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ALSO AVAILABLE: Print Copy Home Delivery of the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter 12 page edition for just $99 for a full year or $10 a month. ISSUE #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PPV ROUNDTABLE Money in the Bank Pat McNeill, columnist (6.5) I have seen the future of WWE, or at least the next six months, and it’s all about the spots. If you’re John Cena and Kevin Owens, you can work with that, Dusty Rhodes, dead at 69 and you’re over enough to pull off that WWE/Japan/ Indy Hybrid main event style. Fortunately, Cena and • COVER STORY by Wade Keller, editor Owens are willing to sell out for each other. The underrated Mike Chioda added a great deal as the Dusty Rhodes, who lived “The American other big in-ring moments, and his inimitable promos. third man in the ring. Dream,” died at age 69 last Thursday, June 11. The Rhodes, to those who only saw pictures, might If you’re Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, you cause of death has not been disclosed, but a 911 call seem an unlikely world champion or top star. He was can do the spots, but you have waaaay too much time from his wife the previous morning said he fell and he overweight his entire career, more so near the end when to fill. Which is why the match consisted off Rollins was “very ill.” Jim Ross said in recent days he believed he held on to the top spot too long as he was grooming coming back from offensive moves that should have Dusty Rhodes was sick for a while, but Dusty denied Magnum T.A. to take his place. Rhodes, though, had killed off Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th it to him. Dusty’s family thanked Dr. an unmatched bravado, a way with films. In addition to Ambrose’s aping of Terry Funk’s Joseph Chiaramonte in Tampa, Fla. in words, and conveyed that he was a style, the Unstable Lunatic has added Mick Foley’s his obituary for his “loving care and perpetually motivated, happy success masochistic bumping ability to his skill set. This support.” story, a son of a plumber who aimed was WWE’s fault for not pacing the show properly. Dusty, born Virgil Riley Runnels for the stars and succeeded beyond You should never have a 35 minute ladder match in Jr., is among the five or ten biggest his wildest dreams. Fans adored him modern pro wrestling. names in the ring and among the five because he was the common man who The Money In The Bank bout was good without or ten biggest names behind the scenes won the lottery ticket and cashed it in being too dangerous. There were two interesting in the last 50 years. He’s also among and had a blast spending every last choices here. I don’t know who Reigns upset to the five or ten best interviews. He was cent. It wasn’t a gimmick. If anything, get placed in a feud with the lukewarm Bray Wyatt. a big main event draw in many parts of Dusty was as authentic an act as ever Plus, I’ve seen Reigns and Bray Wyatt do television Dusty Rhodes (photo by WK) the country at various times, including headlined pro wrestling. He was the matches, and they hasn’t been anything to write home during Jim Crockett Jr.’s peak years in the mid-’80s son of a plumber. He did dig ditches. And he did defy about. Then you have Sheamus winning Money In NWA, seen in national syndication and on TBS, where the odds, given his lack of connections and lack of The Bank. The good news is, WWE has months to he was also head booker and creator of the Starrcade genetic gifts (which mattered less in the ‘70s). build Sheamus up for a main event feud. and Great American Bash supershows, copied by He quipped in his 2005 autobiography that This show became a tribute to the late Dusty Vince McMahon with WrestleMania. Before that he he earned enough money to buy Mars, admitted to Rhodes. It’s as good an explanation as any for was a top draw for years for Championship Wrestling “pissing it all away,” but guaranteed the readers no one the nonsensical Divas title finish and the lame from Florida. had more fun pissing away that much money than he disqualification finish in the Intercontinental Title In 1989, after Crockett sold to Ted Turner, did. He lamented in his days behind the scenes in WWE match. Putting the tag belts on Young & O’Neil Rhodes jumped to the WWF, where Vince McMahon not saving his money better. Although Vince McMahon seemed like an afterthought, and that’s bad. It was dressed him in polka dots and paired him with an attempted to humble him, both with the demeaning too soon to take the titles off the happy heels, whose African-American valet, Sapphire. He later returned polka dot gimmick and mid-card placement, along with act is improving by the week. to WCW doing color commentary for WCW Saturday harsh dismissals of his booking ideas during his time Thumbs up, with reservations. Night and being on air with the NWO, booked TNA on the WWE Creative team, Dusty landed in a great for a stint in the 2000s, joined WWE’s creative place for the final years of his life. Greg Parks, columnist (6.5) “I did it all by myself, mommy.” - A sarcastic staff, and eventually worked in Florida at WWE’s Dusty found a home in NXT, where he got to pass Dr. House, to Dr. Cuddy, “House” episode “Alone.” developmental territory tutoring young talent, along his wisdom to young wrestlers in recent years. Seth Rollins could say the same thing to including the fast-rising Kevin Owens. His older son Dustin Runnels wrote on Twitter: “He Stephanie McMahon after finally establishing some WWE paid tribute to him at the start of Sunday’s loved all of his NXT kids.” credibility by defeating Dean Ambrose in the main PPV with gathering on the entrance stage at the The outpouring of praise for Dusty from those event of Money in the Bank, retaining his WWE beginning of the show, with Vince McMahon, front who worked with him over the decades, but especially World Title in a Ladder Match. For once, he didn’t use and center, tearing up during the ten bell salute. recently in NXT, is perhaps unmatched. Steve Austin The Authority for help. Now, there will be something During Raw the next night, several video packages 8 COVER STORY continued on pg. 11 behind his grandiose grandstanding on the mic in the aired highlighting his first NWA World Title win, future. It was a much-needed legit win for Rollins. TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE The MITB Ladder Match, won by Sheamus, was a little different than other matches of its ilk. They (1) Dusty Rhodes dead at age 69, •BRUCE MITCHELL: In his own words, couldn’t overuse the ladder as a weapon knowing that collapses in house, dies next day remembering Dusty Rhodes... pg. 11 Ambrose and Rollins were going to utilize it as well (2) NXT wrestlers rave about Dusty’s •TODD MARTIN: Why there can’t be another in the main event. Still, it was a well-worked match. wisdom and advice in recent years Dusty Rhodes, what set him apart... pg. 10 Roman Reigns really needed to win this; instead, he’ll now be fighting Bray Wyatt at Battleground in (3) Authority grants Lesnar a title shot •KELLER’S END NOTES: Remembering my against Seth at Battleground first times seeing Dusty... pg. 12 a match neither man can really afford to lose. I’m not sure why they didn’t have Reigns go over aside from (4) Rollins retains WWE Title against •GREG PARKS: Another column about lost the fact that he seemed to be the obvious choice. Ambrose in ladder match at MITB PPV opportunity that is the X Division... pg. 9 I was impressed by Nikki Bella vs. Paige and (5) Cena gets win back against Owens at •KELLER’S RAW BREAKDOWN: Analysis of 8 ROUNDTABLE continued on pg. 2 MITB, Owens attacks Cena afterward Lesnar’s return, Bray-Reigns... pg. 6 interest in the feud before the New Day inevitably PPV RESULTS by Wade Keller, editor ROUNDTABLE continued from cover wins those titles back. WWE MONEY IN THE BANK PPV think it was one of the better Divas PPV matches in Seth Rollins-Dean Ambrose was exactly what JUNE 14, 2015 some time. The Dusty tribute finish didn’t seem to be it should have been. Ambrose showed great heart in COLUMBUS, OHIO a reach given the Bellas’ previous switches, but yes, it fighting through adversity, while Rollins gained a should’ve resulted in a disqualification rather than the big boost in credibility in the way he viciously laid •The show opened with a large gathering of match continuing. Ryback vs. Big Show was a decent into Ambrose and won the match on his own merits. wrestlers and the McMahon family on the stage enough big-man match while it lasted. I can’t imagine It was a good setup for Rollins’s upcoming program as a tribute to Dusty Rhodes. There was a ten bell the addition of Miz to the feud will set it afire. with Brock Lesnar. salute. Then fans chanted “Dusty! Dusty!” Vince John Cena vs. Kevin Owens was just as good, if McMahon welled up with tears as various wrestlers not a tick better, than last month. Owens should be a James Caldwell, assistant editor (5.5) who worked with him also teared up. Goldust and made man at this point. Yeah, he lost, but at least he John Cena vs. Kevin Owens II was another Cody Rhodes were not on the stage. got his heat back at the end. The tag title switch was a classic battle positioned in a great spot on the PPV •A video package aired on the MITB match. surprise if only because WWE seemed to be enthralled when the crowd was still fresh. Other than, Money Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL introduced the with New Day as of late. Their reign seemed to end in the Bank was a mild disappointment. event. with a whimper rather than a bang. I didn’t think the The Cena vs. Owens feud is starting to slide (1) SHEAMUS won the Money in the Bank main event had enough to fill the 35 minutes of the into that Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho territory ladder match over NEVILLE, ROMAN REIGNS, match, but it was still a good main event. The Dusty where it feels like Cena-Owens is being written/ SHEAMUS, KOFI KINGSTON, DOLPH Rhodes tributes, from the ten-bell salute to the video produced/brainstormed by people completely ZIGGLER, and KANE at 20:50. package, were spot-on. separate from the rest of the show. It’s just on a This was what you’d expect in terms of each different level right now and everyone else has to of the wrestlers doing what you’d expect athletically Todd Martin, columnist (6.0) find a way to keep up. involving the ladder, plus Reigns spent a stretch at The way Money in the Bank started, I thought The problem is there were fundamental issues ringside. Late in the match, a shadowy husky figure it was going to be basically impossible to redeem, with nearly every other match on the show, which slipped under the ring. When Reigns returned to the in large part because of the nature of the finishes. I believe was the product of WWE over-extending match, he hit Kane with a Superman punch. Later, However, the second half of the show greatly themselves with three PPVs/specials over a five- Reigns appeared ready to win, but Bray Wyatt outperformed the first half and raised it to the level week period. At that rate, it’s easy to lose track showed up in the ring. He gave Reigns the Sister of an average or slightly below average event. of sound writing and storytelling principles just Abigail. Sheamus then was the last man standing, R-Truth beating Wade Barrett was an trying to make each PPV, Raw, and Smackdown and he climbed the ladder to win. (***) inauspicious start to the show. Fans have been interesting. (2) NIKKI BELLA beat PAIGE to retain the educated that anyone Truth beats is basically a For instance, the Seth Rollins vs. Dean Divas Title at 10:27. Solid action. When Paige got jobber and Barrett ought to be above the jobber Ambrose main event stunt ladder match was hurt by the advantage, Brie snuck into the ring in place of level. If I never see Truth’s 1910s “comedic” a tired crowd having seen everything, the lack of Nikki, but Paige managed to pin her with a reversal bumbling buffoon gimmick again, it will be too selling earlier in the show impacting the audience’s of a roll-up. Brie then confessed it was her, not soon. engagement in this match, and Rollins being turned Nikki, so the ref disregarded the pin and restarted The Money in the Bank ladder match was into a joke champion on the Raw before the PPV. the match. Nikki then won with her Rack Attack okay, albeit a little bit of a letdown. Sheamus’ act So, there was not a great desire to see Seth get his seconds later. (**) isn’t working at all and he was a poor choice to win comeuppance when WWE squeezed some of that (3) BIG SHOW beat RYBACK via DQ at 5:28. the match. Bray Wyatt’s motivations are so poorly juice out on Raw, and not to Ambrose’s benefit. Miz, at ringside for commentary, attacked Big Show defined and arbitrary that his interference just On Raw, I believe WWE crossed the line as it appeared Show was on the path to bvictory. The comes across as deus ex machina to redeem Roman from “undeserving heel champion” wanting to see ref DQ’d Ryback for some reason. (**1/4) Reigns’s not winning. Seth lose the WWE Title to a complete joke not (4) JOHN CENA pinned KEVIN OWENS at Things actually deteriorated from there. Brie at the level of a champion by virtue of losing to 19:15. Fast-paced, hard-hitting action, including a Bella pulling tissues out of her top to show the his J&J security guards, who have been presented lot of kickouts of signature moves and kickouts by referee that she was not her twin sister was a silly as if they’re nobodies who were plucked from both men, including Owens’ Pop-Up Powerbomb. visual, and Nikki getting the pin on Paige after that Cheesecake Factory. There was no bridge from joke Cena eventually went for a Springboard Stunner, was just dumb. Big Show vs. Ryback was a terrible champion on Monday to the unrelenting, vicious which didn’t connect well, but he hit the AA match with a terrible finish. heel champion seen at Money in the Bank on immediately afterward for the win. (****1/4) Luckily, things picked up from there. Kevin Sunday night. The lack of follow-through to “make Afterward, Cena wanted to congratulate Owens losing clean to John Cena was the wrong Rollins whole again” made me still see Rollins as Owens on their epic battle, but Owens kicked him in finish this early on, but WWE went out of its way the joke who lost to J&J on Monday. Sure, Triple the gut, then gave him a powerbomb on the edge of to try to ensure it wouldn’t hurt Owens too much. H gave Seth a big pre-match pep talk to fire up the ring apron. A part of the crowd popped. Owens The match was terrific, even better than their last Seth and try to convey the points about why Seth threw the U.S. Title belt at Cena, then left with is match. Cena put over Owens’ talent after the match should be taken seriously, but it felt like it was NXT Title belt. and the nefarious heel Owens attacked him and more about Hunter doing one of his Tough Enough Renee Young interviewed Dean Ambrose. powerbombed him on the apron anyway. I liked speeches to wannabes and nobodies. Whatever (5) THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS (Titus everything about the segment but the finish. happened to Champions being Champions? And O’Neil & Darren Young) beat NEW DAY (Big E. Some criticized the Prime Time Players’ win the “undeserving heel champion” card being played & Xavier Woods) to capture the WWE Tag Team over New Day, but I thought it was the right finish. when two elite stars have a dispute over who the real Titles at 5:48. Titus pinned Xavier after a turning With Tyson Kidd injured, New Day is the only tag champion is, and the crowd is upset because the heel spinebuster. team act that’s over. They need good opponents in thinks he is rightful champion when everyone knows (6) SETH ROLLINS beat DEAN AMBROSE order to thrive and there are few options. Of course he should not be? Instead, WWE presents Rollins as at 35:40 in a ladder match to retain the WWE Title. New Day isn’t going to be bypassed and pushed if he’s “undeserving” because he’s a minor-league Tons of ladder spots inside and outside the ring. In to the side. You’d have to be completely oblivious scrub who Hunter and Stephanie plucked from the end, they both fell clutching the belt, but Dean to not recognize how well they’re clicking. The the dregs of NXT and decided to make him their lost his grip when they landed. (***1/2) Players were given some credibility to hopefully add champion. That’s mid-card stuff that points back to

#1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 3 www.PWTorch.com/members the fundamental flaw of TV right now... aftermath was great heel/face work by the two. powerbomb into a huracanrana, which I called on The Authority as centerpiece of the show New Day vs. The Primetime Players was Tag Twitter a week before the match took place. continues to be a cloud hanging over the product, Team Wrestling 101, what with ND getting heat on I like that Cena is trying to do more and and taking up too much of the pie that should be Darren Young and Titus O’Neal cleaning house. I become more of a multi-dimension performer in reserved for the wrestlers fighting over titles and was surprised the PTPers won the titles. They don’t terms of his move set, but the code red was a real issues in the ring. For instance, in the final TV seem built up enough as an attraction for even that reach. I thought the post-match segment with Cena episodes leading up Money in the Bank, the focus championship. I guess they slid into the Cesaro/ showing Owens respect only for Owens to turn the suddenly shifted to Kane having a chance to win Tyson Kidd spot. tables on him and hit an apron bomb was very well MITB and cash in the briefcase on his “boss” Seth Triple H gave away the finish of the main event done. Here’s hoping they hold off on the next match Rollins, potentially creating a rift in The Authority. with his babyface Knute Rockne pep talk for Seth until SummerSlam, as this feud could have an epic Yet, on Sunday, that wasn’t even a talking point Rollins. feel to it if given time to breathe with the first two during the MITB ladder match. Kane’s presence Seth Rollins’s ladder match defense against matches coming in a very short span of time. ended up being a distraction when it became Dean Ambrose was a good match, but his beat down The Rollins-Ambrose main event was given apparent WWE was not following through on destruction of Ambrose’s leg went on too long and ample time and with Triple H giving Rollins a where they took the MITB story on TV. Removing fans began to lose faith in his ability to come back. babyface pep talk before the match as he was about the Kane/Seth/Authority issue from the equation, The match could have used about five minutes of to face Ambrose without the help of the authority, more of the focus could have gone to eventual tightening up. Rollins launching Ambrose into the it set the stage for Rollins to get a much needed winner Sheamus, plus Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, barricade twice was incredible, and I hope unique. credibility building win. The match itself really Neville, Dolph Ziggler, and Kofi Kingston. Each of There were too many dangerous back splats in this dragged in spots and the audience seemed to lose the guys got in some spots and moments, but there match. hope that Ambrose would win as Rollins put one was Kane’s character unnecessarily plugged into the heck of a beating on his leg. Ambrose showed a lot match. Sean Radican, columnist (6.0) of heart coming back after taking a beating on his There was also the most ludicrous finish of WWE MITB was a chore to get through at leg and multiple big moves, which included a sit- the year in the Divas Title match, where The Bella times. The first three matches all involved flunky out powerbomb onto a bunch of chairs set up on a Twins willingly admitted to their cheating ways to finishes and the overall quality of the card wasn’t ladder. avoid losing the Divas Title, which should have at great. WWE did do some good on this card in terms These guys took some dangerous bumps, but the very least resulted in a DQ win for Paige, but of some character progression for Roman Reigns they didn’t really get the reaction they were looking the referee was scripted to just wave off the initial and Seth Rollins in their respective matches, but the for given the length of the match. For a match to go ruling in favor of Paige for the match to continue. real highlight of the night was John Cena vs. Kevin this long, it definitely needs to be better than this one That never should have made it past the writing Owens, which was every bit as good if not better was. That being said, Rollins had retained his title room. But, the lack of logic and fundamentals went than their first match two weeks prior. on a fluke several times and this was a good way to out the window with the Divas division a long time The opening MITB bank match was the second boost his credibility after he lost to J&J Security on ago. best match on the card. This was a very good, but not the go-home edition of Raw. WWE has five weeks until their next PPV, spectacular match. There were some fun sequences This show gets a mild thumbs up. I’m growing which should be used to refresh, reload, and re- in the match, especially Orton hitting a series of tired of all the stipulation matches that have taken assess where they are creatively. When the product RKOs to fire up the crowd. There didn’t seem to be place since WrestleMania. WWE has given fans a is fundamentally-flawed, issues start to creep out, many viable heel contenders to capture the MITB good wrestling feud with Cena-Owens, but a lot especially on this recent rate of PPVs every two briefcase this year and Roman Reigns seemed to be of the other wrestlers have been taxed with putting weeks. We saw some of the problems two weeks the logical choice, but with Lesnar coming back, it themselves at risk in Ladder matches, Chamber ago at Elimination Chamber and really saw it here was the right choice to pair him off with Bray Wyatt matches, and other gimmick matches in recent at Money in the Bank, outside of the very strong to have a program that will presumably last through months. WWE PPVs have been enjoyable more Cena vs. Owens re-match. SummerSlam or even beyond. Sheamus winning the often than not, but this show gets a minor thumbs match wasn’t a great result, but his character needs up. Bruce Mitchell, senior columnist (7.0) direction. I fear he will be a lame duck MITB winner WWE gave Dusty Rhodes their appropriate given the way WWE has booked him recently. Wade Keller, editor (6.5) send-off. After Reigns got screwed by Wyatt, the next This was a good show, especially John Cena The Money in the Bank opener was, like two matches also featured screw job finishes. The vs. Kevin Owens. I am leery of the recent shift to the last several of these, well constructed. It had matches weren’t particularly good, although Show- kicking out of each other’s finishers because it seems enough risk/reward spots and built well. I like how Ryback was better than I expected it to be leading as if there’s a potential for diminishing returns here. they shifted Roman Reigns into the beginning of a into the Miz’s interference to end the match. The That said, Owens is a star and Cena is raising his personal feud with Bray Wyatt while making it clear look on Ryback’s face when he was announced as career stature with these star-boosting matches he’s he was the top guy in the match. still being the IC Champion was pretty funny. I also putting on with various younger names. You’re going to hear that the Nikki Bella-Paige got a laugh out of the finish of Nikki vs. Page, but The ladder match left me a little numb. It finish was another Dusty Finish. It wasn’t. Itwas that finish wasn’t very good either. was in some ways fantastic, but I also felt they did just crap that made a fool out of the authority in the John Cena is doing a tremendous job of getting too much. They gave too much of themselves and ring, the referee. You can’t get any more opposite Kevin Owens over as a monster heel. They did a paced themselves in a way that didn’t allow time to of the Ronda Rousey phenomenon than Brie Bella nice job of playing off of some of their sequences really let the big risks and high impact moves they pulling her falsies out. from their previous match, but the key here was the absorbed play out the way they deserved to. It’s hard Ryback needed to blast through a few IC Title electricity in the crowd. Owens does a really good to take any of the finishing moves in a regular match competitors before he lifted up Big Show. Ryback job of engaging the crowd during his matches and seriously when dozens of bigger bumps off of and shouldn’t be the more energetic performer in the his heel tactics added a real edge to this match that onto ladders during their 35 minute match didn’t ring. Miz played the DQ well, at least. has been lacking when Cena faces more cartoonish lead to a finish. Steen vs. Cena II lived up to their classic first heel characters. The only quibble I had with this The undercard was fine, if not forgettable. I’m match and, in fact, with all the kick-outs of all match was all the near falls. Owens kicked out fine with Sheamus winning. It gives him, as a heel, the finishers, came across like the final blow-off of two AA’s and Cena kicked out of a pop-up a sense of purpose driving him for however long it of a multi-year top drawer main event feud. The powerbomb. I did enjoy seeing counter the pop-up takes him to cash in. ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 4 www.PWTorch.com/members TORCH NEWSWIRE 1966. I’ve traveled throughout the world with him. Dustin will be an instructor at NXT, which is great Something I will always take form Dusty Rhodes is to for him. And I think that he and his dad had really • By Wade Keller and James Caldwell • believe in yourself and believe in what you are doing gotten tight. He sounded OK, I mean, how do you ever or don’t do it at all. Dusty Rhodes took an idea that sound? I went through something like this a couple WWE NEWS he had and became a globally famous man because he of years ago with my son, I mean, how do you ever believed it. He was a giver. I love you Dusty and will sound? And what do you ever say? You never know DETAILS ON DUSTY’S DEATH see you on the other side.” what’s the right thing to say, know what I mean? I’ll •TMZ has released a portion of the 911 •TMZ released an on-camera interview get a better feel of how they’re all doing when I see call when Dusty Rhodes fell in his home early Roddy Piper talking about Dusty Rhodes. Piper them in person.” Wednesday morning, June 10. The call from a got emotional reflecting on Dusty being a “national •“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase on the female voice identified as Dusty’s wife, Michelle, treasure.” Piper followed with a Dusty Story about DiBiase/Rhodes Family connection to Brian Fritz sheds more light on Dusty’s health condition at the smuggling a donkey - or some other animal that he for Sporting News: “When you work with guys like time of his fall. can’t recall - up to the 13th floor of an apartment. that, it makes you better. You learn things from them, “I need help. My husband has fallen. He’s very •The obituary for Dusty (Virgin Runnels) things that are intangible, that are hard to explain. sick. I need help,” Michelle says. The operator tells was published in the Tampa Tribune. The family is He was very good that way so when his boys came Michelle that paramedics were on the way, then asks a requesting donations in Dusty’s memory to Connor’s up, when Dustin came up, of course I never had the follow-up question on Dusty’s age. “He’s 69 and he’s Cure and the Joe Torre Safe at Home organization. opportunity to get in the ring with Cody but Cody and ill,” she replies. •Daniel Bryan on Dusty working with younger my son Ted Jr. are very good friends and they were tag Paramedics then arrived at their home in Orlando, stars to the Asbury Park Press: “It happens a lot in team partners for a while in WWE. There’s definitely Florida and transported Dusty to a local hospital. wrestling and a lot of other things where the older a family connection there and right now my heart goes Dusty died the next morning, June 11. According to generation looks down at the younger generation and out to his wife and his two boys. I know as a father that colleagues, Dusty was regularly visiting a doctor to picks him apart. Instead of that, he would say, ‘Ooh, is very close to my sons and I know how close Dusty help improve his health. But, former WWE announcer look at this in this person.’ As opposed to looking was to his boys. I just really hurt for those boys right Jim Ross talked about his concerns for Dusty’s health at their negatives, he was looking at their positives. now.” in a blog at jrsbarbq.com last week. He wasn’t afraid to tell you what was wrong with •Chris Jericho on Dusty’s charisma to Brian “The Dream and I talked about a week ago and something, but he was also quick to highlight the Fritz: “I think the biggest thing with Dusty Rhodes he tried to convince me that he was ‘just fine,’” Ross very good aspects of your nature or things about you is that he broke the mold of what a pro wrestling is wrote on June 11. “I knew something was wrong when that you should focus on. He touched a lot - a lot - of supposed to be. Not so much in the ‘70s, but in the I saw him in San Jose at WrestleMania where I again people.” ‘80s when it became very much a body business... He questioned him about his health while sitting behind Bryan also talked about Cody Rhodes’s was all charisma and he was all mind. He had a great him at the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony. relationship with Dusty: “I have fond memories of wrestling mind. He had a great mind to work matches, “Again, he declared himself fit and we talked of his Dusty, but I also have fond memories of being in the build angles and great finishes and also had charisma significant weight loss. Then down in Orlando ata car with Cody while he was talking to his dad. You to where he could work an audience no matter what NXT taping the night before Mick Foley taped his could hear the way they would banter back and forth the situation was he was in. “That’s the real secret to comedy special for the WWE Network Dusty and I and you can see how that vibrancy that Dusty had was the wrestling business. I even said that to the Tough talked and he insisted that he was fine. He was like passed on to Cody. And I don’t know Dustin (Goldust) Enough finalists last night - you have to connect John Wayne in his final movie ‘The Shootist’ who as well as I know Cody, but you can see it in Dustin, with the crowd. It doesn’t matter how big you are. It wanted no empathy from anyone and who wanted to too.” doesn’t matter what kind of sports you played. All that go out on his own terms his own way.” •Bret Hart on how Dusty influenced his career matters is connecting with the crowd because this is an to The Missoulian newspaper: “When I think about entertainment based business.” REACTION TO DEATH OF DUSTY RHODES just his impact on me, let alone wrestling, he was such •Tully Blanchard on Dusty’s influence on •Ric Flair issued a statement through his a phenomenal talker. He was a class all by himself. wrestling to Brian Fritz: “Sometimes when you’re agent on Thursday remembering Dusty, who He’s right up there with your best orators in the school involved in something, you don’t necessarily know WWE says died Thursday morning at the age of of Martin Luther King, but he was talking about that you’re involved in something revolutionary. 69: “Today I lost one of my greatest opponents and wrestling. A gift of the gab is a great skill and there When he became the booker for (Jim) Crockett at greatest friends. He was the definition of heart and was something you could learn from somebody who the end of ‘84 and when Crockett got control of the soul and I’m honored to have shared the ring with him could talk like that and gather people around him.” Superstation (TBS) that became revolutionary and countless times. He became the ‘American Dream’ •Ric Flair on idolizing and respecting Dusty changed the wrestling business. And Dusty was a because wrestling needed a hero they could respect, Rhodes to Busted Open: “We made music for 30 key part in that. To me, he was the key booker, TV and he was the man for the job. Dusty Rhodes, I will years together. I started my career idolizing him and - producer of a revolutionary movement that changed a miss you my mentor and friend.” the good thing about this, if there is a good thing to it, profession. That’s pretty legendary.” •“The Rock” Dwayne Johnson tweeted his is that I spent about four hours with him on Tuesday at •Sean Waltman on watching Dusty growing reflections on Dusty Rhodes following Rhodes’s the Performance Center in Orlando when I was done up to Brian Fritz: “Dusty Rhodes made me fall in reported death on Thursday. Johnson noted that there visiting my daughter and the last thing he said love at first sight with professional wrestling. At that he first met Dusty when he was five-years-old, to me was - he was pissed off that I was going to see very moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with Dusty became an “inspiration and mentor” to him, LeBron James and he wasn’t. He was like: ‘Get out of my life. From that moment on, I learned everything and Dusty’s Bionic Elbow inspired The People’s my office - go see LeBron man, I don’t care (laughs). I could about professional wrestling. “When I first Elbow. Johnson also thanked Dusty for inspiring I said, ‘I’ll wave to you from courtside - and then I got got to work around Dusty, he was so cool to me. Just him to “entertain wrestling fans around the world the call yesterday. We had so much fun together. He to fast-forward to the WCW days and he was in the by becoming one of the greatest of all time.” “This loved John Elway, I like Lawrence Taylor. He liked nWo, I was out for ten months with a broken neck. Heavyweight World Champion personified the blue the Celtics, I liked the Lakers. He liked the University Every week in the nWo in-ring segment on TV, he was collar fighting spirit and his influence on the wrestling of Texas and I liked Oklahoma. We just went round usually the stick man. And every week he said, ‘we business is invaluable. I’ll be forever grateful for the and round on everything, it was tremendous. He loved miss you Syxx Pac, you’re too sweet’ or something tremendous influence he’s had on me and my career in sports and he loved life.” to that effect and he was wearing my nWo Syxx-ball our beloved squared circle. Miss and love you Dusty. •Ric Flair on talking to Goldust (Dustin t-shirt. I’ll never forget that.” RIP brother,” Johnson wrote. Runnels) to Busted Open: “Dustin sounded okay. •Former NXT champion Neville to Scott •Gerald Brisco told the Miami Herald: He was there. He moved from Gainesville to Orlando Fishman for ChannelGuideMagBlog.com “Dusty Rhodes was my brother who I’ve known since several months ago. I thought that, down the road, (interview conducted prior to news of Dusty’s

#1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 5 www.PWTorch.com/members death): “It’s hard not to think of someone (in WWE) Cody talked about Dusty’s love for the NXT roster Until we see each other again, may you rest in peace, who is not part of NXT. Guys like Dusty and William and working at the Performance Center, plus additional my dear friend.” (Regal) coach you a lot. Main roster superstars come topics related to pro wrestling. But, mainly, Cody wrote down from NXT to wrestle matches. We are all part of about Dusty’s love for family. SMACKDOWN SPOILERS it.” •Neville to Brian Fritz for Sporting News ROSS REFLECTS ON DUSTY RHODES WWE Smackdown TV taping report (interview conducted prior to Dusty’s death): Jim Ross, the person who has nearly seen it all from June 16, 2015 “Obviously I have a very strong accent that a lot of inside the modern wrestling business, has been called Buffalo, N.Y. people can’t understand. I don’t think I’m naturally a upon to put Dusty Rhodes’s life, career, and legacy into Report by Bryan Reinard, PWTorch reader promo guy but being in NXT and working with Dusty perspective. Rhodes who has really helped me tenfold with my “He was arguably the most charismatic performer Dark Match: Zack Ryder beat Brad Maddox promo work and my speaking and I feel like that really of all time,” Ross told the Associated Press. “His with the Rough Ryder. prepared me. In essence, doing that on Raw is no amazing unique verbal styling will never be duplicated different that doing it at NXT or an NXT live event or or exceeded. He was exactly what he portrayed on TV: Main Event SPOILERS wherever. It’s just about being prepared and working a blue-collar, common man, who rose from being son of (1) WWE tag champions Prime Time Players with Dusty really prepared me for that.” farmer to being a part of American pop culture, whose beat The Ascension. Darren Young hit the Gut Check •NXT star Charlotte Flair wrote about the memory will live forever. Therefore, for many he was for the win. connection between the Rhodes and Flair families, truly the American dream.” (2) King Barrett beat Heath Slater with the especially as it relates to her brother Reid, who died Ross noted at jrsbarbq.com that he was filming Bullhammer. R-Truth cut a promo after the match. at the age of 25 two years ago. “When my brother an interview for WWE’s forthcoming Owen Hart DVD (3) Naomi beat Summer Rae via submission. passed away about two years ago I wanted to say a few when he found out about Dusty’s death. “My friend (4) IC champion Ryback beat Adam Rose with words during his service. The only thing that I could of over 30 years Dusty Rhodes had died at age 69 in Shellshock. think of in that moment because I didn’t have anything Orlando, Florida,” Ross wrote. “With his distinctive (5) Luke Harper & Erick Rowan beat Lucha prepared was him ALWAYS quoting Dusty: ‘I’ve delivery his voice will never be forgotten. RIP my dear Dragons with their version of the 3D. wined and dined with kings and queens, and I’ve slept friend until we meet again. in alleys and ate pork and beans.’ So that’s what I said According to TMZ, Dusty fell in his Florida home Smackdown Spoilers 6/18 about my brother. He would watch Rhodes vs. Flair sometime Wednesday morning. Dusty was rushed Mr. Money in the Bank Sheamus came out to over and over and over. I texted his wife Michelle later to a hospital, where he experienced life-threatening cut a promo on winning the MITB contract. Dean that day because I wanted Dusty to know my brother complications overnight. Dusty was then pronounced Ambrose came out and challenged Sheamus, but idolized him,” Charlotte wrote, reflecting on Dusty dead at the age of 69 on Thursday morning. Kane came out and announced a two-on-one handicap Rhodes on the day of his funeral. Charlotte added that Prior to his death, Dusty was starting to see a match. when she joined NXT, Dusty pushed her, believed in doctor to improve his health, according to Jerry Brisco (1) Sheamus & Kane beat Dean Ambrose in a her, and encouraged her to be strong, especially for speaking to TMZ. Ross wrote about Dusty brushing off handicap match when Roman Reigns came out to help Reid. “I know he means the world to so many people questions about his health status as recently as last week. Ambrose. This set up a tag main event... and changed so many lives.... I am where I am today “The Dream and I talked about a week ago and (2) Brie Bella beat Paige. because of your passion for NXT & how much you he tried to convince me that he was ‘just fine.’ I knew (3) Dolph Ziggler beat Bo Dallas with the believed in all the kids. Dusty, thank you. you will something was wrong when I saw him in San Jose at Zig-Zag. forever be NXT’s angel,” Charlotte wrote. WrestleMania where I again questioned him about his (4) Neville beat Xavier woods with Red Arrow. health while sitting behind him at the WWE Hall of WWE World Hvt. champion Seth Rollins came CODY RHODES EULOGY Fame induction ceremony,” Ross wrote at jrsbarbq.com. out and cut a promo on his match with Brock Lesnar at Cody Rhodes (Stardust on WWE TV) published “Again, he declared himself fit and we talked of his Battleground. on Twitter the eulogy he read at Wednesday’s funeral significant weight loss. Then down in Orlando at a NXT for his father, Dusty Rhodes. taping the night before Mick Foley taped his comedy (5) NXT champion Kevin Owens beat Cesaro It was Cody’s first tweet since last Tuesday - the special for the WWE Network Dusty and I talked and he with the pop-up powerbomb. day before Dusty fell in his home and two days before insisted that he was fine.” They announced Raw coming to Buffalo on Dusty died. Ross expanded on his relationship with Dusty in September 28. Cody wrote about Dusty, the person, husband, a formal column for Fox Sports, noting that who Dusty (6) Sheamus & Kane beat Dean Ambrose & father, coach, and family-man. Which all tied in was in front of the camera was an extension of his larger- Roman Reigns. Bray Wyatt distracted Reigns, then with pro wrestling being Dusty’s means of providing than-life personality. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the win. security and a home for his family. “Hopefully today’s performers will understand After the taping, Seth Rollins came out and “You were a cowboy of the old-republic, the last how committed he was to his craft, how much he was joined Bray attacking Reigns. Ambrose then came bastion of Southern wrestling. A master orator who in love with wrestling business and how much he as a back in the ring and the heels double-teamed Ambrose. spit fire, but if the question was ever posed to you ... natural extension of himself,” Ross told the AP. “If they But, Reigns hit the Superman Punch on Rollins, what would you rather have, fame or family? Family. are paying attention that is what they’ll do... No matter Ambrose hit Dirty Deeds on Bray, and Reigns finished Always family. Getting over with your family and what you do - wrestlers or anybody else - you have Bray with a spear. extended family trumped all. You were a world-class to commit yourself to always be yourself. Dusty was family man,” Cody wrote. always himself.” WWE NOTEBOOK Cody also wrote about Dusty’s reputation for Ross added at jrsbarbq.com: “The young athletes After the June 15 Raw went off the air, WWE set finding weaknesses in wrestlers and turning them at NXT lost a great teacher and mentor and we all lost up the bonus main event for Cleveland. Bray Wyatt into their strengths, a nod to himself as a pudgy, a man who could talk fans into the seats and he sold and Roman Reigns were initially part of the match, but over-weight wrestler who didn’t “look the part” of a tickets.” they left the ring and went backstage. So, it turned into physically-fit pro wrestler. Ross concluded at FoxSports.com: “Dusty Rhodes a dark match as Dean Ambrose & Randy Orton & IC “He liked to fix things,” Cody wrote. “A was an innovator, a creator, a mentor and a performer champion Ryback beat WWE World Hvt. champion propensity for misfit toys...broken people. If you were the likes we will never see again in his star-crossed Seth Rollins & Sheamus & Big Show in a six-man tag over-weight, or covered in tattoos, or having just been profession. The spirt and the legacy of The American match. Orton pinned Sheamus for the win... through a divorce, he wanted to take your pain and Dream will live forever in the hearts and minds of make it your power. To arm you with weapons for your everyone who heard him speak and watched Big Dust Send newstips and results to pwtorch@gmail. profession.” get “funky like a monkey” inside the squared circle. com. ###

#1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 6 www.PWTorch.com/members KELLER’S RAW BREAKDOWN him sit out there. “We make the decisions, not him, most of the first hour. Seth is tremendous on the mic right?” Seth said. Steph said they heard him earlier being a guy who is helped so much to achieve his KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT and he made it clear he doesn’t need them. Seth status but unwilling to recognize or acknowledge JUNE 15, 2015 denied saying that. Triple H asked if he’s calling her that help. His thanking himself over and over was CLEVELAND, OHIO a liar. Seth stammered and said he’d never suggest well done. Dean was better here than he has been AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK that. He just said they ought to get Dean out of the recently, too, although the “I’m sitting in this ring building so they can move on to what’s next for him. until…” routine seems a bit cliche now.) HOSTS: Michael Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton. Hunter said Seth will find out his next challenger by -Mid-show, Seth congratulated Kane on his the end of the night. Seth asked if he has a say in win seconds earlier. Then he began gloating about TOP OF THE FIRST HOUR SEGMENT that. Hunter said no. He said they trusted Seth to winning the night before without Kane’s help. He -After a replay of the gathering on the stage at beat Dean by himself and he did that, so he should said Kane was his biggest doubter and he wanted Money in the Bank the night before and a ten bell trust them to decide his next opponent. Steph then him to fail more than anyone because “my success salute for Dusty Rhodes, they aired the stellar Dusty suggestively said: “Thanks for stopping by.” Seth physically pains you because it reminds you of video package. Six minutes into the show, the Raw walked away concerned. everything you used to be.” He said he was once opening aired. Back in the ring, Dean was sitting inside the a champion, a winner, and someone to be feared, -Seth Rollins came out gloating about still ring playing to the crowd in a bit of a cartoonish things he no longer is. Kane said anyone can owning the WWE Championship and having fashion. Then Sheamus’s music played. win one match, but to be The Man, you have to possession of “the hardware” again. They cut to a Sheamus stepped out with the MITB briefcase win match after match after match. “If you don’t break, then came back to a shot of Johnny Manziel of in hand as his music played. Sheamus said they are understand that, you’re not an architect, you’re an the Cleveland Browns in the front row. Seth gloated both alike. They both like to fight and they both idiot.” Seth said he will continue to win. When Seth that Dean Ambrose brought his A-game, yet he was made bold predictions at MITB. But Sheamus said said Kane always had someone holding his hand still better than him. He said last night at MITB he he’s a winner whereas Dean is a loser. He said he like Paul Bearer or his brother, Kane grabbed him made good on his promise to beat Ambrose all by is one Brogue Kick away from becoming the next and seethed as he told Seth to never mention his himself “in one of the greatest ladder matches in WWE World Heavyweight Champion anytime, family. Seth said he hopes Triple H and Stephanie WWE history.” He said a great success story like anyplace, anywhere. He said it could happen name him as his next opponent. He said it’s time to him doesn’t happen without a great team, and he’s tonight, but first he’s going to celebrate by kicking put out of his misery. This was meant to be a tease a great team builder. He said first and foremost, his head off of his body. that Kane would be Seth’s opponent so the real he’d like to thank Seth Rollins. He then said there (1) DEAN AMBROSE vs. SHEAMUS announcement of Brock Lesnar would seem like are others, of course, such as Seth Rollins and Seth At 10:00 Dean went for Dirty Deeds. Sheamus more of a surprise. Rollins and Seth Rollins and Seth Rollins and Seth slipped away and rolled to the floor. He grabbed -Deep into the third hour, Dean was shown Rollins and Seth Rollins. He repeated it several his briefcase and said he didn’t need this match throwing darts at a dart board with Seth Rollins’s more times. Then he said he leaving someone out because he’s Mr. Money in the Bank. Randy Orton picture on it. Kane walked up to him and told him and added, “Oh, yeah. Seth Rollins. And last but walked out to his music and distracted Sheamus. that as Director of Operations, it’s his job to make certainly not least, Seth Rollins. Who else would I Dean jumped him from behind, threw him into the sure everything runs smoothly. Dean maniacally thank?” He said certainly not “Dumb and Dumber, ring, and avoided a desperation Brogue Kick and laughed. Kane asked what he was laughing at. Dean J&J Security,” or “the Devil’s Favorite Dinosaur” schoolboyed Sheamus for the win. said he’s imagining Kane as WWE Champion. Kane or even Triple H and Stephanie. The fans oohed at WINNER: Ambrose at 10:50. said unlike him, he has been WWE Champion. that one. He said, “Because that’s how good I am!” -Orton then went after Sheamus at ringside. Dean, unfazed, said that was a different Kane. He He told the crowd this is what a World In the ring, Orton gave Sheamus his DDT off the said he liked that Kane, but now he’s a glorified Champion and a World Championship looks like. second rope. He signaled for the RKO. Sheamus messenger boy in a suit. Kane said he is an executive He said Johnny Idiotface will never bring them a pushed Orton away and retreated. in a global company. Dean said he talks a big game, title (pointing at Manziel). He said Lebron James -Backstage, Seth walked past Jamie Noble and but in the end he is loyal to The Authority. He said isn’t bringing a title back to Cleveland. He said the Joey Mercury. Seth called them “Harry and Lloyd” it’s just a job to him, whereas Dean said he lives only championship they should be celebrating is and then said he hates to be the guy who says I told for laying it on the line every single night. Dean his. He said he’s leaving the piece of crap town and you so. He then patted his belt over his shoulder and said he got a taste of the championship and he won’t taking his title with him. Dean Ambrose’s music said, “I told you so.” He said he beat them without stop until he gets another taste. He said he won’t played and he walked onto the stage. Saxton said their help “because that’s how good I am.” He said stop until he gets it. “That’s what I live for,” he said. he’s surprised Dean is even walking. Dean limped he’d bring them back on board if they were to relay “What do you live for?” He then walked away and to the ring and then attacked Seth at ringside, then any inside information to him about who Hunter left Kane mulling over a deep reflective thought. clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor. and Steph are thinking about as his next opponent. (WK Reax: They did a nice job with these Seth went after Dean’s knee at the announce table Jamie said he wouldn’t tell him if he knew. He said segments continuing to set up the overrun main seconds later. As soon as Dean fought back and they should pick the Superstar who pinned him segment with The Authority revealing Seth’s hit Seth with a flying clothesline off the announce just last week, Joey Mercury. Seth laughed and challenger. They gave viewers reason to believe it table, Seth retreated. asked if he was drinking more of his granddaddy’s could be Kane or Dean, and even dropped hints Dean stood in the ring and said winning the moonshine. He said they are praying he will give of Seth vs. Mercury for that matter. For those not title literally slipped through his fingers last night. them their jobs back. Joey said he thinks he’s aware and fixated on Brock Lesnar already, it set He said hearing Seth gloat reminded him how much afraid of him because no matter what happens the the stage nicely for a pleasant surprise at the end of he likes to beat him up and make his life miserable. rest of his career, the record books will show Seth the show.) He sat mid-ring and said he isn’t leaving until Seth Rollins lost to J&J Security. Mercury said he’s all gets his ass back in the ring. Cole asked if Dean vulnerable now without anyone’s help, so it’s just a TOP OF THE SECOND HOUR SEGMENT was conducting a Monday Night Raw sit-in. JBL matter of time before he loses that belt. -Kevin Owens walked out, still with his NXT suggested a straight jacket for Dean and an escort -The announcers underlined that Triple H will Title belt over his shoulder, as Cole ran down a list out of the building. announce Seth’s next challenger by the end of Raw. of injuries Cena suffered the night before. Owens After the break, Dean was still sitting inside (WK Reax: Good weaving of several wrestlers said what he did to Cena was Cena’s fault because the ring. Backstage Seth walked up to Triple H and storylines into a long first-hour segment. It went Cena said something offensive and disrespectful to and Steph and asked if they were just going to let from Seth to Seth-Dean to Dean-Sheamus and filled him. He said Cena told him he proved he belonged. #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 7 www.PWTorch.com/members He said he didn’t need Cena to tell him that, and he’s not waiting for “Battleground,” he wanted to because they’ve been right about him all along. He Cena asking for a handshake was Cena trying to be throw down tonight. He called out Bray Wyatt’s said there is no one on the roster capable of taking the center of attention. He said Cena disrespected ass. the belt from him. He said he is every bit as good him, so he did what he had to do. He said he still Bray appeared on the big screen and said in as Hunter said he is, “and better.” He said he will holds a win over Cena, and he wants a rematch, the morning two stars rise - one speaks the truth, beat and embarrass whomever they choose to be his and this time he wants the U.S. Title. He said this the other tells a lie. Reigns told him to stop talking opponent, and he will make them proud. is usually the time Cena’s music would hit and he’d and get out there. Bray replied: “Hello to you, too, Hunter said he has proven himself over and run to the ring, slide into the ring, and issue an open Roman. And what a fiery temper it is you have.” over. He said he could even say he never needed challenge. He said Cena isn’t doing that tonight, so He said he wants answers, but he doesn’t have the anyone’s help. Steph said Seth is a polarizing figure, he’ll issue an open challenge. He asked anyone in capacity to comprehend their meaning. He said and some people think without The Authority’s help, the back to come out who wants a piece of Kevin it should have been him last night ascending the say he is ripe for the picking. She said he has tested Owen. ladder and achieving his destiny. He said he stole their patience quite a bit, so she said some would say (WK Reax: I really like the consistency of Owens his opportunity. He said Reigns selfishly denied he still has a little left to prove. Seth looked at her lashing out at Cena and justifying it because he’s so him. He blamed Reigns’s ego for causing him to quizzically, losing that giddy smile he walked out disrespected by Cena acting like he’s some sort of do such a crazy thing. He said he reminds him of with. Hunter said they are taking a step back to look veteran compared to him. Owens is tremendous on someone he knew a long time ago. He said he too at their investment and see if it’s going to pay off. He the mic and has such a clearly defined character that was the chosen one and the people believed this said coal is tested under tremendous pressure where it it’s likely he’ll be consistently good and always have chosen one would lead them to paradise. He said either turns into useless dust or ends up the diamond a core character foundation to build his promos he was chosen while the other was cast aside, “and you always hoped it would be. He said the question around in a believable, heelish way.) now we know they made the wrong choice.” He now is whether he crumbles or becomes the diamond After a few seconds, Dolph Ziggler answered. said all he needs to do is look outside his window they have invested in him “because the pressure is He walked out with Lana and they smooched on and he’ll see this is no paradise. He said he is the on.” Seth nodded and said he is ready. stage. The chemistry is not there. And the fact that yin to his yang and they balance this whole thing Brock Lesnar’s music then played. Seth looks Ziggler was obviously chewing gum made it kind of out and whether he’s willing to admit it or not, at Hunter like a stunned dog who just got pointlessly weird. He told Owens that he has a lot of guts talking they need each other. He said that’s how he knew slapped or kicked by his owner who was just petting about sacrifice. He said he has scratched and clawed last night when he saw him climb the ladder that him seconds earlier. He tilted his head and soaked up for everything he has ever got in the business. He true justice meant “anyone but you.” He said he the news, staring at Hunter with his back to Lesnar’s said Cleveland has scratched and clawed for a chance will tempt him and lie to him and destroy him, but entrance Lesnar then bound onto the stage with Paul at a championship and he’s going to give them one not tonight because Father’s Day is right around Heyman behind him, wearing a “Suplex City” t-shirt. right now. Owens with a smile clarified that he never the corner. Cole noted that Seth never pinned Lesnar, who was offered the NXT Title as part of the Open Challenge. Bray then showed that he was looking at the champion at WrestleMania. JBL said Lesnar has He said he’d fight, but not for the belt. Ziggler said a picture of Reigns playing with his daughter. been reinstated. “Hell just opened up,” said JBL. he’s already there and he doesn’t care. Bray sang “Little Tea Pot.” Bray said, “Patience, Cole stoically stressed that Lesnar was never pinned, (3) KEVIN OWENS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER Roman. Our fun is just getting started.” without any acknowledgment of why Lesnar was Late in the match, Owens was exhausted but (WK Reax: I didn’t fully understand suspended and what it could mean to have this crazy stood up and avoided a corner splash by Ziggler, then everything Bray was referencing, but the gist of it beast back. launched Ziggler with a released German suplex and is he is going to mess with Reigns in very personal Heyman shook hands with Hunter and then then a cannonball for a two count. They replayed ways to control him, and I’m interested in seeing Steph, although he did so reaching out toward them the sequence in slo-mo. Owens went for a Popup that. It helped that in recent weeks Reigns has with one leg up behind him to keep his balance, a Powerbomb, but Ziggler countered with a Zig Zag. been more gregarious because this shift in mood clear gesture of not wanting to share space or fully He crawled over and made a cover for a believable due to Bray costing him the MITB match was trust The Authority. Nice touch. Lesnar stared at Seth, near fall. Saxton said you have to be impressed by more noticeable as a result. His grumpy mood and Seth looked down and avoided eye contract. Ziggler’s effort. That confirmed Ziggler was losing. this week wasn’t that different from how he looked The fans chanted “Suplex City! Suplex City!” Seth Anytime an announcer starts being told by Vince all the time in his lead up to WrestleMania and for began shaking, and then he got the gumption up to to tout the “effort” a wrestler is putting forth, that a while afterward.) actually make eye contact with Lesnar, only to look wrestler is losing shortly thereafter. Owens then away immediately. There may have been a stream hit the Popup Powerbomb for the win. JBL said, FINAL SEGMENT of urine running down his leg based on his facial “Nothing like beating a man in his hometown.” -Triple H and Steph walked out with two expressions. He stepped backward. Lesnar closed WINNER: Owens at 15:14. minutes left in the third hour to announce Seth’s the gap immediately, methodically. Seth jumped to (WK Reax: Ziggler can still bump around like challenger at Battleground. Steph apologized for ringside where he looked over at Hunter and Steph, crazy and he’s really athletic, but feeding him to Owens’ attack on MKG. She said disciplinary feeling betrayed. Cole said The Beast was staring a Owens here shows he’s not on the rise, but rather will action will be taken because it’s what’s best for hole in Seth. Cole said Lesnar is back and he has his continue to be used as a reliable uppercard utility business. She said they take that phrase very sights set on the WWE Championship. JBL called player making others look good. I’m not sure, at this seriously because they run a global property Lesnar the perfect fighting machine. Cole said that stage, that’s not the right role for him. This was a that requires that of them. Triple H said the next match takes place in five weeks at Battleground, and good match for Owens to continue to look strong challenger will not be Mercury, Noble, Kane, or he wished him luck beating Lesnar on his own. JBL inside the ring, as that helps justify his rapid rise Dean. The crowd booed that one. Steph noted that said he will own the WWE Title again, as the show to the top if he’s putting these types of performances to Hunter. She asked, “Well then, who will it be?” ended. and winning.) And out walked Seth before the answer could be (WK Reax: WWE is expecting everyone, it provided. appears, to forget why Lesnar was indefinitely TOP OF THE THIRD HOUR SEGMENT Cole said the anticipation was getting to the suspended in the first place. Michael Cole certain -Roman Reigns walked through the crowd champ. Seth had this hilarious smile and stride seemed to forget, as his tone didn’t suggest he had to the ring, looking little more grumpy than usual that said he was in full-on kiss-ass mode, not to any memory of Lesnar’s recent past. That said, The lately. He explained why. He said he got very little mention thrilled Dean wasn’t getting a rematch. Authority have an explanation for reinstating Lesnar sleep last night because of what Bray Wyatt cost him He shook hands with Hunter and Steph and said it - that Seth has gotten under their skin enough with his the night before. He said he is pissed off. He said doesn’t matter who they pick as his next opponent thankless arrogance that they want to “test” him and #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 8 www.PWTorch.com/members teach him a lesson, even if it means perhaps shifting particular insights, humor, or strong point of view power by The Authority. That was not always or even the WWE Title from Seth to a Heyman-led non- - expressed disgust with Owens’ actions and tried often the case earlier this year, but it seems they’re Authority member. The question always was going to act like he was barely able to compose himself. being instructed to make sure viewers know why to be why The Authority would reinstate Lesnar, so (WK Reax: MGK shoving Kevin Owens, heels should be booed.) they at least covered that somewhat. I hope WWE storyline-wise, was really dumb. What did that (5) THE MIZ pinned THE BIG SHOW at 2:47 does more explaining on that in coming weeks. Seth guy think would happen? So it made him less via countout. Before the match Ryback joined the was awesome here with is facial reactions aimed sympathetic. I’d rather he turned his back to walk announcers at ringside and thanked Dusty Rhodes at Triple H as he gave him the pep talk and after away after an argument instigated by Owens, or for all he did for him. Show ended up throwing Miz Lesnar’s music started playing. Seth is as polished perhaps shoving Owens when Owens pie-faced right into Ryback’s lap. Ryback exclaimed, “I’ve got a heel of his type as I’ve seen in a long time. Triple someone in his band or something, so that when Miz all over me.” Ryback popped out of his chair and H’s pep talk was also good. The downside is that Owens did attack him, your first thought wasn’t yelled at Show as Miz returned to the ring. That led to The Authority are still utterly awful people, and just “Well, that skinny hip-hop guy asked for it.” Still, Show getting counted out. Miz celebrated like a mad because Seth is so thanklessly arrogant and has a big all that said, and as flawed as it was - because it man as the crowd chanted “Feed me more!” Ryback head, it’s hard to root entirely for the hand-picked practically turned Owens babyface given what an went after Show with a Meat Hook, but Show ducked opponent for Seth, either. Cheering for Lesnar loses outsider MGK is - it was a featured segment for and bailed out to ringside. some of its fun when The Authority chose him and Owens to be brutal and build his credibility as a (WK Reax: That line “I’ve got Miz all over me” are possibly rooting for him to humble Seth.) badass who doesn’t take crap from anyone, and had to be a dare from someone in the back. If WWE’s tends to overreact.) goal was to make us care even less about Big Show, OTHER SEGMENTS -Throughout the show, they aired highlights this has done it. We like him against Miz, we dislike -Paige stood on a chair and addressed other of Dusty Rhodes’s career. First was a clip from him against Ryback, and the result is offsetting Divas. She said they all need to stand together. Aug. 21, 1979 of Dusty winning the NWA World resulting in the usual ambivalence. I liked Ryback Summer Rae asked if this was because she lost to Hvt. Title over Harley Race. Another segment thanking Dusty Rhodes for all he did for him. Miz’s Nikki last night. Paige said yes she lost to Nikki showed him at the Hall of Fame ceremony. new outfit is hilarious and appropriate. Ryback is and that does suck, but it’s not about that. She said (WK Reax: They did a very nice job on this more enjoyable now than I can remember. He seems they need to stand together so they can have their show and at MITB the night before paying tribute to be a groove as far as how to portray his character.) moment. Alicia said Paige has turned against every to Dusty Rhodes’s contributions to the industry.) (6) THE BELLAS beat PAIGE at 5:35 in a partner she’s had. Naomi stood up and said she’s -Late in the first hour, backstage Heath handicapped match. The announcers spent the whole crazy if she thinks she’ll let her boss her around. Slater, Zack Ryder, Fandango, Paige, Summer match talking about the finish of the match the night Paige said she’s crazy, and she’ll prove it by taking Rae, Emma, and Cameron were gathered around before where Brie confessed she wasn’t Nikki after on both Bellas at once because you have to fight Michael Gun Kelly. Cole plugged that he’d she got pinned. It looked like Paige might win after a them both at once anyway. The Bellas showed perform later. Ram-Paige on Brie, but Nikki made the save just in up and asked Paige if she was saying something. time, then finished Paige seconds later with a Rack Nikki said ever since she helped Stephanie win at OTHER MATCHES Attack. The Bella stood over Paige and taunted her Summerslam last year, “no offense, Brie,” she’s (2) R-TRUTH pinned WADE BARRETT for losing. been the Divas Champion. Brie somewhat bitterly at 0:22. Truth came out dressed up in a mock (WK Reax: It’s amazing that the Bellas said, “That’s okay.” So they finally acknowledged king outfit - a bedsheet and a cardboard crown. have gone back to being full-fledged heels - this it. Nikki said it’s a free country, so if they want to Before the match, Truth sat at ringside with the week at least - after leaning babyface in recent side with Paige, they can. Each of the Divas left, announcers. He called Byron “Coach.” JBL had months. This idea of characters shifting week to one at a time, showing that Paige was all alone to tell him he is actually in this match. When the week indiscriminately is pretty lame. I did like the against the Bellas. The Bellas mocked Paige for bell rang, Barrett went after Truth aggressively rationale for Paige wrestling them both - since she how poorly her pitch went to the other women. with a boot to the face and a barrage of punches was resigned to having to deal with both of them (WK Reax: I’m not a fan of the Divas being from a mount position. As Barrett postured for the anyway, even if it was a one-on-one match.) treated as some sort of united entity fighting for Bullhammer, Truth recovered and surprised him (7) THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS (Darren respect. It’s as flawed as the X Division in TNA with a schoolboy for the win. Afterward, Barrett Young & Titus O’Neil) & NEVILLE beat THE at times over the years. Divas should be heels or beat down Truth and said he earned the right to NEW DAY at 9:38. The New Day before the match faces based on their personality traits and ethics of be called a King by winning a tournament, so cut a promo saying most think they’d be distraught how they conduct themselves, and those who share being King is prestigious and Truth was making and upset over losing the tag team titles, but it’s a similar view on fair play and integrity should bond a mockery of it. He said they will all hail King New Day and they’re going to prove the power of consistently over that. Those who cheat can bond Barrett now. positivity by taking it in stride. When JBL accused over that. But putting them all together because (WK Reax: I don’t see a big downside here to Saxton of stirring the pot by suggesting possibly New they’re all female undercuts the whole core heel- Barrett losing this match. He lost only because he Day are pretending to be positive, Saxton replied: “I face dynamic that is needed for pro wrestling to was grandstanding to set up his finisher, and he got have no pot, no spoon.” Neville hot-tagged in late in work, at least 98 percent of the way I’ve ever seen his heat back with a post-match voices attack, and the match and went on a flurry against Xavier. Chaos it draw money. That said, I got a little satisfaction he got to cut an arrogant heel promo. So this was a broke out including a sloppy sidewalk slam by Titus from seeing the Bellas acknowledge some tension segment that, given the reality of Barrett’s place on on Big E. Xavier face-planted Neville a second later, between Nikki and Brie.) the roster, enhanced his character.) but Young made the save. Young then gave Kofi a -The biggest other segment of the show (4) KANE beat RANDY ORTON at 4:22. gut-buster after which Neville landed the Red Arrow easily was Machine Gun Kelly performing live, A few minutes in, Orton set up a second rope for the win. after which Kevin Owens walked out and mock DDT when Sheamus walked out. Kane declared (WK Reax: I do like the idea of New Day saying applauded. MGK offered a handshake, but Owens the match No Holds Barred. Sheamus entered they’re just fine with losing the tag titles because refused. MKG mouthed off and shoved him. Owens the ring and attacked Orton with a Brogue Kick. they’re positive thinkers, but planting seeds that they powerbombed him off of the stage. Cole went into Kane scored a three count. Cole was upset that The really are seething inside and going to snap at any his stutter-stammer mode. Owens looked down at Authority abuse their power like this, having Kane point. This feels like a tag title feud to replace Tyson MGK as if he had a bit of an out-of-body experience. change rules to his liking mid-match. Kidd & Cesaro, now that Kidd is injured, and they MGK. After the break, Saxton - who pretty much (WK Reax: I’m really glad to see a strong shift elevated the Players at least for now because of that.) serves zero purpose throughout these shows with no in announcers decrying heel tactics and abuse of ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 9 www.PWTorch.com/members GREG PARKS “z’s.” In case you’ve forgotten, Crazzy Steve was himself that he had virtually no chance of upsetting (get ready for it…) part of a stable, The Menagerie, Kurt Angle. Wouldn’t he then want to stay X with Knux and Rebel. Rebel has recently Division Champion, taking on all comers and being on’t change reappeared on TNA TV, but Knux has been MIA for the best X Division champion he can be? No – even a while now. The entire storyline surrounding The with the long, long odds, he felt it was more worth the channel, Menagerie seems to have been dropped, leaving giving up the X Division title to face Angle. And he D Crazzy Steve with nothing to do but show up on TV lost. it’s the X Division when TNA needs X Division bodies. The X Division Title will never be equal to Next was a win by Tigre Uno over DJ Zema Ion the TNA World Title, but they should be a lot closer This is a column about the X Division. and Mandrews. Tigre Uno hasn’t won a meaningful than they are portrayed. In the early days of TNA, I know what you’re thinking: “The X match in forever, and this win came out of nowhere. this was the case. Winning the X Division title was Division, AGAIN? Can we just stop beating the He’s been used as a TV jobber when someone needs a big deal, not just a means to an end. Now, it means dead horse already?” But see, here’s the deal: Some a quick win, so of course they’d have him win here next to nothing unless you’re holding it the month things I heard on the Destination X episode of TNA with zero build-up. DJZ was an entertaining third of Destination X and can cash it in for a shot at the Impact really bothered me. I was all prepared to wheel in the Bro Mans group. Unfortunately, TNA “real” title everyone desires. just sit through Destination X and roll my eyes as recently broke up that pairing for some reason. Throughout the show, Grado was shown in TNA once again paraded out X Division “stars” Jesse Godderz attacked DJZ after this match, backstage vignettes attempting to cut weight to and pretended like they cared about the division. perhaps setting something up between those two. make the weight limit of the X Division so that he You know, the usual. But then I heard, amongst Still, the break-up of that group doesn’t bode well could participate in one of the three-way matches. other things: for DJZ’s future. Mark Andrews, the erstwhile We saw three vignettes with him doing this until “The most extreme athletes the world has ever real name of Mandrews, had played second fiddle he was informed by Jeremy Borash just before known will compete for a chance at the coveted X to Rockstar Spud, just to show how far down the his match that there are no weight limits in the X Division title.” – video package voice-over man totem pole he’s been. He won TNA’s British Boot Division. “The X Division is all about innovation, and Camp competition, which also produced Spud. I’m Now, we have a wrestler competing for a shot nobody does it better than these competitors in the sensing a pattern there. at the X Division title, who doesn’t even know ring.” – The Pope. The third three-way involved Kenny King, the ONE RULE of the X Division – it’s not about “You’re only going to see these types of Grado, and Cruz. King seemed to be the ringer weight limits, it’s about no limits. Of course, who moves on a Wednesday night Impact.” – Josh in this match, but ended up losing out. King, like can really blame him, because TNA has played Mathews Low Ki, would be one of the few guys in TNA fast and loose with that rule for a few years now, So, hyperbole is not new to the wrestling the company could conceivably build a decent X establishing weight limits and rescinding them at industry. I get that. But these quotes really stuck out Division around. Instead, King too is a part of the different times, almost at will. I’m sure many fans to me as not only hyperbole, but really, insulting Beat Down Clan with MVP, Low Ki, and Homicide. watching at home thought the X Division still did the intelligence of the fans. You don’t have to be The winner of the match, Grado, has been have a weight limit. an avid TNA Impact viewer to know that the X portrayed as strictly a comedy wrestler and not at The comments at the beginning of this article, Division has not been presented as anywhere near all like the stereotypical X Division wrestler. He too though, are so behind-the-times in addition to being prestigious in a long time. When TNA makes these was a part of the British Boot Camp series, but did straight-up hyperbole. At one time, TNA was ahead sorts of claims as above, they seem to be taking not win. His only win to theoretically earn him this of the curve with the athleticism offered by the X their audience for suckers. spot came over the retired BBC trainer, Al Snow, on Division, but now, they’re being lapped by Lucha While the announcers were putting over the an episode of Impact earlier this year. Underground, ROH, and even WWE at times, all talent and giving lip service to the X Division, let’s As someone who watches each episode of shows with national TV clearance just as TNA has. take a closer look at just who was participating in Impact, I know nothing about Cruz. Josh Mathews It’s disingenuous to try to convince fans that the three allegedly prestigious X Division three- noted that he had competed on Impact before, but it they have cornered the market on athletic, high- way matches. The first match was won by Low Ki, must have been entirely forgettable. TNA made no flying types when Lucha Underground offers more who has been positioned as a subordinate within attempt to give him a back-story or make him stand of that in almost every match; ROH has the likes the Beat Down Clan, headed by MVP. out in any way. He wore a mask. of ACH, Caprice Coleman, Cedric Alexander, the The BDC had a streak there for a while of That’s not exactly a star-studded roster, is Jacksons, and Matt Sydal, amongst others; WWE being booked as main event talents within TNA. it? Compare that to the heyday of the X Division, has even come into the age of the smaller wrestler However, as of late, they’ve been cycled out in when they had guys like A.J. Styles, Samoa Joe, with guys like Neville, Kalisto, and even main favor of Kurt Angle and others. This may be due Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Michael Shane, Jay eventers like Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler. to the fact that the protagonists in the feud, the Lethal, Petey Williams, and others vying for the It’s really sad to see the state of the X Division Drew McIntyre-led Rising, feature two other championship. Really, there’s no comparison. when TNA trots it out once a year for Destination wrestlers who are new to TNA and don’t have What’s worse than the lack of roster depth X. It could mean so much more and really set TNA the extensive WWE experience of a McIntyre or is how the X Division was portrayed on this apart, just like the announcers are always saying. MVP. Nevertheless, Low Ki has the credibility and Destination X episode of Impact. First, we had Instead, it’ll likely be tucked away for another year, history within the X Division to be someone who Rockstar Spud, the former X Division Champion, until another wrestler trades in his X Division Title the fans see as legitimate. challenging Kurt Angle for the TNA Title. In order for a shot at the big time. Also in that first three-way was Manik, a part to do so, he gave up the X Division Championship. of James Storm’s group, The Revolution. Manik The famed “Option C,” first utilized byAustin (Greg Parks has been covering WWE is one of the more talented wrestlers on the TNA Aries a few years ago, guarantees the spotlight for Smackdown every Friday night for PWTorch.com roster but his size will forever hold him back. He is the X Division on at least one night. It puts them on since January of 2007. He hosts the “Moonlighting overshadowed within the group by Storm, Abyss, par with the TNA Champion, win or lose the cash- with Greg Parks” VIP Audio show every weekend. and Khoya. Storm has been off doing his own in. However, how prestigious does the X Division Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live thing with the Mickie James storyline, leaving The title look when champions are willing to ditch the Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well Revolution as an afterthought. belt because this may be their only shot at the TNA as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions Rounding out the match was Crazzy Steve. Title? and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_ You see, he’s so crazy he spells the word with two Look at Rockstar Spud. He acknowledged [email protected].) ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 10 www.PWTorch.com/members TODD MARTIN when he was booker. a distinct persona, Rhodes could go in any number Much of the early history of pro wrestling of directions while retaining the crowd’s attention. involved rival wrestlers generating income by Success on interviews in wrestling spawns oss of Dusty traveling around to different cities in a given imitators. Countless wrestlers have attempted territory, like a touring band. When television to recreate Roddy Piper’s mad ravings. When a leaves came along, it was used to convince fans to come wrestler speaks in a softer tone and emphasizes L out to see the next event in their local market. individual syllables, you can often hear the unfillable void Today, that model has changed. Touring still exists, influence of Jake Roberts. Ric Flair may be the but television is directed towards hyping up one most imitated of them all. For someone as good as What was it about the “American Dream” specific supercard that everyone will watch at the Rhodes was on promos, he has created far fewer Dusty Rhodes that was most responsible for same time. While WWE’s history has emphasized copycats, and that’s largely because his style is making him one of pro wrestling’s all time most Vince McMahon’s role in that transition with the so difficult to recreate. Rhodes borrowed from a iconic figures? first WrestleMania, Rhodes led that charge as much number of sources, but the complete package was There is no shortage of answers that can as anyone. unique. Rhodes connected to people with his words be offered up to respond to that question. First It was Dusty Rhodes that in 1983 came up with and it’s why so many fans who heard him speak and most obviously, there was the extraordinary the Starrcade name. He was then the leading force feel like they have a personal connection to the success that he had as a wrestler over the years. directing Jim Crockett towards annual supercards man. Rhodes was a star from very early on in his career broadcast at that time through closed-circuit Another possibility is that Rhodes stood out and he remained one for decades. Success tends to technology when he came on as booker in 1984. for what he symbolized. The “American Dream” build upon itself and Rhodes rode that train for as Additional supercards followed, most prominently is a universal sentiment. If you work hard and do long as he could. the Great American Bash. Jim Crockett Promotions things the right way, you can get ahead in life. It’s Many elite wrestlers of the territory days was the innovator of today’s familiar titled special a comforting thought and one that Rhodes as the were attractions associated strongly with their events and WWE the copycat. As such, Rhodes’s son of a plumber legitimately personified. It has local region, like Carlos Colon in Puerto Rico, fingerprints are in the very structure of today’s only increased in emotional appeal as the middle Jackie Fargo in Memphis, and Bruno Sammartino WWE. class deals with economic stagnation and increased in the Northeast. Many others toured around The Four Horsemen were formed by Rhodes wealth stratification. the world bringing in crowds near and far, like to provide him a formidable opposition force. Rhodes not only fought for the working man Andre the Giant, Bruiser Brody, and Ernie Ladd. Factions have been a key part of American pro like Steve Austin or The Crusher, but his triumphs Rhodes was both. He became synonymous with wrestling ever since. War Games was another functioned to demonstrate that they too could Championship Wrestling from Florida for a Rhodes creation, the most high concept stipulation survive and thrive. He was larger than life but he generation of wrestling fans while also traveling of its day and a forerunner to today’s Elimination wasn’t a cartoon character, at least until the very around the world as a premier attraction. He was Chamber and Hell in a Cell. The Horsemen and end of his career. He believably embodied simple, both local king and international star. War Games certainly weren’t the first of their kind, positive values. It’s difficult to isolate the top few highlights but they were among the most influential if not the Dusty Rhodes stood out as one of wrestling’s of Rhodes’s career because he had such varied most influential. And without the Rapmaster P.N. all-time greatest icons for all those reasons. But to and widespread success. His rivalry with Ric Flair News, there might have been no Jay-Z. Okay, that me, his greatest characteristic was none of those over the NWA World Heavyweight title is likely one may be a bit of a stretch. They can’t all be things. It was the sheer force of his personality, his most famous, but his battles with Terry Funk winners. which was the underlying reason for all the others. and Harley Race for that same title were some of Rhodes’s critics have noted his importance in That personality was what allowed him to draw so the most famous of the day. In the WWWF, he was the financial woes of Jim Crockett that forced the much money. It was what garnered him so much one of the wrestlers most responsible for getting sale of that promotion to Ted Turner. That’s a valid behind-the-scenes influence. It was what allowed “Superstar” Billy Graham over as champion and point. But were it not for Rhodes, it’s fair to question him to deliver such great promos. It was what then was instrumental in providing support for Bob whether Turner would have even been interested in allowed him to connect his personal story to the Backlund when Backlund became the promotion’s such a purchase. As powerful promotions like the dreams of others. And it was why his passing was top titleholder. AWA, Mid-South/UWF, and World Class fell by greeted with such emotion. One of wrestling’s most famous all time the wayside, JCP invested in talent with Rhodes as With his broad smile, colorful soliloquys, angles was built around Rhodes, when Ole & Gene booker. Without that investment, there might have and inimitable presence, Dusty Rhodes was one Anderson betrayed him in what was supposed been no sale to Turner, no Monday Night War, and of a kind. That’s one of the reasons pro wrestling to be a tag team match against the Assassins. the wrestling landscape would have been radically is so enjoyable at its best. Politicians can’t let Wrestling promoters have been trying to duplicate different. their unrestrained id run wild on the national the emotion of that epic double-cross ever since. A third possibility for Rhodes’s impeccable stage. Athletes have to focus on winning. Actors His bloodbaths with the likes of Abdullah the stature is much more specific – his remarkable are performing a role. The best pro wrestlers can Butcher and Kevin Sullivan were relatively early interview ability. This was unquestionably be completely over the top and distinctive while examples of a trend that developed towards blood Rhodes’s greatest strength as a performer. Rhodes making you believe that’s who they really are. and gore. He entered into the heated New Japan- could cut a promo better than just about anyone to That’s precisely what made Dusty Rhodes so great. All Japan rivalry as well, providing Antonio Inoki have ever wrestled. Dusty was a ham and could be another famous gaijin when top foreigners were silly in his delivery, but that added to his charm and (Todd Martin is a new PWTorch staff member. of paramount importance to a Japanese wrestling made him more unique. Moreover, when it came He contributed to the Wrestling Observer the last outfit’s success. time to be serious and get fans invested in a fight, 13 years in print and audio. Wade Keller now Perhaps Rhodes’s legacy is seen even more Rhodes knew how to crank up the emotion. hosts “The Fix with Todd Martin” every week predominantly outside the ring than in it. Rhodes The famous “Hard Times” promo has become at PWTorch.com/members, a new weekly show fundamentally shaped the course of the pro synonymous with Rhodes over time, which is a little covering top news items of the week plus featuring wrestling business behind the scenes. Rhodes was bit strange simply because watching old tapes from reviews of new books and DVDs. He writes an the single most important figure leading the charge that period you can view one Rhodes interview MMA blog for the L.A. Times, has contributed to against Vince McMahon in the 1980s, and so many after another that were similarly exhilarating. By Sherdog, and now contributes to MMATorch.com important concepts originated or were popularized endearing himself to the audience and establishing and the MMATorch Livecast.) ###

#1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 11 www.PWTorch.com/members BRUCE MITCHELL PRO WRESTLING TORCH PRINT NEWSLETTER ORDER INFO ream 8 issues for $20 U.S. / $30 Canada & Overseas 52 issues for $99 U.S. / $159 Canada & Overseas D Mail Payment (Check or Money Order in U.S. Funds) w/your address to: Ephemeral Pro Wrestling Torch • P.O. Box 211654 • St. Paul, MN 55121 Important: We no longer accept Master Card or Visa via mail order. Dusty Rhodes The American Dream PRO WRESTLING TORCH VIP ONLINE MEMBERSHIP INFO The Tower of Power To become a PWTorch VIP Member, giving you instant online access to this The Man of the Hour newsletter (with bonus pages) in PDF and All-Text format, plus access to well over Too Sweet To Be Sour 1,000 back issues, several new daily audio shows, our audio show library, ad-free Make your knees freeze, access to our daily PWTorch.com updates, and more, sign up online here: http:// your legs shake, www.PWTorch.com/govip. Choose the $10 a month or $99 a year option (same and your liver quiver, price in U.S. or overseas). A print newsletter subscription does NOT come with a Electrified Funk Personified VIP password; that bundled pricing option has been discontinued. Living on the end of a lightning bolt The Lord of the Rings Questions? Email us at [email protected] The Cold-Blooded Sausage Maker The whipping you’re gonna get is going to be 8 COVER STORY continued from cover A steel-toed boot can’t take me out! shameful wrote on Twitter: “One of my all time heroes and one Stardust No steroids in this body the all time greats has passed away.” The Son of a Plumber From Austin, Texas 260 pounds of Sweet Soul Seth Rollins wrote on Twitter: “I was ever so The Little Bully fortunate to be a friend to this man, to learn from him as a performer and as a human being.” The Assassin This Time The foremost professional wrestler in this country Kevin Owens wrote on Twitter: “There are no The Three-Time NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion today, words that can express the sadness in our hearts. You The Greatest Sports Attraction in the World Today Bar none will be missed, Dream. We love you” Unity Samoa Joe wrote on Twitter: “The Dream While the rest are in the back laughing and joking will live FOREVER in my heart. Thank you for My hand is touching your hand The Dream is out front a-cooking and a-smoking! the wisdom and for always making me smile. The Taking Care of bizness Go all over the world, stratosphere is reserved for you.” Neville wrote: “I’ll forever be in debt for Make it Good! Life is a drag, Payback! everything you taught me. Thank you Dream.” Life is a bust, Baron Corbin wrote on Twitter: “I’m speechless Payback is hell, Daddy! But we all got to do what we must, hearing about the passing of Dusty. He has been an Funky Like a Monkey Pay whoever you want to pay to walk beside you, amazing mentor to me, and was an unbelievable Egg-sucking dog person to be around.” It boils down to limousines and silver screens Sasha Banks wrote on Twitter: “Without you, I The Bull of the Woods, if you weel Nobody lives this way, wouldn’t have a voice. Simply... Thank you Dream!” Knows Kate Smith personally If there’s anybody anywhere better Dustin posted on Facebook: “Yesterday my You got to deal with the dealer father passed away with his four children, my I’d like to see ‘em, in public, if you weel daughter, and his wife of 38 yrs. He was our hero and I’d like to know who they were. the greatest father in the world. He is the reason why I The baddest main in the world around today This thing will never be over! am who I am today. He taught me so so many lessons The Midnight Rider in life. He had one thing that he wanted to be and Virgil Riley Runnels If you’re big star-bound, that was he wanted to be forever young. Now he is. let me tell ya it’s a long hard ride. Now he is dancing with angels in heaven. He was my (Bruce Mitchell has been a PWTorch columnist mentor, my hero, and a dad that I strive to be like. I Brothers in Paint since 1990. He hosts the PWTorch Livecast every love you, Dad. Thank you for all the overwhelmingly Brother of the Road Monday night in the hour before Raw with Travis amount of love and support.” The Super Powers Bryant at www.PWTorchLivecast.com. The weekly Cody Rhodes’s eulogy said: “You were a cowboy of the old-republic, the last bastion of The Texas Outlaws two-hour Bruce Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller is a VIP audio staple for years and is Southern wrestling. A master orator who spit fire, but America’s Team if the question was ever posed to you ... what would part of over a dozen VIP exclusive audio shows that The Family you rather have, fame or family? Family. Always run usually daily or weekly that online members Whiskey bent and hell-bound family. Getting over with your family and extended have access to with their VIP password. His column family trumped all. You were a world-class family Offering up my innocence archives dating back to 1990 are available in man.” and I’ll pay you back in scorn if you mess with me the Bruce Mitchell Library at the PWTorch VIP His funeral was held this Wednesday in Tampa, I am bad and they know I’m bad website.) ### Fla. for just invited family and friends. ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 12 www.PWTorch.com/members PWTORCH NEWSLETTER #1409 • P.O. BOX 211654 - ST. PAUL, MN 55121

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Crockett Promotions where his ego got out of control, into the building.” He said he felt fortunate he got to be END NOTES with Wade Keller his push exceeded his drawing power, and his booking around Dusty during his years in WCW. I read about Dusty Rhodes before I saw him talk began doing more harm than good. The ridiculousness When the NWA finally came to Minnesota, I or wrestle. I wasn’t sure what to think. In the national of Dusty wearing the Road Warrior’s facepaint and bought a front row ticket. The very first NWA main wrestling magazines that were so prominent for so christening himself an honorary Warrior was, in event at the old Met Sports Center in Bloomington, many wrestling fans around the country in the 1980s, retrospect, more ballsy than pathetic. He latched onto Minn. was Ric Flair vs. Dusty. It was amazing to I was able to follow Dusty’s peak years from a great hot acts, including feuding with Ric Flair in his prime finally see Flair in person, but it was also amazing to distance before cable and national syndication brought as one of his top rivals during Flair’s peak years as see Dusty. I took home (I’m only sligthly ashamed him to my TV and my local arena. champion, along with rising young babyface Magnum to admit) a bloodied piece of athletic tape he ripped I could tell, though, just from the still pictures T.A. and eventually Nikita Koloff after his memorable off his wrist after his match with Flair. He had more that he was something special. I didn’t have YouTube babyface turn after Magnum’s accident. charisma than anyone I had seen in person, even if this or podcasts and hadn’t discovered tape trading, so Seeing what Dusty did with himself in the industry was “just another house show” for him. He wasn’t a it wasn’t until a grainy UHF station started carrying since then, though, makes that less than the defining great athlete by today’s standards, but he was a blast to the syndicated NWA Worldwide Wresting show that “final” chapter of his career it could have been. His watch. Few wrestlers Flair shared the ring with rivaled I got to see Dusty regularly. A friend in school did contributions on air during the WCW Nitro era helped him for the most charisma. Dusty did. have cable and taped a live special for me on TBS that make the Polka Dot era less relevant in the historical Wilkes put it well. “He had that Everyman deal featured Dusty Rhodes. I must’ve watched that tape broad picture of his career. The fact that he gave it a about him. He was us. He was one of us. He talked five times that night start to finish. go working with Vince McMahon is fascinating, too, with that lisp. He had a lot of that swagger about him, What jumped out to me about Dusty those first something Andrew Goldstein talked to me about on the way he said things. That unbelievable charisma few times I saw him was the passion and energy of the last week’s PWTorch Livecast. Goldstein, who worked drew me to that character and to put my money down crowd. It was different than what I experienced in the with Dusty on the creative team in the mid-2000s, said to see him live.” AWA for the most part, even different than the birth of without hesitation the best part of working in WWE The fact that in his final years he got to share his Hulkamania in the AWA a few years earlier. There was was getting to know and travel with Dusty. acquired wisdom with a great class of up-and-coming a bond that Dusty had with the fans where he wasn’t Frequent Livecast guest John Piermarini wrote stars in WWE’s developmental system means his a “bigshot superhero star gracing their presence,” but on Twitter: “Always going to remember the long contributions to the industry will outlive him. There he was one of them - the lucky one of them who struck drives w/Dusty Rhodes and hearing all his amazing will be touches and glimmers of Dusty’s charisma and it big. Fans lived vicariously through him. It’s why stories about the business.” bravado on TV for years to come. his physique didn’t matter. He wouldn’t have been as “The Patriot” Del Wilkes told me last week Final Note: I cannot recommend strongly popular if he had looked like Magnum T.A. or Billy on the PWTorch Livecast: “I became a pro wrestler enough the VIP Audio Shows I hosted last week with Jack Hayes. Part of his charm is that he owned who because of Dusty Rhodes in a lot of ways. I grew up columnists Bruce Mitchell and Todd Martin covering he was and what he was. There was no one in this in Columbia, South Carolina. I saw Dusty on Mid- Dusty’s career. If you have a VIP password for www. industry, on or off camera, less apologetic about who Atlantic Wrestling and in my teen years on WTBS PWTorch.com/members, check out hours and hours he was than Dusty. with those great interviews with Tony Schiavone. I of audio we did last week diving into Dusty’s entire Sure, there were the years at the end of Jim saw Dusty (live) every chance I got. He could talk you career, including a lot on his rise in the 1970s. ### seemed to have a new “TitanTron” video that only York Hall, Bethnal Green, in London. RINGSIDE BEAT (PDF EXCLUSIVE PAGE) referred to her as Sasha. (No! Keep her last name!) In a pre-show match, Josh Bodom took on NXT show results (7) NXT champion Kevin Owens beat Samoa Tommy End. June 11, 2015 Joe, Finn Balor, and Tyler Breeze in a four-way match (a) Josh Bodom beat Tommy End. Very nice Pittsburgh, Pa. at Stage AE to retain the NXT Title. Owens was wearing his KO match between the two, with plenty of loudmouth Report by Jay Rickabaugh, correspondent t-shirt with polka dots inside the letters in Dusty’s antics from Bodom and very stiff kicks from End. William Regal came out and quickly silenced honor. The crowd was on their feet for nearly this Tommy hit his double stomp but Bodom managed to the crowd for a ten-bell salute to Dusty Rhodes. A entire match. Smart booking as it meant that Owens avoid being pinned. End got caught low in the ropes new ring announcer and Greg Hamilton provided could lose the title without being pinned, so it kept and Bodom hit his beautiful rope-assisted piledriver announcements and interstitials. the crowd thinking it was possible that they might see for an impressive win. This match will eventually be (1) Enzo Amore & Big Cass & Carmella beat a title change. The match ended with everyone hitting seen on RPW’s YouTube show. NXT tag champions Blake & Murphy & Alexa Bliss their finishers on someone else, but Owens hit the (1) The Revolutionists (James Castle & in a mixed six-person tag match. Enzo referenced the pop-up powerbomb at the end. The crowd was split Sha Shamuels) beat Joel Redman (better known famous Dusty Rhodes “hard times, daddy” promo on favorites for this match as well. Breeze taking the as Oliver Grey from NXT) & “Mr. Moonsault” and tied it to Pittsburgh’s previous hard times that got pin bummed me out, but he still has a bright future. Jake McCluskey, filling in for the unavailable over well with the crowd. Per usual, Enzo took most I went to the NXT show in Cleveland in March Mark Haskins to win the Tag Titles. A fairly basic of the beat down, Cass was very good off hot tags, and there was more excitement among fans then, match ended quite surprisingly with Castle punting and Carmella and Alexa didn’t have the timing quite but they also had a more developed line-up for that McCluskey in the family jewels and getting the title- right with each other or something. Cass and Enzo hit show (including Cesaro, Tyson Kidd, Sami Zayn, winning pin. Redman was not happy with McCluskey synchronized bionic elbows in tribute to Dusty. and Hideo Itami), and I think more people traveled losing the titles that weren’t officially his. (2) Jason Jordan beat Bull Dempsey. Jordan from outside Cleveland to see that show. That said, (2) Damo O’Connor beat New Japan’s got very little fan reaction; Bull got some “Doritos” Pittsburgh apparently has a reputation for being a Tomohiro Ishii in his U.K. debut. Though there was chants. It’s clear they’re trying to turn Dempsey face quiet town (Royal Rumble 2014 excluded) and that a large size difference (Damo is a huge man), this and make him sympathetic. Jordan and Dempsey was NOT the case tonight as far as I could tell. was a great hoss style match. Plenty of lariats and were running the ropes criss-cross and Dempsey Overall, it was a great show. The biggest areas some great feats of strength from Ishii, including a gave up when he got winded and laughed at Jordan for improvement are with the new talent, but it’s a suplex and another from the top rope. Damo hit a Van along with the crowd as he kept going. developmental brand (regardless of what others Terminator (yes, really!) and a running senton to get (3) Baron Corbin beat Rhyno. Corbin was might say). There were lots of Dusty Rhodes tributes arguably the biggest win of his career so far. booed a lot; Rhyno had a lot of nostalgic appreciation. tonight: bionic elbows, polka dots, and dancing that (3) New Japan’s Shinsuke Nakamura beat Corbin needs facial expressions that convey more looks good on Dusty’s flabby body, but not on anyone Roderick Strong in his return to RPW. Roderick was intensity than what he showed tonight. He looked else. It was definitely worth the purchase price to get a late replacement for Ricochet, who was unable bored, but given the tenor of the locker room it may reserved seats. to attend the show due to passport issues. A very have been other factors. entertaining match with the crowd all over Strong (4) Charlotte & Bayley beat Dana Brooke & Global Force Wrestling Results and his little boots. Really high impact match with a Emma via submission. Dana is really good at getting First-Ever Live Show lot of close nearfalls. Nakamura eventually picked up heat in-person in an improv manner – when the June 12, 2015 the win after quite a few Boma-Ye’s. crowd started chanting “Cleveland Sucks!” because Jackson, Tenn. at The Ballpark at Jackson After the match, Damo O’Connor came back of her hometown (and the rivalry with Pittsburgh), Concerning crowd size, it was a “humble out to challenge Nakamura to a match at the next she started pantomiming a basketball player because beginnings” start with fans scattered behind home York Hall show, to which Nakamura responded with of the Cavs. The crowd went almost a nuclear as they plate and along the baselines. The ring was set up a hearty “YEOW.” went all night for that. The introductions were weird behind home plate near the backstop. (4) Cruiserweight champion Will Ospreay beat - Charlotte came out first, then Emma and Dana. Global Force refreshingly stuck to the Matt Sydal in a 2/3 Falls match to retain the CW Title. Emma talked about how awful it was that Charlotte’s advertised line-up, with Jim Cornette making as This was a superb match, it was not just a spotfest as partner didn’t show and that it looked like it was special appearance prior to the main event. so many cruiserweight matches can be. Sydal scored going to be a handicap match. Then Bayley showed (1) Tate Twins (Brandon & Brent Tate) beat the first fall with his Sydal Star Press and Ospreay up to interrupt Emma and even the sides. Bayley and Best Friends (Chuck Taylor & Barreta). Opening tag tied it up with a cradle. Sydal hit the SSP again, but Charlotte did synchronized figure-fours for the win. match. Ospreay kicked out. Ospreay then hit a corkscrew They also did bionic elbows that got a “Dus-ty” chant (2) Sonjay Dutt beat Jamin Olivencia. High- SSP for the title retaining pin. from the crowd. flying match. Post-match, both men shook hands and left [Intermission] (3) Thea Trinidad (Rosita in TNA) beat Lei’D together. Promoter and MC for the evening Andy (5) Zack Ryder & Mojo Rawley beat The Tapa. Women’s match. Quildan then put over Sydal for getting around his Vaudevillians. How about “Hype Riders” for the (4) Moose beat Kevin Matthews (substituting passport issues by going over and above the call of winning tag team? After intermission, Zack Ryder for TNA wrestler Brodus Clay, who was pulled from duty to make the show. came out to a huge pop. Rawley was greeted with the show). Powerhouse match. Next was a major change of pace as we saw The resounding boos. This was by far the most oddly (5) Chris Masters (Chris Mordetzky) beat Legion of Lords, Lord Gideon Grey and Rishi Ghosh, booked match of the night. The VVs were booked as Dustin Starr with the Masterlock. Powerhouse match. take on the team of Colt Cabana and Matt Classic. heels and it worked when Ryder was in the ring, but (6) Bullet Club (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson Yes, AND Matt Classic. A quick history lesson. In when Mojo came in, the crowd hated him. Rawley w/Amber Gallows) beat New Heavenly Bodies February 2014, Grey upset Cabana in a match where wasn’t bad in the ring, but he was put in a position to (Dustin & Justin). Main Event tag match. Cabana put his RPW career on the line. A year later, fail that whoever’s booking should know better than Cabana returned to request to come back to RPW, but to do. Revolution Pro Results Grey’s legal team saw to it that he could come back. (6) NXT Women’s champion Sasha Banks June 14, 2015 Later that night, Grey took on the open challenge of beat Becky Lynch via submission to retain the NXT London, England Matt Classic, who ended Grey winning streak. Grey Women’s Title. This was an incredible match; the Report by Dave Green, PWTorch claimed that Classic was Cabana in a mask, which crowd was hot for it in all the right ways. The crowd correspondent led to this match being made. If Cabana and Classic was more 50/50 on this match than any other. Banks I attended the RevPro show Sunday night at showed up at the same time and won the match, then #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 14 www.PWTorch.com/members Colt could officially be reinstated to RPW. FoxStars (The ShadowFox & LuchaStar), and Cut “At the end, you felt like you won a home After a delayed entrance, Classic and Cabana Throat Cody & Nick Bugatti in a four-team match. game,” Tyndall said. “Everyone was cheering and entered the ring together. Classic looked slightly (6) Mike Da-Lite beat Bryce Harrison via excited and I got to experience both sides tonight.” tubbier that last we saw him and with more tattoos, count-out. with Grey claiming that it was in fact Grado. This (7) FunnyBone (w/Shelly Martinez) beat Mike WWE Live show results was refuted and the match was on. Da-Lite via pinfall. June 12, 2015 (5) Colt Cabana & Matt Classic beat Lord (8) Former UFC fighter Phil Baroni beat Kenny Springfield, Ill. Gideon Grey & Rishi Ghosh. Good comedy tag, King via pinfall. Results courtesy Prowrestling.net. which was a refreshing change from the more intense (9) The Gods of War (Alex Hammerstone & Joe The show started with a 10-bell salute for Dusty action we’d had so far in the show. Cabana and Graves w/Arae) beat High Impact (T.J. Perkins & Rhodes. “Classic” got their submissions on both Ghosh and Damian Drake) via pinfall to win the 3PW Tag Team (1) IC champion Ryback beat Bray Wyatt to Grey for the double tap-out. Championships. retain the Intercontinental Title. In the main event, RPW British Heavyweight (2) Jimmy Uso beat Bo Dallas. champion “The Villain” Marty Scurll put his title on WWE NXT show results (3) Jack Swagger beat Bo Dallas via submission. the line against the IWGP champion A.J. Styles. It June 13, 2015 (4) Cesaro beat Erick Rowan. was stated that there must be a winner, so Scurll’s Columbus, Ohio at LC Pavilion Chris Jericho returned to WWE house shows Revolutionist stablemates were banned from Report by Ben Tucker, PWTorch TV specialist for a promo setting up the same bit with Luke Harper ringside. Read Tucker’s in-person tweets from the show @ as his previous run... (6) A.J. Styles beat Marty Scurll to win the BTuckerTorch. (5) Chris Jericho beat Luke Harper. RPW British Hvt. Title. What followed was a more (1) Enzo Amore & Big Cass beat The (6) The Bellas (Divas champion Nikki Bella & than worthy main event, with Scurll looking every Vaudevillains. Brie Bella) beat Naomi & Tamina. inch the equal of Styles. In a bit of shocker, Styles hit (2) Jason Jordan beat Bull Dempsey. (7) WWE tag champions New Day beat The the Bloody Sunday and then the Styles Clash to pin (3) NXT tag champs Blake & Murphy beat Zack Ascension, AxelMania (Damien Sandow & Curtis Scurll and win the British title! Ryder & Mojo Rawley. Axel), and The Miz & Adam Rose in a four-team After the match, Styles offered Scurll his respect (4) NXT champion Sasha Banks beat Charlotte match to retain the WWE Tag Titles. and his hand, which Scurll accepted. However Scurll via submission to retain the NXT Women’s Title. (8) U.S. champion John Cena beat Kane in a then attacked A.J. until Styles’s previous York Hall [Intermission] steel cage match to retain the U.S. Title. opponent, Will Ospreay, making the save. After some (5) Bayley & Carmella beat Emma & Dana interaction between all three men, the crowd chanted Brooke. QUICK RESULTS “Triple Threat.” The match was then made for the (6) Tyler Breeze beat Baron Corbin. •Great North Wrestling results: May 29 in next York Hall show in October. (7) NXT champion Kevin Owens beat Samoa Joe Smiths Falls, Ont., Canada: Main Event: Brutus All in all, a really great show. It will be and Finn Balor in a three-way match to retain the NXT “The Barber” Beefcake & The Grapecusher beat available very soon on the company’s VOD service Title. Owens pinned Joe for the win. “Platinum” Preston Perry & Sexy Eddy. Semi-Main and I would advise readers to watch the show. The No Rhyno or Becky Lynch. I saw Lynch before Event: Hannibal beat Jeremy Prophet in a Street four singles matches were epic in every way and the the show and she was limping severely. Fight for the Canadian Championship. Also: Eve beat comic relief tag match was very entertaining. Malicia via DQ in a GNW Woman’s Championship To sum, this show was one of many great Global Force Wrestling Results match. This set up the re-match on May 30. Darko shows that showcases how good the U.K. scene is Second-Ever Live Show beat The Spoiler. Soa Amin won a handicap match at the moment. RPW, along with Southside, Insane June 13, 2015 vs. two locals. Bryan Briggs beat “The Hart Throbs” Championship Wrestling, and, in particular, Progress Knoxville, Tenn. at Smokies Park (w/Asana) via DQ when the Hart Throbs paid off Wrestling are all companies I implore readers of It was another basic crowd behind home plate and Briggs’s tag team partner, Nathan Banner, and laid PWTorch to check out, as the U.K. scene is a great scattered along the baselines. The matches were similar out Briggs before he was saved by Grapecrusher. one to watch. to the first-ever show Friday night in Jackson, Tenn... This set up Hart Throbs vs. Grapecrusher and Brutus The next show at York Hall in October will (1) Tate Twins (Brandon & Brent Tate) beat Best Beefcake on May 30. Knine beat Patrick Shenzy and feature a lot of New Japan talent, with the following Friends (Chuck Taylor & Barreta). Big Bad Ray. Harley Davison’s team won a tag team matches made and announced in tonight’s show: (2) Sonjay Dutt & Chase Owens beat Jamin match. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Olivencia & Jason Kincaid. Owens and Kincaid, who Great North Wrestling results: May 30 in Jushin Thunder Liger, A.J. Styles vs. Marty Scurll are top stars for NWA-Smoky Mountain, were added to Ottawa, Ont., Canada: Main Event: Brutus “The vs. Will Ospreay, and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Damo the match to make it a tag match. Barber” Beefcake & “The Grapecrusher” beat “The O’Connor. (3) Thea Trinidad (Rosita in TNA) beat Lei’D Hart Throbs.” GNW Canadian champion Hannibal Tapa. beat Soa Amin in a Canadian Championship Power Precision Pro (3PW) Results (4) Moose beat Kongo Kong. Friday night was match. This was a wild match that included guest June 12, 2015 Kevin Matthews losing to Moose. referee Senator Patrick Brazeau refusing to count Las Vegas, Nev. at The Proving Ground (5) Chris Masters (Chris Mordetzky) beat Devin for Hannibal, prompting a second referee to be Arena Driscoll. Friday night was Dustin Starr losing to introduced. After the match, Brazeau, who is (1) Spyder Warrior & Wild Horse beat Bobby Masters. currently suspended from his Senate position, Burgerhands & Henry Henderson via pinfall. (6) Bullet Club (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson attempted to reverse the decision, which led to (2) The Whirlwind Gentlemen (Remy Marcel w/Amber Gallows) beat New Heavenly Bodies (Dustin Hannibal piledriving Brazeau through a table on the & Jack Manley) beat The U (Sugar Brown & & Justin). Former Tennessee Vols college basketball floor. Jeremy Prophet beat Darko via countout. GNW Clutch) via pinfall to retain the WCWC Tag Team coach Donnie Tyndall started in the NHB heel corner Woman’s champion Malicia beat Eve. “The Prodigy” Championships. opposite Jim Cornette. But, by the end of the match, Nathan Banner beat “International Sensation” Sexy (3) Big Duke beat Disco Inferno via pinfall. Tyndall “turned face” to help Bullet Club win. Eddy. The Spoiler defeated Majic Mario. Knine won (4) Shelly Martinez & Sage Sin Supreme beat “When we first came out, I felt like we were a handicap match. Harley Davison’s team won a six- “Fallen Flower” Kikyo & Kahmora. coming out of the tunnel for a road game,” Tyndall man tag team match. (5) Suede Thompson & Greg Romero beat told KnoxNews.com. “People were booing and saying Send results of live events you attend to pwtorch Beauty & The Beast (Tommy Purr & Beast), Los some mean things and giving some rough gestures.” @gmail.com. ###

#1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 15 www.PWTorch.com/members TORCH NEWSWIRE PLUS powerbombing MGK off the stage, and Owens’s 2014. Khali noted to the Times that he grew tired of storyline-driven apology. “I’d like to apologize for the “same routine of theatrics” and decided to “use • By Wade Keller and James Caldwell • my actions tonight. I got carried away,” Owens the raw power inside me to train raw youth.” Khali tweeted Monday night after Raw. This follows the said he’s still interested in returning to WWE, but in WWE NEWS storyline development of Stephanie McMahon the meantime he is looking to train the next wave of vowing “disciplinary actions” for Owens. Indian wrestlers and try to get his position back with TOP ITEMS OF THE WEEK •NXT Champion Kevin Owens sat down the Punjab Police force. •The June 16 Raw drew a 2.83 rating after with Michael Cole for the weekly interview on The June 11 Smackdown drew a 1.81 rating, the Money in the Bank PPV, up from last week’s WWE’s website. The storyline-driven discussion recovering from last week’s 1.70 rating. The reason 2.59 rating. It wasn’t quite the Brock Pop that focused on why Owens powerbombed Machine Gun for the recovery appears to be a 24 percent increase in showed up in Raw’s Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings, as Kelly off the stage. Owens cut a promo on MGK the adults 18-49 (males and females) demographic. Raw was below a 2.87 rating on May 18 following for “not belonging on Raw,” trying to be a hero to Smackdown drew the highest a18-49 rating since his hometown of Cleveland like John Cena would April 9 two weeks removed from WrestleMania. the Payback PPV. The rating did continue a recent do singing his “silly little song,” and being in the Whereas, Smackdown’s key male ratings were down see-saw pattern for Raw... wrong place as a surrogate for Cena, who was not two-tenths of a point from where the show was on Apr. 27: 2.68 rating on Raw. Owens and Cole suggested that Owens’s May 21. Smackdown drew 2.611 million viewers, May 4: 2.55 rating (down) “punishment” was simply tweeting an apology up 11 percent from the original airing last Thursday. May 11: 2.67 rating (up) about getting carried away powerbombing MGK off Smackdown went against the NBA Finals again, but May 18: 2.87 rating (post-PPV bump) the stage, essentially ending that storyline aspect. fared better than last week despite the Finals setting May 25: 2.55 rating (down) The interview concluded with Owens vowing to records for viewership. June 1: 2.79 rating (post-PPV bump) take the U.S. Title from Cena, since that is Cena’s The June 4 Smackdown scored a 1.70 rating, June 8: 2.59 rating (down) most prized possession, setting up Match #3 in their down sharply from a 1.84 rating the week before June 15: 2.83 rating (post-PPV bump) series. Owens also got worked up when Cole talked Smackdown, which went against Game 1 of the It will likely take time for the Raw TV rating about Owens winning his “first match in WWE” NBA Finals, saw a sharp increase in post-live DVR to reflect an increase in interest, as WWE did not at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Owens said he’s viewership. The original airing drew 2.349 million advertise Lesnar’s return in advance. Whereas, been in WWE for months defending the NXT Title viewers, then jumped to 2.713 million total viewers social media provides an instant gauge of interest. and he signed a contract with “WWE,” not “NXT.” with DVR viewing added in. Raw’s three hours averaged 4.113 million Owens’s comment served as a message about WWE viewers, up 13 percent from last week. Hourly trying to re-brand NXT as a third brand at the level SAMI ZAYN TALKS ABOUT DUSTY Break Down: 4.095 million first hour viewers, 4.249 of Raw or Smackdown and not the “developmental One of the more newsworthy and insightful million second hour viewers, and 3.997 million territory” that NXT started as. aspects of the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Paul third hour viewers. The second hour was the most- •Raw exploded in Nielsen’s Twitter TV Heyman podcast on June 1 was Heyman recalling watched since the post-WrestleMania episode on Ratings on Monday, increasing nearly 100 percent how Dusty Rhodes taught him the art of the money March 30 when Brock was written off TV. from last week’s show leading into Money in the promo. Heyman recalled a wild, rambling promo on •WWE stock jumped four percent to $16.45 Bank. Raw drew a unique Twitter audience of 2.972 WCW TV early in his run, then coming backstage per share. The high was $17.18, crossing $17 for million, up 92 percent from last week. It was the to find Dusty, who simply asked him, “Where’s the the first time since March and nearing the 2015 highest score since 3.563 million on March 30, the money?” high-point of $17.91 set back on March 3. The stock night after WrestleMania when Brock left TV. Raw’s In a blog post reflecting on Dusty Rhodes, jumped in early morning trading following a new total impressions were 13.313 million, up 87 percent NXT star Sami Zayn detailed Dusty’s response to stock analysis report recommending WWE on the from last week. It was also the most impressions hearing that Heyman told the story on the Network basis of the Network. BTIG, a brokerage firm, issued since March 30. The huge bump allowed Raw to podcast. “A few days ago in the trainer’s room at the a report setting an ambitious price target of $25 for rank #1 among series and specials on Monday night PC, he was sitting around talking to someone and I WWE shares. This led to early morning buying, then for the first time since May 11. Raw topped “The said, ‘Hey Dream, you got put over again by Paul the stock came down to $16.13 before closing at Bachelorette” on ABC in uniques to rank #1, but Heyman on Steve Austin’s podcast the other night. $16.45. ABC’s show outdrew Raw in total impressions. Heyman was talking about how you helped him •Former WWE headliner C.M. Punk (Phil If compared to one-off sports programming, Raw learn how to cut money promos.’ And he smiled and Brooks) is scheduled to lead the championship would have ranked #2 behind the deciding Game 6 in true Dusty form he replied, ‘There is no one in this parade for his hometown Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, which topped Raw business that the Dream hasn’t influenced.’ The best Thursday morning in Chicago. The festivities by a wide margin. part is that he was right. Thank you, Dream. They kick off at 9:00 a.m. local time, airing on Comcast •WWE issued a press release formally don’t make people like you anymore. I’m so glad I SportsNet, which is advertising “Live Coverage of announcing that Lovepreet Sangha and Satender got to know you,” Zayn blogged. the Blackhawks Stanley Cup Championship Parade Ved Pal have begun training at the Performance Zayn also wrote about his final interactions & Rally – featuring co-host, Chicago native/lifelong Center in Florida. Lovepreet and Satender join a with Dusty at the Performance Center. “(Dusty’s Blackhawks fan/pro wrestling superstar, C.M. Punk.” class of international recruits at the Performance death) was particularly shocking to me because I had Another wrestling tie-in is WWE sent an official Center ranging from India, Mexico, Australia, United seen him almost every day this week at the WWE WWE Title belt to the Blackhawks organization to Kingdom, Serbia, Germany, Canada, and the United Performance Center when I went in to rehab my add to their hardware. The Blackhawks have won States. “The addition of two elite athletes from India shoulder,” Zayn wrote. “He appeared to be in good three Stanley Cup Titles in the last six years. to the NXT family underscores WWE’s global reach health and so it was really hard for me to believe •WWE is heavily emphasizing the angle and popularity,” said Triple H in the announcement. that the news was true. But as I read more and more on Monday’s Raw involving Kevin Owens and “Our talent roster is as diverse as our fan base, and about it, and tears filled my eyes, I didn’t know what musical guest Machine Gun Kelly. WWE sent out we continue to build both at a rapid pace.” Triple to do with myself. So I came home and decided to video for broadcast use and received coverage from H first announced on June 2 the signings of Indian just write a little bit about Dusty. Many mourners various entertainment news outlets. Included was wrestlers Singh and Satinder. According to the Times referred to Dusty as a great mentor and a great MTV’s website going through a blow-by-blow of report, both trained under Great Khali, who opened teacher, which he absolutely was. But I would like the entire night, starting with MGK rehearsing, the a new wrestling academy in 2015. This followed to share with you the little things about Dusty that I performance in his hometown of Cleveland, Owens WWE not renewing Khali’s contract in November greatly appreciated in my time with him. He was a #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 16 www.PWTorch.com/members great guy.” WWE star Xavier Woods will be the primary video games history,” likely due to the inclusion host of WWE’s new content, which will be broken of NXT roster members, such as Balor. The video RATINGS BIG PICTURE down into five weekly shows... game will also have a presence at the E3 video For the Big Five cable TV shows of WWE •“UpUpDownDown Plays” (Mondays) - A “Let’s game convention this week in Los Angeles. 2K Raw, TNA Impact, ROH TV, Lucha Underground, Play” style show featuring Woods and other Sports says they will have roster artwork on display and WWE Smackdown... personalities playing through today’s hottest titles. at the 2K booth, which is #1001 in the South Hall. •Total Live Viewership: 6.818 million viewers •“For the Lolz” (Wednesdays) – Woods and “WWE 2K16” is scheduled for release on October (down very slightly from 6.832 million viewers others explore the vast worlds of popular sandbox 27 in North America and October 30 internationally. Week of June 1). games like Grand Theft Auto V, where just about 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive •DVR Added Viewership: 7.613 million anything and everything can happen. Software, Inc... Matches taped before Raw on viewers (down 1.7 percent from 7.747 million •“Jump Scares” (Fridays) - Delving deep into Monday for Superstars: (1) Cesaro beat Bo Dallas viewers Week of June 1). the horror genre, players push their intestinal fortitude via submission. Cesaro did the Big Swing into a •WWE’s TV programming grabbed 91.7 to the limit by creeping through the industry’s most submission finisher for the win. (2) Luke Harper & percent of the live TV wrestling share, compared bloodcurdling games. Erick Rowan beat Los Matadores and The Ascension to 92.5 percent last week. The smaller pie and •“Superstar Savepoint” (Saturdays) – Guests in a three-team tag match... WWE grabbing a smaller share was the result of are tasked with jumping into a random game totally Raw viewership down significantly from June 1, “cold,” and must help lead Woods to gaming glory in TNA NEWS combined with increases to TNA Impact and Lucha this unpredictable co-op experiment. Underground. ROH TV was essentially flat trending •“Gamer Gauntlet” (Sundays) – Woods and TNA vs. ROH: WEDNESDAY RATINGS 6/10 downward compared to last week. friends challenge each other for more than gaming TNA’s first airing viewership number in its •June 8: WWE Raw’s three individual hours bragging rights, with losers suffering pre-determined second week back on Wednesdays drew an increase averaged 3.644 million first-run viewers (vs. 3.973 penalties. of 33,000 viewers, but the West Coast feed dropped million viewers last week). Raw’s DVR viewership by 11,000. It was enough of a net increase to get was up from June 1, but not enough to close the gap. MARK HENRY REFLECTS TNA’s total viewership over 400,000. Impact June 1 - Live & 3-Day DVR averaged 4.404 Mark Henry says he doesn’t consider the wild was still down 27 percent from their Friday night million viewers. storylines he was involved in during the Attitude Era average of 553,950 viewers on Dest. America. It June 8 - Live & 3-Day DVR averaged 4.102 as controversial or too outrageous. Talking to The appears it will take time for the audience to migrate million viewers Mirror U.K. publication about the new “Attitude Era” over. Overall, the June 8 Raw grabbed 53.9 percent book, Henry said he considers things like “Sexual The first airing at 9:00 p.m. EST drew 330,000 of the total viewership pie for the week, down from Chocolate” or his relationship with Mae Young as viewers (live + same day DVR viewership), up 56.9 percent last week. helping him stand out on a crowded roster. “I was from 297,000 in the same timeslot last week. The •June 10: Ring of Honor’s first-run airing on ready to do anything. But as far as being involved in replay then drew 74,000, down from 85k last Destination America drew 161,000 viewers, even wild and crazy storylines, that’s not quite the way that week in the midnight EST timeslot. Thus, Impact’s with last week. DVR viewership was 21,000 viewers I saw it. I saw it as I came into an industry where there total combined viewership was 404,000, up from to bring the total to 182,000. (This is the first airing were a lot of big personalities and I had to come in and 382,000 viewers last week. only and does not include the replay after Impact.) shine, or you would never see my light,” Henry told By comparison, ROH’s first airing on Overall, ROH’s combined viewership declined The Mirror. Destination America which preceded Impact drew from 198,000 viewers on June 3 to 182,000 viewers Regarding his on-air role with Mae Young, 161,000 viewers (live + same day DVR viewership) on June 10. Henry said, “I enjoyed my time working with Mae at 8:00 p.m. EST, essentially even with 163,000 •June 10: TNA Impact drew 330,000 first-run Young, she was one of the coolest, most respected viewers in the same timeslot last week. The replay viewers. Impact added 83,000 viewers for a total of people that I ever met in the industry. We both gave then drew 138,000 viewers at 11:00 p.m., up from 413,000 viewers. (This is the first airing only and each other’s characters life and that is something that 110k last week. Thus, ROH’s total combined does not include the late-night replay after the ROH is hard for people to understand. “There are thousands viewership was 299,000, up from 273k last week. replay.) of wrestlers and there are thousands of really good The gap between viewership was 105,000 Overall, Impact improved from 364,000 total ones, but to be able to join somebody that kind of fell in favor of Impact this week, essentially the same viewers on June 3 to 413,000 viewers on June 10. off the map and both of you rise to the top of the card as 109,000 last week. The meat of the Wednesday •June 10: Lucha Underground on El Rey because of chemistry, and that last for not a week or night programming block grew - the original Impact Network drew 72,000 first-run viewers, up from two, but for a year, and here we are 16 years later still airing was up 33,000 from last week and the post- 50,000 last week. Lucha added 30,000 DVR viewers talking about it, it’s impressive. It’s unbelievable.” Impact ROH replay was up 28,000 from last week. for a total of 102,000 viewers. Overall, Lucha The other big aspect of the Wednesday night block improved dramatically from 68,000 total viewers on WWE NOTEBOOK is a very narrow, older audience. ROH checked in June 3 to 102,000 viewers on June 10. WWE’s NXT brand has been announced for with a median age of 52.8 years-old, older than 50.2 •June 11: WWE Smackdown drew 2.611 another music festival in October. NXT is advertised last week. Their split was 96 percent males 18-49 million live viewers on Syfy. DVR viewing added for the “Louder Than Life” event in Louisville, (versus 75 percent last week). Female viewership 203,000 viewers for a total of 2.814 million viewers. Kentucky with dates of October 3 and 4. The venue barely registered. Impact checked in with a median Overall, Smackdown improved 100,000 (3.7 is Champions Park near down Louisville. Monster age of 51.5 years-old, slightly younger than 52.2 percent) from 2.713 million total viewers on June 4 Energy is a key sponsor of the festival, which ties years-old last week, but still outside of the desired to 2.814 million viewers on June 11. in with NXT already set for the “Monster Energy 18-49 window. Their demo split was not much Aftershock” event in Sacramento, California. Those better - Impact was 85 percent m18-49 and 15 WWE YOU TUBE CHANNEL UPDATE dates are Oct. 24 and 25 at Gibson Ranch... 2K Sports percent f18-49. WWE announced a new YouTube channel announced Tuesday the first six roster members for focusing on video games titled “UpUpDownDown.” the next WWE franchise video game. Included in IMPACT WRESTLING TV SUMMARY 6/10 WWE is looking to tap into the popularity of “WWE 2K16” are WWE World Hvt. champion Seth The episode carried the “Destination X” their regular YouTube channel by creating a separate Rollins, Daniel Bryan, Dean Ambrose, Bad News theme... channel dedicated to video games, celebrities, and Barrett, Paige, and NXT star Finn Balor. 2K Sports •Kurt Angle opened the show by defeating WWE stars who are serious gamers. is advertising “the largest playable roster in WWE 148-pound Rockstar Spud in a TNA World Hvt. #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 17 www.PWTorch.com/members Title match. Spud, who lost via submission to a announced their “Best in the World” PPV will be grapevined anklelock, cashed in the X Division available on Flipps. The BITW event on Friday, June ETC. NEWS Title for the Hvt. Title shot. 19 is priced at $34.95. Slammiversary will be Flipps’s Angle then beat Austin Aries in the TV main third major wrestling PPV broadcast this year. On TOP ITEMS OF THE WEEK event to retain the TNA World Title. Aries, who lost January 4, Flipps offered Global Force Wrestling’s •After spending three years in Japan, via submission to a grapevined anklelock, cashed in presentation of New Japan’s Tokyo Dome Show. Chyna (Joanie Laurer) has returned to the U.S. his Feast or Fired briefcase for a title shot against Slammiversary and ROH’s Best in the World events looking to re-brand herself, mainly in hopes the Angle-Spud winner. will also be available on major cable providers, such of being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. •After Angle retained the TNA Title for the as AT&T U-Verse and Comcast (through InDemand). TMZ partner website TooFab released video of an second time, Ethan Carter III attacked Angle and Per the press release: “Flipps delighted wrestling interview with Laurer at SiriusXM studios last week declared himself the next contender to the TNA fans today by announcing that it has partnered with in New York talking about her goals returning to the World Title. A preview for next week’s Impact then Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor Wrestling to U.S. Notably, Laurer is trying to raise money for a showed Angle and ECIII signing a contract for a live stream two major summer events on mobile documentary on her career and life, where she “looks TNA Title match. phones and connected TVs globally - Ring of Honor: for reconciliation and redemption among family, •A series of matches determined who will Best in the World and Total Nonstop Action (TNA) friends, fans, and haters, and seeks to claim her place compete for the vacant X Division Title at a later Slammiversary. The Flipps mobile app is the easiest in the WWE Hall of Fame.” “I was taking a break, time. Winners were Low Ki, Tigre Uno, and Grado. way to discover and project amazing entertainment removing myself, regrouping, getting it together, and Although, Grado’s qualifying match against Kenny onto a TV using only a smartphone. Wrestling fans I’m ready to come back,” she said in the interview. King and Cruz never officially started because TNA are now able to order both events directly from the The Kickstarter for Laurer’s documentary, “The edited out the opening bell. mobile app and purchase the pay-per-view programs Reconstruction of Chyna,” can be found HERE. •The Knockouts feud of the show centered via the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.” •Bret Hart headlined Big Time Wrestling on KO champion Taryn Terrell and Brooke •TNA announced Tuesday the return of King events on June 11 and 12. Local News outlet KRTV Tessmacher, with Awesome Kong involved by of the Mountain match at Slammiversary on June in Montana covered BTW’s event, “Legends of taking out Dollhouse members Jade and Marti 28, in addition to the previously announced James the Falls,” at Centene Stadium. Bret Hart was the Belle. Storm vs. Magnus grudge match. It’s unclear if headliner and he led the crowd in a moment of •Crimson randomly returned to TNA television this will be the main event of the PPV. TNA did not silence for Dusty Rhodes, who died earlier in the to take a beating and loss against Bram. disclose who will be in the match or what title will be day. Hart also commented on Dusty’s legacy during •Josh Mathews was joined by “The Pope” on the line. In Tuesday’s announcement, TNA broke an in-ring promo. In a TV interview, Hart noted that D’Angelo Dinero on studio commentary for the down the rules of the match, noting “the belt” will be when he was younger, he used to travel to Great Falls second consecutive week. hanging above the ring. TNA has already announced with his father, Stu Hart, who promoted wrestling During the show, Mathews and Dinero Kurt Angle vs. Ethan Carter III for the TNA World across the border from Canada. Also on the Big Time attempted an on-camera explanation for Mickie Title on the July 1 Impact after the PPV. Wrestling show were Scott Steiner, “Nasty Boy” James being bumped onto train tracks by James •TNA announced Sunday that Slammiversary Brian Knobbs, Gangrel, and more stars. Storm last week on Impact. Mathews said will air live in the U.K. The PPV will air on Monday The Missoulian local newspaper covered Mickie “was not physically harmed,” but she was morning, June 29 at 1:00 a.m. on Challenge TV, BTW’s event at the outdoor Ogren-Allegiance Park. emotionally hurt. Mathews advertised Magnus concurrent with the event airing live on pay-per-view Bret Hart headlined and made an appearance mid- appearing on next week’s Impact to address the and the Flipps App Sunday night in the U.S. TNA way through the show to talk about Dusty Rhodes. situation. World Hvt. champion Kurt Angle is the centerpiece Also on the Big Time Wrestling show were Scott •Match Results: (1) TNA World Hvt. champion of TNA’s Slammiversary announcement. However, Steiner, “Nasty Boy” Brian Knobbs, Gangrel, and Kurt Angle beat Rockstar Spud via submission TNA has not announced Angle’s match for the PPV. more stars. Steiner beat Gangrel via submission with to retain the TNA World Title. ... (2) Low Ki beat Angle is advertised to defend the TNA World Title the Steiner Recliner in the main event. Also, Knobbs Manik and Crazzy Steve in a three-way X Division against Ethan Carter III on the Impact episode after won a hardcore match against a local wrestler who qualifying match by pinning Manik. ... (3) Tigre the PPV on July 1. The only advertised match for the cut off Hart’s speech about Dusty and Scotty 2 Uno beat Mandrews and D.J. Zema in a three-way PPV is U.K. star Magnus vs. James Storm in a grudge Hotty won the semi-main event. The tour wraps up X Division qualifying match by pinning Mandrews. match. TNA’s 30-second commercial spot advertises Saturday night in Billings, Montana. ... (4) Grado beat Cruz and Kenny King in a three- Angle, ECIII, the Hardys (including injured star •Following in the footsteps of TNA star way X Division qualifying match by pinning Jeff Hardy), The Beat Down Clan, The Rising, and Jessie Godderz, pro wrestler Austin Matelson has Cruz. ... (5) Bram beat Crimson. ... (6) TNA World Knockouts champion Taryn Terrell. joined the cast of CBS’s “Big Brother” reality Hvt. champion Kurt Angle beat Austin Aries via •TNA star/MMA fighter Bobby Lashley has TV show. Matelson, who wrestles as Judas Devlin submission to retain the TNA World Title. a new opponent for his next Bellator MMA fight. on the independents, is one of 14 contestants set Lashley (12-2) will now face Dan Charles (9-2) in a to appear on Big Brother Season 17. E!, which TOP ITEMS OF THE WEEK televised fight on Spike TV next Friday, June 19 from airs WWE’s Total Divas show, described Matelson •Multiple TNA performers report that the St. Louis, Mo. Lashley’s original opponent, James as a “WWE wrestler” in their coverage of the cast company is roughly a week behind on payroll, Thompson, was forced to pull out of the fight due to a announcement. Matelson is out of California, where according to a report by Jason Powell at reported injury. Lashley was looking for redemption he trained to be a pro wrestler. The new season kicks ProWrestling.net. This issue was brought up in against Thompson, who beat Lashley in May 2012. off next Wednesday and Thursday, June 24 & 25 at the conference call between TNA management and That was Lashley’s most-recent loss before rattling 8:00 p.m. on CBS. Godderz has regularly appeared TNA wrestlers last month, and TNA president Dixie off five consecutive wins. Lashley has not fought on the CBS show since being a houseguest on Season Carter denied it was a common issue and assured since October 2014 at the Bellator 130 event. Charles 10 in 2008. It remains to be seen if he makes another talent it wasn’t going to be an ongoing problem. has also not fought since October 2014 at the Bellator appearance this season. •TNA Wrestling will make their next event that preceded Bellator 130. Next Friday’s •WWNLive announced Tuesday the line-up PPV available through the Flipps App. TNA’s Bellator 138 fight card is headlined by Ken Shamrock for their next show, EVOLVE 45, on July 10 in Slammiversary PPV on Sunday, June 28 will vs. Kimbo Slice. Lashley vs. Charles is listed as a Ybor City, Fla. Included is a main event tag match be available for purchase through Flipps, which Heavyweight Division Feature Fight, which will be of top champion Drew Galloway & Roderick Strong includes access in the U.S. and Canada. The price part of the card airing at 9:00 p.m. EST on Spike. vs. Anthony Nese & Caleb Konley of the Premier point is $39.95. Earlier this week, Ring of Honor Athlete Brand. This follows Galloway and Strong #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 18 www.PWTorch.com/members going to war against each other on recent shows, Includes food, beverage, unveiling of original Rob MCNEILL’S LIVE PPV BLOG but uniting against the PAB. EVOLVE 45 Line-up Schamberger artwork, and unveiling of Jim Ross - July 10 - Ybor City, Fla.: Main Event: DGUSA/ audio tour. (All-access pass holders and hall of fame We are LIVE from the PWTorch Control EVOLVE champion Drew Galloway & Roderick inductees only). Center, where yours truly gets to review WWE’s Strong vs. Premier Athlete Brand (Caleb Konley Friday, July 10: 9:00 a.m. – National Wrestling Money In The Bank in the middle of the night. & Anthony Nese w/So Cal Val), Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum opens to all-access Please, no spoilers. Without time constraints, I Davey Richards, Chris Hero vs. Trevor Lee in an pass holders. can hopefully give the event the sort of thorough E43 re-match, Rich Swann vs. Timothy Thatcher, 11:30 a.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling evaluation coverage it richly deserves. Biff Busick vs. Andrew Everett. EVOLVE 46 Line- with Gerald Brisco at Five Sullivan Brothers We kick off the preshow with our all-star up - July 11 - Orlando, Fla.: EVOLVE Title match: Convention Center. (Free to all-access pass holders). panel of Renee Young, Byron Saxton, Corey Drew Galloway vs. Trent Baretta. Zack Sabre, Jr. vs. Tickets available for $10 at the door. Graves and Conspiracy Brother. Would Dusty T.J. Perkins. 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – George Tragos and appreciate tonight’s show? Not sure. But I think •Independent wrestler “The Walking Lou Thesz scrapbooks available for viewing in the he’d appreciate Renee Young’s pink tank top. Weapon” Josh Alexander has announced that Dean Rockwell Library located inside the National Stephanie tweeted “We never got to shoot our he is walking away from the wrestling business Wrestling Hall Dan Gable Museum. First time ever angle together.” I like that Stephanie hasn’t lost due to an accumulation of injuries. Alexander on public display. (All-access pass holders only). her sense of humor. In honor of Dusty, Renee talks posted a lengthy blog on Monday detailing recent 4:00 p.m. – Kurt Angle ring presentation about who’s going to the pay window. neck injuries, surgeries, doctor visits, re-injuries in and reception in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Filthy Tom Phillips interviews Neville in the ring, and finally coming to the point where he Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. (All-access the parking garage. Neville’s dressed like he’s says he received news on June 3 that forced him to pass holders and banquet ticket holders only). reporting for second shift as an analyst at CTU. stop wrestling. Alexander is advertising a farewell 6:00 p.m. – Doors open to the Impact Pro Graves mentions that most MITB winners match on July 12 for the Alpha-1 promotion in Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention cash in and win the title. I’m glad he emphasized Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Alexander is scheduled Center. the word “most.” You can win a commemorative to team with his long-time tag partner Ethan Page 7:00 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show starts at Money In The Bank briefcase which contains a against The GymRats (Scotty O’Shea & Alessandro Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. contract signed by Triple H. Del Bruno). The Walking Weapon says he wishes Saturday, July 10: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – Kevin Owens is a riddle wrapped in an he got a major contract during his career, but he Doors open at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame enigma, and covered in poutine. Mmmm, poutine. is thankful for runs in ROH and PWG, where he Dan Gable Museum for all-access pass holders. Tom Phillips is standing by in the Social felt like he arrived as a wrestler. Now, he turns his 11:00 a.m. – Professional Wrestling team trivia Media Center. He may or may not be wearing attention to his family. “I’m terrified at the thought contest hosted with special guest host for all-access pants. Kevin Owens will be dropping by later to of life without wrestling. I don’t want to be thought pass holders. Team champion receives prize. (All- ridicule your Twitter questions. of as a quitter; that I must have never really wanted access pass holders only). Money money money money. it that much. For the past decade it’s all I’ve wanted. 12:00 p.m. – Doors open at the National Moneymoneymoneymoneymoneymoney. Yeah, Luckily I have found something I love even more Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum to let’s fast forward through this a bit. than wrestling. I have a beautiful son. A gorgeous general public. JoJo (remember her?) is backstage with girl. Amazing friends. I love my family. I will need 12:30 p.m. – Salute to the legacy of the Brisco Ryback. them,” Alexander wrote. “For the first time in 10 brothers (includes panel discussion with professional Did You Know? This is Ryback’s first “official” years, the path I’ve been walking is changing. The wrestling legends) at the National Wrestling Hall of title defense. uncertainty is exhilarating.” Fame Dan Gable Museum. Ryback hates bullies. They infringe on his turf. •Planning a trip to Las Vegas this summer? 1:30 p.m. – Autograph signing with professional WWEShop wants you to Get Busy, which is If so, there are plenty of pro wrestling live events wrestling legends at the National Wrestling Hall of slang for “purchase T-shirts.” to plan around. They include the following: June Fame Dan Gable Museum. (All-access pass holders Backstage, Dean & Roman are hanging out. 9: Paragon Pro Wrestling TV taping at Sam’s Town allowed to enter first). Roman tells Dean he’ll be the first to know when Live; June 20: WWE house show at the Thomas & 5:00 p.m. – Hall of Fame reception at Five he’ll cash in the briefcase. Well, you have to like Mack Center; June 28: Future Stars of Wrestling Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. his confidence. “Survival of the Fittest 3” at Sam’s Town Live; July 6:00 p.m. – Induction banquet at Five Sullivan Did You Know? Dean Ambrose is the longest 11: 3PW “Turbulence” at 2797 E. Tropicana; July Brothers Convention Center. reigning US champion in WWE history. And 17: ROH Live at Sam’s Town Live; July 24: Global 7:00 p.m. – Induction ceremony at Five WWE history encompasses...about 13 weeks. Force Wrestling TV taping at The Orleans Arena; Sullivan Brothers Convention Center with Jim Ross Stephanie McMahon tells Renee Young that Aug. 9: FSW “No Escape 3” at Sam’s Town Live; as master of ceremonies. The Authority is staying out of tonight’s main Aug. 21: GFW TV taping at The Orleans Arena; 2015 Hall of Fame induction class: event. You know, like they should have been all Sept. 12: FSW “When Stars Collide 3” in Mesquite, •Lou Thesz Award: Brian Blair along. Not even Booker is buying that one. Nev. at the Casablanca Resort; Oct. 23: GFW TV •Frank Gotch Award: Beth Phoenix Byron says he’ll need some time to “digest” taping at The Orleans Arena. •George Tragos Award: Matt Lindland that promo. Yeah, wouldn’t want that coming back •Distinguished Member (living): Greg up. TRAGOS/THESZ HALL OF FAME UPDATE Wojciechowski King Barrett vs. R-Truth. There’s a sixty •PWTorch reader can still take advantage of the •Distinguished Member (posthumous): Jim minute pregame show, and we STILL don’t have Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame all-access ticket pricing Londos time to let R-Truth rap? On Smackdown, R-Truth to be part of PWTorch editor Wade Keller’s Hall of •Special honoree: Kurt Angle declared himself King Whassup. Why not? It Fame induction on Saturday, July 10 in Waterloo, •Jim Melby journalism award: Wade Keller worked for Lawler. Iowa. Simply email the National Wrestling Hall of •Also scheduled to appear during the weekend: Wade Barrett managed to take the traditional Fame Dan Gable Museum at [email protected] Jim Ross, Gerald Brisco, Wes Brisco, J.J. Dillon, goofy WWE King costume and make it look even or call (319) 233-0745. The following is the schedule Baron Von Raschke, Dan Hodge, Jim Brunzell, goofier. Nice work. Barrett explains he had to get Thursday, July 9: 5:30 p.m. – Reception at Larry Hennig, Cabana, and Holly. rid of the old robe, because it was touched by a the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Send newstips and results to pwtorch@gmail. black man. Just kidding. Maybe. Museum for inductees and all-access pass holders. com. ### JBL makes a reference to “Hammer Of The #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 19 www.PWTorch.com/members Gods.” That book’s only three decades old. He’s Paige cradles Brie for the win. Brie proves she time to work Dean’s leg. And he’s right. updating his material. isn’t Nikki by removing the stuffing from her bra. He’s tyin’ him to the Tree of Woe, Tony! Ad for “Swerved.” Hopefully they’re saving Nikki gets the jump on Paige from behing and The one legged man can’t win the butt- the funny material for the actual show. scores the pin. Even JBL is nonplussed about this kicking contest. But he can stop Rollins from JBL is still outraged about R-Truth. “You awful finish. winning the ladder-climbing contest, by pushing can’t declare yourself King just by beating a King.” “You’ve got to hand it to the Bellas.” I like over the ladder. Ambrose later runs the ropes, Evidently R-Truth isn’t the only one who hasn’t the Bellas more than I like whoever put together which doesn’t work so well on a bad knee. watched Games of the Thrones. Truth wins with that finish. Rollins wisely suckers Ambrose all the way a crucifix. Up next, Ryback vs. Big Show. Miz is on down the aisle, but can’t quite capitalize. Hey, You know who would have loved this show? commentary. Oh, joy. There’s a blonde woman in let’s brawl through the crowd. Rollins suckers Dusty Rhodes. Mostly due to everyone talking the crowd who has a decidedly non-PG request for Dean out into the crowd this time. Nope, Ambrose about how great he was. Ryback. Ryback comes over and beats up Miz for caught Rollins again. Let’s celebrate The Dream with a WWE the hell of us. I’m starting to like Ryback. Ambrose backdrops Rollins onto a ladder. music video. Actually, it’s a damn good video. It Either Cole is deceptively fast, or someone That can’t be good. Then Dean attempts the moves Renee Young to tears. Outstanding use of tipped him off to move out of Miz’s way. slowest ladder climb since Jeff Hardy was trying Phillip Phillips. Ryback works the arm. Ryback suplexes to beat Undertaker, thirteen years ago. Tom Phillips is with Kevin Owens. Kevin, Big Show. Show has Ryback in trouble when Miz Rollins bashes Dean’s leg with the TV briefs or boxers? He wants to beat Cena, he pounds Show with a microphone to get Ryback monitor. Still going. Pedigree by Seth. Ambrose doesn’t want to be Cena. disqualified. Boy, this show really *is* a tribute comes back. Barricade Bomb? Second barricade Let’s get predictions. Booker picks Kofi to to Dusty, isn’t it? bomb. Liger Bomb on the ladder and two chairs, win Money In The Bank. Good luck with that. Can you believe Tough Enough returns next and Rollins hurts himself in the process. It’s showtime. We kick off with a ten bell week? No, I can’t. Both men fall off the ladder with the belt, but salute for Dusty Rhodes. Hey, Daniel Bryan made Cena vs. Owens II. I don’t know about the Rollins pulls it away from Ambrose as they hit the the trip! Owens looks sad. Vince even looks matches, but the promos have been money. match. Very physical battle. Not a great match, misty. The Columbus crowd rides Cena so hard but a great finish. GREAT finish. Sign says “My Wife Sold Out To Rollins.” you’d think Cena had come to the ring wearing a Time for Jojo to interview the champ. Seth There’s a story there somewhere. Michigan Wolverines jersey. doesn’t quite give us the Ricky Bobby victory Let’s open up with a seven person ladder “Cena uses a Shake Weight.” That’s awesome. speech from “Talladega Nights,” but he was close. match. According to the TitanTron, there’s Owens gives Cena the five knuckle shuffle. For a One great match, two good matches and a something in Randy Orton’s veins. Captain moment, I wanted to see Owens do an Owen Hart bunch of stuff. Let’s call that a mild thumbs up. Capeman is out second. and no-sell the STF, but Kevin’s a pro. ### You know what Dolph Ziggler really needs? Cena wastes time arguing a count with A faded denim jacket with patches for all his Chioda, looking rattled after Attitude Adjustment. PWTORCH POLL RESULTS favorite heavy metal bands. WWE needs to pony John Cena just hit the Code Teal. Rate the 6/15 episode of WWE Raw: up so Dolph can use “Unskinny Bop” by Poison as “Stay down! Stay down!” Springboard his entrance music. It has to cost less than “Cult of stunner into the AA and Cena takes it. •Excellent (8-10): 24% Personality.” Cena offers mutual respect. Where’s the turn? Reigns is out last. Everyone paired off THERE is it. Beautiful. Owens lays Cena out. •Above average (6-7): 36% except Kofi, who set up the ladder. Kofi almost Dean Ambrose asks “What kind of animal do •Average (5): 25% wins in th eopening seconds, but they catch him. I you take me for?” Don’t answer that, Renee. don’t know why Kingston has his hair done up like I have the same tie Cole does. That’s •Below Average (3-4): 10% Kim Fields on “The Facts of Life.” disturbing. •Dreadful (0-2): 18%•Dreadful (0-2): 5% Reigns powerbombs Kofi onto a ladder, then New Day vs. Primetime Players. I am still powerbombs Neville onto Kingston. upset about New Day not getting a full gospel Orton welcomes everyone to RKO CIty. choir entrance for WrestleMania. Maybe we’ll get Rate the 6/15 WWE Money in the Bank Ziggler probably shouldn’t be headbutting one at SummerSlam, now that these fellows are anyone. Neville hits the Red Arrow on Sheamus over. PPV event: and gets some NXT chants. Xavier tells us Kofi Kingston was robbed. Of With all seven men down, Big E. & Xavier his dignity? Absolutely. Big E has to calm Little •Excellent (8-10): 14% help Kofi into the ring and give him a ladder. X down. The heels work over Darren. Titus gets •Above average (6-7): 47% JBL just compared Reigns to Earl Anthony. (I’ll the tag, cleans house and pins Xavier with the give you a hint. Earl’s a bowler.) spinebuster. Okay, that was sudden. •Average (5): 21% Bray Wyatt interferes and takes out Roman Five weeks until Battleground, where Roman •Below Average (3-4): 13% Reigns. The crowd is outraged. Just kidding. A Reigns will fight Bray Waytt. lot of fans cheer. Until Sheamus makes his way Seth Rollins gets a pep talk from Stephanie •Dreadful (0-2): 18%•Dreadful (0-2): 4% into the ring, tosses Neville off the ladder, and and Triple H. Okay, mostly from Triple H. Lawler grabs the briefcase. takes note of which side Hunter is on, and switches Renee Young interviews Paige. No one wants his pick to Rollins. Vote for the best match at WWE’s Money to help Paige take down the Bellas. Paige wants to JBL thinks Ambrose isn’t a good choice end the behind the scenes influence of the Bellas. for a champion because he wrestles in jeans and in the Bank PPV event: Good luck with that. a T-shirt. Right. Now if Ambrose were wearing •John Cena vs. Kevin Owens (76%) Nikki vs. Paige for the DIvas title. Where’s jean shorts, that’d be okay. JBL also thinks Rollins Brie? And aren’t these two tired of working with needs to “decapacitate” his opponent. That, and •Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose (17%) each other yet? Ambrose dropping an elbow from off a ladder was •Money in the Bank ladder match (3%) Longer match, and a pretty good one. Brie a tribute to Dusty. is under the ring and switches with Nikki, but Rollins decides a ladder match is an ideal •Nikki Bella vs. Paige (2%) #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 20 www.PWTorch.com/members WWE PPV REPORT Seth knows exactly what the risks are. Man” theme music played. The NXT crew teared Down to ringside for Michael Cole, Jerry up, Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella clapped along to the WWE Money in the Bank PPV Report Lawler, and JBL to discuss matters. music on-stage, Mark Henry smiled, McMahon June 14, 2015 In-ring: R-Truth, then King Barrett were teared up, and the rest of the locker room had a Columbus, Ohio introduced for the opening match. Barrett was variety of emotions. No sign of Goldust or Cody Aired live on PPV & WWE Network dressed in a goofy-looking royal outfit. Like a Rhodes (Stardust). Report by James Caldwell, assistant editor combination of an English and Roman ruler. Overall, it just seems odd to “turn the page” to a wrestling show while everyone is still in PPV Pre-Show on WWE Network A -- KING BARRETT vs. R-TRUTH celebration and mourning after the loss of such a The show started with the screen displaying Truth took control early on, then knocked huge figure in the wrestling business. But, that’s “In Memory of Dusty Rhodes,” who died on Barrett to the floor for an early mid-match break just how the wrestling business works. Thursday. to hype WWE content. After a MITB video package aired, Lilian From the arena, Renee Young introduced the [Network Break] Garcia introduced the MITB ladder match starting pre-show. Renee was joined by Booker T, Byron Back from break, the announcers had one of the PPV. Michael Cole, JBL, and Jerry Lawler are Saxton, and Corey Graves for some preliminary their silly arguments to distract themselves from on the call tonight. PPV thoughts. the match happening in the ring. Lawler was in In-ring: Randy Orton was introduced first for Renee then got serious talking about Dusty. rare form with the joke book. Barrett scored a the MITB ladder match. Neville was out second, She said they will celebrate Dusty throughout the super-close two count after smashing Truth in and Cole described him as the “darkhorse” to night. Booker shared a story, Saxton talked about the nose, but he was unable to follow up with the win the match. Kane was out third, followed working with Dusty in the NXT office sporting Bullhammer. Truth then grabbed Barrett from by Dolph Ziggler, who was accompanied by his Texas Longhorns cap, and Graves talked about behind for a crucifix pin to score the win. Lana. New Day’s music then brought out WWE Dusty seeing himself as a director making movies. Post-match, Truth approached the announcers tag champion Kofi Kingston. Sheamus was out Graves got choked up talking about missing Dusty. to give them assignments in his kingdom now that sixth, followed by Roman Reigns out last. Reigns Renee went through some tweets on Dusty, he’s beaten The King (of the Ring). Truth told emerged through the crowd and carefully made starting with Vince McMahon. Also, Triple H, Jerry Lawler that he can be his stunt-double. Truth his way down the aisleway to the ringside area. Stephanie McMahon, and The Rock. Booker said then took Barrett’s crown and started to leave, but Reigns posed in the corner, then entered the ring Dusty will be missed most of all. he decided to the crown back to Barrett and high- for the match to start. The pre-show panel switched gears to tail it away from ringside. discussing top PPV matches, including John Cena WINNER: Truth at 5:49. And the King of the 1 -- MITB LADDER MATCH -- RANDY vs. Kevin Owens II. Ring continues to be a curse. ORTON vs. NEVILLE vs. ROMAN REIGNS Off to Tom Phillips at the social media lounge. Announcers: Cole, Lawler, and JBL turned vs. SHEAMUS vs. WWE tag champion KOFI Phillips hyped an interview with NXT champion serious to discuss Dusty Rhodes. Cole said Dusty KINGSTON vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER (w/Lana) Kevin Owens later in the pre-show. was proud of working with the young talent at vs. KANE -- Winner receives WWE Title shot Backstage, WWE ran a pre-taped interview the Performance Center in NXT. He then fed to a briefcase with IC champion Ryback where the sound was long-form video package on Dusty’s career. That Ziggler quickly tried to win the match so about 10 seconds ahead of the video. Ryback called was a video package. he could go watch the Cavs’s NBA Finals game, Big Show a big bully who doesn’t know who he is. Back to the studio panel, where Renee Young but Sheamus cut him off and flung him out of the Ryback vowed to eat up Big Show tonight. cried (off-camera) through her transition to the ring. Sheamus started swinging a ladder around Locker Room: Dean Ambrose pulled up social media lounge. the ring attacking opponents, but Orton cut him a chair next to Roman Reigns. Ambrose, with Social Media Lounge: NXT champion off. Reigns then entered the ring and flung around possession of the WWE Title belt owned by Seth Kevin Owens walked in to talk with Tom Phillips. high-flyers Kofi and Neville like ragdolls with Rollins, asked Reigns what happens when he Owens shot down the idea of having fear going powerbombs into a ladder. cashes in MITB. Ambrose, confident that he will into his re-match against John Cena tonight. After Reigns wanted the MITB briefcase, but win the title from Rollins and Reigns will win the all, he beat him once already. Owens said he’s Kane cut him off and delivered a chokeslam off MITB match tonight, asked if Reigns will ambush not being disrespectful to anyone, just speaking the ladder. Kane then took an RKO from Orton, him or give him a heads up. Reigns said Ambrose the truth. How about a Fight Owens Fight rally who climbed the ladder, but Kofi cut him off. So, already knows the answer, then he fist-bumped towel? Owens mockingly said there’s no way he’s Orton dropped Kofi with an RKO. Neville then Ambrose. becoming John Cena. He said just because he tried to jump over Orton onto the ladder, but Video Package: Seth Rollins vs. Dean wants to beat Cena doesn’t mean he wants to be Orton yanked Neville off the ladder and dropped Ambrose WWE Title ladder match on the main him. Owens pie-faced Phillips on the way out. him with a mid-air RKO. The crowd exploded for PPV tonight. Back to the studio panel, where Renee the latest surprise RKO. Authority Interview: Stephanie McMahon gathered herself to transition to MITB match Orton scaled the ladder, but Sheamus met checked in from The Authority’s office to discuss discussion. Corey Graves narrated a video him and cut him off. Sheamus was left alone to some business at hand. Stephanie said they are package on the MITB ladder match, which Renee climb the ladder, but Ziggler ran back into the ring going to respect Seth Rollins’s wishes to not said will start the PPV. and cut off Sheamus. Ziggler and Sheamus battled have The Authority ringside in the WWE Title on top of the ladder, Sheamus got his hand on the match tonight. She said they are in Seth’s corner Live PPV First Hour briefcase, Ziggler cut him off, and Ziggler hopped providing moral support, but they guarantee no The PPV started with virtually the entire over Sheamus onto his back to drop him with a involvement from The Authority tonight. Booker locker room and the McMahon Family on-stage modified Zig-Zag. Suddenly, Neville was on the questioned that, prompting Stephanie to say no to salute Dusty Rhodes. Vince McMahon was at top turnbuckle to nail the Red Arrow on Sheamus. one cares what Booker thinks, but they would the center standing next to Triple H, Stephanie Loud “NXT” chant as everyone sold in the ring. like to assure the audience that they will stick by McMahon, and John Cena. Lilian Garcia Suddenly, Reigns returned to the ring and their guarantee. Corey Graves followed up with a introduced a 10-bell salute for Dusty Rhodes. dropped Kane with a Superman Punch. Reigns question about what happens to Seth if he loses the After the silence, the crowd broke into did not have a ladder available to climb, so he saw title tonight - is he out of The Authority? Steph said “Dusty, Dusty” chants and Dusty’s “Common a pile of bodies on the outside and decided to fly #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 21 www.PWTorch.com/members over the top rope with a big splash. Reigns sold kicked free. Nikki followed with a step-up kick out with a mic, causing the bell to sound. Miz also an injury after the move, then WWE tag champs of the corner, but couldn’t get the win. Suddenly, attacked Ryback on the way out of the ring. Cole Big E. and Xavier Woods came down to ringside Paige hit the Ram-Paige and the crowd thought the said the match was thrown out via DQ. Show was to grab Kofi and roll him back into the ring. Kofi match was over, but Nikki kicked out of a pin. They then officially announced as the winner. set up a ladder as his teammates encouraged him then set up a top-rope spot and both Divas fell to WINNER: Show via DQ at 5:28; Ryback to hurry up the ladder. “New ... Day Sucks” chant the outside. On the outside, Nikki and Brie did the retained the IC Title. Actually a pretty hot start to as Kofi slowly climbed. But, Reigns suddenly switcher-oo. Paige then scooped up Brie, thinking it the match before things slowed down and ended took out Big E. and Xavier with a double foot was Nikki, and Brie went for a roll-up, only to have on a flat note trying to avoid Ryback winning, but dropkick. Reigns returned to the ring, grabbed Paige reverse into a three count for the win. having Ryback retain the title. (**1/2) Kofi, and eventually pulled him off the ladder into Or, so Paige thought. Brie identified herself Raw plug: Machine Gun Kelly guest-stars on a powerbomb over the top rope onto another pile as a cheater trying to pull the switch on Paige. So, Raw tomorrow night from Cleveland. of bodies. instead of ignoring Brie’s admission and following Tough Enough plug: Cole, Lawler, and JBL Reigns and Orton then found themselves in through with the initial ruling for Paige or calling hyped the Final 13 contestants determined. the ring. Reigns avoided an RKO, then dropped a DQ for blatant cheating, the ref decided to wave Video Package: John Cena vs. Kevin Owens Orton with a spear. Reigns started to climb the off his three count. So, the match continued. Nikki II. ladder (to some boos), but the Bray Wyatt theme then blindsided Paige and hit the Rack Attack for In-ring: NXT champion Kevin Owens was suddenly played. As Ben Tucker noted live at the the win. introduced to the ring to a loud ovation from the building, a husky, shadowy figure went under the WINNER: Paige initially at 10:27, Nikki vocal males. Lots of KO signs and merchandise in ring during pre-match intros. Back live, Bray was official result at 11:18 to retain the Divas Title. the crowd, including WWE finding one kid in the in the ring to cut off Reigns and drop Reigns with Goofy booking to end a solid Divas match. At the John Cena Fan age range wearing Owens merch. Sister Abigail to cheers from the vocal makes. very least, Paige should have been awarded a DQ Owens’s music stopped, then a loud “Fight Owens Bray, sporting his butcher vest, left the ring. The win after the accomplice willingly turned herself in Fight” chant broke out. Dramatic Cena Pause, only man standing was Sheamus, who set up a as a cheater. Weird logic, which is kind of fitting then John Cena’s music played to mainly boos. ladder in the ring. As the crowd booed, Sheamus considering the poor state of the division. Cena bounced out on-stage to the “John Cena climbed the ladder and got his hands on the case, Next out was The Miz, who was not dressed Suuuuucks” sing-song from the Owens Fans. but Neville cut him off. Sheamus blocked Neville, to wrestle. Or for regular activity. Miz, dressed in Cena shouted toward the on-stage camera that though, and threw him down to the mat by the his goofy Hollywood get-up, did the big set-up by this has a “big-fight feel” to it, then he stormed hair. Sheamus then reached up and unhooked the first shouting out to Ohio before saying he left this the ring to square off with Owens. But first, each briefcase to win. place. Miz said if you don’t live in Hollywood or man raised his respective title to a mix of cheers WINNER: Sheamus at 20:50 to win MITB. New York, you don’t count. Miz then sat down at and boos. The vocal males cheering for Owens Well, if the plan was for Sheamus to win, they had ringside for commentary on the Intercontinental were louder than the Cena Fans cheering the U.S. to give the babyfaces some big spots and “outs.” Title match. champion. Orton got the RKO spree, Neville got in Red In-ring: Big Show was introduced first as the Arrow, Reigns got the “out” with Bray Wyatt, and IC Title challenger. Ryback was out next to defend 4 -- U.S. champion JOHN CENA vs. NXT Ziggler had a few near-grabs. They really under- the title. champion KEVIN OWENS -- Champion vs. played the big storyline aspect going into the show Champion non-title re-match from Elimination of what would happen if Kane wins MITB, setting Live PPV Second Hour Chamber two weeks ago up a title situation with his “boss,” Seth Rollins, Cena opened things up with a shoulder which pointed to him just being an add-on for TV 3 -- IC champion RYBACK vs. BIG SHOW tackle, putting Owens on the mat for a second. storyline purposes going into the PPV. Overall, -- Intercontinental Title matc Owens came back to his feet, circled the ring, pretty good MITB ladder match. Reigns vs. Wyatt Before the match started, WWE replayed and responded with a shoulder tackle. An “NXT” should be an intriguing detour for Reigns while Ryback giving Big Show the Shell-Shock on Raw. chant broke out, which is always funny to hear he’s not in the WWE Title picture. (***1/2) Essentially, that’s the pay-off tonight, as well. As when The Big Company owns the Favored Little Backstage: Paige talked about needing to soon as the bell sounded, Ryback intercepted a Brand. Lots of noise from the crowd, then Cena be the one, strong voice for the Divas division charging Big Show with a big spear. Ryback wanted smashed Owens in the face with a clothesline. going up against The Bellas. She said taking away the meat-hook clothesline, and he connected. This Cole pointed out Owens’s nasal issues, but Owens the Divas Title means taking away the Bellas’s is moving quickly. Ryback then wanted Shell- responded with a dropkick to take control of the influence. And the start of change, “for Dusty.” Shock, but Show blocked, only to take a clothesline match. In-ring: Nikki Bella was introduced by over the top rope to the floor. Ryback followed up Owens settled on a reverse chinlock, Cena herself for the Divas Title match. Paige was out on the outside by tossing around Miz and chucking came to his feet, and Cena suddenly broke free next for her latest title challenge. him over the announce table. into a dropkick. Cena went for his usual offensive But, back in the ring, Show cut off Ryback to attack combination, but Owens countered the 2 -- Divas champion NIKKI BELLA vs. end his hot start. That was like a big five-run first sit-out slam with a hip toss takeover, popping PAIGE -- Divas Title match inning answered by a grand slam. Show followed the crowd. Owens then did Cena’s offensive Nikki controlled early on and they cut up with power offense and chops to the chest. attack and hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle. But, backstage to show various Divas huddled together Ryback came back with a big vertical suplex and Cena responded with the STF on a cocky Owens. watching the match on a backstage monitor. Nikki then a running splash, but Show kicked out of a pin. Owens kicked away, then teased the AA, but Cena tried to squeeze the life out of Paige, but she Ryback wanted the Meathook clothesline again, but avoided and hit a reverse facebuster for a two fought back with repeated forearms. Nikki shook Show intercepted with a chokeslam for a two count. count. Deep breaths at 5:30. off the attack and went back to a mat hold trying Show wanted the KO Punch at 5:00, but Owens came to his feet first and teased a to wear down the challenger. But, Paige held on Ryback ducked and tried Shell-Shock again, but pop-up powerbomb, but Cena avoided and hit a and refused to give up. She then turned the tables Show landed a right hand to the mouth. It knocked sit-out slam into his own Five Knuckle Shuffle. with a submission of her own, but Nikki reached Ryback out of the ring, though, so Show could not Cena tried the AA, but Owens countered with the ropes for a break. follow up with a cover. Show rolled Ryback back a release German Suplex into the corner. So, Paige started to go for the PTO, but Nikki into the ring, then Miz suddenly attacked Big Show Owens delivered a running cannonball splash, #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 22 www.PWTorch.com/members but Cena kicked out of a pin. Owens thought over Post-match, the announcers put over both In-ring: Big E.’s voice welcomed out the his next move, then dragged Cena to the corner. men as WWE went to crowd shots of happy Cena New Day to defend the WWE Tag Titles. Big E. Red Arrow? Actually, a Swanton Bomb attempt, fans and frustrated Owens fans. Cena received his and Xavier Woods came to the ring, but first for but Cena got his knees up to block. Owens sold U.S. Title belt, then waited for Owens to get up. a promo. Xavier said a travesty happened earlier immense back pain as Cena recovered across the Cena approached Owens from behind with a look tonight when Kofi Kingston was robbed of MITB. ring. of respect on his face. Cena told Owens to look Big E. said cheaters should never win, just like Reset at 9:30 with Lawler pointed out that around the arena as the crowd applauded. He told the Ohio St. Buckeyes coming off probation. Cena appears to respect Owens. Cena then wanted Owens that he belongs right here in front of all this. Big E. said winners win with dignity. And that’s the AA, and he connected. But, Owens kicked Cena grabbed the NXT Title and handed it over to how Kofi needs the power of positivity more than out of Cena’s finisher again. Cena got hot at ref Owens. “Champion to real champion,” Cena said. ever. He asked Clap Nation to come to their feet Mike Chioda, saying he thought it was three. A He extended his hand. Owens shook. and give Kofi some positivity in the back. But, very heated exchange uncharacteristic for Cena’s Cena then raised Owens’s arm in the air, only the “New ... Day Sucks” chant broke out instead character. The crowd got on Cena, playing along to have Owens kick Cena in the gut. The vocal of “New ... Day Rocks.” Xavier said a human with Cena losing his cool. The announcers talked males popped. Owens then scooped up Cena and being put his life on the line (not to win), but about Owens being able to get under Cena’s skin gave him a powerbomb on the ring apron. Owens to entertain, and they have the audacity to chant two matches in. freaked out as drool spilled out of his mouth. “Yes!” that? Big E. calmed down Xavier, then smiled that Cena tried a top-rope move, but Owens shouts from the vocal males mixed with boos. Refs Columbus, nor the Prime Time Players, will deter blocked, then spun Cena around into a sit-out then spilled out to check on Cena. Back in the ring, them. Because “New ... Day ... Rocks,” Xavier powerbomb. But, Cena kicked out of a pin. Both Owens picked up the U.S. Title belt and left with said through gritted teeth. men sold on the mat as the crowd expressed their both titles. Owens laughed maniacally as he held Prime Time Players then came out to appreciation for the match. Owens was the first up both title belts, then he chucked the U.S. Title challenge New Day for the Tag Titles. Cole noted man to his feet looking to end Cena. He wanted toward Cena. Cole said they just witnessed one of that Titus played college football at Florida, where the pop-up powerbomb, but Cena countered with the most incredible matches ever, then Owens threw the current Ohio St. coach Urban Meyer coached a huracanrana, only to have Owens pop to his away all of the respect from Cena. After a replay and won National Titles. JBL followed up with feet and smash him with a superkick. Another of the post-match attack, they returned to Owens a shout-out to John Laurinaitis, whose nephew, counter by Cena, but Owens kicked out again. The laughing like a crazy-man and Cena selling an ankle James Laurinaitis, played at Ohio State. announcers continued to talk up Owens answering injury, unable to put weight on his right ankle. everything Cena has thrown at him in only his WINNER: Cena at 19:15 to even the series Live PPV Third Hour second PPV match. at 1-1. Amazing, amazing match with such energy Cena wanted a top-rope guillotine, but in the building. The story played out perfectly for 5 -- WWE tag champions NEW DAY (BIG Owens avoided and hit a double-underhook Owens Fans who were concerned about Owens E. & XAVIER WOODS) vs. PRIME TIME modified Package Piledriver for another two losing, then falling down the ladder. Instead, Owens PLAYERS (TITUS O’NEIL & DARREN count. Both men recovered as the “Let’s Go got the super-respect loss reinforcing him as a big YOUNG) -- WWE Tag Title match Cena / Fight Owens Fight” dueling chant broke deal to casual viewers, then he immediately got his New Day opened things up by stomping out. Owens then went for his two-step top-rope heat back taking out Cena Sami-Zayn style after the a mudhole in D-Young in the corner. Xavier moonsault, but Cena avoided. And, Cena scooped match. That was solid booking to counter the first with a casual pin using his boot to the chest for up Owens for another AA. And, Owens kicked out hour. (****1/2) a one count. Big E. then tagged in to deliver a again. Cena could only sit on the mat, stunned by Total Divas plug. big running splash to Young for another nearfall. Owens kicking out again. Backstage: Renee Young said they will try to Just complete domination of D-Young through They came to the point in Match #1 where it get a medical update on John Cena later in the show. the first five minutes. Titus finally got a tag and seemed like a stalemate with neither man able to She then brought in Dean Ambrose. Renee asked ran over Xavier, then Big E., then Xavier again. win. Cena then re-positioned Owens in the corner Dean about losing the title belt on Bourbon Street Titus chucked Xavier across the ring, then hit a before hosting his body onto the top turnbuckle. in New Orleans. What am, an animal? Okay, yeah big corner splash, and followed with the Monty Cena wanted a superplex, but Owens countered he did lose the belt in New Orleans, but he found it. Brown Pounce for a two count. with a mid-air vertical suplex. Cole freaked out Dean said sometimes you just have to stand up for Chaos in the ring until Titus planted Xavier in for the top-rope counter, then Cena kicked out yourself and take what’s yours. He said he doesn’t the ring with an emphatic turnaround spinebuster. again. live for paperwork and “official rulings,” so he has Titus covered and it was good for the pin and the Reset at 16:30. Owens walked toward Cena, decided to stand up for himself and what’s right. win. The crowd was surprised, not thinking it who suddenly sprung on him with the STF in the And he is the people’s champion, at least tonight. would be the finish. The Players then celebrated middle of the ring. But, Owens grabbed the rope He said it’s just him, Seth Rollins, the title, and a a with the belts in the crowd. for a break. Cena tried to hang on, nearly getting ladder. Seth vowed to get the payday tonight. WINNERS: Prime Time Players at 5:48 to himself DQ’ed. Cena suddenly found himself on Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Lawler went capture the WWE Tag Titles. Oddly-structured Owens’s back, where he found his balance against back to Owens vs. Cena. Cole said it was a classic match not getting much juice from the Tag Title the ropes and snapped off sort of a modified Styles match, despite the actions by Owens. He said they change squeeze. They tried a long beat down Clash (without the neck tuck). But, Owens kicked know Dusty Rhodes would be proud of that match. on D-Young to set up the tag to Titus, but it was out again. Owens then came right back with the Lawler said there was no better talker than Dusty. almost too one-sided that it took the crowd out of pop-up powerbomb, but Cena kicked out, causing Cole talked about Dusty helping “young talent” the match and they did not re-engage for the tag, the crowd to lose their minds. learn how to “cut a promo” at the Performance finishing sequence, and anti-climatic three count. Both men tried to figure out what to do next Center. (**1/4) as they came to their feet. Owens told Cena to Cole fed to a video package on Dusty Rhodes Pre-Show Panel: Renee and Co. tried to give up and just stay down. But, Cena pushed off that aired on the MITB pre-show. Back in the arena, muster excitement for the Tag Title change, then to the ropes, went for a springboard stunner, and the crowd was shown applauding and chanting talked up Owens vs. Cena before focusing on didn’t quite get it, just moving Cena a little. But, “Dusty, Dusty.” Cole then announced a special on Rollins vs. Ambrose for the WWE Title. Renee Cena followed right up with the AA. And Cena Dusty Rhodes airing Monday night after Raw on then went back to the opening PPV match when covered Owens for the pin. WWE Network. Sheamus won the MITB briefcase. Also during #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 23 www.PWTorch.com/members that match, Roman Reigns was poised to win, but and knee. away from ringside toward the ring. Bray Wyatt cost Reigns the match and a future Seth tried to take advantage by climbing the Dean climbed into the ring, then started title shot. ladder, but Dean managed to kick out the ladder. So, climbing the ladder, hobbling toward the belt, but Announcement: Cole said it will be Reigns Seth smashed Dean with the ladder and smiled to Seth suddenly ran into the ring with a TV monitor vs. Bray Wyatt in five weeks at the Battleground himself. Seth started working over the leg and knee, to smash Dean’s knee and knock him off the PPV. taking some time to taunt Dean as a one-legged ladder. Dean tried to fight back, but Seth gave him Video Package: Seth Rollins vs. Dean man now. Dean started to fight back, so Seth angrily a textbook Pedigree in the corner of the ring. Seth Ambrose title feud leading to tonight’s main yanked Dean into the corner and wrapped his knee tried climbing again, but Dean grabbed his feet event. around the ringpost. Seth followed with a figure- and hung on for dear life. So, Seth came down the Backstage: WWE World Hvt. champion Seth four leglock around the ringpost, causing Dean to ladder to smash Dean some more. On the outside, Rollins took his final walk down the hallway. scream out in pain. Seth delivered a nasty bucklebomb right into the Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury, who beat Rollins Back in the middle of the ring, Seth put the barricade. Seth had a crazy look in his eyes as he on Raw, hung out in the background. Kane then figure-four leglock on Dean again (as referee contemplated his next move. walked in and laughed at Seth’s plight, saying he Charles Robinson peered over the ring mat from Seth started scattering chairs around dug his own grave and now he has to lie in it. Seth the outside). Seth taunted Dean again, so Dean the ringside area, even going underneath the walked up toward Stephanie McMahon and Triple responded by reversing the pressure onto Seth to ring Hornswoggle-style to find more chairs. H. Steph said no pressure but the entire fate of the get the crowd back into the match on Dean’s side. Seth delivered a running powerbomb into a company is on his shoulders. Okay boss. Hunter But, Seth escaped, then continued the attack. Seth combination of chairs and a ladder, prompting told Seth to forget all of this and just show them went under the ring to grab a chair, which he bashed Lawler to declare “That’s it.” Seth buried Dean why he picked Seth to be WWE World champion. over Dean’s knee. Dean had a far-away look in his underneath a pile of chairs and ladders, then slid Hunter’s motivational speech fired up Seth, who face as the announcers talked about Seth being able into the ring. Seth started climbing rung by rung took a deep breath and marched down the hallway. to win the match right now, but he wants to make a toward the title belt. But, suddenly, Dean climbed In-ring: The WWE World Title belt was statement by punishing Dean. out from under the pile of weapons and limped shown hanging above the ring as Lilian Garcia Dean suddenly found energy to fight back and into the ring. Dean grabbed Seth, climbed to the announced the rules. She said the first wrestler wanted the rebound lariat on one leg, but Seth lifted top rung, and got his left hand on the title belt. to climb the ladder and retrieve the title will up a ladder at the last second to block Dean. The Seth then grabbed hold of Dean’s arm, unstrapped be declared the winner and WWE World Hvt. crowd chanted for tables, pointing to the issue of the belt, and they kind of flung each other down to champion. After a pause, Dean Ambrose’s music this match being at the end of a show where the the mat with the belt hanging in the balance. They played to bring out Ambrose to a Superstar crowd has seen everything and isn’t completely hit the mat and in the process, the belt left their reaction. He has everyone on-board right now. engaged in the match story. Back to Seth, who dual grasp and landed in Seth’s hands, giving him Dean walked underneath a ladder in the middle of wanted a top-rope attack, but Dean chucked a the win, as Dean was left grasping air on the 50/50 the entranceway, then entered the ring. Dean took chair at his face. Dean then tried a superplex onto ball. a moment to pause and contemplate the match a ladder, but Seth knocked him down to the mat. Post-match, the announcers talked about how before Seth Rollins’s music played to bring out So, Ambrose crotched The Champ, then nailed a close Dean was to getting the belt and becoming the WWE World champion by himself. desperation lariat that rocked Seth to the mat. legit champion. They also talked about Seth Once both men were in the ring, Lilian The crowd tried to rally Ambrose, who winning by himself. Seth then left the ring with handled formal ring introductions as champion came to his feet punching and slapping Seth like his title belt and found Triple H waiting for him and challenger had a mid-ring stare down. Cue the a madman. Ambrose shook off his knee pain, then on the entranceramp. Meanwhile, Dean sat in the bell at 10:19 p.m. EST, giving them tons of time charged the ropes to clothesline Seth and himself ring in a state of disbelief. JoJo came out on the for the match (and potential post-match). clear over the top rope to the floor. They returned to stage to interview Seth, who boasted about being the ring, where Dean nailed a rebound lariat right in the Greatest Champion of All-Time. Seth cackled, 6 -- WWE World Hvt. champion SETH the middle of the ring. But, there was no ladder. So, Hunter smiled, Dean sat stunned in the ring, and ROLLINS vs. DEAN AMBROSE -- WWE Seth rolled out of the ring to recover. Seth thought Cole signed off right at the top of the hour. World Title ladder match about leaving through the crowd, but Dean caught WINNER: Seth at 35:40 to retain the WWE As the match started, Cole commented that up to him. And they brawled through the crowd Tag Titles. The ending felt like a letdown after 36 they might see “a bit more wrestling” in this toward a playground table. minutes of drawn-out fighting. After all, WWE match. Back and forth early on as the wrestlers Seth and Dean eventually made it back to just turned Seth into a joke by having him lose felt each other out. “Let’s Go Ambrose” chant the ringside area, where Dean hobbled across clean to his security guards on Raw, and they from the crowd as Dean took control of the match. the Spanish announce table to splash Seth on the didn’t tell the story of Seth being determined to Seth suddenly nailed Dean with a clothesline, then English table. They returned to the ring, where Seth rebound from that embarrassment, so why go that knocked him to the floor. Seth chucked Dean into teased a powerbomb over the top rope onto a ladder, route on Raw? Sure, Triple H gave Seth the big the ring steps, then a ladder got involved. Seth got but Dean blocked and back-dropped Seth over the pre-match motivational speech, but that was more the worst of it taking a blow to the face. top rope into the ladder. The ladder “buckled in about Hunter than Seth. The overall deal ended Back in the ring, Dean and Seth took turns half,” causing Seth to sell intense back pain. up hurting Dean in the end. Plus, there were the climbing, then yanking the other man off the While Seth sold on the outside at 25:00, Dean unintended consequences of Sheamus’s MITB ladder. They eventually knocked down the dragged another ladder into the ring. Dean, with his briefcase hanging over the match since WWE set ladder, then Dean gave Seth a butterfly overhead injured knee, started to climb the ladder, but Seth got precedent at WM31 by bending their rules having suplex into the ladder. Dean soaked in the pain back in the ring and pulled him down. Seth dragged Rollins cash in during a title match, as opposed to experienced by Seth, then scooped him up for a Dean to the outside, where Dean clotheslined Seth after a title match. So, why didn’t Sheamus just bodyslam. He followed by climbing the ladder, over the Spanish announce table, clearing the cash in MITB while Seth and Dean were fighting doing the Dusty Signal, and delivering a flying announcers into the crowd looking for safety. Dean in the crowd or both knocked out on the floor and bionic elbow to Seth. Dean clotheslined Seth to and Seth battled to their feet, where Seth teased a climb the ladder to win the title? WWE took a the outside, then positioned the ladder to start Pedigree on the table, but Dean blocked and nailed short-sighted shortcut at WM31 and now that’s climbing. But, Seth returned to the ring with a Dirty Deeds onto (but not through) the table. The going to hang over these types of title matches chair, which he used to bash Dean in the left leg crowd chanted One More Time, but Dean rolled going forward. (***) ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 24 www.PWTorch.com/members LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Whittle the last four minutes down to even just despite losing all his matches he was the most popular 30 seconds and that’s all it took for “Stone Cold” Steve contestant, being brought back in a big angle to face WE’RE NUMBER 2! WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S Austin to sell a match for me. the Nexus, or winning Money in the Bank and carrying BATTLE FOR SECOND PLACE Whether it’s confinements set by today’s WWE Smackdown as pretty much the last champion of the For at least a few months, ROH will join Impact or by their own accord, most wrestlers today can’t do in dying brand split era. And then after surviving the 18 Wrestling will air back to back on the same channel, three hours what Austin did in those final four minutes second WrestleMania 28 loss that was designed to elevate creating a previously unimaginable scenario. With of his podcast interview with Paul Heyman last Monday the company chosen Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, and his NXT growing stronger, Global Force Wrestling gaining night. educated and passionate followers took on a mission. - a structure, and the possibility of Lucha Underground That look in his eye - that change of tone in his mission started by C.M. Punk. A mission to get behind - Season 2, are we on the verge of wrestling’s next era of voice from “let’s talk road stories” podcaster to “if you and stay behind their hero no matter what obstacles the great prosperity? don’t put that cellphone down I’m going to forearm machine threw at them. This synergy between talent and Before the debate begins I want to answer by shiver it out of your hands” ass-kicker is all it took for me and audience shifted the direction of the whole wrestling answering a long looming question: NXT is currently the to tempt the idea of searching for hotel arraignments in business. number 2 organization in the business. Yes, it’s financially Dallas next April. That’s why there is always going to be WWE was not blind to this shift. Sure, they supported by WWE but hey- so was the original ECW. that heiarchcial separation of today’s “even-steven, say made lots of mistakes along the way and the first crop After suffering the effects of monopolizing the highest what’s scripted” Superstar from yesteryear’s “march to of A-level independent stars found themselves playing level of pro wrestling for over a decade, WWE finally the beat of their own drum” outlaw. second fiddle to established names and it’s pretty safe to fixed the problem of no competition by creating it’s own Stone Cold stomps mudholes in foes while Dean say the higher ups did not understand the appeal of people adversary and so far, it’s working. Competing for number Ambrose posts pictures of it on Instagram. Austin like Punk, Bryan, or say Claudio Castagnoli (Cesaro) and two in this sense is a lost cause, but the title for Best of the interrupts Triple H’s five minute diatribe while Roman Chris Hero (Short lived NXT star Kassius Ohno). But to Rest is up for grabs and very much worth winning. Reigns patiently waits for his cue. Kane remains lights WWE’s credit, they tried again. Impact Wrestling’s pending cancellation creates out for a Stone Cold Stunner when he kicks out at two for Because in the system WWE had the duo of Seth a wide-open battle for the top non-McMahon owned a Zig Zag. From a storyline perspective, they just aren’t Rollins and Dean Ambrose, two highly talked about wrestling show on cable. It all feels very 20 years ago - as good as the old guard. talents who had made their names in well-revered why none of them have managed to grab a spot on Netflix Sure, most of these problems are on the shoulders promotions Ring of Honor and Dragon Gate and who still puzzles me - but wrestling is often behind the curve. of McMahon than they are on the wrestlers. If there was had gone through learning how to sing for their supper. Despite the increase in cord cutters, television remains a more outlaw and less marching (what we seem to be These two, paired up with Roman Reigns, made tag team fertile market for wrestling programming when growing seeing with Owens), maybe King Barrett could actually wrestling cool and marketable again. They tore through an audience. By securing cable timeslots, the non-WWE pull off that ridiculous cape, or Ziggler’s jokes may not everyone in their path and rose to the top of the card companies have the chance to grab lapsed fans that might come off as stale (well, maybe not that). both on air and behind the scenes. All three have been not already devote Wednesday’s to NXT or experience Either way, they all have a ways to go before they successes as new acts that can headline a show. They are burnout from the vast amount of other WWE programming make me lean forward in my seat like Steve Austin did. the first bonafide main eventers 30 years or younger since currently on-air. Obviously, a bad product won’t keep any Dominic DeAngelo, 3-year VIP Member maybe Randy Orton and John Cena. While all have room fan around for long. That’s why it’s critical for any brand Philadelphia, Pa. to improve, there is no denying they have taken their spot seeking dominance in the temporarily saturated cable on the upper echelon. wrestling landscape to implement an effective plan of WHY NOT CESARO & HARPER INSTEAD OF With the success of these people WWE has attack aimed at presenting a show that doesn’t feel second KANE & BIG SHOW gotten more and more comfortable with not only using rate. For years WWE was criticized for having a stale independent talent, but handing the reins to a new The eventual winner will be the group that uses roster, not creating new stars, and relying on names generation. Neville, Owens, Paige, Wyatt, they are history to win the present battle. In a world where any mostly established in the 1990s. While they had their already regular features. Balor, Zayn, Banks, Charlotte... established and still-worth-having stars are all have attempts along the way, making a new and exciting top plenty of people coming up. WWE feels young and fresh. WWE contracts, other companies must make a feast with tier of stars seemed like a lost art. You had your Sheamus, And then we have Kane and Big Show, the last two the leftovers, much like McMahon did after the mass Miz, Alberto Del Rio, or even Mr. Kennedy and Bobby active roster members whose career started before the departure of his stars in the mid-’90s. The key is to take Lashley types - people the company got behind and Attitude Era. Both have been prominently featured for talented yet miscast or underutilized talent (Cactus Jack, had high hopes for. But somehow, with increasing years, even if they do take time off every now and then. Stunning Steve Austin, Terra Ryzing, Dustin Rhodes) micromanaging and over-scripting along with adding Kane, since 2010, has been Heavyweight Champion, then recast them into altered personas and with a greater more and more programming and even-steven-booking, got his mask back and was heavily pushed as Cena’s roles. WWE’s next round of roster cuts take on greater the end result was something less than a WrestleMania opponent, was paired with a red hot Daniel Bryan, joined significance than we’ve seen in years because now there’s Main Event worthy act. Sure, Miz made his stint against The Authority, and has been all over TV doing it. Big a decent chance fans could see them used competently on Cena and Lashley had his big match in 2007. But neither Show has signed an ironclad contract, worn a diaper, another wrestling show. Think Dolph Ziggler will never is a made man nor a household name. cried, punched out senior citizens, sold out, and had just draw? At the end of his WCW run who’d have thought Then something happened. The American Indy- as much screen time as The Big Red Monster. Mick Foley would eventually turn into a major player? scene that had been bubbling under finally boiled over I bring all this up to illustrate that they are taking a Now’s a good time for the creative at ROH, Lucha, and when the Straight Edge Superstar started making waves. big spot away from a younger, fresher act. Looking at the Global Force to take a Money Ball approach to creating C.M. Punk, whose road to stardom started with a feud latest Authority-run both men are on, there is really no main eventers people want to see. None of WWE’s major against Jeff Hardy, started gathering a fan following reason why those same roles could not have been filled by stars is leaving the big comfortable nest in Stamford, so that was much different to those around him. Punk had someone else. Luke Harper could have essentially played it’s imperative that the other companies figure out a way a body of work outside the WWE that people were aware the same role as the former giant/monster who sold out at to take a group of B-list players to title contention. of. He also had the experience and knowhow of what it Survivor Series and put on a suit and tie. The Too Swiss We’ll likely never have a repeat of the Monday took to sell tickets. Something that couldn’t be said about Cesaro could have been more than serviceable as the Night Wars. The days of a Big Two in pro wrestling are a Dolph Ziggler or Ted DiBiase Jr. And Punk had the heavy behind J&J behind Seth Rollins. WWE feels Kane long gone. However, there’s more than enough room for advantage of already figuring out his character traits. and Big Show are useful because they can carry a talking a profitable alternative. Let’s put our thirst for war aside C.M. Punk was followed by Daniel Bryan, a man segment. But since they can’t hold audience interest and have fun discovering which company is number one who, if possible, was even less likely to fit the Vince during a wrestling match that point should be moot. at being number two. McMahon mold of a swimmer bodied Superstar. Bryan And there are plenty of younger guys who can handle Bryan Smith had, just like Punk, established himself outside the talking on that roster. Bray Wyatt is spinning his wheels, company and went on to prove on every level WWE put whereas he could right now be talking about climbing to THE BOTTOM LINE IS UNDER FOUR MINUTES him that he was the top of the class, be it NXT where the heavens and stealing it’s price - or claiming the IC #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 25 www.PWTorch.com/members Title from the man he has already laid waste to once. examples to highlight from the wide array of promotions if it exists, plays out in the background. Kane is a phenomenal talent. Big Show has range that cascade the current wrestling landscape. From NXT, Looking back on the match, I can recall a number like almost no other in the company. But their positioning the recent Women’s Title match. From WWE, Kevin of awesome moves and sequences. Unfortunately, I can’t is doing little to no favors to anyone - including Owens-John Cena. From ROH, the incredible 10 man tag recall how the spots fit into the layout of the match, and themselves. Both men have tarnished their legacies as match from night two of the Global Wars shows. And from in some cases I cannot even recall who took the move something special and have become predictable and stale. Lucha Undeground, the recent ladders match. Pulling from and who was involved in the spot. As for selling, I can’t Maybe it’s time to move down the ladder for both. Let recent examples, which matches were wrestled hard and recall any specifics, which means either the selling did today’s stars be The Stars. smart? not take place or it did not matter in the context of the Vince Boncamper I would contend that the Women’s Title match from match. Probably most concerning is the fact that I had to NXT Unstoppable was wrestled hard and smart. The match reread Sean Radican’s report to recall who went over and WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER was physical and competitive, but the pacing was steady what the finish was. In summary, it was an entertaining “Be selective when you take risks and the wear and the selling was emphasized. Because of the emphasis match void of selling and lacking an apparent story. In and tear on your body. Work smarter, not harder. Work on selling, the match told a compelling story. There were other words, this was not an example of working smart smarter, not reckless. Slowing down and telling stories notable highspots in the match, but the spots were spaced and could be considered working reckless. makes that happen.” -Triple H out and placed to maximize effect and importance. Another Derrick Hubbard With the untimely injuries of popular journeymen example of a match I believe was wrestled smart was Cena wrestlers Sami Zayn, Hideo Itami, and most notably, vs. Owens from WWE Elimination Chamber. Some have WE CAN DREAM, CAN’T WE? Daniel Bryan, the relationship of wrestling style and complained that the match contained too many big moves, WWE needs to establish a working relationship associated injuries has come to the forefront of wrestling and consequently too many false finishes. I do not believe with other companies and it needs to do it now. conversation. The expression “work smarter, not harder” this critique is without some merit, but the match built We consistently see the same Superstars has become somewhat of a cliché echoed by wrestlers, up to the bigger moves and sufficient time was allocated on television week after week, both on Raw and wrestling journalists, and wrestling podcasters. Whenever for selling and recovery. Because of these factors, every Smackdown. As a result, the characters become stale, a phrase such as this is used at excess, it becomes a move and every sequence was memorable. Probably most staid, and predictable. As a result, the fans begin to tune natural temptation to separate the words and phrase from importantly, the match layout and execution achieved the out and look for other outlets for entertainment, which its meaning and its practical application. desired goal; to elevate Owens. results in declining ratings. For example, many of the same journalists and This is where my opinion may spark the fire of some By establishing these working relationships, podcasters who have referred to and promoted the idea fans. I have not watched all of the episodes of Lucha WWE can help themselves as well as other promotions, of “work smarter, not harder” have also praised matches Underground, but from the episodes I have seen, I have especially independent ones. John Cena is doing some and stunts where wrestlers are obviously not working witnessed some examples of spots and moves I would nice work right now, but once the U.S. Open Challenge smart and in doing so, performing reckless moves and contend are not smart and questionably reckless. The is completed, he could benefit from being off WWE TV dangerous spots. As a fan, I am often caught in this dives outside the ring and off the balcony are often awe- for a significant period of time. What if WWE could same dilemma. I promote good storytelling and smart inspiring. The fact that they occur so often and are done loan him to New Japan for 3-6 months? What a boon wrestling, yet I cheer and awe at tremendous feats of by so many wrestlers does cause them to lose importance this would be for both promotions! Cena could practice athleticism, daring stunts, and excessive violence. What and effect. Maybe I am not paying close enough attention, for his eventual WWE heel turn by being the ultimate does working smart actually mean? Who is working but it is difficult for me to remember who did what dive, at “U.S. gaijin,” feuding with the Japanese babyfaces who smart? Who is working hard? Who is working reckless? what time, against whom, in what match. To put it another try to repel the ultimate foreign invader! Throw in Randy If asked to describe “working smart,” I would way, the dive did not mean much within the context of the Orton, Dolph Ziggler, and Antonio Cesaro, and you have propose it is making every move and movement mean match or the show. Given the risk of some of the dives, a nice little faction to support “super Cena” or feud with. something and being selective in the number of bumps if it was not of utmost importance, then it was not smart Imagine the superstars of NXT or the underutilized and the placement of high spots in a match within the and probably should not have been done. On the last NXT stars of WWE (such as Damian Sandow or The Miz) context of the match story. Working smart does not special, I watched Finn Balor do a cross body off of a 7 foot booked 1-2 times a month by PWG, EVOLVE, or Dragon always result in a celebrated five star classic. However, platform. Where the spot was placed, the emphasis placed Gate USA! This type of wrestling education would be working smart does ensure the objective of the match on the spot by the announcers, and the manner in which invaluable and only help the “homegrown” talent to get as it relates to the story is fulfilled and achieved. When the dive was immediately followed by the finish, made better. Could you imagine a team of WWE Superstars I think of a smart wrestler who was never accused of it important and memorable in the context of the match. in the AAA Trios tournament or other specialized Indy working hard, I think of Jake Roberts. Steve Austin refers When you compare this spot alone to the dives we see events with weeks of build-up? Again, this would be to Jake as an economical worker. Moreover, on more than on a weekly basis, it was not spectacular. But, when you great for all parties involved and the name recognition of one occasion, I have heard Bruce Mitchell state that Jake compare the importance of the spot to the match where it the WWE talent would drive ticket and merchandise sales is considered a really good wrestler, yet he never had a occurred, I would argue it was much more important and for the independent promoters and talent. really good match. In modern day wrestling, I consider memorable than the vast majority of the spectacular dives I Finally, this relationship could be reciprocal in Randy Orton a smart worker. He knows what it takes witness on Lucha Underground on a weekly basis. nature. Don’t want to commit to the Briscoes full-time? to make a match successful even if the match is not Finally, there is the 10 man tag team match from Fine; borrow them for three months from ROH, educate especially memorable. the ROH Global Wars Show. Simply put, this match was the fans about their perceived greatness with clips from Working hard is more difficult to qualify and awesome. How the Young Bucks are able to place so ROH, then use them to re-build the tag titles, eventually define. Is working hard hitting 15 highspots and taking many moving parts into a match is beyond impressive. having them drop the titles to the team you plan to carry 23 variations of a power bomb in a 25 minute match? The fact that they are able to execute so many spots in the division (perhaps Neville and Sami Zayn)? The Is it doing a one hour Broadway after kicking out of 30 a match such as this on a consistent basis is borderline possibilities are endless. This could work and really re- finishers? I do not know if I have a correct answer, or if I inhumane. There is no doubt that these guys are working establish professional wrestling as a global force (pun am qualified to answer the question. If forced to provide a extremely physically and mentally hard, and they should intended) and allow the talent to refresh, revitalize, description, I would contend that working smart consists be commended for their hard work and for their incredible and reemerge in WWE as “fresh characters” when the of both a physical component and a mental component. athleticism and ability. But, are so many spots necessary? eventually return, much as the talent exchanges in the The physical component relates to pacing, highspots, Are they playing with fire? And, is this reckless wrestling? beloved territory days did. WWE will need to be the and athleticism. The mental component consists of spot If anyone else attempted to wrestle a similar match, without initiator for this to happen; we can dream, can’t we? placement, match layout, creativity, and innovation. hesitation, I would argue this is reckless wrestling. Given Brian Hamilton Ricky Steamboat was a guy who always worked both that these guys are world class professionals, I would argue Charlotte, N.C. physically and mentally hard. Note, he worked hard and that this is still borderline reckless. This is not an example smart, yet not reckless. of working smart. They hit so many spots and execute so Submit a Letter to the Editor to kellerwade@gmail. When it comes to working hard, there are many many moves that the moves make the match and the story, com. #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 26 www.PWTorch.com/members LEGENDS TORCH TALK Hulk Hogan gave the greatest speech ever. Name me Randy Poffo.” I said to myself it was so beautiful he one thing that was wrong with that speech. It was only did that. It was late, but it was not never. You’ve heard ten minutes long. He was telling all the good things me complaining before about whatever extension of Lanny Poffo about Randy - the good and the great. When I spoke on a feud was going on. He replaced his divot with me. Randy, I tried to concentrate on the wonderful things He’s a great producer. The sound man, the grip man, The following is part of four of the transcript of about Randy, about how much he actually cared for the camera man, every man that came in, they were all my interview with Lanny Poffo from the April 9 episode these Special Olympians and the underdog in general. polite and professional. I have absolutely nothing but of the PWTorch Livecast and VIP Aftershow, the week Before there was John Cena, there was Randy doing all good things to say. If you want to go into every little after he inducted his late older brother “Macho Man” of those Make-a-Wishes. chapter of Randy’s career, it’s going to be too long. Randy Savage into the WWE Hall of Fame. It’s going to be like “War & Peace.” It should more

Keller: Was there anybody besides you like “The Great Gatsby.” Randy had a long career, I Email Question: I know Randy really and Hulk Hogan who would have been on honestly don’t think the Macho King thing was - it was didn’t want to go into the WWE Hall of Fame, Randy’s short list to give an induction speech great for me to induct him and read the poem, which I but do you think he would have been happy for him, either introduce him if he were alive paraphrased it a little for the Hall of Fame induction. with Hulk Hogan inducting him? Would he see or accept on his behalf. Obviously you’re I believe in George Burns in that when you’re making it as a way to bury the hatchet? number one. a speech, you have a great beginning and you have a Poffo: The last thing there I loved. If you go Poffo: The only time he ever mentioned the Hall great ending and you keep the two as close together as back to my speech, I said: “When the Mega-Powers of Fame is how much he didn’t want to be in it unless possible. exploded, the storyline was real. Life’s too short to it was as the Poffo Family, but that is never going to hold a grudge, it’s time for us to heal.” Okay, I wrote happen. There are a lot of people who deserve to be in Email Question: How come Bobby Heenan that about ten minutes before I went out there because that Hall of Fame before I get in it. First of all, Johnny replaced you as Mr. Perfect’s manager after I felt that we needed something. I thought it was rude Valentine, it’s a travesty that he’s not in the Hall of WrestleMania 6? What are your memories of that Hulk was saying all of these wonderful things Fame. That man changed the business. managing Mr. Perfect during what was his and about Randy, and I don’t mention Hulk in the speech. your biggest run in the WWF? I didn’t by name, but let me tell you, the feud between Keller: Ray “The Crippler” Stevens, in the Poffo: They never told me why, but I knew Randy and Hogan was nothing compared to how much Bay Area, how did that not happen? that Bobby Heenan was a better manager than me. they liked each other. Sometimes you look at a woman Poffo: That is incredibly dumb that he is not in They probably wanted the best man for the job. That only to see the blemish and not to see the beauty. But there. Another guy, you’ve got to have Kamala, and probably wasn’t me. Not that I thought I was dead step back a bit and you’re going to see the beauty. This you have to have him now before he overdoses on weight. Having said that, is Bobby Heenan the greatest is an imperfect world and I saw it as an opportunity insulin or whatever. What’s wrong with King King manager of all time? I’m going to say yes, but I would for everybody to bury the stupid hatchets. You know Bundy? I have a question for you, Wade Keller. If you also like to say that the people who say yes have never something? There’s a reason I look so good at 60. It’s want to have the Hall of Fame represent the best in seen Ernie Roth, the Grand Wizard. Just for argument’s not just the greens, mushrooms, onions, beans, berries, the business, where in the hell is Rick Martel? Enough sake, Bobby Heenan is the greatest manager I’ve ever and seeds. There’s more. I have negative thoughts, too. said. seen. I have very, very negative thoughts just like anybody I remember when we were just getting started else, but when I do, I jump up and change channels Keller: Do you think Rick Steamboat managing Mr. Perfect. I got a phone call from Howard immediately. Randy liked to get a box of popcorn and would have been on a short list of people to Finkle and he said, “We’re gonna do vignettes.” The sit down and watch the whole movie. Why make a induct Randy? theme is “Hulk Hogan, you can’t do that.” We’re going mountain out of a molehill? I’d rather make a molehill Poffo: I wanted to involve Ricky Steamboat. As to show what a great athlete Curt Hennig is. He’s going out of a mountain. Let’s accentuate the positive. I am a matter of fact, if I had my druthers, you know what to do ping pong and he’s going to do golf and he’s now the older brother. I get to make all of the unpopular I’d want to do? I’d have wanted anybody who wanted going to do diving and all these things perfectly. I was decisions. I have decided to err on the side of kindness to talk about Randy could stand up and give him a married at the time. I said, Oh my God, I’ve got to do and love. speech. Treat it like a funeral. Naturally you’d need to a little poem for each vignette, but it’s got to be very have Ricky Steamboat. Naturally, there were a lot of short. I said, “I’ll go in the bedroom, you keep your Keller: Did Hogan and Randy truly, truly people you’d need to have like Ted DiBiase, Bret Hart, daughter occupied, and I don’t know how long this is bury the hatchet while Randy was alive? Were and I’d have loved to have seen Sheamus out there going to take. I came out ten minutes later with all four they on really solid ground at any stretch because of the wonderful things he said about Randy of them written. The two best ones were: before Randy’s deadly accident? in the DVD - that the reason he became a wrestler was Personal Profession Plus Prolific Ping Pong Poffo: Randy took my mom to the doctor, just because of Randy. In other words, instead of letting all Paddles Positively Panics People’s Pointless Pride. like Hulk said on the DVD. The nurse said, “Hey, Hulk the pressure fall on me and Hogan, why not treat it as It’s just one of many things that Hulk Hogan Hogan’s here.” Randy said, “Oh yeah, show me where a funeral and let anybody with anything good to say cannot do and that just makes The Genius feel good he is.” So they bring Randy over to Hogan and Randy come up. inside. ran up and hugged him. They had a moment, a Kodak Another one was: Moment. Randy, I think the last year of his life, he went Email Question: Why in the DVD did they On the diving board of life, we see the form of Mr. around trying to replace his divot, to use a golf term, just brush over his time as Macho King and Perfect looking absolutely confident and cool with everybody. The list was a mile long. Because his time with Sherri Martel, one of the best The Genius wants to see Hulk Hogan duplicate with Randy, you’re either his friend or his lunch. But, times of his career? And Lanny, do you have these dives, but first I’ll drain the water from this pool. yes, Randy reconciled with Hulk Hogan. I know that any stories about the Macho King and Queen there has been some scuttlebutt. I’ll mention it because era? Email Question: Do you have favorite you had such class that you didn’t, about Scott Steiner Poffo: Well, I guess it was because the whole poets? and everything with that. First of all, the airport is the thing ran an hour and a half and that would have made Poffo: I took a picture of myself in Baltimore at lousiest place to have a fight with anybody, you know it go two hours. Maybe that was it. I don’t know. The the grave of Edgar Allan Poe. My favorite poem by that? The only place worse would be in the airplane in thing is, when Kieran Bent came to my mother’s him was Anabel Lee. the air. Yes, there was reconciliation. I don’t say it was house, the first thing that he did was present my all healed. Can’t we start now, can’t we start with me. mother with a bouquet of flowers and said, “Oh behalf More to come in this Lanny Poffo “Torch Talk” You know, there was a little backlash, people saying of WWE, I would like to express my condolences on interview transcript in future editions of the PWTorch it was in bad taste that Hulk Hogan did it. I thought the loss of your husband Angelo Poffo and you son Newsletter. ### #1409 • JUNE 18, 2015 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 27 www.PWTorch.com/members Thank you for downloading this free sample of PWTorch Newsletter #1409, cover-dated June 18, 2015. Please feel free to link to it on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook or message boards or any social media. Help spread the word!

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