Post by wickedrex1 on Feb 25, 2024 13:24:44 GMT -5
HWL Wicked Games PPV – 11/03/13 – Richmond Coliseum (Richmond, VA) – 11,316
“Slow Suicide” by Scott Stapp is heard over a video package that plays to start off the show. Josh Daniels and Scott Michaels welcome everyone to Richmond, VA, and the fourth-annual Wicked Games pay-per-view. The announcers run down the nine matches scheduled for tonight, including the semi-final and final round matches of the Wicked Games Tournament, with the winner earning a Heavyweight Title match next month, inside a steel cage, at Caged Rage. Who the winner of the tournament will face will also be determined as Kevin Steen finally gets his shot at the Heavyweight Title, as he takes on Austin Aries in the main event.
HWL Tag Team Titles Match
The Independents (Jesse Neal & Steve Corino) (w/Shane Hagadorn) vs. © Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin
The show opened up with The Independents looking to regain the Tag Team Titles from the surprising up-start team of Del Rio and Sabin, who shocked the HWL by winning the titles last month at Downfall. After hearing the former champions repeat, week after week, that they were not worthy of being called champions, Del Rio and Sabin looked to prove those comments wrong. Neal and Corino – with the help of Shane Hagadorn outside the ring – tried to use their numbers game against the champions. Those attempts would wind up failing. Del Rio and Sabin appeared ready for anything the former champions threw at them. As all four men began brawling outside the ring, Del Rio would whip Corino knee-first into the ring steps. Del Rio then tossed the hobbling Corino into the ring before locking in the Cross Arm-breaker. Corino, to his credit, did not tap out but rather passed out due to the pain and the referee called the match!
[HWL Tag Team Title Match]:
Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin defeated The Independents (Jesse Neal & Steve Corino) by submission in 16:31.
Rating: 3.75
(Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin retained the HWL Tag Team Titles.)
A video package shows footage of Alex Riley’s victory over long-time rival Brutus Magnus and CM Punk’s victory over Carnage, both victories earning them a spot in the tournament semifinals.
Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinal
Alex Riley vs. CM Punk
Leading into this semifinal, both Riley and Punk had picked up impressive victories. Punk came into this match as the favorite, having a long history of success in this tournament. But nothing would be sweeter for Riley than to upset the former Heavyweight Champion and get one step closer to his own title match next month. In a hard-hitting match, both men resorted to seeing who could and the hardest punch to gain the advantage. Both men came close to ending the match early, but in the end, Punk was able to hit the G.T.S on Riley to secure the victory and move on to the finale later tonight.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinals]:
CM Punk pinned Alex Riley with the G.T.S in 8:49.
Rating: 3.00
In the backstage area, Alisha Hicks is seen with HWL Women’s Champion Brie Bella. Alisha mentions the comments made by Eve Torres on Monday night, that it seems like Brie doesn’t really care about anything. Laughing, Brie says that Eve’s comments are those of someone who’s delusional and on the verge of being embarrassed one more time. Brie says she does, in fact, care about something: her winning streak and remaining Women’s Champion for as long as she wants the title.
Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinal
Cody Rhodes vs. Jay Briscoe
The history between these two men has been well-documented in the past, but new chapters keep getting written every time they step into the ring together. Tonight was no different, as Rhodes looked to avenge his “tainted” victory at the hands of Briscoe last month where Briscoe cracked a steel chair over Rhodes’ head, getting himself disqualified. In Rhodes’ mind, there would be no better way to overcome that than keeping Briscoe away from the Heavyweight Title. Rhodes came out strong, looking to send a message not only to Briscoe, but to CM Punk who had won the previous match to advance in the tournament. However, after being on the defensive for most of the match, Briscoe found a way to stop Rhodes’ momentum with a thumb to the eye. After a stick kick to the back of Rhodes’ head, Briscoe made a quick pinfall. Out of the referee’s view, Briscoe propped his feet on the ropes for leverage, assisting in getting the 1-2-3.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinals]:
Jay Briscoe pinned Cody Rhodes after a kick to the head in 10:14.
Rating: 3.50
After the match, Briscoe quickly left the ring, celebrating in the aisleway as Rhodes pleaded with the referee.
In a pre-recorded video, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder send a message to the fans that have followed them throughout their careers. They know they’re not performing up to their own expectations, especially not their fans’. They talk about getting back on track tonight, against Colt Cabana and Edwin Colon.
HWL Women’s Title Match
Eve Torres vs. © Brie Bella
In the weeks leading up to this match, Eve Torres made it clear that she felt her in-ring career was coming to an end. The one thing that had eluded her, however, was becoming Women’s Champion. Torres jumped at the opportunity to challenge for the title – and to potentially be the one to break Brie’s impressive winning streak. Brie spent weeks belittling Eve, saying that Torres was not in the champion’s league and that neither her winning streak nor her title reign would be in jeopardy. Torres gave her all after the bell rang, but whenever she was mounting any substantial offense, Bella would take the match outside the ring and use their surroundings to her advantage. This would wear down Torres’ back, leaving her open to a Bella Buster, which would ultimately be her downfall as Bella made the cover for another successful title defense.
[HWL Women’s Title Match]:
Brie Bella pinned Eve Torres with the Bella Buster in 7:09.
Rating: 1.25
(Brie Bella retained the HWL Women’s Title.)
A video package is shown, highlighting the series of derogatory comments that have been said between ODB and Nikki Bella ahead of their match.
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder vs. Colt Cabana & Edwin Colon
Both teams came into this match with something to prove. For Hawkins and Ryder it was proving to the fans and other teams – not only to themselves – that they belonged; that they could be a threat, sooner than later, inside the tag team division. For Cabana and Colon, it was all about proving that they had what it takes to rise up and reach the championship level they were at a year and a half ago. After coming up short in the Number One Contenders’ Round Robin tournament, Cabana and Colon found themselves faced with another team hoping to stand in their way. A win for Hawkins and Ryder would be huge to their ascension inside the division and would help eat away at the chip currently sitting on their shoulders. However, this match did not go their way, as a distraction by Colon allowed Cabana to low blow Hawkins before hitting an Ace Crusher for the 1-2-3.
Colt Cabana & Edwin Colon defeated Curt Hawkins & Zach Ryder by pinfall in 12:37.
Rating: 3.25
Backstage, Alisha Hicks asks Samoa Joe for any last-minute thoughts before his title match against Chris Hero. Joe says that Hero and his “band of misfits” think they can run roughshod over the HWL. Joe reminds them all that he started in the same place, but he’s not holding on to this “image” that they have in their heads. Joe says that The Independents have a history of sticking their noses in each other’s business; but Joe says he would fight every single member if it meant getting his hands on the X-Division Title – a title that he helped put on the map.
Nikki Bella vs. ODB
Over the past few months, ODB has had her run-ins with both Bella sisters, but in the lead up to this match, had claimed that Brie – the current Women’s Champion – was the better of the twins. Nikki took this personally, of course, and was destined to prove ODB wrong. Nikki, a former Women’s Champion in her own right, has suffered from less-than-stellar performances lately, and ODB was looking to capitalize on that tonight. But it looked like Nikki had heard enough of ODB’s bashing her, and during the match, grabbed the flask that ODB carries and smashed it over ODB’s head! Nikki was disqualified for her actions, but seemed content with sending a message to ODB, win or lose.
ODB defeated Nikki Bella by DQ in 9:03.
Rating: 2.25
Backstage, Alisha Hicks congratulates CM Punk on his semifinal victory earlier tonight and asks how he feels going into the finale against Jay Briscoe. Punk gives credit to Alex Riley, Carnage, and everyone who took part in the Wicked Games Tournament this year. He says that Briscoe may not give the same credit to everyone, but Punk congratulates Briscoe on reaching the finale as well. However, Punk says that there’s a difference between himself and Briscoe heading into this match: Punk has been in this position before. Punk is comfortable with that pressure being on his shoulders. The pressure of knowing what’s in-store if he walks away with a victory tonight. Punk knows that Briscoe has felt pressure, back that pressure was different. Punk says that Briscoe is now experiencing “big league” pressure. Punk wishes Briscoe luck, but again says that tonight, the Winter of Punk begins.
HWL X-Division Title Match
Samoa Joe vs. © Chris Hero (w/Shane Hagadorn)
In the weeks leading up to this match, a more violent side of Samoa Joe was unleashed after AJ Styles’ injury ended their quest for the Tag Team Titles. Joe set his sights on the X-Division Champion, as he said, out of boredom. Hero, though, was not taking Joe’s intentions lightly, and knew what type of competitor Joe was when he agreed to put the title on the line. But, along with accepting Joe’s challenge, Hero made sure to mention that anything – and everything – is possible in the X-Division. That proved to be very true tonight as ADAM COLE made his presence known during this match, antagonizing Joe whenever he could. Joe valiantly fought Cole off while trying to keep pace with Hero and the “no holds barred” stipulation. However, it was soon obvious that the numbers game was getting the better of Joe. Cole, to the referee’s credit, was admonished from ringside, but the damage had already been done. Cole would hit Joe with the title belt before his exit from ringside, which allowed Hero to make the cover for the tainted – albeit not surprising – victory.
[HWL X-Division Title Match]:
Chris Hero defeated Samoa Joe by pinfall in 20:07.
Rating: 4.25
[Adam Cole interfered against Samoa Joe.]
(Chris Hero retained the HWL X-Division Title.)
A video, taken from a security camera somewhere inside the arena earlier in the day, shows Shane Hagadorn approaching Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries. The camera picks up Hagadorn telling Aries that he has a chance to join The Independents and help them become the greatest faction in professional wrestling. Hagadorn knows Aries has the title match to worry about tonight but encourages Aries to think his decision over and have an answer ready for Monday night.
Wicked Games Tournament – Finale
Jay Briscoe vs. CM Punk
The Wicked Games Tournament had finally reached its endpoint. After running through the gauntlet of opponents, it was time to see who would walk out victorious and secure a Heavyweight Title shot at next month’s Caged Rage event. Briscoe and Punk both picked up impressive victories at the start of the show: Punk, defeating Alex Riley to, once again, reach a place that has been quite familiar to him; Briscoe, albeit controversially, defeating his long-time rival Cody Rhodes to become as close as he ever has to the Heavyweight Title. Early on, it looked as if Punk would be in the driver’s seat, after hitting a G.T.S onto the concrete floor! Briscoe fought back, showing the tenacity that would be needed if he wanted to be a champion. Punk would attempt a second G.T.S, but Briscoe would counter it by raking Punk eyes, before hitting the J-Driller for what some would call an upset victory.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Finale]:
Jay Briscoe pinned CM Punk with the J-Driller in 9:18.
Rating: 3.75
A preview for the next HWL pay-per-view, Caged Rage, is shown. Caged Rage will take place on December 1st, LIVE from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri!
HWL Heavyweight Title Match
Kevin Steen vs. © Austin Aries
Kevin Steen looked to finally make good on all the hard work and effort he put in over the last few months, by cashing in and defeating Austin Aries for the Heavyweight Title tonight. Aries came into this match with some troubles of his own, not just those he faced in the form of Steen. The question everyone was awaiting an answer to was: Would Aries take Chris Hero up on his offer to join the Independents and join arguably the strongest faction to ever exist in the HWL? Aries seemed off his game early on in this match, possibly with that question in the back of his mind. Things were complicated even further as Shane Hagadorn made an appearance at ringside, watching the action up-close. When it looked like Steen might have the match in-hand, he set Aries up for a powerslam, but Hagadorn jumped onto the ring apron, distracting the referee. With his back turned, the official did not see Hero climb into the ring and crack a steel chair over Steen’s back! Hagadorn jumped off the apron as Hero slid out of the ring, and Aries quickly rolled Steen up for the victory!
[HWL Heavyweight Title Match]:
Austin Aries pinned Kevin Steen with a roll-up in 19:11.
Rating: 4.25
(Austin Aries retained the HWL Heavyweight Title.)
[Chris Hero interfered against Kevin Steen.]
Card rating: 3.50
“Slow Suicide” by Scott Stapp is heard over a video package that plays to start off the show. Josh Daniels and Scott Michaels welcome everyone to Richmond, VA, and the fourth-annual Wicked Games pay-per-view. The announcers run down the nine matches scheduled for tonight, including the semi-final and final round matches of the Wicked Games Tournament, with the winner earning a Heavyweight Title match next month, inside a steel cage, at Caged Rage. Who the winner of the tournament will face will also be determined as Kevin Steen finally gets his shot at the Heavyweight Title, as he takes on Austin Aries in the main event.
HWL Tag Team Titles Match
The Independents (Jesse Neal & Steve Corino) (w/Shane Hagadorn) vs. © Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin
The show opened up with The Independents looking to regain the Tag Team Titles from the surprising up-start team of Del Rio and Sabin, who shocked the HWL by winning the titles last month at Downfall. After hearing the former champions repeat, week after week, that they were not worthy of being called champions, Del Rio and Sabin looked to prove those comments wrong. Neal and Corino – with the help of Shane Hagadorn outside the ring – tried to use their numbers game against the champions. Those attempts would wind up failing. Del Rio and Sabin appeared ready for anything the former champions threw at them. As all four men began brawling outside the ring, Del Rio would whip Corino knee-first into the ring steps. Del Rio then tossed the hobbling Corino into the ring before locking in the Cross Arm-breaker. Corino, to his credit, did not tap out but rather passed out due to the pain and the referee called the match!
[HWL Tag Team Title Match]:
Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin defeated The Independents (Jesse Neal & Steve Corino) by submission in 16:31.
Rating: 3.75
(Alberto Del Rio & Chris Sabin retained the HWL Tag Team Titles.)
A video package shows footage of Alex Riley’s victory over long-time rival Brutus Magnus and CM Punk’s victory over Carnage, both victories earning them a spot in the tournament semifinals.
Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinal
Alex Riley vs. CM Punk
Leading into this semifinal, both Riley and Punk had picked up impressive victories. Punk came into this match as the favorite, having a long history of success in this tournament. But nothing would be sweeter for Riley than to upset the former Heavyweight Champion and get one step closer to his own title match next month. In a hard-hitting match, both men resorted to seeing who could and the hardest punch to gain the advantage. Both men came close to ending the match early, but in the end, Punk was able to hit the G.T.S on Riley to secure the victory and move on to the finale later tonight.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinals]:
CM Punk pinned Alex Riley with the G.T.S in 8:49.
Rating: 3.00
In the backstage area, Alisha Hicks is seen with HWL Women’s Champion Brie Bella. Alisha mentions the comments made by Eve Torres on Monday night, that it seems like Brie doesn’t really care about anything. Laughing, Brie says that Eve’s comments are those of someone who’s delusional and on the verge of being embarrassed one more time. Brie says she does, in fact, care about something: her winning streak and remaining Women’s Champion for as long as she wants the title.
Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinal
Cody Rhodes vs. Jay Briscoe
The history between these two men has been well-documented in the past, but new chapters keep getting written every time they step into the ring together. Tonight was no different, as Rhodes looked to avenge his “tainted” victory at the hands of Briscoe last month where Briscoe cracked a steel chair over Rhodes’ head, getting himself disqualified. In Rhodes’ mind, there would be no better way to overcome that than keeping Briscoe away from the Heavyweight Title. Rhodes came out strong, looking to send a message not only to Briscoe, but to CM Punk who had won the previous match to advance in the tournament. However, after being on the defensive for most of the match, Briscoe found a way to stop Rhodes’ momentum with a thumb to the eye. After a stick kick to the back of Rhodes’ head, Briscoe made a quick pinfall. Out of the referee’s view, Briscoe propped his feet on the ropes for leverage, assisting in getting the 1-2-3.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Semifinals]:
Jay Briscoe pinned Cody Rhodes after a kick to the head in 10:14.
Rating: 3.50
After the match, Briscoe quickly left the ring, celebrating in the aisleway as Rhodes pleaded with the referee.
In a pre-recorded video, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder send a message to the fans that have followed them throughout their careers. They know they’re not performing up to their own expectations, especially not their fans’. They talk about getting back on track tonight, against Colt Cabana and Edwin Colon.
HWL Women’s Title Match
Eve Torres vs. © Brie Bella
In the weeks leading up to this match, Eve Torres made it clear that she felt her in-ring career was coming to an end. The one thing that had eluded her, however, was becoming Women’s Champion. Torres jumped at the opportunity to challenge for the title – and to potentially be the one to break Brie’s impressive winning streak. Brie spent weeks belittling Eve, saying that Torres was not in the champion’s league and that neither her winning streak nor her title reign would be in jeopardy. Torres gave her all after the bell rang, but whenever she was mounting any substantial offense, Bella would take the match outside the ring and use their surroundings to her advantage. This would wear down Torres’ back, leaving her open to a Bella Buster, which would ultimately be her downfall as Bella made the cover for another successful title defense.
[HWL Women’s Title Match]:
Brie Bella pinned Eve Torres with the Bella Buster in 7:09.
Rating: 1.25
(Brie Bella retained the HWL Women’s Title.)
A video package is shown, highlighting the series of derogatory comments that have been said between ODB and Nikki Bella ahead of their match.
Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder vs. Colt Cabana & Edwin Colon
Both teams came into this match with something to prove. For Hawkins and Ryder it was proving to the fans and other teams – not only to themselves – that they belonged; that they could be a threat, sooner than later, inside the tag team division. For Cabana and Colon, it was all about proving that they had what it takes to rise up and reach the championship level they were at a year and a half ago. After coming up short in the Number One Contenders’ Round Robin tournament, Cabana and Colon found themselves faced with another team hoping to stand in their way. A win for Hawkins and Ryder would be huge to their ascension inside the division and would help eat away at the chip currently sitting on their shoulders. However, this match did not go their way, as a distraction by Colon allowed Cabana to low blow Hawkins before hitting an Ace Crusher for the 1-2-3.
Colt Cabana & Edwin Colon defeated Curt Hawkins & Zach Ryder by pinfall in 12:37.
Rating: 3.25
Backstage, Alisha Hicks asks Samoa Joe for any last-minute thoughts before his title match against Chris Hero. Joe says that Hero and his “band of misfits” think they can run roughshod over the HWL. Joe reminds them all that he started in the same place, but he’s not holding on to this “image” that they have in their heads. Joe says that The Independents have a history of sticking their noses in each other’s business; but Joe says he would fight every single member if it meant getting his hands on the X-Division Title – a title that he helped put on the map.
Nikki Bella vs. ODB
Over the past few months, ODB has had her run-ins with both Bella sisters, but in the lead up to this match, had claimed that Brie – the current Women’s Champion – was the better of the twins. Nikki took this personally, of course, and was destined to prove ODB wrong. Nikki, a former Women’s Champion in her own right, has suffered from less-than-stellar performances lately, and ODB was looking to capitalize on that tonight. But it looked like Nikki had heard enough of ODB’s bashing her, and during the match, grabbed the flask that ODB carries and smashed it over ODB’s head! Nikki was disqualified for her actions, but seemed content with sending a message to ODB, win or lose.
ODB defeated Nikki Bella by DQ in 9:03.
Rating: 2.25
Backstage, Alisha Hicks congratulates CM Punk on his semifinal victory earlier tonight and asks how he feels going into the finale against Jay Briscoe. Punk gives credit to Alex Riley, Carnage, and everyone who took part in the Wicked Games Tournament this year. He says that Briscoe may not give the same credit to everyone, but Punk congratulates Briscoe on reaching the finale as well. However, Punk says that there’s a difference between himself and Briscoe heading into this match: Punk has been in this position before. Punk is comfortable with that pressure being on his shoulders. The pressure of knowing what’s in-store if he walks away with a victory tonight. Punk knows that Briscoe has felt pressure, back that pressure was different. Punk says that Briscoe is now experiencing “big league” pressure. Punk wishes Briscoe luck, but again says that tonight, the Winter of Punk begins.
HWL X-Division Title Match
Samoa Joe vs. © Chris Hero (w/Shane Hagadorn)
In the weeks leading up to this match, a more violent side of Samoa Joe was unleashed after AJ Styles’ injury ended their quest for the Tag Team Titles. Joe set his sights on the X-Division Champion, as he said, out of boredom. Hero, though, was not taking Joe’s intentions lightly, and knew what type of competitor Joe was when he agreed to put the title on the line. But, along with accepting Joe’s challenge, Hero made sure to mention that anything – and everything – is possible in the X-Division. That proved to be very true tonight as ADAM COLE made his presence known during this match, antagonizing Joe whenever he could. Joe valiantly fought Cole off while trying to keep pace with Hero and the “no holds barred” stipulation. However, it was soon obvious that the numbers game was getting the better of Joe. Cole, to the referee’s credit, was admonished from ringside, but the damage had already been done. Cole would hit Joe with the title belt before his exit from ringside, which allowed Hero to make the cover for the tainted – albeit not surprising – victory.
[HWL X-Division Title Match]:
Chris Hero defeated Samoa Joe by pinfall in 20:07.
Rating: 4.25
[Adam Cole interfered against Samoa Joe.]
(Chris Hero retained the HWL X-Division Title.)
A video, taken from a security camera somewhere inside the arena earlier in the day, shows Shane Hagadorn approaching Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries. The camera picks up Hagadorn telling Aries that he has a chance to join The Independents and help them become the greatest faction in professional wrestling. Hagadorn knows Aries has the title match to worry about tonight but encourages Aries to think his decision over and have an answer ready for Monday night.
Wicked Games Tournament – Finale
Jay Briscoe vs. CM Punk
The Wicked Games Tournament had finally reached its endpoint. After running through the gauntlet of opponents, it was time to see who would walk out victorious and secure a Heavyweight Title shot at next month’s Caged Rage event. Briscoe and Punk both picked up impressive victories at the start of the show: Punk, defeating Alex Riley to, once again, reach a place that has been quite familiar to him; Briscoe, albeit controversially, defeating his long-time rival Cody Rhodes to become as close as he ever has to the Heavyweight Title. Early on, it looked as if Punk would be in the driver’s seat, after hitting a G.T.S onto the concrete floor! Briscoe fought back, showing the tenacity that would be needed if he wanted to be a champion. Punk would attempt a second G.T.S, but Briscoe would counter it by raking Punk eyes, before hitting the J-Driller for what some would call an upset victory.
[Wicked Games Tournament – Finale]:
Jay Briscoe pinned CM Punk with the J-Driller in 9:18.
Rating: 3.75
A preview for the next HWL pay-per-view, Caged Rage, is shown. Caged Rage will take place on December 1st, LIVE from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri!
HWL Heavyweight Title Match
Kevin Steen vs. © Austin Aries
Kevin Steen looked to finally make good on all the hard work and effort he put in over the last few months, by cashing in and defeating Austin Aries for the Heavyweight Title tonight. Aries came into this match with some troubles of his own, not just those he faced in the form of Steen. The question everyone was awaiting an answer to was: Would Aries take Chris Hero up on his offer to join the Independents and join arguably the strongest faction to ever exist in the HWL? Aries seemed off his game early on in this match, possibly with that question in the back of his mind. Things were complicated even further as Shane Hagadorn made an appearance at ringside, watching the action up-close. When it looked like Steen might have the match in-hand, he set Aries up for a powerslam, but Hagadorn jumped onto the ring apron, distracting the referee. With his back turned, the official did not see Hero climb into the ring and crack a steel chair over Steen’s back! Hagadorn jumped off the apron as Hero slid out of the ring, and Aries quickly rolled Steen up for the victory!
[HWL Heavyweight Title Match]:
Austin Aries pinned Kevin Steen with a roll-up in 19:11.
Rating: 4.25
(Austin Aries retained the HWL Heavyweight Title.)
[Chris Hero interfered against Kevin Steen.]
Card rating: 3.50