NoDQ.com > Columns > RD: The 2008 Year In Review (NoDQ.Com Version) Posted by Raging Demons on 12/31/2008 at 05:17 AM
(Note: This column is REALLY Pro Wrestling "Insider" term heavy. If you don't understand some of the terms go to this website for help in knowing some of the words used here.)
The Original WWF Fan Club Presents...
The 2008 Year In Review
(Or “Chaos Results When the World Changes Faster Than People”)
(The NoDQ.Com Version)
By Raging_Demons
I can admit this. In this year. 2008 was a year that no one saw coming. No one. Not the people that can predict the years, not the pop culturalists, no one!
2008 for Pro Wrestling was very chaotic. WWE & TNA were literally trying anything to get people to watch their shows. One bad stunt after another left fans with bad tastes in their mouths. WWE fans were getting tired of the same people winning the titles, TNA fans were getting tired of the inane booking. Back and forth, back and forth, until it comes to a point that wrestling fans just didn't seem to care.
The reason for this mostly was for our economy. Usually when we have a declining economy the first thing that people get rid of is the entertainment. That means less movies, less going out to eat, and less time actually watching and participating any Pro Wrestling events of any kind. Since WWE & TNA are corporate businesses their main objectives was to find a way to generate profit of any kind in the end and not caring about how the fans reacted to it. Whether it be TNA copying old WWE story lines, or WWE booking a John Cena vs Batista match at Summerslam when it was really a Wrestlemania match. I bet none of you even saw the drastic changes in WWE commentary for all of their shows? I mean who saw that in 2008 in the beginning of the year we would have: Jim Ross & Jerry “The King” Lawler for RAW, Joey Styles & Tazz for ECW, and finally Michael Cole & Johnathan Coachman for Smackdown. Now as we look to the end of the year WWE commentating is: Michael Cole & Jerry “The King” Lawler for RAW, Todd Grisham & Matt Striker for ECW, and finally Jim Ross & Tazz for Smackdown. Did you see any of it? I bet all of you said “no” now huh? This along with all of the other examples shows that it was really all out case of “what will stick to the dart board” type of mentality. But when U.S. President George W. Bush declared that we are about to enter a recession the likes of “The Great Depression” both WWE & TNA were faced with some serious problems. WWE was cutting worthless talent left and right trying to save whatever money they can. While TNA once again did grow this year by adding a TV Production building and some new TV deals, they had to deal with expiring contracts with half of their talent which ended with some re-signing or some leaving TNA looking to WWE for better money. The economy was certainly no friend to WWE & TNA this year.
Life outside the “squared ring” was much more different in 2008 than any other year. For the first part most ex-pro wrestling talent actually didn't hop onto the Reality TV scene. Ex-TNA interviewer Leticia Cline was on Season 5 (and unfortunately last season) of The CW's “Beauty & The Geek”. Good news is that she made it to the finals, while the bad news was that she got eliminated at the finals. Cline goes right up there with Stacy Keibler as the only Pro Wrestling talents that ever made it to the finals of a Reality TV competition. And Pro Wrestling had it's own Reality Show Competition in the form of “Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling”. The show which host Hulk Hogan & his friends (Eric Bischoff, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Brian Knobbs, & “The Mouth Of The South” Jimmy Hart) trains celebrities into pro wrestlers and they compete to see who would win the “Celebrity Championship Wrestling Title”. And in the end it was Dennis Rodham, who was a part of the nWo back in the days of WCW, winning the competition. More and more ex-pro wrestlers have slowly been getting into Mixed-Martial Arts (MMA's for short) competitions as of late. Bobby Lashley & Vito are such examples of this. But none had more impact in the MMA scene than Brock Lesnar in 2008. In one year Lesnar signed with the most popular MMA promotion around “UFC”, had 3 matches, and win the UFC World Heavyweight Title by defeating UFC legend Randy Couture. Dawn Marie even contributed by creating the first ever charity related to pro wrestling when she started the “Wrestler's Rescue” charity which is aimed at ex-wrestlers helping to get the medical attention they need. Since 2008 was an election year we saw Pro Wrestling to be used as a resource when the Republican Presidential Nominees (John McCain) & The Democratic Presidential Nominees (Barack Obama & Hilary Clinton) got involved when they appeared on RAW to get votes. TNA tried to get involved as well by inviting Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin to their Pay Per View “Final Resolution” which ended up being just a stupid story line. And finally in the Movie scene there really wasn't a lot. Just a couple of movie, and one of them is a REALLY big movie. “Wrestlemaniac” which is a straight-to-DVD movie starring Rey Mysterio's uncle “Rey Mysterio Sr.”. And limited release of the movie “The Wrestler” starring Micky Rourke as a pro wrestler trying to deal with the end of his career. This movie has received so many positive reviews from critics and receiving Golden Globe Nominations with the rumor of possible Oscar nominations. “The Wrestler” will be out in more theaters in 2009.
As with all change there is one thing that will always remain a constant. Death. Most of them were of small names from behind the scenes. But we did loose a big legend. Of some of the following deaths: We lost some poor unnamed guy when he fell off a 15-30 foot scaffolding during the TNA Pay-Per-View “Slammiversary” which was a sad and tragic way to die, my condolences. Death of Hawaii wrestling promoter Leah Maiva, the same Maivia name that linked to the legendary Anoai Samoan family and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson's grandmother, from natural causes. Three ex-wrestlers died; Mike Bell who was featured in the documentary “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” passed away for some unknown reasons, the other two were Chase Tatum (accidental drug overdose) & Steve Bradley (unknown reasons so far as of this column). Death of legendary World Class/NWA manager Gary Hart of heart disease. Death of legendary 80's wrestler SD Jones due to stroke. But the legend we lost, we lost big time. Death of legendary wrestler Killer Kowalski from heart attack. Most of the younger fans know of Kowalski through his wrestling school where Kowalski trained such stars as Perry Saturn, Chyna, and his most famous student of them all Triple H. But back in his day Kowalski was the guy you wanted to hate. He was the Triple H & Edge of his generation. And to quote Triple H “This One Is For The Killer”. Finally in a way this is not technically a “death” but Ric Flair's career most certainly died as he declared his retirement from wrestling. Flair will be missed if he stays out of the ring.
2008 looks like a year in which it was a product of the environment around itself that formed what we know right now. 2009 certainly doesn't look like it will be any better. But if there will be change in the world which it will look like in the future then I have three words to say that in the end that can make pro wrestling change for the good:
“Yes We Can” ---Barack Obama
As always with this column it is split up into two parts. The “Title Histories” & the infamous “Data File”.
Let's start off as always with WWE and their secondary titles.
RAW's Secondary Titles:
Intercontinental Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Jeff Hardy
Ending: 12/31/08: William Regal
Number of times Title has changed hands: 4
The Intercontinental Title looked decent this year. It looked like in 2008 that Jeff hardy would loose the title and get a WWE Title Run. Well Jeff Hardy did loose the title, because he received Strike 2 on the WWE Wellness Policy to Chris Jericho. Jericho with his record breaking 8th Intercontinental Title win puts him as the most successful Intercontinental Champion of all time. Jericho lost the title to Kofi Kingston because WWE was at a time where they were trying to push the younger talent and Kingston looked good at the time. Kingston lost the title to Santino Marella due to a “Winner Take All” match at Summerslam where the Intercontinental & the Women's Titles were both on the line. With this title run Marella decided to go for a comedy run with the debut of “The Honk-O-Meter” which was a gimmick to countdown Marella's title reign to beat the wrestler with the longest Intercontinental Title reign ever: The Honky Tonk Man. But “The Honk-O-Meter” broke as Marella lost the title to William Regal when RAW was in Manchester England (his hometown) because whomever is the hometown hero they always get the instant win, and Regal was the hometown hero. 2009 looks like a short title reign for Regal as CM Punk gets a shot at his title.
World Tag Team Titles:
Starting 1/1/08: Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly
Ending 12/31/08: John Morrison & The Miz
Number of times Title has changed hands: 5
Five Title changes is pushing it at times. WWE doesn't like to do tag team runs anymore so they used the titles this year as more of a prop. We start off with Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly. Rhodes' & Holly's World Tag Team Title run was pure death. There were stretches of months when they didn't even defend the titles. In the category of the “most confusing title loss ever”. Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes lost to...Ted DiBiase Jr. & Cody Rhodes. Confusing huh? Here's the explanation. On the Pay-Per-View “Night Of Champions” where Rhodes & Holly defended the titles versus DiBiase & a “mystery partner”. Turns out that mystery partner was Rhodes and in that weird match Rhodes lost & won a Tag Title. Then Rhodes & DiBiase lost the titles to John Cena & Batista because it was to push their “Summerslam” match of Cena vs Batista in the “enemies as tag champions” for the one billionth time. Then Cena & Batista lost the titles back to Rhodes & DiBiasie. Then Rhodes & DiBiase lost the titles to CM Punk & Kofi Kingston for the reason of Randy Orton putting DiBiase on the “disabled list”, which is code for DiBiase is doing “The Marine 2”. Then at a house show in Ontario, Canada. Punk & Kingston lost the titles to ECW's John Morrison & The Miz for the reason of Punk's Intercontinental Title Match. Morrison & The Miz were great successes with the WWE Tag Team Titles (see WWE Tag Team Titles) they were given the World Tag Team Titles to carry. Looks like 2009 the Tag Titles are in good hands.
Women's Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Beth Phoenix
Ending 12/31/08: Beth Phoenix
Number of times Title has changed hands: 2
Two is usually a good number for title changes. But in this instance. Nope. Beth Phoenix had the title. Lost it to Mickey James, then won it back in that “Winner Take All Match” (see Intercontinental Title). Why did I say that two wasn't a good number. This year all the wrestling “Divas” were mostly injured and placed on the “disabled list”. James & Phoenix were the healthy ones left! Phoenix's “monster heel push” didn't look all that convincing this year. But in 2009 Phoenix looks like could be more humanized thanks to one Santino Marella.
Smackdown's Secondary Titles:
United States Title:
Starting 1/1/08: MVP
Ending 12/31/08: Shelton Benjamin
Number of times Title has changed hands: 2
The U.S. Title did great this year. Started out with MVP, who had some good early months before the start of his “loosing streak” later in the year. Lost the title, FINALLY, to Matt Hardy to end that snake bitten feud once and for all. But when Hardy was sent to ECW via the Draft, Hardy lost the title to Shelton Benjamin. It's been a while since Benjamin held any single's title. And in 2009 it looks like Benjamin will continue to have a great title run.
WWE Tag Team Titles:
Starting 1/1/08: John Morrison & The Miz
Ending 12/31/08: Carlito & Primo Colon
Number of times Title has changed hands: 2
Once again the WWE Tag Titles suffered the same fates as the previous years as not getting any tag teams to defend the titles. But in 2009 there was some entertainment to those titles. Started out with Morrison & The Miz. Most people, including myself, thought that this would be a disaster. But Morrison & The Miz proved us all wrong. They turned their WWE Tag Title run into something entertaining that the fans liked even though they were still the heels. Titles changed hands to Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins, who fans had called “The Edgeheads”, in order to push their “La Familia” stable on Smackdown. Then The Edgeheads lost the titles to the brothers Colon, Carlito & Primo to be more exact. The reason was this is somewhat of a punishment to tell you the truth. Since WWE didn't like Carlito's work ethic and his attitude they figure that teaming his up with his brother Primo maybe Carlito can learn some good things from him. 2009 looks like the trend to make the Tag Titles “entertaining” to continue with the brothers Colon defending the titles and hitting on The Bella Twins.
Now unfortunately in March 2008 WWE retired the Cruiserweight Title. But a new title was created in July 2008 to replace it. The Cruiserweight Title has been replaced with the Diva's Title.
Divas Title:
Starting 7/20/08: Michelle McCool
Ending 12/31/08: Maryse
Number of times Title has changed hands: 1
As RAW's Women's Title focused more on the wrestling “Divas” meaning the women that have a wrestling background and that can perform. The Diva's Title is the exact opposite. The Diva's Title is designed for the “Divas” that were hired because of the following: They were a part of the “Diva Search” contest, they were hired for their modeling backgrounds, or they were hired just for their looks. The title was created and matches were made to determine who would wrestle for the title. Michelle McCool & Natalya won their matches to wrestle to be the first ever Diva's Champion and in the end McCool won. Ever since McCool was crowned champion and the title was created their has seen to be heat with it. McCool & the title not getting any respect in WWE, McCool's relationship with her boyfriend The Undertaker, The Diva's Title considered by the fans as the ugliest title in history. It seemed like McCool was going to close out the year as champion but on the last episode of Smackdown for the year Maryse got the title win. Why did that happen? To start McCool's heel turn by kicking Special Guest Referee Maria's ass that's why. 2009 and The Diva's Title is going to start out rough because a few days later after Maryse won the title, she received a knee injury that can place her on the “Disabled List”. Will Maryse relinquish the title in 2009? Let's find out.
Now we go to WWE's Main Titles: The WWE Title, The World Heavyweight Title, and the ECW World Title. The WWE Draft happened again so the WWE Title went back to Smackdown and the World Heavyweight Title went back to RAW. And it's an unfortunate thing that I have to say that there's for the first time ever in this column's history we have a tie for the “Most Changed Title” this year. WWE & TNA have singles title that changed hands more than anybody. Your going to have to find out later what TNA Title changed hands the most. But for WWE. The title that changed hands the most was one of their World Titles, or to be more precise the World Heavyweight Title!
WWE Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Randy Orton on RAW
Ending 12/31/08: Jeff Hardy on Smackdown
Number of times Title has changed hands: 3
Three is a decent number compared to the other two titles. Started off with Randy Orton & his “Age Of Orton”. Orton provided to be so much of a douchebag even on his title run that people were happy that Triple H won the title. Triple H, the same man what inspire so much hate with the controversy that he gets most of his recent World Title reigns because he's married to the family. In this instance family wasn't the reason why he won the title. With Smackdown moving over to “My Network TV” WWE thought they needed a big name and since Triple H is as big as they had at the moment they sent him & the WWE Title to Smackdown thanks to the Draft. Title changed hands to a returning (and refreshed) Edge. But at the end of the year that push to the WWE Title finally happened as Jeff Hardy won the title off Edge. If this was the Jeff Hardy from earlier in the year people would be happy that he won the title. But this is the Jeff Hardy that received Two Strikes total from the WWE Wellness Policy later on in the year. Some say that Hardy with the title is a major risk while others are waiting Hardy to get that Third Strike hoping that WWE will in fact punish & fire Hardy for violating the Wellness Policy. Can Hardy prove the critics wrong and maintain job security in 2009? Let's find out.
World Heavyweight Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Edge on Smackdown
Ending 12/31/08: John Cena on RAW
Number of times Title has changed hands: 8
How did this happen?!? Officially the title hasn't changed this many hands since the days of WCW when Vince Russo was a part of the booking in 2000. But can one World Title cause this much trouble and headaches which in the end caused some shoddy booking? Well let's start off early in the year with Edge & the title on Smackdown. And he had a pretty good title reign too. That is until Wrestlemania and he lost the title to The Undertaker because THE UNDERTAKER DOESN'T LOOSE AT WRESTLEMANIA!!! But this time after Wrestlemania GM Vicki Guerrero decided to strip Undertaker of his title and declare it “Vacant” because storyline wise it was due to his “Hell's Gate” Choke Hold that's how he won the title. Undertaker & Edge bounced around for a bit until Edge won the title. Normal so far right? Well thank the WWE Draft for this one. With Smackdown having two World Title's (Edge's World Heavyweight Title & Triple H's WWE Title) something had to give. Well it did in the form of Edge visiting RAW and thanks to a series of random events, CM Punk used his “Money In The Bank” Briefcase on a beaten Edge to win the title. So RAW now has a World Title again thanks to Punk. But here's the problem. A lot of fans were surprised that Punk won the title, some hated the idea that Punk had the title. Punk's World Title run was his to loose and he did loose it. With fan backlash and WWE not wanting to make Punk look weak, Punk was abused by Randy Orton and a bunch of other wrestlers. Unable to compete in his “Championship Scramble Match” at the “Unforgiven” Pay-Per-View it was Chris Jericho who quite literally “Saved Us” and became the World Champion. Jericho in his new heel run was getting fans happy but not the ratings that WWE needed. So Jericho lost the title to Batista. Then WWE realized something. John Cena was coming back from injury, and a Cena/Bastista II would be great money wise. But the problem was that it was too soon so Batista became a “boomerang champion” (a champion who wins and looses the title to the same person) and Jericho won it back. And remember what I said earlier that John Cena was coming back from injury? Well from WWE's perspective John Cena = Ratings! So even though the only fans that like Cena nowadays are women, kids, and stupid fans who think wrestling is real. John Cena won the title from Jericho. 2009 is going to look like the same ole RAW, the same ole John Cena as World Champ, but with a different title. And all of this happened in 2008 thanks to the WWE Draft and shoddy booking from the RAW Show.
ECW World Title:
Starting 1/1/08: CM Punk
Ending 12/31/08: Matt Hardy
Number of times Title has changed hands: 4
CM Punk had a decent ECW World Title run. Then lost it to Chavo Guerrero to push the “La Familia” stable. Then lost it to Kane in an embarrassing way. Chavo got defeated in 9 seconds. Kane almost broke the record for the fastest pin in Wrestlemania history (that goes to King Kong Bundy). But when Kane went to RAW thanks to the WWE Draft, Kane lost the title to Mark Henry. Henry's title reign caused a lot of controversy. Some said that it was the logical thing to do since Kane was going to RAW the ECW World Title needed to stay on ECW and they gave it to Henry, while others said Henry was given the ECW World Title as a way to shut him up due to the racially stirred incident that he had with WWE Creative member Michael Hayes. Either way Henry lost the title to Matt Hardy thanks to the “Championship Scramble Match” at Unforgiven. Matt Hardy with a World Title made some fans happy. And in 2009 it looks like the era of Mattitude will keeps fans even happier now that Matt & his brother Jeff are both World Champions.
Coming up next are TNA and it's titles. I did say that TNA tied with WWE for “Most Changed Title”. Well tying WWE's World Heavyweight Title with most changed titles is TNA's X-Division Title. TNA has had a habit of doing weird stuff with the titles so be patient while I go through this.
TNA World Title
Starting 1/1/08: Kurt Angle
Ending 12/31/08: Sting
Number of times Title has changed hands: 4
Kurt Angle started with 2nd TNA World Title run this year. And with a surprise of all surprises they actually gave it to a TNA guy that DID NOT had a WWE run. Samoa Joe won the title off Angle. Now during this title run TNA was hyping all over the place that Samoa Joe was “the future of wrestling and the future of TNA”. Thus the reason why he won the title. Then we go into “weird TNA booking land” when Booker T won the title thanks to interrferrence from Sting (who we will see later on). But hold on, Booker T was stripped of the title and Joe gets it back. Joe told Booker T to “hold on to the title, I'll get it back” So Samoa Joe was the official champion but Booker T held the title? OOKKAAYY? Honestly it was a way to push Joe making him look like a bad ass. So Joe got the title back. Then Joe lost the title to Sting because, like The Undertaker & Wrestlemania, STING DOESN'T LOOSE AT BOUND FOR GLORY! And with the present “Main Event Mafia” storyline looks like Sting will stay as Champion for 2009 for a little bit.
TNA World Tag Team Title
Starting 1/1/08: A.J. Styles & Tomko
Ending 12/31/08: Beer Money, Inc.
Number of times Title has changed hands: 4
We start off with A.J. Styles & Tomko. Who had a decent title run so far. Until Tomko screws up big time! With Tomko trying to juggle his TNA/Japan dates and TNA telling him not to work Japan during a Pay-Per-View. They loose the titles to Kaz & Eric Young's Alter Ego “Super Eric” as punishment for Tomko's mistakes. But in the STUPIDEST way ever to loose a Tag Title department. When GM Jim Cornette asked Super Eric to remove his mask and reveal himself to be Eric Young, and Super Eric plays dumb about it. Cornette strips Kaz & Super Eric of the Tag Titles, declare them vacant, and set up a tournament for a winner. And thanks to the “Deuces Wild Tournament” LAX won the titles. Then LAX lost the title to the new team of Robert Roode & James Storm A.K.A. “Beer Money, Inc.” because it looks like TNA wants LAX to go solo in one way or another. Beer Money, Inc. so far has had a great run as champions. Will they continue to hold them in 2009? Let's find out.
X-Division Title:
Starting 1/1/08: “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal
Ending 12/31/08: *Vacant*
Number of times Title has changed hands: 8
What happened?!? Where was the division that promoted high-flying stunts and in exchange we had short title runs because of it?!? This year the X-Division lost that immunity thanks to the booking on it over the past couple of years. Now when you take a look at it. The X-Division is now a place to push story lines and characters and the X-Division itself is now worthless. Let's take a look at what happened. We start off with “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal doing a gimmick that impersonates “Macho Man” Randy Savage and being awarded the title for it. Lost the title to Johnny Devine who became a “boomerang champion” and Lethal won it back. Then lost the title to Petey Williams to award him for his “Maple Leaf Muscle” gimmick which is an impersonation of Scott Steiner. So that's where Charlie Haas got the impersonator gimmick from! So who's next to win the title? Shawn Daivari doing his Muhammad Hassan impersonation to get the title?!? Um..unfortunately THAT did happen. Shawn Daivari was recently hired by TNA to become “Sheik Abdul Bashir” which is in fact a Muhammad Hassan impersonation but this time TNA is letting him go all out for the character and in return he gets a X-Division Title run. Then Bashir looses to Eric Young, impersonating Eric Young for a really big shock, and wins the title. Hold on! Thanks to a storyline Bashir has with TNA referee Shane Sewell, Seweel interferred in Bashir's/Young's match so the decision got reversed and Bashir get's the title back. OR not. Because Eric Young wins the title back, with interrferrence from Sewell...AGAIN! Then Bashir stole the title (not a counted title change). Then GM Jim Cornette basically says “F**K You!” to Eric Young, Sheik Abdul Bashir, Shane Sewell, me, you, God, and in fact TNA fans in general when he declares the X-Division Title “Vacant” and a new tournament is taking place who will be the champion. As of 12/25/09. The wrestler's still in the X-Division Tournament so far are Chris Sabin, who is waiting for the winners of the Eric Young/Alex Shelley Match. Honestly this is crap. A third of the title reigns went to wrestlers impersonating other wrestlers! If Charlie Haas would be here now with his current impersonator gimmick on RAW he would be freaking undefeated! Then the rest of it went to this Bashir/Sewell fiasco with Eric Young involved only for this “Main Event Mafia” vs “Front Line” storyline to make him look confident. What the hell TNA?!? I mean seriously. What the Hell?!? I mean with Vince Russo over there at TNA Creative this isn't much of a surprise. The X-Division now is just a joke. And with the rumors of the Legends Title being the new Number Two. Might as well shoot the title for dead. Unless they can get a miracle out of it in 2009 that is.
Knockout's Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Gail Kim
Ending 12/31/08: Awesome Kong
Number of times Title has changed hands: 3
The complete opposite of The X-Division here on TNA is the Women's Division on TNA, or the “Knockout's Division”. 2008 saw the Knockout's Division getting wide praise from various pro wrestling magazines, insiders, even WWE. 2008 started with the first ever Knockout's Champion Gail Kim. Who only had 10 days to enjoy her 2008 title reign because she lost it to Awesome Kong. Kong did something that WWE and Beth Phoenix couldn't do, make a monster heel female wrestler and make it work! Kong was the most intimidating looking women's wrestler around. In fact in one match she almost bent Christy Hemme in HALF! Lost the title to Taylor Wilde because TNA is looking for a new main event face Knockout since they already have Awesome Kong as a main event heel female wrestler. But when Wilde was getting “meh” reactions from the fans and at times looking like the “John Cena” of the Knockouts, Wilde became a middle-term “boomerang champion” and lost it right back to Awesome Kong. 2009 looks like Awesome Kong will be holding that title for awhile now, if they can find another main event face champion that is.
Up next is the third organization for the column. Ring Of Honor. Now before I go on here Ring Of Honor MUST have a beef with the “Year In Review” column as of late. In the 2006 column thanks to me reading some wrong information off ROH's website on how they list their title histories I screwed it up, but I corrected it in 2007's “Year In Review” Column. Now ROH does it to me again! I usually release the Column around the week when there's no work on any wrestling promotion. ROH snuck in a Tag Title run on a day that I released the 2007 “Year In Review” column. So instead The Briscoes that ended the year we get Jimmy Jacbos & Tyler Black on 12/30/07. Thanks ROH! Thanks a Lot! So anyways. Here's Ring Of Honor & their Title Histories.
ROH World Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Nigel McGuinness
Ending 12/31/08: Nigel McGuinness
Number of times Title has changed hands: 0
This is how you do it! Strong competition. Good push. No Title changes! McGuinness has held the title for over 54 weeks now. Very impressive. If McGuinness can hold on to the title to November of 2009, which is a bit of a stretch, he will break Rob Van Dam's record for the longest title reign in current history. Van Dam held the ECW TV Title for 23 months back in the “Old ECW” days owned by Paul Heyman.
ROH World Tag Team Title:
Starting 1/1/08: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black
Ending 12/31/08: Jimmy Jacobs & Tyler Black
Number of times Title has changed hands: 3
We start off with the guys that screwed up the 2007 Title Histories for me. Tyler & Black. Lost the titles to Davey Richards & Rocky Romero. Then The Briscoes came back and grab the the titles off them. But it was Jacobs & Black that took the titles back. Can they hold them in 2009? Let's find out.
And before I end this. Please ROH, please don't do anything to screw this up!
Now we go to the second half of the column. The infamous “Data File”. The column that crams anything newsworthy that happened in the year right here. Seperated in months and based on all WWE, TNA, or other news. It also includes all the Pay-Per-View Results from WWE & TNA for the year.
The Data File:
January:
General: A verbal agreement has been settled on the late Chris Benoit's estates, the estate will go to the family of Nancy Sullivan-Benoit and Benoit's living two children from a previous marriage. Micky Rourke replace Nicholas Cage in the movie "The Wrestler". The Nancy Sullivan-Benoit "Hustler" issue was released. Debut of "American Gladiators" starring Hulk Hogan. ESPN Classic starts airing classic episodes of old wrestling promotions like UWF. U.S. Congress Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has set up a web page where people can send them tips on the drug policies of pro wrestling. Rob Van Dam to appear in "Cannabis Culture" magazine. The Ultimate Warrior says some rather tasteless things about the death of actor Heath Ledger.
WWE:
General: WWE reaches a TV Deal with Brazillian TV Station "Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão". WWE starts testing for marijuana. WWE hires Gary Marasciulo, KAFU, Chris Harris, Ron Killings, & Paul Wight A.K.A. The Big Show. WWE calls Damien DeMento a "jabroni" in one of their magazines which starts DeMento's mad rants on YouTube and DeMento's desires to take down WWE. WWE starts to film & produce all of their shows in High Definition. Developmental Wrestlers Derrick Neikirk and Neil Bzibziak are suspended due to Wellness Policy Violations & Neikirk was released from WWE. Developmental Wrestler Germán Figueroa must spend 30 days in jail for missing a trial date in Puerto Rico. Demolition & One-Man Gang come out of retirement to compete in Indy wrestling promotion CHIKARA's "King Of Trios" tournament.
RAW: Return of Ashley. Mr. Kennedy gets married. A soft core movie appears with Candice Michelle & an "American Gladiators" contestant. Jim Ross re-signs with WWE. Bobby Lashley quits WWE. WWE hires & debuts Mike Adamle. Kenny Dykstra is placed on the DL. Chris Jericho plans to write another book and sing vocals for the band "Nasty Savage" on some of their songs. Return of John Cena. Release of "WWE Raw: Greatest Hits" CD"
Smackdown: Debut & firing of Anastacia Rose. Batista gets pulled over by someone trying to be a police officer which was found out later it was just a fan wanting an autograph. Johnathan Coachman becomes the new Color Commentator for Smackdown. Debut of Lena Yada. Kenny Dykstra is on the DL.
ECW: Debut of Kofi Kingston. WWE fires Head Writer Dave Lagna.
TNA: TNA will now start doing drug tests. TNA Agent Terry Taylor received double knee replacement surgery. Debut of Salinas, Ms. Peyton Banks, Raiesha Saieed, & Curry Man. A Pittsburgh Judge ordered Kurt Angle that he must stand trail for his DUI charges. TNA airs special that had Kurt Angle wrestle in Japan. TNA will air UFC footage to promote UFC PPV "UFC 81" as part of a business move. New Japan Wrestler Tiger Mask makes an appearance. Dave Hebner says on Internet Radio that he will take a polygraph test to prove that he did not steal from WWE. TNA Impact beats ECW for the first time in their history. Christopher Daniels "fired" from TNA. Rick Steiner & Senshi quit TNA. Debut of "Stone Cold" Shark Boy. Jimmy Rave, Lance Hoyt, & Christy Hemme are now known as "The Rock N' Rave Infection".
PPVs
WWE's Royal Rumble:
Ric Flair d. MVP. JBL d. Chris Jericho by DQ. Edge d. Rey Mysterio to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Randy Orton d. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE Title. John Cena wins The Royal Rumble.
TNA's Final Resolution:
LAX d. The Rock N' Rave Infection. Kaz d. Black Reign. Gail Kim d. Awesome Kong to retain the Knockout's Title. Judas Mesias d. Abyss in a "Hardcore Match". Booker T & Sharmell d. Robert Roode & Traci Brooks. Team 3-D & Johnny Devine d. The Motor City Machine Guns & "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal in an "Ultimate X Match". A.J. Styles & Tomko d. Samoa Joe & Kevin Nash to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. James Storm wins the Drinking Championship. Kurt Angle d. Christian Cage to retain the TNA World Title.
February
General: Brock Lesnar debuts in the Mixed Martial Arts company "UFC". Ex-WCW Star Ernest "The Cat" Miller to star in "The Wrestler". Paul Heyman starts writing for "The Sun" and debuts his online web series called "The Heyman Hustle". Anchorweb.org runs a story on The Kemper Arena and the constant ghost sightings of the late Owen Hart. Wrestling Reality TV Show "The Bussey Bunch" gets canceled after 1 week on the air. Gangrel retires from Pro Wrestling. Scott Hall goes into WWE-sponsored drug rehab. Mexico Wrestling Promotion AAA inducts Eddie Guerrero in their Hall Of Fame. John Cena Sr. to have his own online show. Juventud Guerra said in interviews that Sean "X-Pac" Waltman tried to commit suicide and that he's in drug rehab, Waltman later on says that Guerra said was completely false on the committing suicide part. After saying that he will retire from wrestling last year, Andrew "Test" Martin returns to Pro Wrestling. Ex-WCW Wrestler Yuji Nagata suffers a stroke. Trish Stratus to have a TV Show called "Stratusphere". Damien DeMento tries to start a feud with website Wrestlecrap.com. U.S. Congress contacts Bobby Lashley & Chris Masters about the WWE Wellness Policy. Hulk Hogan to divorce wife Linda of over 25 years. Rob Van Dam starts his own web show called "RVD TV".
WWE:
General: WWE fires George Murdoch, Amish Roadkill, Robert Osbourne, Ace Steele, Cassidy Riley, Al Snow, Neil Bzibziak, & Robert Anthony. WWE "OFFICIALLY" fire Bobby Lashley even though Lashley quit WWE. WWE signs Taryn Terrell & Angela Fong. WWE ceases all business ties with OVW as a developmental territory, replacing it will be FCW. Developmental territory FCW lands a TV Deal. TMZ.com reports that Stephanie McMahon is pregnant...AGAIN!!! Georgia enters a Bill in in their State Senate that would regulate WWE and all organizations like them from their state immunity and force their talent to perform random drug tests. Ted DiBiase Jr. arrested for DUI. Recent Reports show that WWE Films have gained a Net Profit so far of $300,000 based on the three films of "See No Evil", "The Marine", & "The Condemned". Vince McMahon declines conference on abuse of enhancing performance drugs in professional sports because his lawyer couldn't go with him. WWE has official accounts on YouTube, Flickr, & Facebook. WWE announces a "Big Show vs Floyd Mayweather" match at Wrestlemania 24. WWE Films signs distribution deal with 20th Century Fox. WWE.com launches an "Industry News" section on their website which is a section that takes all the news that other pro wrestling news sites have on their pages and post it on their own.
RAW: John Cena to star in the WWE Films movie "12 Rounds". Return of Paul London, Lance Cade, & Val Venis. RAW debut of Paul Burchill. Debut of Katie Lea. Ron Simmons goes into drug rehab. Return of Candice Michelle. John Cena says some negative things towards Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in an interview with The Sun newspaper. Rory McAllister goes on the DL.
Smackdown: Friday Night Smackdown to be canceled on the CW Network at the end of the 2007-2008 season and will move to the "MyNetwork" TV Network at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season. Marvel.Com has an interview with Gregory Helms. Rey Mysterio is placed on the DL, and goes to a surgeon that has been sued over 18 times in San Diego Supreme Court. Ranjin Singh is written off Smackdown due to a knee injury and placed on the DL. Return of The Big Show. Debut of Eve Torres. Debut of Maryse as a Diva.
ECW: Colin DeLaney signs a WWE Contract. Return of Stevie Richards.
TNA: Salinas appears in an adult movie called "The Notorious Jewel De'Nyle & Shelly Martinez". Raven leaves TNA. TNA releases a Press Release on how they want to hire College Basketball Coach Bobby Knight a coaching position. Debut of Rhaka Khan. TNA signs a deal with JAKKS Pacific to make their action figures. Booker T working with the NBA Basketball Team "Houston Rockets" to promote his wrestling promotion PWA. TNA hires two internet fans named Bill & Doug who air their homemade videos on YouTube. Debut of TNA's new segment called "Rough Cut". Abyss has been removed off TV.
PPVs:
WWE's No Way Out:
Chavo Guerrero d. CM Punk to retain the ECW World Title. The Undertaker defeated Batista, MVP, Finlay, Big Daddy V, & The Great Khali in an "Elimination Chamber Match" to win a World Heavyweight Title Shot. Ric Flair d. Mr. Kennedy. Edge d. Rey Mysterio to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Big Show confronts Boxer Floyd Mayweather. John Cena d. Randy Orton by DQ, Orton retains the WWE Title. Triple H defeated Umaga, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, JBL, Chris Jericho, & Jeff Hardy in an "Elimination Chamber Match" to win a WWE Title Match.
TNA's Against All Odds:
A.J. Styles & Tomko d. BG James & Bullet Bob Armstrong to retain their TNA World Tag Team Titles. Traci Brooks d. Ms. Peyton Banks. Scott Steiner d. Petey Williams to win the TNA World Title & TNA X-Division Title "Feast Or Fired" Briefcases. Eric Young d. James Storm to win the "Drinking Championship Title". Awesome Kong d. ODB to retain the Knockout's Title. Abyss d. Judas Mesias in a "Barbed Wire Massacre Match". Booker T/Robert Roode ended in double count out. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal & The Motor City Machine Guns d. Team 3-D & Johnny Devine to win the stipulation that Team 3-D can only wrestle if they are under 275 lbs. Kurt Angle d. Christian Cage to retain the TNA World Title.
March:
General: Ex-TNA Interviewer Leticia Cline appears in Season 5 of "Beauty & The Geek" Wrestlecrap.com responds to Damien DeMento through YouTube which quickly ends that feud. Rob Van Dam joins The Sports Legacy Institute. The Georgia State Bill that would regulate all Pro Wrestling failed to pass. Jackie Gayda-Haas is pregnant with another child. "Wrestlemaniac" the horror straight-to-DVD movie starring Rey Mysterio SR., Rey Mysterio's uncle, is released. Manager Gary Hart dies of heart disease. Hulk Hogan and son Nick Hogan are being sued by The Graziano Family, victim of the auto accident with Nick Hogan, in Civil Court. Ex-WCW Wrestler Chase Tatum died of accidental drug overdose.
WWE:
General: Release of "WWE: The Music. Volume 8" Developmental Wrestler Atlas DaBone placed on DL. WWE hires Ryan Bishop. WWE fires German Figueroa (who is wanted by Puerto Rico for not turning himself in to a Puerto Rico Judge) & Silas Young. WWE announces business partnership with Ethoca to help prevent credit card fraud. WWE hires Celso Forster as Director of Marketing Latin America. WWE officially retires the Cruiser Weight Title. Vince McMahon gets a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. WWE has an account on HULU.com where they upload clips. WWE hires George Barrios as Chief Financial Officer. Developmental Wrestler Afa Anoai received Strike 1 on the WWE Wellness Policy, he is suspended for 30 days. Damien DeMento's name is added on the list of signs that are banned on WWE shows. WWE inducts Rocky Johnson, High Chief Peter Maivia, Commentator Gordon Solie, Eddie Graham, Mae Young, Gerald & Jack Briscoe in the WWE Hall Of Fame. A fireworks malfunction happened during Wrestlemania 24 injuring some fans. Someone stole over $60,000 in personal items & visas backstage at Wrestlemania 24.
RAW: Maria's Playboy Issue was released. Jim Ross opens another "J.R.'s BBQ" somewhere in Oklahoma City, OK. Ashley sent home for injury purposes. Mr. Kennedy to star in WWE Films "Behind Enemy Lines: Columbia". Jeff Hardy received Strike 2 on the WWE Wellness Policy, he is suspended 60 days and looses the Intercontinental Title on purpose to Chris Jericho, and is removed from the "Money In The Bank Match" at Wrestlemania 24, then 2 weeks later Jeff Hardy's house burned down to the ground. Candice Michelle goes back on DL from re-injuring her broken clavicle. Robbie McAllister was caught in the audience on TV during a live episode of "TNA Impact". Ric Flair is inducted in the WWE Hall Of Fame and retires from Pro Wrestling.
Smackdown: Return of Matt Hardy. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie rented out a house to live from The Undertaker.
ECW: Elijah Burke says in a blog he supports Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama. Debut of James Curtis.
TNA: TNA airs their first ever live show. Judas Mesias leaves TNA. The Motor City Machine Guns appear on an episode of MTV's "MADE". Booker T joins The Sports Legacy Institute. TNA signs with Tristar Productions for trading cards, memorabilia, and conventions. Debut of Eric Young as "Super Eric". Konnan sues TNA for racial discrimination. WWE RAW star Robbie McAllister was caught in the audience on TV during a live episode of "TNA Impact"
PPVs
WWE's Wrestlemania 24:
JBL d. Finlay in a "Belfast Brawl Match". CM Punk wins the "Money In The Bank Match" and the WWE/World Heavyweight/ECW Title Shot good for any time, any place, up to 1 calendar year. Batista d. Umaga. Kane d. Chavo Guerrero to win the ECW World Title in less than nine seconds. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels d. Ric Flair thus Ric Flair is retired from Pro Wrestling. Beth Phoenix & Melina d. Maria & Ashley. Randy Orton d. Triple H & John Cena to retain the WWE World Title. Floyd Mayweather d. The Big Show. The Undertaker d. Edge to win the World Heavyweight Title. John Legend performs "America The Beautiful". Appearances by Kim Kardashian & Snoop Dogg
TNA's Destination X:
LAX d. The Rock N' Rave Infection & The Motor City Machine Guns to become #1 contenders to the TNA World Tag Team Titles. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal d. Petey Williams to retain the X-Division Title. Eric Young/Super Eric & Kaz d. Rellik & Black Reign. Awesome Kong d. Gail Kim & ODB to retain the Knockouts Title. Shark Boy & Curry Man d. Team 3-D in a "Fish Market Street Fight". Robert Roode d. Booker T in a "Strap Match", Ms. Peyton Banks also earned the right to whip Traci Brooks. Rhino d. James Storm in a "Elevation X Match". Samoa Joe, Christian Cage, & Kevin Nash d. Kurt Angle, A.J. Styles, & Tomko.
April:
General: Ex WCW-Wrestler Hardbody Harrison sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking and forced labor charges. Andrew "Test" Martin arrested for DUI while driving a suspended driver's license. Trish Stratus opens her own Yoga Studio and the website "stratusphereyoga.com" which is all about yoga. Ric Flair was supposed to appear on "Secret Talents of the Stars" but it got canceled after 1 episode. U.S. South Carolina Congresswoman Sue Myrick honors Ric Flair in a speech at the House of Representatives. The Ultimate Warrior declares a return to Pro Wrestling. Rob Van Dam's wife is diagnosed with Colon Cancer.
WWE:
General: Release of "WWE Kids" magazine. WWE hires Amy & Joe Hennig. Dusty Rhodes leaves his position on WWE Creative to be the head booker/writer for FCW. Ex-WWE Developmental Wrestler Mack Johnson checks into WWE sponsored drug rehab. WWE institutes a new "Concussion Management" program which tests WWE wrestlers for negative damage to their heads due to repeated concussions. WWE banning all photographers at ringside during RAW, ECW, & Smackdown TV Tapings. WWE promotes Joey Styles to Managing Editor of WWE.com. WWE is now calling their PPV "Vengeance" to "Night Of Champions". Developmental Wrestler Afa Anoai returns from suspension. WWE fires Chris Gray, Tommy Taylor, Michael Thompson, and Ryan Bishop. WWE Creative Michael "P.S." Hayes suspended for 60 days and received alcohol & drug treatment for calling Mark Henry a racial slur. Developmental Wrestler Ted Dibiasie Jr. pleads no contest to his DUI charges which he had his driver's license revoked, give 50 hours of community service, attend traffic school, and pay some fines.
RAW: A couple of churches in Anderson, Indiana had graffiti of the "DX" logo all over the buildings. "King Of The Ring" returns as a one-night tournament. JBL is selling an energy drink called "Mamajuana". Republican Presidential Candidate Senator John McCain as well as Democratic Presidential Candidates Senators Barack Obama & Hilary Clinton appear on RAW to gets votes for the 2008 Presidential Campaign, on that same show there was a "Barack Obama" vs "Hilary Clinton" match. Keith Olberman of "MSNBC Countdown with Keith Olberman" names JBL "Worst Person In The World" when JBL claims that his "Mamajuana" energy drink is the equivalent to "liquid Viagra". In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Randy Orton admits to being a douchebag, then during their European tour Orton throws foods at the hotel staff for waking him up too early.
Smackdown: Victoria wins the Chrysler 300 contest on YouTube. The Great Khali returns to India for a month to fulfill his requirements on the Punjab Police Force. Torrie Wilson retires from Pro Wrestling. Mick Foley replaces Johnathan Coachman as the color commentator on Smackdown. WWE fires Dave Taylor. Wrestling Debut of Vladimir Kozlov. Debut of Natalya.
ECW: Mike Knox was linked to a stash of HGH and steroids found at a Locust Grove, Georgia house which proved later not the case since his name wasn't on the drugs. Big Daddy V sent home to loose weight. Debut of Bam Neely. Kane moves to ECW. Joey Styles gets promoted to Managing Editor of WWE.com, replacing him will be Mike Adamle. WWE starts to confiscate any "Fire Mike Adamle" signs on ECW TV Tapings. WWE fires Balls Mahoney. Mike Adamle & Tazz walk off the commentator's position during an episode of ECW. Lena Yada moved to ECW.
TNA: Debut of interviewer Lauren Jones. Ms. Peyton Banks quits TNA. A "mysterious incident" involves Awesome Kong, paramedics, and police, no details still to this day. AJ Styles & Tomko lost the TNA World Tag Team Titles due to Tomko working in Japan before the TNA PPV "Lockdown" & Tomko is suspended for two weeks. Christy Hemme's band "HEMME" breaks up. Return of Consequences Creed.
PPVs:
WWE's Backlash:
Matt Hardy d. MVP to win the U.S. Title. Kane d. Chavo Guerrero to retain the ECW World Title. The Big Show d. The Great Khali. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels d. Batista w/special guest referee Chris Jericho. Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian Hall, Victoria, Natalya, & Layla d. Mickie James, Maria, Ashley, Michelle McCool, Cherry, & Kelly Kelly. The Undertaker d. Edge to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Triple H d. Randy Orton, John Cena, & JBL in a "Fatal Four-Way" Match to win the WWE World Title.
TNA's Lockdown:
"Black Machismo" Jay Lethal d. "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt, "Stone Cold" Shark Boy, Curry Man, Johnny Devine, & Consequences Creed in a "X-Division X-scape Steel Cage Match" to retain the X-Division Title. Roxxi Laveaux d. Angelina Love, Traci Brooks, Jackie Moore, Rhaka Khan, Christy Hemme, Velvet Skye, & Salinas in a "Queen Of The Steel Cage Match". BG James d. Kip James in a "Steel Cage Match". Super Eric & Kaz d. Scott Steiner & Petey Williams, The Motor City Machine Guns, LAX, The Rock N' Rave Infection, and Rellik & Black Reign in a "Cuffed In The Steel Cage Match" where Super Eric was the survivor. Gail Kim & ODB d. Awesome Kong & Raiesha Saieed in a "Knockouts Tag Team Steel Cage Match". Booker T & Sharmell d. Robert Roode & Ms. Peyton Banks in a "Inter Gender Tag Team Steel Cage Match". Team Cage (Christian Cage, Kevin Nash, Rhino, Sting, & Matt Morgan) d. Team Tomko (A.J. Styles, Tomko, James Storm, & Team 3-D) in a "Lethal Lockdown Match". Samoa Joe d. Kurt Angle in a "MMA-Steel Cage Match" to win the TNA World Title.
May:
General: A TV News Station in Atlanta Georgia obtained phone messages left on the answering machine from the late Chris Benoit & his wife Nancy Sullivan-Benoit. Wal-Mart starts selling Hulk Hogan endorsed cheeseburgers called "Hulkster Cheeseburger". Nick Hogan, son of Hulk Hogan, pleads no contest to felony reckless driving involving serious bodily injury; Nick is sentenced to 8 months in jail, 5 years of probation, driver's license suspended for 3 years, and 500 hours of community service. Dawn Marie creates charity "Tame The Flame" to help her sister-in-law. Dr. Phil Astin, the doctor that prescribed Chris Benoit steroids, was indicted with over 175 federal counts of illegal prescription abuse. Bobby Lashley signs with MMA company "American Fight League".
WWE:
General: Bret Hart visits FCW. WWE hires Black Pain & Imani Lee. WWE changes policy on giving urine tests now that people taking the urine test must be exposed from the nipples to their ankles with someone watching after WWE Wrestler Afa Anoai was caught using a product called a "Whizzinator", which is an urinating device made to look like an actual penis designed to cheat urine tests. WWE "fires" Torrie Wilson after she retired from Pro Wrestling. Joey Styles announces his commentating retirement. WWE cancels internet show "WWE Heat".
RAW: Santino Marella arrested for DUI. Rolling Stone Magazine & the FBI linked Ashley to a high-priced escort service in Los Angeles, California. Mickie James saved the life of a fan having an epileptic seizure at an autograph session. Cousin Sal from "Jimmy Kimmel Live" appeared on RAW to start the "Cousin Sal vs Santino Marella" feud. William Regal received Strike 2 on the WWE Wellness Policy, he is suspended for 60 days and is no longer the GM of RAW. Return of Jeff Hardy from suspension.
Smackdown: Gregory Helms was assaulted at a bar. Teddy Long is "fired" from Smackdown.
ECW: N/A
TNA: Petey Williams on the DL due to a broken orbital bone around his eye. Kurt Angle to be placed on DL due to neck injury. TNA hires Steve Allison as Chief Marketing Officer. Return of Abyss. Matt Morgan appeared as "The Beast" on "American Gladiators". TNA launches a new online show called "TNA Spin Cycle". LAX said in an interview with The Sun that internet fans "should be shanked to death" and shanked means being stabbed. Angelina Love & Velvet Skye are now known as "The Beautiful People". Petey Williams returns as "Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams A.K.A. Petey Williams is a "Mini-Me" of Scott Steiner. TNA Spanish Announcer Hector Guerrero joins LAX.
PPVs:
WWE's Judgment Day:
John Cena d. JBL. John Morrison & The Miz d. CM Punk & Kane to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels d. Chris Jericho. Mickie James d. Beth Phoenix & Melina to retain the Women's Title. The Undertaker d. Edge by Count Out, as a result the World Heavyweight Title remains Vacant. Jeff Hardy d. MVP. Triple H d. Randy Orton to retain the WWE World Title.
TNA's Sacrifice:
Team 3-D d. Sting & James Storm in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". Rhino & Christian Cage d. Robert Roode & Booker T in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". LAX d. Matt Morgan & Kip James in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". A.J. Styles & Super Eric d. BG James & Awesome Kong in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". Kaz d. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal, "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt, The Motor City Machine Guns, Johnny Devine, Curry Man, Shark Boy, Jimmy Rave, & Consequences Creed in a "Terrordome Match" to win a X-Division Title Match & to compete in the main event on the PPV. Team 3-D d. Christian Cage & Rhino in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". LAX d. A.J. Styles & Super Eric in a "Deuces Wild Tournament Match". Gail Kim d. ODB, The Beautiful People, Roxxi Laveaux, Christy Hemme, Jacqueline, Traci Brooks, Salinas, and Rhaka Khan in a "Make Over Battle Royal" Roxxi lost the Finals of the Ladder part of the Match so she had her head shaved bald. LAX d. Team 3-D To win the "Deuces Wild Tag Team Tournament" & the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Samoa Joe d. Scott Steiner & Kaz in a "3-Way Match" to retain the TNA World Title.
June:
General: The release of "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase's autobiography "Ted DiBiase: The Million Dollar Man". According to the book "Ring Of Hell" two WWE announcers were on steroids and that Vince McMahon had a cocaine habit. Terri Runnels holds an essay contest where the winner gets $100,000 and Runnel's house. Francine gets married. EX-WWC valet Destiny arrested for prostitution charges. The Ultimate Warrior makes his 10-year return to the wrestling ring. Leticia Cline makes it to the finals of "Beauty & The Geek" but did not win the show.
WWE:
General: Michael Brendli A.K.A. "Mikey" of The Spirit Squad was arrested for DUI then was fired from WWE. WWE hires D-Lo Brown, Brian Cage, & Patrick Brink. ROH's Bryan Danielson had a tryout with WWE. WWE signs TV Deal with Ten Sports that airs their programming in the Middle East. Developmental wrestler Stu Sanders arrested for striking a police officer. On the "Countdown To Raw" show on Canada's "The Score" Vince McMahon was quoted saying "Well The Media can go screw themselves" in response to a question about how public media covers pro wrestling. A pro wrestler at a Wal-Mart in Greensburg, Indiana was claiming to be "Stone Cold" Steve Austin by selling fake autographs and stealing money from fans.
RAW: Vince McMahon starts the "Million Dollar Giveaway" where he was really giving away a sum total of $1,000,000 to WWE fans each week, which in the end he gets mocked by the public media and ends with a "mysterious accident". Randy Orton is placed on the DL due to an injury at the PPV "One Night Stand". JBL launches another energy drink called "418 Energy" marketed for golfers. Melina is places on the DL. Draft Lottery Results: RAW gains Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, Batista, Kane, Jamie Noble, Deuce, Chuck Palumbo, Matt Striker, Layla, Kofi Kingston & commentator Michael Cole. While RAW looses: Jeff Hardy, Umaga, Mr. Kennedy, Triple H, Trevor Murdoch, DH Smith, Super Crazy, Brian Kendrick, Maria, Carlito, & commentator Jim Ross.
Smackdown: Jimmy Wang Yang received Strike 1 on the WWE Wellness Policy, he is suspended for 30 days. Debut of Alicia Fox. Draft Lottery Results: Smackdown gains Jeff Hardy, Umaga, Mr. Kennedy, Triple H, Trevor Murdoch, Big Daddy V, DH Smith, Brian Kendrick, Maria, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito & commentator Jim Ross. Smackdown looses Rey Mysterio, Matt Hardy, Batista, Mark Henry, Jamie Noble, Deuce, Hornswoggle, Chuck Palumbo, Finlay, & commentator Michael Cole. The Santino Marella vs Cousin Sal feud ended on Smackdown.
ECW: Teddy Long is the new GM of ECW. Debut of Evan Bourne, Tiffany, Draft Lottery Results: ECW gains Matt Hardy, Mark Henry, Hornswoggle, Super Crazy, & Finlay. While ECW looses CM Punk, Big Daddy V, Matt Striker, Shelton Benjamin, Layla, Kofi Kingston, & Kane.
TNA: The return of the X-Cup Tournament. TNA hires & debut Taylor Wilde. TNA signs TV deals with Spain's "Antena 3" & Portugal's "Sport TV". A TNA crew member dies after the "Slammiversary" PPV when he falls 15-20 feet to his death due to some bad scaffolding. Debut of Shawn Daivari & Moose Knuckles. Appearances from: Tyson Dux, Alex Koslov, Doug Williams, Volador Jr., Ultimo Guerrero, Rey Bucanero, Averno, Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, Taichi Ishikari and Milano Collection A.T. Consequences Creed graduated from college with a BA in psychology with a minor in philosophy. Scott Steiner is placed on the DL. "American Idol" contestant Ace Young made some appearances.
PPVs
WWE's One Night Stand:
Jeff Hardy d. Umaga in a "Falls Count Anywhere Match". The Big Show d. CM Punk, John Morrison, Chavo Guerrero, & Tommy Dreamer in a "Singapore Cane On a Pole Match" to win a ECW World Title Shot at "Night Of Champions". John Cena d. JBL in a "First Blood Match". Beth Phoenix d. Melina in a "I Quit! Match". Batista d. "The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels" in a "Stretcher Match". Triple H d. Randy Orton in a "Last Man Standing Match" to retain the WWE World Title. Edge d. The Undertaker in a "Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (Oh My!) Match" to win the World Heavyweight Title and to "banish" The Undertaker.
WWE's Night Of Champions:
John Morrison & The Miz d. Finlay & Hornswoggle to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. Matt Hardy d. Chavo Guerrero to retain the U.S. Title. Mark Henry d. Kane & The Big Show in a "Triple Threat Match" to win the ECW World Title. Ted DiBiase Jr. & "Mystery Partner" (revealed to be Cody Rhodes) d. Hardcore Holly & Cody Rhodes (RD: It's confusing I know!) to win the World Tag Team Titles. Kofi Kingston d. Chris Jericho to win the Intercontinental Title. Mickie James d. Katie Lea to retain the Women's Title. Edge d. Batista to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Triple H d. John Cena to retain the WWE World Title.
TNA's Slammiversary:
"Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams d. Kaz to retain the X-Division Title. Gail Kim, ODB, & Roxxi Laveaux d. The Beautiful People & Moose. LAX d. Team 3-d to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Awesome Kong d. Serena Deeb, Josie Robinson, and "Elvis" in the "$25,000 Knockouts Challenge". The So-Cal Val/"Black Machismo" Jay Lethal Wedding which in the end didn't happen due to "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt". A.J. Styles d. Kurt Angle. Samoa Joe d. Booker T, Robert Roode, Christian Cage, & Rhino in a "King Of The Mountain Match" with special guest enforcer Kevin Nash to retain the TNA World Title
July:
General: Hillbilly Jim is involved in an altercation with his neighbor over some dogs. Ric Flair's financial business called "Ric Flair Finance" is shut down & out of business. The Sandman arrested for Felony Second Degree Assault at a New York City restaurant. Savio Vega declares his candidacy for Governor of Puerto Rico. EX- Memphis Wrestling commentator Brian Teigland dies of an unknown illness. Promoter Greg Price posted on a message board a weird e-mail that he got from "Superstar" Billy Graham which Graham called him a " f****** worthless wrestling mark whore." The Honky Tonk Man nearly looses a finger after a guitar stunt goes horribly wrong. Bobby Lashley to open his own website called "Lashleynutrition.com" which is an on-line supplement company. Dawn Marie creates the "Wrestler's Rescue" charity which is designed to help ex-wrestlers to get the health care they can't afford.
WWE:
General: WWE Films is now called "WWE Studios". Two WWE Fans were arrested for burglary at the PPV "The Great American Bash" when they try to steal some souvenir folding chairs for ringside seats fans. WWE sent a "Cease & Desist" letter to The Ultimate Warrior when Warrior was dressed up in his WWF/E days at an autograph signing. WWE adds anti-estrogen drugs to the list of banned substances to the Wellness Policy. Johnathan Coachman quits WWE to work for ESPN. Jenny McCarthy makes an appearance to promote her charity. Stephanie McMahon-Levesque gives birth to a baby girl. WWE hires Freddie Prinze Jr. & Michael Pavone as a part of WWE Creative.
RAW: Ashley quits WWE because of her "sick daughter", some in the pro wrestling news thought this could be an excuse to leave WWE due to her connection to the high-end escort ring she was linked to. Kelly Kelly moves to RAW. William Regal returns from suspension. John Cena did what only Triple H has done before, John Cena "NO SOLD" (not acting) DEATH by being "grazed" from being run down by a car from JBL. Randy Orton's wife give birth to a baby girl. Mike Adamle is the new RAW GM. Return of D-Lo Brown.
Smackdown: WWE fires Trevor Murdoch. Jimmy Wang Yang returns from suspension. News starts popping up that The Undertaker & Michelle McCool are an item. The "wedding" of Edge & GM Vicki Guerrero. Debut of Brian Kendrick as "THE Brian Kendrick", R-Truth, & Ezekiel Jackson.
ECW: Debut of Tony Atlas, Ricky Ortiz, & Braden Walker. Teddy Long introduces a new ECW World Title that's made out of platinum. Mike Adamle becomes the new RAW GM leaving his commentating duties, replacing him will be Todd Grisham.
TNA: TNA signed a pay-per-view television agreement with UK Virgin Media Television’s Bravo channel and a video-on-demand agreement with BT Vision. Rellik, Black Reign, & Tomko quit TNA. Moose broke her leg at an Indy show, she is placed on the DL and TNA released her from her contract but said it was okay for her to come back once healed. TNA fires James Mitchell. TNA signs ex-NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler to a "professional contract". TNA signs Shawn Daivari to a contract and is now known as "Sheik Abdul Bashir". TNA hires Savio Vega as a Road Agent. Lance Hoyt is now "Lance Rock". Kaz "leaves" TNA meaning it's a storyline and he's still with the company & just taking some time off to heal. TNA to open a new TV Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Robert Roode, James Storm, & Jacqueline are now known as "Beer Money, Inc.". Curry Man, Super Eric, & "Stone Cold" Shark Boy are now known as "The Prince Justice Brotherhood". TNA signs with IGN Entertainment for web-based programming on their web sites.
PPVs:
WWE's The Great American Bash:
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder/"The Edgeheads" d. John Morrison & The Miz, Finlay & Hornswoggle, & Jesse & Festus to win the WWE Tag Team Titles. Shelton Benjamin d. Matt Hardy to win the U.S. Title. Mark Henry d. Tommy Dreamer to retain the ECW World Title. Chris Jericho d. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels when the referee stops the match due to a "serious" injury on Michaels. Michelle McCool d. Natalya to win the Divas Title. CM Punk & Batista ended in No Contest thanks to Kane. JBL d. Cena in a "New York City Parking Lot Brawl". Triple H d. Edge to retain the WWE World Title.
TNA's Victory Road:
Team TNA (The Motor City Machine Guns & Curry Man) d. Team Japan (Puma & Masato Yoshino & Milano Collection A.T.), Team Mexico (Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero & Averno), Team International (Doug Williams & Alex Koslov & Tyson Dux) in a "World X-Cup Elimination Match". Gail Kim d. Angelina Love. "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt d. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal. LAX d. Beer Money, Inc in a "Fans Revenge Lumberjack Match" to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Taylor Wilde d. Awesome Kong to retain the Knockout's Title. Volador Jr. d. Kaz, Naruki Doi, & Shawn Daviari in a "World X-Cup Ultimate-X Match" to win the World X-Cup. Team 3-D & Kurt Angle d. Christian Cage, Rhino, & A.J. Styles in a "Full Metal Mayhem Match". Booker T d. Samoa Joe to win the TNA World Title.
August:
General: Sandra Toffoloni, sister to the late Nancy Sullivan-Benoit, creates the "The Nancy and Daniel Benoit Foundation" which is designed to research the effects of steroid abuse on the brain & body. Mark Jindrak, ex-TNA Wrestler Shocker, El Terrible and El Hijo del Texano were all banned from Tijuana, Mexico from wrestling events for one year when all of the mentioned wrestlers pulled down the trunks of the other wrestlers in public. Ric Flair & wife Tiffany Flair file for divorce. Ashley Massaro appears at a signing event called "The Scene" which is in fact a strip club. Luna Vachon reveals that she's bi-polar & manic depressive. Bill Goldberg announces that he'll return to pro-wrestling for one match only. Death of Killer Kowalski from a major heart attack. Damien DeMento appears at a WWE House Shows passing fliers about stopping "blading" (purposely cutting yourself in a wrestling match) in pro wrestling.
WWE:
General: WWE hires Norman Smiley. Ric Flair quits from his WWE Legends contract. WWE has added Kevin Dunn, Frank A. Riddick, III and Jeffrey R. Speed to their Board Of Directors. WWE fires Charles Evans, Matt O'Neal, Brad Attitude, Jamie Tucker, referee Nick Patrick, & referee Wes Adams. Raven, Chris Kanyon, & Mike Sanders sues WWE over their independent contractor vs employee designation. Umaga, Charlie Haas, and his wife Jackie Gayda-Haas to open a nutritional & smoothie store, along with a website called "Custom Muscle". Layla is removed from TV to deal with the death of a family member. WWE signs Buff Bagwell to a Legends Contract.
RAW: Matt Striker moves to ECW to become the new Color Commentator replacing Tazz. Randy Orton was involved in a major motorcycle accident which re-injures his collarbone keeping him on the DL even longer. WWE fires The Highlanders. John Cena is placed on the DL. Debut of Charlie Haas' "Impersonator" character & Primo Colon.
Smackdown: Mick Foley was at first written off Smackdown due to his "injury" from Edge but later quit WWE due to his backstage treatment as color commentator, Tazz replaces Mick Foley as Color Commentator. WWE fires Shannon Moore, Domino, Big Daddy V, Trevor Murdoch, & Cherry. Umaga & Mr. Kennedy are placed on the DL. Edge is "sent to hell" meaning he's taking some time off. Debut of Scotty Goldman. The start of MVP's losing streak. Smackdown has its Series Finale on "The CW Network".
ECW: Matt Striker replaces a departing Tazz to Smackdown as Color Commentator. Super Crazy moved to Smackdown. WWE fires Braden Walker, Nunzio, James Curtis, Stevie Richards, & Colin DeLaney. Debut of Gavin Spears & referee Aaron Davis.
TNA: Sheik Abdul Bashir & TNA ends up being investigated by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. "Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams gets married. Traci Brooks is now "Knockouts Law" meaning she's "the head" of the Knockouts Division. Debut of Suicide, the character based on the "TNA Impact" video game. Gail Kim quits TNA due to financial reasons. Kip James joins The Beautiful People as "Kute Kip". Debut of Sojourner Bolt. TNA hires Akira Raijin to a two-year contract.
PPVs
WWE's Summerslam:
MVP d. Jeff Hardy. Santino Marella & Beth Phoenix d. Kofi Kingston & Mickie James, with the win Santino Marella wins the Intercontinental Title & Beth Phoenix the Womens Title. Matt Hardy d. Mark Henry by DQ, Mark Henry retains the ECW World Title. CM Punk d. JBL to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Triple H d. The Great Khali to retain the WWE World Title. Batista d. John Cena. The Undertaker d. Edge in a "Hell In A Cell Match".
TNA's Hard Justice:
"Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams d. Consequences Creed to retain the X-Division Title. Gail Kim, ODB, & Taylor Wilde d. Awesome Kong & The Beautiful People. Beer Money, Inc. d. LAX to win the TNA World Tag Team Titles. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal d. "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt in a "Black Tie Brawl & Chain Match". Christian Cage & Rhino d. Team 3-D in a "New Jersey Street Fight". A.J. Styles d. Kurt Angle in a "Last Standing Match". Samoa Joe d. Booker T to retain the TNA World Title.
September:
General: Indy wrestler Lacy quits pro wrestling to go back to school. On an internet wrestling show Damien DeMento asks fans to "cut themselves". Ric Flair's daughter Ashley arrested for assaulting a police officer. Film Critic Roger Ebert gives "The Wrestler" Positive Reviews. Jake "The Snake" Roberts appears drunk & intoxicated at an Indy wrestling event, Roberts claimed that he "was drugged". Damien DeMento announces a return to pro wrestling. Vito arrested for Battery on Domestic Violence.
WWE:
General: JAKKS Pacific won a legal lawsuit against WWE's claims of "void licensing agreement and alleged bribery with the company". WWE hires Phil Shatter, NJPW star Naofumi Yamamoto, & Taylor Rotunda. The Signature Pharmacy Scandal was thrown out of an Albany County Court room. WWE 24/7 is now called "WWE 24/7 Classics On Demand". WWE signs a new TV deal with TV Azteca.
RAW: Debut of Manu & Dolph Ziggler. Return of Candice Michelle. Hardcore Holly enters a drug rehab center. Charlie Haas' wife Jackie Gayda-Haas gives birth to a baby girl. Return of Randy Orton. Primo Colon gets sent to Smackdown.
Smackdown: MVP makes some derogatory remarks toward the Wellness Policy's drug monitors. Mr. Kennedy endorses Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain. Debut of The Bella Twins. Primo Colon moves to Smackdown. Return of Gregory Helms. Smackdown debuts on "MyNetwork TV".
ECW: Debut of Jack Swagger & Chase Stevens.
TNA: TNA hires Mick Foley & Lexxus. TNA signs Nathan Jones, then just a few days later gets involved in a serious car crash that puts him on the DL. Judge finds Kurt Angle "Not Guilty" for careless driving & DUI. Release of TNA's first ever video game "TNA Impact" for all the major home consoles (XBOX 360, Playstation 3, Wii), unfortunately it became the biggest video game bomb of the year. Tomko makes a brief appearance. Team 3-D signs a Two-year Contract with TNA. Akira Raijin collapses during an All Japan match suffering from serious injuries and a Subdural Hematoma. Comic Book Writer uses Sheik Abdul Bashir in his comic book "Headlocked: The Tryout". Salinas quits TNA. Kurt & Karen Angle file for divorce. Kevin Nash signs a new TNA contract. TNA starts their own drug testing policy. Return of Jeff Jarrett as "TNA Owner & Founder". Hector Guerrero is no longer a member of LAX.
PPVs
WWE's Unforgiven:
Matt Hardy d. Mark Henry, Chavo Guerrero, The Miz, & Finlay in a "Championship Scramble Match" to win the ECW World Title. Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase Jr. d. Cryme Tyme to retain the World Tag Team Titles. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels d. Chris Jericho by referee stoppage. Triple H d. Jeff Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, & THE Brian Kendrick in a "Championship Scramble Match" to retain the WWE World Title. Michelle McCool d. Maryse to retain the Divas Title. Chris Jericho d. Batista, Rey Mysterio, JBL, & Kane in a "Championship Scramble Match" to win the World Heavyweight Title Match.
TNA's No Surrender:
The Prince Justice Brotherhood d. The Rock N' Rave Infection & Christy Hemme. Awesome Kong d. ODB in a "Falls Count Anywhere Match". Matt Morgan & Abyss d. Team 3-D. Sheik Abdul Bashir d. "Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams & Consequences Creed to win the X-Division Title. Taylor Wilde d. Angelina Love to retain the Knockout's Title. "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt d. "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal in a "Ladder Of Love" match to win So-Cal Val. Beer Money, Inc. d. LAX to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. A.J. Styles d. Frank Trigg in a "MMA Rules Match". Samoa Joe d. Christian Cage, & Kurt Angle in a "Four Ways To Glory Match" to retain the TNA World Title.
October:
General: Debut of Hulk Hogan's Reality TV Wrestling Show called "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling". TV Legend Norman Lear teams up with HBO to create a drama about pro wrestling in the 1970's. Rob Van Dam has his own radio show called "RVD Radio". Ex-WWE star Ken Shamrock fights Kimbo Slice in MMA promotion "EliteXC" which didn't happen because Shamrock got removed from the match and Slice gets knocked out in under 14 seconds, which in the end puts "EliteXC" out of business. The movie "Andre: Heart Of A Giant" which is based on the life of Andre The Giant was released. The Sandman retires from Pro Wrestling. Bobby Lashley signs with MMA training camp "American Top Team". A fight broke out during a comedy roast for The Iron Sheik when Scott Hall attacks comedian Jimmy Graham over a bad Owen Hart joke. Police were called in to break up a fight in a bar between Scott Hall and some people in a bar. Convention Promoters "Wrestling Ink" released on their website urging people not to hire Ashley Massaro for any of their conventions when she doesn't show up at one of their signings. In an interview with a website", Balls Mahoney literally threatens to kill the person that stole his wallet. Death of wrestling promoter Leah Maivia from natural causes & S.D. Jones from a stroke. Bret Hart does a U.S. book tour for his book "Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling", Hart says that he is done with pro wrestling. ROH fires head booker Gabe Sapolsky.
WWE:
General: Developmental Announcer Timmy Baltimore quits WWE. WWE hires Dos Caras Jr, Matt Walsh, Chris Cage, Jon Cutler, David "Punk" Otunga, Ryan "Ryback" Reeves, Najmie Allette as Manager of International Licensing & Gillian Hughes as Director for Digital Business Development for the countries of: Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Ex-WWE employee Fara D'Angelo sues WWE for sexual harassment. WWE are now calling all pro wrestlers "entertainers" & banned the words "sports entertainment". WWE.com videos are now shown in the Flash File Format (like from YouTube) and in HD.
RAW: Chris Jericho to host a Reality TV Show called "Redemption Song" on FUSE TV. Dolph Ziggler received Strike 1 on the WWE Wellness Policy, he is suspended for 30 days. WWE fires Lance Cade. Lil' Fame, Billy Danze and Pittman from rap group M.O.P. sues WWE & John Cena claiming that Cena's theme song "My Time Is Now" is plagiarized.
Smackdown: Debut of Kizarny. Funaki is now known as "Kung Fu Naki".
ECW: Evan Bourne is placed on the DL. The Boogeyman & TNA wrestler Booker T protest over a bar for religious discrimination.
TNA: Matt Morgan was selected by NCsoft's "Operation Immortality Drive" where his DNA is to be digitized and sent to the International Space Station with gaming legend Richard Garriott. Debut of Mick Foley. TNA fires Frank Trigg & Johnny Devine. Karen Angle quits TNA. TruTV's TV Show "The Smoking Gun Presents." ranks TNA fans number 17 on their list of "The World's Dumbest Fans". BG James has been promoted to Road Agent. WWE Wrestler The Boogeyman & Booker T protest over a bar for religious discrimination Appearances from New Japan's Hiroshi Tanahashi & Volador Jr.
PPVs:
WWE's No Mercy:
Matt Hardy d. Mark Henry to retain the ECW World Title. Beth Phoenix d. Candice Michelle to retain the Women's Title. Batista d. JBL to become the #1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Title. The Big Show d. The Undertaker by referee stoppage. Triple H d. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE World Title. Chris Jericho d. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels to retain the World Heavyweight Title.
WWE's Cyber Sunday:
Shelton Benjamin d. R-Truth to retain the U.S. Title. Rey Mysterio d. Kane in a "No Holds Barred Match". Matt Hardy d. Evan Bourne to retain the ECW World Title. John Morrison & The Miz d. Cryme Tyme. Santino Marella d. The Honky Tonk Man to retain the Intercontinental Title. The Undertaker d. The Big Show in a "Last Man Standing Match". Triple H d. Jeff Hardy to retain the WWE World Title. Batista d. Chris Jericho with Special Guest Referee "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to win the World Heavyweight Title.
TNA's Bound For Glory:
"Black Machismo" Jay Lethal d. "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt, The Motor City Machine Guns, The Prince Justice Brotherhood, Johnny Devine, "Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams, & Jimmy Rave in a "Steel Asylum Match" to become the #1 Contender for the X-Division Title. Rhino, ODB, & Rhaka Khan d. Kute Kip & The Beautiful People. Sheik Abdul Bashir d. Consequences Creed to retain the X-Division Title. Taylor Wilde d. Roxxi & Awesome Kong to retain the Knockout's Title. Beer Money, Inc d. LAX, Team 3-D, & Matt Morgan & Abyss to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Booker T d. Christian Cage & A.J. Styles in a "3-Way Match". Jeff Jarrett d. Kurt Angle with Special Guest Enforcer Mick Foley. Sting d. Samoa Joe to win the TNA World Title.
November:
General: Dawn Marie is pregnant. Brock Lesnar defeats Randy Couture to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion. A video was released online that showed "Rowdy" Roddy Piper smoking marijuana off a bong. According to his blog, Eric Bischoff claims that WWE is banning any ex-WWE employees that did appear on "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling" to never work for the company again. Hulk Hogan was signed as the special guest referee for a debuting Reid Flair's wrestling match. The series finale of "The Shield" was inspired by the murder suicide of Chris Benoit, wife Nancy Sullivan-Benoit, and their son.
WWE:
General: WWE hires Goldust, Gail Kim, & Tomko. WWE Board of Director member Mike Sileck quits WWE. WWE officially launches it social networking website "WWE Universe". WWE sues Ed Leslie for using "Brutus 'The Barber' Beefcake". Stephanie McMahon-Levesque is now the Executive Vice President of Creative Development & Operations.
RAW: WWE fires Paul London & Chuck Palumbo. Dolph Ziggler returns from suspension. Mike Adamle is "fired" as RAW GM meaning Adamle is yanked off WWE TV for GOOD! Ted Dibiase Jr. is taken off TV to be filmed in the WWE Films movie "The Marine 2". Debut of Rosa Mendez. Return of John Cena. Stephanie McMahon is the new GM of RAW.
Smackdown: Super Crazy quits WWE. WWE fires Kenny Dykstra. WWE.com plants a story that Jeff Hardy was found "unconscious in a stairway", which was found out later that was in fact a storyline. Return of Edge.
ECW: WWE fires Lena Yada, Elijah Burke, & Armando Estrada. Debut of DJ Gabriel. Return of The Boogeyman. Matt Hardy re-signs with WWE. Alicia Fox is moved to ECW.
TNA: TNA fires Road Agent Glenn Gilberti and Pat Kenney. TNA hires producer William Goertel, ex-"UK Gladiator" Nick Aldis. Christian Cage quits TNA. Scott Hall & The Insane Clown Posse make a surprise appearance at the "Turning Point" Pay-Per-View, Scott Hall was forced to leave the building by security. TNA releases a press release by asking Alaska Governor & former Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin to come to their next Pay-Per-View "Final Resolution" to become a honorary member of "The Beautiful People", if Palin did appear she would receive a check for $50,000 made out to the charity of her choice.
PPVs:
WWE's Survivor Series:
Team HBK ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, Cryme Tyme, & The Great Khali) d. Team JBL (JBL, Kane, MVP, John Morrison & The Miz) in a "Survivor Series Match"; Survivors were "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio, & The Great Khali. Team RAW Divas (Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Candice Michelle, Kelly Kelly, & Jillian Hall) d. Team Smackdown Divas (Michelle McCool, Maria, Maryse, Natalya, & Victoria) in a "Survivor Series Match"; Beth Phoenix was the only Survivor. The Undertaker d. The Big Show in a "Casket Match". Team Orton (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, William Regal, Shelton Benjamin, & Mark Henry) d. Team Batista (Batista, CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, R-Truth, & Matt Hardy) in a "Survivor Series Match"; Survivors were Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes. Edge d. Triple H & Vladimir Kozlov to win the WWE World Title. John Cena d. Chris Jericho to win the World Heavyweight Title.
TNA's Turning Point:
Eric Young d. Consequences Creed, "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal, "The Guru" Sonjay Dutt, "Maple Leaf Muscle" Petey Williams, Jimmy Rave, Doug Williams, Hiroshi Tanahasi, & Volador Jr. in a "X-Division Rankings Elimination Match" where Eric Young is the #1 contender for the X-Division Title. Roxxi & Taylor Wide d. Awesome Kong & Raiesha Saieed. Rhino d. Sheik Abdul Bashir. Beer Money, Inc. d. The Motor City Machine Guns to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Booker T d. Christian Cage to retain the Legends Title & forces Christian Cage to be a member of "The Main Event Mafia". Kurt Angle d. Abyss in a "Falls Count Anywhere Match". Kevin Nash d. Samoa Joe. Sting d. A.J. Styles to retain the TNA World Title.
December:
General: The release of the short movie "Somethin' Fishy" starring George "The Animal" Steele & Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. The movie "The Wrestler" starring Mickey Rourke is now out in limited release. Dennis Rodman wins "Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling". Francine is pregnant. Ex-WWE Wrestler Steve Bradley was found dead near his car. A documentary called "Gentleman's Choice" was all about the late ex-NWA & ex-WCW wrestler The Late Chris Adams was released. Krissy Vaine, once retired, is back in pro wrestling. "The Doctor Of Style" Slick is inducted in the IHWE Hall Of Fame. EX-WWE wrestler Mike Bell, who was featured in the documentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" died of unknown causes at this time. Cherry retires from pro wrestling to go back to college. Donruss starts releasing "Legends" cards of famous ex-pro wrestlers. Chyna rushed to the hospital when she was found collapsed with cuts in her arm, hospital reports said she had prescription pills & alcohol in her system and it looked like a possible suicide attempt while an official press release said it was a bad combination of new prescribed pills & alcohol. NBC cancels "American Gladiators".
WWE:
General: WWE fires Imani Lee & Mike Jarvi. WWE.com's Joey Styles punches JBL in the face in self-defense during their trip to Iraq for the "Tribute To The Troops" program. WWE hires Dakota Darsow, Byron Wilcott, & Michael Hutter. Ron Simmons is inducted to the College Football Hall Of Fame. WWE names Robert Zimmerman Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Communications. WWE signs a TV deal with WGN America to air a new show called "WWE Superstars".
RAW: Return of The Slammys. JBL gets punched in the face by WWE.com's Joey Styles during their trip to Iraq for the "Tribute To The Troops" program. Appearance from Trish Stratus. WWE fires Snitsky. Debut of Deuce as "Sim Snuka". A WWE Fan gets ejected from the arena when he flips Batista the middle finger at the PPV "Armageddon". Batista goes on the DL due to a torn hamstring.
Smackdown: WWE fires producer Bruce Pritchard. WWE bans Michelle McCool's "Wings Of Love" finisher. Maryse suffers a serious injury at a house show and is placed on the DL.
ECW: Tommy Dreamer admits on a "WWE Universe" blog that he watches TNA Impact regularly.
TNA: TNA signs Sojourner Bolt to a contract. Debut of Kiyoshi & "Sarah Palin" but it's actually an impersonator. Tommy Dreamer admits on a "WWE Universe" blog that he watches TNA Impact regularly. Appearence from Al Snow. TNA announces creating a new show called “TNA Epix”. The development of the sequel to the video game "TNA Impact" has been delayed due to Midway Games declaring bankruptcy. Samoa Joe & Brother Ray are taking time off thus they are "injured". Samoa Joe & his wife are blessed with the birth of a baby girl. Traci Brooks & Kaz are engaged. Mick Foley writes to Sports Illustrated's Editorial Department to respond to the comments that the sports magazine "Sports Illustrated" made about him.
PPVs:
WWE's Armageddon:
Vladimir Kozlov d. Matt Hardy. CM Punk d. Rey Mysterio to earn an Intercontinental Title Shot. Finlay d. Mark Henry in a "Belfast Brawl Match". Batista d. Randy Orton. Michelle McCool, Maria, Mickie James, & Kelly Kelly d. Victoria, Natalya, Maryse, & Jillian Hall in an "Eight-Diva Tag Match". John Cena d. Chris Jericho to retain the World Heavyweight Title. Jeff Hardy d. Edge & Triple H to win the WWE World Title.
TNA's Final Resolution (RD: Not a mistake, TNA actually used the PPV title again in December.):
LAX, Curry Man, & "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal each successfully grabbed a "Feast Or Fired" Briefcase. ODB, Taylor Wilde, & Roxxi d. Sharmell & The Beautiful People. Eric Young d. Sheik Abdul Bashir to win the X-Division Title, after the match Sheik Abdul Bashir grabbed the title but Cornette stripped Eric Young & Sheik Abdul Bashir of the X-Division Title. Christy Hemme d. Awesome Kong by DQ, Awesome Kong retains the Knockout's Title. Beer Money, Inc. d. Matt Morgan & Abyss to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles. Kurt Angle d. Rhino, with his win Kurt Angle gets a match with "TNA Owner" Jeff Jarrett at the next TNA PPV "Genesis". Team Main-Event Mafia (Sting, Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner, & Booker T) d. Team Front Line (A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, & Team 3-D) in an "Eight Person Tag Team Match", with the win Sting retain the TNA World Title.
And that is your 2008 Year In Review Column...
Or Not!
An exclusive feature to this column that your only going to see here at NoDQ.com. "The Video Wall". The Video Wall is simply online videos about any pro wrestling related news that happened in 2008, it get's seperated by month, the average clip per month is at least one but your guaranteed at least 2 or more at times. The clips were determined based on which news event made an impact for that particular month and if there wasn't any for that month it was based on what was the most memorable moments of that month.
So without any further delay. I present to you...The Video Wall
January: Debut of "Stone Cold" Shark Boy
Feburary: Debut of "The Heyman Hustle"
March: Wrestlecrap.com's response to Damien DeMento
"Doctor Death" Steve Williams needs a very expensive piece of medical equipment to make his life easier. It's about the price of a new car. Wrestler's Rescue is asking not only for cash donation but they plan to hold a fundraiser full of donated wrestling memorabilia. So if you want to send any cash donations or any wrestling memorabilia that you don't want anymore you can contact Wrestler's Rescue on their Myspace Page or email Wrestler's Rescue yourself
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