.
Gallows took Goto into the corner with several stomps to the mid-section of "Aramusha", Hirooki Goto absorbing multiple body blows, the recipient of Gallows' strikes, all whilst Doc continued to talk trash in Goto's way. Gallows was forced to back up by the referee, which he obliged to - but probably for the wrong reasons. Whilst Goto was down, slumped in the corner, Karl Anderson grabbed the noose in which Gallows brought to the ring with him - Anderson choking Goto temporarily with the noose, before removing the evident when the referee turned his head around. Inconspicuous, Gallows had Goto weakened right out of the gate it seemed, and Takamatsu City despised it. Gallows picked Goto up from his slump, then cornered him again with some more body blow strikes, followed up with a big throat thrust catching him in the jaw.
Gallows raised his boot to Goto's jaw and began to choke Hirooki against the top rope, with "Aramusha" not looking to be in a good place right now. Gallows was restrained from the choke by the referee, then distracted the referee whilst being reprimanded: and behind his back? Karl Anderson got up onto the apron to try and attack Goto once more, but Goto took him off the apron with a big forearm, and Gallows suddenly charged with a big corner splash, mowing Goto back down into the slumped position he was in before. "The Outlaw" goaded the booing crowd, whilst Karl Anderson tried to continue appearing as innocent as possible, even when out of the corner of Gallows.
Gallows taunted the crowd, then picked Goto back up in the corner, just for Goto to begin firing back with several forearm strikes targeting Gallows' jaw - but Gallows came back with a lifting knee to the solar plexus of the IWGP Tag Team Champion. Gallows sent Goto off the ropes, hoping to attempt a big boot, but Goto sidestepped it, continued running, and shoulder blocked Gallows into the ropes: Gallows rebounding and missing a lariat - Goto connecting with a chest kick! Goto connected with a second chest kick before stomping the knee of Gallows, dropping him to one knee. Goto now, once again hit the ropes, looking perhaps for a lariat that Gallows this time dodged - Gallows catching Goto off the ropes with a big boot to the jaw! Gallows then picked Goto up and went for a sidewalk slam on the IWGP Tag Team Champion but Goto blocked it and caught Gallows with a Russian legsweep - Goto rolling Gallows up in a leglock, but only for one at this time.
Gallows scrambled back up to his feet to eat more chest kicks from Goto, Hirooki Goto not wasting any time in forcing Gallows down from a kneeling state to the mat, and covering him for a near fall. Goto would not allow Gallows any time to get back up, getting Gallows with more sharp chest kicks as Gallows got up again - but the long arms of Gallows made their way to Goto's throat, as another throat thrust landed. Doc got up and caught Goto with the sidewalk slam, driving him down to the mat for a near fall - and Gallows then decided to connect with the elbow drop off the ropes, covering again, but once again only securing a near fall. Anderson watched on from ringside as Goto tried to fight both members of Gallows and Gun singlehandedly. The Bullet Club's tactics were paying off, whilst Gallows now looked at attempting a suplex on Goto, managing to get him off of his feet, but Goto was able to deadweight himself back down to the Earth: Goto breaking the suplex attempt off with a big headbutt to the chest, then a forearm, then another one. Goto then managed to do the unlikely, a snap suplex on Gallows landing!
"The Outlaw" quickly got back up to his feet, just in time to get hit by a spinning wheel kick by Goto in the corner, and Goto was clearly meaning business now. "Aramusha" attempted to go for the Ushigoroshi on Gallows, but Anderson climbed into the ring quickly, which is when Goto kicked "the Machine Gun" in the gut, dropping Gallows with a Samoan drop! Anderson got back up to a vertical basis, then ran into trouble of his own - the Ushigoroshi connecting on Karl Anderson! Anderson hastily rolled out to the floor, as Goto returned his attention to a recovering Gallows. But when he got up close to him, "the Outlaw" grabbed Goto by the throat with both hands, perhaps looking at the Hangman's Noose now - Goto able to break loose with several elbows. Goto connected with a fast enzuigiri, then tried the Ushigoroshi again: Gallows able to block it out once again, then connect with a belly-to-belly slam, getting a two at this time.
Doc Gallows got into an argument with the referee at this time, disputing the referee's decision and conspiring that the referee was biased against the Bullet Club. But this appeared to be all a poise, as whilst Goto recovered from the attack, Karl Anderson slid back inside, looking for a Gun Stun...that Goto was able to reverse out of it, and a spinebuster on Anderson connected! Goto scored with another spinebuster to Gallows, and Goto was looking at getting in the running of this very prestigious tournament. Goto picked Gallows back up to his feet and executed a back suplex, covering Gallows - but Anderson got on the apron! "The Machine Gun" was interfering blatantly at this point, doing anything to prevent Goto from victory. Goto shook his head and went to attack Anderson yet again, but Karl jumped down - and when Goto turned his head back towards Gallows, Doc grabbed him by the throat again!
Gallows had the double handed choke on Hirooki Goto, but "Aramusha" broke loose with a big elbow strike, then another headbutt! Gallows backed up into the ropes, and Goto clashed with Gallows, taking the larger man down with a running lariat! The IWGP Tag Team Champion then picked Gallows up for the Ushigoroshi, scoring with it this time! Goto now picked Doc up to his feet, picked him up in a suplex - and the Shouten Kai connected on the big man somehow! Goto covered, and despite Anderson's efforts, Hirooki Goto had picked up the victory!Winner: Hirooki Goto (2pts, 1-1) in 13:32 [***] Despite the intentions of Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, Hirooki Goto was able to score a victory tonight in Takamatsu City, and "Aramusha" appeared thrilled with the outcome. He grasped the IWGP Tag Team Championship belt, whilst Anderson, who will meet Goto's tag team partner Katsuyori Shibata on July 29, backed away, whilst also yelling that he wanted another shot at the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Gallows was helped out by Anderson and Cody Hall, whilst Goto stood proudly in the ring, victorious tonight - next set to meet Bad Luck Fale, whilst Doc Gallows prepares to face Toru Yano on July 28 in Oita.
9. G1 CLIMAX B BLOCK MATCHSHINSUKE NAKAMURA (2pts, 1-0) vs BAD LUCK FALE (2pts, 1-0) There was a huge upset on July 23, the night these two men last competed in B block action of the G1 Climax tournament this year. In Shizuoka, whilst Shinsuke Nakamura, the "King of Strong Style" was able to oust Hirooki Goto in a gripping match that could have gone either way, "the Underboss" Bad Luck Fale was able to defeat the former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and aspiring future Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Kazuchika Okada. These two men are very familiar with one another as well, as Bad Luck Fale defeated Shinsuke Nakamura last June at Dominion to shockingly claim the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, although Nakamura would later reclaim the title, winning the belt back at Destruction in September. A year has made a world of change since their Dominion bout, and these two men were ready to go back at it again tonight in Takamatsu city.
"The Underboss" calmly strolled down to the ring, Bad Luck Fale showing a vacant yet intimidating facial expression on his face, the Tongan representing the Bullet Club all ready to get into it with his former rival. Shinsuke Nakamura received a hero's welcome to Takamatsu, the crowd delighted to see him, and it proved so as Nakamura gyrated and danced en route towards the ring. Both men were ready as the stage was set, both men thus far undefeated in the G1 Climax, now set to go up against one another.
Shinsuke had the crowd on his side, as the bell sounded signalling the bout's beginning. Nakamura stepped forward approaching Fale, who similarly stepped towards Nakamura - no sign of backing down at this time, whilst Nakamura simply stared down Fale. The former IWGP Intercontinental Champions got into it with a lock-up, which Fale controlled, forcing Nakamura backwards into the ropes, the referee immediately forcing the break to take place - and Nakamura backed off, with Fale immediately punching Nakamura in the gut. Fale clubbed the back of Shinsuke's head, but Nakamura came back with a knee to the waistline, then connected with a second and a third knee to the abdomen - Nakamura getting into a side headlock until Fale was able to back Nakamura up into the ropes: the referee again admonishing a break in the early moments.
"The King of Strong Style" slumped himself head first against the chest of Fale and let his arms slump - a bad idea on behalf of the veteran, as the Tongan immediately came back with another body blow, and then another. Fale grabbed Nakamura by the shoulders and immediately went to town with more body blows: Fale attempting to take Shinsuke down with a standing corner lariat but it failed, as Nakamura dodged it. Shinsuke now came charging in at Fale with a running knee lift in the corner, "the King of Strong Style", who won the G1 Climax in 2012, now trying to cut down the big "Underboss", Nakamura with several knee strikes and leg kicks in the corner, until the referee forced Nakamura to back away.
Fale came at Shinsuke with a right hand, but Nakamura dodged it and kicked Fale in the leg again, and then spinkicked Fale in the abdomen, Nakamura using his kickboxing experience to corner Fale. Shinsuke choked Fale with a high foot held against the jaw of Fale, before squashing his knee into the face of Fale in the lower corner. Nakamura kicked Fale brutally twice, before commencing with the Strong Style Footwipe, gyrating to the cheering Takamatsu crowd whilst Fale wisely rolled out to the floor. Nakamura followed in pursuit, continuing with the knee strikes to the chest and abdomen of Fale, who then slumped over the ringside barriers. Nakamura followed, entering the aisle of the audience and then coming at Fale with a running knee strike but Fale moved - and Fale capitalized with a lariat, taking Shinsuke down hard in the audience area.
Nakamura was down and hurting, whilst Bad Luck Fale rolled back inside in hopes of collecting a count out victory tonight. Fale, who has big problems with Toru Yano as of late, and defeated Kazuchika Okada last night, now hoped to beat Nakamura right here and now, as the Bullet Club's rivalry with CHAOS continues. Nakamura was up at the count of eight, and managed to make it to the ring by the count of twelve, but into the heavy footed stomps of Fale upon entry. Fale picked Nakamura up and went back to the body blows, before he sent Shinsuke back into the corner. Fale stepped backwards and came charging with a corner splash, catching Nakamura, and Fale relentlessly followed suit with a legdrop, covering but only for a near fall.
Fale was in the mood to put Nakamura down tonight, the former IWGP Intercontinental Champion applying a nerve grip on the shoulder of Shinsuke, the "King of Strong Style" suffering the wrath of the three-hundred pounder tonight. "The Underboss" tried to keep Shinsuke in check, but Nakamura came back with two body blows to Fale, and then fought free with a forearm strike, then another one, then a right hand punch stunning Fale slightly. Nakamura went for a kick to the gut, but Fale caught the boot - Nakamura jumping over, then came back, catching Fale with a wheel kick that took Fale stumbling through the ropes and down to the floor! Fale was down on all fours at ringside now - and Shinsuke attempted to follow up with a spinning topé using the top rope as a slingshot - but he fell right into the waiting arms of Fale, who then charged him backwards into the ring post!
Fale picked Nakamura up with a handful of hair, then rolled him inside of the ring where "the Underboss" hoped to pin Nakamura, albeit only for a near fall. Fale picked Shinsuke up and struck him with a right hand, then body slammed him down into the centre of the ring - Fale now, hitting the ropes and dropping his head down hard with the Falling Coconut headbutt! Fale was getting prepared to go for the Grenade, picking Shinsuke up with his hand across Shinsuke's throat, lifting him up and dropping him down hard with a thumb thrust! Fale covered, but Shinsuke was able to kick out before the three! Fale was growing weary of fighting Shinsuke at this point, as Fale now picked Nakamura up to his feet, looking for the Bad Luck Fall, but Shinsuke when on Fale's shoulders, was able to slip out of it, and Nakamura landed on the second rope - Nakamura striking Fale with a BomaYe from the second rope to the back of the head!
Nakamura had Fale down to his knees, and "the Underboss" tried to recover from the blow - Nakamura stalking Fale wisely from behind him: charging for another BomaYe to the back of the head but Fale ducked it! Nakamura then came back looking for the BomaYe again, but Fale took him down with a ferocious lariat! Fale picked Nakamura up and attempted the Bad Luck Fall again, but Shinsuke courageously fought out of it, then connected with an enzuigiri stunning Fale again! Nakamura executed a lungblower on Fale, which brought Fale down to his knees: Nakamura executing the BomaYe successfully this time! Nakamura pinned Fale, but the hard headed Fale was able to power out just before the three count! Shinsuke knew that he was in for a battle in this match, whilst Bad Luck Fale looked to improve his undefeated streak: Nakamura setting up for another BomaYe from the second rope: but Fale caught him in his arms...running Nakamura into the corner! Fale followed with a charging big splash in the corner to follow, before peeling "the King of Strong Style" out of the corner, and executed the Bad Luck Fall sucessfully, scoring another huge win!Winner: Bad Luck Fale (4pts, 2-0) in 12:20 [***½] "The Underboss" was off to a hot start in only his second match of this year's G1 Climax tournament: Fale officially one of the leaders in the B block at this point, after defeating both of CHAOS's Aces in Kazuchika Okada, and now Shinsuke Nakamura as well. The mean Tongan of the Bullet Club shoved down the referee, then began to leave without much celebrating, the serious bouncer not done yet thus far in this tournament, whilst Nakamura had his ribs ice packed, "the King of Strong Style" surprisingly victim to Fale's onslaught tonight.
10. G1 CLIMAX B BLOCK MATCHKAZUCHIKA OKADA w/Gedo (0pts, 0-1) vs TOGI MAKABEThe last time these foes met in a major singles bout was back during Kazuchika Okada's second reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. It was back at Dominion in 2013 where the "Unchained Gorilla" Togi Makabe challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and although he tested Okada and took him to the limit, he was ultimately unsuccessful in defeating the "Rainmaker" on that night in June. Since then so much has changed, with Kazuchika Okada trying to avenge his previous losses, both to Hiroshi Tanahashi at the Tokyo Dome back at Wrestle Kingdom 9, where Okada was unable to beat Tanahashi and claim the throne of New Japan Pro Wrestling, leaving in tears. Furthermore, Okada - whilst wanting to win this G1 Climax tournament and get back to where he once was at the apex of the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster - had just lost to Bad Luck Fale, and came into this match with zero wins at this time. On the contrary, Togi Makabe, a veteran of the New Japan roster, has been focusing his time as of late on the newly improved Great Bash Heel faction, a former faction that came to an end back in 2009 after Makabe was betrayed by Toru Yano during a match with Shinsuke Nakamura, effectively founding CHAOS instead. G.B.H. has been around, although only with Makabe and Tomoaki Honma, however the big sucess story has been New Japan newcomer Daisuke Sekimoto, the newest member of Great Bash Heel, and current reigning NEVER Openweight Champion.
"Rainmaker" had a lot to prove coming into this tournament bout, Kazuchika Okada still reeling from his loss to Bad Luck Fale on July 23, but he still walked with a purpose, led by Gedo, en route to the ring as his money fell from the ceiling surrounding him. The two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion was in for a mission if he wanted to get in the winning column of this tournament, Okada preparing to do battle with the "Unchained Gorilla". Makabe stomped out to the ring with chains hanging around his neck - Makabe entering the ring and getting ready to go immediately with Okada, getting in his face just before the bell sounded. The main event in Takamatsu was getting set to take place, as the referee backed Makabe off into his corner.
The bell sounded, and the main event was officially underway, with Okada getting plenty of chants from the Takamatsu crowd. Togi Makabe, no slouch, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion himself, got right back in Okada's face, and then slamming Okada with a big elbow to the jaw. Okada appeared rocked, but came back with one of his own, and then a second one as well. Elbow war took place, with Makabe drilling Okada with three forearms in a row, but Okada blocked one, and both men wildly started swinging forearms. Okada broke this up with a back elbow to Makabe, Okada applying a side headlock on Togi. Makabe attempted to pick and toss Kazuchika off, but Okada was able to roll through with a headlock takedown - Okada transitioning into a headscissor hold on the mat. Makabe rolled onto his front and broke free, then took Okada down with a side headlock - Okada's shoulders momentarily down, but Okada kicked out at one.
Rolling onto his stomach, Okada built up to his knees, then his feet - as Kazuchika Okada sent Makabe into the ropes, then caught an inbound Makabe with a big boot, but it did not move the veteran as much as he thought it would. Makabe came back with a big open handed chop to the chest, then followed up with a second one against the ropes. Okada shot back with a forearm, but Makabe came back with two more back elbow shots before the referee finally broke up the exchange. Okada backed up against the ropes, patted the chest of Togi obnoxiously, and Togi clobbered Okada with another sharp elbow smash. Makabe sent Okada off the ropes now, and Okada came back with a back elbow - Togi inviting Okada to repeat this tactic, and he did so with another running back elbow: but Makabe fired back with another big chop to the chest. Okada fired back with a chop of his own, and then another, backing up into the corner - but Makabe quickly cut him off with another elbow smash, and then a club across the back took Okada down to all fours.
Togi Makabe was asserting his dominance whilst Gedo, Okada's mentor, watched on from ringside: Makabe picking Okada up from his knees and body slamming him across the mat - the cover, but only for a one count at this time. Togi Makabe was just figuring Okada out: picking Okada up and delivering a big kick to the abdomen, then sent Okada flying into the corner spine first: Makabe charging looking for the running corner lariat - Okada able to moved out of the way, and then followed up with a flapjack that took Togi down hard! Kazuchika Okada had to recover now, whilst the G.B.H. leader tried to find his vertical basis. "Rainmaker" picked Makabe up to his feet, then took him down again with an arm-wrapped neckbreaker, Okada with the cover - but Makabe was up at two.
Kazuchika Okada was keeping the "Bousou Kingkong" down now, a straightjacket hold applied on the seated Makabe, and Togi was trying to rotated himself in direction of the ropes close to him - Okada trying to prevent it whilst Okada's knee dug deep into the vertebrae of Makabe, but Togi was able to reach the bottom rope with his foot, the break occurring. Okada eyed Makabe up as he used the corner for elevation: Okada charging and catching Makabe with the back elbow - then delivering four more with Togi sandwiched in the corner, each clashing with the side of Togi's skull! Okada thought he had Makabe where he wanted him, but Togi dragged him into the corner this time, delivering nine continuous standing lariat strikes in the corner! Makabe looked to go for a running lariat to finish this up, but Okada moved out of the way at the last second: Okada with a snapmare, and then hit the ropes for a dropkick to the back of Makabe's head - at this time only getting two!
The match was picking up as Togi rolled out to the apron for a quick breather. Okada slowly got back up to his feet and came over to confront Makabe: a forearm strike catching Makabe, who then missed a shoulder thrust. Okada delivered an uppercut to Makabe, before taking Togi's head and attempting the draping DDT through the second rope - but Makabe shot Okada off with a headbutt to the gut. Makabe ran up to the second rope on the outside, looking for a high risk move from the top, but as Makabe came down, Okada caught Togi with a dropkick in mid air! Makabe rolled outside, this time to the floor for some breath, and Okada wanted more of Togi Makabe! Okada booted Makabe in the head through the ropes for good measure and a little more room, before Okada prepared himself, then hit the ropes and dove over the top rope with a somersault senton topé landing right on top of Makabe's head and shoulders!
Okada had Makabe down on the outside, and the "Rainmaker" was getting into his prime element right now against the G.B.H. leader, Okada picking Makabe's heavy body up and rolling him back inside of the ring. Okada climbed back onto the apron and connected with the slingshot somersault senton on Makabe inside of the ring, covering but only for a near fall at this time. Okada stomped on Makabe as he picked him back up to his knees, hoping to attempt a fireman's carry, but Makabe was able to clobber Okada with some deep elbows driven into the back of Okada's cranium. Makabe had blocked Okada, and then powered Okada up, dropping him down with a kneeling powerbomb! Makabe then picked Okada up and dropped him with a second powerbomb, this time with the pin packaged in, but Okada was still able to kick out at two!
A back and forth match, Makabe was now refinding himself after taking some heavy offense from Okada moments before. Makabe picked Okada back up and popped him onto the top rope: Makabe renowned for his Spider Suplex, which often leads to the King Kong Knee Drop: Makabe then belting Okada twice across the back with his forearms. Makabe climbed up to the top with Okada, the top rope German suplex attempted here, and Okada went crashing down on the mat as Makabe suplexed him down to the mat hard! It could be game over here, as Makabe using his phenomenal core strength to pull himself back up to the top, then turned around to attempt the King Kong Knee Drop: but Okada was able to somehow roll out of the way!
Makabe went down crashing hard, holding his knee in pain from the attempt, whilst Okada then got back up to his feet, dazed in his own way: Okada delivering a huge dropkick to the back of Makabe's head! Okada recomposed himself, before approaching Makabe and attempting the over-shoulder neckbreaker across the knee - Makabe however, able to pull away from Okada, looking for a spear attempt - Kazuchika however forecasting it and delivering a DDT on Makabe! "Rainmaker" slowly reached his feet, looking at finishing Makabe up now, and Okada opened his arms wide open for the Rainmaker Lariat: picking Makabe up and going for a tombstone piledriver attempt that Makabe was able to free himself from - Makabe looking for a lariat that went missed, and Okada looked for a Rainmaker Lariat that Makabe broke with a forearm to the face! Makabe drilled Okada with two more elbow smashes, then hit the ropes to attempt the King Kong Lariat - Okada leapfrogging over Makabe, then powering the "Bousou Kingkong" onto his shoulders: tombstone piledriver executed! Okada used all of his effort to pull Makabe up to his feet, and this time, the Rainmaker Lariat connected, giving Okada the big one, two, three!Winner: Kazuchika Okada (2pts, 1-1) in 15:08 [****] In the end when it all drew to a close, only one man was able to stand, and his name was the "Rainmaker", Kazuchika Okada scoring his first victory of the tournament in an all-out war with the "Bousou Kingkong" Togi Makabe. Makabe slowly rolled out of the ring, the Great Bash Heel leader that won the 2009 G1 Climax, falling ultimately to the winner of the 2012 and 2014 tournaments - Okada now on the journey hunt to winning his third ever G1. Okada celebrated alongside Gedo, before Gedo took the microphone. Gedo talked Okada's rise to glory, and how fast that was - but now "Rainmaker"s rise back up to the top all over again must begin with winning the G1 Climax tournament for a third time - for a second time in two years! Gedo asked Okada to say a few words, which he then did.
Okada spoke about his previous loss to Bad Luck Fale, and what memories he had of that January night in the Tokyo Dome, where thirty-six thousand fans witnessed him lose to Hiroshi Tanahashi for the first time. And it happened yet again two years afterwards, at Wrestle Kingdom 9. And worst of all, Okada felt humiliated by crying immediately after that match. But not this year: Okada said that he wants the IWGP Heavyweihgt Championship - and that is now his priority. And he is rooting for Tanahashi to win the A block and meet him in the finals, because he wants some just revenge. Okada then thanked the Takamatsu crowd before wrapping it up, and as the venue emptied out, the announce team ran down the card before eventually signing off.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 26, 2016 10:32:01 GMT -5
| NJPW G1 CLIMAX 25: DAY FOUR Saturday, July 25, 2015 - Takamatsu City Gymnasium - Takamatsu, Kanagawa |
| G1 CLIMAX 25: B BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | SHINSUKE NAKAMURA (CHAOS) | G1 CLIMAX 25: B BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | BAD LUCK FALE (BULLET CLUB) | | G1 CLIMAX 25: B BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | DOC GALLOWS (BULLET CLUB) | | G1 CLIMAX 25: B BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | | G1 CLIMAX 25: B BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | A.J. STYLES (BULLET CLUB) YUJIRO TAKAHASHI (BULLET CLUB) | SPECIAL TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | MICHAEL ELGIN (ROH) CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN (SEKIGUN) | HIROSHI TANAHASHI (SEKIGUN) TETSUYA NAITO (LOS INGOBERNABLES) DAISUKE SEKIMOTO (G.B.H.) | SPECIAL SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | KARL ANDERSON (BULLET CLUB) TAMA TONGA (BULLET CLUB) CODY HALL (BULLET CLUB) | KATSUYORI SHIBATA (SEKIGUN) MANABU NAKANISHI (SEKIGUN) TIGER MASK (SEKIGUN) | SPECIAL SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | TOMOHIRO ISHII (CHAOS) YOSHI-HASHI (CHAOS) GEDO (CHAOS) | KOTA IBUSHI (SEKIGUN) JUSHIN LIGER (SEKIGUN) MÁSCARA DORADA (SEKIGUN) | SPECIAL SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | TOMOAKI HONMA (G.B.H.) RYUSUKE TAGUCHI (SEKIGUN) KUSHIDA (SEKIGUN) | JUICE ROBINSON DAVID FINLAY | SPECIAL TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | |
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Post by DTP. on Jul 25, 2016 11:40:09 GMT -5
| RING OF HONOR SPOTLIGHT |
DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR XIII Friday, July 24, 2015 - William J Myers Pavilion - Baltimore, Maryland Whilst Ring of Honor stars Roderick Strong and Michael Elgin, alongside the stars of New Japan Pro Wrestling are away for the annual G1 Climax tournament in Japan for the next few weeks, Ring of Honor hosted an Internet-exclusive pay-per-view tonight in the United States. As Jay Lethal's top contender to the ROH World Championship, Roderick Strong is absent, his opponent tonight in the main event was former champion Adam Cole, in a Proving Ground match for Cole with a future opportunity at the title up for grabs.
0. Donovan Dijak w/Truth Martini def. Takaaki Watanabe in 7:33 after the standing backbreaker. This was a dark match that took place before the iPPV went on the air.
4. The Briscoes (Mark & Jay Briscoe) def. Roppongi Vice (Rocky Romero & Barreta) in 15:12 after the Jay Driller and Froggy Bow Bow by Mark on Barreta.
7. The Addiction (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian) def. ReDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly), The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Michael Bennett) w/Maria Kanellis & War Machine (Hanson & Ray Rowe) in 18:32 to retain the ROH World Tag Team Championship in a Four Corner Survival match after the Celebrity Rehab by the Addiction on Fish. Adam Cole appeared on commentary during the match, then walked out on the Kingdom prior to the end.
8. Jay Lethal w/Truth Martini and Donovan Dijak def. Adam Cole in 24:24 after the Lethal Injection after interference from the Kingdom in a Proving Ground match. Lethal's ROH World Championship and ROH World Television Championship were not on the line. If Cole won, he would be in contention for an ROH World Championship opportunity.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 25, 2016 8:40:25 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jul 24, 2016 10:23:33 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Jul 21, 2016 23:18:22 GMT -5
Snick did a fantastic job with said Q&A. I can support this.
And the whole HOF debate as to what makes a HOF worthy diary: I believe this is where the debate comes between longevity vs booking quality vs writing qualify. It's a hard line to tow, and everybody has their own perception. As everybody is aware, I'm obviously more into longevity and writing quality as opposed to booking (although booking is obviously something I still take in high regard). This is the issue with perception, and I believe that's why some HOF diaries that didn't last very long in-game wound up there. Everybody has their favourites. Maybe a small committee of some sorts would rectify this? At least then there are a few people to debate and choose.
I may get back to giving replies when I can. Probably not very often, but it's worth a shot. Nothing's been that worthy of replying to.(except some of the the new guys, i could tear them a new one hehehe)
As for the note about new readers getting up to speed on what's going on...I just can't do that. With a promotion like New Japan, I'd have to basically write a book-sized guide as to what's going on, why it's going on, etc etc. I'll just let those readers scan the archive of my diary instead.
Nice to see some initiative on the go, though. Hopefully somehow, it pays off.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 21, 2016 20:47:59 GMT -5
| NJPW G1 CLIMAX 25: DAY THREE
Friday, July 24, 2015 - Kyoto City Budokan Center - Kyoto, Honshu |
The opening signature aired, a presentation of New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2015. Following this came a video package that ran down the history of the G1 Climax - a tournament so gruelling and historic that many in professional wrestling all wish to compete, with the additional bonus of going on to challenge for an IWGP Heavyweight Championship match in the future. A rundown on the A block participants aired, which is what tonight is focused on - consisting of A.J. Styles, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, Daisuke Sekimoto, Karl Anderson, Tomohiro Ishii, Katsuyori Shibata, Tomoaki Honma and Michael Elgin, as well as their accolades and finishing moves. The twenty-fifth anniversary of the biggest tournament in New Japan history was finally here.
Cut to Kyoto City, where the audience patiently waited for the show to begin, when ring announcer Kimihiko Ozaki stood in the middle of the ring, listing the matches for the evening to the Honshu-based crowd:
- Héroes Voladores (Máscara Dorada & Jushin Liger) & David Finlay vs Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White
- BULLET CLUB (Doc Gallows, Tama Tonga & Cody Hall) vs Hirooki Goto, Captain New Japan & Yohei Komatsu
- Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs Roderick Strong & Juice Robinson
- CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI) vs BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi)
- Rush & Togi Makabe vs CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano)
- Tetsuya Naito vs Daisuke Sekimoto in a G1 Climax 25 A Block match
- Katsuyori Shibata vs Michael Elgin in a G1 Climax 25 A Block match
- Tomohiro Ishii vs Hiroshi Tanahashi in a G1 Climax 25 A Block match
- Tomoaki Honma vs A.J. Styles in a G1 Climax 25 A Block match
- Karl Anderson vs Kota Ibushi in a G1 Climax 25 A Block match
1. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Jay White def. Héroes Voladores (Máscara Dorada & Jushin Liger) & David Finlay in 8:15 after the Boston crab by White on Finlay.
2. BULLET CLUB (Doc Gallows, Tama Tonga & Cody Hall) def. Hirooki Goto, Captain New Japan & Yohei Komatsu in 9:11 after the Veleno by Tonga on Komatsu.
3. Roderick Strong & Juice Robinson def. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi in 8:31 after the roll-up by Strong on Nagata.
4. BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi) def. CHAOS (Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI) in 11:10 after the Bad Luck Fall by Fale on YOSHI-HASHI.
5. Rush & Togi Makabe def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Toru Yano) in 12:27 after the Rush Driver on Yano.
- 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION -
6. G1 CLIMAX 25 A BLOCK MATCH TETSUYA NAITO (2pts, 1-0) vs DAISUKE SEKIMOTO (0pts, 0-1)It was an eventful night four nights ago in the Hokkaido Sports Center for the NEVER Openweight Champion, potentially memorable in the worst possible way, as "Muscle Monster" Daisuke Sekimoto lost his first singles match to date in New Japan Pro Wrestling, not to mention, his first match of his first ever G1 Climax tournament. Granted, it was against a world class talent like the IWGP Heavyweight Champion "Phenomenal One" A.J. Styles, but nonetheless, Sekimoto expected to come into this tournament with a lot more momentum, hoping to plough through the competition for the Great Bash Heel faction. On the contrary, Tetsuya Naito was able to score a win against Kota Ibushi in his first tournament match, and with his new attitude being such a contrast to his former "Stardust Genius" persona, Naito wishes to continue his winning ways, in hopes of becoming a two-time winner of the G1 Climax. But first, he had to get past a seething NEVER Openweight Champion.
Daisuke Sekimoto came down to the ring with the NEVER Openweight Championship over his shoulder, the "Muscle Monster" still proudly displaying his symbol of domination that he started in April - his first appearance in New Japan Pro Wrestling under contract. Sekimoto looked very angry with his loss sustained to A.J. Styles nights earlier, which could either be an advantage when facing the smaller Tetsuya Naito - who is also a former NEVER Openweight Champion - or a disadvantage, given the intellect of "El Ingobernable". Naito meanwhile came out playing mind games with Sekimoto, dressed in the three piece suit, whilst hiding behind a hooded mask resembling a skull - Naito taking his sweet time, whilst also trying to push the Young Lions around, forcing Yohei Komatsu to hold down the middle rope allowing him to enter the ring. Naito very slowly dressed down to his gear, whilst Sekimoto was getting pumped up - clearly impatient with the Los Ingobernables representative, a rebellious faction down in Mexico.
The bell finally sounded after what seemed like an eternity of Tetsuya Naito's arrival, with Naito slumping out of the corner and cracking his neck, Daisuke Sekimoto meanwhile emerging towards Naito, who simply slumped out through the ropes, trying to fend off an overly pursuing Sekimoto, the referee restraining the Great Bash Heel member. Naito climbed out to the apron, not particularly interested in combating Daisuke here and now. Naito finally re-entered the ring, but as soon as Daisuke came back for contact with him, Naito instead dropped down to the mat and slipped out to the floor, prompting a negative reaction from the Kyoto City crowd, craving the action of the G1 Climax. Naito appeared to be on his way out, getting ready to leave as the referee began the count, much to Sekimoto's chagrin. Daisuke and the referee had words, all the while Naito suddenly turned back, hitting the ring and jumping the "Muscle Monster" from behind! Naito delivered several clubbing forearms to Daisuke, before sending him through the ropes to the floor.
Naito was playing head games with the NEVER Openweight Champion, "El Ingobernable" following Daisuke out to the floor, where Tetsuya grabbed a steel chair from the broadcast section at ringside - slamming the chair right across the spine of the larger Sekimoto! Naito raked the eyes of Sekimoto for further insult, before sending Sekimoto shoulder first into the ring post, taking Daisuke down to the floor! Naito climbed back inside and watched back at the recovering Sekimoto begin to try and reach his feet, Naito looking poised and hitting the ropes looking for a topé, but instead, Naito hit the opposite ropes and rolled forward, landing on his back in a relaxed state! "TRANQUILO!" he yelled, having pulled one over now on the fans in addition to his opponent.
Sekimoto was able to get back into the ring, but was greeted by a stomp across the back of the head by "El Ingobernable", as Naito then picked Daisuke up to his feet, then went back to the forearm strikes, and a big elbow club across the back of the head rattled Naito. Tetsuya decided to hit the ropes, but came back just to get tossed up into the air, and slammed right down on his front! "Muscle Monster" used his unreal strength to pick Naito up with his hands, tossing him into the corner, then dishing out the chops to Naito in the corner! Naito in a dazed state came out of the corner, when Sekimoto tried to lift Naito above his head in the Argentine backbreaker rack - but Naito was able to weasel his way out of it, then targeting the arm with a dropkicking to the shoulder! Sekimoto held his arm but didn't go down, when Naito connected with an enzuigiri rocking the larger NEVER Openweight Champion: Naito now looking for a tornado DDT, but Sekimoto managed to shove Naito off of him - Sekimoto trying for a lariat, but Naito ducked it, hung onto the arm for a floatover, and executed a DDT on Sekimoto for a near fall!
Tetsuya Naito remarked as Daisuke Sekimoto held his arm, and just as planned, "El Ingobernable" had found a weakness in the "Muscle Monster"s arsenal. Naito smirked confidently and knowingly, before waiting for Sekimoto to begin crawling, stomping away at the shoulder some more. Naito was working at taking the shoulder of Sekimoto's out of the equation, making it more difficult for Sekimoto to toss Naito around. Naito kept stomping, before hitting the ropes and executing a standing somersault senton, right across the back and effecting the arm of Daisuke further! But instead of following up, Naito simply stood still, and soaked in the atmosphere of the Budokan Center here in Kyoto. Sekimoto meanwhile slowly recovered in the corner, just as Naito came running with a charging dropkick, landing on the apron. Naito tripped Sekimoto down in the corner, before executing a slingshot dropkick on the NEVER Openweight Champion, Naito covering Daisuke, but only for a two as Sekimoto had more in the tank!
Tetsuya Naito now looked to do more, picking at Sekimoto and clashing with him on another forearm strike to the jaw. But Daisuke ignored it, absorbing the blow and looking very unsatisfied with Naito's attempts! Naito continued to elbow Sekimoto in the jaw, but Daisuke eventually fired back, delivering four hard forearms consecutively, Naito trying to fight back, just to get shoved backwards into the ropes, and right back into a shoulder block from the "Muscle Monster"! Sekimoto followed a reeling Naito over to the corner, where he began to dish out standing lariat upon lariat, each one devastating Naito. Sekimoto then picked Naito up, dropping him with a body slam! Daisuke shook the pain away from his arm, but began to leave for the top rope, climbing up carefully - perhaps for the frog splash that Sekimoto has been known for - Sekimoto reaching the top, but Naito was able to cut him off with an enzuigiri! Naito, perhaps desperately, climbed up to the second rope, bringing more punishment to Sekimoto with several elbow strikes. Naito then climbed up, and came off with a top rope hurricanrana, bringing Sekimoto crashing down to the mat! Naito covered, but Daisuke still kicked out.
Naito was in disbelief but still kept going, now stalking Daisuke up to his feet before striking from behind: looking for a German suplex, but Sekimoto elbowed his way free. Sekimoto suddenly fired up, a slap to Naito, and another one, before impressively connecting with an enzuigiri! Naito was dazed, but as Daisuke got up to his feet, Naito fired an enzuigiri of his own, stunning Sekimoto now. Naito looked for and connected with the tornado DDT, using the corner for elevation - Naito covering, but Daisuke suddenly kicked out at two again! Everything "El Ingobernable" was throwing the NEVER Openweight Champion's way was backfiring, as Naito then decided to pick the "Muscle Monster" up to his feet. Naito got him up, then looking for the standing Shiranui that put Kota Ibushi away on Monday - Sekimoto however catching Naito on his shoulder, and tossing Naito like a lawndart into the corner pad head first! Sekimoto grabbed Naito from behind, delivering a bridging German suplex - and this match was over!Winner: Daisuke Sekimoto (2pts, 1-1) in 12:37 [****] The NEVER Openweight Champion had managed to pick up the win on this night, evening up his score after a disappointing night in Sapporo against A.J. Styles. Tetsuya Naito rolled out of the ring, visibly frustrated, as Naito shoved aside the Young Lions that tried to help him, and tossed his icepack at them, "El Ingobernable" fired up about losing, but as Daisuke Sekimoto celebrated and also stared him down, Naito thought better than to confront the "Muscle Monster" again, instead leaving - Tetsuya Naito, next set to take on Hiroshi Tanahashi in the G1 Climax tournament. Meanwhile, Daisuke Sekimoto left with the title in hand, Sekimoto next set to do battle with Karl Anderson in Hiroshima on July 26.
7. G1 CLIMAX 25 A BLOCK MATCH KATSUYORI SHIBATA (2pts, 1-0) vs MICHAEL ELGIN (0pts, 0-1)It was a good night for Katsuyori Shibata on July 20 for the first night of the G1 Climax - "the Wrestler", who returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling after taking a hiatus for kickboxing three years ago this August, as Shibata was able to defeat Tomoaki Honma. On the contrary, his opponent for tonight was a man he has never faced before in this ring, representing Ring of Honor, "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin. Elgin had a strong showing on his first night in a New Japan ring, being able to go toe to toe with a renowned hard hitter in the former NEVER Openweight Champion, Tomohiro Ishii - ultimately being defeated in that contest. But here, Elgin was about to go up against another hard striker, who has experience in mixed martial arts and kickboxing, the IWGP Tag Team Champion, Katsuyori Shibata.
"Big" Mike made his way down to the ring with a Canadian flag draped across his shoulders, Elgin representing his homeland in this tournament, joining the likes of Owen Hart and Chris Jericho as Canadian gaijin to compete in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Elgin received a humble ovation, the crowd still familiarizing themselves with the work ethic of the Ring of Honor star. His opponent Katsuyori Shibata, wasted no time storming down to the ring, as serious as ever, one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions, looking to continue his hot streak by coming into this match, engaging in a tense staredown with Elgin upon arriving. Shibata removed his title belt and went over to wait patiently for the bell to sound; Shibata looking to continue his record against a man of Elgin's calibre.
The bell sounded, and this one got underway, with the fans in Kyoto City Budokan Center supporting Katsuyori Shibata, "the Wrestler" and "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin emerging for another faceoff, with Elgin not backing down for a second from the fighter. Shibata began to get into offense, delivering a big forearm to Elgin that came returned, and Elgin fired back with an elbow of his own, followed by a second one. Shibata appeared effected, but sucked it up and came back with three more big elbow strikes to the side of the head of Elgin. Elgin fired back with a clubbing blow to the back of Shibata, before rocking Shibata with an uppercut and another elbow, which Shibata absorbed yet fell backwards into the ropes on - suddenly coming back with a big boot right into the chest and neck area of Elgin. Shibata opened up Elgin with some concentrated leg kicks, trying to take the logs from underneath the much larger Elgin - who weighs in at 250 pounds.
Shibata continued with the leg kicks that Elgin wished for, before going for a chest kick - Elgin blocking it by grabbing the foot of Shibata, and Elgin clubbed Shibata with another elbow smash to the jaw. Elgin attempting a rolling elbow, but unfortunately Shibata managed to block it, then daringly tried to shoulder block Elgin, who instead hit the ropes and rebounded with a shoulder block knocking Shibata down! Elgin picked Shibata up and whipped him into the corner, "Big Mike" now charging over to Shibata, looking for a corner splash, but Elgin got nothing but the corner. Shibata immediately got up and went over, clubbing Elgin with multiple elbow strikes, followed by three big chest kicks. Shibata was doing his best to wind Elgin early on, as Shibata demonstrated by stepping away, charging into Elgin with a dropkick in the corner! Elgin remained on his feet, as Shibata connected with a second running dropkick. Elgin appeared to be on the verge of falling down, but Shibata charged for a third dropkick, just for Elgin to catch Shibata in his waiting arms, the Canadian then tossing Shibata across the ring!
Elgin was demonstrated his surreal power against Shibata, as Elgin then picked Shibata up and hoisted Shibata up into the air, the suplex in motion - but Elgin would not let Shibata down for the drop, leaving him hanging upside down in the air! Elgin had Shibata up for fifteen seconds, before squatting repeatedly as the time period reached thirty seconds - finally dropping Shibata from the stalling suplex! Elgin covered, but Shibata powered out at two. Elgin had to do more to keep Shibata down, as Elgin now picked Katsuyori up to his feet, "Big Mike" looking for a lariat on "the Wrestler", but Shibata ducked it and came back with more leg kicks landing on the enormous shins of the Canadian. Shibata would not let up, then rocking Elgin with an uppercut of his own. Shibata sized Elgin up and charged for another dropkick in the corner, this time knocking Elgin down in the lower corner! Shibata saw Elgin down and followed up, hitting the ropes and connecting with a big boot in the side of Elgin's head, followed by a second one, and then finishing with a charging dropkick to the face!
Elgin was down, and Shibata tried to pick "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin up, using a lot of strength in order to do so, as Elgin tried to push Shibata away, just for Shibata to connect with a headkick rocking Elgin, who was on his knees! Shibata forced Elgin over to his back, covering, but only for a near fall at this time. Shibata was unable to put Elgin away yet, as Elgin continued to power out of Shibata's attempts at offense designed to put him away. The IWGP Tag Team Champion now picked Elgin up to his feet, looking to apply an octopus stretch, but he was unable to get his leg over the back of Elgin's head - his body purely too big, which is when Elgin picked him up on his shoulders, now looking for a fireman's carry type move - Shibata however able to slip out somehow, Shibata suddenly delivering a huge kick to the back of Elgin! Shibata lit Elgin up with further kicks, particularly going for the legs, but Elgin grabbed a hold of Shibata, picking him up and delivering a thunderous powerbomb into the corner!
Elgin now looked to go for the finishing Elgin Bomb, lifting Shibata up onto his shoulders, but "the Wrestler" was able to land on the second rope instead - Shibata kicking Elgin right in the face from this angle. Katsuyori came off the top with a missile dropkick that knocked "Big Mike" to a knee: Shibata then connecting with a huge spinkick to the back of Elgin's head...just for Elgin to fire back with a jumping enzuigiri! The agility amazed the Kyoto City crowd, as Elgin then got back up to his feet, whipping Shibata off the ropes, looking for a lariat - Shibata ducking under it, but Elgin connected with a huge discus lariat taking Shibata down! Elgin once again got into position to put Shibata away, going for the Elgin Bomb, but Shibata was able to break from between Elgin's legs - a huge headbutt rocking "Big Mike"s world. Shibata then managed to power Elgin onto his shoulders - a huge Go 2 Penalty Kick connecting! Elgin collapsed to all fours, before Shibata hit the ropes, connecting with not one, but two huge Penalty Kicks to the chest of Elgin! Shibata covered, and picked up his second victory!Winner: Katsuyori Shibata (4pts, 2-0) in 13:19 [***¾] "The Wrestler" emerged victorious, this win putting him, at least temporarily, in the leading position of the A block, the first member of the block to score two wins, remaining undefeated in the process! Michael Elgin remained down on the mat, whilst Shibata took his IWGP Tag Team Championship and left, next to take on the "Stone Pitbull" Tomohiro Ishii on July 25. Meanwhile Michael Elgin received a modest applause from the appreciative Kyoto City crowd, the audience beginning to take to "Unbreakable" Michael Elgin in those closing moments. Elgin left, next to face the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and a familiar foe in "Phenomenal One" A.J. Styles on July 25 in Hiroshima.
8. G1 CLIMAX 25 A BLOCK MATCH HIROSHI TANAHASHI (2pts, 1-0) vs TOMOHIRO ISHII (2pts, 1-0)It was two years ago during the G1 Climax tournament that Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi last faced off in singles competition. At Korakuen Hall on a hot August night, the "Stone Pitbull" was able to knock off a win against the "Once in a Century Talent" in a match where Ishii was the unlikely underdog. But that was two years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Included in this is Tomohiro Ishii's dominance in the NEVER Openweight Championship division, becoming a two-time champion, until he fell to Daisuke Sekimoto back at Wrestling Dontaku in May. Similarly, Hiroshi Tanahashi continued his quest as the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling, becoming a seven time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and defending successfully against all comers, until falling in defeat to A.J. Styles, losing the title at Dominion earlier this month. Tanahashi and Ishii, both reeling after important losses to foes, were coming into this tournament looking for a shot in the arm, and for Tanahashi, the winner of the 2007 G1 Climax tournament, he wanted to win again, just so that he could once again qualify and become IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Tomohiro Ishii walked to the ring with his ever menacing look, marching his way down and not wasting any time climbing inside and waiting there - awaiting the arrival of his opponent tonight. A former three-time NEVER Openweight Champion, the "Stone Pitbull" looked to defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi again tonight in Kyoto City. The "High Fly Star" soon made his way out to the ring, air guitar in tow, as Tanahashi - his ring jacket not displaying the IWGP Heavyweight Championship like in the past - looked a lot different due to the lack of gold around his waist. Despite this he seemed determined and surprisingly chilled, before stepping inside the squared circle, and meeting eyes with Ishii from across the ring.
This match got underway as the crowd strongly supported Tanahashi in Kyoto, Tomohiro Ishii wasting no time in quickly confronting Tanahashi in a staredown, Tanahashi butting heads with Ishii in a fierce faceoff before Ishii suddenly looked to forearm Tanahashi - who ducked it, then delivered a big chop, followed up by a second to the "Stone Pitbull". Ishii came back with a chop of his own, and immediately a chop war emerged, each hand brushing off the opponent's chest with no turning back. Ishii managed to wind Tanahashi, and then began to deliver some hard-hitting forearms to the face of Hiroshi, who dropped to a knee after three in a row. Ishii whipped the "High Fly Star" off the ropes, but Hiroshi came back with a big forearm smash, followed by three more forearms, before suddenly hitting the ropes again, this time another flying forearm smash knocking Ishii down from his feet!
Tanahashi had rattled Ishii in this opening exchange, and the Ace looked to follow up, picking Ishii up and looking to apply a side headlock, but Ishii managed to lift him off of his feet. The former NEVER Openweight Champion was using his strength as an advantage, but Tanahashi managed to rope Ishii down with a headlock takedown, Tanahashi having neutralized the hard-hitting striker in Ishii, and making him play by the Ace's rules in mat wrestling. Tanahashi transitioned the headlock into a headscissors hold, trying to wear Ishii down and keep him in place, but Ishii was able to slip out, covering Tanahashi for a one count, as Hiroshi got back up to his feet. The "Once in a Century Talent" delivered a dropkick to Ishii, before getting back up to his feet, hitting the ropes trying for a crossbody this time - but the "Stone Pitbull" caught him, delivering a body slam, followed by picking Tanahashi up and delivering a big German suplex, sending Tanahashi across the ring!
Ishii looked to be dishing out the punishment now, the representative from CHAOS not allowing Hiroshi to have his way with him. Ishii saw Tanahashi using the ropes to rise back up to his feet, when Ishii rushed the corner, attempting to go for a corner splash - Tanahashi getting his feet in the way at this time. Tanahashi climbed out to the apron wisely, delivering a Dragon Screw legwhip across the middle rope, causing Ishii to fall down to the mat. Hiroshi climbed up to the top rope, perhaps for a quick High Fly Flow, but instead came off with a somersault senton; covering Ishii, but Tomohiro powered out before the two. Ishii had been through a battle on the first night of the tournament four nights ago against Michael Elgin, whilst Hiroshi Tanahashi had come out on top against Karl Anderson on that night - both men undefeated thus far, and not wanting to give up this bout in a hurry.
"The Stone Pitbull" attempted to get back up to his feet now, whilst Tanahashi delivered more forearms to the face of Ishii, just for Ishii to shove Hiroshi into the corner, then dishing out chops and elbow smashes in succession, the combination startling Tanahashi, until Tanahashi came back with some chops of his own, cornering Ishii now! Tanahashi backed up and looked to charge Ishii with a splash into the corner, but Ishii was able to step away from it, followed by a huge lariat in the corner, rocking Tanahashi! Hiroshi, dazed, came stumbling out of the corner now, when Ishii suddenly delivered a big powerslam, covering Tanahashi, but the Ace was able to kick out before the three. Tomohiro had more work to do with the "High Fly Star", picking the former seven time IWGP Heavyweight Champion up to his feet, then whipping him hard into the corner.
Ishii was looking at going for the charging lariat into the corner again, but Tanahashi was able to dodge it, and Ishii hit the corner knee first! Tanahashi came from behind with a corner splash, followed up with a second Dragon Screw legwhip, taking Ishii down, with the "Once in a Century Talent" gaining an advantage in taking the leg of Ishii's out from beneath him. The powerlifter in Ishii would surely struggle with his powerful attacks with his leg out of the equation, as Tanahashi stalked Ishii from his feet, a low dropkick to the seated Ishii taking him down - a pin attempt, and another two at this time. Tanahashi stomped the leg of Ishii repeatedly, trying to work over the leg and force Ishii to show mercy in this G1 Climax bout. Tanahashi attempted to slyly go for the leg again, but Ishii was able to back elbow Hiroshi away, before charging and powering Hiroshi up to the top rope in a seated position.
Ishii approached Tanahashi, delivering three more big elbow smashes as Tanahashi remained straddling on the top rope. Ishii quickly tried to climb up, perhaps to look for a superplex at this time, but Tanahashi was able to come back, delivering two big forearm smashes, followed up by a big uppercut that rocked Tomohiro and knocked him down! Ishii quickly tried to get back up to a vertical basis, but in doing so, Tanahashi attempted a High Fly Flow crossbody: Ishii managing to catch him, then dropping him with a gutwrench suplex! The strength of Ishii was showing, picking Tanahashi up immediately and dropping him down hard with a powerbomb! Ishii covered, but Tanahashi valiantly managed to kick out before the three!
Tomohiro Ishii thought for certain that he stood a chance in putting down the "Once in a Century Talent" here, the "Stone Pitbull" slowly rising back up to his feet, shaking off the damage done to his leg during this match. Ishii sized Tanahashi up, stalking him, before looking for a lariat off the ropes, Tanahashi however managing to pull the ropes down, sending Ishii out to the apron! Tanahashi went over and clubbed Ishii with two forearm strikes, before dodging a shoulder thrust from his foe; Tanahashi taking the leg of Ishii and delivering another Dragon Screw legwhip across the middle rope, sending Ishii falling to the floor outside of the ring!
Ishii was down on the floor holding his leg, and struggled to get back up to his feet whilst the referee initiated a ring out count. Ishii was struggling with his leg, finally able to stand after assistance from the ringside barrier - all the while, Hiroshi Tanahashi was climbing up to the top rope, catching Ishii with the High Fly Flow crossbody, taking Ishii down to the floor again! Tanahashi landed on top of him, then rolled back inside afterwards - Tanahashi finally executing a successful version of the High Fly Flow on the "Stone Pitbull"! The ring out count began again, the referee instigating it, and for a moment it looked really bad, as Ishii was only beginning to move at the count of fifteen - but somehow, he was finally able to slide back inside at the count of nineteen!
Tanahashi appeared more determined than ever to put Ishii away at this point, another Dragon Screw legwhip delivering on the grounded Ishii, twisting his worked over limb even further! Hiroshi followed up, reaching his feet and attempting to go for the Cloverleaf - Ishii managing to kick him away. Ishii was able to get back up to his feet, suddenly flooring Tanahashi with the lariat! Ishii picked Tanahashi up again and delivered a standing lariat for good measure, the pin however only getting a near fall again, with the Ace able to keep in the fight!
Tomohiro Ishii, now going back to the drawing board, lifted Tanahashi up into a seated position then hit the ropes, looking for a sliding lariat, but Tanahashi dodged it, and Ishii went down favoring his knee! Tanahashi now delivered another low dropkick, stunning Ishii. Hiroshi going up to the top rope in a hurry, was now potentially going to go for the High Fly Flow, but Ishii got up to his feet, hastily delivering an agile jumping enzuigiri stunning Tanahashi on the top rope! Ishii went up now, looking to strike Hiroshi further, the "Once in a Century Talent" and the "Stone Pitbull" battling it out with forearm strikes galore - until Tanahashi delivered a headbutt, stunning Ishii! Ishii was stunned, but delivered a headbutt in return, followed by a third one - these brain-murdering headbutts knocking Tanahashi into a dazed state! Ishii powered Tanahashi up onto his shoulders in a superplex, slowly stalling into the superplex landing on the mat!
Ishii was slow to recover, his leg certainly bothering him at this point - but he got up and attempted to go for the sliding lariat again, sizing Hiroshi up - but Tanahashi rolled away, then when Ishii hit the ropes, came from behind, delivering an inverted DDT! Tanahashi looked to go up to the top rope, more slower than before this time, once again looking for the High Fly Flow, but Ishii managed to catch him on his knees as Hiroshi came off the top - a huge lariat taking Tanahashi down to the mat in a heap! Ishii hit the ropes and delivered a killer sliding lariat, before dragging Hiroshi's carcass up - the Ishii Driller falcon arrow piledriver connecting...and Tomohiro Ishii had managed to beat Hiroshi Tanahashi for a second time in G1 tournament competition!Winner: Tomohiro Ishii (4pts, 2-0) in 18:10 [****¾] "The Stone Pitbull" had managed to take the early lead in the A block of G1 Climax 25! A big surprise in Kyoto City, as for the second time in this illustrious tournament's history, Tomohiro Ishii has beaten the "Once in a Century Talent"! Ishii, in yet another star making performance, rose to his feet, favoring his knee this time - overcoming the seven time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and perhaps continuing the bad luck streak of the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Ishii's hand was raised, but Hiroshi Tanahashi was not a happy man after the match - the "High Fly Star" getting up and getting right in Tomohiro's face - another big, heated staredown taking place, with Tanahashi and Ishii exchanging words.
Ishii ended this by walking away, but Tanahashi appeared to be seething with his loss in this match against Ishii. Ishii will next look to extend his lead with a match against Katsuyori Shibata, whilst Hiroshi Tanahashi will continue to look for momentum as he faces Tetsuya Naito on July 26 in Hiroshima!
9. G1 CLIMAX 25 A BLOCK MATCH TOMOAKI HONMA (0pts, 0-1) vs A.J. STYLES w/Doc Gallows (2pts, 1-0)"The Phenomenal One" - who was crowned the IWGP Heavyweight Champion for a second time in his career back on July 5, a mere nineteen days ago - had a very solid outing during the opening night of the twenty-fifth annual G1 Climax on July 20, where he was able to defeat the NEVER Openweight Champion Daisuke Sekimoto in tournament competition, simultaneously giving the "Muscle Monster" his first ever loss in New Japan Pro Wrestling. A.J. Styles, one of four men representing the Bullet Club family of foreign competitors in this tournament, had vowed to go all the way and become the first ever gaijin to win the G1 Climax tournament - another staple to add to his ever-growing catalogue of acollades throughout his sixteen year long career - but he still had a long way left to go. In his way tonight was Sekimoto's ally in Great Bash Heel, Tomoaki Honma. The master of the Kokeshi headbutt, Honma is not a top favourite to win the G1 Climax tournament, but Honma will try, and despite this being his second G1 Climax tournament in two consecutive years, Honma was yet to score a single victory - coming up short against Katsuyori Shibata four nights ago.
Tomoaki Honma received a warm reception as he came down to the ring, Honma, widely supported due to his notoriety in this high, tense tournament bouts, came to the ring slapping his forehead, whilst Honmania ran wild with fans applauding Honma even after the English speaking ring announcer spoke his name aloud. On the contrary, A.J. Styles came to the ring with Doc Gallows behind him waving a flag - Styles with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship smugly around his waist, as Styles approached the ring and pointed the double finger guns at Honma, perhaps an indication to come. Honma was at a disadvantage here, as Gallows goaded him from the apron in A.J.'s corner, whereas Honma had nobody from Great Bash Heel to back him up right now.
The match began, and the cultivated support from Tomoaki Honma's Honmaniacal fanbase began to chant immediately, trying to prepare Tomoaki for this big match against the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. A.J. mockingly offered Honma a pre-match handshake, before immediately pulling away - Styles now throwing around the Too Sweet hand signal to booing fans. Kyoto City was definitely behind Honma, as Honma and Styles now circled the ring from the other - the two locking up eventually. Honma was trapped in a wristlock attempt by Styles, but Honma was able to slip out into a hammerlock, trapping Styles now. Styles turned it into a waistlock turned leg sweep, A.J. hastily then darting into a headlock. Honma however was able to reach his feet - just for Styles to take Tomoaki down again with the side headlock really well applied. Honma leaned backwards, Styles' shoulders down in a crucifix pin variation for a one count, but A.J. was prepared.
Honma now gained some momentum, reaching his feet and taking Styles down with a wrist wrench, A.J. going down on the mat with a big thud - Honma now switching into a variation of the Nagata Lock, Honma trying to work over the arm, and when Styles attempted to come out of it, Honma delivered a big headbutt to the side of the elbow. Honma followed with another one, until a wristlock became applied - Styles rolled forwards to his back, then nipped up - Styles cutting Honma off with a knee to the abdomen! A.J. followed suit with a big chop to the chest of Honma, followed by another one, and another one - but with each one, Honma appeared to simply become more annoyed. Honma screamed as he then clocked A.J. with a forearm smash, followed by a second - but Styles immediately came back with a kick to the gut. Styles delivered a body slam to Honma before hitting the ropes in hopes of looking for a knee drop, but Honma was able to roll out of the way, and Styles got nothing but the mat!
Honma rolled up to his feet, delivering a jawbreaker to Styles, rocking A.J. slightly. Honma followed up with a body slam to Styles, then began to slap his head - Honma getting Happy with the Kokeshi headbutt attempt...missed, as Styles managed to move out of the way! Honma had missed yet again, but Styles was fast to get up, this time successfully delivering a jumping knee drop across the back of Tomoaki's head! Styles was adding insult to injury, whilst Doc Gallows could be heard yelling from ringside at how dumb Honma was. A.J. Styles grabbed a sleeper hold on Tomoaki Honma now, but Honma was quick to rush his way into the ropes: Styles whipped off the ropes, but he managed to hang onto them - Honma then charging Styles, just to walk into a beautiful dropkick from the "Phenomenal One"!
Styles stretched his arms wide open to showboat, the Bullet Club leader now gloating and patronizing the loyal Great Bash Heel native, as Styles went for a cover, but only a two count at this time. Styles went to a chinlock on Honma now, knowing that he needed to keep control in this match if he wanted to win against someone as versatile as Tomoaki. But the Kyoto crowd were supportive of Honma and rooted for him - moments later, Honma managed to escape, delivered two big forearm strikes - Honma hitting the ropes and jumping over Styles for a sunset flip - Styles rolling backwards onto all fours, just as Honma rolled backwards to hit the ropes: and Honma suddenly took Styles down with the charging Kokeshi headbutt! Tomoaki covered, but A.J. was able to kick out at two. Styles was getting somewhat of a run for his money against Honma, a positive sign of underestimating the elder Honma.
Tomoaki Honma picked Styles up and delivered another clobbering elbow strike, then followed with another. Honma now, off the ropes, struck A.J. with a shoulder block that didn't budge Styles - Styles instead coming back with multiple forearm shots to the head of Honma, who simply responded by slapping his head and attempting a lariat that Styles ducked - Styles connecting with a back suplex into a facebuster, planting Honma! Styles covered Honma, but again he managed to fire out! A.J. picked Honma back up and sent him into the corner, A.J. charging Honma with a corner splash, as Styles then climbed up to the second rope, looking for the backflipping Stylin' DDT, but Honma got free with a sharp back elbow, followed by a headbutt that stunned Styles! Honma off the ropes, and a bulldog landed, but only gave Honma a near fall.
Tomoaki Honma had the Kyoto City hot and looking for a huge upset, one that would potentially put Honma in line for a future IWGP Heavyweight Championship shot. Honma was sweating it out one-on-one with "the Phenomenal One", who appeared to be slightly out of it thus far in this bout. Honma picked A.J. up and delivered a suplex to the Biz Cliz member, Honma then pointing up to the top rope - Honma potentially looking for the top rope Kokeshi headbutt, but Styles was helped out of the ring by Doc Gallows! Gallows helped A.J. to his feet, "the Outlaw" saving A.J. from disaster with the Kokeshi headbutt, but Honma decided to improvise on the fly - the top rope falling Kokeshi landing on the heads of both Gallows and Styles on the ringside floor! All three men went down, with Honma not really moving, and Styles was right at the bottom of the heap.
The referee began a double count on both men, as Kyoto City tried to root for Honma to get back in this - Honma crawling away from Styles as the count reached ten; Styles meanwhile still down and out, beneath Gallows no less! Approaching sixteen, Honma rolled inside of the ring, and the count was all on A.J., who tried to fight Gallows off of him: Styles now, somehow able to break the count at nineteen, the upset of the century not to be, as this match rolled on! Honma stomped on A.J., then slugged it out with a forearm to Styles. He delivered another one, but Styles was able to come back with a leg kick, a body punch, a right hand, and then a spinning back elbow crashing into the jaw of Honma! Styles hit the ropes, but Honma caught him with the charging Kokeshi headbutt!
Honma was not done with Styles yet, picking A.J. up and now propping him over his shoulder for a sit-out piledriver on Styles! Honma covered A.J., but the IWGP Heavyweight Champion was still able to kick out at two! This match was all action, with Honma desperate to put Styles away. Honma stalked Styles, getting prepared to go for the attack, going for a German suplex, but Styles broke free with two back elbow - and a Pelé kick clocked Honma on top of the head! Honma fell into the ropes, and A.J. hit the corner, looking for the Stylin' DDT again - Honma breaking out of it and looking for a northern lights suplex perhaps - but A.J. turned it into the Bloody Sunday DDT! A.J. now prepared to put Honma down for good, attempting to set up the Styles Clash, Honma however, able to backdrop out of it, but A.J. landed on his feet! Honma delivered another hard headbutt to the head of Styles, before hitting the ropes...and another charging Kokeshi headbutt...hit the referee!
The referee was pulled in the way of Styles as a human shield, and now Honma's head was hurting, whilst Styles rolled out to the floor - and the referee was down! Doc Gallows, who had revived moments earlier, climbed into the ring to loud boos, "the Outlaw" grabbing Honma and planting him with the Hangman's Noose, connecting on Honma, and it appeared that this one would be over! That is until until an ally of Honma arrived - Togi Makabe pacing down to the ring! The "Bousou Kingkong" went at it with Gallows, Makabe and Gallows trading blows, but Makabe was able to send Gallows to the floor; these two B block competitors having fought last night in Shizuoka, continuing their battle tonight in the midst of this battle between Styles and Honma!
Makabe and Gallows disappeared to the backstage area, as A.J. Styles slowly climbed back onto the apron - a springboard 450 splash connecting on Tomoaki Honma, who appeared unconscious - and the "Phenomenal One" covered Honma, the referee slowly reviving for one, and then two - but Honma stayed alive! Styles picked Honma up to his feet, prepared for the Styles Clash - and he executed it, giving the IWGP Heavyweight Champion the win!Winner: A.J. Styles (4pts, 2-0) in 16:35 [****] An ambitious defeat for Tomoaki Honma, who once again came relatively close to grasping victory, but only fell in defeat thanks to A.J. Styles, and some interference on behalf of Doc Gallows! The "Phenomenal One" celebrated his win, raising his IWGP Heavyweight Championship high - another victory, putting Styles in the lead alongside Tomohiro Ishii at the top of the A block. Honma began to leave, next set to face Kota Ibushi; whilst Styles is next to meet a familiar foe in Ring of Honor's Michael Elgin on July 26 in Hiroshima.
10. G1 CLIMAX 25 A BLOCK MATCH KARL ANDERSON w/Cody Hall (0pts, 0-1) vs KOTA IBUSHI (0pts, 0-1)It was main event time in Kyoto City, with a rematch between two men that have quite a history thus far in the year 2015. It was back on March 15 of this year, the finals of the annual New Japan Cup tournament where "the Machine Gun" Karl Anderson met "Golden Star" Kota Ibushi for the bragging rights and future championship opportunity of their choice. Ibushi was the favourite going in, having surpassed Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale and Tetsuya Naito en route to the finals - whereas Karl Anderson had reached the finals after beating YOSHI-HASHI, Katsuyori Shibata and Kazuchika Okada. It was quite a battle, with Anderson managing to pick up the win, and win the New Japan Cup. At this point in the G1 Climax tournament for both men, both were unsuccessful in getting any points during the opening night of the tournament, as Anderson lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kota Ibushi fell to Tetsuya Naito. With that in mind, there was a lot on the line in this match.
In 2012, Karl Anderson was a finalist of the G1 Climax tournament, falling only to Kazuchika Okada in the finals - and since then, he has been a threat to the tournament throne. On the contrary, this was only Kota Ibushi's second ever G1 Climax tournament: Ibushi having competed in 2013, where he had a hectic battle with Shinsuke Nakamura - Ibushi's main ambition driving him in this tournament however being that he was unable to participate in last year's tournament due to injury: Ibushi wanted to avenge that, as well as the New Japan Cup loss in the finals to Anderson.
"The Machine Gun" optimistically came to the ring with a smirk on his face, the arrogant American coming to the ring with Bullet Club young boy Cody Hall following in pursuit, waving the flag of the Bullet Club. Immediately this seemed too familiar, as Anderson had previously had many members of the Bullet Club accompany him to ringside for matches during the New Japan Cup, as well as during his rivalry with Kazuchika Okada, which culminated back at Dominion. Meanwhile, the "Golden Star" came to the ring with the Kyoto City pulling for him to settle the score with Anderson, en route to his second tournament match of the evening.
The bell sounded, and chants for Ibushi immediately rang out in the Budokan Center ahead of this match. The smirking Karl Anderson however, wanting to appear sincere apparently in this circumstance, offered to shake the hand of Kota, mouthing the words "may the best man win". Kota simply stared at Anderson, seemingly not believing the gesture, nor trusting it. Karl Anderson accepted this, and the match got underway with Anderson stepping towards Kota into a lock-up to kick things off. Anderson swiped a wristlock on Ibushi, trying to twist at the wrist of Ibushi at this time - but Ibushi managing to twist out of it by spinning on the spot - Ibushi now with an overheard wristlock on Anderson. He wrenched on Karl, who managed to get beneath Ibushi, transitioning into a waistlock, the takedown working: but with the waist squeeze by Anderson, Ibushi was able to turn it into an underarm headlock.
Kota Ibushi worked Anderson up to his feet, but Karl was able to lift Kota on three occasions - though unable to make anything of it, as Ibushi immediately tripped the legs from beneath Anderson, Ibushi switching things up and now targeting the leg for a leglock, though hastily blocked by Anderson reaching the ropes. The break made, Ibushi backed off in respect of the referee's wishes. Anderson got back up to his feet and regained his composure, before the two locked up again. This time, Anderson tripped Ibushi down to his back on the mat, the "Machine Gun", a veteran of New Japan Pro Wrestling, now trying to force Ibushi hands and shoulders to the mat for one - Ibushi able to bridge and break the pin. Anderson tried to prevent it by leaping on top of Ibushi's anatomy - but Ibushi's core strength was too much, and when he tried again, Ibushi used his feet and hand grip to flip Anderson overhead!
Kota Ibushi mounted Karl Anderson now, but Anderson was able to push the "Golden Star" off of him - Karl quickly getting up and going back to the wristlock he had on Anderson moments before. Anderson turned it into an armbar, wrenching backwards on the shoulder of Ibushi. He kept on applying pressure to the limb, but Ibushi was able to roll out of it. Ibushi off the ropes, Anderson sent him into the opposite ropes then hit the opposing ropes to Ibushi: Anderson ducking a lariat attempt by Kota - Anderson with the shoulder block, taking Ibushi down! Anderson continued to run the ropes as Ibushi dropped down then leapfrogged over "the Machine Gun"; Karl looking for a big boot but Kota dodged it, then connected with a dropkick that took Anderson down!
Karl backed off into the corner where Cody Hall was, Anderson visibly actually playing by the rules against Kota Ibushi, maybe to show how sincere he could be and get another win - but Kota wouldn't let Anderson up. A break solved that, as Karl reached his feet, then shook off the damage done prior. Kota this time wanted a test of strength, looking for a knucklelock, but Anderson kicked Kota in the gut to stop it. Anderson took hold of Kota in a grip, but Kota connected with a leg kick, prompting a followup knee to the abdomen of Ibushi to put him on his knees. Anderson picked Ibushi up and body slammed him, "the Machine Gun" looking for an elbow drop there and then - getting nothing but mat as Ibushi rolled out of the way.
Ibushi suddenly got back up and attempting a running shooting star press, but Anderson got his knees up! Karl cradled Ibushi for one, but Ibushi powered out forward, dashed to the second rope and came off with a moonsault that Anderson moved out of the way of - Ibushi landing on his feet, and eating an uppercut from Anderson that took him down to a knee! Karl Anderson was in Kota Ibushi's head right now, picking Ibushi up and taking the arm, wrenching away at it, perhaps to follow on from his tactics in the opening exchange. Anderson repeated this, but Kota tried to come back again, throwing three vital leg kicks to force Anderson to break - Kota looking for a punch, but Anderson sidestepped it and then snapmared Ibushi, Anderson connecting with a kick right into the spine of Ibushi!
Ibushi tried to power through the kick's impact, but Anderson allowed him now time, covering him with a forearm covering Ibushi's face, but only for a near fall. Ibushi still had more in the tank, but Anderson locked in an overhead armlock, trying to hyperextend the elbow of Ibushi. Anderson kept this applied, giving it several moments until Anderson began to fight out of it - Anderson suddenly breaking his grip and stomping on the arm of Ibushi. So much for sincerity! Anderson picked up the arm of Ibushi and applied another wristlock, then began to deliver forearms directed at the elbow once more, trying to hyperextend it. Ibushi finally managed to break out of it by twisting beneath Anderson's grip - "the Machine Gun" stopping him in his tracks with another kick to the gut. Anderson tossed Kota out through the ropes to the apron - Anderson then following up with a bicycle kick knocking Ibushi down to the floor!
Kota Ibushi held the arm in which Karl Anderson has been working on up to this point, whilst Cody Hall kept a distance from the "Golden Star". Anderson followed Ibushi out to the floor, when he whipped Kota into the ringside barriers hard, Ibushi's spine bouncing right off of the metal: Anderson now following up by applying an armlock around one of the barrier's bars, then pulling at the limb of Ibushi's bent arm, even using his boot for leverage! Anderson continued until the referee ordered he stop the illegal hold - and that's when Anderson decided to hop over the barrier - Karl charging and delivering a big boot to the bad arm of Kota Ibushi!
"The Machine Gun" was taking Kota Ibushi's arm through a crash course of a journey now, Karl Anderson mocking and talking trash to Ibushi, as Anderson then rolled Ibushi back inside. He covered Kota, but again Kota managed to kick out at two. "The Machine Gun" alternated to a mounting hammerlock on the mat, before dropping a handstand knee drop again targeting the arm of Ibushi. Anderson, who has always been no nonsense in the ring, and quite a pro at psychology, was taking an unlikely route in this match in competing with Ibushi on a relatively fair playing field. Anderson picked Kota up and this time wrist locked his opponent, looking to punch the arm again - but Ibushi fought out with a palm strike, followed by a right hand! Ibushi's striking ability was coming through for him now, as Ibushi then went with leg kicks on Anderson, cutting him to his knees, where Ibushi then began to light Anderson up with chest kick after chest kick! Ibushi looked for a headkick, but Anderson ducked it, then suddenly took Ibushi down with a fireman's carry takedown, Anderson going back to an armbar on Ibushi!
Anderson kept the hold applied, before bringing Kota back up to his feet, Ibushi back looking for a way free of Karl's attack, and Kota managed it with two big kicks to the side of Anderson, and then a hurricanrana! Ibushi held his arm as Anderson tried to get back up to a vertical basis - Kota with a punch, then a slap, then a kick to the side of Anderson: Ibushi following through with a kick to the head of Anderson! Karl went down and rolled himself to the floor, where Kota knew he had to follow up now. Ibushi waited as Anderson slowly recovered from the headshot: Kota darting up to the middle rope, then slingshotting to top rope - the moonsault executed on top of Karl Anderson! "The Golden Star" was looking for a win tonight, as he picked Karl up to his feet and rolled him inside: Kota pulling off a springboard 450 splash! Ibushi should have covered, but it appeared that he landed wrong on his bad arm, instead lying there prone, whilst Anderson slowly recovered from Kota's onslaught.
Anderson got back up and extended the arm of Ibushi for a hip attack across it, and Karl was now back in control. Karl lifted Ibushi up, sending him into the ropes and attempting the spinebuster, but Kota slid right between the legs of Anderson - Kota with a spinkick and an enzuigiri stunning Anderson! Ibushi now tried to go for the powerbomb, but he tried and his arm just could not support the weight after so much punishment. Anderson backdropped out of it, before powering Kota up, and driving him down with a spinebuster! Karl covered Kota, but Ibushi was able to kick out somehow. Anderson now looked for another way to put Kota away, going back to the same armbar that he used to start the work on the arm at the open of this match. Anderson had Kota perhaps on the verge of submission, wearing down Kota as he controlled the pressure applied on the hold, Ibushi trying to find a way out, but Karl had it tight, and would not let loose.
Kota squirmed and squirmed, in the hold for up to thirty seconds now, but Ibushi used his fighting spirit, and was able to reach the ropes to get the break! Anderson was fuming about the decision, arguing with the referee momentarily, all the while taking himself out of the match as Kota Ibushi slowly got back up to his feet. But Anderson was there with a clubbing elbow across the back of Ibushi's head, Anderson now looking for a Gun Stun suddenly, but Kota broke free and then swung for a spinkick that missed - Anderson with a lariat taking Ibushi down! Anderson went up to the second rope, "the Machine Gun" not really known for this style of ability, but Ibushi suddenly got up and charged over, trying to bring Anderson down, just to get a big boot to the face! Ibushi was stunned, but then as Anderson jumped, in mid air he was caught as Kota connected with a Pelé kick!
Ibushi stalked Anderson out of the corner, before shaking away at his arm and applying a full nelson - the Dragon suplex connecting! Ibushi was not able to follow up with a bridge attempt, but Ibushi instead darted to the second rope, attempting a moonsault, but Anderson moved...Ibushi landing on his feet, and connecting with a standing moonsault! Ibushi never ceases to amaze, as Ibushi now looked to continue his attacking, shaking away at his weakened arm - Ibushi setting up for a powerbomb, but Anderson managed to break out of it and land on his feet - the Gun Stun connecting successfully! Anderson hooked the leg of Ibushi, but Ibushi still managed to break free at two!
Kyoto City was lit up for Kota to pull through and win, whilst Karl Anderson was going beserk at the fact the "Golden Star" was able to break free of his Gun Stun! Anderson immediately stormed to his feet, stalking Kota and readying himself for another Gun Stun, but Kota blocked it and got in a backwards rolling crotch pin - only getting two! Ibushi held onto the ropes for elevation - then caught Anderson with a head kick! Anderson went down, and Kota knew that now was time: "the Golden Star" going up to the top rope...and coming off with a huge Golden Star Press, Ibushi pinning, and getting the victory!Winner: Kota Ibushi (2pts, 1-1) in 21:42 [****] When the dust settled, Kota Ibushi emerged victorious, as Karl Anderson had done his best, but was unable to defeat the "Golden Star" in this rematch from the New Japan Cup 2015 finals! Ibushi had avenged his previous loss to the "Machine Gun", but his arm appeared to be in rough shape, still not doing much with it. Anderson was helped out of the ring with an aid from Cody Hall; Anderson remaining winless in the G1 Climax tournament thus far, whilst Kota had earned his first win in a hard fought main event. Anderson must regroup now and hope to be in fine shape for July 26, when he meets NEVER Openweight Champion Daisuke Sekimoto; meanwhile, Kota Ibushi best hope his arm recovers, because on that same day in Hiroshima, he will face Tomoaki Honma.
Kota Ibushi took the microphone after the match, the DDT star regaining his breath and saying that he won't say much, except that he just proved why he should be the one to win the A block. Kota talked about how bummed out he was to have missed the G1 last year due to injury - but in 2015, it's his time, and the fact he has kept fighting and scratching for heavyweight gold since graduating the juniors division last year, proves he has the heart of gold to go all the way. It may be during this year's G1, or it may be later in the year - it may even be at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in Tokyo Dome - but mark his words: he will make it. Ibushi saluted, before leaving to greet ringside fans in Budokan Center. The announce team took it away to wrap up the show, discussing the night of G1 Climax tournament bouts, and previewing what is to come in Takamatsu tomorrow night for B block action.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 21, 2016 14:27:17 GMT -5
| NJPW G1 CLIMAX 25: DAY THREE Friday, July 24, 2015 - Kyoto City Budokan Center - Kyoto, Honshu |
KARL ANDERSON (BULLET CLUB) | G1 CLIMAX 25: A BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | | G1 CLIMAX 25: A BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | A.J. STYLES (BULLET CLUB) | | G1 CLIMAX 25: A BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | HIROSHI TANAHASHI (SEKIGUN) | KATSUYORI SHIBATA (SEKIGUN) | G1 CLIMAX 25: A BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | | TETSUYA NAITO (LOS INGOBERNABLES) | G1 CLIMAX 25: A BLOCK MATCH
1 FALL | 60 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | DAISUKE SEKIMOTO (G.B.H.) | RUSH (LOS INGOBERNABLES) TOGI MAKABE (G.B.H.) | SPECIAL TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | KAZUCHIKA OKADA (CHAOS) TORU YANO (CHAOS) | SHINSUKE NAKAMURA (CHAOS) YOSHI-HASHI (CHAOS) | SPECIAL TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | BAD LUCK FALE (CHAOS) YUJIRO TAKAHASHI (CHAOS) | YUJI NAGATA (SEKIGUN) MANABU NAKANISHI (SEKIGUN)
| SPECIAL TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | RODERICK STRONG (ROH) JUICE ROBINSON | DOC GALLOWS (BULLET CLUB) TAMA TONGA (BULLET CLUB) CODY HALL (BULLET CLUB) | SPECIAL SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | HIROOKI GOTO (SEKIGUN) CAPTAIN NEW JAPAN (SEKIGUN) YOHEI KOMATSU | JUSHIN LIGER (SEKIGUN) MÁSCARA DORADA (SEKIGUN) DAVID FINLAY | SPECIAL SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH
1 FALL | 30 MINUTE TIME LIMIT | TIGER MASK (SEKIGUN) RYUSUKE TAGUCHI (SEKIGUN) JAY WHITE |
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Post by DTP. on Jul 14, 2016 16:54:42 GMT -5
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