WWA-NC Numbers Game on PPV! (1/17/10)

"Escape Artist" by Minneapolis-based Take Cover blasted over the speakers in Minneapolis, Minn.'s Target Center for WWA-NC's return to pay-per-view with Numbers Game and the WWA Tag Team Title Tournament! Brent Musberger, Jerry "The King" Lawler, and Joey Styles welcome everyone to the show from ringside as the show gets underway.

TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND: C.M. Punk/Rob Van Dam vs. Kofi Kingston/Paul Burchill w/Katie Lea
The opening match of the evening was short, but sweet, as some of the most exciting athletes of WWA-NC showed off their moves. RVD & C.M. Punk made their way to the ring first to a standing ovation, followed shortly thereafter by Kingston and Burchill, who got a lesser, but still positive, reaction. Van Dam, still looking to secure a WWA contract, showed that he was here to prove himself early going, putting his body on the line with several high-risk moves, but not to be outdone, Kofi Kingston showed off with a suicide plancha to the outside. It was the high-risk offenses that took Van Dam and Kingston from much of the match as Punk and Burchill battled it out. With RVD and Kingston on the outside, Burchill set up Punk for the jackhammer, but the "Straight Edge Superstar" reversed it, lifting him to his shoulders for the GTS and a pinfall victory.
Winners via pinfall: C.M. Punk & Rob Van Dam (7:11)

An advertisement aired for WWA's four-night special event, Wrestlympics, coming Feb. 2-5 to FSN and the Wrestlingfigs.com network.

TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND: A.J. Styles/Evan Bourne vs. World's Greatest Tag Team
The team of "Air Styles," Evan Bourne and A.J. Styles made their way to the ring first, getting the crowd to their feet for what should have been a very exciting match. They were followed by the World's Greatest Tag Team, who got a mixed reaction as they made their way to the ring, but the cheers quickly went from them to Evan Bourne, who springboarded off the top rope, attempting a shooting star plancha to his opponents, but they moved out of the way, leaving Bourne in a heap outside the ring. While Styles originally tried to check on his partner's health, he quickly would fall victim to a two-on-one assault by the self-proclaimed "World's Greatest" and "Gold Standard." Styles valiantly fought back, while Bourne slowly tried to regain his strength on the outside, but when "Air" Bourne finally got to his feet, bloodied from his nose and mouth, it was too late as Haas and Benjamin hit Styles with a dual Pay-Dirt for the pinfall victory.
Winners via pinfall: The World's Greatest Tag Team (5:56)

After the match, Evan Bourne tried to enter the ring and console his partner, but Styles had none of it, pushing Bourne. Evan tried to explain himself, but he was knocked down with a step-up enziguri. Styles then climbed to the top rope and hit Bourne with his own finisher, the Shooting Star Press. A.J. stood over his victim for a few minutes before walking to the back with the crowd booing him all the way.



Backstage, Lt. Commissioner Matt Striker spoke with the Real Man's Man, still wearing his mask, but now clothed in a high-class suit. Striker promised that he would get the Man's Man "back into the title scene, or rather, into it for the first time." He announced that at this week's WWA on FSN, we would see the Real Man's Man take on Edge! Dean Malenko joins them, saying that he alraedy had something in mind. Starting this week, there will be two weeks of Wrestlympics preview matches. This week, WCW will be sending their champion, the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair to WWA, and the Malenko would like to see the Man's Man take him on.



TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND: Hart Dynasty w/Natalya vs. Playmakers
The Hart Dynasty made their way to the ring first, and not surprisingly, received a less-than-warm reception from the Minneapolis crowd. The fans then leaped to their feet as "Basic Thuganomics" started over the speakers and Cena and M.V.P. made their way to the ring. This match was hard-fought and competitive, but the Playmakers dominated in the early going as they used their brawling style to match up against the moves the Dynasty learned in the Hart Dungeon. Eventually, the Dynasty took control as Smith and Kidd isolated John Cena for several minutes before he finally made a hot tag to M.V.P. The "Ballin' Athlete" entered the ring and cleared house for several moments before a stiff hit to the back of the neck by Smith took him down. This allowed Kidd and Smith to regain the advantage, but eventually, Cena came back in and the match started to wind down. MVP cleared Smith from the ring with a clothesline and Cean took control of Kidd, lifting him to his shoulders and then planting him down to the mat with the Attitude Adjustment for a pinfall victory! Cena and MVP climbed into the crowd to celebrate their victory as the commentators sent it to the back.
Winners via pinfall: The Playmakers (9:15)

Backstage, FSN's Anthony LaPanta caught up with A.J. Styles, who said that Evan Bourne was already the reason he couldn't get a Light Heavyweight title shot, and now, he cost him the Tag Team Titles as well. "It was the last straw, Anthony. I am not taking a back seat to 'Air' Bourne any longer. And if anyone has a problem with that, you know where to find me." Styles stormed off, leaving LaPanta surprised.

TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT OPENING ROUND: Chavo Guerrero/Colin Delaney vs. Jeri-Show
In what proved to be the most un-balanced match of the evening, Chavo Guerrero and Colin Delaney took on Jeri-Show in our final opening round match-up. Chavo Guerrero made his way to the ring first, dragging the battered and bruised Delaney, whose ribs were heavily taped after being chokeslammed just four nights ago onto the ring apron, where he bounced to the outside. Jeir-Show made their way to the ring together as well, and the fans let them have it, booing them throughout the entire match. Big Show picked up his assault on Delaney where he left off on Wednesday, immediately grabbing him by the throat and planting him to the mat with a chokeslam, leaving Guerrero to fend for himself. Big Show beat down the "Mexican Warrior" for several minutes before Jericho tagged himself in and locked in the Walls of Jericho for a submission victory.
Winners via submisison: Jeri-Show (4:23)

Joey, Brent, and King showed the victory by Santino over Shane Helms earlier this week on FSN/WF, reminding fans that Santino had a rematch coming his way in the Welterweight division, but since he fell into the Light Heavyweight ranks, that's why he was able to qualify for this match so quickly.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Shane "The Hurricane" Helms (c) vs. Santino Marella w/Beth Phoenix
Shane "The Hurricane" Helms made his way to the ring first and the crowd let them know how they felt about his newfound attitude. The former-super hero debuted a new theme, letting us all know that it's "His Time." Santino Marella and his new personal trainer, Beth Phoenix, made their way to the ring next and the crowd got to their feet to cheer on the "Italian Stallion." Marella put on a tough fight once again against the champ, though Helms was able to employ several cheap tactics in order to keep himself in the match against his stronger opponent. The match was back-and-forth, and while Phoenix proved to be a short distraction for Helms as he looked to get Marella riled up on the outside, she luckily, was not the difference in the match -- at least physically. It may, however, have been her training which led to the victory. Santino, who had fallen victim too many times to tough opponents, was able to force his way out of the grasp of "The Hurricane" as he attempted the Vertebreaker. Santino then kicked Helms in the midsection and surprised him with the Rolling Cutter! Marella then quickly hooked the leg and pinned Helms for the one... two... three count and the victory!
Winner via pinfall: Santino Marella (New Light Heavyweight Champion) - (9:46)



Backstage, Anthony LaPanta interviews Jay Roclass and Maryse Ouellet. Maryse explains that their plan worked to perfection, trying to coax Christian into offering them a title shot before "they" had to go through the motions of fighting half the roster to earn one. Roclass promises victory tonight, to prove himself the best Welterweight in the company.

TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS: C.M. Punk & Rob Van Dam vs. World's Greatest Tag Team
Punk and RVD made their way to the ring to C.M. Punk's theme in their second entrance, but the crowd was still on their feet for the team. The World's Greatest Tag Team made their way to the ring again, after looking dominant over A.J. Styles and Evan Bourne in their first match. This one was another hard-fought battle between one of the most inexperienced and one of the most cohesive tag teams in WWA. The advantage in experience did not prove to be enough for the World's Greatest Tag Team, who saw their run to the titles end at the hands of Punk and RVD. After a nearly ten-minute back-and-forth brawl, Shelton Benjamin nailed C.M. Punk with Paydirt, taking him out of comission, but RVD knocked out Benjamin's partner, Haas as well. Benjamin and RVD both tried to roll-up their opponent and get a quick fall, but after several nearfalls, RVD stood up and nailed the "Gold Standard" with the Van Daminator. Benjamin collapsed to the mat, allowing RVD to climb up to the top rope for the Five Star Frog Splash, which he hit to perfection and earned a pinfall victory and advanced his team to the finals.
Winners via pinfall: C.M. Punk & Rob Van Dam (11:06)



Backstage, Randy Orton confronted Dean Malenko. He revealed that there was an open spot in the Wrestlympics tournament thanks to the release of William Regal -- and Orton wanted in. Malenko said that he had been leaning towards inviting an outside guest to take the final spot, but he would give Orton a shot at it. On Wednesday's WWA-NC on FSN, he can prove himself worthy against Kofi Kingston, one-on-one!

TAG TEAM TITLE TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS: Jeri-Show vs. Playmakers
John Cena & M.V.P made their way to the ring first, receiving another standing ovation from the crowd, who was hot all night for the best tag team action in the world. Jericho and Big Show made their way to the ring next, and finally, the Playmakers had their shot against longtime rival, Chris Jericho. This match was easily the match of the night in terms of hype, but may have made the finals even more exciting thanks to its outcome. While Big Show was not able to dominate his opponents quite like in their opening round match, he did put a heavy beating on MVP in the early going, forcing Cena to go it alone for several minutes as his partner recuperated on the outside. Cena continued to fight back, showing off his resilience. Resilience kept him in the bout until he could tag in MVP, but nothing could prepare Cena for the final moments of the match, in which Jericho hit him with a drop toe hold on to the stairs on the outside, busting his forehead wide open. This allowed for the Big Show to grab MVP by the throat and, instead of hitting him with a chokeslam, plant him to the mat with a huge fist to the face. As MVP collapsed, Jericho ran into the ring and hit him with the Lionsault. Jericho then pinned the Ballin' Athlete as Cena tried to climb into the ring, but Big Show held him off and secured victory for his team.
Winners via pinfall: Jeri-Show (13:21)



A short video package aired, highlighting the feud between Christian and Jay Roclass that started two weeks ago.

WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Christian (c) vs. Jay Roclass w/Maryse Ouellet
The calm, cocky Jay Roclass made his way to the ring first with his beautiful valet, Maryse, and the crowd was quick to boo the newest couple in WWA-Northern Combat. "Just Close Your Eyes" hit over the speakers and the crowd was on their feet, cheering on the Welterweight Champ, "Captain Charisma." Immediately upon entering the ring, Christian slid in and started taking to Roclass, a new side of the champ we had not seen in WWA. His vengeance would have to take a back seat to the rules as Roclass got to the corner, and forced the fierce champion back. From there, Roclass hit Christian with a cheap shot and was able to dominate the offense for several minutes. The champ was able to fight back and take control, leading to Maryse hopping up the apron, proving to be quite a distraction for the champ. She put on the charm, flinging her hair back and winking at him. Christian simply reacted by pushing her off the apron. The champ laughed as she looked disgusted on the outside, but the momentary distraction allowed Roclass to get to his feet. When Christian turned around, he was nailed with Roclass's patented STO, "Roclass Intent." The rookie dove to the mat and pinned him for the three count and the upset victory! Maryse got to her feet, brushing her hair out of her face, and ripped the Welterweight title out of the hands of ring announce Michael Buffer. She then wrapped the title around her own waist and climbed into the ring to celebrate with Roclass. The wrapped their arms around each other and stood over Christian for a few moments before leaving to the back in celebration.
Winner via pinfall: Jay Roclass (New Welterweight Champion) - (12:16)



After Joey, Brent, and King recapped the Tag Team Title tournament, a short video package aired, highlighting the relationship between C.M. Punk and Jericho, followed by the betrayal by Jericho, and eventually the formation of these tag teams.

WWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP | MAIN EVENT: C.M. Punk & Rob Van Dam vs. Jeri-Show
Big Show and Jericho made their way to the ring first, and the crowd, once again, let them have it. They were followed by Jericho's former partner, C.M. Punk and RVD, who the crowd was ecstatic to have in this main event, hoping to see RVD earn himself a WWA-NC contract with a victory. Big Show looked dominant in the early going, as he beat down RVD, showing off his strength by powering the smaller Van Dam from one side of the ring to the other. When Jericho tried to come in and act cocky, it allowed RVD to turn the tables and tag in C.M. Punk. This process continued with Jericho seemingly unable to match the abilites of Punk and Van Dam, while the powerhouse show kept his team in the match. As the match hit the 13 minute mark of back-and-forth brawling, RVD finally took control for his team by hitting Jericho with the Van Daminator, knocking him out of the ring. Little did he realize at the time, Big Show was the legal man. With RVD distracted by Jericho, Big Show was able to rear back and, as RVD turned around, nail him in the face with a closed fist. RVD hit the mat like a brick, but C.M. Punk was the legal man, and he took it to Big Show, although only momentarily. Big Show overpowered Punk and planted him to the mat with a chokeslam. Jericho rushed back into the ring and hit Punk with the Lionsault. He then cleared out of the ring, allowing Big Show get the pinfall while the "Savior" grabbed the Tag Team Titles from off the announce table.
Winners via pinfall: Jeri-Show (New Tag Team Champions) - (14:13)



As the show faded to a close, Jericho and Big Show stood in the ring celebrating their victory. Brent Musberger thanked everyone for watching, and Joey Styles reminded everyone that WWA-NC returns to the air on Fox Sports North and the WrestlingFigs.com network this week!

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