Showing posts with label JBL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JBL. Show all posts
Thursday, August 18, 2011
JBL SAYS WRESTLING IS NOT DEAD
Former WWE Champion JBL did an interesting new blog on his Facebook page where he looks at UFC and WWE wanting their own cable TV network. Here is an excerpt from his blog:
“PPV will change also dramatically over the next decade. PPV sold over the Internet is in its infancy, but with Internet enabled TVs growing-that will change.
Now imagine this. WWE or UFC does a PPV and they really now do sell it worldwide. Every Internet receiver in the world can buy it-no longer do they have to rely on a local Internet company in China or India-they own their own channel and sell it direct. This involves an education process, but one I think is taking place and will happen over the next 7-10 years.
PPV numbers will go up by a multiple of what they are now and all revenue is kept by the content owner. WWE could sell the PPV for $4.99 in Africa or China where they don’t have a cable partner and you can’t charge as much-but open it up to millions that way. Or, if you sell it for the current amount-you keep all the money.
Costs are a onetime issue. They remain the same-so all the extra income is pure bottom line profit.
See a change coming? I do.
A smaller group like TNA that has still marketable recognizable worldwide stars can do this as well and wouldn’t need cable deals all over the world to make it work. The Internet gives them a worldwide cable deal that they own. To me, this should be their model now.
I believe UFC will be the biggest sport in the world due to the fact that they can draw stars from virtually every continent and use them in front of their worldwide audience. When it comes time for a company with a billion people worldwide watching weekly to sell PPVs-what is five million buys. Futuristic? Yes. Will it happen? I believe it will.
So is wrestling dead? Not by a long shot, in fact it’s best days could easily be ahead-it’s just the way it is distributed will change…for the better.
Makes a Wrestling god want to come back….OK, maybe not, but will be fun to watch. “
Saturday, July 16, 2011
JBL WORKING WITH FAMILY CENTRE IN BAHAMAS
Former WWE Superstar JBL is working with the Family Centre in the Bahamas to help people on the island overcome social challenges. JBL calls Bermuda one of the best places on the planet and is looking for help from international charity Beyond Sport to clean up neighborhoods in the Bahamas that have been affected by antisocial behavior.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
JBL COMMENTS ON CM PUNK'S PROMO LAST NIGHT
JBL wrote online about CM Punk’s RAW promo after finally watching it yesterday:
“I haven’t watched a wrestling program since well before I left WWE 2+ years ago. Heard about CM Punk’s promo and watched it this morning-WOW! That was awesome, as good as I have ever seen. I worked with CM when he first became champ-really enjoyed it and really happy to see what a stud he has become. When you can put doubt as to whether shoot or work-you have done your job very well!”
“I haven’t watched a wrestling program since well before I left WWE 2+ years ago. Heard about CM Punk’s promo and watched it this morning-WOW! That was awesome, as good as I have ever seen. I worked with CM when he first became champ-really enjoyed it and really happy to see what a stud he has become. When you can put doubt as to whether shoot or work-you have done your job very well!”
Sunday, April 3, 2011
WWE HALL OF FAME 2011
Thanks to Ashley B. and Marc E. for the following coverage from tonight’s WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in Atlanta:
* Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat arrived together, Road Warrior Animal is sitting with Sunny. Everyone is making their way in and this is truly an awesome sight. I’ve spotted JBL, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman it looked like, Trish Stratus, Steve Austin and others.
* Jerry Lawler is hosting the ceremony. Hulk Hogan’s name got a bad reaction. Lawler introduces the first induction, Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Ted DiBiase Sr. comes out to induct Duggan. Ted talked about Duggan’s football career, his wrestling days and fight against cancer. Duggan came out to an ovation and talked about getting into the business. He ended his speech with a promo against the terrorists we fight and a trademark HOOOO. Duggan’s speech was met with lots of USA chants from the crowd.
* Other people we’ve spotted include Stephanie McMahon, Linda McMahon, Wendi Richter, Lex Luger, DDP, Sharmell, Booker T, Pat Patterson. Just about everybody is here.
* Road Dogg Jesse James, Scott Armstrong, Brad and Brian come out to induct their father Bullet Bob Armstrong. Great reaction from the fans for BG James who doesn’t look much different from his DX and TNA days. This induction was way shorter than Duggan’s.
* A fan was just ejected by security for yelling.
* All of the WWE Divas are out now to induct Sunny. Layla and Michelle McCool put her over big as the original Diva. Nice touch with the Divas inducting Sunny and a good speech by her. The Divas hung around on stage with her. Sunny talked about her late husband Chris Candido and getting into the wrestling business. She said that after tonight there is no debate on who the original Diva is anymore. Ashley notes that only LayCool spoke but the entire Divas roster was present for the induction.
* Lawler introduced Terry Funk next who talked about his history with Abdullah the Butcher. Funk is great on the mic as usual. Abdullah the Butcher was introduced next for another short speech. Abdullah got emotional and cried when talking about his family and talked about getting the call from WWE. He had his trademark fork with him. Big pop from Abdullah from the crowd. He thanked God, the fans and his family.
* The Road Warriors and Paul Ellering are being inducted next. Their name gets a huge reaction at first. Dusty Rhodes comes out to induct them and puts over how important they are to tag team wrestling. Dusty has the best speech of the night so far. Huge LOD chants as Animal and Paul Ellering come out. Ellering and Animal have an action figure of the late Hawk on the podium to commemorate him. Animal did most of their speech. He and Ellering talked about Hawk. Animal talked about the day Hawk died. They thanked their fans and family. Great moment.
* Drew Carey gets boo’d during his video and his jokes. Kane comes out to induct him. Drew said he doesn’t care about the boo’s.
* Triple H is out next to induct Shawn Michaels. Triple H came out to his King of Kings theme and put his friend Shawn over more than anyone else has in their speeches tonight. He said Shawn won’t admit that he’s in the Hulk Hogan Hair Club for Men. He also called Shawn the greatest performer he’s ever seen. He got emotional and told Shawn he loves him. Triple H talked about their history together and gave HBK a new nickname – Mr. Hall of Fame. Triple H has had the longest speech yet probably. Shawn is out next to a huge standing ovation from the crowd.
Shawn joked about how nervous he was. Michaels thanked everyone and said there was one name he should thank but he couldn’t say the name, obviously referring to Ric Flair. The crowd “Whooo’d” at this. Shawn thanked the WWE Universe, his family, the WWE talents and God. Great speech by HBK, showed a candid side of himself we don’t see often. Shawn left to DX music and was joined on stage by Triple H, Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash.
* Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat arrived together, Road Warrior Animal is sitting with Sunny. Everyone is making their way in and this is truly an awesome sight. I’ve spotted JBL, Kevin Nash, Sean Waltman it looked like, Trish Stratus, Steve Austin and others.
* Jerry Lawler is hosting the ceremony. Hulk Hogan’s name got a bad reaction. Lawler introduces the first induction, Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Ted DiBiase Sr. comes out to induct Duggan. Ted talked about Duggan’s football career, his wrestling days and fight against cancer. Duggan came out to an ovation and talked about getting into the business. He ended his speech with a promo against the terrorists we fight and a trademark HOOOO. Duggan’s speech was met with lots of USA chants from the crowd.
* Other people we’ve spotted include Stephanie McMahon, Linda McMahon, Wendi Richter, Lex Luger, DDP, Sharmell, Booker T, Pat Patterson. Just about everybody is here.
* Road Dogg Jesse James, Scott Armstrong, Brad and Brian come out to induct their father Bullet Bob Armstrong. Great reaction from the fans for BG James who doesn’t look much different from his DX and TNA days. This induction was way shorter than Duggan’s.
* A fan was just ejected by security for yelling.
* All of the WWE Divas are out now to induct Sunny. Layla and Michelle McCool put her over big as the original Diva. Nice touch with the Divas inducting Sunny and a good speech by her. The Divas hung around on stage with her. Sunny talked about her late husband Chris Candido and getting into the wrestling business. She said that after tonight there is no debate on who the original Diva is anymore. Ashley notes that only LayCool spoke but the entire Divas roster was present for the induction.
* Lawler introduced Terry Funk next who talked about his history with Abdullah the Butcher. Funk is great on the mic as usual. Abdullah the Butcher was introduced next for another short speech. Abdullah got emotional and cried when talking about his family and talked about getting the call from WWE. He had his trademark fork with him. Big pop from Abdullah from the crowd. He thanked God, the fans and his family.
* The Road Warriors and Paul Ellering are being inducted next. Their name gets a huge reaction at first. Dusty Rhodes comes out to induct them and puts over how important they are to tag team wrestling. Dusty has the best speech of the night so far. Huge LOD chants as Animal and Paul Ellering come out. Ellering and Animal have an action figure of the late Hawk on the podium to commemorate him. Animal did most of their speech. He and Ellering talked about Hawk. Animal talked about the day Hawk died. They thanked their fans and family. Great moment.
* Drew Carey gets boo’d during his video and his jokes. Kane comes out to induct him. Drew said he doesn’t care about the boo’s.
* Triple H is out next to induct Shawn Michaels. Triple H came out to his King of Kings theme and put his friend Shawn over more than anyone else has in their speeches tonight. He said Shawn won’t admit that he’s in the Hulk Hogan Hair Club for Men. He also called Shawn the greatest performer he’s ever seen. He got emotional and told Shawn he loves him. Triple H talked about their history together and gave HBK a new nickname – Mr. Hall of Fame. Triple H has had the longest speech yet probably. Shawn is out next to a huge standing ovation from the crowd.
Shawn joked about how nervous he was. Michaels thanked everyone and said there was one name he should thank but he couldn’t say the name, obviously referring to Ric Flair. The crowd “Whooo’d” at this. Shawn thanked the WWE Universe, his family, the WWE talents and God. Great speech by HBK, showed a candid side of himself we don’t see often. Shawn left to DX music and was joined on stage by Triple H, Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash.
Friday, March 11, 2011
JBL COMMENTS ON HIS RETURN
JBL commented on his RAW return this week with the following message on Twitter: “Was it a one night return or a comeback? Or you kidding…I live on an island that has the best golf course in the world, I am retired.”
RAW RATINGS FOR 3-11-11
As noted before, the March 7th RAW scored a 3.92 cable rating with 5.78 million viewers. This was the highest rated RAW since August 24th, 2009 when Floyd Mayweather hosted.
In a segment by segment breakdown, The Undertaker’s interview opened the show with a 3.91 rating and the brawl with Nexus and Randy Orton plus Orton vs. David Otunga gained 71,000 viewers, which is good. Christian vs. Brodus Clay and Sunny’s Hall of Fame announcement gained 219,000 more viewers. The increase in viewers is likely attributed to the Sunny video as this part in the show did a 5.2 rating among teenage boys, which beat everything else on the show except Steve Austin’s return.
Following the “Original Diva” keeping viewers tuned in, the Divas Title match between Eve Torres and Nikki Bella lost 610,000 viewers. This match had a 4.2 rating among teenage boys and as noted, the Sunny segment did a 5.2.
The segment with Steve Austin, JBL and Michael Cole gained 961,000 viewers to a 4.46 rating. This is the best RAW quarter-hour rating in a long time. In Males 12-17, the rating was up from a 4.2 to a 5.5. The match with Daniel Bryan and Sheamus lost 1,102,000 viewers, which is the largest numbers of viewers lost during a segment of any WWE or TNA show in many years. This shows that many viewers tuned in to see Steve Austin and once he was done, they tuned out and returned at 11pm to see if anything else big was going to happen with the show in general.
The CM Punk vs. R-Truth match, the Shawn Michaels video and the segment with Vickie Guerrero lost 119,000 viewers while the Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison match lost 43,000 more. The end of RAW with John Cena’s “final knockout” on The Rock and the attack from The Miz did good numbers, gaining 965,000 viewers and finishing with a 4.25 overrun.
In a segment by segment breakdown, The Undertaker’s interview opened the show with a 3.91 rating and the brawl with Nexus and Randy Orton plus Orton vs. David Otunga gained 71,000 viewers, which is good. Christian vs. Brodus Clay and Sunny’s Hall of Fame announcement gained 219,000 more viewers. The increase in viewers is likely attributed to the Sunny video as this part in the show did a 5.2 rating among teenage boys, which beat everything else on the show except Steve Austin’s return.
Following the “Original Diva” keeping viewers tuned in, the Divas Title match between Eve Torres and Nikki Bella lost 610,000 viewers. This match had a 4.2 rating among teenage boys and as noted, the Sunny segment did a 5.2.
The segment with Steve Austin, JBL and Michael Cole gained 961,000 viewers to a 4.46 rating. This is the best RAW quarter-hour rating in a long time. In Males 12-17, the rating was up from a 4.2 to a 5.5. The match with Daniel Bryan and Sheamus lost 1,102,000 viewers, which is the largest numbers of viewers lost during a segment of any WWE or TNA show in many years. This shows that many viewers tuned in to see Steve Austin and once he was done, they tuned out and returned at 11pm to see if anything else big was going to happen with the show in general.
The CM Punk vs. R-Truth match, the Shawn Michaels video and the segment with Vickie Guerrero lost 119,000 viewers while the Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison match lost 43,000 more. The end of RAW with John Cena’s “final knockout” on The Rock and the attack from The Miz did good numbers, gaining 965,000 viewers and finishing with a 4.25 overrun.
JBL COMMENTS ON HIS RETURN, ALBERTO DEL RIO
WWE’s website interviewed JBL this week after his return on RAW Monday night. Here are some highlights from the in-character interview:
WWE.com: First of all, sorry about the night you had this past Monday. I don’t think it was the return you were expecting.
JBL: What bothers me is when other great champions come back, like The Rock, “Stone Cold” or Roddy Piper, when these guys return they’re not treated like that. And I was the greatest champion of all time. You got the best [Superstars] from the ’80s and ’90s coming back for WrestleMania, and I had to reiterate to my fans, because they love me so much, that JBL was the greatest champion. So, when something like this happens it’s just a matter of complete disrespect by a guy like Steve Austin. I hear he’s very successful in movies – God bless him – but that’s where he should stay.
WWE.com: Speaking of being successful after WWE, you’ve been gone for almost two years now, what are you up to these days?
JBL: I invested in a really good beverage company, New Leaf Beverage (newleafbrands.com). We’ve got about 18 brands, including four lemonades and four iced teas. We’re in about 35 states, and sales have been pretty good. It’s been a good investment; I’ve spent a lot of time with that. I spend a lot of time in Bermuda. I can do my investments anywhere, so I spend about 4-6 months a year there. It’s only an hour-and-a-half from New York, so it’s an easy commute.
WWE.com: Any final words for the WWE Universe?
JBL: I’m thrilled they got to see the greatest champion to ever come back. Also, I got to meet Alberto Del Rio, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the young man. I knew his dad. I knew his uncle. And one thing we agree on, Rey Mysterio is not a good role model for kids. You want to look up to people like Alberto Del Rio and me, both great champions, both very successful financially.
WWE.com: First of all, sorry about the night you had this past Monday. I don’t think it was the return you were expecting.
JBL: What bothers me is when other great champions come back, like The Rock, “Stone Cold” or Roddy Piper, when these guys return they’re not treated like that. And I was the greatest champion of all time. You got the best [Superstars] from the ’80s and ’90s coming back for WrestleMania, and I had to reiterate to my fans, because they love me so much, that JBL was the greatest champion. So, when something like this happens it’s just a matter of complete disrespect by a guy like Steve Austin. I hear he’s very successful in movies – God bless him – but that’s where he should stay.
WWE.com: Speaking of being successful after WWE, you’ve been gone for almost two years now, what are you up to these days?
JBL: I invested in a really good beverage company, New Leaf Beverage (newleafbrands.com). We’ve got about 18 brands, including four lemonades and four iced teas. We’re in about 35 states, and sales have been pretty good. It’s been a good investment; I’ve spent a lot of time with that. I spend a lot of time in Bermuda. I can do my investments anywhere, so I spend about 4-6 months a year there. It’s only an hour-and-a-half from New York, so it’s an easy commute.
WWE.com: Any final words for the WWE Universe?
JBL: I’m thrilled they got to see the greatest champion to ever come back. Also, I got to meet Alberto Del Rio, and I cannot tell you how proud I am of the young man. I knew his dad. I knew his uncle. And one thing we agree on, Rey Mysterio is not a good role model for kids. You want to look up to people like Alberto Del Rio and me, both great champions, both very successful financially.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
WWE IGNORED BY JBL
Apparently WWE had trouble getting in touch with JBL when they came up with the idea to have him return at last night’s RAW. Calls to JBL’s phone went unanswered and WWE officials weren’t sure if he was even in the country.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
RAW RESULT 3/8
Tonight’s WWE RAW opens up with a video for Triple H and The Undertaker, with Triple H’s comments from last week.
- We go live to the arena in Dallas, Texas as The Undertaker’s bells toll and the flames begin to rise. Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” starts playing as The Last Outlaw makes his way down to the ring.
Michael Cole welcomes us to RAW as Taker makes his way into the ring. Taker says two legends will collide at WrestleMania, two icons will do battle but there can only be one last outlaw in the end. Taker says many feel that this is the year the streak will be broken. Taker says people think that father time and all the injuries will catch up to him. But then some feel that it’s Triple H who is the one guy that has what it takes to bring Taker down and end the streak. Taker reminds us what has happened at the past two WrestleMania’s. Taker shows us a video of his two WrestleMania matches against Shawn Michaels.
- We cut backstage where Randy Orton is fighting off members of Nexus. Mason Ryan rams Orton back into a wall and they beat him down. CM Punk says Orton put Michael McGillicutty on the shelf but where they’re going to take him is much worse. Nexus drags Orton to the ring as we go to commercial.
- Back from commercial and Nexus has Randy Orton down in the ring. David Otunga tells the referee to ring the bell and we have a match.
David Otunga vs. Randy Orton
The bell rings and Otunga rushes Orton in the corner, beating him back down. The referee backs Otunga off but he comes right back with more stomps. Otunga continues the offense and gets a 2 count.
Otunga scoop slams Orton for another 2 count and goes back to work. Otunga hits his finisher but still only gets a 2 count. Otunga picks Orton up but Orton nails an RKO out of nowhere for the win.
Winner: Randy Orton
– Per the stipulations set last week, David Otunga will not be with CM Punk at WrestleMania. Mason Ryan runs down to the ring and lays out Orton. Ryan yells a bunch of stuff at Orton and picks him back up. Before he can strike, Orton lays out Mason with an RKO. CM Punk runs down but doesn’t make it in the ring as Orton turns around to see him. Punk teases getting in the ring but Orton is right there. Punk runs around the ring to try and rescue David Otunga but Orton punt kicks him in the head. Punk is furious outside of the ring as Otunga is knocked out cold. Orton poses and taunts Punk as he heads to the back.
- Michael Cole talks about revealing his special referee for his match against Jerry Lawler as we go to commercial.
- Back from commercial and we see highlights from the Alex Riley vs. John Cena cage match on last week’s show. Cole and Matthews say The Miz isn’t here tonight and show his tweet from today where he said he is boycotting RAW tonight.
Christian vs. Brodus Clay
We go to the ring and out comes Christian to a big pop. Ricardo Rodriguez begins to introduce Alberto Del Rio next. Del Rio comes out walking down the ramp and has Brodus Clay with him. Del Rio introduces himself and says before Christian gets him, he must beat Clay first. Clay hops in the ring for his RAW debut and drops Christian. Clay walks over Christian’s back and goes for a slam. Christian slides out of it and goes for Killswitch but Clay overpowers him.
– Back from commercial and we see highlights from the Alex Riley vs. John Cena cage match on last week’s show. Cole and Matthews say The Miz isn’t here tonight and show his tweet from today where he said he is boycotting RAW tonight.
Christian vs. Brodus Clay
We go to the ring and out comes Christian to a big pop. Ricardo Rodriguez begins to introduce Alberto Del Rio next. Del Rio comes out walking down the ramp and has Brodus Clay with him. Del Rio introduces himself and says before Christian gets him, he must beat Clay first. Clay hops in the ring for his RAW debut and drops Christian. Clay walks over Christian’s back and goes for a slam. Christian slides out of it and goes for Killswitch but Clay overpowers him.
Clay levels Christian. Christian starts to come back but Clay drops him with a but charging headbutt. Clay with elbow drops now. Brodus works on Christian’s arm now. Clay goes for a big splash but Christian moves. Christian with a dropkick from the top but Clay won’t go down. A second dropkick from Christian drops Clay for a 2 count. Clay takes back over but Christian comes back with a tornado DDT out of the corner for the pin and the win.
Winner: Christian
- After the match, Alberto Del Rio runs in and attacks Christian from behind. Christian fights back but Del Rio takes him down with the armbar finisher. Del Rio finally lets go and leaves Christian laying. Del Rio leaves with Clay and Rodriguez as Christian tries to recover in the ring.
- We see The Rock’s response to John Cena from last week’s RAW. Matthews plugs Cena’s “final knockout” for later on. Cole hypes Stone Cold’s return as we go to commercial.
- We get a nice video package for Sin Cara with him doing moves on another wrestler inside an empty arena.
- The next member of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame is announced and it’s the original Diva – Tammy “Sunny” Sytch. We get a video package of highlights from her career.
WWE Divas Title Match: Brie Bella vs. Eve Torres
We go to the ring and out comes the WWE Divas Champion Eve Torres to defend the title against Brie Bella. We go to commercial as Eve enters the ring.
Back from commercial and we see clips from the Divas Battle Royal last week. We go to the ring and Gail Kim is out with Eve in her corner. Out next come The Bella Twins. They announce Nikki Bella even though it was Brie who won last week. The bell rings and they lock up. Eve takes Bella down first and goes to work in the corner. Eve slams her head into the corner a bunch and throws her by her hair across the ring. Eve clotheslines Nikki for a 2 count.
Bella and Eve go back and forth until Michael Cole stands up on the announcer’s table and asks can we hurry and get this over with. Cole tells everyone he’s seen enough and he’s ready for his big announcement. Eve and Bella continue to go at it while Cole runs his mouth. Cole keeps calling himself the main event. Eve kicks Bella in the head and she goes down. Brie tries to do the switch but the referee catches her and orders her out of the ring. Eve brings Nikki back in and hits the neckbreaker for the win.
Winner: Eve Torres
- Michael Cole thanks God that the match is over. He says his big announcement is up next as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and there’s a red cover over the ring apron. We see video of Cole revealing Jack Swagger as his trainer last week and Swagger putting the ankle lock on Jerry Lawler. By the way, Lawler isn’t here tonight. We go to the ring where Cole is. Cole says his match at WrestleMania is the main event. He has a contract in his hand for the special referee job. Cole says he respects Lawler and has chosen a referee who is impartial. Cole has been talking to this person for a week and the person has vowed to call the match down the middle. Cole says it’s a former WWE Champion, a true legend, one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. Cole says he’s a legendary Texan also. Cole says we all know he’s here, teasing Steve Austin. Cole gets the crowd to chant Austin’s name and then calls them fools. Cole says he suckered everyone in. Cole introduces his special referee, John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL’s music hits and the white limousine pulls into the arena. JBL hops out of the limousine and makes his way to the ring.
JBL enters the ring and embraces Cole. JBL takes the mic and puts down Texas sport teams and the state of Texas after talking about being in New York City. JBL says he knew the people would welcome him back with open arms and he thanks them. JBL says this is much more important than everyone. JBL says he’s proud of Cole. JBL says there’s other matches and a guest host at WrestleMania but this is the main event. JBL talks about mentoring Cole and says Lawler has been nothing but a bully to Cole. JBL says he can buy anyone in the building but nothing can buy JBL, he will call it down the middle at WrestleMania. JBL says he is a man of integrity. JBL says today, he begins his journey back to the main event at WrestleMania. Steve Austin’s music hits and out he comes to a huge pop!
Austin enters the ring and poses for the fans. JBL and Cole start yelling at him. Cole is hiding behind JBL. Austin doesn’t say much back before hitting JBL with a Stunner. Austin puts JBL’s hat on and hits the turnbuckles. Austin is thrown some beers as Cole gets back on the announcers headset and starts yelling that Austin ruined his night. Austin downs some beers and pours one on JBL. Austin picks up the contract. JBL still hadn’t signed it so the job is open. Austin asks if we want him to sign it, give him a hell yeah. Austin signs the contract and is the special referee for WrestleMania. Cole is crying at ringside. Austin announces he is the special referee for Cole vs. Lawler and that’s the bottom line. Austin goes to ringside and shakes Cole’s hand and wishes him good luck. Austin then pours two beers over Cole’s head, wishes him good luck up close and shoves him back into the chair. Austin has a few more beers as his music plays and he gets back in the ring. Austin pours another beer over Cole’s head. Cole just stands there humiliated before walking off crying. A beer is thrown to Austin but it hits JBL in the head as he gets up. Austin offers JBL a beer and they drink. As JBL is drinking, Austin stuns him. We see Cole on the stage throwing a tantrum with Jack Swagger. Austin is thrown a few more beers as he heads up the ramp.
- We go to The Rock’s comments from last week’s show where he addressed John Cena. Cena’s “final knockout” is hyped some more as we go to commercial.
– After the break, Cole is backstage crying to Jack Swagger about how much he hates Steve Austin. Swagger tells Cole to focus on his match with Lawler and he will take care of Steve Austin. Swagger says he will break Austin’s ankle like a twig.
- We go to the ring and out comes Jerry Lawler to a big pop. We see clips of Austin as Lawler joins the announce table with Matthews.
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus
We go to the ring and out comes the WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan. Out next is Sheamus and we see clips of Triple H destroying him last week. The bell rings and they lock up. Sheamus takes Bryan to the corner and down. Sheamus tosses Bryan across the ring, clotheslines him and gets a 2 count.
Bryan starts to come back and knocks Sheamus to the apron. Bryan then knocks him to the floor in front of the announcer’s table. Sheamus lands on his ankle and appears hurt. The referee counts and Sheamus can’t make it back in the ring. Sheamus is counted out and continues to hold his leg.
Winner by Count Out: Daniel Bryan
- After the match, Sheamus takes the mic and says he admits he’s been on a losing streak but that changes next week. Sheamus wants a US Title shot on next week’s show. Sheamus says if he loses, he will quit. Bryan accepts the challenge and we have a match for next week.
- Up next is part two of an interview with Shawn Michaels speaking out about Triple H vs. The Undertaker. We go to commercial.
CM Punk vs. R-Truth
Back from commercial and CM Punk is in the ring. Out comes his opponent R-Truth. The bell rings and Punk charges but Truth rolls him up for a pin. Mason Ryan is at ringside. Punk throws Truth into two of the ring posts, then a third. Punk works Truth over and covers him for a 2. They go back and forth. Truth slides out of a GTS and kicks Punk for a 2 count.
Punk comes back and slams Truth on his shoulder. Punk applies the Anaconda Vice and Truth taps out for the end.
Winner: CM Punk
- After the match, Punk orders Mason Ryan to attack Truth. Ryan hits a big shoulder breaker on Truth and leaves him laying in pain.
- Josh Matthews leads us into part 2 of Shawn Michaels speaking out about Triple H vs. The Undertaker. Shawn talks about how Triple H likes hurting people and says Triple H is the man who can beat Undertaker. Shawn says Triple H has no remorse and that’s what it will take to defeat Taker.
- Vickie Guerrero makes her way out to the ring as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Vickie Guerrero is asking us to excuse her once again. Vickie announces that due to her negotiating efforts, Dolph Ziggler is now on the RAW brand. Vickie brings out Dolph Ziggler, the former World Heavyweight Champion.
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison
Dolph gets ready as John Morrison makes his way out and Vickie Guerrero joins commentary. Vickie says she and Dolph are strictly business partners now. They go at it and Dolph kicks Morrison’s leg out. Morrison rolls out to the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the commercial and there’s a lot of back and forth between Dolph and Morrison. Dolph gets the win after hitting the Zig Zag on Morrison.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
- After the match, Vickie comes in the ring to celebrate with Dolph. The RAW GM interrupts and it’s announced that Vickie isn’t hired but she can have a job on RAW if she defeats Trish Stratus on next week’s RAW. Security comes down to remove her from the ring.
- We get more hype from the announcers on The Rock & John Cena.
- Another preview for The Chaperone, with comments from Triple H and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Back from commercial and once again we see part of The Rock’s response to John Cena on last week’s RAW. Back in the arena, John Cena’s music hits and out he comes to a big pop from the crowd.
Cena talks about The Rock being mad at him and the crowd chants for Rocky. Cena goes on about The Rock and starts rapping. Cena says the only thing The Rock has beaten after last week is himself. Cena questions where The Rock is and calls him a disgrace. Cena goes on picking on The Rock. Cena tells Rock to never call him out again because that’s bringing a knife to a gun fight. Cena’s music hits but he turns around to a shot from The Miz. Miz drops Cena with the WWE Title. Cena stands up but Miz drops him again. Miz takes the mic and kneels in front of Cena. Miz says everytime Cena and Rock get their panties in a wad, this is what happens. If Rock was here, the same thing would happen. Miz tries a little rap that says Randy Savage, The Rock, Cena, Liz and others are nothing compared to him. Miz then formally introduces himself to The Rock, as the WWE Champion and star of WrestleMania. Miz tells Rock to know his role and be the best Ryan Seacrest he can be at WrestleMania. Miz says if Rock has the guts to show up at RAW or WrestleMania, he will take everything Rock has and stick it up his candy ass. The Miz says he’s awesome but not before hitting Cena with a Mic Check. The Miz then mimicks The Rock and hits a People’s Elbow on Cena. RAW goes off the air with The Miz holding his WWE Title.
- We go live to the arena in Dallas, Texas as The Undertaker’s bells toll and the flames begin to rise. Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” starts playing as The Last Outlaw makes his way down to the ring.
Michael Cole welcomes us to RAW as Taker makes his way into the ring. Taker says two legends will collide at WrestleMania, two icons will do battle but there can only be one last outlaw in the end. Taker says many feel that this is the year the streak will be broken. Taker says people think that father time and all the injuries will catch up to him. But then some feel that it’s Triple H who is the one guy that has what it takes to bring Taker down and end the streak. Taker reminds us what has happened at the past two WrestleMania’s. Taker shows us a video of his two WrestleMania matches against Shawn Michaels.
- We cut backstage where Randy Orton is fighting off members of Nexus. Mason Ryan rams Orton back into a wall and they beat him down. CM Punk says Orton put Michael McGillicutty on the shelf but where they’re going to take him is much worse. Nexus drags Orton to the ring as we go to commercial.
- Back from commercial and Nexus has Randy Orton down in the ring. David Otunga tells the referee to ring the bell and we have a match.
David Otunga vs. Randy Orton
The bell rings and Otunga rushes Orton in the corner, beating him back down. The referee backs Otunga off but he comes right back with more stomps. Otunga continues the offense and gets a 2 count.
Otunga scoop slams Orton for another 2 count and goes back to work. Otunga hits his finisher but still only gets a 2 count. Otunga picks Orton up but Orton nails an RKO out of nowhere for the win.
Winner: Randy Orton
– Per the stipulations set last week, David Otunga will not be with CM Punk at WrestleMania. Mason Ryan runs down to the ring and lays out Orton. Ryan yells a bunch of stuff at Orton and picks him back up. Before he can strike, Orton lays out Mason with an RKO. CM Punk runs down but doesn’t make it in the ring as Orton turns around to see him. Punk teases getting in the ring but Orton is right there. Punk runs around the ring to try and rescue David Otunga but Orton punt kicks him in the head. Punk is furious outside of the ring as Otunga is knocked out cold. Orton poses and taunts Punk as he heads to the back.
- Michael Cole talks about revealing his special referee for his match against Jerry Lawler as we go to commercial.
- Back from commercial and we see highlights from the Alex Riley vs. John Cena cage match on last week’s show. Cole and Matthews say The Miz isn’t here tonight and show his tweet from today where he said he is boycotting RAW tonight.
Christian vs. Brodus Clay
We go to the ring and out comes Christian to a big pop. Ricardo Rodriguez begins to introduce Alberto Del Rio next. Del Rio comes out walking down the ramp and has Brodus Clay with him. Del Rio introduces himself and says before Christian gets him, he must beat Clay first. Clay hops in the ring for his RAW debut and drops Christian. Clay walks over Christian’s back and goes for a slam. Christian slides out of it and goes for Killswitch but Clay overpowers him.
– Back from commercial and we see highlights from the Alex Riley vs. John Cena cage match on last week’s show. Cole and Matthews say The Miz isn’t here tonight and show his tweet from today where he said he is boycotting RAW tonight.
Christian vs. Brodus Clay
We go to the ring and out comes Christian to a big pop. Ricardo Rodriguez begins to introduce Alberto Del Rio next. Del Rio comes out walking down the ramp and has Brodus Clay with him. Del Rio introduces himself and says before Christian gets him, he must beat Clay first. Clay hops in the ring for his RAW debut and drops Christian. Clay walks over Christian’s back and goes for a slam. Christian slides out of it and goes for Killswitch but Clay overpowers him.
Clay levels Christian. Christian starts to come back but Clay drops him with a but charging headbutt. Clay with elbow drops now. Brodus works on Christian’s arm now. Clay goes for a big splash but Christian moves. Christian with a dropkick from the top but Clay won’t go down. A second dropkick from Christian drops Clay for a 2 count. Clay takes back over but Christian comes back with a tornado DDT out of the corner for the pin and the win.
Winner: Christian
- After the match, Alberto Del Rio runs in and attacks Christian from behind. Christian fights back but Del Rio takes him down with the armbar finisher. Del Rio finally lets go and leaves Christian laying. Del Rio leaves with Clay and Rodriguez as Christian tries to recover in the ring.
- We see The Rock’s response to John Cena from last week’s RAW. Matthews plugs Cena’s “final knockout” for later on. Cole hypes Stone Cold’s return as we go to commercial.
- We get a nice video package for Sin Cara with him doing moves on another wrestler inside an empty arena.
- The next member of the 2011 WWE Hall of Fame is announced and it’s the original Diva – Tammy “Sunny” Sytch. We get a video package of highlights from her career.
WWE Divas Title Match: Brie Bella vs. Eve Torres
We go to the ring and out comes the WWE Divas Champion Eve Torres to defend the title against Brie Bella. We go to commercial as Eve enters the ring.
Back from commercial and we see clips from the Divas Battle Royal last week. We go to the ring and Gail Kim is out with Eve in her corner. Out next come The Bella Twins. They announce Nikki Bella even though it was Brie who won last week. The bell rings and they lock up. Eve takes Bella down first and goes to work in the corner. Eve slams her head into the corner a bunch and throws her by her hair across the ring. Eve clotheslines Nikki for a 2 count.
Bella and Eve go back and forth until Michael Cole stands up on the announcer’s table and asks can we hurry and get this over with. Cole tells everyone he’s seen enough and he’s ready for his big announcement. Eve and Bella continue to go at it while Cole runs his mouth. Cole keeps calling himself the main event. Eve kicks Bella in the head and she goes down. Brie tries to do the switch but the referee catches her and orders her out of the ring. Eve brings Nikki back in and hits the neckbreaker for the win.
Winner: Eve Torres
- Michael Cole thanks God that the match is over. He says his big announcement is up next as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and there’s a red cover over the ring apron. We see video of Cole revealing Jack Swagger as his trainer last week and Swagger putting the ankle lock on Jerry Lawler. By the way, Lawler isn’t here tonight. We go to the ring where Cole is. Cole says his match at WrestleMania is the main event. He has a contract in his hand for the special referee job. Cole says he respects Lawler and has chosen a referee who is impartial. Cole has been talking to this person for a week and the person has vowed to call the match down the middle. Cole says it’s a former WWE Champion, a true legend, one of the most iconic figures in WWE history. Cole says he’s a legendary Texan also. Cole says we all know he’s here, teasing Steve Austin. Cole gets the crowd to chant Austin’s name and then calls them fools. Cole says he suckered everyone in. Cole introduces his special referee, John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL’s music hits and the white limousine pulls into the arena. JBL hops out of the limousine and makes his way to the ring.
JBL enters the ring and embraces Cole. JBL takes the mic and puts down Texas sport teams and the state of Texas after talking about being in New York City. JBL says he knew the people would welcome him back with open arms and he thanks them. JBL says this is much more important than everyone. JBL says he’s proud of Cole. JBL says there’s other matches and a guest host at WrestleMania but this is the main event. JBL talks about mentoring Cole and says Lawler has been nothing but a bully to Cole. JBL says he can buy anyone in the building but nothing can buy JBL, he will call it down the middle at WrestleMania. JBL says he is a man of integrity. JBL says today, he begins his journey back to the main event at WrestleMania. Steve Austin’s music hits and out he comes to a huge pop!
Austin enters the ring and poses for the fans. JBL and Cole start yelling at him. Cole is hiding behind JBL. Austin doesn’t say much back before hitting JBL with a Stunner. Austin puts JBL’s hat on and hits the turnbuckles. Austin is thrown some beers as Cole gets back on the announcers headset and starts yelling that Austin ruined his night. Austin downs some beers and pours one on JBL. Austin picks up the contract. JBL still hadn’t signed it so the job is open. Austin asks if we want him to sign it, give him a hell yeah. Austin signs the contract and is the special referee for WrestleMania. Cole is crying at ringside. Austin announces he is the special referee for Cole vs. Lawler and that’s the bottom line. Austin goes to ringside and shakes Cole’s hand and wishes him good luck. Austin then pours two beers over Cole’s head, wishes him good luck up close and shoves him back into the chair. Austin has a few more beers as his music plays and he gets back in the ring. Austin pours another beer over Cole’s head. Cole just stands there humiliated before walking off crying. A beer is thrown to Austin but it hits JBL in the head as he gets up. Austin offers JBL a beer and they drink. As JBL is drinking, Austin stuns him. We see Cole on the stage throwing a tantrum with Jack Swagger. Austin is thrown a few more beers as he heads up the ramp.
- We go to The Rock’s comments from last week’s show where he addressed John Cena. Cena’s “final knockout” is hyped some more as we go to commercial.
– After the break, Cole is backstage crying to Jack Swagger about how much he hates Steve Austin. Swagger tells Cole to focus on his match with Lawler and he will take care of Steve Austin. Swagger says he will break Austin’s ankle like a twig.
- We go to the ring and out comes Jerry Lawler to a big pop. We see clips of Austin as Lawler joins the announce table with Matthews.
Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus
We go to the ring and out comes the WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan. Out next is Sheamus and we see clips of Triple H destroying him last week. The bell rings and they lock up. Sheamus takes Bryan to the corner and down. Sheamus tosses Bryan across the ring, clotheslines him and gets a 2 count.
Bryan starts to come back and knocks Sheamus to the apron. Bryan then knocks him to the floor in front of the announcer’s table. Sheamus lands on his ankle and appears hurt. The referee counts and Sheamus can’t make it back in the ring. Sheamus is counted out and continues to hold his leg.
Winner by Count Out: Daniel Bryan
- After the match, Sheamus takes the mic and says he admits he’s been on a losing streak but that changes next week. Sheamus wants a US Title shot on next week’s show. Sheamus says if he loses, he will quit. Bryan accepts the challenge and we have a match for next week.
- Up next is part two of an interview with Shawn Michaels speaking out about Triple H vs. The Undertaker. We go to commercial.
CM Punk vs. R-Truth
Back from commercial and CM Punk is in the ring. Out comes his opponent R-Truth. The bell rings and Punk charges but Truth rolls him up for a pin. Mason Ryan is at ringside. Punk throws Truth into two of the ring posts, then a third. Punk works Truth over and covers him for a 2. They go back and forth. Truth slides out of a GTS and kicks Punk for a 2 count.
Punk comes back and slams Truth on his shoulder. Punk applies the Anaconda Vice and Truth taps out for the end.
Winner: CM Punk
- After the match, Punk orders Mason Ryan to attack Truth. Ryan hits a big shoulder breaker on Truth and leaves him laying in pain.
- Josh Matthews leads us into part 2 of Shawn Michaels speaking out about Triple H vs. The Undertaker. Shawn talks about how Triple H likes hurting people and says Triple H is the man who can beat Undertaker. Shawn says Triple H has no remorse and that’s what it will take to defeat Taker.
- Vickie Guerrero makes her way out to the ring as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Vickie Guerrero is asking us to excuse her once again. Vickie announces that due to her negotiating efforts, Dolph Ziggler is now on the RAW brand. Vickie brings out Dolph Ziggler, the former World Heavyweight Champion.
Dolph Ziggler vs. John Morrison
Dolph gets ready as John Morrison makes his way out and Vickie Guerrero joins commentary. Vickie says she and Dolph are strictly business partners now. They go at it and Dolph kicks Morrison’s leg out. Morrison rolls out to the floor as we go to commercial.
Back from the commercial and there’s a lot of back and forth between Dolph and Morrison. Dolph gets the win after hitting the Zig Zag on Morrison.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
- After the match, Vickie comes in the ring to celebrate with Dolph. The RAW GM interrupts and it’s announced that Vickie isn’t hired but she can have a job on RAW if she defeats Trish Stratus on next week’s RAW. Security comes down to remove her from the ring.
- We get more hype from the announcers on The Rock & John Cena.
- Another preview for The Chaperone, with comments from Triple H and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Back from commercial and once again we see part of The Rock’s response to John Cena on last week’s RAW. Back in the arena, John Cena’s music hits and out he comes to a big pop from the crowd.
Cena talks about The Rock being mad at him and the crowd chants for Rocky. Cena goes on about The Rock and starts rapping. Cena says the only thing The Rock has beaten after last week is himself. Cena questions where The Rock is and calls him a disgrace. Cena goes on picking on The Rock. Cena tells Rock to never call him out again because that’s bringing a knife to a gun fight. Cena’s music hits but he turns around to a shot from The Miz. Miz drops Cena with the WWE Title. Cena stands up but Miz drops him again. Miz takes the mic and kneels in front of Cena. Miz says everytime Cena and Rock get their panties in a wad, this is what happens. If Rock was here, the same thing would happen. Miz tries a little rap that says Randy Savage, The Rock, Cena, Liz and others are nothing compared to him. Miz then formally introduces himself to The Rock, as the WWE Champion and star of WrestleMania. Miz tells Rock to know his role and be the best Ryan Seacrest he can be at WrestleMania. Miz says if Rock has the guts to show up at RAW or WrestleMania, he will take everything Rock has and stick it up his candy ass. The Miz says he’s awesome but not before hitting Cena with a Mic Check. The Miz then mimicks The Rock and hits a People’s Elbow on Cena. RAW goes off the air with The Miz holding his WWE Title.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)