TNA Gauntlet for the Gold 21/08/02

TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling open…

Jeremy Borash’s voice welcomed everyone to the 10th TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling Pay per View on a night where the first TNA Champion will be crowned when the entire TNA Roster meet in a Gauntlet for the Gold match. Borash ran through the names of the entrants in the Gauntlet for the Gold match as a graphic of the man’s face appeared on the screen…

James Storm, Chris Harris, Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Norman Smiley, Jimmy Rave, Steve Corino, Shark Boy, William Muellar, Jerry Lynn, Alan Funk, Monty Brown, Elix Skipper, Mamaluke, Romeo, Amazing Red, Christopher Daniels, Chase Stevens, Joey Matthews, Kid Kash, Johnny Swinger, Simon Diamond, Jimmy Yang, Sonny Siaki, Ron Killings, Jeff Jarrett, Abyss, Low Ki and AJ Styles

Tonight’s Main Event; TNA Championship: Gauntlet for the Gold match!

Fireworks went off around the arena fans were on their feet as we joined Mike Tenay and Don West at ringside. Tenay let everyone know that we were just moments away from creating history and crowning the first TNA Champion but before we got too the Gauntlet for the Gold match we would hear from some of individuals fighting for the honor of becoming the first TNA Champion but first a video looking back at the first 9 weeks of TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling…

Video package aired looking back over the first 9 weeks of TNA Total N0n-Stop Action Wrestling highlighted in the video was the classic on the debut Pay per View between AJ Styles and Low Ki. Abyss possibly ending the career of Sabu, Ricky Steamboat and Jeff Jarrett’s number of confrontations, the debut of former NFL player Monty Brown plus the emergence of fresh talent like Chris Harris, Amazing Red, Christopher Daniels and James Storm.

Jeff Jarrett said tonight was the night where he erases all thoughts that AJ Styles, Ron Killings, Low Ki, Chris Harris or any body else is the future of this business. Jeff Jarrett is the biggest star in TNA and Jarrett hopes everyone chokes on that while there watching Jarrett celebrate with his TNA Championship.

Ron Killings last week came up short against Low Ki tonight Ron Killings will not come up short. Killings has all the respect in the world for Low Ki who Killings called a warrior but anything that has happened before tonight doesn’t mean anything all that matters is what happens tonight and will happens tonight is Ron Killings becomes the first TNA Champion.

James Storm tonight has everyone he cares about in attendance tonight they are all here to watch Storm make history and become the first TNA Champion and Storm is not going to let anybody down and one way or another James Storm is going to become the first TNA Champion.

Christopher Daniels said everything he had to say last week but Daniels just wants to add that what will give him more satisfaction tonight when he wins the TNA title will be that no one believed in the ‘Fallen Angel’ which Daniels called a major mistake. Daniels told everyone to listen to his words carefully tonight Christopher Daniels would become the first TNA Champion.

Jerry Lynn is glad Gauntlet for the Gold was finally here the wait is over and simply Jerry Lynn doesn’t care who steps in front of him. Lynn has a dream to become the first TNA Champion and Lynn will make sure that by the end of tonight his dream becomes a reality.

AJ Styles opened the eyes of the wrestling world, grabbed everyone’s attention and showed that there is a lot of talent out there looking for an opportunity. AJ believes he has everyone on the TNA roster on the ropes and everyone will be looking over their shoulder to see when AJ Styles is coming in. AJ has been accused of not being able to get the job done but tonight that will not be an issue because tonight AJ would win the Gauntlet for the Gold and AJ will always be remembered as the first TNA Champion.

Footage was shown of a number of TNA wrestlers getting ready for the Gauntlet for the Gold match backstage including Amazing Red, Steve Corino, Kid Kash, Jimmy Yang, Chris Harris and Low Ki.

Ring Announcer David Penzer standing in the middle of the ring went over the rules for the Gauntlet in the Gold match. Two men enter, every 90 seconds there after a new TNA wrestler will enter until all 29 men have entered the match. Only way to eliminate your opponent is to throw a man over the top rope and BOTH feet have to touch the floor. Then when there are 2 men remaining the match will stop a match official will enter the ring and the two remaining men will go at it one fall to a finish, no outside interference and no time limit the winner of that match will then become the first TNA Champion…

Ricky Steamboat made his way down the aisle holding the TNA Championship belt. Steamboat made his way around ringside before taking a seat at ringside. Steamboat sat down with the TNA title to watch the Gauntlet for the Gold match. Rocky Steamboat will award the winner of this match there TNA Championship.

Match 1;
Main Event
No Time Limit
TNA Championship
GAUNTLET FOR THE GOLD MATCH

David Penzer introduced the two men who drew number 1 and number 2…

Number 1; Jimmy Yang

Number 2; Elix Skipper

Number 3; Simon Diamond

Number 4; Jerry Lynn

Number 5; Romeo

Number 6; Jeff Jarrett

Number 7; Jay Briscoe

Romeo ran at Jay Briscoe as Briscoe entered the ring but Briscoe dropped and Romeo flew over the top rope but landed on the apron. Romeo celebrated landing on the apron only for Jerry Lynn to surprise Romeo with a drop kick off the middle rope.

Elimination; Romeo by Jerry Lynn

Number 8; Ron Killings

Killings came in and went straight for Jeff Jarrett. Killings and Jarrett have a little history over the previous 9 weeks. Jarrett holds 3 controversial victories over Ron Killings.

Number 9; Johnny Swinger

Number 10; Norman Smiley – Smiley has decided to retire after this match win or lose

Number 11; Monty Brown

Monty Brown made his way out with his own personal security team. Killings tried to stay focused on the match but Killings couldn’t take his eyes of Brown which allowed Skipper to drop Killings.

Monty Brown and Elix Skipper worked together to eliminate Norman Smiley and Jay Briscoe in quick succession.

Elimination; Norman Smiley by Monty Brown
Elimination; Jay Briscoe by Monty Brown & Elix Skipper

Number 12; Mark Briscoe

Brown and Skipper started to double team Ron Killings and they lifted Killings over their shoulder looking to dump Killings over the top rope but Killings managed to slip behind Brown and Skipper. Killings pushed Brown and Skipper into one another before eliminating Skipper with a clothesline. Monty Brown tried to take advantage of Killings focusing on Skipper but Killings back dropped Brown over the top rope to the floor. Monty Brown was furious after being eliminated. Brown was in the ring under 3 minutes. Ron Killings with some revenge over Brown and Skipper tonight.

Elimination; Elix Skipper by Ron Killings
Elimination; Monty Brown by Ron Killings

Jeff Jarrett eliminated Jimmy Yang seconds after Killings eliminated Brown. Jarrett jumped Killings from behind and set Killings up for his Stroke only for Jerry Lynn to pull Jarrett by the arm. Jarrett went for Lynn but Killings pulled Jarrett back towards him and hip tossed Jarrett over the top rope to the floor eliminating Jeff Jarrett. Fans were on their feet in delight that Jeff Jarrett would not become the first TNA Champion.

Jeff Jarrett jumped to his feet and tried to argue the elimination. Jarrett at one point even tried to get back into the ring but was held back by one of the two match officials. It took Ricky Steamboat to stand up at ringside and order Jarrett from the ring and eventually Jarrett backed away.

Elimination; Jimmy Yang by Jeff Jarrett
Elimination; Jeff Jarrett by Ron Killings

Number 13; Kid Kash

Still no explanation from Kid Kash as to why last week Kash jumped his friend and protégé Joey Matthews.

Number 14; James Storm

Fans nearly took the roof of the arena when Nashville’s favorite son the ‘Tennessee Cowboy’ made his way out. Storm’s reception surprised a few people.

Match 15; Chase Stevens

Match 16; Amazing Red

Elimination; Johnny Swinger by James Storm

Match 17; Alan Funk

Elimination; Simon Diamond by Amazing Red

Match 18; Abyss

Abyss was attacked on entry by the majority of the men in the match but Abyss walked through the attack and with one hand tossed Mark Briscoe over the top rope. Abyss followed that up by press slamming Chase Stevens over the top rope to the floor. Which was the same way Abyss severely injured Sabu.

Elimination; Mark Briscoe by Abyss
Elimination; Chase Stevens by Abyss

Number 19; Chris Harris

Ron Killings finally stopped Abyss in his tracks and rocked Abyss enough that Killings fancied his axe kick but when Killings came off the ropes Abyss took Ron Killings down with his Black Hole Slam. Abyss simply dumped Killings over the top rope after ending Killings dream of becoming the first TNA Champion. Ron Killings with a very impressive performance tonight but it wasn’t enough for Ron Killings to become the first TNA Champion.

Elimination; Ron Killings by Abyss

Number 20; William Muellar

William Muellar tried to attack James Storm from behind but Storm seen Muellar coming and tackle Muellar to the floor and they both rolled out of the ring. Storm was all over Muellar laying in with right hands, Storm even supflexed Muellar on the ring side floor before rolling Muellar back inside the ring.

While Storm and Muellar were brawling Abyss launched Amazing Red like a dart at the top rope. Red bounced off the top rope and landed hard at ringside.

Elimination; Amazing Red by Abyss

Storm was lining Muellar up for his Super Kick when Kid Kash tried to attack but Storm avoided Kash and took Kash over the top rope with a clothesline before knocking Alan Funk out with his Super Kick but then James Storm was eliminated by Chris Harris.

Elimination; Kid Kash by James Storm
Elimination; James Storm by Chris Harris

James Storm sat at ringside, shocked and frustrated. Storm and Harris locked eyes for a few seconds the fans were booing Storm being eliminated. Storm slowly started to leave ringside when William Muellar rolled out of the ring and from behind struck Storm in the back of the head dropping Storm. Storm turned to see Muellar back in the ring laughing. James Storm had to be held back by security.

Elimination; Alan Funk by Chris Harris

Jerry Lynn, Abyss, Chris Harris and William Muellar were the only men still standing out of the first 20 entrants. 9 men left to enter…

Number 21; Christopher Daniels

Number 22; Mamaluke

Number 23; Joey Matthews

Number 24; AJ Styles

Fans were on their feet for AJ Styles who was on fire once in the ring. AJ Styles with only 5 men remaining now had to be one of the favorites to become the first TNA Champion.

AJ dropped Chris Harris with a beautiful dropkick and planted Matthews with moonsault into reverse DDT of the ropes before cracking Mamaluke with his Pele kick which knocked Mamaluke into the ropes and AJ was quick to send Mamaluke over the top rope and to the floor.

Elimination; Mamaluke by AJ Styles

Number 25; Sonny Siaki

AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn were going at in the middle of the ring when Abyss cut them off and hooked both men for a double Chokeslam but AJ and Lynn worked together to fight Abyss off. AJ and Lynn worked together to knock Abyss back into the ropes. Every man in the match then decided to work together and attempt to lift Abyss over the top rope after trying for a few seconds Abyss started to fight his way through the men. Abyss left every man lying finishing with a double Chokeslam to AJ and Lynn. Abyss had his choice of men to eliminate when the buzzer for the next entrant went off…

Number 26; Low Ki

Fans were on their feet again, Low Ki may have got the biggest ovation of the night so far. Low Ki not intimidated by seeing Abyss standing in the middle of the ring ran down the aisle and met Abyss in the middle of the ring. Low Ki took it to Abyss catching Abyss with his Tidal Wave springboard kick to the face and his running drop kick into the corner. Jim Mitchell was right to be worried about Low Ki it seems.

Elimination; Joey Matthews by Christopher Daniels

Number 27; Jimmy Rave

AJ Styles and Low Ki walked backwards into one another so they turned around and faced off which brought the fans to their feet believing they were going to see AJ and Low Ki go at one more time only for William Muellar to jump Styles from behind and Daniels to drop Low Ki from behind.

Number 28; Shark Boy

Mike Tenay and Don West joked about the possibility of Shark Boy becoming the first TNA Champion. Shark Boy is yet to win a match here in TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling and so far hasn’t looked like winning a match neither.

Elimination; Sonny Siaki by Jerry Lynn

Jerry Lynn was still looking strong even though the former two weight World Champion had been in the match longer than anybody else. Lynn has now been in the ring around 36 minutes.

Elimination; William Muellar by Chris Harris

The fans in attendance were delighted to see William Muellar eliminated by Chris Harris. During the match after Harris had eliminated James Storm a small portion of the fans chanted you suck towards Chris Harris which seemed to get under Harris’ skin a little bit.

Number 29; Steve Corino

Steve Corino a former World Heavyweight Champion had the luck of the draw being the last man in the Gauntlet for the Gold match giving Corino a great opportunity to make history and become the first TNA Champion.

Men still in the match, Jerry Lynn, Chris Harris, Abyss, Christopher Daniels, Jimmy Rave, Shark Boy, Steve Corino, AJ Styles and Low Ki…

Steve Corino rolled into the ring floored Jerry Lynn from behind sent AJ Styles shoulder first into the ring post before looking for a roaring elbow to Shark Boy only for Shark Boy to duck and flip Corino over the top rope to the floor!!!

Elimination; Steve Corino by Shark Boy

Fans jumped to their feet in shock and celebrated Steve Corino’s elimination. Corino was in the ring at a max 30 seconds. Corino couldn’t believe what had happened and stood at ringside in shock while Shark Boy stood in the ring also in shock. Mike Tenay and Don West between them couldn’t find the words to describe Shark Boy eliminating Steve Corino because they too were in shock. Shark Boy after coming out of shock motioned for the TNA Championship which broke the crowd out in a Shark Boy chant.

Elimination; Shark Boy by Abyss
Elimination; Jimmy Rave by Abyss

Abyss crushed Shark Boy’s dreams by eliminating Shark Boy only seconds later and Abyss quickly followed that up by press slamming Jimmy Rave over the top rope on top of Shark Boy. Abyss looking dominant again until Jerry Lynn jumped on Abyss back and trapped Abyss in a sleeper hold. Abyss tried to fight Lynn of but Lynn was not letting go Abyss tried to back Lynn into the corner but Lynn sat on the top rope which gave Lynn more leverage for the sleeper. Abyss was fading but then Christopher Daniels ran up the turnbuckle and caught Lynn unaware with an enzirguri kick to the side of the head which knocked Lynn from the top rope to the floor eliminating Jerry Lynn and ending Lynn’s dream of becoming the first TNA Champion.

Jerry Lynn earned a standing ovation from the fans at ringside. Lynn sat at ringside disappointed until Ricky Steamboat helped Lynn to his feet. Steamboat gave Lynn some words of encouragement at ringside before Lynn made his way backstage. Jerry Lynn lasted over 40 minutes.

Elimination; Jerry Lynn by Christopher Daniels

Five men remaining, Chris Harris, Abyss, Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles and Low Ki…

Chris Harris blocked Christopher Daniels Angels Wings by tripping Daniels. Harris then wanted his Texas Cloverleaf only for Daniels to push Harris away with his legs which caused Harris to turn Abyss who dropped Harris with Shock Treatment. Abyss dropped a charging Daniels with a boot to the face before nailing Harris with his Black Hole Slam. Abyss pulled Harris up to his feet dragged Harris to the ropes and flipped Harris over the top rope to the floor. Not only was Chris Harris eliminated but also his undefeated streak was over. Abyss is seemingly unstoppable. Jim Mitchell was telling Ricky Steamboat to shine Abyss’ TNA title.

Elimination; Chris Harris by Abyss

AJ Styles dropped Daniels with a standing heel kick followed by a supflex into a neckbreaker. Styles called for his Styles Clash but Daniels back dropped out of it sending AJ towards the ropes. Daniels ran at AJ only to be back dropped over the top rope but Daniels landed on the ring apron only for AJ to catch Daniels with his Pele kick knocking Daniels off the ring apron, eliminating ‘Fallen Angel’…

Christopher Daniels was not eliminated!! Daniels fell backwards of the ring apron but only ONE of Daniels feet hit the floor the other luckily for Daniels landed on the bottom ring step. One of the match officials confirmed Daniels was not eliminated but the other three men in the ring were unaware that Daniels had not been eliminated.

Abyss lifted Low Ki above his head looking to press slam Low Ki over the top rope to the floor like he had done to Sabu, Chase Stevens and Jimmy Rave but Low Ki locked his legs around Abyss’ head and grabbed hold of the top rope. Low Ki pulled with everything he had trying to pull Abyss over the top rope. Low Ki had to be careful because Low Ki was also hanging over the top rope. Abyss was starting to struggle and panic as he tipped over the top rope; Jim Mitchell was at ringside screaming at Abyss to break free of the hold. Fans were on their feet, Abyss’ feet left the mat, Abyss was really starting to panic now but Abyss managed to pull apart Low Ki’s legs only for AJ Styles to drop kick Abyss in the back of the head knocking Abyss over the top rope to the floor as Low Ki landed on the ring apron.

Elimination; Abyss by AJ Styles

Fans were going mental celebrating the fact that not only had Abyss been eliminated but they believed it was now down to AJ Styles V Low Ki to become the first TNA Champion. Abyss and Jim Mitchell were fuming outside of the ring the match officials and more TNA staff was cautious trying to get Abyss away from ringside but eventually Jim Mitchell convinced Abyss to leave.

AJ Styles and Low Ki locked on eyes, Low Ki lying on the apron and AJ standing in the ring. AJ motioned for Low Ki to get back into the ring and also signaled for the TNA Championship when Christopher Daniels hit AJ from behind with a running knee to the back sending AJ into the ropes. AJ was shocked and before AJ could react Daniels dumped AJ Styles over the top rope and both feet hit the floor.

Elimination; AJ Styles by Christopher Daniels

AJ Styles hit the floor hard. Fans in attendance were in shock because not everyone knew that Christopher Daniels had not been eliminated. Low Ki even looked shocked. Mike Tenay reminded everyone of the rules that BOTH feet had to touch the ringside floor and only one of Christopher Daniels feet hit the floor.

AJ Styles was up at ringside and wasn’t happy, AJ was confused because AJ believed he had eliminated Daniels earlier and tried to explain himself to the match official. AJ was having a hard time believing that Christopher Daniels had not been eliminated. Ricky Steamboat was standing at ringside speaking to one of the match officials who explained to Steamboat that Daniels had not been eliminated. AJ Styles eventually left ringside but AJ Styles must feel like has been robbed out of the opportunity to fight for the TNA Championship. Either ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels or Low Ki would become the first ever TNA Champion…

GAUNTLET FOR THE GOLD MATCH
ONE FALL TO A FINISH
TNA CHAMPIONSHIP
LOW KI V CHRISTOPHER DANIELS

Christopher Daniels beat Low Ki via pin fall after spiking an injured Low Ki with his Angels Wings to become the first ever TNA Champion.



Low Ki attempted his Tidal Wave springboard kick only for Daniels to push Low Ki over the top rope to the floor. Low Ki landed hard and awkwardly on his left knee and ankle. Low Ki couldn’t put any weight on his foot and could barely stand but Low Ki wouldn’t give in even though Daniels targeted Low Ki’s injury for the remainder of the match but in the end Daniels managed to put Low Ki away with his Angels Wings to make history and become the first TNA Champion.

Christopher Daniels dropped to his knees at the bell in celebration of becoming the first TNA Champion. Daniels had his hand raised in victory as Mike Tenay and Don West congratulated Christopher Daniels on shocking the world by becoming the first TNA Champion. Tenay claimed that Daniels had some luck along the way but there was no denying that Christopher Daniels the fact that he is the first TNA Champion.

Doctors were immediately down to the ring to check on Low Ki who had rolled out of the ring. Low Ki was in agony holding his left knee. Fans applauded Low Ki’s effort as Mike Tenay wished Low Ki a speedy recovery.

Christopher Daniels stood in the middle of the ring waiting for Ricky Steamboat to present him the TNA title belt. Ricky Steamboat checked on Low Ki before joining Daniels in the middle of the ring. Daniels was telling Steamboat he was the first TNA Champion as Steamboat held out the TNA title. Christopher Daniels told Ricky Steamboat he wanted Steamboat to strap the title around Daniels’ waist. Ricky Steamboat did without any hesitation showing respect to the new TNA Champion while Daniels was getting great satisfaction from having Steamboat strap the title around his waist. Once Ricky Steamboat and strapped the TNA title around Christopher Daniels waist Steamboat offered his hand to Daniels in a sign of respect but Daniels just laughed in Steamboat’s face showing Ricky Steamboat no respect and showing that Daniels has no class.

Fireworks went off and confetti fell from the ceiling as ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels continued to celebrate becoming the first TNA Champion.

Low Ki was shown sitting on a stretcher being rolled back up the aisle. Low Ki who had his head lowered in shame will hopefully not be out of action to long and back before we know it challenging for the TNA Championship.

Jeremy Borash was shown backstage. Borash was waiting for a word with the first TNA Champion ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels. Borash congratulated Daniels on his historic achievement. Borash while waiting for Daniels hyped a couple of things we would see over the next few weeks. Next week Ron Killings and Jerry Lynn would team up to take on Elix Skipper and Jeff Jarrett. Two weeks time in a No Disqualification Match we would see ‘Tennessee Cowboy’ James Storm face William Muellar. As for the new TNA Champion, Christopher Daniels next week we would hear his celebration speech then the week after we would find out the number one contender to the TNA Championship and then the week after that in 3 weeks time the first TNA Champion, Christopher Daniels would be in action against an opponent yet to be named…

Christopher Daniels with the TNA title now over his shoulder and a bottle of champagne in his hand joined Jeremy Borash. Borash congratulated Christopher Daniels on making history and becoming the first TNA Champion. Borash asked the ‘Fallen Angel’ for his thoughts. Daniels did all of his told you so and bragging last week but Daniels right now just wants to say that tonight he made everyone on the TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling roster look like fools and liars. Daniels stood back and listened as everyone claimed it would be them that made history and became the first TNA Champion while Daniels always knew it would be him and now no one can take it away from him Christopher Daniels is the first TNA Champion. Christopher Daniels claimed that he is a man of his word, he is a gift from God, he is the ‘Fallen Angel’ Christopher Daniels and now he is the first ever TNA Champion!

Christopher Daniels left Jeremy Borash so Daniels could do more celebrating. Borash thanked the fans for joining TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling tonight on this historic night where Christopher Daniels made history and became the first TNA Champion.

Still shots aired from tonight’s Pay per View highlighting some of the major happenings during the Gauntlet for the Gold match including Ron Killings eliminating Elix Skipper, Monty Brown and Jeff Jarrett. Abyss’s domination and Chris Harris eliminating James Storm was shown as was Jerry Lynn lasting over 40 minutes. AJ Styles believing he had eliminated Christopher Daniels only for Daniels’ foot to land on the ring step. Low Ki almost eliminating Abyss and AJ Styles then eliminating Abyss. Christopher Daniels coming back into the ring to eliminate AJ Styles from the match. Low Ki V Christopher Daniels for the TNA Championship. Low Ki injuring his knee after being pushed over the top rope to the floor by Daniels. Christopher Daniels pinning Low Ki after his Angel Wings to become the first TNA Champion. Low Ki being stretchered away from ringside, Ricky Steamboat strapping the TNA title around Christopher Daniels waist and Daniels celebrating with his TNA title was the last images shown as the 10th TNA Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling Pay per View went off the air.