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WrestleWeek is the place for wrestling news, reviews and coverage. EXCLUSIVE to TheSportMatrix.com, WrestleWeek delivers coverage for the big shows throughout the week, along with news around the web and much much more. Share this experience with other wrestling fans too, it is the ultimate convenience and news for all wrestling fans!
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THIS WEEK: Things intensify with the Money in the Bank All-Stars; Dolph Ziggler returns to in-ring action; CM Punk and Curtis Axel team up; World Champions collide in a Special Match on RAW; Damien Sandow and Christian battle on Main Event; Fourth member of Main Event Mafia announced; New X Division Champion following epic match on IMPACT; CM Punk comes to SmackDown; Randy Orton and Christian renew their rivalry… all this and more!
WWE Monday Night RAW: 1st July 2013 (Episode 1049)
Kicking off an excellent edition of Monday Night RAW was Daniel Bryan. With Money in the Bank just a fortnight away, Bryan told the WWE Universe in Iowa that he will prevail in the Money in the Bank All Stars match. (PREVIEW: Money In The Bank All Stars)
Sheamus was quick to bring up the fact that although Bryan successfully cashed his contract in, it was ended in an emphatic 18 seconds by Sheamus. Prompt on the interruption was Randy Orton, countering Bryan’s and Sheamus’ argument stating that he would win, before The Big Red Monster bust on to the scene. Kane disregarded friends in the ladder match, with the mentality of ‘Every Man for Himself’.
This was followed by the arrival of Ladder Veteran, Christian who wanted to put an end to the bickering and called himself “The Best”… And when you hear the word ‘Best’ thrown around, it is quite likely you will get the arrival of this man…
CM Punk got quickly involved into the mix and had a good argument considering he is the only man to have won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match twice.
Kane was an unlikely recipient of an RKO at the end, falling victim to The Viper after backing up Daniel Bryan.
Six out of the seven men involved made an appearance, but the absence of Rob Van Dam will soon be sorted, when he returns at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view in what will be a terrific All Stars match.
The Shield continued the show when they were in Six-Man Tag Team action. They stepped into the ring with The Usos and Christian, three men rivalling for their Championships.
In a rematch contest from SmackDown which saw Christian and The Usos prevail, The Shield bounced back from the loss to triumph over the men who drained their momentum.
The renowned strategy used by The Shield was restricted when their opponents threw caution to the wind and jumped over the ropes to take out The Shield.
They were in dire straits but managed to become victorious among the chaos when all six superstars flooded the ring. Seth Rollins well-timed interference disabled Christian’s Killswitch, then the United States Champion Dean Ambrose picked up the win via a roll-up pin.
Major win for The Shield that has them back on track, but they have their work cut out for them at Money in the Bank.
Competing in a match for the first time since his devastating loss at WWE Payback, #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship Dolph Ziggler battled Jinder Mahal. Ziggler would also have to deal with the mischievous 3MB lurking ringside. However, Dolph dealt with the challenge very well, completely out-wrestling Mahal, before getting the upper-hand on the other members of the 3MB also. When Ziggler found himself in the Camel Clutch he managed to escape and execute his winning maneuver, the Zig-Zag. Ziggler got 3MB tangled up outside of the ring before triumphantly celebrating with the WWE Universe in Sioux City on the commentary table.
Following their encounter on SmackDown, Kane and Randy Orton went at it again this week on RAW, with Daniel Bryan overseeing the action as Guest Referee. Very quick counting by the referee would result in Kane winning, but not before he and Kane went head-to-head in a fierce battle. A biased decision gave Kane the win, but The Big Red Monster ordered his former-teammate to restart the match. And again, Bryan would have an input on the outcome, as his fast count gave Kane the win. Kane left distraught (after nearly Chokeslamming Bryan) and then Randy Orton gave Bryan an RKO to vent his frustrations on the loss. All three combustible elements will be part of the Money in the Bank All-Stars match, this will be interesting.
Fandango is back, and he had a slight spring on his step as he entered the ring… but definitely not when he left…
A vicious onslaught by the Celtic Warrior Sheamus had Fandango in trouble, and he resorted to leaving the ring and losing via Countout, possibly saving himself for another time, and more importantly the Money in the Bank Ladder Match that he will be a part of.
Ryback – still on a recovery process following his recent downspiral – took on The Miz in a match that started with Ryback implying full dominance on The Miz and sending a message to Chris Jericho who was calling the action ringside. But Ryback deteriorated during the match and The Miz would capitalize to take advantage of Ryback’s injured knee. Miz’s following onslaught was so brutal to Ryback that he decided he wanted the referee to stop. Agony was clear in his face, but that would be no obstacle for Chris Jericho to deliver a Codebreaker.
Mark Henry had plenty of words for the WWE Universe on RAW, as he looked back at his storied career, whilst also looking ahead to his WWE Championship match at the Money in the Bank pay-per-view.
The World’s Strongest Man had ‘professional jealousy’ and ‘politics’ on his agenda when discussing about the industry, and stated that it had held him back over the years of the coveted WWE Championship. He was determined to attain the title, and focused, driven to win the title “for the business”.
Two Paul Heyman guys were on the same team as they battled The Prime Time Players. When Curtis Axel came to the aid of CM Punk last week, the two teamed up to take on them in tag-team action.
The professional rivalry between the two was imminent and evident, as both were stingy on tagging, and wanted to show who was better. The display was damaging of course to the Prime Time Players, and it came to an end when CM Punk hit the GTS, but Axel tagged himself in and scored the pin leaving CM Punk frustrated.
Vickie Guerrero’s time as RAW General Manager could be over. Backstage she was confronted by Stephanie McMahon, who broke the news to Guerrero that she would face a formal job evaluation next week on RAW, after her control on the show had been tied up with an inter-McMahon-family war for control.
Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger stood united as part of Zeb Colter’s new alliance. The newly-formed duo made their way to the ring when Antonio Cesaro faced Cody Rhodes in singles competition. Damien Sandow would also observe ringside, and these two teams will be in the Money in the Bank Ladder match in less than a fortnight’s time. Antonio Cesaro picked up a strong win over Rhodes going into the Ladder match. 
And finally, the main event. In a monumental Champion vs. Champion match, Alberto Del Rio and John Cena proved that they had the right to call themselves Champions in quite an engaging war.
Del Rio’s cunning in-ring game had Cena worn out and made it a challenge for him, but Cena managed to trouble Del Rio locking in the STF.
With the arrival of Mark Henry, John Cena was indeed off point from then on in, but a surprise appearance by Dolph Ziggler stunned Del Rio, and he received an Attitude Adjustment.
But the night did not end there.
Mark Henry approached the timekeeper’s area and retrieved the WWE Championship belt, before stepping into the ring where Cena awaited to get the title. However, Henry got the one-up on Cena, by making him flinch twice when giving him the belt before walking away.
The WWE Champion was indefinitely shaken up, as he looked on at Henry and ahead to Money in the Bank, where he will defend his WWE Championship.
The commentary team ended the show with the final hype for the Wyatt Family, and the promo closed the show…
“We’re coming.”
Next week, The Wyatt Family come to RAW.
The featured match this week saw Christian battle Damien Sandow. These two men will be in the two Money in the Bank Ladder matches, and had a well-executed match on Main Event. Following a near-20-minute battle, Christian prevailed and avenged the crowd following Sandow’s insults beforehand.
Prior to independence day, Zeb Colter had Sin Cara at the focus of his verbal attack before Jack Swagger made Sin Cara tap-out to the Patriot Lock.
Big E Langston faced Curt Hawkins, a new Curt Hawkins of who has seemed to adopt a new gimmick, but nothing to stop him from the force of Big E Langston.
Wrestling News from Around the Web
WWE: Ricardo Rodriguez Suspended – Next Era Wrestling
WWE: Doink The Clown Passes Away – TMZ.com
TNA: Taz Renews TNA Contract – Bleacher Report
WWE: Triple H Featured In Sports Illustrated – PWMania.com
TNA: TNA Releases Crimson, Joey Ryan and more – Cageside Seats
TNA IMPACT Wrestling – 4th July 2013 (Episode 469)
Hulk Hogan began the show by addressing the X Division title situation. After Austin Aries had stolen the gimmick of X Division Champion, Suicide, Hogan did not accept the ‘Option C’ for Aries to relinquish his title in exchange for a shot at the World title.
Instead, he booked a three-way match between Austin Aries, Manik (formerly known as Suicide) and Chris Sabin for later on in the night, much to the pleasure of the LIVE crowd in Sin City, Las Vegas. Who would prevail and go on to Destination X?
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The fourth member of the Main Event Mafia was revealed. Joining the prestigious team of Sting, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe would be Magnus. Sting described him not as the future, but the now of IMPACT Wrestling, and Magnus said that “he had to think about it… for a split second”. With four members now established in the Main Event Mafia, Sting went on to say that if The Aces & 8s want a fight, they will get one, and the IMPACT fans will get a definitive winner in the main event later in the night.
AJ Styles and Kazarian have a long history, and on IMPACT their rivalry was renewed with higher stakes in a Bound For Glory series match. AJ Styles prevailed with a submission victory, but not before a match of where it was evident that both men knew each other well in the ring, counter after counter. An oddly-looking Christopher Daniels provided a comical atmosphere at ringside, but AJ Styles was all business when he made Kazarian tap out. Styles earns some valuable points in the Bound For Glory series.
Other Results Tweet
- Bound For Glory Series: A.J. Styles def. Frankie Kazarian
- Gut Check Challenge: Ryan Howe advances over Adam Ohriner
- Bound For Glory Series: Hernandez def. Jay Bradley
- TNA World Tag Team Champions James Storm and Gunner def. Robbie E. and Jesse Godderz
Joseph Parks was in action against Jeff Hardy in the Bound For Glory series. Parks did well to stop much high-flying action from Hardy, despite taking a lot of damage. Jeff Hardy proved resilient when he kicked out a huge splash from the top rope, and he was able to further this with a Whisper in the Wind that busted Parks open. The strange and sadistic behavior kicked in, Parks saw blood and snapped, delivering a Blackhole Slam to the referee, before suddenly snapping back out of it. He was disqualified and Hardy won, but Hardy’s concern was more focused on the referee.
And in the main event, the X Divison title was up for grabs. Manik, Aries and Sabin would contest in an enthralling battle. Observing ringside was the Main Event Mafia to ensure a definitive winner, and World Champion Bully Ray who looked on at the next No.1 contender. 
In an epic encounter, Chris Sabin prevailed after a spectacular match. The crowd in Vegas shouted “TNA! TNA! TNA!” as Aries and Sabin went at it. And no better way to finish the match than in spectacular fashion, with a finisher from the top rope and scored the win. Taz: “That was sick!” and the crowd, even Bully agreed. Chris Sabin looked on at the World Champion, and the new X Division Champ said “Bully, you might be looking at the next World Champion”. Instant Classic. What a match! Tweet
Highlights from IMPACT
WWE Friday Night SmackDown! – 5th July 2013 (Episode 723)
TweetMaking a very rare appearance on the blue brand, the Best in the World CM Punk kicked off the show in Kansas. The Straight Edge Savior began with a dig at John Cena whilst discussing independence day and how it related to him of how independent he is. CM Punk told the WWE Universe in the Landon Arena of his two main goals. Goal 1, to get revenge on Brock Lesnar following the F5 he received two weeks ago, and second was to get his hands on the Money in the Bank briefcase in the upcoming pay-per-view. World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio would interrupt then interrupt CM Punk.
Alberto Del Rio said that this was “his show”, but Punk definitely disagreed with that. Del Rio criticized the patriotism from WWE fans with the “USA!” chants, and CM Punk countered this argument saying that the fans saw through his “Born in Mexico, Made in America.” gimmick, and called him a “phony”. Alberto Del Rio then ordered CM Punk to get out the ring, but Punk did not do so, and before any conflict came into fruition, Teddy Long came out and booked the main event between Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk.
Backstage, CM Punk was talking to Paul Heyman regarding the upcoming match. Punk stated that he would defeat Del Rio, and while Heyman attempted to convince Punk if he could be in his corner, the answer was again no.
Up next was some tag team action. The Uso brothers – looking strong ahead of their pay-per-view bout for the tag team Championships – were in action against Team Rhodes Scholars. Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes talked beforehand about the upcoming Money in the Bank ladder match before going into the ring.
In a match that lasted only a few minutes, Rhodes and Sandow controlled early on, but The Usos grabbed a strong victory when Cody Rhodes was the unfortunate recipient of a Superkick, before a spectacular double splash on Sandow to pick up the win.
The Shield cut The Usos’ celebration short appearing on the screen, delivering a message about dominance, not luck that The Shield has success, and a stern warning to The Usos ahead of the Money in the Bank event.
A storied rivalry was renewed on SmackDown, as Christian and Randy Orton battled ahead of the Money in the Bank All-Stars match at the upcoming pay-per-view. Following a very entertaining back-and-forth battle, Randy Orton prevailed. It all began when Christian’s Killswitch attempt was thwarted by ‘Vintage’ offense by Randy Orton. When he went for the RKO the first time round, he was unsuccessful, but the second time round he dodged Christian’s jump from the top rope, and Christian walked straight into an RKO to pick up a hard-fought win.
Dolph Ziggler spoke to the WWE Universe about losing his title to Del Rio and was pretty fired up about his rematch in just over a week prior to his bout with Drew McIntyre. Ziggler’s maintained dominance, despite some glimpses of fightback from McIntyre lead up to the Zig-Zag for the win, before Ziggler outsmarted the 3MB again and showed off, just like he should.
Fandango and Justin Gabriel engaged in some high flying action compacted into a very short match. Fandango took advantage when Gabriel went for the Suicide Dive to hit him in the head before dropping an elbow – reminiscent of Macho Man Randy Savage – for the win.
The newly allied team of Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger were in the ring with Zeb Colter as they cut a promo on Independence Day. This dangerous, brutal alliance goes into the Money in the Bank and have good chances to win, in the ‘New America’.
In the main event of the evening, World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio squared off with CM Punk. Paul Heyman called the action from ringside, which was great to see following his good old days in ECW. Following a near-20-minute bout, it ended in a No Contest. Despite, Del Rio’s constant attacks of Punk’s arm things got out of hand after a slight comeback from CM Punk. Punk was thrown into the barricade before Del Rio attacked Heyman on commentary.
However, CM Punk would get revenge by jumping off the table onto the barricade before finishing Del Rio with a GTS to close SmackDown.
The best match without a doubt was Austin Aries vs. Chris Sabin vs. Manik. One epic contest on IMPACT Wrestling that you must not miss! These three superstars put on a clinic in Vegas, and what a way to crown the new X Division Champion..
For next week then… The Wyatt Family debut, Vickie Guerrero gets a formal job review, we edge closer to Destination X and have the go-home shows before Money in the Bank!
And that’s a wrap!
Thanks for checking out WrestleWeek!
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