Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Attendance: 43,922 (61%)
A video begins the show, with the Superstars, of the HWL talking about what it means to be at the top of their games. Kurt Angle and Martin Maldonado, Rami Sebei, Randy Orton and CM Punk are shown on screen. The closing moments of last year’s show are shown. A split screen of Orton and Punk saying “this year, things will be different” is shown.
Pyrotechnics shoot from the stage as Josh Daniels and Scott Michaels welcome everyone to the second-annual Wrestleocalypse, from the “Big Easy” of New Orleans! Michaels says that he has enjoyed himself over the weekend, getting his fill of Cajun cuisine. Daniels says that there are a number of athletes that are hoping to enjoy their weekends, as well. But the only way to do that is to come out victorious here tonight. Daniels and Michaels go over the seven matches scheduled for tonight. Daniels announces that the Women’s Title Match will start things off. But first, a look back at how the challenger, Eve Torres, earned her shot.
A video is shown of Eve throwing out Natalya and Brie Bella, winning the six-Vixen battle royal on the night after Best of the Best. Backstage, Eve is with Alisha Hicks, who asks what Eve is feeling, just moments away from challenging for the Women’s Title a month after joining the HWL. Eve says that, for the longest time, she was just another pretty face. She wasn’t given the chance to prove what she could do in the ring. For the past month, she’s been able to do that; and now, she’s on the biggest show of the year, fighting for a title. Eve says that, win or lose, no one will be able to say that she didn’t earn the right to be here.
Women’s Title Match
Eve Torres vs. HWL Women's Champion Hamada
Eve could not have been more excited to be in New Orleans tonight, as her nerves and eagerness showed during the pre-match interview. She came out a ball of energy, but Hamada quickly brought her down to earth once the bell rang. Hamada worked over Eve, using her ground technique to out the newcomer in a number of stretches and holds, begging Eve to submit. However, Eve fought back, managing to push Hamada through the ropes. Outside the ring, Eve slammed Hamada into the guardrail, hoping to wear down the Champion and weaken her back. Eve rolled Hamada back into the ring, and went to work on the lower back again. Eve suplexed Hamada and went for the cover, only getting a two-count. Eve’s nerves got the best of her as, instead of continuing to work over Hamada’s back, she whipped Hamada into the ropes, missing with a clothesline. Hamada connected with a superkick, stopping Eve’s momentum. Hamada lifted Eve up, connecting with the Hamada Drive for the 1-2-3.
[Women’s Title Match]:
Hamada pinned Eve Torres with the Hamada Driver in 0:08:49.
Rating: ** ½
(Hamada retained the HWL Women’s Title.)
After the match, Hamada is handed her title. She leaves the ring as Eve is helped to her feet by the referee. Hamada stops at the top of the ramp, turns, and applauds Eve, showing her respect for Eve.
A preview for Rebellion is shown, with “War of Change” by Thousand Foot Krutch playing in the background. Rebellion will be live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on April 15th. Only on pay-per-view!
Backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Rob Terry. Alisha asks what thoughts must be going through Rob’s mind tonight. Rob says the past month has been hell for him and that every day, he had to look himself in the mirror and know what he had done to Brutus Magnus. Rob says that Magnus didn’t deserve what happened to him, but that it was a means to an end. Because of what he did, Rob says that he finally gets his hands on Matt Morgan. And, when he’s finished tonight, he’s finished with the Conglomerate.
Also backstage, Ted Hanson is with David Otunga and Santino Marella. Hanson says that, over the past couple weeks, Otunga and Marella have been able to pick up very impressive victories over the Tag Team Champions. Otunga says that he and Santino have been very fortunate over the last couple weeks. He says that it was only a matter of time before they were taken serious as championship contenders. Santino says that beating Kurt Angle was a huge victory, but it shouldn’t be something that shocks people. He says that Angle and Maldonado are beatable. Santino says that he and Otunga have momentum on their sides tonight.
Rob Terry vs. Matt Morgan (w/Ric Flair)
The last month for Rob Terry had, in all honesty, been a living hell. Caught in a position where he was determined to get out from under the thumb of Ric Flair and AJ Styles; but the only way he could do so was to torment Styles’ new threat, Brutus Magnus. Making things worse for Terry was the fact that he and Magnus once teamed together. Though, watching his former partner suffer – and at his own hands – Terry followed through, earning his match tonight. When the bell rang, he was a ball of fury and anger. He and Morgan went toe-to-toe, with Terry withstanding everything “The Blueprint” could throw at him. Terry was determined to make Morgan suffer the same way The Conglomerate had made Terry suffer. After wearing each other down for nearly 15 minutes, the fight went outside the ring. Terry whipped Morgan into the ring steps, knocking them off their hinges. With his sights pointed at The Nature Boy, Terry Gorilla-pressed Morgan, dropping him chest-first onto the steps! Terry rolled Morgan back into the ring and covered him for the 1-2-3, giving Terry freedom from The Conglomerate.
Rob Terry defeated Matt Morgan via pinfall in 0:15:01.
Rating: * ¾
After the match, before Terry can get to his feet, Ric Flair slides into the ring and chop-blocks Terry to the canvas. Flair works over Terry’s leg as AJ STYLES runs down from the back. He and Flair continue to work over Terry as Morgan slowly gets back to his feet. Styles and Flair tie Terry’s arms up between the top and middle ropes. Morgan gets ready to attack, but BRUTUS MAGNUS runs down from the back, clearing the ring! Magnus stands over Terry, undoing the ropes, as The Conglomerate make their way up the ramp, taunting and yelling at Magnus.
A preview for Rebellion is shown, with “War of Change” by Thousand Foot Krutch playing in the background. Rebellion will be live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on April 15th. Only on pay-per-view!
Backstage, the Tag Team Champions, Kurt Angle and Martin Maldonado, are with Ted Hanson. Angle says that he has not been able to stop thinking about the events that took place on Monday night. He says he always goes to the ring confident because of the skills he possesses. But, somehow, it’s possible that he was over-confident Monday, and he didn’t give Otunga enough credit. Angle says that’s bad on him. And that it won’t happen again. The two walk off without Maldonado saying a word.
Also backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Colt Cabana. Hicks ask how Colt’s feeling about missing out on the Golden Opportunity Match tonight. Cabana says that he’s been struggling with that every day this week. Knowing that he had a chance to challenge for a Heavyweight Title shot. Colt says it’s a same he’s not in the match, and there’s two people to blame for that. Colt says that, whenever Steve Corino wants to finish what he started, he won’t have to look far. But, Colt says, until that day comes, his main focus tonight is making sure CM Punk retains the Heavyweight Title.
HWL Tag Team Title Match
David Otunga & Santino Marella vs. HWL Tag Team Champions Kurt Angle & Martin Maldonado
Since they first started teaming up Otunga and Marella have been trying to find a way to become more cohesive. An injury to Otunga earlier in their partnership made that more difficult. But, since returning, the duo have started to find their footing amongst the Tag Team ranks. Angle and Maldonado, on the other hand, have been on the same page for quite a while now. Ever since their ruse to leave The Conglomerate, they have been a force, holding the titles for just over a month. A couple singles victories over the champions gave Otunga and Marella high hopes for continuing their luck tonight, but it wasn’t meant to be. Otunga and Marella worked well as a team. But they don’t have the chemistry that the champions do, and it showed later in the match, when Marella recovered on the apron, allowing Otunga to be the victim of a low blow that sent him to the outside. Otunga fought back, nearing the end of the match, when the bell rang. The referee allowed the match to continue, and Otunga was able to tag in Marella. But, quickly, Angle focused in on Marella’s injury, setting him up for the Ankle Lock. With the submissive move applied, Marella wasted no time in tapping out.
[HWL Tag Team Title Match]:
Kurt Angle & Martin Maldonado defeated David Otunga & Santino Marella when K. Angle made Santino submit to the Ankle Lock in 0:20:12.
Rating: *** ¼
(Kurt Angle & Martin Maldonado retained the HWL Tag Team Titles.)
After the match, Angle rolls out of the ring as he and Maldonado are handed their titles. Inside the ring, Otunga aides Santino to his feet.
Backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Michael Tarver. Alisha congratulates him for winning the battle royal Monday night. Tarver says he had to make his mark in the HWL quick, before someone else did it first. Tarver says that neither the HWL nor its fans know who he is, and that’s just fine. Tarver says that he is a former Brusierweight Champion. He says, if you don’t know what that means, just wait for the Golden Opportunity Match later tonight. Tarver says there are four other men wanting the same thing he does: a Heavyweight Title contract. Tarver says he never backs down from a fight, and says that the contract is his for the taking.
Also backstage, Ted Hanson is with Jesse Neal. Ted asks for Jesse’s thoughts heading into tonight’s Golen Opportunity Match. Jesse says that there’s no better way to make a name for yourself then to win this match, and earn a contract for a Heavyweight Title match. Jesse thanks God for what Steve Corino and Shane Hagadorn did to him, because he would never have been able to branch out with them by his side.
X-Division Title Match
Matt Morgan (w/Ric Flair) vs. HWL X-Division Champion Rami Sebei
Matt Morgan got off to a rough start tonight, taking on Rob Terry earlier in the show, and getting his chest introduced to the steel ring steps. With the marks of the steps still slightly showing on his skin, Morgan returned to the ring in the hopes of becoming the largest X-Division Champion in HWL history. Morgan was still visibly showing some pain from earlier tonight, as Sebei was easily able to take control of the match. Using his speed, Sebei targeted the injured part of Morgan’s body. Sebei got Morgan down, and attempted a brainbuster suplex, but was unable to lift “The Blueprint” off his feet. Morgan countered with a roll-up for a two-count, before taking control of the match. Morgan worked over Sebei, setting him up for the Carbon Footprint, but Sebei was able to slide out of the way. The match went back and forth from that point, until Sebei ducked a clothesline from Morgan, only to get tripped by Flair outside the ring. Sebei turned around and almost got decapitated by the Carbon Footprint! Morgan made the cover to become the new X-Division Champion.
[X-Division Title Match]:
Matt Morgan pinned Rami Sebei with the Carbon Footprint in 0:15:33.
Rating:
(Matt Morgan won the X-Division Title.)
After the match, Flair enters the ring, handing Morgan the X-Division Title. The two celebrate in the ring, with the crowd booing, as the referee checks on Sebei.
Backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Luke Gallows. Gallows says that tonight is the biggest night of his life. He says that he and four other men will all do battle for the chance to face the Heavyweight Champion. He’s never had the chance before, and he’ll do whatever he can to make sure he doesn’t lose it.
Also backstage, Ted Hanson is with Claudio Castagnoli. Castagnoli says that he only briefly made a name for himself in the PCW. But it was nowhere near the impact he wanted to make. When the chance came to join the HWL, he knew that no one could hold him back. Tonight, will be his moment in the spotlight. He will show Peter Bradshaw and the rest of the HWL what hidden gem they have on the roster. And, when he wins the contract, whoever is Heavyweight Champion will need to watch their back.
Again, backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Adam Cole. Cole says that tonight, his life, his career, his future all take a turn or the better. Cole says that he has spent his time wallowing away in the X-Division, knowing that he was capable of so much more. Tonight, he will be begin his ascension to the top of the HWL.
In the Conglomerate locker room, Ric Flair, AJ Styles, and newly-crowned X-Division Champion Matt Morgan celebrate Morgan’s victory. Flair says that it’s been a very good night for them so far. Flair says he will look past Morgan’s loss to Rob Terry, because he brought a championship into the mix. But, to make it a great night, Flair says that AJ must beat Brutus Magnus later tonight.
A preview for Rebellion is shown, with “War of Change” by Thousand Foot Krutch playing in the background. Rebellion will be live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on April 15th. Only on pay-per-view!
Golden Opportunity Elimination Chamber Match
Michael Tarver vs. Jesse Neal vs. Luke Gallows vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Adam Cole
Jesse Neal and Luke Gallows got things underway, as the crowd waited to see who would be awarded a six-month contract for a Heavyweight Title match. After two minutes, Adam Cole was the next one to enter the ring. After four minutes, with no one eliminated, Michael Tarver – the winner of Monday’s battle royal – is the next to enter the match. Six minutes in, Claudio Castagnoli is the fifth and final entry into the match. Tarver became the target in this match, after entering, but he was able to hold his own for nearly 15 minutes. Taking a clothesline from Jesse Neal, Tarver flipped over the top rope, hitting his head on the cage floor. Neal covered for the 1-2-3, and the first elimination of the match. The match continued, with all four men tearing into each other, until Castagnoli connected with the Ricola Bomb on Neal for the second elimination. Luke Gallows picked up the third elimination after hitting a gutbuster on Castagnoli, for the 1-2-3. Gallows then found himself as being in the match the longest, against a somewhat fresher Adam Cole. Almost immediately, Gallows went for a clothesline. Cole countered it with a crucifix. The referee counted the 1-2-3, and the crowd in New Orleans was stunned.
[Golden Opportunity Match]:
Adam Cole won a 5-man Elimination Chamber Match:
X J. Neal defeated M. Tarver in 0:20:46.
X C. Castagnoli defeated J. Neal after the Ricola Bomb in 0:27:00.
X L. Gallows defeated C. Castagnoli after a gutbuster in 0:29:04.
X A. Cole defeated L. Gallows after a crucific in 0:29:19.
Rating: 1/4
After the match, Cole celebrates by climbing onto the turnbuckles, as the fans looked on in disbelief. Daniels and Michaels announce that Cole now has a guaranteed Heavyweight Title Match until September 18, 2012. Cole leaves the ring celebrating, as the Chamber is slowly lifted away from the ring.
Backstage, “Cowboy” Bob Orton tells his son that tonight is his night. Tonight, Randy will get the chance to make up for his lost to CM Punk last fall, and will get another chance at walking out the Heavyweight Champion, in a match Bob knows he can win. Bob says that his behind Randy 100 percent. Bob says that he will accompany Randy to the ring, to make sure that CM Punk doesn’t try to weasel his way into keeping the title.
Also backstage, Alisha Hicks is seen with Brutus Magnus. Alisha asks how Magnus is feeling heading into this match against AJ Styles. Magnus says that, for the past month, he has suffered at the hands of The Conglomerate. Magnus said he was punished for doing what he knows was right. Magnus promises to make Styles feel every bit of pain that Magnus has felt.
A video clip is shown, highlighting the events between Brutus Magnus and AJ Styles. After the clip ends, Chelsea is shown watching on a monitor backstage.
Brutus Magnus vs. AJ Styles (w/Ric Flair)
The Superdome was buzzing for this match. The announcers reminded everyone that, if Magnus wins this match, Chelsea is no longer under the services of The Conglomerate. As soon as the bell sounded things got tense at ringside, as MATT MORGAN made his way down. With “The Blueprint” at ringside, Magnus found it hard to focus, falling victim to an onslaught by Styles. Styles worked over Magnus for some time. But every time Magnus would fight back, Flair or Morgan would make a move, allowing Styles to re-take control. Magnus was able to push away from Styles, giving himself some time, but Flair jumped onto the apron, distracting the official, allowing Morgan to slide in a chair. Styles connected with a chair shot, but only got a two-count. Magnus rolled out of the ring as Styles argued the count. Outside the ring, Styles continued to work over Magnus, whipping him into the steel guardrail. Styles rolled Magnus back into the ring for a quick two-count. Magnus began to fight back. Morgan, sensing trouble, tossed Styles another chair, only to have it caught by Magnus, who wrapped it around Styles’s head! Magnus made the cover, but only or a two-count. Finally having control, Magnus went to work on his promise, doing everything he could to inflict pain on Styles. Magnus set up for a clothesline, running into the ropes, but Morgan pulled them down, sending Magnus crashing to the concrete! As Styles distracted the referee, Morgan worked over Magnus outside the ring, until ROB TERRY rushed down the ramp and attacked Morgan! Terry and Morgan brawled at ringside, allowing Flair to roll Magnus back into the ring. Styles connected with the Styles Clash, as HWL officials tried to break up the fight outside the ring. The referee counted, but Magnus got a shoulder up just before the three-count! Styles, enraged, grabbed the referee and threw him down to the canvas. Styles attacked Magnus as the referee called for the bell.
Brutus Magnus defeated AJ Styles by disqualification in 0:25:41.
Rating: ¼
[Matt Morgan interfered against Brutus Mangus.]
After the match, all four men began brawling at ringside as more HWL officials rushed down, trying to break them up. Flair, standing at the ramp, called for Styles to leave the ring, as Morgan and Terry were finally separated. Morgan fought off the officials, and joined his teammates on the ramp, as the crowd booed their disapproval. Rob Terry, his lip busted, was released, and entered the ring to check on Magnus. A stare-down ensued as the camera went black.
A preview for Rebellion is shown, with “War of Change” by Thousand Foot Krutch playing in the background. Rebellion will be live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on April 15th. Only on pay-per-view!
Backstage, Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is seen getting ready for his title defense. Colt Cabana enters the locker room and pleads for Punk to listen to him. Cabana says that the odds are not going to be fair for Punk tonight, since Randy Orton has his dad at ringside. Cabana says that he will keep things even, if Punk just allows him to go with him. Punk hesitates and says that Colt has a point. Punk says that he still doesn’t trust Colt. Cabana promises that Punk can trust him tonight.
A video package is shown of the feud between Randy Orton and CM Punk leading up to tonight’s main event.
HWL Heavyweight Title Match
Randy Orton (w/”Cowboy” Bob Orton) vs. HWL Heavyweight Champion CM Punk (w/Colt Cabana)
The mind games that began nearly a month ago finally came to an end tonight, as the Heavyweight Title Match was set to take place. Punk was reluctant to have Colt Cabana at ringside, but he knew that it evened the odds that the Ortons tried to place in their favor. Punk and Orton went after each other, showing no disregard for their own well-being. With so much at stake, the only thing that mattered was who was going to walk out with the title in their grasp. Punk tried to end the match early with the GTS, but Orton was able to grab the ropes. Orton fought back, and positioned himself for an RKO, but Punk rolled out of the ring, near “Cowboy” Bob. Punk and Bob Orton had words, but Cabana was there to back up the champion. On the outside of the apron, Orton landed on Punk with a double axehandle as Bob and Cabana backed away. Orton worked Punk over, after rolling him back into the ring, and a quick neckbreaker only got a two-count. Punk was able to fight back, sensing that he was close to losing the title, grabbed Orton and flung him face-first into the second turnbuckle. Punk tried to gain his composure, but was tripped by Bob from the outside. Turning his attention to the floor, Punk didn’t see Orton coming with a high knee that connected in the back. Punk sunk down to the ropes, and Randy used them to choke Punk as the referee counted to five. Randy backs away as Bob continues to choke Punk on the ropes. Cabana grabs a chair from ringside, but gets blinded by a handful of powder by Bob. Cabana swings the chair, and connects with Punk! Punk staggers back from the ropes, right into an RKO from Orton! Orton makes the cover for the 1-2-3!
[Heavyweight Title Match]:
Randy Orton pinned CM Punk with the RKO in 0:15:39.
Rating: *** ½
(Randy Orton won the HWL Heavyweight Title.)
The bell sounds as Cabana wipes his eyes, just in time to see Orton’s hand get raised in victory. Cabana looks at the chair, and looks at Punk, motionless in the ring. Cabana stands at ringside, stunned, as the referee awards the Heavyweight Title to Randy Orton. Inside the ring, the Ortons celebrate the victory. The event goes off the air showing the scene at ringside.
Card rating: *** 3/4