ISSUE #1443 • FERBUARY 11, 2016 COLUMNIST: SEAN RADICAN Daniel Bryan Memories

By Sean Radican, columnist Daniel Bryan wasn’t supposed to have a re tirement ceremony live on Raw. He wasn’t even Daniel Bryan retires supposed to be in WWE. He didn’t have the size, the look, or the charisma. Yet, there was Daniel Bryan • COVER STORY by Wade Keller and James Caldwell • Monday night on Raw saying goodbye to WWE. Daniel Bryan announced his retirement on seizures. Bryan said that was a wake-up call because Daniel Bryan became one of the most likable Monday night in an emotional speech spanning nearly he had a history of post-concussion seizures that he wrestlers I’ve ever watched perform during his time a full half hour at the end of the Raw. At just 34 “hid for a long time” and they did not know why he in WWE, but watching most of his career unfold, it years old, Bryan made the decision to retire when he had the seizures. That connection gave him the answer wasn’t supposed follow the path that it did. When apparently agreed with WWE’s strong stand that he he needed. Bryan said there was never any evidence I started watching ROH, I thought I was watching shouldn’t wrestle anymore due to concussion-related before that explaining the seizures, then it was clear, the next generation of performers set to take the health issues. Bryan has admitted to suffering many and it helped make the decision to retire. world by storm even though, according to what most concussions, some documented, many not, over the Asked what he’s going to now at the age of 34, people told me, I wouldn’t see them in WWE. course of his 16 year career. He did not, however, Bryan said he does not know, but he spent a lot of Bryan captivated me the first time I saw him want those to stop him from continuing to wrestle. time thinking about it while hanging in limbo on his wrestle on tape in 2003. He reminded me very much He had received clearance from WWE career since April 2015. of some of the great technical wrestlers such as Chris independent doctors, but WWE’s Bryan said he does not know what’s Benoit and William Regal. He was intense in the ring physician would not clear him. next for him, as he’s still trying to and could put on outstanding athletic contests, but he Bryan didn’t detail on Raw process the end of his career and the didn’t show a lot of charisma. what changed his mind. In fact, emotional roller-coaster that ended Bryan was believable as an ass kicker during just last month Bryan issued a Monday night on Raw when he the early years of ROH, but he lacked the presence of plea on Twitter to be cleared retired in his home area of Seattle, Samoa Joe, C.M. Punk, and Homicide. James Gibson when the news broke that A.J. Washington. was supposed to be the face of ROH after C.M. Punk Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura Bryan said he definitely wants signed with WWE in 2005. Punk’s farewell tour had been hired by WWE. Bryan, to help people, whether it be was designed to get Gibson over, but Gibson also though, did reveal what changed concussion awareness, especially signed with WWE after beating Punk for the ROH his mind in an interview with for younger athletes who need to World Title. It was time for Sapolsky to find a new Jonathan Coachman on the report a concussion and not try to centerpiece for ROH; he turned to Bryan. ESPNews edition of SportsCenter on Tuesday. tough it out. Or, work in the area of pediatric cancer Daniel Bryan was given the ball for the first time One day removed from officially retiring from after being impacted by Connor the Crusher. Bryan said in his career by Sapolsky and he cemented himself as WWE, revealed scary details of his concussion he has to be careful not to try to do everything and do an ROH legend with one of the most amazing World situation. Bryan told Coach that he has 10 documented nothing. Title runs in modern history. It wasn’t just the 38 title concussions from his career, but it’s difficult to define As for the end of his in-ring career on Monday, defenses Bryan made during his reign as Champion a “concussion,” so there may have been even more Bryan said it was an “emotionally tough day.” He said that lasted from September 2005 to December 2006; that were just not a clear “concussion” situation. he could not look at his family on the front row because it was also the transformation Bryan made during Bryan added that he made the decision to retire he knew he would start crying. this period that amazed me. after undergoing another batch of concussion tests, Bryan also shared the story of his dad being at the Bryan turned heel and took on all comers. He which he went into thinking that he would strengthen 2013 Slammys show before he died, which Bryan says became the best in the world before Punk took the his case to wrestle again. However, the opposite was his all-time favorite moment in his career hugging moniker in the eyes of mainstream wrestling fans happened. his dad in the crowd. Related to that, Bryan shared a during his run in WWE. Bryan had brutal hard- Bryan said he recently went to New York City story that their family bonded over Ultimate Warrior hitting technical matches and also began to mix in for “EEG” testing, which is a test that measures the pulling down Rick Rude’s trunks, exposing his butt, at some MMA elements as well. The anticipation built activity of electrical currents in the brain. Previous the first-ever wrestling show they went to as a family. to see nearly each and every title defense by Bryan EEG testing came back fine and brain MRIs were Bryan said his dad shared that story for the longest during his time as champion, as ROH DVD and VHS fine, so he thought the latest test would just be another time. (remember those?) releases could take six to eight piece of evidence for him to point to. Bryan said he hopes that is how he is remembered weeks to come out. However, the testing showed he had some 8 COVER STORY continued on page 12 Bryan’s main rival during his time as champion “slowing in the brain.” There was also concern about was Nigel McGuinness and they waged some TOP STORIES OF THE WEEK INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE legendary wars. Looking back at their matches, the risks they took weren’t worth the buzz their matches (1) Daniel Bryan announces his •BRUCE MITCHELL: Daniel Bryan sets the generated, especially when the feud culminated retirement live on Monday Night Raw standard once again... pg. 11 at Unified and featured two of the best technical (2) Bryan says connection between •GREG PARKS: Matt Hardy best heel in biz? wresters in the world butting heads like rams. seizures and concussions led to decision NXT TV overrated?... pg. 10 Multiple concussions ended Bryan’s career in WWE (3) Titus O’Neal suspended for 90 days •KELLER’S RAW REPORT: Ambrose calls and, given the style he wrestled, it’s not a surprise. due to grabbing Vince’s arm on Raw out Lesnar, takes a beating... pg. 6 ROH’s style was grueling, especially when the (4) C.M. Punk will have back surgery, •KELLER’S IMPACT REPORT: Matt Hardy promotion relied on Bryan for top-notch main events delaying his potential UFC debut further defends against Kurt Angle... pg. 4 to sell DVDs and live event tickets during his time on (5) ECW origianl Axl Rotten dies at age •RINGSIDE BEAT: Balor vs. Samoa Joe, Del top. 44, drug overdose suspected Rio vs. Reigns headline events... pg. 2 8 RADICAN continued on pg. 10 RINGSIDE BEAT was wasting their time holding the Super Bowl in San Accolade. Rusev then got on the mic and asked for Jose and it should be held in a real city like Moscow. competition. This brought out Jack Swagger… WWE NXT Live Results But, if the Super Bowl has to be in the United States, (4) Jack Swagger beat Rusev (w/Lana). Another February 5, 2016 how about a much better place, like San Francisco? short match followed that saw Swagger roll up Rusev Nashville, Tenn. Brock Lesnar’s music hit to bring out The Beast in a few minutes. Report by PWTorch contributor “Common with Paul Heyman to a loud pop. Paul got on the mic (5) Ryback & The Usos beat WWE tag champions Fan” Jimmy Eaton (@TheCommonFan) and said he thinks no one can understand Lana because New Day (Big E. & Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) (1) Asuka beat Alexa Bliss in the opener. Really she’s Russian, and her client is Russian, but tonight in a six-man tag match. Huge reaction for New Day, nice match, as both women had a lot of energy and the only place they are going to rush is to Suplex City. who came out first and then had to return to the back charisma. Heyman said that tonight Brock is the United States because their smoke pyro didnt go off. Light boos for (2) Blake & Murphy beat Johnny Gargano & and he would destroy Rusev. The bell rang… the Usos, but Ryback was over. He wore new tights Tommaso Ciampa. Great tag match and Gargano was (5) Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) beat Rusev that say “Big Guy” and now wrestles wearing a weight over with the crowd. (wLana). A little back-and-forth followed by four belt. A fun match followed, with Ryback eventually (3) Nia Jax beat Billie Kay in a semi-squash supelxes, an F5, and the 1-23. Heyman and Lesnar catching Woods and hitting the Shell-shock for the match. Not bad, but the crowd died down a bit. started to leave, but Lana grabbed the mic and said, win. (4) Sami Zayn beat Baron Corbin. Excellent “NOOO NOOO I DIDN’T HEAR THE BELL, (6) Lucha Dragons (U.S. champion Kalisto & match. Corbin is much improved and the crowd ate RUSEV DIDN’T HEAR THE BELL…” Brock then Sin Cara) beat Los Matadores (Diego & Fernando). it up. Zayn offered a post-match handshake and was slid back into the ring, running off Lana mid-sentence. Dragons come out to a decent reaction, while the denied. He gave Rusev a couple more suplexes before leaving Matadores come out to crickets. They then establish [Intermission. Blast of a show so far.] the arena. themselves as heels by taking a Lucha Dragons shirt (5) American Alpha (Jason Jordan & Chad [Intermission] and wiping their nose/underarm and ass with it. Pretty Gable) beat NXT tag champions Dash & Dawson via (6) Divas champion Charlotte beat Becky Lynch pedestrian match, with the finish seeing Sin Cara hit DQ; Dash & Dawson retained the NXT Tag Titles. to retain the Divas Title. A really good match. Lots of one of the Matadores with a swanton. Great tag match. The crowd was hot after intermission. “We Want Sasha” chants. (7) Divas champion Charlotte beat Becky (6) NXT Women’s champion Bayley beat Emma (7) Ryback (or Ryberg) & The Usos beat WWE Lynch to retain the Divas Title. Both women got to retain the NXT Women’s Title. Fun match. Bayley tag champions New Day (Big E. & Kofi Kingston & decent reactions, and the match had some decent was insanely over with all ages. Xavier Woods) in a six-man tag match. spots, including Lynch apply an armbar to Charlotte, (7) NXT champion Finn Balor beat Samoa (8) Roman Reigns beat Alberto Del Rio in the who turned it into a powerbomb. Lynch reversed the Joe to retain the NXT Title. The crowd was hot, but main event. Figure-eight, but moments later Charlotte rolled her up with the tights to win. borderline obnoxious. Notes: Not a great show, but a show nonetheless. The Main Event was Roman Reigns vs. Alberto Balor cut a promo on the mic after the match. He Del Rio. Del Rio was over; he interacted a lot with the praised the NXT brand, jokingly said he “spent a few WWE Live Show Results crowd. He was behaving like a face to the males over weeks in Japan,” and said he is most proud of NXT. February 7, 2016 13. Good reaction for Reigns, with kids and women Some wrestlers signed after the show, including Abbotsford, B.C., Canada behind him. Bayley, Jason Jordan, and Billie Kay. Report by Ben Lypka, PWTorch correspondent (8) Roman Reigns beat Alberto Del Rio. Solid The show opened with Enzo Amore & Big Cass match, but a little long. Reigns eventually won after WWE Live Show Results (with Carmella) against The Ascension. The fans did fighting out of the armbar twice. Reigns hit a spear to February 6, 2016 not really know Enzo’s pre-match spiel, so they were win. San Jose, Calif. pretty silent during their intro aside from the “Sawft” T-shirts for sale included New Day, John Cena, Report by VIP member “Funky” Sam Medina line by Cass. Reigns, Dolph Ziggler, Styles, Dean Ambrose, and We got there just as the show started and the wait (1) Enzo Amore & Big Cass (w/Carmella) beat Lucha Dragons. Interesting they had no Kevin Owens to get into the building wasn’t long and went pretty The Ascension (Konnor & Viktor). Pretty decent items for sale. fast. Inside the arena (SJ Sharktank/HP Pavillion/SAP match between the four, but I don’t think many people Biggest Pops: (1) A.J. Styles; (2) Roman Reigns; knew who Amore & Cass were. The heels got the heat Center) the bottom half was pretty full. Up top, the (3) New Day fans were pretty sparse and about half the top was on Enzo and he eventually made a tag to Cass. The Most Heel Heat: (1) Miz; (2) Rusev; (3) Charlotte tarped off. The entrance took up about a quarter of the finish saw Amore hit a splash onto Viktor for the win. building as well, so a guess in attendance would be Next was Miz vs. A.J. Styles. Major heat for Send results from any live event you attend 4,000-ish. (But I could be wrong) Miz, who got on the mic and complained about Styles including tapings with as much detail as you wish (1) A.J. Styles beat The Miz via submission in breaking his tooth earlier this week. Styles then came including estimated attendance and who got the most his WWE house show debut match. A.J. won with out to a massive pop. cheers and boos to [email protected]. ### the Calf Crusher. A.J. was loved by the fans, and they (2) A.J. Styles beat The Miz. Before they locked were chanting “A.J.” very loudly. up, there are huge “A.J. Styles” chant and a light “This TORCH POLL (2) Enzo Amore & Big Cass from NXT beat The is Awesome” chant. Pretty good stuff here, with Miz Ascension (Konnor & Viktor). hitting the Skullcrushing Finale and Styles kicking out. (3) Jack Swagger defeat Curtis Axel. Styles teased the Clash, but Miz broke out. The finish Should Daniel Bryan go into the WWE At this point, they ask a teenage girl who she was Styles locking on the Calf Crusher for the win. Hall of Fame this year? thought would win the #1 contender match at Fast Next was Rusev against Curtis Axel. Lana Lane. She said RONAN REIGNS! and the crowd worked the crowd by bashing Abbotsford and saying booed her. how everyone should be so grateful to see herself and Yes, he should headline above Sting (12%) Rusev. This brought out Axel (by himself) to not much (4) Lucha Dragons (U.S. champion Kalisto & Yes, he should co-headline with Sting (13%) Sin Cara) beat Los Matadores (Diego y Fernando). reaction. Axel said he will kick Rusev’s ass and then The Matadores were the heels, using the Dragons’s have Lana to himself. He shook his hips like Rick Yes, but in slot right before Sting (5%) shirt to wipe their armpits. Rude. No, wait until next year so he can headline (34%) Rusev, with Lana, came out next. She grabbed (3) Rusev (w/Lana) beat Curtis Axel via the mic and ran down the audience. She that they just submission. A short match followed, with Lana No, wait until next year, this is too soon (28%) talked to President Putin, they all thought the NFL distracting Axel and it leading to the superkick and Not yet sure he’s a Hall of Famer, actually (8%) #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 2 www.PWTorch.com/members TORCH NEWSWIRE week’s show. However, Raw was short of the post- Styles also learned a great deal from working Royal Rumble episode scoring a 2.93 rating two for New Japan, where he expanded on his knowledge • By James Caldwell & Wade Keller • weeks ago. Raw averaged 3.726 million viewers, base wrestling everyone from top stars Tanahashi which provided a 10 percent boost from last week’s and Shinsuke Nakamura to underneath jokester Toru WWE NEWS audience. However, the third hour was problematic. Yano. “Wrestling Tanahashi, I really feel like that I First Hour: 3.907 million viewers (close to post- learned just because I don’t see what’s going on, TOP ITEMS OF THE WEEK Rumble); Second Hour: 3.905 million viewers (close doesn’t mean he doesn’t. Sometimes, I don’t feel the •Titus O’Neil has been suspended 90 to post-Rumble); Third Hour: 3.368 million viewers crowd or I don’t see them so I can’t see the reactions days for an incident at the very end of Daniel (14 percent decline from the second hour). because I’m in a hold or he’s in a hold. But there Bryan’s retirement ceremony Monday night on •WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve was a time when I had him in a Calf Killer for what Raw, PWTorch has independently confirmed. Austin says he will be at WrestleMania 32 in his seemed like, ‘Oh man, this is too long,’ but he saw PWInsider first reported the news. O’Neil grabbed home state of Texas, but he’s not sure what role, if something I didn’t, and literally we had people crying Vince McMahon’s arm as he passed by to exit the any, he will have during the WM32 event until he in the front row,” Styles said. stage, drawing in McMahon for a face-to-face hears a Creative pitch. “Will I be a part of it? I know Styles also commented on Shinsuke Nakamura, moment. It’s unclear what Titus’s motivation was I’ll be there,” Austin told Fox News. “I’m going to the who is also scheduled to join Styles on the WWE roster for grabbing McMahon’s arm. McMahon was caught Hall of Fame, maybe do a podcast there. But, as far as after leaving New Japan. “First of all, Shinsuke’s off-guard as he spun around, but seemed to take it doing something in the ring in the building, haven’t awesome. He’s his own wrestler, there’s nobody like as good-natured fun. Stephanie McMahon and Triple had that conversation yet.” Austin added, “If I were him, he’s very unorthodox but he’s his own man. You H were walking alongside Vince. At first Stephanie, to do something, it certainly would not be wrestling. won’t see another wrestler and go, ‘Shinsuke copied who was clapping, paused for a moment to assess But, if I were to do something, the Creative would him,’ that’s not it. If anything, you could say he does what was happening, but then she and Hunter smiled, have to be good and it would have to make sense. a little Michael Jackson stuff, which makes him so and it appeared Titus was smiling. Vince had his back So, that’s the million dollar question. I don’t know.” different from everybody else, he’s flamboyant; this turned to the camera, but apparently he was upset. As for whether WWE can set attendance records at guy has all the tricks of the trade. At the same time, he WWE confirmed the suspension to the New York AT&T Stadium, similar to musician George Strait will kick your head off.” Post on Wednesday, which ran a “splashy” headline selling out the building by himself, Austin said it will when covering the news stating “Fans call Vince be difficult because of the injury situation. “With so McMahon a racist for suspensing black wrestler.” many injuries right now, and so many top guys out NXT NEWS The article quoted outraged WWE fans on Twitter. of the picture, it’s going to be tough to do,” Austin Titus has been heralded for his charity work in recent said. “But, I know Vince (McMahon) is looking at his TOP ITEMS OF THE WEEK months on WWE TV. WWE edited the incident off chessboard trying to put pieces together and find out •NXT champion Finn Balor suffered an ankle the YouTube version of Raw, which aired on WWE what he’s going to do to fill those seats.” injury at Friday’s NXT live show in Nashville. Network after Raw went off the air on USA Network. •The Feb. 4 Smackdown scored a 1.86 rating, WWE said that Balor would not wrestle at Saturday’s A PWTorch source indicates that cooler heads had to essentially even with a 1.87 rating the previous tour finale in Indianapolis.Balor made an in-ring speak up to keep Titus from being outright fired. two weeks. Smackdown drew fewer viewers, though appearance on crutches at the Indy finale. NXT •Former WWE headliner C.M. Punk will not – 2.664 million viewers this week vs. 2.7+ million Women’s champion Bayley did a bit honoring Balor be making his UFC debut this summer after all. the previous two weeks. In the demographic ratings, mid-way through the show. The main event was Punk needs back surgery to address a nagging injury Smackdown increased in males 18-49 to the highest then changed to Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe vs. Baron that will prevent him from taking the scheduled fight point since the USA Network debut. Also, males 18- Corbin in a three-way match. The next step is Balor against Mickey Gall this summer. Punk appeared 49 and adults 18-49 were very slightly up and down, will “undergo further evaluation” on Monday after at the UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas over respectively. Through five weeks on USA Network, the NXT crew returns to their home base in Florida. the weekend to promote his official debut against Smackdown has averaged a 1.84 rating and 2.646 Fortunately for WWE, Balor would not miss any TV Gall, who beat Mike Jackson in a “qualifying million first-run viewers. Through the first five weeks tapings, as WWE taped all NXT programming leading fight.” However, Punk told MMAFighting.com that on Thursday nights on Syfy last year, Smackdown up to WrestleMania Weekend. Unfortunately, WWE he knew his back situation was problematic at the averaged a 1.93 rating and 2.695 million viewers. has a handful of live tours before April. Depending on time. This week, he decided he could not hold off the severity of the injury, the ultimate goal is to make surgery. Punk was quoted that he figured the injury INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS: A.J. STYLES sure Balor is healthy for the “Takeover” special two was related to his pro wrestling career and “it turns A.J. Styles says he is beginning his WWE months from now in Dallas. out it was.” Punk said treatments did not work while run after feeling “liberated” by developing his own he was training for his debut MMA fight. “This is just persona outside of any promotion. Styles left TNA at OBITUARY a bump in the road,” Punk said optimistically. “I’m the end of 2013 and began a new free agent journey at positive about this.” This will be the second surgery the start of 2014. Styles called it “betting on himself” AXL ROTTEN DEAD AT 44 for Punk since beginning his journey to debut in the to be successful on his own before the recent trend Former ECW star Axl Rotten (Brian Knighton) UFC. In 2015, Punk required shoulder surgery that began. Two years later, Styles took a contract offer has reportedly died at the age of 44. WWE pushed back his UFC debut to 2016. Now, it remains from WWE over TNA to begin a late-career run on acknowledged Rotten’s death on their website to be seen when, and if, Punk gets in the octagon. For the biggest U.S. stage. Thursday night: “WWE is saddened to learn of reports what it’s worth, Punk was viewed as an underdog in “I tell you what’s liberating, is the fact that you that Brian Knighton, best known for competing in his scheduled fight against Gall. Las Vegas betting were able to bet on yourself, and it paid off,” Styles ECW as Axl Rotten from 1993 to 1999, has passed odds placed Punk at +230 against Gall at -300. told “The Tag Rope” wrestling magazine in a newly- away. WWE extends its condolences to Knighton’s •The Feb. 8 Raw drew an unusually high released interview from before Styles joined WWE. family, friends, and fans.” audience in the first and second hours – drawn in “A lot of people wouldn’t do that, there’s a lot of An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine for Daniel Bryan’s retirement – but by the time chance you’re taking when you do something like if Rotten died of a suspected overdose, reports Pro Bryan’s retirement speech rolled around at the that but it’s very liberating to feel like, ‘Okay, I did Wrestling Sheet. Rotten was reportedly found dead very end of the show, the audience fell off by 14 that, and I did it all on my own, and I created a new outside of a McDonalds location in his hometown percent. Also, there was the thinking that perhaps A.J. Styles and separated myself from something that of Baltimore. Rotten was posting on social media as Raw could get back to a 3.0 rating for the first time people only knew me as TNA A.J. Styles.’ Now they of Thursday morning. Included was a final message since post-WrestleMania 31, but Raw did not come knew me as Bullet Club A.J. Styles, which is hard to about doing things his way. A tribute banner is now close. The 2.65 rating was up 11 percent from last do and I was very happy that I was able to do that.” the most-recent post on his Twitter account. ### #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 3 www.PWTorch.com/members KELLER’S IMPACT TV REPORT (WK Reax: It a small details, but I loved when -They showed Maria backstage. Josh wondered Matt Hard snapped, “Don’t you dare say that” when what her intensions are. [c] FEBRUARY 2, 2016 Angle suggested he has been degrading the TNA Title. -They teased a clip of EC3’s interview he granted TAPED IN BETHLEHEM, PA. Everyone at home is nodding along with Angle, but TNA at a restaurant. Josh said he speaks later today. AIRED ON POP TV Hardy is showing how in denial he is that his reign They showed EC3 saying, “The world’s going to hear it -The show ƒopened with Ethan Carter III arriving hardly began with honor nor has it continued with all tonight.” outside the building. He asked the roving reporter if he honor. You want the heel to be in denial that they’ve (WK Reax: The EC3 interview, and EC3 in is wondering what is going on in his head. He wrote done anything wrong, or at least the type of heel that general, feels like a bigger deal by virtue of their something down on a notebook, then said: “You want Hardy is.) plugging it several times throughout the show. It’s your interview. Be there, four o’clock. Don’t be late.” Matt said it all makes sense now. He called him easy and smart to do when you want something to be He handed the reporter the notebook back and walked “Kurtis” and accused him of politicking his way to a perceived as a big deal.) away. title match. He said he was enjoying the Kurt Angle -Maria walked toward the ring and said she -Matt Hardy, Reby, and Tyrus walked out to Farewell, but if he keeps pushing his buttons, he’ll usually introduces “The Miracle” Mike Bennett, but the ring. Josh Mathews and The Pope narrated a clip end it prematurely. Angle said he knows they might be she wants to talk about something she feels passionate of Eric Young piledriving Jeff Hardy off the ring outnumbering him right now, but he will kick everyone about – wrestling. She said women’s wrestling needs apron through a table. Then in the ring Matt said that one of their asses whenever he chooses to. Matt invited a miracle. She said what women’s wrestling needs is sometimes in this business you have to work with him to try, since there are five of them and one of him. a leader, an arrow to point it in the right direction. She people you hate, and other times you have to make Out came Beer Money to help even the sides. said she is the first lady of pro wrestling and can be that tough decisions about people you love. They cut to Roode said their math is a little off. He told Matt to leader. She said the Knockouts Division is broken and fans chanting “We Want Jeff.” Matt told them they’re “stick that Matt Hardy Brand up your ass.” He said the she is the only one who can change it. She said out with not going to get him because Jeff made a crucial battle lines have been drawn and tonight there’s going the old and in with the new. mistake of saying he, Matt, was tarnishing the title. He to be a fight. Storm said in their business, they’re all Gail Kim interrupted and walked to the ring with said it was a sin and it was wrong, “and karma came about making money and drinking beer. He said now her Knockouts Title belt over her left shoulder. She told a’callin’ in the form of a piledriver through a table.” He they’re in kick ass mode. Young and Bram met Roode Maria they’ve known each other a long time and she said his broken peg leg couldn’t run away from Eric and Storm for a brawl at ringside. Crazy Steve and respects everything she’s accomplished so far. She took Young fast enough. Abyss walked out to join the fight as Angle had Matt in exception to what she just said about the Knockouts Reby took the mic and told Jeff it didn’t have to an ankle lock in the ring. The Wolves came out to offset Division being broken. Maria said Gail is a wrestler, be that way, but for years and years, people said her Steve & Abyss. Roode said tonight Angle will become but nothing more, whereas Maria is a businesswoman “beautiful husband” was in the shadow of Jeff. Reby World Champion, but there will also be a “four-on-four who little girls can look up to. She said she can help said it sure as hell wasn’t true. Matt held up his title hardcore fight.” lead her and make her mainstream. belt. She said she believes that he’s just jealous that (WK Reax: Good segment start to finish that set Gail said she doesn’t want her help or need her Matt won a World Hvt. Title fair and square, and he’s the table for the rest of the show effectively and trotted help. She said the TNA Knockouts are about excellence so jealous, he ended up injured at home watching. Matt out a lot of TNA’s current core star power.) [c] and being strong, powerful women. She said if she said what happened to Jeff wasn’t personal, it was just -A commercial aired for a One Night Only PPV wants to make her contribution, get in the ring and put great business for the Matt Hardy Brand. titled “Rivals” premiering Feb. 5. her boots on. Maria said she is the problem because (WK Reax: I like when heels justify their actions -A clip aired of Feast or Fired from last week. she is the leader because a fish rots from its head. “You by saying it’s what they need to do to succeed or -The roving reporter asked Drew McIntyre about stink, champ,” Maria said. Gail challenged her to fix provide for themselves or, in this case, build their the results of the Feast or Fired gimmick. He said the the problem. Maria said, “People like you don’t tell brand. Kevin Owens often has done that, bringing up risk paid off and now he controls his own destiny. He me what to do. People like you work for people like that he does what he has to do to support his family, as was interrupted by Tyrus, who advised him to put his me.” Gail turned it up and grabbed her wrist and said, if cheating and using underhanded tactics is justified briefcase down and walk away because it’s not an “People like you don’t know who you are talking to.” as long as you have a family. This Hardy example is opportunity, it’s a target on his chest. Drew told Tyrus Maria cowered in the corner as Kim challenged her to even more shallow, in the way you want heels to be that last he remembered he was the no. 1 contender, go right now. When Gail dropped the mic, Maria bailed shallow, which is he does what is best for his brand, but instead of showing he had the heart and desire out to ringside. and therefore it’s not personal when he uses his tactics to win, he seems happy being everybody’s big bitch. (WK Reax: Another good segment with each to get ahead.) Tyrus laughed and said, “Remember, you asked for this. wrestler playing her part well. Maria was arrogant, Eric Young and Bram interrupted by walked Remember this.” and Kim stood up for herself. I loved Kim’s response to into the stage to Young’s music. They aired a clip of (1) BOBBY LASHLEY vs. AIDEN O’SHEA Maria’s comments that people like Kim work for people Jeff Hardy inside the ambulance after the incident last Josh called Lashley during his ring entrance an like her.) week. Young entered the ring and said Jeff is never MMA Specialist. He said there’s no weak link in his -Backstage Beer Money and the Wolves chatted. coming back because of him. He said Bobby Roode arsenal. In the opening minute, Raquel walked out and They agreed that they share common enemies so cost him the World Title, so he took his belt. He said sat at ringside. Josh talked about her making a move on they’re now friends. Davey Richards said eventually Jeff Hardy took his number one contendership, so he Lashley last month. Aiden went for a sleeper at 2:00. they’ll cross paths. Storm said they’re not in TNA to took his career. He looked at Matt and said he has no Lashley escaped and hit Aiden with clotheslines and prove their legacy, they’re there to reenforce it. He held problem with him and never has. He said he’s doing a then a shoulder charge in the corner. He gave Aiden a up the briefcase. Richards said anytime they want to great job as World Champion. He said the World Title delayed vertical suplex, then the spear for the win. put their legacy up against their titles, be their guests. goes through him. Tyrus stepped up to Bram. Matt told WINNER: Lashley in 3:00. Roode interrupted and said they need to take care of Young he knows he’s smarter than he sounds right -They showed Raquel admiring him from ringside business together tonight and they can worry about now. and then entering the ring. She told Lashley that she told other stuff another day. They shook on it. They debated Kurt Angle’s music interrupted them. He walked him she would see him again. She rubbed his shoulder about beer and a fish fry. onto the stage and said it looks like Matt’s business and neck. She said the message remains the same. “I (WK Reax: Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards deal blew up in his face. He said he’s been degrading can bring you pain or I can bring you pleasure,” she carry themselves with more confidence in the ring than the World Title since he won it. Matt snapped, “Don’t said. Lashley seemed to blush a bit before Raquel backstage talking segments, but here they played well you dare say that.” When the crowd chanted “Angle! walked out of the ring alone. off of Beer Money’s well-established personalities and Angle!” Young yelled for them to shut up. Angle said (WK Reax: Good opportunity for Lashley to win a it brought out more personality in them as a result.) he just heard great news about his next match on his squash match and show off his signature spots, but also -Josh hyped the eight-man tag match. [c] farewell tour – Angle vs. Matt Hardy tonight for the further the hints that he might turn to the dark side by -They showed EC3 looking out a window as he TNA World Hvt. Championship. Matt snarled a bit. succumbing to Raquel’s apparent come-ons.) readied for his interview later in the show. #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 4 www.PWTorch.com/members -Josh hyped Angle vs. Matt Hardy. narrative was “us vs. them” in terms of one company of the night, you’ll be calling him champion.” (2) THE WOLVES & BEER MONEY vs. against another, or perhaps a better example is ECW’s (WK Reax: That’s what I get for not reading CRAZY STEVE & ABYSS & ERIC YOUNG & rallying of their fans behind the brand as much as the spoilers. Last week I was critical of Helms presenting BRAM – Hardcore War wrestlers themselves. That narrative doesn’t make any himself as a challenger, but NC indy standout Trevor Josh explained that in a Hardcore War, everyone sense in 2016 for TNA. Angle should be framing Drew’s Lee is a great choice to add to the division as a gets to bring a weapon of their choice. Davey Richards skills as being something that will serve Drew well in centerpiece. I’m not sure about Lee walking in and came out first with a chair, followed by Crazy Steve experiencing success within TNA, not bringing TNA getting a title shot without any backstory to justify or with an adorned baseball bat. They brawled as the bell itself more success. It’s subtle, but actually quite vital explain it short of Helms just telling Tigre, though.) rang. They finally got around to explaining that every to the whole narrative structure making sense.) (4) TIGRE UNO vs. TREVOR LEE – X two minutes someone new joins the match. Josh said Drew told Angle that tonight is his night because Division Title match he’s been in his share of matches like this. Josh said he has a chance to become the World Champion one Josh said Trevor isn’t much for socializing and he’s never faced someone like Crazy Steve. Steve got more time. Drew said he’s looking to make headlines of he just wants to get the job done in the ring. Uno tried ahold of Davey’s chair, but Davey swung the bat at his own. He said when Angle wins the title, he’s hoping to fend off Lee’s initial aggressive attack, but Lee the chair and knocked Steve down. The next to enter for a chance to tear down the house one more time in a continued until Uno dropkicked him to the floor. Lee was Bram. Bram fended off Davey’s initial attack and rematch for the World Title. Angle said he’s got it and began shrieking in a way like Bruiser Brody barked took it to Davey at ringside. Bram whipped Steve into he hopes it happens, so make it happen. as he paced around the ring satisfied with his offense. Davey at ringside. Storm came out fourth to even the (WK Reax: Besides the wording of that one phrase, Tigre took Lee down with a huracanrana at ringside. odds and he put a trash can in Bram’s lap at ringside, good segment. I like when wrestling companies include, Tigre hit Lee with a dropkick off the top rope back then bashed the can with a chair. Fans chanted “One with no ulterior motive or foreshadowing of something inside the ring. Lee escaped a jackknife pin attempt. more time!” Storm obliged. Young came out with a ominous, babyfaces acting classy around each other, Tigre landed an enzuigiri, but Lee came back with a kendo stick. They cut to a break. [c] and speaking highly of the World Championship.) [c] double stomp mid-air followed by his fisherman’s Back from the break, Eddie Edwards was in the (3) DREW GALLOWAY vs. TYRUS buster for the win. match. Richards kicked a chair into Steve as Edwards Tyrus punched Drew right before the bell with WINNER: Lee in 4:00 to capture the X Division held it up. Bram yanked Davey to the floor and threw what Josh called “a cheap shot.” Tyrus methodically Championship. him into the ringpost. Young, meanwhile, bashed dominated Drew for several minutes. Pope said Drew (WK Reax: Lee isn’t the usual X Division wrestler Storm into the steps. Bram put a chair around Davey’s has to watch out for Tyrus’s spike. Drew avoided a that TNA has brought in over the years who is primarily head and threw him into the ringpost. Then came Abyss corner splash and made a comeback with some chops a small guy who can get pops and “This is awesome!” with the mystery lady by his side. He brought Janice, to the chest at 4:00. He stomped away at Tyrus in the chants doing highspots and being dazzling. He’s first the two-by-four with hundreds of nails sticking out of corner, then climbed to the top rope and connected with and foremost a strong memorable personality. His it. He swung it at Storm but Storm ducked and Janice a flying clothesline. As he went for a Future Shock size is just an afterthought, in the sense that he’s an hit the ringpost. Steve took it to Edwards’s back with DDT, Tyrus blocked it and gave Drew a heart punch. X Division competitor. I’d rather they built this up a a cane. In the ring Abyss gave Richards a chokeslam. Tyrus climbed to the second rope, but Drew got up and little longer so the victory by Lee had more impact, but When Edwards charged, Abyss took him down with powerbombed him to the mat at 5:00. As he signaled follow up is everything and if they promote him and a series of blows. Finally Roode came out to make it for his finisher, the lights went out. Maria stood on the this win a big way at the next TV tapings, the quick win four-on-four. Roode brought a hockey stick with him. stage and asked if Drew believes in miracles because his can be that statement victory that set the tone for his Pope said it’s because he’s from Canada. Roode jabbed miracle was about to happen. Bennett them surprised reign going forward.) Young with the butt end of the stick and then gave Drew with a briefcase shot to the head. -Lee celebrated with Helms inside the ring. Lee him a spinebuster. Richards hit Abyss across the back WINNER: No contest in 5:00. held the belt over his head. [c] and then Edwards double-stomped Abyss off the top -Maria celebrated with Bennett in the ring. -They showed EC3 on the phone telling someone rope. Bram knocked Richards down with a flying spin Bennett leaned over and asked Drew if he now believes he appreciates their support. “This is exactly what I kick. Steve bit Storm’s forehead. Roode intervened to in “the Miracle.” He said he thought in the briefcase want to do,” he said, with an aura of seriousness. [c] block a suplex. Young and Bram joined in. The crowd was an answer to all of his questions and his path to the -EC3 addressed the camera directly. He said chanted “This is awesome!” World Title, but that’s the miracle TNA needs. “I am the in today’s culture when something bad happens to [HOUR TWO] The four babyfaces suplexed Miracle that TNA needs!” he declared. He stomped on somebody, you expect them to go off the rails a little three heels, excluding Abyss, in a cool spot. Afterwards, Drew’s head while he was face-down on the briefcase. bit. He said for two weeks he’s been reflecting. He Beer Money got the Wolves to do their dance routine. Bennett and Maria’s music played. Josh asked if said after 2.5 years in TNA, unpinned, unsubmitted, That routine let the heels recover and Abyss dropped viewers believe in “The Miracle” Mike Bennett. undefeated, he thought the party would never stop. them. He gave Richards a Black Hole Slam. Storm and -Josh plugged Hardy vs. Angle. [c] He said he realizes he’s had his last name and that Roode fought Young and Bram up the ramp toward the -The roving reporter asked Angle about his came with advantages and at times he was a “piece of stage. Back in the ring, Steve blew mist in Richards’s thoughts on his days in TNA. He said it makes him (bleep).” He said it all came to a head when he suffered face and then Abyss hit him with the belt. Steve scored proud to have great five-star matches in TNA. He said the worst beating of his life. He said he’s never been the pin. he can’t believe he’s wrestling for the World Title again. unbeatable, despite his claims. He just wanted to win WINNERS: Bram & Young & Steve & Abyss in As he said it’d be cool to retire as champion, Lashley more than anything. He said winning was an addiction. 19:00. interrupted. Angle told him he was busy and seemed He congratulated Hardy for beating him for the title. -Backstage Drew told Angle it was an absolute irritated. Lashley said it’d be great if he won the World He said it took everything he had – his wife, his son, honor to wrestle him. He said you don’t know how Tonight, and then when they wrestle in the UK, he can his bodyguard, tables, ladders, and chairs – but each good someone is until you wrestle them. He thanked take the title from him in the same place Angle beat time he got up. He said it’s almost ironic that what kept him for the chance to wrestle him. Angle said Drew is him last year. “How fitting would that be?” he asked. him down was the thing he loves the most – the TNA a world class athlete who will help TNA for years to Lashley acted obnoxious. World Championship. He said he considered taking come. -After Tigre Uno was introduced, Gregory Shane time off or calling up the fellas and hopping on a yacht. (WK Reax: There’s something wrong with that Helms came out. Josh said Helms told Tigre last week He said instead he’s hopping on an airplane and going choice of words. Wrestlers shouldn’t be thinking about that he had seven days left as X Division Champion. to the UK to be Matt’s shadow. He said he is bringing “helping TNA.” TNA doesn’t exist “to do well” or Helms was dressed in street clothes. Josh said Helms hell with him. “thrive.” It exists as a governing body and organizer has never been X Division Champion. Helms took the (WK Reax: I really liked that. It was just sound. He and promoter of fights to find out who the best mic and said he never said that he planned to beat Tigre, admitted to be a piece of sh— and having advantages wrestler is. That’s the ostensible purpose. TNA still and that’s why he’s not dressed for the occasion. He and privileges. He said he was never unbeatable, but frames themselves too often as WCW and the WWF said his challenger will be someone he hand-picked, reframed it as being addicted to winning. He explained did during the Monday Night War, as if the larger coached, trained, and mentored for years. “By the end how Matt cheated to beat him. It was a really strong #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 5 www.PWTorch.com/members explanation for his change in attitude and shifting into KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT reacted to the segment. a babyface you’d want to cheer for.) -Cole said they were shocked earlier today -Angle’s ring entrance took place first. Then FEBRUARY 8, 2016 when Bryan sent out a Tweet to the world that he is Hardy came out with Reby and Tyrus. Josh said last SEATTLE, WASH. AT KEY ARENA announcing his retirement. He said he would elaborate week Matt was supposed to go one-on-one with his LIVE ON USA NETWORK on Raw. Coach said there’s been an outpouring of brother Jeff, but it was ruined by thugs and goons, but -They opened the show with a brief video package support. Brie said: “A new journey waits us and for now Angle has a chance to put Matt in his place. He showing various stages of Daniel Bryan’s WWE career, the rest of our lives we’ll talk about this one. You have called this Matt’s first real title defense against the best a view of his Tweet earlier announcing his retirement, given so much hope and inspiration to people all over. wrestler on the planet, the cyborg, Kurt Angle. and then a “Yes!” chant. We haven’t lost you, just get to see you in a different (5) MATT HARDY (w/Reby, Tyrus) vs. KURT -The Raw opening then aired. They cut to pyro light.” Sami Zayn noted that without Bryan, many like ANGLE inside the arena and the camera panned the crowd. him in NXT would have never been hired because he Reby distracted Angle as the bell rang by Michael Cole introduced the show and said it’s sure broke down barriers. Reigns said you work with the throwing a jacket at him. The match started 44 minutes to be an emotional night. Cole noted it’s Bryan’s best to learn and it was a pleasure sharing the ring with into the second hour. Josh said it seems to him that hometown arena and he’ll be on Raw later tonight. him. Reby is calling some of the shots. Angle fought back -Lilian Garcia introduced Stephanie McMahon, -They showed a clip of some early career with a couple clotheslines, but then walked into a boot. who stood mid-ring with her smug smile and welcomed moments for Bryan including a match against Chris Angle fired back with several suplexes. Tyrus stood fans to Raw. She stood next to a table set up for the Jericho on Raw. [c] on the ring apron, but Angle shoved Hardy into him, contract signing for Fastlane. She was drowned out by -Highlights aired of the opening segment with knocking him to the floor. Angle scored a two count a Daniel Bryan chant. JBL said there may be no chance Lesnar attacking Ambrose and Reigns. after an Angle Slam. They cut to a break. [c] to get anything in over the Bryan chants. Steph said (1) DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. KEVIN OWENS Back from the break Hardy powered out of an the fans are so confused in Seattle, as usual. She said Owens jump-started the match as Ziggler was ankle lock attempt. Tyrus clotheslined Angle on the the winner of Fastlane won’t go on to WrestleMania to talking to the ref. Saxton said Owens hates losing more floor. He got in Pope’s face and yelled at him and face Bryan, but rather her husband Triple H. The crowd than Cam Newton, the first Super Bowl reference of the pushed him around a little. Pope just took it and tried to night. Owens took time to yell at Cole at ringside. [c] defuse it. Josh told him he appreciated that he kept his shifted into loud boos. Steph said others may have Back from the break, Owens had Ziggler in a composure. Hardy avoided a second Angle slam and Superman vs. Batman, but only WWE has the Lunatic mid-ring chinlock. Ziggler eventually rallied, and they then went for a Twist of Fate. Angle countered with Fringe vs. The Roman Empire vs. The Beast Incarnate. fought to ringside. In the end, Owens went for the an ankle lock. Hardy rolled out of it and scored a two She was interrupted by Ambrose’s music. cannonball, but Ziggler moved and then put his feet count. Hardy then gave Angle a side slam for a near Steph said, “You’re early.” Ambrose said he on the middle rope to get extra leverage and scored fall. Angle avoided a charging Hardy and gave him a wanted to cut to the chase because he has some the three count. JBL said: “Dolph cheated! What the second Angle slam. They were both slow to get up. unfinished business with the “big overgrown ape, hell was that?” Owens threw another fit at ringside Both stood and exchanged punches. Brock Lesnar, so bring his ass out here right now.” afterward, clearing the announce table. Angle gave Hardy three unreleased German Steph said she knows he’s anxious, but he doesn’t tell WINNER: Ziggler at 11:03. suplexes. When he went for a fourth, Hardy grabbed her what to do, she tells him what to do. As she went on onto the second rope, but Angle yanked him away and to emphasize that point, Reigns’s music played. Reigns -A Daniel Bryan video aired from Night of hit the fourth and then a fifth suplex. Hardy grabbed made his way to the ring. Steph sarcastically said it was Champions 2010 when Bryan beat Miz for the U.S. the ref to avoid a sixth. Brian Hebner was distracted wonderful to be interrupted by him. Roman asked what Title. [c] by his shirt being pulled over his head as Hardy gave the hold up has been. He said it’s time to sign on the -They went backstage where one Uso was painting Angle a low blow. Josh said he knows no bounds. dotted line. He asked Ambrose if he wants to punch the face of the other when the Dudleys walked in and Hardy gave Angle a Twist of Fate for a two count, Lesnar in the face, “so let’s get to it.” Steph said she’ll mixed them up. The Usos said everyone does it and but Angle kicked out. They cut to Reby who looked get to it when she wants to. She asked Ambrose if it it’s fine. Devon said tables matches are their specialty. worried at ringside. Hardy signaled for his Twist of bothers him that Reigns so often barges in and steals his Jey said they respect that, but tonight is their match. Fate, but Angle countered with three German suplexes. spotlight. She introduced Lesnar. Bubba suggested they team together against New Day Reby grabbed at Angle’s foot as he climbed to the top Out came Lesnar with Paul Heyman. Cole in a tables match, expanding the match to an eight-man rope. Hardy then gave Angle a Twist of Fate off the excitedly said, “It feels like WrestleMania season, tag match. The Usos liked that and suggested they get second rope for the win. As Hardy celebrated, Josh doesn’t it?” As Heyman began to introduce himself, it approved. It implied that it would be four-on-three, called it disgusting despicable. “That’s a man you want Steph interrupted him and said she already introduced which hardly made the Dudleys and Usos seem brave. to be proud of? That’s the face of the company?” said him. She said it’s time to make the match official. Dean (WK Reax: Something seemed to be in the works Josh. signed first and made faces at Lesnar as he did it. Then when there was a tables match announced without the WINNER: Hardy in 14:00 to retain the TNA Reigns. And finally Lesnar. Nobody read it. Everyone Dudleys, so it makes sense they’d insert the Dudleys World Hvt. Title. trusted Steph, apparently. Steph said her business was into the match. It’s just nice to see the Usos get some (WK Reax: Hardy is playing the heel champion now done. mic time.) really well, using shortcuts when it’s clear he needs Heyman antagonized Ambrose, telling him to (2) CHARLOTTE (w/Ric Flair) vs. ALICIA them. Josh accentuated the right notes on his ask the Samoan Badass what the difference is between FOX commentary, getting back to the fundamentals of a beatdown by the Authority and an authoritative As Charlotte walked out, Cole said Charlotte putting heat on the heels. It’s so refreshing to not have beatdown at the hands of Buh-rock Lezz-nerrrr! The would face Brie for the Divas Title at Fastlane. Will a heel commentator overpowering the lead announcers crowd chanted “Suplex City” and Lesnar pointed at Daniel Bryan be with Brie, I wonder? The announcers and justifying heel tactics and making anyone feel the crowd, shrugged, and smiled. Ambrose walked talked about Daniel Bryan at the start of the match. foolish for judging them as wrong.) around the table and went chest to chest with Lesnar. Charlotte won with the figure-eight, and Cole wondered -A plug aired for the UK-based Impact in Lesnar shoved Ambrose over the table into Reigns. He if Brie would fall prey to that at Fastlane. Manchester, England next week. They plugged that threw the table hard at Reigns, then gave Ambrose an WINNER: Charlotte at 5:19. Angle and Hardy would be there. F5. “The Beast has struck,” declared Cole. The crowd -They showed Miz adjusting his fixed teeth FINAL THOUGHTS: The streak of good shows began chanting “Yes! Yes!” backstage as he prepared for Miz TV. [c] continues. It’s not full of world class athleticism, Triple H then joined Stephanie on the stage. He -Miz TV: Miz said that Miz TV is supposed to be but all around good steady booking and entertaining had the World Title over his shoulder. Heyman tried a place where Superstars can come and feel free to get performances with a stress on titles, wins and losses, to stop Lesnar from approaching Hunter. Nothing things off their chests and settle their differences. He proper casting of heels and babyfaces, and a refreshing really came of it as they cut to show Reigns checking said anyone can and should feel awesome when on Miz absence of “authority figures” dominating show. ### on Ambrose and then the announcers at ringside who TV, but that wasn’t the case when he had A.J. Styles #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 6 www.PWTorch.com/members on the show last week. Cole recapped that the “pitbull” backing Styles over Jericho, even after Jericho took it to Rose. Titus then missed a shoulder tackle into the Styles had enough and socked Miz in the face last week. Miz in the lead-up. Jericho might genuinely be bothered ringpost, giving Rose an opening. The Seattle fans Miz said it was disgusting He said he was going to by that. Good segment with all three contributing well.) picked up a “Sea…Hawks” chant as Rose continued to take that “redneck rookie” to the top, just as he did for -Backstage Ambrose told Reigns that before the get in offense. Titus then mounted a big comeback until Daniel Bryan. He thought when Styles punched him, night was over, he was going to get Lesnar. the Outcasts yanked Rose out of the ring to help him he was on “Swerved” and the butt of a joke. He said -Clips aired of Bryan winning Money in the Bank out. Titus cleared all of the heels down at ringside with a he’s an A-lister who main evented WrestleMania and in 2011 and then cashing in five months later. [c] big clothesline. Back in the ring, Titus took his eyes off has the most must-see WWE show. He was interrupted (3) BRAY WYATT vs. RYBACK the prize and Rose suddenly rolled him up from behind by Chris Jericho. Before the match during the Wyatt ring entrance, for the win. As soon as the bell sounded, Titus angrily [HOUR TWO] Jericho toned down his outfit they showed clips of the beatdown they gave Big Show clotheslined Rose over the top rope to the floor. Titus to being shirtless with a ring jacket and blue jeans. last week on Raw. JBL said it’s a paradox shift with yelled down at the Outcasts as they regrouped on the Cole noted that Jericho wrestles Miz on Smackdown Ryback because he’s used to be the predator, but now floor. on Thursday. He said Miz had done well so far he’s the prey. Early in the match he got knocked to WINNER: Rose at 3:15. except for not mentioning his name or being the ringside where the other three Wyatt Family members -Ambrose called out Lesnar. He said he thought least bit entertaining. When Miz tried to talk, Jericho stood. He quickly re-entered the ring. He took control, the F5 was supposed to hurt. He told Lesnar maybe interrupted. He said Miz was talking and talking, and and as he climbed to the top rope, he was distracted by Heyman didn’t give him permission. He said he didn’t people were waiting and waiting. He said it’s clear the Braun. He jumped to ringside, but was surprised with a know Heyman held his balls. Lesnar finally came out fans don’t want to see Miz TV, they want to see The running Bray clothesline. They cut to a break. [c] and attacked Ambrose, ramming him back-first into the Highlight Reel. Suddenly the production team got rid Back from the break, Bray continued to be in ring apron. He gave him an F5 in the ring. of the Miz TV set and brought in the Highlight Reel set control in the ring. Ryback avoided a charge in the -A video package aired on John Cena vs. Daniel despite Miz’s protests. corner, leading to a shoulder going into the ringpost. Bryan at Summerslam 2013. Highlight Reel: Jericho said Miz would be his Ryback took control. He set up the Meat Hook, but Bray -Back from break, Cole hyped Black History guest on the Highlight Reel. Miz frowned as Jericho turned it into a Sister Abigail for the sudden decisive Month. WWE flashed through still-shots of African- introduced everyone to Raw is Jericho. Miz insisted he win. American wrestlers such as Big Cat Ernie Ladd, Tony is not Jericho’s guest. “This is not right! None of this WINNER: Bray at 6:%1. Atlas, Rocky Johnson, Sweet Daddy Siki, JYD, Sonny is right!” he shouted. Jericho agreed because there was -After the match the whole Family stood over King, and Ron Simmons posing with the WCW Title. no potted plant. The workers brought in a potted plant. Ryback. Bray said Ryback’s heart was still beating, so JBL talked up his former tag partner’s historic title win He reintroduced Miz as his guest. He recounted how he they needed to eliminate him. Ryback stood up, but the in 1992. lost to Styles and lost teeth. They replayed the spinning Family took him down leading to a Sister Abgail on the -Dean Ambrose walked out and called out Lesnar. backfist that knocked out Miz’s teeth and spotlighted floor as Bray ranted and raved. He asked if Lesnar really gave him an F2 or an F3, the tooth flying out of his mouth. Miz asked if fans -Clips aired of Bryan and Kane as the dysfunctional because it couldn’t be an F5 beacuse an F5 is supposed realized how much it cost to repair his teeth. He said tag team. [c] crush him and keep him down. Dean said Brock can’t two veneeers were knocked out of his mouth, costing -The announcers talked more about Bryan’s get the job done. He called him out and told him to try him 10,000 dollars each. He said he had a meeting retirement announcement including the Ultimate again. No Brock. Cole said he’s crazy. JBL said he’s with Steven Spielberg, so it took his team of dentists Warrior Twitter account noting that Warrior Girls know never heard anyone talk to Brock like this. Ambrose working around the clock to get him ready or WWE he’s moving to a new chapter and it’s not the end. said maybe Suplex City is going soft and if Brock’s would have lost their matinee idol. -New Day was working on a table for later tonight. gone soft, maybe that’s a personal problem. “What’s Jericho laughed and said he was thinking about Big E. polished it, Kofi measured it, and Xavier made the, matter Brock? Can’t get it up for the big fight?” He the Chipmunks song, “All I want for Christmas is my some calculations. Renee Young then walked in to said maybe Paul E. didn’t give him permission. He said two front teeth.” Miz raised his hand told people to discuss the tables match becoming an eight-man tag Heyman apparently is required to hold his balls. close their mouths. When Miz asked if fans thought this later tonight. Renee asked if New Day has found a tag Lesnar’s music played. JBL said he poked the bear. was funny, they started a loud “Yes!” chant. partner for tonight. Xavier said he was going to teach Lesnar and Heyman walked out. Lesnar was smiling. Miz said what he thinks is funny is that he wasn’t Renee math because there are only three of them, so they Ambrose jumped at Lesnar at ringside. Lesnar caught the only one upstaged by Styles. A clip aired of Styles can’t have an eight-man match. Big E. got upset by this him and drove him into the ring apron. He kneed him beating Jericho two weeks ago on Raw. JBL called it line of questioning and said there will be a fourth man over and over and whipped him into the security barrier. “unbelievable.” Miz said Styles might be a small fish in soon enough. Then Big E. sent them back to working on He threw him into the ring and gave him an F5. a big pond, but that fish beat Jericho in his debut match the table. They sang as they polished and measured the [HOUR THREE] Lesnar walked toward the on Raw. Jericho seemed to be bothered. Miz said deep table. back, but he saw Dean asking for more on the big down it’s eating him alive. Jericho admitted it is eating -Reigns approached Ambrose and told him he’s screen. Lesnar returned to the ring, but then Reigns him alive. “I haven’t stopped thinking about it for two not so sure about his determination to face Lesnar again. walked out and Lesnar turned to look at him. Ambrose weeks,” he said. When the crowd began chanting “A.J. Reigns said since he can’t stop him, how about they then gave Lesnar a low blow from behind. Lesnar went Styles,” Jericho said the fans agree. He said while they go get him and show him what Fastlane is all about. down and sold it big-time. Ambrose staggered to the know Styles is good, is he great; can he beat him twice. Ambrose said he doesn’t need his help. Reigns asked ramp and then collapsed near Reigns, who snickered at He said they’ll find out on Smackdown when he proves if he’s upset about Smackdown. Ambrose said Reigns what Ambrose did. he is the best at what he does. faced Lesnar before and he’ll get him again at Fastlane, -Cole plugged the eight-man tag match with a Styles then came out to his music. Miz jumped but tonight he wants to give him hell. mystery partner for New Day. [c] Jericho from behind. Styles ran to the ring and made -Back from break, WWE ran a promotional -They replied the Ambrose-Lesnar angle moments the save. He whipped Miz into Jericho’s fist. Miz and spot for Tapout. Cole said it’s coming in April. Social earlier. Jericho threw Miz to the floor. Then things got tense Outcasts’s music then played to bring out Adam Rose (5) LUCHA DRAGONS vs. RUSEV & between Styles and Jericho. They exchanged blows flanked by Curtis Axel, Heath Slater, and Bo Dallas. ALBERTO DEL RIO (w/Wade Barrett) mid-ring. Miz yanked Jericho to the floor, but Jericho Rose warned Titus about their match, then the under- In the end, Del Rio hung up Kalisto in the corner threw him onto the announce table. Jericho stepped carders did their under-card routine, including a note and delivered his two-foot stomp to the chest. Del Rio onto the ring apron, but then backed down. Cole about millions of people watching the Super Bowl last covered Kalisto for the win to get a pin on the U.S. said it’s clear that it’s eating up Jericho inside that he night. champion before their title match at Fast Lane. lost to Styles on Raw. Cole plugged their match on (4) TITUS O’NEIL vs. ADAM ROSE (w/Curtis WINNERS: Del Rio & Rusev in 6:00. Smackdown.) Axel, Heath Slater, Bo Dallas) -They showed R-Truth walking around Seattle (WK Reax: Interesting how much the crowd is Titus dominated early on, having some fun with telling someone on the phone he was looking for the #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 7 www.PWTorch.com/members Jimi Hendrix museum. Goldust came up to him dressed chant broke out. The Dudleys then put Jey through a He listed things he loves. He said nobody as Hendrix. Truth wasn’t amused. Goldust bashed the table in the corner. Bubba asked, “Do you know who we else may care outside of this town, but he loves the guitar in frustration. are? We are the best tag team on the planet!” Seahawks. He said also loves that moment right before -Sasha strutted to the ring. -They went to the announcers at ringside. Cole his music hits and it makes that weird sound and the -A clip aired of Bryan’s “Occupy Raw” segment. said coming up next Bryan would be out to announce crowd reacts every time. He said even if he’s hurting [c] his retirement. or tired, he gets a weird smirk that brings joy to his (6) BECKY LYNCH vs. TAMINA (w/Naomi) -A longer video aired on Bryan’s career. They cut heart and he loves it every single time. He said he also Sasha was on commentary during the match. to the crowd chanting “Yes!” afterward. JBL said this is loves hitting the ropes and diving right through them Tamina dominated, then called to Banks at ringside. going to be emotional. [c] to ringside. He stuck his body through the ropes. He When Banks got up, Naomi jumped her, then threw [OVERRUN] -They showed screen shots of said it has made him feel like Superman and the crowd her into the ringside steps. Becky helped Banks, giving various websites announcing Bryan’s retirement reaction to it made him feel like Superman. He said he Naomi a suplex at ringside. Tamina then surprised message. ABC News, LA Times, Uproxx, E!, Rolling has wrestled in the parking lots of gas stations and in Becky with a superkick for the win. Stone, Fox Sports, Zap2It, and Sports Illustrated. front of 70,000+ people in New Orleans. He said he has WINNER: Tamina at 3:40. -Bryan came out to his music and led the crowd gotten to meet the most amazing people on the planet, -The New Day talked to someone off-camera and in a “Yes!” chant. He got a haircut. He still had a beard, such as someone who looks like a monster but is the said they have always held him in the highest regard. but more trimmed, and his hair was cut relatively short. smartest man he knows, Kane. And his mentor and They said they know he’s a ladies man, but when he There was a sign in the crowd that said, “Let him friend for over 16 years, William Regal. And children puts on a unicorn horn, he’ll think he died and went to wrestle.” They showed the announcers standing and who are stronger than he ever thought anybody could a Usher concert. The camera panned over and revealed applauding. Bryan stood center ring and closed his eyes be, like Connor. it was Mark Henry, who accepted the unicorn horn and and soaked it up. He smiled and even laughed a little. A He said he is grateful because wrestling doesn’t put it on his forehead. He then played the trombone. Big loud “Daniel Bryan!” chant broke out. This went on a owe anybody anything. “You guys don’t owe us E said the music is good, but it’s nothing without the while. He said that just now he was able to close his eyes anything,” he said. “We do this because we love to do moves. Big E gyrated as Xavier played the trombone. and “feel that.” He went on: “Literally feel it in a way this. And then it was strange because I did this because I Henry joined in the gyrating and then he really got into I’ve never gotten to feel it before because when we’re love to do this, and all of a sudden you guys got behind dancing. [c] here we always have to keep our eyes open, but just that me in a way that I never thought was possible, in a way -They showed more Tweets and Instagram experience, I’m literally never going to forget it.” They that fans shouldn’t necessarily get behind a guy who is messages from colleagues, including Nikki Bella, Kevin showed a woman in the crowd absolutely bawling. five-foot-eight and a 190 pounds. He said they made Owens (“The respect I have for you is unmeasurable. He said he has to address the giant elephant in the him feel like he was more than just him. He said for that You were good to Generico and I when you didn’t room. The crowd chanted “No! No!” He joked that he he is grateful. have to be”), and John Cena (“Thank you for doing didn’t want to shave his beard, either. He said the thing He said a little over two years ago in this arena, what most only talk about. Challenging everything. is he wanted to cut his hair, and once he cut his hair, he the fans hijacked Raw. He said they were trying to do Authority, conformity, perception. Defining valor”). looked silly with a giant beard. He said he cut his hair a big championship coronation between Randy Orton -Cole plugged the eight-man tag team tables for an organization called Wigs for Kids. They showed and John Cena, and they had all the former champions match was up next. Saxton plugged a rematch between a kid in the crowd crying and being consoled. He said out there, and it was going to be the most important Jericho and Styles on Smackdown this Thursday night. they make wigs for kids who have had cancer and they match in WWE history, but the fans just kept chanting [c] don’t charge the families at all for that. “Daniel Bryan.” That started the chant again. (7) THE NEW DAY & MARK HENRY vs. He said now for some less fun stuff. Another “No!” He said his dad was sitting right over there where THE DUDLEYS & THE USOS chant. He said, “Trust me, I don’t want to be doing this the guy with the goat mask and the Daniel Bryan sign Usos and Dudleys knocked New Day out of the any more than you guys want me to be doing this.” He is standing right now. He said his dad got to see his ring early, then beat down Henry at ringside. The Usos said he has been wrestling since he was 18 years old. He son getting that kind of reaction. He started to cry. He dove onto the heels at ringside and they cut to a break. said within the first five months, he already had three [c] concussions. He said over the years he had them here said that was the last time his dad ever got to see him New Day surrounded Henry and yelled what he and there, and eventually over the course of 16 years, wrestle, “and you guy made it special for him and for should be doing to Bubba. Henry had enough and said it adds up to a lot. He said it got to a point where they me and my entire family.” they should do it themselves because nobody tells him tell you that you cannot wrestle anymore. Some boos. He said he is grateful that because of wrestling he what to do. Henry walked away, leaving New Day to He said for a long time he fought that because he had got to meet the most wonderful woman in the world. fend for themselves. The Dudleys and Usos went to gotten brain MRIs and neuropsychological evaluations He said she is beautiful and smart and completes him work. It didn’t take long for the Usos and Dudleys to and they said he was fine. He trained like he was going in a way he didn’t even think was possible. He said he do stereo “What’s Up” diving headbutts to the crotches to come back and he was ready on a moment’s notice is grateful that he gets to come out there in front of his of two New Day members. Then Bubba led the crowd if WWE called “because this I have loved in a way I hometown fans and announce his retirement in front of in yelling, “Get the tables!” A “tables” chant continued. have never loved anything else.” He began to tear up a bunch of people who love him. He said that special Kofi kicked Devon as he fetched a table. The Usos and quiver. “Thank you, Daniel!” chanted the crowd. moment he had with his dad, he gets to share with double-superkicked Big E. The Usos gave a double There wasn’t an empty seat in the house, by the way. his mom. He pointed to the crowd. He said that now kick to Kofi next. Then Xavier. That gave the Usos time He said a week and a half ago he took a test that includes his sister and friends and fans and his wife in to set up a table in the corner. Jey climbed to the top, said his brain maybe wasn’t as good as he thought it the back and “all these wonderful human beings that I but Big E knocked him off the top rope. The Dudleys, was. He said he has a family to think about. He said have spent the last 15 years of my life with.” He looked though, knocked Big E down and then gave him a 3D he and his wife want to start having kids soon. The at the camera and said, “I am grateful.” through a table to win. crowd applauded. “Yes! Yes!” Bryan said, “That’s what He said tomorrow morning he starts a new life, WINNERS: Dudleys & Uso at 7:30. Brie says all the time!” He laughed at his own joke. a life when he is no longer a wrestler. He said that is -Afterward Jey was selling a left leg injury. The crowd shifted to a “Holy sh—-!” chant. That was tomorrow, not tonight. He said he has one more night Jimmy tended to him. Devon helped him up and they all overtaken by a chant of “That’s what she said!” He said to feel this energy and crowd, so he asked for one last celebrated. However, Bubba and Devon then attacked it is with a heavy heart and the utmost sadness that he “Yes!” chant. He threw his arms up over and over as the Usos, turning heel. The set up a table mid-ring and officially announces his retirement. He said he has gone the crowd chanted. Brie came out to celebrate with him. put Jimmy through it. Saxton said he didn’t understand through many emotions lately - angry, frustrated, sad - They kissed and the crowd cheered. He then he went to what was happening. The crowd chanted “One more but when he woke up this morning, he felt nothing but ringside and hugged his mom. Cole said the celebration time.” Bubba yelled that he was upset they were going gratitude because he has gotten to do what he loves for would continue on WWE Network. The “Yes!” chant to have a tables match without them. An “E-C-Dub” nearly 16 years. continued as Bryan led the crowd at ringside. ### #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 8 www.PWTorch.com/members GREG PARKS airing at the same time, and in trying to watch both match, he defeated Hulk Hogan for the WCW at the same time, I tend to find my eyes wandering Championship. Nowhere to go but down, right? more and more to Lucha Underground. Still, for a novice, it was quite the placement on ot-Quite-Hot- Not-Quite-Hot Take: Matt Hardy may be the card, especially given WCW’s reliance on older Takes on the top heel in the business right now. Yes, THAT stars, even at that time. At his size, there were even N Matt Hardy; The Matt Hardy whose WWE heel rumors that he could do a moonsault off the top rope Hardy, NXT TV, turn against his brother was an unmitigated disaster. in training. The sky seemed to be the limit. Big Show Turns out, it can be done. The storyline has unfolded At just 27 years old, Show signed with WWE. perfectly, with not only Hardy turning heel, but He had gotten lost in the shuffle in WCW with Here are a few not-quite-hot takes on Ethan Carter III turning babyface in a move that bigger names coming over from WWE, and the New professional wrestling items that have crossed my was a big risk, given how good of a heel Carter had World Order overshadowing the rest of the roster. It mind lately… become. was expected, given his size and Vince McMahon’s Not-Quite-Hot Take: NXT TV has become Hardy’s promo work the past few weeks history of pushing wrestlers like Show, that he overrated. Maybe things will change once Austin has been exemplary, as has his brushing off of would become a huge star in WWE. In 1999, WWE Aries officially debuts on NXT TV. Or maybe it’s his babyface brother, Jeff. The way he coolly, was still in their hot period as well, with the top of because of the injuries to Sami Zayn and Hideo calculatedly took Jeff out of the picture prior to the card stacked with established main eventers he Itami that the show just doesn’t feel like it used to. his TNA Title match with Carter was incredibly could interact with. But NXT TV is now sometimes the third or fourth well-done. Adding his wife and young son to his Show made a memorable WWE debut, best show of the week, behind Lucha Underground, entourage, you would think, would make him a bursting onto the scene by literally bursting through a rejuvenated Smackdown, and a surprisingly- candidate to be one of the biggest good guys on the the ring during a Vince McMahon vs. Steve Austin competent Impact on POP TV. roster. The way TNA flipped that script was great. match at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, attacking Now, NXT Takeover specials have not ceased In the end, it was his wife, Reby Sky, who it Austin and siding with McMahon’s Corporation being awesome during this time. It’s just that the appears directed the heel turn by her husband. It also stable. His momentous introduction did not portend weekly television show hasn’t been as compelling gives Matt a built-in storyline for an eventual turn what was to come in his WWE career lately. Granted, NXT seems to have slowed the pace back to being a face, that his wife got in his head and While Show has been a four time WWE/ down of their shows, building even more to the big was the mechanism behind his turn – that heel Matt World Heavyweight Champion, his infamy is more shows and not giving away many big matches. wasn’t really who he is. well-known: Getting sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling Most of the shows have been comprised of We haven’t seen a lot out of Carter the to lose weight less than two years into his WWE squash or enhancement matches. It’s something babyface yet, but if nothing else, this freshens up deal; being positioned in storylines where he many fans and analysts, including myself, have TNA’s main event scene. With Matt going heel, it’ll often cries; using a gimmick usually reserved for called for to occur more often on Raw. These give him a new set of opponents to face. Same with lower-card talent where he imitated other famous squashes would help avoid the constant 50/50 Carter; now a babyface, he can fight some of the top wrestlers; being paired up with Floyd Mayweather booking and to allow talent to actually get over so heels once his program with Matt Hardy concludes. and Akebono on two separate Wrestlemania cards that people want to see them matched up against ECIII now has an opportunity to work against (losing to both); and Eddie Guerrero giving him each other. It would also prevent hot-shot booking top heels like Eric Young, Bram, Mike Bennett, and diarrhea on an episode of Smackdown. and giving away PPV-caliber matches for free each anyone else TNA may sign given their increased Sure, even legacy stars like Steve Austin and week talent budget as of late. Heel Hardy could defend The Rock had their gimmicky moments. That’s To a certain extent, these squashes and the against either member of Beer Money or The what puts the “E” in WWE. But Show could’ve old-school way of booking have gotten talent in Wolves, and Lashley. I would be apropos for Kurt been, and perhaps should’ve been, better protected NXT over. But the top guys on the brand seem to Angle to get a shot at Matt Hardy as well, before as a special attraction. And Vince McMahon should be missing something. Finn Balor doesn’t have Angle rides off into the sunset. be familiar with that formula, having watched his a really hot heel opponent to work with, though TNA’s ratings since the move to POP have father book, and then himself book, Andre the Giant Samoa Joe is getting there. Apollo Crews hasn’t not been crazy good, but they’ve been acceptable. as one. clicked like some had expected. Baron Corbin is While it’s probably not all attributable to the Hardy At this stage in his career, Show should’ve had still working his way up, showing more promise vs. Carter feud, like any main event program, they the potential to be a Brock Lesnar-type, a valuable lately. should get most of the credit. monster world-eater brought in every few months Reinforcements should be appearing on the TNA needs a lot more than a good main event to mingle with the younger talent and to give them horizon soon. Shinsuke Nakamura makes his debut feud to give the company a chance to flourish. But some rub. Instead, his appearances have become at the Takeover special slated for Wrestlemania it’s a start. Hardy vs. Carter is early in its latest groan-inducing, and in the latest Royal Rumble weekend. And it’s assumed that Karl Anderson and incarnation, but it shows a great amount of promise. match, he lasted less than five minutes. Doc Gallows will start in NXT as well soon after Just as important as investing in the championship There’s something to be said for carving out a their New Japan contracts expire. But Nakamura storyline is that while attracting people with Carter WWE career spanning the better part of a decade- isn’t expected to spend much time in NXT. vs. Hardy, they should be building up a quality mid- and-a-half. Show has likely made some good money The NXT product is still relatively hot, as card, full of wrestlers who will be able to take the in his career, and his parlayed his WWE work into a evidenced by house shows continuing to do well ball once Hardy vs. Carter runs its course. few acting gigs as well. But when looking at how he in bigger cities across the United States. The real Not-Quite-Hot Take: Despite Big Show stormed into the business, it’s difficult to think that challenge will be when NXT travels to those cities longevity at the top of the card in WWE, his there’s more than a little unfulfilled potential there. a second or third time. House shows of that size career never reached its full potential. I initially (Greg Parks has been covering WWE are not run often enough yet to where they’ll burn Tweeted this while watching Show get beaten down Smackdown every Friday night for PWTorch.com out cities any time soon, though ramping up the by the Wyatt Family last week on Raw. Big Show since January of 2007. He hosts the “Moonlighting number of those types of shows could come at has been a punchline in WWE for a while now, with Greg Parks” VIP Audio show every weekend. almost any time mostly for the number of times he’s turned from Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live There was a time when NXT TV felt must- heel to babyface and back to heel (most of the time Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well see. That feeling hasn’t stayed with me in the without actually turning), and being a constant, as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions last few months. They’re generally good, solid, if uninspiring opponent for Roman Reigns. and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_ forgettable shows. With it and Lucha Underground How soon we forget that in Big Show’s first [email protected].) ### #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 9 www.PWTorch.com/members in Bryan, who grew out his hair and beard and looked moment to date. At the biggest stage possible in RADICAN continued from cover every part the antithesis of what WWE likes to push as wrestling, Bryan won a title he wasn’t supposed to win. Bryan’s reign as ROH World Champion was the face of the company. The Superdome in New Orleans was jam-packed with special because of the diverse number of opponents I watched in amazement as Bryan’s fans hijacked fans doing the “Yes, Yes, Yes” chant with Bryan. None he took on. Aside from his rivalry with McGuinness, the Royal Rumble 2013 PPV. They booed Rey of this was supposed to happen, but Bryan did it. The he also had a memorable feud with Strong that had Mysterio out of the building when he came out as the generic indy wrestler had rose to the top of WWE in people questioning whether there was a legitimate last entrant and it was confirmed that Bryan wouldn’t spite of all the forces working against him. beef between the two after their first encounter at be in the Royal Rumble match after appearing in the In an era where fans grow more and more “This Means War.” opening match against Bray Wyatt. detached from WWE’s product, Bryan was the Bryan was a heel with a hard edge during his The plan was for WWE Champion Randy Orton underdog that made them believe. His personality truly reign as ROH World Champion, but during this period to face returning Royal Rumble winner Batista at made fans want to see him to succeed. Even when he spent a lot of time in FIP (ROH’s sister promotion WrestleMania 30, but the fans weren’t having it. Bryan WWE didn’t believe he was the right person to be the at the time), which was booked by Sapolsky, and was originally scheduled to face Sheamus at WM30, centerpiece of his promotion, the fans refused to stop eventually began to show a new side of himself as a but C.M. Punk’s departure from WWE set in motion supporting him. I wonder if we will ever see anything comedic heel. I was pleasantly surprised to watch this a change of plans that saw Bryan face Triple H in the that special again, especially in an era where Roman side of Daniel Bryan, as he showed a lot of charisma opening match of WrestleMania 30 for the right to be Reigns is being crammed down the throats of resistant and wasn’t afraid to make a fool of himself to get an inserted into the main event against Orton and Batista WWE fans. C.M. Punk almost bucked the system first, angle over. Bryan spent a couple more years in ROH for the WWE Championship. but Daniel Bryan truly broke through and made WWE before something unexpected happened. Bryan did something that has become rare when listen to their fans. Bryan was eventually signed by WWE in 2009. it comes to the corporate era of WWE - he made people Bryan broke through barriers in WWE and, as It was a signing that I never thought would happen. genuinely care about him. He made people want to see he rose to the top, WWE over the last several years It wasn’t because I didn’t think he couldn’t be taken him main event WWE’s biggest show of the year even changed their policies on the type of wrestlers they seriously as a wrestler on the roster if pushed properly, though fans were supposed to believe he was a wrestler recruited. Take a look at the WWE and NXT roster but instead it was because wrestlers like Bryan weren’t who couldn’t get the job done when it counted most. today;s it’ filled with wrestlers who would have had usually recruited and signed by WWE. I look back to 2003 and remember hearing about almost no chance of getting signed. Seth Rollins, Kevin There were some bumps in the road and Bryan ROH’s “Main Event Spectacles” having an incredible Owens, Cesaro, Kalisto, Dean Ambrose, Luke Harper, survived a firing and a brief return to the independent main event and Daniel Bryan’s rise to the top of WWE and many others who never would have been signed in scene in 2010. WWE quickly brought Bryan back to seems impossible in hindsight. The main event of that the past have broken through and become featured acts be part of John Cena’s team as they took on Nexus and show was a #1 contender match between A.J. Styles on WWE’s main roster. Several more talents wait for he got a big response when he was introduced to the and Bryan Danielson. All I heard about was how their chance to move up to the main roster in NXT. crowd unexpectedly at SummerSlam. amazing that match was. The more message board Bryan winning the WWE Championship at Vince McMahon never wanted Daniel Bryan to posts I read the more I couldn’t wait to order the VHS WrestleMania will always be the end of his WWE be. a top guy Even before he was fired for “choking” tape. journey for me. He got injured shortly after winning Justin Roberts with a neck tie in 2010, Bryan was My anticipation to see that match was like a kid the title and it was apparent WWE wasn’t going to positioned as an Indy legend who was out of his league on Christmas eyeing a box that he believes contains the make him the main featured act on the roster long-term in WWE. WWE cut Bryan’s legs out from under him present he wants the most. I was a huge fan of Styles’s before he was injured. from the beginning, but Bryan took every opportunity work at the time and had been really impressed with I didn’t want Bryan to come back to WWE after given to him and made the most of it. Bryan’s work, but this match blew my mind! “Main reading his autobiography where he wrote about all Bryan was booked in a comedic tag team with Event Spectacles” featured two of the best young of his documented and undocumented concussions. Kane at one point and what he did with Kane during talents in the world going all-out in an incredible Bryan only knew one speed when wrestling and even some of their ridiculous backstage segments reminded match. when he came back to WWE in 2015, it was clear he me of the charisma he showed as a comedic heel in When I watched Bryan rise to the top of ROH hadn’t toned down his in-ring style. FIP. Bryan won over WWE fans despite WWE doing during his amazing reign as World Champion from Monday night on Raw, Bryan said goodbye to their best to position him poorly. 2005-2006, it was hard to believe he would one day WWE. Shockingly, he talked about the concussions he Bryan was positioned as a hot-headed comedic main event WrestleMania. I believed he belonged in had suffered on air and talked about how the results heel in WWE, but eventually he transformed into a WWE and had to withstand a ton of backlash from of his latest round of brain tests before the Royal lovable babyface and continued to become more and people saying they thought he was nothing more than Rumble told him he shouldn’t return to wrestling. more popular. As a babyface, he cut fantastic promos another bland and generic indy wrestler who wouldn’t Every indication before the latest round of testing was that made him a lovable underdog and tapped into a amount to anything more than a top guy in a fed that that WWE and Bryan were at a stalemate, with WWE side of himself that I hadn’t seen during his time on nobody cared about. Time has proven them wrong. doctors refusing to clear Bryan to wrestle even though the Indies. Heck, even in my wildest dreams, I never Bryan’s own doctors had cleared him. Bryan’s popularity amongst vocal WWE fans believed Bryan would main event WrestleMania let I don’t know if this is the end for Bryan in the was exploding in 2013. He was screwed over after alone even be signed by WWE. Bryan made people ring. It’s possible he could wrestle again, but it won’t beating John Cena for the WWE Championship at want to see him succeed once he got to the biggest be in WWE. I hope this is it for him. Bryan has done SummerSlam 2013 by Triple H, as he nailed Bryan stage in wrestling to the point that cheered him all the everything he needs to do inside the ring. He managed with a nut shot before Randy Orton ran down and way to the winning the WWE World Championship at to build an undeniable connection with mainstream successfully cashed in MITB. The Authority was born WrestleMania 30 with the “Yes! movement.” wrestling fans in spite of his push. Everything about the and they cut Bryan down as often as possible until There’s something about the journey wrestlers path of Bryan’s career is what I love about professional they were done with him after HIAC 2013 - or so they take the always has fascinated me since I started wrestling. Even though wrestling match outcomes thought. watching independent wrestling. I was told by so many are pre-determined, as a fan you hope to believe that As poorly as Bryan was positioned and as people when I started watching ROH and writing about anything is possible in terms of the journey a wrestler often as he had his legs cut out from under him at it during its early years that the wrestlers I loved to can take who you truly believe in. every opportunity, he had an intangible quality that watched were too generic and didn’t have what it took Daniel Bryan made me care again in an era where made him a likable underdog. No matter how badly to make it to WWE. it’s truly hard to invest in storylines in WWE. I knew Vince McMahon positioned him and made him an Bryan winning the WWE World Championship 8 RADICAN continued on next page afterthought to get The Authority over, fans believed at WrestleMania 30 remains my favorite wrestling #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 10 www.PWTorch.com/members BRUCE MITCHELL PRO WRESTLING TORCH PRINT NEWSLETTER ORDER INFO ryan sets 8 issues for $20 U.S. / $30 Canada & Overseas standard 52 issues for $99 U.S. / $159 Canada & Overseas B Mail Payment (Check or Money Order in U.S. Funds) w/your address to: once again Pro Wrestling Torch • P.O. Box 211654 • St. Paul, MN 55121 Important: We no longer accept Master Card or Visa via mail order. Hey, I get it. Shinsuke Nakumura is debuting at the PRO WRESTLING TORCH VIP ONLINE MEMBERSHIP INFO WrestleMania weekend NXT Takeover show. A.J. Styles is already on Raw. Hideo Itami will be back from To become a PWTorch VIP Member, giving you instant online access to this injury soon enough. Kevin Owens is a Raw regular, too. newsletter (with bonus pages) in PDF and All-Text format, plus access to well over Finn Balor, Sami Zayn, and even Samoa Joe will be there soon enough. Hell, Dean Ambrose, Neville… 1,000 back issues, several new daily audio shows, our audio show library, ad-free Staff11Mitchell_120Can you imagine the match access to our daily PWTorch.com updates, and more, sign up online here: http:// ups, the rub that all this this talent, so much like their www.PWTorch.com/govip. Choose the $10 a month or $99 a year option (same role model in their WWE newness, their superlative price in U.S. or overseas). A print newsletter subscription does NOT come with a ability, and their independent experience would get? VIP password. That bundled pricing option has been discontinued. And then there’s this year’s WrestleMania. What is it missing, well, besides a main event or two? A Questions? Email us at [email protected] WrestleMania moment, that’s what. We haven’t had one of those since, well, you know… in great wrestlers and great wrestling styles all over Bryan, who inspired many of today’s wrestlers So, I get the disappointment that Daniel Bryan, the world. They tried to embarrass him by sticking to pursue their craft, has now inspired them to protect the best, most influential professional of his generation, him with former reality TV star The Miz as his on-air their health and finances. There will be life after stepped up Monday night and retired from the sport he wrestling coach. To take advantage of veteran Glen wrestling for Bryan as he continues to lead the way for loved. Concussions? He seems fine to me. Aren’t there Jacob’s ability to deliver a droll line, he was paired in his generation of wrestlers. doctors who say it’s okay for him to get back in the an odd couple comedic team with Kane. (Bruce Mitchell has been a PWTorch columnist ring? He kept getting over. since 1990. He hosts the PWTorch Livecast every If WWE doctors (and who trusts them?) won’t let Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, even the Friday night at 7 ET with Travis Bryant at www. Bryan back in the ring, then what’s stopping him from Chairman of the Board Vince McMahon told WWE PWTorchLivecast.com. The weekly two-hour Bruce leaving and going to any of the several good-working fans he was a vegan, a virgin, a goat boy, that he Mitchell Audio Show with host Wade Keller is a VIP independent promotions, jump-starting their businesses didn’t have charisma, that he couldn’t main event, audio staple for years and is part of over a dozen VIP while metaphorically tearing their houses down? that he couldn’t main event WrestleMania. exclusive audio shows that run usually daily or weekly What’s stopping him is the nature of his WWE contract, To WWE’s frustration, Daniel Bryan became the that online members have access to with their VIP that they can freeze the time left from the moment he people’s champion, in part because of his excellence password.) ### was injured. in the ring, and in part because the truth was the Still, Nakamura and A.J. Styles for Daniel Bryan? RADICAN continued from pg. 11 unassuming artist had a real charisma, an ability to Seems fair, or at least more fair… bond with fans everywhere. WWE’s outcomes were pre-determined and I knew So, like I said, I get it. There’s a lot of sports and In doing so, he became a shining light for that Bryan likely wasn’t going to get his crowning entertainment left on the table if Daniel Bryan retires. dedicated, passionate workers all over the world, who moment. Heck, WWE pulled the ultimate “Lucy This is an era where NXT wrestling is upstaging the saw in Bryan’s example not just a career path, but a yanking the football away from Linus moment” at boys on the main stage, and Daniel Bryan is the first, way to lead their life. Bryan’s autobiography, “Yes! SummerSlam 2013, but then were forced to give and greatest, of the NXT wrestlers. It’s a shame he the fans the moment they wanted for Bryan at won’t be in the ring to enjoy NXT’s continued rise. My Improbable Journey to the WrestleMania Main WrestleMania 30. The truth is, there are higher stakes involved here Event,” is the book of his generation, in the same way That’s what is beautiful about the art of wrestling. than even ones involving great entertainment for fans Mick Foley’s “Have A Nice Day” set the the tone for and money for rich promoters. his. It is an ever-changing canvas and even when you think Before there was Daniel Bryan, there was Bryan Now Daniel Bryan, whose WrestleMania you know what can and can’t happen, sometimes it Danielson, The Best In the World. Danielson had a lot moment fired imaginations around the wrestling gives you want you want and that’s why you keep of snug, well-worked, top-flight matches in earning that world, has set an example for all the passionate watching. sobriquet. Danielson was the best of a new generation, artists who followed in his wake. He’s saved his Daniel Bryan made us all believe again. I would one that didn’t necessarily worry about meeting the money (foregoing a TV will do that) and he has the love to see him wrestle another 10 years and go all big muscle, big man WWE standard, or getting the opportunity by retiring to preserve the quality of his over the world and perform against the new crop of big money that comes with resulting main events. life for himself and his family. talent that is out there right now, but I hope he stays Danielson was an artist, one who pursued his passion The truth is the hard, precise style that made out of the ring for good. I want him to be healthy and I all over the world, until the day came when he wanted Bryan the Best in the World also cost him several want to him enjoy time with his wife and family more to see if he had enough left to make some money in the concussions before he came to WWE. He’s had than I want to see him perform in the ring again. It’s business. concussions since, too. Bryan joins the NFL’s hard to imagine another wrestler having a journey as He wasn’t what WWE was looking for, really. Marshawn Lynch and Calvin Johnson in making the amazing as Daniel Bryan did during his career from He didn’t look like a star. He was too short, for one. same decision to retire this week, and for most of the start to finish. He didn’t have the outsized personality that has made same reasons. NFL players have been devastated by (Sean Radican covers the indy scene for outsized stars through the history of the industry. He cognitive health problems caused at least in part by PWTorch Newsletter and hosts the Radican wrestled his match and went back to his room. He concussions in the same way professional wrestlers Wrestling Community VIP Audio Show. Email him at didn’t take WWE as his religion, and was well-versed have. [email protected].) ### #1443 • FEBRUARY 11, 2016 PWTORCH NEWSLETTER • PAGE 11 www.PWTorch.com/members PWTORCH NEWSLETTER #1443 • P.O. BOX 211654 - ST. PAUL, MN 55121

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COVER STORY continued from cover hours, but over my entire career, sends chills thru what that means. It’s hard because we say so many my body. My life is better because of all of you. things out there that are fiction. We deliver works of – for the experiences that families and fans shared Gratitude. Always.” He attached a graphic that said: fiction. And then to go out there and say something together, like doing the “Yes!” chant. “Don’t “Live Simply. Dream Big. Be Grateful. Give Love. that you wish were fiction was very difficult,” Bryan remember me, but the experiences being at a WWE Laugh Lots.” said. “The reason why it hurts so much is because I show,” Bryan said. “I would like people to remember loved it so much. When you get to do something that that if you had a good time at a show I was at, WWE’s website released a post-retirement you love for 15 years is pretty awesome.” remember those experiences with the people that you interview with Bryan, who was joined by Brie Bella Brie also commented at the end of the interview love.” to discuss his retirement speech and the end of his about watching Bryan’s speech from backstage at the Asked why he thinks his connection was so WWE in-ring career. Gorilla position before coming out to the ring for the strong, whether in the ring or through the “Yes!” chant Bryan said he was feeling a lot of inner turmoil post-Raw bonus farewell. connecting with fans 8-to-80, Bryan said, “Honestly, and sadness throughout Monday when he publicly Jim Ross was among those reacting to the I don’t know.” He said it’s one of those things where announced his decision, but he wanted to convey Bryan news. “Although it is a sad day for Bryan and ideas just popped into his brain, he did them, and the his other emotions of gratitude and thankfulness his fans with him not being able to safely wrestle in crowd connected. during his farewell speech. He also just wanted to the future, I’d say that the ‘YES!! Man’ came out of Monday’s Raw jumped 65-135 percent in get through the speech without “completely breaking this ordeal a very lucky man,” Ross wrote at jrsbarbq. Nielsen’s Twitter TV Ratings metrics compared to down” in tears. “This inner turmoil that I’m feeling com. “If my instincts are accurate, we haven’t heard last week’s Raw. The show also nearly-doubled the right now – who knows how long this kind of sadness the last of Bryan Danielson. His future contributions post-Royal Rumble episode two weeks ago. Raw will last – but I didn’t want the fans to take away to the business that he loves so passionately should drew a unique Twitter audience of 2.926 million, up the sadness. I wanted them to take away that I’m be prominent for all to see for years to come,” Ross 65 percent from last week. It was the biggest audience grateful for everything that’s happened,” Bryan said. wrote. Bryan is WWE’s version of Peyton Manning since the post-Summerslam Raw in August 2015 “I wanted people to know that I am grateful for all of in that the former WWE Champion can influence drew 2.958 million. Raw’s total impressions were this. Sometimes you have to put on the mask a little an entire team with his attitude and leadership. No 21.342 million, up 134 percent from last week. It was bit. But, legitimately when you think about those company in any form of business can have too many the most impressions since the post-WrestleMania 31 things, it makes you smile.” Daniel Bryans on the payroll.” Raw in March 2015. The number of unique authors Bryan also noted that he had a good cry with Bryan may have wrestled his last match, but he tweeting about Raw was 83,000, up 130 percent from “The Ryback” when he got backstage after the also may not have. Bryan didn’t explicitly close that last week. Total tweets were 343,000, up 129 percent speech. He also noted support from the locker room door in his speech. WWE wouldn’t let him wrestle, from last week. before his show-closing speech, which was then the latest test results confirmed they likely never The next day on Twitter, Bryan expressed reflected on the stage after Raw went off the air. would, but Bryan had expressed he wanted to wrestle thanks for the support he received from his fans and Bryan summed up his feelings on retiring by even if WWE wouldn’t. Whether the latest test colleagues. He wrote: “Just wanted to say THANK noting that when he typically goes into the ring, he results would eliminate an occasional “comeback” YOU. To all of you. The incredible amount of love is doing a fictional performance, and he wished that match for another promotion hasn’t been addressed and support you’ve given me, not just in the last 48 was the case this time, too. “You know it’s coming. by Bryan. He does seem like a shoe-in for a WWE You know what you’re going out there to say, and Hall of Fame induction within a few years. ###