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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 22, 2012 at 8:18 am
The dark main event after last night’s WWE Super SmackDown saw Big Show take on Daniel Bryan. The match ended in a disqualification when Cody Rhodes interrupted and attacked Show. Bryan and Rhodes double teamed Show until CM Punk made the save. Punk hit Bryan with GTS and Show connected with the knockout punch to end the show.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 20, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Credit – PWTorch
WWE Raw Supershow Results
February 20, 2012 – Episode #977
Live in Minneapolis, Minn.
Aired on USA Network
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
This week’s live WWE Raw the night after the Elimination Chamber PPV started with a video package on the feud between John Cena and Kane on TV the past several weeks. The video stopped with a shot of Zack Ryder being taken away in an ambulance last Monday after Kane threw him off the stage after all of the dramatics with Eve kissing Cena.
Backstage: Eve was talking to the Bella Twins about the weather in Minneapolis. They wanted to know how Eve is handling things after Zack Ryder’s fall last week. Eve started laughing after the Bellas called Ryder a great guy and a good friend. Eve noted she was just using Zack and he’s just a child who wouldn’t know how to handle a woman like her. Eve added that everyone is talking about her after she used Zack – because people use people in this life. She proceeded to reveal her entire plan on national TV that she used Zack to get to John Cena, the big fish. Eve then handed her phone to the Bellas to film her walking up to Cena. Before Eve could start walking, Cena walked up to Eve, frightening her. Cena smirked and walked away, leaving Eve dumbfounded.
Live inside the arena, Michael Cole introduced the show and noted the Road to WrestleMania has started off embarrassingly for some people. John Cena’s music then played to bring out Cena fresh off his ambulance match victory over Kane at the Chamber PPV last night.
Before Cena could talk, Eve started walking toward the ring to loud boos. She claimed her comments were taken out of context and she needs to explain. Cena cut her off and noted Eve is trying to use her assets to further her career. Eve tried to calm down Cena and noted that because of Eve, he lost a Broski as a friend. Loud “Hoeski” chant before Eve screamed, “I can explain!” Eve said she was just trying to have fun. Cena cut her off and said Eve shouldn’t go after him, but the biggest fish, The Rock. He said Eve is disingenuous, egomaniacal, and will use anything to get what she wants. Cena said Eve and Rock are a lot a like – “scandalous bitches.” Cena paused to let the crowd react.
Eve dropped down to both knees and started crying at Cena’s feet, selling she was overwhelmed. Cena then tried to console her, but Eve threw her arms around Cena. Cena backed away before referees pulled Eve away. Cena shot back that he’s disease-free and wants to keep it that way. (Someone in Creative is mad at women this week.) An agent eventually tried to console Eve, who continued to cry as the audience cackled her. “Broski, Broski” chant as refs and the agent tried to help an overwhelmed Eve out of the ring. The camera followed Eve all the way up the entrance ramp as she continued to cry. (PWTorch editor Wade Keller, live in the arena, noted there were lots of “Ryder” chants during the opening skit.)
Taker Video: Undertaker said in his Criminal Minds-style video that every story has an ending and he wants vengeance on Triple H. Taker said he will write Hunter’s ending tonight.
[Q2]
[Commercial Break]
Tomorrow night: Smackdown is live on Syfy. On this night, it will be Champion vs. Champion with Daniel Bryan vs. C.M. Punk. Not acknowledged was it’s a re-match from the Raw after the Rumble a few weeks ago.
In-ring: Justin Roberts gave a long introduction for Sheamus, who will face Daniel Bryan for the World Title at WrestleMania. Cole noted Bryan survived the Elimination Chamber at the PPV, but Sheamus sent him a message after the match. In the ring, Sheamus ripped off his t-shirt, then Mark Henry’s music played. Henry came out to face Sheamus in a singles match just announced right now. Cole noted Henry was suspended from Smackdown by Teddy Long a few weeks ago, but Raw GM John Laurinaitis is allowing Henry to return on Raw tonight.
1 — SHEAMUS vs. MARK HENRY
After a brief feeling-out process, Sheamus came off the top with a shoulder tackle for a two count. As WWE flashed a graphic announcing “#hoeski” is trending on Twitter, Lawler said he doesn’t think he’s ever seen anything like what opened in the opening segment. Cole noted Zack Ryder is watching Raw from home while recovering from last week’s attack by Kane. In the ring, Sheamus blasted away at Henry with clubbing forearms, then kicks and stomps in the corner. Sheamus followed with a Brogue Kick attempt, but Henry blocked and delivered a clothesline. Henry then lifted up Sheamus for the World’s Strongest Slam, but Sheamus slipped out and nailed the Brogue Kick. Sheamus with the pin for the win.
Post-match: Cole said he hopes D-Bryan was paying attention, as one Brogue Kick will end his title run at WrestleMania. After Henry rolled out of the ring and they replayed the finish, Sheamus was shown standing tall in the ring with the WM28 banner hanging over his shoulder.
WINNER: Sheamus at 3:13. Rule #1 for Smackdown heels: call in sick Monday nights. Obviously, the goal is to strongly build up Sheamus ahead of Mania, but using Henry to accomplish that after all of his hard work re-building his character and weeks of TV build-up is highly questionable.
Backstage: John Laurinaitis was talking himself up to David Otunga, then Teddy Long walked into Laurinaitis’s office. Long said he’s here for business. Laurinaitis interrupted and said he had no idea that Del Rio, Christian, and Henry were going to support him at the Chamber last night. Long waited out Laurinaitis’s speech, then said one person should run both shows, but they should leave it up to the audience. Laurinaitis said he doesn’t care about the people, as he only cares about the Board. Laurinaitis then made a height joke and Long shot back with a manure joke that he didn’t know they stacked it that high. Laurinaitis then booked a 10-man battle royal to determine who faces C.M. Punk for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. Long added a dig at Otunga that everyone on the Smackdown roster is better than him, then Laurinaitis told Long he could book Otunga in a match against anyone from Smackdown tonight.
Still to come tonight: Undertaker is back.
[Commercial Break]
[Q3] Next Monday: The Rock is back. What will Rock have in store for his WM28 opponent, John Cena?
In-ring: R-Truth’s music played to bring out Truth as Cole added to the announcement that Rock will be in the house in Portland next week. Kofi Kingston came out next, apparently to join Truth in a tag match. Kofi sold the effects of the Chamber last night by hobbling to the ring. WWE tag champions Primo & Epico then came out with Rosa Mendes for a tag division match.
2 — WWE tag champions PRIMO & EPICO (w/Rosa Mendes) vs. R-TRUTH & KOFI KINGSTON — non-title match
Lawler noted Primo & Epico should have the advantage since they were not in the Chamber match last night. Cole added that Truth and Kofi will be in the #1 contender battle royal featuring the 10 losers in the Raw and Smackdown Chamber matches. After the tag champs took the early advantage, Kofi hot-tagged into the match and delivered signature offense. Rosa then provided a distraction before the action broke down. It was no matter, as Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Primo for the pin and the win. Lawler suggested Kofi and Truth should be in-line for a Tag Title shot now.
WINNERS: Kingston & Truth at 2:23. Another finish that made sense, but hurt the loser(s). Kofi & Truth needed to look strong (a) if they’re going after the Tag Titles and (b) because they’re in a #1 contender match to the WWE Title later in the show, but what does it say about the tag champs that they lost in three minutes to two guys who were selling injuries after the Chamber PPV last night?
Still to come: 10-man battle royal to determine who faces C.M. Punk for the WWE Title at WrestleMania. Plus, a 2012 Hall of Fame class announcement.
[Commercial Break]
Hall of Fame announcement: Cole fed to a video package on the newest Hall of Fame inductee, Ron Simmons. They started with a “Damn!” skit before going into a highlight package on his career, starting with his college football career at Florida State. The video transitioned to his WCW run, culminating with his historic WCW World Title win in 1992, as called by Jim Ross. The video then moved to highlights of Simmons in the APA with JBL. Next was a rapid-fire sequence of “Damn!” clips. (Ross tweeted after the announcement: “Bravo & congrats 2 Ron Simmons 4 his official WWE HOF announcement. So respected & tough. Felt fortunate to call his ’92 Title win vs. Vader.”)
Announcers: Back to Cole and Lawler, who talked glowingly about Simmons before transitioning to a discussion of the WWE Title situation. They focused on C.M. Punk KO’ing Chris Jericho during the WWE Title Chamber match last night, leading to Jericho being “eliminated” from the Chamber.
Backstage: Jericho was frowning and looking off into the distance. Josh Mathews approached Jericho to discuss him “technically” not being eliminated last night. Jericho went over the rules: to be eliminated, you must be pinned or submitted. “It was unfair!” he said. Jericho asked what kind of a champion Punk is to let victory like that stand. He claimed to be The Best In The World and he believes it with every fiber of his being. Tonight is the end of the world as you know it, and everyone in the battle royal is going to understand exactly what he’s saying. They faded to commercial.
[Q4]
[Commercial Break]
WM28 video package: Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones” is the official theme song, as Lawler noted.
In-ring: David Otunga’s music played to bring out Laurinaitis’s hired legal representative to face anyone from the Smackdown brand. Ezekiel Jackson, along with Teddy Long, came out to face Otunga. Jackson, who hasn’t won a TV match in 2012, is the best remaining pick from the Smackdown roster?
3 — EZEKIEL JACKSON (w/Teddy Long) vs. DAVID OTUNGA (w/John Laurinaitis)
Zeke shoved down Otunga and went on the attack, but Otunga cut him off as Cole and Lawler argued about Laurinaitis. The crowd was quiet as Jackson made his comeback before he missed with a corner splash. Otunga then lifted up Zeke with one hand for a power finisher. It was good for the win. Post-match, Laurinaitis bragged in Long’s face as Long tried to check on Jackson. Cole stood up to congratulate Laurinaitis before Lawler told him to sit down.
WINNER: Otunga at 1:38.
Announcers: Cole and Lawler transitioned to a discussion of The Undertaker-Triple H situation. This led to a video package from last week’s Raw when Hunter told Shawn Michaels that he doesn’t want to end Taker or The Streak.
Backstage: The camera focused on Undertaker’s boots and the bottom of his jacket. (The camera shot seemed a bit too “unmystical” for Undertaker.) He speaks next.
[Commercial Break]
Video plugs: Live Smackdown tomorrow night, then WrestleMania 28 on April 1. It’s 40 days away.
Back live inside the arena, the bell tolled and lights started flashing as fans shrieked inside the arena. The arena turned blue and black as lightning flashed on the entrance ramp before The Undertaker slowly made his way out on-stage to a big reaction. Taker’s head was covered by a hood from a jacket with the sleeves cut off. Taker, sporting a clean goatee, slowly made his way toward the ring with a stern look on his face as they hit the top of the hour.
[Q5 -- second hour] Taker slowly entered the ring, then he paced around the ring before his music stopped. “Taker, Taker” chant before Taker looked up at the WM28 logo. He did not remove the hood as he began to talk. Undertaker said he has thought about the beating he took from Triple H every day since last year’s Mania. Taker said it’s been a living hell for him. He said the physical wounds have healed; he’s been living in a hell of uncertainty. Taker said he offered Hunter a re-match three weeks ago, and Hunter said no. But, the choice is not Hunter’s. He said this has to come to an end. Taker said they are on the verge of apocalypse. He said they are at the end of an era in wrestling. Yes, he said “wrestling.” Taker paused for applause before noting Triple H is using his suit to cover who he really is. He said it’s time to end the uncertainty. Hunter can lie to himself and Shawn Michaels, but he can’t lie to him. (Taker was doing a lot of pausing, which allowed a lot of catcalls on the air.) Taker told Hunter that this is far bigger than both of them, but the apocalypse.
After a pause, Triple H’s music played to bring out Hunter in a suit. Hunter slowly entered the ring and waited out screams from the crowd. Hunter began recapping Taker’s Mania challenge three weeks ago, but Taker didn’t want a recap, so he told him to shut up. Taker told Hunter he’s pitiful for not wanting to do this. Hunter calmly said he gets how badly Taker wants the match, and it is the end of an era, but their fate is not to end it, but to ensure that it carries on. Hunter said his objective is to ensure WWE exists in the future and Taker’s fate is what it is: to be the leader and carry the torch for the next generation. Hunter said he won’t be the one to extinguish the flame – it’s bad for business.
Hunter turned to leave, but Taker called the “businessman” back to the ring. Taker asked if it’s bad for business if he’s gone or if it’s bad for business that Hunter will be gone. The crowd oohed that line from Taker. Hunter paused and said it’s just plain bad for business. Boos. Hunter said he gets it that Taker has spent the last year living in uncertainty, he has never been more certain of anything in his life. Hunter told Taker he should look inside himself to see he’s certain of it, too. He claimed Taker isn’t asking him for redemption or a shot at vengeance, but for “an end.” Hunter claimed Taker just wants Hunter to end him and finish the job. “I’m not going to do it,” Hunter said. He said he’s not going to be the one who finishes it.
Taker looked toward the ceiling as Hunter tried to leave, but Taker pulled him back and said Hunter can spin it however he wants, but all he’s going to be is a coward. That brought Hunter back into the ring, where Hunter paced around before getting in Taker’s face. “I am sick to death of this coward thing!” Hunter screamed in Taker’s face. Hunter calmed down after almost giving into Taker’s request. “You’re a coward,” chant from the crowd. Hunter said he sees what Taker is trying to do, but it’s not going to work. “I’m sorry, but the answer’s no,” Hunter quietly said. Boos. Hunter left the ring for good this time.
Taker was left alone in the ring. While still staring at the WM28 logo with his back to Hunter, Taker said he figured it out. Hunter can’t do what his buddy, Shawn Michaels, could do. He said Shawn was always better than Hunter. On-stage, Hunter unbuttoned his jacket, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned his dress shirt before turning around to march back to the ring. Hunter re-entered the ring and stood up to Taker. Hunter, breathing heavily, raised the mic to his lips and said this has nothing to do with Shawn and who’s better. “Shawn couldn’t get the job done. I know damn well that I can!” Hunter said. He said he can do what Shawn couldn’t do: finish it. “Prove it!” chant from the crowd. Hunter said he’s standing before Taker, looking him in the eyes, and he is more certain than he’s ever been before. “You want this? You want WrestleMania? You want an end?!” Pause. “You’ve got it!” Hunter said, drawing a big ovation.
[Q6] Hunter started to leave, but he returned to face Taker, who never flinched. Hunter told Taker they do this all the way. He said it’s no return, no uncertainty, no excuses. The Streak ends. The Era ends. “You get your end. We do this, we go all the way. I will face you at WrestleMania under one condition. Hell in a Cell,” he said. The crowd popped big for the HIAC announcement. Taker locked eyes with Hunter, then left the ring. Cue up “The Memory Remains” from Metallica as Taker paused on the stage to look back into the ring to lock eyes with Hunter.
Segment Reax: Taker was a little shaky in his opening monologue, but they finished strong with a great exchange playing off their history and the big stage to set up the co-headline Mania match.
DVD plug: The Rock’s new DVD is out Tuesday.
[Commercial Break]
In-ring: World Hvt. champion Daniel Bryan came to the ring, coming off his World Title retention at the PPV last night. Bryan celebrated his World Title status before the announcers plugged Bryan vs. Sheamus at WrestleMania. Cole then confirmed Undertaker vs. Triple H inside HIAC is official for Mania. In the ring, Bryan cut a promo about still being World champion after defeating five other men last night. Suddenly, Santino’s music played to bring out the Chamber runner-up. Santino, sporting a taped right hand and taped right forearm, marched to the ring to face Bryan.
4 — World Hvt. champion DANIEL BRYAN vs. SANTINO — non-title match
The crowd quickly picked up a “Santino, Santino” chant, like last night. Santino quickly yanked out The Cobra, but Bryan blindsided Santino to knock the Cobra away. Santino then tried a roll-up, but Bryan easily escaped and slapped on the LeBell Lock. “Tap, Tap!” Bryan screamed. Santino tried grabbing the Cobra, but he was forced to tap out.
WINNER: Bryan via submission at 0:56.
Post-match: Cole slipped in a plug for tomorrow’s live Smackdown before plugging the #1 contender’s battle royal to the WWE Title coming up tonight. Also tonight, John Cena will return to the show to address The Rock.
[Commercial Break]
[Q7]
5 — KELLY KELLY & AKSANA vs. BELLA TWINS
Back live, the Divas were already in the ring for a Divas tag match. As Kelly started things off for the faces, Cole noted he is still trying to figure out the relationship between Aksana and Smackdown GM Teddy Long. Another blink-and-you-missed-it match, as the Bellas pulled Twin Magic on Aksana for a quick win.
WINNERS: Bella Twins at 1:17.
Still to come tonight: 10-man battle royal to determine Punk’s Mania title contender. Backstage: John Cena was shown walking down a hallway. He will address Rock next.
[Commercial Break]
Exterior shot: Snow in Minneapolis! Cole reset the show before Cena’s music was heard in the arena. Cena was already in the ring. He said that before he was interrupted by Eve, who he called a skank, he was out here to talk about The Rock. Cena noted Rock isn’t here this week, but he will be here next week to address him. “Rocky, Rocky” chant. Cena said he used to love that chant and he used to love that name, but Rock morphed into Dwayne. He said Dwayne is no longer the People’s Champion, but a person with people. Cena referred to Raw writer Brian Gewirtz (only as Bryan) as the guy who writes Rock’s jokes and said Rock has an entourage to protect him. Cena said he doesn’t respect Rock. He respects what Dwayne has done at the box office and that he can make his boobs bounce.
Cena said he has a legit beef with Dwayne Johnson and it’s the same problem he’s had for seven years. He said Rock can show up next week and hold the audience in the palm of his hand, but then he’ll kick it back to Hollywood right after Mania. Cena mocked his own movie career, including “12 Rounds,” which was actually decent, then said he’s always showed up and never left WWE. Cena said as soon as Rock got a taste of Hollywood, he was gone from WWE as quickly as possible. Cena referred to Rock leaving again last year. He said Vince McMahon is probably going to fine him for this one, but Rock only came back to promote “Fast Five” and launch his Twitter account.
Cena said he’s not just fighting for himself, but to fight for everyone behind the curtain who dreams of fighting in this ring. He said he fights for those who dream of becoming – “I’m sorry” – a professional wrestler. Cena said the greatest thing about April 1 is April 9. It’s the Monday after Mania when Rock is sitting on a movie set sipping a drink. He said Rock is going to be entertaining and try to put boots to asses, but Rock doesn’t have enough clubs in his bag. He said Rock is going to have kill him because the headline is going to read that Cena beat Rock in the biggest match ever in Rock’s hometown. Cena looked into the camera and told Rock that he’ll see the movie star next week. He slammed down the mic and left the ring with a determined look.
Up next: #1 contender battle royal.
[Q8]
[Commercial Break]
Tomorrow night: Smackdown is live with Bryan vs. Punk in a Champion vs. Champion match.
In-ring: Justin Roberts introduced WWE champion C.M. Punk to a tepid reaction with the crowd worn out from a lot of big moments on the show. Punk, sporting an announcing jacket, came to the ring to commentate on the main event battle royal. Punk made one girl’s night ringside before joining Cole and Lawler to discuss the match.
Out first was Big Show, who was selling the effects of the Chamber last night. IC champion Cody Rhodes, sporting a taped right thigh, was out second. R-Truth was out third, followed by Dolph Ziggler (with Vickie Guerrero), Wade Barrett, Great Khali, The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Santino selling multiple injuries, and Chris Jericho out last after the arena lights shut off for Jericho’s light-up jacket to make his presence known. Jericho made his way to ringside and locked eyes with Punk before entering the ring.
6 — CHRIS JERICHO vs. THE MIZ vs. IC champion CODY RHODES vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. WADE BARRETT vs. BIG SHOW vs. KOFI KINGSTON vs. R-TRUTH vs. GREAT KHALI vs. SANTINO — #1 contender’s Battle Royal — winner faces WWE champion C.M. Punk at WrestleMania
Punk targeted Jericho on commentary as Cole tried to badger Punk with exaggerated claims. The entire crew ganged up on Show, but then turned toward Khali and eliminated him at 0:55. On the floor, Khali simply sat on his rump staring into the ring in disbelief before they cut to break.
[Commercial Break]
Back live at 4:00, Punk introduced the show and reset the broadcast, interrupting Cole. The camera focused on Kofi and Miz battling to avoid elimination while Vickie screeched ringside. Barrett and Rhodes tried to eliminate Show, but Show fought them off.
[Q9 -- over-run] Cole reset the show at the top of the hour. Kofi and Truth then double-dropkicked Miz, eliminating him from the match and ending his WrestleMania headline attempt. Show then double-chokeslammed Kofi and Truth, but Jericho dropped Show with a Codebreaker. Zig-Zag from Ziggler. Cross Rhodes to Ziggler. Winds of Change from Barrett to Rhodes. Barrett then tried to cut Santino, but Santino made a mid-air counter to eliminate Barrett. Truth was then eliminated by Santino. And, Ziggler ended it with a high-impact dropkick to Santino.
Show then press-slammed Ziggler over the top rope onto Barrett and Truth for a big visual. Barrett screamed and cussed like a sailor, selling that he injured his arm, which was taped to sell Chamber injuries. Cole said Ziggler may have been injured, which seemed like the storyline injury, and Lawler said Barrett may have injured his arm. Meanwhile, ref Scott Armstrong ran from ringside to the middle of the hard camera shot to give the “X” signal in the background. Back in the ring, Jericho eliminated Kingston as more refs came to ringside to check on the wrestlers ringside.
Now, a Final Four of Rhodes, Show, Jericho, and Santino. All four wrestlers paused in the ring as more medical personnel came to ringside to check on Barrett and Ziggler. They eventually started up the action with Rhodes, Jericho, and Santino trying to wear down Show. Santino then busted out The Cobra for Jericho and he connected. But, Rhodes clotheslined Santino over the top rope. Rhodes screamed that Santino’s 15 minutes are over.
So, it was Rhodes and JeriShow. Punk noted Rhodes is against a former tag champion team. Show then double-suplexed Jericho and Rhodes before Show clotheslined Rhodes over the top rope. So, it was down to JeriShow. Show grabbed Jericho for a clothesline, but Rhodes grabbed Show’s leg from the outside. The distraction gave Jericho an opening to try to pull Show over the top rope. Rhodes then snuck back to ringside and helped Jericho pull Rhodes over the top rope, giving Jericho the win. Cole noted Rhodes cost Show a match with major title implications two nights in a row.
WINNER: Jericho at 12:17 to become #1 contender to the WWE Title. Not exactly an emphatic victory for Jericho to set up Punk-Jericho for the WWE Title at Mania.
Post-match: Punk clapped and stood up at his announce position to lock eyes with Jericho. As medical personnel continued to work on Barrett in the background, Punk left the announce position to go face-to-face with Jericho in the ring. Punk extended his hand, but Jericho walked away and pointed to himself to suggest he will prove he’s the best in the world. Cult of Personality played and Punk stood tall in the ring to apparently end the segment. But, Jericho randomly walked around the ring, chatted with a ref, and stood underneath the WM28 banner. It was for a final camera shot of Punk standing tall in the ring and Jericho looking up toward Punk.
Next Monday: Before Raw officially signed off, WWE plugged The Rock returning live next week. What will he have in store for Cena next week? The show ended nine minutes past the top of the hour.
FINAL THOUGHTS: A lot going on with this show. As for WrestleMania hype, Taker-Hunter seems to have the strongest Mania hype at this point, Cena is making everyone feel down about Cena-Rock at Mania, Punk-Jericho has some to work to do the next five weeks, Bryan-Sheamus needs an issue, and the Mania mid-card is anyone’s guess at this point.
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Posted by JPeck on February 18, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Mattsent the following results from the ROH debut in Cincinnati, Ohio:
*Michael Elgin defeated Adam Cole.
*Tag Tournament: Shiloh Jonze and Rudy Switchblade defeated Chris Silvio and Sean Casey.
*Tag Tournament: Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls defeated Alabama Attitude Mike Posey & Corey Hollis.
*Roderick Strong defeated Eddie Edwards in a No Holds Barred match.
*Samson Walker defeated Mike Mondo. Mondo beat Walker first but another referee came out and restarted the match.
*Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls defeated Shiloh Jonze & Rudy Switchblade in the tournament final so they receive a Proving Ground match against Briscoes down the line. Haste and Nicholls really shocked the crowd with their work.
*ROH TV champion Jay Lethal defeated BJ Whitmer in a Proving Ground match with less than a minute in the time limit. This was AWESOME.
*ROH Tag Team champions The Briscoe Brothers defeated Kyle O’Reilly & ROH champion Davey Richards when they beat Kyle. This was great. Awesome debut.
Mike: sent the following live notes:
I went to ROH’s debut tonight, so here are some random notes and thoughts. The Masonic Temple is the strangest building ever. I lived here my entire life and had never heard of it. It was really intimate, sort of a smaller Center Stage in Atlanta with everyone right on top of the action.
Having driven to ROH a lot during the early era, I was initially really pissy about buying ringside seats for a show in my hometown, only to have it feature half OVW talent but the Australian team that won the tournament was just great. I couldn’t get over having to see Sean Casey in ROH. After seeing him for years locally, it just seemed like a weird fit.
BJ Whitmer showed up in the best shape I’ve ever seen him in. It was like night and day and if he doesn’t get a ROH job, there’s no justice, especially given some of the names on the roster these days. Jay Lethal has really grown as a worker since he was in TNA.
No Holds Barred Match and The main event were each worth the price of admission. Strong vs. Edwards was totally different from their iPPV match a few months ago. Briscoes were great and while I thought there was going to be a styles clash, they worked it really well. The top matches are going to be what sells the DVDs.
I know a lot of people have been hyping Elgin but Cole is the one to watch. I predict he’ll be a top guy within the year. You can just see that he’s got that knack for timing and bumps. He really reminds me of an early Shawn Michaels.
ROH gave out a pre-sale code for Dayton, which was a nice bonus for those of us who came tonight. It’s pretty amazing how often they are running around here these days, but you have to go where the TV airs I guess!
They didn’t sell out the venue but I’d guess there were about 400 or so there. It was a loud crowd as the acoustics made the place really pop in atmosphere. It seemed to be a mix of fans who watch the TV and hardcore fans that follow the company online. I hope they come back here soon. I’ll probably go to Dayton as well, as long as they freshen up the lineup and have the complete roster in for the show.
Thanks to PWInsider.com
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Posted by JPeck on February 17, 2012 at 10:26 pm
The #1 Contender’s Knockout Battle Royal featuring Angelina Love, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, ODB, Rosita, Sarita, Tara, Velvet Sky and Winter prevented Thursday’s Impact Wrestling from garnering the show’s lowest rating of the year as the match outdrew the entire show by a sizable margin.
Thursday’s show garnered a 1.06 cable rating off hours of 1.02 and 1.10, flat with last week’s year-low 1.06. The #1 Contender’s Knockout Battle Royal, which kicked off the second hour, surged the rating from a 1.04 to a 1.23—an 18.3 percent increase. The subsequent quarter hour featuring Eric Bischoff’s celebratory promo plummeted to a 1.00.
Only the final quarter hour drew near the Knockouts, a 1.11 for a heavily publicized angle involving New York Giants player Brandon Jacobs and Sting confronting World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 16, 2012 at 8:37 am
As previously reported, Raw did a 2.99 rating with 4.12 million viewers. The show started at a 2.93 with the Elimination Chamber Debate, then lost 49,000 viewers for the match between Chris Jericho and Kofi Kingston. The next quarter hour, which included Backstage segments with John Cena, Zack Ryder, John Laurinaitis and David Otunga lost an additional 24,000 viewers before the show rose the fourth quarter hour by 93,000 viewers for Randy Orton’s match with Big Show.
The fifth quarter-hour, which featured Shawn Michaels’ return and promo with HHH, gained 822,000 viewers for a 3.56 rating. The rating then dropped by 621,000 viewers for Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth. Tamina Snuka’s win over Brie Bella the John Cena saving Eve and make-out dropped by an additional 320,000 viewers.
The final quarter hour, featuring Miz vs. CM Punk, lost 139,000 viewers for a show-low 2.77 rating. The overrun bumped up 505,000 viewers for a 3.14.
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Posted by JPeck on February 15, 2012 at 9:06 pm
The February 13, 2012 episode of the Raw SuperShow averaged 4.14 million viewers for a 3.01 cable rating. The prior week’s show garnered a 3.25 cable rating and averaged 4.62 million viewers.
In the segment-by-segment breakdown, the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Debate that kicked off Raw drew a 2.93 rating. From there, Chris Jericho’s match against Kofi Kingston lost 49,000 viewers. Backstage segments with John Cena, Zack Ryder, John Laurinaitis and David Otunga lost 24,000 viewers. Randy Orton taking on Big Show gained 93,000 viewers.
The advertised return of Shawn Michaels, with an appearance by Triple H, gained 822,000 viewers for a 3.56 quarter hour rating. The subsequent Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth match lost 621,000 viewers. Tamina Snuka’s victory over Brie Bella and the angle where John Cena kissed Eve in front of Zack Ryder lost 320,000 additional viewers.
The low point of the show was the advertised main event as WWE Champion CM Punk’s match against The Miz lost 139,000 additional viewers to draw a 2.77 quarter hour rating. The overrun with Cena, Ryder and Kane gained 505,000 viewers for a 3.14.
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Posted by JPeck on February 15, 2012 at 10:08 am
The dark main event after last night’s WWE tapings in Fresno, California saw Sheamus defeat Wade Barrett in a Street Fight.
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Posted by JPeck on February 15, 2012 at 1:26 am
* SmackDown opens with Teddy Long and World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan backstage. Security is guarding Teddy’s office. Long is concerned about Randy Orton’s condition and pulls him from the Elimination Chamber match on Sunday.
* Big Show and The Great Khali defeat Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes. After the match, Show turns on Khali and takes him out.
* Mark Henry returns backstage and wants Teddy Long to put him into the Eliminaton Chamber match. Big Show came in and demanded a match against Daniel Bryan for later tonight. Show got pissed, laid out Henry and tore up Teddy’s office before leaving. Long put security on notice and told them to take Big Show out of the arena if they see him.
* Hunico defeated Ted DiBiase with the help of Camacho.
* WWE Tag Team Champions Epico and Primo defeat The Usos.
* Daniel Bryan comes out and cuts a promo about his actions on RAW. Bryan says he will win at Elimination Chamber. He wants Lilian Garcia to announce him the winner by forfeit but Teddy Long interrupts and makes Sheamus vs. Bryan now.
* Daniel Bryan beat Sheamus by DQ when Sheamus went crazy on Bryan. Bryan spit in Sheamus’ face which caused him to go crazy. Sheamus pushed the referee which caused the DQ.
* Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett confront Teddy Long and want to know who is replacing Randy Orton at the Elimination Chamber. Teddy announces a battle royal to fill the final spot. He says a Superstar from RAW or SmackDown can compete.
* Jinder Mahal won a quick match over Ezekiel Jackson.
* Long was on the phone backstage and John Laurinaitis walked up. He said Teddy needed someone with charisma in the battle royale and entered David Otunga. Teddy wished him luck.
* Tamina and Alicia Fox beat Natalya and Beth Phoenix. The referee gets distracted by Natalya’s farting.
* Santino wins the battle royal.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 14, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Credit – PWTorch
Despite WWE advertising Shawn Michaels in-advance and Raw being in WrestleMania hype mode, Monday’s episode of Raw scored a 2.99 (3.0) rating, down eight percent compared to a 3.25 rating last week. Raw was down 16 percent from a 3.55 rating two weeks ago the night after the Royal Rumble PPV.
– Raw averaged 4.12 million viewers, down 11 percent compared to last week and down 21 percent compared to the post-Rumble Raw. Overall, Raw was down 1.1 million viewers compared to the post-Rumble Raw.
Raw’s first hour averaged 3.92 million viewers, down nearly one million viewers compared to last week’s first hour and down 1.4 million viewers compared to the first hour post-Rumble. It was the fewest first hour viewers since September 12 (22 weeks).
Raw then increased to an average of 4.31 million viewers in the second hour, which was down 130,000 viewers compared to last week’s second hour and down 800,000 viewers compared to the post-Rumble second hour.
It marked the first time in 2012 and only the second time in the last 16 weeks that Raw’s second hour viewership increased compared to the first hour. This week, it was mainly due to the poor performance of Raw’s first hour.
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Posted by SPodelski on February 13, 2012 at 11:32 pm
Will John Cena embrace the hate? Image via Wikipedia
The Flagship brand begins with a video segment of the Kane/John Cena rivalry.
Live Kane promo bound and determined to get John Cena to embrace the hate, teases ambulance match for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Jerry Lawler introduces first ever Elimination Chamber Match debate, with all of the participants from the pay-per-view.
Participants fans most want to see include C.M. Punk, Dolph Ziggler and Chris Jericho
Thus far the WWE Universe is loving Punk and totally ripped John Laurinaitis
On why he will win the Chamber bout, Punk says, “Because I am the best wrestler in the world.”
R-Truth really selling his crazy ‘good guy’ gimmick to the fans
The Miz is speaking as to his chances at the Chamber
Kofi speaks-but no real reaction
Time for Y2J doing his heel stick
Interaction between the stars
Kingston vs. Jericho announced, as a confrontation with Y2J and C.M. Punk happened-while the two were arguing…Jericho goes to turn around and was greeted by a thunderous Trouble in Paradise.
Kofi was saying he will not be overshadowed by anyone anymore, and made that statement stand with that one move to Jericho.
Y2J def. Kofi Kingston: good back-and-forth action between the two stars, but Jericho uses his ‘Codebreaker’ finishing move to pick-up the victory.
Raw goes backstage where Shawn Michaels greets his best-friend Triple H-stay tuned for this one!
Up next Randy Orton vs. The Big Show
John Cena and Zack Ryder interact with each other, as Ryder wishes to profess his love to Eve. Cena vows to get the Diva for the wheelchair bound star. Wants to keep Zack safe from Kane, who is bound to attack the young lion to get at the resident Superman.
David Otunga and John Laurinaitis seen in the back, as the A-List has a plan to make the Exec GM of both Raw and SmackDown
Daniel Bryan comes out to watch the Orton/Show bout:
Randy Orton vs. The Big Show: Disqualification: Daniel Bryan came in and whacked Orton in the head with the World Heavyweight Championship. D-Bry also takes out The Big Show, to stand tall in the ring with the strap.
This was an okay bout, Orton pulled off an amazing DDT off the top rope…but messed up on the first of two RKO attempts. Got to love the WWE Universe getting on Randy, saying ‘You Messed Up!’ to The Viper before the second (more successful) RKO.
The WWE may try to sell fans on a Bryan/Orton feud, but fans will have to stay tuned to see what happens in the Elimination Chamber to see what direction the company wishes to take Smackdown.
It is now WrestleMania season with the return of HBK!
Shawn wants to see his best-friend accept the challenge of The Undertaker. HBK calls out Triple H, wants to see his former DX-running mate beat the ‘Streak’ of Undertaker this year.
Triple H comes to the ring. Hunter says he wishes he could see his friend more, which Shawn replies he will ‘work on it.’ The COO says that he will not face Taker at WrestleMania.
Shawn calls-out Hunter calling ‘The Game’ a sell-out for the events that had happened as of late. HBK called his best-friend a coward.
Hunter to HBK, ‘We are the end of an era, the smash mouth era, and the Undertaker is all that is left. I am not going to end that era for no reason.”
Shawn wants Hunter to look him in the eye and tell him that he really does not want to end the Undertaker. Triple H refuses, starts to walk away, proceeds to take off the jacket, looks at Shawn and says-’No.’
Video promo by Undertaker, as the Phenom himself is trying to provoke the bout at WrestleMania.
Very intense segment, great build-up for WrestleMania by all participants.
R-Truth def. Dolph Ziggler via the small-package move. As of late Truth has been on a roll, and it’ll be i interesting to see what happens next. Very quick bout though.
Raw goes backstage with Santino Marella and Zack Ryder, a comedic moment for Valentine’s Day. Not much to it, just give people a chuckle after the tension build after the whole Triple H/HBK/Undertaker promo.
Beth Phoenix is at the play-by-play booth for the Tamina def. Brie Bella via the Snuka Splash. Seems like the company will push Tamina until Kharma is ready to get back in the ring. Should be a good one as Tamina is one of the few that can match Beth strength wise in the ring.
Video plugging ‘The Rock’ and his new movie “Journey 2-The Mysterious Island” and the bout with John Cena at WrestleMania.
Cena was going to respond, before hearing screams in the back. It is Kane and he is taking Eve in the ambulance. Kane was about to drive away with the Diva, before she jumps out and into Cena’s arm, a very passionate kiss by Eve to Cena as Zack Ryder looks on.
That one move by Eve plants the seeds of a Ryder/Cena feud in the future. Eve tries to explain, but tells Ryder that she ‘just wants to be friends.’ Things not looking good for Zack.
C.M. Punk def. The Miz: Using the anaconda vice the straight-edge star picked-up a quick victory over The Awesome One.
Raw goes backstage where Kane and his ambulance returns to spread the message of hate. It has been six years, Cena is comfortable in his own skin, that he is proud to be who he is and what he does.
John Cena comes out (to rousing boos) apologizes to Zack Ryder, realizes this is Kane’s plan all along. To turn everyone against him and leave him alone to embrace the hate. Says that he will adapt, overcome and win at the Elimination Chamber.
Zack Ryder comes out in a wheelchair, crutches his way to the ring to encounter Cena. Ryder slaps the microphone out of Cena’s hand, before slapping John. Zack was going to attack John, before a counter and a held punch.
Ryder leaves the ring, cue Kane, who says that Cena has finally embraced the hate. Says on Sunday will be the last time John will compete until WrestleMania.
After the video promo, Cena was going to counter when Kane comes out grabs Zack by the wheelchair and pushes the young lion off the entrance ramp.
Raw ends with Ryder being taken to the hospital. Stay tuned as things continue to heat up in the WWE!
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Posted by JPeck on February 13, 2012 at 11:21 pm
- Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow opens up with a look back at last week where Kane confronted Eve Torres at the end of the show. Kane says he’s afraid of himself.
- We’re live from San Diego and Kane is in the back. Kane says there’s nothing he won’t do to finally get John Cena to embrace the hate. Kane says two things will happen tonight. Cena will embrace the hate and someone will take a ride in this – an ambulance. Kane opens up the doors of an ambulance backstage and stares at the camera as we go to the normal RAW opening video.
- We go to the ring and Jerry Lawler is in with Chris Jericho, Kofi Kingston, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, R-Truth and WWE Champion CM Punk. Each Superstar has their own podium and Lawler says this is the first-ever Elimination Chamber debate. Lawler tries to explain the rules but the crowd chants for Punk. Punk is up first and Lawler asks him what makes him think he can leave the Chamber still WWE Champion. John Laurinaitis interrupts and out he comes with David Otunga. Laurinaitis is happy to be here tonight and happy to have the support of the Board of Directors. Laurinaitis thanks the Board.
Laurinaitis thanks everyone else and waves to the crowd. Lawler goes back to the question. Punk promises this debate won’t end in violence. Punk addresses Laurinaitis and mentions naked pictures and bestiality. Punk talks about the Chamber now and says he is the best wrestler in the world – that’s why he’s going to win. Lawler asks Ziggler for comments but Vickie Guerrero asks to be excused. She thinks there should be no booing allowed. Dolph says he’s a better wrestler than everyone in the ring. Ziggler says he backs it up every single night. R-Truth says if he’s elected, he’s going to trade Vickie and Dolph to SmackDown for Hornswoggle and a box of spiders. Truth goes on and on. He ends it with a God bless Little Jimmy.
The Miz is up next. The Miz runs everyone down but his time runs out when he starts ragging on Chris Jericho. The buzzer keeps going off but Miz won’t stop talking. Kofi tells him to shut up. Kofi says he has been overlooked for far too long but everything can change in the Chamber. Kofi says he could walk out the next WWE Champion. Jericho is up next. Jericho says everyone needs to quiet down because the true best in the world is about to tell the facts. Jericho talks about his history with the Chamber matches. Jericho calls Punk a boy and tells him to look at him when he’s talking. Jericho says the master has came to reclaim what is his and Punk should just give him the WWE Title. Punk shrugs Jericho off and brings up him losing on Dancing With the Stars. Ziggler says the debate is a joke and R-Truth interrupts him. Lawler says it’s time for the matches. Up first is Kofi vs. Jericho. Jericho goes over and has words for Punk. Punk raises the WWE Title. Jericho tips over one of the podiums and turns around to Trouble in Paradise from Kofi Kingston. The match will take place after commercial.
Kofi Kingston vs. Chris Jericho
Back from the break and here we go. Kofi backs Jericho up in the corner and stomps away. Jericho fights back but Kofi drops him with a forearm and a kick. Kofi keeps control of Jericho and clotheslines him out to the floor. Kofi suicide dives through the ropes, taking Jericho out again. Kofi brings it back in the ring and hits a series of right hands in the corner until Jericho powerbombs him to the mat.
Jericho works over Kofi and backdrops him before hitting the back splash for a 2 count. Jericho goes to a submission and works on Kofi’s arm now. Kofi fights back but misses a dropkick. Jericho with a low dropkick and another 2 count. Jericho with big chops in the corner now. Kofi hits a crossbody from the corner but Jericho kicks out at 2. Kofi with forearm shots and a dropkick. Kofi gets dumped to the apron but springboards back in. Jericho catches him in mid-air and applies the Walls of Jericho. Kofi manages to get the ropes and break the hold.
Jericho argues with the referee and turns around to another Trouble in Paradise from Kofi. Kofi covers but Jericho gets foot on the bottom rope at 2. Kofi struggles with Jericho as the referee tries to pull him back. Jericho sneaks in a thumb to the eye and hits the Codebreaker for the win.
Winner: Chris Jericho
- We see Shawn Michaels walking backstage. He’s greeted by Triple H and they hug. Still to come tonight, Big Show vs. Randy Orton. Back to commercial we go.
- Back from the break and John Cena is talking to Zack Ryder. Ryder is still wearing braces but has roses in his hand. He has something to tell Eve Torres tonight. Cena says Kane has vowed to bring pain to Ryder every time he shows up. Cena tells Ryder to stay in his locker room, he will go get Eve and bring her back so they can have alone time for Valentine’s.
- Laurinaitis is backstage with Otunga. Otunga points out that the Board didn’t make Laurinaitis the permanent General Manager of RAW. Otunga has an idea to where Laurinaitis would be the permanent GM of both RAW and SmackDown. Laurinaitis looks interested to hear Otunga’s idea.
- We go ringside and Michael Cole shows us footage from SmackDown where Randy Orton and Big Show brawled after the Orton vs. Daniel Bryan match.
- World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan comes out and taunts the fans. Bryan looks to be joining commentary. Orton vs. Big Show is next. Back to commercial.
Big Show vs. Randy Orton
Back from the break and Bryan is sitting beside the announcers table. Big Show is out first followed by Randy Orton. The match starts and Show shoves Orton off. Show uses is power and connects with a big sideslam for a 2 count. Orton ducks the knockout punch and rolls out of the ring as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Orton is wearing Show down with a sleeper hold as Bryan looks on smiling. Show gets free and hits Orton with two clotheslines and a splash in the corner. Orton comes right back with a big dropkick and both men go down. They end up on the floor and Show throws Orton back in but has a staredown with Bryan. Show comes back to the apron but Orton dropkicks him. Show is stuck on the apron in a daze. Orton manages to bring him in with the draping DDT. Orton botches a first RKO but they run the ropes and he hits the second one. Daniel Bryan rushes in the ring and takes Orton down with a title shot to cause the DQ.
Winner by DQ: Randy Orton
- After the bell, Bryan hits Big Show in the head with the title.
- Up next after commercial, Shawn Michaels makes his return.
- Back from the break and out comes WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. Shawn says he’s back because it’s WrestleMania time and you can’t have that without Mr. WrestleMania. Shawn says no matter where he’s at, he’s still the headliner and the showstopper, Mr. Hall of Fame.
Shawn says he was watching last week to see Triple H accept The Undertaker’s challenge for WrestleMania. Shawn says he was shocked when Triple H didn’t accept it. Shawn says he called John Laurinaitis so he could come to RAW and talk to his best friend. Shawn calls out Triple H so he can tell us all what we want to hear. Triple H’s music hits and out he comes.
Triple H comes out and they do one of the DX poses. They talk and Shawn says he wanted to be here live to hear the news of Triple H facing Undertaker at WrestleMania. Triple H says he won’t be facing Taker at WrestleMania and thought he made it clear last week. Triple H says he won the war and to beat Taker again, he has to end him and he’s not willing to do that. Triple H says he’s not that guy anymore. Shawn says that is exactly who Triple H is, that’s what he does. Shawn says he has never left Triple H’s side but wonders if Triple H “married that chick and became one of them?” Shawn asks if Triple H has became a sell out. Shawn says when a man challenges you and you back down, that makes you a coward. Triple H goes to leave but Shawn pulls him back, he’s not finished. Shawn says a coward is still a coward at the end of the day, no matter how you dress it up.
Triple H goes to leave the ring as Shawn taunts him. Triple H comes right back in the ring and says he has real life responsibilities. Triple H says this, all of this – WWE – is going to be his. He says it’s his responsibility and weighs on his shoulders. He says now he can’t look at Undertaker as an opponent, he looks at him as a brand. A brand that’s good for business. He can’t let that brand end because that’s bad for business.
Triple H says he won’t be the one to end that era for no reason. Not because Taker wants him to, fans want to. Triple H says he won’t do it for his ego or Shawn’s ego. Triple H says Shawn wants to live vicariously through him because he couldn’t get things done. Shawn says that was an awesome speech and probably works on a lot of people. Shawn says he’s at peace where he’s at in life. Shawn says Triple H has no peace. Shawn tells Triple H to look him in the eye and say he doesn’t want to end Taker and his streak, that he doesn’t need it. Shawn tells Triple H to look him in the eye and say no. Triple H goes to walk off but Shawn tells him to look him in the eye. Shawn and Triple H come face to face in the middle of the ring. Triple H says no and drops the microphone.
Shawn backs off and bumps into Triple H as he leaves the ring. Shawn stops at the stage and looks back at Triple H before walking to the back. Triple H goes to leave the ring when the bell tolls and the lights go out.
A video plays and it’s Taker saying he wants what is his. “Give me what is mine – immortality.” The video shows Taker cutting his hair with scissors. We cut back to Triple H watching from inside the ring before another commercial break.
Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth
Back from the break and Dolph Ziggler is in the ring with Vickie Guerrero. Out next comes R-Truth. Ziggler strikes first and takes Truth down for a 1 count. Truth counters from out of the corner and hits a kick to the jaw. Truth charges and Ziggler moves. Truth hits the ring post. Ziggler rolls him up for 2.
Ziggler connects with a dropkick for another pin attempt. Ziggler shows off some before going to another headlock. Ziggler keeps up the offense and drops a big elbow drop for another 2 count. Ziggler shows off some and Truth rolls him up out of nowhere for the win.
Winner: R-Truth
- Zack Ryder is backstage when Santino Marella walks in. Santino wants Ryder to try his Santino brand breath strips. Ryder says they’re disgusting and that’s about it for that segment. Back to commercial.
Tamina vs. Brie Bella
Back from the break and WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix is on commentary. Beth vs. Tamina is announced for Elimination Chamber. Brie Bella starts the match off and Tamina attacks first. Brie pulls her down over the ropes and connects with a dropkick to turn things around. Nikki gets on the apron and distracts Tamina but Tamina knocks her off the apron. Tamina fights off Brie and hits the Samoan Drop. Tamina climbs up top and hits the Superfly Splash for the win.
Winner: Tamina
- We see John Cena backstage talking with Josh Matthews. Back to commercial.
- We get the hype video for The Rock. Josh Matthews is backstage with John Cena for his reaction. Before Cena can speak, we hear EVe Torres screaming. Kane is loading her into an ambulance. John Cena makes the save and attacks Kane. He tells Eve to unlock the door but Kane comes over and slams him into the window. Kane hops in the ambulance and drives off but Eve has already escaped and is being held by Cena. Eve grabs Cena and kisses him. Zack Ryder is there in his wheelchair and saw the whole thing. Ryder is upset as we go back to commercial.
CM Punk vs. The Miz
Back from the break and out comes The Miz. WWE Champion CM Punk is out next to a nice reaction from the crowd. The bell rings and Punk goes for a pin attempt early on. Punk with a suplex and another pin attempt. Miz tries to come back but Punk kicks him in the mouth for another pin attempt. Miz rams Punk back in the corner now with shoulder thrusts.
Miz takes Punk to the mat now and works on the arm. Miz hits the neckbreaker but Punk blocks the combo with a big kick to the head. Miz beats Punk down but Punk comes back with kicks and a neckbreaker. Punk with the high knee in the corner and the bulldog. Miz fights off GTS and drops Punk with a DDT for 2. Miz hits a clothesline in the corner and climbs up top. Miz comes down but Punk moves. Punk powerslams Punk for 2.
They end up on the top and Punk knocks Miz back to the mat. Punk its the big elbow drop from the top and calls for GTS. Miz blocks GTS again and goes for Skull Crushing Finale. Punk blocks that and applies the Anaconda Vice to make Miz tap out.
Winner: CM Punk
- We see Chris Jericho watching backstage as CM Punk celebrates his win. The ambulance backs up into the backstage area as we go to commercial.
- Back from the break and out comes John Cena to the ring. Cena says he just had an awkward moment by the ambulance. Cena say she tried apologizing to Zack Ryder but Ryder wouldn’t listen. Cena says he’s sorry. Cena says this was Kane’s plan all along – turn his friends against him, turn the WWE Universe against him and leave him with no choice but to embrace the hate.
Cena says that was a solid plan and would have worked on anybody else but he’s not anybody else. Cena goes on about how he’s proud of who he is and what he does. Cena says he rises above hate. Cena makes mention of The Rock. Cena says he will win. We have his word – Kane leaves on Sunday in an ambulance. As for Dwayne, Cena has a message about WrestleMania. Zack Ryder comes wheeling himself out to the stage. Ryder stands up on crutches and starts walking down to the ring.
Ryder slowly gets in the ring and sells his injuries. Ryder smacks the microphone from Cena’s hand. Cena tries talking to him but Ryder slaps him in the face. Cena takes off his shirt and dog tags as Ryder vents. Ryder says Cena was never his friend. Ryder goes to hit Cena but Cena blocks it. Cena brings up a fist but doesn’t connect with it, instead Ryder just lands on the mat. Ryder backs out of the ring and walks back up the ramp with his crutches. Kane appears on the big screen and says Cena is in denial. Kane says Cena stole the one true love of his only friend. Kane says Cena has truly finally embraced the hate. Kane says he feeds off hate and on Sunday, it will be the last time we see Cena compete in a WWE ring until WrestleMania. Kane says Cena’s body and soul will be leaving WWE in an ambulance this Sunday. Kane asks for a round of applause for Cena. Cena asks for a mic as Ryder watches from his wheelchair on the stage. Kane runs out and shoves Ryder’s wheelchair off the stage. Ryder crashes down on the concrete. Cena and an official run over to check on Ryder. More officials and EMT’s bring out a stretcher. Eve comes out crying and looks on as they load Ryder onto the stretcher. Ryder is taken away on a stretcher as RAW goes off the air.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 13, 2012 at 8:30 pm
According to PWInsider, the February 10th edition of Smackdown did a 2.17 rating with 3,261,000 viewers.
A breakdown will be available shortly.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 12, 2012 at 11:35 pm
Credit – PWTorch
TNA Against All Odds PPV Results
February 12, 2012
Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
The second TNA PPV of 2012 opened with footage of Jeff Hardy arriving at the building “earlier today.” Hardy did not say anything and simply walked into a production truck. The PPV then went to an opening video package, including Hulk Hogan’s destructive promo from Impact two episodes ago and footage from the London Impact episodes leading to the PPV.
Inside the Impact Zone, fireworks shot off before Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash (not Taz) introduced the show, focusing on Robert Roode faced with three challengers for the TNA Title tonight. Tenay and JB broke down the four-way match talking points, including Sting as ringside enforcer.
Impact Zone: Zema Ion was the first man out for a #1 contender match to the X Division Title. Tenay sent well-wishes to Taz, who has a death in the family. Jesse Sorensen, from down the road in Katy, Texas, was out next with football in-hand to challenge Ion. Tenay hyped the Katy Tigers high school football team as Ion and Sorensen did a bit with a ringside fan. Sorensen then popped Ion and the bell sounded.
1 — ZEMA ION vs. JESSE SORENSEN — #1 contender match to X Division Title
In the ring, Sorensen scored a quick two count before the two men traded pin attempts. Sorensen cleared Ion from the ring, then Ion tried to steal a football from the kid involved in the pre-match bit. Sorensen answered with a baseball slide kick, but missed with a plancha and ate the floor. Ion followed up with a springboard moonsault that KO’ed Sorensen on the floor.
Back in the ring, Ion did the belt-around-the-waist motion as the ref applied a ten count to Sorensen. The ref eventually checked on Sorensen again when Ion didn’t respond to the ten count. The ref did the “X” signal before calling for the bell. In the ring, Ion gloated in victory before more medics came to ringside to check on Sorensen. So Cal Val announced Ion as the winner via count-out as they continued to focus on Ion without showing Sorensen KO’ed ringside.
Post-match: They went to a split-screen of Ion gloating and a replay of the match as Sorensen continued to be checked on. As more personnel continued to check on Sorensen, they cut to Tenay and Borash at the announce table to discuss the moonsault that KO’ed Sorensen. Tenay talked to Keith Mitchell and David Sahadi to get another look at the moonsault that KO’ed Sorensen with a knee to the head. They went to camera shots of concerned fans ringside as the announcers continued to fill time.
WINNER: Ion via count-out at 4:04.
Backstage: Christy Hemme brought in TNA World Hvt. champion Robert Roode, who was in a suit. Roode noted tonight’s PPV is appropriately titled Against All Odds since the odds are stacked against him. But, Roode said he gets the job done every night by walking in and walking out as World champion. He cut a promo on each individual in the title match before noting he is the leader of the selfish generation. Roode said it will be so sweet to win the match and stare down the man, Sting, who tried to take the title from him.
Impact Zone: Back in the Impact Zone, TV champion Robbie E., along with Rob Terry, made their way to the ring for Robbie’s Open Challenge. Robbie took a mic and noted he’s the greatest TNA TV champ of all-time and has no competition remaining. He offered a title shot to anyone in the back, but noted that person probably won’t be on The List. Pause, then Shannon Moore’s music played to bring out Moore for a title shot. But, Terry clamed Moore wasn’t on The List. Regardless, TV Title on the line here.
2 — TV champion ROBBIE E. (w/Rob Terry) vs. SHANNON MOORE — TNA TV Title match
Shannon quickly cleared Robbie from the ring, so Robbie and Rob threatened to leave with the title belt. They made it half-way up the entrance ramp before Shannon tracked down Robbie and threw him back into the ring. Back in the ring, Shannon scored with brief offense before Robbie cut him off as JB talked about hanging out with Robbie at the night clubs when they tour various cities.
Shannon tried to make a comeback, but Robbie cut him off before delivering a knee from the second rope. Shannon, who looked a bit sluggish in the ring, tried to show fire before teasing a comeback, but Robbie cut him off with a headlock. Shannon then delivered a dropkick to the head that both men on the mat. They came to their feet and Moore made his comeback before knocking Robbie to the outside. Shannon came off the second rope with a springboard moonsault, then scored a nearfall back in the ring.
The action moved to the top turnbuckle, where Moore delivered a huracanrana that Robbie sold like a champ. A nearfall resulted. Next, they went to a pinfall exchange sequence before Robbie shoved Moore to the ropes, and Terry popped Shannon in the face. Shannon then rebounded into a swinging DDT from Robbie for the pin and the win.
WINNER: Robbie at 9:32 to retain the TV Title. Robbie really worked hard to make this passable for PPV, as Shannon appeared to be disconnected from the match. The crowd was disconnected, as well, which didn’t help matters. Robbie is slotted as a lower-card heel, but he continues to show potential to offer more to TNA.
3 — Knockouts champion GAIL KIM vs. TARA — Knockouts Title match
After a video package highlighted the Knockouts Title scene, Tara came to the ring as the challenger. KO champ Gail Kim then came to the ring along with Madison Rayne. No shark cage this month, as TNA authority figures have apparently given up on preventing Rayne from interfering. About mid-way through the match, Rayne walked out on Gail, who waved her good-bye. Gail continued to dominate, then her over-confidence led to Tara snapping off a powerslam. Up-top, Tara went for a moonsault and connected, but sold a right knee injury. Tara talked to ref Earl Hebner, then they went to the finish of Gail nailing Eat Defeat for the pin and the win. Post-match: Tara continued to sell the right knee.
WINNER: Gail at 6:50. The injury seemed like an “out” for Tara to take the loss, rather than a legit injury, unlike the opening match.
Backstage: Hemme brought in James Storm to talk about his TNA World Title shot tonight. Storm said the last time he got a title shot, he took advantage with a shocking victory over Kurt Angle. Storm got fired up, then told everyone else in the title match, “Sorry about your damn luck.”
4 — TNA tag champions MATT MORGAN & CRIMSON vs. SAMOA JOE & MAGNUS — TNA Tag Title match
The challengers were the first men out for the match. The tag champs were out next, with Crimson still billed as “undefeated.” Tenay stressed that Crimson has not been pinned in singles or tag matches. Early on, the two teams traded control of the action with all four men tagging in and out, without much standing out. The challengers then double-teamed Crimson to begin wearing him down. Morgan pounded the top turnbuckle to try to rally behind Crimson, but the heels maintained control. The sleepy crowd woke up a bit when Joe delivered a stiff chop to Crimson’s chest before stalking him to deliver more offense.
Crimson finally made a comeback and tagged in Morgan to a reaction. Magnus also tagged in, setting up a confrontation between Morgan and Magnus. Morgan then dropped Joe with a discus clothesline before ramming the challengers’s heads together. Morgan, fired up, measured Magnus for a corner strike, but Magnus blocked, only to take a swinging frontslam from Morgan for a two count. The action broke down at this point. Morgan and Crimson called for the end, but Magnus broke it up. The challengers then had a miscommunication before Crimson and Morgan had a miscommunication. The end result was a snapmare into big elbow from Magnus on Morgan for the pin and the win. New tag champs.
Post-match: Joe & Magnus celebrated with the Tag Titles before Crimson re-entered the ring to try to make sense of what happened. They replayed the finish before showing the new tag champs celebrating again. They went to a final shot of Crimson half-way up the entrance ramp shaking his head.
WINNERS: Joe & Magnus at 9:58 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. The finish was foreshadowed when Tenay stressed at the beginning of the match that Crimson’s “unbeaten streak” includes not being pinned in tag matches. The new tag champs make for a good pairing and it’s a good stepping stone for Joe if TNA is going to get behind him again. The match was definitely better than last month’s thrown-together match-up.
Backstage: Hemme brought in Bully Ray for an interview. Ray did his usual routine yelling at and disparaging Hemme. He then sent Hemme away after calling her a “feeble woman.” Ray told Storm and Hardy that he has their “numbah” and he’s in Roode’s head. Ray called himself the favorite to win the title match and said he’s in the best shape of his life.
Impact Zone: Alex Shelley came to the ring to challenge for the X Division Title. Next out was “your X Division champion,” Austin Aries. JB noted that Aries like wrestling Shelley, as Shelley brings out the best in him in the ring. Before the match started, Tenay provided an update on Sorensen that he was sent to the hospital. He added that Zema Ion will get a future title shot against the champion after this match.
5 — X Division champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. ALEX SHELLEY — X Division Title match
Shelley was the aggressor early on and Aries tried to stall for time. Aries went for a jawbreaker across the top rope and some object went flying into the air, then to the mat. Shelley came back with a top-rope dropkick before Aries disappeared underneath the ring, then came out the other side to sneak-attack Shelley. Aries followed with a suicide dive that KO’ed Shelley on the outside.
Back in the ring, Aries dominated Shelley as the crowd tried to rally behind Shelley. Aries took forever to set up his pendulum elbow drop, allowing Shelley to move. However, Aries quickly recovered, only to take a kick to the chest, followed by left-hand jabs and a chop to the chest. Shelley followed with a knock-down clothesline before firing himself up. Shelley knocked Aries to the outside, avoided the same disappearing act trick from Aries, and suicide dive-splashed Shelley on the outside.
Back in the ring at 10:00, Shelley scored a close nearfall after delivering Finlay’s Celtic Cross finisher. Aries came back with a pendulum elbow smash, then went for a brainbuster, but Shelley blocked. The two men then collided mid-ring and sold on the mat. The action moved to the ring apron, where Aries delivered a DVD across the ring apron. Shelley sold by staring straight ahead with his eyes popping out of his head. Back in the ring, though, Aries could only score a two count. Aries then went up top and missed with a 450 Splash before Shelley connected with Sliced Bread to much excitement. Shelley made the pin, but Aries grabbed the middle rope just before three, drawing gasps from the crowd.
The action reset with Shelley stalking Aries for a kick, but Aries ducked and floated over with knees to the head, followed by a running dropkick. Aries followed right up with a brainbuster and made a cover, but Shelley kicked out just in time. Aries, frustrated, tried another b-buster, but Shelley countered with a small package for a two count before landing multiple kick strikes to the head for another two count. Aries blocked another Sliced Bread attempt before nailing another brainbuster. He transitioned into the Last Chancery and Shelley was forced to tap out moments into the submission hold.
WINNER: Aries via submission at 15:08 to retain the X Division Title. Easily the best match of the show thus far and a very good showcase for both men. Aries vs. Ion is next up for the X Division, but an Aries-Shelley series would be good for the division. (***1/2)
Backstage: Hemme brought in Jeff Hardy, who was sporting odd headwear. Hemme wanted to know how Hardy’s back is doing. Hardy said his back and neck have seen better days, but he sees gold. Hardy said it’s Against All Odds and he’s feeling lucky. He shouted out to his creatures to mount up before showing off his oddly-painted face.
Next: A.J. Styles vs. Kazarian. TNA introduced a video package on the Styles-Kazarian-Daniels issue over the past few months leading to tonight’s match. Out first was a reluctant Kazarian, flanked by a jubilant Daniels. Tenay tried to get an answer from JB on what it is that Daniels is holding over Kazarian, but JB said he has no answers. A.J. Styles was out next sporting a red get-up this month.
6 — A.J. STYLES vs. KAZARIAN (w/Christopher Daniels)
Kazarian was forced to wear Daniels’s t-shirt to the ring and during the match. Kaz wanted a handshake, but Styles shoved him to the corner and ripped off his t-shirt. Kaz tried to respond, but Styles grabbed him out of the corner and applied a side headlock. The crowd shifted their focus to Daniels, chanting at him that he sucks. In the ring, Styles went for a leapfrog too early and Kaz nearly crashed into his crotch, so Styles chucked Kaz to the floor to reset. Back in the ring, Styles continued to dominate Kaz and the crowd continued to chant at Daniels. Kaz finally scored with offense at 4:30, but was reluctant to follow up, allowing Styles to clear him to the floor. Styles then flew off the ring apron with a flying forearm.
Back in the ring, Kaz finally mounted some offense as Daniels pounded the mat to tell Kaz to finish him off. Kaz continued to sell reluctant as Daniels taunted Styles from ringside. Kaz grabbed a front facelock to ground Styles and continue to slow down the match while the fans occupied themselves with Daniels ringside. Styles and Kaz then traded blows mid-ring before Styles came back with a flurry of high-impact offense. Styles wanted the Clash, but Kaz blocked and landed a boot to the face.
At 13:00, Styles yanked Kaz off the ring ropes in position for the Clash, but Kaz countered with a bottle-opener twist to escape. Kaz then came flying over the top rope to slam Styles back-first across the ring apron. Styles tried to crawl back into the ring, but Kaz caught him with a cutter. The match moved up top, where Kaz wanted a top-rope suplex, but Styles elbowed out and both men fell to the mat. Styles then nailed his trademark reverse DDT, but Kaz came back with the Wave of the Future frontslam. The two men went through a sequence of pin attempts before Styles dropped Kaz with the Pele Kick. Styles then set up for a springboard splash on Kaz, but stopped his momentum and delivered a springboard moonsault onto Daniels ringside. Styles tried to follow up back in the ring, but Kaz nailed his Fade to Black reverse Tombstone Piledriver. Kaz with the pin and the win.
WINNER: Kaz at 18:45. About as Even-Steven as you can get with Daniels getting his comeuppance, which the fans wanted to see, and Kaz getting a pinfall over Styles. Overall, the match story was slow developing, which meant the match dragged at times, but they finished strong. (**3/4)
Backstage: Hemme brought in Eric Bischoff and Gunner. Bischoff said he’s somewhat PO’ed about Hulk Hogan becoming a fatherly figure for Garett Bischoff, but he’s also grateful because Gunner needs a father figure when Gunner destroys him. Eric mock cried about feeling somewhat responsible for this situation since Garett feels like he has to live up to his father’s legacy. Eric handed a white towel to Gunner, symbolic of Hogan needing to throw in the towel when Gunner destroys Garett.
Impact Zone: Gunner and Eric Bischoff came to the ring for the match slotted in the semi-main event buffer spot. Hulk Hogan’s music then played to bring out Hogan and Garett Bischoff, who was dressed in very shiny track pants and sporting his imitation Elvis sideburns. Before the bell sounded, Eric and Hogan traded verbal shouts from ringside.
7 — GARETT BISCHOFF (w/Hulk Hogan) vs. GUNNER (w/Eric Bischoff)
Eric got involved early on by tripping Garett from ringside, which caused a stir with Hogan ringside. Back in the ring, Gunner tried to press-slam Garett, but Garett came back with a backslide attempt. Gunner then cut off Garett, which prompted Hogan to shout encouragement from ringside. Garett tried to make a comeback, but Gunner cut him off. At one point during the beat down, Garett seemed to be looking for a hot tag to Hogan, but Gunner cut him off. Garett came back with what looked like step-one of a spinebuster that he suddenly turned into a facebuster. “Oh!” JB shouted, surprised by the move.
Hogan told Garett to get back to his base, but Gunner smashed Garett into the top turnbuckle. Gunner then choked Garett across the middle rope before Eric slapped Garett to try to wake up the crowd. Hogan then walked over to Eric, spun him around, and decked Eric with a right hand to a reaction. Back in the ring, though, Gunner delivered a neckbreaker. Hogan told the “future of the business” that he has to get up. He did get up and took a blow to the neck from Gunner. Hogan then slowly crawled onto the ring apron with white towel in hand, but Garett told him not to do it, “showing heart.” Gunner then caught Garett with a DDT for the pin and the win. Post-match: Eric slowly pulled himself up to the ring apron and laughed uncontrollably at the result.
WINNER: Gunner at 12:01. They should have ended this much sooner. Better yet, not booked it on a nationally-televised pay event. It seems like TNA takes a step back when Hogan is involved in something as of late (especially those counter-productive promos on Impact the last two weeks). Embarrassing for everyone involved, especially the announcers having to present this with a straight face.
Backstage: Hemme brought in a crazed man with blue and white facepaint screaming at the top of his lungs. “It’s Showtime!” Sting declared. This led to a video package hyping the main event title match.
Impact Zone: After a Tale of the Tape set to disengaging Las Vegas-themed music, Sting’s music played to bring out the ringside enforcer for the main event. Bully Ray was the first challenger out and he made an effort to pick up the backstage exchange with Christy Hemme, who was in the ring to handle formal ring intros. From a faraway shot, Sting looked like a member of ICP pacing around in the ring. James Storm was out second, followed by Jeff Hardy to huge screams from the young ladies in the crowd. Hardy slowly made his way to the ring before TNA World Hvt. champion Robert Roode slowly made his way out to round out the field. Once everyone was in the ring, Hemme handled formal ring intros with ref Brian Hebner standing by. Ray interrupted Hemme’s intro to announce himself before Hemme introduced Storm, then Hardy to screams, and then Roode. Roode tried to get Ray to work with him, but Ray stood motionless in the corner, no-selling.
8 — TNA World Hvt. champion ROBERT ROODE vs. JEFF HARDY vs. JAMES STORM vs. BULLY RAY — four-way TNA World Title match — Sting ringside enforcer
The bell sounded and Roode continued to try to sell Ray on working together. Ray teased working with Roode, but then slipped out of the ring to stand ringside with arms folded. Hardy and Storm then took turns teeing off on Roode as Ray watched on the floor. As this went on, Tenay relayed an update on Jesse Sorensen that he’s undergoing medical tests. Ray then found an opening to enter the ring, but the faces cut him off. Hardy then found himself on the outside, leaving Storm alone in the ring with Ray and Roode.
Suddenly, the old Beer Money duo executed a suplex on Ray. They came back-to-back very slowly as the crowd popped. Roode smiled and suggested working together, but he punched Storm in the face. They exchanged right hands before Storm gained the advantage. Hardy then re-entered the ring and hit the Whisper in the Wind on Roode for a two count. Ray then cleared the ring, except for Hardy. Ray picked apart Hardy in the ring while the former Beer Money partners battled on the outside.
At 9:00, Ray tried to give Roode instructions as Roode re-entered the ring. Ray wanted a spike piledriver, but Storm cut off Roode and Hardy made a comeback on Ray. Up top, Storm and Hardy set up for a double superplex, but Ray cut them off. Ray then helped launch the superplex spot and all four men crashed to the mat. Ray was the first man up, but could not score a pin. Hardy suddenly recovered and nailed the Twist of Fate, but could not make a cover, as Roode cut him off with a flapjack. Ray suddenly speared Roode, then the ref was predictably bumped. Ray hit the Bubba Bomb on Hardy, but the ref was KO’ed. Ray scored the visual three count, but ref Hebner was still out. Ray argued with Sting, then turned around to take a Twist of Fate from Hardy, and Hardy scored a visual three count of his own.
Storm hit a superkick on Roode, but Ray yanked the now-awake ref out of the ring. Ray and Sting argued with the ref in the middle, then Storm came flying over the top rope with a splash that hit the ref. Back in the ring, Hardy dropped Roode and wanted a Swanton Bomb, but Roode moved and Hardy was left alone in the ring. On the outside, Roode grabbed his title belt and tried to use it back in the ring, but Sting yanked the title belt away from Roode. Roode screamed at Sting, asking him what he’s going to do. Sting teased popping him with the title belt, but Sting couldn’t pull the trigger. Roode then spit in Sting’s face, so Sting tried to smash Roode, but Roode ducked and he smashed Hardy with the title belt. Roode laughed as Sting called him sick. Roode then made a cover on Hardy and Sting reluctantly dropped down to his knees to count. One…Jeff! Jeff!…two…Jeff! Jeff!…three. Roode retains the title.
Post-match: Roode laughed in Sting’s face before telling Sting to hand him the title belt. Sting was forced to raise Roode’s arm in victory, then Sting dropped down to his knees to check on Hardy as Roode continued to taunt him. After a replay of the finish, they showed Roode celebrating ringside. “There’s nothing you can do about it! Haha!” he shouted. In the ring, the Facepainted Brothers recovered as Sting tried to check on Hardy and apologize to him. They went to another replay of the finish and the announcers continued to talk before TNA signed off at 9:50.
WINNER: Roode at 15:08 to retain the TNA World Title. Another TNA PPV main event and another match that felt more like a TV angle than a match people had to pay to see. The match, which went just as expected with the heel champion using Sting’s over-zealousness against him, advanced the Roode-Sting feud, but people shouldn’t be asked to pay for this month after month. (**1/4)
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Posted by JPeck on February 11, 2012 at 4:10 am
The February 9 episode of Impact Wrestling scored a 1.05 cable rating, which marks as the program’s lowest number of the year. Last week’s show drew a 1.16.
Impact Wrestling averaged 1,500,000 viewers over the course of two hours, down from last week’s average of 1,610,000.
The main event featuring James Storm and Sting against Bobby Roode and Bully Ray garnered the show’s peak rating with a 1.12. It is the first time this year in which the main event drew the program’s highest rating.
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Posted by Brett Clendaniel on February 8, 2012 at 9:26 pm
As noted before, the February 6th WWE RAW Supershow did a 3.25 cable rating with 4.61 million viewers.
In the segment breakdown, the opener with Triple H started strong with a 3.62 quarter rating. Big Show vs. Daniel Bryan lost 508,000 viewers. Bryan’s promo and the taped segment with John Cena with NASCAR’s Carl Edwards gained 43,000 viewers. Sheamus vs. David Otunga lost 197,000 viewers.
The segment with CM Punk and Chris Jericho gained just 94,000 viewers – another bad showing for the 10pm timeslot. Randy Orton and The Great Khali vs. Wade Barrett and Cody Rhodes lost 22,000 viewers while the eight-Divas match lost 139,000 more.
The Six Pack Challenge with Jericho vs. Punk vs. The Miz vs. R-Truth vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston gained 443,000 viewers, finishing at a 3.42 quarter rating. This is another low number for the overrun.
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