January 2008 News Archive (Page 5)

Shawn Michaels va. Mr Kennedy
Kennedy grabs the arm right away but Shawn counters into a facelock. Kennedy chains out back to the arm with a hammerlock. They do a weird thing where Kennedy gets faked out jumping for a leapfrog and Shawn pulls the leg away. Back to the countering on the mat and they bridge up into more countering. Kennedy starts getting aggressive with crossfaces but Shawn turns away from them to protect his face. Kennedy gets a neck vice and neckbreakers him over the knee several times.

We return from commercial with Kennedy in control and we see Shawn getting catapulted into the ring post during the break. Kennedy with the FACE WASH. Well Shawn does have a lot of fake tan on there (4 mentions, thank you JR). Shawn flip bumps in the corner and channels Nigel McGuinness with a lariat. Double down. Kennedy is up first with a jawbreaker. He wants the Mic Check but Shawn blocks it. Kennedy is cut hardway by the eyebrow. I think Shawn caught him with an elbow. To the top and Kennedy looks for a superplex. Shawn punches to the bread basket to knock Kennedy off. Another Savage Elbow but Kennedy gets KNEES UP! Shawn gets his arm hurt. SAMOAN ROLLER…for 2. Kennedy sees Chin Music coming again and steps back but after Shawn goes for his new submission hold again Kennedy leaves himself open and POW. Superkick!
Winner: Shawn Michaels

Beth Phoenix vs Mickie James
Beth Phoenix overpowers and adds in knees but Mickie triangles her with the legs. Beth jacks her up looking for a powerbomb but Mickie escapes that. Beth is getting a touch unfocused allowing Mickie to get a Thesz press and a dropkick. Mickie pounds away in the corner but Beth knees her out of the ring. Beth isn't done and runs Mickie into the apron back first. Beth decides it's time to ground this and hooks up a neck vice. Mickie is still very spirited and gets a sneaky roll up for 2. She tries for a backslide but Beth is too strong for that. They trade on strikes and Mickie gets Beth over with a flying forearm. Mick hits a a Mickiecanrana! Beth counters and dumps Mickie on the ropes before jacking her up into the fisherman's buster for the pin.
Winner: Beth Phoenix

Finlay/Hornswoggle vs Highlanders
Finlay starts out and chops at both Scots. The Highlanders retort with equally hard hitting. Rory drags Hornswoggle in but the midget bites his fingers and Finlay hits a lariat. Hornswoggle knocks Robbie off the apron and the Celtic Cross sets up the Tadpole Splash for the Irish to win.
Winners: Finlay & Hornswoggle

PROMO TIME: Chris Jericho. Less sparkly attire this time around. Perhaps that means he's a little more serious. "Y2J" " crowd. Jericho is very calm. JBL isn't here so there's no point calling him. Which is ironic after JBL called him a coward last week. He says JBL's actions are those of a coward. Jericho talks about his 4 year old son's reaction last week and JBL had planted the seeds of doubt in his son's mind about his father. He says JBL made a huge mistake. Not choking him out. He made a mistake by not finishing what he started. Jericho says he's still here. He talks about MSG and how its always a good show. But he's not interested in a good show or a spectacle. He'll be at the Royal Rumble for a fight.

Brian Kendrick vs. Umaga
Umaga cuts him down a few times. Umaga charges into the buckles and Kendrick kicks and moves until Umaga recovers and jabs him with an uppercut. Tree of Woe headbutt misses. Kendrick kicks at him again but a missile dropkick doesn't shift the big man. Neither does a leaping sidekick or an Enzuigiri. Umaga flips him up into a sweet Samoan drop. That whole sequence was awesome. Umaga has had enough and the Samoan Spike finishes.
Winner: Umaga

Continue Reading...

Here's the current list of superstars ready to do battle at Sunday's Royal Rumble. As always, the winner earns a shot at the title at Wrestlemania...

Raw:
- Umaga
- Snitsky
- Hardcore Holly
- Mick Foley
- Hornswoggle
- Cody Rhodes
- Carlito
- Santino Marella
- Shawn Michaels
- Mr. Kennedy
- Triple H

Smackdown:
- The Undertaker
- Batista
- Kane
- Jamie Noble
- Finlay
- Mark Henry
- The Great Khali

ECW:
- John Morrison
- The Miz
- Shelton Benjamin

In an interview with British newspaper The Sun, WWE Diva Candice Michelle had the following to say about her eventual return to the ring:

"Therapy is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I swear if it’s not one thing hurting, there’s some hidden muscle I never knew about lurking behind it and hurting! This is the fight, and I realize it. I miss wrestling, I miss my family and friends at WWE, but I can’t express how much I miss hearing the fans roar!"

Torrie Wilson has updated her blog on MySpace. In it, the gorgeous WWE Diva gives fans an update on her back injury...

Well, I got some nerve block shots in my lower back about 4 days ago and I must tell you I was SO SCARED when I walked into the doctor's office! The needles were RIDICULOUSY huge and I asked them to please not even come close to showing me the needle at all....if I did I surely woulda hobbled right out of that place! They stabbed me in four different places and all I can do right now is pray that it helps.

I was sorta hoping that the second I woke up I would feel like a million bucks and maybe just have an impromptu wrestling match with the mean secretary up at the front desk.... That didn't happen and I am still praying everyday that the pain goes away. PLEASE keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

I seriously can't wait until I can get to the gym and have a serious run......everything happens for a reason though right? I am definately still trying to see the positive in this whole experience ......cuz that's all you can do!

Continue Reading...

Can't say we saw this coming.

Word - and pictures! - has leaked of Candice Michelle in a softcore pornographic movie with one of the contestants of American Gladiators.

The WWE Diva appeared in a movie with Belinda Gavin, who appeared (and lost) on Monday's episode of the aforementioned American Gladiators series. The official American Gladiators website describes Gavin as a bull rider - but a quick Google search reveals that Gavin is more well known for her career in adult movie.

We wish we knew the name of the film. But we do have a image from it!

In Michelle McCool's latest column on WWE.com, a fan asks if if she'll ever pose for Playboy. Her reply:

"Hi there ... I, like most of the other [WWE Divas], get this question often. Though the girls have done some absolutely beautiful, classy shoots with Playboy, it's not for me. For now, I’ll be keeping my clothes on."

The next beauty to take her clothes off for the magazine will be Maria Kanellis. Look for that issue to come out around Wrestlemania 24.

- Undertaker started the show off. He cut a promo about how he would win the rumble and go on to Wrestlemania 24 and become 16-0 at the event.

- Jimmy Wang Yang and Shannon Moore defeated Deuce and Domino when Yang hit a moonsault off the top rope on Deuce.

- Next, The Great Khali defeated Finlay with a giant chokeslam after Runjin Singh takes the Finlay's stupid stick and throws it down the aisle. Hornswoggle comes out and attacks Runjin.

- Michelle McCool defeated Layla El.

- Next, MVP is in the ring and it’s time for the VIP Lounge with Ric Flair. MVP says he is better than Ric Flair and brings up the point that he defeated Ric Flair at Vengeance last year. Flair tells him that with all the great superstars that he has lost to, a loss to MVP was minor. The segment ends with Ric Flair giving MVP a big chop over the chair.

Batista defeats Mark Henry with the spinebuster. Batista took a pretty good ass whoopin though.

- Rey Mysterio and CM Punk defeated Edge and Chavo by QB. The Edgeheads came in the ring to interfere. Edge and Chavo hug in the middle of the ring afterwards.

- The World Heavyweight Champion Edge opens up ECW with The Cutting Edge. He talks about his guest tonight, CM Punk. Out comes the ECW Champion. Edge says he's been watching Punk and he reminds him of a punk version of himself. Edge congratulates him on becoming the ECW Champion.

But asks him, who have you really beaten? He says he beat Chavo twice, but by DQ and countout. What would he do if Chavo challenged him?

Punk says he is the ECW Champion and this isn't SmackDown, this is his show and he feels he can beat anybody at anytime, including Edge. Out comes Chavo Guerrero. Chavo reminds Punk if he beats him, he gets an ECW Championship shot. Chavo challenges Punk to a match tonight. Punk says we had this conversation last week, we're having it this week, and he thinks we will have the same one next week. Chavo pushes Punk back and Edge hits him from behind. Edge and Chavo proceed to ram Punk's shoulder into the ringpost. Edge leaves as Chavo looks on and Punk is out on the mat; we go to commercial.

- Back from commercial, Edge is shown backstage leaving the building.

John Morrison and The Miz vs. The Highlanders
Morrison and Rory in first, with Morrison in control and a 2 count. The Miz gets tagged in and limits Rory to the center of the ring. Rory fights back and tries to make the tag but Miz holds him back. Rory makes the tag to Robbie and he comes in and cleans house on Miz and Morrison. Powerslam on Miz and 2 count, broken up by Morrison.

The Miz regains control and hits a knee to the face followed by The Reality Check for the pinfall.
Winners: John Morrison and The Miz

- Another promo airs for new ECW superstar Kofi Kingston, it's just like the other ones that have been airing each week. Kofi Kingston will make his ECW debut next week.

- Tazz is in the ring with Colin Delaney, and says give it up for Kelly Kelly. Tazz points out that Colin has had four matches in his professional career and shows video highlights of Colin's squash matches. Colin, who is all bandaged up says "I'm here..... noly." Colin says he is here to fight another week. Tazz announces Colin's opponent for this week and it's Kane.

Kane vs. Colin Delaney
Colin puts his fists up to fight and Kane just laughs, and knocks him down with a boot. Kane throws him into the corner and just dominates him. Kane signals for the chokeslam, but Colin isn't getting up. Kane picks him up himself and hits a monster choke slam and the pinfall for the win.
Winner: Kane

- CM Punk is in the back getting bandaged up. Armando Estrada walks in and asks if he will be able to compete against Chavo Guerrero in the main event tonight. Punk says he will be there and walks off.

- They show the highlights from RAW and Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton. Joey Styles said Randy Orton spent the night in a mobile medical facility and left this morning with only minor back pains and Jeff Hardy managed to stumble out of the stretcher just moments after RAW. Tazz and Styles go over the Royal Rumble pay-per-view card.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Nunzio
Styles reminds everyone that Shelton will be in the Rumble later this month. Shelton takes early control of Nunzio with power moves. Big t-bone suplex by Shelton. Nunzio tries to make a comeback with kicks to the knees but gets stomped by Shelton with a kick to the face. Shelton backs Nunzio into the corner and pummels him.

Nunzio makes a small comeback but gets caught coming off the top rope by Shelton and dropped with a powerbomb. Shelton hits his inverted bulldog finisher and gets the 1-2-3 on Nunzio.
Winner: Shelton Benjamin

Continue Reading...

WTAE in Pittsburgh is reporting that Kurt Angle will be going to trial for DUI and careless driving, resulting from his arrest on September 28, 2007. The TNA Wrestling star appeared at a preliminary hearing in town yesterday and was ordered to stand trial by District Judge Mary Murray.

No trial date has been set yet.

Angle's lawyer said: "We're disappointed the magistrate would allow such a case to continue on based solely on the testimony of a witness, who herself, faces a DUI charge filed by the same department. There has to be some articuable fact that the police officer saw on each element of this crime. They don't have it here."

Two weeks until The Royal Rumble, here's what went down on WWE RAW last night...

Jeff Hardy's music hits, and the Rainbow Haired warrior makes his way down to the ring to a massive pop. Hardy grabs the microphone and says he's excited because at the Royal Rumble he has the chance to become WWE Champion. He's thrilled, but he's also angry. Last week, he wasn't able to take Randy Orton out. Tonight, he will.

Hardy asks for Orton to come out now, or, if not, he'll come back and find him. After a slight pause, Orton's music hits and the champ comes to the stage. Orton says if Jeff wants him that bad, he's got it... but with one condition: only two men have ever held both the IC and WWE title have held it at the same time. Orton wants to be the third. Therefore, at the Royal Rumble, they'll fight for the WWE title. Tonight, however, they'll fight for the Intercontinental title. Hardy accepts. Orton says good, because Jeff is out of brothers to kick in the head. Jeff makes himself clear that tonight he's taking out Orton.

Six Diva Tag Match: Ashley, Maria, and Mickie James v. Melina, Jillian, and Beth Phoenix
Jillian and Ashley Massaro start off. Jillian with a takedown, followed up by a few shots to the head. Jillian gets Ashley into the corner, but Ashley kicks her in the gut, and leaps from the top rope with a crossbody. Jillian kicks out at two, and tags in Melina. Melina does some damage before Ashley tags in Maria. Maria starts with a decent offense of some shots to the body and head, but is eventually brought down by Melina and is caught in the ropes. Melina pulls on Maria's hair and tags in Beth Phoenix.

Beth starts to destroy Maria, but Maria manages to tag in Mickie James. Mickie starts strong, putting up a decent fight against the Women's champ. Mickie hits a nice head scissor's takedown, and the gets on the top rope. Mickie hits a Thesz Press from the top, but is caught by Pheonix soon after. Beth lifts her into the air, but Mickie counters and lands on her feet. Mickie hits a kick to the head, but the ring soon goes into pandemonium as all six divas go at it. Beth takes advantage of the distraction and hits Mickie with the delayed Fisherman's Suplex for the win.
Winners: Melina, Jillian, and Beth Phoenix

Shawn's music hits. He comes down and complains that he has to fight in a Rumble qualifying match. He says it's ridiculous - he came in second last year, and has won two rumbles before. He came out here to challenge Mr. Kennedy, so why not make that a Rumble qualifying match. However, Shawn's music gets interrupted by Trevor Murdoch's music. Shawn doesn't look too happy.

Royal Rumble Qualifying Match: Shawn Michaels v. Trevor Murdoch
HBK starts off with an armlock, but Murdoch quickly takes over with a few blows to the head and an inverted atomic drop followed by a big boot. Murdoch continues delivering punishment by throwing Shawn into the turnbuckle hard, and getting a 2 count. Murdoch locks in a neck vice, but HBK starts to power out of it by kicking, punching, and slapping his way out of it. Michaels with a big thesz press, followed by a big flying forearm. Michaels hits an inverted atomic drop, followed by a few fists and a body slam. Michaels gets to the top rope and hits a flying elbow drop, and starts tuning up the band.

Before he can hit sweet chin music, Murdoch falls backwards. Shawn grabs his legs and appears to try to lock in a sharpshooter, but twists the legs differently and locks in an inverted figure four. Murdoch submits and this is over. Sick looking leglock.

Kennedy appears on the jumbotron, and Kennedy starts talking about how he's better than HBK, and that Shawn's ego is still las large as ever. Kennedy says he has nothing to prove to Shawn, but out of the kindness of his heart, he'll give him his final moment in this business when he steps into the ring with the present and the future of sports entertainment: Mister Kennedy.

HBK looks on, while Murdoch gets back in the ring only to catch a superkick out of nowhere. Ouch.

Winner: HBK

Vince is in the back talking to Hornswoggle, telling him he's proud, but concerned. As one of the 30 men in the Royal Rumble, he has no prior experience. Therefore, VKM is going to give him some: a mini-royal rumble match. Hornwoggle will start, and the first person to compete will be Mr. Kennedy followed by Mankind followed by Batista... and maybe a surprise or two. If Hornswoggle is successful tonight, he's got a real shot at winning the real thing, and going to Wrestlemania... but that's not too likely is it? Vince grabs Hornswoggle by the throat and tells him his last name is McMahon, and anything can be done. Hornswoggle looks frightened, but Vince lets go and tells him that he's proud of him.Triple H v. Snitsky
A collar-elbow tie up between the two ends with Snitsky in the corner getting pounded on by HHH. Snitsky turns the tables with a few right hands, and then starts to work on HHH. Triple H manages to fight back, but takes a back elbow from Snitsky. Snitsky runs to capitalize, but HHH launches him to the outside.

Triple H takes a shoulder block in the corner, followed by two more. Triple H gets thrown into the opposite turnbuckle, and Snitsky hits a sidewalk slam. Snitsky covers, but HHH kicks out at 2. Snitsky bodyslams the Game, and hits a standing elbow, covers, and gets another 2 count. Triple H starts to get up and meets Snitsky's punches with his own. Snitsky quickly grabs HHH in a bearhug, and starts to put the pressure on. Another "Triple H" chant breaks out. HHH starts to hit some elbows to Snitsky's head, but the hold doesn't break. Triple H starts to fight back again, and forces a break in the hold.

Snitsky kicks HHH in the gut and goes for the Pumphandle slam, but HHH reverses with a DDT. Both men slowly get up, but Triple H hits a facebuster, followed by a spinebuster. Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Snitsky backdrops him over the top rope to the floor. Snitsky tosses HHH into the ring steps, and places HHH over them. Snitsky goes to crush HHH on the steps, but Triple H moves and grabs a chair. HHH gets disqualified by beating Snitsky senseless with the chair. Snitsky rolls in the ring, but HHH follows after grabbing the sledgehammer. HHH hits Snitsky with the hammer, and follows it with a Pedigree. HHH lost, but he is standing tall.
Winner: Snitsky by DQ

JBL's music hits and he comes down to the ring amidst a ton of red and black balloons. JBL says that for several months, someone was going to save us, and that was Chris Jericho. Jericho stuck his neck out to save us, but how is his neck? JBL shows a recap of last week when he obliterated and hanged Chris Jericho. JBL asks us where our savior is now? He says he's at home where he should have stayed. JBL says he loves domination and power, and when he was dragging Jericho, it was like dragging everyone who looked to Jericho to be their savior. Chris couldn't make it tonight, but JBL knows he's watching. JBL tells Chris to move over, he wants to talk to his children.

"Do you see what I did to Daddy's neck? Daddy just realized that there are people better and stronger. Your Daddy is gutless, spineless, and had all the fight taken out of him by me." JBL says he doesn't want to make this personal, but he wants Jericho to look at his kids and tell them that JBL's just better than him. He says if Chris comes to the Royal Rumble, the savior will need to be saved. Awesome promo and incredible mic-work.First entries:

Continue Reading...