Key Arena. Seattle, Washington. May 22^nd 2011.

We begin with a blank screen, which fades into a silhouette image of a man rising from a crouching position on the top rope. He raises both arms and leaps off. This fades into a slow motion image of the Macho Man, Randy Savage, dropping the elbow on his victim, before hooking the leg and getting the 1, 2, 3. “Ooooh Yeahhhh!!!” Is heard, kicking into a slow and somber piece of music. The video shows various clips from the career of *voiceover* “Randall Mario Poffo, erstwhile known as Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Savage was raised in Chicago. It was here he became a man, a real man, a Macho Man, and this led him to the world of professional wrestling. A second generation superstar, Randy followed in the footsteps of his father Angelo Poffo, who competed to great acclaim in the fifties and sixties. However, he never reached the heights his son would, as Randy worked through the independent circuit and was finally signed up to the World Wrestling Federation in 1985, where early on he selected the lovely Miss Elizabeth to be his manager. Together, they enjoyed great success, with Savage beating Tito Santana for the Intercontinental Title at the Boston Garden on February 24 1986. At WrestleMania 3 he would compete in a match with Ricky Steamboat, a match which many hold as the greatest of all time. With Elizabeth by his side, Savage would go on to win the vacant WWF Championship, defeating Ted DiBiase with the help of Hogan. However, problems would emerge between Hogan and Savage, as the Hulkster also wanted Elizabeth as his manager. Macho became angry, and a real bad guy, as he snubbed Hulk and Elizabeth, and employed the services of Sensational Queen Sherri and Zeus, and also taking on the moniker of the ‘Macho King’ after beating Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the King Of The Ring final. The Macho King would go on to have an epic feud with the enigmatic Ultimate Warrior. After costing Warrior the WWF Title at the Royal Rumble, Savage and Warrior had a retirement match at WrestleMania VII. Savage lost, and was attacked by Sherri after the match. He was soon saved by Elizabeth, who came racing down to take Sherri out and make up with her former man. Savage moved into broadcasting, but still found time to marry Elizabeth at SummerSlam ‘91. The wedding was ambushed by Jake Roberts, Sid Justice and The UnderTaker, which led to Savage being reinstated as a competitor to feud with Roberts. Savage enjoyed more years and success in the WWF, but left in 1994 to try and be the main event in WCW. He won the World Heavyweight Title in 95, winning a 60-man three ring battle royal, then won it again just a few months later, defeating Ric Flair on Nitro. Savage was an integral part of WCW, becoming a member of the nWo, and later on the nWo Wolfpac. He went on to win the World Heavyweight Title a further four times, and even managed to beat Dennis Rodman, before leaving the company in ‘99. Savage wouldn’t be seen for five more years, until he turned up at new company, TNA, confronting Jeff Jarrett at Victory Road. He teamed with Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles to beat Jarrett, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, but this was to be his only PPV match as he left TNA and professional wrestling altogether in 2005. The Macho Man Randy Savage left a legacy of highs, lows, success and surprises behind him. The in-pouring of positive and complimentary messages around the world since the sad news of his death on Friday has shown just how much he meant to everyone involved in the wrestling world. A true legend, and a true Champion, Randy Savage was one of the great ones, and tonight, the Keystone Wrestling Federation would like to dedicate ReBirth, to the memory of Randall Mario Poffo.” An image of the Macho Man comes up with his name and ‘November 15 1952 – May 20 2011’ underneath.

At the Impact SmackDown announcers table Mike Tenay and Tazz bring us in by paying homage to Randy Savage. They pay their respects on behalf of the Keystone Wrestling Federation and reiterate that tonight the show goes on, dedicated to the Macho Man. “Tazz what a night we have in prospect.” “Oh no doubt my man, we’ve got a Hardcore match, a three-way Submission for the WCW Title, Tag Team Gold’s on the line and we have Two, Two World Title matches Mike! Two!” “Tazz I can tell you’re excited, as am I and let’s get ready for the first of those two World Championship matches.” Tenay and Tazz go on to talk of the Tale of the Tape and they discuss how Sting has held the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Belt ever since defeating Shawn Michaels at KWF WrestleMania. The Icon earned that match by winning the 2011 KWF Royal Rumble and Michaels has not once been able to defeat Sting for the Title. HBK constantly one-upd Sting, stealing the spotlight whenever he could by interrupting Sting’s matches and often laying him out with Sweet Chin Music. At Turbulence Sting turned the tables on the Heart-Break Kid, attacking him with his baseball bat before their match and thus defeating Michaels in a matter of minutes. Sting’s reasoning was sound, giving back to Michaels the same disrespect that Michaels showed him. Impact SmackDown General Manager Ric Flair simply does not want Sting as his World Champion so tonight Flair’s gone old school and brought about a stipulation that was last used at WrestleMania X. The Icon must face Masked Kane in the opening bout and the winner of that match will carry the Title into facing Shawn Michaels in the main event later tonight.

“Thank you guys, yes welcome everyone to ReBirth, me and King have been looking forward to this all week because TNA RAW General Manager, The Immortal himself, Hulk Hogan, has come up with an incredible card for us this evening.” “Oh man, I can’t wait Michael. I mean where do we begin? There’s the tag team match for the WWE Tag Titles where the evil Latin American eXchange take on the legendary Dudley’s, Angelina Love is defending her Knockouts Title against The Glamazon Beth Phoenix, and Justin Gabriel will go one-on-one with Daniel Bryan attempting to keep hold of his X-Division Belt.” “Some incredible matches lined up King, and of course we have the main event, the leader of the World Elite, and WWE Champion, Wade Barrett, has been riding roughshod through Monday nights with his group of thugs, but tonight he will have to take on The Game, Triple H, who you feel will be more than ready to take down ‘Barrett-Law’.” “The Game should be sufficiently recovered now after receiving a vicious beating from Barrett and co two weeks ago, and I really can’t wait to see what happens in that one.” “Indeed, and ladies and gentleman, I’m sure you’ll agree it was an emotional tribute at the start of tonight to the late, great, Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage. A truly inspirational and iconic figure in the world of Sports Entertainment, and everyone here from TNA RAW would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Randy’s family at this difficult time.” “Absolutely, Randy was one of a kind, there’ll never be another like Macho, and everyone here at the KWF agrees that tonight’s show should be dedicated to the memory of our good friend.” “But now let’s do exactly what Macho would have wanted and get to the action!” The bell rings and Impact SmackDown ring announcer Tony Chimmel tells that the first match of the evening is for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship!!!

Sting vs. Kane – TNA World Heavyweight Title

The fans are on their feet and they chant ‘Let’s Go Sting!’ as the bell rings and Stinger stands across the ring from Masked Kane. He steps toward the Monster, who stands not making a move. The audience rumbles as we anticipate a huge contest and then there’s a loud shock in awe as Kane just slightly tilts his head to one side and here we go! Sting with the first attack, punches and backchops and a kick to the gut before trying to send Kane against the ropes, but Kane swings round to reverses the whip and Sting goes flying full speed over the top rope. The Icon lands on all fours at ringside and he gets up to see that Kane is wasting no time in stalking him round the outside. Sting waits, almost urging Kane to come toward him and he then runs at Kane to clothesline him and both men go tumbling over the barricade and into the audience. The referee meanwhile follows them and Tazz points out that if the ref does his job and makes a Ten-count then, Sting would retain by way of default, and he’d be the one carrying the Title into the match vs. Michaels later. Tenay says that Sting’s a veteran and that may be his strategy to get a count-out or a get Kane counted out right here. At the same time though, The Icon is a proud man and he’s fighting tooth and nail right now to keep hold of his World Championship and Kane is taking all Sting’s got. Sting fights and claws at Kane through the audience, but the Monster often fights back with just the odd uppercut and it seems that one uppercut from Kane equals ten punches from Sting. Tenay and Tazz discuss what it will mean for Ric Flair is Sting loses the Title here tonight, especially since the odds are stacked against The Icon after this WrestleMania X ruling. For Flair it’s a win-win; if Sting beats Kane then he’ll be fatigued for the match vs. HBK later. If Kane beats Sting then Sting’s no longer Champion – which is ultimately what Ric Flair wants. One curve ball though, Masked Kane was awarded this match after having beaten Bill Goldberg at last month’s pay-per-view Turbulence, what if Kane wins both matches tonight?! The two are in the crowd and Kane then gets a hold of Sting by the throat to launch him up and backward and suddenly The Icon lands half-way up the ramp. Kane goes to climb the barricade and get up there, but as he lifts himself Sting grabs him and turns Kane over for a Scorpion DeathDrop right on the steel! This is big and the fans urge Sting to get up. They cheer him on as we see that the referee has now decided to go back to the ring and make a Ten-count. Sting is hurting from the punishment he took from Kane in the audience, but he gets up to stumble down the ramp. He gets to the ring apron at the count of Six and looks back toward Kane who sits up right on cue! The audience gasp as Sting rolls himself into the ring and Kane gets to his feet. Masked Kane is a robot. The comms refer to him impressively beating Bill Goldberg at Turbulence and just this past Friday night Kane defeated Randy Orton on Impact SmackDown. In the ring Sting runs against the ropes and just as Kane gets to the foot of the ramp Stinger attempts a baseball slide, but Kane evades and when Sting goes back at him, the Monster uppercuts him down to the floor. Kane rolls Sting into the ring and he goes up to the top rope to fly and he connects with a huge clothesline on the World Champion. This turns out to be a pivotal point in the match and Sting finds it difficult to come back as Masked Kane dominates from here on and he looks to put Sting away with a chokeslam, but wait, Sting drops out of it and clotheslines Kane down. Kane gets up so Sting clotheslines him again, then again and now the crowd is pumped all over as Stinger pounds his chest and turns to go at Kane, but eerily, Kane sits up! Sting goes to pick him up, but Kane throat-chops him away. Kane gets to his feet and sets up for what looks like his old Powerbomb! The fans boo like hell and this helps Sting as he stands up through the move and back body drops Kane over. Kane tries to get up as quick as he can, clutching the ropes to help him, but as he stands by the corner Sting “Whhooooo”’s from across the ring and then runs at Kane to land a huge Stinger Splash! Sting backs up and goes for another but this time Kane catches him and torments Sting back down to the canvas with an almighty chokeslam! Sting hits the mat ever so hard and Kane drops to his knees to hook a leg and no, Stinger loses, Masked Kane gets the One, Two, Three.

Winner and New TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Kane.

The referee is clearly quivering with fear whilst handing the World Championship to Kane and the Masked Monster snatches it from the ref’s grasp. This is huge for him. The deadly demon reigning his fearsome aura into the Keystone Wrestling Federation and he is what they call him, a Machine. Kane tilts his head, staring at Sting as The Icon rolls out of the ring. The two don’t take their eyes off one another as Kane lays his Title on the canvas at his feet and he performs his four-post pyro finishing taunt. The fans don’t like that Kane’s taken the Title from Sting, but what of HBK now, will he be able to defeat Kane?

Backstage, Jeremy Borash talks to Panther and Maryse to get an insight from the United States Champion on what it’s like to be part of the World Elite. Panther looks at Maryse’s chest and says that it has it’s the perks, and he states that one thing guaranteed in the World Elite is that he’s appreciated and that he’s a Champion. Maryse blabs in French and then in English she says that Panther’s going to stay United States Champion for a very long time, she’ll make sure of that. When we come back to Cole and King at ringside they mention how Panther was impressive in defeating Matt Hardy on Monday to retain his US Title, although he was given a huge helping hand by Mr. Anderson. Another Title defense is on the way as The Beautiful People make their entrance, to King’s delight.

Angelina Love w/ Velvet Sky vs. Beth Phoenix – Knockouts Title

As Beth Phoenix stretches, limbering up to try and take the Belt from Love, Angelina and Velvet Sky discuss tactics on the outside. Love reluctantly gets in the ring and the match begins. They tie up, but Beth’s superior strength puts her on top early on. She slams Love into the corner, and the Knockouts Champ is really struggling. Beth chokes her with her boot, and then hits a big chop across the chest. Beth is able to maintain this level of pressure, until Ms Sky gets involved and trips The Glamazon. Beth gets out of the ring and stares down Velvet, but as Sky backs off, Love gets out and strikes her from behind. The referee counts as Love tries to work Beth over on the outside, but she soon rolls her into the ring and goes for a cover, but Phoenix kicks out. Love gets frustrated and goes for a Botox Injection, but Beth ducks and comes off the ropes with a big clothesline. Beth manages to get on top now as the match goes on. The momentum shifts back and forth, with Love showing some good wrestling moves, but Beth has the upper hand once more and is ready to set Love up for the Glam Slam. She lifts her up for it, but Love rolls forward into a reverse victory roll and is able to grab Velvet’s outstretched hand for leverage, which the official can’t see. He counts as Beth is unable to kick out.

Winner and Still Knockouts Champion: Angelina Love

Angelina and Velvet celebrate, then add insult to injury by beating Beth down and giving her the paper-bag treatment. “How insulting to Beth Phoenix” says Cole as the crowd boo The Beautiful People’s treatment of The Glamazon. Angelina lifts her Title to the crowd.

We’re shown a video package telling of how the most promising young tag team in all of Pro Wrestling did a number on the Dudley Boyz and not only beat them and retained Tag Title Gold against them, but Styler and McIntyre were led by their British Invasion leader to beat Bubba and Devon at the Tokyo-Draft thus banishing them to be drafted to TNA RAW. In recent weeks another young tag team has been climbing the ranks; Jimmy and Jey Uso. They defeated Beer Money in a number one contenders match for the TNA World Tag Team Championships and they earned themselves a shot tonight against Champions Styler and Drew McIntyre. Tamina picked up an edge over the British Invasion, defeating Layla this past Friday night. That night was also a regrettable one for Styler and McIntyre as they fell victims to returning tag team Harlem Heat! The locker room was in awe of Booker T. and Stevie Ray’s performance and Harlem Heat are well and truly back, making their pitch in the red and black of the nWo Wolfpac. Styler and McIntyre were taken to school, but with William Regal leading them, they’ve surely been training hard over the past 24-hours, trying to make sure they retain tonight.

Styler & Drew McIntyre w/ Layla vs. The Uso’s w/ Tamina – TNA World Tag Team Championships

We’re used to seeing Tamina with Jimmy and Jey, but tonight it seems Layla is out to support her British Invasion comrades. Tazz suggests that Layla’s pissed at having lost to Tamina Friday night and her being here has one purpose; to get a hold of Tamina and beat the holy snot out of her. The contest begins with Drew McIntyre and Styler on edge and with Jimmy and Jey getting the better of the early going, the comms discuss how much an effect losing to Harlem Heat had on the current Tag Champions. Mike Tenay says that Styler and McIntyre didn’t know what hit’m Friday night and if they thought they had a problem in the Dudley’s, they’re about to have a huge problem in Booker T. and Stevie Ray. Tenay goes on: “Tazz how awesome was it to witness, not only the fact that Booker T. is no longer retiring, but the fact that Stevie Ray is in the Keystone Wrestling Federation, Harlem Heat is back, and we saw live shots on Friday of the rest of the tag team division and their reactions, nobody wants a piece of Harlem Heat.” Tazz: “Mike I don’t disagree with ya, but like I said on Impact SmackDown this past week when it all went down, Styler and McIntyre have to forget the loss. It has to be to them as if it never happened. I mean, sure, they can go back to it later to watch tapes and learn from mistakes. But right now, they’re Tag Team Champions and their focus has to be on retaining those Belts. Forget about Harlem Heat.” The comms continue their discussion. Meanwhile we watch as the action goes back and forth in the ring and whereas The Uso’s had the better of the early going, Styler and McIntyre take control in the core of the match. They have gained confidence in their own abilities as the match has gone on and Layla does a good job of playing boss at ringside. She often tells Drew and Styler both what to do and Tamina can only watch on, playing cheerleader to her guys, The Uso’s. Styler is legal and on top of Jimmy, performing a swinging neckbreaker in the middle of the ring and getting Two on the cover. As we head into the final quarter, The Uso’s have momentum and the crowd cheer them on as Tamina runs around ringside to prevent Layla from an intervention. This turns out to be a distraction to the ref and Styler and McIntyre both deck Jey out the ring to double-team Jimmy and Drew McIntyre seals it with a Future-Shock DDT and that does it, Styler and McIntyre successfully retain.

Winners and Still TNA World Tag Team Champions: Styler and Drew McIntyre.

Layla wipes her mouth smiling as if this were the plan all along to goad Tamina in and make sure the referees attention was diverted. Styler and McIntyre celebrate with her up the ramp and although Impact SmackDown this past week wasn’t too kind to them, the British Invasion finish ReBirth on top.

TNA RAW comms talk of how strong a force the British Invasion have become in the KWF. This leads them to discuss an even stronger force in the World Elite. They have used the numbers game to become a dominant force on Monday nights, especially when Justin Gabriel has been concerned. Sheamus and Vladimir Kozlov have given the South African major assistance to win and maintain his stature as X-Division Champion. Hulk Hogan introduced new X-Div superstars to TNA RAW, one of which, Sin Cara, impressed enough to be handed a match against Daniel Bryan for the number one contender slot. In one of the matches of the year, Bryan emerged victorious. Sheamus and Kozlov tried to beat Bryan down, but were thwarted by the American Dragon and Sin Cara. Now Gabriel must fight his battle by himself, as the X-Division Title defense is coming up next!

Justin Gabriel vs. Daniel Bryan – X-Division Title

Gabriel almost looks lonely out by himself, but as King point out, he has a look on his face of a man who is determined to prove that he can keep hold of his Belt by himself. The match begins at a slower pace than we’re used to from the X-Division, as both men look to express themselves through mat wrestling. Bryan gets the upper hand, and his submission style frustrates Gabriel, who can’t get into the match at all. Bryan gets a crossface on, but Gabriel is able to get to the ropes. The tempo soon builds as Bryan comes off the ropes and nails a dropkick to the knee, followed by another one to the head. He makes a pin attempt but Gabriel kicks out at one. The match continues with Bryan on top, that is until Gabriel reverses a suplex attempt by grabbing the rope, causing Bryan to fall back and smack his head on the canvas. This allows Gabriel back into the match. He nails a running legdrop and tries a pin but Bryan kicks out. Gabriel tries some submission of his own as he applies a headlock, wearing Bryan down. The fans clap to try and get Bryan to his feet, and it starts to work, but Gabriel pulls his hair and gets him down again. However, Bryan grabs the rope with his foot and pulls his head free, before pulling himself to the outside, standing on the apron and launching off the top rope to connect with a leg lariat, taking the Champ down. Bryan gets some momentum and strings a set of moves together, getting Gabriel worked over and into position for the LeBell Lock. The fans cheer as he goes for it, and manages to get him to the floor, but can’t get a clean lock on. Gabriel struggles, trying to get him tap out, but Gabriel grabs the ropes and Bryan is forced to let go. As he gets up he rushes at Gabriel and goes to squash him in the corner, but JG moves and pulls the pad off the top turnbuckle. Bryan slams his head into the unprotected steel and falls back knocked out. Gabriel takes the moment to climb to the top and quickly come off with a 450-splash! 1… 2… 3!

Winner: Justin Gabriel.

Lawler applauds Gabriel, saying he showed he can win without outside interference, but Cole counters, saying he may have won by himself, but he still used underhanded tactics by pulling the turnbuckle pad off, and that Bryan had been the better fighter and was closing in on victory himself. Gabriel celebrates with his X-Division Title, leaving Bryan lying flat on his back.

Backstage we have Impact SmackDown interviewer ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund and he’s standing by with KWF’s Hardcore ambassador Mick Foley as we get set for the Hardcore Title bout of the night. Foley says how much he respects Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer both, stating that this match tonight could be a show-stealer. Gene asks about the state of the Hardcore Division and Foley talks it up saying how great the 8-man fight was this past Friday night and Mick says he can’t wait for what the future holds. Foley goes on: “I know it’s Van Dam versus Dreamer tonight, but if guys like Reks, Low-ki and even Jacky-Boy Swagger come on, then their young blood will be spilt for Hardcore Gold!” Gene: “Thanks Mick.” Foley: “Have a nice day!”

Rob Van Dam vs. Tommy Dreamer – Hardcore match for the Hardcore Belt

This bout begins like an old Western movie where the combatant tip their hats and say “Well well well, we meet again.” Rob Van Dam and Tommy Dreamer have been through a whole heap over the years and even here in the KWF, Dreamer once gave Van Dam a hard time over how he represented the old extreme. Tazz comments: “And I could dig where Dreamer was coming from Mike. I mean at the time we had John Morrison and Kazama Kam going back and forth for the Hardcore Title and whenever Van Dam went for it he fell short. Dreamer came in with Rhino and Raven and the three of them used Sabu as a pawn piece to take it to RVD psychologically and physically of course.” Tenay: “But Tazz, you know that all happened early last summer, but looking back at it all now, would you say that in hindsight, what Tommy Dreamer did to RVD led to Van Dam reigniting his Hardcore career?” Tazz: “Oh totally, and that’s what I was just about to get to. I don’t think it was Dreamer’s plan to reignite RVD as such, I mean, I think he just wanted to beat him up if I’m honest with ya, but looking at them in the ring now, Dreamer is worried about RVD. Van Dam’s an excellent Champion and yes, in hindsight Dreamer done him a favor. RVD’s never looked better in my opinion. Hindsight, what you got me sayin’ Mike, jeez!” The match goes back and forth in the early going with Van Dam getting Two on the count after hitting Rolling Thunder. Van Dam and Dreamer fight it out at ringside and Tommy sets to pick apart the announcers table. He gets a monitor, puts it on the ring apron and picks up RVD, but Van Dam fights back and attempts a spin-kick, but Dreamer ducks and Van Dam’s ankle catches on the apron so Dreamer picks up the monitor and slams it right on RVD’s knee! Good lord what impact and now Dreamer is tenacious, he goes at Van Dam’s knee like a rabid dog. He hits it twice with a steel chair at ringside. He throws Van Dam into the stairs and RVD lands head-over-heels so Dreamer picks out a trash can from under the ring, grabs a kendo stick and he swats RVD’s leg into the steel steps and the echoing whacks can be heard throughout the arena. Dreamer is well in control as the comms remind us of how he too has been reignited over the past few weeks, beating Jack Swagger and then overcoming seven other guys in the Hardcore Open which occurred this past Friday. Tazz points out that Van Dam has not wrestled as much as Dreamer of late and it shows because Tommy is sharper. Dreamer has time on his side as RVD has taken a lot of punishment on his leg. Tommy reaches under the ring apron to pull out a table and he sets it up from across the ring apron to the barricade. He also grabs a bag of thumbtacks and pours them on the table! The audience gasp, wondering what on earth he’s about to do. He gets back into the ring to grab RVD. Van Dam tries to fight back, hitting punches, but Dreamer just kicks at the bad knee and proceeds to bring Van Dam over to the ropes where the table lays across down below. Dreamer steps onto the apron and whilst he drags RVD, he looks to set up for a Piledriver! The crowd chant Van Dam’s name and he awakens to fight back, and Dreamer nearly falls into the tacks and through the table from off the apron. Van Dam then kicks up high, right on the skull of Dreamer and now Tommy’s groggy. RVD goes along the apron, climbs to the top rope and Mike Tenay screams “Aaaahhhh!” as Van Dam flies off with a devastating RVD flying kick and he nails Dreamer right on the button and Tommy goes hurling through the tacks and through the table! ‘Holy Sh*t!’ ‘Holy Sh*t!’ ‘Holy Sh*t!’ yell the crowd as we see numerous replays of the impact. Van Dam connected hard with the kick, thumbtacks flew everywhere as Dreamer crashed through the wood. Van Dam then gets to Tommy and rolls him back in the ring, Dreamer’s arms and various parts of his anatomy cut open and we watch as RVD set a chair on Tommy. He doesn’t go for a pin, he’s the Hardcore Champion and he finishes this one in style for the fans. Van Dam taunts his thumb-taunt and performs a sky-high Five St*r Frog Splash right on the chair and into the body of Tommy Dreamer and RVD goes over to hook both legs and the fans count along ‘One!’ ‘Two!’ ‘Three!’

Winner and Still Hardcore Champion: Rob Van Dam.

What a match and what a hard fought victory from Rob Van Dam. The audience adore him as he raises his beloved Title and he taunts his thumb-taunt many times before looking to exit. Once his music cuts though he looks back toward Dreamer and goes over to hold out a hand. Tommy looks Van Dam dead in the eye and the comms refer back to what they were talking about earlier and they tell that perhaps Van Dam has seen that Dreamer always brings the best out of him. The audience applaud as Tommy Dreamer takes RVD’s hand and Van Dam helps him to his feet. Dreamer admirably raises RVD’s hand and Tazz finishes: “These kind of matches take a hell of a lot out of you and when it’s all said and done you often find that a mutual respect forms between the wrestler’s. That’s why ECW was a family, we all beat the hell out of each other, hated each other and loved each other as brothers and sisters all at the same time. Big props to Dreamer and Van Dam tonight. All you youngsters in the Hardcore Division, this is how you do it!”

We are shown a video focusing on the last two months where the Hart Dynasty rivalled with LAX, After hitting Natalya with a Border Toss, Hart Dynasty got their revenge, but this was countered by a devastating attack from Homicide and Hernandez on General Manger Bret Hart. Since The Hitman was put out of commission, Hulk Hogan has come along and made it clear to LAX that he won’t allow them to continue the way they are, and so has set up for them to defend their WWE Tag Team Championships against the legendary, the 26-time Tag Champs, The Dudley’s!

Latin American eXchange vs. The Dudley’s – WWE Tag Team Championships

The fans give a rousing reception to Bubba Ray and Devon as they make their way to the ring. Homicide and Hernandez typically don’t seem fazed, and have smiles on their faces. The Dudley’s though step up to them and they flap their gums to each other, until the referee gets in the middle and separates them and finally the match can get underway. Devon starts against Hernandez, and SuperMex flexes at him, so Devon flexes back and smacks him round the head. Hernandez comes back and goes for a clothesline, but Devon ducks and pops him with a couple more rights, before an elbow to the head and a tag in to Bubba. The Dudley’s experience and nouse in Tag wrestling gives them the better of the exchanges and they literally have LAX on the ropes. Homicide tries to come in and swing the momentum, but doesn’t fare any better as Bubba Ray takes him down, and even manages to hit an early Bubba-Bomb. Homicide is able to kick out and tags Hernandez back in. The tide is soon turned as SuperMex hits a belly-to-belly suplex on Bubba. He gets up and whistles, before picking Bubba up and sending him against the ropes, before hitting a flying shoulder. LAX are now on top, and showing just why they are Champions. Their aggression is wearing down Devon, and double teaming him. Bubba Ray tries to come in and break it up, but the referee stops him. This angers Bubba, but he can only look on as Devon gets hit with a double suplex. Hernandez gets out of the ring as Homicide makes the cover, but Devon kicks out at two. Homicide makes a signal to the crowd, and goes for an optimistic Gringo Killah, but Devon reverses it and slams him down with a huge bodyslam. He falls back and crawls towards Bubba, making the hot tag and Bubba races in to take down Homicide, then Hernandez, then grabs Homicide and throws him over the top rope, where he lands on SuperMex. The Dudley’s are in the middle of the ring, and signal to the crowd before “1, 2, 3 Get the Tables!!!” Cole reminds us that this is not a no-DQ match, but it doesn’t seem to bother The Dudley’s. They find a table and pull it out, before sliding it into the ring, but seeing this, LAX grab weapons of their own, and while The Dudley’s set up the table in the ring, Homicide slides in from behind with a baseball bat, and slams Bubba across the back, before jabbing Devon in the stomach. The referee calls for the bell.

Winners by way of Disqualification: The Dudley’s, LAX retain their Tag Titles by way of default.

The fans boo as LAX appear to have got themselves disqualified on purpose, but King argues that The Dudley’s were about to do that themselves. LAX don’t call it quits there, and continue to beatdown The Dudley’s, before Hernandez lifts Bubba-Ray up, and Border Tosses him through the table!!! “My God!” King screams, as LAX make their mark on the legendary tag team. The raise their arms in triumph, with their Titles over their shoulders, as they make their way up the ramp.

A video package plays reviewing the recent happenings in concern of the WCW Championship. Way back at Starrcade at the end of 2010 Joe defeated Chris Jericho to become a two-time WCW Champion. He went on to defend the Belt against William Regal at SuperBrawl and Booker T. at KWF WrestleMania. Samoa Joe was a proud Champion and the fans loved him as Champ, but last month at Turbulence Chris Jericho came onto the WCW Title picture again and he cheated to defeat Joe for the Belt. Jericho began 2011 declaring that he wanted to repeat the feat of his Undisputed Title reign by becoming WCW and TNA World Champion simultaneously here in the KWF. Impact SmackDown General Manager backed Jericho’s ambition and put him in the Money In The Bank match at WrestleMania. Y2J lost that contest and thus went on to accomplish half his ambition by defeating Samoa Joe for WCW Gold. Joe wants his Title back, but the WCW Championship is coveted by many, one of whom includes CM Punk. Punk defeated Big Show for a chance at the Belt and now tonight Chris Jericho defends against Samoa Joe and CM Punk in a Triple Threat Submission contest. Will Joe get his Belt back, can CM Punk take advantage of Joe and Jericho’s distraction with one another, or will Chris Jericho’s ego and experience lead him to retain the Title. It’s the Coquina Clutch vs. the Anaconda Vise vs. the Walls of Jericho Live next at ReBirth!

Chris Jericho vs. Samoa Joe vs. CM Punk – Submission Triple Threat WCW Title match

One thing that’s so wonderful about Triple Threat matches first and foremost is that they’re No Disqualification! The fans love this straight away as Samoa Joe uses a kendo stick to choke Y2J at ringside and yes, this match has gotten off to a flying start. CM Punk bides his time for a moment, but then exits the ring to leap at Joe from off the apron, only to get whacked in the sternum by Joe and the kendo stick! Samoa Joe picks Punk up and rams him back-first into the ring-post and this puts Punk down for the moment. Chris Jericho is moving furniture, he goes to pick up the steel steps, but Joe sees him and sprints across to leap off one step to clobber Y2J in the face with a shining wizard type maneuver. Joe yells toward the audience and they chant ‘Joe’s Gonna Kill You!’ fully backing the Samoan Submission Machine on his quest to become WCW Champion once again. Joe goes to pick Jericho up, but out of nowhere Joe sees black as a steel chair comes flying at his skull. We see replays and it turns out that CM Punk dangerously threw a steel chair and it smashed into Joe hard. Punk then goes at the Samoan, getting him back into the ring and instinctively going for a cover, but the referee reminds him that pin falls don’t count, it’s Submission only. Punk knows that making Joe tap would be a difficult ordeal to overcome on his own so he stomps at Joe and then invites Jericho back in the ring. He talks to the current Champion and mouths “You hate him, let’s take him out for good!” and the fans hear some of this through camera-mics and they don’t like what they’re about to see. Punk and Jericho double team and put a world of hurt on Samoa Joe. But after some time it’s Jericho that goes for a Walls, but Punk tells him off, yelling at him, asking him what the hell he’s doing. Jericho says “You don’t know what you’re doing junior! I’m the Champion, I’m going to be multiple Champion, this is my year!” and with that Punk instantly slaps Jericho right across the face! The crowd applaud, almost as if everyone in the whole arena has been wanting to do that since like forever and Punk and Jericho then skirmish on the canvas before rolling to ringside. Jericho gets back in to try for another Walls on Joe, but Punk comes in and clobbers him down and he then goes for an Anaconda Vise but Jericho rushes him from behind and school-boy’s him to roll through into an attempted Walls on Punk. CM Punk tries to scramble to the ropes, but when he does, the ref again says it doesn’t matter because No DQ means no rope-breaks! Jericho had this contest planned out from the start and this is exactly why he chose a Submission match. CM Punk is dragged back toward the centre of the ring and Jericho sits back on the Walls. Wait, Samoa Joe’s back up and he boots Y2J “right on the mush!” says Tazz. Jericho holds his jaw and scampers to ringside. Joe meanwhile takes it to Punk, but Punk gives as much as he gets and manages to get Joe in the corner to perform his on-rushing high knee to the face, followed by a bulldog. Wait, Chris Jericho comes into the ring full speed and he clobber CM Punk with a steel chair! The crowd ‘Oohhh!’ at the impact, and they cheer to the high heavens as Samoa Joe rushes behind Jericho to try lock on a Coquina Clutch, but Jericho swings the chair up back over his own head and smashes Samoa Joe with it! Another skull-crushing chair shot and Jericho then measures Joe before smashing him with the chair right on the temple and Joe’s out of it. Y2J then sees CM Punk down, performs a Lionsault and then finishes Punk off with the Walls of Jericho.

Winner and Still WCW Champion: Chris Jericho.

A mammoth victory for Chris Jericho and his cocky arrogant expression tells us that he knew he was going to win this. Samoa Joe was hit with a chair shot to the back of the head as well as one right on the temple and he’s hurt. CM Punk gave all he could, but in the end, Y2J walks away still the WCW Champion. Tazz is impressed with Jericho and he says that this victory will give him the confidence with completing his simultaneous Title reign throughout the rest of 2011. Mike Tenay says that Jericho decided the stipulation to this match and Tenay admits that it was a stroke of genius. Y2J knew Triple Threat meant No DQ’s and he took full advantage and in the end, nobody could break down the Walls.

We see a video package chronicling the run up to the WWE Title match. Wade Barrett won his first ever WWE Championship at Turbulence after grabbing the Belt in the six-man TLC match, in which The Absolute Lashley destroyed everyone in his path, except Barrett who was hiding, and then just left, allowing Barrett to seize his chance and claim the Gold. Causing chaos on TNA RAW a night later under Barrett-Law, the World Elite used the fact there was no GM to run riot, setting a main event of Randy Orton vs Triple H, with Barrett as special guest referee. As Hunter was about to hit a Pedigree, Barrett chopped him down and, along with Khali, laid into The Game. The following week Hulk Hogan arrived and set the match for ReBirth, Wade Barrett vs. Triple H. In the weeks that followed the World Elite clashed with Triple H, and although Hunter managed to hit a Pedigree on Barrett, the majority of the time the numbers game caught up with him and he was left beaten and bruised in the ring, with the punishment so severe that he was forced to miss last week’s TNA RAW, when Hulk Hogan announced the match would be a no-DQ contest. The World Elite’s music hits and Barrett comes down to the ring, accompanied by his Punjab bodyguard, The Great Khali.

Wade Barrett w/ The Great Khali vs. Triple H – No Disqualification match for the WWE Title

The Game’s entrance as usual electrifies the crowd, as he spits his water and stares down Barrett. Just after the official lifts the Belt, and Lillian Garcia introduces both competitors, then Barrett rushes at Triple H and hits him with punches, before kicking him to the outside. The official forces Barrett to back up so he can officially start the match, but while he does Khali picks up Hunter and slams his back into the ring-post. He rolls Triple H’s broken body into the ring, and the official tries to help him up. Hunter is already in a bad way, but is eventually able to get to his feet. The bell finally rings, and Barrett gets straight back in there, using his uncompromising brawling style to work The Game over. He punches, knees and even bites his opponent, which the official sees and warns him, but Barrett reminds him it’s a no-DQ contest. With that in mind, he throws Hunter outside again for Khali to feast on, but as Khali goes to grab him, Hunter grabs his belt and pulls him down so he smacks his head on the steel steps. Barrett leans through the ropes only to get punched in the head, and The Game gets back in the ring, before stepping up the momentum and getting on top in this match. The comms can’t believe the energy Hunter has after the punishment he’s received, but he’s rolling through his moveset like he’s as fresh as they come. He throws Barrett against the ropes and nails an almighty Double-A Spinebuster! The fans roar as Triple H does the same, before setting up for the Pedigree, but Barrett is able to slip out and get out of the ring. He goes over and discusses something with Khali, before realizing he can’t understand him, so he beckons down from the back. Soon enough the rest of the World Elite, Sheamus, Kozlov, Panther, Rob Terry and Justin Gabriel come down, with Maryse in tow applauding them. They surround the ring, but don’t get in. Barrett gets back in on his own, and appears to just want the rest of his faction there for moral support. The match continues, but Triple H’s momentum has slowed right down, clearly distracted by the presence of the World Elite. Things move back and forth, with Barrett getting his fair share of strike moves in, managing to bust Hunter wide open after slamming his head through the turnbuckles and into the ringpost. Blood is pouring from The Game’s head, and Barrett orders someone to throw him a chair. Terry throws one to him, and he picks it up and slams it right across the head of Triple H. Hunter falls back and Barrett laughs, before dropping the chair and making the pin, but at two and nine tenths, The Game kicks out. Barrett looks frustrated and asks for a sledgehammer. Cole says he’s disgusted at the lack of respect, that he’d use Hunter’s own weapon against him, but King argues its genius, and there’s a reason The Game’s weapon of choice is the sledgehammer, because it destroys anyone it hits. He winds up after being handed the hammer by Kozlov, and goes to crush his head against the mat, but Hunter moves and the hammer bounces back and the handle cracks Barrett between the eyes. He falls back and both men are down. The referee counts as they struggle to their feet, and at nine they both manage to rise, before Hunter races at Barrett and takes him down with a clothesline, then another, then a knee to the face, before setting up for the Pedigree. However, this is the cue for the World Elite to get involved, and they all get up on the apron. Terry races in and boots Hunter to the face. The referee can do nothing as it appears the dogs are surrounding their victim. Sheamus lifts Hunter up as the group look set to put Hunter away, when a loud cheer comes from the crowd, as Kurt Angle races to the ring, followed by Rey Mysterio, Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy and the returning AJ Styles! “AJ’s here! AJ is back!” They get in the ring and an almighty brawl breaks out. All of these men have been wronged by the World Elite at one time or another, and revenge is being served. Rey is taking it to Gabriel, hitting a hurracanrana and sending him to the outside, Hardy hits a Twist of Fate on Panther, Shelton Benjamin nails PayDirt on Kozlov, Kofi Kingston hits Trouble in Paradise on Rob Terry, AJ Styles hits a flying springboard clothesline off the middle of the top rope on Sheamus, and Kurt Angle somehow manages an unbelievable Angle Slam on The Great Khali! This clears the ring, and allows Triple H to recover and finally *BAM!* hit a shattering Pedigree on Barrett square in the middle of the ring! 1… 2… 3!!!

Winner and New WWE Champion: Triple H!

The Game’s music plays as the fans go nuts for this incredible ending. Exhausted, Hunter is handed the Belt, but can barely lift his head, let alone the Title. He is helped to his feet by AJ and Angle, who look at the Belt, look at him and raise his arms. Cole: “There are no enemies in that ring, they have all been brought together by their mutual hatred for Wade Barrett and the World Elite. That was a real team effort, and what a sight to see Triple H with the WWE Title yet again, his fourteenth World Title!” “What an ending Michael. A somewhat tainted win for The Game, and I don’t believe for a second that the likes of AJ and Kurt are thinking anything other than when they’re going to challenge him for that Title.” “I’ve no doubt about that King, but the important thing was getting the Belt from the clutches of the World Elite, and now they have. Triple H, once again, the WWE Champion!” Triple H is hoisted onto the shoulders of his peers, raising the Belt to a delighted crowd.

At ringside Mike Tenay and Tazz recap what a huge night it’s been at ReBirth and we then get to our main event, the second TNA World Heavyweight Championship match of the evening. Masked Kane defeated Sting to become new World Title holder earlier in the show and now Kane must defend against a fresh Shawn Michaels. We’re reminded of the time when Kane won the WWE Title at a pay-per-view, long before KWF was formed, and the following night on RAW he lost the Belt after only holding it for less than 24 hours. Could a similar occurrence happen here tonight? Another short Title reign for Kane? Or will Shawn Michaels simply be unable to withstand any pain from the Big Red Machine? We find out next in our ReBirth main event.

Shawn Michaels vs. Kane – 2^nd TNA World Heavyweight Title match of the night

Michaels takes the opposite route to Sting and decided to forget a stare-down to go right at the Big Red Masked Monster. The contest spills to ringside right away and Michaels uses the full 4.2 count as he chokes Kane with camera cable. Mike Tenay and Tazz discuss how Shawn perhaps wasn’t expecting to face Kane here tonight. He probably thought Sting would win and then he’d have him for easy pickings. That’s what Shawn wanted at least, but Masked Kane is one of the scariest most treacherous characters in the business and in this contest he takes it to HBK back in the ring. The fans are intrigued as neither man is their favorite, but no matter what conclusion this match has, Ric Flair has his wish, Sting is no longer TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Tazz: “Mike I been racking my brain about this all night, and I gotta say I don’t think Ric Flair has a problem with Kane being the Champion. I mean think about it, he defeated Goldberg at Turbulence and everybody knows how Flair can’t stand Goldberg right. And I know Flair would prefer Michaels winning the Belt right here, but think about it, folks lining up to have a shot at Kane as Champ, that’s money man.” Tenay: “Tazz you may be on to something.” The match at hand goes back and forth with the action and the fans are intriguingly watching on. Nobody has a favorite and they just cheer big moves and we watch as Shawn Michaels musters up the energy to bodyslam Masked Kane! Good God, where did Michaels get that kind of strength?! HBK holds his back, the strain of the bodyslam wearing down on him. He goes top rope, looking for the big elbow and he nails it! – but Masked Kane sits up just split-seconds after the elbow hits! The fans gasp, they don’t know what to make of this and neither does Michaels. Shawn goes against the ropes to kick Kane down, but Kane catches his leg. Michaels enziguiri’s him and then scrambles for a cover, gets One, gets Two and wow, Kane powers out, so much that HBK flings through the ropes and lands at ringside. Michaels literally scratches his head, wondering what to do to defeat this Monster. He lures Kane to ringside and then rushes at him, but the Big Red Machine just big boots HBK down! He picks Michaels up and gets him back in the ring. Lateral press and only Two on the count and we’re set for the final furlong now. Kane dominates Michaels and once upon a time in this predicament HBK would look to the fans for their support, but now when he does get the upper hand he just flips off the audience and they boo him even more. Kane’s on top again and he drops Michaels with a side-walk slam and gets Two on the cover. Both men have given and gotten as many near falls as each other now and the camera pans up to see Sting up in the rafters here in the Key Arena. He’s looking down at what’s happening and we see that Shawn Michaels has Kane down and he’s tuning up the band. The crowd boo Michaels with every stomp of his leg and he goes to Sweet Chin Kane, just like he did on Friday night, but no, Kane grabs Michaels leg with both hands and then slams it down before taking Shawn’s head off with a decapitating clothesline! Kane then goes top rope as Sting watches on and Kane performs his flying clothesline to then set up to grab Michaels by the throat for a chokeslam, but no, instead he opts for a Tombstone and Michaels scrambles and scraps as best he can, but there’s no stopping it; *BAM* the Tombstone hits, Kane performs the darkness pin and retains the World Heavyweight Title.

Winner and Still TNA World Champion: Kane.

Sting looks down from the rafters and we can’t tell what he’s thinking with his expressionless face. Kane celebrates much like earlier, laying the Title on the canvas, almost daring anyone to come and get it and Tenay agrees more and more with Tazz’s previous statement. Kane as Champion may not be Ric Flair’s ideal representative of Impact SmackDown, but such a Monster against any and all challengers? That’s money and the Nature Boy’s probably “Woooo”ing all the way to the bank. We hope you’ve enjoyed ReBirth, be sure to let us know what you thought and catch us for TNA RAW tomorrow. Goodnight everybody!